Published // 073117

I'm doing the first seven oneshots by their order on Dadbook (left to right), so first one's Craig. I'm also going to have a "Question of the Chapter" at the start so feel free to answer; I'd love to hear from you readers!

Also I just noticed now the alliteration for the title. Look at all those Cs.

Updates are every other day.

Don't forget to vote or comment; it lets me know you're enjoying the stories.

If you have a request, comment here or on the first chapter.

A: I really enjoy windy or cloudy days, or both!

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"The weather forecaster didn't say anything about rain for this week," you muttered, putting a hand out from the canopy you were under. You glanced at Craig who was looking at his phone was tapping on the table impatiently.

"We're gonna be here for a while, bro. Rain's gonna stop in half an hour or so," he sighed, showing you a weather information site on his phone.

You and Craig were currently under the canopy of an unrented building. You were out buying some house supplies and snacks until a sudden downpour came down from the sky, making you run for your life to the closest shelter. Craig was also on the same boat as you; he just got out of the gym, and on his way back the man got pelted by the rain. The both of you got under the canopy at the same time, and after exchanging situations you both decided to wait for the rain to stop and walk home together.

"Aww man, I was supposed to watch a special episode of Long Haul Paranormal Ice Road Ghost Truckers today," you sulked to yourself. "It starts in fifteen minutes."

"I feel you, (Your Name). I was supposed to take the three out to the mall, but it might be too late by the time I get back," Craig said.

The building must've been a food establishment before it was closed down, because the canopy was wide enough for ten people, and the place had some old tables and chairs. For the heck of it, you looked into the tinted glass of the building. The walls of the room were a faded pattern, littered around were old cardboard boxes, piled dirt, and at the far left corner was what remained of a potted plant. Poor plant.

You walked to where Craig was and sat across him. He was staring in the distance with his chin propped on his palm, and his face clearly showed that something was on his mind.

"You okay, dude?" you asked.

He snapped out of his daze and turned to you, eyes a little wide probably out of disorientation for thinking too deep.

"Huh?"

"I asked if you were okay. Are you worried about the girls?"

Craig nodded, checking his phone. "What if something happens to them? My last resort would be running through the rain, but that would cause me to get sick and miss work."

"But I'll be there to take care of you," you winked.

You put a hand on top of his. He looked at your hand then back at you, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of your smile.

"But really, Briar, Hazel, and River will be fine," you reassured him.

"I know there's always that fear and protectiveness, but you have to learn to trust your kids. They can be more capable of themselves than you think. Plus, stressing too much isn't good for your health; we established this on our camping trip."

You pulled away, and Craig subconsciously clenched his fist at the absence of your hand.

"Besides," you said, trying to lighten the mood.

"The twins have their metal bats and hard softballs to attack if anyone's coming in."

Your attempt was a success, seeing as Craig laughed heartily. He turned his head back at the rain, and you do too. The both of you listen to the oddly calming pitter-patters of the rain.

"Bro..."

You hummed as a response to his call. A hand made its way atop of yours, and you looked down at it before looking up to see a smiling Craig.

"I love you."

You smiled, intertwining your hands together.

"I know."

The both of you giggle at how cheesy the both of you were being, but it was true. After the confession during that night in the woods, the two of you were basically inseparable. Everyone in Maple Bay caught up to your relationship (not that it was a secret). Briar, Hazel, and Amanda teased you two nonstop, and occasionally had to stop the PDA. You even talked it out with Ashley, and she was really happy for you and Craig's relationship.

"I'm going to sound like a mom, but how's work?" you asked.

Craig face fell for a moment before he composed himself.

"It's a bit of a slow month for the business. Our athleisure wear line is coming out in a few weeks too so it's all a hassle," he said.

"Are you still considering to sponsor me? Remember, I'll wear your athleisure line while I mow the lawn."

Craig laughed. You watched as his eyes squinted and his teeth showed while he smiled, and just the look of him made you grin. It was times like these that you really enjoyed, spending time with your love... even when it was just by the chance of weather that you both got together, because of how busy he was.

A thought crossed your mind.

"When do you think we can go out again?"

The man turned to you.

"I know you've been busy and stressed these past weeks," you said, looking down at your hands.

Craig's eyes softened. He was definitely always busy with his business and the softball team to support his girls, so the man did forget to take care of himself as per usual. But unlike the past, you were a big part of his life now, reminding him to tend to his needs and wants. (But really, you and the girls were all he needed and wanted.) He was very thankful for that.

"But doesn't this count?" he spoke, gesturing to the current situation at hand.

"You. Me. Two bros alone under this canopy in the rain, having a conversation; that's more than enough."

You smiled and got up from your seat. Craig watched in confusion until your hands were on his cheeks and your lips on his forehead to plant a quick kiss.

"If that's enough for you, then we should do this more often," you said, looking down at him.

"Get stuck under a storm?"

A loud rumble of thunder followed his statement. What timing.

"No," you rolled your eyes playfully.

"I meant this. We should have more of these canopy conversations."

"The rain stopped!" you beamed, running out from under the shelter. Unfortunately, your enthusiasm was your downfall (literally) as you slipped on a puddle. With a shriek, you flailed your arms around in attempt to grab something (which was futile, you were out in the open) and braced yourself a painful and muddy fall.

But you didn't feel it.

Craig had caught you just in time. As you looked up at him, the sun and shadows framed his face perfectly, making him look like an angel.

Your beautiful, guardian angel who was ready to run for you.

"Be careful, (Y/N)," he said, worry clearly on his face.

Giving him a quick nod (which clearly told him that you were bound to slip again on your way back), you returned to your excited composure, taking his hand and pulling him along to walk to the cul-de-sac together.