Liz Gillies Requests

Fireworks (Liz&Michael)

Liz's POV
I'm hiding in my closet waiting for Michael to come home because there are fireworks outside. Otis is cuddled against my body because he gets scared too.

The front door opens downstairs and Otis starts barking.

"Quiet. It's Dad, Otis." I say, fussing his ears.

"Liz? Where are you? Liz? Liz!" Michael yells before walking into the closet.

"I'm here." I say.

"What you doing in here, babe?" Michael asks, chuckling.

There are more fireworks and I jump before crossing my arms.

"I'm just keeping Otis safe from the fireworks." I say.

"Yeah, Otis. Sure." Michael playfully rolls his eyes.

I jump again as more fireworks go off.

"I hate it." I groan.

"They're just fireworks, Liz." Michael says.

"No!" I shriek, covering my head.

"It's alright, they've stopped." Michael says.

"Ugh." I groan, uncovering my head.

"Are you actually scared of fireworks?" Michael asks.

"Yes!" I exclaim.

"Can I ask why?" Michael asks.

"I don't know, okay! It's completely irrational." I say.

"It's not irrational, it's just a bit strange." Michael says.

"Strange?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"You know what I mean." Michael says.

"No, actually, I don't." I say.

"I just meant that it's not exactly common to be scared of fireworks." Michael laughs.

"If you're just going to make fun of me, fuck off." I say.

"Woah! Babe, that was uncalled for." Michael says.

"No, it wasn't. Go." I say, pointing to the closet door.

"Are you really telling me to leave you when you're in this state?" Michael asks.

"Yes! And that should tell you something, Michael, because I'd rather be alone in this crippling anxiety than with you. Please, leave." I say.

"If that's what you really want." Michael says, opening the closet door.

"It is." I say and he walks out.

There's more fireworks outside and I flinch, burying my head in my hands.

Timeskip - Michael's POV

After making dinner I go back upstairs to check on Liz. I knock on the closet door.

"Liz? Are you okay? You still haven't come out and I'm worried." I say.

No answer.

"Please talk to me, Liz. I know you don't want me in there but I can't stand the thought of you being scared and alone anymore." I say.

Still no answer.

"Alright, that's it. Liz, I'm coming in." Eventually I open the door and see Liz curled up on the floor, hiccuping and sniffling.

"Oh, Liz." I say, immediately crouching next to her.

More fireworks go off and Liz curls further into herself.

Liz whimpers.

"They can't get you, babe." I tell her softly. "Are you crying?"

"No." Liz says, but there are tears in her eyes.

"Do you want a hug?" I ask.

Liz nods and I help her to her knees before wrapping my arms around her.

"I'm sorry I told you to fuck off." Liz apologies.

"It's okay. You're feeling vulnerable and I was an asshole." I say.

"You're here now, though." Liz says.

"I'm here forever." I say, holding her tightly as more fireworks are set off outside.

I take Liz's hands away from her ears and replace them with mine. She wraps her arms around my torso and clings onto me while I cover her ears.

"This is shit." Liz groans.

"Nothing can get you in here. You're safe." I tell her.

"Are you sure?" Liz asks, resting her head on my shoulder as she shakes.

"Positive. They'd have to get through me first." I say and Liz giggles.

"Michael, I feel awful for yelling at you." Liz says.

"You're stressed and anxious so it's understandable that you ended up lashing out. It's fine, Liz, babe." I say, stroking her hair.

"I love you." Liz says, pulling back slightly and kissing me.

"I love you." I smile.

Liz's stomach rumbles.

"Sorry." Liz says, holding a hand against her belly.

"Do you want to come downstairs and have some dinner?" I ask.

"No." Liz says.

"No?" I ask, confused.

"I mean, obviously I do but I feel safe in here." Liz says.

"Would you like it if I took dinner up here and we can eat in the closet?" I suggest.

"Can we?" Liz asks.

"Sure babe." I nod and she smiles.

"What did you make for dinner?" Liz asks, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"You've got a lemon and herb tofu salad with sautéed tomato and zucchini." I tell her.

"That sounds amazing." Liz moans. "What about you?"

"I've got the same but with chicken instead of tofu." I say.

"Can I have a kiss before you go down and grab it?" Liz asks, standing on her tip toes.

"That depends." I say.

"On what?" Liz asks, leaning closer to me.

"Do you deserve it?" I tease.

"Probably not but when do I ever?" Liz smirks.

I hold my hands against her lower back and pull her in for a long, slow kiss.