Even When You're Down : England x Reader

         Even When You're Down : England x Reader

    You sighed heavily as you dragged your feet back from work. Your boss came close to firing you yet again because of something your co-worker had done and blamed you for. It was weighing pretty heavily on you. You didn't know why your boss wouldn't believe you when you had claimed to do nothing wrong.
    You also were stressed out with trying to finish college, even if you were considered "old" for college at the age of twenty-three. You were majoring in (dream major) and couldn't be happier with your choice. Even that, however, was giving you more stress, due to the sudden rush of projects and papers the teachers were pressing for.
    You sluggishly made your way up the steps to your apartment you shared with your boyfriend Arthur Kirkland. He was so sweet to you, always willing to listen to your problems, save for when he was working himself. You hoped he was home today and not at a meeting.
    You put the keys into the keyhole to your apartment and went it, calling out softly that you were home. No response followed, and you assumed that Arthur was still working on something. You set your bags down and plopped onto the gray couch, letting down your (h/c) hair from its bun. It didn't even matter that you were still in your uniform, you laid down and closed your (e/c) eyes.
    It seemed only a few minutes later, that you were awoken by a light shaking on your shoulder. A soft, accented voice called your name gently, a pair of emerald green eyes looking into your (metaphorical e/c) yes with a twinge of worry.
    "(y/n)? What's the matter, love? Why are you on the couch sleeping instead of in bed? Did something happen at work again?" Arthur's voice betrayed more concern as he sat next to you. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes and nodded. He frowned, then stood again, before walking out of the room.
    Your heart sank a little. He didn't want to listen to you this time? That stung some, you had hoped he would listen. You buried yourself into the couch, snagging a blanket and wrapping yourself in it like a burrito. A few whimpers escaped your lips before you could catch them.
    Why did it hurt so when he left? He probably remembered something that he had to do on his work, or something similar. But still, you had hoped he would at least have done SOMETHING to comfort you. No such luck this time, you supposed.
    A few minutes later, you were nearly asleep again, when you heard muffled footsteps approach you. In a half conscious state, you noticed that a new warmth joined you on the couch, and something smelled very familiar. You leaned back into the warmth, humming softly.
    "Arthur..?" you asked lazily. He chuckled and kissed your forehead, brushing a few of your (h/c) strands away from your face.
    "Yes, love, it's me. I made you a cup of Earl Grey tea, don't let it get cold. And, as usual, I am here to listen," he said softly, pulling you into his lap and handing you the cup of tea, which you took gratefully.
    The minutes ticked by as you kept telling him what happened with all the stress from school and work. Arthur would offer small comments, or nod in acknowledgement of your words, but otherwise remained quiet. Once you finished venting to him, he gave you some advice, then allowed you to snuggle into him.
    "Arthur, you still love me, right?"
    "Yes of course, poppet. What made you think otherwise?" he queried. You gripped his sweater vest in your hands, looking down.
    "I just.... I always feel like I can't measure up. I mean, you're always so sweet to me, and I just always have this depressing aura around me. I don't know how you handle me...."
    "I don't have to handle you, I love you, (y/n). I am here to cheer you up when you're sad, rejoice with you when you're happy, and be support for you in general. That won't change, no matter what."
    You blushed faintly and smiled as he pecked your cheek gently.
     "So you won't be upset, even when I'm down?"
     "I'll always love you, my sweet, sweet (y/n). Even when you're down.
         ~Fin~