pullmecloseman

[pullmecloseman]

Honor & Duty — A TOAST

Honor & Duty chapter — A TOAST

Bob Floyd x reader

summary: What was supposed to be a fun week in paradise quickly becomes something more when two quiet souls are thrown into close quarters. As the days unfold—from lazy mornings and town adventures to wedding prep and late-night confessions—tension simmers, walls begin to crack, and unexpected connections start to bloom.

It’s just one week. But sometimes, that’s all it takes to change everything.

word count: 3.6k

A/N: if you guys would please give me feedback and tell me what you would like to see in future chapters it would mean the world to me!! ikik this is short i promise as time goes on the chapters will get longer 🤍

MAUI, COFFEE & CHECKLISTS, A TOAST

The sand was still warm beneath your feet, the sky painted in deep streaks of orange and rose as the last light of the sun slipped beneath the horizon. Laughter from the rest of the group drifted down the beach, blending into the sound of waves meeting the shore. You and Bob stood just beyond the tiki torches, a few quiet steps away from the others, watching the ocean move like a living thing.

He looked at you then and said quietly, “We did good.” You nodded, your voice soft as the tide, “We did.” And for a moment, nothing else existed. Just the fading heat of the day, the hush of the sea, and the quiet understanding that passed between you like a shared breath. But before you could dwell in the stillness too long, someone called your name. “Sweetie!” It was Coyote, waving you back toward the resort’s terrace where the dinner was being set up. “We’re starving over here!” Bob gave you a small smile and tilted his head toward the lit path. “Should probably get back.”

You nodded again, this time more grounded, and started walking side by side along the torch-lined trail that led up to the welcome dinner. Your sandals brushed lightly against the sand, and his footsteps stayed perfectly in rhythm with yours. A few steps behind, Hangman could be heard making another joke, something about pineapples and bad decisions. You didn’t catch the full punchline, but Phoenix’s laugh rang out sharp and familiar. As the two of you reached the terrace, the warm glow of string lights hanging between palm trees made everything look softer, dreamlike. Long wooden tables had been set under the open sky, adorned with fresh hibiscus flowers and candles flickering gently in the breeze.

The evening arrived with a golden glow over the resort, the last light of the day slowly fading as the group of Dagger Squad gathered in the open-air dining area. The long wooden tables had been beautifully set with white linen tablecloths and soft candles flickering in the breeze. The smell of fresh fish, grilled vegetables, and tropical fruits filled the air, mixing perfectly with the salty sea breeze that rolled in from the ocean.

It was the perfect atmosphere for the first real meal of the trip. You stood by the entrance, taking in the sight of the resort staff finishing up the last-minute touches. The large dining space was on a raised platform, offering a stunning view of the ocean that stretched out to the horizon. The gentle waves created a peaceful soundtrack that made the setting feel almost unreal. Every detail, from the candles in glass hurricane lamps to the carved wooden centerpieces, seemed meticulously chosen for its beauty.

Beside you, Bob adjusted his shirt, making sure it was tucked in just right. His hair was still damp from the shower, and despite the laid-back vibe of the evening, he carried the same calm air he always did. As he caught your eye, he gave a slight nod, his lips curving into a smile that was reserved, but it was there, unmistakable. “Ready?” you asked, trying to push away the last of the lingering tension from earlier. It felt like the night was a clean slate, a chance to reset everything. He nodded again, his hand brushing briefly against yours. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” You both turned toward the table where the rest of the squad was already gathering. Phoenix waved energetically as she spotted you, and Rooster stood, grinning widely as usual. Coyote was next to him, clearly in the middle of a joke. Hangman leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the attention.

Jake grinned. “Look at that, Sweetie. Finally got the Best Man out of his shell.” You rolled your eyes with a smirk as you walked over to the table. “Don’t get used to it, Hangman.” There was a light chuckle from Luca, who was seated next to you. He had been quieter today, but his teasing nature was still present in the way he looked at you, as if waiting for your reaction to anything he said. There was a glint in his eye that you couldn’t place, but it didn’t escape you. “Did you hear that, Bob?” Luca leaned back in his seat, tipping his head toward you with a grin. “Sounds like Sweetie’s got more bite than we thought.” Bob glanced at you, raising an eyebrow as he took a seat across from you. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye on that.”

You could feel Bob’s eyes on you as you talked. The subtle attention he gave, like he was hanging on your every word, was oddly comforting. Or maybe it was the way his words always carried a weight, grounding you in a way that few people ever did. You couldn’t help but smile a little, feeling a strange warmth settle between the two of you, despite the lingering thoughts you hadn’t quite worked through yet. Phoenix turned her attention to the conversation, her eyes flickering between you and Luca. “I swear, if you keep calling her Sweetie, she’s going to end up making it her permanent nickname.” Luca raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, and Bob’s lips twitched into a small, knowing smile. “Oh, I think she already has that one locked down.”

You shot Bob a pointed look but didn’t say anything. You didn’t need to. He knew exactly what you were thinking. Jake, noticing the light banter, decided to poke fun. “Well, at least it’s better than Prettyboy.” Bob smirked slightly but didn’t react beyond that. He’d always worn the nickname with a certain amount of humor, but there was something unspoken in the way everyone interacted. They all had their roles, their jokes, their history. The conversation turned more casual after that, with everyone talking about the beach, the plans for the rehearsal, and the details of the wedding. But in between the words, you caught those fleeting moments—Bob looking at you just a second longer than necessary, Luca’s amused grin whenever you tried to deflect a comment, and the way the air seemed to shift ever so slightly every time you and Bob found a rhythm together.

As the evening carried on, the group moved toward more relaxed conversations. You found yourself talking more with Luca than you expected, enjoying his relaxed vibe and playful teasing. The tension that lingered between you and Bob had faded just a little, but you could still feel it—the same quiet energy, the weight of something just under the surface. And then, as the evening drew to a close, you found yourself standing beside Bob again, taking in the sounds of the night, the warm breeze brushing against your skin.

“Did you enjoy dinner?” Bob asked quietly, his voice low enough that only you could hear. You nodded. “Yeah, it was good. Thanks for everything today.” He gave a small smile, his gaze lingering on you for just a moment. Then, without saying anything further, he turned toward the entrance of the resort. “You ready to head back to the room?” he asked. You nodded again. “Yeah, let’s go.” The quiet between you was filled with that same undercurrent of unspoken words, the weight of the evening settling into something you weren’t sure how to label.

And just like that, the day was over. The calm before whatever else was yet to come.

The walk back to the room was quieter than you expected. You and Bob drifted along, the cool evening air wrapping around you both like a blanket, the faint sound of the waves crashing against the shore blending with your footsteps. It was strange, this space between you two, as if you both understood the weight of the night but didn’t yet know how to process it. You were still replaying the dinner in your head, Luca’s teasing, the subtle glances you exchanged with Bob, the laughter that felt a little too easy, a little too close. It was a strange contrast to the whirlwind of the day, but it left a warm feeling behind, a sense of peace that felt fragile but comforting.

“So,” Bob began, breaking the silence as you reached the hallway leading to your room, “how are you feeling about everything?” You glanced at him, catching the way his eyes seemed to search for your reaction. His expression was unreadable, like it always was, but there was something in his voice, a hint of concern that caught you off guard. “About the wedding?” you asked, not entirely sure where this conversation was going. He nodded. “Yeah. I know you’ve been managing a lot. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” You were quiet for a moment, considering the weight of his question. You’d been so wrapped up in the details, in the planning, that you hadn’t really given yourself a moment to breathe. It felt like the wedding was this massive thing that everyone was relying on, and the pressure had been mounting in ways you hadn’t fully processed. But you couldn’t let that show, not with Bob, not with anyone.

“I’m good,” you said with a smile, though it didn’t quite reach your eyes. “I mean, yeah, it’s a lot, but I’ve got it. We’ve got it.” Bob’s gaze lingered on you, and for a moment, the air between you seemed to charge with something unspoken. He nodded, though, accepting your words with the same quiet understanding he always gave you. There was comfort in his steadiness, in the way he never pushed you, but always seemed to know when you needed a little more space, a little more time. When you reached the door to your shared room, Bob stepped aside to let you in first. You glanced at him as you entered, but instead of the usual lightness, there was a weight in your chest. This was the first time the silence felt heavy, like it was pregnant with all the things neither of you were saying.

You set your bag down near the desk and looked over at the two beds. They were neatly made, the space between them seemingly vast in the quiet of the room. It was almost funny how something so simple could make everything feel more complicated. Bob moved past you, heading for the bathroom. “I’ll be out in a minute,” he said, voice casual, but there was a slight edge to it, something you couldn’t quite place. You nodded, watching him disappear behind the door. And just like that, you were alone with your thoughts again. The day had been full of movement, full of people and laughter and plans, but now, in the stillness of the room, everything felt... quieter.

You pulled your phone from your bag, scrolling through messages from Phoenix, Coyote, and a couple of vendors confirming times. The words blurred together, but none of it seemed to matter much in the grand scheme of things. It was like your brain was too full of details to process anything else. Your thoughts kept circling back to the conversation from dinner, the way Luca had looked at you with that teasing grin, and how Bob had stepped in just in time to deflect his comment. There was an ease to their dynamic, to the way they interacted with each other. But with you? It felt like there was something more—something that neither of you was quite ready to name. As you sat on the edge of your bed, you heard Bob moving around in the bathroom, the sound of water running for a brief moment before he turned it off. A few minutes passed, and just when you were about to look up from your phone, the bathroom door opened.

Bob stepped out, still wiping a towel through his damp hair. His shirt was nowhere to be seen, and the sight of him in just his shorts and towel-damp skin was a surprise. You froze for a moment, your breath catching, not sure where to look. His presence was always commanding, but there was something different about seeing him this way—uncovered, a little vulnerable, like the polished exterior he so often wore had slipped just a bit. “Forgot my shirt,” he muttered, a slight grin tugging at his lips, as if he were embarrassed for a split second. But that look was gone before it even fully registered. He grabbed a clean shirt from his bag, turning slightly to pull it on, and the quiet, almost imperceptible movement of his muscles under the fabric made your heart race just a little faster. You tried to keep your eyes from lingering too long, but the sight of him, so effortlessly strong, so composed, made your chest tighten. There was something about being so close to him that felt like walking on a tightrope—everything was a little too close, a little too charged, and you weren’t sure what would happen if you fell. Bob noticed the silence and turned, still half-dressed, to glance at you. “You good?” he asked, a note of concern in his voice, though it was casual. He was standing now, fully dressed in his plain black t-shirt and shorts, but the quiet between you lingered in a way that made the air thicker.

You nodded, trying to ignore the way your heart seemed to skip a beat. “Yeah,” you said quickly. “I just—yeah.” The room seemed smaller all of a sudden, as if it was shrinking around you both. You wanted to say something, to break the silence, but your mind felt empty of words. You weren’t sure if this was just a product of the stress, the close quarters, or something else entirely. Bob raised an eyebrow and gave a small shrug. “Alright, I’m gonna grab my stuff, then we can—” His voice trailed off as he moved toward his bag, but he stopped short as you reached for your own bag at the same time. The brief brush of your fingers against his made you both freeze for a split second. His eyes met yours, and the tension that had been building between you both was suddenly too much to ignore.

You pulled your hand back quickly, your pulse hammering in your chest. “Sorry,” you muttered, avoiding his gaze. Bob didn’t respond immediately. He just stood there, looking at you, as if he was weighing something. His lips parted, but then he seemed to think better of whatever he was going to say. Instead, he just nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“It’s fine,” he said quietly. “I’ll be out here.” You nodded, not trusting your voice. You watched him walk to the small desk, grabbing his things as he settled into the chair. The space between you seemed more obvious now—thick with everything you hadn’t said, all the things you didn’t want to name. As Bob settled into his routine, you picked up your phone again, trying to refocus on the messages that had piled up while your thoughts ran wild. Your mind wouldn’t let you shake the image of Bob, half-dressed, his gaze meeting yours in that quiet, lingering moment. The weight of it pressed down on you, even as you tried to keep it out of your thoughts. You lay back on your bed eventually, the soft linens cool against your skin, but sleep didn’t come right away. The quiet of the room, the sound of Bob’s quiet movements, felt like a reminder of everything you hadn’t yet processed. Everything felt different now. The line between professional and personal had blurred a little more tonight, and you weren’t sure if you were ready to cross it.

But then again, maybe neither of you were ready for what was coming.

[pullmecloseman]

Honor & Duty — COFFEE & CHECKLISTS

Honor & Duty chapter — COFFEE & CHECKLISTS

Bob Floyd x reader

summary: What was supposed to be a fun week in paradise quickly becomes something more when two quiet souls are thrown into close quarters. As the days unfold—from lazy mornings and town adventures to wedding prep and late-night confessions—tension simmers, walls begin to crack, and unexpected connections start to bloom.

It’s just one week. But sometimes, that’s all it takes to change everything.

word count: 2.3k

A/N: if you guys would please give me feedback and tell me what you would like to see in future chapters it would mean the world to me!!

MAUI, COFFEE & CHECKLISTS, A TOAST

The soft whir of the ceiling fan was the first sound you registered, gentle and rhythmic above the quiet breath of morning. The light creeping in from behind the thin white curtains cast golden streaks across the floor. For a moment, you lay still in bed, the sheets tangled around your legs, unsure of what time it was or even where you were.

And then you remembered.

Maui. The resort. The wedding. The room you were sharing with Bob.

You sat up slowly, brushing a hand over your face. The other bed was empty. The sheets were pulled tight, already made, as if he had been up for hours. Of course he had. You checked the time. Barely past seven. Your planner lay open on the desk, exactly where you had left it the night before. Today was technically a rest day. No formal events until the welcome dinner tomorrow night. But you had a list of things to confirm before you could even think about relaxing.

A quiet knock at the door interrupted your thoughts. You stood, still in your sleep shorts and tank top, and crossed the room. When you opened the door, you were met with a familiar calm face and two paper coffee cups in hand. “Morning,” Bob said simply, his voice still soft from sleep but steady. He offered you one of the cups. You blinked in surprise, taking it from him with a small smile.

“Thanks,” you said, tucking your hair behind your ear. “You always bring caffeine this early?” He shrugged lightly, stepping into the room as you closed the door behind him. “I figured you’d need it. The rehearsal schedule’s got a few holes we still need to patch. Plus Jake is already talking about moving the welcome dinner to the beach.” You took a sip and sat on the edge of your bed, nodding. The coffee was perfect. He had remembered your exact order. Bob sat across from you in the small chair beside the desk, reaching into a folder and pulling out a few printed vendor notes.

For a while, it was quiet. Just the sound of pages being flipped, the occasional sip, the light tap of your pen as you made notes. The comfort of routine felt right. It always did with him. But something had shifted overnight. You could feel it. Not awkward yet but present. Sharing this space with him changed something. You tried to ignore it.

By mid‑morning, the rest of the squad started to stir. You got dressed in linen shorts and a tank, sandals, your hair pulled into a braid. You headed downstairs to the open‑air lobby. The place was stunning. Wooden beams, vines winding up pillars, the scent of plumeria drifting in. Hangman lay sprawled on a chaise lounge. Sunglasses halfway down his nose, smug grin in place. “Well look who finally made it out of bed,” he called as you passed. “Was the wake‑up call too gentle, Sweetie?”

You rolled your eyes, smiling. “Funny. You rehearsed that in the mirror”Phoenix appeared behind him, iced tea in hand, hair pulled back as always. “Be nice,” she said, eyes soft with amusement. “Sweetie’s been running point with Bob on everything. They’ve earned a slow morning.”

Jake glanced at the tan, sun‑bleached guy beside Phoenix, map in one hand, pineapple drink in the other.

“This is my brother, Luca,” Phoenix said, nudging him. “He’s helping with some last‑minute planning.” Luca offered you a grin that lit up his relaxed features. “Sweetie,” he said slowly, as if testing the name on his tongue. “That’s your real callsign?” You gave him a small shrug. “Yeah. First week of flight school, I told one of the instructors to ‘relax sweetie’ over comms. It stuck.” Phoenix laughed.

“She said it like she owned the place.” Jake leaned back.” Try not to fall in love too fast, huh?” You gave him a pointed look. “Better that than Prettyboy,” you shot back. Jake groaned. “Oh come on, you still use that?”

Bob arrived, looking freshly showered, hair damp, sunglasses on, coffee in hand. He offered the most subtle smirk at your banter. “You’re immortalizing his old nickname,” he teased softly. Phoenix laughed again.

“Don’t worry. Sweetie’s the one who got our entire schedule sorted.”

You sipped your drink and phoenix added, “She once reorganized the squad calendar because someone missed a briefing.”

“I was helping,” you said, glancing at Bob. He nodded. “And it worked.”

The morning unfolded with relaxed energy. Dagger Squad spread out by the pool. Hangman joking with Coyote. Phoenix chatting with Rooster. Luca loitered nearby, asking polite questions about rehearsal logistics.

You and Bob checked in with Leilani, the concierge. She showed you beachfront options, even a private gazebo usually reserved for honeymooners. She leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. “It’s not on the map, but it would suit your group perfectly. Romantic, but not cheesy.” You exchanged a look with Bob, who gave a short nod. “Sounds perfect,” you said, already calculating how to tweak the timeline.

Later you found a shaded bench overlooking the garden. Bob joined you, and the easy quiet returned as you both sipped cold drinks. Jake called them over to the volleyball net. Phoenix waved. Luca followed reluctantly. Hangman and Coyote joined in. You looked at Bob.

“Think you might join them?” He shook his head. “No. I want to finish ironing out seating arrangements.” You smiled, watching the others laugh.

“Okay.” A heat rose in your chest as you shifted in your seat. The sun seemed warmer now. Even together, there was something small and sharp between you.

That night back in the room you removed your sandals and stretched. Bob reentered after showering. The soft thunk of the towel hitting the floor caught your attention. You moved to pull something from your bag, brushing your fingers along his arm as he passed.

The brief contact stopped everything. You froze, hand mid‑air. He met your eyes, steady, unreadable. Your breath caught. Then he stepped back slightly. The moment broke. “I’m gonna shower,” you said quietly. He nodded and turned away.

Later you lay on your bed, eyes open, lights off. His bed was still unoccupied. Everything felt different. Closer. Fragile.

You traced patterns on the bedsheets, heart pounding. The room didn’t feel entirely safe. It felt like the beginning of something.

Something you weren’t sure you were ready for.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains again, soft and amber. You stirred slowly, the quiet of the room practically aching around you. Bob’s bed was empty, and for a moment your chest tightened with questions you didn’t have answers to.

Pushing yourself up, you padded across the room in bare feet and opened the door. Bob was on the balcony, coffee in hand, looking out at the ocean. The breeze ruffled his hair, and the sunrise shimmered on the water.

"Morning," you said gently, stepping beside him. "Morning," he replied, voice low as he offered you a cup. "Black?" You accepted it without a word. The two of you stood in companionable silence, the surf rolling beneath, the resort waking around you. No tension, just stillness.

When the squad met you at breakfast a little later, the daytime glow lit smiles all around. Scottsdale waffles, fresh papaya, and strong Kona coffee lined the buffet. The mood was light with laughter, chatter, and excited plans. Bob and you naturally fell into the rhythm together, checking final vendor call times with Coyote, reviewing seating charts with Phoenix, and exchanging a few light glances of shared satisfaction at work completed. Luca hovered nearby, leaning against the wall. Not obtrusive, but undeniably interested in every move you made. At one point he came over and offered to carry your plate to your table. You thanked him, sharing a look with Bob that made him raise an eyebrow as if to say, Are you okay? You smiled back and shrugged. Luca set the plate down and gave you a small grin before turning his attention to someone else.

Later, when Phoenix and Rooster came by to go over the layout of the beach ceremony, you and Bob slipped off to the outdoor terrace to talk quietly. The gentle hum of waves and a distant seagull underscored your conversation. “Everything’s set," Bob said, handing you printed diagram notes. "Except I didn’t get confirmation on the sound system delivery time."You flipped through them. "I’ll text our contact now. We should hear back by noon." He nodded and leaned back against the railing. "We’re good."

There it was, that small rush of calm satisfaction that always came when the two of you worked together. It was enough until it wasn’t. Bob’s shoulder brushed yours, intentionally or not, and for a heartbeat the noise faded out. Then your phone buzzed, breaking the moment. When you looked up, he was watching you, just as alert, ready. It was simple. Quiet. Electric.

By afternoon, the group headed to the resort pool for a break. Glasses of iced water and fruit skewers circulated. The relaxed heat, palm shade, and laughter created a bubble that almost felt safe. Phoenix and Rooster chatted nearby about seating arrangements. Hangman and Coyote made bets on how quickly Jake would challenge someone to a volleyball game. You noticed Bob standing slightly apart, watching not the group but you. Luca caught your eye and gave a playful salute, teasing your callsign. You raised your cup lightly in response before returning your attention to Bob, who offered you that faint smile again.

Later, when the staff led a tour of a private dinner setup for the rehearsal night, you and Bob walked together, pointing out each table placement and each light fixture. The sun dipped lower, turning everything warmer. Standing nearby, you leaned toward Bob quietly. "It’s beautiful." He nodded before replying softly. "Better shared."

It could have meant a lot of things. And for the first time, you both let it.

Later that evening, the squad gathered for a casual beach walk at sunset. Fire pits had been lit, tiki torches framed the path, and the group moved easily with talking, joking, and planning. Luca stayed close to you, asking about your callsign again, this time more gently and with genuine curiosity. You told him about little in-flight moments, safe moves, camaraderie. He listened.

Bob was just a few steps away, shoulders brushing yours occasionally, his presence warm in between the quiet moments you shared. At some point Bob glanced at you. You looked back. No words. But the echo, the tension, was there in the space that stretched between you. As the sky faded to twilight, you found yourselves standing side by side, just the two of you, where the sand was soft and the group’s laughter drifted around like distant music.

He looked at you then and said quietly, "We did good." You nodded. "We did."

It wasn’t a confession. It wasn’t needed. Not yet.

[pullmecloseman]

Honor & Duty — MAUI

Honor & Duty chapter — MAUI

bob floyd x reader

summary: The Maid of Honor and Best Man land in Maui ready to tackle wedding plans. Between grabbing coffee and settling into their shared room, they find some quiet moments—but there’s definitely something unspoken brewing between them.

A/N: if you guys would please give me feedback and tell me what you would like to see in future chapters it would mean the world to me!!

MAUI, COFFEE & CHECKLISTS , A TOAST

The plane touched down smoothly on the runway, and as you pressed your forehead against the window, the landscape of Maui stretched beneath you in all its vibrant colors. The deep greens of the palm trees, the sparkling blue ocean, and the soft, sandy beaches seemed like a dream you had waited years to experience. But this trip was not just about soaking up the sun or escaping the routine. This was about a wedding, and the weight of your role as Maid of Honor pressed on you like the humid air outside the airport walls.

You gathered your belongings carefully, making sure your planner and notes were tucked safely in your bag. Months of preparations had led to this moment. Alongside Bob, the Best Man, you had spent countless hours coordinating flights, confirming vendors, and organizing events. Every detail had to be perfect, and the pressure to deliver was intense.

Stepping into the terminal, the warm, humid air greeted you immediately. The scent of tropical flowers mingled with the salt of the ocean breeze drifting through open doors and windows. The airport was lively with the buzz of travelers, but your focus was already on the familiar faces of your group. They were scattered throughout the terminal, some chatting loudly, others handling their gear with practiced efficiency. Phoenix was helping someone with a suitcase, her bright smile lighting up the room. Rooster was focused on his phone, and Hangman was making jokes that drew laughter from the others.

You found Bob standing apart near a large window, the sunlight casting a warm glow on his face. His duffel bag was slung over one shoulder, and his eyes scanned the crowd like he was calculating the next step in the plan. Unlike the others, Bob’s calm demeanor was a steadying presence. You had come to rely on his quiet strength through the many late nights spent planning. Despite the chaos, he was always there, organizing, reminding, and keeping things on track.

Your eyes met his briefly, and you gave a small smile. He nodded back, the faintest hint of a smile softening his usually serious expression. That simple exchange was a reminder that no matter how hectic things had become, you and Bob were in this together.

Phoenix’s voice broke through the noise, cheerful and warm. “Sweetie, are you ready for paradise?” she asked as she approached, her energy infectious.

You laughed lightly, feeling some of the tension ease. “I think so. After all the planning, it feels good to finally be here.”

She smiled knowingly. “You and Bob have done an amazing job. We all appreciate it.”

You glanced back at Bob, who was now reviewing the wedding schedule on his phone. “He really is the calm in the storm,” you said, grateful for his steady presence.

Bob looked up briefly and met your eyes. “Just trying to keep everything from falling apart,” he said quietly with a small smile.

There was a moment of comfortable silence between you. The long hours, the endless emails, and the countless phone calls had tested you both, but it felt good to see your hard work coming to life.

The group started moving toward the check-in counters, and you excused yourself to grab coffee for everyone. Starbucks had become your lifeline, a small moment of normalcy amid the whirlwind.

While standing in line, you felt a familiar presence behind you. Bob’s voice was calm and low. “Need some help?”

You turned with a smile. “Just keeping track of everyone’s order. You want your usual?”

He nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

When the barista called your name, you picked up the drinks and started walking back. Bob reached for one of the cups, and your hands brushed lightly for a moment. The brief contact felt natural, a reminder of how well you worked together.

You carried the coffees back to the group, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows and casting patterns on the floor. Bob walked beside you quietly, both of you reviewing the schedule in your heads.

Later, the van ride to the resort was filled with chatter about plans for the week. You sat next to Bob, quietly going over the timeline and making sure you had all the details squared away.

Arriving at the resort was like stepping into another world. The polished wood floors, the scent of fresh flowers, and the distant sound of waves brought a sense of calm. The stress of planning faded for a moment as you took it all in.

The bellboy led you down a wide corridor to your room. You and Bob walked side by side, discussing minor details about the rehearsal dinner and vendor arrival times. The easy conversation was a welcome break from the usual rush.

When you reached the door and the keycard clicked in, you paused. Turning to Bob, you said quietly, “Looks like we’re sharing a room.”

He looked at you with steady eyes. “Makes sense. Maid of Honor and Best Man. We need to be in sync.”

You nodded, realizing that the next few days would be closer than you expected. The wedding and the planning would take all your focus, and sharing the room was part of that.

The door clicked softly behind you as you stepped into the room, the gentle hum of the air conditioning replacing the distant sounds of the resort. Warm wood tones and soft island décor welcomed you, the large windows revealing a swath of palm trees swaying against a brilliant blue sky. The scent of fresh orchids lingered faintly in the air, adding a soothing sweetness to the space.

You set your bags down near the entrance and glanced over at Bob, who was already unpacking methodically. He moved with a calm efficiency, folding clothes and arranging them in the drawers without a word, his quiet focus a stark contrast to the buzz of excitement you had felt earlier.

It was strange, sharing a room with him. Not because you didn’t like Bob—far from it. You respected him deeply, especially after months of working side by side on the wedding plans. But the closeness was new. The easy camaraderie that had settled between you in the airport was still there, but now there was this quiet awareness of the space you both occupied.

You pulled out your planner and flipped to the week’s itinerary, the pages worn from constant use. “So,” you began, sliding the binder onto the desk, “we have the welcome dinner tomorrow night, then Wednesday for exploring the town, and Thursday is all about planning the bachelorette party.”

Bob looked up, nodding. “The vendors are confirmed for Friday’s party and the rehearsal on Saturday. We should double-check the timeline with the florist and the caterers.”

You smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. I don’t think I could have handled all these details without you.”

He shrugged lightly, but there was a softness in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. “It’s what we do.”

You spent the next few minutes reviewing the schedule together, making notes about who was responsible for what and ensuring that nothing was overlooked. The rhythm was comfortable—the two of you slipping seamlessly into this shared role, partners in the chaos of wedding planning.

After a while, you paused and looked around the room, suddenly aware of the quiet. “Want some coffee? There’s a small café downstairs.”

Bob raised an eyebrow but smiled. “Sure. I could use it.”

As you headed down the hall together, the earlier stress seemed to melt away, replaced by the calm certainty that you and Bob were ready for whatever this week had in store.

The café’s warm light softened the edges of the day, wrapping around you like a quiet refuge. You watched Bob from across the table as he held his coffee, the steam curling up in lazy spirals. He looked calm on the surface, but you knew better. You could almost feel the gears turning behind those steady eyes, the way his jaw tightened just slightly when something was weighing on him.

For months you had been the Maid of Honor, balancing a thousand little tasks, juggling vendors, timelines, and the endless back-and-forth of wedding planning. Bob, the Best Man, had been your partner in this chaos, the one person who always seemed to think three steps ahead, keeping the whole operation tethered to reality. Without him, you weren’t sure how you would have managed.

And yet, despite working side by side for so long, there was still a distance between you — a space filled with unspoken thoughts and feelings neither of you dared to voice. It was as if the years of camaraderie had built a wall you hadn’t yet figured out how to climb.

You stirred your latte absentmindedly, letting your gaze drift to the palm trees swaying gently outside the window. The island was beautiful, serene, the perfect backdrop for what should be a joyous week. But your mind raced ahead to all the things left to do, the tight schedule, the expectations from Phoenix, Rooster, the whole squad. You could almost hear the ticking clock of the next rehearsal, the bachelorette party, the ceremony itself.

Your fingers brushed lightly against Bob’s across the table, a small gesture that felt heavier than it should. For a split second, you wondered if he felt it too — that quiet pull between you that simmered beneath the surface. But when his hand retreated, you told yourself it was just habit, nothing more.

Careful to keep your gaze casual, you said, “So, how are you feeling about all this? Maui, the wedding, the planning?”

Bob’s eyes met yours, steady and unreadable. “It’s a lot,” he admitted, voice low but even. “But having you here makes it easier.”

You swallowed the sudden rush of warmth and looked away, focusing on the soft ripples of steam rising from your cup. The easy calm of the café seemed to contract around you, suddenly heavy with what was left unsaid.

You met his eyes again, and there was something new there—something raw, tentative, like the quiet before a storm. “We have a lot to do,” you said softly. “But maybe… maybe we can figure it out together.”

Bob nodded, the faintest smile ghosting his lips. “Together.”

You sipped your latte slowly, stealing glances at Bob as he sat across the table, the afternoon light catching the edges of his face. He looked almost… vulnerable, though he would never admit it aloud.

You wanted to reach out again, to bridge the gap that years of unspoken words had built between you. But something held you back—a hesitation born of uncertainty. What if this changed everything? What if the comfortable distance was the only thing keeping you steady?

Bob cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “We should get back,” he said quietly. “There’s still a lot to go over.”

You nodded, grateful for the excuse. You stood and stretched, feeling the buzz of nerves that lingered like static under your skin.

The walk back to the resort was slower than before, the tropical air warm but the tension between you cool and taut. Neither of you spoke much, but the silence was heavy with meaning.

When you reached the room, the door swung open, and the reality of your situation hit you again. Two beds, side by side but miles apart. The space between them felt enormous all of a sudden.

You set your bags down and looked over at Bob. He was already unpacking, methodical as ever, but you could see the tightness in his jaw, the way his eyes flicked to the beds and away.

“So,” you said, voice softer than intended, “tomorrow’s schedule looks tight.”

Bob glanced at you, the usual calm in his eyes tempered by something unreadable. “Yeah. Lots to plan, lots to do.”

There was a beat, and then you found yourself saying, “I guess we should get some rest.”

He nodded, turning toward one of the beds. You hesitated before moving to the other, your heart pounding in your chest louder than the hum of the air conditioning.

You both stood there for a moment, the quiet between you stretching wide. The closeness of the room, the nearness of his presence—it all felt suddenly fragile and charged.

As you lay down, staring up at the ceiling, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip was about to change everything between you.

And somewhere in the dark, you knew Bob felt it too.

[pullmecloseman]

Honor & Duty

What was supposed to be a fun week in paradise quickly becomes something more when two quiet souls are thrown into close quarters. As the days unfold—from lazy mornings and town adventures to wedding prep and late-night confessions—tension simmers, walls begin to crack, and unexpected connections start to bloom.

It’s just one week. But sometimes, that’s all it takes to change everything.

bob floyd x reader

chapter names will be revealed soon

MAUI

COFFEE & CHECKLISTS

A TOAST

ch 4

ch 5

ch 6

ch 7

ch 8

ch 9

ch 10