ballroombreakdown

[ballroombreakdown]

ray toro x reader because he needs to be appreciated more

You needed a haircut. Badly.

It had been forever since you'd gone, and your H/C hair was starting to get unmanageable. You're not the most confident person, so you liked having the bangs hide your face, but you also liked, y'know, seeing.

You thank your lucky stars a close friend of yours works at a hair salon. Zoey has been the extrovert to your introvert, and right now you needed her energy and hair cutting knowledge.

It had been a warm day when you decided enough had been enough and walked to Zoey's workplace. The bell on the door rings out as you walk to the counter. It smells like fruit scented conditioner, which eases your nerves.

"Hi," you start, "I'd like to make an appointment with Zoey? She's a close friend." You didn't want to come off as tactless and say you trusted her the most out of the people working here. "Sorry hun! She called in sick today. Super last minute too." The receptionist frowned sympathetically. You felt your palms start to sweat. "Oh. That's okay! I guess I can wait for her to feel better." You reassure the receptionist and also try to reassure yourself. You think it's your fault for not checking if Zoey was working today.

"Oh no, we have a great new guy working, and it seems you need a trim. Don't hide that cute face!" The receptionist started typing as you twirled the ends of your bangs between your fingers. You really couldn't afford to wait. But anyone else but Zoey...? "I know she's your friend, doll, but this guy is a real wonder boy. He's from the city and a real hit with the clientele!" The receptionist doesn't even look away from the screen as she informs you. She must've sensed your panic stricken look. She lowers her cat-eye glasses. "Not to mention he's a real cutie." She says in a hushed voice. "Hey, Ray? Could you come up here, sweetie?" The change in volume shocks you as you look up.

You're sure she's being polite to make you feel better, until you actually see the guy. He has this soft looking cloud of brown, curly hair that frames a sweet face. He has a strong nose and lips, and a rounded jaw that makes you want to cup it in your hands. He has caring brown eyes and long legs that stride toward you. His voice isn't what you expected, but it's so wonderful nonetheless. His voice? Oh my god he's talking to you.

"m Ray. Great to meet you! I can take care of you today." He extends a hand and you gingerly reach out to take it. Oh my god. They're so warm. You notice his calloused fingertips; he must play a string instrument. The receptionist glances at you playfully. "Ray here will fill in for Zoey. It'll be worth it, I promise." She winks and your face feels like it's on fire. "Hi Ray. I'm Y/N. It's uh, it's nice to meet you too." You barely get it out, but his wide and friendly smile is more than reassuring.

"Y/N! I like it. Here, come sit down." He steps aside for you to walk past him into a chair. The chair is comfortable as you sit down, and the mirror and counter in front of you is remarkably clean. A couple photos grace the very edges of the mirror. The one you notice first contains Ray and a man with long black hair and a striped scarf. They have big smiles. They look like close friends.

You're snapped back to reality as you realize Ray is running his hands along the tips of your hair. "So..." He studies your haircut in the mirror as he puts a chair cloth around you. "What would you like? You can trust me with anything." Even though you've just met, you feel like you really can.

"Oh, um... just. My bangs shorter. Please." You respond. "I can do that." Ray runs his hand though your bangs moving them back and freeing your eyes. "Better, huh?" You manage to nod. Augh, why is he so cute? You think it's worse, now that he can see all of your face. Not to mention how strong your blush is. He lets out a friendly chuckle. Your face feels like it's on fire.

He lifts your bangs off your head and carefully moves his fingers to the tip, snipping the scissors as little bits fall to the floor. You listen to the music on the speaker. Just easy listening music that all blends together. "It's like elevator music." Ray says. (Can he read your thoughts? You truly hope he can't.) "If they let me choose the music though, we'd get no customers." He steps back to study his work. "Iron Maiden isn't for haircutting, I guess." He smiles shyly. He has a way of smiling that makes it look like he's trying to hide it. You like it when his smiles big, like when he introduced himself. You could light up the Vegas Strip with it. All you can manage to do is nod.

"Oh, I'm sorry, do you mind my talking? Some people just like silence. I can lay off, if that's what you want." Ray places his hands on your shoulders and leans to look at you. He's close to your face, and you think you could die. Right here. What a way to go. "I think you have a really nice voice." You somehow manage to get that out. His eyes widen. You think you see his face turn pink. "O-oh! Thanks! That's a really nice thing to say. I think my voice is too high." He moves back to standing upright behind you. You try not to shake your head in disagreement, knowing he's trying to do his job. "No! I like it alot." You reassure him. This is not something you normally have the guts to do. Are you possessed? Ray is just that inviting.

He gives you one of his shy smiles. You're in love, you think. "Thank you, Y/N." He clears his throat. "I- uh, I think you have a nice one, too." You think you're gonna have a heart attack. The corners of your mouth turn up involuntarily. "Thank you, Ray." You get an award-winning smile from Ray in return as he focuses on his job.

"Just the bangs, right? You're good to go!" Ray announces. You almost don't want it to be over. He leans in close like he did before, and brushes his fingertips across your forehead, moving your bangs. You notice he has big hands, and long fingers. Your mouth goes dry. You don't think your face can get any redder. "Oh, it's a pretty hot day, huh? Are you feeling alright?" Ray's brows furrow in concern. "I- you- well it is hot, I mean but-" You short circuit. "You're so handsome." You can't believe the words leaving your mouth.

It's Ray's turn to grow red. "Th-" He starts. His voice cracks. "Thank you." He rubs the back of his neck. "I think you're really, really cute." You blink. You feel like the air in your lungs has been replaced with the thick conditioner from the salon shelves. He's trying to hide his smile again. Before you can say anything else, Ray shoots upright. "Okay! Let's uh, let's get you out of this thing." He removes the sheet and you're still for a moment before you remember you're supposed to stand up. He sweeps his hand out, motioning for you to walk back to the counter.

You walk as normally as you can muster back to the front desk. "You look like a whole new person! He's quite the man, huh?" The receptionist says as you hand her your card to pay. "I love it." You say. Ray is smiling behind her. "I'm glad! It was my pleasure." Could he get any cuter?

"I don't think he can!" The receptionist laughs. What?

Ohh no.

You said that out loud.

Ray plays with the bottom of his shirt and avoids eye contact. "You're all too kind." He laughs softly. You don't think your brain will let you speak anymore. A wise move. "Receipt, hun?" The receptionist asks. You nod. "Oh shoot, we're out of paper. Ray would you-" "No problem!" Ray turns around and sprints to the back room. "Helpful, too." The receptionist hums at you.

"Here." Ray opens the machine and sets the roll of paper in, turning it around so you can see the inked paper churn out. You rip it off and take your card. "T-thank you! Have a nice day!" You practically run out of the store.

You can't believe what had happened in there. You study the receipt, and the sunshine illuminates the thin paper. You notice something on the back.

7 digits.

Please, call me! -R xx

You think you will.