lilyblossomblooms - Tumblr blog

lilyblossomblooms · 2 years ago

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Proud and Terrified

Tighnari x Reader

Synopsis; Tighnari tends to neglect parts of his life due to how they differ from humans that don't have animal blood in their veins. But it eventually bites him back.

Themes; fluff, cute researchers, idk man, it's pre-relationship

Approximately 86% of the time, Tighnari was content and proud to be a fennec fox hybrid.

It was something he'd lived with his entire life, so he found it more fruitful to accept his nature rather than be off set by the fascination of others. Mortals were curious creatures; it made sense that they'd be intrigued by him. Even if he disliked the ogling gazes and lingering eyes.

But there was that 14% where he felt a begrudging distaste towards his own instincts and desires. Where the fennec fox piece of him overtook what typical humans and mortals would do.

Such as at the current moment, he couldn't even stand being in the same room as them.

The sight of their smile, each word that danced off their tongue, and even the simple whiff of their soap he'd catch drove him mad. Not in the way that most assumed - it wasn't some uncontrollable hunger or whatever those romance readers always asked of him. It wasn't a sudden possessiveness or animalistic instinct- ...well, at least not to the same degree they assumed it to be.

No, because he didn't have a partner. Emotions such as that were directed towards an established partner that'd he chosen for life, and he had yet to meet someone of such caliber. Tighnari had yet to pursue someone that way. Unfortunately, the source of his ears and tail had been trying to make the decision for him.

It was infuriating. A disruption to his work and a hassle that he didn't feel like dealing with. It was annoying how his tail involuntarily flicked when they turned and called his name. It was causing issues how he was so easily distracted as soon as they wandered into a room, and his train of thought was thoroughly derailed for the next hour or so that they existed in that space. They could be doing something as simple as reading and his hazel eyes would be continuously flicking from his paper and up toward them. He was never actually reading. None of the words on his paper were comprehended anymore and his own pulse became apparent in his ears.

It was annoying. And frankly, he didn't think he could even handle being around them when he had work to be done. But he also felt he'd fall into despair if he said anything to them about it. Because if they denied him, he wasn't sure what he'd do.

But now, it seemed even when they weren't in the room, he was plagued with twitching ears and a tapping foot. He spun his pen in his hand, starting at the words with a furrowed brow but none of them were computing or making sense. All the notes taken weren't making any sense to him. There was a lingering his chest and it made him groan, letting his forehead fall against the table. Maybe he should take a few days off of work to recuperate...

"Tighnari?"

His head shot up. Of course, of all people - it felt like he was in some sick play. To make matters worse, he had to suppress a wince at how they said his name, despite the concerned look they held from the other side of the table.

Until recently, they seldom called Tighnari by his full name. They claimed that nicknames felt more intimate and they loved finding fun ones for people. Of course, they were respectful about it. They referred to him as Master Tighnari until their relationship became less professional and more lenient, causing them to consider each other friends rather then colleagues. And then, he became simple and plain 'Tigh'. It was always, "Hey Tigh, look at this," or "I read an interesting book recently, Tigh. I can lend it to you." They only used his full name if searching for them in the forest or if they were upset at his teasing.

But over the last week, he'd not heard his familiar nickname. Maybe it was just cause he'd been avoiding them, anyways. But he felt it was actually just cause they had caught on to his hesitation and conflicted mood.

Even now, they kept careful distance within the library, books piled in their arms. Each one labeled different subspecies of animals or specifics of a single kind. He specialized in botany and they focused on zoology. That was the reason they'd been introduced in the first place; a shared desire to preserve the forest.

Their brow furrowed at his silence and gently asked again, "Tighnari, is everything alright?"

He swallowed, "Yes, I'm fine. Just... exhausted."

They seemed... cautious. As if overthinking their next words and walking on eggshells. Tighnari hated it. He hated that he was inadvertently the one who caused such a demeanor. Eventually, they locked eyes with him again (he flexed his foot as an outlet of wanting to squirm) and said, "If you need someone to take some of your work burdens, I'm more than happy. It's been quiet in the sanctuary as of late."

It was insane how two sentences could instantly make his tail swish. No matter how hard he tried to subdue its effect, he still felt it in his chest and stomach. The feeling of insects, as people often describe it in fiction. He wasn't one for fiction reading, but they were and it'd caused him to delve into it a tad.

The first sentence was pure worry and care for his well-being. They must think his newfound attitude was a side effect of his work. Sometimes, it could be. But usually, he was still happy to be doing research despite the strenuous task it could prove to be. Tourists caused him stress as well, due to their naivety and desire to seemingly poison themselves at every corner, but he was careful to who he directed his frustrations. This is the first time they've experienced the blunt end of it. He felt a tightness in his chest knowing it was his fault.

The second sentence was words of their own passion. If you let them, they'd babble for days about the animal sanctuary and the state of its inhabitants. They cared for it day in and day out and he's had more than a few times where he'd wander past in the late hours, only to find them still there and taking their nightly medicine routines into their own hands. He'd never met someone more in tune with other beings. He himself preferred living beings that lacked as much consciousness, but they reveled in figuring out their needs and helping them back into the wild. The fact that they were willing to put aside their duties in their prized home spoke a thousand words.

"There's no need," He excused, voice involuntarily softer than expected, "Thank you, though. That's very kind."

They hummed, gently setting their tower of books on the table. It seemed they didn't intend to let this go gently. Though he knew they would never be pushy - just open and sometimes almost pleading to understand others. They always said humans were much more difficult to understand than animals. Humans have more difficult needs. Animals are wordless but have a simple list of what they require.

They lingered, pretending to flicker over the spines on a nearby bookcase. Tighnari could do nothing but watch them, far too distracted by their presence to continue his own work.

"I read a new book the other day," They brought up, gaze flickering back towards him, still standing.

Okay, this was fine. Normal conversations, like they usually had. He would never admit that he missed it. He linked his hands, setting his chin on them and elbows on the table, "Oh, really? Pray tell."

Without missing a beat they said, "It was about foxes."

He paused. They continued, "Different subspecies. Some are native to Sumeru, and some are from other regions. Apparently, their fur color often corresponds with where they are native to," They finally pulled out a chair and sat, continuing a gentle tone, "Some of it mentioned fennec foxes. Curious stuff, really."

Tighnari had frozen. His once slightly smug demeanor had taken a turn and he instead watched them with wide eyes. They paused their sentence, but the only thing he could mutter in reply was a small, "...Interesting."

"It really was," They mused, picking the top book from their pile and seamlessly flipping to a certain page. Even from his spot across the table, he could see diagrams of four-legged animals with big ears. His own twitched atop his head and he struggled not to let them show too much of his emotion.

Their finger dragged across the page as they explained nonchalantly, "The smallest of the foxes, and they eat a lot of meat or similar. Sometimes berries. Though, I assume based on their typical habitat in the desert, fruit, and berries are more so like a treat."

...Was this some newfound form of torture? Or was some game they were playing to mess with him? He was unsure, but the only solution he had was to listen. Even if their words grew more familiar with each sentence - like they were slowly drifting away from explaining the average fennec fox and heading towards explaining something else.

"They help control rodents, primarily. And yet we hunt them and they struggle in some parts of the world. But they're doing better, lately," They explained calmly, the same way they did any other information. They looked up from the book and back towards the man, "They have an extraordinary hearing as well. And their ears serve as protection from the sun. But would you like to know the most curious thing to me?"

Instead, he asked, "Why were you researching Fennec Foxes?"

He hoped maybe he'd get an admittance of some sort, but he should've known better. As they just smiled and said, "We just rescued some at the sanctuary. I got curious, I suppose. Anyways," And they returned to his torture, "We rescued two of them, and I got to looking at their mating habits. It's interesting to me, frankly."

Archons, save Tighnari now. Their gentle smile was anything but innocent, words laced with false naivety as they said, "It's a bit poetic, honestly. They mate for life, just with one another. Sounds like a big commitment."

They hummed, letting their head fall tilted into one of their hands, "If we humans had obligations like that - for our first partner to be our last - we'd have many different traditions. I think it'd end up being terrifying, for some surely. What a heavyweight, knowing the chance of picking the wrong person or them not reciprocating."

He swallowed, spinning a pen between his fingers just to move in any way and keep his ears from drooping at their words. Trying to keep any reaction from reaching him and making them aware of what they were doing. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. They just watched him, carefully calculated. The same way they read the body languages of creatures in the sanctuary. He didn't like being on the receiving end of that gaze, particularly.

They waited patiently for an answer so he ended up just spitting out the first thing he could think of, "It is terrifying."

Uh oh. He recognized that small smile of achievement and it made his brow furrow in annoyance. They leaned forward, chin on both hands now with a sly, "Are you implying it applies to you as well, Tighnari?"

So this is what they wanted. A twisted confession of sorts that he was affected by the more animal-ish parts of himself than he often cared to admit. It wasn't really any bodies business, but they were just too good at reading all creatures and prying it from him. And his expression just seemed to seal the deal for them, based on the pleased hum they gave.

"I knew it," They whispered, leaning even farther forward across the table and making him press against the back of his chair as they interrogated, "So who is it? Give me a name so I can give them a stamp of approval or run them away."

"It's nobody," He quickly growled in defense.

They frowned, "Well, I assume it's why I don't see you much anymore, so it's gotta be something."

"And what brought you to the conclusion that it was something to do with my love life?" He scoffed, not sure whether he was trying to fool himself or them. A small part of him also admittedly wanted to actually know how they were brought to this conclusion.

And to his delight, they leaned back and began to recount, "Well, you've been more agitated as of late. But you also seem happier in a weird way. Your tail has been wagging - which I've never witnessed from you before - and I even caught you purring once-"

"I don't purr!" He quickly deflected, placing his hands roughly on the surface of the table with heat rising to his face. They raised their hands in defense, giving a small laugh and waving for him to sit back again. He did, and tacked on, "That all could have to do with anything. Not necessarily some school crushes you think I may have."

They opened their mouth, but paused and gave a hum instead. Tighnari thought that perhaps he'd somehow convinced them, but they were too smart for that. They never would go into such an accusation without a plausible clause, so there was bound to be something else.

As expected, there was. Their mood seemed to simmer down into what it had been when they first arrived, hands fidgeting and gaze flickering. They said, "...Well, I spoke with Collei, and then Cyno. Collei gave her insight but was rather reserved. Cyno was blunt with his answer, however."

Tighnari couldn't help but ask, "Why do you care about this so much?"

Another pause, and then a tiny admittance, "It really seemed to be bothering you and I wanted to help. And I thought I might've done something wrong, admittedly."

...Right. That's why they'd been calling his name so formally. Why they seemed almost timid. But despite the way his shoulders sank just an inch, they gave a small carefree laugh to brush it aside and continued anyways, "Anyways, their responses led me to two hypotheses. One seemed more likely, so I began to pursue that one first."

"I assume it was the idea that I had romantic feelings for someone," He deduced and they nodded with a smile. Tighnari folded his arms over his chest and asked, "Then what was your second hypothesis?"

Their energy shrank again. This time, just that unassuming question seemed to flip the table and some color grew along their face. Tighnari's ear twitched against his will at the sight, tail threatening to shift. He suppressed the urge to let it move further.

They smiled nervously, "It doesn't really matter, it's unlikely."

There was no way he was just letting them get away with that, "I trust any ideas you may have, so please."

"It's self-centered and idiotic," They said this time, and he took note of a dislike at hearing them speak like that, but they tacked on, "Hence why it was a second hypothesis, but it really shouldn't have been counted."

"What's it based on?" Tighnari asked instead, trying to weave his way into its true nature.

They seemed awkward now. He admittedly enjoyed it. They explained, "Just based on the data given by Collei and Cyno."

"And that is?" He pushed further.

No answer came immediately. Instead, they picked at the pages of their open book, eyes flickering over the fox figure on its pages. They weren't currently wearing the usual uniform they did, and he hated how he took pleasure in seeing them outside of a work environment. A simple button-down and wide-legged pants. Always an odd mixture of styles from Mondstat - where they spent many years studying - and Sumeru, their current point of residence. But always comfortable. No matter what.

They didn't answer his question, but said instead, "I read another book. It was specifically about the fox-human race. I learned a lot, actually, that I wasn't aware of before."

He didn't interrupt, and instead opted to listen carefully as they continued, "Like why your fur is green, or the fact that your race typically lives in the desert - which I find ironic, based on how well you fair in hot weather. But it also showed that you share some practices with your animal counterparts."

"Which is why you looked into them," He finished, and they nodded.

"Yes, but..." They paused, putting their hands together again in a wringing and picking that he seldom saw in them. It took them a second to gather their words, but they eventually scoffed in fake amusement and said, "Well, a common factor seemed to be... me. Collei didn't say it, but I could tell, and Cyno was blunt. So I figured it could be one of two things. Either I did something you didn't like - but I know you're good about letting people know if they've done something of the sort, so I trust you - or..."

Oh. Oh, Archons. Tighnari was terrible at hiding things, wasn't he?

"...Maybe it was me," They finally finished, then gave another scoff like it was some joke, "But that's just me trying to shift things, no matter how well it all lined up."

Tighnari's throat felt like it was closing up. So close, yet so far. He couldn't help but say, "How does it all line up?"

They blinked, seeming almost confused about his further inquiry and lack of berating or being called a 'Lummox' like he often did. He was acting weird - and that made them grow a bit more nervous as well.

They acted poorly at being casual, leaning back and saying, "Well, they didn't really mention noticing a mood change around them, unless I was brought up or I came into a room. Collei didn't really say much about it, she tries not to spread your business, but she did say you snapped at her once when she offered to ask me for help. Cyno was blunter - he's the one who put the hypothesis in my mind."

Of course, he was, Tighnari bitterly thought, already planning the long-winded speech of annoyance he was going to give his friend. All he could think to do was give a small hum, but he regretted it immediately when a short silence ensued.

Eventually, they felt the need to fill it and said, "Yeah, that's why I said it was self-centered."

He wanted to laugh. 'Self-centered'- they just looked at the facts and data provided and gave the best solution. And they were dead on, as well. But he wouldn't say that to them - he couldn't say it to them. Because they were right about everything they said. About his newfound attitude only being around them, and also about how terrifying it was knowing the partners he chose were intended to be for life. Humans don't typically live like that.

Many are able to spend their years, shifting from partner to partner to learn about romance and explore the world, but he was just wired differently. And sure, he knew a small bit about their past romance life and the single, short-lived relationship they had. And the fact that they took such matters rather seriously and weren't one to dance around. Frankly, that conversation, laced with just a few drinks of wine, had been one of the first tipping points in his mind. The way they had laid their head on the table, and how quiet the night had been. It was so loud just an hour before, but now they were having a heartfelt conversation about expectations regarding relationships. He'd shared practically no details, but they never once pushed and instead opened up to him. He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve them.

"You're right," He blurted out.

It took him a moment to realize the words had left his lips. Tighnari could hear his blood flow in his ears and felt impossibly stiff in his chair.

They blinked, "...Okay, I know I was saying it was self-centered, but it does hurt when you confirm it."

He tripped over his words, "What? No- That's not - I didn't mean that. I'm talking about-"

Oh, absolutely not. Tighnari would say a lot of things, typically in observation of others' wrongdoings, but he still was struggling to admit that they had figured him out. They'd read him and his actions like an open book, and while that alone was embarrassing, it was what they read that he couldn't bare to admit.

Their brow furrowed, watching him in confusion and wracking their brain, gears turning. Then, they blinked and cautiously asked, "...My second hypothesis?"

Tighnari didn't respond.

They mumbled, "...Oh."

Would it be wrong of Tighnari to grab his books and excuse himself? He supposes it would. But there was absolutely nothing else he wanted to do besides that. They would find him, he knew that, but he also knew that if he left right now, it'd just make it worse. It'd give him a momentary time of pure panic until they eventually confronted him. It's best to get whatever was going to happen over with now. Even if he was sure the speed of his heart was too fast to be healthy and his claws had dug deep into the seat of his chair. His hazel gaze had dropped down to his book, trying to seem almost nonchalant but it was impossible with how stiff his shoulders were.

There was at least a minute where they were both quiet, but it definitely felt like hours. Like an endless amount of time was passing and he truly began to consider picking up his books and leaving. He wouldn't get any work done, but maybe that was better than sitting here painfully.

And then, their chair squeaked. He flinched at the sharp sound and at first thought they must be leaving. Maybe that would be their rejection - and as much as he liked to think he was prepared for one, he knew how heart-wrenching it would be if he got one. That's why he preferred the awkward in-between of having a crush and not confessing. It would be better than if they rejected him.

From the corner of his eye, he saw them pick up their chair by the back of it, and then their padding footsteps came around the table. The chair landed beside him, and they came soon after. He felt impossibly warm like he was in the desert itself. He wouldn't even be surprised if they could feel it from their spot next to him.

They folded their arms on the table and laid their head on them, eyes looking straight up toward Tighnari. This was horrible. Even worse than how they tortured him before.

Their voice was delicately soft as they asked, "Are you scared 'cause of the implications of lifelong partners?"

He scoffed, tilting his head away to try and give his flushed face some privacy from their prying eyes, "That's the lightest way to put it."

"I'll spend my life with you."

Tighnari sat still. His heart still raced. But he managed to glance back at them, a serious expression on them still with their head down. He asked, "You'll what?"

They smiled, "I basically said I feel the same. And I'd be pretty content stuck with you for the rest of my life," They gave a thoughtful glance upwards in thought, "Y'know, I thought I made it pretty obvious how I felt. Did I not?"

This time, Tighnari's rise in heat in his face was due to annoyance and he barked, "No, you did not make anything obvious!"

They laughed pushing themselves to sit up but still gazing at him. For a few moments, he just took deep breaths and tried to come to terms with his impossible solution coming to fruition. He'd thought millions of times about what he'd do should they reject him, but hardly given any thought to the opposite happening. He didn't really know what to do now.

Thankfully, they had an answer, "Y'know, now would be a really cute and kinda romantic time to kiss."

In a very 'them' fashion, they added, "It'd be like a scene from those romance books I like to read. All tense and then cute and soft-"

He shut up their annoying ramble by just grabbing their face gently and complying with their request. They hummed in delight and replied quickly.

Tighnari was content and proud to be a fox hybrid. But it becomes easier with each person that takes time to know him and understand him.

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lilyblossomblooms · 3 years ago

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After finally fixing the mess on your desk, you went to stand up, only to be stopped by the sound of a familiar voice calling for your name which prompted you to turn your head and look at its source.

"Wait for me," your work partner, the infamous Artem Wing, told you, his head poking out from his own office. "I'll drive you home,"

Allowing a small polite smile to grace your lips, you gave him a small nod and an 'okay', you can also guess that your smile was infectious as you see the edges of Artem's lips tug into a soft smile before he disappeared within the confines of his office once again.

Artem Wing is your work partner, had been for a while now, which means that you must be able to understand each other to a certain extent for this kind of work arrangement to work out. And you did, you pride yourself in understanding the man that is Attorney Wing...

But now, you're not so sure anymore.

The past week, he's been... nicer to you, softer, and dare you even say.... touchier and even flirtier than he had ever been.

You understand that he's been meaning to be nice to you, to the point that he even took it upon himself to take care of you. Most mealtimes are spent together, the two of you taking turns deciding as to where you should eat for the day, and he also takes it upon himself to drive you to and from work every morning and every night⁠—especially when it's late.

Lately, however, you've realized that Artem has developed a habit of placing a hand on you wherever you go. Either it be placed on the small of your back, lightly perched on your shoulder, and sometimes even petting your head with a fond smile on his face.

He once even hugged you after dropping you off at your place. You were too shocked to ask him why, and you only stared at him as he bade you farewell before returning to his car—you also noticed that his car didn't leave until you waved at him from your window, in the comfort of your home.

He also has been hovering around you a lot more lately, and that's saying something since you were used to his company. He would walk by your desk multiple times, asking how you were doing, sometimes handing you a cup of coffee or cocoa, depending on the time of the day, and asking if you need any help. His hand tends to brush against yours more often whenever you two walk side by side and his fingers meet yours whenever you hand him something.

The man even once showed up at your home to pick you up for work with a bouquet of flowers, handing it to you with his cheeks and the tips of his ear dusted with bright pink, but still having an affectionate smile on his face.

You always chalked it up to just him being friendly, or just him striving to be the best work partner he could possibly be⁠—after all, only the best can be expected from Senior Attorney Artem Wing.

The problem with this, however, is that you have feelings for him.

You would even dare say that you're in love with Artem Wing.

Which makes this whole thing more complicated than it should be.

It may not be his intention, but it's getting harder and harder to hide the heat blooming in your cheeks, the flustered smiles, and the way your heart skips a beat at even the smallest things he does.

And you didn't know how much longer you can take this.

It may not have been his intention, but he's been sending you mixed signals. While Kiki insists that it may have been Artem's way of showing you affection, but it's hard to tell with Artem. You are well aware that he practically has zero experience with relationships and romance, and you worry that he may not be seeing these things he does as romantic⁠—but more on just looking out for his co-worker.

But Artem isn't that dumb to not know.

You let out a sigh, squeezing your eyes shut and rubbing your temples as you feel a headache start to form. The only way you can see to get out of this situation would be to talk to the man himself⁠—but what would you even say? Your feelings?

No, no, you can't do that. If it does happen that he doesn't reciprocate your feelings, then that might make work awkward. While you trust in Mr. Wing's professionalism, you're not so sure about yours. Can you really handle being around the man who rejected you every day? Work the same cases as him? Go out and eat with him?

You were too busy trying to rack up any possible solutions for this problem that you have found yourself in that you failed to hear certain someone's footsteps approaching you, you only felt the warmth of his palm as he softly places it on your forehead, and the sound of his voice as he asks:

"Are you feeling alright, darling?"

Your eyes snap open, greeted by the sight of his azure eyes looking at you with concern swirling in them, his lips pulled down to a slight frown as he studies your features, face only inches away from yours.

In surprise, you swiftly took a step back to gain back your personal space, ignoring the slight ache of your heart as the heat of his palm against your forehead remains. He blinks back at you in surprise, and for a while, the two of you simply stared at each other at the now empty office of the Themis Law Firm.

Did he just.... call you 'darling'?

"Mr. Wing," you managed to squeak out, desperately trying to ignore the thrumming of your heart at the nickname, "What did you just..."

"Oh, uh-" Artem straightens his back, his hand reaching to loosen his tie as he clears his throat, "Did I go too far? Was it too early?"

Too early? You scrunch your brow in confusion at his words, what is he talking about? Does he know something that you don't? Clearing your own throat, you decided that skirting around the topic won't lead anywhere. You can't play this game with him any longer, if he rejects you, then that's that.

"Artem, I..." You tried to sound confident, but it was obvious by the growing concern in Artem's eyes that you sounded anything but. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

"Okay," was his short response, giving you a nod and a small smile.

You opened your mouth to speak but were cut off by him reaching out for your dominant hand, holding it in his, and rubbing soft circles in your palms. The look in his eyes was soft, and his touch was his silent encouragement, you can almost hear his voice telling you that whatever it is you have to say, he'll listen.

"Artem..." you start, your eyes avoiding his face and choosing to settle on your hand in his instead, and you can already feel your brain shortcircuit, you didn't know what to say. Should you start from when you first realized your feelings? Should you call him out for his actions?

Or maybe you should just....

"I have deep feelings for you. I always have. I think... I might even love you."

Yeah. That was good. Honesty is the best way to go.

You swallow a lump in your throat, and you almost didn't want to look at his expression⁠—but you knew you had to, needed to. You expected him to be shocked, his eyes widened as he hasn't seen this coming, or maybe he's mad, mad that you weren't professional enough to keep your feelings to him at a professional level.

To your surprise, however, the soft smile he had on his face remained, red tinting his cheeks up to the tips of his ears as he lets out a sigh of what you believe to be relief. His free hand reached out to rest at the back of your head, pulling you to him.

Once again, you were too shocked to respond as you feel the warmth of his lips press against your forehead, and you can almost imagine the closed-eyed smile of relief on his face as he lets go of your hand and opted to wrap his arm around your torso.

"I love you too," he responds, almost breathlessly, and you were grateful that he was supporting your weight because you can feel your knees buckle in relief that he feels the same.

You had always doubted the idea of heaven, of paradise so great that one would always be there. You've always heard that it was a place that one would eventually go to⁠—but they failed to tell you that it actually was on Earth, not in the afterlife, and they definitely neglected to tell you that it was in Artem Wing's arms.

"You scared me... I thought you were breaking up with me," He spoke, before burying his face in your hair, "It hadn't even been a month yet, I thought I already messed up."

A 'Yeah' almost made its way past your lips, but your brain was able to process his words fully before you could even say it, and it was enough to slam you back down to Earth.

Pulling back from his arms quite harshly, you look up at him with your brows furrowed in concern. Break up? You two? Did he just say he thought you were going to break up with him?

"We're together?" you asked him,

"Are we not?" Artem asks, his lips now slightly pouting. His ocean gaze filled a mix of pain and confusion,

"Since when?"

"Monday of last week? You called me at 3 in the morning, confessing that you've always been in love with me and you asked me to be your boyfriend,"

"....I did?"

"Yes, do you not remember?"

The furrow in your brows deepens, as did your frown, you didn't feel Artem's hands land on your hips as you try to remember what he was talking about. Monday last week...

You remember being with Luke that time, and you remember the both of you having the bright idea of doing a drinking game—every time you did something cringey in high school, you take a shot.

As expected, it did not end well.

Your memories past your nth shot were blurry at best, but you do remember telling Luke that you were going to call Artem, and Luke telling you not to but not making any conscious effort to actually stop you.

You did call Artem that night...

And you...

Your eyes dart back up to Artem, who was smiling in amusement at your expression, it must have been quite obvious to him now that you finally remembered what happened that night.

"You know I was drunk, right?"

"I always did believe that a drunk mind speaks a sober heart."

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