#dare I say he belongs with @olderguysandcutiepies?

[sagitariusrising]

Christopher Plummer was thirst-able across many, many years 🥰

[mandy23bwrites]

Spice

Happy Birthday, Linzi <3 I hope you have an incredible day! I also hope that I did you justice with this piece and that you enjoy my own little take on your amazing story!

Fandom: Ready Player One

Character/Pairing: Nolan Sorrento x Female Reader

Tags/Warnings: Established relationship, angst, love triangle, unrequited love, love confession, female reader

Disclaimer: This piece is inspired by “Gluttony: Sugar” by @olderguysandcutiepies that you can find here

You must read that piece if you are to understand this one.

Word Count: 3122

Summary: Nolan Sorrento is full of surprises once you let your true feelings for him slip. Suddenly you’re thrust into a foreign world with plenty of questions and few answers.

Read on AO3

Tears stream down your face as you watch clamps being tightened around your shaking wrists. The scratchy jumpsuit is a far cry from the soft, silky dresses you’ve become accustomed to in the company of Nolan Sorrento. Thinking about him makes you struggle to choke back a pathetic sob and it draws an annoyed growl from the woman in front of you. You peer up at her through your lashes and are met with the steely, cold gaze of F’Nale Zandor. There’s no remorse or sympathy in her face - only determination as she continues strapping you in. 

 “Enough of your blubbering. He has no interest in you; you’re just another thing for him to play with until the next best thing comes along. Besides…” her voice turns from snappy to sadistic, “this is where you belong.”

 Your jaw gently falls open and begins to quiver at her statement. You’ve never done anything to this woman to warrant such a statement, but you’ve always known she didn’t like you. You figured it had to do with the way she stole lustful glances at Nolan that he never returned. But in a way… you figured she was right. Nolan had spared you from the Loyalty Center and he could put you right back in it, and apparently, he was. This time the sob can’t be held back, and new tears pour down your face.

 F’Nale’s face twists into one of disgust as she grabs your visor and forces it onto your head, strapping you in painfully tight. Your vision swims as the Oasis program boots up and you struggle to concentrate on your instructions as the life you’d grown accustomed to crumbles before you.

 ***** The Previous Day *****

 “Because I love you.”

 It had come spilling out, unintended. But there it was. A cheeky reply to the banter that was so natural in your relationship that you wouldn’t even remember what it was about later.

 What you did remember was the way Nolan’s face fell into one of shock, fear, and dare you say… dread? Like he had hoped that this would never happen, and suddenly it was and he was powerless to stop it.

 “What did you say?” His voice was shaky as his eyes searched your face for the truth and found only horror at your admission.

 “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t…”

 “Didn’t mean it?” Your eyes were locked together and right now, you had to make one of the most complex decisions you’ve ever faced; nothing like the choice he gave you on whether to become a sixer or his eye candy. But you had become much more than that. And now you were faced with the precarious chance to take it to the next level or watch it fall apart.

 You could lie. Say ‘yes’, you hadn’t meant it, that it was just a bit of teasing that went too far and then hope he wouldn’t be offended by it and things could go back to how they were.

 Or you could tell him the truth. Say ‘no’, you had meant it, that your feelings for him ran deeper than the affection he was paying you to shower him in; that you would continue to do so whether you were paid to or not. That every word, every glance, every sound he pulled from you was genuine and had nothing to do with the money or gifts. Then hope he returned your feelings, granting you both the chance at something more. 

Otherwise… you didn’t want to think about the devastation you’d feel upon finding out he didn’t return your feelings. Nor how that would compromise this perfect little situation you found yourself in. Because maybe he didn’t want you around if you had feelings for him. Maybe he wanted a no-strings-attached affair that wouldn’t get messy.

 And things were certainly messy now. You bit your lip, trying to choose your words wisely. It was now or never.

 “No. I meant what I said. I just… I didn’t mean for this to be the way to tell you.”

 Unfortunately, he didn’t seem elated by the confession; if anything, he looked even more conflicted. He stood from where he was sitting next to you on the couch and backed away. He wore an expression you’d never seen on him - like a deer in headlights - and you hated it.

 “Nolan, I-”

 “I have to go.” With that, he sprung to action, grabbing his phone and keys then making a beeline to grab his coat, the beautiful navy one you liked so much. But you liked seeing him take it off, not put it on.

 “Nolan, wait!” You stumbled off the couch to try and stop him but he was too far ahead of you.

 “I’m sorry…” with a final sad, scared look, he closed the front door of his apartment. 

 You reached the door, hand on the handle, in time for you to hear the lock click into place. Your stomach dropped. You could easily unlock it and run after him. But that lock meant he really was running away. This wasn’t a short walk to get some fresh air; he needed much longer than that. And that was why you didn’t go after him. 

 He could have sent you away, kicked you out even. But he hadn’t. Although you had never expected him to run, it did present a small glimmer of hope. Maybe he just needed to sort out his feelings and then he’d be back.

 So with that semblance of hope, you returned to the couch on shaky feet, hoping he’d be back soon.

 ***** Present Day *****

 Nolan Sorrento takes a deep breath before unlocking his apartment and tentatively stepping inside. It’s been three days since he left you here and he’s nervous to see you. Maybe throwing himself into his work and staying at a hotel had been the cowardly thing to do, as was running away from the situation in the first place. Yet, the sudden confrontation of your feelings, in the face of his own long-held doubts and fears, had scared him.

 He had spent hours reasoning with himself over what to do. Had you really meant it? Or was it a way to secure his money for good? Based on your reaction to your slip-up, he figured you had been genuine. Which left him with a harder question: did he deserve it? You were one of the best things that had happened to him. You knew just how to tease him, how to thrill him, how to make him forget a long day of work. But you also knew how to listen, how to make him feel special and loved. Many days he didn’t believe it, didn’t think he deserved it. But maybe he did.

 You seemed to have fallen for him as he had fallen for you. You willingly chose to love him; you could have kept it a secret and let things go on as normal. But you had been honest, and he admired that. Your absence over the last few days had made him realize how much of an important fixture you were to his daily life. Without you there, he had felt a loneliness he hadn’t experienced since before you had met, a feeling he never wanted to feel again. 

It was time that he accept your feelings and allow himself the security of a more conventional relationship with you. He was ready to face you, to be open with you, and ask forgiveness for his panicked retreat.

 But as he looks around the space, it feels… empty. There aren’t any sounds of activity that he could hear, making his stomach drop. Had you run away? He calls out your name, moving from room to room, hoping to find you sleeping somewhere but the apartment is truly empty. His mind races, trying to figure out where you could be. 

 He whips out his phone and calls you. A wave of nausea hits him as he hears your ringer go off in another room: you had left your phone behind. He begins to pace. Figuring he has nothing to lose, he dials his head assistant, cutting her off before she could even greet him.

 “Shaunda, I need you to confirm that Y/N isn’t there at the plaza.” 

 “I’ll make sure the place gets a thorough sweep for her but the last time I saw her was when you called her in two days ago.” Nolan stumbles mid-step. Two days ago?! That was impossible...

 “What?!” He snarls.

 “Ms. Zandor met her upon arrival - said you had called her in and that she’d be her escort so I could focus on updating your rig.” He remembers Shaunda working on his rig, but he had never called you in, much less asked F’Nale to escort you.

 “Check every inch of that plaza. I want her found.” 

 “Yes, sir.” He ends the call without another word. Next, he plugs in F’Nale’s number and waits impatiently for her to pick up. But with each unanswered ring, ring, ring, his stomach grows tighter, tighter, tighter. He growls when it finally goes to voicemail and quickly ends the call, texting her instead: “Call me. NOW.”

 Turning on his heel, he makes his way back to his car, a scowl plastered on his face. F’Nale had some answering to do.

 *****

 Everyone knew better than to get in Nolan Sorrento’s way when he stormed the halls of the IOI headquarters and now was no exception. Crowds part when they see him coming, on a mission to find the head of the Loyalty division. He catches sight of her on the upper levels, near his office, looking like she’s trying to make a quick getaway.

 “F’NALE!” He roars and she freezes in place. He takes the stairs two at a time and she turns as he approaches, looking unbothered under his glare. Grabbing her suit lapels, he drags her into his office and shoves her against the nearest wall. This was uncharacteristic of him, but you were one of the few things that caused him to be irrational. And now with you missing… it seems a fitting time to do something out of character.

 “Where. Is. She?” He emphasizes every word, leaning in so that his face is mere inches from hers. 

 “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Nolan.” 

 “You damn well what I’m talking about!”

 “Oh, your little pet? She’s unavailable. After your spat a few days ago, it seemed like you two were over.” His head spun. He had only mentioned in passing that something had happened between the two of you and that he was taking some time to clear his head. How had she jumped to the conclusion that you were over?

 “Where, F’Nale. Where is she?” 

 “Why do you care so much? All she is is a pretty face! You deserve someone better! She’ll never be good enough for you! She’s not the one you go to when you need something important done, it’s me!” She flushes at her admission but remains resolute. Nolan leans back in shock. “Who’s the one who always has your back?! It’s me! Not her! I do your dirty work; I defend you when the board comes after you. What does she have that I don’t?!”  His anger is gone, replaced with dread. He knows damn well of F’Nale’s talents in taking care of problems. His stomach churns. He suspected she might have feelings for him, but he had simply brushed it aside. Now he knows it’s true and suddenly those talents he’s relied on terrify him.

 “What did you do to her?”

 “She’s where she belongs.” It takes him a moment. He blinks twice before tearing away and dashing out of the room. He flies down the stairs, F’Nale’s shouts for him to stop falling on deaf ears. (She curses her impulsiveness of throwing you in the Loyalty Center connected to the headquarters. If she hadn’t let her vengeful emotions get the best of her, if she had been more calculating, she should have shipped you off to one across the country. But her eagerness to get you into a pod as soon as possible and strap you in herself was too delightful an opportunity to pass up. She had reveled in the joy of watching you struggle being locked up for the past few days. But she’s paying for it now as the man she wants sprints off to unravel her work.)

 *****

 With every movement, the clamps on your wrists dig against the angry red marks that had been left when F’Nale first strapped you in a couple of days earlier. Since then, you’ve been unplugged to eat, sleep, and take breaks - although you knew you weren’t getting the number of breaks you should be, most likely compliments of the Loyalty Director herself. 

 You want to hate her, and you could when you let yourself think about your current condition long enough. You want to hate Nolan too, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do that, no matter how hard you tried. You’re numb when it comes to him. This doesn’t seem like something he would do to you, especially after his hasty getaway. Had all your time together really meant nothing? The way he looked at you made you think no, but the six-by-six pod said otherwise.

 Thankfully, your tasks in the Oasis are distracting enough that you don’t have a lot of time or energy to mull it over.

 Since the time you had been strapped in, you can sometimes make out a figure beyond your headset, just outside your door. You can only assume it’s F’Nale, enjoying the sight of you caged. So, when a shadow appears at your door, you think it could be her again, or a passing monitor making sure you’re working. 

 What you don’t see coming is the door being wrenched open and fingers undoing the stamp of your headset. The smell of familiar cologne hits you, making you gasp before the headset is pulled off you. You blink as your eyes adjust to the face in front of you, one you had memorized long ago. 

 Nolan Sorrento looks panicked and out of breath as you take in each other. Questions race through your mind but as your lips part to speak, you can’t find the words. You don’t need to though; he speaks instead.

 “I’m so sorry… I had no idea…”

 Of all the things he could have said, this is the least expected. This brings more questions than answers and you still don’t know what to say.

 He quickly turns his attention to undoing the clamps on your wrists as you begin to tremble. He had no idea?! So he wasn’t the reason you were in here?! The emotions you feel make your head spin; confusion, shock, relief, ...hope? 

 Tears spill down your cheeks as he kneels to undo the clamps around your ankles. And when he straightens to his full height again, you find matching tears on his face. He reaches out to touch your face, but you can’t help leaning away. He looks hurt by the rejection but also gives a tiny nod as if he understands why.

 “I’m so sorry… if I had known sooner… I swear to you, I thought you’ve been at the apartment this whole time. I never would have sent you here. Yes, I shouldn’t have run away; it was a cowardly thing to do, but what you said scared me and I didn’t know if…” he closes his eyes and shakes his head, looking for the right words to say. You’re transfixed by the raw core of him before you. He’s never been so vulnerable with you before, cementing the fact in your mind that he truly wasn’t responsible for you being here. “I didn’t know if you meant it. And when I knew you did… I didn’t think I deserved it.” 

He can’t meet your eyes, instead keeping his gaze low. You reach out your hands for him to take, as was customary to the boundaries you had set long before in this relationship: seeking the permission to touch. He quickly takes them and his face falters at the sight of your wrists rubbed raw from your restraints. You squeeze his hands and finally, he looks back up at you.

“You do deserve it, and I don’t ever want you to forget that. But… I think there’s a lot left to say… and I don’t think this is the place to do that…” His eyes widen as he remembers you’re both standing in the middle of the Loyalty Center, and he nods. 

“Let’s go home.” You give him a small smile. Home. Not his apartment. But your home. That sounds like a good start.

*****

 You glide confidently into Nolan’s office and you’re filled with warmth as he looks up at you and smiles. You’ve been visiting the IOI headquarters much more frequently, now that you were the girlfriend of the charming CEO. It was a title you wore proudly; as proudly as you wore the gifts he continued to lavish you with.

It had taken time to heal what had happened and reestablish the trust in him that F’Nale had shaken. But it had been worth it. Every day you saw more of his authentic self, not the facade he put on as the head of IOI. And every day you fell more and more in love.

Today had been another long day for him and he was too impatient to wait until he got home to see you. So he had called you in and you eagerly came. 

But as you approach his desk, something catches your eye. A wine bottle is sitting off to one side. He follows your gaze.

“I thought you’d like to see the newest addition before it gets put in the case. Maybe you’d like to do the honors yourself.” You quirk your eyebrow before carefully picking up the bottle. It was new; the year on the bottle was the current year. You look up at him, inquisitively.

“‘Important years’,” you murmur, repeating what he had told you when you first learned of the collection. He smiles, soft and maybe sheepish.

“Loving you is important.” Your eyes well up with tears and you bite your lip to keep from crying. You set the bottle back down and rush around his desk to embrace him, carding your fingers through his hair to pull him in for a kiss. He hums, content, and you melt into him. And when you finally pull back, you can’t help the grin that spreads across your face.

“I can’t wait to expand your collection.”