#i want my friends to feel excited whenever i sound like i might leave you just to disappoint them when i never do

[yapdere]

why is it so hard to find abusers on purpose. like i get it. "i want our relationship to only consist of the awful things you'd do to other people" isn't really within the realm of WHY someone abuses another person, like there's not a power dynamic being manipulated i guess. but come on. i want a dom/sub relationship and i want to feel like i'm in danger and im mega poly so you dont even need to do relationship labor. this is an equitable agreement for all of us

[leona-hawthorne]

AHHH IM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! OKAY OKAY I WANTED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST REQUESTS SO....

Can I have book browsing, trope is Friends to Lovers, with Theodore Nott, quotes/scenarios being: “say we’re just friends one more time. i dare you.”

“you’re so cute.” “what?” “i said you look like shit. bye!”

random people thinking you’re a couple when you’re supposed to be just “friends”

I'm so excited girl obviously no rush or obligation to write this but yeah love you

And I might have ideas for at least 2 more for the other two tropes I'm in love with (GrumpyxSunshine and fake dating)

I FEEL LIKE A PROUD MOM!! CONGRATS!!

HIIII I LOVE YOU THANK YOU FOR REQUESTING BB!!! and you can send in as many requests as you want, i LOVE fake dating 🤭 i haven't written a cute little friends to lovers in a VERY long time so this was so much fun for me, hope you like it :) also i love how i said these were gonna be drabbles and now this is over 2k 🧍🏽‍♀️(ps there was a position that i really struggled to describe so i hope the pic on the left helps you imagine it)

1k celebration navigation

JUST FRIENDS… book browsing

ミ★ THEODORE NOTT

The smell of old parchment and polished wood filled the little record store in Hogsmeade, the familiar scent settling around you like a cozy blanket. It was one of those shops you and Theo always managed to stumble into, especially on days when you both needed a break from the endless demands of exams and essays. 

Theo was flipping through a stack of records, eyebrows knit in concentration, while you stood beside him, shoulder to shoulder, sharing amused little glances every time he pulled out a particularly dusty one. When he found an album cover featuring a hilariously dramatic wizard band—complete with glittering robes and exaggerated makeup—he held it up for you to see, lips twitching as he tried to hold back a laugh.

"Could be your new look," you teased, nudging him lightly.

He rolled his eyes, but there was a glint of mischief in them. "Think I could pull it off?"

"Not in a million years," you said, grinning, and he chuckled, the sound sweet and warm, and somehow just for you.

Moments later, he glanced at the clock on the wall. "Stay here," he said, brushing a loose strand behind your ear in an almost absent gesture, one that had become so natural you barely noticed it anymore. "I’m leaving and getting us butterbeers before you can insult my taste any further."

Before you could respond, he was off, slipping out of the shop and leaving you alone with the smell of old records and a contented smile you couldn’t quite shake. 

You let your gaze wander across the store, admiring the walls plastered with concert posters and slightly faded album covers. It was then that the shopkeeper—a kind-eyed woman who looked as if she'd seen more than her fair share of young love—caught your attention. She was watching you with a soft, approving smile, and before you could say anything, she leaned in conspiratorially.

“You two make a beautiful couple, you know,” she said, her voice low but warm, as if she was sharing a delightful little secret.

Your mind stumbled over the words. “Oh! Um,” you stammered, your cheeks warming under her steady, amused gaze. “Actually, we’re not—uh, we’re just friends.”

The woman’s smile widened knowingly, her eyes twinkling. “Sure, sweetheart. Friends. I’ve seen enough ‘friends’ like you two in my day to last me a lifetime.” 

She left you standing there, words caught in your throat, while you tried to brush off the fluttering in your chest, and by the time Theo returned with your butterbeers, you were still blushing furiously, trying to process the shopkeeper's words. Her knowing smile lingered in your mind, making you acutely aware of the way your body seemed to hum in content whenever Theo was near.

“What’s with you?” he asked, handing you your drink.

You hesitated, searching his face for any hint of awareness, but his expression was relaxed, oblivious. “Nothing,” you muttered, taking a sip and forcing yourself to meet his eyes. But the word “couple” echoed in your mind, and for the first time, you weren’t so sure you could ignore it.

You knew she wasn't the only one to have thought you and Theo were dating. You weren't stupid nor oblivious; you'd both known about the rumors floating around Hogwarts. The ones that said you and Theo were boyfriend and girlfriend, the ones that said you were in love with each other, even the ones that said you had to have fucked at least once (which, no, you hadn't!).

Though, you couldn’t blame people for thinking that way. With the way Theo would always brush a strand of hair behind your ear, spoil you with gifts, bury his face in your neck when you hugged, even casually kiss your cheek when he bid you goodbye—it made sense people assumed such things. But still, all of it was just platonic, right?

As you sipped your butterbeer, trying to calm the strange mix of emotions swirling inside you, Theo picked up where he'd left off, flipping through records again. His fingers brushed against yours as he handed you another one to examine, and the brief contact sent a jolt of electricity through you.

"You should get this one," he said, pointing to a cover adorned with a dragon riding a broomstick. "It's got some decent tracks."

You took the record, trying to focus on the music instead of the warmth of his hand against yours. "Yeah, maybe," you replied, pretending to study the cover intently.

"Maybe?" Theo repeated, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Come on, don't leave me hanging. You've gotta have an opinion." He leaned in closer, his breath tickling your ear as he spoke, "Besides, I think the dragon looks adorable on that broom."

You felt a shiver run down your spine at the closeness, his warm breath sending tingles across your skin. It took all your willpower not to lean into him, to savor the intimacy of the moment. "Alright, alright," you relented with a chuckle, holding up the record. "I'll take it. For you."

Theo grinned, satisfaction etched on his features. "Excellent choice. Now, let's pay for these and get out of here before you embarrass me further with your doubting of my impeccable taste."

Theo led you to the counter, setting the record upon the counter. The shopkeeper, who had returned to arranging a display of limited edition CDs, looked up and smiled. 

"This looks like a treasure, you two," she said, ringing up the item with practiced efficiency. "The young wizard definitely has good taste."

She nodded towards you, winking, and for a moment, you wondered if she would bring up your earlier exchange. But instead, she wrapped your selection in a brown paper bag and slid it across the counter. "Enjoy!"

Theo reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, dropping a few galleons onto the counter. "Here you go," he said to the shopkeeper, an easy, charismatic smile playing on his lips.

"Wait, Theo," you interjected, reaching for your own purse. "I can pay for myself. You don't need to buy my record."

But Theo waved you off dismissively. "Nah, don't worry about it. Consider it a gift from me to you." He winked playfully, flashing you a crooked grin. "Besides, I'm the one who insisted you get it, remember? It's only fair I foot the bill."

Your heart fluttered traitorously at his words, at the easy affection in his tone. You swallowed hard, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through your chest. "Well...thank you then," you managed, ducking your head shyly. "That's really sweet of you."

Theo shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a pleased gleam in his eye. “It’s what I’m here for.”

As you stepped out of the shop and back onto the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, Theo draped an arm casually around your shoulders. "So, where to now?" he asked, guiding you down the road. "We could head over to Zonko's, see if they have anything new and ridiculous... And potentially dangerous." 

You hesitated, feeling the weight of Theo's arm around your shoulders, the warmth seeping through your robes. Normally, you'd be all for exploring Zonko's, reveling in their eccentric and often hazardous products. But tonight, everything felt different.

"I don't know, Theo," you mumbled, glancing around at the deepening shadows. "It's getting pretty late. Maybe we should just head back to the castle?"

There was a flicker of disappointment in Theo's eyes, but he nodded understandingly. "Yeah, okay." He gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze before releasing you, then holding out his hand, offering you a way to apparate together. "Ready?" 

You nodded, placing your hand in his. His grip was firm yet gentle, his palm slightly rough against your softer skin. With a twist of his wrist, Theo activated the apparition charm, and suddenly the world blurred around you.

When the colors settled, you found yourself standing in front of the Hogwarts gates, Theo still holding your hand. He let go slowly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Made it in one piece," he said, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips.

He fell into step beside you as you walked towards the girls' dormitories, his long legs easily keeping pace with your shorter strides. The silence between you was comfortable, the kind that came from years of friendship and shared experiences.

As you approached the door to your dormitory, Theo halted abruptly. 

"Well, until next time, princess," he quipped, giving you a mock salute. "Try not to dream too much about me, hmm?"

A playful smirk danced on his lips, and you couldn't help but return it, your heart skipping a beat at the flirty remark. "I make no promises," you retorted sarcastically, reaching for the doorknob.

Theo chuckled, the sound low and rich. He opened his mouth, seemed to ponder something for a moment, then spoke with exaggerated gravity, “I must bid you adieu, my trusty companion! Until the morrow!" 

He clasped his hands together dramatically, as if holding an invisible cane, complete with an imaginary top hat on his head.

Your laughter bubbled up unexpectedly, a sudden burst of joy at his antics. "You're so cute," you managed to gasp out between giggles, still grinning widely.

Theo froze mid-dramatic pose, his eyes widening. "What?" he sputtered.

Before he could react further, you added hastily, "Uh, I said you look like shit. Bye!" With that, you yanked open the dormitory door and practically dove inside, slamming it shut behind you.

The next day, you somehow found yourself in his room. You'd contemplated avoiding him altogether until you figured out your feelings, but who were you kidding? You could never say no to him when he asked you to hang out.

Theo sat by the windowsill, staring out at the sprawling grounds below. The setting sunlight cast a warm glow across his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the slight scruff on his chin.

As he lost himself in thought, he became vaguely aware of movement from the corner of his eye. Glancing over, he stared at you, sprawled out on his bed flat on your back, a book propped up above your head as you read lazily.

Theo pushed the window open wider, allowing the evening breeze to carry in the scent of damp earth and rain. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one, taking a slow drag as he gazed out at the sky. He exhaled slowly, watching the wisps dissipate into the evening air.

As you paused your reading for a moment, your gaze drifted over to Theo's silhouette by the window, the glow of his cigarette bright against the dim light. A familiar annoyance stirred within you, and you closed the book with a soft thud.

"Teddy, you know I hate it when you smoke around me," you said, trying to keep your tone light even as you wrinkled your nose in distaste. The acrid smell always lingered, clinging to his clothes and hair. You knew it wasn't fair to nag him, but old habits died hard.

Theo turned to face you fully, blowing out a stream of smoke before flicking the ash onto the windowsill. “I suppose I'm just a terrible friend then, aren't I?” he drawled, though there was no real bite to his words. “But tell me, Y/N, what would you prefer I do instead? Sit here and watch you sprawl across my bed like a lazy house cat all afternoon?”

You remained perfectly still, arms draped by your sides, book forgotten on your stomach. "Sounds like a plan to me," you replied nonchalantly, closing your eyes as if settling in for a nice nap.

The tension in the room seemed to shift, the air growing heavier with unspoken things. You could sense Theo's gaze on you, but you refused to acknowledge it, pretending you hadn't noticed the subtle change in his demeanor. Maybe if you acted like nothing was amiss, he would too.

Theo took another slow drag from his cigarette as he studied your profile, noting the slight furrowing of your brow as you pretended to drift off to sleep. After a moment, he stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray and leaned against the windowsill, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I have a better idea," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "How about you tell me now why you were acting so weird yesterday when I came back to the record store?"

You felt your cheeks flush slightly at Theo's question, memories of the shopkeeper's words flashing through your mind unbidden. "I don't know what you're talking about," you mumbled, fidgeting with the hem of your shirt. "I wasn't acting weird."

Even as the denial left your lips, you knew Theo could see right through it. He always had, ever since you'd first met him all those years ago. That uncanny ability to read you like an open book was part of what made him such an incredible friend...and lately, maybe something more.

Theo raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Save it, Y/N. I can practically hear the gears turning in that head of yours from here. Why are you dodging the question? Just tell me what happened."

A deep breath escaped you as you finally surrendered to the truth, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Okay, fine. It was just...that lady behind the counter. When you left to go get us butterbeers, she told me you and I make a beautiful couple... and I guess it shook me a little."

Theo fell silent for a long moment, his gaze searching yours intently. When he spoke, his voice was carefully neutral. "A beautiful couple, huh?" He let out a short, humorless laugh. "And this bothers you because...?"

Still staring up at the ceiling, you felt heat rise to your cheeks as you tried to articulate your feelings. "Because! We're friends! And everyone keeps assuming that... you know. That there's something more between us."

Theo pushed himself away from the window, moving closer to where you lay across his bed. He sat down beside you, his fingers brushing against your arm as he rested his hand on the mattress.

"Well, maybe they're not wrong," he murmured, his voice low and thoughtful. "Maybe there is something more between us."

Your heart began to race as Theo invaded your personal space, the warmth radiating from his body making you suddenly hyperaware of every inch of skin that brushed against yours. You swallowed hard, struggling to maintain a facade of calm.

"Teddy..." you whispered, your voice barely audible. "Don't be ridiculous. It's not... We... We're friends, right?" Even as the words left your mouth, you couldn't help but wonder if they were true anymore.

In a swift motion, Theo leaned down above you, bringing his face mere inches from yours as you lay flat on your back, giving you an upside-down view of his face looming over you. His hands found purchase on the mattress, holding himself aloft without touching you, and in that moment, you could've sworn your heart stopped beating. 

"Say we're just friends one more time," he challenged. "I dare you." 

As Theo's challenge hung heavy in the air, you found yourself unable to speak. Finally, after what felt like ages of silence, you managed to whisper, "I... What are we then, Theo?"

Your voice wavered slightly, betraying your nervousness. But there was something else there too – curiosity, perhaps? Or maybe hope? Whatever it was, it was clear that you weren't going to back down this time.

"More," Theo breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. And then, slowly, tentatively, he closed the remaining distance between you, pressing his lips softly against yours in a gentle, exploratory kiss.

It was chaste, almost innocent—but it sent sparks racing through your veins nonetheless. Your heart hammered wildly in your chest as you returned the kiss, marveling at the way Theo's lips moved against yours with such tender precision. This was new territory for both of you, and yet somehow, it felt so incredibly right.

Theo held the position, hovering above you with his hands gripping the mattress, his nose lightly brushing against your chin. He didn't deepen the kiss or try to pull you closer; instead, he simply lingered, savoring the feeling of your lips meeting his for the very first time.

As Theo pulled away from the kiss, you found yourself staring up at him, wide-eyed and breathless. "Wow, I, um— you—" you stammered, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through you.

But before you could finish your sentence, Theo cut you off with a soft chuckle. "Shut up, Y/N," he murmured, his fingers grazing your cheek as he leaned in once more.

[lulunothulu]

“Jealousy, jealousy” pt. 2

Tyler Owens x Fem!Reader

@86laura11: Oh my gosh. I want more. What’s next? Does Kate apologize to her friend? Does Tyler take her on a real date? I need to know.

Summary: After a night of pizza and talking, Tyler finally asks you out on a proper date—asking Kate to help you get ready.

Content: just cute fluff

Part one

Both you and Tyler finished off the pizza he brought in under thirty minutes, realizing you both skipped dinner. Now, sprawled across your bed, you and Tyler look up at the popcorn ceiling.

“That was really good,” he tells you. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

You groan. “I think I might burst.”

Tyler laughs, propping himself on one arm and facing you. Your hair was down—strew around your head like sun rays—and your face content.

You were goddamn beautiful.

“So I have a question,” Tyler starts.

You turn to face him, almost surprised that he’s as handsome up close as he was far away. You couldn’t believe this was happening, much less that he had something to ask you.

“What is it?” You respond, propping yourself on your elbow, the same way Tyler did.

“Well…I was wonderin’,” he starts, southern drawl catching on his tongue. “Would you maybe…whenever you’re free…wanna go out on a date with me?”

Your heart began to pound on your chest. Excitement and joy bubble up your spine and you smile at Tyler widely.

“Yes, I’d love that.”

“Are you free tomorrow?” He asks.

“I’m sure Javi and Kate wouldn’t mind if I skipped out tomorrow,” you tell him.

Tyler’s eyes widen, he forgot about Kate. What if you were still mad at her for what she did?

“Let me text them,” you tell him.

You:Guys….

Kate:Y/N…?

Javi:Are you okay?

You:Jake just asked me out…

Kate: HOLY SHIT HE FINALLY DID IT.

You: wait… you knew?

Kate: why tf do you think I was talking to him?

Javi: do I have to be here for this?

You: yes.

Kate: YES.

You: Kate, can you come over after the leaves in a bit? Also is it okay if I skip out tomorrow, Javi?

Kate: Sounds good.

Javi: Sure

You turn to Tyler who’s still watching you with a smile and feel the blush creep up.

“They, uh, said it was alright to skip out,” you tell him.

He chuckles, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Sounds good, Sweetheart.”

He rolls off the bed, standing in front of you to help you up. With his hand offering to help you, you take it and are swiftly hoisted up to your feet.

Tyler pulled you too hard though, because you feel yourself crashing into his hard chest. You look up at him, startled. He looks down at you, amused.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at 11,” he tells you, kissing your cheek before walking toward your door.

You’re still vibrating from his kiss when you realize something.

Did he say 11 as in, 11 AM?

“11 AM?” You ask.

Tyler just nods, winking your way and walking out the door.

Not even a minute later, your door rattles as someone knocks on your door.

You smile, walking toward the door and swinging it open to find Kate standing there, excitedly beaming at you.

“Oh my god! He just came from your room!” She beams.

“Yeah,” you say. “We had pizza for dinner.”

You let her in, watching as she takes a deep breath before turning around to face you. Her face is now riddled in remorse, brows furrowing together.

“I’m sorry,” she starts. “About making you cry.”

You wave her off. “It’s fine, I’m about to start my period soon. I’m just hormonal.”

“Are you sure?” She asks.

“I mean, the plan was to get me jealous. And it worked,” you laugh. “It worked big time.”

Kate smiles at you before shaking your head and pulling you into a hug. “I really am sorry.”

You hug her tightly. “It’s okay, really. How could I stay mad at you when I have a date with Tyler tomorrow morning?”

She pulls you back, smile back on her face mixed with confusion. “Morning?”

You only shrug.

———

The next morning, Tyler’s up bright and early.

10 AM to be exact.

He wanted to be ready for your date aaaand he still needed to get your number.

As quietly as he can, Tyler tiptoes to the motel door he and Boone share before opening it and sneaking out. He walks toward Javi’s room, knocking when he arrives.

Javi answers the door, rubbing his eyes. “Dude, what the hell?”

“Sorry, can I have Y/N’s number?” He asks.

“Did you forget to ask last night?” Javi smiles.

Tyler’s about to respond, but stops when he hears, “Javi? Who’s at the door?”

From behind Javi walks Kate, wearing one of Javi’s shirts. Tyler’s brows raise, a smile forming on his lips.

“You and Kate?” He asks.

“Here’s her number,” Kate smiles, handing him a piece of paper with your number on it.

Tyler smiles, waving them goodbye before checking his watch.

10:20 AM.

He figured he would go to the diner across the street for some coffee before texting you.

Tyler walks into the diner, surveying the place before stopping when he finds you sitting in the booth in the back.

You’re wearing a lilac sundress and your hair cascades around your shoulders as you sip your coffee.

Tyler approaches, a wide smile plastered on his face. “Well, what brings you here?”

You look up at him and he could’ve sworn you looked even more beautiful than normal.

Your cheeks are rosy, face covered in light makeup that accentuates your already gorgeous face, and your lips are a natural pinky color.

“Wow,” he gawks. “You—you look just…wow.”

You smile up at him and he could’ve sworn he melted away.

“Thank you,” you respond, your sweet voice singing into his ears.

Tyler clears his throat. “Are you ready?”

You nod, slipping out of the booth and watching as Tyler tosses some bills on the table.

“Let’s get out of here, sweetheart.”

———

Tyler drove you almost an hour away into a small town full of Gilmore Girls-esque house and people.

“I cannot believe you just found this random town,” you marvel.

You’d both been walking around town after a quick brunch at a local diner.

Tyler’s hand kept brushing against yours as you walked, looking at all the shops.

“Yeah,” he tells you. “I’d seen it a few days ago and thought it would be a great place to just walk around with you.”

You glance up at him, a smile already on your lips.

“You’ve been planning this for days?”

Tyler looks down at you, stopping to face you completely. He’s wearing his white cowboy hat, his signature flannel, and jeans paired with boots. He looks normal but different at the same time.

Yet, he’s taking your breath away.

“I have been,” he admits. “I’ve been planning this for longer than then to be honest.”

“How long?” You ask.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Since the first day I met you.”

“That was almost a month ago!” You laugh.

He only shrugs. “I knew what I wanted the moment you scowled at me from the back seat of your truck.”

You laughed, remembering how he had driven next Javi trying to beat you all in getting to a tornado. You remember his eyes on you and your scowl when he winked at you.

“I knew you’d be a tough one to crack after that,” he finishes. “When did you know you liked me?”

You grab his hand in yours, feeling the roughness of the callouses on his palm.

“That night when you came to apologize for stealing the tornado out from under us,” you reply.

Tyler laughs. “Yeah, I guess that must’ve sweetened the sour feelings you had about me.”

“Even more so when you told Scott off for yelling at Javi, Kate, and I,” you admit.

After Tyler stole the tornado from you guys, Scott was a raging mess. Angry that Javi didn’t drive fast enough, Kate for not sending the second one you could’ve gone after, and you for not seeing it on the radar.

Tyler walked right up to Scott, telling him to back off and you could’ve sworn your heart grew four times its size that night.

“Yeah,” he smiles, reminiscing on the argument. “I couldn’t let him talk down to my girl.”

You smile up at him. How could you have gotten so lucky?

“Well, I’m glad you did,” you whisper, watching as something clicks behind Tyler’s eyes.

His eyes search yours before falling to your lips. “Y/N—”

“Yes,” you simply say.

“I didn’t even get to—”

“Tyler just kiss me,” you order.

Tyler chuckles, pulling you into him and lifting you to his level. “Alright, Sweetheart.”

Lips connect with yours, sweet and soft. They move, urging to get to now every inch of them while you allow yourself to relax in Tyler’s arms.

When Tyler’s stubble tickles your nose, sending you into a little fit of giggles, he pulls away.

“What’s so funny?” He asks, still smiling.

“Your stubble tickles,” you laugh.

“I can shave tonight.”

You oil him back into your lips, pecking softly and then pulling him in for a deeper kiss. Only pulling away to smile at him.

“Don’t you dare.”

[cherryxbooo]

You deserve only the best

Summary: Y/n falls for her best friend Carlos, but after he introduces his new lover, she discovers his true intentions. Heartbroken, she tries to move on.

Reader x Carlos Sainz

Genre: fluff/angst

Carlos Sainz had been my best friend for as long as I could remember.

We shared everything, inside jokes, moments of laughter, and a bond that felt unbreakable.

For years, we had been inseparable. Yet, for just as long, I had harbored feelings for him that I had kept hidden.

The truth was, I was in love with him, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him. I was terrified of ruining our friendship, which meant the world to me.

So, I stayed silent, even as my heart would race whenever he would act affectionate toward me, kissing my cheek, calling me pet names like "mi amor" or "querida," or giving me those long, lingering glances that made me believe he might feel the same.

It was complicated, especially when he’d kissed me a few times, nothing too serious, but enough to leave me wondering if something more could come from it.

I wanted to believe that he felt the same, but I was too afraid to make the first move, too afraid of pushing him away.

Then, one fateful day, everything changed.

We were at the paddock during one of his races.

The excitement in the air was palpable, the sound of engines roaring, the buzz of fans, the rush of adrenaline.

It was a typical race day, but something caught my eye that I hadn’t expected to see, Carlos talking to a girl.

A random girl. She was standing next to him, laughing, clearly comfortable in his presence.

I felt a twinge of jealousy course through me as I watched them. I didn’t know who she was, but something about the way they were standing so close made my stomach twist.

I immediately tried to push the feeling aside, but it was impossible. I needed answers.

I couldn’t just ignore it, so I approached Lando, who had become one of my closest friends over time.

I figured he might know who she was.

“Hey, Lando,” I began, trying to sound casual. “Do you know who that girl is? The one with Carlos?”

Lando glanced over, then shrugged. “I have no idea. I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Why? You don’t like her or something?”

I gave a small laugh, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “No, I’m just curious.”

Lando gave me a knowing look but didn’t push further. “You should ask Carlos, though. He’ll tell you.”

I nodded, though my mind was already racing.

I made my way back to the Ferrari garage, trying to shake the knot in my stomach.

I wasn’t ready to confront him, but I had to. I needed answers.

When I got there, Carlos spotted me right away. “Y/N!” he called out, a wide smile lighting up his face.

He waved me over, and I walked toward him, hoping to mask the turmoil inside me.

As soon as I got closer, he introduced the girl who had been standing next to him earlier.

“This is Sofia,” Carlos said, his voice filled with warmth. “My girlfriend.”

The ground seemed to fall out from under me. My heart sank into my stomach, and for a moment, I couldn’t find my breath.

My hands suddenly felt clammy, and I forced myself to smile, though it felt more like a grimace.

“Nice to meet you, Sofia,” I said, my voice steady, even though I felt anything but.

I turned quickly, excusing myself from their presence, and walked away before they could see the hurt that flashed across my face.

I barely made it to the restroom before the tears started falling.

I locked myself in a stall, letting my emotions spill out.

Why had I been so foolish to believe that Carlos could feel the same? I had spent so much time hiding my feelings, convincing myself that he might care for me, but here he was, with a new girlfriend.

But why would he lead me on? Kiss me, hug me, cuddle me, give me pet names?

Was it because I was too naive which made him take advantage of me?

Clearly.

He had never given me any reason to think otherwise, he had always been affectionate, always flirted, but it was all in my head, wasn’t it?

He never saw me as more than a friend. Just as someone to pass time with.

After a few minutes of crying, I wiped my face, took a deep breath, and told myself to stop.

Carlos didn’t deserve my tears. I wasn’t his girlfriend. I had no right to feel like this.

I walked out of the restroom, determined to leave the paddock. I couldn’t bear to stay and watch him with her.

I needed to put myself first.

As I walked toward the exit, I bumped into Lando.

He took one look at my tear-streaked face and immediately pulled me into a hug.

“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I shook my head, unable to speak for a moment. “I can’t do it, Lando. I can’t stay here and watch him with her. It hurts too much.”

Lando pulled back slightly, his eyes soft. “You don’t have to stay. You know you can always come to my garage.”

I smiled weakly at him, grateful for his kindness. “I need some time alone, Lando. But thank you.”

He nodded understandingly. “Take care of yourself, okay?”

I hugged him tightly before walking away.

I knew Lando understood, he was the only one who knew how I felt about Carlos.

Back in my hotel room later that evening, I let myself cry. The tears came without warning, a flood of emotions that I had kept buried for so long.

They were painful, but I needed them. They had been building up for weeks, months, even years because I had been lying to myself.

I had let Carlos get too close to my heart, pretending he was everything I needed, hoping he would eventually realize that we were meant to be together.

I had allowed myself to become wrapped up in his promises, those little gestures that I now realized had only ever been casual flirtations.

The kisses on my cheek that made my heart race.

The way he would hold me close for just a second longer than necessary, as if our closeness was more than just friendship.

I had convinced myself those moments meant something.

But now, all I had was the overwhelming truth that I had been foolish.

Carlos didn’t want me. He had never truly wanted me.

But more than anything, I was angry at myself. How had I let him take up so much space in my life without ever truly giving me what I deserved?

I had spent so much time convincing myself that he would come around, that he would eventually see how perfect we were for each other.

But he had never promised me anything. He never made me a priority.

And when it came down to it, when he found someone else, I was just... nothing.

I was left standing there, heartbroken, all the while wondering if it was somehow my fault.

But as the night dragged on, something shifted within me. The tears slowed, and I wiped my face with the back of my hand.

I looked at myself in the mirror.

I didn’t recognize the girl staring back at me, the one who had let Carlos walk all over her, the one who had been too afraid to face the truth.

It was time to change.

I couldn’t keep doing this. I couldn’t keep holding onto something that wasn’t real.

It wasn’t Carlos who needed to change; it was me. I needed to find my own happiness.

I had been so wrapped up in waiting for Carlos to realize how great we could be together that I had forgotten to love myself first.

The truth was, I had allowed him to use me. I had been there for him when he needed me, while he toyed with my emotions, knowing that he had me hooked.

I had been loyal, caring, and patient, but none of that mattered to him.

It was time for me to stop chasing after a love that had never been meant for me. Carlos didn’t deserve me.

I swallowed hard, the weight of the realization sinking in. I wasn’t perfect, but I had so much to offer.

I deserved someone who would see me, appreciate me, and treat me with the respect I had given him.

I wasn’t going to wait around any longer.

It was time to focus on myself, to heal, and to become the best version of me that I could be.

I was worthy of real love, and I wouldn’t settle for anything less.

Weeks passed, and I slowly started to feel the fog lift.

I spent more time on self-care; going to the gym, reading books I had long ignored, and enjoying the things I loved without the cloud of uncertainty hanging over me.

It wasn’t easy.

Some days were better than others. But I was finally starting to feel like myself again.

I spent a lot of time with my friends, especially Lando.

He had been such a rock for me through everything, and I could never thank him enough for always having my back.

One afternoon, we were having lunch together when he looked at me, his eyes full of concern.

“How are you really holding up?” he asked, his voice soft but insistent.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair.

I had been trying to push everything down, but Lando could see through me.

“Honestly? I’m not doing great. But I’m getting there, Lando. Slowly, but surely.”

He nodded, taking a sip of his drink. “Have you heard from Carlos?”

The question hit me like a punch in the gut.

I tried to act unaffected, but the truth was, I hadn’t heard from him since that day at the paddock.

He hadn’t called, texted, or even checked in on me.

“No. Not since that day. I haven’t heard a word from him,” I said, my voice tight.

Lando frowned, shaking his head. “That’s messed up. He’s been distancing himself, huh?”

I nodded, my chest tightening as I remembered the way Carlos had moved on so easily.

It stung, but I didn’t want to dwell on it anymore.

“He’s got Sofia now. I don’t think he cares about me at all. And honestly? I’m done caring. He made his choice.”

Lando’s face softened, and he reached across the table to give my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“You’re doing so much better, Y/N. I’m proud of you.”

I smiled at him, a small, genuine smile. “Thanks, Lando. It means a lot to me.”

We spent the rest of the lunch talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company.

For the first time in weeks, I felt like I was starting to come back to life.

I had been so consumed by Carlos and his inability to see my worth, but now I realized that I didn’t need him. I was enough on my own.

A month passed, and I was feeling stronger than ever.

I had rediscovered my love for life, for the things that made me happy.

I was no longer sitting around waiting for Carlos to give me the validation I craved.

I was content on my own.

One day, I was supporting Lando at a race, as I always did.

I was walking down the hallway of the paddock when I spotted Carlos talking to Sofia.

They were standing close together, whispering to each other, but as I got closer, I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of their conversation.

They were fighting. Loudly.

I turned the corner and kept walking, but my mind was racing. I didn’t want to get involved in their drama, but it felt strange.

For a second, I wondered if Carlos was starting to see the same thing I had.

Maybe Sofia wasn’t as perfect as he thought she was.

I didn’t care. I didn’t need him to come back to me, I had moved on, or so I thought.

When I got back to McLaren’s garage, I asked Lando,

“Have you heard anything about Carlos and Sofia?”

He shrugged. “I’ve heard they’ve been fighting a lot lately. He’s been acting... different.”

“I think he’s starting to see her true colors.” I said, feeling a strange sense of vindication.

Lando nodded, agreeing with me.

“Could be. But don’t waste your energy on it, Y/N. You’re better off without him.”

I couldn’t help but smile. Lando was right.

I had spent too much of my time focusing on someone who didn’t deserve me. I was finally free.

A week later, I was running late to meet Lando for lunch.

As I rushed through the hallway, I accidentally bumped into someone.

Papers flew everywhere, and I quickly apologized, bending down to help gather them up.

But when I looked up, my breath caught in my throat.

Standing in front of me was a man who was everything I wasn’t expecting.

Tall, dark-haired, wearing a sharp suit that clung to his broad shoulders.

His smile was warm, magnetic.

There was something about him that made me feel instantly at ease, yet also strangely excited.

“It’s alright,” he said, his voice smooth and confident.

“But you’re in a rush, huh?”

I laughed, trying to hide my flustered reaction. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

We finished gathering the papers, and when our eyes met again, there was a spark. It was undeniable.

“You sure you’re not in too much of a rush?” he asked, a teasing smile curling on his lips.

I smiled back, shaking my head. “No, I’m good. Just feeling bad about bumping into you.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Well, the best way to make it up to me is by giving me your number.”

My heart skipped a beat, and for a second, I couldn’t quite process what was happening.

But then I realized... he was serious.

I had been so wrapped up in Carlos’s drama for so long that I had forgotten how to enjoy moments like this.

I had forgotten that there were good people out there who actually valued me for who I was.

I blinked in surprise but couldn’t hide my grin. “Okay. You’ve got my number.”

He chuckled, clearly pleased. “I’m Pablo, by the way. I’ll be in touch.”

I watched him walk away, a rush of excitement swirling in my chest.

Maybe this was what I needed, a fresh start, someone who actually saw me.

As I rushed to meet Lando, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Who was that?” Lando asked, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"His name's Pablo. We bumped into each other, and one thing led to another. He asked for my number."

I said, unable to hide the grin on my face.

Lando raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Look at you, getting a man.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin. “We'll see where this leads."

The next weekend, the excitement was palpable.

I had agreed to go on a date with Pablo after weeks of messages, calls, and a growing connection.

I was ready to experience this new chapter with someone who treated me like I deserved.

The day arrived, and I spent the afternoon getting ready, wanting to look my best.

I carefully picked out a beautiful dress, a deep emerald green that accentuated my curves, with a delicate lace overlay.

It was elegant, but not too flashy.

I wore my hair down, letting it cascade in soft waves, and my makeup was done elegantly, with just a hint of smokey eyeshadow and a natural, rosy lip.

I was almost finished when I heard the sound of the doorbell ring.

My heart skipped a beat.

As I walked to the door, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

When I opened it, I was met with Pablo, standing there with a charming smile, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

"For you, beautiful." His voice was warm, and his eyes gleamed with admiration.

The flowers were soft pastel colors, delicate and fragrant.

I took them from his hands with a smile, feeling my cheeks flush under his gaze.

“Thank you, Pablo. They’re gorgeous.” I felt a wave of appreciation for how thoughtful he was.

He gave a small laugh, eyes twinkling.

“Not as gorgeous as you.” His words made my heart flutter, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Pablo was always so attentive, and there was something incredibly genuine about him.

As we walked toward his car, I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly he carried himself.

He opened the door of a Mercedes AMG for me, a sleek, expensive car that screamed wealth.

It was clear that this man was not just well-off; he was successful.

I knew a thing or two about cars.

Lando, my best friend, was obsessed with them, and wouldn't shut up about them.

He had so many that his garage looked like a car dealership.

The moment I saw the car, I immediately recognized the luxury, and I couldn’t help but feel impressed.

“Wow, this is gorgeous.” I couldn’t help but comment as I got in, still absorbing the interior.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s a little over the top, but sometimes, you just have to enjoy the finer things.”

He chuckled, settling into the driver’s seat. “But tonight’s about you, not the car.”

The ride to the restaurant was filled with pleasant conversation.

We talked about everything, his work, my passions, the places we wanted to visit.

He was thoughtful, but also funny and charming in a way that made me feel completely at ease.

The smooth hum of the engine only added to the calming atmosphere, and before I knew it, we had arrived at a stunning restaurant.

As we entered, the ambiance was just as sophisticated as the car.

Dim lighting, soft music playing in the background, it was the kind of place you came for an unforgettable night.

We were escorted to a private table, and as we sat down, I felt the weight of the evening's beauty surrounding us.

Everything about the night felt magical.

Over dinner, we continued to share stories and laughs.

I learned more about Pablo, his roots in Spain, his work as a CEO, and how he’d built his empire from the ground up.

It was a little ironic, hearing his story.

A Spanish man, an international success, yet here he was, sitting across from me, making me feel like the most important person in the world.

“You know, I can’t believe you’re a CEO,” I laughed, a little taken aback by how humble and down-to-earth he was.

“It’s almost too perfect, don’t you think? Spanish, successful, charming…”

He smiled, a hint of pride in his expression.

“It’s been a journey, but I love what I do.”

Then, his smile softened. “But I’m happier that I get to spend this time with you.”

I blushed, looking down at my plate for a moment, feeling a sense of warmth wash over me.

Pablo wasn’t just charming, he was genuine, and that made him stand out even more.

It felt like I was finally being seen for who I truly was, not just the exterior.

Months passed, and my relationship with Pablo deepened. We spent time together, growing closer with each passing day.

It was clear that he was everything Carlos had never been: supportive, caring, and loving in a way that made me feel truly special.

One evening, after a romantic dinner, as we strolled through the park, he stopped and turned to face me, his eyes filled with sincerity.

“Y/N, I like you a lot,” he said, his voice soft and serious.

“I want to be with you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

My heart swelled with happiness, and without hesitation, I responded,

“Yes, Pablo. I’d love that.”

It was a moment that felt like the beginning of something incredible, and over the months that followed, Pablo continued to prove that he was a man who meant every word he said.

He made me feel loved, respected, and cherished every single day.

Now, it was Friday again. This time, Lando had invited both Pablo and me to his race.

I was excited, Lando had always been a great friend, and it was nice that he and Pablo got along so well.

It made me happy to see the two important men in my life getting along.

Pablo and I were getting ready at the hotel, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy.

I wore a simple but elegant outfit, jeans and a fitted blouse, comfortable yet stylish.

As we walked hand-in-hand to the paddock, my heart was full.

The sound of the crowd, the engines revving, the electric energy in the air, it all felt so alive.

We met up with Lando, and he gave us both a big hug, making us feel welcome in his world.

“Hey, you two! Glad you could make it.” Lando’s smile was infectious.

He and Pablo exchanged pleasantries, and I could see the camaraderie between them.

It made my heart swell, seeing how well they got along.

After chatting with Lando for a while, he had to leave to prepare for the race.

Pablo and I stayed behind, walking around the paddock, taking in the excitement.

But then, Pablo excused himself to use the restroom.

As I stood alone for a moment, I caught a glimpse of Carlos out of the corner of my eye.

My stomach twisted, but it was too late to run.

He spotted me immediately and started walking in my direction.

When he finally reached me, he greeted me with an awkward smile, his usual confidence nowhere to be found.

“Y/N, it’s been a while.”

I raised an eyebrow, my voice cool as I responded, “Has it?”

Carlos could sense the tension.

Carlos’ voice faltered slightly as he spoke, the words tumbling out quickly.

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I should’ve reached out to you sooner.” His eyes met mine, genuine regret flickering in them.

“I miss you. I’ve missed you so much.”

I crossed my arms, trying to keep my composure.

“Carlos, it’s not that simple.” I kept my tone cool, almost distant.

“You didn’t reach out because you didn’t care. You chose not to.”

He took a deep breath, his gaze softening.

“I know… I messed up. I get it now, Y/N. I broke up with Sofia. I’ve realized that you’re the one I love. I was just too stubborn to see it before.”

I couldn’t help but let out a sharp, bitter laugh.

“Carlos, if you really loved me, you wouldn’t have been with her in the first place. You wouldn't have used me for your own pleasure.”

My voice was steady, but the pain was evident. “You don’t get to come back just because you made a mistake.”

His expression hardened, but I could see the vulnerability in his eyes.

“I never meant to hurt you, Y/N. I was confused, and I didn’t know what I wanted. But now, I know. I want you.”

He stepped closer, his voice soft and pleading.

“Please, just give me one more chance.”

The words stung, a mixture of old feelings and fresh wounds reopening.

I shook my head, pushing my emotions down.

“Carlos, I’m not that person anymore. You don’t get to rewrite history.”

My voice remained firm, the hurt too deep to ignore.

“You had your chance, and you chose someone else. I can’t just forget that.”

Carlos didn't expect that he was probably used to me always giving in.

“I didn’t want you anyways,” Carlos sneered, his words biting.

“I would’ve just used you like I did in the past, all the times you were too naive to even acknowledge that. Did you really think I wanted you in the first place?”

My heart stung at his words, but I refused to let him see that.

I could feel the old ache in my chest, the hurt from everything he had put me through, but I wasn’t going to let him win with his manipulation.

I stood tall, my gaze unwavering as I faced him.

“You’re pathetic, Carlos,” I said coldly, my voice steady.

“You never wanted me. You wanted control. And I’m done being your puppet.”

His eyes widened at my comeback, as if he hadn't expected me to stand up for myself.

But I wasn’t that girl anymore, the one who let him play with my emotions, the one who waited for him to change.

“So no, Carlos, I didn’t think you wanted me. Not then, and certainly not now.”

Before he could respond, I felt a familiar hand on my waist, and Pablo appeared, towering above me, his presence protective.

“There was a long line at the bathroom,” Pablo said smoothly, his voice calm but firm.

“Sorry it took so long, mi amor.” He leaned in, kissing my cheek before turning back to Carlos.

Carlos was frozen, staring at Pablo in disbelief.

“Mi amor?” He repeated, clearly stunned by the affection between us.

Pablo didn’t miss a beat. “Yeah, I’m Pablo Lopez. Nice to meet you, Carlos Sainz right? Best of luck with the race.”

His tone was polite, but there was an edge to it, one that made it clear he knew exactly who Carlos was and what had happened between us.

Carlos was speechless, clearly thrown off.

As I turned to walk away with Pablo, I heard Carlos’ voice call out to me, and I couldn’t ignore the familiar tug in my chest.

I stopped and turned slightly, reluctantly facing him again.

He walked toward us with a hesitant expression, clearly unsure of how to approach the situation.

"Y/N..." he began, his voice softer than before.

"Would you... would you want to watch the race from my garage? Like old times? I could really use your support today."

For a moment, I felt the weight of those words.

Old times. The days when I thought we’d always be in each other’s lives. But that wasn’t who I was anymore.

I didn’t owe him anything.

Before I could say anything, I felt Pablo’s arm tighten around me, his presence a strong shield by my side.

He didn’t hesitate for a second as he stepped forward, his tone calm but unwavering.

“No,” Pablo said firmly, his voice carrying the kind of authority that made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

"We’re with Lando today. We’re supporting him from his garage."

His words were a stark contrast to Carlos’ hopeful tone, and I could see Carlos' face falter at the certainty in Pablo’s voice.

Carlos blinked, taken aback by the decisiveness in Pablo’s response. He seemed to pause, trying to process what had just happened.

The realization hit him like a punch in the gut. His eyes flickered between Pablo and me, and I could see the understanding settle in.

He’d messed up, and he had no one to blame but himself.

“We’re going to Lando’s garage,” Pablo added smoothly, a subtle but deliberate edge to his words.

“We’ve already made plans. Best of luck with the race.”

Carlos opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He was speechless.

The look on his face was a mixture of surprise and regret, as if he was finally starting to understand just how much he’d fumbled this entire situation.

I couldn’t help but feel a little satisfaction at seeing him so flustered, but I reminded myself to stay composed.

This was his fault, and the reality of what he had lost was only just beginning to hit him.

“Let’s go, mi amor,”

Pablo said gently, placing his hand on my lower back as he led me away, giving Carlos one last glance that left no room for misunderstanding.

As we began to walk away from Carlos, I felt a surge of relief, but Pablo wasn’t quite finished yet.

He shot a glance back over his shoulder at Carlos, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

The tension in the air was thick, and Pablo, always confident, was going to make sure Carlos knew just how badly he’d messed up.

With a sly tone, Pablo called over his shoulder,

“If you wouldn’t have fumbled this bad, you might’ve had the privilege of having this beauty with you... but guess not.”

Carlos froze, his expression going from shock to something like embarrassment in an instant.

He didn’t even have time to respond before we turned our backs, walking away with our hands firmly clasped together.

I couldn’t help but laugh softly at Pablo’s words. He was never one to hold back, but the way he handled that moment made me feel even more secure in the choice I had made.

As we walked down the hallway, Pablo leaned closer to me, his arm brushing mine, his voice softening.

“I’m just stating facts, mi amor,” he whispered, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I smiled up at him, shaking my head slightly. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“Only for you,” he replied, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

And just like that, the past felt even more distant, as if it never even mattered anymore.

The farther we got from Carlos, the more I could feel the weight lifting off my shoulders.

I was with someone who truly valued me, someone who had proven time and time again that I was more than just an afterthought.

And as we made our way to Lando’s garage, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing I had made the right choice.

As we walked toward the garage, Pablo turned to me with a concerned look. “Are you okay, mi amor?”

I smiled, my heart full from the kindness he showed. “I’m more than okay, because of you.”

He smiled back, pulling me in for a gentle kiss.

“I’ll always be here for you, no matter what."

"You deserve only the best."

"Te quiero, amor.”

Before I could respond, Lando’s voice echoed from behind us, shouting,

“Ewww, get a room!”

We laughed, but I could see the joy in Lando’s face.

He was happy for me, happy that I had finally found someone who made me feel truly loved and valued.

And as Pablo and I walked toward the rest of our evening, hand in hand, I knew without a doubt that I had found my happiness.

The past was behind me. My future was with Pablo.

The end

[dontexpectmuch]

i know how much you guys love this series, so i give you a new part. this one how ever will be;

comments/feedback is highly appreciated! please, im getting desperate :d

Habits Jude Bellingham might develop before you guys get into a relationship!

(a Lost in Madrid drabble!)

it is no secret that jude just loves to talk. he genuinely enjoys it so much to share any and every thought that goes through his mind, no matter how small it might be. he couldn’t tell when it started exactly, but suddenly he found himself on his way to you, a tired student that just wants to finish their work. as soon as he lifts his hand, knocks on your door and enters the room his lips start moving, talking so lively and fast that you need some time to register what is even happening.

“what do you mean ‘m talkin’ your ear off? you literally study literature and shit!” - “it’s more about reading, jude.” you sigh, wishing for any kind of help at this moment.

it is also nothing new for you to receive messages from jude during your quiet evenings when you decide to stay home. jude recently got into sending audio messages, you being his number one victim [forced] friend, whom he shared this new passion with. and most of the times he won’t even say anything important. he’ll just sing a new spanish song he has learned that past week. and he will sing. no matter how terrible it sounds and how much it makes your ears bleed. though, you also always listen to those audios, even though you know what the content will be.

“jude?” opening your door after hearing a desperate knock, you did not think that you would see your [not] friend standing there. he looks tiredly at you, clothes wrinkled and sandals on, “mum wanted me to bring you some cake she baked.” he gives you the tupperware filled with slices of cake, energy low. you feel your shoulders relax as you look up at him, “tell her i love her, please.” he just nods. and even though he always complains to you about how he is not some delivery boy, he can’t help but get excited at the thought of seeing your soft eyes when you receive food his mum made. it makes him feel giddy inside.

he makes you trip purposely whenever you walk in front of him, and then giggles and jogs away to join the others on the field when you send daggers his way with your glare.

he forces you to play two-touch, even though you have told him multiple times already that you cannot play really well. he quite literally forces you to become better, giving you tips while making you pass the ball against the wall back and forth. “i don’t want to do this anymore, jude.” - “well, that’s too damn bad.” his gaze serious as he corrects your form once more. “bitch.” you murmur under your breath, praying for him to just disappear somewhere and leave you alone.

“what?” you ask as you look up from your notes, eyes wide as you watch jude place a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll onto your desk. “i heard that you like sweets, or whatever.” he says, [desperately] wanting to look cool. your heart starts to pick up in speed when you look back and forth between jude and the things he just gave you, warmth spreading through your body. “thanks.”

“watch me.” he smirks at you, who looks quite annoyed tired at him. “i’ll hit this first time.” - “like you did to me on my first day here?” - “dude! i told you not to talk about it anymore, ‘t’s a sensitive topic for me, ‘kay?”

heartfelt conversations between you are not as rare as one might think. whenever jude comes to you to talk your ear off while toi work on your research, you sometimes tell him about your own stuff. that leads to various topics you two discuss, which also results in sharing some intimate thoughts. it makes jude, who usually looks so confident and well put together, look more human, like a 20 year old guy who also learns something new every day.

—————————————

surpriseee! hope you like it!! :)

[xlatrina]

(Pt. II.2) Friends to Lovers HCs w/Homicipher x GN!Reader

Tags: Platonic + Romantic HCs, Friends to Lovers trope for basically every LI, Likely OOC for some LIs*, Mini Scenarios (so HCs are kinda plot-driven), *Multi-Part Series, entirely SFW

Also, changing tenses in some cases + not proofread again... sorry!

*Some of the LIs are likely written OOC (Out Of Character) mainly due to a lack of substantial in-game appearances (at least in my opinion!). 

*Split into multiple parts because I’ve come to realize that these HCs are muuucccchhh too long 😅 BUT!! I’m too lazy to shorten them sooo… YEAH lol

Part I (Big 🙆‍♂️)

Part II (Mr. Chopped 🪓)

Part III (Mr. Crawling 👣)

$$$

Mr. Chopped (First Half/Second Half)

Cont.

Mr. Chopped is the type to get super lost in his stories. So lost that his face often morphs accordingly based on whatever he’s babbling about.

When he tells you about the state of his missing body, you watch his face morph from shock to sadness, to confusion, to an adorable pout, and then to excitement.

When he tries to explain his first few encounters with Mr. Silvair (which were rough, since Mr. Silvair appears to be the one who separated Mr. Chopped from his body in the first place), Mr. Chopped’s face morphs from fear to distrust to shock to joy.

This little man is just so darn expressive!

His feelings for you grow as you open up to him more and more.

You tell him about your experiences at work, and you tell him about an internship you finished some time ago (relative to whenever you ended up trapped in the Apartments).

You then tell him about some of your hobbies.

When you suggest doing one or two with him, he beams up at you with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen on him!

He’s probably blushing so baadddd at the thought of it lol

One-on-one personal time for an even longer period of time than usual???

An activity you enjoy that you choose to only ever share with him and him alone??

Even though he’s just a head and you have literally so many other options who all possess bodies and can get around on their own to at least some extent??!

WHAOXOANALXNDLFLDBAHAGVSBSKCKFLDM

At some point, he convinces you to follow his directions to a particular room. 

When you get there, you find yourself feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Here darkness,” you say. “We together go find light?”

“Is okay,” Mr. Chopped says. “Go that way! Hurry! Fast!”

You listen and approach a small square in the wall.

Briefly, you wonder if Mr. Gap might be in there, but it seems like the hole is empty.

“Enter! Enter!” Mr. Chopped bounces in your grasp excitedly.

You enter the crawl space and pull yourself through.

Soon, the darkness morphs into a faint whitish color.

Your heart jumps at the senses being triggered as you approach.

You finally come across a small hole, and through it, you peer at a sight you haven’t seen in a long time, your mouth agape as Mr. Chopped watches you excitedly.

The sound of clicking on stones draws your eyes to the heeled shoes strutting back and forth past the hole.

There’s the sound of chatter, laughter, shouting, horns, music…

Something smells good. Sooooo good…

Fresh food. Something’s being grilled…

Damn! Your mouth is starting to water!

“This place where?” You ask, pressing Mr. Chopped closer to your face. It was a super small space, after all.

“This place go to other area! Not know where area is, but if possible, me want to go!” Mr. Chopped grins at you, and you can’t help grinning back.

“Wow…” you say. “This is so cool. I wonder if those people will notice me if I reach out to them, though?”

Mentally, you waved the thought away just as quickly as you thought it.

After all, you promised your friends here some weeks ago that you’d stay. And while you could certainly always change your mind, well…

At the moment, you don’t really have a desire to leave.

“I’m happy you decided to share this with me, Mr. Chopped.” You smile sweetly at him.

“What you say? You happy?” He asks. You giggle at him.

“Am happy together we come here. Am grateful you bring me here. Am lots happy!” You say.

Mr. Chopped's face grows into a deep purplish color.

Mr. Chopped lets out a happy sound, his eyes pressing up into a cute squint.

“You happy!! Me lots happy to see you happy!! This place here for you and me now. We come together here now! You understand??” Mr. Chopped asks.

You giggle, and say “Okay, me understand now.”

…

I think I got carried away there LMAO

Anyway, I feel like with all of that being said, after hanging around you for a while and developing a mutual crush, there will eventually come a time when Mr. Chopped gets tired of this long period of unknowing…

Like, you two are OBVIOUSLY super close to each other —much closer than either of you are to anybody else there!

Y’all are at a point where y'all hesitate to even call each other friends!!

And to be so real with you, my guy…

Mr. Chopped has just straight up stopped calling you his friend!!

And it’s kinda awkward for others…

Cuz like… what exactly are you two???

At some point, Mr. Chopped will probably more or less ask you.

“You enjoy me, and me enjoy you. But together we not friends. You and me together what??”

Because you didn’t immediately answer in like 0.02 seconds, he immediately became fussy and demanded to be taken to Mr. Silvair.

And once you take him there, Mr. Chopped dismisses you, so… yeah…

A few days pass and you start to really miss Mr. Chopped.

I mean, he can’t possibly be that mad, right?? What even happened back then anyway to get him so mad in the first place??

You decide to go see him.

You don’t plan on apologizing because, like… what exactly would you be apologizing for??

But!! You want to get to the bottom of your sudden dismissal that day!!

And if come to find out you did offend him somehow, then you’ll apologize—because it most certainly wasn’t your intention.

Anyway, he wasn’t hard to find, thankfully. He was chilling in the lounge next to the infirmary room, which means Mr. Silvair was likely in the operating room doing… Silvair things in there.

He’s nodding off, going in and out of sleep.

It’s literally soooo adorable to look at.

But you’re here on a mission, so no getting distracted!!

Anywho, you startle Mr. Chopped, and he fusses at you accordingly.

But you cut to the chase, demanding to know why he was so upset the other day and dismissed you like that.

He pouts and says something like, “Me give question, and you not answer!” 

Suddenly, he smiles at you. “But is okay, I give answer for you!!”

“Huh?? What you mean?” You ask.

Joyfully, he responds, “You and me together now! You understand?”

OH WOW.

Erm…

Well.

You now have a boyfriend, and that’s just what it is. 

But hey!!

At least your boyfriend is super cute!! And fun!! And connected to a pretty smart, innovative guy like Silvair!

And!! Mr. Chopped absolutely adores EVERYTHING about you!!

You and Silvair are the closest people to him.

But, between you and him…

You’re obviously a little more special to him than Mr. Silvair!

[Part I (Mr. Big 🙆‍♂️) | Part II (Mr. Chopped 🪓, First Half/Second Half), Part III (Mr. Crawling 👣)]

[writerscall]

Enemies to lovers with spider hazel

author's note/s: 3.6k words. spider!hazel and fellow superhero/vigilante!reader, more of a one-sided annoyances to lovers, really. think kind of supergirl-esque for reader's powers (at least in the flying and strength aspect) and to help visualize reader's mask, click here for reference.

“So that’s, what, five bad guys down for me this week now and three for you? Maybe I’ll sit back and relax tomorrow so you can catch up.”

You can’t see the face behind that mask but you’re sure there’s a shit-eating grin on it. You roll your eyes at the quip. “Oh, fuck off. It’s not a competition.”

Not that that ever changed how annoyed you got whenever the tally was higher in her favor, though. But the webslinger’s count wasn’t what really got you riled up; wasn’t even how smug she could get about it. It was the way she executed the crime fighting skills that you assumed she was learning and making up as she went. Spiderwoman was messy and, ironically, uncoordinated half the time, but the worst part was that she drew too much attention.

You knew attracting the attention of the police and the papers was inevitable, but at least you had the good sense to not make a whole show of being a vigilante. Spiderwoman, on the other hand, just loved to stay and chat.

“Hey, come on, don’t be like that. You know I’m just messing around.” There’s a drop in her tone, clearly making an attempt to ease the tension. “You’re a lot faster than I am with rounding up criminals, so you get extra points for that.”

At that, you allow yourself to smile the tiniest bit. She can’t see it behind your own mask but if she was as observant as she claimed to be, she might see however little of it reached your eyes.

She clears her throat, bringing a hand to scratch at the back of her neck as she says, “So uh, I know it’s getting late and all, but I’ve got my backpack stashed somewhere not far from here and my lunch sandwich is still intact. It’s a pretty big one so you know, if you wanted a post-crime fighting snack…” 

It’s a harmless, friendly gesture so you hold back a scoff and snide comment. You get it — the business you were in was best done alone but it could get lonely after doing it for some time. Besides, masked heroes like the two of you wore masks for a reason: nobody could know who they were, and even fellow vigilantes weren’t an exception to the rule. But you supposed it would be nice to have a friend with the shared experiences.

Just… maybe not her. Or just maybe not yet. This wasn’t like making friends in school, after all.

“Not hungry,” you tell her shortly before lifting yourself off the ground, signaling that your conversation was over and you were leaving.

You hear her say something as you take off, but you can’t be bothered to look back.

Despite it being the last day of the week, you found Fridays particularly hard to get through. Mostly because you were itching for the weekend to come but because the bad guys in the city always seemed to act up during that day. The feeling in your stomach about what your evening patrol might turn out like was a mixture of both fear and excitement, but you tried your best to push it down for the time being. It was only the second period.

“You and Miss Callahan, partners,” your teacher says with a tap to your table as she strides by, listing off other pairs. You look over to Hazel who apparently is already looking at you, her eyes wide with… shock? A hint of nervousness in them too.

Weird. You were sort-of friends through the cheerleaders she was surprisingly close with, Isabel and Brittany, but you’ve never really spoken much to each other. Maybe she was worried you guys wouldn’t click without the other girls around.

You cast her a smile as she gets nearer, sliding the worksheet to the midpoint of the table. “The total number of questions is an even number, 12, so we can each get a half. But we can help each other too, of course.”

Hazel mutters something that sounds like an ‘okay,’ but she mumbles something else under her breath that you can’t quite make out.

Overall, the class goes fine. The osmosis experiment wasn’t too hard to do and the questions were manageable. It was just how Hazel acted throughout the whole hour that threw you off a little. You knew she could be as awkward as she could get excited, and sometimes she talked too much and didn’t pick up on social cues easily, but the whole time she just seemed… uncomfortable, if that was the right word. Like she really wanted to say something or do something but she couldn’t for whatever reason.

Once you’re both done cleaning up, she wastes no time in removing her laboratory coat and shoving it into her bag, but you don’t want to let her get away that easily. Gently, you place a hand on her forearm to stop her. “Hey, Hazel?”

She pauses, eyeing your hand for a second too long before looking at you. Properly looking at you. She could barely do it throughout the experiment.

“I just wanted to ask if everything’s okay?” You bring your hand back and begin to slip off your own coat. “It could be none of my business, so feel free to tell me off if you want, but you just seem a bit out of it.”

Hazel opens her mouth to speak, but her gaze quickly moves from your face to something beside you. Rather, on you; your shirt was pulled to the side while taking off the coat and it exposed the bruise at the juncture of your shoulder and collarbone. Shit.

“Oh, that’s— don’t worry about that. I just tripped and fell hard in P.E. the other day,” you say with a dismissive wave of your hand, pulling your shirt back in place. God, you hoped nothing in your voice or face was giving you away. You doubt her first assumption would be that you were one of the masked vigilantes featured on the news, but she couldn’t be thinking of anything good either if she didn’t buy your excuse.

And she didn’t. “That doesn’t look too good,” Hazel says with a frown.

“It’s fine—”

“Come with me to the locker room? I’ve got something that can probably help with that. I mean, it’s not in the locker room, it’s in my actual locker and I’ll have to go get it from there first before going to the benches, but uh… um, yeah. I-I’ve got something.”

Her ramble ends with a sigh and you can’t help but smile at how she stumbled out all those words. Funny how you were the one all concerned about her just a minute ago and now the tables were turned. You didn’t want anybody seeing your cuts and bruises, or at least didn’t want anybody asking about them, but you didn’t get to ice the one she saw just yet. You’d take whatever ointment or cream she might have stashed away in her locker if it would help.

So you nod your head and walk with her towards the door. “Alright, yeah. I’m sure you know a thing or two about treating bruises, what with all that fighting you do.”

You almost bump into her when she stops and whips her head at you sharply, that wide-eyed look back on her face. What was with her today?

“Your fight club? With Isabel and Brittany and all those other girls?”

Hazel visibly deflates and lets out a half nervous, half relieved-sounding noise at that. “Yeah, yeah! Always gotta be prepared.”

You say nothing in return and follow along to her locker, deciding not to overthink it. Hazel could just be a little odd and there was nothing wrong with that.

“Ah—”

“Sorry, sorry,” she says, being even more careful than earlier with moving your shirt and bra strap to the side to expose the bruise more.

“It’s okay, just… I think it would be easier if I took my top off for this?”

Hazel actually makes a sound when she gulps. You’re quick to add, “Only if you’re comfortable with that, no pressure at all. It’s just that the bruise kinda trails off to the back too, so…”

“Yeah, no, it’s fine. Whatever you’re more comfortable with. I’ll just…” she trails off, turning away so you can take your shirt off.

“Haze, you don’t have to do that,” you say with a chuckle. But it was instinct as it was for everyone when somebody was changing in their presence, and you knew there was an extra kick to it now for her.

Brittany and Isabel were always just poking fun, but you knew they teased Hazel about you sometimes. Both girls even asked you about your possible interest in her more than once. Hazel was cute and you did want to get to know her more, especially see how she was in that fight club because they always said she was different in that element. But considering your own after-school activities, dating was just out of the question.

Silently, Hazel turns back, cap off the tub of gel in her waiting hands. It was obvious that she was trying very hard to look nowhere else but your face and the area of the bruise, so you reach out and smile at her reassuringly. “Nothing to worry about. I know you’ve seen boobs before.”

“Well, not your boobs.”

She says it so casually that you’re both taken aback, but you just laugh. Thankfully, Hazel laughs along with you too.

You lean against the sink and she comes closer, stopping once her knees knock against yours. “Tell me if I’m pressing hard, okay?”

You smile at her again, softer this time. “Okay.”

It’s comfortably silent as she applies the gel on your bruise. High in vitamin C, she tells you at some point, cause it apparently helps bruises heal faster. Hopefully you didn’t get hit there again tonight so you could actually see if the science behind the gel worked or not.

When you turn around so she can work on the bruise’s extension on your back, you say, “That gel looks like it’s barely used. Do you have a stock of those at your fight club or do you guys just tough it out when someone gets a hit in?”

“This is my personal one, but most of us prefer to use the traditional ice packs. And unlike the rest of them, I heal pretty quickly.” Hazel smiles at your reflection in the mirror and you immediately smile back. You didn’t think it was possible for her to ever have a hint of cockiness in her tone. You kind of liked it.

“Like a regular superhero then, huh?”

She looks away, her smile dropping slightly. “Nothing like that. Um, you’re all good now.”

Hazel reaches for your shirt before you can even ask her to. You thank her with another smile and she moves away so you can put it back on.

As you walk alongside her to the exit, you stop her for a moment before pushing the doors open. “Thank you again. I’m pretty sure the gel is working already.”

Her gaze falls to the ground and once again she’s all fidgety and bashful. You hesitate for a second, but before you can talk yourself out of it, you lean forward to kiss her on the cheek. Just a light, friendly peck, even though ‘friendly’ might’ve been teetering over the edge at that point. Something shifted and you weren’t so sure you’d just laugh it off the next time Brittany or Isabel asked you about Hazel again.

You walk out of the locker room together, shyly glancing and smiling at one another until you have to part ways for your next classes.

Christ on a cross, you were really fucking tired. The city had been quiet since you started surveying it at around five o’clock and you were highly considering calling it a day at around half past seven, leave whatever happened in the later hours to the other crime fighters your city had one too many of. Hell, even to whatever cops who might be able to do their job properly for a change.

But a trio of snatchers caught your eye as soon as the thought occurred to you. So much for an earlier end to the week.

And you had them subdued with ease. Two of them were clearly new to the life of crime or just greatly inexperienced, and the other one was yelling at them half the time. Despite your skill and inhuman qualities, however, they were all relatively bigger than you so knocking them all out still took some time. You were two down with one to go when you heard a thwipping sound by your ear, and in the next split second, the snatcher was webbed to the wall.

Then you heard that voice. “Looked like you needed a hand.”

You look over your shoulder, groaning. “I didn’t, actually.”

“Well, I wanted to help you anyway. You’re welcome!”

“I’m not thanking you!”

The blare of police sirens comes not long after and you and Spiderwoman flee the scene before any of the cars come to a stop. Flying got you ahead of her since she relied on buildings to swing off from, but she caught up to you in no time. In just a few minutes, you were both back on the rooftop you left her at earlier in the week.

“You know, you’re right for making sure to never have to talk to the cops after putting the bad guys down. I should do that more. Those people really don’t like us.”

“I think you just talk a little too much for their liking.”

It’s not meant to be funny, but she laughs at you anyway. You might’ve put your guard down and decided to not be so irritated if it weren’t for the throbbing pain near your shoulder. You were sure the bruise there got bigger and worse after one of the snatchers got a good punch in that area.

“Yeah, well, I’m calling it a night. The city’s been quiet enough except for that one incident today, so I’m going home.” You sigh, moving to walk past her. “You should, too.”

“Hold on, I…”

You stop, waiting like she asked. If she was gonna ask you to hang out and share a sandwich again, she still wasn’t getting the answer she wanted.

She’s in a silent debate with herself for too long and you really, really wanted to go, so you say goodbye and start walking again. But just as you come shoulder to shoulder with her, she reaches out to touch yours and you wince back in pain. It just had to be the bruised one.

“Oh god, sorry.” She says as she takes her hand away. “Are you okay?”

“Obviously not, but I’ll be fine the next time we unfortunately cross paths again.”

“Wait, I just—”

“Look, Spidey, I really don’t have time—”

“Just take the tub of gel home then, if you don’t want me to take a look at it.”

What the hell was she talking about?

Then it hits you, and you freeze in place even before she says your name. Your actual name, written on your birth certificate and school records, written on that worksheet you shared just a couple of hours before.

Slowly, she begins to take off her mask. You almost want to tell her to stop but that wouldn’t change anything. Even if she didn’t show you her face now, you’d see it in two days time on Monday. Maybe even earlier if you happened to bump into her on the weekend.

Your greatest annoyance was the same person you thought you might’ve been developing a bit of a crush on earlier. You could not deal with any of that right now.

So you don’t.

“I know you’re probably freaked out by now, but I promise I haven’t—”

“I need to go.”

A crease forms between her brows. She starts to say something again but you’re quick to cut her off. “I need to go, okay? Just leave me alone.”

Hazel lets out a resigned sigh, looking to the floor as she nods. You fly faster than you ever have to get back home.

Your luck doesn’t get any better over the weekend when you get a fever on Sunday evening, making you miss class for the next three days. A paracetamol usually did the trick after a day, but the fatigue and exhaustion of your secret life was probably getting to you, too. But even with the ugly feeling of a fever, it was actually really nice to just stay in bed and drink soup for a change. It feels like you haven’t properly rested in weeks.

Your mind, however, was still restless. You tried not to look at the news too much in case there was some criminal that got away and it would just make you feel awful for not being able to catch them. But you tried even harder not to message Hazel to talk.

“Hey kiddo, your friend from school is here. Says she has the notes and homework you’ve missed since Monday.” Your dad pops his head in as he speaks. You can’t see who’s behind him, but it was probably Isabel. She’s been checking in on you constantly.

“Yeah, just let Isabel in, dad.”

“Not Isabel,” says a different voice as the door shuts behind her. Speak of the devil. “But I do have Isabel’s notes because they’re way neater than mine,” Hazel adds, a sheepish look on her face.

You don’t say anything as you watch her cross the room, shrugging off her backpack and gently placing it on the seat by your study table. Then she turns to you, and you’re surprised to see the tears welling up in her eyes. “Hazel, what—”

“Sorry, I’m sorry, it’s just…” She shakes her head, angrily rubbing at her eyes. “I thought something really bad happened to you.”

“It was just a fever,” you tell her as you sit up straighter against your headboard.

“You know what I mean.”

You did. You reach out and pat the space beside you on the bed. “Come on, come here.”

Hazel does as she’s asked. Her gaze was focused on your carpet but you could see that her eyes weren’t glistening with unshed tears anymore, although they were rimmed red. “I’m fine, I promise. The fever’s gone now and I’ve been cleared to go back to school tomorrow.”

She nods but she’s still not looking at you, so you take one of her hands in between both of yours in an attempt to make her. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted on Friday night. I just didn’t know what to say and it was… it was a lot to take in at the moment. I was so sure that nobody knew who I was. I panicked.”

“I haven’t told anyone, I swear.” Hazel looks at you then, holding your gaze like her life depended on it. “I know I talk too much but I would never do that to you. Never.”

You can’t tell if she’s quoting you from your last conversation or not on that last part, but you believe her. “I know. I’d never tell anyone about you either, Hazel.”

She looks down at your hands when you rub your thumb across the side of hers and, after a moment, she laces her fingers with yours. There was a burst of warmth in your chest and you could tell there was one in Hazel’s too. So much for your one rule of not dating anyone because of the dangerous part of your life.

Not that you thought the two of you were dating, though.

“So… now what?”

“Well, life goes on as it did before, I guess.” You scoot closer to her, smiling as you add, “But I guess we can hold hands every now and then, if you like.”

“Oh, I like. I very much like,” Hazel replies enthusiastically, a matching smile on her face. She holds on to your hand tighter. “Can I kiss you every now and then too?”

“You haven’t kissed me yet.”

But that’s changed in a heartbeat, both of you leaning forward at the same time. You tug her closer, unlacing your hands so you can bury one in her hair as the other holds on to the side of her face. Hazel kisses you slowly, but there was an urgency to it as well; like something could happen the next day that would ensure she would never be able to do it again — but all things considered, that was an unfortunate thing that very well could happen. You kiss her back just the same, savoring the moment and praying to every god out there that your mom or dad wouldn’t come barging in any time soon.

She pushes you down onto the bed and pulls away with a grin, planting kisses across your cheek and down to your neck. You hold back from verbally reacting to that and the feeling of her hands on your hips, her thumbs gently caressing the skin there. It takes too much energy for you to manage to say, “Hazel, Haze… my parents are home.”

Hazel brings her face back up to yours. Instead of looking disappointed, she just looks pleased. “I know, sorry. Got carried away — I have been fantasizing about this for a while now, though, so cut me a little slack.”

You giggle out an ‘okay’, tucking her hair behind her ears. “Also, if there’s any of that fever bacteria still in me, I apologize in advance if you get sick in a day or two.”

“Don’t even worry about me,” Hazel says with a shake of her head, leaning down to kiss you soundly once more. “I heal fast.”

[icysnails]

I just learned that Welt is likely 6'3 and as a small individual I'm slightly terrified but also... Ugh the thought of him leaning down for a kiss has me so whipped... Any ideas for that my friend? 👀

Hello!! A little while ago I was looking over the heights for Honkai characters and I realized that Welt and like half of the Hoyoverse men are all so tall it's unbelievable (╥﹏╥)

I’m also a small individual so I always imagine Welt bending down for pretty much any kind of kisses/hugs- Welt seems so sweet and I feel he would be extra sweet about this (˵ •̀ ᴗ •́ ˵ ) ✧ 

I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a fabulous day!!

Welt Kissing a Short!Reader 

Warnings: Kissing, height difference/reader is shorter than welt

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Welt x gn!reader

Word count: 800

Welt is the oldest resident of the Astral Express and is also the calmest of the other members. He acts as a mediator between his friends, often lending Himeko and Pom Pom a hand when managing the express and making sure Dan Heng gets a break from March’s excitement. He’s a deeply respectful man who holds the people he cares about close to his heart and wants everyone to stay safe and content above all else. He cherishes you, and his main priority has become your protection and happiness. 

So, he wouldn’t be much of a tease when it comes to your height. Welt loves every part of you and he wouldn’t want to make fun of you for anything, even if you explicitly said you were fine with it. He doesn’t make a point of bringing it up or rubbing the height difference in your face, beyond casually mentioning it in conversation if the situation calls for it. He also knows that he is incredibly tall himself, and that pretty much everyone is small compared to him. That doesn’t mean he fully ignores it though- secretly, he thinks your height difference is adorable. 

His height and strength grant him the ability to scoop you up in his arms to hug you or carry you wherever you need to go. He does this more often than one might think, but you don’t mind. But above all else, he loves kissing you. To him, it’s like a promise of love and protection, and the look in his eyes shows that he’d give you the entire universe if you asked for it. It may sound old fashioned, but there’s just something extra romantic about it for him, something that leaves him with flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, and a pounding heart. 

Often, these kisses take place on the express or away from other people. But if you want one when you’re out on a mission, he’ll get more flushed and decomposed than usual, but will still happily oblige. In truth, he's just happy that he gets to kiss you at all since you’re undoubtedly his favorite person in the entire galaxy.

Welt can’t keep his eyes off you.

He's been trying to focus on stargazing out of the Express’ expansive windows, but even the stars couldn’t stop his mind from wandering back to you.

It doesn’t help that you’re standing next to him, marveling at the luminary masterpieces that dot the void of the galaxy, entirely unaware of his staring. Your eyes are full of light and hope, lips parted slightly as the light of the stars reflects in your irises. Welt’s heart swells at the sight- it always does whenever he sees you happy. A loving smile blooms on his lips as takes a small step closer to you, discreetly taking your hand in his. 

His fingers gently lace with your own and the warmth of his skin envelops your palm. Your attention on the vast constellations is broken then, and your awestruck gaze meets his. You return his smile and squeeze his hand comfortingly, heat rising up your neck from how gently he’s looking at you. He cups the side of your face, a deep chuckle vibrating through his chest as he bends over slightly so he’s level with your eyes. He leans in and captures your lips with his, cradling the back of your head to pull you closer, hands light and careful on your body as if you’re made of porcelain. 

His eyes remain dazed and half-lidded while yours flutter shut, neck straining slightly as you tilt your head to deepen the kiss. When you break away, Welt smiles, his cheeks heated and red as you open your eyes and gaze lovingly at him. He pulls you against him affectionately, turning back to look at the stars. You close your eyes again out of comfort as his hand rests on your waist, wrapping your arms around his torso and leaning into him in response. He leans down again to press a kiss to the top of your head, palm soothingly running up and down your side. 

No, Welt doesn’t mind leaning down at all, not if it means he gets to kiss you. Your touch means more to him than the blessings of any Aeon, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do to feel your lips on his once more. When you’re on missions and apart for long periods of time, Welt wallows in the memories of your kisses, desperately wanting to bend over and pull you close and crash his lips onto yours, even if he knows it’s impossible due to your absence.

He knows you’ll come back though, you always do. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. 

And when you do, he knows he’ll have the chance to kiss you, making his heart and soul feel complete again.

[liseytopia]

WORTH IT — ⊹₊⟡⋆ pt. i

SYNOPSIS — useless arguments lead to regretted decisions. maybe you should watch your mouth next time, or maybe he needs to learn when to stop.

PAIRING — jake webber x fem!reader

CONTAINS — pt. i is literally all angst. jake is worried about reader

WARNINGS — lots of cursing, drinking, incorrect behavior, arguing, not proofread

DEAR READER — this is my early christmas gift to yall, u deserve it w my lack of posting!! i'll try my hardest to release pt. ii soon without procrastination (sigh)

WORD COUNT — 1.8k

you stood on the side of the city street, rain pouring down like bullets from the sky as you tried to shield yourself under the awning of a building and collect your thoiughts.

standing there, alone and soaking wet, all that you could think of was:

how the hell did i get here?

⊹₊⟡⋆

you and jake weren't typically the kind to get into heated arguments, you both normally kept your cool and tried to resolve any issues as calmly as possible.

most of the time.

your night had started off on a perfect note, tara had thrown a party as per usual, and as her best friends, you and jake were invited. it was a typical tara yummy party, you were getting drunk and dancing with your girlfriends in your skimpy silk dress—a new one that hugged your curves perfectly, one you were especially excited to show off—and your heels while jake was avoiding getting hammered so that you both had a way home.

there really wasn't anything unusual about the party or your actions at the event. maybe it was that jake was feeling a bit overwhelmed, or you might have been just a bit extra, but things escalated quickly no matter when you started downing shots like water after you'd already gotten pretty tipsy.

"babe, calm down a bit." jake laid a hand over yours, which was slamming down yet another empty shot glass.

"'m fine! don' worry about me," you replied, though you didn't sound exactly 'fine' when you were slurring your words like that.

jake stopped you before you could walk away with a firm hand on your shoulder. "hey, you just come to me whenever you wanna head out, yeah?" he stated, giving you a serious look. the last thing he ever wanted was you getting into something you shouldn't, and he was ready to leave any time now anyway. the party wasn't necessarily knocking him out of the park.

you nodded, kissing him quickly on the cheek. "okay, baby. love you," you giggled before walking off to find your friends again.

⊹₊⟡⋆

two drinks ended up leading to three, and three led to four, and then jake was starting to get a little worried.

"think you're ready to head out now?" he suggested carefully, placing a hand on the small of your back. you turned around to face him with furrowed eyebrows.

"why are y' being so pushy? damn," you scoffed, prompting your friends around you to laugh. jake, however, didn't find it very amusing.

"haha, very funny. now grab your purse, we're leaving," he stated abruptly.

you didn't want to leave. you were having fun and it was a friday night, you had no plans for tomorrow and you wanted to stay as long as you'd like.

"no."

"what do you mean, 'no'?" jake echoed, his own brows creasing his forehead.

"i mean no, jake. i'm not leavin'," you repeated, putting a hand on your hip as the loud party music covered your speech.

he grabbed a handful of your dress at your hip and tugged you toward him, his gaze sharp and cold as ice as his eyes flickered between yours. "yes you are, whether you like it or not."

you quickly ripped yourself out of his grasp, looking him up and down. "what is your problem?! can a girl not have any fun, for fuck's sake?" you retorted. the friends that were around you were now off somewhere else, leaving you and jake isolated.

he definitely seemed taken aback by that one. "what the hell is your problem, lady? i'm trying to do you some good and you're treating me like i'm pointless."

"well, maybe you are."

the look on jake's face said it all. no amount of 'i'm sorry's would fix that—that sad, broken look. the look that children express when they're told that santa claus isn't real. that look where he might've been on the verge of tears, but he's stronger than that, and he's better than that. ..right?

"no— babe, i'm sorry, i didn't mean it like that–" you tried to recover from your previous assertion, but it was no use.

"then what did you mean?" he asked, but before you had a chance to reply, he hit you with another sentence. "please, just grab your things. i wanna go home."

there it was. that's why he was nagging all this time. he just wanted to go home. why didn't he just say so—and why didn't you think to realize? perhaps it was the alcohol on your brain. maybe that's why he didn't want you drinking so much.

with a sigh and a heavy heart, you collected your belongings and parted with your friends, jogging to the exit where he was leaning against the wall outside, smoking a cigarette and waiting for you. it was raining out—fairly lightly, so you didn't really mind.

"ready," you said, looking up at him. it hurt you to see him still looking like that. jake simply flicked the cigarette onto the wet ground and stomped it out, walking straight to his car without saying a word or even looking at you. it hurt to be on the other end of such ignorance.

jake opened the driver's side door and got in, shutting it behind him as you stood outside your side. he normally opened the door for you and did a little bow like a gentleman, giggling with you.

damn, you fucked up this time.

you sighed and got in, setting your purse down next to you as jake started the car. the first part of the drive was silent besides the patter of the rain falling on the roof, and it was driving you nearly mad, so you decided to speak up.

"why are you being so quiet?"

"why do you think?" he snapped.

you inhaled as a preparation to continue. "you know i didn't mean—"

"you always don't mean, y/n. and then it always slides, but you never know what it's like to be treated the way you treat me. and i'm sure that i'm not the only one who takes the beating of your bullshit all the fucking time."

ouch.

"seriously, jake? i'm nothing but nice to you and everyone else, constantly! maybe it's you that's the issue," you countered.

jake stepped a little harder on the gas, pushing the speed limit. you couldn't help but grip the door in potential fear.

"maybe i'm the issue because you're always throwing all of yours at me and expecting me to handle it like i'm a miracle worker or something.." he mumbled under his breath, the speed of his car down the city streets rapidly increasing.

you gripped the door a little harder. he knew damn well you hated when he did this.

"jake, slow down."

no reply. just faster. and faster. and—

the loud blaring of the horn of a car coming in through the intersection—of which he almost subconsciously ran straight into—knocked him right out of his trance. he groaned and pulled over to the side of the road. now it was silence again, silence and the sound of the rain—the rain that was now coating all of downtown los angeles in a heavy flood.

you'd finally let go of the door a few seconds after jake pulled over, turning to look at him in disbelief. you were still a bit shaken up, but who wouldn't be? you almost just saw your life flash before your eyes.

"what the fuck was that for?" you exclaimed, trying to calm the nerves that he caused.

jake mumbled something incoherent under his breath before speaking up again. "you've been a pain in the ass all night, and i've tried to be nice and deal with your shit, but at this point i'm tired, y/n. so fucking tired."

you swallowed hard, looking out the window at the heavy rain instead of facing jake's expression. you hadn't seen it, but you were sure you knew exactly what it looked like. and it wasn't pleasant.

"are you gonna say sorry?" he growled. what kind of a question was that?

"what do i have to apologize for? i'm not saying sorry for shit," you replied, mocking his tone.

"oh, babe, i have plenty of reasons why you should apologize." jake turned his head to look at you fully. you didn't know if he was aware of it or not, but that look was intimidating. "you know what i'm talking about."

you did know what he was talking about. a friend dared you to do something dumb at the party and you ended up getting someone hurt, but that wasn't really your fault.. right?

"i'm not saying sorry. you're acting weird and being a dick and blaming it all on me. you think you deserve an apology for being a piece of shit?"

jake's hands gripped the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles tinted white. he gritted his teeth, looking out the window, into the cascade of rain forming a misty atmosphere around the car, and then back to you, throwing a sharp glare your way.

he stayed silent for a long moment, as if debating his choices. he could either sit here and drive home with you, deal with your bitching all the way home until it drove him batshit insane, or—

"get out."

your eyes widened and your breath hitched in your throat. he wasn't serious. he couldn't be.

"jake, i'm not—"

"now."

you froze. what else could you do? he wasn't leaving much room for protest. jake scanned up and down your figure; your pretty, short dress, heels and purse. that was it. and that was no shield for the downpour just outside.

"how am i supposed to get home?" your voice was softer this time. fragile, like if you said one wrong thing, it would all fall apart into ruins.

"you have options. call tara. she'll pick you up."

despite jake's suggestion, his tone was stone cold and jagged, not letting a single crack break into the wall he built up between you and him.

you sighed and grabbed your purse, clutching it against your side with a similar tight fist to jake's as you clicked the door open.

you stepped out onto the curb, puddles at your heeled feet and your form getting instantly soaked by the rain. your dress clung to your skin in a way that jake would've normally found sexy, but in this state, it was just agonizing. the hair you had beautifully curled earlier in the night was dragged straight down by the heavy water residing in it.

"i hope it was fucking worth it," you snapped. with one last look into jake's eyes, which were quickly softening with regret, you slammed the door shut and strutted down the city corridor to find somewhere to cover yourself while you found a different way back home.

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[jasntodds]

Penance [1]

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader

Words: 7,340

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, angst, mentions of death, mentions of injuries, a little blood, a little bit of violence

Summary: ❝Thesus: Stop. Give me your hand. I am your friend. Herakles: I fear to stain your clothes with blood. Thesus: Stain them. I don’t care.❞

It’s been a month and a half since Crane’s reign of terror was stopped, leaving Gotham to finally return to normal. But, what is normal? After everything Jason and you have been through, it seems normal might be some unobtainable dream state. But that’s not going to stop either of you from trying and maybe, you’ll get lucky in the end. At the end of it, the two of you have suffered enough, right?

Right?

A/N: It's finally the last book!! I'm honestly so excited lol You don't have to read the previous books to read this one but if you want context, feel free to ask!! You can add yourself to the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary  and turn on notifications if you prefer that!! I love feedback, I swear it keeps me posting on a weekly basis 😭

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Everything is different. Somehow, everything has changed so much over the last month and a half everything that happened before almost feels like some sort of sick fever dream. It's all very real and all of it happened but everything is different today. At least, to Jason it feels different.

Gotham itself is pretty much the same. Bruce has been back and doing his whole Batman thing. The only difference is he doesn't have a Robin now but his methods remain the same, it's the same routine for him, same big bads. It's the same for him. The businesses that were boarded up during Crane's reign are up and running, everything looking to be the same just as it was before. The air around the city is still smoggy and the rain is still cold and wet. The streets sound the same just as they always did and the gargoyle keeps Jason company just as it did before. So much is the same but he feels like everything is different.

Instead of him and Bruce butting heads over him being Robin, they're butting heads over his methods. Bruce has no issue with Red Hood but he does have a problem with the killing part of it. And Jason won't budge. He swears he's not bitter about what happened but he is firm in his belief that change needs to happen. It stops with him and Bruce can either fight him or get on board. They are trying to come to some sort of agreement which is significantly better than how it would have went before. Bruce keeps the Robin suit in the case. He won't tell Jason why.

Their relationship is different now. Jason thinks it might be for the better.

He hopes it's for the better.

His living situation is different than it was before. He has his own place, the main safe house he used while Crane ran the city. It's not anything too special yet and Jason doesn't have too many things that are his but it's coming along. And that is his. It almost feels like it did when he was on the streets but this time, it is his choice. It is his choice to be alone here. And he owns it. No one can come and kick him out, no one can come and arrest him for trespassing and breaking and entering, it is his. It might feel lonely sometimes after living with Bruce and the Titans for so long but it is his and it brings him some sort of pride in a way.

He works with Barbara mostly now. Whenever something a bit more dicey pops up or Bruce is busy, she calls Jason. It's his literal job now and he would be lying if he said he didn't like it. Him and Babs get along better now. Actually, him and the Titans get along better now. There's still plenty of work to be done but his relationship with them has been on the mend, something he is eternally grateful for. He still owes them.

Then there's you.

Things are different with you.

"I will be back as soon as the threat is taken care of." Bruce states as he grabs a few things from the Batcave. "Are you sure you can handle this?" Bruce asks, not because of his lack of confidence in Jason's abilities but rather his general mental health.

"I got it, man." Jason brushes him off. "Nothing I haven't done before. You've gone with the Justice League plenty of times." Jason holds back his snippy attitude, trying his best to level with Bruce and not let his anger get the best of him.

"Before you were..." Bruce trails off in a way that makes Jason shift his weight off his bad leg. "Robin." He nods once, sternly and hard. "That was before."

"I'm fine." Jason nearly whines, desperate to not get into that. They don't talk about it. "I got it." He gestures his arms out casually.

"Okay." Bruce states with a sigh. "Do not blow anything or anyone up again." Bruce warns.

The touch of a smirk pulls at his lips. "I don't know what the fuck you're talking about."

There may have been an explosion near Harbor last week with some gun runners inside. Jason may or may not have been in the area patrolling. And that group may or may not have been the group Jason had been tracking over the last few days. Jason does think the explosion really helped though. They got all the guns and all the people involved in one sweep. Seemed efficient.

"I know it was you." Bruce states easily.

"Nope." Jason shakes his head but the grin is tugging at his lips, knowing damn well he's guilty.

Bruce lets out a sigh, not bothering to argue with him over it. "Just...keep it down, Jason." Bruce states and he's gone out of town a hundred times but something about this being the first time since Jason died and has been brought back almost makes him nervous.

Jason can handle himself. He's been doing it. This is only his second time in the Batcave over the last month and a half and only his third time back at the manor. He's doing well on his own, all things considered, but he is Bruce's son and Bruce does worry even if he doesn't show it.

"It'll be fine, just go. I got it all handled. Pick up your job you're working, almost got the one from Babs and..." Jason pauses feeling his mouth run dry. "Molly said y/n's got a few she's working."

Bruce eyes him, knowing very little but knowing enough about the situation between the two of you. "You should call her." Bruce tries to say it casually.

"No." Jason states simply. "And you're not allowed to give me advice here. The one that got away? Seriously, man?" Jason lets out a scoff.

Of all people, Jason does not want relationship advice from Bruce. Bruce had a solid chance with Selina and apparently, he's still hung up on her and is doing nothing about it. He could have had something great with Talia, too but that didn't end well. Jason is not looking to take advice from Bruce and he's thinking he shouldn't be taking much relationship advice from anyone he knows. No one seems to be getting that department together anytime soon. The way he sees it, this is fine.

It's fine.

"How did Tim know that?" Bruce questions Jason plainly.

"He stalks us." Jason nearly chortles.

"Well, that is all my advice. Call her, Jason." Bruce nods once at him.

"I'm good." Jason shakes his head. "Now go before Clark shows up and drags you back with him."

Bruce lets out a sigh, making his way through the living room. Bruce offered to let him stay at the manor which Jason declined. He's on his own. He can't come back here. If he's even being honest, he's only thinking Bruce called him to "look out over his jurisdictions" just to check up on him, make sure he feels useful as if Jason doesn't have his own work he's doing. Somewhere in his chest he wants to be mad and fight back over it, swear it's because Bruce doesn't think he can handle it so he's setting him up to prove a point to get him back. But Jason bites it all back, deciding to tell his mind to shut up for fucking once and let this just play out.

He sees Leslie once a week and that helps. He thinks he'll just tell her about it.

Jason finds himself back at the place he's calling home, enabling the alarms once he's safe inside. It's messy and somewhere in the back of his head, he can hear the echo of your voice telling him he should clean because he's not busy now. And he looks at the stuff on the floor, almost willing himself to listen, and then he heads upstairs anyway.

If Jason Todd is good at anything, it's being alone. He's been alone almost his whole life. Even when his dad was around, he was drunk or mean...so he was alone. Even when his mom was alive, she was usually high. She wasn't really with him very much. He adapted to what it's like to be alone. To fend for himself always and somewhere deep in his broken heart, he wishes it weren't this way but he's good at it. He has always pushed until he was alone. He is a natural disaster ripping through the hearts of people who love him so maybe being alone has always been better for him. At least the only thing left to destroy is himself.

Even if being lonely is some of the worst kind of hurt. But this is his penance.

One day, he swears, it won't be like this. That's the point of talking to Leslie and getting along with Bruce and being himself today. One day it won't be like this. A day will come when he won't have to punish himself for all the hurt he's caused. He won't have to punish himself for all the scars he bears at the hands of others and himself. One day he won't have to punish himself for the person he could have been. It just has to be like this today. So, Jason goes up to his room where he keeps his training equipment and monitors and he starts to work on the cipher until it's time for patrol.

The city is warm tonight. Cars are crowding the streets while people walk home from their Saturday night out and a smile pulls at your lips from under your mask as you watch the people below you. Patrol has just started and you're mostly waiting and listening, knowing something is going to happen because it always does on Saturday nights. But, you'd be lying if you said you don't like the view from where you are. Something about Gotham always being pretty at night.

The smog isn't visible, it doesn't look dreary as it usually does during the day. It's just street lights and busy people walking about. A part of you can't believe just a few months ago you were terrified of heights and now you actually enjoy the view.

Things have changed a lot since then.

You live with Molly now, probably how it always should have been. You share a small apartment, this one has better locks on the doors and windows. And every night you teach Molly some self-defense, just in case. If you've learned one thing, it's that you cannot save everyone but you can help them. At least if Molly is somewhat prepared, she has a chance though you could tell by how she moved and certain things she already knew that Jason had taught her a few things before San Francisco. Living with her is nice though. She understands you and there is no judgment. You aren't alone.

Gar and Tim talk to you every single day, updating you with whatever is going on. At first, it was fun stuff on the road trip like sightseeing and museums and bowling. Now, it's the hell Metropolis is currently under. You've never been so happy you stayed behind. You do not want to fight a demon. You'll never admit it, but you wouldn't stand a single chance against Rachel let alone Mother Mayhem and Brother Blood. Though, you are disappointed you missed the whole zombie situation. You're just glad the boys keep you up to date with everything and you talk to Dick and Kory all the time, too. That doesn't feel too different. It feels almost like it did when you first came back to Gotham and you like it this way.

And then there's Jason.

Things are different with Jason.

"Robbery in progress in the East End, convenience store." Molly says through the comms.

"Got it, send the address." You grin wildly behind your mask before you use your grappling hook to lower yourself down the backside of the building.

Molly helping out has been new. You aren't too happy about that part but...Molly was insistent and to tell her no would make you a hypocrite. Molly stays back and is youe eyes in the skies kind of deal which has been very helpful when it comes to patrol. At least that's nice.

You take the bike and head to the address Molly sent you. Patrolling is different now, too. You've always patrolled with Bruce or Jason or the Titans. Even when Jason died, you weren't patrolling. You had set targets and that's who you went out to grab. This is patrol. This is different. You're alone with Molly in your ear. You thought maybe you wouldn't like it, Iike maybe you'd actually be really bad at it being alone. But, if you were being honest, you're really enjoying it this way. You're good at it. And it's fun and you don't have to worry about anyone else. It's just you. Your life. That's it. And you like the thrill a little bit.

Jason shoves the last of four men to the ground, his hands zip-tied behind his back and the man lets out a groan. He glares up at Jason with blood streaming down his nose, his friends all a bit battered but have learned to keep quiet. This one is annoying.

"You broke my fucking nose!" He screams up at Jason.

Jason never quite understood why people committing crimes who get caught, like in this instance for example, are confused by their injuries. They showed up to rob a local small business and expected to get away with it. They're here to possibly ruin something that someone has earned and worked very hard for just because they can. A broken nose seems to be a pretty good deal.

He's not even a stranger to robbery but these guys walked in there armed and prepared to shoot anyone who wanted to get in the way. Jason was also a teenager and desperate. These four men don't seem to be in the same boat and the way Jason sees it, there was no reason to hold a gun to someone's face for a hundred dollars in a cash register. These are not master criminals.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood or your nose would be the last of your worries." Jason says casually through the modulator.

"Good mood?!" The man yells back as if he's the real victim in this situation.

"Yeah, good mood." Jason echoes back about to make another smart comment until he hears the sound of a motorcycle pulling up.

Jason turns around just in time to see it stop and he'd recognize the bike anywhere because it's the same one as his. He'd recognize the blue and black suit anywhere because it's yours.

You pop the helmet off and Jason swears his very heart just burst into flames into his chest and it might just burn through his ribcage. The corner of his lips starts to tug into a shielded smile at the sight of you and his only thought is that he misses you. He asks about you to your friends, not too often but...often enough for them to know. All of them say the same things, you're doing okay but they're worried. You're working with Barbara, too, running different jobs for the PD and you check in on Tim's parents every single day.

Molly always says the least about you.

Every single bone in his body feels hollowed seeing you. But when you lock eyes with him and you don't look happy, the guilt comes back baring its teeth and digging them right into his jugular.

It has been a month and a half and he is trying his best. It hasn't been easy and some days he doesn't try but generally, he's trying. It's hard whenever every breath he takes is haunted by the day he took his last. It's hard trying to figure out his footing. Jason Todd is Red Hood. He knows that. He is Red Hood. Red Hood protects innocent people and uses any means necessary to make sure they stay safe. But he is not a hero. He is doing what must be done and that is all. Jason Todd is Red Hood but outside of that, he doesn't know yet. Instead, he wraps himself in a straightjacket of guilt and remorse and agony and hopes that'll be enough to repay his debts to misery and happiness.

You eye him and it's like you're being exposed to the entire city in an instant. It's as if your suit and mask have been ripped from your body and every scar and insecurity and vulnerability is being displayed in some sort of sick museum as you see him. You have separate sections of the city. You, him, and Bruce. This is Bruce's section but he's out of town with the Justice League. It would have been Jason's to pick up but you didn't even question it when Molly mentioned it.

You wish you would have questioned it.

It is almost a relief he wears a full-face helmet because you aren't entirely sure what you would do if you saw his face, saw his expression. Would he be happy to see you? Disappointed? Mad? Would there be anything left at all or would he just look at you like he would any other vigilante showing up a little too late to help? You aren't sure which of those would be easier to swallow.

Something builds in the space between you, something hard and damaged, sucking the air out from between you. It snarls back at you both almost daring you to go ahead and try to move. Try to make the space less and see just how badly the teeth of grief will hurt this time. Go ahead and tempt death for old time's sake and guilt. Go ahead and try to mend this and pretend it's some sort of coincidence, as if fate has any hand in this. It bites and gnaws at you both as water brims in your eyes, every emotion bubbling over to the surface and grief screams out to you both.

Go ahead and try again, see just how badly this will all end again. It will only end in bloody hands and shredded agony. Guilt laughs in your faces, a devious crackle as if you are not worth the other. The both of you do not deserve forgiveness for the torture you've caused the other. Walk away. You both can hear it over and over again, guilt and grief and resentment and loneliness, walk away.

So, you do.

You pop the helmet back on your head just as Jason turns back to the robbers.

"Where are you going?" Molly asks through the comms as she watches the tracker on her screen start moving.

"You can see him here." You seethe. "I know you can see him, too."

Molly has all of your locations. She shares them with Bruce. It was part of an agreement with her doing this eyes in the skies thing and you being able to keep patrolling. It's how you all keep your sections of the city. Molly knows Jason is here.

"He wasn't when I sent you, I swear." Molly defends softly. It's not a lie, she just didn't mention when Jason happened to be moving towards the robbery. "He showed up but you were already on your way—"

"So you didn't tell me?!" You yell. "Seriously?"

Somewhere in the last month and a half, grief has metastasized into something resembling resentment. It's not him. You know that. But, seeing him just now brings back too many feelings you've yet to deal with properly, you're trying but you haven't gotten that far yet.

Grief bubbles back and transforms into something like resentment because you should be together. You should fucking happy and you aren't. You are, generally, but there is this void echoing in your chest. A burning pain right on your heart where his name was stitched. It sucks to be blind-sided into seeing him even if the resentment is towards yourself. You just would have liked some fucking warning about it.

You need to be prepared if you're going to see him and you aren't entirely sure you're ready. There's still a lot of shame even if missing him makes you feel like Atlas. Half the damn time it takes everything in you not to call him. Something will happen and he is still the first person you want to tell. But, you're not talking. Instead, you get updates about him through Molly and Gar and Tim. All of them have said he seems okay while sounding worried about him. It's hard not to worry about him. He's Jason. You think that's your only relief, knowing he's at least doing okay.

You just wish you had it in yourself to check in but he said space and you said space. You agreed and guilt and shame suck the very air out of your lungs to the point where you think this is your way of punishing yourself for everything you've done to him. Forcing yourself to not contact him first and check-in. You're punishing yourself but keeping to what you know and staying away from him. Maybe it was him who was always better off.

Molly sighs. "You have to talk to him eventually." Molly rolls her eyes on the other end and decides to drop it. She can hear the engine of the bike roaring louder than usual. This conversation is not one to have at the moment. "Mugging two blocks from you, take a right."

She is thankful the two of you have not put her in the middle. The most that happens is you both asking about each other. Other than that, you don't ask. You don't mention each other. It's as if you only know of each other through your mutual friends. Molly thinks that might actually be worse sometimes.

Jason gets back to his safe house and strips from the Red Hood gear. He heads right for the shower. Seeing you tonight, it feels like a lot. He never tried to kill you but somehow, you're the person he betrayed the most and dealing with that has been a lot harder than most of the rest of it. Your dedication and loyalty to him he thinks has made it so hard. To have someone so loyal and love him the way you did, sends his head fuzzy with regret knowing the pain he caused you.

At first, Jason thought it'd be a week or two. You'd both cave and talk again and then one thing would lead to another. Maybe it wouldn't be the healthiest way to deal with your shit, but you'd be together and you'd figure it out. But then a week or two turned into three and then four and then six. The more time that passes, the harder it gets to pick up the phone. Maybe that's why he asks Gar and Tim and Molly about you. They all say you're good but they're worried about you. They're always worried about you. But at least you've been good and Jason is grateful for that. He just wishes he had it in himself to suck it up and just call you. But, he doesn't so he showers away the thoughts of you and drowns himself in his guilt and regret.

By the time he's out of the shower, his phone is ringing and he's drying his hair with a towel, the white streak staring back at him in the mirror and he's still mad Dick didn't get the same thing he did.

"Yeah?" Jason answers the phone.

"I need your help." Dick states on the other end.

Jason pulls the phone from his head, looking at the caller ID before he puts the phone back to his ear. "With?"

"Training Tim." Dick states.

Jason almost laughs at the very statement. It's not that Dick is asking for help in the training department, he has before. That's fine. It's that Tim is supposed to be Robin out there and Jason knows they are actively fighting demons and zombies. Tim should absolutely be getting trained in between all of that.

"You haven't trained him yet?" Jason scoffs in surprise before he walks out of the en suite and into his bedroom.

"We've been busy." Dick scoffs back knowing damn well Jason knows what's been happening. Dick has mentioned it and Gar gives Dick updates about Jason meaning Gar talks to him plenty. "Between everything that's been going on since we got to Metropolis, we haven't had time."

Jason chuckles softly on the other end. "Yeah, uh, Gar was telling about me about the zombie shit. Fucking Deathstroke? Glad I wasn't there." Jason laughs softly and he can't see it but there might even be a faint smile on Dick's lips. He sounds good.

"Yeah," Dick huffs, running a hand through his hair. "You gonna be able to help?" Dick asks.

"Yeah, I owe you anyway." Jason agrees. "Not gonna go easy on him though. I'm gonna make sure he's ready when he comes back."

It doesn't take Jason long to have his decision. There's something...weird with someone replacing him in a way, as Robin. But, if someone is going to be Robin, they have to be prepared, more prepared than he was. Jason doesn't want someone else to end up like him and he knows Tim, kind of. He owes Dick for everything Jason has put him through and Jason did always like helping with the training. It's not a difficult decision.

"Good, that's what I expect." Dick nearly chuckles. "If he's going to be Robin, he needs a good teacher."

"Wouldn't go that far, man." Jason shakes his head, still getting used to Dick being nice.

"You trained y/n and look at what she can do. That is mostly on you. Do the same for Tim. I'll have him in Gotham tomorrow."

"You just gonna send him to me?" Jason's brows pull together as he puts a hand on his hip.

"No, I'm going to send him on a mission that is all just a ruse to get him there. You'll find him and go from there. Don't tell him." Dick explains simply as if Jason should have known Dick would have a...ruse?

"So, you're gonna send him here on a fake mission with no training as Robin?" Jason lets out a laugh. That's ridiculous and somehow Jason finds himself not entirely surprised. "Why not just fucking tell him, man?"

"I want to instill confidence in him." Dick states, almost defensively. He's trying his best and he also knows that Tim is very confident and maybe he needs to see he needs the help. "Should have done it with you guys. Not making the mistake again."

Jason clears his through. "Yeah, okay, deserved that." Jason shakes his head. "Alright, just let me know when he's on his way and where I need to be. I'll get him ready to actually be Robin."

"Thanks, Jason." Dick's voice is sincere.

"Yeah, don't mention it." Jason lets out a sigh before he hangs up.

He plops onto his bed, his eyes falling onto the helmet resting on the dresser on the opposite side of the room. Right after leaving the manor from talking to Bruce, this is not where he saw Red Hood being. Being a vigilante is now something Jason feels like he has to do, he likes it but he is trained to do it. He's trained to help people and if no one else is going to help them, Jason might as well. It's taken a little getting used to, rebranding Red Hood in a way. Red Hood is not a murderer. He kills really horrible people for the greater good. He targets people like Black Mask and Penguin by working his own circle to steal their business. He sabotages their work and steals their shipments. That part is always a bit fun. Red Hood patrols Crime Alley. He helps them. He is not a murderer.

He's still getting used to it but it's better than it was. Even if the blood on his hands burns from time to time.

This is kind of nice though, the ability to train Tim. He does miss that part a bit, training with someone. Training alone only does so much sometimes. Jason liked helping train the other younger Titans. It made him feel important and now he gets to train Tim. He'll never tell Dick, but it means a lot for him to ask for help here even if it's just because the Titans have been busy.

This is the last one for the night. You've been tracking this group of people who work for a pretty bad pimp in the city. You've gotten a couple of the women to turn and Barbara has put them into protective custody, immunity from any and all charges. It's not them they want anyway. It's the pimp and his right hand but when women stopped showing up, he got wind and went into hiding. So, did most of his men and women. Until tonight when Molly grabbed one of them on a camera in Gotham Heights. You wasted no time in trailing him.

The second this guy sees you, he takes off like a bat out of hell and the only thing you can do is roll your eyes and go after him. They always run. It's like they really think running is going to work for them. Between the cardio and the grappling hook and the bike, why do they think they'll actually get away? They always run.

The guy thinks he's smarter and quicker. Well, maybe he's quicker but he is not smarter. Molly is tracking him through every traffic camera he hits while you stay a good distance behind him until the opportunity comes for you to get onto a rooftop and continue the chase that way. He's heading somwhere, it won't be toward his boss. There's no way he's that stupid but he is heading into the perfect spot for you to grab him.

You turn off and then jump a few more buildings before ducking down into an alley. You walk to the very end and then wait a few seconds for the running footsteps to come closer. You grab a knife from your belt and then just as he goes to run past, you grab him, spinning him and pinning him against the alley wall.

You hold the knife to his neck and press it into his skin, not enough to cause serious damage, just enough to let him bleed. Blood gets people talking quicker and you're tired and hungry.

"Where is he?" You demand.

The man gulps and the blade presses into his neck further, his breathing heavy and shallow. "I don't know who you're—"

"Your boss. Yes, you do. You're all in hiding but you came out and for what? Where he is?" You question again, not in the mood to even let him think for a second he's smarter than you.

He looks at you with terror. Somehow, he wishes it were The Bat that grabbed him and yet he finds himself thankful it's not The Red Hood. The Bat won't kill him but Red Hood would make sure his death was painful if he really wanted to. You're not one to be messed with either. But his boss? That's just signing his death certificate.

You pull the knife away, kneeing him in the stomach before you land a punch to his face. You don't want to kill him. You read his record. Wrong crowd at sixteen. He was probably manipulated into this, too. He's a victim, too. But, he needs to give up his boss.

The man groans, sliding down the wall as he holds his jaw. "Fuck!"

"Tell me." You grit your teeth.

"He'll fucking kill me! I'd rather you just send me to Arkham or Blackgate! I'm not a fuckin' rat." The guy seethes but there's a quiver in his voice.

You roll your eyes. "Yes, I'm aware he'll kill you."

"What the fu—"

"So tell me and give me a reason to make sure he doesn't." You offer. "You think I'm here to kill you? If I wanted you dead, I'd kill you myself. Tell me and we'll protect you." The offer is genuine even if it comes out snippy.

"I don't believe a damn thing you say." The man gives you a weak scoff and diverts his eyes to the street.

"That's a you problem then. I'm trying to help you while you help me." You offer. "It's a real offer."

"Immunity then." The man fires back without even thinking.

You scoff. Does he not realize that the whole vigilante thing is still a crime? You can't promise that. "No. And I don't have the ability to promise that anyway. Work out with the DA. I can get you into protective custody though if you give him up."

Barbara has you working this case involving some sort of ring with sex workers. It's definitely more than just some guy calling the shots and dividing up money. Missing women, bodies turning up, drugs, it all seems to lead back to him. Your argument was that half the people working under this guy are victims, too. Some of those people are given the opportunity to flip and if they do, they're given protection. Barbara said the DA isn't too happy about it and some of the civilians will probably be pissed but you don't care. Not all of them have to go down with the ship.

"Look, he's going to find out you were with me and he's going to think you flipped or you're thinking about it. You're a dead man the second you walk out of this alley if you don't help me and we both know it."

The man lets out a sigh. "Crime Alley." He finally caves. "I don't know exactly where. I heard there are only a few women who know and then his right hand, that's it."

You nod accepting the response. It's way better than nothing. "Thank you."

"You're really gonna help?"

"Yeah, of course." You get to your feet.

"Why?"

You shrug. "You're not the big problem here." You answer casually. "My advice though, take whatever punishment is dealt to you and serve it and then get out. There's a program. The commissioner will give you information about it if they decide to try you."

"Thank you." The guy nods.

"Mhm." You hum, pulling out your own zip ties before you zip tie his hands together but before you get Molly to call Barbara, Molly comes in through the comms.

"Hey, I've got Dick on the other line, you wanna take it?" Molly asks.

"Yeah, actually, I'm done here. Let the commissioner know he flipped and I got info on him so he's good." You answer.

"Got it." Molly answers before she patches Dick in.

"I need your help with something." Dick starts without wasting a single second.

Your brows pull together. "Uh, hello to you, too?" You question as you get back to your feet. "The fuck do you need my help with? I do not want to go to Metropolis." You let out a chuckle before you look out onto the street and then back back into the alley.

"Superman?!" The guy on the ground yells.

"No, Nightwing." You scoff. "Shut up. You're done talking."

"Are you on a job right now?" Dick almost yells and at this point, he expects nothing less.

"Oh, yeah, just wrapping up." Your voice is almost cheery on the other end.

"Okay..." Dick holds the bridge of his nose, not even wanting to unpack that. "I need you to help train Tim."

You cackle on the other end. "Okay, hold on, let me wrap this up. This shit needs my attention." You laugh looking back to the guy. "Alright they'll be here in a few to arrest you but I gotta head out so...sorry about this." You pull your fist back, punching the guy and knocking him unconscious. "Anyway," You start before you shoot your grappling hook at the roof and start your jumping and walking to your bike. "You need me to do what now?"

"I need you to help train Tim to be Robin." Dick repeats.

"Is that not your job?" You quip back with a laugh.

Dick sighs, seeing as he is clearly going to have the same conversation twice. "We've been busy."

"Yeah, Gar and Tim said something about Zombie Deathstroke. Sounds fucking insane. Glad I'm not there." You laugh before jumping onto a neighboring rooftop. "Wait, okay hold on." You shake your head. "You're gonna send Tim here?"

"Yes. On a fake mission to build confidence." Since he's already had this conversation, Dick knows exactly what to cut out and include in his response to get this conversation over quickly.

"Uh-huh." You nod, getting the feeling there's a bit more to this than Dick is leading on. "Right, yeah, got it. Fair enough, I guess. And why are you asking me?" You ask knowing Jason is right there in Gotham City as well.

"You're good at this, you're the newest member besides Conner but well..."

"Superboy." You finish. "Unfair fight."

"Exactly. You also have your combat clairvoyance. Jason always said you were a good sparring partner because you fit." Dick's voice is casual and simple, you know there's something he is not telling you. He's nicer than he was before. The stick is no longer up his ass, but he's being too nice.

"Yeah, he did." You roll your shoulders before jumping to the next rooftop. "And uh, why are you not asking Jason?" You ask before it goes completely silent. And you know immediately. "Oh, you did." You state.

"I did." Dick answers simply.

Of course, Dick asked Jason first. You aren't offended or hurt by it. Asking Jason to train Tim is smart. But, not immediately telling you means one of two things. Either Jason said yes and Dick is setting you both up which makes you want to jump off this rooftop or Jason said no and Dick just wasn't going to tell you. Unfortunately, you're betting on the first option just because you know Jason wouldn't send Tim to the wolves.

"And he said yes, didn't he?" Your voice is a little snippy this time.

"He did." Dick keeps his voice level, unsure if you're going to start yelling or not.

"Okay so you're asking me to help Jason train Tim but Jason doesn't know you're asking me and you weren't going to tell me but because I asked you were obligated not to lie to me in fear I'd be pissed off enough to walk out and so would Jason?"

"When you put it that way." Dick states. "Look, I know it's complicated right now." Dick tries to reason with you.

"We're not fucking talking, Dick like..." You let out a breath. "He probably doesn't want to see me, ya know?" You nearly whine at the thought because you really believe it.

You hurt him.

"I know but this is for Tim." Dick urges.

You might be giving Dick a hard time but you both know you'll agree. Not only is Dick asking for a favor but it's also Tim. You would never not help Tim especially with everything that's happened. You owe Dick and Tim for everything. But, that doesn't make the situation any easier for you.

"Jason is gonna be pissed if he finds out, ya know?" You ask.

"Yeah." Dick answers. "Tim will get the best training from the both of you though."

"Yeah." You roll your eyes. "Fine. Yeah, I'll help and I won't tell Jason. Just when and where?"

"Tomorrow, I'll text you the rest." Dick answers. "Thank you."

"Mhm." You hum.

Dick feels bad for you and Jason. You've both been through a lot individually and together. It's two of the things that brought you together in the first place. You two always seemed to make each other happy and you actually seemed really good for each other. Dick knows first hand it's not easy and it is always complicated. It's always going to be painful trying to work out the romance department while being a vigilante. It's why it didn't work with him and Barbara. It's why it didn't work with him and Dawn. It's not easy. But, he feels bad for you both. It feels like you weren't given a chance.

"Talk to him." Dick states carefully.

You groan as you look to the sky. "You're not giving me a fucking choice are you, Dickolas?"

"You know what I mean." Dick says right back.

While you appreciate the sentiment, you are not taking dating advice from Dick Grayson. As far as you know, Dick's been in love with Kory for almost a year, at least and he has not said a single word to her about it. At least you told Jason. The way you see it, Dick should be taking dating advice from you.

"You tell Kory how you feel about her and I'll have a conversation with Jason." You offer in a higher-pitched voice, offering a bit of bite in your words.

"Okay no—"

"Yes." You quip back. "Don't give me advice if you're not going to take the same advice." You jump to the last rooftop. "She feels the same way anyway." You mutter softly.

"Alright, thank you." Dick cuts you off. "Talk to him. Tim won't know you're helping him."

"Gathered. Just let me know. I know to keep my mouth shut. I got it." You assure him.

"Thank you."

"You owe me." You laugh softly on the other end before ending the call.

After the run-in earlier tonight, you weren't sure when you'd want to see Jason again. At first, you thought about it all the time. Maybe you'd run into each other just as you did earlier and he'd make some quip about you being in his territory and you'd make fun of him for needing your help. Something would click and you'd be back to normal and it would feel good. The void in your chest will fill again and it would be normal. But that's not what happened because more time passed and you think about how maybe he's mad at you. He should be mad at you still. The more time that passed, the more you convinced yourself it was what you deserved. So, you keep your distance on purpose from him. Maybe that's your penance.

But now, you have to face him.

So, you head back to the apartment to mentally prepare. Jason Todd is still the Jason you always loved and you have to act like you're fine. You have to act like it is not eating you away inside to think about him. Everything has been going okay and you're finding yourself in this city. You think your feet are starting to land on solid ground for once. But, the thought of seeing Jason makes you feel like the earth is being pulled from under your feet. It's the one thing you have deliberately not dealt with. So, you know you have to act like it's all normal. If you're going to be able to do this with him, it has to feel normal. You have to feel normal otherwise it'll be sad and awkward and painful. Maybe he won't want your help anyway.

In no way did you expect your first time speaking to Jason again would be because Dick asked for help. But, it looks like that's exactly what's going to happen. And maybe your bones are starting to vibrate with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. You might feel guilty and you might be worried but you miss seeing him. You miss the way his voice sounds. You miss him more than words could ever describe.

Maybe you hope he misses you, too even if you don't deserve it.

Maybe as the night goes on and you get ready for bed and tell Molly about it, maybe you can't wait to see him.

next chapter

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[pablitogavii]

request: gavi and reader dont get along and fight all the time but they secretly have feelings for each other 1 day another barca player tried to flirt with reader and pablito got really jealous and eventually confessed his feelings😝 enemies to lovers type of thing 👀 so much fluff at the end pls✨

I'll use this request to start mini series of Pablo falling in love Pedri's little sister. Hope you like ti :)

Best Friend's Little Sister

Pablo's POV

I just finished changing from a sweaty kit getting out of the changing room just to see her standing there on her phone probably waiting fro Pedri. Ugh! She infuriated me even when she wasn't doing anything!

"Ai big forehead! He's already at the parking lot!" I said and she looked up from her phone about to smile politely but when she saw it was only me, she rolled her eyes. Little pretty bitch!

"Nice miss Pablitooo!!" she smirked referring to the missed goal from the game and I clenched my jaw especially since she was using the nickname I absolutely hated!

"You're running your mouth too much bomboncita!" I said using the pet name that would always make her cuss me out but this time her cheeks blushed since other teammates heard me say it as they passed to the changing room.

"Whatever cabrón!" she said quickly when out eyes met again walking past me towards the parking lot and I caught glance of her #8 jersey wishing it was #30 instead..wait what!? No I don't! I ran after her since Pedri was driving me home tonight.

"Congrats on the win hermano! Good thing you don't miss..." she said when we met Pedri and he sighed looking at me but I just rolled my eyes knowing he was sick of us constantly bickering around him.

"Gracias. Vamos!" Pedri said telling her numerous times to be nice to his best friend but he knew better than to expect her to ever listen to anyone..after all, she might be one person who is more stubborn than Pablo.

"Youngsters in the back!" I said when she tried to call shot gun knowing she hated that she was two years younger than me which gave me a chance to call her out on it whenever I wanted.

"Can't you call a truce with her hermano?? She's my hermanita" Pedri asked me like always and I shrugged not being the one that started this little war she keeps initiating whenever she sees me.

I decided to try because of Pedri, so when we arrived in front of my house I got out opening the back door much to her surprise and asked her to come out for a moment.

"What do you want?" she smirked and I sighed feeling sudden urge to shut her little mouth up by crashing my lips on hers but then I recollected realizing her brother was sitting in the car.

"How about we start tolerating each other?" I leaned in and whispered into her ear noticing the way her skin filled with goosebumps and her cheeks blushed bright red.

"Um..okay" was all she muttered and for the first time I didn't feel infuriated..I felt excited?

"Goodnight bomboncita" I smirked kissing her cheek while she just stood there frozen before getting back into the car and leaving with her brother.

Your POV

"Pablo's coming over. Can there please be no fights?" Pedri said to you sunbathing in the backyard and you quickly jumped up pulling your sunglasses down.

"He's coming now?" you said sounding more nervous than angry which made your brother raise his brows in confusion while nodding his head.

"Okay..um..whatever. I'll be in my room!" you jumped and rushed inside which made him roll his eyes not understanding what was going in your head this time.

"Hola hermano!" you heard from your room gluing your ear to the door feeling your cheeks blush as the feeling of his lips keeps replaying in your mind. Why the hell did he kiss you!? And why did you like it!? No, you didn't!

You couldn't focus on your show, book or even to what your best friend was saying over face time when the only thing in your mind was the fact that Pablo was right downstairs and that you wanted to see him again.

"Gotta go to the bathroom. Bye!" you said hanging up and rushing to the bathroom opening the door without knocking not expecting anybody to be there. Much to your surprise, Pablo was in there tucking 'himself' and oh god were those who said he was 'small' were so wrong...oh shit! You closed the door quickly.

"Don't you ever knock?" Pablo opened the door quickly and you were frozen still thinking about what you saw and his smirk grew while he raised your chin to look from his crotch to his face.

"I was wondering where you were bomboncita..you should join us downstairs" was all he said before adding that the bathroom was free now and I ran inside closing the door in so much embarrassment. He was wondering where I was? Why? He hates me! What the hell is going on!?

Pablo's POV

I had to admit that wasn't how I wanted her to see 'me' but her reaction only stroked my ego and made me more interested to keep playing this new game we started. That's all it was-a game!

"Look who joined us.." Pedri said and I turned seeing her standing there with cheeks little less red but still blushed while playing with the edge of her hoodie.

"Can I play?" she asked and I smirked moving a little and patting a seat besides me which made Pedri smile thinking we are finally becoming friends..little did he know his sister was such a naughty little girl for me.

"This is new?" Pedri said tapping my shoulder before going to grab a soda from the fridge asking if we wanted anything but we were fine as I set up my joystick for her to play.

"So you move using these and kick on letter B. Got it?" I explained while she stared at my face more than what I was showing her before laying back grabbing a joystick and tossing her legs onto my lap which felt..strange?

"Watch the pro" she said and I chuckled gulping when her feet rested on top of my crotch and I was pretty sure she was doing it on purpose making me feel so freaking good...but then Pedri came back so I grabbed them making them stop moving but still resting on top of my now growing bulge. I'm so fucked up!

"They keep stealing my ball!" she whined making Pedri chuckle while being on his phone and I grabbed her waist pulling her closer putting my hands over hers and she froze as I helped her play better.

"Whining won't solve anything.." Pedri commented and she said it always works for her when she wants something done her way. I didn't doubt it is what thought to myself but quickly re-focused on the game.

By the end of the night, we scored many goals joking around and having fun until I started to feel guilty looking at my best friend and knowing that I am lying to his face..this wasn't the game and it was wrong!

I came back from the bathroom determined to end it when I saw her waiting by the stairs with a mischievous smile on that pretty face..little devil!

"What do you want?" I said a bit more coldly on purpose reminding myself that this was wrong and I needed to cut it fast before it becomes stronger and hurts her more. I didn't care about myself!

"A goodnight hug?" she blushed and I felt my heart beating faster that she was becoming more comfortable around me but I couldn't bring myself to do it..not when Pedri was downstairs..not when he said she was off limits the moment they became best friends.

"And why are you asking me!? Get a boyfriend or something!" I said my heart breaking when I said those words seeing her eyes fill with tears before pushing past me and walking into her room quickly as I went home. I couldn't sleep that night...was she crying?

Your POV

He was so confusing! Ugh I hated him but I wanted him badly at the same time! Why was he playing with me like this!?

The whole day he was so sweet, teasing me and occasionally even complimenting me. We started to talk like normal two people without sarcastic comments, even came close to opening up about things but then he just went cold. Why!?

"Que pasa? School?" Pedri noticed I wasn't feeling myself in the next few days (no snarky comments, or bad jokes) and I sighed asking if I did something that might have made Pablo hate me again.

"He doesn't hate you but he knows his limits.." Pedri said and that made you confused asking what he meant exactly. He told you about the 'rule' and suddenly you realized what was making Pablo pull away.

Him pulling away gave you a clear sign..you were not more important that his friendship with your brother. So, you had to move on quick and get him out of your head! Any means necessary!

y.n.bebe

Barcelona, Spain

beach day w/ bestie @becca.girl

liked by pedri, pablogavi and 50K others

comments:

becca.girl: lindaaaa <3 liked by y.n.bebe

aurorapaezg: <3

y.n.bebe: <33

gaviobsessed: aurora commented??

pablotorree: bonita liked by 10K others

y.n.bebe: gracias pablito

barcafanclub: uhhhh something cooking here???

brunabiancardi: mia preciosa! <3

y.n.bebe: te amo tia!

barcawags: hottest siblings! @pedri @y.n.bebe

pedri: I'm hotter ;))

y.n.bebe: yeah right lol!

gavigirlfriend: why did Gavi and his sister like her post???

gavipedrifan: she is pedri's sister :)

gavigirfriend: good! I thought they were a thing now!

Pablo's POV

She's calling him Pablito now!? But she only calls me that! Mierda!

"Woah Gavi, take it easy! You almost hit Torree in the head with that ball!" Xavi said while Pablo walked up to me asking if everything was alright and the only thing I wanted was to hit his stupid face with a fist but I controlled myself.

"Fine." I said before leaving to get some water.

"Que pasa con él?" Torree asked Pedri and he followed after me to check if everything was alright which of course he couldn't know about. Mierda Y/n! Why are you doing this to me!?

Luckily, we won the game the next day and when I was walking off shaking hands with Pedri, I saw her in the stands smiling wide making his heart melt when our eyes met. But then she looked away...like she was looking for someone else? I left to the changing room not in the mood celebrate.

When I came out and saw her waiting once again, I couldn't stop myself from walking towards her angrily with a clenched jaw and hands held in fists.

"Are you waiting for Pedri or Torree ?" I said and she looked up from her phone straight into my eyes quickly sensing that I was enraged.

"Why do you care who I'm waiting for? You're not my brother Pablo!" she said about to walk away but my arm rested on the wall trapping her there as she looking up at me with big eyes. Ugh!! How badly I wanted to kiss her right now!

"Just because his name is Pablo too that doesn't mean he can make you feel the way I do..he doesn't measure up to me bomboncita" I said knowing how narcissistic that sounded but not giving the crap since I was angry and frustrated.

"You're a cabrón!" she said and I smirked leaning down into her neck before whispering into her ear slowly "maybe true, but I'm your only Pablito.." and with that I kissed her lips feverishly but quickly before leaving her flustered that when Torree finally came out she followed after me quickly..good girl!

"What do you want from me!? One minute you are acting like you want me and the other you tell me to get a boyfriend! And then when I try to do that, you..kiss me like that" she was yelling until I got close enough that her voice was breaking from nervousness.

"Tu me vuelves loco bomboncita.." was all I said taking in her strong perfume before walking away to meet with Ansu who was driving me home. I couldn't drive with Pedri today..I needed to think about everything!

Things were getting out of control..Pablo felt guilty..but he wanted her..badly.

Interesting story huh? Let me know what you think will happen next??

[peppymintdreams]

What If Luca Didn’t Go to the Party

This is my first ever Zsakuva Fanfic so bear with me on this 🙏🏿

masterlist

It was a late Saturday evening. Luca was lying in his dorm room, staring at the ceiling and feeling empty. He had finished all he needed to do, and all that was left was to relax. He had been invited to a party but didn’t feel like going. What would he even do at a party? It came as a shock when someone actually invited him; it must’ve been a joke to get a reaction out of him—who knows? The night was quiet, aside from the occasional ventilation turning on and off, the faint sounds of upbeat music echoing across the campus, and moans of couples haunting the hallways. Here he was, alone in his bed.

Deciding to make a stand, he put on his nice clothes and headed for the door, determined to make his presence known at the university. But when his hand touched the door, something changed. Visions of doubt, insecurities, and the years of bullying he’d endured flooded his mind. He wanted to be strong; he wanted to try something new, but the pain was just too much to handle. What was he to do—stay home and let his insecurities and doubts win, or let himself be free? It took everything in his power to keep his hand on the doorknob and turn it fully. He was almost there, the door beginning to open, his vision starting to blur. It felt like time was running out if he didn’t make a decision. In the end… he shut the door and locked it.

“Weak,” that’s all he could hear in his head. A weak person, he thought. He lay down on the sofa, turned the TV on, and watched whatever was playing, tears streaming down his face. What was he to become if he couldn’t even muster up the courage to just be a person?

His phone lit up with a notification from his mom. She was his safe place, the person he could turn to whenever something went wrong and he didn’t know the answer. He called her and waited as the line buzzed. “Hello,” she said, her voice like a cloud—so soft and welcoming.

“Mom, I—” he stuttered, tears rolling down his face.

“Hey, honey!” she spoke with excitement; just getting a call from her son made her day, judging by the silence and occasional weeping on the other line. “What’s wrong, baby?” Anytime Luca was sad or upset, his parents were there for him, no matter what giant missile life threw at him.

“Mom, I don’t know what to do,” he began to cry, his voice cracking, He had explained to her about his invite to the party and what just happened and the meltdown he had.

“Aww, baby, it’s okay to not know the answer.” Hearing his mom understand him relaxed him, calming his breath. “Sweetheart, I understand how you’re feeling. It’s completely normal to be scared about going to a party, especially when you’re unsure of what to expect. Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous.”

His breath hitched; he began to hiccup. “Maybe you could talk to a friend who’s going and see how they feel about it?” Thinking about what she said, he realized he didn’t really have any friends in university or anywhere in London. So, what was the next best option?

“Think about what you might enjoy about the party—like meeting new people or having fun with friends. If you decide to go, just be yourself. And if you feel uncomfortable at any point, it’s okay to leave. Your feelings matter, and I’m here to support you, no matter what you choose.”

He began to calm down. Just a couple of minutes ago, it felt like the weight of the world was crashing down on him, but hearing his mother’s voice was enough to wash away everything. He wanted to change the topic to avoid the emotional roller coaster he had just thrown at her, but then he heard a door open and a heavy grunt—Luca’s dad was home.

“I have to go, Luca; your father just got back from the store. But we can talk tomorrow. Does that sound good?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” Luca replied. There was nothing more he enjoyed than unwinding with his mother; she always had the right answer.

“Mom, I do have one more thing to say.” There was something that had been bothering him lately, and he needed the answer to free his mind. “Can it wait until tomorrow, dear? Your father appears to be struggling.” Disappointed, he reluctantly agreed.

“Of course, Mom,” he said sadly. Judging by his tone, his mom could tell he wanted to talk but couldn’t stop himself from waiting. His father did have a bad back.

“Well, okay. I have to go. Mommy and Daddy love you very much, Luca. Kisses,” she said.

“I love you too, Mom.” She hung up as soon as he responded; she was in a rush. He understood his parents had their own lives, but they always made time for him.

Turning off his phone, Luca made up his mind. Grabbing his laptop that was still on the coffee table, he looked for available flights home after his graduation. There was no one he had to stay with; he didn’t have friends here, and he wasn’t in a relationship this town wouldn’t miss him. Luca let out a heavy breath and flipped through the channels, trying to relax. “I’m here,” he thought. He felt comfortable. Soon, in the next few months, he’d be home—there’s no place like home.

Not more than a couple of miles away, a lonely person stood next to a table full of drinks. They seemed dazed and confused. “Ayo ___, come and dance with me,” a friend said. Looking at them, they replied, “Meh, I don’t know.”

Their friend looked at them, concerned. “Yo ___, you alright? You seem troubled.” They were troubled; something didn’t feel right. He took their hand, wrapping his other arm around their waist, twirling them to him. Nothing else mattered but having ___ someone he longed to hold in his arms, someone he was now face to face with, just a few inches apart.

“I don’t know; I just have a weird feeling,” they said, backing up and looking around.

“Feeling? Like what?” he asked.

“Like someone was supposed to be here…”

[viburnt]

Just brainstorming a little because I have writer's block. Anyway, @angelshimaa you are my Krishima content tester. Do you like it? Would you add smth?

Knight! Kirishima who became a knight because he used to hear stories as a child about these men and their bravado; he grew up wishing to be as manly and heroic as them, following the example of his favorite knight "Crimson Riot". His closest friend, a maiden from the kingdom called Mina, had encouraged him to follow his dream, and so he ended up serving the king.

Knight! Kirishima who liked to train until late, and was too focused on his sword practice to notice your curious eyes watching from afar. You were a maiden from the castle, serving the royalty was your job, but whenever you saw Kirishima swinging his heavy weapon, you wished your simple boring life cleaning bedrooms and tending petty errands could change.

Knight! Kirishima who has to endure long nights guarding the castle's gates no matter the weather. He would stand there facing the unbending nature of the environment: wind, coldness, storm! And you? You couldn't help but admire him, sneaking out of your humble chambers to leave a basket of bread, meat, and milk for him to eat while he was on duty. Kirishima could never see your face due to the lack of light the night would bring, but the sound of your voice was enough to keep him awake during the rare moments he could rest.

Knight! Kirishima whose heavy armor clinks and clanks when he enters the castle's kitchen in search for the maiden that has been taking care of him every night for months now. His rough but kind face makes all the women and men in the room weak on their knees, but none of them was the person he was looking. They didn't have your voice at all!

Knight! Kirishima who, even after years of training and facing fearsome battles and enemies, is scared that he might not find you around the castle. Specially after your little nightly deliveries stopped arriving. He wonders if you were caught and reprimanded for giving him extra food, or worse, what if you were seeing a knight that wasn't him!

Knight! Kirishima who feels excited after he hears your voice during one of his patrols around the kingdom's market. His ruby eyes dart in every direction until he finally finds you talking with no other than his best friend, Mina. He buys some flowers from a little boy and rushes by your side, startling you. Mina looks at him and then to you, and with a knowing smile excuses herself and leaves.

Knight! Kirishima who makes your cheeks warm when he let's you hold his helmet during his breaks and even teaches you a thing or two about sword fighting! He even buys you fancy clothing to attend to ball dances with you, or at least, pretend to attend since only royalty was allowed inside.

Knight! Kirishima that wants a lucky kiss before he heads on a mission, because that way he knows your heart is waiting for him. He is so enamored that, he makes you promise that if he comes back victorius, he could have your hand in marriage.

Knight! Kirishima that asks the King to bless his union with you, and is allowed to do so in the castle's garden with his peers. He can't hold back the tears when he sees your modest white dress and your pretty face behind that thin veil. He does feel like he is in a fairy tale.

[iibonniee]

Secret Admirer | Yoo Kihyun

Paring: Yoo Kihyun x Reader

Warnings: friends to lovers trope, fluff, slightly suggestive

Rating: G

Word Count: 12k

Summary: The countdown to Christmas has begun, a festive calendar ticking off 24 days of unexpected presents. With every passing day, Y/N finds herself sinking deeper into a whirlpool of intrigue and frustration, her curiosity piqued, constantly wondering who her secret admirer really is.

Masterlist

Tags: @doveslittlekpoparchive @choicethot @xosunny @heaviihamonii

“Can you believe this mystery gifter? Leaving flowers without a hint of a name!” she exclaimed, her voice saturated with both confusion and a curious mixture of emotions that Kihyun couldn’t quite decipher yet.

She twirled the delicately tied flower bouquet in her hands, her gaze lost in the colorful array of blossoms. The perplexity in her eyes reflected her bewilderment at the anonymous sender.

Her curious query was met with an unexpected response - Kihyun, grinning wide, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. The sudden change in his demeanor was so stark that she was taken aback. She was just about to chide him for what she saw as mockery when a hearty laugh slipped out from him. It echoed through the room, a contagious sound that inevitably brought a warm blush to her cheeks.

“You know who the sender is, don’t you, Kihyun?” she asked, unable to hide her eagerness to unlock the puzzle of the mystery admirer. The continued laughter from Kihyun only fueled her suspicion and growing curiosity. The more she sat there, soaking in his responses, the more she grew slightly infuriated. “Kihyun! This isn’t a laughing matter! This is my love life, possibly the love of my life, a chance at a not-so-lonely Christmas and possibly a kiss going into the New Year!”

His laughter, ringing clear and high, only seemed to amplify with her words as his wide-grinning eyes danced with merriment. He shifted his gaze to the stunning bouquet as if teasing her even more by deliberately not disclosing his knowledge.

“Kihyun!” she huffed, “Stop laughing! This might be serious – someone could want to spend Christmas with me! Or even celebrate New Year’s with, you know... a kiss!”

Her insistent tone cut through his laughter, leaving a warm smile lingering. Leaning back, he asked playfully, “Oh? And who might this mysterious prince be? I wonder...”

She glared at him, her eyes narrowing in annoyance yet laced with playful humor. “Evidently, the person is too shy to admit their feelings. But it’s the first day of December!” she exclaimed, frowning at the baffling anonymity yet holding a spark of excitement at her newfound secret admirer. “The first day of December is not the day to mess with my feelings. So, Kihyun, if you know who this rat is, you better cough it up now. I don’t think this is even funny.”

Kihyun only chuckled in response, his eyes glittering with mischief yet housing a comforting familiarity. While he maintained his relentless teasing, he couldn’t help but treasure their banter, the anticipation that something more significant awaited her, and the promising merry vibe that December shared with its first day.

“If I knew, I would tell you.” Kihyun finally spoke, his smile warm and genuine. “Believe me. It’s like something from one of those cheesy books you insist on reading whenever you come to watch us practice. It’s both cute and cringe at the same time.”

She scoffed at his remark with a playful roll of her eyes, “Hey, those books are masterpieces, and you should read one someday, Kihyun!” Their friendly, exciting chatter buzzed in the air like sparks of energy.

As the first rays of daylight pierced through the thin veil of curtain in her room, she awoke to the melody of chirping birds. Groaning slightly, she rolled out of the cozy cocoon of her bed. Her mornings were always the same, yet they held a unique form of solace - the therapeutic routine she followed religiously.   

Sleep clouded her eyes, and she padded to the bathroom, refreshing herself as a new day beckoned her forth. Post her warm, invigorating shower, she spotted her reflection in the fogged-up mirror, wiping it down to reveal her refreshed face, a stark contrast to the grumpy morning persona that resisted the call of daybreak.

Next in her routine came dressing up, standing in front of her wardrobe, rummaging through her clothes until she found the perfect outfit that matched her mood that day. Once decided, she moved on to makeup, subtle and minimal, just right for her day at work.

Her aromatic cup of coffee, the magic elixir that solidified the day had indeed started, awaited her in the kitchen. She sipped it leisurely, enjoying the quiet moments before the rush of work swooped in. Her breakfast was a simple toast and jam, consumed as she scrolled through her phone, catching glimpses of news, laughing at memes, and responding to needy work emails.

Just when her routine had neared its end, and she was about to slip into her shoes for work, something caught her eye - a box placed neatly on her doorstep, interrupting her typical day with its sheer outlandish presence.

The box was decorated beautifully, emblazoned with intricate patterns and a silver ribbon, concealing the mystery akin to its predecessor. The sender’s anonymity remained the same – no note, just the enticing charm of an enigma. Her curiosity shot up, her day’s mundane schedule forgotten as she reached for her phone, dialing Kihyun’s number over the thrill boiling within her.

“Kihyun,” her voice shook with combined excitement and curiosity. “There’s another gift...”

His voice carried a merry ring, the laugh in his tone evidently audible even over the call as he responded, “Good morning to you too, Y/N! I’m fantastic. I’m busy as a bee with all the practice, just in case you were wondering. My schedule is looking crazy packed today, but I love answering the phone for my darling best friend, who I’m sure is on her way to another fantastic day of work.”

Deflecting her frantic state with a cheerful demeanor, he continued, “Anyways, back to your mystery, another gift, huh?” His tone was tinged with audible amusement, stirring her curiosity and anxiety further. “Did you open it to see?”

“Kihyun, I’m serious!” she voiced, the frustration seeping into her words. Yet, she couldn’t ignore the fluttering excitement in her heart. The teasing, the laughter, and the banter all felt so incredibly amusing and jarring at the same time, given the strange situation evolving.

“And I am seriously amused,” came Kihyun’s instant reply, his laughter echoing down the line, making it impossible for her to stay frustrated. Despite the situation, she found a playful smile tugging at her lips. Regardless of the mystery and the confusion, having Kihyun by her side, even if it was over a call, lessened the stress and amplified the fun. His palpable amusement and constant, reassuring presence kept her grounded while she navigated through this strange turn of events.

“Did you open it? I stopped practicing. You can’t make me wait in suspense about this gift. What does the box look like? Is it tacky? I bet it’s tacky. The flowers yesterday seemed a bit tacky, in my honest opinion. Flowers would not be my go-to if you’re trying to swoop a girl off her feet mysteriously and romantically. But then again, I haven’t had a relationship in years, so I can’t go and say what this guy is doing is stupid. I just enjoy throwing my opinion out.”

Giggling at his relentless comments, she retorted, “Alright, Mr. I-know-everything-about-romance, let’s see what this ‘tacky’ gift is.” Kihyun’s amusement was evident in the hoots of laughter that filled her ears as she cautiously untied the silver ribbon, the box’s mystery ready to unfurl.

“It’s not tacky,” she hummed half to herself, opening the box lid to reveal an assortment of delicate pastries. Each one was artfully crafted, a testament to its baker’s skill, and made her mouth water just by looking at it. She took a moment to appreciate the arrangement’s intricacy; the evident attention to detail made the gift feel intimate—like her secret admirer truly knew her penchant for sweet treats.

“Pastries,” she breathed, a grin spreading across her face. “Baked goods, Kihyun, my favorite!” She could almost see Kihyun’s raised eyebrows and hear his chuckle as he mulled over this new information.

“Pastries, huh?” His voice was contemplative, mixed with a teasing lilt. “Whoever this mystery person is, they certainly have a knack for gift-giving — I still maintain, though, it’s a tad bit cliché. But at least you get to enjoy breakfast, if anything.” His laughter was like a warm blanket around her, bringing comfort and amusement amidst the uncertainty and excitement of her strange situation.

“I can’t believe this mystery person got me my favorite pastries. I haven’t had these in years…” She uttered softly, looking at each pastry carefully.

“Well, I guess your secret admirer is doing their homework thoroughly,” Kihyun teased, his voice tender and full of amusement. “Enjoy them, Y/N, and remember to go to work. You can’t let your mystery person derail your routine completely.”

“Are you kicking me off the phone, Kihyun?” Even her feigned offense couldn’t hide the smile in her voice.  

“Oh, absolutely,” he shot back with a chuckle. “Enjoy the rest of your morning, Y/N. We’ll continue this intriguing narrative later.”

She hung up with a final laugh and a promise to update him on any new developments. The rest of her day passed in anticipation of the next day’s mystery and the comfort of Kihyun’s constant, understanding presence.

When morning arrived again, a third gift was waiting on her doorstep — a handwritten letter. As she unfolded the delicate paper, her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers delicately tracing the words etched beautifully. The letter was penned with such fondness that she could feel the warmth radiating.

“Kihyun,” she began the call, her voice shaking with the thrill of the mystery. “The gift today... it’s a letter.”  

“Indeed?” came Kihyun’s interested interruption; his voice held a new level of curiosity, and her heart fluttered, the mystery drawing them closer with its magnetic pull.

“A letter?” There was a pause on the line before Kihyun’s voice returned, “That’s... different. And you said it was handwritten?”

“Yes, it’s beautifully done,” she admitted, her gaze dropping back to the carefully scripted words. She could sense Kihyun’s excitement matching her own and found it comforting; it was an assembling puzzle with him guiding her through the pieces.

“Well, isn’t this all very cryptic,” he mused, the interest palpable in his voice. “Listen, we’re both off today. Do you want me to come over to see the note? We can unravel this mystery together.”

Without thinking twice, she responded positively, relieved to not face this enigma alone. They hung up, and she eagerly anticipated Kihyun’s arrival.

As Kihyun walked into her living room later that day, the curiosity in his eyes mirrored her own. It was a strange adventure, but having him in it made everything less daunting. Together, they read through the note, their curiosity piqued as they drew another day closer to unraveling the identity of her secret admirer.

She observed his face as he read the note for the first time, then a second, then finally a third. His face scrunched up in mocking disgust.

“I feel like this guy is reading the same books as you.” He finally spoke up, handing her the note. “This is more cringe than flowers, Y/N.” 

“Oh, come on, Kihyun,” she protested, slightly miffed. “The note is sweet. It’s thoughtful. It’s... romantic.” She clutched the letter closer, defending her secret admirer despite the fact she herself had been initially wary. 

“Romantic?” Kihyun’s laughter was booming, causing her to flinch a bit. “Y/N, this mystery guy is pretending to be a prince from a bargain romance novel, and you find it endearing?”

Despite Kihyun’s jest, a blush crept onto her cheeks. “Maybe I do,” she huffed defiantly, “Isn’t it exciting to have someone who goes out of their way to make you feel special?” 

Kihyun was silent for a moment, considering. Then, he nodded slightly, his tone becoming severe, “I suppose you’re right. But remember, Y/N, you don’t need a mystery person to make you feel special; you’re already amazing as you are.”

As the day continued, they spent hours intertwining in playful banter and laughter, their bond strengthening with every teasing remark and shared jest. Kihyun would rhetorically ask from time to time, “Did your secret admirer teach you that?” making her roll her eyes but unable to keep her giggles from spilling out. His constant light-hearted comments on her secret admirer reinforced their comfort in each other’s company, fusing an already strong friendship with newfound threads of intrigue and camaraderie.

They lazily flipped through the channels of her television, their minds busied more with their ongoing chatter than the colorful flickers on the screen. From her cringe-worthy taste in music to her questionable decisions on her favorite TV characters, Kihyun took every chance to add another jab at her taste, which could also be the mystery person’s. The laughter that echoed in her living room seemed endless, their enjoying time hand-in-hand, filling the hours with pure joy.

A trip to the local café was made in the afternoon, a familiar setting that heightened their playful arguments. He stole sips from her coffee, claiming, “Just checking if your secret admirer had spiked it.” Somehow, the jests made the mystery even more thrilling, a private joke they shared, the punchline growing funnier with each repetition.

As the light faded, they sprawled lazily on the living room floor, a blanket of exhaustion gently descending from the day’s hilarity. Still, even as they shared a peaceful moment of quiet tiredness, Kihyun murmured, “Sure, your secret admirer hasn’t planned any midnight surprises?”

At her mock glare and the familiar blush coloring her face, Kihyun laughed again, the sound warming her heart. As his laughter settled and silence enveloped them, a comfortable hush started in their friendship - a rare moment of quiet excitement for another day of mystery and shared banter.

“Want to stay the night? Defend you from this man - or woman - who may have your address and could come and sneak up on you. I can defend you.” With a teasing waggle of his eyebrows, he offered, “You might need my skills to protect you from your overzealous secret admirer. Who knows what they’re capable of.”

Rolling her eyes, but with a smile tugging at her lips, she agreed, “Sure, Kihyun. Stay and protect me from evildoers.”

The evening had gradually slowed to a relaxed tempo, their enthusiastic chatter segueing into a more subdued and introspective discussion. They had decided to call it a day, Kihyun desperately trying to stifle his yawning into his shirt sleeve, a hint of remorse in his eyes at the prospect of ending their fun-filled day. 

With the decision made, she offered him the guest room, ensuring he was comfortable with the arrangements. He had looked satisfied enough, thanking her with that charming charisma that was undeniably Kihyun. Her heart fluttered at the sight, the intimacy of their small domestic arrangement tugging at her heartstrings.

To her surprise, he hesitated at the threshold of her room before finally deciding to air his concern. “Is it...alright if I take the blanket from here?” he asked, gesturing vaguely at her bedroom. Expecting some dramatic reason, she merely found him sheepishly admitting that he preferred her quilt’s scent.

Amused but acquiescent, she simply shrugged and handed it to him. “Make yourself at home, Kihyun.” His gratitude was evident in his widening smile, a warmth blooming in her chest at the sight.

Minutes later, dawned in their sleepwear, they found themselves in her soft-lit living room, perchance to bid each other goodnight. She could see the hints of sleepiness in his eyes, mirroring her own fatigue. Amidst the faint sounds of a city preparing to sleep and the soft gossamer thread of moonlight filtering through the window, they shared a quiet, heartfelt goodnight.

Watching Kihyun retreat to the guest room, her heart filled with gratitude for their shared experience, the silhouettes of camaraderie and playful banter etched in her mind that night. As she closed her eyes, she couldn’t help but envy the following day, yearning for another day of delight and discovery with Kihyun. 

The following day, she woke to the smell of breakfast cooking and the sounds of Kihyun humming off-key in her kitchen. He had one of her kitchen aprons on - a comically delicate floral pattern that looked absurd against his typical attire. She couldn’t tear her gaze away, chuckling at the sight.

“Good morning, Princess,” he greeted her without turning around from the stove. “Your knight has prepared you a feast.”

“Such chivalry,” she waltzed over, reaching for a coffee mug sitting on the counter beside him. “How could my secret admirer ever compete?”

As if on cue, there on her kitchen table, another gift was placed casually next to a vase of flowers she hadn’t noticed before. It was a small, wrapped box, a light shimmer from the morning sunshine reflected off the silver paper. She didn’t need to check the doorstep to know where it had come from.

“Kihyun!” she exclaimed, shocked yet excited for the mystery present, “You brought the package inside?”

He shrugged nonchalantly, flipping a pancake stylishly in her frying pan. “Oh, forgot about that. Found it this morning and thought you might want to open it with your breakfast. Defending you even from early morning mysterious gifts!” he added with a wink.  

Laughing at his antics but intrigued by the unopened package, she moved towards the table, wondering and excited for the new day filling the room.

Biting her lip in anticipation, she gingerly picked up the wrapped package, glancing at Kihyun for just an ounce of seriousness. However, the playful smirk on his face revealed that Kihyun was enjoying this immensely, his face glowing with a cheeky delight that threatened to break her serious demeanor.

“Don’t look at me like that, Kihyun,” she chided lightly, trying to suppress her own grin. “This could be something important.”

He simply shrugged again, his dimples flashing as he met her scolding with a retort, “And I don’t doubt that. But remember, it’s also part of the fun.” The infectious excitement she found in his eyes was impossible to ignore.  

Turning her attention back to the package, she studied it, her heart swelling with suspense and curiosity. The wrapping was elegant and understated, hinting at the same thoughtfulness she had come to associate with her secret admirer. The kind of gesture made her heart flutter even as she felt Kihyun’s teasing gaze upon her.

Rolling her eyes at Kihyun but with a quick, exciting heartbeat, she finally started unwrapping the package. Her fingers danced along the edge of the paper, breaking the seal and revealing it layer by layer. As she did so, Kihyun leaned in, his interest piqued despite his earlier jests. His playful comments about the admirer were momentarily forgotten, replaced by a shared curiosity about the mystery box’s contents.

The unwrapping was finally complete, revealing a smaller box as exquisite as the wrapping. She held it in her hands for a moment, exchanging an excited glance with Kihyun before she lifted the lid. Whatever light-hearted tease he had prepared died on his lips as they stared at what was inside. 

“Would you look at that!” Kihyun broke the silence first, a laugh hiding behind his words. “Your secret admirer sure knows how to keep things interesting! Seems like the rest of the day will be just as mysterious as the start.”

“Shut up.” She huffed, trying to stifle the bubbling laughter threatening to betray her severe facade, her face flushing a deep red at Kihyun’s endless jests.

Ignoring his teasing chuckle, she carefully lifted the box’s contents, revealing a delicate silver pendant. The cool metal glinted in the morning light as she held it up, a sense of awe washing over her. It was a beautifully crafted piece, a star-shaped jewel embedded in it, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

“Wow,” she whispered, running her fingers along the intricate carvings of the pendant. The attention to detail was mesmerizing, the smooth metal whispering of dedicated craftsmanship and a profound sense of affection. She was spellbound, captivated by the gentle shimmer; a breath of awe escaped her lips.

“Huh, so your secret admirer has good taste,” Kihyun managed to say, trying to keep his voice steady but failing to hide the note of surprise in it. He moved closer to her, his eyes studying the pendant with a newfound seriousness. A silence descended upon them, interrupted only by the soft clinking of the pendant against the table.

Her gaze flickered to Kihyun briefly, seeing his typically playful eyes darken with curiosity. He was silent for a moment, and then, with a smirk curling his lips, he met her gaze. “Alright, as much as I joke about it, your admirer sure knows how to make an impression.”

She rolled her eyes playfully, yet the blush on her cheeks deepened. Despite his jokes, the sincerity of Kihyun’s words warmed her from within.

“How are you not jealous right now? Mr. “I haven’t had a relationship in years.”” Y/N jabbed, turning to him with a smirk.

Raising an eyebrow, Kihyun leaned backward, placing his hands behind his head. “Who said I’m not?” he drawled, the corner of his mouth tugging into a crooked smile. “However, watching your high school drama unfold is much more entertaining.”

Snickering at his retort, she couldn’t help but feel touched by his nonchalant attitude. Kihyun, despite his constant teasing and feigned indifference, was remarkably supportive and accommodating. She knew beneath his casual exterior he genuinely cared for her.

“You’re just mad nobody’s sending you mysterious gifts,” she teased, holding up the pendant for emphasis. A glint of amusement flashed in his eyes, and he shrugged, feigning a hurt expression. “Maybe I have my secret admirers, but they understand I choose pancakes over pendants any day.”

“God, you’re impossible, Kihyun.” She laughed, shaking her head at his casual dismissal.

His laughter joined hers, filling the room with a sense of lightness. “Just remember, Y/N,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners from his broad grin, “All the secret admirer drama aside, you’re amazing just as you are. You don’t need silver pendants to feel special.”

Touching the pendant gently, she felt a warmth spreading through her. Kihyun’s words may have been framed in jest, but their genuineness was undeniable. He knew her better than anyone else did - her strengths, insecurities, and quirks. And despite everything, he never failed to remind her of her worth.

Ending the exchange with a roll of her eyes and a fond smile, she tucked the pendant back into its box. Kihyun’s teasing may never end, but she most treasured his genuine sentiments. The rest of the morning was spent in enjoyable banter and delicious pancake breakfast, the pendant temporarily forgotten, but the confirmation of her friend’s unwavering support was a gift that kept her smiling throughout the day.

Day 5 dawned brighter than before, her heart fluttering with anticipation and excitement as she found yet another parcel at her doorstep. It was a bit heavier this time, and inside was a beautiful hardcover book - a collection of romantic poems. There was a soft sigh as she flipped through the pages, each adorned with thoughtful verses that warmed her heart and tugged at her romantic daydreams.

She held the book against her chest, a smile gracing her face. Something about the choice of gift felt incredibly intimate, like the secret admirer had heralded a silent understanding of her deepest desires and found a way to address them in such a beautiful manner. She kept it close, unwilling to share this newfound joy, even with Kihyun.

As she was settling on the couch with the book, her cell phone buzzed, and Kihyun’s name flashed on the screen. Lips curving into a smile, she picked up the call, “Miss me already, Kihyun?”

“More than you know,” came the playful response, and then his tone shifted, curious, “So... any more mystery boxes today?”

She hesitated, the book clutched tighter in her grasp. After a split second of indecision, she decided to stay silent about her gift. It wasn’t because she didn’t trust him, but she wanted to enshroud this gift in a veil of secrecy for a little longer, savor the feelings it stirred within her.  

“No,” she lied, “no boxes today. Maybe my secret admirer has lost interest.”

“Well, that’s a bummer,” Kihyun responded, a trace of disappointment in his tone. She could almost see his pout on the other end, “I was hooked on that story.”

Both of them knew Kihyun was just playing along, but she didn’t miss the hint of genuine curiosity in his voice. After all, he also became a part of this mystery and was keen to see how it unfolded, just from the sidelines, not wanting to intrude on her growing romantic life.

Promising to keep him updated on the situation, she ended the call. She glanced at the unassuming book on her lap. She traced the engraved title with her fingertips, a part of her touched by the secret admirer’s gesture, another part amused by Kihyun’s growing interest. With that, she curled into the couch a little more and started immersing herself into the world of romantic verse, a secret smile on her face.

As day 6 broke, the early morning light peered through her bedroom window, gently rousing her from sleep. The echo of romantic verses still hummed in the back of her mind, her dreams having been colored by the poetic whispers of love from the book her secret admirer had gifted. As if in a trance, she pulled herself out of the cozy cocoon of her bed, a soft sense of anticipation fluttering in her heart.

Upon opening her front door, the cool morning air greeted her face, bringing the early morning smells of dew-kissed grass and brewing coffee from the café down the street. There it was again, nestled by the doorstep, another box from her secret admirer - a sight very much part of her morning routine now.   

The box was a little bigger this time and heavier, too. Lifting it carefully, she shuffled back into her home, leaving behind the still-hushed world outside. She placed it on her dining table and observed it momentarily, her heart pounding against her ribs in anticipation. There was a scandalous thrill in not knowing, in the mystery that was set to 

unravel.

Her fingers traced the smooth edges of the box before finally pulling open the ribbon that kept her suspense at bay. As the flap opened, she couldn’t help but gasp. Inside the box lay a stunning bouquet of flowers, their petals a blinding hue of bright yellows and sparkling whites. She recognized them as daffodils, their allure holding an ethereal charm that made her think they were hand-picked from some celestial garden.

An ankle-length mint green dress was carefully folded beneath the flowers, the fabric smooth and soft under her fingers as she pulled it out. The scent of fresh daffodils mixing with the new fabric smell made her feel like a damsel right out of the poems she’d been reading.   

Emotions rose in her chest, and she could feel tears prickling her eyes. The gifts were more personal and thoughtful each passing day - as if the mystery person understood her without saying a word.

Her gaze drifted back to the box, a small card tucked at the side catching her attention. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it. “I hope these make your day brighter than it already is,” read the note.

Indeed, the daffodils, dress, and note made her day infinitely brighter, and not just because they were beautiful gifts. There was an intimate familiarity in these presents, a secret chord of connection that was subtly woven, linking her with her unknown admirer. The underlying sentiment in the gifts bore undeniable hints of tenderness and care. They clearly meant more than simply objects; they were whispers of understanding, silent acknowledgments of her kind of person and the things she cherished.

Holding the mint green dress against her body, she admired it carefully, its color a tranquil reminiscence of calm spring afternoons. On her, it would softly hug her frame, adding a feminine charm to her persona. It was stunning, oozing with earthy appeal and subtle elegance; it was incredibly her.

Unable to resist the rising need to share her excitement and the mixture of feelings churning, she picked up her phone and dialed Kihyun’s number. The phone barely rang twice before Kihyun’s warm voice filled her ears, “Already missing me, aren’t you?”

His playful banter brought a smile to her face, pushing back the rising tide of emotions she was drowning in a moment ago. “Hold your excitement, Kihyun,” she retorted, the grin on her face matching the cheerful one she could hear in his voice. “I got another present.”

The conversation steered into comfortable chatter for a moment, her heartbeats resonating with Kihyun’s teasing and chuckles that she could hear over the phone. After a few shared anecdotes and many lingering laughs, she decided to share the day’s startling discovery.

“I lied yesterday, Kihyun,” she confessed, clutching the dress closer as if needing its support for the confession. “I received an incredibly thoughtful gift from my secret admirer,” she spilled out, taking a moment to elaborate on the touching gift still melting her heart.

“What did you get, Y/N? You have to tell me right now.” his eagerness made her chuckle.

Silence was on the line, a poignant stillness quickly broken by Kihyun’s excited curiosity.

As she launched into the detailed description of the captivating dress and enchanting daffodils, she could feel Kihyun’s thrill surging across the line, their shared excitement painting another beautiful day for her - a day marked by Kihyun’s laughter, their shared secrets, and a hint of surreal romance. Kihyun might not be her secret admirer, but his charm was integral to her unfolding amour tale. And as she ended the call, a sigh, filled with content for the day.

On day 7 came an uncharacteristic pause in the line of gifts. To say she was surprised was an understatement; she had grown accustomed to starting her day with the ever-familiar rush of anticipation, a thrill that had defined her routine for the past week. As she curiously inspected her doorstep, she found it amiss of any surprises. The absence of a morning gift starkly contrasted the regular rhythm of her past mornings, leading her to an unexpected sense of disappointment, a sadness she couldn’t place.   

However, she quickly brushed off the feeling, reminding herself that the mystery had added a delightful tang of suspense that she had grown fond of. Shrugging off her initial gloom, she busied herself preparing for her day out with Kihyun, a small ray of excitement piercing her disappointment.   

Their day out was filled with their signature mirthful narratives, each shared moment binding them further. Kihyun’s vibrant spirit and relentless teasing were infectious, easing the morning’s bewilderment out of her system. The twinkle in his eyes and contagious laughter warmed her heart; their laughter bubbles brushed against their hushed conversations, weaving an unseen tapestry of irreplaceable moments.

As they strolled through the park towards their favorite drink stand, the sun beaming down and the world alive under the cool Christmas chill, Kihyun casually asked the question she had been expecting. “So, did you receive anything today?” His voice had a twinge of curiosity, but it was masked by an intentional casualness. “You never told me if so.”

Taken aback for a moment, she hesitated before answering. “No, not today,” she admitted, adding a chuckle. “My secret admirer decided to give me a day off.” Kihyun mostly hid his surprise with a nod, but she could see a hint of confusion flashed across his face.

As the day wore on, they found comfort in their shared laughter and tales, the missing piece of her morning fading to mere whispers. Amid their delightful indulgence, the day marked another chapter, not of mystery and gifts but of the solid friendship they nurtured, each shared glance, every teasing jab, weaving threads of moments that grew more precious with each passing hour. The day might not have started as she had thought, but in its own ways, it was a gift she was grateful for.   

As the sun dipped to bid the day goodbye, Kihyun’s mischievous grin and comforting camaraderie lingered in her thoughts, creating a buffer to the emptiness that had nudged her morning. They ended the day with a cheerfully disputed game of foosball at their local gaming bar, where she beat him miserably, pride glittering in her eyes and a smug smirk gracing her lips. 

As Kihyun battled through his dramatic heartbreak of defeat, they shared one more laughter for the day before parting ways, his reassuring handshake and teasing glimmer playing seamlessly into the end of a less-than-ordinary day.

Stepping towards her building, the familiar path gleaming under the moonlight, an air of expectancy wafted through her senses. She shook her head in an attempt to diffuse the growing anticipation, chiding at her own hope. Yet, as she approached her doorstep, she paused. A small, elegantly wrapped gift was nestled cozily at her doorstep as if waiting for her arrival.   

A hushed gasp slipped from her lips, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Kneeling down beside it, her fingers delicately traced the outline of the gift, the rough texture of the wrap sending chills up her spine. Her day suddenly felt whole again, as if her morning’s lacuna had been filled, the clock of cryptic gifts resuming its course.  

With a gentle tug, she opened the package, revealing a beautiful leather-bound journal. Emanating a warm, alluring scent typical of vintage books, the journal was unique, its soft ruggedness sparking an immediate intimacy in her heart. Engraved on its cover was a single word, “Dream,” an echo that resonated with her aspirations and many untold stories.   

Her fingers lightly traced the embossed letters, warmth spreading across her fingertips. If the daffodils symbolized respect and the dress spoke volumes about the admirer’s understanding of her style, the blank journal was a testament to her love for words and the potential power of her dreams.

A hushed giggle equally mixed with surprise and delight broke the silent night as she clutched the journal closer. As the evening kept its quiet vigil, the surprising twist pierced through her earlier disappointment, wrapping the day with a perfect closure. The journal was more than a gift. It was the commencement of a new chapter, a silent invitation to pen her own truth, to weave a narrative only she could envision. The secret admirer saga was far from over, but one thing was clear. Every piece of the puzzle was clearly picked with the utmost consideration, each revealing more about the secret admirer’s deep understanding of her.

The intrigue was tantalizing as she picked the journal up, caressing its soft leather cover. She perused the pages to appreciate the craftsmanship and the untold stories this journal could hold. However, as she opened the crisp first page, she paused, her breath hitching in surprise.

There was a note elegantly scribed at the top of the page. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. A spark of anticipation ignited as she chewed her lower lip and squinted at the precise handwriting. The words were written in a chic font, the curves and flavor of the handwriting revealing a unique character, an uncanny reflection of the mysterious person behind these well-thought gifts.

Her eyes scanned the words, silently mouthing them as she read, “To the keeper of dreams and the weaver of words, may this journal hold your untold stories, unspoken thoughts, and unending dreams. Coin a reality only you can envision; let your dreams manifest through the mystique of your words. Yours, your secret admirer.”

Her heart missed a beat, her eyes wide in disbelieving wonder. The words, so profound, so promising, entwined her in a profound moment of understanding. It was more than a mere gift. It was a mirror to her spirit, a hat tip to her penchant for scribbling her thoughts, dreams, and reality.

Vaguely, she was aware of her hands shaking, the journal slightly trembling. The note was an intimate message in a bottle sent across the sea to just her. It screamed understanding, resonance, and a deep sense of familiarity. The more she read it, the louder her heartbeat echoed in her ears, and the deeper she fell into the whirlpool of feelings and the enigma her admirer had put forth.

Hugging the journal close to her chest, she sat on her doorstep, the moonlight gently caressing her form, adding an ethereal glow to the affectionate picture she embodied. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair, seemingly celebrating her contentment and newfound connection with her secret admirer.   

Lingering momentarily, she relished the tranquility that wrapped her in its warm hold. Each word of the note was a serenade to her, a quiet melody only she could hear, and it played ceaselessly, tickling her heartstrings, promising a symphony of narratives only she could chronicle.

Thus began a ritual like no other, a daily spectacle of surprise gifts arranged on her doorstep. Every morning was christened with the thrill of mystery, the pleasure of discovering something new and deeply personal. Her secret admirer’s knowledge of her likes and dislikes extended beyond mere happenstance, suggesting a close observer of her life. Each gift, be it a collection of her favorite abstract art, film memorabilia from her all-time classic movie, or a vintage vinyl of her favorite band, seemed meticulously picked, enveloping her in a blanket of obscure familiarity and secret admiration.

As she counted down the days till Christmas, the space under her tree increasingly began to mirror a treasure box. Each neatly wrapped gift, carefully opened, held a piece of her heart, enveloping her in waves of emotion she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Intriguingly, representative tokens of her passion for travel appeared: a world map with scratch-off destinations, foreign language books for her to decipher, and even a mini globe that lit up, each embedded in the roots of serendipity and future adventures.

The assortment was nothing short of an outburst of joy. This emotional whiplash triggered giggles and silent tears of happiness alike. It wasn’t just about receiving gifts; it was the idea that somebody cared enough to know her, to understand her, and to make her feel acknowledged and unique, which amplified the magic of the scenario.

Her moments with Kihyun were filled with shared laughter and teasing jokes about her secret admirer. With his constant banter, the playful guessing of who it could be, and the wagers they made on every gift, they built precious memories that Santa himself would’ve been proud of.

As the December chill crept in more and more, so did the longing to meet her secret admirer, the intrigue giving way to an acute urge of curiosity. Each passing day rendered her heart more restless, the countdown to Christmas carrying a weight of anticipation.   

One chilly morning, just days before Christmas, she found a tiny box on her doorstep. On opening it, her breath hitched. Inside lay a delicate snowflake pendant – an echo of the season, a testament to the ephemeral and individual - as unique and irreplaceable as herself, a symbol and a promise, silently noting her significance, her uniqueness.

As Christmas neared, the excitement cushioned with silence, the answering smile on her face becoming a permanent fixture as her secret admirer remained veiled in alluring mystery.

Christmas Eve brought an unexpected twist to the tale, with Kihyun inviting her to a friendly gathering with his group mates. The night bloomed in a beautiful meld of laughter and goodwill, the air thick with stories, playful jests, and shared camaraderie. Kihyun, by her side, only heightened the cheer with his endearing laughter that bounced rhythmically off their childish banter about Santa. The soft glow of the Christmas lights dancing in his eyes etched another beautiful memory in her heart.

The festive allure carried onto the Christmas day, surrounded by familiar faces and warmed by familial love. She engaged in a homely celebration, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, mingling with the nostalgic aroma of the pine tree. Preserved traditions, laughter-filled stories, and the shared mirth of togetherness engulfed her, the day promising a lifetime of nostalgia. Her family’s hearts buzzing with joy rendered a new glow to Christmas – all she had ever wanted, all she had ever loved.

As the day ended, she returned home, her heart full yet sluggish from the day’s joyous exhaustion. Drawing closer to her apartment building, she caught sight of a familiar figure perched on the steps. Kihyun, his eyes shining brighter than the nearby streetlamp, was waiting for her.   

In his hands was a familiar small gift. The packaging was the same, the bow perfectly tied - but something felt different. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with earnest anticipation, the silence of the night punctuated only by the rushing thoughts filling her head.   

The realization wrought a gasp from her, her breath hitching and her heartbeat sounding louder than the quiet of the night. Could it be? Could the secret admirer, the person distributing these coded pieces of her soul, have been Kihyun all along? Her mind raced as she approached him, the finality of her walk daunting against the 

Christmas lights strung around her front door.  

There, wrapped snugly in winter’s silence, Kihyun extended the gift towards her - his eyes searching her own, all jest gone - replaced with a raw vulnerability she found endearing. The hours that melted into another Christmas night were yet to unravel surprises of their own, the veil of the secret admirer lifting slowly under the Christmas moonlight.

In his hands was a familiar small gift. The packaging was the same, the bow perfectly tied - but something felt different. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with earnest anticipation, the silence of the night punctuated only by the rushing thoughts filling her head.   

The realization wrought a gasp from her, her breath hitching and her heartbeat sounding louder than the quiet of the night. Could it be? Could the secret admirer, the person distributing these coded pieces of her soul, have been Kihyun all along? Her mind raced as she approached him, the finality of her walk daunting against the Christmas lights strung around her front door.  

There, wrapped snugly in winter’s silence, Kihyun extended the gift towards her - his eyes searching her own, all jest gone - replaced with a raw vulnerability she found endearing. The hours that melted into another Christmas night were yet to unravel surprises of their own, the veil of the secret admirer lifting slowly under the Christmas moonlight.

Overwhelmed by curiosity and unexpected understanding, she took the gift from him, her fingers brushing lightly against his. The familiarity of it brought her an unusual wave of comfort and anticipation, a drum roll echoing in her chest as she unwrapped the gift.

As the wrapping gracefully unfolded under her careful hands, a thing of beauty was slowly but indeed revealed. Tucked snugly within was a beautifully crafted, handwritten letter. The elegant script, its curves and flourishes were familiar, the words an echo of previous ones she’d come to treasure - its profound intimacy only deepening with each thoughtful expression.

Below the letter remained more surprises, artifacts of a heartfelt saga silently written through her secret admirer’s thoughtful gifts - treasures as intimate and sincere as the words etched on the letter above.

A sigh escaped her lips as she carefully revealed a book she’d dreamt of owning, its elusive nature only fueling her desire. It was a rare edition she’d mentioned in passing to Kihyun amidst a lazy afternoon chat not so long ago. It was more than just a book; it was a testament to her dreams and aspirations, an encapsulation of a part of her life she held dear.

Alongside the book, nestled in a jeweled box, was an exquisite pendant she had always admired from afar. Its price had deterred her from purchasing it, but its beauty had constantly stirred a longing within her. Now, to see the same pendant lying before her, glittering in the soft glow of the Christmas lights, it was much more than just a piece of jewelry - it was the acknowledgment of her desires, the embodiment of dreams she’d whispered into the winds, now gently resting in her hands.

Kihyun watched, his eyes holding the reflections of the sparkling pendant and the joy in her eyes - a moment printed onto the canvas of a Christmas night. In that instance, under the garland of lights and warmth, the veil of the secret admirer finally melted away, the visage of Kihyun emerging through -- a friend, a confidante, a shared laughter, and now, her poignant admirer. A Christmas as magical as they come, the story of their shared past and a beautifully mysterious present was embraced that night – a testament to the Christmas spirit that genuinely lived in their hearts.

“It was you the whole time?” Her question echoed in the silence, a simple confirmation of the emotions swelling within her, the reality beginning to settle.

“Yes,” Kihyun replied, his voice a soft whisper that seemed to blend with the falling snow. His eyes held a shining sincerity, a deep emotion she had seldom seen. They simply gazed at each other for a moment, the confession hanging between them in the cool night air.

“But how? We were almost always together,” she breathed out, confusion furrowing her brows. Memories of all the shared moments replayed in her mind - the days bursting with laughter, the lingering glances, the constant companionship, and the masterfully orchestrated surprises.

A chuckle escaped Kihyun’s lips, momentarily disrupting the tranquil moment. “Ah, you see, quite clever actually... I had a little help.” His eyes twinkled in delight, a mischievous glint creeping back into them, making her heart flutter. 

“Minhyuk and Jooheon were my partners in crime,” he admitted, a proud grin plastering his face. “They were the ones who delivered the gifts to your doorstep when we were together.”

The revelation sent a warm thrill coursing through her. The thought of their friends playing along, helping Kihyun warm her days with unexpected gifts, brought a smile to her lips. Including her beloved friends in this heartfelt expression added an even more intimate charm to the entire experience unfolding before her.

“I just... I wanted to find the most special gifts for you,” Kihyun continued, a sense of earnest passion coloring his tone. “It wasn’t easy; it took time, scanning multiple stores, browsing countless online sites, and it took me months to find the book you’ve been longing for and the pendant you always admired.”

His thoughtfulness and efforts in this grand gesture unveiled a meaningful dimension of Kihyun’s affection. Each detail – the elusive book, the beautiful pendant – was a token of the patience and dedication he had devoted to making her feel special in every possible way.

“And the letters?” she asked, her mind now wandering to the exquisite performance of pen on paper she’d come to adore.

“I spent hours practicing to write perfectly in cursive,” he confessed. An image flitted across her mind – Kihyun immersed in his diligent labor of love, a pen in his hands, a warm lamp illuminating his focused features.

“There were lots of wasted papers and tossed-out pens, but the expressions on your face whenever you’d receive them made it all worth it,” he finished. A soft, sheepish smile adorned his lips as he briefly looked away, a faint blush creeping up his neck - an endearing sight that heightened her respect and affection for her dear friend.

“And how did you keep such a good poker face every time I got excited about receiving a new gift?” she asked, still processing the extent of his efforts.

Kihyun rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze directed to the distance as he reminisced, “To say it was easy would be a lie. Sometimes, I just wanted to let it out, to show you how thrilled I was to see you happy. However, I knew I had to hold back. I had to keep the magic alive. I chose to feed off your delight, to live vicariously through your innocent excitement.”

Hearing him confess his struggles, the sheer effort of keeping such a significant secret amid their camaraderie was both heart-aching and heartwarming. Feeling closer to him than ever before, she found comfort in knowing that they could share such profound experiences, unbeknownst to even themselves, moving on an unseen thread of affection and understanding.

“I won’t deny that seeing you coming to me after every gift was an experience in itself,” Kihyun admitted earnestly, reaching out and gently brushing a stray curl away from her face. “It made me ecstatic to see your reactions, to listen to your thoughts... to know you were treasured even as I held back the admirer's identity.”

Her heart seemed to swell with each word. Each revelation added a new layer to this extraordinary tale, embellishing it with a unique blend of friendship, affection, and unspoken love. As a gentle snowfall started to blanket the world around them, the soft glow of the Christmas lights illuminating their faces, she felt a profound warmth radiating from Kihyun’s honest eyes, his enduringly patient love that had orchestrated such a magical mystery. This Christmas, as the story of their shared past came full circle with a festively mysterious present, their hearts resonated with the true spirit of this winter holiday – loving and cherishing each other and the shared tale that wove them intricately together.

In the moment's warmth, Kihyun’s gaze dipped from her eyes to her lips, a silent question lingering in his eyes. As if reading her thoughts, he asked softly, “May I?”   

She looked at him, his sincerity shimmering like the snowflakes gently descending around them. A breath hitched in her throat as she gave a shy nod, her heart beating wildly as anticipation gripped her.

Acknowledging her response with a gentle smile, Kihyun closed the gap between them. His lips met hers in a sweet kiss that held all the unspoken emotions they shared – a profound affection subtly blending with newly discovered love. It was a gentle exploration, a testament to their deep bond and cherished companionship, conveyed through a language that words often fail to express.

When they parted, they shared a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the love that had finally found its voice. The night seemed peaceful, the silence only broken by the gentle rustling of the snow-laden branches and their faintly trembling breaths.

“Hold still...” Kihyun murmured, breaking the silence as he gently held the pendant she warmly regarded. The cool metal chain seemed to electrify her senses as she held her breath while he secured it around her neck. His fingers lightly brushed against her skin as he worked the delicate clasp, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

The distinct shimmer of the beautifully chosen necklace lay against her slightly flushed skin, adorning her in a way she’d imagined countless times. As his fingertips traced away, lingering for a moment on her nape, a sense of satisfaction mirrored in his eyes.

“There,” Kihyun whispered, a soft smile gracing his lips as he admired his handiwork. The pendant hung delicately, catching the Christmas lights that softly fell on them. The sight seemed to ground their escapade into a sweet reality, a symbol of his affection now proudly displayed.

Her fingers instinctively grazed the pendant, a tangible culmination of Kihyun’s love and efforts. It was more than just an accessory; it was a signifier of an extraordinary love that was patiently built and skillfully veiled under the guise of friendship and a mystery admirer. As she looked into Kihyun’s eyes, the gentle glow reflecting their shared joy, she realized that their journey of love had just begun, beautifully clothed in the magical allure of a festively mysterious Christmas.

As the chilly wind began to pick up, she noticed the slight tremble in Kihyun’s hands, the shivering cold infringing upon their joyous moment. She swiftly reached for his arm, a warm smile gracing her face, “Let’s not turn you into a snowman. It’s warmer inside.”

Kihyun didn’t break any denial at her invitation, readily agreeing with a grateful grin that met his still-flushed cheeks.

Once they stepped over the threshold, the cold was replaced by a cocoon of warmth that enveloped them. The scent of their earlier supper and the distinct fragrance of pine from their decorated Christmas tree welcomed them, creating a nostalgic and homely ambiance that further solidified their irreplaceable connection.

Kihyun seemed attached to her side now, mirroring her movements like a compass aligned to the North. His presence was nearly constant, like a silent guardian angel, or more accurately, a lovable, lost puppy clinging to his newfound home. The tenderness in his following gaze was charmingly precious, making her heart flutter whenever she looked his way.

In return, she catered to his ease and made this night memorable. She initiated the brewing of hot cocoa, their earlier frosty encounter calling for something warm and soothing. Kihyun just watched her, his eyes following her every gesture, every move.

The evening continued in a breezy blur of shared laughter and subtle touches, the simple domesticity marked by their mutual companionship. With Kihyun’s nearness kindling a new kind of comfort, a kind of elation bubbled up within her, turning an ordinary night into a prepossessing memory.   

Each jammed radio button, each shared blanket, and each nonchalant brush of their hands further delineated their newly forged connection. Kihyun followed her dutifully, his presence a sweet reminder of their relationship’s incredible turn.   

As they eventually settled on the couch, their shoulders brushing against each other, their hands occasionally intertwining, she was thoroughly soaked with unfathomable contentment. Their heartfelt encounter outside was replaced by the humming silence of her warm living room, their companions’ soft twinkling Christmas lights, and the sweet flavor of cocoa lingering between them.

As she leaned her head against his shoulder, Kihyun wrapped an arm around her as an answer. She knew that this was the start of something truly special. Every corner of her house that was earlier adorned with festive décor now held a new significance as if those inanimate objects were quiet spectators of their blooming relationship. The easy silence blanketing them allowed room for reminiscence and reflection, their earlier adventure transmuting ordinary moments into precious memories.

In the comfortable embrace of the couch, as the aroma of hot cocoa and the familiar scent of pine permeated the air, they found contentment within their closeness. The outside world was momentarily forgotten - the frosty chill, the heavy snow, and even time seemed irrelevant in their shared cocoon of companionship. The brushing of their fingers, the slow rhythm of their combined breaths, and the silent beating of their hearts painted a vivid picture of a love story perfectly scripted in an ambiance of festive romance.

Her thoughts ran free, aimless yet strangely centered on the man whose arms encased her. The sense of contentment was almost tangible, filling her heart with a warmth that outshone the cheerful blaze crackling in her fireplace. She found herself unconsciously tracing patterns on the back of his hand with her free hand - circles, lines, forming shapes only they could interpret, each shape carving another subtle memory into their journey of love.

A sudden thought dashed through her mind, breaking her pattern tracing. “How about a warm bath?” she suggested, her voice soft as she lifted her head from the crook of his shoulder, her gaze meeting his. “It’s a good way to wash off the day’s chill.”

His agreement was immediate, a lazy smile spreading at the prospect. A shared bath sounded absurdly intimate but was past labels and societal conventions. This was their relationship, their love blooming in ways they had never anticipated.

Kihyun’s presence followed her into the bathroom, his silhouette reflecting in the mirror as she started filling the tub. The rush of warm water quickly masked in a thick veil of steam, enveloping them in a cozy warmth that seemed to hug their bodies. As she adjusted the bath temperature, the soft splatter of water against the ceramic tiles provided a comforting harmony, blissful in its own simple way.

The shared bath was a testament to their trust in each other - a trust born from the roots of friendship, nurtured by shared interests and laughter and blossomed into the love now silently thriving between them. Bathed in the soft glow of the dimmed lights, the bathwater turning into a cocoon of warmth, their bodies relaxed, drawing comfort from each other’s presence even as the initial tension of intimacy resided in their minds.

She turned to face Kihyun, her fingers gripping the hem of her shirt. His gaze, now less playful and carrying a certain intensity, traced the contours of her figure with admiration, an expression so candid it left her feeling slightly exposed, her cheeks heating up.   

However, he seemed to sense her hesitation; his warm hands stilled hers, his eyes flicking to meet hers. “You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, his statement laced with an emotion so profound it stirred something deep within her. “Don’t hide yourself from me.”

The depth of his gaze matched the sentiment of his words, serving as a compelling reassurance that washed away her lingering apprehension. Kihyun murmured more compliments, each word articulating his awe and adoration, painting her in shades of appreciation she hadn’t fully realized he had seen her in. She was not just any woman to him - she was infinitely precious, as unique and beautiful as their bond.

Their laughter and teasing banter often overshadowed such profundity in their relationship. Still, in these intimate moments, the strength of their connection was undeniable. Their relationship had blossomed in friendship, nurtured by shared memory, and the bond they had built was indeed love. This love distilled comfort, reliability, and now shared vulnerability into a remarkable blend.

As the last threads of hesitation unraveled, they engaged in the serene journey of shared intimacy - slowly, sensuously undressing, their eyes never straying from one another. Each piece of clothing shed marked a step further into their shared path of trust and intimacy, their hearts hammering a silent rhythm that echoed the depth of their connection. His fingers traced the slight dip of her collarbone, his touch light, almost reverential. Her hands moved to unbutton his shirt, her fingertips brushing against the warmth of his skin, escalating their intimate voyage.

With reassuring whispers of appreciation and shared glances filled with love, they continued their path, honoring the profound depth of their relationship. As they shed the last fragments of clothing and inhibitions, they stepped into their cocoon of warmth, the bathwater welcoming them into a boundaryless world borne of trust, love, and shared understanding. Their bodies intertwined in the steamy bath, her unfounded insecurities washed away by the soothing warmth and his genuinely heartfelt compliments, creating a moment that was gracefully pure and uniquely theirs.

The water embraced them gently, the warm bath scent creating a divine delirium that heightened the moment's intimacy. His hands were everywhere, tracing the silhouette of her body through the clear water, his fingertips creating ripples in the otherwise serene tranquility of the bath.

Kihyun’s hands cupped her face, tilting her chin upwards until her eyes met his. The affectionate look in his eyes mirrored his gentle touch, wrapping her in a cascade of warmth and safety. Her eyes fluttered closed, reveling in his thumb lightly stroking her cheek, the intimacy of the moment creating a memory she’d forever cherish.

Without prompting, his hand moved from her face, tracing a path through the water as he reached for her hair. A soft chuckle rippled from his lips as he secured her damp hair in a high ponytail, ensuring it wouldn’t get wet in the bath. Even amidst this moment of heightened intimacy, his considerate gesture grounded their interaction in a reality seasoned with familiar comfort, a testament to the depth of their connection.

They began conversing - about anything and everything, their voices echoing against the bathroom tiles, intertwining with the soft sound of the water. They spoke about mundane nothings, profound truths, fears and dreams, shared memories, and individual secrets. Their conversation flowed as naturally as the water around them, each word a testament to their bond, each laughter a reaffirmation of their shared joy, hidden whispers in a world of their own making.

Each glance exchanged spoke volumes more than words ever could, their connection seeping through the silence in the spaces between their conversation. Their bodies pressed close, the occasional brush of their hands, the whispering water around their still, entwined forms - it was no longer just a bath; it was an intimate dance between two souls learning to navigate the path of profound love.

With his hands around her, his gaze soft and appreciative, their connection seemed deeper, even more profound within the candlelight glow of the steamy bathroom. He chuckled, murmuring soft compliments that made her blush crimson under the blanket of warm bathwater. Their conversation, laughter, and intimate gestures etched into the silence of the night, this bath was the symbolism of trust, shared vulnerability, and a deepening love - their world within a world.

Time seemed to freeze as Kihyun’s gaze grew more intense, teetering on the precipice of a deeper intimacy. The playful banter still hung in the air, swallowed by the suspense-filled silence. His fingers lazily drew circles on her bare skin, tangible electricity crackling between their close bodies. With his eyes locked onto hers, he murmured, “Can I kiss you?”

His question hung heavy, solidifying their intimate vulnerability. A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine, the heat of the bathwater paling compared to the flame that his words ignited within her. His question, no, his request, was significant – an admission of the desire that had been subtly brewing between them, now finally voiced.

Emboldened, she nodded her approval, anticipating the sweet surrender of their connecting lips. Closing her eyes, she leaned in, but instead of meeting his lips, she found him whispering against her skin, intimate praises that made her heart race.

His lips finally found hers in a slow, intoxicating dance. This soft touch lingered and deepened, intensifying with each passing second. His hands shuffled up to cradle her face, her hands pulling him closer, wrapped around his neck. The kiss, she thought, was pure magic - an ethereal blend of raw passion and tender affection that seemed to set their world on fire.

Their movements grew more assertive, their bodies weaving into each other under the blanket of bathwater. Every touch ignited sparks that blazed under their skin and electrified their senses. Their tangled limbs reflected in the steamy water, the intimate tableau a blend of roiling heat and escalating desire. His grip on her waist tightened, pulling her closer. Kihyun’s hand slipped down to her hip, his thumb tracing circles that caused her to tremble.

Blind to everything but each other, they continued their intoxicating dance. Hands roamed, leaving trails of heat in their wake; words whispered amidst shared breaths wrapped them in an intimate cocoon. The dance of intertwining tongues and roaming hands built-in tempo, creating an intoxicating symphony.   

They explored, discovered, lost and found themselves again in the steam-filled bathroom, thrumming with unspoken words and promises. Their gasps for breath and low murmurs filled the silence, a profound love story weaved in hushed whispers and fervent touches.   

In the glow of warm candlelight, their reflected silhouettes painted an intimate portrait on the steamy bathroom tiles. Their interlude seemed to transcend the confines of the steam-perfumed room, a realm of whispered intimacy. It accentuated sensations between their closely entwined bodies. The veil of steam provided a fairy-tale haze to their naked emotions, bared in the all-consuming passion that was engulfing them.   

With Kihyun’s fingers still dancing along her hip bone, forming words and phrases she could only guess, he pressed gentle kisses to her jawline, earning himself a hushed sigh. His exploration was slow yet purposeful, and she couldn’t help closing her eyes, focusing purely on the sensation of his skin on hers, touched by the warmth of his eager exploration. The magical dance they were engaged in was no longer bound by words but voiced through the nervous thumping of hearts, the soft gasps of contentment serving as a melodious accompaniment to their symphony.   

“Kihyun...” Her voice was barely a whisper, pulling him away from his trail of kisses along her jaw, the soulful look in his eyes interweaving with her silent plea. He heard the unspoken desire mirrored in her voice, a spark igniting the depths of his own longing.

Eyes burning bright, edged with a glint of playfulness and cloaked in desire, he asked, “Are you sure?” His voice was raspy, laced with concern and a hint of desire that had her heart fluttering.

“Yes, yes I am,” she managed through bated breath, entrusting him with a level of vulnerability that felt surprisingly liberating. With one last lingering look for confirmation, he took her lips into a sweet kiss, a reassurance and a promise bundled into the intimate connection. His response was a breathless whisper, “I want this too, more than you know.”

With the exchange of those stolen words, the previous rhythm of their dance transformed into a sensual ballet, the steamy water around them serving as the stage for this divine performance, fingertips tracing coy patterns on surfaces that had her arching into him.

Kihyun’s hands roamed down to claim her hips, pulling her closer, skin on the skin where water meets air. Her fingers gripped his shoulders, nails digging into his skin, their bodies moving in unison with the pulsating rhythm of their shared heartbeat. Every breath, every sigh, every shared laugh was a token of their desire, etched into the steamy air of the bathroom that held this moment captive.   

The echo of their shared intimacy lingered still. Nodding, she wrapped her arms around Kihyun’s neck for support. The heated pace slowed as they synchronized their rhythm again, each silent understanding reflected in the other’s gaze.

Kihyun’s hands on her hips became her anchor, grounding her as they continued their slow exploration, his touch coaxing her to lose herself in their shared bliss. The feeling was more than just tactile. Her senses were heightened and everything else dimmed, leaving only his touch, his scent, and his breath on her skin. Her fingers traced along his jawline, feeling the grit of stubble and the warmth beneath that demanded her attention.

Unspoken affirmations passed between them through lingering touches and steady gazes. As they shared hushed whispers, her fingers found the back of his neck, pulling him closer. The caress of her fingers against his skin echoed their shared thrumming excitement, arching his back into her touch.

Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze making her breath hitch. His voice was low, matching the rhythm of their swaying bodies. “Is this okay?” he asked. Still, she merely nodded, this non-verbal communication already forming a bond of understanding between them.

The lighthearted banter was no longer light but now laden with the buildup. Each laugh, each sigh, every word, every pause coalesces into an ensemble of amplified sensations. Their conversation had warped, no longer consisting of words but of whispered breaths, muffled laughs, and silences that spoke volumes.

The echo of their shared intimacy hung in the air, a silent testament to their cultivated closeness throughout the day. The steamy atmosphere of the bathroom seemed to magnify the significance of their interactions, acting as a hushed soundtrack that played alongside their rhythm as they continued to discover and appreciate each other in a new light.

Their shared laughter and gentle sighs, their silent language exchanged through subtle touches and lingering looks, evolved, gathering and moving forward into something utterly electrifying. Their communication was no longer verbal. Instead, it was a sensory-led sonata composed of whispered breaths, muffled giggles, comfortable silence, and a charged atmosphere. Each heartbeat and rapid inhale affirmed the shared, tangible intimacy that had blossomed among the day’s occurrences.   

The hot, steamy air from the bathroom acted as a magnifying glass, intensifying even the most elemental aspects of their interactions. It brought an acutely amplified awareness, serving as the unsung background melody to their dynamic chorus. It was a silent orchestra musician, never missing a beat, as they explored deeper degrees of symbiosis, illuminating one another under a new light.

“Let’s dry you off,” Kihyun declared gently once they left the essence-filled bathroom, reaching for a plush towel. His voice echoed softly in the hazy atmosphere; the steam warped his words into a comforting, distant hum.   

Wrapping the towel around her lovingly, he pulled her towards him. The couple stood intimately close, their figures barely distinguishable in the foggy aura. A heartbeat echoed in the silence. Whether hers or his, neither could tell.   

Then, the world seemed to still when he leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers as he sealed their lips into a kiss. It was sweet, lingering - a silent promise, an unspoken connection. He did so gently, cradling her face as if she was the most precious thing he’d ever encountered. The kiss was charged, and she reciprocated passionately, each press of their lips whispering silent stories of shared understanding and adoration.

Dressed in a warm, softened aura of the lingering kiss, they navigated towards her room. Kihyun, ever familiar due to the abundance of his visits, possessed several spare outfits at her place. He dressed with an appealing, homely ease that was welcomingly comforting.   

“Let’s get you dressed, okay?” Kihyun asked, his voice dropped to a soft caress as he held out one of her pajamas. Helping her into her clothes, he took on the role of her caregiver easily, demonstrating the depth of his regard for her.   

The night’s story was still unfolding, leaving an exciting sense of anticipation and yearning in its wake, the couple elegantly navigating through the tangle of emotions with grace and mutual respect.

With a gentle nod, she held out her arms, allowing Kihyun to assist her into the soft fabric of her pajamas. The room engulfed them in a soothing cascade of comfort, an extension of the overwhelming warmth that had enveloped them throughout the day. In the quiet intimacy of her space, Kihyun’s presence felt incredibly natural, a testament to the compelling bond they had developed.

The process was unhurried and full of subtle, lingering touches that stoked the emotional fire between them. Every pull of fabric or adjustment of a button was a reaffirmation of his growing sense of protective affection towards her. The innocently intimate gesture of helping her dress seemed to thread an unspoken pledge into their connection: a promise of unwavering support and care that transcended before, now, and what may come.   

“Done,” he whispered, locking his eyes with hers again. She nodded, a soft, uncharacteristically shy smile blossoming on her face. Their eyes held a conversation of their own - an exchange of gratitude, fondness, and anticipation under a shared understanding.

With this newfound closeness, they navigated towards her bed. The sheets seemed to welcome them, offering comfort after the day’s excitement. As they settled into each other comfortably, the outside world ceased to exist. It was their sanctuary, and they were the rulers.

“Goodnight, Kihyun,” she murmured, parting the silence with her words. Her voice fluttered across the silent room, carrying unspoken sentiments cloaked under it. She entwined her fingers with his, offering the soft pressure of connection as a closing to the day’s events.

“Goodnight,” he echoed back softly, his thumb delicately stroking her hand, resonating a comforting rhythm to lull them into relaxation. His gaze never left hers as if silently assuring her of his constant presence. “And Merry Christmas.”

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

》 AITA for my attempts to avoid playing an online game with a friend?

disclaimer i apologize for how chronically online this whole situation might sound, also if my friends see this and recognize me, i am so sorry

about a year back i [18] got into tps game because some of my online friends were really into it. the friends relevant to this AITA are C [16] and B [17]

when i started out i was quite bad at the game, but C and B were cool about playing with me anyways. during the first few months i played very often but i then dropped it for a bit, now playing only whenever i have nothing much to do

so here's where the actual AITA situation comes in:

I picked the game up again, again only playing every so often. usually i would solo queue and play with random people but sometimes C and B would ask me to join a match if they were online too

while the three of us would play fine together, even with me being the least skilled, i at one point realised i preferred playing with C and not B. C and I would share out frustrations about bad teammates and also excitement over winning matches, overall itd be a lighthearted good time

B on the other hand is a different story. I like playing with them but a majority of the time id leave our online play in a bad mood. failed matches would be terrible, they'd sometimes type out insults aimed at the team as a whole [despite me being the only person who is able to read the messages since we chat outside the game] excluding themself as they highlight their much better play, sometimes even aiming a grievence at me directly for not keeping up.

i am ND and have terrible rsd, so i take messages such as "I hate you guys" "anon what was that" "you guys suck", to heart against my will. B always seems to be incredibly frustrated and dumbfounded whenever the team plays terrible, and if theyre meant to be jokes i honestly cannot tell. while i could try to jokingly insult back, since C and B are fine with trading insults between each other, my humor is just not the same

back on topic, on one occasion, we were matched with teammates who did not play very well with us, and we had a very bad losing streak. while i was used to having bad teamwork and repeat losses, B stopped playing with me on account of feeling very frustrated over our teammates and having been dropped down a rank because of it

these days, when C and B are online and I happen to be free, i avoid getting online myself even if i want to play. when im online and B joins, ill play with them begrudgingly because i know they're a better player than me and we have a good time when we are actually winning. if i can, however, I sometimes ignore invites to continue playing

so tumblr, AITA for what I'm doing?

What are these acronyms?

[creative-heart]

"My thoughts will echo your name"| Esteban Kukuriczka

Chapter seven: “I see forever in your eyes”

Lucia’s notes: I really hope you liked the last chapter on Friday. Here comes the last part of this Fanfiction.

Playlist:

 Beautiful things- Benson Boone

Dandelions- Ruth B.

Yellow- Coldplay

Speechless- Dan + Shay

Nothing- Bruno Major

From the ground up- Dan + Shay

Content Warning: Social drinking and a brief mention of being drunk, otherwise, just a cute and fluffy chapter..

Word Count: 1.2k

It was true when people said the best you could get in terms of love is to be in a relationship with your best friend. Y/N had proved it herself, as the golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the sky, she stood before the mirror in their cozy Barcelona apartment, a soft smile playing on her lips. Five years. Five years of laughter, tears, adventures, and love with Esteban, her Kuku.

She traced her fingers over the photograph on the dresser, a candid shot of them laughing in the streets of Barcelona when they had just moved to the city four years ago, his arms wrapped around her waist as they danced to the rhythm of their hearts. It felt like yesterday when they had decided to finally give all this a go back in Buenos Aires going back and forth between their apartments, watching silly movies that neither of them was really paying attention to, or playing Nintendo even tho the brown eyed man would always let her win because he loved her excited face whenever she did.

The place buzzed with excitement as Sofia prepared for their anniversary date. Esteban had been mysteriously busy all week, dropping hints about a surprise he had planned. Little did she know, tonight would mark a milestone in their journey together, one she would cherish forever. With a final touch of her favorite perfume and a glance at the mirror, the blonde woman headed downstairs to where kuku awaited, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

The streets of Barcelona shimmered with the glow of streetlights as the couple strolled hand in hand, the city alive with the magic of their love. They reminisced about their adventures, shared dreams, and whispered promises of forever. They went to dinner to a new and exclusive Argentinian restaurant in the city they had been dying to try, their hands only coming apart to eat, their eyes never leaving each other’s as they wine and dined. Once they were done, they walked out, enjoying the fresh air of the night and a little bit given to kuku’s insistence they went on a walk, ending up on the first spot they stepped foot when they moved here.

As they reached the special place overlooking the city, Esteban turned to Y/N, his eyes shimmering with emotion. “Mi amor, my darling Y/N, whenever I pictured the woman with whom I would share my life, I never pictured someone as perfect as you. You never fail to make me laugh, your love is evergreen and I’m so proud of how confident in yourself you’ve become since we met. I know this might sound cheesy, but from the second you walked into my parent’s place for that party, I knew that you would change my life for the better”. He spoke feeling the emotion break in the back of his throat having to swallow the lump so he wouldn’t start crying before he could get what he wanted to say out and Y/N felt her heart swell with love for this man who had become her everything so easily.

Then, with trembling hands, Esteban dropped to one knee, a small velvet box held out before him. Y/N gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. "Y/N," Esteban began, his voice barely steady and filled with emotion, "these five years with you have been the most beautiful of my life. You've filled my days with love, laughter, and endless joy. Will you continue this adventure with me, as my wife, my partner, and my forever?"

The blonde woman could hardly speak through her tears as she nodded, her heart overflowing with love. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" With a radiant smile, Esteban slipped the ring onto her finger, sealing their love with a promise of forever and a slow kiss filled with all the love and friendship shared amongst the two of them.

Time flies when you’re planning a wedding in a different continent and the following year went by in a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. The day finally arrived, the sun shining brightly overhead as Y/N walked down the aisle her arm around her dad’s and her heart pounding with love and anticipation.

Esteban stood at the altar his boys standing beside him as Fran handed him a tissue when he saw the tears brimming the elder’s eyes. Esteban’s eyes never leaving hers, his love shining like a beacon in the sea of faces. When she reached him, Y/D/N gave kuku a short one armed hug and whispered in his ear “please take care of my princess, she’s yours to protect now, but she’s still my baby girl”. Kuku nodded softly and whispered back “she’s my whole heart, I could never hurt her sir”.

 As they exchanged vows, promising to love, cherish, and support each other for all eternity, Y/N knew she was exactly where she belonged, this was the person the universe had set for her to spend her life with, and it was simply meant to be.

The wedding reception was a vision of beauty and love, a celebration of their journey together and the adventures that lay ahead. Under a canopy of twinkling lights and surrounded by their closest friends and family, Y/N and Esteban danced until they couldn’t stand their feet hurt so much. The boys had taken it upon themselves to get everybody drunk that night, specially Simón and Matias kept the booze running amongst the group even though they were clearly drunk by now. As Matias approached kuku on one of the rounds, the older one wrapped his arms around his friend and drunkenly slurred to his friend “Muchas gracias Mati, muchas veces, if it weren’t because you insisted me to go after Y/N, we wouldn’t be here, so you should be proud” he poked the younger’s chest with his long finger.

Matias laughed softly as he planted a kiss on his friend’s temple, “man, she was crazy about you and it could be seen from that first night at the party, you two were just too dumb to do anything about it yourselves, I’m just so glad that you grew a pair eventually.”

“That’s my husband you’re kissing there Recalt!” Y/N chimed in playfully and drunkenly as she stepped closer to the group “so be careful with what you do, also, I’ll steal him away from you all for a bit” the blonde winked playfully linking her arm with her husband’s before walking away from the noise and fun from the party, their fingers intertwined as they gazed up at the sky. "I love you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper and her eyes fixed up on the stars.

"I love you more than anything in this world," kuku replied, his voice filled with emotion as his gaze fell on his wife’s profile “and now you’re mine forever, I can’t believe my luck” he smiled planting a kiss on her cheek. And as they held each other close, Y/N knew that their love would endure, forever echoing in the depths of their souls, a melody of love that would never fade away because she had always known, she saw forever in those big, kind, brown eyes.

THE END.

Lucia's notes: This is where this story comes to an end, I really hope you enjoyed this as muchas I did while writing it. If you have any ideas or rquests for some short scenario coming from this, please know, my ask box is always open and I'd be super happy to explore those ideas. 🥰🥰😍😍

Taglist:

@madame-fear @cyliarys-starlight @castawaycherry @luceracastro

@espinasrubi @lastflowrr @koiibiito @candycanes19 @nperoconelcositoarriba @lxdyred @deepinsideyourbeing