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rubyin-wonderland · 2 months ago

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Zoro's Girl

opla!Zoro x reader, Sanji x reader

Summary: Sanji wishes that he had Zoro's girl

WC: 4.6k

Warnings/tags: fem!reader, same deal as Sanji's Girl but the other way around, I think I angsted a little too close to the sun with this one, hurt/no comfort, reciprocated feelings, sad ending

Note: hope you enjoy this and I'm sorry in advance

Sanji's Girl

Sanji watches as you present your latest masterpiece to the crew. It's a majestic sight, three levels of cake, each a different flavour, and decorated intricately with frosting you made from scratch.

He had been doing a kitchen checkup as you worked on the cake, tiny delicate details on the side and a masterful recreation of the jolly roger which sat atop the mountain of cake.

You had been incredibly focused while you worked, hardly paying any mind to the outside world, only ever looking up when somebody entered the room, only to almost immediately return to your work.

The presentation received a fair amount of impressed applause. You smiled, and Sanji couldn't help but smile as well. The applause was certainly deserved, knowing the effort that had been put into it.

"Let's cut it up!" Luffy declared excitedly, much more excited to taste the art then to look at it.

You gladly set the cake down on the table, picking up a knife and asking around for what flavor everyone wanted.

After you were finished serving, you took a piece for yourself, and settled into the chair next to Zoro, smiling up at him. "Is it good?" You asked expectantly.

"Yes." He said simply, already working on a mouthful of the cake.

Sanji rolled his eyes. Of course that was all he had to say. The fool wouldn't know how to compliment food if his life was on the line.

A simple "yes" was hardly enough to explain how good your baking had been. In Sanji's opinion, the cake had been light but not too airy. It had baked evenly and the buttercream miraculously melded with each flavour of cake with no effort at all. As for the presentation, you had put an unbelievable amount of detail into the sides, tiny decals representing each of your crewmates, which just added to the emotional aspect of this act. He also thought about how you had carefully sourced every ingredient, and he hoped you knew your dedication was not unappreciated.

He was planning on telling you all of this, but you were too busy at Zoro's side, cozied up against the seemingly indifferent man.

Of course Sanji understood that you were Zoro's girlfriend. You had every right to curl up at his side, intimate and loving, but that never stopped Sanji's blood from boiling. You were so intelligent, talented and gorgeous. How in the world had you fallen for Zoro?

The whole crew had been surprised when the two of you first displayed your affections to each other. Neither of you had shown any previous indications and the two of you never explicitly stated what was going on. Lucky enough for the two of you, what was going on was quite obvious, so there was no need for explanation.

The relationship infuriated Sanji to no end, but he kept his mouth shut about it. This matter was none of his business, even if his brain demanded an answer out of you. No matter how hard he tried, it just confused him. Like a convoluted math equation, the facts never added up. It felt wrong.

Whatever the reason, you had picked Zoro. You seemed happy enough, so no concerns were ever brought up.

You sat now, leaning over the space between your chairs, against Zoro, head against his body as you looked contentedly at everyone enjoying the fruits of your labour.

A chorus of compliments were sent across the table, telling you about how good the cake was and thanking you for your surprise. You grinned, taking in the praise and feeling a little bashful about the compliments being poured onto you.

"It was nothing." You kept insisting, as if the process had not taken up a big portion of your time and attention over the past two days.

There were multiple calls for seconds, and a few for thirds, until everyone's dinner was as good as ruined, save only for your bottomless pit of a captain.

Eventually, once everyone had had their fill, you set aside the rest of the cake and everyone slowly left. You stayed behind, to clean the dishes, still giddy that everything had turned out so well.

Sanji waited to tell you his opinions until Zoro had gone, not wanting to be on the receiving end of the man's anger.

Zoro left the kitchen soon enough, but not without pressing a kiss to your cheek, an action that made you smile.

It was a special smile that was drawn from his kiss. There was a calmness to the smile, one not shared in the other ones you bore. You only smiled like this when you were perfectly happy. The smile was only ever unlocked by certain things. Things like a sunset, magnificent and mesmerizing, getting to sit down after a long day's work, or the silence that followed after a good bout of laughter. And Zoro, Sanji supposed.

Admittedly, Sanji wished he was the reason for that smile. It was a desperation no other thing compared to. He wanted you to feel comfortable enough, calm and satisfied, to allow your lips to break into that lovely smile.

Once Zoro was gone, Sanji sauntered up to you at the sink, pulling up a towel to begin drying the dishes for you, helping you put them away.

"That was an excellent cake." Sanji said, breaking you from the personal bubble you seemed to be trapped in. You looked up, present in the conversation, and no longer focused on scrubbing a stubborn fork.

"Oh. Oh! Thank you!" Your face broke out into a smile as you processed what he said, but not the right one. Sanji still took it as a win, even if there was a pang in his heart when he thought about it.

"It was immaculate. Rich, delicate cake with a creamy, thick buttercream. I've never had better." Sanji decided to risk a little flirt since Zoro was away. "As perfect as the woman who made it."

He saw you process the compliment, a tiny laugh escaping you. "Thank you Sanji."

Your lackluster response made his heart clench again. It was not unusual for him nowadays. For obvious reasons, you did not reciprocate his more than platonic words, a fact he understood, but it hurt all the same.

Every time he waited for a response from you his heart beat nervously, pleading with you to return his feelings, but he had no such luck, to the point that he had grown used to the feeling of pain in his chest whenever he spoke with you.

Sanji stayed silent for the rest of the chore, trying not to push you further. Before leaving the galley you said a soft goodbye, and left him alone.

He wondered how it had come to this. Surely he was missing something. Some forgotten piece in the puzzle that was his relationship with you. You were friends, certainly. You liked helping out around the kitchen and were usually sitting around the galley, ready to be of assistance.

The worst thing Sanji could think about was the time before Zoro. The time when it was just you and him, and he had suspected that you wanted a romantic relationship with him as much as he did with you.

A foolish thought now, seeing where your interests lay, but one he had all the same. One that haunted his nights and stuck to him during the days, one that piled upon itself, splitting into several different futures, possibilities that would never be.

Besides the heartaches, he had found his stomach growing restless when he thought too long about the possibilities. The infinities where he had ended up with you, the infinities where you despised him for his actions. It weighed on him heavily.

Had he had a chance with you? He doubted he would ever know. Before your relationship, there had been flirting on his part, of course. He worked in two fields, the kitchen and flattery. And since your main habitat was his first interest, you became deeply entwined with the second.

So maybe he had been too hopeful when he noticed your reciprocal actions. Teasing him back, something that would make him go red, his face burning and his heart pounding.

"I've never seen such a beautiful baker in my life." He had said as you carried a tray of cookies from the oven to the island. The words slipped off his tongue easily. You cocked an eyebrow, a smile spreading across your face. "What a nice thing to hear from the handsomest chef I know of."

He had nearly lost his mind. Every second of the interaction was burned into his head, scarred into the matter of his brain. The look on your face, the tone of your voice, the words and how you pronounced each one. It choked him and pulled him back to you. Even after you were tied to Zoro.

That damned swordsman.

Sanji wanted to know why. What the moronic man offered you to make you so enchanted with him. Did you not care for his constant affection? Did you find it overbearing? He could stop, of course. Anything for you. He would never say another of his pick-up lines if you were to be with him. Of course it would kill him, but it was an easy price to pay for your love.

When Sanji finished drying the dishes, he began to make dinner, typically a lengthy process, but with the burden of the thoughts in his head, it would pass by in no time at all.

He thought about your reciprocation again. Several instances between your first comment and when you had first presented yourself with Zoro. Instances where he was sure something would come from your words.

That had to have meant something. You would never lead him on, would you? The very thought disgusted Sanji. To accuse you of something so awful. You would never. His heart clenched.

Perhaps you had no idea what your words meant to him, unknowing of how romantic your words had been, but he doubted it heavily. There had been a glint in your eyes when you said those things. Certainly you had meant it. He felt insanity creeping into his head, closing in on his thoughts, when the galley door opened. In came Nami.

"Nami!" He was relieved to see someone to distract him from his constant thoughts of you. "Is there anything I can get you?" He asked, instantly trying his hand at flattering her.

It felt hollow now. His heart was not in it. He said the words out of instinct, no feeling behind his actions. Of course he liked Nami, she was a lovely woman, smart, gorgeous, and more than capable of protecting herself. But she wasn't you. And that was a fact he was beginning to cling a little too tightly to.

"No, I'm good. It was just getting too loud out there." Nami grumbled, laying out a map on the table, beginning to work.

Sanji remained silent, looking at the food cooking in front of him, a heavy blanket of sadness to cover him.

"What's wrong?" Nami asked. Sanji nearly jumped out of his skin. "What?" He sputtered over the word.

"What's wrong? you usually can't wait to call me gorgeous. What is wrong?"

"Nothing! Nothing's wrong! I was just so stunned by your beauty I forgot how to act!" The excuse was weaker than usual. Nami set down her pencil. "No, seriously. What's going on with you?"

Sanji debated talking about it. You were taken. That was something he needed to deal with. Clinging to it would do nothing but hurt him.

He said your name, head sinking shamefully to the floor. Nami sighed, sounding unsurprised.

"I figured." She hummed, walking up to stand across from him at the island. "You're upset because she's with Zoro, right?"

It humiliated him to nod. He felt so small. It felt like such a silly thing to be upset over.

"What does she even see in him?" Sanji asked suddenly, moving to a saucepan, stirring furiously as he worked. "I mean he's strong, but so am I. What else?" Nami shrugged. "I don't know, but she really likes him." Sanji tried not to whine at how unfair it was. "I know that."

"Why are you so stuck on her?" Nami asked. "You aren't one to discriminate when it comes to your advances."

Sanji wanted to rant for hours about every time you gave even the slightest indication of appreciating his advances, followed by another rant about every time you flirted back, but he knew if he let himself run for too long, he would never stop talking.

"I thought she liked me back." It sounded stupid. How devastating to be in love over a few simple sentences you had said however long ago. "But now I don't."

He finished stirring the sauce, opting to shake up the sauteed vegetables.

He heard the door open again, immediately losing every indication of being vulnerable. As if he had not just been talking about his unending, unyielding admiration for you.

"Need any help in here?" You asked casually, an iron vice closing around Sanji's heart. Of course you would appear, helpful as ever during such an inconvenient time.

"No, I'm quite alright!" He regained his typical candor, trying to make sure there was no indication that anything was wrong could slip through.

Nami retreated back to the table. "Not busy with Zoro?" She asked you, partly for Sanji's sake and partly just to know. "No, he wanted to work out, so I figured I'd check out dinner." You smelled the air. "Smells good."

"Nothing but the best for you." Sanji said quickly, hardly any effort put in to give the compliment.

"Oh stop." You said with a laugh. And with a single moment, Sanji was struck with doubt again. It sounded like a joke, deflecting the compliment with a request for him to stop, but doubt picked at him. Did you mean it? Did you really want him to stop? Were you just trying to appease him?

He continued to work in silence, trying to hide the blush completely overtaking his face.

On one hand, he was delighted to have you there, but on the other, it was completely inconvenient to have you arrive just as he was finally talking about it with Nami.

And on a third hand, Sanji had another little bit of your relationship with Zoro to chew on while he worked.

Always working out, always training, practicing to achieve his dreams. Preoccupied with his life's work. Not you. Whenever he was practicing he ignored you, and even when he was present, he rarely seemed to show you affection. No hugs or kisses, nothing beyond what you initiated. An arm around your waist, maybe, or a quiet whisper against your ear. Nothing else.

How could you have gone from flirting with the most openly affectionate, caring and giving member of the crew to Zoro, who seemingly did none of those things? How could you go through such a change?

Were you secretly not interested in such bold affection? Was that why? Why you had chosen Zoro?

It hardly mattered. Sanji had reached no solid answer by the time he was done cooking, and after serving the meal, he was too fixated on subtly observing you and Zoro. Perhaps he would be able to see something. The smallest, most insignificant detail, that would crack the glass wall keeping him from finding the answer.

Instead of an answer, he got caught staring.

"What're you looking at?" Zoro asked, tone harsh, accusatory. Your head shot up next to him, following his eyeline to Sanji. "What?" You asked, looking between the two, keeping your voice regulated, a soft considerate tone. "What is it?"

"The cook's been looking at me all night." Zoro accused, pointing his knife at Sanji. "Relax." You said gently, tapping the knife, getting Zoro to put it down. "Sanji," you decided to ask him instead of Zoro. "What were you doing?"

Sanji came up with an answer quickly, hardly having to think before his reply slipped through his lips. "I was wondering if he was enjoying his dinner."

He felt lucky that he had not spoken the truth, knowing that would create a massive rift from which he doubted there would ever be a solution to.

"Zoro," your attention turned to your boyfriend, already problem solving. "Are you enjoying dinner?" You were not considered a peacekeeper for nothing.

Zoro grumbled under his breath, a word not heard by the rest of the room. You asked him to repeat it. "Yes." The word was dragged from his gritted teeth, a struggle with his answer. "Yeah. It's good."

"Good. No trouble." And then you smiled. It was not your special smile, but Sanji was just pleased to see the sign of happiness anyways. You were so gorgeous when you smiled.

"Back to the meal." You announced, and all was well with the world.

But not for Sanji. He spent the rest of the meal with an ache in his stomach, wondering what he had done to deserve this feeling of loss.

At the end of the meal, Sanji was more than happy to leave the dishes to someone else, taking his leave, but bringing a glass of sweet wine with him.

While the crew gathered for a drink above deck, in the open air of the night, Sanji retreated, not wanting to join them. He claimed to be tired, but he had no intentions of sleeping. Instead, he hung around the ship, in and out of rooms, wandering until he found a good place to silk, sipping at his wine in an attempt to quell his heartache.

He was foolish for thinking that you wanted him. The flirting must have been out of pity, he must have been too blinded by you to see what had been brewing between you and Zoro. There were thousands upon thousands of excuses for why he had felt the way he did. How could he be so idiotic?

"Hey."

You stood in the open doorway, casually holding onto a bottle of wine by its tapered neck.

"You alright?" You asked Sanji, looking at him in the darkness of the room, only illuminated by a small window filtering in moonbeams.

Sanji sighed in response. He doubted he could muster the strength to put on a happy facade with the weight on his chest.

"Yes." His false levity in his voice did nothing to hide his true state, and you were not tricked in the slightest. "I'm fine, you should go back to the party."

You shook your head firmly, stepping inside the room. "You are my best friend here. I won't let you suffer alone."

"Best friend?" The words shocked Sanji. He spared a glance at you, turning away from the window, the shadows shifting.

"Of course!" You swirled the wine gently, liquid splashing against the walls of its glass home. "We're always in the kitchen, you know? There's nobody else on this ship I see as much of." You hiccuped a laugh. "Well, maybe one."

After an awkward pause, you reached out with the bottle, an offering to Sanji. "More wine?"

He hesitated. He wanted too tell you to leave again, to let him suffer in peace, but he also could go for another glass.

"Please." You urged. "Talk to me. I'm worried for you." Your voice made his heavy heart flutter for a second before it sunk again.

He extended the arm with the glass, a lump in his throat as he accepted your offer.

You began to pour carefully. "Why aren't you up there? This room isn't between the deck and the kitchen." Sanji observed, hoping to briefly draw your attention away from his troubled mind.

"Oh." Your steadiness wavered a bit, and the wine bottle shook, a few stray droplets hitting the floor.

You curled in on yourself. "Me and Zoro got a little angry at each other." You explained simply, the bottle now held close to your chest. "He brought up the dinner thing again and it got heated, so I let to cool down. It wasn't anything big, just a simple argument."

You coughed once, signalling the end of your exposure, topping off Sanji's glass and taking a sip for yourself, straight from the bottle. Sanji said nothing about it. "Your turn. Why are you hiding here?"

Sanji's organs felt like they had been crushed with a pile of bricks. "I've been feeling lonely." He said, avoiding the whole truth.

"Come on, I spent half the day with you in the kitchen, am I not enough?" You asked playfully.

"No, you're plenty." Sanji coughed, hearing the rude undertones of his words. "That is, plenty beautiful."

He heard you sigh. "Sanji, you don't have to do that right now."

He felt stupid. Of course. You hated flirting. You preferred Zoro, with his straightforwardness, always speaking his mind, even if it was impolite.

"Sorry, I just-" The words caught in his throat. Should he just spit it out? Admit the truth and get it all over with? Tell you how every woman he had met since you was a mere shadow compared to your presence? To hear your reaction and subsequent rejection in favour of your boyfriend? To tell you of the times he had thought, ever so stupidly, that you had liked him back, now knowing that you had eyes for someone else?

He had never felt this way before. Lovesick had taken him before, but it had never held on so tightly. He despised the feeling.

"What's wrong?" You asked simply. Your voice offered no judgement, just a promise that you would be there for him. A support.

With a twisting in his gut, he answered truthfully.

"I'm in love with you."

Despite all his expectations, he did not feel better. Instead, he watched your reaction, as your face shifted through emotions, processing what he had said.

Your brows furrowed and your mouth set in a straight line, opening the smallest amount, as if you were about to reply, but your mouth shut once more, not ready to say anything else.

"Oh." Was all you could muster at first. "Sanji, I-"

He backed away, not ready to hear your rejection. "It's fine. You don't have to feel the same way, of course." He scrambled to save himself this agony.

He pressed a hand to his forehead in a futile attempt at relieving the pressure, wishing he had gotten a cigarette out before the conversation had started. "I know you don't feel the same way. And that's okay."

"I didn't say-" You protested, hoping Sanji would listen to your plea. Your mind filtered through why you wanted to say, running through your own collection of memories with Sanji, kept tucked away for days when Zoro was being distant, or had only said a hasty good morning or good night to you.

"You're with..." Sanji could not bear to speak the name of the man who held your heart. "Him. And I will be okay with that."

He wanted all this to end. He wished he could go back, to the way things were, back when he was bewitched by any woman who he saw on the street, each and every one a beauty in their own right. But now he clung to you. The memories of a few cute words and the feelings that had spread for them.

"Wait." Your voice wavered, but you managed to get Sanji to stop rambling. "Do you mean that?"

Sanji practically laughed. He meant the words with every cell in his body, from the finest hairs on his head to the very tips of his toes. Your presence warmed him, tickling his insides. He was so in love with you he hardly knew what to do with himself anymore.

"Yes. I mean it."

You took a step back, shifting your weight from one leg to the other. "I'm with Zoro." You said quietly, not a rejection per se, but a fact that needed to be said before anything continued.

"I know." Sanji took a long sip of his wine, practically emptying the glass by the end.

"Is there something else you want to say?" You asked, sensing the weight he still held with him. His shoulders were still heavy.

"I thought..." He cursed at himself. "I thought that you might feel the same. At least a little."

The two of you sat in a blanket of silence, weighing the both of you down. What were you supposed to say about that? That you had fallen in love with him as well, but feared that his flirting had been a farce? That you thought he flirted out of pity and that it was always a fake smile on his face? That you had picked Zoro because his brutal honesty always meant that you knew what he was truly thinking and what he did or did not like?

"Did you?" The question weakly drew itself from Sanji's lips, his head firmly facing the floor, tension running through every muscle.

Your hand reached behind you, shutting the door, the latch clicking into place. Alone now, nobody could hear your answer.

"I did." You finally answered after a long stretch of silence, your hand still loosely wrapped around the door handle.

Now Sanji felt the weight lift. You had felt the same, as he had suspected. If you told him you hated him now, he would have hardly cared. No matter what happened now, you had, at one point, felt the same.

Another long silence. Neither of you moved. "I did." You repeated. "But I thought your didn't."

Sanji's heart hurt once more, heartbroken to know his advances had seemed disingenuous.

"I'm sorry." He apologized quickly. "I did too." He breathed a long sigh of relief, his knees weak, leaning against the wall.

"Sanji," your tone frightened him. "This doesn't change anything." Your voice was soft, and in the moonlight, he could see the shine of tears in your eyes. "I'm still with Zoro, and I'm happy with him-" "That's okay." Sanji settled himself, standing up straight. "That's okay. Now you know. Now we both know." His gaze drifted to the floor and stayed there.

After a while, he turned away, facing the window again. "You can go back to the deck now, if you'd like."

Your hands tightened around the door handle and the wine bottle. "Are you okay? Or at least better?" You asked, knowing the answer to your first question was no, and the answer to the second could not change the first.

"I'll be fine." Sanji answered, hoping that in time, it could become true.

You heard your name called from the hall. Zoro had come to apologize. You bowed your head at Sanji. "I should probably talk to him."

Sanji jolted. "No. Not about this. About our argument." You said defensively.

"Right. Of course." His voice was strained. He looked back one last time, nodding at you, a movement you returned. You opened the door, walking out and shutting the door behind you.

"Zoro." "I'm sorry." "Me too. Let's go back."

Sanji listened until the conversation went out of his reach. Until he could no longer hear your voice.

He turned around, sitting against the wall, letting the moonlight shine in unfiltered. An empty glass sat in his hand. He should have asked for a refill before you left.

At least he had been right. You had liked him back. Unfortunately, you had not chosen him, and so it would not be.

He still loved you, and he expected there would always be a part of him that would long for you eternally, but maybe he could eventually go back to normal. Maybe he could find someone else. Of course they would not be perfect, they would never hold a light to you, but they would be beautiful and caring and gentle, and maybe, just maybe, he would get over you, but he doubted it.

#one piece #one piece live action #opla zoro #opla zoro x reader #zoro x reader #zoro x you #opla sanji #opla sanji x reader #opla sanji x you #opla

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tinypandacakes · 4 months ago

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Trapper, Keeper — Ch. 16: Always

Tags: dubious consent, dark romance, power imbalance, gaslighting, manipulation, yandere, Stockholm syndrome, injury recovery, fluff and smut, slice of life, implied non-consensual drug use, size difference, gratuitous use of pet names, metaphors, and descriptions of König's eyes

Wc: 16k [172k total]

When it was time for König to prepare dinner, you hovered at his elbow like a nosy housecat, tail wrapped around his calf as you signaled a need for attention. You were close enough that your hand brushed against the side of his sweatpants, and your clammy fingers instinctively gripped at the material. Eventually, he glanced over his shoulder at you, head tilting in question.

“Do you need something, Hase?”

You blinked, chastised, even though his tone was gentle. “No,” you replied, unsure. “I dunno.”

König let out a soft sigh. It was an affectionate sound, airy and light, not annoyed — otherwise, you might have burst into tears on the spot, as fragile as you felt — but like the kind of noise he might have uttered to a lamb, bleating sadly with its tiny hoof caught in a fence.

He lifted you onto the counter beside him, and you settled in, hands retreating into your too-long sleeves. Sitting there might have been awkward, but he pressed a cookbook into your lap, offering you something to do. You kept a thumb between the pages he needed and flipped through while your sock-covered feet dangled over the cabinets, lightly tapping the wood. Some of the age-yellowed pages were moisture-damaged from spills or speckled with spattered sauces. The corners were discolored from spice-dusted fingers, evidence of recipes well-loved, cooked again and again until they were committed to memory.

König tucked up his hood and brought a spoonful of sauce up to his pursed lips, blowing gently over the steaming surface. He tasted thoughtfully then licked away a stray droplet at the corner of his mouth, swiping his lips clean, leaving them soft and damp.

You realized you were staring and looked away quickly, busying yourself by flicking through to the dessert section of the cookbook. But your eyes soon drifted from the cakes and pastries back to König, hunched over the stove. His forearms flexed as he slid a pan back and forth across the flame, skin and scar shifting enticingly over muscle and bone. The swell of his pecs and softness of his belly were faintly outlined by his shirt, soft cotton clinging, offering a preview of what lay below. Something deep inside of you heated up just like the pad of butter he added to the skillet, melting and sizzling across the surface.

This was dangerous.

His hood fell back over his mouth and beard, excess fabric pooling around his shoulders. You squeezed your thighs together, subtly chasing relief. He didn’t get fully undressed before you often — or ever, had he? No, only bits and pieces here and there, other than the time you'd spied on him as he got dressed after his shower. You felt just as lecherous now as you did then, eyes drifting lower, below the waistband of his sweatpants where the curve of his ass was unmistakable through the fleece.

“See anything you like?” König asked, eyes darting to you in a sideways glance.

“Oh, I—” You jolted at his words, eyes snapping up. Your mouth dried in an instant, coherent thought evaporating just as quickly. “Sorry?”

He nodded toward the book in your hands. “The recipes,” he offered. “Did you find one you like?”

“Um, yeah,” you replied absently, realizing you were at the index now, not even on a recipe anymore. You swiped back a few pages before he noticed, landing on a carefully decorated cake. “Well. They…all sound good.” You cringed inside, sure you looked as foolish as you sounded.

“I should have known you would go right to dessert.” His eyes flicked from the page to your face. “Craving something sweet, little one?” His eyes narrowed with an unseen smile, but you could hear the mirth in his voice, a gentle tease that brought heat to life across your cheeks like stoked coals.

You stared numbly down at the cake recipe you’d landed on, then back up at him. He leaned forward, just barely invading your space. Your chin was already tilting of its own accord, eager to agree with him — yes, yes — pleasant and tame under his gaze.

“Mm,” he hummed knowingly, his eyes fixed on yours instead of the dips and swirls of chocolate icing and glossy red cherries printed on the page. He leaned closer yet, voice dropping as if he was letting you in on a secret. “That’s alright. I am too.”

You can the entire chapter on AO3 ☺️ please consider leaving a kudos and comment if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to support my writing and fuel my caffeine habit, here’s my kofi >:3 https://ko-fi.com/tinypandacakes

#könig x you #trapper keeper #könig x y/n #könig x reader #könig #call of duty #könig smut #könig mw2 #könig fanfiction #konig x you #konig x reader #konig x y/n #könig cod #könig call of duty #dark romance #yandere

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calicostorms · 6 months ago

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Calico's Carrot and Orange Cake

A spinoff of the classic carrot cake with some added orange flavor. Works best as a sheet cake, but good as a layer cake too—just be careful when taking it out of the pan.

2 cups white flour

2 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger (optional)

1 ¼ cups oil (canola or other neutral oil)

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

½ cup orange juice

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

½ cup raisins

Zest from 2 oranges

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour your chosen pans and set aside.

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger together until blended.

In a separate bowl whisk together the oil, sugar, brown sugar, and extract. Add the eggs one at a time to this.

Combine the dry and wet ingredients. Add the orange juice at this stage.

Shred the carrots, chop the pecans, and zest the oranges then add them to the batter along with the raisins.

Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or until a knife comes out cleanly. Let this cool for at least 20 minutes before trying to remove it from the pan if you're doing so.

You can make your own icing, but I use store-bought because it's less energy.

Everyone's asleep rn. Fuck it im recipe posting

#calico speaks #calico cooks #semi inspired by guiseppes orange and fig jam carrot cake on gbbo a few seasons ago + missing carrot cake lots so i made some #all my bakes are dairy free by default so this is an oil based cake which gives it a very light and airy texture. very nice #recipes

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lsdoiphin · 1 year ago

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Foods of Vestur

@broncoburro and @chocodile provoked me into doing some illustrated worldbuilding for Forever Gold ( @forevergoldgame ), an endeavor I was happy to undertake. Unbeknownst to me, it would take the better part of a week to draw.

In the process, I conjured about an essay's worth of fantasy food worldbuilding, but I'm going to try and keep things digestible (pardon my pun). Lore under the cut:

The Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom has ample land, and its soil, landscapes, and temperate climate are amenable to growing a variety of crops and raising large quantities of livestock. The Midland palate prefers fresh ingredients with minimal seasoning; if a dish requires a strong taste, a cook is more likely to reach for a sharp cheese than they are to open their spice drawer. Detractors of Middle Kingdom cuisine describe it as bland, but its flavor relies on the quality of its components more than anything.

KEY CROPS: wheat, potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, pears, and grapes KEY LIVESTOCK: Midland goats, fowl, and hogs

ROAST FOWL: Cheap and easy to raise, fowl is eaten all over Vestur and by all classes. Roasted whole birds are common throughout, but the Middle Kingdom's approach to preparation is notable for their squeamish insistence on removing the head and neck before roasting, even among poorer families. Fowl is usually roasted on a bed of root vegetables and shallots and served alongside gravy and green beans.

GOAT RIBEYE: Vestur does not have cattle – instead it has a widely diversified array of goats, the most prominent being the Middle Kingdom's own Midland goat. The Midland goat is a huge caprid that fills the same niche as cattle, supplying Vestur with meat and dairy products. Chevon from the Midland goat is tender with a texture much like beef, though it retains a gamier, “goat-ier” taste. It is largely eaten by the wealthy, though the tougher and cheaper cuts can be found in the kitchens of the working class. Either way, it is almost always served with gravy. (You may be sensing a pattern already here. Midlanders love their gravy.)

FETTUCCINE WITH CHEESE: Noodles were brought to the Middle Kingdom through trade with the South and gained popularity as a novel alternative to bread. The pasta of Midland Vestur is largely eaten with butter or cream sauce; tomato or pesto sauces are seldom seen.

CHARCUTERIE WITH WINE: Charcuterie is eaten for the joy of flavors rather than to satiate hunger, and therefore it is mainly eaten by the upper class. It is commonly eaten alongside grape wine, a prestigious alcohol uniquely produced by the Middle Kingdom. The flavor of grape wine is said to be more agreeable than the other wines in Vestur, though Southern pineapple wine has its share of defenders.

BREAD WITH JAM AND PRESERVES, TEA SANDWICHES, & ROSETTE CAKE: Breads and pastries are big in the Middle Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom considers itself the world leader in the art of baking. Compared to its neighbors, the baked goods they make are soft, light, and airy and they are proud of it. Cakes in particular are a point of ego and a minor source of mania among nobility; it is a well-established cultural joke that a Middle Kingdom noble cannot suffer his neighbor serving a bigger, taller cake. The cakes at Middle Kingdom parties can reach nauseatingly wasteful and absurdist heights, and there is no sign of this trend relenting any time soon.

CHOWDER, FARMER'S POT PIE, GRIDDLECAKES, EGGS, CURED MEATS: If you have the means to eat at all in the Middle Kingdom, you are probably eating well. Due to the Midland's agricultural strength, even peasant dishes are dense and filling. Eggs and cured meats are abundant, cheaper, and more shelf stable than fresh cuts and provide reprieve from the unending wheat and dairy in the Midland diet.

STEWED APPLES AND PEARS, JAM AND PRESERVES: The Midland grows a number of different fruits, with apples and pears being the most plentiful. In a good year, there will be more fruit than anyone knows what to do with, and so jams and preserves are widely available. Stewed fruit has also gained popularity, especially since trade with the Southern Kingdom ensures a stable supply of sugar and cinnamon.

NORTHERN KINGDOM - SETTLED

The Northern Kingdom is a harsh and unforgiving land. Historically, its peoples lived a nomadic life, but since the unification of the Tri-Kingdom more and more of the Northern population have opted to live a settled life. The “settled North” leads a hard life trying to make agriculture work on the tundra, but it is possible with the help of green meur. The Northern palate leans heavily on preserved and fermented foods as well as the heat from the native tundra peppers. Outsiders often have a hard time stomaching the salt, tang, and spice of Northern cuisine and it is widely considered “scary.”

KEY CROPS: potatoes, beets, carrots, tundra pepper KEY LIVESTOCK: wooly goats, hares*

GOAT POT ROAST: Life up north is hard work and there is much to be done in a day. Thus, slow cooked one-pot meals that simmer throughout the day are quite common.

VENISON WITH PICKLES: Game meat appears in Northern dishes about as much as farmed meat – or sometimes even more, depending on the location. Even “classier” Northern dishes will sometimes choose game meat over domesticated, as is the case with the beloved venison with pickles. Cuts of brined venison are spread over a bed of butter-fried potato slices and potent, spicy pickled peppers and onions. The potatoes are meant to cut some of the saltiness of the dish, but... most foreigners just say it tastes like salt, vinegar, and burning.

MINER STEW: While outsiders often have a hard time distinguishing miner stew from the multitude of beet-tinged stews and pot roasts, the taste difference is unmistakable. Miner's stew is a poverty meal consisting of pickles and salt pork and whatever else is might be edible and available. The end result is a sad bowl of scraps that tastes like salt and reeks of vinegar. The popular myth is that the dish got its name because the Northern poor began putting actual rocks in it to fill out the meal, which... probably never happened, but facts aren't going to stop people from repeating punchy myths.

RYE TOAST WITH ONION JAM: Rye is hardier than wheat, and so rye bread is the most common variety in the North. Compared to Midland bread, Northern bread is dense and gritty. It is less likely to be enjoyed on its own than Midland bread, both because of its composition and because there's less to put on it. Unless you've the money to import fruit spreads from further south, you're stuck with Northern jams such as onion or pepper jam. Both have their appreciators, but bear little resemblance to the fruit and berry preserves available elsewhere in Vestur.

HARE DAIRY: Eating hare meat is prohibited in polite society due to its association with the haretouched and heretical nomadic folk religions, but hare dairy is fair game. Hare cheese ranges from black to plum in color, is strangely odorless, and has a pungent flavor akin to a strong blue cheese. It is the least contentious of hare milk products. Hare milk, on the other hand, is mildly toxic. If one is not acclimated to hare milk, drinking it will likely make them “milk sick” and induce vomiting. It is rarely drunk raw, and is instead fermented into an alcoholic drink similar to kumis.

MAPLE HARES AND NOMAD CANDY: Maple syrup is essentially the only local sweetener available in the North, and so it is the primary flavor of every Northern dessert. Simple maple candies are the most common type of sweet, though candied tundra peppers – known as “nomad candy” – is quite popular as well. (Despite its name, nomad candy is an invention of the settled North and was never made by nomads.)

TUNSUKH: Tunsukh is one of the few traditions from the nomadic era still widely (and openly) practiced among Northern nobility. It is a ceremonial dinner meant as a test of strength and endurance between political leaders: a brutally spiced multi-course meal, with each course being more painful than the last. Whoever finishes the dinner with a stoic, tear-streaked face triumphs; anyone who cries out in pain or reaches for a glass of milk admits defeat. “Dessert” consists of a bowl of plain, boiled potatoes. After the onslaught of tunsukh, it is sweeter than any cake.

NORTHERN KINGDOM – NOMADIC NORTH

Although the Old Ways are in decline, the nomadic clans still live in the far North beyond any land worth settling. They travel on hareback across the frozen wasteland seeking “meur fonts” - paradoxical bursts of meur that erupt from the ice and provide momentary reprieve from the harsh environment. The taste of nomad food is not well documented.

KEY CROPS: N/A KEY LIVESTOCK: hares

PEMMICAN: Nomadic life offers few guarantees. With its caloric density and functionally indefinite “shelf life,” pemmican is about as close as one can get.

SEAL, MOOSE: Meat comprises the vast majority of the nomadic diet and is eaten a variety of ways. Depending on the clan, season, and availability of meur fonts, meat may be cooked, smoked, turned to jerky, or eaten raw. Moose and seal are the most common sources of meat, but each comes with its own challenges. Moose are massive, violent creatures and dangerous to take down even with the aid of hares; seals are slippery to hunt and only live along the coasts.

WANDER FOOD, WANDER STEW: When a green meur font appears, a lush jungle springs forth around it. The heat from red meur fonts may melt ice and create opportunities for fishing where there weren't before. Any food obtained from a font is known as “wander food.” Wander food is both familiar and alien; the nomads have lived by fonts long enough to know what is edible and what is not, but they may not know the common names or preparation methods for the food they find. Fish is simple enough to cook, but produce is less predictable. Meur fonts are temporary, and it's not guaranteed that you'll ever find the same produce twice - there is little room to experiment and learn. As a result, a lot of wander food is simply thrown into a pot and boiled into “wander stew,” an indescribable dish which is different each time.

CENVAVESH: When a haretouched person dies, their hare is gripped with the insatiable compulsion to eat its former companion... therefore, it is only proper to return the favor. Barring injury or illness, a bonded hare will almost always outlive its bonded human, and so the death of one's hare is considered a great tragedy among nomads. The haretouched – and anyone they may invite to join them – sits beside the head of their hare as they consume as much of its rib and organ meat as they can. Meanwhile, the rest of the clan processes the remainder of the hare's carcass so that none of it goes to waste. It is a somber affair that is treated with the same gravity as the passing of a human. Cenvavesh is outlawed as a pagan practice in the settled North.

HARE WINE: While fermented hare's milk is already alcoholic, further fermentation turns it into a vivid hallucinogen. This “hare wine” is used in a number of nomad rituals, most notably during coming of age ceremonies. Allegedly, it bestows its drinker with a hare's intuition and keen sense of direction... of course, truth is difficult to distinguish from fiction when it comes to the Old Ways.

SOUTHERN KINGDOM

The Southern Kingdom is mainly comprised of coast, wetland, and ever-shrinking jungle. While the land is mostly unfit for large-scale agriculture, seafood is plentiful and the hot climate is perfect for exorbitant niche crops. What they can't grow, they obtain easily through trade. Southerners have a reputation for eating anything, as well as stealing dishes from other cultures and “ruining” them with their own interpretations. KEY CROPS: plantains, sweet potato, pineapple, mango, guava, sugarcane KEY LIVESTOCK: fowl, marsh hogs, seals

GLAZED EEL WITH FRIED PLANTAINS: A very common configuration for Southern food is a glazed meat paired with a fried vegetable. It almost doesn't matter which meat and which vegetable it is – they love their fried food and they love their sweet and salty sauces in the South. Eel is a culturally beloved meat, much to the shock and confusion of visiting Midlanders.

NARWHAL STEW: Narwhal stew is the South's “anything goes” stew. It does not actually contain narwhal meat, as they are extinct (though the upper class may include dolphin meat as a protein) – instead, the name comes from its traditional status as a “forever soup,” as narwhals are associated with the passage of time in Southern culture. Even in the present day, Southern monasteries tend massive, ever-boiling pots of perpetual stew in order to feed the monks and sybils who live there. Narwhal stew has a clear kelp-based broth and usually contains shellfish. Beyond that, its ingredients are extremely varied. Noodles are a popular but recent addition.

FORAGE: The dish known as “forage” is likewise not foraged, or at least, it hasn't been forage-based in a good hundred years at least. Forage is a lot like poke; it's a little bit of everything thrown into a bowl. Common ingredients include fish (raw or cooked), seaweed, fried noodles, marinated egg, and small quantities of fruit.

HOT POT: Hot pot is extremely popular, across class barriers, in both the South proper and its enclave territories. This is due to its extreme flexibility - if it can be cooked in a vat of boiling broth, it will be. Crustaceans and shellfish are common choices for hot pot in the proper South, along with squid, octopus, mushrooms, and greens.

FLATBREAD: The Southern Kingdom doesn't do much baking. The vast majority of breads are fried, unleavened flatbreads, which are usually eaten alongside soups or as wraps. Wraps come in both savory and sweet varieties; savory wraps are usually stuffed with shredded pork and greens while sweet wraps – which are much more expensive – are filled with fruit and seal cheese.

GRILLED SKEWERS, ROAST SWEET POTATO: While a novel concept for Midlanders and Northerners, street food has long been a part of Southern Kingdom culture. You would be hard pressed to find a Southern market that didn't have at least three vendors pushing grilled or fried something or other. Skewers are the most common and come in countless configurations, but roast sweet potatoes are a close second.

CUT FRUIT AND SEAL CHEESE: Fresh fruit is popular in the South, both local and imported. While delicious on its own, Southerners famously pair it with seal cheese. Which leads me to an important topic of discussion I don't have room for anywhere else...

THE SOUTH AND CHEESE: Since the South doesn't have much in the way of dairy farming, cheese is somewhat rare in their cuisine – but it is present. And important. Cheese is the domain of the Church. Common goat dairy imported from the Middle Kingdom is turned to cheese by monks in Southern monasteries and sold to the Southern public, yes, but as you have noticed there is another cheese prominent in the Southern Kingdom diet: seal cheese. Seal cheese is unlike anything else that has ever been called cheese; the closest it can be compared to is mascarpone. It is is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavor and an indulgent fat content. It is used almost exclusively as a dessert, though it is only ever mildly sweetened if at all. It is extremely costly and held in high regard; the most religious Southerners regard it as holy. Dairy seals are a very rare animal and raised exclusively in a small number of Cetolist-Cerostian monasteries, where they are tended and milked by the monks. Due to their status as a holy animal, eating seal meat is forbidden. Eating their cheese and rendering their tallow into soap is fine though.

(HEARTLAND SOUTH) SOUTH-STYLE GOAT: The Heartland South is a Southern enclave territory in the Middle Kingdom. Visiting Midland dignitaries oft wrongly assume that because the Heartland South is in Middle Kingdom territory, Heartland Southerners eat the same food they do exactly as they do. They are horrified to find that familiar sounding dishes like “goat with potatoes” are completely and utterly unrecognizable, drenched in unfamiliar sauces and spices and served alongside fruit they've never eaten. Meanwhile, Heartland Southerners firmly believe that they have fixed the Middle Kingdom's boring food.

(BOREAL SOUTH) “TUNSUKH”: If Midlanders are afraid of Heartland Southern food, Northerners are absolutely furious about cuisine from the Boreal South - the most legendarily offensive being the Boreal South's idea of “tunsukh.” Southerners are no stranger to spice, so when Southern traders began interacting with the North, they liked tunsukh! It's just... they thought it needed a little Southern help to become a real meal, you know? A side of seal cheese soothed the burn and made the meal enjoyable. And because the meal was enjoyable, the portion sizes increased. And plain boiled potatoes? Well, those are a little too plain – creamy mashed sweet potato feels like more of a dessert, doesn't it? ...For some reason, Northerners didn't agree, but that's okay. The Boreal South knows they're just embarrassed they didn't think of pairing seal cheese with tunsukh sooner.

ARMY RATIONS

The food eaten by the King's Army is about what you would expect for late 1700s military; salt pork or salt chevon, hard tack, and coffee. The biggest divergence they have is also one of Vestur's biggest points of pride: they have the means to supply their troops with frivolous luxuries like small tins of candied fruit from the Midland. A love of candied fruit is essentially a Vesturian military proto-meme; proof that they serve the greatest Tri-Kingdom on the planet. Don't get between a military man and his candied fruit unless you want a fight.

#verse: forever gold #worldbuilding #fantasy worldbuilding #food worldbuilding #fantasy food #food art #animal death//#might have to proofread this later forgive any typos I am tired

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starlightguh · 1 month ago

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His Last Meal

Word count: 860

Summary: Staying with Sylus while on your period wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be when he breaks into your snack supply.

A/N: Hiiii, I know I haven’t posted in a while…My job requires a lot of writing so I tend to get burnt out/ writers block really easily. Hopefully quick oneshots like this help me out of it. Enjoy friends!

My period was grueling this time around. Even before I started actually bleeding, it felt like someone had sucked any and all life and energy out of my body. Now on day two, I was wearing maxi everything to hold my heavy flow and my body just felt like a giant walking bruise.

Thank god the association gives us hunters personal time off during our monthly’s. Before I even alerted Captain Jenna for my time off request, Sylus had notified me via text that he was ready for me to spend my red days with him.

<3 LoverBoy

Sweetie, what movies should I get for our time together?

Before you ask, I know you’re close to your period. You can’t hide from me 😎

I called him later that day to accuse him of obtaining this knowledge when he kindly reminded me of how I had added him to my period tracker. I was a bit annoyed at first, but now, after being in Sylus’ care, I really felt loved and cared for.

That is, until his inevitable betrayal.

He had me stay with him in his home in the N109 zone and all my cravings and aches were eased with nothing more but a lift of his finger. Today in particular, I was catching up on a book I had been reading in his study when Sylus came in, dressed to the nines, he must’ve come back from what I’m assuming is one of his fancy auctions.

“There’s my beloved, how are you feeling? Any cravings I need to quell?” His voice was in that soft yet gentled tone I know that was only reserved for me.

“You know, actually, now that you mention it,” I sit and ponder when I remember a pint of my favorite ice cream in the freezer downstairs, “I think I want something sweet right about now…”

His chuckle was light and airy, “Oh? How about some fresh pastries? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for some fresh fruits?” His ruby eyes then glisten with a hint of mischief as he smirks and places his hand on his chin, “Or maybe you’re after the desert in the freezer with the note labeled, ‘SYLUS DO NOT EAT.’”

I squint my eyes to glare at him, “You better choose your next words carefully…”

“Mmmm, we’ll you see kitten, I would offer to grab it for you, but I’m afraid the contents of your little treat are already in my stomach.”

Betrayal stabs me through my chest as I leap of the couch to lightly bang on his chest, “You bastard! How dare you! I hate you!”

His mocking laugh resounds in my ears as my emotions of anger overwhelm me, I was genuinely looking forward to my sweet treat and I specifically told him to stay away from my snacks. I felt a sting of tears in the corner of my eyes as I looked up at him with a genuine expression of hurt.

Sylus sighs seeing my expression and wipes the corner of my eyes, “Oh my sweet kitten,” he tries to kiss my lips and I dramatically turn my face away from him, “Now, now… I got you something better than some cheap ice cream.”

“It was my ice cream! I left a note so you wouldn’t eat it! And you still did!” I was not letting him go that easily.

“I ate it so you wouldn’t snack on it while I was away,” he suddenly used his evol to produce a fancy black gift bag into my hands.

I stepped back with an apprehensive look as I opened the bag to reveal the most beautiful boxed chocolate cake. I gasped as I opened it, “Sy! Is this from that high-end bakery?”

“Mhmm…It’s a chiffon chocolate cake. I believe a certain someone sent me a link to a video about how elusive this cake was supposed to be.” He spoke in an arrogant, ‘I told you so,’ tone as he puffed out his chest with pride.

“Isn’t this cake like stupid expensive? How did you get your hands on it?” I was still stunned with amazement as I walked over to the coffee table to sit down the pricey cake.

“Oh? you’re doubting my capabilities? Please, there is nothing on this planet or the cosmo’s beyond that I couldn’t get my hands on for you.”

I flush at his sincerity and walk up and wrap my arms around him in a tight hug.

“What do you say Sweetie?” he scolds me a bit with a teasing tone.

“Thank you… and sorry for hitting you… This is way better than ice cream,” I nestle my face in his chest to avoid his gloating attitude.

He pats my head and kisses the top of it as he whispers, “You’re welcome… Now, would you like to share a slice with me, or shall I get you another Post-it to tell me to keep my claws off?”

“I think I can spare just one slice for you,” I pull away and smirk at him.

“Just one?”

“Don’t push your luck.”

He chuckled, “Wouldn’t dream of it kitten.”

~fin~

#love and deepspace #lads fanfic #lads x reader #love and deepspace sylus #sylus #sylus x reader #sylus fanfic #sylus x mc

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literaryvein-reblogs · 5 months ago

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hello i love your word lists and i was wondering if i could request one specifically for baking! i need title inspo for a story i'm writing :)

Some Baking Vocabulary

Aeration - the treatment of batter or dough by charging with air to produce increase in volume

Ancient grains - all whole grains are considered ancient because we are able to trace their roots back to the beginning of time

Caramelization - cooking sugar until it’s brown or golden

Chocolate - from the Aztec word xocolatl, meaning "bitter water"; a food derived from the cacao bean fermented, dried, roasted, ground and processed into cocoa powder; a liquor used to make a variety of chocolate products

Citron - the sweetened rind of a fruit

Clarify - to make a substance clear or pure

Courverture chocolate - high quality chocolate used for tempering and glossy coating

Crescent rolls - crescent-shaped bread rolls having a flaky texture

Crushing - formation of dry crust on surface of doughs due to evaporation of water from the surface

Currant - the acidulous berry of a shrub, usually dried and dark in colour

Essences - aromatic compounds used for flavouring confectionery; can be natural or synthetic, or blends of both

Ganache - a rich, smooth mixture of chocolate and cream is used as a filling, frosting, or glaze

Genaese - fatless sponge cake used as base in decorated cakes

Glaze - coat a dessert with a liquid, like melted chocolate, mirror glaze, sugar glaze, etc.

Hearth bread - yeast bread baked in round, oval or free form on hot, flat baking surfaces in an oven

Liqueur - spirits sweetened with sugar and flavoured with essences, fruit juice, or essential oils

Macerate - to soak the fruit in liquid, often sugar or alcohol, to soften it and enhance its flavor

Marble - creating a swirl effect by incorporating two doughs or batters of different colors or flavors together

Mise en Place - a French term meaning “everything in its place,” referring to the preparation and organization of ingredients before baking

Molasses - light to dark brown syrup obtained in making cane sugar

Old dough - yeast dough that is overproofed; dough may have tripled in volume and fallen

Oven spring - the rapid rise of bread dough during the first few minutes of baking due to the expansion of gas bubbles; critical for achieving a good loaf volume and a light, airy crumb

Petit fours - small fancy cakes that can be placed in the mouth in one piece

Plaiting - the weaving of one or more ropes of dough into an ordered design

Ramekin - a small dish made of glass or ceramic that is used for serving baked goods like custards, cakes, souffles, and more

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 ⚜ More: Word Lists

So glad to hear this, thank you! Hope this helps with your search. Would love to read your work if it does. Otherwise, you could go through the sources, perhaps I wasn't able to include the right word/phrase for you. Also have more food-related posts here :)

#baking #writing reference #terminology #writeblr #dark academia #spilled ink #literature #writers on tumblr #writing prompt #poets on tumblr #poetry #creative writing #writing inspiration #writing ideas #writing resources

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parveens-kitchen · 20 hours ago

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Chocolate Chiffon Cake

Chocolate Chiffon Cake – Light, Airy & Perfect for Spring. There’s something magical about a chiffon cake—the way it rises tall, its delicate sponge-like texture, and how it feels almost weightless when you take a bite. This Chocolate Chiffon Cake is everything a spring celebration calls for: light yet rich, with just the right amount of chocolate. Topped with fresh mango and strawberries and a…

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magusofchaos-blog · 2 months ago

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Today, on Cooking With Cybertronians, we are baking... a panda cake. Witness my baking prowess and tremble!

First, gather your ingredients. I have chosen angel food cake. According to your human legends, angels fly. Therefore, a cake made from angels should be light and airy.

Do not question my logic. I am Megatron!

Next, mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Now, bake the cake for 35 kliks. I neither know nor care what that is in your pathetic human timestamps.

Bake at 350 F.

Once the cake is baked, allow to cool and add the icing glaze. Then decorate. Be patient. This is a cake, not your treacherous 2nd in command.

Witness my confectionary triumph!

I defy you to perform half as well, Optimus Prime!

#megatron #maccadam #transformers #make it mini #toy photography #toy photoshoot

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riizegasm · 9 months ago

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Blossom || M. JH

❀ pairing: crown prince!myung jaehyun x princess!reader, implied fem!reader

❀ genre: royalty!au, arranged marriage!au, fluff, minor angst

❀ word count: ~4.6k

❀ warnings: very minor royalty-typical misogyny (not from jaehyun)

❀ summary: A loveless marriage isn't high on anyone's list of desires, especially yours. However, all it takes is a certain crown prince to show you that duty and desire don't always have to conflict. With a little nurturing, love, too, can blossom.

❀ a/n: The writer’s block was so real for this fic!! Despite that, I do think it turned out pretty well. I hope you guys think so too. As always, likes, replies, and reblogs are encouraged. Happy reading!

masterlist

Dreams of your wedding day always consisted of one thing: love. Ever since you were little, you imagined being married to none other than the love of your life. It didn’t matter what dress you were wearing, be it the custom garments of your kingdom or the ornate ceremonial dresses of another, because you would be marrying someone you loved. The cake could be flavorless and bland, and the crown that you wore could be heavy or feather light. None of that mattered. Because you would be in love.

You were not in love with Crown Prince Myung Jaehyun. And yet, you were set to wed him anyway.

Your stomach churns as the traditional shell calls of your kingdom go off, their airy whistle signifying the entrance of your guests. As the gilded doors to the throne room open, your breath remains caught in your throat as you lay eyes on the procession of people that enter. First, an older man, dressed in bright gem tones that match the ones in his crown. Then there’s a woman, her yellow and green satin dress flapping behind her in the wind. And finally, a young man.

You don’t know what you expected the Crown Prince to look like, only having heard stories about how charming and personable he is. But when he enters the room, you are stunned by his appearance. He is breathtaking.

His charisma bleeds off him in waves, emphasized by the kind smile he wears. It pulls his rounded cheeks upwards, boyish dimples indenting the golden surface. His gaze betrays some of his confidence, however, pupils shaking as they take in the room around him. It is only when he finally arrives at the center of the room, standing proudly next to his parents, that his eyes land on you.

As a child, some of the aids in the palace used to tell you fantasy stories about what it felt like to be in love. They spoke of fluttering tummies and reddening cheeks, of a smile you’re unable to fight off and a lighter feeling when you’re around them. Looking at Crown Prince Myung Jaehyun gives you one of those four sensations, but by the glimmer in his eye, you’re sure it won’t be long before you check all of them off the list.

“Welcome to Vyrona,” your father greets. “It is a pleasure to see you again, King Jaeseong, Queen Jirae.”

King Jaeseong grins, bowing his head in greeting. “It’s an honor, Your Majesty. I am delighted to introduce you to my son, Myung Jaehyun, the Crown Prince of Nexdor.”

The man in question bows at the waist, his crown not moving from its perfect position atop his light brown curls. “It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”

When Jaehyun returns to his upright position, his eyes find yours once again, not even bothering to continue to address the man in power. You can’t help but cock an eyebrow at the bold gesture, confused on why the man would choose to focus all of his attention on you instead of the conversation around him. At your silent question, Jaehyun just shoots you a small smirk, still refusing to break eye contact.

“Well,” your father says, clapping his hands together once. “I am truly excited for the merging of our kingdoms. My daughter, Princess Y/N, is just as excited about the marriage as we are. I hope she is to your satisfaction, Prince Jaehyun.”

“She is breathtaking, Your Majesty. I would be honored to have her as my bride.”

Jaehyun speaks with conviction, words tinged with a hint of awe. It’s as if he genuinely believes what he’s saying, as if he is truly honored to be married to a woman he doesn’t even know. You can’t say that you necessarily agree.

“Then it is settled,” your father declares. “Y/N will move to Nexdor in one month’s time, and the two of you will be wed in three.”

“That sounds lovely, Your Majesty,” Jaehyun beams. “I am looking forward to having such a gem come join us in Nexdor. I promise I will be nothing short of an amazing husband to your daughter.”

Your father chuckles, “I can tell.”

. . .

Lush grasses and sprawling gardens are all you can see as you peer out from your balcony. Nexdor has always been known as the “Green Kingdom”, but you were never able to experience it for yourself until this very moment. It makes sense that Nexdorians always have a lovely tan complexion and full, rounded faces. The sun is strong and the soil is rich, leading to plentiful harvests that never seem to wane.

The pale color of the sky is dull in comparison to the rich ocean blue that you are used to in Vyrona, making you miss your sandy shores and the permanent sound of crashing waves. The wind doesn’t have a salty smell, but instead carries the mild scent of fresh flowers. Instead of crashing waves and gulls cawing, there are the faint squeals of livestock and the occasional bark of a dog.

Nexdor seems to be teeming with life in the opposite way that you were used to in your kingdom. But you suppose the two simply exist as opposites, land and sea, sun and moon, meat and fish. You wonder if you and Jaehyun will exist as opposites as well, or if you can find some way to overcome your innate differences for the sake of the marriage.

“Your highness?” A voice calls, punctuated by a firm rap of knuckles against the wooden doorframe.

A glance over your shoulder reveals Jaehyun standing there, dressed much more casually than you had priorly seen him. It’s a good look on him, looser, relaxed garments and unkempt curls. He looks youthful and relaxed, undeniably attractive in the confident set of his shoulders and the soft smile he wears. It makes you wonder why rumors always raved about his personality rather than his looks. You guess he just must be that charming.

“Come in,” you call from the balcony, not bothering to continue to look as the man approaches.

In your periphery, you can make out the man leaning his forearms on the wooden railing of the balcony. He seems to be taking in the scenery, much like you are, eyes fluttering shut as a warm breeze begins to blow.

“How are you settling in, Your Highness?”

You scoff. “We are set to be wed in a few months. I don’t think we quite need to refer to each other by title, don’t you agree?”

Jaehyun chuckles, ducking his head so it hangs between his shoulders. When he straightens up, he props his head in his hand, twisting his upper body to face you. You try your best not to stare at the slope of his nose or the plush of his lips, fighting the heat that is rising to your cheeks.

“I guess you’re right. How are you settling in, Y/N?”

The flutter through your core has you taking a deep breath to steel your nerves. “It has been fine, I suppose. It has only been about an hour, so I can’t say that I have seen much. But it’s beautiful. Your kingdom is beautiful.”

Jaehyun’s smile widens, gaze never once leaving your own. “It surely is.”

There’s a moment of silence as you turn back to take in the scenery, letting the warmth of the sun caress your face. The Crown Prince simply continues to regard you, shameless in the way he scans your face. The undivided attention has anxiety bubbling in your abdomen. Never before had you been on the receiving end of such a stare, not during the numerous balls you had attended or during any royal appearances outside of the palace.

“Is everything okay?” You ask softly, voice shaking with uncertainty.

“Do you like flowers?”

The question takes you aback. “I suppose I do.”

“Which is your favorite?”

“I have always been quite fond of azaleas, specifically the bright pink ones. They tend to grow on bushes not too far from the shores of Vyrona.”

Jaehyun just smiles, nodding softly. “That suits you.”

When he finally turns to look out at the landscape, your shoulders sag in relief, no longer the sole object of the prince’s attention. You wonder if he is often like this, wide eyes sparkling as they take in every detail. Do his cheeks always dimple, or is it only when he smiles on certain occasions? Does his mouth always look so plush as it parts to form slow syllables?

“How are you feeling about the marriage?” His voice is softer as he speaks this time. “I mean how do you really feel, not the answer they make you rehearse in etiquette class.”

His request for candor makes you smile. “I don’t quite know, yet. You know, as a young girl, they tell you stories about the glamor of finding a husband and getting married. But I’m not quite sure what to expect anymore.”

“Are you saying I’m not glamorous enough for you, princess?”

You can’t help but giggle as the man places his cheeks in his palms, fluttering his eyelashes repeatedly. There’s something in the tilt of his head and the fanning of his eyelashes that truly is glamorous, but you fear the result of telling him so. Instead, you just roll your eyes playfully.

“You know what I mean.”

Jaehyun smiles, finally dropping his pose in favor of leaning back against the railing. “I do. But in all fairness, we have only known each other for mere hours. If you give me the chance, I promise I will try to make this life glamorous for you.”

You return his smile, trying not to stare too hard at the way the sun highlights his Cupid’s bow. “I’d expect nothing less.”

. . .

Wedding preparations are more strenuous than you could have ever imagined. Dress fittings and pastry tastings prove to be tiresome, while ballroom dance lessons leave your feet sore and aching. You spend hours per day learning about Nexdorian customs and ceremonial practices, all with the expectation of having them memorized in less than two months.

As exhausting as it is, having Jaehyun by your side makes everything a little easier.

You grow accustomed to the way he whispers jokes under his breath when the history teacher drones on and on about traditional wedding practices. He busts silly dance moves and makes funny faces during ballroom class, stopping at nothing to simply make you laugh. Everything he does in your presence proves to be for the sake of making you comfortable.

You hate to admit that it works like a charm, making you smile even when you’re feeling extra homesick. Just thinking about his soft jokes and melodious laugh is enough to bring heat to your cheeks. It’s odd to acknowledge that Jaehyun is simply perfect, and he’s about to be yours. He works hard to prove himself to you everyday, as if his devotion to making you comfortable can be substituted for the lack of love.

Maybe you can mistake it as such.

When Jaehyun knocks on your door with a picnic basket and a blanket in hand, it’s easy to mistake it as love. When he leads you out to a meadow dotted with purple and yellow flowers with a hand on your waist, it’s easy to mistake it as love. When he tucks a vibrant purple blossom behind your ear, it’s easy to mistake it as love.

Even now, as soft winds ruffle Jaehyun’s curls as he tilts his head back, facing the sun, you wonder if this could be love. He looks extremely serene with his eyes closed and dimpled cheeks, a soft smile permanently gracing his face. You don’t think you’ve seen him frown once since you have moved into the palace, the man always wide eyed and positive down to his core.

“You know,” Jaehyun starts, eyes still closed. “You do a lot of staring at me.”

Instantly, you avert your eyes, fighting the heat rising to your cheeks. “Consider it payback for how much you stare at me.”

Jaehyun opens his eyes, shooting you a small smirk. “Well, can you blame me? You’re gorgeous.”

“And you’re quite the flatterer.”

“I hardly think it’s a crime to compliment my fiancé.”

For some reason, the word makes you cringe, harshly gripping the picnic blanket underneath your fingers. It’s hardly the first time you’ve heard him refer to you as such, but it always leaves a stale taste in your mouth.

“Does it not bother you?” You question. “The fact that we are set to be wed and we have only known each other for mere months?”

Jaehyun sighs. “I think the strength of a connection cannot be determined by the time spent together, don’t you?”

The implication has your heart pounding in your chest. “Are you saying that we have a strong connection?”

For a moment, there is mere silence, only interrupted by the soft rustle of leaves in the wind. Jaehyun seems calm as he begins to lean forward, only stopping mere inches from your face. The close proximity has your breath stuttering in your chest, still not used to Jaehyun’s confidence in displays of affection.

“I feel it,” Jaehyun murmurs softly, eyes momentarily flicking down to your lips. They return to your eyes just as quickly. “Don’t you?”

A flutter runs through your core as Jaehyun’s tongue darts out to run across his bottom lip.

“I-I do,” you whisper, breath stuck in your throat.

With a bright smile, Jaehyun pulls away, forcing you to come back to your senses.

“Good,” he beams. “Now let’s eat.”

It’s almost as if the man can sense his effect on you, constantly meeting you with fleeting touches and secretive grins in the coming days. After the picnic, he makes a point to surprise you with a random wildflower each day, always tucking it behind your ear as if leaving a garnish on an exquisite dish. His fingers will lightly trace your jaw as they retreat, leaving a path of flames in his wake.

His touch emboldens you, allowing you to reciprocate his affections bit by bit. As the days pass, you begin to lean into the hands that guide you by the waist. You joke alongside him, feeling free to put on your silliest face and tell your cringiest jokes.

It begins to feel like a relationship, one that goes beyond the simple pressures of royal duty. Smiles begin to turn purposeful instead of secretive. Knowing glances are exchanged as you both seek each other out in a crowded room. Pulses go from racing at the first glimpse of each other to mellowing out when the other finally makes an appearance.

In a month’s time, you will be married to Crown Prince Myung Jaehyun. And for the first time in a long time, you start to believe that maybe love will make an appearance at your wedding after all.

. . .

The days when Jaehyun leaves you by your lonesome prove to be the hardest. You understand, of course. He is the Crown Prince with a plethora of obligations to his Kingdom, unable to solely sit back and prepare for the wedding like you do. Ruling comes first, always, even before being a fiancé.

It’s a particularly gloomy day when an aid informs you that Jaehyun will be in political meetings all day to address a recent conflict at the northern border. With soft rain pelting the windows, you have no other option than to explore the palace.

Polished wood squeaks under the weight of your slippers as you roam the seemingly endless halls. Every room that you pass seems to serve a different purpose, some being bedrooms while others are studies. You even find yourself in a room lined with portraits of past rulers and their families, each one telling a little bit of the history of Nexdor. Adjacent to the portrait of King Jaeseong and his family lies an empty space, just waiting for the portrait of Jaehyun and his family to fill it. You cringe at the thought of your face permanently plastered here for any wandering eye to see.

Further down the hall from the portrait room seems to be a series of meeting rooms, each one with a different set up. As you venture down the hall, a half opened door piques your interest. But just as you move to push the door open, a frustrated groan stops you in your tracks.

“I promise you, Father. I’m not losing focus.” There’s a frustrated edge to Jaehyun’s voice that you have never experienced before. “I know what I need to do to rule my country.”

“Clearly, you don’t!” King Jaeseong booms. “Instead of attending to your duties at Crown Prince, you are too worried about caring for the princess. You cannot let petty feelings get in the way of you ruling this kingdom to the best of your ability.”

“Feelings?” Jaehyun scoffs. “This marriage is purely political, you know that just as well as I do. I don’t even care for her. She is simply set to be my wife for our kingdom’s gain, and that is it.”

Despite King Jaeseong’s reply, the words seem to echo throughout the empty hallway, setting off a ringing in your ears.

You release a shaky sigh, feeling your heart plummet to the pit of your core. The corners of your eyes begin to sting with the force of incoming tears, forcing you to blink rapidly to keep them at bay. It’s impossible to tune into the rest of the conversation, your mind having shut down after hearing Jaehyun’s comment. With no other choice, you flee back down the hallway, seeking nothing more than the solace of your room.

What feels like hours pass as you simply stare up at your ceiling, letting your emotions ebb and flow like waves against the shore. As devastated as you are, you can’t help but be upset with yourself more than anything. Jaehyun was right, after all. The marriage is simply political. There is no place for feelings in ruling a kingdom, the fairy tales you were told as a kid being nothing more than just that, tales.

Yet another part of you aches at the thought of Jaehyun viewing you as a political move. All the jokes and smiles were nothing more than what would be displayed at a public hearing. The fleeting touches and the brushes of fingers against bare skin existed simply to placate a political tide. What has begun to feel like more has been reduced to a political pawn game.

Your chances at being in love had been squashed.

So, you began to reciprocate. Gone were the giggles when Jaehyun cracked a joke in history class. Attempts at getting sidetracked during ballroom dance lessons were met with a blank stare. Picnic requests were denied and touches dodged. After all, there are no feelings involved in politics.

It seems like the change takes a while for Jaehyun to register, meeting your blank stares with concerned gazes and questioning looks. His fingers halt in midair when you flinch away from his touch, clearly still hoping to grasp onto you. Dimpled smiles turn into exaggerated pouts when you deny him time and time again. You would find his reactions cute, if not for the reason this is all happening.

It’s all political, you remind yourself.

It isn’t until a few days before the wedding that Jaehyun seems to have had enough. He corners you after a particularly grueling ballroom practice, grabbing you by the hand. His grip is tight enough that you aren’t able to pull away, helplessly following along as he drags you through the palace corridors.

The two of you end up in the portrait room, with the eyes of all of the past rulers staring down at you. It’s only when you come to a stop that Jaehyun releases his grip from your hand. The man is clearly irritated, cheeks ruddy and eyes glassy. If you didn’t know any better, you would think he had been crying.

“What is going on?”

You fight the urge to roll your eyes. “I have no idea what you mean.”

“Our wedding is in a few days and you have been ignoring me!” Jaehyun sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I just want to know what happened. I thought…I thought—,”

“You thought what?”

“I thought that you were learning to love me! I thought that you were beginning to feel the same way.”

Jaehyun’s exasperation rings loud in the otherwise silent room. His chest heaves with the force of his words, fingers twitching as they seek something to grasp. You can’t help but scoff at his demeanor.

“Feel the same way? You were the one who said that I’m only going to be your wife for the kingdom’s political gain!” A hot feeling begins to bloom in your chest as you remember the encounter. “I believe your exact words were, ‘I don’t even care for her.’”

Jaehyun’s face falls, eyes glossy. “You heard that?”

“Of course I did,” you mumble, crossing your arms over your chest. “I was walking around the palace and I heard you meeting with your father.”

“You don’t—I meant—just…I promise it’s not what you think!”

“I heard you loud and clear, Jaehyun. You can’t take back your words now.”

“I know, but I promise I didn’t mean that.” Jaehyun sighs. “Can you follow me for a second? Please, I just need to show you something.”

Jaehyun’s hand is shaking as he offers it to you, reaching out with his last shred of hope. His eyes bore holes into you, as if looking at you can keep his tears at bay. It takes a few moments of staring at the hand, taking in its subtle tremor, before you finally exhale, letting your palm meet his. The smile that he shoots you is blinding, forcing you to look away from its power.

You struggle to keep up as Jaehyun practically runs down the hallways, hair flapping in the wind. It reminds you of a puppy, how overeager he is, and you imagine that if he had a tail, it would be fiercely wagging. Every so often, he looks back, shooting you a smile that has a stampede running through your abdomen.

With the speed that you two are moving at, you seem to arrive at your destination in no time. Jaehyun’s panting as he leads you to a final door, sunlight flooding your vision as he pushes it open. Trekking down a pair of outdoor steps leaves you along the eastern palace wall, the once empty space now a sight that makes your jaw drop.

Numerous flower beds and bushes form a maze along the rich soil, some of them still only budding. Even though many of the flowers are not yet in full bloom, it’s easy to tell what they will be. A specific set of hot pink buds on a nearby bush steals your breath away.

You release Jaehyun’s hand as you walk deeper into the garden, squatting in front of the bush to see if your eyes are deceiving you. It’s hard to be sure as you squint, but when a breeze blows, flooding your senses with an all too familiar fragrance, there’s no mistaking it for anything else.

“Azaleas?” You breathe. “But how? They don’t grow here. The closest azaleas are in—,”

“Vyrona,” Jaehyun interrupts. “The closest azaleas are a few hundred miles away, but I had some staff travel to uproot some to bring here.”

You’re frozen in place as Jaehyun approaches, utterly breathless. “But why?”

“Because you said they were your favorite.”

As Jaehyun closes the gap between you two, you find yourself blinking back tears. This time, when he attempts to gather your hands in his, you let him, not daring to put up a fight. Slowly, he brings your left hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on your knuckles before repeating the move with your right hand.

“Y/N, I wasn’t lying when I said I felt a connection between us. From the day I first saw you, I knew I would do anything for you, and I still will.” Jaehyun lets out a wet chuckle. “You know, if we weren’t already set to be wed I would have proposed to you again, right here in this spot. That’s how much I want to be with you.”

You shake your head, fighting a grimace. “But, your father…”

“I only said what I had to in order to appease him. He is nervous that I’m losing focus of my duties and losing sight of what I need to do for the kingdom. And honestly, he’s right. Because these days, all I can think about is you.”

The feeling is undoubtedly reciprocated, but the words to tell him such remain caught in your throat. All you are able to muster is a questioning hum.

“You’re constantly on my mind to the point where I feel like a fool. I can’t seem to stop talking about you to anyone who might listen, my father included. Honestly, I have never experienced love before, princess. But to the extent I do, I want to experience it with you.”

You swallow the lump in your throat, trying your best not to get lost in the reflection of you in Jaehyun’s eyes. “I want to experience it with you, too.”

Dimples indent Jaehyun’s cheeks as a relieved smile crosses his face. He uses his grip on your hands to pull you even closer, causing you to stumble into his chest. Both of your hands fall to his chest to stabilize yourself, while his own fall to your waist. This close, you can see the soft shadows that his eyelashes cast on his cheeks and the sharp swell of his Cupid’s bow.

You find yourself thinking the same thing that you thought when you first saw the Prince. He is breathtaking.

“Jaehyun…” you trail off, watching the way his tongue darts out to trace his bottom lip.

“Will you let me love you, princess?”

A small nod is all you’re able to get out before a soft pair of lips meet yours.

Jaehyun kisses the way you would imagine a young prince would, unrestrained and confident. He takes the lead in letting his lips blanket yours, grip tightening around your waist as he draws you in for more. It’s addicting, the way he strikes a balance between giving and taking that leaves you panting when you both pull away.

“Let’s get married,” Jaehyun breathes out, letting his forehead rest on yours.

You can’t fight the giggle that bubbles up in your chest. “We already are next week.”

“Oh, right.”

At his sheepish tone, you can’t help but laugh fully, throwing your head back in an unrestrained fit of giggles. The sight proves contagious, as Jaehyun’s laughs begin to harmonize with yours. It’s an addicting sensation, to hear the laughs of your fiancé while the fragrance of your favorite flower fills your nose.

“Jaehyun,” you whisper after you are able to tame your fit of giggles. “Thanks for making this all feel a little more glamorous.”

Jaehyun just smiles, giving your waist a light squeeze. “You don’t have to thank me. I promise that I’ll do whatever I can to make each day feel more glamorous than the last.”

You nod, feeling the sun warm your lips as you smile softly.

“I’d expect nothing less.”

.FIN.

#myung jaehyun #boynextdoor #boynextdoor fluff #boynextdoor imagines #boynextdoor smut #bnd imagines #bnd #myungjae #written in the stars

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leclucklerc · 1 year ago

Text

A Fool's Flowers MV1 - Oneshot

Pairings: Max Verstappen x reader

Summary: She's a fool in love. Too in love and way too enraptured in her own romantic delusion to see the signs.

Words: 6.2K

Materlist

“So, university in Monaco,” started your mom. “You really didn’t meet anyone during your time there?”

Y/n laughed, tone light and airy as you continue to mix the cake powder on her hand. “I met many people you know,” she said, a bit teasing. “Many friends, many acquaintances.”

She hoped the woman doesn’t realize the tensioning of her shoulder. Or how her words waver a bit at the start. She hopes, she doesn’t realize the obvious sign of nervousness and fear that started to creep into her throat.

Slowly but surely. As if, it’s going to chock her silent.

“You know that’s not what I’m talking about,” replied the older woman as she raised her eyebrow. Her hands still busy with the batter in front of her. Kneading it firmly.

“Why?” asked the younger, a bit teasing. “A bit sudden don’t you think?”

Truthfully, this question had been something that she dreaded to hear when she decided to move back to her parents house after her short stint in Monaco. That her mother – who’s lately been wanting more grandkids after seeing her older sister second child – will surely notice that there’s something wrong with her.

The older woman huffed. “Well, I just can’t wait for you to bring home a boy,” she replied wistfully. “How about one of your guy friends? Max? he seems cute.”

It was such a sudden name drop that you immediately froze on spot. Brain going thousands kilometrets an hour to process that statement.

“Max?” you said, a bit shaky and hoped your mom didn’t catch it. “No, we’re just friends.”

“You never talked about him anymore,” prodeed her mom. “You used to go on and on about Max this and Max that. Though you’ve been surprisingly silent about him lately.”

Ah, she thought. How to put his delicately.

“We’re fighting, currently,” she managed to say. “Nothing serious.”

“Hmm..” hummed the woman. “The both of you look cute, I think.”

Yes, she wants to reply.

Yes, they look cute together.

Attending a university in Monaco had never been in y/n’s plan.

Maybe it’s because she had grown up in a big city all her life, making her childhood home pretty accessible to many universities without her needing to even move out. Maybe it’s because she had lived her life here, all of her family and friends resided in the residential area around her house.

Maybe it’s just for the simple fact that y/n doesn’t want anything to change. Too afraid to disturb this comfortable rhythm that she called her life.

Though everything changed when she visited Monaco for the first time.

There’s just something different about the small country. The beautiful streets and the warm feeling that the country exudes. The flowers that bloom on the side of the street and the busy shore full of yachts and private party. The close-knit community that blended perfectly with the wealthy extravaganza that the country is known for.

It was something that y/n had never seen before.

It was something, that made y/n fell in love with the country.

She throws all of her plan sideways and decided to attend a university there. Her parents had objected, of course, considering she used to plan to go to Oxford or other reputable universities all around the world. But y/n had always been a bit too headstrong. A bit too caught up in her own want and needs.

It really was not long before she began packing and her life in Monaco starts.

The change of scenery is a good thing for her. She started meeting more and more people. She began opening her heart, letting more and more people inside of her orbit.

She never thought that making friends and spening time with them could be so enjoyable. After all, as an introverted at heart, she was used to have a small friend circle. But there’s must be something in Monaco’s air. Something that made her a bit wild and uncontrollable. Something that made her want to live her life unlike before.

The nightlife in Monaco is always bustling.

Maybe it’s due to the fact that majority of the country consisted of too rich person with too many time on their hand. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the casinos are open all night. Or maybe it’s just for the simple fact that people in Monaco can enjoy their nightlife better than any other countries.

Whatever the reason is, y/n always enjoy her trip to the club with her friends.

Tonight, was such night. One of her friends had just gone through a terrible breakup, making their whole friend group mission to be absolutely hammered at the club.

Y/n knows she was pretty. She knows that there are couple of guys that wants to talk to her every time she went to a club. Tonight though-

“He’s staring at you,” murmured her friend, a teasing grin already on her lips as she gulped down from her glass. “Ever since you arrived here.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Which one?” asked y/n, discreetly looking around.

“The cute one,” said her friend as she nudged her chin softly towards one corner of the club. “Blond, blue eyes, white shirt.”

It took y/n a couple of second to locate the man that her friend mentioned. Though, the moment, she saw him, she felt her world stopped for a bit.

Tall, blond, blue eyes. A cute face and a nice body.

Her type.

“You are sure he’s been staring at me?” she whispered out, averting her gaze once again to not make it to obvioys that she’s been ogling him. “He’s cute.”

“I know,” giggled her friend. “Definitely your type.”

Y/n was about to answer when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Hey,”

She turned, eyes meeting blue ones. Oh, she thought, a bit dazed. It’s the cute guy.

The lighting at the club is a bit dim and the music is so loud that it hurts her heart a bit. Though she swears when the man let out a huge grin, her world cleared up a bit. It was as if the both of them are not in the middle of a loud and bustling club. It was as if that they’re not standing in the midst of sweaty and drunk bodies.

It was as if, this meeting had been decided by fate.

“I’m Max,” he said, smile almost blinding.

Y/n felt tongue tied as she stared at him.

She really can’t suppress the smile blooming on her face too. “Y/n” replied the girl. “Nice to meet you too.”

“Really?” pressed on her mother once again. “No cute boys that gives you flower or anything?”

Y/n laughed at that. “Who still gives flower now? That’s so old school mom!”

Y/n stared at the bouquet of flowers in front of her.

The grin that appeared on her face must’ve looked a bit silly and dumb. Though, she doesn’t seem to mind.

“You brought me flowers,” she breathed out, taking the bouquet from the man in front of her.

“I did,” replied Max. “I didn’t know what your favorite flowers are, but I hope you like this.”

It’s roses. A classic and safe choice for a first date. And yet, Y/n found herself liking it way too much.

“I love it,” she said, marveling the flowers with a large smile. “You’re a gentleman aren’t you?”

Max laughed at that, hand curling around her waist as he guided her outside of her apartment. “I try,” he said. “Though with how beautiful you look tonight, I don’t think I can.”

It’s such a cheesy thing to say that it made her broke out into a laugh. “I don’t give kisses in first dates, Verstappen,” she said, cradling the flower close to her chest. “It’s my dating policy.”

The man hummed at that. “Well, there’s a first for everything I guess?”

“Unbelievable,” she giggled. “The date should be exceptional then.”

Their first date was exceptional indeed.

Max seemed to have done some research because everything about their first date had been perfect. From the dinner that they shared to the walk that they did across Monaco’s harbor. Everything about that night had been so unbelievably romantic that she could swoon at the mere thought of it.

It was a perfect first date. Something that came out of a romance novel. Something that she had imagined to herself during her period of girlhood. Still too young to have a romance of her own and yet never stopped daydreaming about prince charming and princesses.

Tonight, she felt like a princess and Max is her very own prince charming.

“I look like a fool,” laughed y/n as Max escorted her towards her door when their date is ending.

“Believe me schat, no fool look as beautiful as you,” said Max with a grin.

“No, no, I mean,” she started. “I look like a fool because despite all of my declaration earlier about my no kissing policy in a first date, I think, I really want to kiss you right now.”

Y/n felt warm after that, mouth still smiling like a lovesick fool as she stared at Max’s blue eyes.

“Yeah?” breathed out Max as he leaned closer. “Then I must’ve been a fool too?”

Their face is so close that she could feel their breath mingling with each other. “Why?” she asked.

Blue eyes stared at her and y/n felt as if she was going to drown in them. As if, the entire galaxy is in there and she wants nothing but to gaze it all eternity.

“Because I want to kiss you too.”

Their lips met each other for the first time that day.

“I really don’t believe you,” sighed the woman. “How can you stay single throughout university?”

“What can I say?” laughed y/n, humor evident on her tone. “No one wants me.”

“But you’re a really beautiful girl-“

“You’re beautiful,” breathed out Max, eyes unblinking.

Y/n giggled, mocked curtsying towards the man in front of her who let out a burst of laugh at that. “You think so?” she said, eyes crinkling from how wide her smile is. The dark dress she’s wearing made an amazing contrast on her skin, hugging her figure at the right place.

She looks beautiful. Almost divine even.

“I know so,” said the man as he curled an arm around her waist. It’s a tight gripped. As if he doesn’t want to let go of her. “I don’t want anyone to see you like this.”

“We’re going to be late,” she replied simply, hand goes towards around his neck as she cuddled closer towards him. “I don’t want to make Daniel waiting.”

“Daniel can wait all night long,” grumbled Max.

The girl let out a laugh at that, releasing her hold. “Come on, Romeo,” she said, dragging the man towards the door. “We have a dinner to catch.”

“-And a charming girl!”

“She’s a charming one, isn’t she?”

Y/n stopped, hiding herself behind a pillar.

A few moments ago, she had left the table to go to the bathroom to do some touch ups, leaving Max, Daniel, and Heidi on the table.

She didn’t expect that she will accidentally eavesdrop their conversation.

“I know,” replied the dutch, making Daniel grin wider.

“I’ve never seen you like this,” murmured Heidi as she leaned towards Daniel closer. “The both of us knows you when you’re still a teen and we’ve never seen you looking so…”

“In love,” continued Daniel without missing a beat. “I never saw you so infatuated with someone before.”

Her heart hammered wildly inside her chest.

Love?

… Love???

“I think so,” replied Max, much to her surprise. “I know that we started dating not too long ago, but really, I think she’s the one.”

Daniel let out a loud laugh at that as he pat Max’s back violently. She could hear the teasing that the Australian gave Max and how the younger male let out a chuckle. They continue to talk after that, though Y/n doesn’t even bother to listen.

After all, she’s a flustered mess there behind the pillar.

She could hear the blood rushing towards her face and how her heart began to beat loudly on her ears. She knows that her relationship with Max is good. More than good in fact. It was as if she had met her soulmate in the form of Max Verstappen.

They have many shared interest with each other. Max had always managed to make her laugh and she too, had always managed to make him laugh. She felt comfort every time she goes with Max.

As if, the man that she now called her boyfriend, is the very man that the universe had shaped specifically for her.

But love?

My,

Oh my.

She could feel more and more blood rushing towards her face.

Is she, in love with Max Verstappen?

(Yes)

It should scare her a bit how fast she knows the answer to that question.

“Really, I can’t understand why you don’t have any boyfriend,” lamented the older woman dramatically.

“Maybe it’s my personality,” laughed the younger. “I think I have a really bad personality.”

“Of course not,” replied her mom. “You’re an angel, darling. Always willing to listen to everyone problem and make it your mission to solve it.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” admitted Max once upon a time. The both of them sat on the floor right in front of the sofa. The tv in front of them is playing a movie that they don’t even bother to watch at this point.

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” answered y/n immediately. “You’re perfect.”

“No, I’m not,” said Max as he leaned towards her. His weight is a comforting presence next to her. “I just- I don’t think I should be doing what I’m doing.”

Y/n stared at him, a bit shocked.

After all, this is Max Verstappen. Formula One worl champion. A prodigy of the sport. The very man that had dominated the track with his style of driving. Max had always looks confident and sure, especially if it relates to Formula One.

He had started driving an F1 car before he have a normal driving license! He had been the youngest world champion in the history of Formula One! He had been what many dubbed as a once in many years talent.

And he too, is a man who’s questioning about his position in Formula One.

“What made you say that?” she asked softly as one of her hand began caressing his hair. She had learnt that Max likes something like this. The gentle touches.

“I just think… I think my path in Formula One is not my decision,” he said. “It was just always there, you know? My dad is an F1 driver, and ever since I was small, he had always encouraged me to take on this path… So I just thought that maybe in actuality, I don’t even like to drive. But considering it’s the only thing that I ever know i…”

“Because you think that F1 is the only think you ever know, it made you love the sport?” finished Y/n.

Max was silent a bit before that before he let out a nod. “Yeah,” he said. “Maybe like that.”

“Have you ever feel forced every time you drive?” asked Y/n. “Have you ever feel that you don’t want to drive?”

“No,” replied Max. “No, I don’t.”

Y/n let out a hum at that. “Don’t you think that’s enough of an answer?” asked the female with a soft chuckle.

The female pondered about that for a bit. There’s a silence between the two of them before he let out a sigh. “Maybe it is,” he murmured. “But i… Schat, people doesn’t even like me there.”

Ah, she realized.

Max, despite his tough demeanor and aloof personality, is a bit of a soft heart.

He thinks way too much about everything. About himself and about people around him. To people that doesn’t know him, they would never guessed that Max is the type of person that actually listens. That he’s the type of person that will think way too deeply about people reaction of thoughts about him.

It was something that she tried to change about him.

“Babe, you are welcome, people doesn’t hate you, especially F1 fans,” said the female softly.

She could hear the scoff that he let out.

“No, no, no, you have to believe me,” she said, moving her posture so that she could see straight to his eyes. “You have to believe me, no one dislike you. You are an amazing driver, and moreso, an amazing man. People who hates you must’ve been crazy.”

Max let out a bitter chuckle at that. “There must’ve been a lot of crazy people in the world then?”

“Well, we do live in a crazy world,” she replied. “But that’s not the point. Babe, I really don’t want you to question your place in Formula One just because there are people who doesn’t like you. You’re talented. You love F1. Don’t you think that’s enough of a reason for you to be welcome in F1?”

“Maybe,” answered Max. “It’s just… never mind. I- I don’t even know what’s wrong with me.”

“No, no, no, let’s talk, okay?” said Y/n. “If… if you really think that there’s may be something out there that you like more than F1… do you want to try it out?”

The male stared at her. “Try it out?”

“Yes, let’s try to find you a hobby,” said the female. “We could sign up to short classes or maybe try something online. You know, to try and find something that you might like.”

Max stared at her as silence bestowed between the two of them.

“A shop down the street will actually have a pottery class next Wednesday, I could sign us up. Or maybe you like to try new sport? I heard padel tennis is popular these days? Or we could-“

She stopped her rambling when she felt Max’s lips on hers. He didn’t stop kissing her until he hovered on top of her as the both of them parted their lips to gasped for breath.

“Max?” she breathed out, hand reaching upwards.

“Thank you,” he murmured as he closed their distance once again. “I just want to say thank you.”

There’s a bouquet of roses on her kitchen counter.

Y/n reached out to it almost immediately, giddy and heart hammering loudly.

“Please,” replied the female. “I know you’re my mom, but you can’t overpraise me like that.”

The older woman laughed at that. “I’m not overpraising you!” exclaimed the woman with a good humor. “You’re a beautiful and smart girl, I remember your first piano recital as if it was yesterday.”

“Mom,” she whined out. “I was like, six, when I did that recital!”

“Oh, but you played it so beautifully!”

“You can play the piano?”

Y/n grinned. “Took lessons when I was a kid and I guess it stuck,” she replied, taking his hand and drag him to sit next to her in the piano chair. It’s a snug fit, but the laughter that the both of them shared made as if they’re sitting in the comfiest chair in the world.

She guided his hand towards the black and white keys, making him touch some of it.

“Sorry, schat, I’m afraid my only talent is driving a car,” said Max, letting out a laugh as she continued to make him press some of the keys.

“I can see that,” replied the female cheekily. “Do you want to hear me play?”

Max hummed as he rested his head on her shoulder. She began playing, fingertips touching every keys as if it was her old friend. Her mind began to wander to the countless recitals that she had attended when she was a kid.

Her mom had been convinced that she’s the next Mozart in the making. That her musical talent will soon take over the world.

Though, the woman had to hide her disappointment when Y/n doesn’t become too interested to play piano professionally. Now it just become a hobby to her. Or a good way to impress someone at a party.

Max lightly hummed as she continued to play the instrument next to him. His hand had found itself wrapped around her waist as the soft sound of her playing slowly lulled him to dreamland.

Y/n doesn’t know how much time passed, the only thing that she knows was when she finished the piece, the man besides her had been sound asleep. The fond smile that crept into her face made the moment a bit more tender.

“You sound as if you regret letting me to stop playing the piano,” teased the younger female as she bumped her shoulder to her.

Her mother shook her head at that. “I probably would’ve become more regretful if you’re a bad student, but you’re such a good student!”

Y/n gave Max a small kiss on his lips.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered out. “I really want to come to the race, but you know I have exams coming.”

“It’s okay,” answered Max as he wrapped an arm around her. He nuzzled his face towards the crook of her neck, staying in that position for some time before he looked up towards her. “I know how important it is for you.”

The female bit her lips.

Truthfully, she really wants to go and support Max. After all, racing is his lifeline. It’s practically already on his blood. All his life, it had always been racing and racing for him. She really wants to go there and support him in what he loves.

But alas, her professor is a jerk.

“I’ll come during the Monaco racing calendar,” she said, regretfully. “I’ll… I’ll check my classes schedule to see if I can sneak one or two travel in between to see you race.”

The joy that appeared on Max’s face made her a bit giddy.

“You will really do that?” asked the male.

“Of course,” she said, cradling her face. “I want to support you in your element you know,” at this, a smile crept into her face. “So you’re better leading the championship when I come, okay?”

Max laughed at that. “I will,” he said. “I already can’t wait.”

The kiss that they shared before Max left is way too warm and tender. Y/n can’t help the giddiness and the love that’s threatening to burst from her chest.

“Welcome back,” she greeted him with a kiss. “I saw the race live, congratulations on the win.”

“Thank you,” he said, hugging her tightly. “I passed by a florist earlier so I just thought-“

Y/n can’t contain the giddy grin that appear on her face at the sight of the fresh bouquet of roses.

Good grades had always been the norm for her. It always come easily, good grades and praised from the people around her.

She knows that she’s someone with a good head on her shoulder. That she will always be able to think rationally and logically. That she will never let her emotion influenced her decision on anything. Always doing something logical and rational. That’s why, y/n never thinks that she’s a fool.

But alas, often times, love will make you a fool.

“What is this?” asked the female, hand shakily holding her phone. “Max, what is this?”

Max doesn’t even meet her eyes.For her, it’s enough of a confirmation.

On her phone is a video that’s clearly being taken in the middle of a nightclub. It’s loud and the lighting is a bit bad, making the numerous people inside the place a bit hazy to see through the phone screen. Though, y/n will never mistake the man dancing in the video.

It’s Max. Her boyfriend.

It’s Max who’s in the middle of the dance floor. Dancing and sloppily making out with another girl that’s not her.

“Max!” she said, voice raising. She ignores the tinge of nervousness that appeared inside of her. After all, she had never raised her voice like that towards anyone before. “Max, answer me- what- what is this!?”

“Y/n” said Max, finally opening his mouth. He reached towards her hand, intertwining their fingers together. She really wants to slap it away. To turn her back from those blue eyes of his that never fail to make her knees weak. “Baby, please, I- I was drunk.”

Drunk?

He was drunk?

Why is he saying it as if that simple act justify him cheating on her? Y/n had been drunk plenty of time before. But she had never-

She had never even thought to make out with another man when she has a boyfriend. She had never thought to cheat on her significant other even when she had been batshit drunk.

“Why are you saying it like that?” she asked, voice shaky. “So what if you’re drunk? That doesn’t even explain anything!”

“I don’t remember anything about that night,” replied Max immediately. “I- I must’ve thought it was you!”

Does he think she’s a fool?

“Do you think I’m stupid?” she grits out. “I’ve been drunk before Max and I never even thought to cheat on you!”

“Well I probably wouldn’t have done that if our relationship is not like this!”

The sudden yell from the man in front of her made her flinch a bit. Her eyes stared at Max’s blue ones as the man too, continue to stare at her. There’s a sudden silence between the two of them as Y/n try to process what the man had just said to her.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Our relationship,” started the man as he sat on the sofa, dragging her to sit besides him, knees touching. “I- you know my job demand a lot of things from me,” he continued, hand flying towards his hair in frustration. "It's been hard, every races, especially when I don’t have my own girlfriend to support me.”

“You know why I can’t,” the female protested immediately. “I have university, classes, my own life- i- I just can’t drop everything for you!”

“But other drivers girlfriend did that!” said Max, turning his attention back to her. He sighed in frustration before he slumped back towards the sofa. “All the other drivers significant others are in the paddock constantly and is supporting them throughout the season, I just think that I should’ve been nice if my own girlfriend can come and support me in one of my races!”

And oh.

Oh.

Max… had been comparing himself with the other drivers. That he saw other drivers to have a working support system around him and him, not having any.

She knows how deeply rooted insecurity had ingrained itself inside of the male heart. That from he was a child, he was always comparing and comparing himself with people around him. That he’s weak with that.

Maybe,

Maybe, just maybe.

There’s a reason why he did what he did.

Was he lonely?

Was he craving for her presence? Does he really need her support that much?

(She ignores the fact that she knows that Max’s parents and sisters often come to the races too. She ignores the fact, that his very own best friend is a F1 driver too. That Red Bull had become his family. That he has a whole support system in the paddock besides her. That even without her, there will always be someone supporting him.)

Her anger and the feeling of being betrayed slowly seeped away as regret and sorrow made its way up. Max seems to notice too as the hold that he has over her hand tightened.

“I’m sorry,” said Max, bringing her closer for an embrace. “I really missed you and i- I thought that she was you.”

The female in the video does have the same hair color as her. Maybe he missing her that bad back then. That’s why he did what he did.

“I’m sorry too,” said y/n, enveloping her arm around his neck. “I- I should’ve supported you more.”

Y/n had never thought she’s a fool.

She’s a woman with a good head on her shoulder. She’s a woman with vast knowledge and high education. She’s a woman who always think rationally and logically. Emotion had never affected her decision.

But that decision, is the start of her foolery.

“I- I forgive you,” muttered the woman. “Just- please make sure you will never do that again.”

At that, the smile that Max let out brightened up her world just a bit.

“I promise,” answered the man as he leaned towards her for a kiss.

As they sat there, lips touching with each other, Y/n can’t help the nagging feeling that made her felt as if she’s the clown of this story

“Yes,” she muttered softly. “I am… a good student.”

There’s a bouquet of roses on her kitchen counter.

Y/n stared at it silently.

“But I think, I’m a fool,” continue the girl as the put the cake on the oven.

Her mother stared at her.

“Dear,” she started, hand reaching towards her. Her touch is soft and warm. It’s always welcoming. Something that she had always fall into when she was a child. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

There’s so many things that she’s not telling her and she wants nothing but to tell her all of those things.

All of those months full of agony and tears. All of those sleepless night and insecurity.

Everything that she had felt these past few months, she wants to tell it all to the older woman.

But no.

She didn’t.

She decided long ago, that these emotions- this feelings that she had buried inside of her heart should never be uttered out loud. That the only closure that she will ever have, is by burying all of these messy emotions deep inside of her heart.

Not opening her heart anymore. Not letting anyone in.

A fool.

A girl, with nothing but a clown costume.

Well, y/n is a fool indeed.

There’s a bouquet of roses on her kitchen. Sitting there unmoving. The previous bouquet had not even wilted yet. She felt a bit sick at the mere thought of it.

Roses after roses.

Tears after tears.

She should’ve known that this relationship would never last. That this blissful feeling and tender care that they share with each other is not something that will last forever.

A famous formula one superstar like him with a normal university student like her.

How laughable.

Y/n felt stupid that she actually thought that this relationship will last.

Because it’s not.

“You said you won’t do it again,” she said, eyes staring at her plate intently. Not wanting to see the man sitting in front of her.

How many times is it now? She doesn’t even bother to count.

It was always like this. Every time she saw him with another girl – always though social media, or through a friend. Never had it been from Max himself. There will always be a bouquet of roses on her kitchen. As if, those roses are enough.

As if, those roses are enough for her to forgive him.

(It did.)

Max shifted, “You have to believe me,” he said, hand reaching towards her own. Though, she immediately flinched, retreating. The male seems to have noticed it too, as he too, froze up on his spot.

“Schat,” he called out, tone pleading. “You have to believe me. I- it was not my intention to touch her like that.”

“And yet you still did,” replied the female, curling herself into a ball. It was a bit dangerous position considering she’s sitting on their dining room chair. Though, she really can’t help it. She wants to disappear. To stop this hurtful feelings that’s threatening to overflow.

She hates this so so much.

“I was drunk!” exclaimed Max as his tone went higher and higher. “I thought she was you- that’s why I was so receptive!”

There was something on his tone that sounds almost frantic. As if he’s desperately trying to put everything together. To make this thing between the two of them works. Max too seems to realize as he stood up, circling the dining table so he could stood by her side.

Y/n could feel his hands curling around her shoulder. “I thought it was you and I was missing you really badly because we haven’t met each other in weeks,” he said, face so close to hers as his hands scrambling to wipe of something from her face.

Oh.

She’s crying. She didn’t even realize that.

“I miss you so much, that’s why I went with her to the hotel and-“

And that really is the thing that made y/n snap.

Because the way he said this, the way he’s trying to direct this conversation, was as if he was going to blame her about this mess of their relationship. As if, him cheating was her fault. As if, him sleeping with another girl is her fault.

She hates it so much she wants it to end.

The last string, finally broke.

She should’ve known that this relationship of theirs is not something that could last forever. After all, the both of them led such a different life with each other.

Too many differences.

Too many hurdles.

Back then, she thought that she could face all of it. All of those hurdles and problems. She used to believe that both Max and her could resolve it. That they could triumph each one easily.

But now?

She’s far too tired.

She’s too tired to hang around this relationship of theirs. Too tired of the countless sleepless nights and all the overthinking that she did. Too tired to scroll through her social media only to see her with different girl each time. Too tired, to put her expectation to this man before her.

Y/n is not a fool.

She doesn’t want to be a clown anymore.

And so, this is the end. The end of everything that they had built. That this sacred commitment between the two of them is nothing but a thorn on her side.

“I’m tired,” the family let out, eyes still streaming with tears as she stared at Max’s blue eyes. Blue eyes that used to make her weak on the knees. The blue eyes that never fail to make her heart race.

Though this time, she felt empty as she stared at those blue eyes of his.

“I’m tired, Max,” she repeated once more. “Let’s end this.”

Y/n moved back to her parents’ house not long after that. Transferring university to that of her country. Leaving all the memories that she had made in Monaco in that country.

There are many things that she wants to left there. Too many things.

(They didn’t even managed to say I love you yet. Those simple words that remained inside her heart.)

And as she landed back on her home country, eyes staring at the plane that had taken her from Monaco, she can’t help the small smile that appeared on her face.

Yes, this is a new start for her.

She’s tired of being a fool.

“There are many things that I want to say,” started the younger as she stared at the older woman with a bittersweet smile on her face. “But I think- I think I’m still not ready for it.”

Her mother hummed at that. “Of course,” she muttered, hand enveloping her in a hug. It’s warm and it reminded her so much of her childhood. She wants to stay like this forever. Enveloped in her mother embrace forever. “You can always tell me later. I’m always here, remember?”

“Yeah,” y/n said as she released her embrace. “Yeah, I know.”

That answer seems to have brightened her mother up a bit. “Well okay then, enough of the depressing talk!” she said with a clap of her hands. “Tomorrow is a big day for us so-“

What her mother was going to say was interrupted by the loud sound of a ringing bell.

Both female exchanged glances with each other, eyebrow raising. “We’re having guest?” ask y/n.

“I doubt s,” said her mom. “Will you be a dear and open the door? I’m going to call for your dad.” She muttered out before she’s gone to call for the man.

Y/n shrugged, not seeing any problem with that as she walked towards the front door not expecting anything. After that shocking and a bit emotional talk with her mom, she’s not in the mood to entertain any guest today.

Maybe it could be a mailman? Doubt so.

Her sister? No, she’s on a vacation to Greece.

Then who could possibly be ringing their door?

She opened her door, not expecting anything, only to found herself rooted on her spot as she stared at the sight before her. Because there he stood, blond hair, blue eyes, and white shirt. Somehow, her heart started to betray her and it began hammering wildly inside her chest.

“Hey,” said Max Verstappen, standing in front of her door with a bouquet of roses on his hand.

Ah, thought y/n.

Maybe she is a fool after all.

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storytowrite · 7 months ago

Text

|Crossing the line| ~ Lee Felix

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Paring: Lee Felix x reader

Genre: little angsry but smut

Word count: 5675

Warnings: 18+; nonprotection; blood

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You and Felix have always had your secrets, little secrets that required a bond between you. You knew things about each other that even your closest ones had no idea about. However, this one secret that you hid from him seemed too big to reveal. You were friends since the sandbox, but for some time Felix began to awaken feelings in you that you feared the most. You weren't sure if it was just a momentary infatuation or maybe something deeper.

Finally, the day of your birthday came, you loved celebrating it, because Felix always invited you to your secret, charming place that only you knew about and prepared a handmade cake. It was the same today, in the morning you got an invitation from Felix. You quickly went to get ready, put on your favorite white, airy dress and did light make-up. This was the day when you were going to confess your feelings to Felix, you couldn't keep it to yourself anymore. When you were ready, you went to the lake in the middle of the forest, covered by huge willows. Every step along the sandy path brought back waves of childhood memories. This place was your shelter from the world, a refuge where you could be yourself, and all your worries would disappear.

When you got there, your heart was beating like crazy with excitement. You uncovered the lush willow leaves with your hand and your heart froze when, apart from Felix, you saw another person next to him. It was a beautiful, petite girl with light hair waving in the wind and eyes shining like sapphires. Her smile was wide and full of warmth.

"Happy birthday Y/n. I'm so glad we can spend this special day together again." Felix said, approaching you, with a big smile on his face, a smile that was reserved only for you and for special occasions.

You managed to force a fake smile on your face, although deep down you were hiding a huge disappointment. The unknown girl approached Felix and intertwined their fingers together. You couldn't hide the fact that you noticed it right away and knew what was coming.

"Oh Y/n I'm sorry it's so sudden, but I wanted you to meet as soon as possible. This is Eva, my girlfriend."

His words were like a punch to the heart for you. You felt like your heart was breaking into millions of pieces. At first, you were frozen, you couldn't gather your thoughts. However, when the whole situation hit you, you couldn't hold back your tears.

"How could you...?" Your voice was shaking, and tears were running down your cheeks, leaving a wet trail behind them.

"Y/n, what's wrong? I hoped you'd be happy." Felix looked at you confused. "This was our place." You whispered, unable to bear the pain any longer. "Only ours."

Before Felix could answer anything, you turned around and started running forward, tears running faster and faster down your cheeks.

"Y/n wait!" Felix called after you, but you couldn't, didn't want to hear.

You ran through the forest until your legs started to hurt and your lungs burned from the effort. Finally, you stopped, hoping that Felix had run after you and would hug you, apologize and explain everything. You stood there looking at the exit from the forest, your heart pounding. You waited with hope, but time flew by and Felix didn't come. With each passing moment, hope diminished until it finally disappeared completely when you realized that the boy wouldn't show up. Desperate and broken, you decided to go home.

Walking through the crowded streets, you felt your heart bleeding. You wondered if you hadn't waited too long to confess your feelings to Felix and now you wouldn't have a chance. You wondered if you would be able to forget about him, if you would learn to live with the thought that Felix wouldn't be yours, or maybe it would completely destroy you.

When you reached your apartment, you locked yourself in your room, threw yourself on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Thoughts were still swirling in your head, and your heart ached like never before. You were angry at yourself, you were angry at Felix, and you were angry at this new girl.

Since you got home, your phone had been ringing non-stop, but you didn't have the strength or desire to answer it at this moment. You knew it was your friends calling you to wish you a happy birthday. Even though it was your birthday, during which Felix did everything to make you feel special, this time you felt lonelier than ever.

Finally, after hours spent crying and the constantly ringing phone, you decided to answer it when you noticed Binnie's name on the screen. His cheerful voice sounded through the receiver, but as soon as he heard your tears, he immediately stopped joking.

"Y/n what's going on?" He asked worriedly.

"Nothing, just...it doesn't matter." You said, choking on your tears.

"Don't worry. I'm on my way to your place, so you can complain to me." Changbin replied, not waiting for your protests.

Literally after a few minutes you heard the doorbell. You slowly dragged yourself out of bed and walked up to the door. As it turned out, Changbin and Chan were standing in front of the door, whom you reluctantly let in. The sight of your tearful and swollen face made the boys freeze.

"What happened, our sun?" Chan asked, sitting down next to you on the couch and taking your hand in his.

You took a deep breath and told them about Felix and his girlfriend, about how he took her to your special place. Both of them were surprised by your words, they had no idea that Felix had a girlfriend.

"Lix didn't say anything about any girl, and we've never seen him with any other girl than you." Changbin said, looking at Chan in disbelief.

"We know Felix very well, and you know him very well too, and you know that he wouldn't do anything to hurt you. I think there's something more here, something none of us know about." Chan added, stroking your hand. Both boys did their best to comfort you and not let you think about the whole situation. You were in their arms the whole time, which gave you an extra sense of security and warmth that you needed so much right now. After long talks, when they were sure that you were already in a better mental state, they said goodbye to you and went back to their place.

You closed the door behind them and all the negative feelings you didn't want to show them came back. You turned towards the mirror that hung by the door and noticed the pendant that Felix had given you long ago as a symbol of your eternal friendship around your neck. You looked at it for a moment and then in a surge of emotion, you ripped it off your neck, bursting into even more tears.

For the rest of the day and the whole night you cried, you couldn't get the image of that girl intertwining her arms with Felix out of your head. Finally, flooded with tears, you cry yourself to sleep, holding the broken pendant in your hand, which has now lost its importance to you.

You never liked drama, but after the last action with Felix you decided to cut yourself off from the world for a while and organize your thoughts. Although you knew that such a withdrawal was not good for you, you had no other choice. Felix called you several times, but every time you rejected his calls. You also saw his messages in which he asked you to meet up, but you didn't answer them. You were hurt by what he did and you needed time to heal your wounds.

Finally, on his birthday, Minho invited all his friends to a restaurant. You really didn't want to go because you knew Felix would be there too, but your conscience wouldn't let you ignore the invitation. You dressed nicely, femininely, slightly sexy and went to the restaurant.

When you entered, you saw Felix with his new girlfriend. Your heart beat faster, and the old wounds started bleeding again. However, you decided not to make a scene and put on a happy mask. You greeted everyone gathered, skillfully avoiding Felix and Eva, with whom you didn't even want to exchange a word.

Felix was of course surprised by your cold attitude. He was sad, but he didn't want to show it.

"Hi Y/n, I wrote and called you but you didn't answer. Did something happen?" Felix asked worriedly, approaching you.

You just rolled your eyes and joined Seungmin and Hyunjin's conversation. You did everything you could to have the best time at Minho's birthday. You laughed, talked to others, but you could still feel Felix's eyes on you, who wasn't the smiling, cheerful boy he always was today.

After the conversations, everyone decided to sit down to eat, which was just arriving at the table. Unfortunately for you, the only empty seat that was left was opposite Felix and Eve. You reluctantly took your seat and you all started eating. Unfortunately for you, when you raised your head, you made eye contact with Eva. Seeing your look, the girl smiled maliciously and without taking her eyes off you, as if she was watching your reaction, she kissed Felix.

Everyone at the table, including Felix, was shocked by what had just happened. You felt like someone had ripped your heart out of your chest, and tears quickly welled up in your eyes. Not wanting to give Eva the satisfaction, you ran out of the restaurant before tears could run down your cheeks. Han immediately followed you. He found you on a bench next to the restaurant. You were curled up in a ball and crying, shaking with the overwhelming emotions that were boiling in your heart.

"What happened Y/n?" He asked gently, sitting down next to you.

"Felix..." You started, choking on your tears. "I love him, Han. I've loved him for a long time, but he found someone else. She...she did it on purpose to hurt me."

Han put his arm around you, rubbing small circles on your shoulder.

"I don't know what to say Y/n. Felix surprised us all, and Eva came out of nowhere. We've never heard of her or seen her before. The only thing I'm sure of is that Felix definitely cares about you. He doesn't stop talking about you when he's with us. I have a feeling that Eva is just a passing infatuation that will disappear quickly. You don't have to worry, let alone waste the best moment of your life because of him." His words gave you some comfort, you needed just that kind of support. "Now, chin up and let's go back to the restaurant to have some more fun." He wiped your tears and helped you get up from the bench.

In better spirits, you went back to the restaurant where everyone was waiting for you. The first thing you noticed was that Eva wasn't at the table. Felix, seeing you, jumped up from his chair and approached you, holding out his hand.

"Y/N, we need to talk." He started, but you pushed his hand away and went to the bathroom without a word.

You locked yourself in the stall, trying to calm down a bit. You leaned against the stall door, trying to take a deep breath. You knew you would have to deal with all this, but you needed a moment to gather your strength.

However, through the thin door you heard a phone call that caught your attention. Felix's girlfriend's voice was clearly audible. Apparently Eva didn't realize that you were right next to her.

"No, honey, don't worry. I have him wrapped around my finger. He's so naive." She said with an ironic smile. "I'm only with Felix for the money, that's obvious. The only thing that bothers me is his friend. She's so stupid and Felix keeps talking about her. I'm sick of her and I have to get rid of her somehow. "

You froze, holding your breath, not wanting to reveal that you were in the cabin. Your heart was pounding with anger.

"Yeah, of course no one guesses. It's only a matter of time before I get what I want and then I disappear." Eva continued.

Fury raged inside you. When the conversation ended, you ran out of the bathroom, unable to contain your anger. Eva stood in front of you with her phone in her hand, surprised by your sudden appearance.

"You bitch, what did you just say!?" You screamed, feeling the rage filling you from the inside. "Who do you think you are to talk about Felix like that!?"

Eva smiled maliciously "And what are you jealous of that I have him all to myself and you can only look? "

You couldn't stand her contempt any longer. You threw yourself at her, pulling her arms and hair. Eva defended herself, screaming and pulling you. Your struggle led you back to the restaurant, where everyone was shocked to see you in such situation.

The boys, including Felix, immediately jumped up from their chairs and tried to calm the whole situation down.

"Stop it!" Felix shouted, pushing you away from Eva.

Unfortunately, you lost your balance and hit your head on the sharp edge of the table. The pain was sudden and piercing. You felt warm blood running down your temple. Lix paled, seeing what had happened. He wanted to go over to help you, but Eva stopped him, holding his arm.

"I'm so scared Lix, she threw herself at me. She's probably jealous." Eva made herself the victim.

"Of course it's all my fault. Let your little lady tell you that she's using you for your money." Your words shocked everyone.

“Don't listen to her, honey, she wants to divide us.” Eva pulled his gaze away from you.

You looked at Lix, expecting him to break down, to take your side. But he hesitated, letting Eva dictate the moves. Disappointed and hurt, you gathered your strength to get up.

“Let him believe his girl, not his best friend.” You left through clenched teeth, looking him straight in the eye.

You turned around and headed towards the door, ignoring the pain and blood that was flooding your eye. However, after taking a few steps, you felt dizzy and almost fell to the ground, but at the last moment Jeongin caught you and sat you down on the couch.

Immediately, 7 of your friends gathered around you. The only thing missing was Felix, whom you noticed Eva drag out of the restaurant, although he really wanted to check on you. You were afraid that you had lost not only your friend but also your faith in what connected you.

You were in tatters for a few days. Every morning you wake up slowly, and you, with heavy eyelids and aversion to the world, lay in your bed, not having the strength to even do the simplest things. A barely noticeable light fell through the window, which barely cut through the thick curtains, reminding you of the existence of the outside world, which you wanted nothing to do with. If it weren't for Minho and Chan's home-cooked meals that the boys brought, you probably wouldn't eat anything. Every day someone else visited you to check on you, but none of these meetings brought you relief.

On the third day, Hyunjin came, bringing news that shook you to the core. He looked at you with sympathy, sitting on the edge of your bed.

"He broke up with Eva." He said quietly. "He caught her cheating on him and he feels really bad that he didn't believe you earlier. He really wants to apologize to you."

These words brought you some relief, because you finally didn't have to worry about that horrible girl, but at the same time you felt anger and disappointment. You didn't want to see Felix. Not after what he did to you.

For the next four days you didn't answer his phone, and even when he came to your door to apologize, you didn't open it. You pretended you weren't there, hiding under the blanket, listening to his pleading words.

"Please, open the door. Let's talk for at least 5 minutes. I beg you, I need to see your face. I'm sorry, I really am. I realized how much I hurt you. Please, give me a chance to fix this. You're so fucking important to me and I can't stand the thought of losing you." His voice trembled and you felt tears welling up in your eyes, but you couldn't bring yourself to let him in. There was turmoil in your heart, a mixture of anger, regret and sadness.

One day, when Seungmin came to your place with dinner, he brought Felix's brownie, which he forbade anyone from touching because it was for you.

"He made it especially for you." Seungmin said, placing the plate on the kitchen table. "He almost killed us when we tried to even try a piece."

Unable to stop yourself, you tasted a piece of cake, which immediately melted in your mouth. Your taste buds were going crazy from the strong taste of chocolate. The taste was amazing as always, and your pleasant memories of making brownies with Felix came back. Even for a split second, a smile found its way to yours.

The whole week, the boys had been telling you something about how much this whole situation had affected Felix, but you pretended not to listen. You knew it had affected you too. It wasn't until the seventh day that Han came. His face was serious, his eyes full of concern.

"Felix looks awful." He said, sitting down across from you. "We're really worried about him. We're afraid he'll do something to himself. He knows he screwed up completely, but he wants to fix it and begs for another chance."

His words broke through your wall of indifference. Your heart clenched with pain at the thought of Felix doing something to himself. Despite everything, you still cared about him.

"What do I do, Han?" You asked, feeling tears welling up in your eyes. "That idiot could really do something to himself. Fuck, Han, why is it so hard?"

“I know Y/n that it's not easy, but he's really hurting. He knows that there's a small chance that you'll forgive him, but agree to meet with him. At least for 5 minutes.” Han replied quietly.

After much persuasion and internal struggle, you agreed. As soon as Han left, you pulled out your phone and opened a chat with Felix. You looked at the keyboard for a long time before you decided to write.

“Let's meet at my place tomorrow evening.” That's all you managed to write, that's all you could think of.

You spent the night in suspense, unable to sleep, thinking about what to say, how to behave when you meet again.

The next day, Felix came to you, just like you told him. When you opened the door, you saw a gigantic bouquet of a hundred roses and a box of chocolates. Only then did you notice Felix, who didn't look too good. His skin was pale, and there were dark bags under his eyes. Without a word, he fell to his knees and began begging for forgiveness.

“I'm sorry, I'm an idiot.” His voice trembled and his eyes filled with tears. “I made the biggest mistake of my life. I can't lose you, you're the most important person in the world to me. I can't stand being without you, I'd rather die than think that you won't be with me.”

His words hit you straight in the heart. You felt a wave of emotions go through your body - anger, sadness, longing, but most of all love. You knelt down next to him, your hands gently touching his face, and your thumbs wiping away his tears.

“Felix... “ You started quietly, looking deep into his eyes. “I can't imagine life without you either.”

His eyes lit up, as if he had finally found hope.

“Thank you.” He whispered, taking your hands. “I promise I'll never let you down again.”

You hugged him tightly, feeling his warmth fill your heart. For a moment you stayed silent, savoring the closeness that both of you missed so much. Finally, you pulled away from each other and sat down on the couch. You immediately started talking to each other about everything and nothing. It wasn't until a few hours later that Felix dropped the subject of the conversation.

"Maybe we should order something to eat?" Felix suggested.

"Yeah, that's a good idea." You agreed. "And maybe some alcohol?"

Felix smiled broadly, nodding to your idea.

"Yeah, we definitely need alcohol."

You ordered your favorite food and a lot of alcohol, which disappeared pretty quickly. With each next glass, you laughed louder and louder, forgetting for a moment about the problems that were tormenting you. You felt the bond between you, which was so strong before, rekindled.

"Do you remember the first time we met after moving in at that coffee shop on the corner?" Felix asked, his eyes shining with memories.

"How could I forget?" You replied with a smile. "You were so clumsy that you spilled coffee on my new coat."

“And instead of getting mad, you started laughing.” He added. “That’s when I knew you were special.”

You talked for a long time, immersing yourself in memories and plans for the future. The alcohol made the conversation more open, but the topic of Eva still remained untouched.

"Felix..." You started, interrupting your laughter. "We need to talk about Eva."

The silence that fell was thick and heavy. Felix lowered his gaze, and his face became sad again.

"I know." He said quietly. "But not tonight, please. Give me one more night to enjoy you without this burden."

You realized that you both needed this moment of peace. You hugged him tightly, and he hugged you back. You stayed like that for a moment, when your heart started beating faster. You don't know if it was because of the alcohol or what, but you felt a huge urge to get even closer to him.

You raised your gaze and looked at his sweet lips, his freckles emphasizing his cheekbones, his shiny eyes and his lips again. You unconsciously bit your lips and lifted yourself up on your hands. Before you knew it, you connected your lips in a short kiss. However, as quickly as you connected them, you separated them.

“Omg… I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me… No…” However, Felix didn't let you finish and connected your lips again, but this time the kiss was more passionate.

All your deeply hidden emotions exploded at that moment. You threw your arms around his neck and completely surrendered to the kisses. Every touch was a desperate cry, every moment full of deep longing. Your hands wandered over your bodies, looking for confirmation that it was all real, that what you felt was not just a dream.

Felix buried his fingers in your hair, pulling you even closer. You sat astride him, eliminating unnecessary distance. The boy kissed you passionately, as if every second was the last. His lips were hot, and his breathing heavy, as your kisses became more and more intense, deeper. You responded with equal passion, forgetting about everything except this moment.

Time ceased to exist, the world outside of you disappeared. There were only you, your desire, your love, which now exploded with the force of a hurricane. The kisses were wild and untamed, full of feelings accumulated over the years. Your bodies trembled, your hearts beat in one, feverish rhythm.

When you finally broke away from each other, you were both out of breath, your faces burning. In Felix's eyes you saw the reflection of your own emotions - love, desire, and something more, something that made her heart beat even faster.

Felix grabbed your buttocks and lifted you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist and started placing small kisses on his neck. Lix couldn't control himself and before he could reach the bedroom, he leaned your back against the wall in the hallway. Now he took the initiative and slid your shirt off your shoulder, revealing your collarbone.

His lips quickly found their way to your bare skin, leaving more and more red marks on it. Every movement of his gave you great pleasure, a pleasure you had never felt before. You felt yourself slowly getting wet, and arousal was starting to replace other emotions. You wanted him, you wanted closeness.

"Felix..." You whispered straight into his ear, biting his earlobe.

Felix knew perfectly well what you meant. You didn't have to say anything, your movements said everything. Felix, connecting your lips again in a French kiss, led you to the bedroom, where he gently laid you on the bed. You watched him carefully as he slowly took off his shirt, and then his pants, leaving only in his boxers. A visible bulge was visible through his panties.

Unable to hide fact that you enjoy what you were seeing, you bit your lip, you felt a wave of heat flooding your body, creating a raspberry blush on your face. You also took off your shirt and pants, also remaining in only your underwear. You were glad you wore a set this time.

Seeing your breasts surrounded by the thin material of your bra, he smiled gently and immediately climbed onto the bed as well. His knee was between your legs, gently pressing on your crotch. The first moan of pleasure escaped your lips, which turned Felix on even more.

The boy leaned over you and slowly placed kisses on your body, starting from your neck and going lower and lower. Wet traces trailed down your breasts, all the way to the elastic of your thong. Goosebumps ran through your body when you felt his tongue return under your panties. However, it was only when his mouth was on your thighs that you felt that you were about to go crazy, you needed him inside you.

You threw your arms around his neck again and pulled him closer to you.

"More..." You whispered, demanding closeness.

Felix immediately went into action and with one hand unfastened your bra. Your breasts immediately fell out of it, revealing your erect nipples. A moment later you were also stripped of your panties. Felix also pulled down his boxers, revealing his firmly erect penis. The sight of his penis made you lick your lips unconsciously and throw yourself at him.

Now you towered over him, but it didn't bother him, on the contrary, he directed you towards himself, so that now you were sitting astride him. His hard penis was under your pussy. Feeling his throbbing penis, you started moving your hips, perfectly taking advantage of how wet you were at that moment. His penis slid perfectly between your folds, giving you a huge amount of pleasure. You could hardly stop yourself from screaming out loud.

Your head was going crazy with emotions, you were in a trance, and your heart was pounding like crazy.

"Y/n do you have a condom?" He asked in his low voice.

However, you nodded your head. You haven't had a boyfriend for so long that you didn't need condoms. The corner of Felix's mouth lifted.

"Do you want to try without protection?" You sensed hope in his voice that you would agree.

You were surprised by his proposal, but you were so excited that you didn't want to stop now and you agreed. Felix, having your permission, immediately directed his penis to your hole and lifted his hips, slid into you. He immediately hit your sweet spot, which sent pleasant shivers through your body.

You matched your pace of movement with your heavy breaths. His penis entered and exited you, teasing your walls. Your eyes rolled back from the amount of pleasure that filled your body. The feeling of it filling up more and more flooded your body. You wanted more and more.

You sped up your movements, feeling that you were about to come and you guessed that Felix must feel the same way too, because he also started moving his hips, going even deeper.

“Y/n I'm about to come.” He grabbed your hips, stopping your movements.

“Cum inside. I'm so close.” You said, letting yourself get carried away by the emotions.

Felix didn't hesitate again and sped up his movements, you sped up yours as well and you moved at an equal pace, giving you both immense pleasure. A few movements later you felt a wave of pleasure flood your body. You shook and tensed with a force you had never experienced before. Orgasm flooded your entire body, you dug your fingers into his chest, trying to control your body.

“Y/n your walls are closing in on me. Ugh…Y/n.” That was all he managed to say before he shot inside you.

You felt the warm liquid filling you from the inside. The boy held you tightly so that you wouldn’t get up from him until he finished his wonderful orgasm. Only after a moment, when the power of your fulfillment decreased a bit, did you collapse on him, exhausted. He was also breathing loudly, barely catching his breath. You stayed like that for a while before Lix pulled out of you, and you felt his cum flowing out of you.

“That was wonderful Y/n.” The boy said, kissing you tenderly on the forehead.

You smiled at the boy and snuggled tightly into his chest. You lay there for a while longer, cuddling, when sleepiness finally hit you. You decided to take a bath and tidied up the bed, so that you could go to dreamland together.

The morning light gently poured through the curtains, putting warm reflections on your intertwined hands. The awakening was gentle, as if reality wanted to give you a moment to get used to your new state. Your heart was beating calmly but intensely, as if every cell in your body was repeating one word: love. Felix lay next to you, his face relaxed, as if the previous night had washed away all his worries. You looked at him for a long moment, memorizing every feature, every detail, as if you had never had the opportunity to look at him like this before. It was a feeling full of relief, but also uncertainty. Wasn't what happened last night just a dream?

You carefully pulled away so as not to disturb his sleep, but Felix stirred and opened his eyes. Your gazes met - his warm, brown eyes were full of tenderness you hadn't noticed before.

"Hello." He whispered, and you sensed uncertainty in his voice, as if he still didn't quite believe you were here.

"Hello...Felix I have to tell you something...I love you." You pulled yourself together as quickly as possible, wanting to throw those words out.

Felix looked at you intensely, as if he wanted to pick out every note of truth from your confession.

"I love you too." He said quietly. "And for a long time."

Your heart began to beat faster. What you heard sounded like a dream come true, but at the same time it reminded you of the pain you had gone through.

"Why didn't you say anything?" You asked, trying to understand his silence.

Felix sighed deeply, as if he was preparing for a difficult confession.

"I was afraid... I was afraid that if I confessed my feelings to you, everything we had would be ruined. Our friendship was everything to me, and the risk of losing it... was too great. That's why... I found myself a girlfriend to forget about you. But... it didn't work. I couldn't stop thinking about you, not even for a moment."

You felt a pang in your heart at the mention of Eva. You remembered how Felix had distanced himself from you, and his relationship with her had felt like a sudden blow that you were supposed to survive alone.

"Eva manipulated me." He admitted, his voice quiet and full of regret. "I was an idiot to believe her. She made me into a toy, and I... I was too blinded to notice. But... there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you, that I don't regret letting her affect me like that."

You looked at him for a moment, feeling a mixture of anger and sympathy.

“Indeed, you were an idiot.” You finally said, and Felix winced slightly. “But... you were my idiot.” A spark of hope appeared in his eyes.

“And now?” he asked carefully, as if every word could reawaken old wounds. “Will you be... my girlfriend now?”

You thought for a moment, but you knew that your heart had already made up its mind.

“Yes, Felix. I want to be your girlfriend.” The smile that appeared on his face was like the rising sun after a long, stormy night. He took your hand and squeezed it gently, as if to reassure himself that this was all real.

“We’ll start over.” He said in a confident voice. “I’ll do anything to rebuild what was between us. You deserve to be happy, and I want to be the one to make you happy.”

You looked at him, feeling the weight of past mistakes starting to lift. You were on the threshold of a new stage, ready to experience each day together. What was broken began to heal, and your relationship had the chance to become stronger than ever before.

Masterlist

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