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munsonsmixtapes · 7 months ago

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Paint Me

Benedict Bridgerton x fem!inexperienced!American!reader

summary: You are unsure of Benedict's intention of marrying you and he assures you that he is as head over heels for you as can be and very looking forward to spending the rest of his life with you.

word count: 2.8k

This is the final part!

part one part two part three part four part five part six

March 30, 1817

“It’s the eve of your wedding, brother, “ Colin spoke as the three eldest Bridgerton brothers sat around a table in their favorite pub. “How are you feeling?”

“Drunk,” Benedict replied and the others laughed at his response, definitely thinking that it was funnier than it really was. But in truth, Benedict couldn’t have been more excited to be able to call you his wife. He was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with you more than he had ever looked forward to anything else in his life. He considered himself the luckiest man in the world to have you by his side.

“Just to clarify,” he slurred, turning towards his eldest brother. “I am marrying her because I want to, not just because of the baby.” Anthony was skeptical of his brother’s words, but he supposed that he had to believe him considering that drunk words were often sober thoughts.

“What baby?” Colin asked. “Is…is y/n with child?” He felt like he should have been aware of that fact sooner considering that was big news to keep from someone.

“Yes, Colin. Keep up,” Anthony smacked the back of his brother’s head and Colin rubbed the spot.

“Are you actually? Because you seemed pretty hesitant at first,” Anthony argued and Benedict supposed that he had a point. But he was a changed man now. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with you. The baby was just a bonus. A symbol of the love you shared.

“I can’t even believe that you would ask such a thing,” Benedict responded. “Of course I want to marry her. I…I love her.” He had never said the words before in regards to someone who wasn’t in his immediate family, but saying them when he was thinking about you just felt right.

“Since when?” Anthony hadn’t seen any interaction between you and Benedict that would have indicated that he was in love with you, but he supposed that not even Benedict would have lied about something like that.

“Since the moment I laid eyes on her at the first ball,” he said the words so dreamily that both Anthony and Colin swore that they were going to throw up right there. It was nice that their brother was finally tied down, but they just didn’t like when he got all mushy in front of them. That should have been reserved for you.

“So you’re really marrying her for love?” Anthony took a sip from the glass of beer that was in front of him. How many ways did he want him to say it? Was he not clear the first time?

“I am,” he nodded, his eyes still looking just as dreamy.

“Does she know that?” Anthony had been the one to convince his brother to do just that just because he had slept with you and now he was upset that he was actually doing it because he actually loved you? Why was he so hard to please?

“She does,” Benedict nodded. Well, he hoped you knew. He would have had to make sure, though. Surely you had to with the way he looked at you, right? It wasn’t exactly a secret and it wasn’t like he was hiding it from you. It almost felt like an unspoken thing between the two of you and now he felt like he really should have laid everything out on the table so you knew the truth.

“Does she really?” Anthony gave him a pointed look. He thought you deserved the best and was sure that his brother could give it to you now that he seemed devoted to you, but he was just making sure. He couldn’t stand seeing his brother break another woman’s heart. Especially not yours.

“She will by the end of the night,” Benedict replied and both Anthony and Colin gagged in response.

“You’re disgusting,” Colin gave his brother’s shoulder a shove. It wasn’t unlike Benedict to make a joke like that, but this time, he didn’t mean it in an inappropriate way. He really had every intention of telling you how he really felt about you.

“I meant that I’m going to tell her as soon as we’re done here.” He took the last sip of his beer and slammed the glass down on the table before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Well, it looks like we are,” Anthony eyed all of the empty glasses in front of them. “You should go tell her right now. Hopefully the alcohol will have worn off by the time you get there.” With that, all three men stood from the table and Benedict made a beeline for the door.

Walking to your house, he couldn’t help but think of you and how excited he had been to see you. He hadn’t been able to all day since you both had been busy with wedding duties. But now everyone he knew was asleep. Everyone but you, of course. He knew that you’d be up painting or working on a sketch.

Now he was beginning to think that you were under the impression that he was only going to marry you because of the baby and he hated that. He loved you. He loved you with everything that he was and couldn’t stand you not knowing exactly how he felt any longer.

You were as nervous as could be as you sat in your bed, working on a sketch. You couldn’t sleep since all you could think about was the wedding and how you were actually going to marry the man who you had been in love with for almost half the time you had been alive. As excited as you were, you couldn’t help but think about how unsure you were that he loved you in return. He hadn’t exactly said the words and with the proposal after revealing that you were pregnant, it almost seemed like he was marrying you just so the baby would have two parents.

You had heard so much about loveless marriages and how common they were, but you didn’t want that for yourself. You wanted someone who would be there for you through whatever you were going through and you wanted to be there for them in return. And as much as Benedict seemed to care for you, especially through your pregnancy, you weren’t entirely sure that he actually loved you. Maybe just hearing the words would have been reassuring and you could have put all of your doubt behind you.

As if he could hear your thoughts, Benedict was knocking on your window. You rushed to open it and you helped inside, the man collapsing to the floor as soon as he was in your room. The alcohol had mostly worn off since he hadn’t drunk as much as the others and now he was feeling the pain of his body hitting the floor.

“Benedict, what are you doing here?” You asked as you helped him to his feet and his hands stayed in yours as he looked at you with a dopey grin.

“I wanted to see my wife,” his hands moved to your back, pulling you into a sweet kiss.

“I’m not your wife yet,” you countered and he wondered what had put you in a sour mood. “If you’re here for sex, you’ve come to the wrong place,” you grumbled, turning back to your bed and gathering your art supplies to put it on your desk.

“What’s gotten into you? What’s upsetting you, darling?” He asked as stood behind you, resting his hands on your waist, but you were quick to push his hands off you, turning around to face him. Benedict had never seen you so angry and now he was trying to figure out what he could to put a stop to it.

“Do you love me?” You asked and the words felt heavy in the room, changing the atmosphere completely. Benedict’s eyes widened at your question and he knew that the longer he sat in silence, the worse he was going to look.

“What would prompt you to ask such a thing?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Of course I love you, darling.”

“So you want to marry me because of that and it has nothing to do with this baby?” Your hands moved to your stomach and Benedict realized just how horrible he looked. Perhaps the engagement did seem a bit rushed and the timing of it seemed a bit suspicious.

“Absolutely nothing, my love. I love you with everything that I am and I am not opposed to telling all of Mayfair if you don’t believe me. Actually, I would tell everyone because they deserve to know how utterly and completely I am in love with you.”

“And I would do the same for you,” you reached up and cradled his face in your hands, pressing your lips to his briefly before pulling away. You then pulled him into a tight hug, your arms wrapping around his waist as you buried your face into his chest. He wrapped around your shoulders and he pressed a kiss to your hair before pulling back to look at you, cradling your face in his hands.

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you more,” you replied.

“Impossible,” he laughed. “Because I love you most.”

“This isn’t a competition, Ben,” you told him.

“I know,” he nodded. “But if it was,” he’d whispered. “You’d win hands down.”

You took him by the hands and led him over to the bed. You laid down first and Benedict hovered over you. He pushed up your nightgown and you gave him a pointed look but he just smiled.

“I’m just saying hello to our child, darling,” he chuckled. “Is there anything wrong with that?” There wasn’t all. In fact, it warmed your heart that he was already looking forward to being a father, wanting to see your stomach even though it wasn’t obvious that there was a baby in there.

“I suppose not. But I feel like this is all a ploy just to see under my nightgown.” Sure, that would have been true a few months ago, but you had changed Benedict and for the better it seemed. He really had turned over a new leaf and you couldn’t believe that you had been the one who made him do it. You were the one who made him want to commit to one woman for the rest of his life.

“I cannot believe you would accuse me of something so naughty.” He pushed your nightgown all the way up and you noticed that all he was looking at was your stomach. He pressed a kiss to the spot right above your belly button then put your nightgown down before laying on your stomach gently, speaking to the baby, telling it everything and nothing until the two of you peacefully drifted off to sleep, dreaming of nothing but the life you were going to build together.

March 31, 1817

The sun seeped in through your window, stirring you from your sleep. You looked down at the arm snaked around your waist and turned around to come face to face with Benedict, a smile on his face.

“Good morning,” you greeted, pulling him closer, pressing your foreheads together.

“Good morning,” he replied, then pulled you into a kiss before rolling out of bed to put on his coat.

“Where are you going?” You whined and it took everything in him to not crawl back into bed, but he had a wedding to get to.

“In case you forgot, darling, we’re getting married today and my mother will have my head if I’m not home in the next few minutes.” He pressed another kiss to your lips then made his way to the window. “I will see you at the altar, my dear,” he winked before climbing out the window.

The church filled with your friends and family while your mother, Lilith, Kate, and Violet helped you get ready. Your mother seemed to actually be in a good mood as she fixed your dress. She beamed at you in the mirror and you smiled right back. For once, you, and her and Lilith actually seemed like a happy family.

Lilith smoothed out your veil while Violet and Kate touched up your makeup. They all gushed about how beautiful you looked and you could help but agree. Unlike how you thought you would have felt, you actually felt like a bride. And you were going to marry Benedict.

Your look was all finished and they all stepped away from you to get a good look at their work, admiring it with wide smiles. They had been showing you nothing but love on your special day and for that, you’d be eternally grateful.

“It’s time,” your mother said as she pulled you out of the room while the others headed to their seats.

You took a deep breath as your mother led you down the aisle and as soon as you made eye contact with Benedict, you could feel your own getting misty. You joined him at the altar and you joined hands as your mother took her seat. You turned Vivian and Lilith and you could see their joined hands as tears streaked their cheeks. They were just as happy as you were and you couldn’t have been more grateful that you all could put everything behind you.

You then turned back Benedict and the ceremony started. You weren’t listening, though. You were just too distracted by the beautiful man in front of you, not quite sure whether or not you were dreaming. You had to be though, right? You had thought about the exact scenario to fall asleep every single night and now it was really happening.

And it was for love. He loved you more than you could even comprehend. And you loved him in the exact same way. Maybe it was unconventional to fall in love someone, but Benedict didn’t care. All he cared about was spending the rest of his life with you.

“You may now kiss the bride,” was all you had tuned in enough to hear after you had repeated after the pastor. Benedict took no time to press his lips to yours in a chaste kiss before grabbing onto your hand and the two of you turned to face your audience.

Everyone stood and the two of you walked down the aisle for the first time as a married couple. Your whole life was going to change. You were no longer going to be living with your family but in a new house with your new husband and that sounded like nothing but blissful to you.

The two of you would raise your children there and teach them your art skills so you all could paint in the garden as a family. It really seemed to be that you were going to love happily ever after just like you had always dreamed.

December 14, 1817

“Doing so well darling,” Benedict cheered you on as he dabbed the sweat away with a towel. “Just a few more pushes,” he urged. You had been pushing for too long and just wanted to baby out of you already. It was probably the most pain you had ever endured and were considering stopping at just one so you’d never have to go through it again. Once seemed to be enough.

“Here comes the head,” the doctor told you and you squeezed both Benedict and your lady’s maid’s hands while you gave another big push. You did one more, this one the hardest and let out a sigh of relief as soon as you heard crying.

“It’s a boy,” the doctor passed your son off to you as soon as he was wrapped up into a blanket. You looked down at him as you held him against your chest and couldn’t believe that he was yours. That you were deemed qualified to take care of him after carrying him for nine months.

“A boy,” you repeated and Benedict leaned over to get a look, his face softening as soon as he caught sight of his baby boy.

“Do you have a name?” He asked and you did. You thought it was only right to name him after your father. You would have anyway, but now you felt the need to honor him and giving your son his name seemed like the best way to do that.

“August,” you replied and Benedict looked down at the boy, his smile growing even wider.

“Then August it is,” he nodded and you handed August to him so he could hold him for a while. You watched your husband walk around the room with your newborn son, wondering how you had gotten so blessed as to having them both in your life. What you had done to have gotten such luck when all you had been dealt your entire life was a shitty hand. Maybe now your life was finally turning around for the better. And you only had Benedict to thank for that.

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x you #benedict bridgerton x y/n #benedict bridgerton x fem!reader #benedict bridgerton smut #benedict bridgerton fluff #bridgerton

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911bts · 11 months ago

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What We Know: Season 7

7x01 - “Abandoned ‘Ships”

Writer(s): Tim Minear

Director: John J Gray

Air Date: March 14, 2024

Production Code: 701

Synopsis: Athena and Bobby set off on their honeymoon cruise, but when duty calls, their vacation is put on hold. Meanwhile, a fighter jet traps a civilian, and an unusual incident leaves a couple stuck together.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

7x02 - "Rock the Boat"

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Juan Carlos Coto

Director: Brad Buecker

Air Date: March 21, 2024

Production Code: 702

Synopsis: The disastrous cruise continues when Bobby and Athena respond to the ship’s explosion, racing to aid injured passengers. Meanwhile, Hen questions her instincts in a life-taking call and grows concerned about Athena and Bobby’s whereabouts.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

7x03 - "Capsized"

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Juan Carlos Coto

Director: Brad Buecker

Air Date: March 28, 2024

Production Code: 703

Synopsis: With each moment becoming critical as the ship is flipped upside down, Athena and Bobby take charge, seeking methods for rescue while navigating efforts to guide survivors to safety. Meanwhile, Hen defies protocols in her search for Bobby and Athena.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

7x04 - "Buck, Bothered and Bewildered"

Writer(s): Andrew Meyers & Bradley Marques

Director: Chad Lowe

Air Date: April 4, 2024

Production Code: 704

Synopsis: Upon her return to shore, Athena’s son, Harry, finds himself in trouble with the law. Meanwhile, Buck grows envious as Eddie forms a close bond with someone else, and the 118 rescue a woman who’s stuck on receiving a rose at an iconic mansion.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

7x05 - "You Don't Know Me "

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Taylor Wong

Director: Brenna Malloy

Air Date: April 11, 2024

Production Code: 705

Synopsis: Hen and Karen welcome a new addition to their family, while a call unfolds involving a person’s limb that’s taken on a mind of its own. Meanwhile, Eddie and Marisol take a closer look at their relationship, and Buck navigates his new feelings.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

7x06 - "There Goes The Groom"

Writer(s): Tim Minear & Nicole Barraza Keim

Director: John J Gray

Air Date: May 2, 2024

Production Code: 706

Synopsis: After years of anticipation, Maddie and Chimney’s long-awaited wedding day arrives. However, when the groom mysteriously vanishes, the 118 races against time to ensure he doesn’t miss the most crucial day of his life.

Stills: part 1, part 2

7x07 - "Ghost of a Second Chance"

Writer(s): Taylor Wong (probably)

Director:

Air Date: May 9, 2023

Production Code: 707

Synopsis: Maddie and Athena investigate a case surrounding an abducted mother and child as Hen and Karen learn more about Mara’s family history. Meanwhile, Eddie grapples with unresolved feelings for someone from his past.

Stills:

7x08 - "Step Nine"

Writer(s): Juan Carlos Coto & Bradley Marques

Director: John J Gray (probably)

Air Date: May 16, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

7x09 - "Ashes, Ashes"

Writer(s):

Director:

Air Date: May 23, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

7x10 - "All Fall Down"

Writer(s):

Director:

Air Date: May 30, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

#911 abc #911 spoilers #s7 #what we know

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tulip-room · 17 days ago

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To Have and To Hold- k. tetsuro || wc: 9k || warnings: hurt/comfort, parental problems, blind dates, fatphobia implied, chubby reader implied, fem reader, Kuroo is a sweetheart, outbursts, drinking, ignoring problems until you're unable to, marriage, miscommunication, pining, I promise it ends with them happy!!! I wrote this at like 2 am-6 am after being awake since 10, not proofread, if there are typos kindly avert your eyes, Kuroo is a nerd, Yn is a girlboss, fake dating, marriage of convenience until it's not, I think that's everything- || a/n: this is for @nekomasmngr !! I hope you like your secret santa lovely and that you had happy holidays <3 , also a thank you to @lale-txt for making the secret santa event to begin with <3

"I don’t want this to be pretend anymore.”

"I don’t think it’s been pretend for a long time.”

She remembers the night it was first thought up, the arrangement. “How about if…when we turn 30 we get married?” It had been a rainy night, the soft trickling of the rain trailing down the smooth glass of the window of the diner. Kuroo held a singular fry in his hand and waved it about before crunching down on it. “You know, it just makes sense.” She’s sure there were bits of mascara and eyeliner patched beneath her eye from the crying earlier. “You need to get your parents off your back by marrying someone and who better than your best friend?”

��Okay, you’re pushing it there with that best friend comment.” A smile makes its way onto her face and she attempts to hide it by using the heel of her hand to rest her face on. “I guess your statement has some validity,” she sees the smirk on his face grow. “I said some. Don’t get ahead of yourself, I haven’t agreed to anything yet.” He shakes his head and takes another fry from her plate as he leans himself on the table.

“You’re telling me there’s no way you would agree with me? Is the thought of marrying me so bad?” He teases her as he bites on the fry, this time there isn’t a crunch as he bites into the food. “Think about your parents, weigh the options.”

“You’re pushing this really hard Tetsu,” she rolls her eyes and slaps his hand away as he reaches for another fry. “Stop stealing my food you vulture!” He scrunches up his face and rubs at his hand where she hit him. “If I didn’t know any better I would think you wanted to get married.” She kicks his foot lightly with hers under the table, she misses the blush that begins to cover his face. He clears his throat and kicks her lightly back, quickly putting up a mask to make her unaware of his feelings.

“Aww, you wound me,” he places a hand over his chest in faux pain. “It’s like you don’t want to marry me.”

“I guess it would be beneficial,” she finally gives in with a sigh. “But only if we’re both still single by then.” He smiles and quickly holds up another fry. He gestures the fry towards her and she grabs it from him and quickly eats it. “Your birthday is a few months after mine, do I just wait for you to turn 30?” Her face scrunches up and she sticks her tongue out. “Still don’t like fries.”

“And I still do,” he takes the last fry that he’s slowly been munching on throughout the meal. “No, we’ll go based on your birthday. I figure it’ll take a couple of months for wedding preparations anyway.” He shrugs and takes the empty plate and sets it on top of his own as he pushes them to the end of the table for the server to collect. “So, Valentine’s Day?”

“I’m not getting married on Valentine’s Day.”

“March?”

“If we get engaged in November you think we’ll have everything all planned by March?” Kuroo rolls his eyes at that.

“What date do you suggest then?”

“May, a spring wedding.” With a sigh he nods his head.

“My allergies are going to be killing me.”

“A small price to pay for good photos.” She teases and brushes her foot against his. His hand twitches like he wants to reach across the table and hold her hand in his but he restrains himself. “I’ll be back soon,” as she says that the waiter comes by and asks how many checks. She doesn’t see Kuroo holding up one finger to the waiter as she says “two checks please.” The waiter nods and walks away.

When she comes back she sees Kuroo tucking a receipt into his wallet and tucking it back into his black suit pants. “You didn’t,” his head turns toward the sound and he smiles as he stands up and hands her his jacket from the back of the chair. Hesitantly she allows the cloth to be wrapped around her body as they walk out into the chilly air of the outside. Kuroo had picked her up from work and now he opens the car door for her to sit inside. “Trying to butter me up already?” She asks with a soft smile, Kuroo jokingly nods and shuts the door with a click behind her.

When they meet up again next New Year’s Eve it’s at a party that they managed to convince Kenma to host. Host may be a strong word for what he’s doing, but they’re grateful nonetheless to be able to use his home. She hadn’t expected the awkwardness to come between them as it had in the past year. More silences, less laughter, the prospect of marrying each other not bringing the level of comfort they thought it would.

“Hey stranger,” she hears the call from over her shoulder and despite herself a smile grows on her face. With a roll of her eyes she turns and faces the man in question. “What are you doing out here all by yourself? Aren’t you cold?” He rubs his hands together at the sudden chill over leaving the warm home. She just hums in response and he leans against the railing of the balcony next to her.

“It’s not that bad, just got to be too much in there ya know?” He takes a step closer to her and their shoulders brush together. “I think we got too in our heads about marrying each other.”

“Potentially.” He reminds but it doesn’t make her feel better. She clears her throat and nods.

“Right, yes…potentially.” They sit in silence for a moment before both of them go to speak. “No you–”

“You can–” A fit of laughter passes between the two and she can feel her shoulders relax.

“We’re so stupid.”

“A little bit,” He smiles and hits her shoulder lightly with his. She turns to glare at him but can’t keep the smile on her face down.

“I don’t feel like we’ve actually talked in a while…I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too Y/N, let’s talk now. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

“I would like that.” She’s not sure how long they sit outside and talk about things they had missed. Too caught up with potentials instead of remembering their friendship comes first. They hear the counting down happening inside as it draws nearer and nearer to midnight. “Want to be my first kiss to draw in the New Year?”

“If I didn’t know any better I would say you were trying to win me over so I can’t do anything but marry you.”

“Come here.” She puts her arms around his neck and pulls his face closer to hers. “If you actually shut up every once in a while you wouldn’t need to fake a marriage with me.”

“What does that mean?” His hands settle on her hips and his thumbs dip under the hem of her shirt and make small circles on her skin.

“Girls might like you more if you shut up. Idiot.”

“I’m not–” she cuts him off by gently kissing him. He thinks about how soft her lips are and how right his hands feel holding onto her. Just as soon as the contact was established it left, a fleeting touch he caught himself before he chased after.

“Happy New Year Tetsuro.”

“Happy New Year,” when he’s sure she’s gone he brings a hand up to his lips and his breath hitches. With a sigh his head drops down and he can feel the pain in his chest. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.”

“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” she whispers to herself as she makes her way through the party. “Why did I do that?” She places a hand on her forehead and sighs deeply. She knocks on what she assumes is Kenma’s door and opens it slowly. “Can I come in?” She can see him nod his head and closes the door behind her as she makes her way over to the plus bed. “I did something stupid.”

“Usually,” she hits him lightly and he smiles at her as he turns to face her for a moment before returning to his game. “I assume you’re going to tell me, out with it come on.”

“I kissed Kuroo.”

“Finally.” She looks at him a little confused by the statement before shaking her head.

“Finally?”

“Don’t worry about it. What caused this outburst?”

She grabs her arm and rubs it gently. “The clock hit midnight…”

“So it was a New Year’s kiss? Why are you so nervous then?”

“Because we decided to get married if we were both single by my thirtieth birthday and it’s been awkward between us since we decided that and…and I think I messed up the friendship.” Her eyes close and she hears Kenma pause his game and feels the dip of the bed as he moves around to sit closer to her.

“It will take more than a kiss at midnight to get rid of Kuroo.” She feels the weight of his hand on her shoulder and it’s a comforting presence. “You and Kuroo married huh? That would be a sight.”

“Yeah, I got tired of my parents…you know how they are.”

“Still trying to get you to go on blind dates?”

“Yeah. The most recent guy they tried to set me up with was a character. The entire time he talked about himself and how lucky I was that he agreed to go on the date with me.”

“What an asshat, you deserve better than that.”

“I know.” She smiles at him and he shakes his head.

“You deserve better than what you think of yourself, if you don’t find someone…Kuroo will be good for you I think.” He gives a tightlipped smile before turning back to his game. “You can stay here tonight, how much have you had to drink?”

“Just a few shots. It’s a party Kenma, I refuse to stay completely sober.” He rolls his eyes and allows her to lean against him. “Thank you.”

With a shiver Kuroo goes back inside, finally calmed down from the kiss they shared. He grabs his coat from the closet and waves goodbye to a few people he sees. Pulling out his phone he sends a goodnight message to Y/N before slipping away from the party and back to his own quiet home. He feels like he’s pitying himself as he steps over the threshold of his home and takes off his shoes and coat. His hands reaching up to finally undo his tie. He feels his puppy hop against his leg and with a smile he reaches down and picks up the small dog. “Hi buddy, why aren’t you asleep?” He coos at the small animal as he holds it in his arms. The dog wiggles in his arms and yips at him. “Oh stop that, I’m home now.” He carefully sets the puppy back on the floor and makes his way to the kitchen.

As he opens his fridge for a snack he feels a buzzing in his pants. “This is Kuroo.” He answers without checking the caller ID.

“I know,” he stands up straight as he hears her voice. “Did you get home safe?”

“Yeah…just got in.” He clears his throat and leans against the counter of his kitchen.

“I’m glad.” There’s a few moments of silence before both try and talk again. “About earlier–”

“So about the kiss– sorry. You can go first.”

“We keep doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Interrupting each other.”

“I guess we do.”

“Why did you leave so quickly?” He can hear the fan from her end of the call whir in the moments of silence before and after she speaks.

“I needed to feed Mochi.” A lame excuse but he hopes she’s too drunk or tired to realize it.

“Next time don’t leave as quickly. It’s not as fun without you.” He puts more water and some extra food in Mochi’s bowl before he makes his way to his bedroom. He holds the phone between his shoulder and ear as he starts changing into pajamas and out of his work clothes.

“Okay.” He’s not sure why he feels so melancholy about the night. Why it seems like there’s a weight in his chest and why his eyes sting. Clearing his throat again he takes a breath and closes his eyes. “Get some sleep, it’s late and we have work tomorrow.” He can hear soft snores on the other side of the phone and lets out a small laugh. He hangs up and lays on his bed, Mochi jumps on his chest with a yip and he smiles at the behavior. “Let’s get some sleep Mo.”

Three more years before their deal goes into effect. It’s a few months into the second year of five before the two are able to sit down and have a proper dinner together. Lunch in his office is more used as a break from the madness of work, he says he wants her in there because if someone else is in his office they leave him alone. That may be part of it but she suspects that’s not everything. It’s not mentioned as they sit in mostly silence.

“I have another blind date today,” she says as she crunches on her salad. She sees Kuroo pause in his movements for a moment before going back to normal. “It’s some guy that’s the son of my parent’s boss or something.” She looks away from him and back to her food. His jaw clenches and he reaches to adjust his tie.

“Are they just using you to further their own career?”

“I don’t think so. I think they’re grasping at any straws they can.”

“We can move up our arrangement if you want,” he suggests.

“It’s okay, five years is a fair shot to try and actually find someone.”

“You sound like you just don’t want to marry me now. I’m hurt,” he jokes although there’s an underlying truth she doesn’t pick up on. She puts the lid back on the now empty plastic salad container and sets it off to the side as she reaches over to his mini fridge and pulls out a soda.

“It’s not that, well. Okay, you wouldn’t be awful to marry. I suppose. At least in a technical sense–”

“Now you sound hopelessly in love.” He teases and puts his elbows on the table as he rests his head in his hands.

“I’m not in love with anyone. That’s the problem Tetsu.” She sighs and feels the fizzle of soda go down her throat as she takes a sip. “I’ll keep you updated. Hey, maybe it’ll all work out and he’ll be a perfect gentleman.” She doesn’t want that. She wants him. She wants to marry him but she’s not sure if he really wants to marry her. If it’s all just convenience…just helping out a friend in need.

He looks up to the clock and notices the shuffle of people going back to their desks. “I’ll come get you and give you an out if you need one,” he says as he watches her throw her food away and head towards the door. She’s facing the glass and if he were able to look closer he would see the look on her face as she replies.

“I know. Thanks, see you tomorrow Tetsu.”

She gets off the train and looks around trying to find the restaurant her parents told her to go to. She feels ridiculous for how dressed up she is. With a sigh she finds the sign and starts walking towards it. She informs the hostess that she’s there for a date and tells them the last name and is led to the table. He..doesn’t look like an ogre. His hair is black and he’s tall when he stands up and shakes hands with her. He reminds her a little of Kuroo with the way his hair is parted.

“So, how did your parents get you here?”

“I volunteered. Was curious why your parents were so desperate to get you married off. You’re a pretty girl at least.” What’s that supposed to mean? She bites her tongue and takes a drink of the wine the waiter comes over and asks about food. Before she even gets a chance to respond he opens and orders for her. “The lady will have a salad.” It’s just one date. You don’t have to go on another date with this…she hesitates to say man.

She eats quickly and pays as little attention to him as possible, only nodding in the correct places and smiling politely. “Two checks please,” she says when the waiter comes back over and her date is in the bathroom. She pays and leaves before he gets back. There’s a feeling of relief when she’s finally away from him. Her mother calls not shortly after.

“How was the date?”

“Awful. I’m not going on a date with him again,” she spits the words out as she heads towards the train station.

“Oh, it can’t have been that bad. Did you even try?” She tries to hold back the words she can feel creeping up her throat but can’t seem to find it in her before they spill past her lips.

“Yes. I did try mother. I try on every single date you guys want me to go on. I sit there and try to make conversation. I smile and nod and act interested in whatever they’re saying. I pay for my own food and make sure it’s nothing too messy or bad smelling in case there’s kissing. I try. It’s you two. You need to stay out of my dating life, I can’t do this. I’m trying to work my way up in my company. I’m trying to do so much and that requires late nights and working on weekends and it requires you not butting into my dating life.” She feels bad as soon as she’s done with her rant. She’s sure there’s mascara running down her face at this point as she feels hot tears rolling down her cheeks and her throat tightening. “I didn’t–”

“If that’s how you feel, maybe we’ll butt out of your life for good.” The line goes silent after the distinct sound of someone hanging up plays over the speakers. She can’t find it in herself to move further and sits down on a nearby park bench. Her hands dial the first number she can think of. She realizes who she’s called as soon as the ringing stops.

“I’m so sorry, you’re still at work aren’t you.”

“I was just about to leave, what’s wrong? Have you been crying? Don’t move, I'll come to you, share your location with me.” She nods her head and shares the location with Kuroo. “Stay on the phone with me. Take some deep breaths. You don’t have to tell me what happened, just focus on breathing okay?”

Her breath hitches as more tears fall from her eyes. “I tried Tetsu…I really tried.” She sobs over the phone.

“I know you did baby, I know. Take a deep breath for me.” She inhales. “Hold it…okay slowly blow it out.” She follows his words and sniffles as more tears quietly fall from her eyes. “Keep breathing just like that, I’m five minutes away.” She continues breathing and enjoys Kuroo’s calming presence even if it’s only over the phone. She doesn’t notice when she hears a car door close and dress shoes slap against pavement furiously before a jacket is wrapped around her and Kuroo is sitting in front of her. “Come on love, let’s get you home.”

“I don’t want to go home.”

“We can go to my house, let’s just get you off the street.”

“I don’t think I can move. I feel like my body shut down.” She can feel herself shiver but she mostly feels numb. A coldness has swept over her form.

“Put your arms around my neck.” She listens and lays her head on his chest as he lifts her up after a moment of collecting himself. “Let’s get you home.” The tears have stopped but still leave a trail on her face and on her heart. The drive to Kuroo’s home goes by quickly, probably because he speeds through a few red lights on the way and goes a little faster than he normally does. He takes quick looks at her from his seat and notices how…broken she looks. He helps her out of the car and up the stairs to his apartment and when Mochi tries to jump on her he lightly pushes the puppy away until she’s laying on his bed. The puppy jumps into her lap while Kuroo is finding clothes for her to change into. “Mochi!” He scolds but she shakes her head and smiles when the puppy licks her face.

“It’s okay,” her voice breaks in the middle of the sentence as she pulls Mochi closer to her and closes her eyes.

“You can’t go to sleep yet pretty, we have to get your makeup off and change your clothes.” He helps her into the bathroom and allows her to carry Mochi all the same. She sits on the toilet as he pulls makeup remover wipes from his medicine cabinet. “Before you ask, no. I haven’t found anyone. You’ve ended up at my house so often after one too many drinks that I bought some so I didn’t have to keep using a harsh towel and water.” He rolls his eyes and begins gently removing her makeup.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue. Like you always do.”

“No problem Cinderella.”

“Cinderella?” She peeks an eye open to look at him before he gives her a look and she closes it again.

“You left at midnight after you kissed me at the party last year.” It gets a small laugh out of her and really that’s all he cares about. “So, Cinderella.”

“Okay, but you’re so far from Prince Charming.”

“What? I’m not dashing and charming?”

“More like an annoyance and a nerd.”

“You wound me princess.”

“Keep it to yourself.” She sniffles again and he throws the wipe away as he finishes cleaning the product from her face. “...really. Thank you for saving me again Tetsu.”

“Anytime Cinderella, your carriage will always be here even after midnight.”

“You’re not a carriage.”

“Oh? Am I Prince Charming finally?”

“No. You’re just not….you’re not just a carriage to me.” She sounds so sincere when she says it that Kuroo has to take a pause and smile for a moment.

“Here’s some clothes, I’ll be outside when you’re done changing.” He sets the clothes on her lap and takes the squirming Mochi from her arms and sets him on the floor after he leaves the room and closes the door behind him. It takes her fifteen minutes to change, needing a moment to collect herself before facing him again. She takes a look in the mirror and pokes at the puffiness that’s under her eyes. Kuroo is sitting on the bed with reading glasses on and a book open when she leaves the bathroom.

“Scoot over.” She prods at him when she draws closer to the bed. He complies and moves over and lifts the blankets up for her. “I got into a fight with my parents,” she says as she turns off the light and faces away from him. She can hear him set down the book and his glasses and feel the blankets rustle as he reaches over to tap her shoulder.

“Can we face each other when you talk about it?” She takes a deep breath and turns over. He turns the light on the other table on and lays down to face her. “What happened?”

“The stupid blind date,” he rests his hand on her arm and soothingly rubs up and down with his thumb. “It was so bad. He ordered a salad for me…I like salads but I think it was the way he looked at me when he did it that really made it hurt. And then my mom called right after it was done and told me I wasn’t trying. She basically said that it was my fault. And then, like an idiot I went off on her and she said she doesn’t want to be in my life anymore if that’s how I feel.” She lets out a breath when she finishes and can feel the tears stinging behind her eyes again. She tries to blink them away.

“I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve that. You are trying. I know that, you know that.”

“I know, I just wish my mom knew that. Or believed it I guess? I just…I feel bad. Maybe I didn’t try hard enough.”

“Don’t say that, you tried plenty hard enough. It’s not your fault the dude was a total asshat. I’ll find his address and we can egg his house.” She lets out a laugh and Kuroo smiles and leans his forehead against hers. “There’s that laugh.”

“Stop it.”

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

“You’re doing that thing you always do when I’m sad. You try to make me feel better by making me laugh and don’t let me feel sorry for myself.”

“Oh no! How dare I try and make you feel better when you’re sad.” He mocks in a lighthearted manner and flicks her forehead gently. “Get out of that beautiful mind of yours. You didn’t do anything wrong Y/N. Your parents will come around, you don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“That may not exactly be true.” He gives her a look. “I know, I’m just..I think both of us need to apologize or we won’t get anywhere.”

“I think you need some time apart before that happens, give it time for both of your feelings to calm down a little bit.”

“Okay. This was nice, thank you for taking me to your house.”

“My home is your home.” You are my home. He almost says but manages to stop himself and instead tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and turns over to flick the light off. “Goodnight Y/N, we can try and make things better at a later date. For now, just get some rest.”

“Will you hold me?” The request is quiet and it’s almost lost amongst the rustling of the sheets and the sound of the fan spinning.

“Of course.” She feels an arm wrap around her and she can feel tears well up again. It’s been so long since she’s been held this safely. It’s been so long since someone has held her like she’s precious. Like they don’t want to lose her. “You don’t have to dull yourself down for people to like you, I like you just the way you are…if it counts.”

“It does.”

She avoids the problem of her parents, thumb hovering over the call button for weeks but never pressing it. Kuroo tries to get her to talk about it but isn’t able to get a word out of her so he drops it the second week in. When it’s been a few months of not talking to her parents she gives in after drinking with some of her friends.

“Oh? So now you–” her mother answers.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t want you to butt out of my life. I need you, I’m sorry that I said those things to you.” She rushes out and stutters through the words. “I’m so sorry, I need my mom.”

“It’s okay baby,” her mother hushes out. “I’m sorry. It’s okay. You’re doing your best.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t cry baby, we were pressuring you too much. It’s okay baby, don’t cry.” Her mother tries to soothe her over the phone. “We know you’re trying, I shouldn’t have gotten so mad at you, you’re doing a good job baby.”

“I’m sorry,” she says one final time as she wipes away her tears. “Can I have my mom back?”

“Oh baby, you didn’t lose me. I’m always going to be here. I’m always here if you need me.”

“I always need you.”

“Then I’ll always be here.” Her mom responds and it makes her cry harder. “Don’t cry baby, I’m here. Mom is here.”

They stay on the phone with Y/N crying and her mother trying to soothe her cries. When her cries end her mom stays on the phone. They don’t say anything for a long time after that. “I’m sorry mom,” she finally breaks the silence.

“It’s okay, I’m sorry for being so harsh on you. No more blind dates.”

“No, it’s okay. I can do it.” She realizes she’s shaking now and clenches her hand into a fist as she tries to control her emotions. “It’s really okay mom, just give me a little bit and I can go on more dates.”

“If you’re sure.” When she gets off the phone with her mom the first person she calls is Kuroo. She’s still sniffling when he picks up the phone and she has to take a few moments to talk him down from his panic.

“Tetsu, I’m fine. I promise, I’m really okay. I just wanted to tell you I made up with my mom.”

“I’m glad you won’t be stressed over it anymore. Why don’t I take you to dinner to celebrate, count it as an early birthday dinner.”

“I would like that.”

“Still having your party in a few weeks?”

“Yeah…I think I am. I think I’ll be okay.”

The party goes well and the year wraps up with the (becoming) annual party at Kenma’s house. Kuroo doesn’t mention it when she leans in to kiss him again before pulling away and asking if they can go home. He doesn’t mention how she refers to his home instead of her own, or that she thinks of his home as her home too. The next year passes by in a haze of blind dates and numbness. The joy she feels comes when she spends time with her friends and Kuroo. Work becomes more boring than usual and the onslaught of blind dates set up by her parents keep coming.

“You don’t have to keep going on those if you don’t want to.” Kuroo tells her as he zips her dress up. It’s her 29th birthday and she didn’t want to get ready alone this year. She’s dressed in a mid length pastel dress and Kuroo is in a tailored white suit with a shirt and tie matching the color on her dress. She tries not to picture if she’ll see him in a white suit again for their wedding. Tries not to think about the wedding, there’s still a year before it happens. He could find someone. She’s since given up on finding anyone who compares to him and silently hopes that he’s done the same.

“I know, I said I would though.”

“Okay.” He knows he’s fighting a losing battle and pats her shoulder as she applies lipstick. He straightens his tie, a habit she’s noticed he does when he’s anxious or upset about something. He leaves the room before she can question him and she doesn’t see him for most of the night. She spots him in the corner talking up a blonde and internally cringes, some emotion must make its way onto her face since Kenma calls her out.

“Is it because of that blonde?” Her head whips around to Kenma who fidgets with his hands, his gaming system gone and put away as it usually is at her birthday party. “Don’t think anything of it, they don’t stay for long.” They? “I know what you’re thinking, it’s nothing serious. He’s just buying time.” Buying time for what? She doesn’t get an answer as the aforementioned person walks over to them. Kenma takes it as his que to leave with a quick goodbye to Kuroo.

“Can I give you your gift now?”

“Of course.” He smiles brightly and gabs her hand, he pulls her away from the festivities and outside the bar. He reaches into his coat pocket and hands a packet to her before going back in and coming back with a small box. “Sorry, I didn’t have time to wrap it before I left.” The wood of the box is nice, a mahogany. It feels smooth and cool in her hand. There’s a metal lock on it plated with a goldish color; she's unsure if it’s from rust as the box looks older.

She reads the front page of the small booklet she was handed; ‘29 things that remind me of you’. Oh. This is going to make her cry. She opens to the first page after handing the box back to Kuroo. He takes the luxury of flipping the lid open and showing her the contents of the box. “Strawberries,” she begins reading out loud. She picks up a strawberry pendant from the box after scanning it for a few seconds. “Strawberries remind me of you because the first time we met you had a bag of strawberries in your lunch and it stained your lips and hands red. If it weren’t for the strawberries you wouldn’t have asked me if I had a wet wipe and I never would have met you.” She feels tears well in her eyes as she continues reading through the list of things and seeing the corresponding objects. “Thank you Kuroo, this is…I have no words. You’ve made me speechless.”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Just you wait for your birthday. I’m going to make you cry just you wait.”

“Planning on breaking my heart or something?”

“You know what I mean you absolute loser.”

“Whatever you say Cinderella.” The night comes to a close shortly after. She eats cake and wishes everyone a goodbye after touching up her makeup. She likes that her birthday is just an excuse to see all of her friends. That’s her favorite part, not the presents, but the people.

True to her word when Kuroo’s birthday rolls around she makes him cry with an equally sentimental gift. It’s not as extravagant as his was but it still warmed his heart and made tears fall from his eyes. After everyone else has left and it's just the two of them cleaning up after the party that’s when they’re most at peace. “I bought the ring.”

“So sure I’ll still be single?”

“Sure that me and you are endgame.”

“Better stop talking like that or I’ll think you’re in love with me.”

“Don’t be silly, it just makes the most sense for it to be me and you.”

“Alright loverboy.”

“Still not Prince Charming?”

“Not until I’m at the altar with you.”

“Now who’s getting ahead of themselves?”

“Oh shut up.” She hits him lightly with the trash bag she’s carrying. When Christmas rolls around she tells him that she’s cashing in on the deal early. “I don’t feel like going on another blind date. I think I’ve dated everyone that my parents can possibly find.”

“Don’t say that now. There’s always the next city over.”

“I’m done. We’re going to start fake dating now. It makes sense to do it this way anyways. If we’re fake dating when we get engaged it won’t look as odd.”

“Whatever you say Cinderella.”

“Damn right it is loverboy.”

Not much changes when they start dating. Fake dating she reminds herself, it isn’t real and she shouldn’t expect it to be. They still eat their lunch together in his office and she still winds up at his house at least once a week, he still calls her pet names and she still calls him ‘loverboy’, their friends don’t seem surprised by the revelation. Everything…everything feels like it’s supposed to be like this.

Kuroo proposes two months before her 30th birthday. It’s a small gathering with her parents and their closest friends. She can’t fake the pure joy she got at him getting down on one knee. At some point they had stopped posting every time they went out. There wasn’t a need to. Everyone knew they were dating, they didn’t have to prove it. At least not so obviously. Kuroo’s hand had found a favorite place on the small of her back or his arm was wrapped around her shoulders. She enjoyed holding his hand, enjoyed the difference between them and how warm his hands always were compared to her.

Tears stream from her eyes as she jumps in excitement. She can’t stop herself from throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him up into a kiss. “I will marry you Kuroo Tetsuro. I will marry you on every planet and in every universe.” She hopes he thinks she’s just showing off in front of their friends and family and doesn’t think about the tears in his own eyes. How he squeezes her tighter and leans down to kiss her again. After the clapping stops he pulls away and she chases after his lips for a moment before blinking and composing herself. She needs to get used to short kisses. She won’t have this forever. This isn’t really hers. He slides the ring on her finger and she wonders for a moment if he’s thinking of her as she is or if he’s picturing some dream girl.

Her mother tries to rush her into wedding planning but manages to keep it away for a month before her mother can’t take it anymore. She finds herself dragged from cake shop to cake shop, venue to venue, and Kuroo is with her through every moment of it. Like he’s always been. He’s always been there and she’s sure that he’ll continue to be there for her through everything. She selfishly hopes that it will be for the rest of their lives but can’t bring herself to say the words.

“I’ve been thinking and I think we should move in together,” she says one morning as she sits at Kuroo’s kitchen island. She’s confiscated one of his t-shirts and he looks at her over his shoulder as he makes breakfast for the two of them. She sips on her coffee and hums lightly.

“Oh yeah?” She can feel him about to tease her and sighs.

“What now?”

“Oh nothing, nothing.”

“Kuroo Tetsuro.”

“Yes?” He smiles at her before turning back to the pan that’s sizzling on the stove. “It’s just, aren't you already moved in? Half of my closet space is cleared out for you and most of your clothes are here. We go to work almost every day together because you end up sleeping here most nights. Your makeup is in my bathroom and your favorite drinks are in my fridge. Your family photos are hanging up in my living room.” His explanation makes her pause. She hadn’t even realized that had happened, when exactly did his bed get new sheets on them? When did her clothes cover more than half of his closet?

“Well…when you put it like that. Okay but like officially. Let’s move in officially.”

“Whatever you want, Cinderella.” He places a plate of food in front of her and takes a drink of his own coffee as he eats some bacon from the plate between them. “We can do it today if you want, when’s your lease up?”

“Next month.”

“Okay, so we can start moving you out today and come next month everything will be all settled and you won’t have to do one big move. Well, I don’t think it’ll be that big to begin with. You've taken over most of my house anyway.” She scrunches up her face and punches him in the arm. He rubs at it in fake hurt and frowns. “How hurtful.”

“I didn’t hit you that hard you big baby.” She rolls her eyes and gets up to put her cup in the sink. Is this what life will be like for the next however long they keep up this ruse? Breakfast together and sleeping in his shirts? Quiet banter in the morning and soft talking at night. She chooses to ignore it. Reminding herself that it’s not real. She doesn’t get to have this forever. “Let’s get ready.”

As it gets closer to the end of the next month her apartment becomes less like home and more like a place she used to know. There’s a sadness that comes with moving, a sadness in leaving somewhere behind that you used to start and end your everyday life. “You okay? Gonna run away when it strikes midnight?” There’s a calming and grounding weight on her shoulder as Kuroo places his hand there. She can feel the warmth radiating from his body and to hers. She nods and lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

“It’s just an odd feeling. Moving.” Kuroo nods in understanding but doesn’t interrupt her. “I used to come here, this used to be home. A way to escape from the horrors of the world and now it’s just an empty apartment. It’s not home. Home is somewhere else now. I think I’m just too sentimental.” She shakes her head and crosses her arms over her body.

“I like that you’re sentimental. You don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying having a home. You don’t have to feel guilty about leaving someone or something behind either, it’s okay to feel sad.”

“I’m not guilty. Why would I be guilty?”

“Really? You’re not guilty? You feel like you’re abandoning a part of yourself that you’re not ready to leave yet. It’s safe in this apartment, my home is also safe but you won’t have this place to come back to. You’re leaving it behind when it’s been the place that’s kept you safe for years. Moving is scary.”

“Okay, so maybe I’m scared and feel guilty.”

“You don’t have to be, I’m going to be here with you even if you try to chase me off by trying to light me on fire or something.” She lets out a laugh at the extremes he went to for the example but knowing that he’s always going to be here relaxes her in a way she didn’t think was entirely possible. “Let’s go home.” And this time, she doesn’t have a crisis about what home means. Home means him.

They’re in a familiar situation, Kuroo zipping up her dress while she applies her lipstick. There’s a ring on her finger this time, glinting in the light and serving as a reminder for what the world will think they mean to each other. His knuckles brush over the skin of her back and the touch leaves goosebumps in its wake. “You look stunning.” She can’t help the smile that creeps onto her face.

“Save it loverboy.” She makes eye contact with him in the mirror and watches as his hand drops from where it was previously holding the zipper. He pauses for a moment before reaching towards the straps of her dress and grabbing the long pieces of fabric. “You look nice too,” she hears his breath hitch as he ties the strips of fabric into a bow. With gentle and careful movements he brushes her hair to the side and leans down, she sees it before she feels his breath on her skin. A few moments later he presses his lips against her shoulder blade before pulling away and standing straight up.

“You look very nice,” he says quietly as he exits the room. She can still feel the ghost of his touch as her eyes are still locked on to where he was mere seconds ago. It’s a knock on the door that breaks her from the spell she was under. She does a once over of her outfit and makeup before opening the door.

“I’m so proud of you,” her mother says and pulls her into a hug. “You found love, that’s all I wanted for you.” It feels like a participation award. Here’s a trophy for showing up and trying the thing. You didn’t win but no one else did either. Love is supposed to make you feel like you’ve won. She should feel like she’s won. She should be ecstatic.

She got with a guy she’s been crushing on for almost a decade. Can crush be applicable in this situation anymore? Is it love? Does she love Kuroo Tetsuro? She wonders briefly how impossible it would be not to fall in love with him. His banter and quiet words, his hands on her shoulder and back, his calming presence when she’s nervous. He’s home, he’s love. To her he is the love that people write songs and stories about.

“Have you picked a date for the wedding?”

“What?”

“Have you picked a date for the wedding? Or colors? You need to reserve a venue soon too!” Her mother continues rattling off all the things she does and she smiles and nods her head.

“We haven’t had time to really sit down yet. We’ll do it soon. I think we’re doing a spring wedding.”

“Oh springs no good with my allergies.”

“It’s my wedding.”

“You don’t want your guests to be sniffling and sneezing when you’re trying to get photos.”

“Can we talk about this later?” She tries to keep her composure and walks out of the room. She sees a familiar head of hair and smiles.

“I remember when I first saw a photo of me looking at your father. I had the same lovestruck look that you have now. Do you love him?”

“Yes, I love him with everything I have and more,” she says without thinking. She can’t see the small smile her mother’s face before she makes her way over to her fiancé. “Tetsu.” Her hand wraps in his and she sees the initial jump he makes before relaxing.

“Hi Love,” he turns his head and kisses the crown on her head. She smiles and leans into his touch happily. She squeezes his hand and wonders why this still happens when they’re alone. Why he’s still so sweet.

“He says love like it’s your name,” she hears the eye roll from Kenma and sticks her tongue out at him. “Happy birthday Y/N, see you for New Years.” Kenma walks away and she can see him exiting the building.

“Happy Birthday, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” she bumps his hip with hers gently.

Despite the complaints of her mother they hold the wedding in spring. The weather decides to be nice for the day, the flowers are in full bloom and there’s a gentle breeze that flows through her train and lifts it in the wind. There’s bright smiles on both of their faces and she swears she can see tears rolling down his face as she walks down the aisle towards him.

“You look stunning. A breath of fresh air—“

“Okay Prince Charming. Let’s get on with it.” She jokes but grabs his hands. She wishes for this to last forever. Maybe for today it can. Today can last forever in her memories. “I Y/N L/N take you Tetsuro Kuroo to be my husband, to have and hold, through sickness and in health, for better or worse, for as long as we both shall live. With this ring I thee wed.” She slides the ring on his finger.

“I Tetsuro Kuroo take you Y/N L/N to be my loving wife, to have and to hold, through sickness and in health, for better or worse, for as long as we both shall live. With this ring I thee wed.” He slides the ring on her finger and looks towards the officiant.

“You may now kiss the bride.” He wraps his arms around her waist and dips her lightly as he pulls her lips against his. It still feels as warm as the first time they kissed all those years ago on New Year’s Eve. It still feels like safety, it still feels like love.

She finds herself ignoring her mother for the remainder of the day. Skipping over her table before Kuroo holds her hand and makes her say hi. After a quick once over it’s clear to see her mother isn’t pleased with the wedding and she doesn’t want to deal with it today of all days. With a look towards Kuroo he smiles and nods and walks away hand in hand with her.

“And now it’s time for the father daughter dance.” The announcer says through the microphone. Y/N watches her father get up and make his way over to her. There’s a glint of love in his eyes and a wide smile on his face, she wraps her arms around his neck and lays her head on his chest.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you sweetheart. You look radiant.” She can feel the vibrations of his chest as they start slowly swaying from side to side. “If he doesn’t treat you right I’ll take care of it.”

“I know. You don’t have to worry about that. He’s pretty alright, I guess.” She jokes with her father.

“Pretty alright is okay I guess,” he shrugs although there’s wide smiles on both of their faces. He leans down and kisses her forehead when the song ends and makes his way back to his seat after handing her off to Kuroo.

“And now for the couple’s first dance!”

There’s a spotlight that drops on them and it’s like the world disappears when Kuroo spins her. “Were you and your dad shit talking me?”

“Something like that,” she scrunches her face and attempts to spin him around like he spun her.

“Are you ready to be stuck with me forever?”

“Till death do us part.”

“Nah, not even death can keep us apart. You should know that by now.”

“I think I’m okay with that.”

When they cut the cake Kuroo takes a dollop of frosting and places it on her nose. When she gives him a look he reaches over with a napkin and gently wipes it off. She puts a swipe on his cheek with a small laugh. They cut cake for everyone without any more messes occurring and despite a few people getting drunk out of their minds (Bokuto, Atsumu, Komori, to name a few) the night went well.

When they return to work a few weeks later she receives a promotion. They still find a way to have lunches in Kuroo’s office but he votes for moving them to her corner office. “Come on big shot! Let’s eat lunch with light streaming through the windows.” He leans against the doorframe as she sits at her desk and types away.

“Using me for my natural lighting?”

“Yes, now make room.” He sets the lunches in the table and slides hers across to her. “I can’t believe we were both gone and you managed to get a promotion.”

“And why is that so surprising?”

“It’s not. It’s just, I’m proud of you.”

“Mhm, smart choice.”

Married life isn’t much different from engaged life. Her name didn’t change. The only difference in the last five years that’s been made is the ring on her finger and how much happier she’s become. She comes home with him every day and leaves with him every morning. She falls asleep in his arms and wakes up with him in hers. On weekends she wakes up to the smell of pancakes and bacon, one of the few things she found out Kuroo can cook.

Their first year of being married draws closer to the end and she can’t help but wonder when the other shoe will drop. They’ve barely spent time together outside of eating lunch, although they still manage to do work during that time. She wanted to host a banquet with the volleyball pros and Kuroo is helping, there to offer his support like always. When they get home they’re so tired that they just curl up in bed after feeding Mochi. She misses him being a puppy, there’s something to be said. Poetic words about how time needs to change, someone else will come up with them. Her head pounds as she ends another phone call with a food vendor telling her it’s too late notice.

“Why not ask Miyam?”

“Hm?”

“Osamu?”

“I forgot he was an option honestly. This week has gone by in such a haze that I just can’t wait for it to be over.” Kuroo nods in agreement and calls up the Onigiri owner.

“He agreed.” She breathes out a sigh of relief and slouches in her chair. “Let’s go home, it’s late already.” He helps her up and clicks her heels back into place as they head out of the building.

Finally, everything she’s been waiting for. Her idea comes together. The music pulled through and Miya made a nice buffet, her decorations live out the vision. “Can I have this dance?” She nods and allowed Kuroo to whisk her away.

“Is this?” The familiar tune fills the room around her and even with the chatter of the other occupants is still recognizable.

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“You cheesy boy.”

“Guilty.”

Her head is against his chest and his arms are seated nicely around his waist. “I don’t want to be in a pretend marriage anymore.”

“I don’t think it’s been pretend for a long time.” He smiles and pulls her impossibly closer to him. “Everything I’ve felt and done has been real. I guess I just needed an excuse.”

“I guess I needed one too. I love you Tetsu.”

“And I love you Cinderella.” Despite the challenges ahead of them and ones they’ve faced in the past they fell in love. She doesn’t run away this time when they kiss at midnight, she stays with him and her carriage doesn’t turn back to a pumpkin and her dress doesn’t go back to rags. This time, she’s exactly where she needs to be. With the goofy boy she fell in love with and the silly girl he fell in love with. They’re home.

gen taglist (fill out this form to be added) @cheriisae @hatsukeii @hiraethwa

#writing the manual #haikyuu x reader #haikyu x reader #hq x reader #haikyuu x y/n #kuroo fanfic #kuroo tetsuro x reader #kuroo x reader #hq kuroo #hq angst #hq fluff #hq secret santa 24

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lynzishell · 23 days ago

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My 𝐓𝐨𝐩 24 30 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 from 2024🎉 (because rules were made to be broken)

TYSM for tagging me @herecirmsims, @elderwisp, and @changingplumbob 💖 As per usual, I went overboard... oops!

Before I forget -- I am going to tag @honeyjars-sims, @raiiny-bay, @havenroyals, @likelyamused, and @dandylion240 (ofc, feel free to ignore me if you've already done it, or if you just don't wanna)

JANUARY

We started the year in Sulani where Phoenix and Dawn got engaged! Let us all take a moment to remember the glory that was Phoenix with a tan 😍

I call this - My Love Affair with Brindleton Bay (Part 1)

I love them. This isn't even the greatest screenshot, but it will forever be one of my favorites. One day I will put together a collage of forehead kisses for these two.

FEBRUARY

My Love Affair with Brindleton Bay (Part 2)

Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi were always happy to steal focus when I needed to blur things happening in the background... 😏

Atlas forever being the best uncle in the world... and fascinated with his niece having his eyes

MARCH

Me peeking through the foliage while Phoenix introduces his wife and child to his mom... the only way he knows how 🥺🤍

APRIL

😂 Ok so March and April are pretty sparse... I took a break in the Spring because I was going through a breakup and a move. I spent that time focusing on things that made me happy - like writing The Past arc for the boys and laughing at Dawn's ridiculous in-game expressions 😂

MAY

I'm so glad I took that break because I was able to come back and give Phoenix and Dawn the wedding they deserved! I also LOVE these last two shots... After the party ended, those three were goofing off and having so much fun... and then giving Phoenix the MOST thoughtful gift... it still makes me tear up! 🥹

JUNE

And so it begins... This nightmare sequence was so much fun to put together! And this shot is by far my favorite... it was totally by accident, but oh so perfect

The Past my beloved... I love this shot sm... the morning light, the fall colors, Ash and Lex being Ash and Lex while Atlas tags along behind them (he'd only known Ash for 24 hours and was already crushing... poor boy didn't stand a chance)

Oh yeah! Remember Chestnut Ridge?! The way I jumped around in this part istg... You're all incredible for putting up with me this summer 😂 Okay but I love this one because of how all the animals are turned to look at Danny... again, a total accident, but perfectly foreshadows what I have in mind for his future!

Back the The Past - What's perfect about this one is how the only thing in focus is where they are touching.

I’m acutely aware that his leg is resting against me now, and he’s rolling the fabric of my sleeve between his thumb and middle finger. Normally, I would have already scooted away from the sofa. Pivoted my body so the conversation could continue, but so that I could not be touched. But I don’t feel any need to do that. Not with him. His affection is so subtle and absent-minded; I can tell he’s just feeling comfortable with me. Something about that makes me feel comfortable with him too.

JULY

AHHHHHH!!! I still lose my mind over this moment!!! Like... the way physical touch plays such a big role throughout this arc, and getting to see Atlas evolve from someone who always kept his distance from people to being the affectionate teddy bear he is today... and the way Ash is so sweet and mindful and considerate through it all...

And then I look down, down to where I feel his hand come to rest on my leg, the heat of it warming my thigh. “Is that okay?” He asks, “Do you want me to move my hand?” I look up into his eyes and shake my head slightly, “No. No, it’s okay.”

THEIR FIRST KISS!!!!! The tippy toes pls!!! 😭 I'm not gonna lie.... I forgot the entire purpose of this post and am now lost to reminiscing... I already miss this arc so much!!!

Taking my time, I brush my lips lightly against his before kissing him softly. Holding myself back, not because I’m unsure, but because I’ve never been more certain of anything. I want to savor this moment, commit it to memory so I can revisit it tomorrow, and every day after.

A brief look into The Present as these two make plans for the future that I will inevitably ruin for them because I felt compelled to go into CAS and play around with genetics and rewrite the entire ending to this arc. Sorry not sorry boys!

aaaand back to The Past for our first peek at Ash's POV as he realizes he may be falling for Atlas

Y’know, my biggest fear is drowning, especially in the ocean, and yet, my favorite place is the beach near my parents’ house, sitting right at the water’s edge. Being with Atlas, it reminds me of this place. The bright blue of his eyes, the sandy color of his hair, and the dusting of freckles across his nose. And the way being near him makes me feel just a little nervous, like at any moment I could get swept away and lose myself completely.

AUGUST

Oh yeah! Chestnut Ridge and Joey's cliche dad-logic moment! Seriously guys... thank you for putting up with my nonsense... But OMG! Did you know you can set the horses to buck riders off every time they try to get on? 10/10 recommend if you need a laugh! I had so much fun with this scene... Phoenix, on the other hand, did not 🫣

This one. You have no idea. I struggled SO MUCH with trying to figure this scene out... and only those in our discord writing group will know how I lost my mind when these poses were released and gave me the inspiration I needed... I'm pretty sure I shot this scene a month before I even started this arc because I couldn't get it out of my head... I should also add that these two died in process of making it, and I fucked up this lot while trying to place all the lights and decos via TOOL and had to start all over in another save (which worked out because the Romance Festival spawned in the new one making it all so much better and more lively)... I went through a lot for this shot, and I will hold it near and dear to my heart forever as a result.

SEPTEMBER

Just them. Holding hands. In The Present. 🥹 I just like this one a lot... it's actually the desktop background on my PC lol

A hazy dream in neon pink

Don't worry... they're JUST FRIENDS (who are clearly in love with each other and on mdma and suddenly can't keep their hands off each other)

As he backs himself against the wall, pulling me into him, I finally understand. “Is this okay?” he asks. I lean in so fast that I practically breathe the answer into his mouth, “Yeah,” and before I know it, we’re making out again. But this time is far more intense, our kisses deeper, our breathing ragged, our hands grabbing fistfuls of hair and clothing and clawing at skin as though our desire for each other has grown into some kind of wild animal. Finally free from its cage, there’s no going back now.

💛🩵💛🩵 What am I doing again? I think I've lost the plot...

OCTOBER

Oh yeah... fave screenshots of 2024! We're so back! San Myshuno my beloved

The Proposal 😭 Spoiler alert... they were never "just friends" ajsdkakljs Also, I had to exit and go back in game three times to keep those bright red/orange skies for this scene... worth it!

NOVEMBER

A glimpse of The Future... and bb is confused af

DECEMBER

Things are different now in ways they don't quite understand, but they have each other 🥹🩵💛

For the rest of our lives, we're in this together.

#what a fkin journey this year was!!#also if any of you actually took the time to read through all my nonsense i love you and you deserve a cookie #❤️🍪❤️🍪#and i will indeed be putting together a collage of forehead kisses #i knew there were a lot but omg #actually going through all my screenies and seeing them #i love that's it's just become their thing yknow #they're so sweet #i love themb sm #tag game

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itsprashimusic · 3 months ago

Text

Wildest Dreams Warm Realities

"Standin' in a nice dress"

Summary - You thought seeing him on the train was the last time you would but turns out, that Goa really is as small as some might say.

Pairings - Charles Leclerc x indian!fem!Reader

Warnings - reader likes to dance, curse words, reader can dance, y/n used i’m sorry, one of the outfits has a slit and another is off-shoulder, lmk if there’s anything else. Happy reading🩵

W/C - 2.9k

A/N - happy birthday to my first love<3 this gave me the motivation to finish a pt2 that has been in the works since march. if i bore you with my description of the dance, please feel free to let me know, but again be respectful.

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The first four days of doing absolutely nothing in Goa felt amazing. Waking up late had never felt so good. The sun was warm but not overbearingly hot. And the cool winds in the evening provided the perfect opportunity for wearing those long cotton skirts plastered all over your beach moodboard.

You had nearly forgotten about the Monegasque you met on the train. Nearly. It was a quiet evening before a long next day when you remembered the cute foreigner. It was a unanimous decision to go to the beach where most of your friends dipped their feet in the rising tide while you and another friend sat and enjoyed the sunset. Reminiscing about the mysterious driver made you want to talk about him more to your best friend, Sarah, but after coming to the beach, she got lost in a crowd of people. She texted you saying she met someone and was having an interesting conversation. You wished that you were the person she was having a conversation with instead of a stranger she just met.

You soon forgot about Charles just as quickly though when your group called you and the other girl to the water. You got up and ran towards the incoming waves, hair being blown back by the salty winds.

The next day you got up extremely early. The wedding was at nine in the morning, for some reason.

The dress code was traditional Indian wear, and since you were the only one who could do it, you became the dedicated saree draper. You barely had an hour for yourself to get ready. By some miracle, your makeup, hair, saree and jewellery were ready in time.

The wedding was beautiful. The first half of the wedding took place in a temple in the south of Goa. 8:30 in the morning you and all of your friends were surprisingly ready and sitting in the two cars and driving to the temple. Reaching just about on time, you saw that most of the venue was empty. You mentally face-palmed yourself. The group found a table and settled there, all the purses and water bottles were left on the chairs surrounding the table.

About half an hour later the wedding party arrived along with the pandit and the families of the bride and groom. A few of the bride’s relatives were going around and handing the women long, fresh gajras. Sarah carried a bunch of booby pins with her, and helped all the women in the group, including you, with pinning the gajra to their hair. Some left their hair open while others had an updo. You had styled your hair in a way you knew would look good no matter what.

The wedding continued. There wasn’t much that happened. Rituals were conducted, poojas were repeated and everyone was sweating horribly due to the humidity. The only thing keeping you from smelling like a pig was the powerful fragrance of the gajra. By around 12:30 pm, the wedding was more or less done. Your group scurried to be among the first to greet the newlywed couple and give the gifts. Everyone was hungry, and since there was going to be an evening extension of the wedding, no one really bothered to say ‘congratulations.’ The group gave their gifts, took 2 photos and left in a hurry to grab chorizo sandwiches from a cafe across the street.

Thankfully in the evening, the dress code was not as strict. Meaning, that the grandparents and family elders were not there, allowing the newlywed’s friends and younger family members to wear western clothes. But you did not know this when you packed. All you had was traditional party wear.

“Konse kapde hai tere paas?” you asked as you walked into your shared room with Sarah. The girl just looked up from her phone with a confused expression. “Kya?”

“Mere paas aaj shaam ke liye kapde nahi hai,” you complained as you started looking through her suitcase trying to find a dress you liked.

“Woh blue off-shoulder wala dress hai, pehenle.” she dismissed you and went back to texting on her phone.

You knew exactly what dress she was talking about and promptly found it. It was a baby blue off-the-shoulder dress with beautiful white flowers all over it and a tie-up in the front. You put the dress on, sat under the fan and began redoing your makeup for the evening. Your hair was behaving, so all you had to do was fluff it with your hands. Small butterfly earrings, a matching white butterfly-studded choker and a modern kada with the same butterfly decorating it; this was a jewellery set you were gifted on your birthday by Sarah herself. You thought that this was the perfect occasion to wear it. You had white heels to match along with a sling bag.

Using your shoes as an excuse, you managed to convince one of the guys to drive instead. It was an hour before sunset when your car reached its destination. It was a lovely open area with a dance floor near the sea. You could hear the waves crash against the land as you walked to the entrance. The first thing that your entire group did was to go up to the couple, who were good friends of yours, to congratulate them and take photos. The next stop was the snack counter for a little energy boost before the dancefloor opened up.

The newlyweds had their first dance to a very sweet song. Just as the song ended, the DJ switched it up to more upbeat tunes which got the entire crowd dancing. While you were dancing you saw and met many people who you had not seen in years, including some of your old school friends, a few of them complimented your jewellery. There was this one guy you had a crush on during your school years who revealed he also liked you at that time. Some old classmates admitted to not liking you at all. Basically, within the first 45 minutes of dancing you wished you were back in your room. But then a different song started playing and you coupled up with Sarah as the MC wanted people to find a partner. You did a funny version of the macarena. You did some line dances followed by some jiving music.

It had been two hours of dancing, two hours of hearing different bollywood songs, maria pitache 3 different times, some punjabi and tamil songs, and english bops like shape of you and baby. You were sweating horribly by then and wanted to go get a seat right when you heard the iconic ‘pretty lady, pretty lady, pretty lady’ and took a u-turn back to the dance floor.

Just as the song reached the line ‘bareli ke bazaar mein’, you stretched your arm out and turned. You felt your arm lightly hitting someone. When you went to pull your arm back, instead, you got tugged and ended up colliding with someone. Apologies started to pour out of you, as best they could over the loud music. Your butterfly kada got caught on a piece of a chain that was stitched to the man’s kurta. The bridge of the song was playing in the background as you looked up and saw that very face you were dreaming about at night during the past four days.

To say that Charles was surprised when he saw you was an understatement. His left hand was on your wrist, and the other was held by his stomach. You both kept looking at each other and back down at where the pair of you were connected. The song shifted to the intro of Hookah Bar.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Me?! What the hell are you doing here?”

You both just kept staring at each other, your eyes seeming to be in a fight, trying to determine who has to answer the question first. You got fed up first and pushed your way out of the dancing crowd, Charles having no option but to be dragged by you and your butterfly kada.

You reached a more quiet corner when you said, “I was invited to this afterparty. The bride and groom are my school friends whom I haven’t met in a few years. Your turn.”

He took a breath in before answering, “My brother said that he knew an authentic Indian party we could attend and my family trusted him.”

You bore a look of bewilderment on your face. “You know what, I am gonna ignore what you just said. I am happy to see you here, regardless of why you ended up here.” Charles breathed out a happy sigh and smiled. God, his smile was even better than you remember it. You moved to give him a hug when you were reminded that your kada was still stuck to his kurta. Damn, he looks good in Indian clothes, the colour goes really well with his ey-

Your thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of Charles’ warm hands over yours, carefully untangling the chain from the butterfly. Your hand was finally by your side and you were smiling widely at him when he pulled you in for a hug.

The hug felt nice. It was not common for you to be hugged by a guy, so it felt nice. At that moment your mind flashed back to the ‘relationship’ you had in school where you fell for the attractive guy in your class who turned out to be an asshole who was openly dating someone else. It is not really that deep, but it made you think whether you were going to make that same mistake again because Charles is extremely attractive. And whether it was going to be an even bigger deal because you are no longer 14 years old, but an adult with a job and big girl responsibilities.

Charles was the one to break the hug. Pulling back, he saw the look of doubt on your face. “Y/n are you alright?” he asked. You nodded while taking in a large breath. “Have you had dinner yet?” you say trying to change the conversation. “No, I have not. But I am excited to try the local food.”

You told him to come with you. Taking the brunette to the Goan dinner counter you showed him all the different foods and explained what the food was made of. You took some of your favourite foods that you spotted. He ended up with rice, fish curry, prawns, crab legs and a bowl of dahi you secretly took just in case. 5 bites in and he was trying his very best to hide from you just how much he was feeling the spice. You laughed and took pity on him, “Here, this will help” you said while passing him the bowl of cold dahi. He managed a ‘thankyou’ in between coughs due to the spice and finished about half the bowl.

In between your small talk with Charles, the MC came up to you and whispered in your ear. The Monegasque looked confused but didn’t question you. “Are any of your family members around? I need to go somewhere, and I don’t want to leave you alone.” Charles replied that he could call his brother. With that confirmation, you gave him your bowl of dahi and left, passing by his brother whom you greeted. Little did Charles know that you were heading to a changing room with hired anarkalis and ghagra cholis.

About 10 minutes later, the stage where the couple were previously seated began filling up with smoke as the MC gave a monologue. The beginning of a song started playing just when he finished speaking. All of a sudden the lights went off as the sound of lightning played, leaving chills all over the guests' arms, legs and necks. The lights come on and there stood on the stage are women from your school and college who were known for their dancing skills, you standing front and centre.

All that could be seen were the silhouettes of all the ladies. The music began, and the sound of a woman singing in a high pitch was heard loudly on the speakers. You were mouthing the words Shreya Ghoshal sang. As the upbeat tune of ‘Radha’ began, each woman stepped forward and gave a step in time with the music and lyrics. The crowd was loudly cheering everyone on. Charles was mesmerized watching you. He didn’t know you could dance. But now that he saw you dancing, he never wanted to take his eyes off of you. Never wanted you to stop moving your body in that rhythmic, captivating way.

With the addition of the best man and the groomsmen on stage, the crowd went wild. They were all great dancers back in college, not losing touch with that side of them. The best man was your dance partner when it came to competitions and events. You guys were shipped together, but he was already dating his now wife back then. And just like back then, he joined you front and centre, not missing a single beat when doing your old handshake.

The way he stood behind you and let his hand fall from your ear during the line ‘o radha tera jhumka’ and the way his hand hovered (at an appropriate distance) over your hip during the line ‘o radha tera thumka’ and the way he followed behind you like a puppy, holding your dupatta during the line ‘o peeche peeche saari nagariyaan’, it got Charles feeling some type of way. He’s only met you one time before, why is he feeling like this? And that dude is married for fuck’s sake! WHY IS HE FEELING JEALOUS?!!??!

The last line of the chorus played and as the men twirled and stood behind the women, came the first line of one of the sexiest songs alive. ‘Main ruthiya yaar manawangi…’ The lights dimmed, the focus was again mainly on you and the crowd shrieked so loud Charles thought his eardrum might break. Part of the costume came off, showing off more skin and allowing for easier and more movement.

Your legs showed through the slit as you bent your knees sideways and tend stood back up, leaving the Monegasque’s eyes bulging and mouth open while the crowd wolf-whistles.

‘Mere maahiya sanam jaanam’ had the crowd going insane as your shiny waist chain blinged underneath the expensive lights and made the party feel 10 times hotter.

Charles swore in French, a word he doesn’t use often but which was almost too fitting for this moment.

The hair flips, the arm movements, the rolling on the ground and the structure of your leg which was on full display when you stood up, all this was more than enough to hypnotise the driver. He was in a trance, under a spell, fixated on you and only you, his dahi a lukewarm forgotten bowl.

‘Dariya dariya mere yaara’, the lights flashed everywhere, temporarily blinding everyone. But the sight that was waiting for them would definitely be worth it. For those 3 seconds where no one could see the stage, everyone’s position changed. You were kneeling on the best man’s shoulders, while he was standing up straight. You’re friends who were also watching and cheering you on lost it, along with the guests. Even though Sarah had seen most of the practice, she hadn’t seen this part, and it shocked her. She took a video of the entire song to show you later.

‘Akhiyan de mohalle mein, har shaam tera aalam’ The body rolls and hip sways broke Charles. He understood zero of what the song said, but the vibe of everything was more than enough to make it feel as if his entire body was on fire. The way you gripped onto the best man’s hair to avoid falling had him falling hard for you.

You allowed yourself to fall face first but caught yourself with your hands and proceeded to do a front-facing cartwheel, landing a mere 10 cm from the edge of the stage. Now kneeling you completed the remaining steps of the song before it changed into another. As the song changed, all the women were lying back on their hands and were then dragged away backwards by the men, who were performing next.

Once exiting the stage you stayed near the stage to watch the rest of the performance. The guests were filled with life, the energy only increasing. About 20 minutes later when the performance was done, all the dancers from all the different dances went up on the stage, music never stopping. You, the best man, the bridegroom and a few of the other main dancers were standing in the centre. ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’ played as everyone did the hookstep.

Charles managed to catch your eye in the middle of it all. You both maintained eye contact. It broke when you were pulled down by the bride for a photo. Once the whole show was done, you got off the stage with the objective of finding Charles. But he was nowhere to be found. You came to the conclusion that he probably left since it was quite late. You and your friends were nowhere near done with partying since that was the point of coming to Goa. This was one hell of a Christmas Eve.

A/N - Please bully me into writing and posting the remaining parts before this year ends🙏🏽 Hope you enjoyed reading🩷

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