#michelle rants🌸

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

I ACTUALLY LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!

“Don’t go over your budget”

“Are you still giving me the silent treatment?” 

“…”

“C'mon Y/N I said I’m sorry .”

“…”

Jack tilted his body against the wall in the doorway watching his girlfriend as she refused to even look at him. Wanting to be the bigger person, he slumped his shoulders and slowly walked over to the edge of the bed where you laid. 

“C'mon, baby it was just a joke I swear.” 

“Would it be just a joke if I said you need to start covering that 100 acres of forehead you got?” 

“Guess you aren’t so sad anymore huh?” He mumbled, quietly fixing his curly bangs.

“You know how insecure I am about my body hair Jack.” 

He sighed, “Your right baby I’m sorry, I took it too far and I apologize. You're gorgeous with or without body hair”

You silently smiled to yourself at that, but wouldn’t let it show of course.

He started to gently rub your back and give you slow kisses on your arm and shoulder. “What can I do to make it up to you sweet girl?” He pleaded in between kisses. You immediately sat up. 

“Makeup run?” you smiled.

He laughed, “Wow that was easy.” playfully rolling his eyes. 

He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Princess you know I like to spoil you but you spent over 2,000 dollars last time, we can do anything else. “

“How about no sex for a week?”

“I'll go get my shoes on”

15 minutes later both of you were finally ready and we're heading out the door and climbing into his jeep. The drive to the mall wasn't that far from your apartment and before you knew it you were pulling up to the parking lot. Before climbing out of the car your boyfriend grabbed your wrist.

“Y/N you have a budget of 400.”

“400?!” you yelled, a little bit too loudly. “After the way you treated me?”

“$450”

“$550”

“$500”

“$800” 

“$200”

“550 it is.” you smiled. 

“That's what I thought” he smirked. “Watch that attitude” you smiled back as you leaned into a kiss, rubbing his beard.

He grabbed your hand as you both walked into the store feeling the brush of air. 

“God damn it's cold in here,” he whispered to himself. 

“ Baby it's 90 degrees outside.” 

“And?”  

“Nevermind” you rolled your eyes. 

“Sassy ass” you mumbled to yourself. “Don’t start,” he replied. 

After a little bit of looking around with him following close behind, you both made your way to where you get your concealer. While looking for your shade you saw your boyfriend wander and go towards some other products. 

“God damn did everybody take my shade?” you uttered to yourself.

“Baby, what's up with these names?”, “Better than sex, better than sex foreplay, shit making me horny”. You giggled at his antics “Jack please put that down.” 

“Maybe we can go to the back of the store or something,” he said, wrapping his arms around you. 

“It's official, I’m never bringing you here again,” you said walking away from him as he smacked his lips together.

You made your way over to the skin care section and started piling your basket.

“Hey remember your budget,” Jack said furrowing his eyebrows. “It's $800 right?” you joked looking up at him. He didn't find it amusing though. 

“We should really get some of this stuff for you, especially something to help with those eyebrows.” your boyfriend jerked his head up at that, “What's wrong with my eyebrows?”

“Nothing” you smiled while walking away.

“Y/N wait!”

Truthfully there was nothing wrong with his eyebrows, or anything in his face for that matter. But since he wanted to tease you, you decided it would be best to tease him back.

After walking around more, soon you both had made it over to the fragrance section. 

“Jack smell this for me, baby,” you said, spraying some in the air. “It smells nice mama, but don't you already have a full shelf of perfumes already?”

“I'm sorry Jackman Thomas Harlow, are you judging me right now? Me? After you just disrespected and hurt my feelings?”

“Of course not, baby.” 

“That's what I thought, cause let me say something about your big ass box of Pokemon cards-” you started off

“You made your point”

“Mhm,” you smirked. 

Soon you were basically done with your shopping and you and your boyfriend were heading towards the register. While on your way you passed by a new collection by one of your favorite brands.  “OMG POOKS LOOK '' you yelped. He stood behind you watching you pick up every single product in pure enjoyment.

“I know I probably went over budget but baby please” you pleaded.

“Go ahead” he frowned jokingly.

You shoved everything into your basket and both of you headed towards the cashier. 

“Your total is $630.50, will you be doing cash or card sir?” the lady behind the counter smiled, handing her hand out.

You looked up at Jack ready for him to tell you to put some stuff back, but instead he smiled to himself and took his card out.  

“Thank you for shopping with us today!” the lady smiled(a little too hard in your opinion)

After getting settled in the car you looked up at him and frowned. 

“Pooks I went over my budget, why’d you still pay?” 

“You really thought you had a budget? Baby I would’ve bought the whole store for you if you had wanted it.” He laughed

“Wow so you really had your girlfriend in there doing calculations, knowing damn well I’m bad at math, trying to save your money?” You crossed your arms.

“Yes and it was adorable watching you.” He smiled teasing you.

“You're lucky, you're cute.” You smile, giving him a kiss on the cheek. 

“Thank you for spending your money on me though,” you mumbled in between kisses on his cheek. 

“I’m always going to do  whatever I can to see those pretty dimples.” That made you smile even more. 

“And plus, I really do feel bad about what I said baby, I’ll do anything to make you happy honestly.” 

“Thank you pooks” you smiled showing your dimples. 

As he started driving you started rummaging through your 8 full bags sitting by your feet. 

“So when are you gonna apply some of that Nair though?”

That earned him a hard smack to the back of the head and a mean glare.

“Too early?”

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

-‘๑’- Happy Birthday Joey!!! -‘๑’- •·.·'Joe Burrow x sweetheart!reader'·.·•

It was a crisp December morning, and Joe Burrow’s birthday had arrived—though he wasn’t one to make a big deal about it. You, however, had other plans. Knowing how busy his life was, especially during football season, you wanted to give him a day that felt personal and special, no matter how simple.

Joe woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The faint sound of music played in the background as you moved around the kitchen, wearing one of his oversized Bengals hoodies, carefully icing the rolls.

“Good morning, Birthday Boy,” you said with a warm smile as Joe wandered into the kitchen, his hair a mess and his expression soft with curiosity.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” he said, his voice still rough with sleep. But the way his lips quirked into a smile made it clear how much he appreciated the effort.

“I wanted to,” you replied, setting a plate of warm cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs in front of him. “It’s your day. Let me spoil you a little.”

The morning passed lazily, filled with laughter, lighthearted teasing, and the occasional stolen kiss. After breakfast, you handed him a small, neatly wrapped box. His eyebrows raised slightly as he unwrapped it, revealing a custom leather-bound notebook with “JB9” embossed on the front.

“I know you’re always jotting down notes or ideas,” you said softly. “I thought you could use something special.”

Joe flipped through the pages, running his fingers over the cover, and smiled. “This is perfect,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “Thank you.”

Later that evening, after Joe returned from a light team workout, you whisked him away to a private dinner you’d arranged with his closest friends and family. The evening was filled with good food, laughter, and even a custom cake shaped like a football, complete with “Happy Birthday, QB1” written in orange and black icing.

As the night wound down, you and Joe ended up back at his place, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights. He pulled you close, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you both sank into the couch.

“You really outdid yourself today,” he said, his voice warm as he pressed a kiss to your temple. “This is probably the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

You smiled, resting your head against his chest. “You do so much for everyone else, Joe. I just wanted to make sure you felt how loved you are.”

Joe tightened his hold on you, his voice soft. “You do that every day.”

In that quiet, intimate moment, surrounded by warmth and love, Joe couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate his birthday and his win than with you by his side.

A/n: Happy Birthday joeyyyyy!!!

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @joeyfranchise @joeybsboo @funnyjb @nami-swannn @blackynsupremacy @ikeepitlight @iknowdatsrightbih @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @burreauxpop @platinumsim @tylerjeauxburreaux9

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

A reaction of how you react to Joe during Paris fashion week with the backless suit

A/N: That suit made me go CRAZYYY when I saw it.

ೃ࿐Paris Fasion Week ೃ࿐

ೃJoe Burrow x Reader ೃ

The sound of the hotel door clicking shut was the only thing breaking the silence. You leaned against the doorway, watching Joe toss his phone onto the bed and shrug off his jacket. He caught you staring and smirked, his hands casually tucking into his pockets.

“What?” he asked, his voice low, teasing.

You crossed your arms, raising a brow. “You know exactly what.”

Joe turned, slowly pulling at his cufflinks like he wasn’t the most talked-about man of the night. “Oh, you mean the suit?” He glanced over his shoulder, his smirk growing. “Thought it looked alright.”

“Alright?” you echoed, stepping closer. “Joe, you shut Paris down. You had the world collectively gasping. Me included.”

He chuckled, finally turning to face you. “Yeah? You seemed pretty calm during the show.”

“That’s because I didn’t want to start a scene in front of the cameras,” you shot back, your voice dripping with mock exasperation. “But now? Now I’m wondering what possessed you to wear a backless suit knowing I’d have to suffer through the whole night without saying anything.”

Joe grinned, stepping toward you, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Suffer, huh? Didn’t realize I had that kind of effect on you.”

You rolled your eyes, but your cheeks betrayed you, flushing. “Don’t act so innocent, Joe. You knew exactly what you were doing.”

He tilted his head, closing the distance between you. “Maybe I did,” he admitted, his voice dropping a notch. “But it sounds like you liked it.”

Your fingers toyed with the lapel of his shirt, your voice soft but firm. “Liked it? Joe, I’m still recovering. That suit—” You let out a breathless laugh, shaking your head. “It should come with a warning label.”

Joe’s laughter rumbled low as he wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you closer. “Next time, I’ll let you approve the outfit. Or,” he added, brushing his lips against your ear, “you could just help me take it off at the end of the night.”

Your heart raced as you met his gaze, the playful banter giving way to something deeper. “That’s the least you can do,” you murmured, leaning into him.

“Anything for you,” Joe replied, his voice soft, his lips finally meeting yours.

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @iknowdatsrightbih @ikeepitlight @joeyfranchise @joeybsboo @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @nami-swannn

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

Drew Starkey x Sweetheart!Reader Headcanons

Sweetheart!Reader always……

memorizes Drew’s coffee orders, favorite snacks and foods, things he likes, and things that annoy him

Drew always……

Sneaks kisses on your cheek or forehead while he’s out with you. He’ll always hold your hand or put his hand on your back.

Sweetheart!Reader always……

Rehearses Drew’s lines for auditions and calms his nerves before any special events.

Drew always……

Wants to drive you where she’d like to be. Whether it’s Classes or Waffle House, he’s always up to drive you there. Sweetheart!Reader is……

Drew’s BIGGEST fan. Even when he tries to downplay his huge achievements, she always reminds him how talented and amazing he is.

Drew x Sweetheart!Reader……

Keep souvenirs/memorabilia from any adventure they go one. Dinner receipt? Kept. Movie tickets? Kept.

A/n:This is my first headcannon!! Blurbs coming soon. Thank you again to @nativegirltapes for the idea!!

Taglist: @strawberries-and-lots-of-kisses @blackynsupremacy @rafestify @pintrestgrl

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

I remember when I was in middle school and we had to run a mile. My mom was never athletic so she lied and emailed my coach telling him I had severe asthma so I couldn’t do it😭😭he actually believed it😭😭😭

footage of me doing nothing during pe

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

Joe x wife reader = romantic getaway

⋆·˚ ༘ *Husband!Joe x Wife!Reader ⋆·˚ ༘ *

The gentle hum of the plane’s engine was the only sound as you leaned your head on Joe’s shoulder, watching the horizon melt into shades of pink and gold. His fingers lazily traced patterns on the back of your hand, his touch warm and familiar. It was rare to get moments like this—just the two of you, away from the noise, away from his demanding schedule, and away from the endless pull of responsibilities. This trip was something you both needed, and the excitement of what lay ahead was already bubbling in your chest.

As the plane touched down on the private island, Joe turned to you with a grin, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ready for paradise?” he asked, squeezing your hand.

You nodded, a matching smile tugging at your lips. “Lead the way, Burrow.”

The resort was straight out of a dream: white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and your own private villa tucked away from the world. As you stepped into the villa, you couldn’t help but gasp. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the ocean, the soft sound of waves lapping at the shore creating an instant sense of calm. A king-sized bed draped in sheer white fabric sat in the center of the room, and outside on the deck, a private infinity pool sparkled under the sun.

Joe dropped your bags by the door and wrapped his arms around your waist from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder. “Worth it?” he murmured, his voice low and warm against your ear.

You leaned back into him, closing your eyes for a moment as you let the peace of the moment wash over you. “More than worth it,” you whispered. “This is perfect.”

The first day was spent doing nothing but relaxing. Joe insisted on carrying you into the pool, your laughter echoing through the air as he spun you around before gently lowering you into the water. You spent hours just floating there together, the weight of the world forgotten as you talked about everything and nothing. Later, he ordered room service—a luxurious spread of fresh seafood and tropical cocktails—and the two of you ate on the deck as the sun dipped below the horizon.

That evening, Joe surprised you with a candlelit bath on the deck, the tub filled with rose petals and the soft glow of lanterns casting a romantic light over the space. He poured you a glass of wine and slid into the water beside you, pulling you close until your back was resting against his chest.

“I’ve been looking forward to this,” he admitted, his voice soft as his fingers traced gentle patterns on your arm. “Just you and me. No distractions.”

You tilted your head to look up at him, your heart swelling at the tenderness in his eyes. “Me too,” you said, your voice just as quiet. “I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you.”

His expression softened further as he leaned down to kiss you, slow and sweet, as if he had all the time in the world. And in that moment, it felt like he did.

The next day, Joe insisted on taking you on an adventure. He rented a boat, and the two of you spent the morning exploring hidden coves and snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs. You laughed as he tried—and failed—to catch a fish with his bare hands, his competitive streak getting the better of him as he splashed around in the water. By the time you returned to the villa, your cheeks were sore from smiling, and your heart felt lighter than it had in months.

That evening, the resort had arranged a private dinner on the beach. A table for two was set up under a canopy of twinkling lights, the sound of the waves providing the perfect background music. Joe pulled out your chair for you, ever the gentleman, and the two of you shared a meal that felt like something out of a movie.

As the night went on, Joe reached across the table to take your hand, his thumb brushing over your wedding ring. “I know things have been hectic lately,” he said, his voice earnest. “But I want you to know how much you mean to me. How grateful I am for you—for us.”

You felt your throat tighten with emotion as you squeezed his hand. “I know, Joe. And I feel the same way. I wouldn’t trade this life with you for anything.”

He smiled then, that soft, boyish grin that never failed to make your heart flutter. “Good. Because I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

The night ended with the two of you dancing barefoot in the sand, the stars overhead and the world fading away until it was just you and him. As he held you close, his arms wrapped tightly around you, you realized that moments like this were what it was all about. No matter how busy life got, no matter the challenges that came your way, as long as you had each other, you had everything.

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @nami-swannn @iknowdatsrightbih @ikeepitlight @joeyfranchise @joeybsboo @funnyjb

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼ Meet-Cute ✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

✼Joe Burrow x Ambitious!reader✼

Based on this ask: Hi! Can I request a JB fic where the girl isn’t much interested in the NFL and really focused on work or maybe finding work and then meets Joe. Like their meet cute and him pining for her if that’s okay? Thank you

⭒❃.✮:▹ A/N: LOVEEEEE, this idea🫶🏾

Warnings: none…just fluff as fluffy as a marshmallow!!!

She wasn’t like the other people at the gym. Joe could tell that the second he spotted her on the treadmill, jogging like she was on a mission, earbuds firmly in, completely ignoring everything and everyone.

He wasn’t used to being ignored. People usually gave him a double-take or tried to sneak a photo. But she didn’t even glance his way, and for some reason, that made her more interesting.

Joe wiped his hands on his towel, telling himself to let it go. She probably didn’t want to be bothered. But when he saw her frowning at the screen on her treadmill like it had personally wronged her, he couldn’t help it. He wandered over, hopping onto the treadmill next to hers.

“Hey,” he said, pulling out one of his earbuds.

She startled, glancing at him briefly. “Uh, hi?”

“You’ve got a good pace going,” he said, throwing out the first thing that came to mind.

She snorted—an actual snort—and he liked her even more. “Sure, if the goal is ‘don’t collapse in public.’”

Joe chuckled, slowing his treadmill to match her pace. “That’s a solid goal.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled, and for a second, Joe forgot where he was. There was something about the way her face lit up that made him want to keep her smiling.

“I’m just trying to not freak out before this interview,” she admitted, pulling out her own earbuds.

“Big interview?” he asked, leaning a little closer.

“Sort of,” she said. “It’s my third one this week, and I’m trying to stay optimistic, but it’s been… rough.”

Joe nodded, genuinely interested. “What’s the job?”

“Marketing,” she said, grabbing her water bottle. “But everyone wants experience I don’t have.”

“That’s tough,” he said. “You’ll get there, though. Sounds like you’re hustling.”

Her lips twitched, like she wasn’t used to hearing that kind of encouragement. “Thanks. What about you? You here to blow off steam too?”

Joe hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “Kinda. I’m here for football. Gotta stay in shape.”

Her eyebrows raised. “You play football?”

“Yeah,” he said. “For the Bengals.”

She blinked at him, expression unreadable. “Like… professionally?”

“Yeah.”

There it was. The moment people usually lit up or started asking questions. But she just nodded like he’d told her he worked at the post office.

“Cool,” she said. “Not really my thing, but that’s cool.”

He couldn’t believe it. “You’re not a football fan?”

“Not really,” she said, smiling apologetically. “I mean, I know the basics, but I couldn’t name more than, like, two players. Sorry.”

Joe laughed, shaking his head. “That’s actually kinda nice.”

“What is?”

“Talking to someone who doesn’t care about all that,” he said honestly.

Her smile widened a little, and he felt his chest tighten. She had no idea who he was, but she was still talking to him like he mattered. He wanted to keep her here, to keep the conversation going, to learn more about the determined, slightly frazzled woman in front of him.

But she checked her watch and groaned. “I gotta go. Thanks for the pep talk, though. Uh… sorry, what was your name again?”

“Joe,” he said, grinning.

“Right. Well, thanks, Joe. Good luck with… football.”

As she walked away, Joe watched her go, his heart sinking a little. He didn’t even get her name.

Still, he couldn’t help the stupid smile that stayed on his face the rest of the day. And when he showed up at the gym the next morning at the same time, it wasn’t just for the workout.

Taglist: @joeybsboo @heavyhitterheaux @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @ikeepitlight @iknowdatsrightbih

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

Reader and Joe at LSU- football player x cheerleader trope

✧*̥˚Wishful Thinking˚

-ˋˏ[LSU!Joe Burrow x LSU cheerleader!reader]ˎˊ

The Louisiana heat clings to the air as the football team practices under the bright stadium lights. The cheer squad lines the sideline, running through routines, but your eyes keep drifting to Joe Burrow, the star quarterback. You swear he catches you staring every time he glances over, but you chalk it up to wishful thinking.

You’re mid-pyramid when a whistle blows, signaling the end of practice. The cheer squad collapses into laughter and chatter, packing up pom-poms and water bottles, but you can feel someone watching you.

“Hey! Y/N!”a deep voice calls from behind.

Turning, you see Joe, his helmet tucked under his arm, a playful grin on his face. His practice jersey clings to him in all the right ways, and his messy hair is damp with sweat.

“Hi, Joe,” you say, trying to sound casual, though your heart is pounding.

He gestures toward your cheer bag. “You guys work just as hard as we do out here. Maybe harder. You ever get tired of watching us?”

You laugh. “Not when the team’s this good.”

He steps closer, his grin widening. “Or is it just me you’re watching?”

Your cheeks heat up, but you don’t back down. “You think pretty highly of yourself, don’t you, Burrow?”

“Only because you give me a reason to,” he counters smoothly. “What do you say we grab some food after the game Friday? Win or lose, I owe you for all those cheers.”

You raise an eyebrow, pretending to consider it. “Only if you promise to throw at least three touchdowns. No pressure or anything.”

Joe chuckles, his confidence never wavering. “Deal. But just so you know, I’d have asked you even if we were playing dodgeball.” He pokes fun at your mistake.

You roll your eyes but can’t help smiling. “Alright, Burrow. Don’t mess up on my account.”

He winks, backing away toward his teammates. “Never.”

As he jogs off, you hear one of your cheer friends teasing, “Looks like you’ve got the QB’s attention.”

You can’t help but smile, watching him go. “Maybe.”

But inside, you’re already counting down the days to Friday night.

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @iknowdatsrightbih @ikeepitlight @blackynsupremacy @joeybsboo @funnyjb @tylerjeauxburreaux9

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

IM VERY WET😭😭

dbf!doctor!rafe with a clit fixation (is that a thing?) and when you’re laying against his bare chest you try lying to him and pretend you’re not horny when he accuses you

“what you thinking about?” And keeps prodding until you give him a snippy “nothing” and he says “mm…no, something’s definitely wrong” before sliding down between your legs and looking at your soaked panties “oh…wonder what’s under here” as he peels them aside “oh princess, knew you were upset about something; you were needy, weren’t you?” and barely grazing your throbbing bud, “look at this achy little clit, always so excited and ready for her daddy” and it’s only the start of the hours he’s gonna spend torturing you out of pleasure while you squirm and cry because that’s what you get for lying! : D

warnings — dbf!doctor!rafe, reader being needy, mention of oral (f. receiving), clit fixation (idk either if it's a thing, but it is now !)

the two of you lay in bed, cuddling into his side with one of your legs thrown over his lap, trying your best not to squirm each time his fingers trailed up and down your thigh. he pressingly prodded, trying to get you to admit you were horny when he noticed your persistent squirming. "what are you thinking about, hm?" he hummed, "nothing," you huffed, further pressing yourself against him.

"nothing, huh? no, something's definitely wrong. why don't you tell daddy what's wrong? or should i find out for myself?" he teased, his hand sliding down to reach between your legs. he curls his fingers under the lace material, "huh, wonder what's under this pretty little thing," he teased, peeling them aside.

a throaty groan travels up his throat at the sight of your glistening pussy, "oh princess...you're nothin' but a dirty little liar; knew you were upset about something; you were needy, weren't you? your pussy's been aching for my touch." your hips buck as his finger just barely grazed your throbbing clit, "and look at this sweet little clit, always so excited and ready for daddy."

you whine, grabbing ahold of his wrist to guide his fingers to your sensitive bud. "so fuckin' needy," he tsks, finally giving what you want and circling your clit with slow, deliberate strokes. he dips his head into the crook of your neck, leaving open-mouthed kisses on your flesh, his fingers adding more pressure.

you squirm against him, pathetically trying to grind against his fingers for more friction on your poor clit. small pleas spill from you, whimpering for him to make you cum, and when he does, he guides you to lay on your back, his hands hooking under your thighs while spreading you open, slotting himself between them. a choked sob rips from you when his tongue flicks against your pulsing clit, sucking it into his mouth.

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

JB request Please.

Reader and Joe get into an argument that has them questioning their future with each other.

˗ˏˋWhat’s left for us?´ˎ˗

ꕥJoe Burrow x Reader ꕥ

SYNOPSIS:

The relationship between Joe and You has been strained due to your clashing schedules. You’ve been deeply immersed in finding stable work, while Joe’s demanding NFL career keeps him constantly on the go. The tension reaches its boiling point after Joe unexpectedly cancels your dinner plans for a last-minute team meeting.

You pace the living room, the untouched takeout containers growing colder by the minute. You’ve been waiting for over an hour, your frustration building. Joe finally walks in, his hair damp from the rain and his phone still in hand.

“Hey,” he says, his tone light as if nothing’s wrong. “Sorry, the meeting ran longer than I thought—”

“Are you kidding me, Joe?” You cut him off, your voice sharp. “Do you know how long I’ve been sitting here? Waiting?”

Joe frowns, clearly caught off guard. “I said I’m sorry. It wasn’t something I could just skip.”

“That’s the problem!” You exclaim, throwing your hands in the air. “Everything else in your life feels like a priority except me! How am I supposed to fit into this, Joe? Or do you even want me to?”

His face hardens, defensive. “That’s not fair. You knew what you were signing up for when we started this. My career isn’t something I can just put on hold.”

“I’m not asking you to put it on hold,” you snap. “I’m asking you to make an effort. To show me that I matter as much as football does.”

Joe’s jaw tightens. “You think I don’t care? I’ve been trying to balance everything, but it’s not enough for you, is it? You want me to choose—”

“I want you to stop making me feel like an afterthought!” You yell, your voice breaking.

The room falls silent.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he says quietly, his voice laced with vulnerability. “But I don’t know how to do this better. Help me figure it out, please.”

You blink back tears, torn between anger and the love you still feel for him. “I can’t be the only one trying, Joe. If we’re going to make this work, we both have to want it. Do you?”

Joe steps closer, reaching for her hand. “I do. More than anything. Just… don’t give up on me.”

Your gaze softens, though the hurt remains. “I won’t. But we have to start being honest with each other. No more pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.”

Joe nods, his grip on your hand firm. “Deal.”

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @joeybsboo @blackynsupremacy @ikeepitlight @iknowdatsrightbih @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @funnyjb

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼ Meet-Cute ✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

✼Joe Burrow x Ambitious!reader✼

✼pt.2✼

Joe showed up at the gym the next morning, earlier than usual. It wasn’t like he was desperate or anything—he just happened to feel like switching up his routine.

Right. Sure.

He scanned the room as he walked in, towel slung over his shoulder, trying to be casual. And there she was, back on the treadmill, jogging at that same determined pace. You were focused, earbuds in, and entirely in your own world.

Joe wandered over to the free weights, pretending to stretch while sneaking glances at her. You had no idea he was there—again. It was kind of infuriating but also weirdly endearing.

He waited until you slowed to a walk, then grabbed a bottle of water and made his way over, trying to act like he wasn’t counting every step.

“Hey,” he said casually, hopping onto the treadmill next to hers.

You glanced over, eyebrows raising in recognition. “Oh. Football guy.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s one way to remember me.”

“Joe, right?” You said, wiping your forehead with her sleeve.

He grinned, absurdly pleased you remembered. “Yeah. And you are…?”

Your face lit up with a sheepish smile. “Oh. I never told you, did I? It’s Y/N.”

“Y/N,” he repeated, testing it out. “Nice to officially meet you.”

You slowed her treadmill to a stop and hopped off, grabbing your water bottle. “So, Joe, you always this friendly, or do you just make it a habit to harass strangers on treadmills?”

“Only the ones who look like they’re having a terrible time,” he shot back, smiling.

You laughed, “Fair enough. And what about you? Back for round two of your usual routine?”

“Something like that,” he said. “Thought I’d see if you got the job.”

Your smile faltered, and you shook your head. “Not this time. But there’s always next week.”

“Sorry to hear that,” he said, genuinely meaning it. “What are they, blind? They don’t know what they’re missing.”

You gave him a look, like you couldn’t tell if he was serious or just being nice. “I don’t know about that, but thanks. What about you? Big game coming up?”

He hesitated, realizing she had no idea who he really was. She didn’t know about the upcoming season, the pressure, or the fact that half the city expected him to carry the Bengals back to the playoffs.

“Yeah, something like that,” he said, keeping it vague. “But, uh, I wouldn’t want to bore you with football stuff.”

“Good call,” you said with a grin.

He laughed again, unable to help himself. God, she was something else.

As you grabbed her stuff to leave, he blurted out, “Hey, can I get your number?”

You froze, glancing back at him with a mix of surprise and amusement. “You want my number?”

He nodded, trying to keep his cool. “You know, so I can check in on how the job hunt’s going. Strictly motivational purposes.”

“Right,” you said, biting back a smile. “Motivational.”

Joe shrugged, his grin widening. “You seem like you could use a good cheerleader.”

You paused, then reached into your bag and pulled out a scrap of paper. Scribbling something down, you handed it to him.

“Don’t make me regret this, Football Guy.”

He took the paper, feeling a rush of victory. “I won’t. Promise.”

As you walked away, he glanced down at the number, your name written neatly underneath.

This time, he knew exactly who you were. And there was no way he was letting yiu slip away again.

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @inmyfeelingsgnocchi @joeybsboo @funnyjb @crispppykreme @nami-swannn @tylerjeauxburreaux9 @platinumsim

@joeyfranchise @blackynsupremacy

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

Can you do the career day thing for jack as well? 🫣

I’m bout to read the one you did for joe

🍓

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･Career Day! ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The kindergarten classroom was buzzing with excitement, tiny voices chattering about the different parents coming to talk about their jobs. Your daughter, Ava, was practically bouncing in her seat, clutching Jack’s hand as they waited for their turn.

“Are you nervous, Daddy?” Ava whispered, her curls bouncing as she tilted her head up at him.

Jack grinned, adjusting his curly hair and the microphone he brought for his little “demo.” “Nervous? Me? Nah, I’ve played for crowds bigger than this.” He winked at her, earning a giggle.

When it was Ava’s turn, she marched up to the front of the room, pulling Jack along. “This is my dad! He’s Jack Harlow, and he’s a rapper!” she announced proudly, her voice ringing with confidence.

The kids gasped, a few whispering to each other. One boy blurted out, “What’s a rapper?”

Jack crouched down to their level, smiling warmly. “A rapper is someone who tells stories with music. I write songs and perform them for people all over the world.”

“Can you rap for us?” another kid asked, eyes wide.

Jack chuckled, glancing at Ava. “What do you think, Ava? Should I?”

Ava nodded enthusiastically, clapping her hands. “Yes, do the one about me!”

He stood up, grabbing the microphone he’d brought, and beatboxed a simple rhythm. Then he rapped a playful, kid-friendly verse he wrote just for the day:

“My name’s Jack Harlow, and I’m here to say,

My daughter Ava makes my every day.

She’s smart, she’s kind, she’s cooler than me,

The best little boss you’ll ever see!”

The kids erupted into cheers and applause. Ava beamed, looking at her classmates. “Told you my dad is the coolest!”

Jack spent the rest of his time answering questions like, “Do you know Taylor Swift?” and “Can you sing about my dog?” He even helped the kids come up with their own simple rhymes, which they performed together.

As they left the classroom, Ava squeezed Jack’s hand. “You’re the best dad ever.”

Jack smiled down at her, his heart full. “And you’re my favorite audience, baby girl.”

Taglist: @strawberries-and-lots-of-kisses @blackynsupremacy @ikeepitlight @harlowsbby @harlowcomehome

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

💗💗💗

how joe and college!reader met

masterlist

i know joe’s college career is a little “unusual” with transfer portal, graduating early, etc, but for simplicity im just gonna say he spent two years at OSU and two at LSU before graduating. there’s some star wars talk/reference in here but nothing too deep lol

Y/n tapped the top of her pen against her chin, mindlessly stirring her coffee as she waited for the rest of her classmates to shuffle in. Junior year at LSU was off to a bold start with Statistics in Economics bright and early at 9 am.

“Um, is this seat taken?” A voice pulled y/n out of her thoughts. She looked up and was greeted by a rather tall young man with a head of blonde hair and a kind smile. She hadn’t remembered ever seeing him around campus, but something about him seemed strangely familiar.

“No, you’re good.” Y/n said, flashing him a quick smile as he took his seat. Y/n watched as he shuffled through his LSU branded backpack and began to pull out his laptop, freezing part of the way through.

“This is Statistics in Economics, right?” The boy turned to y/n, a worried expression on his face.

“Yes it is.” Y/n giggled as the boy let out an exaggerated sigh before putting his laptop down on the table in front of them..

“Sorry, I just… I’m a transfer and am still getting used to everything.” The boy chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. Y/n nodded, gnawing on her lip as she watched his leg bounce underneath the table.

“Where did you transfer from?” Y/n asked, hoping a bit of small talk would help to soothe her classmates' obvious nervousness.

“Ohio State,” the boy nodded. “It’s in… Ohio, obviously.”

“Yeah?” Y/n teased. “Why LSU?”

“Well… I play football.” The boy said, his voice low, as if the revelation was some sort of secret. Y/n nodded, her expression neutral. The boy was thankful, gathering within the short time he’d been at LSU that people tended to freak out about football… well most people.

“Hmm.” Y/n said simply, the familiarity she had felt earlier maybe starting to clear up. She had remembered something about a new quarterback transferring from OSU, what was his name? Jack? Jim? Honestly, she didn’t follow football close enough to remember.

“I’m Joe, by the way. Probably should introduce myself.” The boy laughed. Ah, Joe, that was it.

“Y/n.” Y/n responded, smiling simply. “It’s nice to meet you, Joe.”

“It’s nice to meet you, y/n.” Joe responded, returning her smile as his eyes flicked over her before landing on the laptop that sat closed in front of her. Immediately, he noticed the large Star Wars sticker that adorned the case.

“You a big Star Wars fan?” Joe cleared his throat, pointing to the R2-D2 on her laptop. She followed his gaze, looking down at it before looking back at him with a nervous chuckle.

“Uh, yeah. I was practically raised on the movies.” Y/n said as she took a sip of her coffee, her fingers tracing lightly along the edge of the sticker as she waited for the inevitable teasing that was about to come from the athlete.

“Same,” Joe scooted his chair further underneath the table, turning to face her as he propped his forearms onto the table. “I think I can quote the entirety of Empire Strikes Back.”

“Really?” Y/n quirked a brow. “I mean I’m more of a Return of the Jedi girl, but I understand.”

“So you like the Ewoks?” Joe teased, leaning in with an exaggerated scoff that caused a giggle to escape y/n’s lips.

“Oh c’mon, they’re cute! Don’t be heartless.” Y/n shook her head, looking away from Joe’s intense gaze.

“I’m not heartless! I like ‘cute’ things, just not those bears.” Joe shrugged before slumping back in his chair, his legs spread wide in front of him as he crossed his arms across his chest. The hem of his shorts rode up his legs, revealing the tanned skin of his well toned thighs. His t-shirt shifted as he crossed his arms, the muscles of his arms on proud display. His teasing smile was— well, she sure wasn’t immune to the boy's charm, especially his Star Wars knowledge.

“What kind of ‘cute’ things do you like, hmm? I can’t imagine big bad football player Joe cuddling up with a stuffed Yoda.” Y/n said, turning her chair to face him.

“How’d you know I have a stuffed Yoda?” Joe furrowed his brows, his expression quickly turning serious before cracking into a smile that made y/n roll her eyes.

“In all seriousness,” Joe said, scooting closer to y/n as he spoke, her crossed legs now resting between his spread legs. “I like… cats, I’m a big cat guy.”

“Well, I guess those are pretty cute.” Y/n shrugged.

“What about you? What do you like?” Joe asked, propping his elbow up on the table and resting his head. Y/n bit her lip for a second, thinking about her response as her eyes trailed over to her drink sitting on her desk.

“I like watching movies, going on walks, coffee from cute little cafes.” Y/n said simply. As she spoke, it was almost like she’d known Joe for years, the conversation flowing smoothly as the two of them sat comfortably next to each other.

“Well, which cute little cafes do you recommend? Y’know, maybe for someone new to the area or something.” Joe teased, his eyes watching intently as y/n talked, his ears holding on every word she said.

“Well, I would probably recommend Java Joe’s.” Y/n grinned.

“Yeah, I might have to try that out,” Joe sighed, turning to rest his face in his hand “These 9 ams are gonna be the death of me I can feel it.”

“Agreed.” Y/n nodded, watching as Joe slowly began to peek through his fingers at her, causing her to laugh as her cheeks began to warm.

“Well, hopefully I’ll see you there and we can continue our Star Wars discussion, y/n.” Joe said, his attention remaining on her.

“Yeah, I’d like that, Joe.” Y/n smiled, her eyes only leaving him when the lights dimmed, signalling the start of class.

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

|Preview of “Video Games”

|Joe Burrow x Sports Journalist!Reader

In the fast-paced world of sports journalism, you were a rising star. Your insightful analyses and compelling stories had earned you a reputation as one of the most promising reporters in the industry. Yet, despite your success, you felt a void—a longing for a connection that transcended the professional realm.

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, was a name that resonated across the nation. His on-field prowess was matched only by his off-field humility and charm. You had followed his career closely, admiring his resilience and leadership.

One crisp autumn morning, you were assigned to cover a press conference featuring Joe Burrow. The room buzzed with reporters eager to dissect the game’s every moment. As Joe entered, his eyes met yours, and for a fleeting second, the noise of the room faded.

After the press conference, you approached Joe for a one-on-one interview. You found a quiet corner in the stadium, away from the hustle and bustle.

“Joe,” you began, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

“Of course,” Joe replied with a warm smile. “I’m always happy to chat.”

Over the next hour, you delved into deeper conversations—Joe’s journey from college football to the NFL, and your path from a small-town reporter to a national correspondent. Laughter flowed easily between you, and the connection you felt was undeniable.

As the interview concluded, Joe handed you a folded piece of paper.

“I hope we can continue this conversation,” he said softly.

You unfolded the paper to find a handwritten note with his phone number and a simple message: “Coffee tomorrow?”

Surprised yet elated, you agreed.

The next morning, you met at a local café known for its quiet ambiance and excellent brews. Over steaming cups of coffee, you continued your conversation, exploring your shared interests and dreams.

As the morning sun filtered through the café windows, casting a warm glow on your table, Joe leaned forward, his expression earnest.

“I know our worlds are different,” he said softly, “but I feel something real between us.”

You smiled, your heart full.

“Me too,” you whispered.

From that moment on, your relationship blossomed. You navigated the challenges of your respective careers, finding solace and strength in each other. Your love story became a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the most profound.

However, as your bond deepened, you found yourself facing a dilemma. Ethan, a fellow reporter and close friend, had been a constant presence in your life. Your shared experiences and mutual respect had always hinted at a deeper connection. Recently, Ethan had begun expressing his feelings more openly, making it clear that he was interested in taking your relationship beyond friendship.

You were torn. Ethan was someone you trusted and cared for deeply. Yet, your feelings for Joe were undeniable. You didn’t want to hurt Ethan, but you also couldn’t ignore the profound connection you shared with Joe.

One evening, as you sat alone in your apartment, contemplating your feelings, your phone buzzed. It was a message from Joe:

“Thinking of you. Hope we can see each other soon.”

A smile tugged at your lips. You felt a warmth spread through you at the thought of Joe. But then, your phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Ethan:

“I can’t stop thinking about you. I think we should talk.”

Your heart sank. You knew you couldn’t keep avoiding the conversation with Ethan.

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Message me to be added to the Taglist

[v3n1ce-bxtch]

・❥・ Celebrity Crush Realized ・❥・

•Chapter 1•

It started as a random night out. Your friends, knowing how much you loved Drew Starkey’s work, managed to snag tickets to the premiere of his latest movie in your city. You protested at first—you had an exam next week and a mountain of assignments to finish—but they wouldn’t take no for an answer.

The event was nothing short of glamorous. Red carpets, flashing cameras, and fans crowded around to catch a glimpse of the stars. You felt wildly out of place in your casual dress, but your friends hyped you up.

When Drew stepped onto the carpet, your heart skipped a beat. He looked even better in person—charming, confident, and somehow larger than life. Your friends teased you mercilessly as they snapped photos, but you just laughed it off, pretending not to care too much.

After the movie, they somehow convinced you to attend the after-party at a nearby venue. The room buzzed with energy, filled with industry people mingling, laughing, and sipping on expensive cocktails. You stuck close to your friends, not expecting anything to happen.

And then you saw him. Drew Starkey, leaning casually against the bar, talking to a small group. You froze.

“You should go talk to him,” one of your friends whispered, nudging you forward.

“No way!” you hissed, cheeks flushing.

But fate had other plans. As you tried to retreat to the quieter side of the room, you accidentally bumped into someone.

“Whoa, you okay?” a deep voice asked.

You looked up, heart sinking into your stomach. It was Drew.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” you stammered, feeling heat rush to your face. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

He chuckled, and it was warm, genuine. “No harm done. Are you enjoying the night?”

You nodded, trying to collect yourself. “Yeah, it’s been… surreal. The movie was amazing, by the way.”

“Thank you,” he said, his smile widening. “Are you in the industry?”

You laughed nervously. “Oh, no. I’m just a college student. My friends dragged me here because I’m a fan. Honestly, I feel a little out of place.”

“Well, you don’t look out of place,” he said, surprising you. “I’m glad they dragged you. What are you studying?”

The two of you started talking, and to your surprise, the conversation flowed easily. He asked about your classes, your interests, even your favorite scenes from the movie. He seemed genuinely interested, leaning closer to hear you over the music.

At some point, your friends caught your eye from across the room, giving you thumbs-ups and exaggerated winks. You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide your smile.

As the night wound down, Drew turned to you with a soft grin. “I’m glad we bumped into each other. Can I give you my number? Maybe we can keep in touch?”

You blinked, sure you’d misheard. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he said, pulling out his phone. “I’d love to hear more about how your studies are going. And… I kind of like talking to you.”

You exchanged numbers, still in disbelief. When you left the party that night, your friends practically tackled you with excitement.

And as you lay in bed later, staring at Drew’s name in your phone, you couldn’t help but think that your friends had been right all along—this was a night you’d never forget.

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[v3n1ce-bxtch]

·˚ ◌༘͙ Off to the Races! ˊ

•Chapter 1•

WC: 2862

TW: age gap(Rafe is in his 40s, reader is in their early twenties but is 19 or twenty in this chapter), cussing, L-bomb, death, and underage drinking

Some people are more equal than others.

This was just the case for you. You were the average girl from The Cut, impoverished and frugal. But you had it all, good grades, a pretty face that even the Kook girls were jealous of, an amazing singing voice which you displayed at country club talent shows you’d snuck into with Lottie, and you had the best friends ever —Nora and Lottie, Mr. Thorton’s daughters— and on occasion when he chooses to be nice, Kayden Thorton. The Thorton’s were the only Kook family that even let you near their children. You’d met them after you got a scholarship to Outer Banks Academy, a private high school. The academy required any students applying there to take an exam and write an essay on why they wanted to go there. That policy was for non-Kooks only, Kooks got in for free as long as their parents were rich enough. Another thing that boosted your chances was the fact your mother had been a house-keeper around Figure 8; even though she was from the Cut, everyone seemed to love her. You didn’t understand it. The first day at the Academy you were by yourself, but by the second day, the Thorton girls were buzzing around you. Next thing you know, you’re at sleepovers and parties with them, they let you borrow their clothes and they’re taking you on vacations with them. They never seemed to care that you weren’t like them. They’d been with you for the most tragic parts of your life, like when you were in your Junior year of High School and your parents were lost in a tropical storm. They’d gone for one of their monthly boat picnics, then the storm hit. The girls didn’t leave your side as you asked for updates from the Coat Guards. The Thorton’s let you stay for a few weeks after the event.Ever since OBX Academy, you were like their sister. Tonight, you were getting ready for the Outer Banks Annual Gala hosted by Mr. Cameron —who happened to be Mr. Thorton’s best friend— and whatever woman he paraded on his arm that year. Lottie and Nora were already ready since they wanted to get you all ready so you could make “an unforgettable, beautiful imprint on Kook society” as Lottie put it.

She was throwing out a plethora of her designer dresses from her walk-in closet. “Okay, Y/N, this is the night!” she huffed, picking them up from the floor and laying them out on her bed. “I need you to choose what dress you’d like, then we’ll do your makeup and hair!”

Nora interjected, “Don’t forget about shoes!”

“Yes! Shoes!” Lottie ran back into the closet.

You sighed, starstruck. “There’s so many options.” You ran your finger over each dress, studying them. You took a full stop on a pink dress with a floral design on it. You held it up and showed Nora, who was planning your makeup look. “What do you think?”

She looked up, her mouth agape. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” She scurried up to you. “This is perfect!! I need to get you my Vivienne Westwood jewelry set to match!!” She hurried out of the room, then peaked back in. “I’ll be right back!” Then she walked back out. You couldn’t help but giggle at her reaction. You went behind Lottie’s changing screen and changed into the dress. You the. admired yourself in the mirror. The only person who you wanted to impress was Mr. Cameron, knowing him meant connections. Connections for you to become a successful popstar. Plus, He liked his women in pink.Lottie walked in with the heels and squealed after seeing how you looked in the dress. “Perfect! Yes!” She handed you the shoes and you sat on her vanity chair to put them on. “I assumed right,” she said, smiling big.

You giggled. “Y’all are the best, seriously.” Nora ran back in with the jewelry, which she helped you put on, and then they got started on your hair and makeup. After about 40 minutes, Kayden, who was your “date”, was banging on Lottie’s door.

“Hurry it up! We’ve got 20 minutes to get there! The beer’s probably out!” he yelled.

“Shut up!” you all said in unison.

You walked into Tannyhill with such confidence. You felt all eyes on you with every step you took.

Kayden whispered in your ear, “Oh wow, I never thought anyone’d look at you like this.” He subtly pointed at a few guys who licked their lips and scanned your body over. Kayden chuckled. “I don’t blame ‘em, you look good.” You gasped. “Kayden Tyler Thorton, giving a compliment? Unheard of!” You giggle.

He walked you guys through the house and to the backyard, to a table where the sisters and their dates were.

He smiled. “But seriously, you look really pretty.” He discreetly pulled out a flask from his suit jacket and handed it to you. “It’s the good stuff.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’re 21, you don’t need to be sneaking around liquor.”

He nodded. “But you aren’t.”

“So?”

“This is Kook land, Y/N. Particularly a gala-” He was interrupted.

“Well, Well, Well! If it isn’t the little singer!” A deep voice boomed throughout the yard. Everyone around the table looked in the direction of the noise.

Rafe Cameron. Just who you wanted to see tonight. You fixed your hair a bit, and smoothed you dress out, making sure you looked your best for him. Then you paused. Why did you care so much what he thought?

He continued, “Y/N, right?”

You nodded swiftly.

He chuckled. “You and Lottie used to sneak into the talent shows at the country club during y’alls senior year. Y/N, your voice was phenomenal.”

Hearing your name come out of his mouth made you shiver. You found yourself studying him for a few seconds before responding again.

You smiled shyly. “Thank you, Mr. Cameron.” Kayden put his arm around your shoulder, as if to clarify who you were to him.

Rafe sighed and took a sip of his Hennessy. “Y’know, I was hoping the girls would drag you here. The singer we booked got a bad cold.” He paused and took another sip. “I was thinking maybe you could sing.” He smiled. “What’d you say to that?”

Suddenly, everyone at the table trained their eyes on you, waiting for your answer. This it it. An entrance into your big break. Connections. Fame. Money.

“I’ll do it!” You nodded quickly, sneaking the flask back into Kayden’s lap.

Rafe took your hand and walked you to the gazebo. He tapped on the microphone, still holding your hand. “Welcome Everyone to The Annual Outer Banks Charity Gala!” He paused for the loud applause that followed after.

“Thank you to all the sponsors. All that’s donated goes to bettering the community.” He paused again for applause. “As every year, we always have a special entertainer. But unfortunately, our planned entertainer got sick. But thank goodness for the wonderful talent right here!” He motioned his free hand to you. “Introducing, Miss Y/N L/N!”

He leaned in and spoke into your ear, “Come find me after, I wanna talk to you.” He smirked, and stepped off the stage and the applause began.

All you could think of was what Rafe wanted to talk to you about. You looked into the crowd and saw Rafe spectating from the second floor balcony.

The instrumental of ‘Be my Baby’ by the Ronettes began. Luckily, you knew all the words by heart. Your angelic voice floated through the crisp night air.

You ended the song and smiled before walking off the stage, not even taking the time to bask in the applause. You walked into the house and hurried upstairs, confused. You didn’t know what room he was in. You closed your eyes, sighing.

“Right here, Darlin’.” You felt a familiar hand on your back. You whipped your head around to face Rafe.

“You were looking f’me right?” He’d taken his suit jacket off. His dress shirt hugged his body perfectly, outlining his biceps.

You nodded. “You told me to come find you.”

He smirked. “I like people who listen, good girl.” You felt a shiver run down your spine at that. He took your hand. “I wanna talk to you in my office.” You nodded, not saying a word, and followed behind him.

He closed his office door behind you. The room had dark wood shelves filled with books, a drink cart, a few maps on the walls, pictures, and a table with a computer. Rafe pulled out a chair for you before walking to the drink cart.

“What do you drink, Darlin’?” He rolled his sleeves up and grabbed a glass.

“Oh, I don’t drink, still twenty!”

He chuckled. “Don’t lie to me Darlin’. I remember that party. You didn’t care about underage drinking then, huh?”

You looked in your lap, your face burning. “Oh, you remember?”

He poured you a simple Rosé. He handed you the drink before squatting down next to you. He put his hand on your chin, bringing up your face. “There’s nothin’ to be shy about. It’s happened to me before, sweet thing.”

He got back up. “Well, I brought you here cause I wanted to discuss a potential Career. You’ve considered being a singer, right?”

You nodded. “Yeah, but I don’t know where to start.”

“That’s where I come in. I’ve got connections in the industry. Before the blink of an eye you’d be with the big shots.”

You finally took a sip of the wine, savoring the taste you had missed.

“Y’know, you’re also marketable. Pretty, a real talent, and kind. A real people’s princess.” It sounded like he was daydreaming.

The offer was painfully tempting. You’d be where you’d wanted to be with no struggle. Like Rafe said, you were pretty and had talent. What was stopping you from accepting?

“What’s going on up in that pretty head of yours?” He poured more wine in your cup. You looked down to see that your cup was empty. You had absentmindedly been drinking it while you were thinking.

“I’d hate to be an inconvenience. You’ve got so much going on, Mr. Cameron. You’re a Businessman.”

He shook his head. “I have all the time for you.” He beckoned you to stand up, putting your cup down. “I’ll be by your side the whole time.”

“You promise?” You absentmindedly gave him puppy eyes that made him melt, not even realizing it.

“I promise.” He held your hands in his, making you gulp in shock and excitement, freezing for a second. “Anywhere you need to be, I’ll be there. Anything you need, I’ll get it. Anything you want, I’ll give it to you.”

You nodded. “Fine. I’ll do it!”

He hugged you and spun you around. “You’re not gonna regret this, I’ll make you go far.” He kissed you cheek and put you back down. You gave him a shy smile.

He patted your shoulder. “Let’s get back to the party, I’ll find ya soon to sign paperwork.”

You nodded. “Okay.” He opened the door, letting you go first and following after you. You skipped down the stairs, feeling elated about the offer. You parted ways as you walked back out to the yard and Kayden was the first to greet you.

“Y/N, you did amazing!” He hugged you.

You smiled. “Thank you, I was kinda nervous since I was put on the spot.”

“Well, you kept your cool.”

You both stood in silence for a while.

“Hey, uhm. Do you wanna get outta here? I mean, my sisters are occupied with their boyfriends. We can go to the yacht now.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

“Shouldn’t we let them know?”

“You can text ‘em later.” He put his hand on your lower back. “It’ll be our own party.” He smiled.

You smiled back. “Finee.”

He drove back to the Thorton Residence and parked on the driveway. He opened the door for you and led you through the back gate to the little dock.

He got onto the yacht and held out a hand for you. “Watch your step, Princess.”

You rolled your eyes and took his hand, stepping into the boat. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You look like one.” He winked.

You pushed him playfully. “Alright, quit it.”

You sat down on one of the couches in the yacht’s living room. “What’d you wanna say to me?”

He got two Budlights from the fridge, tossed one to you, and opened his own. “I’m just gonna be straight up, Y/N.”

You nodded. “I’m listening…” You took a sip of your beer.

“I know what Mr. Cameron wants.”

Your heart raced. “What?”

“Y/N, I heard the conversation. I just wanna keep you safe. Regardless of Mr. Cameron being my dad’s best friend, he’s bad news. He’s in bad business.” He sat next to you.

“Kayden. I’m responsible for myself.” You scoffed. “And you shouldn’t eavesdrop on people.” You stood up walking towards the door, slamming your beer on the coffee table.

“Y/N! Come on! I’m just trying to keep you safe! People don’t respect Mr. Cameron-“ He sighed. “They’re afraid of what he’ll do to them. He’s not afraid to get blood on his hands. You remember the Officer Peterkin case?”

You nodded. “What does he have to do with it?” You crossed your arms.

“Rafe did it.” He deadpanned.

“How would you know that’s true?” You shook you head, refusing to believe it.

“My Dad’s ex saw it with her own eyes. Sarah Cameron, she saw it.” He walked up to you, putting his hands on your shoulders. “Y/N. Just believe me.”

You bit the inside of your cheek. “I don’t wanna talk about this.”

“Fine.” He closed his eyes. “Y/N, I fucking love you.”

“I-“ you shrugged his hands off your shoulders. “Kay, what the hell?”

Kayden opened his eyes. “Anytime I think of you. I-,” he paced the room, frantically running his fingers through his hair. “-I can’t think straight anymore. Anytime I hear you voice, whether you’re singing or not, I can’t get you out of my head,” his voice became more erratic. “I see you, and you’re all I can think about. You’re nice. You’re beautiful. You’re everything a guy could ask for.” He stopped, his back facing you.

“Why now?”

“I’ve been fighting this off for years, Y/N! Fuck! Even Lottie and Nora know!” He turned back to you, rolling up his sleeve and pointing at a bracelet on his hand. You’d made it for him during Junior Year when he didn’t have a Valentine that year. He inched closer to you. “You remember this?”

“Yeah…,” you looked at the ground. Of course you remembered. That was the same year you considered having feelings for him, but he was different. He wasn’t as nice as now. He never looked your way then, so you gave it up.

“That’s when it started. I could never look at you the same. You kept me awake at night.”

You shook your head. “No, Kay. No.”

“What?” He paused, looking at you.

“Don’t ruin what we have…” Your throat began tightening and your eyes were burning.

He sighed. “That’s impossible for me!”

“Just stop!” The tears started. “Not now! Why now? I have aspirations! I don’t need love right now!” You huffed, balling your hands into fists at your sides. “You wanna go to Law School. I wanna be a singer. You’ve been a Kook all your life. I’m just a girl from The Cut whose parents died.”

“So? I still love you!”

“I’d be a fucking social climber! I’d be a fucking gold digger!”

“No, you wouldn’t!”

“That’s what they’d all say! Even your own parents!” You opened the door and slammed it behind you, hurrying off the boat. You took your heels off and ran out of the yard.

You collided into what felt like a firm wall, bumping into Rafe.

“Whoa, Y/N. What’s wrong, Darlin’?” Rafe wrapped you in his arms. It was as if he knew what you needed, not even asking you for permission just as if you two were close already.

“Nothing” you sobbed out into his shirt, wrapping your arms around his torso.

“Sh, Sh, Sh. ‘S okay. Whatever it is, ‘S okay.” He kissed the top of your head. “You wanna come back to my house?” You nodded into his chest.

“The party’s over. Your friends are on their way home. You sure you don’t wanna stay there?” he asked.

“I can’t go back. I’ll text them tomorrow. I can’t see him.” You wiped your eyes.

“Alright, I understand. Dinners waitin’ for ya”. He picked you up and you wrapped your legs around his torso. He lifted you like you weighed as much as a swan’s feather. He opened the passenger seat door of his Cadillac. You buckled your seat belt and he began driving back to Tannyhill.

A/N: TYSMMM TO @strawberries-and-lots-of-kisses FOR EDITING THISSS

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