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bio-hazard · 6 months ago

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Now I've Found A Real Love (You'll Never Fool Me Again)

Charlie Slimecicle x Reader Fake Dating

ladies and gentlefish it's finally done. i think this is the longest fanfiction i've ever written and i cut a large portion of it out just to be able to get it done before christmas so i hope that you guys enjoy this (please enjoy this. i'll cry.)

15k words, only warnings for implied weed and cheating, drinking and a lot of guilt. i don't know why i gave reader anxiety. SFW with a few suggestive jokes but minors please dni with my work !! happy holidays ppl !!!!

. 🎄 . 🎁 . 🎄 .

Christmas time is supposed to be the “most magical time of the year”, with love and joy spread through the hearts of many. Apparently that wasn’t in the cards for you this year. You were supposed to go home for Christmas week with your boyfriend to introduce him to your family. Everything was going so well and you had been hyping him up for months now, bragging about how he was the perfect boyfriend.

Until he made you eat those words a day before you were supposed to leave, sitting among clothes and general things you would need for the week scattered around your bed when your phone buzzed and lit up to show the lockscreen of you kissing his cheek.

“hey so. i hate to say this but i dont think this is going to work out. i dont want to see you hurt and your a great person but i dont think im ready to meet your family yet. i think i should spend time alone to find myself. its not your fault ml”

Your smile fell as you read over the message again and again.

“merry xmas btw”

After a couple hours of coping very healthily and no emotional outbursts whatsoever, you wiped the last of your tears. Okay. This was fine! It was a single day before you were supposed to drive home and see almost all of your extended family for an entire week, and the man you had made sound like a fairy tale prince just dumped you over text!

If you showed up there, heartbroken and alone, you would never hear the end of it from all sides of the family.

…

You needed a new boyfriend.

Running through the list of people you knew would probably be easier than trying to find a stranger within a day, but you quickly ran into the issue that your family already knew most of your friends, and none would be able to easily pass as a boyfriend for a whole week without blowing it. So you moved on to secondary friends. People you had the number of for classes or your neighbours, people in your study group. Nothing. You fell back against your bed and stared at your contact list hopelessly, scrolling up and down as if that would make some new number magically appear. You had to face the reality of the situation; You were screwed.

The next morning you picked yourself up and got ready, showering and packing the rest of whatever items you hadn’t already shoved into a bag. The idea of cancelling on your study group appealed to you greatly, but some part of your mind reminded you that you had notes that a few of the others needed to copy down, and you wanted to stay in their good graces. So you gathered every inch of mental tape you had and held yourself together until you resembled a stable human being, and locked the door behind you as you left.

Walking into the library, the warmth hugged your face and you let out a quiet sigh as you loosened your scarf, kicked the snow off your boots, and moved deeper into the building to find the usual area everyone gathered in. It was a long table toward the back that a handful of you had claimed weekly for study meets. One of your close friends and a few others who had the same class, and a few who just liked the company and atmosphere. You knew everyone there by name and occasionally after studying you would all go out for food. Of course, you couldn’t stop thinking about your dilemma as you sat down and pulled out your books. You wouldn’t be able to focus on work much, but you could at least pretend you were being productive.

Handing your notes around the table, you took a look at everyone again and weighed your options. Either they didn’t fit what you remember telling your family, or they had met your family in one way or another. You sighed and stared down at the still shut textbook in front of you. None of the material seemed like it was near interesting enough to derail your current train of thought. Sitting up to say something to your friend, the sound of approaching footsteps caught your attention.

“Sorry, hope I’m not late!”

Turning your head the other way, you see a dark green jacket and look up at the man holding the back of the chair next to you. “This seat isn’t taken, is it?”

Your eyes widened. Charlie. Of course. He was a newer addition to the group, invited by a couple others you weren’t too close with. You didn’t know him too well, at most having been left alone at the table with him once or twice, but he was nice and funny and.. Well, you’d be lying to say he wasn’t conventionally attractive. He would match what you had told your parents almost perfectly. You just had to figure out how to ask him such a thing. Nothing you came up with sounded normal, or it just made you seem like some kind of creep trying to lie to their family. He’d mentioned doing a little acting before though, hadn’t he? Maybe you would have to bribe him— Before you knew it, everyone else had left the table, leaving you and Charlie alone in that area of the suddenly far too silent library.

He sighed and put his pencil down, closing his book and starting to pack his things. You panicked, cutting him off as he stood up and opened his mouth to speak.

“Can I ask a favour of you?”

He seemed slightly taken aback at how quickly you had spoken, but nodded slightly regardless.

“Sure.. What’s up?”

You took a deep breath and hoped you weren’t about to make an idiot of yourself.

“It’s.. a huge favour, and if you don’t want to, you can say no and we can pretend like I never asked but-” Pausing from nerves, you peeked up at him but he just seemed amused by your nerves, waiting for you to go on so before you knew it you started spilling your guts. “My boyfriend dumped me last night and tomorrow we were supposed to drive home to spend the week and visit my whole family for Christmas, but now he isn’t coming and I just spent the last few months acting like he was gonna be a big surprise so they don’t know too many details but I can’t go home alone or I’ll be embarrassed until the day I die and-”

Charlie waved his hand with a soft laugh and sat back down to be on your level.

“Hey- Hey. Take a breath.” He smiled patiently and waited for you to take a deep breath. “How can I help?”

“I need you to.. Pretend to be my boyfriend for the week in front of my whole family..?” You shakily asked, knowing how messed up that sounded.

Charlie stared at you with a strange look in his eye, but the same soft smile on his face. After a moment he shrugged and nodded. “Sure, why not?”

You blinked.

“Sorry?”

“Honestly, I didn’t have any plans for the holidays anyways so… A week full of free food and entertainment doesn’t sound half bad.”

You felt like your heart might explode. Charlie laughed softly at your reaction.

“Thank- Oh, god Charlie thank you, you don’t know how much this means to me.”

“What can I say, I'm a simple man. Here, I can give you my number and you can text me in the morning when you’re ready to go. Okay?”

You nodded and handed him your phone, ignoring the flutter in your stomach when his hand encased yours to take it. It’s not like you had feelings for him, he was just a nice guy willing to do you a favour. That’s all this was.

You waved as he excused himself and headed out.

What had you gotten yourself into?

The next morning, at a frankly unreasonable time to be awake, you had shoved all your things into your car and parked where Charlie had said would be the easiest to pick him up. The radio hummed Christmas music on the local station as you looked through the messages between you two so far. One of the first things Charlie had sent was a picture of a knitted christmas sweater that looked like it had seen many holidays and a collared shirt that looked ironed, asking what kind of people your parents were. You had to appreciate the dedication to being the perfect boyfriend, and said whatever he’s most comfortable in - But that you probably had a similar looking sweater waiting for you at home somewhere, to which he responded he couldn’t wait to see.

A knock on the passenger window snapped you out of your thoughts and only then did you realize you were smiling like an idiot. Charlie waved through the window, his face illuminated by what bits of moonlight remained as the sky began to lighten before the sun had fully risen, and motioned to his bags. You popped the trunk and hopped out, opening it and going to help him load it all in.

“Hey, don’t worry about it.” He politely waved you off and lifted it in with ease, and you definitely didn’t stare at the way the fabric of his jacket stretched across his arms as he did. He slammed the trunk shut with a hearty clunk before turning to you with a grin. “Shall we?”

You huffed out a laugh and nodded, getting back in the driver seat. He quickly slid into the seat beside you, stretching.

“It’s a long trip… Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Are you asking if I want to do the drive, or do this for a week?”

“I-”

“Because I do.” He nodded, a little too earnestly. “It’ll be okay, I’ll try not to make you look bad.” Charlie winked and glanced at the radio, then at your phone sitting in the cupholder beside you. “Your car, your rules. Who controls the music?”

The way he seemed so unbothered about the situation seemed to put you at ease for now, and you unlocked your phone and connected it to the car speakers before handing it to him.

“Surprise me, will you?”

“I won’t let you down.”

The two of you quickly took off and grabbed something to eat from a drive-through; Stopping to eat now would risk making you late. The weather seemed to be alright for now, but you were a bit nervous something would kick up before you were in the home stretch of your parents house. Charlie managed to calm your nerves every time with a joke or comment that would distract you from your worries. Eventually you two agreed that you needed a cohesive story to pull this off well, so you started by listing off things you remember having told your family about your ex, and Charlie nodded as he seemed to internalize all those traits, though you doubted he needed to fake most of these traits for your sake. Eventually you moved on to your story. How you met, dates you’d been on, mutual friends, and other various stories to sell that you had been close for the better part of a year rather than having maybe three conversations that weren’t purely about schoolwork and studying. Charlie even shared a bit more about himself for you to build on, and it shocked you a little how much you had in common and how little you really knew about him. Talking with him came so naturally, and he was so effortlessly funny that you wondered how you hadn’t become friends sooner. Part of you wondered if it could stay like this after you got home.

The conversation moved to boundaries. Knowing your family, there would be mistletoe somewhere in the house.

“Well,” Charlie hummed, thinking about it as he glanced out the front windshield. “I’m a pretty physical person, and I'm fine with PDA if that’s what you mean.”

You nodded and chewed the inside of your cheek.

“I just.. It’s all pretend, right? I don’t want to overstep-”

“We’ll probably be pushed together at one point or another anyways.” Charlie cut you off, looking at you. “So I’m fine with anything. Let’s maybe keep any kissing to a minimum though. Try to avoid mistletoe, yeah? Oh, and-” He tapped his bottom lip with his finger, smiling. “- No lips.”

There was a sigh, and you realized you had been holding your breath.

“Yeah, of course.”

He let out a little laugh as his smile grew.

“I know, that must be such a disappointment, nobody can resist this.” He sighed, as if this were a recurring issue. You ignored the way your stomach flipped at the thought of kissing him and laughed in response.

At one point you had stopped to refill the tank and Charlie offered to hold the pump while you ran inside to pay and get snacks (but no eggs, despite how many times he asked. You were not making your car smell like whatever gas station eggs must have smelt like.) Grabbing a drink for both of you and a handful of snacks, you plopped them all down on the counter and smiled at the cashier who started scanning the items.

“Is that your boyfriend on pump 2?” She asked, glancing at Charlie, who leaned against the car as he waited for you.

You stopped, and for some reason found yourself unable to answer. You were going to say that no, he was just a friend. …But then again, this was someone you’d probably never see again, and who probably didn’t actually care who he was in relation to you.

“Yeah, why?”

“Let him know that one acts up when it gets cold, he might have to be a little rough to make it work.” She shrugged and typed something into the register. “How much?”

You finished the transaction and walked out with a small bag of items, walking up to Charlie, who looked up from his phone.

“All good?”

“Yeah, she said it gets weird in the cold, be a little rough if you need to.” Charlie laughed a little and bit back a smile, and you felt a slight warmth in your cheeks that wasn’t from the cold.

“I can be rough.”

“Oh my god.” You groaned and shoved his arm as he grabbed the nozzle and pushed it into the car.

You didn’t mention that she called him your boyfriend. You kept it to yourself as you got into the passenger seat when Charlie insisted on driving until the next refuel. You let those words stew in your brain until he got in the driver’s seat and adjusted it to his size, familiarizing himself with your car as you stretched your legs.

After a few more short breaks and another gas station refuel where you took over driving, it’s dark again as you arrive. Charlie is intently watching all the lights on the houses as you drive up and pull into the driveway of your parents house. The whole place was decorated expertly, just as it had been every year for as long as you could remember. The sight was nostalgic.

Movement on the porch caught your eye as your mother and father came out to greet you. You killed the engine and gathered your things inside the car. Charlie was watching you when you looked up to him.

“Last chance.”

His hand slipped into yours with a gentle squeeze.

“I know.”

You look at your hands and smile softly before pulling away and exiting the car with a warm smile for your parents. It’s a moment of you three alone before the passenger door opens and Charlie steps out.

“There he is!” Your mother gasped and put a hand on your shoulder. “I was starting to think you were just making up fairytales.”

You laughed softly and shook your head.

“Mom, Dad, this is Charlie… My boyfriend.” Charlie walked up and wrapped an arm around you, extending a hand to your father, who shook it with a nod. Your mom pulled him in for a hug, and he quickly reciprocated, pulling away with a mirth in his eyes you hadn’t seen before.

“Oh, he’s just as lovely as you said, dear.” Your mother smiled and Charlie shrugged one shoulder as he moved his arm back around you.

“Well, I do my best.” He chuckled. “I gotta say, I'm a huge fan of your work.” Charlie motioned to you, and your mother laughed. “I didn’t believe angels were real until I met this one.”

You flushed and glanced away, which only made your mother laugh more. He instantly fell into rhythm with your family, giving off this perfect charm that made him nearly glow along with the Christmas lights around you all. It felt so genuine, every compliment that fell from his lips and the way he spoke to your parents was nothing short of naturally impressive.

Part of you wondered if it would play out like this if you had genuinely brought him home. If he would have his arm around your shoulders the same, make jokes that enamoured your parents just like he was now. You wondered if he would kiss your cheek and you would be rid of this weight in your chest. This guilt that came with lying to your parents, and soon enough your whole family. Before you could spiral any further into this train of thought, Charlie is nudging your shoulder.

“Oh, sorry- Yeah?”

He smiled down at you reassuringly, squeezing your shoulders as if he could read your mind. You wondered if he could. You wondered if he would leave you if he heard your thoughts now-

“Can you unlock the trunk for me?”

“Yeah, of course.” You reached for your keys and hit the trunk button.

Once again he’s insisting on taking his own luggage, so you grab your bags and bring them inside as your mother talks about the plans she has for the week and your father leads the march inside and up the stairs. You take a moment to admire the house, mostly decorated with little christmas details and festive colours covering every surface. Your parents loved to go all out for the holidays. The bigger decorations were still missing, and you figured they had been waiting for you and your boyfriend to come home and help them with those. Free labour, of course.

Quickly following up the stairs after Charlie, you see him standing in a doorway you immediately recognize. Oh no.

You had entirely forgotten that with extra guests coming over, the guest rooms would be taken up by other family members, leaving you in your old bedroom. Alone with Charlie. With one bed.

That was fine! It was fine, really!

Looking at Charlie’s face, he seemed to have connected the same dots as you.

Your dad left you to unpack and get settled in, saying he would meet you both downstairs and that dinner would be ready soon.

“I’m so sorry, I totally forgot about.. This. I can sleep on the floor if you-”

Charlie cut you off by shaking his head with a flustered laugh. His cheeks were slightly flushed as he looked to you with a hapless smile.

“It’s fine, really. Wouldn’t be the first time I shared a bed with someone. Besides, it's a queen by the look of it. We’ll both fit just fine. Try not to hog the blankets though, I might have to fight you for that.” He moved to the foot of the bed and dropped his bags to the ground, looking around. “So this is your room huh? It’s..” He seemed to bite something back, and it gave you a rush of worry. “It’s nice. I like it.”

You definitely weren’t freaking out right now. You were so normal and were doing fine as he ran his hand over the top of your dresser and looked at all the decorations. Admittedly it was a bit strange to see your room so.. Un-lived in, but it still felt like yours.

“We should probably head down and wash up for dinner.” You ignored the fluttering in your gut as he giddily pointed at a few items he recognized, brushing it off with a smile.

Surprisingly, dinner was rather uneventful. Charlie complimented your mothers cooking and answered a few questions about himself, and the four of you mostly talked about college, what had been going on in the neighbourhood and how the drive here had gone. You told Charlie that you’d help clean up by yourself, but he insisted on helping you clear the table and do the dishes. It felt oddly domestic, especially as you two started flicking water at each other, having to be stopped by your mother scolding you for getting water on her floors.

Your parents retired for the night shortly after that, and you and Charlie figured it would be best to follow suit. Heading upstairs with a quiet conversation, you were faced with a dilemma. You two weren’t about to change in front of each other, and you were not about to just have him cover his eyes and turn around.

“There’s always the bathroom,” Charlie offered, jabbing his thumb back towards the hallway.

“Yeah but- You’re the guest, making you change in the bathroom is a bit rude isn’t it?” He shrugged.

“This is your room, it’s only fair you get to change in here in my opinion.”

You went back and forth a bit more, before Charlie just grabbed his bag and headed to the bathroom anyways. There wasn’t much you could’ve done to convince him anyways, you assumed. A quick change later and there was a soft knock.

“Am I good to come back in?”

“Yeah, come in.”

Sitting on the bed, you went over your options until you had agreed to just bite the bullet and try to sleep on the far sides of the bed to avoid any awkwardness of sleeping with each other. As you stared out the window, the stars glittered, snow fell, and you drifted to sleep trying to guess what was a star and what was a snowflake.

The sun hit your face as you woke up, groaning. You rolled over and threw your arm over your face to shield yourself, only to find yourself now beside something warm. It only took a second to remember it was Charlie, and it took a couple more seconds to pull away and open your eyes to see he was raising an eyebrow at you with a quiet laugh.

“Good morning.”

“... Hi.”

He looked back to his phone in his hand, typing something out before turning it off and putting it down.

“I wasn’t sure when your family got up, I didn’t want to be sitting down there alone.”

“So you sat here and watched me sleep..?”

“No!- No, I didn’t-” Charlie’s eyes widened as he shook his head, only relaxing when he saw you smile and try not to laugh. He sighed, then squinted. “Wait..”

“What?” You sat up to look at him, rubbing your eyes and making yourself a little less dishevelled.

“If you were sleeping… And I was watching you sleep…” He turned to you, doing his best mewing expression. “Who’s watching Foxy..?”

You blinked a few times before dissolving into giggles. Charlie grinned at the praise as you covered your face and groaned. “Wanna go get breakfast now? It’s a little after nine.”

Swallowing down the last bubbles of laughter you nodded and pulled the blanket off of you as you got up. Charlie followed shortly after. Another bout of arguing over who would change where began until he once again moved to the bathroom, and you figured that trying to fight him any more on this would get you nowhere.

Padding down the stairs, you got to looking around the kitchen for something to eat. The only thing you could think of was cereal so you pulled out a box of something plain, and Charlie made a face.

“What?”

“I mean, is there.. Anything else? It’s okay if there isn’t just..”

You look back in the pantry and hummed.

“I don’t see anything. Knock yourself out though.”

Charlie walked over as you moved to your bowl and poured out the cereal. You looked over to see him stuck halfway into the shelves, kicking a foot up before pulling out a colourful box triumphantly. You laughed and recognized it as something you hadn’t gotten to eating before you moved out as he opened it.

“How old is that? When does it expire, even?”

“The bag is still sealed, so it's still fresh right?”

The bag popped open as he pulled it apart and dumped it into his bowl, taking a piece and eating it. “Still crunches.”

You laughed and shook your head, passing him the milk. The two of you sat there, you on the counter and him leaning against it as you two ate and talked quietly as the snow outside reflected warmth and light in the window and made miniature rainbows through the frost and decorations.

Your mother poked her head into the kitchen with a box full of decorations hanging out of it.

“There you are! When you’re done, can I borrow you two for a bit to help me finish getting these decorations up? Your father is out shovelling and handling the front of the house. Lord knows Ashley will have something to say if there’s no wreath on the front door..” She sighed and shook her head.

“Yeah, of course Mom.” You smiled and nodded, and Charlie gave a thumbs up with his mouth being full. She caught a glimpse of the colourful cereal in his bowl and gave it a strange look, but seemed to brush it off as she walked away.

“Ashley?” Charlie looked at you with a raised eyebrow after he swallowed.

“One of my aunts,” You glanced at him, then realized you should probably give him an idea of who he would be dealing with for the rest of the week. Charlie nodded intently as he brought another spoonful to his mouth while listening to you list off family members. “Then of course, there's my Aunt Ashley. She’s… She has high standards.” That was probably the easiest way to describe her eccentricities. “She lives the closest, so she was over a lot with her kids, Bella and Alice. Uh.. Be careful with Alice. She’s a bit of a hopeless romantic.”

Charlie squinted like he was trying to mentally write this all down.

“Don’t worry,” You laughed. “I’ll be sure to refresh you when they show up.”

He nodded, looking incredibly serious before he tilted his head back to drink the rest of the milk in the bowl, and there were a handful of thoughts you couldn’t repeat out loud that went through your mind when he pulled the bowl away and licked the remaining milk off his lips.

“Let’s uh- Let’s go help Mom, yeah?” You swallowed and glanced away, shaking the thoughts from your head. Charlie nodded and the two of you finished up in the kitchen before going through the house to find your mother.

Standing in the den, she was staring intently at the large Christmas tree with her hands on her hips. You knew this stance. She was probably planning out every possible way she could put garland and ribbons onto everything in sight, and would try to execute as many of those plans as possible before settling on one. At least you had Charlie, who was currently staring in awe at what decorations were already out.

“Just wait,” You leaned over and whispered. “It gets better.”

Charlie gave you a wide eyed look.

She quickly got everyone to work, pinning and taping things to the walls, lining each shelf with white stuffing to mimic snow, pulling out box after box of trinkets and little ornaments to set along everything. You wondered how many of these would get broken this year if the younger kids would be running around.

After the den was lathered in Christmas, you moved on to deck every hall and doorway with garland and lights. It would make for a magical walkway at the end, but for now you were watching Charlie struggle to not break a sweat with how much lifting and back and forth your mother had him do. Leave it to her to immediately put people to work when it comes to Christmas.

Taking a short break while she stepped outside to talk with your dad, you and Charlie sat down on the stairs after he finished wrapping the railing with glittering lights and tying bows to every other bannister.

“Where do you guys keep all this stuff year round?” Charlie glanced up to you as you straightened out one of the bows. “I mean it looks great but…”

“Storage containers in the basement. Trust me, getting it all out and decorating is the easy part.” A look of concern flashed across his face, which only made you laugh harder. “Don't worry, we’ll be gone by then.”

Charlie rubbed the back of his neck with a quiet laugh.

“It's nice, though. Like it really adds to the atmosphere and everything. Makes it feel cozy.” He glanced around and flicked at one of the lights gently. “How many people are gonna show up anyways? It’s a big house but I feel like it's gonna get cramped pretty quick.”

You had to think about that for a while. Each side had quite a few people on it, but knowing who would actually be showing up was always a bargain. Humming quietly, you reached into the box of decorations and pulled out a little bell on a string, reaching forward and hanging it on Charlie's ear with a grin.

“I’m not sure. I'll do my best to give you a rundown on everyone before they start talking your ear off though.”

Charlie tilted his head and felt for the foreign object on his ear, giving a confused laugh as he pulled it off and looked at it, then immediately turned back at you with mischief in his eyes.

Your mother walked back in the house to see you two laughing and shouting as you practically wrestled on the stairs to adorn each other with decorations.

She cleared her throat and the two of you quickly stopped to look at her, having been caught. Your mother crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow as she looked between you two and the mess of decorations you'd made.

“Having fun?”

After being made to clean up your mess, the three of you moved all over the house throughout the day decorating and redecorating, only stopping to get a drink or small snack. While looking through the remaining boxes, you held up a handful of mistletoe and looked at your mom.

“Do we really have to put all of this up? It seems a little… Much.”

“Of course we do, hun!” Your mother nodded like it was obvious and grabbed one from your hand, moving over to one of the doorways to hang it up among the garland. “It's tradition. Plus, it's nice! That's how you get all the cute candid pictures of people kissing.”

You sighed and resigned yourself to just trying your best to memorize where all of them were hung to avoid while walking around with Charlie.

“Go hang at least one in the front foyer for me, please?” She motioned to the remaining mistletoe in your hand then waved you towards the front of the house. You sighed and dropped the extra mistletoe back in the box, grabbing the stool she had pulled out a while ago and moved to the front of the house.

“Oh, there you are.” Charlie smiled as he walked up to you, watching you struggle to reach the garland to tie the mistletoe up.

“Yeah- Hey-” Reaching further didn’t seem to help either, the stool being just a bit too short to get up to where you needed. After a couple more moments of struggling, you sighed and turned to Charlie. “Care to lend me a hand?”

What you hadn’t expected was for Charlie to wrap his arms around your thighs from where you stood on the stool and lift you onto his shoulder.

Your mind went blank.

Why was that so easy for him??

“Is that tall enough?” Charlie’s voice was enough to snap you out of your daze and hang the mistletoe, trying your best not to think about how easily he grabbed you or about how you two were technically under mistletoe.

“Uh- Yeah that’s- Good- Great. Yeah, thanks.” You stumbled through the words, bringing your hands down to his shoulders to steady yourself before he set you back down and smiled up at you like he didn’t do anything.

Maybe this was an overreaction. Maybe you just had to calm down and he didn’t realize you meant for him to hang the stupid plant. Surely that was it! He was just taking the easiest path for him and there were no hidden intentions in his actions. Charlie was just an acquaintance doing you a major favour, and honestly you had to think about why he would even do such a thing? Someone like him must’ve had a nice family, or at least someone deserving of his charm to spend the holidays with, rather than spend a week keeping up some silly ruse and oh- Oh, he’s talking and you absolutely aren’t listening.

“Sorry, uh- Pardon?” You shook your head and looked down at him from your place on the stool.

“I asked how much you think is left?” Charlie tilted his head and looked around.

You stepped off the stool, silently praying you didn’t fall on him. That was the last thing you needed.

“Probably not much, Mom could handle the rest.”

The two of you walked around the house, collecting and stacking the empty decoration boxes. Hints of your mother’s work popped up around the house, the two of you almost constantly walking into mistletoe. Maybe keeping up with what doorways had it would be a bit harder than you expected.

Eventually everything was decorated and cleaned up, and you were helping your mother start supper. The radio gently hummed Christmas music through the room as you peeled potatoes and listened to your mother speak about some drama or other you had missed and she hadn’t told you about.

Charlie walked into the kitchen and watched you for a moment before resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Oh- Hi, Charlie.” You glanced at him slightly, to see him softly smiling with his eyes shut. He just hummed warmly in response and moved his hands to your waist. You hardly skipped a beat falling back into conversation with your mother, despite the way you felt your face warm. He didn’t move for a while after that either, only pressing his face into your neck after a while, to which your mother gave a look that you waved off. After a while you had to quietly ask him to move so you could keep helping to prepare the dinner, to which he kissed your shoulder and whispered to you that he was going to take a nap. Your mother teased you when you seemed to short circuit after he pulled away. You finished helping and did your best not to think about the warmth emanating from where he had kissed you, and when the oven timer went off an hour or so later, your mother asked you to go wake him.

“Charlie..? Are you awake?” You gave the door a soft knock. There was the sound of some kind of movement in the bedroom, and then the door opened. Charlie’s hair was messy and his eyes were still tired. “Oh. Uh, dinner is ready..”

“Oh, already? Alright..” He yawned and nodded. You tried to ignore the way his tired voice got to you. He had always woken up some time before you, is that really what he sounded like after an hour of sleep?? “I’ll wash up and be down there soon.”

The conversation at dinner seemed to be entirely around Charlie and his interests and history. You wondered if they were trying to do some kind of weird interrogation or shovel talk, but when he started talking about some of his nerdier interests you saw your mother light up. There it was. You definitely knew what this talk was about.

The day ended with your mother telling you that tomorrow would be full of baking and that the sooner you could get up and help, the more the two of you could get done. Mentally preparing for that, you nodded and wished her goodnight. Charlie stayed up a bit later, waking you slightly when he came to bed, apologizing quietly as he moved the blankets. You don’t exactly remember falling back asleep, but you could’ve sworn you felt something warm press against your forehead.

You woke up before Charlie this time, watching him for a moment as his chest slowly breathed. Slipping out of the bed, you grabbed your clothes and slipped into the bathroom to change before you headed downstairs.

It was mornings like these you really missed. The sun freshly risen, pouring onto the tiled floor through the frosty windows, giving the perfect mix of warmth and chill as you padded into the kitchen and quickly made yourself something for breakfast. The birdsong outside melted into the sound of the radio as you turned it on and lowered the volume to a non-disturbing hum. Rifling through cabinets you pulled out the usual cookbooks and recipes you’d need today and any of the usual baking necessities. Your mother yawned as she walked into the kitchen and smiled at you as you tied an apron around your waist

“Someone’s eager this morning. Did you miss this that much?” She laughed quietly and hugged you before making herself something to eat. The two of you quickly got to work after that, making doughs and mixtures, prepping for any later baking. There were a few things she had already gotten the headstart on earlier that she took out of the fridge to check on.

Charlie walked down a while later, rubbing his eyes. He seemed a little taken aback to see the kitchen already so messy, taking it all in. You stopped to admire his tired look, the way the sun glowed against his skin and lit his hair up, the dust roaming the air making him look like he glittered. He moved his gaze to you and gave a lopsided smile before walking up and gently brushing his thumb across your cheek.

“Wh-?”

“You had flour on your face,” He hummed. His voice was tired like yesterday, and it took all of your power to not melt into his hands right then and there. You almost forgot your mother was in the room.

“I have to help with baking all day, so I’ll have to stay in the kitchen, I’m sorry.” Charlie shook his head.

“I’d love to help, if that’s okay. My mom owns a bakery, so I’m not unfamiliar with baking.”

It reminded you how little you actually knew of him. Sure, you could talk for hours but with such little time in general, there was still a lot you were completely unaware of. The sobering pang of guilt that ran through your nervous system ruined the soft moment between you at the thought of it.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded and you found him another apron to wear, but the only one left that was his size was half of a pair for your parents. Your moms had been stained and discarded a while ago. You tried not to laugh at the awful baking pun on the front, but Charlie seemed to light up as he read the apron. He proceeded to make similar puns throughout the day, and no matter how hard you tried to groan and act like you hated it, you couldn’t fight the smile on your face whenever you heard the pride in his voice while he made one.

Your mother handed baking off to the two of you after the first batch, and you had half a mind to assume it wasn’t because she needed to “do things” like she said, but rather that she was just giving you room to be alone with him. Not that you needed it, you were just two just two friends baking together. ..Though you supposed she didn't know that part.

You sighed as you kneaded the dough in your hands against the counter. You’d been working at it for a couple minutes now and couldn’t figure out what was going wrong or why it wouldn’t come together properly. Charlie walked over from where he was mixing icing and stood next to you to peer at your hands.

“It keeps falling apart, I don’t know what I did wrong...” You glanced at him for a moment before squishing it all together again. Charlie hummed and turned to look for something as you tried to start a proper conversation. “You said your mom owned a bakery? I didn't know that.” He walked back over with something in his hands, and you quickly lost your train of thought as he came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you to grab the dough, leaning into your ear with a quiet tone.

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.”

You were suddenly very glad he was pressing you against the counter, because you swore your knees would’ve given out from under you right then and there otherwise. Your face felt warm as his chest pressed against your back and his arms flexed on either side of your shoulders. His breath was soft against your ear, and you could almost feel his grin despite how hard you tried to avoid looking at him until you remembered how to breathe and wow, was it warm in here? It was really warm. Maybe you left the oven open? God, it was so warm–

“There. You just needed to add a little moisture. Butter works fine for that.” He slowly pulled away, and it felt like you had freezer burn everywhere he had touched. You peeked at him from the corner of your eye, desperately trying to act normal.

“Yeah.. Thanks.” Your voice cracked as you spoke. Of course it did.

Charlie chuckled and went back over to the icing and checked on it before moving over to where the piping bags sat for now. You took a deep breath and reached for the rolling pin, trying to keep your cool. What the hell was that?? There was nobody but you two in the kitchen right now, right? If that was part of the act, who was it for? Did he see something you hadn’t? Some hopeful part of you piped up with the thought that it wasn’t an act. That he wanted to do that. That he meant it. A much more realistic part of your mind suggested that he simply didn’t realize what that just did to you. From lifting you yesterday to what just happened? Yeah, maybe he was just a little oblivious. You couldn’t see the dramatic irony to this.

After you had finally rolled out the dough and put a few batches into the oven, you moved to help Charlie with the icing. He seemed to be lacking a bit, and it was taking up your cooling racks.

“Need some help over here?” You smiled and glanced around at the cookies.

“Uhh,” He started, squinting as his tongue poked out in focus. “Mm.. Maybe. I thought I'd have more done by now.” Charlie stood up and looked across the eight cookies he had so dutifully iced thus far. His eyebrows furrowed. You grabbed one of the other colours and wiped off the excess that had leaked out with your thumb.

“Don’t worry. Worst case, we just eat the rest of the icing and tell mom we ran out.” You shrugged with a playful grin, bringing the icing on your thumb to your mouth — only for Charlie to grab your hand and steal the icing with his own finger. “Hey–!!”

He shot you a grin as he licked his lips, so you squeezed a little more out. This time he grabbed your wrist and pulled it towards his mouth. You gasped and shoved your hand forwards, smearing it on the corner of his lips and onto his cheek. Five minutes later the two of you were messy and covered in icing, bags now much lighter from smearing it on each other and trying to eat the icing.

You only stopped when there was a knock on the door and your mother walked through the kitchen to reach it, stopping to look at you two with a bewildered gaze for a moment, before continuing on when another knock sounded.

You two looked at each other and tried not to laugh, before you ultimately failed and burst into laughter. It only took one warm cloth and a couple minutes to wipe up most of the mess, meanwhile you heard the door open and the sound of shuffling and muffled talking.

A familiar face poked into the kitchen, breaking out into a grin.

“Ohh, there you are!” Isabella grinned and straightened up, walking in with a bag over her shoulder and her arms out for a hug. You gasped and handed the cloth to Charlie before making your way over to hug her.

“Bella! How are you??” You pulled away and looked her over with a matching smile.

“Not as good as you apparently,” She leaned over to look at Charlie. “Who’s this?”

Her younger sister, Alice, came around the corner and nearly fell over as her socks made her slide to a stop. A shout came from where she had been, likely from her mother scolding her for running in the house.

“Oh my god!!” You quickly felt two arms around your waist as she careened into you for a hug, once again unable to stop short due to her socks. “I missed you so much! It’s been like, forever??” Alice stared up at you with a gasp from where she was bent over to hug you.

“You saw me at Easter, Alice.” You laughed and pulled her up to hug properly, where she quickly gasped again.

“Hello there, handsome-”

“Al, give him a chance to introduce himself before you start with that.” Isabella groaned and pulled her sister back by the shoulder.

You laughed at their usual antics and glanced back at Charlie, who was quickly trying to wipe any leftover flour and icing off himself to look presentable.

“This is Charlie. My boyfriend.” The word came out more confident than when you had said it to your parents, but you tried not to dwell on that.

“Your boyfriend.” Isabella raised her eyebrow suspiciously. “The boyfriend?”

A bit of that guilt came back as a burning sensation in your throat you couldn't quite swallow down. Isabella was always the one to see through your lies no matter how hard you tried. You never quite forgave her for telling your mother you were lying when she found the broken TV as kids.

“Not bad.” She nodded approvingly.

You tried not to make your sigh of relief too obvious.

“Sooo…” Alice started, slipping out of her sister's grasp before looking Charlie up and down. “Got any brothers? Maybe some cute friends..?”

Charlie laughed nervously and pushed his hair out of the way, coming up to your side and leaning against you slightly. Alice could be a bit much at first, so you leaned back against him in what you hoped was read as a reassuring movement.

“I don’t know about that..” He smiled apologetically.

“Alice, come help your father with the bags please?” Your Aunt Ashley’s voice came from somewhere closer out of sight, saving Charlie from this conversation for now. He sighed, but you knew better. She’d be back.

A dinging started behind you signaling that the oven timer was through, causing Charlie to pat your shoulder as he turned to get it. Conversation with Isabella came as easy as ever, only for her to fall silent after a minute. You turned and followed her gaze to see Charlie bent over pulling out a rack of cookies. His hair fell over his face and the apron hugged him rather nicely. Any heat on your face was silently blamed on the open oven.

“Nice.”

You scoffed and shoved her halfheartedly. You weren't disagreeing with her, but she didn't need to say it.

Charlie turned and kicked the oven door shut in one smooth motion, raising the tray with a grin as he moved to the cooling trays.

“Bella, was it? Care for a snack?” He motioned to the pile of undecorated cookies, then glanced at the subtle remains of your icing fight and quickly smudged it away with his hand.

Isabella glanced at you, then at him. She didn't need to say it, there was some snarky comment bouncing around up there loud enough for you to hear it anyways. She had always been like this, since you were kids really. It drove her mother mad, but she managed to worm her way out of any sort of punishment every time. You really wished you knew how she did it.

“Yeah, I'll take a cookie.” She shrugged and raised a hand. Charlie looked at you, then around for your mother, and tossed a cookie toward your cousin.

They quickly got settled in, already having usual places from how often they come over for more than a night, meanwhile you and Charlie finished up what baking was left and tidied up the kitchen.

You moved in such sync that it almost felt natural, like this is what you were meant to be doing with your time. It made you feel warm inside, easily passing things to him and sweeping as he wiped the counters down. By the end, the kitchen looked like it had never been touched and smelled like all sorts of freshly baked treats.

The sun had already begun to set, and you had managed to escape the constant questions of your Aunt for now. You loved her, really! But from the moment she had seen you it was a hug, a kiss on each cheek and nonstop questions ever since. Doing your best to answer didn't seem to help much either because every answer opened up a hundred more questions thrown at you too fast to possibly answer them all. Sure, you felt a little guilty throwing Charlie under the bus here by slipping away when he would surely be the next victim, but he had it handled! … Probably.

The front of the house was shoveled to create a simple salted walkway that you followed to the front of the garage to sit on the hood of your car.

“Oh, hey.”

Your attention was caught by Isabella leaning against your parents car, out of sight of the windows and front door. She had something in her hand that she pressed to her lips and pulled away, turning her head to exhale smoke. Oh. That was how she stood her own mother.

“Hey, Bella.” You walked up and leaned against your car across from her, to which she held the pen out to you.

“Hey. Wanna hit?”

“No, thanks. I'm trying to at least keep it together for the week.” You laughed and shook your head a little, putting your hands in your pockets as you looked out across the street at the glittering snow and colourful lights.

“Ohh, yeah. Trying to keep it together for that so-called boyfriend of yours, right?”

“... So-called?”

“Yeah,” She chuckled and nodded. “There's no way you're actually dating him, right?”

“Look, if you have something against Charlie-”

“No, dumbass. He's fine. I'm talking about you.”

You stared at her, confused. So, she continued. “You guys have something going on, but whatever it is, it isn't dating. Not for as long as you say, at least. So either you've been lying about this guy and only recently started dating, or you aren't dating at all and you're faking it.”

“When did you get so perceptive?” You crossed your arms. Trying to lie to her would get you nowhere. “And what's it matter to you?”

She shrugged and took another puff, blowing it into the wind away from you.

“It's not too hard to see. You might have to step your game up though. If Alice catches on it's over for you.” Isabella joked. “I dunno why, though. It doesn't seem like you to pull this kind of stunt.”

Sighing, you figured hiding it from her would only make things worse.

“I got dumped over text by my actual boyfriend.”

There was a beat, and then Isabella broke out into laughter, covering her mouth.

“Over text??”

You gave her an unimpressed look.

“Oh my god- You aren't gonna let that slide, right? You totally have got to kick his ass for that one.” She shook her head, trying to stifle her giggles. After a couple moments she took a deep breath. “Have you even let yourself come to terms with that? I mean, c’mon. When was it?”

“A couple days ago. Just before we drove out.”

Isabella's eyes bulged.

“And you're just? Okay with that?? Acting like nothing happened? Cuz’ you gotta, like, go kick his ass and then properly cry about that or something. You earned it after it. … Can I see the text?”

Sighing, you pulled your phone out and opened the texts, handing it to her. Isabella nodded as she read over it and hissed.

“What an asshole…” There was a minute of silence as she handed you back your phone and took another hit. “I'm sure your man in there wouldn't do the same, though.”

“Oh shut up-” You shoved her, to which she laughed.

“I’m just saying! He seems like prime boyfriend material. You should get on that. Literally.”

The two of you continued talking a little, and you really had to reckon with that thought. Did you like him that much? Surely you wouldn't be having these feelings about anyone else had they come, right? She pocketed her pen and went inside, leaving you to watch the occasional car drive by and the lights on each house flash and change. Eventually you followed her back in and hung up your coat, grabbing a pair of cookies as you made your way back to the main gathering. Charlie was sat on the couch trying to keep up with the conversation, so you just sat next to him and handed a cookie. He lit up at the sight of you and thanked you as he took it, wrapping an arm around your shoulders when you leaned up against him.

Isabella gave you a playful look, to which you rolled your eyes and slightly moved closer to Charlie.

You found yourself warming up to the thought of this being something you could strive for, something reasonable and within reach. When that guilt started to rise again, Charlie squeezed your shoulders and made a small joke. The warmth of his arm and his tone drove away whatever bad feelings there were in your mind. Right now, everything was okay. You and Charlie were warm and happy and having a good time. That's all that mattered.

Considering you had a much earlier start than usual, you excused yourself to bed and Charlie quickly agreed. Isabella made some comment about you two having fun, and you had to try not to laugh as her mother smacked her arm. You walked up the stairs after Charlie and changed in your respective places. After you finished you fell into the bed and sighed, shutting your eyes. There was a knock and Charlie walked in a moment later, seeing you there.

“Tired?”

You nodded, letting out some sort of groan in response.

“Yeah, me too. I'm whipped.”

You peeked an eye open to see him grinning.

“Charlie.”

“Completely cooked. ” He walked over to his side of the bed.

“That doesn't even make sense.”

“I'm just saying…” Charlie followed your lead and fell onto the bed, smiling at you when you turned to look at him. “We really got that bread.”

“Stop.”

“Hey, at least I wasn't like your cousin. She was baked.”

You groaned loudly and shoved a hand into his face, biting your lip to stop from giving him the reaction he was looking for. Charlie laughed and pulled your hand away, continuing to make awful quips until the two of you fell asleep.

In the early light of Christmas Eve, you slowly blinked to life after a dream that was already melting away like watercolours before realizing there was something warm wrapped around you. In your haze, and the chill of the room around you. This didn’t ring any alarms in your mind at first, instead opting to hold it closer. You entwined your fingers with the ones against your stomach before you stopped. Fingers? Blinking open your eyes, you look down and see what you immediately put together to be Charlie’s arm wrapped around you. The world seems to hold its breath as you do, carefully picking up his arm and moving it back onto his own chest. He groans and stretches, and you quickly avert your gaze as his shirt rides up. Looking through your closet is when you hear him yawn and the bed creaks slightly as he sits up. You poke your head out and smile at him.

“Good morning.”

He rubs his eyes and yawns again, looking over to find you, nodding and smiling softly.

“Good morning. Anything planned for today..?”

You hummed and grabbed your clothes for the day.

“I think it’s just going to be a lot of socializing. The kids are all excited for Christmas tomorrow and most of the adults are here. It uh…” You hesitate and glance away in thought, before looking back to Charlie apologetically. “It might be a bit stuffy today. I’m sure we’re gonna get swarmed with those cliche family questions that they’ve been nice enough to hold off on. Once that wine gets uncorked though, we’re in for it. Ashley is well acquainted with how to pour a new glass of wine…”

Charlie laughed and stretched again, standing up and moving over to his suitcase to grab clothes. The two of you split up to get dressed and walked down the stairs together.

The day was warm and filled with your family running about and chatting, but you knew this was tame compared to what tomorrow would look like. Christmas music filled every silence and there were multiple glasses of eggnog laying around. The tree looked more and more full as new gifts were added to the underside, eventually spilling out and off the tree skirt. Conversations felt like the same interaction over and over again, asking how they were, they asked how you were. You’d give the same generic answers over and over with a little extra here and there for flavour depending on who you were talking to. Sure, it was repetitive and a little boring at times, but it was Christmas, and this was the most you’d talk to some of these people all year. It wasn’t that you were distant, they just had their own busy lives.

Charlie would occasionally pop in and join the conversation, talking about his own life when asked, or about one of your made up stories of your supposed love life. That guilt swirled in your gut again, rising like bile in your throat. Your realization last night wasn't helping either, making this even worse. The way he got along with your family so easily, the way they would make remarks when he wasn't there about how lucky you were to have found him. Honestly, you agreed. You couldn't understand how you'd lucked into getting such a wonderful man to ever agree to such a stupid plan, but here he was, playing the part perfectly.

Stepping into the backyard and out of the general hum of chatter in the house, you took a deep breath. The cold winter air stung in such a sobering way that it calmed you instantly. It was just an act, you reminded yourself. You'll go back to school and act like this never happened. Sure, your relationship with him would have changed by now, but what did that matter? It didn't change that this meant nothing. You were just putting on an act for your family.

Your feelings were different, but how could you possibly bring up the thought of actually dating after this? Sure, nothing had gone too wrong - which you were thankful for - but surely it would be awkward to drive home just to ask him out again, right? Considering he had agreed just for entertainment's sake, you figured he probably didn't share your feelings. Sure, he’d been much more forward than you had expected but maybe that was part of his act.

Wallowing in your wishy-washy thoughts, you almost missed the way the door opened and shut behind you, and Charlie stepped out with his jacket on. He smiled and gave a quiet wave as he walked over and sat on the side of the porch next to you, bumping his shoulder into yours.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

You two didn’t say more than that for a while, sitting there and watching the stars in the sky as snow started to fall. It was hard to see the stars normally at home, so you appreciated every moment you could watch them glitter and shine. The snow was small and light as it fell, flashing little shimmers of light caught from the house behind you. Charlie stayed silent in your peripheral vision, and you let your leg fall against his. Sure, this was all an act, but it felt nice nonetheless. Would it be so bad to allow yourself the guilty pleasure of enjoying this just a little?

A shooting star flashed across the sky, disappearing so quickly you almost weren't sure you’d seen it in the first place. You gasped as you pointed to the sky and turned to Charlie, only to see him staring at you.

“Did you see that? The shooting star??”

“Oh,” He breathed and looked up at the sky. “No, I must've just missed it. Are you gonna make a wish? Make sure you get what you want for Christmas?”

You looked at the sky again too and tilted your head. Sure, you could’ve made a wish. You could have wished for a lot of things. Good grades, a better new year, a new car might be nice, but…

“Honestly? I don’t need to.” You shook your head and turned to face Charlie with a smile. “I already got what I really wanted for Christmas.”

“Really? You haven’t even opened any presents.” Charlie laughed a little, looking at you.

There were snowflakes adorning his hair and eyelashes, his cheeks slightly pink from the cold outside. Each breath he took let out a little puff that circled his head and made him glow under the moonlight.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better than you.”

His face changed, ever so slightly, but you kept talking.

“I mean, honestly, you were the best thing I think I ever could have asked for. You showed up right when I needed help and you didn’t turn me away or call me crazy when I asked you to do this with me. My parents love you, I’m sure my aunts and uncles are going to miss you from every other family gathering I attend, and you get along with my cousins like you’ve always been part of the family. You’re an amazing guy, Charlie. You’re funny and sweet and so, so genuine that I just… I don’t know how to thank you enough for this. You saved me from what would’ve been a week of the same question over and over again, having to tell everyone that my ex wasn’t what I thought he was. Embarrassing myself. Stuff like that doesn’t die in this family, y’know? I mean, Alice still gets it from people about this boy she dated in middle school who embarrassed her. I couldn’t handle that this Christmas.” As you finished your ramble, you looked him in the eyes and felt your heart tighten. He looked.. Upset. It wasn’t anger, probably, but he looked conflicted. Maybe hurt? “Charlie?-”

“I..” His hand twitched in his lap, starting to move before it fell limp against his lap again. He took a deep breath and avoided your gaze. “I think I should go.”

“What? Charlie, wait- Did I say something?-”

Shaking his head, Charlie stood up and brushed the snow off of him before quickly going back inside.

Your stomach writhed with even more guilt as the area around you was silent, save for the whistling of the wind that drove a chill down your back. Did you just ruin something? Did you say too much and let your feelings leak through? Maybe you had made him uncomfortable with such an emotional confession. Tears stung your eyes as a lump gathered in your throat. It was Christmas Eve and you had just fucked up.

Snow continued to fall around you, swirling in the wind as you put your head in your arms, trying not to cry. You weren't sure how long you spent out there, but when you couldn't feel your cheeks anymore, you had figured it was long enough that you should probably go inside and warm up before you got frostbite.

It seemed like all of your family had gone to sleep by now, and the lights were slowly being turned out one by one as your mother made her way around the house. She caught up with you in the den, watching you stare at the lights on the Christmas tree. New presents had appeared since the kids had gone to sleep, labeled that they were from Santa. A set of bikes, newly stuffed stockings, even the milk and cookies had been taken from to keep up the magic. The kids would love it.

“Merry Christmas, honey.” She came up beside you, her smile faltering when she saw your face. “What's wrong?”

“I think I messed up, mom.” You sniffled and the sting of tears made themselves known again. Turning to face her, the Christmas lights lit up the room with soft colour and reflected off her face that made the world seem just a bit less real. You figured it would be best to just admit it. “I.. Charlie isn't actually my boyfriend.”

Your mother raised her eyebrows and nodded, leading you to the dining room to sit at the table. The wood was cool against your skin as you tried your best not to choke up or spiral any further. You had already made a mess, you just had to figure out how to clean it up. When your mother sat down across from you and took your hands in hers, you continued.

“He isn't my boyfriend. My actual boyfriend dumped me a day before we drove out here over text because he.. Wanted to work on himself, I guess? I probably should have listened when my friends told me they thought they saw him with someone else at a party. I thought he was good, Mom. I really thought he was different, like everything I said he was. And then he suddenly ended things and- And I wasn't sure what to do, I couldn't come home without anybody. It would've been salt in the wound to be humiliated in front of everyone after letting myself get hurt like that.

And then I found Charlie, and I asked if he was willing to just.. Come and pretend to be my boyfriend and- Honestly I didn't expect him to agree at all. But he did. He did, and he's so..” You laughed tearfully and shook your head. “He's so perfect. He's everything I thought my actual boyfriend was. It's like it all comes naturally to him, like he doesn't even have to try to be funny and make people comfortable. You saw how well he got along with everyone this week, and you said yourself you love him! But I… It was supposed to be easy. A week of avoiding embarrassment with a guy I only sort of knew, and then we would go back to school and I’d tell everyone we broke up. Make it seem like this whole thing where I threw him out and I was in the right. Not dumped over text.

But I don't think I can do that, Mom. I.. I think I’m in love with him? How could I not? He's been nothing but kind and perfect to me and so sweet and I never want this week to end because I know that it means things will go back to normal and I don't know how to ask anything more of him after this- I don't even know why he agreed to this in the first place!! But I tried to tell him how much I appreciated him outside earlier and he looked so… Upset. Like I had done something wrong, and then he said he had to go and came inside. And-” The world blurred and smeared as tears filled your vision. “I think- I think I might've ruined what little I had with him-”

Your mother nodded, listening to you ramble on with an intent look on her face. She squeezed your hands and brought them to her mouth to kiss. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and looked at you until you silently took a couple of breaths yourself.

“Honey… I don’t think you ruined anything. Charlie seems like a wonderful man, he would tell you if you had truly ruined anything. He didn't seem angry when he came in, I saw your uncle ask if he was heading upstairs and he just seemed a little.. lost with himself.” She shook her head and smiled. “I knew from the stars you two weren't dating.”

“What??” Your eyebrows furrowed. Were you really that obvious?

“You had said things about your boyfriend that didn't quite line up with Charlie. Things you wouldn't have said about him, that I'm sure you had just forgotten you said.”

“Mom I’m sorry-” She cut you off by squeezing your hands again.

“Don't be sorry, dear. I knew you had feelings for him anyways.” You gave her a quizzical look, going to speak before she answered your question. “Mothers always know these kinds of things. I know how you act, and I love you, but honey you're not the best actor in the family… I've been watching you two all week, and I’m surprised you haven't said something sooner. I would've kept it to myself, though, because I think you need to see how this plays out.”

“I don't know how I can fix this though, Mom. I- I don't even know what I did wrong!”

She smiled knowingly.

“I don't think you did anything wrong, dear. But if you keep these feelings to yourself I think you'll find yourself worse off than if you didn't.” Your mother squeezed your hands again before letting go and standing up. “I've seen the way he looks at you, too. When he thinks nobody is looking, or when you aren't paying attention. When he thinks nobody but you and him are there.” Patting your shoulder as she walked towards the stairs, she gave you one last smile. “It’s Christmas after all. Maybe you got another gift you didn't know you asked for.”

With that, she bid you goodnight and made her way upstairs to her bedroom, leaving you alone in the dining room under the light. The house was near silent aside from the whistling outside of the wind.

You shut the light off and swallowed as you tried to reason through your mothers words. She was a bit of an optimist, so maybe she was just being hopeful, or maybe she was right. Maybe she had seen something you hadn't yet noticed.

The door to your room was left slightly open when you walked up, giving a soft knock as you pushed the door open. Charlie was under the blankets on his far side of the bed. There was no movement other than the steady breathing of his chest. You changed quickly and walked up to the bed, hesitating.

“Charlie..? Are you awake?” Your voice was quiet and dry. There was no answer from Charlie, and he hardly even shifted. Assuming he was asleep, you sighed and resigned yourself to sleeping on your far side of the bed, trying to ignore the tightness in your chest. Tomorrow would be the busiest day of all and if you had done something to upset him, you really weren't sure how well this would go. Maybe it would have been all for naught if you went and messed things up on Christmas Eve. Drifting to sleep as you tried to ignore the way the soft sound of his breathing made you feel, one final sigh made your exit from the waking world known.

You were woken in darkness, blinking your eyes open to barely see Charlie in the very same knitted sweater he had shown you at the start of the week.

“Good morning sleepyhead.”

You groaned and rubbed your eyes, yawning.

“It's still dark..?”

“Merry Christmas.” Charlie's voice was little more than a whisper, and you felt yourself smile at the pure warmth of the tone.

“Oh… Merry Christmas..”

“Your little cousins are running from room to room, I figured I would wake you up a little nicer than that.”

“You're too sweet, Charlie..” You hummed and looked up at him. Even in the darkness he looked beautiful, and you blearily wondered if you were still dreaming. Having such a wonderful man wake you in your bed to go downstairs for Christmas morning with your family, not a care in the world, seemed like a dream come true.

“I'll go stand in the hall and let you change, I think if someone doesn't stop Elliot he's gonna tear open every package and parcel he can get his hands on.” Charlie quietly slipped out of the room and you immediately heard him make his presence known to the distant chaos you slowly became aware of as you woke up.

… Okay, there were a few cares in your world. The strangeness of last night came back to you slowly. You had expected him to be cold, maybe. Or mad. At least a little upset! But he spoke to you like you were a literal angel, like waking you any faster than your body wanted to would have broken you. It was attractive, to say the least.

A scream from downstairs broke you of your thoughts and you remembered there were gifts with children's names on them, and they wouldn't wait around for you.

Stepping up to your closet, you fished out the sweater you had told Charlie about, smiling down at it. It was a bit old and a gift from your Grandmother, but it still fit nicely and had softened over the years to be a little less itchy. You wore a shirt underneath just to be safe.

With each step down the stairs you had to take a breath and remind yourself that you had an act to put on with Charlie. If you had messed up, you at least owed it to him to keep your attitude nice for the day. You were both adults, you knew any issues you had could be resolved in due time. Charlie wouldn't just let it fester if you had hurt his feelings or said something wrong, right? You had to hope that was the case, at least.

Right as you step off the last step, your younger cousins come running up to you with excitement, shouting about Santa Claus, the half eaten cookies, and the new gifts. You do your best to wave off the lingering sleep in your mind to match their enthusiasm. When that's enough to satisfy them before they can actually open their gifts, they loudly run off to their next victims – You catch Charlie's eye from across the den.

His eyes crinkle at the sight of you, then flick down to your sweater and he sits up, pointing at his own for a moment with his mouth slightly agape, before patting the seat beside him enthusiastically. It takes you a moment to mentally unstick your feet from the floor and walk over to him. It was Christmas morning in front of your family - if anything was wrong, this was probably your last reprieve before things fully went wrong and you could see the damages. As selfish as it sounded, you felt as though you should take advantage of that.

“So you really do have a matching sweater?” Charlie giggled and pulled you down to sit next to him, wrapping an arm around you. “I'm glad you decided to match with me.”

“And leave you hanging? Just wait until you see whatever Mom has got on this year. It's gonna put both of us to shame.” You leaned in to whisper as early morning chaos still reigned.

“Hey lovebirds, say cheese!” Your aunt had her phone out already, and you perked up just in time to smile as the flash dazzled you and Charlie.

“You ready for a whole day of.. That?” You glanced to Charlie, who chuckled.

“Bring it on.”

Rolling your eyes, you waited for everyone to wake up and join the family in the den. The younger kids instantly started opening gifts and throwing wrapping paper everywhere when they were given the go ahead. Eventually your dad started a garbage bag of scraps and tried his best to rally the kids into one area with their new toys as the adults started opening their much smaller gifts.

It was always amusing watching people open gifts, seeing the way even grown adults would get excited over certain things they wanted, or how they tried to hide their dislike or disappointment over certain other gifts. One of your aunts was given an ornate music box that seemed to be hand-crafted, and it seemed like she was ready to cry as she hugged your uncle, thanking him. Meanwhile one of your uncles got a pair of socks with little reindeer printed on them, and you swore you could see him try to set them on fire with his eyes.

Charlie would lift his arm whenever it was your turn to open something, watching you make a neat little pile at your feet of opened gifts. He seemed content to just sit and watch, making little jokes about certain gifts until your father walked over with a small box. He lifted his arm again, but your dad held the box to him a little more insistently.

“Wh.. For me-?” Charlie pointed at himself and sat up, taking it hesitantly.

“Well… We didn't want you to feel left out, but the stores were a bit scarce so close to the holiday when I went to get you something. So we hope it's okay.” Your dad smiled and nodded, stepping back to his place by the tree.

Charlie looked at you a bit bewildered, and carefully tore open the wrapping paper. It was a couple of Pokémon card packs from the store, and a set of six-sided dice. You almost went to say something about how they just did their best to understand, but Charlie's eyes lit up as he pulled them out of the box, carefully holding the dice as he inspected them. It was a set of black dice with white dots, subtly reflecting the lights on the tree.

“You didn't..” He looked up at your parents and shook his head slowly. “You didn't have to get me anything.” His hand slipped into yours, squeezing so tight it shook a little. Glancing at Charlie, you could tell he was trying so hard to play it cool, but the way his lips twitched and fought off a grin was undermining all of his attempts.

Your mother shook her head.

“What kind of parents in law would we be if we left you out?? We’ll get you something better next year, we promise.” She sent a wink your way, and you knew it was more for you than it was Charlie. You tried to ignore the warmth that crawled up your neck at the implication there. Next year. Did she really have that much faith in you to fix things? Did she have so much confidence in her ability to see what you can't that she believed Charlie would come home with you next year?

The next gift was picked, and Charlie turned to you with wide, excited eyes as he held up the card packs. It snapped you out of your thoughts and you smiled at him. You hadn't expected it would make him so happy, but the way he glowed was so much better than you could've imagined.

“I take it you're happy then?” You whispered, and he nodded, flipping through the handful of packs.

“I didn't- They didn't need to get me anything! I didn't expect to get anything..”

“Well,” You shrugged and leaned against him, sighing. “If you're part of the family, they're gonna get you something. I'm just glad I didn't tell them what he would've wanted, in case they got something you would've hated.”

Charlie shook his head as he chose one of the packs, setting the others down in his lap gently.

“I wasn't expecting anything, though. I would've enjoyed just watching you open things.” He fiddled with the wrapping of the pack and you looked down at it, then up at him.

“Well.. Go on.”

“What?”

“Open the pack. I wanna see what you got.”

He smiles and you set your head on his shoulder, watching as he opens the pack and flicks through the cards. He explains each card to you, explaining the differences on each of them, and you were more than happy to let him quietly ramble on as he grabbed the next pack.

“Do you wanna open this one?”

“Nah. All yours.”

Charlie nods, peeling open the next pack. It was impressive how quickly he put you at ease, and you couldn't find it in yourself to worry about what may come later, so long as you could stay in the moment of him explaining the rarity of certain cards. It was cute.

The rest of the day went by in a blur as people showed up and left, some family friends popping in for the day just to visit, a few neighbours showing up to gift some treats that you watched your younger cousins sneak into just a little too early. Your mother walked around at one point with her phone facetiming your grandmother, who insisted on having an entire conversation about you wearing the sweater, to which you just had to drag Charlie into frame to show that you were matching. This started a whole new slough of questions about your relationship, and the two of you had to explain repeatedly that you weren't ready for marriage, let alone kids.

Christmas music played loudly and the sound of far too many conversations loudly filled the air during the afternoon, and after being pulled between so many, you found your head was spinning too fast to keep up with, so you snuck out to the front foyer for a bit of space. Charlie seemed to have the same idea as he stumbled out of the kitchen, followed by the sound of your uncles laughing.

“They aren't getting to you in there, are they? Do I need to go tell them to lay off?” You teased lightly, leaning against the doorway as you took a deep breath.

“Pshh, No..” Charlie shook his head and walked up to you with a warm smile, though you noticed his cheeks were slightly pink. “Just got a little warm in there. Your family is really, uh..”

“Nosy?”

“Thorough.”

You laughed loudly and shook your head as you straightened up. Your gaze drifts up and your face falls slightly.

Mistletoe.

Charlie's gaze follows yours and he freezes. The buzz of the house seems to fade away as you focus on it, as if you found yourself locked in this little bubble with Charlie, and suddenly every guilty feeling writhed under your skin all at once.

“Oh.”

“I'm- I’m sorry,” You start, shaking your head as you turn to step to the side. You had been doing so well acting normal, of course you'd find yourself under the very same mistletoe he helped you hang. “We can move-”

“Wait.”

Charlie's arm stops you, and you look at his face to see him flushed, with the same expression from when you started talking last night.

“I..” He shifts, and you move back to standing under the mistletoe with him, looking at him intently. “I know that when you asked me to help you with this, you were a bit desperate and just looking for somebody to help you, and I’m sure I wasn't your first choice considering how little time we had spent together, but… This week has been the best week of my life I think, and I don't ever want it to end if it means we have to go back to the way things were. I don't want to go another day without hearing your voice, or watching you try not to laugh at my jokes - which I know you think are funny. I know this was mostly to save face in front of your family and that we haven't gotten much of a chance to genuinely get to know each other, but I would love to get to know you better, if I can.” His eyes soften and the confliction on his face fades into something much more vulnerable. Charlie's hands move up to your shoulders, and that feeling of freezer burn starts radiating under his touch again. “I want more of this, if you're okay with that. More of you.”

Charlie's eyes flicker between your own, carefully watching as you stand there, stunned.

“And.. Stop me, if I’ve taken this wrong. If my attempts to get your attention this week have been unwarranted. Stop me if this isn't what you want.” His hand moves to your cheek. “Please.”

You don't stop him, shaking your head and leaning into his hand.

“I won't.”

Charlie smiles as he pulls your face to his, gently kissing you for just a moment. He pulls away, just enough to breathe. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and quickly pull him into a deeper kiss.

The sound of cheers and whoops fill the hall and you pull away to see a handful of family members standing in the hallway, watching you two. Your mom gives you a knowing smile before you stare and silently wave them all off. Isabella is the last one to leave, holding her phone up with a mischievous grin and a thumbs up.

Charlie chuckled lowly and kissed your cheek, and when you were sure your little audience had dispersed, you two smiled at each other and kissed again.

“I told you I’d surprise you.”

“You didn't let me down.”

The rest of the night was full of playful gazes and quick kisses when nobody's looking. Quiet whispers of private conversation passed back and forth with no room for anyone to eavesdrop. Gentle touches and subtle movements, with something a little more genuine behind them – you find that not much changes in these little acts from the rest of the week, as if they've always had the same intent behind them just with more hesitation.

Dinner goes about as well as you'd expect, with one of your uncles trying to stir up some trouble and having to be talked down as a big scene was made. Usually you'd be much more upset about this sort of thing, but whenever you sighed or tensed up, Charlie's hand squeezed yours from under the table, and everything was okay again. You stayed up and drank a little after with the rest of the adults in the family, the conversations around the house a little more soft spoken, albeit a little more loose lipped as well. Those who were either already planning on staying, or had drank more than they meant to, trickled off one by one to their rooms, and slowly the unused lights were turned off until it was you and Charlie alone in the den with the glittering lights of the tree.

Sure, you were a few drinks in, but so was he as the two of you hummed and danced along to the Christmas music emanating from the radio. His arms wrapped around you and it was like there was nothing else in the world you could possibly bring yourself to think about other than the smell of Charlie and the sound of his low hums as he swayed you two back and forth.

You knew there would have to be a proper conversation about what you two were going to do now, about what this meant for your relationship and how it would affect the people around you, but for now, you were content with what you had, which was Charlie in your arms, smiling warmly at you.

The song changed to something more upbeat, and he grinned, laughing a little as he pulled away and spun you to the tune. The two of you kept up with singing along, even if you wavered a little as Charlie pulled you along. It was fun and it was carefree and you were very dizzy by the end, where Charlie leaned you into a dip and smiled down at you.

“Merry Christmas, Charlie.”

“Merry Christmas, Angel.”

He leans down and presses a kiss to your lips, and you chase him as he leans up to press another kiss to his lips. After a couple more chaste kisses, he pulls away and glances towards the stairs then back at you with an unspoken question, and you find yourself quickly pulled up the stairs, giggling and shushing each other all the way to your room.

#⁉️ ; bang !#🐾 ; checkmate !#slimecicle x reader #charlie slimecicle x reader #if you see any mistakes no you don't

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missmarveledsblog · 8 months ago

Text

A little something unexpected (Jake Seresin x Reader)

Summary: a routine shopping trip leads to something something unexpected for a certain blonde aviator .

warning: fluffy , goofy , jakes new to the simp life but hes not complaining . not proof read ( Soz )

( just realised i haven't done any hangman oneshots so here's one)

In the unknown of life it can throw curveballs , unexpected courses throughout life that test whether you go through with it or not . Like talking to a stranger in a bar , crossing the road at the wrong or right time , changing plans at the last minute, all things not expected but can cause a big or little outcome . Jake Seresin didn’t realize such an occasion was going to happen as he was grocery shopping one sunday morning. He didn’t know he was going to be changed in such a way it would alter his life in such a way . He was going aisle to aisle getting and checking off his list , he may have shot a few smiles and winks at the women he passed getting his various produce and products . It was normal , part of his Sundays since he’s been stationed permanently in San Diego . turning corner as a women check him out shamelessly but it was his favorite kind , then again he like whether they took charge or not once they left the next morning. He was a hound dog , not yet ready to settle down just wasn’t in the cards for him and he was more than ok with that . he wasn’t looking for love or so he thought then he look up saw a scene before him , she was beautiful , stunning and everything he didn’t know was real only in some sort of movie or magazine . their was a familiar feeling to the woman he was looking at , maybe she was famous seen her in some movie at some point in life. But she was standing crossed arms looking completely unamused at the man before her , some sap trying to put the moves on ,jake thought or couples quarrel .

“ come on stop playing hard to get “ the man almost whine same time as jake rolled his eyes , she did the same.

“ i ain’t interested so why don’t you get on stop bugging me “ she huffed walking off or least trying to until the man grabbed her arm that when jake stood taller , chest out ready to intervene help the pretty lady out . he was hound dog in the sense he slept around but he never would pressure or alone put his hands on a woman . Ready to intervene and save the day but before he could even step forward she grab the man quickly having him now pressed up against the shelf hand twisted behind his back before jake could even speak .

“ let go of me you crazy bitch “ he squealed trying to get out of her grasp whole thing was amusing granted she was tiny compared to both him and the man she had in her hold .

“ don’t grab strangers or they grab back now i’ll let you go and you’ll be on your way or i can hold you til the cops come sugar it’s all up to you “ she smiled sweetly .

“ first one “ the man pained out almost whisper as she did just that and watched him walking off slightly impressed with the outcome til she realised she had an audience one a little old lady and another was a face she didn’t think she would see ever again .

“ well done you show him “ the little old lady almost cheered before heading off .

“ jake seresin ?” she called making him freeze .

“ you know me ?” he asked confused she was familiar but not in the known familiarity sort of sense of things , cluing to scramble every inch of his brain to think of how he knew her , was she past flame but then again if he did go there he would remember her definitely.

“ it’s y/n “ she laughed suddenly more closer and everything clicking into place , she was his best friend back homes little sister although she wasn’t little anymore. The former wildchild who wore baggy clothes getting trouble constantly of her escapades infairness jake barely saw her , she was either up in her room , sneaking out or out causing trouble. She was always pretty but it was always an off limits sort of thing plus she was never interested in her brother or his friends jake was one of em .

“ well trouble what hell you doing here” he smirked .

“ was trying to shop you know it’s a grocery store” .

“ funny i mean san diego smart ass” he shook his head.

“ well lets walk and talk big guy i ain’t causing a traffic jam “she walked. “ to answer you question i moved her last year for work , i am now a nurse more specifically an ER nurse where all the action is , i’m guessing your stationed here ?” she asked .

“ sure am ma’am , can’t believe your a nurse though?” he chuckled .

“ should seen my mama’s face when i told her i wanted to be one she thought i’d finally lost it but hell no one expected me pull it off except my big brother mikey he always believes in me “ she smiled .

“ hows big mike now haven’t talked to him since in a couple years, i know he married i missed the wedding because i was deployed”.

“ he’s got like five little one like she just kept going one after another “ she shook her head amusement filled her tone. “ but he loves dad life and he’s deputy on the force badge and all “ .

It was so natural to fall into the conversation with her , more easier than anyone he’s met , reminiscing over the past and filling in the gaps and present to the point he felt a little disappointed when they were heading out the store , swapping number did help stop the disappointment , knowing the conversation could still continue. It was strange to say the least a normal routine moment leading to more as they parted ways . still there was something there , something he couldn’t place his finger on that was lingering after she left but he knew he had to see her again that was for certain . heading home and yet she was all that he could think about , even stepping out and heading into his house, usually waving over a scantily clad housewife across housewife but he completely ignored her presence as he headed into his house .

It would be weeks before he would see her again giving her busy schedule and his own the meet up was something very hard to maintain yet still keeping in contact he felt like teenager waiting for his crush to respond was that what this feeling was . Standing at the dart board ready to take rooster money once more even he was starting to feel sorry but hey he asked for the rematch. He wasn’t paying attention to the bell ringing above the door , it was when he started hearing the low whistles .

“ christ on a bike “ was all he heard from the hawaiian shirt wearing man following who suddenly wasn’t caring about the money he was losing , his gaze set completely else where only for jake to follow . He stopped in his track , he himself was less caring of taking his fellow aviators money . She stood out , of course her friend were pretty good looking women but shit she was breathtaking , she took his breath away that was for sure. The little black dress , boots and leather jacket all simple pieces of clothing and yet on her looked like she was ready for a run way or glamorous photo shoot . he watched the way her head fell back laughing at whatever her friends where talking about .It like she could sense his eyes , her connecting and smile bright on her face as she mouth a hi and little wiggle of her fingers in a wave . his throat was dry but hell his mouth was watering .

“ shit they have to be lost” was all rooster said as he made his way to the bar offering his services to the ladies if needed . another new thing was the way his jaw clenched when roosters hand extended to her , the flirty grin and whatever he was saying had her laughing away. Jealousy wasn’t a new feeling for jake, he was man enough to admit it ( to himself and never out loud ) . But he was never jealous of a women attention , usually he would just move on or get her attention his way . but now he watching his friend and a face from his past that he couldn’t shake like she permanently inserted herself into his brain . then they were coming over , men watching the group of girl sauntering over to the familiar spot that was occupied by the famous dagger squad . he watched as rooster introduced each of the girls to his friend .

“ i know hangman , we go way back “ her voice god it beat any melody of his favorite songs .

“ that we do darling “ he flashed flirty grin of his own.

“ we grew up in the same town actually him and my big brother were best friends at one stage “ she explained to the perplexed face of her own friends and his .

“ oh so was jake always well this or was he awkward secret nerd before .. please tell me he was a pip squeak who couldn’t get lad “ nat perked up .

“ nah he and my brother were ladies men , completely the star of everyone’s eyes including the women of our town “she rolled her eyes as he had a beaming smile .

“ i can see why he and you brother total heart throb material “ her friend mia purred and yet it was easy she was already showing the blonde the go but his eyes were solely fix on y/n . the whole night he was following her every word it was like she was the only woman in the bar and in his eyes she was . even his friends were a little shocked at the behavior of their friend . her friends gave up on pursuing the man well most of them did mia on the other hand seemed to be determined to get the blonde eye shedding layers pulling her dress up a little more show off her legs or down to show cleavage and t was getting anyone but jake seresins . she giggled louder and talked more lewdly the dagger squad stood confused , while y/n friends looked slightly embarrassed what they didn’t know was the seemly secret need to be better than y/n , mia goal to be the one who performed better , got everything that y/n wanted , she wasn’t a friend not really . not that y/n cared it or took notice it was really one sided , she was happy with her life , a job although stressful but worth it she enjoyed it most parts but came with hard times . she had boyfriends but never stayed around something never clicked not like it did with jake seresin which well was strange . not in sense she didn’t find he wasn’t attractive because even knew it , it was more they were such different people back then probably now too. Texting was fun , catching up was best. Someone from home here in san diego was something they both could enjoy.

The night was going well other than the glares from her so called friend but other than that she and her other friends were having a great time she found them great bunch of people even being invited to other nights out if she was available . she hopped of the seat headed to the seat jake was at the bar getting more drinks while she was standing at juke box punching in the keys two heading to the group at same time as slow ride because booming throughout the speakers. Every single one of the dagger squad huffing and sighing.

“ really bag man” nat groaned rubbing her temples .

“ hey this good song but this time , it wasn’t me i was at the bar” he chuckled raising his drink in one hand and handing y/n a bottle of beer .

“ actually this ones on me , it’s one of my favorite songs “ she winced .

“ yeah totally good song” mia cheered.

“ you told her turn it off earlier “ clara , one of y/n arched her brow.

“ actually yeah you said you hated it” emma snorted .

“ she only likes it because blondey , does even though blondey isn’t haven’t having a bar of her” izzy scoffed starting to get annoyed a pick me mia . “ probably because y/n likes him is why she wants him “ she let slip .

“ not true at all “ mia whined .

“ yeah it is , why you come you don’t even like us or y/n “ izzy probed .

“ i like you guys , where is this coming from … not my fault y/n boyfriend came on to me that time “ she shook her head .

“ wait what ??” y/n face fell .

“ what it was just one time or two .. maybe it was three relax it meant nothing plus you dumped him so like chill , come on you get everything let me have that and stop hogging his attention “ mia whined completely like she had done nothing wrong.

“ she aint hogging my attention actually in fact i’m hogging hers hope you girls don’t mind i’m gonna steal her to “ he looked to the others who couldn’t help have shit eating grin.

“ enjoy “ izzy smirked waving as jake pulled her hand waving to penny a silent he would pay his tab next day. She on other hand was quiet not the usual way she was before trying to think back and it all clicking . she heard the bell ring and a yell of mia screaming “ come on “ as jake looked to see the woman pouting pulling her phone off the bar and round of cheers, an instant karma not to the point it really measures but hey it was a start .

He brought her down the beach still some light of the bar illuminating in a sense but not too much it disturbed the beauty of the night . how the moonlight reflected on the ocean , the sound of waves crashing such calm compared to the storm that was nearly brewing in the hard deck . He realized the fact he was still holding her hand only this time her fingers where intertwined with his and he could stop thinking how perfect they fit like two pieces of a puzzle . they didn’t talk , like the unspoken words spoke volumes enjoying the silence and each others company til she shivered once more then wordlessly he lead them off the beach towards his truck . unlocking it opening the passenger side as she hoped in , all not a word spoken from their mouths but the eyes told each other everything. All that was running through jakes mind was how perfect she fit in his life in different ways , like how perfect she was sat in his truck . taking the hoodie from the backseat handing it to her a whisper of “ thanks “ spilling from her lips . this was new this was something he hadn’t experience in a long time . the drive was different somehow but it was almost routine. Driving pretty girl home but this wasn’t just any pretty girl it was y/n . She was different , everything about his feelings were different to what he was used to. The fact he like seeing her in his clothes or at his side. Pulling up to her house he didn’t want it to end not the night , not her company , it all .

“ you wanna come in for a drink or coffee” seemly she was feeling the same the long forgotten drama of a jealous friend to the fact she was solely in trance from the blonde aviator that sat beside her.

“ yeah i’d like that “ he smiled hoping out of the car jogging to her side and holding his hand out to help her out of the car . once more fingers intertwined walking up toward the house , something even in the exterior felt homely , flowers that sat perfectly around the deck in a weird sense reminded him of home in texas , she opened the door throwing her keys in the bowl her hand still in his only for jake to puller her spinning her into his arms , a yelp and giggle spilling from her lips man he loved that sound , tipping her face up with his free hands leaning down so close he could hear her breathe hitch , he could feel how close it was all he had to do was do it , just move that little bit that would connect his lips to her plump pillow soft lips . the nervous feeling in his was definitely new one , had him frozen almost looking into her eyes watching him closely only to be the one to be the one to take that step , that one push that had her lips on his. Instantly the nervous feelings gone his hand gone straight to her hair pulling her closer if it was possible . never had he felt a kiss like it , one that had him lost , one that had him addicted just one touch like it was his sole source of living . her lips perfect against his , her hand on his chest sliding up and around his head , her own tilting for new angle to deepen the kiss . the way his tongue dance with her own , tasting each other like it was only thing in the world even the need for air wasn’t a thought when the two so lost in each other . until it was pulling back both breathlessly looking at the other , the smile appearing on their faces . lifting her up he could feel the vibration of her laugh matching his own giving directions around the house in between pecks and sensual kisses , nothing was rushed . nothing was pushed and exceeded his own need , no jake wanted to take his time , he wanted to burn this moment into his memory . the feeling of her in his arms still swallowed by his hoody or the feeling of her soft skin on her legs on the palm of his hands . her taste , the way she was looking at him it was all something that he didn’t want to stop not ever .

That moment of confusion when he began to stir , the scent of somewhere else , the feel of somewhere else . eyes cracking open to see the morning sun settling in the room , turning to find the bed empty . brows scrunched together as rubbed the sleep out of his eyes til he could hear the muffled voice coming from behind the door . a smirk on his lips as he got out of bed grabbing his underwear , his shirt somewhere missing could find it later . following the sound of the voice , taking in her home something that was missed the night previous the way it felt cozy , the way it felt like home laced in the wall . how he could picture himself coming home from a long day and just something simple as sitting with her wrapped in his arms eating take out .

“ is that jake seresin “ a voice called as he walked into the kitchen , a familiar voice one he’s spent his whole childhood until he went to the naval academy .

“ hey mikey “ he wince not realizing he just interrupted a family facetime while in his underwear .

“ it is hey y’all catch up while i finish this “ she smirked , amused at his reaction or how heated his cheeks where.

“ hey Mikey , how are you man “ he winced walking closer taking her phone in his hands so he wasn’t exposing much of himself to his childhood friend while standing in said friend little sisters kitchen .

“ breakfast will be awhile sit “ she called not looking at him but he could tell she was fighting the urge to laugh .

“ he’s the guy ?” mikey called.

“ he’s the guy now catch up “ she called back .

“ hurt her and law be on your ass seresin . but other than that how you been man hows the navy “ her brother said easily even making her look at her phone with a look of “ what the fuck” written on her face.

“ good man permanently stationed here , deployments aren't as long and get to teach the future aviators how its done “ he chuckled .

Wasn’t long til the bestfriend chatting up a storm jake was barely paying attention though his missing shirt that almost swallowed her whole as she moved around kitchen making him breakfast shit this wasn’t helping his fantasies it was only feeding them , when she came over plates in her hand place them on table and heading back to get more jake said his goodbyes as she yelled her placing the drinks and condiments on the table only for jake to pull her on to his lap. Kissing her neck and her cheek til she turned her head and kissing his lips , the domestic feel to it all didn’t scare him , it should of but it was y/n , it felt right . her perched on his lap while they ate breakfast . She told him of her lack of plans so she was probably going to chill home for day , so he invited her to the beach . a sort of weekly tradition of going the beach with the dagger squad and friends on base , something she knew of from their text . what she didn’t know this was a first of many things. It was first of him staying over that was rare he usually went home once the deed was done , he was usually home along sitting at his kitchen island , it was also a new thing of him bringing someone with him to the beach , never had he brought a fling but he hoped this wasn’t a fling it was too good to be a fling. Once breakfast was done and he cleaned up much to her telling him to stop falling on deaf ears . they showered , ready and headed to jakes so he could change his clothes knowing he was going to take another shower after beach .

The faces of his friends where priceless except javy and nat the two sense something growing and it was an answer to jake sudden behavior change over the last few weeks. How he was glue to his phone or barely paying attention to the women that batted their lashes at him in hard deck . her hand in his as they got closer only to see her friends there too well two izzy and emma.

“ bob and rooster invited us “ izzy smirked . “ see jake had same idea” .

“ well since there is girls here , lets set up over here and leave the boys to their football “ nat cheered just as y/n went to leave with the girls jake pulled spinning her as she fell into a fit of giggles as jake kissed every part of her face before getting her lips .

“ ok ok come on suck face later”rooster groaned pretending to be repulsed but the smile on his face betrayed him .

“ see ya later honey “ jake winked patting her ass as she shot him a playful glare .

Rushing to her friends to find out what happened when she left to here mia had to pay for a round of drinks and left in an uber alone not long after . the turn in events izzy asked bob for his number which the shy WSO almost thought she was joking , while shy emma gave rooster hers but left the bar alone but all wanting to know what happened with her and jake . she told them it all ( well not all ) . nat couldn’t believe it , all her time knowing jake seresin and hearing this almost husband material man , one of the biggest man sluts of the hard deck being so soft and fluffy . then when she looked to the group of her fellow dagger squad members , the way jake seresin was looking at y/n . Such love and awe in his green eyes it all made sense.

Distracted was the best term to use as he and guys stood , his eyes automatically landed on her , ears picking up her laughter as she sat in the warm sand , talking animatedly about something . it made a bright smile emerge on his face . like it was just here on the beach , she wasn’t even talking to him , or could he hear what she was saying but she had his attention either way .

“ i’ll be damned , never thought i would see the day unless this is some coma , drug induced dream “rooster let out low whistle finally bringing the texan back to the group.

“ what are you talkin bout now bradshaw” jake rolled his eyes.

“ it’s seems a miracle has happened and bag man is in love “ rooster smirked .

He wanted to tell him no , he was wrong that jake seresin and love never even crossed paths and yet he couldn’t . It was all clicking in his head , how it all made sense and this was one of those instances where he could actually agree with rooster. Jake was in love and it wasn’t scaring him like he thought it would shit he was welcoming it , letting it fill his brain and his heart.

“ i think rooster is on to something i think my boy is in love” javy shook jake shoulders side to side playfully.

“ i ain’t denying she something special but if you think ya beating me today bradshaw got another thing coming “ he winked . “ LET'S PLAY SO I CAN BRING MY GIRL ON A DATE” he yelled catching her attention how her wide eyes soften and the coy playful smile on her lips appeared.

“Since when am i your girl seresin” she stood hands on hips .

“ since the moment i saw you in that aisle kicking ass honey lets not deny the obvious here” he smirked walking toward her , not one of them complained the sudden shift of the game change .

“ well kiss your girl and get back to your game cowboy “ she wrapped her arms around his waist as he held her face so softly kissing her soft lips like it was first time and definitely vowed to himself he would be doing it til the last day he had on earth. Ignoring their friends hoots and hollering in the background . nah his girl was his main thought.

Things were unexpected , one little thing could alter and change course of someone's life and in this instance jake seresin was happy with the outcome what was a routine shopping trip because it would lead him to this , to love and even more importantly it would lead him to her .

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suzukiblu · 8 months ago

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Day seven of “obligatory sugar baby Kon” behind the cut. tw: implications of past grooming/abuse and the inherent problems in someone who was in that situation trying to flirt with someone actually age-appropriate. prev: (( chrono || non-chrono ))

“. . . ‘fast’,” Kon echoes awkwardly, glancing down at their hands. Tim tries not to wince. He definitely sounds like an idiot or a prude or–whatever. Just incredibly, incredibly uncool.

He has actually never felt less like a prude since getting to know Kon well enough to notice things like how good the bastard looks soaked in Kool-Aid, but now is just . . . really not the time for thoughts like those, yeah.

“I, uh–I’ve never actually, um . . . with anyone, actually. Guy or not,” Tim half-admits, though it feels stupid that being a virgin is something to admit instead of just a statement of fact. Normally it wouldn’t be, is the thing, but he just really doesn’t want Kon to think he sounds lame or antisocial or . . . whatever, exactly. “I actually would literally not even know how to, uh . . . give you ‘tips’ or anything. Unless I had like, the prep time to do some research, I mean. It’s just, uh–I don't date much, to be honest. Or, uh. Pretty much at all? Like, you're definitely more experienced than I am either, uh, either way, like that's just–I don't do much of this stuff. Any of it. I have in fact gone out with exactly two girls in my life and they both were definitely, um–also the ones who were making the moves and all.”

It's not that he never want to make a move, just usually he's too busy being way too in his own head about it or something else entirely or–

God, he is rambling so much, Tim realizes, repressing a cringe when he realizes how blankly Kon’s currently staring at him. Because it is very, very blankly, that Kon is staring at him.

Crap.

“Uh,” Tim says with a grimace. “Sorry. Um. If you were expecting something . . . faster, I mean.”

Kon should definitely not have anything that fast if he’s thinking of himself as a product, Tim’s basically positive, but also that’s actually not any of his damn business, but also he definitely needs to look into Kon’s dating history just to add a few names to his list for when he finally goes supervillain and just maybe look into–

. . . Kon is still just staring blankly at him.

Tim fails to repress the cringe this time.

“Uh,” he attempts again. “Kon? Are you . . .?”

Kon turns literally crimson and ducks his head, but also doesn’t actually stop staring at him.

. . . alright then, Tim thinks.

“I do like you. I like you a lot. Like–I like-like you a lot, if I have somehow managed to not be embarrassingly obvious about that at this point,” he tries, borderline flailing in the conversation now since Kon is apparently no longer willing to use his words and he was already not doing that great with it when Kon was using his words, and he can’t even talk with his hands or anything because he’s holding Kon’s hands like an actual grade schooler, except probably no one ever has held Kon’s hands like–no, no, he is not far enough down the supervillain pipeline to be able to finish that thought process and deal with the psychological consequences of having to not burn down the system about it, he really cannot do that at any point in the next ten to fifteen years whatsoever. “This isn't–I'm just–it's not me not wanting to . . . take some pictures, eventually. Just . . . maybe we could wait a bit on it. Stick with the streets and buildings for a little while longer, maybe?”

He tries for a smile and also tries not to cringe again over how weak an attempt it feels like, and then has the uneasy and uncomfortable thought that actually doing anything like that isn’t even really–is that ethical, even? Even the idea of doing something like that? Kon doesn’t really know Robin all that well, no, but they’re on the same team and the same side, and they’re teammates and at least arguably friends, and Kon also doesn’t know he is Robin, and–

“Um,” Kon says, his hands tightening just a bit around Tim’s and his face still blazingly and borderline inhumanly red as his head ducks a little lower and his mouth curves into what is, in fact, the most unfairly soft smile that Tim has ever seen on the bastard’s face. “We could do that, yeah.”

Tim was thinking about something, probably? Which hopefully wasn’t something important, considering just how ruthlessly Kon just fried his brain out of his head. Which is not even reasonable or logical, because all Kon did was . . . well, imply he was fine taking things at Tim’s pace and not actually going to get immediately bored if he didn’t put out and was actually interested in just being together, and also did it while smiling at him like that.

Alright, fine, Tim knows exactly why his stupid brain got itself fried. He’s still apparently embarrassingly easy, though.

Well, that’s not exactly new information in regards to Kon anyway.

#timkon #tim drake #kon el #conner kent #dc robin #superboy #wip: obligatory sugar baby kon #implied past grooming #implied past abuse #unhealthy coping mechanisms

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seungfl0wer · 8 months ago

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*𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒚*

Pairing: Chan x Reader (GN)

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None, however I tried to say very simple things because I still have no clue how to properly take care of my own curls let alone write about how to lol.

A/N: This is a little short however I loved this Request. As someone with “wavy/curly” hair i wish he’d take care of it and love his cute curls. (Also at myself because I do not take care of them like I should either)

-🖤

Laying on your bed scrolling through your phone you hear a loud sigh coming from the bathroom. “You alright in there?” You yell but get no response. With a small huff you get up walking towards the bathroom to see Chan sitting there staring at himself. His hairs a mess like he’s been running his fingers through it.

“What’s wrong bubs?” You ask seeing the frustration on his face.

“I don’t know what to do y/n my hair just feels awful. Like what do I do with this” he says fluffing his hair.

“Well for starters you need to stop getting it dyed so much. Secondly you gotta take care of it better” you say running your hands over his back.

“I do take care of it, I condition and-“ he started before you cut him off.

“Christopher. You have waves, little curls. You need to take care of them.” You scolded.

“Will you help me?” He asked sounding defeated.

“Of course.” You say with a kiss to his nose.

The next day came around Chan was sitting on the couch when you came back from errands. You had did a whole haul of products to help him with his hair. Maybe you went a little overboard but you just wanted the best for him. When you came through the door you smiled wildly at him making him laugh. You had that crazed gleam in your eye.

“What’s that face for?” He asked still chuckling.

“Floor.” You say making your way to him.

“What about the floor?” He asked teasingly.

“Sit your juicy butt on the floor please” you say with a little pout.

He laughs while sitting on the floor. You take your spot above him handing him the bags.

“What’s all this for?” He asked.

“Your hair silly” you say taking the first few things out.

“This is to help defuse your hair, and this is to bring moisture to your scalp. Oh oh and this one helps retain the cute curls you have” you ramble showing him each product.

You apply a few things before bringing him to the bathroom. You gave him a whole run down of things he should be doing. Which order to do his hair in how to dry it. You had gotten silk pillowcases so it would help even thinking about getting him a little silk bonnet.

After just a few days of the routine you could see a Change in his hair. It looked so much healthier so vibrant. His curls were more defined and had a lot less frizz to it. He also seemed much more confident not wanting to put hats on or anything to mess it up. You smiled walking into the room seeing him playing with his hair. He was just glowing he looked so happy.

“Mm someone’s looking good” you say with a little giggle kissing his cheek.

“All thanks you my love” he said smiling widely before pulling you to him. He kissed you lovingly before staring down into your eyes.

“I appreciate you taking your time to help me with this, I really never felt better about it. My hair just looks- good” he said before kissing you again.

“Of course silly, I’m just happy you’re happy. And I’m happy you’re not gonna go bald now.. hopefully” you teased making him tickle you.

“If I go bald you’ll still love me right?” He said.

You nod making his eyes go wide “right!” He said before tickling you more.

“Duh that’s not even a question” you said laughing.

“Good, now I ordered dinner wanna watch a movie?”

“Can I play with your hair?” You said with a smile.

“Duh that not even a question” he teased you.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

💙 If you’d like to read more of my stuff you can find it Here: Master List . Thank you for reading and if requests are open or you just wanna talk feel free to send me something🩵

Taglist: @satosugu4l @do-you-remember-summer-127 @xines16 @minh0scat @troublemaker02 @tr-mha-fan @lunearta @velvetmoonlght @minghaosimp

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leftshoeuntied · 4 months ago

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Good Neighbors | part five

König x Reader

part one part two part three part four | masterlist

CW: reader has feminine pronouns, not edited (like trust me on this, I just wrote this)

note: im so sorry for putting this on the back burner for the past couple of months!! my own Carol had a really tough past few months, and after going to the hospital the first week of December, and spending the two months in the hospital/rehab, she's just now is starting to settle in back home and get back into the swing of living at home comfortably again. when I first started this, I guess I didn't realize how much this was pulling from my own relationship with her and the inevitable future with her, and it hit a bit too close to home to touch this recently, but between her being on the upswing again and the rest of the states going to shit I figured it was a good time to write and make something fun for me again. let me know your thoughts! (but also I'm so sorry for not editing this, I just wanted to get this out, and I'll probably come back to edit this at some point)

These past couple of weeks, you and König had spent almost every day together, whether working on some project around the house or Carol just convincing König to come spend time with her in the living room watching her shows, König was there. He was still that strange man you first met not too long ago, but strangely enough you’ve grown accustomed to his odd bluntness and stoicism.

After building the ramp together, loosely using the word together – more like König taking the lead and you following his directions, you were going out of your way more to ask for his help or thoughts on projects. But in reality, you didn’t even need to ask for his help, you just had to tell him what you planned on working on that day and König would take that as invitation to take over as project leader.

A couple of weeks ago when you first made your list with Carol on different project ideas around the house, you really did think you were capable of getting them all done on your own, because really, how hard could any of these projects be? You had youtube and google, and you weren’t the first person to try and remove an old vanity and install a new one, someone had to have posted a video on how to do it.

Flash forward to you sitting on the ground next to the sink in the bathroom, all of the cleaning products pulled out from underneath the sink piled around, with your phone playing through your third youtube video on how to properly disconnect the water valves without flooding your bathroom. You hadn’t heard Carol invite König into the house, but sure enough there he was standing in the open bathroom doorway asking “what are you doing?” with a raised eyebrow and a slight twinge to his usually tone.

When you tried to explain your thought process on how you were going to quickly uninstall the old vanity and drag in the new one to just as quickly install the new one, he just gave you a quick scoff before adding “by yourself? Do you even know what you are doing?”

“It can’t be that hard, I’ve watched a couple videos on it” you grimace, holding your phone out to show him the now paused video. But instead of giving you a nod and leaving to go join Carol again, like he was originally invited over to do, he quickly encroached into your space, crouching and mumbling a quick ‘move over’.

From there, he took over, explaining how what you were doing was wrong and how each of the valves needed to be adjusted, and in his mind, he really thought he was being a great teacher, but when he realized he hadn’t actually heard from you the whole time he was under the sink, he feared he might’ve accidentally overstepped and been rude, like so many in the past had told him he had.

But when he looked back at you, you quickly moved your eyes from underneath the sink to his, giving him a quick apprehensive smile and asked ‘everything alright?”. He wasn’t prepared for you to still be invested and giving him your attention, so when you did ask him is everything okay, he just gave you a quick, curt nod before turning back to double check everything was turned off and removed from the sink so you couldn’t see the heat crawling up his neck and cheeks.

The rest of the vanity project was a foreshadowing into what was to come with the other projects in the weeks following, König using his brute strength and knowledge to take the lead and you offering your skills in a more practical sense, like offering to hold things in place or grabbing the right tool so he didn’t lose his place.

Whatever you asked him to help with he agreed to, didn’t matter the project, and there were even some days that you had to force him to put the tool bag down and call it night, remind him that you could pick up the project tomorrow, it didn’t need to be finished in one day.

You appreciated his care for his work, he was meticulous, took the time to review each angle, cut, and drill, to make sure that each and every move was perfect. It encouraged you to do the same, even if there wasn’t as much pressure for perfection on your part. The two of you had accomplished quite a list of small projects around the house these past few weeks, like installing the new vanity and mirror in the bathroom, repainting the same bathroom, as well as painting the hallways on the first floor, setting up the bigger goals of replacing the crown moldings in the hallways, and finally making it to the upstairs bigger renovation projects for the bathroom and bedrooms up there.

At some point these past few weeks, König had gotten into the habit of just letting himself into the house in the morning, you can’t really blame him though, you know how demanding Carol can be in making sure people feel welcome. She’ll remind you with a forceful tone that you are family and welcome here whenever if she likes you, and she expects you to act that way. So, when he stepped into the kitchen to join the two of you having a cup of coffee you weren’t really shocked at his presence.

When he asked you your plans for the day, you quickly pulled out the now ratty sticky note from your back pocket, scanning over which project would be worth it to start today, but before you could settle on one, Carol spoke up.

“How about hanging up some curtain rods in my bedroom for me?” The two of you nodded and agreed, should be easy enough for two people to complete, especially in one day. It would be a nice break from the long-term projects the two of you have been working on so far. As you finished up your breakfasts, she explained how they were a gift from your uncle, to help her sleep in later, but he had never come back to set them up for her, so they’ve just been sitting in their original boxes on top of her dresser since then.

“We’ll take care of them, not a worry.” König replied, soothing her in the same way you were itching to, helping her out was not a nuisance to you. She took König’s words as truth and left you two to go get ready for the day, and leaving for her doctor’s appointment with a quick ‘bye’ and a ‘thank you!’.

It was easy for König and you to fall into your return when working on the home projects, it mostly consisted of him taking the lead, assessing the different requirements, and assigning different roles to you as needed – which honestly, you appreciated. There was no questioning his leadership skills, he made it clear what was expected of you, even if it was something as silly as telling him when the rod holders looked even on the wall.

“Uhh…like a fraction lower on that one” you say sitting from the end of your grandmother’s bed, currently lacing one of the curtains onto the rod, watching König stand by the end, holding the bracket to the wall, waiting with his pencil to mark to where to put the drill holes.

“Are you sure?” König pauses, taking a small step back, looking up at the area above the window, trying to assess if he really had to lower it a bit our not, trying to line up with the pencil scratch marks on the other side of the window.

Sitting up a bit you try to give it another look, but doubling down you add “no yeah, a little bit lower.”

König gives it one more look, but when he steps forward back up to the window to make the marks through the bracket, you can hear mutter something along the lines of well alright, and scratches the pencil through the holes of the bracket to mark where the screws will go.

You finish lacing the second curtain onto the rod, and hop off the bed to join König by the window. Stepping up onto your stool next to him, nearing his height, but still not very close, you say “it’s crazy how tall you are.”

“It’s crazy how short you are,” König responds bluntly, plainly, and you would’ve annoyed if it weren’t for the small smirk growing on his lips. König asks you to hand him the right side’s bracket and holds the bracket up the guiding marks, “hand me the drill?” You nod and quickly grab the drill off of the dresser, handing it off to him. Wordlessly, your hand replaces his on the bracket, as you plop the screws into his outstretched hand. Easily, the drill whirls to life and the first screw goes without a concern, and then the second just as easily, but before the third, he pauses.

You notice König wince out of the corner of your eye, “you alright?” you ask still holding the curtain bracket up to the wall. He gives you a small nod and a gruff mhm, before tossing the drill softly onto your grandmother’s dresser. “Give me a second” he says lowly, while rolling his left shoulder back. Re-adjusting your stance on the stepstool, keeping one hand on the bracket, you turn your body to side to check him over, ‘you sure?’ you ask one more time nervously.

“hmph, uh think you can handle the rest of them?” König asks unwillingly, pretending to scratch at his shoulder, while really adjusting it one more time.

“Oh yeah, of course, can’t be too hard” you nod a König with a smile, as he reaches around you to grab the drill. Placing it your hand, he switches spots with you, now holding the bracket with his good arm, as you hold the drill in one hand and the screw in the other.

König talks you through the process, ‘you want a 90-degree angle, higher, alright stop, slowly press the trigger down while pushing in slightly’, keeping his free hand just slightly above your hip, just in case you lose your balance. And just like that the first bracket is free standing on it’s against the wall. Smiling happily at him, you jump down from the step stool and drag it over with you to the other side of the window. The way he was smiling back at you in this moment made it hard to determine if his shoulder was still giving him trouble or not.

König attempts to let you try to do the whole bracket on your own this time, but he can’t help still slightly mumbling directions in your ear, blushing brightly when you side eye him. “I’ve got it” you mumble, your eyes moving back forward to focus on the screws ahead of you. König gives you a small nod and soft ‘mhm’ but doesn’t move his hand away from the small of your back, that just so happened to slide there…he just has to make sure you don’t fall off the stool. It’s not safe…that’s why.

After the curtain was fixed safely to the wall, and you were safely off the stepstool back on solid ground, you turned to König and saw him adjusting his shoulder once again. “So, what happened with your arm?”

“My shoulder,” he corrects, “and it’s nothing just messed it up at work is all.”

“Doesn’t seem like nothing,” you mutter a bit, while packing the drill and screws back into the tool bag off of Carol’s dresser, “that why you’ve been home?”

“Uh, yeah” König pauses softly, before going on to explain how he’s military, and gives you very surface level information on what his work includes, and how he hurt his shoulder and ribs. He lets on more information though about his plans for physical therapy soon, and how once that’s done, he’ll finally being able to get back to work. “Well, it’s not that I haven’t enjoyed the time off, I’ve enjoyed helping you and Carol with the projects around the house, it’s just…” König stumbles over his words a bit, and pause trying to think of his next words carefully, not to offend you or Carol.

“You like the routine?” you ask, König responding with a well yes, I guess so. “So, do you want me to get you some ice? Or I guess a heating pad would probably be better for you…” You say stepping out of your grandmother’s room, not even waiting to hear his response, as you were already on your way to the medical closet in your bathroom to grab the heating pad. And yet König just follows you softly, not questioning you, even if he’s slightly uncomfortable with someone doting on him.

Heating pad in hand, you quickly turn out of the bathroom, letting out a soft ‘-oop’, not expecting the brick wall of a man to be right around the corner, waiting for you. “Oh geez, sorry I wasn’t expecting you there!” you laugh softly, brushing off the encounter, not noticing the slight pink hue crawling up his neck and cheeks, “go sit on the couch, we’ll get you settled with the heating pad there” adding with little room for questioning. You shoo him along and force him to settle on the couch, letting out a quick ‘it’s not a problem’, when you catch him mumbling a soft thank you when you get the heating pad set up snugly on his shoulder.

“Can I grab you something?” You say stepping back from his space on the couch, looking down with a smile, and list off his options “food, drinks, you water?” He’s quick to give you a quick polite no I’m okay, you don’t have to, but you brush it off with a promise of a water and something for him to snack on.

König not used to someone just being kind to him and doting him, it makes his chest heavy and his head swirl a bit. No one’s really cared for him like this before, at least not outside of his family. Thankfully you return back to the living room spritely and knock him out of his spiral of thoughts of what these feelings might just mean to him. After placing the food in front of him, you quickly grab the blankets tossed softly across Carol’s chair next to couch, just now noticing how messy the area seemed to have gotten recently.

“Are you going to sit and join me?” He asks looking at the plate of fruits, veggies, and cheeses you placed in front of him and up to you with a shy smile.

“Uh yeah” you noticing that he quickly glanced to the open “just one second” you say before finishing placing the folded blanket back on the arm of Carol’s seat, debating whether to squeeze into the spot next to him on the couch, or to sit an awkward length away in Carol’s seat. Thankfully you’re saved from the weighty decision as you notice Carol’s car roll into her parking spot in the driveway. “Oh, she’s home, one second” you leave König on the couch, and prance over to the front door to help Carol into the house.

Just from the way she slammed her car door, you can tell the doctor’s appointment must’ve gone a different way than she expected. König watches you guide her in to the house, helping her shake off her coat, before giving her the same script offering her food and drink, while helping her settle into her chair. Carol just nods along, and once she settled, you step back to head into the kitchen, that’s when you ask your questions, trying to figure out what lead to her to feel so upset. ‘Everything okay? …how was the doctor’s appointment?...she say anything important?’

Carol just brushes you off with a muttered ‘everything is fine’, and when you re-enter the living with a plate of snacks for her and a smile, asking ‘everything?’ where she lets you in

about her how glucose levels and limiting sweets ‘but really that’s it’. You give her a look not fully believing her but relent nonetheless, trying to ask casually you say “so did she send you home with the print out with the summary of the appointment?” as you place the food in front of her, on her tray and step back to lean against the doorframe.

In the past, Carol has been a bit accidentally forgetful on what her doctor has mentioned to her at these meetings, so it was part of the agreement that she would bring home a summary of the appointment if she wouldn’t let you join her at the appointment, but most recently, she just has been accidentally forgetting those too or the office just ran out of printer ink and she just didn’t feel like waiting. But this time, she doubles down with a “just leave it, she said everything’s fine” in a tone you haven’t heard since you were a little kid.

You honestly forgot that König was still resting on the couch until you heard him awkwardly readjust, too caught up in your conversation with Carol. And it seems Carol felt the same - “oh, my goodness what happened to you everything alright?” she asked him in a much more positive tone, like the previous conversation had not happened, pointing to the heating pad resting on his arm. His eyes quickly shifted from you to Carol, back to you, but when you turned to head back into the kitchen, he explained to her casually what had happened to his shoulder, not with as much detail as he had done with you just earlier that day.

divider by @/riottsrph (thank you!!)

#konig x reader #könig x reader #konig #könig #könig fluff #konig fluff #könig cod #könig mw2 #könig call of duty #könig x you #konig cod #konig call of duty #konig mw2 #konig x you #good neighbors

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rootedinrevisions · 9 months ago

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In the Wings: Part 1

SUMMARY: When you're offered the chance to work as a hair and makeup artist on Top Gun 3, it feels like a dream come true. Leaving behind your routine for a Hollywood blockbuster, you arrive on set with high hopes but little expectation of the whirlwind to come. That all changes the day you meet Glen Powell—charming, grounded, and quick to make an impression. As your professional relationship grows, so does a spark between you, but you're still keeping things strictly work. For now, the only thing you're certain of is that this job will be like no other.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Anon who sent me this request and gave me the idea. I'm really hoping I can take your idea and do it justice. I think this will end up being around 4 parts. But if I feel like I need to make it longer or shorter I'll adjust as I finish revising it.

WARNINGS: None.

WORD COUNT: 2.5k

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The email came through on a Wednesday afternoon, catching your attention amidst a relatively slow workday. The subject line read: “Film Contract Inquiry – Urgent Response Requested.” As you clicked it open, your curiosity piqued instantly. The production team was interested in hiring you as a hair and makeup artist for an upcoming film. But unlike most offers you’d received in your career, this one was cloaked in secrecy.

You scanned the email again, focusing on the specific wording. Top secret. No details were given about the film itself, just the fact that you would be based primarily in Southern California, near San Diego, for a total of twelve weeks. The cryptic message hinted that you might also be required to travel for a few additional shoots at other undisclosed locations if needed.

While these types of jobs were nothing new to you—you’d been working on movie sets for over a decade—this one had a different feel.

For one, they didn’t even mention the title of the project.

And the compensation offer attached to the email? Far beyond anything you’d ever been offered before. You leaned back in your chair, letting the numbers sink in. They clearly wanted the best for this film, and the pay confirmed it was going to be something big.

But how big? The secrecy surrounding the whole thing was hard to ignore. There wasn’t even a mention of the production company involved, and everything was handled through private communication channels.

Not only that, but they'd already sent over a non-disclosure agreement for you to sign. Until the movie was officially released, you wouldn’t be able to discuss a single detail—not the actors, not the plot, not even the locations.

The NDA felt like a weight in your inbox, staring back at you as you reread the email for the third time. Something about this film was different, and it intrigued you. Whatever it was, it had to be major if they were going to these lengths to protect it. And with that thought in mind, you clicked “Reply” and began typing.

* * * *

The flight to San Diego was uneventful, and the California sunshine greeted you as soon as you stepped out of the terminal. You quickly spotted a driver holding a sign with your name on it. After introductions, you handed over the address they’d provided, ready for the next step of this mysterious journey.

As the car began weaving through the busy San Diego streets, you took in the sights—the familiar palm trees, the ocean in the distance, the hustle of a city on the coast. You’d worked in Southern California plenty of times, but something about this trip felt different. The secrecy still clung to you like a shadow.

The driver made small talk, but you were too focused on the location to fully engage. It wasn’t until you noticed the roads becoming less crowded, the landscape shifting from city to something more… official, that your curiosity spiked. Fences lined the road now, and you could see uniformed personnel at several checkpoints as the car continued.

A military base?

Your heart skipped a beat as realization dawned on you. You leaned forward, squinting out the window at the upcoming sign confirming your suspicion: Naval Air Station North Island.

The driver pulled up to the security gate, handing over the proper identification and passes. After a brief exchange with the guard, the car was waved through.

You sat back in your seat, processing. So, this film has something to do with the military. That narrowed it down, but not by much. There were plenty of military-themed movies out there, but none that warranted this level of secrecy. You thought back to the emails, still trying to piece together what kind of project could possibly be in the works.

The car came to a stop outside a large set of trailers tucked behind an aircraft hangar. Military personnel and crew members bustled around, a few actors you didn’t yet recognize standing in clusters nearby. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, but still, no one gave anything away.

The driver helped unload your bags, and you thanked him before making your way toward one of the trailers you’d been instructed to report to. A sense of unease mixed with anticipation settled in your chest. You were about to find out what all the mystery was about.

With your equipment in tow, you approached the door to the hair and makeup trailer, pausing just long enough to take a breath before stepping inside. Whatever you’d signed on for, you were about to find out—whether you were ready or not.

You stepped inside the trailer, greeted by the familiar scent of hairspray and cosmetics. The space was bustling with activity—mirrors lined with bright lights, makeup kits neatly arranged, and hair styling tools humming in the background. Three other stylists were already there, each at their own station, chatting quietly as they organized their gear.

You scanned the room for an empty spot, finding a vacant station near the back. The butterflies in your stomach settled as you began unpacking your kit, laying out your brushes, combs, and palettes with the same precision you did before any project. Your hands moved with a practiced ease, though your mind was still racing with questions about the film. You tried to brush it off as first-day nerves, but the secrecy of it all still gnawed at you.

A couple of minutes passed before one of the stylists, a brunette with sleek hair pulled into a tight ponytail, approached you with a friendly smile. “You must be the new hire for this project. I’m Katherine,” she said, extending a hand.

“Hi." You said as you gave her your name and shook her hand.

“Welcome! You’ll love this crew,” she said, gesturing to the others who were busy in their own areas. "We’re still settling into the schedule, but it’s a great team." She paused, lowering her voice slightly, “Though this project is next-level crazy, right? So much secrecy.”

You nodded, laughing softly. “I know, right? I’ve never had to sign so many NDAs before starting a job.”

Just as you were about to ask more, the door swung open, and a crew member entered, holding a stack of papers. He looked around before making his way toward you. “I’ve got your list of actors and the schedule for this week.”

“Thanks,” you said, accepting the documents from him.

He gave you a quick nod before heading out, leaving you alone with the list in hand. You glanced down, scanning the schedule you and the other hair and makeup artists would be following. Then you notice the names that are listed.

Tom Cruise. Miles Teller. Glen Powell.

Your eyes widened slightly as recognition hit. You’d heard those names before—especially from Top Gun: Maverick. You looked up from the paper, your heart picking up its pace again. Could it be?

Before you could process it further, you overheard one of the other stylists—Lily—speaking to Katherine in a hushed tone. "I think I saw Tom Cruise on set earlier. They’ve kept it under wraps, but... it’s definitely Top Gun 3."

Your breath caught in your throat. Top Gun 3.

It clicked. The secrecy. The military base. The list of actors. This wasn’t just some random movie set—it was one of the biggest sequels in recent history. You were part of Top Gun.

You tried to keep your face neutral, but inside you were buzzing with excitement. Top Gun 3. You had landed a job on one of the most anticipated movies ever. You looked back down at your list, realizing that you would be working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood over the next few weeks—one of them being Glen Powell.

Your mind raced as you processed it all, but you kept your cool. This was your job, and you needed to stay professional, no matter how starstruck you might be. You took a deep breath, refocused, and went back to setting up your station, knowing that your first day on Top Gun 3 was just beginning.

You were adjusting the lighting at your station when the trailer door creaked open again. You didn’t pay much attention at first, focusing on getting everything perfect for the day ahead. But then, you heard a familiar voice—a low, playful tone that filled the room with ease.

"Is this where the magic happens?"

You looked up, and there he was—Glen Powell, standing in the doorway with a laid-back smile on his face. He was taller than you expected, dressed in casual workout gear, his hair its natural shade, but you knew that wouldn’t last long. Your first task was to lighten Glen’s hair a few shades to look a little more naturally sun-faded than his darker natural color.

His eyes landed on you, and for a brief moment, there was a spark—an instant recognition of something unspoken.

"Yep, this is where we make the magic happen," you responded, grinning as you set your tools down.

Glen walked over to your station, his posture relaxed yet confident. “You must be the one in charge of turning me into Hangman 2.0.”

You chuckled, motioning for him to take a seat in the chair. “I guess I am. Ready to go a few shades lighter?”

He raised an eyebrow, taking a seat in the chair with a smirk. “Let’s see what you’ve got. I’m trusting you with my hair, so no pressure, right?”

“Oh, none at all,” you quipped, rolling your eyes playfully as you grabbed the bleach kit. “Just a couple of hours and we’ll make you camera-ready. Shouldn’t be too painful.”

The banter was light, but the chemistry between the two of you was undeniable. Even though this was your first time meeting, the interaction felt natural, as though you’d known each other for longer. Glen was easygoing, and you found yourself smiling more than you expected as you worked.

As you began sectioning off his hair, you asked, “So, are you nervous about going blond again? Or is this just another day in the life of Glen Powell?”

He leaned back in the chair, his grin widening. “I won’t lie, the last time I did this, I felt like I ended up looking like an extra from Legally Blonde. But hey, if you’re the one doing it, I’m sure it’ll turn out great.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “I promise, no Legally Blonde vibes. Just a subtle lightning. You’ll still look like Hangman.”

Across the trailer, a few of the other makeup artists glanced over, their eyes darting between you and Glen, smiling knowingly. Sarah, one of the artists working on another actor, shot you a teasing look before leaning over to her client, Jay Ellis, who raised an eyebrow in Glen’s direction. You overheard a soft chuckle from Jay as Sarah whispered something.

Glen, oblivious to the side glances, watched you carefully as you applied the bleach, a casual silence settling between you for a few moments before he broke it again. “So, how’d you end up on this project? You’ve got to be pretty top-tier if they brought you onto Top Gun.”

You glanced at him, surprised at the question. "I've been in the business for a while. Special effects makeup is kind of my specialty, but I do all kinds of stuff. They contacted me about this job, and it was all very hush-hush until I got here."

He tilted his head, clearly impressed. "Well, looks like we’re in good hands.”

You felt a subtle warmth in your chest at the compliment, though you brushed it off quickly. “Just doing my job,” you replied, grabbing a small brush to touch up a few sections of his hair. “Anyway, you’ve got the easy part today. They’re filming inside, so minimal makeup. Just enough so you don’t look like a ghost on camera.”

He chuckled. “Don’t want to scare anyone off with my Casper-like complexion.”

As you continued working on his hair, the conversation flowed easily. You asked him about his last few projects, and he asked about yours in return, keeping the tone light and casual. There was something effortless about talking to him, and it made the time fly by faster than expected.

When the bleaching was done and his hair was the perfect shade of lighter blond, you gave it a final check in the mirror. “Well, what do you think?” you asked, turning the chair slightly so he could see the result.

He inspected his reflection, his eyes lighting up in approval. “I’ve got to say, you nailed it. No Elle Woods here.”

You rolled your eyes, biting back a smile. “Told you.”

With his hair done, you moved on to the makeup—just enough to prevent any washout under the bright lights. It was quick and simple, a few strokes here and there, but even as you applied it, the easy conversation continued.

“You know,” Glen said suddenly, as you brushed a bit of powder on his face, “for someone working in Hollywood, you’re pretty laid back. I’ve had stylists who barely talk and are just all about the job, and then there’s you—who’s actually, you know, fun.”

You laughed softly at his words, feeling the compliment slip into the air between you. “Well, I try. I’ve learned that being chill makes the day go by smoother.”

He smirked, his gaze locking onto yours for just a beat too long. “Good policy.”

There it was again—something between you that neither of you acknowledged aloud, but it lingered, making the air feel slightly heavier in the best way. A moment passed, and you stepped back, finishing the last of his touch-ups.

“All done,” you said, stepping back to clean your brushes. “You’re officially camera-ready.”

He stood from the chair, taking a quick look in the mirror again. “Not bad at all. You’re good at this.”

“Thanks,” you replied, flashing a small smile. “Just don’t mess it up too much before they get you on camera.”

He chuckled, his eyes catching yours once more before he turned toward the door. “No promises.” And with that, he gave you a playful wink and left the trailer, leaving you with a slight smile lingering on your lips.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Sarah leaned over with a knowing look. “Looks like you and Glen are gonna get along just fine.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face. “It’s just work,” you said, though the butterflies in your stomach told a slightly different story.

Jay chimed in again, smirking. “Yeah, sure. But I’d say that was the most fun Glen’s had in a makeup chair in a long time.”

#Glen Powell Fic #Glen Powell Fanfic #Glen Powell Fanfiction

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meltinglikeasugarcube · 3 months ago

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hi hi, so what would you think abt writing a short cutie lil fic about Taylorxreader getting into an argument bc taylor is too possessive or like I don’t wanna say controlling but like lowk yeah 😛 bc I saw u said you like writing malicious and possessive Taylor

Warning: this is surprisigly explicit even though they don't have sex haha

Title: MY PRETTY LITTLE TOY

Word Count: 628

Pairing: Taylor Swift x Female Reader

Rating: Explicit

Taylor’s been ignoring you. You know the reason, but you’re not about to make a scene in public.

Her simmering fury is evident in every tight line of her body: the rigid set of her jaw, the dilated darkness of her pupils, the fleeting, sharp glances she throws your way from the corner of her eye. You swallow your pride, push down the urge to confront her, and focus on your job. It’s what you’re here to do, and no matter who she is to you, or to the rest of the world, you are damn good at your fucking job.

You’re a production assistant, mostly for television and movies. You met Taylor while you were part of the crew that filmed her interviews for a documentary. A clandestine affair with an A-list celebrity. It’s a secret so improbable, so surreal, that you often catch yourself wondering how you managed to pull it off. No one in their right mind would believe that this is what you do on your weekends – that she is what you do.

From the fragmented pieces you’ve gathered, Taylor isn’t one to deny herself anything. If she finds someone intriguing, pretty or handsome, they inevitably find their way into her bed. You were, apparently, one of the lucky ones. You don’t complain; the sex is incredible. But she is, undeniably, difficult. She operates by her own set of rules. She demands you when the whim strikes her, a possessive claim laid with a casual flick of her wrist. She’s controlling, obsessive, constantly needing to mark her territory, even though this was supposed to be just sex, a fleeting indulgence for both of you.

So, when you were working at the Grammys, lost in the organized chaos backstage, and she caught a glimpse of another crew member leaning in to whisper something in your ear, a harmless, work-related query, you knew you were screwed. You saw her a few times during the live broadcast, a glimpse across the crowded floor, and her eyes pierced through you, sharp and cold as daggers. Later, the exhaustion of the long day settling in your bones, a text message vibrates your phone, and you can’t help the flush that creeps up your cheeks.

T (2:07 AM)

Come to me.

You know exactly what she means, where she means. Come to my apartment now, no discussions, the curt command echoes in your mind.

So, you get an Uber, a knot of apprehension tightening in your stomach. You text her security detail, requesting access through the discreet entrance on the side of her apartment building. Climbing the dimly lit stairs, the fatigue from your grueling night of work weighing heavily on your limbs, you can’t shake the feeling that this particular visit might be less pleasure and more punishment.

Taylor answers the door still clad in her glittering outfit from the event, looking at you with raised, furiously arched brows.

“Before you say anything, I’m tired, okay? I only came here because we agreed—” you begin, your voice weary.

“Shut your pretty mouth,” she warns, cutting you off mid-sentence. “I don’t care if you’re tired. You let that man flirt with you all night, all fucking night. Every time I turned my head, he was there, hovering around you like a goddamn fly.”

“He was another production assistant, Taylor, I needed to talk to him about the lighting cues for the next segment—” you try to explain, the logic of your words feeling flimsy even to your own ears in the face of her incandescent rage.

“You needed to laugh at his pathetic jokes? To touch his fucking arm?” Her voice drips with sarcasm.

“I was just being polite,” you say quickly, the defensive tone betraying your unease.

“Ah, you were being polite,” she repeats mockingly. “Such a good little girl, being polite to random fucking men when you belong to me.”

“I—” The words catch in your throat, the possessiveness in her voice both thrilling and terrifying.

“I need to hear it from your mouth,” she says, stepping closer, invading your personal space, her breath ghosting over your face. Her eyes gleam with a predatory light. “Say it to me. Then apologize.”

“I’m not apologizing because I didn’t do anything wrong,” you say very slowly, very clearly, meeting her gaze with a defiance that surprises even yourself.

She grins, a flash of sharp teeth, and clicks her tongue.

“That’s not very good, is it? Not very polite,” she grabs your jaw, her fingers digging in just enough to make you uncomfortable, forcing you to look directly into her burning eyes. “You can’t be polite to me?”

You look up at her, your own anger starting to simmer beneath the surface of your exhaustion and apprehension.

“No?” she confirms, a question laced with a challenge, and you remain silent, refusing to yield.

Her grip tightens momentarily before she releases your jaw, her hand snaking into your hair, yanking your head back with brutal force. You gasp, the sudden pain making you instinctively drop to your knees. The impact sends a jolt of agony through your kneecaps.

“Still no?” she demands, her voice hard.

You remain still, your head bowed, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. She grabs a fistful of your hair, pulling your head back further, your mouth falling open involuntarily.

“Now, that’s what a good girl does, opening her mouth for me to fuck,” she sighs. “So you see how this can be confusing to me.”

She releases your hair, the sudden slackness making your head loll forward. She simply walks into her kitchen and returns moments later with a glass of water, offering it to you.

“All good?” she asks, her tone surprisingly gentler as you take a grateful sip. You nod. “You sure?”

You nod again, knowing this is how things are with her and the orgasm you’ll get from it will be mind blowing.

“Then you're going to stay on the floor exactly like this,” she says, her voice regaining its earlier edge, “and you won’t move until I say so. Until you’re ready to be polite.”

A flicker of rebellion sparks within you, despite the ache in your knees and the lingering sting in your scalp.

“And if I’m not?” you ask, your voice barely a whisper.

A predatory smile spreads across her face, her eyes gleaming with a possessiveness that sends a shiver down your spine.

“Then you’ll stay there all night, my pretty little toy, waiting for me to come back.”

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justwinginglife · 11 months ago

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Love your fics so much!!! And your writings!! Can you do one where dense reader thinks she’s getting sick and checks herself into a hospital as she mistakes falling in love symptoms an illness and accidentally confesses to soshiro she’s in love with him “you doofus it sounds like your in love with me” 😍

Ahh thanks so much! I appreciate your support. Also this is the cutest prompt EVER. I love it. Thanks for sending!

A Case Of The Butterflies

You'd been sick many times before, but never in your life had you ever had such a ridiculous, confusing, selective fever. Your heart rate would spike, your temperature would increase, your sweat would drip, your lungs would ache, but only at certain times. Only in certain moments around a certain person. You started to wonder if maybe Soshiro Hoshina was sick as well.

It seemed that every time he was around you, you had a flare-up and you just knew you had to be catching whatever he had.

At first, you tried avoiding him, which relieved your original symptoms but caused a new one to surface- your chest would start hurting if he wasn't nearby. You figured it was heartburn. A severe case. You wondered if it was some sort of lotion or cologne that he was wearing that soothed the throbbing in your chest, so you kept asking him what it was that he wore. He was thoroughly amused and gladly procured a list for you, saying he was excited for you to smell like him. After you tried every single product and had no results to show for it, you decided to just stay by his side. You weren't sure what about him soothed the pain inside you, but it worked so you clung to him like you were his shadow.

When you started wearing a mask around him -it was your poor attempt at resisting whatever sickness he had passed onto you- it further entertained him to no end. He thought you looked cute with it on. Though he did miss your pretty face, as he frequently told you. In the end, you gave up on the mask, your symptoms just as intense with them as they were without them. Whatever condition the two of you shared, it was strong, and it penetrated any barriers.

You wondered if you should just give in to your ailment. If it was hopeless. If you should just let the sickness seep into your bones, take hold of your muscles, infect your bloodstream, fill every inch of your lungs. And then, you wondered if it was possible for you to build up a resistance to this disease.

Thus began a long series of ridiculous experiments aimed at building a better understanding of your condition.

Hoshina got quite the laugh out of watching you slowly inch towards him, your eyes trained on your smart watch, monitoring just how high your heart rate jumped and at what length from him it did so. It turned out your heart rate was always abnormally high when he was in the same room as you, but any form of contact with him was what sent it into a frenzy. Even if that contact was just his breath on your skin from a few inches away, or his gaze penetrating yours. He didn't have to be literally touching you, his presence did enough damage.

This puzzled you further and so your experiments continued.

Next, you paced around him with a thermometer in your mouth to deduce how his proximity affected your temperature. Just like with your heart rate, the closer you got to him, the more feverish you were. You hurriedly jotted your results down in your notebook, which resulted in a smirk from him, but he allowed you to continue anyway. He was very easygoing and didn't mind the random trials you put him through, but more than that, he just loved an excuse to spend time with you. So he encouraged your experiments, told you that you couldn't rest until you got to the bottom of this. He had no idea what you were trying to get to the bottom of, but he supported it fully.

Then one day, completely by accident, you stumbled upon the interesting discovery that you slept better when he was nearby and even your dreams were significantly more pleasant when you had interacted with him right before you dozed off. You had been studying beside him in the library, searching for more evidence to backup your research, when your exhaustion took hold of you rather suddenly. He smiled at you and gently rubbed your arm, telling you to take a nap and he'd wake you up when the library closed. You had the most wonderful dreams of your entire life after that.

How could one man be so disease-inducing and yet his very presence soothed you to no end?

You wondered what the prognosis was for such a severe condition. Would you be stuck with this feeling for the rest of your life? Or would you be dead tomorrow, your heart overloaded from the sheer intensity of it all.

It was that train of thought that led you through the hospital doors, anxious to get yourself checked in posthaste. You rattled off your symptoms, leaving out one very important detail (that it was only around Hoshina that you experienced these things). The amount of symptoms you were experiencing, the severity of them, and the frequency in which you were experiencing them concerned the hospital staff and you were rushed in with some urgency.

The nurses performed all sorts of extensive testing on you and you patiently waited for the results.

Suddenly you got a text on your phone.

It was Hoshina. Again. Ever since he got your number, he'd been abusing the privilege, eagerly messaging you any chance he got. At this point, if he didn't spam you, you were concerned.

What you up to and can I join?

Your heart pounded rapidly in your chest and you wondered if maybe he didn't need to be near you after all to transfer his sickness.

Just in the hospital. You sent the text as if it was no big deal.

I'm sorry, WHAT?

Hospital. Can't you read?

No, I got that. Why? What's going on? Never mind, I'm coming to find you.

You texted him back repeatedly, telling him you were fine, just a little under the weather, and he didn't need to worry. He didn't care. Within a few minutes, he came crashing through the door to your room.

He collapsed on the ground, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He must've run here.

You bent down to get a good look at him and, feeling your presence, he gazed up at you, a shaky smile spreading across his face as sweat dripped from his forehead. He definitely ran here. What an idiot. What a sweet, sweet idiot.

"Are..." He panted, "Are you o-okay?"

You laughed. "Are you okay? You look like you just ran a marathon."

He chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "And so what if I did? You said you were in the hospital- I was worried."

You shrugged. "I think I've just got some weird cold or something."

He raised an eyebrow at you. "Some cold. And that's why you're in the hospital? Are you dying??"

You flushed, suddenly self-conscious. You didn't know if you should tell him. But he was one of your closest friends. And you knew he'd be as supportive as he could be about your condition; he did just run the whole way here. It's not like he'd laugh at you.

So you told him everything.

He did laugh. He laughed so hard he rolled around on the floor, holding his sides.

You rolled your eyes at him. "What's so funny?"

"Darling, I love you."

You choked. "S-sorry, w-what?"

“The heart palpitations. Feeling sick to your stomach but also feeling even worse when we’re not near each other. Difficulty breathing. Feeling warm, too warm, like you’ve swallowed the sun. I feel all that too. Because I’m in love with you. And, I think, you’re in love with me too- you doofus.”

You blinked. Then, as his words sank in, your face turned a bright shade of red and you buried yourself underneath the sheets.

He tugged at the blanket. “Oh come now, you can’t hide from me. Let me love you, let me love all your troubles away.”

You clenched the fabric tight in your trembling hands. “Could you maybe love me a little quieter? I’m busy being embarrassed.”

He laughed and yanked the blanket down all the way so he could fully take in the sight of your flushed cheeks. “And why would I ever do that? I plan to love you as loud as I possibly can, especially now that I know you love me back. So what do you say, be my girlfriend?”

You bit your lip but you couldn’t hold back your smile. “Only if you get me out of here before I have to confess my shame and humiliation to the doctor.”

He grinned. “It would be my honor to break you out, my darling girlfriend.” He kissed your hand, kissed up your arm, up your neck, and then finally pressed a kiss to your lips.

Then he scooped you up in his arms and took off with you.

Years later, even after countless romantic dates and wonderful adventures together, Hoshina still counts your first date as him smuggling you out of the hospital, stealing a couple things of jello on the way out, and splitting them with you in the getaway car.

#soshiro hoshina #kaiju no. 8 #soshiro hoshina x reader #hoshina #anime #hoshina x reader #oneshot #hoshina soshiro x reader #anime fanfic #han's library

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the---hermit · 8 months ago

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30|10|2024

Today was an organizing and planning day. I spent the entire day writing down lists of materials, downloading stuff and getting it on my tablet so I can read and annotated it more easily. Now I really have a good idea of how much I have to do to study for these exams. I also sent the last couple of emails to professors to make sure I have the right materials. I am still not sure whether I'll be able to take two or three exams, but it's okay, now I plan on doing as much as I can without burning myself out, and then when the exam dates are released I'll plan out how the exam season will be. The goal for November is to finish all the materials for my history of the Sabaudian states course, I'd like to do that in a week and a half at most, and then do as much as I can for another course called "spaces and places of knowledge: history, landscapes, contexts". For this last class I have about twelve recordings, and 8 articles. It's going to be intense but I think I can manage to get more than half of the material done before the end of next month. If the recorded lectures aren't too intense I could get them done in about a week, and then I feel like most articles will be quite easy to read and annotate. We'll see. I still haven't decided if I want to post an accountability list of everything I must do, but since they always work quite well I might post it one of these days.

productivity list:

read first thing in the morning

emailed a professor and made sure I can take the exam and that my materials are okay

organized the materials a uni friend kidly gave me (basically he printed out all the articles for an exam when he had to study for it, and then lent me all the photocopies)

wrote down detailed lists of all the materials I have to study for for three classes (I am prioritizing two at the moment but I also included an additional one in case I make progress quicker than planned)

planned the few things I want to get done before this week ends

downloaded all the online materials I could find and got them on my tablet

made a very handy and organized "study pile" to keep near my desk so I have all the physical materials near me (this includes, books, photocopies, and notebooks)

duolingo

#studyblr #studyinspo #uniblr #university #historyblr #bujo #bullet journal #student life #studying #productivity #journal #journaling #knife gang #mine #the---hermit

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joelssimp · 1 month ago

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STILL | CHAPTER 11

CW: Birthday blues, Complicated relationship with a parent, fluff lots of fluff.

4.2K words

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11 - Thirtieth

The sky was still tinted that pale orange when I arrived at the set, the kind that made everything look softer — even the steel grip trucks and the chaotic mess of cables near the trailers. My fingers were stiff from the cold, every morning getting colder now, coffee too hot in my hand, and my mind nowhere near the shot list for the day.

September 6th was creeping up.

Thirty — The big three-oh. That weird fucking milestone I swore I wouldn’t care about but somehow kept circling back to in my head.

I had three days off for Labour Day weekend — blessedly timed, a production gift from the calendar gods. And if I was careful, if I traded shifts or got Kate to cover, maybe… just maybe… I could stretch it to five.

Five days. Enough to hop a plane back to London, not the real London — the one in Ontario, the one with small suburbs, a way-too-big Costco store and the one that felt like home, with dad, Mandy and Matt.

I hadn't seen them in… what? Since early June? And Matt was even longer, maybe more than a full year. I don’t actually remember, just try not to.

Mandy had been hinting for weeks that she missed me. More like full-on guilt-tripping me, but with a sixteen-year-old’s version of love baked into every passive-aggressive meme she sent.

And after the argument with Dad over Pedro, things felt... unfinished and uneasy somehow.

The thought of seeing my brother tugged at something deeper. He wasn’t the same anymore — but then again, neither was I. Maybe thirty was the right moment to go back. Even if just to breathe the same air as them for a few days.

I took another sip of my coffee, watching a bounce board get dragged across set. Pedro was somewhere inside the warehouse doing ADR pickups. The lull in the main production, with Episode 3 focusing on other characters, made everything feel a little slower… quieter… like the universe was opening this small window on purpose.

Five days. It could work, right?! I just had to ask Kate.

And maybe… be brave enough to call Dad before I got there.

Because no matter how complicated things were between us — no matter what he thought of Pedro, or how long it had been since we’d sat down at the same table — a part of me still wanted him to be proud. Still wanted him to say happy birthday like it actually meant something.

I shoved the thought down, wiped my lens, and got ready for the next setup. There was time, but it didn’t feel like enough.

We were sitting in the patch of sun outside the staging tent, the kind of stolen break where time forgets us for ten minutes and coffee is still lukewarm. Kate had her camera on her lap, legs kicked out like she had nothing in the world to worry about.

I picked at the edge of my paper cup until the rim caved slightly.

"Okay. Don't laugh."

Kate raised an eyebrow, already smiling. “No promises.”

I exhaled. “I’m thinking of going back to London. For my birthday for maybe five days.”

She blinked. “Wait, really? I thought you were gonna sulk about turning thirty in bed, watching The Office and eating popcorn for dinner.”

“That’s still plan B.”

Kate sipped her coffee, waiting. She always did that — let the silence stretch long enough for me to fill it with my own chaos.

“I have three days off for Labour Day,” I added, trying not to sound like I’d rehearsed it in the shower this morning. “If you could maybe swap shifts for two more, I’d fly Friday night, come back Wednesday. I just—” My throat felt too tight. “I think I need to see my family. I haven’t seen my brother since… Gosh, since forever. And Mandy’s been hinting. Kind of aggressively.”

Her face softened. “Yeah. Of course, I’ll cover you.” Then she tilted her head. “But… is that the only reason?”

There it was. That feeling. Like the breath just behind my ribs was holding itself hostage.

“I mean—what else would it be?” I asked too quickly.

Kate didn’t push. She just gave me a look that said, I'm not dumb, you know. Then she reached out and tapped the side of my boot with hers.

"Let me know your flight details when you get them, alright?"

I nodded, mumbling thanks, and spent the next few minutes pretending to care about what was happening across the lot.

By the end of the day I walked to our usual pick-up spot, Pedro was already inside, leaned against his door, script rolled in his hands, wearing his reading glasses — and for a moment, I nearly forgot what I had to say. He looked so soft like that. Like the man you’d follow home in the rain without asking why.

But my chest felt tight again.

I climbed into the seat beside him. The car smelled faintly like the faint trace of the coffee he'd spilled two days ago, and his scent all mixed up, starting to feel like this is the only smell I want for the rest of my life.

“Hey,” I said, quietly.

He glanced over with that smile — the one that tugged at just one side of his mouth. “Hey, Cariño.”

Fuck.

I stared ahead, hands clenched in my lap.

“So… I wanted to talk to you about something.”

His body turned a little toward me. Not tense, just… waiting.

“My birthday’s coming up. And I was thinking—since we have those three days off—I might fly home to see my family. But I was also thinking of asking Kate to cover for two extra days so I could stay a little longer. Five days, total.”

There was a pause.

A small one. But it felt like waiting for the earth to swallow me.

“Okay,” he said finally. “That sounds good.”

I turned my head toward him, searching his face.

“Yeah?” I asked, too softly. “You’re not… weird about it?”

His fingers curled around the rolled script like he was thinking too hard. “I mean… no. Of course not. It’s your birthday. You should be with people who love you.”

“But?”

He shook his head, then smiled like he hated that I could read him this easily.

“I just… I’ll miss you,” he admitted. “That’s all.”

The knot in my chest pulled tighter — but this time, in that aching, good way.

“I haven’t been back home in a while,” I said, almost to myself. “Part of me thinks it’ll feel grounding. Part of me’s scared it’ll feel like a different planet.”

Pedro looked at me for a long second, then reached out to gently run his knuckles down my arm.

“Just promise you’ll take care of yourself there.”

I swallowed. The weight of those worlds, and how he cared about my mental state, knowing there were things back home who could harm me.

“I promise.”

I hadn’t even told Mandy. Which was crazy, honestly, because she’d kill for inside info, and even more so if Pedro was involved. But I didn’t want it to be a thing. I didn’t want to be met with expectations, just… some space and real air. The kind you only breathe when the plane door opens and it smells like home, even if you hated it sometimes.

The Uber dropped me off two houses down. I needed a second before the moment hit.

My dad’s house looked the same. Beige siding, maroon shutters faded from the sun, the porch light still crooked from a windstorm two years ago. Nothing ever changed out here. Not unless it had to.

My suitcase wheels cracked against the sidewalk like tiny explosions in the quiet street. My heart was pounding louder than that. By the time I got to the door, my fingers shook unlocking it with the old spare key still hidden behind the cracked flowerpot.

Inside, it smelled like laundry and cheap coffee. The radio was playing low in the kitchen — a Fleetwood Mac song Matt used to hum all around the house.

I stepped in and closed the door behind me softly.

“Hello?” I called, heart thudding. “It’s me.”

There was a second of silence, then—

“Holy shit—!” Mandy's voice from the kitchen. She appeared in the doorway wearing socks that didn’t match and a Mandalorian hoodie I definitely left behind.

“YOU’RE HERE?!”

I didn’t have time to answer before she launched herself into me. Arms wrapped tight around my shoulders, too tight, in that way only sixteen-year-old girls can hug — like she was mad I’d been gone but relieved I was back.

“Why didn’t you fucking tell me?!” she yelled into my jacket. “I literally just texted you five minutes ago!”

I laughed, burying my face in her hair. “That’s kind of why.”

She pulled back, eyes already glassy, mouth opening to ask the next thousand questions — but then our dad stepped out from the hallway.

He stopped cold.

His expression didn’t change. Not right away.

“Hey, Pops,” I said, more breath than voice.

He nodded once. “Didn’t know you were coming, Kiddo”

“Thought I’d surprise you.”

“Guess you did.”

There was a beat too long between us. That kind where old wounds don’t bleed, but they sting anyway.

Mandy glanced between us, obviously picking up on the weird air, then cleared her throat dramatically. “Anyway. She’s here now. That’s what matters, right?”

Dad didn’t say anything. Just looked at me for a second more, then stepped aside to let me fully into the room.

“The guest room’s still made up like when you left,” he said over his shoulder. “Your brother’s still at St. Joseph’s. If you’re planning to visit.”

The words hung heavy.

“I was,” I said. “I am.”

We all stood there a second too long before Mandy grabbed my arm and tugged me down the hall. “Come on. I want the full Pedro story before dinner.”

I followed her, suitcase dragging behind me, heart still heavy with everything unsaid — but at least for now, I was home. Whether I was ready for what that meant… I didn’t know yet.

Dinner that night was slow and quiet.

Mandy did most of the movement. She set the table, loud and clumsy, knocking a fork onto the floor, then giggling like it was a performance. She made the salad too — a little too much vinegar — and served everyone like she was hosting her own reality cooking show.

Dad barely looked up from his plate.

He ate with the same tired rhythm he always had — methodical, bite by bite, like it was more fuel than food. A beer next to his plate, unopened. His fingers rested on the can like he forgot it was there. Like he forgot I was there too.

I didn’t know how to sit at that table anymore.

I watched the way the overhead light caught the soft curls in Mandy’s hair when she leaned over to pass me the salt. Watched the way Dad’s jaw tightened every time she brought up something I’d missed — a school trip, the first volleyball match of the school year, a stupid show they both watched every Thursday night. I smiled where I could. Tried to breathe in the domestic hum of it all.

But it felt like watching a play from backstage. I could hear my cue, but the script didn’t fit anymore.

The next two days, I barely left Mandy’s side.

She pulled me through downtown like she was ten again, dragging me toward bubble tea shops and discount bookstores. She asked about Calgary and the people on set, and even though I kept it vague — especially about him — her eyes lit up every time she caught something between the lines. She saw more than I told her.

At night, we watched movies in her room, headphones split between us, faces glowing blue from the laptop screen. She let me braid her hair. I let her try on my leather jacket. She rolled her eyes when I almost cried at the end of Interstellar, and then wiped away a tear of her own when she thought I wasn’t looking.

I didn’t go to the rehab center.

I had the address written out. I had the visiting hours saved in my phone. But something in my chest pulled too tight every time I thought about seeing him again. Seeing him like that. So I kept pushing it to tomorrow.

And then it was the morning of my birthday.

I woke up to the sound of Mandy humming in the kitchen. Pancakes, I guessed — the smell of cinnamon was already leaking under the door. The sun warmed the bedsheets against my skin, and I blinked up at the ceiling, thinking about the version of me that turned thirty. The version that hadn’t shown up yet.

There was a box on the dresser.

Wrapped in brown paper, tied with a thin black string. I didn’t have to read the tag to know who it was from. Dad’s handwriting — even just my name, my real name — felt like it reached straight through my ribs.

I sat up, still in pajamas, and pulled the gift into my lap.

The room was quiet, just birds outside and the soft scrape of forks downstairs. I didn’t open it yet. Just held it there, the warm paper, a tight knot and a weight that made me feel both too young and too old all at once.

I had just gotten out of the shower, towel still wrapped around my head, when my phone buzzed. The screen lit up with his name.

Pedro P.

I answered it before I could think too hard. He looked… tired, but in a warm way. Like he’d spent the day with people who loved him. His curls were a little messy, the collar of his shirt slightly wrinkled like he’d pulled it out of a pile. His eyes lit up the second he saw me.

"Feliz cumpleaños, cariño," he said, low and soft, like it was just between us.

I smiled, curled up on the edge of my bed. "Thank you."

He asked how the day was going. I told him Mandy made pancakes and sang me an off-key birthday remix of Happy Birthday that made me laugh until I cried. I told him I hadn’t opened the little brown-paper gift yet.

He tilted his head. “What gift?”

I reached over to grab the box from the dresser. Held it up to the camera.

“This one,” I said. “From my dad. He didn’t say anything about it. Just left it here.”

Pedro’s face softened. “You wanna open it now? I can stay on.”

I nodded before my chest could catch up with my nerves. My fingers picked at the black string. It came undone too easily. The paper crinkled quietly in my lap as I peeled it back.

Inside: a small photo album.

Just a few pages, hand-bound with twine. The cover was blank, soft to the touch. When I opened it, my breath caught.

The first picture was of me and my brother when we were kids — maybe six? — standing in a pumpkin patch. I had that stupid red coat I wore for years. He had one missing tooth and was holding my hand.

Flip.

A picture of Mandy as a baby, me feeding her a bottle. I looked so young. Scared, but proud to be a big sister.

Flip.

Me and Dad, asleep on the couch, my head on his chest, a book open and forgotten between us.

Each page hit harder than the last. Like someone had pressed rewind on all the parts of life I’d been keeping at arm’s length.

Pedro was quiet on the other end. I looked up, and he was watching me — gentle, patient. Something in his face that said he was holding it all with me, not trying to fix it, just there.

“I don’t know why he did this,” I said finally, voice small. “He hasn’t really said a word to me since I got here.”

Pedro smiled just a little. “Sometimes that’s the only way some people know how to speak.”

I ran my fingers over the photo of my brother, now older, smiling behind a birthday cake with too many candles, because each year it had candles for the both of us.

I wanted to cry and smile and hide in his arms all at the same time.

“I wish you were here,” I whispered.

He didn’t blink. “Me too, mi vida, me too.”

I was still tracing the corner of the photo when there was a knock — just one — and Mandy pushed the door open with her foot.

“Hey,” she said, a little too casually. Her arms were behind her back, her mouth pulled into a suspiciously innocent smile.

I looked up, wiping the corner of my eye with my sleeve. “What?”

She didn’t answer. Just stepped in and slowly revealed a small wrapped package, carefully done, like she’d taken her time with it.

“What’s that?”

She looked at my screen—At him. And there we go…

Pedro smiled, lifted a hand to wave. "Hey, Mandy."

She blinked and froze again. Then waved back with the most painfully awkward little gesture, like her arm forgot how to work. "Hi," she squeaked. Her voice cracked. Then she turned back to me and shoved the gift into my lap.

“He—uh—he sent this,” she said, eyes wide. “Told me not to give it until after the FaceTime started.”

My heart tripped in my chest. I looked at him, and his smile tilted just slightly—guilty and proud and completely endearing.

I glanced at the package. Light, soft, tied with a thin leather cord. My fingers trembled just a little as I pulled it open.

First: a camera strap. Soft brown leather, stitched in a pattern I’d admired once at a shop downtown, during a random afternoon with him, Kate and Bella. I never said I wanted it back then, I just touched it, just lingered.

He’d remembered.

And beneath it, wrapped in tissue paper: a photo frame.

I lifted it slowly, already breathless. The image made my chest tighten.

It was us — Pedro and I — at the top of the hike in Banffl. The light golden behind us, both of us flushed and windblown. I was laughing at something he’d said, mid-motion. His hand was on the small of my back, and he wasn’t even looking at the camera — just looking at me.

It was so candid it hurt.

I couldn’t speak. Just stared at it for a long second, thumb running along the edge of the frame.

Behind me, Mandy made a sound — a tiny exhale. “That’s… actually really cute,” she muttered under her breath, like it pained her to admit it.

I turned the phone slightly so Pedro could see I was holding it. “You remembered the strap.”

He gave a small shrug. “Of course I did.”

I looked down again. My throat ached. “You got someone to take this?”

He nodded. “Bruno did it. He snapped it when we weren’t paying attention. Kid loved the photography lessons.”

I laughed, shaky. “You’re insane.”

“I like watching you fall for me,” he said softly, barely audible through the speaker.

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t need to.

Mandy was still frozen in place, somewhere between melting and combusting.

“Let’s just pretend I’m not actually crying, alright?” I whispered to her, grinning through my wet eyes.

She was flustered. I could see she wanted to talk to Pedro, but her shy side was stronger. “This is worse than I imagined,” She mumbled before shutting the door behind her.

I looked at the screen again. His eyes hadn’t moved.

And neither had my heart.

I was curled into the corner of the couch, legs pulled under me, balancing a paper plate on my knee while the soft flicker of birthday candles still echoed behind my eyes. I could hear Mandy humming from the kitchen as she tried — and failed — to clean the frosting off the counter. She’d gone full chaos with the decorating: thick pink and white swirls, edible glitter, clumsy but heartfelt.

My fingers were sticky from the cake and I didn’t care. Pedro’s face was lit softly on my screen, propped up against a pillow. His hair was messy like he’d run his hands through it too many times, the neckline of his shirt a little stretched. He looked tired in the way people do when they’ve had a long day — but happy. I could see it in the corners of his eyes, there was that quiet spark.

“Was that… glitter?” he asked, squinting like he always did when he couldn’t see something even with glasses.

“She got excited,” I said, licking a smudge of frosting from my finger. “And insisted it was edible.”

He laughed, lazy and deep, head tilting back as his shoulders relaxed. The kind of laugh I’d started to collect like tiny treasures.

“You let her put sprinkles and glitter?” he teased.

“I didn’t let her. I was ambushed, and truly survived it.”

“You did more than survive. You looked like you were glowing when they sang it to you.”

I smiled, even though I tried to hide it. I hadn’t felt like I was glowing, not really. The whole day I’d been walking on the edge of something — guilt, mostly. Guilt about not visiting my brother yet. The cake with half the candles was a reminder of him being away this year. And there was the guilt about showing up here as a surprise but still carrying the tension of that phone call with Dad from last week like a weight in my back pocket.

Pedro must’ve seen it, just like he always did. That gentle kind of noticing that never pushed, only waited.

“I wish I was there,” he said softly. “Even if I had to fight Mandy for your attention.”

“She’s warming up to you,” I said. “In her own chaotic, slightly threatening way. I think she wants to interrogate you before she officially allows this.”

“This?”

I blushed. “Us.”

His face lit up like I’d handed him a secret we now share.

“Mmm,” he hummed, proud and soft. “She’ll cave. I’ve got a good smile.”

“You do,” I admitted. “It’s rude, honestly.”

He leaned closer to the camera like he could touch me. “What about your dad?”

I hesitated, just for a second. “Still quiet. Still... watching from afar.”

His face dropped slightly. Not disappointment — more like concern, wrapped in patience.

“He’s trying,” I said quickly. “In his own… dad way.”

Pedro nodded. He didn’t say anything for a few seconds, just looked at me like he was giving me space to breathe.

“I’m proud of you,” he said finally.

“For what?”

“For going home, showing up and letting people love you, even when it’s complicated.”

The words hit harder than I expected. I blinked and looked down at the messy frosting smudge on my plate.

“You always say the thing I didn’t know I needed to hear.”

His lips curved gently. “That’s because I watch you.”

I looked back at him, something fluttering low in my stomach.

“You’re so good to me,” I whispered. “I’m not used to it.”

Pedro’s voice dropped, low and warm. “You should get used to it.”

I didn’t say anything right away. My throat had that tight ache, the kind that comes when your heart’s too full and you don’t know where to put it.

He was looking at me like I was the most natural thing in the world. Like me being there — even through a screen, even with glitter on my cheek and exhaustion under my eyes — was the thing that made sense.

“I miss you,” I said.

He exhaled through his nose. “Don’t say that or I’ll drive to London tonight.”

I grinned. “You don’t even know where I live.”

“I’ll ask Mandy,” he joked. “She’ll sell me your coordinates for a signed Grogu.”

“She totally would do that,” I laughed, then softened, looking at him again. “You know… when I get back,” I said, leaning in toward the screen, “I’m going to kiss you so hard you’ll forget your own name.”

His eyes darkened, and a lazy smile pulled at his mouth. “You can’t say stuff like that to me when I’m alone in a room, Cariño.”

“I can and I will.”

He groaned playfully and rubbed his face. “You’re going to ruin me.”

“I already am.”

We stayed quiet for a moment, just smiling at each other like two kids with a secret.

Then I heard a shift in the hallway. Not footsteps — just his presence. That subtle weight of someone standing nearby, not interrupting either, just… listening to all of it.

Pedro must’ve heard it too. His voice dropped to a respectful tone.

“Happy birthday, baby,” he said. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

I nodded, biting back the smile that wouldn’t stop forming. “Okay.”

“Sleep well. Dream something beautiful.”

“I will,” I promised. “You.”

He rolled his eyes, blushing a little. “Stop it.”

And when the call ended, and the living room slipped into that soft, post-cake silence, I stayed on the couch for a while. Just holding the phone. Just letting the glow sink into my skin.

Dad didn’t say anything as he passed behind me again.

But he didn’t look angry anymore.

Just… thoughtful.

And maybe, that was all we needed to start.

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