#wedding cupcake boxes
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cakemeistro · 2 years ago
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#VictoriaSponge. #RumCake. @oreo #Cheesecake. #RaspberryJam. #ClottedCream. #Macarons. @ferrerorocheruk. #GourmetSandwiches. #Scones. What a mighty #afternoonteabox we put together for Mother’s Day this year. All your feedback has been superb and humbling! Thanks to all that ordered and allowed me to be part of celebrating the matriarch of your family! Check out the vid to see how I put these boxes together!
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#teabox #teaboxes #afternoontea #afternoonteatime #londonafterboontea #londonteabox #ferrerorocher #britishscones #scone #cakemeistroteabox #cakemeistro
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tapeskingdom · 1 year ago
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Church bell gift box
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simsterslife · 3 months ago
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Plan Your Weeding 🤍
✼ tableware (1)(2) | wedding signs (1)(2) | drinks pile
✼ wedding cakes (1)(2)(3)(4) | cake box & gift box | wedding cake pops & cupcakes
✼ shoes & flowers | chairs & table | party decorations
✼ wedding dresses (1)(2) | candle decor | jewellery*** broken link
Credit goes to amazing CC creators @bbygyal123 @pinkbox-anye @plumbobteasociety @syboubou @xplatinumxluxexsimsx
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pixelglam · 1 year ago
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wedding day essentials by Amelie
in celebration of my wedding today (07/28/23) I decided to put together a little list of my favorite custom content for my sims' weddings.💍
table setting | flower bouquet | candles
ring | cupcakes | gift box
wooden sign | wine glass | perfume
guest book | van cleef necklace | dinner bowl
cake | candle holder | macarons
credit @xplatinumxluxexsimsx @pierisim @soloriya @serenebluesims @pinkbox-anye @cmdesigns @plushpixelssims @myshunosun
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sourcherryandsprinkles · 9 months ago
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please do something with peter parker for vday. I miss you writing for him
I started writing this one last year for Valentine's Day...forgive me for the long wait
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‘’No, you don’t understand, Ned. It needs to be perfect,’’ Peter explained, turning to his best friend for help.
‘’My longest and only relationship lasted about sixty hours, so I’m not really the one to come to for Valentine’s Day gift ideas.’’ 
‘’Uncle Ben always gave May flowers and chocolate.’’ And Peter always tried to steal chocolate from the box. ‘’But Y/N is Mr. Stark’s daughter, I can’t just buy her flowers and chocolate. She’ll think I’m poor.’’ 
‘’Didn’t you tell me this morning that you only have five dollars in your pockets?’’ Ned recalled, taking one of the homemade cookies his lola had put into his lunch bag and taking a bite. There was one for Peter too, but he was too busy worrying and panicking.
Peter groaned and hid his face in his crossed arms, frustrated and desperate. Being broke was a second problem to his Valentine’s Day plan. ‘’What am I gonna do? Valentine’s Day is in two days. I can’t not get her anything.’’ 
‘’If you go back to the roots of Valentine’s Day, it’s about celebrating love. You don’t have to spend money to show someone you love them.’’ Peter opened his mouth, but Ned spoke first. ‘’Even if she’s a Stark and bathes in money,’’ he added. ‘’She didn’t fall in love with you because of your economic status, she fell in love because of who you are.’’
On the big day, Peter set everything up in his living room. May was on a date with Happy, so he had the apartment to himself — until 10pm. He didn’t have a projector, so he made one with a shoebox and a magnifying glass, and hung a sheet to one of the walls to turn into a screen. He made cheese pastas and brought over the single chocolate cupcake he was able to afford. 
He was nervous, constantly checking his phone waiting for your ‘I’m here’ text. When he finally got it, Peter rushed to the door, smoothing his button up and fixing his hair before opening. If he was this nervous for Valentine’s Day, he didn’t want to imagine the nervous wreck he would be at his wedding. 
Not that he was planning on getting married anytime soon. 
‘’Happy Valentine’s Day,’’ you said with a smile on your glossy lips. 
Peter said the words back and let you in, gulping when his eyes fell on the small gift bag you were holding. You set it down on the table to take off your coat and boots, revealing a pink sweater and a sparkly necklace that cost probably more than anything in May's apartment.
You followed Peter to the living room, excitement bubbling in your stomach when seeing the frozen image of your favorite rom-com projected on the wall.  ‘’You made this?’’ 
Peter gave you a small nod. Projectors were easy to make. He learned how in a science book for kids when he was nine. May was so impressed when he showed her his ‘magic box’. 
‘’It’s not much, but—’’ he started to say, but you shut him up with a kiss. 
‘’Stop it,’’ you said, guessing his train of  thoughts. ‘’This is the best Valentine’s Day gift ever.’’ 
You never had another valentine before him — beside the little boys in middle school who sent you cards and heart lollipops  —, but Peter’s gift came from the heart. It was thoughtful and personal, therefore meant a lot to you. 
After eating the pastas, you handed Peter the gift bag. He was nervous just from holding it. 
He slowly pulled out the festive tissue papers and groaned when seeing a red and blue plush toy. ‘’Spiderman? Really?’’ Peter made an annoyed face. He didn't want to come off as ungrateful, but he was getting tired of the jokes with the Spiderman merch he had no control over. 
‘’Press his chest,’’ you instructed, ignoring his complaints.
Peter gave you a confused look, but listened. ‘’I love you, my Spidey,’’ the toy said.
You watched his expressions shift from confusion to surprise, Peter’s eyes widening when he recognized the sound of your voice. A genuine smile spread across his face, the small plush taking a whole other meaning. ‘’That's your voice,’’ he whispered, still holding the talking Spiderman plush. 
You nodded, the sparks in Peter’s eyes telling you that no expensive gift could have matched this one. He was truly touched. ‘’I know you don’t like when I get you expensive things, so I didn’t get you a new watch,’’ you explained, thinking back at the Cartier watch you hesitated on last week. He would have hated it. 
Turning toward you, Peter enveloped you in a hug to properly thank you. 
Your arms wrapped around him in return. ‘’Even when I’m not with you, you’ll always have something to remind you that I love you.’’ 
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daysofyellowroses · 10 months ago
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carmen berzatto x reader | 3.8k | tw: pregnancy, implied smut, general nonsense
“I need a favor.”
“A favor?”
“Yes. A favor.”
You were already beginning to regret asking, watching Carmy swivel in his chair and ponder the request. Or he was staring into space, it wasn't clear.
“Alright,” He nodded after a moment. “What is it?”
You took a deep breath, bracing yourself. It would have been easier to ask him to murder someone than what you were about to.
“It turns out that I am responsible for making 30 cupcakes for this Saturday and I could use some guidance.”
“I see,” Carmy nodded, pointing the spoon in his hand at you. “and what else? Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, stop me when I get the right one.”
You let out a sigh.
“And..three trays of sandwiches. And mini quiches, egg rolls, a crudités platter and a cake.”
“Okay,” Carmy sat up a little, lightly tapping the spoon against his cheek. “Just..a couple of questions.”
You walked closer to the desk, leaning against it and giving Carmy a nod. “Fire away.”
“First, why are you responsible for all of that?”
“Because apparently I promised my best friend if she ever got pregnant I would plan the entire baby shower.”
“Uh-huh. Why?”
“Because I was very, very intoxicated at her bachelorette party.”
He smirked a little, and you rolled your eyes with a small smile.
“Noted. Second question,”
“Third,” You interjected, holding up three fingers. “Technically.”
“Third question, is there a theme to this party?”
“No, of course not,” You frowned, folding your arms. “Themes are for kid's birthday parties and epic novels.”
“Hm, I thought so.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“It just doesn't seem very..you know,” Carmy set the spoon down in his lap before interlocking his hands. “cohesive, I guess.”
You rested your hand on the desk, lightly tapping your nails on the surface.
“I'm willing to ignore that remark if you help me.”
“Alright, fourth question..why do I have to help you?”
You thought about it for a moment, working out your best angle to get him on board.
“Well..because I love my best friend and I want to give her an amazing experience, it's basically free publicity for the new restaurant, and we're..you know,” You gestured between yourself and Carmy with a grin. “We're friends. We're close. We kissed that time.”
“Yeah, yeah we did,” Carmy nodded, looking down for a moment before looking up with a smile. “When we were like..six? I don't see what that has to do with me adding to my already hectic schedule.”
“I would just really appreciate your help, even just a little guidance,” You smiled, holding your hands up. “What is the point of having a world-class chef as a friend if he doesn't help you out occasionally..”
“I promise to think about it,” Carmy nodded, picking his spoon back up and pointing at you. “Can you cook anything more advanced than french toast?”
“Depends on your definition of advanced,” You shrugged, pushing off the desk. “I look forward to your decision, I know you'll make the right one.”
“Get out of here,” Carmy rolled his eyes with a small smile. “I'll text you.”
You were heading to the front door when you bumped into Richie, who was carrying a box he promptly dropped on the nearest plastic-covered surface when he saw you, wiping his hands.
“Hey. What brings you here?”
“Me?” You gestured to yourself as you walked closer to Richie. “I just..I thought it was time. To declare my undying love for you.”
“Hm,” Richie nodded, rubbing his jaw before stepping closer to you and touching your shoulder. “I gotta be honest, I thought you'd never do it. Vegas wedding?”
“Vegas wedding,” You nodded with a grin. “Bye fuck-face.”
“See you later darling.”
It was the following afternoon when you got a very simple text from Carmy, relief flooding you as you read it.
‘Fine. Address?’
Opening your front door and seeing Carmen Berzatto standing on the other side was something you hadn't experienced for a long time, but it was a welcome return.
“Come on in, everything is set up in the kitchen,” You smiled, holding the door open and frowning slightly as you saw a worn grocery store bag in Carmy's hand. “Did you bring stuff when I told you that you didn't need to?”
“Sure did,” Carmy nodded, gesturing to his shoes. “Off? On?”
“Whatever you're comfortable with,” You waved your hand, gesturing to the bag. “I got everything, you really didn't need to waste your money on..liquid potassium or whatever, the food is not going to be anything too complicated.”
Carmy raised a brow as he slipped off his shoes. “You do know I'm a chef, not a mad scientist, right?”
“Oh shut up,” You sighed as he laughed, leading him into the kitchen.
“The fuck is liquid potassium anyway?”
“Here we are,” You spun around to face Carmy, gesturing to your humble kitchen, the dining table covered in various ingredients, in no particular order. “I really appreciate your help, I know you're busy.”
“It's fine,” Carm nodded, walking over to the table and setting the bag on the floor before picking up things on the table and inspecting them. “I'm not uh..I'm not needed, today.”
“Well I need you,” You grinned, walking over to the table. “The plan is I prepare everything today, then tomorrow I just have to heat up, and serve.”
“Organized, I like it,” Carmy nodded, looking over to you. “Where exactly do I fit in all this?”
“You..are my assistant for the day. Executive assistant, really.”
You gestured to the bag on the floor. “Show me what you got.”
An hour later, your kitchen was a whole lot messier, but progress was going well. Carmy had the patience of a saint, calmly explaining how everything was done. You were surprised how quickly you were picking up what he taught you, usually you got halfway through a YouTube cooking tutorial and gave up, ordering takeout instead.
“Okay, what's next on the list?” You asked, sprinkling herbs onto the egg roll pastry before wiping your hands. “I still can't believe you made me write a fucking list.”
“You needed the list,” Carmy grinned, reaching for the slip of paper. “Trust me. Okay, once you've finished those we can..almost cross off all the savory, just crudités but that's pretty simple. I can show you how to make dips, if you want.”
“Thought you'd never ask,” You grinned, flicking a loose crumb of pastry at him. “the vegetables are in the..”
You looked up for a minute, trying to think.
“Bottom of the fridge,” Carmy supplied, gently touching your back as he passed you to get to the fridge. “got them.”
You rolled up the pastry under your hands, setting it aside with the other egg rolls that had been prepared.
“So how has it been, being back?” You asked, going to rinse your hands. “I feel like I never asked you properly.”
“It's..fine, yeah,” Carmy replied, his head in the fridge when you glanced over to him. “Hasn't changed, much, well..you know. Never thought I'd end up back here.”
“At least you got out,” You shrugged, drying your hands before moving back to the counter. “How was New York? Incredible?”
“Incredible,” Carmy repeated, coming back to join you and reaching for a bowl. “Hand me that cucumber, please?”
“I need to visit one day,” You sighed, reaching for the cucumber and handing it over. “It's like..it's just there, I can go anytime, but I don't..I will, though.”
“Mm,” Carmy nodded. “You can pour greek yogurt into a bowl if you want.”
“On it,” You smiled, going to get a bowl. “I feel like such a domestic goddess right now, I gotta say. I never really cook. Not like this.”
“Are you enjoying it?” Carmy asked, not looking up from cutting up the cucumber. “I know cutting up vegetables isn't exactly an adrenaline rush.”
“I am enjoying it,” You got a bowl and went to set it on the counter, standing by Carmy. “It's relaxing. I'm not thinking about anything except the next step. I don't have to worry about anything except what I add next.”
“Lemon,” Carmy gestured to the yellow fruit over on the table. “Worry over.”
You smiled as you spooned the yogurt into the bowl, glancing over to Carmy. “You wanna know a secret?”
“Is it..that you're actually a serial killer who kills your victims by liquid potassium poisoning?”
“Oh shut the fuck up,” You groaned, going to grab the lemons as Carmy laughed and shook his head.
“Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. What's this other secret?”
“No, I'm not telling you now,” You sighed, taking the lemons back to the counter. “If you're just gonna be an ass.”
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry,” Carm murmured softly, gently nudging you. “Please tell me.”
“It's a world exclusive secret,” You grinned, walking over to the table and picking up your bag from one of the chairs. “Only three people will now know..”
You reached into your bag, pulling out a clean white envelope.
“Time to see if we need to use the pink or blue food dye.”
“What do you mean?” Carmy looked over to you. “Like a..gender reveal? That's still a thing?”
“I know it's a little cheesy,” You shrugged, looking down at the envelope. “But my best friend is just really excited to have this baby, she wants to know everything she can. So she gave me this,” You held up the envelope. “And I get to whip up some frosting.”
“So, what's it gonna be?” Carmy asked as you walked back over.
“Let's see,” You opened the envelope slowly, feeling Carmy's eyes on you. “Ah..not what I expected.”
You handed the paper over to Carmy as you picked up a lemon. “There's gonna be a little kid running around that looks like her..crazy.”
“Nice, though,” Carmy shrugged, setting the paper aside. “You know, if you..if you're someone that wants that.”
“Mm,” You nodded, taking a knife to cut the lemon. “She has, for a long time. I was so excited for her when she told me. Then I went and agreed to do all this, because..”
“You were drunk?” Carmy supplied.
“Yes, that,” You laughed, shaking your head. “It's not going that bad though, right? Everything is under control.”
“True, but uh..” You looked up as you felt Carmy's hand on your arm, looking down and finding yourself staring at his tattoos.
“You might want to cut the lemons, not your fingers.”
“What? Shit,” You frowned as you looked back to your hands, a trickle of blood appearing. “Spoke too soon.”
“It's okay,” Carmy led you to the sink. “just wash it off, have you got band-aids?”
“Uh..yeah, I think so,” You nodded, running the water. “in the bathroom cabinet.”
“Okay, wait here.”
A few minutes later you were leaning against the counter watching Carmy apply a band-aid to your finger with the precision of a surgeon.
“I can't remember the last time someone put a band-aid on me,” You murmured softly. “Thanks.”
“Don't mention it,” Carm looked up, his hand still holding yours. “I'm an expert at it.”
“So I see,” You smiled, inspecting your finger. “Excellent work. I'll be sure and recommend you.”
“I might need the extra work,” He sighed. “We're getting close to the deadline and it just feels like we're not progressing.”
“Hey,” You gently squeezed his hand. “Stressing out won't change anything except to make everything harder. Just keep going, do what you need to do, and then on the tiny, tiny, chance it doesn't work out you have a career lined up as a professional band-aider. You can patch up my victims.”
Carmy was quiet for a moment before he laughed, really laughed, and you felt a weight slip off your shoulders.
After a moment a comfortable silence fell over the two of you, your eyes held on each other.
“I‐”
“I should actually be going,” Carmy spoke before you could finish. “I just remembered I need to call this guy about the..”
“Okay,” You nodded, clearing your throat. “I can..I can handle the rest. Don't let me keep you if you're in a rush.”
You could see the guilt in Carm’s eyes, choosing to look away.
“I'm sorry to leave you in the middle of all this.”
“Don't be sorry,” You shrugged, looking down to your bandaged finger. “It's my responsibility, I got it. Thank you for your help.”
Carmen gave you a nod and you mustered up a smile in return, watching him leave.
A couple of hours later, the sun had set and your kitchen lights were bright as you flicked some cupcake batter off your fingers. When you heard a knock at the door you looked up, pausing for a minute before grabbing a cloth to wipe your hands.
“Coming, hang on.” You called, setting the cloth aside and heading to the door.
It wasn't a total surprise to see Carmen on the other side.
“Hey,” He said after a moment. “Can I come in?”
“Of course,” You stood aside, holding the door open. “Come on in.”
You watched him as he took a deep breath, hand clutching the zip of his jacket.
“So, about earlier, I-”
“I know,” You smiled, holding up your hand. “It was a lot. It was fun, and..domestic, and kind of intense, and that's a lot. I get it.”
“Yeah,” Carmy breathed, nodding sofly. “But..I'd still like to help you out, if you'll let me.”
“Then get your shoes off and get in the kitchen,” You smiled. “I'm just starting the cupcakes. Assistance is definitely needed.”
Half an hour and a lot of batter later, the cupcakes were in the oven, and the daunting prospect of the cake stood in front of you.
“Do I really need to make a cake and cupcake?” You mused, looking at the messy counter. “It feels excessive.”
“You're making the cake,” Carm nudged you gently. “Show me what you've learned.”
“Prepare to be amazed,” You grinned. “For better or worse.”
You cleared some space on the counter and glanced over to Carmy for a moment with a raised brow. “Hold still, you got batter in your hair.”
You gently moved your hand to carefully remove the fleck of batter.
“Would I be out of line to suggest you might be overdue for a haircut?”
Carmy laughed softly and shook his head, ruffling his messy curls.
“It's on a list, somewhere. I'll get round to it eventually.”
“I could do it,” You suggested, looking back to the counter and taking a clean bowl. “I know my way around a pair of scissors.”
“Really?”
“Really really,” You nodded, reaching for the flour. “you help me with this cake, I'll make you look like a new man.”
“Deal.”
Once the cupcakes were out of the oven and the cake was in, you sent Carmy off to wash his hair in your shower, leaning against the counter when he was gone and taking a deep breath. You reached for the note that your best friend had given you, smiling as you read over it.
When Carm came back into the kitchen, you felt your heart race a little. He was dressed the same of course but his damp hair was slicked back, and he had a warm, clean scent that still had a musk to it that was really doing it for you.
“The cake will be a while, I checked,” You smiled. “Skewered it like a pro. Take a seat, let's get you fixed up.”
“Are you going to skewer me?” Carmy asked, raising a brow as he sat on the chair you'd moved up by the counter. “I'm a little intrigued.”
“You'll see,” You grinned, picking up the blue towel you'd grabbed when Carmy was in the shower. “Be on your best behavior just in case.”
“Yes ma'am.”
“Alright,” You draped the towel around Carmy's shoulders, adjusting it a little before picking up the scissors and a comb. “Let's see what we can do. Head down, please.”
“About earlier,” Carmy began, and you felt a knot twist in your stomach. “I..I just want to apologize, I shouldn't have just left like that.”
“It's okay,” You murmured softly, gently combing his hair and holding the ends between your fingers. “Like I said, I get it.”
“No, it's..it's complicated,” Carmy sighed. “Because..I don't want you to think that I didn't enjoy being domestic and having fun with you, because I did, and I think you're great, I really..I really like you and it just freaked me the fuck out a little.”
“Like when we were six,” You smiled softly, gently snipping his hair. “And I kissed you. You freaked out and left me alone in that treehouse. I was devastated.”
“Hey I didn't expect it,” Carm shrugged. “You didn't give me a heads up.”
“I'm giving you one now,” You grinned, lightly tapping his head with the comb. “Head up, please.”
“Why did you do it?” Carm asked, soft curiosity in his voice.”I mean, why did you..why me?”
“You weren't like the other boys in our class,” You shrugged, gently sweeping the comb through Carmy's hair. “And you weren't like Richie or your brother. You were just..Carmy. I always thought about you. I liked that you were doing your own thing. Tilt your head sideways, please..thanks.”
He stayed quiet while you cut his hair so you kept talking.
“I don't think I really had a crush on you or anything back then, I just liked you. Then as we got older I started seeing you differently but I never acted on it because I didn't think you were interested. We never really hung out much, for all I knew you were a major dick. Then,you were gone and I tried to forget you..head down, please.”
“What do you think now?”
You thought about it for a moment, holding the comb in Carmy's hair.
“I think..you've actually got really great hair.”
“That so?”
“Oh yeah,” You nodded. “I mean usually it looks like a bird should be nesting in it so anything is an improvement.”
He laughed slightly and you felt your shoulders drop a little.
“I also think,” You murmured softly, slowly closing the scissors on the ends of his hair. “Those tattoos on your hands are really doing it for me.”
“Yeah?
“Big time.”
A silence hung over you as you continued the haircut, trying to keep your hands steady.
“Just because I freaked out doesn't mean that I don't..that I haven't been thinking about you.”
“Yeah?” You mused, lightly brushing some hair off the towel.
“Big time. But..” Carmy let out a sigh, clearing his throat. “I'm really not..an expert at the whole relationship thing. I'm not even a novice, I'm like..a nightmare. I can't do the flowers and dates and meeting the parents and all that like..I know I should want all that and maybe I do but..something just stops me and I can't..I can't do it.”
You slowly walked around to stand in front of Carmy, meeting his eyes as you glanced down.
“Head up, please.”
You focused your attention on his hair, feeling the nervous energy radiating from him.
“First of all, you know my parents. So that's not relevant. Second of all..I'm not saying that I want a relationship because I don't even know if I do. But..I wouldn't mind having someone I hang out with, watching movies and talking shit and eating takeout and figuring out if we want to be more but it's okay because we're still good how we are. And I could see you being that person.”
You took a step back, tilting your head slightly.
“All done.”
“Good,” Carmy nodded, standing up and stepping closer to you, his hands reaching out to touch your face and leaning in close til you felt like you couldn't breathe. “You can check the cake.”
You let out a frustrated sigh before laughing and moving your hands to grip the towel around Carmy's shoulders.
“You're definitely a major dick.”
You pulled him in for a kiss, feeling a rush shoot through you. When you pulled back you thought your heart was on fire.
“Wow, you've really improved,” You grinned. “I'm impressed.”
“You don't know the half of it.” Carmy grinned, pulling you back in for another kiss.
He wasn't lying, as you discovered when he put you up on the counter and feasted on you til you cried.
You had wasted no time, pulling him right down onto the kitchen floor to show what you'd learned too.
The next day, when you watched your best friend cut into the cake and scream with joy as layers of pink and blue sponge were revealed, you made a silent vow to volunteer your services more often.
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binniebakery · 6 months ago
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🇫​​🇱​​🇴​​🇺​​🇷​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇲​​🇾​ ​🇫​​🇱​​🇴​​🇼​​🇪​​🇷​? ❀🥐
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Non Idol AU Soobin x Fem!Reader, Fluff!
♡ Summary: For years, Soobin has had the biggest crush on the daughter of the town's local bakery and flower shop. Just when Soobin decides he's comfortable settling with being acquaintances, a misunderstanding drives him to reveal the feelings he's kept hidden for so long! ♡ Recipe Ingredients: tooth rotting fluff, featuring yeonjun as soobin's unofficial rival, soobin pining, slight cursing!, not proofread ♡ Recipe Notes: guess whos baccck!? woo its FINALLY out! I'm so sorry for the wait everyone! this is probably the only wip that i was continuously motivated to write for.. so i hope this wasn't too cheesy >< enjoy!
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It all started the first day he ever laid eyes on you.
That charming smile that captivated his attention the second he walked through the door, your face lighting up at the sound of the bell chiming at his arrival.
“Welcome to Flowers and Flour! How may I help you?”
It was over for him the moment your warm voice hit his ears, the tenderness and soft notes that brought immense joy to his day whenever he walked in.
Soobin was the son of the town’s local catering service. If he wasn’t busy with school, he was helping his mother organize her clients and help deliver and pick up orders for her on that moped his father got him for Christmas years ago.
You were the daughter of the town’s local bakery and flower shop. It was an odd combination really, a bakery downstairs with a flower shop running in the back? It worked well though, Soobin had more than one reason to visit you. His mom needed extra cupcakes for a wedding? He was always the first one to run to your shop. His mom wanted some flower decorations for an event? Once again, Soobin ran through the double doors of your establishment.
For as long as Soobin could remember, he had the biggest crush on you. It was obvious to everyone else in town, except for you.
Though he never really was good at flirting was he? Soobin’s first delivery was almost a disaster, he was 13 when he started helping his mom with her catering. Luck wasn’t on his side that day as he proceeded to fall off his bike and drop the entire box of dozen glazed donuts he was supposed to bring to a child’s birthday party.
Of course, he was a quick thinker. So the first thing Soobin did was bike his way over to the small bakery and flower shop his mother always worked with, rushing in through the doors as he was covered in cuts and bruises. It didn’t matter, no pain could be worse than the scolding he would get from his mother if she found out.
There you were, freshly, first day on the job and your father had just taught you how to use the cash register. You twiddled your thumbs nervously as he worked relentlessly in the back to finish baking that afternoon's set of cupcakes. 
So when you hear the familiar twinkle of bells ringing you feel the color melt off your face as you look up. This was your first day after all, what was the slogan your parents taught you to say to guests? Were you even supposed to take orders? You were only twelve!
“H- hi!.. Um.. welcome to flour and flower— no! Flowers with flour?...” You furrowed your eyebrows and look at the small napkin filled with your scribbled notes. “A- ah sorry! Um welcome to Flowers.. And Flour! H- how can I help you!?” Your voice shook as you sat straight up, giving your best (and awkwardest) smile.
You weren’t expecting there to be a boy with messy hair and cuts on his knees and a half-empty box of donuts standing in the doorway. The way his hoodie fit him slightly too big, something that he would grow into as he got older and taller. 
Slight sweat formed around his forehead and neck from the summer heat. His denim shorts wore a slight tear on the hem from the fall he had from his small bike. His cute button nose scrunched up as the stinging sensation on his knees reminded him of why he was there in the first place.
And Soobin wasn’t expecting such a pretty girl his age to be working the cash register.
“Uh– yes! Um..” Soobin sheepishly scratches the back of his neck as he looks around the bakery to avoid your large innocent eyes staring at him curiously. He’d never been inside actually, the colors were bright, sweet, and pastel– and most of all welcoming, just like your smile.
You’re tilting your head at the way the boy’s worn-out sneakers shifted in his spot. What were you supposed to do when a customer didn’t answer you?
“C- C-an.. um I..” Soobin’s face is flushed red and your eyebrows furrow together even deeper. Just as you are about to turn and call for your father to come help, Soobin immediately reaches over the counter, dropping the crushed donut box, and covers your mouth.
“Shhh!! D- don’t tell anyone! If an adult finds out they’ll tell my mom! And m- my mom cannot know about this” the young boy rambles. Your large eyes flicker between the door behind you leading to the kitchen and back to Soobin. You nod your head in agreement to say silent.
“S- sorry..” Soobin mumbles as he pulls away, wiping his hands on his baggy shorts. He explains everything to you, from the birthday party to his failure to properly ride a bike. You couldn’t help but feel pity for the boy. It was your first day too after all so you would definitely feel the same way if you were in his shoes.
“I think I can.. Maybe give you some donuts?” 
Now, looking back on this now as an adult, you would have charged the young man, or at least given him a discount. But.. as a young innocent pre-teen.. the thought didn’t cross your mind once.
After all, on your first day working you weren't expecting an odd, clumsy, and cute boy would pop up in the shop. So were you really going to be thinking rationally?
So you gave Soobin a fresh box of donuts right from the shelf. Even offered a muffin for his safe journey.  All for free.
Of course, your father notices the missing pastries, one thing leads to another and both you and Soobin end up getting into a lot of trouble.
What you didn’t know is that later that evening Soobin found himself thinking about the cute girl with pigtails that was almost too short to reach over the counter. Even blushing at the thought of seeing you again and vowing to himself he would marry that sweet girl who looked past his awkward exterior and gave him that gentle sunrise of a smile.
Years later, Soobin’s promise to himself is looking less and less possible by the day.
You looked forward to Soobin’s visits. Although you two weren’t close, you’ve always considered him to be a friend. Throughout the years, you managed to form a small bond with him whenever you had the chance to see him. You both went to different schools and were simply too shy to ever ask to hang out outside of the shop, so your relationship stayed the same.
“Hey y/n.” Soobin gives you a shy smile as you finish setting up the display for the morning. Perfect, just like you were. And with the way you turn to him, hair pulled in a messy ponytail, face flushed from the physical work, and apron wrapped perfectly tight around your waist, you couldn’t have gotten any better in Soobin’s eyes.
“Hi Soobie! Here for those muffins?” You chirp as you lean over the counter to greet him. His heart flutters at the nickname. No matter how many times you’ve said it, you always manage to make his heart stop. Nothing was better than your voice calling out his name, especially the nickname you gave specifically to him.
“Mhm, large company party I think? I’m not too sure. Apparently, the guy’s been really pushing my mom’s buttons with his demands.” His laugh is airy and soft and you can’t help but feel your cheeks warm from the way his dimples dig deep into his cheeks. Of course, the boy fails to notice.
“Ah, I see. Give Mrs. Choi my hellos then.” You giggle, handing Soobin several large boxes. Said boxes were indeed quite heavy, your delicate fingers almost dropping them as you handed them over.
“Sure will. Oh, careful–! Gotcha!” Soobin is quick to place his hands under yours, helping you lift the boxes. You look up at him with eyes wide and mouth agape, heart pumping rapidly from the sudden contact. Soobin mirrors your expression and the two of you stay that way in silence for a few seconds.
The young man blinks and immediately flushes once more, face heating up more when he realizes he was touching your hand for too long. “S- sorry! U- um.. I’ll see you later yeah? Have a good rest of your day y/n!” Soobin fumbles as he quickly shuffles out the door to his moped.
You mentally kick yourself for letting the seconds pass without saying anything and Soobin gently plops his forehead on the handle of his vehicle, debating on just slamming his head on a brick wall for settling with the silence.
It was always like this, constant instances where he would get the perfect chance to confess but he always failed to let his feelings reach you. So after years of failed attempts, he settles with what you have. He’s just happy he gets to see you.
⋆。°♡
It was Friday, the first day of your town's weekend summer festival. Soobin’s mother was as busy as ever, therefore so was he in trying to help her get things done. 
“Soobin! Can you come here please? I need you to run an errand for me!” Mrs. Choi calls and Soobin comes shuffling in from his room, slightly groggy from the nap he just had.
“Yeah? What’s up?” He mumbles as he rubs his eyes, fluffy hair sticking out in all directions.
“Could you run down to the grocery store or the bakery? It doesn’t matter I just need you to buy me flour.” Mrs. Choi mumbles as she digs into multiple containers. “Mr. Phillips is running some baking event but he’s already at the fairgrounds so I’m doing this as a favor. Could you just bring it to him for me?”
Now, Soobin was content with his position in your life. He was just glad he was able to get to see you any chance he got, and that you were still single. He’s (not-so) casually questioned if you’ve had a boyfriend before, and with a strawberry-red face you mumbled about your failed love life.
Don’t get him wrong– Soobin would always support you as long as you were happy, but something inside him feels a sense of relief knowing that there’s somewhat of a chance for him.
So of course instead of going to the closest grocery store, he’s going to stop by your place all the way across town to pick up some flour.
Soobin speeds down the street as quickly as the law would allow him. His anxious fingers tapped the handle of his moped as he waited for the light to turn green.
The festival was on your side of town, so the streets were busy, therefore causing horrible traffic as a result. Soobin groans as he taps his foot impatiently, here’s to another day where he was the cause of his own downfall!
It takes 15 minutes to reach that familiar street he grew to love. The festival around the area begins to grow more lively and both the bakery and flower shop seem to be flooded with visitors.
Soobin feels himself tensing up as he approaches the glass double doors that lead inside the bakery.
The bell rings as he makes his way inside, but the loud buzz of people’s demands and your poor mother running around the floor delivering orders as you ring up the other customers distracts you from noticing the tall boy. Your father bursts through the door right after Soobin, boxes with vases waiting to be decorated and used for arrangements in his arms. Soobin nods a hello. “Hey there Soobin! Nice seeing you!” He shouts above the noise with a grin. “I’m a little busy right now so I’m afraid I can’t help you with anything! Y/n is right over there if you need something!” He nods towards your direction and rushes past the doors leading to the flower shop. Soobin’s face holds a puzzled smile and he glances towards the checkout counter you were currently standing at.
That’s when he sees the bane of his existence. Soobin’s worst nightmare. Choi Yeonjun.
Soobin didn’t speak to Yeonjun often, but he knew two very important things that were all he needed. That Yeonjun was interested in you, and him and Soobin went to the same school. (Soobin cringes at the possibility of Yeonjun ever going to the same school as you. He’s thankful.) Yeonjun would visit your dad’s flower shop often. Even going as far as hinting multiple times if you’d like to go on a date. Luckily for Soobin, you never got the hint– and unfortunately for Soobin, that just made Yeonjun want to try harder.
What made Soobin tick even more was that Yeonjun flirted with everyone he saw. It was just a part of his charm, and as much as Soobin hates to admit it he wishes he had that same ability Yeonjun had. To speak to you freely and smoothly hint towards a date instead of the casual and mundane conversations he settled for every time he saw you. He wanted to be cool and charming, wanted to be outgoing and good at everything he did, just like that Choi Yeonjun.
But Soobin knew he would never get to that point, he considered himself clumsy, unathletic, nerdy, and awkward. All of the things that Yeonjun wasn’t.
So when Soobin spots Yeonjun cracking yet another flirty joke just to see your cheeks flush and you shyly tucking your hair behind your ear he makes it his personal mission to intervene.
“Look at you slacking off. Should get back to work instead of talkin’ to me so much y/n.” Yeonjun teases you and you roll your eyes with a smile. You weren’t exactly close but he was friendly and often offered to help your dad anytime he needed it.
“Well Yeonjun, I’m trying! You keep distracting me..!” You nudge him as you loudly respond over the customers' chatter. “You’re lucky nobody needs me right now. What did you want anyways?” you inquire with a tilt of your head. Soobin sees this from afar and finds it endearing, and much to his dismay so does Yeonjun.
“Nothing today actually–” “What?!” “I said nothing today! I wanted to ask if you wanted to go to check out the festival with me?!” You furrow your eyebrows as your brain attempts to decipher Yeonjun’s words. “Check out what?!” 
Yeonjun lets out a laugh. Soobin bites his lip as his body unconsciously moves closer to the checkout counter. “The festival! You’re about to close soon right? Let's go, you and me!” Yeonjun repeats. This time he’s leaning over the counter, lips dangerously close to your face, and Soobin is about to explode from the sight.
“Well, actually I-” “Y/n! Hi! You’re not busy right?” Soobin blurts out as he shoves himself between Yeonjun and the counter. Yeonjun shoots him a puzzled look.
“Oh! Hi Soobin!” You smile, sheepishly rubbing the back of your neck at witnessing the sudden interjection. “Um.. How can I help you?” Soobin’s adrenaline is bursting through his veins, sure he saved you from Yeonjun’s invitation, but now what?
Suddenly, two other customers walk into the store and the place seems to inconveniently become more lively by the second. Soobin feels his anxiety bubbling in his stomach as he stares at your face, how was he supposed to look at you with your hair softly tousled into a ponytail and your pretty lashes blinking against your cheeks? He wonders what you look like outside of uniform.
“Uh, Soobin? I kinda– Yes sir one moment!” You call out to an older gentleman requesting your attention. Soobin blinks and realizes he’s been standing awkwardly for too long, Yeonjun is currently watching the whole situation unfold with a lifted brow and arms crossed.
“Uh– My mom–!.. I want to tell you that I kind of– The festival–! Um..” Soobin grows more flustered by the second, unable to get anything out. He wants to tell you he needs flour, he wants to tell you he traveled all the way across town just to see you, he wants to tell you to ditch Yeonjun and go to the festival with him instead. But words seem to fail him in the moment.
“Soobin?.. Are you alrigh–”
It finally hits Soobin that if he wants to confess, he needs to do it now. He should have realistically done it sooner but the poor boy genuinely felt like your relationship would never get anywhere past “somewhat friends”. Now that Yeonjun is here though, he feels like if he doesn’t say anything now, he’ll be forever doomed to be second to Choi once again.
“Y/n… I um–  L- like you! I need flour.. Too!”
Soobin’s words sound jumbled but it’s enough to get the point across. At least that’s what he thinks.
“What?! Sorry, I can’t hear you!” You shout over the bakery ambiance.
“Flour! Uh.. Flour! I just um.. I need that! Yes! That thing you sell! Ha…” Soobin wants to curl up and rot in a hole. Both of you miss the way Yeonjun’s lips curl up into a small smirk.
“A Flower?!” Your eyebrows furrow deeper. Why would Soobin need a singular flower? You wonder.
“Ah! What? Uh fl- flour! Y- yes!” Soobin stutters once more and you nod confusingly, turning to the shelf behind you. Soobin’s eyes flicker to Yeonjun, mentally high-fiving himself for stepping in at the perfect time. He feels slightly bad but in his defense, he had eyes on you first!
Before Soobin’s guilt settles in for thinking such selfish thoughts, you hand him a sunflower.
His eyes widen and he looks back at you. Did you end up hearing his confession after all?
“Sorry guys I can’t talk! Soobin I’m sorry but this is all I can offer on such short notice! Yeonjun, I’ll speak with you after my shift is done! Just give me 10 minutes!” You flash an apologetic smile and head over to the small line of customers waiting to pay.
Soobin’s mouth hangs open, did you just reject him? Were you so guilty you couldn’t reject him that you just gave him a gift in hopes he wouldn’t take it too harshly? Is that why you said it was all you could offer?
Soobin stands dumbfounded. Yeonjun sighs and grabs him by the arm, pulling him out of the store to allow the other customers to squeeze in their place.
“Hey–! I- I need to talk to y/n wait!” Soobin yanks his arm away from Yeonjun with a huff.
“Can you chill for a second?! God, seeing you stand there looking like a fish out of water is stressing me out, dude.” Yeonjun sighs and rubs his temples in frustration. Soobin swallows and looks down at the floor, twiddling with the sunflower you gave him between his fingers. “Look. I know what’s going on here man, you’ve got a crush on y/n don’t you?”
Soobin’s jaw drops once again and he feels his face grow impossibly red. “H- how do you know?!”
“You literally said it inside the store just a few seconds ago..not to mention your game is the worst I’ve ever seen in my life.”
“Right..” Soobin sighs and drops his shoulders in defeat. “Was it that bad?” Yeonjun grimaces, “Want me to tell you the truth?” Soobin groans, he already knows what’s coming. “Just say it already.”
“That was absolutely horrid to watch. Never seen a guy fumble that badly..” Yeonjun pinches the bridge of his nose and Soobin plops down on the bench next to them. He rests his head in his hands, maybe now would be a good time to just move cities. Forget today ever happened. Forget about the festival. Forget about you. Not to mention he’s even more embarrassed at the fact that Yeonjun was there to witness it all. The last person he wanted to see.
“Hey, hey. Look, there’s a bright side to this and I don’t think you realize– I don’t even think y/n realizes what just happened in there.”
Soobin’s head perks up, his face scrunched up in confusion. “What? Besides the fact that I just got horribly rejected– Oh God AND she doesn’t even give me the flour I needed! Y/n probably thought it would be awkward to keep talking to me and just sent me off with this.. pity gift!” Soobin exclaims as he waves the sunflower in his hand around.
Yeonjun slams his palm into his forehead and sighs, “No! Dude she misheard you completely, I’m almost certain y/n thought you wanted a flower from her, not flour.” It takes a few seconds for Soobin to properly register Yeonjun’s words. He replays the situation in his head, the way that none of you could possibly hear each other that well given how busy the bakery was in that moment. 
It would make sense. Yeonjun was standing right next to Soobin so he was the only one that would be able to properly hear him.
“Oh.. shit..” Soobin slumps further into the bench. “Really?”
“Yeah, and frankly can I be honest?” Soobin nods. “I didn’t know you even liked y/n like that. You seem to sort of keep things plain with her when you guys talk.” Soobin pouts at the comment. “Well, I try!.. was kind of playing the long game… I don’t really have the type of charisma you have Mr. Festival Guy!” Soobin retorts and Yeonjun gasps dramatically.
“Hey! Don’t blame me for your incompetence man... Plus, even if I do sort of like her, I know when to back out if it’s just going to end up as a competition. I’m not a douchebag.”
Yeonjun chuckles at Soobin’s shocked face. He notes that Soobin seems to be very expressive despite not speaking about his emotions. It seems to explain a lot about Soobin. “Wait, seriously? You’re willing to give her up that easily?” 
Yeonjun shrugs, “I mean don’t get me wrong she’s a cute girl, but I just wanted to get to know her more as a friend, what’s the harm in that?” Soobin bites his lower lip and looks away from Yeonjun. He feels awful now, assuming Yeonjun was the player type and you were just his next target. They never spoke at school but that was simply because while Soobin was shy and hung out with the nerdy and introverted students– Yeonjun was popular, and had many friends. Not to mention plenty of girls fought for his attention at school.
“Yeah.. guess you’re right.” Soobin mumbles. “Well… now what do I do?” Yeonjun taps his index finger on his chin. “I mean, she said she gets off work in a few minutes right? Why don’t you tell her what you really meant to say.”
Soobin scoffs as if Yeonjun’s idea is completely unrealistic and ridiculous. “Yeah right. You saw the way I get when I speak to her. I can’t even think properly..” Yeonjun sighs. “Well, you have to do it sometime dude.. Unless you want someone like me to scoop her up.” He teases.
Soobin’s eye twitches, he was definitely not going to give Yeonjun another chance to ask you out.
“Hey– okay, okay, fine I’ll talk to her.. I guess..” Soobin runs a hand through his hair. He honestly felt like the entire situation was a lost cause. “So just how am I going to confess to y/n?”
“Dude, I can’t help you with everything! Just speak from your heart.. Or whatever those cheesy romance movies say.” Yeonjun pats Soobin’s shoulder and stands up. “Look, you’ll figure something out. Tell her what comes to mind, that’s the way I roll at least.” Soobin stares at his feet in thought. He had so much to say, and quite frankly his feelings were so strong and complicated he was scared it would ruin the relationship you both currently had. 
“All I’m gonna say is if you don’t do it tonight, I will. Get in there and grab what you originally came there for.” Yeonjun nods towards the sunflower resting in Soobin’s hand. ”And I’m not just talking about the flour either. Be yourself.” Soobin looks at Yeonjun for the last time and stands up.
“Right. I’ll uh.. See you then. Thanks.” Yeonjun pats his shoulder and Soobin almost winces at the pain. “No problem Choi. I’ll leave you to it. See you around.” Yeonjun winks and strolls off. Soobin cringes at how nonchalant the other male is, more so at the fact that he genuinely couldn’t tell if that wink was flirtatious or not.
Regardless, Yeonjun’s words were enough to boost his confidence slightly, and thus Soobin made his way back to the outside of the bakery.
20 minutes had passed and you finally were able to usher the last customer out of the store. Your father had already left to promote business at the festival grounds and your mother had offered to finish cleaning up so you could enjoy some time to yourself after a long day of work.
The summer heat hits your face as you open the heavy double glass doors, pouting as the fresh indoor air slips away. You let your hair down so you can arrange it into a neater ponytail, feeling at least feeling somewhat refreshed after quickly changing out of your work uniform into something more comfortable.
Soobin hears the familiar jingle of the bakery doors and he looks up, if he wasn’t nervous already he definitely was now. His face flushes as his eyes scan your figure, pretty face concentrated as you tie your hair up, thin summer shirt slightly lifting to show the slightest bit of skin as if you wearing those small denim shorts wasn’t enough to have him practically fainting at the sight.
You look up and the expression on your face changes to a warm smile upon seeing Soobin. 
“Soobie, hi!” Oh! The nickname too! Soobin was doomed.
“H- hey, um y/n.. Before you lock up can we go inside? I need to speak with you..” You tilt your head and look around the area. “Sure? Oh but I think Yeonjun was waiting to talk to me too? Did you see him?” Soobin almost lets out a groan in discontent but hides it with a bite to his bottom lip. Why were you asking about Yeonjun? Was it because you were hoping he’d be waiting instead of Soobin?
“He uh.. Decided he had something to do–  It wasn’t important anyways..” Soobin scratches the back of his neck with an awkward smile. “Ah, okay! Let’s go in then.” You smile and open the doors for him. Soobin fumbles to one of the glass doors and holds it for you with ears tinged pink, nodding as you thank him when you walk inside.
Soobin doesn’t even remember ever being this nervous before in his entire life, his first catering delivery, the handful of speeches he’s stuttered through when speaking in front of his classmates, or when he spilled juice on his mother’s most prestigious customer.
You prop yourself on the counter, your eyes now able to meet his without either of you adjusting your height. You swing your legs as you sit, oblivious to Soobin’s inner turmoil. “Sorry, I wasn’t about to talk with you outside in that heat. You must have been sweating so much out there!” You apologize with a light laugh, and the tall boy's heart soars, touched by your consistently kind and caring nature.
Soobin’s brain is currently in overdrive thinking about the way your delicate fingers twiddle in your lap waiting for his response. You notice that his breathing has grown quiet and slow, as he avoids your gaze while in deep thought.
“Is something wrong? Did something happen to Yeonjun or–?” You innocently question. Soobin can’t help but feel his jealousy peak. Why were asking about that guy when it was just you and him? Why couldn’t you ever focus on him instead?
“Soobie.. Tell me what happened, please?” You bring your hand up to rest on his arm, shooting jolts of electricity throughout his entire body from the small touch. It was light, but it was also the first time you’ve ever made an effort to touch Soobin in such a delicate manner. It may have meant nothing to you but to him, it was more than enough to send his mind reeling even further.
Soobin was a patient man. In case you couldn’t tell from the way he’s waited all these years for the perfect moment to confess. Yet, at this moment he feels his emotions bubbling up, his jealousy of Yeonjun, his overwhelming affection towards you that never ceased to stop growing over the years, and the overwhelming anxiety threatening to burst through his stomach.
Your eyes widen as Soobin places both of his arms on the counter, caging you in with his own body.
‘Be yourself Soobin. If she doesn’t like you for you then she’s not the one. If she likes Yeonjun then so be it.’ Soobin is chanting so many affirmations in his head and nothing seems to work. Seconds pass and he notices the heat spread across your face as you stare into his gentle brown orbs.
The bakery is silent, its ambiance a complete contrast to almost 30 minutes ago. Everything had been turned off, with the only source of lightning coming from the sunset peering over the horizon outside. The rays barely peeked through the partially closed blinds and the glass doors leading into the bakery. 
“I- .. look I honestly h- have no idea how to go about this..” Soobin begins, his breathing now ragged and his body so close to yours that his scent begins to fill your senses. You’ve never been this close to Soobin and can’t help but take in the gentle light floral scent. It’s warm even, like a cotton shirt left out in the sun on a summer afternoon.
He presses his forehead against yours, his breath now gently tickling your features. “Y/n.. I’ve liked you f- for a really long time.. And I mean this more than a friend.” His eyes are screwed shut, almost as if he was afraid that if he opened them he’d be met with a look of disappointment from you. “I tried telling you earlier, I saw Yeonjun try to hit on you and I freaked out. Of course, shit hits the fan too because with my luck you didn’t hear me.”
“Soobin..” Your mouth opens before you can fully process what you want to say. “Y- you don’t have to respond y/n. If anything I know you probably have feelings for Yeonjun already– Just p- please.. I-” His voice is shaky, his intense fear of rejection pouring out of his body in a sweat.
Soobin’s eyes flash open when he feels both your hands gently holding both sides of his face. “Can I tell you something?” You smile warmly. Soobin’s heart feels like it's going to jump out of his chest. “I only keep working here so I can see you.”
Soobin’s face turns a bright red, his mouth agape. “Wh- what?”
“My parents tease me about it all the time. About the boy that I fell head over heels for since the day he first walked through those stupid glass doors. I don’t let them hire anyone else because I didn’t want anyone talking to you that wasn’t me!” You chuckle, recalling the slow days when you paced across the white bakery tiles, waiting for him to walk through those doors with a list of items he needed.
“I’ve liked you. I always have.” Your voice comes out in a whisper. Soobin’s ears barely pick up the sound as a group of children run by the shop, loud screeches and giggles as they pass.
“Wh- what?” Soobin stares into your eyes in complete disbelief. “I said I like you too, Choi Soobin.”
He’s silent, a car passes by and you almost jump from the sudden noise. Soobin doesn’t flinch, and for a moment your expression turns into one of fear– afraid that you said the wrong thing until Soobin lets out a series of soft chuckles.
“What is so funny!?” You pout, immediately removing your hands from his face in embarrassment. The audacity of this guy! To just laugh in front of your face after he himself nearly pissed himself from confessing to you.
“Y- you have no idea– no idea!” He begins, his forehead bumping into yours again from laughing. “Y/n, I’ve been going out of my way, doing the stupidest things just to get myself to tell you how I feel.”
You scoff and look down at your lap. “Well.. at least now everything is cleared up.. Right?”
Soobin’s head pulls away, his arms still trapping you in his presence. ‘O-oh um about that..” 
“Earlier.. I was asking you for flour.. Y’know the stuff you bake with? .. You sort of misheard that too.” You cover your mouth with a gap. Soobin senses your guilt and immediately shakes his head.
Soobin finally pulls his arms away and you feel your tense body loosen up. It seems he had no clue of how close he was due to the adrenaline of his confession. “No no! Please don’t worry about it– it was seriously my fault, I couldn’t even get a word out and it was super loud and busy earlier!”
“L- let me get that for you! Gosh, I’m so so sorry!” You exclaim as you jump off the counter to run to the back room to retrieve the said bag. You find Soobin with his hands covering his face in embarrassment as you walk up to him. It seemed you two were more similar than you expected.
“Let's go deliver the flour then, together.” You smile shyly, attempting to lighten the mood. “Before we do though.. Let's make a trade.” You take the forgotten sunflower Soobin had been holding the entire time and hold it to your chest. “You can give me this, and I’ll give you your flour.”
Your voice is warm and oh-so-sweet to Soobin’s ears. He was so used to hearing you speak in your ‘customer service’ voice that being able to have you finally speak to him, and only him, in that gentle tone that made his legs turn to jelly and his heart thump ever so harder.
“Deal.” Soobin smiles and he takes the sunflower from your hand. He gently places the sunflower behind your ear, pushing back a strand of your hair at the same time and your eyes meet once again. His eyes were mesmerizing, almost as if they were pulling you closer. You didn’t even realize how close in proximity you two were now.
Soobin closes the gap between you both, your lips finally connecting for the first time. Your plush lips are soft against his and it’s everything Soobin could have imagined and more. The kiss isn’t perfect– with teeth slightly clashing every few seconds and you giggling in excitement. Both your lips were slightly chapped from the summer heat and the conversation you just had. It didn’t matter to either of you though.
It was summer when Soobin met you for the time, with cheeks flushed and shy lingering gazes. He smiles, dimples on full display at the thought as he stares up into the sinking sun in the distance as you both head towards the festival. 
It’s also summer when the two of you confess and share your first kiss. Soobin comes to realize that summer might just be his favorite season. After all, over the years nothing has ever changed, besides the feelings he’s had all this time now growing ever stronger. And of course, breaking the curse of forever being just the clumsy boy who visited you.
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slutforsilverfoxes · 1 year ago
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Secret’s Out
[A/N: Some fluff in honor of our favorite man’s birthday 🖤]
Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x wife!reader
—————
You love celebrating your partner’s birthday. An excuse to pamper your favorite person more so than usual, and they can’t refuse because it’s their special day? Amazing.
Your partner, on the other hand, is less than enthusiastic about the day. “It’s just another day,” he always tries to play it off. “Another year around the sun gifting me with more grays and wrinkles to prove it.”
You’ve adjusted to his understated manner, toned down your celebratory whims to make his day special in smaller, less overt ways.
“I’m not making a big deal about it,” you’d promised your first birthday together with a smile, catching the raised eyebrow you were greeted with when he spotted the lavish breakfast spread out over the kitchen table.
“Still not making a big deal. You needed a new one,” was your excuse some birthdays later when he opened a carefully wrapped box to find a new watch with words from your wedding vows engraved on the back.
“This one is so not-a-big-deal,” you’d affirmed just last year, presenting him with two tickets to a five day island getaway. “It’s November in DC and I miss the sun, that’s all.”
And so the years have gone, keeping Aaron Hotchner’s birthday under wraps much to the chagrin of his team. Garcia, to her credit, has made a Herculean effort to keep the date quiet as requested, or perhaps she’s sworn everyone to secrecy by now. Inexplicably, Aaron finds a single cupcake waiting on his desk annually.
Aaron’s birthday was a quiet affair, that is, until this year.
The case your husband had been on had spanned many more days than expected, and you’d been forced to postpone the family trip you had planned to celebrate his birthday. So here you are, waiting in his office for the team’s return. Chatter suddenly breaks the silence of the bullpen, the unmistakable sound of Aaron’s baritone mixed with the many voices of your found family.
The kids are tearing out of the office before you even rise from the couch.
Your toddler reaches the BAU team first, and Aaron’s quick to drop his go-bag in favor of catching the pig-tailed bundle of energy midair as she squeals out an excited, “Happy birthday, Daddy!”
Aaron’s eyes widen in shock, and your stomach swoops at the FBI’s best kept secret being so blatantly revealed by the littlest Hotchner.
But then Aaron’s propping your daughter on his hip and pressing kisses to her cherubic cheeks while she giggles at the onslaught, and Jack is wrapping his arms around his dad’s waist, mumbling a “Welcome home, Dad, happy birthday,” into his dress shirt, and Aaron is squeezing both of your kids like their very presence imbues life into him, and all is right in the world. You take note of money quietly exchanging hands behind Aaron greeting your kids. Evidently, Garcia had kept the date a secret.
The team splits up to drop luggage and paperwork on their desks, and Aaron looks up to the stairs leading to his office then, his smile somehow growing wider when he spots you standing there, a blush dotting your cheeks. “You know there’s no stopping these two when their hero comes home,” you offer sheepishly, and he angles his head to beckon you closer. You’re by his side in an instant and pressing a kiss to his lips even as your children- spurred on by Uncle Derek and Uncle Spencer- protest with a chorus of ews and elaborate gagging noises.
“You were just giddy about me kissing you,” Aaron points out to your daughter whose face is screwed up in feigned disgust from her front row seat on Daddy’s hip.
“It’s not the same as you kissing Mom,” Jack huffs with the gusto of an all-knowing pre-teen, so his dad rolls his eyes and pecks your lips again for good measure.
“May I propose,” Rossi interjects, one hand on your shoulder and the other on your husband’s, “dinner at my place to celebrate?” Aaron opens his mouth to protest, but Dave lifts a hand and clarifies, “Ah- celebrate closing the case, Aaron. It’s not all about you.” He shoots you a wink and you bite your lip to hide a smile.
“Up to you, birthday boy,” you murmur, lightly running your hand across his chest, but your kids and his team are looking so hopeful that Aaron knows it’s really not up to him, after all.
“Okay,” he relents with a laugh, nodding his head. “Thank you, Dave, that’s really kind of you to offer.”
The night turns out to be an absolute blast full of good food, great drinks, and wonderful company. Your little one is currently sound asleep in her Uncle Spencer’s lap while he stumps her older brother and JJ and Will’s sons with his latest magic trick. Penelope and Derek are out on a secret mission (they’re getting a cake) that Aaron is completely in the dark about (he totally knows). The rest of you are scattered about the living room, chatting and sipping your drinks while you await the secret agents’ return, and Sinatra croons on in the background about having a love to keep him warm. Sidling up to Aaron, you rest your head on his sturdy shoulder and murmur a simple, “Hey.”
He turns to press his lips to your forehead and utters a, “Hey, you,” in return.
“Sorry the cat’s out of the bag after all these years,” you say, absentmindedly toying with the collar of his tie where he’s loosened it a bit.
“Oh, honey, don’t apologize,” Aaron admonishes lightly, shifting his position so he can snake an arm around you and you can settle more snugly into his side. “Honestly, I’m amazed we kept it under wraps for so long.”
You let your hand drift further upwards, now tracing a little heart into Aaron’s cheek with your index finger. Emily clearly used a heavy hand in her role as bartender. “Really?”
Your husband curls his hand around your wrist to guide it closer to his mouth and presses a kiss to the pad of your finger. “Really,” he affirms. “Y’know, these guys had a bet going about my birth date but…” He leans closer like he’s about to let you in on a secret, and you sit up straighter, all business. “Dave and I had a bet going about who would spill first. That little chatterbox,” he murmurs, inclining his head toward your sleeping toddler, “or her chatterbox mom.”
“I resent that.”
“I know.”
With a huff, you kiss his cheek, then his nose, and then his lips. “But I’ll let it slide since it’s your birthday.”
The lights in the living room grow dim then, and Penelope enters with a small cake in hand, her face lit up by a ring of candles. “Derek said we shouldn’t mortify you by singing, but I couldn’t resist at least getting candles, sir.” She sets the cake down on the coffee table before taking a step back as the rest of your family gathers around. Your little girl barely stirs in Spencer’s arms when he approaches, while Jack slips into the spot next to his dad and instructs, “Make a wish!”
“Oh, buddy,” Aaron laughs warmly, looking around at your big family with a smile before kissing the top of his head and affectionately squeezing your knee, “what more could I wish for?”
__________
AH tags 🖤 @gothwifehotchner @iyv-ray24 @mrs-ssa-hotch @criminalskies @callm3c0nfus3d
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lullabyes22-blog · 14 days ago
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Snippet - Scrub My Brain With Bleach - Forward but Never Forget/XOXO
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Vi pays the price for snooping...
Forward but Never Forget/XOXO
Snippet:
As she moves to go, her foot catches something under the desk. It's a trunk, the wooden surface scuffed by frequent use. But the design's exquisitely ornate. The lid's inset with a mosaic of mother-of-pearl. It depicts a blue-haired sprite in a grove, a green dragonfly cradled in her palms. The motif is repeated in a band around the brass rim, where the dragonflies open and close their wings, their iridescent patterns shimmering as if in flight.
It reminds Vi of the folktales of Janna, passed into her tiny ear by Mom at bedtime. How the dragonflies were Janna's eyes, their luminous wings bearing the sparks of her magic. How they flitted through the old gardens of Oshra Va'Zaun, bestowing the Goddess's favor. How, should the light catch their wings just so, they'd grant a boon on a lucky soul.
And a kiss of fortune, upon their lips.
Jinx, Vi guesses, chose the box for its whimsy as much as its utility. She's plainly taken pains to keep it tidy. Despite the scratches on the varnish, its structure is solid, and its brass lid is freshly gilded. There's a padlock, burnished to a lustrous gleam, and a keyhole in the shape of a dragonfly's thorax. The key itself is a golden cruciform dangling off the chain that seals the lock.
For a moment, Vi wonders if the trunk is, in fact, a trousseau. Jinx hardly seems the type. Her idea of wedding finery would involve explosives more than lingerie—if she bothered to put anything on at all.
And yet the possibility's not as outlandish as it'd been while Vi was knuckling sleep-crumbs from her eyes in the guestroom.
The trunk is clearly a cherished possession. Maybe Jinx keeps her favorite jewelry here. Maybe she's got a cache of special grenades. Maybe she's hiding a skeleton. Or three.
Maybe Vi's a nosy, meddling shit.
But she can't help it. The trunk's so much like the hope-chest in Caitlyn's attic. Hers was a varnished lilac beauty, lined in rose-petal velvet, and neatly packed with sentimental relics. Her grandfather's bifocals. A pearl brooch from her mother's wedding day. Her father's favorite stethoscope.
And a threadbare pair of Vi's hand-wraps folded around a wispy strip of Caitlyn's panties.
Vi has teased her mercilessly over the last item. There was something so ticklish at the idea of the prim-and-proper Caitlyn Kiramman, with her fastidious manners and her blue-blooded airs, holding her very first fuck-me panties close to her heart—much less in the love-knot of Vi's grubby bindings.
"Just a memento," Caitlyn had squirmed, flushing scarlet. "Don't let it go to your head."
Vi smirked, thoroughly enjoying the display. "My head's the last place that's going, Cupcake. Never thought my wraps would rub shoulders with you skivvies. Let alone your granny's good silver."
"Oh, shut it!" Caitlyn snapped, flushing darker still. "If you must know, they're a reminder."
"Of what? How hard I rocked your world?"
"Not... precisely. I just wanted something real. To help me remember."
Vi was confused. "Remember what? I'm right here."
"I-I know." Caitlyn's lashes dipped. "But things could have turned out differently."
"How d'you mean?"
"That night. On the Bridge. It could have gone... terribly wrong."
"Yeah," Vi admitted, quieter. "But it didn't."
"Because of you."
"Huh?"
"Because you chose to come back." Caitlyn's eyes were shining, but earnest. "You chose to come back for me."
"It's not like you gave me a choice, Cait."
"But there was a choice." The sheen faded from Caitlyn's eyes. Only the earnestness remained. "You made yours. And I made mine. And I'd never have pictured it would lead to..." She trailed off, the flush creeping higher, except now the shyness was subsumed by an almost wistful wonder. "What I'm trying to say is: I wanted to keep a part of you with me. A part that's mine, and mine alone. So that if things ever went sideways, I could always remind myself: 'Caitlyn Kiramman, you took a leap of faith once. And it was the best thing you've ever done.'"
She'd looked at Vi then, and the naked emotion in her eyes was the sweetest torture. Vi's own face flamed. She was used to being the forward one in the flirtation game. To having the upper hand. Not being the one caught flat-footed and off her game.
"That's all the bindings are," Caitlyn whispered. "A reminder. Sometimes... even the craziest leaps can lead you home."
Against her will, Vi's eyes misted.
"Crazy leap, huh?" she managed, trying to regain her bravado. "Is that all I am to you?"
In reply, Caitlyn kissed her. Vi kissed back, a little roughly, just to prove a point.
When they parted on gasps, Caitlyn was smiling.
"You are," she breathed. "And I'd have you no other way."
They'd kissed, and kissed some more, and fallen into bed. But the shocky sweetness of the confession had never left Vi.
Not since.
Vi shuts her eyes, fighting the burn of tears again. In her hands, the trunk is heavy. The weight of a past. One that doesn't belong to her, not by a long shot. Whatever's inside is meant for Jinx, and only Jinx. Vi has no right to open it. Has no right, even, to be here.
Except there's a small voice in the back of her mind.
Wait.
Jinx's past, and the future, have always been tangled. Last night, the knot pulled taut, and her sister had nearly died. Vi had been dragged into the middle of it. So had the rest of the city. Maybe there's something in here that'll clue Vi in on how to unravel the mess. To keep Jinx from repeating her mistakes. From falling into the trap of believing her greatest failure was a childhood lapse that broke everything.
Or believing her only worthy gift is the power to fix it.
Maybe, just maybe, Vi can help.
The key fits into the lock with a delicate click. It turns. The padlock springs open. Vi lifts the lid. Inside are, in fact, mementos. But they're mementos of a life Vi's never seen. An eclectic mix of salvage, toys, and tools. Broken clocks, their innards dissected. Wind-up insects, their cogs and sprockets disemboweled. Half-empty canisters of spraypaint. A small cache of fireworks. A pile of old, dog-eared children's books.
Basically: a heap of shiny.
Vi recognizes her sister's magpie habit of hoarding glitter. The junk stuffed under Powder's bed was of a similar stripe: gears from Vander's old watch, diodes from garbage chutes, fistfuls of colored glass from the arcade, and a single, shiny golden gyroscope.
Vi's fingers touch the gyroscope, and the memory strikes her like lightning.
Ekko.
This was the gyroscope he'd gifted Powder, the twilit afternoon at the reservoir. The day he'd planted a smooch on her little sister, and stirred up a shitstorm when Vi caught them in the act. The day their world, tilting at precarious angles, had not yet gone sideways.
The day is gone, but the gyroscope is here.
Carefully, Vi lifts it out. She's stunned that it's survived the transition of past to present. The gold plating is untarnished. The mechanism is well-oiled. The tiny blue marble at the center, its facets winking, is still intact. As if, throughout the years, Jinx has treasured it more than all the deadly detritus in her possession.
Vi can't fathom why.
At the very bottom is a silk pillowcase. It's stuffed with mysterious flotsam. A small silver pendant shaped like a bird, its eyes made of tiny turquoise cabochons. A set of child-sized brass knuckles, the surfaces etched with a filigree of skulls. A plastic baggie stuffed with leaves, each one browned and crinkly with age.
And—what the fuck?
The curvature of a disquietingly sleek red object with a trigger that, when clicked, sets a row of gears whirring.
It takes a moment for Vi to recognize it as a vibrator.
"Shit," she says, and drops it fast.
It clatters back into the pillowcase, whirring. Vi switches it off, and knots the top tight. Her face smarts. She can't believe her little sister has a sex-toy. One she's seemingly designed to her own specs, judging by the unusual curves and polished contours and the silent-as-fuck mechanism meant to keep her old man from finding out.
Jinx, the Daddy's Girl. Jinx, the terrorist. Jinx, the sorceress.
Who, apparently, has been getting her rocks off.
"Goddamnit," Vi mutters. "I need to scrub my brain out with bleach."
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becomingmina · 11 months ago
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hey would you be able to write a felix x fem reader angst? when felix falls out of love with her.
“ARE YOU SURE IT'S NOT HATE?" anon request w/ LEE FELIX.
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pairing: felix x female reader genre + warnings: angst, reader cries wc: 1.9k mina's note: tmi - my ex fell out of love with me so this hits home a little. we meet when we were 12 and we broke up when we were 21. anyways, i hope you guys like this :)) and to the cuties anon who requested this, thank you very much!! sorry for making you wait, im just like felix i have no reason!
other works here ; any comments and thoughts you can drop them here ; ty for reading.
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“I asked you a question baby,” you say from across the kitchen island. Felix was occupied on his phone, sitting on the stool on the other side of the counter.
“I gave you an answer Y/N,” he huffs after a few seconds, not lifting his head from the device.
“Yeah, but not verbally though,” you make your way over to him.
“Yeah, but I’m sure you’re grown enough to figure it out, Y/N,” he replies back, rolling his eyes up from his screen for a second before continuing with scrolling.
“You’re really fine with them being blue?” You questioned again, hugging him from behind, your chin resting on his shoulder.
“They’re just cupcakes, they’ll get eaten anyways. I don’t understand what’s the big problem with the colour of the icing,” he says irritated.
It was Chan’s turn to host dinner for your friend group. You and Felix usually bring over homemade cupcakes for dessert. It was a ritual to spend every last Saturday of the month together in the kitchen baking and decorating two dozen cupcakes. And usually, it was Felix who would have a hard time choosing the colour for the icing but today it seems he just wanted to get the cupcakes over and done with.
“Okay,” you replied defeated, feeling a little hurt at his tone. “Did you wanna help me?” You softly asked, sniffing his shoulder to take in his sweet scent.
“I’m busy,” Felix sighed.
“Okay, I’ll iced them then,” you moved yourself away Felix, walking back to your original position in the kitchen.
Lately you feel like Felix hasn’t been his clingy needy self. He would stick onto you like glue every second of the day but recently he’s been distant. You can’t pinpoint when exactly it became like this, but you were sure it’s been a couple of weeks by now. He’s been telling you that work has been busy for him, and you understand how it can affect him, but you still feel a little bit downhearted when he visually shows his annoyance with you.
After finished up with the icing and getting yourself ready, you sat in living room with the box of cupcakes on your lap patiently waiting for Felix. He had locked himself in the office, saying he needed to go over his feedback for some report for work.
“Hey, how’d it go?” You ask when you hear the office door open, but he ignores your question as he searches for his car keys. You expected it didn't go well.
The car ride to Chan’s was silent as you figured you should probably give him some space. He looks over to your side a couple of times noticing your quietness, but he doesn’t strike conversation with you, only making a few little comments about how bad traffic was. You brushed off his lack of initiative making excuses for him that he was just tired from work.
“He surprised me the other day! He’s going to rent out my favourite art gallery for our wedding reception,” Hana and Hyunjin was giving the group details their upcoming wedding at dinner. They were so cheerful talking about it and although you loved it for them, you couldn’t help envy it and wished for you and Felix to reach that stage in life shortly.
“Who’s next? Felix? Y/N?” Chan teased with a raised brow, and you goofily smile at the older man. You turned your head to Felix to see his reaction, but his head is tilted down and his face was straight. Chan notices the tension and quickly changes subject hoping no one else catch on. It caught you by surprise that he wasn’t as responsive as you were to Chan’s joke. It got you second guessing if it was even work that’s been making him like this.
You spend the rest of the night with the other girlfriends. As they spoke about their recent dates with their partner, all you could do was be happy for them concealing the fact that you and Felix hadn’t been on one in ages. You keep glancing over at Felix throughout the night but he showed you no attention. Usually you would catch him staring at you and blowing kisses and winks at you, but tonight there was nothing.
The car ride home was the same as the car ride there - quiet.
Felix walked in your apartment first, you followed behind him closely. As you put your bag on the entry way table you tripped over a pair of shoes accidentally falling forward on Felix in the process.
“Y/N watch yourself!” Felix yells, clearly annoyed.
“Sorry,” you softly say as you got up. “I just tripped,” you defend yourself, feeling tears start to form in your eyes at his tone.
“God can you look where you’re going?!” he groans turning around to face you. He was red mad. He had never got this angry at you before for tripping over.
“Did I do something wrong to you Felix?” You asked softly, feeling something heavy in your chest. You needed an answer to why he’s been treating you differently, it’s obvious now that it wasn’t because of work. “Last couple of weeks you have just been distant towards me and I’m a little hurt by it,” you say cracking your voice in the process, pulling a string on Felix’s heart. He frowns at your reaction.
You watch him sigh, hesitating little bit before he answers “You know work is hectic-”
“-Is it?” You questioned in an offended tone, dumbfounded that he used the same excuse again - work. “Work is hectic that you have to yell at me because I accidentally tripped on your shoes? Work’s been hectic that you can’t even smile at me in front of our friends? Work’s been hectic that you can’t even answer a simple question about the colour of the icing on the cupcakes that use to mean so much to you?!”
You didn’t expect to have an outburst like this. Felix doesn’t reply, he just takes a deep breath watching you as you continue to lash out at him.
“You don’t ask if I’m okay anymore. You don’t hug me anymore. Because of work?” You chuckle, sarcastically.
“Y/N-” he takes a step closer to you.
“-You’ve leave for work early in the morning and come back home late on the days I’m at home-”
“I-” he tried to speak again.
“And when it’s the weekend you lock yourself in the office all day. You avoid spending time with me, you avoid talking to me.” Your face was red, brows furrowed as you keep your tears from falling.
“Y/N, let me talk-”
“What did I do to-” You cut him off again.
“I’m not inlove you anymore!” Your heart drops at his words. The tears you tried to conceal instantly rolls down your cheeks and you take in a sharp breath. “This relationship is draining me.” He adds, breaking you even more.
You didn’t expect this. He’s been so mean to you lately all because he wasn’t in love you anymore? It doesn’t make sense to you that all of this was done because he fell out of love. You refuse to believe it.
“Are you sure it’s not hate?” You sniffled, pulling another string from Felix’s heart. "Are you sure it's not because you hate me?" you repeat yourself when he doesn't answer, feeling a bit anxious that it might be true, that he actually hates you.
“Never.” Felix replied rapidly this time, his tone a lot more softer now. “I could never hate you Y/N." Felix continues to conceals his emotions, not letting anything pass you.
“But you’ve been acting like you do.” You wiped your tears with the back of your hand, your eyes wavering to seek any reaction from him.
“I just needed space Y/N.”
“I gave you space. So much space,” you retorted.
“I think we should..” he stops before he says the last words, letting you piece the puzzle by yourself.
“You want to leave me?” You question and he flicks his eyes away from yours. You got your answer.
He lets out a heavy breath, running his fingers through his blonde hair, his eyes falling back on yours. “It’s for the best Y/N.”
“No, I don’t understand. Where I go wrong, Lix?.” you reached out to grip his forearm as the tears continued down your face, dripping to the floor.
“I don’t want to be here with you anymore,” he says softly, trying to loosen himself from your hold but you latch onto him tighter as you shake your head no.
“That’s not a reason Lix. Tell me where I went wrong,” You needed answers. He owe it to you. “You were the one who chased me, remember? You made me fall in love with you. It’s been 4 years and you want to leave me? Why?” You asked, in a complete mess.
“I don’t know,” he replies. “I’m sorry Y/N,” Felix apologies.
“Tell me why?”
“I can’t-”
“Then stay.” If he didn’t have an answer then he shouldn’t leave you, it’s unfair.
Y/N,” he says firmly.
“Just for one night,” you say, taking in a deep breath. “You can leave when I fall asleep,” you surrendered, eyes wavering waiting for his answer. “Please,” you beg.
“Y/N.. Baby I can’t,” it was the first time he called you that in a while and your heart breaks once more. He stopped calling you that and started calling you by name for months now. How is it that you never noticed until now.
“I’ll let you go when I fall asleep.. Please..Just love me one last time, Felix.”
Felix contemplated. He stared at you. Your glossy eyes. Your runny nose. Your red cheeks. He watches your chest rises up and down as you tried to control yourself. He hates seeing you cry, he hates seeing you hurt. It breaks him. He gives in. “Okay.”
He has you on pulled up flushed on him on your shared bed, your legs tangled with his. Your face pressed again his chest as one of his hand is wrapped around your waist and the other traces nothings up and down your back. Your tears haven’t stop, they fall effortlessly out of your eyes on his shirt. You stay quiet. You want to talk. You have so many questions to ask. So many things you want to know. But you stay quiet because you know Felix won’t answer you. So instead you stare into nothing as you replay back your happiest memories with Felix. You can’t help the small smile that is pulled on your face as you remember everything, every detail of everyday with him.
You tried you best to stay awake but you feel your eye lids closing. You don’t want to give in to sleep because you know by the time you wake up, he’ll be gone. But you’re exhausted, both your body and mind.
Felix stares up at the ceiling. He’s guilty. He owes you a reason, he owes you answers but he keeps quiet. He replays back memories but he doesn’t have the same reaction as you. He doesn’t smile. He cries instead. Tears run down his face as you recalls the soft and sweet memories with you. How could he do this to you? How could he make you fall in love with him then walk out like this? How could he say he was no longer in love with you?
Felix doesn’t hear your sniffles anymore. He feels your breathing evens out with his body. You had fallen asleep in his arms.
Felix presses a kiss to your temple, his arm still holding your waist tightly.
“I’m sorry.”
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cakemeistro · 2 years ago
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Super huge thank you guys tha t got your order I for this year’s Mother’s Day Tea Boxes! Putting these together is a joy! But what exactly are you getting in your care package I hear you ask. Well, this little reel answers all - #scones #macarons #clottedcream #raspberryjam #rumcake / #fruitcake #gourmetsandwiches FERRERO ROCHER #oreocheesecake & #victoriasponge! All you have to do is bring the tea - the literal and the colloquial kind ☕️🥪🍰🍫🎂🫖
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#mothersday #mothersdaygift #mothersdaygifts #motherslove #happymothersday #teabox #afternoontea #afternoonteatime #londonteabox #londonafternoontea #cakemeistroteabox #cake #cakes #londoncakemaker #londoncakeshop #londoncakedesigner #trendingreel #trendingaudio #trendingnow
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creedslove · 1 year ago
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BEING JOEL MILLER'S WIFE 🍓 - HEADCANONS
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No outbreak!Joel Miller x f!reader
A/N: I wanna quit my job and be his stay home housewife so bad 😭
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You didn't actually have a honeymoon because the money isn't abundant but you definitely took a weekend away to stay in a nice lake house or go to a water park in summer because why not before Joel had to go back to work 
But just because you didn't have a fancy honeymoon trip it doesn't mean you didn't spend the whole day all over each other, exploring each other's bodies and barely putting any clothes, I mean, what's the point if you are gonna take them off anyway 
He took his guitar and he played to you as you watched the sunset together, he played and hummed beautifully and overcame his natural shyness so he would sing some love songs to you
You wear your wedding and your engagement ring, and Joel wears his too, not only that, he wears it proudly to show he is taken
After your time off, you had to adapt to your new routine, but now Joel leaves home a little later than he usually did, because now he had a sweet wife to have breakfast with ❤️ 
You have morning lazy sex most mornings, you always wake up with Joel's boner poking your back and you don't resist his sleeping puppy look with the messy hair, sweet smile and strong arms that pull you closer to his warm body 
Breakfast depends on who gets up first, sometimes it's Joel, sometimes it's you. He doesn't mind cooking you breakfast but he prefers when you do it because your food is way better than his 
You love packing Joel his lunch, sometimes when there's leftovers you pack him a full meal in his lunch box, otherwise you make him a real good sandwich and some other treats 
The guys who work for him low-key make fun of the fact the serious and kinda grumpy Joel Miller carries a lunch box made by his wife 
And Joel doesn't give a shit about those fuckers because he has a loving wife who takes care of him
If you don't work or you work from home, you make sure to leave the house always tidy and organized for your man 
If you work out, he makes sure to split the chores with you on the weekend, but since your shift is a lot shorter than his, you manage to do the cleaning mostly by yourself so weekends are for relaxing or going out 
You also make sure to bake him several treats: cakes, pies, cupcakes, muffins, homemade bread, cookies or desserts like pudding or different recipes 
Dinner every night for your husband, especially when he gets home a little earlier than usual and he decides to help you, because that leads to sweet moments and even maybe some dancing in the kitchen 
Usually weekends are reserved for takeout or he actually takes you out for lunch or dinner, because he wants his wife to relax and enjoy the weekend with him 
Joel's a gentleman and he doesn't want you to worry about sharing the bills at home, he sees himself as the one who needs to provide to you, so he insists you keep your money to yourself
And you do so by buying yourself things so you can be pretty for him 
But you also buy him a lot of things, you like spoiling things with new shirts, new jeans, new shoes and whenever you see something you think Sarah will like, you buy it for her too 
So when she comes home from her college break, there's usually a pile of presents waiting for her on her bed 
Joel works really hard and when you two were dating, he often arrived really late because of work, but after you got married, he decided to reduce his working schedule a little because he wants to be there for you 
But still, his work is HARD, so he often gets home exhausted and starving and you gladly serve him dinner 
He often invites you to shower with him after work, which you do it eagerly. Sometimes it leads to some slow, sexy shower sex, and sometimes you just wash his hair and down his back 
When he's sore from working so much, it's also common for you to massage him. You get some lotion and apply on his sore back and you enjoy his grunts and pleasure moans as you help him relief the tension and it might lead to a happy ending with a handjob or not, it depends on the mood 
Or you just cuddle on the couch after dinner, Joel is a gentleman and insists on doing the dishes for you or at least help you with it 
You either rest against his side or he rests his head on your lap 
Run your fingers through his hair and you can swear that man purrs at the relaxation, it never fails him to sleep 
When Tommy finally leaves the house for good, Joel and you start making plans on what to do with that spare room. If you're into art he is willing to turn it into an atelier for you; if you love reading, he already got the tools and the wood to build you a big shelf for your own library at home 
Or one night he just suggests it would could be home office so it gets easier to remodel it once the baby comes 
"What baby Joel?" You frown softly and he cleared his throat "well, you know, I thought we would… or maybe just in case…" 
You hadn't discussed that before marriage and perhaps now you see maybe you should have, but you just assumed he wouldn't want more kids after he spent the last decades of his life raising his daughter by himself 
And to be honest, not even Joel himself is sure if he wants kids or not, but he does love to picture you with a baby bump, carrying his baby, just as much as he loves watching you interact with little kids 
You two decide to sit down and talk things through, and you come to the conclusion that if it happens, it happens, but it's not a necessity or a deal breaker in your relationship
Because you love your husband Joel, and he loves you too ❤️
_____
A/N: idk I wanna marry him so bad 😭
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cosyvelvetorchid · 5 months ago
Note
for the prompt thing: beach day with jee-yun
Such a cute prompt! Thank you!
Enjoy 🩶
As always you can send bucktommy prompts to my ask box at any time. I love writing them so have at it 😊
*************
"So what plans have you got for the day?" Maddie asked on the phone.
"Tommy and I are taking Christopher to the beach for the day. What about you?" He asked. Maddie grunted in response.
"Everything. I promised Jee's daycare I'd make 50 cupcakes for tomorrow. The house is a mess that I need to clean. And I have to find time to go to the bank and the lawyer."
"Lawyer? Is-is everything okay?"
"Oh, yeah. You wouldn't believe the amount of paperwork that comes with getting married. Doug wouldn't put my name on anything, so I had no idea. But with me and Howie combining everything equally, it means putting his name on my stuff and mine on his. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the lawyer fees topped the cost of the wedding itself."
"Well, hey, why don't we take Jee with us? Give you some time and space to get everything done."
"Oh my god, really?!"
"Sure. I haven't seen her in at least 4 days, so I need some Jee time anyway."
"You are the best little brother in the world!"
***
"There's snacks in the bag, extra clothes. Her swimsuit is on under her clothes now. Oh, and don't forget sunscreen. Every hour and extra if she goes into the ocean." Buck swung Jees backpack over his shoulder and picked her up.
"You ready for a fun day at the beach?" He asked her.
"Yeah!" She nodded .
***
They had a blast at the beach. Tommy helped the kids dig a hole. Buck consoled Jee when the tide came in and filled it. They ate ice cream, and sandwiches that probably had sand in them, though nobody really noticed.
"What?" Buck asked noticing Tommy watching him.
"Its sweet - the way you're looking at them." He gestured to Jee-yun and Christopher playing a few metres in front of them. "You want that in the future? Kids, I mean?"
"Uh, yeah. Someday. What about you?" He asked. Tommy sighed and looked towards the kids.
"Honestly, I'd never really considered it. I guess I always thought I'd never find someone to have that chance with." He answered honestly.
"Thought? Past tense? You, uh.. you think differently now?" He asked tentatively. They were way too early on their relationship to think seriously about kids, or even marriage, but knowing where their intentions laid was a good thing.
"Now.. let's just say that there's more hope these days." He smiled softly at Buck.
***
The sun was starting its descent, allowing the sky to begin glowing in beautiful shades of pink and the temperature to begin lowering.
Tommy was helping the kids build a sand castle. Sand city was more accurate. If he wasn't a firefighter, he could definitely throw his hand at architecture, Buck thought.
He sat back on his chair just watching him. The way Tommy joyfully and enthusiastically played with the kids made Bucks' heart bubble over in his chest. He'd make a great dad.
"Letting Tommy do all the work I see?" Eddie's voice came from above. He looked behind to see both Eddie and Chim walking towards him, then sit down.
"They have a good day?" Chimney asked.
"Let's just say I think they'll both sleep tonight." He laughed.
Buck continued to watch Tommy fondly. He thought about how different his life was a year ago. Struck by lightning and having no idea where is life was going. Now he was sat on a beach, at the end of a beautiful day, staring at the man he was hopelessly and disgustingly in love with. Eddie and Chim both noticed how he was looking at Tommy.
"It's a bit early, don't ya think? Eddie told him.
"Huh?"
"To think about having kids with Tommy." He said
"I am not." Buck replied defensively, with a glint in his eye. "We've been together barely 6 months."
"Exactly." Chimney added. "So I hope you're both using protection."
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Summary : headcanon version¡ Miles (42! & 1610!) Hobie brown , Pavtir Prabhakar , and gwen stacy. Finding out your Mlp collection.
Miles Morales
●It all started with u beeing good at drawing horses. Miles was impressed and asked how you draw so good.
"LIKE HOW??? ARE YOU SO GOOD AT DRAWING HORSES???
"Its cause I drew them alot"
●Miles was amazed on how knowledgeable about real facts on horses and the mythologyical one too. Unicorns? Alicorns? Pegasus? Please you can draw them blinded.
●But no matter what your explanation may be Miles just has a little suspicion that its not just cause your born to draw horses. He caught u doodling a purple oddly familiar alicorn.
"Hey what's that?" Miles pointed at your doodles as you closed your sketch book in emberassment. "nothing!"
●It was a normal day you and Miles on your dorm room studying suddenly beeing called by your roomates outside for some help. Miles was left in your dorm he was kicking his foot til he hit a box to hard making it fall down to reveal....
Ponies???
●You walked in to your dorm Miles brushing celestia's hair. You froze. Your soul leaving your body. Miles turned to you in a innocent smile.
"So you like my little pony? I still remember you drawing the purple one! What's her name? Sprakle Sprinkle?"
"IT'S TWILIGHT SPARKLE"
●It was funny when Miles deliberately or unintentionally mistakes the ponies name and you always corrected him. He once called chrysalis the alien pony. He called Cozy glow a crazy bitch when you forced him to watch all 9 seasons of the show including movies and mlpstopmotion videos.
●Loves the apple family and pinkie pie.
"I cant believe you watched this as a kid. I can understand how your so good at drawing horses now"
Gwen Stacy
●Gwen and you werent too close in the beginning .It was just you two were seatmates so she notice on your "subtle" referance to the show. Be it the elements of harmony colored gems sticker on your notebook. Your twilight sparkle cutiemark earings. Or just you doodling the treehouse of harmony.
"I like your earings"
"T-thank you"
●It was kind of normal of your friends picking or joking on your mlp obsession. It sometimes makes you left out since you couldnt for the life of God relate to alot of they're series of the month. It was hard for you to not cringe at Live action. You were used to animation. The live action just felt stiff compared to animation. Gwen never understood your friends she thought it was cool how you memorize ponies name cutie marks even backround ones.
●It was lunch time and Gwen went to her classroom early and theyre she saw you watching the wedding of shinning armor and cadence. Face full of food as you watch intently.
●Gwen smiled sitting next to you. "Mind if I sit next to you?" You jolted and fell of your chair luckily Gwen caught you. Eversince that day you watched mlp episodes with Gwen everylunch.
●She loved doing theories. Like why theyre never been a baby alicorn born till flurry heart. The connections of equestria magic and the human worls. Loves the idea of Discord beeing the last draconequus and finding solice in invading worlds to feel not alone.
●Loves the seaponies.
"God I love applejack love her honestyand loyalty to her family! And the cutie mark crusaders are adorable! Sweetie Pie is the cutest!"
Hobie Brown
●He didnt meet you as Hobie brown but as spider-punk. It was an accident when beating up some corrupt cops near by he saw you full pinkie pie cosplay. You wearing a pink wig with a blue , pink , and yellow cupcake dress. It caught him off guard of your ballon accecories. He got kicked in the face becuase he was distracted watching you.
●Eversince he saw you he tried seeing you again but god hates him. He couldnt find for the life of himself. He tried going to cons wandering around finding any familar cosplay. He called it a night at 3rd day going till.
"I am sorry-"
●It was you with the same pink wig , ballon clips , pink , blue and yellow cupcake dress.
"You look dench in that."
"Thank you! I worked really hard on the dress"
●Eversince that day Hobie offered to ask you about the cosplay finding out your suppose to cosplay pinkie pie from mlp. He was a little confuse at first but after watching 4 seasons he gets it. It took him a while to catch up but he thinks the show is enjoyable at the least.
●You convinced him to cosplay twilight as you cosplayed spike. Imagine him with purple glitter extensions , a pony ears and horn with wings. It was funny but he didnt mind. He was Qreally into you wearing loads of spikes on your outfit since you were cosplaying a dragon.
●When he showed up like that on a meeting with Miguel he didnt give a single crap only reapeting.
"I look awesome and you aint doing nothing about it"
●He loves discord and pinkie pie but has a soft spot for thorax.
"The changelings look cool before and after. You can't CHANGE my mind"
Pavtir Prabhakar
●200% already knew about the show. Was actually obsessed as a kid but nobody like to talk about it with him well except for you.
●You two rant about the better element and pony almost every week.
"RAINBOW DASH ISNT A SELF CENTERED FASHINISTA!"
"How dare you ..."
"I am sorry-"
"You say that to Rarity" *caressing Rarity plushie backpack*
●He honestly jsut took potery just to make mlp statues why? To flex on you thats why.
●Will and have bought every single main six plushies but you have the cards of the mainsix and princesses. Even his favourite. Big Mac. This man has begged and pleqded for that card but he held it ONCE.
●How can you hate him so much? It was all for the tease and who got the best merch.
●Loves loves spike and starlight.
"C'mon trade with meeeeee"
Miles G.
●You hid your mlp intrest from him to the point he never even visited your apartment. Not once.
"Hey can we hang out your place?"
"Sorry I have a rat infestation"
●He didnt push it any further and so everytime he asked theyre was a new excuse. The bathroom sink broke. My AC isnt working well. The place is a Mess. A fire recently happend. I almost got robbed so its unsafe. Excuses and Excuses.
●But this time you can't escape. It was you having you having a fever so he had to go your apartment. Nothing out of the ordinary it wasn't to big or to small but when he entered your room.
●Your bed was surrounded with mlp plushies from the main six , to the princesses , to the ponies of pony vill and more. Rapped in a twilight cutie mark pattern blabket sick out of your mind you stood up looking at Miles in you fluttershy pajamas.
"So this is why you dont want me to come here?"
"Ughhhh ... Shut up your lucky I am sick"
●Since you getting sick it became a habit of Miles just watching an Mlp episode or two to cool off. One time Uncle Aaron walked pass him watching the mlp movie and he was flabergasted to the brim.
"The hell are you watching?"
"Something good got a problem?"
●He likes to see your collection of mlp castles his favorite the crysatl empire the little flurry heart jusg warms his heart.
●He loves fluttershy but relates to applejack about family and uses Raindbow dashed motto.
"I GIVE AM 120% AWESOME STFU"
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romewritingshop · 1 year ago
Text
Main Tera Pt. 1
Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen
Pairing: Kento Nanami x Brown Indian Female Reader
Tropes: Childhood lovers, Exes-to-lovers, Fake dating, co-workers-to-lovers, wedding
Warning: Toxic family members, talks of death, weddings, fake dating, swear words, aggressive behaviour, talks of abandonment and grief
MASTERLIST
A/N: Hey so this is inspired by my own culture. I wanted to write this fic and I hope it's good. The next part will be up soon. Thanks and I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think! Follow, comment or reblog, IDC because I enjoy writing this fic. Please pay attention before reading.
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"What the fuck do I do 'Bara?"
(Y/N) couldn't believe her eyes as she stared at the white box. Red and gold confetti was strewn across her work desk but her eyes focused on a gold bordered invitation with the names:
‘Tina Singhania weds Harpreet Singh’
The box was an over the top gesture her cousin did to embarrass her but that was not her main concern. Her main concern was the fact that the invitation was addressed to her and her boyfriend. She didn't even have a boyfriend, not even a casual partner.
(Y/N) rubbed her forehead from the impending headache. Haibara smiled nervously as he patted his friend on the shoulder, looking at the open box. She only had about two weeks to find someone before she would then have to fly out to India for the wedding.
"I mean, you just have to find someone to be your boyfriend. Not an actual one, just pretend."
(Y/N) grimaced as she slumped down right in her chair. To make matters worse came the most annoying human being in the world.
"(Y/N)! What's that on your desk?"
The man with the blue circle rimmed glasses and shaggy silverish hair: Satoru Gojo. He came around and sat on the corner of his co-worker's desk, looking into the box and gasping at the red cupcake inside. He reached in and plucked it out, opening his mouth to take a bite when it was snatched away.
"Suguru, what the hell?"
Suguru rolled his eyes and returned the cupcake back on (Y/N)'s desk.
"Satoru, you don't take things that aren't yours." Suguru turned to his co-worker with a smirk. "You ask: Pretty Woman, can I have the cupcake?"
(Y/N)'s scrunched up with disgust as she brought a hand up to turn Suguru's face away.
"Don't show me your creepy ass face. And don't call me Pretty Woman!"
Right behind Satoru was his best friend, Suguru Geto, the inseparable duo that often liked to fan flames and cause mischief. Suguru had a scary face most of the time but he was calmer and nicer than Satoru. The two of them came over to see this mysterious package that had arrived on (Y/N)'s table.
"So your sister is getting married?"
Third person to arrive was the brown haired and half-tired Shoko Ierie. She had pried out the invitation from (Y/N)'s hand and read all the information. The box was drawing too much unwanted attention as (Y/N) lifted the box and shoved it under her desk.
Everyone seemed to have gathered around her desk as Satoru leaned over and picked the invitation out of Shoko's hands.
"You had a sister? And didn't even think to tell us."
"Only you Satoru."
Satoru stuck his tongue out at Shoko, his hand reaching out to grab the cupcake but Suguru snatched it and held it close to his chest. (Y/N) reached over and snatched the cupcake to give it to Haibara, folding her arms.
"I don't divulge my personal life to you, Satoru."
"And to think I considered you my best friend."
(Y/N) refrained from scoffing before retaining her composure. She may as well tell them the whole story seeing as they will continually bother her.
"She's a cousin and off limits Satoru."
Satoru scrunched up his face and folded his arms like a petulant child that was just refused their favourite candy. (Y/N) pinched at her forehead, her forehead creasing. 
"Only there's one problem."
Suguru raised a curious eyebrow as (Y/N) sat at the edge of her desk.
"What is it?"
"I have to take a boyfriend with me."
Suguru and Satoru shared a confused look with one another. They didn't know their work friend had a boyfriend as Satoru exhaled. There went their chance.
"Ah shame. I'm sure you and this boyfriend you-didn't-tell-us-about are gonna have a great time at your cousin's wedding."
(Y/N)'s face scrunched up as she shoved Satoru's shoulder.
"I don't have a boyfriend, you idiot!"
Satoru whistled with relief and sent a secret thumbs up to Suguru who rolled his eyes. Shoko was confused as she asked.
"Well can't you go without a boyfriend?"
"My cousin will kill and embarrass me. She's done it in the past so I'd rather avoid that."
Haibara patted your shoulder with comfort, having known and met your cousin once before. As Shoko scratched her head, understanding how dire the circumstances were, Satoru had a big grin on his face as he brushed his fingers in his white locks.
"You know if you need someone to pretend-"
Suguru smiled smugly whilst cutting in.
"No offence Satoru, you are the last person she should pick as a fake boyfriend."
"What are you talking about? I'd make a great boyfriend."
Shoko piqued in as she snatched Satoru's goggles off his face and put them on her face.
"Hi! I'm Satoru Gojo and I'm a wannabe model! Bet you never met a person with silky grey hair and bright ocean-like blue eyes!"
Suguru snickered while Satoru's face grew red. He took his glasses and returned them to his face whereas (Y/N) patted his shoulder to apologise.
"I'm sorry 'Toru but she would see right through you."
"She's right. That's why I'm the better choice, Satoru. Isn't that right, Pretty Woman?"
Suguru grinned smugly as he took (Y/N)'s hand and kissed the back of it. As if to persuade her that he was the better man to take on the role. (Y/N) awkwardly bared her teeth as she pulled her hand away to wipe off his kiss.
"I'm sorry Sugu but you're not even a better choice. You would scare half my family with those gauges and tattoos."
This made a sad pout appear on Suguru's face as he exhaled.
"That's hurtful. But wouldn't that also be a big fuck you to your cousin? I'd treat you so well."
"It would and you might but let's also not forget last year's party where your quote-unquote girlfriends dropped by to accuse you of being a slut."
This time Satoru and Shoko snickered whereas Suguru raised an unimpressed eyebrow. Haibara had a constipated expression on his face as he listened to this conversation.
"Your point?"
"I don't want to have to run into another set of girls who claim you were the best night of their lives."
"I'm not that big of a slut."
At that moment they all deadpanned at Suguru's words and Satoru flailed his hands to gesture.
"Says the one who was the most popular one in high school."
Suguru glared at Satoru before huffing with reluctant agreement. Then his eyes furrowed and snapped to Haibara, almost accusatory. Even Shoko raised an eyebrow at Haibara.
"Don't tell me that Haibara is your choice!"
(Y/N) rolled her eyes before resting her hands on her hips. Haibara nervously shook his head.
"I've already met her family so they're not gonna believe I'm her boyfriend."
Which leads everyone to think and ask themselves, who? At that moment a weary face and blonde hair walked up to the group, his eyes narrowed and arms crossed tight across his blue buttoned chest. He cleared his throat which made everyone stand up attentively.
"What's going on here and why is it a mess?"
Satoru, Suguru and Shoko quickly scuttled away from (Y/N) leaving her to face their grumpy team leader, Kento Nanami. Only a few months older than her and was brought onto the company as the team leader. She didn't even want to talk to Nanami as she sent a glare to her other co-workers that abandoned her.
"Nothing, Mr. Nanami. Just received a package."
Nanami exhaled as he watched his co-worker clear the rubbish on her table and toss the box underneath her desk. Haibara returned to his cubicle as Nanami took a safe step close to (Y/N), hoping that she would just take a look at him.
"(Y/N)?"
"What Mr. Nanami?"
The glare she gave him was a mixture of hot and cold, both scalding Nanami's heart. He had a pained expression on his face as she glared. Ever since he started working in the company for over a year now, she had been nothing but hostile. He tried to give a soft smile before he quietly spoke.
"What time are you meant to finish today?"
"What's it to you?"
If it were anyone else, Nanami would have taken managerial action and ensured that the person received a disciplinary warning, for their behaviour. His heart was always weak against (Y/N) as he let her talk harshly to him. He didn't know how to say his next words because she was going to flip. He let out a short puff of breath before going ahead with his words.
"Daadi invited me for dinner. Said she had something important to discuss."
At that moment, (Y/N) stopped typing before slowly craning her head to thoroughly examine Nanami's face for a joke. It wasn't and she almost shivered in grief. Why? Her Daadi (Grandma) loved Nanami for many reasons and it irked her whenever Daadi would mention the man. But today seemed to have crossed the limit as she frowned.
Right now she needed to get rid of Nanami so she creased her face into an awkward smile. For now she'll have to engage in a short conversation that will drive him away.
"Ah. Well you can go ahead and have dinner with her. I got a lot of work to finish off -"
"I didn't set any deadlines. You can push that off for tomorrow. She insists that I get you to come on time for dinner."
"As if…"
Her words died in her throat as Nanami pulled out his phone to show the messages that Daadi had sent. It was true. Daadi had invited Nanami and she had stressed the fact that (Y/N) needed to come home on time. She couldn't believe that Daadi had gotten Nanami's phone number and he had hers saved.
At that moment, a loud ring sounded from the cubicle next to them as Haibara answered the phone. Nanami and (Y/N)'s ears perked up as they leaned around the cubicle. The first words that caught their attention was 'Hello Daadi!' They silently watched Haibara have a conversation before hanging up the phone and nervously smiling at the two people in front of him.
"Erm … you heard that huh? Looks like I'm joining you guys for dinner as well."
(Y/N) scoffed as she folded her arms muttering.
"Funny how she didn't call-"
As if the comedic timing wasn't enough, her own phone rang to which her face scrunched up in agony before answering her phone, in Hindi.
"Hi Daadi. How are you?"
"I'm doing good. You're coming home today for dinner?"
She glared at Nanami as she feigned her whining.
"I'm really sorry Daadi but-"
"If you finish that sentence, I will come to your office and drag you by the ear. Are you asking to get smacked?"
"Daadi!"
"I don't want any excuses. You have to come home for dinner. And bring Kento and Haibara with you."
Before (Y/N) could get a word in, Daadi had cut the call. All (Y/N) could do was angrily pout before massaging her forehead and muttering.
"Did she tell you what time we have to get there?"
"By six thirty."
~~~~
After a gruelling two hours, it was time for everyone to go home. (Y/N) was rushing to pack her things which surprised Haibara as he watched her scrambling to get paperwork together.
"Why are you in a rush? I thought you didn't want to go to dinner?"
"I still don't. But I also don't want to get a lift with Nanami."
Haibara's smile was askew as he watched her leaned down to pick up her parcel, before she shoved it in his hands for him to hold. She sat down on her chair to take off her nude heels and switch them for some black trainers.
(Y/N) rushed up and grabbed Haibara's wrist to yank him away from their cubicles and to the lift. It was just about to close but before her hand could cut in to prevent the doors from closing, Nanami's hand cut in. He had reached the doors the same time as them which was unfortunate for (Y/N) as she gritted her teeth before gesturing for Nanami to get in.
The blond man didn't budge and stood firm where he was which irked (Y/N) even more. Decidedly, she stomps into the lift, followed by Haibara and Nanami. There was silence in the lift, the two men didn't say a word out of fear that they might make their co-worker explode.
The lift finally arrived on the ground floor, the lift doors were slowly opening but (Y/N) didn't hesitate in pushing through the doors. Haibara gave Nanami a torn sheepish smile before following after her. She was about to swipe her card to open the gate when a loud thunderstorm echoed before a sudden heavy shower began to downpour.
She screeched rather angrily, unable to believe her rotten luck as she huffed at Haibara.
"We are gonna have to run to the bus stop."
"Or you can just take a lift with me."
Nanami stood there with an unimpressed expression on his face and arms folded. His dark waterproof long coat made him look much more bulky and taller. (Y/N) was about to open her mouth to refuse when Haibara beamed with a happy smile.
"Yep I'm good with that. Let's go!"
Holding her parcel in one hand, Haibara grabbed onto (Y/N)'s wrist, almost dragging her to the car. What should have been a quick five minute walk felt like a ten minute stretch as (Y/N) grumbled utter aggressive nonsense to herself all the way until they got into the car.
~~~~
The table was finally set as Daadi laid out plates for four people. The dishes were still hot in a hotpot, and she finally got to take a look at the clock. They were ten minutes late which made Daadi frown and take her phone out to see if there were any messages. There were none which made Daadi worry, her fingers ready to dial them.
A pair of keys jingled in the lock which made Daadi sigh with relief, rushing to the door to see a slightly soaked (Y/N) carrying a box and a completely dry Haibara and Nanami. She was confused, unsure of whether to greet or comment but (Y/N) simply greeted first.
"Hey Daadi. Sorry we're late."
"Why are you wet?"
"I forgot to take an umbrella and I didn't want to share with Nanami. Also Haibara and your precious Nanami are the reason we're late."
Nanami stepped forward with a warm smile, presenting her with a bouquet of violet dahlias. Daadi's heart swelled with love as she took the flowers to smell, a deep rich scent enveloped her nose as she gave Nanami a hug and a pull on his cheek.
"You didn't have to bring anything, you silly boy."
Nanami grinned as he held Daadi's hand close to his heart, squeezing it to show his adoration.
"I wanted to, Daadi. It's always a delight to come see you and I knew you'd want a new bouquet for your kitchen windowsill."
"Ah you know me very well Kento."
(Y/N) rolled her eyes as she toed off her shoes, dropping her parcel on a small side table. Nanami had taken off his jacket and hung it on the stair pole. Going into the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase for Daadi. Haibara grinned widely as he presented Daadi with a box of her favourite pastries.
"Haibara! You also didn't have to-"
"Nonsense Daadi! This is nothing compared to the amount of times you've given me birthday money and gifts. They're your favourite: almond croissants."
Daadi also pulled Haibara's cheek before Haibara took the pastry box to put in the fridge. (Y/N) wasn't surprised that Daadi walked after them to get their dinner served, specifically Nanami. She hated the fact that Daadi and Nanami had grown closer.
When Nanami first started working in the company, (Y/N) tried her hardest to make sure that Daadi would never find out but the old woman was smart to know something was up. She popped into the office one day and bumped into Nanami. They reconnected instantly and (Y/N) was left watching this friendship bloom.
Taking off her wet clothes, rinsing them and putting them in the washing machine. She started the cycle and went to her room to put on a dark grey long sleeve and light grey tracksuit bottoms. She took a small towel and dried her jet black hair before tossing the towel in a hamper in the bathroom.
She came downstairs to see Nanami, Daadi and Haibara sitting in seats, their plates empty in front of them, waiting for her to sit and eat with them. Daadi smiled before standing up to serve all of them. She lifted the lids to show the three dishes made: potato spinach curry and butter chicken. Nanami and Haibara's respective favourites as their mouths salivate.
Once their plates were made, everyone began to eat, Nanami and Haibara had a naan next to them, breaking off a piece and scooping some of the curry onto the bread. Nanami and Haibara had eaten Daadi's food many times and they knew the proper way to eat.
Opting for a light option, (Y/N) served herself some rice and poured a serving spoon of butter chicken. She grabbed a tablespoon and mixed it together, taking the first bite. There was nothing that Daadi wasn't good at as (Y/N) hummed happily at her meal. Relaxing and glad to be home, until Nanami opened his mouth.
"Daadi, it is incredible as always."
"I took extra special care in the potato and spinach curry, since it's your favourite."
Haibara hummed as well as he licked the sauce with his fingers.
"And this butter chicken is creamier and nuttier than last time?"
"Yes, I'm glad you noticed Haibara."
(Y/N) cleared her throat before taking a large sip of water. Taking advantage of the silence she decided to talk about the first important thing which was her cousin, Tina's wedding.
"So Daadi, I received an interesting package today. A wedding invitation."
"I know. I received the same this morning."
"Did you know that Tina was getting married?"
Daadi hummed mindlessly, continuously eating her food. 
"Not really, no. But when I called Payal this morning, she said that the boy's in a rush to get married as he has to return to America. That's why the wedding invite is so sudden."
(Y/N) rolled her eyes as she continued to eat. However her Daadi's next words made her drop her spoon on her plate, her anger bubbling and slowly rising up.
"They want us to come as soon as possible to help out with the wedding prep. Said that she could use your help to negotiate with vendors."
Haibara and Nanami shared an apprehensive expression, feeling a little awkward that they were hearing this conversation. Daadi trusted them whereas (Y/N) was panicking at the sudden change in plans. Mainly how she was going to find a boyfriend this sudden.
"Daadi I'm not going to be able to get my holidays approved so soon."
Daadi rolled her eyes as she gestured to the blonde haired man sitting on her right.
"It's partly the reason why I called Kento." She turned to Nanami with a pleading smile. "Please Kento. I'm sorry but I hope you understand that she needs these days off."
Kento gave a polite nod as he grabbed a napkin to clean his mouth and hands, taking a sip of water and answering.
"Don't worry Daadi, I understand. I'll have someone cover her work for however much time she needs off."
It was no surprise to (Y/N) that Nanami said yes. Whatever Daadi says, he does. Though he might have done the same with (Y/N), he lets her get away with murder. Daadi had a big grin on her face, glad that she was able to sort that out before she snapped her fingers as if remembering something else.
"Ah, also for Haibara and yourself."
(Y/N) felt like she lost all feeling in her body. Did she just say for Haibara and Nanami? What the fuck was going on? An almost fire-like rage burned in her eyes as her words forcefully pushed through her teeth.
"What do you mean Daadi?"
Daadi remained cool, having been used to her granddaughter's tantrums as she turned to Haibara.
"Well, I'm sorry it seems last minute but you are invited to the wedding. You are family and we simply cannot have a wedding without you."
Haibara smiled and bowed graciously before his smile dropped.
"Are you sure that's okay Daadi?"
"Yes, don't worry! Payal won't mind."
(Y/N) flared in anger as she spoke a bit louder, more pissed off at the fact that Daadi was ignoring her.
"Daadi! What do you mean?"
Even Nanami was confused as to why he needed to get holidays as he opened his mouth, also asking the same questions but softly and calmly. Daadi exhaled, knowing her next words will set off (Y/N).
"Before I cut the call, Tina came on and said that she couldn’t wait to meet you and your boyfriend too."
Nanami's eye twitched and furrowed suspiciously as he sat up straighter, which took (Y/N) by surprise because he was often aloof, wearing his heart on a sleeve whenever (Y/N) was around. Haibara was munching on his food, savouring the taste and not putting much input because he would be the next target for (Y/N)'s wrath.
"Now, I know you don't have a boyfriend-"
"You don't know that-"
Daadi scoffed and raised an eyebrow which made (Y/N) be quiet. There was no getting past the old woman.
"I know Tina has put you in a bind but the solution is right opposite you (Y/N)."
Just now she felt an icy chill crawl up her spine and freeze her every single movement. Her brain simply shut down as her eyes narrowed in on the brown eyes and ugly leopard print tie. Haibara finished off his plate and hid behind his naan, not wanting to be caught in the crosshairs.
Daadi's face remained stoically cool, almost alert because the minute her granddaughter was going to act up, she was going to shut the attitude down. But Nanami was shocked the most, by far this was the most eccentric thing that Daadi has ever done.
"Why Nanami?"
"Because you have history. He knows you well and I trust him to look after you."
One minute. Two minutes. Five minutes passed as (Y/N) exhaled, mulling over what Daadi had said. It's true, they had history, but that was almost thirteen years ago, when they both were 14. They only dated for a few months before … that happened. She shuddered at the memory before coming back to the present, unable to comprehend what Daadi had just proposed.
She abruptly stood up and took her plate to the kitchen, having lost the appetite and feeling numb. It was like her life was out of her hands as she scraped off the uneaten rice and curry into the bin.
She felt a hand on her shoulder as she tried so hard to pinch her eyes, preventing her tear ducts from welling up and then came Daadi's soft voice.
"(Y/N), I suggested him because I know he will be there for you in ways I might not be able to."
"If you say you're gonna die, Daadi-"
Her grandmother rolled her eyes and slapped (Y/N)'s shoulder, scolding.
"I'm not dying you silly girl. I just know Kento will help you keep a level head."
Her fists clenched tight as she took shaky breaths before going over to the sink to splash cool water on her face. If they didn't have that awkward past, Nanami was the perfect choice. But the way she treated him, she wouldn't be surprised if he refused.
Her eyes widened in shock and her face twitched at the thought of already accepting Nanami as a choice. As much as she wanted to say she was at a crossroads, the truth was, deep down she felt obliged to follow Daadi's request. If she didn't, she would have had this nagging feeling of regret.
Finally shaking off her depressed disposition, she straightened her back and spun around to face her Daadi.
"Fine. I'll take Nanami. But will he even agree?"
~~~~
"I hope we're not too late."
(Y/N) pushed the bridge of her sunglasses down her nose as Nanami and Haibara reached the two of them. Nanami had a more dressed down look with a navy polo shirt and grey slacks. Haibara had gone with jeans and a print t-shirt which had a dragon on the front.
Daadi waved her hand as if to brush off their excuse before she greeted the two men. They were in the airport arrivals lounge, just getting ready to board the plane. The weather in Japan was slightly warm so they could relax without jackets and coats.
Nanami took a minute to admire (Y/N), the woman was staring down her phone, texting something whilst holding onto her hand carry. Looking pretty in a tweed print quarter length trousers and white t-shirt. He was glad that her sunglasses were on her nose because he could see her eyes that he got lost in for the first time they met.
It was nearly thirteen to fourteen years ago when they first met. She was a new student joining their class, the last year of junior high. Her eyes darted around like an alert panicked deer, nervous to see how everyone else would perceive her.
Her big brown eyes which reminded him of the crackling camp fires, felt like a warm heater heating his face on a cold day. It was just Nanami's luck that the seat next to him was empty as she waddled down the line and sat down next to him. 
Since she had just started, he shuffled his desk closer to share his history textbook with her. He looked down to hide his eyes behind his fringe, softly muttering.
"'M Kento Nanami."
"(Y/N) Aggarwal."
The youthful hue in her cheeks made her radiant in the cold day, she felt like a warm cosy fireplace as the two of them shuffled closer to read the textbook. Their fingers brushed and that was the moment they fell for each other.
From then on they spent most of the break times together, getting to know one another and connecting on a basic level. They were 14, the most they could do was hang out. Sometimes they went bowling or to an arcade, even Haibara would join them as well.
(Y/N) had brought Nanami to the house to meet Daadi and her mother. Nanami was instantly welcomed as the two women fed and cared for him as if he were their own child. They surprisingly approved of the relationship, especially seeing how Nanami took care of her. Then again, they were modern thinking women.
What was a lit match, became a spark and now a gentle warming fire as Nanami held (Y/N)'s hand. The two of them were sitting next to a tree in the school courtyard, their faces naturally drew close. Whilst (Y/N)'s eyes fluttered close to feel his kiss, he kept his eyes slightly open, so that he could cherish the memory of sharing their first kiss together.
~~~~
This was only the start to what would be a long nightmare as (Y/N) took a sip of water. Her Bua (Aunt) Payal, held a small dinner party to introduce the boy that was going to marry Tina. Everyone was seated at the dinner table: her Bua Payal, cousins Karan, Tina, Jhanvi, Tina's fiancee Harpreet, Nanami, Haibara and Daadi.
A mixture of curries and chutneys were served on the table as everyone helped themselves. Harpreet was in the middle of conversing in English with Nanami and Haibara.
"So … have you ever been to America?"
Nanami politely shook his head.
"Can't say that I have, no."
"Well if you'd ever like a visit, come to New York City. I have good contacts to get you a job there. They pay six figures and provide accommodation as well. If you want, I can hook you up with someone. I'm sure you'd do way better than where you are now."
Nanami smiled as he took a bite of food.
"I appreciate the offer but will have to kindly decline. I have loved ones close by that I'd like to stay close with."
When saying 'loved ones' his eyes briefly darted over to (Y/N) which made her blink blankly. Daadi smirked behind her glass while Payal and Tina smiled as Tina spoke.
"But seriously like … how did this happen? I thought you would turn up here without a boyfriend. Don't tell me you hired him!"
(Y/N) pursed her lips as her head grew hot in anger. Daadi frowned and put her glass down to scold her other granddaughter.
"Tina. Is this how you talk to your cousin?"
"Daadi, I'm only joking. Right (Y/N)?"
(Y/N) widened her smile but it had no mirth or joy, only bitterness.
"Yes of course. And to answer your question, no I did not hire him. We met at work."
Tina scoffed, almost carelessly waving her glass around. Everyone else was eating and listening to the conversation carefully.
"Met at work? That's such a basic answer."
(Y/N) opened her mouth to rebut but Nanami stepped in, his gaze focused on (Y/N). Like he somehow knew he needed to bring her back.
"Sometimes the most basic things can mean so much. When I first walked into work, I noticed her working in her cubicle. My heart had stopped. Like I had found the person I'd been searching my whole life for.
"But I needed to do whatever I could to be with her the moment I saw her eyes."
(Y/N) felt herself get drawn into Nanami's eyes, a similar shade to her own. She felt like she had travelled back in time as Nanami's face morphed into his younger self. She hadn't realised it but Nanami had grown up in so many years. His face had matured a lot but his eyes were still the same.
His usual cool stoic demeanour had shattered before her and she was seeing the Nanami she knew when she was young. Or had he always been like this but she only noticed now. The side of his hand brushed against hers slightly but she took the leap to interlace her fingers with his.
She heard someone clear their throat which made her snap out of her daydream, snatching her hand away as she straightened her posture. Tina's eyes narrowed as she was unable to believe the chemistry between her cousin and her 'boyfriend'.
Haibara and Daadi shared a knowing, almost scheming look. Payal grinned as she clapped her hands.
"Oh that is romantic. Then maybe we'll have another marriage to plan soon."
(Y/N) almost choked on her food at her aunt's words but Nanami quietly took a sip of his drink, grinning at the joke.
~~~~
The wedding prep was done and now she could finally relax. If she had the energy, she would have throttled her cousin and ran her over with a car. Twice. Everything was down to (Y/N), from organising decorations to outfits and colours, haggling with fat Indian men and negotiating to her wits end.
Even her poor Daadi was put to work as she helped with the venue and catering organisation. (Y/N) would be up at six am in the morning, coming home at two am. With only four, sometimes three and half hours of sleep.
The only highlight of the day was that she'd come home to a steaming cup of spiced tea that would rejuvenate her, making her feel warm and alive. Daadi got home earlier than she did, so she was endeared by the fact that her Grandmother took time to make her tea.
Being busy didn't give her a chance to connect with Nanami. Apparently Tina boasted about the fact that she got to show Nanami around Mumbai, which made her blood boil at the audacity of her cousin. After five days of gruelling work, she was able to come home early, and she completed everything just in time for the Mehndi ceremony tomorrow.
She was desperate for a nice shower and that hot cup of spiced tea. It was about 11pm and surprisingly the house was quiet. Everyone had probably slept early because of the Mehndi. There was some rustling in the kitchen as she crept in, stunned to see the familiar blond shaggy hair.
"Nanami?"
He turned around, a little surprised as he stirred a cup of tea, placing it on a saucer and pushing it in front of (Y/N).
"Hey. Finished early?"
Her eyes dropped down to the cup of tea in front of her, wisps of steam floated in the air and in the direction of her nostrils. It had the strong notes of cinnamon and ginger. She gave a nod and a hum, for once being too tired to even be bitter and angry.
"I did. Everything is set for the next two days."
A smile came on his lips as he came around to lead (Y/N) to the dining table, before placing the saucer in front of her. He took a seat opposite her, speaking softly.
"You did well."
Her lips twitched at the soft praise he was giving her before her eyes zoomed into the cup in front of her. Feeling parched, she brought her palms around the cup, blowing at the top before taking a sip. It was the same tea she had been having for five days, her eyes lifted up to Nanami.
"Did … you make this?" He gave a nod which prompted her to ask another question. "Have you been making tea for me the last few days?"
Once again he gave a nod, almost nervous to see how she would react. But to his surprise, her face cracked to show a smile, her eyes fluttered to connect with him for the first time, softly murmuring. "Thank you."
She was beyond touched by his gesture as she finished her cup of tea. Her hands pushed forward to give him the cup and his fingers brushed with hers when grabbing the cup. For once, she let her anger dissipate as her index finger stroked his.
Maybe she was too tired but she felt soft at this moment, warmed by Nanami. He waited patiently to let her take her time, to come forward and he was rewarded with her holding his hand. Whilst last time was emotionless, just a show in front of the family. This one was intimate and sacred.
Somehow he could feel her genuineness which made this moment all the more special. The years of walls she had built with Nanami in mind, began to crumble slowly. The slightly older man exhaled softly as he decided to go a baby step further to ask.
"If we get a chance, maybe after the wedding, we could go sightseeing around the city."
She flinched slightly as she recalled her cousin's words, incredulous she couldn't help but ask.
"Didn't Tina show you around?"
"No. She was stubborn and tried to force me to go but I stood my ground. I made myself a promise, years ago, that if I were to go to India. I would only go with you. I will always wait for you."
In that moment the walls collapsed as his words echoed, not missing the double meaning in his last sentence she gave a nod promising to take him around the city.
~~~~
"Kento, can you check on (Y/N) and see if she's okay? We need to leave now."
Nanami gave a nod to Daadi before trudging up the stairs to the bedroom that (Y/N) was getting ready in. Daadi fixed the sleeves of her blouse, straightening the pleats of her sari. Haibara raised an eyebrow, his hand up to point in the direction that Nanami went in.
"I just checked on her when I went to the bathroom. She said that she was just putting her outfit on."
Daadi gave a steady grin and Haibara noticed this. His eyes went up the stairs before going back to Daadi, his brain worked a bit before he finally put two and two together. He shook his head in a small laugh, giving an impressed grin but curious what the move is.
"I think I see where you're going with this but what will Nanami help with?"
Daadi shrugs. "Maybe an anklet, an earring or her blouse."
Haibara let out a scandalised gasp which made the older woman throw her head back in laughter before tugging his cheek. Meanwhile Nanami had just reached the bedroom door, knocking and asking.
"Are you ready?"
"Just a minute, just stuck with this blouse."
Nanami scratched his head nervously as he was about to turn to call for Daadi when he heard her yelp. Immediately his eyes widened as he knocked on the door harder. After a few minutes of silence, he heard the lock unclick, the door opened to reveal an embarrassed looking (Y/N).
Last night was a fluke. She had let her walls down in front of Nanami because she was exhausted. This time she put them back up so tightly that he couldn't even try to wiggle his way into her heart. She stepped aside to let Nanami in, taking in the fact that there was a bedspread on the floor and one on a slightly elevated bed.  The room he shared with Haibara was nothing like this as he pointed out to the spread on the floor.
"Who's sleeping there?"
"That's me. Daadi's got a bad back so she's sleeping on the charpai."
After tonight he was going to swap rooms with her so that both she and Daadi could get a better night's rest. For now, he began to examine her for a wound.
"I heard you squeal."
She narrowed her eyes as she corrected Nanami about the fact that she yelped. Her eyes then darted around the floor as she whispered.
"Look, I thought I saw a cockroach."
The man stilled for a minute, looking from the floor to (Y/N) then the floor again. Surprised that she was the kind to get scared by an insect as he almost deadpanned.
"A cockroach."
"Indian cockroaches are different. These are huge dickheads that can fly."
"Right. How long are you gonna take to get dressed?"
"I'm done, just stuck with trying to tie the blouse up tightly."
Nanami's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he finally took in the fact that she was wearing a traditional Indian dress, a lehenga. The skirt was a lemony yellow with silver sequins and embroidery and it contrasted nicely with her sea blue full sleeve blouse.
She needed to dress more like this as Nanami tried to block out the indecent thoughts. (Y/N) went to her vanity mirror and turned around to see her back in the mirror. He almost lost his mind at the large expanse of her back. Sure enough the back of the blouse undone as he watched her struggle for a few good minutes before he huffed.
Strutting over and ordering her to turn around. She's about to refuse but her mouth zips tight when he pivots her body round, bringing his fingers up to lace up the blouse, pulling and tugging slightly before tying a tight little bow at the bottom.
"There. Now we can -"
"Can you get the cockroach before we go? I don't want to come back and it's still there."
Nanami shook his head as he brought an arm around her shoulder, silently urging her to get a move on as they were now running late for the mehndi ceremony.
"Don't bother. Haibara and I will swap rooms with you and Daadi."
"But-"
"Please. You shouldn't sleep on the floor anyways."
(Y/N) shut her mouth which was a silent indication that she agreed with Nanami's request. He dropped her arm and gave her space to walk forward. She subconsciously brought her hand to her shoulder, already missing the slight warmth that emanated from his hand.
Finally, they got into the car and drove to the venue, where the party was still having a few guests trickle in. It was a huge hall with cream curtains covering the walls, ambient blue and yellow flood lights were dotted across the room giving it a sort of cloudy glow.
The stage was set with ornate gold sofa chaises and embroidered deep lime green cushioning. There was a backdrop arch with vines lopping around it, and lily flowers drooping off. The tables and chairs had matching shades of green. It seemed like everything went well and she was glad that her aunt was happy to take on maintaining the beauty and event.
Nanami's eyes dazzled at the intricate beautiful decorations, leaning into (Y/N)'s ear.
"Your hard work has paid off. Everything looks stunning."
(Y/N)'s lips twitched with a threat of a smile before she cleared her throat, spotting Tina and Harpreet on stage, with her Bua Payal. She turned to Daadi, gently placing a hand on her arm.
"Daadi, should we go on stage?"
"Yes, let's go. Kento, Haibara come with."
The two women walked forward followed by Nanami and Haibara, they went up the three steps before Harpreet and Tina acknowledged Daadi and (Y/N). Tina looked lovely in her bright yellow garara, its stole was draped over her head. Harpreet had on a matching shade sherwani kurta and turban.
Nanami and Haibara shook Harpreet's hand to congratulate him while Daadi and (Y/N) embraced Tina. A photographer approached them and requested they get into position, the to-be-weds took centre stage with Nanami and (Y/N) to their right and Daadi and Haibara to the left.
Nanami's hand wavered, unsure of where to put his hand but a frustrated (Y/N) grabbed his hand and placed it on her hip. His fingers brushed against her bare side and waist of the lehenga. The picture was quick and Nanami was surprised when (Y/N) stomped away, once again confused about what he did to annoy her.
(Y/N) needed to stay away from Nanami as her heart panged with an unknown feeling. Whatever it was, it always happened with him and it was best if she was away from him. But it wasn't the best idea because it made her bump into different relatives, all of whom were shocked by the news that she was dating.
Maasi (Aunty) Khirron and Ganga were two gossips with tightly banaras red and blue saris. Looking more like wedding crashers than actual wedding guests. As if her day wasn't bad enough, she plastered a happy fake grin.
"Maasi! It's so nice to see you."
"It's nice to see you too! How long has it been, nearly thirteen years ago? At your mum's funeral right?"
(Y/N) flinched but bared it because she knew that these women didn't have any well wishes. They just spoke out of their ass most of the time so she gave a simple nod, which encouraged the women to natter away.
"Yes that's it. My dear (Y/N), your mother was a wonderful woman."
"Truly wonderful."
"She was taken too early."
"Too early! And it's such a shame she didn't get to see her daughter grow up."
It was coming, their snide backhanded comments.
"Yes! She didn't get to see her daughter grow up to be beautiful."
"And the biggest thing is that she didn't even get to see (Y/N) get married and have children."
There it was, she exhaled rather loudly, readying to take a step away before Maasi Ganga latched onto her arm like a constrictor snake. The two women were nattering away as they went further with their comments. Oblivious to the fact that (Y/N) was trying to get away quickly.
"But I wonder what she would say if she found out that her daughter was dating?"
"And that a white man?"
They were looking for a reaction, anything just to prod at the slow burning ire but she took a deep exhale and exhale. She knew how best to respond as she smirked whilst staring dead straight at Nanami.
"Well she would be proud of me because I found a man that takes good care of me. Especially in bed."
The aunties dramatically gasped, making their talkative traps open as (Y/N) found a way to move away from them. She rubbed circles at her temple as she stomped away only to bump into a younger boy with an afro and toothy grin.
It was her cousin's ridiculous neighbour's son, Mahesh took in her outfit and catcalled.
"I knew it was you (Y/N). You look beautiful."
"What do you want Mahesh? I got to go."
"Hey please. Can't I admire my future bride?"
(Y/N) scoffed as she dropped her hands to her waist. This boy was asking to be ripped a new one as she quirked an eyebrow.
"I don't date prepubescent boys."
"But I'm 18 now so technically a legal adult now."
Mahesh wiggled his eyebrows which did not impress (Y/N). She rolled her eyes and was about to strut away from him when he grabbed her wrist. 
"Where are you going, gorgeous? Dance with me a little."
There was only one way to deal with this and this was being direct. She snapped to him, stepping close and leaning over him like a giant. (There was only a few inches difference in height but (Y/N) was taller).
"Get three things through your thick skull: one, you are not my type, two you are way too young and an idiot and three, I have a boyfriend. Do not approach me again or I'll break your hand."
Yanking her hand out of his grip and shoving him as a way to drill the message in. It didn't take long for her to weave through the crowd and finally approach the bar where most of the uncles had gathered. Big mistake, she rolled her eyes to order a coke when two older men approached her. One was Chacha (Uncle) Satish, her father and Bua Payal’s younger brother, the other was a rather young bearded man with a turban. Chacha Satish raised a glass of whiskey to her.
“(Y/N)! It is good to see you! How goes in China?”
Chacha Satish was an idiot with a lack of cultural awareness and terrible English. That seemed to be a running theme in her family as she bit her bottom lip before widening her smile.
“Chacha Satish! It’s good to see you too! And I don’t know how it’s going in China because I don’t live there.”
Chacha Satish tapped his forehead as if he was being silly.
“Ah yes, I forget. Where you live?”
“Japan.”
Chacha Satish and the turban man gave a nod as Chacha Satish gestured at the man next to him.
“This my good friend's son, Dheeraj Chaddha Singh. He own big business and has degree in engineering."
Chacha Satish leaned into her ear and it was difficult to repress a gag at the stench of his breath. It was onions and whiskey which was a vile combination. "He no married and he will be good husband."
It was like someone had crushed her mind with a heavy weight as Chacha Satish stepped back with a smug grin. His maroon sherwani buttons were struggling to hold on near his stomach which made her want to punch him in the gut. Just so she could embarrass him the way he just did now.
"Chacha. I have a boyfriend."
But Chacha barked a laugh as his head reared back. His drink sloshed and he stumbled slightly which made Dheeraj immediately hold on to his arm to balance him. It was a mistake being here and she might have been better off with Nanami.
"Who? That English man? Tina told me that's your boss and the other one is your friend from college."
"Chacha he is not English. He is mostly Japanese and a little bit Danish. And Tina is wrong."
Chacha frowned in confusion, raising a hand as if to ask what kind of combination this was. Though he then waved his hand to wave away her words as if she sidetracked the conversation.
"Anyways, Dheeraj is best guy. Big family. And What do you call a car dealership in English?”
“A car dealership?”
Chacha Satish blinked before giving a nod and blindly agreeing.
“Yes that. He want to open one in Japan. You two get married and you can open shop in Japan.”
“Chacha, I-”
“You give him money from your job. He open shop then you leave your job. Anyways, you will have to leave your job to raise your kids.”
(Y/N) had an incredulous expression on her face as she scoffed, tilting her head and folding her arms. What exactly did her uncle think she does for work? And how dare he offer up a stranger for her to marry? And further suggest that she leave her job and raise kids? She was gonna approach this tactfully.
“Chacha? What do you think I do for work?”
“You give money to people who want to open a business. Ah now I remember the name: an investor!”
“Chacha, I work for investors. I help manage their customers and their problems. I don’t give money to customers.”
This statement made Dheeraj Chaddha huff angrily as he jabbed an elbow into Chacha Satish’s side. Yanking him and almost loudly whispering into his ear.
"You told me she was rich."
"Forgive me, Dheeraj. I thought she was an investor not an … assistant."
Her nails dug into her palm, refraining from physically reacting.
"I'm not an assistant. I'm a client manager. I look after customers and company clients. And I earn extremely well for myself so even if I were an investor … I wouldn't invest in a disrespectful greedy lowlife."
Chacha Satish and Dheeraj gasped at her cruel words. Her uncle's nose flared up which was an ugly sight because he looked a lot like a pig. Only now she began to notice that whiskey was dribbling from the corner of his lip like a baby. Her uncle was not only mentally disgusting but physically as well.
"(Y/N), is this how you talk to guests? Ask for forgiveness right now."
"For what? I just said the truth. You're lucky I'm not asking you for forgiveness because you disrespected me."
"Me? Disrespect." Suddenly the argument took a turn as something dawned on his face. "You know what. You're right. I should ask for forgiveness."
He slapped his hands together and thrust them in her face, asking for 'forgiveness'.
"It's my fault. I didn't stop your father from giving you to your Daadi. You wouldn't have turned into a disrespectful dishonourable woman like-"
"Like who?"
Their conversation cut off at the sound of a new voice, (Y/N)'s facial expressions stuttered as the tall blonde man had cut in between them. His posture loomed over them, their skin began to ripple with goosebumps. His face drilled holes into Chacha Satish and Dheeraj, eyes narrowed and voice rather hoarse and menacing.
"Who were you going to compare her to?"
Dheeraj's eyes furrowed as he downed his drink and stumbled to shove Nanami at the shoulder.
"You're not involved in this conversation so stay out."
"Exactly my point. Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Chacha Satish frowned as he cleared his throat.
"I'm talking to my niece. I have a right to teach her right from wrong."
"Is that what it was? I heard you clearly admonish and disrespect her. Not only that but you were going to insult Daadi as well? Your own mother? Or … was it her mother? How revolting either way."
(Y/N) tugged Nanami's shoulder to avoid attention but the man barely budged as he raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, leaning into Satish’s ear to further threaten him.
"It is taking every cell in my body to refrain from killing you but I value my girlfriend and her grandmother's familial relationship. Consider yourself lucky."
Her uncle’s jaw dropped, opened and shut before he then scoffed, carelessly tossing his glass onto the bartop before shoving Dheeraj to move away from the blonde tall imposing man. Nanami’s eyes narrowed as he watched (Y/N)’s uncle and the other man walk away from them. His heart pumped vigorously as he glanced over his shoulder to see if (Y/N) was okay. It was the wrong move because he could feel the burn of anger radiating from her.
"Why the fuck did you do that?"
"Damage control."
Her mouth opened to scold him when instead the sudden heat flushed away, eyes widened in shock as her vision narrowed on an older man in the distance. The man with the same nose and face shape, his hair completely grey and dressed in a dark green sherwani and a white stole around his shoulders. Amongst the wedding planning, she had no time to recall the dark part of her past. The man who gave her up.
Her eyes darted around and almost immediately she spotted Daadi, the woman seemed to sense the same thing as she excused herself from the conversation she was having with a guest before immediately darting to where Nanami and (Y/N) were. Daadi grasped (Y/N)’s elbow as (Y/N) hissed.
“Daadi, what is he doing here?”
“It seemed that Tina invited him and neglected to tell us that.”
Nanami frowned in confusion before (Y/N) moved away from them to get Haibara. Daadi tapped her foot nervously which worried Nanami as he held onto her hand.
“Daadi? What happened? What’s going on?”
Daadi exhaled, rubbing her forehead.
“(Y/N)’s father is here. He … and (Y/N) are not on good terms.”
(Y/N) and Haibara reached them, all four of them were about to shift and leave the venue when Tina strutted up to them with (Y/N)’s father in tow. There was a smug expression on her face as she dramatically exclaimed.
“Arjun Maama! I’m so happy you agreed to come. Thank you! Oh, (Y/N)! Did you meet with Maama? How long has it been since you saw each other?”
Daadi, (Y/N) and Arjun blankly blinked, trying to look anywhere but at each other as Tina squealed.
“Ah! I’m so glad you guys get to reunite. Unfortunately I have to go and cut my cake.”
Tina walked off, having succeeded in creating an awkward atmosphere. While all the party guests were enjoying and conversing with one another, the people surrounding (Y/N) were silent. Nanami and Haibara shared apprehensive glances, unsure what to say and do. (Y/N)’s eyes narrowed at Arjun and Daadi was looking anywhere and everywhere..
Arjun rocked back and forth on his heels before swallowing the frog in his throat, pathetically smiling as he turned to Daadi.
"How … are you Mum?"
Daadi looked down, unable to look at anyone in the awkward situation. Arjun switched the conversation to Haibara.
"And Haibara. You … look just like your father."
Haibara frowned and folded his arms, not bothering to answer him. No one was responding to Arjun as he scratched at his head before noticing Nanami. He put a hand out to introduce himself.
"Hello. Tina told me that you're (Y/N)'s boss. I'm Arjun Aggarwal. Her father."
This triggered (Y/N) as she spat through gritted teeth.
"You're not my father. He died thirteen years ago."
Daadi and Arjun flinched from her violent words, he decided to pocket his hands. Nanami exhaled softly, unsure of how to go about this situation. Arjun's face softened as he gave a solemn nod.
"(Y/N), I … am so glad to see you."
"Are you really? Because the minute you were here, you ignored me and went straight to talking to Haibara, Daadi and Nanami."
His ears perked up at the sound of Nanami's name, looking at the tall blond man. Strangely his eyes watered before he returned to (Y/N).
"(Y/N) … I wish I could turn back time and fix my mistake. You don't know how much I regret leaving you."
"No you don't because if you did. You would have approached me a long time ago and taken me back home. Instead you dumped me into Daadi's hands."
People were slowly starting to get intrigued by the conversation that was brewing as Daadi tapped (Y/N) on the shoulder.
"Dear, I feel we should move this somewhere-"
"You don't get to say your regrets! You gave me up the moment when I needed you the most! Daadi was stuck taking care of me like her child when you should have done that."
Daadi dropped her hands and stepped back, deciding maybe it was best if her granddaughter let it all out. Haibara wrapped a comforting arm around her. Meanwhile Nanami cupped her shoulder to take her away from what was a brewing argument.
"(Y/N), this isn't the place-"
Arjun's heart pinched as he confessed.
"You are right but after your mother's death … I lost everything. I … lost half of myself. Seeing you everyday just reminded me of her. I … didn't want to lose you too, that's why I asked Daadi to take care of you."
"You weren't the only one who lost her. I lost my mother!"
(Y/N) was downright close to shouting and she was attracting more attention to herself. Unbeknownst to her, her face flushed with heat and her body trembled with anger. Everything was starting to bubble over as she stepped right into her father's face. Nanami looked around to see people looking over and he knew that it was time to cut off the conversation.
Nanami wrapped his arms around (Y/N) and began to drag her out of the event hall. This pissed her off more as she tried to escape Nanami's grasp to go back and argue with her father. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and stared straight ahead at the commotion.
Arjun was dejected and heartbroken as his eyes began to fill with tears, turning to face Daadi and Haibara.
"Ma. Please."
In that moment, Daadi could see the deep pools of regret and sorrow and soon the man in front of her morphed into her child. As much as she wanted to be angry for her grandchild, she couldn't. Seeing her son so vulnerable made her realise that he genuinely did regret his decision and it took a lot of difficulty to face his daughter. It was a decision he made with great difficulty.
Arjun stepped forward and placed his hands on Daadi's shoulder, sniffling and pleading.
"Ma, please. Please believe me. I truly want to say sorry. I … want to make things right."
Her heart lurched and weakened at her son, as she placed a tentative hand on his cheek. As quickly as she placed it, she pulled it away and went to follow Nanami and (Y/N). It was just Haibara and Arjun left as Arjun tried a one last attempt to get through.
"Haibara, please."
"Please what, Mr. Aggarwal?"
"I had to leave her with Daadi. I wouldn't have been able to take care of her in the state I was in. I would have lost her."
"You lost her the moment you gave her away. And she ended up losing herself because you weren't there to heal her. Who knows? She could have been there to take care of you too, Mr. Aggarwal."
And with that final nail in the coffin, Haibara stalked off to go after his friend. Leaving Arjun to stew in these final words.
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dragonydreams · 6 months ago
Text
Cake is a Love Language - BuckTommy, HenRen
Title: Cake is a Love Language Fandom: 9-1-1 Rating: General Audience Pairings/Characters: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Tommy Kinnard, Hen Wilson/Karen Wilson, Denny Wilson, Mara Driskell Additional Tags: Double Date, Cake is Love Summary: Tommy thanks Hen for introducing him to Buck, so Hen invites them over for dinner. Timeline: post 7x06 Word Count: 2,494 Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over these characters. I am merely borrowing them from Reamworks, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Television, and 20th Television. Betas: Thank you to @medieshanachie for looking this over for me.
Read on AO3
The doorbell rang as Hen and Karen were getting the kids ready for school the Monday after Chimney and Maddie's wedding. Hen was a little harried as she opened the door to see a man standing there wearing a shirt with the logo for her favorite bakery.
"Andy, what are you doing here? I already picked up my order," she said, thinking of the single cupcake in the fridge decorated in the bisexual flag colors she planned on taking in for Buck.
"Hey, Hen. This isn't an order you placed, but something that was ordered to give to you," Andy said, holding out a box and envelope. 
"Who's it from?" she asked, accepting the package. 
"Can't say, but they knew what you like," Andy said, turning to go.
"Hang on, let me grab my wallet for a tip," Hen said, quickly.
"Already covered," Andy said and waved as he headed back to his car.
Hen closed the door, more curious than ever, as she carried the box and envelope to the kitchen. 
"Who was that?" Karen asked.
"Delivery," Hen said. She opened the box after setting it on the table where Denny and Mara were eating cereal. Inside were four cupcakes.
"Cupcakes!" Denny exclaimed. "Can I have one now?"
"No, finish your cereal," Hen said. "We'll have them for dessert tonight."
"Who are they from?" Karen asked, obviously sharing the same thought as her son.
Hen closed the box and put the cupcakes in the refrigerator and then opened the card. Her eyebrows rose as she held the card out for Karen to see. 
Thank you for convincing me to fly into a hurricane. - Tommy
Karen laughed as Denny asked what the card said. 
"It's from an old co-worker, Tommy," Hen said. 
"You think that's about Buck?" Karen asked, quietly.
"Oh, definitely," Hen said. "We should have them over for dinner. Soon."
"Tell Buck to let us know when Tommy's next free night is," Karen said. 
"I will," Hen said. She pulled out her phone and scrolled to find Tommy's contact info. 
You're welcome. And thank you for the cupcakes. I'm going to ask Buck, too, but Karen and I would like you to come for dinner the next time we all have a night off.
Tommy replied immediately. 
We'd love that. I'll have Evan coordinate our schedules.
"Evan, huh," Hen muttered. 
"What's that?" Karen asked.
"I texted Tommy to thank him and invite them to dinner and he said Evan would coordinate our schedules," Hen relayed. 
"Who's Evan?" Karen asked, confused.
"Buck," Hen said. "That's his real name."
"I don't think I've ever heard anyone call him that," Karen said.
"They don't. He introduced himself that way when he first started but said to call him Buck, so we do. Maddie's the only one who ever calls him Evan anymore, aside from his parents."
"Interesting," Karen mused.
"Very," Hen agreed.
~~*~~
Buck was already upstairs by the time Hen arrived at the station. She quickly changed into her uniform before heading up. She found him sitting at the table, grinning at his phone.
"I suppose this isn't much of a surprise, but I still wanted to give this to you," she said, placing the boxed cupcake in front of Buck. "Welcome to the family."
Buck's face lit up. "Maybe not, but it is very much appreciated." Then his face scrunched up in confusion. "I thought we were already family."
Hen nodded to the decoration on the cupcake. "That family."
"Oh, right," Buck said, blushing. "Um, yeah, thanks."
"I got the flag right, didn't I? I know we haven't talked about it yet. And there's no rush to label yourself," Hen rushed on, suddenly realizing she may have been presumptuous. 
"Hen, it's perfect," Buck assured her, taking her hand in his. "It's the right flag. I'm definitely bi. I still love women, but have recently come to realize that I also really like men."
"You know, I always thought you might be, but since you never talked about wanting to date men, I didn't want to make you confront something you weren't ready for," Hen admitted. 
"I probably wouldn't have believed you," Buck agreed. "I had no idea that what I was feeling for Tommy was attraction until he kissed me. I just knew I wanted to spend time with him."
"If you were confused, you could have talked to me," Hen said, a little hurt that he hadn't.
"That's just it, I wasn't confused," Buck said. "It was like everything suddenly made sense. Like that thing that I've been searching for so desperately was suddenly right there. I wasn't confused, I was at peace."
"That's beautiful," Hen said. "I'm so happy for you."
"I'm happy, too," Buck said. 
"Karen and I want to hear all about how you and Tommy got together over dinner the next time our shifts all give us a free evening. I already told Tommy when I thanked him for the cupcakes."
"He followed through with that?" Buck asked.
"He did. I assume you told him which is my favorite bakery?"
"Yeah. When he told me he wanted to send you something to thank you for introducing us I told him that cake is your love language and gave him the number to call," Buck said.
"That was very thoughtful, thank you," Hen said. "Tommy already said yes to dinner, so once you have his schedule, he said you'd coordinate on his behalf."
"I look forward to that," Buck said. 
The bell went off then, so Buck stashed his cupcake in the fridge before they both ran for the engine.
~~*~~
It took about a week for everyone's schedules to align, but soon Buck and Tommy were ringing Hen's doorbell.
Denny was hovering behind her as Hen opened the door. He and Mara had eaten earlier, but he wanted to say hello. 
"Come on in," she greeted them. "Tommy, it's so good to see you again."
"Thanks for having us," Tommy said as he followed Buck into the house.
"Hey, Buck," Denny said, coming over to give Buck a hug.
"Hey, Denny, loving the new hair," Buck said. "How'd it get so long so fast?"
"It doesn't feel like it was fast. I just haven't seen you for a while," Denny said. 
"I guess we haven't," Buck agreed.
"Who are you?" Denny asked Tommy.
"Denny, this is Tommy, he's Buck's… date?" she said, unsure of what label they might be using. "Tommy, this is my son, Denny. Tommy used to work with me at the 118, before Buck joined us. He’s the one who sent the cupcakes.”
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Denny," Tommy said, holding out his hand to shake.
Denny shook it and said, "You, too. Those cupcakes were so good."
Tommy laughed. “I’m glad you liked them.”
Hen looked over to see Mara hovering in the doorway, clutching her blanket. "That's Mara over there. She's a little shy." Raising her voice she asked, "Mara, would you like to come meet some of my friends?"
Mara shook her head and retreated from the room completely. 
"We’re going to play video games while you have your dinner," Denny said. 
"You're not joining us?" Buck asked.
"Nah, we already ate," Denny said. "I'll see you later."
They all watched him go after Mara. "Mara's our foster daughter. She's had a tough time settling in but she's been opening up to Denny. He's being the best big brother," Hen explained.
"You're very lucky," Tommy said. 
"We are," Karen said, joining them. "Sorry, I had to get dinner out of the oven before it burned."
"Tommy, you remember my wife, Karen," Hen said. 
"It's a pleasure seeing you again," Tommy said. 
"You too," Karen said. "Dinner's ready, so let's move this to the dining room."
Karen looped her arm through Buck's and led him to the table with Hen and Tommy following close behind them. 
Once the couples were seated on either side of the table, Buck said, "Ladies, you have outdone yourselves."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Hen teased.
"Except perhaps another dinner invitation," Karen added.
"That's all I'm after," Buck said. 
"Is he always such a shameless flirt?" Tommy asked, amused.
"Always," Hen answered at the same time that Buck said, "Hardly ever!"
They all laughed and began to serve themselves. 
After they'd all had a few bites, Hen said, "Thank you again for the cupcakes. Although I don't feel like I deserved them. Chimney's the one who brought Buck and Eddie to Harbor, not me."
"Don't worry, I got Howie a nicer wedding present than was necessary in thanks. I'd never hear the end of it if I hadn't. Besides, he may have been the one to physically bring Evan into my life, but he wouldn't have been there if he hadn't anticipated you calling in air support to go after Captain Nash and Sargent Grant. We all know better than to ignore your hunches."
"You know, I had a hunch about you," Hen admitted, leaning back in her chair as she looked at Tommy.
Tommy blinked. "How? I was completely in the closet when I was at the 118."
"After Gerrard left, you stopped talking about girlfriends. If you mentioned dating at all you used gender neutral pronouns."
"I didn't think anyone noticed," Tommy admitted. 
"I'm sure most of them didn't, but I'm well familiar with that game," Hen said. 
"Anyone in our community would recognize those signs," Karen added. 
"I probably wouldn't have, but I also got caught out by trying to keep neutral pronouns," Buck said. "That's how Maddie found out about Tommy. I slipped up. Granted, it was the first conversation I'd had after our first date."
"You also came out to the team pretty quickly," Tommy pointed out.
"And what a way to come out," Karen said. "You've gotta tell me, was that planned?"
Buck and Tommy shared a look and grinned.
"Not exactly," Tommy said.
"I mean, Tommy was always going to be my date for the wedding," Buck added.
"But I hadn't exactly planned on coming straight from a fire covered in soot," Tommy continued.
"And I couldn't resist kissing him when I saw him," Buck said, blushing. 
"You didn't tell him his face was covered in your soot?" Hen asked.
Tommy laughed. "Oh, I did."
Buck was grinning. "It saved me the trouble of making some big announcement."
"True that," Hen said. She raised her wine glass. "To nonverbal announcements."
They all clinked glasses. 
"So that's how you came out, but how did you get together?" Karen pressed, leaning forward in her seat, eagerly. 
"Yeah, so do you remember when Eddie had to stay behind on light duty because he'd sprained his ankle during a basketball game?"
"You mean when you pushed him during a basketball game?" Hen clarified.
"Chim?" Buck asked, guessing that Chimney would have given his partner the play by play.
"Chim," Hen confirmed.
"After I took Eddie to urgent care and then got him settled with pain meds at home I went to talk to Evan. Eddie and I had been hanging out a lot since the rescue and I didn't want Evan to think I was trying to come between their friendship," Tommy said.
"I was kinda jealous," Buck admitted, bashfully. "But not just because Tommy was spending so much time with Eddie, but because Eddie was spending so much time with Tommy." 
"I get that," Karen said. 
"Luckily, so did Tommy," Buck said. "He understood better than I did because I didn't realize it was because I was attracted to him until he kissed me."
"Damn, Kinard," Hen said. "Way to just go for it."
"I've gotten pretty good at reading signals," Tommy admitted. "And if it didn't go the way I'd hoped, it's not like I can't take a punch."
"Eddie's the hitter, not me," Buck said.
"No, you're the pusher," Hen drawled.
"Ooh, ouch," Buck said, hand to his heart, everyone laughing.
Tommy brought a hand up to rest against the nape of Buck's neck. "Luckily, Evan didn't pull away and he agreed to a date that Saturday."
"Which I totally ruined by being an ass when Eddie and Marisol showed up at the same restaurant," Buck said, leaning into the touch.
"He did not," Karen gasped.
"Oh, he did," Tommy said, taking a sip of wine. "Their appearance sent Evan running for that closet."
"I was caught off guard," Buck said, "and I reacted badly. Very badly. After dinner, Tommy ended the date early and left me at the restaurant."
"Can't say that I blame you," Hen said, earning a slap on the arm from Karen.
"I didn't actually blame him. I understood why he'd behaved the way he had, but also I knew that Evan needed to really think about whether or not he wanted to date me," Tommy said.
"Which I did," Buck rushed to say. "Eddie talked sense into me after I told him that he'd interrupted a date and not just a dinner between friends and he convinced me to call Tommy. We met up for coffee the next day and I invited him to the wedding."
"After buying me truly disgusting coffee," Tommy said.
"I guessed at his coffee order," Buck admitted.
"Why didn't you just order him a black coffee with a handful of creamers and sugars?" Karen asked. 
"Because if I'd gotten it right he would have been impressed," Buck said.
"Do you still take it–?"
"Yes," Tommy rushed to say. "I take it the same way, which Evan hasn't figured out yet."
Hen tapped her nose and pointed at Tommy. "Gotcha."
"How many cups of bad coffee have you had to drink by not telling him?" Karen asked.
"Way too many, but I'm not giving in now," Tommy said. 
Buck turned hopeful puppy dog eyes on Hen. 
"No," she said. "You won't get it out of me. Unlike some people on our team, I can keep a secret."
"So you're going to make Tommy suffer through my guesses rather than allowing me to bring him the perfect cup of coffee?" Buck wheedled. 
Hen glanced at Tommy who shook his head. "Yep."
Buck gave an exaggerated pout and Tommy used the hand that was still on Buck's neck to pull him closer until he could kiss the pout away.
Hen saw the way that Buck melted into the kiss. She looked over to Karen who had the same soft look on her face that she knew was on her own.
Hen leaned over to whisper in her wife's ear, "I don't think I've ever seen him so relaxed and happy in a relationship before."
"He really is happy," Karen agreed. "They both are."
"Stop talking about us," Buck teased. "We're right here."
"You were a little busy," Karen pointed out.
"Our ears still work," Buck countered. 
"And yes, we are happy," Tommy said. 
Lifting her glass again, Hen made another toast. "To happiness."
The End
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