#Personal loans for urgent needs

[fincrif]

Emergency & Instant Loans: A Comprehensive Guide

Life is full of unexpected moments — an urgent medical bill, a sudden car repair, or a home emergency — where immediate funds are needed. In such circumstances, emergency loans or instant loans can provide a quick financial lifeline. These loans are designed to be processed quickly, providing much-needed funds during emergencies when you might not have time to wait for traditional loan approval procedures.

In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and options for emergency and instant loans, helping you understand how to access fast cash when needed most.

1. What are Emergency & Instant Loans?

Emergency loans are a type of short-term loan designed to provide funds quickly during a financial emergency. Whether it's an urgent medical expense, home repair, or unexpected travel, these loans can help bridge the gap. They can be either secured or unsecured, and are typically offered with flexible terms and fast approval processes.

Difference Between Emergency and Instant Loans

Emergency Loans: These are generally personal loans intended to cover urgent and unexpected financial needs. They can be processed quickly, but the loan amount, interest rates, and repayment terms depend on the lender and your financial profile.

Instant Loans: These loans are specifically designed to be processed and approved quickly, often in minutes or hours. They are usually unsecured and have minimal documentation requirements.

2. Key Features of Emergency & Instant Loans

Here are some features that make emergency and instant loans attractive for borrowers who need quick access to funds:

2.1 Fast Processing and Quick Disbursal

One of the primary benefits of instant loans is their speed. Once you submit your application and the necessary documentation, approval can be completed within minutes in some cases. Once approved, the loan amount can be disbursed directly to your bank account within 24-48 hours, providing the funds you need for urgent expenses.

2.2 Minimal Documentation

Unlike traditional loans, which often require detailed paperwork, instant loans typically need only basic documents, such as your identity proof, income proof, and bank statements. Some lenders even offer pre-approved loans to existing customers, which require very little documentation.

2.3 Flexible Loan Amounts and Repayment Terms

Emergency loans can vary greatly in terms of loan amounts and repayment schedules. Lenders offer smaller loan amounts, which are suited for short-term needs, and often provide flexible repayment tenures, allowing borrowers to repay in installments over a few months.

2.4 Unsecured Loans

Most emergency and instant loans are unsecured, meaning that you don’t need to provide any collateral like property or gold. This is especially beneficial for borrowers who don’t have assets to pledge but still need funds urgently.

3. Benefits of Emergency & Instant Loans

3.1 Immediate Access to Cash

When you need money fast, traditional loan processes just won’t work. Instant loans ensure that you can access funds quickly to cover your emergency expenses. This quick disbursal process can relieve a great deal of financial stress during emergencies.

3.2 No Need for Collateral

Since most emergency loans are unsecured, you don’t have to risk your assets to get approved. This is ideal for individuals who may not have property or valuables to pledge for a loan.

3.3 Quick Application Process

Applying for an instant loan is easy. Many lenders offer online applications where you can fill out basic forms, submit digital copies of your documents, and get a loan decision within minutes.

3.4 Flexible Usage

Emergency loans are versatile and can be used for a wide range of needs, including medical expenses, car repairs, household expenses, or even urgent travel.

4. How to Apply for an Emergency or Instant Loan

If you need a personal loan for an emergency, here are the general steps you’ll need to follow to apply:

4.1 Check Eligibility Requirements

Lenders typically have certain eligibility criteria, such as minimum age (usually 21-60 years), income level, and credit score. Make sure you meet the requirements before applying to avoid rejection.

4.2 Gather Required Documents

For instant loans, the documentation required is minimal. The most common documents include:

Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)

Proof of income (Salary slips, Bank statements)

Address proof (Utility bills, Bank statements)

Some lenders may also require employment details to verify your job stability.

4.3 Choose the Right Loan Lender

Different lenders offer different terms for emergency loans. Look for a lender that offers fast approval, low-interest rates, and flexible repayment options. You may also want to check for processing fees or prepayment charges to ensure the loan is affordable.

🔗 Top Lenders Offering Emergency & Instant Loans: 👉 IDFC First Bank Personal Loan 👉 Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan 👉 Tata Capital Personal Loan

4.4 Apply Online

Many lenders provide an online application process where you can fill in your details and upload documents. This is one of the fastest ways to get a personal loan in an emergency. If approved, the funds will be transferred to your bank account within hours or days, depending on the lender.

5. Best Lenders for Emergency and Instant Loans

Here are some of the best lenders offering emergency and instant loans:

5.1 IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank offers personal loans with fast processing and competitive interest rates. Their online application process makes it easy to get instant approval for urgent financial needs.

👉 IDFC First Bank Personal Loan

5.2 Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv offers instant loans with flexible repayment terms and no collateral required. You can also check your eligibility and apply online in just a few minutes.

👉 Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

5.3 Tata Capital

Tata Capital offers personal loans for emergencies, with quick disbursal and affordable rates. They also offer personal loan calculators to help you determine the EMI and repayment schedule.

👉 Tata Capital Personal Loan

5.4 Axis Bank

Axis Bank provides easy access to funds with their personal loan products for emergencies. Their flexible loan terms make it a great option for individuals seeking quick financial help.

👉 Axis Bank Personal Loan 👉 Axis Finance Personal Loan

5.5 InCred

InCred offers quick approval for personal loans, with minimal documentation and competitive interest rates, ideal for those who need fast cash.

👉 InCred Personal Loan

6. How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When Applying for Emergency Loans

While emergency loans can provide financial relief, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure that the loan is manageable:

6.1 Check the Interest Rates

Some lenders offer high-interest rates on instant loans. Make sure you compare rates to ensure that the loan is affordable.

6.2 Don’t Over-borrow

Borrow only what you need to cover your emergency expenses. Taking out a larger loan than necessary can lead to unnecessary debt.

6.3 Review Repayment Terms

Ensure that the EMI repayment terms fit within your budget. Choose a loan with manageable monthly payments to avoid financial strain.

Emergency & Instant Loans for Urgent Financial Needs

Emergency and instant loans provide quick access to cash during critical moments in life. Whether it’s a medical emergency, home repair, or unexpected expense, these loans offer a lifeline with fast approval and minimal documentation.

For the best emergency loan offers, ensure that you choose a reliable lender with competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and quick disbursal.

🔗 Compare Personal Loan Options Here: 👉 Compare & Apply for a Personal Loan

By understanding how emergency and instant loans work, you can make an informed decision that helps you navigate financial emergencies effectively without adding unnecessary stress to your finances.

[scentedsuitwinner]

Get an Instant Rs 30000 Personal Loan @15k Minimum Salary

Sometimes unexpected expenses come up suddenly, and we often need a small loan to cover them, whether it’s for maintaining our lifestyle, financial needs, or any other expenses. At such times, an Instant Rs 30000 personal loan is ideal for all your requirements. Get a Personal Loan of Rs 30000 from a trusted loan app with low interest, flexible tenure, multiple repayment options, and a…

[jain2580]

Unlock Quick Cash with Your Property: Apply for an Instant Loan Against Property

Struggling to Get a Loan Without Salary Slips or ITR? Here’s Your Solution

Have you been rejected for a personal loan just because you don’t have proof of income? You’re not alone. Thousands of self-employed individuals, shopkeepers, and small business owners in India face this every day. But there's good news — you can still get an instant loan using your property. It’s called a Loan Against Property (LAP), and yes, you don’t need income proof to get started.

What Is an Instant LAP Loan & Why Everyone’s Talking About It

A Loan Against Property (LAP) is a secured loan using property as collateral. You pledge your owned residential or commercial property and get a loan up to 75% of its market value. It’s one of the easiest ways to raise large funds without selling your assets.

You can use the funds for any purpose — from expanding your business to handling personal emergencies. It’s an ideal mortgage loan for personal or business use.

No Income Proof? No Problem! Here's How You Can Still Qualify

Many people ask, “Can I get a LAP without salary slips or ITR?” The answer is YES! Lenders now offer LAP for the self-employed without ITR or formal income documents. They evaluate your repayment ability through property value and alternative income proofs.

You can show:

Business turnover

Rental income

Bank statement patterns

This makes it a game-changer for India’s vast self-employed and informal sector.

Who Can Apply for a LAP Without Income Proof?

You are eligible if you:

Are between 21 to 65 years old

Own a residential or commercial property with a clear title

Have a basic credit profile (score not mandatory for all lenders)

The criteria to qualify for LAP are flexible, especially on digital lending platforms.

Property Rich but Cash Poor? Convert Real Estate into Liquid Money

If you’ve got property but need urgent funds, why not use it smartly? A loan against residential or commercial property helps you unlock its value without selling it.

Choose a residential property with lower interest rates. Go with a commercial for higher valuation. Both are accepted by most banks and NBFCs.

What’s the Interest Rate for LAP in India Right Now?

Comparing current mortgage loan interest rates in India is key to making the right choice. Here's a quick table:

Compare these best interest rates on loans against property to find your perfect match.

Plan Your Loan: Use the LAP EMI Calculator

Before applying, use a monthly repayment calculator for LAP. It helps you:

Estimate your monthly EMI

Choose the right loan tenure

Avoid repayment stress

Online calculators are available on most lender websites.

Need Money Fast? Get Quick LAP Disbursal Without Hassle

Emergencies don’t wait. Whether it’s a medical issue or an urgent investment, you need funds quickly. Many lenders now offer quick disbursal LAP for urgent needs, with approvals in 24-72 hours.

Apply online, upload documents, and get your loan processed without stepping into a branch.

100% Online Application: How to Apply for LAP Digitally

No branch visits. No queues. You can now apply for LAP through digital platforms:

Visit the lender's website

Fill online form

Upload KYC and property documents

Get a verification call and approval

Receive funds in your account

Fast, paperless, and secure!

Real Story: How LAP Helped a Small Business Grow

Reema, a boutique owner from Pune, needed funds to expand before the wedding season. With no ITR or salary slips, she used her shop space to get a LAP loan. The entire process took just 3 days. Her sales doubled that month.

This is the power of LAP, especially when you don’t have traditional income documents.

Documents You’ll Need (Minimum Paperwork)

Aadhaar and PAN card

Property documents

Passport-sized photo

Any alternate income proof (if available)

Minimal hassle, maximum outcome.

FAQs

1. Can I get LAP without income documents? Yes. Many lenders approve LAP based on property value and bank statements, without ITR or salary slips.

2. Which property can I use for LAP? You can use residential, commercial, or even rented property, depending on the lender’s policy.

3. How fast is LAP disbursed? Some NBFCs offer disbursal within 24-48 hours, especially for online applications.

4. Do I need a high credit score? Not necessarily. A decent score helps, but some lenders consider property value more than credit score.

5. Can I close the LAP before tenure ends? Yes, most lenders allow part-payment or full closure with little or no penalty after 6-12 months.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Let Documents Delay Your Dreams

A loan against property without income proof is not just a financial product — it’s an opportunity. If you own property, why wait? Turn your real estate into liquid capital, solve your financial needs quickly, and move forward without the burden of heavy documentation.

Apply today and take control of your financial freedom!

[abhay017]

Quick Guide to Get Personal Loan up to 3 Lakh

A 3 lakh personal loan is a simple and unsecured loan that does not require pledging collaterals. It is one of the best used loans, particularly for purposes like debt consolidation, funding a particular purchase, or dealing with a sudden expense.

Whatever the situation, lenders provide personal loans for different tenures, such as 12 to 60 months, flexible with the applicant's financial conditions. Of course, the amount and tenure of the loan have a direct impact on your monthly repayment EMI.

Considering EMI for 3 lakh Personal Loan

One of the important aspects of the 3 lakh personal loan is the EMI. EMI is an equated monthly installment which means it refers to the fixed amount you would have to pay every month until you pay back the entire loan amount. The EMI amount varies according to the sum of loan taken, tenure, and the interest rate provided by the lender.

Let's say you take a loan of 3 lakhs for 5 years at an interest rate of 12%, the approximate EMI for 3 lakhs would be around 6800. You can use online EMI calculators as provided by lenders to estimate what will be the payment for each month under different loan terms and interest rates.

How to Apply for a 3 Lakh Personal Loan

Now that you know this is the right personal loan for you, here's how to go about applying for it:

Check Eligibility: Most lenders have a certain age limit, steady income, and very good credit score among other eligibility criteria.

Compare Interest Rates: Various banks and financial institutions offer different interest rates. Always compare them and choose the best.

Documents: Complete the application-needed documents namely ID, Address proof, Income proof, and credit score.

Online or In-Branch: Most banks and lenders offer a simple online application method, which makes it easier and faster to apply for a loan.

Tips for Managing Your 3 Lakh Loan

Choose the Right Tenure: While a long tenure reduces your monthly EMIs, the total principal paid towards a loan increases significantly. Match your loan repayment period to your earnings and reflect on the overall cost of borrowing at the end of the loan repayment period.

Do Not Default: One missed payment can damage your credit report in terms of penalties. In case of any situation, set up your payment automatically.

Think About Prepayment: Prepay, if you have excess cash left at the end of the month and have access to the loan, or simply close the loan before its full term, reducing interest payments and closing the loan sooner.

Conclusion

Taking a personal loan of 3 lakhs may be a great way to go financially, especially when you want money quickly. But take note of how your repayment will proceed, down to the last detail, including how the 3 lakh personal loan EMI is calculated. You can then use it for emergencies without sacrificing your long term financial health by doing research and managing it well.

[anushka009]

Financial emergencies can strike anytime, leaving you wondering how to arrange funds immediately. If you're thinking, "I need 3 lakhs urgently," you're not alone. Many people face situations where a quick financial solution is essential. A 3 lakh personal loan can be your savior in such scenarios. Let’s explore how you can secure this loan online and fulfill your urgent financial needs.

Why Choose a Personal Loan of 3 Lakhs?

A personal loan is an excellent option for immediate financial needs. Unlike other loans, it doesn't require collateral and can be used for any purpose, such as medical emergencies, education, weddings, or travel. If you're looking for a 3 lakh loan, here’s why personal loans are a preferred choice:

No Restrictions on Usage: Use the loan amount for any personal requirement.

Quick Approval Process: Most lenders process personal loans instantly.

Flexible Repayment Terms: With a 3 lakh personal loan EMI plan, you can repay conveniently over a tenure that suits you.

How to Apply for an Instant Loan of 3 Lakhs?

Securing a 3 lakh personal loan without documents may seem challenging, but thanks to online platforms, the process is now smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Lender: Look for a reliable financial institution or app offering instant loans.

Fill Out the Application: Provide basic personal and financial details.

Submit Required Documents: Many lenders offer loans with minimal paperwork. Basic documents like ID proof, income proof, and bank statements may suffice.

Get Instant Approval: With advanced technology, approval can happen within minutes.

Receive Funds: Once approved, the amount is transferred to your account immediately.

Features of a 3 Lakh Personal Loan

Loan Amount: Apply for a specific amount, like 3 lakhs, based on your need.

Interest Rates: Competitive rates are available, making repayment manageable.

Flexible EMIs: With tools like a personal loan EMI calculator, you can plan your budget effectively.

Quick Disbursement: Ideal when you urgently need 3 lakhs.

3 Lakh Personal Loan EMI Calculation

Before applying, it’s essential to calculate your 3 lakh personal loan EMI to understand your monthly repayment obligations. Most lenders provide online EMI calculators where you input:

Loan amount: ₹3,00,000

Interest rate

Tenure

For instance, a 3 lakh loan at an annual interest rate of 12% for 2 years would result in an EMI of approximately ₹14,000.

Benefits of an Instant Loan of 3 Lakhs

Fast Process: Apply and get funds within hours.

Convenience: Entirely online, no need to visit branches.

Minimal Documentation: Some lenders offer loans with minimal or no paperwork, catering to those looking for a 3 lakh personal loan without documents.

Transparent Terms: Clear policies with no hidden charges.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

Eligibility: Ensure you meet the lender's criteria regarding age, income, and credit score.

Interest Rates: Compare rates to find the best deal for your personal loan of 3 lakhs.

Timely Repayment: Always pay your EMIs on time to avoid penalties and maintain a good credit score.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking, I need 3 lakhs urgently, a 3 lakh personal loan is a reliable solution. Online platforms have made it easier to secure a 3 lakh loan quickly and without hassle. Compare lenders, calculate your EMI, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to make the process seamless. With the right approach, you can manage your financial needs efficiently and stress-free.

Whether it’s an emergency or a planned expense, don’t let financial constraints hold you back. Apply for an instant loan of 3 lakh today and fulfill your requirements with ease!

[everydayloanindia1]

If you urgently need a 50,000 rupees loan, start by checking with your bank or a trusted lender. Many online lenders offer fast loans, but be careful of high-interest rates. Make sure you have your documents ready, like proof of income and ID. It's a good idea to compare rates and terms from different lenders before deciding, so you avoid any money problems later.

[kriti2024]

In times of financial urgency, the need for immediate funds can be pressing. Whether it's for medical emergencies, home renovations, education expenses, or any unforeseen circumstance, requiring 3 lakhs urgently can be daunting. However, with the advent of online lending platforms, securing an instant personal loan has become more accessible than ever before.

Assess Your Financial Situation

The first step in obtaining a 3 lakh personal loan online is to assess your financial situation. Determine the urgency of your need, your repayment capacity, and the purpose of the loan. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions throughout the borrowing process.

Research Lending Options

Once you've evaluated your financial needs, it's time to explore your lending options. Look for reputable online lenders that specialize in offering instant personal loans. Consider factors such as interest rates, repayment terms, processing fees, and customer reviews to identify the best lender for your requirements.

Apply for an Instant Personal Loan

With your chosen lender in mind, get instant personal loan online. Visit the lender's website or mobile app and navigate to the personal loan section. Fill out the application form accurately, providing details such as your personal information, income, employment status, and desired loan amount.

Provide Necessary Documentation

As part of the application process, you'll be required to submit certain documents to verify your identity, address, income, and employment. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation ready, including Aadhar card, PAN card, salary slips, bank statements, and any other relevant documents requested by the lender.

Await Approval and Disbursement

After submitting your application and documents, the lender will assess your eligibility and creditworthiness. If approved, you can expect to receive the loan amount in your bank account within a short period, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Some lenders may offer even faster disbursal times, depending on their processes.

Manage Repayments Responsibly

Once you've received the funds, it's essential to manage your repayments responsibly. Stick to the agreed-upon repayment schedule and ensure timely repayment of the loan EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments). This will not only help you maintain a good credit score but also avoid any late payment charges or penalties.

 Conclusion

 securing a 3 lakh personal loan online is a viable option for addressing urgent financial needs. By following these steps and choosing a reputable online lender, you can access the funds you need quickly and efficiently, allowing you to navigate through financial emergencies with ease.

[wandaslovey]

ᴍʀꜱ. ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴏꜰꜰ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ɴᴏᴡ

➺ dom!wandanat x sub!fem!reader

word count ~ 7k

authors note: i’m so excited to share this with you guys - this was so much fun to write! i’m planning on writing the first few parts as chapters where one will pick up right after the other and then once i get to a certain point i’ll do random time skips within the same au. oh also! i’m starting a tag list, so comment below if you’d like to be included on the next chapter! enjoy loves! 💕 as usual, this is not proofread.

content warning(s): legal age gap (w=30, n=33, r=23), natasha and wanda being two hot intimidating lawyers (except natasha kinda steals this show in this part, especially in the beginning. don’t worry though, wanda will have her time to shine!), conversation about kinkery and reader knows very little

if you’d like to read the drabble that inspired this series, click here

═════════════

you stand in front of the mirror, adjusting your white button-up blouse for the 10th time. you huff, frustrated that your wardrobe just wouldn’t cooperate with you this morning. as you look yourself over in the mirror—the rest of your outfit consisting of a mid-thigh black pencil skirt, some black nylons and black combat boots—you couldn’t help but wonder if your attire was okay for the interview.

the interview…you can’t believe you landed an interview at thee M.R. law firm. you knew how unqualified you were for the position, so you felt extra pressure to compensate somehow with your appearance.

you turn to the side in the mirror, first left and then right, scrutinizing yourself at every angle. you readjust the pieces of hair framing your face that you pulled out of your bun, before deciding you’d done all you could to look your best.

you glance at the clock on your nightstand in the reflection of the mirror, seeing it was time to go. you grab your knock-off brand purse and slip out of your apartment. when you walk down the stairs and open the door to the outside, the noise from the city fills your ears. the sounds of cars, horns, sirens, music and people all blended together, creating a sort of hum all new-yorkers were familiar with. you step out onto the sidewalk, narrowly avoiding some tourists that were taking a picture in front of the trendy restaurant you lived by. you hail a cab, quickly sliding into the backseat and telling the driver your destination.

now that you were settled in your seat with only the taxi drivers quiet music to distract you, the nerves you’d been attempting to snub out suddenly hit you full force. there was no way you could do this. you were sure you were just wasting your own time and the poor person who had to interview you. you knew your 6 months working as a receptionist at a dentist office nowhere near qualified you to manage things at M.R. law. you mentally curse yourself, thinking you must’ve been half asleep and entirely too desperate when you sent in your application at this place. you needed a job though—urgently. with your roommate moving back home, and no one else taking her place, you were stuck with paying the rent on your own. on top of that, you were still paying back loans for school. you knew you should cut your losses, leave new york and transfer to a much more affordable school, but you really wanted to stay as much as you could help it.

every stoplight you hit along the 20 minute drive only makes you more nervous. the fluttery feeling in your stomach turns into full blown pterodactyls by the time the driver has pulled up to the very tall M.R. building. you pass some folded up cash to the driver, mumbling out a quiet ‘thank you,’ and then step out of the car. you stare up at the intimidating building, the lettering of “maximoff-romanoff law” taunting you—daring you to step inside. you let out a stubborn exhale, squaring your shoulders and walking in with a confidence as fake as grape flavored candy.

you stride over to the front desk, noticing that the only employees in sight are all women.

“hi, i’m here for an 11 o’clock interview,” you tell one of the women behind the desk. she offers you a polite smile, giving you instructions to head into the elevator and up to the 8th floor. you nod your head, thanking her and make your way to your doomsday interview.

as the elevator doors shut behind you, you find yourself all alone in the small space. there was no background music to distract you now. you stare at the floor, noticing a slight glint to the black tiles you were standing on. you listen to the beeps counting up each floor, your eyes dragging up the stainless steel panel when the number reads 8 and the final beep sounds. the doors open and you’re immediately greeted with the sight of more women pacing around the place. some seemed to be in a rush while others were leisurely walking across the floor while chatting with a co-worker. you walk over to the front desk again, repeating what you had told the other kind lady downstairs. she gestures for you to take a seat on the couch in the waiting area, letting you know someone will grab you in a few minutes.

you take a seat on the black leather couch, figuring this piece of furniture probably costed more than the rent for your apartment. you cross your legs, interlocking your fingers together at your knee. you glance around the office, taking in the decor. it was very tasteful, some touches of greenery that went nicely with the black and dark woodsy vibe this floor was going for. you try your best to ignore the bile rising in your throat and the pterodactyls still swarming in your stomach. it was a good thing you didn’t eat breakfast this morning.

as two minutes turns into ten, and then fifteen, you can’t help but feel the urge to just get up and leave. you felt so out of place here; you couldn’t imagine working at this place with all these women who were so obviously out of your league.

just as you were settling on the idea of ditching this interview, you hear clacking footsteps making their way over to you. you didn’t dare look up yet, pretending to be very interested in the tiny hole in your pantyhose just above your knee.

“miss (y/l/n)?” the most heavenly, sultry voice calls out to you. your eyes slowly trail along the tile, up the woman’s legs covered in black slacks, her blouse and matching black suit jacket, and then finally her face. it was her.

thee mrs. romanoff.

mrs. romanoff was the person who was going to interview you? you couldn’t believe your eyes, or the situation. you clear your throat, realizing you had yet to acknowledge her calling out to you.

“yeah, that’s me,” you reply, standing on slightly wobbly legs. you watch as mrs. romanoff’s eyes slowly take in your appearance, her eyes lingering on your frame. you feel a little scrutinized, wondering if you really did mess up with what you were wearing.

“follow me.” she turns and leads the way. you stumble a bit as you follow behind her, not expecting her to have as long of a stride as she does.

“you’ll have to forgive me for the wait—we had a couple meetings run over this morning,” she talks to you over her shoulder, slowing her walk a little when she notices you’re not directly behind her like she thought.

“oh, no worries. i didn’t mind the wait.” that was technically a lie, but it wasn’t the wait that bothered you as much as the fact that you were left alone with your thoughts a little too long.

she rounds a corner at the end of the hall, pausing and gesturing for you to enter in one of the two doors that were side by side on the wall to the right. you walk through the doorframe, stepping into what you assumed was her personal office.

“have a seat, miss (y/l/n),” she says in a low voice, walking from behind you and around her desk to sit in her chair. you sit in one of the two chairs across from her, your heart thudding violently in your chest from being in such close proximity to her.

you adjust your seating position three times before finally settling in place, forcing yourself to sit still. mrs. romanoff humors you, remaining silent and patient through your nervous fidgeting.

“so, i have to say i was a little surprised to see your application come through to my desk,” she starts and you immediately feel your cheeks grow hot, the feeling of being in a place you don’t belong filling your whole body with dread.

she pauses, and you realize she was waiting for you to respond. right. this was supposed to be where you attempt to prove yourself adequate to work in this position.

“yes, um… well, admittedly i myself did think it was a stretch to apply here, but then i figured, i’m a fast learner, i’m very thorough in all i do and i enjoy learning new things. i thought i’d try my hand at something i haven’t done before.” you rattle off an answer that while it was true, it was also something you rehearsed 20 times in the mirror while getting ready before you got here. you were almost positive the slight robotic edge in your voice was noticeable.

mrs. romanoff hums in acknowledgment, nodding slightly at your rehearsed answer. “how well can you handle multi-tasking in a fast paced environment?” her lack of acknowledging your first answer puts a damper on your already fake confidence. you shift in your seat again, finding it harder to maintain eye contact with the sea of green that was her eyes.

“i would say i fare pretty well. i’m usually very good at managing stressful situations.” that was a complete lie—but most people bullshit their way through interviews, don’t they?

“usually?” she echoes, tilting her head to the side. she purses her lips, half attempting to hide a small smirk. she easily picked up on all your nervous antics the moment she saw you. you averting her gaze, walking unsteadily, fidgeting in your seat and the cute rose-y blush currently coloring your cheeks.

you clear your throat, interlocking your hands together in your lap. you notice they’ve already started to feel damp with sweat. “yeah, yeah most of the time i’d say so.”

“well, miss…” she glances down at what appeared to be your application and resume sitting in front of her on the desk. “(y/n)..you don’t sound very sure of yourself.” she sits upright in her chair, crossing her arms and leaning over the desk. your heart beats impossibly faster, the feeling of intimidation settling deep into your bones.

“no, i mean, i am sure—totally 100%.” you try to laugh, but it comes out sounding as nervous as you feel.

“okay, if that’s how you’d like to proceed…” she trails off, looking down at the papers in front of her again. you didn’t know what she meant, but your eyes fall desperately to the same papers she was looking at, as if they could provide some sort of answer to you. “what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

you internally breath a sigh of relief. this was another answer you’d rehearsed in the mirror, it just needed to sound less robotic this time. “i’d say my greatest strengths are, i’m very punctual—i’m always on time if not early—um, i do all things thoroughly, as i mentioned before…i’m very reliable—hardly sick or need time off for family things, and i enjoy a good challenge. my greatest weakness is that i like to be very organized and sometimes i can spend a little too much time completing a certain project before moving onto the next.” you exhale after you finish talking, your eyes flicking across her face to try and get a sense of how she’s taking in your answer.

as you speak, you can’t help but notice that she was watching you so meticulously. it seemed that she was taking in not only your words, but your facial expressions, hand gestures and body language.

she looks at you for a moment as if she’s thinking hard on something. without taking her eyes off of you, she presses a button on her desk, the small ding from an intercom sounding. “joan, please track down mrs. maximoff and have her come into my office right away.”

your heartbeat now thrums loudly in your ears, your breath picking up its pace. you were not only going to be in the presence of mrs. romanoff but now mrs. maximoff too? never in your life had you seen such a powerful couple—and that was only in photos and billboards you’d seen around the city!

“is everything okay?” you ask nervously, feeling the permanent blush on your cheeks travel to the tips of your ears.

“everything’s fine, (y/n),” she gives you a smile but it was anything but reassuring. in fact, there was something about the expression that felt more intimidating with how devastatingly beautiful she was.

she grabs a pen and starts writing something on the paper. whatever it was was brief, but you couldn’t see clearly from your seat.

a quiet knock comes from the door and your posture becomes rigid as you hear who you assume to be mrs. maximoff entering the room.

“you called for me?” mrs. maximoff asks as she walks the length from the door to mrs. romanoff’s side. she walks around your chair and stands next to her wife, placing her palm flat against the desktop and leaning some of her weight on it.

“yes, i wanted you to meet our new interviewee,” she smiles with her lips and gestures to you in your seat. you look between the two beautiful, impeccably dressed women, feeling extremely small and insignificant. mrs. maximoff turns to look at you for the first time, a warm smile gracing her features.

“hi,” she offers simply, extending her hand to shake yours. you sit forward, reaching your arm out to shake her hand across the desk. her hand was incredibly soft and a little cold to the touch, but you wouldn’t expect anything less since the office was kept at such a cool temperature.

“mrs. maximoff is going to sit in on the rest of our interview. is that okay with you?” mrs. romanoff asks, her eyes daring you to object.

you quickly shake your head from side to side, shifting once again in your chair. “no, no that’s perfectly fine,” you reply easily, though you were feeling anything but fine. you notice mrs. maximoff giving her wife a curious glance but she doesn’t otherwise question it.

“let’s move over to the couches so we’re a little more comfortable,” mrs. romanoff stands up and heads over to the long olive green velvet sofa. you follow suit, except you take a seat in the smaller sofa, designed for only one person. mrs. maximoff sits closest to you on the long couch, brushing some of her pretty brown hair behind her shoulder. you watch as she glances back at her wife, mrs. romanoff giving her a certain look that you weren’t sure what it meant.

“so, (y/n), tells us what your career goals are,” mrs. romanoff proceeds with the interview as if the interruption never happened. you find yourself even more nervous to respond now that there were two, hot, older women sitting before you.

“umm…for now i really just need something steady that will simultaneously be giving me good work and life experience.. long term though, i’d like to become a therapist once i finish my masters program.” you bite your tongue once you finish your sentence, realizing this is not the sort of job where you tell your interviewers you’d like to pursue something that has nothing to do with their company.

“what appeals to you about becoming a therapist?” mrs. maximoff chimes in, tilting her head to the side curiously, just like mrs. romanoff had done earlier in the interview.

you lean back in your chair, a little surprised at her interest in your reply. “well, it’s a cliche answer, but i’m very passionate about helping people. it’s impossible to go through this life without getting seriously hurt and dealing with trauma. the vast majority of us have no idea how to cope or process through our experiences, so just knowing what i know, i’d like to try and be of some help for those who need it.”

the two lawyers look at you thoughtfully, mrs. maximoff nodding her head as you speak.

“that’s a very admirable passion. are you currently enrolled in a masters program?” she asks, crossing one of her legs over the other as she gets more comfortable in her seat.

“i am,” you reply with a shy smile. you never wanted to come across as bragging about your education, so you always sought to speak about it in the most humble way.

“you like school?” mrs. romanoff chimes in, leaning forward as she speaks.

your smile turns a bit rueful as you reply. “yes..i do. i know so many young people my age loathe school and all the hard work that needs to be put in, but…i love everything about it. i love taking notes, making flashcards, studying, taking tests, everything about it, i just love. i know it sounds a little crazy.” you laugh once, suddenly feeling more relaxed as you speak about something so genuinely. you feel a little more surprise again as you hear mrs. romanoff chuckle with you, nodding her head towards her brunette wife.

“sounds like somebody i know. this one here was a school addict. i had to practically pry textbooks out her hands just so we could do anything other than study,” she chuckles again, mrs. maximoff joining in with her.

“i won’t apologize for being so pointed about my studies. we both got straight A’s, didn’t we?” she jokes light-heartedly and you find yourself smiling warmly at their light banter.

mrs. maximoff turns back to face you, a smile still touching her lips. “what else do you do aside from school?” her question makes your face fall slightly as you now had to admit you were technically unemployed. you knew that didn’t look good for potential employers.

“right now, not a whole lot. just keeping busy with my studies,” you respond vaguely to which they both hum in response.

the pair of them continue asking you questions, except they become progressively more personal until they don’t attain to work or working at this position at all.

“do you like living alone? or do you prefer living with others?” was one of the questions mrs. romanoff asks you after you had explained you were currently without a roommate.

even though it was strange, you find that the more you talk about yourself, the more relaxed you feel. mrs. romanoff and mrs. maximoff both noticed it too. they could see more of your personality showing through as the nerves slowly but surely dissipated.

it had been near 40 minutes by the time mrs. romanoff checked her watch and noticed the time. she looked at her wife, mrs. maximoff seeming to sense her eyes on her as she automatically looked to the side. they shared a look, one of them nodding to the other before turning back to face you.

“well, we’ve kept you here much longer than was intended—i apologize for that.” mrs. romanoff says as she stands, mrs. maximoff following suit. you stand also, smoothing your skirt back over your legs. as you stand so closely to them now, you notice how they were both taller than you by a few inches, making you feel small again like you had earlier.

“it’s no big deal. i’m in no rush,” you smile shyly as you look up at the two of them. you extend your arm out, shaking both of their hands before getting ready to leave. they both give your hand a gentle squeeze and when mrs. romanoff shakes your hand, she grasps on longer than her wife, holding your gaze with a certain intensity.

“we’ll be in touch, miss (y/n),” she says smoothly, calling you out by your first name, and for some reason the combination between her voice and her eye contact made your knees feel weak.

you swallow thickly, nodding your head and thanking them both for the interview before turning away. mrs. maximoff leads you to the door to exit and walks you all the way out to the elevators. you pace the short distance in somewhat comfortable silence. when you turn to face her to say your final goodbye, your surprised to see mrs. romanoff behind her. she was following so quietly that you didn’t notice her presence.

“bye! thank you again,” you smile, stepping into the elevator once the doors open. the two women stand side by side of each other, giving you a near identical smile which portrayed some sort of knowing behind it, almost like they were expecting something.

“it was a pleasure meeting you miss (y/l/n),” mrs. maximoff calls out to you as the elevator doors slide closed.

you exhale a breath you didn’t now you were holding, slumping back against the elevator walls.

『 °*• ❀ •*°』

that evening, you cook up a box of mac n cheese, too lazy to try and find the ingredients to make anything else. not to mention, your mind was still a little bit jumbled after your interview with thee lesbian power couple.

mrs. romanoff’s words kept echoing in your head.

”we’ll be in touch” she’d said. but didn’t your interview totally blow? especially at the end. it wasn’t so much an interview but rather more like a conversation where people try to get to know each other better. maybe they were looking for a personality hire? you really doubted that though.

you eat your mac n cheese while staring blankly at the wall, thinking over the whole exchange with mrs. romanoff and mrs. maximoff. as you mindlessly feed yourself spoonfuls of your dinner, you realize you didn’t even know their first names. you remembered you had once seen them on a billboard somewhere but didn’t remember exactly what they were. mrs. romanoff’s first name was natalie or something similar? you were at a loss with mrs. maximoff. you decide to google them to put your curiosities to rest.

pulling out your phone, you google their names and the law firm. after doing just a little bit of digging, you see their full names: natasha romanoff and wanda maximoff. ah, so you were close with mrs. romanoff’s name. you wonder if they only go by their last names at the office. it definitely seemed like their vibe to have things be so professional.

as you go throughout the rest of your evening, showering and getting ready for bed, you continue thinking about them. the longer your mind lingers on them, the less “professionally” you think about them. you couldn’t help but notice how utterly beautiful they both were. they both carried themselves with a confidence that anyone would find intimidating. there was something so forceful about their presences, but not necessarily in a bad way. it seemed like natasha—mrs.romanoff—was a little more rough around the edges, but you could see she easily held a soft spot for her wife and life partner. mrs. maximoff gave off a much more approachable vibe, but she was still intimidating in her own way.

as your mind continues wandering, you find yourself becoming more tired before you finally drift off to sleep, your brain fatigued from all your analytical thinking.

『 °*• ❀ •*°』

the first thing you notice when you wake up is the light shining through your thin curtains. you blink a few times, slowly adjusting to the light. you blindly reach over to your nightstand, unplugging your phone from the charger. as you unlock your phone, you notice a missed call from an unknown number nearly two hours ago. you shoot up into a sitting position in your bed, suddenly feeling much more awake. it was just passed 10 am. was the unknown number a call back about your interview?

your fingers furiously swipe on your phone, quickly googling the number for M.R. law. you breath a sigh of relief when you cross reference the digits in your phone and the number online, realizing it was just a random unknown caller. you let your body fall back limply on the bed, your leg dangling off the side as you clutch your phone to your chest. that would’ve been humiliating if they called offering you the job and you didn’t pick up the phone.

as you go about your morning leisurely—not having any classes this day—you try to push the two hot lawyers out of your mind. there was no point in dwelling on them if you’d never hear from them again.

you leave your face bare of makeup, not intending on leaving the apartment and you opt for wearing comfy clothes—or “frumpy” clothes as you called them—instead of something nice.

you head into the kitchen, pouring yourself a bowl of frosted flakes cereal. you let it sit there for a few minutes to soak up the milk, as soggy cereal was your favorite. you’d argue with anyone who claimed crunchy cereal was best. as you wait, you power up your laptop, intent on working on some homework.

you’re munching on your cereal, blue-light filtered glasses adorning your nose as you work on your computer screen. you were mid-bite when you hear your phone buzzing on the counter next to you. you glance down at your phone and frown slightly when you notice it looks to be the same unknown number from earlier.

you continue chewing your bite, raising the phone to your ear as you accept the call.

“hello?” you ask, your voice mumbled a bit as you still had some food in your mouth.

“good morning, miss (y/n),” you hear a warm, velvety voice greet you. after almost an hour interview with her yesterday, you’d recognize this distinct voice anywhere.

“mrs. romanoff?” you just about choke on your food as you swallow, your body tensing slightly as you feel much more alert.

“that would be correct.” you hear her chuckle softly into the phone, your tone laced with obvious surprise she must have found endearing.

“i’m so sorry! i think i missed your call earlier? i didn’t recognize the number- i had no idea it was you, i’m sorry!” you apologize quickly, thinking that if she was actually calling to offer you the job, you might have just ruined it.

“don’t worry about it. i would be surprised if you recognized it given that this is my personal number,” her voice was low and warm. it was entirely too enticing.

“oh.. umm, right. well, good morning,” you stumble slightly over your words, unsure what else to say to her.

“are you normally a late riser?” she asks with humor in her voice.

“what? oh no, not normally no. i just don’t have classes today,” you explain, a little embarrassed at her having called you out on your sleeping habits.

“i see. well, we just wanted to call and ask if you’d meet us for a coffee,” her question came out as more of a statement and you were left wondering why on earth she would want to go out for coffee with you and…wait.. did she say we?

“we?” the words echo aloud from your mind.

“yes. my wife and i,” she reiterates calmly. you look around your small excuse for a kitchen as if the reasoning behind her posing this question was written on the walls.

“like today?” you ask stupidly. of course she meant today.

“yes - today. can you meet us in 15? we’re going on lunch break. i’ll text you the address.” your eyes zip to the digital numbers plastered on the microwave. you only had 15 minutes to try and look presentable, get a cab and meet them.

“ummm..yeah. yeah sure,” you nod your head as if she could see you through the phone. you quickly hop off the stool you were sitting on, walking briskly to the bathroom with the phone still held firmly to your ear.

“perfect. we’ll see you soon.” she hangs up and you all but toss your phone on the bathroom counter, staring down at the device as if it’s offended you. you quickly snap out of it, only having 5 or so minutes to un-hobo yourself. you quickly apply some concealer on your dark spots, powder on a little blush and brush on a coat of mascara in record time. in your haste, you stumble from the bathroom to your closet, trying to find something to quickly throw on. you grab a simple white baby tee, putting it on and then aggressively stepping into some loose light wash jeans. grabbing your belongings, you half jog out the door, nearly slipping down the last two stairs of your apartment.

you quickly get a cab, thanking whatever higher power there is in your head that there was very little delay in one driving by. as the taxi driver takes you to the address you gave him, you sit forward in your seat, gathering your hair in a pony tail near the top of your head. you secure it with an elastic you always keep around your wrist and pull some pieces out to frame your face. you glance in the cab rear view mirror, seeing you looked fairly presentable. you exhale shakily, sitting back in your seat as the same nerves you felt yesterday on the way to your interview were coming back now.

what was this about? i mean, you knew it wasn’t normal to meet with potential employees for coffee. it was especially suspicious because it was mrs. romanoff *and* her wife.

your thoughts are interrupted as the taxi slows to a crawl and he pulls up to the coffee shop. you’d never been to this one before, granted there were hundreds of shops all over the city so there were probably many you hadn’t gone to. your heart leaps in your chest as you see both mrs. romanoff and mrs. maximoff waiting outside for you.

you pass the driver the money, thank him and slip out of the car. as you step onto the sidewalk, mrs. maximoff greets you with the same warm smile she’d given you when you first met. mrs. romanoff smiles too, though it’s not as wide as her wife’s.

“hello again, (y/n).” your heart skips a beat as you hear mrs. maximoff use your first name for the first time. mrs. romanoff had been calling you by your first name since you’d stepped foot into her office. you liked the way your name fell from both of their tongues.

“hi, good to see you both again,” you smile despite your nerves, making eye contact with both of them in a polite manner.

“shall we?” mrs. romanoff suggests as she opens the door for you, her wife placing a gentle hand on the small of your back to usher you inside. you inhale shakily, the unexpected contact surprising you in a pleasant way.

as the three of you file in behind the small line of people waiting to order, your eyes skim the menu, even though you already knew exactly what you wanted.

“cute outfit,” mrs. romanoff murmurs from behind you. you could hear what sounded to be amusement in her tone but you weren’t sure.

you turn to the side to face her, her being on your left and mrs. maximoff on your right just a half-step behind you. “thank you. i threw it on—literally. i was wearing something a lot less presentable when you first called.” you glance down at both of their outfits. the duality between yours and their outfits was almost laughable. they looked impeccably fashionable and you were just in street clothes.

wanda chuckles lightly at your comment. “what were you wearing before?” she asks.

“just an oversized tee and some biker shorts,” you shrug, crossing your arms casually over your chest. you always felt more comfortable when you had your arms wrapped around yourself.

as the line moves and you’re next, mrs. romanoff quickly stands in front of you, her body moving between you and the counter. “what’ll you have?” she gives you an expectant look, ready to give your order.

“an iced mocha?” you ask a little shyly, her show of putting herself between you and the cash register did something to you for some reason.

she nods, and turns to the barista, repeating your order along with hers and her wife’s. you’re about to protest, wanting to tell her she doesn’t have to pay for you, but you feel mrs. maximoff’s hand return to the small of your back, swiftly maneuvering you away from the line and over to the small cluster of tables.

you sit down in a chair she pulled out for you and you scoot yourself in as mrs. maximoff settles in her own seat across from you.

“you really don’t have to pay for me, you know,” you pipe gently, glancing over at mrs. romanoff who was standing at the counter waiting for the drinks before you turn back to mrs. maximoff.

“of course not, we want to. plus, neither her nor i would ever allow you to pay for yourself even if you insisted,” she smiles winsomely, her eyes gleaming with something warm and bright.

mrs. romanoff returns with all three coffees, somehow handling all three and setting them down in a graceful manner.

“thank you,” you give mrs. romanoff a gentle smile as your fingers interlock around the cup and you drag it closer to you.

they both take a sip from their coffees—which were both hot—before mrs. romanoff clears her throat, her eyes narrowing in on you as she leans forward on the table.

“so, i imagine you’re wondering why we asked you here.” she throws a glance at her wife who was already looking at her speak.

“it may have been on my mind…” you trail off, sounding as innocent as possible.

mrs. romanoff smiles knowingly, her eyes appraising you in a way that made you squirm slightly in your seat.

“it’s not about the job, as i’m sure you might have figured, but rather about offering a different type of position,” she begins. your brow furrows in confusion. what did she mean?

“a different position? like a cleaning job or something?” you immediately go to thinking about jobs that require little to no experience, figuring that might be all they’d have to offer given your background.

they both laugh at your guess, mrs. romanoff being the one to shake her head no.

“no, not a cleaning job,” she pauses, seeming to measure your expression before continuing. “(y/n), have you ever heard the term bdsm?”

your face goes blank and you look from mrs. romanoff to her wife who appeared to be watching you just as carefully.

“um…i think so? i’ve heard the term a few times before.” your legs feel like they’ve turned to jelly, an unfamiliar pit settling into your lower tummy at the abrupt shift in the topic of conversation.

“what do you know about it?” mrs. maximoff chimes in, tilting her head to the side which causes some of her neatly curled hair to fall forward.

you look between the two of them, unconsciously shrinking further down into your seat. this was such a taboo subject to talk about it public; you found yourself already growing warm from just the thought of this discussion.

“well, it’s..sex stuff…right? like being tied down and whipped?” you speak hesitantly in a small voice, throwing quick glances at the strangers littered across the coffee shop.

“those things can be a part of it, yes—if all parties discuss that’s something they like to participate in” mrs. romanoff explains and then continues. “what else have you heard about it? or is that the gist of what you know?”

you shrug, your shoulders slumped forward and your head bowed slightly to try and obscure your flushed cheeks. you suck your bottom lip into your mouth—your nervous habit.

mrs. maximoff pipes in again after noticing your bashfulness. “a lot of people have that imagery in mind when they hear the term ‘bdsm,’ so it’s understandable that that’s your impression. there is so much more to it though. really, bdsm is about exploring people’s sexual interests in a safe space. you learn about your limits, what you like, what you didn’t expect to like, and so much more.” you listen to her explanation intently, your mind immediately wandering and wondering where this conversation was going to go.

mrs. romanoff picks up off her wife’s words. “some people simply dabble in certain aspects of bdsm while others treat it more as a lifestyle—and for my wife and i, it is a lifestyle.”

you nod hesitantly as they both pause for a second, watching you digest this information. you’re unsure how to respond, feeling progressively more restless in your seat.

they both give each other a look before mrs romanoff nods and mrs. maximoff speaks.

“normally, for people who live this lifestyle, they draw up contracts between themselves and the person they want as their submissive.. now we know this is all very forward, but there’s just no other way to put it. we’d like to have you as our new submissive.”

your face turns bright red for reasons you’re not fully aware of. you weren’t quite sure what being a “submissive” all entailed, but you couldn’t wipe the imagery of being helplessly tied down and whipped from your mind. you’re silent as your brain flits through one imaginary scenario to the next. you were so clueless though, you weren’t sure if the things you were thinking up were things people actually did or if they were just shown in porn.

“me…? i just..well it’s just that..i’m-i don’t know if i would be your ideal candidate,” you stumble out, your eyes glued to the table as you avoid looking at either of them at all costs.

“on the contrary, (y/n), i singled you out almost immediately at our interview. i knew i wanted you. that’s why i had wanda join us.” her face softens as she notices your slight uneasiness. being a bit of a sadist though, she couldn’t help but find your innocence and embarrassment so incredibly gratifying. it only made her want you more.

your teeth worry into your bottom lip again as you look between one set of green eyes and then the other. “do you guys normally.. share, uhm..submissives?”

“not always, but we do like to when it’s possible,” wanda shares, a reassuring smile on her face. you purse your lips, chewing on the inside of your cheek as more questions arise in your head.

“how does that work? sharing i mean.” you knew there were people who participated in polyamorous relationships, and you had no issue with it, you just had trouble visualizing the dynamic.

natasha grins wickedly to herself, realizing now how truly innocent and unknowing you were. she suspected a little yesterday at the interview, but had no idea the true scope of your innocence. wanda also found herself undeniably more attracted to you after this conversation. her hands twitch in her lap, thinking of all the things she could do to you that you probably haven’t ever dreamed of.

“it works (y/n), trust me…” mrs. romanoff says seductively.

“we know this is all very foreign to you, sweetheart. you don’t have to say yes today, just think about it?” mrs. maximoff reaches across the table and affectionately holds onto your wrist. your stomach does a little flip-flop at the term of endearment paired with the affection.

there were so many thoughts and feelings swirling around you, but one thing stuck out above the rest. you wanted to learn more. you didn’t want to say no and close a door on something that you might enjoy.

“i want to.. i mean, um, i will think about it,” you clear your throat for the umpteenth time that day, pulling your hand back from mrs. maximoff’s light grasp. it was suddenly feeling like her hand was searing your skin.

“you want to what?” mrs. romanoff presses, her eyes looking at you with intensity again.

“i just meant that i want to learn more..about this,” you reply quietly, peeking at mrs. romanoff through your lashes. you notice her clench her jaw and flex her fingers that were resting on the table, but you weren’t sure what it meant.

“well, there’s a lot to learn, but luckily i’d say we’re both pretty good teachers,” mrs. maximoff grins more wickedly this time, her expression giving you a new glimpse into something you hadn’t seen in her until this point.

“why don’t we meet up again sometime this weekend? we can answer any questions you have—help you learn more about what we’re asking from you,” she adds, to which you surprisingly feel eager to agree to the idea. you find yourself already wanting to learn more, especially if the people who were going to educate you were two of the hottest women alive.

“yeah…let’s do that,” you nod once, your blush slowly creeping off your cheeks though a slight honey glow was still present.

you all begin to gather your things, mrs. maximoff noticing their lunch break was just about up. the three of you hardly touched your coffees, the conversation too intense to take swigs of the drinks.

the two of them walk you out of the shop, mrs. romanoff hailing down a cab for you. you turn to say goodbye to mrs. maximoff and find that she’s standing closer to you than expected.

“i look forward to seeing you again so soon, dragotsennaya veshch’,” she murmurs, reaching to give your arm an affectionate squeeze. you smile at her, unsure what she said but not caring much to know now.

you step closer to the cab after mrs. romanoff opens the door for you. before you can slip inside the car, mrs. romanoff leans down, murmuring in your ear.

“if you have any questions before the weekend that simply can’t wait, don’t hesitate to text me. you have my number.” her voice was a little rough which makes you shiver.

you nod slowly, sucking on your bottom lip again. you give mrs. maximoff a shy hand wave which she mimics with an amused grin. you sink down into the car seat, mrs. romanoff shutting the door behind you.

as the taxi drives away, you can’t help but look behind you as the two women grow smaller and smaller on the sidewalk. as the car turns a corner, the couple remain standing there until you disappear. you sigh and turn back around in your seat, resting heavily against the cushion behind you.

what just happened?

——————————

tag list:

@poppyshuman @wandamaximoffsbadgirl @xenaizogie @ashadash0904 @kittnii @hayeeonn @gh0sstss @beggingonmykneesforher @natashalover3000 @msvenablesbitch @ihartnat @leesromanova @alwaysgoodnight @lowlifejuliett @azaleavolkova @caramelcat123 @daretodream1307-blog @ctrlaltedits @sweetmissnothing @gecko1 @karmasgxrl @marvelwomenarehot0 @elle161989 @waaayoutofline @snazzysprig @simpforlizzie @just4natasha

[financing007]

In the realm of modern finance, the concept of instant personal loans has revolutionized the way individuals access much-needed funds. This paradigm shift is attributed to the seamless online application process, which allows borrowers to submit their loan requests from the comfort of their homes. Gone are the days of tedious paperwork and long waiting times. 

[wh1msic4lwasab1]

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 ᯓ ᡣ𐭩

synopsis: you get arrested and sent to the fortress of meropide after being oblivious to a Fontainian crime, so your boyfriend Nuevi gets you out by striking a deal with the Duke, Wriothesley ;)

tags: threesome, double penetration, semi-public, vulgar, explicit

wrd cnt: 500+

a/n: repost/rewrite from first acc!

You couldn't believe the circumstances you were in, who knew Fontaine had some obscure rules with loans? One overdue day and you'd have rather get strucken by a loan shark than be sitting in the Fortress of Meropide right now.

You did get one call though, and of course the most sensible person to contact right now was the Ludex, who just so happened to be your partner. He could surely get you out of here, if anyone.

It was almost a whole hour wait, as Neuvillette was in the middle of a trial, but left as urgently as he could to come get you. That wasn't the only obstacle, the most difficult was the Duke.

"I'm sorry Neuvillette, I can't bend the rules for you" the brown haired man stammered on, "as much as l've done it before...this one's out of my control. She's in the files now." He explains. "I could try but it's too risky".

You heard back and forth for some time.

After what seemed to be hours of negotiations, it seemed your boyfriend ran out of all his other ideas.

"If it's really this hard" Neuvillette said, putting a firm grasp on your thigh, pulling it open slightly, "I don't mind...sharing some of the difficulties with you, Wriothesley. You've always been one for risks."

You felt your face burn in a deep pink hue, was he really about to whore you out? In this cell?

"Wouldn't be the worst thing to happen..." You thought in your head.

"Mr Wriothesley, there must be a way we can figure this out?" You plead. Going along with your partner.

"You two...you're quite forward huh? Do I follow you clearly?" He asked, standing from his chair to approach you two while loosening his tie.

It was exactly clear, and Wriothesley was exactly right.

"This place is quite uncomfortable, I can't believe you'd subdue her to this, Duke."

"Well I'm not the one who built it you know, I just run the place."

"Well honestly we need to reevaluate, seems all too gauche." Neuvillette admitted, complaining about the bars he was pressed up against.

"S-slow down- fuck..." You breathe out, barely managing to keep your eyes open while the two men bicker while deep inside you, all too casual in such a risqué act. Your back was pressed up against Neuvi, resting your hands on his arms which held you up, cupping your ass, while Wrio held your legs up, pressing closely to your front while they both put their cocks in your wet hole.

"Aww...getting tired? I can assure you it's better than staying in here my dear" Wrio says, gripping your legs tighter as he smirks down at you "If you were to stay any longer, I'd be real hard for me to ignore you now after this..."

You hear Neuvillette scoff at his flirty remark, "treading dangerous waters now Duke, be careful" he said, a slightly threatening tone.

"Lighten up...just making some conversation." He says annoyed, tilting his head in curiosity at your face, shifting down to whisper close to you, pressing your legs against him closer in turn.

"What's your name sweetheart?" He asks. His lips brushing against your cheek.

Out of breath, you mutter it out for him, almost unnoticed over the sound of your sticky cum soaked cunt and his lower stomach slapping together. Your moans bounced off the walls in the cold dark room. You wondered if anyone could hear you.

If anyone was listening to you mewl and cry in pleasure over getting stuffed full of cock.

"Fuck...you're so tight, Y/n..." He grunts out, fucking you even harder now.

"You're being so good my love" Neuvillette speaks into your other ear, "I'm sure we'll get you out of here now" he assures, caressing your waist with his thumb as he holds you up, his cock slowly hitting the gummy spot in your pussy, completely opposite of Wrios animalistic thrusts. "Right, Wriothesley?"

"Fuck- you feel so.... Huh? Oh yeah just- don't worry hun...I'll..." Wriothesley rambles incoherently, drunk on your pussy.

whimsic4alwasab1 ™ - do not copy, translate, modify, or claim any of my work as your own.

[fincrif]

How to Use a Personal Loan for Emergency Situations

Emergencies are unpredictable. Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, urgent home repairs, or sudden travel needs, life often throws curveballs when we least expect them. In these critical moments, a personal loan can serve as a timely financial cushion, offering quick access to funds without needing to liquidate long-term assets or disturb your savings.

Let’s understand how a personal loan can be a lifeline during emergencies, what to consider before applying, and how to manage it wisely to avoid falling into a debt trap.

What Is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that doesn’t require collateral. Unlike home or car loans, it can be used for various purposes—medical emergencies, education, travel, weddings, and more. Since it's unsecured, the approval largely depends on your credit score, income, and repayment capacity.

Its flexibility and speed make it a popular choice during emergency situations when you need funds without delay.

Why Choose a Personal Loan for Emergencies?

1. Quick Disbursal

When you're in a crisis, every minute counts. Most lenders process personal loans within 24 to 72 hours, and many online platforms offer instant approvals.

2. No Need for Collateral

In an emergency, arranging collateral is both time-consuming and stressful. A personal loan saves you that trouble by being unsecured.

3. Flexible End Use

Whether it’s a sudden hospital expense, a family emergency overseas, or an urgent car repair, the loan can be used at your discretion—something other types of loans don’t usually offer.

4. Fixed EMIs and Tenure

You get a clear repayment structure upfront. This allows you to budget your finances better after the crisis is over.

Common Emergency Situations Where Personal Loans Help

1. Medical Emergencies

Medical bills can add up quickly, especially when they’re unplanned. A personal loan can help cover:

Hospitalization

Surgeries

Specialist consultations

Medicines and post-operative care

If your health insurance falls short or doesn’t cover a specific treatment, a personal loan can bridge the gap.

2. Urgent Home Repairs

Imagine a burst pipe, electrical failure, or a collapsed ceiling—home repairs during emergencies are unavoidable. A personal loan can help you get the job done immediately and prevent the issue from worsening.

3. Unexpected Travel

Family emergencies like a sudden illness, accident, or bereavement may require immediate travel. Booking last-minute flights, accommodation, and transportation can be expensive. A personal loan helps you manage these without stressing about your budget.

4. Job Loss or Pay Cuts

During uncertain economic times, a personal loan can help cover your basic living expenses—rent, groceries, school fees—until you find new employment or financial stability.

5. Educational Emergencies

Last-minute admissions, overseas education deposits, or essential learning equipment—when faced with time-sensitive education needs, a personal loan can ensure your child's academic journey continues uninterrupted.

How to Apply for a Personal Loan in an Emergency

Applying for a personal loan is now easier than ever, thanks to digital platforms like Fincrif. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs

Only borrow what you truly need. Avoid overestimating, as higher loan amounts mean higher EMIs.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Visit Fincrif.com to check eligibility across multiple lenders. Typically, lenders consider:

Age (21 to 60 years)

Minimum income (varies by lender)

Credit score (above 700 preferred)

Stable employment

Step 3: Compare Loan Offers

Use Fincrif’s comparison tools to check:

Interest rates

Processing fees

Tenure flexibility

Prepayment terms

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Generally, you’ll need:

PAN card and Aadhar card

Salary slips or income proof

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)

Step 5: Disbursal

Once approved, the amount is credited directly to your account—often within a few hours.

Key Considerations Before Taking a Personal Loan

1. Interest Rates

In an emergency, you may rush into the first offer. But compare rates to avoid paying unnecessarily high interest. Even a 1% difference can significantly affect your EMIs.

2. Loan Tenure

Choose a tenure that offers manageable EMIs. A longer tenure means lower EMIs but higher total interest.

3. Hidden Charges

Watch out for:

Processing fees

Late payment penalties

Prepayment charges

All these affect your total repayment cost.

4. Credit Score Impact

Taking a personal loan affects your credit score. Make sure to repay on time to maintain or improve it.

Tips for Using Personal Loans Wisely During Emergencies

✅ Borrow Only What’s Necessary

In emergencies, it’s tempting to ask for more than you need “just in case.” Resist the urge. You’ll thank yourself later when repaying.

✅ Read the Fine Print

Understand the terms thoroughly. Know your interest rate, EMI due date, late payment penalties, and foreclosure terms.

✅ Avoid Multiple Loan Applications

Applying with many lenders simultaneously can lower your credit score. Instead, use a comparison site like Fincrif.com to view pre-approved offers.

✅ Plan for Repayment

Even in an emergency, think long-term. Ensure your monthly budget can accommodate the EMI comfortably after the crisis.

Alternatives to Personal Loans for Emergencies

If you're unsure whether a personal loan is right for your situation, consider these alternatives:

Emergency Fund: If you’ve saved for a rainy day, tap into that first.

Credit Card: Use for small, short-term needs—but beware of high interest if not paid in full.

Borrowing from Family: A good option if you’re confident of repaying soon, and they’re willing to help.

Employer Advance: Some companies offer salary advances during genuine emergencies.

While these options can be helpful, none provide the structured repayment and credit score benefits of a personal loan.

Pros and Cons of Using Personal Loans for Emergencies

ProsConsQuick disbursalHigher interest than secured loansNo collateral requiredCan lead to debt if mismanagedFlexible useCredit score impact if unpaidFixed EMIs for planningPrepayment penalties may apply

Final Thoughts

Emergencies are emotionally and financially draining. During such times, a personal loan can offer relief and restore control over your finances—if used wisely. With its quick processing, flexible usage, and structured repayment, it remains a dependable option for urgent financial needs.

But remember, not every emergency demands a loan. Evaluate the necessity, amount, and your ability to repay before hitting that apply button.

At Fincrif, we make emergency borrowing easy and transparent. Compare lenders, get expert insights, and apply for a personal loan that suits your situation—without the stress.

Need help choosing the right loan for your emergency? Visit Fincrif.com and take the first step toward financial stability.

[scentedsuitwinner]

Get an Instant ₹20000 Personal Loan @15k Minimum Salary, Apply Now

“Need 20000 rupees loan urgently”? To meet your financial needs, like electricity bills, school fees, bike repair, medical bills, etc. You can get an instant Rs 20000 personal loan with a 100% digital process, lower interest rate, and flexible tenure. Apply Now Today! Get a personal loan of ₹20000 that comes with multiple repayment options, minimal documentation, and a hassle-free process,…

[petewentzhasblessedmyears]

reader x james wilson x robert chase?

what the fuck is this madness, i don't know! but i love both of them.. and haven't really seen anything about it.. soo why not be the first one? NSFW!!!

**implies that reader is dating chase, and in the oncology department!! uhh fem reader

a/n: this might be a bit.. goofy my brain function sucks im in withdrawal help me please. oh and btw for some reason I don't believe in proofreading and just post it without looking at it.. so sorry if there's parts where it don't make sense.

should i post this in portuguese? i dont know.

-

You feel the sting and stretch, still mixed with the pleasure of two cocks inside of you, as your eyes fill with tears and roll back in your head. The two stay still, waiting for you to adjust.

How did this happen, exactly?

It all started when you met the team of Diagnostic Medicine, lead by the infamous, sarcastic, Gregory House himself.

A quick visit to a room where they all stay, trying to pass down a word from Dr. Wilson to House, and the team caught eye of you.

Chase almost did a double take. Foreman looked at him quizzically, while Cameron frowned.

"And," House pointed with his palm. "This is Chase, the slut of our team, black-man is Foreman, white girl is Cameron."

You waved, looking at particularly no one. Your eyes met the gaze of the team.

You quickly realized you were there for too long, not to swoon over the team, but to just solely relay a message. You quickly left the room, rethinking the whole thing.

Thinking too much again, amazing, You thought.

And the next few weeks were peaceful, you going back to your sister's place every night, since you weren't stable enough, but soon, just soon.

Paying off your student loans drained your account, and it was alright... right?

You noticed who you assume was Chase, because he was blonde.. was hanging around where you usually do more. You barely saw him, aside from when you occasionally crashed into eachother because a code was happening, or an urgent page.

But it happened more and more. The secluded place you ate lunch? He passed by it, saying that he needed more of a certain medicine, blood.. or something.

That random alleyway you take an occasional smoke in? He passed by there too, claiming he was on a 'walk'.

Great. Now you have this weird, hot stalker. If someone more unattractive did that.. you would've told Dr. Wilson, which seemed to take a liking to you, even though you didn't help solve much cases, you were now his personal assistant.

Being attractive does have its benefits..

You started talking to Dr. Chase - who told you to call him 'Robert'. Soon, he was eating lunch with you, talking to you during your smoke break.. being with you.

And soon, over dinner, he told you he liked you, which, was true too for you, which caused you guys to start dating.

You guys agreed to just don't tell anyone and wait for them to figure it out, because House was going to do something with it either way, but Robert didn't hesitate to wrap his arm around you when you were together, glancing at everyone who passed by.

But you didn't feel the best. You had feelings for Robert and your boss, James Wilson. Still, Robert was a good boyfriend. He found out you were living with your sister, and offered for you to stay with him until you could get your own place.

You always wanted to fuck your boss and Robert at the same time.. that was your dirty little secret. Though, you never told him, and when he asked you if there was anything you'd like to try in the bedroom, you desperately held back the words:

"I want to have sex with you and my boss at the same time."

Instead, you didn't really say anything, and that night.. holy shit. He fucked you senseless. You guys even put money on how much neighbors know his name.

Ten dollars the one on the right knows. Twenty the one on the left knows.

And then it all came to a perfect moment. You two were at his apartment, and your boss needed to go over to review results with you.

It was after hours, you could've simply rejected, but.. you felt like something needed to happen.

You suspected your boss had the same feelings, and when you wore skirts to work, James seemed to drop things more than usual, and since you were spending the most of the day in his office, you were usually picking it up.

And if it was true..

You and Robert were watching whatever junk was on TV, and you suddenly remembered that James was supposed to come over.

"James is going to come over. He wanted me to look at results for a test." You mumbled.

"That's fine." Robert replied.

A good few minutes, and you hear a knock at the door. You practically jumped up, not bothering to look through the peephole, opening the door.

"Hey." James said, walking in.

"Hi," you replied. Robert glanced over, waving.

"G'day." Robert said. James handed you the file, and you flipped through it immediately, finger tracing over the results.

“You needed a second opinion..?” You said. “I fully agree with you.”

James smiled, while Robert continued to watch TV, occasionally glancing at you two.

You had a light blush on your cheeks thinking about it, and it was fogging your mind. You stuttered a lot, feeling waves of arousal like electric through your body.

“Are you alright?” James asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Y-yeah.” You replied. “A bit tired.”

“Well, see you tomorrow. I better get going.” James said, heading out. “Thanks!”

When he left, you sighed. You sat back on the couch next to Robert, him moving you to his lap.

“Something’s obviously wrong..” He said, wrapping his arms around your waist.

“Nothing.” You replied.

“You can tell me anything,” he replied. “And something’s wrong.”

You sighed. His voice was like sleeping pills, and an aphrodisiac. And it was quite frustrating. He always knew how to get the truth out of you.

“I want to have a threesome.” You blurted out, quickly slapping your hand over your mouth.

“Oh.. and who with?” Robert asked.

You didn’t expect him to agree. Fuck.

“James Wilson.”

His eyes widened, as you got off his lap, taking the seat next to him and facing him.

“Are you okay with that?” You asked, blushing madly.

“Y-yeah.” He replied.

“Great.” You mumbled. “I’ll call him up.”

You got out your phone and dialed James, which he picked up almost immediately.

“Hi.” He said.

“Uh.. hi. I want to.. um.. have a t-threesome with you and Robert.”

A pause.

“Yeah.. sure. Tonight?” He asked.

"Yeah. Now..? I know you just left.. but.."

"I'm not too far. I'll turn around."

"Thanks. Bye." You said, closing your phone. You glanced at Robert, who was still casually watching TV.

-

You were on your arms and knees, taking Robert's cock in your mouth while James had a rabid feast on your clit.

Fuck. You were moaning pathetically, tears tracing down your hot and flushed cheeks, as you gagged on Robert's cock.

You were awfully close, as your eyes rolled back in your head and your body tensed up, you came, moaning loudly, slightly muffled.

James stopped the feast on your clit, as Robert stepped back. Their eyes met, as James stood up.

"You did so well," Robert said, holding his arm out for you to grab on to. You grabbed it, slowly standing up.

James stripped himself of his slacks and undergarments in that time, revealing his leaking cock. God.

If they were both going to fuck you at the same time, shit.. you thought James would be smaller..

James sat on the edge of the couch, beckoning you on his lap, where you sat on his cock. You whined, as you felt it stretch you out wonderfully.

Robert climbed on top of you too, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before putting himself in your cunt too.

Your mouth fell open, as you felt the sting of the stretch. The pleasure was way more than the pain, as they stood still, waiting for you to adjust.

The sting finally lessened, as the two finally started moving. Wet noises, groans, and the sound of skin against skin filled the room, as the two men filled you up wonderfully.

Your body felt weak, lost in the pleasure. You felt yourself get awfully close very fast.

It was fucking amazing. You got what you want, all here.

“F-fuck.” You whined. You were surprised you could even form the word, because your memory was foggy and you could barely remember anything.

You yelped as you came once more, violently convulsing around the two. They followed right after, filling you up, groaning loudly.

Thank god you were on the pill.

Robert slipped out, watching the liquid drip out, eyes glued onto your puffy cunt.

Wilson slowly lifted you off himself too, gazing at the wet mess on the couch.

You couldn’t help but smile as the two peppered kisses on you.

You didn’t know what would happen next, as you were just basking in the high.

And you thought it was better to not know.

[mountttmase]

Change Of Heart

The Middle - Part Three

Note - chapter three wooooo. Thank you so much for all your feedback last week and I’m really sorry I didn’t reply to you guys. It was a weird few days and I’ve been sick so it slipped my mind but I really appreciate you guys so much. I hope you enjoy this one too and happy halfway mark 🩷

Pairing - Mason Mount x Reader

Word count - 6.3k

Warnings - series contains angst & fluff

Never in a million years did you think you’d be in the pickle you were in right now.

You’d never felt this awful about yourself before, fleeing the flat that you’d shared with Jack for just over three years since your second year of uni and returning to your childhood home for some much needed comfort. But the only person's comfort you wanted was still in training.

You thought everything was turning out perfectly, moving out of halls and into your first big girl flat with Jack was a massive step but you’d fallen into domestic life perfectly. The both of you still on the same course but taking a few different modules meaning you weren’t together 100% of the time and being able to study together and push each other forward helped you get the best results possible. Both ending up with firsts and it didn’t take you long to land a job so you could continue to live where you’d both made your new home but right now that all now seemed like a long lost dream.

As soon as you made it home to your parents house you rushed up to your old room. Ignoring your family entirely as you locked yourself away and as soon as you thought Mason might be finished with training you sent him a quick text.

Mason, he was always there when you needed him.

You were surprised at first at how quickly the pair of you had fallen back into the rhythm of being friends. Waking up that next morning after your dads birthday party to find him pressed up against your back with his head in your neck and an arm around your waist, but it was the fact he’d clearly gotten hot in the night and taken his jeans off that had made you chuckle. Knowing how much he didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable by taking his clothes off but you enjoyed waking up next to him more than you let on.

He’d woken up shortly after you and after a quick squeeze you felt him move away, not wanting you to wake up with him pressed against you but you were quickly rolling over so you could press yourself up against him and hold him to you until you felt his chest rumble with laughter.

‘Morning Masey’

‘Morning, love. You sleep okay?’

‘Surprisingly well actually. What about you?’

‘Yeah not bad’ he whispered but you could tell he was a little shy still. Not able to look you in the eyes for more than a few seconds but it was just nice to have him back in any capacity.

Mason stuck to his word after that night, always keeping in contact as often as he could and when he went on loan to Derby County you made sure to go to as many games as you could manage. Jack always in tow as it became your little thing but as soon as he joined back up with Chelsea Jack had to stop. Telling you he didn’t feel right cheering for Chelsea as an Arsenal fan so you ended up going to games alone or with some of the Chelsea girlfriends as Mason introduced you to more people as he made friends.

You were so proud of him, watching him take the world by storm and as his second season was coming to an end you knew one of the biggest games of his life was coming up and he didn’t need any distractions.

You needed him though. Urgently.

You needed him more than you'd ever needed anyone in your life and as you sat and waited for him to show up you felt sicker and sicker. The gravity of the situation still not hitting you properly as you hadn’t managed to speak it out loud to him yet but you knew you needed to get a grip.

When Mason eventually got to your house, the door was opened by your mother who gave him a concerned look as she nodded him in and he wasn't sure what to to think at all.

‘She’s in her room but she won’t tell me what’s wrong’ she huffed, rolling her eyes slightly and it struck him as a bit weird because he knew you told your mum everything. The fact she was laughing it off though made him think it was that serious though and he felt his heart calm down slightly.

‘I’ll speak to her’ he reassured her. Touching her arm as if to comfort her slightly before he made his way up the stairs and straight to your room. Knocking gently as the door was shut but he really didn’t know what to expect.

‘You in there love?’ He called, knocking lightly again as he didn’t know if you were sleeping but you were far from it. Laid on your back as you looked up to the ceiling to try and control your breathing but his voice had you sat up straight in an instant.

‘Yeah’ you answered, hoping it was loud enough for him to hear but you knew your voice sounded strained and when the door finally opened and you could see his face you felt yours crumple. Hot tears running thick and fast down your face but Mason was quick to shut the door and rush to your side so he could pull you into his arms.

Even though he had no idea what was going on, the fact he’d dropped everything to come here and comfort you meant the world and as you sobbed into his chest you’d never felt more lucky to have a friend like him.

He let you take your time, rubbing you back soothingly to calm you down enough to speak and even though you were petrified, you knew Mason would be there for you and on your side no matter what you told him.

‘Hey, come on it’s okay’ he whispered, trying to pull back so he could look at you but you weren’t ready yet and he didn’t push you to talk until your tears had died down. ‘It’s alright, love. Take your time, yeah? I’m not going anywhere’

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you come all this way’

‘No no don’t be silly, you know I would have come a lot further if you needed me to’ he whispered. Trying his best to settle you so that you’d come out and tell him what’s wrong and when you looked up at him with a pout, his heart broke for you. ‘What is it, love? Whats happened?’

‘Me and Jack… well there isn’t a me and Jack anymore. He’s left me’ you told him, your voice wobbling as you tried your best not to break down again but you could tell he was shocked as he pulled you back into his chest.

‘Oh y/n’ he sighed, wrapping his arms around you tighter and rubbing your back soothingly. ‘What happened?’

‘If I tell you, can you promise it stays between us’ you asked, not wanting anyone to know your secret just yet but you knew you were about to burst if you didn’t tell someone.

‘Well I don’t kn-‘

‘No Mason, you have to promise’ you begged, feeling yourself get hysterical as he wasn’t promising but when he cupped your jaw you looked straight into eyes and knew you had nothing to worry about.

‘Okay okay, I promise, yeah?’ he told you, grabbing your hand out of your lap so he could link your pinkies together and you smiled for the first time that day at the gesture. ‘I pinkie promise you it stays between us. Now spill’

You tried your hardest to tell him, the words stuck on the tip of your tongue and it took a few tries but he never tried to rush you. Giving you the time he needed you gather yourself and get the words right but it was like you’d forgotten how to speak.

‘I can’t Mase, I can’t say it’

‘Why not?’

‘Cause if I say it then it’s happening and-‘

‘Whatever it is, no matter how bad you think it might be, I’m here yeah?’ He told you. Stroking your cheek so you could look at each other properly. ‘I’ll always be here. You’re not on your own at all so just tell me and we can face it together’

‘I’m pregnant’

The words came out as a whisper and you weren’t even sure if Mason understood at first but when you watched his face contort into one of shock you knew he had. All the breath in his lungs being expelled at once as what you’d said hit him like a slap in the face, but now you’d said it out loud the words came pouring out of you like word vomit.

‘I found out a few days ago and I’m way further along than I was expecting and it’s all just such a mess. I didn’t want to add more pressure onto your plate with the final coming up but I didn’t know who else to tell I’m so so sorry Mase-‘

‘You do not need to apologise, okay? You have nothing to be sorry for’ he whispered and you could see he was trying his hardest to comfort you but he was also stunned by what you’d told him. ‘Sorry I feel like I’m being shit but I don't know what to say’

‘No it’s fine, I don’t know either’ you laughed and the fact you’d cracked a bit made him smile. Pulling you into his chest so you could cuddle into him and when his fingers began to massage over your scalp you felt yourself melt.

‘Are you okay? Like are you feeling okay?’ He whispered into the side of your head and you nodded softly.

‘I’m a bit sick but I’m fine I promise’ you told him looking back up into his big brown eyes and it was as clear as day how much he cared and how worried he was for you.

‘So Jack left when you told him?’ He asked carefully but all you could do was nod knowing your voice would fail you. ‘I’ll kill him. I swear to god I’ll kill him’

‘Please don’t, I just wanna forget he ever existed’ you sniffed before looking down into your lap so you could let your tears fall.

‘Look at me’ he whispered, taking your face in his hands again so he could kiss your forehead and you felt yourself relax in his hold. Looking up at him through your tears but you could see he was calming down. ‘He never deserved you. The both of you, okay?’ He mumbled. Your eyes spilling over as he referred to you as a pair and even though you were petrified you knew you’d be okay as long as you had your best friend. ‘I don’t care what you say, I’m here now and I’m taking care of you’

‘No mase, you can’t-‘

‘I don’t wanna hear it okay.’ He cut you off, tucking your hair behind your ears. ‘Call it payback or whatever for when I left for a year but you’re not on your own. I’ll do whatever you need me to’

‘Mase-‘

‘You need to do one thing for me though, okay’ he asked and you had no idea what it was but you were willing to do just about anything for him right now. ‘I need you to tell your mum’

You knew he was right, there was no way you could hide this from her and you’d need all the help you could get but the prospect of telling your family terrified you. You knew this wasn’t what they wanted for you and the thought of disappointing them hurt but you knew deep down he was right.

‘Will you come with me?’ You asked quietly and his face softened immediately.

‘Of course I will’

‘Okay, let me just go to the loo and sort myself out and we can do it’ you smiled. Leaving him alone in your room for a moment but you had no idea what he was about to do as he reached for his phone and called the one person he needed to talk to.

‘Hello?’

‘Don’t talk and don’t put the phone down’ he said lowly, his mind scrambled with what he wanted to say but in the end he blurted it all out. ‘I’m just calling to tell you you’re a piece of shit and if you dare thinking about coming near her again I’ll rip your fucking head off’

‘Oh give it a rest mate, you think I give a shit?’ Jack laughed and the sound made Mason want to punch something. ‘You should be thanking me anyway, I know you’ve wanted me out of the picture since I got there. Not that it makes much difference, she still picked me even when you were begging for her’

‘Shut the fuck up’ Mason spat but it made no difference. Jack was still laughing at him down the phone like he thought he was pathetic and it made Mason want to scream.

‘Don’t call me again and I won’t call you. And don’t worry, I don’t plan on being near her anytime soon’

‘How can you be like this? You’re gonna chuck it all away for no reason?’

‘I never wanted a kid, that was never in my plans. She can do what she wants but I’m out. Just like I’m out of this conversation. I would say good luck with everything but I don’t mean it’ he said before hanging up and Mason could only just contain his rage.

How could he say that about you? You’d stuck with him for so long and Mason knew how much you loved him so to hear him speak about you in this way infuriated him. Mason was never Jacks biggest fan but he’d always been respectful for your sake and now he wished he never had been.

‘Mase, you coming?’ You called, your head poking into your room to see him looking furious but as soon as his eyes fell on you his whole face changed.

‘I’m here love, sorry’ he smiled. Popping his phone back into his pocket and meeting you by the door so he could take your hand and lead you downstairs. It was safe to say you were terrified but as long as you had Mason you knew you could get through this.

Telling your mum you were about to become a single parent was one of the hardest things you ever had to do, but she could see how upset and scared you were and thankfully wasn’t hard on you. Begging you to stay home so she could look after you and you took her up on the offer so you could be closer to Mason and away from the home you used to share with Jack. Even staying with him some nights just for a break and you always felt your happiest when you were next to him.

He did everything for you. He cooked, he cleaned, he even did your washing and when the time came for his big game he called you as soon as he could after he’d won to let you know it was you and your little pickle that pushed him over the finish line and gave him the strength to win.

When he had a small break from football he took you away for a few days just the two of you and you knew what you must have looked like to other people but you never corrected them. You just held his hand and let him treat you even if you did feel awful about it but in the back of your mind you wanted people to think you were together. That you had your life in order and the father of your child was in the picture rather than off doing god knows what because you weren’t good enough for him.

Pregnancy was tough. You felt sick most of the way through it and even though you were trying your hardest to make out that you were fine, you were still mourning the loss of the man you thought you’d be spending the rest of your life with. You kept your sadness private though, waiting until you were in the safety of your bedroom of a night to let your tears flow.

It took a while but you knew it had to stop. Your life still had to move on without him and you had a whole new human to think about. If he didn’t want to be a part of your lives then that’s his choice but it was also your choice to give your baby the best life you could.

Mason couldn’t make it to your first scan but he made sure to take you to your second. You could tell he was unsure about if you wanted him to actually come in with you or not but you just nodded your head in the direction of the door and he followed you in with a huge smile.

‘I see your red lipstick is back’ he commented as he helped you up onto the bed but all you could do was send him a smile. It was rare you’d worn it over the last few years as Jack always complained when you did but now you were free of him, you were free to wear it again. Feeling more like yourself with each day that passed.

‘So todays the day’ the nurse smiled as she gelled your belly up. ‘What have you decided?’ She asked but Mason was looking at you confused. He had no idea what an important scan this was but you just smiled at him before turning to her.

‘I want to know’ you confirmed but Mason just looked at you like you were speaking another language.

‘Am I missing something here? Want to know what?’

‘What I’m having. I can find out if it’s a boy or a girl today’ you told him and his eyebrows almost got lost in his hairline he was that shocked.

‘Oh’ he smiled. ‘Wait you’re just gonna find out now? No big gender reveal or anything?’

‘Nah, I don’t fancy it’ you shrugged. ‘I’ve got the most important person here who needs to know so I don’t see why I should wait. What do you think?’

‘Let’s do it’ he smiled, his eyes sparkling as they filled with tears and you squeezed his hand to let him know it was okay as the nurse began the search for your little one. ‘What am I having then? A niece or a nephew’ he joked, squeezing your hand gently as she moved the probe around and she let out a little laugh before her eyes fell to you.

‘Y/n… you’re having a little girl’

You didn’t realise you were crying until you felt Mason's lips on your forehead. Warm trickles spilling down your cheeks at the gesture as you covered your face with your free hand.

You’d told yourself you would be happy with whatever your baby was but deep down you knew you wanted a girl. A little mini you who would be your absolute best friend and now you knew you were getting your wish you couldn’t hold your sobs in. The nurse leaving the pair of you alone so Mason could help you calm down and after a few more forehead kisses and reassuring words in your ear you were semi back to normal.

‘Sorry Mase, it’s just a lot’

‘I know, love. It’s okay though, you’re allowed to get upset’ he reassured you and before you knew it you were getting packed up to leave and go home with fresh pictures of you little girl in hand.

You made a quick stop in the loo before you left, something that was now becoming a regular occurrence and once you were out, Mason was nowhere to be seen. You wondered if he’d maybe been mobbed by fans and had to go and hide but as soon as you got your phone out to text him he appeared. A sly smile on his face as he hid his hands in the front pocket of his hoodie and you eyed him curiously until he let out a giggle.

‘Where did you go?’ You asked him, the smile on his face contagious as he tried to suppress it.

‘The gift shop’

‘Why? Isn’t it full of flowers and get well soon cards?’

‘There was a lot of that yes, but I wanted to get my niece her first teddy’ he smiled, reaching back into his front pocket and pulling out a little giraffe teddy with a pink bow tied round the bottom of its neck and you felt your eyes sting for the millionth time that day.

‘Oh Mase’ you whispered. ‘That must have cost you an arm and a leg in there’

‘Worth it’ he smiled and when he wrapped his arm around your shoulders, you let him lead you out to the car to go home.

As you neared the end of your pregnancy you were ready for it all to be over with. Your little pickle wasn't so little anymore and everything was hurting. The worst were the Braxton Hicks contractions and even though you’d been having them for a few weeks now, the ones today felt worse. You weren’t due to give birth for another two weeks though so you knew it was nothing serious however after a call to your midwife she advised you to come in and stay the night to be observed.

You called Mason that night once you were settled in, letting him know you were staying over as a precaution and even when he tried to protest you made him stay home. He had a big game the next day and you didn’t want him to worry and get himself in a tizz when you’d be chilling in bed all day and by the time you were both ready to sleep he was pleading with you to see you afterwards. Agreeing that he could come and visit you after his game and you went to sleep excited that you’d be able to see him tomorrow.

As far as games go, it was a good one for Mason. He stuck to his promise and scored you a goal, his first of the season, which was then followed by 2 more. His first Chelsea hat trick and you just wished you would have been able to watch it in a little more comfort.

As soon as Mason could get out of there he did. Discreetly letting the staff know what was happening so they let him go without another word and even though all his team mates wanted to celebrate, there was only one place he wanted to be.

He knew he had time but he also wanted to get to you as quickly as he could so he only made one stop to pick you up a few things and he made it to the hospital by 6pm. Thankfully your mum had told him where abouts in the hospital he had to go and once he made it to the maternity ward reception he didn’t have to look far to know what room you were in. Your mum walking out looking more emotional than he’d ever seen her and once she caught sight of him she ran over to give him a big hug.

‘Is she alright? I text her a few times but she didn’t reply so I presumed she was asleep’

‘Oh Mase’ she sobbed. ‘She’s here’

‘What?… what do you mean?’

‘She was born about half an hour ago, it all happened so fast’ your mum told him but he was stuck frozen.

‘Is everything alright? Are they both fine? I got here as quick as I could I had no idea-‘

‘They’re both fine Mase’ she reassured him. Holding him but his arms in hopes he would calm down. ‘Why don’t you go in and see them. I think she was about to have a nap but she’ll be over the moon to see you’

‘Okay’ he whispered. Eyes trained on the door your mum had just emerged from and with a gentle push he was making his way over.

Mason had never been so nervous before, not even before he took his penalty earlier did he feel like this but the excitement took over and before he knew it he was pushing the door open to reveal you sat up in bed and even though you looked frightened and exhausted, your eyes were full of love and he couldn’t wait to hold you.

‘Mase’ you breathed, your bottom lip wobbling as he rushed to your side, dropping all his bags in the process so he could hug you and as soon as his arms were around you you cried your heart out. All of your emotions and hormones spilling out of you as the comfort of your best friend engulfed you and he let you cry it out fully. Pulling back as your breathing started to regulate so he could kiss your cheeks and take a good look at you. ‘I’m so sorry, they told me it would be hours-‘

‘Do not say sorry, yeah’ he whispered. Pushing the hair out of your face so he could get a better look at you and the look of pride on his face made you dizzy. ‘Are you okay? Are you in pain?’

‘Yeah, it hurt like fuck’ you laughed, wiping your eyes before he took your hands in his. "They said it would take hours and then all of a sudden I was fully dilated so I couldn't even get the epidural’ you told him and his face softened. ‘I think she was just too excited to see you and congratulate you for your hat trick’ you laughed tearily and his face crumpled a little bit. ‘You played so well Mase I’m so proud of you’

‘Are you kidding me? You just pushed a whole human out. I’m proud of you’ he told you as his eyes flickered all over your face. ‘And you’re the only woman I’ve ever known give birth in red lipstick’

‘I wanted her to know what type of woman she’s got for a mum as soon as possible’ you told him with a laugh. ’Do you wanna meet her?’ You asked quietly, knowing he’s been waiting months to finally see her and the bright smile he sent your way to you all you needed to know.

‘Please’ he whispered shyly, so you nodded him over to sit in the chair next to your bed before leaning over the other side so you could pick her out from her crib. Luckily enough she was still awake and you kept your eyes on Mason's face as you handed her over.

It was like love at first sight, his eyes filling up with tears that he tried to blink away as his lip wobbled but he was a natural when he held her. Getting her comfortable in his arms as best he could before he stroked her little face and you could tell from his ragged breathing he was overwhelmed with everything.

‘Oh y/n she’s your double’ he whispered. Tracing her features gently and your heart was racing at how he was with her.

‘Yeah, you think?’

‘Of course, she’s perfect’ he whispered, softly trailing his finger dow her nose as she looked up at him in wonder but your moment was only short lived as your midwife came back in to check on you and her eyes caught Masons immediately.

‘Ooooh a boy, what’s your name handsome?’ She giggled and you laughed at his frightened face.

‘This is my best friend, Mason’ you explained and she gave you an over exaggerated wink before directing her attention back to him.

‘Well Mason, I’m not sure if you know this but babies really benefit from a little skin to skin when they’re born.’

‘What?’ He breathed. Looking at you for help but the shrug of your shoulder let him know you weren’t about to help him.

‘It’s true, releases good hormones apparently and will help her immune system’

‘I’ve only just got here and you already want me bloody undressed’ he muttered, passing you back your little bundle of joy before undressing his top half and you felt your heart flutter a little at the sight of him. You hadn't seen him in this state for a long time and you couldn't believe how much he’d bulked out but you pushed everything down as you began to unwrap your daughter to hand over to him. Feeling yourself melt even more as he settled her back against his chest and you wrapped a blanket around them to keep them warm.

‘Hey, y/n? Have we got a name yet? I want to introduce myself properly’ he told you seriously. You’d had a name for a while but you wanted to make sure it fit her face and you wanted to discuss it with him too just in case he thought it was a bad idea.

‘I think I do, yeah. Mase this is Ginevra, Gee for short’ you told him softly. ‘I wanted to name her after my Italian great grandmother, you know the one I only met once?’

‘I remember’ he smiled ‘Hey baby Gee, it’s so nice to finally see you’ he told her looking down into her eyes that were staring right back into his. ‘We’re gonna be best friends, me and you’ he told her. Listing off all the adventures he was planning for them and you knew in that moment that it didn’t matter about Jack or anyone else, she would always have Mason.

It was the start of a beautiful friendship between the pair of them and even though being a new mother was difficult and required a lot of adapting, Mason always made sure he gave a helping hand.

You felt awful, letting him give up his free time to help you raise a baby that wasn’t even his but you could see he was in his element. His caring nature coming out in full force whenever Gee was around and you loved the way this extended to you too. Not that he hadn't always been caring but it was like he was extra gentle now.

Whenever he had a few hours free he would make sure to visit, even if it wasn’t for long but it always brightened your day to see him and it definitely brightened Gee’s. Next to you, he was becoming her favourite person.

You loved being back at home but there was something missing. A deep need inside of you to stop relying on your family and to give your daughter the life she deserved on your own. You had always tried to be as independent as you could but living off your parents and Mason was starting to take its toll.

Gee was the most special little girl in the whole world. You couldn’t believe you’d created a human so kind and funny and silly and after dreaming about your baby for so long, it was unreal to finally have her in your arms.

You had three months left of maternity leave when work checked in on you. You figured it was just for a general update but after a long talk they were offering you something you couldn’t refuse. A way out of the life you were currently in and you didn’t even think twice before saying yes.

Mason could tell there was something on your mind from the first look at you. He’d come over for a few hours after training just like usual and aside from a quick hello, you mostly sat in silence. Never one to push you though he let you sit a stew for a while as he laid with Gee on the floor. Tapping the toys hanging from the frame attached to her play mat so they dangled above her and as she laughed excitedly he would tickle her tummy to make it even worse so her giggles filled the quiet room.

He was so good with her, which made what you were about to tell him all the more difficult. Not having the courage to do it right then and there but after a little while you couldn't hold it in. Asking him to come and sit next to you on the sofa and he carefully picked up Gee so he could cradle her in his arms as you spoke and you looked on with a big smile as she playfully held his finger.

‘So the company I work for, they’re having a bit of a shuffle around and things are gonna be different when I go back’ you started but his face turned to one of anger immediately.

‘You’re not loosing your job are you? They’re not allowed to do that’ he told you seriously but you just smiled and shook your head.

‘No Mase I’m not losing my job’ you laughed. ‘I’m getting a promotion actually’

‘Oh no way, that’s amazing’ he smiled. His whole face lighting up now he knew they weren’t trying to get rid of you but now you knew the hard part was coming where you needed to explain what was actually going on.

‘Yeah they’re opening a new office and they want me to run my own department there, like it’s all getting set up for when I’m back it’s really exciting’

‘I’m so proud of you’ he smiled but he noticed the way your face had fallen and that you looked slightly nervous. ‘What’s up? You don’t look too happy about it’

‘No I am I am, it’s just, well it’s a big change’ you explained but his kind smile hadn’t faltered and you knew you were about to crush his whole world.

‘I know it is, but you can do’

‘Mase?’ You gulped. Looking down into your lap as you held the heart of the necklace he’d gifted you all these years ago. Hoping it would give you the strength you needed like it always did.

‘Yeah?’

‘It’s in Manchester’

‘What?’ He asked. Looking up to say his face contorted in confusion and even though you knew you had to explain more, a weight felt like it had been lifted.

‘The job. It’s in Manchester’

‘Oh’ he breathed. Looking slightly bewildered by everything you were saying and as he carried on speaking you knew you’d have to break it down a bit more for him. ‘That’s a pretty long commute isn’t it? A couple of hours each way at least. Can you work from home?’

‘I can work from home Mason, yes. But I also need to be in the office’ you breathed. Ready to give him the final blow and as you looked into his sweet brown eyes, you knew this would hurt him more than anything. ‘That’s why I’m moving there’

‘You’re what?’

‘I’m moving to Manchester, Mason’

You watched his face fall, eyes dropping down to Gee who was quietly laying in his arms and when he looked back up you could see his eyes were full of tears.

‘Please don’t take her away from me’ he whispered, his voice thick as his bottom lip wobbled and your heart broke for the boy sitting next to you.

‘No Masey, no I’m not taking her away from you I promise’ you told him, your own eyes burning as you tried to comfort him but you could tell he was distraught at the thought of not being close to her anymore.

‘I can’t lose you guys, I’ve lost you once and I can’t-‘

‘Mase no, come here’ you asked him. Holding your arms out for him to fall into and once he was settled comfortably you scratched over his scalp just how he liked it. ‘You won’t lose us I swear, we’ll be back all the time okay and you can come visit whenever you want. I just… I need to do this. For me’ you sighed. ‘I wanna give Gee the best life I can, okay?

‘I can do that, I’ll give you guys everything you need-‘

‘Mason, my minds made up’

‘But why’ he pouted. Knowing there was more to the story than you were giving him and the look in his eyes made you realise you had to be completely honest.

‘I can’t be here anymore Mase. Everywhere I look I see him and I just hate feeling like this. I need a fresh start’ you confessed and you watched his face drop instantly as a look of understanding washed over him.

‘Hey hey, it’s alright’ he whispered, sitting up and pulling you into his side. ‘If it's what you need to do then I’ll support you, okay? I’m not gonna sit here and act like I’m thrilled about the whole thing but whatever you need then I’m here for you’ he reassured you.

‘Thank you’

‘And you best believe I’m gonna be visiting every second I get a chance so you better get somewhere with a guest bedroom’

‘I will, I promise’ you laughed. Trying to hold back a sob but it was no use. Yes this was what you needed but it was tough on everyone and you hated upsetting Mason more than anything. ‘You knew you’re always gonna be my best friend Mason. Distance won’t change that’

‘I hope so’ he whispered tearily and you felt your heart break for the millionth time.

Tag list - @saltyheartnightmare @harvestmount @prideofpd @sid-vii @carlottawllms @footiehoemcfc @katharinanadiaa @whenelifallsinlove @neverinadream @cityzenchick @msnmnt @stikkibun @masonmtxo @chillymountsjess @yoursselo @maseymm @feelinglikeineedlotsofnaps @leclerc13

[orlaunderrated]

The Edges of Us: Chapter 6

First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Will Lenney x fem reader; George Clarke x fem reader

Summary: Y/N has always been close to George—but everything changes when she catches feelings for his sharp-tongued, infuriatingly charming friend, Will. Torn between loyalty and desire, Y/N finds herself caught in a messy tangle of friendship, secrets, and unexpected love.

Word Count: 5.7k+

Note: Swag mode 😎😎. here's more William content. please don't look at the texts too hard, I have no clue how to write a convincing text exchange. i scoured a bit more willne videos to see their studio space lmao, so unnecessary, also mention of my twin orla in this one!

xxx

The next morning, I’m wrecked from staying up way too late, scrolling through flat listings and obsessively refreshing every page in hopes of some miracle. My eyes are sore, and my head feels like it’s been pounded with a hammer. I’m on my third cup of coffee, questioning whether a fourth would be pure madness or just a necessary survival tactic. The caffeine’s not helping as much as I’d like it to, but at least the warm cup in my hands feels like a small comfort.

I’m squinting at my computer screen, trying to focus, when my phone buzzes on my desk. The vibration cuts through the fog in my brain, making me jump slightly. I glance at the screen, half-expecting another spam message about payday loans or some kind of bad news. But it’s not.

It’s Will.

You free Saturday?

Will and I have still been DMing in the background. It’s weird. I don’t know what I expected to happen after the time we ran into each other at the pub, but I guess I didn’t think we'd still be talking. The messages come less frequently now, but there's still this pull every time his name lights up on my screen.

It’s like we’re both doing the bare minimum to keep the banter going without it feeling too forced. I know I’ve been busy, flat-hunting, work, trying not to drown in my bedsheets, and I assume he has too. He’s been very frequently posting on his second channel. I don’t watch them out of principle, but I would by lying if I say I didn’t check. He seems kind of person who just seems to have endless energy, but even so, I’m pretty sure he’s not sitting around waiting for my next message.

But still, here we are. Two weeks later, and I’m still somehow locked in this weird back-and-forth with him. The tension that was once a sharp sting now feels more like an itch that I can’t quite scratch. It’s not as urgent, but it’s still there, simmering.

The messages are still laced with sarcasm, just like before, but there’s a slightly different tone to them now. Less relentless. Less needling at me all the time. And, strangely, I miss it. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I miss the challenge.

never-ending game we’re both playing. I hope we’re not friends. God, that would be so much worse. Will drives me crazy—in that way where he can make me laugh when I shouldn’t, or get under my skin without even trying. I mean, it’s almost impressive how he can do both at once. But friends? Nah. Definitely not.

Sometimes, he shows up at the flat, a guest of Chris or George. He, barges in like he owns the place, strutting around with that smug look of his, making offhand comments that make me want to scream. It’s always the same. I’ll be hanging out with Chris, George, and whoever else, and it’ll be fine until it’s time for me to sleep.

Will, of course, notices. He’s always got this sixth sense for when I’m about to dip out, as if he can smell when I’m done with the noise and need to retreat. And that’s when he starts in on me.

“You’re so boring,” he’ll say, leaning back with that shit-eating grin, clearly pleased with himself for getting a rise out of me.

I’ll give him one of those looks, the kind that says don’t even but doesn’t quite stop me from firing back. “I have a degree,” I’ll say, deadpan, “I’m allowed to be boring.”

He’ll laugh, and that laugh, damn it, it always hits me like an electric shock. It’s not funny, but it is. And I hate it. I hate that I know I’ll never hear the end of it. He'll always have some smartass remark to throw back, but I’ll try my best to shut him down, even if it’s just with a quick glance or a snide comment of my own. Still, no matter how much I want to hate him, part of me gets that twisted satisfaction from sparring with him, like I’m winning a battle I never actually signed up for.

So for him to ask me if I'm free Saturday is strange to say the least. It’s totally random, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at the fact that he’s still so Will. I let it sit for an hour. I am at work after all.

Am I now buzzing for Saturday? Yes. But do I like him? No. That’s still a solid no. He's still the guy who grins like he’s got some secret joke whenever I’m around, and he’s still way too cocky for my taste.

But, I’ll admit it, there’s something there that makes me want to keep digging.

So, maybe this Saturday thing will give me a bit more insight. Maybe I’ll even see the real Will, or if my assumptions are correct, and he is just annoying at all hours of the day.

xxx

Saturday takes forever to arrive. Every day at work drags like it knows I’m waiting for something, like the universe is deliberately slowing time just to mess with me. By the time I’m in the elevator heading up to the studio, I can barely stand still. Nerves are buzzing under my skin like static.

A sudden, very real thought hits me—this could be a prank. I mean, it’s Will. Why wouldn’t it be? Maybe I should’ve actually watched some of his videos before agreeing to this. At least then I’d have some idea what I’ve signed up for. But no, I just said yes like a moron.

But then I remember, this is content, after all. And for content to be good, I have to be somebody. A character. A moment. My Instagram barely scrapes 500 followers. I’m not anybody.

So why the hell did he invite me here?

I’m not exactly sure what I expected a YouTuber’s studio to look like, but... it wasn’t this.

When Will talks about going to “the office,” I imagined something like mine—sterile, full of cold overhead lighting, open-plan with sad little partitions and passive-aggressive mugs. This is something else entirely.

The space is basically one big room, wide open, chaotic in a strangely intentional way. One wall is lined with IKEA storage cubes—every single one full to bursting. Half the fabric drawers are bulging open, and the labels are just printer paper taped on with what looks like the last sticky bit of an old roll. Minimal effort, maximal clutter.

There’s a random blue couch sitting smack in the middle of the room, like it wandered in and never left. Underneath, of course, is more stuff. There’s also a bar cart—because why not?—loaded with more spirits than a corner shop and about a dozen mismatched, vaguely fancy glasses.

Floor-to-ceiling windows should give the place an airy, open feel, but most of them are cloaked in heavy blackout curtains. A half-built Jenga tower is perched dangerously close to collapse on the floor, surrounded by wires, stray props, and what I hope is fake slime. Miscellaneous art hangs on the walls, and even more is propped up on the floor, leaning at awkward angles like it’s too tired to be displayed properly. There’s gear everywhere, light stands, mics, cables snaking across the floor like trip hazards waiting for a victim.

I get the vibe they tried to make this place cool and chic, and maybe at one point it was. But now? There’s just too much... stuff.

Toward the far end, four desks are arranged in a tight cluster, all facing inward like a gamer coven. The setups are ridiculous—giant monitors, ring lights, camera rigs, and enough SD cards and hard drives to launch a medium-sized moon mission. It makes my work desk look like a forgotten school project.

At one end of the room, there are two distinct sets. One looks like it used to be something—a cosy corner with a worn armchair and faux brick wallpaper—but now it’s been completely taken over by boxes, old office chairs, and random tech graveyard junk. Honestly, it looks a lot like my room.

The other set is clearly the main filming space. Wooden panelling lines the backdrop, LED strip lights between some of the panels, and there’s a desk front and centre with a seriously impressive lighting and camera rig aimed right at it. It looks very sleek professional, completely out of place with the rest of the office.

A woman who looks about my age—reddish-brown hair, dramatic eyeliner, cool in a way I’ll never be—is wrangling what can only be described as a mountain of shit. And by shit, I mean a completely random pile of objects: plush toys, plastic bowls, a Pokémon hat that’s seen better days. She’s also got a frankly terrifying number of energy drink cans, all in different colours. I think she’s arranging them in a specific order, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what the logic is.

I stand awkwardly just out of the way, clutching my tote bag like it’s a shield. Will’s across the room, mid-conversation with James-Jacob (the same one from the party). They’re laughing about something, completely at ease, like I’m not even here. Which, to be fair, I sort of am and sort of... am not.

James-Jacob is sitting in one of the chairs in the set, in a denim jacket that somehow looks vintage and expensive at the same time. His hair is styled in that effortless way that definitely took twenty minutes and at least two products. The moustache is… a choice, but it weirdly works for him. It's bold. He’s holding an iced long black like it’s an accessory, casually sipping it as if the studio isn’t a war zone of clutter and chaos around him. He has the arty-but-effortless thing down pat.

I don’t know what to say. Or how to announce my presence without sounding like I’ve wandered in by accident. I still don’t know why I’m here, and the longer I stand in this chaotic studio space, the more I wonder if I’ve misread the entire situation.

I start to look for my phone, to check if I have the time and date right, but then Will finally spots me. Will turns around, as James-Jacob gestures to me.

“Y/N!” I almost think it's not him who says it because, for half a second, he actually sounds... genuinely pleased to see me.

That second doesn’t last long.

“You’ve finally figured out how to dress like a human!” he adds, grinning. He starts to walk over to me. “I was worried I’d have to stage an intervention after the Great Blazer Incident.”

I roll my eyes, already regretting every decision that led me here. “It was one time. I came from work.”

“And yet I still think about it at least once a week,” he says solemnly, like it haunts him.

He seems... different here. There’s an ease to him I’m not used to seeing. The usual smugness is still there, of course it is, but it’s dialled down, softened by something that looks suspiciously like genuine professionalism.

There’s a quiet, unspoken respect between him and the crew, like they all trust each other to get things done without needing to say much. He’s still cracking jokes, still being Will, but there’s something more grounded underneath it. He’s more relaxed. More personable.

And for a second, I kind of get it—the whole YouTube thing. The appeal.

Him.

“So,” I say, arms crossed, trying not to sound defensive, “are you ever going to tell me why I’m actually here? Or did I just win a competition I didn’t enter?”

Will grins, that usual glint in his eye. “Thought it was time you saw what a real job looks like.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Right, because rearranging Pokémon hats is the height of professionalism.”

He leans back against the desk, clearly enjoying himself. “Also thought it might help with the whole crushing loneliness thing you’ve got going on.”

It lands sharper than he probably means it to. My smile falters for a second before I catch it.

“Ouch,” I say, forcing a laugh. “Thanks for the charity invite, then.”

He opens his mouth, maybe to walk it back, maybe to double down, but someone calls his name across the room and he just gives me a look before walking off. The look haunts me for a second. It looked almost… apologetic, Like he knew he crossed a line. This second passes when I notice the man who called for Will's attention.

The man looks maybe a year or two younger than me, he has a pearl necklace peeking out of his oversized t-shirt. He has  a full tattoo sleeve, and his other arm littered with smaller ink. God is everyone who works here just super cool? I feel out of place even more so. This man is also downright handsome.

I walk over to Will, trying to act (never a good start) casual and confident. I blurt out, “Are you planning on introducing me to anyone, or...?”

It comes out sharper than I meant. Demanding, even. Great.

Will raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Wow. Okay. Demanding guest energy. Got it.”

I open my mouth to backtrack, but then I catch a glimpse of handsome-man who is now holding a very professional-looking camera. Of course. He’s on the crew. I suddenly become painfully aware of how out of place I must look, awkward, underdressed, and clearly not cool enough to be here.

I clear my throat, shifting my tote on my shoulder like that’ll help. “I just thought... y’know, manners.”

Will smirks. “Sure. Manners. Let’s go with that.”

Will, to his credit, does introduce me, though only after a very theatrical sigh, like I’m the one interrupting his party.

“Alright, alright,” he says, waving me forward like a reluctant tour guide. “Come meet the people who actually make the videos good.”

He gestures to Handsome-Man-With-the-Camera first. “This is Ieuan, camera god, walking tripod, professional stabiliser of shaky chaos.”

I nod, trying not to be weird about the fact that he’s even better looking up close. “Hi.”

“Ieuan,” I repeat, effortlessly now. A few years ago at uni, I’d have butchered that pronunciation on site, but after enough time around Welsh names, I’ve stopped fearing vowels.

He smiles politely and gives a small wave before adjusting something on his rig. Cool and quiet. Of course.

Will points toward the woman still knee-deep in boxes. “That’s Orla. Producer, chaos coordinator, and part-time tour manager for James.”

Orla looks up briefly and gives me a smile, dramatic eyeliner still flawless despite what I can only assume has been a long morning. “Nice to meet you,” she says, with the sort of energy that suggests she’s already done three people’s jobs today and has no plans to slow down. With that being said though, her smile is very genuine.

“And this,” Will continues, clapping a hand on James’ shoulder, “is James. The other half of the so-called talent.”

James smiles at me. “I’m the one people actually like.”  His name is James. I was actually very close.

Will snorts. “True. I keep him around for the algorithm. Likes, shares, ad revenue. It’s all James.”'

But something in the way James grins back at him makes it obvious there’s more to it than that. The banter’s real, but so is the friendship. It’s written in the comfortable way they stand near each other, in the ease of being known.

“I think we met at Old Mate’s party,” I say to James.

Will gives me a bit of a look, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You mean Cal’s.”

Right. Cal. Of course he has a real name. I think his internet name is Calsqueezy or something.

James nods, taking a sip of his iced coffee. “Oh yeah. I was only there for a bit, not really my scene.”

He says it casually, but I can tell he means it. There’s no judgment, just that quiet honesty some people wear without even trying. It kind of disarms me.

Will nods. “There’s also Aby,” he says, glancing around. “She’s running an errand, probably saving our asses from some scheduling disaster. She’s another producer." he thinks to himself for a moment, "Oh there's also editor Mikey but he's off today."

As the introductions wind down, Will leans casually against the desk. “This lot,” he says, with a sweeping gesture, “are far too talented to be stuck making dumb review videos with me. Ieuan’s skills are wasted behind my ridiculous face, Orla could run a small nation, and—”

He pauses, looking at James, probably searching for a compliment.

“Don’t,” James warns, pointing at him. “Just don’t.”

Will grins. “See? He knows I have one, and that’s what matters.”

He waits a beat, and then claps his hands once, loud enough to cut through the idle chatter. “Alright, let’s get started!”

He glances over at me, and for a second I think he’s about to say something sarcastic, but he just gives me a quick nod, all business, then turns back to the crew like he’s flipping a switch.

And just like that, he’s in his element.

He gives directions, laughs with the crew, makes some offhand joke that sends James into a fit of giggles, then smirks to himself like he knows he’s good. It should be annoying. It is annoying. But when it’s not aimed at me, it’s... magnetic.

I find a seat off to the side. I'm far enough away not to be in the way, but close enough to witness the chaos. From here, it looks like organised madness. Cables, lights, props being moved. Voices overlapping. Will moves through it like it’s all choreographed.

He prances around the space. yes, prances is the only word for it. he's checking angles, tweaking lighting, fussing over his camera like it’s a pet. Once or twice, he catches me watching. He flashes a grin, quick and unbothered, then gets right back to work.

No smug comment. No teasing. Just... working.

It throws me off.

It throws me off so bad I almost forget to catch a few glances at Ieuan. Almost.

xxx

The first video is about tasting a bunch of discontinued energy drinks, because apparently slowly poisoning yourself for content is just part of the brand. There’s a “good bin” and a “bad bin” where they sort each one after tasting, with Orla handing them the drinks one by one like a caffeinated sommelier. They then also add a splash of each drink to a 'mega drink' which I cant imagine is going to go well.

Turns out the method to her madness earlier was sorting them by caffeine content—from lowest to highest. Which now makes terrifying sense.

I get it now. I get why people watch this.

Will is electric. He’s practically bouncing off the walls before they even hit the halfway mark. The energy between him and James is nonstop. The rapid-fire jokes, silly moment, dramatic reactions over flavours that “taste like potpourri I used to eat as a kid.” The banter is sharp, ridiculous, and weirdly charming.

To finish off the video, Will and James down a cup of the “mega drink” and the room instantly fills with this ridiculous, contagious laughter. They’re joking, teasing, and ribbing each other like old friends who’ve known each other forever. It’s effortless, the kind of easy camaraderie that’s rare to witness. James is making the most ridiculous face I've ever seen.

I have to clamp my hand over my mouth, barely holding back my own laughter. The last thing I want is to blow the shot, but damn, it’s hard not to crack up watching them.

There’s something... phenomenal about it. Watching them like this, it’s clear this isn’t just work for them. It’s their thing. Their space. And somehow, even from the sidelines, it’s almost mesmerising.

And this is with the awkward bits still in. I can only imagine how tight and hilarious it is once it’s edited down with the fun graphics.

Watching it unfold live feels a bit like watching improv on energy drinks. Which, I suppose, it is.

Ieuan calls ‘done!’ and just like that, the chaos dissolves. Cameras go off, lights dim, and everyone moves with the kind of precision that only comes after doing this a thousand times before. Straight toward the snacks.

We gather around on the green couch, which is near a scuffed table now covered in bags of Doritos, hummus, and what might be the saddest salsa I’ve ever seen. Orla triumphantly produces it all from a mini-fridge I hadn’t even noticed earlier, probably because it’s hidden beneath a tower of tangled cables and what I’m pretty sure is a rubber chicken.

Will flops down next to me, surprisingly not saying something mocking or snide. Instead, he nods toward Orla and announces, “She’s only here for the snacks.”

“That was the deal,” I deadpan, grabbing a chip.

He grins. “She’s also here to witness a legend in action.” He throws that line to Orla like it’s an inside joke, then turns back to me. “Drinks after, by the way. You’re coming.”

I blink at him, genuinely thrown.

“Yeah, it’s rough dragging everyone in on a Saturday,” he adds, stretching back like he’s worked a double shift in a mine. “But Orla and James are off on tour soon, so we had to squeeze in an extra day. I’m compensating by putting the company card on the tab.”

“Truly a man of the people,” Orla mutters, passing me the dip.

He ignores her. “Aby and Mikey are coming too. Should be a proper send-off-slash-financial mistake.”

I'm still stuck on the drinks thing. Drinks? With them? With him? Will doesn’t like me. And I don’t like him. That’s been the whole foundation of our weird, petty little dynamic. Mutual disdain with a side of sarcasm.

But now he’s inviting me out like we’re... what? Friends?

My brain short-circuits trying to process it, but my mouth gets there first. “You sure you want me there? I might ruin your whole mysterious internet persona.”

Will smirks without missing a beat. “That’s kind of the point.”

I glance around, half-expecting one of the others to be laughing or filming me as part of some elaborate prank. But no. They’re all just eating chips like this is normal.

So maybe it is. Maybe I’ve been dropped into an alternate universe where Will isn’t actively trying to get on my nerves... and I don’t immediately want to leave.

I pop a Dorito into my mouth to avoid saying anything else. Because if he’s being weirdly nice, I need at least three more snacks to emotionally prepare.

xxx

They film the second video, and James is still clearly buzzing from all the caffeine—he’s practically vibrating with energy. The chemistry between him and Will is just as electric as before, and the banter is nonstop. I catch myself laughing louder than I realize, probably loud enough for the mics to pick up. Nobody says anything about it, but I get the sense that my unexpected outbursts just blend right into the chaos of the shoot. It’s oddly comforting to be part of this wild, caffeinated madness, even if just on the side lines.

Ieuan calls “Done!” and the room bursts into boisterous laughter. Everyone starts shuffling toward the door, energised and buzzing with excitement for the afternoon ahead. The air feels electric, full of that easy camaraderie that comes from shared chaos, and maybe just a little too much caffeine.

The pub’s within walking distance of the studio and clearly a well-loved local, no matter how divey it is. The second we step inside, I’m hit with the smell of stale beer, fried food, and whatever cleaning product they gave up on halfway through the floors.

My sneakers instantly stick to something on the ground. Great.

It’s the kind of place that has mismatched chairs, chalkboard specials that haven’t changed since 2017, and fairy lights that probably haven’t been turned off since they were first hung. But judging by the way everyone relaxes the moment we walk in, this is clearly their spot.

Orla turns to the group to proudly say, “Our booth’s free!”

There’s a sort of triumphant energy to it, like this was the final boss of the night and she’s just won. She leads the way toward a worn-in corner booth that looks like it’s absorbed every conversation, spilled drink, and questionable life choice this crew has ever made.

We’re barely seated when Will steps away from the table, already pulling out his wallet.

“Alright,” he says, pointing as he goes down the mental checklist like a bartender who moonlights as a psychic. “Orla, you’ll want a Guinness. James, lemon-lime and bitters. Ieuan, your usual IPA. Y/N…” he pauses, smirking slightly, “cider, right?”

I blink. “Yeah.”

He turns toward the bar like it’s no big deal. “Mikey and Aby are two minutes away in the Uber, so I’ll order theirs too.”

Everyone nods, completely unfazed. Business as usual. No one acts like it’s anything special—but I’m sitting there stunned.

He didn’t just know their orders, which would be impressive enough but he remembered mine. From the one time we ran into each other at the pub after my work drinks. A throwaway detail from weeks ago. He remembered.

It shouldn’t mean anything. It probably doesn’t. But there’s something oddly touching about it. And it throws me off more than any sarcastic comment ever could.

I'm just completely thrown today.

Conversations break out easily once drinks hit the table. The kind of noise that fills every space with overlapping stories and half-heard jokes.

I end up leaning toward James, asking about his upcoming tour.

He lights up immediately. “I’m excited,” he says, then after a pause, “but nervous. We’re playing a lot of the new album live for the first time. Could totally flop.”

He laughs like he’s joking, but I catch the flicker of real worry behind it. Before I can say anything reassuring, Orla cuts in to rib him about learning his own lyrics properly this time, and the moment drifts away with the laughter.

Ieuan starts talking to Orla, but I catch a few words. He’s moving in with his girlfriend. I nod politely when he mentions it, even manage a smile. My brain offers me a quiet, helpful suggestion: This is the part where you’re supposed to feel crushed.

I don’t. Not really. Just a little... floaty.

Mikey and Aby arrive a few minutes later, both looking like they’ve already been laughing about something. Apparently Aby ran into him while grabbing lunch on her “errand,” and they decided to come back together.

James snorts. “You’re scamming a living, Aby.”

She flips him off without missing a beat. Everyone laughs, so it's clearly an ongoing bit. It’s warm. Familiar.

I introduce myself, a little awkwardly, but both are immediately friendly. Aby’s effortlessly cool with her blonde hair, oversized blazer and total girlboss energy. Mikey, on the other hand, is pure chaos. His bright red hair is sticking up like he lost a fight with a wind tunnel, and he talks with his whole body, hands flailing, voice animated, bouncing between topics like he’s buffering in real time.

I like them instantly.

Will returns with a tray of drinks, and the table erupts like he’s just brought a round of gold.

“Look at this man go,” Orla says, raising her glass.

“Hero of the people,” Mikey adds, dramatically clutching his chest.

On the tray: five pints, one lemon-lime bitters, and a glass of white wine. Without saying a word, Will starts placing each drink in front of its rightful owner, setting them down with casual precision, each one on a coaster. Like it’s muscle memory.

When he reaches me, he places the pint of cider gently in front of me, with the glass turned, label facing out, like some kind of pub sommelier. And then, as he shifts the tray under his arm, his other one moves behind my chair.

He doesn’t touch me. Doesn’t say anything. Just that one arm resting casually along the back of my seat.

It shouldn't mean anything. It's probably just for balance. But my breath catches in my throat anyway, sharp and embarrassing. He’s not even touching me.

And then he’s gone, walking off to return the tray like it’s nothing.

I blink, trying to reset my brain. It’s nothing. It’s nothing. Just... proximity. Pub physics. Nothing to write a diary entry about.

Still, I find myself watching the space he left behind like it might explain why my pulse hasn’t slowed down yet.

Two more pints later, the table has reached a comfortable kind of chaos. The volume’s gone up, the laughter’s coming easier, and conversations have splintered off in every direction.

Orla and Aby are deep in a stream of gossip about mutual friends, names I don’t recognise, but their dramatic re-enactments are gripping. Across the table, Will and James are animatedly dissecting some obscure TV series they’ve both just discovered and apparently believe is a cultural cornerstone.

Closer to me, Ieuan’s mid-rant about the stress of moving flats, arms flailing slightly as he describes the war zone of cardboard boxes his life has become. Mikey jumps in occasionally to offer moving “advice,” most of which sounds borderline illegal.

I chime in without thinking. “I’ve got four inspections lined up this week. Four. And I’m already mentally composing my rejection emails.”

Ieuan winces. “You flat-hunting in London?”

I nod grimly. “Yeah. It’s like a full-time job where every interview ends with, ‘We’ll let you know,’ and then they don’t.”

Mikey offers me a crisp from the middle of the table, looking weirdly sympathetic. “That’s brutal. I lasted three days when I tried. Moved back home and started a fish tank.”

I don’t even know how to respond to that, but it makes me laugh.

And just like that, I realise how easy this all feels. Sitting here, wedged between people I barely know and yet somehow don’t feel out of place with. For a moment, I forget about the flat stress. I forget about the weird tension I can’t name.

I’m just... here. And it’s not terrible.

The conversation between Will and James starts to fizzle, both of them finally running out of steam, or maybe just tired of trying to convince each other to watch the same show. I’m mid-laugh at something else Mikey says when I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder.

I turn, and Will’s leaning in slightly, his face unreadable in the low pub light. “So,” he says, voice pitched just for me, “does this make up for Valentine’s Day?”

It takes me a second. “What?”

“I couldn't take you out” he continues, like it’s obvious. “So. Drinks. Company. Pint on me. Consider it... delayed compensation.”

I blink at him, genuinely thrown. “You remember that?”

He just shrugs, casual. Too casual. “I remember everything you say.”

That quiet little sentence knocks the wind out of me more than I care to admit. He says it like it’s nothing, like it's just true. But it lands with way more weight than it should.

I narrow my eyes at him, trying to hide the fact that my brain is short-circuiting. “Okay, whoa. No. I want cocky Will back. This version’s way too emotionally available.”

He smirks, sitting back like I’ve walked straight into his trap. “Fine. You’re welcome, by the way—for being the most interesting part of your boring little 9 to 5 life.”

I snort. “There he is.”

He grins wider, clearly pleased with himself. “Missed me?”

“Like a toothache,” I smirk, but I find it hard for it to not turn into a fully-fledged smile.

After a surprisingly good steak (courtesy of Will, no less) and more pints than I’m willing to admit to in writing, I fish my phone out of my bag and start tapping for an Uber.

Before I can get past the address screen, Will reaches across the table and gently pushes my hand down. “Don’t worry about it,” he says, already pulling out his own phone. “I’ve got it.”

I blink at him. “You’ve got it?”

He’s typing something in before I can argue. “Yeah. I already know where you live.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Okay, stalker?”

He rolls his eyes. “You live with Chris and George. It’s not that deep.”

Right. That.

I sit back, feeling weirdly... thrown. For a second, I forgot about the shared connections, the overlapping social circles. I forgot he’s not just the guy who gets under my skin, but also the guy who shows up to our flat like he’s part of the furniture.

Still. There’s something strange about the way he does it without asking. Like it’s second nature.

I glance at him, but he’s already looking at his phone, scrolling to confirm the ride like it’s no big deal.

Maybe it’s not, but for some reason, it kind of feels like it is.

He even walks me out to wait for the Uber. It’s not quite dark yet, but the sun’s sliding low, casting a lazy orange glow. Typical London, never a good sunset, but somehow I don’t notice.

“Thanks for coming today, Y/N,” he says quietly. I brace myself for a snarky comment, but it doesn’t come. “I hope you had a good time.” I check my phone. The Uber should be just around the corner.

“Thanks. I genuinely did have a good day,” I say, turning to look at him. His expression is unreadable, like he’s holding something back, or maybe trying not to.

The Uber pulls up just then. I reach for the door handle before he can beat me to it.

Inside the car, Will’s words from earlier echo in my head, the ones about the crushing loneliness thing I have going on. The way he said it so flippantly earlier made my skin crawl. And honestly? Part of me wants to snap back, “How dare he make my loneliness his problem?” Like, since when did my mess become his to carry? I’m supposed to be the one who manages my life, not someone else’s charity case.

I didn’t ask him to notice. I didn’t invite his pity or his concern. I’m used to burying those feelings deep, pretending they don’t exist. So why does it sting so much that he saw through the act? It’s infuriating, really. The idea that someone else is holding a mirror up to my cracks and expecting me to care. Because caring means admitting I’m not fine. And admitting that? That feels like losing.

But then there’s this other part, stubborn and reluctant, that wonders if maybe, just maybe, he genuinely did just see that I have no friends here, and offered some of his to me.

Still. I’m not ready to hand him a damn map to my loneliness. Not yet. Not ever.

I'm just a little bit too drunk to think about it any further, about whether he invited me for a different reason entirely.

Then my phone buzzed.

Oh my god...

[infinitydivine]

Slight Help needed for student loan installment

Hey loves,

So I usually pay around $300 every month for my student loan installments. This month I’m short about $195, and the bank usually deducts it on the last day of the month. I’m trying to manage it somehow, but if anyone reading this feels called to get a personal tarot/oracle/psychic reading from me (I also offer urgent readings within 24 hours), feel free to reach out. You can check out my masterlist or just DM me directly if you have any questions or need help choosing a reading. I don’t do 18+, legal, or death-related topics, but anything else is welcome.

And even if you’re not booking a reading, I’m still sending you tons of love! Sharing this post with your friends would mean a lot too. Thank you so much.

Love, Infinity