pepi1989

[pepi1989]

I just fucked the most Pato Oward looking dude in europe and I feel like i won in life lol

[pepi1989]

gym bros undereat and call it a cut and nobody bats an eye, i undereat and society.. society says i have an ed

[pepi1989]

It’s truly a wake up call when your baggy clothes aren’t baggy anymore

[pepi1989]

the kids miss you… come back x

hiiii! I know I’ve been MIA, and you’re probably wondering what happened. Honestly, life just got crazy out of nowhere, I graduated college, and with that came big exams and important deadlines. Now, with Christmas just around the corner, things have been so busy! I’m a graphic designer specialized in packaging, and with all the holiday festivities, so many small shops have been asking for last-minute packaging. I’ve had zero time to write lately, but I promise I’m coming back! I have sooo many ideas written down, and I’m going to write so much!!!

[pepi1989]

A Day off - Marcello Hernandez

The sun streamed through the open windows, casting warm rays across the living room, where you lounged on the couch, scrolling through your phone. It was a rare day off, a welcome break from the chaos of everyday life, and you had plans to enjoy every moment of it. Just as you were about to settle into another episode of your favorite show, your phone buzzed with a message from Marcello.

“Hey! Want to go on an adventure?”

You couldn't help but smile. Marcello always had a way of making even the simplest days feel exciting.

“Absolutely! Where are we going?” you replied, curiosity piqued.

A few minutes later, he arrived, grinning ear to ear, his messy hair tousled perfectly. He had that effortlessly charming look about him, wearing a simple T-shirt and shorts, ready for whatever spontaneous plan he had in mind.

“Trust me, you’re going to love it,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

You hopped into his car, and he drove through the sunlit streets, music playing softly in the background. After a short drive, he pulled up at a quaint little park, filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

“Welcome to our secret hideaway!” he announced, jumping out of the car and gesturing dramatically.

As you stepped out, the fresh air enveloped you, invigorating and refreshing. Marcello led you down a winding path, laughing and joking as you walked, his playful energy contagious. Eventually, you reached a serene spot by a small lake, where ducks paddled lazily and the sun glimmered on the water’s surface.

“Here’s the plan,” he said, pulling out a small picnic basket from his bag. “I thought we could have a little picnic. Just you, me, and some good food.”

Your heart warmed at the thought. Marcello always knew how to make even the simplest moments feel special. You both settled on a blanket he spread out, and he began to unpack the contents of the basket: sandwiches, fruit, and homemade cookies.

“This is amazing! You made all this?” you exclaimed, genuinely impressed.

“Guilty as charged. I wanted to impress you,” he replied, a playful smirk on his face.

As you both ate and chatted, the atmosphere was easy and relaxed. Laughter flowed freely as you shared stories, teasing each other playfully. You couldn’t help but notice how the sun highlighted the features of his face, making him look almost ethereal in the golden light.

After finishing your meal, you both decided to take a walk around the lake. Marcello playfully splashed water at you, his laughter echoing in the peaceful surroundings. You retaliated, and soon, you were both giggling like kids, the weight of the world forgotten in those moments of pure joy.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the horizon with hues of orange and pink, you found a quiet spot to sit, leaning back against a tree. Marcello settled beside you, his shoulder brushing against yours, a comfortable silence enveloping you both.

“This is nice,” he said softly, glancing sideways at you. “Just being here with you.”

You smiled, feeling your heart swell. “Yeah, it really is.”

Marcello turned to face you, his expression serious yet warm. “I know we’re just friends, but I really enjoy spending time with you. You make everything better.”

Your heart raced at his words. “I feel the same way.”

He smiled, and in that moment, everything felt right. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow around you, and you couldn’t help but wish for time to stand still.

“Can I ask you something?” he said, his voice low.

“Of course.”

He took a deep breath, his gaze steady. “Would you be interested in making this a regular thing? Just us, going on little adventures, enjoying each other’s company?”

Your heart raced with excitement, a smile breaking across your face. “I’d love that, Marcello.”

With that, he leaned closer, the air between you crackling with unspoken feelings. As the sun dipped below the horizon, you knew this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

[pepi1989]

castles P2 - Matt Sturniolo

Part 1

Another Saturday rolled around, and Matt found himself back at the park, feeling the butterflies return as he waited for you to arrive. He’d never thought he’d get so excited over a simple park date, but here he was, practically counting down the seconds. Charlie, of course, was more focused on the snacks Matt had packed and the little dinosaur toys he’d insisted on bringing.

Just as Matt checked his phone for what had to be the tenth time, he spotted you approaching with that same warm smile. Charlie lit up, waving enthusiastically, and Matt couldn't help the grin that spread across his face.

“Hi, Charlie!” you greeted, crouching down to meet his eye level and ruffling his hair. He handed you a small toy dino he’d brought just for you, declaring, “You can have this one for today!”

“Wow, thanks, buddy! I feel very honored,” you replied with a playful grin, slipping the toy into your pocket before glancing up at Matt. “And hey, Matt.”

“Hey,” he said, feeling a bit more shy now that you were here, but it melted away when you smiled. “Glad you could make it.”

The three of you set off on a little walk around the park, Charlie happily chattering away while you and Matt walked side by side. It felt comfortable, like the three of you had been doing this for ages. You even reached for Charlie’s hand to help him navigate a small hill, and Matt found himself glancing at you, feeling his heart swell at the sight.

After a while, Charlie ran ahead, spotting a colorful kite flying in the distance. “Can I go see it, Daddy?”

Matt nodded, giving Charlie a quick, “Stay close, okay?”

With Charlie focused on the kite, Matt found himself standing close to you, and the quiet that settled felt oddly perfect.

“He’s really something,” you said softly, watching Charlie in the distance.

Matt chuckled, nodding. “Yeah. He’s my little world.”

There was a warmth in your gaze as you looked up at him, and Matt felt himself relax, the shyness giving way to something that felt just a bit bolder. “And,” you added with a slight smirk, “I think he’s going to grow up to be just as sweet as his dad.”

Matt let out a laugh, looking down at the ground for a second before meeting your gaze again. “That’s kind of you to say. It’s… it’s been just us for a while, and I don’t usually… well, I don’t really open up much. But with you, it’s… different.”

You reached out, your hand brushing against his arm in a way that felt natural, comforting. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a pretty amazing job.”

The soft sincerity in your voice sent a rush of warmth through him, and before he even realized it, Matt reached for your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. The small gesture made you both smile, lingering there in the peacefulness of the moment.

“Daddy!” Charlie called out, waving his little arms in the distance. “Look! The kite!”

Matt and you both laughed, the perfect spell of the moment broken in the best possible way.

As you walked hand-in-hand toward Charlie, Matt felt something bloom in his chest, something that told him this wasn’t just another Saturday at the park. He wasn’t sure where things would go, but with you by his side, it felt like they were heading somewhere beautiful.

[pepi1989]

Castles - Matt Sturniolo

It was a perfect Saturday morning, the kind Matt loved: clear skies, a soft breeze, and a peaceful quiet filling the park. He was sitting on a bench, nursing a cup of coffee and watching as his three-year-old son, Charlie, bounded toward the sandbox with his favorite stuffed dinosaur tucked under one arm. Matt wasn't usually one for crowds or bustling spaces, but somehow, Charlie made all of that feel… okay. Maybe even good.

“Daddy, come here!” Charlie’s excited voice broke through his thoughts, and Matt got up, coffee in hand, to join him at the edge of the sandbox. The other kids were around, but as usual, Matt found a corner where he and Charlie could settle in, undisturbed.

Charlie handed him a blue plastic shovel, eyes wide with an anticipation only a three-year-old could manage. “We need to make a HUGE castle. For Mr. Rex,” he declared, as if his little dinosaur pal depended on this kingdom for survival.

Matt chuckled, settling down into the sand beside him. “Alright, buddy. One dino castle coming up.”

They spent the next half-hour working together, Matt’s usual reserved demeanor dissolving as he got into the swing of things, laughing and talking more openly than he usually would. Charlie didn���t seem to care if they looked a little silly, and as Matt watched his son build and play, he couldn’t help feeling thankful for the way Charlie brought him out of his shell, piece by piece.

Just as they were putting the finishing touches on the castle, a soft voice drifted over from nearby.

“That is one impressive castle,” you said, standing just a few feet away, watching them with a warm smile. You’d been sitting on a nearby bench, observing their work from afar, charmed by the father-son duo and the joy they radiated.

Matt looked up, feeling a bit of his usual shyness creep back in as he met your gaze. “Thanks,” he replied, brushing sand off his hands as he stood up. “It’s mostly Charlie’s masterpiece, really. I’m just here for moral support.”

You laughed, and Matt felt his cheeks warm a little at the sound. “He’s got a good eye for architecture,” you replied with a grin, nodding at the sandcastle.

Charlie, curious as ever, looked up at you with wide eyes. “Do you like dinosaurs?” he asked, completely bypassing any introductions and diving right into his favorite topic.

“I love dinosaurs,” you replied with a smile, kneeling down to Charlie’s level. “Do you have a favorite?”

He lifted Mr. Rex, holding him up proudly. “T-Rex! He’s the best dinosaur ever.”

You looked up at Matt, amused, and he smiled back, feeling more at ease by the second. There was something about you—open, easygoing—that made talking feel natural, something he didn’t experience often.

Charlie’s attention shifted, and he tugged Matt’s shirt. “Daddy, can we show her the castle?”

Matt nodded, glancing at you with a shy but genuine smile. “Looks like we have a tour to give,” he said.

As you joined them by the sandbox, you crouched beside Charlie as he proudly explained every little detail of the sandcastle, adding his own creative flair to the story. Matt found himself listening as much to you as to Charlie, amazed by how quickly the two of you had connected.

After a while, Charlie wandered over to the swings, giving Matt a chance to sit down on the bench beside you. He was quiet at first, his usual introverted nature kicking in, but you seemed to have a way of drawing him out gently, almost without him noticing.

“So,” you said with a smile, breaking the comfortable silence, “do you two come here often?”

Matt chuckled, glancing over at Charlie, who was happily swinging and pretending to be a dinosaur. “Pretty often, yeah. He’s kind of my world.”

“I can tell,” you replied, and there was a warmth in your tone that Matt hadn’t felt in a long time.

You both chatted for a little while longer, and just as you were about to part ways, you reached into your bag and pulled out a small notepad. Scribbling down your number, you handed it to him with a smile. “If you two ever need help building another dinosaur castle,” you said with a playful grin, “I’m your girl.”

Matt took the note, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks. “Yeah, I… I’d like that.”

As you walked away, Matt watched you go, his heart beating a little faster. He looked down at the paper in his hand, then over at Charlie, who had climbed off the swing and was running back toward him.

“Who was that, Daddy?” Charlie asked, his curious eyes bouncing between Matt and the note.

“That,” Matt said, glancing back in your direction with a small, shy smile, “was someone pretty special.”

[pepi1989]

hiii i was wondering if you write smut by chance? Totally okay if not!!! I just like to ask before requesting 😁

Hey!! Thanks so much for asking ☺️ I actually don’t write smut, but I’d still love to work on any other ideas if you have in mind! Just let me know what you're thinking, and I'm all ears 💖

[pepi1989]

Unexpected - Matt Sturniolo

You didn’t know how it happened so fast. One minute, you were just posting your usual updates, and the next, the internet turned against you over something small and totally taken out of context. It was ridiculous, but the backlash hit hard. Texts from “friends” became rare, and DMs were either invasive or just… hurtful. The whole situation had left you feeling stranded and unsure of who you could even talk to.

After a week of laying low and trying to brush it off, the loneliness started gnawing at you. Finally, you decided to reach out to Nick, the one person in LA you felt you could trust. You headed over to his place, hoping for some much-needed distraction, or maybe even just a little reminder that this mess wouldn’t last forever.

When you knocked on the door, though, it was Matt who answered. He looked a little surprised to see you standing there, a bit unsteady and clearly distressed, but his expression softened almost immediately.

“Hey… you okay?” he asked, holding the door open wider.

You gave him a small, forced smile. “Not really, actually. I was looking for Nick, but if he’s not here, I can just…”

“He’s at some space camp reunion thing,” Matt said, giving you a gentle smile. “But… you can hang out with me if you want. I know I’m not Nick, but I’m a pretty good listener.”

Relief flooded over you, and you followed him inside, grateful not to be alone. The two of you settled on the couch, and for the first time since the backlash had started, you felt yourself open up. Matt listened intently, asking questions that showed he genuinely cared, nodding in that quiet, understanding way of his. When you teared up, he didn’t flinch or look away; instead, he reached out, offering a comforting pat on your shoulder that quickly turned into a steady hug.

“I get it,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “People can be brutal online, especially when they don’t know the whole story. It’s messed up.”

You laughed through your sniffles. “Yeah, exactly. I feel like I don’t even know who my friends are anymore.”

“Well, I’m here,” Matt said, looking you in the eye. “And I’m not just saying that. If you need someone to talk to, or just… I don’t know, someone to sit with, you can always come to me.”

Over the next few days, you took Matt up on that offer more than once. Some nights, he’d invite you over to hang out, watch movies, or just chill. Other times, he’d text you out of the blue, little messages to check in or share something funny. The time you spent together was easy and comforting, a reprieve from the noise and negativity of everything else.

Then, after a few days, Nick finally got back and immediately noticed the way you and Matt had grown close. At one point, you were all hanging out in the living room when he just blurted out, “You know, you and Matt are totally made for each other.”

You felt your face heat up, laughing it off and shooting a look at Matt, who just scratched his neck, looking a little flustered. But the thought lingered, and when you were leaving that evening, Matt walked you to the door, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Hey, um,” he started, glancing at you with a soft smile. “I know things are rough right now, but… if you’re up for it, I’d really like to take you out sometime. Just us, like… a real date.”

You felt a smile spread across your face, warmth replacing the nerves from the past week. “I’d like that a lot, actually.”

Matt grinned, looking a bit relieved. “Great. And remember, no matter what the internet says, I’ve got your back.”

And as you walked back to your car, that cloud of negativity felt a little lighter. For the first time since this whole mess had started, you felt a spark of genuine happiness.

[pepi1989]

20 SECONDS??????

[pepi1989]

welcome back yaaaaaaaay, missed ya ❤️ love the new stories. hope school is going alright.

hi babeeee ❤️ I'm so happy you're enjoying the new stories, it means a lot! School has been kicking my butt a bit, but we're getting through it, haha. Hope you're doing well! 😊

[pepi1989]

Hellooooo beautiful!! I am goimg to calmly say that i'm desperate for another one of your Ben shelton fics!!!! You don't understand how much I love them and miss them queen

Helloo, lovely!!! 🥺💖 You just made my whole day with this message! I’m SO glad you love the Ben fics, and don’t worry queen, more are coming your way!!

[pepi1989]

can you do dating marcello head canons

Dating Marcello Hernandez Headcanons

Constant Laughter: Marcello is hilarious, both on and off the stage. Dating him means you're always in stitches, whether he's cracking jokes about everyday things or making fun of his own clumsy moments. You’re his favorite audience, and he loves seeing you laugh more than anything.

Supportive Partner: He’s super supportive of your dreams and ambitions. Even though he has a busy schedule with comedy gigs and acting, he makes time to listen to your goals, hype you up, and offer encouragement when you need it. Marcello’s genuinely invested in your success and never misses a chance to remind you of how amazing you are.

Impromptu Dance Sessions: He randomly bursts into dance whenever a song comes on that he likes, and pulls you into the fun. His moves are either really smooth or goofy, depending on his mood, but either way, it leads to spontaneous dance parties in the living room or even in the middle of the street.

Date Nights with a Twist: Marcello loves to keep things interesting when it comes to date nights. One day it might be a fancy dinner, the next he’s taking you to an open mic night where he’ll casually roast himself in front of a crowd, or even a late-night food truck run where he tries to order for you in a ridiculous accent. The variety keeps your relationship exciting.

Goofy Texts All Day: His text messages are either memes, funny videos, or random thoughts that make no sense but somehow always make you smile. He’s the type to text you a photo of an ostrich and be like, “This reminded me of you.”

Protective in the Sweetest Way: Marcello might be a comedian, but he’s also a bit protective of you in the best way. Whether it’s making sure you’re comfortable in social settings or standing up for you when someone oversteps, he’s got your back. It’s never overbearing, just that quiet reassurance that he’s always in your corner.

Never a Dull Moment: You’re never bored with Marcello. Whether it’s traveling for his shows or him introducing you to new things, there’s always some spontaneous adventure waiting. Sometimes it’s as simple as him suggesting a new hobby, like trying out a cooking class or going hiking even though he’s not the outdoorsy type.

Romantic Surprises: He may be a jokester, but Marcello has a romantic side he brings out when you least expect it. Small gestures like leaving cute notes, randomly bringing you your favorite snacks, or planning surprise dates to places that mean something to you both show how thoughtful he is.

Family Guy: Marcello is super close with his family, and that love extends to you. You’re welcomed with open arms by his family, and Marcello makes sure you feel like part of the crew. He talks about his roots with pride, and bringing you into that part of his life is a big deal for him.

Inside Jokes for Days: Over time, you two develop a vault of inside jokes that no one else would understand. He’ll say one word or give you a look, and you instantly crack up, leaving everyone around you confused. Your connection is filled with those small, silly moments that make your relationship special.

He’s Your Biggest Fan: Whatever you’re passionate about, Marcello is right there, cheering you on like it’s his job. Whether it's a hobby, your career, or a personal goal, he’s always there to support and celebrate your victories (and help you through the tough spots).

Cuddles and Comfort: Despite his busy, high-energy persona, Marcello loves quiet, intimate moments. After a long day, he’s the first to wrap you up in his arms on the couch and just relax. He might play with your hair or make sure you’re cozy with a blanket as you watch your favorite shows together.

Always Trying to Impress You: Even after you’re together for a while, Marcello will still try to impress you. Whether it’s pulling off a joke that took him forever to perfect or showing off his cooking skills (which may or may not need work), he wants to make sure he’s keeping the spark alive and showing how much he cares.

Late-Night Talks: Some of the best moments are your late-night conversations, where Marcello drops the funny guy act and gets real with you. Whether you’re talking about your dreams, fears, or just reminiscing about the day, these quiet, vulnerable moments make you fall for him even more.

Lighthearted Teasing: He’s always playfully teasing you, but in the most loving way. It’s never mean-spirited, just his way of keeping things fun. He loves seeing how flustered you get when he calls you out on something silly you did, but you always know it’s all in good fun.

Public Displays of Affection (But in His Own Way): He’s not one to shy away from holding your hand in public or wrapping an arm around you, but Marcello’s version of PDA also includes playfully embarrassing you, like doing something goofy when you’re in a serious moment, just to make you laugh.

[pepi1989]

Can you write about ben and clumsy girlfriend who ends up actually hurting herself bad? Maybe he’s a bit annoyed but concerned and anxious for her

Careful, Babe - Ben Shelton

It’s a running joke between Ben and me at this point, how I seem to have a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, tripping over things that shouldn’t be tripped over, or bumping into furniture like it just appeared out of nowhere. I laugh it off most of the time, but Ben’s always there, rolling his eyes in that teasing way of his and calling me "a walking hazard."

But tonight… tonight’s different.

We’re at the court, just messing around. It’s late, so no one’s here, just the quiet sounds of our sneakers squeaking against the ground and the occasional ping of a tennis ball bouncing off the racket. It was meant to be fun, nothing serious, just the two of us blowing off some steam after a long day.

I sprint toward the net to grab a ball, and that’s when it happens. My foot catches on something, and before I can even react, I’m going down, hard. I barely have time to brace myself before I hit the ground, the pain sharp and immediate, radiating from my ankle and wrist as I crash to the hard surface.

I let out a yelp, not just from the pain, but from the sheer shock of it. Ben’s voice cuts through the haze, calling my name, but it’s distant, like my brain is still catching up with what just happened.

In an instant, he’s by my side, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “Babe… seriously?” His voice has that edge to it, like he’s annoyed but also trying to stay calm.

I wince, trying to sit up, but the pain in my ankle makes me gasp. “I didn’t mean to!” I say defensively, biting back tears. I wasn’t expecting it to hurt this much.

Ben’s hands are already on me, gently helping me sit up as he surveys the damage. His eyes land on my ankle, which is starting to swell, and his jaw tightens. “Shit.”

“I think I twisted it,” I mutter, my voice trembling. My wrist hurts too, but I’m more worried about the growing throbbing in my ankle.

Ben runs a hand through his hair, pacing for a second before kneeling back down in front of me. His initial frustration seems to melt away, replaced by a wave of anxiety that I can see in his eyes. “Okay, okay. Let’s get you up and to the car.”

He tries to be gentle as he helps me to my feet, but the moment I put weight on my ankle, pain shoots up my leg, and I nearly collapse again. Ben catches me, his arms steadying me before I can fall.

“Alright, no walking,” he says, sounding more serious now, his voice tight with worry. “I’ll carry you.”

I try to protest, embarrassed by the idea of being carried like some damsel in distress, but one look at Ben, and I know there’s no arguing with him right now. His face is set, determined, and that anxious crease between his brows tells me he’s not taking any chances.

Without another word, he lifts me up in his arms, effortlessly cradling me against his chest. It’s comforting, feeling how strong and steady he is compared to how fragile I feel right now. His steps are quick, but careful, as he carries me to the car, his expression still clouded with worry.

Once we’re in the car, Ben slides into the driver’s seat, his hands gripping the wheel tighter than usual. He glances over at me every few seconds, like he’s checking to make sure I’m still okay. The silence between us is heavy, his frustration from earlier lingering in the air, but the concern in his eyes is overwhelming.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble, looking down at my throbbing ankle, feeling stupid for getting myself into this mess.

Ben shakes his head, his lips pressed into a thin line. “You don’t have to apologize. I just… I hate seeing you hurt.” His voice cracks a little at the end, and it hits me how worried he really is.

“I’ll be okay,” I say softly, trying to reassure him, but even I’m not sure how true that is. My ankle looks bad like, probably-a-hospital-trip bad.

Ben doesn’t respond, his jaw clenched as he pulls into the hospital parking lot. He helps me out of the car, wrapping an arm around me to support my weight, and we make our way inside. The whole time, his eyes stay focused on me, even as we wait to be seen. His fingers tap anxiously against the chair, his knee bouncing restlessly.

When the doctor finally comes back with the X-rays, confirming a nasty sprain and a fractured wrist, I can feel Ben tense beside me. The doctor goes over the treatment plan, ice, rest, a brace for the wrist, and by the time we’re leaving, Ben’s practically vibrating with unspoken emotions.

Back at the hotel, after helping me settle into bed with my leg propped up and my wrist in a brace, he finally lets out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair again. “I hate this, you know?” he says, his voice low but laced with frustration. “I hate seeing you hurt and knowing I can’t do anything to fix it.”

I reach out with my good hand, grabbing his, pulling him closer. “You did fix it,” I say softly. “You got me here, you made sure I was okay. That’s all I needed.”

Ben sits on the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing lightly over my cheek. “I just… I don’t know what I’d do if something worse happened. You’re too important to me.”

I smile, despite the ache in my body. “You’re stuck with me, hazard or not.”

His lips twitch into a small smile, though the worry doesn’t completely leave his eyes. “I’m okay with that,” he whispers, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll be more careful,” I promise, though we both know that’s a lie.

“Yeah, sure you will,” he mutters with a laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Just… next time, try not to break anything, okay?”

I nod, my eyes fluttering closed as he lies down next to me, wrapping an arm around me carefully. The warmth of his body against mine is soothing, and for the first time tonight, I feel like I can finally relax.

“I’ll always take care of you, you know that?” Ben whispers, his breath warm against my skin.

“I know,” I murmur back, drifting off into sleep, the pain now distant and far away, replaced by the comforting presence of the boy who loves me, even if I’m a walking hazard.

[pepi1989]

Pepiiiii pls write more Ben Shelton fics plssss

I'm back and posting again! Sorry for the wait, college is kicking my ass lol

[pepi1989]

benny request where the reader is a fem player on the same management so they’re at a dinner together but she’s not feeling well so he drives her back to the hotel and they end up watch movies she falls asleep on him and they kiss 😭

Always Got You - Ben Shelton

The restaurant is buzzing with the energy of the night, filled with laughter and the sound of glasses clinking together. It’s one of those big, fancy dinners the management puts together after a tournament, and everyone’s here. I should be enjoying myself, laughing along with the others, but instead, I feel like I’m barely holding it together.

There’s this dull ache in my head, and my stomach feels off. The lights are too bright, the noise too loud. I push my food around on my plate, trying to focus on anything but the discomfort swirling in my gut.

Across the table, Ben catches my eye. He’s been sitting a few seats down, chatting with some of the other players, but the moment our eyes meet, his expression softens. He knows me too well. Knows something’s off.

I try to smile, but it must come out more like a grimace because, within seconds, he’s sliding his chair back and making his way over to me.

“You okay?” he asks quietly, leaning down so only I can hear him.

I nod, even though I’m pretty sure he can see right through me. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… not feeling great.”

Ben frowns, glancing around the table before turning back to me. “You want to get out of here? I can take you back to the hotel.”

I hesitate for a moment, not wanting to ruin the night for him. He’s been laughing and having a good time with everyone, and I don’t want to pull him away from that. But the thought of leaving, the thought of being somewhere quiet and comfortable, sounds like exactly what I need.

“Are you sure?” I ask, my voice small.

Ben’s smile is gentle, reassuring. “Of course. Let’s go.”

Before I can protest any further, he’s already standing, grabbing his jacket and nodding to the others at the table, letting them know we’re heading out. No one seems to mind, caught up in their own conversations, and within minutes, we’re walking out of the restaurant and into the cool night air.

The drive back to the hotel is quiet, and I’m grateful for it. Ben doesn’t push me to talk, doesn’t ask a million questions. He just drives, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting casually in his lap. The soft hum of the car and the distant city lights outside the window are soothing, and for the first time all night, I feel like I can breathe again.

When we pull up to the hotel, Ben parks and glances over at me. “You want me to walk you up?”

I nod, feeling a little embarrassed that I’m still not feeling great, but also incredibly grateful for him. We head inside, the warmth of the lobby wrapping around us as we step through the doors. The elevator ride up is quiet, and by the time we reach my room, I’m exhausted, the tension from the evening finally catching up to me.

I fumble with my keycard, but Ben gently takes it from my hand, unlocking the door and holding it open for me.

“Do you need anything?” he asks as we step inside, his voice soft and full of concern.

I shake my head, kicking off my shoes and sinking onto the bed. “No, I think I just need to lie down for a bit.”

Ben hesitates for a moment, standing awkwardly near the door like he’s not sure whether to stay or go. I look up at him, my heart swelling with appreciation. “You can stay if you want,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he shrugs off his jacket and sits down next to me on the bed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

We end up flipping through channels on the TV, settling on some random movie that neither of us really pays attention to. I’m curled up beside him, my head resting on his shoulder, and even though I still feel a little off, there’s a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the blankets. It’s Ben, his quiet presence, the way his arm drapes casually over my shoulders, the way he makes me feel safe just by being here.

At some point, I must drift off, the exhaustion finally pulling me under. When I wake up, the movie’s still playing, but the room is darker now, the only light coming from the soft glow of the screen. I shift slightly, realizing that I’ve been asleep on Ben’s shoulder this whole time.

“Hey,” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. “You okay?”

I nod, blinking the sleep from my eyes. “Yeah… sorry I fell asleep on you.”

Ben chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Don’t apologize. I didn’t mind.”

His arm is still around me, his hand resting gently on my arm, and I can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek. There’s this quiet, intimate moment hanging between us, the kind that feels like it could stretch on forever. I tilt my head up to look at him, and that’s when I realize how close we are.

His eyes meet mine, soft and full of something I can’t quite put into words. There’s a beat of silence, the kind that makes my heart race, and before I can stop myself, I lean in just a little. Ben doesn’t move at first, like he’s frozen in place, but then, slowly, he closes the distance between us.

The kiss is soft, tentative at first. His lips brush against mine, gentle and careful, like he’s afraid of pushing too far. But then, he deepens it, one hand coming up to cradle the back of my head, and I feel my heart flutter in my chest. It’s sweet, warm, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

When we finally pull away, my breath is shaky, and I can see the soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Better?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, my heart still pounding. “Much better.”

Ben grins, leaning his forehead against mine. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

[pepi1989]

Opposites - Matt Sturniolo

I bounce into the living room, practically humming with energy as I scan the space for Matt. It’s not hard to find him. He’s curled up in the corner of the couch, hoodie pulled up over his head, headphones in. The glow from his phone lights up his face, but I can tell he’s zoning out, lost in his own little world. Quiet, calm, just… him.

But me? I’m the opposite. Always moving, always talking. Sometimes I wonder how we work, him with his laid-back vibe, me bouncing off the walls like I’ve had five coffees. But somehow, we just do.

I dart across the room and flop down next to him, purposefully crashing into his side. His eyes flick over to me, one brow raising just slightly as he pulls out one of his headphones. “You good?” he asks, his voice that usual calm, even tone. There’s a hint of amusement in his eyes, though, like he’s expecting whatever whirlwind I’m about to bring.

“I’m great!” I chirp, not even bothering to sit still as I kick my legs over his lap. “You’ve been sitting here forever, though. What are you watching?”

“Just some random stuff,” he mumbles, glancing back at his screen. “Nothing exciting.”

I tilt my head, resting it on his shoulder as I peek at his phone. He’s watching videos, but I know he’s probably just letting them play in the background while his mind drifts. Matt does that sometimes—gets lost in his thoughts, even when everything around him is buzzing with energy. And I love that about him. It’s like he’s this steady force in the middle of my chaotic world.

“You should come with me,” I say suddenly, sitting up straight and turning to face him. “Let’s go do something!”

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere! Let’s go get ice cream, or walk around the park, or, oh! We could go to that cool little bookstore downtown that I’ve been wanting to check out. You know, the one with the cute coffee shop inside?”

Matt gives me that small, familiar smile, the one that always makes my heart flutter a little. “You have way too much energy.”

I poke his side, trying to stifle a grin. “And you have none. That’s why we balance each other out.”

He rolls his eyes but doesn’t disagree. Instead, he shifts slightly, pulling me in closer so that I’m tucked against his side. His hand rests on my thigh, warm and steady, and I immediately feel myself relax a little, the way I always do when I’m around him.

“Fine,” he says after a beat, “we can go. But only because I know you won’t stop bugging me if we stay here.”

I laugh, my heart doing a little happy dance at the idea of pulling him out of his comfort zone for just a little while. It’s not that Matt doesn’t like going out, he’s just more selective about it. He’d much rather stay home, cozy and comfortable, but when he does agree to come along with me? It makes the whole adventure that much better.

“Yesss!” I cheer, hopping up off the couch and pulling him with me. “You’re the best, you know that?”

Matt rolls his eyes again, but there’s a softness in his expression, that quiet fondness he always shows in his own way. “Yeah, yeah. Go grab your shoes before you change your mind about where you want to go.”

I’m already halfway down the hall, shouting something about how we should definitely get ice cream first, because dessert before dinner is totally a thing, when I hear him chuckle behind me. It’s quiet, almost like he’s trying to hide it, but I know it’s there. And it makes me grin even wider.

By the time we’re outside, walking down the street, the sun’s already starting to set, casting everything in this warm, golden light. I’m bouncing beside him, talking a mile a minute about all the things I’ve been thinking about today, new books I want to read, random ideas for a road trip, and a whole list of movies we should watch together.

Matt listens, like he always does, his hand wrapped around mine as we walk. He doesn’t say much, just a nod here, a soft hum there, but I know he’s taking it all in. That’s the thing about Matt. He doesn’t need to say a lot to show me he cares. He’s just… present. He’s steady. And I love that.

Eventually, we end up at the ice cream shop, and I’m already bouncing on my toes, trying to decide what flavor I want. “Should I get cookie dough? Or maybe strawberry? Oh! What if I mix them?”

Matt smirks, shaking his head as he watches me deliberate like it’s the most important decision in the world. “You’re overthinking ice cream.”

“I am not!” I protest, though I’m fully aware that I kind of am. But that’s just who I am, always overthinking, always full of ideas and questions and what-ifs. And Matt? He’s the one who reminds me that it’s okay to just… be.

He orders his usual, plain vanilla, of course, while I finally settle on some wild combination that probably doesn’t make sense to anyone but me. And as we sit outside, enjoying our ice cream, I can’t help but look over at him, feeling that familiar warmth spread through my chest.

We’re so different. He’s quiet, thoughtful, content with the simple things. I’m loud, always moving, always full of ideas. But somehow, we fit. He grounds me when I’m all over the place, and I bring him out of his shell, even if just a little.

Matt catches me staring and raises an eyebrow. “What?”

I grin, licking my spoon before shrugging. “Just thinking about how much I love you.”

His cheeks flush a little, and he looks away, but I can see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re such a dork,” he mutters, but the affection in his voice makes my heart skip.

I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, feeling him relax under my touch. “You love me.”

“Yeah,” he murmurs, his voice soft and sure, “I do.”

And just like that, everything feels right. Different as we are, this? This is everything.