#Control Brand Image
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4seohelp · 9 days ago
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Online Reputation Matters: Build Trust & Control Your Brand Image
Online reputation management (ORM) is the practice of monitoring, influencing, and maintaining a positive online image or perception of an individual, business, or organization. This includes managing online reviews, social media presence, search engine results, and other digital platforms where a company or individual may be mentioned. In today’s digital age, where a vast majority of people rely…
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mari-lair · 1 year ago
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yes i do! He is my favorite broadcasting club member!
He is so funny, I love his brand of humor, he gives me "I am a harem character in the wrong kind of manga" vibes!
He is also interesting at his core, there is a lot of contradiction to him: He seems to feel empathy and kindness in his heart, worrying for Mitsuba, sympathizing with Kou, trying to understand Sakura, and so on, but he is still on the 'bad guys side', he doesn't hide that his morality is grey and he isn't a very good person.
He is pretty blasé about the concept of death, he had no complains when Sakura was cursed students with Mei's flower petals as a distraction for him to break the clock, and his only reaction to stepping on a puddle of blood where he knew a 'cute girl' was eaten alive was "yuck!"
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He wants to date Sakura. He seems to love her and be serious about her, confessing and flirting with her all the time, but despite coming of as a 'hopeless romantic and hopelessly devoted' guy he flirts with every girl he thinks is cute.
And is not empty flirting either, he would have been cool kissing Nene just because she is a cute girl.
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Natsuhiko has no attachment to Nene beyond that, he and Sakura are only using her for their grand plan. They want her dead.
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He is aware of what he is doing is considered evil, or so it seems, cause he call his schemes with Sakura evil with pride and joy.
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Way too much joy, which disappears when he is alone.
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His dissatisfaction about the 'I'll use my blood to melt the clock' plans seems to come mostly from how bleeding out drains him, and just... how gross blood is (he was disgusted when he stepped on Sumire's blood , and tsukasa killed the pufferfish so is not his acid blood in particular he finds gross) which is so cool for someone in the 'bad guys side' and whose reasons for being with Sakura are a mystery.
I also like how he doesn't want to look like a bad guy, like the aesthetic of it is the worst part, not how it may hurt others. The way he would destroy the world for Sakura's wish but when people do get hurt he doesn't look particularly pleased is also nice. Just... A lot of nice little things and contradictions to poke at.
He is not my priority right now, so I don't have insane spirals of thoughts about him, but he is overall a really fun character to theorize and analyze! On the few times I am in a Natsuhiko mood, it's always fun.
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jackroach-does-theories · 1 year ago
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so we all agree that misha is almost certainly mikhail's grandson, yes?
they're probably gonna confirm that in 2.2 update, like there's no way he isn't, there's just too much there to ignore. But what if I take this a step further. what if i went a little insane over what might just be a tiny insignificant coincidence and created the craziest bullshit ever
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i don't know how to explain this one but something something honkaiverse imaginary tree and stellarons are basically just star rail's version of honkai energy, welt keeps being haunted by ghosts of his past so why not einsla next, and also this is connected to genshin lore somehow idk how exactly but it is, maybe watchmaker is the second descender or something maybe teyvat is a dreamscape like penacony is idk idegaf nothing is real anymore . TLDR einstein is misha's mom (Real and not copium)
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slythereen · 2 years ago
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vasseur's behaviour recently baffles me bc charles spoke so highly of him recently, saying that he's exactly the type of principal he needed after the one we shall not mention. also charles was literally his golden sauber child that got him points even with a B list car. i dont know why they make so questionable decisions recently and prioritize carlos over charles even in scenarious where charles would make more sense to be the #1 priority.
PREACH. like... charles speaking so highly of fred back in august made sense. sure, fred had been a little sus, but growing pains and faith and all that. charles continuing to be glowing in praise in october, after The Horrors™? makes less sense. like sure, this is around the same time that charles told espn (austin) that the car is being developed in his direction and next year's project is looking good, etc. so it could just be part of charles' overall branding and the image he is/was cultivating as being faithful and supportive of the team. i don't really think charles would lie about supporting fred though, so...
anyway but as to fred: he baffles me too. literal sauber golden child may or may not have hand-selected you to be team principle for ferrari and you... squander him? he seems sensible and ready to throw down for charles sometimes. other times he sounds like he's giving the company's line in interviews. did the politics get to him?? is there a plan in there somewhere?? is it all just laying the groundwork to have a huge marvelous turn around in 2024??
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madamechrissy · 3 months ago
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Losing Control Now masterlist/ Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo headcanons
part one - part two - part three
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Pairings: Mobster Gojo x bartender F!reader
Summary: Something about running the Gojo mafia just makes Satoru so bored. Boring, boring boring. Sure, he loves money, he loves women, he loves snorting snowy powder off their bodies. He loves the power that comes from it- but he's just bored. That is, until he stumbles upon you, the brand new bartender that makes him pause, falter, and then soon he becomes obsessed, with knowing you, in every single way. Paying off your mom's debts and working two jobs, you're exhausted, but something about this pretty Mob boy just makes you... excited again. How far in are you, and how far is Satoru in the mafia world? All he knows, is he must have you.
CW: Sexual tension, eventually explicit sex, mafia themes, drug themes, violence, obsessed ass whipped ass Satoru Gojo, oral sex, possessive Gojo, drug use and drug dealing - lowkey Yandere fkn Gojo hehe. Light angst, some fluff, heavy smut, lots of teasing, light angst and hurt comfort.
That Gojo art is by michi_ia on X!!! This is the Gojo from Pour it Up (Stripclub owner Sukuna x reader)- likely a mini series- I would suggest reading it too so you'll see his personality, but can be a standalone WC so far- 22.5k
Playlist -Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo headcanons below
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Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo who just finds everything so boring, even snorting lines off pretty stripper's bodies, even drinking with his best friend and partner in crime, Suguru. These meetings and those things, and this job, and this drop, blah. Negotiations!? Pfft. No he wants something fun and no amount of fruity drinks or sugar up the nose is cutting it anymore.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo has his drink getting filled by one dancer, sipping it and finding it much too harsh, he stands up then, as Sukuna chuckles 'need it even more of a lil bitch drink?' Satoru rolls his blue eyes, flipping Sukuna off then saying 'it's not sweet enough!' Satoru walks out into the humming club then, faltering as he sees a girl that must be new, in a black bra, black booty shorts and fishnets that are glowing under the blacklights. His eyes trail slowly up and down her body, filling him with filthy images as he finally meets her eyes- your eyes.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo who is usually so cocky and arrogant just stands there for a minute, like you're bringing him right out of some haze he's been in, as he feels your eyes looking right back, nervous smile on your pretty face. 'New here, sweetheart?' he asks, voice husky and deep, probably the prettiest damn person you've ever seen, for a moment you can't answer, blue eyes swirling and bright even under the club's dark lights and through the smoke and fog, you feel his gaze on your body as you're leaning over the side of the bar. 'I am new'
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo can't get your name out of his mind, as you bite your lower lip, focusing on making his drink - 'the first of the new job, you're special' you tease, and Satoru manages to get some of his charm together, chuckling as he leans over the bar. 'I am special, hmm?' you wonder why he wants that many sugary concoctions in one drink, but god it's the best drink, and he has to murmur 'bet you taste even better' earning your blush even under the flashing lights, 'huh?' he just brushes back your hair, smirking before he walks off, bombarding Sukuna with questions about you.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo specifically requests you sit with him during the next meeting, as they discuss the Zenin family and the Kamo family, two other big names in the Mob scene, but now he gets to focus on you, as he decorates your collarbone with snowy powder, snorting it off you, while you can't stop a little whimper. No one hears it but him, and it makes him feral, cock throbbing as your hips shift, his eyes notice every movement until they close, and he licks the residue off your throat, hot tongue making your mind go insane with images of just what that long pink tongue can do.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo finds these meetings about the business so much more fun now, but instead of looking at any of the strippers, he's only looking at you, at your pretty eyes, plump lips parted as you look at him, and he wonders how pretty you'll look cumming just for him. When they're all leaving the meeting in the VIP room the next time, you can't stop yourself, sitting on his damn thigh, wetness making your panties sticky, and you look at him then. 'Need something, sweets?' he murmurs, smirking like an arrogant little ass, as his hand slips up and down your thigh, and he's been edging you for just too long, so you break - 'touch me, please Mr. Gojo'
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo dies internally at your request, precum already making his boxers stick as he finds your clit under this slutty skirt you have on, rolling a fingertip over a twitchy clit, and your head falls back, 'mnh, s'good!' you whine, grinding on his thigh, but it's just not enough for Satoru, he turns you so you're straddling him on this red velvet couch, he looks dangerous but somehow sweet, as you clutch his suit jacket, and he sinks two fingers in your cunt, pressing against that spongy spot in your slick walls, making your cunt drool down to his pretty silver rolex, those sleeves of his coated with you as you roll your hips, moaning, back arching - 'shh, sweets, don't want anyone t'hear this slutty cunt, hmm?'
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo has the most ridiculous, long thick fingers you've ever felt, you're closer and closer as he continues curling them inside your eager hole, your lips just a breath from his as your hands now enwrap in his silky white locks, grinding even more on his hand, as he chuckles softly, his breath ghosting over your lips. 'need me to play with that little clit, too?' you nod weakly - 'sure things, pretty girl, there you go, that's it' you're shattering now, and Satoru is watching, while his thumb presses over your twitchy clit, and you're cumming so hard you feel dizzy, pussy pulsing and dripping down his fingers, trembling thighs on either side of him.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo sighs at how pretty you are, slipping those two fingers in your mouth, smirking and murmuring 'suck them clean, be a good girl for me' and you eagerly obey, before he grabs your hair by the nape of your neck, slamming your lips down on his. You both get interrupted by a very amused Sukuna then, who says 'let her get to work Satoru, or you need to get behind the bar and shake your ass' Satoru chuckles as you're blushing furiously, and he helps you adjust your skirt and panties, 'give her the day off tomorrow, I'll pay to cover someone' Sukuna sighs 'whatever' he grumbles, you blink then, looking down at his grinning face 'Satoru I can't afford to take off' he doesn't know the bills you have, the situation you have to take care of with your family, to help them, he sighs then 'I'll pay you four times your shift to just date me'
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo has never really gone on a date, no he just has girls on his arm, under him on his bed, he certainly didn't have to even try to do something like offer money, but he'd offer anything for a chance at you. You all don't end up going anywhere, though, because once you're in the back of Satoru's limo, and he's doing a line off your inner thigh, he starts licking at it, and before you know it he's dragged your panties off, burying his pretty face right in your pussy. 'ah, Mr. Gojo!' he leans up as he swipes the flat of his tongue from your drooling little hole to your clit, pressing a kiss on it 'Satoru, while you're cummin' all over m'face, hmm baby? taste s'fucking sweet' Satoru dives back in and the sounds of him slurping you up are obscene
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo licks and sucks your clit, humming on it until you're shattering, cumming so hard you see stars, then you're riding him right in that limo, struggling to take his huge cock, as it stretches your tight little pussy out, veiny and thick and sloppy, he moans into your mouth as your walls tighten around his cock, as he slams up endlessly into your pretty cunt over and over. You're on your knees, sucking his cum off him, off his pretty pink tip, before you're on your knees right in the plush limo seat, and he's hitting it from the back, making you cry out 'Satoru!' which makes him bust again, inside you so deep, pulling out and watching your arousal and his cock drip down so messy, before he scoops his sticky cum and shoves it back inside you.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo can't stop thinking of how good it looked, your pussy sucking up the cum so greedy, when he sees you the next day at your work, and it's not long until he's behind the bar, eating your pussy that he cannot get enough of, all while you're trying to work, you're so cute trying to mix a drink when his tongue is on your clit, and you're squeaking at him, 'Satoru, s-stop' but he can't stop. He's got your panties in his pocket, he'll keep them for later, you shouldn't worry about that, but you're trembling with nerves and fear when he runs out to deal with the Zenin bullshit with everyone, worried about things you don't fully know yet.
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo is dying to get back to you, he doesn't wanna deal with all this shit, he just wants to drink you up more, but here he is, as he deals with some of the bullshit that the Zenins are doing, he can't stand them then, when he has to actually show them just who and what the Gojo family is. When he is covered in blood, him, Suguru, Toji and Sukuna come back to the club, exhausted, when you see him you blink back tears, and he murmurs 'come to my place, clean me up?' He is exhaling and shooting that smirk, but there's so much behind it, you see now. You eagerly obey, realizing you both don't know anything about each other yet, as you're bandaging his pretty face, all cut up, in his pristine bathroom, and you're wondering just what it is that Satoru has gotten into, but for now you both just kiss, his blood tangy against your lips, as his kiss gets hungry, desperate, and he murmurs 'I need you'
Mafia! Prettyboy Gojo He's smearing that blood across your pretty tits as he has you right on his bathroom counter, knowing he'll do anything to protect you, to keep you, from shit you will now get into for being with him, cupping your face as he fucks into you, and your eyes roll back in your skull, covered in Satoru's spit, his blood, now his precum as he's pumping in and out of you, knowing he certainly can't let you go, but he also can't let anyone know you're his weakness.
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Buy me a glass of wine🍷 - Gen Masterlist - ©All works by Madamechrissy you may not reproduce
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yelhsaa-a · 3 days ago
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You barely feel the camera against your face before the flash blinds you again.
Another picture for Caleb’s growing collection. Another memory of how easily he can wreck you.
"Look at you," he laughs, sharp and mean, snapping a photo of your ruined expression — mouth open, drool dripping down your chin, eyes rolling. "Not even fucking here anymore, are you?"
You want to say something. Tell him to slow down. Tell him you can’t take any more.
But the words don’t make it past your lips, just a cracked, broken whimper that only makes him grin wider.
"That’s it, baby. Just lay there and take it. That’s all you’re good for now."
He drops the camera onto the bed without looking, grabbing your hips so hard you know there’ll be bruises tomorrow. Then he's pounding into you again — harder this time, meaner, like he’s trying to carve himself into you.
Your body jerks helplessly with every thrust, wrists pinned, legs shaking.
"You hear that?" he growls, dragging your body back onto his cock over and over. "That's the sound of my messy little toy getting used up."
You can hear it — the slick, filthy sounds of him splitting you open, using you like you don’t even belong to yourself anymore. Your skin burns where he’s grabbed you, where he’s held you down, where he’s bitten into you like you’re something to claim.
The worst part?
You’re clenching around him. Begging for more without even meaning to.
"Greedy fucking cunt," Caleb spits, watching you try and fail to pull away from the overwhelming sensation. "You don't even know how to stop, do you?
Already filled you up twice and you're still fuckin’ sucking me back in."
You sob — whether in protest or need, you’re not sure anymore.
He leans over you, grabbing your cheeks in one hand, squeezing hard enough to hurt.
"Smile for me," he commands, voice low and filthy. "Wanna see that pretty little face when you break again."
You try — God, you try — but all you manage is a shuddering, teary-eyed gasp as your body spasms again, clenching around him in a way that rips a groan from his throat.
"There she is," he croons mockingly, fucking you through your orgasm, relentless, brutal. "Good fuckin’ girl."
You can feel it again — the wet heat between your thighs, the way your body gives up control altogether. Caleb feels it too, feels you squirting around his cock again, soaking him and the sheets beneath you.
Click.
Another photo.
This one he holds up proudly, fanning it out with one hand while the other keeps rutting into you without mercy.
"God, you're fucking perfect," he pants, looking at the image of your limp, twitching body with something close to reverence. "Gonna put this one right next to my bed."
You don’t even hear him anymore.
You’re too far gone — wrecked, ruined, and branded by him completely.
And he’s still not done.
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oizysian · 6 months ago
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25 // Watching porn together // Ideas
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Summary: Wanda and Y/N spend some quality time together.
Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader
Warnings: enchanted strap, porn, dirty talk, blow job
Word count: 1k
Kinktober masterlist
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The television flickered with images of a couple, or they’re assumed to be a couple, making out naked. It was a man and a woman to shake things up a bit, and I was watching intently while Wanda traced shapes on my belly with her fingertips.
“If I had a cock,” I started, threading my fingers through her hair and grabbing a fistful, forcefully, but gently. “I’d force you down on it like this.”
I guided her head down on my crotch, getting wet just from the image of her pretending to suck my imaginary cock. I let out a low moan, biting my lip as I continued to bob her head up and down.
“Y/N …” she giggled softly, slapping my hand away from her head. “I do that anyway with your strap.”
“Yeah, but a real cock.” I brought my hand down to the juncture of my thighs and stroked my invisible dick. “Just being able to feel your mouth, hot and wet, and cum all over you.” I shuddered. “A dream.”
“A dream?” She questioned, the couple on the television now fucking doggy style. “A dream I can turn into a reality.”
My eyes got wide, excited, and urged her to continue.
“I can enchant your strap, make it feel like your own dick - if you’d like me to.”
“Yes! I-I mean,” I blushed, embarrassed at my answer. “That would be really …”
“I’d love for you to cum inside me.” She whispered against my lips. “Fill me with your babies.”
“Oh fuck, Wands.” I whimpered, absolutely soaked at this point, the sounds the woman in the video was making were not helping.
She smiled, stroking her hand along my abdomen.
“Do you wanna feel how wet I am for you? How tight I am?”
“Oh god, yes, please.” I was begging now. I needed this. I needed her.
“Promise you’ll make me take it all.”
“I swear on everything precious in this world that you’ll take every drop of my cum.”
She giggled, reaching over me to grab the strap we already had taken out in preparation for this night. She brought it over to the apex of my thighs and her eyes went red, the toy becoming my appendage in less than a second.
“Oh shit, fuck,” I cursed under my breath, the new feelings very overwhelming. “This is …”
“This is amazing. I was hoping it would work.”
“Hoping?”
She looked down at it and shrugged.
“This is the first time I’ve tried it. But I’ve thought about it. A lot.”
She brought her hand down to it, letting her fingers slide along the tip. My hips jerked and I shuddered under her touch, unable to control this new piece of me.
“You’ll get used to it in time.” She said, reading my mind. “Your thoughts are so loud, I’m sorry.”
“I’m glad you’re listening to my thoughts because I’m not sure words are going to work for me in a few minutes.”
She smiled up at me and gave me a peck on the lips before sliding down my body, bringing her face to my brand new cock and pressing a kiss to the tip.
“Holy shit, I’m already gonna bust.”
“Don’t.” She giggled. “I want you to do it inside me.”
“I promise nothing.”
She took it into her mouth and I let out a low, needy groan, threading my fingers through her tousled locks and pushing her head down onto me. She was so wet and hot and I needed more.
She took as much of it as she could in her mouth before she started to gag, pulling off of it and trying again. I could feel my entire body tightening and the coil in my belly was just about to break. Is this what virgin boys felt like?
Hearing my thoughts once again, she pulled off of me, straddling my hips and nestling my cock between her soaking wet folds. She grinded herself against me and I cried out pathetically, needing to be inside her already. I grabbed her hips and she took my hands in hers, holding them up above my head.
“Stay.” She whispered, her magic slipping from her fingertips to wrap around my wrists, holding me down.
My mouth fell open as I watched her sliding up and down cock, just barely slipping inside her with every thrust.
“Please. Please, baby.”
“Please, what?” She breathed out, her clit rubbing against my length.
“Please, I need to be inside you. Please.”
She bit her lip, bracing herself as she eased herself down on my cock. My eyes rolled back into my head and I got lost in the pleasure. She bounced up and down on top of me, her hungry cunt squeezing me as she worked on getting us both off.
“Wanda - I’m not - I’m gonna -”
Her thrusts got faster, stronger, and I literally could not control myself any longer. I fought against her magic, trying to touch her, but she held me down, which only turned me on further, and I came inside her, the amount of cum that spurt out of my dick immeasurable. She moaned loudly as I filled her up and I watched as it spilled out of her. She continued to fuck my cum back into her.
“Oh fuck, Y/N, I’m gonna cum.”
I watched as she threw her head back and came, her pussy milking my cock and causing my legs to shake. It was too much. I rutted up against her, my hips jerking as she continued to milk me for all that I was worth. I could hear the couple on the t.v. moaning, fucking, and I watched Wanda riding the last of her high out on my dick, my heart nearly pounding out of my chest.
“This movie gave me an idea.” She said softly, her breathing ragged. “I wanna try doggy with the enchanted strap.”
I looked up at her from under hooded eyes, practically spent from just one fuck.
“S’too much.” I mumbled and she smiled.
“Is my pussy that good?” She teased and I nodded.
“Best thing I’ve ever felt in my life.”
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prael · 8 months ago
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Touch
Kinktember Day 9: Spa
Newjeans Danielle x male reader smut
words: 7,422 Kinktember Masterlist
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"My client, did you see her come in?" you ask.
"No, why? Is she famous or something?"
"Well, that would explain the secrecy, and it would also explain a woman barely twenty having cash to burn at a place like this," you whisper to the colleague who is far too jealous of how you just got requested by name because that usually means big tips for a good service.
"Did you get her name?"
"Supposed to be a secret." Your answer dissatisfies her, and she throws you a side-eye. "Okay. Okay. Danielle something... Marsh?"
"Shut up!" She hits you on the shoulder. "No fucking way. Let me take this one and you can have my next ten VIP bookings."
"Sorry, but she asked for me by name," you tell her. She mutters an obscenity under her breath. "Want to tell me what I'm getting into here?"
And then the girl spews out a jumble of ramblings about K-pop this and K-pop that—the kind of reaction that only the truly obsessed can have. Millions of views on this, charting on that, really fucking popular is the gist of it. So basically the whole planet Earth knows who this Danielle is. Well, shit. No pressure or anything. "Get in there already, do your best work and maybe get me an autograph."
A few forceful pushes out of the staff room and you find Danielle where you left her, her cleansing mask still on her face, sitting in that long white robe. You step barefoot over the soft wood, heat rising from underneath it.
As you draw near, you ask, "Miss Marsh, are we ready to begin?"
"Dani, please," her voice says from beneath the mask. It's hard not to be intimated after being hit with the fact that the woman before you is world-renowned. Though from here, she looks like any other delicate young woman. Her feet are small. Bare, tiny and arched, they hang just a few inches from the floor, and they are as perfectly still as the rest of her. "No need to be formal, I'm here to relax."
"Then let me start by offering you a drink." The bottle pops as you twist it. The label is adorned in cursive. "Bottled at source, premium mineral water." Your arm raises the bottle so she can see the brand clearly.
"Is it magical water?" There is a playful lilt in her voice, "Maybe it has some healing powers?"
"Guaranteed to nourish the soul and unclog those emotional pores," you deadpan.
The facemask stretches with Dani's wide smile, and she lightly chuckles. "That's good, laughter is good for the soul."
"Right." You pour from a height and a theatrical stream flows. When the flute is halfway, you stop the flow and pass it to her hands, which take it gently.
"What? You don't even hold the glass for me? Put it to my lips and tilt?" It's another tease, the joke stretching on her grin, but now it is her hands holding the flute, her fingers long and smooth around the stem.
"I serve, not control."
"Those don't have to always be exclusive." She laughs, and the sound makes you feel something. "But I appreciate the intention. I hear you're the best in the business."
"I'll let you be the judge, Miss Marsh. Now, allow me to remove that mask. I have raised the temperature in here to help open the pores, and I would like to begin with a facial."
"I do love a facial." Danielle smiles to herself. "And again, please, just Dani is fine."
You step over behind her, where her head tilts back against the chair, her long hair cascading below, shimmering in the moist air. Lightly, you place the tips of your fingers along her jawline, finding the edge of the mask and gently lifting it upwards. She doesn't flinch at all, and you watch the wet mask give way to her face. Even upside down, Danielle is indeed beautiful.
With her sun-kissed hair, radiant skin, and effortless, elegant beauty. She is, in summation of all her parts: perfect. The image the word calls up has always been fuzzy around the edges, an abstract idea more than a specific concrete thing, because real people aren't like this. That's what you believed until you laid eyes on her.
"You take good care of your skin, Miss—Sorry—Dani."
"Thank you," she says simply, no joke this time. Your fingers ghost over her chin and then trace to her cheekbones, moving lightly to test her texture, all so smooth.
"First, I shall cleanse away any impurities," you say and lean down to examine her face. Even when you are so close, there is nothing for your scrutiny—no visible crevice, no blemishes, despite there being not a trace of make-up. It's all-natural.
There's a light whisper on her lips, one that you barely make out, "Good luck with that."
You tilt your head as you reach over for a fresh sponge, run it under hot water until it is filled, squeeze out the excess, and slowly drag a path of heat across her forehead. As your other hand holds the sheet over her neck to catch stray water, your first-hand works in large strokes from above, rinsing her skin with each successive pass.
As you focus, she leans back into the chair, and a soft hum escapes her lips. "Feels nice already," she murmurs.
You say nothing, working her in silence. Her eyelids are closed, her lips slightly parted, and she remains so still that, if not for the sound of her breaths, she could be easily mistaken as unconscious. This silence has a tranquillity and familiarity to it, one that feels like home, and without thinking, you are smiling.
She stays just the same as you begin to exfoliate her, brushing across her face in ever-widening circles. It's with such tenderness that her cheeks take a pink tint as she grows hotter and she smiles as you rub in gentle swirls, one spot, then the next.
Time passes in silence as you finish the exfoliation and apply all manner of natural, topical lotions, toners, and peels to Dani. When her skin is primed, you press your fingers against her skin and, starting at her forehead, you massage her face to a rhythm of long, soothing strokes. You enjoy touching her, you admit, which isn't exactly right for a professional, but since you have no outward reaction from her, you assume it isn't the end of the world.
Throughout it all, she keeps her eyes shut. Over time you move around her face, applying more pressure in some spots than others. She shifts and sighs, soft exhalations of her warm breath tickling your arm, yet otherwise doesn't move an inch. Her shoulders relax against the leather of the seat. "You really know what you're doing," she says, with a smirk. You pull her skin with your fingertips, moving them in large circles as it comes to an end. Finally, you tap your fingers gently over her skin to soothe.
"Now, your body, Dani."
Her eyes crack open, but slowly. "Are we moving?"
"I'll wash your skin over there, but the massage will be in the next room. Now, I'll need you to—"
Dani doesn't let you finish your sentence before she rocks forward in her seat and pushes herself to a stand. She's facing away from you and puts her hands in front of her, then she throws the robe back off her shoulders and lets it slide off her arms to the floor in one quick motion.
"Good," she says. "I was for too hot in that thing anyway."
Of course, as a professional, you would never gasp in surprise, yet, at the sight of her ass, the muscles tight, small, and round, the curves of her waist so thin, hair over her shoulders threatening to hide her slender back and those long slim legs, you manage to just barely gulp.
Too hot, she certainly is, you want to tell her and not just in the sense that perspiration coats her skin. Tiny beads of sweat that, as your eyes crawl over her, are in the process of running downwards. This glistening on her flesh is hypnotic. The curve of her ass, the slight tilt of her hips forward, the way the base of her spine leads downward, right down to a crack between her—
Focus. You remind yourself you have a job to do.
"In the far corner. The stone pool. Please, stand by the edge." It takes a second before Dani's head bobs, and then she slinks forward, slow and catlike. Her stride, and every motion of her muscles beneath her flesh that accompanies it, are mesmerising. And with every sway of her hips, you love her tight body more.
She pauses, a foot by the edge, and looks down into the water. Steam rises and envelops her form in a pale white that hugs her curves.
"Please, step in," you say as you walk over to her side and take her hand. Now, you catch a glimpse of her profile, and her chest, small, round and perky, and as you avert your eyes to guide her down the step, you tell her, "Watch your step now, go from stone to stone until you stand in the middle just there."
"Got it," Dani says. She steps with confidence and the hot water reaches quickly above her ankles and then halfway up her calves. With each careful move down the next step she gasps, soft and light. The water splashes with her movement and then swallows her up to the upper thigh.
"Please, take a seat there, on the wide stone." You reach to help steady her as she sinks down, her knees bending as she perches down so the water is at her hips as she sits.
"I just sit?"
"Yes, Dani, and I will bathe you." You step into the pool until the hot flowing water covers your knees, and then you stand behind her. You reach for a sponge, submerge it, and watch it fill, then draw it out and over her lower back and drag a large circle across her soft skin. "How's the water? Feel okay?"
"Great. Wow." She goes quiet as you work up and down her back, long, relaxing, soothing strokes until all the tension has left her shoulders. "That's wonderful," she says.
You clean her shoulders and then down her arms, the sponge dipping under the surface, and caressing her in a movement that feels like worship. With a slow rhythm, you run the sponge over her shoulders and around her neck, and finally, reaching over her, down to her chest. She shifts back as you do, resting herself against your legs. You run it over her chest a few times before coming up again to her shoulders.
"So soft..." her voice says, almost a breathy moan, and you catch a hint of it. Maybe she realises how it sounds because she soon goes quiet. Next, you work downwards, to her tight, toned stomach. Slowly you make sure you cleanse every part of her body. All while her back rests on you and her breathing is warm and pleasant.
"Miss, I mean Dani, can you stand now? We need to get you clean." You prompt, a hand on her shoulder.
"Sure." Dani snaps out of it. She stretches and cracks her neck before rising, leaning forward for a moment. When she rises, ripples run out in all directions and your eyes drift over her ass. It looks plump, perky, perfect. Then you sponge it, giving purpose to your stare. You push it down, over her cheeks and Dani shivers.
You repeat your slow, languid movements. Wipe away any trace of imperfection from her hips and thighs and then when you make her slowly step out of the pool, you work down her bit by bit. Finally, she stands on the edge of the pool, looking down at you, towering over you in her naked glory. She presents to you her foot and you hold her ankle to steady it and clean each digit, scrubbing between the toes.
"You can take the towel, on the peg, Dani."
"You do it." Dani doesn't move at all, keeping her eyes on you, staring into your eyes and through you.
You cautiously nod and then climb from the pool. You keep eye contact and wrap the towel around her small, wet frame. In your arms, she feels so fragile. You rub her down, first her legs. Long strokes, left and right. Each, in turn, both legs. Then you bring the towel up. When you wrap it over her hip and move upwards along her torso, Dani presses herself to you.
"You really know how to put someone at ease," she mutters.
You nod silently in return, and finish drying her shoulders, down her arms, back up, and down her back. You remain stoic as the heat between you builds, and she turns around without prompting. You wrap her again and bring the towel all the way down. Then over her rear. Soft, short circular motions with your palm.
"The table in the next room, Dani. Start by lying on your front, you can use the towel on the table to cover yourself. Once I see you settled in, I'll join you."
She laughs quietly and starts her slow walk to the door. You take your own towel, drying your legs, the water has soaked into the front of your shorts from where she leant against you.
She's on the bed. The towel, provided for her decency, is in a pile on the floor.
"Dani, the towel..."
"I'm fine, I want it off. I want everything off. Is that a problem for you?" There's this undeniably confident quality to her like the universe just has to be as it is because she likes it that way.
"Not a problem," you tell her. "It does tend to get in the way."
You're close to the bed now, looking down at her, still so perfectly nude. So vulnerable and relaxed, and not a drop of shame in her eyes. She gives you a look that says she's in charge, and that she's been waiting for this, and now it's finally going to happen. And that smile is impossible to refuse. "You could join me if it helps. Make it feel more like an equal partnership."
"Miss— I—"
"I'm joking," she winks. Danielle bunches her hair by her head and turns her head to the side as she rests.
The first of your oils, imported, rich and infused, drip with a consistency thick as honey over her. You watch it roll from the top of her back and run down her spine. Its warmth makes her twitch gently.
Slowly you reach out, press your hands into her skin and drag them from top to bottom, following the oil, making sure you cover her.
She hums in delight.
With great care, you begin your work. Fingers sink in, and your thumbs feel her muscles. Stroking and rubbing, from the top of her back, your fingers coax and prod at the flesh beneath. Pressing it back and forth, at times as gentle as a summer breeze and then as hard as a hammer.
There are knots in her back, beneath the tender surface. You find them easily and work at them to relax, coax them into submission, untying the muscles until they go soft. She gasps at your touch as you release them. Her body responds to you in the sweetest ways. With the smallest of whispers, the little fluttering breaths, and with her skin taking on a pink glow.
When the last knot goes soft, she writhes in response, and a content, relaxed murmur comes out of her.
"Oh god, that's it, don't stop," she says, the first words to come from her for a while.
"You were very tight." You reach across, add a small amount of more oil and start working back upwards. One stroke at a time. Up her neck. Over her shoulders. She trembles when you go deep into her flesh and reaches out to grasp at something, anything, and finds the edge of the table, holding herself steady. Her arms now, you lift them one by one, prying them from her grip and then holding and rubbing and pulling to coax the stiffness out.
Oil over her legs, next. Slowly you run your hands over the outside and inside and rub them into her skin, kneading it into her. Danielle keeps her mouth firmly shut the whole time. No jokes. Nothing funny. You lean down to her, focusing on her thigh that refuses to let go. Bending down, you push into her. As you feel her tension drain, you are rewarded with another quiet hiss.
You place the oil upon her feet and work it into her soles with a finger, an instant trigger, she cackles as her foot recoils at your touch. "Sorry, that's a bit ticklish," she tells you, apologetically.
Her feet go still and she inhales deeply as you set back to your task, much to the quiet amusement of Danielle. It's the slowest you have ever worked on a client, with long, dragging strokes to make sure she really enjoys it. Each is careful, so careful, to pull and tease. "Keep working it all the way up, all the way up my legs," she orders, quietly. "Nice and slow. Can you do that?"
You agree.
You hear Danielle sigh as you move your hands slowly up her calf. So soft and firm at the same time as she breathes so gently. A trace of laughter, an easy smile. You work her in the same manner, up her thigh, as slow and relaxing as before, massaging deep and heavy. Danielle begins to roll her hips as you grip the flesh at the top of her thighs and dig in.
"Higher, please, just for me." Danielle makes a little hum to accompany the instruction. You obey, knowing where this is leading. You take the oil, and let it pour lightly onto the peak of her cheek, it threatens to roll away so you capture it in your palm, a firm squeeze of her rear, a spread of oily warmth. She shivers and pushes up her hips in silent encouragement.
Your hands trail along, smooth and oily, each touch brings more shivers. Her legs part slightly, a slow squirm of her hips. Your fingers glide on her tight, round cheeks; running across, back and forth as she breathes deep. You press deeper with each sweep and listen as her gasps become a little louder, and her body moves a little more. She bends her arm, reaching back, as you watch it shake. Her nails claw onto the side of the bed.
The more you tease her with your touch, the harder she grips and the more she parts her legs. You've known the perfection of her body, just by seeing it, but this feeling confirms it.
Your hand wanders with long, oily strokes as you glide up her back, tracing the curves of her slim back up, all the way to her neck. There, you hold her as you lean in. "You can turn over now. Let's work out your front," you say, and Dani nods in agreement.
She smiles, though she remains silent, slowly, with such care, turning onto her side, then twisting to face you, her face flush, eyes drowsy, her mouth agape. She rests upon her back, arms by her sides, legs flat against the bed, open, as you gaze into her eyes.
You apply the oil with long slow strokes down her stomach, feeling her as she flinches, watching the dimples at her waist appear then vanish with her body's twists, with every flexing of her muscles. When you trace up, her flat, beautiful chest, and slowly slide a finger beneath her small pert breast, Dani takes a deep, quick, raspy breath, then says, "They didn't lie when the reviews said you have the best hands in the world."
Your oil-covered thumbs graze upon her nipple, soft at first, gentle in pressure, but this becomes firmer, building and rising, faster. Round and round it swirls, and this delight sends Danielle's breath to hitches and sharp, shallow pants. As she squirms in delight, her legs twist, rubbing and clenching. Her teeth bite down on her lips. The flesh of her body glistens.
One hand reaches, down a thigh then back up, across her stomach and down the other. Repeated in pattern as the other thumb never ceases on her pert nipple. Dani's eyes go blank as your touch continues, circling, teasing, stroking and grabbing. Her body responds and you are delighted to witness every tremor and gasp as it arches. And finally, for the first time, a full-blooded moan rings free.
Your hand goes lower. Deeper into the pit of her thigh as she spreads her legs wide. You seek out the inevitable and when you reach her crotch, you watch her tense up. And when the touch slides between her pussy's folds, and against her clit, there's an immediate reaction, her body jumping as you make the slightest flick of motion with your middle finger. You lift and let a trail of oil roll down her slit and back down to her rear.
"I wasn't really joking before," she gasps. "You should be naked. It would make this whole experience better." Dani tilts her head, fixes her drowsy gaze onto you, and holds the stare for what feels like a hundred heartbeats. "Don't you think that's fair? The way things are going?"
You hold the eye contact and consider this, a sudden lump in your throat making any immediate reply a struggle. Her eyes don't move from yours. Even her chest barely heaves with her short, fast panting.
"Go on, I want you naked. I'm going to feel so, so empty otherwise..."
That's all it takes.
How could you deny her?
Your hands, still covered in the hot oil, reach for the buttons at your collar. You slip them in order from the top and release one after another. Danielle's lips twitch, and her teeth rake them to a shine. Your clothing drops to the floor. Bared. It feels so wrong, and unprofessional, yet Dani looks on and gapes with a hungry, dark delight.
"Nervous now?" Her eyebrow twitches up.
"Never," you bluff.
Danielle's mouth stays open wide, and her breaths get caught and flicker as your touch returns to the same spot as before. Gentle, light touches flutter with your fingertips, drawing the tips of your fingers back and forth, back and forth, over her clit. You watch as her eyes widen, how her legs straighten out and she starts to kick her feet with the faintest hint of frustration as you tease.
"I paid for a deep massage." She emphasises the adjective, dragging the syllable out like a whine. "This teasing is bad for my heart," she whispers.
Her arm rises, then reaches for your chest and trails its way downward. The pressure of her finger, nails lightly scratching at your skin, trailing down to the waistline and then she wraps her slender fingers around you. It's hard. Incredibly so.
"And I'll show you how generous I can be with a tip."
She licks her lips slowly and sensually as her eyes meet yours with a mischievous gleam.
You grunt, pressing down with your fingertip, and then without a second thought, push it inside of her. Danielle throws her head back in silent bliss.
"Holy shit," she mumbles in a muffled, muted moan. "Don't hold back." You circle inside her slowly with one finger, letting the oil's moisture guide you. Then, adding a second digit, you delve back into her, pushing in deep and making sure she can feel it all the way inside as the palm of your hand pushes against her crotch.
Dani rolls her head to one side as you work, staring you right in the eyes and biting down on her lip as she throbs and you press down inside of her, moving in all sorts of subtle directions that are impossible for her to guess. With that, she moans again and there's a little grunt from deep within her. Her fist twists around you and she gets bolder with her touch.
You build it into some sort of rhythm and she moves, each time, reacting so well with your own thrusts. When she's relaxed enough for it, you introduce another finger.
"I— You can— Go a little bit faster," she pleas. Stretched wider, Dani starts to grow even more restless. This time, instead of small, languid strokes, your whole hand works, fingers rubbing and swirling, thumb finding her clit to massage it with purpose, building, always building, until she is shuddering under you, every single time, tensing and twitching with every change in direction.
"Come on—more," she pleads, bucking up against your hand, so slick with arousal.
She's barely jerking your cock, not even intentionally, just the jolts through her body causing the occasional twist of her grip or slide of her palm. You let it just rest in the loose curl of her grip and focus on doing what she commands, twisting your hand, gripping and stroking, tugging in circles and holding inside. The quivering gets worse and worse. And her breath grows heavier.
You keep working her relentlessly, as she squeals a drawn-out curse. Dani nearly loses control. She grips you hard, tightens her fist around you in spasm, a pained wince on her face, as she curls her toes so hard.
"Don't stop. Don't stop. Don't stop." It's the only thing she says, no jokes, no banter, as her eyes roll back, mouth agape as if the wind's been knocked from her, and a final, body-length spasm overtakes her. Her whole body. Back arched off the table, eyes pinched shut. It lasts for the longest time, almost impossible to sustain, you watch with an odd mix of terror and wonder. Her hair is a mess. Her naked, stretched-out limbs, glisten in the warm light.
It takes her a good half minute to fall back down, her lungs now sucking in the air as if there were none at all. One leg quivers. Her breaths slow, her eyes open again and you're holding her stare, her cheeks a faint scarlet, strands of hair plastered across her forehead.
More oil. More rubbing. From tension to relaxation again. Slowly she softens and you turn her whole body limp beneath your hands. All while you barely manage to hold yourself back from ravishing her. She keeps her eyes fixed upon you, so you force a smile, ignoring the ache clenched in her fist. You could kiss those lips, right now. Taste them. How soft and smooth would she feel pressed against you? What noises would come out of her?
You'd be forgiven for letting your imagination run wild with desire, but not forgiven for taking this service in any direction that Danielle didn't command.
She watches your thoughts as they float by, and seems to be considering the same. Then she smirks, and just with a look, reassures you that it's going to happen, and it's going to happen just exactly the way she wants it.
You're working your slick hands over her midriff, and have been for a minute or two, waiting for instruction. You work slightly up her body, perilously close to taking some initiative, but then she speaks, "That was... unexpected."
"Was it? Seemed to be your plan all along."
"Planned to tease. Planned to be touched. But did not expect it to be that good." She shakes her head softly, her cheek touching her shoulder as she stares with a fuzzy, dreamy look that is impossible to decipher. She has a cute, beautiful way of pouting her lips that's fascinating, you're struck still, hypnotised by the sight and the motion. "A few more would be perfect."
"You have me booked for another hour, and the client gets what the client wants."
Dani laughs. A light, melodious chime. "I know what I want," she tells you, gently rocking her palm over your cock. "I'm incredibly hard to fully satisfy, you better get to work."
Dani releases you from her grasp, and turns back over to her front, stretching out once more and looking back at you over her shoulder, holding a stare as she parts her legs. This stare could kill a man if his heart were too weak, and though your heartbeat quickens, your mind focuses on your purpose.
Your hands glide over her oil-coated thighs, wet and glistening. Dani rests her head back down and you are unable to stop your gaze from wandering along her spine, the gentle dimple above her ass, the two tight round cheeks below and the line bisecting between them. Up over her ass, you caress, then you slip and stroke in the valley, this, she clearly enjoys, judging from how her butt rises to greet your touch, her hips rolling once more.
Lower now. Lower and lower, until once again, your finger meets her lower lips and she hisses an inwards breath and tenses. Her body is so reactive to every touch. It makes this so easy, so rewarding, so deeply arousing. You are confident you can build her up, high, and crash her down in waves, for hours, until the sun breaks.
Two fingers again, to begin, that same twist and swirl to coax her towards delirium. Her quiet huffs and suppressed moans fill the air. With a heavy push, you dive in deeper, to watch as her whole body, muscle by muscle, starts to become lost in the sensation. And when you curl your fingers down and grind the heel of your hand over her clit, Dani absolutely loses it. She bites the sheets, body tight, hands trying to grab the far edge of the bed to give something to hold onto.
Her feet kick uselessly and a series of incomprehensible phrases fill her breath and break apart on the way out of her. Though you don't quite understand them, you grasp the meaning. This is what she wants you to do right now, to see how high you can bring her.
Her whole body starts trembling again. Tingling, quivering, shivering. It's one constant shake and her moans are louder, and longer. She struggles to breathe out a scream. Sweat begins to mix in the oil, and she lets out another unintelligible mess of words as you pull away. Dani collapses back into a quivering heap, gasping for air and stretching her hands out as if reaching out to the void, reaching out, grasping for something in the dark.
She lies there, spent, breathing deep. Her entire body is hot and burning as her muscles relax. Each breath is a moan, and her thighs clamp tightly together as if the feeling of nothing after being so worked up is torturous to endure.
Your fingers are soaked in her creamy fluids, it drips down onto the bed below. Yet somehow, this isn't over. No. There's a single goal, right in the back of your mind, that's never stopped clawing. If only you could taste her. Sink your face between her firm ass cheeks and tease her with your tongue and suck and devour her, the entirety of her.
Maybe you could ask. Or maybe you could just start kissing her lower back, your nose rubbing against her tailbone, working to the left, towards her hip and tease, trailing your lips ever lower to a spot just over the peak of her butt, until she wants your tongue to dive right in.
The thought is interrupted by her blessing, "Again. Another. However you want," her words stumble upon each other, a raspy, spent quality to her. "Whatever you want."
You kneel at the very end of the bed, lean over and take her hips and you lift them up with an abrupt strength that earns her immediate interest, judging by her sudden gasp. You put her on her knees, ass in the air. Beneath it, her lips shine and spread. You're going to drown in her. You lean over, planting kisses along her body until they land right where your fingers had been, right along her soaked pussy.
The taste is so sweet. Dani whimpers as her body twitches. Your lips part her, and your tongue stretches and laps her up with an unshakeable excitement. Dani tastes amazing, like every inch of her, hot and rich and so unbelievably delicate. She is desire—concentrated and distilled into the female form. Your mouth descends, kissing every tiny spot you can reach, your lips closing, sucking the sticky warmth into your mouth. You might spend the rest of eternity here, savouring her juices.
Each rough lick gives Dani a small burst of pleasure. This is perhaps not the most elegant approach, but you wouldn't dream of stopping and so you continue, over and over, eager to return Dani to her previous, tranced bliss. So wet and sweet and smooth as velvet, your tongue flattens over her clit.
Dani cums twice like this. Ass in the air, your face in her cunt, two more delicious releases and you lap up both. They come accompanied by Dani's musical screams and moans and swearing and mumbles and complete incoherence. Every part of her body tenses. Every movement becomes forced, with less control, until every part of her, quivering and shaking, is taken by a rapture. Her throat chokes off her moans and breathy whimpers, and then she becomes lost for a time, struggling to remember to breathe, caught up in the overwhelming, and unstoppable waves.
"Enough, enough," Dani chokes out, and so you stand back, watching as she twists back into a flat position on her back again, her hips shaking with the effort. She trembles for a while longer before lying perfectly still on the table. As you gaze at her, she still appears ethereal, unattainable. She gazes up at you with lidded eyes and the drowsy content smile that rests upon her lips—she is a goddess. Even after all those body-racking orgasms, she settles into that same elegant grace that makes you question what makes her mortal.
Dani raises a hand and curls a beckoning finger, "Come here."
And you come to her, to her smile that draws you in, a moth to a flame and the moth will burn, not the flame, it will never tire, it will consume anything. She takes you in her hand, hard and throbbing under her delicate touch, and yet so helpless against it. With a pull, Dani draws you in—to consume.
She parts those pretty, pink, curled lips and then looks up into your eyes and sighs as her warm breath runs across your length. Danielle curls her tongue to the underside of your head and engulfs it. She doesn't raise her head from where it rests, instead making you clamber up to her, so you put a knee on the wooden frame and a hand next to her shoulder. The heat grows, and Dani is swirling her tongue over your tip, making you twitch and throb in her grasp, a slave to her touch.
You're pushing forward, leaning over her, as her mouth opens wide and lets you in, then, all at once, tightens. Her tongue and lips stretch around your thickness and then enclose you, sealing tight. She makes a point of looking you in the eye, holding your stare, a curl at the corner of her mouth that only further sets a tremble to your loins. She pulls, slow, agonising and without hurry, her mouth holds tight and sucks back.
You pull out of her, an inch, and she stays clamped tight and as she draws away, she uses the time to slowly slide her tongue along and around your crown and against the sensitive underside. Once Danielle has pulled right off with a wet smack, the warmth of her breath covers your cock once more. She flicks her tongue against your tip, first as a long, sweeping, lingering brush, then a rapid flick that teases.
"Dani, fuck," you groan.
"That's the idea," she whispers, right against you, her warm, panting breath driving you crazy, her own burning desire barely contained. "Get down there and do me. Right now."
Then, in one fluid movement, her hands find her legs. She grips behind her knees and pulls her thighs up and back. She spreads her legs wide, with her feet in the air.
"Fuck me. I mean it," she states firmly, fixing you with that stern gaze. Her words send a flaming arrow directly to light the most basic of your instincts.
She has presented everything to you and wants to give even more. You can think of nothing else but ploughing her into the table until your vision fades to white. It takes only seconds and you find yourself over her, between those slim legs. You put a hand on each thigh and spread her.
Cock bearing down on her leaking cunt, you lower your body until she has all of your weight on top of her. Her hips squirm under your pressure, and she drags your arm tighter around herself until she finds exactly what she's been looking for. A rub between her folds as your length slips against her, up and down.
"Mmm, yes," she giggles, "put it in, all of it."
In an almost unconscious action, you place the head of your cock against her opening. Her wetness provides no friction, and Dani uses her nails to scratch your back impatiently. Slowly you flex forward. Every inch. So warm, so fucking hot. Tighter than anything.
"Oh, yes," is all Dani has to say as her breath cuts short. You feel the intense squeeze, you have no doubt this is a step beyond the pleasure your fingers gave her, and her entire body tightens, and she pulls you in, deep and full. Her eyes grow wide and her fingers dig into you as you draw back and drive in once more.
Another moan, her pitch gets deeper, this one drawn out from her very core. You hear it right in her chest, from the depth of her lungs, before it squeals free, right into your ear. "Worth every penny." Her words are thick and drawled, hard to make out, she can't seem to decide whether she wants to open her mouth or close it and keep it shut.
She wraps her arms tight around your neck and pulls you in deeper, you push her legs higher, folding her body up and it only makes things tighter, a thrill she clearly relishes.
You roll forward, holding her close to you, giving you a better purchase with her feet held up so high. Dani groans as you bite and suck at the soft skin along her neck. Your thrusts are still slow, so damnably slow. You push, and fill, and wait. Over and over, it's a cruel torment to both of you.
"Ah, come on. Give it to me, hard," Dani says, raking nails on your neck. She turns her head. Finds your mouth. Seals her lips against yours. Teeth nibble and then her tongue penetrates your mouth. Her hips start to rise and drop. Her sex grabs at you, pleading to pound her.
So you let go of your iron self-restraint and fuck her. Fuck her good.
Your tempo grows more powerful. Her walls squeeze and pull and writhe with a desperate need. It's tight, so, so tight, the way she envelops you, the slick warmth around you. Each stroke sends a shudder through her. Another ripple follows and with it, her high, pitchy wails. Dani's never been so loud, so demanding that her pleasure be delivered.
Number five is close, you can feel her body going rigid, the quivering, twitching, curling of her toes, the growing tension, you go faster, a force building within, trying to rush her to the inevitable. Dani screams, moaning incoherently, her eyes screw tight as you throw yourself into her with such ferocity, like an animal, with no regard for pace, or rhythm. Pure, unrelenting pleasure.
She grips so hard on your shoulder, and then her other hand goes back, over her head, gripping the edge of the table in white-knuckled desperation. "I'm... cumming," Dani spits through a clenched jaw, unable to even form her tongue around the word.
Her orgasm feels more powerful this time, so much more; it flows through her and you can't help but stare. Watching the way the pink blossom blooms on her face and how the rest of her pales. One orgasm into another, you think, it's difficult to discern. You're in no rush. No race. Instead, you delight in the absolute loss of control you see in Danielle's face and you feed off it.
Her mouth forms a soundless scream and she reaches up and sinks her nails into your chest and drags them across, not breaking the skin, but hard enough to leave marks. It feels amazing. All the more so watching Danielle break herself, willingly.
"Holy shit..." Danielle pants then sucks air into her empty lungs.
Her little, flexible body, pinned beneath yours, seems incapable of even the tiniest motion, save the trembles.
Through gritted teeth, she says, "I want— I want a facial. My face. Cum."
This is the single sexiest thing she could have possibly said at that moment. For all the time you've spent watching that pretty doll-like face contort in a hundred different ways, you want nothing more than to see it coated with your lust. To paint every last bit of that sweetness on her lips, on her cheeks—everywhere. To witness that brief moment, after climax where she is confused and awash with bliss and trying to remember how to breathe, and it's interrupted by a load of your cum. You want it.
You round the table, standing over her head, lowering down and watching her eyes spark with anticipation. Danielle knows how bad you want it, how close it is, and you watch, enraptured by the way she tilts her head up and licks her lips. Her little, eager tongue.
Dani wraps her fingers around you and strokes and pumps fast, pulling, urging you to completion, teasing you to spill over her, onto those pretty, dainty features. Your skin feels alive, like static and pinpricks and pure lightning, like your nerves have come to the surface. Pent-up energy coils low, threatening to snap. You cannot resist her anymore.
It all unfurls in a glorious, explosive instant. Blinding. A shiver climbs up your spine, spreading to every limb in one long spasm. A long, raw growl in your throat as you shoot thick and hard, some on her face, and some overshooting onto her chest. Dani gasps a cute little "Oh" and then starts to giggle as the second rope lands right over her perfect little features. And then another, this time across the bridge of her nose and her cheek and down her lips. Her tongue collects whatever it can.
Dani's small hand keeps a hard grip and keeps coaxing, even as you feel like you have nothing to give, with it all painting her face, still, she jerks up and down, until you are empty, trembling and drained. Still, she goes, forcing you through painful shivers, laughing the whole time until the pain becomes too much, and your hands take hers and pull.
You prop yourself against the table, looking down at the mess you made. Dani's happily laughing to herself, licking up what she can. "You'll need to clean me again now, won't you? Sponge away all your dirty filth," she giggles.
Her giggle is intoxicating. Loving. It warms you right through. You wish you could bottle up her laughter.
"Need a minute," you grunt, and there's so much pride on her cum-strewn face.
"Aw, need time for recovery?" Dani quips. "I'll just lay here, all messy and defiled. Waiting to be tended to. Enjoy the sight of me, of your filthy cum all over my sweet, innocent face, until you get the strength to lift me. Really, don't rush, I love this feeling."
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cupofteatoyou · 17 days ago
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Dreaming in Blaugrana pt2
You didn’t move for a long time.
Not after the door closed. Not after her footsteps faded down the hall. Not even when the buzzing in your ears quieted enough for your own heartbeat to feel loud again.
You just stood there. Half-in, half-out. Of the suit. Of your lie. Of everything.
The silence wasn’t empty—it was full of everything she didn’t say.
You peeled the rest of the suit off slowly, like maybe if you did it gently enough, the shame would come off with it. It didn’t.
The Cat Culer head still sat on the desk beside you, grinning like it didn’t understand what it had done. Like it hadn’t broken something.
You wanted to shove it in the duffel. Hide it. Burn it.
Instead, you slumped into your chair and stared at the empty doorway, Like maybe she'd come back.
She didn’t.
And even if she did, you weren’t sure which part of you she’d be looking for—the mascot, or the lie.
You thought the worst part would be her finding out. The embarrassment. The exposure. But it wasn’t.
The worst part was knowing she wasn’t upset that it was you.
She was upset that it was you the intern.
Because that version of you—the one who ran cables, clipped mic audio, nodded silently while she barked directions—wasn’t someone she’d ever let close. Wasn’t someone she’d let in.
It wasn’t about the secret.
It was about where you came from.
You were staff. And in her world, that meant something. It meant distance. It meant professionalism and protocol and polite nods that never cracked into anything real.
You weren’t just behind a mask. You were behind a camera. Behind a badge. Behind everything she kept herself safe from.
Because around staff, Alexia had rules.
Around staff, she wasn’t a person—she was a product.
An image. A brand. A checklist of the right words and the right smile and the right lighting.
She gave interviews like a machine. Took direction without flinching. Let the boom mics dangle inches from her face without ever acknowledging the person holding it.
To staff, she was the captain.
To staff, she was untouchable.
And she liked it that way.
Because being “Captain Putellas” meant she didn’t have to be anything else.
She could shut the door behind her eyes and coast through every interaction on muscle memory. Professional. Polished. Distant. Safe.
And you broke that.
Not just as the mascot—but as you.
Because the whole time she’d been opening up to Cat Culer—laughing, venting, offering pieces of herself she didn’t give to anyone else—she hadn’t realized it was someone who already saw her when she didn’t mean to be seen.
Someone who’d filmed her on her worst days. Caught her quietest moments. Chosen what parts of her got shown to the world.
You weren’t a stranger.
You were staff.
And to her, that was the same as betrayal.
Because you weren’t supposed to be real.
You weren’t supposed to matter.
Not outside the suit. Not in her world.
And now?
Now she couldn’t figure out where you ended and the lie began.
You blurred the line.
And for someone like Alexia—who lived her life inside clean boxes, perfect soundbites, and tightly managed control—that wasn’t just uncomfortable.
was terrifying.
Because if she admitted the intern could be someone she’d fall for...
Then what else had she gotten wrong?
Then maybe the walls she’d built weren’t really walls at all.
Maybe they were windows. And she’d been seen this whole time.
You still showed up.
Not as often. Not with the same spark. But enough that no one questioned it.
The suit still fit. The paws still bounced. The tail still swung when you needed it to. But every time you pulled the head over your face, something in you flinched.
It wasn’t comforting anymore. It wasn’t safety. It felt like a lie.
And not the fun kind—the kind with pranks and silent jokes and wide-eyed kids tugging at your fur. No. It felt rotten now. Like wearing someone else’s skin. Like stepping into a character that no longer belonged to you.
Because being Cat Culer used to feel like freedom. Now it felt like hiding.
And the worst part? She didn’t even look for you anymore.
After that night, after the mascot head on the desk and the silence that felt too final—Alexia never brought it up again.
You saw her in passing. On the pitch. In hallways. In media rooms filled with lights and noise and tension so thick it held everyone hostage.
She nodded, sometimes. Once, maybe, she said hi. But it wasn’t for you. It was for the space you filled. The staffer. The silhouette. The role.
You weren’t the one she confided in anymore. That person didn’t exist. You weren’t you, either. Not really. Just something in between.
Because Cat Culer still danced at halftime and hugged kids and made Mapi snort-laugh on the sidelines. But every cheer felt heavier now. Every high five, more hollow.
You'd become a ghost wearing fur.
And the truth clawed at you more every time you put the suit on.
That you’d once meant something to her. That she’d laughed with you, shared with you, trusted you—not because of who you were, but because of who she thought you were.
And now? Now even pretending felt disgusting. Because she wasn’t falling for the mascot anymore. And she definitely wasn’t falling for you. It wasn’t just the silence.
It was the way things changed in small, invisible ways. Quiet shifts only you seemed to notice.
Alexia didn’t come to you during warmups anymore. Not to sit beside you. Not to nudge your shoulder. Not to talk about drills or bad boots or long days.
She used to look for you. Now, she looked through you.
Sometimes, she arrived early, trained hard, and left before you even zipped up the suit. Other days, she stayed late—but the second you stepped onto the pitch, foam paws flopping, tail bouncing like always, she’d suddenly remember a meeting. A lift. A stretch.
You could count the number of words she’d said to Cat Culer in the last three months on one hand.
And none of them had been for you. Not really.
Once, you joined Mapi and Patri on the grass for a mock drill—the kind where you were the “opponent” and everyone took turns sliding in to tackle you like chaos gremlins. The girls were cackling. Patri tried to fake a red card. Ingrid filmed the whole thing for Instagram.
You glanced up, heart flickering.
Alexia stood near midfield, arms crossed, watching. For a second, you thought maybe—just maybe— But when you tripped dramatically over a cone and flailed backward in your usual slow-motion death fall, she didn’t smile.
She turned away.
Walked straight toward the bench and didn’t look back.
Another time, you heard her on the sideline. Mapi was complaining about losing a passing game to the mascot, and Alexia—without missing a beat—just muttered:
“Stop letting the cartoon outplay you.”
Not “they’re good.” Not “they’re funny.”
Not you.
Just the cartoon.
Like you were nothing more than fur and foam and a dumb tail flopping in the wind.
And that stung more than silence.
Because at least silence could pretend it didn’t know you.
This? This was cold. This was careful.
And maybe worst of all—this was what boundaries looked like. Rebuilt. Reinforced.
You didn’t know what hurt more— That she couldn’t look at you the same way anymore Or that maybe she never would again.
It wasn’t just you who noticed. Mapi saw it too.
She didn’t say anything at first. Just started watching a little more closely. Her eyes would flick to Alexia whenever you entered a room. She’d go quiet when Alexia walked past without a word. Without a glance.
One afternoon, you were sitting on the edge of the grass in full costume—legs stretched out, paws resting in your lap—when Mapi jogged over and dropped beside you with a sigh.
She didn’t say much. Just passed you an energy drink and pulled her sweatband off with a wince. Her knee was taped again. Same as always. You bumped her shoulder lightly with your foam arm. She smiled, distracted.
Then her eyes drifted across the field. Alexia was walking off. Alone. No wave. No playful jab. No shoulder bump. Just... gone. Mapi watched her for a beat too long.
“You notice it too, huh?” she muttered finally. You didn’t move.
Mapi didn’t look at you, just twisted the cap off her drink and stared straight ahead. “She doesn’t talk to you anymore. Not like she used to.” You stayed still. Silent.
“I mean, I get it. She’s not good with... this kind of thing,” she added, gesturing vaguely. “Feelings. Shit that doesn’t fit into her little system. Especially when it comes from someone she wasn’t expecting.”Another pause,Then, softer: “But still. It’s shitty.” Your chest tightened.
Mapi leaned back on her palms and exhaled hard. “She used to look for you, you know. Like, before anything started. I'd catch her scanning the field, waiting for the cat to show up. Like it made her day better.” She didn’t say it to be cruel. Just honest.
“But now?” she continued. “Now she sees you coming and turns the other way.”
You dropped your foam head into your hands, mask hiding your face even though she couldn't see it.
Mapi nudged your foot with hers. “Whatever happened… it’s eating both of you.”
You didn’t respond. You couldn’t. And she didn’t push.
She just sat beside you until the sun dipped low enough to paint the pitch in gold again. Until the others filtered off the field. Until you were the only ones left.
Then she stood, brushing grass off her shorts. And before walking off, she said it—low and certain: “She’s mad. But not at you.She’s mad that she let herself care.” And you just sat there, head in your paws, heart somewhere it couldn’t reach her. Not anymore.
You lasted a few more weeks. Not because you wanted to. Because you didn’t know how to stop.
You kept showing up like muscle memory. Like the act of being there might make something inside you feel right again. You filmed interviews with shaking hands. You sorted clip reels until your eyes blurred. You stood in the media room with your hoodie pulled tight, trying to shrink small enough that even the silence wouldn’t see you.
You laughed when Mapi joked. Nodded when Carla gave instructions. Played the part. But it was all mimicry now. Hollow.
Even the mascot didn’t feel like yours anymore.
Every time you reached for the suit, your chest clenched. The fur felt heavier. The paws, stiffer. The Cat Culer head, once something like safety, sat on its shelf like a stranger. Its smile looked smug now. Cruel.
You still wore it sometimes. But only when you had to. And every time, it felt a little more like punishment. Because no matter how good you were at pretending, she never came back.
Not like before.
You told yourself it didn’t matter. That you weren’t here for her. That this was still your job. But the truth was... it used to be more than that.
Cat Culer had given you belonging. Had made you feel like someone. Had carved out a space where you could breathe, even if it was through mesh eyeholes and three inches of foam.
Now it just felt like pretending to be a version of yourself that no longer existed. And being you—just you—wasn’t enough to stay.
So one quiet Friday, when the team was away for an away fixture and the office was nearly empty, you cleaned out your locker.
You didn’t leave a note.
No email. No message. No goodbye. Just silence. Because there wasn’t anything left to say. Not to the club. Not to the staff. And definitely not to her.
You didn’t want to explain yourself. Didn’t want to answer questions or sit through awkward sympathy or worse—understanding. You didn’t want to hand over a flash drive or leave behind a letter. You didn’t want to wrap it up in closure.
You just wanted it to stop.
So you walked away.
One morning, you packed your things from the locker flat you’d barely had time to decorate, and by the afternoon, you were gone. The uniform stayed in the locker, untouched. The duffel with the mascot suit still zipped and heavy in its corner. The lanyard probably got deactivated without anyone noticing.
And that was fine. That was the point.Because you didn’t want to be remembered. Not as the intern. Not as the mascot. Not as the girl she used to talk to. You wanted to be no one again. It was easier.
Now you made coffee.
Six-hour shifts behind a corner café bar, pressing espresso and wiping down counters while your coursework blinked at you from a half-broken laptop in the backroom. It was quiet, mostly. You liked quiet now.
There were no jerseys. No cameras. No mascots. No her.
You could breathe here.
No one cared who you were. No one stared. No one expected you to smile or perform or hold yourself together just long enough to get through another shoot.
Here, you were just another face in an apron. Another student trying to make rent. Another girl watching strangers walk past the window and wondering what it would feel like to be unafraid again.
And some nights, when you closed the shop alone and the world felt still in a way it hadn’t in months, you wondered if she even noticed you were gone.
If she’d said anything. If she missed the silence beside her. If she missed you—even if she know who you were.
But most nights, you didn’t think about her at all. You couldn’t. Because if you did, the ache would come back. The one that told you she almost saw you. And then chose not to.
You didn’t expect anyone to reach out. Not really.
You’d vanished so quietly, it felt like erasing yourself. Like closing a door behind you and pretending the room never existed. You assumed that once you were gone, life at the club would move on—faster than you did. Cleaner.
And mostly, it did.
Except for Mapi.
She found you a week later.
Not through some big dramatic search, but through the most Mapi way possible—an Instagram story.
You’d posted a blurry photo of your cappuccino art, not even thinking. No caption. Just foam and sunlight and a chipped ceramic cup. You barely had ten followers.
But she saw it.
Two hours later, she walked into the café like she owned the place. A hoodie pulled over her curls. Sunglasses. Casual as ever.
She didn’t say hi. Didn’t say I missed you. She just leaned on the counter, popped a piece of gum into her mouth, and said, “So this is where you’ve been hiding.”
You blinked at her. “How did you—”
She held up her phone and tapped your post. “Amateur mistake. Next time, don’t geo-tag.” You laughed before you could stop yourself.
And just like that, she made herself a regular.
She started showing up every couple of days. Never in team gear. Always in that deliberately under-the-radar way that screamed don’t recognize me while still somehow drawing attention anyway.
She’d sit at the corner table by the window and call it her spot after the second visit. Always asked for the same drink—iced coffee, no sugar, oat milk—and always insisted she wasn’t here for you.
“Free coffee,” she’d say with a shrug. “That’s the only reason I show up. You owe me for years of emotional trauma.”
And sometimes, she’d stay for hours—sunglasses pushed up into her hair, ankles crossed, flipping through a magazine she didn’t read. Other times, she wouldn’t even order. Just walk in, ruffle your hair behind the bar, and walk out again with a smirk and a wave.
It was stupid. Pointless. Quiet. But it meant everything. Because she didn’t ask what happened. She didn’t ask about the club. Or the suit. Or Alexia.
She didn’t ask why your hands still trembled when you steamed milk. Or why you sometimes went quiet when certain songs came on the speaker.
She just kept showing up.
And that told you enough.
She wasn’t there for the coffee. She was there for you. Even if she’d never admit it out loud. And for the first time in months, you let yourself believe it—Maybe someone had seen you after all.
Late afternoon. Slow shift. You were wiping down the espresso machine when your phone buzzed in your apron pocket. You almost ignored it. Probably spam. Probably nothing. But something made you check.
It was a picture. No words, no explanation—just a glitter-covered digital flyer with Mapi’s face photoshopped onto a unicorn mid-gallop, a party hat tilted over one eye, confetti raining from the sky behind her. It said “MAPICHELLA – You’re Invited (Not Optional)” in Comic Sans.
You blinked. Then the second message came through:
MAPIII: "My birthday. You're coming."
Just like that. No greeting. No room for debate. You stared at it for a long time, thumb hovering over the keyboard. Your first instinct was to say no. To type something polite. Gentle. A soft excuse.
“Can’t make it.” “Busy that night.” “Hope it’s fun.”
But before you could craft your letdown, another message arrived.
MAPIII: "Don’t even think about saying no. I know where you work, remember?"
Of course she did.
You smiled, despite yourself, even as something tight coiled behind your ribs.
"I’m not really good at parties."
There was a pause. Not long. But long enough to feel the weight of it. Then…
MAPIII: "Good thing I didn’t invite you for your party tricks. I invited you because I want you there."
Simple. Blunt. Real.
And you hated how much it made your chest ache. Because it had been months. Months of you slipping away, letting the city swallow you, rebuilding your world with silence and coffee beans and textbooks. You hadn’t asked anyone to look for you.
But Mapi had. And she never stopped.
You stared at the screen, unsure what to say. Part of you wanted to ask who would be there. To calculate your risks. To figure out how much proximity to her you could survive.
But you didn’t. Because deep down, you already knew. And even deeper—you knew it wouldn’t matter.
"Won’t it be… weird?"
You didn’t specify. Didn’t say her name. You didn’t have to. Mapi replied almost instantly.
MAPIII: "You being not there is what’s weird.You showing up and eating cake like a half-functioning human? That’s normal. You’re my friend. Come."
Your throat tightened. You started typing another excuse, fingers shaking just a little.
But then the last message came in.
MAPIII: "If you don’t show up, I’m sending someone to drag you there. In your apron. With a to-go cup glued to your hand."
That got a laugh out of you. The kind you hadn’t felt in weeks—sharp, involuntary, genuine.
You didn’t text back. Didn’t say yes. But you didn’t say no either.
And that night, when your shift ended, you lay in bed with the party flyer still open on your phone, thumb brushing over the glitter filter like it might tell you what the hell you were supposed to feel.
Because part of you wanted to forget. Part of you wanted to stay buried. But part of you—stupid, fragile, stubborn—missed something.
Not the job. Not the mascot. Not even the past.
You missed belonging. And maybe—just maybe—you missed her, too. Even if you weren’t ready to admit it. You didn’t even want to come.
You’d told Mapi that. Twice. Maybe three times. She ignored you every single time.
So now here you were—pressed into the corner of someone’s apartment you didn’t recognize, wrapped in the softest hoodie you owned like it might shield you from the noise, the lights, the memories.
The party was loud. Overfull. Bright. Glittered with birthday balloons and half-empty bottles and a playlist that jumped between club bangers and chaotic throwbacks no one ever admitted to knowing all the words to. People moved like water—shifting, laughing, clinking glasses—and you were doing a decent job of blending in.
Until you weren’t.
“—and this one,” Mapi’s voice cut through the crowd like a spotlight, and your stomach dropped. You turned just in time to see her grinning like a troublemaker on stage, her drink raised, one arm gesturing straight toward you.she was drunk, no she was wasted. You know she didn’t meant to outed you, not like that.
“Faceplanted so hard in the Cat Culer suit during halftime once. I swear, if we’d had that on video, it would’ve gone viral.” The words hit before you could duck.
Someone turned.
Then another.
And then—
“Wait... you were the mascot?”
A few eyes widened. Jaws dropped. One hand literally slapped another person’s shoulder.
“No way.”
“Shut up. That was you?”
“Yo, I knew it. I knew you had to be an athlete under there. You were too good.”
“Okay, but like... you’re actually stupid hot. Why the hell were you hiding in a giant cat costume?”
You laughed—awkward and soft and not quite real. “Bad decisions. Mostly.”
Someone from the far side of the kitchen shouted, “Y’all, we’ve been tackled by a supermodel this whole time and didn’t even know?”
The teasing kept rolling.
“I swear, you danced better than half the squad.”
“You were better at interviews too, honestly. You had the drama down.”
“You did that backflip at the open house! I thought that was a stunt double!”
Compliments wrapped around you like confetti—bright, silly, kind.
But beneath all of it, something sharp pressed against your ribs.
Because not one person said, “Wait, weren’t you the intern too?” Not one, “You filmed that Barça documentary, right?” Not “Didn’t you do all the graphics during the Liga campaign?” Not even a faint, “Weren’t you the girl holding the mic at the tunnel?”
They didn’t remember that version of you.
The one who stayed late, edited their highlights, clipped their press quotes.
They remembered the cat. The chaos. The costume.
Not the person.
And you tried not to let it show, but your smile wavered. Just a little.
That’s when Mapi appeared beside you, like she felt the shift without needing to hear a word. Guilty was shown at her face.
She leaned in, voice low so only you could hear. “Hey. I’m sorry it’s just slipped” You looked at her. Didn’t trust yourself to speak.
Her smile faded—still warm, but quieter now. “You okay?”
You nodded, even though your throat was tight.
She didn’t push. Just stood there with you, shoulder to shoulder, holding space like it was second nature.
“They’re not trying to forget,” she said gently. “They just never knew where to look.”
Your eyes burned for a second too long. You blinked it away. And then—
You felt it.
That pull. That static in the air. The weight of someone’s gaze settling between your shoulder blades.
You turned.
And there she was.
Alexia.
Near the hallway, half-shadowed by a flickering string of fairy lights. Drink in hand. Still. Composed. And looking directly at you.
Your breath caught.
Not from fear.
From recognition.
Her expression didn’t change. Not much. But her eyes—they were quietly wrecked in a way that no one else would’ve noticed.
Just you.
Because you’d seen them soft before. Lit up with laughter, with trust. You’d felt her shoulder brush yours in a silent joke, watched her smile like it belonged only to the cat who couldn’t speak.
But now?
Now she didn’t smile.
She didn’t come closer.
She just looked at you.
And in that one look—without a single word exchanged—you felt the full weight of the distance she’d built between you.
Not cold. Not cruel.
Just… unreachable.
And then she blinked.
And looked away.
And left.
Like she hadn’t been staring at the version of you she couldn’t quite face.
You swallowed hard and turned back toward the crowd, where the laughter hadn’t stopped. Where the music kept pulsing like nothing had broken.
But something had.
Not publicly. Not loudly. Just… quietly. Inside your chest.
Mapi was still next to you. She didn’t say anything this time. Just placed a hand on your back and left it there.
Warm. Steady.
And you didn’t have to say a word for her to understand. You were grateful And you were hurting. At the same time.
You were cornered by the snack table, balancing a plastic cup and a half-full plate of chips, when Patri appeared beside you like she’d been summoned by the scent of your awkwardness.
She leaned a forearm on the counter, too casual to be casual, and looked you up and down with a grin that didn’t hide what it was.
“Didn’t recognize you without the fur,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.
You laughed, nervous but polite. “Yeah, I get that a lot tonight.”
“Right,” she said, eyes still on you. “It’s just… weird. You were funny as hell in the suit. And now you’re just…” She tilted her head, her grin sharp and easy. “Kind of stupidly cute. Unfair, really.”
You blinked. “Oh.”
She chuckled at your reaction. “Relax. I’m not trying to marry you. Just saying—if I’d known it was you under there, I’d have started flirting months ago.”
You smiled, the practiced kind. Friendly. Harmless.
“That’s sweet,” you said, trying not to sound like you were dodging it, even though you absolutely were.
Patri leaned a little closer. “Is it working?”
You laughed again, the sound light but distant. “You’re very charming.”
Once again, you felt it.
A gaze.
You didn’t have to look—you knew.
But you looked anyway.
Alexia stood by the far wall, pretending to be in a conversation that wasn’t holding her attention. Her face was unreadable, but her eyes weren’t.
They were on you. On Patri.
510 notes · View notes
kathaelipwse · 21 days ago
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Set Me Off || J.Wooyoung
Pairing: Wooyoung (ATEEZ) x Actress.Idol!Reader
Requested: Yes
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Word Count: 7242 words : Reading Time: 26-ish mins
Trope: Idol x Actress | Slow Burn to Lovers | Hidden Relationship | He Falls First and Harder
Warnings: Mild language, mentions of hate comments, slow-burn tension, eventual mild intimacy (towards the end)
Synopsis: Everyone knows you as the queen of K-dramas, always cast in sweet romance roles. But your gritty new action film flips the script—and catches the attention of ATEEZ’s Wooyoung, who’s instantly obsessed. What starts as admiration turns into something deeper as secret messages, live chemistry, and late-night confessions unfold. Fame might complicate things… but love? That’s the real headline.
Author’s Note: This is my love letter to powerful women, supportive men, and the chaos that comes when celebrity crushes turn mutual. Expect flirty tension, viral moments, soft love, and a lot of heart.
Request are open <3
The award show pulsed with manufactured euphoria. Sequins shimmered under the relentless assault of camera flashes, a galaxy of idols clustered beneath the stage lights, their attention divided between the ongoing performances and hushed predictions of who would clutch the coveted trophies. It was the usual orchestrated spectacle: saccharine romance trailers that elicited polite applause, glossy cosmetic brand ads promising unattainable perfection, dramatic teasers hinting at future on-screen turmoil. Fluff and glitter, meticulously curated for maximum impact.
Then, the manufactured brilliance fractured.
The house lights bled out, plunging the auditorium into sudden darkness. A collective murmur rippled through the crowd, a momentary suspension of the carefully constructed reality.
The colossal screen, which had moments before showcased smiling faces and glistening products, dissolved into an absolute, consuming black.
And then your trailer began.
A cacophony of sound ripped through the silence: the sharp, concussive reports of gunshots, the high-pitched whine of tires fighting for traction, the chillingly distinct shick of a blade being drawn from its sheath. And then, you materialized. Stepping into the frame as if conjured from the shadows, clad in a black leather jacket that seemed to absorb the remaining light. Your eyes, sharp and assessing, cut through the darkness. Your lips, painted a defiant blood red, curved into a dangerous smile, a flicker of untamed fire dancing in their depths.
"Target acquired," a voice, low and husky – hers – drawled from the screen. The camera shifted, revealing her perched on a rain-slicked rooftop, a silhouette against the artificial twilight. Black leather molded to her form, a gun holstered with lethal grace against her thigh. Her eyes, lined with a stark precision, mirrored your own intensity. Her lips, too, were curved in a knowing smirk.
The entire auditorium held its breath. The low hum of conversation had vanished, replaced by a profound, almost reverent silence. The collective memory of your previous roles – the sweet ingenue clutching a notebook, the girl blushing over a tentative first kiss – seemed to evaporate into the charged atmosphere.
The images on screen shifted with brutal efficiency. You, a whirlwind of controlled violence, flipping a man twice your size with effortless ease, sending him crashing through a pristine marble table. You, a figure of fierce determination, shooting your way out of a towering high-rise as lightning split the stormy sky. You, smirking, a smear of blood a stark crimson against your flawless cheekbone, your beauty amplified by the raw power you exuded. You were terrifying. And undeniably, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Tell heaven I sent you," she murmured, her voice a silken threat before the deafening roar of an explosion ripped through the sound system. A car erupted in a fiery inferno behind her as she turned and walked away, her silhouette unwavering against the blaze. And then – another explosion, closer this time, the screen erupting in a blinding, white-hot flash. “Blood Petals” – A Netflix Original. Coming Soon.
Silence hung heavy in the air for a beat, two beats, an eternity.
Then, the dam broke.
A collective gasp swept through the auditorium, a wave of pure shock rippling through the assembled stars. A smattering of hesitant cheers broke out, quickly swallowed by the dominant sense of stunned disbelief.
ATEEZ? Their usual boisterous energy seemed to have been momentarily suspended. They sat frozen, eyes glued to the now-blank screen.
Wooyoung? He was a statue carved from disbelief. Utterly silent, his eyes blinked slowly, as if trying to process a reality that had just violently overwritten his expectations. It was as if his entire definition of an ideal had just materialized on screen, holding a grenade and a vendetta.
“Bro,” San whispered, nudging his arm gently. “Was that… her?”
“She just killed five guys and licked blood off her thumb,” Mingi muttered, his eyes wide and unfocused. “I didn’t know I was into that, but apparently, I am.”
Wooyoung remained unresponsive, his brain seemingly undergoing a complete system reboot. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, he breathed, “She’s so hot I think I blacked out for a second.”
And then – your cue.
Blinding spotlights flooded the stage, cutting through the residual darkness. You stepped into the incandescent glow, a vision ripped straight from the aesthetic of your trailer. Your gown, the color of deep red wine, clung to your figure like liquid night, sculpted to every curve and angle. The gloves reached past your elbows, adding an air of dangerous elegance, while the slit in the skirt climbed high enough to steal the breath from every lung in the room. Your hair was slicked back, revealing the sharp angles of your face, your expression a study in cool, lethal grace.
Every single eye in the auditorium was fixed on you.
Including his.
Wooyoung watched, his mouth slightly agape, as if you had indeed descended from the ceiling on a wire, a real-life embodiment of a Mission: Impossible fantasy.
You smiled – a cool, collected curve of your lips that somehow managed to convey both power and amusement – and your voice, smooth and confident, filled the stunned silence. “Best Performance Group: ATEEZ.”
A ripple of movement went through their section. They rose, a wave of applause finally breaking the spell. But Wooyoung? He moved as if through water, a dazed expression still clouding his features.
As Hongjoong stepped up to the microphone to accept the award, the unforgiving eye of the camera captured everything. The genuine gratitude on Hongjoong’s face, the supportive smiles of the other members – and Wooyoung. Wooyoung, who couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away from you. His eyes followed the line of your dress, the sharpness of your jawline, the knowing glint in your eyes, the subtle curve of your smirk. Your entire aura seemed to have him ensnared.
And then, as you gracefully handed over the gleaming trophy to Hongjoong, your eyes flickered in his direction. Just a fleeting glance. Just one subtle, almost imperceptible smirk.
It was over.
He was done.
Dead.
Buried under a mountain of newfound fascination.
Twitter exploded within minutes.
🎥 “wooyoung folded like a lawn chair watching her walk out I CANNOT.” 📸 “she smirked. he malfunctioned. we all saw it.”
Later that night, back in the familiar chaos of their dorms, the boys were starting to unwind, the adrenaline of the award show slowly dissipating. Everyone, that is, except for Wooyoung.
He was curled up in his bed, the hood of his sweatshirt pulled low over his head, the glow of his phone illuminating his face as he watched your trailer on repeat.
Click.
You walked out of the inferno, the flickering flames casting dramatic shadows across your face, a gun held loosely in one hand, the sharp snap of your heel against the imaginary concrete echoing in his ears.
“Target acquired.”
He exhaled, a long, shaky breath, as if he had indeed glimpsed something divine.
Yeosang cautiously peeked his head around the doorframe. “Are you… okay?”
“She blew up a car. In HEELS.”
“That didn’t exactly answer the question.”
“She’s so cool, guys,” Wooyoung continued, his voice a hushed reverence. “She used to be in all those fluffy romcoms, and now she’s killing people and being sarcastic and walking in slow motion away from explosions. I didn’t know I had a thing for powerful women who could destroy me.”
“Ah,” Seonghwa said, a wide grin spreading across his face. “You’ve fallen. Hard.”
Mingi punctuated the statement by throwing a soft pillow at Wooyoung’s head. “Confess already.”
“I can’t even breathe,” Wooyoung whispered into his blanket, his voice muffled. “She smirked at me. I think I transcended.”
--
Soon enough The Premiere night descended upon the city like an electric storm, the air crackling with anticipation. Paparazzi, an organized frenzy, lined the velvet ropes like a high-powered firing squad, their flashes a relentless barrage of light. Fans, a roaring wave of adoration, pressed against the barriers, their screams a fervent symphony of excitement. The rapid-fire click of camera shutters punctuated the night, a relentless soundtrack to the unfolding spectacle.
And then, the sleek black car pulled up to the curb, its tinted windows a final veil of mystery. The collective breath of the crowd hitched. The door swung open, and you emerged.
The world seemed to tilt on its axis. The carefully orchestrated chaos outside the theater erupted into pandemonium. Shouts of your name ripped through the air, drowning out everything else.
You were a vision sculpted from darkness and fire. Custom black silk, impossibly fluid, cascaded around you, embroidered with intricate gold threads that seemed to writhe and shimmer like molten lava. The dress, a masterpiece of design, clung to your form as if painted on, a second skin crafted by mythical beings. A dramatic slit revealed a tantalizing glimpse of leg with every step, while the low back hinted at a hidden strength. Your hair, swept up into a sleek, architectural style, framed your sharp features. Gleaming gold ear cuffs, like miniature sculptures, caught the red carpet lights, adding a touch of fierce elegance.
And your expression? Imperturbable. Powerful. The same captivatingly dark femme fatale aura that had sent shockwaves through the internet after the trailer’s release now radiated in person, amplified tenfold. You were a living, breathing myth, a fire-walking siren who had stepped out of the screen and into reality.
Even as you moved, the digital world was reacting in real-time. Edits began to coalesce on social media, capturing your every step, every glance. Tweets poured in, breathless and awestruck.
💬 “This isn’t a premiere. This is a coronation.” 💬 “She didn’t come to slay. She came to rule.” 💬 “Y/N is literally a Bond villainess and the Bond girl at the same time. My brain can’t comprehend.”
But it wasn't just your otherworldly glamour that held the crowd captive. It was the unexpected glimpses of the person beneath the formidable facade.
As you posed for the relentless cameras, a young female staffer behind you stumbled, her simple blouse slipping awkwardly off one shoulder. In a seamless movement, without a flicker of hesitation, you shifted your position, subtly placing yourself between her and the unforgiving lenses. Your head dipped slightly, and those who were close enough saw your lips move, a whispered word of comfort as the flustered staffer quickly adjusted her top, her face flushing with gratitude.
Moments later, as you made your way towards the theater entrance, a small gasp rippled through the nearby fans. A little girl, her bright pink frock a little too long, had tripped, her face crumpling in distress. Without a second thought, you knelt down in your breathtakingly expensive gown, your movements graceful and unhurried. Your long fingers gently smoothed the ruffled fabric of her skirt, and you carefully adjusted the tiny strap of her heel, offering a warm, genuine smile that melted away her tears.
Halfway up the grand staircase leading into the theater, you paused, your sharp eyes catching a minor imperfection. Your co-star, a usually impeccably dressed actor, had a crooked tie. With a playful shake of your head and a soft laugh that carried in the sudden lull of noise, you reached out and straightened it, your touch light but precise. A blush bloomed on his cheeks, making him look endearingly like a teenager caught off guard.
The internet, already teetering on the brink of collapse, finally shattered.
🎥 “She’s gorgeous, graceful, and kind? This woman’s a SIMULATION. There’s no way she’s real.” 🎥 Fan art, vibrant and immediate, flooded Twitter. TikTok edits set to soaring symphonic music, captioned with the simple, powerful words ‘Queen Energy,’ dominated FYPs. 🎥 # Y/NsEra surged to the # 1 trending spot worldwide, a testament to the captivating force you had unleashed.
And somewhere across the sprawling city, within the familiar, slightly chaotic haven of the ATEEZ dorms, Wooyoung was staring at his phone screen as if it had personally delivered a devastating blow.
She was perfect.
She was unreal.
And she had just posted a picture from the premiere – the black and gold dress shimmering under the intense lights, her gaze direct and magnetic, captioned with two stark emojis:
“🖤⚔️ Blood Petals, now streaming.”
He didn’t pause to consider the implications. He didn’t overthink. His fingers moved with a speed born of pure impulse. He just hit ‘follow.’
And three seconds later, in the small, interconnected universe of social media, the world seemed to tilt again.
💬 “WOOYOUNG FOLLOWED Y/N???” 💬 “We have contact. I repeat. We HAVE CONTACT.” 💬 “Not Wooyoung folding on MAIN like this. I’m deceased.”
Even his own group chat, usually a steady stream of memes and inside jokes, erupted into a flurry of panicked messages.
Mingi: BRO San: no way you just followed her like that Hongjoong: bold. very bold. Yeosang: should’ve made a finsta first lmfao Jongho: you’re so obvious it’s painful Wooyoung: leave me alone Seonghwa: she was really pretty though. and nice. and cool. Wooyoung: I KNOW. I KNOW SHE WAS AND SHE IS.
The next morning, the news broke with the quiet confidence of undeniable success. Netflix officially announced that "Blood Petals" had soared to the # 1 movie spot globally. It had cracked the Top 10 in over eighty countries within the first twelve hours of its release. Critics, who had once pigeonholed you, now lauded your performance, praising the stunning cinematography, the visceral choreography, and your terrifyingly captivating grace. Audiences were spellbound by the transformation, the seamless shift from the soft-spoken sweetheart of romantic comedies to the high-heeled harbinger of doom.
Wooyoung became a dedicated disciple of "Blood Petals." He watched it again and again, dissecting every scene, every nuance of your performance.
But it wasn’t just the movie that consumed him.
He delved into the archives of your public appearances, binging interviews where your witty, sarcastic answers were delivered with a playful smirk that sent a shiver of something he couldn’t quite name down his spine. He watched behind-the-scenes footage, charmed by your easy camaraderie with the stunt team, your genuine laughter at your own bloopers.
And then there were the fan edits. Oh, the fan edits. Compilations of your most striking moments – you in slow motion, flipping gleaming knives with deadly precision, a knowing smirk thrown over your shoulder as you walked away from fiery explosions, all set to a soundtrack of haunting melodies or pulse-pounding club beats.
He was whipped.
Fully.
Entirely.
Completely.
Even the sharp-eyed fans, masters of observation and deduction, sensed the shift in the cosmic balance.
💬 “They haven’t even breathed the same air publicly but I just KNOW he’s head over heels in love.” 💬 “He’s fighting for his life in that dorm right now, trying to play it cool but failing spectacularly.”
And they were right. Because even without a single shared glance captured by the cameras, without a single public interaction…
The ship, fueled by a shared smirk and a single, fateful click of a ‘follow’ button, had already irrevocably set sail.
--
A month had passed since the explosive premiere of "Blood Petals." Your face was plastered across magazine covers, your interviews were dissected frame by frame, and your social media notifications pinged with the relentless energy of a thousand buzzing bees. Your movie reigned supreme, a global phenomenon that solidified your transformation from rom-com darling to action icon. You were booked solid with appearances, endorsements, and talk show circuits.
But through the whirlwind of newfound fame, nothing – and absolutely no one – had managed to truly ruffle your carefully constructed composure. You were a seasoned professional, adept at navigating the chaotic landscape of celebrity.
Until today.
Stepping onto the brightly lit set of a reality show felt different. The studio lights blazed with an almost aggressive intensity, the screams of the live audience were a physical force, and a knot of pure, unadulterated nerves tightened in your stomach, pulling it taut like a drawn bow.
Because today, you were filming with Wooyoung.
Yes. That Wooyoung.
The one who had casually followed you on Instagram weeks ago, triggering an internet meltdown of epic proportions. The one whose award show fancam, capturing his utterly besotted gaze as you presented ATEEZ with their trophy, had inexplicably garnered four million views in a mere seventy-two hours. The one you had, in the quiet corners of your mind, secretly, foolishly, undeniably been crushing on since his debut days.
You’d handled the online frenzy with your usual cool detachment, offering a wry comment here and there, expertly deflecting any direct questions. On the outside, you were the epitome of unbothered grace.
But seeing him in person, sitting across from you at the brightly lit panel table, his fox-like smile radiating genuine warmth, the silver rings on his fingers catching the studio lights, his dark hair artfully messy in a way that somehow only looked perfect on him?
Yeah. Game over. All your carefully constructed walls crumbled like ancient ruins.
“Hi,” he said, his voice a smooth, slightly breathless murmur as you finally settled into your seat. His eyes held a spark of something… intriguing.
“Hey,” you replied, your voice betraying none of the internal chaos, maintaining your signature cool even as your heart rate decided to stage its own private rave.
He leaned in ever so slightly, a conspiratorial air about him. “You look… dangerous.” His gaze flickered over your outfit, a sleek black jumpsuit that hinted at the lethal grace you portrayed on screen.
A familiar smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. “That’s kind of the brand now, isn’t it?” You met his eyes, holding his gaze for a beat longer than strictly necessary.
The show kicked off, a whirlwind of bright lights and enthusiastic energy. Games were played with varying degrees of success, laughter echoed through the studio, and the usual delightful madness of variety television unfolded. You found yourself surprisingly at ease, bantering with the other guests, your sharp wit on full display.
And then, the host, a seasoned entertainer with a mischievous glint in his eye, turned to you mid-segment, a wide grin spreading across his face. He thrived on creating memorable moments, and the palpable energy between you and Wooyoung hadn’t escaped his notice.
“So, Y/N,” he began, his voice laced with playful curiosity, “people were absolutely obsessed with your bike scenes in Blood Petals. The way you handled that motorcycle in those incredible heels… Do you think you could still ride in heels in real life?”
Without missing a beat, you smoothly crossed your long legs, the movement drawing attention to the very heels in question – a pair of impossibly high stilettos. You casually flicked a loose strand of hair over your shoulder, your gaze steady. “Of course. I could ride in stilettos if I had to. Though I might prefer a slightly more… aerodynamic model than what I usually wear to premieres.”
The audience erupted in cheers and whistles, thoroughly enjoying your confident response.
But the host wasn’t finished stirring the pot. He clapped his hands together dramatically, his eyes twinkling. “Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Well, we have a bike right here on set for our next segment… Anyone here wanna volunteer to ride behind our action queen and, you know, test out her skills?” He punctuated the question with a wink at the camera, clearly intending it as a lighthearted joke. The cast members chuckled, anticipating the usual playful refusals.
Except for one person.
“Yes.”
Wooyoung’s voice cut through the laughter, clear and unwavering. He didn’t even blink, his expression utterly serious, calm, and brimming with a quiet confidence that sent a fresh wave of unexpected butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
The entire room seemed to freeze mid-breath. The camera zoomed in on the audience, capturing their collective gasp of shock and burgeoning excitement. Screams started to bubble up from the fans, a sound that was rapidly escalating into something bordering on feral. The other cast members exchanged bewildered glances, some wheezing with suppressed laughter, the staff members behind the cameras cackling with glee at the unexpected turn of events.
And you?
You turned your head slowly, deliberately, to look directly at him. His gaze was intense, a playful fire dancing in his dark eyes. He was smiling at you like the damn devil himself, an irresistible invitation in his expression.
So, of course, you said, your voice a low, challenging purr, “Let’s ride.”
The live segment instantly became legend.
A sleek, black motorcycle was wheeled onto the stage, gleaming under the studio lights. You swung your leg over it with an effortless grace that suggested you had indeed been born on two wheels, the sharp click of your stilettos against the pedals echoing in the sudden hush. Wooyoung hesitated for a split second – just enough to play it off as a moment of playful apprehension – before swinging his own leg over and sliding in behind you, his movements surprisingly fluid.
His hands hovered awkwardly in the air behind you, a palpable tension radiating from him.
“Is it okay if I—?” he started, his voice a hesitant murmur.
“Yes,” you said, cutting him off before he could even finish the question, a hint of amusement lacing your tone.
His hands settled on your waist, lightly at first, his fingers brushing against the fabric of your jumpsuit. Then, as the camera zoomed in for a close-up, his grip tightened subtly, a silent acknowledgment of the close proximity. His breath warmed the shell of your ear as he spoke, his voice a low rumble.
“You sure you’re good?”
“You’ve asked me ten times,” you said, a teasing lilt in your voice. “You nervous?”
“Just trying not to pass out,” he muttered, the words barely audible.
You pretended not to hear the slightly flustered admission, but the knowing smirk playing on your lips said otherwise.
The internet, predictably, imploded. Again.
💬 “The chemistry is NOT just acting. I refuse to believe this is just for the show.” 💬 “They’re touching like it’s a first date AND their third date at the same time. The awkwardness is endearing and the underlying tension is… palpable.” 💬 “Someone check on Wooyoung’s blood pressure. I think it just spiked into the stratosphere.”
After the exhilarating chaos of the live broadcast, as you finally had a moment to yourself, you opened Instagram. Your fingers hovered over his profile for a fleeting second before you made the decision.
And finally – finally – you tapped the ‘follow’ button.
Within mere seconds, the eagle-eyed fans noticed the digital acknowledgment. The news spread like wildfire.
💬 “Y/N FOLLOWED HIM BACK. WE’RE WITNESSING HISTORY UNFOLD BEFORE OUR VERY EYES.” 💬 “This isn’t just a ship anymore. It’s a luxury yacht sailing through international waters.” 💬 “They’re gonna get married and I can FEEL IT in my bones. Save the date!”
Meanwhile, back at the ATEEZ dorm, the atmosphere was one of bewildered amusement.
Mingi burst into the living room with theatrical flair, phone clutched dramatically in his hand. “YOU SAID YES ON LIVE TV?! TO RIDING BEHIND HER?! ON A MOTORCYCLE?!”
Yunho followed, shaking his head in disbelief, a wide, slightly incredulous grin on his face. “You looked like you were about to propose on that bike, hyung.”
Wooyoung simply shrugged, a goofy, lovesick grin plastered across his face – the grin of a man who was clearly, irrevocably, way too far gone. “I meant it.”
Mingi and Yunho groaned in perfect unison, collapsing onto the nearby couch.
“You’re down bad,” Mingi declared with mock solemnity.
“Embarrassing,” Yunho added, though the teasing tone lacked any real bite.
Wooyoung just flopped back onto the cushions, his phone already displaying a rapidly growing collection of fan edits from the show – snippets of your confident smile, his awestruck gaze, the charged moment on the motorcycle.
And he smiled, a soft, genuine expression that reached his eyes.
“Yeah,” he murmured, his voice laced with a quiet contentment. “I know.”
It starts the night after the variety show.
Your phone buzzes at 1:12 a.m. with a DM request.
Wooyoung.
You open it without hesitation.
@ wooyoung_official Hey… I hope this isn’t weird or too much but I just wanted to say I had so much fun filming today. I meant what I said about the bike thing, by the way. You were incredible. If I came off too strong, I’m sorry—I was just really nervous and trying not to make it obvious I’ve been a fan of yours forever lol. You’re insanely talented. And hilarious. And kind. I don’t usually DM people like this but… I didn’t want the day to end without saying thank you. Hope I wasn’t too much.
You stare at the screen, heart thudding. Not just because it’s sweet. But because it's real.
You reply faster than you probably should.
@ you That wasn’t too much at all. I had a great time too :) I’m glad it was you behind me on that bike. And if you were nervous, you hid it well. We should do that again sometime. (Maybe without the cameras.)
There’s a pause. Then another ping.
@ wooyoung_official …wait was that flirting Are we flirting now Because I’m ready
You laugh, then send your number as he had sent his.
--
From that moment, it takes off.
Texting every day. Morning check-ins. Late-night venting. Voice notes filled with sleepy laughter and dramatic reenactments of chaotic schedules.
You send each other memes, inside jokes forming faster than you can keep track.
He tells you about the stress of comeback season, the pressure to stay sharp, the ache in his bones from back-to-back rehearsals.
You talk about the constant need to be “on,” the way you sometimes feel like a product instead of a person, the weight of comments that cut deeper than they should.
And through it all, Wooyoung listens. Never tries to fix you. Just sees you.
And hypes you—loudly.
When you land another guesting on a show with him, fans immediately clock the shift.
The way he looks at you when you speak. The inside jokes mid-interview. The not-so-subtle way his hand brushes yours during games.
Clips go viral.
💬 “They’re literally in their own world.” 💬 “Why does Wooyoung look at her like that 😭😭” 💬 “Not him fixing her mic like a boyfriend.” 💬 “HE SAID SHE DESERVES TEN OSCARS??? GET HIM A RING.”
It gets worse (or better?) when he starts defending you online.
Any hate comment?
Deleted.
Any fan shading your acting?
He’s replying with full essays about your talent and work ethic.
He comments under your posts with things like:
💬 Queen behavior. 💬 She acts, she slays, she saves lives. 💬 Where’s your award? No seriously. 💬 No one’s touching her. I mean that.
And when you text him—
💬 you You really don’t have to defend me like that all the time, you know. 💬 wooyoung Yes, I do. You deserve someone who shows up for you. Always. I want to be that.
--
One night, after a long shoot, you break a little.
You text: “Some days I feel like I’ll never be enough no matter how hard I work.”
His reply comes thirty seconds later.
You don’t have to earn the right to rest. You’re enough just as you are. And I know this world is loud and cruel sometimes. But when you need quiet? I’ll be your quiet. When you need noise? I’ll be your loudest.
You cry.
And when he sends a sleepy voice note later saying:
“Just wanted you to hear my voice. In case it helps.”
—you fall asleep smiling.
-
One year. Three hundred and sixty-five days of whispered messages that painted the dawn, late-night phone calls that chased away the shadows, stolen secret coffee runs in disguise, the comforting rhythm of shared playlists weaving through your days, matching hoodies bought on a whim and worn in the privacy of your own spaces, a silent testament to a connection only you two understood.
You and Wooyoung had cultivated a world just for yourselves, a sanctuary built on stolen moments and shared laughter. It wasn't about hiding from the relentless glare of the public eye, though that was a necessary byproduct. It was about cherishing something precious, something untouched by the often-brutal scrutiny of public opinion. It was yours, and his, and belonged to no one else.
He had become your unwavering safe place, the calm in your often-turbulent storm. You, in turn, had become his soft landing, the quiet reassurance in the demanding world he navigated. You had shared everything – your fears, your triumphs, your silliest jokes, your deepest vulnerabilities.
Except for this.
Your next movie. A project shrouded in secrecy, filmed during snatched moments over the past six months. A bold, breathtaking action-romance that promised to redefine your range, where you played the lead opposite a talented rising actor. And yes – there were intimate scenes. A handful. Tastefully shot, with a closed set and an intimacy coordinator ensuring everyone felt safe and respected. Carefully choreographed, like any other dance sequence.
Necessary for the story, your director had emphasized, his artistic vision unwavering. And executed with professionalism and respect, you knew. You believed in the script, in the message it conveyed. You loved the complexity of your character. You just hadn’t… told him.
You had envisioned it as a surprise, a new facet of your artistry to share when the time was right, perhaps at the official trailer drop. But when the first press article landed, its headline screaming the word “intimate” in bold, accusatory letters… it wasn’t the carefully curated reveal you had planned.
Your phone began to vibrate incessantly, a relentless buzzing that echoed the growing unease within you. Notifications flooded your screen – concerned messages from your team, speculative comments from fans, and then, his name flashed across the display.
💬 Wooyoung: Can we meet? Just us. Please.
The café was a hidden gem, tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street in the familiar bustle of Mapo-gu. The early afternoon crowd was sparse, mostly locals lost in their own conversations. No one paid you a second glance as you slipped inside. He was already there, seated in your usual corner booth, the familiar soft grey of his hoodie pulled low, the brim of his black cap shadowing his usually bright eyes.
As you slid into the booth opposite him, he looked up, and a sharp pang of something akin to guilt and worry twisted in your chest. He wasn't angry, not outwardly. But an almost palpable anxiety clung to him, a restless energy that made him seem smaller, more vulnerable than you had ever seen him. It was as if something was crawling under his skin, an invisible itch he couldn’t quite scratch.
"Hey," you said softly, your voice a gentle anchor in the tense atmosphere.
"Hey." He offered you a tight, strained smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Then he exhaled sharply, the sound filled with a nervous energy. "I—I'm sorry. I shouldn't have dragged you out like this, I just… I couldn't keep it in. Not for another second."
Without a word, you reached across the small table, your hand finding his. His fingers curled around yours instantly, his grip surprisingly tight, as if he needed the physical connection to ground him. He took another shaky breath before the words finally tumbled out, quick, nervous, raw with vulnerability.
"I trust you. You know that, right? God, you have to know that. I trust you more than anyone I've ever met. But when I saw those articles, the way they were talking about it, the… the emphasis on those scenes… I—I just panicked. My head went somewhere I didn't want it to go. I know it's acting. I know it's your job, your art. But I couldn't stop imagining it, replaying scenarios in my head. I hate that I felt this wave of… of jealousy. It's so stupid. I hate that my brain spiraled like that. I just—God."
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He looked down at your intertwined hands, his thumb tracing small, agitated circles on your skin.
"I think… I think I love you so much it scares me sometimes. It makes me… irrational. I don't ever want to be the guy who tells you what to do, what roles to take, what not to film. That's not who I am. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't make this awful knot form in my stomach, like I was losing you. Or worse… that I didn't deserve you, that someone else… someone else would see that side of you, that intimacy, and… and that I wouldn't be enough."
Your own chest tightened, a wave of empathy washing over you. You understood his vulnerability, the quiet insecurities that even his bright stage presence couldn’t always mask.
Without a word, you slid out of your seat, moved around the small table, and knelt down in front of him, your knees pressing gently against the worn wooden floor. You reached up, your hands framing his face, your thumbs gently stroking his cheekbones.
"Wooyoung," you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. "You're allowed to feel all of that. Every single bit of it. You're not wrong for being scared, for letting your mind wander. It just proves how much you care. But you're not losing me. You've never even come close."
His dark eyes darted across your face, searching, questioning, glassy with unshed tears that made his eyelashes look impossibly long. “I just… it’s just that the way they wrote about it…”
"I love you." You leaned forward, pressing your forehead against his, the contact a silent reassurance. "I love you. Jung Wooyoung. Not anyone else. Not any character I play. Not any co-star I share a scene with. Just you. Always you."
He blinked slowly, a single tear escaping and tracing a path down his cheek. “You… you do?” The question was barely a whisper, filled with a mixture of disbelief and a fragile hope.
"I have for a long time," you confessed, your voice soft but firm.
Then you kissed him.
It was a tender kiss, slow and deliberate, a silent language of reassurance and unwavering affection. It deepened gradually, becoming a heartfelt expression of everything you had ever wanted to say, everything that words often failed to capture. His hands, which had been gripping yours so tightly, now moved to your waist, pulling you closer, his own lips finally responding with a fervor that spoke volumes of the restraint he had been holding onto.
You broke apart just enough to breathe, your lips still brushing against his.
"The scenes in the movie?" you said gently, your gaze unwavering. "They're choreography, Wooyoung. They're storytelling. They're a performance. Not emotion. That has never, and will never, be a part of what I feel for you."
You pressed a soft kiss against his jawline, feeling the slight tremor beneath your lips.
"My heart doesn't perform for a camera. It beats for you, and only you."
You stood, taking his hand, your fingers lacing together as if they were meant to be intertwined. You left the quiet café hand in hand, two figures melting into the anonymity of the afternoon shadows, a shared smile gracing your lips – the quiet, knowing smile of two people who had just reaffirmed something precious and unbreakable.
And maybe you had stolen something from the universe. The unwavering certainty of each other's love, a bond forged in vulnerability and trust. And that, you knew, was a treasure beyond measure.
--
Two years. Seven hundred and thirty sunrises witnessed through sleepy eyes, countless whispered "goodnights" across continents, an immeasurable tapestry woven from secret smiles exchanged across crowded rooms, stolen moments tucked away from prying eyes, phone calls that stretched into the velvet depths of midnight, sharing the quiet anxieties and exhilarating triumphs that came with navigating your extraordinary lives. It was about fiercely protecting something real, something fragile and precious, in a world that seemed determined to twist every genuine connection into a sensational headline.
But love, as it often did, bloomed in the quiet spaces, making you both a little braver, a little more willing to step out of the carefully constructed shadows.
So there was no dramatic announcement, no carefully worded statement released through official channels. No grand, orchestrated gesture, no notes app apology for… well, for simply finding happiness. Instead, you both eased into the public acknowledgment of your relationship with the same gentle tenderness that defined your private world—slowly, softly, like the first blush of dawn.
A seemingly innocuous selfie, posted amidst a flurry of solo shots, where a familiar black jacket was just-so-casually draped over your shoulders. A behind-the-scenes video from a shoot where a distinct, joyful laugh echoed in the background, a laugh that sharp-eared fans instantly recognized. A fleeting glimpse of a hand, undeniably his, resting near yours in a group photo.
The fans, those astute observers of every pixel and every shared glance, already knew. They had suspected, theorized, and meticulously documented every potential clue for months. Edits set to romantic ballads, intricate timelines of your subtle interactions, and countless “I swear they’re secretly dating” comments had flooded every corner of the internet you both inhabited.
So when it finally became “official”—just a casual, almost offhand, "yes, we’re together, and we’re really happy" during a lighthearted interview about your recent projects—the internet didn't explode in scandal. Instead, it melted with an outpouring of genuine joy and heartfelt congratulations. It wasn't a shocking revelation; it was a confirmation of something beautiful that they had already sensed. It was a celebration of a connection that felt real, honest, and earned.
And Wooyoung? He never stopped being your biggest fan, his unwavering support now blossoming into something even more profound. Every post you shared, no matter how trivial, received his immediate like, a digital affirmation that always brought a small smile to your face. Every press junket, every interview you gave, he watched with an almost reverent pride. Every stray negative comment, every whisper of doubt from the darker corners of the internet, he seemed to drown out with an even louder, more radiant display of his affection.
You weren’t just a fleeting “celebrity crush” in his eyes anymore. You were his. His partner, his confidante, his equal. His favorite person in a world filled with dazzling lights and fleeting connections.
And he was yours. The steady anchor in your often-turbulent sea, the warm hand that always found yours in a crowded room, the comforting voice that whispered reassurances in the quiet hours.
The premiere night of your latest film was, as always, a dazzling spectacle. The relentless flash of cameras, the chorus of voices calling your name, the crimson carpet stretching out like a runway leading into the starlit sky. You stood tall, radiating confidence in a gown of rich crimson velvet that seemed to absorb and reflect the light, your poise a silent testament to the journey you had navigated.
Wooyoung didn't walk beside you, his arm linked with yours for the cameras. That wasn't your story. But he was there, a steadfast presence tucked away in the guest section, the hood of his jacket pulled up, the brim of his baseball cap low, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that made you feel like you held the very moon in your hands.
Every time your eyes met his across the crowded theater, a fleeting, private moment amidst the public frenzy, your smile softened, a genuine warmth spreading through you that had nothing to do with the flashing lights.
Later, as the buzz of the after-party began to fade, the air thick with congratulations and champagne bubbles, the two of you slipped away unnoticed, seeking the quiet solitude of a rooftop overlooking the sprawling cityscape.
The city hummed below, a symphony of distant traffic lights flickering like fallen stars, the faint wail of sirens a melancholic counterpoint to the gentle breeze that kissed your skin. You leaned against the cool metal railing, the vastness of the night sky stretching above you. He stepped up behind you, his arms wrapping around your waist, pulling you close until your back rested against his chest, his chin finding the curve of your shoulder.
"You killed it tonight," he murmured into your hair, his breath warm against your ear.
You turned in his embrace, your hands finding his. “You always say that.”
He smiled, a soft, genuine curve of his lips that you knew so well. "Because it’s always true. You shine so brightly, you know that?"
A comfortable silence settled between you, the city lights twinkling like a silent audience. The air tasted like something sacred, a shared moment of quiet intimacy amidst the surrounding chaos.
“I don’t want to lose this,” you said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper, the vulnerability of the past two years momentarily surfacing.
His grip tightened gently on your hands. “You won’t,” he replied, his voice firm, filled with a quiet conviction. “Not if we keep choosing each other, every single day. Not if we keep protecting this, our own little world.”
You nodded, a small, understanding smile gracing your lips. You leaned forward, resting your forehead against his, the familiar scent of his cologne a comforting balm.
And in that quiet space, between the distant hum of the city and the steady rhythm of your heartbeats, you both silently reaffirmed the promise you had made to each other long ago – to never let the relentless demands of the world, the intrusive glare of fame, the insidious tendrils of fear and doubt, or the deafening noise of public opinion come between the fragile, beautiful thing you had built.
The next morning, as the world began to stir, a blurry, zoomed-in shot surfaced on Twitter, quickly going viral. It was an imperfect capture of a perfect moment. You were laughing, your hand playfully covering your mouth, your head tilted towards Wooyoung, who stood close beside you, his hand gently, possessively, holding yours. The background was indistinct, the focus soft, but the emotion captured in that single frame was undeniable.
The caption, simple and heartfelt, resonated with millions:
“When your celeb crush becomes your person.”
And just like that, the world kept spinning, the endless cycle of news and gossip continuing its relentless churn. But for once, it felt like the universe was tilting ever so slightly in your favor, bathing your quiet, hard-won happiness in a warm, gentle light.
-- THE END
531 notes · View notes
cinnaleaf · 4 months ago
Text
「 Holidate | A Very Merry Footballer Ficmas 」
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summary: you agree to fake date trent to save his image during the holiday season, but the lines on the contract start to blur | MDNI 18+
warnings: fake dating trope, teasing, fingering, unprotected sex, praise kink, dirty talk, alcohol consumption, language, smau, lighthearted angst, banter, kinda chaotic, **extended fam briefly mentioned are fictional 🎅🏾: sleigh got stuck in traffic so i’m late, forgive me | finale of my ficmas series wc: ~13.8k
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You were halfway through your second cup of coffee, scrolling through emails like you usually did in the morning, when a peculiar email popped up.
From: Tyler Alexander-Arnold
Subject: Collaboration Proposal
You squinted at the name, thinking it sounded vaguely familiar but you weren’t sure why until it clicked. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s older brother. The footballer. You groaned, already feeling like there was going to be utter nonsense attached to the message. Athletes in your DMs and emails were nothing new, but they usually wanted shoutouts or some ‘collab’ that was a thinly veiled way of sliding into your messages for a hookup. You weren’t about to entertain a guy who thought sending his club’s match tickets was romantic.
But curiosity got the best of you:
Hi Y/N, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Tyler and I manage my brother, Trent Alexander-Arnold. PLG has followed your work for a while and we’re impressed by your authentic and engaging brand. I wanted to reach out with a unique proposal that I believe could be mutually beneficial. Trent is looking to shift his public image after recent media challenges, and we believe a collaborative effort with someone like you could help him accomplish this. The idea involves a short term arrangement posing as Trent’s girlfriend during the holidays with the possibility of extending the partnership into next year. We understand your time and reputation are valuable and will ensure all aspects of this arrangement align with your standards. Compensation and details are attached for your review. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Tyler Alexander-Arnold
You stared at the screen, mouth slightly open. You had your fair share of wild pitch ideas before, but this was...new. A footballer fake boyfriend? For what? And why you?? You weren’t even the type – at least not for the girlfriend aesthetic they usually went for.
You scrolled down to the attached terms and your jaw dropped at the six figure amount of total compensation, and that wasn’t even including the performance bonus. The number was so pretty you wanted to print it out just to stare at it physically. A six month contract to ‘date’ Trent with a minimum of public appearances and the ability to control your own content. They were basically handing you all the creative freedom you demanded so often in every partnership you were ever a part of. But your pride was screaming at you. You built your brand on being authentic. Your followers trusted you because you weren’t fake. They would be able to sniff out any bullshit from you in milliseconds. You didn’t know if you could play it off that well.
Just as you were in your thoughts, doom scrolling through Instagram, you landed on a post about Trent. 
SpillTheBeansUK: Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted partying at 4 am while Liverpool struggles on the pitch. Distraction much? 
mintleaf: WHERE the FUCK is TYLER
realmrsTAA: he’s just having fun you miserable lot. leave my man alone 😤
YNWA_forever: he’s out clubbing while salah’s carrying the club? embarrassing look as vice cap
oh_shes_nosy: 4 am? with who though?? 👀 don’t let it be another ig baddie omg
ShutUpAndDefend: can’t defend on pitch but can defend a bottle of liquor fuck this guy
Footiebro: bruh just stay home and train. nobody asked for this shit wtf is his problem
DramaLlama12: this man said ‘defense’? never heard of her. shots at 4am? say lesssss
tumblrinagurl: need him to be so serious he’s messing up my fanfic posting schedule, follow the fucking script what the fuck
FPLQueen: this is exactly why i took him out of my fantasy team weeks ago. this is a big L
girl_shutup: not my man getting roasted while he’s just living his life 😭 y’all are haters fr
Shady_LFC: pov: you’re just a local lad from liverpool who wants to vibe
The entirety of the comments section was a battlefield. You sighed and toggled back to the email. It wasn’t your business what kind of PR storm he landed himself in, but if his camp was offering this type of money, he must’ve really fucked up.
Two days later, you found yourself in Manchester, sitting across from Tyler in a pristine meeting room at PLG. The room was sleek with chairs that looked expensive but were so uncomfortable. Tyler was polite but he didn’t look all that professional for someone who was supposed to be managing a high profile footballer.
“Uh, thanks for coming” he started, handing you a glossy folder. “I know it’s unconventional but I really think you’re the right person for this kind of arrangement.”
“Unconventional?” you raised an eyebrow, flipping through the paperwork. “Mate, this is unhinged. I’ve never had a request like this before.”
Tyler smiled sheepishly but just as he was about to respond, the door opened and Trent sauntered in. God forbid he enter the room like a normal person, he just had to be loud and obnoxious about it. He looked taller than you expected him to look, and he wore a tracksuit, totally unfashionable but it worked for him somehow. He nodded at Tyler before looking at you with an expression that was somewhere between bored and mildly annoyed.
“So this is her then, yeah?” Trent asked, as if you weren’t literally in the same room as him.
You leaned back in your chair, unimpressed. “And this is the guy who can’t keep his head on straight?”
Trent’s lips twitched as if he wanted to smile but refused to give you the satisfaction of it. Tyler exhaled, sensing there was likely more chaos to come from this little arrangement.
“Let’s stay focused” Tyler said firmly, pulling up the digital presentation he prepared. “The plan is to recalibrate Trent’s image and make him appear more serious and stable. Y/N’s audience aligns well with that narrative and her credibility can strengthen the likelihood of people believing this.”
“Sounds great” you said while closing the folder. “What’s in it for me though? Besides the headache.”
Trent snorted at your statement which earned him a glare from Tyler. “You’re getting paid aren’t you??”
“Trent.” Tyler replied sharply, then turned back to you. “There’s significant compensation and full creative control over your content. You also have the chance to build a connection with a large audience outside of your typical demographic. PLG will manage all the logistics and you don’t have to lift a finger unless you really want to.”
It was a good pitch, a lot better than you expected, but Trent’s attitude was already grating you. “I have one condition.” You snapped the folder shut dramatically and Tyler gestured for you to continue.
“I need your brother to at least pretend he’s interested in this. If he looks like he hates me in every picture my followers will clock it easily.”
Trent leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Relax. I’ll play nice.”
“You better” you shot back, grabbing your purse. “I’m not here to save your ass mate. I’m only doing it because the money is too good to pass up. And I actually know how to curate an image unlike you.”
Trent scoffed, rolling his eyes at your jab. “Curate an image? By doing what? Posting oat milk lattes and sunsets?”
“Try millions of people who actually care about what I say and what I buy” you fired back, standing up to adjust your bag strap. “But you? You’re lucky if anyone even reads your dry ass captions.”
Tyler pinched the bridge of his nose like he was deeply regretting his life choices. “Okay..enough. Both of you.” He turned to Trent with a warning expression. “Y/N is here to help you and we’re paying her a lot of money to make sure you don’t turn into a liability.”
Trent rubbed his hand over his forehead and crossed his arms, his smirk still in place. “Got it. I’ll be the perfect fake boyfriend.”
“You’re already bad at it” you muttered under your breath.
“Okay stop.” Tyler interrupted before Trent could come back with anything else. He stood up, motioning for you to sit back down. “We’ll need to go over specifics so you don’t mess up anything when this starts.”
“Right. Because I’m the one that’s gonna be a problem.” you answered back dryly, making Trent chuckle quietly. Tyler pulled up another presentation on screen with multiple bullet points and mocked up photos. “This is how this is gonna work. We’re going to start small with discreet hints like stories and maybe some pictures while you’re in Liverpool for the holidays. Make sure it’s subtle. Y/N, if your followers are eagle eyed we need to make sure it’s not too obvious at first.”
You nodded, already mentally calculating how to stage something that was lowkey but believable. “Got it. But what about him?” You jerked your thumb toward Trent, who looked like he would rather be anywhere but in the meeting room.
“He’ll match your posts,” Tyler said. “Simple stuff only though, like sharing ambiguous shots. Nothing too heavy.”
Trent scoffed and cocked his brow. “So what? Like a blurry picture of my trainers and call it a day?”
“Oh my god” you muttered, shaking your head. “You literally have no sauce. None. You’re so boring.”
“Moving on…” Tyler cut in before another argument could break out. “You’ll spend Christmas and Boxing Day with us at our family’s house in Liverpool. So you have to play the part for social media and for our parents, Marcel, and family friends. I’ll be the only one in on this.”
Trent frowned, not liking that idea at all. “Do they really need to be involved?”
“Yes.” Tyler answered matter of factly. “Because if we can’t convince them, then there’s no chance anyone else will believe it either.”
You raised your hand like you were in a classroom. “Mmk, quick question. What’s the backstory? How did we meet...how long have we been fake dating?”
Tyler pulled up a slide titled ‘Backstory’ and you glanced over it quickly, wanting to complain because it literally looked like he stole the idea from a girl blogger on the internet.
“You met at a private influencer event in London–”
Trent interrupted, “What’s an influencer event?”
You blinked at him. “Are you that fucking dumb?? There’s no way…”
“It’s like the stuff you post” Tyler deadpanned. “Clothes, photographers, influencers, models. Anyway...you hit it off, exchanged numbers and started seeing each other about four months ago and kept it lowkey because you wanted privacy.”
“Four months?” Trent questioned while frowning. “Isn’t that a little short?”
“Not when you’re a serial dating Libra…” you shot back. “And honestly the less time we pretend to have been together, the less likely we are to mess up the details.”
Tyler nodded. “Exactly that. But you still need to act like you’ve been dating for months. Know each other’s habits, inside jokes, favorite things.”
You tilted your head at Trent, narrowing your eyes. “Right. What’s your favorite food Trent?”
He looked like you asked him for the code to his house. “Um..protein I guess?”
“What? That’s not—I know you’re fucking lying” You slumped back in your chair, rubbing your temples from the regret. “This is going to be a disaster.”
Tyler ignored the tension and instead moved on. “After the holidays you’ll need to continue with the occasional post for the next month..just enough to keep the story alive online, but you don’t have to be seen with him publicly at all until February. We’ll do a hard launch in February with photos together and maybe a public appearance. After that, just a few photos online here and there.”
“And then we break up just in time for hot girl summer” you added, pretending it was a joke but it really wasn’t. You weren’t trying to let this affect your time on a yacht under the sun in Capri.
Trent smirked. “Hot girl summer??”
You gawked at him. “Meg the– wait are you serious? Are you on the internet at all??”
Tyler cut in with a firm voice. “Can you both shut up for two seconds? This will only work if it’s convincing. That means no fighting in front of people. Especially in public.” You rolled your eyes but stayed quiet, glancing over at Trent who was scrolling through his phone under the table. Probably googling himself knowing him.
After the meeting was over, you left the building with a heavy sigh that felt like it came straight from the soul. You couldn’t believe you accepted the proposal and were now under the contractual obligation to deal with Trent and his extensive attitude for the next six months. The cold air hit your face as you stepped into the car park and you pulled your purse closer as if to shield yourself from whatever chaos Trent was bound to bring in these next couple of months.
The sound of footsteps behind you made you groan internally. Speak of the devil.
“You always this fun or is it all for me?” His voice was smug, his accent rolled the words off in a way that made you have to pause just to think about what he said and that grated your nerves already. When you turned around, his hands were shoved into the pockets of his joggers, leaning against a black car. Of course he followed you out.
“Only for you mate. Consider it your welcome package..or an early Christmas gift” you deadpanned while still fumbling with your purse.
“Lucky me.” Somehow he made it sound like he meant it. Maybe he wasn’t all that clueless..or maybe he was just fucking with you.
“Don’t push it.” You yanked open the door of the hired car waiting for you, already done with his small talk.
“It won’t be so bad” he smirked, like it was some kind of joke to him. Like he wasn’t the one who needed this arrangement to clean up his trainwreck of an image.
“Just act like you’ve been somewhere before” You paused before you slid into the car. “Show up, smile, and don’t say anything stupid. That’s all I need from you. No more, no less.” You swung your legs in and reached for the door, about to close it, but his voice stopped you.
“Wait! What’s your favorite food?”
Your hand froze mid reach and you looked up to give him an unimpressed look. “Why?”
He shrugged, far too pleased with himself for someone whose job it was to not piss you off. “I think I should know. Seeing as I’m pretending to be the love of your life and all.”
The sheer audacity of this man was maddening. “Love of my life?? Please” you snorted. “I’m only mildly okay with you right now. I tolerate you. That’s it.”
“Ok. Fine. So what is it then?” he pressed, enjoying the way you rolled your eyes at nearly everything coming out of his mouth.
“Shrimp fried rice” you snapped, yanking the door shut. Through the tinted window you saw him grin and you shook your head, slumping into your seat as the car pulled off. You weren’t sure if it was the money, the challenge, or the audacity of Trent that made you agree to any of this.
Whatever it was, you knew it was going to be the longest six months of your life.
You made it to Manchester two days early to ‘acclimate’ as Tyler called it, but in all actuality you needed time to figure out how to make this situation feel less like reality TV. Posting subtle hints on Instagram was your first step. Just enough to start the speculation without turning everything into a circus. Your first story was a panoramic view of Manchester from your hotel room, where you left a cute caption about not being in London or Los Angeles for once. The comments rolled in nearly immediately. People wanted to know why you were in Manchester for the holidays, and whether it was for a brand deal, or a new beau. Your next story was a picture of your luggage, strategically unzipped to show a small piece of a Liverpool scarf tucked inside. You didn’t even caption it, you just let everyone draw their own conclusions.
Later that week, you were in the passenger seat of Trent’s car as he drove the both of you to Liverpool. It was silent, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, the silence was just there. You had your airpods in, half tuned into a podcast, while he had one hand on the wheel and the other scrolling through a Spotify playlist, probably looking for some stupid Drake song to play.
“This is your plan then?” he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
You pulled out one airpod and glanced at him. “What?”
“This instagram stuff.” He gestured toward your phone. “I saw your story. Not bad. Kind of dramatic though..don’t you think?”
You raised an eyebrow. “Says the one having a PR disaster so terrible he had get his brother to hire a fake girlfriend for him.”
Trent smirked, turning his eyes back to the road. “Ah, fair. But a Liverpool scarf is a lot. That’s gonna cause some shit.”
“That’s the entire point. My followers will be on it in minutes and by the time we show up at your parents’, half the internet will have think pieces about how we’re madly in love.”
“Madly in love?” He shook his head, laughing. “That’s overkill.”
You shrugged, looking through your camera roll for your next post. “I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”
The Alexander-Arnold house was exactly what you imagined. It wasn’t obnoxiously huge but it was comfortable and cozy. The home’s exterior was decorated with Christmas lights and a wreath hung on the front door that looked handmade. 
You stood on the doorstep with bated breath. Trent was next to you with his hands shoved in his pockets, as unbothered as ever. If he was nervous about selling this relationship to his family, it didn’t really show.
“Ready?” he asked with a faint smirk.
“Are you?” you cocked your brow. “I’m not the one who waited until two days ago to mention I existed.” Trent winced but didn’t respond and instead pressed the doorbell. You didn’t know why he did that considering he could’ve just walked in. Maybe he was nervous. Either way, him not taking the responsibility over the fact that his mum would probably clock both of you had you annoyed. The door opened shortly after and his mum stood there, all smiles and festive. There was a look in her eye that told you she wasn’t buying any of this nonsense from the start. “Oh! You must be Y/N!” she greeted warmly, stepping forward and pulling you into a hug before you could even say hello. The hug felt genuine enough, but it also had that undertone of ‘lets see whats really going on here’.
You blinked, trying not to overthink things. “Hiii, so nice to meet you Mrs. Alex–”
“Dianne. Just call me Dianne” she interrupted, pulling back but keeping her hands on your arms while looking at you. “No need to be formal. You’re family for the holidays.”
Family. Right. That’s what this was. You were Trent’s ‘girlfriend’. You forced a smile, ignoring the way your stomach was turning as a result of her response. Trent’s dad appeared behind his mum and he gave you a firm handshake, but his expression was less warm and more reserved.
“Welcome. Glad you’re here to join us” he said simply.
“Thanks for having me” you replied, trying to keep your tone polite but still warm.
Marcel was leaning against the staircase in the hall with his arms crossed, displaying a shit eating grin plastered across his face. “So” he began, dragging the word out as he straightened up and walked over with a stroll. “You’re the random girlfriend that’s popped up out of nowhere.”
You felt your pulse spike but you forced yourself to laugh. “Yeah..I guess that’s me.”
“Hmm” he hummed, tilting his head. “Funny you’ve never been mentioned before until two days ago. Not even once.”
Your smile tightened and you glanced at Trent, hoping he would swoop in and save the day with something clever but he just stood there looking like he was vaguely amused by the whole thing.
“Marcel, don’t be rude,” Dianne warned lightly.
“I’m not!” Marcel kissed his teeth. “I’m just saying it’s mad he’s never mentioned her and now she’s here for Christmas. I don’t know this girl..never seen her a day in my life.” He turned back to you with a cheeky grin. “How’d you meet? Paris? Milan? Ibiza??”
You really wanted to knock Trent upside his head at this point but instead you gave a sweet smile. “At a private influencer event actually.”
Dianne laughed, knowing her son wasn’t serious enough to attend a private event like that. She looked at him, trying to figure out if all of this was bullshit. Marcel didn’t even try to hide his disbelief. “Yeah, sure. What was the event called?”
Your stomach dropped and you went wide eyed. You could’ve googled literally anything about Trent’s past couple of months to make this more believable, but you didn’t and clearly neither had he. You paused to think for a little bit, which was just long enough for Marcel to attack.
“Yeah that’s what I thought” he smirked.
“Alright that’s enough” Dianne interrupted, but it was clear she was waiting for that answer as well. “Marcel leave the poor girl alone.”
Michael cleared his throat and stepped in. “Dinner’s in an hour.”
By the time Christmas dinner rolled around, you sat down next to Trent, almost too distracted by the food to notice the tension brewing at the table, but then his mum’s voice cut through your distraction like a blade wrapped in sugar. 
“So Y/N..” She handed you a gravy boat with a fake smile. “How long have you two been together?”
“Four months” you answered with ease, remembering the backstory presentation. You looked at Trent for a brief moment to make sure he was following along.
“Three” Trent said through a mouthful of roasted potatoes while not even looking up.
You scrunched your face, blinking back disbelief. “Four.”
“No it’s three” he insisted, frowning as he reached for some rice. “September, right?”
“August” you corrected him through clenched teeth and kicked him under the table. His fork froze mid air and he finally looked at you. 
“August?”
“Yes” you hissed, trying to keep the forced smile on your face while glancing back at his mum, who was watching like a hawk. “The end of August.”
Trent shrugged, and went back to eating the food from his plate. “That’s basically September.”
“It’s really not.”
Dianne’s eyes darted between both of you with a smile still there, but curiosity very obviously piqued. “Strange..” she started lightly. “I don’t remember hearing about you in August or September. He didn’t mention you until just a few days ago.” Marcel almost choked on his drink from laughing, and even their dad chuckled to himself before taking a sip of his drink.
“I didn’t want to jinx it that’s all” Trent said casually while leaning back in his chair, still popping food into his mouth.
You glared at him. “Jinx it?”
“Yeah” he smirked, looking at you. “Didn’t wanna rush things y’know?”
You bit down on the side of your cheek to keep from snapping at him. He wasn’t following the script at all. He was barely trying, mostly hoping to coast on charm like it would cover all the gaping holes in your ‘love’ story.
“Right…” Dianne slowly spoke while arching her brow just enough to make you feel nervous. “So where did this event happen again?”
“London” you answered fast before Trent found a way to ruin that too, but he answered at the same time as you, with a completely different answer.
“Paris.” 
Marcel snorted into his drink, laughing so hard he started bumping the table and made the cutlery rattle. Across from you, their mum had a smile still on her face but the look on her face drilled right into your badly built backstory. She didn’t say anything, but you knew she had more questions when she eyed Michael with a knowing glance. You turned to Trent, narrowing your eyes at him and gave him another kick under the table that landed on his shin. He jumped forward and dropped his fork on his plate.
“London” you repeated in a tight voice with a smile that was more of a grimace. “We met in London at the influencer event.”
Trent nodded, rubbing his shin but still smirking, not taking any of this seriously. “Yeah London. The city with all the..... influencer stuff.”
Marcel nearly slid out of his chair from failing to keep his laughs at an appropriate volume at the table. Dianne looked at him with a warning but it didn’t bother him in the slightest. He leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand with an entertained look on his face. “Oh yeah?” he said grinning. “Since you’re so in love, what’s her favorite food then?”
You could see the gears in Trent’s head trying their very best to come up with an answer while he chewed his food. “Uhhh....” He drew the word out for so long you wanted to answer for him. “Shrimp fried rice?” You let out a soft exhale, surprised he actually listened in the car park. Marcel wasn’t impressed and tipped his head back to cackle.
“Took you long enough to answer.”
By this point, the entire family was trying to hide their laughs from the absurdity of the situation. Their dad even cracked a smile and shook his head as he passed a plate of roasted veggies to Marcel.
“Trent” Dianne dabbed her mouth with a napkin, still smiling. “You’re absolutely hopeless when it comes to relationships.”
“I’m not hopeless” he contested, glaring at Marcel who was still in stitches over the whole ordeal.
“Oh, love” you said sweetly, leaning in close enough to lower your voice. “You really are.”
He tilted his head, cutting his eyes at you but he had a playful look in his eye at the same time. “Careful. You’re supposed to be in love with me, remember?”
You smirked, raising your glass like you were doing a toast. “I must be a really great actress then.”
The sound of the door opening saved you from whatever dumb thing Trent was about to say. Tyler walked in a casual rush, juggling a reusable tote bag and his phone. “Sorry I’m late.” He slid in the chair next to Michael. His wife wasn’t far behind and had a baby on her hip, smiling to make up for Tyler’s disheveled state.
“Tyler!” Dianne exclaimed, momentarily distracted by her eldest child. “We were just about to have dessert. There’s plenty of food left, let me fix you a plate.”
“No need” Tyler replied while waving her off with a smile. His gaze shifted to you first, and then Trent. “You two alright?”
“Great.” Trent answered, dragging the word out in a very unbothered tone.
“Fantastic” you added, side eyeing Trent.
“Good..” Tyler clapped his hands together. “Because I brought something to make this whole thing even better.” From the tote bag, Tyler pulled out two neatly wrapped presents and handed one to both of you under the table with a wink.
“What’s this?” you asked in a whisper, frowning while trying to discreetly look at the tag.
“Just go with it,” Tyler whispered back. “It strengthens the story. Just act surprised.”
Trent shook the box in his hands like it came from the North Pole, fresh off the sleigh. “What is it?” he asked, too loud for the covert operation Tyler planned.
Marcel’s eyes lit up immediately. “Hey, what’s all that?”
“It’s nothing” you glared at Trent and then Marcel. “Just something we brought for each other.”
Dianne’s attention turned back to you and you felt her sizing up the gifts that had randomly appeared all of a sudden. “How thoughtful…”
You reluctantly tore into the wrapping paper. Inside, there was a Diptyque gift set and a pair of designer sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage that were so exclusive they had yet to hit most influencer’s feeds. It was perfectly on brand and very believable. Trent unwrapped his gift with the same flair of a child. Inside was a custom bag from Goyard with his initials engraved, and a high tech Hypervolt massage gun that hadn’t been released yet.
“Nice” Trent exclaimed while holding both up like it was a trophy. “You have good taste baby.”
Baby?
The table paused collectively. Dianne’s eyes froze on both of you, Marcel peered at you over the rim of his glass, Michael leaned back with a curious look on his face. Tyler gave you a subtle thumbs up from across the table and you wanted to strangle him.
“Baby?” you repeated in a confused tone. “Where did that come from?”
“Just felt right. Don’t you think?” Trent shrugged with a smirk.
You clenched your teeth, glancing over at the baby that was now side eyeing you too. You gave her a sweet smile and she frowned at you more. “Oh it’s perfect.”
Michael broke the silence with a hearty laugh. “Well..it’s nice to see you two so close.”
“Oh, we’re close” you said quickly, giving Trent a look that could kill.
“Basically inseparable” he added, winking as he set the gifts on the table. Tyler cleared his throat to try and get the conversation back on track. “So, Mum..what’s for dessert?”
Thank god Dianne didn’t press any further after Tyler’s distraction, but you knew this was far from over. When no one was watching, Trent leaned toward you in a low and smug voice. “Relax. You’re doing great.”
You didn’t even bother looking at him because you were so annoyed.
“Stick to the script or I swear I’ll throw one of these Diptyque candles at your head.”
Trent chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Looking forward to it…..baby.”
By the time dinner was over, you walked upstairs to kick off your heels and Trent had already claimed the bathroom. You could hear the sound of running water and his terrible singing drifting through the door as you sat on the bed, laying out your carefully curated skincare routine: cleansing oil for your makeup removal, glycerin cleanser for moisture, red light therapy, centella toner, hyaluronic acid serum, eye serum, ceramidin moisturizer, a spritzer of atobarrier cream mist, and a sleeping lip mask. You lined them up on the table like little soldiers. When Trent finally came out of the shower, his towel was wrapped around his hips and he paused mid step, staring at your collection of bottles and jars.
“What the hell is all of that?” he asked, pointing with his toothbrush still in hand.
“It’s called flawless, glass skin” you shot back, reaching for the oil cleanser and heading to the bathroom. He leaned against the wall with a smirk. “You look like a chemist.”
“Don’t knock it til you try it” you ignored him as you massaged the oil cleanser into your skin. “This is why I look like this” you gestured to your face, “and you’re just...you know.”
Cute? He was cute. But there was no need to gas him up.
“Just what?”
“Nevermind.” you muttered, grabbing your face towel.
“Nah. Finish it. Go on” he teased, stepping gloser. “Already halfway there anyway.”
You glared at him. “If you don’t get out of my face…” Trent turned to adjust the towel around his hip and it slipped. The towel fell on the floor and his dick was in full display. Not bad honestly – thick with a slight curve that was...kind of aesthetically pleasing. Your mouth dropped before you could realize and you turned around so fast you almost knocked over a serum bottle.
“Oh my god! Trent!”
“What?” he asked, way too casual for someone who just flashed you. “It’s just skin. You’re acting like you’ve never seen one before.”
“Not the point!” you yelled, keeping your eyes firmly on the wall while he laughed. Eventually, he bent down to grab the towel and you could hear the smirk in his voice when he spoke again.
“Chill. Don’t act like you weren’t curious about it anyway. Gonna post my dick report anonymously online now?”
You turned back to glare at him now that he was safely wrapped back in the towel. “Please. I’m sure the girls you were with at 4am have already done that for you. Just..don’t let it happen again or I’m actually going to gouge my eyes out.”
He grinned at you, strolling over to the bed like he didn’t just traumatize you. “You’re dramatic. It’s cute.”
After the dick debacle, you climbed into bed, muttering under your breath about boundaries and respect. Trent flopped down next to you while scrolling through his phone without a care in the world.
“You’re actually so annoying” you said while setting up the perfect soft launch shot.
“Yeah, I’ve heard that one a few times,” he replied without looking up.
You ignored him to focus on the picture. It was supposed to be subtle, yet strategic: your skincare bottles glowed under the warm light from the lamp on the bedside table. In the background, Trent was slightly blurred from the setting, yet identifiable as he laid on the bed, legs crossed with his phone in one hand. The caption you added: ‘never let santa stop this slay, skincare always 🎄✨’. By the time you posted the story, your phone was already pinging because SpillTheBeansUK had posted it with a quickness.
SpillTheBeansUK: Who’s the mystery man in Y/N’s background? The skincare? Impeccable. The vibes? Cozy. But that ARM…who’s claiming it? 🕵️‍♀️
ynstan99: WAIT. WHO IS THAT IN THE BACKGROUND?
liverpoolbabe01: that’s defo liverpool and that’s trent’s fam’s house i recognize it bc my mum’s cousin’s best friend’s sister’s brother in law lives just across the road omg she bagged a footballer???
nosygirlfc: GIRL WE KNOW THAT’S TRENT WE’RE NOT DUMB
“What are you posting?” Trent asked, glancing over at your screen.
“Work” you replied simply, turning your phone toward him. “You see that? That’s how you soft launch.”
He studied the story for a bit and nodded while smirking. “Not bad. My turn.”
“You’re posting something?”
“Yup” he replied plainly, scrolling through his camera roll. Minutes later he posted a random photo of his feet propped on a coffee table next to the Christmas tree downstairs, with your phone case barely visible at the edge of the frame that he took earlier. His caption was lame and boring: Holiday vibes.
“That’s so pathetic” you shook your head.
“It’s subtle,” he argued, leaning back against the pillows.
“It’s lazy” you argued back, setting your phone off to the side.
“Lazy works.” He turned off the light, smirking. You rolled your eyes but didn’t respond and pulled the blanket up while turning away from him. The room went quiet before he broke the silence with his sarcasm just as you were starting to drift off to sleep. “Night, my love.”
--
You should’ve known Boxing Day wasn’t going to be about lounging around in pajamas and eating leftovers while scrolling through Instagram in peace. Not when Tyler was involved.
The man had sent a fully detailed itinerary to both of you at an ungodly hour that morning, outlining what he dramatically called ‘The Boxing Day Stroll’. The plan was to head to Manchester, walk around casually, and let the pre-arranged paparazzi do their thing. Of course it wouldn’t be all that easy because the man had already messed up damn near everything else in this facade.
“Just act natural” Tyler said while driving you over to the staged area. “And look like you can’t get enough of each other.” As the car pulled to a stop, you glanced over at Trent who was slouched in his seat, lazily scrolling through a dating app on his phone when he was supposed to be fake dating you.
“You do remember what we’re doing, right?” you asked.
“Walking” he said without looking up.
“Walking and looking like we’re deeply, madly, dangerously in love” you corrected him. “So don’t glare, or pout, and don’t say anything idiotic when someone asks what my name is.”
Trent finally looked up and his lips curved into that same infuriating smirk that pissed you off. “You’re very bossy, you know that?”
“And you’re very bad at following directions.” you argued back.
“Relax baby. I’ll be on my best behaviour.”
“Don’t call me baby” you muttered while pulling the car door open before he could irritate you anymore than he already had.
The city was packed with people entering storefronts, couples and families carrying bags from Boxing Day sales, and kids running around screaming from sugar rush. The holiday vibes were still in full force and picturesque enough for you to almost forget the cameras until you heard the sound of a shutter. You tensed and looked over to the source of the sound but Trent was still unbothered by it, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. He must’ve done these before. He annoyingly looked good even though all he did was throw on whatever was closest. Meanwhile, your fit was carefully curated and you wore a cute co-ord jumper over a wool coat, jeans, chocolate brown booties with a ribbed fold over knit fabric, a crossbody bag, and assorted jewelry from PR packages you received.
“Hold my hand” you whispered through clenched teeth with a frozen smile while passing a group of shoppers.
“What?”
“Hold. My. Hand.” you repeated with a forced expression while waving at an eager little boy who looked more interested in Trent than you. He rolled his eyes but reached for your hand. His palms were warm and comforting, annoyingly enough.
“Happy now?”
“Ecstatic,” you replied through your fake smile, tilting your head to pretend you were saying something cute instead of wanting to knock him upside his head. As you walked down the street, you could see the paps positioning themselves and whispering about different angles. You stopped in front of a shop window that had the most gorgeous jewellery and pretended to admire a necklace while pulling Trent closer.
“That one’s nice” you pointed to a random piece on display.
“Eh. Too shiny.” he glanced at it for all of two seconds.
You side eyed him. “Too shiny?? It’s a necklace.”
“Yeah. It looks tacky as fuck” he smirked.
“You think that’s tacky?” you cracked back. “You don’t even know how to dress. You have multiple pairs of the same trainers and tracksuits. That’s tacky.”
“Nah. They’re not all the same. Some of them are for athletic wear and the others are for leisure. There’s a difference.”
You almost laughed but quickly covered it with a cough instead. This man was ridiculous in his own way, and it was kind of endearing. When you turned the corner to a quieter street, the paps pretended to be hidden behind strategically placed stalls, waiting for the perfect shot. “Okay..” you muttered, leaning into Trent just enough to be believable. “Let’s just make this quick. Look at me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
“Not too hard to do. You’re easy on the eyes.”
You lost your steps for a little and muttered, “Don’t overdo it,” brushing a nonexistent strand of hair from your face to behind your ear. “Just be calm.”
“I’m calm” he countered, lightly grazing his thumb over your knuckles. “You’re really committed to this shit, huh?”
“Well..your management team is paying me for this so yeah..I am” you tightly smiled. The cameras kept taking photos but you didn’t look toward them this time so that they could get exactly what was needed. The pictures hit the interwebs almost instantly and they were good. There was a candid of you mid laugh as Trent looked at you with a soft expression and melting grin. The second one was a close up of your hands intertwined while you leaned into him. The angle it was taken in made it look like you were sharing a private moment in the middle of a crowded street. The final picture was of Trent breaking off a piece of chocolate and feeding it to you while smiling in a cozy corner of a small shop. That wasn’t planned though, the joy from that was the real deal.
Before you made it back to the car, Tyler was already in the group chat, hyping both of you up. The pictures were reposted by SpillTheBeans too:
SpillTheBeansUK: Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted out with influencer Y/N L/N looking very cozy in Manchester on Boxing Day. Rumour has it, this love story started a few months ago...Any thoughts, Beans? 👀
ynstan99: sobbing, crying, throwing up. LOOK AT THEM
whatRUonabt: PR but i can’t even hate she’s gorg and they look good
reds4vr_: not convinced after that stunt he pulled last week during match. this is obviously fake news to get us off his back
chirpchirp: she’s just like me fr but i can hold his hand better footiebro: she’s leng but i hope bro isn’t serious he’s got too many distractions
giseleeee_: i give it 3 months before they announce a break up this is fake as fuck
plsbereal: imagine him holding her camera silently while she films vlogs and ootd’s i’m screaming 🥺
YNsquad: i can’t wait until she posts her next chaotic story and he’s in the background. confirm it queen!!
You scrolled through all the chaotic comments, shaking your head as Trent leaned in to peek at your screen. “What are they saying?” he asked, more invested than he wanted to let on.
“My fans think you’re obsessed with me” you held back your grin while showing him the comments.
“Nah. Other way around I think” he smirked, cocking his brow.
“Whatever” you rolled your eyes, still scrolling through your phone as the car pulled away. 
By the time midweek rolled around, you were wondering why you agreed to any of this. Sitting in the box at Anfield felt like you were walking into enemy territory. This was...cute, but not really your vibe. The launch strategy was working so Tyler insisted you show up to keep up this festive fairytale. The box was filled with WAGS and family members dressed up. You weren’t entirely out of place, your fit was eating theirs up rightfully so, but you still felt like a fish out of water every time someone looked at you for too long. You tried to make the most out of it and half an hour into the match, you posted a curated story of a video on the field, zoomed in just enough to show everyone on the field in clear view with the caption: not usually my vibe but i’ll allow it ⚽
The second slide was a chaotic close up of your freshly done nails in an almond shape holding a drink. The third was a shaky clip of the crowd cheering just as Trent assisted with a goal. It didn’t take long for you know who to start some mess.
SpillTheBeansUK: Y/N posts from the box after her Boxing Day photoshoot with TAA! Official or not? Let the investigations begin 🕵️‍♀️
loverpoolluvr: she’s just posting random stories. y’all are reading too much into it
overlibramen: how are you lot defending this? man has a new personality every week. let’s bffr
ynbabesfc: nails immaculate and she’s living rent free in your head and trent’s. COPE
sleuthysleuth: the timeline makes sense i’ve got the receipts and it tracks
trentsgfwannabe: i bet she doesn’t even like football and he deserves someone who can actually appreciate the sport
By the time you and Trent made it back to the house that night, you were drained to hell. The day was filled with forced smiles, cameras, and a lot of online chaos that you tried not to look at but ended up scrolling through anyway.
“You okay?” Trent asked in a softer voice than you expected for someone who supposedly didn’t care.
“I’m fine..” you mumbled while grabbing an oversized hoodie you borrowed from him earlier in the week and some pajama shorts. “I just feel like I’m so out of my element right now.” 
Trent had already claimed his spot on the bed and was scrolling through his phone with one hand and eating crisps out of the other. “You’re not that bad at it” he replied, looking up at you as you climbed on your side of the bed.
“Wow thanks” you responded dryly and grabbed one of the snacks he was holding out for you. You were both on your phones, scrolling through various apps while crisp bags crinkled noisily through the silence.
“…Do you ever get nervous or scared?” you asked to break through the silence.
“Nervous or scared about what?” He set his phone down, looking at you with a confused look.
“Of losing yourself with all the fame. It’s like.. I’ve built this whole brand online on my own and I have an audience that trusts me a lot because my whole thing is based on being real with them. But this is....not real. And it feels wrong.” You gestured at him and then you. “I’m scared it’s going to ruin things for me.”
Trent nodded at you and took a deep breath. “Yeah, I get it. Everything I do on or off the pitch always feels like it’s for someone else. I don’t always know what I want. And I change my mind a lot.”
You looked at him in surprise, taken aback by what you assumed was honesty. “Really?”
“Yeah..” he leaned back against the headboard. “Feels like I’m a product and not a person sometimes. Sometimes I rebel every once in a while but I guess I took it too far this time.”
For the first time, you saw him as Trent and not some footballer with a PR disaster on his hands. “Well...at least we have this to bond over. Being fake together.”
He laughed then grinned at you with a wide smile. “Yeah...something like that.”
“It’s kind of weird though. Because for something so fake...it’s starting to feel like it’s...not. Since we’re together all the time and whatnot.”
Trent cocked a brow at your last statement. You opened your mouth to backtrack and say something snarky or petty, but your phone rang against the bedside table. The screen lit up with a facetime call and your stomach dropped when you saw the name.
Romeo Cruz.
Romeo was a rising singer in LA that had all the charm, charisma, and a voice that made every girl want to melt. He slid into your DMs months ago, and while it wasn’t anything super serious, there was definitely flirting going on, and it was FUN. You glanced at Trent who was also looking at your screen.
“Who’s that?”
You reached for your phone with hesitation. “Uhh..just someone I know. No biggie.”
Trent leaned back on the headboard with a clenched jaw. “Yeah? Someone important enough to facetime you at nearly midnight?”
You rolled your eyes and ignored him, answering the call anyway. “Romeo! Hey.” On the screen, Romeo appeared with tousled curly hair, a signature smile with dimples, a sharp jawline, and beautifully glowing, sun kissed skin. “Hey beautiful” he dripped in his velvety, deep and smooth voice. “Just checking in. Haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“Yeah, sorry” your tone was a bit light, a little flirty, but you were nervous because Trent was right there, burning his eyes into the side of your face. “Life has been....busy. A little chaotic but you know me, I love that.”
Romeo noticed the tension inflicted in your voice and cocked his head back from the screen a bit in concern. “You good? Where are you? LA or London?”
You didn’t get a chance to answer because Trent reached over and took the phone from your hands like it was his own phone. “She’s busy right now.” He answered for you in a flat tone, holding up the phone so Romeo could see him and his annoying smirk.
“Uh.. and who are you?”
“Her boyfriend,” Trent replied smoothly. “Thanks for the check in mate but she’s good. We’re in the middle of something.” He paused for the drama of it all and then looked at you.
Romeo had a look of disbelief and irritation showing on his face. “Well tell her to call when she’s–”
Trent didn’t let him finish and took the opportunity to cup your chin with one hand, pulling you into a kiss. For something that was fake it felt way too convincing. You felt butterflies in your stomach as his lips met yours. He didn’t pull away immediately, but when he did you were dazed and out of breath. Too stunned to speak. Romeo saw it all and Trent’s face lit up with the cockiest grin ever.
“Yeah I doubt that mate. She’ll be too tired.” He hit the button to end the call.
“What the fuck was that?” you stared at him, your mouth agape in shock.
“What?”
“What????” you repeated, the volume in your voice increasing. “You just kissed me and basically told him I’m taken..like I’m your actual girlfriend! What the fuck??”
Trent popped a crisp into his mouth, chewing obnoxiously and meeting your death glare with a calm look, then he shrugged. “Just following the script, remember?”
--
By New Years Eve, your public side of the bargain was winding down, but Trent was still annoying you more than ever, even after the kiss. The sound of him chewing in your ear was still echoing days later as you stood in front of the mirror of the hotel, adjusting your ponytail again. Your hair was slicked back with the ends flipped up in soft curls that bounced whenever you moved. You had two loose strands in the front. Your followers knew those strands as your ‘slut strands’ – a term you coined because whenever you had those two strands framing your face, things always ended up a little wild. Between the alcohol flowing at the NYE party, the DJ, and Trent by your side, you knew something was bound to happen. You were always a Chatty Cathy on the juice, and the strands were an unofficial warning label that signified you were about to be everyone’s best friend, or a major problem. You adjusted your dress and gave yourself a final look in the mirror. You were trying to give unbothered girlie with a hint of ruining someone’s life one drink at a time. You grinned at yourself, knowing you looked like you were that girl™.
Just as you were about to spritz your perfume, Tyler texted the group chat:
Start heading to the club. The event is popping off atm. Pap friendly corner is just outside near the bar’s exit so make it count.
You rolled your eyes in annoyance. Of course Tyler felt the need to micromanage the party from a distance while acting like he wasn’t the most hands off manager in the industry. He could barely schedule Trent’s interviews on time but was now suddenly invested in making this fake relationship seem so solid. You just wanted to have a good time and be free of this nonsense publically like your contract originally stated.
“I can’t believe all three of the Alexander-Arnold boys are this annoying” you muttered under your breath while putting your heels on. 
Your contract made it clear that New Year’s Eve was the grand finale for the public part of the facade. After tonight, you wouldn’t have to parade around looking like you were madly in love anymore. The plan was to silently pull back and make the relationship seem more private with the occasional story, casual mentions, and reposts every once in a while until June, where you would announce a breakup and be free of him for good. You grabbed your purse and headed for the door to meet Trent downstairs. If this was going to be the last time you had to fake it, you were going out with a bang..and you were going to have some fun with it too just to celebrate the end of this mess.
When you reached the lobby of the hotel, Trent was waiting for you and scrolling through his phone. He looked good, his trim was crisp, his fit wasn’t terrible, and he smelled amazingly good. He lowered his phone, eyeing you from head to toe with a clenched jaw.
“Damn” he voiced involuntarily.
You tried to avoid smirking and adjusted the strap of your dress but a smirk still appeared anyway. “That’s it? Just damn? I put a lot of effort in for this look…”
He licked over his lips and finally looked you in the eye. “Then you already know how you look.”
“You’re lucky I’m feeling great or else I’d make you say it with more enthusiasm.”
“Trust me” he started, running a hand over his head. “I’m enthusiastic but you don’t need a bigger head than you already have.”
You rolled your eyes and brushed past him to head to the car waiting outside, your heels tapping against the marbled lobby floor. “Shut up and come on. I can’t deal with you while sober tonight. I need a drink.”
By the time you made it to the club, it was already pure chaos. The bass was so heavy you could feel it in your chest as you walked through the VIP area. There were strobe lights flashing around, illuminating random moments of chaos. A group of footballers were trying to outdrink each other in a booth stacked with empty Clase Azul bottles, an influencer in a bright dress was dancing on a table with a sparkler in one hand, and a model was yelling at a bartender because she couldn’t find a tiny baggie of white substance she drunkenly left at the bar who knows how long ago.
When you and Trent walked in, heads turned and whispers cut through the air. His hand brushed against your back to keep up with the facade. The scent in the air was...interesting. It was a blend of liquor, sweat, perfume and the faint tang of weed smoke. You knew tonight was going to leave a mark whether it be on your reputation, your conscience, or both.
“Where’s Tyler’s pap friendly corner again?” you asked, leaning into Trent so you wouldn’t have to yell over the blaring music.
“Near the bar. But let’s grab a drink first.”
You followed him as the hem of your dress brushed against your thigh. The bar was wild. People were pushing against each other like they would run out of alcohol, or maybe they just really wanted the Getty Images watermark with a top face card photo to memorialize the end of the year. The bartender was busy juggling a bottle of Hennessy with one hand, and pouring multiple shots with the other hand, all while someone was yelling for espresso martinis from the corner.
“Champagne? Martini?” Trent asked, turning to you as you perched against the counter with your hips leaning into the wood.
You shook your head. “A round of shots from top shelf and a coconut water.”
“Uh...that’s specific.” He turned to the bartender, ordering for you and himself.
“It’s so I can get fucked up but still stay hydrated from the electrolytes.” Your hands grazed over the two strands of your hair, very diva like. “You wouldn’t understand. It’s my whole thing..it even went viral on tiktok. Don’t knock it til you try it.”
The drinks arrived quicker than you expected and you downed a couple shots immediately in between sipping the coconut water. Trent nursed his vodka soda with lime, scanning the room with his eyes.
“Don’t be boring” you said, gently shoving two shots closer to him.
“I’m not boring” he replied, eyeing the shots and the way your nails grazed against the top surface of the bar.
“Then prove it. Drink the shots and come dance with me.”
He shook his head before reaching for the shots and downing them both. “I don’t dance.”
“Oh my god, shut the fuck up and live a little” you quickly finished the last of your shots and coconut water and then grabbed his hand, leading him to the dancefloor as the curls in your ponytail bounced between the bass reverberating through the club.
The crowd on the dance floor was just as chaotic in a sea of gyrating bodies and heat. You were too tipsy to be sure of what the DJ switched the song to, but it felt seductive and made you sway your hips automatically. The music took control before your brain could even think about it. You turned toward Trent, moving your body to the beat with ease while he watched. He was locked in, staring at you so hard it almost looked like he didn’t realize he was eyeing you like that.
“You’re really not gonna dance?” you teased, tilted your head as you stepped closer with a flirty smirk.
“I told you I don’t–”
“Shut up Trent” you playfully grabbed his hand and pulled him further into the crowd. “Just dance with me.”
As the alcohol coursed through you, you let your hips find the beat, rolling against him with just enough pressure to test him. You felt him tense up behind you, holding his hands just above your waist like he didn’t know whether to grab you or run away.
“Aren’t you Jamaican?” you yelled over your shoulder with a smirk. “Just relax and let the beat find you.”
He let out an exhale and finally rested his hand on your hip. You arched back a little, grinding into him more and his other hand landed on your ass. His body was betraying him and his breath quickened, trying to think of anything else but your ass grinding against his dick so he wouldn’t get hard. His jaw was tight but then his lips parted when his eyes dropped to the way you were rolling your hips against him. He was barely blinking as he stared. Trent’s grip tightened just enough for you to become aware of it.
“You like dancing, don’t you?” you teased again.
“This isn’t dancing.”
“No?” you dared, grinding against him harder. “Then what is it?”
Trent’s fingers dug into your waist and pulled you up against him. His head dipped closer to your neck and he bit his lip like he was fighting the urge to kiss you there. The lines were quickly blurring in the fog of alcohol and you weren’t sure who was pushing harder to cross them. His breath was hot against your neck as you danced up against him. You felt something stiffen against his lower half but you were so tipsy you thought it was his phone. Trent abruptly pulled back, letting go of you as you stood there confused.
“I need a drink.” He turned back toward the crowd, leaving you standing there trying to catch your breath. Your heart was pounding and your body was bouncing with energy that had nowhere to go thanks to the shots and coconut water you had. Before you knew it, a voice yelled your name, but it wasn’t Trent.
It was Levi Colwill.
“Ahh, Y/N! Trent’s better half” Levi slid into Trent’s place, handing you a shot. “Got your favorite.”
You handed it back to him, forcing a smile. “Levi…”
“You look like you could use some better company” he eyed the outline of your body. “Not that Trent’s bad but..you know I’ll dance with you. Just saying.”
You rolled your eyes but still laughed at him...because you were drunk. “Still stirring the pot like always.”
“You know that’s what I do” He downed the shot you refused. “What you been up to? I know you’re exhausted pretending to be with Trent.”
The alcohol made you bolder. “You get me! He’s so annoying sometimes.”
Levi stepped closer, yelling into your ear over the music. “You know where to find me. Send me a DM when it’s all–”
“Levi” Trent slurred in an irritated tone. “Get the fuck out of here.”
Levi shook his head, sipping the drink in hand and then smirked at Trent. “I was just saying hello.”
Trent gripped your wrist firmly but not painful as he pulled you away from Levi and into a quieter corner of the club, which just so happened to be near the bar’s exit where the paps were waiting for the perfect moment to take pictures.
“What the hell was that?” you hissed, yanking your arm free.
“What was what?” Trent snapped back.
“Dragging me away like some jealous boyfriend. That’s not part of the script Trent.”
Trent’s jaw clenched and he stepped closer, leaning into your ear. “You were enjoying that too much. We’re supposed to be together..you can’t flirt with other guys here.”
You laughed, not believing your ears. “Are you dumb?! You walked away like you couldn’t handle it! I’m just trying to have fun tonight.”
“I walked away because you were making me hard.” he shot back in a drunken state, not realizing what he just admitted to.
Your brain short circuited under the fog of alcohol as the music thumped around you. All you could focus on was the thought of Trent standing in front of you, hard, because you danced on him. Then your brain took it a step further and you remembered the night his towel slipped. You had a split glimpse of him on soft and now your tipsy mind was wondering what it looked like on hard. You felt the heat from your cheeks trail down slowly, making your mouth feel dry and knees weak. You were trying to think of literally anything else but the alcohol coursing through your veins wasn't doing you any favors and neither was the way he was looking at you. Trent’s teeth pulled at his bottom lip like he was fighting his thoughts too. You shifted closer to him, playing with a strand of hair framing your face.
“Trent..” you began in a whisper. You didn’t know if you wanted to apologize, flirt, or tell him to just kiss you. His head dipped toward yours as his lips inched toward yours slowly. You were leaning in without even realizing it and his hands hovered over your waist hesitantly. Your eyes dropped to his lips and you saw him lick his lips like he was priming them.
“Y/N!”
A shrill voice broke through whatever was about to happen and you blinked back as someone grabbed your arm. It was another influencer you knew from a brand event but you couldn’t remember her name in your drunken state. She grinned and hugged you like she didn’t just ruin the most dramatic non-kiss of your life.
“Oh my days, girl I haven’t seen you in forever!” she yelled, dragging you toward a VIP booth that was probably just as chaotic as the rest of the club. Trent stood there with an unreadable expression watching as you were pulled away. He turned his gaze to the paparazzi outside who were very pissed they didn’t get their perfect shot.
Just as the countdown to midnight was about to begin, you found your way back to Trent. The club was louder than ever as the final minutes of the year ticked away. Trent was still in the same spot, nursing a fresh drink while the other hand was shoved in his pocket. He noticed you before you could say anything and you saw his eyes lock onto you with a certain look in his eye.
“Perfect timing” you giggled when you reached him, pulling him closer toward the exit where the paps were standing guard. “This is where Tyler wants us so let’s just get it over with.” You positioned yourselves near the glass doors so they would have a better view. The cold air from outside cooled you down a little, but it did nothing to knock any sort of clarity into you. As soon as the crowd started counting down, the air became tented with anticipation.
10...
9...
Your heart was beating fast against your chest and the alcohol made every sensation feel way stronger. You tilted your face up a little to meet his eyes, but he was already staring at you. Trent’s hand reached to cup your chin and tilt your face further upward.
8...
7...
His thumb brushed over the corner of your lip and the sensation made you exhale softly. He looked you in the eyes first, then at your lips, then back up at your eyes again, making you feel dizzy yet excited at the same time.
6...
5...
You parted your lips slightly with heavily lidded eyes. Both of you were supposed to be ‘acting’ but whatever was going on right now was not staged. His other hand found the dip in your waist, pulling you close enough to feel the fire in his eyes.
4...
3...
You leaned in at the same time, moving on instinct from the magnetism as the cameras outside began to flash. The paps were losing their minds and the shutters went off wildly, but all you could think about was how badly you wanted this kiss.
2...
1...
The room erupted into loud yelling, cheers, and champagne bottles popping as fireworks lit up the London sky outside. The second the cloud struck midnight, Trent’s lips lit a flame in you that made your whole body have goosebumps. His hand found your ass, gripping it firm enough to make you gasp and the tiny noise coming out of you motivated him even more. Your body arched into his as you continued kissing him in a way too entirely real make out session. You palmed the fabric over his dick and he groaned into your mouth, making you moan into his mouth in response. The crowd around you celebrated to a very random club remix of Auld Lang Syne but you were too wrapped up in him to care about celebrating the new year.
You finally pulled back breathless while staring at him. His lips were a little swollen but the fire was still in his eyes.
“We need to leave before they get the wrong pics” you blurted out, slurring your words from being tipsy but also flustered.
“Yeah” he said with his hand still on the curve of your back. “Hotel?”
“Hotel.”
When you made it back to the hotel and the lift doors closed, your back hit the mirrored wall as Trent pinned you into the corner. His hand slid over your thighs and the fabric of your dress bunched up.
“Thought I annoyed you” he muttered against your ear as his fingers slipped between your thighs.
“You still do” you replied back sassily, but then you gasped when he found the thin strap of your thong and tugged it against the folds of your pussy. The friction made you whimper and you dug your nails into his arm for stability. “But I can multitalk.”
“Yeah?” He smirked, gripping your thigh to open you up more. His other hand kept working the fabric of the thong, sliding it up and down until you were grinding against his knuckles. “Fuck you're soaked. This for me?”
“Shut up” you hissed while tugging at the button of his jeans with shaky fingers. When the lift dinged on your floor, you barely made it to the room before his hands were pulling, grabbing, and claiming you. He pressed you against a huge window of the hotel room while the fireworks were still popping off in the night sky.
“Take it off” you demanded, yanking at Trent’s shirt.
He pulled it over his head to show off his toned, muscled body that had been haunting you since the towel accident. You didn’t have much time to admire any of it because his hands were already undoing your dress, dropping it to your feet. The cool glass of the window pressed up against your bare skin and you shook a little when his lips latched on your neck, sucking and biting while his hands roamed over you. You moaned his name in a whimpered beg and arched into him when his mouth moved down to your boobs. His tongue ran over your nipple and he wrapped his lips around it, suckling gently and massaging the other with his hand. You gasped, clutching his shoulders and melting your body into his.
“You beg so pretty” he murmured against your skin. “What do you want, pretty girl? Tell me.”
“You” you panted in a trembling voice. “I need you inside me now.”
Trent groaned and ran his fingers between your folds to find your clit. The circles he rubbed against the sensitive nub made you moan loudly. “Not yet,” he rasped. “Need to feel how ready you are.” A broken sob escaped you when his fingers slid inside your pussy. His fingers were long enough to reach a spot that made your knees weak as he worked you open. Your head fell against the window as the squelch of your wetness filled the hotel room.
“Good girl” he coaxed, and your walls clenched around his fingers in response. He laughed and you could feel his smirk against your skin. “You like that, huh? You like being told how good you are?”
“Yesss” you gasped, grinding against his hand. “Fuck yes.”
He pulled his fingers out and you whined but the sound quickly turned into a needy moan when he ran the tip of his dick over your slit. He lined himself up, gripping your thighs to lift you up and push into you.
“DAMN” he groaned loudly, leaning his head back in both pleasure and disbelief from how you were gripping him. “You feel so fucking good gripping me.” You felt the curve when he stroked deeper, each thrust pressing you against the glass while the fireworks mirrored whatever was going on in this hotel room. “You’re so noisy” he teased when he heard you moan his name. He reached between your thighs to play with your clit again. “You want everyone to hear me fucking you, don’t you? You like that shit.”
You nodded, too far gone to care about anything but the feeling. “Oh my god, yes! Please don’t stop. You’re fucking me so good.”
Trent’s mouth latched to your neck again, leaving a mark you were going to have to cover up later. His hands gripped your ass, pulling you closer as he thrust harder..deeper. Your moans were nonstop, echoing against the window while he pounded into you.
“You’re creaming all over me” he groaned, dropping his eyes to his dick thrusting in and out of you with the perfect rhythm. “Look at that. Such a good girl for me.”
His praise and coaxing made you shatter. Your walls clenched around him while your orgasm rained over your thighs and onto him. Moaning cries mixed with his curses and filled the room until he took one last deep stroke into you and pulled out of you. You lowered yourself to take him in your mouth, sucking gently on his tip as ropes of cum filled your mouth. You got back up, very shaky and wobbly, but he wasn’t done yet. Trent carried you to the bed, lifting you up on top of him. Both of you were too far gone to care about the contract by that point and spent the rest of the night partaking in some ultra festive activities to bring in the new year as fireworks continued to pop off in the distance. 
The morning after, the sunlight was streaming through the large window you had just been fucked against the night before. It way too bright for how you were feeling now, even after the coconut water. Your head was pounding and you still felt groggy. Your lashes were barely clinging on and you forgot to do your skincare routine before falling asleep thanks to your activities. You groaned and reached for your phone, fumbling with it in your hands while Trent moved from somewhere else in the room to hand you a cup of coffee. 
“Good morning” he smirked at you, knowing exactly why you were in the state you were in. 
“Morning...and thank you” you muttered in a scratchy voice from a mix of sleep and..other activities. You took a look at yourself with your front camera and you snorted. Your hair was all over the place, your makeup was smudged and one of your lashes was hanging off. You took a glance back over at Trent, who had faint scratches on his back, making you laugh harder. The chaos was oddly on brand for the authentic, slightly unhinged content you were known for, so you decided to capture the moment to post online. 
You opened the camera app and switched to the wide angle just to make it that more authentic. You held your coffee cup in your hand with your messy hair and hanging lash on full display. In the background, Trent was off to the edge of the frame where only part of him could be seen digging through his distinctive Goyard wash bag, oblivious to his surprise cameo. You typed out the caption ‘Happy New Year 🥴✨’ and added it to the photo in white text before posting it on your story. You didn’t have to check the notifications...you knew what you did.
By the time you showered and made yourself look put together, your post had been picked up by SpillTheBeansUK where they did a full deep dive. Their post was a carousel of screenshots. The first was your original story in its chaotic glory, the second was a cropped version zoomed in on Trent’s hand digging into his bag and the faint lining of the side of his head, the third was a side by side of all the previous photos to confirm it was him.
SpillTheBeansUK: Happy New Year from Y/N and Trent Alexander-Arnold! 👀
realmrsTAA: sobbing into my pillow rn I KNOW THAT BAG
ynfansince2019: not her lashes hanging like that. IKTR QUEEN
yn_onlyyn: she’s so me coded i love her
leafygreens05: TRENT BABE TELL ME THIS ISN’T U?!? ARE THOSE SCRATCHES?
ballerbabyy: this feels like i’m on facetime with a friend i love her sm and they’re so cute
notyourfootiebae: Y/N and Trent 🏆 romeocruz: 😒
You laughed as you scrolled through the comments. Trent walked in, ready to head out for breakfast. Although, he was entirely too calm for someone who had just been moaning your name while you were bouncing on him just a few hours ago.
When you sat across from him during breakfast at the hotel restaurant, the realization of everything hit you all at once. You didn’t want this to end. Not the public antics, banter, or things with Trent. He was looking at his phone, scrolling through his apps. Unbeknownst to you, he was deleting his dating apps. All of them.
Meanwhile you were spiralling. Quietly, but definitely still spiralling. 
“What happens when this is over?” you asked quietly, cutting through your eggs benedict. 
He looked up, pausing his thumb over the delete button of the last app. “What do you mean?”
You shrugged, stabbing at the food with a vanished appetite. “The contract. When June comes and we’re supposed to ‘break up’... What happens then?”
Trent deleted the final app and set his phone down to look at you. “I don’t know,” he admitted in a quiet voice.
You laughed, trying to mask your nerves. “Well that’s not reassuring.”
“Why?” He asked, tilting his head. “You worried about something?”
Your fork tapped against the hollandaise sauce on your food while you gathered what you wanted to say. “Um..well..this whole thing started off as a job for your image. But now....” you trailed off and looked at him.
“Now?” he prompted, locked on your eyes.
“Now it feels...different.” you admitted. “It doesn’t feel fake anymore. At least not for me.”
You thought he would smirk and have some comeback ready but he didn’t this time. Instead, he leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed loosely. “Doesn’t feel fake to me either.”
“Really?”
“Yeah” Trent leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. “It started off as a contract but I think that changed a little...we both know that.”
You stared at him. “So..what are you saying?”
“I’m saying we don’t have to stop,” he replied, never taking his eyes off you. “We don’t have to make a huge deal about it or anything but I don’t want to stop seeing you. It feels…” He trailed off to search for the right words.
“Like something worth exploring?” you offered, finishing his sentence.
He nodded, giving you his signature smirk, but this time it made you melt a little. “Yeah. Like that.”
--
The day the public stint of the contract was supposed to end came and went like any other day. You and Trent kept seeing each other instead of posting fake launch photos like the contract originally suggested after NYE. Tyler was smug about it the minute he found out, thinking he was the best Cupid ever. The last time you saw him, he handed you a Valentine’s Day PR brief with a grin.
“Guess we’re not cancelling the hard launch then?” he asked in a satisfied tone. You wanted to throw the folder at him, but he was right. You weren’t going anywhere and neither was Trent. Your fans adored the idea of you with him. There were multiple theories flooding your comment section daily, micro analyzing every interaction. Meanwhile, Trent’s fans reluctantly admitted he looked happy in a relationship for once. 
The hard launch came in the form of a Youtube video thanks to the fans: Boyfriend Rates My Outfits
Your followers were begging for this video for weeks. You never announced having a boyfriend but they knew you better than that. You didn’t plan on giving in but Trent was all for it. Your chaos had rubbed off on him, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Do it” he said one night while laying in bed with you at your place after a date night. “It’ll be funny.”
“Funny for who?” you replied, rolling your eyes.
“For me.”
Eventually you agreed, and the video started with you sitting in front of your neatly organized wardrobe, clasping your hands together. “Okay..you’ve all been asking for it so we’re doing a ‘boyfriend rates my outfits’ video today. My man isn’t really a fashion connoisseur so don’t expect much.”
Trent’s voice came in from behind the camera, already flirty. “Nah, I have taste, don’t set me up like that.”
“Do you?” you countered, laughing as you disappeared to change into the first outfit.
You strutted back in the room wearing high waisted jeans, a blazer and a cropped top paired with trainers. It was chic and cute enough for a brunch or something similar. Trent zoomed the camera in dramatically on your feet. “Shoes are nice. I’ll give it...an 8.”
“An 8?!” you scoffed, doing a little spin for him. “You’re mad. This is a 10.”
“Ah..okay. 9.5 but only because you look good walking away.”
The next look was a silky midi dress with a thigh high slit, paired with strappy heels. You stepped in the room and did a twirl for the cam.
Trent let out a whistle. “11. Easily.”
“You can’t give it an 11!” you protested, hands on your hip.
“Why not?” he grinned. “I’d take you out in that.. maybe in Greece or Spain.”
For the third look, you went full streetwear and wore cargos, a fitted crop top, a leather jacket, and chunky boots. Trent panned the camera up and down with a lot of dramatics. “You look like you’re about to rob somebody.”
“Trent!”
“Hey, I’m into it though! Come rob me baby” he added quickly, smirking. “9 out of 10.”
The final outfit was a red mini dress with an open back that hugged you in all the right places, paired with heels and a statement purse. Trent was quiet as he looked at you, shaking the camera while he adjusted the focus. “Goddamn. That’s a 12.”
“A 12?” you laughed, walking up to the camera and playfully covering the lens while giving him a kiss. “You’re not supposed to go over 10, T.”
“I don’t care. You’re breaking the scale.”
Trent turned the camera to face the both of you as both of you smiled into the lens. “Alright. Like, comment, subscribe, and…” He trailed off, lowering the camera a little and looked at your lips. He whispered, thinking the mic wouldn’t catch anything but it did. “...and turn this off so I can take this dress off you.”
Your jaw dropped and you swatted at his chest playfully, giggling. “You’re going to get me demonetized if you keep talking like that.”
As you edited the video, you decided to leave that part in there because it was funny and also cute. The comments rolled in quickly when word spread around online about it:
ynbabydoll: THE WHISPER AT THE END??? HELLO? I’M FERAL
ynstanclub: trent stuns in Y/N’s youtube video!!
ynplustrent: the way the cam shook when she came out in that dress....i know they get real nasty
spicynsaucy: UNCOVER THE LENS I WANNA SEE IT
footieNfashion: why is this more compelling than any press interview he’s ever done?
LFCStan44: this feels like i shouldn’t be in the room watching them rn but i’m here for it idk. love to see him back to his happy old self
FreeKickFiend: ugh..the way he sounds when he called her baby. that should be me
YNWADefenseNeeded: bro’s focus on this video is what we need on the pitch ALL the time RedKisses98: this man has forgotten we exist. thanks a lot Y/N
You shut your laptop after the premiere of the video and sunk into the couch next to Trent. He was scrolling through the comments on his phone, with that same infuriating, yet extremely attractive smirk on his face.
“You’re really enjoying this huh?” you nudged him with your elbow in a teasing tone.
“Of course,” he replied without looking up. “I’m the star of your channel now.”
You shook your head, laughing. “Very bold of you to assume they’re watching for you.”
Finally, he looked from his phone, cupping your chin and pulling you into a kiss. “Nah...but I’m here for you though. Fully off script. No contract needed.”
377 notes · View notes
hellobykittys · 5 months ago
Text
𝐓𝐇𝐄 (𝐈𝐌)𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 ✦ 𝐂𝐋¹⁶
SUMMARY: Charles Leclerc, a Formula 1 star, faces the decline of his reputation after breaking up with art curator Alexandra Saint Mleux. Under pressure from his team, he is forced into a fake relationship with one of the most popular influencers of the moment. NOTES: English is not my first language, so there might be some writing mistakes. I apologize for that, and feel free to point out any improvements. WC: 2.6k WARNING: enemies to lovers, teasing, fake relationship
MASTERLIST | NEXT PART
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The meeting room was lit by cold lights reflecting off an impeccably clean glass table. Charles Leclerc sat at the head, his chin resting on his hand, visibly bored. The tension in the air was thick, and he already knew this meeting wasn’t going to end well. Around the table, members of Ferrari’s PR team sat, along with Lorenzo Leclerc, Charles’ older brother and personal manager.
“Let’s get straight to the point,” Lorenzo began, crossing his arms. His voice carried the firmness of someone tired of useless discussions. “Charles, we need to talk about your reputation.”
Charles rolled his eyes, setting his phone down on the table.
“My reputation? You mean the circus the media makes out of everything I do?”
“It’s not a circus if you keep giving them material,” Sofia, Ferrari’s PR head, cut in. A woman with short hair and piercing eyes, Sofia was known for her blunt and impatient approach.
“Seriously?” Charles raised an eyebrow. “Now you want to control my personal life too?”
Lorenzo sighed, rubbing his temples.
“Charles, we’re not here to debate who’s right or wrong. We’re here because your image is directly affecting your career.”
“My career’s fine,” Charles shot back, crossing his arms.
Sofia slammed a folder full of tabloid clippings on the table, making a sharp noise.
“Is it? Because from what we see here, it doesn’t look like it. ‘Charles Leclerc spotted at a party until 5 AM with a mysterious model.’ ‘Ferrari driver involved in a new controversy after a fight at a club.’ This affects the sponsors, Charles. It affects the Ferrari brand.”
Charles leaned back in his chair, rubbing his face.
“Look, I get it. But what do you want me to do? Lock myself in my house?”
“Not exactly,” Sofia replied with a cold smile that made Charles immediately suspicious.
Lorenzo cleared his throat, trying to soften what was coming.
“Charles, we’ve come up with a solution that could help clean up your image quickly while you focus on what really matters: your performance on the track.”
“Great. So, what’s the plan?” he asked, clearly impatient.
Sofia leaned forward, clasping her hands on the table.
“We’re going to put you in a fake relationship.”
The silence that followed was so deep that you could hear the clock ticking on the wall. Charles blinked a few times, sure he’d misunderstood.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“We’re not,” Sofia replied, serious. “The idea is simple. We want to associate your image with a public figure who’s seen as positive, inspiring, and… balanced.”
“You want me to fake being in love with someone to save my reputation? This is ridiculous!”
“It’s not that simple, Charles,” Lorenzo tried to intervene. “We’re not asking you to fall in love. It’s a contract. An agreement. None of this has to be real.”
Charles laughed humorlessly, shaking his head.
“And who’s this poor soul you’ve hired for this?”
Sofia smiled, clearly expecting this question.
“Y/N.”
The name hit the silence like a shot. Charles frowned, trying to remember where he’d heard it. It didn’t take long before the girl’s face popped into his mind. She was impossible to ignore on social media, with her impeccable style, viral videos, and appearances at fashion and entertainment events.
“You’re talking about that… influencer?” he asked, incredulous.
“Not just any influencer. She’s the influencer right now,” Sofia corrected. “Everyone loves her. She’s elegant, charismatic, and has a solid fanbase. Associating with her will change the public’s perception of you.”
“You want me to fake dating a girl I barely know and who probably thinks race cars are just fancy toys?” Charles shot back, irritated.
Lorenzo took a deep breath, visibly trying to stay calm.
“Charles, no one’s saying it’ll be easy. But think of it as a strategy. Y/N isn’t just an influencer. She’s professional, ambitious, and has as much to gain from this as you do.”
“Great. So, she’s doing it for personal gain too,” Charles said sarcastically.
Sofia rolled her eyes.
“This isn’t about what she wants, it’s about what you need.”
Charles sat in silence for a few seconds, staring at the table. The idea seemed absurd. He didn’t want to give up his freedom for some farce that, deep down, made no sense to him.
“You guys must be crazy if you think I’ll agree to this,” Charles declared, suddenly standing up. His voice echoed through the room, but no one seemed surprised by his reaction.
Lorenzo sighed, already expecting this kind of response. He knew his brother too well to think he’d accept something so outside his comfort zone without resistance.
“Charles, sit down,” Lorenzo said, his voice firm and authoritative. “You have every right to be angry, but if you keep acting like a spoiled child, you won’t get anywhere.”
“A spoiled child?” Charles laughed darkly, pointing at his brother. “This coming from you, trying to convince me to join this ridiculous show. It’s my life, Lorenzo! I’m not a puppet for you guys to manipulate.”
Sofia intervened, trying to stay professional, but her patience was clearly wearing thin.
“Charles, understand this: we’re talking about your career. It’s not just about you. It’s about the team, the sponsors, the thousands of jobs that depend on Ferrari’s success. Formula 1 is a business, and in this business, your image is as important as your driving skills.”
“My driving skills should be the only thing that matters!” he shot back, pointing to himself. “I’m a driver. That’s what I do. I’m not a celebrity who needs a fake romance to get attention.”
“Don’t be naive, Charles,” Sofia replied coldly. “In today’s world, public perception is everything. You could be the best driver on the grid, but if your image keeps getting tied to scandals, no one will want to invest in you.”
Lorenzo crossed his arms, looking at his brother seriously.
“You know she’s right. You don’t have to like the idea, but you have to accept that it’s necessary.”
Charles took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but the knot in his throat only tightened. He hated the idea of being seen as someone who couldn’t control his own life, but Lorenzo and Sofia had a point: the external pressure was becoming unbearable.
“Why her?” he asked, his voice a little quieter.
Sofia gave a slight smile, as though she’d been waiting for this question.
“Because Y/N is exactly what you need. She has an impeccable reputation, knows how to handle the media, and most importantly, knows how to play the game.”
“And how are you so sure she’ll agree to this?” Charles asked, crossing his arms.
“We’ve already talked to her,” Lorenzo revealed. “She agreed. Obviously, she has her conditions, but she’s willing to collaborate.”
Charles laughed, incredulous.
“Of course she agreed. She’s probably loving the idea of being associated with me. She’ll gain even more followers and the ‘Wag’ title. That must be her dream.”
“Don’t underestimate Y/N,” Sofia warned. “She’s far from being a superficial girl. If she agreed, it’s because she saw value in the proposal, just like we did.”
Charles fell silent for a moment, processing everything that had been said. He felt a mix of anger, frustration, and, in a way, helplessness. He hated being put against the wall, but he knew refusing wouldn’t solve his problems.
“And how long is this going to last?” he asked, his disgust evident.
“The contract is for a year,” Lorenzo answered. “Long enough to solidify the lie, but short enough not to be unsustainable.”
“And what if it doesn’t work?”
“It will work,” Sofia assured him confidently.
Charles let out a heavy sigh, running his hands through his hair.
“I hate you guys.”
“Feel free to hate us all you want,” Lorenzo replied, standing up. “But do what needs to be done.”
Sofia grabbed the folder and gave one last look at Charles.
“Y/N will be here tomorrow to talk officially. Hope you’re ready.”
With that, everyone began to leave the room, leaving Charles alone. He slumped back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, trying to accept that, like it or not, his life was about to change.
The meeting room was spacious and well-lit, with glass walls offering a panoramic view of the city. Charles Leclerc was already there, on time this time, sitting next to the conference table in a relaxed yet attentive posture. He was casually flipping through a document, but his mind was elsewhere. The decision to accept the deal still felt surreal.
When the door opened, he lifted his eyes and saw Y/N entering with confident steps. She looked calm, self-assured. She wore a fitted blazer and pants that accentuated her confident posture. Her perfume reached him before her voice, subtle yet striking.
“Hope I’m not late,” she said, placing her bag on a chair and giving Charles a brief glance before looking away.
“You’re not,” he replied, giving a slight nod, observing her carefully.
Lorenzo and Sofia entered right after, carrying folders and an air of seriousness.
“Alright, now that everyone’s here, let’s get straight to the point,” Lorenzo began, taking his seat at the head of the table. “You both know how important this partnership is, both for the team and for your respective careers.”
“It’s not like we have much of a choice, right?” Y/N commented, not aggressively, but with a touch of realism.
“Not exactly,” Sofia answered, unfazed. “But we expect you to see the mutual benefit in this.”
Charles leaned his elbows on the table and glanced at Y/N for a moment before speaking.
“And you? What do you think of all this?”
Y/N blinked, surprised by the direct question, but maintained her composure.
“I think it’s… unexpected. But I won’t deny it’s an opportunity. And you?”
He tilted his head slightly, as if considering.
“I think it could work, as long as we follow a few rules.”
“Rules?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” he answered, with a slight smile. “Like, don’t try to kill me in front of the cameras.”
Y/N let out a short laugh, almost genuine.
“I think I can follow that.”
Lorenzo interrupted, trying to keep the focus.
“Great. Let’s start by clarifying expectations. You’ll need to attend events together, create interactions for social media, and above all, look natural.”
“Does that mean we need to get to know each other better?” Y/N asked, looking directly at Charles, this time with less provocation and more curiosity.
“Probably,” he replied, her eyes holding his for a moment longer than necessary.
Sofia cleared her throat.
“For that, we recommend starting with something simple. A dinner, maybe. Nothing formal, just so you get used to being together outside a professional setting.”
Y/N looked away, pretending to think, but there was something uncomfortably intimate about the idea.
“Seems fair,” she finally said, grabbing a pen to sign the contract placed in front of her.
Charles didn’t say anything but let the corner of his mouth curve into a slight smile. He grabbed his own copy of the contract and signed it right after her.
When they finished, Lorenzo looked at both of them.
“Perfect. From now on, you’re officially a couple.”
Lorenzo’s statement hung in the air like an uncomfortable reminder of what had just been signed. Y/N grabbed her bag, ready to leave, but hesitated at the door.
“Charles?” she called, without turning around.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t plan on complicating this, but I hope you do your part.”
Charles adjusted his watch nonchalantly, as if this kind of deal was something he had mastered.
“I always do.” A discreet smile formed on his lips. “But maybe we should establish a few rules to make sure it works.”
“It’s so nice to see you both so… invested!” Sofia interrupted, letting out a light laugh. “But I’ll leave the details to you two. Just don’t kill each other, please.”
Lorenzo stood up shortly after, giving his brother a nearly conspiratorial look before giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. When he said goodbye to Y/N, he smiled warmly, as if to say, “Good luck.”
Once the room was silent, Charles broke it with a casual tone.
“So, about those rules…”
Y/N crossed her arms, clearly determined to make everything crystal clear from the start.
“The first limit is simple: don’t touch or kiss me without prior notice.”
Charles raised an eyebrow, surprised, but entertained by her firmness.
“You do realize that’s basically what couples do, right? Touch, kiss, look close… How are we supposed to convince anyone we’re real if we’re so mechanical?”
“I never said it was forbidden,” she corrected, remaining calm. “I’m just saying, don’t do it without a reason or without letting me know first.”
He chuckled softly, tilting his head slightly.
“Do you really think I’m interested in anything beyond what this contract requires?” He stepped forward, not breaking eye contact. “What happened at the club was just an impulse, not a sign that I’m in love with you.”
Y/N narrowed her eyes, as if analyzing every word he said.
“Great. Then it shouldn’t be hard to keep your hands and lips off me.”
Charles opened his mouth to retort but stopped when he saw the look in her eyes. It was a clear challenge, with something more hidden behind that confidence.
“Of course,” he replied, finally curving his lips into a nearly provocative smile. “But I’ve got my conditions too.”
Y/N adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, unfazed.
“Alright, go ahead.”
“You have to attend my races whenever you can. And when you can’t, show support on social media. It’s the least I expect.”
She let out an incredulous laugh.
“I’m gonna be your fake girlfriend, not your number one fan.”
“As my girlfriend, you should show support. Isn’t that what girlfriends do? Plus, my fans will love it. It’ll be good for our image.”
Y/N rolled her eyes but knew he had a point.
“Fine, but I’ve got commitments too. Don’t expect me to be at every race.”
Charles shrugged, still with that annoyingly confident smile.
“It’s a start.”
Silence fell between them again, but this time it wasn’t heavy. It was as if both were evaluating the other, trying to figure out what was coming next.
Y/N adjusted her bag again and took two steps toward the door before stopping.
“One more thing, Charles.”
“What?” He raised an eyebrow, curious.
“If you want this to work, stop trying to always have the last word.”
He smiled, a mix of challenge and amusement.
“That’s asking too much.”
Y/N laughed softly, shaking her head before finally walking out of the room.
Charles stood there for a moment, staring at the door she had just walked through. There was something about her that made him feel intrigued, and he knew this story was far from simple.
Outside the building, Y/N got into the waiting car and took a deep breath. “This is going to be more complicated than I thought,” she mused as the driver started the engine.
Back inside, Charles picked up his phone and quickly sent a message to Lorenzo.
Charles: “If she thinks she can challenge me, this is going to be fun.”
On the other side, Lorenzo just laughed as he read the message.
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svetamillss · 2 months ago
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Headcanons: their gifts for your anniversary💋
Featuring: Cho Hyun Ju x Reader(f), Hwang In Ho x Reader(f), Thanos (Su Bong) x Reader(f), Kang Sae Byeok x Reader(f), Nam Gyu x Reader(f)
A/N: Eh, the fandom is quietly dying again, well, it's okay, I keep writing new works for you!
💋💋💋
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Cho Hyun Ju
For your anniversary, she will create a better atmosphere. Since you don't have much money, you don't hope for an event that is too luxurious. The girl organized a small picnic in the park, the weather was wonderful, which only added a good mood to you. When you spend time together, nicely talking about all your affairs, she will offer to exchange gifts.
You will give her a cute and small set of cosmetics, where there will be the most necessary for her and what she constantly uses.
Ju will give you a cute cat-shaped pendant, she often compares you to him.
Hwang In Ho
You have a tradition to fly on a trip to another country for every anniversary. You even keep a diary where you describe the countries you have visited.
So for this anniversary he bought tickets to Paris - the city of love. He knew that you had long dreamed of visiting him.
Despite the fact that your gift was a little modest, you gave him perfume, which he often uses and that runs out very quickly, In Ho was still insanely happy with this gift, because he knew that you tried very hard.
Thanos (Su Bong)
Unfortunately, your boyfriend almost always forgets about your anniversary, but thanks to Gyu, who always reminds him of the holiday. So Su Bong has everything under control.
He organizes a romantic dinner at home, because he is not a fan of someone bothering you. And you don't mind at all.
Since he's a rapper, he's very good at using it. Thanos always composes a new song for you, in which he tells you about his love. He also gives you a new handbag from a famous brand that you really wanted. He knows that you are his fashionista.
You give him a bottle of good alcohol, which he will bring to his collection (yes, I think he would like to collect expensive and good alcohol).
Kang Sae Byeok
Every anniversary of yours is held at home, where only you and she is, because Sae Byeok does not like it when someone ruins your atmosphere. You will watch a movie and eat the food you cooked together.
You know that Byeok doesn't like it when you spend a lot of money on her, so you have prepared an inexpensive but good gift for her, namely a book that she has long wanted for a long time.
The girl will give you new underwear, because she likes to see you in it, so you will not be surprised by her choice at all.
Nam Gyu
You and your boyfriend have a tradition of having parties at his club every anniversary. But these parties are just for you. Since he is the owner of the club, it will not be difficult for him to close it for the evening and make a party exclusively for you.
You will be able to fully enjoy each other, as well as drink and dance a lot together.
Gyu will give you paired things, he loves such things very much. This time his choice fell on paired sweatshirts with the image of kittens.
You will give him a wristwatch that he will wear every day without taking it off.
💋💋💋
260 notes · View notes
numbpill · 1 month ago
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========================================================
[tutorial: build your own neocities/nekoweb page]
========================================================
a beginner's guide for making your very own home on the indie web—retro, personal, weird, and 100% yours.
this ain’t an average wix, squarespace, or tiktok aesthetic.
we’re talking full html/css with soul and attitude.
[ prerequisites ]
------------------
> an idea
> basic text editor (vscode, notepad++, or even notepad)
> account on https://neocities.org or https://nekoweb.org
> some gifs or tiles you love (dig deep or make your own)
> optional: image host or gif repo (or self-host everything)
[ feeling overwhelmed? read this. ]
-----------------------------------
you do *not* need to know everything.
html is not a mountain. it's a garden.
you plant one tag. then another. then a style. then a button.
you can build your site piece by piece.
and every piece is a portal to somewhere personal.
you are allowed to make broken pages.
you are allowed to use templates.
you are allowed to start over as many times as you want.
this is *your* world. you control the weird.
[ step 1: create an account ]
-----------------------------
> neocities: https://neocities.org
> nekoweb: https://nekoweb.org
register a name, log in, and enter your file manager.
this is where you upload your files and see your site live.
[ step 2: your first file - index.html ]
----------------------------------------
make a new file: `index.html`
basic starter:
<html>
<head>
<title>my weird little corner</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
</head>
<body>
<h1>welcome to the void</h1>
<p>this is my page. it’s strange. like me.</p>
<img src="mygif.gif">
</body>
</html>
> upload to the dashboard
> boom. you’re live at
https://yoursite.neocities.org
or https://nekoweb.org/u/yoursite
[ step 3: add a style sheet - style.css ]
-----------------------------------------
create a file called `style.css` and upload it.
here’s some nostalgic magic:
body {
background: url('tile.gif');
color: lime;
font-family: "Courier New", monospace;
text-shadow: 1px 1px 0 black;
}
img {
image-rendering: pixelated;
}
marquee {
font-size: 20px;
color: magenta;
}
link it in your html and the vibes activate.
[ step 4: decorate it like a haunted usb ]
------------------------------------------
> use <marquee> for chaos scrolls
> embed gifs from https://gifcities.org/
> steal buttons from https://cyber.dabamos.de/88x31/
> set up a guestbook at https://www.smartgb.com/
> loop audio with <audio autoplay loop>
> add fake errors, 90s web lore, random link lists
[ step 5: resources, themes, and comfort ]
------------------------------------------
> templates & layouts: https://numbpilled-themes.tumblr.com
> glitchy gifs & buttons: https://glitchcat.neocities.org/resources
> layout builder: https://sadgrl.online/projects/layout-builder/
> free tiled backgrounds: https://backgrounds.neocities.org/
> beginner html intro: https://www.w3schools.com/html/
> pixel fonts & cyber assets: https://fontstruct.com/
remember:
you don't need to know js. you don't need to be a coder.
you just need a mood, a direction, a dream.
the html will follow.
[ bonus concept: shrine pages ]
-------------------------------
> a page just for one character you love
> a room to house digital fragments of your identity
> embed quotes, music, images like altars
> call it shrine.html and link it from your homepage
[ closing mantra ]
------------------
you are not here to be optimized.
you are not a brand.
you are a ghost inside the machine,
carving your initials into the silicon void.
welcome to Your website.
========================================================
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secretmellowblog · 28 days ago
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Everyone talks about the tragedy of animated media getting reboots that replace their excellent art direction with uncanny realism —like the Lion King and its “live action” reboot—- but there’s one series that embodies that tragedy better than anything else. And I need to share it with you all because I can’t be the only one Haunted by it day and night. Please let me tell you the Sad, sad story behind this image:
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There was an early 2000s video game trilogy called Sly Cooper, whose main appeal was its super unique art direction, style, and atmosphere. The trilogy had a unique tone focused on a cartoon Phantom Thief who did Moody Atmospheric Heists in a comic-book-inspired world.
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The trilogy integrated 2D animation into the game for cutscenes, and the characters-- while low-poly-- were designed to look as much like those flat 2D cartoons with cel-shaded outlines as they could within the limitations of the Ps2.
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It took heavy influence from comic books and anime, especially Lupin III. The first game even had alternate anime versions of its 2D cutscenes that you could unlock!
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Nearly all the levels took place at night, but the designers talked often about how their goal was to create the illusion of night time through vivid color palettes rather than darkness, taking inspiration from the vivid nighttime cityscapes in Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge.
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As a result of their stylized art direction, the visuals-- primarily in the second one, which is the one that focuses the most tightly on Thieving & Moody Atmospheric Heists-- still hold up today.
And then Sly Cooper started appearing in “brand crossover games” and “reboots” and Oh god. Oh no. so that's why no one talks about it anymore.
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I am haunted by this. People talk about their favorite cartoon character getting hit with the Uncanny Hyper-Detailed Beam and I instantly think of the sad fate of poor, poor sly cooper, who I am very nostalgic for, and his now-dead franchise that hasn't had a new installment in over a decade.
But to me this really emphasizes how strong art direction is far more important than polygon count, realism, or level of detail. Because there have been similar franchises rebooted in ways that manage to elevate the old 2D-inspired art styles with more modern graphics. Toys for Bob's new takes on Spyro and Crash Bandicoot both had stellar art direction!
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But that kind of thoughtful art direction can be difficult to achieve. It's not even the fault of the artists or developers; these things are often beyond their control. But I am glad we're in an era where stylized 3D animation is becoming more popular. I hope more creators continue to realize that there is actually a big demand for media with interesting, unique art styles! also you should play sly 2: band of thieves
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kxsagi · 8 days ago
Note
hii, hope ur alright! some1 recently requested a rin ff, the one with the calvin klein briefs and i wanted to ask if u could write one like that again but with isagi if thats okay!! thank you <3
“𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞?”
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a/n: i loved the rin one so i am happy i can write an isagi one! however, i did make it a little different, with reader and isagi not dating in this one, but rather, just finding each other attractive + isagi def asks for your number after the shoot
listened to sativa while writing this so the title was def inspired by that song
(artist is louvbon on twitter)
you pride yourself on being a professional. you’ve worked in high-pressure sets, shot campaigns for big-name brands, captured images of people whose faces are plastered across billboards and subway walls. but nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared you for this shoot. 
because standing in front of your lens right now, stretching his arms behind his head in a way that makes his abs flex on purpose, is isagi yoichi, japan’s soccer golden boy, international heartthrob, and apparently, the newest face of calvin klein. 
in nothing but boxer briefs. 
you’re holding your camera like it might catch fire, blinking furiously as if that’ll reboot your brain. maybe if you hit yourself hard enough with the lens, you’ll stop staring at the way the light hits his chest. or the subtle line that dips down past his hips. or how the calvin kleins are hanging just an inch lower than necessary to make your job very, very difficult. 
“lighting okay?” he asks casually, running a hand through his already-messy hair. like this is any regular day. like he’s not the problem here. 
you attempt to sound composed, professional. “yeah. uh. yeah, lighting’s great. very… lighty.” 
lighty? 
just kill me, you think. let the studio lights crash down on my head. 
isagi’s lips twitch. “lighty, huh?” 
you don’t answer. instead, you bury your face behind the camera and pretend to fiddle with settings you already fixed twenty minutes ago. you don’t need him knowing he’s throwing you off. he probably already suspects it, but you don’t need to confirm it. 
but of course, he doesn’t let it go. 
he steps closer, slow and easy, like a predator in no rush. “you sure you’re good? you look kinda… flustered.” 
you scoff, stepping back with practiced nonchalance. “i’m not flustered. i’m just trying to work.” 
“you’re blushing.” 
“it’s hot in here.” 
“it’s a temperature-controlled studio. with AC.” 
you narrow your eyes at him. “isagi, can you please just go lean against the wall and look vaguely mysterious? brood. smolder. whatever it is models do.” 
he laughs, laughs, like this is all a joke to him. “i’m not a model.” 
“no, you’re worse,” you mutter under your breath. “you’re an athlete with no business being this good-looking.” 
his eyebrows shoot up. “what was that?” 
“nothing,” you say quickly, lifting your camera again. “pose, pretty boy.” 
he does, finally, pressing his back to the wall, gaze smoldering (probably on purpose), muscles tensing in a way that makes you want to look away and also never stop looking. it’s unfair. he’s not even trying. how is that fair? 
you adjust your angle, trying to stay in work mode. this is your job. you are here to take photos, not to mentally rank how kissable your subject’s lips look from this distance. 
“you know,” he says suddenly, tone light, “you’re the first photographer i’ve worked with who can’t look me in the eye.” 
you freeze, mid-shot. “… i can look you in the eye.” 
“can you?” 
you lower the camera slowly. meet his gaze. mistake. big mistake. 
his eyes are stupidly dark blue. bright and playful and cocky as hell. and there’s a glint in them that tells you he knows. he knows exactly the effect he has on you. 
you click your tongue, stepping back. “you’re distracting.” 
he grins. “is that a compliment?” 
“no. it’s a problem.” 
“is it the abs?” 
“it’s the ego.” 
he laughs again, and it sounds like victory. “okay, okay. serious mode. what do you want me to do next?” 
you inhale slowly, resisting the urge to throw your clipboard at him. “keep the shirt off. lean forward. hands behind your head.” 
he raises a brow but follows your direction. you focus the lens. try to ignore the way his muscles move as he shifts. he looks like a damn sculpture. and somehow, despite being practically half-naked, he still looks so clean-cut, so isagi yoichi. the boy-next-door who just happens to be on the cover of every major sports magazine and now, your camera roll. 
“so,” he says, voice low, “if this wasn’t a photoshoot, would you still be staring?” 
you nearly choke. 
“i– excuse me?” 
“just curious.” 
you lower the camera. “if this wasn’t a photoshoot, you’d be wearing a shirt.” 
“and that would make it easier for you, huh?” 
you blink. “you’re ridiculous.” 
“you’re the one blushing.” 
“you’re the one half-naked!” 
he grins, utterly shameless. “you’re the one who told me to pose like this.” 
you groan, covering your face with your hand. “this is the worst day of my professional career.” 
“nah,” he says, smug, “i think it’s the best.” 
you peek at him through your fingers. he winks. 
you’re so doomed. 
BONUS: 
the shoot finally wraps, and you’re desperately trying to look like a person who wasn’t just mentally derailed for two hours straight. the assistants are packing up, the stylist’s asking isagi about his next match, and you're pretending to be very interested in organizing your memory cards even though you’ve already labeled them. 
isagi walks over with that same relaxed confidence that’s been driving you insane since the moment he stepped on set. he’s dressed now, jeans and a hoodie, thank gosh, but somehow, that almost makes it worse. he looks too normal. too boyfriend-coded. the kind of guy you’d see in a café and immediately text your best friend about. 
“hey,” he says, hands tucked in his pockets. “thanks for today. you made it fun.” 
you glance up from your equipment, doing your best to keep it casual. “oh? you mean despite me almost combusting on the spot every five minutes?” 
he chuckles, leaning slightly toward you. “i thought it was charming.” 
you roll your eyes, lips twitching. “you would.” 
there’s a beat. a quiet moment between you, tucked in the noise of the studio tear-down. and then he scratches the back of his neck, almost shy for once. 
“listen… if you’re not already seeing someone, maybe you could text me some of the shots when they’re ready?” he says, almost too smoothly, then adds, “and maybe, like… something that’s not work-related too.” 
you stare at him, blinking. “are you seriously using the ‘send me the photos’ line to get my number?” 
he shrugs, grinning. “i figured i’d keep it on theme.” 
you hesitate… then pull your phone from your pocket and hand it to him. “fine. but if you send me shirtless mirror selfies, i’m blocking you.” 
“no promises,” he says, typing quickly before handing it back. “i’m more of a candid guy, anyway.” 
you glance at your screen. yoichi isagi ⚽📸 
he even added a little camera emoji. 
you groan. “you’re the worst.” 
“but i’m still getting a text, right?” 
“we’ll see,” you say, walking away. 
and you don’t see it, but he’s smiling the whole way out. 
© 𝐤𝐱𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢
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