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sunboki · 4 months

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— BRIGHTER PLACES. a Lee Felix fiction

Chef! Lee Felix x gn. reader

TROPE. cooking class au, childhood friends to lovers, reader is burnt out and slightly depressed, coincidences, fluff, angst

WARNINGS. mentions of depression/depressive episodes, mentions of unrequited love, burn out, reader is used by her boss, felix is the biggest sweetheart to exist

AUG'S NOTES. was intended to be posted much earlier than this but i’m still glad that, with life being so busy, i managed to finish it! this piece is only the start of many emotional pieces over the summer so stay tuned please! hopefully you enjoy 🫶🏼

SYNOPSIS. Thrown asunder beneath crushing assignments, work, and the fleeting hope your “young and free” twenties experience may someday happen, you had yet to realize said experience was right around the corner. Whisked into a mixture of unearthed feelings and past occurrences, presented with a cherry on top by renowned Chef Lee Felix.

or alternatively :

Eventually, the sun will shine again.

Out of any gift you’ve received, you thought the treehouse in your backyard was the most memorable. It seemed like, in this vast universe, everything was right.

Then it wasn’t, then it was. Again and again. A repetitive cycle.

However, your overcast days did have an expiration date, and sunshine would eventually show itself again.

You just weren’t aware yet.

At seven years old, you would spend hours daydreaming, inviting friends, taking naps, and reading in your treehouse. Oftentimes, during the long days of summer, you’d eat lunch up there; lost in this secluded world only you knew about.

When you’re younger, every little thing appears peach-tinted.

The warm fire of a candle on a nightstand, setting dull objects ablaze with its brightness. Shadow puppets, dance parties. So ordinary yet exceptional all the same. Easy to configure from a developing mind as something excellent, fantastical.

Your twenties don’t envelop a hazy glow. Mind now hardened, treehouse still lingering (more like rotting) in the backyard of your parents house, things are more serious, less inviting.

Who knew adulthood would be this lonesome.

Walking from a bar, you fail to appreciate the hum of music from a buzzed radio, the wafting smell of Italian food hidden somewhere in the midst of neon signs and outdoor eateries.

Instead, priorities had lodged themselves indefinitely far into your soul, drowning out the voice telling you you’re you, not the expectations you’re held to.

Further and further did you drift into that intoxicating headspace, until someone—or, in your case, something—had to pull you out.

That something being a cooking—well, baking class. This weekend, an hour and a half. Menu: The Ideal Donuts.

“Think of it as a release,” Sana had told you, this wide, excited smile etching the skin of her face.

Immediately, you wanted to hand it back to her, tell the eccentric best friend of yours to spend such an occasion on herself instead.

Yet, you knew better than to try negotiating with Sana, the girl who has been present through your ugliest moments, who you’ve cried to more times than able to count.

Your intention wasn’t an attempt to make your life as miserable as possible. In fact, each day you strived for a resource, an indication things would grow better, as better as it seemed to be for everyone else.

Though you can only stretch a rubber band so far, and once it reaches its farthest extent, it snaps.

And the recoil stings.

“Okay, thank you.” You respond after a beat of silence, lips pulled into a tight line, investigating the information written on the card.

She pats your shoulder, a sweet smile worn upon pink lipstick.

Lee’s Baking Class.

Lee. The name sounds familiar.

Awkward. Everybody has their awkward moments, but you’re certain this one takes the cake.

The entirety of the class had fallen still, engulfed in a silence you can feel gathering in your chest, sending nausea building like bile in your throat.

His brown eyes merely blink, ignorant to your inner turmoil.

Lee Felix’s brown eyes, shining like muddy globes, seem to encapsulate every ounce of affection. Affection you once had for him, affection you refuse to unearth if it costs your life.

Perhaps that's the stem of the awkwardness—harbored feelings.

How awful.

Just your luck.

“Y/N?”

It even sounds worse falling from his lips. Sweet, just like he is, Felix is.

Felix has always been sweet, always inviting. Seems you accepted without realizing you were never invited to the party.

Staring like a deer caught in headlights, it takes the man clearing his throat for you to acknowledge your position.

“You can uh, find a seat if you’d like?”

‘You can shoot me if you’d like’ you think, very much grateful mind readers don’t exist.

Nodding profusely and scurrying to the nearest table out of the four aligned throughout the room, you find yourself paired with three elderly ladies who quarrel in rabid conversation about baking powder—though it doesn’t bother you, the frenzied chatter leaves leeway to think.

As memorable as the treehouse was, it was also memorable for.. Other reasons as well. One reason in particular being that it wasn’t always just you reading and daydreaming up there, but Lee Felix too.

Since primary school the two of you had been conjoined at the hip. Between friendly rivalries and the fact he was your neighbor, there wasn’t a two day period you weren’t together.

And with that, came a crush.

But it was different with Felix, different because just as you’d been conjoined to the hip as friends, this time, you were still conjoined, but he was your crush.

And it’s a whole lot easier playing off a crush when you aren’t with them 24/7.

Before you knew it, you had fallen head over heels in love. To a degree you realized you can’t, can’t do what you’ve always done, can’t pretend your feelings are nonexistent any longer.

So you fled.

The moment high school began, you located the furthest place available and begged your parents to let you attend. It wasn’t that you hated Felix, more than anything you hated yourself for falling in love–not that it could be helped.

No matter how illogical you deemed it, your heart would prove stronger. Maybe that was your epitome.

Your number one priority had been avoiding him thus far, and you thought you were doing a pretty decent job at it, using the excuse that high school offered better opportunities to mask your internal guilt, and staying on that side of the city when you graduated.

Nonetheless, it seems the effort was in vain, especially now that you’re facing him again.

No. You refuse to dwell on the past, not when you’ve made it this far.

In front of you sits all the necessary utensils. Measuring cups and spoons, coordinating bowls, and the ingredients included as well.

Thank goodness for that, you were scared you’d mess up and Felix would have to step in. Plus, the rules of this game came easy. Participate without contact and leave with a sweet treat in hand.

Except, you’re quick to understand those rules of the game may only apply in your case by the gaze boring into your back.

Great.

“I didn’t anticipate a young lady being so aggressive,” A voice to your right piques, surveying the furious manner in which you’re cracking an egg into the bowl.

Delivering a small smile and claiming you’re simply absorbed in your work, collective laughter sounds from the older women in response.

Taking a thirty minute break while the dough chills, you welcome conversation with anybody and everybody, attempting to evade the blond’s attempt at reaching out.

Way to be a jerk, Y/N.

But, in the end, avoidance is the right course of action.

You can’t afford love, you’re too broke already as a student.

During the times he isn’t circulating, you spare periodic glances, marveling at those charming features of his, still the same as when you were younger but slightly more mature, sharper. Effortlessly kissable raspberry-tinged lips purse when he explains things, helping the participants knead dough with ring-clad fingers. That one’s new: rings.

The third time, you were caught, panickedly looking away as if an accident.

“Y/N I–”

Speeding past while pretending to be occupied with checking the refrigerator holding your table’s donuts, his words become choked watching as you flee in the other direction, hand returning to his side where it extended to you.

You manage to survive the last few minutes unscathed, awaiting the sugary goodness lying just below your fingertips after hastily nodding to Felix in thanks and following the remainder of the class outside.

Success.

Or, whilst fetching your keys and finding where you had parked your car, so you thought.

Steam billows from your car's hood, refusing to even turn on while individuals alike grant you pitying simpers and continue on their exit.

Spoke too soon.

Even worse, your instructor, the man you thought you could run from after all, happens to walk out at that moment, witnessing your real-time destruction.

Not a success.

This was utter failure at the highest degree.

“So.. How’ve you been?”

“Fine.”

“How’s college?”

“Fine. ..And you?’

How you ended up in Lee Felix’s passenger seat is beyond you.

Well, not really. You just hate admitting you took the ride home he offered after your car broke down in the parking lot. In your defense, according to him, he already had to drop by the grocery store nearby.

It’s like an interrogation, your replies quick and unenthusiastic, his unwavering in enthusiasm, unyielding to the coldness you’re giving him.

Like you said, it wasn’t your intention hurting his feelings, nor being spiteful or brash. It was your coping mechanism.

This is how you got over him, or, how you’d like to say you got over him.

“Pretty busy, but I’m managing. How about you? I couldn’t get in contact, but I’m sure you got tons of offers, yeah?”

Seeing his face again didn’t help with the “getting over” part.

..Or the guilt at the “no contact” part either.

“Easy for you to say, you’re the successful one who got scouted by a culinary arts school.” The remark coming out spiteful, you scorn yourself.

That’s another thing. Lee Felix is totally out of your league.

He’ll always be number one, and you’ll always be second place. And not in an inferiority complex way, but in an honest way.

Felix chased his dreams to the end of the earth and got what he deserved out of it, and you thought you were doing the same, only to realize you were chasing him instead and leaving your own aspirations behind.

But that’s on you, not him, and you’ll likely spend the rest of your life wondering how you became so enamored in the first place.

Of course he wears that tear-worthy frown, periodically directing his attention to you while driving, face filled with overflowing concern.

How could anybody not fall in love with him?

“Y/N, you know that’s not true. I may have been scouted, but that doesn’t make me any better than anyone else. We’ve all worked hard to get where we are now, you included.”

Curse how weak you are for him. Why should he reassure you? You’re the prick that left him after countless years together, why is he consoling you?

Easy. He’s Felix.

Before anything else, he’s loving. Felix is the embodiment of love in an individual. He’s self-sacrificing (a trait you swear Chan gave to him), caring, and the most unbearably adorable mother-hen.

And you’re not even close to getting over him.

Street names pass in a blur, leaving a lengthy silence to consume the drive. You distract yourself with a flickering traffic light in need of fixing, watching the man’s finger tap against the wheel to a song on the radio in your peripheral before he speaks again.

“..Do you still talk to Chris?”

His voice, a pleasing baritone now that he speaks slowly, surprises you for a moment.

“Yep.”

Even then you refuse to turn toward him, coming to a halt at a stop sign and simultaneously dreading the manner in which he dips his head lower.

“Hey.. Are you okay?”

You feel like throwing up.

“During the class you–”

“My stop is here.”

The words come out before you can comprehend them, too worried about distancing yourself to care that this is in fact not your stop and a random street instead.

Though hesitantly, he pulls the vehicle to the side.

“But there’s no houses nearby–”

“No, this is perfect,” You pitch, quickly unbuckling and opening up the door. “Thank you, Felix.”

Oh how you wish you never said that, wish you never made eye contact.

He makes you want to scream and cry and dig up all those stupid feeling’s you’d buried in the ground.

Pulling your clothing closer to your body as the evening cools, you grace him a ghost of a smile, shutting the car door and hurrying down the sidewalk while feebly attempting to locate how far your place would be from here.

Yet, he doesn’t drive past you.

Evidently unconvinced but failing to say it aloud, you fight off the warmth heating your face as his car rolls right beside you, following your hasty footsteps while walking.

“Are you sure this is your stop? It’s getting cold!” He shouts, leaning over from his seat to regard you.

This is it. When you had sworn your embarrassment couldn't get any more pathetic.

“I.. I’m fine! Just go!” You shout back, arms waving haphazardly like an embarrassed middle schooler until he finally (and begrudgingly) steers ahead of you, car disappearing in the distance.

At least that’s over.

And yet, it feels like it’s just the beginning. You simply can’t explain why.

However, your main focus remains upon getting to safety. Safety being home.

The word has never sounded this pleasing before now.

So after thirty minutes running in circles to find your complex, you’re granted that much wanted safety, snuggled up in your cushions and turning on a show with evident delight in the mismatched pair of pajama pants and a hole-scattered top hanging off your shoulder.

No more Felix thinking, it’s time to relax.

What a joy.

Well, before your bottomless Pringle’s can abruptly spawns a bottom, hand frantically scurrying in search for more to no avail.

This is the peak of your show! How could someone possibly imagine viewing the climax without coordinating snacks?

And just when you thought you had ultimately settled, you’re thrown into a torrential debate, one that, after much contemplation (and pacing) across the cold tile of your kitchen, sends you huffing and puffing to the nearest convenience store.

Slipping past the sliding doors toward the designated aisle, you had yet to realize who else was roaming around the store.

A peculiar blond being that someone else.

It’s when you turn the corner to check out that you practically ram into each other, fear striking every fiber of your being, his eyes equally wide, but more puzzled than terrified—unlike you.

“Besides, I need to run to the grocery store afterward.”

Crap.

Granted, the probability he lived nearby was likely.

He's not required to stay a 300 meter radius from you anyway, so getting anxious about this shouldn’t be an issue. You’ll simply (hopefully not) say hi and be on your way.

Except, like most endeavors in your life so far, it is an issue.

Because one, you’ve positively blasted your chances of avoidance after the entire car experience (which, frankly, you genuinely debate death because of) and two, he’s.. apparently following you.

Wait, he’s following you?

He, as in: Lee Felix, who ultimately fails at being nonchalant. Walking a few paces behind you, eyes quite obviously trained on your figure.

After your frantic rush past him while darting through self-checkout, the footsteps behind you do little to quell your heart’s rapid pace, only worsening with each passing second.

You aimlessly ignore the sweat oiling your palms, pretending to be occupied with reading a label on your drink, hoping he’ll eventually look away.

He doesn’t.

Instead, he stays right on your tail, enough that while you break into a run through your door, he follows, jarring a foot in the door just as you begin slamming it shut.

Stalker, much?

Wielding the nearest weapon available in a panic, you’re frantic, whacking the unfortunate Pringle’s container with all your might toward the man.

“How.. How are you that fast– Ow! Ow ow- Wait- Y/N-”

Cowering down and covering his head with his arms while you furiously batter the man, it isn’t till a few specific words catch your attention that you stop.

“Your—“ Whack. “Car—“ Whack. “Was finished in the shop!”

Your what?

Hesitantly lowering his arms, Felix wears a sheepish smile, regarding your evidently frazzled, very much frantic appearance.

“For twenty minutes I’ve been trying to tell you.. your car is ready.. in the shop,” He breathes, doubling over with exhaustion.

Meanwhile, you’re still recovering from your own exhaustion. An exhaustion that urged the realization you just beat up your lifelong love interest with a box of Pringles.. who is now in your house.

Lee Felix. In your house.

What a joy.

“....I’m sorry about your head.”

“No, I shouldn’t have intruded like that.”

You cover your face with your hands, wishing nothing more than to melt into a puddle.

“Are you-” He tips his head down, that kindly confused expression of his no help to your pounding heart. “Are you alright?”

Through your wallowing, your ears burn, voice muffled whilst practically drowning in misery.

“Give me a minute, I’m so embarrassed right now.”

It doesn’t help that he laughs afterward. A low, vocal laugh that rumbles in his throat and does little for your mental health.

Placing the discarded can back on a nearby countertop, you jolt when his fingers wrap around your wrists, gently ushering your hands from your face.

“But I was serious about what I said. Y/N, are you okay?”

Oh how tender he refers to you. Careful, quiet. As if too high of a pitch and his voice will shatter the air. You don’t mind.

Because in all honesty, you haven’t been okay. Nothing has been okay. It feels like you’re working, but what for? You’ve lost the sense of purpose from when you graduated, slowly but surely watched your motivation diminish right before your eyes.

And you couldn’t do anything about it.

Chasing your tail in circles, round and around and around again has led you right to what you tried to run from in the first place.

Him; the truth.

And yet, unlike earlier today, you can’t bring yourself to push him away, to ask him to leave. You savor his touch, even if it only lingers on your wrists.

Save me, your skin cries against his grip.

Luckily, Felix joins you in your wavelength, giving you permission to indulge in the abyss of his eyes, fall into the warmth and comfort the past brought in the safety of his arms.

“Felix?” You verbalize, fragmented bits and pieces of life hidden within the words, muffled against the skin of his neck.

You missed Felix, but you’re starting to think you missed his hugs more.

“Yes?”

“I missed you.”

“Really? How much?”

You want to punch his gut, but you can’t will yourself to move.

“Too much.”

He chuckles, carefully pulling away.

“I have to head out, ‘got work early tomorrow. I can drop you off at the dealership when you’re free?”

Yes. This time, you can say yes.

Your feelings will never change from how they always were, especially when it comes to Felix. That’s something you have to accept.

Perhaps tomorrow you’ll get to see him again.

Or perhaps you’ll wake up in your bed in a few seconds and all of this will be a dream.

When he turns his back, you pinch yourself to make sure.

All real.

“Thanks, that’d be great.”

Right before he closes your door, you call out to him again.

“And Felix?”

“Mhm?”

“..Call me when you’re done with work. I’ll pick up this time so… tell me all about those seven years apart.”

At this, he nods—and it’s sort of bittersweet seeing him leave, because this time you know you’ll see him again.

And, though you try, your attempt at sleeping proves useless—caught up in your head after quickly settling in bed, deciding to save everything else for another day.

The ceiling serves as your main muse, eyes unblinking whilst staring upward.

What is Felix doing right now? Your attention flits, scowling to yourself at how much you sound like a clingy girlfriend.

Could you blame yourself though? You’re like a child waiting for Christmas presents. Except, this Christmas you’re unwrapping years upon years of time apart.

Fortunately, after a multitude of hours awake, sleep beckons. And as if a split second later, with the morning sun lighting up your room and stirring you awake do you receive a call.

You planned to ignore and roll over, but it’s a specific someone on your mind that urges you to fetch the device.

“Hello?”

“Hey, what’re you up to?”

“Getting away from you,” You groan, pretending not to hear Chris’s chiding that it isn’t healthy to sleep till noon.

And although you were gonna use last night’s experience as an excuse, you decided against it, hoping sooner or later he’d hang up without any more questions.

“Wait.”

Your silence serves as a sign to continue.

“If he’s sleeping next to you right now—”

“No! No Chris what- where did you hear— what?”

Unable to process how he knew about Felix or if he was talking about Felix in the first place, you leave it to the audibly disheveled man to explain himself.

“Look, I can explain. Sana told me she saw Felix go into your house last night, what was that about?”

Curse how Sana lives so close by.

“Well, for the record, Dad, he didn’t sleep over. We just uh, talked, like adults do.”

Chris exhales a baffled guffaw.

“Like adults do? Never thought I’d hear that from you.”

“I’m full of surprises, what can I say.”

An additional silence ensues, awkwardly tapping your finger on the mattress.

“We um.. we were catching up.”

The man on the other side of the line grins. You can practically see it through the phone.

“..When you said that, you sounded really happy just now.”

“Huh?”

“When you talked about Felix, you sounded really happy. That’s good.”

You study the ceiling a second time, feeling a small smile and tug at your lips.

“He’s good to keep around y’know.”

Rolling your eyes and adjusting your position to face the window, you stretch your arms over your head.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

You hear the ignition of his car in the distance.

“Whatever you want it to mean,” He chuckles. “I’m glad you got to see him though, I better contact him again now that you mention it, ‘need the Aussies to get together. Call you later?”

“Sure, bye Chris.”

Hanging up and collapsing onto your pillow, you yawn dramatically, gradually rising to your feet to open the blinds.

Then does it register to you this is the most enthusiastic you’ve ever been in a while—especially talking to a Chris—and not intentionally either.

All of which comes down a single name, the one you were reminded to keep around.

Lee Felix.

Picking up your phone, you make another call.

You

I’m on the way

Felix

(Felix liked your message)

I’ll be there as fast as I can!! Sorry, ran out of flour last night 😔

You

It’s all good, what’re you baking?

Felix

Banana cake, want a slice?

You

Yes please!

Redirecting your attention back to the road, you’re careful not to miss the exit this time (as you’ve done endless times in the past).

Almost to the café you planned to eat at with Felix, your phone lights up once more.

Yet, you forgot to check the number—your good mood diminishing instantly.

“Hey Fel—“

“Y/N, I need you in the office.”

Considering this is your boss you’re talking to, you pull into the parking lot, able to see Felix through the window—dressed to an unbearably handsome degree.

“But today is my day off, I don’t clock in on Saturday’s,” Relaying the statement, your eyes narrow at the screen.

“Well you’re going to have to. The office knows how capable you are. we need somebody like you here—we can count on you Y/N.”

You’ve been counting on me, for everything.

That familiar weight settles into your chest, more and more pressure building at a nefarious level. You feel sick to your stomach, wanting nothing more than to drop the call and walk inside into work-free air.

However, you can’t. This job holds you down (in multiple ways), it’s stable, and provides good income—you can’t afford to drop it.

But what are you supposed to say to Felix?

Everything feels too overwhelming at the moment, your lungs feel like exploding, using all your willpower to say something.

“..Okay. I’ll be there soon.”

And you hang up, gripping the steering wheel like a vice.

It’s always like this. The moment you have a good thing, not even a day later everything falls apart.

Never lasts.

You

Sorry, I can’t make it, work called.

Felix

But haven’t you worked a lot this week? Why not take today off?

You

Can’t, see you another time

How selfish, you tell yourself, throwing your phone as far from you as possible.

The moment you get the chance to see him again, he slips out of your fingertips. Or in this case, you let him slip away.

Watching him glance around, delicious slice of banana cake kept in a cute tin in front of him feels heart-wrenching. And you quite literally are the worst person in the world at this very moment.

Each key your fingers press adds to the exhaustion in your bones, growing greater each inhale and exhale your take, eyes scouring the computer screen.

Being in the office is stifling. You’re trapped in a box, a box that shrinks closer and closer every second, caging you in without hopes of escaping.

This is your prison, the jail cell you didn’t realize you’d been stuck in till it was too late.

An entire library of documents pile at the foot of your desk, your head aching incessantly. So once the hour hand strikes 10pm, you trudge out the door, more than happy to be in the safety of your car.

Then you slip, and it all comes crashing down.

As if he read your mind, the one person you’ve been longing for takes over your screen, and your index shakes pressing the green button.

“..Felix.”

The words tumble out, tiny candies filling an already full jar. Too much that the lid can’t even fit on.

“Stay where you are, I’m driving to you right now.”

His response earns a stifled sob, your fist bunching the fabric of your clothing, feebly attempting to calm the incessant beating—seeming to render your lungs with meager air.

No other sentence is spoken even with him on the other line, not until headlights pour over the expanse of your dash—until Felix nearly rips your car door off its hinges to reach you in the driver’s seat.

One hand on your head, the other on your back, he pulls you into a bone-crushing hug, your second one in three days.

It’s all you need. All you’ve ever needed, actually.

Another heartbeat with yours, your calm before the storm that kept the calm, to know you aren’t alone in your suffering, that you can suffer together.

Ah, you can breathe.

“All these years and you’re still an awful liar.”

You simply squeeze him tighter, the blond’s laughter shaking either of you.

Guess a single taste can lead to addiction.

“I hate crying in front of people,” You sniffle, cringing back after seeing his shirt’s tear-stained fabric.

“Lucky for you,” Felix tuts, gathering your face in his hands, smiling. “I’m not people, just Felix.”

You roll your eyes, swollen condition of your eyes and cheeks not helping the irritable portrayal.

“I’m sorry, Lix, I’m so sorry. I wanted to see you so bad but work called and they keep piling—“

“Shush.”

He presses a finger against your lips.

“For one second, don’t think about work,” He exhales, face pursed in focus, fingers smoothing the crease lines of your brows.

“I know you’ve been overworking yourself. I’m not your best friend for no reason,” Felix sheepishly smiles, hand slipping from by your forehead down to your cheek, stroking the skin there softly.

Again and again, he watches you break.

Then, he picks you up all over again.

“Can you.. can you understand my frustration? It feels like everyone loves their jobs, but in the end, no matter what I do, I’m stuck in this constant cycle of hell. I can’t escape Felix, I can’t escape.”

Your voice dons into that of panic, into an hysterical fit of tears and rapid breathes, only able to focus back on the man before you after he shouts your name for the fourth time.

“Nuh-uh, no crying. The world isn’t ending, so no tears, hm?” Thumbs smoothing the flush of your under-eyes, he pulls you to his chest, hand gently rubbing your back while another cards through your hair.

“..Are you my mom or something?” You croak irritably.

Felix shakes with another bout of laughter.

“No.”

He slightly pushes you back where you can see his face, brows creasing in a focused, serious manner.

“I’m Felix, your best friend, remember? And I don’t want my friend to cry, she has too pretty of a face for that.”

“But what if her world’s ending?”

“I won’t let that happen.”

And the building blocks are stacked once more, barely able to hear his voice amidst your heart, forging itself free of its cage, your ribs.

“Y/N, look at me angel.”

Of course you follow, you know you always will.

“You aren’t required to cater to everybody, you can’t cater to everybody, no matter how hard you try. You’re human, and humans need to do human things, they need to live, experience exciting experiences. That’s how you make the little time we have here worthwhile.”

He tips your chin up, placing a kiss to your forehead.

“So don’t cage yourself up, please. And,” His voice gets cut off, eyes flickering from your eyes to your lips.

Debating, thinking.

“Let me help you fall in love with life again.”

As if I’m not already in love with you.

If only you knew the same thing occurred in his head as well.

Felix drove you home, and for a second, over the span of a week, it seemed as if everything was finally back to normal.

Then you received a call from such a man, on your beloved Sunday afternoon, asking a rather whimsical sort of question you never anticipated.

No, you exaggerated.

“Are you free tonight?”

Oh. Oh.

Staring at the assortment of DVD’s scattered around on your comforter, you act as if you’re oh so busy instead of planning to rot watching Dead Poet’s Society for the thousandth time.

“Uhhh think so, why?”

Felix clears his throat.

“Well, my baking place wants you— no, I want you, no, wait—“

Your heart speeds up at the sudden confession, bursting into laughter as he sputters over his words like a child.

“Will you.. meet me at the bake shop? If you can’t it’s fine I mean I’m sure you’re preoccupied-“

“No!” You shout, not intending to be so loud, shrinking in on yourself. “I mean, no, I’ll be there. Give me ten minutes.”

Well, ten minutes might’ve been a stretch considering how animalistically you lunge at your hamper, sorting through clothing despite being aware Felix has likely seen every single one of your outfits a million times before

Doesn’t help this is pretty much an unofficial date. Or, hopefully those were his intentions.

Regardless, you don’t plan on wasting a chance like this again.

Standing on the sidewalk, hands situated in the pockets of a midnight black jean jacket paired with coordinating slacks is Felix, his face breaking into a smile upon seeing you.

Catching up with the man, you walk by his side, listening to him talk about meeting up with Chris days prior, about business.

It’s comforting, this small talk. And for a second, you swear you never left at all.

“And then I told him Vegemite was obviously the better choice but he…”

Words halting, you look to where his attention had been stolen, finding an old woman lingering outside the shop the two of you planned to enter. She wasn’t one of the ladies you’d seen before in your group.

Cautiously approaching the woman, it takes multiple clears of his throat for Felix to grasp her attention.

“Excuse me Miss?” He offers, allowing the woman to grab his hands with her wrinkled ones, eyes squinted to assess his face. “Would you like some help? I’m the owner of this shop.”

Slowly, a small smile stretches her face upward, wrinkles forming around her mouth like the petals of a flower.

“Why.. Why yes, young man. I’m in need of more brown sugar.”

Felix perks up at the request, and you follow them inside with your own smile, cherishing his warmth, his gentleness.

Leaning against the unmanned reception, you find the longer you stare at him describing each ingredient to the old woman, the greater that feeling in your stomach grows, eyes becoming watery.

Felix, in his loving, patient glory, is the sun.

He casts his rays over your garden, blooming once wilted flowers.

Forever ago, you believed the two of you sat on entirely opposite hemispheres. He received the day, and you, in your unchanging seasons, eternally remained shrouded in night.

Yet, you forgot the earth tilted on an axis for a reason. And, with time, the sun would rise again.

Lamps briefly illuminating the woman’s exit while Felix helps her outside, you wait till he comes back in to speak, staring at the worried way he ensures she safely heads off through the window.

For a moment, it feels like you’re back in the treehouse, gazing at him as if he painted the stars in the sky.

You refuse to let your anxiety get the best of you, not when the one person whose presence you’ve been longing for comes back in your life.

“Felix,” You voice from across the table. He looks back to where you are.

“If I don’t say it now, I doubt I ever will but..I like you. I have liked you, for a really long time actually. More than friends I mean, I like you… more than just a friend.”

He sort of studied you for a moment, and your heart flies up to your throat, rethinking every instance leading to now.

“Took you that long to tell me?” He murmurs, and when you meet his gaze, you note the small grin on his lips, the way honey seems to swirl in the pools of his eyes.

“I’ve been waiting, y’know. For a really long time,” He finishes, donning that sheepish smile whilst walking toward you, an action that causes you to fall stock still.

Leaning forward slightly, his hands clutch your face, planting the lightest of kisses on your forehead, each of your cheeks, and then your nose, fondly admiring the flush of your skin in the dimly lit room.

“You’re missing something,” You whisper, peeking an eye open.

Felix cocks a bemused brow.

And what is that?”

Without words, you hesitantly tap your lips, and Felix wastes no time, ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible prior to savoring your taste on his tongue, remnants of sugar clinging to his bottom lip, transferring onto yours each time he tips his head.

You hop upon the countertop, beginning to apologize in case you messed up his workspace before being shushed again by his lips, hands frantically searching to hold his face, expression pinched, eyes squeezed shut.

It feels as if your heart may just burst, beating at a deafening rate in your ears.

There must’ve been something in the sugar.

“Lix?”

“Yes?”

“Do you want to come back over to my place?”

Instantly, his once smugly pleased face dissipates, a hot flush rising up his neck in its place.

“Y..Your place? I mean isn’t it a bit too early to—“

Without elaborating, you drag him off, silencing any of his nervous babbling along the way back to your car.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t take long for either of you to get comfortable.

“..Oh Lix.”

“I can’t- I can’t take it anymore Y/N..”

Sitting beside each other on your mattress, the both of you hold huge containers of popcorn, the newest rendition of “Alien” playing on screen. Felix is coddled in blankets, wincing as the creature gets closer to the girl’s face while you’re already gagging watching the miniature monster crawl out of the bigger one’s mouth.

“This is disgusting!!” He shrieks, hiding his face while you giggle, trying your hardest to watch the grotesque scene.

This is your third movie of the night, and even after years apart, you can still use even slightly thrilling movies to freak him out.

Still entertaining, too.

The longer you stare at him, the greater a fondness seeps into your face, into the lines of your smile, the irises of your eyes.

Months upon months you had been searching for your antidote, ignorant to the fact the antidote in question could be a person.

You hadn’t realized how low you’d gone until you had to be dragged back out again.

A hand reaching out, pulling you up when your legs were too weak to move. Kissing you when the words couldn’t come out of your mouth, holding your hand when you needed support.

Lee Felix, wrapped in your comforter now fast asleep, was your brighter place.

sunboki, may 2022 ©

262 notes · View notes

gloomlet · 1 year

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Gloomlet’s TS4 Script, Gameplay & Replacement Mods

So I decided to compile a list of all the script/gameplay mods that i use or have used in my game. This was mainly made for my personal use, but i’m sure it could be helpful to other people too!

UPDATE! PLEASE READ!! This list is no longer up to date - use the Google Doc! - 04/25/24

Basic & Recommended!

TS4 Mod Manager ui cheats extension mc command center Carl's Sims 4 Gameplay Overhaul Relationship & Pregnancy Overhaul Wonderful Whims The Mood Pack Mod First Impressions Contextual Social Interactions Simulation Lag Fix Teleport Any Sim Better Exceptions

CAS Mods

Stand still in CAS More Traits in CAS Tidy details in CAS More CAS columns Lifetime Aspirations Child Aspirations Set Housewife - Aspiration Unlimited Likes + Dislikes Preferences Plus Homebody - Preferences 100+ CAS Traits Resized Facial Piercings

Replacements & Retextures

Fan Art Maps Map Replacements Overhaul Clean UI Sims 1 & 2 Font LIS Fonts Fluffy Clouds (Ghibli Clouds) Feet replacement Hand replacement Bra + Panty Default Replacement better babies + bottle replacement Another baby bottle replacement Default Cutlery! Cute Kitchenware Replacement Boxing Gloves Aquarium Fish Recolor Ceiling replacement paint it up mod A brighter mop Selfie Override

Objects Phone Replacement Smaller dollhouses Switch Controller + console Game controller PS1 console pc game override Remote control sponge & spray override Another Sponge & Spray override

Electric Toothbrush Razor Bassinet override infant rug + infant tub child drawing replacement weather controller Cats & Dogs Fireplace Headphone/earbud override Old-fashioned Suitcase The slightly nicer Tree House Fireplace Lil Campers Light

Replaced + more Interactions Bed Cuddles Better Woohoo Reactions Realistic Reactions Brush Teeth From Toothbrush Holders Wake-up animation Greetings

Visuals & effects No overhead effects No zzz No object highlight no plumbob please Smaller Mosaic Minimalist CC Icon More Holiday icons

Gameplay!

Playable Pets Slower infant needs Expanded Mermaids Who's Knocking More Visitors No Bad Microwave Buffs Memory Panel Smarter Pie Menu: Searchable Smart Sim Randomizer Play Chess on any computer Strangerville Story toggle

Careers & Jobs Career Overhaul New Careers Simdeed Recruitment Services Flex Part-Time Recruitment Agency Game Developer Career Ultimate Nursing Career Modeling Career Tumbling Tots Daycare Career Shear Brilliance - Cosmetology Seasonal Odd Jobs - Autumn Odd Job Overhaul Modeling and Makeup Odd Jobs Babysitting Gigs Freelance Chef

Education Uni Tweaks Education Overhaul Uni Application Overhaul University costs more Choose Your Roommate Long Distance Learning No Uni Housing Restrictions Uni Aspirations School Lunch Override Longer or Shorter Degree Requirements

Cooking + Food Food Retexture Pack 1, Pack 2, Pack 3 Breakfast Retextures Pizza Retexture Grannies Cookbook Chef Buffet S’more Options Srsly's Complete Cooking Overhaul Dine Out Reloaded Delivery Services Sims Eat and Drink Faster Porto Luminoso Market Cutouts Buyable Cakes Functional Mixer HCH Mixer & Cookbook Functional Air fryer Functional Blender Functional Cookie jar Another Cookie Jar Functional Toaster Functional Cake Stand Functional Rice cooker Functional Pressure Cooker Boba Tea Add-ons Functional Beer Functional Frozen Ice Cart

Pregnancy Realistic Pregnancy Cherished Moments - Pregnancy Science Baby Tweak

Services & Apps Sim National Bank “SimDa” Dating App Exchange Store

Interactions Meaningful Stories Cute Romance Drama Mod Autonomous Go Steady and Propose Autonomous Break Up and Divorce Dynamic Teen Life Parent-Child Relationships Let's Get Fit Modpack Sumba Fitness

Functional Items Playful Toddler Pack Toddler Play Telephone Little Chef’s Toy Kitchen Void Critter Tablet Functional Pool Slide

Functional Toy Bin Functional Hopscotch Functional Broom Functional Paper Sketchpad Functional Drumkit Functional Spiral Staircases In Your Safe Piggy Banks Film Reaper Movie Theater Left End Counter Dishwaser

Random Small mods

Loading and CAS screens

Free Sims 4, Free Loading Screen Bonehilda Loading Screen Custom Color loading screens Lights Out Loading Screen The Blues Collection Loading Screen Lin Sims Loading Screens San Sequoia Loading Screens Abstract Art + Landscape Loading Screens H-O-B & Sulani Loading Screens Autumn Loading Screens Pink Kitten Animated Loading Screen Life is Strange Loading Screens Cloudy TS2 CAS Background Ocean Waves CAS Room Old School - CAS Room Modern Minimalism CAS Room Plumbob replacements Crystal Loading Screens

lighting mods

sunblind lighting + installation Milk Thistle Better in-game lighting Gentle CAS lighting

#ts4 mods #ts4 mod list #gloomlets mod list

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bluesylveon2 · 3 months

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A Love as Sweet as This

Summary: When Queen Draconia demands for cake, it is Sebek's duty to get it for her.

Note: royal au, fluff, Vanrouges giving love advice, and cameos from other Diasomnia fics in this series. For the sake of this fic, Malleus' Yuu/Reader did not lay an egg, but (SLIGHT BOOK 7 SPOILERS) her pregnancy shares some characteristics of how dragon faes develop.

Warning: fem Yuu/reader, pregnancy (for Malleus' Yuu/reader), not beta read, mini Book 7 spoiler, oc child, and possible ooc characters

Word Count: 5.1k

Masterlist: here, Series Masterlist: here

The Zigvolt family has been known for protecting the Draconia family since Baur Zigvolt first joined. The youngest grandson, Sebek, loved hearing stories about how his grandfather worked alongside Queen Maleficia. He decided that he would be the same. Sebek would do anything for the Draconia family.

Malleus needed some tea? Sebek was there to brew it.

Someone tries to stab Malleus? Sebek would take the hit instead.

Malleus told him to jump off a cliff? Sebek would do it like he was platform diving.

Nevertheless, Sebek's loyalty to the family was very high.

"Sebek, it is not the end of the world. I'm pregnant, not terminally ill. I want some cake."

Human Draconias were now included.

Said human frowned as she walked side by side with Sebek. He did not understand why she insisted on this rather than the knight carrying her and flying.

"Your Majesty, you are carrying the future heir of Briar Valley! Because this is the child of you and the Young Master, they are my responsibility, as are you now. I assure you, we are almost at the castle. I can ask the chefs to bake you some and the staff to massage you."

"I don't have time to sit and wait." The Queen whined. "This baby wants one now, and Lilia said that bakery nearby is to die for." She said, pointing at a quaint bakery that was not busy.

Sebek looked at the place with uncertainty. The Queen sighed. "You don't have time to think about it. The lunch rush will start soon, so let's go before we lose our chance. This baby needs food to grow!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the bakery.

"Your Majesty!" Sebek exclaimed, a blush evident on his face. "The child needs love to grow."

"This child won't get love if I don't get a slice of cake and fast." The Queen cheerfully grinned as she pulled her retainer. Who knew the grandson of the great Baur Zigvolt would get dragged around by a human, his Queen nonetheless? Said grandson would rather go through this than besmirch his Queen.

A bell and a faint "coming" brought Sebek back to reality. Oh, what would Malleus say when they came back late?

(Little did Sebek know that Malleus would cling to his wife when she stepped inside the palace.)

"Sebek, I was thinking about getting this cake." Queen Draconia said, pointing at a small green cake topped with fruit and green flowers.

"Good choice, Your Majesty! The green really matches the Young Master's eyes." Sebek exclaimed and walked up to the counter to order, unaware of the Queen muttering about how the fruit was shaped like a crocodile. The Queen chose to sit down and rest a bit.

The back door opened, and a new figure appeared. The newcomer was female, had some icing smeared on her cheeks, and was dressed in a uniform that matched the aesthetic of the bakery. Like the Queen, this woman was also human.

"Hello! Are you ready to order?"

"Yes, human. I want an order of this cake!" Sebek said, pointing at the picture his Queen pointed to earlier.

"Alright, anything else?"

Sebek stared at the menu behind the woman. "A small cup of black coffee."

"Alright, your total will be 12 thaumarks." The woman said with a smile. Her eyes shifted slightly to the Queen behind Sebek.

"How sweet. You are such a doting husband to your wife."

For a brief moment, Sebek thought he heard thunder in the distance.

"SHE IS NOT MY WIFE! I AM NOT WORTHY ENOUGH TO BE MARRIED TO HER MAJESTY!" He exclaimed while frantically waving his hands, causing the Queen to laugh loudly.

The woman winced at his volume. "Okay, I get it, but quiet down a little before I lose my hearing."

"How dare-" Sebek stopped when the human raised her hand, silencing him. How could a human do something like that to him? The retainer to the great Waka-sama???

Sebek quickly put the payment down and glanced at his Queen, who had a smirk on her face. "I apologize, human. I did not mean to yell at your establishment."

"It's Yuu."

Sebek's eyes widened, and he swore he heard a snicker behind him. "I'm sorry?"

Yuu pointed to her herself. "My name is Yuu, not human. And I will call for you when your order is ready…"

Sebek stood up proudly. "Sebek Zigvolt, a loyal retainer to the Draconia family!"

Yuu giggled. "Sebek. I'll make sure to remember that. I'm new to the area, so I'm still learning."

"WELL IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAKA-SAMA THEN I SHALL TELL YOU EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM!"

Yuu removed her hands from her ears. "Alright. Why don't you tell me more about him now while you get your order?"

Sebek smirked proudly, unaware of his heartbeat slowly increasing as he stared at Yuu. "Of course! I shall educate you about the wonders, okay, how great Waka-sama is!" Sebek exclaimed before heading into a tangent about the Malleus as Yuu worked.

Meanwhile, the Queen smirked and laid a hand on her stomach. "Oh, little one, hopefully you get a cousin soon."

Sebek continued to visit the bakery for many months. He and Yuu had come to an unspoken agreement: he would passionately share his knowledge about the Draconia family with Yuu, and Yuu would give him a slice of cake to eat. Normally, people who listened to Sebek's rants gave not even decent praise about Malleus, but Yuu would listen to Sebek and ask questions when needed.

More humans should be more interested in Malleus like Yuu!

"Sebek?"

The knight shook off his thoughts and flew to his Queen's side. The palace roses she was admiring shook slightly from Sebek's movement. "Do you need something, Your Majesty?"

The Queen smiled as she let her finger brush against a rose petal.

"I do." She turned to Sebek. "I would like some more cake."

Sebek looked up in shock. It all started when Sebek decided to bring home the cake slice Yuu gave him instead of eating it at the bakery. He did not think about it, but when the Queen noticed the treat in his hands, she demanded more (not for free, of course. She insisted on paying!). It was not like Yuu could say no! In the end, the human added an extra slice just for the Queen. This did not go unnoticed as King Malleus grew concerned for his wife, and she burst into tears when he confronted her about it.

At least the bakery was high on business. Malleus learned to never question his Queen again.

"Very well." Sebek nodded stiffly. "Is that all?"

The Queen shook her head. "I'm thinking about throwing a party in honor of my future child—a baby shower, as humans call it." She snapped her fingers, and a servant holding an envelope appeared by her side. She picked it up and handed it in Sebek's direction. "I want you to deliver this letter to Yuu because I want her to make the desserts for the party."

Sebek grabbed the letter like it would disintegrate from his touch. "You Majesty, that is such a high honor! Are you sure she is capable of the task?"

The Queen smiled gently. "Of course, I always enjoy eating her cakes. Speaking of, I am craving some right now, and I would appreciate it if you got me more cake coming back."

Sebek nodded. "Very well. I shall see this plan through."

Sebek should not be feeling nervous.

For crying out loud, he is a knight of the great Draconia family and a descendant of Baur Zigvolt! All he had to do was deliver something to a human. It would be a short interaction, and then he would be back in the castle.

But why does he feel like there were butterflies in his stomach?

"Tsk. How dare these insects get to me!" Sebek complained as he flew to the bakery. "Maintaining this condition will not make me serve the royal family at my highest potential. I shall get rid of them at once!"

As Sebek flew down the streets, he spotted a flower shop with a colorful display on the window. Some flowers around the bakery could brighten the atmosphere more. Would Yuu like flowers? What kind does she like?

"WHAT AM I THINKING?!" Sebek exclaimed, startling the townsfolk as he passed.

Sebek felt the butterflies increase as he stepped away from the door. The poor knight was confused. What was it about the bakery that made him so nervous? Was it the comfy atmosphere the moment a customer walked in? Was it the smell of fresh fruit and bread? Was it the human who ran it? The same woman who actively listened and asked Sebek questions during his talk about Malleus-

"NO! She cannot be in my thoughts all the time!"

"Who can't be in your thoughts?" A female voice asked, causing Sebek to scream.

"Human?! How long have you been here?" Sebek asked frantically.

"Not long. I was restocking when I saw you standing outside from my window." Yuu began to smirk. "You know you can walk in without forcing yourself to."

"I know that!" Sebek looked away and followed Yuu inside.

"Still, I can't help but wonder who the female you were referring to earlier is," Yuu questioned aloud as she closed the door before leaning close to Sebek. “Is there someone you fancy?" She grinned.

Sebek gulped. The close proximity made Sebek blush even more. Was her eyes always sparkling like diamonds? Did she always have a beauty mark on her cheek?

"I was referring to Her Majesty. The new prince or princess is coming soon." Yuu let out a laugh that sounded like music to Sebek. "Here!" Sebek pushed the letter into Yuu's hands. "A letter from her."

"Wow, that's important. I hope im not in trouble," Yuu joked. She carefully opened the envelope and scanned the contents. Her eyes widened, and she dropped the letter. Sebek watched as the paper fluttered to the ground.

"Yuu?" He snapped his fingers in front of Yuu's frozen face. Her eyes trailed from the letter to Sebek. Suddenly, she jumped on him and pulled Sebek into a tight hug.

"YES! YES! I will be honored to help the Queen on her big day!"

"Of course!" Sebek huffed. "It would be foolish to not accept this opportunity from a Draconia."

"Oh, there's so much to do!" Yuu pulled away and began to freak out in excitement. "What desserts does the Queen want? More important! What gender is the baby so I can plan accordingly!"

"I assure you, another knight, Silver, or I will come to get you to discuss these matters with the royal family."

Yuu smiled brightly, almost like the sun. She pulled Sebek in for another hug. "Thank you for bringing me the news, Sebek." The next thing Yuu did caused Sebek to blush wildly.

She kissed his cheek.

Sebek felt his body freeze and heat up simultaneously. His cheek felt warm, and the knight put a gloved hand against it to see if he was dreaming.

At that moment, Sebek's stomach decided to make itself known.

Yuu giggled, her smile brightening, and her eyes were focused on Sebek's growing blush.

"Well, let's get you something to eat before you go back. I was about to close for lunch anyway."

Sebek could not believe his ears. Him eating with Yuu? Alone?! Oh, what would Malleus think if he or his wife saw them? "I don't want to impose on your busy schedule."

"Nonsense! I prefer your company, honestly."

Sebek's heart could not handle it. His heartbeat increased, and he was sure Yuu could see how red his ears were turning. Sebek slowly backed his way to the door. "I should go-AH!"

Sebek was too stunned to speak. He did not expect Yuu to shoot a hand out behind him and use her body and the door to stop him. Technically, Sebek could use his strength or leave through the opening Yuu left, but he was too astonished to move.

"Sebek, please stay for lunch, and then you can go back to the castle." Yuu pleaded, her eyes staring into Sebek's for the second time that day.

The knight was relentless. He should not give into a human and return to his duty. However, Sebek would not admit it outloud, but he could stare into Yuu's eyes all day. Moments passed when he gave in.

"Fine, human. I shall join you today. Don't get any ideas."

Yuu could not stop the grin from forming on Ber's face. "Thank you!" She grabbed Sebek's hand and dragged him to the back. C'mon! Tell me what you want, and I can prepare it. You can also help me start planning, and I will make sure to pack a cake for the Queen before you go!"

Yuu broke into a carefree laugh as she continued listing her plans. Sebek's face turned red again as Yuu's attitude got to him. No wonder he grew to love it and would not mind seeing it more often.

Oh.

Oh no.

"Sebek? Can I come in?" Silence. If Sebek said anything, Silver did not hear it. "Sebek?" Silver knocked. There was a loud groan in response. Silver started to get worried. This behavior was unusual for Sebek. "I'm coming in."

Silver peeked into his brother's room to find said male lying flat on his bed, his face buried in his pillow. Sebek shifted so his yellow-green eyes met auroral ones.

"Please leave, Silver. I need a day to lay here, and then we can talk."

"This is important." Silver sat down on the side of the bed and rubbed his hand against Sebek's back for comfort. "Father mentioned you were having issues regarding matters of the heart."

Sebek sat straight up and surprised Silver, who put his hand on Sebek's shoulder. "Master Lilia knows?"

Silver nodded. "He said that you had an expression similar to what Malleus and I had before."

Sebek groaned into his hands. He was usually great at being stoic. His grandfather trained him on it if he ever met a foe on the battlefield. How could a human make him feel this way? Sebek couldn't make sense of what he was feeling. The butterflies had increased his presence. "Oh, how could I show that out in public!"

A small smile adorned Silver's face as he rubbed Sebek's shoulder. "It's better I talk to you about this than Father. Luckily for me, he was too busy doting on the Queen or my sister and not asking when I would give him grandchildren."

"But you haven't proposed to your partner yet."

"Exactly," both Silver and Sebek chuckled. The brothers let the moment pass until Sebek finally addressed the elephant in the room. "Silver, how did you know when you…" Sebek felt a lump form in his throat. "When…" he began to struggle to form basic sentences.

"When I?" Silver asked, confused.

"LIKEDYOURPARTNER!" Sebek hid his face in his hands. There, he said it. The cat was out of the bag.

Sadly for him, Silver did not know where the cat was. "Can you repeat that?"

Sebek's hands immediately fell to his lap, and he turned to Silver with a shocked expression. How did Silver not understand his predicament?

"How did you know…when you had feelings for your partner?"

A genuine smile graced Silver's lips, and the boy folded his hands together to think. "You will know it on your own. However, I started to know when my partner continuously occupied my thoughts. The next thing I knew, I wanted to care for her and go through life with her by my side. I wanted to protect her from anything or anyone that may harm her."

"I see…" Sebek murmured, igniting Silver's curiosity. "Is the girl you fancy a human or fae?"

"A human. A beautiful and talented one." Sebek said with a certain softness Silver had heard before from Lilia and Malleus.

Silver could not hide his growing smile. Oh, how you've grown, Sebek. "What is the issue, Sebek? I think that you should court her."

"But what will the others think?" Sebek frowned. "You know how people reacted to my mother marrying a human." He did not say it aloud, but Sebek cared for Yuu enough that he would protect her from the prejudice of some faes.

Silver grabbed Sebek's shoulders and looked at him dead in the eye. "And they have a happy marriage and wonderful children. Same for Malleus. People opposed his marriage, but now the newest heir is coming. Things have changed, and who cares what blood is running through this girl's veins." Sebek frowned like an internal argument was happening in his mind, causing Silver to sigh and pull Sebek in for a hug. "Look, you like her for who she is; she probably feels the same. Don't let others dictate your happiness. Be her knight in shining armor."

"Your Majesty, you are absolutely glowing!" Yuu squealed while maintaining a reasonable distance away from the royal couple.

Many months had passed since the big announcement, and Yuu still felt nervous whenever she entered the castle. Sure, she met everyone within the walls but was surrounded by famous names such as the Vanrouges and the Zigvolts. Yuu felt that a tiny mistake could end with her being zapped by lightning.

"Thank you, Yuu." The Queen smiled and caressed her belly. "The baby is surrounded with love from their family. They are very active. Probably gets it from her father." She turned to her husband, who sat on his throne beside her, with a teasing look.

Malleus smiled. It surprised Yuu how someone as intimidating as the King looked at his wife with adoration. "The baby also got her mother's love for sweets. I wonder how she did not get heartburn." He whispered low enough for Yuu to hear.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, my love." Malleus placed a kiss on his wife's temple. "I was just discussing the cake for the party."

"Yes!" Yuu nodded in agreement. "It should be at the garden for later."

"I'm so excited!" The Queen squealed. "I'm sure it will be a boy!"

Malleus grabbed his wife's hand and squeezed it. "Well, I think the baby will be a girl."

"I have to disagree with you, Malleus," another voice added. Yuu watched as Lilia floated down to the Royals. Another woman holding a sleeping baby appeared by his side just as the fae's feet touched the floor. "I think the child will be a boy. Don't you agree, dear?"

His wife rolled her eyes in exasperation and handed her baby to Lilia. She stepped towards Yuu and pulled her into a friendly hug. "It's nice to see you again, Yuu. Why don't you save yourself from this endless argument and walk around the garden? It sure is lovely to see the roses without extra people roaming around."

"I heard that," Lilia interrupted as the royal couple continued their discussion in the background.

"I know, dear," Lady Vanrouge laughed as Lilia wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close for a quick kiss. Yuu felt a slight feeling of envy form in her chest. Oh, how she wished for her knight in shining armor to sweep her off her feet. Yuu's eyes shifted to see how Malleus looked at his wife gently as if she were a star in the sky.

Maybe she could have something like that with a certain green-haired, loud-mouthed knight-

Yuu's eyes widened. Don't think about it! She looked at her exit in a hurry. A simple stroll will help her clear her mind.

Lady Vanrouge spoke up, interrupting Yuu's thoughts. "Yuu? Do you want to go to the gardens?"

"Yes!" Yuu exclaimed until she reminded herself about where she was. "I mean, ahem, yes. I would love that."

The woman smiled. "Wonderful!" She turned her attention to Lilia. "My love, can you escort Yuu to the rose garden? I will mediate the other two."

"Of course," Lilia handed the baby to his wife and extended an arm towards Yuu. "Let's go, Yuu."

The "walk" to the garden did not help Yuu at all. The girl prayed that Lilia could not feel her stomach churning or feel her clammy hands.

Since her arrival, Yuu had not seen Sebek or a speck of light green hair. Typically, Sebek was around the King and Queen to protect them at a moment's notice. Yet, Silver (who was sleeping) was in his spot instead.

An angel appeared on Yuu's shoulder. "He could be swamped today. You never know what could happen," the angel suggested.

"Please!" A devil appeared on Yuu's other shoulder. "Clearly, he is avoiding you because he doesn't want to be seen with you."

"You don't know that!" The angel argued.

"It's because she is a human. H-U-M-A-N."

"I think Sebek likes her for who she is."

The devil rolled its eyes. "Say what you want, but you know that is untrue."

"Yuu?" The angel and devil poofed away, leaving Yuu to look at Lilia's concerned face. "Are you okay?"

"Yes…" she started, but Lilia's face remained unchanged. "No. No, I'm not."

"Do you want to talk about it? I can listen," Lilia's face became serious and sympathetic, simmering Yuu's nervousness.

"Yes. I would like that."

"Very well," Lilia grabbed Yuu's hand. He skillfully navigated his way around until he stopped in a quiet hallway. He let Yuu go in first and turned around to check the area. "There. No one should be coming by anytime soon." He turned his attention to Yuu. "Now, what seems to be the problem? You seemed lost in thought earlier."

Yuu sighed. Here it goes. "It's about Sebek."

"Oh," Lilia tilted his head and had a clueless look on his face. "What about him?"

"I may have developed….feelings for him, but I don't know if it is mutual."

Lilia could not hide the smirk growing on his face, so he hid it behind a cough. "I see. Tell me, dear. What is it about Sebek that you like?"

Yuu chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, there are many things."

"I'll say!" Lilia exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Finally, after seeing two of his sons find love, it was Sebek's turn! Wait till Baul hears about this. "Is it the grumpy way he talks?"

Yuu laughed, reminiscing about her first meeting with Sebek. "Not really, but I thought I would lose my hearing there."

"Is it his dashing looks?"

"Lilia..."

"Or that he's socially impaired?"

"Lilia…"

"Or the one time he tinkled in his bed?"

"Lil-wait, what did you say?"

Lilia gasped and covered his mouth with his hand. "I said too much." Yuu didn't have to know that he was smirking, too. How boring would it be to not share the juicy stories?

"It's not all of those, although I don't want to know what that last one was." Yuu took a breath before continuing. "it's his devotion."

"Oh," Lilia raised a brow in interest. "Tell me more."

"Well…" Yuu blushed before continuing. "He is very devoted to the King and the Queen. He was attentive to the Queen since they first entered my bakery." Her eyes met Lilia's. "If he can be like that to them, then surely he would be as devoted to a significant other."

"Fufufu, I see. Then you must make haste and tell him your feelings!" Lilia urged, but Yuu shook her head.

"I would, but," Her eyes shifted away, and uncertainty crossed her face. Could she really face Sebek and spill everything? "Can I take some time to process this?"

Lilia smiled gently. "Of course. Take as much time as you need." He quietly led Yuu back toward the garden. "You know, I once worried about how Sebek would react to the new queen, given that she is human."

Yuu jumped out of her thoughts and eyed Lilia curiously. "And how did he react?"

Lilia stopped before a set of doors leading to the garden. "He kneeled before her and dedicated his life to protecting her."

Yuu smiled, her heart lighted with hope. "Thank you, Lilia, for your wisdom."

"You're welcome, Yuu. I will see you at the party." Lilia smiled before opening the door and vanishing in thin air, leaving Yuu alone.

Yuu turned to the doorway, and her jaw fell open in awe. The garden was indeed a sight to behold. The bright red roses oddly complimented the dark and eerie atmosphere of the castle's architecture. There were paths with hedges leading to the center and a fountain with a statue of the former Queen, Maleanor. The moonlight blanketed the flora by outlining each plant in a silver glow.

"Woah…" Yuu followed a path to get a closer look at the statue. According to a past visit from Sebek, the King had commissioned the statue to be built in honor of his late mother and Lilia's friend.

If only he had met her.

"I should court her now. I should not court her later…"

Yuu's ears perked up at the sound. It sounded like it was coming from nearby. Yuu could not shake the feeling that she knew it from somewhere.

It won't hurt to take a peek. Yuu quietly tiptoed to the source.

"I should court her now. I should not court her later…" Yuu stepped even closer, luckily not alerting the person. She leaned in slightly and saw a mop of yellow-green hair.

No. Way.

"Sebek."

"AGH!" Sebek screamed. "When did you show up?" He frantically threw the rose he held earlier over the hedge.

"I just got here-" Yuu tilted her head. "Although I want to know what are you hiding back there?"

"Nothing!" Sebek replied rather quickly. "Shouldn't you be with Her Majesty? I'm sure she needs your assistance."

"No, Sebek. I wanted to take a stroll and look for you," It's not like she has something important to say first.

Sebek felt his heart race. "ME?! YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON HER MAJESTY OR YOUR FOOD!"

Yuu felt her patience wearing thin. "Sebek, other people do that for me."

"But Her Majesty could be injured; we will not know unless we are there!

"Sebek."

"Honestly, being a part of these festivities is the highest honor in Briar Valley-"

"SEBEK!" Yuu exclaimed and attempted to trap him against the hedge. Except, the "wall" she was supposed to hold on to was not wood like last time, but shrubs. "Ah!" Yuu screamed and shut her eyes, bracing her landing on the ground.

But it never came. She felt something firm around her waist, tugging her body close to a firm surface. Her arms also wrapped around the figure.

"YUU! HOW COULD YOU BE SO CARELESS?"

Yuu opened her eyes to Sebek, who was red and very close, so close that Yuu could see how his slit pupils and long eyelashes.

"Yuu! Answer me!"

"First, you need to turn your voice down, or else I will lose my hearing before the party starts."

Sebek blushed out of embarrassment and nodded. He still remained close to Yuu and did not move. He could not move even if he tried. It was as if there was a magnet forcing him to stay still.

"Second, I want you to listen to me carefully because I will not repeat this."

Sebek audibly gulped, his throat bobbing in anticipation. Yuu took a breath. It's now or never.

"I like you, Sebek, and I have for a while now." Yuu briefly looked away from Sebek before continuing. "You don't have to reciprocate it; there's no pressure. I just wanted to let you know what's been going on in my mind for the past few days."

Sebek remained quiet, his heart racing. Here was the woman of his dreams confessing to him before he did. It did not matter anymore. It was not like he considered making his confession dramatic, like in the books he read. He could save that for another day, but this is now.

"Yuu, I also want to tell you that I have gained feelings for you," He reached over and gently grabbed Yuu's hands, holding them close like they were made of feathers. "I wish to court you if you allow me."

Yuu felt her heart explode into a million pieces out of pure joy. Her smile grew wide, and she nodded. That was all Sebek needed as he pulled Yuu close, and their noses were almost touching.

"Is it okay for me to kiss you?' Sebek asked shyly, and Yuu nodded, finding the question cute. He stiffened as Yuu gently caressed his face in her hands. "Let me know if you don't want this or if I overstep your boundaries."

Yuu chuckled. "Just kiss me, Sebek!"

The knight obliged and closed the remaining distance with the baker. His eyes closed instinctively, and he tilted his head, lips meeting hers in a tender kiss.

One of many more to come.

"UGH, THEY ARE SO ADORABLE!"

"I KNOW! SEBEK HAS GROWN UP SO MUCH!!"

Malleus and Lady Vanrouge watched from a nearby sofa as their respective spouses sobbed from their hiding spots within the castle but with the couple in their view. Both faes glanced at each other nervously. Luckily, no one besides the sleeping Silver and Aurie was around to see this embarrassing moment.

"My love," Malleus called and summoned handkerchiefs to hand to his wife and Lilia. "We need to get ready for the party."

"I know, I know. Let me just-" The Queen blew her nose loudly and wiped the tears off her cheeks. "Okay, now I'm ready."

"Very well," Malleus hugged his wife and teleported them away, leaving the Vanrouge family behind.

"It feels like yesterday when I purposely scared Silver and Sebek for fun. Now he is going to have a wife soon! Oh, I need to tell Baur the news when he arrives!" Lilia bawled and blew his nose into his handkerchief.

Lady Vanrouge sighed. With one hand, she held her daughter and ran her fingers through Silver's hair with the other. Was it too late to take a nap with her children?

"My love, if you continue crying, you’ll wake the children up."

"I can't help it! Now we have two things to celebrate today!"

Lady Vanrouge sighed for the nth time today. Adding Sebek's new relationship on top of the upcoming heir will cause some waterworks among the guests. The woman looked up at the new couple and smiled.

A/N: WHY IS SEBEK HARD TO WRITE??? I swear he is a lot easier to write when he is with a chaotic group like the first years. Anyways, sorry for the long wait! Hopefully I get more out with the other characters soon!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twisted Wonderland and its characters. Those belong to Aniplex, Walt Disney Japan, and Yana Toboso.

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twst #twst x reader #sebek zigvolt x reader #sebek x reader #sebek x yuu #sebek x fem reader #sebek zigvoltx fem reader #sebek zigvolt

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neeweekeewee · 1 month

Text

OCHRE REWRITE!

Ochre:

My version of Ochre is one of my biggest changes. Ochre as a dragonet was extremely quiet and struggled with fitting in with his sibs. Although he did have one sib who cared for him and made sure he was included as much as possible (Mire). But he continued to struggle, preferring to be alone doing his own thing. Socializing was very overwhelming for Ochre. Due to this, he never developed proper social skills. He was a very hyper independent dragonet. He doesn’t understand social cues very well and mostly does his best to remain stoic and walled off from others. When the war started, he was a soldier. In his training, his general slammed it into his head even more that he has to remain emotionless going into war and that emotions indicate weakness. He learned later that all of his sibs were killed in battle. Although he was not close with them compared to other Mudwing siblings, this still hit him incredibly hard. When he feels any form of emotional distress, he turns to food to comfort himself. He is very overweight compared to other Mudwings which is very surprising. He often tries his best to avoid anything that can upset him. This makes him seem aloof and dismissive. While he seems mostly calm and uncaring of everything around him, he’s deeply troubled and does not know how to properly process his emotions. He’s very pessimistic towards everything due to underlying depression after the death of his sibs. When he was plucked out of the Mud Kingdom to be a Dragonet of Destiny, he developed a friendship with Flame. Ochre found him very interesting due to how Flame had no shame in expressing his emotions. Fatespeaker was also interesting too, but he found her overwhelming due to her incessant talking. He mostly stayed in the background and remained as quiet and invisible as possible. Flame grew a liking to him because he was a good listener and he was quiet compared to the other false dragonets. This was Ochre’s only friend. His friendship with Flame helped him get out of his shell. They would often joke about how much they hated being here and how much they hated their lives. They enjoyed dark humor. When Flame gets injured, it shook Ochre to the core, making him freeze and shut down. He fell into a deeper depression and eats until he pukes. Seeing his Flame’s wound and hearing his agonized screams traumatized him badly.

Ochre stays with the Talons of Peace but later leaves, realizing this wasn’t the life he wanted. Feeling very alone and lost in the world. He finds out that Flame is in the Rainwing Kingdom being treated for his wound given to him by Viper. He awkwardly walks into the healer hut which makes Flame thrilled to see him again. Ochre begins to cry seeing his friend again, something he’s never done before in front of other dragons. He even begins to make a friendship with Fatespeaker after learning about how she’s responsible for saving his life.

He stays in the Rainwing Kingdom, mesmerized by all of their wildly colorful and unique fruits. He goes to many different restaurants and loves the food the Rainwings make. Wanting to learn to make meals like this, he gains an apprenticeship under a Rainwing chef. He thrives at his job, and even creates his own meals to be added to the menu. He felt like he finally had a place in the world.

He later gets enrolled into the Dragonets of Destiny’s’ academy, to learn about culinary all around Phyrrhia. He gets to see Flame every day due to him and Fatespeaker being the academy healers.

This is the color palette I used for him!

#wingsoffire #wings of fire #wof art #wof mudwing #wof ochre #dragon #dragons #wings of fire art

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forteafy · 1 year

Text

Always | CL16

Summary: Neither you or Charles wanted to break up, not truly. Life hasn't been the same since, no matter how much work or fun you both tried. Will Charles drop everything on the one day you need him? Part of the 'Vices and Virtues' collection.

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, stress, Charles Leclerc is written by women

Exhausted did not begin to describe the feeling seeping into your bones.

Silently, you fumble for the key in your back pocket; you’d strategically placed it there before leaving the restaurant, knowing by the time you’d be back, you’d be in no mood to root around your bag for it. The key rattles for a moment, the ornate door opening into your apartment, dipped in the orange glow of a Monaco sunset.

You’d been in this new place for a little under seven months; at first you couldn’t bring yourself to even sleep in your new bed, knowing all too well that his body wouldn’t be beside you. No warm arms to circle you when tumbling in from an event, no hot breath to tickle the back of your neck when you awoke each morning. It had taken a lot of willpower (that, and your best friend buying you bedsheets so comfortable, you had to use them.)

It had taken that time, but your life was finally beginning to feel like yours again. You decorated your apartment with plants and photographs of friends. The days were spent inviting over your loved ones to try food for the menu you’d thrown yourself into developing. Evenings were spent pairing wines to desserts and watching the sunset dip over the city you never wanted to leave. On the rare weekend off, when the city was placed into darkness, clubs and bar evenings beckoned your friendship group.

Not you, not anymore.

The vision of one evening was still painted in your mind. Five days. Five days after the breakup. The idea of going out had repulsed you, wanting nothing more than to curl up on your parent’s couch and wallow in self-pity around the belongings you had taken there and then. Unfortunately, she had other ideas, demanding you get dressed up and come out for an evening of drinks, to kiss a stranger or to at least take so many tequila shots you’d wake up with one in the morning.

The epitome of ‘wet blanket,’ thoroughly described you that evening. No conversation had drawn you in, simply starting down into your untouched drink, waiting for one of your friends to be so wasted, you could offer to drive them home and escape this evening, no questions asked. When that had happened, a friend’s arm slung around your shoulder as you tried to lead her away from the pulsing music and fumbling hands on the dancefloor. You were almost at the exit, when your peripheral vision caught sight of a crisp shirt on a man, identical to the one you had bought your boyfriend- ex-boyfriend, less than two weeks ago.

Ironic, because it was your ex-boyfriend sitting there. No, lounging back in a seat, a girl with the exact same hair colour as yours under his arm, her lipstick clearly smudged, the tint on his lips an identical colour. You didn’t think he would be sober enough to clock you, instead diverting straight for the exit, resting your friend in the back of your car as she sung to every song on the radio which seemed to remind you of him.

You’d sworn off all partying after that evening, instead throwing yourself into work. Being the head chef at Monaco’s prime bay restaurant played handsomely, but their work demanded the highest calabar. If you weren’t at work, you’d be at home, cooking, researching; Sunday afternoon trips into the market in search of new flavours and seasonings seemed to be the closest you got to relaxation.

After the day you had, your bed was practically singing to you. There had been no end of deliveries, one group particularly enraged that their food had taken longer than expected to arrive. With no manager in that afternoon, you had to step out of your domain, apologising for your appearance and giving the table an apology dish, cooked by yourself. It must have paid off, seeing their smiling faces and ‘thank you’s,’ as you’d left the place yourself, finishing at a reasonable time for once in your life.

The extra time you were not usually blessed with had given you the opportunity to look after yourself; scrubbing your face clean of the day, applying moisturisers and serums, a hair mask massaged into your hair. On instinct, you’d reached for a flannel to wipe your face dry, completely forgetting you’d thrown it into the washing basket earlier that day. Sleepily, your feet dragged you towards the cupboard, just in need of a new face cloth for that evening.

You didn’t expect a lump to form in your throat. With a small gasp, you see the shirt crumpled at the bottom of your neatly stored cupboard. It’s red – that shade of red. A number sixteen was engraved across the back, his name spelt out across the shoulders. That goddamn shirt. You can still remember the day he had given it to you; you’d been sat up in bed, watching with teary eyes as he packed his suitcase, ready to jet away for race weekend. However, this was the one you couldn’t join. An important critic was coming into the restaurant, his review would make or break the kitchen in Monaco.

Instead of tears and pleads not to depart, he’d carefully slipped his red shirt over your torso, the scent of him instantly wafting around your senses. You’d worn that shirt for practice, for qualifying, even under your chef darks that weekend. In your mind, that was what got you the stellar review, and him the first-place position he’d been working hard for. The moment he got home, your lips were on his and celebrations were held.

Now? The shirt served as a memory, a painful one at that. Despite moving on, despite this sanctuary that you had built for yourself, he was still missing. Part of you didn’t think you’d be able to get over that. Not when every few nights, you’d come back to this cupboard, retrieve the shirt and pull the fabric to your chest under your duvet, almost like a dirty secret. Tonight, was no different; you kept the shirt close to you when trailing back to bed, tucking yourself into the soft cupboards, letting sleep overtake you in a matter of moments, the day draining you and the warm scent of him clasped to your body.

Charles had always been a light sleeper; he’d found it especially hard since the presence of you in his bed had disappeared. He was a man of habit, he liked his pillow, the feeling of his favourite joggers wrapped around his legs. He craved your scent when he slept, whether it was feeling your body next to him, the hoodie he had snuck into his travelling case, smothered in your perfume. Nobody else he knew wore that same perfume; it was like a drug to him.

He’d tried everything in the past seven months; no dating, rebounds, nobody could come close to you. That was why he laid in a stranger’s bed, eyes wide open and blinking up at the ceiling. The girl – Christ, he couldn’t even remember her name, was sound asleep, her head resting on Charles’ chest; something he usually despised. You’d never done that; you knew it kept him awake. Instead, you’d let him curl into you, hide your head in his neck, even go as far as to rest his head on your chest, running your nails through his soft hair.

He wanted you. God, he needed you. Even if it was merely being in the same room, sitting opposite him on a couch. Charles had never gotten over the split; his background of the two of you resting on the nose of his car said that all too well.

His deep thoughts were pulled aside when he heard a slight buzzing coming from the floor. The buzzing continued for a few moments, signalling a telephone call; who on earth would be calling? He had no sense of time currently and tried his hardest to relax as the buzzing came to a stop. And then…it started again. Constantly.

Huffing gently, Charles removed himself from the figure, making sure to rest her head gently on one of the pillows. His body ached, he’d rested in such an awkward position, not able to get comfortable. Crouching, his hand fumbled to find his phone in his trouser pocket, the screen giving a dull glow, phone still vibrating. It must have been Arthur; maybe had one-too many drinks and needed a lift home. Pierre, possibly? With the time difference the two were currently in, he could have forgotten.

The last thing he expected to see was your caller ID, flashing on his screen. What on earth was happening right now? You hadn’t called, not since…since you had asked to come and pick up some belongings remaining at his home. He’d cried after you’d left that day, seeing the pieces of the life you’d built together disappearing around him. Then and there, he should have clung to you, begged you to stay, confessed the way he felt like there was no tomorrow.

Nothing in this world or the next could have stopped him from pressing the green button, holding the phone up to his ear, stepping out of the stranger’s bedroom and into their living room, still dipped in darkness.

“Hey.” Is the first word out of his mouth, voice still coated with exhaustion. “Are you okay?”

“Charles?” Your voice catches on itself; it’s been so long since you’ve heard his voice. The sweet accent sprinkled upon his English, taking you back to a time when he would mumble sweet nothings whilst you curled up together. “Oh my god, Charles- “

“Hey, hey. What’s happening?” His voice is already a comfort. The one comfort that you needed right now.

“Eloise- the manager-“ Your words keep cutting off in your throat, a visible shiver running down your spine. “She’s walked out. They want me to go in and run the breakfast cooperate event- I can’t, I’m in the kitchen-“ You can feel your chest tighten, palms sweaty at the idea. “I need to do kitchen prep; nobody is answering their phones- “

How could you be surprised? It was almost four in the morning.

“Okay.” Charles’ voice is firm, instantly stopping your ramblings. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Go and get everything you need. I’ll pick you up in 20 minutes. We can go in together; I’ll help you until your team arrive.”

The thoughts finally catch up with you – your ex-boyfriend, was up at four in the morning, ready to get up and go, probably sacrifice a night of sleep, probably an evening with a woman he was getting to know, for the sake of you. How on earth was this happening?

“Thank you.” Your voice was barely a whisper, laced with tears as you hold the mobile to your ear, eyes darting around the room in search of your work bag. You barely hear his response before Charles hangs up the phone, wiggling into his t-shirt, searching for his car keys.

“Always.”

The sun was beginning to peak into the streets of Monaco; time had passed since the initial phone call between Charles and yourself. In nineteen minutes, he had gotten out of the apartment of the woman, slipped into his car, the drive to your new apartment almost memorised. It wasn’t disturbing; he drove past them to get to his own home. Every time he did, his heart longed to run to your front door and take you with him.

Silently, he sends you a text to confirm he’s outside. You’re quick to respond, locking up your apartment. His eyes transfix on your body making its way towards his car; work bag resting on one shoulder, a slick black dress on a hanger resting on the other. You look so small, so tired, but undoubtedly beautiful. Charles wants nothing more than to scoop you up in his arms.

A tumble of apologies falls through your lips as you climb into the passenger seat, placing your bag and dress onto the car floor. This time, Charles can’t help himself, leaning over the console awkwardly and wrapping his arms around you. Instantly, you…relax. It takes everything in your power not to melt into his touch, to proclaim your love to him once again. Instead, you feel his lips press to your cheek, before stretching back, nodding towards the seatbelt on your left-hand side.

“Strap in.” He presses. “Let’s go.”

Part of you knew that this would always happen. Eloise never liked the transfer to Monaco, her heart wasn’t truly into the place, not like yours was. Nobody was as committed as you; that was said all too well as you unlocked the door to the kitchen, Charles closes behind you. On instinct, your hands find the lightswitch and power buttons, kitchen springing to life.

The Monegasque can’t help but be in awe of the kitchen, sparkly floors, industrial cookers, giant fridges. He’d eaten here so many times before, from lunch dates with his friends and family to breakfast whilst he is waiting for you to finish your morning shift. He’d always sit by the window when alone; the views of Monaco were beautiful, and he could sometimes catch a glimpse of you running outside to the herb garden.

“Okay.” You start, walking towards the fridge. You’d silently thanked yourself for preparation you had done last night; staying for a little longer to prepare whilst the rest of your team ran their dinner service had paid off. Charles followed your pace, standing next to the fridge you had opened, eyes being met with neat labels and containers.

“We don’t need to start cooking yet. But when we do, this is where everything will be. Eggs, salmon, pancake batter…it’s all labelled.” You explain, the man nodding in confirmation. Your fingers slide out a large container of fruit, placing it down on a counter directly across from the fridge. He also notices a neat list tacked to the side of the fridge, your neat writing labelling that it was the opening list you had left yourself of remaining preparation.

“What I do need, is this fruit cut up. Can you…” You trail off, motioning towards the fruit.

“Of course, I can. Let me wash my hands and you go and get your things ready. You’ll come back to the most beautiful fruit.” He grins. You give him a quick nod before making your way to the kitchen door, the steps to the office around the corner.

“If you want a snack or a drink- there’s a coffee machine at the back, just make sure that you press the green button first.”

“I’ve got it.” Charles responds, his hands under the sink, currently being doused in warm water.

“Make sure that you’re using the right knife, hand away from the blade- “

“I guessed that much.”

“-And keep the-“

“Belle. Go and get ready.” The pet-name from so long ago escapes his lips without realising, but the faint tint on your cheeks means that you’ve noticed. Silently, you nod, leaving the kitchen with your bag and dress, your heart thundering like anything as the name rings in your ears.

It opens a metaphorical can of worms for yourself; did Charles still feel some way for him to call you that? It couldn’t have been, surely. It had been too long. You were aware of his string of lovers through the past months, twitter and gossip columns littered with photos of Charles in clubs, girls falling for him at each step he took in those stupidly expensive shoes.

And yet…you thought, brushing your hair into soft curls, opening your makeup compact to see how your appearance was fairing, he had come running the moment you had called. So many outcomes could have happened; ignoring your call, blocking you all together, answering the phone and telling you to delete his number. No. His voice had been soft, promising that he would be there to help you out.

Belle. It wasn’t just a simple nickname. It had come out of an evening of babysitting Penelope whilst Max and Kelly took an evening to themselves. You had sat in the comfort of Charles’ sofa, the child curled up on your lap, eyes transfixed on Beauty and the Beast, playing on the television whilst the driver had started making his favourite girls some dinner. It hadn’t taken long for Penelope to notice that the yellow sundress you had worn was identical to the princess on screen, or at least, in her eyes.

“Charlie!” She had pointed at the screen, before pointing back at you, grinning. “She’s just like Belle!”

“Hmm?” Charles looked up from the cutting board of vegetables, trying somehow to disguise the food from the child. He finally connects the dots, seeing the reference the girl had made. He can’t help the soft smile on his face, seeing his then-girlfriend smooth out the yellow dress. “She is, isn’t she?” He grinned, taking one of the flowers from the bouquet Max had bought for Kelly and then forgotten when dropping off Penelope. “She’s my Belle.”

The nickname had stuck ever since then. His beauty. Every time you wore that dress, he had gone out of his way to present you with roses, a clear reference to the rose from the movie. Even as you had left his apartment on that fateful day, he had murmured the name to you as you’d left, a silent promise to himself that you would always be his belle.

Even today, he had said it. You replayed the moment you’d left the kitchen in your mind, slipping into the dress that you had bought in. You huffed for a moment, trying to zip up the back of the dress, eventually finding an awkward angle, not even wanting to question how you’d get the garment off later.

With a final look in the mirror, you nodded to your reflection, coming out of the office, the sales system and network set up for the day. You’d taken a handful of breakfast menus with you too; two servers and a bartender would be in momentarily, you’d left a message on the group page to inform them you would be running the morning, with a promise of celebration drinks that evening if everything ran smoothly.

As you made your way down the stairs, heels clicking on the ornate flooring which connected each room, you could hear…music? Your questions were answered as you opened the door to the kitchen, eyes widening.

Fruit was cut up, cold cuts had been presented, bread samples ready for the customers, every single piece of preparation on that list you had created was complete. And in the centre of it all, Charles hummed along to the music playing from his phone, carefully slicing up some mixed berries for the smoothie packets. His eyes darted up when hearing the door open, lips parted slightly at seeing you look so…professional. You could leave anybody weak with that smile, the dress.

“Look at you!” He cheers, letting his eyes drink you in. He steps away from the fruit, wiping his hands onto his jogging bottoms, before taking your hand in his. “You’re going to knock them dead.” He presses, lifting your hand to his lips, kissing your knuckles before he can even realise. His eyes suddenly widen upon realisation, but when you don’t step away and instead just smile, he can’t help but calm a little. He never knows what would happen next, because the door to the reception area opens, the two servers and kitchen assistants filing into the restaurant, ready for their day.

Charles drives you home after the cooperate clients have finished, singing nothing but praise and their thanks for a delicious breakfast. The restaurant had closed in order to prepare for their dinner service. The first thing you had done was run into the kitchen, pulling the entire team, Charles included into the tightest hug, thanking them all for the support you had given one another. No bad words could ever be said about you, of course the team wanted to help. They were all adamant in that moment that you and Charles must have been back together, dubbing him the ‘boyfriend of the century.’

Neither of you said nothing, instead just exchanging glances.

The drive home was peaceful, sleep beginning to overtake your body. If it wasn’t for the dress, you would have fallen asleep there and then. Instead, Charles pulls up outside of your home, eyes staring over to you, a silent signal that you had arrived back.

“Would you-“ Your lips are forming the words before you can stop yourself. “Did you want to come up for a drink? As a thank you.” You press. In your heart-of-hearts, you’re not ready to say goodbye to Charles. Not again.

“Yes.” He responds almost too quickly, pulling his car into a parking space, engine shutting off and keys being removed from the vehicle. The driver follows you up the stairs to the comfort of your complex. He had never been to your new apartment. As the heavy door opens, he can feel his breath catch, a lump in his throat upon seeing all the belongings of yours, scattered around your new home.

“So, this is it.” You explain, slipping off the heels by the front door, making a mental note to put them away later. “What kind of drink would you like? Something strong? Warm?” You attempt to wiggle your arms in an unruly matter to remove the garment. Charles sees you struggling, wordlessly taking the zip in his delicate fingers, zipping down the dress as he had done on so many previous nights. Your nod towards him thanks him, stepping into your bedroom to retrieve some comfortable clothing.

“Do you still have that tea?” He asks. “The cinnamon one?” He’d never been able to find it once you had moved out, convinced that it only existed when you were about.

“Cupboard next to the sink!” You shout back, wiggling into some soft joggers, your body instantly relaxing around the cotton. When you step back into the living area, Charles is offering a mug of tea, a warm smile on his face. He’s found the proportion of milk and sugar that goes best for your taste; of course, he remembers that. The same way he remembers what end of the sofa you prefer to sit on, leaving space to nestle in beside one another.

Silent sips are taken, before the mugs are placed down on the coffee table. When Charles arm comes back from resting down the mug, it finds itself behind your body, pulling you ever so closer towards him. When you don’t hesitate, he can feel his hear race. He’s certain it’s exploding when you rest your head on his shoulder, almost as if the previous seven months never happened.

“Why did you come today?” You ask softly, not wanting to break the moment between the two of you. There’s no answer for a moment, Charles shifting slightly so he could catch your eyes in his own. He looks down to where your hands had become subconsciously entwined, seeing the way your fingers wrapped around his.

“Belle, do you really think I feel so little for you, I wouldn’t come to save you?” He murmurs, leaning close enough to rest your foreheads upon one another. Your eyelids feel heavy, closing them and revelling in the touch that you felt, one you’d been craving for so long. A hand runs over your cheek, tilting your head upwards, hot breath dancing across your cheeks.

“It was you. It was always you.” He murmurs, closing the gap between the two of you, his soft lips feeling at home for the first time in so, so long.

That night, you fall asleep in your bed properly for the first time in seven months. A warm body rests beside you, their face pressed into your neck in a silent comfort, hands entwined. Seven months was a long time, after all. There was a lot to make up for.

charles_leclerc:

Liked by carlossainz55, arthur_leclerc and 708,502 others

charles_leclerc: Celebration swim for the new manager of Monaco Marina. I could not be prouder of you, Belle. Here's to your next victory.

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arthur_leclerc: alright Ross and Rachel

f1paddockpercival: THEY'RE BACK OMG OMG OMG ITS HAPPENING

smoothchilisainz: children of divorce our day has ARRIVED

maxverstappen1: Did I miss a chapter mate? Congratulations!

schecoperez: Bringing the family in for lunch soon, we expect nothing but the best from our girl. Vamos!

Tag List: @ishwiya @stillbreathin @like-fire-love-blog @rafaaoli @deviltsunoda

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ciaomarie · 5 months

Text

Part 1: What then?

Some seemingly innocent, but truly mind-altering information is shared in a staff meeting.

Short fan fic. Low-key Sydcarmy/The Bear fluff. Post-season 2. Canon-compliant.

Location: The Bear

Time: 10:05 a.m.

The restaurant had closed lunch service on a Tuesday for a "Development Day". The Bear had been open for 5 months and had a 2 month wait list! After Family and Friends when they had all banded together the Bear crew had gotten tighter than ever. Carmen had been a outsider in his own restaurant for a couple weeks, but soon the dust settled. Even Sydney came around after 3 weeks of his patient groveling. The duo was good and soon The Bear had become one of Chicago Tribune's "Best New Restaurants." However, with success The Bear was changing fast. They had hired more full-time front and kitchen staff, which was great. The downside was that "respectful communication" and "customer complaint management" was waning a little. Things were not terrible, but Richie for whom Ever set the bar in hospitality, The Bear should always be improving, not sliding backwards. Natalie, Carmen and Sydney agreed. They also wanted to discuss new menu changes and a to-go system they would be testing soon.

"Okay, people! Let's get started" Natalie said beckoning everyone to take a seat at the front of house.

Richie stood next her "casually dressed" in a button down blue dress shirt and dark grey slacks.

He began, "As you know The Bear is on track to paying off the loan and we're the freakin' toast of the town right now, but this is not the time to take a nap. We gotta keep our eyes on the prize. So first, up facial regulation as known as RBF awareness."

Natalie tapped his shoulder and whispered, "Richie, I love your enthusiasm, but I thought we might start with an ice breaker?"

He shrugged and continued, "But Nat, has a ice breaker. Take it away".

Natalie resumed.

"So, first we want to thank each of you for being part of this dream and making it fun, rewarding, and successful. As you know The Bear is a family business and since there's new faces here we'd like to get to know you better and vice versa. We'll start with a quick round of "Best and Worst". Just pick a question out of the cup and answer it. Please keep your answers to 2 minutes."

The first question went to Randall, a young man in his early 20's with dark curly hair and thick glasses that frequently fogged in the humid kitchen. He was the new assistant pastry chef.

"What was the best place I ever lived? Hm…Guam. My dad, Army, was stationed on the base and I lived there from age 9-11. I had like 12 friends just on my block and we were always playing soccer, swimming, or riding our bikes. It was awesome."

"Thanks Randall!" Natalie chirped.

The next went to Tina.

"Ok…what is worst advice I've ever been given? Keep your head down and do what you know. That's the advice I used to give myself. Thankfully I didn't listen because now I'm a sous chef!"

Sydney who was sitting near the front between Gary and Carmy, beamed at Tina who returned the smile with a little moisture in her eyes.

The next question went to Marcus.

"Best moment in the last year? It was training at Noma, in Copenhagen. It was my first international trip. I got to stay in a houseboat, explore the city, meet cool people, and figure out that I wanted to do this maybe forever."

The last several months had been really hard due to Marcus's mom's passing. He had returned to work after a week of mourning citing that he knew she wouldn't want him to sit at home now that she was no longer sick. Despite that he was getting better every day and had come up with several new popular dessert specials. Tina was seated next to him and patted his arm.

The next few questions went to new dishwasher, Chris, Fak, and then Gary.

Sydney drew the next question and winced upon reading it. It wouldn't be possible to lie because Marcus already knew the truth.

"What was my best meal ever? Well…it was this pork confit with onions and rhubarb. Then after I had this dish called Milk and Honey."

She kept her eyes plastered on the tiny strip of paper while she spoke. In her peripheral field she could see Carm turning slightly towards her, his cornflower blue eyes boring two holes into the side of her head.

"Sounds grand. Ok, Carmy pick a question" Richie ordered wanting to get down to business by 10:30am.

Carmy didn't seem to hear him. He was on another planet.

"Yo cuz, pick a question!"

He startled and drew a question.

"Uh ok. Best part of my day? Hmmm. Closing up."

It was now Sydney's soul's turn to exit her body. Every night, with few exceptions, she and Carmy ended the night in his office to debrief on the day, perform last checks, and close together.

After a moment she felt his eyes still glancing at her. Without turning she whispered, "Later." The last thing she needed was to look at him, and forget how much time was passing, giving Richie yet another reason to tease them. Not long ago he gave them matching copies of a workplace relationship etiquette tip sheet stapled to an OSHA industrial hygiene handout before leaving them to close.

She sighed, trying to compose herself. It was no big deal. So what that Carm knew he was responsible for the best thing she ever ate? Also, they're partner-friends so it's totally normal that his favorite time of day when is they are together…alone. Right?

UH OH.

#the bear #sydcarmy #sydney x carmy #carmy the bear #sydney adamu #carmen berzatto #carmy x sydney #carmy berzatto #syd adamu #fan fiction #it's a love story #brain rot #they are so cute #if they can just stare some more in season 3

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fanaticsnail · 1 year

Text

Bar Shift: Part 4 (Finale)

And just like that, this little collection is complete! I hope you enjoyed reading my writing as I develop my style.

Word Count: 3,407

Part 3 here.

You immediately found Tori and gave her a warm hug and dismissing her from her duties before seeking out Jacob.

“What’s on the agenda?” you asked him while picking up a rag and beginning to wipe down the bar.

“I’ll do the till and start getting knock-offs ready for the chefs, if you start shutting down the unoccupied areas and chuck on the closing setlist,” he nodded at you with a warm smile, “don’t worry, I’ll leave Sanji’s for you.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” you smiled at Jacob and continuing to wipe down the bar and collect empty drinking vessels, “anything interesting happen while I was on my fifteen?”

“Oh, the usual,” he shrugged, “some green-haired swordsman challenged the broody swashbuckler to a duel. I’m placing my bets on the wine-drinker, to be honest with you.”

You hummed in response before making your way over to start cooling down the room with a slow set-list. You shuffled the bar regulars into the broader communal space and bid farewell to the ones done with their dining experience at Baratie.

“Hello pumpkin,” you heard Patty call from behind you. You groaned in response, knowing he was going to playfully jab at you regarding your encounter with Zeff earlier in the morning.

“Hello, you crusty old peppercorn,” you jabbed back at him, causing him to laugh in response. A swarm of chefs entered the bar area, their white chef’s jackets, blue cravats and tall hats removed from their bodies to reveal their casual underclothes.

“Got anything special for knock offs?” he asked you with a warm smile. You collected an empty pitcher formerly containing an amber ale and held it in your arms as you wiped down the surface.

“Jacob’s getting some beer ready for you, if you’re keen,” you responded offhandedly.

“I am absolutely keen, sweetheart,” he responded, clapping a firm hand on your shoulder affectionately. You scrunched your nose at him before ushering him out of your way so you could continue packing down the bar.

After you collected the final miscellaneous pieces of glassware in your arms and placing them in the sink behind the bar, you decided to commence the task of creating something special for Sanji to enjoy. Sure, you’ve shared a bottle of wine or two between you, but after the meal he prepared for you earlier this morning; you couldn’t just bring out any old thing.

You pursed your lips and looked to the vast amount of ingredients laying before you. Several different whiskey varieties, vermouth, wood chips, citrus and rum were calling to you specifically. You then allowed a broad smile to fall over your face.

“What’s got you smiling like that?” you heard Jacob call over your shoulder. You turned to him with a determined look on your face.

“Oh no,” he said with a mock surprise, “you’re going to bring out the big cannons, aren’t you?”

“Oh yes I am,” you responded cracking your neck slightly at the challenge.

“You’re gonna do the Rum Martinez?” he asked you with a quirked brow.

“I’m gonna do the Rum Martinez,” you confirmed with a nod of your head, a smirk pulling at the corner of your mouth.

“Good luck,” he said, patting your back before returning to line up several tankards of amber ale for the chefs as they arrived at the bar.

You collected apple tree wood chips, a blow torch, semi-sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, rum bitters and a bottle of one of the finest rums you had on the menu. You placed a tea strainer next to the bar, an empty corked decanter, a cocktail mixer and three glasses on the counter as you began your assembly. You also began rolling three cigarettes and placing them on the counter for later assembly.

As you began assembling this overly complex cocktail, you paid no mind to the amount of your coworkers watching your movements. One set of eyes you were particularly unaware of belonged to your boss, who decided to join his staff for a drink after retiring for the night. He quirked his brow as he saw you reach for the special reserve rum, but chose to remain quiet and not protest at the use.

You used the blowtorch to ignite the woodchips, setting the semi flame-thrower down and immediately dampening the chips with a maraschino cherry reduction. You placed the uncorked decanter over the smoke and successfully syphoned the fumes into the glass container, corking the bottle one completed. You set aside the now cloudy decanter and discarded the woodchips in the compost bin beneath the bar.

You moved on to preparing the liquids for this complex cocktail, pouring equal parts special reserve rum and the semi-sweet vermouth into the cocktail shaker. You brought a small, long armed teaspoon and placed a small portion of the maraschino liquor onto it before moving to place the spoon within the liquid. You scooped some ice into the metal shovel and placed several pieces into the liquid, twirling it to cool it down to a lower temperature for a solid minute.

“What are you making there, sweetheart? Looks overly complicated for a simple knock-off,” you heard Carne call over to you, prompting you to smirk in response.

“Leave her alone, Carne,” you heard your boss order the line cook, prompting your eyebrows to slightly raise, “I’m allowing it, just this once.”

You smiled to yourself, making a mental note to ask for permission, forgiveness and gratitude at him in future.

You brought the tea strainer to the liquid and moved it to the cloudy decanter, timing it in your mind.

“Uncork, strain, recork, swirl, uncork, sift” you repeated three times in your mind before you hyped yourself up enough to undertake the task.

You timed it perfectly: uncorking the smoke-riddled decanter, sifting the rum mixture into the jug without missing a drop, recorking the neck and you began to swirl the mixture within the walls of the glass container.

Sanji walked up from below deck, smiling at Patty and unbuttoning his wrists from his floor uniform and rolling them up. He walked over to the seat Zeff was atop, noticing the intensity of Zeff’s gaze at something behind the bar. He followed his gaze to fall directly on you, rotating a darkened liquid within a cloudy decanter. He smiled as he watched your concentration while you rotated the decanter for the final time, successfully imbuing the apple tree wood-chips into the liquid within.

He took a seat on the bar stool directly beside Zeff, which drew your attention immediately to the two kitchen superiors in front of you.

“Evening Chef,” you acknowledged Zeff first with a nod, “sous-chef,” you nodded at Sanji.

“Evening, Pumpkin,” Zeff responded with a small chuckle, “what are we having?”

You laughed at his question, knowing he would absolutely want a sample of this overly complicated concoction you had assembled: which was why you brought out three glasses instead on just two.

Although he had a complex relationship with the blonde sous-chef when it came to sampling new dishes; when alcohol was involved, his tastebuds were prepped and ready to participate.

“It’s called a Rum Martinez,” you said with a broad smile, placing two crystal short glasses in front of the two leaders of the kitchen. You uncorked the crystal decanter and began pouring 90mls of liquid into the three glasses in front of you. You smiled as you felt the gaze of both Sanji and Zeff completely fixate on the dark liquid as you poured it.

Zeff reached for the glass, prompting you to reprimand the chef.

“Tsk, tsk, impatient as always, Chef,” you scolded him, prompting him to release a low growl. You laughed at his reaction, reaching for the three cigarettes and bringing the filter end to your lips before reaching for the lighter in your lefthand pant pocket. You flicked the flint and ignited the ends of the three cylindrical objects before collecting them from your lips while exhaling away from your guests. You placed the cigarettes with the filters facing your head chef and sous chef with a smile, before doing the same with your own.

“This seems like an overly complex way to propose, but I accept,” Zeff laughed, reaching again for the glass which you finally allowed him to collect. You scrunched up your nose and felt again a blush rise to your cheeks in semi-embarrassment. Sanji laughed at your reaction and leaned in to collect his own glass, placing the cigarette between his lips and inhaling the nicotine ridden object while closing his eyes. As he held the smoke in his chest, he took a small sip of the rum cocktail and held it on his tongue. He released a long breath as he focussed on the burn your cocktail left on his tongue as his senses became engulfed by the flavours you presented before him.

“You’re a bit late, Chef,” Sanji exclaimed with a small smirk, “apparently we’re already married.”

You laughed at his comment, picking up the cigarette and drawing in a long breath while bringing the liquid to your lips and taking a sip. You exhaled the smoke through your nose while you gulped back the dark contents and savoured the burn it left behind.

You and Sanji exchanged glances now and again while you continued to aid Jacob in packing down the bar while refilling the tankards belonging to the chefs before you. You placed your glass down behind the bar while you wiped own the bar for the hundredth time this particular shift before removing the till and locking it, placing it in the safe below the bar.

“And I’m done,” you heard Jacob say next to you, “I’m cutting Carne off, by the way. No more for him.”

You laughed at his comment while welcoming him into an embrace as you felt the relief of completing a successful shift with your coworker.

“Well done, Jacob,” you laughed with him, finally feeling a tiredness overcome your body. Jacob held you there slightly before bringing you in to murmur quietly to you.

“I’ve decided I’m covering your split-shift tomorrow,” he smiled at you. You widened your eyes in shock, a large smile widening over your cheeks.

“You’re joking,” you exclaimed in delight.

“I am absolutely not,” he again murmured to you, “now go get your man.”

You laughed at him before playfully hitting his arm in response to his comment. You then looked over his shoulder to see Sanji looking at you with a vacant expression while engaging with Zeff.

“I’ve already marked it on the roster and signed you out,” he further clarified while exiting the bar to join the chefs for his knock off.

“You’re amazing, Jacob,” you called after him before turning to walk back over to Zeff and Sanji.

Zeff began rising from his place on the stool, and turned to exit the bar.

“Heading in, Chef?” you asked him with a smile on your face.

“Yes, love,” he responded with an exhausted expression on his face. You reached forward and patted his arm gently.

“I’ll see you tomorrow for inventory,” you chirped lightly at him, extending familial warmth to him.

“You absolutely will not,” he growled, “Jacob is covering for you. I’m going to teach him inventory. Enjoy your day off.”

You laughed at him before he dismissed you to make your way over to Sanji who was resting his elbows against the bar while waiting for you.

“Finally,” he exclaimed when you joined his field of vision, prompting you to tilt your head to the side coyly.

You retrieved your glass containing the complex drink you made earlier and brought it to your lips, knocking back the remainder of the liquid.

“Finally,” you confirmed with him after swallowing the flame-like, smoky liquid. He looked down at the bar bashfully before returning his gaze to you.

“When do you start tomorrow? I should let you turn in,” he said, a small amount of sorrow expressed in his tone.

“As it so happens,” you began while reaching for a bottle of sangiovese and collecting two wine glasses, “I’m off tomorrow.”

Immediately Sanji widened his eyes and extended a solid grin your way.

“So, I can keep you up past your bed time, then?” he asked you playfully, his grin turning into a small smirk at the corner of his lips.

“Honey,” you taunted him with a mischievous smirk, leaning your body over the bar to bring your face closer to his, “you can keep me up all night long.”

His playful glint fled from his face as he shifted his gaze between your eyes, flittering to your partially parted lips in complete silence at your comment. All playfulness seemingly fell from your face in turn, unsure as to if your comment was crossing some unwritten line between you and your coworker. The words truthfully fell from your lips faster than your brain could keep up with them, allowing your little proximity crush to possess your lips as they spurted those flirtatious words.

He suddenly removed his elbows from the bar and brought his hands to cradle your face between them and hungrily placed his lips against yours. You heard him sharply inhale through his nose as he opened his mouth to deepen the connection shared between you. You let out a small squeal at the passion of his actions and widened your eyes in shock at the haste of his sudden expression of desire. He held your face in the palms of his hands before snaking them to the back of your neck with a light moan as he gently massaged his fingers into the hairline at the nape of your neck. And as soon as the connection was brought between you, he pushed himself away from you and released his hands from behind your neck. His newly reddened lips were parted and his eyes were wide seemingly as in shock as you were at the wild intensity that his body voiced to you.

“I am so sorry,” he spluttered apologetically at you, refusing to bring his off-guard gaze to meet yours. You bit your lip and looked at the bar, still in shock from the kiss you shared with him.

It felt like a full century had passed between you, although in reality it had only been a few seconds of uninterrupted, awkward silence. You turned your head and softened your gaze to look at the young sous-chef in front of you, as he continued to fixate his sights on the polished wooden bar in front of you both. Partially fuelled by the flaming liquid you consumed earlier and the knowledge that Sanji potentially returned your formerly unrequited infatuation with him, you mustered up some courage to perform something you never thought you would.

You hoisted yourself on top of the empty bar in front of him, tucking your knees beneath you to sit on top of your calves. He snapped out of his trance and brought all of his attention to your actions. You reached down and grasped his jaw between your hands, lifting him to plant his feet on the ground rather than remaining sitting atop the wooden stool. You allowed your hair to cascade over your shoulder as you leant down and brought your lips against his own for the second time tonight.

It was Sanji’s turn to be in complete shock as you began to physically return the kiss he planted against your lips moments prior. You laced your fingers in his hair and raked it away from his face while tilting his jaw up for you to deepen the kiss. You rolled your head slightly while teasing the entrance of his mouth by flickering his bottom lip with your tongue.

The small flick of your tongue seemed to break his trance as he reached up and wrapped his bare arms around your thighs and hoisted you off the top of the bar; prompting a delighted gasp to escape from between your lips. In one swell movement, he sat your body on his lap as he took a seat once more atop the bar stool. He moved his arms from beneath your legs to allow you to relax now, fully sat on his lap, choosing to embrace your lower back with his right hand to secure your body against his own. His left hand moved to the space between your shoulder blades and pulled you flush against his torso as he moaned into the kiss.

You felt him smile against your lips as he moved his own tongue out to flick playfully at your own. You gasped at that small flicker, using your tongue to move beneath his and caress the small piercing located beneath his tongue you saw earlier this morning. He moaned in response to you finding the small piercing, which prompted you to laugh slightly into the kiss.

He stood once more, gently lowering your body to your feet without breaking the kiss. You moved your hands down to his neck, successfully locating his navy tie hanging loosely from his neck. You successfully laced your hand around it and used it to lever him closer against you to maintain some semblance of control in this completely unforeseen turn of events.

Sanji grinned into the kiss before being the first to pull away from your grip. He looked at you through half-lidded eyelashes with a look of pure adoration overcoming his features. You attempted to bring his lips against yours for a third time, but he stopped you from continuing your assaulting flurry of passionate kisses. You widened your eyes at his actions, again assuming you somehow misread the situation unfolding between you.

“I’m sorry, Sanji,” you gasped out in shock, apologising for your sudden intimate outburst.

“No apologies necessary, princess,” he replied with a bashful smile, “I was very much enjoying our little kiss and I want nothing more than to kiss you again.”

You quirked your head to the side and released his tie from your restraining grasp, opting to lace them behind his neck instead. He continued to hold your lower back in an embrace, tracing small circles into your skin.

“What’s stopping you from kissing me again now?” you asked him, creasing your brows in confusion but continuing to smile at the blonde chef. He exhaled a light laugh before nodding his chin to the corner of the bar.

You shook your head before following his gaze to meet with the beady and ever watchful eyes of the Den-Den Mushi Snail Zeff had placed in the corner of the bar earlier in the year to catch potential thieves from stealing liquor and berry from the till. You froze against him, prompting him to laugh again at you before caressing your cheek to return your gaze to seek out his own.

“That was watching the whole time?” you hissed through gritted teeth at him.

“I only just noticed it myself,” he took a deep breath through his nose and held it slightly, “just before you decided to crawl over the bar, to be completely honest.”

You groaned and pressed your forehead against Sanji’s chest in an attempt to shield you from further embarrassment. You felt him smile as he pressed his lips to the side of your head and held you in an embrace.

“C’mon,” he said, capturing your chin with his thumb and index finger and bringing your eyes to meet his, “let’s go to the kitchen. We’ll break in to the old man’s office, take back any pictures the bloody thing took and I’ll cook you anything you want.”

You smiled warmly at him and pressed your lips against his in what was intended to be a partially chaste kiss. Instead; he held your chin firmly and continued the kiss, chasing your lips as you intended to pull away from him with his own. You smiled against his lips before patting his chest to signal for him to break from your lips.

“Enough,” you emphatically scolded him in a playful whisper before pulling away from his embrace and briskly making your way towards your boss’s office.

“You’ve been teasing me over these past few years, what do you expect?” he called after you with a teasing tone. You chose not to acknowledge his taunt, which caused him to bite his lip before twirling his piercing between his teeth and follow closely behind you.

#one piece #sanji #sanji opla #sanji x reader #x reader #opla

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