#art Donaldson reader insert

[pugh-bug]

Tease

Art Donaldson x reader

Part 1 of possibly 3

You’re Patrick’s unofficial girlfriend but Art Donaldson can only find it in him to care so much. You’re everything to him.

Warnings for this chapter: none

First fic of 2025, hope everyone’s January is going good. Let me know if you wanna be added to my Art tag list 🫶🏻

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Art’s life mission was to please you, it had been since you’d first met. It didn’t matter that you were Patrick’s on again off again ‘not really serious’ girlfriend and not his. It didn’t matter that you had plans to move away after graduation and would likely never return and it didn’t matter that he was supposed to be practising. With you near nothing else mattered.

“Why’d you stop?”

You cocked your head at your friend who didn’t look tired - in fact he’d barely broken a sweat - but wasn’t moving. Pat served again with a fresh ball, flashing you a ‘what’s with him?’ look which you shrugged at. Art caught the ball in his hand. “Just don’t feel like playing anymore.”

“Because I’m winning?” Pat grinned.

More than you know, Art thought in dismay. His best friend, his only true friend and yet he was harbouring feelings for you. Naively he’d assumed they’d disappear after a few dates with the many nice girls who asked him out between matches but nothing had worked. Not avoiding you entirely, not trying to see you in a bad light and certainly not sex. All he thought of when he made some girl cum was you: what you’d look like, how you’d taste and what your moans would sound like.

“Art? Help me carry this would you?”

He was tortured.

That Spring he trained almost daily with Patrick and a few other tennis friends winning half of his matches, always losing with you present. Once Spring turned to Summer the three of you were together everyday, you being in your gap year had free time, and everyone knew something was off. Even you knew after one particular game.

The sun was cooking the court and you found yourself surprised you could stand at all, let alone speak. It was Patrick’s turn to serve, he locked eyes with Art whose attention was on you and your unsteadiness.

Thwack

You watched with half lidded eyes as the pair battled it out for three sets. Your skin felt on fire, melting under the oppressive rays you couldn’t evade. Shade was out of reach. The water bottle in your hand felt cold for only moments before it heated in your sweaty palms. Patrick and Art were still playing but you only knew from the sounds. Your vision was blurring. Everything turned to static and the bench you were perching on no longer supported your body as it sank and sank and sank…

“Y/N!”

Were you underwater?

Who was speaking?

“Y/N wake up, it’s ArTh! Please wake up, can you stand - can you stand Y/N? Open your eyes. Please…”

Someone placed a bottle of ice water in your hand and something squishy, rounded off at the edges. You opened your eyes to see Patrick passing you fruit pastels whilst Art’s eyes checked you over for signs of life. The boy looked distraught, as if you hadn’t just fainted but instead had been hit by a truck or something more traumatic he didn’t want to imagine. Patrick frowned at his doubles partner, narrowing his eyes before rubbing your back and asking if you could stand. His voice was steady, he’d seen you faint before.

Once you’d downed some sprite and more sweets, you focused your eyes to see if they’d recovered. The buzzing, muffled sounds had ceased and Patrick and Art no longer looked miles away. You were okay. “Right,” Patrick exclaimed rather suddenly. “She’s fine, let’s just call that a draw.” Before you could interject Patrick pulled his friend to one side. What you then heard was whispered.

“Are you okay?”

They both shot you frantic glances you caught but pretended not to in the corner of your eye. Art looked at Patrick with glassy eyes, fearing the worst.

“Patrick I-“

“Can you control yourself?”

Art didn’t respond.

“Don’t get me wrong it’s entertaining and look…I get it but just chill out a bit.”

He flashed Art a charming smile and patted his shoulder. You didn’t have time to mull anything over much before the three of you were on your way out but one thing was clear: Art Donaldson was no friend.

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The following day you ran into Art whilst shopping, staring at the cheese aisle to calculate the best offer holding a lot of items. Too many. Your bare arms were coated in goosebumps from the intensity of the fridges’ air. He watched you and glanced round for a moment but saw no sign of Patrick.

“Y/N?”

You almost dropped the cheddar you were holding.

“Jesus Christ!”

Art had feather light footsteps, it was a gift for tennis and apparently also sneaking around. His eyes were wide at your reaction but he quickly adapted a facial expression that better suited talking to someone he adored. “Sorry.”

You exhaled deeply, returning your attention to the aisle of cheese. “We should get you a bell.” Art blushed at the immediate image of you adorning him with a collar and using it to pull his face towards yours.

“Art?”

He looked out of it - he was out of it.

“Should have gotten a trolley…” You mumbled, struggling to hold everything. At your words Art snapped into action, marching all the way to the entrance to fetch you the cleanest trolley available. He came back with an eager look on his face which you were growing fonder of every-time you saw it. “Thanks,” you smiled, a laugh playing on your lips.

Art stayed by your side, despite having only wanted a cereal bar, for your entire shop. He placed any item you looked at in the trolley for you and he pushed it tirelessly when it got heavy. Never patronising but always helpful. You tried your hardest not to take pleasure in his incessant helpfulness but failed. Especially when he paid.

“Art no, it’s my food I’m paying.”

Unconvinced, Art swiped his own card and bagged your groceries for you with the intensity of someone late for a wedding. Your lips parted at the sight, you were no longer breathing through your nose.

“Where are you parked?”

He followed you, bags in hand, to your humble Fiesta at the end of the lot. It wasn’t until he’d finished placing each one into your trunk that you offered him a lift home. “Or wherever you’re going.” Art was supposed to be going to a house warming party but he was already late.

“Yeah just going home, no plans today.”

His phone vibrated, flashing with messages of ‘where are you’s and question marks but he ignored each one to ask what your plans were. “Movie night. Patrick said maybe a Scream marathon.” Your eyes were fixated on the silent road in front of you whilst Art found himself wishing there’d be traffic. His mind played images of Pat sitting beside you, arm snaked around your waist and a sultry look in his eye. He tried not to picture the two of you clinging to each other, sharing popcorn and the occasional kiss that might turn into more. He tried and tried and tried.

Truthfully the three of you only ever spent time apart when Patrick was missing…certain aspects of his relationship with you. Everything else you did together, including movie marathons. Art spent the entire red light wondering if he was allowed to come now he’d ruthlessly cancelled his own plans.

“You into scary movies?” You asked, eyes shifting from the old lady at the crossing to the cyclist hurtling past. Every movie marathon the three of you had had covered every genre but horror, even on Halloween when Pat insisted you watch ‘The Meg’. It had ‘big shark’ as he had so eloquently put it.

“Not massively.”

Art didn’t want to tell you how easily scared he was, especially by the supernatural. It wasn’t that he believed in ghosts and demons as such but the idea of an otherworldly being that wouldn’t conform to physics terrified him. How could you defeat something not bound to logic? When his friends had made him watch ‘It’ he’d had to leave the theatre early. Clowns on top of his psychological fears had been too much to sit through.

“We weren’t gonna watch anything disturbing.”

Art watched you watching the road and smiled, suddenly feeling hopeful. “Like I said I have no plans.”

——————————————————————

1 hour into ‘It: Chapter 2’ you found yourself slumped against the cushions with Patrick’s shoulder digging into one arm and Art’s knee against yours. None of you had paying much attention, just talking and shovelling in popcorn at record speeds when Pat exclaimed “Fuck!”

He jumped off the sofa like a spooked cat and raced to his bedroom before returning with his keys. “I was supposed to cat sit for James I was meant to be there an hour ago. Shit!” Art raised an eyebrow, wondering when Patrick had last done anything for James that wasn’t beating him at tennis.

“Keys, wallet…”

As you watched your boyfriend grabbing tirelessly at every object in the room Art focused on how close the two of you now were without him.

“Bye!”

Door slam

“Jesus…” You breathed, trying to take in the chaos of what had just happened. “I hope they’re not too hungry when he gets there.” They Art thought, having no idea what animals James even owned. He chewed on the inside of his mouth as you took a swig of water. “I can’t imagine having cats at our age,” You played with a piece of hair that was hanging in the wrong place. “It’s like having an actual kid.”

“You don’t want kids?”

“Patrick doesn’t.”

Art took in your solemn expression for a moment, before leaning closer to you.

“And what do you want?”

Your throat felt blocked as you struggled to swallow a breath. How long had it been since you’d been asked that? Relationships were so difficult for you. Not only did you entangle yourself so disastrously with anyone who showed interest but you rarely separated your needs from theirs. You thought back to your parents questioning why on earth you were taking a gap year after always saying you knew exactly what career and degree you wanted. Patrick, it was always Patrick. His apartment, his University, his interests and his tennis dreams.

“I know it’s not really my place-“

“It isn’t.”

You’d said it without thinking and your voice, in an attempt to conceal the emotion, had sounded harsh. Cold. Art retreated into himself, turning the movie volume up to fill the room with something other than his regret.

He left as soon as it finished.

Patrick ended up cat sitting for three consecutive days that month, leaving you lost. It wasn’t that you missed his jokes, his kisses or even his company as much as you missed someone filling the silence. You hadn’t heard from Art since he’d left post credits. No texts or missed calls.

Like an unplugged appliance you dragged yourself uselessly from one shop to the other not buying anything. Aimless, directionless like you so often were. You cursed yourself for not having made more of your own friends, instead of absorbing Patrick’s to keep him happy. When it grew dark you swallowed your pride.

Hey are you busy?

Delivered 9:48pm

What’s wrong?

Delivered 9:52pm

You stared at Pat’s empty apartment, the unwashed dishes, the pile of recycling and the black screens playing nothing.

Bored

Delivered 9:53pm

The fridge groaned in tune with your stomach. There was nothing good in either.

Wanna come over?

Pizza?

Delivered 9:54pm

I’ll be there

Delivered 9:55pm

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Part 2

Masterlist

Permanent Art taglist: @theynothem @amorisxx

[sunsburns]

clark kent, who just loves to stare at you (18+)

he just thinks you’re so pretty. a view worth risking everything for.

and you think he’s pretty too—especially like this. his lashes flutter, eyes lidded but never closing, even as they well up, clouded with heat and desperation. his brows knit together, a deep crease forming between them, like he’s struggling to make sense of the pleasure, to keep himself tethered when all he really wants is to fall apart for you. his lips part on soft, shuddering moans, the kind he doesn’t bother holding back, doesn’t want to—he wants you to hear him, to know exactly what you’re doing to him.

his fingers thread into your hair, holding you there, tugging just a little whenever you take him deeper. you can feel the tension in his grip, the barely-there restraint as he fights the urge to pull you down, to chase the wet heat of your mouth. and then—

he whimpers.

a grown man, six-foot-whatever, broad and powerful in every sense of the word, whimpers at the sight of you gagging around his cock. and fuck, it makes something in you tighten, makes heat pool low in your stomach. you let him slip from your mouth, just enough to catch your breath, and watch how his eyes go wide, unfocused, his chest rising and falling like he’s forgetting how to breathe. you press a kiss to the flushed, sensitive tip, slow and deliberate, and he shudders—actually shudders—his grip tightening in your hair.

your lips trail down, tracing every thick vein along his length, your tongue flicking out to taste him before you work your way back up. never breaking eye contact. never letting him look away.

shit, you’re so pretty like this. he doesn’t want to look away.

and you don’t want him to, either. but you do love those fleeting moments when the pleasure overtakes him—when his head tips back suddenly, baring the length of his neck and throat, every muscle tensing under his flushed skin. you see the mess of bruises you’d left there, dark and blooming against his fair complexion. his jaw clenches, stomach going tight as his hips jerk forward, uncontrolled, needy.

yeah, you love to see him like that. that split-second loss of control before he drags his head back down again, like he physically can’t stand not looking at you.

there’s a tear slipping down his cheek now, his glasses fogged and slipping down his nose. his bottom lip trembles, wet and kiss-swollen, and then he’s muttering your name, voice thick with devotion and wrecked with pleasure. soft, sweet nothings spill from his mouth, each one punctuated by a moan, a whimper, a stuttered plea—

and then, breathless, ruined, he warns you he’s close.

[iz-belljolie]

literally cannot stop thinking about pressing lazy kisses all over dilf!art (especially his stomach ommmggggg) and chewing on his biceps and he's just slightly confused but lets it happen because he'd be a hypocrite to tell you to stop, knowing damn well he loves biting your hand and shoulder, peppering sweet kisses over them up your arm and neck

YES GOD literally I can’t I NEED to kiss that yummy yummy dad belly like I can’t it just looks so delicious. Just imagining laying in bed, freshly showered, it’s a hot night so of course he’s going to bed with no shirt and just his briefs. He’s spread out on the bed, reading a book, while you’re laying beside him on your phone, but you get distracted so quickly because of how sexy his damn body is. Your eyes gaze over his pecs (and his pink pointy nipples) his plush belly, the outline of his cock…his thighs UGH he just looks so good you could eat him for lunch. You get onto your knees and lean down to press a fat wet kiss to his sternum, you feel his stomach flinch and a smile spreads over his face. “What’re you doing…?” He murmured under his breath. You moved your body so you were straddling his legs. “What’s it look like Art? I’m worshiping your hot body” you smiled softly before leaning back down and starting sucking the skin below his belly button. You could hear his breath picking up and the sound of his book hitting the bed, his hand moving to the back of your head.

Later than night you’ll be cuddling, on the brink of falling asleep in the darkness of your room. You nuzzle your face against his bicep, which is right next to your face, and you decide to take a chop like it’s an apple. He scoffs out a soft laugh. “stop..” he murmured. “I’m just having a midnight snack…” you smiled and kissed the spot you bit

[followmybadreligion]

Thinking about bf!art who’s so obsessed with you that it borders unhealthy…

You’re the first thing on his mind in the morning; what do you want for breakfast, is that position you’re sleeping in comfortable, are you going to kiss him good morning or just say the words— all questions he sifts through. He doesn’t even have time to wipe the sleep out of his eyes before you consume his thoughts.

Most of the time, he sits on his side of the bed and gazes at your serene figure glowing softly in the early morning light. He hates to disturb you, knowing how upset you usually are when he does, but seeing you like that never fails to awaken an almost desperate need for you within him. He’ll fight it off for as long as possible, but as you release a deep sigh and shift your head his way, showcasing that pretty fucking face, he just can’t help it. So, in the blink of an eye, he’s pressed his body against you, one arm underneath your torso and the other on top of it, caging you in his warmth. He’ll lay there like that with you, matching your rhymic breathing like it were the beat to his favorite song, until you wake for the day, ready and willing to give him all your love.

And boy is he demanding of your love.

Art's like a battery of sorts when it comes to affection. When you've given him enough, charged him with your kisses, affirmations, or whatever else you were willing to give, he's at his best and brightest, going through the world with a big, lopsided grin and tingles in his chest. This is where he likes to be--- full of your love. However, if he feels as if he hasn't gotten his fair share, and starts feeling a little neglected or ignored, be prepared for a completely different boyfriend.

He'll show his discontent in small ways at first-- way more touching, little whines and grumbles when you're focused on something else, pointless reminiscing just to get you to talk-- all ways of him trying to scratch his itch for your attention. But if all that fails, and you're still not giving him what he wants, he gets more and more demanding. You were working on an important work project? Guess who just shut your computer! You were in the middle of a phone call? Guess who has the overwhelming urge to kiss you now! You were on the way to meet up with a friend? Guess who's not letting you out of the house (at least without a fight)? He just can't help it. When it comes to you and your love, he needs all of it and then some.

But, he's also incredibly aware of how smothering he can be sometimes. It's one of the things he's most insecure about in your relationship, actually.

To him, his want for you never runs dry. He could sit in an empty room, with nothing but you to entertain him, and he'd feel as if he'd just sailed the seven seas. So why don't you feel the same? Why do you constantly seem to push for space? Why don't you want all the love he has for you?

He'll rarely ever bring that insecurity up, though. To him, it's pointless-- you can't make yourself want more of what you already have. Instead, he'll just try to find new ways to present it to you.

Naturally, he likes to show his love through his money and his time.

In the beginning, you had to get used to his on-a-whim, thousand-dollar restaurant dates or his random weekend vacations for the two of you. You had to learn how to accept the designer clothes he bought you, or the big bouquets of roses he sent to your house and your job. You had to learn to lean into having a man who was willing to drop any plans he had the second you called him.

And it was a lot.

Sometimes too much, and Art started to pick up on that.

So he adjusted.

Instead of buying you lavish gifts and taking you fancy places all the time, he started to cut back to maybe once or twice a month (still insane but he's trying). He planned smaller, quieter dates for the two of you, like cooking dinner or baking together, or trying new desert shops around the city, and can you tell this boy really likes to feed you? He began to focus his efforts on being more helpful to you, as well. Need him to pick up some dry cleaning? Done. Sick of washing dishes? He's got it covered. Forgot to order groceries for the week? He's already made a list. Any and everything he could do to make life stress-free for you, he'd do.

And then don't even get me started on the sex.

Art is absolutely drunk on you. Your body, your scent, your voice-- all of it.

Before you two were together, Art was ashamed of the way he lusted after you. It made him feel perverted and dirty sometimes, the way he’d be practically drooling at the slightest glimpse of your shape. He was always the first to view your Instagram stories, (because he had your page notifications on) and at first he told himself that he was just eager to see your cute little selfies or your adorable little fit checks. The amount of cleavage you displayed was just a plus! But soon after, he found himself fiendish over the detail pictures you’d post, showcasing your tight-fitting shirts, or the necklaces that dangled just above your tits, or the low-waisted jeans that curved artfully around your ass. The way you presented yourself was just so enticing to him. A little at a time, just a glimpse per picture. Enough to let his imagination run wild, but not enough to fulfill his fantasies.

So you can imagine that from the time Art got his first fill of you and then on, he was in heaven. You were better than every fantasy, dream, thought- everything he’d ever dreamt up. The second you pulled off his shirt and told him to lay back, that you’d give him what he needed, he was a lovesick puppy under your care, and he loved that. He swore with every command you gave or moan you drew from him, he was falling deeper into you.

However, this also ignited a new passion in him. He had to be the best, just as he felt you were. Had to be good for you, or else what was his purpose?

So, he spent hours and hours studying the porn you watched, trying so desperately to mimic the strokes and moans of the men you got off to. He studied the positions you liked and even did a little research on his own to know which ones would feel the best for you. He wanted to make you throw your head back in bliss, moan uncontrollably, and glow from how good you felt, time and time again, and he was determined to do what it took to make that happen. He'd do it all and then some, and all he needed to hear was you saying his name.

Oh, and speaking of saying his name, that's one of his biggest turn-ons. He likes to say there's a certain tone you use, intentionally or not, that mimics the sultriness of a siren, and he can't stop himself from getting hard every time he hears it. Maybe it's the tone itself, or the fact that you're calling him in the first place, but he can't help the way his mind gets all fuzzy from it, only focusing on your voice and the way your lips move to say the syllable.

There’s nobody else on the planet that has ever, or will ever make Art feel the way you do. You make his body feel ways it never has, make his heart light up with feelings he didn’t know existed. In such a short span of time, you’ve become his everything, and that’s why he’s determined to keep you as his for as long as he can.

As long as he can. As long as you let him. Because he’ll be only yours for forever and ever.

Your sweet, lovesick bf!art.

part 2

A/N: this was just a massive brain dump for art since he’s been on my mind since i watched the movie LOL. want him SO BADDDDD

[artlovebot]

clingy! art blurb

nsfw!

Clingy Art who searches for you in the stands of every match he plays, and blows you kisses from the court. Who finds you directly after the match and gives you sweaty bear hugs. Sometimes letting a few tears fall into your shoulder if the match didn't turn out how he wanted. Clingy Art who lays on your chest as you do school work. He’ll come up behind you while you're cooking in the kitchen, resting his hands on your curves and his warm breath just feels so good down your neck… 

He loves to go places with you, in fact he will whine and pout if you go somewhere without him. Making it a habit to include him in your excursions. When you go shopping to treat yourself every once and a while he will insist on coming with you and practically ends up buying you half the store because how could he let his sweet girl spend her own money? You’ll take clothes to the fitting room and give him mini fashion shows as you try on the clothes.

He’ll take you to Victoria's Secret next, you insist on making him wait outside because you want to pick something special for him. After a bit of convincing he leaves you to roam free in the store with his card. You pick out a lacy pink set that perfectly matches you. 

Clingy Art, who cannot keep his hands off of you when he sees you in your new set. Palming your breasts and kissing your neck leaving marks for you to deal with later. He’ll lay you down and roam his hands over your whole body (as if he doesn't already know every inch of you) As he aligns himself with your slick folds he’ll take your hands in his and hold them above your head, letting him have full control over you.

When you both reach your peak he will run a warm bubble bath and lay you on his chest until you're fully clean and calmed down. Then you’ll put your matching pajamas on and cuddle into bed together, his hand slowly peeking up your shirt to rest on your upper back as you fall asleep in his arms. <3

a/n: first post feeling nervous!! feel free to give any writing requests in my ask box! also this was barely proof read so lmk if there are any mistakes!

[miley1442111]

(part 3) choices and meetings- a.donaldson

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a/n: i imagined a fem reader but as per usual, imagine what you like :)

i'll probably do a few more parts of this because it's just so cute and sad :(

summary: the first conversation you two have after the break-up.

pairing: art donaldson x reader

warnings: angst, feelings of disappointment, hurt, allusions to an eating disorder, depression, etc. +

PART 3 of 12

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It had been 4 weeks since the break up. Both of you were miserable but you wouldn’t tell the other. There was no ‘hot guy from your science class’ that you were fucking, you just wanted to make him jealous. 

It did make him jealous. Very jealous. Just the idea of you being with someone else made his skin crawl. He’d essentially gone to every guy in that class to threaten to kill them if they even looked at you, he didn’t care if you weren’t his girlfriend anymore, he just needed some more time. He just needed you.

The only time you two interacted was during tennis sessions. You were being coached by the same person, so he made you do matches against each other. The last 4 weeks had been full of electrifying matches, often ending in Art smashing a racket or you stalking off in anger. 

But you were both playing so well. So, so well.

The matches were difficult and finally challenging. Art had never played so well, he was almost at your level, and even beat you a few times. Though, you were usually better. 

Once the rackets were packed away and you both left the court, it was like a scene in a romcom. Both of you wishing for the other, crying alone over one another, and wanting everything to be different. You regretted breaking up with him, but you knew you couldn’t take it anymore. His forgetfulness, his carelessness, his choices. He regretted breaking your heart. He missed you, your smile, your jokes, your laughs, your pretty face, your cute habits, your hands on his skin, the way you loved him, how he felt loved and wanted. Some things he’d never felt before. You were his first serious relationship, his first love, his first everything.

It came to the day of your final match against Serena O’Brien, an English tennis player. You were ready, you felt good. 

Then you looked into the crowd and saw Art, and everything went to shit. Your mind was clouded, you felt sick, you felt betrayed. Seeing him at school was one thing, that was controlled, you knew you’d see him at school. Seeing him here? Uncontrolled, unknown, and unfair.

You set your sights on the ball. The match started. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “That was some real tennis!” Your coach shouted, ecstatic at your win. The match was hard fought but she didn’t exactly have a chance, not when you were imagining the ball as Art’s face. 

“Thanks,” you smiled, though there was no happiness behind it, no pride in your win. Art walked onto the court behind him, an apologetic smile on his face. Art had noticed your changing habits in recent weeks as he tried to win you back. You were more irritable, less ‘there’, you ate less, you trained more, you stopped doing some of the things you actually enjoyed, like the literature class you just sat in on every Tuesday afternoon, or the cat nursery you used to volunteer at. 

But today, today he had a plan. He would speak to you, tell you he loved you and that he was sorry, then let you go. It’s what you deserved. You deserved someone who didn’t pick anyone else over you. You deserved someone as smart as you. You deserved someone as beautiful as you. You deserved someone as kind as you. You deserved someone as caring as you. You deserved an equal. Art did not see himself as equal to you. 

“That was amazing,” he smiled at you, walking onto the court. “You’re incredible.”

Your face fell. You didn’t want him to think your tennis was ‘incredible’, you wanted him to think you were incredible. “Thank you.”

“Can we talk?” He asked, itching the back of his neck and looking down.

“Sure,” you shrugged. All your anger had left the second you shut the door in his face. It was replaced by hurt and sadness. Feeling like you’re not your boyfriend’s priority is awful. Knowing who his priority actually is was worse. 

Art took your hand tentatively, and led you to the room you’d sat in before the match. He sat on a stack of boxes as you leant against the door beside him. His hand in yours made both of you reminiscent, electrified, and sad, all at the same time. His soft hands felt comfortable, familiar, right. 

Your hand in his felt blasphemous. You were so… perfect, he didn’t deserve it. He didn’t deserve this conservation, he didn’t deserve a moment of your time, yet you gave him it. He didn’t want to ruin it, 

There was a long moment of silence. 

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered as he held your hand. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“It’s ok Art, people break up-”

“We don’t. We shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have let it happen, I love you too much for that,” he sniffled and your heart broke in two. Your boy, your sweet, kind Art was crying. 

“I’m such an idiot,” he whispered, looking down at the ground. He was trying to keep it together, but he’d never been good at hiding things when it came to you. Your thumb brushed back and forth on his skin, calming him. It made him cry all the harder, you were so caring, he’d hurt you so much, so deeply. And yet, you showed him a kindness he didn’t believe he deserved. “I’m such a fucking idiot.” 

“Art it just wasn’t working,” you sighed. “It’s alright. It’s no one’s fault.”

“It’s my fault,” He looked up at you with red-rimmed eyes, tears spilling from them. You took your hand and cupped his cheek, wiping them away. He leaned into your touch as if he'd missed it for an eternity. As if  he’d missed you for an eternity. Your hand on his cheek burned straight to his heart. Subconsciously he tried to commit the feeling to memory, in case this was the last time. “It’s all my fault.”

“You can’t beat yourself up about it. What we had was so good for so long. It just… there was too much going on, something had to give,” You bit your bottom lip to try and stop the tears falling from your eyes. The devastated expression on his face broke you. “I love you so much Art, but I’m hurt. So are you. You’ll be alright.” 

Art looked at you again and he started sobbing into your side, wrapping his arms around your waist. You looked up, attempting to preserve your composure. “I’m so sorry,” he cried into your side. “I love you so much. I love you so, so much.”

“I love you too much,” you croaked out. “You’re such a good person.”

That made Art cry harder. You still thought he was a good person after he hurt you. You still thought he deserved your love. You still loved him. You were comforting him, telling him it wasn’t his fault. It was all his fault. He was horrible to you, he was a bad boyfriend. 

“I miss you,” you whispered and his heart stopped. His plan was going awfully. You were too kind, too good for him. You should’ve hated him, yet you didn’t.

“I miss you too,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to your hip. 

“This sucks,” you sadly chuckled as you allowed the tears to roll down your face. 

“It does,” he whispered against you. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

“It’s alright Art. We’re still friends, we’ll take care of each other, yeah?” You looked down at him and made eye contact. 

“Promise?” He whispered, holding his pinky finger up.

“Promise,” You whispered, interlocking your fingers. “I’m always here for you.”

“I love you,” he stood up beside you, closer than he probably should’ve been. His hands wrapped around your waist and out of pure instinct, you pressed a kiss to his cheek. He tasted like salty tears. You wiped his face again, a sad smile on your face. 

“We’re here for each other,” you swore. 

“Always.”

You opened the door behind you and walked out, making it the second hardest thing you’d even done, right after breaking up with him. 

He fell back into his seat, crying silently into his hands, chest heaving, eyes spilling, throat drying. 

He just made it 1000 times worse for himself, and you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

art donaldson masterlist :)

navigation for my blog :) (criminal minds, obx, the bear, marvel, top gun, the hunger games, challengers :)

[g4yforethan]

urge!!!

pairing: art donaldson x male!reader

summary: after an intense workout, a trip in the sauna leaves reader and art alone and enchanted by each other

warnings: cursing, smut, top!art, bottom!reader

a/n: it's been sooo long since i've done this so my apologizes for any typos or shit like that lol

the sun was hitting your skin as sweat dripped down your face and neck. you had been training for hours with art who wouldn't stop until you had beat him in a round of tennis. "come on y/n! you can do it!" he said as he served the ball and hit it towards you. you tried and tried until you basically collapsed to the floor of fatigue and weakness. art came running over with a towel and water. "there there y/n. it's okay i'm here. sorry for overdoing you but i just feel like you have so much potential i gotta work it out of you." yeah or you could fuck it out of me. a thought that entered and quickly exited your head. you got up and sat down in the shade. "i know you mean well art but i just feel so tired and overwhelmed by today. i'm throwing in the fucking towel." art laughed and sat down next to you. "yeah that's fine y/n. we all need our rest every now and then. hey how about we head into the sauna to relax and just clear our heads huh? that'll make you feel better?" he said as he massaged your back.

you nodded your head as the two of you walked towards the sauna. you turned away to remove your clothes but turned the other way to look at art as he took off his clothes and reveal his long and thick cock and muscular ass. you turned back out of respect and guilt and took a towel and put it around your waist. you entered the sauna and sat next to art who laid his head back and had his eyes closed. "hey art are you asleep?" you put your hand on his shoulder. he put his hand on yours and opened his eyes locking his with yours. "no i'm just resting my eyes. why what's up?" he replied. "oh nothing i just. i just wanted to say thank you for everything and for sticking by me. i know i can be a handful." the two of you laughed as you got closer to each other. "yeah of course y/n. you're special. something in you. the drive, strength, the talent. you have it all. just stay with me and i can make you so much better." the tension was strong. the room thickened with steam as hot water dripped down your face. you looked at art with desire and so did he. you got closer and grabbed his face and locked lips with him.

you moaned as his tongue entered your mouth and the both of you struggled to catch a breath. you opened your eyes and felt embarrassed by your actions. "im sorry. i shouldn't have done that. it was- it was wrong i'll go-" you were interrupted by art as he grabbed your body and put you on his lap. "art what the fuck are you doing?" you were shocked by him. "y/n i've always wanted a moment like this. just us two. together. showing how much we want each other. that's all." he said as he reached his hands down and massaged your ass. you began kissing him again and removed your towel and started grinding on his crotch. he moaned and removed his towel as well. "fuck. can i put in?" he asked as you nodded your head. he slowly entered your hole as you softly began to ride him. his cock was thick and filled you perfectly. you placed your hands around his shoulders as he gripped your waist and ass bouncing you up and down.

"fuck yeah y/n. your hole feels so fucking good." art said as he rammed his dick inside you. "fuck. fuck me just like that art." he fucked you like he has been waiting to for years. you suggested a new position and art was eager for what you had in mind. you laid on your back and lifted your legs art quickly re-entered you. you felt his dick stimulate your g-spot as the sensation overfilled your body. your rolled your eyes back as art placed his hand on your neck. "fuck your face looks so hot while i fuck you." art said. as he fucked you, he sucked on your cock to pleasure you more. "ugh fuck fuck art im gonna cum." he smiled as he continued sucking your dick. you gripped his ass as he continued pounding your hole. you came in his mouth as he came in your hole. the session left the both of you out of breath as you both laid on the floor. "haha so did i teach you anything today?" art said as he smiled at you. "yeah you taught me how to give someone the best orgasm ever." you both laughed as you kissed his lips. "well then i'm proud you learned something at least."

[k-nayee]

Worship Challengers

wc: 3.9k a/n: just a sucker for men who stare at you like this😩

Traveler M.List

ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ

You never really cared for tennis.

It was just one of those sports that passed you by—background noise.

If your cousin hadn’t begged you to chaperone her at the Junior Opening, you wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

She had her heart set on going and your parents were quick to agree for you with a look that made it impossible to say no.

So there you were: at a game you barely understood.

It was loud. The crowd, the energy, people cheering for players you never heard of before.

Your cousin, of course, was already vibrating with excitement. She didn’t even bother hiding her obsession—flipping through photos of Patrick Zweig on her phone and going on about his so-called legendary backhand.

“Look at him!” she said, shoving her phone in your face.

“Mhm,” you replied flatly, leaning away. “That’s nice. Real nice.”

You only half-listened as you mentally prepared to dissociate for the next couple of hours.

This was just a favor—a way to kill time. Nothing more.

Or so you thought.

That all changed when he stepped onto the court.

Art Donaldson.

At first you didn't know his name. Your cousin hadn't mentioned him once in her nonstop chatter.

She was too busy fawning over the crowd’s golden boy to notice the other player warming up on the opposite side of the net.

You noticed him though.

There was a quiet focus about him, an intensity that made everything else around him blur into the background.

While Patrick was already basking in the crowd’s cheers, this guy—tall, lean, with sharp focus—didn’t even look at the stands.

His eyes stayed locked across the net like nothing else in the world mattered.

You told yourself it was just curiosity.

After all you were stuck here for the next couple of hours—you might as well watch the match.

It wasn't until the game commenced did you realize it was more than that.

He had this steely gaze locked on the other side of the net. Even when his opponent scored, Art didn't falter.

He gripped his racket tighter, lips pressed in a firm line as if nothing else mattered but the game.

You leaned forward in your seat.

For someone who wasn't supposed to care, you found yourself caring—a lot.

Patrick was clearly the favorite; he was loud and brimming with confidence, waving and grinning after every point with an almost infectious energy.

But it was Art who held your attention.

His movements were sharp and precise like every moment was planned.

He didn't need the crowd's approval. He wasn't there to entertain anyone. He was there to play.

At one point Patrick sent a blistering serve across the court, a shot that would've thrown most off their game.

Art moved like it was nothing.

He returned the shot with a perfect backhand, sending the ball whipping past Patrick before he could even attempt to reach it.

The crowd fell silent for a beat and then the cheers erupted. Art didn't celebrate.

He simply reset, ready for the next point as if winning meant nothing.

And for the first time that day you actually cared about tennis (well at least his tennis).

Patrick might've been the crowd's favorite, but in your eyes there was no competition.

Art Donaldson had completely captured your attention and you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were watching someone special.

The match went on point after point, but all you could think about was him.

As the final point approached you felt your heart racing. You knew how this would end—knew Patrick was going to win.

That didn’t stop you from silently rooting for Art, hoping against hope that he’d pull through.

When Patrick finally clinched the match cheers erupted with your cousin nearly jumping out of her seat in excitement.

All you could do was watch as Art stood there, breathing heavily, his racket still clenched in his hand.

He didn’t react—didn’t lash out in frustration or hang his head in defeat.

Instead he wiped the sweat from his brow with an unreadable expression and walked off the court with his head held high.

You felt your breath hitch, your chest tightening as you watch him disappear from the court.

And that’s when it hit you.

You had a crush.

A ridiculous, undeniable crush on Art Donaldson.

════════════════*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═════════════════

You hadn’t thought about Art Donaldson in a long time.

Well...not really. Not since high school when he first captured your attention at the Junior Opening.

It had been years since that day and your crush on him had dulled over time. But not completely.

Fast-forward to now: Stanford University. You’d gotten in on an full ride academic scholarship—Business major, a time consuming program till the point tennis felt like a world away.

You weren’t involved in that type of scene, hell the only reason you thought about the sport from time to time was because of him.

Art was still there lingering on the edge of your thoughts even when you try not to think about it too much.

Then again, how could you when you saw him every now and then on campus?

You’d spot him walking across the quad or passing by in the dining hall with a distant gaze, lost in his own world.

He was hard to miss—still just as intense and focused as before but quieter now.

You tried not to let it affect you. It was silly to still have feelings for someone you didn’t even know.

Besides, you’d overheard the gossip—everyone had.

The whole campus seemed to know about the love triangle between him, his best friend Patrick Zweig, and Tashi Duncan.

Some said they were fighting over her; that their friendship had started to crack under the weight of it.

Others said it was only a matter of time before Art finally won her over after being in love with her for years.

And each time you heard it, you felt that old familiar pang in your chest.

It was a sharp reminder that no matter how much your crush had dulled it wasn’t entirely gone.

Meanwhile Tashi was a rising tennis star herself. Beautiful and talented, she was the kind of girl people wrote stories about, who turned heads wherever she went.

You? You didn’t stand a chance. She was everything you weren’t.

How could you ever compete with her?

Hell you’d never spoken to Art—not in high school and not now.

To him you were just another face on campus, another student passing by.

Despite it all, you couldn’t stop the flustered flare-ups every time you saw him.

Especially when you found out he was in your Statistics class.

You remember the first day he walked in—your heart had skipped a beat just like it used to.

Art Donaldson—your Art Donaldson—was sitting just a few seats away. You hadn’t expected it.

Stanford was a big campus and you figured you’d only ever see him in passing.

But there he was, sitting two rows away in the lecture hall.

It was ridiculous really.

You were a grown woman at one of the best universities in the country, and yet here you were acting like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Of course you didn’t talk to him. You barely even managed to glance his way without feeling like a complete idiot.

Every now and then, though, you’d steal a quick peek in his direction.

You couldn’t help it though. There was something about him—something that had stuck with you ever since that first match.

Sometimes at night you'd lay there and wonder what it would have been like if things had been different.

If he’d noticed you instead of Tashi. If you had been the one to catch his eye, that maybe things would have turned out differently.

But that was just wishful thinking.

So you kept your distance; sneaking shy glances in class, trying not to get caught while doing your best to focus on your coursework.

After all, what were the chances that someone like Art would ever notice someone like you?

════════════════*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═════════════════

Art had always been good at keeping his emotions in check.

After losing to Patrick at the Junior Opening he’d done his best to shove his feelings for Tashi aside.

It wasn’t easy—she and Patrick were always around, the three of them inseparable.

Patrick had won her over after all. And Art? Well he knew better than to dwell on it.

It was better this way. It had to.

So Art threw himself into his tennis at Stanford. The one thing that had always grounded him.

There were days where it worked, where the rush of practice or the sound of the ball smacking against his racket was enough to quiet his mind.

But then there were days where it didn't.

It was during a practice break, he was standing on the sidelines with Tashi who was texting Patrick.

Art stared off at the court as his thoughts wandered. He’d been trying—really trying—to move on and keep his mind clear.

Tashi was still with Patrick. He had no claim over her.

There was no reason to feel the way he did. She was happy.

 ̶H̶̶e̶ ̶w̶̶a̶̶s̶ ̶t̶̶r̶̶y̶̶i̶̶n̶̶g̶ ̶t̶̶o̶ ̶b̶̶e̶

He sighed, taking a swig from his water bottle when he noticed something—or rather someone.

You were scampering across the far side of the courts to a couple of the other players, your yellow floral dress catching the light.

The way you moved, the way your dress flowed around you...it felt like everything around you blurred out.

He didn’t even register what you were holding—some kind of water bottles or equipment—too focused on the way you smile as you talked.

Art blinked. Hard.

He knew most of the regulars around the tennis practices (especially those involved with the team), but you didn’t fit into any of those familiar faces.

His gaze followed your every step, lingering on your retreating figure as his mind spined with questions.

Who were you?

“Art.”

He snapped back a little too quickly, blinking at Tashi as she looked at him with a raised brow, clearly unimpressed with his daydreaming. “Stop zoning out. We’ve got a lot to do before the next match.”

“Yeah sorry,” he muttered, forcing himself to focus as he jogged back onto the court.

But as they continued practice, Art found himself glancing back at the spot where you had been.

His mind drifted back to you. He found himself scanning the stands wondering where you’d gone. 

He didn’t even know your name and you already caused a shift inside him.

*.·:·.☽✧✧☾.·:·.*

It wasn’t long before he started noticing you everywhere.

At first it was just in passing—seeing you on campus, weaving through the bodies of students in the quad or grabbing a coffee at the campus café.

Then it became more than that.

You were always around the tennis courts dropping off water bottles or extra gear (as he later found out, you were doing it for your roommate who was on a tennis scholarship).

Every time he saw you his pulse quickened.

There was something about the way you carried yourself, the way you always seemed to be in your own world.

He’d find excuses to look for you, telling himself it was nothing.

After all what were the chances you even noticed him?

You didn’t attend the big matches or the main events—he’d never seen you in the stands.

Maybe you weren’t even interested in tennis. Plus, why would you be interested in him?

He was Art Donaldson: the guy who’d lost the Junior Opening and spent most of his time in the shadow of Patrick Zweig.

You were just a passing face, someone he’d never get to know. Right?

Wrong.

Overslept from another night of late practice, Art rushes into Statistics class late—and there you were.

The tennis player nearly tripped over his own feet when he spotted you.

You were in his class? How hadn’t he noticed you before?!

Brain scrambling the college athlete finds his seat, luckily it was a perfect distance away for him watch you without being obvious about it

Every time you did something small—lips pouting when you didn't understand a part of the lecture or tilting your head in concentration—he couldn’t help but notice.

His eyes kept wandering back to you, sitting so close just a few seats away.

Art knew it was a risk of getting caught staring. Especially when he noticed something else—you were looking at him too.

At first he thought it was his imagination.

It wasn't. Glancing up from his notes, he'd meet the sight of you quickly looking away.

Art felt like he couldn’t breathe. His heart stuttered in his chest and he quickly pretend to focus on his notes.

Heat creep up the back of his neck, his skin tingling with the realization that you’d seen him.

After that, each time you glanced his way, he'd felt a spark—something electric.

He’d try to play it cool, but inwardly he was thrilled.

This wasn’t someone rooting for him from the sidelines or asking for an autograph.

This was you.

The girl who had somehow slipped under his radar and then completely overtaken his thoughts.

You knew he existed. You saw him even if it was just for a second.

It wasn’t much, but for Art it was everything.

════════════════*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═════════════════

You weren’t much for parties. In fact you actively avoided them whenever you could.

So when your roommate begged you to come with her to some party—because she didn’t want to go alone—you found yourself reluctantly agreeing.

You figured you’d make a quick appearance and leave early without making a fuss.

The moment you stepped into the house you knew this wasn’t your vibe.

Nursing the same plastic cup of watered-down beer, you hung out by the edges of the room trying to stay as invisible as possible.

Time seemed to pass slowly. You check your phone; two hours passed.

You perk up at that revelation, finally deciding it's time to head back to your dorm.

Just as you could make an exit your roommate finds you.

“There you are!” she shouted over the music. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

You force a smile. “Yeah I was just about to head out actual—”

“Whaaaat? No way!” she cuts you off, grabbing your wrist. “You have to come with me!”

You barely had time to protest as she dragged you toward a smaller dimly lit room in the back of the house.

The sight of about twenty people sitting in a circle makes you hesitate.

It wasn't until you spotted the empty glass beer bottle in the center did you realize what was happening making your heart sink—Spin the Bottle.

“I’m not playing,” you start backing away but your roommate was already pushing you into the group.

“There’s way too many people for it to land on you,” she assured you with a wink, her voice light with mischief. “Besides it’s the last round. What’s the worst that could happen?”

You reluctantly joined the circle, sitting awkwardly on the floor. 'She's right...what's the worse that could happen?'

As soon as you sat down someone immediately offers you the bottle.

“Here newbie! Your turn!” someone shouted and the room burst into cheers, all eyes suddenly on you.

Your lips pressed into a thin line as you glared at your friend who was now avoiding your gaze, clearly sheepish about getting you into this situation.

You could’ve left. You should’ve left. But here you are.

Sighing you accept the bottle to avoid making a scene.

The glass felt cold against your sweaty palms. Your heart race as you avoid looking directly at anyone.

You were embarrassed, self-conscious. This wasn’t your thing. You hated the attention.

And the pressure. It felt like your entire body was vibrating with anxiety as you mentally prepared for the worst.

You gave the bottle a spin; your nerves turned into outright panic as the world seeming to slow down around you.

Your mind raced with a thousand insecurities: What if they thought you were ugly? What if the person you kiss someone hate it? Or worse—what if they wanted more than just a kiss?

Your chest tightened at the thought, stomach twisting in knots. 'What if my breath smelled weird? What...what if their breath smelled weird?!'

The bottle slowed, spinning less and less until it teetered to a stop.

Time stretched unbearably slow and you clenched your fists, hoping, praying it would land on someone random—someone who wouldn’t care.

Then it stopped.

And you looked up.

It was Art.

Art Donaldson.

'What...the...fuck?' the realization hit you like a ton of bricks. You blinked thinking maybe you’d somehow imagined it.

He was here? You hadn’t even noticed him in the crowd, let alone expected the bottle to land on him!

There was no way right? 

Art stared back at you eyes just as wide as yours.

He looked as shocked as you felt, frozen in place as the room erupted around you in whoops and cheers.

Someone shouted something you didn’t catch and you saw a couple of guys nudge Art, grinning like idiots as they clapped him on the back. 

Your body went numb. A weird tingly sensation spread through your chest as you try to process what was happening.

'This can’t be real. I must be dreaming.'

You barely heard the teasing shouts or the laughs that followed.

All you could do was stare at him, your mind spinning faster than the bottle had.

Art still looked a little shell-shocked as his friends shoved him toward the closet.

You barely registered the few people nudging you as well, urging you forward.

Next thing you knew you're shoved into a small cramped closet with Art right behind you.

The door shut with a soft click sealing you both inside the dim space.

It was silent. Awkward.

You could feel the tension between you two thickening as though the walls were closing in.

The reality of the situation crashed down on you all at once: you were in a closet. Alone. With Art Donaldson.

The Art Donaldson who you’d been low-key crushing on since forever.

Your heart continued to race and your mouth felt dry.

You weren’t sure what to do. From the way Art fidgeted you could tell he was just as nervous.

His eyes flicked between the floor and you, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

He was...cute. Not just cute, handsome even.

His tousled hair, flushed cheeks, and the nervous look in his eyes gave him an almost boyish charm—and you found yourself growing more flustered the longer the silence dragged on.

“Hi,” you finally managed to say in a soft voice. “M-my...my name is—”

“I know,” he interrupted making your brows furrow in confusion.

Art's face paled realizing what he’d said and started backtracking. “I-I mean I know because we’re in the same class. Statistics! I-I see you in there sometimes. Not like watching you or anything! I just...noticed. Not in a weird way! I’m not a creep I promise.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his nervous rambling, some of the tension breaking.

He lets out a breath he must have been holding visibly relaxing at your response.

“Yeah,” the faintest laugh escape your lips. “I’ve noticed you too.”

Before either of you could say more, there was a sudden knock at the door making you jump.

“Ten more minutes guys!” A muffled voice calls from the other side, “Make 'em count!”

The reminder of what you were supposed to be doing—what everyone out there expected you to be doing—made the tension snap back into place.

Art shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting to the floor before slowly lifting to meet yours.

But this time when he looked at you his expression was different.

His half-lidded dark eyes lingered on you in a way that made your heart stutter.

He wasn’t just looking at you—he was studying every inch of your face as if memorizing each detail, not wanting to miss anything.

You felt heat crawl up your neck and spread across your chest from the weight of it.

His stare wasn’t overbearing but it was enough to send your nerves into overdrive.

Unable to handle the intensity of it anymore, you take a shaky breath “So...s-should we start kissing...?”

As soon as the words left your mouth Art doesn't hesitate.

His hand shot out, grabbing your waist and pulling you close in one swift motion.

His other cupped the back of your neck, fingers tangling in your hair as his lips crashed into yours.

The kiss was filled with a pent-up almost desperate energy.

You could feel the way his breath hitched, his body trembling slightly as he leaned into you.

It was like he couldn’t believe this was happening. As if you'd disappear if he let go.

And just as quick the kiss began, it ended.

His chest was rising and falling with heavy breaths, but his eyes were filled with something you couldn’t quite place.

Reverence.

He looked at you like you were something delicate...something sacred.

You weren’t just a girl in a closet—he made you feel like the only person in the world.

You were taken aback, your mind scrambling to catch up with what had just happened.

The heat from the kiss lingered on your lips and for a moment all you could do was stare at him, stunned.

But then without thinking you reach up and pull him back to you.

Your fingers tangle in his blond locks as you crash into him; kissing him harder, like you need him as much as he seems to need you.

Art groaned against your mouth, the sound sending a thrill through your body.

His fingers brush against your cheek then down to your neck like he was memorizing the shape of you.

His hands then found your waist, fingers digging into your hips as he pulled you closer to deepen the kiss.

The tension had finally snapped and suddenly you were both lost in it; grasping at each other like the world outside didn’t exist anymore.

Body pressed against his, Art’s hand slid down your hip before tugging at your thigh to wrap your leg around his waist.

The movement pulled you even closer.

You could feel the heat of him, his heart racing in time with yours, his breath hot and ragged as his lips moved down to your neck.

His kisses trailed slowly from the corner of your mouth to your jaw, then lower until his lips brush against the soft skin of your neck.

Each one was deliberate—almost worshipful, like he was savoring every inch of you.

Feeling his mouth against your pulse made you shiver causing your body to respond instinctively as your fingers tighten in his hair.

He lingered there for a moment as if savoring the way you trembled beneath him before continuing on.

“Art” you breathed out, barely able to find your voice as the sensation of his lips on your skin overwhelmed you.

He made an almost needy sound in response, his hands gripping you tighter like he couldn’t get close enough.

All that existed in that moment was him—his touch, his kiss, the way his body felt against yours.

His mouth moved back up to yours and when his lips found yours again, the kiss was different—deeper, more intense.

Just as the passion between you began to swell there was a loud knock on the door, jolting you both out of your haze.

“Time’s up!” someone shouted from the other side followed by teasing laughter.

Art breaks away from the kiss with a heavy breath before leaning his forehead against yours as he blinked, trying to regain some composure.

Your bodies were still pressed together in the cramped space, neither wanting to move.

“I...I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” he admit quietly almost like he’s afraid to say it out loud.

You smile, your cheeks warm and heart still pounding in your chest. “Me too.”

The closet door swings open but neither of you pays attention.

You’re still wrapped up in each other, lost in your own little world.

[matchpointfaist]

tis the damn season ; art donaldson

cw; drinking, smut!!, art and reader are really kinda pathetic <3

if i wanted to know who you were hanging with

while i was gone i would have asked you

it's the kind of cold, fogs up windshield glass

but i felt it when i passed you 

there’s an ache in you put there by the ache in me 

but if it’s all the same to you, it’s the same to me

five years ago

“hey, stranger,” you can practically hear art’s smile through the phone, “how was your day?” you roll onto your back, phone clutched in your hand like a vice, “it was alright. just cramming for finals,” you sigh softly, “hows stanford?” “god, it’s incredible,” he laughs, “i wish you were here. you’d love it, baby. it’s like a movie,” you hum in response, ignoring the ache in your chest that had made its home there the day he flew out, “how’s training going? do you have any matches soon?” “oh, it’s great!” there’s that smile again, “i’ve got a match tomorrow, actually, so i should probably go soon. it’s at 7 am,” 

“that’s good,” you smile to yourself, “do you feel good about it?” “yeah, i think so. coach says i’m gearing up to do really well this season,” he says proudly, and your chest aches again at the thought of missing it. “i’m sure you will,” you try to keep your voice even, “well i’ll let you get some sleep, i love you,” “love you more,” he murmurs, “goodnight, baby,” 

art texts you the next morning to inform you he ‘killed’ his match, attaching a poorly taken photo of him grinning ear to ear, gold metal ribbon around his neck. it’s little crumbs like this that keep you sane, keep you feeling close to him, ever since he left. ‘knew you’d win! you’re so cute. call later?’ you reply, your cheeks pink as if you’re texting a crush rather than your boyfriend of two years. ‘course i will’ he replies, and you’re already counting down the minutes until the nighttime routine you’d grown accustomed to. 

at nine oclock, you lay across your dorm bed, eyes practically glued to your phone screen as you wait on art’s nightly call. by nine thirty, you’re mildly annoyed, and by ten, you’re worried. you pick up the phone, pressing call on his contact, biting the inside of your cheek as you listen to the phone ring. he picks up after a moment, the music in the background nearly drowning out his voice, “hello?” 

“hey,” you try your hardest not to let your irritation bleed into your tone, “did you forget to call?” “fuck, baby. i’m so sorry,” you hear shuffling, and the music gets slightly quieter, “patrick invited me to this party since we won this morning, it totally slipped my mind,” “it’s fine,” you tell him slightly too quickly, “just have fun, kay? i’ll talk to you tomorrow,” “wait- are you sure?” he sounds confused, and you wonder if its the alcohol or the change in your tone that’s thrown him off. 

“yeah, of course,” you hope your voice sounds as light as you intend it to, “we can talk tomorrow night, it’s okay. have fun,” “okay, i guess,” he sounds so hesitant you start to think he might just leave the party, “well goodnight then. i love you,” “night. love you too,” you hang up before you can talk yourself into begging him to stay on the phone. the next night, he calls at six oclock sharp, and you can tell the entire phone call that he’s eager not to upset you. 

he’d always been that way. he’d do something, just one tiny mistake, and spend days apologizing or being extra sweet to fix it. you’d lost count over the years of just how many grand gestures he’d made, of how many times he’d professed his love for you for no reason other than to get back in your good graces; not that he’d ever left. 

you and art were cheesily in love, so high school in the way that you couldn’t keep your hands off of eachother, couldn’t go a day without speaking. you were practically sewn at the hip from sophomore to senior year, even applying to colleges together. when he got his offer from the stanford athletics department, you didn’t think much of it. he seemed flattered, of course, but you never thought he’d actually go. 

he loved boston, he loved his family, he loved you, so it made no sense when he came over one afternoon, admission letter in hand, and a wide smile on his lips. “i accepted their offer!” he’d told you, ever so proud, “they gave me basically a full ride, as long as i stay on the team and keep my grades up. can you believe that?�� 

you could believe it, of course. everyone knew how wildly talented art was, from such a young age. he’d started playing tennis at his parents country club when he was just a kid, and eventually worked his way up to attending a tennis academy not far from your high school. he had promise, drive, ambition, and a naivety just subtle enough to make him an excellent candidate to be pushed too far by coaches. 

you’d known, then, that things would change between you. everyone told you nothing would happen, you two were meant to be, but you could feel it. he’d be across the country, practicing incessantly, playing matches, attending parties thrown by teammates you’d never meet. and you’d be home, working for a degree that might help you make a name for yourself. 

over the course of a few months after that party, the calls grew less and less frequent. by summer, you were lucky to hear from art more than once a week. you knew he was busy, of course, and tried to ignore the way bitterness coated your tongue with every word you said to him on your brief calls. you tried to ignore the way he talked about all the friends he’d made, friends that you didn’t know at all, and tried to ignore the way he barely sent you photos anymore.

the one thing getting you through was the promise of summer break with art. two short months together, to pretend everything was back to normal, that you weren’t living completely separate lives. you woke up at six am sharp the day of his flight home, eagerness keeping you from sleep, and picked up your phone to call and see when he’d be landing. he answered after four rings, his voice raspy from sleep, “hello?” 

“good morning!” you replied cheerily, “when’s your flight?” “oh, hey baby,” you heard some shuffling before he returned to the phone, “uhm, i actually was just gonna call you about that,” “is everything okay?” your cheery tone slipped, dread festering in your stomach before you could even place why. “yeah, of course. i just meant to tell you, coach wants me to do some training over the summer. he thought it would be best if i stayed here, just for this first year, for some extra drills and stuff,” 

you sat silently, tears pricking your eyes, as you listened to his excuse. “so what, then? you’ll be home for a month shorter, or?” “i won’t be able to make it home at all this year, honey. i’m so sorry, but you can come stay with me, yeah? i’ll buy your ticket, it’ll be just like we planned,” your heart broke even further at how optimistic he sounded, as if he hadn’t just shattered your expectations of the summer, of your reunion. “i have work, art,” you said quietly, “you know that. i have to make up for being off through the school year,” 

“you don’t need that job, baby. come on, come see me,” “no, art!” you argued, your brows pinched in frustration, “i do need this job, actually. some of us don’t have trust funds, believe it or not. jesus,” your words came out sharper than you intended, all the hurt and anger from the last several months finally revealing itself. “i’m sorry,” he said after a moment, “this is really important to me. this is my shot, yknow? i can’t mess this up,”

“yeah,” your voice was bitter, but you truly did understand, “i get it. stay there, it’s for the best,” “i’ll come home next summer, okay? it won’t be like this every year,” he sounded like he was pleading with you, and it took all your control not to snap at the irony of it. “art, i think it’s best we don’t keep trying to make this work. you need to focus on your tennis and school and i need to focus on mine, and let’s just call it even, okay? we had a really good run,” 

“a good run?” he repeated incredulously, “are you trying to break up with me?” “i am, yeah,” you hoped you sounded confident in your answer, “i just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to draw this out any longer than we need to,” “what the fuck? where is this coming from? is this about the summer?” he sounded so genuinely confused, so lost, and it only angered you further. “it’s just not working, art. everyone warned us long distance wasn’t a good idea,” 

“baby, please,” he was practically begging, a slight whine in his voice that you knew all too well. “no, i’m sorry, okay? but it’s done,” “you can’t just-” “bye, art,” you hung up before you could talk yourself out of it, letting yourself cry as hard as you’d wanted to for months now. you curled up in bed, sobs wracking your body, and mourned the relationship with a boy you’d once thought you’d marry. 

you thought he’d text or call, tried to prepare yourself to reject him again, but the contact never came. he listened, for once. art donaldson had completely slipped out of your life, without a trace.

three years later, you graduated top of your class, landed your dream job in journalism, and moved to an apartment in the city. you tried your best not to keep up with art’s achievements, but it was difficult when he won nearly ever tournament he stepped foot into. he made all the sports headlines, and you turned your head at each of them, hoping to convince yourself you never even knew him. 

i parked my car right between the methodist 

and the school that used to be ours

the holidays linger like a bad perfume 

you can run, but only so far

i escaped it too, remember how you watched me leave

but if that’s okay with you, it’s okay with me

current

you returned home for the holidays, driving down from the inner city to your parents home on the outskirts of boston. about three miles out, you’re lost in thought, music playing through your speakers and snow dusting your windshield. you’re jolted when you hit a deep pothole, cursing under your breath when your tire pressure light kicks on. 

you pull over into the closest parking lot, grabbing your coat and stepping out of the car to survey the damage. “fuck me,” you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose in frustration when you see the tire’s gone flat. you’re in the middle of trying to pry your spare out of the trunk when headlights illuminate the area around you, and you hear a car crunching over the snow. 

“you alright, miss?” a man calls, his voice sharp in your ears against the quiet of the evening. “just got a flat, i’m taking care of it,” you reply, not bothering to look back over your shoulder as you yank your spare free finally. “it isn’t safe to drive on a spare in this weather,” he tells you, and the slight crack of his tone raises the hair on your arms, the familiarity seeping through you deeper than the cold breeze. 

you turn, finally facing the stranger, your breath in your throat. there he stands, his blonde hair peeking out underneath the hood of his puffer coat, his cheeks tinged pink from the wind. “art?” you exhale, your heart suddenly racing in your chest, “what are you doing here?”

“oh,” he looks as startled as you feel, his blue eyes widening ever so slightly, “i was just passing by on my way to my parent’s, i saw a car and thought you’d need help,” “i’ve got it,” you say too quickly, “i’ll call my dad to pick me up, don’t worry about it. thanks, though,” 

“i can take you,” he offers, gesturing to his car parked just feet away, still running, “it’s on the way, anyway. i don’t mind,” “i think i’ll just call my dad,” you argue, “you can go, okay? i got this-” “please just let me take you home,” his tone sounds like you’d be doing him a favor, not the other way around, “come on, i’ll help you get your stuff, i’ll fix your tire tomorrow,”

you never could say no to his puppy dog eyes, even after all these years. so there you sit, shivering in art’s too nice car, trying not to look at him as he drives you home like he had so many times before. “it’s good to see you,” he says finally, breaking the silence, and you hum in response, unable to muster up any real conversation. 

“i moved back,” he says after a few more minutes as he turns the corner to a main road, “i don’t live here, but it’s not far. i live in the city near the university,” “congratulations,” you mumble, trying to keep your tone dismissive, anything to lessen the nostalgia you’re surely both feeling. 

“hey,” he sounds as if he’s pleading, and you allow yourself one glance to his side of the car, taking in the way he’s biting the inside of his cheek, the sadness in his eyes. “yes?” “i just wanted to say it’s good to see you,” he says softly, “i mean, what’re the odds, yknow? we’re both back home and i just happened to see you. it’s like fate,” 

“yeah,” you agree quietly, “fate, sure,”

so we could call it even

you could call me babe for the weekend

'tis the damn season, write this down

i'm stayin' at my parents' house

and the road not taken looks real good now

and it always leads to you in my hometown

he pulls into your parent’s drive, keeping the car running but leaning back in his seat to look over at you. “you look good,” he says after a moment, “not that you looked bad before, obviously, it’s just, you’re beautiful-” “shut up, art,” you cut off his rambling, “it was sweet of you to drive me, but thats all this was, okay? this isn’t fate. it’s just a coincidence,” 

“even if it is just a coincidence, i’m still happy to see you,” he says quietly, “is that not okay? i missed you,” “shut up,” you repeat, “you didn’t miss me, that’s- this whole thing is ridiculous, okay? enjoy your holiday, art,” “wait! can’t we just talk? i mean, even if its not tonight, we could catch up,” he pleads, eyes wide and borderline frantic. you shake your head, opening your door and pausing to glance back at him, “merry christmas, art. please don’t call,” you go inside trying your best to pretend nothing happened, dodging questions about the car in the driveway and greeting your family. the look on art’s face as you closed the car door keeps you from any real christmas spirit. 

you wake the next morning to a text from an unsaved number, your brows furrowed as you open the notification. ‘i know you said you don’t wanna hear from me, but i just wanted to say i’m sorry and it was really nice to see you. wanted to give you a fair warning, your parents invited my family to their christmas party tonight.’

you groan, tossing your phone on the bed and getting in the shower, ignoring the butterflies nerves, in your stomach at the idea of seeing art that night. by six that evening, you’re slightly tipsy off of spiked eggnog, trying your best to ignore him from across the room. he’s there, blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes and a stupid christmas sweater that reminds you far too much of the first holiday you spent together. 

you hate the way he mingles with your family so easily, like nothing ever happened. the way he laughs at your dads jokes, the way he’s sipping wine with class he must’ve learned at stanford. the way he keeps looking your way, smiling tenderly, the way he eventually approaches you with all the hesitation of a high school crush. 

“you look beautiful,” is the first thing he says to you, sounding almost pained by it. “thank you,” you hope you sound cordial, hope he doesn’t pick up on the way your hands shake around your glass, the way your cheeks are already pink. you tell yourself it’s the alcohol and not the scent of the cologne he’d been wearing all those years ago, the last time you’d seen him. 

he looks around, gesturing to the decorations, “good party,” “we don’t have to do this small talk shit,” you say after a moment, “it’s in the past, alright? let’s just get through the party and we’ll all go back to normal,” “don’t you see i don’t just want to get through the party? i’m trying to talk to you here, okay? i missed you, i just wanna catch up,” the pleading is back in his tone, accompanied by his trademark puppy dog eyes, and you find yourself following him onto your parent’s balcony with no hint of the hesitation you’d been full of earlier in the night. 

“i saw you on tv,” he tells you after a few minutes of small talk, sipping his drink and glancing at you, the wind rustling his too perfect hair. “yeah?” you smile ever so slightly, “what for?” “it was a news station, i saw it at the airport. you were reporting on the protests in new york,” he smiles back, and your chest aches at the sight. “i’m not usually on tv, i just write the stories, but it was cool. glad to know it’s getting good airport coverage,” you joke, “i’ve seen you on tv a few times myself. wimbledon and all,” 

“yeah?” his smile widens, “and what’d you think?” you pause, and you’re not sure if its the eggnog, the nostalgia, or his vulnerable expression, but you find yourself being honest. “i thought you were incredible,” you say softly, “the way you play is just amazing, art. always has been,” “thank you,” you choose to ignore the crack in his voice, “you have no idea how much that means, to hear you say that. that you still even think that,” 

“congratulations,” you smile around the rim of your glass, “you’ve won every competition i’ve even heard of. that’s a big deal,” “none of that matters,” he waves a dismissive hand, “i don’t wanna talk about tennis. i wanna hear about you,” “my life is pretty boring,” you shrug, “i write columns and go home and think about work. that’s really all,” “you’re not- are you seeing someone? i figured you’d be married or something,” 

“no,” you laugh like its ridiculous, because truthfully, it is. you’d loved him so much that it made the idea of trying to love someone else seem pointless. in the back of your mind, you’d always thought you needed to let it go, to move on, but you never found the time or the willpower. forgetting him and learning someone else was a move you were never prepared to make. “me neither,” his voice snaps you from your thoughts, “not since-”

“i’m sorry i broke up with you,” you blurt out, “it was shitty of me to do it over the phone like that, and i’m sorry,” “oh,” he blinks, looking slightly caught off guard, “no, i mean, it was my fault. i get it, looking back. i’m sorry i didn’t fight harder,” “you were a really good boyfriend,” you say quietly, blinking away hot tears, “like, the perfect boyfriend. it was just too much, being away from you, and i felt like it was just a matter of time before it ended anyway,”

“i never planned on leaving you,” he says softly, “i hope you know that. i loved you more than anything in the world, and i know we were just kids, but i really, really fucking loved you. more than tennis, more than stanford, more than any of that shit. i didn’t care about my future if you weren’t in it, but then you removed yourself from it and i figured i could at least just keep going,” 

“i know,” you nod, because you genuinely do know. you know he loved you, how much he cared about your relationship. a moment passes, and you can feel his eyes on you, your heart picking up and a fresh flush prickling your skin. “you are so fucking beautiful,” he murmurs, and before you can think better of your decision, you’ve set your drink down and turned to him, all your logic gone out the window. 

“this is a bad idea,” you tell him, but you’ve already taken a step closer, “and i’m only in town for a bit,” another step, “but i missed you so fucking much, art,” “come show me how much you missed me,” he smiles, his eyes almost as dark as the sky around you, “let’s make up for lost time, yeah?”

you kiss him in an instant, and everything else seems to fall away as you feel his lips on yours for the first time in years. he tastes like sparkling wine and chapstick and everything you love about the holidays, about home. he kisses you with the same desperation he’d always had back then, his hands digging into your hips and pulling you flush against him. 

the reality of the evening starts to sink back in as hands progress lower, and you pull away, panting softly against his lips, “cant fuck you in my parents house,” “aw, come on, it’ll be just like old times,” he murmurs teasingly, trailing his lips down your neck. “art,” you whine, “we can’t,” “they’re all busy with the party,” he murmurs as he nips below your ear gently, “do you want me to stop?” “no,” you answer easily, “let’s just- can we go to my room? someone’s gonna see us out here,”

you end up in your old bedroom, sprawled out on the comforter kissing art with a feverish desperation. “missed you so fucking much,” he groans as you unbutton his pants, slipping your hand into his boxers, “god, thought about you all the time,” “yeah?” you smile against his lips, “thought about me all the way in california?” “fuck- yeah, i did,” he bucks his hips into your hand, his cheeks pink, “everyday, every night,”

you hum, satisfied, trailing your kisses down his chest and sliding down the bed, “where you going?” he asks, his brows furrowed. “you don’t want my mouth?” you ask, gazing up at him as you push his boxers down, “no,” he smiles hazily, “no, baby. missed you too much for that, just c’mere. let me fuck you,”

you nearly cry at that, the warmth flooding your chest at his words despite the overall nature of what the two of you are doing. you kiss him again, leaned over him, and he pulls you up into his lap, scooting up to prop himself up against the headboard. 

“come here,” he mumbles between kisses, positioning your legs to straddle him, “do you wanna do this?” “‘course i wanna do this,” you nod, and he pushes the skirt over your dress up around your hips, running his thumb over the skin, “you’re so beautiful,”

“stop lookin at me like that,” you mumble, feeling entirely too entranced by the expression on his face, “kiss me,” he’s nothing if not obedient, his lips on yours immediately, kissing you with fervor. you reach between the two of you, sitting up briefly to toss your underwear somewhere, wrapping your hand around him once more to line him up. “god,” he groans softly, tipping his head back as you slide down on his cock, your eyes closed in bliss, “fuck, you’re so wet, god,”

you bury your face in his neck, trying your best to be quiet as you adjust to his size, rocking your hips slowly, “art,” you moan breathlessly, and before you know it he’s cradling your head, pulling you in closer and fucking up into you. you bite down on his shoulder gently, hoping to suppress the noises leaving you, “god, not gonna last,” he all but whimpers, “you feel so fucking good,”

you just moan in response as he hits all the right spots, your thighs shaking slightly as he fucks you, “fuck, baby- oh my fucking god,” he groans, pulling you off of him gently, “didn’t wanna finish inside you,” he pants, eyes closed as he steadies his breathing, “let me,” you say softly, taking him in your mouth, moaning around him at the taste of yourself on his skin. 

“oh, fuck me,” he moans, hands tightening in your hair and bucking his hips slightly. he’s filling your mouth soon after, your name falling from his lips like a curse as he cums down your throat, panting and whining hoarsely. you wipe your mouth, sitting up to kiss him again, surprised when he pulls you up closer. “sit on my face,” he mumbles against your lips, “let me make you cum, please,” 

“i’m okay,” you start to argue, but he’s shaking his head, looking at you with the sweetest expression, “just let me make you feel good,” you let him lead you, as he lays back on the bed and pulls you up onto him, your thighs on either side of his head. 

he laps at you desperately, and you have to clutch the headboard to keep from collapsing against him as you rock your hips, borderline grinding against his mouth. “art,” you moan, one hand on the headboard and one in his hair, “fuck, you’re so good,”

this only encourages him, and he slides a hand under you, pushing gently on your hips to make you rock against his face once more. you whimper at that, digging your teeth into your bottom lip as you feel yourself getting closer. “art,” you gasp, “gonna-“ 

your vision is spotty as you come undone, his needy mouth never slowing as he works you through it, sucking at your clit until your legs nearly give out. “too much,” you whine, pulling at his hair to deter him. he hums against you, licking one last, slow stripe against you before helping you down, looking up at you with dilated pupils and a spit-slick mouth. 

you wipe his face gently with your duvet, smiling slightly down at him, “that was-“ “you were so good,” he praises, “can’t believe how much i missed that,” he pulls the blanket over your legs, and your chest aches at the tenderness of the action. “you shouldn’t stay,” you say softly, hoping it doesn’t come across as hurtful, “i don’t want my parents to see, yknow,” 

“yeah,” he nods, but he looks slightly hurt, like he’s taken aback, “yeah, good point. i’ll call you?” “yes, please,” you nod, watching as he pulls his clothes back on, “i’ll talk to you tomorrow, yeah?” “yeah,” he nods, fastening his belt, “uh, goodnight, then,” “night, art,” you smile sleepily, and he lets himself out without returning a smile of his own.

time flies, messy as the mud on your truck tires

now i’m missing your smile, hear me out

we could just ride around 

and the road not taken looks really good now

and it always leads to you in my hometown

the next day, you send him a quick text, slightly worried he’d thought you’d just dismissed him. ‘wanna get coffee today? i leave tomorrow’ 

‘sure’ he replies, and you’re sure then that he’s hurt, but you hope to rectify it, ‘great! starbucks on third at eleven?’ ‘okay. see you there’ he sends back, and you pull on a sweater and leggings, going to spend some time with your parents before heading out to the coffee shop. 

he’s sitting in a window seat when you arrive, much more casual than he had been the night before. he’s in a stanford hoodie and joggers, and you think of him away at college, how at home he’d probably been there. you shake the thought away, walking over to his table, “hey,” you smile, sliding into the booth across him. “hey,” he smiles slightly, “so you leave tomorrow?”

“oh, yeah,” you nod, “gotta get back to work. how long are you in town for?” “told you i moved back,” he says, looking slightly irritated, and you feel a pang of guilt, “yeah, sorry, it completely slipped my mind. so you’re just-“ “what is this, exactly?” he cuts you off, brows furrowed, “i mean, im glad last night happened, but is that just it? you’re gonna shoo me away and go home like nothing happened?” 

“what?” you falter, caught off guard, “art, no, i just have to go back home, it’s not like i’m discarding you,” “you sure are acting like it,” he grumbles, “what, then? are we gonna try and make this work?” “make this work?” you repeat, “what, exactly? i figured it was just because we’re both back home, i don’t-“ “what? so what, then, just a one time thing? that’s kinda fucked up to not tell someone,” he snaps, and you hate yourself in the moment, all the memories of the way you’d been so short when you’d broken up with him resurfacing. 

“maybe it’s better if it’s just for the weekend,” you say quietly, “i mean, we’re both busy, and this was just by chance,” “bullshit,” he shakes his head, “if you don’t wanna be with me, that’s fine. alright? genuinely, no hard feelings. but don’t give me that ‘we’re both busy shit. what’s the real reason you won’t try again?” 

“we both are busy,” you say defensively, “i just don’t- i’d hate for either of us to get hurt again, that’s all,” “i get it, i do, but we’ll never know if we don’t try,” he says softly, “i never wanted to hurt you before, okay? i’ve pictured so many routes for my life and you were always in them,” “we’re different people now, art,” you say carefully, trying to keep your tone even, “you don’t know if we’re still even compatible, and we never know what could happen,” “will you stop doing that? you don’t have to be so calculated about everything. it’s not gonna kill us to try, right? we’ve changed, sure, and we’re at different places in life, but we’re the same people. we’re still the people we were when we were in love,” 

“that was a long time ago,” you say quietly, tears pricking your eyes, “i just don’t wanna make a mistake and get us both hurt,” “i’m fine with being hurt by you. don’t you see that? i have loved you since we were sixteen years old. we can get to know each other again, we can take it slow, i’m not asking you to marry me here. just give it a chance, please?” the sincerity in his tone breaks you, and you’re nodding before you can talk yourself out of it. “yeah,” you sniffle, “yeah, i’d like that so much. i’m sorry, i’m just scared, and i didn’t think we’d ever get another chance,” you ramble. “i know you’re scared,” he says softly, taking your hand in his over the table, “we’re gonna take it slow, alright? we’ll be alright,” “yeah,” you nod, tracing his knuckles with your thumb, “we’ll be alright,” 

[egcdeath]

sealing the deal

pairing: patrick zweig x reader

summary: you and patrick make a few unique business proposals to each other.

word count: 7k

warnings: succession au – tomshiv dynamic (pre-failmarriage), proposals (business and romantic), fluff, a little angst, mentions of a dad being very sick/almost dying, lots of exposition/background on the relationship, art cameo, a little domesticity, established relationship

author’s note: you don’t have to know anything about succession to enjoy this fic! i’ll explain everything that you need to know. if you’re a diehard succession fan i can’t promise that everything will be completely faithful to the source material but it definitely takes a lot of inspiration from tom and shiv’s dynamic.

i wanted to give a HUGE thank you to my succession anon who gave me so much help and guidance for this fic and basically ended up being my co-author for this fic! i hope you all enjoy :)

It wasn’t always easy loving the youngest son of the owner of a multi-billion dollar media conglomerate. 

In fact, most of the time, it was quite the opposite. 

Even without Patrick working in his family’s business, it always felt a little bit like you were in a competition for brain space and time with his family and career, and you were losing. Badly. 

You weren’t exactly sure that you knew what you signed up for when you first met Patrick—connected to each other by a mutual friend you went to business school with, whom you’d begged to try to set you two up for career advancement purposes more than anything else. 

“You know that guy you keep asking me about?” your friend asked you after taking a hefty sip from the drink the bartender just passed her. 

“Patrick Zweig?” you asked, not bothering to pretend like you didn’t know who she was talking about. 

“Yeah!” she laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. You weren’t sure where she was going with this subject, but you were intrigued by her mention of the man and her apparent entertainment at the situation. 

“What about him?” you asked, perversely curious as to why she was bringing him up now. 

“I invited him to come out with us tonight!” she laughed once more as she divulged this information, as if it wasn’t shocking news to you.  

“What? What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me before!” you practically yelled at her over the sound of loud music and other bar patrons. You suddenly felt very self conscious. If you’d known you were going to meet Patrick Zweig tonight, you would’ve put yourself together, rather than coming straight from work to the bar. 

“I wanted to surprise you!” she continued with her giggling at a situation that you did not find nearly as humorous. “Oh my god. I wish you could see your face right now.”

“I hate you!” you laughed, thinking that maybe this was some sort of prank. “You’re joking, then?”

“No, he’s really coming. He just got back from D.C. and wanted to meet with me. I asked if my hot friend could come along and he was like, ‘Obviously!’”

You groaned aloud. This wasn’t how you intended to make your first impression on him.

“Okay, well, what’s his type?” you asked her, hoping to get a bit of insight before you were launched right into what might end up being your first date. You were sure that you would make a good impression if you showed up as you were, but you wanted to be better than good. You didn’t want to be just another forgettable notch on his bedpost.

“I don’t know,” she sighed, taking a sip from her drink. “Hot? A nice ass? A little mean? Isn’t that every guy’s type?”

“You’re not taking this seriously enough for me,” you replied. You wanted to have a strategy going into this. You would’ve appreciated at least a small briefing before meeting someone so intimidating. 

“I am, you just check all the boxes already. Just be yourself and I’m sure things will work out fine,” she assured you. 

Her assurance was well warranted, considering that things worked out far better than fine. In fact, your friend was overdue for a fruit basket—one that you would be paying for with Patrick’s credit card as you sat in the dining room of your shared penthouse apartment, after you wrapped up a day of work in the skyscraper that was his father’s corporate headquarters. 

At the time, you had a slight idea of who he was, but you had an even better idea of who his family was. Anyone who owned a television would be familiar with his family’s corporation—from the causal channel surfers who passed one of their many news channels during their search for the newest episode of The Bachelor, to the thousands of people with their logo burned into their device screen from the hours they spent with their eyes locked on the 24-hour stream of borderline propaganda. 

Beyond his impressive family, you’d heard whispers and rumors about Patrick for a long time. Between headlines in gossip magazines and stories from your mutual friend, you learned that he’d entered the political world as an attempt to make a name for himself outside of his family name, but struggled to be taken seriously for many years due to the less than stellar reputation that came with being a Zweig.

Although, rumors about his career were just the tip of the iceberg. Gossip about his tumultuous relationships—if they could even be called that—and history of partying far too hard often ran wild, making you believe that your initial meetings with Patrick would be nothing more than a few hookups and sweet talking yourself into a new job. After all, there was no better pillow talk than an elevator pitch. 

At first, your plan seemed like it was right on track. You ended your first night together in the early morning, finding yourself in Patrick’s apartment for hours. Your night hadn’t really ever ended, with the two of you leaving the bar together, having some of the best sex of your life in a bed that felt a little bit like laying on a cloud, then proceeding to talk for hours until it was time for you to go back to work. You smiled to yourself as you sat in the backseat of Patrick’s car, exhausted from the long night and a little uncomfortable in yesterday’s clothes, but mostly enthusiastic after your surprisingly eventful night with the man. 

It was a strange turn of events from what you initially expected. While you couldn’t be too sure what you were getting yourself into when you learned you were being set up on a date, you assumed that Patrick would be like any other rich asshole you’d gone out on dates with, who got what they wanted from you, sent you off on your merry way, then never spoke to you again. You quickly discovered that he was unlike anyone you’d ever been with before. 

Patrick seemed to be full of surprises, and the fact that you were going on multiple dates with him in the first place was one of those very surprises. You hadn’t expected to go on any more than three dates before you asked about working for his family, securing yourself a job, then leaving him alone. 

What took you by even greater surprise were the dates themselves. What started as an intimate dinner in one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city ended with you at a terrible 24-hour diner, treating Patrick to his first slice of cherry pie as you talked into the wee hours of the morning. 

Your subsequent dates went similarly, with the two of you talking endlessly about anything and everything. Patrick was someone full of surprises—he was far from the rich asshole you expected him to be, and more like a knowledgeable politics nerd with a lot of money. 

You talked for hours about big things, like why Patrick decided to pursue a career as a political strategist and what brought you to New York City, but you also found it easy to discuss small random things with him, spending an extended period of time discussing how you named your cat, and debating on the best restaurant in the city. 

You always thought of yourself as being somewhat agreeable and friendly when it came to conversation, but your discussions with Patrick took you by surprise. You weren’t sure you’d ever clicked with someone the way you clicked with him, and it made you as excited as it made you nervous. 

By the time you worked up the nerve to ask Patrick about working for his family, you were already beat to the punch. The two of you were tucked into the booth that you’d recently declared as yours in the same diner that you seemed to be spending all of your all-nighters in, reclining comfortably in the particularly uncomfortable seats. 

“Do you like the business side of things?” Patrick asked you, stirring a flattening Diet Coke with a straw. 

“It’s fun,” you dismissed. “It’s less fun going to work on a half-hour of sleep.”

“Shut up. You love it,” the man across from you laughed, an admittedly very handsome half-smile on his face. “I mean it though. Do you like what you’re doing?”

“It pays the bills, I guess. I like the work, but I’m not huge on the company. All the politics and the instability with layoffs lately… It isn’t exactly ideal.”

“Would you ever work for my family?” he asked. “I mean, you’re just wasting potential elsewhere. I really think they could use someone like you on their team.”

“Seriously?” you asked, partially surprised at the proposition, but mostly surprised that you weren’t the one to ask in the first place. Across the table, Patrick listened to you intently. “I mean, If they’d have me, I’d love to work for them.”

“My dad mentioned something about them looking for some new blood. I can put in a good word for you, if that sounds interesting to you.”

“Is this because I showed you the joys of a slice of diner cherry pie?” you joked, trying not to let on just how overjoyed you were about this opportunity. 

“You got me. And now that you mention it, we should probably order another slice,” he suggested, going along with your joke. “You’re smart and you clearly know your shit. Besides, I’m mostly doing it for myself. It’ll be nice to have someone around at company Christmas parties who can actually keep up with me.”

“Well, thank you,” you replied calmly, though you were doing somersaults in your mind. “I look forward to drinking eggnog and singing Mariah Carey songs with you.”

In retrospect, you recognized this action as the first of his many wordless declarations of love. You later learned that Patrick did everything he could to avoid talking business with his family, as it was clearly a sore spot for everyone involved. Realizing that he’d gone out of his way to get you a job had been an even more kind gesture than you knew at the time. 

While you initially expected your fling to taper off after Patrick fulfilled his end of the business deal he didn’t even know he was facilitating, your relationship did nothing of the sort. In fact, his favor seemed to have the opposite effect on your bond. 

Before you knew it, the two of you were courting each other like lovesick Jane Austen protagonists. In another shocking turn of events, Patrick ordered flowers to your doorstep each morning and took you on lavish dates, while you began to take four-hour long train rides to and from D.C. each weekend to visit him, and frequently sent him rambling love letters. 

While you hadn’t expected for your relationship to unfold the way that it did, you genuinely loved Patrick. You loved the way his eyes crinkled when you told him something stupid that he’d laugh at, or how he leaned in to whisper something judgmental in your ear about someone you mutually disliked during family events. You loved the way his hand felt in yours and the way his mind worked, which he frequently displayed to you while discussing his latest political strategy. You even loved when he minced words to describe how he felt about you, knowing that though the word ‘love’ might never leave his lips, his actions spoke far louder than his voice ever could. 

It just so happened that you loved his proximity to power, too. 

While his money and power might have piqued your interest initially, it didn’t change the fact that the two of you quickly clicked. You had a natural chemistry, with you matching Patrick’s flirty words and actions with ease. It also just so happened that you entered each other's lives at the perfect time, with you in dire need of a career upgrade, and Patrick in need of someone unafraid to show him more affection and care than he was willing to give. 

Though he wasn’t the best at communicating his feelings, you quickly became a tenured professor in Patrick-ology. You were certain that this played a role in why Patrick liked you so much in the first place—being somewhat emotionally stunted, he needed someone who could understand his thoughts without him having to explicitly say every detail, and you did exactly that. 

This skill worked out surprisingly well for you. You gave him the love and understanding that he’d been looking for and missing for all of his adult life, and you got to reap the benefits that came with being in a relationship with someone in one of the most powerful families in the world. 

Despite your more humble beginnings, you quickly became familiar with luxurious items and activities. You also quickly learned that no matter how prepared you thought you were for that level of wealth—you weren’t. You couldn’t even begin to count the amount of times your unfamiliarity with certain norms left you as the laughing stock of the family. 

But it wasn’t all corner offices in skyscrapers and helicopter rides. During the honeymoon phase of your relationship, it certainly felt like it, but the cracks in your foundation became more and more evident every day. 

The thing was, as much as you two cared about each other, there was a family shaped shadow that loomed over everything that you did. It was clear that you were an outsider in Patrick’s family. Coming from an upper-middle class Midwestern background, you were often made to feel like you were a stupid gold-digger, only staying around your boyfriend for power, rather than love. At times, you wondered if his family knew what love was at all. 

The love, or lack thereof in Patrick’s family was what shocked you most of all. It was no secret that his father was unnecessarily cruel to all of his children, but particularly to his siblings trying to work their way into more serious positions in the company. Patrick somehow managed to dodge that particular flavor of cruelty, with him very obviously being his father’s favorite and working outside of the family business, but the emotional scars his father left still lingered. 

But his father’s presence didn’t just loom over him, it was beginning to loom over you, too. Not only in the extreme intimidation you felt when having to interact with him, but in the small acts of callousness Patrick showed you throughout the course of your relationship. 

It began as small things, things that bothered you less the more you got used to them. Like how he always seemed to unconsciously belittle your work, not even bothering to seem interested in the recaps you gave of your day before he launched into a story of his own about the candidate he was working with. Though you tried your hardest to fight through your smaller pet peeves with him, Patrick’s inability to be straightforward about his emotions felt like the cherry on top of an already painful sundae.

Regardless of all of the flaws, bumps, and roadblocks in your relationship, you promised to yourself that you would be in Patrick’s corner, no matter how ugly things got or how poorly he treated you. Not only out of your own self-interest, but out of your love for the man, and the knowledge of how difficult his upbringing made certain things for him. 

Which was why when you got the call from Patrick that something had gone terribly wrong with his father while coming back from his birthday celebration, you didn’t hesitate to rush to the hospital, encouraging your driver to speed all the way to the building. 

When you arrived, he and his siblings were in disarray in a way you’d never seen before. His father, who was typically a presence that towered over everyone in the room, was reduced to an old man hooked up to a number of machines. His older sisters, who were always either waiting for the moment to swoop in and make a crude joke or waiting in the wings to discuss the next business strategy, paced back and forth endlessly, clearly feeling the pressure of their sick father.

Patrick sat alone on an uncomfortable chair, peering helplessly into the observation room. It was rare for you to see him with his feelings written so openly across his face, even after years of being in a relationship with him. That concerned you.

You made quick work of walking over to Patrick, whose tensed-up shoulders slightly dropped as you took a seat next to him. Though he wouldn’t ever tell you this, you knew that your presence made him feel more supported and a little more safe, though you being or not being in the hospital clearly wouldn’t have an impact on if his father lived or died. 

“Hey,” he greeted you, immediately squeezing your hand. “Thanks for coming,” he said weakly, as if he was fighting off a new round of tears. In that moment, you so desperately wanted to take some of his emotions for yourself, knowing that Patrick hated feeling any feeling, let alone such negative feelings to such a serious degree. 

“Of course, honey,” you reassured him, running what you hoped would be a grounding hand up and down his arm. “Is there anything I can get you? Coffee? Water? A snack? I saw that burger place you like on my way over.”

“No, nothing right now,” he sighed. You inspected him cautiously, knowing that he wasn’t exactly one to always say what he meant. “Really,” he assured you, though you didn’t completely buy it. 

Since he wasn’t in the mood for more material items, you decided that the best course of action was a little affection. He wasn’t always the biggest fan of receiving affection in front of his family, but you figured that in a time where he was uncertain if his father would live or die, he would appreciate a little outward support. 

You laid your head on his shoulder and angled your body closer to his. Not expecting any response, you were surprised when Patrick kissed the top of your head. “I’m glad you’re here,” he told you quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he’d be in trouble if someone overheard him. 

You held his hand as the two of you sat for hours, only getting up to stretch your legs or take phone calls from friends with insight on other high-end medical facilities that might be able to better accommodate Patrick’s father. 

You did your best to give Patrick his space when he needed it, as he floated between two of his siblings—one of which was focused mainly on the future of the company, and the other in a state of denial about the state of her father—then back to you when he could no longer stand the chaos of his sisters. 

It was a stressful scene, and one that was clearly too much for your boyfriend, who went back and forth between wanting to be glued at your hip, and wanting to be left completely alone. You’d seen Patrick stressed in the past, with him chatting your ear off as he waited for his candidate’s election results, or as he prepared to give a speech at an event, but you’d never seen him like this. 

He almost seemed fragile, like one wrong word or action might break him. It frightened you to see him in such a state. Again, you lamented not being able to take some of his pain for yourself. 

In the time that you waited without any word from any doctors, a few gears began to turn in your mind. Life was so fleeting, which was proven by Patrick’s mighty father falling so seemingly easily. Really, it could’ve been any of you sitting on that table with tubes and monitors attached to you. If it were Patrick who was sitting on that gurney, you would be an absolute wreck. If he somehow died, you also wouldn’t technically be a widow, despite your long-term relationship with the man. 

All of it made you wonder if you should just bite the bullet and propose to Patrick.

Sure, it wasn’t the best timing ever. Sure, you’d always imagined yourself being on the receiving end of a grand proposal, especially from someone like Patrick. But maybe he would appreciate the gesture—giving him a distraction to take away some of his pain, and giving him one final grand milestone with you while his dad was still alive. 

To a lesser extent, being married would provide you with certain protections you didn’t have while you were only his long-term girlfriend. Obviously, you didn’t want to think of anything bad happening to your boyfriend, but accidents and tragedies could happen at any point, and it was better to be prepared than to be sorry. 

It felt right that you might be able to join his family during a time where he was losing a family member. Not only for his sake, but because losing their patriarch meant unprecedented instability in his family. You wanted to be sure of your spot amongst them, after you’d grown used to the privileges that came with being Patrick’s girlfriend. 

You fidgeted with the ring on your middle finger, a family heirloom passed from generation to generation onto you. It was no expensive piece of jewelry, and it certainly wasn’t an engagement ring, but it was incredibly meaningful to you—a symbol of your family, which was extremely important to you. Patrick knew just how much you valued the ring and exactly what it represented to you, so in turn, you hoped that if you gave it to him, he would understand how much he meant to you. 

Getting up from where you’d been sitting for far too long, you began to pace the hallways of the hospital, wondering about the timing of your now imminent proposal. As you shuffled through the sterile building, you surprised yourself as you came across your partner. 

“Patrick!” you said with a start after unexpectedly catching a glimpse of him. 

“Hey,” he greeted unenthusiastically before beginning to walk right past you. 

“Wait,” you grabbed onto his arm before he could fully walk away, encouraging him to look right at you. It was now or never, and the words were on the tip of your tongue. 

“I’m sorry, I really don’t have time for this right now,” he dismissed, his voice monotone and listless. 

“You do, though. Patrick, listen,” he didn’t look like he was in the mood to talk, but was prepared to listen to you anyway. You knew you only had a few seconds to pitch your proposition before you lost him, so you spat out your words rather than beating around the bush. “Let’s get married.”

“What?” he looked at you with brows drawn in confusion. It wasn’t exactly the ideal reaction to your proposal, but then again it wasn’t much of a proposal. “Right now?”

“Obviously not now, but… soon?” as you spoke, you began the process of slipping the ring off your middle finger and attempting to present it to him in the palm of your hand. Sure, it wasn’t the most romantic or put together proposal, but it felt right to be offering him such a grand and personal gesture while everything else was going sideways in his life. 

“I know it’s probably not the best time, but I thought that maybe I could make things a little better with your dad and… I don’t know. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If something ever happened to you, I wouldn’t want to wonder about what we could’ve been and-” you rambled on before you were interrupted with a sigh. 

“Honey, you can’t just make my dad dying better,” he rubbed his temple exasperatedly, then looked between you and the ring you were presenting him with. “If you wanted to make me feel better, you should’ve just brought me coffee.”

You frowned at him, knowing that you’d offered him that very thing earlier and he turned you down. You wondered if your communication would ever improve—or if it even needed to improve, since this proposal was going so poorly that you’d probably leave the hospital single. 

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” you closed your palm and put your hand in the pocket of your jacket, fully prepared for Patrick to tell you to fuck all the way off. It had been stupid for you to think that Patrick would appreciate such a grand gesture during such a terrible time. 

“Wait,” Patrick stopped you, now reaching for your arm. “My answer isn’t a no, it’s just… I don’t want this to be the memory. Of course I’ll marry you.”

Doing all the work of getting your hand out of your pocket, he grabbed the ring you presented him with to further prove his words and slipped it on his ringer. It only fit halfway down his finger, but he kept it on regardless. 

“Really?” you said, suddenly perking up.

“Duh,” he replied, looking a little shy as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he briefly looked away from you, as if his feelings were so strong that he couldn’t even manage to look you in the eye. 

You couldn’t contain your excitement at his answer, jumping and squealing a little bit as you pulled him into an overly enthusiastic hug. You heard the familiar sound of Patrick laughing quietly in your ear as you squeezed him. Though he always seemed to hold back his emotions, you knew that he was just as excited as you were to be promised to one another.

You pulled him into a soft kiss, draping your arms around his neck, holding him as close as you could until he inevitably pushed you away. 

Patrick surprised you with how long he was willing to embrace you, clearly in need of a little bit of comfort after such an emotionally exhausting night. You surprised yourself when you ended up being the person to pull away. 

“Should we go check on our family?” you asked, not bothering to hide your excitement around finally being in. 

“I just need a second,” he told you, glancing down the hallway before pulling you into yet another embrace. He pressed his face into your hair, soothing himself with your scent and presence. You rubbed circles into his back and muttered something about him taking all the time he needed.

You were interrupted by one of Patrick’s sisters, whose voice called out your names down the hallway. “When you two are finished with your snuggle-fest, the doctor has news for us.”

“Wait, what?” Patrick pushed you away quickly, his tune changing in an instant.

“Good news, I think. But move your asses. C’mon,” she directed, already turning away and Patrick quickly following her. 

If you were experiencing an emotional rollercoaster, you couldn’t even begin to understand how Patrick was feeling. Finding out his dad was sick, being proposed to, and immediately hearing more news about his father in the span of just a few hours must’ve felt unreal. 

You sat quietly and observed from the sidelines as a doctor took them into their father’s room and filled in the siblings on the state of him. They all seemed to share a collective sigh of relief, and though you couldn’t hear the exact news from where you were sitting, you knew that it must’ve been good. 

When Patrick came back to you, he had a hint of a sad smile on his face. “Ready to go?” he asked you. 

He didn’t need you to ask twice. You were more than prepared to escape the too-bright lights, sickeningly sterile scent, and the feeling of sadness that seemed to be hanging in the air of the hospital. 

Your driver was a welcome sight, with him giving you a quiet greeting as the two of you got in the backseat of the car. As he drove, Patrick reached for your hand, which you gladly gave up to him. 

In the following minutes, Patrick crept over further into your space until he sat directly beside you, leaning his head on you with his eyes closed. The long day was surely taking its toll, with the anxiety of his dad being in such dire straits, and the excitement and confusion of you proposing to him. 

His sleep was well earned. You pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, then closed your own eyes, letting the soft sound of the early morning city traffic lull you to sleep. 

In the following days, you could tell that something wasn’t quite right with Patrick. At first, you chalked it up to nerves around his father’s health, but that didn’t seem to be it. Typically, when Patrick was really anxious about something, his silence on the elephant-sized topic gave him away. While you’d heard quite a bit about the state of his father from him—whether it was an update sent to him by his step-mother or an actual visit to the man—you hadn’t heard a peep about your engagement since the day after you got engaged. 

On the other hand, you were struggling to keep the news to yourself, despite the request of Patrick. You wanted to scream the announcement from the rooftops, but in the early morning after you returned from the hospital, Patrick made his position very clear: Wait a little while for things to blow over before you started telling people– your friends and family included. 

Despite the fact that he wore your ring every day since the day that you’d given it to him, something about his behavior told you that it was that very ring that was giving him so much internal conflict. 

In the past few years of knowing Patrick, you learned that he was a bit of a control freak. You wondered how out of control it made him feel for you to be the person to propose to him. Part of you wondered if you should’ve even proposed in the first place if it was going to be an issue. Maybe you should’ve let him do things on his own timeline, rather than making him feel nervous or insecure in your relationship.

But at the same time, Patrick initially seemed rather entertained by the idea of you getting married. In the morning after your engagement, he couldn’t stop referring to you as Mrs. Zweig. At the desk of your brand new office, given to you after a serious promotion, you found a box of expensive chocolates with a note fondly referring to you as his fiancé. As you laid next to him in bed that night, he pulled up the profiles of three separate wedding planners and asked you about your preference in people. 

It almost felt like his feelings on your engagement were constantly fluctuating between being excited to be with you forever, and being terrified of that very commitment. Things weren’t made any better by Patrick’s professional-level ability to dodge questions, especially questions related to how he genuinely felt. 

“C’mon, you know how I feel,” he replied to you after you directly asked him over breakfast. He lifted his mug casually, subconsciously putting space between the two of you. 

“Pat, I don’t. That’s why I asked,” you forced out a laugh, though the situation wasn’t exactly funny to you. If Patrick didn’t want to marry you, you didn’t want to force him to do so. 

“But you always know how I feel,” he said with a bit of a pout and a whine—what you called his ‘let me get away with it’ demeanor that he often used with his family—before setting down his coffee and standing up. 

“Not this time,” you explained, standing up as well and abandoning the plate of half-eaten eggs in front of you. 

“You’ll figure it out,” he dismissed your concerns and stepped close enough to you to hold your face in both of his hands. 

“Love you?” you asked, hoping that if he could confirm that at the very least, you might have a better understanding of what was going through his head. 

“Of course,” he said genuinely, though he didn’t offer you any parroting of those words. Instead, he dropped his hands from your cheeks and kissed one of them. “Have a good day at work, okay?” 

“Yeah. Thanks,” you tried not to look as annoyed as you actually felt as you made quick work of grabbing your work bag and leaving. You needed some time to make sense of it all. 

The situation only became more complicated as you sat down in a conference room, mentally preparing yourself to make your first big presentation as the newly vetted Head of Parks and Cruises division. You cared greatly about what your peers thought about you, so you couldn’t deny the nerves running through your veins. 

These nerves only increased when you caught a glimpse of Patrick from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the conference room, shaking hands with people on your floor and clearly making cordial small talk. 

You desperately hoped that he was there to wish you luck on your presentation, and not to pick your conversation from the morning back up. You bitterly thought about how he couldn’t have picked a worse time as he waved at you from the window. You stiffly waved back, not exactly in the mood to be interrupted right before a big presentation. 

“Hey, if I don’t make it back for whatever reason, you can do this presentation, right?” you asked quietly, leaning into your newly-hired assistant’s ear. 

“Wait, what?” he asked you, brows furrowing. “I don’t know, I haven’t practiced or anything, and-“

“Perfect,” you replied, not listening to a single word he was rambling out. “Just read off the slides. You’ll be okay.”

You didn’t bother staying to listen to Art ramble in your ear about how he didn’t know what he was doing. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be the one presenting, and if he absolutely had to, he’d probably be fine. 

You shut the door behind you, politely waving at one of your co-workers as they entered the conference room. You made your way to Patrick and stood with your arms crossed against your chest, trying to strike a good balance between showing him how agitated you were, and not trying to further agitate your fiancé, who seemed to be in a particularly fragile mental state lately. 

“Hi honey, is anything important going on?” Patrick asked once you stood across from him. 

“Actually, yeah. Is there any way we could chat a little later? Like maybe an hour or two?” you suggested. “I can block some time off on my calendar for you and everything.”

“I’m sure whatever it is isn’t more important than this,” he glanced over at the conference room as he spoke to demonstrate his point. You wished you could explain to him how far that was from the truth.

“What is it?” you asked, your patience beginning to grow thin.

“You’ll have to see. Come with me?” he offered. 

“Patrick, I’m in the middle of a meeting!” you whisper-shouted, trying to keep your voice down and your body language mostly neutral, so your colleagues couldn’t observe how much you were freaking out as you talked to your partner. 

“It hasn’t started yet,” he dismissed casually. “They’ll be fine without you. I won’t be fine without you.”

You eyed him suspiciously. 

“Please,” he added, as if you’d ever be able to say no to him—though you were pretty tempted to do so. 

“Fine,” you gave in with a small, soft sigh. That didn’t deter Patrick at all, who seemed uncharacteristically excited as the two of you sat in the backseat of his car. 

“So where are we going? Or, what are we doing?” you asked, trying to ignore the terrible feeling in your gut that you felt about leaving your meeting. 

“It’s a surprise,” Patrick said coyly. “It’ll be more fun than that meeting, though.”

“I’m sure,” you replied, looking out the window. You hoped that whatever romantic gesture Patrick planned would be worth losing the respect of all of your peers. You wondered what you could tell them that would make your absence seem acceptable. Family emergency? It wasn’t exactly a lie. It wasn’t quite the truth either. 

When your ride stopped and you stepped out of the vehicle, you were surprised to find yourself at the diner that you spent the majority of your first few dates at, splitting pieces of pie and talking each other’s ears off for hours. 

“Craving some cherry pie?” you asked him curiously. Obviously, this seemed like a task he could’ve handled on his own, coming to the diner himself or having his driver buy and deliver him a whole pie, but you figured that maybe he was simply in the mood for some nostalgic comfort. In the midst of such chaos, you would be happy to give that to him. 

“It’s been too long,” he shrugged before grabbing your hand.

Patrick led you to the booth that you declared as yours all those years ago, and began to chat your ear off like normal. While you wanted to think about work, it was surprisingly easy to forget about the real world when you were in such a nostalgic place with him. 

The two of you ordered your old usual order, only enhancing the feeling of nostalgia as you shared a plate of painfully average pancakes and a slice of cherry pie.

“Ew, what is that?” you laughed after you bit into something hard and gross. “This fucking place,” you muttered, looking for a napkin that you could spit out whatever it was that you almost just consumed. 

When you glanced down at the napkin, you were shocked to find what looked like a metal ring covered in cherry syrup. “Oh shit. Do you think this belonged to someone?” 

Once you looked up, you were shocked to find Patrick holding a black velvet box, one that you’d seen before nearly a year ago as you deep-cleaned your shared bedroom, one that you chalked up as a gift for his mother or a friend. 

“Patrick?” you asked, clearly confused. He parroted your name right back to you and opened up the box, showing you one of the most beautiful rings you ever laid your eyes on. 

Suddenly, it made sense why he asked you to come out with him, interrupting you in the middle of the day to take you to a diner where you shared so many memories. Sure, he could’ve waited until you got off work, but you figured he was thinking about your conversation from the morning and wanted to do something that would show you how much he truly cared about you. He’d always been better at bigger gestures than verbally sharing his feelings, so part of you remained unsurprised. 

“I first fell in love with you here, so it only felt right to bring you back here to ask you to marry me?” he explained, not breaking eye contact with you. He was never one for a soapbox when it came to sharing his feelings, so his proposal was short and straight to the point. Though, you wondered if he had more words prepared that he simply couldn’t get out. Based on the speed of his leg bouncing under the table, you knew that Patrick was nervous out of his mind—despite him already knowing what your answer was. 

You recalled what Patrick told you in the hospital about not wanting your proposal to be the memory—the memory you told others about when you shared the news, or fondly recalled to your kids in ten years when you reminisced on your love story. 

If accepting his proposal now, and acting like his proposal was the only proposal made him feel better, you didn’t see any reason why you wouldn’t fully lean into it.

“Oh my god!” you exclaimed, genuinely being surprised at the offer, but playing up your excitement for the sake of your nervous fiancé. “Of course I’ll marry you, Pat.”

Patrick broke into a toothy grin, his excitement contagious to you. “Give me your hand,” he directed, taking the ring out of the box. 

He slipped the ring onto your finger, and it somehow looked even better on your finger than it did in the box. You looked at it in amazement curling and uncurling your hand to look at the ring from all of its angles. 

“It’s gorgeous, Patrick. Thank you,” you told him earnestly as you looked from your hand to him. You weren’t surprised by the quality of the ring or even that he found something that you liked so much. Growing up with lavish gifts constantly being given as an expression of ‘love’ made Patrick pretty damn good at giving you gifts. As for the other expressions of love… he wasn’t the best. But he was very obviously trying his best for you, and you loved that about him. 

In some ways, your proposals felt like the perfect encapsulation of your roles in your relationship. While you offered Patrick a ring with little monetary, but high emotional value, he gave you a ring that was probably more expensive than you could ever fathom, that didn’t have the same emotional ties that your family heirloom of a ring did. 

Beyond the appearance or symbolism behind your rings, and despite your very different proposals, you were ecstatic to be engaged to Patrick. It only felt right that after years of loving the man, you two were finally making things official in the legal sense. 

As you peered at your shyly smiling fiancé, you couldn’t help but break out into a grin yourself. You underestimated just how exciting it would be for you to be starting a new chapter of your relationship. 

[starlightsuffered]

Masterlist

Timothee Chalamet

Smut - 1, 2

SFW

Timothee Chalamet Characters

Characters P2

Miniseries

Series

Wizarding World

Regulus Black

Marauders

Spider Man

Harry Osborn

Challengers

Art Donaldson

My AO3

https://archiveofourown.org/users/FisticuffsatDusk

My Wattpad

[luvz-me]

being at the last year of your sports medicine university course abroad in america was like a dream come true. but in all honesty you just wanted it to be over and quick. the prospect of having to intern at a random clinic for three months wasn't appealing at all. you made sure to send your cv to different physiotherapy clinics, gyms, sports clubs but still no answer.

watching all your colleagues start earlier than you was discouraging until one afternoon, after watching 2 boring movies a guy at a club told you to watch last night you got a call.

someone with a very poised voice starts talking almost immediately, "good afternoon, i'm speaking on behalf of the sports clinic and i was wondering if you'd be available for an interview tomorrow morning regarding your internship application?"

you almost envied the way there wasn't any hint of nervousness in their voice. it was almost immediate the way you accepted the offer, in all honesty you just wanted to get it over with.

you started your internship there after almost a week until one day, by the evening you witnessed something you never thought you would. tashi fucking duncan walking in the clinic right as you were about to leave. you felt your stomach turn, not in the bad way, but in the - what the fuck, did i hit my head somewhere and wake up in an alternate universe? - way. your anxiety making you want to throw up seeing one of the people you wrote countless essays about stand before you.

"i'm looking to book a sports physician. medium term for art donaldson, need them to be able to come in-house monday through friday." you heard her say to the receptionist, blunt yet always polite. one of your idols standing just a few meters away from you made you weak at the knees. you were aware the clinic was well frequented but you never thought she'd be in your sight ever.

you looked at your nails, pondering if you should start biting them, regaining a bad habit just because you found yourself in a situation you couldn't control sounds very much like you but tashi probably would think that's gross so you stop.

a client you had been assigned to arrives and you curse yourself out for not being able to keep listening to the conversation anymore. the day never ended. each glance you took at the clock just seemed like you were stopped in time. sighing while helping the elder woman stretch her upper body and muttering some words of praise, explaining to her that she'd have to keep coming for at least one more week so the pain could dissipate. you flashed her a smile as she got up and said goodbye, thanking you endlessly for helping her ease the pain.

your supervisor had been watching you. giving some criticism on this session with the client. as you were about to leave she pulled you aside and informed you that starting tomorrow you'd be going to tashi duncans house.

everything inside was pristine, you were even scared to even lean against the furniture in fear you'd somehow break it. tashi had given you a quick house tour, her heels clacking on the hardwood floors as she warmed you up to her, occasionally telling jokes about herself and saying you reminded her of herself. when she was in college. you didn't really know what that meant but you decided to take it as a compliment, nervously fidgeting your fingers. art was nowhere to be seen up until you reached the gym area.

standing there, broad shoulders scrolling through his phone, distracted and flashing a smile towards his wife once she clears her throat and wraps an arm around his shoulder. introducing you to each other and leaving promptly, saying she had a meeting with her pr team and that she'd be back at 8 pm.

you swallow dry. standing there awkwardly with your backpack on your shoulders.

"so.. umm were gonna start with wall angels maybe. tashi told me thats your problem area right now" you blurted out, trying to sound as professional as possible "just. place your arms against the wall in a 90 degree angle and slowly straighten them"

art follows suit, standing against the wall awkwardly moving his arms up and down before asking "how old are you?" breaking the silence

"i'm 21" you mutter in surprise analysing his form and his toned shoulders, and arms.. and muscles. eyes narrowing trying to remind yourself that this is not one of your hookups, this is art fucking donaldson and you're here for an internship. at his house. in his fancy home gym. hes not yours to admire. "why?"

"ah.. just wanted to know" art shrugs, looking at you intently. he gets up suddenly, yet his movements are deliberate. you feel the knot tighten in your stomach, your pulse quicken as i looked at the man before me. "can you show me how to do it properly?" his voice drops to a lower tone and all you can do for a few seconds is flutter your lashes at him

"but this is pretty easy already, i don't know how to ex-"

"i said, i want you to show me" art cuts you off, his gaze literally burning through your skull

art mirrors your movements, his eyes never leaving yours. you hope he doesn't notice the slight tremble in your hands.

"like this?" he asks, his voice even softer now, almost a whisper.

you nod, your breath hitching. "yes, just like that. make sure to keep your back flat against the wall."

he follows your instructions, his body inching closer. you can feel the heat emanating from him, a stark contrast to the cool, clinical setting of the gym. there's a tension in the air, a charged silence that makes your heart race.

"you're good at this," he murmurs, his eyes darkening with an emotion you can't quite place

your cheeks flush, the compliment catching you off guard. "i appreciate that, mr. donaldson."

he moves closer, his body now just inches from yours. you can feel the magnetism between you, a pull that's impossible to ignore. his hand reaches out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. the gesture is tender, almost too intimate for your professional setting. "it's art, yeah? call me art, i don't want to feel like an old fart" he grins

"i should… i should check your shoulder alignment," you stammer, trying to regain some semblance of professionalism. "you're a bit tight here," you say, your voice trembling slightly. "let me help you."

you guide him through a series of stretches, your hands lingering a bit longer than necessary on his shoulders, his back. the room feels smaller, the air thicker with each passing moment.

the session was over. finally. you gathered your things and slid your backpack over your shoulders. art's gaze is still on you and it's impossible not to feel it "are you in a hurry to leave?"

"umm, no i just. no im not in a hurry" you smile "just don't want to bother you anymore" your breath catches in your throat

"i was hoping we could talk a bit more. get to know each other better." he smirks. what the fuck "tashi told me some things about you but i think one on one conversation is far better" grabbing your hand and guiding you to a small resting area at the gym engaging in some superficial conversation about you while tracing circles in the back of your hand. you can't help but sigh. his hands becoming more and more pervasive, touching your thighs, reaching up up up until he's close to your crotch. a slight whine escapes your mouth. you're not focusing on the conversation at all.

"art, this is not-"

"tashi doesn't have to know" he replies knowing tashi knows damn well. hell, she even planned this for him. it wasn't her intention to scout a pretty little physiotherapist like you at first. but you were at the right place, at the right time. the moment she took a glance at you she knew she had to have you. it was a plus art needed help with his shoulders. his hands roaming on the waistband of your tight leggings, your mouth parting with a sigh. sigh that he takes as opportunity to crash his lips against yours. your eyes narrow at first and for a second you try to pull back but you don't really want to.

his fingers edging closer to your panties, the tightness of the leggings increasing the skin on skin contact. "aw you look so pretty with your lips parted. you wanna take my fingers in you don't you huh?" now hovering over you, caressing you over your top "fucking corrupt that little head of yours"

you can't help but let out a moan that sends him over the edge. sliding your leggings down caressing you over your panties. before pushing two fingers inside your mouth for you to suck. "you want this don't you baby?"

"mhm" you nod trying your hardest not to bite him when he uses his opposite hand to caress your sensitive nub. furrowing your eyebrows trying your hardest not to grab his arm. his calloused fingers leaving your plump mouth suddenly and making a 'pop' sound "but tashi might" cut off by the pads of his fingers circling your clit

"tashi doesn't mind" his voice hungry "im just helping you out yeah? we're just getting acquainted" one of his fingers teases your entrance slowly entering earning a sharp wince from you. the unfamiliar feeling slowly turning into pleasure as he slid it in and out "open your eyes f'me, let me see those pretty eyes"

you bite your lip staring at his face as he does such a lewd thing to you, and you let him. knowing he has a wife. somehow this made it even more arousing. whats wrong with you? "gonna add one more finger, fuck you're so tight around me, so good. i bet that clit would feel so good around my tongue" small tears cornering around your eyes. the soft noises leaving your lips only encouraging him to keep going.

"feels good huh baby?" he coos, his face edging closer and closer to your clit as your hips rise, only to stop once you're about to cum. abruptly sliding your panties back up along with your leggings.

this earns him a well deserved mewl. edging you like this. stopping when you were just so so close was just so mean of him. looking up at him just to see him lick your juices off his fingers, feeding them to you. "suck" he commands "don't be mad, i just need to make sure you come back for more sessions" fixing your hair and picking up your backpack from where you left it on the gym floor

[marrziy]

HOT!Short #2

★: Art Donaldson

| Mesmo durante uma rapidinha num lugar impróprio, ele é atencioso com você.

P: 984

Eu cheguei muito tarde. Não ergui pilares.

Ser amigo da amizade de Patrick e Art era ter um espaçozinho gostoso no chão para sentar, entre canelas e joelhos para apoiar os cotovelos.

Tinha o melhor dos restos sendo o amigo dos melhores amigos, e estava satisfeito com isso.

Mas a conquista de um espaço maior e melhor aconteceu tão naturalmente que nenhum de nós notou quando eu, calouro, subi degraus e passei a ofertar meus joelhos para os veteranos inseparáveis apoiarem as cabeças.

E que prazer foi conhecê-los fundo e tê-los conhecendo a mim profundamente.

Nossas noites, tardes e ocasionais manhãs foram as rodelas de morango sobre cada camada de familiaridade que montamos nos últimos seis meses desde a primeira cruzada triangular.

Hoje, com o bolo pronto e em vitrine, é fácil saber quando a temperatura deixa de ser ambiente; posso presumir isso todas as vezes em que Art faz algo que Patrick faria.

Como bagunçar o trânsito corporal no refeitório, me arrastando sem jeito pelos corredores da facul.

Fechar-se junto a mim na última cabine do banheiro masculino.

E foder minha entrada com os dedos enquanto devora minha língua.

Com a calça nos tornozelos e a cueca enrolada nos joelhos, jogo o quadril para frente, fazendo das costas coladas à parede meu pilar durante o dedilhar que estica minhas bordas. "Artie…" pronuncio manhoso contra seus lábios, subindo uma mão para agarrar a lateral de seu pescoço, aprofundando e asselvajando nosso beijo.

Ele geme abafado, apertando minha bunda com a palma que separa uma das bandas, afundando precisamente o indicador e o médio no meu interior úmido de saliva, fazendo ecoar o som estalado do mergulho.

Art está vestindo roupas leves e pingando suor. Inicialmente, pensei que veio até mim depois de uma rodada de tênis com Patrick.

Entretanto, reparando nos lábios inchados e nos chupões pelo pescoço, sei que não era nada disso…

Art não estava dando o gostinho da vitória ou derrota para Patrick, estava dando a bundinha.

Encerro o beijo, esquivando das tentativas de Art de retomá-lo. "Que vagabunda você é. Ter o cuzinho comido não é o suficiente? Precisa comer um também para se sentir satisfeito?" ele não responde.

Seu silêncio me tira risadinhas.

Sei que há algo errado, mas não investigo afundo, pois sinto que está vindo até mim.

Art voa no meu pescoço, beijando como se poucos segundos longe da carne fossem anos de um amante fiel afastado de sua musa. "Já tá bom, né?" pergunta, reivindicando com os dentes. "Posso enfiar agora?" retira os dedos do meu buraco pulsante e me mostra a cabecinha de seu pau escapando pelo cós do short.

"Droga, Art…" suspiro, descendo uma mão pelo algodão que cobre seu abdômen, alcançando a pontinha inchada. Acaricio, sentindo a umidade viscosa e o pulsar violento. Ele treme. "Olha onde estamos, cara! Não dá pra foder passo a passo num banheiro de universidade." minha voz diminui na progressão da fala, temerosa. Desço seu short apenas o suficiente para soltar o pau teso, que bate no abdômen antes de pousar reto.

"Eu quis preparar você." a rouquidão em sua voz me enfraquece. "Não queria que doesse." a seriedade tensa que o envolvia até então é quebrada por um rosar que domina as bochechas. "Sem contar que você é apertado pra caralho, não importa o quanto te fodam! Não quero ter o pau esmagado." ele sorri de canto, agarrando minhas coxas e as afastando. "E todo mundo sabe que buracos apertados são superestimados."

"Vai se fuder!" bato em seu ombro com indignação fingida. Segurando a base de seu pau, o guio rumo à minha entrada trêmula.

"Vou foder você." ronrona contra minha bochecha, agarrando meus quadris com firmeza e empurrando para frente. "Porra!" geme alto no encaixe, estremecendo com o aconchego envolvente. "Você é tão gost…"

O corto, cobrindo seus lábios brilhosos com a palma. Eu que estou sendo arrombado, mas é sempre Art quem cumpre o papel da putinha escandalosa.

Mordo os lábios, arrepiando e arqueando as costas quando ele prensa o corpo no meu, me esmagando contra a parede enquanto trabalha profundamente dentro de mim.

Um ritmo constante é estabelecido, baseado em estocadas certeiras que me preenchem ao máximo e que retornam até não ter nada dentro. Choramingo sempre que a cabecinha rosada espanca minha próstata, e contraio com força em resposta. Art geme abafado, deixando minha palma molhada e meus quadris vermelhos sob o aperto de seus dedos.

O loiro é tão carente gemendo, me encarando com seus olhos marejados e entreabertos… "Caralho!" com a mão livre, também cubro minha boca. Sinto a aproximação do orgasmo, meu corpo ficando tenso. "Art, por favor!... Eu vou..."

Ele entende.

Do tanto que estremeço e pela forma como estrangulo seu cacete, é impossível não entender.

Art engole saliva a seco. "Vai, anjo… Goza pra mim", mete eufórico, fazendo ressoar o som de suas bolas agredindo minha bunda.

Como se meu corpo ouvisse, me desfaço, gozando com um gemido engasgado, cortado pela metade. Meu abdômen não para de contrair, tampouco meu buraco. Cada fibra muscular está formigando.

Temendo me fazer audível demais devido à superestimulação, rebolo na virilha de Art, prolongando ao máximo cada contração. É estranho ser eu o preocupado; normalmente não exerço tal função.

Com mais algumas estocadas erráticas, ele segue o meu entorpecer até a borda, alagando meu buraco com sua carga espessa, que vem abundante e imediatamente escorre para fora, mesmo com o cacete ainda latejando dentro. "Qual é o melhor pau?" questiona enquanto goza, sequer esperando retomar as rédeas do próprio corpo.

Eu não entendi.

"O quê?" um tanto desligado, caio em sua estrutura, abraçando seus ombros e buscando seus lábios.

Mas ele afasta o rosto a fim de refazer a pergunta, que vem rodeada pelo mesmo ofegar. "Quem tem o melhor pau?" Art me olha nos olhos, sua pupila gravando minha face confusa e acabada. "Eu ou o Patrick?"

Então era... isso?

Meu Deus.

[diyasgarden]

Hiii moodboard request for vampire ATP 🫶

interview with the vampire, but it’s art, tashi, and patrick 🫀

[followmybadreligion]

thinking about fighting w/ your obsessed bf!art…

Art absolutely hates fighting with you. He hates the heated silences that follow each conversation; the glares and scoffs you throw at him in the heat of the moment; the distance between you as you calm down— he hates it all. No matter what the fight is about, or who’s technically in the wrong, he doesn’t care; he just hates to be at odds with you.

It makes him nervous, in all honesty.

You see, he’s known relationships to fall apart in the midst of hard times, which is why he fears them so badly. In his mind, if he can make you happy— not stress you out or make you upset—then he can keep you forever, and that’s all he really wants.

Sadly, though, you two live in reality, where conflict is damn near unavoidable. Sometimes it’s over petty little things like eating each other’s leftovers or forgetting to fold laundry, and other times there’s more serious issues at play like crossed boundaries or painful words. In either scenario, Art pushes himself to respond the best he can, despite his anxiousness. If he did something to annoy you, then he’s more than willing to hear you out and apologize. If he crossed a boundary then he’s going to dedicate so much effort to respecting it in the future. Anything he can do to improve for you, he’s willing to.

With his nature, though, comes such a dangerous power over him. You’re practically his heart outside his body— he can’t stand it when you’re upset, which can drive him to take desperate measures for your forgiveness. You want him on his knees begging and crying? He can do that. If you’re upset he’s already close enough to tears as is. You want gifts and treats to make up for your pain? That was a given, and best believe he’s got flowers and your favorite meal before the thought crossed your mind. He’s even willing to do things that he knows he shouldn’t. One of this friends made you feel insecure? He’ll cut them off without a second thought. You feel as if he’s not spending enough time with you? He’ll cancel all his plans for the week. Whatever you need to feel comfortable, safe, and secure again— it’s done, no questions asked, and all you have to do is tell him.

When it comes to your mistakes though, Art is a completely different person. His whole, “be quick to act, let’s solve the problem,” motto goes straight out the window and instead, a quieter, more passive man surfaces.

He’s almost never the one to address the issue, mainly because he’s too caught up in not wanting to hurt your feelings. He knows that you’re a good partner— that you love him so much even though you lash out or misspeak sometimes— and yes, it hurts his feelings, but that’s something he tries to repress.

Thankfully, though, you know better.

Even though Art tries to act as if he has thicker skin than he does, he’s actually a very sensitive boy. It makes him so sad when you yell at him or get snippy about things, so much so that he’s cried several times over it. He’ll never tell you that out of fear of seeming weak or overdramatic, but it’s true. Just you raising your voice at him can get his tears running hot, and he can’t even work up the courage to let you know that.

Thankfully, though, you’re truly an amazing partner and can pick up on these things on your own. Despite the soft little reassurances paired with that lop-sided, sad smile he throws your way when you apologize, you never miss how his eyes swell with thick tears that he desperately tries to blink back. You never miss how his hands shake as you brush over them, or how his shoulders hunch in defeat either, and all of it breaks your heart.

It may take a while, especially with Art so closed off, but the best way to make any progress with him in those times is to validate him. His feelings and emotions have already been discarded in so many aspects of his life, and that’s only solidified his belief that he’s not allowed to have them. So, hearing you, his entire world, tell him that it’s okay for him to be upset, sad, angry or however else he feels— it just melts all of his guilt away. It makes him feel like more of a person, entitled to the wants, needs, and opinions he tries to repress, and that in itself does so much.

During the calm down of an argument— the peace after the tension and tough talks— Art is, by nature, extremely clingy. After being on edge for such a long time, he’s just extremely exhausted, and really wants to be loved on. He craves your attention and affection again— it makes him feel safe and secure. He is very particular in the way he goes about asking for it, though.

If you’re the type of partner that needs their time and space after some conflict, he’ll give you that. He understands how draining it can be to be around people in general, let alone someone you just fought with. If you are up for some time with him though, this is the time where he’ll be as soft as he gets— and that’s saying something.

He talks very softly— almost in whispers, as if to not disturb the balance between the both of you. His voice is strained and flat, cracking every now and again from the choked tears resting in the back of his throat, and his lips are pursed in a thin line out of habit. Still though, his words are like the sweetest honey.

“Can I hold you now, baby?” He’ll whisper, eyes lowered and shoulders tense as he awaits your reply.

The second you’re in his arms again is the second his tears flow past. He’ll bury his face in your neck to hide them, still a bit embarrassed at how anxious he’d been, but you hear his muffled sobs nonetheless, racking through his body in huge waves. As much as you hate to see him like that, it’s all his way of processing, and it’s best to just let him let it out— you know that now. You can still comfort him in the best ways you know how, though. He really appreciates that. Gentle coos and “I know, baby’s” whispered in his ear; soothing back rubs and soft traces along his face; long kisses placed on his temple, hands, or wherever else you can reach; it all grounds him so much.

Once he’s in a calmer headspace, still soft but not as fragile, you can finally start to talk. If there were words left unsaid or points misunderstood, this is usually the time to get clear about them. The both of you are all drained of any fight, pride, or stubbornness that got in the way before, and instead, you both are just eager to come back together. So that’s exactly what you do.

Art’s not stupid. He knows that it’s easy to promise one another change and forgiveness when you’re desperate to be in each other’s arms. He knows it’s easy to whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears just to get through the night. He knows it’s easy to make false promises that’ll make sure that the other will stay. He knows, he understands, and so he’s careful. If he feels it’s not the right time to talk things out, he’ll let you know, and he makes sure that you know that you have that option as well.

At the end of every fight there’s always one specific question that Art asks that confuses you every time he does. You could be laying in bed together, resting on the couch, doing a few chores or anything else for that matter, but he just has to know: do you still love him?

His eyes are usually full of anxiety as he stammers through the words, almost as if he doesn’t even want to ask it, but something’s making him. Perhaps it’s nerves, or his overthinking, or something you said to make him doubt, but either way, that question, and the anxiety it induces, reigns over him until he knows— until you give him a straight answer, even if it’s not what he wants to hear (it always will be).

To you, it’s the most obvious thing in the world. How could you not? How could you not love the man who just spent so much time fighting for the two of you? Who considers you more than himself? Who’s so in love with you that the mere thought of you feeling any differently runs him up a wall? To you, he’s the most lovable man on the planet, the Earth and Heavens to you, and every fight only highlights that.

And that’s exactly what you tell him.

And you get to watch his anxious eyes melt into those soft, love-filled ones you live to see. Every. Single. Time.

Make-up sex with Art comes in all different sorts of variations, but no matter the pretense, it’s oh so love-filled.

There are sometimes where Art’s in a more submissive head-space after y’all’s conflict, and he just wants you to take care of him. He’s already so drained from what’d just happened, and he just wants that little bit of personal attention, you know?

So, when he’s pulling you into the bedroom, button-down shirt half opened and stained by his tears, asking you to “Make up with him” through glazed eyes and a quivering lip, you know exactly what he’s asking for.

In front of your floor-length mirror, you’d have him resting against you, shirt off and discarded, with his pretty, pink cock in your hands as you fist away. He’d squirm and moan at your touches, occasionally begging for some rest or a slower pace, but you know just like he does that he needs this.

You’d pull and pull and pull, occasionally slowing down to run your thumb over his slit, a motion that sends chills down his back in an instant, before returning to your original pace. His balls don’t go neglected either, being rubbed and messaged by your free hand in relatively face pace motions to match your strokes. The entire time, you’re leaned down to his ear, whispering the filthiest words you could imagine.

“My pretty, pretty boy, leaking and shaking for me like this,” you’re mumble, pressing a small kiss against his neck, earning a light, drawn out moan from Art.

“God, I could watch you do this all day.” You’d giggle, looking him dead in the eyes as his cock spurted streams of hot, white cum all over your hands and his stomach. He’d struggle underneath you, both from the overstimulation you’d begun and the over powering urge he feels to reciprocate. He hates to be greedy, and after the first orgasm, he feels you’ve taken care of him plenty, but you wouldn’t let up though, forcing him to sit through another orgasm or two before you decided he’d had enough.

In the moments following, you either licking his cum from your fingers or feeding it to him, all that Art can think about is getting his mouth on you. He has quite the oral fixation, and you shoving your fingers past his lips, letting him suck on them to his hearts content, only triggers it more than it already had been.

So, you’re never surprised when he turns around in your arms, pulling you by your thighs until your back rests against the floor, legs splayed out and pussy on full display.

Art eats and eats like a man deprived of nutrients, lapping at your swollen little clit like a depraved dog of some sort. He sucks up all your juices, eyes rolling back as he tastes you and cock only growing harder at the position he’s in. To have your thighs wrapped around his head, pressing tighter and tighter around him the closer you get; to have your moans ringing through his ears, getting louder and more high pitched the more that he goes; it’s a dream come true for him, and an extremely big fucking turn on, showcased by his desperate humps against the floor.

The second you tell him you’re on the edge, so close to letting it all go for him, is the second he really starts to lose it. His grip on your thighs gets impossibly tighter, keeping them locked around his face as he ravages you, and his moans and groans get even more intense, sounding like something straight out of a porn, to be completely honest. He keeps his eyes locked up towards you, desperate to see every second of you falling apart for him, and the second you do, a sense of pure and utter euphoria runs through him.

He lets you pull and tug on his long, shaggy locks all the way through your climax, releasing your clit just long enough to place long, gentle kisses against your pussy. He doesn’t even realize that the bottom half of his face is covered in the sheen of your juices once he’s done, nor does he care, far too brain fucked to even register it.

What he does register, though, is your restless hands in his hair once again, pulling him up from in between your legs as you sit up from out of your position on the floor. He registers how you pull him in for a slow, deep kiss and push your tongue past his lips, massaging his own with soft, gentle flicks. He does register how you push yourself on top of him, grinding your pussy against him back and forth as you two get even more high off of each other.

You continue that for a while, grinding and kissing until you can feel him making a new pool of pre-cum underneath you. Then and only then do you break away, much to Art’s dismay, and look down towards the space in between you two.

He’ll beg and beg for you to touch him again, kiss him, grind on him, fuck him— something, anything— but you don’t pay him any mind, instead opting to take his cock in your hands and run it between your folds. The way you rest your hand against his stomach as you do this, pressing down on his lower belly, is enough to make him finish right there, but he tries his best to hold out. Nothing feels as good as cumming inside you, that he knows.

When you do finally decide to fuck him, having had enough of the silly little games, you really give it to him. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, an inch or two above average, so it doesn’t take you long to get adjusted, and once you finally are, you waste no time bouncing on him like your life depends on it.

He always loves when you fuck him like this— like a dildo or a sex-doll just meant for your pleasure. You’ll tug on his hair or grab on to his tight, broad shoulders for a better grip, leaving imprints and scratches all across him, and it just drives him wild. He loves being marked by you, covered in your love bites, hickies, and scratches. All just a reminder that he was useful. All just a reminder that he’s yours.

Once your hands find there place back against Art’s lower stomach, he knows he’s a goner. You’ve made him cum in a matter of seconds with that move every single time you’ve done it, and this times damn sure not gonna be the exception.

What really pushes him over the edge is the way you practically keen as his cock goes up further, hitting your g-spot at the perfect angle to have you practically singing. The shit that leaves your mouth then is something that he’ll play in his mind forever.

“Fuck, you’re gonna do it, baby. You’re gonna make me cum, mmhm.” You moan out, head nodding off as you bounce even harder against me.

“Tell me you love me,” you’d demand as neared your climax, words all slurred from how good you feel. He does, of course, whispering sweet praises and declarations of his love for you as he gets closer and closer to that sweet relief.

“God, you’re so—fucking—good,” you’d call out as you finally came, body shaking and twitching above him as you struggled to hold yourself up. He’s not far behind you, tight coil in his stomach finally snapping as he sees you bottom up on top of him.

He’ll moan, beg, shake, and cry as his orgasm crashes into him like a roaring wave, knocking his brain off kilter as the pleasure overtakes him. He shoots such a big load, watching as your bounces spread it up and down his cock in such a pretty mess that’s so satisfying to him.

You’ll give him a few more bounces, riding through the rest of your highs before your lips are on his again, this time in a much softer, sweeter way. Your hands would rake through his hair, finger pads massaging over his scalp in efforts to ease the tension from your pulling earlier, and your other hand would move down to grip his hand in yours, just how he loves.

“I love you, baby.” You’d whisper as you pull away, hand coming up to rest against his chest, feeling his heart beat still pounding.

“I love you so much more,” he’d respond, soft smile crossing his lips as he stared up at you through his lashes, “I promise.”

[fandomnoire]

upcoming challengers fic: bet on losing dogs

The Bible tells you that love is patient and kind but it doesn't warn you that it's also a kind of sickness with teeth.

Art fucks you like he's trying to crawl inside; Patrick, like he's trying to devour; and Tashi like she's trying to rebuild an empire; and you, for all your affected indifference, orbit like a distant planet and try so hard to hold them all inside of you that the self-destruction is catching.

bet on losing dogs, a deliriously self-indulgent love letter to challengers, is an upcoming multi-chapter reader insert work.

rating: explicit

fandom: challengers

pairings: everyone/everyone in one iteration or another, the way god intended

featuring/cw (thus far, will be highlighted for each specific chapter): bougie bisexual brown girl reader (i love alliteration), mentions/themes of classism, racism, sexism, and internalized homophobia; assorted homoerotic yearnings; suicidal ideation and mentions/a scene of an attempt; mutual masturbation; double penetration; infidelity; drug use; manipulation as a love language; everyone is toxic, everyone is gay, everyone has a praise kink, and everyone is my baby (especially you, dear reader).

tennis divider by: @thecutestgrotto