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screaminglygay · 2 months ago

Text

No way back

pairing: natasha romanoff x reader

summary: you and natasha joined S.H.I.E.L.D. at the same time, but you're the only one who feels truly at home. while you find your footing, natasha struggles with the unfamiliarity of it all - new people, new rules, and the overwhelming sense that she doesn’t quite belong, but you try your best to make her feel like she´s at home

warnings: slow burn, teasing, kissing, fighting, swearing, light angst, overthinking, Natasha feeling out of place, mentions of a brother's passing, emotional vulnerability

word count: 9.6k

an: thank you for the request!! i had fun writing it, once again sorry it took me forever, the next two parts will be even more angsty!!

part one I part two I part three

The air in the S.H.I.E.L.D. training facility was thick with unspoken words. Conversations lowered to hushed tones whenever she walked past. The few who didn’t bother whispering let their disapproval show in glances, in the way their shoulders stiffened when she entered a room.

Natasha Romanoff was used to isolation. But this? This was different. It wasn’t just suspicion, it was hatred.

The KGB had collapsed, and the Red Room along with it. She was one of the lucky few who got a second chance, but the agents here didn’t see it that way. To them, she wasn’t just a recruit, she was an enemy, a traitor, a remnant of something they wanted erased. They didn’t see a woman trying to rebuild herself, only the ghost of something they despised.

And yet, there was you.

Bright-eyed and eager, just another fresh recruit with no bloodstained history weighing you down. You weren’t a Widow. You weren’t special. But you were kind. And unlike everyone else, you didn’t look at her like she was something vile.

Natasha noticed it from the start, the way your gaze didn’t linger with wariness, the way your voice didn’t lower when she was near. And when she entered the training room that afternoon, she noticed you again.

The training mats were filled with recruits testing their combat skills. You were off to the side, holding pads for another agent, excitement lighting up your features as you explained something with your hands moving animatedly.

Natasha didn’t care for small talk, but something about the way you smiled… so open, so easy, made her pause.

Moments later, she was called up for testing. Evaluating abilities, strengths, weaknesses. Seeing where she fit. She knew how they expected her to perform, like a ruthless machine. So she did. She made quick work of her opponents, every strike precise, efficient. No wasted movement. No hesitation. When she finally stepped off the mat, there was silence. Not admiration, not respect, just discomfort. A reminder that she wasn’t one of them.

And then you spoke.

"That was insane." Your voice cut through the tension, bright and impressed, not a hint of unease. "How the hell did you move like that?"

Natasha blinked. People didn’t usually direct questions at her unless they had to.

You took her silence as an invitation to continue, unfazed. "I mean, I know it’s years of training and all, but-" you gestured vaguely, still catching your breath from your own sparring match. "That was like some ninja stuff ."

She just stared, unsure what to do with the unexpected enthusiasm directed her way. You were still looking at her, waiting, expecting an answer. No hostility, no apprehension.

She exhaled sharply. "Practice."

You grinned. "Yeah? Guess I should be practicing a hell of a lot more, then." You chuckle. You are not a bad at this, no. You are fast and quick, but these moves, that Natasha made… they were something else.

Natasha almost smirked, but before she could respond, your instructor called for a break. The recruits scattered, finding their usual groups.

She didn’t have one. She was used to sitting alone. It didn’t bother her.

But then-

"Hey, uh, you good?" Your voice again. You were standing in front of her now, holding two water bottles, offering one out. "You kinda just wrecked everyone, figured you might need this."

She eyed the bottle warily before taking it. "Thanks."

You sat down beside her without invitation, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Natasha waited for the hesitation, the awkward excuse to leave, but it didn’t come.

After many days of training, it became more harsher and more exhausting, you knew it was S.H.I.E.L.D. testing you, trying to sort just the best one, but it was a lot, but not for her, at least it didn´t look like it.

Natasha sat in the corner of the training room, carefully adjusting the bandages wrapped around her hand. It wasn’t a bad injury, just a scrape from earlier drills, but the fabric had stuck to the wound. She barely reacted to the discomfort, her expression cold as ever.

You noticed, though. "Hey, looks like that’s stuck. You need help?" you asked, crouching beside her.

Natasha didn’t even look up. "No."

You grinned, undeterred. "I wasn’t really asking." Before she could pull away, you were already untying the bandages with quick, precise fingers. The fabric peeled away from her skin, and Natasha finally looked at you, her sharp green eyes studying you, not with anger, but with something closer to surprise. She didn’t say anything. Just watched.

"There," you said, satisfied. "That’s better, right?"

Natasha flexed her fingers slightly, testing. "I suppose."

You took that as a win.

From that moment, you made it your mission to include Natasha, whether she wanted it or not. It wasn’t hard, everyone at S.H.I.E.L.D. liked you. You were warm, helpful, and easy to talk to. Even the most hardened agents softened in your presence. But when it came to Natasha, people kept their distance, speaking in hushed tones when she passed by, leaving her to sit alone during briefings.

You weren’t having it.

Every conversation, every briefing, every group training, if you were there, you made sure Natasha was a part of it. When you laughed at a joke, you turned to see if she was listening. When you partnered up for drills, you dragged her into the mix. If she tried to stay in the background, you pulled her forward. At first, people didn’t know what to do with it. Some just stared. Some whispered. But you? You smiled at Natasha like she was just another teammate, not the ex-KGB assassin everyone was afraid of. And eventually, even if she didn’t say it, you could tell, she appraciated it.

She appraciate you.

You weren’t exactly sure when things started to shift. Maybe it was during that one mission, the first time you and Natasha had to rely on each other for real. A simple recon op that went sideways, forcing you and her to fight back-to-back. It was the first time she saw you as more than just the kind recruit who wouldn’t leave her alone. The first time she saw that you could handle yourself.

By the time you both got back to base, bruised but victorious, something had changed. It wasn’t big, not yet. Just small moments.

The way Natasha sat closer during briefings, the way her gaze lingered when you spoke. Like she was watching, waiting, trying to figure you out.

So you decided to push things a little further, trying to make her feel more… comfortable and safe. Make her feel more like she belongs here.

"Come with me," you said one evening, right after dinner.

Natasha raised a brow. "Where?"

"The shooting range." You said simply.

She studied you for a long moment. "At this hour? There won’t be anyone else."

"Nope," you grinned. "Just us. I wanted to see the real things you can do with a gun. And I want you to teach me."

Natasha folded her arms, the corner of her lips twitching. "You don’t think it’s- "

"Scary?" you interrupted. "No. Badass? Yup."

She blinked, surprised, before shaking her head with something dangerously close to amusement. "You’re ridiculous."

"And you’re avoiding the question." You smiled at her, knowing she will say yes, but won´t go down without looking like a scary person.

Which is funny, because not even after bunch of stories you heard, not a single time did you think she was scary. Interesting and strong, definetly, but never scary.

Natasha sighed, but there was no real resistance. She stood up, rolling her shoulders. "Fine. But don’t embarrass yourself."

You grinned. "No promises."

The range was quiet at night, the fluorescent lights casting a cool glow over the empty stalls. You handed Natasha a pistol, watching as she inspected it with the kind of precision that could only come from years of training.

"So, what do you wanna learn?" she asked, slipping into that calm, focused state that made her so lethal in the field.

You thought about it for a second. "Everything."

Natasha let out a short laugh, a real one. "That’s ambitious."

"You´re good with guns, so…"

Her expression faltered, just for a second. She wasn’t used to compliments. Not the genuine kind. But she recovered quickly, loading the gun and placing it in your hands.

"Alright then," she murmured, stepping behind you. "Let’s start with your grip."

Her hands covered yours, adjusting your fingers, pressing against your back to fix your stance. Her touch was careful but firm, her voice smooth as she explained each movement. You weren’t sure if it was the warmth of her body so close or the sheer focus in her tone, but your pulse quickened.

And when you fired the first shot, dead center on the target, you swore you heard a quiet hum of approval.

"Not bad," Natasha admitted.

You smirked. "Told you I wouldn’t embarrass myself. But why is the grip so important? It´s just the shot, no?"

She rolled her eyes, but this time, she didn’t pull away so fast. "Is your gun loaded?"

"No. I had only one bullet in-" before you could finish that sentence, Natasha not so harshly bumped into your wrist and the gun you were holding fell easily down. "Oh… I see now." You turned your head so you can look at her, you smiled a bit, even though you can feel your heart in your throat.

After that bonding the smiles started. They weren’t much at first - hesitant, uncertain - but they were there. Agents who once ignored her were now nodding in acknowledgment. Some even started greeting her by name. It wasn’t lost on Natasha that this shift had everything to do with you.

You had always been easy to like, weaving yourself effortlessly into the cracks of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s cold walls. You helped agents with their reports, sparred with them without making it a competition, and always - always - made sure Natasha was included.

At first, people didn’t know how to react. They weren’t sure if you were just being polite or if you really meant it. But then, in the middle of a late-night training session, you made sure to give Natasha the credit, she didn´t think was even there.

"Damn, how did you pull that off?" one of the agents asked after you had effortlessly flipped them onto the mat.

You grinned, wiping sweat from your forehead. "Natasha taught me." Silence. A few skeptical glances were exchanged. "…Romanoff?" someone finally muttered.

"Yeah," you said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

For a moment, no one knew what to say. But then, one of the agents turned to Natasha, hesitant but genuinely curious. "Wait… you actualy train others?"

Natasha, who had been leaning against the wall watching the interaction unfold, tilted her head slightly. "When I feel like it."

You rolled your eyes. "Don’t listen to her. She does and she’s actually great at it."

A few agents exchanged glances before someone hesitantly asked, "Can you show us?"

Natasha hesitated. It wasn’t fear. It was just… unfamiliar. People looking at her with interest instead of distrust.

You gave her a little nudge. "C’mon, show off a little." And once again you chuckle, pushing Natasha´s buttons a bit more. Making her open more and show others, that she´s not so cold and scary looking lady.

A beat passed. Then, Natasha sighed and stepped forward. "Fine."

That was the moment everything truly changed. The next few weeks, more agents started joining in. What started as casual observations turned into genuine respect. They saw how skilled she was, how efficient her movements were.

"Oh my god, who taught you that?" someone asked you after another sparring session.

"Natasha did," you answered with a smirk.

And instead of the usual shock or discomfort, the response was different this time. "Damn," one agent muttered. "She’s really good."

"She really is," another admitted.

It was subtle, but Natasha noticed it. The way people started sitting next to her in meetings. The way conversations didn’t immediately die when she entered a room. The way people started listening. For the first time since joining S.H.I.E.L.D., she didn’t feel like an outsider, at least not that much, she felt like this could really be a new beggining for her.

As the days comes by Natasha finally catch you after a training, finally being able to talk to you properly. The gym was empty now, except for the two of you. Sweat clung to your skin, muscles sore from sparring, but neither of you seemed in a hurry to leave today. Natasha had been improving fast, not just physically, but in how she carried herself around the others. She was more comfortable now, less guarded. It was something you had noticed gradually, and honestly, you were proud of her.

That’s why it caught you off guard when she suddenly said, "Thanks."

You blinked. "For what?"

Natasha exhaled, running a hand through her damp hair before leaning against the wall. "For making me look friendly. Helping me fit in."

You shook your head with a small smile. "Zero idea what you’re talking about."

She shot you a dry look. "Oh, shut up."

You chuckled. "That was all you, Nat. They just needed a little push. So did you."

Natasha didn’t argue with that. She let the words settle between you before glancing down at her hands, quiet for a long moment. Then, almost hesitantly, she said, "I don’t blame them, you know."

You frowned at her, letting her speak.

"The others. For being wary of me." She sighed. "I was trained in the Red Room. Worked for the KGB. I know what people like me have done." She hesitated, then her voice dropped slightly. "I know what I’ve done, I know who I am..."

She didn’t say it, but you heard the word she left unsaid.

Monster.

Your chest ached for her.

"We all make mistakes," you said softly. "But you’re here for a reason, aren’t you? You want to change. To do something good. What happened… happened. You can’t change the past, but you can choose who you want to be."

Natasha let out a breath, something shifting in her expression. "You ate a wisdom, hm?" she muttered.

You grinned, "that’s my daily bread."

A small chuckle escaped her lips, quiet but real. It was rare to hear her laugh, but when she did, it was worth it.

After that, things between you and Natasha just… clicked. Wherever she was, you weren’t far behind. And wherever you were, she was right there with you. People started joking about it. "If we need to find Romanoff, just look for (Y/N)."

"I swear, they come as a set," another agent laughed at that.

You started doing things together outside of training. Natasha would drag you to the shooting range at odd hours, testing out different weapons while you tried (and often failed) to match her skill. In return, you convinced her to join you in normal, non-mission-related activities - grabbing coffee, watching movies, playing pool in the rec room.

And then there were the missions. You worked better together than anyone expected. It was seamless, almost instinctive. The way you covered each other’s backs, how one glance was enough to understand what the other was thinking. You weren’t just teammates. You were a duo.

Time goes by, and it was the one-year celebration of you being in S.H.I.E.L.D. The same goes for Natasha. The party was in full swing, the usually serious S.H.I.E.L.D agents actually let loose, drinks in hand, music a little too loud for a facility, and even the higher-ups seem to have abandoned their usual stiff posture. For once, the atmosphere was light, warm. You had a good time, chatting with everyone, laughing at dumb jokes, even letting yourself get a little tipsy.

But even you had limits, your social battery is wearing thin, and the heat of the crowded room got to you. So, without much thought, you slipped out of the main hall and made your way up the stairs, pushing open the door to the training center’s rooftop. The night air was cool against your skin, refreshing after the stuffy warmth of the party. The city lights stretched out in the distance, flickering like a thousand little stars, and you sighed, leaning against the railing.

Peace. At least for a moment.

Because not long after, the door creaked open again. You didn´t have to turn around to know who it was. Natasha stepped forward, her footsteps light, almost silent. She stopped beside you, resting her arms on the railing. You glanced at her, she looked the same as always, calm, composed.

"You’re not drunk," you observed.

She huffed out something like a chuckle. "Of course not."

"Why? Afraid of letting loose?" you teased, nudging her with your elbow.

She didn´t respond immediately, just watched the city below. Then, with a small shrug, she said, "I grew up in Russia. Tolerance to alcohol is kind of in my blood."

You raised an eyebrow. "Then why you’re not even slightly tipsy?"

"Would take a hell of a lot more than what they’re serving in there," she said, nodding towards the party. "It’s a little pathetic, honestly."

You laughed softly, shaking your head.

"Maybe I should teach you... you look like you would need it," she teased.

"Excuse you, I have some tolerance." You glanced at her, "besides I did have my own growing up experience with drinking."

Natasha looked at you, silent, waiting.

"My brother taught me how to drink," you chuckled, "at least tried to." You exhaled, looking down at your hands. “His names is Thomas.” A pause. “Was.”

She didn´t say anything, but she turned fully toward you, giving you her full attention.

"He was in the Navy," you continued. "One of the best. Smart, strong… better than me in everything, really. But he was also the kind of guy who couldn’t sit back if someone needed help." You took a breath. "There was an accident. A mission gone wrong. He saved his teammate… but he didn’t make it."

You swallowed, feeling the familiar ache in your chest. Even after all this time, it didn´t go away. It´s the alcohol that made your shiny personality, to get a little cloudy.

Natasha was still quiet, but she watched you with something soft in her expression. Understanding.

"That’s why I trained," you said finally. "Why I kept pushing myself. My biggest dream was to work for the CIA, actually." You chuckled, shaking your head. "And I almost made it. Passed all the tests, was about to get in, until a guy with one eye came in and basically stole me."

Natasha’s lips quirked. "Fury?"

You nodded, "Fury."

There was a comfortable silence between you after that. Just the sound of the wind, the faint music from the party below, and the distant hum of the city.

Then, quietly, Natasha said, "I’m sorry about your brother."

You glanced at her, giving her a small smile. "Yeah. Me too."

Another beat of silence. Then, in a rare, quiet admission, she added, "He sounds like a nice guy."

You chuckled, tilting your head. "He would’ve liked you."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, "even though I’m Russian?"

You nudged her shoulder. "Even though you’re Russian." It was very easy to talk to you, to joke with you and to let her guards down, she liked this... she liked spending time with you.

You let out a soft chuckle, leaning your elbows on the railing as you gaze out over the cityscape. The cool night air does little to sober you up, but you didn´t mind the warmth in your cheeks. It was a nice buzz, one that made you loosen up, talk more freely.

"He actually was really into women who could take care of themselves," you said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between you and Natasha. "His captain was a woman. I remember how head over heels he was for her… it was crazy. He was thirteen again, having a crush like a little boy."

You laughed at the memory, shaking your head. "I swear, he would talk about her like she walked on water. All serious and professional when she was around, but then the second she left? He’d go on and on about how badass she was."

Natasha chuckled at your rambling, a rare amusement flickering in her expression. You were slightly tipsy, your words a little looser than usual, but she didn´t mind. There was something… nice about it. About you just talking, sharing pieces of your life like they were meant to be told.

She watched as you grin to yourself, your fingers absentmindedly tracing the railing. There was a soft flush to your cheeks, not just from the alcohol, but from the warmth of the memory. It made her hesitate, just for a moment, before she spoke.

"I get it," Natasha finally said, exhaling softly. "Having someone you admire like that."

You glanced at her, intrigued. "Yeah?" And Natasha just hummed.

After few minutes of just silence once again, her gaze fell back on the city. “I had a sister.” A pause. "Have a sister."

Your head tilted slightly, your attention sharpening. "You do?"

Natasha nodded again. "Yelena. She’s younger than me. Stubborn as hell, always had something to prove." A small, almost fond smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "We grew up together… well, as much as we could. The Red Room didn’t exactly allow for normal childhoods."

You didn´t push, just let her talk, sensing the weight of her words.

"I haven’t seen her in years," Natasha continued, fingers flexing slightly against the railing. "Not since I left." There’s a flicker of something in her expression - guilt, longing. "I don’t even know where she is. If she’s okay. But I still think about her."

You were quiet for a moment, letting her words settle between you. Then, gently, you asked, "What was she like? Back then?"

Natasha exhaled a short laugh. "A menace."

You grined at that. "Sounds about right for a younger sibling."

"She always had this way of getting under my skin," Natasha admited, shaking her head slightly. "Always trying to prove she could be better, faster, stronger. But she was also… kind. Not in the traditional way, but in the way that mattered. She cared… deeply. Even when she tried to hide it."

You watched Natasha’s expression shift, soft in a way you don’t see often. It was different from her usual guarded demeanor, there was something raw in it. Something real.

"I hope she’s okay," Natasha murmured.

You reached out, hesitating for only a second before gently placing your hand on hers. "If she’s anything like you, I’d bet she is."

Natasha looked at you then, her green eyes flickering at your hand on hers, then back at you. But after a moment, she just huffed out a quiet breath, shaking her head. "You’re really bad at this whole tough S.H.I.E.L.D. agent thing, you know?" she said.

You grined, "yeah, well. Someone’s gotta balance you out."

She didn´t argue. Instead, she just let out another soft chuckle, turning her gaze back toward the city. And for a while, the two of you just stayed like that. Side by side, watching the world move below, the weight of past and present settling comfortably between you.

One second, you were just standing there, glancing at Natasha, enjoying her presence - the next, her lips were on yours. Soft. Warm.

A little hesitant at first, like she wasn’t sure she should be doing this, but then firmer, more certain.

Your breath hitched, heart slamming against your ribs as your brain caught up with what was happening. Natasha Romanoff - Natasha - was kissing you.

And then, just as suddenly as it started, she pulled away, eyes wide, looking more startled than you felt. "Oh, shit," she breathed. "I- I didn’t mean to-"

You blinked at her, still processing, still feeling the ghost of her lips on yours. Butteflies flying everywhere.

"I mean, I did, but I- I don’t know why I-" She took a half-step back, running a hand over her face. "That was- I wasn’t thinking, I just-"

She was spiraling. Natasha Romanoff was spiraling. And honestly? It was kind of adorable.

You grinned, heart still racing, but in the best way. "Nat."

"I shouldn’t have-"

"Natasha."

She shut up, blinking at you.

"Don’t apologize," you said softly, still feeling the warmth of her lips lingering on yours. "That was nice."

She blinked again. "Nice?"

"Very nice." You nodded and as Natasha looked at you fully so she could notice the blush on your cheeks. Knowing very well it wasn´t from the alcohol.

Her brows furrowed, like her brain was still struggling to process the fact that you weren’t mad, weren’t pulling away. "But I just- I didn’t even ask, I just-"

"Yeah, I noticed," you teased, a giddy little laugh bubbling up. "Not that I’m complaining."

Natasha groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is not how I wanted to do this."

You tilted your head, biting back a smile. "Oh? So you wanted to kiss me?"

Her lips parted, then closed, then parted again. "I- That’s not- I mean-"

You couldn’t help it. You laughed. A bright, breathless, happy sound.

"I knew it," you teased, poking her arm.

Natasha scowled, but the way her ears were turning pink betrayed her, "you did?"

"Nope, but I wanted you to do it so badly, so… manifestation." You smiled widely at her.

"You’re insufferable," she muttered, though there was no real heat behind it.

"And you just kissed me," you pointed out, grinning.

She groaned again, looking up at the sky like it might save her. You just smiled, reaching for her hand and giving it a small squeeze.

"Hey," you said softly. She looked at you, and there was still a little hesitation there, a little uncertainty.

You squeezed her hand again. "This is nice," you repeated, gentler this time. "You are nice. To me. And that’s all that matters."

Natasha stared at you for a long moment, like she was still trying to find a way out of this. But then, finally, finally, she let out a breath. "You’re really something else," she murmured, shaking her head.

You grinned. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

She rolled her eyes, but she didn’t let go of your hand.

…

From the moment that kiss happened on the rooftop, something between you and Natasha changed.

Not in a way that was overwhelming or scary - no, it was easy, like flipping a switch that was waiting to be turned on. You still trained together, ate lunch at the same table, sat beside each other in meetings, but now there was an added something to it all. A kind of warmth, a softness.

Like how Natasha would nudge your arm when she passed by, or how she’d steal your drink without asking, giving you a smirk when you huffed at her. Or how she’d lean into your side when you sat next to each other, casually draping her arm over the back of your chair, fingers sometimes brushing your shoulder absentmindedly.

Little things. Easy things.

Dating Natasha Romanoff was surprisingly not some impossible, larger-than-life thing. It was waking up and getting coffee together before morning drills, where she’d always roll her eyes but still make sure you had your favorite one.

It was stealing quick, hidden moments in hallways when no one was looking, Natasha rolling her eyes at how obvious you were, only to pull you in for a kiss when she thought no one was around. It was training together, still pushing each other, but now with teasing smirks and stolen kisses. It was, you had to admit, kind of perfect.

Natasha was perfect. And everyone was noticing.

Once word got out, because of course it got out, that you, arguably the kindest person in S.H.I.E.L.D., chose Natasha, something shifted in how people treated her.

Not in a bad way, though.

Before, people had been friendly enough, mostly because you kept bringing Natasha into group activities and conversations, but there had always been a kind of caution. A distance. They still saw her as Black Widow, the woman who had red in her ledger, who had a history drenched in violence.

But now?

Now, people looked at her differently.

If you, the person who always went out of their way to help others, who saw the best in everyone, liked Natasha, then maybe she wasn’t someone to be feared. Maybe she deserved a second chance. And Natasha? Oh, she noticed.

People started smiling at her more in the hallways.

They started asking for her help with things - small tasks, not only minor training exercises, more little things they never would have approached her for before.

And the flirting?

The flirting was insane.

It was like the moment people saw Natasha through your eyes, they realized she wasn’t just a deadly assassin… she was hot.

You’d never seen her ego this big before. Training days became something else entirely.

"Alright, everyone, partner up." Maria Hill, Fury´s right hand yelled, so everyone can hear her.

Immediately, half the room turned to Natasha. You watched as agents practically scrambled to be the first to get to her, some subtly and not so subtly bumping into each other in their rush. Natasha smirked.

"Oh," she mused, glancing at you from across the room. "Guess I’m popular now."

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms. "You’re impossible." Not thinking about it as a big deal.

She gave you a smug little smile, tilting her head. "Jealous?" You scoffed, trying not to let her entirely correct assumption show on your face.

She chuckled, then turns to some random rookie, “sorry, but I already have a partner," she said simply, jerking her head toward you.

The rookie looked both disappointed and terrified.

You, however, were fighting back a grin. She is yours and you are hers.

Natasha made her way over, stopping just in front of you. "You don’t mind, do you?"

You huffed, "like you’d let me say no."

She smirked, leaning in just enough for her voice to drop, “exactly."

You swallowed, because god, she knew what she was doing.

"Alright, alright," Maria called, clapping her hands. "Let’s get started."

You were going to kill her.

Or kiss her.

Possibly both.

And Natasha? She knew exactly what she was doing.

After training wrapped up, you and Natasha made your way to the locker room. The adrenaline was still thrumming in your veins, your body buzzing with the remnants of sparring.

Or maybe it was just her. Who knows?

Natasha was grinning, that signature, smug little smirk plastered on her lips as she leaned against the lockers with her arms crossed. "See how much people wanted to spar with me today?" she teased, tilting her head as she looked at you.

You scoffed, rolling your eyes. "Oh, please. It was a little desperate if you ask me."

Natasha gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Desperate? They chose me.”

You huffed, turning away to open your locker. "Yeah, well, I think I’m gonna have to start charging them if they want to breathe the same air as my girlfriend." There was a tiny hint of jealousy and of course she noticed it.

Natasha let out a delighted laugh. "Oh? So I’m yours now?"

You turned to her, lifting a brow. "You were always mine."

That shut her up, momentarily.

Then, she grinned, stepping closer. "Oh, is someone turning green?"

You turned away quickly, but Natasha was faster. Before you could even think of hiding, she had you pinned against the lockers, her hands firm on either side of your head as she leaned in.

"I think you are," she murmured, her lips brushing against yours as she spoke.

"I am not," you mumbled, though your resolve was very quickly dissolving.

Natasha chuckled. "Mhm." And then she kissed you. It was soft at first, just a slow, teasing press of her lips against yours. Then, it grew deeper, her hands sliding down to your waist, pulling you closer. You sighed against her mouth, your hands moving to cup her face, fingers tracing the curve of her jaw.

She was being so affectionate. Touching you like she needed to, kissing you like she wanted to pour everything she felt into you. When she pulled back, just enough to look into your eyes, you found yourself whispering, "We’re together… together."

She smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of your mouth. "We are…" Another kiss to your cheek, "…together." Another to your jaw, "…which is why you should move in with me."

You blinked, your mind short-circuiting. "Wait. What?"

She pulled back slightly, her hands still on your waist. "Move in with me."

You stared at her.

She tilted her head. "What?"

You blinked again. "You just said- wait. Are you serious?"

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Of course I’m serious. We basically spend all our time together anyway."

You hesitated, your heart pounding. "But we-"

"You want to." She grinned, leaning in again, her lips brushing over yours. "I know you do."

You huffed, narrowing your eyes at her. "…I hate how well you know me."

She smirked, "so?"

You sighed, dramatically, "fine."

"Fine? Just fine?" She can´t help, but chuckle again.

You chuckled as well, "fine, I’ll move in."

Natasha grinned, "good," and then she kissed you again.

The only thing left to do was tell Fury. So you did the next day, since the word travels fast in this facility. You weren’t nervous, per se, but still… this was Fury. You stood in front of his desk, back straight, hands clasped behind you. Natasha was waiting outside, mostly because she didn’t want to hear Fury’s inevitable sarcasm firsthand.

Fury looked at you over the rim of his coffee cup, unimpressed. "You want to what?"

"Move in with agent Romanoff, sir."

He blinked, setting his cup down, "you’re already living in headquarters."

"Yes, sir."

"And now you want to live together?"

"…Yes, sir."

He exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temple. "I’m happy for you." He said that with total blank expression, so it was hard to tell if he meant it or not.

You blinked, "wait, really?"

"But," Fury continued, leveling you with a look, "don’t you dare let it affect your work."

You swallowed, “it won’t, sir."

"You and Romanoff are my top agents," he said firmly. "I don’t have time for relationship drama messing with my missions. So don’t you dare."

You straightened, "I understand. Don’t worry, sir."

Fury eyed you for a moment before sighing. "Good. Now get out of my office."

You tried not to smile as you turned on your heel and walked out.

Natasha was waiting in the hallway, arms crossed. "Well?"

You grinned. "He said yes."

"Told you he would" Natasha smirked.

You rolled your eyes, nudging her. "Come on, roomie."

She chuckled, draping an arm over your shoulders as you walked away together. Words can´t describe how happy you felt, in this moment… there is nothing more you wish for, maybe more free time, but you´re not gonna push Fury´s buttons. Not yet at least

Each morning from that moment the first thing you registered was warmth. The second was the scent of Natasha, something sweet and faintly floral, mixed with the crispness of freshly washed sheets. The third was movement. Something was shifting beside you, and before you could even react, a hand brushed over your hair, fingers lightly threading through it.

"Mhm," you grumbled, burying your face deeper into the pillow.

A chuckle, "good morning, sweetheart."

You groaned in response, curling further into the blankets.

"Come on, wake up." Natasha’s voice was far too cheerful for this time of day.

You pried one eye open, glaring at her, or at least, attempting to. It probably looked more like a squint. "It’s six in the morning."

"It is."

"Six, Natasha." Ugh. How you hated mornings, early mornings to be exact.

"I heard you the first time."

You groaned again, flopping onto your back and rubbing your face. "This is cruel. I thought you liked me."

Natasha laughed, stretching her arms above her head, the muscles in her back flexing beneath the soft fabric of her tank top. "I do like you."

You pouted up at her. "Then why are you waking me up at an ungodly hour?"

She grinned, leaning on her elbow beside you. "Because you’re adorable when you’re grumpy."

You narrowed your eyes at her, "I hate you." And you mumble something else.

"No, you don’t," she poked your cheek. "But everyone should see this. Our lovely, happy, kind little sunshine is currently wishing me all the worst just because I woke her up."

You groaned, covering your face with your hands. "That is not true," maybe it was… a little.

"Oh?" Natasha teased, nudging you playfully. "What was it you just mumbled? Something about me rotting in hell?"

You peeked at her through your fingers, "…maybe."

She laughed, and God, it was the best sound in the world. Even though it´s six in the morning, you don´t really mind the reason you´re awake now.

"You’re an agent, baby," she said, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

"Not in the next five minutes," you mumbled, reaching for her hand and intertwining your fingers with hers, "Cuddles?"

Natasha let out a dramatic sigh, "fine, but only for five minutes."

You grinned sleepily, tugging her down into your arms. She didn’t resist, in fact, she melted into you, resting her head against your chest, her fingers idly tracing shapes against your arm.

"This is nice," she murmured.

You hummed, pressing a lazy kiss to the top of her head, "told you."

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to your collarbone. "Alright, I’ll admit it. You might have been right."

"Might have been?" You smirked at her.

She sighed, "alright, fine, you were right."

You grinned triumphantly, hugging her tighter. Natasha chuckled, tilting her head up to look at you. Her green eyes softened, and she reached up to brush her thumb over your cheek.

"I love you," she murmured.

Oh my god.

For a moment, all you could do was stare. Your sleep-addled brain scrambled to catch up, to process that Natasha Romanoff had just said I love you for the first time. The room was still, the only sound the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the soft rustling of the sheets as Natasha shifted slightly beside you. Your heart pounded against your ribs, like it knew the weight of those words before your brain could fully register them. She had said it so softly, so easily, like she wasn’t even afraid of it. Like it wasn’t some impossible, unreachable thing.

Natasha looked at you, her green eyes searching yours, and for the second time ever, she looked nervous. Like she thought maybe she had messed up. Like she thought maybe you wouldn’t say it back. Which was insane, because of course you would.

Of course, you did.

"Say it again," you whispered, barely realizing the words had left your mouth.

Natasha blinked. "What?"

"Say it again." Your voice was a little stronger this time, but still breathless, like you’d just been hit with a wave of something so big it knocked the air from your lungs.

Natasha's lips twitched into the faintest smile. And then quieter, but with no less certainty-

"I love you."

Something in your chest burst. You let out a breathless, almost disbelieving laugh, before grabbing her face and kissing her senseless. Natasha let out a surprised sound but melted into it instantly, her arms winding around your waist as if she had been waiting for this exact moment. When you finally pulled back, just enough to look at her, you were grinning like an absolute fool.

"You-" You shook your head, pressing another quick kiss to her lips, "you love me."

"I do." Natasha’s voice was amused now, a little lighter, a little happier.

"You love me," you repeated, as if testing the words in your mouth.

Natasha chuckled. "Is that really so surprising?"

"Yes! No! I mean-" You laughed again, completely overwhelmed, "I just- God, I love you so much."

Natasha's expression softened, and you swore you saw her eyes shine just a little. "Yeah?" she murmured.

"Yeah," you breathed. "So much."

She smiled, the kind of smile that made your knees weak, even though you were already lying down.

Since Natasha had told you she loved you, everything had been amazing. She had never been an overly affectionate person before, but now? Now she was. She kissed you in the hallways of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.. She pulled you into her lap when you both sat on the couch, arms wrapped around you like she needed to physically anchor herself to you. She always, always held your hand whenever you were walking together.

She made you feel loved. And in return, you loved her hard. You loved her with your touch, with the way you reached for her first thing in the morning, still groggy but always needing her close. You loved her with your words, whispering soft things against her skin late at night, telling her all the reasons she was good, she was worthy. You loved her with your patience, never pushing when she got quiet, never demanding more than she was ready to give.

But still…

Still, something lingered in her.

Although things were better, although she had you and people were being nicer, there was something inside her that just wouldn't settle. A restlessness. Some nights, when you were fast asleep, Natasha would sit at the edge of the bed and just watch you. She would grip the blanket tight in her fists, pressing the fabric to her face just so she could smell you, so she could drown herself in something warm, something real.

She didn’t know why she did it. Or maybe she did.

Maybe it was because she was still trying to believe it.

Trying to believe that this was real. That you were real. That the love you gave her wasn’t something temporary, wasn’t something that would be ripped away the moment she blinked too long. She wanted to believe she belonged here. That this - this bed, this warmth, this person - was home.

But… what was home, really?

The Red Room? Moscow? The cold walls of S.H.I.E.L.D.? The battlefield?

Was she the assassin, the spy, the Black Widow capable of having a home?

Sometimes, she would stare at you, watching the way your lips would part slightly when you slept, the way your brows would furrow if she shifted too much.

And she would wonder… does she love the real me?

The real her. The one with blood-stained hands. The one who had taken lives, who had done horrible things. The one who, despite everything, still questioned whether she was anything more than a killer. Maybe you loved the version of her that you saw. The one who teased you in the mornings, who kissed you breathless in empty hallways, who pulled you into her arms without hesitation.

Maybe you loved that Natasha.

But what about the other one?

What about the Natasha who had once followed orders without question? The Natasha who had ended lives with a steady hand and an empty heart? The Natasha who still, even now, sometimes felt like she was nothing more than a weapon?

Did you love her, too?

Would you still love her if you knew, if you really knew, what she had done?

She didn't know. And she was scared to find out.

So after some time she just thought that faking till you make it sounded like a great idea. It started small. The lingering glances. The playful smirks. The way Natasha would lean in just a little too close when someone was talking to her, her eyes sharp and inviting in a way that made people stumble over their words.

At first, you brushed it off.

You knew Natasha. You knew she wasn’t the type to cheat, not even close. But it was hard to ignore how much she entertained it. The winks she threw back. The way she’d chuckle at comments that were a little too flirtatious. The way she let people’s hands linger on her arm or shoulder when they spoke.

You told yourself it didn’t mean anything. That it was just her way of fitting in, showing people she wasn’t the cold, untouchable Black Widow they once thought she was.

And you got it. You did. For so long, she had felt unwanted, feared, alone.

And now, for the first time, people were seeing her differently. They were choosing her. Not because she was a weapon or a threat, but because they liked her.

And it made her feel… valued.

So you let it go.

Until you couldn’t.

It was one night in your shared room, Natasha sitting at the small desk while cleaning one of her knives, humming softly to herself. You sat on the bed, playing with the hem of your shirt, thoughts swirling too fast in your mind.

"Nat?"

She hummed in response but didn’t look up.

You took a breath. "I love you."

That made her pause. Her hands stilled, and she turned her head to look at you, brows furrowing slightly. "I know," she said softly with a small smile.

But you weren��t really saying it to her. You were saying it to yourself. Like some kind of reassurance. A desperate attempt to convince yourself that everything was okay. That she loved you… that she wanted you.

That this didn’t mean anything. Because it didn’t, right? But still, something gnawed at you. Something bitter and heavy, curling in your stomach, whispering thoughts you didn’t want to listen to.

Am I enough?

Maybe the others were more fun. Maybe they weren’t as serious. Maybe they made her laugh more.Maybe they didn’t come with the weight of whispered confessions in the dark, the burden of knowing all her scars, inside and out. Maybe it was easier with them.

Maybe-

"Hey," Natasha’s voice pulled you back, soft but firm. She was kneeling in front of you now, her hands gently resting on your thighs, brows drawn together in concern, "what’s wrong?”

You swallowed, shaking your head, "nothing."

She didn’t believe you. Of course, she didn’t. She tilted her head slightly, studying you the way she did when analyzing an opponent in a fight, like she was picking apart every little movement, every hesitation, every weakness. "Talk to me," she said quietly.

And you wanted to. You really wanted to.

But how could you?

How could you tell her that while she was struggling with believing she belonged, you were struggling with believing you were enough? You sighed, rubbing your palms over your face. "It’s nothing serious. I’ve just been overthinking a lot."

Natasha didn’t move from her spot in front of you, still kneeling, her hands now tracing slow circles over your thighs. "Overthinking what?"

You hesitated. You weren’t lying, not really. But you weren’t saying everything either. Because if you did, if you voiced all the thoughts racing through your mind it might make them real.

So instead, you forced a small smile, shaking your head. "Just… if what I’m doing now is enough."

Natasha’s brows furrowed. "Enough?"

You exhaled, "like… as an agent, as a person, in-" Your voice wavered. "In us." It slipped out.

Her grip on you tightened slightly. "Of course, you’re enough." And the way she said it, so fiercely, so certainly, made your chest ache. She shifted, lifting herself up to sit beside you on the bed, her hand finding yours. "What’s making you feel this way?"

You shrugged, staring down at your intertwined fingers. "I don’t know. I think it’s just… everything."

Natasha was quiet for a moment, and you could almost see the gears turning in her head, the way her mind dissected every little piece of information you gave her. Finally, she sighed, leaning in and pressing her lips softly to your temple. "I love you," she murmured against your skin.

It sent a warmth through your chest, but it didn’t erase the lingering thoughts completely.

And maybe Natasha knew that.

Maybe that’s why, as she pulled back, she searched your face so intently, as if trying to see past whatever walls you were keeping up.

But then something shifted in her own expression. Something almost unreadable. She glanced away, exhaling slowly.

And that’s when you realized-

She was thinking, too.

Overthinking.

You squeezed her hand. "Nat?"

She didn’t answer right away, staring at a spot on the floor like it had the answers to something she didn’t even know how to ask. "I just…" she started, but then shook her head, letting out a quiet laugh that lacked any humor.

"Now you’re overthinking," you pointed out gently.

Natasha exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, well… you’re not the only one who does it."

Your brows knit together. "What are you overthinking?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. And for the first time in a while, Natasha looked uncertain. She was always so sure, so sharp, so steady. But now, there was something hesitant in the way she held herself. Like she wasn’t sure if she was standing on solid ground anymore.

You turned to face her fully, giving her the same patience she had given you. "Talk to me."

She scoffed softly, "that’s my line."

You smiled, nudging her lightly, "it can be mine, too."

Natasha sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I just…” She swallowed, "I´m not sure if I fit in."

Your breath hitched. "What?"

She ran a hand through her hair, her voice quieter now. “I mean, what if people like the fun me, not the weird killer one, but the one that´s…” she gestured vaguely, "normal."

Your chest tightened. "Nat-" You stared at her, heart aching. Because you understood. You understood the weight she carried, the doubt that gnawed at her, the fear of being seen as something she wasn’t sure she could escape. "People like you for who you are, right now. They enjoy your presence, I enjoy your presence. All the time."

To you, there was no version of Natasha to love. There was just her. And maybe… maybe you both needed to figure that out together. So after your talk you just spend cuddling tighter than usual, not talking at all, just enjoying your time together.

Over the days, Natasha had been even more open to others, for some reason, which didn´t help you with the "overthinking" part. It wasn’t just the occasional banter anymore, it was something more. The teasing smirks, the way she leaned in just a little too close when speaking, the way her fingers ghosted over arms, her laugh coming a little softer, a little sweeter.

You wanted to understand this, but the only think you could do was to stend back and watch. She joked with Maria Hill in the training center, standing a little too close, her fingers lingering on Maria’s wrist just a beat longer than necessary as they laughed about something. You weren’t even sure what had been said, but it didn’t really matter. It was the pattern that was beginning to form. It wasn’t just Maria. Natasha was always surrounded by someone now, their attention drawn to her like moths to a flame. And she let them. Agents who barely looked at her months ago now jumped at the chance to train with her, to sit with her in the cafeteria, to find excuses to be near her.

And Natasha? She basked in it.

You didn´t said anything… but days turned to weeks, and it never stopped. If anything it got worse.

It was after training when you finally said something. The adrenaline still thrummed in your veins from sparring, your muscles sore in the best way, but all of it was overshadowed by the tight knot in your chest.

Natasha was drinking from her water bottle, wiping sweat from her forehead when you finally broke the silence.

"The flirting is too much."

She froze mid-motion, brow raising slightly as she looked at you, "wha- baby, you know I would never"

"I know," you sighed, running a hand through your hair. "I know you wouldn’t do anything, but… I just don’t like them thinking they have a chance, you know?"

For a second, something flickered in Natasha’s expression, something uncertain, but then it was gone, replaced with that easy, confident smirk that had charmed so many people lately.

"You’re the only girl in my sight," she murmured, stepping closer, her voice dropping into something lower, something smoother. Your lips pressed into a thin line. She was doing it again. The charming words, the flirtation, the teasing little game she played when things got too close, too real. And then her fingers traced down your arm, light, deliberate, the heat of her touch sending shivers up your spine.

"You don’t need to worry," she whispered, pressing a kiss just below your ear. "I only want you."

You wanted to stay firm. You wanted to keep pushing, to tell her that wasn’t the point. But then her hands were on you, guiding, coaxing, pulling you into her orbit like she always did. Natasha had always been a master of control, of knowing exactly what to say, what to do, to pull someone under. And she knew exactly how to make you forget.

Natasha led you through the hallways of the compound, her fingers interlaced with yours, her touch grounding, magnetic. You weren’t fighting it anymore. Maybe you should have. Maybe you should have pressed harder, but right now, in this moment, you just wanted her.

"Our room," she murmured, glancing at you from the corner of her eye, a small smirk playing at her lips, "we can shower together." Her voice was low, inviting, and there was no point in pretending you didn’t want that too.

By the time you reached her room, Natasha was already peeling off her shirt, throwing it onto the chair in the corner without care. She turned back to you, stepping close, her fingers immediately finding your waist, tracing over your skin like she needed to remind herself you were real.

She kissed you - slow, deliberate, her lips moving over yours like she had all the time in the world. And then she whispered against your lips, "You’re mine." Her hands slid up, her palms warm against your skin.

"I’m yours," she murmured, pressing another kiss just beneath your jaw. "You’re amazing." The words kept coming, soft and steady, an anchor against the storm of thoughts that had been brewing in your mind for weeks. "You’re everything," she breathed.

Your fingers curled against her back, holding onto her, feeling the way her muscles tensed and relaxed beneath your touch. You wanted to believe her. You wanted to hold onto these words and let them fill the cracks that had started to form inside you.

Natasha rested her forehead against yours, her hands still tracing slow, soothing patterns against your sides. "No overthinking. Not right now," she whispered. "Just me and you."

She kissed you again, and for a little while, you let yourself believe her.

The steam curled around both of you, thick and warm, as the water cascaded down, soaking into your skin. Natasha’s hands never left you, not for a second. They traced along your arms, your waist, the curve of your back, as if she was mapping you out, committing you to memory, ensuring you were still here, still hers.

The shower wasn’t just a shower… it was something else entirely. A quiet space where the world didn’t exist, where doubts couldn’t reach, where words weren’t needed because her touch spoke louder than anything she could say.

Her forehead pressed against yours, water dripping between you, and she whispered it again, "I love you". Over and over again. It was reverent, almost fragile, like she was convincing herself just as much as she was convincing you.

Your hands found her, fingers threading through damp strands of red as she kissed you, deep and slow, like she was breathing you in. Every touch, every movement, felt like a plea - don’t doubt me, don’t doubt this, don’t leave.

She held you like you were something precious. Like you were something she wasn’t sure she deserved but was too afraid to let go of. Her lips brushed over your shoulder, her breath warm against your skin as she murmured, "you´re everything to me."

The weight of those words settled deep in your chest. She didn’t say it often, definetly not like this. Not stripped down to its rawest form, with no teasing, no distractions. Just her, open and vulnerable, asking for something she didn’t quite know how to name. So you gave it to her.

Your fingers trailed along her spine, tracing invisible lines over old scars, new ones, the history of everything she had endured and survived. "I love you too, so much," you whispered, barely audible over the steady rush of water.

Natasha exhaled, a shaky breath against your skin, and then she held you tighter, as if grounding herself in your warmth. She kissed you again, not rushed, not desperate. Just deep. Meaningful. Like she was pouring everything into it, everything she didn’t know how to say.

taglist: @starrycherie, @esposadejoyhuerta

#adele writes #natasha romanoff x fem!reader #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff x y/n #natasha romanoff x female #natasha romanoff fluff #natasha romanoff angst #natasha x reader #natasha romanoff

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tobiosbbyghorl · 2 months ago

Text

The Rink Where I Found You | psh

500 followers special

pairing: figure skater! sunghoon x reader

genre: strangers to best friend to lovers

wc:9.8k

synopsis: From the moment nine-year-old Y/N threw a tiny penguin plushie onto the rink after Sunghoon’s first skating performance, their story began quietly, sweetly, and on ice. Growing up side by side in the same school and at the rink, their bond deepened through late-night practices, shared sweaters, and unspoken feelings that glided just beneath the surface. As Sunghoon’s figure skating career took off, distance tested them, but love rooted in years of small moments, soft routines, and heartfelt surprises never wavered. Through arguments, long-distance calls, surprise visits, and tearful airport hugs, they learned that some love stories don’t need dramatic confessions just one constant person at the edge of the rink, waiting with a penguin in hand.

At nine years old, Park Sunghoon had just begun his journey in figure skating. He was small but determined, gliding across the ice with a focus far beyond his years. Every practice, every competition, he poured his heart into it, dreaming of becoming the best. But no matter how hard he trained, no matter how nervous he got before a routine, there was always one thing that made him smile a little girl in the audience who never missed a single one of his performances.

You.

You didn’t know much about figure skating, but you knew that Sunghoon was incredible at it. He was fast, graceful, and when he jumped, it looked like he could fly. So, without fail, at every one of his performances, you’d be there, watching with wide, excited eyes. And at the end of each routine, when the audience clapped and cheered, you would carefully pick up your favorite penguin plushie and toss it onto the ice for him.l

It started as a random gesture. You just thought Sunghoon looked really cool, and the penguin was your favorite, so why not give it to him? But when you saw how his eyes would always search for that plushie among the flowers and gifts, something in you knew he noticed.

And then one day, after a local showcase, something unexpected happened.

Instead of just picking up the plushie and skating off, Sunghoon skated straight toward the edge of the rink right where you were standing. You gasped as he bent down, picking up the familiar penguin, then looking up at you with a curious expression.

“You always throw this,” he said, turning the plushie in his hands. His voice was soft, almost shy.

You nodded enthusiastically. “Because you’re really good! And penguins are the best, like you on the ice.”

A small smile tugged at his lips. He didn’t usually talk to people much during competitions, but something about your excitement made him stay a little longer.

“Thank you,” he said after a moment. Then, glancing down at the penguin, he added, “Do you want it back?”

You shook your head quickly. “Nope! That one’s for you. But I have more, so I’ll bring another next time!”

Sunghoon blinked at you in surprise before a soft laugh escaped him. “You have more?”

You grinned. “Lots! I love penguins.”

He looked down at the plushie again, then back at you. “Then… I’ll keep it.”

And from that day on, every time Sunghoon performed, he would secretly look out for you in the crowd. Because no matter what, he knew that when he finished his routine, a little penguin plushie would be waiting for him and so would you.

After that day at the rink, Sunghoon started noticing you more both on and off the ice.

It turned out you went to the same elementary school, though you were in a different class. Before, he had never really paid attention to the other kids outside his skating practice, but now, whenever he saw you in the hallway, you would wave at him excitedly.

“Morning, Sunghoon!” you would greet him, always cheerful, as if the two of you had been best friends forever.

At first, he didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t used to people outside of skating being so interested in him. But soon enough, he found himself waving back sometimes even waiting in the hallway just to see you before class started.

Your friendship grew naturally. You always had something to say, whether it was about a new penguin plushie you got or how you tried skating once but fell on your butt “at least a hundred times.” Sunghoon, usually quiet with most kids, found himself laughing around you more than he expected.

During recess, you would drag him to play on the swings or challenge him to silly races though, of course, Sunghoon always won.

“That’s not fair! You’re fast because you skate all the time!” you pouted.

Sunghoon just smirked. “You should train more.”

And even though he was serious about skating, he still let you win sometimes not that he’d ever admit it.

At lunch, you would trade snacks, and on the days he had practice after school, you’d wish him luck, always reminding him: “Don’t forget! I’ll be there watching!”

Sure enough, every time he had a performance, you were right there in the crowd. And without fail, a penguin plushie would land on the ice just for him.

One day, as the two of you sat together during lunch, Sunghoon held up the newest penguin you had given him. “Why do you always bring these?” he asked, tilting his head.

You grinned. “Because penguins are cool. And you’re cool.”

His ears turned a little pink, and he quickly looked down at his food. “…They’re cute, I guess.”

You gasped dramatically. “Sunghoon! Did you just admit that you like them?”

He huffed. “I didn’t say that.”

But after that, whenever you gave him a new plushie, he never once complained. And in his room, neatly lined up on his shelf, was every single penguin you had ever thrown onto the ice for him.

As the years passed, your friendship with Sunghoon only grew stronger. You were always there for him—through every competition, every late-night practice, and every win or loss. And in return, Sunghoon became your closest friend, the one who always made sure you didn’t trip over your own feet when running too fast and the one who quietly waited for you after school just so you wouldn’t have to walk home alone.

By the time you were both twelve, you had watched Sunghoon skate so many times that you practically memorized his routines. But there was one thing you had never done—step onto the ice yourself.

“You watch skating all the time, but you’ve never tried it?” Sunghoon asked one afternoon, frowning in disbelief. The two of you were sitting outside the rink after his practice, sipping on hot chocolate.

“I have!” you protested. “That one time in first grade, remember?”

Sunghoon rolled his eyes. “You mean the time you fell on your butt five seconds after stepping onto the ice?”

You huffed. “That still counts.”

He set his drink down and stood up, holding out a hand. “Come on.”

You blinked at him. “Come on where?”

“To the ice.”

Your eyes widened. “What? No way, I’ll just embarrass myself.”

Sunghoon sighed, grabbing your wrist and pulling you up. “I’ll teach you.”

The next thing you knew, you were clumsily stepping onto the ice, gripping the rink’s barrier for dear life. Sunghoon skated backward in front of you, his arms crossed as he watched you struggle.

“You look like a baby penguin,” he snickered.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” you muttered.

Sunghoon shook his head, skating closer. “Okay, let go.”

You stared at him like he was crazy. “Let go? And do what? Fall?”

He rolled his eyes. “I won’t let you fall. Just trust me.”

Hesitantly, you removed your hands from the barrier, wobbling immediately. Sunghoon grabbed your hands before you could panic, steadying you. “There. Now, just bend your knees a little and push forward.”

With his guidance, you managed to take a few shaky steps. It wasn’t anything impressive, but the fact that you were moving without falling made you grin.

“I’m doing it!” you cheered.

Sunghoon smirked. “Yeah, yeah. Barely.”

You stuck your tongue out at him, and for the first time, you understood why he loved skating so much. It was hard, but with him beside you, it was fun.

From that day on, whenever he had free time, he would teach you little by little. You weren’t great, but you got better—and every time you managed to skate without toppling over, Sunghoon looked just as proud as if he had landed a triple axel himself.

And even though he never said it out loud, he liked that you were learning something that had always been his world because, in the end, he wanted you to be part of it, too.

A few weeks after Sunghoon started teaching you to skate, something unexpected happened.

You were at the rink as usual, clinging to his hands as he guided you across the ice. He had been extra patient with you today, slowing down just enough so you wouldn’t stumble. It was fun until a voice called out from the stands.

“Sunghoon!”

The two of you turned to see a woman standing by the entrance of the rink. She was beautiful, with warm eyes and a kind smile. You had seen her before, always watching Sunghoon’s performances from afar, but you had never actually spoken to her.

“Mom?” Sunghoon blinked, looking slightly surprised.

“I finished work early, so I thought I’d stop by,” his mom said as she walked closer, her gaze flickering to you curiously. “And who’s this?”

You froze. No one had ever asked before. Usually, you were just “that friend who throws penguins onto the ice.” But before you could open your mouth, Sunghoon did something surprising.

He gently let go of your hands and turned to his mom. “This is Y/N,” he said, his voice clear and certain. “She’s my best friend.”

Your eyes widened. Sure, you had been friends for years, but hearing him say it so straightforwardly made your face heat up. His mom’s expression softened, and she smiled warmly at you.

“Oh, so you’re the one who’s always cheering for him,” she said knowingly.

You nodded quickly. “Yep! And I’m learning to skate now, too.”

Sunghoon scoffed. “Barely.”

His mom chuckled. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet you properly, Y/N. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

You looked at Sunghoon in surprise. “You talk about me?”

His ears turned pink, and he looked away. “Not really.”

His mom raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, just giving you another warm smile. “It’s good to know Sunghoon has such a supportive friend.”

You grinned. “Of course! Someone has to be there to throw penguins.”

Sunghoon groaned. “Not this again.”

His mom laughed, watching the way Sunghoon nudged your shoulder in fake annoyance—though the small smile tugging at his lips gave him away. And as she observed the way you two interacted, she realized something:

Her son, who usually kept to himself, had found someone he truly cared about.

After that day, something changed.

Sunghoon had always been comfortable around you, but after officially introducing you to his mom, it was like he finally acknowledged out loud how important you were to him. He didn’t just tolerate your presence at the rink anymore he expected it. If you missed a day, he would text you:

Sunghoon🐧: Where are you?

You: I had extra homework today. You miss me already?

Sunghoon🐧: No. You just need more practice.

But the next time you showed up, there was always an extra snack waiting for you beside him.

His mom also started treating you like you belonged there. Whenever she visited the rink, she would ask about your skating progress, sometimes bringing an extra hot chocolate for you. “You’re practically part of the family at this point,” she joked once, making Sunghoon cough awkwardly.

One afternoon, while Sunghoon was packing up after practice, you sat beside his mom in the stands, swinging your legs.

“You know, Sunghoon’s always been a bit reserved,” she said suddenly, watching him from afar. “He’s focused, serious, and doesn’t let a lot of people get close to him.”

You turned to her curiously. “Really? He’s never like that with me.”

She smiled knowingly. “Exactly. That’s why I was surprised when he introduced you as his best friend.” Your cheeks warmed slightly. You had never really thought about it, but Sunghoon did act differently around you compared to others. Even when he teased you about skating, he was patient. Even when he claimed he didn’t care, he always waited for you after school.

Sunghoon skated toward the barrier, giving you a pointed look. “Are you just going to sit there, or are you actually going to practice?” You grinned, hopping to your feet. “I’m coming, I’m coming.”

As you hurried over, his mom watched with fond amusement. Even if Sunghoon hadn’t realized it yet, she could already see it whatever you and her son had, it wasn’t just childhood friendship. It was something deeper, something that would only grow with time.

Sunghoon’s birthday dinner at his house was a little nerve-wracking at first. It wasn’t that you had never been over before you had but this time, it felt more special. His mom had personally invited you, and Sunghoon hadn’t protested, which meant (in his language) that he actually wanted you there.

When you arrived, his mom greeted you warmly. “Y/N! I’m so glad you could make it. Sunghoon’s upstairs in his room if you want to go see him before dinner.”You hesitated for a second. Sunghoon wasn’t the type to let just anyone into his room, but you nodded and made your way up, knocking on his door.

“It’s open,” came his voice from inside.

You pushed the door open and stepped in, only to freeze at what you saw.

Lined up neatly on a shelf above his desk were all the penguin plushies you had ever given him. Some were big, some were small, and some were slightly worn from being hugged or squished over the years. But the fact that they were there displayed so carefully made your heart feel a little funny.

“You kept all of them?” you blurted out.

Sunghoon, who was sitting on his bed scrolling through his phone, glanced up before following your gaze. His eyes widened slightly before he quickly looked away, pretending to be uninterested. “Yeah. So?” You grinned, stepping closer to poke at one of the plushies. “I don’t know, I just thought maybe you threw some of them away or something.”

He scoffed. “Why would I do that?”

Your smile softened. You didn’t say it out loud, but the fact that he had kept everything meant more to you than you expected.“Anyway,” you said, shaking off the warmth creeping up your neck. “I got you a present!”

Sunghoon raised a brow as you pulled out a wrapped package and handed it to him. He tore it open, and when he saw what was inside, his lips parted slightly in surprise.

It was a matching set of sweaters one for you, one for him. Both were navy blue, with a little embroidered penguin on the chest.

“I figured since you secretly love penguins—”

“I don’t,” he muttered.

“—we should have something to match,” you continued, ignoring him. “You don’t have to wear it, but—”

Sunghoon stood up, unfolding the sweater to look at it properly. He didn’t say anything for a few seconds, then, to your surprise, he pulled it over his head, adjusting it before looking at you.

“It’s… nice,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks.”

Your grin widened. “Nice? Just nice? I spent so long picking this out, you know.”

He rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, which meant he actually liked it.

Before you could tease him more, his mom called from downstairs. “Dinner’s ready!”

Sunghoon glanced at you, then grabbed the second sweater the one meant for you and tossed it at you. “Wear it.”

You blinked. “Huh?”

“If we’re matching, we’re matching now,” he said simply before heading for the door.

Your face burned, but you quickly pulled it on and followed him downstairs, feeling lighter than ever.

Dinner at the Park household was warm and lively. Sunghoon’s parents were kind, asking about school and skating while making sure your plate was always full. His little sister, who had taken a liking to you over the years, kept giggling every time she looked between you and Sunghoon in your matching sweaters.

“You two look like a couple,” she teased, grinning.

You laughed, shaking your head. “We just match because he secretly loves penguins.”

Sunghoon sighed dramatically. “I don’t love penguins.”

His mom chuckled. “Then why do you have a whole collection of them in your room?” His ears turned red, and you couldn’t help but giggle. He looked at you like he wanted to say something sarcastic, but instead, he just sighed in defeat and kept eating.

After dinner, Sunghoon led you back to his room, where the two of you sat on the floor, surrounded by the leftover wrapping paper from his gifts. You leaned back on your hands, watching as he carefully placed your sweater gift in his closet, almost like he wanted to keep it safe.

“You really like it, huh?” you teased.

Sunghoon turned to you, rolling his eyes, but there was something softer in his expression. “Yeah,” he admitted quietly. “I do.”

Your heart did a weird little flip, but before you could process it, he sat beside you, nudging your shoulder. “Thanks for coming today.”

You smiled. “Of course. You know I wouldn’t miss it.”

There was a beat of silence before he cleared his throat, looking away. “…And for the plushies. And the sweater.”

You blinked, surprised at the rare moment of sincerity. Then, grinning, you bumped your shoulder against his. “You’re welcome, Birthday Boy.”

Sunghoon groaned. “Never call me that again.”

You just laughed, and even though he rolled his eyes, he didn’t push you away. Instead, he sat there, comfortable, as if having you beside him was the most natural thing in the world.

A few weeks after Sunghoon’s birthday, something unexpected happened.You were at school, rummaging through your locker when you noticed something sitting on top of your books. It was a small, neatly wrapped box with a tiny note attached.

“For you. Don’t make a big deal out of it. – Sunghoon.”

Your eyebrows shot up. A gift? From Sunghoon?You turned, scanning the hallway until you spotted him leaning casually against his locker, pretending to be focused on his phone.

“Park Sunghoon,” you called out, marching toward him with the box in hand. “What is this?” He glanced up, completely unfazed. “A gift.”

“I can see that, genius.” You waved the box. “But why? It’s not my birthday.” Sunghoon shrugged, slipping his phone into his pocket. “Do I need a reason?”

You stared at him, suspicious. “You hate giving gifts.” “I don’t hate it,” he muttered. “I just… don’t usually do it.”

Now even more curious, you carefully unwrapped the box right there in the middle of the hallway. Inside was a keychain—a tiny plush penguin, the same size as a charm. But what made your heart flip was the fact that it matched one of the plushies you had given him before.

Your fingers brushed over it gently. “Sunghoon…”

He shifted on his feet, looking anywhere but at you. “You’re always giving me stuff, so… I thought I should get you something too.”

For a moment, you didn’t know what to say. Sunghoon wasn’t the type to go out of his way for just anyone. The fact that he had picked something so specific something that reminded you of all the years you’d been by his side meant more than words could say.

Slowly, you smiled. “You’re really soft underneath all that ice, huh?”

Sunghoon groaned. “Forget it. Give it back.”

You laughed, clutching the keychain to your chest. “No way! It’s mine now.” He sighed, but there was the tiniest ghost of a smile on his lips.

Later that day, you attached the penguin keychain to your bag, making sure it was visible. When Sunghoon noticed, he didn’t say anything but you caught the way his lips twitched upward, just for a second.

By the time you and Sunghoon reached middle school, things had changed but at the same time, they hadn’t.

He had grown taller (annoyingly so), his skating had become more intense, and he had started getting more attention from classmates and even strangers at the rink. Meanwhile, you had found your own interests, but no matter what, the two of you always made time for each other.

Sunghoon still waited for you after school, still grumbled whenever you teased him, and still pretended he didn’t care when you cheered the loudest at his competitions.

But then, something unexpected happened.

One afternoon, you were at your locker when you overheard two classmates whispering nearby.

“Did you hear? Some girl from another school confessed to Sunghoon after practice yesterday.”

“Really? What did he say?”

“He rejected her, obviously.”

Your fingers paused over your books as your brain processed the information.

Someone had confessed to Sunghoon? And he had rejected them?

You weren’t sure why, but your chest felt a little weird. You shook it off, shutting your locker just as Sunghoon walked up beside you, hands in his pockets. “Ready to go?”

You glanced at him, wondering if he’d say anything about what you just heard. But, of course, he looked the same as always calm, cool, and completely unbothered.

As the two of you walked outside, you couldn’t hold it in any longer. “So… you got confessed to?” Sunghoon blinked, caught off guard. “How do you know that?”

You shrugged. “People talk. So? What happened?”He exhaled through his nose, looking forward. “Nothing. I just told her I wasn’t interested.”

For some reason, that made your stomach untwist a little. You kicked a rock on the sidewalk. “Why not? She was probably pretty.” Sunghoon shot you a look. “What does that have to do with anything?”You shrugged again. “I don’t know. Don’t guys usually like it when girls confess?”

“I don’t care about stuff like that.” His voice was firm, as if the idea itself was exhausting. Then, quieter, he added, “Besides… she wasn’t you.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and you almost tripped over your own feet. “Huh?” Sunghoon kept walking like he hadn’t just casually said something that made your heart pound.

You stared at him, trying to figure out if he was jokingbut he wasn’t smirking, and his ears were turning pink.

Realization hit you all at once.

Sunghoon didn’t just keep your penguin plushies because he liked them. He didn’t just wear the matching sweater because you told him to. He didn’t just get you a gift because he felt like it.

And suddenly, everything made sense.

Your feet moved before your brain could process what was happening.

“Hey—wait!” You jogged to catch up, grabbing Sunghoon’s sleeve to make him stop. He turned slightly, his expression unreadable, though you didn’t miss the way his jaw tensed.

“What did you just say?” Your voice came out quieter than you intended.

He stared at you for a moment, his lips parting slightly like he was debating whether to brush it off. But then, he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “You heard me.”

You had heard him. And it wasn’t like Sunghoon to say things he didn’t mean.

Your heart was hammering, but you managed to swallow down the nervous energy bubbling inside you. “So…” You tried to sound casual. “You rejected her because she wasn’t me?”

Sunghoon exhaled sharply, as if frustrated but not with you. More like with himself. “Yeah.” His voice was quieter now, more uncertain. “Is that weird?”

Weird?

You didn’t know what to say. You had always been close, always shared an unspoken bond, but this was something new. Something different. Slowly, you shook your head. “No. It’s… not weird.” His gaze flickered to yours, searching. “Then what is it?”

You felt warmth creeping up your neck, your fingers still clutching the fabric of his sleeve. The truth was, you didn’t have an answer yet. But what you did know was that Sunghoon had been by your side for years, and somehow, the idea of anyone else standing where you stood felt… wrong.

“I don’t know,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t think I want anyone else to be there either.”

Sunghoon’s breath hitched slightly.

For a moment, neither of you moved. The air between you felt different now charged, uncertain, but not uncomfortable.

Then, in true Sunghoon fashion, he scoffed lightly and nudged your forehead with his fingers. “You’re so dramatic.”

You laughed, the tension easing just enough. “Says you!”

But as you both continued walking home, your hand brushed against his just slightly. And this time, neither of you pulled away.

Even without a label, there was something different between you and Sunghoon now something soft, something unspoken, but always there.

Stealing Each Other’s Food

“Yah, that’s mine,” you scolded, swatting at Sunghoon’s hand as he stole a fry from your tray. He popped it into his mouth without remorse, chewing lazily. “You weren’t eating it.”

You narrowed your eyes, then reached over and snatched a piece of his sandwich.Sunghoon blinked. “Did you just—” “You weren’t eating it,” you repeated, grinning. He stared at you for a second, then let out a small, amused scoff. “Okay. So this is how it is now.”

From that day on, it became a habit stealing each other’s food without a second thought.

Sunghoon Carrying Your Stuff Without You Asking

It started with your schoolbag. One day, you complained about how heavy it was, and without saying anything, Sunghoon just took it from you and slung it over his shoulder.

At first, you were too stunned to react. “Uh… you don’t have to—”

“I know,” he said simply. “But it’s annoying watching you struggle.”

You rolled your eyes but secretly smiled.

From then on, Sunghoon always carried your bag when it looked too heavy, held your books when you were organizing your locker, and even grabbed your water bottle at the rink before you could reach for it.

It wasn’t a big deal. Just… something he did.

Late-Night Calls That Lasted Until One of You Fell Asleep

“I should sleep,” you mumbled, your voice thick with drowsiness.

Sunghoon hummed on the other end of the line. “Then sleep.”

“You hang up first.”

“You called me.”

You sighed, too tired to argue. “You’re annoying.”

“Then why are you still talking to me?”

Silence. Then a soft, sleepy giggle from your side. Sunghoon smirked, knowing he won. “Goodnight, dummy,” you murmured before your breathing evened out.

He didn’t hang up immediately. He just listened for a little while longer before whispering, “Goodnight.”

Then, and only then, did he end the call.

Sunghoon Letting You Put Stickers on His Belongings (Even Though He Complained)

“You’re ruining my skates,” Sunghoon deadpanned as you carefully stuck a tiny penguin sticker on the side. “You can barely see it,” you defended. “Besides, it makes them cuter.”

“I don’t want them to be cute.”

You just smiled sweetly. “Then why haven’t you peeled off the stickers I put on your water bottle?”

Sunghoon shut his mouth, ears turning slightly pink.

You grinned

Knowing Each Other’s Schedules Better Than Your Own

You groaned as you shuffled through your bag. “Ugh, I forgot we have a quiz today.”

Sunghoon, sitting beside you, didn’t even look up from his book. “No, that’s tomorrow. Today is the presentation.”

You blinked. “Oh… wait, are you sure?”

Sunghoon sighed, finally glancing at you. “You’d be failing if I wasn’t around.”

You pouted. “That’s not true! I—”

“The English quiz is on Thursday, your club meeting got moved to Friday, and you have to turn in your history project by next Monday.”

You stared at him, stunned. “Do you memorize my schedule?”

Sunghoon rolled his eyes. “You don’t, so someone has to.”

Your heart did a little flip, but you played it cool. “Well… what’s your schedule?”

Sunghoon smirked. “Why? Are you gonna memorize mine now?”

You huffed, cheeks warming. “Forget it.”

But secretly, you did.

Walking Home Together, Even When It Was Out of His Way

Your house was not on the way to Sunghoon’s, but somehow, he always found an excuse to walk you home.

“It’s fine,” you told him once. “You can just go straight home.”Sunghoon shrugged. “Nah. I don’t mind.” And that was that.

Even when it was cold, even when it was late, even when he had practice the next morning—Sunghoon always made sure you got home first.

Because no matter what you were to each other—friends, something more, something undefined—Sunghoon always showed up.

And you never needed a label to know what that meant.

—

It happened so casually that you almost didn’t register it at first.

“Hey, Y/N,” a classmate—Jisung—called out as you grabbed your books from your locker. “Are you free this weekend?”

You blinked, looking up. “Uh… I think so? Why?”

Jisung smiled, a little nervous but confident. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me. You know… like a date?”

Oh.

You stood there, caught off guard, processing his words. It wasn’t like you had never been asked out before, but something about this felt… different.

Before you could answer, a voice way too familiar cut in.

“She’s busy.”

You turned just in time to see Sunghoon walking up beside you, his bag slung over his shoulder and his expression completely unreadable.

Jisung blinked. “Wait, really?”

You opened your mouth to answer, but Sunghoon spoke first. “Yeah,” he said coolly. “She has plans.”

Your brows furrowed. “I do?”

Sunghoon shot you a look one that screamed ‘play along’ before turning back to Jisung. “Sorry, man. Maybe another time.”

Jisung hesitated, clearly confused but not wanting to push. “Oh… okay. No worries.” He gave you a polite nod before walking away, leaving you alone with Sunghoon.

As soon as Jisung was out of earshot, you turned to Sunghoon, arms crossed. “Excuse me?”Sunghoon sighed like he knew this was coming. “What?”

“You just told him I have plans,” you accused. “I don’t.”

“Well, now you do.”

You scoffed. “With who?”

Sunghoon looked at you like you were being dense. “Me.”

Your heart did something weird, but you ignored it. “Oh, really? And what are we doing?”

“I don’t know,” Sunghoon said nonchalantly. “Skating. Eating. Something.” Then, more seriously, “Why? Did you actually want to go out with him?”

You hesitated. Did you?

The truth was, no, not really. Jisung was nice, but… he wasn’t Sunghoon.

You sighed, shaking your head. “That’s not the point. You didn’t even let me answer.”

Sunghoon exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just—” He stopped, glancing away before muttering, “It would’ve been annoying.”

You stared at him, piecing everything together. “Annoying?” you echoed. Then, with a small smirk, “Sunghoon, were you jealous?”

His jaw clenched slightly, but his ears gave him away a soft shade of pink.

“Shut up,” he grumbled, looking anywhere but at you.

You grinned. “Oh my God. You were jealous.”

“I wasn’t.”

“You totally were.”

Sunghoon sighed heavily, then grabbed your wrist, tugging you forward. “Come on.”

You blinked. “Where are we going?”

He glanced back, his lips twitching slightly. “On our date, obviously.”

Your heart stuttered, but you let him pull you along, the warmth of his hand lingering on your skin.

And just like that, you realized Sunghoon had always been your first choice.

The so-called “date” turned out to be a mix of things you had always done together except this time, it felt different.

Maybe it was because Sunghoon was still acting like his usual self, but now you were aware of every little thing he did.

The way he casually adjusted your scarf when the wind blew. The way he slowed his pace when he noticed your shoelace was untied. The way he kept looking at you when he thought you wouldn’t notice.

It wasn’t like this was new. Sunghoon had always been… Sunghoon. But now, the moments you once brushed off felt intentional.

And the realization made your heart feel so, so full.

— At the Ice Rink

“Let’s make a bet,” Sunghoon said as you laced up your skates.

You raised a brow. “What kind of bet?”

“If you can land a spin without falling, I’ll buy you hot chocolate.”

You scoffed. “That’s easy.”

Sunghoon smirked. “Then do it.”

You pushed off onto the ice, focusing as you gained momentum. The moment you attempted the spin, your balance wavered and before you could fully recover, your skates slipped, sending you straight toward Sunghoon.

“Hoon—!”

He caught you instantly, his arms firm around your waist.

For a second, neither of you moved. You felt his warmth, felt the way his fingers curled slightly into your jacket, felt the way his heartbeat was steady but maybe a little too fast.

Your face was inches from his, close enough to see the flecks of brown in his eyes.

“Guess I won,” he said, voice quieter than before.

You swallowed. “You didn’t say what you’d get if you won.”

Sunghoon tilted his head, the corner of his lips lifting slightly. “You’ll figure it out.”

And just like that, he skated off, leaving you flustered and completely distracted.

— After the Rink

True to his word, Sunghoon still bought you hot chocolate.

You sipped it happily as you walked together, the night air crisp but comfortable.

“By the way,” you started, glancing at him, “are you going to explain why you hijacked my date?”

Sunghoon sighed. “You’re still on that?”

You smirked. “Yes.”

He was quiet for a moment before shrugging. “I didn’t like the idea of you going out with him.”

Your grip tightened around your cup. “…Why?”

Sunghoon stopped walking. You turned to face him, heart pounding.

“Do I really have to spell it out?” he asked, his voice softer now.

The air felt different. He felt different.

And suddenly, all the small things the little glances, the stolen touches, the way he always showed up clicked.

Sunghoon was never just your best friend.

He was so much more.

You swallowed, your fingers curling into your sleeves. “No,” you said quietly. “I think I get it.”

Sunghoon let out a breath, almost like he had been holding it.

Then, with a small smirk, he bumped his cup lightly against yours.

“Good,” he said.

And though neither of you said it outright, you both knew this was something real.

— The Day Before Sunghoon’s Competition

The excitement in the air was almost tangible. Sunghoon’s upcoming competition was a big deal, not just for him, but for you too. You had been watching him skate for years, supporting him in every way you could, and tomorrow was no different.

Except… this time, you wanted to do something special.

Which is how you ended up in a toy store, standing in front of the largest penguin plushie you had ever seen.

It was almost half your size, ridiculously soft, and absolutely perfect.

The arena was packed, filled with murmurs of anticipation as competitors warmed up on the ice. You sat in the stands, gripping the giant penguin in your arms, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

Sunghoon had been training so hard for this. You had seen him push himself past exhaustion, had heard him mutter routines under his breath in class, had witnessed him skate until his muscles burned.

This was his moment.

When his name was called, the entire arena buzzed and so did your heart.

Sunghoon stepped onto the ice, his movements effortlessly smooth, his expression unreadable but focused.

And then the music started.

You had seen him practice this routine countless times, but watching it now under the lights, in front of a crowd felt different. He moved like he was born for this, each jump, each spin, flawless.

It was impossible not to be captivated.

And when he landed his final jump perfectly, the arena erupted.

You practically launched the giant penguin onto the ice.

Sunghoon, still catching his breath, looked up just in time to see it land near him. His expression faltered for a second before he let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head in amusement.

But then, when he spotted you in the stands grinning, eyes shining something in his face softened.

A moment later, he skated over to retrieve the plushie, holding it up as if inspecting it. Then, to your absolute horror, he turned toward the cameras and held up the penguin like a trophy.

The audience loved it.

You, on the other hand, hid your face in your hands.

Later, when you met him outside the rink, he was still holding the penguin.

“You really went all out, huh?” Sunghoon teased, tapping the plushie’s beak.

You huffed. “It’s for good luck.”

His smirk softened. “Guess it worked.”

Before you could respond, he surprised you by stepping closer so close you could feel the chill from the ice still lingering on him.

Then, in a voice quieter than before, he said, “Thanks for always believing in me.”

Your chest tightened, warmth blooming in your heart.

“Always,” you murmured.

Sunghoon stared at you for a moment, eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then, without another word, he tugged you into a hug right there, in front of everyone.

And even though the competition was over, you were pretty sure your heart was still doing triple axels.

—

Sunghoon had never been the most expressive person. He had his ways of showing he cared small things, subtle gestures, unspoken words.

But right now?

Right now, he wasn’t subtle at all.

You noticed it the second you finished laughing at something Jaemin said. Sunghoon, who had been quiet for the past few minutes, suddenly stood up and grabbed his bag.

You frowned. “Where are you going?”

“Home,” he muttered, his jaw tight.

You blinked, confused. “Wait—what? You said you’d walk me back.”

“Find someone else to do it,” he said, pointedly not looking at you.

Jaemin gave you a look like, uh… what just happened? but wisely chose to stay out of it.

You, however, were not letting this slide.

“Sunghoon,” you called, quickly following him out of café. “Hey—stop walking so fast!”

He didn’t stop. If anything, he sped up.

“What is your problem?” you demanded, grabbing his sleeve.

Sunghoon finally turned to face you, his expression unreadable but his eyes? His eyes were burning with something unmistakable.

“Nothing,” he said flatly. “Go back to your little date.”

You reeled back. “Date? What are you talking about?”

He scoffed, looking away. “You and Jaemin. You two looked cozy.”

Realization hit you like a truck.

Oh.

Oh, he was jealous.

You exhaled, half annoyed, half amused. “Sunghoon, Jaemin is just a friend.” “Sure he is,” he muttered, voice laced with irritation. “They’re always just ‘friends,’ right? And yet, every time, I have to sit there and—”

He cut himself off, running a frustrated hand through his hair. Your brows furrowed. “Wait. What do you mean ‘every time’?”

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened. “Forget it.”

“No,” you snapped. “Say it.”

His eyes flashed as he finally met your gaze.

“I mean I’m sick of watching other guys act like they have a chance with you,” he said, voice low, heated. “I’m sick of standing on the sidelines when I—”

He stopped himself again, his expression torn between frustration and something else.

Something vulnerable.

And suddenly, you were tired too.

Tired of dancing around something that was so clearly there.

“Then stop standing on the sidelines,” you said quietly.

Sunghoon tensed. “What?”

You swallowed. “You don’t want other guys to think they have a chance with me? Then give me a reason why they don’t.”

Silence.

The tension between you was thick, the unspoken words finally out in the open.

“Sunghoon,” you whispered, heart pounding. “What are we?”

He exhaled sharply, like he had been waiting for this question but dreading it at the same time.

Then, in a voice so soft you almost didn’t hear it, he said—

“You’re mine.”

Your breath caught.

His hands found your waist, hesitant but firm. “I don’t want to be just ‘whatever this is’ anymore,” he admitted. “I don’t want to be just your best friend, or just the guy who skates, or just—”

He broke off, his eyes locking onto yours. “I just… I want it to be us.”

A shaky exhale left your lips.

And then, with a small, breathless laugh, you said

“Took you long enough.”

Sunghoon blinked before letting out a quiet chuckle, his forehead resting against yours.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “I guess it did.”

And just like that, there were no more sidelines.

—

The thought of meeting Sunghoon’s family as his actual girlfriend instead of just his childhood best friend was enough to send your nerves through the roof.

You had been to his house countless times before, had sat through family dinners, had even spent entire days hanging out in his room. But now? Now, you weren’t just “Y/N, the girl who always throws penguin plushies at his competitions.”

Now, you were his girlfriend.

And that changed everything.

Sunghoon’s mom immediately pulled you into a warm hug the second she saw you.

“Finally!” she gushed, squeezing you tight. “I was wondering when you two would come to your senses.”

You blinked, surprised. “You… knew?”

She pulled back, raising an eyebrow. “Sweetheart, we’ve all known. Sunghoon’s had ‘I’m in love with my best friend’ written all over his face for years.”

Sunghoon groaned from beside you. “Mom.”

She simply patted his cheek. “Oh, hush. Just be grateful she put up with you long enough to date you.”

You laughed, feeling way more at ease than you expected. Sunghoon’s dad, though much quieter than his mom, gave you an approving nod. “Good to have you officially in the family, Y/N.”

The words made your chest warm.

Then, just when you thought you had survived the introduction, Sunghoon’s sister waltzed into the room.

She took one look at you two standing close together and smirked. “I knew it.”

Sunghoon sighed. “Not you too.”

“Of course me too.” She crossed her arms, looking smug. “You’re the worst at hiding things, Hoon.”

He scoffed. “That’s not true.”

You snorted. “Babe, you held up a giant penguin plushie to the cameras after your last competition. You weren’t exactly subtle.”

His sister cackled. “Oh my god, wait—that was from Y/N? That makes it even funnier.”

Sunghoon groaned, running a hand down his face while you and his family lost it.

Despite your nerves, the night turned out to be easy, warm, and full of laughter.

And when Sunghoon walked you home later, lacing his fingers through yours, he murmured“I told you they’d love you.”

And you smiled, squeezing his hand.

“Yeah. But I kinda love you more.”

Sunghoon flushed, his ears tinged pink. “Yeah, well. I guess that’s fair.”

And then, in the soft glow of the streetlights, he leaned in and kissed you officially yours, officially his.

—

Senior year was supposed to be stressful, with exams, college applications, and the looming uncertainty of the future.

But with Sunghoon by your side?

It felt easier.

It had been almost a year since he officially introduced you as his girlfriend, and while not much had changed in your day-to-day lives, there was an undeniable shift in the way he looked at you, held you, and treated you.

You weren’t just his best friend anymore.

You were his person.

—

Despite his packed training schedule, Sunghoon always made time for you—especially during late-night skate sessions when the rink was empty.

“You’re not balancing right,” he murmured, standing behind you with his hands on your waist.

You huffed, wobbling on your skates. “Maybe I’d balance better if someone wasn’t breathing down my neck.”

He chuckled. “Fine, princess. Try it on your own then.”

You regretted it instantly.

The second he let go, you yelped as your feet slipped out from under you- only for Sunghoon to effortlessly catch you before you could hit the ice.

You clung to him, heart racing. “I almost died.”

He rolled his eyes, amusement dancing in his gaze. “Dramatic.”

Then, with a smirk, he scooped you up bridal-style and skated across the rink with ease.

You gasped, laughing as you clung to him. “Put me down, Hoon!”

He only tightened his hold. “Nah. You like being carried, don’t lie.”

You buried your face in his chest, both of you grinning like idiots.

—

Neither of you were huge on school dances, but somehow, Sunghoon ended up asking you to homecoming in the most Sunghoon way possible.

With a giant penguin plushie and a note that read: Be my date? Or do I need to land a triple axel first?

You had laughed so hard before tackling him into a hug and saying yes.

That night, with his hand resting firmly on your waist as you slow danced under the dim lights, he whispered—

“I think I wanna do this forever, you know? You and me.”

Your heart stuttered.

And when he walked you home, when he pressed you against your front door and kissed you like he never wanted to stop, you believed him.

—

College acceptances came in. Decisions had to be made. Sunghoon’s skating career was only getting bigger.

One night, as you both lay on the hood of his car, staring at the stars, you whispered—

“What if we end up in different places?”

Sunghoon turned his head toward you, his brows furrowing.

“What do you mean?”

You bit your lip. “You’re getting offers from international skating programs. What if you have to move? What if we—”

He cut you off, lacing his fingers through yours.

“We’ll figure it out.” His voice was steady, certain. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily,princess.”

Tears burned your eyes, but you smiled, squeezing his hand.

“Promise?”

Sunghoon shifted closer, pressing his forehead against yours.

“Promise.”

And in that moment, under the endless sky, you knew—

No matter where life took you, you would always find your way back to each other.

—

The day of graduation was supposed to be bittersweet.

For years, high school had been your constant. Late-night study sessions, spontaneous dates at the ice rink, stolen kisses in empty hallways it was all about to become a memory.

And the biggest change of all? Sunghoon was leaving.

He had accepted an offer to train overseas, an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. You were unbelievably proud of him, but that didn’t make the idea of being apart any easier.

Yet, when you spotted him standing in his graduation gown, holding a penguin plushie just for you, he still looked at you like you were his entire world.

“Why do you look like you’re gonna cry?” he teased, handing you the plushie.

You sniffed dramatically. “Because my boyfriend is abandoning me.”

Sunghoon rolled his eyes but softened when he saw the real emotion in your gaze.

He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “Hey,” he murmured. “I’m not abandoning you.”

Your throat tightened. “Then why does it feel like you are?”

Sunghoon sighed, shifting closer. “Because it sucks,” he admitted. “But you know what sucks more?”

You looked up at him, waiting.

“Not having you in my life at all.”

His voice was quiet, but firm.

“We’re gonna make this work, Y/N. No matter how hard it gets.”

You swallowed, trying to keep your tears at bay. “What if we change? What if—”

Sunghoon cut you off with a kiss, slow and deep, filled with every unspoken promise.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours.

“Then we change together.”

And right there, in the middle of the chaos of graduation, surrounded by families and friends, you believed him.

Because this wasn’t just a high school romance.

This was you and Sunghoon.

And no amount of distance was going to change that.

—

The airport was too cold, too loud, too unforgiving.

Sunghoon’s flight was in less than an hour, and no matter how tightly you held onto him, time refused to slow down.

Your fingers curled around the sleeve of his hoodie, the one you had stolen more times than you could count. It smelled like him like fresh laundry and the faintest hint of his cologne.

“You’re really leaving,” you whispered, voice barely audible over the announcements echoing through the terminal.

Sunghoon sighed, his hands tightening around yours. “Not forever, Y/N.”

You tried to smile, but it felt weak. “Feels like it.”

His jaw clenched, and for the first time, you saw the cracks in his usual composure. He was always the steady one, the one who reassured you. But now?

Now, he looked just as lost as you felt.

“You could come with me,” he blurted suddenly.

Your eyes widened. “Hoon—”

“I know you have school, but maybe—maybe you can transfer later, or—” He exhaled sharply, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “I just don’t want to do this without you.”

Tears pricked at your eyes. “I don’t want to do this without you either.”

But you both knew the reality. You had your own dreams, just like he had his.

You reached up, cupping his face. “Hey,” you murmured, brushing your thumb over his cheek. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

Sunghoon swallowed hard. “What if you get tired of waiting for me?”

Your heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice.

Instead of answering, you reached into your bag and pulled out a matching penguin keychain the one you had gotten for both of you. You clipped it onto his backpack.

“Every time you see this,” you said softly, “just remember, I’m waiting.”

Something in his expression broke.

And before you could react, he pulled you into him, kissing you like it was the last time he ever would.

Like he needed to memorize the way you felt, the way you tasted, the way your hands trembled against his chest.

When he finally pulled away, his forehead pressed against yours.

“I love you.”

Tears spilled down your cheeks. “I love you too.”

The final boarding call rang overhead.

Sunghoon exhaled shakily before pressing one last lingering kiss to your forehead. Then, with one last look, he picked up his bag and the plushie you had given him all those years ago.

Your breath hitched when you realized. He brought it with him.

“You’re taking it?” your voice cracked.

He glanced at the worn-out penguin plushie,the first one you ever threw onto the rink for him when you were kids. The same one he never let go of.

“Of course,” he said softly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

And with that, he turned toward the gate.

You watched him go, your heart splitting in two.

But in your pocket, your fingers curled around your own matching keychain.

And you knew—this wasn’t the end.

—

Being in a long-distance relationship with Sunghoon wasn’t easy.

Some days, it felt like the distance didn’t matter you stayed up late on video calls, watched movies together from different time zones, and sent each other photos of things that reminded you of one another. Other days, it felt unbearable missed calls, canceled plans, and the aching loneliness of not being able to hold him when you needed to.

But through it all, one thing never changed: you loved him.

—

Falling Asleep on Calls

“You’re tired, Hoon,” you murmured, watching as he struggled to keep his eyes open on your late-night video call.

“M’not,” he slurred, blinking sluggishly. “Just wanna see you a little longer.”

You smiled, heart swelling. “I’ll still be here tomorrow, dummy.”

He hummed, the sound drowsy but content. “Yeah, but I miss you now.”

A few minutes later, his slow breathing filled the call. You stayed for a while, watching his peaceful expression through the screen before whispering, “I miss you too.”

—

Surprise Deliveries

Sunghoon wasn’t always the best with words, but he had his own way of showing you he cared.

One day, after a particularly rough week, you received a package at your doorstep. Inside was a stuffed penguin (because he knew you missed hugging him), your favorite snacks, and a handwritten letter.

“I know I can’t be there to make things better, but I hope this makes you smile. Keep being strong for us, okay? I love you.” – Hoon.”

You hugged the plushie close, already feeling a little better.

⸻

Watching His Competitions Online

You never missed a single one of his competitions, no matter what time zone he was in. You stayed up at ridiculous hours, cheering at your laptop screen and throwing a small plushie at it “for good luck” just like you used to at the rink.

After his performance, you’d always get a call.

“Did you see me land that jump?” he’d ask, breathless and excited.

“Saw it? I screamed so loud I think my neighbors hate me now,” you’d joke, making him laugh.

“I wish you were here,” he’d admit softly.

“Me too,” you’d whisper back.

—

The Missed Date Night (Virtual)

“You forgot, didn’t you?” your voice was quiet, but Sunghoon could hear the hurt in it.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Y/N, I didn’t forget, I just—training ran late, and I was exhausted—”

“You could’ve at least texted,” you cut in, frustration bubbling.

“I know, I’m sorry.”

Silence stretched between you.

“It’s just hard sometimes, Hoon,” you admitted, voice cracking. “I don’t need much, but I need to feel like I still matter.”

His heart sank. “You do. You always do.”

That night, he stayed up with you, making it up to you by talking for hours, promising he’d do better.

⸻

The Jealousy Fight

“So who’s that guy always commenting on your posts?” Sunghoon asked one night, his tone sharp despite his effort to sound casual.

You blinked. “What?”

“You know who I’m talking about. That guy from your class. He’s always—”

You scoffed, crossing your arms. “Sunghoon, are you serious? He’s just a friend.”

“Does he know that?”

Your patience snapped. “Are you really doubting me right now?”

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “No, I just—”

“Just what, Hoon? Because it sounds a lot like you don’t trust me.”

Silence.

He exhaled shakily. “I trust you. I just… Baby I hate not being there with you.”

Your expression softened. “I hate it too.”

After a moment, he sighed. “I’m sorry. I just miss you, that’s all.”

You smiled slightly. “I miss you too, dummy. But next time, talk to me instead of getting jealous over nothing, okay?”

⸻

Long-distance wasn’t perfect.

There were lonely nights and frustrating misunderstandings, but there were also love-filled calls, thoughtful surprises, and unwavering promises.

And no matter how hard it got, you both knew one thing

It was worth it.

—

Sunghoon’s birthday had always been special to you.

For years, you had spent it together whether it was a simple dinner, skating at the rink, or even just staying in and watching movies. But this year was different. This year, he was half a world away, and the only thing you could do was send a video call and a package.

Or so he thought.

Because this year, you had a different plan.

—

The cold December air bit at your skin as you stepped out of the airport, your heart pounding with excitement and nerves. You clutched the wrapped gift tightly in your hands a present you had picked out months ago, waiting for the perfect moment to give it to him.

With the help of his coach (and a little sneaky planning), you found out where he would be that evening. A small gathering, nothing too big—just his close friends and teammates.

And you were about to be the best surprise of the night.

⸻

Sunghoon was mid-conversation, holding a cup of hot chocolate in one hand when he froze.

His sharp eyes landed on the figure standing at the entrance.

His mind stuttered. His grip on the cup slipped.

“No way,” he whispered.

Before he could even process it fully, you grinned and that was all it took for him to come back to life.

“Surprise, birthday boy!” you called out, holding up the gift.

For a second, no one moved. Then, in the next heartbeat

Sunghoon crossed the room in three long strides, grabbed your face, and kissed you.

The cheers and whistles from his friends faded into the background as he pulled you so tightly against him, like he was afraid you’d disappear.

“You’re really here?” he murmured, forehead pressed against yours.

You laughed, cupping his cold cheeks. “I am. Happy birthday, Hoon.”

He exhaled shakily, eyes shining. “Best birthday ever.”

⸻

Later that night, after the celebrations settled, the two of you sat by his window, watching the snow fall over the city.

“Okay, now open this,” you said, handing him the gift.

He unwrapped it carefully, his brows furrowing until he finally saw what it was—

A hoodie. A matching one, just like the penguin sweaters you gave him years ago. But this time, it had both your initials embroidered on the sleeve.

“So you don’t forget me while you’re here,” you teased, nudging him.

Sunghoon chuckled, but then his expression softened.

“I could never forget you.”

He set the hoodie aside and instead pulled you into his arms, burying his face in your shoulder.

“You have no idea how much I missed you.”

You smiled, running your fingers through his hair. “I do. Because I missed you just as much.”

And for the first time in months, the distance between you was finally gone.

—

Sunghoon was still holding onto you like he was afraid you’d vanish when you pulled back slightly, a teasing smile playing on your lips.

“I have one more surprise for you,” you murmured.

He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head. “Another one? What could possibly top you showing up out of nowhere?”

You bit your lip, dragging out the moment for dramatic effect before whispering, “I’m staying for a month.”

Silence.

His brain short-circuited.

“You’re—” he started, but his voice cracked, so he swallowed and tried again. “You’re staying? For a whole month?”

You nodded, beaming. “Merry early Christmas?”

For the first time, Park Sunghoon, the composed and effortlessly cool figure skater, was completely and utterly speechless.

And then—

“You’re dead.”

Before you could react, he tackled you onto the couch, wrapping you up in the tightest hug imaginable. You yelped, laughing as he buried his face into your neck, his arms locked around you like a vice.

“Sunghoon, I can’t breathe—”

“Good. Maybe then you’ll know how I felt all these months.” His voice was muffled, but you could hear the smile in it.

Eventually, he pulled back just enough to cup your face, studying you like he still couldn’t believe you were real. His thumb brushed over your cheek before he whispered, “You’re really staying?”

You nodded again, softer this time. “Yeah. I missed you too much.”

His lips curled into a smirk. “You’re obsessed with me, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, shoving his shoulder. “Shut up.”

But Sunghoon just laughed, happier than he had been in months.

“Best birthday ever.”

permanent taglist: @ijustwannareadstuff20 @hoonielvv @rjssierjrie @firstclassjaylee @morganaawriterr @rikifever @daisyintherainsposts @cyjhhyj

taglist: @sunghoonsprincessstuff @kimmm3-blog2 @tinyteezer @invsomnixa1 @maewphoria @sseishiross @dearmyfavoritepeople-bts @moon368

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kxsagi · 1 month ago

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pro football player!bllk with girlfailure gf 🙏

“𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝”

a/n: reader is me i fear because i had apple maps on and turned left when siri said turn right (i ain’t ever living that down)

ft. isagi yoichi, itoshi rin, itoshi sae, nagi seishiro, mikage reo, kaiser michael, shidou ryusei, aiku oliver

isagi yoichi

"i’m not saying you're a disaster, love, but i just saw the smoke coming from the toaster and knew you tried to make soup again."

yoichi is genuinely concerned for your wellbeing on a daily basis. he’s in the peak of his athletic prime – eating clean, training consistently, and optimizing performance… and then there’s you, googling “can i eat expired pudding if i microwave it?”

he keeps track of your life with the dedication of a world cup coach. daily alarms set for you. calendar events for you. a literal google doc titled "how to not die this week – for my girlfriend."

“yoichi, i accidentally took a sleeping pill instead of my vitamin again. at 2pm.” “... okay, stay on the phone while i cancel your dentist appointment and put you in bed.”

when you showed up to one of his games wearing a shirt with his face on it, backwards, he didn’t even blink. he just fixed it for you mid-tunnel entrance like he was adjusting his jersey.

he tells reporters, “she keeps me grounded.” what he means is you walked into a glass wall yesterday trying to wave at a squirrel.

itoshi rin

"you’ve burned water. explain to me how that’s even physically possible."

rin is the definition of organized. you? you just poured orange juice into your cereal because you were “half-awake and the cartons looked the same.”

he constantly looks like he’s asking god why he’s being tested. but despite the judgmental sighs and eternal frown, he never lets anyone else talk down to you.

“i couldn’t figure out how to put gas in the car so i called triple A and cried.” “... i’m going to show you how to do it. we’re going right now. bring your notebook.”

he sets emergency funds aside just for your monthly “life mistake.” like the time you bought a fake designer purse that turned out to be a lunchbox.

but he remembers everything. your favorite candy. how you like your grilled cheese (burnt, apparently). which socks help when you’re overwhelmed.

once you got lost in IKEA and called rin in a panic. he tracked you down like joe goldberg.

itoshi sae

"i make millions a year and my girlfriend just got stuck in a revolving door."

sae is rich, classy, and elegant. you once mistook a bidet for a drinking fountain. opposites, baby.

he acts all nonchalant and "ugh," but he's always silently picking up the pieces after you’ve caused another minor catastrophe.

“i thought the microwave was the oven and now the plastic is part of my dinner.” “okay. i’m ordering sushi. don’t eat it. i mean it.”

he’s weirdly patient with you. will roast you endlessly, but also brush your hair out of your face while saying “idiot” in the gentlest voice ever.

once, you tripped walking up the stadium stairs and spilled a nacho tray onto a stranger. he didn’t even blink. just pulled out his black card and paid for all the ruined food.

“do i like her because she’s cute? no. it’s the comedy. i never know what she’ll break next.”

nagi seishiro

"wait… you were supposed to go to work today? oh no."

you both forgot what day it was and slept through a meeting. your lives are one long nap and an accidental door dash order.

nagi genuinely doesn’t care about your failures. he just kind of blinks and goes “eh, sounds annoying. let’s lie down.”

“sei, i think i broke the vacuum.” “cool. guess we don’t clean now.”

you once forgot to bring your passport to the airport. he forgot his shoes. you were that couple. the airline staff pitied you.

he lets you stack your chaos on top of his. gets a little spark in his eyes when you mess something up. “you’re funny,” he says as you spill water on your laptop.

surprisingly supportive. doesn’t fix things, but he’ll cuddle you while you cry about them.

“i ruined the job interview.” “eh. next one. let’s get ice cream.”

mikage reo

"my baby can’t do taxes or read maps, but she’s hot so it’s fine."

he’s so ridiculously rich and competent, and you’re just trying to remember your email password from middle school.

constantly watching you with an amused expression like “wow. she’s really out here giving it her best. adorable.” like you said “i think i wanna become an astronaut” and he started looking up NASA internships.

“reo, i tried to meal prep and now there’s rice in the ceiling fan.” “that’s talent. you want a private chef?”

he buys you a new phone every time you drop one in the toilet. it’s happened four times.

he sends you voice notes like “baby, remember to eat today” and you reply “does chocolate count?” and he’s like “only if you eat six.”

will absolutely drop $30k on something to make your life easier and then call it a “just because you’re a princess” gift.

kaiser michael

"schatz, why are you crying?" "i tried to braid my hair and now there’s a comb stuck in the wall."

kaiser is such a showoff. pro athlete, media darling, good with money, sharp as hell. you? you tried to fix the wi-fi by blowing on it like a nintendo cartridge.

he lives for your mess. he thinks it’s hilarious. he’ll walk into a room you destroyed and be like “wow. modern art. you’ve outdone yourself.”

“kaiser, i accidentally sent my manager a meme instead of my availability.” “did they laugh? no? then resend with context.”

he’ll bully you for your mistakes but then drop everything to help you anyway. “you’re lucky i like you. and that you look hot when confused.”

secretly addicted to you needing him. will pout if you fix something yourself.

“you didn’t call me when your sink broke?” “i googled it.” “what the hell. i was emotionally prepared to be your hero.”

shidou ryusei

"guess what i just did!" "lit something on fire?" "how did you know!?"

you two are absolute chaos. you keep failing at life and he cheers you on like it’s a sport.

“i just sent an angry email to the wrong person.” “HELL YEAH BABY. make it worse! want me to reply with a meme?”

he loves how you panic over small things while he eggs you on. “i lost my shoe!” “go barefoot! embrace the primal life!”

he brings out your most unhinged side and encourages your impulsive decisions. “should i dye my hair pink?” “only if you let me do it with kitchen bleach.”

somehow, when you’re both together, things work?? the disasters cancel out??? or at least no one’s bored.

“she’s dumb, and she’s mine. and if anyone says anything else i’ll headbutt them into next week.”

aiku oliver

"you’re not a failure. you just have a very… creative approach to life. and gravity."

he’s the charming, cocky pretty boy captain and you once fell down an escalator because you were texting.

he calls you “baby” in that teasing voice every time you mess something up. “baby… you really locked yourself out again?” “yes…” “adorable. hold on, let me come save your helpless little ass.”

literally spoils you rotten to compensate for your chaos. you messed up your entire skincare routine and he booked you a five-star spa appointment.

jokes that you’re his "clumsy little gremlin" and kisses your forehead after you bump into a pole.

also weirdly proud of your fails. tells his teammates about them like fun facts. “my girl once put dish soap in the laundry machine. we had bubbles for hours."

he likes that you need him. not in a weird possessive way, just in the fun way.

“she keeps life spicy. also, she accidentally started a fire once by microwaving foil.”

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kisses4themissus · 1 month ago

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Sugar Plums & Scares | M.R X Reader

a/n: it's almost friday yall...im hanging on by a thread fr pairing: Michael "Robby Robinavitch X Single Mom!Reader wc: 3.9k warning; !! semi proof read!!

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“That’s lovebug…” Langdon was the first to speak as everyone stood in silence, looking at the small child in your arms. You nodded with a smile.

“Yep, she’s five years old, and a very brave but troublesome girl!” You told everyone, making lacey turn away from everyone’s gaze, feeling bashful.

“I thought lovebug was a pet?” Mel asked mckay who shrugged her shoulders. “So did I.”

“Is the bet void then?” Victoria whispered to santos who shrugged and eyed the little girl’s features. “What?” Lacey asked santos, perking up in your arms. Santos held her hands in mock surrender. “Didn’t say anything..” Santos defended.

“Careful, she will bite if aggravated.” Jack told everyone, his voice made lacey squeal and wiggle in your arms to be put down. “Uncle jack!” She squealed as you placed her on the grass, she ran over to the night shift attending and hugged his legs.

“Uncle jack?” Robby quietly asked you.

“Jack knew from the start.” You shrugged, smiling as jack picked lacey up with a groan and walked over to the workers who began talking to the little girl.

“Hi lacey, do you remember me?” Samira asked, smiling as the little girl nodded, “Dr. mohan!” She greeted the doctor. “I never got to thank you for that great drawing of us, i keep it in my bag all the time!” Mohan grinned, carefully rubbing a hand over the little girl’s back.

You and robby watched as slowly the ICU unit made their way over and found out about lacey; since finding her nepotism in the hospital all the workers began talking to the little girl, making promises to see her perform in the nutcracker.

“Alright, no more lacey talk, back to training!” You called out, making everyone groan and disbursed into groups for more activities. Jack had fought hard with robby about letting the little girl down; only doing so when lacey asked, so she could go park her jeep by jake’s seat.

While you helped jack and shen with the interns you had left lacey with robby, jake and collins who all sat don, watching everyone get drills by the three attendings. Collins smiled at the little girl who sighed and watched you with awe in her eyes.

“Do you like doing shows?” Heather asked, lacey nodded and smiled. “I get to wear makeup and get candy from my grammy and pop-pop!” She explained, reaching for her dance bag, struggling to unzip it, jake leaned over and helped lovebug.

She nodded thanks before digging for her water bottle, the three adults smiled as lacey mindless tossed out her dance shoes, more leg warmers, colorful bows and more before grinning as she pulled out a bluey water bottle. She popped the lid open and leaned back in kid fashion to take a sip but stopped as it was now empty.

“Here lacey, i’ll fill it.” Robby offered, smiling at the little girl, holding a hand out to her. She shook her head and got up and walked towards jack and shen with her bottle in hand.

Once it was out lacey had asked for a drink, all employees jumped to find something she’d like. Lacey stood next to shen as he scrolled through uber eats for drinks. You chuckled and rolled your eyes at everyone’s treatment to lovebug.

Samira and victoria stood on both sides you.

“So you’re a ballet dancer?” Samira asked with a teasing smile, making you let out a playful groan. “Yes, ok it was my childhood spent on stage dancing..” You waved her off.

“Can you teach us something?” Victoria asked, a matching smile as samira’s. You looked at both girls before shaking your head in disbelief. “No, i’m only being the sugar plum cause i was distracted when my mom asked!” You attempted to defend but stopped as both girls looked at you pleadingly.

With a quick test of your shoes sturdiness, you sighed and stretched your legs and motioned for the two to give you room. You swiftly rose onto pointe, holding it for a few seconds before dropping, with a bow you stood back up.

Both the girls clapped and quickly followed as you showed them stretches to do. Smiling to yourself as lacey could overhear you and mindlessly began to do tendu as you instructed the girls to do the same.

After fights of paying for lacey’s drink finally they had gotten it deliver, getting back to training. Leaving jake and lacey alone.

Lacey sat in her little car and sipped her gatorade as you and robby attempted to round up the everyone for one last lap.

“Lovebug!” You called out, the little girl smiled and handed the drink to jake as she waved to you. You tapped robby and told him hold on before jogging over to jake and lacey. “Everyone said it’d be fun if you drove after them while they did the last lap!” You told the little girl who lit up and smiled, looking at you before turning to jake with a grin.

“C’mon jakey, you can help me!” She squealed, quickly turning her car on and speeding up, you ran over to robby and motioned for him to start moving as lacey followed behind you, the little plastic gears slowly getting louder.

“Alright keep it running, lacey may look tiny but she has a heavy foot on that gas petal!” Robby warned, making a few turn to see lacey now on the sidewalk behind them speeding up, jake behind her carrying her drink and jacket.

Robby chuckled as he managed to dodge lacey speeding by, her jeep going for shen as he attempted to use whitaker as a shield in case she got close with her bumper.

“Well at least we know she won’t be getting her license.” Jake joked to you and robby.

“She really does have a heavy foot on that petal, i think if she would’ve gone any faster i would have a bruise.” Robby chuckled, the back of his legs still sore from earlier that day.

“Jack watch out for her, she won’t stop for uncles!” You yelled as lacey got close to his prosthetic leg. “I know, santos she on the left!” You called out making robby laugh as lacey kept swiving.

“She has the interns terrified!” Robby laughed, making you chuckle before running over to stop lacey before she actually crashed into someone.

Jake smiled and shook his head, falling in pace with robby. “Looks like I have a sister now?” Jake teased making robby nod flustered as he watched you let lacey back to driving.

- - - - - - - -

Sitting down to eat finally was peaceful, lacey sat on your lap as you tore pieces of your sandwich for her to nibble on.

Getting semi soggy goldfish crackers in return from her. Robby sat across from you both, chewing on his protein bar while looking around the park now. Collins walked over and sat down and began to play with lacey who had proudly stood up began showing off her ballet moves.

“Mommy said next year she’ll let me try to do a pas de deux!” Lacey told heather excited, making you chuckled.

“What is that?” Jake asked you, looking confused at the terms coming from the five year old’s mouth.

“A duet.” Jack answered, walking over to where you all sat. “So how long have you known about miss ballerina over here?” Robby asked, motioning to where lacey had collins hold her steady while she did turns.

“Since this one worked in the ED, it was obvious, she had eyebags, always drifted towards the pediatric patients we’d get, had to be off the clock on the dot..” Jack explained, making you nod.

“Having a baby in med school must’ve been a nightmare..” Collins sighed as she looked at you, awe in her eyes. You just nodded and quickly got to lift lacey up as she went to tackle you. “Big time, she was a velcro baby too!” You chuckled, placing lacey down beside robby, not seeing her look of distaste.

“So you’re gonna be a flower petal this year too?” Collins asked making the little girl grin and nod. “Now i get to dance with my mommy and nick on stage too!” Lovebug squealed, making you smile.

“Is there any role you want when your older?” Jake asked, placing his elbows on his knees as lacey lit up and began listing characters off. “Oh and I want to the inventor guy’s jester doll!” She tried to explained, flapping her arms like in the dance.

“I think you’d be a good rat king!” Jack teased the little girl who’s grin widened as she agreed.

“And- and i could rule over the rats too!” She pointed out.

Collins face dropped as she turned to you. “Rats?”

Her question making robby belly laugh, while you grinned and shook your head. “No real ones, the dancers are just in fur suits with pool noodles as intestines.” You quickly explained, leaning over to show photos of the dancers with their costumes on.

Swiping to show lacey with her rat suit half way on while she laid in her toy car, tired from that practice. Collins smiled at the photos of lacey at the studio, already fallen for the crazy little girl.

Langdon walked over, phone in hand as he walked to lacey. “When me and my wife go watch you, i hope to see an amazing rat performance like i’ve been hearing from jack.” He told the little girl who nodded and puffed up her chest.

“I’m always the best rat, i’m gonna do some WWE this year!” She explained, motioning for your phone. “Last year i did twirls like the rat was a ballerina!” She giggled, making a smile grown on langdon’s face.

“Mommy got a video of me!” She held onto langdon’s shoulder while she cracked up giggling still; her laughter had gotten everyone’s attention; it was certain lacey had wormed her way into everyone’s heart.

- - - - - - - -

Weeks had passed since you and robby had talked everything through, you both had began to slowly see each other out of work, occasionally splitting a cafeteria sandwich on the quick quiet moments.

Robby smiled at the sight of you leaning against central. It was clear you had been tired and stressed over the past few weeks since agreeing to be in your parents production. Dana rubbed your arm in comfort as you sipped your coffee.

“It’s five pm and you’re on coffee number four?!” Robby playfully scolded and took the cup from your hands. Nodding you sighed.

“I know, but no matter how much I sleep i feel drained, i think it’s the stress of ballet again!” You ranted, dana smiled at you in comfort. “Lovebug doing well with practice?” Robby asked, stepping next you, rubbing your back while drinking your coffee.

“She’s acting as if she’s not nervous for being a petal but you can see it on her little face..” You sighed, leaning to robby’s side.

Dana chuckled to herself as she patted your hand before pulling out the pamphlet for the show the staff kept on central. “I’m sure she’ll be fantastic, besides look at that face!” She pointed to lacey’s photo on the back.

Nodding to yourself, robby patted your back. “She still hasn’t forgiven me?” He asked you, making you shake your head. Robby had sent countless amount of things for lacey in hope’s she’d accept it and be somewhat okay with him around.

“No but last night she did get tucked in with a ratatouille plushie you sent over.” You gave him a half smile he just looked at the ceiling, closing his eyes before nodding. “It’s just baby steps now, just gonna take some time..” Robby reassured himself.

“What did he do?” Dana asked, peering over her glasses frames.

“Misunderstanding.” Robby tried to brush it off.

“Remember how it was rumoured robby had a girlfriend that wasn’t me, well lacey noticed how he never came back over and hear of the rumor, so now she stays in her room whenever he comes over for dinner.“ You explained to dana, who’s eyes widened at robby before leaning over central to smack him on the arm.

“You didn’t send this sweet woman a text, phone calls? Nothing? Flowers even?!” Dana scolded, making robby groan. “I did sent flowers but the other man took ‘em.” Robby defented making your eyes widen.

“I knew that fucker didn’t remember i like those kinds of flowers!” You gasped, smacking the desk.

“Who?” Dana questioned.

“Nicholas, lacey’s father..” Robby said with distaste, making you and dana share a look.

“He’s the sugar plum prince.” You pointed to the photo of you and nick in the pamphlet. Dana looked over him before scoffing, dropping the paper onto the desk as if it burned her. “He looks like a jagoff..” She said with disgust, making you snicker.

“He’s a big one..” Robby muttered, drawing his arm away as you pushed yourself away from central to go back to work. “See you later tonight?” Robby asked, you shrugged as you rolled your shoulders. “I have to [practice for tomorrow’s show..” You sighed.

Robby nodded and turn to dana. “You going to see the show?” He asked, already moving to get nicotine gum from his backpack under the desk.

Dana nodded proudly. “Yep, my girls agreed to come with, their excited to see ballet live.” Dana smiled as you nodded, moving over to robby.

“See you tomorrow.” You kissed his cheek before walking to the staff elevators.

Robby froze as the tips of his ears flushed, dana smiled at him. “Oh you’ve got it bad..” She laughed. Robby shook his head, dana wasn’t wrong though..

- - - - - - - -

Carrying two bouquets, robby walked up to the theater, seeing a group of the ED workers already lined up. Greeting on another, they all had something to give you and lacey, being flowers, toys and candy.

As they all got in, quickly finding seats together, robby sat near the aisle, looking around the big theater, little dancers he’s seen before ran around the theater, lacey not too far behind them.

They watched as lacey talked to her grandparents before nodding at something they said and ran backstage to get ready.

Robby sighed as he fiddled with the bouquet for lacey. Too deep into his thought he hadn’t realized jake had sat down beside him. “You good man?” Jake asked, noticing the far off look on robby’s face.

Quickly nodding, jake left it alone and began talking to the others.

A bit had gone by before robby got up from his chair to use the bathroom, excusing himself to the lobby.

As he exited the restroom he stopped as he saw a teary lacey sitting on a bench while nick stood beside her, swiping on his phone.

“Stop being a crybaby, you’re five years old, grow up will you..” Nick scoffed, glancing down at lovebug who hiccuped into her hands. Nick’s words had sent fire into robby’s soul; he walked over ot the pair.

“She’s five years old, but i doubt a manchild like you would see a difference.” Robby scoffed, kneeling down in font of lacey who still cried. “What’s wrong buggy?” Robby asked softly.

Lacey pouted, looking to nick before bursting into more tears, she quickly flung herself into robby’s arms. “I didn’t– didn’t get dressed and– and nick yelled at me...” She weeped into robby’s neck, tightly holding onto him.

“It’s ok honey, i’ve got you.” Robby reassured, rubbing the back of her head in comfort. Quickly picking her up and turning to her. “Why don’t you go get ready now, everyone’s excited about your performance..” Robby told the little girl who calmed down and nodded before running backstage but not without looking at robby once last time, a tiny sad smile on her face.

Turning to nick, robby held himself back. “You really are something..” Robby scoffed.

“What jealous i get the girl?” Nick tried to taunt. Robby just shook his head. “What girl, you mean pittsburgh’s best ICU doctor? Lacey’s brave mother? Or are you talking about my girlfriend?” Robby asked, making nick shut up for once.

“You’re temporary.” Nick tried to insult but robby shrugged it off, already walking to the theater.

“Temporarily a boyfriend..” Robby shrugged, leaving nick to fume outside.

- - - - - - - -

Backstage was hectic, you had been busy, helping the other younger girls fix their hair into buns and into crowns. You had left lacey with marissa to get ready for the show, as you finished your hair and makeup, you opened your phone to check the time but stopped at the notification.

Your heart warmed as jake had sent a selfie of him and robby in the audience, flowers in their laps. Quickly typing up a response before finishing getting ready.

Running to the main stage you had barely made it in time, the curtain coming down to change the scenery. “Cutting it close huh?” Nick asked, making you jump.

“Less time, I spend with you the better..” You scoffed before putting on a fake smile as you entered stage, pretending to clean. Nick shook his head backstage, standing in the wings, he glanced over the stage and scoffed as he saw robby and jack in the audience.

Nick had been terrified of jack abbot, knowing of jack’s background, the two had met in the past, jack always brushed him off like a bug.

Once your scenes were over, you ran backstage and smiled as lacey stood ready next to her cousins as they got ready for their cue.

“Goodluck buggy!” You grinned and gave her a thumbs up before standing back to watch.

Three fur covered rats entered the stage, the ED workers snicked as they spotted lacey with bows on her costume, climbing onto the couch as the two rats wrestled.

Everyone snickered as lacey patted her elbow before jumping off the couch like a flying squirrel, her cousins cushioning her fall. Quickly the three scattered.

A few more rats had entered stage before all of them came out for a dance bit before scattering once more.

“You having a proud father moment?” Jake teased robby who watched lacey the whole time.

“Very, look at her..” Robby grinned, his heart feeling full.

Backstage lacey yanked off her hood and pouted as she rubbed her elbow, coming down onto her cousins she had hit her elbow on the stage hard, the area now red. You walked over, the bodice for sugar plum on, you bend down and hugged the little girl.

“You did great, i’m sure grammy and pop-pop were laughing!” You told the little girl who nodded and lifted her elbow to show you. “I hit my elbow on stage, it’s sore mommy..” She sighed, looking up at you.

As you went to check her over, nick walked up behind you both. Lacey glared at him before taking her arm back and turned to the stage exit. “I’m gonna go!” She told you before running off.

You sighed and stood up, stopping as nick stood behind you.

“Oh god, you just keeping popping up!” You groaned, grabbing your tutu from a bench backstair and began putting it on. “So you’re with that doctor now?” Nick questioned, raising an eyebrow.

You laughed as you shimmed yourself into the tutu. “Yeah, what’s it to you?” You asked, rolling your eyes as he helped you tighten the tutu. “Well, he’s gonna be around my daughter that’s my problem..” He tried to start but you whipped around to face him.

“Just like you’re never around my daughter?” You asked, a smirk on your face. Nick scoffed at you.

“You know what kind of a man he is..” Nick was cut off by a soft laugh from you. “Yeah, a better one than you.” You smiled, testing your pointe shoes once more.

“Fine, i’ll just take you court then.” He huffed, the other dancers now listening turned to each other in shock at his words.

“Do it, single mom who’s a doctor compared to a deadbeat firemen who owes five years worth of child support, i’d love to see it nicholas!” You laughed and patted him on the back before walking away.

- - - - - - - -

Once the curtains had fallen for intermission, robby and the others stood up from their seat to stretch, some going to the main hall where there was free drinks.

Still sitting, jake turned his head as tiny footsteps sounded nearby. Jake grinned at lacey, now in a pink leotard and sweatpants. She smiled at everyone and waved.

“Hi guys!” She greeted, quickly jumping away as jake opened his arms for a hug.

“Don’t I smell like rat!” She warned, her arms out in front of her. Backing away as the others tried. “I’ve smelt worse!” Robby chuckled as he managed to lift lacey up into a hug, she giggled as his bread tickled her.

Once calmed down, lacey was now held in robby’s arms while the others praised her rat performance.

Looking her over, robby stopped at a bruise growing on her elbow, his eyes looking at her face then back to her arms for any more marks, lacey noticed the look robby had and shook her head at him.

“I hit the stage too hard!” She said, showing everyone the bruise. Robby nodded as he rubbed her back, lacey sighed as she leaned into robby.

She let out a yawn, Robby chuckled and bounced the little girl. “You got one more dance then you can nap!” He tried to encourage the little dance who sighed and nodded.

As robby bent down to put her back on the ground lacey protested, lifting her legs back up. “Not yet..” She quietly told robby who just nodded and continued to pat her back while lacey and jake talked about cartoons.

Backstage for act two had been hectic once more, the angels ran around, collecting their headpieces while the arabian dancers scattered, hoping to find the rug.

You chuckled as you walked back to your dressing room, you pulled your phone out and unlocked it. Laughing at the photo dana had sent of robby, jake and lacey together. It warmed your heart to see the sight.

As you went to swipe away random notifications one stopped you in your place.

Your period tracker, asking if you had gotten you cycle yet.

Quickly opening your calendar to see it had been almost two months. You quickly directed marissa to buy pregnancy tests, luckily two dancers had already been out and brought them to you in time.

As you opened the boxes you stopped as lacey passed by your room, heading to her own to get dressed, her hair already fixed.

With shaky hands you walked to the add on bathroom and took the test. As you set a timer your thought went wild.

Mel had told you the labs test were expired, that’s why you had gotten a false positive..right?

You sighed and stopped your pacing. The lab had used the same tests from the ED’s supply closet. Before you could flip the test, a knock stopped you, marissa peaked in.

“We need you on stage like now,” She huffed. “Hurry up, come on lady!”

You quickly dropped the test and followed her, shutting the dressing room shut; unfortunately missing the two positive pregnancy test sitting on the sink.

next pt

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#dr. robby x reader #dr robby x reader #dr robinavitch x reader #michael robinavitch x reader #michael robinavitch x you #michael robby robinavitch x reader #robby robinavitch x reader #dr robby x you #the pitt x reader #the pitt x you #robby ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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reasonsforhope · 6 months ago

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"When Ellen Kaphamtengo felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen, she thought she might be in labour. It was the ninth month of her first pregnancy and she wasn’t taking any chances. With the help of her mother, the 18-year-old climbed on to a motorcycle taxi and rushed to a hospital in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, a 20-minute ride away.

At the Area 25 health centre, they told her it was a false alarm and took her to the maternity ward. But things escalated quickly when a routine ultrasound revealed that her baby was much smaller than expected for her pregnancy stage, which can cause asphyxia – a condition that limits blood flow and oxygen to the baby.

In Malawi, about 19 out of 1,000 babies die during delivery or in the first month of life. Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in the country, and can mean newborns suffering brain damage, with long-term effects including developmental delays and cerebral palsy.

Doctors reclassified Kaphamtengo, who had been anticipating a normal delivery, as a high-risk patient. Using AI-enabled foetal monitoring software, further testing found that the baby’s heart rate was dropping. A stress test showed that the baby would not survive labour.

The hospital’s head of maternal care, Chikondi Chiweza, knew she had less than 30 minutes to deliver Kaphamtengo’s baby by caesarean section. Having delivered thousands of babies at some of the busiest public hospitals in the city, she was familiar with how quickly a baby’s odds of survival can change during labour.

Chiweza, who delivered Kaphamtengo’s baby in good health, says the foetal monitoring programme has been a gamechanger for deliveries at the hospital.

“[In Kaphamtengo’s case], we would have only discovered what we did either later on, or with the baby as a stillbirth,” she says.

The software, donated by the childbirth safety technology company PeriGen through a partnership with Malawi’s health ministry and Texas children’s hospital, tracks the baby’s vital signs during labour, giving clinicians early warning of any abnormalities. Since they began using it three years ago, the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths at the centre has fallen by 82%. It is the only hospital in the country using the technology.

“The time around delivery is the most dangerous for mother and baby,” says Jeffrey Wilkinson, an obstetrician with Texas children’s hospital, who is leading the programme. “You can prevent most deaths by making sure the baby is safe during the delivery process.”

The AI monitoring system needs less time, equipment and fewer skilled staff than traditional foetal monitoring methods, which is critical in hospitals in low-income countries such as Malawi, which face severe shortages of health workers. Regular foetal observation often relies on doctors performing periodic checks, meaning that critical information can be missed during intervals, while AI-supported programs do continuous, real-time monitoring. Traditional checks also require physicians to interpret raw data from various devices, which can be time consuming and subject to error.

Area 25’s maternity ward handles about 8,000 deliveries a year with a team of around 80 midwives and doctors. While only about 10% are trained to perform traditional electronic monitoring, most can use the AI software to detect anomalies, so doctors are aware of any riskier or more complex births. Hospital staff also say that using AI has standardised important aspects of maternity care at the clinic, such as interpretations on foetal wellbeing and decisions on when to intervene.

Kaphamtengo, who is excited to be a new mother, believes the doctor’s interventions may have saved her baby’s life. “They were able to discover that my baby was distressed early enough to act,” she says, holding her son, Justice.

Doctors at the hospital hope to see the technology introduced in other hospitals in Malawi, and across Africa.

“AI technology is being used in many fields, and saving babies’ lives should not be an exception,” says Chiweza. “It can really bridge the gap in the quality of care that underserved populations can access.”"

-via The Guardian, December 6, 2024

#cw child death #cw pregnancy #malawi #africa #ai #artificial intelligence #public health #infant mortality #childbirth #medical news #good news #hope

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martiniluvr · 1 year ago

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18+ minors dni

1,000 follower celebration!! I love u all wow. thank you for all your support, truly. be warned, this is long. enjoy 💫

warnings: nsfw alphabet for dick grayson and jason todd, so there’s a variety of things under the cut. please proceed with caution 🩷

★・・・★・・・★・・・★

A | Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

jason is very different after sex. it’s a major act of trust for him, so when it’s done, all he really wants is to be close to you. in other words: he’s a big cuddler. he’ll mumble some things into your skin as you run your fingers through his hair, and after, you usually end up ordering enough food to feed a small family, because that man can eat.

dick is a loverboy at heart. once the dust has settled and you’re both down from your highs, he’s doting on you—bringing you water, a snack, cleaning you up with a damp cloth—with doe eyes and a big old grin. always invites you to have a shower with him afterwards, and you always say yes, because his shoulder rubs are divine.

B | Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

unsurprisingly, jason has some…issues with his body from all the shit it’s been through. that being said, I think he intentionally trains his back and shoulders the most. it’s what makes him look as huge as he does. as for his favourite thing about you, jason todd is an ass man, argue with the wall. he likes something he can grab. hard.

dick grayson knows his ass is fat. he’s not shy about it. but his favourite body part is actually his arms, and how muscular they’ve become over the years. as for you, he loves your hips. they trigger something primal in him; the second you put on a fitted dress, he’s thinking about giving you his children.

C | Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

jason gets nasty. he’ll cum anywhere on your body just for the obscene sight, but he especially loves to cum in your mouth when he’s feeling that extra bit dominant. he doesn’t care if you spit or swallow, it turns him on either way—but, god, he’s proud when you open your mouth to show him it’s all gone.

let’s cut to the chase. dick wants to cum inside you over and over again. he hardly even contemplates doing it anywhere else; that man wants to fill you up and watch you drip. maybe it’s his out-of-control breeding kink, maybe it’s how intimate it feels—whatever the case may be, rest assured dick grayson loves a creampie.

D | Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

voyeurism. jason likes to watch. it happened accidentally once when he walked in on you practicing some self-care, and he’s thought about it ever since. he enjoys the performance aspect of it; it’s a power play, watching you get yourself off, knowing he’s right there but refusing to help you.

this ties in with Q, but dick borders on exhibitionism sometimes. fucking you in his car, in the bathroom at a charity event, or in a changing room—anywhere you might get caught, really—god, it gets him going. it’s the daredevil in him, constantly yearning to test the limits of what he can do.

E | Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

I think jason had very limited to no experience before his death, and most of what knows today he learned by being with you. ever the fast learner, though, he sure as shit knows what he’s doing now. I think he’s very in-tune with your body and his needs, and it shows in the way he fucks you.

we have to face facts here. dick definitely got around before committing to a serious relationship. despite that, I think he knows what he’s doing thanks to his impeccable observational skills; sometimes you think he knows your body better than you do (but don’t tell him that; it goes straight to his head).

F | Favorite position (this goes without saying)

jason is a sucker for good old-fashioned doggy style, of course, but fuck, does he adore the prone bone position. trapping you under his body, hitting you deep with each thrust, and he gets to watch your ass jiggle at every movement? it borders on religious ecstasy for him.

dick goes feral—feral—for the mating press position. it’s erotic, carnal, and raw, and that’s exactly what he wants when he’s fucking you. he’s also partial to cowgirl, especially when he can tell you want to take control. the view it offers him is enough to have him whining underneath you for more.

G | Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

jason is more on the serious side; sex with him, intense as it may be, is still a big act of vulnerability on his part, so he doesn’t treat it lightly. he will, however, crack a warm smile on those occasions when you make love in the small hours of the morning, when he thinks you can’t see his face clearly.

dick is a tease, and sex with him is fun. he likes to flirt with you while he bends you into compromising positions, and he gets very cocky when you cum. he can’t help but make little quips after the fact, either; “something wrong with your leg, baby?” as your limbs twitch and tremble from your orgasm. jerk.

H | Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

in keeping with his rugged exterior, jason is only doing what he needs to in order to keep things manageable and convenient. he is not dedicating hours to manscaping. much to your elation, that means he keeps his happy trail intact.

dick is a little more meticulous in his grooming, being the “pretty boy” that he is. he prefers keeping himself neatly trimmed, partly to ensure more comfort in his nightwing suit—he’s learned the hard way that the pornstar look is a one-way ticket to chafing when you’re jumping off of buildings.

I | Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

jason really restrains himself from being outwardly intimate. he finds it hard to be that vulnerable, and while he loves the passion between you when you fuck, he’s only really able to tap into the romantic aspect if he’s wholly at ease. that’s not to say it never happens! it definitely does, just give him time.

he may be cocky and unserious when he’s fucking you, but sex with dick is always very openly intimate. he sees the beauty and romance in what you do together, and it’s truly special to him that he gets to witness you like this. sex is absolutely one of the ways he expresses his love and admiration for you.

J | Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

jason only really masturbates when he’s away from you on a mission, and needs to take the edge off. it’s less interesting without you, so he wants it done quick. he imagines you touching yourself as he does it—legs wide and eyes hazy—and that gets him to his peak extremely efficiently.

dick likes to edge himself. I said what I said. he’s thinking about how he’d much rather save his load for your pretty cunt, so he’s bucking his hips and screwing his eyes shut as he forces himself to stop right before his climax, reminding himself how good it’ll feel when he gets to fill you up.

K | Kink (one or more of their kinks)

overstimulation is jason’s go-to; he gets off on dragging orgasm after orgasm out of you until you’re hardly able to speak. he also loves forced eye contact, especially when you can barely keep your eyes open. oh, and he has a massive size kink. when you’re as huge as he is, everyone is small by comparison, and he likes how big you make him feel.

say it with me. dick grayson has a breeding kink. the visual aspect of cumming inside you is enough to drive him crazy, but the thought of getting you pregnant…now that makes him rabid. face-sitting is another big one; any variation of pussy-eating drives him wild, but having you sit on his face is his favourite way to do it.

L | Location (favorite places to do the do)

if you’re at home, anywhere is fair game to jason. he’s fucking you in the kitchen, in the bedroom, on the sofa, against the wall, in the office—anywhere. outside of home, he’s more restrictive, but he has thought about fucking you in the batmobile on the many occasions he’s stolen it.

the bedroom is definitely dick’s favourite place to fuck you; aside from making things feel more romantic, he wants you to be comfortable as he’s bending you into crazy positions. he also loves a shower quickie and car sex, impractical though they may be. don’t worry, he’s an acrobat. it’ll work.

M | Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

is it crazy to say that jason gets turned on when you argue? because he does. a moderate disagreement where you’re getting huffy with him is a surefire way to get bent over the sofa. oh, and if he feels even a little jealousy creeping over him, you’re in for a ride. also, if you nestle into him during the night, you’ll be contending with his hard cock pressed against your lower back until one of you caves.

dick is whipped. whatever you’re doing can get him going. cooking, reading, wearing his clothes—he loves everything you do. but, he’s particularly turned on whenever you dress up for a special occasion. it can be a little inconvenient when you’re running late for an event and he’s groping you over your gown in the limo, but how can you refuse those blue eyes?

N | No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

jason would be very resistant to anything that puts him in a submissive role (this goes for ak!jason too). this includes both sex acts and the use of props/toys that take control away from him; he’s just not into it. he’d also refuse any kind of roleplay, saying it’s unnecessary. he’s a pragmatic guy.

I think dick would really dislike the idea of hurting you. he’s not opposed to spanking, and he’ll even engage in some light breath play (ahem, headlock, anyone?), but he would never take it any further than that. if he bruised you through anything other than hickies, he’d be sick with guilt.

O | Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

it should come as no surprise that jason loves receiving head. there are few sights as enticing as watching you take his cock in your mouth while he instructs you to keep your eyes on him. he’s also very skilled in returning the favour, and his preference is eating you from the back so he can see your pretty ass move each time you squirm.

you know my stance on this. dick is a munch. he’s eating pussy like it’s his last meal before the end of the world, and he’s doing it for him. needless to say, he’s fucking good at it. receiving head is quite literally the last thing on his mind. that being said, when he does remember to let you reciprocate, all he can think about is how pretty you look while doing it.

P | Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

jason can get pretty rough, and he likes to fuck you hard, but he knows how much you can take. sex for him is partially an emotional release. but, he’s good at alternating between destroying you one day and being gentle the next; despite his tough facade, jay enjoys soft, passionate sex as much—if not more—than you do.

dick is kind of a hedonist; once he starts feeling pleasure, he doesn’t want it to end—especially when you start feeling it too. he’s happy to give you fast and rough if it’s what you want, but his preference is sloppy, erotic fucking. the messier you get, the better. although, if he’s got you in a mating press, the roughness seeps back in quickly.

Q | Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

while he’ll never say no to a quickie, jason prefers to take his time with you. once he starts, he finds it hard to stop, and he loves to see how much you can take from him before you’re spent. quickies are sporadic with him; he prefers to enjoy your body at his pace.

if he gets the chance to fuck you—hell, even just tease you—dick is going to take it. he loves the thrill and the sense of urgency that comes with quickies. whether it’s a hookup in his car or an impromptu blowjob when he’s supposed to be on patrol, his eyes are lighting up like it’s christmas.

R | Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

jason is not a risk-taker. he needs time to warm to any kind of experimentation, but he’s more likely to try things on you than on himself, like using light restraints on you or dabbling in sensory play. as long as he feels he has some control.

dick is a different story. he’s willing to try most things at least once, and he’s able to laugh it off if something goes south. he’s not opposed to switching (ha) things up and giving you the lead, either; he likes a woman in charge.

S | Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

maybe it’s his extensive training, maybe it’s just who he is; whatever the case may be, jason can go for a long time. but, it’s usually just one round that he draws out so he can really work you to your limit.

dick can handle multiple rounds if you give him time. his recovery consists of burying his face between your legs until he’s ready to go again, which doesn’t take very long once you start convulsing against his tongue.

T | Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

jason wouldn’t even think to use sex toys unless you brought it up, but he’d be open to using them on you if you asked. he’s quick to see the potential in your little pink vibrator when he holds it against your clit while he fucks you, noticing how much easier it is to overstimulate you this way.

ever the experimentalist, dick isn’t opposed to trying out toys in the bedroom. in fact, he’s the one who would show up with fuzzy blue handcuffs (“I got them in my colour!”) to restrain your hands behind your back, so he can devour your cunt without interference from you.

U | Unfair (how much they like to tease)

he’d like to tease you more, but jason doesn’t really have the restraint for it. as soon as you’re splayed out in front of him, he wants to take you. when he does tease, though, he likes to touch you everywhere but where you need him most, until you’re begging for him to make you feel good. then, he likes to make you regret it—over and over again.

dick is the world’s biggest tease, and you can look that up. he’s got you grinding on his lap, making out with you until you’re panting, only to say he needs to do some work as he stands up with a smirk. and when he finally gets you naked, he makes you tell him what you need while his fingers hover over your aching pussy, never reaching you.

V | Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

jason isn’t very loud at all, but the sounds he does make range from grunts and groans to the occasional low moan if you tug at the hair on the nape of his neck. he’s a big dirty talker, and he likes to get up in your ear to do it, so he knows you’re listening. he notices the way you shiver at his gravelly voice, and it drives him crazy.

dick is far less concerned about being quiet. he’s moaning, swearing, telling you how pretty you are, even occasionally whining, and he’s not worried about what your neighbours think—in fact, he’s making sure you’re just as vocal as he is, insisting you tell him how you feel. he’s also expressive when he cums, especially when he does it inside you.

W | Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

I know this is controversial, but jason would never agree to a threesome. this man is possessive. the mere thought of seeing someone else touch you in front of him is enough to make him see red, so no—he’d end up committing murder (not that it’s a far leap for him on a good day).

dick has a thing for watching you work out, especially when you’re doing yoga in the living room in those skin-tight pants. watching the way your limbs elongate and contract as you bend and stretch does things to him, but he never interrupts; the images stay in his mind for those long missions.

X | X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

jason is a behemoth of a man all over. and I do mean all over. he’s packing. an easy 8 inches (slightly more), thick, with a slight upwards curve and a prominent vein from the base to the tip—which is a mauvy pink, by the way. you’re still shocked you’re able to take him, and he was too the first time.

‘prettiest man alive also has a pretty cock’ would be dick’s headline. just over 6 inches, with enough girth to make you feel full, and a rosy pink tip that matches his lips…you could honestly just stare at it if he’d let you (and he probably would). he fits you like a glove every single time.

Y | Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

jason’s sex drive is pretty consistent; it’s always simmering a little ways below the surface. he’s able to compartmentalise it when he has to, but sex doubles as a form of stress-relief for him, so it happens…often.

dick has an incredibly high sex drive. like jason, he can reel it in when needed, but if it were up to him, you’d fuck every single day, twice even. I also truly believe that he’s regularly plagued by morning wood.

Z | Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

he’s going to make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of, but the truth is jason could probably pass out in your arms about 10 minutes after you’re done. take it as a sign of how safe he feels with you as he’s snoring softly into your neck.

he’s definitely tired after sex, but dick is waiting until he notices you dozing off before he closes his eyes. once he’s out, though, good luck waking him up again without an air horn. he’s going to need his full eight hours to recharge.

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