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v6quewrlds · 22 days ago

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&.⠀⠀OFF THE TABLE II⠀⋆⠀JUSTIN HERBERT.

pairing⠀⁎⠀justin herbert x single mother!oc. word count⠀⁎⠀10.7k.

series summary⠀⁎⠀in maya's eyes, love has been completely off the table since the birth of her son, miles, six years ago. fate disagrees with maya's point of view, bringing her justin in more ways than one.

author's note⠀⁎⠀updates might be a little slow after this one. listen y'all, if you're from socal don't pay too close attention to the geography. i'm taking reddit's word for a lot of things in addition to the fact that i have zero clue where justin lives and don't care to know. series warnings⠀⁎⠀18+ mdni, smut, oc warning [maya atkins], single motherhood, friends with benefits, discussions of guilt, mention of deadbeat dads.

read more⠀⁎⠀justin herbert masterlist⠀⁎⠀previous, next.

"From my point of view, I think there's no harm in fully going for the Latin-Asian fusion thing. That opens your options a bit more flavor-wise." Her client of the month was a struggling upscale sushi bar on Manhattan Beach, and Maya was adamant about bringing in a fresh perspective. She had spent the last week experimenting with recipes that would appeal to the area's diverse palate without alienating the restaurant's existing clientele.

"So with the ceviche dish, we could incorporate some sushi-grade fish and add a twist with some citrus-marinated jalapenos," Maya suggested, her mind fully engrossed in the culinary brainstorming session with her client. Her laptop was open between them, a picture of the dish she had in mind taken on her phone the night before after a late-night cooking session two days prior.

The restaurant owner nodded, his eyes lighting up at the idea. "I like it," he said, scribbling notes down on his own pad. "It's definitely something we could promote during happy hour."

"Exactly," she echoed. "I would even go as far as promoting it alongside one of the signature cocktails we talked about. Something with a bit of heat to match the jalapenos, like a spicy marg or a wasabi cucumber gimlet. Really round out the profile."

The restaurant owner nodded again, scribbling away. Maya felt a buzz of satisfaction at the thought of her idea coming to life. "On the idea of keep the menu fresh, what do you think about rolling out a weekly special?" she asked, her mind racing with possibilities. "You could use local, seasonal ingredients to keep it exciting for repeat customers. The local clientele here is on the wealthier side so most will be open to trying new things."

He nodded enthusiastically. "That's a fantastic idea. I've been looking for a way to keep the menu feeling exclusive without being too stuffy." He leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I'll have to talk to our suppliers, but I think we could definitely make that work."

"Great," she said, her voice brimming with excitement. "I'll draft up a few options for you to consider and send them over tonight. When do you think I'll be able to touch base with your service staff to talk through their concerns and the new menu ideas?"

The owner checked his calendar before looking back up at her. "How does next Friday sound? We're closed between lunch and dinner from 2 to 5 for staff training. That's usually when we go over menu changes, important reservations, that sort of thing."

Maya nodded, scribbling the details in her planner. "I'll make sure to be here. I'll bring the samples for everyone to taste." She stood up, smoothing out her dress pants. "Thank you for your time today, Mr. Castillo. I'll have the menu draft in your inbox by tomorrow."

Mr. Castillo stood as well, extending his hand for a firm shake. "Thank you, Maya. I really can't thank you enough for this. I'm excited to see what the future holds for us here."

Maya walked out into the warm afternoon, heels clicking rhythmically against the pavement as she dug in her purse to locate her keys. The beach was a short walk away, and the salty breeze carried the faint sound of waves and distant laughter. Despite the allure of the ocean, her thoughts remained inland with Miles. She slid into her car and started the engine, the quiet purr echoing in the quiet oceanside streets.

Miles would be wrapping up a playdate at a former preschool classmate's house within the next thirty minutes, leaving her just enough time to set her route to the host home. She pulled up to the house, a tastefully decorated Craftsman-style home in a quiet neighborhood of Culver City. The yard was meticulously maintained, with a row of tulips lining the walkway.

The front door had been left unlocked, the message shared through the playgroup's group chat. She stepped into the living room, the smells of freshly baked cookies and playdough assaulting her nose, reminding her of those late afternoon preschool pickups. The sound of children's laughter grew louder as she approached the backyard. Miles' giggle was unmistakable, a sweet melody that brought a smile to Maya's face.

"Is that slide new?" she asked, sliding the glass door open and stepping onto the wooden deck. The laughter grew louder, and she spotted Miles at the top of the new play structure, his little legs dangling as he waited for his turn to zoom down the slide.

Danielle, the mother hosting the playdate, turned to wave Maya over. "Hey girl! Bryan installed it last week just for today, what do you think?" She asked, her eyes shining with pride.

Maya couldn't help but laugh. "It's amazing, I'm surprised you guys haven't had a line out the door for the neighborhood kids."

Danielle rolled her eyes. "Oh, trust me, we have. We had to set up a schedule so they don't all show up at once."

Maya chuckled, watching Miles slide down with a look of pure joy. "Well, it's definitely worth it," she said, her eyes focused squarely on her son.

"Anything new with you?" Danielle asked as Maya took a seat at the patio table, sipping from the iced tea she had been offered from a tray.

Maya took a moment before responding, contemplating how much to share about her recent romantic developments. She decided on a small nugget of truth. "Just had a good few weeks," she said with a nonchalant shrug. "Work's been busy, but I got out a little bit, flirted, nothing came of it but it was fun."

Danielle's eyes widened with interest. "Flirted? That's a first since, what, Miles' dad?" She leaned in closer, setting her own tea down. "Spill. Who's the lucky guy?"

Maya felt a warmth spread through her body and into her fingertips as they cupped the glass. "It's no one, really," she said, trying to downplay it. "Just a guy I met at a bar. We texted for a bit, but I think he got busy or something. It's whatever."

Danielle leaned back in her chair, studying Maya's expression. "You're holding out on me," she accused playfully. "You've got that look."

Maya couldn't help but laugh. "What look?"

"The look," Danielle insisted, her eyes twinkling. "Did you follow-up with him? Maybe he's just… busy."

Maya took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought of seeing Justin again. "No, I didn't," she admitted, her voice dropping a notch. "I just… I don't know if I'm ready for all that yet, you know?" She looked at Danielle, her friend's expression one of understanding. "I just feel so out of my depth with all this. He was charming, sweet, but I guess I just wasn't special enough to keep his attention."

Danielle reached out and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "You're more than special enough, Maya," she assured her. "And if he's not giving you the attention you deserve, then he's the one missing out."

Maya nodded, trying to convince herself of that fact. Her thoughts drifted to the previous week's encounter with Justin, his gentle touch, and the way his eyes lit up when they talked about food. She had hoped their casual flirtation could evolve into something more, but the silence following their meeting had been deafening and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

"Should I reach out? Maybe he is just busy and forgot," Maya wondered aloud, her eyes straying to her phone on the patio table.

Danielle gave her a knowing look. "If you want to see him again, just text him. Worst-case scenario, he's busy or not interested. But you'll never know unless you try."

Maya nodded, staring down her phone, chewing her lip, then turning to locate her son in the midst of his play. "Are you gonna do it?" Danielle deadpanned, breaking the silence.

With a deep breath, Maya picked up her phone, tapping her index finger against the back of her case. Then with a sigh, she set it aside. "Maybe later. I've got a shit ton of stuff to get done tonight." She turned her focus back to Miles, who was now engaged in a game of tag with his friends.

"Maya…" Danielle called, her voice cutting through the laughter of the children. "You're not seriously going to leave it like that, are you?"

Maya's eyes snapped back to her friend's, the warmth in them pushing aside the doubt. She took a deep breath, her hand hovering over her phone. Hovering, but not quite making the move to unlock it. "What do I even say?" she asked, the question a whisper.

"Just be you," Danielle said with a soft smile. "You managed to pull him in at the bar, didn't you? A simple 'hey', ask him about his week, maybe throw in a little self-deprecating humor about your crazy work schedule. Keep it light, easy."

"I'll think about it," she mumbled, watching as Miles dodged the grasp of one of his friends with the agility of a seasoned athlete. The way he laughed, carefree and uninhibited, was a stark contrast to the cautious tightening in her chest at the thought of reaching out to Justin.

As the playdate wound down, Maya helped gather the toys scattered around the yard and thanked Danielle for a great afternoon. With Miles in the backseat, she drove home, the quiet hum of the car's engine allowing her thoughts to drift back to the texts, or rather, the lack thereof.

It wasn't until Friday night rolled around that she reconsidered Danielle's advice.

She had decided to treat herself to a quiet solo dinner at a sushi grill, gathering some last minute inspiration to tie the bow on the Manhattan Beach fusion menu. Armed with her notebook and purse, the distant fire from the center grills heated her face from her spot at the hostess stand. The smell of ginger hung thick in the air, and Maya felt her stomach rumble with anticipation.

The walk to the bar was a long one due to the placement of the grills in the direct center. She had picked a spot that was a little less crowded, but still allowed her to observe the flow of the kitchen and the interaction between the staff and customers. As she approached the counter, she noticed one of the two bartenders was busy serving a large group of male patrons. Maya took a moment to appreciate the sleek black and chrome setup of the bar, the way the light reflected off the bottles behind it.

The men standing at the bar stood heads and shoulders above the average patron, their broad shoulders and muscular builds giving them away as being athletes beyond the shadow of a doubt. She shrugged the observation off; the grill was located in a neighborhood popular with pro athletes, so it wasn't unusual to spot a few lingering around the more exclusive spots.

The second bartender, a petite brunette with a bubbly smile, saw her approach and waved her over. "What can I get you started on tonight, love?" she asked.

Maya took a seat and perused the menu. "Just a ginger beer for now. I'm still deciding on food."

The bartender nodded and set to work, the sound of ice clinking against the glass a familiar and comforting melody in the background. As she waited, Maya couldn't help but overhear snippets of the conversation happening a few stools down. One of the men was talking about a game from college. She turned her head to take in the decor of the restaurant, taking in the modern chandeliers and the abstract art on the walls.

It was when she turned back that she saw him staring directly at her. Justin. Every unfathomable inch of him. His hair was shorter than it was when she had met him weeks ago, but that same quiet confidence was there, his eyes the same piercing shade that reflected the light gorgeously. His cheeks flushed a slight pink, and he looked surprised, yet delighted. She felt her eyes widen as they locked gazes.

He stepped away from his group of friends, drowning out their conversation as he approached. "Maya," he said, his voice a low rumble of surprise. "What are the odds?" There was that familiar lean against the bar top, his beer already forming a ring on the sleek surface.

Maya's heart skipped a beat, her hand frozen mid-air as she tried to process his sudden appearance. She gave him a nervous smile, her eyes darting to his friends before returning to him. "Hi, stranger," she said, her voice a little shakier than she had intended.

Justin grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Small world, isn't it?" He leaned closer, eyes drifting over her notebook and beer as he took in the scene before him.

"Yeah," Maya replied, her heart thumping in her chest. "What are you up to?"

"Just having dinner with the guys," Justin said, gesturing to his teammates who had all turned to look at them now, an array of wide smiles and amused glances passing between them.

"Is that what's been keeping you busy? Dinner with the guys?" Maya asked, her voice filled with a teasing lilt. She couldn't help the little thrill that shot through her at the sight of him, the way his eyes held hers, the ease of their conversation.

"I deserve that," he flushed under her teasing. "Actually, I just was in Oregon for a few days handling some…" he paused, licking his lips hesitantly as if carefully choosing his words. "contractual obligations."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Contractual obligations?" she echoed. "You're not going to tell me you're a CIA agent or something, are you?"

Justin chuckled, his gaze dropping to the floor briefly before returning to hers. "No, nothing that exciting." He didn't provide any additional details, which only served to pique Maya's curiosity further. The bartender returned to take Maya's order, and she requested the chef's special. The petite brunette nodded before heading back to the POS system.

The men from Justin's group continued shooting them glances just behind his back, their whispers and laughs growing louder. "Am I interrupting time with your friends?" she joked, trying to ease the tension between the two of them.

Justin shook his head, his smile unwavering. "Nah, we're gonna be here for another 30 to 45, still waiting on a table." He cleared his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing before he slowly added, "We'll have plenty of time to bond before the season kicks in."

Maya took a sip of her ginger beer, the fizz tickling her nose as she pondered his words. "The season?" she questioned, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. She had no idea what he meant by that, but if the way he eased that detail in told her it was significant.

Justin looked a bit flustered, as if he'd said more than he meant to. "Yeah," he said, his voice a little less sure than before. "I'm an athlete. NFL."

Maya's eyes went wide, the ginger beer almost slipping from her grasp. "Oh," she managed, trying to keep her cool. "Which team?"

"The Chargers," Justin said, his voice a mix of pride and something else she couldn't quite place. He was watching her reaction closely, gauging her interest or perhaps waiting for recognition that didn't come.

She paused before shaking her head with a chuckle. "Can I be honest?"

"Always," Justin said, leaning closer.

Maya took a deep breath and put her ginger beer down. "I have no idea who you are," she admitted, a laugh tumbling from her lips. "I'm not a sports person. But if you say you play for the Chargers, I'll take your word for it."

Justin's expression brightened with a hint of relief, taking another step closer to her. "No big deal. It's just my job," he said with a shrug.

"So, that's why you're so busy…" she hummed with an upwards curl of her lips. "CIA agent moonlighting as a football player."

That drew a genuine laugh from him, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Something like that," he responded. She took note of the deep dimple that appeared in his right cheek. The sound of his laughter was infectious and she found herself joining in.

"Well, if it's any consolation, I'm pretty busy myself," Maya said, absentmindedly flipping her notebook shut. "One secret for another?" she asked, moving forward when Justin nodded. "I have a son. He keeps me just as busy as I'm sure you are."

Justin's smile faltered for a moment before regaining its former warmth. "That's a big deal," he said, his voice genuine and a little softer than before. "How old is he?"

"He's six," Maya said, her eyes shining with pride. "His name is Miles." She watched Justin's reaction carefully, expecting some sign of disinterest or discomfort, but his expression remained open, curious even.

"Six… first grade?" Justin asked, his gaze holding hers with a gentle curiosity that made her heart flutter. She didn't miss the way his eyes dipped to glance at her hands before releasing a shallow breath at the absence of a wedding ring or even a tan line on her left ring finger.

Maya nodded. "Yeah, he's a handful but worth every second," she said with a warm smile. She felt a sudden need to explain herself, to justify her presence in this bustling bar on a Friday night. "He's with my parents for the weekend, so I have a little free time."

Justin's gaze remained on her, his eyes filled with something she couldn't quite read. "Well, it's good that you get some time for yourself," he said, his hand briefly brushing against hers on the bar.

The urge to explain herself continue to ravage her senses, pushing her to provide another disclaimer. "I really don't want you to feel like I'd be offended if you didn't want to pursue things," Maya spoke quickly, her voice a little shaky. "I know having a kid can be a deal-breaker for some guys. No hard feelings at all. I'd probably feel the same way if our situations were reversed."

Justin's expression grew serious, his thumb tracing lazy circles on her forearm. "Maya, I'm interested. Really interested," he assured her, his voice deep and sincere. "As long as you're single, I'd like to get to know you better."

The tension between them grew thick with anticipation. Maya felt a rush of heat to her face and took a moment to compose herself. "Well, I am single," she murmured, looking away shyly before meeting his gaze again. "But I can't guarantee that I'll have much time to devote to… whatever this might be."

"I get it," Justin said, his voice understanding. "My schedule's pretty packed too. My trip to Oregon was a last-minute Nike thing, and I've got a lot riding on the upcoming season." He took a sip of his drink, looking at her intently over the rim. "I can't say it would be fair for me to start something serious either. Asking for your number at the bar was a bit out of character for me, honestly."

Maya sat up a bit straighter at that revelation. "What do you mean?"

Justin cleared his throat, his voice dropping to a murmur. "It's been a while since I've put myself out there like that." He paused, searching her eyes for understanding, continuing when she nodded. "But I liked talking to you, and I'd like to do it again. Maybe without the pressure of making it into something it's not ready to be? At the very least, I think you're worth sacrificing some sleep over."

Maya felt a stutter of her heart, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "So, you're proposing…?"

"We can keep it casual," Justin suggested, his thumb still tracing circles on her arm, sending warm shivers down her spine. "Keep seeing each other, no strings attached, no expectations."

Maya took a deep breath, her eyes searching his. It was a tempting offer, one that whispered sweet nothings into the part of her that had been starving for male companionship for so long. "So… friends with benefits?" she asked, her voice steady despite the racing of her thoughts.

Justin's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, but he met her gaze without faltering. "If that's what you're comfortable with," he said, his voice earnest. "Emphasis on the friends part." A muscular arm bent behind his head to scratch nervously at the back of his head. "I just don't want to miss out on what this might be."

He tapped nervously against his glass bottle, the nervous tick defeating the auditory integrity of the confidence in his voice. Maya took another sip of her ginger beer, her mind racing with possibilities and potential consequences. Her eyes flicked over to the group of towering men who had been watching them, now engaged in their own conversations. She knew what he was asking wasn't typical, but something about the way he spoke, the sincerity in his voice, made her feel like it could work.

"Alright," she finally said, setting her drink down. "Friends with benefits it is. I'll go ahead and let you know that I'm free until Monday morning." There was a haze in Justin's eyes as he digested her words, his hand lingering on her forearm.

"Perfect," he murmured, his voice a low rumble. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his calendar. "Promise I won't make the mistake of leaving this to chance again," he said, looking at her with a determined expression. "How about tomorrow night?"

Maya felt a thrill at his decisiveness, nodding eagerly. "That works for me," she said, watching him tap away at his phone.

Justin looked up, his gaze locking onto hers. "It's a date," he confirmed. "My place or yours?"

Maya's pulse quickened at the prospect of spending the night with him, but she remained cool. "Mine," she said with a nod. "I can send you the address."

Justin nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Text it to me. I'll come over around seven tomorrow night." His words held an air of promise. She nodded, her voice a whisper as she agreed to his plan.

"Justin!" a male voice called out from his group, breaking the intimate moment. He looked over his shoulder, offered a thumbs up, and mouthed "I'll be right there."

Maya felt a twinge of disappointment at the interruption, but she knew this was a public place and he couldn't ignore his friends. "Go ahead," she said, smiling. "Don't keep your team waiting."

"Thank you," he murmured, his hand briefly squeezing her forearm. "I'll text you around five to make sure it's still a good time to come over?"

Maya nodded, trying to keep her excitement in check. "Sounds like a plan," she said, her voice a little too high, a little too cheerful. She welcomed the embrace he offered, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, the strength in his arms, and the beat of his heart against her chest. It had been so long since she'd felt this kind of closeness with someone, and she had to admit, it was intoxicating.

"See you tomorrow?" she asked, her voice thin with a whisper.

"Count on it," he said, his eyes filled with promise. He gave her a final squeeze before letting go, and Maya felt the sudden chill of the cool air in the bar.

Maya watched as Justin walked back to his table, his teammates slapping him on the back as he approached. She couldn't help but feel a bit like she was floating as she finished her ginger beer.

"I might've fucked up," Maya announced the moment the call to her best friend, Brooklyn, connected. She could hear the TV playing in the background and the clatter of kitchenware, but she had to get it off her chest before the excitement overwhelmed her.

"What did you do?" Brooklyn's voice was a mix of amusement and concern.

"Are you alone?" Maya whispered into the phone, her heart racing as she put the phone on speaker and set it down on her bathroom counter.

"Yeah," Brooklyn replied, her voice dropping an octave as she muted the TV.

"Look up Justin Herbert," Maya said, her voice barely a whisper as she paced the bathroom floor. "Tell me if you recognize the face."

"I know what he looks like, quarterback for the Chargers, right?" Brooklyn's voice came back after a few seconds of silence. "What about him?"

Maya leaned against the cool marble countertop, taking a deep breath. "Remember how I said I met a guy at the bar but it didn't go anywhere? That guy is Justin Herbert."

Brooklyn gasped. "You fumbled a quarterback?" she exclaimed. "Maya! Are you just finding this out?"

"Kind of," Maya said, her voice tight. "I ran into him again tonight at this sushi grill. He's actually really sweet, and he seems to be into me…"

"Maya, spit it out!" Brooklyn's voice was a mix of disbelief and excitement. "What happened with him?"

Maya took a deep breath and recounted the evening's events, from the awkward run-in to their unexpected connection, and finally, to the arrangement they'd made. "So, we're doing this friends with benefits thing," she concluded, apprehension coating her words.

Brooklyn was silent for a moment before she burst into laughter. "Girl, you've got to be kidding me," she managed through her giggles. "But seriously, if he's cool with you being a mom and all, and you guys are on the same page, I say go for it. You deserve some fun, and if the sex is good, keep him around; if it sucks, don't."

Maya couldn't help but laugh too, feeling some of her anxiety dissipate. "Thanks, B," she said, rolling her eyes at her friend's blunt advice. "But it's not like it's going to be a regular thing. He's a professional athlete, and I have a kid. We're both busy."

Brooklyn's voice grew serious. "You know what, Maya? Sometimes you just need to let go and enjoy living in the moment. You're a great mom, and you work hard. If this is something that makes you happy without messing with Miles' life, then why not? You deserve a little treat every once in a while."

She felt dazed, her mind playing back the feeling of his eyes on her, his hand squeezing her forearm, the blush that spread across the bridge of his nose and spilled pink across his cheekbones. It was like she'd swallowed a handful of confetti; the colors of their encounter glittering through her thoughts.

"Did you set something up? When are you seeing him?" Brooklyn's question brought Maya back to reality. She checked the time on her phone, realizing that it was already late, nearly midnight. "We're supposed to meet tomorrow night," she replied, chewing her bottom lip.

Brooklyn's voice grew more solemn. "When was the last time you…?" She didn't need to finish the question. Maya knew what she was getting at. It had been a while since she'd been intimate with anyone. Too long, if she was being honest with herself.

She wasn't ready to unearth the various reasons why she hadn't been with anyone since Miles' father. It was a conversation for another time, if it was ever a conversation she was willing to have. "It's been a minute," she admitted, shaky words hinged on a shakier breath.

"I genuinely want you to enjoy yourself tomorrow, My," Brooklyn said, her voice a gentle reminder that she was still listening on the other end of the line. "Just take it slow and make sure you communicate what you want."

Maya nodded, though her friend couldn't see it. "Thanks, B. Love you." They talked a few more minutes before wishing each other off. By the time her head hit the satin pillow, every inch of her was buzzing with anticipation.

The next day at work was a whirlwind of client meetings and brainstorming, leaving little room for her thoughts to stray. Yet, every time she glanced at her phone, she could feel her eyes drifting up to the time, ticking down to their rendezvous.

The clock hit 5PM and just as he promised, a message from Justin popped up on her screen. "Still good for tonight?" he asked. Maya felt butterflies in her stomach, and she quickly typed back, "Still good," she confirmed. "I'll be home from work in a bit." He responded with a few logistics, letting her know he would be stopping by his home before heading over.

If this were a cartoon, Maya would have jumped out of her skin at the chime of the doorbell. Her breath caught in her throat, her heart knocked against her ribcage, and she felt the heat in her cheeks spread down her neck. Her reflection stared back at her, jittery and anxious, in the mirror near the entryway of her home. She took a deep breath, smoothed her hair, and checked her outfit one last time: white linen drawstring pants and a square neck top of the same tone that she had agonized over for much longer than she was ready to admit to anyone.

Time slowed as her eyes swept over her figure in the mirror, taking in her fresh matching manicure and pedicure, hastily done in her bathroom before leaving for her meetings that morning. The doorbell rang again, and she took one more deep breath before heading towards the sound. She opened the door to find Justin standing on her porch, lilies in hand and a boyish smile playing on his lips. His hair was impeccably tame, a touch more gelled than it had been the night before, and he looked fresh from the shower, the smell of soap and cologne wafting towards her.

"I hope you don't mind," he said, holding out the flowers. "Thought they'd be nice."

Maya's eyes widened as she reached a hand forward to accept the bouquet, feeling the soft petals against her fingertips. "They're beautiful, thank you," she murmured, her cheeks growing even warmer as she stepped aside to let him in. "Come in."

Justin walked in, his presence filling the room with a sense of excitement and nerves. He looked around, nodding in approval at the cozy yet elegant decor of her home. "Shoes off?" he questioned, quick to notice the wooden shoe rack by the door.

"Yes, please," Maya said, lifting the bouquet to her nose, inhaling deeply as her eyes fluttered shut. When brown eyes met pale green, she couldn't help mirroring the shy smile that grew on Justin's face. They both knew what tonight was about, but the gesture felt sweet, almost too tender for what they had agreed to. She led him into the living room, the soft glow of the pendant lights casting shadows across his broad shoulders.

"Lilies," she hummed out, searching for a vase in her kitchen as Justin followed her, his eyes taking in her home with curiosity. She filled a clear vase with water and placed the flowers in the center of her kitchen island.

"I wasn't sure if you had a preference," Justin said, leaning against the counter as he watched Maya arrange the lilies. His voice was smooth, like a high-grade dark liquor, resonating in her chest and running through her veins like warm honey. She swallowed, her throat dry, and turned to face him.

"Magnolias are my favorite," she responded, opening a drawer to find her kitchen scissors, a navy blue pair that perfectly matched the accents scattered around the room. "But lilies are a close second. Thank you. They're gorgeous."

Justin took a step closer, his gaze dropping to her mouth, then back up to meet her eyes. "You're welcome." His voice was low, movements slow as he moved to stand just behind her. As she set down each flower after trimming the stems, he placed them in the vase, his large hands gently peeling open the petals that had folded in on themselves.

Maya felt his body heat radiating against her back, and she could hear the soft thud of his heart in her own chest. She snipped the last stem at an angle, handing it to Justin, her fingertips brushing against his. He took the final lily and placed it in the vase, stepping back to admire their combined effort.

"Nice work," he spoke softly. "Fits with the vibe of your place."

Maya set the scissors down in the sink. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling the weight of the moment settle over them like a warm blanket.

"How long have you been out here?" he asked, stepping away to lean against the island. His arms crossed over his chest, accenting the muscles beneath his shirt. They strained against the plain black t-shirt, discipline from his training evident in every line of his body.

"In Culver?" she clarified, feeling her back straighten as she leaned against the sink. "Two years now. I've lived in LA County my whole life, can't imagine living anywhere else." She turned to face him, her eyes tracing over the lines of his jaw, his cheekbones, and the way his eyes seemed to darken under the dim light the longer they stood there.

"It's a good spot," Justin agreed, his voice still a soft rumble. "Quiet, but not too far from the action." His eyes searched hers, a silent question hanging in the air. Maya felt the tension build, a delicious cocktail of nerves and desire.

"I'm assuming you're out near the beaches somewhere?" Maya asked, her hands nervously rubbing her arms. The question was innocent, but she felt the urge to fill the silence that stretched out between them.

"Hidden Hills, actually," he spoke up, his eyes finally taking her full figure in. "It's quieter, more private, close to the mountains." Each word grew successively lower, dripping in a tone that suggested although he was more than happy to discuss his living situation, there was something else on his mind.

Maya felt the air thicken. "It sounds beautiful," she managed, the words clipped and breathy as his hands found her arms. He removed her hands from her skin, drawing her closer to his body. There was a gratifying magnetism to his touch, a force that made her knees weak.

A hand found her waist, the touch electric, sending a shockwave through Maya's core. She stepped closer to him, feeling the warmth of his breath against her cheek. "It is," he responded, the words falling from his lips nonchalantly.

Her head tilted back to take in the full view of him, the soft light from the pendant lights above highlighting his features. Justin's hand slid from her waist to the back of her neck, his thumb brushing against her pulse point as his eyes searched hers. "So beautiful," he whispered, his breath warm and sweet.

The moment was charged, the air around them crackling with the unspoken understanding of what was about to happen. Maya felt a flutter in her stomach, a mix of anticipation and nerves that she hadn't felt in a long time. She stepped closer to him, chest to chest. His hand tightened around her neck, angling her head just right as he leaned in. Just before their lips met, he asked a question, clementine sweet and a little shy, "Can I kiss you?"

Maya's breath caught in her throat. The brief handful of seconds between the question and her response seemed to stretch on for hours. Then, she nodded, her eyes fluttering shut as his lips met hers. The kiss was gentle, soft exploration that enveloped her lips in supple warmth. She leaned into him, her hands finding his biceps, feeling the power beneath her fingertips. He kissed her like he had all the time in the world, as if he had no where else to be. It was just them, in her kitchen, the scent of the fresh lilies mingling with the lingering aroma of his cologne filling her senses and making her head spin.

The hand cupping her face guided her into a more passionate kiss, his other arm wrapping around her waist to pull her closer. Maya melted into him, the heat of his body enveloping her, making her forget the exhaustion of the day. He kissed her as if her starving, as if he had been waiting for this moment since the moment they met. His kisses grew more urgent, his tongue slipping past her teeth to tango with hers. She whimpered softly, her hands roaming from his arms to his chest, feeling the contours of his muscles.

Breaking the kiss, there was a brief pause before she laughed. Slow and soft as her head bowed forward to hide the smile that was growing across her face.

"It's been a long time," she eventually confessed, meeting his gaze again.

"Would you believe me if I said the same?" Justin's voice was low, the question a gentle tease, as he brushed his thumb across her cheek, tracing the line of her jaw. The admission hung in the air, stretching the moment out into something more intimate than it had been before.

"No," she chuckled, her arms draping over his neck, releasing an involuntary sigh as both of his hands held her waist tightly, pressing her closer to him. "But I appreciate the attempt to make me feel better."

"Save your compliments until after," he responded with that bashful smile of is. His head dipped to kiss along her neck, hands hovering over the curve of her ass, not quite touching but the promise was there. He was giving her control, making her feel desired without overstepping, and Maya appreciated it more than he knew. "Might disappoint you."

Maya's laugh was light and airy, the sound of it filling the kitchen. "I doubt that." She leaned back into his touch, her eyes closing as his mouth worked its magic. His mouth rediscovered hers, the kiss deepening and growing more heated. Her head tilted back to give him better access, the feeling of his kisses setting her skin on fire.

Justin's hands moved from her waist to her hips, his thumbs gently digging into her skin as he lifted her onto the counter. The coolness of the marble sent a shiver down her spine, her legs wrapping around his waist as the kiss grew more intense. His kisses grew more demanding, his tongue caressing hers, tasting and exploring every part of her mouth. Maya's hands slid down to his chest, her nails lightly scoring the fabric of his shirt.

Maya felt her heart racing, her breath coming in shallow gasps as Justin's kisses grew more urgent. He paused, his eyes searching hers for consent. She nodded, unable to speak, her chest rising and falling rapidly. He took this as his cue and leaned back in, his teeth grazing her neck, slipping the strap of her top down her shoulder as his kisses trailed down to her collarbone. She let out a small moan, her hands fisting in his hair as she tried to hold onto something solid in the storm of sensations.

His hands roamed up her sides, feeling the softness of her skin, the heat of her body. He squeezed her hips, cursing under his breath before he leaned back into her, pulling the top over her head and capturing her mouth again. "Bedroom," she said between kisses before pulling back to catch her breath.

Their eyes locked for a moment, the air thick with desire. He nodded, lifting her off the counter with ease. She wrapped her legs around his waist, his strong arms supporting her as they stumbled through her house, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Where am I going?" he laughed upon the realization that he had no clue which way was which in her space. She reciprocated his amusement, pecking his lips one more time before tapping his hand, delighted as he took the nonverbal hint to set her down.

Maya led him through the dimly lit hallway, the sound of her pulse pounding in her ears. They reached her bedroom, a soft oasis of white and grey tones, the king-sized bed dressed in silk sheets that matched the curtains fluttering gently in the breeze from the open window.

"You're stunning," Justin murmured, his eyes drinking in the sight of Maya standing before him in her bra and linen pants. She took a seat at the edge of her bed, crossing her legs, watching him as he took off his shirt. His abdomen was a washboard of muscles, each one defined and rippling as he moved. She felt a surge of desire that was almost overwhelming.

His hands parted her legs, providing space to accommodate his larger frame as he knelt between them. Maya's eyes traveled down his body, her gaze lingering on the waistband of his pants. Justin caught her stare and chuckled, placing a warm kiss to her cheek. "Patience," he whispered, his hand finding the back of her neck to draw her back into a kiss. His thumb traced the line of her jaw, his eyes searching hers for any hint of doubt. Finding none, he kissed her again, pressing her back into the mattress.

"I wanna know what you like," Justin murmured against her ear, his breath warm and tickling her skin. His hands began to explore her body, his fingertips dancing along the edges of her bra and the waistband of her pants. Maya felt a shiver run down her spine, her body responding to his touch. "You'll tell me what's working and what's not, yeah?"

"Mmhmm," she mumbled, nodding as her eyes fluttering closed. She felt his hands move to her bra clasp, deftly unhooking it, allowing her breasts to spill out into his waiting hands. He took his time, teasing her sensitive nipples before his mouth followed, suckling and nipping, making her back arch off the bed.

Maya's breath grew ragged as she felt Justin's hand slide down the front of her pants, his thumb brushing against her clit over the fabric. She gripped the bedsheets tightly, trying to maintain some semblance of control, but it was a futile effort. His touch burned into her skin as he drew the pants down her legs, dropping them where he had disposed of her bra moments before.

"Justin," she whispered his name, a plea and a warning. He looked up at her, before leaning over her, trailing slow kisses from the top of her breasts down the center of her chest, over the small roll of her stomach, and down to her navel. He kissed her gently, a silent promise that he'd take care of her, that he'd make her feel good.

Maya's body responded to his touch, her legs instinctively spreading wider. He kissed along her inner thighs, the anticipation making her quiver. His hands creeped up her thighs, pulling her closer to the edge of the bed as his mouth hovered just above her panties. She felt him inhale deeply, a subtle groan escaping him as if her scent was intoxicating. The fabric was the only barrier between them now, and the heat of his breath made it clear that he was more than ready to take things further.

Maya felt exposed, vulnerable, but his gaze was nothing but adoration and hunger. Justin took his time, kissing along the soft skin leading to her core, making her squirm and whimper with need. His touch was light, feathering over her most sensitive spots, building the anticipation to a crescendo.

Her hand moved to cover her mouth as she sighed and squirmed underneath him. Justin took the cue and began to kiss her through her underwear, the touch of his lips brushing featherlight against her, making her toes curl. "Oh," she breathed out, the sound muffled by her hand. He looked up at her, a smug smile playing on his lips before he hooked his fingers into the fabric and slid it off her.

The coolness of the air hit her skin and she shivered, but it was quickly forgotten as Justin's warm mouth replaced it. His tongue found her folds, flattening and exploring, making her body tighten with pleasure. He was gentle but insistent, slow but deliberate as he indulged in his first tastes of her. Maya's hand fell away from her mouth, and she gripped the bedsheets tightly, her knuckles tight as she moaned his name.

His thumbs parted her folds, giving him better access to her clit, and he began to circle it with the tip of his tongue. Maya's hips rolled upward, urging him closer, her thighs tightening around his shoulders. Justin took his cue, increasing the pressure and speed, his tongue flicking and stroking her sensitive nub as Maya's breaths grew erratic.

"Shit," Maya hissed through gritted teeth, the sensation of his tongue on her clit was almost too intense. Her legs trembled, and she felt like she could come at any moment. Justin seemed to sense her urgency, his movements becoming more purposeful, his tongue pressing harder and faster against her swollen nub.

"Talk to me, Maya," Justin rasped, his voice thick with need as he continued to pleasure her. His arms wound around her thighs, keeping her in place as he feasted on her. She bit her bottom lip, trying to keep her moans to a whisper, not wanting to be too loud. Her hands found his hair, her fingers tangling in the soft strands as she directed him to the exact spot that sent shockwaves through her body.

"So good, Justin, so good," Maya breathed, her eyes squeezed shut as pleasure began to coil tightly within her. The warmth of his breath, the wetness of his tongue, it was all too much and yet not enough.

Justin took her words as encouragement, his tongue swirling and flicking over her clit with newfound vigor. He could feel her body tense, her legs shaking. His hands gripped her hips, holding her still as she began to buck against his mouth. Though he could sense she was close, he could tell she need a bit more to send her over the edge.

"What do you need, baby?" Justin murmured against her, his voice gruff with desire.

"Your hands," she whispered, her voice shaky. "Use your hands, please."

Justin's eyes gleamed with understanding as he slid one hand up her body, his thumb tracing circles around her clit as he inserted two fingers into her, stretching her and curling them in a way that had her hips jerking up to meet him. Maya's eyes rolled back in her head, a long, low moan escaping her as he found that magical spot deep within her. The hand she had embedded in his hair gripped the strands tighter, her other hand gripped the sheets next to her head as she arched her back, pushing herself closer to him.

"Mmm, sweetest thing," Justin murmured as he began to pump his fingers in and out of her, stroking her in time with his tongue. He could feel her getting wetter, her muscles tightening around his fingers as she grew closer to climax. Maya's moans grew louder, and she threw her head back, her body shaking as she lost control.

"There you go, so beautiful," Justin murmured, his voice a gentle rumble against her thighs as he watched Maya's orgasm crash over her. Her body tensed, then released, a gush of wetness coating his hand as she rode out her peak. Maya's mouth fell open, and she stared down at him with a mix of shock and pleasure. He took his time, his tongue and fingers moving in tandem, ensuring that she felt every ounce of her climax before finally pulling back after she had gone slack with satisfaction.

He kissed a path back up her stomach, her breasts, and her neck before finally claiming her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. "Thank you," she murmured against his mouth, her voice hoarse from her moans. "Fuck, thank you so much."

Justin chuckled, his eyes bright with amusement and arousal. "I should be the one thanking you," he said, his voice a low growl as he positioned himself at her entrance. "You taste incredible."

She breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath as she watched him fumble in his pockets for a condom. He pulled out a black foil packet and ripped it open with his teeth, rolling it on with a confidence that made her stomach flip. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle, and Maya nodded, still floating on the aftershocks of her climax.

"I'm glad you had one, I'm sure mine are expired," she laughed nervously as she watched him sheath himself, the mood lightening slightly. Justin leaned in to kiss her again, his hand resting on her cheek. The kiss was tender, contrasting with the passionate, desperate one from moments ago. He positioned himself at her entrance, his cock pressing against her wet folds.

"Stopped by CVS on my way over," he chuckled against her lips as the head of his cock swept through her folds, teasing her. "Think the guy at self checkout nearly recognized me," he whispered, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

Maya couldn't help but giggle, the tension in the room dissipating slightly as she felt the warmth of his skin pressing against her own. "Well, I'm grateful for your preparedness," she murmured, her eyes fluttering closed as she felt him nudge against her entrance.

Justin took a moment to appreciate the feel of her, the slickness of her arousal coating his tip. He pushed in gently, watching her face for any signs of discomfort. Maya's eyes went wide, and she took a deep breath, but she nodded her consent. He pushed in further, inch by inch, until he was fully sheathed inside her. He stilled, giving her time to adjust to his size.

Mirrored sighs passed through parted lips as she adjusted to the fullness of him. Justin's gaze remained fixed on hers, a silent question in his eyes. Maya nodded again, and he began to move, his hips rocking in a steady rhythm that had her gasping. The initial stretch gave way to a warm, delicious friction that had her breathing out slow and deep. He was mindful of her comfort, his strokes deep and deliberate, each one hitting that spot she hadn't realized she'd been craving.

Her body began to respond, hips moving in sync with his, the quiet slap of skin on skin echoing in the room. "God, yes," she purred as she held his face in her hands, her lips brushing against his before taking his bottom lip in a gentle nip. Justin's eyes darkened, and he picked up the pace, his hips moving faster, his cock driving into her with purpose.

Their breathing grew ragged, their kisses sloppy with passion as they lost themselves in each other. Maya's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper, urging him on as the tension within her began to build once more. "Deeper, please," she whispered, her back arching as he hit her sweet spot.

Justin's muscles flexed as he complied, shifting his weight to press her further into the mattress. She released a strangled moan that sent a jolt of pleasure through him. He could feel the tightness of her pussy, her walls contracting around his cock as she grew closer to another orgasm. His own desire was mounting, his balls drawing up tight, but he was determined to make sure she came again before he allowed himself the release he desperately craved.

His nose nudged against hers, foreheads touching as their eyes locked, the air thick with desire. "You take me so well," he murmured, his voice strained with effort as he held back his own climax. She nodded, her hands roaming his back, her nails digging in as he pushed deeper into her gaining a steady rhythm that had her crying out.

"Feel so good around me, squeeze me just right… fuck, you're so tight," Justin groaned into Maya's ear. Maya's eyes squeezed shut tighter, her orgasm building again. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed this, the feeling of being filled by someone who knew what they were doing. If she wasn't so caught up in the moment, she might've felt a twinge of embarrassment at how pathetic she sounded. But she didn't care; all she cared about was the delicious pressure building in her core, the way Justin's cock hit her in just the right spot, the way his muscles and warm skin felt under her fingertips as she clung to him for dear life.

"Don't stop, please don't stop." She whispered, voice trailing off with a moan. He watched her face, her eyes scrunched up in pleasure, her teeth digging into her bottom lip. He leaned in, taking her mouth in another bruising kiss, his hips snapping into her with a ferocity that had her gasping for air. Maya felt the second orgasm wash over her, her body tightening around him, her nails digging into his back.

Justin could feel her pussy pulsing around his cock, the sensation so intense that he had to bite back a groan. He waited for her to come down from her peak before he allowed himself to let go, his hips moving faster, harder, until he couldn't hold back anymore. He buried his face in her neck, biting down on his bottom lip as he came, his body shaking with the force of his release.

For a moment they sat in the stillness, panting and sticky with sweat, their hearts racing in sync. When he pulled out, Maya made a small sound of protest, the feeling of emptiness sudden and surprising. He kissed her neck gently, his breath warm against her skin. "You okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

Maya nodded, savoring the feeling of his weight on her. "Perfect," she murmured, her voice hoarse from the moans and cries that had filled the room. She felt him shift, his body sliding off hers, and she reluctantly opened her eyes to find him standing beside the bed, disposing of the condom.

He turned back to her with a soft smile, "Bathroom?"

Maya nodded, "Through that door, to the left."

While Justin was in the bathroom, she couldn't help but replay the last few moments in her mind. The way his muscles had tensed with his release, the sound of his grunts of pleasure, the weight of him pressing her into the mattress—it was all so overwhelmingly perfect. She took a deep breath and decided to use the time to collect herself before he returned. She stood up from the bed, groaning at the ache between her legs, and walked to the bedside drawer to grab an old t-shirt, deciding to hold on pulling on a clean pair of underwear until her own trip to the bathroom.

When he came back out, Maya was lying on the bed, her legs drawn up to her chest, the shirt riding up to expose her smooth, brown skin. She felt a bit shy now that the haze of passion had lifted slightly. Justin leaned over the bed, planting a kiss on her forehead. "So, about those compliments…"

Maya couldn't help but laugh, full, bright, and warm, pulling him down towards her for a peck. "The compliments still stand. It was really good." Her giggles continued as he flushed under her gaze, bashful but pleased.

She stood from the bed, heading off to the bathroom to clean up. When she returned, Justin's back faced her, muscles beneath sun-tanned skin flexing with the effort of pulling his discarded shirt over his head. "What are you up to for the rest of the night?" Justin asked, glancing over his shoulder as he moved to zip and button his pants.

Maya shrugged. She felt a sudden shyness wash over her. It had been so long since she'd had a one-night stand, and she didn't quite know the protocol for what came next. Was she supposed to kick him out? Rush him toward the door and pretend it was nothing more than a good lay? Or was she allowed to enjoy his company a little longer? Offer him to stay the night?

If the way he seemed to move in slow motion as he zipped up his pants was any indication, Justin had noticed the hesitance in her tone and the indecision in her gait. He turned to face her fully, the question in his eyes mirroring the one in hers. "Tell what you're thinking," he spoke, the rumble of his voice cutting through the quiet of the room.

Maya took a deep breath. "I don't know if this is how these things usually go," she admitted, playing with the hem of her shirt as she leaned against the doorway of the bathroom. "But, I had a really great time tonight. And, like you said last night, I do think we could be really good friends. Even with the other stuff."

He stepped closer, reaching out to take her hand. "So tell me your plans for tonight. Friends hang out, right?" Justin's eyes searched hers, hopeful but not pushy.

"Well," she exhaled, trying to ignore the way her heart raced at the thought of spending more time with him. "I've had a recipe bouncing around in my head for a client I'm working with. I could use some fresh eyes, and a taste-tester." She bit her lip, watching his reaction closely.

Justin's smile grew wider. "I'd love to help," he said, genuine interest lighting up his eyes. "Did you think I'd turn down a meal?" He laced his fingers with hers and gave her hand a gentle tug. "Lead the way, chef."

If she were a few shades lighter, the warmth in Maya's cheeks would have been glaringly obvious as she led Justin to the kitchen. She hadn't had anyone in her kitchen, not like this, for what felt like an eternity. It was her sanctuary, where she poured her love and passion, and now, she was sharing it with someone who had the power to dismantle the walls she'd built around her heart. There was a strange comfort in the simplicity of it all, though—just two people sitting in the aftermath of the afterglow. It felt almost domestic.

Wide eyes watched as Justin lifted a bite of the upscale plate, Maya's twist on her grandmother's oxtail stew recipe, to his lips. She'd been nervous about serving something so personal to a man she'd only just met, but the way he savored each bite told her she'd hit the mark. She couldn't help the pride that swelled in her chest as he nodded in approval, swiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin. "This is incredible, Maya. Really good."

The smile that broke out on Maya's face was a mix of relief and satisfaction. She watched as Justin took another bite, his eyes closing in appreciation. "Thank you," she said, feeling a bit more at ease now. "It's based on my grandmother's recipe. I've been playing around with it for a new client."

Justin continued chewing, slightly amused by the way she retrieved a notebook from one of the island drawers. She flipped the small black cover open, sorted through the pages filled with neat rows of notes, and scribbled something down. "Ah, the notebook," he teased, taking a sip of the freshly made mango-passionfruit juice she'd blended together.

"The notebook," she echoed with a chuckle, "This is my bible. It's where I keep all my thoughts, notes, and inspirations for my work." Maya looked at the notebook with affection before setting it aside, focusing her gaze back on Justin. "So, tell me, what do you think needs to be tweaked?"

He pondered for a moment, swirling the juice in his glass before taking another sip. "I don't know," he said honestly with a laugh and a shrug. "It's perfect, really."

"Okay, I guess I could ask specifics," Maya said with a smile. "What do you think about the balance of flavors? When does the spice kick in for you?"

"The flavors are spot on," Justin replied, his eyes sparkling with delight. "The spice is a slow burn, which I like. It doesn't overpower the other seasoning." He took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. "But, if you're looking for something to tweak, maybe just a hint more of thyme."

"You don't even know what that means, do you?" Maya teased, raising an eyebrow.

Justin chuckled, setting his fork down. "No comment," he said, his cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "But seriously, Maya, this is amazing."

Her laughter filled the kitchen, the sound bouncing off the gleaming countertops and stainless steel appliances. "Well, I'm happy to hear that," she said, her heart swelling with pride. "Maybe we can make this a regular thing. You can be my taste-tester."

"I'd be happy to help," Justin said with a grin. He casted a glance to his Apple Watch. "But, I gotta head out. Got some early morning training I can't miss." He stood up, stretching his tall frame, his muscles rippling under his shirt.

"It's getting late," she echoed. "How long's your drive?"

"Not too bad," he said, brushing a hand through his hair. "But I've got to get going if I want to get some decent rest."

She walked him to the door, feeling the cool night air sneak in as he stepped out onto the porch. He turned to her, his hand resting on the doorframe, and for a moment, Maya watch the conflict play out on his face—desire to stay, responsibility to go. "I had a great time tonight, Maya," he murmured, his eyes holding hers in a way that made her knees weak.

"Me too," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words and the hope of future moments. Justin leaned in, capturing her in another kiss, tenderly giving into a brief second of abandon before pulling back. "I'll text you," he promised, the words lingering in the air as he took a hesitant step back.

"That sounds familiar," she mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as a good-natured smile tugged at her lips.

Justin chuckled, that deep, round dimple in his cheek resurfacing. "Deserved again." He propped his forearm above her head, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes tracing the lines of her face as her head tilted back to properly take him in. "But I promise, I won't be the one to fuck this up again. I'll text you first. I swear."

Maya's smile grew into a grin, the warmth of his body radiating against her as they shared the small space. "I'm holding you to that," she murmured.

Then there was a lull. Justin made no effort to turn around, unlock his car, and leave. Instead, he remained where he was, his eyes locked onto Maya's. It stretched on forever; this silent conversation passing in between dilated pupils and shallow breaths. From this angle, where Justin towered over her, Maya could see the slight stubble on his chin, the way the moon cast shadows on his cheekbones, the softness of his lips that had just been on hers. There was a pull to him, a gravitational force that she hadn't felt in so long, and she found herself leaning in for just one more taste.

She swore it would be quick. Just one more kiss to hold her over until they saw each other again. But as soon as their lips met, she felt everything all over again. The heat of his skin, the softness of his mouth, the way he tasted like a drug. It was addictive, this rush of sensation, a hit to the system that made her heart knock against her ribs. Her hands curled into his hair, his touch pressed into her waist.

One more kiss was never going to be enough.

She was obsessed.

#&. cassie writes.#justin herbert #justin herbert imagine #justin herbert smut #justin herbert fanfic #justin herbert fluff #justin herbert angst #justin herbert x oc #justin herbert x black oc #justin herbert x black!oc

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lovrre · 2 months ago

Text

|HAUNTED

Wally Clark x blk female reader

Word count: 6k.

Warnings: cursing, mentioned of death, smut, unprotected sex, a little bit of cock warming, slightly rough. And probably some other stuff

Summary: The ghost of Wally Clark has been stalking Y/N since she step foot inside of Split River High, his obsession only growing as the years went on. During her last year of high school Y/N finally gets to meet secret admirer…

Author note: I found this in my draft from early season one and haddd to finish it because it's so good, this is also like very season one Wally which isn’t that different but it’s differentt!. This wasn't supposed to be so long but now you understand why it took 8 years enjoy pookies.💋

Wally watched kids come in and go from that school year after year and had no interest. Until you, you had a presence that demanded attention, and he had no issue giving it to you. Your pretty face, smooth skin, and sweet laugh were enough to keep him intrigued for a lifetime. He knew you couldn’t see him, but he didn’t care, he’d follow you from the minute you walked on campus to the moment you went home. He’d read your friends' texts over their shoulder to see if you were still coming and if you were even a minute late.

Sometimes, when you’d fall asleep in the study hall, he’d sit next to you and play games on your phone and pretend you knew he existed. (He knew your password, of course). Sometimes he’d go through your messages and notes to get a better understanding of you. At first, he felt guilty, but then it became the highlight of his day. Seeing pictures of what you did outside of school and who you hung out with. What boys were you talking to too? He knew it was silly, but he got jealous every time he opened your phone to see you were texting your ex again.

“C’mon girl, what happened blocking his ass?” Wally mumbles, putting his feet up on the table in front of him. You mumble something like you can hear him and Wally sits quietly for a second, enjoying the fantasy.

It was a Friday and your best friend convinced you to keep her company at the football game as she cheered for her boyfriend. You usually didn’t come to games, but you weren’t opposed to it. You sat on the cold bleachers trying to concentrate on the game even though the cold ass air blowing in your face was making it almost impossible. Kat was getting you two hotdogs. So Wally decided to keep you company, (even though you couldn’t see him). During the game, your eyes drifted to a Wally Clark memorial on the scoreboard.

“Who’s Wally Clark?” You ask the empty seat next to you, forgetting Kat was away getting the hotdogs. When the words left your mouth, Wally felt like his heart dropped in his stomach. He didn’t know how to react. When you remember Kat left, you pull out your phone to Google. Wally looked over your shoulder into your phone intently as you searched for “Wally Clark Split River High School” in the Google search bar.

Wally couldn’t help but celebrate at just the idea of you knowing he even existed. He watched as he read an article with his least favorite picture in the upper right corner. “Aww…he was such a cutie,” you say, letting out a small sigh. “You think?” Wally asked with a big smile on his face, forgetting for a second you couldn’t hear or see him.

“That line was long as hell”, Kat says, waddling through the bleachers with two hotdogs in hand. “I told you to wait until half-time,” you say, taking a hotdog from her. “Then it would have been WORSE if that was even possible,” Kat says getting herself situated. “Probably,” you say slightly muffled taking a bite of your hotdog. Wally watches everything in awe, just happy he’s been acknowledged, and called cute. You finish chewing and wiping your face with a napkin Kat brought. “You ever heard of Wally Clark?” You ask, stuffing the napkin in your pocket. “The guy's name on the banner thingy?” Kat asks seconds away from stuffing her hotdog in her mouth. “Yeah, I just looked it up, he was a footballer player here in the 80s, he got tackled on the 5-yard line and broke his neck, died on the scene, ”

“ Technically I didn’t-“ Wally tries to cut in.

“-Damn,” Kat says, still muffled by the hotdog in her mouth. “I know, right? "He was a cutie too”, you say, showing Kat the picture of your phone. “DAMN”, Kat says, mouth still full. “Right?” You say, nodding with a smile of agreement. Wally sat behind you smiling ears to any of the other ghosts he’d look insane. “Rest in peace beautiful”, Kat says, finally swallowing her food, looking up at the sky, shaking her head from side to side. You laugh and do the same. “Ooo you should do one of your rituals and try and connect with him like you did with Lee,” Kat says, taking a sip of her drink.

“Hard pass,” you say, trying to return your focus on the game in front of you.

“Why not?” Wally and Kat say at the same time. “It worked, didn’t it? "You can have a hot ghost friend?” Kate says before taking another bite. “ Yes, but I don’t do that shit anymore, I get nightmares,” you say taking another bite of your food. “Welp, who’s winning ?” Kat says sitting back slightly returning her attention to the field. “I have no idea,” you say making the both of you laugh.

On Monday you stayed after school a little later to study. You only did three assignments before passing out like you usually did. Wally had been a bit busier so he didn’t have time to watch you as intently. As he usually did, but when he found you in the library, he pulled out the chair next to you and started doodling on the edge of your paper. Once he was bored with that, he picked up your phone and started his daily scroll. He scrolled through TikTok for a minute, then Instagram, and found nothing fascinating. Then he went to your camera roll and his heart dropped. There were pictures after pictures of him. You went on a deep dive after the game. Something about Wally felt familiar, you just wanted to know everything. You found out his mom was your neighbor and that you two even shared a birthday. You wonder if you were born at the same time as you were friends or if was he the dick jock type.

“Someone’s got a crush”, Wally says smugly, scrolling through the screenshot of him on your phone. You quickly jump out of your sleep like you’ve heard a loud noise. You jump back once your eyes land on Wally. “Can you see me?” Wally asks, unable to hide his excitement at the possibility. “Excuse me? "Is there any reason in particular you’re so fucking close to me WHILE I'm SLEEPING?” Wally tries to answer but just starts stuttering. He looks familiar to you, but you don’t know where you're from. “AND WHY THE FUCK DO YOU HAVE MY PHONE,” you say, attempting to grab the phone outside his hand. Your hand goes straight through his palm like he’s not even there, and you try the same thing again. And suddenly it hits you, “the football player?” You say not even sure of yourself.

Wally gives a small nod the fear from your interaction seconds ago still on his face. “Oh, this is a dream” you smugly laying back on your seat. “No, I don’t think-“ Wally starts, but is cut off by you. “No, I have these sometimes when I get obsessed with something,” you say laying your head back on the table. “You’re obsessed with me?” Wally asked the big smile from earlier right back. “Obsessed is a big word,” you say putting your head down” A word that YOU used,” Wally says with a smirk.

“Doesn’t matter because this is a dream” you say, closing your eyes.

“It’s not”

“It is”

“It’s not!”

“It is!”

“ it. Is. not”

“Yes.it.is.”

“Are you OK sweetheart?” the librarian says, placing her hand on your shoulder. Suddenly, you become very aware of the fact that you have been yelling. “Yeah, sorry I was just trying to tell-“

“-Good, good because I overheard you talking to yourself. "I was worried you’d lose it”, she says with a small chuckle.

“Oh uh… I talk in my sleep sometimes, it’s terrible, eyes open and everything. "Thanks for checking up on me though,” you say with a tight-lipped smile, before beginning to quickly pack up your stuff, internally panicking. “Nice save”, Wally says when she finally leaves. You ignore him speedily, walking out of the library.

“Hello? Y/n, can you still see me” You continue to ignore him walking to a hidden corner of the school. “HEY, HEY, HEY I know we got off on the wrong foot but don’t ignore me that’s brutal”. You quickly pull your phone out of your pocket holding it to your ear. “Hello?” You say almost embarrassed. “You know the phones off right?” Wally asks scrunching his face in confusion. “Yes dumass, I’m trying to not look completely insane,” you say trying to keep your voice down.

“Oh,” Wally says sounding a little defeated. “Sorry, I’m not trying to be a Dick, I’m just not trying to go back to a mental hospital,”

“You’ve been to the nut house before?” Wally asks lifting an eyebrow. “Yes, and nobody calls it that anymore,” you say walking down the hallway phone still to your ear. “Oh, my bad,” Wally says trying to keep up with you. “it’s ok you didn’t know,” you say checking the time on your phone. “Shit I gotta go,” you say walking a bit faster, “wait wait wait,” Wally says standing in front of you in an attempt to keep you from leaving. “I’ve been watching you since sophomore year, And I know how weird and crazy that sounds but you don’t know me I think I know you pretty well, And I don’t know if you know this but, “This” he gestures between the two of you.

”isn’t normal, This isn’t like an everyday occurrence, I haven’t spoken to a Living person since the 80s. So I’d like to talk to you before you run back home” Wally says speaking a mile a minute.

“Wally- Wally right?” You say slightly unsure. He nods “Well Wally, I’d love to, I really would but this just seems like it’s gonna end up with me on more medication than I’m already on or a 48-hour involuntary hold wearing grippy socks. I don’t know if you know this but TALKING to ghosts is also something that doesn’t happen every day, and quite frankly I don’t know if you’re real or some hallucination, and I’d rather not find out.” You say walking away from him.

“Wait- let me prove it to you,” Wally says catching up to you.

“How will you do that?”

“Just follow me”

Wally runs ahead down the empty hallway and you follow him until you two stop in front of your now-empty history class. “Open it,” Wally says gesturing for you to turn the knob. You do and surprisingly it opens, you’re greeted by a dark empty classroom. “Why am I here again?” You ask Reaching for the light switch. “No, Don’t turn it on,” Wally says with his hand slightly outstretched. “The janitors walk past this room a lot and they’ll come and check if the lights are on, use your phone flashlight,” Wally says jumping up to sit on the teacher’s desk. “ok…” you respond with a nod and drop your hand from the light switch.

“How does this prove you're real again?” You ask turning on your phone flash. “Because I’ll tell you exactly what’s in Mr. Kankerys desk,” he gives it two hits to bring attention to the desk under him. “then you’ll check and if I’m right, which I will be, because I’m real, Dead, but real” Wally says with a chuckle,

“ok, what’s in the desk?” You ask walking a little closer to Wally. “ wait, Stay over there” Wally says jumping off the desk and opening the drawer. “Ok so…there’s a stapler on the left next to some color-full sticky notes and a blue calculator.

There are also a couple of old lady candies scattered around. “Ok, you’re turn,” Wally says moving from behind the desk. You walk behind the desk and open the drawer to see exactly everything Wally described. “shit…it’s all here” you mumble under your breath. “Is that a bad thing?” Wally asked confused by your reaction. “I don’t know…what if I saw what was in his desk while asking for help or something and just imagine you looking at I’m just talking to myself right now.” You say your words coming out a mile a minute. “We both know you haven’t walked up to Mr. Kankerys in at least 4 months,” Wally says stealing candy from his desk.

“Yeah…..Wait how do you know?” You ask scrunching your eyebrow in confusion before quickly remembering. “Oh yeah…that whole stalking me since Sophomore year thing,” you say walking from behind the desk. “Uhhhh I wouldn’t call it stalking, more like admiring from a distance…or sometimes not so distant,” Wally says walking slightly closer. “Oh!” You say surprised. “So You’ve been watching me sleep and stuff?” You ask slightly worried. “No, no, no,” Wally rushes out. “Nothing like that, I can’t even leave here”

“Like at all?” You ask walking out of the dark classroom. “Like at all,” Wally says following behind you. “So what happens when you try to leave?” You ask walking down the hallway to your locker. “I just poof back on the field where I died,” Wally says still walking behind you. “Damn…so what can you do,” you ask opening your locker. You lock eyes with a janitor at the end of the hall and he gives you a worried slash weirded-out experience. “Shit, I forgot,” you mumble pulling out your phone and placing it in the crook of your neck. “Sorry to say that again I couldn’t hear you,” you say desperately trying to look normal. He walks away but you keep the phone up to your ear.

“ to answer your question, not much, I can eat, I can interact with everything, but it just won’t change the living world. Like with your phone, I can pick it up on play on it but as soon as you leave with it, it leaves too” Wally says leaning against your locker as you stuff your book bag. “ OMG YOU WENT THROUGH MY PHONE TOO!” you yell almost dropping the phone from your shoulder. “Ummm” Wally hums not knowing how to answer. “…yeah, but not like in a creepy way, like in an I’m bored I have nothing else to do way,” he says trying not to scare you off.

“Okkk….well it was nice to meet you Wally, but the sun is almost completely down and I have to get home before that happens so... I think this is where we say our goodbyes,” you say putting on your coat. “Can we hang for just a little longer, I haven’t talked to a living person in yearssss, Years y/n, PLEASE just 20 more minutes” Wally asks almost begging.

“I can’t, I wish I could but I have to get home before my mom goes to work” Wally's face visibly drops “Here let’s make a Deal,” you say closing your locker. “We meet again tomorrow at lunch, in the library”

“What if it doesn't work?”

“Then it was nice to meet you,” you say with a smile

“But I have soo many questions,”

“Well you can ask me while I walk,” you say putting on your book bag and being your walk away.

“Are you a Chris still together?”

“Wow you really know all the tea”

“Yes or no times ticking” Wally says tapping on his bare wrist.

“No, we broke up last month”

“Did Kat ever find that expensive bracelet?”

“No, she didn't”

“ ok, I know The pink haired girl who used to be in your class stole it”

“What-Anne?” you ask genuinely confused.

“ yep, she's been wearing it since the first semester, she added a K charm on it”

“Oh my god…I asked her about that too,” you say slightly shaking your head. By the existing doors. “are those all of your life-alternating questions?” you ask, the rays from the setting sun outside on the side of your face. “No, but I'll ask the rest tomorrow,” Wally says looking into your eyes. The pre-existing crush plus the sunlight make you look like an angel. “Tomorrow,” you say with a nod “It was nice to meet you, Wally,” you say giving him a sad smile. Wally watched you leave through the exit doors a for the first time in a long time he felt alive.

~~~~

The next morning you woke up more confused than you had been in a long time. Did you dream all of it, was he really a ghost, was everyone right were you actually a nut case? You didn’t know all the answers but you did know you were late for school. You hurried to get ready putting in a little extra effort just in l look case your hot ghost wasn’t a figment of your imagination. On the way to school, you picked up Kat and stopped for a Big burger.

“Is that all?” the worker asked over the speaker after you finished Kat's order. “Uhh, no could I also get two big burgers with extra cheese one with extra tomato” you order leaning your head out the window slightly. “Your total is $21.35 you can pull up to the next window. “Thank you,” you say before driving up the window. “Extra hungry today” Kat chuckles looking through her purse. “Didn’t eat dinner” you lie.

Lunch felt like it took years to arrive, as greedy as you were you never found yourself so excited for lunch. You convinced yourself it was because you wanted to know you weren’t crazy and not because you just wanted to see Wally again. You sat at your usual study table waiting for something, anything that showed signs of life or at least undead life but it was started to seem like you’d be eating two Big burgers for lunch.

“Miss me?” You hear from behind you making you jump. “Shit, sorry I didn’t want to scare you” Wally apologized quickly sitting down in the chair next to you. “What took you so long I was starting to think I really lost it,” you say slightly irritated. “You usually wait outside Kates class before lunch so I went there, and then when I got here you were reading that book you like so I didn’t want to interrupt and I usually just watch so-“ Wally cuts himself off taking in your facial expression.

“Too creepy?” He asks raising an eyebrow

“a little” you nod, you see someone watching from the corner of your eye so you put in an earbud. “You wanna go somewhere a little more private” Wally whispers “Here’s fine” you respond with a shrug. “Is it?” Wally asked looking around at the library packed with students.

“Come on, I know a place,” Wall says standing up. “I’d like to remind you that people can still see me, please don’t lead me anywhere that can get me expelled,”

Wally leads you to a room on the first floor hidden behind some old door in a corner of the school you haven’t seen before. “You think anyone saw us-well me” you correct “I don’t think so, and there are no cameras in this wing, hasn’t been updated since the 90s,” Wally says cutting on the lights to reveal a slightly dusty old teachers' lounge that looks more 70s than 90s.

“You hang here often?” You say dusting off an orange couch before sitting down. “Only when I want some privacy,” Wally says sitting next to you on the couch while also giving you your own space. “ why would a ghost need privacy?” you chuckle. “I mean I still” Wally starts but you cut him off “Eww on this couch,” you say laughing “No, no, not that- well that too, but I mostly come here when I don’t want to be bothered”

“Bothered by who? Are there other ghosts?” You asked interested “Yep, there’s a good bit of us here” You scrunch your face in confusion as you take the burgers out of your bag, “ I wonder why I can only see you,” you think out loud grabbing your water bottle. “Maybe we have a special connection?” Wally suggests with a flirty smile “Maybe” you shrug looking for napkins in your bag.

“Is that for me?” Wally asks pointing to the other burger you put on the coffee table. “Mmh” you nod with a mouthful, Wally grabs the burger unwrapping it excitedly.

“A Big burger with extra cheese and tomatoes, I haven’t had one of these in forever” Wally announces excitedly before taking a big bite. “How did you know?” Wally asks his mouth still full. You finish chewing before answering, “You said you could eat and I read it was your favorite on your obituary” you say before taking another bite. “Who’s the stalker now?” Wally says with a smug smile as he takes a bite. “Still you” you respond covering your half-full mouth causing him to chuckle.

This had become your routine—lunch in the lounge with Wally. Kat had a different lunch period, so she never questioned why you always ate alone. Some days, you grabbed food from the cafeteria; other days, Wally asked you to bring something special, something he hadn’t eaten in years. You quickly learned that while he could interact with food, he couldn’t consume it in the living world. So, you shared. It was an odd arrangement, but you liked it. You liked him.

~~~

The air was crisp as you stepped outside, the garbage bag swinging lightly in your grasp. The scent of damp leaves lingered in the evening breeze, the sun close to setting. As you reached the trash bins, a movement from the neighboring yard caught your eye.

An old woman, frail but steady, stood just outside. Shimming a blue cardigan over her shoulders. Her white hair was neatly curled, and her wrinkled hands trembled slightly as she gripped the railing. You had seen her before, countless times, in passing but it wasn’t until now that recognized her.

Wally’s mother.

You stopped in your tracks at the realization. You had seen her picture before, in old articles and on Wally’s obituary. His only family. The woman who had pushed him to be the best, and in doing so, had lost him forever.

She glanced up, her tired eyes meeting yours.

“Evening,” she greeted her voice kind but carrying the weight of loneliness.

You hesitated before offering a sweet smile. “Evening, ma’am.”

That was all the encouragement she needed. Her expression brightened, and she took a few small steps toward you. “I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced,” she said. “I’m Mrs. Clark.”

You nodded. “I’m Y/N. I live just over there.” You gestured toward your house behind you.

“Oh, so close!” she mused, then chuckled softly. “I swear, I hardly know my neighbors these days.”

There was something achingly sad about the way she said it. Before you could dwell on it, she clapped her hands together suddenly.

“I just was making dinner and made a little too much stew,” she said, eyes twinkling. “Would you like to come inside? It’d be a shame to let it go to waste, if you don't eat it, it'll just get frozen, lost in my abyss of a freezer.” She chuckles

You hesitated, but the eager look in her eyes made it impossible to refuse. “Sure,” you said with a small smile.

Her home smelled warm and like spices and slow-cooked broth, a scent that wrapped around you like a comforting embrace. The house was modest but well kept, though there was an undeniable emptiness to it. You could tell it was once a home. Old school Pictures of Wally and other family members decorated the wall. Wooden steps worn out in the middle from years of use, you imagine Wally walking up and down them, as a child or teenager leaving for school and such.

“So, what school do you go to, honey?” Mrs. Clark asked as she placed the bowl in front of you breaking you out of trance.

“Split River High,” you answered, picking up your spoon.

Her hands stilled slightly before she sat across from you. “My son went there,” she said, her voice softer now. “He… passed away some years ago. On your football field.”

You nodded, feigning a casual curiosity. “Wally Clark right? I’ve heard of him.” You downplay, “my teacher said he was a great kid very…personable” you chuckle.

Her eyes brightened slightly, followed by a sad smile. “He really was” She rose suddenly, moving toward the bookshelf. “A lot of people don't know but Wally was quite the handsome young man, he used to have girls line up at the door” His mother reminisced with a chuckle. “ should have seen the flowers those girls left on my porch after the wake” she chuckles, “but it was Girls like you he especially liked”

“Like me?” You ask slightly confused

“Pretty girls,” she clarified “With nice smiles and brown skin, he’d like you ,” she says causing you to involuntarily smile. “can see him now in mind catching glimpses of you across the living room, stuttering over his words” she smiled again to herself.

“I have pictures! Would you like to see them?” She asks breaking herself from her trance.

Before you could answer, she was already pulling out a large photo album. She settled beside you, flipping through the pages with a kind of reverence only a mother could have.

And there he was, Wally. His grin was the same, full of cocky charm, his big brown eyes bright with life. In one photo, he stood in his football uniform, helmet tucked under his arm. In another, he was just a kid, quite the chunky one , no older than ten, holding up a trophy with pride.

“This is when he was still my chunky monkey,” she chuckles finger tracing the picture. “Used to scarf down damn near the whole kitchen before he hit puberty and got tall, I told him my kitchen was not an all you can eat”

It was your turn to chuckle “his appetite was always big?” you smile.

“always” she responds amused flipping the page. She landed on a picture during a college tour, the together smiling holdings flags with the school logo.

“He was such a determined boy,” Mrs. Clark said, her voice thick with emotion. “determined to make me pleased”. She sighed, her fingers ghosting over a picture of him laughing at his last birthday party, cake on his chin. “I pushed him too hard”

You swallowed, unsure what to say.

Instead, you listened.

You listened as she told many stories bout his stubbornness, his humor, and his love for extra cheese on everything. About how he’d sneak out past curfew, how he once tried to fix a broken fence and made it worse, how he never left the house without saying goodbye.

And for a moment, Wally wasn’t just a ghost. He was someone’s son. Someone’s whole world.

You stayed longer than you meant to, eating warm stew and flipping through pages of his life. When you finally left the comfort of the couch to use the bathroom, you walked past an open room door. The light blue walls of a room catch your attention. You reverse taking two steps back, curiously, and you peek inside, before checking down the steps to see Mrs. Clark seated on the couch. You open the slowly sliding into the room. “ it was undeniably Wally’s. Almost every genre of Old movie poster scattered the wall, two or three tasteful Playboys, footballs, and metals on top and the floor of his dresser.

You walked over to his bed, sitting on it softly imagining what it would be like to be here with him, watching him fill the space of the small room. You looked around the room Against your better judgment you bent down to smell his pillow hoping Ms. Clark was still downstairs. you inhaled the smell of old wood almost masking his sent, it was so light you almost didn't catch it, a mixture of cologne like a musk and grease most likely from his hair. All these years later and you could smell Wally on his sheets. You savor it for as long as you can without being overly creepy, not knowing if you’ll ever get the chance to smell him again.

You stand up from the bed looking around once more, an untouched prom suit hanging in the closet stopped you in your tracks cause your chest to tighen, how was it possible you were grieving someone you could still speak to every day? You turn your attention to his wooden desk filled with a bunch of items. Old movie tickets, sketches, and lots of composition notebooks. A gold ring catches your eye, lying on top of some dog tags you assumed belonged to him grandfather.

“You can take something, if you see anything you like,” Ms. Clark says behind you causing you to jump slightly. “ I've been meaning to donate some of this stuff but…” her words die out in her throat. “I think he’d like the fact some pretty girl to have something of his more than another old lady at the goodwill,” she says with a smile. “Ok, I‘ll look,” you say with a smile, with that, she turns on her heel back down the stairs. You take the ring and on of the beat-up composition notebooks. On you way out you see a blue jersey poking out of his bottom drawer, you quickly take the jersey stuff it into your purse.

“It was nice to meet you Ms. Clark” you say with a tight smile.

“You aswell” she responds with a small nod, “feel free to visit whenever” she suggestes with a hopeful smile.

“Of course I will, you know where to find me if you never need anything”

You're Goodbye to Ms. Clark is a sweet one filled with tight hugs and a promise to visit, you left feeling like you gained a friend and simultaneously also like you lost one.

The next day, you sat in the lounge, eating off your lunch tray in front of you, Wally moving in close behind you, leaning over eating a fry off the tray, using another to balance on his fingertip.

There was something there between you two an electricity you felt even through his undead body. But you knew better than to act on it. Wally was a ghost, and you were alive. It could never work.

That didn’t stop you from noticing him, though.

And it definitely didn’t stop him from noticing you.

Like today. It was hot, so you had on a tube top, your braids pulled back into a ponytail—exactly how he liked. Your shorts were just a couple of inches shorter than the dress code allowed, but Wally wasn’t complaining. At the end of the day, he was still a teenage boy. Correction: a horny teenage boy.

“I met your mom last night.”

The fry slipped right through his hand and onto the floor.

“What?” He sat up, his full attention now on you.

You told him everything, minus what you felt didn’t need to be shared(aka sniffing his sheets and stealing clothes)

Wally was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Well It’s good to hear you’re getting along well with the in-laws,” he muttered. “OH MY GOD Wally ” you yelp “Can you be serious for one moment?“ he doesn't respond staring at you blank-faced.

“What?” You ask genuinely confused.

“That was me being serious” Wally responds causing you to roll your eyes.

“Did She pull out the albums, ?”

You nodded. “ Yep, and She has all of your stuff exactly how you left it.

A ghost of a smile played on his lips before fading into something sadder. “She was always sentimental even though she hate to admit it.”

You hesitated before reaching out, your fingers passing through his arm. You sigh internally “She misses you.”

His jaw tightened. “Yeah. I miss her too.”

A pause. Then, in a softer voice, “Did she seem… okay?”

“She’s lonely,” you admitted. “But she’s holding on.”

Wally let out a slow breath, leaning back against the couch. “I always figured she’d move away. Start fresh somewhere. Guess I was wrong.”

You didn’t know what to say to that, so you let the silence settle between you.

Then, after a long moment, Wally chuckled, shaking his head. “You really sat there, eating my mom’s stew, flipping through my childhood like some kind of undercover investigator?”

You smirked. “I do my research.”

He laughed at that, a genuine, full-bodied laugh that made the weight in the room feel lighter.

“Damn,” he said again, shaking his head. “I wish I could’ve seen her and you together .”

You looked at him then, his usual bravado had cracked just enough to let something real slip through.

Maybe, just maybe, the ritual was a possibility.

Your eyes returned down to the leftover food on. Your tray, you took about fry dipping it in your ketchup mayonnaise concoction before offering Wally. You didn't notice at first but a bit of mayonnaise fell on your lip. “You finished?” you asked, completely unaware of the effect you had on him. He bit his lips holding back his inappropriate joke. Unaware You wiped some mayonnaise from the corner of your mouth, and Wally’s eyes tracked the movement, laser focused on your lips.

“Yeah I feel bloated,” he joked, forcing himself to look away.

“Ghosts can get bloated?” you giggled, wiping your mouth with a napkin.

“This ghost can,” he said, flopping onto the couch across from you. In reality, he wanted to lie on your couch rest his head on your thighs, and let you play in his hair. A fantasy he kept to himself when he was bored.

But today, something was different. Maybe it was the heat. Or the thought of you being in his room touching his things or Maybe it was the way you looked at him through your lashes, sipping your drink, eyeing him when you thought he wasn’t paying attention. Whatever it was, the words slipped out before he could stop them.

“I wish I could touch you.”

Your stomach flipped.

“Where did that come from?” you asked, chuckling, trying to keep your cool. Wally let out a breath. He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but now that it was out there, he wasn’t going to take it back.

“Do you think… if we had met under normal circumstances, you’d like me?”

Your fingers tightened slightly around your cup. “Like, or like like?”

“Like like,” he clarified.

You took a moment, pretending to think about it, but you already knew your answer. “Well, I wouldn’t have started a fan club in your honor or anything, but…” You popped a fry into your mouth, shrugging. “You’re attractive. And nice. I could maybe see myself having a little crush.”

Wally sat up straighter, intrigued. “You think I’m attractive?” He says with a cocky smile. You roll your eyes “And you maybe could’ve had a crush on me?”

“Don’t let it go to your head, You just seem like you’d be a good boyfriend,” you admitted.

Wally grinned, leaning forward. “I’d be the best boyfriend.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Hell yeah,” he said, suddenly animated. “I’d carry your books—well, your laptop, ’cause let’s be real, who uses books anymore? I’d pick you up for school in my car, you’d love it. I had a black 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, sleek as hell. We’d go on so many dates and trips, plus unlike Chris, I’d have no problem posting you on my Instagram.” He said, causing a laugh from you.

“Chris was a dick”

“Chris was a double dick,” Wally corrected. You chuckle into your hand causing Wally's face to scrunch in confusion, “What?” Wally asks like a lost puppy. “your age is showing” you laugh again unable to contain yourself. “ no one says that anymore, actually don't think anyone ever said that”

“ Well, I’m trying to say You deserve someone better, someone who is proud shows you off, Thst woudn't be a problem for me.”

You stared at him for a beat too long, your pulse fluttering. It was stupid, how easily he got to you. How easily he made you want.

“Too bad you’re dead,” you say as a joke but you sound more disappointed than you intended. “Right” Wally mumbles coming to sit next to you, bored or out of curiosity he begins trying to poke your arm, and when that doesn’t work he starts mindlessly putting his whole hand through your body. “What are you doing ?” You ask confused. “Hoping for a miracle,” Wally says throwing his head back. “There has to be a reason only you can see me, this doesn’t just happen,” he says. “I mean you’re not the first ghost I've spoken to” you admit.

.“What? You’ve talk to other ghosts?” Wally asks surprised and slightly jealous. “Well one other ghost, my older brother Lee” you say putting your cup on the coffee table. “I remember you saying something about that at the football game” Wally recalls

“You were there too?” You ask surprised “ I go with you everywhere y/n, we’ll accept the bathroom” he confessed “That’s…good to know,” you say with a smile, it was weird but you felt a sense of comfort knowing he was always around even when you couldn’t see him, like a guardian angel. “How did you speak to your brother?” Wally asks breaking you out of your daze,

“I did a ritual,” you admit. “Something my great grandma told me about. She told me where descendent from witches but she’d never really told me the history behind it. She’d flip through her big old book telling me what each spell did what.She also told me never to do it, that the spell, that lt was too unpredictable. But he died so suddenly, he had a heart defect he had always dealt but I thought it had gotten better. he Just went to sleep one night, coming back from some frat party and never woke up. He was away at college at that time an just had no closure. I just wanted to talk to him one last time, to tell him how much I loved him and missed him.”

Wally stays quiet, watching you. He never thought it was possible to feel so close to something yet so impossibly far away. Some days, he wondered if it was better when you didn’t know he existed because now, being acknowledged but unable to touch, unable to truly be with you, felt worse than being invisible. All he wanted was to hold you close, comfort you.

“The spell worked at first,” you continue. “I got to talk to him. I even got to hug him, like really hug him as if he was actually alive.” you pause takinga breath. “But then… after it was like he haunted my mind. I’d dream about him calling me, begging me to help him, to let him free. Sometimes my dreams were just red, like blood, with his screams echoing in the dark. I’d wake up drenched in sweat, screaming my chest tight. It went on for over a month. And when I finally told my parents what happened, they sent me to a mental hospital.”

Wally listens, completely still.

“While I was there, I called my great-grandma and told her everything. She said it was because I disrupted his passing—that Lee didn’t want to leave, so he tried to use me to come back.” You exhale shakily. “I don’t know what she did, but I was told she came down from Louisiana for a weekend and when I got home, the nightmares were gone. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably chalk it all up to grief.”

Wally is quiet for a long time, his fingers drumming idly against his knee. You could tell he’s thinking, the gears in his head turning as he pieces something together. Then, suddenly, he sits up straighter, eyes locked onto yours with a determination in your eye.

“You could try it again,” he says.

You blink. “What?”

“The ritual,” he clarifies. “You could try it on me.”

Your heart stutters in your chest. “Wally—”

“I know what you’re gonna say,” he interrupts, shaking his head. “That it’s too dangerous. That it didn’t end well last time. But it’s

different with us.”

You raise your eyebrow slightly confused “How, exactly?”

He leans forward, his gaze intense. “Because I’m not like Lee. I don’t need to reach you through dreams, and I’m not trying to cling onto life, I already exist here, with you. You see me. You hear me. I just… can’t touch you.” His voice dips slightly, frustrated. “But maybe the ritual could change that.”

You exhale, shaking your head. “You don’t know that.”

“I don’t,” he admits, “but it’s worth a shot, isn’t it?”

You hesitate, your mind racing. Every instinct told you this is a bad idea. This is exactly what your great-grand

Ma warned you about. But then Wally looks at you, really looks at you with his big brown eyes you know you’re gonna fold.

What if it worked?

What if, for once, things didn’t end in heartbreak?

You swallow hard, in an effort to push down the thought. “…I’ll think about it.”

A slow grin spreads across Wally’s face. “That’s not a no.”

You roll your eyes, but there’s no real bite to it. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Monte Carlo.”

But even as you try to play it off, you can’t ignore the way your heart pounds in your chest, in anticipation Because deep down, you already knew, you were gonna do it.

~~~~

You placed Wally’s folded jersey on your vanity inside the circle of chalk you created, your new makeup brushes replaced with lit pink candles. You’d brought up the fire extinguisher from the basement just in case and left a window open so his soul could enter. You didn’t know how to feel, a part of you felt scared that you might do something wrong and not be able to talk to Wally again, or worse you’d stop his soul from possibly moving on. But there was another part of you that felt excited, excited to Really see Wally for the first time. Look into his alive eyes touch his skin, hold his hand possibly more.

You cleaned your room top to bottom, lit one scented candle took a nice everything shower, and put on your cutest pajamas. You felt more like you were getting ready for a sneaky link than a resuscitation, but it was always better safe than sorry.

“Might as well start” you say taking a deep breath walking up to your vanity. You quickly opened the old notebook belonging to your great grandmother. Reading over ritual once more, You prick your finger with a pin causing a small drop of blood to form. Putting down the pin you smear your blood onto a small bay leaf with your request scribbled on it before taking a match to burn it. You hold the burning bay leaf in your hand until it turns completely into ash. For some unknown reasons it didn’t burn you, honesty you couldn’t even feel the heat. You pace your ash covered hand on his jersey before speaking.

I would like to speak with Wally Clark” you say with your hand placed on his jersey eyes closed . When the words leave your mouth you feel a chill down your spine. “ I invite Wally Clark into my home, his spirit, and his flesh” As you speak you feel a gust of wind through your room, there was a sense of electricity running through you, you could feel it the strongest in your fingers. “I offer my blood as his living passageway, I invite him to breathe my air, live his life if only for tonight” As soon as the final words left your mouth the wind blew through your window blowing out your candles.

When You open your eyes you’re surrounded by mostly darkness, the only light being the fairy lights above your bed. Before you could decide what to do the candles were re-lit. But nothing, with your brother, his bracelet disappeared and he appeared right in front of you but now nothing. Just when you were about to start putting everything up you felt a tap. You scream turning around when your eyes land on him.

Your hands fly to your mouth. “WALLY!”

His eyes are wide, stunned like he barely believes it himself. “It worked.” His voice is rough, breathless. “I can’t believe it fucking worked.”

You practically launch yourself at him, arms wrapping around his neck, feeling his warmth, his solidity, the realness of him. His arms come around your waist instantly, holding you tight, one hand sliding into your hair. He turns his head into the crook of your neck taking in your sent. “You smell so fucking good” Wally whispered absentmindedly into your ear. He genuinely couldn’t help himself.

His words causing you to feel a shiver all the way down to your core, you’d hope for your dignity say he stop. “Thank you” you whispered slightly breathless removing your head from his chest.

“Holy shit,” you whisper, pressing your hands against his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart. You look up at him, breathless. “It’s like you’re alive.”

“I feel alive,” Wally murmurs, his hand trailing down your back, gripping your waist.

You suddenly realize how close you are, how his body heat radiated against yours, how you could smell him, just like on his pillow some type of cologne and a natural warm, not quite musk but close something uniquely him.

Your breath shudders as your fingers mindlessly trail lower, brushing over his stomach.

You glance up, suddenly shy. “Sorry. I just… I never thought I’d be able to actually touch you”

“Don't Apologize.” he says with a big smile lifting the same hand to leave a quick Kiss on your knuckle, “How long does it last?” He asks his eyes falling to your lips before returning to your eyes.

“I don’t know, a couple of hours probably, with my brother we only had two, and during the ritual, his bracelet disappeared. So I had no way of contacting him again. But your jersey didn’t disappear so…”

“I could come back again” Wally finishes with a smile. “Yeah” you respond almost dazed staring at him, it wasn’t like you didn’t see him every day but it was different now, the scent of him now lingered in the air, and you could feel the body heat radiating off of him, it was different a good Different. “Wait…did you take my jersey?” Wally asks with a smug smile spreading across his face . “Maybe…” you say with a small shrug. “But I’m still the stalker?”

“Yes, exactly” you respond with a chuckle

“Right” Wally drags looking around the room “Your room just like I imagined it,” Wally says walking around. “Well with more teddy bears,” he says picking up a stuffed unicorn from the big stack of stuffed animals on your bed. “Don’t Judge, I remember your mom saying something about you sleeping with a Stuffy” you say taking the unicorn from him. “She told you about Stuffy?” Wally asked a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. “Mmh, she told me a lot of things”

Wally raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

You bit your lip, debating whether to indulge him. Finally, you shrugged. “She told me about your chunky monkey days,” you say with a sly smile. “She showed me pictures too” You continue pressing your lips together in an effort to hold your laugh.

The color drained from Wally's face instantly. “What” Wally muttered the embarrassment visible in his face. You chuckle at his reaction “Don’t worry, I think you looked cute with a little meat on your bone” you joke causing Wally to drag a hand down his face. “I can’t believe she showed you that”

You giggled,“ I think she just wanted someone to talk to, I told her I’d come over again to visit,” you say readjusting one of you’re figurines. “ will you?” Wally asks looking at you as he walks around the room. “ of course, we're friends now” you respond honestly. He smiled at you before returning his attention to your room.

You watched as he wandered around your room, fingers grazing your desk, your bookshelf, the little trinkets and photos you had scattered around. It was surreal seeing him interact with your world like this. Normally, he just hovered watching, talking, existing in a way that felt just out of reach. But now?

Now he was here.

Really here.

You couldn’t stop staring. His presence was tangible—the warmth of his body, the way the scent of cologne and old leather clung to him. His movements had weight. You could hear the soft shift of his shoes against your rug, the quiet exhale of his breath.

It made your heart race, It made you think.

“So,” Wally said suddenly, turning back to you. “You got me for a couple of hours. What now?”

You hesitated, a hundred different thoughts running through your head, but only one stood out.

“…Do you want to go for a drive?”

Wally’s expression flickered, something unreadable passing through his eyes before he grinned. “You serious?”

You nodded. “You had that whole speech about picking me up for school in your car. You loved that thing. If I were you, the first thing I’d want to do in a real body again is drive.”

Wally let out a low whistle. “Damn. You get me Girl”

You laughed, grabbing your keys from your nightstand. “Come on, before this shit wears off.”

The night air was warm, thick with the lingering heat of the day as you and Wally slipped outside. The street was quiet, the world oblivious to the impossibility of what you’d just done.

Wally looked around like he was seeing everything for the first time. The streetlights, the parked cars, the trees swaying in the faint breeze. He ran a hand over your car’s hood, fingers splayed against the cool metal, before turning to you with a soft smile.

“Shotgun,” he said.

You rolled your eyes but unlocked the doors, sliding into the driver’s seat as he got in beside you.

When you turned the key in the ignition, the dashboard lights flickered on, casting a soft glow over Wally’s face. He looked almost reverent like he was trying to soak in every detail. You pulled out of the driveway and onto the empty road, the hum of the engine filling the silence.

“This feels… insane,” Wally admitted, watching the streetlights blur past. “I forgot what wind felt like.”

You glanced over, watching the way he stuck his hand out the window, fingers cutting through the air like he was trying to hold onto it.

You smiled. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”

He nodded, looking over at you. “You feel good.” Your breath hitched. Again Wally's brain spoke for him, as much as he enjoyed the feeling of the wind on his face and the adrenaline of a late-night car ride. Nothing felt better than your small hands running down his chest, how your breast felt pushed up against him. For you It wasn’t just the words, it was the way he said them. Low, warm, like he wasn’t just talking about the drive. Like he was talking about you.

Your fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

“I—” You cleared your throat. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Wally didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, quietly, “Me too.”

You drove for a while, neither of you in a rush to get anywhere. The town looked different, a lot different than Wally remembered but somehow it also didn't. New stores sprinkled the streets, plazas new street lights, but the roads were the same, and when you turned the corner Big Burger was exactly where it had always been. Now remodeled of course, but the bench he sat at so many times in his youth was stationed in front of the restaurant right where he left it. at night the street were quieter, softer, like it existed just for you two.

After a few minutes, Wally reached for the radio, flipping through stations until he landed on an old rock song.

You glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “Really?”

He grinned. “What? This is classic.”

You snorted but let the music play, the familiar tune filling the car. You let your mind wander to a reality, a different time where Wally would be driving, you’d be in the passenger seat fixing your makeup and singing to music while he drove you to school. A different reality where he wasn't a resurrected ghost.

Wally leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes for a moment, just existing. And he looked alive, real. The air between you was electric. It wasn’t just the thrill of the ritual working it was the way his presence filled your space now, the way he felt real in a way he never had before. You could hear the faint sound of his breathing, feel the warmth of his body near yours, and when his fingers brushed yours when you put the car in park—whether by accident or intent—you felt it down to your bones.

More real.

More dangerous.

You parked in the driveway, shutting off the engine. Neither of you moved to get out.

“…So,” Wally said, voice softer now. “Same time tomorrow?” he joked but a sense of seriousness laced his tone. You turned to look at him, taking in the way the porch light cast shadows over his face, highlighting his strong jawline, and the dark warmth in his eyes.

Something inside you snapped, the last string of restraint.

“…Yeah,” you murmured. “Same time tomorrow,” you said you're eyes lingering on his.

“You keep looking at me like that,” Wally murmured, “and I’m gonna start thinking real crazy.”

You swallowed, pulse hammering in your throat. “Like what?”

“Like maybe you brought me back for more than just a joyride.”

Your stomach flipped. He wasn’t wrong.

The truth was, you had imagined it. Countless times. What it would be like if he were alive if you could touch him. You’d pushed the thoughts away because they were pointless, but now? Now nothing was stopping you. So you did the one thing you’d wanted to do for weeks. You reached out, placed your hand on his chest, and felt his heart beating beneath your palm. His breath hitched.

“Holy shit,” he whispered.

Your fingers flexed against him, feeling the warmth of his skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. Your eyes met his, and for the first time, you saw something different in them—something hungry.

“I don’t know how long I have,” he admitted, voice rough. “I don’t wanna waste a second.”

You exhaled shakily. “Then don’t.”

That was all the invitation he needed.

Wally was on you in an instant, his lips crashing into yours, all heat and desperation. His hands cupped your face, thumbs tracing your jaw as if he couldn’t believe you were real. You melted into him, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more.

He groaned when you pressed against him, his grip tightening. “Fuck, you feel so good.”

“So do you,” you whispered between kisses.

You stumbled back into your room, His hands were everywhere—your waist, your thighs, slipping beneath the hem of your pajama shorts, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. You gasped when he bit gently at your neck, his voice a low growl against your skin.

“I’ve been wanting you since the first time I saw you,” he admitted, his breath hot against your collarbone. “Every time you walked around in those tiny ass shorts, every time you licked your lips when you ate—fuck.”

You arched beneath him, dizzy with want. “I want you to fuck me so bad Wally.”

His eyes darkened. “Really?” he asks almost not believing it

You nodded. “Yeah.”

And he did. Wally quickly helped you remove your top, his eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight of you. "God, you're fucking gorgeous," he growled, reaching out to grab your waist and pull you onto the bed with him.

You straddled his hips, grinding down against the hardness you could feel his girth pressing against your core. "Someone's eager," you teased with a chuckle before leaning down to press a kiss to his lips.

"You have no idea," Wally groaned into the kiss, his hands roaming your body, caressing and squeezing every inch of exposed skin. You broke the kiss, trailing your lips down his neck and chest, pausing to bite at the skin.

"Fuck, Y/N," he gasped, his hands fisting in your hair. Grinned up at him, giving him another bite before sliding further down his body. You tugged at the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down his legs and tossing them aside. His cock sprang free, hard and throbbing, the tip glistening with pre-cum.

You moan at the sight electricity running straight to your center. “oh my god” you whisper wrapping your hand around his shaft and giving it a slow stroke. Wally let out a low moan, his hips bucking up into your touch. His eyes were heavy-lidded with lust. You leaned down, running your tongue along the underside of his cock from base to tip. Wally cursed under his breath, his hands gripping the sheets tightly. Emboldened by his reaction, you took him into your mouth, sucking him deep and swirling your tongue around his head.

"Fuck, Y/N," Wally panted, his fingers tangling in your hair. "Just like that. Your mouth feels so fucking good baby."

You continued to work him with your mouth, taking him deeper each time until he hit the back of your throat. You gagged slightly, but pushed through, determined to bring him to the brink. Wally's moans grew louder, his hips thrusting up into your mouth as you sucked him hard and fast. He didn’t push your head down, his hand coming to your head to gather your braids into a ponytail away from your face.

"I'm going to cum," he warned, his grip on your hair tightening. "Fu- Fuck shit Y/N, I'm cumming!" With a loud groan, he bucks his hips into your mouth as he pulsed in your throat his hot seed spurting down into your stomach. You swallowed it all, every single drop and you enjoyed the feeling of his warmth dripping down your throat. Continuing to suck him until he was well spent. Whiney mess above you until he was as gently as possible trying to pull you off of his dick. “shit baby” he says whining out a moan. “ I can't take anymore” he says his voice shaking slightly.

You released him from your mouth with a pop, licking your lips. “And I thought you were innocent, Now I definitely can't let you out my sight,” Wally chuckles before he pulled you into a searing kiss, his tongue delving deep as he tasted himself on your lips.

"Your lips are so soft" he smiles against yours. You breathed when he finally broke the kiss.

"I wanna try so many things with you." He groans, With a sudden move, he flipped you onto your back, settling between your legs. He hooked one of your legs over his shoulder, spreading you open for him.

"You're so fucking wet," he groaned, running a finger through your slick folds. "You get wet like this from sucking me off” he chuckles ”I can't wait to taste you." He smiles excitedly. You squirm underneath him, his finger rubbing against your clit. “You like that?” he asks with grin Rubbing his fingers against your wet center the warmth making it hard to stop. Wally enjoyed watching as your chest rose and fell faster, the small moan you contained by biting your lip. “You want me to taste you?” He asks the cocky smile never leaving his face. You don’t respond, audibly nodding eagerly. “ I want to hear you say it” Wally says with a mischievous smile. “ I want you to taste me”

Wally shakes his head, “No baby say my name”

“ I want you taste me Wally” you comply causing him to groan in satisfaction. “Good girl” he smiles

With that He leaned down, burying his face between your legs and licking a long stripe up your slit. Before looking back up at you to savor your reaction. You cried out, your back arching off the bed as pleasure shot through you. Your responses only spurred him on further

Wally groaned against your core lapping at you like a man starved. Looking back up every

once in a while to enjoy your reaction., every often to He circled your clit with his tongue, flicking and teasing the sensitive bud with his fast paced thumb until you were a writhing mess beneath him.

"Fu- Please, Wally," you begged, your hands fisting in his hair. "I can’t”

“You got it, baby, you can do it” he hummed against your cunt the vibration causing your leg to shake. “take this tongue, and ill give you this dick,” he groans talking you through it, his eyes locked onto your face. Sliding two fingers inside you and curling them just right. “Tell me how much you want it” he demands and you physically can't answer Your head falling back against the pillow. “ Tell me baby” he repeat. “ I want it so fucking bad baby” you moan out as he worked you with his fingers and tongue, bringing you closer and closer to the edge. Just as you were about to cum, he pulled back, leaving you panting and desperate.

"Not yet," he said with a wicked grin. "I want to be inside you when you cum." he groans positioning himself at your entrance. He pushes into you slowly enjoying the feeling of stretching you out until he was all the way inside, filling you.

"Fuck," he groaned, his eyes squeezing shut as he struggled to maintain control. His hands roaming over your torso, “This is my pussy”

"You're so tight. So perfect for me." He groaned starting to move, thrusting in and out of you at a steady pace. You wrapped your legs around his waist, urging him deeper as you met him thrust for thrust. He wanted so badly to go harder to fuck you into the mattress until your legs were jello but he didn't want to hurt you.

"Harder," you demanded, digging your nails into his back. "Fuck me harder."

“ I won’t be able to stop” he warns with a chuckle and you nod in acknowledgment Wally complied happily, slamming into you with renewed vigor. The bed creaked beneath you, the headboard slamming against the wall as he pounded into you relentlessly. You were grateful your mom worked nights because you were sure your neighbors could hear you two. Wally looked down every so often to enjoy the sight of your wet cunt sucking him in. “ you take me so well baby”

"Don't stop," you cried, your walls starting to flutter around his cock. "I'm going to cum."

Wally reached between your bodies, rubbing tight circles on your clit as he thrust into you. That was all it took to send you over the edge. You came with a scream, your body convulsing beneath him as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over you. Wally didn’t stop chasing his orgasm pound into you until your cream coated his cock.

When he did cum he, burying himself deep, pulsing inside you. He collapsed on top of you, both of you panting and sweat-slicked as you tried to catch your breath. You tried to move slightly his big now soft cock twitching inside you. “ let me stay in a little longer” he hums against your throat. His hands wander down to your waist. “ it’s so warm” he smiles against your skin bucking into you slightly, he thrusts two times before pulling himself out.

"That was... fucking incredible," Wally murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

You smiled up at him, running your fingers through his damp curls. "It was," you agreed with a small smile.

“I don't think I’m not done yet," Wally confesses looking down between you at his somehow hard cock.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I want you from behind" Wally confesses with a smile biting at your shoulder causing you to giggle.

~~~~~

Later, when you lay tangled together in the sheets, your body still thrumming with pleasure, Wally traced lazy circles on your bare hip.

“We should make a deal,” he murmured.

You turned your head, meeting his gaze. “A deal?”

He smirked. “You summon me every night. And we do something new. Could be anything. A drive, a date, a movie…” He kissed your shoulder. “Or more of this.”

Your heart pounded. “Every night?”

“Every night,” he confirmed. “Until we figure out how to make this permanent. After tonight…” he paused his finger tracing down the spine of your back.”you're really never getting rid of me”

You turned staring at him, searching his face. He wasn’t just talking about sex he was talking about being with you.

You bit your lip. There was no way possible way this could end well but for some reason you responded “Okay.”

His grin widened. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you whispered.

His fingers tightened on your waist, and he kissed you again, slow and deep. His body pressing hard against you.

Suddenly a hefty breeze hit your face knocking the air from your nose. And just like that, he was gone, a poof followed by a breeze left you alone in your bed, the warmth of his hands gone. The only proof he was there was the sticky slick between your thighs. You rolled over in your bed rolling yourself tight in your blanket tears stinging your eyes and as you drifted off to sleep you wondered…what would tomorrow bring and, how the fuck where you gonna explain this to Kat?

Author note : GUYS FEEL FREE TO COMMENT I LOVE READING COMMENTS

#black reader #wally clark #school spirits #lovrre #wally clark x reader #Wally Clark x black reader #school spirit smut #Wally Clark x fem black reader #smut #slow burn

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23victoria · 1 year ago

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“Who is she?!”

f1 grid x fem!hamilton!reader smau, charles leclerc x fem!hamilton!reader smau

faceclaim: tyla (i love her shes so gorgeous!!)

authors note: i honestly love doing smaus! any feedback is appreciated and please like, comment, and reblog!! hope you enjoy!! also thank you for all love! i appreciate it! and yes there are some typos i’m too tired to fix them😭 let me know if you want me to start a taglist!!

edit: this has been sitting in my drafts since may 26…i needed to post it

𝚏𝟷 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝

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life lately >>>>

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yourbff you so pretty babe 🤭🥰

↳ y/n_ig i love youuu 😘

yoursibling photo credits?!

↳ y/n_ig you ofccc! 🫶🏾✨

username1 who is she and why did the lewis hamilton like her post?!?

stany/n ughhh your skinnn! your glowing girl 🤧✨

↳ y/n_ig thank u bby 🤭

username7 uhhh? lewis what are you doing here?!? 🤔

↳ username5 right?!? like who is she?!?

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supriseeee!!! new single “water” out now!! 🤭✨

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yoursibling ahhhhh I’m so excited!! it’s finally out!!

lewishamilton congrats y/n the song is a banger!!! 🫶🏾

↳ y/n_ig thanks cuzzo 🥰

yourbff one my fav songs off the album

↳ livelaughlovey/n album?!? what?!?

↳ y/n_ig @yourbff shhhhhhh!!!

↳ y/n_ig @livelaughlovey/n hehe soon! 🤭

↳ livelaughlovey/n @y/n_ig OMGGGG!!?!

stany/n bout to blast this through my speakers rn!!

charlesleclerc the song is amazing y/n! you’re so talented!!

↳ y/n_ig aww thank youu!!☺️

↳ lewishamilton @charles_leclerc why are you here?!? 🤨

↳ username8 lol not lewis gagging charles 💀

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holy fuck. i literally have no words. number 1 in three days is insane! i’m speechless honestly, thank you. thank you to everyone who has been here form the beginning and saw something in me. this is for all of us. i love you ❤️

in honor of this huge achievement I’m having a concert this friday in new york, at the barclays center!! tickets are free!! see you there! 😘

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livelaughlovey/n you deserve it!! i’m so proud of how far you’ve come!! 🥹

↳ y/n_ig thank you baby!!

zendaya congrats beautiful! it was so nice meeting you last night!

↳ y/n_ig thank you! we have to hang soon!!!

charles_leclerc congratulations gorgeous, you deserve it! ❤️

↳ y/n_ig thank you charles 🥰

↳ f1gossip101 oh 👀

cardib congrats honey!

↳ y/n_ig thank you 🥰

lewishamilton congrats cuzzo!! couldn’t be anymore prouder!! can’t wait to see what the future has for you 🫶🏾❤️

↳ y/n_ig i love you lew!!! ❤️

yoursibling beyond proud 🥹

↳ y/n_ig i love you 🥹

yourbff no words, the world is yours, i love you!!

↳ y/n_ig you’re going to make me cry, i love you!

username8 as you should!!! water is the song of the year!

username2 omg!! a free concert in ny!! i’m so there!!

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last night, best night of my life✨! you guys came and showed tf out and I’m behind grateful🤧!! the energy was highhh and i had a fucking blast!! thank you for coming and showing love!! I can’t wait to do this again!! love you🥹!!

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charlesleclerc what an amazing show beautiful!! you were amazing!! 🥰

↳ y/n_ig thank youuu!! 🤭

lewishamilton you came and out did yourself!! the energy was ridiculous! 🤩 liked by y/n_ig

sza you were fucking amazing baby 🥹

↳ y/n_ig ahhh thank you!! 🥹

landonorris we have to do this again!! best fucking concert ever!!! 😝 liked by y/n_ig

cardib i had a motherfuckin blast girl 😫 liked by y/n_ig

megantheestallion real hot girl shit ahh 😝 liked by y/n_ig

oscarpiastri the most fun i had in a while!! 😊 liked by y/n_ig

livelaughlovey/n STILL FEELS SURREAL THAT I SAW YOU PERFORM!!! 😭🥰 liked by y/n_ig

georgerussel fuck this was one hell of a show! 👏🏻💕 liked by y/n_ig

username10 the outfits are the fuckk downn

↳ username2 her stylish never misses 🤭

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part 2?!

#ꨄ࿎victoria’s writings!࿎ꨄ #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc x female reader #lewis hamilton x reader #lewis hamilton x you #f1 grid

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justgivemethephd · 6 months ago

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13.12.2024

I am genuinely so impressed that I managed to make it through this week. I started Monday with such low mood and such low energy that all the tasks I had to get through seemed utterly insurmountable... and yet here I am, with an incredibly productive week behind me.

First of all, I am happy to say that my protein extraction experiment has been incredibly successful. 4 out of 6 proteins worked, and one of them even worked so well that this test culture will give me enough for me to use in the future without the need to do a full-size culture. What's more, is that I think the 2 that didn't work are due to a folding problem, leading them to be degraded before they're even properly expressed. I will discuss this with my supervisor, but this would mean that the issue was definitely not technical, which is super validating for me. It just feels so good to be getting those results, and I'm so excited that I'm still sat in the lab, concentrating the proteins while my work Christmas party is in full swing downstairs. I feel so happy and at peace. I'm looking forward to going home and relaxing this weekend. On another exciting note, I have almost finished the first full draft of my upgrade report! Since I still have to wait for a few pieces of data before I can fully type it up, I've started editing the parts that I've already got. Surprisingly, I'm quite happy with a lot of the stuff that I've written, and it's nice to see that I'm making some progress.

Next week is my last week of work before I go on holiday, and I'll only be in for 3 days!! It feels incredible to say that I'm finally able to get some time off, and I'm really looking forward to going away and just emptying my mind. I hope I can come into the new year relaxed, refreshed, and ready to get some work done!!!

I hope everyone has a happy Friday! Well done to everyone who has finished exams and for those that are still going GOOD LUCK!! You're almost there guys!! ___

🎧 - Superbeast by Rob Zombie

🎮 - Animal Crossing

📖 - Different Seasons by Stephen King (I've just read the third story in about two days and while I didn't like it as much as the others it was still very good!)

#study aesthetic #study blog #study inspiration #study motivation #study space #studyblr #studyinspo #studyspo #phd life #study tips

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aritsukemo · 5 months ago

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Gifts | Demon Slayers

Summary: In which someone gives you a gift and they find out.

Characters: Obanai, Kanao, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Kanae

Warnings: Old draft so possibly extra bad grammar mistakes. Majority of these are pretty unserious pretty unserious. Extreme depictions of jealousy ahead ( Obanai and Zenitsu ) Inosuke being Inosuke, aside from that it's pretty fluffy. Female reader is implied ( Some much more than others ) Read at your own volition.

A/N: I start school again on Wednesday and the news has me so depressed that I've been unable to write anything. That said, anything posted in the near future will be scheduled ahead of time. This was written over on my Wattpad some time before I quit. ( Which you can find the full scenario here ) It's nothing much, but it's something.

"Aren't these beautiful?" You gasped out as you presented your boyfriend the glittering bouquet of roses. A beautiful collection in your favorite color and non-stick glitter—something he doesn't recall buying you.

"They're nice," He replies. His movements slowed as he slides his bag strap over his head and off of his shoulder. His eyes never left the bundle in your polished hands, and you were too busy oogling to notice, but his gaze hardened the longer he stared.

He didn't buy that for you, but they got here somehow. So, did you buy them for yourself? He decides to ask, "Did you buy those for yourself? If so, you didn't have to. If you would've told me, I could've bought that and more for you on my way home."

Your smile widens, "As always, you're the sweetest man I could've ever asked for," and you set the flowers aside at last, granting him the blessing to see your gorgeous, cheesing face as you walked up to him.

You leaned in, planting your lips to his slightly bandaged cheek, and for a moment, the boiling lava that had began to bubble at the base of his chest cooled as did his thoughts. It only lasted for a moment though, because as soon as you parted from him, you replied to his previous question.

"I actually didn't buy these myself. A coworker of mine did," And that simple response was enough for that volcano inside him explode all over again. Not that you could tell. On the outside, he seemed as calm as usual aside from the many veins flexing from his head that you didn't seem to catch.

"Oh really?"

You nod your head, "Mhm! But really I should've been the one to give them roses! They close up the restaurant for me all the time so that I don't have to risk the dangers of driving too late at night. Same goes for my shifts! Ever since they were hired, I haven't had to deal with late night weirdos!"

Obanai was nodding along, but not a single one of your words had processed in his head. His mind was on other things, other people—a certain cretin matching your description down to the tee coming to his mind and infuriating him so badly that one would think the lava inside of him would just boil right out through his pores and melt his skin.

But, of course, his voice gave away the exact opposite of what he was feeling when he spoke to you, "Say, love, is the coworker who bought you these also the one who walked you to the car last Friday?"

"Yeah! I'm glad you remember them!" You obliviously replied and he followed up with, "..And they're working the night shift tonight, right?"

"Yes..but why are you—"

"No reason," He simply said to you before leaning in and planting a bandaged, tender kiss to the side of your head, promptly ignoring the confused look you give him as he turns on his heel.

"I'm going out," He says, your favorite little snake beginning to peak from his clothes as he walked, grabbing his work bag filled with textbooks and graded papers in the process which only left you more befuddled.

"Huh, but you just got here.. Where are you going?"

"Don't worry, I won't be long. I'm simply in the mood for takeout. I'll be back with some for us in a little while."

"..Oh. Well, alright. Be safe!"

"Morning, Kanao!" You chirped after catching her in one of the many hallways of the Butterfly Manor.

At the lovely tune of your voice, her lips—which were moving since she was passing on Shinobu's instructions to a Kakushi—stilled. Her gorgeous lilac eyes seemed to noticeably sparkle as she caught a glimpse of you. Although it could've just been due to the lighting or your imagination..

As the Kakushi left, Kanao made quick strides up to you, her uniform's skirt, which she was still wearing having just got home, swaying with every little sway of her hip or movement of her thighs. She stops before you, allowing you to pull her in and squeeze the daylights out of her, all while wearing her usual smile.

"I'm so glad you made it back safely!" You said, parting from your crushing hug after a while, "And not a scratch on you! Hehe~!"

After you broke the hug, Kanao's eyes darted down, watching your lips move in a rapid succession as you began rambling about what you did last night. She was listening for the most part, but her eyes never left your mouth which she noticed was rather dolled up and coated by a unfamiliar, but pretty lipgloss.

It was a little darker than what you'd usually wear, but it still fits you perfectly as it contrasted your skin well and ultimately brought out your eyes more. Your smile too—she especially loved how it looked stained in that color.

"Ah-! Sorry! Did I start rambling?" You said upon the realization, your face beginning to grow hot from embarrassment.

"Look at me! You just got home and I'm already talking your ear off.." And then your lips dipped down into a small frown, which she'd be lying if she said didn't look just as pretty as your smile when all shiny like that.

As your lips parted to allow another apology to slip out, Kanao leaned in and captured them with her own. It caught you off guard, but on instinct, your mouth closed and only opened again when she eventually parted..

"I- Kanao.." You were at a lost for words. It wasn't often that she initiated stuff, much less kisses but..damn, did she look good with her lips coated in your new lipgloss.

..Oh, right! That's another reason you were excited to see her. You wanted to show her the new makeup kit you were given! Right! Foucs!

"Oh, Kanao! This really nice woman gave me a makeup kit for free the other evening while I was out shopping! She called me pretty and said it would suit me! ..Ah, but in the end, I still only have the courage to wear the lipgloss.."

"Do you.. Do you think I look as nice as the lady told me I'd look..?" You asked, semi-nervous. You couldn't help it. Even though you know there's a bat's chance in hell that she'd insult you, the possibilty was still there. Not that it lasted very long. As soon as you finished talking, Kanao leaned in again, answering your question by deciding to cherish your lips in kiss so sweet, it put Mitsuri's pancakes to shame.

"Uhm..Inosuke. What exactly am I looking at?" You questioned as you stared at the ring in your palms which was currently staining your hands brown and let off a putrid odor.

"It's a flower crown! I made it myself!" He said proudly, puffing his chest as he did so. You couldn't help the way your brows knit together.

"Is that so.." You mumbled out, trying to find the right words to say about this..gift.

Flower crown, he said, but there's not a flower in sight. Just twigs forced together by wet, sticky mud. It was nothing like the pretty arrangement set atop your head right now that was given to you by Kanao and certainly not as nice smelling. Nevertheless, you stretch a smile on your face and tell him in the most convincing happy tone you could muster, "Thanks, Inosuke! I'll cherish it!"

Unfortunately for you, that doesn't seem to satisfy him. After you thanked him, he went silent, staring at you for a long while. You had to resist the urge to scratch your cheek and stain it with mud to alleviate the awkward feeling in your gut..

"What's wrong?" You asked, the color draining from your face when he told you, "Put it on."

"B- But, I already have a crown on," You said, your smile crinkling at the ends, "And two crowns would look silly.."

"Then take off that one," He said in a 'duh' tone of voice. Your smile wrinkles even more.

"Uhm..b- but if I do that..then the mud will melt away and I won't be able to wear again— Yeah!" You stammered, "I think Tanjiro said it'll rain soon! You spent so long working on this..uh- wonderful crown for me that I wouldn't want it to get ruined!"

Inosuke pauses, and for each second of silence that passed, the image of your head soiled by mud as twigs poked you became clearer and clearer. Luckily, the next words Inosuke says are just what you were praying to hear.

"I knew that!" He said, "Obviously, I was just testing you to see if you knew that it would rain soon!" And you sighed out a breath of pure relief as you nodded your head.

"Right, right.. Of course," You said, "Glad I passed the test then."

"And I promise, I'll wear it as soon as the rain passes," You ended up leaving it out by 'accident' in the end. Best part is that you had managed to stray so far away from the topic of the gift that Inosuke eventually forgot about it! ..Unfortunately, it was at the cost of the flower crown Kanao made you as you found it too risky to wear it around your boyfriend out of fear he'll remember that god awful mud crown.

"I'ma kill him!" Your boyfriend said, veins flexing from every angle of his face with nothing short of murder in his whited out eyes.

"Zenitsu," You called sternly, "Don't you dare." But it doesn't seem that he was willing to listen to reason. That said, you latched onto him as soon as he began walking. Nevertheless, Zenitsu was as determined as ever and kept trying to walk away. With you being physically stronger, however, he didn't get anywhere and was forced to walk in place.

"It's was just a kiss on the cheek. Plus he's a literal child," You said, causing the man you loved to look back at you with eyes of betrayal.

"Exactly! A kiss on the cheek! That squirt tainted my girlfriend's cheek with his lips!" He shrieked before his head turned as did his tone, changing to one much more aggressive as he said, "He needs to be dealt with!"

"No one is getting dealt with!" You yelled, "I'm not letting you hurt a kid who's done nothing wrong!" And you turned and began walking away, arm still tightly gripping your boyfriend's arm. Zenitsu had no choice but to be dragged away by you, steam practically blowing out of his ears as he caught a glimpse at the little boy who kissed you—who was laughing and grinning from ear to ear.

He's never wanted to dice someone up more in his life.

"Oh my," The drawled chime of your girlfriend's surprise was the first thing you heard when you stepped into the common room. It causes your eyes to wander, trailing over to the couch where Kanae was waiting for you with a smile on her face.

"I know it's been some time since we've last spent time together, but you didn't have to dress up for me. Not that I'm complaining," Her glossed lips parts, opening just enough for her to slide her cup between them. She then speaks, her voice bouncing around and vibrating the cup, making ripples in the tea inside, "There's nothing better than having a nice view while you drink or eat something, makes it taste ten times better!"

You could feel your skin being set aflame at her words, but you played it off in the best way you could; by giggling like a little girl.

"Well aren't you the smooth talker," You said as you walked up to her. Your hand reaching out to accept the cup she had begun to raise in your direction, "Are you trying to fluster me or something? If so, it'll take a lot more than pretty words."

"Not at all," She says, but her smile told you otherwise. Not that you cared enough to call it out, deciding to sit beside her instead, "But really, I'm surprised! That type of clothing isn't something you tend to wear after all."

"Shinazugawa bought it for me a while back. We were out on a mission togther and my clothes were in tatters by the end of the fight. Since it was raining, he took me to the first inn he could find and bought the first thing he saw at the market we passed through and told me to put it on," You explained, adding, "And that something happened to look like somehing out of a fairytale.."

"Is that so? He really did that?" She said, her voice pitching as her tone perked up, "He's come such a long way from that meeting! I'm so happy for him!" And then she takes another sip of her tea, "Next time I see him, I'll pass on my thanks to him for his kindness!"

"Pass on mines as well," You said, reaching for one of the many treats set on the table, "He went out on his next mission while I was changing so I never got the chance to."

Dividers were made by me, pictures used are from Pinterest, post formatting is inspired by @xxsabitoxx

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andrabeets · 13 days ago

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Dandori Downpour - A Pikmin 4 Dating Sim - May 24th Development Blog

Welcome to the third installment of the Rescue Corps/Pikmin 4 Dating Sim development blog! A weekly "news letter" where I will discuss my progress on the dating simulator. I was too excited so I posted this on Saturday instead of Sunday! Forgive me....

Two weeks ago, I asked you which character are you most excited for? The winner is....

Yonny!

Here's a preview of Yonny's look and his medbay! Within Renpy!

Previous Development Blog Character Creator Showcase

I get the hype around Yonny, I know he has been a fan favorite since Pikmin 4's release!

Obviously... You all know who my favorite character is hehe.

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What has been done these last two weeks?

Yonny's Medbay

Most of Yonny's Sprites

Rendering Russ' Sprites

Finished Collin's Rough Draft

Began Russ' second draft in Twine

Some of you know that I had a big work deadline this past Friday! Well, I kind of found out it has extended to next week so hopefully I can get more done??

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Russ' Route

The first route I am making assets for and implementing into the game is indeed Russ' route!

I love his route a lot and I am happy to say that asset creation is about 70% done! Which of course, backgrounds, character sprites, etc will be used in other routes. That means everyone's routes get a little bit of progress with each art asset made.

I have yet to begin doing CGs, which unfortunately will be very time consuming. Russ' route has 3 planned CGs, one of them being complex (I cannot go into why~ But every character has a least 1-2 of these "complex" CGs)

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POLL TIME!

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Sorry that this was a short one! I feel like I've said most of what I needed to say in the first two!

Thanks for reading this weeks newsletter! Stay curious!~

andrabeets / Cherie <333

#pikmin #pikmin 4 #dandori downpour #andra posting #development update #renpy #erma shepherd #captain shepherd #collin pikmin #russ pikmin #yonny pikmin #dingo pikmin #bernard pikmin #dating sim #fan game #nintendo #also don't know whether to make the subtitle “a rescue corps dating sim” or “a pikmin 4 dating sim” cuz like... rescue corps is vague #pikmin 4 is like.. oh yeah i know that

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brisquad-unit-4402 · 1 year ago

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Hey! If possible, could you write doppio dropscythe x reader dating headcanons? Maybe the reader is also a vtuber in nijisanji rn, but it’s a secret from the internet?

i had this draft since the cheftective era and haven’t touched it in a few months, i’m not so sure why, especially since it was almost done... if it seems dated then that's why. thank you for your patience anon, i loved writing for doppio! he's very difficult but very fun!

tags: established relationship, fluff, gender neutral reader, lore compliant, reader is a vtuber, reader is an xsoleil student, secret relationship/getting caught, pet names

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

🐣 Doppio Dropscythe

It's funny, because at a first glance, Doppio seems like the type of guy that takes what he wants. He's never shied away from who he is and wears his heart on his sleeve; one of the many reasons you fell for him.

But he doesn't. You collab often with him and you can tell there's something unsaid between you two, or something more underneath the surface-level entertainment. Something that goes beyond the audience's heads.

It's not quite a certainty but you're convinced you need to do something. It's just that as streamers, especially streamers that work under a corporation, you want to know exactly what to do.

You end up talking to Ver for advice. As the President of Xsoleil, he's a good listener, especially since you know how close he and Doppio are. He wouldn't dare judge you when his friend's own feelings are on the line as well as yours.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

You enter the Xsoleil student council office. As expected, Ver swivels around in a big leather office chair that makes him look more imposing than his dorky-sweet-tooth personality ever could. "Reader, it's good to see you. I liked your stream last Friday. How can I help you?"

"Nothing business. I'm here to ask about Doppio."

At the mention of his name Ver leans back in his chair, and you tense. You explain yourself: how lucky you are to work with him, how wonderful of a man he is, and how much you care about him. It spills out of you like water in a strainer. You've kept your feelings bottled up for so long, and Ver has such an accepting energy that makes you want to uncover everything you've been hiding. After all, if anyone could give you approval and advice on your feelings about Doppio, it would be the president himself.

By the time you finish, however, he seems far less surprised than you expected. "You should tell him."

"But what if-"

"Just do it." He presses his fingers between his eyes like he's alleviating a headache. "Trust me on this one. Please. Hopefully if you do so within the next week, Meloco's earnings from the betting pool will go back into our funding."

Somehow, that doesn't surprise you, and you're too happy they approve to get frustrated. You request Ver's blessing. He obliges. "Not that you need it. We're just happy there's someone out there for him." Ver's eyes glint. "Treat him right. If you don't, I'll be very disappointed. And Kotoka will start a smear campaign on Instagram."

"Duly noted, Kaichou."

"And he'd be sad."

"Can you trust me too?" You ask. Ver nods. "That's the last thing I want to do. If we're going to do this, I want to make sure I give him everything he deserves."

"Good answer." He smiles, like everything's fallen into place. "I meant what I said, you didn't need my blessing, but you definitely have it now."

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

When you finally muster up the courage to ask Doppio out, it's like he forgets to talk. In fact, he does. He sputters out happy noises that don't even make up sentences for a solid minute before he remembers how to say "yes."

Doppio makes a lot of noises even when he does know how to talk, and it might be one of the most endearing things about him. You've lovingly started calling them Doppi-noises simply because no one reacts quite like how Doppi reacts. He’s so silly and there isn’t a single word in the English language to describe how silly he is.

He even talks to inanimate objects sometimes when he's alone. It's not much different from how he talks in front of others, but his voice is lower and gentler, and when he realizes you could hear him thank his oven for preheating and the mixing bowls for not spilling ingredients, he spouts out a flustered Doppi-noise with averted eyes and red along his face.

Hanging out with your boyfriend is never boring. He brings so much energy wherever he goes that anything becomes a story, including seemingly mundane things like studying.

Whenever you go grocery shopping he somehow always remembers that one thing you mentioned a few days ago that you wanted to buy but didn't put on the list, and buys it with his own money to give to you, but he doesn't remember to get his own stuff sometimes??

The amount of times Doppio bought you a snack or found a good deal on a candy you've been craving, but forgot to buy hand soap... he usually runs by himself to the store, grabs whatever he forgot, and then comes back to your door nearly out of breath.

Doppio always makes you laugh. He's so goofy when he tries to be, and so earnest when he's serious that his charm is never lost on you. He likes to make you smile.

On the days when your lives as Xsoleil students and streamers get too busy to pay attention to one another, you tend to watch his VODs while you work, and you can pretend like it's just another domestic day where you both tend to your own chores while still enjoying shared company.

You take a fifteen-minute break to reset your brain from working so hard, and you hear Doppio on stream offhandedly mention something with a giggle, and you cackle when you realize it's an inside joke you both share. Then you notice no one in chat even pays attention to what he just said, and you laugh out loud even more. Even when you're apart, he's still thinking about you. He's loyal to a fault.

To this day Doppio still tweets his nonsensical ramblings. But sometimes you reply to them like you understand exactly what he's trying to say! You roll with his humor so well and so quickly after he tweets sometimes, that not only are your fans totally surprised you can comprehend him, but some of your other coworkers in Nijisanji have to ask you to translate what he's saying.

Confession incoming: most of the time you don't understand entirely. But when he checks Twitter and notices the reply from you, his face lights up, and rolling with it makes him bright as a sunbeam. To be fair, you get a lot of his jokes that no one else does. You know how to quip with him and he appreciates it a lot.

Doppio's energy is always infectious, but only so intense when he wants to be. He's always uniquely himself, but he can chill out, and he appreciates when he can. The D in Doppio Dropscythe stands for Downtime!

The whole chuuni thing isn't an act—that's just how he is—but sometimes it's nice when he doesn't need to constantly proclaim his position as the Duke of Discipline. Sometimes it's nice to know he can come home to his Devoted that already knows he's the greatest cheftective out there no matter what he does.

By the way, when you're alone by yourselves, he calls you his Devoted. You think it's so dramatic for the little moments and he thinks it's a bit embarrassing, but neither of you have figured out another word for "lover" that starts with a D, so, Devoted it is.

(Meanwhile you call him Doppippi. Not so chuuni, and you don’t call him that regularly—too mushy—but you swear his face gets a little more colorful whenever you call him by that name.)

It nearly drives you insane how cute Doppio can be. Here he is, one of the tallest and fittest people you know, with piercings and eyeliner and messy hair, and pointed eyes that scream punk rock energy—but he coos at any animal he sees and sticks out his tongue a little whenever he's concentrating on a game, and he turns pink as your hand brushes against the inside of his wrist.

But at the same time, he's still such a badass that you can't resist him. He likes to mess around and tease you, and he knows how to use his appeal to his advantage. It’s no secret he has a sadistic streak, either.

It’s the best of both worlds. He’s so hardcore that it makes the gap moe even more effective when he decides to be cute, and when he's soft and silly it just serves as even harder whiplash when he acts cool.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

You entered Doppio's streaming room with a glass of water and a light snack, and exchanged a few words while Doppio was typing out a before-stream message on his waiting screen.

So how did you get here, a finger wired under his collar to bring him closer, his hands eager as they clutch around the shirt on your back?

You kiss him, hungry and stupid, drawn to his magnetism. His teeth are pointed. They leave imprints on your tempted mouth, dragging magma over your thoughts, the blind come-ons that dusted over what makes sense. The stream should be starting soon but you can’t find it in yourself to resist.

Steam rises where Doppio hangs his tongue along yours, and so do his hands, large palms rubbing up your back and fingers on your shoulders. You’ve learned that he purrs when pleased; a soft, soothed groan pours from the corners of curved lips. Like an engine muffled by your connection.

You readjust, parting just enough to speak, though your words bounce back into his mouth. “You should prepare for the stream.”

“Done.” He holds you along your neck next, ready to go another round.

“Your Scythekicks are going to get lonely.”

“But I don’t wanna stop kissing you.”

“I don’t want to either,” you say. “I mean, you can always delay by fifteen.”

“I’ll send the message in chat, ‘kay?”

Even though the keyboard is just inches away, Doppio still brings you in with a loose arm around your shoulder and neck. Your forehead presses up to his cheek, not quite a hug but just as casually intimate. He removes his arm when he places a quick smooch to your temple.

By now all of Xsoleil’s vtuber talents are pros at sending delay messages and Doppio is no exception. The keys clack along in a steady cadence, until the tapping patters out, slowly and surely, with gaps of space between every keystroke.

It’s comedic like everything Doppio does whether he knows it or not. One final key sounds out before your boyfriend folds his hands over his mouth, and lets out a tiny “Huh?”

He stares at the screen. It’s strange to see him this motionless. You’re not too concerned, until you watch his head sink into his hands. “Er, Doppippi? You alright?”

Doppio buries his head a little bit further. It muffles him as he softly chants. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no.”

“What’s the matter?”

“No no no no no no no no noooo.”

"Did something happen?" You pat his head comfortingly, before looking back up at the screen, where he was typing into chat. "It usually isn't this difficult for you to send a message..."

Metamrph: HELLO??

sola: TSKR

🐣 AikosVoid: READER AND DOPPIO

AKENJIV: no way taht jsut happened imgcrying

eurelin mystic: SHIP CONFIRMED 💖💖💖

rin: WHAT DID I MISS IM LATE

~tiaramiisu~: should i give u kids some privacy lol

in-d4krness: READER HAS MAIDENS

"...Ah."

Doppio groans. You wish you could groan too, but your throat goes too dry to make a sound. The floor can't swallow you up fast enough.

"Um, I, uhhh," you say eloquently. "S-surprise?"

You've never seen the chat go this fast for so long. You can barely read individual messages before they speed away to make room for new ones.

messXed-up!: CLIPPERS GET YOUR CAMERAS

kierri: doppippi is such a cute pet name help

AKENJIV: this is crazy

sola: AAAAAAA

lunasmortas: CONGRATS 💜💜💜

A normal broom: are reader and pio dating???

You nearly choke on your spit despite the moisture leaving your mouth. "Dating?"

By now, Doppio flopped down in his chair so much that he's flat against the desk. Even though embarrassment crawls down your back, your hand rubs his head and shoulders as reassurance while you continue. "Maybe we should've announced that we were dating sooner."

At that Doppio launches straight up in his seat like a bamboo shoot. "Yeah, but I wanted to do a special stream for it, and take viewers' questions and give bad love advice and have a column name like Doppi's Dreamy Passionland and then announce that we're together at the end!" His eyes squeeze shut as he spits out his thoughts, pink washing over his cheeks the more he talks. "But-but-but what's the point of the Scythekicks knowing I have rizz if they can tell I'm not a whiz?"

You know the blood is rushing to your head too, but even now, your shoulders raise as you giggle. "You know our fans would be supportive whether you had a stream or not."

"But the contenttttt," he whines. He blinks to life with a pout and puppyish eyes, a sign that he's being dramatic for the sake of being dramatic. There's no hiding the fact that you're both mortified, but at least you know just as well as he does that he'll bounce back.

"Content later, whatever this is, now." You sheepishly look back at the screen. "Um, thanks for coming, everyone. How about, uh, Doppio and I take a thirty minute delay and we'll get back to you if the stream is still on the agenda."

You don't wait for any answers before you finish Doppio's half-written delay message, pin it to chat, and make triple-sure that the mic is muted this time.

Doppio rests his cheek on his palm, squishing his blush. "I could've done the stream, you know."

"Okay, but do you really want to after that fiasco?"

He averts his eyes, then relinquishes. "...Touché."

"Thought so," you say. "So what do you want to do now?"

"Nothing." Doppio slumps over and places his head on your shoulder, too exhausted to wrap his arms around you even though he leans into the fabric of your shirt and the body heat underneath it. "Let's just not do nothing."

So you take the initiative instead, and hold him properly, letting him sink like a weighted blanket. "You know, that was embarrassing, but if I can say? I'm glad they know we're an item."

He rests in the crook of your neck, letting you envelop him while tired hands lay on your back. "About time they figure out I'm yours." Your scent fills his nose and warms his blush, and even though he thought he was at his weakest on stream, he still finds his reservations breaking down as you let him be vulnerable, just for this moment. "But can't you be mine? Just for now."

You hug him tighter. "Always."

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

✧. ┊ ⁭masterpost ✧. ┊ ⁭kofi

#doppio dropscythe #doppio dropscythe x reader #doppio dropscythe headcanons #xsoleil x reader #xsoleil #nijisanji en #nijisanji x reader #doppio dropscythe fluff #xsoleil headcanons #xsoleil imagines #xsoleil fluff #4402 writes #4402 answers #shoutout to my friend for coming in clutch with an idea on how to end this. girl u don't realize the same sentence has been kicking my ass-#-for 7 months straight. quite literally.#also btw is v3r still a dorky cutie or did he change his image? haven't seen one of his solo streams in a while

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daycourtofficial · 1 year ago

Text

Falling in Love on the Fourth Floor - Part 7

Summary: Out of an act of desperation, you move in with a guy you kind of know who happens to have a really hot brother who lives next door.

Author’s note: eeeek I’ve had parts of this one in the drafts for AGES the middle section has been drafted for at least a month I swear and I’ve been sitting on it like 🧍‍♀️ waiting to share it. I think this is my favorite part so far (but not my fav overall 🥰)

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Masterlist)

Your day had been shit. Ever since that godsawful date Mor ambushed you with last night, you couldn’t stop yourself from wondering about Azriel and Nesta’s date. What they were doing, how things were going, if she was making him laugh.

Hell, you couldn’t stop thinking about their date while on your own date. The guy was good looking, and he wasn’t terrible, but there was nothing there between you two.

He also was very into cryptocurrency, a topic that quickly took over the conversation at dinner. A topic you did not encourage him to continue on. He somehow didn’t get that memo, insisting on walking you up towards the doors of your building when he was dropping you off, where you had made a lame excuse about going to bed early before ducking into your building.

You had followed the same path Azriel took only moments ago, continuing on to your own apartment. You open the door, finding a note on the fridge in Cassian’s messy scrawl.

Have fun.

He drew a winky face, and then several crude drawings on the post-it. The drawings made you groan, Cassian’s enthusiasm for your date further solidifying your nonexistent chance with his brother.

Of course Cassian would have Mor set you up after he found out about your little crush on his brother. You felt so stupid when you saw Nesta on their couch earlier today. You hardly spoke to Rhysand on the way to lab, your thoughts too flooded with how terribly you had read the whole situation.

Cassian probably told Mor all about your dumb crush and got her to fix you up tonight. Maybe Azriel had even mentioned your text to Cassian, asking him what to do about the annoying roommate who developed a crush on his brother.

Your chest hurts, but it was just a silly crush. You’ll get over it.

Eventually.

Azriel stood in the elevator, waiting for the doors to close as he looked at his phone, looking at the last message you had sent him Friday morning.

Wanna grab lunch tomorrow?

He hadn’t answered, his phone having been on silent all day to focus on finishing his work for the next week and the reception in the library not allowing messages to come through. He hadn’t seen the message until he woke up this morning, the timestamp seeming cruel.

Now he stares at it and wants to throw his phone. Missed opportunities, he supposes. But what would this lunch have looked like since you’re dating that dickhead from last night? Would you have had to reject him outright?

He can see your face contort in a smile as you tell him, “oh no, Az, I’m seeing someone.” Then you’d probably laugh about it with the dickhead.

He runs his hands down his face when he hears someone yelling, “hold the elevator please!” He juts out an arm on instinct, not noticing who it is. He sees you slip inside, the doors bumping against his arm, bringing him back to reality as he looks down at you.

Fuck.

A light scent of oranges fills the elevator, and he notes it’s likely from your shampoo. He pulls his arm from the door, allowing them to close, locking the two of you in the metal box.

You look up at him, eyes going wide, cheeks heating in embarrassment at the close proximity. You’re standing right in front of him, and you can smell his cologne, a scent of night-chilled air and cedar filling your nose. You take deep breaths, telling yourself that it’s okay, it was just a little crush.

On a very pretty, smart, and very kind guy.

Who smelled incredible.

You look down at your feet, unsure how to speak to him now that you knew he was dating Nesta. And not wanting to further embarrass yourself by flirting with him.

Gods, this was how you were going to die, you think, shuffling to lean against the rail. Azriel’s voice puts a halt to the spiraling of your thoughts.

“Nice date last night?” Azriel asks, trying not to let whatever he’s feeling bubble up. Your eyebrows shoot up, unaware of Azriel even knowing about your date.

Of course he knows, you think, Cassian probably told him he’d handle it.

“He spent the while night telling me about stocks and crypto and how he wants to be in Forbes 30 under 30,” you scoffed, “so no, it was not nice.”

The elevator starts moving, and his eyebrows shoot up. “So that wasn’t your boyfriend?”

You scoff, “hell no. Mor ambushed me yesterday. She told me to get dressed up and we’d go out and have a fun girl’s night, but when I showed up she texted me that she set me up instead.

“The worst part is Mor was so confident that she told Cassian about it, so he had stayed at her place last night to give me ‘privacy’. He even left crude drawings around the apartment to help the ‘atmosphere’.”

Azriel laughs as the elevator dings for the third floor. He feels his chest lighten, knowing you definitely weren’t seeing anyone. “Mor’s always been ambitious, hasn’t she?”

You laugh. “Maybe it was just a ploy for her to have sex with Cassian.”

You say it, but you know it’s not true. The real truth was they wanted to put you out there, help you get over the beautiful man standing next to you. They knew you didn’t have a shot, especially compared to Nesta. You’re brought back to reality, and decide to hurt yourself further.

“How was your date with Nesta?” You ground out, after a pause in your conversation. You needed to know so you can completely cut off your feelings for him. You needed him to pierce you with the final dagger.

His eyebrows arch up, and he looks at your expression.

Were you upset? You won’t meet his gaze, and you’re clenching your fists. Were you - jealous?

His mouth curls up at the thought, “uh it wasn’t a date. Nesta and I study together every Thursday night. We take a lot of the same classes. We did it last night instead because she was busy on Thursday.”

Your eyebrows raise in surprise, “so you’re not dating Nesta?”

He laughs, “absolutely not. No that’s an avenue I’d never go down. But there is some-“

His words die as you hear a screeching sound and the elevator stops completely, leaving you two stranded somewhere between the first and second floors.

“No - no, no, no.”

You start freaking out - elevators always gave you a bit of concern, their small dimensions making you feel cramped. You hit the button to open the door, jamming it with your finger. Realizing that it was fruitless, You pull out your phone only to remember that the elevator always has no service.

“Fuck,” you mumble, and your breaths start coming faster and faster, and you’re trying to remember your calming techniques, when you feel cold hands gently grab your cheeks.

“Hey, look at me.”

You look up, finding hazel eyes looking back at you. They’re etched with concern, not a trace of mockery in them.

“We’re okay. Breathe with me, can you do that?”

He grabs one of your hands, placing it on his chest so you can feel his breaths as they come in and out. Your eyes stay trained on his, not wanting to look away, wanting to get lost in the gold flecks you find there.

You start following the rhythm of his breaths, but he keeps talking to you in a soothing tone. You’re too focused on breathing to register what he’s saying, but you do register the soothing tone he’s speaking to you in. You could get lost in his voice, its deep timbre a melody in your ears.

Eventually you come back down enough to focus on what he’s saying and he’s telling you about his night - everything he did yesterday.

“Rhys texted me to get some trash bags on my way in, which is where I was coming from when I pulled up and found you with crypto douche.”

You smile, your first real reaction to his words since the elevator stopped.

“There she is,” he says, his finger tapping your cheek, “wanna tell me more about crypto douche?”

“He wants to be a landlord.”

Azriel snorts, “of course he does.”

“I didn’t even want to go on this date,” your eyes stay locked with his, the golden flecks calming you down. “But Mor has been begging me to go out with this guy for ages, and then she finally decided to ambush me by forcing it on me.”

“You know you can tell Mor “no”. It’s a complete sentence.”

“I know,” you sigh, “but she loves playing matchmaker, even though she’s awful at it. Usually once every other month I let her set me up, but she was just throwing a tantrum I wouldn’t let her set me up this time once I figured out the rouse.”

He doesn’t let himself linger on the fact that you haven’t let her set you up since meeting him. Coincidence, maybe. “Have any of them been successful?”

You blow out a breath, “uh, no. Usually I stay for an hour then leave. None of them have ever gotten a second date.” You pause, thinking. “In the words of the great philosopher of our time, “I’m a pathological people pleaser,” you chuckle.

“And who said that?”

“…. Taylor Swift.”

He looks at you, a chuckle on his breath, such tenderness in his gaze it shocks you a bit. “You should stand up for yourself more.”

“I’m… not really sure how. It’s kind of new to me.”

You look at your feet, but he taps your chin so you’ll look at him again. “I stood up to my parents, and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done.”

You had tiptoed around the topic since your admission to Cassian the day you moved in, the wound still too raw to discuss with anyone other than Feyre. Mor knew some of the details, but not the whole story. You’re sure Rhys and Az knew that something happened with your parents, but you never let them know too much about it.

They didn’t know that your parents had told you that you became everything they had tried to avoid. That, despite everything they did for you, you didn’t turn out right.

You hadn’t told Mor because you knew she would have burnt down their house with them in it.

“It was scary, moving here with a guy I hardly knew.” His grip on you tightens slightly, and he’s hanging onto every word you say.

“But I don’t regret it. Not even when Cassian wakes me up at 6 AM with his singing.”

He chuckles, and he stills as you look into his eyes, your voice clear and strong.

“I don’t… I don’t regret any of it. I don’t regret meeting you.”

His hands are still cupped on your face, his face mere inches from your own. Your confession hangs in the air as you two look at each other, and he leans closer, pressing his forehead to yours.

Your breathing hitches, but not because you’re stuck.

He opens his mouth to reply, but the elevator comes back to life, moving downwards again. It startles both of you into jumping away from each other, and you clear your throat.

“Where are- where are you going?” You ask, gesturing towards his helmet.

“Oh, uh Cassian forgot his lunch and doesn’t have time to grab anything between clients. I was going to bring him something.”

The air is lighter between you two, and Azriel feels like he can breathe you in again. The fog of confusion has lifted between you two, leaving you to be seen clearly by him.

“Do you want to get lunch?”

He echos your previous text message to him, and you nod.

“Yeah I’d love that.”

You stroll through the lobby, putting as much distance between the falter elevator and yourselves. Once you make it to the parking lot, Azriel places his spare helmet on your head, tapping the top of it lightly affectionately.

You zip your jacket up as Azriel gets on the bike first, his thighs straddling the seat. He holds the bike steady, allowing you to place your hands on his shoulders for balance, letting go of your fears as you swing your leg around to straddle the bike behind him. Your body leans against his, wrapping around him, holding onto him.

You place your head on his back, your fingers clutching onto his jacket. It feels new, electricity crackling through every inch of you that is in contact with him, despite the layers and helmets that separate you.

He chuckles at the gasp you let out when you two start moving, how your hands hold onto his jacket a little tighter than before.

He pulls a hand away to place it gently on one of the hands you have clutched to his jacket, squeezing three times before moving his hand back.

#acotar fanfiction #azriel x reader #azriel #azriel x you #azriel fanfic #azriel fluff #acotar writing #azriel x y/n

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gimme-a-man-after-midnight · 1 year ago

Text

my royal roomie (part 2)

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Orm Marius x Reader

part 1:

https://www.tumblr.com/gimme-a-man-after-midnight/693273500438429696/my-royal-roomie-pt-1?source=share

Summary: After a few days of living under your roof, Orm gets to know the little surface dweller he's been stuck with. With time, a stormy night, and a bottle of wine, the prince learns that he has more in common with you than he may think.

Word Count: 4,000+

Warnings: female reader, slow burn, light cursing, mentions of past emotional abuse, divorced parents!reader, dead parent, comic lore inaccuracies, floral inaccuracies??

Author's Note:

hi y'all! here's the full part 2 i've been working on for some time! thanks for the support on the last one and again, so sorry for the late continuation :/ i hope this story is to your liking! happy reading!

After the first one-on-one conversation you had in the living room, Orm didn't come out of the guest bedroom for days. You’d see flashes of platinum blonde out of the corner of your eye, just barely missing him by a few seconds whenever you’d be in the kitchen or outside of his door. You had made many offers through the red painted oak of his room to go grocery shopping together or take him on a tour of the town, but all of your efforts were met with a stern "No thank you." You had lost any hope you had of forming some kind of connection with the Atlantean for a while, cutting your losses by quietly resigning to a parallel existence. What you didn’t expect was the mutual understanding you two would come to on one fateful stormy Friday night, much like the one that brought him to your doorstep.

***

Heavy traffic from the drive home, a full message inbox on your telephone, and the burnt attempt at roast chicken sitting on your oven rack had you nursing a glass bottle of wine by the living room window. Bad days were normal for anybody, but it didn’t make them easier to deal with on your own - the added stress of the stranger living in your space didn’t help either. You had been living a quiet life ever since you moved back to the sleepy town some years ago, taking up very little space and leaving minimal traces of yourself. Whether it was out of caution or cowardice, you weren’t sure yet. Either way, that silence had brought you comfort at a time where your thoughts were too loud, but now with another person occupying your space the quiet was becoming suffocating.

Orm wasn’t by any means a bad roommate - he kept to himself, he didn’t make much noise, and he even managed to wash his dishes whenever he knew you weren’t in the kitchen - but he was a man.The last time you had lived with a man, the end of its course felt similar to how you two were living now, and maybe that’s why it was bothering you so much. Tip-toeing around the Atlantean made you feel uneasy in your own home, a situation you were all too familiar with. Typically at this time in the night you would be cooking up some plan to urge the man out of his guest room, but after the day you had, you didn’t have the heart to try.

Once you took your final gulp of wine, wiping at the sides of your mouth with the back of your hand, you trudged away from the raging display outside of your window. The dishes could be a tomorrow problem, you thought to yourself as you were leaving your kitchen counter behind. You had only made it a few paces out of the living room before your body was overcome with chills, making you draw your blanket tighter around you. The draft through the house was unmistakable, confusing you thoroughly due to you always making sure the doors and windows were shut before bed. As you stepped deeper into the house, you realized the distinct breeze was coming from the direction of the guest bedroom. You had made it a point to allow Orm his space, but your brain was stirring with reasons for what he could possibly be doing in there - most of them unsavory.

With a deep breath and a tight fist holding your blanket, you gently rapped at the door.

“Hey, Orm?”

No response. You knock again.

“I don’t mean to bother, but I’m feeling a bit of a breeze through the house and I can tell it’s coming from here, so I just want to see if everything is alri-”

The door suddenly opened a crack, revealing half of Orm’s face which was already more than you had seen in days.

“If you don’t mean to bother, then don’t.”

The curt response, although expected, has you taken aback. Already seeing the Atlantean retreat from the spot again, you hold the door in its place in effort to keep his attention.

“Look, I know you wanna be alone, but I can’t help wondering why a cold ass breeze is coming from your room, so I just want to see what’s going on. Please, it’s freezing right now.” You do your best to keep control of your tone, not wanting to let on just how much the cold was getting to you - giving the prince another reason to look down on humans wasn’t on your agenda for the night.

Almost as if he commanded the storm, the lightning cracked loudly outside as Orm swung his door open, revealing his full disheveled state to you. You jolted in place, practically leaping a step back in defense at the swift move.

“What’s going on is the stench of your burnt dinner was practically singeing my nostrils. I opened a window in hopes that I could find some relief, because clearly you surface dwellers have no trouble polluting not only the ocean, but your precious breathing air as well! I have little care for how cold your fragile body may get, so I suggest you retire to your room at once and leave me be.”

There was a gap in the yelling match conversation, almost as if the blond was waiting for you to bite back at his harsh words, but the glazed look in your eyes and parted lips made it evident to the Atlantean that your mind was elsewhere. Orm followed your gaze, noticing that it was locked onto the maroon sweater he was adorning, looking at it with equal parts surprise and melancholy. His enhanced hearing picked up on a hitch in your breath and chattering of your teeth, confirming to him that you were clearly shaken.

After the long silence, you mousily spoke.

“I didn’t leave that sweater out for you.”

The arbitrary words silenced Orm, his expression turning to one of confusion as he looked down at the knit fabric on his chest.

“...where did you find it?”

Your voice didn’t change in volume when you made your inquiry, but your tone was somber. The candid emotion made the Atlantean clear his throat awkwardly, unsure of how to handle such vulnerability from his host. You couldn’t even fully appreciate how much messier Orm looked in comparison to when he first arrived - looking like a 90s wet dream with his ungelled hair, clenched jaw, and broad shoulders peeking out of his loose fitting clothes. No, it was the clothes that were holding your attention hostage.

“It was deep in the wooden wardrobe of my room…the garb you set out for me wasn’t suitable for the storm,” Orm says, arms crossed in a defensive manner as he anticipates your response.

A part of you wanted to laugh at his retort, the corner of your lips quirking up for a millisecond before melting back into the numb expression you had prior.

“Are you going to ask me to change? Because I don’t see why I should relent,” the blond goads, pulling a haughty expression that comes all too naturally.

Orm wasn’t sure himself why he wanted to urge a response from you - why he wanted to learn more about this sweater that was clearly jumbling up your thoughts enough to render you so silent. He tried to chalk it up to plain boredom, tried to reason with himself that all his time in self-isolation was making him yearn for more. Still, even with those excuses lined up to justify his actions, he couldn’t explain why seeing the down-turned expression on your lips felt so unnerving. This woman in front of him now was like a shell in comparison to the buoyant, eccentric character he had been previously introduced to - and for some bizarre reason he didn’t like it.

Your thought process, on the other hand, was going in a completely different route. The glaringly red knit in your line of sight brought back too many memories that you had made efforts to bury. The cursed sweater in combination with the Atlantean prince’s snark makes your breath quicken and your mind wander to the whisper of a past life that still takes up space in your home. You couldn’t decipher if your shivering was coming from Orm’s open window or from your body trying to eject all of the feelings evoked from seeing that damn sweater.

“I-I…you…you shouldn’t-” you shakily exhale, your eyes surveying around your surroundings to try and focus on literally anything else. You backstep, hoping that physically running away from the situation will do you good, but your eyes lining up with the red-clad chest and the sound of the booming thunder makes you falter. Your hand clutches at your chest, the white knuckled grip on your blanket alerting your roommate.

The prince's body calls to action, making Orm take an instinctive step forward, reaching out as if to try and steady you.

“What is happening with you? Why are you so high-strung? Do humans go into cardiac arrest so easily?”

You couldn’t hear his stern questioning, your mind flitting to images of firm fists slammed against tables and nights spent alone, buried deep under your covers in the hopes of being swallowed by the sheets. It was like the space in your lungs was being taken up by a vice grip, and your ability to think - to form a simple thought that didn’t make your heart hurt - was completely ripped away from you. Even after four years, the memories of him still have so much power over you in a way that’s paralyzing.

“I-I just - I need - I need to breathe!”

With that final exclamation, you scurried away from the Atlantean, quickly making it back to your room before slamming the door shut behind you. Orm was left stunned outside of his door, his eyes trained in the direction of your room down the hall.

What the hell just happened?

***

Arthur was done - so done.

The newly crowned Atlantean king had so much on his plate already, what with his upcoming engagement underway and him having an entire kingdom to look after. While he did appreciate his little brother feeling comfortable enough to call him at such an ungodly hour, the words the blond uttered made him want to pull his hair out.

“I think I broke her - your human.”

“Bro, what?”

It was too fucking early for this.

“Don’t call me - agh, nevermind - something’s wrong with your human and I’m not sure how to approach the situation. Is this really an environment you believe me to find enrichment from? My host is clearly on the brink of some sort of breakdown and I-”

“Wow, I never took you for someone that was so easily shaken, brother.”

Arthur’s poorly timed quip makes Orm stare back at the projection call with a blank face.

“First off, she’s not my human, she’s her own person. Second, what did you even do? She’s not one to just collapse on her own - although she is a serial overthinker and could definitely talk herself to an early grave...”

Orm, frustrated with his half-brother’s lack of support, rolls his eyes over the call.

“Okay, okay, but seriously. Something must’ve set her off or triggered her to react in a way. You sure you didn’t do anything?”

“All I did was answer the door when she knocked. When she saw me at the entrance, she saw the sweater I was wearing and was overcome with emotion. That’s hardly my fault.”

Orm can see Arthur’s brows furrow in thought at the information, almost as if he’s assessing whether he’s been given the whole story or not.

“Well…where’d you get the sweater?”

“I hardly think that matters-”

“Just answer the question, bro-”

An exasperated grunt leaves Orm as he grips at the sheets beneath him in an attempt to contain himself. A part of him regretted bringing up the matter at all, communication with his half-brother being much too awkward to bear.

“I got it from the wooden wardrobe inside of my chambers! It was much more practical to wear than the flimsy garb-”

“Shit,” Arthur cuts him off, the hologram shifting as the man rubs at his eyes. “The wooden wardrobe with vines on the sides?”

It was Orm’s turn to be taken aback, unsure of how he knew the detail from off the top of his head.

“Yes, that’s the one.”

A muffled sigh comes from Arthur’s end, the image changing again as the king shuffles out of bed quietly to not disturb a sleeping Mera.

“Listen, dude. It’s not my place to speak on her business like this, but all I can say is that the wardrobe - that room - holds a lot of memories that are painful for her. I know you didn’t mean to bring them up, but that wardrobe is off limits. Just try and apologize for now, but don’t pry.”

“But why should I-”

“Orm, seriously! I get it, you don’t like being there - that you’ve spent every day in your room ever since I dropped you off, but she’s been trying. She’s been doing everything she can to get you out of your shell and you’re not giving back anything. There has to be some give here, and that can start with you saying sorry.”

Orm was surprised by the fact that Arthur knew of his daily whereabouts already, undoubtedly asking you for updates on him. However, what surprised him the most was that even though you have seemingly complained to his half brother, you never once suggested kicking him out - never demanded he leave your house and have Atlantis deal with him. You truly were a peculiar little thing.

“...fine. But don’t expect me to continue such niceties with her.”

A belly laugh could be heard from over the call, surely out of amusement for the prince's unwavering coldness.

“Good. Now hang up, you disrupted my beauty sleep.”

With a scoff, Orm presses on the green gem of his wristlet and heads off to the direction of your room.

***

When Orm knocks on your door, he expects a big fuss - bouts of yelling, arguing, or cursing that’ll leave his highly sensitive ears ringing. What he doesn’t expect is everyone of his knocks being met with silence - deafening silence now that the storm has subsided.

“Hello?”

The prince feels weirdly small waiting by your door for your answer, having no clue what he’ll be met with on the other side of him. (It also gives him some insight on how you must feel every time you knock on his door to chat, although he’d never admit to having similarities with you,)

“Are you ignoring me?”

More silence.

“Oh, enough of this childishness.”

With a deep breath in, Orm turns the knob of your door and lets himself into your room. He’s met with colorful tapestries embellishing the walls, big rugs covering the hardwood floor, and twinkling lights surrounding the bed frame. The scene that you set for yourself in your room makes Orm think about his home - the way that the colorful bioluminescence would sparkle throughout his kingdom.

When the initial first impression of your room wears off, he notices there is no one in the bed. No squirming presence under the sheets or anyone sitting on top of the bed to give him a stern talking to. Where did you go?

The blond takes a tentative step inside, stepping over the fuzzy carpets to keep from disturbing their arrangement. When he walks past the bed frame and closer to the window, he sees a lump of a human wearing a large blanket over their shoulders and some type of bulky headgear that covers your ears and emits sound. You were completely enthralled by the scene outside of the window that you hardly notice Orm stepping up next to you.

A sudden hand on your shoulder has you jolting upward with a yelp, your hand instinctively slapping away at the intruder before you turn to look at where they came from.

“Jesus fucking christ!”

Orm gets into his own defensive position as you scramble to press your back against the wall, looking at you as if you were a trembling animal.

“My god, woman!”

“What are you doing in here you scared me half to-”

“I knocked but there was no answer so I-”

“Oh, so you decided to just welcome yourself in?”

Orm purses his lips in frustration, not thrilled at being met with the uproar he had originally expected. You sigh to yourself in disbelief, willing yourself to be quiet since there would be no productive conversation if you two kept yelling at each other.

“Next time just take the hint that I’m busy if I don’t answer, okay? You can’t just barge in here when you want, it’s not cool…”

The Atlantean has some sense to feel a shred of shame when you speak, although your words are hardly convincing when your eyes don’t turn in his direction for even a second. You look so timid standing there in your corner with the blanket consuming you completely - not at all like the spitfire that called him an “asshole” and warned him not to “test her.” (He secretly felt some relief in your loud exchange mere moments ago, because it meant that version of you was still there.)

“I…I apologize for intruding.”

Your head whips up to finally meet the man’s piercing blues, your mouth left slightly agape at an actual apology leaving the arrogant Atlantean’s lips.

“Uh…it’s okay...although, try not to do it again.”

Another moment of awkward silence passes.

“So…why’d you come in here?”

You ask this question as you take a seat back on the floor, resuming your position of staring out of the window only this time without your headphones. You pat the spot next to you on the floor, urging Orm to sit next to you. With a small eye roll, the blond begrudgingly joins you on your multi-colored carpet, opting to rest his arms against his knees as means to shield himself from you.

“I came here to apologize, not just for barging in, but for what happened earlier. I shouldn’t have gone through the wardrobe without your permission even if I needed different clothes. I should’ve asked you instead of rifling through your belongings on my own accord.”

His apology, although rehearsed, seems genuine enough for your shoulders to relax. Your eyes follow the droplets of rain slowly trickling down the glass of your window, racking your brain for the right thing to say.

“It’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong, I just…I haven’t revisited the memories that room brings in a long time. You putting on that sweater unearthed them today, and it got me bad. See, I was having a shit day already what with keeping up with the shop, and then an accident causing traffic on the way home, and the wine that I usually like being out of stock-”

Your rambling gets cut off by a soft chuckle coming from the man next to you, a sound that seems so uncharacteristically happy for his usual demeanor. The corners of your mouth perk up in disbelief, the expression making Orm quickly look away from you.

“Huh. So that’s what your laugh sounds like. It’s nice…”

Orm didn’t understand why he reacted in such a way, you weren’t saying anything particularly funny…

…It’s just the way your eyes became so animated as you spoke more, your hands gesturing stronger as you explained further - it was amusing to him. So different from the usual company he keeps, always firmly placed brows and crossed arms from the high council members he consulted. Even the Atlantean women, although much more pleasant company, were more regal in comparison to his surface dweller host. However, what you did have in common with those women was your tenacity. Even with his cold attitude towards you, your kindness was unwavering - a few times a day, without fail, you’d knock on his door with the promise of food and semi-entertaining company. He’s starting to regret only agreeing to the food.

God, he must be going stir crazy.

“What is it about the sweater that made you react in such a way?”

This was when you noticed that Orm was no longer wearing the offending material, choosing to wear the simping cotton T shirt you had given him. It may have been nothing - a simple delusion on your part - but the weight on your chest felt lighter at the idea that the Atlantean took it off to bring you comfort.

“It - uh,” you stuttered, “it belonged to my ex-boyfriend. All of the stuff in that wardrobe did, actually. We painted the vines on the side of it together…”

Orm’s arms flexed tighter around his knees at your words. He didn’t know how to respond, feeling significantly awkward due to adorning your ex lover’s clothing, so he decided to just shut up and let you continue.

“When I was 14 my parents got divorced. My mom wanted so badly to make it work, but my dad didn’t like his life here in Amnesty Bay - a part of me felt like he also didn’t like his life with us in general. I mean, he never had a problem making his grievances known, so…”

Now, this was something the blond was familiar with - uncomfortable family dynamics. The realities of his parents’ marriage were never shielded from him growing up - he often witnessed the brutality of his father whenever his mother, Atlanna, would make her opposing opinions known. He often felt conflicted about which side to take - the one of least resistance that prioritized the well-being of his people or the one that looked out for the well-being of everyone, Atlanteans and surface dwellers alike. Hearing you now, speak your piece on your own upbringing, comforted him in a way he didn’t expect.

“The divorce was messy. Lots of nights spent being pulled in every direction, but with no real place to find peace. After everything settled, my dad ended up moving to New York while my mom remained here. They agreed that for the school year I’d stay with my mom, so she’d have some help at the flower shop, but I’d visit him on major holidays…”

The blanket around you suddenly feels too thin, a chill running over you as you recount your tale. You take a sneaky glance over your shoulder to check if the blond was still listening, and you were surprised (and delighted) to find that his steadfast gaze was at the side of your face.

“...At some point during my years at university, my mom stopped asking me to visit - demanded that I only live with my dad when I was out of school. You can imagine Arthur had his qualms about that…”

You chuckled to yourself at the memory of a young Arthur blowing up your home phone upon hearing the news.

“It would only be for the same visiting time as before, so there wasn’t much fuss on my dad’s end, but my relationship with him had become so different after the divorce that it wasn’t ideal. It…It hurt to hear my mom reject me like that.”

Orm’s mind flashes back to the rain soaked figure of his mother, presenting herself to be siding with his half-brother after his defeat. The sting of her counteraction still lingers in his chest.

“When I had started dating my ex during my third year, I found out the reason my mom was keeping me from home - she got sick…cancer. All of the overworking to pay the bills, lack of support, and the hereditary traits…she got really sick. I guess she didn’t want me to see her in so much pain…”

Orm watches as you turn away to stubbornly wipe at your face, a sniffle coming from your direction. He hadn’t expected you to willingly speak on your background when he asked about the sweater, but a part of him felt guilty for being the cause of your current distress.

“When she died, I moved back here to look after the house and take over the shop…but my ex had moved in with me. Darren.”

More tears fell from your cheeks at the same speed as the rain running down your window.

“Darren offered to help me with the business, help me get on my feet. A part of me knew that he was going to hate the life we were starting together based on talks we had about the future, but I ignored it all when my grief became the only thing I felt for a long time. He always wanted more - more than our little town, more than the flower shop…so when an opportunity presented itself to have a life on his own, he took it. Just like my dad did…”

Orm’s heart drops at the end of your retelling, knowing the feeling of rejection and abandonment all too well. His father would be rolling in his grave if he knew what feelings this little surface dweller was stirring in him. The gap between the Atlanteans and the humans was closing in his mind, and Orm wasn’t sure if he cared to stop it. All he wanted at this moment was to stop you from crying.

“I’m sorry for putting on the sweater…and for being an ungracious guest these past few days. I’ve been a real dick.”

You can’t help but guffaw at his choice of words, using your fist to mask the unsightly sound as a cough.

“That’s not a very princely thing to say…”

Orm’s head tilts back as he snickers, feeling slightly proud of himself for inciting a better mood in you.

Ah, that laugh again, you think as you admire how ethereal the man looks in his relaxed state.

“Perhaps my brother is to blame for my much more…colorful vernacular.”

“Perhaps,” you hum in agreement, “or you’re just not as much of a dick as I previously thought…sorry for coming on so strong that first day.”

Orm’s blue eyes shine at you with something unfamiliar - different to the cold, distant stare you were first met with. You find yourself wishing to always be at the receiving end of his kind eyes.

Orm clears his throat before uttering, “No need to be…I was the one that misjudged you before ever seeing you.”

A silence falls over you two, a comforting one built between new comrades. Your (e/c) gaze meets his as the storm calms outside of your window, signaling the start of a new chapter for you and your royal roommate.

#orm marius x reader #orm marius x you #orm marius #orm x reader #aquaman imagine #orm marius imagine #orm marius fanfiction #aquaman fanfiction #arthur curry #dceu

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lovelyfantasia · 2 months ago

Text

Only Science Can Explain It

Seth Brundle x fem!reader

SUMMARY: Who knew being stood up on date could lead you to reuniting with your favorite professor from college? With fate leading you two seeing each other again, you let fate decide what would become of you two by the end of the night.

WARNINGS: 18+, age gap (10 years), unprotected sex, professor trope (not his student anymore, but still)

NOTED: gender neutral bestie

A/N: This one has been collecting dust in my drafts for over a month. With the amount of times I've reread this and edited, it was time for it to see the light of day. This is my first, and certainly not my last, Seth Brundle imagine. Enjoy :)

WORDCOUNT: 5,585

<><><>

Late April of 1986. Cambridge, Massachusetts…

The sun was having no sympathy on your eyes as you walked from his car to your small bungalow home. Sunglasses were nowhere to be found and a headache was forming.

A lack of sleep can do that to you, but you could care less. It was the first time in a long time where you found it completely worth it. Hell, you would do it all over again if you could.

“Jesus, Y/N, I thought you died or something!” your roommate, Y/B/F/N exclaimed when you made your way into the home sheepishly.

“I’m very much alive and somewhat dead, so there’s that.” You walk right past them to go to your room. After the physicality of last night you knew a shower was in order to freshen up. Though, you’re going to be upset washing the smell of him off your body.

The grip of his hands on your hips are like ghosts for you; knowing it’s not there, but you can still feel that grasp. He was the last person you thought was going to be as rough as he was. But seeing his muscles bulge, his curls defining from sweat, his eyes blown out from the haze you had him in, you truly underestimated his clearly talented abilities.

“So…where exactly were you?” your roommate made you jump as you yelped a little and turned to see them leaning up against your doorframe. Arms crossed with a smirk on their face, Y/B/F/N had a sneaky suspicion of how you enjoyed your night.

You really weren’t sure about revealing the truth. Your roommate knew who he was, but you know their reaction is going to be priceless if you tell your tale.

“Before I tell you the story I just want to say the person I was with totally isn’t my type. Just noting before I tell you who it is.”

“The fact that you have to preface this by saying that makes this more enticing,” you plant your face in your hands and let out an exhausted huff. “Now spill.”

One deep breath in, one good long exhale.

“Do you remember our professor from the science department that we got a lot for classes? Professor Brundle- well, Seth Brundle?”

Their eyes lit up and walked into your room, now standing in front of your bed.

“Oh my God, yes! I truly still don’t know how he managed to pass me, but he adored you. He had his quirks, but he was the best.”

You just stared at them. Just a smile on your face while you wait for the pieces to connect in their brain. For someone who has their bachelors in physics, common sense sometimes took a little bit to work.

The eyes bug out of their head while the jaw drops. There it is.

“NO-”

“Just hear me out, for the love of God!”

<><><>

Last night…

No way this was happening to you. You did not wear your good dress and got your hair done for you to be stood up on a date. Finance guys are the bane to womens’ existence and you were aware of that, but you had a sliver of hope this one was different.

It’s been almost a full hour since your planned meet-up time at the popular restaurant/bar, Saoirse’s. 8 o’clock on a Friday and here you were, sitting at a bar where you used to come in your college days. With the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – or just M.I.T. – being an eight minute drive away from Saoirse’s it was a hot spot for students to invade on Saturday nights.

The nostalgia of those days come back to you, but they’re only recent memories as you’re now almost a whole year post-grad. 23 with a full-time job at a research lab, still living with your college roommate in a small house you two are renting out, and trying to enjoy your 20s in the midst of going into the real world.

Of course part of the stress is the attempt of making something of your love life. So far, not going too well.

As you were about to chug your martini and leave, you saw a familiar man make his way up to the bar. His hair is now longer yet his style of suits stays the same.

Professor Brundle, molecular physicists.

He was your favorite professor. You two had the kind of relationship where you’d show up to his office hours to just chill out in one of the chairs and update him about your life. As time went on he grew comfortable sharing personal bits of his life to you. By senior year you had full access to his office, secretly giving you a key for when you needed alone time to destress while he wasn’t there.

Seth knew there was something about you when it came to potential. He picked up right away that you weren’t all that afraid of challenges of what physics threw at you, but that your perfectionism could be the death of you. He would know because that was him. To save you from yourself, he paid you a bit more attention than others. His presence in your school life gave you balance to not let it all get to your sanity.

Keeping in contact was supposed to happen, but never launched and you went your separate ways.

“Professor Brundle?” Seth turns his head to your direction and sees you. Your off-the-shoulder dark maroon dress hugging you in all the right places, hair perfectly done, minimal makeup to showcase the beauty that speaks for itself.

A smile slowly spreads on his face and he makes his way over to you. You hop off the tall bar chair to be able to envelope him in a hug. You forgot that there was quite a height difference, so Seth had to bend a bit. Even in your heels he still towered over you.

“How are you? How long has it been- almost a whole year? W-what are you doing here?” The shock was settling in that it really was you.

His little secret is that he does miss seeing you. From in his classes when he’s teaching, your random appearances at his office, to walking together to his class since you were usually one of the first people to arrive. From time to time he’s debated with himself if it was a crush on you making him feel this way. He had your phone number for a whole year yet couldn’t bring himself to reach out to you.

Now that you aren’t his student anymore, he doesn’t trust his heart on how it would feel to continue whatever bond was created. With you in front of him right now, looking the way you do, he was proving himself right.

“I’m good! Got that position you helped me search high and low for, still living with Y/B/F/N on the outskirts of town. Ya know, just taking post-grad life one day at a time.”

“My goodness, that’s fantastic to hear. Are you expecting someone or just here alone? I know you’re one for your alone time.” you slightly blushed that he remembered such a small fact about you. What you didn’t know is that he remembered practically everything you told him about yourself. Personality characteristics, hobbies you enjoyed, interests, he clung onto every word.

At the thought of you, Seth finds himself in a constant battle on convincing himself he never had nor will have feelings for you.

“Well, I actually got stood up by some guy. He was supposed to be here an hour ago, but it’s whatever. It’s what I get for giving one of those douche-baggy finance types a chance.” What a fucking idiot, Seth thought to himself. If he was 23 again and got a chance with you, he would’ve hated himself if he managed to fuck it up.

“Jeez, Y/N, I’m really sorry. Some guys just will never know a good thing when it’s in front of them, especially with someone like you.” You don’t know why his words are having such an affect on you, but the blushing comes back. Seth does notice your slight flustered demeanor and is devilishly applauding himself.

“Are you here by yourself too?”

“Yeah. Late night at the school in my office. Finals are around the corner and I have to mentally prepare myself just as much as my students do. Well, you remember how it all goes.” you two exchange a small laugh.

You were not about to waste this night away. Between how hot you felt and your old professor standing before you, your impulsiveness was wanting to get the best of you.

“Would you like to get a table with me?” Seth is surprised that you asked, but can’t pass up this chance. The night was young and the universe just handed you to him on a silver platter.

“Of course.”

<><><>

The crowd picks up after an hour passes. You stopped drinking for the night, wanting to be clear minded to catch up with Professor Brundle. The last thing you wanted was to be buzzed while talking about science with a man who’s well-known in his field for his work.

Two waters and a plate of fries sit between you two as you go on about your cherished college memories, the good and ugly of late night studying and rowdy parties.

“My party girl days are pretty much behind me. I now enjoy sipping and relaxing instead of chugging from a beer keg.” a hearty chuckle comes from the professor as he chews on a fry. With how well you kept your grades up, he was astonished to hear all this from you. You had people fooled that you didn’t have a life outside of your busy academic life and you were okay with that. The only expectations you had to meet were your own and that’s a rule of thumb you still stand by.

While he went on about upcoming conventions he has to attend, you start to take him in. He took his blazer jacket off, leaving him in his white button down and gray slacks. To get more comfortable he took off his red tie and rolled up his sleeves. He did that while watching you talk about your job with a smirk on his face and it made your heart race quicken. That was a first for you in his presence.

When you were his student you knew there was no denying how handsome you thought he was. Developing full blown feelings, on the other hand, was useless to you. If you can’t act upon them, then you didn’t want them. Wasted brain space, you thought. If you were going to yearn for someone, you wanted to be able to make them yours.

But now things are completely different and he was yours for the taking. A part of you felt it was still wrong to try anything with him since he was your professor at one point. Fact of the matter is that you are no longer a student at M.I.T, no longer his student, and he was up for grabs.

You were not appreciating how your body and mind was betraying you while you observed him. The decision now was if you were going to give your senses that satisfaction.

“No fucking shit,” you mumbled to yourself as your attention was caught by something much worse. Your date with an arm around another girl, shuffling their way through some people to get to the bar. You knew all too well that comparison is a killer of self confidence, but you couldn’t help it at the sight of the woman he had with him.

“What’s wrong?”

“In a twist of events, my date is here with another woman.” Seth doesn’t even bother to see who the shit-head guy is. He was too busy looking at your face while you stared at the pair at the bar. It was breaking his heart seeing the look you had on your face.

One thing about Seth is that when it comes to social skills with strangers he can be awkward at times. Right now, his anger is exceeding whatever issues he had with that. He has a terrible but hilarious idea of how to ruin that guy’s night and put a smile on your face.

“Here, take my coat, meet me by the door.”

“Professor Brundle-”

“Trust me on this,” he stands in front of you and hands you his coat. With the both of you holding onto it, he smiles and looks into your eyes more than he should’ve. “And no more calling me Professor Brundle. You can call me Seth now,” he says and walks off.

You don’t know why you found that so hot. All night since seeing him you’ve been trying to wrap your mind around why you’re finding your old professor so attractive to the point of seeing him as sexy. He’s not what you go for at all. You’ve never ventured with the more nerdy guys, especially older men at that. But this combo is leaving a new, sweet taste on your tongue that you could get used to.

Your eyes spot Seth from the entrance door, talking to your date. You just hope he doesn’t embarrass you in any sort of way that could lead to making a scene. Whatever he said worked because the man looks flustered and trying to explain himself to the woman in front of him. She looks shocked and walks away from him in the opposite direction.

“Okay, let’s get out of here!” Seth leads you out with his right hand on the small of your back. His touch left you feeling wanting more of it – everywhere else on your body.

“What the hell did you say to him?”

“I may have pretended to know him and thanked him for an exquisite experience the other night at his place.” he mischievously smiles and you let out a cackle. Catching your breath from the laugh, you were about to open the door, but Seth beat you to it.

“You think I’m going to let you open doors for yourself? C’mon now.”

Jesus, guys your age you’ve encountered could never. Their chivalry has yet to kick in meanwhile Seth was as old school as they came. Unfortunately, the bar of expectations out of the men nowadays is dropping as the years roll by.

“Thank you,” a soft smirk is planted on your face while you look him in the eyes as you make your way into the car. “How’d you know that was going to work on them?” you ask him once he sits in the driver seat.

“What I didn’t tell you is that I know of the woman he was with. One of my buddies in my department at the school, she’s his girlfriend’s friend. She is homophobic, I do not like her at all, so they got what was coming to them tonight since they both suck as people, clearly. And it’s perfect that I’m pretty sure she doesn’t even remember who I am.” He revs the engine on and you were ready to let him put his key in your ignition.

“Oh, I meant to ask: did you want me to drop you off at your place? You’re more than welcomed to come back to my apartment too since we still have some catching up to do,” he rambled on. Not his best excuse to hide his feelings for not wanting this night to end.

“We can go back to yours,” you say to his surprise.

“Sounds like a plan.”

<><><>

His apartment was kind of out of the ordinary, but then again, Seth was an out of the ordinary person. The place matched him: half living space and half lab, organized but still somewhat chaotic, and cozy.

It was a very open kind of space, but you put the pieces together that this technically wasn’t supposed to be a traditional apartment. He managed to turn what is supposed to be his lab into his apartment for the price of one. You started remembering that he has vaguely talked about this before and how bewildered you were when you found out.

“Now how in the hell did you manage to get that piano up here?”

“Don’t even get me started. It was a nightmare that almost landed me a broken toe,” you giggle and set your purse on the couch. “Would you like anything to drink? Water, wine, champagne I have yet to pop open?”

“Could I please have some water? No use for a perfectly good bottle of champagne to be popped when there’s nothing to celebrate.”

“We could celebrate this reunion, if we really wanted to find an excuse to have some,” he says as he hands you your water. Your hands brush and the both of you are trying to hold it together, even after such a miniscule touch. The same thought process crossed your minds’: popping the champagne can increase the chances of something happening, but you wouldn’t want to have it occur this way. Then again, self control exists.

Yeah, you two are adults with self control that can keep this at bay.

“Honestly, why not?” Seth widely smiles at you, then goes to get two cups of champagne.

A few cups and some scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream later, you two weren’t able to shut up. Various topics were discussed, geeking out on science, him explaining his teleportation ideas, the night was never ending for you two.

His fingers work their magic with playing beautiful music on his piano. Your arm is resting atop of it with your chin on your palm, watching him.

“Physics and piano skills, who knew?” he snorts a bit from your comment and gestures with his eyes for you to come sit next to him on the bench. You obeyed and realized how close you sat next to him until you felt your legs brushing up against each other. His cologne warps your mind for the second time that night.

Like you thought, you have self control and this man was just your professor a year ago.

“Do you know how to play?”

“Oh, it’s been awhile for me.”

“Let’s see that muscle memory, then,” and you start playing some keys while he’s going at it too. It sounds jumbled, but also good at the same time. It makes you giggle, this whole moment. Honestly, you felt that it was quite sweet and endearing. You two are just adults rekindling a bond that you thought you would never get to endure again with him.

Your left hand moves on top of his right one as you two were reaching for the same keys. His skin was at the level of flower petal softness. Your mind brings that to a whole other dimension you never thought it would go when it came to Professor Brundle. The wonder of how those soft hands would feel on your bare skin.

“Oh- I’m sorry,” you say and retreat your hand towards yourself. Maybe it was the champagne, maybe it was the pent up denial he had, but whatever it was possessed Seth to grab that same hand and bring to his lips for a kiss.

Your heart fell in the pit of your stomach. It’s almost as if you could hear the impact of the fall.

Before you knew it, you both were leaning into each other. Self control was banging on the wall of your brain, but that little voice was muffled out.

It went silent once Seth’s lips were on yours.

Never has a kiss felt so wrong and right simultaneously before. It felt like every satisfying little thing coming together that can bring a smile to your face. The pop of a champagne bottle on New Years Eve. The first firework to hit the sky on the Fourth of July. The sight of the first snowfall during Winter.

You would’ve taken him on that bench at that moment if you could. Of course, the reality was the opposite.

You were the one to pull away, not being able to look him in the eye after what just occurred. That little voice was coming in loud and clear now.

“I should probably get going home.”

Seth was ready to admit defeat. Wave his white flag and accept that he only got a kiss. It proved everything he was pushing away since last year and he knew it was going to drive him crazy from now on.

Sometimes craziness can drive a person to confidence that they never knew they had.

“You’re more than welcome to stay. And before you say anything: you can borrow my clothes to sleep in and I will gladly take the couch. Plus, who wants to take a taxi at this hour anyway?” You give him a look and he puts his hands up in defense. “I swear, this is out of pure intentions despite what we just did.”

You couldn't help but to believe him. You could just see it in his face because it was the same energy he gave you when handing you over the duplicate key to his office. Being this trusting of a man was never part of you, but Seth was the only exception.

“Fine, you win. I request a baggy t-shirt and a pair of boxers, though.”

“Making my palace yours already?” He cracks a smile and gets up from the bench. You follow him into his bedroom area, his bed made and looking divinely comfy for you to slip in. “Here you go. One baggy top and a pair of boxers. Let me know if you need anything else, okay?” you nod and feel the heat in your neck surface from the eye contact you had with him.

A good hour or so has passed. The place is completely dark except for the lighting shining through his windows. The ceiling has become the best place for you to stare at as you’re trying to sleep. Nothing is working – for the both of you. That kiss reigns over your thoughts’ with an iron grip.

As expected, this led to the never ending list of questions while also pondering what exactly would’ve happened if you never broke away from the kiss.

You were ready to find out what the night would’ve looked like if you didn’t pull away.

You sprang out of the bed and turned the corner to go to the couch, but come face first into Seth’s chest. Before you could stumble backwards, he catches you by your waist.

“Well hello to you too,” he says with a laugh. His hair was more curly and tad messier from the pillow he was laying on. The only thing he had on was pajama bottoms, no shirt covering his toned upper body. You had no idea what he was hiding under those suits after all these years.

You didn’t know what to say or how to explain what you were feeling towards him. Words fell short, but you reaching up to grab his face and kissing him said everything you needed to get out.

Seth got the memo real quick and started walking you backwards towards his bed without breaking the kiss. You fall back onto the bed, making yourself comfortable as you watch him climb over you. God, if only college you would be a fly on the wall right now.

His head was spinning. He was focusing on you intently while trying to grasp that this was happening. You both could read each other; a cocktail of nervousness and neediness radiating.

You connect to his lips once again, then take off the white t-shirt he let you borrow. If he was in awe of you in the dress you were wearing, then he was in heaven seeing you almost naked.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Y/N,” he whispers, causing you to blush.

“Like what you see?”

“How about I show you just how much I like it,” he dives back in, going for your neck. Your fingers find their way to his hair, running them through it and tugging on it when he gets a little rough.

His mouth trails a line of kisses from your jaw all the way down to your breasts. Seth knew not to rush his work as the outcomes never came out the way he wanted it to. Taking his time to get it just right was his forte. He was doing exactly that to your body all with his lips, now peppering kisses on your breasts, licking your nipples, and feeling up your clothed sex to build you up right where he wants you. He was starting to feel your wetness through the cotton of the boxers, a low groan escaping him at the touch.

“Seth, this all feels fucking fantastic, but I’m losing it over here.” he looks up at your a smirk. He’s turned into a totally different person before you.

“And what exactly do you want? I need words, baby. Can’t give you what you need without the proper instructions,” and he goes back to sucking on your nipple. Your fingers tighten their grip on his hair as you arch your back from the pleasure ripping through you.

“I-I need you, please.”

“But you already have me-”

“Oh, you know what I mean! Fuck me!” your sexual frustrations got the best of you – as well as his obvious teasing.

“My goodness, Y/N, you could’ve just said that,” Seth says in a mocking tone.

He slides the boxers you were wearing down your smooth legs, having you completely naked in front of him. He’s been with gorgeous women, no doubt about that, but you just became the pinnacle of a Goddess for him.

You left him speechless.

His trance was broken when he felt your hands grabbing at his waistband, pulling them down. His hardened cock sprang out and your eyebrows shot up real quick. You always heard the jokes that the nerdy ones have the packages, but you weren’t a firm believer. Until now.

“Like what you see?” he asked you in a husky tone, his eyes set on yours. That sweet but serious professor you once had is temporarily dead. If this is how he is all the time in bed, you weren’t giving him up that easily.

“Fuck yes,” and the kissing resumed, harder and rougher this time. He even bites on your bottom lip and tugs on it a bit. You were just about ready to explode.

Right when he could feel where he needed to be, he pushed in slowly, letting you feel every inch of him.

The ecstasy was revving up for the both of you, the want of going animalistic on each other bubbling to the surface. Each thrust Seth did, the more feral you felt yourself getting. You understood why he was being somewhat gentle, not wanting to escalate things too quickly.

It was when he was quickening his pace that your nails had a mind of their own, scratching down his back. You knew for sure that was going to leave marks in the morning.

“Seth, yes, yes- oh my fuck!-” he kept a hard, steady pace that was sending your eyes in the back of your head. This was sheet gripping, profanity screaming, nail scratching sex that you’ve been searching for since the first time you ever experienced it.

He stops and flips you two, you being on top of him now. You weren’t stopping what you started and started to ride him. To get that itch from this position, you go into a squat with your feet planted on the bed.

The light bulb went off in Seth’s brain and he makes you lift yourself a bit, then mercilessly pounds into you. The sound alone make you dizzy, but seeing the look on his face, watching himself fuck into you makes you about to snap.

“Baby, I’m close,” you cry out, but that just fuels him to keep going.

“You really want to come? Get those fingers down there for me, will you?” without hesitation you slip your middle finger on your very wet clit and start rubbing it.

It didn’t take long until your orgasm hit you, your moans heightened to almost a scream. Seth was slick with sweat, but he couldn’t stop now that you were screaming his name over and over, sounding heavenly to his ears with an angel on top of him.

He stops and lets you go back to riding him like you were. Seth sits up and starts guiding your grind by his hands on your ass. Your high is still cascading over your body, still wanting more. You place your hands on the sides of his face and make him look up at you in the eyes.

You’re going to be mine, you thought to yourself with his hazel eyes setting you on fire.

Between the sloppy kissing and you picking up your pace, Seth was ready to bust.

“C’mon, professor, I know you want to come for me.”

That little nickname was what sent him over the edge. He knew exactly what you were doing, using that out of all things to push the buttons of his twisted fantasy. Wet dreams have occurred, ones where he wasn’t proud of since you were the star of them. They started for him right before your graduation and it was that little nickname that would roll off your lips.

Hearing it in front of him, from you of all people, had his cock twitch inside you. His grip on your ass tightened – definitely going to leave slight bruising by the morning – as he was releasing. The moans were becoming uncontrollable and he even slapped your ass from the heightened pleasure he’s felt for the first time in forever.

Seeing the state he was in, needing to hold onto you for dear life while you felt his cock twitch from coming stroked your ego a tad. Such a dominant lover turned pathetic for you was so appetizing to you.

You climb off him and plop down on the bed, your head hitting the perfect spot on the pillow. It seemed to you your restlessness was cured.

“Where are you going?” Seth goes to his bathroom and comes back with a small damp rag to clean you up with.

“I am a gentleman before an animal in the sack,” and you cackle out a laugh, then he goes to help clean you up a bit. Him seeing his cum drip out of you was fuel for his cock to harden in the next five minutes. He was just praying you were wanting another round.

You didn’t even want to know what time it was. It didn’t matter though because you were willing to fuck him until you knocked out.

“Round two?” you asked, filling the silence of the room.

“I thought you’d never ask,” and you laugh into the sweet, all consuming kiss he gives you.

<><><>

Present day…

Y/B/F/N’s jaw was on the floor while their hands were covering their mouth. They were in utter shock and you just sat there, slightly disassociating at the memories of the night before.

“Do not tell me you’re having sex flashbacks in front of me right now!”

“Huh- No! Anyway, yes, it happened. Yes, it was life changing sex…and yes, I indeed fucked my old professor. Did I mention he’s 34?” and now their eyes bugged out of their head.

They looked at you with the “okay, what happened next?” face.

“That’s it? Nothing in the works?”

“Well-” then the phone started ringing. “Ugh, fuck, let me get that,” and you trot to the phone on the wall near the kitchen. “Hello, Y/N speaking.”

“So you did give me the right number.” His voice sends chills down your spine in such a way that you want to lean against the wall and slide down.

“You thought I was going to give you a fake? I see how you think of me now, Brundle and I’m offended.” You can feel the cartoon hearts pop above your head after hearing his hearty laugh. He’s quickly turning you into a mush and you only spent one night with him.

“I was actually calling to see if I can take you on a proper date. We can do whatever you want, no issue, sweetheart.” you turn your head to see your roommate silently cheering you on, knowing you were on the phone with him.

“If I really have the choice, then what I would want to do would keep us cooped up in your apartment.”

“Easy there, tiger. You’ll be getting your fixins’, don’t you worry about a thing.” you could’ve screamed from the flirtiness alone. You’re too happy and pleased that you got to unlock this side of a man who used to show his introvertedness in front of you.

“Okay, okay, fine. We can take this slow, nothing too nice yet. Want to kick it old school and have a lunch date in your office? For old times sake?” Seth was silently celebrating while his voice gave a cool, calm, and collected answer.

“It’s a date.”

#seth brundle #the fly 1986 #the fly #jeff goldblum #imagine #seth brundle imagine #seth brundle x reader #smut #pining #professor trope

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ssivinee · 1 year ago

Text

✧Elapsed✧

BEBE! Bada Lee x F Reader: Two girls whose families were close at one point, but when their families lost touch, the girls almost forgot the other existed. You are just in time for their party, where you will perform and meet up with the past.

Word Count: 5k

Note: Tatter is portrayed as a MAJOR bitch in this so PLEASE do not take this seriously. this one has also been in my drafts for so long. OH and pov switches in this🤓. everyone's ages are also adjusted to the early 20s. the reader is older than Bada.

TW: Pertains smoking, alcohol usage, catholic religion?????

ANNOUNCEMENT: Reqs are closed for now!

Character Vision Board

"Are you telling me you came home last night, and the first thing you did was party with Haechan?" Yena asks as she sits on your bed with Yunah sitting at your desk, continuing to study for her finals. "I couldn't help it, okay? He asked me while picking me up, and I just went for it."

"Let her be. She came back from a work trip, dude," Yunah rolled her eyes at her sister.

"This is why you never ask Haechan for a favor. You're just gonna party at the end of the day."

You begin to text your cousin as you laugh at the two girls.

This made you laugh. "Dude, these finals are gonna kick my ass; I can already feel it in my bootyhole," Yunah complains, and while her sister gives her a disgusted face, you stifle a laugh, just staring at the two.

"I'm gonna have to head out soon, but you two can just wait for Jieun unnie if you want?" "Nah, I wanna study in the comfort of my room."

"Well, I have to make up a choreo for this week's dance class, so I'm just gonna head out as well."

The sisters began to pack and head out, hugging you as they exited the apartment. You started to change into a black velvet tracksuit set with just a white tank top underneath, then put on some slides as you drove to the studio.

When entering the building, you checked in and went to the room to see Soobin and Jihoon chilling on the black couch. "Hey~ Welcome back," Soobin hugs you as Jihoon continues writing in his notebook. "You can't even look away from the lyrics FOR TEN SECONDS to greet me, your ass," you say as he feels a slap on his head, forcing his cap downward, causing him to sigh.

"My bad, I've been struggling with this song and must finish it by Friday."

"When are you never struggling, dude?" You question as you tie your hair up into a messy bun. With the statement, Hoon flicks you off, causing a laugh to arise. "All jokes aside, why do you need it done by Friday? You never have a deadline for your music."

"It's for Mrs. Lee's birthday party," Soobin says casually, but you grow shocked at the familiar surname. "The Lees?"

"Bada reached out to me through Instagram, telling me she wanted a mini-concert for the surprise birthday party."

You think for a second. You remembered the girl's name but had not heard it for years.

The memories of hanging out with her often were there when you were kids since your families were close, but as you grew up, both sides drifted apart for some unknown reason.

"They said we're all invited too," Jihoon states while quickly writing notes. "Is that so?" You ask, confused, but the two nod in confirmation.

"Well, this weekend is gonna be interesting."

A WEEK BEFORE...

"So why is she coming out with us later rather than now?" Minah questions as she points at me as Bada paces around the room. "She's preparing for her mom's birthday party... Have you not been listening to her the past few weeks?" Lusher counters at the girl, pairing it with a massive eye roll.

"I have to get the invitations out and find some music," Bada mumbled, biting her lip in anxiety. "You still haven't found anyone?" Tatter asks her, and she shakes her head, "Why not try asking Park Jihoon?"

The tall dancer stares at her with a puzzled look as she shows her phone, "Park who?"

"You don't know Park Jihoon?" CheChe asks the older while thumping her forehead. "She barely knows anybody but us. What did you guys expect?" Minah points out while applying her gloss.

"Jihoon is super known on campus for his music. He has songs that aren't provocative, and he does small concerts at parties if you ask and pay him."

Kyma explains as you begin playing a few songs that didn't have the explicit next to them, and Bada admits that she found a good tracklist for the party already, plus she thought her mom would like it. "Alright, I guess I have to reach out."

She DMs Jihoon on Twitter, and thankfully, he responds within a minute.

"Well, he said yes, quick," She told the girls, and Minah shrieked. "We really get to meet Jihoon???" Lusher asks, almost as excited. "Yeah, and he says I don't even have to pay him; he just asked to bring his partners and friends."

"So strangers? Maybe you should ask him for names," Sowoen shares worryingly, and Bada agrees, going back to texting him.

While waiting for Jihoon's list, Bada returned to her computer, checked the lists of people, and sent out invites. That was until her phone got a notification. Since Tatter had her face ID on the phone, she opened it immediately to see Jihoon's friends.

"Bada... you're gonna have to see this," Tatter tells her surprisingly, causing the other girls to look at us curiously.

She rushingly checked the DM to find a list of nine names and saw familiar ones among the eight. "Choi's? Like the ones that used to hang out with us years ago?" Tatter takes Bada's phone and checks the first user, eyes widening. "Is this the Gyuhan Minhyun-oppa used to hang out with?"

The latter grabs the phone out of her hands and looks at the page. "Holy shit, no way," as soon as Tatter connected the dots, Bada checked their names on Instagram. She kept scrolling down to see the final one. "Y/n..." The page was private, but she would always remember that girl.

"Choi Y/n??? As in, the kid you used to hang with?" Tatter asked again as she checked the phone. Bada spaced off, trying to remember my last memory with the girl.

FLASHBACK

"Okay, so we're gonna have the girls line up and hold the basket of flowers; they'll slowly make their way to the altar," the project leader told the families, and the girls could be seen in pretty dresses.

It was for a holiday at church, and the girls had to dress up and get all pretty to walk around the church. Almost all the families were there, but they were missing one. You sat next to Yunah, wearing a velvet pale yellow dress with a white cardigan, while your cousin wore a long sage green dress as Yun was taller then.

Every family was only waiting for one more group, the Lee’s. They were a well-known family who always helped with fundraisers and beauty pageants. So everyone knew that the youngest girl in their family would wear the prettiest dress by far, and they weren't wrong.

Bada Lee entered in a light blue gown-like dress that reached the floor and white mini heels. She had her hair in a braided bun and wore a light pink gloss with mascara. Sure, it was minimalistic, but everyone always found Bada cute. You, on the other hand, were already growing into her features.

You were a year older, and many boys found you attractive. After all, you were a child model at some point, which should say a lot in itself. "Y/n!"

The two hugged, and Bada sat beside the two Choi's. "You look pretty in your dress, unnie," Bada compliments, but all you can do is look down with a whinny face starting to form. "Thanks, but I already wanna rip off the dress and set it on fire."

Bada giggles, but you were so serious deep down. Being at the now, age of 12, self-identity was a struggle.

Not that you hated the dresses. You even felt pretty in them. Still, there were times when they were beginning to become uncomfortable for you.

"Girls, we need a photo of you three, please," The three smiled wide, not knowing that was the last time the two families would see each other.

PRESENT TIME

Neither you nor Bada knew why the families stopped contacting each other. To their knowledge, Bada’s parents and your aunt were close friends, but that was the only thing keeping the two connected.

"So let's do your lines, then the adlibs for this song?" Soobin's voice was snapping me out of my trance. "Yeah," you sip the bottled water and head into the booth where she stayed for almost the rest of the night.

Once the three of you finished and headed home, you opened the door to be welcomed by Jieun unnie setting up the table for dinner. Once she notices you, she rushes forward with a tight hug, "Gosh, it's been so long."

"Unnie... it's been 3 weeks," you tell her sarcastically, and she hits your shoulder with a tiny grin. "Did you call Mom while you were there?"

You stayed silent momentarily, knowing you were about to be scolded whether or not you said the right thing. "Y/n!" "Unnie~ you know Mom is just gonna lecture me about dating a boy instead and tell me to take over the company, so why even stress myself."

She sighs, "Look, I understand speaking to her is frustrating, but one, it's not like you don't like men, and two, all you have to do is text her for her to at least know you're alive."

"I doubt she cares," you mumble as she gathers the last pot of food. Come on, let's just eat and talk about this later.

"Wait, unnie, did you know about the Choi's party?" She nods.

"Jihoon got us all invited," Jieun takes a bite of rice and meat, not noticing the smirk on your face. "So~ you excited to see Minhyun-oppa?" She chokes a little, making you rush to give her water.

"Don't do that~" Jieun keeps hitting me as you laugh. "How about you? You were a little close with Bada when you guys were younger."

Hearing that, you pause for a second. "I honestly don't know how to feel... it's been years, and I'm 95% sure it's gonna be awkward."

"Why do you think that?"

"Well, Bada wasn't the most outgoing either. We were both shy. She only hung out with that Tatter girl while I hung out with Yun and Ye. We only talked when we were comfortable with the people around us. I just know it's inevitable, unnie."

She nods in understanding, and you both continue to eat in comfortable silence.

The next day, you woke up, got ready with some coffee, and headed to the studio. You, Jihoon, and Soobin were working on 2 more songs today, and you had to tweak an individual project before sending it to a large record label. And that's what was done for the next few days leading up to the party.

It was the day before the party, and Tatter went to Bada's house as usual. Bada scrolled on her phone, taking a needed break from the hectic days due to the party planning while Tatter rummaged through the girl's entire closet.

Tatter was usually content with her style, but knowing the Chois were coming put her on the edge for some reason. It seemed like everyone was becoming like that due to them.

Minhyun seemed agitated and made sure he looked good in the mirror every day since Bada told him about the family coming over. Then Sunghoon kept cleaning his room and secretly bought alcohol for him and Haechan.

Bada seemed to be the only calm one in the house right now, not seeing what the big deal was.

"Why are you like this? It's people we used to know as kids, not celebrities or anything."

"That's what you'd think with a private Instagram," Tatter said as she walked out with one of the maxi dresses Bada owned. "But search Y/n on Twitter."

She returns to the closet, and as Bada is about to do what she is told, Minhyun stops by her room. "Does this shirt look good on me?" Bada peaks up at her older brother with a confused yet disgusted look.

"Uh, you look fine?"

"You're literally no help," Minhyun leaves disappointed. At the same time, Bada shrugs her brother's antics off and begins to search, but she finds this massive account just by typing half of your name on Twitter. She sees your partially covered profile pic, but Bada could tell you definitely grew up "nicely."

Maybe sexy was the better word for that.

Though, no matter how hard she looked, she found no other photos of you. You shared paintings, drawings, pottery, photography, and book quotes. Still, the most significant thing was the collaborations you've done.

Bada only discovered that you were a songwriter, producer, and singer. Even working on projects with prominent artists like SZA, Labrinth, Jhené Aiko, Dani Leigh, Giveon, and Khelani.

This intrigued Bada; she never knew you were so artistic. The things you created drew her in without even noticing she was in the depths of your Twitter. "Well?" Tatter comes out with the dress of her choice and sits next to her best friend.

"She's definitely something."

"More than something, she's sexy as hell," Bada knew Tatter was attracted to women. Still, she also knew her best friend had never pursued one. "Are you gonna make a move?"

"Nope, I'm gonna sit there, look pretty, and have her come to me," Bada shakes her head at her best friend's words, "Of course, that's your plan."

"It always works."

Well, let's just see about that.

"Yo, Y/n, what's the fit for the party?" Saerom asks, eyeing you as you stress over the wardrobe choices. Meanwhile, Mia's just chilling on the Choi’s couch, scrolling through her phone.

Mia's rocking dark blue denim shorts, a light blue long-sleeve vibe, and some killer platform sandals. Saerom, on the other hand, is flexing an ivory long-sleeved bodycon dress with off-the-shoulder action, paired with cute baby pink heels.

You, usually the style queen, are surprisingly indecisive today. "Why you lookin' so anxious?" Mia calls her out, but you keep it mysterious, not saying a word. Saerom and Mia exchange raised eyebrows, like, what's going on with you?

Finally, deciding on a fit: baggy ripped jeans, a tight-cropped white v-neck, and a Yankees jersey left unbuttoned. Mia's like, "Seriously? After all that stress, you pick something so casual? Work trip vibes, for real."

You grin, "Hey, sometimes you gotta make it look like you didn't try too hard." Saerom jumps in with a flirty smirk, "Impressive. Trying to keep it low-key, but still looking fine."

You fire back, "Well, what can I say?" Saerom chuckles, "If that's the case, I wanna steal you away for tonight." You laugh, "You know I'd let you, babes," you tell her, slightly joking.

You look at Saerom with a slick gaze. The flirting is nothing new. Mia then gags at the sight, "Can you two like not? At least not until we get to the party?"

You laugh and change, then slip into some air forces, "Are you ready to see her?" Saerom asks. She knew Bada existed in my life, but they were never friends.

As you were in your head, your phone began to ring, and you saw that Yena was calling me. "Yo, wassup?"

"Tell me how I saw Tatter at the store, and we didn't have the greatest interaction," you were taken aback, "THE Tatter? As in Bada’s other half, Tatter?"

"YES, what other Tatter is there?"

"Wait, so what happened?" You went to the kitchen to get a drink and sat on the bar stool. "So I was picking up some iced coffee for Yun and me when I was waiting for my order, and she walked in. Bro, I tried to be friendly, say hi, and ask her how she's been... SHE LOOKED AT ME UP AND DOWN, MADE A DISGUSTED FACE, AND THEN SHE RESPONDS 'I've been fine,' IN THE SNARKIEST TONE IVE EVER HEARD."

You reacted in disgust and scoffed, "Ew, dude." "I KNOW, RIGHT?"

"Just don't talk to her at the party later," You try to reason with her, but all she says is, "I wasn't planning on it," making you laugh. "Alright, I'll see you later, girlie." "Bye~"

You head back into the room and find Saerom applying lip gloss in front of the modern vanity, "What was that all about? I literally heard Yena screaming from all the way here."

"Apparently, she saw Bada's best friend, and it wasn't the greatest interaction." "Oh, what happened?" Mia perks up, loving to hear some tea. When you told them the situation, both of their faces went sour. "Ew."

"That's exactly what I said," you tell them, giggling at the similar reactions. "Makes me not want to go to that party, honestly," Saerom says.

"Hey, she's not gonna be the only one there. Maybe you can hook up with one of her friends," You tease Saerom, and she scoffs. "Please, you know there is only one person who knows how to please me, right," she raises her brow, and you reciprocate the same look, causing Mia to groan, "Ugh, not again, guys."

As the party was already beginning, Bada and her brothers were helping Jihoon set up the stage and equipment. He was the first out of his friends because he wanted to ensure there were no technical difficulties.

"You think appa is doing a good job distracting eomma?" Sunghoon asks his older siblings. "I mean, she hasn't texted us yet, so that's saying something," Bada tells the two, and they laugh in agreement.

"Yo, Soobin and Jaeseok are here. I need to help them get the setup out of the car," Jihoon tells us, walking through the driveway gate.

"So~ You guys ready for the Chois?" Minhyun oppa asks us. "I'm ready for the chaos they're probably gonna bring," Sunghoon smirks. "Kinda ready for some drama, too," Bada shrugs.

"Hey, girl~" Bada looks at the entrance to see her friends walking in with gifts in their hands, "Hey guys, just put everything on that table over there."

Soobin and Jaeseok begin to walk in with large boxes, with Jihoon behind them carrying Mics. "Hey, Soobin and Jaeseok," I say with a wave, and the two boys smile. "Wassup Bada," Soobin greets her with a hug while Jaeseok looks at her, "You grew up nicely, puppy," This causes Soobin to elbow him.

"Don't mind him. It's just Jae being Jae," Bada laughs at this cause of the nickname and knowing Jaeseok never changed as a child. "So when are your cousins getting here?" Minhyun oppa asks as he greets Soobin with a bro hug. "They should be here in about 30 minutes. Maybe 10 for Haechan. The dude can never resist being early to a party."

"He better get here soon 'cause I have whiskey in my room, and it's waiting for him," Sunghoon butts in. Bada rolls her eyes, and the girls help us set up to help with the time.

By our hour deadline, everything was finished, and family began to roll in. Bada went inside to prepare while Sunghoon and Minhyun oppa entertained the guests.

She wore a plaid mini-skirt, a baby pink tee, a white denim jacket due to the breeze, and some plain sneakers. Then, she styled her hair in a simple high ponytail to complete the outfit.

As she returned to the living room, Bada saw all the girls waiting for her, and Tatter excitedly ran up. "They're here. I REPEAT they're here." She moves over to the window in the front and sees two cars with a group coming out of each. That's when her eyes landed on the familiar individual.

As if on queue, her heart begins to race, and the palms of her hands get sweaty. You were even prettier than I imagined you to be... also taller than she thought.

No way she was gonna survive this day without having a tiny panic attack.

The Chois enter through the back, greeted by some Lee family members. "Holy shit, is that who I think it is?" The cousins hear a familiar voice and turn to the backyard door to see the infamous Lee Sunghoon.

"Yo, Hoon! What's up?" Haechan gives him a bro hug. "Dude, long time no see," you greet him with a small hug, "Don't mind me, gonna help Jihoon with final touches."

Sunghoon stares as you walk away and turns back to Haechan, "Bro, she's so fine now."

Haechan's face goes sour, "That's literally my cousin. Shut up, please." "Besides, she likes women more than men," Yena perks up and kills Sunghoon's mood slightly. "You were always so fun, Ye," both give each other a sarcastic smile. "See, that's why Yunah was my favorite."

"You're not my favorite, though," she butts in again, killing Sunghoon's mood. "I'm hurt."

Jaeseok laughs at the interaction, but before anyone can say anything, Bada and her friends come out, and she rushes to the mic. "Guys, eomma is coming home with appa in a minute. So we would appreciate it if you guys get ready to surprise them."

You look to the front of the stage and see the middle child. Safe to say, you were mesmerized by Bada. You couldn't help but check the girl out as she gave the announcement. "Take a picture. It'll last longer," Jieun says as she sips her juice. "I just might," the latter smirked, causing her older sister to choke on the drink and elbow her. "OUCH."

Everyone began to hide, and as people heard the more mature voices, they all got ready in anticipation. "Oh, jagi, did the kids do this for me?" A woman's voice could be heard, and that's when everyone pops out.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The Lee couple comes into everyone's view, and tears can be seen in Mrs. Lee's eyes. Once she sees this, Bada runs up to her mom for a hug while her siblings are behind her.

This puts a smile on your face, a daughter with a loving mother. Something you wish you had at times. The family then tells everyone to enjoy themselves and go eat.

You then go over to the family and greet their mother with a happy birthday. "Oh my gosh, Choi Y/n? How has the family been?" You smile as you hug her. "My cousins and I have been good, but I'm unsure about my eomma and ajumani." Before the older woman could reply, Jihoon called you over for the song that had to be performed.

"You're gonna sing for me?" Mrs. Lee gets excited and smiles as you nod. "Well, come get a drink later and catch up with Bada." She hugs her daughter, causing you to grin, and says, "I'd like that."

Bada's face forms a rosiness at the seductive tone and lingering gaze.

You hop on stage and smile at the crowd, "Hello, I'm Choi Y/n, and today I'll perform 'Longevity' with my cousin Soobin and best friend Jihoon."

The youngsters crowd around the stage and jam out as Bada joins her friends. "Did you know she can sing?" Kyma asks while jamming, "No, actually."

"Well, she's hella good, too," Lusher says as she jumps. The Lee couldn't agree more with her. Your voice had a raspiness to it, and she noticed Tatter looked like she was about to eat you up.

After a few songs, you and Jihoon stopped as Bada, her friends, her twin, and the Choi cousins went inside to drink since the party in the yard was full of kids and older adults.

The two singers walk in, and the group cheers for them, "You guys were sick as always," Soobine tells them. "Thanks, Binnie." You make a rum and coke, then greet Bada with a wave. "How are you?"

"I've been good," the two give each other a quick side hug, and Bada whiffs your fruit-like scent. You sit near her and beside Yunah, while Tatter sits beside Bada. Jieun, Minhyun, and some older friends were still outside with other guests, not wanting to be with the "youngins."

You all chat a little, even catching up with Bada. The multiple topics discussed led to talk about school. "You're in uni, right? What are you majoring in?"

"English," Y/n pauses, "You seem more like a performing arts kinda girl, no?"

Bada thinks, "I could be pursued to change majors." You smirked at her and were about to tell her how fun it was, but you got a call. Seeing the name causes you to roll your eyes, "Sorry, let me take this call."

You walk out the front door and answer the call, "Yes, eomma?"

"So you weren't even going to invite us to that party?" You scoff and furrow your brows. "It's not my party to invite you to; only Jihoon invited us."

"You're still hanging out with that lazy no future singer? I told you several times to stop being friends with him."

"And I've told you you can't control me like your puppet many times. If that's all you called me for, I will go."

"Wait, Y/n, I'm not finished-" you immediately hung up. The wave of anger washes over you, and you take a puff of the flavored smoke.

"Isn't it bad for a singer to smoke?" You hear a voice behind you, and you turn to surprisingly see Tatter walking over to you. "Eh, I'll manage."

"So~ You did amazing out there, by the way." "Thanks." You cut short, seeing her twirl a strand of hair around her finger. She gives you these seductive eyes, "So, are you seeing anyone right now?"

"Uh, no?" You shift slightly, remembering not liking the story Yena told me about their interaction. "Well, do you maybe wanna go out sometime?"

"No, thank you."

Tatter moves back in shock, "Wha- what, why?"

"Not really looking for anything right now," You make up on the spot, and she smirks, "This could be a casual thing?"

"Again, no, thank you," you head back into the house, leaving her there. As you sat back in my seat, Tatter was storming into the house, angrily making her way up the stairs to the second floor. Bada's face is painted in concern, "let me go check up on her."

After she leaves your side, you decide to get food with Yena and catch up with Gyuhan and Minhyun. As you ate some noodles, Bada came out and said, "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"

She pulls you to the side as you continue to eat, "Can I ask what happened between you and Tatter? She told me not to worry about it, but I just wanted to ensure it was all good."

"Your friend tried to make a move on me, and I said no," you say bluntly. "Sorry to say, but my cousin and her didn't have the best interaction, and I didn't want to deal with that."

"That's fair, actually. I thought it was worse than that."

"Sorry about her, though," you wave her off as if it wasn't her fault. "Wait, you like girls?" You pause at the sudden question, "Yeah."

"How'd you know?" You stare at Bada for a few seconds, "Are you questioning your sexuality, Bada?"

She plays with her hands in nervousness, "Kind of." You smile at her, "And that's okay. You have to go through with it yourself. Someone usually makes you realize it, though."

"I see," she thinks for a second, "We should go back to drink a little bit."

"Sure," you giggle at her nervousness.

After a few hours, everyone had a few drinks, and you could tell Bada was feeling it as her flirtiness became bolder after every sip of the alcohol. She would caress your arm if you made a joke, stare at your eyes and lips, biting her lips after her little giggles.

It almost drove you mad.

You excuse yourself to use the bathroom and go upstairs. After doing your business, you washed my hands. You heard a knock on the door, "Hold on!"

As you dry your hands, you open the door to find Bada rushing inside. "I need to know if I like girls now."

You stood there shocked, almost not knowing what to say, "How do you want me to help you?"

The two of you stood there for a few seconds as you waited for an answer when suddenly Bada grabbed your face and aggressively kissed you.

Your eyes widened open in shock. You couldn't reciprocate fast enough as she pulled away. "Are you not okay with this? Like I can always stop-"

Without another thought, you pulled her in by the waist as your lips attacked hers. Your bodies generate some heat, and you carry her hips to set her on the sink counter.

"I've been waiting for this ever since I walked through that gate," you mumble into her lips. You feel a smirk form on her lips and think more devious because of this. Your tongue made its way to hers, showing clear dominance as it played with hers. The wet feeling makes it difficult for either of you to keep your hands off each other.

Bada moaned at the feeling, grinding her hips onto your body as she pulled you closer, wrapping her arms around your neck. Your hands placed themselves on her waist, and Bada almost whimpered at the feeling of your grip. You bit down on her bottom lip, slightly, and moved your way to her neck.

The girl bit her lip, trying to keep in any whimpers or moans that could possibly leave her mouth, trying to make the least amount of noise. Your hands were about to unbutton her skirt, but you paused as you both heard Tatter's voice outside the bathroom, making you pull away slightly. "Will your friend be okay with this?"

"She doesn't have to know," Bada says, causing you to smirk. "I didn't know you were so naughty, Bada," you teased, and she smiled.

You help her fix up, knowing people would look for you two. You adjust Bada's top with your long fingers, pulling the shirt down a little as she stares at herself in the mirror. "Well, did I help answer if you liked girls?"

"Oh, most definitely."

Fun Fact: this was originally a Yeji fic🙈.

Taglist (OPEN): @bada-lee-ily @froufrousnowman @amararosesblog @tikitsune @nimixe @lorenztired @sammybeefangirls @cephox @1luvkarina

#ssivinee #street woman fighter 2 #bada lee #swf2 #bada lee x reader #street woman fighter x reader #bebe #bada lee x y/n #bada lee x fem reader #bada x reader #swf 2 x reader #swf 2 #swf2 x reader

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son-of-a-top-gun · 1 year ago

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Sky's the Limit (part 1)

Hello all, so I rewatched Top Gun Maverick last night and was inspired to finally finish this enemies-to-lovers series I've had in my drafts for literally months featuring everyone's fav sexy asshole Hangman!

Warnings: two idiots as usual, Jake being arrogant, innuendo, author fem!reader

Sky's The Limit

You take off your glasses and slump your face into your hands. You had been staring at the same blank document for the last two hours and still had not typed a single word. You hear the bar door swing open and chatter filling the bar, but you do not look away, instead keeping your face in your palms.

When your Aunt Penny had offered you the chance to stay with her in sunny San Diego over the summer to finish your long-awaited second book, you practically leapt at the chance. Back in New York, your agent, publisher and frankly every literary magazine were rabidly awaiting the next brilliant idea from bestselling debut author ‘Sky Bentley’. What you couldn’t tell them was that ‘Sky’ didn’t have a single clue what that brilliant idea was. So you had leapt at the chance to not be Sky, just for a little bit, while you tried to figure out your next steps.

You had only been in San Diego less than 12 hours before scuttling down to the Hard Deck. You had loved spending your summers here as a teenager, but hadn’t managed to come back since graduating from NYU. You had tried writing in the house this morning, but Amelia had some friends around and you couldn’t think with all their excitable chatter, so here you were. You knew the bar was pretty empty during the day, but the day was rapidly turning to evening and it was becoming less quiet. But you could tune it out. Until.

“You know darlin’, this is a bar not a library right?”

***

When Jake Seresin walked into the Hard Deck that day, he had assumed it was just another quiet evening as usual. He had strolled over to the pool table as usual, confident that he would win, as usual, when something caught his eye. Unusual.

There was a person sat in a booth, who was…working? It was hard to discern much, except they were wearing a baggy Top Gun T-shirt and what looks like short shorts, although they are sitting cross legged so it’s hard to tell. Judging by this and the messy bun, he thought it might be a girl, but he wasn’t not sure. They had a computer out, but their head was slumped in their hands, with glasses strewn to the side. He had never seen anyone try to work in the Hard Deck in the whole time he has been coming here, especially not at 5pm on a Friday.

“Who’s that?” He asked Javy, who is setting up the balls.

“Damned if I know.” Jake looked over in thought. Javy elbows Payback. “Hey, maybe we’ve found a girl in California that Hangman has managed not to sleep with.” Phoenix coughs. “Except you of course, Natasha.”

Jake smirked and started walking over. He loved a new game.

“Well, not for long.” Javy sighed. Nat considered the scene more closely. She had a good feeling about this.

“How much are you willing to bet?”

***

“Sorry?”

When you finally remove your hands, your vision is still blurry. You can tell there’s some sort of guy in front of you, in what looks like Navy uniform. Fantastic. It was hard to tell as you looked around for your glasses, but you had dealt with enough of these kinds of guys at family parties. Just another meathead who would say the same old shit as they always did.

“Pardon my manners, sweetheart but you seem to be lost. The library is -” Before he can finish, you cut him off.

“Oh yes, actually, I think I am lost. I thought I was at the Hard Deck, but from the looks of you this is where Chippendales go to die? I hope you don’t mind but I’m not interested in whatever you’re selling, thanks.”

You hear him laugh a little.

“I’m pretty sure we’re the same age.”

You look around for your glasses.

“Sure, whatever the Viagra guys keep telling you, buddy.” You can see him fold his arms out of the corner of your eye, but you ignore him, continuing to search for your glasses. Silence ensues for what seems like forever.

“I think you’re looking for these, Grandma.” He hands you your glasses, and you snatch them out of his hands.

“Thanks.” You put them on. You see him properly now. He’s tanned, blond and incredibly handsome, like he’s walked straight out of a Hollister ad. He leans back, arms still folding and biceps definitely flexing and your heart skips a little. Sure, it had been a while since you had gotten some, but then he smirks and it’s clear that he’s the sort of handsome asshole who knows how good-looking he is. You roll your eyes and straighten up, folding your laptop.

“I’ve gotta go. It was a real displeasure meeting you,” You stand up, but before you can turn around, you hear a familiar voice.

“Ladybug! It’s you!”

“Bradley?” At this point Bradley Bradshaw swans into the bar, wearing one of his usual god awful Hawaiian shirts and plants a kiss on the top of your head.

“Ladybug?” Navy Ken raises an eyebrow. Bradley turns and rolls his eyes.

“Oh, I should have known you’d be sniffing around here already.” Bradley turns back to you. “You’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bagman, I see?”

“Bagman?” You mimic Bagman’s expression, complete with raised eyebrow.

“It’s Hangman. Although most people know me as Lieutenant Jake Seresin.” Jake winks at you. “At your service.” You scoff.

“If I’m at your service, I think I’ll rather die.”

At this point Bradley lets rip with a belly laugh, placing a hand on a bare stretch of your arm. You swear you see Hangman’s jaw tense a little.

“How do you two know each other again?”

“Me and Ladybug grew up together.”

“We’re old family friends. Bradley used to babysit me and my sister when we were little.”

“And look at you all grown up now, some bigshot fancy auth-” You shoot him a glare. Bradley is one of the few people in the world you’ve trusted with your secret, and you explicitly told him not to tell anyone. You just wanted a summer to be normal, with no pressure.

“Fancy what?” Jake looks you up and down.

“Academic. She’s a pHD student.” Bradley says immediately. Damn, that was quick, you think to yourself. You look up at him. Was Bradley always this good at lying?

“Yeah. English lit. Here working on my thesis.You wouldn’t be interested.” You make sure to put extra venom in the ‘you’.

Bagman’s furrowed brow offers a little fake smile, but before he can retort, Bradley leads you over to the other aviators. While you are a little tense going into the group of navy guys, most of them are immediately friendly. You struggle to remember everyone’s real names and call signs, but they don’t seem to mind. In particular, the girl, who is called Natasha, links arms and drags you off to a corner.

“Thank god you’re here. It will be nice to have another woman in the midst.”

“Honestly, it would be nice to just have someone who isn’t a pilot”. Her lanky WSO pipes up. “I heard you were doing a English lit degree.”

“Oh, er, yeah. It’s Bob right?” I mean it was sort of true. Except you had completed said degree about five years ago, but it certainly helped as Bob started enthusiastically talking about books. He was cute, and you were trying to reply, but you found it hard to focus when you could feel a certain pair of green eyes boring into you from the other side of the pool table. You deliberately refused to look in Hangman’s direction the rest of the night, until you couldn’t stand it any longer.

You stride over and gently put your hand on the guy who you think is called Fanboy.

“Do you mind if I take this?” You pick up the cue. He nods and you turn back to Hangman. “Right, are you going to play me or what?”

He tilts his head in disbelief. “Darlin’ are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Well, darlin’ If it means you stop staring at me like a wounded puppy all night, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The rest of the squad have all dropped their conversations to turn and stare at the two of you.

“Suit yourself.” He sets up the balls to break, before leaning over to whisper in your ear. “Just remember if it gets too much, you can always beg me to stop, Ladybug.”

You try not to react. After all, it’s better he thinks like this. Having watched him play the last few games, he was clearly a very good player, but you knew you have to play the player, not the game. As you break, the game begins fairly normally. He manages to pot a few in quick succession, looking visibly relaxed with a gloating smile over his beer. You deliberately shuffle, and readjust until you can tell he’s stopped looking at you. This is the time you make your move, potting several balls to take a significant lead. Jake turns back suddenly, his jaw slackening a moment before regaining composure. You can hear Bradley stifle a snigger. Being dragged around from base to base with few kids your age to play with meant that Bradley had grown up watching you whoop the ass of everyone you played at pool since the age of eight.

“Something funny, Rooster?” Jake’s head swivels around.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

Jake starts playing more ferociously, almost clawing it back until you’re both got two balls left. You walk past.

“If it gets too much, you can always beg me to stop.” You look him up and down, before you whisper in his ear. “I like a man on his knees.” Jake’s cheek flushes and with that you pot the final two, claiming victory. You yawn. “I think I need to head home, but it was lovely to meet you all. Well almost all of you.” You blow a kiss to Jake, before waving goodbye and swiftly leaving after giving Bradley a hug. The rest of the group stand in stunned silence.

Jake raises one hand. “Don’t say anything.”

****

Jake lies on his bed. He couldn’t sleep. This was unusual. Well, not the not sleeping part. He always struggled to get asleep. At least, when he was sleeping alone. That’s why he made an effort not to. But tonight was different.

For one, it was rare for him to be alone in bed on a Friday night. But he had been so distracted, he hadn’t even managed to follow up with the pretty blonde who had asked for his number at the bar.

He couldn’t stop thinking about your stupid face.You and your stupid face and stupid glasses and stupid lips and the stupid way you said on your knees-

He got up and paced around the room.

This would simply not do.

Not only were you completely infuriating, but you beat the great Jake Seresin at pool. Bradley said you were here for the whole summer. So Jake had some time to get his own back. But how? He had noticed something odd about the way you looked at Bradley when he mentioned your pHD. Something was up, Jake could just tell, and he was going to get to the bottom of it. But not before he had a cold shower first.

part two

#jake seresin x y/n #top gun maverick #top gun fanfiction #top gun hangman #hangman x reader #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin #hangman top gun #jake hangman seresin x reader

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blue-jisungs · 2 years ago

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childish honesty

author's note. okay phew this has been rotting in my drafts since JULY??? the main reason of not posting was literally no idea for the title bye. anyways i hope you enjoy, esp you @l3visbby since this is the chan work i’ve been talking about 💀

big shout out to my beloved @planetkiimchi for proofreading, ilysm and thank you so so much <3 i really appreciate it 🥹

summary. there’s a cute guy who’s literally perfect. everything starts to work out when your little secret comes out // or in which you always adored children’s honesty but fail to do the same

summary. 7894

warnings. swearing, alcohol consumption + one scene in a club but nothing too wild, mention of cheating. a bit angsty :) chan is a bit of an ass but then again, he kind of has a reason….. + some cameos <3

biting the inside of your cheek deep in thought, your friend – jeongyeon – noticed you’re drifting away. tapping the back of your hand gently, warm smile on her lips. your other friend, jihyo, scoffed.

“and you’re gone again… don’t tell me he’s on your mind” she sighed dramatically. a blush crept on your face since you were caught.

“girl, you were supposed to relax! clear your head! go wild!” jeongyeon grunted and broke into a mischievous giggle “well, the last one is for later”

“we know you love him but please, stop thinking about him. for once…” jihyo pouted “i’ll get jealous!”

“okay, you know i love you both” you smiled, grabbing their hands “i’m sorry. you know how it is”

“well… we don’t. but we understand, we know what you’ve been through. that’s why you need a break” jeongyeon said and jihyo nodded in agreement “aaaand we need to find you a new man”

“huh?” you blinked, reaching for your coffee cup.

“oh come on, don’t act like you don’t understand” jihyo winked and you almost choked on the hot beverage. the action made your friends laugh “what?! that’s not what i meant…” you grunted but your reaction spoke for yourself.

“now that i think about it… jihyo, do you remember chan? from our company? he’s in another department but he’s the manager, you should know him” jeongyeon hummed, tapping her fingers against her coffee cup. you stole a glance at your phone. no one texted you.

“of course i do! i love chan, he’s so cute and good in what he does… wait” the corners of jihyo’s lips curled into a mischievous smile “oh…”

“oh indeed” jeongyeon smirked, both of them slowly looking at you.

“what?” you asked and your attention was quickly dismissed when your phone buzzed. the girls in front of you exchanged sly looks with each other and nodded in agreement.

“okay! let’s go to my place and change up, hm? it’s friday night, i already thought of a party plan” jihyo smacked the table energetically and stood up from the seat, going over to pay for the coffee.

“where does she get this energy from…” you murmured as you texted back. jeongyeon smiled and stood up too, waiting for you.

“yeah… no…” you grunted, swirling the drink in your hand. squeezing your phone between your cheek and your arm, you looked for your lipgloss hidden somewhere in the bag.

you wanted to finish talking before your friends come back with even more drinks. it was hard to hear jooyeon’s rambles due to the loud music booming in the club.

“‘m sorry, can you speak a bit louder?” you asked and managed to find your lipgloss “or just…”

“y/n!” you heard jihyo’s shouts

“sorry, baby, i need to go!” you said

“but…” jooyeon whined and you sighed apologetically.

“i’ll call you in the morning, okay?” you hummed and were met with a soft, sad hmpf. quickly hanging up, you pretended to use your phone as a mirror while holding the lipgloss.

“we’re back, ta-dam!” jeongyeon put the drinks on the table and shot you a suspicious glance “do you even see anything?”

“no… not really” you giggled and put your phone down, gulping down your previous drink “i’ll be right back!”

entering the bathroom you felt a sinking feeling in your stomach. you really shouldn’t have hung up so early. what if it was important? what if he needed help… what if he needed you?

quickly fixing your lipgloss, you shook your head. you shouldn’t think about it so much. the girls went out with you to have fun so just for a night you could forget about him, right?

after hiding the lipgloss in your mini bag; zipping it so the small electric guitar keychain dingled gently, you left the bathroom.

right away you felt your legs tripping or just the impact of someone bumping into you, you weren’t sure. before you could fall, a surprised yelp reached your ears and two hands held you sturdily by your waist.

“i’m sorry, i should have watched where i was going” a male voice rung in your ears, causing you to squirm away from his hold. he let go, shaking his head “sorry”

“that’s okay, it was my fault too” you nodded and looked at his face. the red neon lights in the club didn’t help you in analysing his features but from what you saw now, he was handsome. his mouth opened and you could sense he’d apologise again but suddenly jihyo’s favourite song came on.

you just nodded for the second time and turned around, the man’s gaze following you – unbeknownst to you.

quickly joining your friends you went to the dance floor, finally starting to relax and temporarily forget about your worries.

arriving at your place, head pumping like crazy, you slowly opened the front door. it was around 10am, saturday morning. quietly entering the kitchen and painfully slowly opening the upper cabinet so it doesn’t creak—

“mom is back!”

you sighed. mission failed.

turning around with a smile you were met with jooyeon’s body launching at you.

“easy there” you giggled and last minute kneeled down, so he could hug you properly. his small hands wrapped around your neck, lips smooching your cheek “missed me that much?”

“duh! it’s boring without you!” jooyeon grinned cheekily and leaned away. then you registered someone leaning over the kitchen counter.

“jooyeonnie, could you maybe pick up the toys in the living room? quick, so mom won’t see the mess” the feminine voice was gentle and soft, as always.

“oh shoot, the toys!” jooyeon yelled out, causing you to scrunch your face. as he ran out of the room, you stood up and sent yuna a warm smile.

“thank you…” you sighed, grabbing a glass of water

“i can see the party was nice” she giggled, observing you “do you need me to stay longer? it’s not…”

“no, absolutely not. i already asked you for too much… but thank you so much” you shook your head as a no, putting the mini bag on the countertop.

yuna was jooyeon’s babysitter. she was a first year university student so the deal was great for three of you: jooyeon loved her (and vice versa), she got to earn some money and you had the opportunity to spend your time with friends or stay overtime without any stress. but hey! it was friday, today it’s saturday and yuna, such a young and lovely girl, definitely shouldn’t miss out on her free time on you two. plus your hangover.

“i’ve got this” you nodded and handed her the cash. she looked at you worried, then stealing a glance at jooyeon who already got distracted with something else.

“if you need anything please let me know…” yuna smiled politely.

“i need you to rest now” you chuckled and patted her arm “i’ve got this, really. have a nice day, yuna. jooyeon, say bye to aunt yuna!”

“bye bye!” he yelled out and ran up to her, grinning and reaching his hand out. they did a high five and yuna left, a sweet smile on her lips. to think she was one year younger than you when jooyeon— “where were you?” jooyeon crossed his hands and cocked an eyebrow, watching you. finishing your water you started looking for some medicine.

“with auntie jihyo and jeongyeon…” you started slowly, trying to focus and figure out what to say “… having a fun time. girls’ night out, you know?”

“mhm…” he hummed, dark irises glued to you “then why do you smell so… gross?”

you scoffed, the package with painkillers dropping from some hidden spot behind glasses.

“we were dancing and having drinks… and when i left, aunties were still sleeping so i didn’t want to wake them up with the loud shower” you explained, taking the meds “is it that bad?”

“yeah. take a shower, you stink” jooyeon ordered and turned around, happily going back to the living room and whatever he was doing with the play-dooh. kids are so honest, don’t you just love them?

following his orders you showered, fighting your eyelids. oh a nap… nap would be great right now.

leaving the bathroom, already in your comfy clothes, you shuffled slowly to find jooyeon. he was scribbling something in a colouring book.

“i think i’ll take a nap, joo. wanna go with me?” you asked quietly. his eyes lit up and he dropped the crayons, grabbing your hand instead

“of course, let’s go!” he exclaimed, leading you to your bedroom. jooyeon was old enough to sleep in his own bed but if he had the chance to sleep with you… on the biiiig bed… there’s no way he’d miss it for the world.

soon enough you were falling asleep with mr wolfy, jooyeon’s plushie, by your side.. and nugget, his another plushie. and five other plushies. and, above all, with your son snuggled comfortably next to you.

chan typed furiously, engrossed in his task. he didn’t even realise when felix walked into the room.

“hey, chan?”

he looked up, taken aback.

“what’s up?” chan asked, smiling softly. his features softened, looking at felix’s pensive face.

“see, i was talking to jihyo… you know, the other manager…” felix started. chan nodded — obviously he knew her. they meet once a month at the monthly evaluation “do you happen to be willing to go on a blind date?”

chan froze, eyes widening. he let out a nervous laugh, scratching his head.

“what is this about?” he asked, felix breaking into a smile.

“well you’re single, right? and apparently jihyo has a friend… so we just thought…” felix drifted off and took a deep breath “listen, i know i’m in no place to say it. but you’re my friend, we’ve known each other for years. and i feel like you should give it a shot. just once”

“but…” chan started, still not fully realising what’s going on

“don’t worry about it, i’m sure you’ll do well. literally everyone likes you, you know? me and jihyo can set up the date, just let me know if… that’s okay” felix breathed out, smiling softly. chan looked down and shook his head, shrugging.

“okay. just this once and only because you’re so kind about it” he scoffed. felix’s face lit up, eyes sparkling with joy.

“really?” he asked in shock. chan looked back at him and smiled

“really. but while you’re so euphoric, don’t forget to send me those audio files of the songs, okay?” chan dead serious. his friend nodded enthusiastically, leaving the room.

what the hell did he just agree to…?

fidgeting with his fingers chan stared at the people in the café. it was cozy, cutely decorated and full of plants. it’s not like he wasn’t here before, it was his friend’s cafe – seungmin’s. he knew all the staff, he was there to help with the decor and all. hell, he often worked there on his laptop with headphones in, in his own world (even though seungmin hated when he did that, apparently he scared the customers away)

he took a deep sigh and looked over at the counter. seungmin along with his two workers, momo and minho sent him thumbs up. of course, they knew about the date, felix had told them.

the door opened and he looked up, excited and nervous at the same time. his features dropped once he noticed it was an elder lady. letting out a scoff he checked the time. well, he was the one who was a bit earlier. would you be on time? or show up at all? he was thinking about–

“excuse me? are you chan?”

he looked up, blinking slowly. oh wow. you… you looked stunning.

“oh. yeah. yeah, that’s me” he nodded and stood up, reaching his hand out “y/n, i assume? jihyo’s friend?”

“yes” you smiled and shook his hand, sitting down “did you wait long?”

“oh, no… not really” he scratched his neck, glancing at his friends. they all sent him thumbs up “here’s the menu…”

“thank you. oh wow, the choices are…” you giggled nervously, reading all the drink and dessert descriptions. jooyeon would definitely like strawberry boom, whatever that was.

“i know, right?” chan tilted his head and adored your features. when jihyo said you’re pretty, he didn’t give it a much thought. he’d say the same thing about felix or his other friends too. but you… you were really angelic. and your smile was so sweet, he never wanted to see it disappear– “hm?”

“i’ll just go for an americano for now” you said and looked up “what about you?”

“i’ll get the strawberry cake, it’s really good. well, actually my friend owns the cafe so…” chan mumbled “… um, yeah. depends what you like, the lemon muffin is good too!”

“okay, if you recommend it then i’ll take it” you shot him a smile and before you could walk up to the counter, someone arrived at the table. your eyes widened upon seeing momo, a friend of jeongyeon’s. you talked a couple of times, she’s really nice but you didn’t know she worked here. in fact, didn’t she work at some dance studio…?

“hi, can i take your order?” she asked sweetly. chan’s gaze was focused on you. it warmed your heart because, well… momo was gorgeous. and he chose to look at you? a small thing but still…

“yes, i’ll take the strawberry cake and espresso. and for this beautiful lady, americano and lemon muffin” chan said, sending you a boyish smile. momo nodded

“iced or warm?” she asked you, winking.

“iced, please” you hummed and realised you still have your purse hung over your arm. momo walked away and you took the purse off, hanging it on the back of the chair.

“sorry if i’m awkward, i haven’t been on a date in a while” you chuckled and noticed chan’s gazed glued to your purse.

“the keychain” he hummed, pointing at it. you grabbed your purse and showed him the electric guitar keychain that was attached to the zipper “it’s cute”

“thank you. it’s a gift from a family member, i carry it everywhere” you hummed and watched chan’s eyes widen.

“were you perhaps at a party last week?” he asked, giggling when your face turned into shock while nodding “oh! so this is the mystery person i bumped into”

“what?!” you laughed loudly, uncontrollable grin plastered on your face “no way! i didn’t see your face then…”

“well me too but i remembered the guitar chain. i’m kind of a music freak… well, i do music for passion and work so it just… it just caught my eye” chan hummed, pointing at the item again “do you play?”

“oh, i used to when i was younger. and then boom, adult life, work, uni… i had to sell it to make ends meet. so, sadly, not anymore” you explained and nodded your head slowly. it was true.

however, a fact was that jooyeon gave it to you. well, he bought it somewhere when he was on a trip with his kindergarten. music ran in his veins ever since he was little. you still have those cute videos when he was younger and used pot lids as drum plates–

“–for a living?” chan’s question brought you back to life. momo arrived and placed your orders. letting out a small, amazed gasp you took out your phone to snap a picture. you’d show it later to jooyeon. maybe one day you could visit the café with him.

“i work in corpo. numbers, numbers and numbers. i wanna change my job but eh… is it worth the risk?” you answer and your life flashes in front of your eyes when your wallpaper appears on your phone.

obviously, it’s your son but you hoped chan didn’t see it. so you try to act like nothing happened: “this muffin is so cute i need to take a picture”

“honestly, understandable. if it wasn’t my millionth time here, i’d snap pics too” he hummed and realised that ever since you exchanged greetings, he would not stop smiling.

“done! ah, yours looks appetising too” you nod, the big strawberry on his cake as red as the guitar on your keychain.

as you two dive into the desserts, you continue your conversation. you’re surprised to come to a conclusion that after such a long time of not having dates, you weren’t stressed. and… you’re having fun?

jooyeon was doodling something next to you with his tongue stuck out while you were in the phone with jihyo and jeongyeon.

“so?! how was it?!” the former practically yelled, causing your son to look up curiously. he twirled his small pointer finger next to his temple and muttered “she’s crazy”, causing you to scoff and pat his head.

“weeell… it was nice. chan himself is veery handsome but also, so kind? it is a little suspicious now that i think about it” you hummed, subconsciously smiling at your son

“noo, please! we’ve known him for a while and trust me, this man doesn’t have a single bad bone in his body. a green flag, if you will” jengyeon whined “tell us more though!”

“well, we talked… had a nice dessert… and talked more. oh and also, we were at the café momo works at!” you said and stood up, going somewhere distant so jooyeon wouldn’t hear your next words

“we know, we did this on purpose so she could tell us the truth in case you ran away or something…” jihyo laughed, causing you to scoff “and girl! she told us you two just wouldn’t shut up! she said she could feel the chemistry from all the way over there”

a blush crept at your cheeks. was is that visible? he’s just… so cute. and smart. and funny. and–

“did you tell him?” jeongyeon cut in, long silence meeting her question. you could hear the heavy sigh she left “y/n–“

“i know but i panicked! it’s like a biggest turn off for a guy, no? like personally, i’d run away” you mumbled looking over at joo engrossed in his task, swinging his feet and humming happily “i’ll tell him next time, i promise”

“you better. WAIT, NEXT TIME?!” jihyo yelled out and all you could hear were squeals and screams. jooyeon jumped off the chair and grabbed the paper sheet he was drawing on

“yes, next time. we’re having a second date next week and he gave me his number” you squealed too, unable to control the excitement. jooyeon grinned and run up to you, handing you the paper with anticipation.

he drew both of you with guitars in your hands. well, you were also holding hands. a lot of hearts and something that looked like a wolf in the corner. there was also a big, crooked but colourful ‘for my beatifull mommy’.

you leaned down and pressed a kiss onto his forehead.

“thank you, my little rockstar. i love you” you hummed, deciding to ignore the typo he made. it’s the gesture that counts.

the next date was a surprise. chan texted you to meet at their company, and because you work close, you agreed. he told you you two would drive for an hour, but he promised it’d be worth the wait.

leaving jooyeon with yuna (who complimented your outfit from head to toe, as if she was the one taking you on said date), you were off.

you arrived at the jyp building, almost pretty sure that jeongyeon and jihyo were watching you somewhere from their offices.

chan was standing there, in his suit and tie loosened a bit with a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand. you gasped and that caught his attention, turning around.

“oh, you’re here!” he smiled brightly. approaching him, you noticed the flowers were probably a picked set; petals mostly white and in pink shades “this is for you~”

“oh… oh wow. i’m… woah, thank you” you smiled widely, warmth spreading across your body. you couldn’t remember the last time a man gave you flowers (except jooyeon, every year on mother’s day… and literally every time he saw a pretty flower and picked it) “they’re are really beautiful”

“i know, right? i thought about you when i saw them but… you’re prettier” chan smiled cheekily and blood rushed to your cheeks. mumbling a quiet, almost incoherent ‘thank you’ he giggled, pointing at something “my car is parked over there. i didn’t think this through though because there’s no water. hopefully the flowers won’t dry out”

“even if they do, i’ll keep them. dried petals really have their own charm” you hummed, smelling them. you followed chan to his car and he opened the door for you with a charming smile. the vehicle itself was way bigger and more expensive than your own. and way more comfortable. and clean. well, chan probably didn’t have a messy five year old to begin with so maybe that’s why. or maybe he’s just a neat man who likes his environment clean and squeaky? that would be nice but then again, with jooyeon nothing ever is clean.

the drive went fast, way too fast. maybe because there was not a moment of dull conversation with chan and you were truly enjoying yourself. in fact, you didn’t even notice when you arrived at a parking. it was surrounded by tall grass, preventing you to see what’s around.

you left the car, leaving the flowers on your seat and chan joined your side.

“so… how’d you meet jihyo and jeongyeon?” he asked, genuinely curious. you followed him and noticed a beach. letting out a small gasp you took off your shoes, grabbing them in your free hand. chan did the same, leaving your left hand and his right one free.

“well… i had a boyfriend in high school. and one day a girl came up to me and gently explained that she thinks my boyfriend is dating someone else. i was surprised, to say at least and i didn’t even want to believe her. but she was like “girl, you need to believe me! let’s talk to his other girlfriend”… so we did. we realised it makes sense, the girl even showed us pictures she took” you giggled at the memory, suddenly – for a brief moment – feeling how his hand brushes against yours “the girl was jihyo, the other girlfriend was jeongyeon. we decided we want to expose him. in the meantime we asked jihyo why she’s helping us and she told us that he asked her out! can you believe it?”

“what a dickhead” chan grunted, amused smile dancing on his lips. he was listening to you, eyes adoring your face.

“i know, right?” you chuckled and when your hands brushed again, you noticed how the tips of his ears turned pink. cute. “so we exposed him, when he was on a ‘date’ with jihyo. we were sixteen so we just, you know… publicly said this and that. i think jihyo told her friends and the word spread he’s a pathetic liar. but our friendship stayed”

“oh woah. i thought it was just like, clicking after working on a project together but this was way more than i could imagine” he laughed and you joined him.

“yeah, it’s an unusual story. how about you? i’m guessing you met her through work stuff?” you tilted your head.

“mhm, exactly. when i was picked as a manager she congratulated me. then we just started meeting at the monthly meetings for managers and chatted during the breaks” he said and then shook his head “with all due respect, enough about jihyo. i wanna know something about you”

“well, what would you like to know?” you hummed.

while you took a walk, chatting about his career, your passions and his travels, the sun set beautifully at the horizon. once the pastel pinks and oranges morphed into navy sky, stars peeking one by one, you decided to return back to the car.

and that’s when you realised chan lost the shoes he was holding. trying to look for it, which was hard not only due to the darkness but also the uncontrollable laughter you two couldn’t contain, you still chatted. that’s when you found out he’s from australia (“oh woah, i always wanted to go there!”) and that he has a dog, berry. just when you said that you were thinking of getting a dog too (well, more like jooyeon wanted a puppy), chan found his shoes.

they were in the sand, waves moving them around. just as he was about to take them, water came. chan yelped, giggling and backing off. you followed him but then realised the shoes were being taken away by the sea. since you had on a sundress and he was in pants, you decided to walk into the water to grab them.

“no, y/n!” chan called but you were already almost knee deep, taking his shoes. you showed them to him and walked up, scratching your head.

“uhm… i don’t think they’ll be useful anymore” you grunted and before you gave him the shoes, chan took off his blazer. placing it slowly on your arms, he took the wet shoes.

“we’ll see. thank you though, you didn’t have to” he laughed.

only when you entered the car, did you realise how late it had gotten. you texted yuna that you’d be back in an hour and offered for her to sleep at your place. she didn’t read the message, so you assumed she might be already asleep.

chan was so kind as to drop you off right at your doorstep. stepping out of the car, he walked you to the door with a shy smile. the flowers in your hand dried a bit but maybe, hopefully, you’d be able to save them.

“thank you for today” you said with a soft smile, slowly walking up to the door “i had a really fun time”

“me too. seriously, i enjoy spending time with you” chan hummed, his hands behind his back. you had a feeling he wanted to say something else

“the beach was really pretty as well. and thank you for the flowers, i’ll try to bring them back to life” a chuckle left your lips and he grinned “if… uhm…”

“we can do this again sometime” he caught on and smiled boyishly “i’m open to suggestions what fo you want to do next time”

“well, i’ll think about it. and… good night, chan. drive safe and sleep well” you said slowly and took a deep breath before quickly pecking his cheek. chan’s ears turned red as you put in the code to the staircase.

“g-good night, y/n!” he stuttered quickly as you walked in. sending him a warm smile before you went to the elevator, off you were.

chan checked if you’re really gone and started giggling like crazy, fingers gently caressing the spot you placed a kiss on.

during your third date with chan, after texting him all the time you decided to go to the cinema. you paid in advance for the tickets when you decided to see oppenheimer (only because you’ve already seen barbie with your friends). laughing at chan’s reaction when he realised, he promised to pay next time.

but in the middle of the movie you got a phone call. you’d decline it but as soon as you noticed it’s jihyo (because she was staying with jooyeon today), you rushed out of the room telling chan you’re going to the bathroom.

“yes? what’s happening?” you asked as soon as you left, going to sit at the nearby bench.

“pfff… one phone call and you already assume something is happening. well, actually right now…” jihyo started and your heart dropped when you heard jooyeon crying in the background.

“jihyo. what happened?” you hissed, anxiously gripping your knee.

“well, i don’t really know. i was watching the news and doing some paperwork while he was jooyeoning in the background, when suddenly he started crying. i checked if he hurt himself, nothing. he won’t tell me why, he won’t hug me… i don’t know what to do. he told me not to call you but i’m getting nervous” jihyo said and you could tell by the speed of her speech. taking a deep breath, you nodded.

“hand the phone to joo, please” you breathed out and soon you heard your son’s choked sobs. “jooyeonnie?”

“mom…” he sniffled and suddenly started yelling “you’re a liar! you’re gonna leave me just like daddy did! you– you–! i hate you–!”

“hey, hey… calm down, joo. what’s going on? mommy is never going to leave you” you whispered, heart shattering. what is going on?

“you will! you’re a liar! and you’ll leave auntie yuna and auntie jihyo and– and auntie jeongyeon too! you’re a bad, ugly liar” jooyeon started hyperventilating, sobs and cries only audible on the other side of the phone

“jooyeonnie… i’d never leave you, i promise! mommy will be back in a second, alright? do you want me to buy you a snack on my way home? anything you want, my precious baby” you cooed, heart thumping in your chest. did someone say something in the kindergarten?

silence. long silence.

“dino nuggets…” jooyeonnie murmured, sniffling again.

“got it. i’ll be back in ten minutes, dear” you gulped, standing up “love you so much. i’ll be back soon, hold on okay?”

you hung up and hid your phone back in your bag. running your hands through your hair as your mind raced. what happened? who made joo think this way? why–

“y/n?”

you looked up and saw chan walking your way. great.

“are you okay? i got worried, you…” he stopped, smile dropping “you’re pale, did something happen?”

yes. your son – about who you didn’t tell him yet – is bawling his eyes out at home, god knows why. and you’re terrified. parenting books didn’t prepare you for any of this.

“i… i don’t feel too good. i’m sorry, i think i’ll go home” you mumbled, sending him a sad look “i’d love to stay but…”

“hey, hey. i understand. absolutely don’t worry. do you want me to drive you home?” he asked, voice genuinely filled with worry. it made your stomach flip, it was something truly heartwarming.

“no, no it’s okay. i’ll take a painkiller and go to sleep but i’ll let you know once i feel better. again, i’m sorry for ruining our date” you mumbled. chan took your hands in his and caressed it with his thumbs.

“please don’t worry about anything, okay?” he hummed and squeezed your hands “are you sure you’ll go home on your own?”

“yes, i am. i’ll keep you updated. again, i’m so–“ you started but chan shook his head.

“don’t be” he said softly and let you go. you sent him an apologetic smile and walked away. chan observed you until you were gone from his sight.

you were home quickly, with dino nuggets and some other necessities (gummy bears and ice cream). swinging the door open you almost dropped the groceries, running up to jooyeon. he wasn’t crying anymore, which was good but now he was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed. pouting. ah. he’s more angry than sad now.

“jooyeonnie, i’m here” you breathed out, giving jihyo a look. she nodded and took the groceries, preparing to heat up the nuggets for jooyeon “will you talk to me? please. did someone say something bad?”

he put his lips into a right line, looking away.

“you’re a liar. you’ll leave me, just like daddy. even auntie jihyo said she’s scared of you leaving” he huffed, lower lip trembling. you sent jihyo a piercing look to which she only mouthed ‘it was a joke’.

you sat up and wrapped an arm around him. joo slapped your hand, wriggling away.

“i won’t leave, baby. what made you think that way, sweetie?” you asked quietly.

jooyeon sighed deeply.

“the guy”

you looked at jihyo, frowning. she shrugged.

“what guy?” you asked. jooyeon puffed his cheeks.

“auntie jihyo said you’re seeing a guy and in a blink of an eye you’ll leave them. and if you’ll leave them, you’ll leave me” he grunted.

oh.

“baby…” you whined, pouting “that’s not…”

“and– and you will disappear, just like dad! the guy will take you away!” jooyeon whined and finally looked at you, cheeks and lashes still wet from tears.

“he will not. your dad was a pu– scaredy cat. he was scared, that’s why he left. i will never… ever, ever leave you, joo!” you smiled and squished his small cheeks “yes, i am seeing a guy. but even if i like him and i’d like him to be my boyfriend, i won’t leave you. we’re a pack, you know? whoever would want me, has to want you too, hm?”

“was dad scared of me?” jooyeon asked, eyes tearing up again.

“oh no no no! he was… how to say it… he was scared of the responsibilities” you sighed. well, technically joo’s dad was scared of him but that’s not a conversation for now, with a five year old “you’re not the reason, okay? if anyone said anything to you…”

he shook his head slowly. so this was the case. poor jooyeon was just scared and… in fact, you did neglect him lately. you didn’t… you didn’t even ask him about his day. after picking him up from kindergarten you went straight away to dress up for the date–

“if that would make you feel better… if there’s a guy i’m seeing, you’ll have to accept him. or not. if you don’t like him, you tell me. we have a deal?” you cocked your head and reached your hand out.

“m’kay…” he murmured and his smaller hand squeezed yours. you pulled him into a hug, hiding your nose in his hair.

“i’m sorry i made you feel that way” you mumbled. jihyo came over, sniffling. sending her a shocked look you realised she’s… crying.

“i have dino nuggets!” she said cheerfully despite her voice trembling. jooyeon leaned away and pecked your cheek before aiming for the nuggets. you let him eat and looked at jihyo.

“what? you made me emotional. can we approve the guy too?” your friend mumbled. you nodded and scoffing, you hugged her too.

during your fourth date with chan – and yet another one during which you didn’t tell him about jooyeon – you were currently strolling down the street, coffee in your hands. well, you drank yours. having a small chat you couldn’t help but giggle when he told you about the time he mistakenly took wrong pendrive to work. resulting in showing his boss a presentation he made for a powerpoint night with his friends, titled: “why felix eating chicken is cannibalism”. you were about to ask him how on earth he didn’t get fired when–

suddenly your heart dropped and everything started happening in slow motion.

jeongyeon and jooyeon walking from around the corner, holding hands. jeongyeon was talking to him, smiling and your son was engrossed in the conversation. he was holding a small flower. his ebony eyes noticed you and widened, sparks of joy. his lips opening, a tiny hand of his letting go jeongyeon’s. and then you heard it.

“mommy!”

joo ran your way, almost dropping the flower. chan was still clueless, eyes laser focused on your features. once he realised something’s wrong, jooyeon was close. your instinct told you to squat and open your arms to hug him, so you did. joo’s body hit yours, tiny hands wrapping around your neck.

“hiya mommy!”

you hugged jooyeon back and leaned away, tucking a strand of his longish hair that stuck to his forehead. was that paint–?

“hi baby” you whispered, barely audible. jeongyeon walked up, panting. finally you looked at chan, heart pounding against your rib cage as if it was about to break any second. you couldn’t read him. sure, his mouth was hanging open and his eyes were widened but…

only when you picked up jooyeon and came back to chan’s eye level, there it was. the reaction you knew too damn well. features dropping, shock morphing into realisation. next was…

“that’s… that’s your kid?” chan spat out. jeongyeon squinted, jaw tensing. she liked chan, sure. he was a nice guy and a hardworking manager. but what he was about to say could completely change her point of view.

“yes” you mumbled faintly, sending him a weak smile “it’s my son–“

“you didn’t tell me. i get it, not saying anything about– i don’t fuc… know, a goldfish when you were nine but a child“ anger. anger was next and now there will be– “y/n… i’m disappointed”

your heart dropped. you had a small flame of hope that he won’t be like the other guys. he won’t run away, he won’t judge. but no. despite all the fun time and genuine softness of his character chan was like every single man you’ve met before.

“i can explain–!” a pathetic whine ripped out of your throat, making jooyeon tilt his head.

“i don’t… i need to go. we’ll talk later” was all he said before walking away.

jeongyeon quickly came over and took jooyeon from your hands. truly, you were thankful for that. as your heart shattered into pieces, your knees went weak. you wanted to lay down on the sidewalk and cry; no, wail.

looking at jooyeon and then jeongyeon, you took a deep breath. no. you’ll have to wait until later. you don’t want him to see you cry. your friend’s face was saying ‘told you so, you should’ve have told him sooner’ but her hand met yours and gave it a small squeeze.

“i’m sorry” she whispered and nudged your arm. jooyeon poked you and gave you the flower he was holding “let’s go home, hm?”

the next two weeks were tough. chan left you on read, so you gave up on texting him. the worst part was that you knew it’s your fault. you should’ve told him earlier. but… you really thought he’s different. he really was, so caring and soft; he didn’t want just to hop in your bed. but in the end, he’s just like others.

jihyo and jeongyeon wanted to kill him. yuna too, even though she didn’t know him. the girls told you that he’s off ever since that day. jihyo didn’t talk to him, only sending cold looks his way. chan seemed… ashamed every time they met. especially jeongyeon. in fact, he seemed to avoid them.

jooyeon was a sweetheart, though. you weren’t sure if he understood but he knew something was wrong. he tried to cheer you up and it worked. how could it not? he’s adorable himself. bringing drawings and flowers from kindergarten or just watching him experiment on the garage band with a huge smile on his face. just having joo around was enough.

one day, he invited his friends over. it was quite a challenge: five other boys running around in your living room. but their laughs were contagious. while most of them, including junhan’s. he was the most shy one, clinging to you and peeking at the boys. joo though, being the happy virus he is, dragged him away from you and they ran to his room. when you wanted to take a look what’s going on, the oldest and the boldest pushed you out.

so you decided to do some paperwork, a sitcom playing in the background. from time to time you heard shouts and sounds of footsteps… and metal lids smashing against each other. guess they were playing the band game.

smiling upon remembering the times you used to do that with jooyeon while you still had your guitar, there was a doorbell ring.

gaon, one of the boys run out.

“if that’s my mom tell her i’m not here!” he yelled and ran away back to joo’s room. scoffing, you walked closer to the door. how would that even work? if you were to say that, his mom would lose her mind. it was the whole purpose of inviting them so they’re here–

“hi”

your eyes widened. opening the door, you were met with chan. he was holding a huge bouquet of flowers, biting his lower lip anxiously. you were so stunned, you couldn’t mutter a word.

“i’m… can we talk?” he asked, sparks of hope in his ebony eyes. he was dressed like usual, black from head to toe. you on the other hand… already in your pyjamas–

“i, uh… sure, i guess. come in. or no… see… joo has friends over and–“ you started and got interrupted by a loud metal noise. ah yes, the drums. sending chan an apologetic smile, you sighed “yup. that’s exactly what i was going to say”

chan smiled, nodding.

“it’s fine. those are for you. i know this isn’t enough to make up for how i reacted but…” he handed you the flowers. while you rushed to put them in a vase, chan stepped in and closed the door.

his lips subconsciously curled into a smile while he looked around your place. tiny shoes all over the floor, crayons and papers laying around, cars and legos splattered everywhere. there were plenty of pictures too. most of them were just your son. some of them were jihyo, jeongyeon and you. and your son, again. or some pictures with your parents, like on your graduation day. and another one: your parents, you and your son.

“okay, come in. take your shoes off, it’s already a mess. do you, uhm… want some coffee?” you asked, fidgeting with your fingers. he shook his head as a no.

“no, thank you. listen y/n… i’m sorry” chan said, looking into your eyes. you were shocked, mouth slightly parting. he let out a nervous laugh “i’ve been acting like a total idiot since then but i needed some time to think, i’m sorry”

“yeah, i mean– it was kind of a bomb, wasn’t it?” you scoff. chan noticed a glint of bitterness on your face.

“can we sit down? i feel like–“ he started. you led him to the couch, quickly moving away the small, plastic plates boys left after dinner.

when you were settled down, you turned off the tv. there was comfortable silence, only filled with background noises of faint music coming from joo’s room.

“again, i’m so fucking sorry. y/n, i just… you are really the girl of my dreams. i don’t think i’ve ever met someone who understood me so well, who i just had this flow with. and i truly like you, i really do. i… i know the way i reacted was shitty. but… maybe if you told me…” chan finished hesistantly, scanning your face to see your reaction “truth be told, i needed to think it through. i had so many thoughts but… why, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

you let out a deep sigh, looking down. at his neat black pants and your messy pyjama ones.

“because i did it before. and each time i was met with the same reaction. either a nasty comment or a weird look, and all of them ended up in eventually leaving me without word. or a word as in “listen, you’re cute but the kid”–“ you took a deep breath, feeling yourself bubble up. chan grabbed your hand and squeezed it “and, and i was so tired of that. it was so selfish of me and unfair for you and even jooyeon but… for a moment i wanted to feel loved. wanted to have fun. i wanted to cherish those moments because i knew you’d leave too and–“

crystal tears started running down your cheeks. chan pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you. one hand at the back of your head, caressing your hair soothingly.

“and it’s awful; i’m awful. joo thought i’d leave him for you and i knew you’d leave me because of him. it’s never ending circle and i’ll be alone forever and joo will think it’s his fault and–“ you hiccuped, not realising you’re rambling “and- and i really liked you and your reaction hurt me but it was fully my fault…”

“hey. hey, y/n. calm down, it’s okay” chan whispered, lulling you in his arms. you gradually calmed down, the feeling was full of comfort. comfort and closeness you needed. such a simple move, yet it had soothing effect. this made you realise why joo loved to be out to sleep this way.

leaning away from chan when you finally gained the strength to, he wiped your cheeks.

“i’m sorry, from the bottom of my heart. neither of us didn’t handle it properly. we’re human, we make mistakes. but then we learn. i understand now why… why you were scared. and i’m so… pissed. because listen, y/n” he said, voice stern but not in a disturbing way. his calloused hands took your smaller in his “despite the way i reacted i realised i like you. and… if there’s… joo… then– then it is a bit of a challenge. but when i was thinking about it and did the math… you were 20. alone, young. during studies, during work. you were so brave. you still are. and you handled it on your own. so why i, a man, should be scared of helping you?”

your eyes teared up again, heart beating against your rib cage unusually hard.

“well, i am. because i don’t know how you’ll react, or if he’ll like me, or maybe because simply i’m new to this. but… as i said… i like you. and i really want to spend more time with you. if that means taking care of your son, i’m willing to do so to” chan smiled, dimples showing “especially if he’s as funny as his mom”

suddenly you heard footsteps and giggles, followed by a sudden gasp.

“no mrs lee! i’ll save you!” the oldest boy, gunil, shouted. before you could react, chan was getting beaten up with pillows by six kids. even the shy junhan.

he started laughing and fought back, gently of course.

“does anyone here have tickles?!” chan hummed and the boys squealed, backing away.

“who’s that?” jooyeon asked, tugging your t-shirt.

“he’s a friend of mine. chan. can he watch your performance too?” you asked. chan’s ears perked up.

“performance?” he repeated. jooyeon nodded proudly.

“yes! but our music is for vips only!” seungmin added and just now you realised they grabbed the keyboard from joo’s room. jungsu, seated next to him, nodded shyly.

“okay! i’m a music producer so if you guys want i can give you some tips…?” chan asked, sending you a smile.

“pft! auntie jeongyeon and jihyo are music producers too, they gave us tips already!” joo grunted, walking away “anyway… is the audience ready?”

chan nodded enthusiastically and scooted closer to you. watching the six boys perform, chan sneaked his hand in yours and intertwined your fingers. with a squeeze of his hand your heart skipped a beat; you finally met the right person.

masterlist <3

taglist. @primoppang ,, @l3visbby ,, @laylasbunbunny ,, @slytherinshua ,, @kazmura ,, @nicholasluvbot ,, @ameliesaysshoo ,, @weird-bookworm ,, @dazzlingligth ,, @litepowee ,, @ocean-minho ,, @lessthanpast ,, @s-e-s-a-I-e-n-e

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