#wc: >1k

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

The Perfect Christmas Setting (Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x Reader)

Summary: It's officially your first Christmas with your boyfriend - long time coming - so you'll need an appropriately decorated house.

AN: I took part in a Secret Santa fic swap run by @bunnyreaper and my Secret Santa is @piratesfromspace! Hope you enjoy this fic that ignores MW3 to write my own canon and was kinda inspired by “Me and My Husband”.

Content warnings: 2nd person, some hurt/comfort, mostly domestic festivity

Masterlist

You had never invested so much of your paycheck into decorations. Tinsel, baubles, Santa statuettes, all in clashing colours and combinations, the Christmas paraphernalia were contained by several bags and sat now in your sitting room, brimming with as much cheer as you were with pride.

Johnny was teeming in the corner, arranging lights around the blue spruce you’d chosen as the main event in your household. Several photos of Johnny hauling it into his truck filled your phone, plus a video of him grumbling about how “the prickly bastard” kept poking him in the face, dangerously close to taking an eye out. You’d only known you were getting a tree for a few hours at that point. Johnny had woken you up early – the morning after his arrival from a lengthy excursion with work. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning as he told you about his old traditions, showing you a few old photos his sister had dug out of a family album. Then he proposed his idea for the rest of his leave: forging your own Christmas traditions for your first holiday together.

The transient nature of his job meant he’d seldom celebrated in his own home in the last decade. It wasn’t your first year as a couple either; unfortunately, your history with Christmas had been one of separation of many thousands of miles. Maybe, if you were lucky enough, you’d get a quick call with Johnny. But this year, you were your own family unit and able to celebrate Christmas on the actual date. That meant you could do whatever you wanted together, and what Johnny wanted was the full shebang.

Warm lights (the icy ones would be saved for decorating the house) displayed their varieties of settings whilst Johnny fidgeted with the dial, switching back and forth between flashing and . Meanwhile, you unpacked the tree trimmings, ranging from traditional red and golden orbs that reflected a cartoonish version of yourself in the glitter and glass, to a Colin the Caterpillar bauble that Johnny spied and subsequently adopted on your behalf.

You started hanging them up, humming along to the Christmas tunes, thankful that you’d talked Johnny out of going carolling. Meanwhile, he was squinting at the lights before he tugged at your sleeve.

“You don’t think there’s a weird gap here?” His hand waved vaguely around the torso of the tree.

“It’s grand,” You reassured him, rubbing between his shoulder blades as he bent in half to double check the spread of decorations up close. Attempting to match his focus was impossible but it was helping you ignore how he could be called away at any moment. That was the other hidden reason for going all out on the Christmas decorations: Johnny wanted this place to be as cosy and as Christmassy as it could be, like it would comfort you in the instance he wasn’t here. Part of you wished that his job could be as predictable as the so-called most wonderful time of the year. However, the rest of you accepted that it wasn’t and let you continue untangling the endless yards of tinsel to wrap around the banisters later.

Eventually, Johnny tired of peering at the lights and joined in organising where each bauble should go. You suppressed a few giggles whenever he moved a few around so that there was an even (ish) spread, no two decorations put near one another like divorced parents at a family reunion.  

“D’you think we should’ve gone with the silver and blue set? Might’ve looked more together, more on theme,” Johnny placed his hands on his hips, clearly conjuring up a variety of variations of what your sitting room could’ve been.

Instead of replying, you finished hanging up the red ceramic heart near the top. Then, from your back pocket, you withdrew and fixed a slightly-too-large Santa hat on his head, adjusting it by the snow white fur trim around his furrowed brow.

“You’d make one hell of a Sexy Santa,” You said when you were pleased with the outcome.

Johnny’s absorption in the festivities broke up in a smile, “Not got the beard for it yet.” And, to prove it, he wrapped his arm around you and forced you to endure his stubbled chin rubbed against your forehead. “Now answer my question please.”

“It looks great,” You insisted, “More personal, less IKEA showroom.”

“Don’t act like you don’t pretend to live in every showroom we come across.”

“That’s all pretend though. This is real, our first real Christmas.”

He kissed you, very sweetly, which didn’t prevent you snorting against his loving lips as you realised his suggestion of silver and blue decorations might have rendered your home appearing more Scottish that him. It struck you as quickly as your next train of thought, your body leaping out of Johnny’s embrace at the eureka moment.

“Oh! We haven’t even-” You and your voice faded down the hallway, words too muffled for even Johnny’s keen ears to decipher. He waited patiently for your return and was rewarded for his patience with you carrying the rest of the bags you just remembered existed, dragging them into the sitting room to complete the claustrophobic crowd of Christmas content.

“Darling, we said we’d wait until we finished the tree first!” Johnny said with no real exasperation in his voice.

“I can’t wait! Don’t make me!” You pleaded, as if you weren’t already opening the little reindeer statues to line up on the window sill. Johnny couldn’t deny you, not with how your face lit up brighter than any collection of bulbs covering your tree – like when he suggested ordering a twerking musical Santa toy. You clapped eagerly at his assent and began humming the opening to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" whilst placing down each respective model along the ledge.

Just as you were placing Rudolph at the helm, the music came to a halt and the sound of a ringtone took over the speakers, accompanied by Johnny’s phone buzzing on the couch arm. Balancing on one leg as he reached over, his face went stiff and he began to make his way out of the room.

“One sec,” He said, bending down to bestow a kiss on your head as he went past.

Instantly, you connected your own phone to the speaker and turned up the music, knowing Johnny would go straight to his office for the duration of the call as to not be disturbed. But the nature of the call was already disturbing your fragile peace. Your stomach was swirling and promoting a greasy queasiness. Already clumsy enough, the circumstances made it harder for your hands to wedge the batteries into the glowing sleigh.  

Trying to tune in to the next song was impossible when there was a lull between the two songs. Your brewing panic took advantage of it and accelerated your noisy thoughts, hitting a crescendo with the footsteps returning to you in ominous timing with your sinking heartbeats.

At least you might have time to put the star on top of the tree together before he went.

“Everything ok?” It came out strained, and the first syllable caught in your throat.

As you looked to see Johnny nodding, you noted there was no bittersweetness hiding on his face.

“Yeah, Price just approved my annual leave. So no more work calls.” A flick of the wrist landed his phone squarely down the back of the couch cushion and retrieved from behind his back - “Ta-da!” – a vermilion and forest green elf hat that he arranged it upon your head before he took your tense body up and spun you to face the mirror over the fireplace.

“What do you think?” He spread his arms out as wide as his grin, glowing over your shoulder with his efforts (and also the ugly jumper he insisted on wearing), both of your reflections surrounded by countless bits of yuletide tat that you’d unpacked but not yet organised circling the half decorated tree. This elf hat likely wasn’t hard to hide a secret purchase amongst all of that. Bells tinkled softly by your ears as you tilted your head.

Effects of emotional whiplash took hold of you and the glowing sleigh dropped from your hands, spewing the three AAA batteries under the couch and into the tinsel pile. You locked yourself around Johnny’s middle with all the strength you could muster. Hard muscles beneath the gentle woollen caress of his jumper were solid enough to ground you back in your holiday paradise, his firm squeezes slowing your heart rate until it was at a regular pace again, his subtle cinnamon cologne (bought special for this time of year) thawing your fears in the hearth of his love for you. You only drew back to bop him on the nose with the bobble from his Santa hat and deliver your answer.

With his rosy cheeks close enough to warm your own, you whispered with teary eyes, “It’s perfect.”

[6ebe]

groundbreaking journalism

[ninewhiskers]

all wc artists should pay her for her service

[jakeperalta]

IF I WAS A CHILD, DID IT MATTER?

"would've, could've, should've" - taylor swift // "older guys" - nina nesbitt // "hurricane" - halsey // "all too well (ten minute version)" - taylor swift // "older" - birdy // "tolerate it" - taylor swift // taylor swift performing "all too well (ten minute version)" on snl // "my best friend's weddings" - the chicks // "dear john" - taylor swift // "older guys" - nina nesbitt

[radioforums]

It's unfortunate what happened to your territory, but did you have to come over to tumblrclan of all places, when we already have enough mouths to feed and not enough freshkill? Go bother Instaclan instead.

[pearlwingdraws]

The valley beyond

[dirtplace-tunnel]

there you go, here’s anime squilf as a gift for u all <3

[marblerose-rue]

click for better quality!

if only / snowkit and speckletail

[moomeecore]

scourge but hes a munchkin cat. just bc from what i know, based of my vauge memory of reading wc in 5th grade, he is Tiny.

[cheerclaw]

CONGRATS CHEER!!! mind drawing my little guy? shes cursed by god

here u go!!

[merthurglompfest]

Title: a joy hard earned By: Fleetling / @fleetlingfics Gift for: @JaponicaStar Rating: Gen Word count: 958 words Warnings: None Creator Notes (Optional): 

Summary:

"If it weren't for this speech-"

"Let me look at it," Merlin says, snagging it off the table. Arthur grabs for it, pointlessly, and then resorts to just glaring at him half-heartedly.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54899464

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

A Reunion to Remember (John Price x Nikolai x Reader)

Summary: It's a special day, not that John realises as he walks right into a set-up of his lovers’ making.

AN: This is part of @bunnyreaper's Valentine's Day Fic Swap for @bookobsessedram <3 I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Content warnings: Allusions to sex (18+ only, minors DNI), reader wears some lacy underwear (not specified), pronouns not used but John calls the reader "sweet girl".

Masterlist

It was once in a moon as crystal blue as his eyes that Captain John Price got the opportunity to collect on intel and deals for himself. After a month of Sundays was when he felt up to it. Usually there were officers undercover, various rats, CIA operatives who could handle that kind of thing – Kate having her own networks of underlings to seek out the truth.

Yet today John made sure that he was the person going to gather this and Kate allowed it. Both of these actions were made with the same reason in mind: it required an interaction with Nikolai. Neither John nor Kate told the brass that, of course. Fed into their paperwork was something about maintaining relationships with allies in important places across the world.

Three train rides, a red-eye flight and a hired car brought John to exactly where he wanted to be: a familiar hanger with an apartment built along the side, fit for the purpose of his visit, overcast clouds hiding their illicit rendezvous from the glare of the sun.

Nikolai spotted John before John spotted him, scaling down the plane and sauntering out the hanger. The two men engaged in a light jog. Delight burrowing in their cheeks and chests, they clapped hands, hugged, and – with the absence of the task force to observe – shared a whiskery kiss, engine oil mixing with cigar smoke in a bitter reunion.

“Glad to see you, Captain.”

“Been too long, Nik.”

“Good thing I coaxed you over, impeccable timing too.” Though his brow creased in curiosity, Price didn’t question – for now – what his boyfriend meant by that whilst following his lead back into the hanger. He spoke briefly about the state of his journey before Nikolai’s gloved hand grasped John’s jaw.

“Do you know what day it is?”

“Fourteenth, why?”

“Anything springing to mind? Anything important?”

After a moment’s consideration, John shook his head slightly with a suspicious squint. Cocking his head over one shoulder, Nikolai let out a two note laugh and whistled sharply through his teeth.

Your arms popped out first through the open canopy, shortly followed by your head as you crowed, “Surprise!”

John’s hearty hoot echoed around the hanger as he removed his hat to clutch to his chest while catching his breath – the one that you took away from him every time he saw you. These occasions had grown more scarce nowadays. If two of your throuple meeting up was like finding a four leaf clover, then all three of you coming together was an entire landscape of the bastards.

Trying to work out what you being with them had to do with the date and felt a fleeting flash of fear at the impossibility of it being your anniversary. It wasn’t. So, while he watched you clamber down the steps with Nikolai holding your hand, John wracked his brain for the connection.

“You are a sight for sore eyes,” John approached the foot of the steps.  

Rolling your eyes, you pointed semi-accusingly at him, “You, Jonathan Price, are a difficult man to get a meeting with.”

“Kate knew?”

Nik kicked over a footstool, “She knows everything; I thought you understood that.”

“Enough about work.” You dragged the stool over with the tip of your foot, stepped up on it, grabbed John by the straps of his vest and tugged him to your level for a long-awaited kiss.

Sandwiched between the barrel chests of your two lovers was your new reality. Some idealist cell in your brain sparked in hope that it could be your permanent home with John on your lips and Nik on your neck – right where a crick was just emerging.

Forced to pull away, you stretched out the muscle on your neck, “Fuckin’ hell, I’ve been folded in that cockpit for half an hour waiting for you to show up.”

“Good thing today’s all about treating you,” Nik squeezed your shoulder and you prayed this was a precursor to a full back rub. Your Nik was very talented with his hands like that.

You cupped his cheek, swaying on the spot as he moved down to hold onto your hips, “Too right.”

Simultaneous to your affection exchange, John was frowning again. The date, the expectation of the day, the apparent arrangement that had gotten him and his two partners in the same place…

His eyebrows relaxed and his face cleared.

“It’s Valentine’s Day,” He said quietly.

Locking onto John’s confounded expression – a rarity that you relished - you ribbed, “You’re just now getting that?”

John coughed a laugh out to cover his embarrassment, “I’m out of practice.”

Your eyes flashed in amusement and the recollection of rumours of Price being a bit of a bunny in his rookie days – rumours that probably had no foundation. Your source had been Soap while he’d been stirring for the circumstances of your relationship to his Captain.

“We’ll be sure to warm you up a bit first then,” You promised as you led John like a pleasant smell wafting from a kitchen, into Nikolai’s private apartment.

Familiar décor welcomed you in, plus the smell of candles that Nikolai was lighting. Apparently he was going all out with the classic stuff. John found himself not turning up his nose at them, nor at the idea of potentially being fed chocolate like in an advert he’d seen on plastered on the train. Once he’d locked the door behind him, John found himself faced with an outstretched rose from Nikolai. You were already beaming behind your own flower.

“Nik,” Price’s cheeks were determined to show him up, shifting in shade to match the roses. His eyes rolled but were clearly contradicted by his grin and how he was unable to hide it.

“What?” Nikolai replied innocently, “I can’t get my partners flowers on the most romantic day of the year?”

“But I didn’t get either of you anything.”

Rose tucked in the crook of your elbow, your thick jacket protecting you from the thorns, you took off John’s hat, tossing it off onto Nikolai’s desk. It clashed into the pencil pot and covered up the photograph taken of your throuple the last instance you’d been together (post-helicopter ride across Belarus). You didn’t acknowledge it, choosing instead to run your fingers through John’s cool cropped hair.

“You didn’t even know it was Valentine’s Day; no shit you got us nothing,” You ribbed before getting serious, “John, we’re just glad you’re here with us.”

His nose nudged down into the petals of his rose, and you scratched the back of his neck where his hair stubbled. Like a cat, he hummed in encouragement.

“I’ll make it up to you anyhow,” He whispered, “Sweet girl.”

“Yeah, there’s always next year,” You gave a playful little tug before releasing him. As if he didn’t know that there was nothing to forgive and you meant every word: you just wanted to be near him.

 Nikolai swooped in to peck John on the lips. A peck turned into a more intoxicating kiss, one that shut up his boyfriend effectively.

John would’ve happily let Nikolai take all the kisses he wanted but he spotted you, in his peripherals, watching dreamily sat on the desk. Your legs swung back and forth gleefully. His hat was in your lap as you twisted the rose around by the stem. Nikolai drew away and in a deep breath at the hearts your pupils were shifting into.

“Get back over here,” He said with two fingers coaxing you over, “And take that jacket off.”

Dutifully, you followed his instructions. A gift from your previous engagement, your jacket was draped it where Nikolai had done the same to his signature tan leather jacket, leaving John feeling overdressed when he caught a hint at something lacy and meadow green peeking out where your skin showed, your shirt caught on your jacket removal. Greed suddenly sprouted from his blooming heart and latching onto you by your plush hips when you were within reach, hauling you close and murmuring how much he adored you while you twisted Nikolai’s chain between compliments and neck kisses as if idle. You were about to be anything but, in for one hell of a reunion.

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

I made your love language physical touch because you’re away from your boys so much that you just wanna soak it up when you’re with them. Nikolai’s is gifts (like when he gives Price his favourite gun and his hostages <3) because he loves seeing how his partners react to something that made him think of them. Price’s is words of affirmation because he’s a man of his word and equally loves seeing how his partners are affected by them.

[yvkasha]

YONA ノ YELENA. ( ‘08 liner : 16 ) + hispanic american. -> ⁰⁰¹ writing blog. | ⁰⁰² network. (i’m a co-admin.) ─── i go by s(her) 🎲 && i interact from this blog! interactions include sending asks, replies, likes. english + español ノ spanish ok! . . . heart eyes for aventurine, lyney & ga ming ♡

[ ⩇⩇:⩇⩇ ] REBLOGGING TAG INDEX ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁

# [ ✐ᝰ content. fanfiction! ]

# [ ଓ content. fanart! ]

# ⟡ chosen genre. angst ノ fluff ノ hurt + comfort

# ᐟᐟ☆ : 1k wc > / 1k wc <

[ninewhiskers]

just some lovers

[theoreticslut]

「 to new love 」

fred weasley x fem reader

summary: you should have bit your tongue, but luckily your best friend is willing to help you out of a hole you dug for yourself. 

requested: written for @onlyfreds​’ 1k writing challenge!

word count: 4.2k

warnings: marriage/wedding, brief mention of alcohol, mutual pining, pet names (princess, darling, baby, pretty baby), bed sharing, love confessions, heavy use of physical touch

a/n: ahhhh! not gonna lie, it’s been a hot minute since i’ve written anything for fred - which is weird bc i was writing a ton for him at one point. anyways, here’s a cute little wedding-set fic with the tropes ‘fake dating,’ ‘only one bed,’ & the prompt ‘are you even listening to me?’ i will admit this is also a college au, and a slight modern au fic, but it is what it is. it works, so hopefully you all enjoy it! Xx

If you could go back three months in time and slap yourself, you would. If you just hadn’t said anything when your cousin was going on about it ‘being okay that you’ve never dated…even though you’re 21,’ you wouldn’t be in this position.

You wouldn’t be sitting here in one of the many lounges on campus, leg bouncing as you chew on your bottom lip. You certainly wouldn’t be sitting here entertaining the idea of simply finding a fake boyfriend for the weekend.

Too lost in your worries and trying to find a solution, you completely forget that you’re sitting with your best friend. That is until you hear your special nickname. The one only he is allowed to call you - princess.

Looking up at him, all you can do is hum, eyebrows raised as you try to recall what he said, but unfortunately the words completely fail you. You hadn’t been paying attention in the slightest.

“I said that you’re going to chew your lip off if you keep doing that.” Fred chuckles, shaking his head as you duck your head slightly.

“What’re you thinking so hard about anyways?”

“Nothing. I just…I said something really dumb a few months ago and it’s biting me in the ass. Violently.” You sigh, frowning as you bounce the pen you’ve been holding between your thumb and forefinger.

How could you have been so stupid? Was it not embarrassing enough to not have a boyfriend already? Did you really need to add to it by agreeing to bring the boyfriend you don’t have to the wedding as your date?

“It can’t be that bad. We all say stupid shit, princess.”

“Have you ever told your family you’d bring your boyfriend - that you don’t have - to a wedding?” You counter, positive he’s never said anything quite that stupid.

“Well, considering I’m into girls…no.”

You can’t help but groan as Fred jokes, laughing with a wide smile as you roll your eyes.

“This isn’t funny, Freddie! The wedding is this weekend and I couldn’t be more single if I tried.” 

“Do you think I’d be able to get one of those, like, male escorts on such short notice?” You question, completely serious as you think of anything you can do to save yourself the embarrassment of showing up to the wedding solo.

“I’m not even sure they have anything like that around here, darling.”

“They don’t have to be local. As long as they’re willing to travel, I’ll take them.”

“You’re serious?! I thought you were joking. You’d really hire some stranger online to play your boyfriend for the weekend?”

You nod, shrugging your shoulders. If that’s what it takes, then yeah. You’d do it.

Watching you, all Fred can do is half laugh, half scoff as he shakes his head. He can’t believe you’d actually hire a stranger instead of admitting you’re single - even if you made up some excuse for it like you and said boyfriend recently broke up.

Fred hasn’t known you terribly long, only since you met in an intro class about a year and a half ago after you transferred here. However, he has learned in that relatively short time that you wouldn’t be freaking out if the issue wasn’t important to you in some way or another.

“Save yourself the money, princess. If you’re really that desperate for a plus one, I’ll go.” He huffs out a little chuckle, smiling nonchalantly as he pretends to focus on the book he’d been reading for class.

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah. I mean, what’s a weekend away from campus with wedding cake if not a small piece of heaven?”

“You realize you’d be my boyfriend for the weekend, right? Like we’d have to act like a couple?”

“Yeah? Can’t be that hard. We are friends, aren’t we?”

“Well, yeah, but…Fred we’d have to like…kiss, and hold hands, and whatnot. You’re okay with that?” You question, not sure he knows what he’s signing up for. 

You’re not against him being your faux boyfriend, but you need to make sure he’s okay with it all. Sure, you’d have to try harder than normal to keep your feelings for the redhead hidden, but it’s only three days. You’re sure you can manage.

“If it’ll make this weekend easier for you, then yeah. I mean, we’ve held hands before, and it’s not like we’d be the first friends to kiss.”

“I guess…” you mumble, brows furrowed as you try to imagine kissing Fred. 

Although it’s rather easy to picture kissing him, it’s hard to picture it being just a favour for the weekend. You don’t think you could kiss him with no feelings attached, which makes your stomach flip. It would be easier, and probably more comfortable, if Fred played your boyfriend though, the potential mess of emotions be damned.

“Alright. If you’re sure, then let’s do it. Let’s be a couple for the weekend, Freddie.”

~.~

You can’t help but tap your fingers, rather vigorously, against the steering wheel as Queen plays through the radio. It’s been about three hours since you and Fred got on the road, and every mile that you get closer, the more nauseous you get.

This needs to work. You need your family to believe that you and Fred are dating, and have been for some time. 

“Take a breath, princess. You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“I just might.” You retort as your stomach thrashes with nerves. 

“Do you really think they’ll believe us? Like, maybe we should go over our story?” 

“I think we’ll be fine, princess, but if it’ll help calm you down, then sure. Let’s go over our story.” Fred smiles, placing a hand on your thigh to comfort you.

His touch does help to comfort you, especially when he starts rubbing his thumb over your clothed skin, but it also happens to make your stomach flip more. Not to mention that his touch makes your heart beat wildly. 

You rarely admit it to yourself, and even less so to anyone else, but you do have a crush on your best friend. A massive, ‘I want to hold you and kiss you and do what other couples do’ crush. How cliche is that? 

It’s not like you can help it though. He’s insanely attractive, and he’s got an alluring personality. Not only is he kind, and funny, and considerate, but he knows how to be fun while still taking things seriously. He makes you feel at home in a place that couldn’t be farther from one, and even then it’s the thought of him that makes you feel at home in your childhood house. 

“Yeah? Alright, uh, where do we start? Should we go over how we met, or?”

“You know that we don’t need some elaborate lie, right? We can use some of our actual friendship as the basis of this fake relationship.”

“I know that.”

“Do you? Tell me then, how did we meet, princess?”

“You sat next to me in Cognition.”

“Good. Do you remember how we started talking?”

“How could I forget, Fred? You asked me for a pen and then proceeded to flirt with me.” You laugh, shaking your head at the absurd idea of you ever forgetting that.

There you were, sitting in class and already anxious because you were afraid of not making friends, when this breath-taking redhead sat next to you. You could tell how attractive he was with a single glance, and that only made you more anxious. Talking to those you found attractive has always been hard for you, but luckily he made the first move.

“Yeah, but it made you laugh, did it not? I swear to god, I could feel how anxious you were as soon as I sat down.”

“Surprisingly, it did. I’m still not sure how I got the courage to talk to you.”

“However you did it, I’m glad.” 

You glance over at him as you chew on your bottom lip, finding a smile resting happily on his lips.

“Me too.” You murmur, being a hundred percent honest. Befriending Fred has been one the best decisions you’ve ever made.

“So we have how we met covered. How long have we been dating?”

“Uhm, well it’s been four months since I told my cousin I had a boyfriend…”

“…and I’d made it sound like I had been with someone for a little while before I told her so…I don’t know? Five or six months?” You suggest, cocking a brow at Fred for his opinion.

“Let’s say six months then. That way it lines up with when we went ice skating together. You remember that?”

“Yeah. You’d ask me to open skate - which I sucked at, by the way. Afterwards we went out to McDonald’s and sat in the parking lot eating and talking for, god, seems like hours.”

“Mhm. You shared a lot about your family that night, and even some of your deepest thoughts.”

“I did, and you didn’t make me feel silly or less than for them.”

“I never once even thought about doing so.” He comments, patting his hand against your thigh gently.

“I really appreciate it.” You murmur, feeling your cheeks warm up slightly as you keep your focus on the road, too afraid to look over at him.

In your peripheral, though, you catch him smiling and nodding as he squeezes your thigh to let you know he heard you.

~.~

The wedding is in an hour and you still don’t feel ready. Aside from sleeping in later than you had wanted, you don’t feel comfortable or pretty in the slightest. On top of it all, though, you feel your heart racing as your entire being feels jittery - your nerves ravaging your mind and body.

“How’re you doing in there, princess? We should probably be leaving soon, yeah?”

“Yeah. Yeah, we should. I just…” you trail off mid sentence as you click your tongue, walking out into the shared room.

“Does this look okay?” 

At your question you feel Fred look up at you from the bed the two of you shared even as you stare at your reflection in the hallway mirror. 

A moment seems to pass without a response, which makes your heart race even more. You should have brought a second option, but you decided against it.

“Fred? It looks awful, doesn’t it?”

“No…no. You look, you look amazing, y/n.” Fred murmurs, and you finally take a moment to look at him.

He seems completely enamored with your appearance, which warms your cheeks and chest ever so slightly. You’ve never been one that boys look at, or at least you’ve never been one to notice if guys look at you. With the way Fred’s eyes carefully trail down your body, though, it’s hard to miss his adoration-tinged shock.

“Really? Well, uh, thank you.” You softly reply, your cheeks burning as you shy away from his gaze.

“We should get going then. I figure if we get there a bit early we can hopefully find a decent seat.”

As you talk you start to bounce throughout the room as you grab everything you need - last minute jewelry, perfume, phone, keys, etc.

“I’m pretty sure the wedding is only supposed to last like a half hour, but then there’s the reception which is a little bit of a drive.”

“They’ll be having a little cocktail hour with some snacks before things really get started, though. Oh! I need their gift. Is that still in the car?” You question, pausing your pacing as you look at Fred.

“Are you even listening to me, Freddie?” 

“Hmm? Yeah. ‘Course I am.” 

You can’t help but sigh lightly as you shake your head with a soft smile. You’re 95% sure he hasn’t heard a word you spoke since asking about your appearance. He was far too blank-faced and hazy-eyed to have been paying attention.

“Is their wedding gift still in the car?” You reiterate, deciding against teasing him for being distracted. 

In all honesty, the fact that he was distracted by you makes you feel giddy. Maybe there’s a chance that you’re not the only one in this friendship that has feelings. Not that you actually believe there is such a chance, but it’s a nice thought.

“Yeah. I left it on the back floorboard where you had set it.”

“Okay. Let’s go then, yeah? Time to try to fool my family.”

Fred nods, smiling as he gets up from the bed, adjusting his dress pants and button down shirt. He even finished off his outfit with a tie, which you have to admit really brings it all together. He looks good. So good that you’re not sure how you’re going to pretend that the fawning you’re sure to do is simply an act. 

Regardless, you don’t let yourself worry about it as Fred wraps his arm through yours, making you giggle as he leads you out of the hotel room. This - “dating” your best friend - is definitely better than hiring some stranger online.

~.~

“Y/n! I’m glad you could make it.”

You smile as your cousin comes up to where you and Fred are standing by the bar, a smile on her face as she hugs you. Even though you had dug yourself a hole for this event, you have to admit it is a rather wonderful evening. It’s even better to see her so happy, though.

“You knew I would. I wouldn’t dream of missing this.”

“I know, but it’s still nice to see you.”

“It is. Feels like we only really see each other at big family events like this. I’m so happy for you though. The ceremony was beautiful.” You smile, fidgeting with your fingers holding your champagne flute.

Fred notices you getting anxious, so he brings his hand up to rest on your waist in a small act of comfort. It definitely helps, especially when he gently rubs his thumb in small circles over your dress. You’ll never be able to thank him enough for this weekend, nor will you ever be able to convince yourself that this is all just an act.

“Thank you. I’m glad it wasn’t too long or anything.” she smiles and you nod.

“Definitely. It was nice. Perfectly short and sweet.”

“Kinda like you, huh?” Fred murmurs, leaning in so only you can hear him.

You can’t help the shy smile and warmth that settles on your face, chewing on your lip as a means to keep yourself in check. Although it makes complete sense for him to act flirty with you, for some reason your mind completely skipped that thought meaning you were, woefully, unprepared for such words and the way they’d affect you. If you make it out of this weekend alive, it will truthfully be a miracle.

“Oh, uhm, y/c/n this is Fred. Fred, y/c/n.” You introduce the two, Fred holding a hand out to greet her as she smiles.

“Nice to meet you, Fred.”

“You know, y/n, I hate to say I didn’t actually believe you at first, but you two…you’re cute together. I’m glad you’ve found someone to make you happy.”

“Thank you. He, uhm, he does make me really happy.” You stammer, feeling your heart skip a beat as you look up at the redhead to find him already looking at you.

“I’m glad. You deserve it.”

You nod, smiling a little wider as you turn your attention back to your cousin, trying to ignore the heavy weight settling on your chest that makes it hard to breathe.

This isn’t real. You’re lying to everyone, including yourself and Fred. Fred believes that all of this - your words, behaviour, everything - is simply for show, but it’s not faked in the slightest. You like, maybe even love, him at this point. There’s no way you can easily go back to just being friends after this. Not when you have a taste of what it’d be like to be his girlfriend, for real. 

~.~

“Are you getting tired, princess?” Fred murmurs, his breath warm against your skin while his hands sit around your waist as the two of you dance to a slow song.

It’s been hours now since the wedding, and although it’s been fun, you’re exhausted. The two of you have done more than your fair share of dancing. On its own, dancing is tiring, but you’ve done all of it in heels. You could easily pass out in bed right now.

“A bit.”

“Just a bit?” He teases, a smile settling on his lips as he chuckles, watching as you roll your eyes with the tiniest smile on your lips.

“I think it’s time we get back to the hotel. What do you say?”

All you can manage is a hum and slight nod of your head in response, drawing a soft chuckle from Fred as he helps support your weight. He’s seen you tired before, and while he has always found it endearing, being the one you rely on in your exhaustion is an entirely different feeling. 

It’s difficult to explain, but it’s almost like his heart is inflating far past its limits. It’s hard to breathe steadily. It’s nearly impossible to wipe a smile off his lips. Not to mention the fact that he just wants to hold you and never let go. 

“We gotta say our goodbyes first, Freddie.” you inform, absentmindedly sighing at the thought of having to do anything else.

“Then let’s do that, yeah? You’re exhausted, darling.”

You can’t suppress the smile that quirks your lips at the pet name, but you can’t manage to say anything. Instead, you work on mustering up any energy you have left to be able to say goodbye to those of your family that remain at the reception.

As soon as you’re done wishing everyone goodnight, Fred helps you out to the car, wrapping an arm tightly around your waist. He’s honestly been the perfect boyfriend today, and you desperately wish you could just keep this going. Do you really have to stop pretending to be in a relationship after tonight? 

“You’re thinking awful hard over there, princess.” Fred points out as he drives through the city towards your hotel.

“Am I?” You tease, drawing a smile to Fred’s lips.

“Mhm. Wanna share what’s on your mind?”

“Just been thinking of today, Freddie. Thank you. For doing all of this, I mean.”

“Of course, princess. You’re my best friend. I could never leave you hanging in times of need.”

“I still appreciate it, though. I truly don’t know how to thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve already got some ideas for you.” He mumbles, a smile evident in his voice.

“Yeah? What would those be?”

At your question, all Fred can do is smile, which makes you smile but leaves you confused all the same. 

~.~

“I don’t wanna change, Fred. I’m so tired.” You nearly whine in reply to his suggestion as he taps your leg that’s hanging off the bed. 

“You’ll sleep better if you do, though, princess. If you’re so tired, I can help you?”

“Would you?”

“Mhm. Long as you’re okay with it.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay with it, Fred. ‘M so tired. Don’t wanna move.”

“I know, princess. It’s okay. Just gotta tell me where your things are.” Fred coaxes, pushing some hair out of your face.

“In my bag on the desk.”

You watch him nod, a soft smile on his lips as he gets up to grab your pajamas. As he digs around, you gather just enough energy to push yourself up from the bed so you can shuffle to the bathroom. Although it really doesn’t faze you, you figure it’d be better if you took your makeup off and undid your hair instead of sleeping in it all.

“You alright, darling? You disappeared on me.” Fred questions, leaning on the bathroom door frame as he watches you in the mirror.

“Mhm. Jus’ taking my makeup off, Freddie.”

“Alright, baby. I’ve got your pajamas right here when you’re ready.” 

You nod, the traces of a smile on your lips as you watch Fred through the mirror as well. He takes a moment to watch you as you wipe at your eyes, but then he’s moving to stand behind you, snaking his arms around your waist and resting his chin on your shoulder.

“You’re really quite beautiful, you know that?” He murmurs, his eyes still on your reflection.

Humming, you go to shake your head but he stops you before you can. Squeezing you in his arms, he turns his head to bury his face in your neck.

You can feel his breath against your skin, and for a moment it feels like he wants to kiss your neck, but he never does. Instead he turns his head to look at you in the mirror again.

“You are. Never say it because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but you are.”

“You’re beautiful all dolled up like this, but you’re beautiful in sweats and a messy bun as you sit in class, too. You’re just…really pretty, darling. A pretty baby.” He sighs, meeting your eyes through the mirror, holding your gaze for a moment as you study him.

He’s never this soft and vulnerable with you, but you’re not complaining. It might make your heart race inside your chest, but you don’t mind one bit, not when this is exactly what you’ve been wanting for nearly a year now.

“The wedding’s over, you know. You don’t have to be so sweet on me, Freddie.” You mumble, not really wanting to break whatever this moment is, but you find it hard to let yourself fall into any unnecessary sweet talk in case he’s still just playing. You can’t handle getting your heart broken by your own hands.

“What if I want to be sweet on you?”

“Then I guess I can’t stop you.”

“Good, because I don’t wanna stop. Not yet.” he murmurs, arms still wrapped tightly around your waist as he watches you through the mirror. 

You’re almost afraid that he can read each and every one of your emotions, but if he can, he doesn’t say anything. 

“You wanna get changed now?”

“Yeah…Can you, can you undo my dress? It was such a bitch to get on.” You huff, making him chuckle as he nods, a wide smile on his face.

“‘Course, princess. Move your hair f’me.”

There’s no stopping the shiver that runs through your spine as Fred unzips your dress, carefully pushing the straps down your shoulders as you try to keep your breasts covered, having forgone a traditional bra for the day.

Fred helps you pull your sleep shirt over your head, assisting you in getting your arms through the holes as you hold your dress up. The last thing you want to do is flash Fred right now.

Within a few minutes, though, you’re out of your dress and in your pajamas, slowly trudging your way to the bed as Fred changes his clothes. 

Although you and Fred shared the double bed last night, something feels different tonight as you wait for him to crawl under the covers. Maybe it’s the way he’s still acting so sweet on you, but maybe it’s your own wish to not yet stop this act. Whatever it may be, it makes your palms sweat and body jitter.

“You’re not sleeping yet? Thought you’d be passed out by now.” Fred comments as he makes his way to the bed, turning off lights as he goes.

“Were you waiting for me, princess?” 

“Not really. Just trying to get comfy.” You mumble, not necessarily lying as you watch him climb into bed, pulling the covers over himself after getting comfortable.

Facing you, you watch as a little smile sits on his lips, his eyes seeming to scan your face. What he’s looking for, though -  if he’s even looking for anything to begin with - is past you.

“Can I tell you something, princess?”

“Mhm.”

“I like you.” He admits, voice soft as the two of you nearly stare into each other’s eyes.

“You…like me?”

“Mhm. Have for a while.”

“Truthfully, the entire reason I offered to be your boyfriend for the weekend was so I could pretend you were mine for a day. Is that bad?” he questions, searching your eyes for any sort of answer.

“Can I tell you something?”

“‘Course, darling.”

“I like you too. Have for a while.” You murmur, smiling as you copy his words while a heat creeps up and over the apples of your cheeks.

At your admission, a smile grows on Fred’s face before he’s wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into his chest. A small shriek leaving your body as he chuckles, pressing a kiss to your forehead with little hesitation.

Without it being explicitly said, you know that you’re his, just as much as he is now yours. Truthfully, this is the last thing you expected of this weekend. Out of all the possibilities you pictured, not one included Fred admitting his feelings for you. Sure, it may have been a daydream, but you never thought there was a chance of it happening. 

It’s a little ironic how it took a wedding for the two of you to take that first step, but maybe someday down the road you won’t simply be attending a wedding as a fake couple, but rather as bride and groom.

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