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hans-alter-ego · 3 years

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Tom Holland Commission

(Not my gif)

Note: So here we are for part 2!! I'm excited to see what everyone thinks!! only 3 more parts left!!

Part 1

Warnings: Swearing, sexual thoughts, mentions of sex, alcohol, alcohol misuse, fluff, just a lot of drinking this time around.

Wordcount: 10k

If Love Had A Plan – Part 2

Tom

Don’t you see what you do to me?

Apparently, I do not

If only you could

My eyes burn as I look at my phone screen. For about 20 minutes, I’ve watched y/n go from typing to nothing, to typing again. And now it just says read. It’s almost 10 O’clock at night. I should just put my phone away and get to sleep. I shouldn’t be worrying about whether or not she replies. But I can’t stop myself from taking a peek every five minutes just in case she’s responded. I groan to myself and lay back on my bed. I spent most of the day at home, mulling through thoughts. Harrison came by at around seven thirty, he called out for me, but I didn’t feel like seeing him. It was a dick move, but I needed some space. He didn’t do anything wrong, if anything he made me open my eyes a little bit more. I think I hear my phone ding and quickly check it. Nothing. Just got to bed

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

I wonder what it’s like

What do you mean?

What it’s like to live life the way you do

Hard… and sometimes it’s awful

I couldn’t function. I could barely get myself to sleep last night. The whole night, I was thinking of a reply. I typed out so many then deleted every word I thought of. He remembered who I was? But that made me question how he got to my Instagram. Then again, he was Tom Holland, he probably always got whatever he asked for… so he asked for me? I groan to myself before grabbing my coat to keep me warm in this autumn weather. To have things even more confusing, I had to go meet Leo in about 15 minutes and all my brain could think of was Tom Holland. And I knew that he was the thought that kept me up all night

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“You seem very—distraught, y/n. Everything alright?”

Leo’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Did I zone out? Oh my god we’re almost at work already, was I not paying attention at all? I blink a few times and join back into the conversation.

“Sorry I—just some random things going on ignore my stupidity”

He chuckles

“I doubt one would call it stupidity y/n. Need to talk about it? I’ve heard I can offer quite the relief of mind”

This time it was my turn to laugh, so much so that I did not even notice how my hand went to Leo’s arm. A light touch that I instantly recognised. I retract my hand and cough, straightening myself up before Leo walks a few steps ahead to open the door to the office. I thank him and we both continue walking in step.

“It’s nothing too drastic Leo, just me overthinking too much”

“If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me”

Leo once again, lets his eyes rest on me and flashes me a smile before walking towards his desk area. Though I was glad to be walking with him, it felt like I could breathe now. The way he looks at me is enough to make my whole face feel hot, but all I could think about was how the hell would I reply to Tom. My eyes begin searching for possibly the only person in this office who could help me. Then I rush towards her.

“Well good morning y/n—whoa!”

I take Cara by her arm and drag her to my desk, before sitting down.

“Someone’s frisky today”

“Cara I’m in need of some serious advice that could possible fuck over a lot of things if not done correctly”

“Oh!”

She blinks a few times, comprehension on her face before a corner of her lips tugs upwards into a smile. She adjusts her glasses and gets comfortable.

“Okay. Sure. What’s up?”

I take a deep breath in and when I speak, I make sure to keep my voice down

“Tom Holland DM’d me”

“OH MY GOD!”

She basically startles the whole office, I’m quick to put a hand over her mouth and pull her closer to me to keep her quiet.

“Shh! Keep your voice down”

I hush her then look around the office, Leo’s looking right at us with a raised eyebrow. I smile at him and turn my attention right back to Cara.

“This isn’t news I want to get out”

“Sorry”

I sigh. Maybe telling Cara wasn’t the best idea. Though she was an expert when it came to social media interactions. I could just ignore his message. There’s no real reason as to why I need to reply to Tom’s message… but it’s Tom Holland… why wouldn’t I reply to him? And if I’m honest I was just more curious as to why he decided to message me.

“Okay. He messaged me after work yesterday, but I didn’t see it till I was on the tube. I don’t know what to say or do. If anyone finds this out it’ll blow up and that’s the last thing I want right now”

I can see the wheels turning in Cara’s head already. I just hope I make a good enough choice.

“Well first of all, I’m fucking jealous. Secondly, trying so hard not to scream right now. But in all seriousness, show me the message and we can see what an—appropriate response would be”

“Cara, you are a life saver”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tom

Sooner or later, things like this end up with someone crying…

Unless you’re crying with happiness, I don’t want you talking like that

But it’s true

How do you know?

I’ve seen it…

During my morning workout, I was more distracted than ever. Every noise had me checking my phone like some maniac. Every ding from one of the gym machines had me open up Instagram to see if she replied yet. But I tried to stay focused, keeping to the punching bag, focusing on each and every punch. By the end of my session, I was so drenched with sweat I’m surprised I didn’t slip out of here.

I went home soon after, when I walked through the front door, I could hear what sounded like cups and cutlery clanging together. I followed the noise into the kitchen to see Harrison making himself some breakfast. There was a pan on the stove already, a bowl with whisked eggs in it and the kettle was just rumbling away as it boiled. I still had a bit of resentment for what Harrison had said yesterday, but I know that I should just tell him that he was right. He was my best friend, and I shouldn’t be mad at him.

“Morning…”

My voice croaks as I speak. Harrison barely flinches or reacts, but I can see how his shoulders are tense.

“Morning”

That was it. I didn’t know what else to say to him, so I go to the kettle and grab two mugs down from the cupboards.

“Tea or coffee?”

I ask, not really looking his way. Harrison drips the whisked eggs into the pan, and it sizzle

“Coffee”

I get the instant coffee from the counter and make it how he always has it, not too strong but not too weak, before making my own. By the time I’m done, it seems that Harrison has made himself an omelet. I grab a banana from the fruit bowl and pick at the peel. There’s an eerie silence that I really don’t like. It’s not uncommon, if we argue then sure this happens but I still don’t like it.

“About yesterday—”

We both say in unison. For a moment I almost want to laugh, it seems that Harrison had the same thought too.

“You first”

I say, taking a sip of my coffee. Honestly, I should be thanking Harrison, because if hadn’t managed to piss me off by what he said I wouldn’t have gone home and decided to message y/n.

“Alright—I know what I said was a fucking asshole thing to say. I shouldn’t have brought that up. I know more than anyone how shit you feel with stuff like that so. I’m sorry. It was uncalled for, and I was trying to pull it off as a joke but that’s not something to joke about”

I wasn’t really expecting a full out explanation like this. Now I just wish we had spoken when he came home last night so then we could’ve gotten our sorry’s out of the way and he could’ve helped me with writing a message to y/n. What I wrote was a disaster. No wonder she hasn’t replied.

“No Haz, I should be saying sorry. You were right with what you said, it’s just me being the one who can’t actually see that so… in a way thanks? It definitely made me think about a lot of things”

I look at him and see that he’s a bit confused. I decide to just tell him what I did last night.

“I messaged y/n”

“Oh..! uh. And?”

“No reply yet”

“Shit”

“It was a pretty shitty message. If you weren’t being such a prick you could’ve helped me write a better one”

That cracks a laugh from him, which makes me laugh. Now that that’s all behind us, maybe I can move forward somehow.

“Like I said, you’d be lost without me”

Harrison drinks from his cup and chuckles to himself again

“Let’s see it then. What did you write while you were unsupervised”

Harrison extends his hand out over the table, palm up waiting for me to give him my phone. I begin to take it out of my pocket when I feel it buzz. When I look at the screen, I feel my heart drop and my eyes go wide.

“What?”

That heart racing feeling comes back with a punch as I say

“She messaged me back”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

I told you this would happen

And what’s so bad about this?

Everything! I’m not meant for this life

What are you saying?

This is your life… not mine.

I see the green light next to his profile picture and almost throw my phone. Cara waits anxiously next to me, bobbing her leg up and down. I see him type and I hold my breath

“Did he see it?”

“Yes”

“Did he reply”

“He’s typing now”

My heart jolts and my hands are quick to hide my phone when I hear Leo’s voice from above me and Cara

“Who’s typing now?”

He asks, trying to take a peek. But my phone has already been shoved into my pocket. In that moment I almost wanted to yell at Leo to get away but luckily for me, Cara has a mouth of her own.

“Eavesdropping again Leo? Didn’t I tell you that’s just rude”

“First of all, I wasn’t eavesdropping okay. You two don’t know how to whisper”

My cheeks go red, I hope he didn’t hear all of what we were talking about. My phone vibrates and I check it immediately. Leo scoffs then walks away mumbling something

“At least learn how to whisper”

“I heard that!” Cara yells back

I read the message and can’t help but feel excited.

(10:30am) TomHolland2013: ‘I’m glad you responded. I know you work during the week so I was thinking we could do something on Friday night?’

Friday night. I would be seeing Tom Holland on Friday night. Well, that’s if I say yes. I should. Just to say I’ve done it. But the idea of being seen with Tom… if word were to break out, there would be cameras and blog posts and people going after me on Instagram. Suddenly I feel panicked. Tom was an actor. A super famous one at that, and I was just… well me.

“What did he say!”

I hand Cara the phone and let her read the message, she all but almost squeals in her seat. I could see the excitement make her cheeks glow.

“Y/n. this is unreal! You have to say yes!”

If I say yes, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad… but there would be a chance that I’d be seen as some girl that Tom Holland took out on a date. Wait is this a date?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tom

You’re so beautiful…

I don’t think anyone’s said that the way you do

And how do I say it?

With all your heart

“Looks like you have a date this Friday”

“It’s not a date Haz—”

“Well then what is it?”

I catch my tongue before I reply. I wasn’t too sure. In a way it kind of was a date, but it also wasn’t. I didn’t ask her out for a date, I asked her if she was free Friday night to do something which could be doing anything. I just hope that when Friday does come around that I don’t fuck it up.

“It’s two grown people hanging out—casually”

“Uh huh”

I roll my eyes and send my message to y/n.

(10:41am) Me: ‘Nice, maybe we can plan something on the night. I’ll meet you near your work and we could just walk for a bit first then maybe grab a drink. Does 5pm work for you?’

(10:42am) Y/n: ‘Sounds like fun. I finish work at 4:30 so that should be fine’

(10:42am) Me: ‘See you then’

I put my phone down and exhale. Harrison is shaking his head as he stands up from his chair, plate, and cup in tow.

“See, wasn’t that easy?”

“Yeah, that’s the word for it”

I sigh to myself. Technically this was the easy part. The hard part would be deciding what to do on Friday. And a walk through the city after 5pm would only be a good idea for the first ten minutes… then you would get cold… and people would probably start to recognise me. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. With most girls, I’d be meeting them at a club or someplace where I wouldn’t be so easily spotted. Alcohol would be flowing through me so my nerves wouldn’t get the best of me. But right now… I actually had to plan on what I wanted to do with y/n

“Uhg why did I say I’d see her after work”

“Because you panic under pressure”

I glare at Harrison.

“What? I’m being an honest, supportive friend”

I roll my eyes then stand up from my seat, the sound of the chair scraping on the floor.

“Where are you going?”

“Took a long, long shower. I need to think some things through”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The week went by in a flash and before I knew it, it was Friday… then the hours began to tick down. I started my day as usual. I woke up early, went to the gym with Harrison, had breakfast then cleaned up. And now I’m sat in my bedroom still wondering what the hell I was going to do tonight. I could take her to dinner? Would that be too forward? What if she wasn’t the “go to dinner” type? In all honesty, I just wanted to talk to her… to get to know her. I stare at my ceiling, feeling the rise and fall of my breath. It was a strange feeling. The feeling of being giddy and nervous and excited all at the same time. It was new… and I like it. I smile to myself and clear my head just as I hear the alarm on my phone go off. It was 4pm already… which meant I had to set off now. I rise from my bed and give myself a second look in the mirror. Simple shirt, pair of jeans and some trainers. I’d make sure to take a hoodie with me just in case it gets chilly. Then I went to get my keys before heading out. I pass Harrison on the way to the front door, a smug smile already on his lips

“Well you cleaned up nicely”

“I just hope I don’t fuck it up”

Harrison places his hand on my shoulder and gives it a light squeeze

“You got this Tom. Just don’t overthink it and you’ll be fine”

I take in a deep breath and exhale, then I was out to the busy streets. The sun was just about gone, giving the city a wonderful blue glow. I put my headphones in and walk to the Marvel studio. I couldn’t help but look at my phone constantly just in case y/n had messaged me to say she couldn’t make it… for some reason. It’ll be fine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

Don’t try to be Mr Big Shot

I’m not

Then stop telling me what’s right and what’s wrong, this isn’t what I wanted

Then what do you want?

I don’t know…

4:25pm. I was in the bathroom at work, changing into something that was a bit nicer than my usual work attire. I had spent the whole morning texting Cara about what I should bring into wear. She critiqued almost every outfit until I pulled out a burgundy mid length dress, that was the perfect late autumn dress as it was thick enough to withstand the cold. I paired it with black tights and some ankle boots. I step out from the bathrooms and make my way back to my desk where I see Cara’s face light up

“Ahh! Look at you! If I were Tom, I wouldn’t stop staring—well I can’t stop staring now so actually that doesn’t matter”

I chuckle lightly and pull my jacket on. She squealed once more and got to her feet, messing around with my hair, picking at stray strands, and curling them around her finger.

“Cara?”

“Just getting the last touches all right”

I huff, blowing a piece of hair out of my face. My phone dings and I almost freeze

“He’s heeerree!”

Cara sings, running towards the wall to ceiling windows, looking down all giddy.

“He looks rather dashing”

She swoons.

“I do, don’t I? about time someone took notice”

My eyes snap to Leo, who’s brushing loose strands of his blonde hair back. His eyes look to me and they go wide. He stops walking to my test and I feel heat rush to my cheeks.

“Y/n… you look—”

He coughs to clear his throat and I feel my phone buzz once more.

“You look lovely”

His green eyes scan me from head to toe and I can’t help but feel at ease from his gaze. It’s gentle. I like it.

“Thank you, Leo”

I rummage through my bag to find my jumper, if I stay here any longer then I’d end up taking Leo with me. I still could not wrap my head around the fact that Tom Holland was downstairs… waiting for me.

“I came to see if you wanted to walk with me to the station again?”

My heart drops. His voice was soft and on any other night I would say yes. But I had plans and maybe that was okay too.

“Oh. Maybe on Monday? I’ve—I’m going out tonight”

“Oh okay. That’s fine—”

“HE WAVED AT ME!”

Cara’s squeal filled the office space, causing me to roll my eyes but it made Leo’s head snap to her direction

“Who’s waving at you?”

He asks her. And for some reason there’s a small part of me that doesn’t want Leo to know that I’ll be out with Tom tonight… would he think of me differently? But of course, before I had any say in it, Cara is already opening her mouth

“No other than Mr Tom Holland himself”

“Right. And I’m waving at Queen Liz”

“Take the piss all you want but it’s true. Come see if you want”

Leo ponders for a second then scoffs as he walks to the window

“I’m only looking just to prove you—bloody hell it’s Tom Holland”

Leo almost presses himself against the glass to get a better look. I feel my phone buzz again and I decide to actually pull my phone out and check.

(4:30pm) TomHolland2013: ‘I’m here’

(4:32pm) TomHolland2013: ‘I’ll just wait outside for you’

(4:33pm) Cara: ‘Leo was starinngggg at yoouu’

At the last message I glare at Cara, who is doing nothing to hide her giddy expression. I quickly reply to Tom telling him I’ll be down in a sec. I had to go now otherwise Cara wouldn’t stop squealing and Leo is looking more shocked than ever.

“Why is Tom Holland here?”

“He’s here to pick up y/n”

“What?”

I cough loudly and start moving

“I’ll see you guys next week!”

I rush past a smiling Cara and a confused looking Leo. Once in the lift, I let out a breath that I didn’t even know I was holding. Oh god. The look on Leo’s face was definitely something I didn’t expect. But I try hard not think about it as the lift dings and I see the exit to the street… with Tom waiting there. Hands in his pockets, slight condensation coming from his mouth as he blows out a breath. I push open the door and now I’m standing right in front of him. It felt like whatever work we had done had simply never happened and I was looking at him for the first time. He smiled, one that met his eyes and my heart fluttered. I didn’t want it to do that because this was just a casual meet up. Nothing more.

“Hi”

A casual meet up… nothing more. Nothing more.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tom

Why won’t you let me in?

Because I can’t even let myself in… so why should I let you?

I just want to understand

There’s nothing to understand

She looked so—different. But in a good way. In a way that makes my eyes not want to look away. Her hair was effortlessly draped down her shoulders, but it was light and fluffy, reaching just down her back. Her dress hugged her small frame, almost swallowing her. She seemed so fragile. Her lips were a slight shade of red, and so were her cheeks. So unlike the girl I on Monday with her hair in a bun, jeans and jumper.

“Nice to see you again”

I finally say something. It seems that she was caught in her own thought as I watch her eyelashes flutter before she replies.

“Yes! I mean—I must say I was quite surprised when you messaged me…”

Her cheeks continued to glow with hues of pink and red, and then she did something that tied a knot in my stomach. She bit her bottom lip. Only for a moment before blowing out a breath. I realise I was staring again. I clear my throat and gesture to begin walking. She follows by my side, and I can just about feel the heat radiating from her, but as the autumn wind blows, I smell the sweetness of her perfume. It’s almost floral.

“I thought you did a great job when we first met. I wanted to thank you for putting up with not just me but Harrison too”

She laughs and at makes my heart skip a bit. I barely know this girl and already I long to hear her laugh again. Wow okay I’m already in over my head.

“I was surprised that Harrison actually managed to keep up. You too, I could tell this was different from what you’re used to”

“Only a bit”

She follows my lead and I take her down to a small restaurant me and Harrison have gone to before.

“I’m going to be completely honest. I didn’t really have a plan for tonight but, do you fancy grabbing some dinner with me?”

I watch the left side of her lips tug into a curve. It ignites me and I want to see what else I could take her to. I would take her to all the restaurants in London. I would walk through every park, take her to every café just so we could talk for hours. I could see that.

“I would like that”

This time it was my turn to smile.

“Great—it’s just this way”

My hand goes to her back, and I instantly feel warm. I pull my hand away and put it back to my side. I didn’t want her to feel weird by having me touch her. In fact, I didn’t know if I could touch her without going crazy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The restaurant is busy, but no one has said anything to me or y/n yet. We’ve already ordered our drinks and some starters to begin with. I was surprised when y/n asked to have only a glass of water until the food showed up.

“Drinks go to my head if I drink on a slightly empty stomach”

I sip from my beer and taste the bitterness. It bubbles on my tongue, and I feel it settle in my stomach. Y/n had a valid reason, not that I was judging her. It was just a surprise that she didn’t go straight for a drink… most of the girls I’ve been with normally just care to get drunk, have sex then walk away.

“Makes sense”

We continued our small talk, I asked her how the project was going at work then instantly stopped myself from going into it. She’d only just finished work, I don’t want our conversation to be about work again.

“No don’t worry! It’s fine, honestly. I love my job, so I don’t mind talking about all day if someone asks me to”

She ended her words with a light laugh which once again lit me up.

“Well then, please enlighten me”

I saw her eyes light up as I spoke, then she began to tell me everything. About how her boss Randall, didn’t actually tell her that I was coming or even a part of the project because it was best to work with ideas that came fresh from their mind. She also told me how she had only just started there, that she fairly new but it felt like she’d been working there for years already. Then when our meal arrived, we continued to talk between bites. She talked about her ideas, and then shied away from it only to turn the conversation towards me.

“Alright, enough about me. What about you?”

I swallow the piece of steak that I had sliced up. I wait till I’ve got my mouth empty then reply

“What about me?”

I see y/n raise an eyebrow which she follows up with a breathy laugh

“You’re Tom Holland. You play Spiderman, you do you a lot of your own stunts and get to act along side some of the best actors in the film industry, you have a whole story to tell”

Something pulls at my heart with her words. I chew my piece of steak a bit more then swallow, my eyes are on her. I take the napkin then wipe my mouth before leaning back in my chair. She listed all the things that my actor image created, I won’t be surprised if she knew everything about me… yet she said I have a whole story to tell.

“True stories are never as fun as the ones people make up”

Y/n’s expression changes. Her brow drops and her lips turn to a light frown. This is where I fuck up.

“I didn’t mean for that to—”

“Tell me something then”

“What?”

She takes a few seconds to think of a way to answer

“Tell me something about yourself that someone hasn’t made up… you must have some good stories to tell”

I could tell she was trying to change the way this conversation was sitting. She was so… she made me so curious. So, I comply with her request. I start by telling her stories of me and Harrison at school, talking about old memories a couple of them make her laugh. So goes the rest of the night. Y/n soon begins to giggle nonstop. She had ordered some drinks and I did the same. The buzz of alcohol flowed through my blood, but I feel different. It wasn’t like how I always felt with other girls. That need to get her to my home or hers or wherever it was, just wasn’t there. All I wanted to do was get to know her…

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

Don’t do this

Do what?

Act like you don’t have a choice

My choices don’t matter

They do to me…

Our words became entwined and before I know it, time flies by. Dessert was already on the table, the buzz from the white wine that I ordered had kicked in and I could feel my face flush with the effects of alcohol. Tom continued to tell me all sorts of stories, he was so—different. Though I couldn’t really tell that from just this conversation, but to hear him talk about his family and friends, about going to school and having a normal life. It somewhat convinced me that he wasn’t this big Hollywood actor… he is a Hollywood actor. Suddenly, the reality of it all come to me. Tom wasn’t some normal person who I could walk down the street with, hell I wouldn’t be surprised if some of his fans had spotted us, and the hate mail was already sent to my flat… oh god. Is this what it’s like for him? Why would someone sign up to have this life?

“Are you okay?”

Tom’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I Pause for a moment, recollecting what we were talking about before my mind wandered off, but I fail. I take the last sip from my wine and give Tom a weak smile.

“Yes. Yes, I’m alright just—tired. Shall we ask for the bill?”

That seems to catch Tom off guard. I watch his emotions change in waves on his face. Confused. Startled. Acceptance.

“Y-Yeah no problem”

He raises a hand up and signals for the waitress that was serving us. I turn my head to watch her as her face lights up with a smile and she gives a quick nod then turns to get what he asked. I return my gaze to Tom, who’s already getting his wallet out.

“Oh, you don’t need to pay, I can pay for my—”

“Nah, I asked you to join me for dinner. I got it”

My eyes couldn’t help but glance at the way the muscle in his arm flexed as he pulled his wallet out from his jean pocket. I avert my gaze instantly and try to focus on the waitress who has now come back with the bill. Only to realise it’s a different girl that who Tom had signaled. Her hand was shaking as she handed over the bill.

“Pin or cash?”

“Pin please”

She pulls out a pin machine from her waist and holds it out to Tom who takes it and slides his card in. I continue to watch the girl, her lips look she wants to say something, but she keeps holding herself back… until the ding of the pin machine gives her a push.

“Tom Holland?”

She basically squealed his name. I roll my eyes. Who would try to catch his eye when he’s out for dinner? Some privacy please. Tom lets out a muffled laugh that almost sounds like a sigh, before returning the machine back to the waitress. His gaze meets mine, then he looks back to her, putting his card back in his wallet and shoving that back into his jean pocket.

“Yep…that’s me”

“Oh Tom I’m honestly such a big fan I can’t even—”

“Thank you. That’s so sweet really—y/n, shall we?”

The girl’s excitement seems to shift when Tom says my name, then her eyes flick to me. I can’t quite place what I saw in her eyes, but it was as if she was checking her own memory if she had ever heard of me. Then her eyes snapped back to Tom

“Can I get a photo real quick?”

Tom pushes his chair back and stands, his shoulders sag a bit, and I can see he’s struggling to answer her as he looks to me as if I could answer for him. He lets out a sigh again and takes a few steps to my seat.

“Look, normally I would say yes but I’m just having a night out—”

“Just one please!”

“I’d really rather—”

“I always see you take photos with fans”

Tom’s fingers curl around the back of my chair, gripping it hard as he pulls it back for me to get out of my seat. I look at him as he takes in a deep breath and exhales while closing his eyes. With a quick tap on the chair, Tom switches his attitude.

“Come on then”

He walks to waitress and places himself by her side, a grim smile on his lips. I can’t help but feel sorry for him. Though I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable and panicked myself. What if more people start asking? What if they form a crowd? The girl squeals once again and takes out her phone. She poses next to Tom, getting a little too close to him. Don’t know why that bothers me… Once she snapped her photos, she gave Tom a hug and he returned to my side. An apologetic look on his face.

“Let’s go. Before she asks for any retakes”

He jokes then places his hand to my back. It causes my heart to skip a beat for a moment. His hand was warm enough that I could feel it through my dress. It sparked something in me that almost had me tripping up my steps.

“She seemed happy with the results”

“For now. I’m lucky she didn’t do one of those snapchat filters”

Tom chuckles under his breath while opening the door for me. Immediately we are greeted with the night-time chill. I clutch on to my bag and begin looking for my jumper. My eyes land on my phone and I see the time.

“Whoa it’s almost 9:30!”

I say, chucking my phone back into my back and getting hold of my jumper, putting it on. It was just about thick enough to keep me warm, but when the mild wind blew by it caused me to shiver.

“Damn, guess we lost track of time”

His voice is soft. Tom’s eyes are on me, and I don’t know how to feel about it. If anything, I don’t know what I should do next. If anything, I should be going home

“Thank you, Tom. For inviting me to dinner… it was really fun”

“I’m glad I could offer you some enjoyment”

There was a few seconds of silence. Tom swayed, with his hands in his pockets. Which makes me wish I had pockets to keep my own hands warm.

“I think I’m going to head home… it’s been a day”

“Oh. I-I can walk you home—If you want”

I freeze at the question. Then all the thoughts that I had pushed aside come crashing back. What if that girl told her friends that Tom was at this restaurant? What if they follow him? And then they follow him to where I live… what if they start asking questions or throwing stuff at my door? This was ridiculous. Though these things could be likely, I was just panicking for no reason… I hope.

“I think I can manage, thank you”

There was a flash of regret on Tom’s face, and I felt like some asshole. He could’ve walked me home. I walk with Leo from Pauls. I’ve done that before. But Tom was different… it wouldn’t just be walking down the street. It would be walking down the street, trying to avoid fans or paparazzi or anyone with a damn mobile phone.

“Alright then”

He almost whispers his words. We stare at each other for a moment, both unsure on what to do next. I’m surprised he didn’t offer to take me back to his place. He has probably done that with many other girls. The fancy dinner, a few drinks and then back to his… I was making assumptions on someone I didn’t even know. Which reminded me of what Tom said during dinner. ‘True stories are never as fun as the ones people make up’. In the moment, I didn’t quite understand what he meant. But I think I’m starting to.

“Thank you again for tonight…”

Why did I say thank you again?

“Maybe we could hang out again sometime”

“That—”

I thought my answer over. Did he just tell me that he wants to see me again? I suddenly feel heat in my cheeks again and my palms feel sweaty. What would come of me if I were to see Tom Holland again?

“That would be nice”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tom

Would you change anything if you could?

Maybe… sometimes things happen for a reason

One of life’s fucked up ways

When I walked back home, I felt, strange. It wasn’t till I was lying on the couch when I had a moment to have all my thoughts collect. I begin to have a run through everything that happened during my dinner with y/n. Then I groan as I remember that damn waitress who insisted on having a photo, how y/n looked so… so awkward at the whole situation.

“So, the date went well then?”

Harrison asks coming from the kitchen, a beer in each hand. I shouldn’t have another drink. I’ve already had about two pints at the restaurant. But the alcohol calls to me. It would be one way to unwind. I take the bottle from Harrison and take the first sip. It was cold and washed down everything it needed to.

“Oh yeah, went perfectly fine until someone recognised me and insisted on having a picture taken”

“Shit. How did y/n take that?”

I think about his question, placing the bottle to my lip and resting it there for a moment before taking another swig.

“I honestly don’t know… she seemed, surprised? I don’t know I could tell she didn’t like it”

“You think she’ll be up for seeing you again”

“Who knows…”

I down the beer in a few more gulps then set it down. What followed was three more bottles, my mind going fuzzy and my blood processing through the amount alcohol I had ingested over the night. When I go to bed, my head begins to pound with a headache. But all I can see when I close my eyes was y/n. I see her smile, the way her hair caresses her cheeks… the way her dress hugged her slim frame. Then I see the panicked face she had when the waitress recognised us and my stomach churns. I shouldn’t have take her to dinner, that was a stupid mistake. Anyone could’ve seen us… but maybe I wanted that. Maybe I didn’t care if anyone saw me with her because there was something about her that captivated me. I just hope she would consider seeing me again.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

Let me tell you what you mean to me

Alright then, tell me

Everything. You mean everything to me…

It was the following Monday. Though it’s been three days since our dinner, I can’t stop my stomach from dipping every time I heard Tom’s name. I walked to work alone, I wanted to. Though Leo did text me last night asking if he should wait for me to meet him at Pauls. I told him to go ahead without me as I would be leaving late. That was a lie… I actually left earlier than usual and showed up at work almost an hour before I was meant to start, but I just dove right into my work. When Cara showed up, she instantly came to my desk. She had called me up on Saturday, demanding to know the details of my little date, with Tom. If you could even call it that. It wasn’t a date, at least I didn’t think it was? He did take me to dinner, we shared some great stories, but I don’t think there was anything about it. But I can’t help but think back to how he made me laugh, and how he seemed to glow when he talked about his own life. The life not in front of cameras.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Leo set a cup of tea in front of me and pulled a chair to sit next to me. I was brought back to my work in front of me, the outline of the project had taken me most of the morning, but it was going well. I take hold of the cup and warm my hands.

“Thank you…”

I smile at him then take a steady sip. It was still scorching hot. I know his eyes are one me, I can feel them looking for any sign of—whatever emotion—I had contorted on my face.

“Do I push too much when I ask to walk with you to work? Because I don’t mean to—”

“Of course not! Leo trust me, I enjoy walking with you in the mornings… and in the evenings too”

That seems to cheer him up. Honestly, I didn’t even think what my own jumbled up thoughts would do for Leo. I basically brushed him off on Friday, ignored his texts till Sunday night when he asked to walk me to work then told him a complete lie.

“My mind has just been—all over the place recently”

“I didn’t mean to come here for this conversation. I just wanted to bring you some tea, get you to ease up. Looked like you could’ve used a nice cuppa”

I smirk and take another sip from my cup. Why couldn’t Tom be Leo. Wait did I just think that? That thought would be wrong on so many levels. Tom was his own person, he was unique in his own way and Leo had his own traits… but it was the simplicity that I wanted… At least if I walk home with Leo there won’t be a chance of having it plastered all over social media. Leo was normal… Leo was… himself.

“Well, it worked”

Maybe it would be best to focus on something—someone—who wouldn’t blow my life up in the spotlight. But I can’t shake this feeling, that it was wrong to do this. To think this way. Love was overrated. Everything about it promised nothing but heartache at the end. But just have good company… maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.

“Want to walk me to the station after work?”

Leo’s lips tugged at the sides, and he smiled. His green eyes look directly into mine and heat pools in my stomach as his replies, his voice low and gentle.

“I would love that”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Leo and I met almost every morning this week to grab some breakfast and coffee before work. Once work was finished, we would chat and walk to my nearest station before parting. Cara became increasingly sly with her comments, sending me secret messages at work that made me laugh and roll my eyes.

(4:00pm)Cara: ‘Leo Acaster… more like AcASSter because oh my he’s looking quite fit today wouldn’t you say so?”

(4:02pm)Me: ‘I swear you will get me fired. If anyone were to read these texts, they’d say we were insane’

(4:03pm)Cara: ‘You think Leo is fiiiittt’

I shove my phone into my cardigan pocket and stare back at the screen in front of me. Only another half hour left and then it would be the weekend. I could tell that Leo wanted to ask me if I was going anything, but it seemed to get him tongue every time he’d mention something remotely to it. So, for the next half hour, I concentrate on finishing my work plan, and before I knew it, Leo was at my desk. Right on time.

“Do you ever not show up right on the dot?”

“Wouldn’t want you working overtime on the weekend now, would we?”

I laugh and begin to log off of my work profile then stand up, grabbing my bag as I do then flatten down my skirt. Leo waits for me to be beside him before we start walking towards the lift at the other side of the office. Leo only made light comments about the evening, not really talking much until the lift had reached the bottom floor and dinged

“Are you doing much this weekend?”

We walk out, side my side and walk towards the big glass door that opens to the busy evening of London.

“I don’t have anything planned, if that’s what you’re asking”

He releases a slight chuckle and opens the door for me. We’re greeted with the booming noises of the city. Ambulances, buskers, cars driving past, so many people finishing work and wanting to go out to the pub. Tonight would be a great chance to go out, and I wanted that. I wanted to have a drink and relax and let my hair down. I pulled my cardigan closed as the wind swept by, my legs immediately feel the chill of the evening. Tights weren’t warm, but they looked cute.

“Well, I was actually wondering if you wanted to—”

“Y/n!”

I was startled to hear my name called and almost jumped when I felt someone touch my elbow. I swing around and instantly freeze.

“Tom?”

“Hey!”

I forget how to breathe. He’s just here. Out in the open, no hat no big jacket just here… outside my work building… He looked good. His hair had already grown a lot in a week, and I could see the curls starting to form. He was wearing a dark blue V neck shirt, and dark blue jeans tied together with a swede bomber jacket. He was looking handsome as ever. Oh, sweet god.

“What are you—What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see if you were busy”

My heart was almost bursting from my chest with how hard it was pounding. Did Tom come here to see me again? If Cara were here, she’d be having a full on fit about see Tom. Almost as if she could hear my thoughts like a bloody radar, the entrance door from the building opens up and Cara walks out. Glasses on and hair whipping around in the wind. I see the curve of her mouth already.

“Oh!”

She was quick to pull herself together all before a cheeky grin plastered to her lips.

“I had a feeling we’d be seeing you again Tom—”

“what?”

“Come Leo, I could use some company walking to my station”

“I-I um—”

Cara didn’t wait for Leo to respond and entwined her arm with his, pulling in the direction of where she wanted to go. Silently I thank her, but I also hated it. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be alone with Tom.

“See you Monday y/n!”

She calls out giving a wave. Leo looks more confused than ever and slumps his shoulders. In a way I felt bad for him, Tom had interrupted his moment to ask something. That was if he was actually going to ask me anything, I can’t really remember what he started his sentence with. When they turned the corner and were out of view, I turn my attention back to Tom. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to message him, but then again how do I even go about asking a damn movie star if he wanted to grab coffee with me?

“Sorry for just showing up, I was in the area and thought I’d take a chance”

“T-That’s fine, I was just—I was”

I thought about it. I was about to walk home with Leo, with hopes that I would be going out in the city so now I had no idea what I was going to do.

“Honestly, I don’t know really”

Tom laughs and it’s the sweetest sound. I never noticed it before, I knew his laugh was melodic but now, to hear it in such a way after not hearing it for a week it was music to my ears and made my heart flutter.

“Well, fancy getting a drink?”

He asks me with such swagger. His eyes look into mine and a see how he swipes his tongue over his lips. It sends a chill down my body, but I blame it on the wind. It had to be the wind right?

“That depends”

I tease. If Tom wanted to ask me out for drinks, well then. Today I was feeling slightly more confident that before and I mean, if he could show up at my work with no fear then maybe I could talk to him with no fear.

“On?”

“Whether or not you’re buying”

His tongue swipes over his lips again and then he smiles. It was something unlike anything I’ve seen, and it sent a wave through my body. I had to bite my lip to stop myself from focusing on his mouth and those chocolate brown eyes.

“I wouldn’t dare ask you to pay for anything”

“Fine then”

“Alright”

With that, Tom gestures for me to move forward and I do so. Oh god… Drinks with Tom Holland… what’s the worst that could happen?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tom

Is this what you want?

I don’t know…

Then what do you want? Because I can’t decide for you

I ended up taking y/n to an old bar that me and Harrison used to go to with my brothers. I haven’t been here in a while, but it hasn’t changed. And neither did the flow of alcohol. Y/n was already on her fourth drink. She started off with some cocktails, in which she had tried to convince that I had to order too. So, I did, and it tasted pretty good. After that, she went for white wine and that seemed to be the one to make her bubbly. I had gone for some lager and now being almost four and a half pints in, I can feel myself buzz.

“Care for a sip?”

y/n holds up her glass and swirls the wine in front of me

“You know what, I was never one to drink white wine”

That sets her to giggle, and I indulge in it. The conversation was unlike the one we had last week during dinner. This was intoxicated confessions and banter… and I enjoyed every bit of it. Seeing y/n like this, I know it was mostly the alcohol, but she was relaxed and didn’t seem to thin about things. It seems that I was the same because I found myself inching closer to her bit by bit in the booth we were in. I do it again and I feel my leg brush up against the soft material of her tights. It stirs something in me, and I know it’s the alcohol in me but the thought of touching her skin had filled my mind. When she talks to me, my eyes linger on her lips, and I can’t take them off them. So soft. They look perfect. She looks perfect. I’m falling before I even register it. I’m leaning into her, my lips barely brush against her before I realise what I’m doing. But I don’t move away

“I’m so sorry”

“It’s—it’s fine”

Y/n doesn’t move back either. My eyes search her face for anything that tells me that she’s uncomfortable by this, but it’s me that switches. She’s not like the rest of them. There wasn’t that need to feel any type of lust. It was there of course, but it wasn’t the only thing I saw. I can’t help but let my hand go to her cheek and I let my thumb trace down to her lips. What am I doing… I want to lean in. To press my lips into hers and taste her but that’s not what I should be doing. I shouldn’t be kissing her while she’s drunk, I shouldn’t be kissing her at all. What if she doesn’t want that? Well, it seemed like she does. I pull away and clear my throat, taking a sip from my glass. I couldn’t help myself but continue to think about how her leg was still pressed up against mine, and every urge in me was fighting to get out

“I think this’ll be my last drink”

Y/n looks flustered as ever as she straightens herself up and immediately takes a long swig from her wine glass. Whatever just happened… I think it was a start to something more… at least, I hope.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reader

Isn’t it amazing?

What is?

This… breathing… living… like there’s no reason to hide it

Yeah. It is amazing, isn’t it

My phone kept buzzing and buzzing and buzzing. It’s what actually woke me up. I couldn’t remember much, but when I sit up in my bed, I feel the pounding in my head. Ah yes… white wine. My tongue tastes weird, and my stomach feels like it could devour a full four course meal with no problem. I groan as I stretch my arms up over my head. My phone still continues to buzz but I ignore it as I get myself up. Last night was a bit of a blur but I know I had fun. It was strange to seem Tom like that. And then I remember something that made all the blood in my body hot. I place my hands to my lips, touching them lightly. It wasn’t a kiss, but it was—something. What would’ve happened if we did kiss? I can’t deny that I found him attractive, a lot of people did. But what can I offer him? He’s someone that could get models and actresses and all sorts of girls, yet he chose to take me out for a drink and lean his lips against mine… Then I remember the way he pulled away as if I had bit him. I groan again. Was it in that moment that he realised he made a mistake? Maybe he wasn’t thinking properly, I certainly wasn’t considering that I am still thinking about how I could smell the woodiness from his cologne and even the hoppy smell from the lager he drank, from his lips… oh there was no use. My phone still doesn’t stop buzzing. I curse at it

“Bloody hell who’s texting me nonstop”

I go to my bedside table and grab it only to see that my phone has blown up with notifications.

“What the—”

The I get an incoming call from Cara

“Well good morning”

“YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR MESSAGES RIGHT FUCKING NOW”

I pull the phone away from my ear at her as her voice screeches on my phone speakers.

“Please no yelling. I might be slightly hungover”

“I just—I know that, but you really want to see what I’ve sent you. I’m in Asda at the moment but trust me!”

She gave no more and then hangs up the call. Weird. I begin to search through her messages to see that she has sent me over 30 texts…

(8:32am)Cara: ‘WAIT WHAT!!’

(8:33am)Cara: ‘OKAY WE ARE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT THIS LATER BUT LOOK AT THIS’

(8:34am)Cara: ‘PLEASE WAKE UP BECAUSE YOU NEED TO CHECK INSTAGRAM’

(8:35am)Cara: ‘I wonder who took this!’

(8:45am)Cara: Missed call

(8:47am)Cara: Missed call

(8:50am)Cara: ‘I know you’ll freak out when you wake up but ANSWER YOUR PHONE’

(9:22am)Cara: Missed call

Oh my god. My heart began to race as I scroll through her messages. All of them talking about Instagram and about my night with Tom. My stomach sinks and I fell like I want to throw up. I click on my Instagram, too afraid to click the links Cara had sent me. My app froze. I left it and try again and it floods with notifications. Messages, photo tags, likes, followers. No no no. I see the headlines that I’ve been tagged in

Tom Hollands mystery girl!

Tom Holland gets cozy with new girl at a bar

Tom Holland gets drunk and parties with female friend!

Drinks and love for Tom Holland Friday night in London

My messaged are all over the place. My inbox was full of girls I didn’t know asking me about Tom. My follower count had skyrocketed into a number I didn’t even think I would ever reach. Then I scroll again. I can’t even breathe correctly because, all over social media… all over my home page. Is a picture of me and Tom from last night, with our lips barely inches apart and his hand on my cheek.

“Oh fuck…”

#tom holland #tom holland imagine #tom holland x reader #tom holland commission #tom holland x reader imagine #tom holland x reader angst #tom holland angst #harrison osterfield #tom holland smut #tom holland fluff #tom holland x reader fluff #comission #commission writing

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bedtimebrain · 3 years

Text

EXO KAI: Detective Gone Wrong P3

You can find the masterlist to the other parts on my bio/description!

Characters: JonginxYou

You came to know Jongin by accident, but have no clue he’s EXO’s Kai. And when you found out....

You walked away blankly, remaining in a daze until your phone started vibrating in your pocket.

It was your boss who called and anxiously asked if you could cover her shift from the afternoon as she forgot about her wedding anniversary dinner.

You gladly agreed, thinking it might be better to have something to occupy yourself with today. Otherwise you’re just going to be spending the day thinking about you and jongki.

Still sane enough to be in need for breakfast, you went by the convenience store to pick up a sandwich. Standing in front of the fridge, you paused to think

What does jongki want? Does he... like me ?

And he KISSED ME TOO?! That’s definitely something only couples do right?!

How did everything escalate so fast overnight ?!

‘Excuse me, are you getting anything? You’re standing in the way’

You must have stood there for quite a while, looking at the irritated face of the customer. Apologising, you just grabbed whatever sandwich there was on the shelf and left after paying.

Falling deep in thought and replaying what happened last night again, you opened your sandwich packaging and bit down on your sandwich

EW! Egg Mayo!

You sighed. Feeling a little more miserable with wrong sandwich choice, you continued feeding on your thoughts on the way home.

You dive straight into your bed and hugged your big Coney plush the first thing you got back. You screamed into Coney like a lunatic and kicked the air violently with your legs.

Stupid jongki, who does he think he is. Ah yes, I secretly gave you a kiss, so what. IT WAS JUST A FRIENDLY KISS CAUSE YOU WERE CUTE.

BUT WHATS WITH KISSING ME ON THE LIPS AND WAKING UP TOGETHER LIKE ITS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL

What a flirt!! See y/n you were right. Rich, handsome guys, tsk. Bound to be bad.

You threw coney to the side and your phone came crashing down with it from your side table.

Groaning, you bend over your bed to pick it up, only to see a message from the dear boy you wanted out of your mind right now.

J:I’m heading out for work soon~ have a good day today😙

Is that a kissy face?!

Oh goodness, you were so annoyed.

Kim Jongki, are you playing with me right now?? WE ARE NOT ATTACHED

.....

at least not yet (?)

Tossing the phone aside, you decided to take a shower. Afterall showers always work best for any occasion. You got up and spent a peaceful 20minutes running under hot water, clearing your thoughts.

Though still feeling bothered, you were definitely more refreshed. Time check , it was about time for you to get changed and pick up lunch on the way to the store.

Dusting on some light make up, bunning up your hair, you changed into your working clothes. In 30 minutes you were out of the house.

On the bus ride to your working area, you were so torn between checking your phone and not to. You wanted to know if jongki texted you again, but you didn’t really want to deal with this situation.

Fiddling with your phone, you almost dropped it when it beeped to announce a message had arrived.

That’s a sign, I should look at it! Since it rang when I’m thinking whether I should

Excitedly you unlocked your phone and checked your notification, only to find that it was just a reminder message from your landlord to pay your rent.

Your heart literally dropped because you actually really wanted to receive a message from him. Just then your phone beeped again and this time it was from jongki!

J: y/n ah what’s for lunch today? I’m having kimchi stew. Texting because I thought about you who might be board having an off day today :p

Sigh, you can’t deny that boy is so cute and lovable. But you still weren’t ready to reply him. You wanted things to be clearer between both of you. While uncertainty in relationships can be the most heart fluttering period, you didn’t like being in that phase.

It wasn’t long before you reached your stop to alight. Not feeling particularly hungry yet, you stopped by street stalls along the way instead.

You arrived at your shop, feeling satisfied with the pajeon you just had. You almost forgot how therapeutic the scent of flowers were until you stepped in. The mixed floral scent of dew and freshness instantly released you from the troubled thoughts bugging you at the back of your head.

‘Unnie! I’m here! How could you forget your wedding anniversary , hahah. Have you bought a gift or something yet?’

‘Ah, y/n ah! My life saviour. No I haven’t bought anything! There’s just too many activities and occasions this month that I forgot about my own. Gosh’ she face palmed herself making you laugh

‘Then you better leave soon to get your gift! I’m here already anyway! I’ll just continue wrapping this bouquet you’re currently working on’

‘I’ll buy u a meal another day, sorry for calling you back on your off day~ oh right I’ve a parcel coming later, just open and let me know what’s inside. I ordered so many I can’t even remember what’s coming anymore.’ Removing her apron, she rushed off after saying googbye.

Looking at the tasklist, it was going to be a busy day. 5 bouquets to finish and lots of prep for the workshop tomorrow. You immersed yourself in the wrapping right away.

A few minutes later, your phone lighted up. It was a message from jongki.

J:yaaa, are you ignoring me deliberatelyy? do you want to come over again on sunday?

You scoffed when you saw the message because your detective mind came to a conclusion that the latter question was just bait to get the answer to his first question. He was tempting you with a chance at his place that was a hit or miss if you don’t reply him.

You put down the stalks of flowers you were still holding in your hands, you paused to form an appropriate reply.

Text:

my lunch was great, and i cant go over on sunday, im going to my parent’s place

You typed then deleted it, doesn’t sound about right, you remember telling him yesterday that you got a half day shift on sunday which you really hated.

Trying again,

i got called back at work

Sounds fine? Should you send it like this?

‘Delivery!’

Reacting in shock , you pressed the send button by accident at the voice of delivery man

ah shucks!

You closed your eyes and hit yourself on the head imaginatively. Smiling at the delivery guy, you received the parcels and signed them off.

One of it came in a tube, while the other was in a box.

What in the world did unnie order that would come in a tube? Wallpapers? Drawings??

The tube really piqued your curiosity, so you decided to check that first. opened it first.

Opening the tube, you pulled out a rolled piece of paper. Unrolling it, you noticed at the top right was a black and white logo that writes EXO Obsession.

Ohhhh EXO!! Unnie likes exo?

Ever since you watched 100 days my prince, you had a positive inclination towards EXO. Which also reminded you of jongki who seems to like EXO Kai.

You wondered who was going to be in this poster. Not like you would recognise them though, you thought, unless its do kyungsoo ssi.

A little excited, you pulled the poster open to full length.

Looking at the poster that stared back at you. Your smile faded away. Your jaw dropped.

‘Jongki oppa?’ you muttered under your breath

There was an uncanny resemblance between the man in the poster and jongki.

No way, who the hell is this from EXO?

You turned the poster to the back hoping to find a name of the man in the picture. But there was no information.

Flipping back over, you looked closer at the other small details on the logo, you found this 3 lettered word staring back at you — ‘KAI’.

EXO KAI? Jongki watches his dance videos... or rather, Jongki also can dance ..

There were only two logical possibilities to this , either jongki has a twin or... kai is jongki..

You had to know the answer to this incredulous situation.

Making a grab for your phone, you saw jongki had already replied you , but you weren’t even going to read it

Madly typing away

Y: Oppa, do you have a twin ?

You could feel blood pumping through your veins as you sent it.

How could this be possible ? He mustn’t be exo right?

Although you weren’t interested in boy groups, there’s no one that hasn’t heard of EXO in the whole of korea. And that’s how popular EXO is.

Even though you have never checked them out to find out how they looked like, but you still knew a few names. Names like Baekhyun , chanyeol and.. kai..

Thinking of it now, it seems to all make sense that he could dance, he has abs, he’s rich, works till late, doesn’t reply all the time....

As you waited for his text to come back in, you googled EXO Kai.

Birth name: Kim Jong In

Birthday: 14 Jan 1994

Height: 1.82m

1994 was his birth year, that’s right. Kim Jong in, difference of 1 word. 1.82m, yes, obviously describes him. Google images ? 100% similarity.

If it’s not a twin....

Ding!

His msg came in

J: uh, no.. that was so random though, why? Saw someone looking like me?

You didn’t want to believe this. The friend you’ve been hanging with and even sleeping at his place.. is kai?

In the past, when you watched those cliche dramas you never understood why people made such a huge fuss when they found out their dating partner has a hidden identity.

Like isn’t it totally exciting and fun! Especially if the person turns out to be some rich CEO. Wow, your rags to riches story would come true over night.

That’s how you thought you would react.

But honestly, all you felt was some sense of betrayal right now.

Y: oppa, I think I just found out what you do...

you sent

Just in a few seconds, he replied

J:really?! What’s your wild Guess this time ?

Your hands were shaking as you prepared to type this. The moment you send this and he confirms it... what are you going to do ?

But still, this has to be done

Y: EXO Kai. Kim Jong In.

Again, he replied instantaneously

J:omg, took you long enough!! How did you find out though??!

Clearly not being able to sense the tension over the phone, he was, as usual, cheery about everything.

Y:so it’s true ? Why did you lie your name to me?

You had no idea why you felt so emotional to the brink of tears about this truth.

J: ah, I’m sorry for lying about that.. I was worried initially if I told you my real name you might make a connection and recognise me at the start.

He double texted as soon as you received that msg, saying

J: y/n, are you ok?

You typed

no I’m not. I don’t even know how I should be feeling now, or what I should be doing about our friendship.

But.. you didn’t send it. You switched your phone to do not disturb and kept it in your bag.

You stared blankly at the poster for a while before putting it back in the tube. You’re still in disbelief. This situation was ridiculous. But it was logical.

In a state of mental breakdown, you couldn’t even wrap your bouquets right. You switched over to prepping for the workshop tomorrow instead. But your mind was so preoccupied with the whole fiasco that you kept missing things out. You just wanted work to end and have the time to yourself.

The entire day went by in a mess, but at least it finally ended. Back at home, you scroll through the multiple texts he sent you

J: hmm, seems like you’re pretty shocked about this right?

J: I wanted to tell you but you said you preferred if I didn’t though..

Then there was also a missed call from him

J: Call me back?

You swiped away all his notifications. There is something you really want to do, but not really ready to. You contemplated

Should I? Search kai up ?

Typing into Google, you searched kai. It was strange, just 24 hours ago you guys were so close, almost like lovers. But right now, you’re searching him up and getting to know him like an unreachable stranger.

You tapped into one of those webpages that told fans his entire life story. From his blood type to who he has ever dated and all that small little things people conclude from what he has said.

Again, you felt a stab in your heart and sour inside. These were things you never knew about , but surely, everyone else but you knew. It was like... jongki wasnt jongki, this him is different, it feels so far and distant from the one you knew...

Pondering on that thought, you let out a bitter laugh. Jongki really wasnt jongki. He was never jongki.

Switching to YouTube , you click on ‘mmmh’ the first result when you searched kai. No matter how you tried to keep an open mind, you didn’t like it. His costume made him strange and the song really wasn’t your type.

Deciding that’s enough for the day, you put your phone aside and tried your best to fall asleep.

—-

Back at work the next day, you decided to get some ‘intel’ from your boss about kai.

‘Unnie, you like EXO Kai?’

‘Ne!!! Wae? Isn’t his visuals to die for???’ She reacted so excitedly upon hearing his name

‘Why don’t I remember you liking EXO though?’

‘I recently just got into them because of my friend who kept playing their songs on repeat in her car’ she laughed as she fixed the flowers

‘Why did you ask though? Since when were you interested in boy groups?’ She continued asking

‘Ah... When I checked the poster yesterday I thought kai was really good looking, so I’m just asking haha. So what’s so nice about kai you bought a poster?’ Finally asking what you really wanted to .

‘Oh gawd, you really wanna know? I could go on a whole day about jongin. Though he is sooooo fierce on stage , killer looks and everything, but he has such a cute personality!! You know when they ........’

And she went on and on about it, even showing you clips of kai on variety shows, interviews, etc. In these the sense of familiarity was back, you felt like this was the Jongki you knew. Oh well, it’s Jongin now, you really got to change it out.

You laughed along with your boss and you understood why he had so many fan girls. Introducing you to some EXO songs, you had to admit you really liked them!

Knowing more about kai now, you went back home that night and sat infront of your laptop, making a search for EXO’s variety shows, music videos and the likes.

You searched up ‘kai cute moments’ and you wanted to sqush him because he was just so cute like how he was normally. At the same time you can’t help but feel a little jealous that you’re sharing these sides of him with other people too.

You watched his dance videos and he was literally a dancing king. Thinking back to when he danced for you, you suddenly realised just how many girls would die to be in your place.

It was already 1am by the time you finished your search. A msg came in just as you were about to crash

J: are you up? I’m going to the convenience store to grab some food. Are you hungry? Want to come along?

Seeing his msg, you felt a little bad about ignoring him for the 2nd day now. How should you reply him now that the situation is a little awkward ?

Nicely, your phone died as you were thinking.

Alright, just a sign I should go to bed, oppa I’ll reply you after I get my phone charged up tmr.

——

You woke up to an absolutely crisis that you overslept. Considering how you didn’t sleep well for the past 2 nights over jongin, this was bound to come. You quickly washed up and left for work.

Plugging your phone into the portable battery, you phone came back to live. Again, jongin was persistent in his texts.

J:y/n ah don’t ignore me please

J:Come over on sunday?

J: I’m waiting for your reply.

It was 1.30am when he asked you to come over on sunday, but his last message was past 3am. He must have been thinking about what happened with you.. You felt bad for being so absorbed in how you felt and failed to consider his feelings when it really wasn’t his fault.

All this started out because of your dumb self who wanted to play detective. But then again, if you had found out who he was from the start, would you have gotten this close with him? Possibly not. You replied him without delay

Y: i’ll come over on sunday

The shop gets really busy on saturdays, packed with workshops, tons of deliveries and online orders. You didn’t have time to check your phone till the end of the day, at which you saw you missed jongin’s call and texts again.

J: omg, you finally replied! is there anything you want to eat on tomorrow? i could get it if you’re coming over from work

J: we are all ok now right?

Should you call him back? It wasn’t like you were completely okay yet, you couldn’t imagine how it would like seeing him tomorrow. He was surely still that jongki you knew, but he was also kai.

Thinking to leave the rest for tomorrow to think about, you just replied

Y: there’s nothing i really want, just get whatever you like:)

Back at home, for the 3rd night in a row, you stayed up like a fan girl again, watching all of EXO ladders, their concert videos. You squealed and fangirled over them like a teenage girl. The more you watched, the more you started falling harder for them.

---

A halfday shift always makes your day go by real fast. You were standing outside jongin’s door. You were suddenly reminded of the times you watched 100 days my prince with him and talked about D.O. who he probably knows 1000x better than you do. And how you asked if he was a kai fan. Oh gawd, you wanted to jump into a hole. Feeling a little nervous and a little awkward and hella embarrassed, you didn’t want to press the door bell.

Finally pressing the door bell, you waited for barely half a minute, which felt like eternity before he opened the door. You could even feel your palms sweating.

‘Annyeong Y/N! Come in quickly!’

You didn’t reply him immediately, neither did you move an inch yet. The smile on his face slowly faded and he just looked at you, starting to chew on his lips.

Seeing his face once again, in real life, your heart skipped a beat. You knew it wasn’t because he was kai, but because he was still jongki, that someone special to you.

You quickly smiled back at him the moment you got out of your thoughts. He let out the breath that he has been holding, making you laugh.

‘Annyeong, jong..’ you paused there, about to call him jongki

‘annyeong jongin oppa’ it sounds weird to you, not to be calling him the name you were used to

You guess he must have been feeling a little awkward when you called him by his real name too, he scratched his head and chuckled.

‘I ordered pizza, are you hungry? let’s eat’ he gestured for you to go to the dining area and was ready to walk away

But you felt you had to talk to him first about this,

‘oppa, can we talk?’

He turned around to face you, he nodded slowly

‘sure..’

You walked over to him, leaving a comfortable space between the both of you.

He avoided your eye contact as you started

‘so... EXO Kai huh?’

‘...y/n, i.. you should know i have no intentions to hide anything from you deliberately, i was ready to tell you anytime. but i also thought you would react in a ‘pleasant surprise’ way rather than a ‘nasty shock’ received, so i just let it be’

He looked at you with sincerity in his beautiful eyes which showed how bad he felt. But you honestly just wanted to clear the air and lighten up the mood

‘actually, I just wanted to tell you that... I became an EXOL!’

You exclaimed and laughed. His eyes widened and stared at you like you were out of your mind, before bursting into laughter too.

But his laughter soon turned to sobs, and he rubbed his eyes profusely, which got you stunned

‘I... I thought I messed up our friendship, our relationship. And I really missed you, I didn’t want our us to end like this.....’ he said in between sobs and almost sounded like he was wailing

‘We haven’t even started...! Y/N, you scared me when you didn’t even reply at all! I thought you didn’t want to contact me anymore!’ He give you a light push on your shoulder as he emotionally spilled out all his thoughts

Though you were really confused, it was heart wrenching to see him cry so hard. You quickly put your arms around his waist and have him a hug.

‘Oppa, I’m sorry for the past few days I ignored you. I was just trying to figure how to handle the weight of the truth that you’re EXO Kai. Hahah, I’m so confused at your reaction right now you know.’

Calming down, but still sounding nasal he said

‘I’m going to make you stay here today until I’m convinced that you don’t hate me for being kai.

Oh and that you won’t go MIA on me again if you found out some other kai stuff’

Breaking away from the hug, he grabbed onto your shoulders

‘Y/N I like you, I really like you, so don’t leave my life please’

His impromptu confession got you feeling shy, you didn’t know what to do , but merely nodded in response.

Feeling all bright again he grabbed your hand and pulled you into the house.

You were glad it was as if nothing has changed, except that you probably became the luckiest fangirl alive just like this.

———

This fic went through so many content changes, I’m so glad I finished writing this! For those that waited for this part, I hope it wasn’t too underwhelming:,) feel like there’s definitely still a lot for me to work on as a new writer.

Also just dropping a note to say this would most probably be my last fic tell after may! Please check out of my other fics in the meantime too:) Hopefully I’ll be back with better writings !

#kai #exo #exo fanfic #exo scenario #exo scenarios #kim kai #kim jongin #jongin fanfic #jongin scenarios #jongin scenario #exo kai #exo jongin #exo comeback #nini #kai x gucci

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melynen · 4 years

Text

Q’s Christmas Wish - 00Q

((Written for MI6 Cafe’s anon prompt gift exchange, week 3. Probably my favourite prompt to write for.))

Q’s not at all sure why he did it.

It’s not like he believes in these things, nor is he superstitious. Santa Claus has never been real to him, and stars are in no way, shape, or form magical or divine or anthropomorphised in his mind. He’s not even feeling especially desperate or lonely. Not really, in any case. He's a firm believer in everything just happening, without there being a higher force or any particular reason as a deciding factor behind it.

He has been feeling a little gloomy lately, yes, that much is true. But it’s not like his life isn’t full of uncertainties and instability, what with him being the Quartermaster of MI-6 and all. He’s also made his peace with the fact that he’s in love with someone he’d do much better to ignore instead; after all, Bond is a double oh agent and his adventures with the fairer sex are both numerous and well documented throughout Six.

But Q wouldn’t be Q if he wasn’t stubborn, and besides, he doesn’t have time for a relationship anyway, so really, it has all worked out fine for him, has it not? Bond will never ask anything of him that he cannot give (an exploding pen notwithstanding, and even then Q can see himself caving and building the bloody thing for him, eventually) and he’ll never need to struggle to share his time with work, his cats, and a significant other. It’s a win-win situation if he’s ever seen one.

So why, then, did he do it?

Why did he, in a fit of madness or inebriation or recklessness or what have you, look up at the darkening sky of the cold December evening and, upon seeing the very first star of the night, make that simple, stupid, silly little wish of his?

And why did he, upon reaching his flat afterwards and after making his way to the sofa with both cats in tow, take out his personal tablet, do a bit of digging to find the correct email address, and write that short, fanciful, foolish message to someone he doesn’t even believe in?

Dear Santa, he had written, a half-empty glass of wine in one hand and the fingers of the other practically flying over his tablet’s keyboard, setting aside for a moment the fact that I don’t actually believe in you, there is something I would ask of you if given the chance. I know miracles aren’t exactly in your job description, but I’m perhaps in need of one, either way. There’s someone that I’d need returned home, someone dear to me despite every instinct of mine screaming for me to run; but hearts, eh? What can one do but sigh and learn to live with it? But I digress. In any case, this someone has a worrying habit of disappearing when the situation gets tough (or, sometimes, even when it doesn’t), and he’s a valuable asset to the place I work for. So if there’s anything you could do, anything at all, to bring him home, I would be forever in your debt. And I’m rather good with computers, so I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all if, say, you’d need help with surveillance. After all, keeping track of all of those children and finding out who’s been naughty or nice cannot be easy in this day and age. Best regards, Q

Bond is still wherever it is that he’s gone this time after finishing his mission (and he’s ditched his radio while he’s at it, if only so that Q hasn't got a way to keep track of him - because of M’s orders, naturally) when Q checks the agent’s status once he’s finished with the email - for old habits die hard and cats, much like old dogs, are not exactly known for learning new tricks with any particular ease. But Q’s used to it, he really is, so he doesn’t even bother sighing, simply logs off and pushes the tablet away in favour of getting up and going to refill his glass.

He’s not one to overindulge, however, so he sips the golden liquid at a more sedate pace, now. His thoughts still remain with Bond, but when don’t they? He’s learnt to live with that, as well, and has become quite a professional in pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind when his focus is needed elsewhere, so by the time the glass is empty Q is back to the good old strategy of ignorance, avoidance, and detachment that has served him so well for such a long time.

He then goes to the kitchen to fix dinner for both himself and the cats, and afterwards heads to bed for some reading before sleep finally claims him.

The next day Q goes back to work, as one does when it’s almost Christmas and one has spent the better part of the week guiding an annoying agent through a mission that has gone pear-shaped more than once, and said agent hasn’t even had the good grace to come back home. Instead, he has done one of his infamous disappearing acts while Q gets to be the one to sort out the mess left behind completely on his own.

Yes, he might be feeling a tad bitter about it, but he’s got every bloody right to. So there.

Q greets his minions and enters his office, his thoughts fully focused on removing his outer layers and getting a mug of tea to start his day the right way, and so he fails to notice that someone has already beaten him to it. He uncurls his scarf from around his neck, takes off his beloved parka, and gets as far as hanging both on the stand next to the filing cabinet before his mind registers the still steaming Scrabble mug situated next to his closed laptop.

”What the…?” is all Q gets out when a shadow moves suddenly at the edge of his vision, and before he quite realises what has happened, his back hits the closed door of his office and he feels rather than sees a firm chest snug against his own, a pair of slightly chapped lips covering his, and an arm wrapping itself around his waist while a gentle palm cradles his head, protecting it from hitting the hard wood of his door.

Q flails for a moment before his other senses catch on, as his eyes had automatically closed upon being attacked. The scent of a familiar cologne filling his nostrils is what finally clues him in on the identity of his would-be assailant, and Q relaxes into the kiss. His hands find their way to Bond’s shoulders, at last, and although his grip is light he is doing his very best to kiss Bond back with just as much enthusiasm.

The fact that this right here is one of his many fantasies concerning this particular double oh agent does certainly not escape Q’s notice. Though to be fair, he never did imagine quite an attack-snog like this - in all honesty, his imagination pales in comparison. Q has yet to decide whether it’s a good or a bad thing.

The kiss goes on long enough that Q almost manages to forget to wonder just what had caused it.

Almost, but not quite, as eventually they both need to accept the fact that from time to time, breathing is highly recommended if one plans to continue living.

Bond is the one to - reluctantly - pull away from the kiss, though he moves his head only enough to be able to rest his cheek against Q’s while they both take in much needed gulps of air.

“Bond… You’re back,” Q says when he can no longer remain quiet. He feels silly for pointing out the obvious, but the kiss they just shared seems to have robbed him of his higher brain functions. He can only hope that it won’t be permanent.

“Did you miss me?” Bond seems perfectly comfortable remaining exactly where he is, pressed snugly against Q with his arm around his waist. The fingers of the hand cupping Q’s head begin to run through his hair gently, and Q lets out a soft sigh and shivers at the feeling.

“You might have not disappeared the way you did,” Q says instead of replying to that question. It’s not like it wasn’t a rhetorical one, anyway. “And you didn’t have to thrown away your radio, 007. I would have appreciated that.”

“I might have, Quartermaster,” Bond agrees mildly and nuzzles at the side of his neck. “But I had things to take care of.”

“Of course you did,” Q says, trying his best to not appear quite as affected as he is by Bond acting like his more affectionate cat, Orion, with all of her headbutting and licking his face and everything else.

Bond’s next move better not be to lick his face, though. That’s where Q drew the line.

Well, for now, anyway.

While Q has been busy pondering the similarities between Bond and his cats, the man in question has progressed into leaving tiny little bites onto the skin of his neck. Q cannot truthfully say that he minds all that much, but he is aware that he ought to stop Bond nevertheless. For one thing, they’re still at his office, in full view of the security cameras (never mind that Q can easily delete any incriminating footage, it’s the principle of the thing); and for the other, he has absolutely no idea what has brought on this strange - if pleasant - new behaviour of Bond’s.

So Q clears his throat and says, “Bond?”

“Yes, Q?” Bond murmurs against the skin he’d just been biting, causing Q to shiver anew.

“Why, exactly, are you suddenly kissing me?” He pauses to gather his thoughts after yet another teasing bite nips his skin. “Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but I am curious to hear why now of all possible times.”

”Because I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time,” Bond replies, pulling back enough to be able to look him in the eye. “Also…”

“Also?” Q blinks, and Bond gestures upwards.

”Mistletoe.”

Q looks up, and yes, there really appears to be a real, live mistletoe hanging from the ceiling right in front of the door.

“That was not there when I left last night,” he feels compelled to point out.

”You’re not wrong.”

”Then how did it end up there? Or should I be asking, why did it end up there?”

”Well obviously someone put it there.”

”Obviously,” Q echoes and keeps on looking at Bond. ”It was you, wasn't it?” That would explain why none of his minions warned him about it when he came in - or about Bond’s return, for that matter.

”I can neither confirm nor deny such an allegation,” Bond replies. The kiss he plants on the corner of Q’s lips, however, speaks for itself.

”Why?” Q asks, because sometimes short and simple does the trick better than anything else.

“It’s Christmas,” Bond replies. “Seemed only appropriate.”

Q gets the feeling that that’s not quite everything Bond has to say about it, and he wonders if he can get to the bottom of it. But later. “Technically, it’s only the 23rd,” he points out in any case.

“True,” Bond acknowledges, “but I was hoping that you wouldn’t actually be at the office on Christmas Eve.”

“I hadn’t planned on being here tomorrow, no,” Q admits. “Well, unless 004 manages to cock things up again.” Q knows that these things happen, after all, no matter how good the agent in question is; and while 004 is good, he’s certainly no Bond.

Bond chuckles and nuzzles at Q’s cheek with his own stubbly one, and Q shivers. His arms tighten around Bond’s neck, which makes Bond hum appreciatively and turn his head to capture Q’s lips with his again.

This time Q is an equal participant in the kiss from the very first moments, and it’s an even lovelier kiss than the first one. Q keeps his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around Bond’s neck and surrenders to the kiss.

Lack of air is, however, an eventuality, and even the most loveliest of kisses must ultimately end. Q pulls away slowly and obligingly tilts his head for Bond to kiss his way down to his throat.

He’s still wondering what exactly Bond had been up to between the end of the mission and his sudden reappearance. Bond had only said that he’d had things to take care of, and Q’s curious about what they could have been. Well, perhaps one of them had been the acquiring of the mistletoe, which, yes, he can now see Bond not wanting him to find out about too soon. This all wouldn’t have been much of a surprise otherwise.

He’ll ask Bond about it, he decides, but not right now. Now they’re at work and while this has been absolutely lovely, Q is fully aware that they both have things to do that do not include kissing against his office door.

(Though that certainly should be included, in Q’s opinion.)

“Bond?”

“Won’t you call me James?”

“James,” Q amends. It feels strange to call Bond by his first name, but also right. Strangely right, even, Q thinks and smothers a giggle against Bond’s shoulder.

“Yes, love?”

“Um,” Q says and blinks, not having expected to hear that. “You’ve not been to see M yet, am I correct?”

“You are.”

“And am I also correct in assuming that even though you don’t have your radio, you do have the rest of your kit with you? Well, what’s left of it, anyway.”

Bond nods. “I left it at your desk.”

Q turns his head to look at his desk, and indeed, Bond’s kit rests there next to his no longer steaming Scrabble mug. How he missed it before is anyone’s guess, but Q firmly blames Bond and his mouth for distracting him so thoroughly.

“I shall look at it momentarily,” Q tells Bond.

“Is that your way of telling me to leave you alone, Quartermaster?” Bond asks, pretending to sound hurt. Or at least Q hopes he’s just pretending.

“It’s my way of telling you that we both have obligations to take care of, James,” Q replies. “And much as I have enjoyed this, we are at work and in full view of the cameras right now.”

“I am aware of that,” Bond says, sounding smug now. “R will be dealing with the evidence, and I may have requested a copy for myself.”

“Bond!”

Bond just chuckles and kisses Q gently on the lips. “Don’t worry, love, I’m sure she’ll have one made for you too.”

Q groans. “Not what I meant, and you know that!”

Bond just smiles. Q wants to simultaneously push him away and pull him even closer, but in the end he does neither.

“So, can I take you out to lunch today? And dinner, after work?” Bond then asks, now more serious.

Q blinks but nods. “I would like that, yes.”

“Excellent. I’ll be back after noon.” Then, finally, Bond pulls away from Q, who shivers at the feeling of losing his warmth. He has no idea why his office suddenly feels so chilly.

“Are you cold, love?” Bond asks. “I made you tea, I hope it’s still warm,” he adds and glances at Q’s desk with the beginnings of a frown on his forehead. Q immediately wants to reach out and kiss it away.

“Thank you, James,” he says softly and walks to his desk to pick up the mug and take a sip from it. It’s brewed to his exact preference, and whileit’s no longer hot it’s still warm enough to comfortably drink. Bond looks at him and his expression clears when Q takes another bigger sip.

“I shall see you later, then,” Bond says fondly. “Try not to get lost in your work, love, or I may be forced to kidnap you for our lunch date.”

Q snorts. “I’d like to see you try.”

Bond winks at him. “You just might.” Then he finally turns to the door, opens it and steps out into the branch proper, leaving Q to drink his tea and think back over the last fifteen or so minutes.

He’s still not exactly sure what had truly happened, let alone why it had happened, but he’s ready to take it as one of those things that Bond just does.

Because really, it cannot have anything to do with the email he’d sent. Or the star he’d wished upon.

Can it?

#mely writes fanfiction #00Q #mi6cafechallenge #anon prompt gift exchange

39 notes · View notes

artificialqueens · 5 years

Text

Undone, Chapter 14 (Bitney) - Stephanie/Veronica

A/N: Welcome to Chapter 14 of UNDONE, our slow burn Bitney lesbian AU. Here’s a link to the previous chapters.

Summary: Bianca escapes to a gig in Atlanta at the perfect time, as things are getting real tense with Jared.

Thank you to everyone who beta’d while I changed around the plot 40 times: @kitschypixel @sheofthethrone @jillybean2314 @theartificialdane

TW: This story deals with themes of emotional abuse, and since that can be subtle, we’re going to keep a general TW on all of the chapters.

***

Bianca falls into bed beside Jared, sighing. Her buzz from dinner has unfortunately worn off and now she just feels tired. She glances over at Jared, who seems to be ignoring her, tapping furiously at his phone, brow furrowed.

She picks up her own phone, scrolling absentmindedly through Instagram. She pauses on Courtney’s latest picture: she’s in Sydney, at the Mardi Gras parade, surrounded by throngs of colorful revelers, covered in glitter, rainbow streaks in her hair. Her expression is jubilant, ecstatic.

Bianca likes the photo, begins to slowly type out a comment. “You look like...” her fingers hover over the keys, stomach twisting. Joy. Perfection. Everything I have ever wanted.

“What are you lookin’ at?” Jared asks, turning onto his side.

"Oh, um, my friend is in Sydney for Mardi Gras. It looks crazy,” Bianca answers.

“That Australian girl from the show? The lesbian?"

"Uh, yeah." Bianca is a little surprised that Jared made the connection. But, she supposes that she has mentioned Courtney to him a few times before. She’s certainly not trying to hide anything.

Jared moves a little closer, asking, “What does she look like? Is she cute?" He tries to grab her phone and she jumps away.

“Stop!”

Jared laughs, now enjoying the struggle.

"Why won't you let me see her?!"

"I'm in the middle of writing a comment!"

“So what?! Give me the phone!"

Bianca quickly deletes what she was writing, cheeks burning with...something. She’s not sure what, but she feels a little hot and wonders if maybe the alcohol from earlier hasn’t quite worn off like she thought. She gulps, handing over the phone and watching his face carefully.

"Daaaaamn..." Jared lets out a low whistle, clicking on Courtney’s username and checking out her other recent pictures. “Are you sure she’s a lesbian?”

“Uh, yeah. Pretty sure,” Bianca answers, slightly irritated.

“Huh. She doesn’t look like one. She looks...sexy.”

Bianca isn’t sure why that comment annoys her so much, but she doesn’t like the expression on his face as he scrolls through the pictures. It almost feels like he’s stealing something from her. When he double-taps a picture from last autumn, Bianca quickly snatches the phone back.

"What are you doing?!" she shrieks, and he begins to laugh.

"I just liked a picture, what?"

“But...but we're friends, and that was like, a thot picture of her in a bathing suit, from like months ago, you can't-oh my god..."

“Who cares?"

Bianca sighs and patiently asks, “If Willam posted a picture of his ass, would you like it?”

��Uh...if he looked like her, yeah.”

“Way to miss the point.”

“Okay, so just unlike it then. Or tell her it was me.”

Bianca stares at him for a moment before exclaiming, “That’s even worse!”

“B…” A sly smile spreads across Jared’s face. He leans in and murmurs, “Do you have a crush on this girl?” He presses a kiss to her neck.

“Stop it,” Bianca says, pulling away. “Of course not.”

“Yeah, you do,” he insists, arms sliding back around her. “You naughty girl.”

“I don’t-”

“It's okay, baby, it's hot.” Jared nuzzles her ear, hard dick against her hip. “My bad girl. Should I punish you?”

“Jared-”

“Remember that girl junior year? The redhead?”

Bianca’s stomach is tight, her breath shallow. Another protest is on the tip of her tongue, but seeing his sleepy-eyed leer, she relents, letting him pin her wrists over her head, climb on top of her.

“Don’t be ashamed, babe. I told you, it’s hot,” he says, smirking down at her.

Bianca nods, biting her lip. She supposes that she should be grateful. Not all husbands would be this open-minded. This forgiving.

“I mean, if it was a guy, I’d have to kill him. But…” Jared laughs, a hollow laugh that makes Bianca shiver. “But this? I’m into it.”

Bianca stares up at the ceiling, blinking back tears. Where the fuck did those come from? She brushes them away angrily, closing her eyes, while he slides down her pajama bottoms.

***

Courtney flops down onto her sofa, finally home after almost 18 hours of traveling. She breathes a sigh of relief and picks up her phone. Her first message sounds way too needy, and she quickly deletes it, trying to think of a way to say what she wants without being such an obvious jet-lagged emotional mess.

COURTNEY: I really miss the way you manhandle my seams <3

BIANCA: lol, you’re an idiot <3

COURTNEY: When do you leave for Atlanta?

BIANCA: Saturday.

COURTNEY: Shit. Maybe we can do lunch sometime this week?

BIANCA: I wish. I’m so fucking slammed with prep. I don’t even know when I’m gonna pack.

Courtney lets her head fall backwards, deflating a little. She’s been getting the sense that Bianca was pulling away, although sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s real or just all in her head. The idea of waiting months before seeing her again is a crushing blow, but she doesn’t want to make her feel bad.

COURTNEY: Ok. I’ll let you get back to it then. Have a safe trip. <3

***

Bianca stares out the window at the puffy white clouds, a sense of relief making her feel more relaxed than she remembers being in...years, maybe. Maybe the most relaxed she’d ever been sober.

She hates to admit how tense things have been with Jared lately. But after she’d kissed him goodbye and gotten into the uber, it was as if every cell in her body exhaled.

Or, maybe it’s just the excitement of finally being a department head, for a beautiful little indie film set in the 1960s. Finally having a project where her creative vision would be fully realized, the director and producer basically giving her carte blanche because they loved her preliminary sketches so much. And of course, there’s the fact that she’ll be living in the same city as Latrice for the first time since high school. That must be it.

She smiles, bending down to drop a few treats into the dogs’ travel bag.

***

Bianca yanks open the door of the little sidewalk cafe and rushes over to Latrice - her oldest friend, the person who knows her best in the world. She throws herself into Latrice’s arms, the taller woman letting out a deep laugh as she embraces her tightly, saying, “I missed you, too, gorgeous.”

Once they’re seated, Latrice pushes a glass of sweet tea over to Bianca.

“Alright. Give me the latest. What’s going on? How’s your team? How’s Prince Charming coping with you being gone?”

“The crew’s great, I’m really excited about this show. And...he’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure about that?” Latrice asks with a chuckle. “Remember when we went to Barbados and he called you 20 times a day? That boy can barely breathe without you.”

“Well, he’s busy too,” Bianca says, feeling just a little defensive. Jared had spent her last 2 weeks in LA going on and on about what a sacrifice he was making, how hard her absence was going to be for him, how grateful she should be that he was so understanding. By the end, she had conceded every point out of pure exhaustion.

“Sure, I know. But...it’s hard to make a baby long distance. Is he gonna come visit for Game Day?”

Bianca forces a laugh.

“No, I don’t think so. Actually, I haven’t even been tracking for a couple months.”

“Really? Just letting Jesus take the wheel?”

“Yeah. Well…I mean, it’s been such a stressful process. And the last doctor I saw basically told me that I was like...trying too hard. And also...” Bianca trails off, looking down. She hasn’t admitted the next part out loud yet. Maybe she hasn’t even admitted it to herself.

Latrice covers Bianca’s hand with her own.

“Yeah?”

“I dunno. I guess…” Bianca looks away. “I’ve been having some doubts about whether we’re even meant to...have kids. What if it hasn’t happened for a reason?”

“B…” Latrice pauses, searching for the best way to respond.

“...well, isn’t it possible? Que sera sera and all that shit.”

“You know, someday, you’re gonna give yourself a break from all this neurotic self torture. And that will be a beautiful day,” Latrice says.

“You’re right.” Bianca clears her throat. “I just need to chill. Obviously. But...enough about my bullshit. Tell me about the wedding plans!”

***

Work is slow for Courtney in the spring, so she asks her old modeling agents to toss her some commercial work. When she learns about the first job they booked for her, she doesn’t know whether to be horrified or proud. It’s a pretty big print ad campaign, for Johnson & Johnson. She’s playing a mother, lovingly placing a BandAid on her baby. When Bianca learns of the whole thing via text, she’s utterly amused.

BIANCA: BAHAHAHAHAHA

BIANCA: Should I call you Mommy now?

COURTNEY: If that’s what you’re into ;)

BIANCA: omg

COURTNEY: It’s cool, I don’t kink shame

BIANCA: SHUT UP OMG

Later in the week, she texts Bianca from the set to give her an update, curled in a chair in the greenroom.

COURTNEY: OK so I’m at this shoot, and they tell me they want me to show some “respectable mum cleavage” in the shot when I lean over to put the band-aid on the kid. I LOL’d IRL, because hello? Wrong girl.

BIANCA: lol awwww. Can’t relate.

COURTNEY: Thanks, I’m WELL aware

BIANCA: ;)

COURTNEY: So their brilliant solution was to tape me into this wonderbra/bustier thing, and to further emphasize my (lack of) tits, they are contouring and highlighting the fuck out of my chest. I feel like a goddamn drag queen.

BIANCA: HAHA, you would be the worst drag queen. Do you even own makeup?

COURTNEY: MEANWHILE this damn baby is just sitting over in the corner drooling. He better not be making more than me.

BIANCA: He probably is. Needed: Caucasian baby, must not roll eyes when co-star waxes poetic about vegan pudding for 30 minutes.

COURTNEY: IF YOU ARE IMPLYING THAT THE VEGGIE GRILL PUDDING ISNT WORTHY OF POETRY THEN YOURE A DEMON

BIANCA: Calm down, crazy

COURTNEY: Omg they just applied the fake wound to him and it’s a little horrible looking. I’m actually worried that I might not put this band-aid on him properly. What if he bleeds out and dies? I don’t think I’m ready for motherhood. I CANT TAKE THIS PRESSURE

BIANCA: You’re gonna be fine. ;P

COURTNEY: Okay he made it. Phew.

BIANCA: I was on pins and needles.

It’s like an addiction, this need to share everything with Bianca. To make her laugh, to get her feedback, to know all of the mundane details of her day. To connect, as often as possible. Courtney knows that she’s in way over her head, but she doesn’t care. She just wants more.

***

Bianca doubles over laughing as Chris recounts a story of trying to take Latrice white water rafting. Latrice tries to chime in and dispute some of his facts, but she’s laughing too hard to be very effective.

“Honestly Chris. What on earth made you think that was a good idea?!” Bianca asks him, wiping tears from her eyes. She takes a sip of her wine and helps them load plates into the dishwasher.

“I...I don’t know. Seemed like an adventure?” Chris says with a sheepish grin. He places a newly washed pan in the drying rack.

“Lesson learned!” Latrice pipes up, sliding the leftovers into the fridge. “Now go away so we can talk about your dick.”

“You could just say that you wanna chill with your friend,” Chris laughs, kissing her on the cheek as he sails out the door.

Latrice slings an arm over Bianca’s shoulder and guides her into the living room.

“I’m really glad that I’m getting to know Chris better,” Bianca says, settling onto the sofa. “He’s just so great.”

“He is. I’m very lucky.”

“Well, you’re both lucky.” She flashes a grin and Latrice smiles back.

“How about you? How are you doing?”

“Good! Yeah, the show is humming along, the crew is better than I thought, it’s been…” Bianca shrugs, letting out a contented sigh. “It’s been amazing.”

“And...how’s Prince Charming? Still surviving without you?”

“He’s okay. Actually...” Bianca bites her lip nervously. “To be honest, it’s been kind of wonderful to be on my own. I haven’t really thought about him that much.”

Latrice raises an eyebrow.

“I know, it’s awful, right? I’m a terrible wife.”

“Of course not. Everyone needs some alone time, B. But...is it more than that?”

“No!” Bianca exclaims, a little too vehemently, then asks, “...Why?”

“You just seem a little tense every time I mention him.”

“Yeah, I don’t know.” Bianca looks down, fighting the urge to guzzle her entire glass of wine in one gulp.

“Are things okay with you guys? You know, it’s okay to have issues. Every couple goes through ups and downs. You don’t have to be perfect all the time-”

“I know that!” Bianca sighs. “Anyway, it’s nothing to do with him. Or…”

“I’m listening.”

“I think I may have...um...fallen for someone else.”

“You did what now?” Latrice sits back, eyebrow raised in judgment.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Bianca says, eyes downcast. “I haven’t done anything.”

“I just wonder how many years this boy has to jump through hoops before you see how good he is to you,” Latrice sighs.

Bianca swallows.

“I mean, come on, B. Is there really someone better out there? Or is this just more of the same commitment-phobic stuff that you’ve been putting him through since college?”

“Stop. Forget it. I’m sure this time away will...make me realize how much I miss him, and-”

“I just don’t know why you torture yourself. And him. He worships you. Why can’t you enjoy it? And who is this other person? Your typical pretty boy type?” Latrice asks.

“She’s-”

“Oh, so we’re back to girls, eh?” Latrice teases. “That’s fun.”

“It’s really annoying when you pretend not to know how bisexuality works,” Bianca informs her.

“Sorry, sorry,” Latrice rolls her eyes. “And does she grovel at your feet, like your husband?” The disapproval drips from her tone.

“No...she...it’s a totally different situation.” Bianca presses her lips together. She’s trying not to squirm, not to appear too gleeful, but thinking about Courtney always causes her to get a little giddy.

“Alright, go ahead. I can tell you’re dying to tell me all about her. Just remember, Jesus is listening.”

“Noted,” Bianca says, then leans forward, lowering her voice for some reason. Maybe to make things a little harder for Jesus to hear. “She’s...like...unbelievably gorgeous...but that’s not even the best thing about her. I mean, she’s sexy, but also so smart, and fun, and like...she has this charming, effervescent personality...I’m so fucked.”

“Yeah, sounds like it,” Latrice sighs. “Well...I mean, how deep are these feelings? Is it like, a crush, or…?”

“I think it started out that way,” Bianca admits. “Things are just like...I feel more myself when I’m with her. It’s like being with you.”

“Are you hitting on me now?”

“No,” Bianca laughs. “I just mean that like...I don’t know, the attraction is always there, right? But also, we’re friends.”

“You’re not friends with Jared?”

“It’s just...different with him. It’s more tense. More...complicated.”

“Couldn’t that just be a case of...you know, the grass is always greener on the other side?”

“It could be…” Bianca pauses thoughtfully, sipping her wine.

“Because you know, every relationship is complicated. But there’s a reason that you guys are still together, right? I mean, he suffered through that endless engagement. That means something.”

“It does. But Courtney-that’s her name, by the way.”

“Courtney,” Latrice mimics in a Valley-girl accent, making Bianca laugh a little. “Ugh. You would fall for a Courtney.”

Bianca smirks, then sighs. “Well, for starters, she doesn’t make me feel like my career is a pointless waste of time…”

Latrice opens her mouth, but then stops. It had been a throwaway comment, but something about it made her pause. For years, all Latrice heard about was how much Jared worshipped Bianca. His endless love and affection and understanding. The idea of him thinking that anything she does is a ‘pointless waste of time’ is...incongruous in a way that makes a giant red flag flash for Latrice. She tilts her head, careful to pay extra attention to what Bianca is saying, and particularly the way she’s fidgeting, the anxious look in her eyes.

“...and, I guess...spending time with her made me realize how often I’m walking on pins and needles around Jared. He’s so moody, and I...I thought it was me. You know, because I can be...”

Latrice frowns.

“You can be what?”

“I mean, I push people’s buttons. I’m not sensitive, and I make people upset. You know, you’ve seen it,” Bianca sighs.

“What are you talking about, B?”

“Well, like, remember in high school, with Alyssa?” Bianca begins tearing up the napkin in her hands.

“Yeah, I remember Alyssa, but what-”

“You know, I would say the wrong thing, trying to be funny or whatever, and she’d like, lose it. Remember? I was always making her cry, or-”

“Bianca, Alyssa was crazy. Like, legit bonkers. That wasn’t your fault, at all.” Latrice reaches out to grasp her hand.

“But I made it worse. I mean, I certainly didn’t help,” Bianca insists.

“Okay, sure. Because you were 17 years old. Not a mental health care professional. It still wasn’t your fault.”

Bianca looks down, and Latrice swallows.

“What does this have to do with Jared, though? Does he...I mean, is he as volatile as her? Because-”

“No, of course not.”

“So…”

Bianca takes a deep breath.

“He just...sometimes...gets...upset, and angry. Really angry, and I…it makes me...” Bianca wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. “It’s unsettling, like I don’t know...when the rug’s gonna be yanked out from under my feet, and…and I don’t know if it would be right to bring a child into that...”

Latrice moves closer to her on the sofa, something clicking in her mind and filling her with fear and guilt. She feels like the worst friend in the world for not seeing it, for believing the stories, for failing to probe deeper before now. She squeezes Bianca’s hand a little, before asking softly, “B...has he ever hurt you?”

“No! God, no. Forget it, this is...I’m obviously just being dramatic, you know, so-”

“But he makes you feel...scared?”

“Not scared, exactly. Just...uneasy. Sometimes. I’m blowing this totally out of proportion. Probably just, like, to ease my own guilt about being a shitty wife who pisses him off and then fantasizes about my coworker like a dumb fucking-”

“Okay! Okay, so, let’s say, for a second, that you’re not blowing things out of proportion.”

“But I am. I mean you thought I was trying to say that he-” Bianca’s breath hitches. “He would never-”

“Okay.” Latrice holds up her hands. She can see that the vulnerable part of their conversation is over, and she doesn’t want to push Bianca any more, so instead she gets down to business. “I believe you. But...if things get worse, or...have you thought about what you would actually do? Where you would go? Do you have your own bank account, credit cards? Is everything joint, or-”

“Latrice, stop. This is ridiculous, I’m not some battered wife who needs-”

“No, but...you still might want to leave, at some point, so...didn’t you sign a pre-nup? What if he tries to claim that you cheated? Are his parents vindictive? We know the answers to all of these questions and you are totally fucked. You need to open a bank account, stat.”

Bianca looks down, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“I’m not leaving, I already know that. And you were the one defending him ten minutes ago, so I don’t understand-”

“I know! I know, but...this is just a safety net, okay? Plan B. In case things get worse and you need... Look, Plan A is still that you stay married, and work out whatever you need to, and have a long life and beautiful children who will grow up as spoiled as your horrible little rat dogs.”

Bianca begins to laugh through her tears, crawling into Latrice’s arms.

“Why do I do this? Why do I ruin things?”

“Hey.” Latrice takes Bianca’s face in her hands. “I’m sorry if it felt like I was taking his side over yours...I’m on your side, always, okay?”

Bianca nods, letting her friend rock her, stroking her hair and telling her that everything is going to work out.

***

“Oh man,” Bianca groans, sinking into her bed. The dogs are going crazy, smelling everything and jumping all over her. “You guys excited to be home? Huh?” she asks, scratching Dede behind the ears.

“Not as excited as I am to have you back…” Jared says, sliding in beside her.

Bianca turns to look at him. Maybe there was something to that whole ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ after all. She smiles and runs her fingers through his hair.

“So...you missed me?”

“Like crazy,” Jared murmurs, nuzzling closer.

For a moment, Bianca feels utterly content, sleepy eyes falling closed. But then, as his hands move to her fly, popping the button, she wriggles away, sitting up a little.

“Seriously? It’s been over 2 months,” Jared whines, pulling her back down.

“I know, but I’m just...I’ve been traveling all day. I’m exhausted, and I feel filthy, and-”

“I like you filthy,” he growls into her ear. “Come on…”

“Jared…” she pushes him away harder.

“Fine! I got the fucking hint. You don’t have to be such a…” he scoffs. “Forget it.”

“I’m sorry. I just need to like, rest and then shower, and-”

“Whatever, Bianca. I’m a monster for wanting to have sex with my wife. Message received.” He rises from the bed.

Bianca doesn’t have the energy to chase after him. Not today. She falls back against the pillows with a groan.

***

They have a luxurious three weeks to prep season two of Silver Screens, and by the first shoot day, Bianca’s confidence in her work is soaring. Beth has trusted her more than ever, and she’s now designing nearly half of the costumes on the show. But as good as she feels about her job, nothing compares to the heart-bursting joy she feels when the trailer door swings open and Courtney comes flying into her arms, practically knocking her over.

“Hey!” Bianca says, hugging her tightly. She inhales deeply, loving the way Courtney melts into her arms, face tucked into the crook of her neck as if it belongs there. An embarrassing heat creeps into her cheeks as she pulls back a little. “How have you been?”

“Pretty good! Just got back from that music video shoot in Seattle. What about you? How was Atlanta? I’m so proud of you!”

“It was good. You know me, I love to boss people around.”

“And you’re so good at it,” Courtney says, still gripping both of her hands tightly. She glances down and then says, “Hey, where’d your nails go?”

“Oh, uh. Yeah, they kept breaking, so…” Bianca’s usual French tips have been replaced by short, shiny red nails.

“Hmm. I like these a lot better.” Her eyes dance mischievously. “They’re, uh...very practical.”

“Is your mind always in the gutter?” Bianca asks, cheeks burning, palms itching. She has an instinct to rip her hands away, but doesn’t.

“What?! I just said I like them,” Courtney giggles, squeezing Bianca’s fingers, gazing up at her with glittering eyes. “So, are we gonna hang out before the season starts to kick your ass? I really missed you.”

Bianca clears her throat and pulls up a stool, trying to cover the fact that she’s literally weak at the knees.

“Uh...sure...”

“Are you free Saturday?” Courtney asks.

“Actually, no. One of Jared’s douchey coworkers is having a barbecue, let’s-get-fucked-up-cause-it’s-summer type thing. And I promised his fiancée that I’d go, so...ugh. Saturday with the bros.”

“Sounds enchanting,” Courtney laughs.

“You should come!” Bianca blurts out, and then adds, “I mean, if you want. Willam is gross but he does know how to throw a party. And the house is supposed to be really cool, so...”

“That is an enticing offer…” Courtney tilts her head, pretending to think it over.

Bianca leans in. “I’m not gonna beg.”

“Well, that spoils all the fun,” Courtney tells her, eyes glimmering.

“Ha ha. Nevermind-”

“B…” Courtney places a hand on her shoulder. “You had me at ‘douchey coworker.’”

#rpdr fanfiction #bianca del rio #courtney act #bitney #latrice royale #lesbian au #slow burn #fluff #angst #undone #stephanie #veronica #tw emotional abuse #concrit welcome

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livingthroughchoices-blog · 6 years

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The Marshmallow Chronicles (Ch. 13: Hunting for Love)

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Author’s notes: Hi! Sorry this took so long! As I told a lovely anon, I had been working on it for a while and it was deleted so I had to recover from the frustration.

Thanks to the people who like, reblog and/or comment. You guys are the reason I’ve kept going <3 Huge thanks to @starstruckzonkoperatorbat, @notoriouscs, @simplyaiden-blog, @snyggflicka, @asprankle, @speedyoperarascalparty, @mirivalencia, @mymandrake and @asobigokoro2018 for asking me to tag them!

Love you guys <3

Rating: T

Pairing: Drake x MC

Words: 5,943

Drake retired to his room early, not feeling up to enjoying the festivities.

God, this sucks. I have to get this under control. Am I just gonna feel like shit all the time now?

Out of a sense of self-preservation he reflected he should probably keep his distance from Riley for the foreseeable future. He was shocked to realize that the thought of not being around her was more painful than seeing her with Liam.

I guess I do want Adams to be a part of my life...

He flopped down unto his bed, trying to think of something that could distract him, when he felt his phone vibrate twice in his pocket.

He pulled it out and read, “Hey, Drake! Where did you run off to?”

And then a separate message, “It’s Addams 😊”

His stomach did a somersault, seeing her call herself the nickname he called her. He’d already known it was her; Liam had given him her number “just in case”, as he put it, but Drake could never bring himself to text her. It would have felt like an even greater betrayal of Liam’s friendship. He had, however, spent more time than he cared to admit with his fingers hovering over the keyboard, staring at her picture and holding himself back from typing.

“You know me, Addams, always sneaking off”

“Yeah, but you could’ve asked me to come with you ☹️“

Right, like she wasn’t having fun with Liam.

He was wondering whether there was a way to phrase that so it was less obvious how bitter he was and then she texted again.

“You’re welcome btw”

“For what?”

He noticed she was already typing the moment he sent it. He was glad she didn’t play games with texting, didn’t wait long to reply, didn’t mind double-texting.

“For not making you my court jester! You would’ve looked cute in that cap tho lol”

“Funny. So why didn’t you?”

“Well, you only made that bet to motivate me”

The three dots were still on the screen so he waited. She seemed to be thinking especially hard about this text, as she took inordinately long typing it. Drake’s palms were sweating.

“And... tbh, as soon as they said a cup-bearer is someone you trust I knew I had to say you”

Drake was thankful he couldn’t choke or stutter through texts. He threw his phone on the bed and put his head under his pillow, completely overwhelmed. He couldn’t stop smiling, yet he felt close to tears at the same time.

Pull it together, man.

He took a few breaths to steady himself and grabbed his phone. He caught a glimpse of his dopey smile reflected on his phone’s dark screen before he unlocked it.

“You’re making me blush, Addams”

“You’re going soft on me, Drake ;)”

“Hey, thanks. I trust you too”

“No prob, I’ll have plenty of chances to beat your ass lol”

He could practically see her smirk.

“Ha, we’ll see about that”

“Well, I'd better go to bed, my alarm clock is waaay too chipper in the mornings”

“Is being queen even worth Maxwell waking you up every day?”

“I’m starting to doubt it haha”

He knew she was kidding, but he still couldn’t help the stupid, senseless hope he felt at that.

She texted once more, “Thanks for everything, Drake, I mean it. See you tomorrow?”

“Any time :) see you tomorrow”

He set his alarm for the next morning feeling a little more optimistic. That was it, he just had to find the right balance with Riley. He could give her a break, for starters. Since his feelings would not be ignored, he could use them to be nicer and act like a real friend to her, for a change. Yes, instead of wallowing in his unrequited crush, he would try to grow and improve through this.

With this in mind, he turned the lights off and went to sleep.

The next day he got up unusually early, determined to be a better version of himself. He started by finding Liam, who was enjoying a rare quiet moment in the stables.

“Hey, Liam!”

“Drake! This is a pleasant surprise! What brings you here so early?”

“I don’t know, we haven’t hung out in a while and I thought...” he trailed off.

I really have to get better at this friendship thing.

Liam looked touched, so much so that Drake felt his embarrassment grow.

“I’d like nothing better! How are you? Any news of Savannah?”

“Nothing. Radio silence. And her trail’s gone cold so...” he sighed.

Liam put a supportive hand on his shoulder, “Listen, if there’s anything I can do, all you have to do is ask. I’ve asked Bastien to look into it, but he seems to have a lot on his plate lately.”

“Oh, so it’s not just me?”

“That he’s been short with?”

“Short? More like a dick! Do you know he yelled at me yesterday for no reason?”

Liam raised a skeptical eyebrow, “No reason?”

“Okay, so I teased him a little but Liam, I swear, it was nothing compared to the pranks we used to pull on him!”

Liam chuckled. “Remember when we locked him out of the training room?”

“Or when we put those balloons behind the door?” Drake snorted.

“He was so startled when they popped he pulled out his gun!”

“Yeah, in retrospect I can see how that was actually pretty dangerous and not super fun for him,” admitted Drake, though he was still chuckling.

“It was very irresponsible,” agreed Liam. “We should really show him some sort of appreciation soon, especially if he is under pressure.”

“Good idea, but you should leave that to me; you’ve got enough shit to do.”

“Do I? Other than choosing a queen for Cordonia and my lifelong partner, my schedule is wide open,” Liam joked.

They heard footsteps getting nearer and Drake peeked out to see King Constantine approaching the stables. That’s my cue.

“I’d better take Morello, then.” He strode to one of the stalls, where a jet black horse whinnied excitedly. “Hey, boy.” He led him gently outside, grabbing a saddle on his way back to Liam. “Well, if there’s any way I can help you, just say the word.” Drake clapped his back.

“I know, Drake, thank you.”

Drake waved goodbye and exited, his horse walking behind him. He briefly stopped to give the King a perfunctory bow. He ambled around the grounds, at peace for the first time in what seemed like ages. He’d missed Liam’s company. He was used to long periods of only seeing each other for quick conversations, but lately, his once-easy friendship had felt anything but. Now, with a clearer mind and knowing what he intended to do about his silly crush, it all seemed as simple as it used to be.

In a secluded spot, he saddled Morello. He caressed its muzzle and the horse nickered affectionately. “I missed you, too, buddy. It’s been busy around here, you know? Busier than usual. New people and everything.”

He scratched behind its ears, lost in thought. He looked back towards the stables and saw most of the group already mounted. “All right, seems like everyone’s on their horses. You ready?”

Morello neighed, which Drake took as a yes. He swung expertly onto his saddle and took the reins. “Now listen, if there’s ever been a time when we gotta look good, it’s this one, okay?”

The horse snorted and Drake patted its neck.

Nothing wrong with trying to impress the suitors. It’s not like I’m making a move or anything. I just want her to know I’m good at something.

He directed Morello at a slow gait toward the others. He’d decided to stay in the back, should anyone need any help.

Nobles don’t tend to be good at much.

He smiled a little, remembering when Tariq had gotten his foot tangled in the stirrup a few years ago and sighed contentedly.

Yeah, today might be a good day.

He saw Riley up ahead and had already raised his hand to urge Morello forward with the reins, then thought better of it.

You’ll go up to her if it’s natural. Stop forcing it.

He settled in the last spot. After a few minutes of riding at a ridiculously slow pace, his gaze started drifting more and more often towards Riley, until he was fully staring at her.

I’m such a creep.

Try as he might, though, he couldn’t help looking at her, the shapes her lips made when she talked or smiled, how beautifully her hair moved in the breeze...

I’m gonna make myself sick.

She was currently having what looked like a surprisingly civil conversation with Olivia.

Yuck. She’s such a better person than I am.

A few minutes later, Hana was the one to approach her.

Lovesick idiots that we are.

He shook his head fondly at Hana.

God, I hope you come out of this better than me, kid.

Hana moved back to talk to the rest of the suitors. At the same time, Drake noticed Lady Kiara trying to catch his eye and ignored her as politely as he could.

Out of desperation – fine, and also because I really, really want to talk to her – he called out to Riley, “Addams!”

She turned towards him, grinning. He returned her smile and waved her over. She immediately slowed down and let others pass her until she was at the back with Drake. He was pleasantly surprised at how well she commanded her horse.

Okay, here we go. Friends. We’re gonna be friends.

“There you are. You look like you actually know how to ride a horse.”

That’s something a friend would say, right?

One of Riley’s hands flew to her mouth in mock surprise. “Oh my gosh, opening with a compliment?”

“Careful, don’t want you falling off your horse now.” Drake smirked, though he still regarded her uneasily.

Friends worry about their friends!

“I’m surprised you’re out here with all the nobles today.” It was phrased like a statement, but there was a question behind it.

Well, obviously the truth is out of the question.

“Turns out, I had an opening in my schedule today.” He grinned. “And there’s something oddly satisfying about watching nobles fuss over their stuffy blazers.”

Riley giggled. “Is this why you’re not frowning... as much as usual, anyway.”

Drake didn’t know whether to shake her or kiss her.

It’s you! You’re the reason! Okay, how do I make that friend-appropriate?

“It has more to do with the company I keep.” That was probably the most sincere he’d been in the past year.

“A second compliment!” This time, Riley didn’t pretend to be shocked, she actually was. Her eyes shone as she looked at Drake, delighted.

“One more and you win the jackpot,” he winked.

If only I could actually give her anything.

“I hope it’s all your whiskey,” she teases.

It was Drake’s turn to act horrified. She pushed his shoulder and he smiled with a sigh.

“You know, when we first met, I wanted to dislike you so badly...” He was not sure why he was saying this.

I guess I want our friendship to start on a clean slate.

Riley’s eyes were wide. “You WANTED to dislike me? Why?”

Of course she finds it unbelievable that anyone could dislike her, cocky jerk.

He smiled to himself.

“You were crashing Liam’s bachelor party! It was supposed to be our last night out together before all of this... We’ve always been like brothers, doing everything together...” He thought of that morning, how spending a few minutes with him had felt like a privilege.

“Now I’m lucky to see him for five minutes without a noble girl throwing herself in front of him,” he finished bitterly.

After a moment of silence, he realized she might think he meant her and hurriedly apologized, “Sorry. I didn’t mean...”

She put her hand on his for a second, her eyes understanding, “I know what you meant.”

Drake could not comprehend how the smallest of her gestures could calm him, make him feel better, like he mattered.

I have to stop getting so pathetically emotional over every little thing she does.

He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I know we got off to a bad start, but somewhere along the way... things changed.”

Okay, stop it right there or you might go too far.

“Hell, Addams, I don’t even know why I’m telling you any of this.” He rubbed a hand on his face, embarrassed at this outpouring of honesty.

Riley spoke, “Drake, I wanted to dislike you too.”

He looked up from his hands, taken by surprise, although he had no reason to be. “You did?”

“Yeah, I mean, you were a total jerk to me!”

Understatement of the year.

“But now...”

Drake hated how his voice practically trembled with hope, “Now?”

“It took time... but I figured out that you’re actually human under all those scowls,” she poked him.

Of course. She barely even sees me as a friend, how could I have thought... Well, it doesn’t matter, being friends is already more than I deserve after the way I treated her.

He spotted Liam with his parents ahead.

There’s someone else I need to be better to.

“This has all been touching, but I need to rescue Liam from his family for a couple minutes.”

He heard Riley utter a small “Oh” as he rode ahead, and felt a twinge of guilt coupled with that insufferable emotion he’d been feeling constantly as of late, hope.

He reached them just in time to hear Queen Regina sing the praises of Madeleine, much to Liam’s apparent chagrin.

“Do you see what I am saying, Liam? Wouldn’t you agree that she is the superior choice?”

“She would certainly make an excellent monarch, son,” chimed in the King.

“She is a lady with many merits, yes,” replied Liam diplomatically.

“So is she the suitor you are most leaning towards, then?” prodded the Queen.

“I–I...”

“Liam!” Drake called, startling the three monarchs, who had been so absorbed in their conversation they had not noticed his arrival. “Wanna race ahead?”

“Loser does 30 push-ups!” Liam exclaimed, already urging his horse forward.

Liam was, of course, an accomplished rider. There really weren’t any rich people things you could afford to be bad at when you were a royal. However, Drake had spent more time in the stables than he had. And so, despite Liam’s exceptional instruction, he didn’t share the bond that Drake and Morello did.

All this to say, by the time Liam caught up with him, Drake had time to pretend to be looking at an imaginary watch on his wrist.

“Liam, Liam, Liam,” he said, with shakes of his head. “You’ve really got me to thank for your abs, you know that, right?”

Liam chuckled. “That’s my secret; I lose on purpose so I can stay in shape.”

Drake snorted. “You keep telling yourself that, buddy.”

“Drake, thanks for that.” Liam’s relief was palpable.

Drake sobered. “No problem. You looked like you’d rather be at the bottom of the canyon so...”

Liam gave a humorless laugh. “Not quite, but almost. I don’t think they understand that I’m conflicted enough as it is.”

Drake perked up at this, “Are you? I... thought it was a done deal. That you were choosing Riley, that is.”

Liam shushed him. “Not so loud!” He ran his fingers through his hair. “What can I say? In my heart, it is, but unfortunately that is not nearly enough.”

Drake’s heart sank.

Even if he doesn’t choose her, he’s in love with her. And he’s your best friend.

“Stop worrying so much, man, what’s that gonna do? Look, let’s just enjoy the feast today, huh? You still have a few events left to decide. Not to mention a Beaumont party to look forward to!”

“I’ll try. Although I must say, I am definitely looking forward to that! Their parties are really unparalleled.”

“That they are.”

He and Liam rode on in companionable silence until they reached the mountain village. It was charming and rustic, with its little cabins and huts surrounding a vast filed in which long tables had been set out, laden with food.

Once everyone had gathered round, King Constantine welcomed them, “Everyone, we’ve reached our hunting lodges. Our forebears would dine on the day’s hunt here, and though we no longer hunt, we will still have a great feast. But first, we race to celebrate our ancestors. The first to reach Prince Liam will be served first at the feast! Begin!”

Drake was torn between wishing he could participate – he was starving – and excitement at seeing the suitors race and possibly make a fool out of themselves. Except Hana, obviously. And Riley, he hoped... though that would provide an incredible opportunity to tease her.

No. Friends don’t want their friends to look dumb.

He needn’t have chided himself, for Riley did well. She didn’t win – predictably, it was Hana who did – but she did a good job for her first time, in Drake’s opinion.

An image popped up in his mind, uninvited, of himself teaching Riley how to ride properly. They were all smiles and laughter...

Stop it, brain.

He forced himself to concentrate on what King Constantine was saying, “That’s superb horsemanship in action. Servants, prepare the first plate for Lady Hana. Now, then. Let’s all take some time to rest. Dinner will begin shortly.”

The crowd broke into smaller, more relaxed groups. He dismounted Morello and tied him to the hitching rail where all the other horses were drinking water and chewing on oats or grazing. He saw Riley talking to Tariq, weirdly. Liam was engaged in conversation with Olivia – no, thanks – and then he spotted Maxwell and Hana.

“Congratulations, Hana! That was some riding,” he admired as he approached them.

“Yeah, you kicked ass!” Maxwell agreed enthusiastically.

She blushed, “Thank you. I am glad I could put something my parents made me learn to use. If only to eat first.”

“I think that’s the best prize you could get, I’m starving! Right, Maxwell?”

Maxwell was looking out at Riley, who was talking to Liam, with an uncharacteristically pensive expression on his face.

Drake waved a hand in front of his face. “Maxwell? Everything okay, man?”

“Wha–? Oh. Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine.”

“Sure.” Drake eyed him suspiciously and shared a puzzled look with Hana, who broke the tension.

“Why don’t we go see what they’re up to?”

The three of them walked over to Liam and Riley. Liam was, as Drake had come to expect, smiling widely, completely engrossed in whatever Riley was saying.

“Hey, the feast is being put out.” Drake pointed out when they’d joined the pair.

“And they’ve got dishes supposedly blessed by the spirits of the nearby ruins,” Maxwell informed them.

Hana’s face instantly lit up. “Oooh! I’ve heard legends about those ruins! They sound magical. People travel from all around just to see them.”

“It’s a shame we’re not scheduled to see them,” Liam frowned.

Thank God! Bunch of old rocks.

Hana’s face fell as fast as it had brightened before. “We aren’t? I was so hoping to...”

Maxwell put a comforting arm around her shoulders and suggested, “Why don’t we just go anyway? Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to miss out on delicious food, maybe.

“Are you sure we should?” Hana asked, cautiously eager.

No!

“It’d be nice to spend some time together without this crowd around,” Liam said. As always, he turned directly to Riley and asked, “What do you say, Riley?”

Riley had that familiar mischievous look she got when she was ready to break the rules. “Let’s have an adventure!”

Drake came close to protesting this decision, until he noticed that her face was practically glowing with excitement.

Fiiine, I’ll go. Crushes are so stupid.

He shook his head at himself but kept quiet, not wanting to spoil the others’ fun.

“Alright!” Maxwell fist-pumped.

“I’m excited to visit another piece of Cordonian history,” gushed Hana.

Liam took the lead and gestured for them to come. “Follow me. I know how to get there.”

They walked away from the crowded field and into the adjacent forest. At least this I can enjoy. Drake took in the lush trees, the leave-strewn path they were following and the mysteriously soothing sounds of nature surrounding them. He tried to see if he could spot any forest creatures, but aside from a few shuddering bushes, he didn’t see any; they had probably been spooked by the humans’ presence.

He breathed in deeply, feeling a bit better, despite the hunger. He realized he’d been walking next to Maxwell, who had been quiet the whole time.

What the hell?!

“Hey, Maxwell, you know I’m not buying that ‘everything’s fine’ bullshit, right?”

“What? Why? Everything is–”

“Stop it. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Maxwell sighed. “Okay. I need someone’s opinion on this, anyway. You know how I’m sponsoring Riley?”

“You can skip the intro, Maxwell, I am the same guy who’s been here for everything,” Drake rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, sorry.” Maxwell was cracking his knuckles nonstop at this point. Drake grabbed his arms and forced him to stop.

“What is it? It can’t be that bad.”

“It’s not bad, it’s complicated. Riley might not be sure about this whole thing anymore.”

Maxwell looked so conflicted that Drake put an arm around his shoulders and said, “Well, being queen is a big deal, dude! Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll come around!”

“It’s not that. Or at least, not just that. It’s... it’s Liam, too.”

Drake almost stopped walking and had to remind his feet to keep going.

Maxwell kept talking and Drake listened to him half-heartedly. “So I don’t know what to because on the one hand, she’s my friend now. I don’t want to force her to do anything she doesn’t want to! Especially something so big! And I know she feels pressured... I mean, who wouldn’t, with Bertrand? But on the other hand, House Beaumont desperately needs a win, now more than ever... er, for no particular reason.”

Drake was busy trying to calm his buzzing thoughts.

She’s not sure about Liam! Could it be that–?

No. There’s no way it’s because of you!

You can’t know that!

So what? Even if it is, you think she’s gonna give up a kingdom?

His internal argument was interrupted by Maxwell taking a huge breath and continuing, “And then there’s Liam; he really, really likes her and he probably thinks she likes him back and I know it’s not my place to tell him but I feel terrible.”

Right. Liam. You couldn’t do that to your best friend, either way.

There was no argument there.

“Drake? Are you going to say anything or...?”

“Oh, uh, yeah! I don’t think there’s that much to say except, Addams is going to choose whatever she chooses, okay? Even if Bertrand is pressuring her, she’ll do whatever she wants; she’s stubborn like that,” he smiled fondly. “And I guess you gotta trust that she knows.”

“Knows what?”

“Well, that she understands both the reason you brought her here in the first place and that you’re her friend. I’m sure she’ll do whatever she can to help House Beaumont and be happy. She’s one of those people that always finds a way, you know what I mean?”

“I do and I hope you’re right.”

“Psh, when am I not?”

Maxwell pushed him away. “When you said I wouldn’t dare ask the Queen to breakdance with me.”

Drake snorted, “You got me there. I underestimated how inappropriate you can be. And this is from a commoner.”

“I still think she secretly wanted to.”

“Right, maybe she just needed a few more glasses of champagne. Why don’t you try again at the next Beaumont party?”

“Don’t think I won’t.”

They spent the rest of the way laughing and coming up with stupid plans to get the Queen to breakdance.

“Here we are,” Liam announced from ahead of them.

The group moved forward out of the trees and into a clearing. Imposing, mossy stone ruins littered the place, most of them unrecognizable as buildings after so long.

“It’s so beautiful and serene,” Hana breathed out.

Without distractions, Drake’s hunger had returned with a vengeance. “Yep... sure are a bunch of old things here,” he shrugged.

Liam shook his head at him. “It’s so much more than that. There’s something so calm about this place. Can’t you sense it?”

They stood there for a few seconds, their own silence swallowed by the noises made by thousands of bugs and other small critters accustomed to their solitude.

As he’d come to expect, Maxwell broke their silence first, “The only thing I sense is about a million snakes and probably a couple of rock monsters getting ready to attack us.”

Hana’s eyes widened. “Rock monsters? Do you have any rock monsters in Cordonia?”

“It was a joke... just forget it.” Maxwell sighed in defeat.

“I want to find some ghosts,” said Riley, putting her arms up in a “spooky” stance.

“Ghosts?” Hana looked worried, again.

“Maybe one will tell me my future,” piped up Maxwell

That’s not how ghosts work.

“Or devour your soul,” Drake replied in a creepy voice.

Riley shot him a look, “Drake.”

He smiled at her and shrugged. “I’m just saying, that is the likelier outcome!”

“Since some of us,” said Riley pointedly, “seem determined not to take this seriously, why don’t we split up? That way we can all explore however we want.”

“Or not explore,” grumbled Drake.

Riley rolled her eyes at him.

They went their separate ways. Too hungry to be curious, Drake found a rock that looked like it might be halfway comfortable and slumped against it.

Hana’s already quiet footsteps were further muffled by the leaves and dirt, so he jumped when she addressed him, “Hi, Drake.”

“Hana! You scared the crap outta me!”

She giggled, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to.”

“Yeah, well, next time clear your throat or something.”

“Understood.”

She slumped – somehow making it look graceful – next to him.

“So how are you?”

“Same old. Acting like a dumb teenager with a crush, you?”

“Me too... although I never got to be a ‘dumb teenager’ so I wouldn’t know.”

“What are you gonna do about it? I just... I have no idea how to act or what to say or not to say.”

“I don’t think I’ll do anything about it at all. I am here as a suitor and that is something I must keep in mind. Not only that, but she’s my best friend... I don’t think I am prepared to risk our friendship.”

“Well, at least you have some sort of claim, you know? She’s your best friend. I’m... what? Her boyfriend’s best friend?” He scoffed.

They settled into a gloomy silence until Drake spoke again. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’d be risking your friendship. If she doesn’t... feel the same way, I’m sure she’ll understand.”

Hana thought about it for a long moment. “You may be right. I’m not certain I’ll have the courage, though.”

“Are you kidding? You came here from so far away and you’ve tried so many new things; of course you do! You have more guts that Liam, Maxwell and I combined. With Addams you might be evenly matched,” he chuckled.

Hana smiled. “Thank you, Drake. I only wish there was a way this could end favorably for everybody.”

Drake didn’t think that needed an answer. They all wished that. Hana patted his shoulder and left as quietly as she’d come.

Almost as soon her barely audible footsteps receded, Drake heard somebody else approach.

“Hey, Addams,” he greeted her.

She stood in front of him. “You look like you’re having a good time exploring,” she said with an arched eyebrow.

Drake grimaced. “Archaeology isn’t really my thing.”

Plus, I’m fucking hungry. Bordering on hangry.

“You could at least look around.” Riley gestured at the ruins. “It’s not like you come here often.”

“I looked around. There’s some old buildings. That’s about it.”

What happened to being friendlier, dammit?

“Hmm...” Riley considered what he’d said as if he’d actually made and interesting point instead of just sarcastic whining.

“Don’t you want to know where you come from? And what about insight into how people lived long ago?”

She sounded so fascinated it was almost enough to get Drake interested. Almost. “They could’ve ridden dragons for all I care. It doesn’t mean much now.”

There’s enough shit going on in the present, and shit to worry about in the future. Why look at the past?

He could see Riley was getting tired of his attitude.

Hell, so am I.

She put her hands on her hips. “So why did you come out here if you don’t really care for these sorts of things?”

Because you looked adorably excited about it?

As had become common for him, he went with a different version of the truth, “I don’t think we’re going to get many more times like this.”

Riley tilted her head, “Like what?”

“I mean... Liam is going to be king soon.” He swallowed painfully. “And you could very well be his queen. Everything’s going to change.” He bit the inside of his cheek and looked down. What was he going to do the day of the Coronation if he could barely handle the thought?

To his surprise, Riley’s next words were, “You know, you’re right.”

He looked up to see a fierce look on her face, “We don’t need to associate with the riff-raff. I mean, really, what could you even provide for us? A sense of grounding and humility?”

Drake shook his head but couldn’t help smiling a little. “I see what you’re trying to do here. It’s not going to work.”

“Or maybe someone to sneak us out of the palace? Why would we want that when we’re drinking champagne and shaking ambassadors’ hands?”

She sounds so sure. There’s no way Maxwell’s right, he probably misunderstood. She’s gonna be queen.

His stomach clenched and he had to make an effort to focus on their back and forth.

“Yeah, yeah. Keep on punching down.”

Riley’s voice softened and she stepped closer. “Or maybe we’ll need a reminder that no matter how tough someone may seem on the outside, there’s a big, lovable softie on the inside.”

“Hey!”

She put her hands on both his shoulders and gave him a goofy smile. “Come on, Drake. There’s a smile inside you somewhere.”

Drake gave up and smiled with a laugh. “You’re the worst, Addams.”

“Would you have me any other way?”

She’s gonna make me say something I’ll regret if she keeps asking those questions. Fuck no, I wouldn’t have you any other way. You’re amazing.

“Addams... We may have had some ups and downs between us, but I want you to know that I’ve enjoyed this little adventure with you. Not just the ruins, but the whole thing since I walked into your bar in New York.”

He looked her straight in the eyes and tried to say something nice in the least romantic way possible. “You’re... you’re not bad.”

Riley seemed more moved by that than he’d expected.

Maybe she understands I mean so much more than that.

“Awww, Drake, I care for you too.”

Goddamn. I care so fucking much and I can’t stop.

“Addams... I...”

Don’t say anything. Think of Liam.

He shook his head and sighed. He let himself meet her eyes; there was such an intense, yet soft look in them. He felt his gaze slowly make its involuntary way down to her lips. He couldn’t remember wanting anything as badly.

“You’re something else...” he choked out.

He heard her inhale sharply through her lips. She blushed, breaking their eye contact and putting her arms down.

I went too far.

“Now, we really need to get you out of here before you completely lose it.” The conversation was light-hearted again. “All this reflecting isn’t healthy for you.”

“You’re right. If I stay much longer, I might melt into a big ball of mush,” he shuddered. He had to stop putting himself in these situations; he’d come so close to saying or doing something he shouldn’t...

“Let’s go find the others.” He started walking towards the edge of the forest without looking back. Everyone else was already there.

“That was lovely,” said Liam.

“There weren’t any ghosts,” Maxwell complained.

“Why are you sad about that?” Hana seemed to grow more confused by Maxwell the more she knew him.

He shrugged, “I don’t know, I’m kind of curious what a ghost would have to say. Would’ve made a good story.”

“You can always lie. I’ll back you up,” offered Drake.

“There’s an idea!” he exclaimed.

Unexpectedly, Riley wrung her hands nervously, “Maxwell, please don’t tell me any ghost stories.”

“I won’t tell it to you. You’ll be a supporting character in the story.”

“Do I survive?” she asked with hope.

“No.”

“Aww...”

“Hah,” Drake mocked her.

Maxwell put an arm around Riley and reassured her, “Drake is the first to die, though.”

“Hey!”

Liam chuckled along with everyone but Drake, and then said, “Alright, everyone. It’s time to head out.”

Riley took one last look at the ruins, sounding resigned, “These ruins were bigger than I thought.”

“Could’ve used an open bar in my opinion,” muttered Drake.

Maxwell, who apparently was almost as hungry as Drake, urged them on, “The feast is waiting for us back at the village! Let’s go!”

“That’s the best idea you’ve ever had. Including sponsoring Addams,” said Drake, earning him a push from Riley.

The walk back to the field seemed much longer to Drake, eager as he was for something to eat.

When they eventually reached the banquet tables, he was relieved to find them still heaping with food; he’d been anxious it would all be gone by the time they returned.

“Wow... That’s a lot of meat!” Riley’s mouth was watering as she looked at the many cloches piled with different types of roasted meats.

“It’s not exactly a feast without it.” Drake said this as he loaded his plate with everything he could reach.

“A little more fruit couldn’t hurt,” Hana murmured, eyeing the comparatively few options a little sadly.

“I wouldn’t mind putting a bunch of fruit on a stake and waving it around like a sword.” Maxwell was already looking around the tables, trying to find something stake-like.

“Alright, let’s grab our food before Maxwell gets any other crazy ideas,” Drake interrupted.

Maxwell spotted a watermelon and grinned. “And then I could wear a watermelon as a helmet...” He smirked. “I’d be unstoppable.”

Drake had to forcibly remove Maxwell from the table before he could carry out any of his plans. Riley got him a bit of everything – except for watermelon – and brought both her and Maxwell’s plates to where Liam and Hana were already sitting.

Maxwell revealed a champagne bottle he’d managed to swipe from the table before Drake took him away.

“I’ll go get glasses!” Hana volunteered, and darted to the table to get five of them.

Maxwell popped the champagne and poured some for everyone. He then stood up and raised his glass.

“A toast to all of us and to our friendship!”

“To friendship!” chirped Hana.

“Ugh... to friendship,” agreed Drake reluctantly.

It’s only all I’ve thought about today.

Liam smiled at them all and said, “To friendship.”

“To friendship!” exclaimed Riley.

They clinked their glasses and drank.

Damn, if I didn’t get lucky with these people.

#trr #the royal romance #drake walker #drake x mc #prince liam #hana lee #maxwell beaumont #playchoices #choices #pixelberry #pb #fanfic #ch 13 #the marshmallow chronicles #long post

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fandomflail · 7 years

Text

title: Recognition (5/8)

rating: M

summary: Soulmate trope AU. Set in a world where humans and elves coexist.

a/n: If you’re still reading, let me know.

Past Chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) or AO3

CHAPTER 5

They’d fucked (made love, Killian had corrected her in that annoying way of his) three more times that first night, with one impressive session lasting a good hour as they’d edged each other into orgasms she’d probably never be able to recreate.

Then she’d all but kicked him out, telling him she needed time.

* * *

Henry watched her as if she was a particularly difficult game level he couldn’t figure out. He had surprised her by the complete lack of questions and curiosity about what had happened after he returned from the Jefferson’s house that weekend.

Emma wanted to ask what it was exactly, that Jefferson had told her son, but was too much of a coward to actually do so. Especially because she’d then have to explain things she didn’t want to.

Instead, she endured three mornings of him looking at her funny before he left for school, his eyes alternating between his breakfast and his cell, the newest communicator money could buy. She didn’t often spoil Henry, but when she did… well.

Still, he was beginning to grate on her nerves, the way he kept looking at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. So much so, that on the fourth day since she had shut the door in Killian’s face, Emma snapped.

“Okay, what is going on with you?”

“Nothing is going on with me,” Henry answered, without even raising his head to look at her.

“Hey, I am talking to you.”

“Nothing.is.going.on,” he enunciated slowly and clearly, looking her straight in the eye. His irritation belied his words, and she bit down her own irritation.

“You still talking to that Violet girl, is that what’s going on here?” she goaded.

“No. I don’t even like her.”

“Uhuh.”

“I don’t! And you’re one to talk!”

Ah, there it is, she thought smugly.

“Oh? What’s that mean kid?”

He glared at her in such a familiar way that her chest ached at how much of her mannerisms he’d picked up in two short years.

“Nothing.”

“Henry, come on,” she tried.

He slammed his spoon on the table, pushing his chair back as he stood abruptly. Emma was alarmed at the sudden glistening in his eyes, as his face twisted in anger.

“You just going to keep ignoring the fact that you have a soulmate?!”

“Seriously, kid, no offense but—

“I’m going to grow old, and you’re going to watch me die, and you’re GOING TO BE ALONE AND SAD,” he yelled, and then, to her utmost and complete horror, broke down sobbing at the breakfast table.

She gaped, before she rushed to his side. Emma hugged him tightly to her chest as she rocked him as if he was a toddler.

“Oh Henry,” she said, tears springing forth to her eyes as his cries didn’t abate.

“I know you told me you had a hard life and I remember when you adopted me you said you needed to learn to love,” he said between sobs, “but you really didn’t need to learn it mum, you always knew. Why won’t you be happy?”

“Henry, I am happy,” she said earnestly, wiping her tears in his hair.

“But you’re elvish, and I’m not, and I don’t want you to be alone. Why can’t you be happy with Killian? He really wants to try.”

Still reeling from the words I’ll grow old and you’ll watch me die, it took her a few moments to realize what he’d said.

“How do you know what he wants?”

Her suspicions, (and Henry’s guilt) became apparent when his crying choked, coming to a silent end even as he remained tightly within her arms.

“Henry?”

“Isn’t it obvious that it’s something a soulmate would want?” he said as an attempt of explanation. She wasn’t buying it.

“Has he contacted you?” she asked incredulously, wanting to track down Killian just so she could kill him for overstepping.

Just then, the communicator he’d left on the table vibrated.

Oh, you’ve got to be joking, she thought.

“Henry Swan! Is that him right now? Is that who you’ve been messaging?”

Pulling away and hastily wiping his tears, “He sent only one, at first, and told me you wouldn’t appreciate him talking to me about five times before he finally caved.”

“He’s right.”

If some part of her was surprised at Henry’s loyalty in defending Killian, she didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, she glared at her son.

With a sigh, he pulled his communicator, and scrolled. And scrolled. And scrolled quite a bit more, before landing to what she assumed was the first ever message.

“Here,” he said, thrusting it to her face.

Mae g'ovannen, young Mr. Swan. This is Killian, the elf prince who spoke to your mother at the ball. You have a very loyal friend by the name of Gracie. She wanted to know, on your behalf, (actually it was more of a warning, to be sure) whether the kingdom would call your mother away to learn the elvish way, thus separating you. I am happy to inform you that your life, the two of you, will go on absolutely uninterrupted. However, should you ever find yourself in an emergency, you may reach me personally anytime. Humbly yours, Killian Aearinön.

Her eyes drifted below to the other messages, but Henry snatched the device before she could see more than the next message of him asking Killian if he really was her soulmate.

To be sure, Killian’s message was masterfully done. Perfectly diplomatic, bordering on polite concern, but strategic in bypassing her objection in exchanging any details.

“This is not cool, Henry.”

“If I had Recognized, would you want me to run away from my chance at happiness?”

“I’d want you to do whatever makes you happy.”

“And does ignoring this make you happy?” he challenged.

“Things are never that simple. You don’t just Recognize, and boom, happy ending! The world, love doesn’t work that way, okay. He’s the prince, he’s 300 years old, there is so, so much more going on than just hormones or whatever Recognition is.”

“Ah, so you’re scared,” he taunted.

Emma watched him, marveling on some plane, how he adopted her techniques and turned them on her. He was smart, but he was also a teenager, who still saw things in shades of black and white, rather than the shades of grey that made the world.

“You’re going to be late to school.”

He opened his mouth, probably to argue, so she cut him off.

“School. You’re going to be late for it, and this topic is off the table. School, now.”

He gaped at her, shut his mouth, eyes storming as he said, “Fine! Fine, I don’t know why I bothered.”

Emma sighed loudly as he grabbed his things and left, slamming the door shut behind him. Maybe she could have handled it better, but maybe Henry was also blossoming into a teenager with mood swings so she’d probably not win either way.

Great.

* * *

“You’ve been really weird,” Ashley, her soft-spoken co-worker told her during lunch.

Emma did her best not to roll her eyes as she bit into a slice of pizza. “How so?”

“I don’t know. Something’s different. Did you lighten your hair or something? Get a Glitter injection?”

“Do I seriously look like one of those wanna-be’s who think looking elvish is a fashion trend?”

“Well no, otherwise you’d start with surgery on your ears. Oh my gosh, that was not meant as an insult!”

Thank heavens for rounded ears, the true invisibility cloak of elvish heritage, she thought sardonically.

“I don’t know what’s weird, except I started this new detox,” she lied. As predicted, Ashley, the self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things healthy, practically lit up in excitement.

“No wonder your skin is radiant, you’re finally eating vegetables!” and then proceeded to launch into the benefits of every vegetable known to both elf and humankind.

* * *

There was no longer the itching, need to rip her skin off and roll around in sandpaper. In fact, she was still coasting from the high of Killian’s administrations, how he’d taken time to learn her body and likes in the one night they’d spent together.

She couldn’t deny the ache in her chest though, the one that told her in the short time of talking and fucking, she’d revealed more of herself than to anyone, and instead of pity or judgement, he’d simply reciprocated with tales of his own life, tales of neglect despite being an elven prince, the deception and political intrigue that had cost him centuries of his life.

It was easy to ignore; what wasn’t, was Henry’s baleful stares and increased frequency of messaging when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. She debated against saying anything to him, knowing it would only make him rebel more. She wondered if Henry was just looking for a male figure to talk to; he wasn’t particularly close to Jefferson, and he didn’t have much friends besides Gracie. Killian was an odd choice - she wasn’t even sure if he’d met him, but Emma knew why he chose to build a relationship with him.

It’s what made her do it, as much as her stomach turned to ash as she did. She moved as stealthily as she could while Henry took his infamously long showers (and did her damnedest not to think about that).

She was in his communicator within 2 minutes, and pulled the ID, valiantly avoiding reading the messages. This was bad enough as it was. This, this she could sort-of explain away.

Reading his messages? That was not something Henry would forgive easily. She copied the ID, and took care to place his communicator the way she found it.

In her own room, she bit her lip as she contemplated how to go about it.

Who the fuck do you think you are, talking to my son behind my back? she typed, then deleted before she could hit send.

WHO gave you the right to think you could just talk to Henry?

She deleted that too.

What exactly, do you think you’re doing talking to a boy you’ve never even met?

That, Emma mused, was threatening enough, without outright attacking him, and taking into account Henry’s own tenacity at getting answers when he wanted them.

With a deep breath, she sent it.

She expected an answer immediately, and was disappointed when she received none. It seemed, unlike Henry and herself, Killian wasn’t glued to his communicator.

His answer came after dinner. Henry had retreated to his room to finish his school work (or message Gracie or Violet, or maybe both, who knew, these days).

I was wondering when you’d get around to chewing me out.

And not the good kind, a second message followed almost immediately.

For a 300 year old elf, his inability to tamper his brassy language was appalling. She rolled her eyes.

You didn’t answer the question, she replied.

Who says I haven’t met Henry? was his answer, which made her hackles raise immediately.

She enabled talk.

He picked up on the first ring.

“You sought him out?” she said, containing her yell, but it was a close thing.

“Mae g'ovannen to you too, Swan,” surprising her by the use of her surname, “yes, I’ve been doing fine if a little bereft, thank you so much for inquiring.”

“You went behind my back and saw my son?!” she hissed.

“I’m not one to tittle-tattle, but for the sake of clarity, it was your boy and his friend who sought me. And before you get mad at him, they were accompanied by an adult.”

“Let me guess,” she said dryly, “Jefferson.”

“The one and same. The lovely Gracie needed to use the library for her work,” he explained, in a tone that told Emma he believed them as much as she did, “and she seemed to know that I was to be there meeting the Head of the B.E.A.S.T. That is the Bureau of Elvish Awareness and Species Theory.”

Emma snorted, “That’s a rather unfortunate name.”

“Ah, never let it be said that the elves of old didn’t have a sense of humor.”

“Fine. So why are you continuing to talk to my son?”

“Well,” and here he faltered slightly, giving Emma the distinct impression that he was finding the combination of words least likely to offend her, “that is, I think, a great question, Swan. Such a good question a mother could ask her son for some quality bonding time.”

“Cut the crap.”

“You may think I’m joking, but I really am quite serious about you asking him. The boy is lonely.”

“He’s got—“

“You, and Gracie, yes” he interrupted her, “but there are things he wants to talk to that he can’t with the two of you, and he was under the impression that he would be seeing more of me—“

“I hope you corrected him about that! He doesn’t need more people in his life disappointing him.”

“I… okay, I’m going to not ask about that backstory right now, and I did tell him that well, whatever becomes of us, this, it’s up to you as much as it’s up to me.”

“This isn’t becoming anything.”

Killian’s sigh was loud. “Really?”

That one word was infused with so much sarcasm that Emma rolled her eyes.

“Emma,” Killian said, when she remained silent, “I told you, I’m willing to wait. I’m willing to be patient. I cannot possibly understand what you must be going through - but I want to help. If you wish to seek your parents, there are ways. I have resources. If you simply want to learn about what being an elf means to you, I want to help. You don’t have to do this alone, Emma.”

His tone was so earnest and sincere that it almost brought tears to her eyes. She was grateful she hadn't enabled the hologram function, not sure what she’d do if she had to see him say that with those wide eyes and gentle look.

“Thank you,” she said, voice coming out in a choked whisper.

“It is customary for Noble Elves to invite elvish children to tea, to honor them and make sure they grow knowing who they are and their history. Children rearing is a community effort here. My point is, I was about to extend an invitation to Gracie for next weekend. Considering you’ve missed out on this tradition, and considering Henry would be loathe to miss out, perhaps you could join us.”

“Next week?” she repeated.

“Saturday, Noble Embassy of Alamané, 1600.”

“I’ll think about.”

“I’ll tell Gracie to be discreet about it while you do.”

“Thank you, Killian.”

* * *

On Isilya, the first day of the week, he sent her the official invite. It was beautiful; made from dried leaf and twine, written in aurum ink in flowing script inviting them to tea.

Not that she could be sure exactly, what it said, considering it was written in completely in Elvish. It started with Êl síla erin lû e-govaned vîn, which she knew meant a star shines upon our hour of meeting, but that was far as she got. She had sent him back a message that simply said ??????????????? and he had translated it for her.

What had truly caught her attention, however, was the signature. It was signed by Killian, and she would deny it to her grave that upon seeing his graceful signature, she had lifted the invite to her nose to breathe in a possibility of his scent.

The day after, Aldúya, he sent her a message about dress codes (that he didn’t actually care about, but protocols). That sparked a long conversation about clothes and fashion in general, surprising her by how they both seemed partial to mushroom-leather jackets.

The next day, and the one after, there just seemed to be something that needed to be said to one another. Something to talk about. Some observation that needed to be shared. If Emma was being honest with herself, she would’ve admitted that it felt good sharing things from her day and life with him. If she was being honest, she would’ve admitted that she looked forward to his messages and holograms, often feeling a twinge of disappointment when it was someone else.

If she was being honest, she’d have admitted that the idea of seeing him again made her aflutter with anticipation and nerves. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to admit anything to anyone, much less herself. Besides, she had Henry’s nervous energy to focus on.

“Do I need to shave?” Henry asked her, staring seriously at his jaw in the mirror.

Emma squashed her laughter, though she couldn’t stop her lips from twitching. “Oh Henry, no, not yet, kid.”

Oh gods, puberty was fast approaching.

please track tag ‘cs ff recognition’ for future updates:

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#cs ff #cs fic #cs recognition #cs soulmate au #cs au

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xofanfics · 7 years

Text

Regret - Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Genre: angst, fluff, slight smut

Pairing: Johnny x Reader, Taeyong x Reader

Word Count: 2.4k

Summary: *REQUESTED* You find out that your boyfriend has been cheating on you and you leave him. Almost a year later, he realizes that he hasn’t quite gotten over you and he tries to get you back.

You ended up calling Taeyong a few weeks later. As soon as the line began to ring, you wanted to hang up. What if he forgot all about you? What if he didn’t even remember your name? More importantly, what if he was already seeing someone? Maybe you should’ve texted him first, you thought, as it continued to ring in your ear.

Just as you were about to hang up, he answered. His deep voice filled your ears. “Hello?”

“Hey,” you said. “I, um…”

You heard him chuckle on the other end. “I was wondering if you’d call.”

“You...remember me?”

“Of course. To be honest, you’re the most interesting woman I’ve met in a long time. I wouldn’t forget you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...So, I take it that you’re feeling better about your ex and all?”

“Yeah. I think I can move on. It’s almost been two months. I don’t want to be that pathetic…”

“It’s not pathetic,” he said. “It’s your feelings…”

“You’re so understanding.”

There was a short pause before he asked, “Are you busy on Saturday afternoon?”

“I didn’t have anything planned for then.”

“Do you want to have lunch with me? We can have lunch and see a movie...What do you say?”

You smiled, even though he couldn’t see you. “I say yes.”

And you were happy. You were happy that you met Taeyong and decided to call him. Being with him made you forget about Johnny. Though he had been a huge part of your life, you were slowly beginning to care less and less about him. Taeyong was an amazing man. He was honest with you, always. He listened to you and he cared about your feelings. He didn’t get bored of you like Johnny had. And, honestly, even if he did get bored of you, he wouldn’t lead you on day after day. But it was partially your fault. You held onto the relationship even though you knew, deep down, that it wasn’t going anywhere. You held on selfishly because you didn’t want to be alone. You selfishly held on even though you could see in his face that he wasn’t particularly happy. Spending time with you had become a chore, a burden. Because you clung to him, you got your heart broken.

But things were better now. You had Taeyong and you wouldn’t trade him for anything. You were happy. Taeyong made you happy. You saw him when you could, even if it was just for a little while. The two of you had busy schedules, with work and all, but you made it work. Sometimes he stayed nights with you and sometimes you stayed nights with him at his apartment, which worked out because it was a little closer to your job. His workplace was close to yours so you often got lunch together if you didn’t go with your team members. And sometimes if you were working late, he’d bring you food. And you’d do the same for him.

You’d been together for a year now. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good. It wasn’t one of those relationships where there weren’t any problems. There were small things. Typically it had to do with miscommunication. But other times, it was because you forgot to clean up something you’d used. Taeyong was a neat freak. You weren’t a slob but you didn’t spray down the whole house with Febreze every time you got the chance. Whenever you finished a drink, Taeyong would already be washing it before you could even decide whether you wanted a refill.

You were happier than you had been in all those years you spent with Johnny. You thought about him on the occasion, wondering how he was and what he was doing. But you weren’t all that curious. You had deleted him on all social media and deleted all the pictures you’d taken with him, eventually replacing them with cute selfies of you and Taeyong. You had even deleted his number. And he hadn’t tried to contact you again, either. That hurt, at first, but now you had come to terms with it. If he had wanted you, if he was sorry, he definitely would’ve said something. A whole year later, he definitely could’ve spoken up by now.

You wondered if he knew that you had moved on. And you wondered if he was still seeing Mi Rae or if that had been something temporary, only to last a little while. You shook the thoughts out of your head. Johnny didn’t matter. Not anymore.

A knock on your door removed you from your thoughts. You knew that it was Taeyong. He said that he was coming over tonight, so you’d been expecting him. When you opened the door, you were surprised to find that he had a suitcase behind him.

You raised your eyebrows. “What did you bring a suitcase for? You have some clothes here.”

He didn’t say anything. He just smiled at you, pulling something out of his coat. He pulled out two airplane tickets and handed them to you with a wide grin. Your lips parted when you realized that they were two tickets to Jeju Island for the weekend. You wrapped your arms around him.

“It’s our year anniversary,” he said, holding on to you. “I wanted to do something special for you. You could use a break, babe.”

“Thank you so much, Taeyong. I don’t even know what to say. My gift is nothing compared to this…”

He pulled away from you, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to do this so that we can enjoy a weekend together.” He held you by your shoulders. “And our flight is in just a few hours, so you should pack. I’ll help you.”

You’d never been to Jeju island before. You’d seen pictures and heard stories but now you were finally going to experience it for yourself and with the man that you loved so much. You weren’t sure what to do, so you put together a photo album, holding many of the pictures you took together over the years, all the birthday cards and notes that you left each other. You were creative, so you thought that that would be a good idea. But Taeyong’s gift topped your gift, by far. You knew that he would probably ignore you if you mentioned anything asking about how much it cost him, so you didn’t try. Plane tickets to go somewhere were expensive. And hotels were expensive, too. Beyond that, living in Seoul was expensive. He made enough money to support himself, obviously, but he wasn’t exactly the Chief Executive Officer of his company.

The flight went quickly. It was less than two hours and Taeyong spent most of it asleep, after claiming that he wasn’t tired. You knew he was, though. He was a hard worker, always taking care of others before himself and sacrificing sleep because of it. So you let him sleep, occasionally glancing over at him with a smile. His eyes were shut, his lips slightly parted. He leaned against the window, his head at an angle. So you closed your eyes and leaned on his shoulder while you read a book.

And he was startled as the plane hit the runway with a thud. His eyes shot open, taken aback by the abrupt landing that you just experienced.

“Had a nice nap?”

He nodded. “I needed that…”

“I know…”

He smiled and kissed you on the forehead before he stretched out his limbs.

The hotel that your boyfriend had booked was close to the water. The room didn’t have the greatest view.

“I booked this place kind of last minute,” he explained.

You shook your head, looking out of the balcony window. You could see a little bit of the ocean, you realized if you stuck your head out far enough. “This is perfect, even without a view of the water.”

And he smiled, grateful that he didn’t have a girlfriend that was materialistic and snobby. That was one of the things that he found so attractive about you. He’d come across so many women who had treated him badly and he was grateful that you had decided to call him that day. He’d begun to lose hope, figuring that you probably wouldn’t call. But you did. And he was grateful for it.

The hotel room was small but cozy, complete with a double sized bed with white sheets and pillows, a television, a small table and chairs, as well as an armchair, placed in the corner. You weren’t going to complain about anything when he took the time to plan a special trip for the two of you.

“Are you hungry?” You nodded. It was around the time that you normally ate dinner, seven thirty. He pulled his phone from his pocket and began to scroll. “In the cab I was thinking about it, so I looked up a few restaurants. What do you want to eat? Shall we eat seafood? I know you really like it.”

“Is there any place with seafood soups?”

He nodded. “How about seafood ramen? We can eat that.”

You said, “Sounds good.” And he planted a kiss on your lips before leading you out of the door.

He said, “It’s in walking distance. Do you want to take a walk?”

You reached out for his hand and he took it, his hand warm in yours. He led you out of the hotel and onto the busy streets of Jeju. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky a combination of orange, pink, and purple colors. The two of you walked in silence, fingers intertwined, occasionally glancing at each other and smiling.

You arrived at the restaurant around fifteen minutes later. Thankfully, it wasn’t too crowded and you didn’t have to wait more than twenty minutes to get a table. You sat down at a table outside, in the back of the restaurant, since the weather was so nice. The breeze combed through your hair as you turned over the menu. As promised, you ordered the restaurant’s specialty seafood ramen.

As you waited for your food, Taeyong said that he had a surprise for you after dinner. “It’s a surprise,” he said, after you asked what it was that he was planning. You sighed. “You’ll see…”

You felt like you would burst as you took a couple more spoonfuls of the seafood broth. The food was great. Being with Taeyong was great. Being here in Jeju was great. Everything was perfect, in your eyes. You couldn’t have asked for much of anything else.

After dinner, you went on a walk with your boyfriend. You held onto his hand as he lead you to the boardwalk. Though it was already dark, you could hear the ocean waves crashing onto the shore.

“So did you want to talk about something?” you asked.

Taeyong nodded. “Yeah. I do.” He stopped in his tracks, standing directly in front of you. “I’ve been thinking...We’ve been together a year, right?” You nodded. “I’m really happy with you, you know that, right?” Again, you nodded. “I want to keep being happy with you, Y/N...I want to be with you. Not just as your boyfriend but as your husband.” He pulled out a blue velvet box from his pocket and got down on one knee, like they did in the movies.

He said, “Will you marry me, Y/N?”

Your lips parted, in complete and utter shock. This wasn’t how you imagined your proposal to be. Years ago, when you imagined getting proposed to, it was definitely Johnny. You had imagined getting married to him, having babies with him, and growing old together. But then he got bored of you and threw you away.

And you found Taeyong, someone who wouldn’t throw you away into the trash. He would never hurt you intentionally. He would never lead you on or cheat on you. And even if he did, he would be honest about it even if you ended up breaking things off with him. But you knew that he wouldn’t do such horrible things. You knew that he would treat you right and that he would support you in any way that he could.

“I know it might be a little early,” he said. “It’s okay to say no.”

You shook your head. “No, no, no...It’s not that. I love you, Taeyong...and I want to be with you. I want to be your wife.”

He pulled the ring out of the box, carefully sliding it onto your finger. You were a happy woman, you realized. He hugged you tightly, realizing how lucky you were to have a man who cared about you so much. You were ready to finally discover what love was and how you deserved to be treated.

The two of you walked back to the hotel together. You couldn’t believe that you were going to get married. You looked down at your ring in awe.

He said, “I hope you like it…”

And you said, “It’s just my style.” And it was. Taeyong knew you so well. He knew that you wouldn’t want anything flashy. The ring was just right, not too flashy and not too minimal. The diamond was small, with tiny rhinestones around it, and a simple band.

When you got back to the hotel, you made love. You’d never had sex that felt so good, so loving, so fulfilling… And when you woke up in the morning, the other side of the bed was empty. Taeyong had gone out for a morning workout, according to his note. So you took a shower, deciding to go on a walk to get a little exercise yourself. You got dressed quickly and left, getting on the elevator.

On the way down, the elevator stopped at the fifth floor. Your eyes widened as you came in contact with a familiar face. It was a face that you were sure you never would’ve seen again. A face that you were sure you didn’t want to see again.

There were so many things you used to think, when imagining what it would be like running into him again. You wanted to say something hurtful, to hurt him like he hurt you. You wanted to make him feel small and useless, as he had done to you. You wanted to yell and scream, to remind him of what a horrible person he was. But now, you had no desire to do any of those things. He was a thing of the past, irrelevant now that you had a man that truly loved you.

As the elevator doors parted, he said, “Y/N?”

You cleared your throat. “It’s been a long time, Johnny.”

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