arisu x gn!reader
genre: fluff bcos i’m being nice, implied soulmates, shortfic
warnings: canon divergence and mentions of death, hospitals, injuries, blood, underage drinking and alcohol.
synopsis: It’s New Years’. You take some time to think about your closest friend and how nice fireworks are.
author’s note: happy new year! thank you for all the kindness this year again. i hope you can continue to enjoy my works as i hopefully improve even more! thank you again. enjoy the fireworks as well as this fic featuring one of the characters that bring me most comfort! arisu ryohei. cheers c:
“How long has it been since you last saw fireworks?”
“Since that day.”
You looked up as the fireworks found by a group of hopeful teenagers set off and fired into the sky. They exploded into what felt like millions of colors from this up-close, floating above the hill you laid on. The grass was cold but the breeze was light.
It was New Years’, according to someone who’d managed to keep count. In the Borderlands, you didn’t think you’d ever celebrate that. But as old habits die hard, so do traditions. So when a group of high-schoolers giddily yell about having found nice alcohol and fireworks to celebrate, you can’t really do anything about how much their anticipation rubs off on you.
“I didn’t think I would feel this happy watching fireworks.” Arisu hummed in thought, before nodding to himself with a tight-lipped smile, “In here or ever, really.”
“Did you watch them before all of this? We didn’t talk much back in high school.”
“If Karube and Chota managed to pull me out of my room, then sometimes, yeah.” he said and cracked a bright, nostalgic smile. “Did you?”
“Maybe.” you sighed, smiling to yourself.
“So vague.” Arisu chuckled, “But really. This is kind of nice.”
You hummed in agreement. “It is. Surprisingly so.”
You heard cheering from further away and watched as the lights flew closer to the stars again. Arisu’s hand slowly moved over yours, and then clung onto it like it was the most important thing in the world. Truth was sometimes it did feel this way. Maybe you were the most important thing in each other’s worlds. Maybe you cared about one another more than you did anyone else. Maybe you would never admit it alive unless you’d fear one of you would die. But sometimes even while unsaid, some truths are spoken silently— Like in this case, through the touch of your hands holding each other.
You ignored the pain of the open wound under the bandages on your finger and Arisu did the same. Blood seeped through the white fabric and you knew you’d have to redo the whole bandage soon but in this moment not a part of you could worry or care about that. Maybe the comfort of holding each other’s hand was enough to numb the pain.
A new year didn’t mean much here. Maybe it didn’t mean much at all, even in the real world. But you made a wish to the stars for things to be okay this time around— For you two to be together, always. And Arisu silently hoped for you two to survive and somehow get out of this happy, and together.
Months since the meteors. And since the hospital.
You met Arisu Ryohei again.
You two were in the same class for a few years back in high school but hadn’t really talked much since. Somehow, seeing each other again while walking outside the hospital and realizing you’d both survived what seemed like the impossible brought you back together. And as of now, he was probably your closest friend.
As his closest friend, you decided it would be nice to spend New Year’s together to watch the fireworks or maybe fall asleep before it even reached midnight. Whatever it was, Arisu seemed to be on board. He liked coming over and staying with you, anyway.
The sun had long set and the stars were bright.
“Has it been a while since you saw fireworks?”
“Logically, yes. Somehow it doesn’t feel that long.”
Arisu hummed in agreement. “Same. Weird, huh?”
You laughed. “After everything? Honestly, not that much.”
Arisu chuckled and leaned back against the couch on your apartment balcony. It was a funny feeling to be thankful something as unbelievable as meteors crashing down on Tokyo and nearly killing you happened. It was a funny thing to love someone so much you’d be alright going through all the pain again if it meant meeting them again.
Arisu felt it too. Something way longer than the minute the doctors had told him about. Something like a lifetime of suffering spent alongside someone he held dear. Someone who helped him stay alive and not give up. Someone who sat at his side, watching fireworks in comforting silence. Someone he always felt close to without knowing why.
There was something both nostalgic and comforting about the fireworks. You couldn’t tell why exactly.
When Arisu’s hand timidly reached over to hold yours, you felt like it always belonged there, telling you all the things he didn’t dare say out loud.
I think I love you.
You tightened your hand around his and took a deep breath.
This is stupid but it feels like I’ve always known you.
Maybe the stars shining alongside the light of the fireworks had been kind enough to make the two of you meet again. Or perhaps the red scars that circled around your pinkies like rings were made with fate. Either way, you were meant to be.
My life every single day, it’s either barely any fics or they’re all x fem readers…like it’s not fair 😭
(in an attempt to cool off with some drinks on a hot day, you manage to snack some refreshing sweet teas and the eye of one tall glass of water)
omfg pls don't kill me for that summary
s. conklin x reader
2nd person pov, WC: 496
warnings: none, kind of awkward. otherwise fluff (UNEDITIED)
Steven Conklin was his own kind of man. He was more reserved than Jeremiah, but was nothing like Conrad. He loved the idea of romance, but nothing like his little sister. And most of all he loved his natural dark and shiny hair, but it was nothing in comparison to Conrad’s.
He was average, to the majority of onlookers. Even to himself. But to you, he was probably the closest one could get to prefect. A mix of the best worlds and none of the worst.
---
The very first time you had met him was at the country club. You and Gigi had decided to cool off at the club during one of the hottest days of the year. As she harassed yet another lifeguard, you had made your way over the drink counter for some needed shade and refreshments.
“Hey, what can I get cha’” Steven asked, seeming as normal as anyone. But on the inside, this man was experiencing all the stages of love and grief simultaneously. He insides seemed to Olympic level gymnasts and Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” queued up in his head.
“Hi, just two iced teas, please,” you smile. The boy in front of you winked and made his way to grab your drinks as you fumbled with your wallet. It seemed, as cliche as it was, like time had slowed and that boy's gorgeous face was forever seared into your brain.
After a long 20 seconds, Steven returned with drinks in his hands. “There ya go”
You smile, handing him a ten over the counter.
“No ma’am. It’s on the house,” he winks again, desperately trying to act as if the red on his cheeks was from the heat and not you.
“Please, let me pay! I’ll feel guilty!” You laugh, shoving the ten back towards him. He throws his hands in the air and back away, shaking his head.
“No, I insist. Pretty ladies don’t pay for drinks.” It slides out of his mouth before he can stop it, shocking the both of you. To the other both of you seem to let it slide, laughing it off. But inside both you were short circuiting.
“Well, thank you,” you nervously giggle, stashing the ten away. As you grab the drinks, Gigi calls your name in the distance, begging for a sip of something.
“Steven by the way,” he says, motioning towards his name tag. While you thought it was adorable, Steven internally slaps himself for being so corny.
“Like, Hey Stephen. Taylor Swift.”
“Yep, she wrote it just for me, don’t tell anyone,”
“Oh don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me, Steven.” you laugh, turning away with the drinks as Gigi yells for you once again.
As you walk away, Steven makes a mental note of how his name sounds from your mouth, replaying the sounds over and over.
That may have been the first time you guys had met, but it sure wouldn’t be the last.
smth involving a poly relationship w peeta and finnick. sfw or nsfw 😁 tysm ♡
hiii i’m so sorry but i don’t write poly relationships :( mostly because im not experienced and i really don’t know how to write them 😔 so maybe you can go to another writer with this bc i have a feeling that even if i do write it i won’t do your request justice
i hope you still have an amazing day
where is my cam cameron fics??!
underwater fairy
Can we get some hwang junho boyfriend head cannons? •`ヮ´• This man NEEDS more attention I swear
𝐇𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐔𝐍 𝐇𝐎 𝐀𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃.
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pairing(s): hwang jun ho x reader
words: 346
warnings/tags: established relationship, he's so boyfriend it hurts, if you squint you can see how obsessed i am with his back.
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➵ mans is protective, let’s get that over with.
➵ not in an overbearing way. he just needs to make sure you’re safe.
➵ coming to pick you and friends up if you’re out late.
➵ if you’re out together and it’s late and you’re tired he’ll bend down so casually so you can climb on his back and get carried.
➵ he’s quiet but attentive, whenever you’re talking he has a little smile on his face, listening to every word you have to say but also getting distracted over the way your eyes shine or the dimples in your cheeks.
➵ he works late a lot at the station but will drop by yours for the night with a tired smile and tons of kisses pressed against your skin.
➵ junho gets nightmares so sometimes you awake to him abruptly sitting up and heavy breathing and he would jump from the gentle touch to his shoulder.
➵ it takes him time but you’re able to calm him down until he’s practically back to sleep, this time on top of you with his head tucked into your neck.
➵ the early morning type, he’s likely to go early hour jogs and have breakfast ready before you’ve gotten out of bed. sleepy eyes as you trudge in pyjamas to where he stands freshly showered and dressed.
➵ whenever you’re out and a guy tries to chat you up, they will back off from junho’s look alone. eyes intense and watching, expression giving nothing away.
➵ isn’t afraid of pda, will hold your hand at any given moment available and also occasionally kisses it. will also kiss your cheek and temple when leaving you.
➵ a+ cuddler award goes to him, his broad back and shoulders a perfect mattress when you cuddle into his chest. his hands are always holding something, the back of your head with soft strokes with his thumb, tracing your arms or comfortably on your ass.
➵ this man will worship the ground you walk on and be irretrievably devoted to being the best boyfriend he can to you. whenever you’re around him, you know you’re safe.
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amorchai masterlist . taglist
amorchai © ─ all rights reserved. no reposting/translating/copying will be tolerated.
Omg the Ahn Sooho fic got me in shambles AJHSJQHSJQHA can I request another one too? 😔😔 Thank you!
Lean On Me | Sooho
- afab! reader. thank you anon! ♡
Ahn Sooho. He wasn't someone unpopular. In fact, a lot of girls had a crush on him, but he was just too busy to accept anyone. At first, he could barely accept Sieun into his busy life. Sooho had always been everyones guardian angel. Always protecting the weak against the strong, making sure the strong didn't hurt the weak, and always making sure no one went too far.
It was a usual day, seven in the morning. You walked into the class as you saw Sieun, already seated with his airpods in, and books neatly placed in front of him. He gave you a kind of nod as you smiled back at him. You weren't technically friends nor classmates, but his friendship with Sooho had made the both of you acquaintances of some sort.
You walked to the back of the class as you quietly pulled the chair near Sooho's desk as you sat behind the three tables the boy had pulled together to make a makeshift bed. You unzipped your bag as quietly as you could, partly because you didn't want to disturb Sooho and entirely because you didn't want to disturb Sieun, feeling kind of intimidated by his silent stare if you disturbed him. You took out a small blanket, putting it over his sleeping body as you patted his head softly. You felt bad that he had to sleep at school because he had to juggle so many part-time jobs just to make sure he could get through high school and support his grandmother at the same time.
You watched as his eyelashes fluttered, and his chest rose and dipped with each deep breath he took. You weren't in his class, but you made lunch for him every day, not wanting him to miss his meals or work on an empty stomach. You didn't mind that it took you two more hours than usual to prepare lunch, as long as Sooho wouldn't fall sick and you wouldn't have to worry.
Most people would say that the both of you were like married couples. You'd prepare him lunch, and he'd send you to your after-school activities, and you had no complaints against it. Sooho didn't like feeling like he owed people, so that was the least you could let him do.
Sooho stirred in his sleep as the sun rose higher, the sunshine shining directly into the classroom, hitting his face, although you tried your best to shield his eyes from the light. Sooho opened his eyes as he saw you, waiting for him as per usual, as he sat up and yawned. He stretched his arms as he turned to you with a smile on his face, saluting.
"Good Morning Mrs Ahn!" Sooho announced, not feeling a single hint of embarassment as your cheeks still grew red from the nickname.
Sooho was sure. He was sure you're the one for him. He'd give up everything, including himself, for you. It didn't take a genius to notice your affect on him, and even his grandmother was proud of the changes he had in his life.
"Mr Ahn, this is your meal for the day. Don't forget to eat or I'll get mad!" You teased back as you picked up your bag, passing him the metal lunchbox, about to leave as per usual but Sooho stopped you.
"I'll send you to your class," Sooho said with a grin as he took your bag from your grip and slung it over his shoulder, taking your hand in his free hand as he dragged you out the classroom.
It had become a natural occurrence for the students at school to see Sooho dragging you around, clinging onto you to spend every free second he had with you. Sooho happily chattered on about what he had done over the weekend, talking about how after work, he had treated his grandmother to a meal.
"I brought grandma to have a meal, my treat, but she asked me where you were at! I think she loves you more than me!" Sooho whined as you couldn't help but laugh at his childishness, looking at him as you couldn't help but feel yourself hiccup as the sun seemed to compliment his looks just a little bit more than usual. You crossed your arms as you responded teasingly, "Oh well, I guess I'm her favourite now!".
Sooho feigned shock as he covered his mouth with both his hands, eyes widened as he held your bag up high. You gasped in false shock as you poked his side, causing him to flinch as he instinctively brought your bag lower, allowing you to grab it with ease.
"I know you too well Mr Ahn! See you later!" You smiled at Sooho as you were about to walk into your class, the boy already walking away.
"Don't fall asleep in class! Atleast try to listen!" You yelled as Sooho held a thumbs up, not turning as he skipped back to his class.
Class wasn't the best part of school, but you knew that if you wanted a future with Sooho, at least one of you had to have a certification higher than a diploma.
Lunch was definitely the best part of school. You walked to the cafeteria as you grabbed a tray, picking the food you wanted from the school buffet as you walked to the pay line but was bumped into by one of the ugly looking guys from Class 3, who had way too much confidence.
"I know I'm good looking, but should Ahn Sooho's girlfriend really be trying to get comfy with me?" The brocolli-haired, short and lumpy, big mouthed guy joked as you looked at him in absolute disgust. Was he serious?
"I'm sorry, but you bumped into me. I have no interest in you whatsoever, so please let me pay for my food," You answered calmly as you tried to move past him but was blocked once again by the ogre look-alike.
"Just because you're dating Ahn Sooho, you think you're a big deal? You ought to know how to behave!" The guy said, clearly irked as he raised his hand.
Instinctively, you closed your eyes, ready to take the hit, but it never came. You opened your eyes to see the familiar red jacket wearing man in front of you. Sooho held the guy's hand as he twisted it, slightly, just to get a yelp from him as he moved closer to him.
"I didn't think you'd stoop so low to the point you'd hit a woman, more so my woman, so screw off. You're not a delinquent. You're just a fool." Sooho said as he released his hold on the guy's arm as he ran out of the cafeteria, feeling intimidated by Sooho's little speech.
Sooho turned to you as he held your shoulders, bending down slightly to be face to face with you, "Are you alright? You must've been scared. "
You nodded as Sooho couldn't help but pat your head, smiling.
"I'll always save you, don't worry. Let's go eat, I'm hungry!" Sooho reassured you as he slung an arm over your shoulder, leading you to the now 'safe' pay line.
You sat down with Sooho at your usual table as you watched Sooho eat, scooping from the mountain of rice on his tray and stuffing it into his mouth, not forgetting to pick up meat right after.
"How are you always stuffing your face, but you never choke?" A voice asked as Sieun took a seat next to you, across the empty seat on Sooho's right.
"The art of devouring is not something easily learned, top student of the country," Sooho announced as if he was an emperor from the Joseon period as he raised his head proudly.
You turned to Sieun as you ignored your boyfriend's strange antics, "I heard you got called to the office just now".
"It's because of the new student, Oh Beomseok. We went out with him, and stuff happened. it's alright." Sieun responded short as he dug into his normal portioned food.
You watched as Sooho finished the entire plate of food, not leaving a single crumb. You were satisfied that at least in between Sooho's crazy schedule, he could at least eat a normal school lunch and talk to his friends.
Sooho sat on his motorbike as he had your bag slung in front of him, the brightly coloured bag standing out as compared to his black coloured bag behind it. He had two bags slung in front on purpose, so you could lean onto him comfortably, but he'd never admit that.
"Let's go, or you'll be late to your calligraphy class and then Miss So will be mad at me," Sooho made a sad face as you chuckled at the boy's 'TT' pose under his eyes.
Miss So was your calligraphy teacher, and she taught you calligraphy one-on-one, due to the fact that you were further ahead and way more advanced that the other students who had just joined, unlike you who had been doing calligraphy for years. She had taken a liking for the boy, at her age of 72, she said that 'he's a good boy, and the both of you compliment each other'.
You got onto the motorbike as you wrapped your arms around his waist, feeling the sythethic material against your arm as your back was on your boyfriend's chest. Sooho smiled, his cheekbones high as he revved the engine.
"Let's go, Mrs Ahn!" Sooho announced as he drove the motorbike down the hill. It was your favourite part of the whole ride. The helmet shielded your face from the wind as the both of you went down the hill from the gate, the crowd of students walking slowly down the pavement.
Sooho, and you always joked that once the both of you get married, he'll have to get a car licence, or else, there'll be nowhere for your child to sit. Sooho never told anyone but his grandmother, but he never thought of a future without you. Never in his wildest dreams did he think of a time when he'd leave you or you'd leave him. He was working for not only his own future or his grandma's happiness, but also your future together with his. He needed that diploma to get a good job, or at least continue to college so he can support your family in the future.
"You arrived!" The voice of an old lady could be heard as the door of the old style house, that still seemed expensive, slid open, revealing Miss So waiting for you.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?" You asked as you got off the motorbike, Sooho's arms around your waist as he helped you off, avoiding the hot exhaust.
"No no, you didn't! Sooho brought you here safe right? Or should I make him write a thousand characters?" Miss So joked as Sooho held a hand to his chest, feigning offence at her words.
"Miss So! I bring my girlfriend safe everywhere! I'm a very good driver and if she got injured, I'll get injured too!" Sooho said as he covered his face, acting as if he was crying into his hands.
"You're a big baby even after you've dated for so many years. Come on, let's start class before your boyfriend clings onto you and won't let you go," Miss So teased as you couldn't help but laugh at her words, turning to see Sooho sulking.
"I'll be right back. Be careful at work!" You waved at the boy as Sooho waved back, putting on his own helmet as he drove off to his part time job.
Sooho didn't expect that what had happened to him, Sieun and Beomseok, would come back to bite him in the ass so fast, but it did.
He was eating the lunch you had packed him in the metal lunch box, in the delivery riders room, watching a video on his phone as he heard a group of high school 'delinquents' walking outside with baseball bats, muttering.
"We're going to teach him a lesson. How dare he report us to the bullying committee? Now, Soo Wong is mad at us, and now we have to do his dirty work. What a cheap," one of the bigger sized boys muttered as they walked in the direction of the back alley.
Sooho never got involved unless needed, but this was a group of close to fifteen boys, and from what he heard, against one? If that boy reported them to the bullying committee, he's a goner.
Sooho tried to forget about it, not wanting to care. He scooped the rice with spam into his mouth, focusing on the food you had packed with your love along with it. He raised the volume of the video, trying to block out all his thoughts, but somehow, it kept repeating in his head. Sooho got up with a loud groan, huffing as he packed his bag and clocked out, walking out of the staff room as he made his way to the back alley.
"Miss So, I'm going to the bathroom for a while," you told your teacher, who was looking at your current piece. Miss So nodded as you swiftly left the class, feeling the stomach ache beginning to creep in. You placed your arms on your stomach as you ran to the bathroom.
It wasn't a good time in there, at all. You got back into the classroom as Miss So looked at you with a worried expression.
"If you're not feeling well, go home! Did you not eat today? I'm telling Sooho if you skip your meals!" Miss So scolded you as you shook your head, grabbing your bag, packing your brushes and paper into your bag as you told Miss So, "I'm going home, I'm so sorry that we had to cut the lesson short! I promise I'll make up for it!".
Miss So shook her head with a smile as you left building, making a turn to Sooho's workplace. You couldn't just leave without telling Sooho, or he'd frantically call you or knock on your door like a maniac after work.
"What the hell...?" You muttered as you peered into the staff room of his workplace to find it empty. Sooho abandoning work? Did something happen?
You couldn't imagine what could've happened to make him abandon work. Was he in danger?
Sooho was up against four guys. The boy they attacked looked half beaten to death. His white uniform was coloured red as his bag was unzipped. It wasn't hard to fight all of them at once, but seeing as one of them looked quite strong, he wasn't sure.
Sooho charged at the first guy, kicking him behind the knee as the boy toppled down instinctively, giving Sooho the chance to land a kick on his side, sending him into the wall. The second guy ran up to him as Sooho saw his right shoulder move, making him dodge to the right as he ended up behind the boy. Sooho landed a kick on his back, sending him forward as his chin landed on the rough floor, enough to have him groaning in pain from the friction. The third guy played dirty as he threw his blazer onto Sooho, trying to block his sight, but sooho knew better as he charged straight into the boy, knocking him with his head as the boy stumbled backwards, giving Sooho the chance to land a punch on him multiple times.
Sooho was too distracted, not noticing the fourth boy already behind him, grabbing him into a headlock as Sooho was pulled backwards. Sooho would pass out at that rate, his vision slowly dotting as he struggled against the guy's strong grip.
A bag flew into the boy's head as Sooho was released from his grip. Sooho turned to see you standing, heaving as you just threw your heavy bag at someone. Sooho stood up as he dusted his hands.
"Looks like my girlfriend is here! Can't leave her waiting! You should all repent for your crimes, it's not good to bully people," Sooho stated, half sarcastic. Sooho picked up your bag and his bag as he turned to the boy who had just been beaten by the bullies, "You should get out of here and report them again. If they still bully you, ask this pretty lady to help you".
The both of you walked back to Sooho's workplace as he turned to you, "Why did you do that? What if they changed their target to you? What would I have done then? That was dangerous. Don't do that again. I'll be the hero, and you can be my pretty girlfriend. "
You raised an eyebrow as you responded, " You shouldn't have to save everyone. If you're saving everyone, who's your hero? Then, I'll be your hero. I'll always take care of you so you can take care of everyone".
You smiled at Sooho as the boy felt like he had just fallen in love with you all over again. It felt like the time when you both confessed again, he was down on his knees for you, and his heart was yours.
"Then I can be your hero, and you'll be mine."
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eva : how was it guys? this was so long.. i rewrote it twice.. what do you guys want as a 100 follower special :]
I have the silliest thought but what if y/n gave Trent a starboy bracelet as a joke since everybody calls him that and she teases him about it 🤭
starboy — trent alexander-arnold ₊˚ෆ
zowa this is so cute !!!!! 🥺🥺🥺 i changed the concept a little bit but i absolutely loved writing this !!! it doesn’t really have as much teasing as i would like but lets just say they are very much in love!! | MAIN MASTERLIST
“Open it! Open it!”
Trent smiled when he saw you at the couch. “What’s going on?” He gave your forehead a soft peck before taking the little wrapped box from your hands and sat next to you.
He could tell that you could hardly contain your excitement, you were practically bouncing off the couch. “I got you a little surprise!”
Trent narrowed his eyes, taking in your optimistic behaviour suspiciously. He softly chuckled before tearing the wrapper open. Revealing a dainty black box and his suspicions only grew.
“Love, what’s this?”
You rolled your eyes, “Just open it, will ya.” smiling as you encouraged him to open the gift.
Trent opened the box and his eye’s immediately flew open. You started to fidget nervously with your fingers, waiting for his reaction.
Before you knew it you were already rambling, “It’s not much but I think you would like it so I customised one for you and—“
“Oh my god.” Trent breathed out, he carefully took the bracelet out of the box and examined it up close. He was in such awe of the jewellery, and in you, he was almost speechles. “You didn’t have to do this, love.”
You shrugged, “I wanted to.” planting a kiss on his cheek.
“Can you help me put it on?” Trent asked, albeit a little shyly, looking at you as if he was in a daze.
You beamed at him. “Of course.” you gently took the bracelet from his hands, trying to clasp it together.
All while you’re doing this, Trent was boring holes on to the side of your head with his intense gaze. He didn’t let his eyes drop down even when you said you were all done putting it on him.
“All done.”
You smiled at him, feeling your ego swell up when you read the ‘STARBOY’ sign as it shone under the lights. Yeah, you got him that and he’s wearing it and you think you might pass out if he doesn’t stop looking at you like that.
“Stop looking at me like that.”
Trent chuckled, and you hated how he sounded so smug, “Like what?”
You softly smacked his shoulder, “I don’t know. Like I bought you a fucking mansion with six sports cars.” you softly smacked his shoulder
“Feels like it.”
You meet his eyes, brown and wide, comforting and infatuated. “So I take it you like it?”
“I love it sweetheart.” he whispered, fingers trailing the engraved letters.
You giggled, the high pitched kind that you make when your crush finally looks at you and you weren’t shameful in the slightest bit.
“My starboy.” you muttered, dropping your head to his shoulders as your hands rested on top of Trent’s that was already on the bracelet.
He nudged you up, nuzzling his nose with yours before connecting your lips together, “Your starboy.”
reblog for a kiss <3
⠀⠀ ⠀ཾ ༚ 20/20 VISION
lalala! ethan landry x okokok! reader
#SYNOPSIS— based off of see you again by tyler the creater & kali uchis; you have no gag reflex, ethan tells a sex joke, and ethan takes a leap of faith.
#CONTAINS— best friends to lovers, mutual pining, jealousy, emetophobia, fluff
#AUTHORSNOTE— i've been wanting to write fluff lately so.. here you go xx
your unofficial designated spot in the carpenter sisters' apartment was their armchair in their living room.
you had a list of reasons why; one, it meant more space. you could stretch your legs, not worry about feeling someone's feet near your legs, and you could have your own blanket. all somewhat selfish reasons, but you loved your space. two, it had the perfect angle towards the t.v. that gave you the best spot in the living room to watch it without worrying about discomfort.
which was why you would've been mildly perturbed that someone was standing between you and the t.v. the only difference was that it wasn't just someone; it was someone who rambled too often, who had no sense of personal space while also being hyper aware of it, and who was a flurry of random facts (which wouldn't help him at all, unless someone held a gun to his head and told him to name and point at every country’s capital in the world).
"i've done it," ethan announced to you, his signature toothy smile seemingly more victorious as he looked down at where you were snuggled up on the couch. his well manicured nails (he asked you to do them once, and who were you to deny your best friend?) held his laptop, the screen facing his chest.
"aren't you supposed to be studying?" you asked him with a small tilt of your head, glancing at where the rest of the group was. finals week was beating everyone up, and you could briefly see mindy and chad chugging a redbull at the same time while tara timed them, before you turned back to your best friend.
"i gave up."
"you need to study."
"you gave up, too!" ethan looked down at the huge blanket that you hogged for yourself, not even thinking twice before he was climbing in next to you.
"ow— ethan!" you groaned, feeling him step on your leg.
"'scuse me!" ethan forced himself under the blanket you were snuggled under, making you share your beloved armchair with him before he sighed contentedly. "this is comfortable! maybe i should share this seat with you more often!" he said with a bright grin, making you sigh reluctantly. "i mean if you don't want to then it's fine too!" ethan added hurriedly with wide eyes.
"i was just saying that i wouldn't mind sharing with you because usually you sit alone— which i know you prefer, you've told me so many times and i get it! i really do! but i wouldn't mind sitting with you to keep you company because i really like being with you— around you. your presence. yeah, that." ethan rambled, finishing his string of words with a sheepish smile, cheeks flaring a bit red. "i'm sorry for rambling." he added quietly.
your usually tired eyes softened at that. he had always been insecure of how much he talked, you knew that better than anyone. "i've told you before, e, i don't mind. i like listening to you," you hummed, a downturned smile on your lips. "i like your presence too. and i guess i don't mind sharing my seat with you."
ethan's cheeks flared red at your casual words. you had a way of speaking so calmly, as though all your words were chosen well. in a way, he was a bit jealous.
"you had something to tell me, yeah?" you asked him softly, bringing him back on track.
"oh, right!" ethan showed you his laptop, setting it up on your legs. it was a notion list, color coordinated and everything, with an entire list of shows and movies you remember only briefly mentioning to him. "i made this list—"
"just now? instead of studying?"
"yes! so basically, it has a section where we can rate it after we watch it, and it's all organized by what we want to watch the most and what we need to finish!" ethan scrolled down the list, practically buzzing with excitement (and the cold brew he drank earlier).
"see? i know that i have a whole essay to do but i can do it later—" ethan said, waving it off with his hand. "because i know you said you would do it but i got impatient and did it instead! and look—" he showed you the wide variety of colors for every row. "they're color coordinated! and here's how i think the rating system should go—"
you had watched ethan talk the entire time he rambled, your usually tired and indifferent eyes softening when you listened to him speak. he talked fast— too fast for some people, but you liked that about him—but the way he rambled showed how passionate he was about different topics, because ethan only rambled when he cared.
it showed how much he appreciated what he was talking about. and ever time his cadence picked up and his words became jumbled and he began interrupting himself, you could see how ethan's brown eyes would shine with excitement. you could see how he began incorporating his hands to his words, how his lips tilted up when he talked.
you were so engrossed in ethan's explanation of the movie and t.v. show list that you failed to notice your friends staring at you from the dining table.
"they are disgustingly cute," tara said with a sigh.
"and disgustingly oblivious," mindy grumbled, clicking her pen over and over. "with how smart the both of them are, i'm surprised they haven't picked up on the clues." she turned to chad, who was sulking after losing the redbull chugging competition against her. "have you asked ethan about it yet? you're our in on this, chad!"
chad groaned as mindy nudged him with her shoulder. "i did. he didn't even respond. it's crazy how he can avoid conversations, you know."
you didn't like parties. not as much as your friends did— you were usually the designated driver or the friend that was always sober enough to take care of their friends, which you didn't mind. it was the socializing part that you minded.
you socialized okay, but you often just ended up listening to other people rather than talking. listening was more your style, but you were only a little awkward when it came to talking to complete (and possibly intoxicated) strangers at parties. you stuck with your group of friends and very rarely strayed away.
but ethan was the designated sober friend this time around, so maybe that would change.
three loud knocks to your dorm room made you go and open it, coming eye to eye with ethan. "you're walking me there?" you asked with a knowing smile, making the boy nod eagerly.
"yup! chad's walking with tara and mindy's going with anika, so that leaves you and me." ethan grinned at you teasingly. "why, you're getting tired of me already?"
"no," you hummed, closing your dorm room behind you as the both of you began to walk down the hall. "you're really not drinking tonight, huh?"
"nope!" ethan replied, popping the 'p'. "after i threw up all over sam that one time we drank at the apartment, and then i threw up on you right after, i told myself that i'd hold back on it."
you wrinkled your nose at the memory. "how responsible of you."
"i know, right?" ethan said with a proud smile. "but because i threw up on you that time, i give you full permission to throw up on me this time."
"i'm not gonna be that drunk."
that was a lie.
to say that your friends were shocked to see you become a more extraverted person after drinking would be an understatement. they were used to you observing the group and contributing to conversations with sarcastic comments, dry humor, and dark jokes that are often made much too soon. so to see you take a shot with tara and squeal happily with her (true friend solidarity; she was as drunk as you were) was completely out of the ordinary.
"i'm gonna go find chad!" tara yelled over the music, making you nod happily and watch her leave. adrenaline and excitement began to thrum through your body stronger, and your first thought was to share it with your favorite person. you began to walk around, searching for ethan, before you bumped into a chest.
"oh, shit! i'm so sorry," the guy laughed, making you send him an apologetic smile.
"it's okay!" you said, taking in his black hair and his brown eyes (that only reminded you of ethan). "i'm y/n!"
the guy smiled at you, offering his hand out. "jaden!" he seemed to be as intoxicated as you were, his steps wobbling slightly as you shook his hand. "do you, uh, wanna dance?"
"hey, where's y/n?" ethan asked tara as she passed him, making her look back towards the drinks table.
"she should just be around where the drinks are.." tara's voice trailed off when her eyes landed on you not too far away. your arms were around a guy's neck— was that jaden from her philosophy lecture? —as you swayed with him to the music. you seemed to be having a good time, the alcohol making you lighthearted as you sang with whatever song was playing through the speakers. "there she is!"
when ethan saw you, his heart fell. you looked so beautiful under the multicolored lights, your hair perfectly styled and your clothes fitting you perfectly as you danced with someone who wasn't him. your smile— your genuine one, ethan noted with his chest aching, the one that made your eyes crinkle and your smile lopsided —was pointed towards someone who wasn't him.
jealousy brewed in his chest along with the heartache, ethan's jaw clenching as he stared at you and the random guy. but he didn't step in. he didn't pull you away and declare his feelings for you, because at the end of the night, you were happy. content as you danced with someone who wasn't ethan at all.
chad came up next to tara, his arm over her shoulders as he steadied her. "hey man, where's y/n?" he asked, still fairly sober than everyone as he had only taken one shot.
"she's doing fine," ethan said, his voice monotone as he continued staring at you. it was unfair how beautiful you looked while you unknowingly broke his heart with every laugh and every flirtatious smile you sent towards your dance partner.
"what?" chad looked in the direction ethan was staring, his face falling when he saw you and jaden. easily connecting the dots, he looked at ethan empathetically. "fuck. dude, i'm sorry."
"it's okay, really," ethan said with a tight lipped smile. but he couldn't keep his eyes off of you and him, the fact that you looked so happy pulling at his chest because he wanted you to be happy with him. he wanted you to look at him the way you looked at that random stranger.
and finally, as you did a twirl into jaden’s arms, you made eye contact with ethan. oblivious to the way his jaw clenched and his eyes lost the spark they usually had, you gently pulled yourself out of jaden's arms. your steps were wobbly, and you nearly crashed into ethan's chest when you finally walked up to him. ethan's arms went to steady you easily.
"ethan, i feel like throwing up," you murmured, and ethan nodded in understanding, worry taking over his jealousy.
"okay, let's get you to the bathroom, okay?" ethan said softly, pulling you close to him as he guided you to the bathroom. he knocked on the door, thankful no one responded, before he opened it for you. he locked the door behind the both of you as you made a beeline for the toilet, grabbing the side of it as you readied yourself to throw up.
but nothing came out.
“go on!” ethan encouraged you, motioning to the toilet. but instead, you looked up at him warily.
“do i have to?”
“yes?” ethan gaped at you, motioning to the toilet again. “just go ahead! nothing to fear!”
“i don’t want to.”
“c’mon, y/n, why not?” ethan whined, making you groan as you stopped yourself from throwing up yet again.
“i have emetophobia, asshole,” you muttered, gently pushing his arm. “fear of throwing up? and,” you messily pushed some of your hair away from your face. “i have no gag reflex.”
“what the hell?” ethan crinkled his nose, blushing furiously as he looked at you in shock. you were honest, sure but never this honest. “i could’ve gone my whole life without knowing that.”
“are you sure?”
“what?” ethan said quickly, eyes wider than ever as he stared at you as you snorted in amusement. “you’re kidding.”
“maybe.”
“maybe?” he swallowed thickly, shutting his eyes and pinching his nose bridge. “oh god, you definitely have to throw up now.”
“watch this.” you took two of your fingers and stuffed them all the way to the back of your throat, smiling triumphantly as you showed ethan your lack of a gag reflex.
ethan could only watch in horror and exasperation. “y/n, i didn’t need proof. i already believed you.” he took some squares of toilet paper before offering it to you.
“i told you so,” you hummed, pulling your saliva covered finger out of your mouth and wiping them on the toilet paper. there was a beat of silence before ethan coughed, his cheeks and ears still burning red.
“can i make a joke?”
“of course you can.”
“it’s a, uh,” ethan cleared his throat, avoiding your intent gaze, “sex joke.”
“even better.” you situated yourself next to the toilet, still very much feeling like you were gonna hurl at any given moment.
ethan sat next to you, clearing his throat again. “i know one way we can test your gag reflex,” he stated, almost ashamed at his own joke.
you chuckled at that, the horrible joke making a you sway a bit with laughter before the sudden motion sickness got to you. without another word, you threw up into the toilet. all thanks to ethan’s horrible sex joke.
he immediately reached over to move some of your hair. you continued retching into the toilet, his hand rubbing soothing circles on your back. "i hate drinking," you grumbled as you laid your forehead on your arm, eyes watery from throwing up. immediately as you got the words out, you threw up again.
"i know, i know.. but i know you're gonna end up drinking again," ethan teased softly, making your back heave as you managed a laugh, only for it to be interrupted by you throwing up again. "it's okay, let it all out." he couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped his lips. “i can’t believe a sex joke made you throw up.”
and you almost laughed again if you didn’t throw up even more.
the sound of the party died into the background as ethan sat next to you on the ground. your head was laying on your arm, which was on the toilet seat. you were still intoxicated, and the world was still spinning, but you could see the obvious turmoil on ethan's face. you poked his arm. "what's wrong?"
"what?" ethan said, snapping out of his daze to send you a tight lipped smile. "nothing's wrong."
"liar."
"i'm not!"
"i know you better than that, e," you murmured, half lidded eyes staring at him. you had thrown up most of your alcohol, and while you were still inebriated, you felt a lot more clear headed than earlier. “what's wrong?"
ethan looked at you, eyes flashing with hurt as he pictured you again dancing with someone else. "do you really want to know?" he asked you, and you nodded. even while drunk, you opted to listen.
"you looked beautiful when you were dancing," ethan began, managing a soft smile, "i don't think i've ever seen you like that. it's not a bad thing or a good thing, but it's a new thing, y'know?" he sighed. "you dance really well, i'm surprised you haven't told me," a genuine smile appeared on his face when he heard you laugh quietly. "and your laugh.. i swear i would listen to it over whatever horrible music is playing right now."
ethan looked at you, taking in your obviously roughed up and intoxicated form. but somehow, even with slightly messy hair and most of your make-up rubbed off and with your breath smelling only a little bit like puke, you still looked beautiful. it was enough to make someone who talked as much as him to go quiet in awe.
"but when you laughed, and when you smiled,” ethan said slowly, taking in heavy breaths with every word. fear thrummed through his body, mingling with the nervousness as he twiddled with his fingers anxiously. to continue on would be to admit everything. to admit how he felt, the thoughts he had been having about you, everything. and to admit it to you would be to risk losing a friendship and one of the most important people in his life.
“.. you weren’t smiling or laughing at me. and i hated that.”
confusion spread over your face before realization hit your eyes. “oh.” and oh, it suddenly all made sense. why ethan was so bothered, why you were so willing to listen to one person speak for forever as long as it was them, why even as you danced with another, something was off because he wasn’t ethan. he wasn’t your best friend.
“you don’t have to say anything,” ethan mumbled, completely misinterpreting your realization for rejection. his eyes watered slightly as he avoided your gaze. “it’s been going on for a while now, and i get it if you don’t feel the same! i really do, it’s just,” he sighed shakily, “i don’t want to lose you—”
“ethan—”
“i was completely willing to just shut up about how i felt as long as that meant i could still have you in my life, y/n,” ethan said, looking into your eyes earnestly. “and i thought i could keep it under wraps but i have to tell you at least once because—”
“i love you.”
“what?” ethan blinked, making you smile, your head still resting on your arm.
“i love you, ethan.”
a toothy smile spread over his face at that, his shoulders relaxing as he searched your face for any doubt. “are you— are you sure?”
“i wouldn’t say it if i wasn’t,” you murmured softly as you raised your head, making ethan laugh in relief.
“holy shit— i love you too.” ethan said, leaning forward, only for you to stop him.
“e, i might throw up on you if you kiss me.”
“do you think i care?”
chad x reader who’s dewey’s god daughter
she’s been distant lately and after an incident at a frat party he comes to check up on her and she apologizes out of nowhere and he’s all confused and she just vents and cries about how guilty she feels
(maybe she’s the one who called dewey instead of gale and that’s why she feels guilty)
a shoulder to lean on
chad meeks x reader
notes: warnings: (underage drinking, mention of scars, slight mention of weed, drunk!reader) i think that's all?? ughh i don't really like this but the lack of chad fics is criminal
words: 2.6k
Maybe letting Tara get you a drink hadn't been such a good idea; the taste of pure vodka with a hint of lemonade burned your throat, making you involuntarily wince. You turned to Tara, who was smirking mischievously, clearly amused by your reaction.
"You alright there?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
You coughed lightly, trying to regain your composure. "Yeah, I just wasn't expecting it to be that strong," your voice is slightly hoarse.
Tara chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You said you wanted something strong, didn't you?"
You managed a weak smile, nodding in acknowledgment. You figured you'd get used to the taste, just like Tara seemed to have from the looks of it. Her pirate headwrap was about to fall off her head, and she had been talking and dancing with people she barely knew all night, even introducing you to three or four "new friends" she had made.
"Yeah, well, I didn't mean 'knock-me-off-my-feet' strong," you retorted. Tara laughed, taking a sip from your cup before walking back to a new target to befriend.
As Tara disappeared into the dancing crowd, you took another sip of the potent cocktail, determined to get through it. Trying to make your way to the couch where Mindy sat with her new girlfriend, you bumped into a few people along the way, each one giving you a dirty look or a friendly nod as the brim-filled drink spilled a bit every time you brushed past someone.
While trying to pat your dress dry, you didn’t pay any mind to Chad calling your name, only noticing his presence when you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turned to see a tipsy-looking Chad with a cowboy hat on his head, the varsity jacket now long gone.
He reached out his hand to flick the cat ears perched on your head. "Nice ears," he slurred, grinning widely. You couldn't help but smile back at him.
“Nice hat,” he grinned, his hand moving to your waist, and the other one reaching for your cup. “I thought you were coming with Tara?”
“Yeah, she’s…” you gestured around the crowded room, “I might've lost her.”
Chad chuckled, his laughter slightly slurred from the alcohol. "Classic Tara," his hand squeezed your waist, making you look at him. "Well, you're not alone now. What are we drinking?" he asked, his eyes scanning the cup he'd just taken from you.
You shrugged. "Vodka and lemonade," you replied, gesturing to the cup. "Consider yourself warned, it's pretty intense."
He gave you a look before chugging some of the drink, immediately cringing. You couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. "Told you," you teased.
Chad’s roommate approached, a cardboard costume covering most of his tall frame, and he rambled about how the loud music mixed with whatever shots Chad and him had done before made his head hurt.
You couldn’t help but zone out, taking small sips of your drink and trying to ignore the taste as you stared at Chad. The whole friend group had been through so much in Woodsboro, and you couldn’t help but wonder why they didn’t seem to be hurting as much as you were.
The stab scars on your left arm and your stomach felt like a constant reminder of that hospital. Of Dewey. As you continued to pretend to listen to Chad's roommate's complaints about his throbbing head, your mind drifted to the events of the past year.
The Woodsboro incident had left you scarred, both physically and emotionally. The loss of Dewey had hit you hard, and the memories of that terrifying night still haunted your dreams. You couldn't shake the feeling that the danger wasn't entirely over, and you had become more vigilant and cautious, constantly looking over your shoulder.
Sam was the only one that knew about the nightmares that left you shaking and sweaty with fear about the masked killer and your godfather. And she made sure to reassure you that you weren’t going insane, that she also had those dreams. Sometimes, when you get in your head, you can feel the scars start to hurt again, you remember the pain, the fear, and the loss all too vividly.
You only focused back on the conversation when you felt Chad’s arm wrap around your shoulders, and a single tear on your cheek, which you quickly wiped before the boys could notice it. The topic had changed from Ethan’s poor alcohol tolerance to Chad forgetting to take his dorm keys.
Chad continued to talk to Ethan, while keeping his arm around you and his thumb tracing eight-figures on your shoulder. You leaned into his side, taking solace in his presence. The relentless pounding of the music and the swirling chaos of the party seemed to fade into the background as you felt the soothing rhythm of his thumb and the drink that, just like Tara promised, didn’t taste so strong now.
Soon enough, Ethan was dragged away by a smiley Anika, begging him to dance because Mindy refused to. “What’s up?” Chad asked, moving your hair behind your ears and cupping your face.
“Hm?” “You’re really quiet,”
You sighed softly, gazing into Chad's eyes as you tried to remind yourself that this is just how Chad was, touchy and flirty. "Just tired, I guess," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. He nodded in understanding, his hand gently stroking your cheek.
“Do you want to leave? I can walk you.”
You looked around at the swirling, chaotic party and then back at Chad, his expression filled with concern. The offer was tempting, and you appreciated his consideration, but you couldn't help but feel that you needed to confront your fears and the memories that still haunted you.
"I appreciate it, Chad," you said, a soft smile touching your lips, "but I think I need to stay here a bit longer. I'm not ready to let this party beat me." you joked.
He eyed you for a second, hesitating, before letting go of you and giving you a smile. “Let’s find Tara, yeah?”
Finding Tara, giggly and sharing a joint with Mindy outside, also meant that Chad saw the beer-pong game you walked by on the way. “Ohhh, I see something I like.” he said, dragging you towards the table as the girls started a joke-telling competition in gibberish.
Tara and Mindy's laughter echoed in the background as you and Chad approached the table. Two sweaty boys on one side of the table, dabbing each other up and chugging drinks to celebrate their win.
Chad grabbed a nearby ping pong ball and turned to you with a mischievous grin. "You ever played beer pong before?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
You chuckled, feeling a bit of adrenaline rush through you. “Uh… I've seen it in movies. Does that count?" you replied. He shrugged, “Eh, I’ll teach you.” He passed by a couple to stand on the opposite side to the boys, holding two ping pong balls in his hand with a grin.
He handed you one of the balls, leaning closer so you could hear him talk. "Okay, so you see those cups over there?" He pointed to the triangle of red Solo cups arranged at the far end of the table, each filled with beer. "We throw the ping pong balls into their cups. If we make it, they drink. If they make it, we drink."
You stared up at him, feeling fuzzy because of the drink Tara had made you earlier and because of how close he was standing, his chest almost touching your back. “Ready?” you hesitated, not really trusting your tipsy aim, but Chad gave your hip a squeeze before focusing on the cups again.
Chad took over, having sobered up enough to not miss his shots. You, on the other side, missed enough shots to empty your cups, "Alright, don't worry," Chad reassured you, a playful grin on his face. "You're getting the hang of it. Just focus on the cups and take your time."
Feeling the alcohol begin to take its toll, you hoped your drunken state didn’t lead to an embarrassing display. You aimed for the last cup, missing by mere inches. The beer pong ball bounced off the rim and rolled across the table. Chad leaned closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispered, "Don't worry, it's all in good fun. We can make a comeback."
His warm breath against your skin sent shivers down your spine, and for a moment, you forgot about everything else – the scars, the nightmares, and the chaos of the party. It was just you and Chad, engaged in a playful game with the world fading away.
And just like that, it downed back on you, all at once.
Chad must have noticed the change in your demeanor because he gently took your hand, his touch offering a reassuring anchor in the midst of the emotional storm. “Hey, hey, it’s fine. It’s just a game.”
Your eyes met Chad's, his gaze warm and understanding, but you could see the concern etched in his expression. The chaos of the party seemed to intensify around you, the laughter and music becoming a cacophony that threatened to drown you. The weight of the past year bore down on you, the memories of that terrifying night in Woodsboro, the loss of Dewey, and the constant guilt that ate at you for calling Dewey for help.
He wrapped an arm around you, “You drank too much,” he said, putting down the cup you were holding because of your last miss. “Let’s get some air.”
Chad led you away from the beer pong table, guiding you through the crowd of partygoers. The night air felt cool against your skin as you stepped outside. The chaotic sounds of the party faded behind you, and he led you outside with a strong hold on your hand, and an arm around your waist.
You took a deep breath, trying to clear your mind and steady your racing heart. "I'm sorry,"
“It’s okay,” he whispered, his voice soft and reassuring. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from your face. "You don't have to apologize for anything. We all have our moments."
He didn’t say anything when you stayed quiet, looking down as he walked you to your dorm. Once you reached the building, Chad stopped and turned to face you, “Keys?”
You fumbled around in your bag for a moment before finally locating your dorm keys. You handed them to Chad with a grateful smile. "Thanks," you said, still feeling a bit overwhelmed.
You stepped inside your dorm, and Chad followed. The room was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the party. You sat down on your bed, and Chad took a seat beside you. He didn't say anything for a moment, allowing you to collect your thoughts.
“I’m sorry,” you repeated, he rubbed your back, “Why?”
“For Dewey.”
Chad's expression softened, and he placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Hey, don't blame yourself for what happened to Dewey. None of this was your fault," he said in a soothing tone, his thumb gently rubbing your shoulder. "We all lost someone we cared about last year, and we're all still trying to come to terms with it. It's okay to feel the way you do."
Wiping at the tears that covered your face, you hiccuped as Chad stared at you. "I know, but sometimes it's just hard to shake that guilt, you know?"
“None of us blame you for what happened. Dewey was trying to protect us all, including you.”
Chad pulled you into a comforting hug, his arms wrapping around you securely. "We all have those thoughts, but it doesn't change what happened. You're not alone in this, okay? We're here for you."
He pulled back slightly, cupping your face in his hands like he’d done earlier that night. “Why haven’t you told us about this?”
“Sam knows,” your voice broke as you shrugged your shoulders, “but I didn't want to burden everyone with it. We've all been through so much, and I didn't want to add to the weight on your shoulders."
Chad's eyes held a mixture of concern and understanding. "You're not a burden, and you shouldn't have to go through this alone," he said softly. "and we've got your back. That's what friends are for."
He kissed your forehead, lingering for a few seconds before pulling back to give you a small smile. “You know we all love you, right?” you stayed quiet, not really knowing what to say. You’d distanced yourself from the group since the murders, not enough for them to stop talking to you, but seeing their faces made you go back to that night.
"I do," you finally whispered, your voice trembling with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "I love you all too."
Chad's thumb gently wiped away the tears from your cheeks, “I’ll make you something to eat, yeah? So the alcohol goes away a bit.” you nodded and he kissed where your tears had been just seconds before he wiped them.
While Chad prepared a simple meal, you took the opportunity to wash your face and change into more comfortable clothes. When you returned to the kitchen, the aroma of grilled cheese sandwiches filled the air, making your stomach rumble. He handed you a plate with a smile, and you both sat down at the small table in your dorm room.
“Thank you," you said, your voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I don't know what I would've done without you tonight."
Chad smiled, "Of course,”
As you both finished your sandwiches, Chad cleared the plates and put them in the sink. You watched him, a soft smile playing on your lips. "You're a great cook," you remarked, genuinely impressed.
Chad chuckled, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Well, I've had a lot of practice. Ethan is a horrible cook."
You appreciated his lightheartedness and humor. It was moments like these that made you feel like you could truly escape the darkness that had been haunting you. "I'm glad you're in my life, Chad."
His smile widened, and he approached you, gently cupping your face. "I'm glad I'm in your life too," he said, his voice filled with warmth. He squished your cheeks with his hand, pushing you to chuckle as he showered your face with kisses. “So, so glad.”
You couldn’t help but laugh, and he pulled you back in for another hug. After a while, you both pulled away from the hug, but Chad kept his arm around your shoulders, his touch grounding you.
“So, what now?" you asked, looking up at Chad, feeling a sense of peace you hadn't felt in a while.
"Well, we could watch a movie, or we could just sit here and talk. It's up to you."
You considered your options for a moment, feeling the weight of the past year slowly lifting from your shoulders.
"A movie sounds good," you finally replied, a genuine smile gracing your lips as Chad played with your fingers before standing up to lead you to the couch. He places another lingering kiss on your forehead as you sit together, his arms wrapped around you and, just for a moment, you think about how he makes you feel safe, how his presence eases the ache in your heart, even if just for a little while.
The two of you settled on the couch, wrapped up in blankets, with a comforting movie playing in the background. Chad's arm remained around your shoulders, offering silent support as you both immersed yourselves in the storyline. Occasionally, he'd squeeze your shoulder or run his fingers through your hair, a wordless reassurance that he was there.