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girlgenius1111 · 3 months

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crumbling under pressure

part 4 of adrenaline junkie

barça x reader

r continues to struggle in Alexia's absence. Alexia worries over how she's going to get r to realize she needs, and deserves, help.

-----

You don't sleep a wink that night. Even though Lucy sleeps downstairs on the couch, and even though you sneak into Alexia's empty bed halfway through the night, you can't get yourself to fall asleep. Every time you get close, your body jerks back awake, terrified of what horrors await it once your eyes shut. You don't feel safe enough to fall asleep, and there isn't much you can do about that. You aren't really even that upset, because Alexia would be back the next day, and really, was having another nightmare while she was gone something you really wanted to deal with?

You weren't stupid, and you knew that this wasn't sustainable. Something would have to change, likely once Alexia returned home, and although you were pretty sure it would be something you didn't want, like therapy or sleeping pills, the relief that someone would just fix it for you was hard to ignore.

And then, the next day, Lucy looked at you, when you came down the stairs, slowly, as your ribs were extra sore from yesterdays incident, with a strange expression on her face. Lucy only looked like that when something was wrong. She'd looked at you like that when she'd needed knee surgery last year, when Keira had gone down at the world cup. It was the look you saw on her face in the hospital when you woke.

It made your heart fall out of your chest, that look. You hated it, and you hated whatever Lucy was about to say.

"What?" You asked, voice already shaking.

"It's not that big of a deal," Lucy prefaced. It didn't make you feel much better. "There's some snow storm in Sweden, so the team can't get back until tomorrow."

Lucy assumed you would relax. It wasn't that big of a deal, really. No one was hurt, or dead. She hadn't considered just how much you'd been relying on Alexia the past few days, though, not until you visibly crumpled at her words. It made sense; Alexia was providing you stability in a time where your whole life felt like it had turned upside down. Stability was never something you'd had much of in your life, and Lucy hadn't realized how much you'd needed it until this moment. Being injured was never easy, but pair that with a near death experience? It was a miracle you'd let Alexia leave the country in the first place.

"Oh. Okay. That's cool." You said lamely, although your body language told an entirely different story.

"Alexia says she's really sorry, and that you can call her whenever you want. And I'll stay, of course."

"No, Luce, you have to go home." You frowned, shaking your head.

"No, I don't." Lucy said stubbornly.

"Have you forgotten the existence of Narla and Coco?"

"They're both away for training. They've been having some... behavioral issues."

"What did Narla do?" You smirk.

"Nothing! The fight wasn't her fault. Coco is always getting her all riled up. And don't change the subject! I'm staying here until Alexia gets back, whether you like it or not."

"I don't like it. I'm fine."

"If you say that one more time, I'm going to poke you in the rib really hard, and see how fine you are then!" Lucy said, stepping menacingly towards you.

Your eyes widened and you threw your good arm up in the air in surrender. "Damn, Lucy. When did you get so strict?"

"Stop deflecting! You're upset, and I'm staying. That's final."

"You sound like Leah," you mumble, but turn and retreat back to your room without further argument. What was another night with no sleep?

-----

Stupid Sweden. Stupid snow. You're going on 48 hours with no sleep, and it's clearly catching up with you. Alexia should be back from the airport in the next few minutes, finally. You feel like you're going crazy, like your brain isn't functioning correctly.

The dogs had returned from their little vacation, and you'd convinced Lucy to go home, even though she'd wanted to wait until Alexia got back. You weren't eager for them to talk, and for Lucy to tell Alexia just how poorly you'd been doing, so you were glad when Lucy begrudgingly left a few hours before your captain was due back.

What you didn't know, though, was that Lucy had clued Alexia in to the problem at hand earlier when she'd insisted you take a walk around the block and get some fresh air.

-----

"Hola Capi," Lucy said, hearing her teammates chattering in the background. They were at the airport, waiting to board their plane.

"Hi Lucia. How is she?" Alexia asked. She'd been feeling horrifically guilty that she'd had to be gone another night, as had the rest of the team. They'd all wanted to check up on you, having barely seen you since the accident. You didn't not want to see them, per say , it just seemed overwhelming, and Alexia had been limiting your visitors.

"She's... okay." Lucy said, not really sure that she wanted to worry the midfielder when she was already going to be home as soon as she could.

"That was not reassuring, Lucia. What have you done to my kid?" Alexia said, elbowing Mapi next to her when the defender laughed at the way Alexia was referring to you.

"I haven't done anything!" Lucy said indignantly. Alexia was silent, and Lucy could picture the look on her face, brows furrowed slightly, waiting for Lucy to just get out with it. "I don't think she slept last night. Or the night before." She admitted.

"At all?" Alexia frowned. This was completely unlike you; you loved to sleep. A lot. So much that it was almost an issue. She knew you'd been having nightmares, but she didn't think they'd impede your ability to sleep completely.

"I don't think so. I checked on her, and she acted like she was asleep, but she's practically catatonic today, and she looks exhausted. I don't think she's going to sleep until you're back, honestly."

"Fuck. Okay. Thank you for staying with her, Luce, I appreciate it."

"Anytime. She was England's kid first." Lucy reminded her, prompting a laugh from the Spaniard.

"Well, you can have the most stubborn girl in the world back anytime."

"I don't think she'll be interested, she's pretty attached to you." Alexia felt a wave of guilt wash over her at her teammates words. She shouldn't have left you. Your whole life, no one had bothered to stick around long enough to make sure you were okay, and she'd basically done that to you. She hung up with Lucy, spending the rest of the trip back silently worrying about you.

-----

You were trying to fold laundry when Alexia arrived home, sat on the couch, doing your best to keep things neat with one arm in a sling. The door banged open, in the way it always did when Alexia arrived home with a suitcase. You watched her walk in, eyes immediately scanning the room for you. You rose, tossing aside the t-shirt of hers you'd been [trying] to fold.

"Pequeña," she said, dropping her bag to pull you into a gentle hug.

"Hi Ale," you said, words muffled against her sweatshirt. She pulled back after a moment, tilting your chin up to look at your face.

"You look awful."

"Thank you. I'm so glad you're home, you always know just what to say." You said sarcastically.

Alexia rolled her eyes. "Seriously, you look like you haven't slept since I've been gone." She accused, doing her best not to sound upset; worry had the tendency to do that to her, making her sound frustrated when really, she was only concerned.

You shrugged, pulling away to allow her to walk fully into the house.

"Lucy told me you didn't sleep, so don't even try to pretend. And why are you folding laundry? You're supposed to be resting." Alexia scolded, and your face grew tense.

"I slept fine," you snapped, pissed at Lucy for telling, at Alexia for leaving, and at yourself, for being so pathetic that you couldn't sleep without Alexia there to make you feel safe. "Sorry I folded, I was just trying to be helpful. I'll stop doing that from now on, and just lay, motionless, for the rest of my fucking life."

Your voice had raised into a shout, and Alexia froze, blinking at you in surprise. Not really at your anger, because you were... rather known for your outbursts; it was expected, you were still growing. No, she was surprised at the pure hatred in your voice, seemingly directed towards yourself.

"Go upstairs, go lay down. I'll be there after I shower." Alexia said gently, not acknowledging the shouting at all. This only seemed to make you more upset.

"I'm fine. I don't need to lay down," you scowled, the words hurled viciously at the woman in front of you.

"Go lay down." Alexia repeated, still pretending that you weren't shouting at her. With a loud huff, you stormed off towards the stairs, taking the time to shove over a pile of clothes you'd folded. You stomped up the stairs, slamming the bedroom door impressively loudly behind you.

You were exhausted, she could tell. And, very obviously, having a hard time. A harder time than even she had thought, and certainly one harder than you'd ever admit. You needed help, the thought was only reinforced in her head.

She pulled out her phone, texting Mapi quickly, asking her for the name of the psychologist she saw. Mapi loved the woman, and had off handedly suggested that Alexia get you an appointment with her. The blonde appreciated the gesture, knowing that Mapi would divulge such personal information only to help you, really.

Alexia decided to let you cool down, bringing her bag to her room and getting ready to shower. She saw the sheets on the bed crumpled, in a way she hadn't left them, and realized you must have tried to sleep here at some point. Her heart felt like it was cracking in two at the realization.

-----

You'd calmed down significantly since storming out of the room, now sitting on your bed, watching a movie on the TV on the dresser. Your concussion was much improved, and you were allowed more screen time now, so you weren't completely bored.

You were so tired, deep in the core of your being, just completely and entirely exhausted, but your eyes wouldn't shut, even with Alexia back in the house. You were beginning to think you might never sleep again when there was a soft knock on the door.

"Can I come in?" Alexia called from the hallway.

"Yeah."

She opened the door, and entered the room. You kept your eyes on the screen, feeling more than a little embarrassed about your outburst before. You were supposed to be an adult.

Alexia was undeterred, though, sliding onto the bed next to you. You were only under a throw blanket, and she tugged on the side of it, until you lifted the edge allowing her to scoot under. You both leaned back up against the cushy headboard, watching an episode of Love Island in silence.

"Sorry for yelling." You said finally, eyes still trained on the screen, even as you felt Alexia turn to look down at you.

"It's alright, pequeña. I'm more worried about you not sleeping."

You don't deny it this time. Alexia takes the remote from where you'd discarded it on the bed, turning the TV off. Only then do you bring your eyes up to meet hers.

"What's going on?" Alexia prompted you.

"I don't know. I had that nightmare, and I called you. And I tried to sleep after that, but I couldn't, my body wouldn't let me fall asleep."

Alexia studied you, and you knew what she was looking at; bloodshot eyes, dark bags under your eyes, slightly groggy expression on your face.

"How can I get you to sleep?" She asks finally.

You look away from her, and she knows you have an answer, but you're too embarrassed to say it. She nudges you with her leg, poking your shin with her foot until you look at her, slightly annoyed.

"Can you stay?" You ask her, eyes fixed on your hands fidgeting with each other.

"Of course I can." Alexia says, relieved that you've finally stated what will help. You don't detect any annoyance or hesitancy in her face so you scoot closer, until the side of you is pressed up against her, and only then do feel your eyes finally sliding shut.

You fall asleep insanely quickly, breathing evening out before Alexia had time to grab her phone and look at the text she got back from Mapi. It contained a name, and an offer, one that Alexia felt she was likely to take.

-----

Mapi hadn't wanted to start therapy, not at all. But, like most positive changes that had occurred in her life, Ingrid had talked her into it. Now, she wasn't sure she would have made it through the past year without it. Alexia had, much to her mother's annoyance, never really considered therapy as an option. It wasn't the healthiest choice, but it was a choice she'd made. And this was precisely why she figured Mapi would be better to talk to you about going than she was.

It was clear you needed it, desperately. Though you'd slept for almost 14 hours uninterrupted the day she'd arrived home from Sweden, you weren't really doing any better.

You knew Alexia was up to something when she announced she was going to get coffee, and didn't try to force you to come. Your suspicion was only reinforced when she casually mentioned that Mapi might stop by while she was gone. You had no choice but to sit, and wait for whatever ghastly intervention was headed your way.

You were surprised, though, when you opened the door to both Mapi and Ingrid standing on the front porch. You hadn't been expecting the Norwegian, and it wasn't that you were upset, it was just... not what you expected. She held out the iced coffee in her hands as a peace offering, though, which you accepted gratefully, gesturing them inside.

"So, where's your prison guard?" Mapi joked. Alexia had been weird about you leaving the house since the accident; you're sure it's mostly because she wants your rather battered body to recover, and only partly because she can keep a close eye on you when you're at home.

"Oh, give it up, Mapi. I know whatever is happening here was planned by both of you. And possibly you." You say, nodding towards Ingrid. Mapi had the decency to look slightly guilty, but Ingrid's face was unreadable, as usual.

They took seats in the matching armchairs, while you sat on the couch, looking at them expectantly.

"Ale is really worried about you," Mapi started.

"No, really?!" You gasped sarcastically. Mapi didn't look like she appreciated it, but you thought you saw the hint of a smile on Ingrid's lips.

"You don't seem to be doing too well, pequeña. And that's completely understandable. It would make sense if you needed some help."

"I'm fine. I just need everything to heal, and once I get back in training and back on the pitch, I'll be good." Though the change in your routine wasn't really making you feel great, your problems went much deeper than that, and your older teammates knew it.

"You and I both know that isn't the problem, elskling." Ingrid said seriously.

"What do you think the problem is then, Ingrid. Please, tell me, because I have no idea what everyone thinks-"

"Stop lashing out at everyone that is trying to help you," Ingrid interrupted. "The problem is that you can't sleep without Alexia here, you're have horrible nightmares, Alexia said you've been avoiding going in the car at all costs, and you told Leah you never want to ride a bike again, which is so unlike you, y/n. You're too stubborn to stop doing something because the people around you think it's too dangerous. You're terrified, all the time, and you don't have to be. You deserve help, you deserve to move on from this, instead of pushing everything and everyone away when. Forcing yourself not to feel it isn't going to help. It's just going to make things worse when it all catches up to you, which it will."

No one had dared to speak to you so bluntly since the accident, afraid you would crumble under the slightest amount of pressure. And for a minute, Ingrid was worried you would. She and Mapi watched as several different emotions played across your face. Anger was there, first, but it was fleeting. You looked defensive, then, opening up your mouth to presumably tell Ingrid she was wrong. Nothing came out though, and suddenly you just looked... sad. Defeated.

You slouched back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling, struggling to put into words what you were feeling. You looked so upset, both of them would have done anything to fix it, to take away the sling, and the bandages encasing your arm. The way you held your upper body so carefully, always conscious of your ribs. The way you could only wear shorts, leaving the large scrape on the side of your leg exposed for everyone to see, which they knew you hated. All of it, any of it, they just wanted to help, wanted you to let them help.

"I don't know what to do," you said finally, voice breaking on the last word. "I'm so scared. All the time. I've never felt like this before, and I just want it to stop, I don't understand why it won't stop."

"You don't have to try to fix it yourself, pequeña," Mapi said softly. Your head snapped up to look at her, a desperate look on your face.

"I do. I can't ask any more of Alexia, of you guys, of anyone. It's all already too much. I have to fix this myself, I have to." You insisted.

"I think Alexia would sell her Ballon d'Or if it meant you would feel okay. There isn't a limit to how much we want to help you, pequeña. You don't need to hide your feelings away because you don't want to be too much. There's no such thing as too much, not for us. Not when it's you. You're worth it all, kid."

"Why?" You asked, so quietly both girls almost missed it.

"Why? Why what?" Mapi repeated, confused.

"Why do you guys care so much?" You looked between her and Ingrid, wanting to cry at the way they looked at you, as if they were baffled that you didn't know why, that you didn't understand. You didn't though, and you were worried you might not ever get it, might never think you were worth all this.

Mapi looked to Ingrid, not sure herself what to say, but imagining that Ingrid could probably come up with something better.

"Because it's you. We care about you, we love you. You're an incredible footballer, but you aren't cocky. You know how to make everyone laugh, but you also always know when someone has a bad day, and needs something different. You're protective over your teammates, even though you're younger and shorter than most of them. You give good hugs, and you make the best chocolate chip cookies. You round out the team so perfectly."

Ingrid paused, watching to see if what she's saying is really getting through. She thinks it is, because suddenly, you're looking everywhere but at her, chewing hard on your bottom lip.

"You're a good person. Of course we care about you. How could we not?" Ingrid finishes. If her goal was to make you cry, it was working. You hid your face in your one good hand, shoulders shaking lightly. You hadn't really realized how much attention everyone paid to you. How much your presence on the team was noticed. You were so used to being invisible, no matter what you did, pushed to the side, that you often forgot; that didn't happen here. Your teammates had never, and would never, treat you like that.

Ingrid and Mapi moved forward on instinct, sitting on either side of you, and squishing you in between them. The front door opened just as they did so, and they looked up at each other, over your trembling body, exchanging a look of slight terror. Alexia was home, you were crying, and she was probably going to kill them. Once she made sure you were okay, of course.

"What did you DO?" The blonde hissed, putting her coffee down in the entryway, not even bothering to take her shoes off as she rushed forward, flicking Mapi and Ingrid each on the side of the head, before crouching down in front of you.

"Pequeña?" She asked gently, in the tone that she reserved only for you. You didn't respond, only shaking your head slightly. "You broke her," Alexia accused, glaring at the girls on either side of you.

"We did not!" Mapi yelped. "We're fixing her, this is part of the process." Now it was Ingrid's turn to flick Mapi, looking quite exasperated with her girlfriend. You mumbled something, but it was too muffled for anyone to understand.

"Say that again?" Ingrid asked, her hand resting comfortingly on your back.

"I don't know what to do, can you tell me what to do?" You finally emerged from where you'd hidden behind your hand, eyes red and swollen. "I don't want to feel like this anymore."

Alexia was somewhat lost, but Ingrid and Mapi were pretty sure that you were asking for help, finally asking for help. You didn't want to be scared anymore, and you were ready to let them try to help you fix it.

"Here's what you're going to do," Mapi said, suddenly serious and determined. "You're going to go to therapy. And it might be hard at first, but it's going to help, I promise. You're going to do your injury rehab program with the club, and get back on the pitch. You're going to drive again, and not be scared. And you're going to get another damn motorcycle, if thats what you want, because they're really cool, and the accident had nothing to do with you being on there."

Alexia had started off agreeing with Mapi, and quickly found herself frantically shaking her head at the other girl.

"Yes, Ale, she's going to get another motorcycle if she wants. She's an adult. It's time you treated her like one. If she's going to be able to trust herself, and feel safe again, she has to feel like you trust her to. Do you?" Mapi was never this stern, never this assertive. What she was saying made sense though, and all eyes were on Alexia now.

"Of course I trust you. I've never not trusted you, nena. I worry, yes, but I trust you." She held your gaze, and you nodded after a minute.

"Therapy. Rehab with the club. Get back on the pitch. Drive. Motorcycle?" You asked, greatly simplifying the process.

Alexia took a deep breath. "Yes, if you want. If you give therapy your best shot, then I won't throw a tantrum over the motorcycle."

"It's very mature of you to realize it's a tantrum, Ale." You said, cracking the first smile they'd seen from you in a while.

"If y/n can get another motorcycle-" Mapi began hopefully.

"No. I'll break up with you." Ingrid cut in, and her girlfriend scowled.

"You'll let me ride your new one, won't you?" She asked, nudging your knee with hers.

"I don't know if I can get on one. Ever again. I don't think that's something therapy will be able to fix." You replied, and the mood of the room turned serious once again.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, okay? You're only going to do what you're comfortable with." Alexia said reassuringly, very obviously relieved.

"You think it will help? Therapy?" You asked, turning to Mapi.

"I do. I really do." She promised.

"Fine. I'll try." You said finally.

The girls were all smiles, and the conversation turned to easier, more fun things after that. It was easy with them, comfortable to fall back into jokes and laughter, even after such a heavy conversation. It was what you imagined it must be like for people to be able to depend on their families. Going to them with anything, no matter what the problem was, easily slipping back and forth between light and fun, and heavy and serious. You wondered briefly when you'd started to think of your team as your family.

The when didn't really matter very much, you decided. You had a family, had a support system. If they were there, you were sure you could figure everything out. Even if it was hard. It didn't seem like they were going anywhere.

-----

#woso #woso imagine #woso x reader #barcelona femeni x reader

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roosterforme · 7 months

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Draft Day | Rooster x Reader

Summary: If Bradley knew anything about his son, he knew Everett wouldn't be happy with a normal job. Not after wishing and hoping to play major league baseball for most of his life. But when Draft Day turns out even better than expected, Bradley becomes a viral sensation.

Warnings: Fluff, swearing

Length: 2600 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female single!mom Reader

This is a Batting Practice one-shot but can be read alone! Check out my masterlist for more! Banner by @mak-32

"I hate flying commercial," Bradley grunted as the enormous Boeing 747 touched down on the rainy runway in Pittsburgh. "These pilots couldn't land smoothly for a million dollars."

You kissed him where he was crammed into the economy window seat, his broad shoulders hunched slightly in discomfort. "I told you before we took off to go up to the cockpit and show them how it's done."

Bradley snorted. "And I told you that even though I wanted to, we'd get kicked off the flight. And tomorrow's too important to miss by being grounded in San Diego."

Bradley reached for your hand when it was time to deboard, and he ended up practically dragging you through the airport to the baggage claim area. "Can we slow down?" you asked with a laugh.

"No. Come on, Kitten. Ev's flight from Nashville landed forty minutes ago."

"Okay, okay," you muttered as the two of you ran toward an escalator. The entire airport was swarming with media groups and college aged players hoping to get drafted by an MLB team tomorrow. And your son was one of those hopefuls.

You had barely taken a step off of the escalator when Bradley said, "I see him." And you kind of loved the way he released your hand to rush toward Everett. Your son looked tall and strong in his Vanderbilt tee shirt and backwards Phillies cap, and a second later, he was hugging your husband.

"Hey, Dad," he said with a laugh as Bradley kissed his forehead and folded him up in his arms. "Hi, Mom." And then you were pulled into the hug, too.

"Did you get your bags yet?" Bradley asked.

"The last one's coming around now," Everett replied, and he bent to pick up the long, thin luggage that must have been filled with his baseball gear. "I'm starving. Where are we eating dinner?"

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

After Everett had two enormous roast beef sandwiches filled with french fries and coleslaw, Bradley said, "I was about to ask if you were still getting enough calories every day, but I guess it's safe to assume that yes, you are."

"I'm just always hungry," Everett replied from across the booth, patting his flat belly. "I think the fact that my baseball scholarship covered the cost of food on campus saved you guys from bankruptcy."

You pushed some of your uneaten fries to the side, and Everett started picking at them. "We would have had to sell the house," you said, shaking your head as your son polished off the rest of your meal, too.

"So what's on the agenda tomorrow? What time do we have to be at the field?" Bradley asked. "Some of the kids at the airport looked really young. Are you nervous?"

Everett just shrugged. "Nah, what's the worst that can happen? I don't get drafted? I mean, I'm still not twenty two quite yet. I skipped the draft last year so I could finish college, and I have a degree now, so I could always get a normal job. Or join the navy. I already have a call sign."

But Bradley knew his son didn't want a normal job. When he'd gotten an invitation to the draft, he called Bradley immediately and told him how excited he was. "You can't wear that cap tomorrow," Bradley said with a grin.

Everett spun it around so the battered Phillies P was facing the front. "You're right," he groaned. "I'll have to retire my favorite hat! But at least that would mean I'm pitching for another MLB team, you know?"

"Yeah," Bradley said with a nod as he pulled out his credit card. "It'll be worth it."

Once the three of them were settled into the two bedroom hotel suite, Everett headed right for his room. "You know he just wants to text his girlfriend all night," you said.

"She's not my girlfriend," he replied with an eye roll. "Goodnight." And then he closed the door with his phone already in his hand.

"She's totally his girlfriend," Bradley whispered, heading for the other bedroom with you right behind him. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it next to his suitcase before dropping onto the bed.

"She totally is." You climbed into bed with him as he turned on the TV to ESPN. They were already showing live coverage of the MLB draft preparations. Reporters were interviewing coaches, and they were starting to remove some of the tarps and set up the stage at PNC Park as the rain had finally tapered off. You were just starting to get comfortable curled up on Bradley's chest when he jolted so hard you yelped.

"Baby! They're talking about Ev."

You listened to the analyst on TV as he said, "And Bradshaw out of Vanderbilt, well he skipped the draft last year to finish his degree. That's almost unheard of! But his senior year stats were his best yet, so maybe he knew what he was doing. There are a lot of National League teams looking for a young ace pitcher who can also show up at bat, and he looks like he's just going to keep getting better. He should go late in the first round or early in the second."

Bradley's eyes were wide as he laughed and rolled you onto your back. "There are literally ESPN analysts talking about our son, Kitten." Then he kissed you softly as you wrapped your arms around his neck. His hands were inside your shirt and you were giggling.

"Hey, you seem excited, Coach." Bradley groaned as his hand drifted down to the fly of your jeans. "Okay," you agreed, "but we have to be quiet." And then your jeans were off and your husband showed you exactly how excited he was.

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

"Oh my God," Bradley mumbled over and over again as the three of you headed up toward the enormous stage that had been erected on the outfield at the ballpark. The weather had mostly cleared, and the city skyline looked gorgeous lit by the late morning sun peeking through the clouds.

"Third row, Dad," Everett said, guiding them toward their assigned seats. Bradley and Everett were both wearing navy blue suits, but while Everett had chosen a neutral looking yellow and white tie, Bradley's was red. If they were going to have to start wearing a new team's jerseys and colors, he wanted to at least have one last hurrah.

Bradley let you go into the row first, and then he took the next seat so Everett could sit by the aisle. And when everything started up, the ballpark got loud. The regular seats were filled with spectators, and it was so surreal that Bradley was sitting down here with the draftee hopefuls and his own family.

You pulled out your phone and said, "Aunt Molly wants a selfie." Bradley grinned as you and Everett both leaned in closer to him and smiled. You snapped the photo and said, "I'm sure she's going to want a ridiculous selfie, too." So the three of you made obnoxious faces, and then you sent them to your sister with a giggle before letting your cheek rest on Bradley's shoulder.

It was starting to get hot in the sun now as the league commissioner made her way up onto the stage and announced that the draft was officially beginning. "Holy shit," Bradley whispered, reaching for your hand. He was so excited, practically shaking. And he cheered politely as the crowd screamed when shortstop Javier Marianas was chosen first by the Milwaukee Brewers.

"He's really good," Everett remarked, completely calm while Bradley was sweating bullets. "He went to USC and I pitched against him once. He nailed my slider."

Bradley could only grunt in response as the Toronto Blue Jays were up next. He had no idea how everyone around him was so calm when he thought he might throw up. He looked up to see the teams listed in order on the jumbotron. The Phillies had the sixth pick, which surely would never happen, but the Padres were drafting twenty third. Having Everett close to home in San Diego for most of the year would be amazing. Bradley was already crossing his fingers.

The Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox all chose power hitters. Bradley tried to sit still while Everett told him that the player chosen by the Rangers was his roommate a decade ago at the Little League World Series. But Bradley was too distracted to listen to much of anything as members of the Phillies organization walked up onto the stage, and the clock started ticking down until their draft selection needed to be turned in.

And then Bradley could tell that while his son seemed calm on the outside, he was a little anxious after all. He saw the prominent bob of Everett's Adam's apple as he swallowed and whispered, "Would have been cool, huh Dad?"

Bradley gently let go of your hand and turned a little bit to wrap his arm around Everett's shoulders and pull him close. His son smiled at the awkward hug, and Bradley told him, "Kiddo, any team would be lucky to have you." He wanted to give him some more reassuring words, but there was nothing else to say. If Everett was selected, the team that chose him would be gaining an amazing pitcher, sure, but also a solid teammate and someone who cared about more than just himself.

So Bradley kept his arm around his son as the league commissioner returned to the microphone. There were Phillies staff members ready and waiting with a jersey and baseball cap, and they all looked excited for their new player to be announced. The commissioner cleared her throat and said, "With the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, the Philadelphia Phillies choose pitcher Everett Bradshaw."

"Holy shit," Everett whispered as he stared up at the stage with his mouth hanging open.

Bradley jolted forward in his seat as you scrambled to get your phone out again. "Holy shit," Everett and Bradley said in unison as the crowd started to cheer when Everett's stats started scrolling along the jumbotron screen.

"Ev!" you shrieked, and Bradley jumped to his feet.

"Kiddo! The Phillies!" he said, and slowly Everett rose to his feet too. "The Phillies!"

And then his son was in his arms, slapping him on the back as he said, "Dad. Oh my God! The Phillies!"

Bradley kissed his cheek and squeezed him. "The Phillies! Go up and get that fucking jersey!" And then Everett leaned in to give you a quick hug before he very gracefully walked down the aisle toward the stage.

But Bradley was absolutely losing his mind now as the cheering around them grew louder. "Yeah! The Phillies! Kitten, the fucking Phillies!" He raked his hands through his hair. "Our son is going to Philadelphia!"

"He got drafted!" you screamed over the crowd, and Bradley vaguely registered that you were holding your phone up as you jumped around.

"He got fucking drafted! By the best team in baseball!" Bradley shouted, pumping his fist in the air. And then there was a champagne bottle in his hands, and he started chugging it before screaming, "Yes!" He was jumping with you now, spraying champagne all over the place as he watched Everett take some photos on the stage in his brand new Phillies cap with the jersey held up in front of him. "That's my son! That's my son! I love you, Everett! He's a Phillie! Hell yeah!"

Bradley lunged for you and your shriek of ecstatic laughter had him scooping you into his arms. "Coach! He did it!"

He smothered you in kisses as you took the bottle from his hand and drank some of it. "That's our son! I'm so proud of him!"

"You did this, Coach! You're the one who made this happen!"

Then he shared so many champagne flavored kisses with you as Everett was escorted off the stage to riotous cheering.

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

A couple hours later, the three of you were back in the hotel room, all sticky from champagne with enormous smiles on your face. You watched as Everett kept hugging Bradley, and now both of them were wearing brand new Phillies caps turned backwards. "Thanks, Dad."

"You need to stop thanking me," Bradley replied softly. "It was all you. I'm so damn proud, Kiddo." But he did look pleased with himself. "Hey, my phone keeps blowing up. Everyone is so excited. I've got about a hundred texts from Maverick, Bob and Molly." But then Bradley froze and squinted down at his phone screen. "Charlie and Flora sent me links to a video they said went viral?"

"What is it?" you asked, but as soon as you looked at the screen, your eyes went wide. "Oh my God."

You watched as the video you had taken of Bradley screaming with the champagne bottle played on his phone.

"The Phillies! Kitten, the &%@#ing Phillies! Our son is going to Philadelphia!"

Everett erupted into laughter as Bradley just stared at the screen. "I feel like maybe I should be embarrassed?" he mumbled as he continued to watch himself spraying champagne everywhere.

"He got &%@#ing drafted! By the best team in baseball! That's my son! That's my son! I love you, Everett! He's a Phillie! Hell yeah!"

"How did Yahoo Sports get this?" Bradley asked as the video started to play again on loop. His cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

You were gasping as you tried to stop laughing. "I don't know! I only sent it to Molly!"

"Molly," Bradley growled, cradling his forehead in his hands as he blushed deeper.

"Dad, it's got half a million views already! This is the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life! I'm sending it to everyone I know!"

And when you turned on the TV in the hotel room, the video was playing there. And when you went back to that sandwich place for dinner, Bradley pulled his cap down lower over his face, because it was playing there, too. And you and Everett couldn't stop laughing no matter how hard you tried.

"It's okay, Coach. If you weren't the biggest Phillies fan in the world before, you certainly are now," you told him. He squeezed into the booth first and then pulled you in to shield him as the people sitting at the bar were laughing at his viral video.

"Nah, I'm just the biggest Everett Bradshaw fan in the world. But listen, we need to come up with a game plan," Bradley said, pulling up the notes section on his phone. "The Phils want you there by next month, Ev. So we all need to fly out and find you an apartment. We can pay the first month and the security deposit until you actually have your signing bonus available. And we also need to go over that contract with a lawyer when we get back home to San Diego. Kitten, can you call that lawyer in your book club?"

But you just kissed him on the cheek as Everett leaned over the table with a smile. "We'll figure it out, Dad. But actually... I was thinking after we eat dinner, you and I could go to that park down the block from the hotel? I brought all my gear with me. Maybe I could pitch to you until it gets dark?"

Bradley immediately dropped his phone onto the table and squeezed his son's hand while tears stung his eyes. "Yeah, Ev. I would love that. The perfect ending to the perfect day."

And then he watched his son eat two more huge sandwiches and half of your fries as he gushed about how excited he was to play major league baseball for his favorite team and Bradley's.

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

I love thinking about how Everett becomes known as the player with the "really excited dad". Thanks for reading! And thanks to @beyondthesefourwalls and @mak-32

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hyunniesgirl · 5 months

Text

Another Love | part 3

Summary: you've been hopelessly in love with Han since you were children. One night you confess your feelings to him.

Words count: 5,082

Warnings: do I even have to warn you guys about angst at this point?

A/N: this is not proofread because I'm sleepy, tomorrow I'll probably come back and fix the things that should be fixed.

I'm planning two or three more parts for this fic.

Seungmin got home after work and awkwardly told you he found a new roommate, it's a friend from his highschool time.

“That's great”, you tell him, even though you're worried, because that means you have to go back home and you just don't know if you're ready yet.

“I asked him for two weeks, so I could settle everything, so take your time”, he says and you nod.

That is a good amount of time, Jeongho is coming to see you in two days and you're really looking forward to seeing him. You find yourself already missing the man even though it's barely two weeks since you last saw him last.

Things with Jeongho are going slowly but great, he's sweet and makes sure you're comfortable with every advance he makes. You can't deny, being the object of affection of such a handsome and interesting person is flattering.

“Do you wanna go out before I move out? We can go watch a movie or eat something nice, it's on me”, you ask while watching him walk to his room.

“That would be nice, I'll check my schedule and we can set the date”, he tells you before closing the door to his bedroom.

You're so grateful to Seungmin, if it wasn't for him you would have been forced to stay living with Jisung after he rejected you, or you would have had to rent a crap apartment on short notice so you could have a place to stay without bothering anyone.

Speaking of the devil, it's the first time in a few days you're thinking about Jisung and you realize how relieved you are. It makes you believe things are finally looking up for you.

Living in Japan, Jeongho can only come to see you on weekends when he's not working. So you basically spend two weekends a month with him, it's not perfect but at the same time you two decided to take things slowly so you're taking your time to actually develop your feelings for him. What doesn't take very long.

You're not sure if it's because you were deprived of an actual romantic relationship for quite some time or if it happens to be like that because Jeongho is such a warm person to be around, but you just know you like him.

You are at the airport, waiting for him to arrive. When people start coming out of the gate, you tiptoe trying to find him in the crowd.

He's doing the same as you, but being taller it's not so difficult for him to find you. You jump and wave with your arms even though you know he already saw you, but you're just too excited to see him.

“And here I thought it would be difficult finding you”, he stops in front of you while you throw your arms around his neck and squeeze him into your embrace.

“I missed you”, you tell him. He chuckles, bringing his hands up and cupping your face, lightly brushing his lips on yours before landing the most sweet kiss.

“I missed you too”, he tells you, connecting your foreheads. You smile brightly, feeling warm.

You really like Jeongho, and that makes you wonder how your life would have been if you had said yes to him in middle school.

“Let's go”, you say, intertwining you fingers with him, “you have to rest because I have lots of fun planned for us”

He nods, paying attention to every word you say while you tell him some of the things you want to do during the weekend.

You stay in his hotel since you can't take him to sleep on Seungmin's sofa. You two ask for room service and talk about everything—his life in Japan, his work, your major, your tutoring and how things are going now that you will have to go back to live with Jisung.

“How are you feeling about that?” He asks, while you eat.

“Honestly, I don't know”, you tell him. “But I'm pretty confident, things are different now, I even have a hot boyfriend”, you joke, making him choke on his food.

“I don't remember being asked out”, he says, raising one eyebrow.

“Well, I thought it was a giving”, you shrug, biting on your burger, “since you're down bad for me”

He laughs out loud, throwing his head back.

“I'm not saying you're wrong, but you could be a little more humble”, he tells you, grabbing a napkin and whipping the ketchup off of the corner of your lips.

“Don't you think I've been humble enough for like a decade?”

“You got a point”

You soon finish your dinner and turn on the TV so you can watch a movie. It's just comfortable being with Jeongho, he makes the storm that usually is your mind become a light rain.

The next day is packed, you wake him up at 9 a.m. knowing it's going to be difficult to take him out of bed, especially when he keeps holding you and trying to make you stay in his warm embrace.

“We have to go”, you tell him, trying to escape from his heavy arm around your waist.

“Just more five minutes”, he asks, snuggling his head in the crock of your neck.

You really do want to stay like this with him, but you can't be swayed, you two have a full schedule that must be fulfilled.

“Jeongho, we must go or we are going to lose my first surprise”, you pout.

“Surprise?” He asks, backing away to look at you.

“Yes, I prepared a lot of things for us to do this weekend”, you give him a smug smile, “I didn't tell you half of it yesterday”

“Hm, that does sound interesting”, the hold on your waist tightens, making your body press even more against his. Jeongho lands a kiss on your cheek, then on your neck, going slower, “but you'll have to give me more than that to convince me that anything you planned is better than this”, you gasp feeling his hot breath hitting on your skin.

“I-”, you're not sure if you want to go out anymore, after feeling his soft lips again. “Babe”, you whisper, almost giving up when he flinches, backing away again. He is blushing.

“Did you just call me ‘babe’?” He asks flustered and you nod, smiling sheepishly.

“I mean, if you don't like it-”

“Of course I like it”, he answers fast, sitting on the bed. “Let's go, if you keep this up I won't let you get out of this bed for the whole weekend”, he tells you, getting up.

That offer does sound tempting, you sigh, but you two really do have lots to do.

Jeongho is not your first boyfriend, you didn't spend years pining over Jisung just waiting. Trying to get over him one way or another, you had your fair share of relationships, they just quite never made you feel like it was enough.

Until now. Jeongho easily swept you off your feet, liking him is just natural.

“Say cheese”, he asks while taking a selfie of you two, you're resting in a cafe after walking for hours.

“You really do like taking pictures”, you say and he nods.

“I do, especially when I'm with the second prettiest woman in the world”, he tells you.

You chuckle.

“May I presume that the number one is your mother?”

“Of course, dear. Who else could compete with you?”, he jokes, making you roll your eyes.

Jeongho’s name is called and he excuses himself to go to the counter to get your orders. This cafe you're visiting just opened, it is pretty popular and always crowded. You were only able to secure a table for your date because Hanna has a friend who works at the cafe and they were able to reserve it for you.

You hear the noise from the bell on the door and lift your eyes out of your phone to look at it, meeting Jisung's eyes.

What is he doing here?

“I didn't want to say it, but I think the cake you make is prettier than this one”, you hear Jeongho's voice, making you turn away to look at him, praying that your best friend won't try to talk to you.

Jeongho is much more sensible than you think, he picks up on your sudden stiffness and the awkwardness on your face, looking around to find out what happened. He sees Jisung coming in your direction hand in hand with a girl.

His right hand moves fast to the hand you have on the table, and his left one lands on your back, giving you reassurance.

“Jisung, it's been a while”, Jeongho says, voice more stern than you're used to, making you look at his face again, to see him almost glaring at your friend.

“Jeongho”, Han smiles, glancing at the hand your boyfriend has over yours and noticing how close you're from each other, “I thought you lived in Japan”, he points out.

“I do, but I come often to visit my girlfriend”, Jeongho smiles pretentiously.

“Your what now?” Han asks him, but he's looking at you, “last time I checked you haven't seen each other for almost ten years”

You turn your hand around, interlacing your fingers with Jeongho.

“Well, it has been a while since you last checked”, you answer, confidently.

Jisung's stand falters and the frown in his face is just priceless but you feel bad that he had to find out this way.

“Why are you being so awkward”, Lia says, glaring at him, “you should be happy for them”

She smiles at you.

“I'm happy for you, y/n, please take good care of her”, she tells Jeongho and he smiles kindly at her. “We will be on our way, then”

You have known Lia for a few months now. She was always nice to you, going to the apartment all the time and you thought her and Jisung to be just friends until you saw him smiling when he picked up her call, the same smile you have coveted for so long, wishing you were the one in the receiving end of that smile.

But you never were.

There's no reason for you to dislike her just because she is with him, now you have your own love and you don't need to wish for the affection of someone that doesn't have it in them to give it to you.

“Well, that was awkward”, Jeongho's voice takes you out of your daze. “Are you alright?”, he asks, bending down to be closer to you.

You smile at him, giving him a peck on the lips.

“I'm good, I have you”, you tell him. The man smiles brightly, tilting his head while looking at you lovingly.

“Now I'm thinking you're the one who's down bad for me”, he scoffs playfully, standing up and sitting in front of you.

“I can't confirm nor deny”, you say, winking at him. “What I can confirm is that the cake I bake is prettier than this one”, you bring back what he told you before.

“That's what I'm telling you!” He says excitedly, forgetting about Jisung, and honestly, you do too.

Why is she laughing so much? Is he even that funny? Or is she just trying to win his favor? Those are the thoughts Jisung has in his head while waiting for his order to get ready, he can't stop stealing glances at you, he misses your smiles and your laugh, there was a time he was the main reason for that beautiful sound to come out of your mouth.

“They look good together”, Lia's voice never sounded so annoying to him, what is she even talking about? You and Jeongho don't look good at all.

He gets up when his name is called, going to the counter to pick up his order and walking outside to meet Lia after. He can't stop thinking about you, if you hadn't gone away he would be the first person to know about you and Jeongho. It's just weird for him not being the first person you tell things to, that's what is bothering him he's sure of it.

The fact that he couldn't listen to anything Lia said throughout their whole date honestly worries him, Jisung has no idea what's happening to him and why he's acting this way towards the girl he was so into a few months ago.

He tries to bury himself in work, doing everything to stop thinking. He's afraid of what he's going to find out if he dig any deeper trying to understand his feelings.

You're in front of your apartment, you know the passcode and you know Jisung is not there at that moment but you just can't move. You have your huge bag hanging on your shoulder and another one on the floor, the only thing you have to do is go inside, so why is it so terrifying? The other time you went there to pick your books and some clothes, you didn't feel this way.

Was it because you knew you were not staying? Or was it because you and your best friend were on better terms at the time? Maybe you should just rent a crap apartment and go live alone. But how are you going to explain that to your parents? You can’t run away from Jisung your whole life, he is your best friend.

“Oh dear, were you traveling?” You hear the voice of the old lady who lives right next door.

You turn around, putting the sweetest smile you have on your lips.

“Hello, Mrs. Park, I was visiting a friend”, you half lie.

“Oh, that sounds like fun”, she giggles, “are you having trouble going inside?”

“Actually, Jisung changed the password and forgot to tell me”, you smile, lying through your teeth now, “I'm waiting for him to answer my texts”

She nods.

“Oh, your generation don't like to call, right? If I were you, I would call him until he picked up”, she jokes, “would you like to come inside to wait? You're going to get tired by just standing there”

You breathe, relieved, you know it's just a temporary measure but you'll take any opportunity not to enter your apartment yet.

“I would love to”, you answer her, grabbing the bag from the floor and following her inside.

Her apartment has pretty much the same layout as yours, but the decoration couldn't be any more different. She has lots of trinkets, frames and a clock hanging on the wall. There are a lot of pictures of her children and grandchildren.

“What about your husband?” You ask, sitting on the sofa while watching her going through the kitchen and putting some water to boil.

“He's visiting his brother in the countryside”, she answers. Your eyes wander around the room, landing on a frame with a beautiful couple. The picture looks old as it has a lot of aging marks.

“Oh, it's me and my husband”, Mrs. Park says, making you flinch to hear her so close to you. She has a proud smile on her lips. “Quite a handsome couple, weren't we?” She points out and you nod.

“Yes, a very charming couple”

She sighs, putting the tray with the teacups on the table in the center of the room.

“You know, he was my best friend”, she sits on the sofa, pointing to the other side for you to do the same, “I didn't always see him as a man, you know? I was in love with someone else at the time he confessed”

You stare at her, not sure what she's trying to say.

“But that guy broke my heart and he was there to pick it up and I fell in love”, she completes, with loving eyes.

“I'm not sure if I understand”, you say, feeling strangely uncomfortable.

“I'm telling you that the person you like may take a bit of time to understand his feelings”, she smiles kindly, “but I'm sure he will come to his senses”

You drop your eyes to your hands, fidgeting with your fingers. You're sure the old lady is only telling you that so you can feel better, but you don't feel like that at all. You don't want Jisung to like you now, you are exhausted from waiting for him.

“Your story is amazing, Mrs. Park”, you tell her, “but I already have someone who's absolutely sure of his feelings for me”, you stand, “I don't think I'll have to wait for another love”

She stares at you for a moment, analyzing you, trying to guess if you're being serious. Then, she smiles, standing too.

“I'm glad you came to that conclusion, honey”, she gets closer, patting you on the back. “Did Jisung send you the password?”, she asks, seeing you collect your bags.

“Yes, I have everything I need to go back home”, you say, thanking her for the hospitality.

You take a few deep breaths before pressing the password on the lock of your door. The house is the same as it was when you last went there.

You put your things in your room, unpacking your belongings and putting everything in place. You go to the living room, opening the glass door to the balcony so some air can circulate inside, you're sure Jisung spent his days out and didn't worry about opening the house a bit.

You go to the kitchen, there's nothing in the freezer, you already knew that you'd find it empty so it's time to go grocery shopping.

You're in the middle of the vegetables section when your phone buzzes. Looking at the device, you see Jeongho's name lightening the screen.

“Hey”, you answer, smiling.

“Hello, my love”, he says, you hear heavy breathing in the back of the call.

“Is everything okay?” You ask, worried.

“Yeah, I was hitting the gym and they called me from the office saying they needed me”, he sighs, rustling at the other side of the line.

“If you're in a hurry why are you calling me?” You ask, frowning.

“Of course, it's because I told you I would call you in the afternoon”, he tells you like it's the most obvious thing in the world and you giggle, feeling the happiest at that moment, warmth growing on your chest.

“You could have just texted me”, you tell him.

“Then I wouldn't be able to hear your sweet voice”, you're sure he has that flirty playful smile on his lips while saying that.

You sigh, leaning on a shelf from the store.

“I miss you”, you tell him.

On the other side of the line Jeongho stops on his tracks, smiling to himself while fidgeting.

“Me too, I can't wait to see you next weekend”, he says, “I was thinking maybe we could have dinner with all your friends so I can be officially introduced?”

“Yeah, that would be great”, you say, “I'll talk to them”

“Okay, I have to go now but I'll text you later”

It's great having someone who actually reciprocates your feelings, much better, someone you're so into as Jeongho.

You walk out of the elevator struggling to carry the groceries, finding a feminine figure hovering over your door. When she turns around, you recognize Lia.

“Hey”, you frown, did Jisung not tell her he was out?

“Y/N, hey!” She says, smiling at you. “Here, let me help you”, she says, grabbing two bags out of your hands.

“Thank you!” You say, “Jisung is not home right now, but come inside to wait for him, I don't think he's going to take long”

You open the door, giving space for her to walk in and then close the door.

“I'm sorry about showing up unannounced”, she smiles sheepishly, putting the bags on the table in the kitchen. “I texted Jisung but he didn't see my texts, I just wanted to give this to him”, she says, taking a pot out of her bag.

“Oh, okay”, you take it from her hands and turn around, putting it in the fridge.

“You can have some, I made a lot”, she says awkwardly and you smile at her.

“Thank you, Lia. Are you sure you don't want to wait?” You ask, looking at the mirror, you're sure he will be home soon and if she stays it's less of an opportunity for you to speak to him.

“I have class”, she sighs, “can you tell him to call me?”

“Sure, I'll tell him”, you nod. She starts walking to the door and you accompany her, saying goodbye and watching her enter the elevator, waving goodbye to you while the doors are closing.

You're sure you could have been friends if things were different. You sigh, rolling up the sleeves of your shirt while going back inside.

You brought a lot of vegetables, they all need to be washed before being put in the fridge, so you start taking them out of the bags to organize everything.

You have the sink’s tap running and some music playing on your phone, so when the door is opened and a tired Jisung enters the house you don't seem to notice.

He stares at you as if you're a mirage, happiness overflowing in his chest with your presence back home. He watches as you hum to the song playing, a few strands of your hair falling on your face.

With a bowl of vegetables ready to be stored, you turn around bumping into your best friend, making you jump.

“When did you get here?” You ask, with your hand on your chest, heart beating fast, not sure if it's because of the surprise or because you're finally facing him.

“I just got here”, he lies, he can't tell you it's been minutes he's there watching you.

You nod, opening the fridge to store the vegetables, trying to avoid his gaze. Not sure of how to act now that you're back.

“Oh, Lia stopped by and left you this”, you point to the pot.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know she was going to come here”, he starts explaining and you frown.

“There's no reason for you to apologize, she's your girlfriend”, you answer nonchalantly and he steps back, feeling a sudden ache in his chest. You're not even looking at him while saying that, but why is it that you look so unbothered? Are you really over him? That's what he wanted, so why doesn't he feel relieved?

“She's not my girlfriend”, he tells you, frowning. You finally look at him, he's staring at you like he expects something from you. You don't know what he wants and you sure don't have the energy to try and find out.

“Anyway”, you say, closing the fridge, “I'm sure she'll be your girlfriend soon, you can bring her anytime you want don't mind me”

“Won't you feel uncomfortable?” He asks, fidgeting uncomfortably.

“Not at all”, you grab your phone and put it in your pocket, ready to go take a shower. “I plan on bringing my boyfriend a lot here, so it won't be fair to you if you can't do the same”

You flash him a smile before heading to your room. You're acting the same as you did before your confession, so why does it make him so miserable now?

“So, does he want to ask for your hand in marriage or something like that?” Felix asks, making you and Hannah choke on your drinks, while Hyunjin and Minho laugh at your reaction. “I'm just asking!”

“No, why would you even think that?”, you chuckle.

“It's such a formal thing to have dinner like this”, Seungmin points out, “normal people just arrange a meeting at a cafe or something like that”

“He likes y/n, he must not be right in the head”, Jeongin says and you smack him in the head, making him pout.

“I think it's cute that he wants to meet you all formally”, you say.

“I think it's nice too”, Hannah supports you, “if you guys don't wanna go just say it”

“Now, we didn't say that”, Minho says. “It's just a bit weird to finally meet a boyfriend you actually like. Especially since we all thought Hannie would fall in love with you eventually”

You nod, sighing and feeling a bit upset with his comment, but you know it's impossible for people to forget you were in love with Jisung for more than a decade.

“Yeah, I get where you're coming from, but I'm happy with Jeongho and I want you all to meet him and know how great he is”

Minho nods.

“Yeah, okay. Then, I guess I'll have to give him the ‘dad talk’”, he says seriously and everyone laughs at your terrified face.

“Please don't”, you beg him.

You get home earlier than expected, Jisung is not home yet so you have the house to yourself for a bit. A long, hot shower is everything you need to relax. It's been a long week with awkward interactions between you and Jisung, you kept trying to avoid him, at least until you feel comfortable like you used to.

You spend too much time organizing your wardrobe, when you look at the time you realize how late it is. So you grab a towel and hurry to the bathroom, trying to get back to your room before Jisung gets home.

The hot water does wonders to you, even though you have to take a quick shower, it helps a lot with your sore muscles from stress.

When you wrap yourself in the towel and your clothes are nowhere to be found, you know you fucked up. It's even worse when you hear the beeps at the door, fucking hell. Things are already awkward, if you walk out of this bathroom in only a piece of fabric, things will be even worse.

You can tell Jisung is in the kitchen because you can hear him walking around, opening the cabinets and humming to some music while setting the table. You're sure you can just run to your room and he'll never know this happened.

That would be a great plan, actually, if Han wasn't knocking on your room's door exactly when you got out of the bathroom.

He turns around, with a big smile on his face that automatically dies down the moment he sees you. Your life is so fucked up, really. You have been living together for three years, of course he had seen you in only a towel before but things were inevitably different now. Maybe he thinks you did this on purpose?

"Ahm-", you're trying to explain yourself, you can tell he's speechless, "I was trying to shower before you arrived and happened to forget to take my clothes with me", you say, smiling sheepishly.

"Oh, yeah", he answers, stepping aside so you can enter your room. "You can come eat when you're done, I brought pizza", he says and you nod, walking fast into your room and locking the door.

From now on you'll have a checklist of things you have to take to the bathroom when showering so your dumbass doesn't forget about the most important thing: clothes.

Han feels his ears getting warmer, you look somehow different, he just can't tell exactly what changed. Every other time you saw him in a towel or the other way around, you both would brush it off and laugh about it, why does he feel so embarrassed now?

"Did you change your hair?" He asks, your mouth is full so you can't answer him right away.

"No? Maybe it grew a bit"

"That must be it", he nods.

Yeah, it's definitely her hair that's different, he thinks.

"I'll do the dishes, you must be tired after practicing all day", you say, gathering the plates.

Han nods, getting up and telling you he's going to take a shower.

The image of the drops of water running from your hair through your neck and chest and disappearing in the soft fabric is the first thing that comes to Jisung's mind when the hot water hits his skin.

Where you always like that? Your skin looked so soft, he felt the urge to caress it, what would your reaction be if he touched you?

Han frowns, why the hell is he thinking about that? He must be crazy, it's the only reasonable answer.

The fact that another date with Lia went by and Jisung couldn't pay attention to a word she said makes it clear to him that things are not the same between them and that he doesn't want to keep things going as they are.

“I think we shouldn't see each other anymore”, he says, when they arrive at her apartment. Lia's hands stop before she can open the door and she turns around slowly, looking at Jisung.

“What are you talking about?” She asks, leaning on the door, staring at the guy she likes. He sighs, trying to come up with a good explanation for the reason he wants to end things.

“I just, don't feel the same anymore”, he looks at his feet, not able to look her in the eyes yet.

She is staring at him, crossed arms in front of her chest, trying to hold the tears, trying not to break.

“You have been acting indifferent to me for quite some time now”, she points out, with a bitter smile on her lips. “I should have ended things when I first noticed it, I guess I just like you that much, huh”, she completes, taking a deep breath.

“I'm sorry”, Han sighs, finally looking at her, “I didn't mean to hurt you”

“Yeah”, she scoffs, “Is it because of y/n?”

Jisung's eyes widen.

“It was always quite clear that she liked you”, she completes, before he can say anything. “I just didn't pay any mind to it because you guys have been friends for such a long time”

“It's not like that-”, he tries to argue.

“That day at the cafe you couldn't take your eyes out of her and that guy”, she points out, “she liked you for so long and right when she finds someone else you start liking her?” Lia scoffs, feeling the tears brimming in her eyes.

“I don't like her like that”, he says and the girl rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that”, she says before turning around and entering her apartment, closing the door in his face.

A/N: If you like what I write please reblog or let me know in the comments, feedback give me motivation to keep writing. Also, you can buy me a coffee.

Taglist: if the tag didn't work please check your settings and let me know(I won't be tagging people with no age visible on their profiles or blank blogs)

@hhwangsmoon @weareapackofstrays @shycreationdreamland @adestayskz @skizmee @ca11me3mily @realviviboss @sofix-hc7 @seungminsapuppy @starsandrqindrops @its-hannjisung @redstayrosie @mae-is-cute98 @blithevix @astro-doll-the-star @vlctorriaa @captainchrisstan @rag-iii @notastraykid @hanoobinie @jisunghannie @applepie-macaroon @stayingdelulu @sundayysunshine @kidrauhlschik @wolfennracha @meloncremesoda @hanschimpmunk @realrintaro @teejisung @maexc @gyustarzzi @ellebasiyx @ivaneedssleep @chaeryred @daemon-bunny @broken-glowsticks @ch4nniebang @sleepyleeji @seukijeuxq

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wholoveseggs · 4 months

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Hii I was wondering if u can make an elijah fluff. Like context hes been married for like 1000+ years and he still gets nervous around reader

Dinner can wait.

{Masterlist}

Elijah is nervous about you returning home after a trip, so he cooks dinner to calm himself.

~♡♡ Thanks for the request anon ~ I love domestic Elijah, I could write a million stories on this subject ♡♡~

2k words - Warnings: None, just fluff!

Elijah moved with assured grace around the kitchen, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and his dark hair falling softly across his face as he carefully arranged his ingredients. There was something soothing about cooking, and tonight it was something that he really needed. He glanced up at the clock and sighed, wondering if he had enough time to prepare his special sauce, or if he should just use his normal béarnaise. He decided that he wanted to use the special sauce tonight and reached for a saucepan. As he started to slowly melt his butter, he heard the front door open. A smile lifted the corner of his mouth as he heard the familiar footsteps of his sister enter the kitchen.

"What's for dinner tonight, brother?" Rebekah asked, opening the fridge and reaching in to grab one of his bottles of wine.

"Coq au vin, but unfortunately, Rebekah, it's for two, not three," he said, looking pointedly at the wine bottle she had taken out.

"That's okay," she replied, "I'll just help myself to your wine."

She winked at him and poured herself a generous glass, then pulled out a chair and sat down at the counter to watch him.

"So she's coming back today?" she asked.

"Yes," he said, adding the chopped onions and mushrooms to the pan. "Her plane arrives at seven thirty."

"Do you need me to pick her up?"

"No, thank you," he said. "I've already arranged a driver."

"And have you thought about how you're going to greet her?"

Elijah frowned at her, not liking the look of amusement on her face. "What do you mean? I'll greet her in the same way I've greeted her for the last ten centuries."

Rebekah laughed and sipped her wine. "I think that's the problem, brother," she teased.

"What are you talking about?" he demanded, his knife hitting the chopping board with a little more force than necessary.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," she said. "Every time your wife returns home after being away for any period of time, you go out of your way to impress her. You cook, you clean, you buy her flowers and gifts, and when you greet her, you are always so polite and gentlemanly, almost as if it's a first date.”

"So?"

"So, Elijah," she said, smiling affectionately at him, "don't you think it's time you stopped trying to impress her and just showed her how much you love her."

Elijah sighed and rubbed his hand across his brow. "I don't think I know any other way," he admitted.

"Then learn another way," she replied, draining her glass and standing up. "I've got a date so I won't be home for dinner, but I expect to see you both tomorrow."

"Fine," he said. "Thank you for your... help."

She laughed and kissed him on the cheek, then grabbed her bag and left.

He watched her go and then looked down at the half-chopped ingredients in front of him. He had always enjoyed cooking for his wife, but this time was different. This time his hands were shaking as he lifted the knife, and his stomach was fluttering.

Why was he nervous? It was his beautiful wife. His sweet and gentle y/n. The love of his long life.

They had been married for one thousand years, but his feelings towards her had never changed. She was still the girl from the village who had captured his heart when they were children. The girl he had courted and then married, and who had stood by his side when he had become a vampire and all the challenges that it had brought. He sighed and started preparing the rest of his ingredients. Maybe Rebekah was right, and it was time for him to try a new approach.

When you stepped out of the airport and took your first breath of fresh air, you felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from your shoulders. You were so close to seeing your husband, and it made your heart flutter. You looked around and smiled when you saw a tall man with dark hair and eyes waiting patiently for you, holding a sign with your name on it.

"Hello," you said, "I'm y/n."

"Good evening, ma'am," he said politely. "My name is Joshua, and I will be driving you home tonight."

"Thank you, Joshua," you replied. "Can we get going? I've been away for too long."

"Certainly," he said, picking up your suitcase and walking to the car. He loaded it into the trunk and then held open the door for you.

"Where is Elijah?" you asked, getting in and settling yourself into the leather seat.

"He had a prior engagement tonight," Joshua replied, closing the door and walking around the car to get in the driver's side. "He asked me to let you know he was sorry he couldn't meet you and that he will see you when you get home."

"Oh," you said, trying to mask your disappointment. You knew your husband well, and you were certain he was lying about a prior engagement. It had happened before, and you suspected that he had arranged a welcome home surprise for you. You would have preferred he just picked you up, no surprises necessary; you simply needed his presence.

When you arrived home, there was a light burning in the kitchen, and as the car pulled up, and you opened the door, you could smell the wonderful aromas of your favorite food. Your husband was definitely here. You got out and walked towards the house, smiling at Joshua and thanking him as he carried your suitcase inside and left it at the foot of the stairs.

"Thank you, Joshua," you said, as he turned to leave.

"You're welcome, ma'am," he said, "and have a good night."

"I intend to," you replied, your lips curving into a smile as you turned and walked towards the kitchen.

As you approached the doorway, you could see Elijah's silhouette in the light, his broad shoulders and strong arms moving quickly as he finished off the meal. You paused and leaned against the doorframe, watching him.

You remembered the day you met him, and how shy and reserved he was, how nervous and uncomfortable he was around you. He was always so sweet and shy, unaware of just how beautiful he was. You remembered how his eyes would light up whenever he saw you around the village, sneaking glances at you whenever he thought you weren't looking. You remembered how happy he was when you had agreed to go for a walk with him. How he would stumble over his words and blush as he told you about his dreams and ambitions. And you remembered the day he kissed you. It was the first time either of you had ever kissed anyone, and he was so unsure of himself, his hands shaking as he held your face and his lips barely touching yours. But his lips were so soft, and the feeling of his warm skin on yours was exhilarating. You remember the day you married him and how proud he was to call you his wife. The way his eyes filled with tears as he kissed you, the way he smiled and held you so tight. His vows still clear in your mind even after a thousand years.

"My dearest wife, I will always be true to you, through everything and no matter what happens. My love will be yours until the end of time. I will always cherish and protect you. You are my everything."

Little did either of you know how long you would keep those vows; immortality had not yet come upon either of you. It was both a blessing and a curse, but with Elijah by your side, you knew you could handle whatever came your way.

You watched him now, still the same beautiful, sweet, and caring man you had fallen in love with. He was the man who had stolen your heart, and he was the one who would forever hold it. He was moving around the kitchen frantically, nervously glancing at the clock every few minutes. He was clearly making sure everything was perfect for your return. You wondered how he didn't hear you come in, but you supposed he was so lost in thought that he couldn't sense anything else. You smiled to yourself, loving him even more.

You stepped forward and wrapped your arms around his waist, pulling him close. He froze, and you could feel his heart pounding against your cheek.

"Hello, my darling," you said softly, kissing his shoulder blade.

He let out a long sigh and relaxed in your arms, his hands covering yours. "Hello," he whispered.

"Mmm, something smells delicious," you murmured.

"It's coq au vin," he replied.

"My favorite," you said. "I'm impressed, you must have put a lot of effort into tonight's dinner."

"I wanted it to be perfect," he said quietly.

"Why?"

He turned around and placed his hands on your cheeks, stroking his thumbs over your skin, his brown eyes were warm and full of emotion. To you he still looked like a the nervous teenager who gathered all his courage just to talk to you.

"Because," he said softly, leaning down to brush his lips against yours, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," you replied, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down to kiss you again.

His lips were soft and warm, his kiss slow and tender. You felt his hands slide into your hair and tug gently, his tongue slipping between your parted lips.

"Elijah," you murmured.

"Hmmm," he mumbled, kissing his way down your throat.

"Something is burning," you said.

He immediately pulled back, his eyes wide as he looked over his shoulder. The sauce was smoking, and he quickly reached for the pan and removed it from the heat, turning the stove off.

You watched as he ran his fingers through his hair, his jaw clenching in frustration.

"I'm sorry, it's ruined," he said. "I just..."

"It's okay," you said, taking his hand and leading him out of the kitchen.

"But what about dinner?" he asked.

"Dinner can wait," you said, "or we can order take-out. All I really want right now is my husband."

You smiled and he grinned back at you, his earlier nervousness forgotten. He pulled you into his arms and kissed you, lifting you up and carrying you to the bedroom.

"I love you, my beautiful wife," he whispered, laying you on the bed and climbing on top of you.

"I love you, sweet husband," you replied.

He kissed you again and then proceeded to show you just how much he had missed you.

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