⊹ ࣪ ˖elise⊹ ࣪ ˖

“Rad, I like fire, fighting or electric types but honestly they're all awesome.” Adrian showed you his illustrious Pokedex and marveled at your own impressive collection. 

“Gotta catch them all right?” You said with a cackle, tipping your head back.

It made a few people turn around in the park and left you a little mortified after letting out your loud laugh. 

A lot of people had told you it was ugly over the years, annoying like Fran Drescher off the Nanny had snorted cocaine in the bathroom stall while operating a chainsaw.

But Adrian matched yours with one of his own insane laughs, loud and barking, green eyes glimmering. “I like your laugh, so cute and neat-o glasses!” 

Your cheeks grew red hot at the compliment, hand reflexively touching your oversized 70s butterfly frames. But there wasn't a hint of sarcasm.

With those words, you'd fallen in love with this nerdy stranger and didn't even know his name yet. It felt like you'd known him your whole life.

“Um thanks, I like yours too, the aviator style is very cool.” You replied shyly introducing yourself and offering a handshake. 

“I'm Adrian, can you show me where that candy is?” Adrian grinned, not letting go of your hand, he instead had you lead him to the spot. 

“Here it is!” You proclaimed and Adrian got down on his hands and knees again to thank you as his shiny finally evolved into an Infernape.

“My all time favorite!” Adrian explained, the two of you chatting through Evergreen park until it was time for you to head back. 

“Gavantula is mine. I love spiders.” You said, slightly shy to admit it.

“NO FREAKING WAYYYY?! I LOVE SPIDERS!” Adrian shouted, green eyes bugging out of his head.

“REALLY? YOU DON'T THINK IT'S GHOULISH?” You shouted back, eyes similarly widening and sparkling brightly.

From that day on, Adrian and you were fast friends, catching up most afternoons after work to go on Pokemon Go walks, attend the events in Evergreen and nearly every day he would visit you at your job. 

The Evergreen Card Bazaar was a wonderful place to work. Unlike other local card shops that were recently coming under attack from horrible scalpers or just plain robbed, ECB had a guardian angel that ensured its Pokemon cards were left unstolen or scalped. 

Vigilante. 

You knew it had to be your friend Adrian Chase, Vigilante had the same infernape keychain you’d gotten him from a gachapon hanging off his wallet. 

But there was just one issue.

He was utterly clueless that you had a major crush on him. And whenever you tried to flirt or ask Adrian out, he excused himself with a strange muppet-like voice and Naruto ran out of your store. 

However unbeknownst to you, Adrian did have a crush on you too, he was just terrible at expressing it.

Like cataclysmically bad.

“I love your new binder, it's so pretty!” Adrian ran his hand across the washi tape and sparkly stickers you'd added. 

“Thanks, I love yours too…” You reached out to touch his teal one, leaning right over making sure he could get a good look.

Today you made sure to wear that one push up bra that made the girls look even more fantastic, on full display with a low-cut top. Adrian was hook line and sinker, especially when you locked your elbows in.

“B-bo…Bombirdier! What a good bird type Pokemon huh?” Adrian began to laugh mechanically, tipping his head back and avoiding eye contact with your decolletage. 

That was a close one, he thought to himself it was getting past ogling to near drooling territory. No way to treat a treasured friend! 

Sure he liked to bond over sex with women with Chris, or at least did before Harcourt entered the scenario but that was bro stuff. 

In the same vein of Chris being his number one bro, you were his number one gal pal, bonding with you would be less…a friendship building exercise, more…something else. 

And that unknown something else terrified the shit out of Adrian. 

“Welp. It's getting late, I should really go!” He announced and with that he bolted as per usual. 

And ran right into your shopfront door.

Shattering the glass.

Fragments showered down on him like spiky drops of rain. 

“Damn you actually smashed the front door?” Chris winced when Adrian sadly told him what had unfolded. 

He still had little cuts but they were clearing up quickly from his healing factor. You offered him some sanrio themed band-aids and after helping sweep up Adrian jumped in the Sebring, crying to Bonnie Tyler's Eclipse of the Heart as he drove straight to Chris’ trailer.

“Why'd you run into it anyway?” Chris asked with a yawn. “See a criminal or your own shadow or something?” 

“Because I got super anxious that I was gonna pop a boner in front of her!” Adrian explained. 

“So she's hot?” Chris was now very interested in this story, leaning forward.

“Yes and she's rather pneumatic.” Adrian explained shyly, readjusting his glasses. 

He had to clean them off with a microfiber cloth as the lens fogged up recalling you pressing those pillowy majestic things brushing against him earlier. 

“Oh no I didn't know she was sick dude sorry to hear that.” Chris, the utter himbo that he was, sadly put a hand on his buddy's shoulder. 

“No P, I mean her boobs, they're big, bouncy and amazing, kinda like hot air balloons, but over all she's a gorgeous sculpture, wide hips, her butt is better than T Swift's…” The vodka was untying his tongue, letting slip how he really saw you. 

Adrian thought you were magnificent.

“Built for comfort, I get it.” Chris nodded knowingly. 

“Built for a throne more like!” Adrian snapped, ripping the bottle of vodka off Chris for another swig. 

“She's a queen! And I am a humble jester in her buxom court, wishing only to make her smile and laugh.” 

He wouldn't mind being your throne though if you'd allow it, maybe his face? Yeah you could crush his head with those thick thighs, or sit on his dick, massive tits bouncing away…fuck. 

Hold up, this was no way to think about a treasured friend! 

“Damn dude you're seriously down bad for her.” Chris giggled, firing up a toke. “Why not ask her out?” 

“Ugh did I just say all of that out loud?! And you know I hate marijuana, can't believe they legalized that shit.” Adrian frowned at the Devil's lettuce and Chris happily rescinded his offer, more for him.

“Don't worry bro, we're in the cone of BFF silence while I'm ripping cones. Just drink, kick back and relax my guy.” Chris reassured him.

“Okay, well I mean she's seriously beautiful inside and out though! I love her unique  laugh and she's really smart, owns her own business and is funny, we have a lot of the same hobbies…” Adrian rambled on for a while about all the qualities he loved about you that weren't superficial and Chris waited for him to finish.

“Like this big, or this big?” Chris stretched his hands out at his chest. “Tell me when to stop going.” 

“Around there.” Adrian eventually said, that seemed about right.

“Holy fuck.” Chris appraised down at his hands. “Nice.” 

“Yeah…” Adrian sighed. “She is really nice and kind with the brightest smile and dazzling eyes in the whole entire world.” 

“Also she has these majestic jugs that I want to put my face between and motorboat,” All inhibition was out of the way now that Chris gave the go ahead, “like I'm Roger Moore’s James Bond in 1977  

classic The Spy Who Loved Me, jet-skiing with the white Spirit Marine Wetbike to evade Karl Stromberg's henchmen!” Adrian was sort of losing his BFF at this stage, hyperfixating. 

“Showcasing the first-ever jet-ski to the public on film, years before personal watercraft was made available to the mainstream!” He finished brightly.

“I am way too high for whatever you just said.” Chris grimaced. “Should I buy a jet-ski though? Is that a good investment?” He was baked enough to take financial advice from Adrian at this stage. 

“I mean we're a bit landlocked in Evergreen, plus you'd need to get a license and you're flat broke but hell yeah I think that's a great investment P!” Adrian knew all about great returns, his beanie babies collection would definitely hit the market again. 

Thankfully Chris' bank thought it was a scammer trying to steal his card details. The terrible purchase was blocked and he lived to not be murdered by Harcourt for spending money on more frivolous bullshit another day.

Somehow after telling Chris his secret, coincidentally everyone at Checkmate knew that Adrian had a crush on you.

Super weird. 

Langston who sat next to him was the worst perpetrator, teasing him whenever Adrian’s alarm went off for your Pokemon Go walks. 

“Walking on Sunshine for your lil Sunshine huh Super Nerd?” He grinned at how embarrassed Adrian got.

“It's just a loud song that has the word walk in the lyrics! I didn't pick it for any other reason.” Adrian lied, glaring at his screen playing cool math games to try and calm down. “And I only named her that in my phone so I wouldn't get confused…” 

Rip Jagger swaggered on by with a rude snarky, “You should change it to Walking on Broken Glass by Annie Lennox, cause that's gonna be your heart when she figures out how lame you really are.” 

Judomaster as always loved finding out something new to poke him with, that fucking little guy…

“You guys go out on dates all the time though?” Adebayo brought it up at lunch. “Why not check in about the relationship?” 

“No, those are Pokemon Go walks and events, we only hold hands when it gets cold.” Adrian insisted. “Or if one of us could get lost.” 

Before anyone could get a word in edge wise, he quickly added, “Also she could get abducted, so if you think about it, it's actually a safety issue and makes sense for me to hold her hand the entire time.” 

He looked very satisfied with that insane logic puzzle of platonic hand holding, the rest of the table grimacing at one another not wanting to go first unpacking it.

But Rip Jagger really didn't give a fuck about Adrian Chase's feelings. “Don't you have that weird thing about touching human skin, you discount store Jeffrey Dahmer?” 

Adrian frowned daggers back, readjusting his 70s serial killer frames.“Human skin does feel gross! Generally, I squeeze her hand and it feels nice, plus her nails always have a pretty theme painted on them and she uses fragrant skin lotions.” 

At the moment it was the Lovisia Pokepeace hand cream collabs, he wondered if you had on the piplup and rowlet lemon puree again? 

“It rubs the lotion on the skin or else it gets the hose again…” John muttered and Rip snorted, sharing some of his spicy chips with him.

“You squeeze her hand?” Adebayo needed more clarification. 

“Tightly for SAFETY!” Adrian snapped, “please P you get it right?” He needed his best buddy who had been silent in the wings, while devouring a bowl of wings.

“Sounds like you have a big ol crush there dude.” Chris shrugged, BBQ sauce all over his face. 

“I don't want to ruin this P, she's so cool and I don't have many friends, let alone gal pals.” Adrian explained sadly, fiddling with his straw. 

The paper was getting all sludgy in his iced strawberry matcha but Adrian loved the sea turtles more so supposed it was the price to pay.

“Gal pals?” Harcourt scoffed at the term.

“YES HARCOURT, GAL PALS. IT'S WHEN YOU ANSWER MY FRIENDSHIP TEXTS FOR SHOPPING AND MATCHA!” Adrian exploded in a fiery rage, face cherry red.

“Yikes.” Adebayo sipped on her caramel frappe.

“I told you to stop texting me Chase. I hate matcha, it tastes like grass, shopping is boring and your taste in movies is subpar.” Harcourt replied calmly before having more of her black coffee.

Probably not as dark or bitter as her soul, who the hell doesn't like watching Legally Blonde or Clueless? Adrian thought to himself with a pout.

“Moving on…” John interjected, not wanting to find out who would win between Adrian or Emilia. 

“She enjoys my taste in movies! We have sleepovers all the time.” Adrian proclaimed. 

“You guys sleepover huh?” Chris made a rude gesture with his fingers but it was lost on Adrian.

The sleepovers were totally platonic, there was that one time you were silly and accidentally forgot pyjamas so Adrian helpfully loaned you some. You wore his old Firefly shirt, stretching it out so nicely, he wanted you to do that with all of his clothes…

As Adrian told everyone this outloud, they all were slackjawed by how oblivious this dude truly was. “So you’re telling me she turned up to your place for a sleepover and didn’t bring anything to wear…and you responded by giving her clothes?” Langston had to know the extent of Adrian’s lack of rizz. 

“Well duh, I’m a great host and friend!” Adrian rolled his eyes. 

“And this weekend, you’re going on a big trip together?” John asked. 

“Yes, we're also sharing a hotel room over the weekend at the Metropolis Pokemon convention.” Adrian replied. 

“Sharing a hotel room?!” Adebayo exclaimed, completely exasperated.

“It saves money. The hotel is pricey and Pokemon themed. They even had a couples discount.” He explained. 

“And you don't see how that's romantic?” Sasha asked with a sly grin.

“Uh couples just mean groups of two Bordeaux and I wouldn't do anything inappropriate! She's working a Pokemon card and merch vendor stall and I'm there to help and be her body guard.” Adrian was sick and tired of them not getting the big picture.

“Body guard at a Pokemen convention? What, in case she gets a paper cut?” Langston laughed.

“Actually, people are kinda crazy about Pokemon cards right now.” John agreed, “it's not a bad idea to have backup.” 

“Yeah see! I'm just a backup, a guy who carries heavy bags. Stop trying to make it out to be more please.” Adrian couldn't let himself get deluded about you. 

If he allowed that door to open, Adrian knew he couldn't be chill anymore around you, he'd text you above the daily limit of 100 messages, call you all the time and follow you around more than the Vigilante patrol checks to ensure you got home safe.

That would be total stalker behavior! And that was illegal!

“But Adrian, it sounds like this could be more between you…” Adebayo said sincerely. “Maybe talk to her about it?”

“Oh yeah because open honest communication is the answer here– get real!” Adrian laughed at her mockingly. “Look I don't know about you Ads but I don't live in a Hallmark movie and everyone calls me crazy and too quick to jump the gun with relationships.” 

“Hm he's not wrong.” John said.

“You guys always say I'm way too clingy, call and text all the time, think I'm friends straight away, so what if my feelings are all in my head and she doesn't consider it the same? I'm trying to be respectful.” He huffed, stuffing his mouth with the creme brulee tarts he got as a way of distraction.

But the way they jiggled on the plate, god it reminded him of your impressive rack…the last time he saw you they were in a low-cut Deff Leppard tank top. 

Fuck he wanted you to pour some of that sweet sugar on him.

Adrian wanted to play with your boobs like a sensory toy, gently grip and squeeze, they were just so lovely, plush and pillowy looking, his face would sit so nicely between them…

Oh he'd be such a good boy for you, his voluptuous, curvaceous, bountiful marshmallow queen. 

Wait. How could he think so lecherously about his sweet, bubbly, well-endowed friend like that?!

Adrian felt like crying and hitting his head against the table. “I'm a feminist!” He suddenly declared, doing the latter. 

“Who pissed in your drink?” Harcourt was over his outbursts. 

“Everything reminds me of her.” He sighed, staring forlorn over at John's pudding and Adebayo’s sundae of two vanilla scoops with cherries on them. 

“She's got massive jugs. Adrian's always going on about them whenever we hit the booze.” Chris clued them in, crudely motioning with his hands outward.

“Hey, that's private! Secrets told in the cone of BFF silence!” Adrian glared at Chris who had the audacity to merely shrug.

“I mean there's no hiding those things. He showed me pics.” Chris got his phone out and handed it around the table.

A photo of you standing with Adrian at a Pokemon event, you were dressed up in a Kaede the Sugarbug Gym Leader cosplay, arms linked with his, Adrian’s face a bright pink and deliriously happy. The source of his joy was obvious, your ample chest was pressed right at his forearm.

“You're a boob guy? Nice, Super nerd.” Langston approved. 

“I'm more of an ass man myself.” Chris nodded sagely.

“I'm not talking about this around our current company.” John held his hands up like a hostage.

“Coward. I like tits.” Sasha snarked.

“TNA both are great.” Harcourt shrugged.

“Agree, but if I'd have to pick, ass.” Adebayo said.

“Ass is great.” Rip nodded. 

“Okay fine, I'm actually more of a thigh guy.” John admitted sheepishly.

“I can really see that you know…” Harcourt mused, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

They all started chatting around their reasoning leaving Adrian going back and forth like he was watching a tennis game. 

“You should invite your venus di milo over to the office before you head to Metropolis.” Harcourt said a suggestion, but her tone implied it was more of a direct order. 

So when it was your scheduled Pokemon Go walk that evening, Adrian felt his hand sweating bullets, kept firmly in his windbreaker pocket. The other had his phone on the look out for another Chimchar. The gang told him holding hands wasn’t a normal friendship thing. 

Adrian really didn’t want you to realise he was fucking weird and stop hanging out with him. 

“Adrian, are you feeling okay?” You asked, he looked awfully pale, brow furrowed. 

“Yes!” He insisted, trying not to look at your cute dimpled cheeks, sakura pink painted lips, or especially down at the fluffy collared cable knit sweater. 

Fuck, he glanced down again at your incredible rack. It was peak sweater weather and you somehow looked even sexier in winter clothes than summer. How was that fair?

“Want to see my new nails?” You offered him your hand, but Adrian stared from a distance. Usually he would take your hand and examine them closely up at his thick wired frames.

“Very nice!” He offered a half-smile at the sparkly pink set.

Along with the matching dusted pink leg warmers and a curve-hugging cream woollen skirt, you really were like a beautiful marshmallow queen sent from the fey realm. 

Great now he was checking out your lucious thick thighs like a total perv as well, stupid EconoGOAT. 

“Thanks! I got you something for winter. It's a super exclusive one.” You dug into your handbag and got out a long blue teal striped scarf. 

“Woah is that a choice scarf?” Adrian marveled at the soft wool. 

“Yeah, I thought you'd like the colors.” You said shyly, watching him wrap it around.

“I love it! Where did you get it? Imported?” Adrian asked, hoping it wasn't too expensive.

“Well it's actually one of a kind.” You admitted fiddling with the strap of your handbag, “I knitted it for you.” 

Adrian froze in place at that, eyes widening. “You made this?” 

“Yeah, I also made these leg warmers.” You got shy with how intensely he was staring. 

“For me?” Adrian still wasn't processing it properly. Surely there was some mistake here. 

“Of course, you're really important to me! Hope you like it.” You 

“I love it!” Adrian beamed, wow this was the nicest thing anyone had ever made for him. 

The only other handmade thing he got were the horrible scratchy Christmas sweaters his stupid mother made him wear every year.

He leant right in, trying to think of the right words, not wanting to come across too strong and ruin the friendship.

Woah, he was getting closer, maybe your feelings got across with the present, did Adrian sense the love that went into it? 

You smiled back at him hopefully until he continued with, “you're such a good gal pal.” Then a hand clapped impersonally on your shoulder like a consolation prize.

He meant it genuinely, but the term stung, tears threatening to swell.

You wanted to be so much more to him but Adrian seemed embarrassed to hold your hand today and was keeping his distance. 

Maybe he'd figured out your feelings at long last and didn't return them?

“Yeah that's me…your gal pal.” You laughed awkwardly, trying to not be upset but Adrian didn't pick up on your change in demeanor and laughed along. 

“My friends at work want to meet you, did you wanna swing by the office before going to Metropolis?” Adrian offered. 

“Oh sure! I’d love that.” You couldn't stay upset, just like Adrian your emotions were like a rollercoaster. Besides, you had been wanting to meet his friends for ages now. 

The next morning, Adrian picked you up and helped load your suitcases. Checkmate was a fancy office building, but nobody really wore a corporate suit. So you felt a little bit better for how you were dressed up. An entirely Sims 2 inspired outfit with a red knit dress and thigh high black leather boots and of course some pokemon badges and swing charms on your handbag, today was Primarina, Feebas and Milotics turn. 

“How are you guys getting to Metropolis?” Adebayo asked, showing you into the elevator. 

“We're taking the Sebring of course.” Adrian seemed affronted by the question, puffing out his chest, “it's super reliable. I service it myself.” 

“My stall and merchandise is all shipped over there ready for me to set up.” You explained.

“Wow an eagle! You’re so handsome.” Rather than introduce yourself to the gang, you immediately rushed over to the animal in the room. 

“That’s Eagly.” Chris replied bemused. 

“Does he like sour cream and onion chips?” You asked, getting a packet out of your bag. 

“He does they are his favorite, how did you know that?” Chris was floored when Eagly did a little excited dance and ate out of your palm. 

“I mean what else would be their favorite?” You asked back, and Adrian nodded wisely. 

With that introductions were made with the humans of the office and you got shown around the desks and different spaces of Checkmate. Adrian froze when you got to his desk, the screensaver. It was of Vigilante and Peacemaker…he forgot to change it! 

“That’s uh…” Adrian winced when you smiled at the monitor. 

“You and Chris in your fun costumes! So cool you fight crime.” You said non-plussed. 

“You know?” Adrian couldn’t believe it. 

With a sweet hum, you admired the cute trinkets at his desk, including a Slowpoke glasses stand you had gotten him. “Of course, you saved my store from robberies and those awful scalpers.” 

“Right, um and you’re fine with it?” Adrian fretted with his rubix cube. 

“Yep!” You replied cheerfully and then paused at a picture frame with two little Cinccinos holding hands, the photograph inside was of you and Adrian at a Pokemon Go event. 

Then you saw the Slowpoke glasses holder again and got an idea, taking off your glasses and putting on his spare glasses. 

“Hey check this out! Guess which one is me and which one is Adrian?” You slid them up your nose, giving them the Adrian special. 

“WE'RE LIKE TWINS!” You shouted, already in a wheezing laugh, hands slapping your knees. 

The office paused to stare at you two standing in the same pose. You started to cackle like a lunatic at the bewilderment on everyone's faces, pointing back and forth between you and Adrian, who joined you, laughing away like a maniac at the gag, he then swapped to wear your glasses. 

“Wow, that sure is something…” Harcourt mused under her breath. 

“Damn she’s perfect for him.” Adebayo agreed with a toothy grin. 

“Do you have a boyfriend or partner?” Rip asked you, loudly chomping away at some flaming hot cheetoes. Adrian snapped at him to shut up. 

“No I don’t, my bed is empty. Well not empty, I have all of the life-sized eeveelution plushies, Flareon is the best hugger.” You replied with an anxious giggle. 

“Oooh that makes sense!” Adrian nodded in total agreement, flashing you a princely smile that made your heart skip a few beats. “And don’t ask her such personal questions.” 

“We should probably get to Metropolis now to check in for our hotel.” You reminded him, unable to hide the blush that rose from Adrian sticking up for you. 

Saying goodbye to everyone by the Sebring, Adebayo and Harcourt had a conspiratorial air to them when they asked what you were going to wear for pyjamas. Showing your luggage, it was a modest flannel set, having learned your lesson from the last time you tried ‘forgetting’ your pjs. 

The drive to Metropolis was filled mostly with 90s and 00s pop music, animal facts and of course Pokemon quizzing between you both, making it go by like no time had passed. 

“Congratulations!” The concierge lady, Fran, greeted you both on check-in.

“Uh thanks, but what for?” Adrian asked. 

“For your honeymoon of course! Mr. Chase, you booked our couples deal in the honeymooners suite. And this must be Mrs. Chase, wow, aren't you two just the cutest! My grandkids also love Pokemon!” Fran gushed. 

“I just got that room for the discount…” Adrian frowned. “I didn't realize it meant romantic couples.” 

“Oh sorry for the mix-up! Anywho here's your keys and we can take your bags upstairs. Get settled in, there's a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.” Fran didn't have time for this, she was a busy woman, and shoved the key card into his hand.

The hotel was fancy, heading into the honeymoon suite Adrian inadvertently booked. You both marveled at the decor outside of general cutesie Pokemon plushies, the bed had silk red and white sheets, large heart pillows with I choose you! on them. 

A bottle of champagne and rose bouquet sat on the table with a box of luvdisc chocolates. Petals were on the bed suggestively, fluffy robes for two to wear.

“Wow…um…” You were more than a little lost for words. This really was a romantic room after all.

“There's seriously been some kind of mistake, I can call the front desk for another room!” Adrian panicked, dropping his bags and lunging for the hotel phone. 

But instead he tripped over the cord and smashed a hand on the remote by the nightstand. 

The unmistakable saxophone of George Michael’s Careless Whisper began to play from the sound system. 

I feel so unsure…

As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor

As the music dies, something in your eyes…

Both of your eyes suddenly locked, an intense gaze caught in the drifting music, before Adrian blushed profusely and chickened out.  

“Shit, I wondered why they asked me what 80s love ballad I liked best, I thought it was supposed to be like a security question or something…” Adrian fumbled around trying to switch it off. 

Instead he only succeeded in finding the volume turning it up. “How does this fucking stupid thing work?!” 

TONIGHT THE MUSIC SEEMS SO LOUD~

Slamming another button, the lights went lower, setting an even more romantic mood, as they glowed red with hearts across the ceiling.

“Yes hello, how do I turn the music off? Also the lights are going all funny. And I think I booked the wrong room…uh okay yes I'll hold.” 

“It's okay I like this room Adrian, let's keep it.” You laid down on the bed. 

“But there isn't a cot like I requested for me to sleep on.” Adrian tensed as you settled a hand on your hip, gazing at him. 

“This is a big bed, let's just share it.” You insisted, taking his hand and motioning for him to relax.

“O-okay.” Adrian sighed, “I guess we'll only be here for sleep anyway. 

“Maybe this is the button to switch it off?” You wondered, hitting a big red one on the remote. Then the bed began to shake.

Yelping as the vibration caught you off guard, you nearly tumbled from the bed but Adrian caught you. 

We could have been so good together…

We could have lived this dance forever…

Staring up at him, you were both so close, noses nearly touching. 

But now, who's gonna dance with me?

Please stay…

His arm had pinned yours down into the mattress, making you shudder but then Adrian quickly leapt back and grabbed the remote to turn it off. The music and rotating disco ball of hearts stopped as well. 

“So the bed vibrates…” You stated lightly with a giggle, trying to clear the air.

“Yeah such a dumb feature, and like why is there a big heart shaped mirror directly in front of the bed? So stupid…” Adrian frowned, then upon realising what the mirror was for his jaw hung open like a carp into a small o. 

“I'm gonna go take a shower before we head to the convention.” He dashed into the bathroom and you began to worry when Adrian was gone for over half an hour.

"Are you okay?" Knocking on the door all you got was a muffled yelp that he was fine. After he got out, you decided to take one too and were surprised that there was still warm water.

"Y-yeah, I take cold showers..t-totally like all the t-time..." Adrian didn't sound overly convincing, shivering even down the elevator.

The Metropolis Pokemon Convention was one of the largest in years and you had been gearing up to prepare your stall, ready to go. 

Steve Lombard was not a Pokemon regular. In fact, he was repulsed by the whole concept. It was for total nerds, just sitting around a table wasting money, not like watching sports or betting on sports. That was different. “Why the hell am I here reporting on whatever this nerd crap is? I'm a sports columnist!” 

Jimmy Olsen, was a fan of Pokemon and especially enjoyed the cute cosplayers. Many of the ladies' numbers were already in his pocket. “Come on Steve, it's just a bit of fun! Besides, Pokemon is competitive so if you really think about it…” 

“Next time I'm getting assigned to a poker tournament then.” Steve rolled his eyes, surveying the hall with a scowl. 

That was until he happened upon your stall. “Well hello there…” Steve straightened his collar up, on the prowl. You were a beautiful diamond in the rough here and he wasn't the kind of guy to not shoot his shot.

“Where are you going?” Jimmy tagged behind him, taking photographs of the stage. A few cosplayers sadly bid him farewell.

“I think I spy an exclusive one on one interview!” Steve grinned, slicking back his hair. 

“Hey there gorgeous, I'm Steve Lombard, reporter for the Daily Planet. Might've heard of it?” He saddled right up and showed off his media badge.

“Oh wow, yes that's a major paper!” Your eyes widened at how official it looked.

“Yeah, sure is. Wow you're stacked, uh, I mean your stacked stall is really impressive. I'd love to take you out to dinner and discuss your local business.” Steve nearly tripped himself up there, admiring your beauty.

“I can't believe you want to plug my business!” You replied brightly.

“Oh sweetheart, I'd love nothing more…” Steve grinned and Jimmy grimaced. 

Adrian frowned, noticing the eyeline going on from Steve. You weren't clued into when guys were clearly ogling you, seeing the best in everyone. It was one of the major reasons why Adrian loved you so much.

But also why he was here to protect you.

Turning to a seething Adrian you were none the wiser, “Did you hear that Adrian? I'd love to, thank you Steve. That'd be so amazing for my store!” You were so giddy, clapping your hands together. 

“Shall we say around 7, drinks at my hotel room?” Steve replied, eyeing you up and down lecherously.

“Okay, where's your hotel? Is it close to ours?” You asked innocently.

“Wait a second, why not a public space, say like a restaurant?” Adrian snapped, arms folded. He really didn't like this guy and his slimy vibe.

“Sure great idea, we can get dinner on the company credit card then go up for drinks. You like Thai food?” Steve shrugged, undeterred.

“I love Thai food!” You nodded.

“Fantastic.” Steve grinned.

“See you then, Adrian also loves Thai food so it's a great choice. Do you like it as well?” You turned to Jimmy who snickered as Steve paled. 

“Uh I meant a private dinner to get the scoop…” Steve floundered.

“Oh sorry but I'm visiting Metropolis with my friend and don't want to put him out.” You smiled up at Adrian who looked thoroughly relieved.

“Just your friend huh?” Steve surmised with a cocky grin. “So still a chance then. Take my card and give me a call when you're free. I'll be in Evergreen for the major league game.” 

“Alrighty, talk to you then Mr. Lombard!” You beamed, over the moon. 

“I'd say please call me Steve but that sounded very nice from your lips.” Steve chuckled, Jimmy dragging him away before a harassment suit could be filed.

“What a nice man.” You hummed away obliviously.

“Can I see that card?” Adrian asked, brows knitted in an uncharacteristic frown.

“Sure thing,” handing it over, you were appalled when he shredded it up. “hey what was that for?!” 

“He was obviously flirting with you.” Adrian snapped with a huff.

“He was? Well what does that matter to you, it's not like I'm dating anyone.” You snapped back, startling him.

“I'm just your stupid gal pal after all.” The words spilt out, and so did a few tears. 

When he tried to comfort you with a hand, you knocked it back. “I can look after myself, why don't you leave me alone for a while and go around the convention.” 

“...okay.” Adrian didn't know what else to say. You were that upset at being his gal pal? 

Was he really truly this awful to have as a friend? Clingy, annoying, now he'd ruined something important for your livelihood out of petty jealousy. 

Sounded like you really wanted to date that sleazy Steve dude too. Adrian was sad Charlie Browning it through the convention, not even rad Pokemon cards or awesome merch could cheer him up.

“Hey, it's Napoleon Dynamite from earlier!” Steve laughed. 

Begrudgingly, Adrian decided to swallow his pride and asked, “could I get another business card to pass on to her?” 

“Sure, let that hottie know I'm available whenever.” Steve eagerly fished another card out of his wallet. 

“Yeah, thanks…” Adrian mumbled, shuffling off to go circle back to you.

But someone stopped him just in time, the plucky red haired guy from earlier.

“You shouldn't give her that card. He's a total jerk and clearly you're interested so how about you give her this one instead and let her know how you feel?” Jimmy suggested, swapping the business card.

“Clark Kent?” Adrian read out, sounded like a nobody.

“He's a real Pokemon nerd. And in a committed relationship, all around a great guy. He'll get a story, I'll take pictures. She'll get her business promoted. Now try and go get your girl.” Jimmy really didn't want to spell it out anymore and Adrian finally understood.

Meanwhile you were dealing with the public, most of them amazing and just genuinely into the hobby like you were. Then you encountered the annoying kind of customer, a total know it all.

He had the look of a scalper or wannabe influencer, loudly recording anyone and everything on his phone obnoxiously.

“Hey chat, check out this booth!” The man declared, waving around wildly and touching every single one of the charms, plushies and not putting any of them back properly.

“Woah I totally need this card, can I give you a hundred for it?” He pointed at a rare gen card, acting as though you didn't know the stuff.

“This one is generally worth two hundred but I'm happy to trade or…” You replied, showing him some other cards.

“Come on! I'm offering a hundred right now in cash and you'll get the exposure of being on my VOD!” He whined. “It's so not worth two!” 

“It is worth more but I accept trades, if you have a similar rated card…” You attempted to reason with him but that didn't appear to be an option. 

Now he was making fun of you on his stupid stream, incentivizing followers to go harass your store.

“Hey motherfucker. You're a twitcher?” A sharp venomous voice called out and Adrian was back, arms crossly folded.

“It's called a streamer old man and yeah I have like 10k followers…” The guy scoffed.

“No you misunderstand me, see if you keep harassing her they're going to call you a twitcher. Because that's all you're gonna be able to do when I break every bone in your body. Twitch.” Adrian's eyes went serial killer wide, menacingly enough to send the asshole running.

“Thanks Adrian.” You said shyly, feeling a little bad for yelling at him before.

“I'm sorry for tearing up that card. Here's a new one. It's for this dude Clark Kent though, he's into Pokemon. But if you really wanted to go on that date with Steve…” He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

“Do you want me to go?” You asked.

“It's your choice, I respect whoever you wish to date or not date.” Adrian said immediately, “but do I want you to? No, not really.” He admitted, staring down at his squeaky clean new balances. 

“Why not?” You probed him further. 

“B-because, he was a jerk. I don't think he was actually admiring your store or smart business sense…I mean does he even know that one of your favorite animals is the owl monkey?”

“They're the only nocturnal monkeys and have monochromatic vision! Plus these tiny little ears which is why their genus name is Aotus…” You agreed excitedly.

“Earless! Aww so cute.” Adrian interjected with a toothy grin.

“Were you maybe jealous then?” You suggested.

“Wha– no! Pfft that'd be super toxic of me and make me a super lame friend.” His voice was going into strange muppet mode again, fiddling with an elastic band around his wrist. 

“Right, okay nevermind then.” You sighed. 

“Maybe I was a little jealous. A lot jealous.” Adrian said, scratching the back of his neck. 

“Really?” That made your heart soar as Adrian shyly nodded, putting down a back in five sign, he took your hand to go take a proper look at the convention.

“I'm getting a phone call, sorry.” Adrian determined from the loud Barbie Girl lyrics buzzing out of his back pocket.

“Oh yeah Ads she's here with me, why do you want to talk to her?” He frowned at the phone. “Screw me I guess, here.” Handing you the phone, Adrian waddled off to inspect some Piplup plushies.

“Hello?” 

“Hey girl, how's the convention going?” Adebayo asked.

“It's going really great.” You said a little confused. 

“Harcourt and I packed something special in your luggage. You should wear it if you like it!” 

“Huh?” But they didn't elaborate, hanging up.

When you both got back to the hotel, it was still a bit awkward between you two. Ordering room service was nice, the package deal was ramen and you'd both stocked up on your favorite snacks to share. 

“Let's watch another Cage flick!” Adrian suggested, turning on the TV. “Oooh they have Vampire's Kiss on here. He ate a real cockroach for that you know…” 

“Or we could do…something else?” You suggested, batting your eyes up at him.

“Like what?” Adrian asked with a befuddled frown.

“Listen to some music?” You stole the remote and pressed play on one you had in mind.  

“C-cool. Yeah we can do that.” Adrian squeaked as you sat back into the crook of his forearm. 

“This is my top 80s love ballad.” You announced as Joan Jett's Do You Wanna Touch Me started filling the bedroom. “What do you think?” 

“Killer song choice…” Adrian slunk back against the pillows as you tried to shuffle in closer. 

“I should go get my jammies on and put my retainer in!” He leapt from the bed. Man that was close, you probably didn't realize it but that song was pretty suggestive.

A minor setback in your plan but you had anticipated this. Besides Adebayo and Harcourt had given you a hail Mary.

How they knew your measurements was kinda spooky though.

“Hey Adrian, there's a bunch of new limited stickers that were given to me for the convention. Want first dibs on some?” You sang out to him.

“Oh that'd be awe–” He began, strolling in still brushing his teeth, then Adrian took in your pajamas, which constituted a lacy silk negligee and matching shorts, “...some.” Toothpaste dribbled down his chin onto his old Evergreen High mathlete shirt.

“Sorry, you're already getting changed in your jammies, I'm not looking I swear!” Adrian clapped hands over his eyes shut, slightly peeking at your cleavage through the cracks of his fingers. 

Fuck your amazing boobs were in teal with white polka dots, and just sheer enough to see the outline of your nipples, hard from the cold night air. Wrapped up in a bow that he could untie with his teeth…ugh he was the worst! 

It’s just clothes Adrian, he kept repeating to himself. 

“You can look!” You called out as Adrian ducked back into the bathroom. “I'm all done changing.” 

Awkwardly he waddled back out. “Maybe you should wear the robe, it's kinda chilly.” He suggested, holding it out for you, eyes still shut. 

“No thanks, I'm comfy. Now sit with me!” You told him sweetly, but death gripped his arm to pull Adrian down next to you.

“I put some of the body ones on, they're love balls and meant to smell like strawberry shortcake. Can you check for me?” 

You'd put them right on your decolletage. This was surely a horny dream that Adrian was going to wake up from again and have to clean the sheets. 

But instead of waking up, the dream continued with you firmly shoving his face into your cleavage. 

“They uh smell like strawberry shortcake wow that's…cool. Yep I'm feeling quite refreshed from that scent. Thank you my kind lady, however, I must now bid you adieu!” Adrian leapt to his feet and tried to flee, holding his Pokemon binder over his crotch suspiciously. 

“Adrian, I obviously put these on my tits because I want you to touch them.” 

“B-but I'm not certified in giving mammograms.” Adrian stuttered, hands up like he was being taken hostage.

“No, I mean listen to the song I literally put on! I want you to touch me, as in I like you more than a friend!” In the words of Avril Lavigne you really couldn't make this anymore obvious. 

Not leaving anything more to chance you flung yourself at him, crashing your lips onto his. Adrian returned it, hands desperate, pawing at your waist as if he had been wanting to do this ever since he’d met you. 

“Oh.” Adrian malfunctioned for a couple moments after the kiss, face scrunching up until rebooting with a bright toothy grin. “What a coincidence, I like you a lot more than a platonic friend too!” He exclaimed, a puzzle finally solved dazzling through his green eyes.

“Thank goodness, that was going to be incredibly awkward if you didn't. In fact I think I might've died from the cringe.” You instantly relaxed, falling into his arms for a well needed hug.

“Do you want to bond with me then?” Adrian wondered, kissing your hair.

“Bond…like with sex?” You assumed, recalling the term from when he told you about his former escapades once.

“Yeah.” Adrian nodded like a bobble head. “But not friendship bonding, boyfriend girlfriend bonding.” He added tentatively.

“I'd like that for sure.” You replied, “I'd love to be your girlfriend.” 

“Killer, because I'm getting serious blue great poke balls over here ever since you shoved my face into your tits!” Adrian laughed and you joined him in a breathless kiss, more giggling than passionate.

Adrian's hands went straight onto his hips in a flash, pushing his sweatpants down and at full mast.

“Better help you out then!” You grinned.

Adrian moaned as you undid the bow from the front.

“Oh foxy mama, fuck yes, wow you're so hot…” He bit down on his lip when your breasts came tumbling out, tugging down his teal boxer shorts.

“Foxy mama?” You giggled, eyes widening at the nice curve of him springing out.

“Did I stutter?” Adrian grinned, hands already greedily kneading your breasts like he was a cat making biscuits. 

“Your tits are so bouncy…” Adrian sighed contentedly. “Like two big water balloons but I would never throw them around.” He ensured you knew that, kissing them gently. 

“Or more like stress balls, ohh fuck they feel so soft and gooood…” He groaned, rubbing his face against them. “If I was on shag carpet right now, that'd be the ultimate sensory overload,” Adrian hummed, digging through his wallet and  rolling a condom on. 

You didn't need to hear anymore, shoving him off the bed and onto the carpet. 

“How's this, your dream coming true?” You asked from above with a playful smirk, straddling him.

“I might honestly cum.” Adrian warned you with a wince as you ground your hips against his. 

“Mmm…I like the sound of that.” You whispered into the shell of his ear before shoving his face into your tits and lowering yourself down.

The relentless pace you set near knocked the wind out of him. 

“How's that?” You asked in a sultry whisper, hands splayed on his chest, enjoying curls of his chest hair. 

Adrian didn't have the proper words to approach how amazing it felt.

You were a vision of beauty, bouncing away, shag carpet giving him a gentle rug burn on his ass, Adrian was in pure heaven right now, completely stimming. 

“Feels good?” You giggled teasingly, wow you'd never had Adrian at a loss for words before.

All he could do was nod, panting, “feels amazing, fuck you're so good at this…” Adrian grunted, writhing underneath you. 

The contrast of textures, your soft curves and harsh carpet was totally overwhelming. Then there were his hands, you'd taken them to keep ahold of your tits, Adrian felt drunk off your pussy, mouth agape and moaning, “yeah fuck me baby, fuck me hard just like that!” 

That spurred you on to go faster for him, sinking up and down with a breathtaking rhythm. 

“Fuck you're so beautiful, ohh I'm the luckiest guy in the whole entire world right now!” He couldn't even really buck his hips back, legs spread, you were riding him so damn well.

“Yeah, you like taking it sweet thing?” You smirked. 

“L-love it, ohh I fucking love you!” Adrian burst out and confessed, looking mortified until you grinned. 

“Oh my freaking goodness no way! I love you too!” You exclaimed in pure joy. The two of you grinned and giggled like dorks for a short while until you continued to move. 

“Can't uhh h-hold on, fuck wait I'll seriously bust like super fast…” Adrian desperately whined, head titled back in total ecstasy. His glasses were completely useless and fogged up, slipping off his nose. 

“That's okay, cum inside for me like a good boy!” You replied brightly, hands threading through his hair and then tugged roughly to bring him up for a kiss.

He didn't last long from that, letting out a guttural shout, throat catching as he released thick and hot into the latex. You stole his lips again, enjoying the whimpering pleading moans vibrating on your tongue.

“Holy fuck, I don't think I've ever nutted that hard before…” Glasses sliding clean from his nose, Adrian was delirious and awestruck when you rolled off him. 

“I uh sorry, what can I do to get you there?” Adrian asked once he was able to string a thought together. 

Laying back on the silk sheets you hummed appraisingly at him. “Don't know, got any great ideas in there?” You twirled a lock of hair around your finger suggestively.

Adrian frowned for a second in deep thought before an idea struck like a lightning bolt. “I'm really good at eating pussy!” He exclaimed excitedly, crawling hands and knees on the mattress to join you. 

“Ooh yay let's do that!” You replied just as excited, the two of you bouncing on the bed in glee together for a second. 

“Killer! Get comfy, I'm about to take you on the Chase express, all stations to cumsville!” Adrian laughed like a goofball, looking a little sheepish until you joined in.

“Choo-choo!” You laughed back just as goofily. “Lucky I bought my ticket!” 

“Yeah, time for me, the train conductor, to stamp it with my tongue!” Adrian played along, sloppily kissing your inner thighs.

“Oooh can't wait for you to drive me, locomotion…” You sighed, but that stirred Adrian back up.

“Well actually, see the train engineer is in charge of operating the train. Pulling the locomotive controls, monitoring speed, but while the engineer may be in physical control of the train, truly the conductor calls the shots.” Adrian was kinda losing the sexy fantasy and starting to describe to you the roles of railway employees, but his heart was in the right place.

“Okay mister conductor, conduct me then please?” You reminded him why he was between your legs right now.

“Oh right!” Adrian snapped out of it and delved right in, slotting his mouth over your core. 

Tight loving circles swathed with his tongue at your clit had you aching for more, gripping his curly hair taut.

It didn't take long to figure out his claims were correct, you were reeling from his five oclock shadow grazing your inner thighs, bridge of his nose and glasses bumping just right at your clit. 

Adrian was lapping every cry from your lips and moaning, vibrating while drinking in your core, relishing the release you gave him, his name bounding off the hotel walls. 

“Can you…turn around for me? Maybe uh get on all fours?” Adrian asked, whetting his lips to taste you gain when he came up for air.

“Sure I can do that,” you eagerly got in position, pillows under your stomach and elbows, buzzing with anticipation at him taking control.

Then you remembered. The mirror.  

Adrian clearly hadn’t forgotten, transfixed with it, as he entered you. “Oh fuck look how well we're bonded right now, that's so fucking good…” He grunted, eyes locked with the reflection of you two. “Love being connected like this,” his hand went down to lovingly caress where you were joined. 

“You're so tight for me, taking my cock so fucking well, like you were made for it, look at that, fuck,” his voice is practically purring against your ear, tongue tracing the shell and teeth nibbling the lobe. 

“Come on, don't be shy, look.” Adrian cupped your jaw, tilting it upward to face the mirror. “You're so fucking hot, look at what you're doing to me…” 

“It's a little embarrassing…” You whined, but took in the lust ridden focus written across Adrian's expression. 

“No it's not, you're beautiful,” he pressed a line of kisses up and down your neck, “I love you, you're perfect.” 

His hands are everywhere clutching at your hips, waist and breasts, anywhere he can find purchase to thrust deeper, hit that spot that makes you shout his name louder.

“We're like pairing mates for life now right? Sorry if it’s toxic, but I kinda want you all to myself forever…” Adrian rested his head on your shoulder and you felt a dampness.

But it wasn't droplets of sweat.

He was softly crying. 

“Y-yes we are Adrian, I'm yours! For life and forever.” You reassured him, giving his hand a tender squeeze.

“Oh that's fucking awesome sauce, I'm always gonna be yours babydoll! This cock is now officially reserved for you only!” Adrian grinned widely, wiping the tears from his face before snapping his hips forward again. 

“L-lucky me…fuck you're so good at this Adrian!” Encouraging him earned you a resounding chorus of choked moans from you both. 

Crossing your arms behind your back, Adrian set an unrelenting pace, jackhammering his hips, all the while watching himself in the mirror make you fall completely undone. “Yeah that's it, take me,” He repeated in a fervent whisper.

“Adrian, I can't, I'm going to cum…” You whined, bucking your hips back for even more of that sweet friction.

“That’s okay cum for me like a good girl!” Adrian smiled against your shoulder blade, cheekily using your line from earlier. “I wanna see your cutie patootie o-face!” He gripped your chin again and tilted it upward so your eyes joined to watch the reflection. 

"Ahh fuck, I-I'm coming for you Adrian!" You screamed for him, a release began, at first a light fluttering in your walls. Then a pleasured wave hit white hot, squeezing his cock so tightly that Adrian sobbed into his own orgasm, chasing yours. 

The rest of the night was spent basking in the warmth of your bodies finally intertwined together, giggling about how long it took to realise you both felt the same way.

With a determination to not lose any more time, outside of making a brief appearance to the convention the next morning, there was a spectacular marathon of lovemaking to be had.

Which eventuated in housekeeping needing to let Fran downstairs at concierge know that your suite was now officially the Honeymoon suite and do not disturb. 

────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────

By Friday, you were just as anxious as Chan. You spent the whole week convincing yourself that it wasn’t a date. 

He just wanted to spend time with you on his birthday 

One-on-one that is 

It wasn’t until you were chatting with a neighbor, who was shamelessly watching the whole interaction that afternoon, that you finally came to terms with it.

Something about the hot dad grinning to himself as he walked away from your yard made your argument significantly harder to believe.

-

The doorbell rang at exactly six o’clock. You paused halfway through adjusting an earring and glanced toward the front door.

Of course he was on time. Why had you expected anything else?

Taking one last breath, you opened the door. Chan was halfway through checking his phone when he looked up.

Then stopped completely. For a moment, neither of you said anything.

“Hi,” you managed.

His eyes lingered on you for a second too long. Then his voice came out slightly rough. “Hi.”

You smiled faintly, “Ready?”

He exhaled like he forgot what he was about to say. “Y-you look great.”

“Thanks,” you chuckled. “But you didn’t answer my question.” 

He raised an eyebrow, clearly still a little distracted, like his brain was lagging behind his eyes. You extended your hand anyway, letting the moment pull him forward before he could overthink it.

“Right,” he cleared his throat, “Let’s go.” 

When his fingers closed around yours, it didn’t land the same way as before. This time there was no careful introduction, no polite hesitation; only familiarity arriving too soon, but it was warm and immediate, like something your body recognized before your thoughts could catch up.

The walk to his car across the street didn’t help. If anything, it made everything feel more noticeable; the space between houses, the quiet evening air, the fact that your hand was still in his like it belonged there.

“You’re holding my hand like I’m about to run away,” you murmured.

“I’m not?” he said, immediately adjusting his grip like that wasn’t exactly what he was doing. He didn’t let go, though.

By the time you reached his car, it was already parked next to the curb. He released your hand only to step ahead, opening the passenger door for you with an ease that felt almost too natural.

You hesitated before slipping inside.

“May I?” he asked gently, leaning down just enough for his voice to soften.

The question should’ve been simple, but it wasn’t for you. Not with how close he was. You nodded before you could overthink it.

He reached for the seatbelt, the movement slow, careful like he was giving you time to change your mind. Instead, the space between you narrowed until there was barely any left at all.

Too close.

The door shut softly beside you. Suddenly, it was just you and the quiet. The air still felt different somehow, like it hadn’t caught up yet. Like it was waiting for him to come back into it.

You could see him moving around the front of the car through the windshield, but it didn’t help. If anything, it made the distance feel oddly intentional.

Your fingers tightened lightly in your lap, then loosened again. Like your body wasn’t sure what to do with itself now that he wasn’t right beside you

The driver’s side door opened, and the quiet shifted with it. He slid into the seat but didn’t start the car. One hand rested on the wheel, the other hovering for a second like he wasn’t fully sure what to do with himself yet.

The silence stretched for a moment before he looked over.

“You look…” you started, then paused like the word itself had weight.

His gaze didn’t leave yours.

“…nice,” you finished, quieter than you meant to.

His hand tightened briefly on the wheel, then eased again. “Yeah?” he said, voice lower now.

You nodded once before you could overthink it.

The silence held, and neither of you looked away. Then he exhaled lightly through his nose, finally breaking it. “I was genuinely overthinking what to wear tonight,” he admitted, almost under his breath.

A small laugh slipped out of you. “Honestly… me too.” 

“Yeah, I don’t buy that,” he said right away, turning the key. The engine caught, but his attention didn’t. “You look like you had it all figured out.”

You shifted slightly in the seat, lips quirking. “That’s because I was pretending I wasn’t overthinking.”

That earned a look from him, quick and unguarded, before his eyes went back to the road. “That’s interesting,” he said, pulling out from the curb.

For a moment, there was only the low sound of tires on pavement and the quiet rhythm of the road unfolding ahead. The earlier tension didn’t disappear, it stopped pressing in all at once.

His hand stayed on the wheel, but his grip wasn’t as tight anymore. 

At the next stretch of road, he reached for the console without looking, a few seconds of static, then a song came through faintly, too low at first to fully catch attention.

He adjusted the volume.

“Wait,” you said before you could stop yourself. “I like this one.”

His hand paused on the dial. “Oh?”, he was quieter now. “Same.”

And suddenly it wasn’t just music playing. It was something shared, sitting between you both, occupying space he didn’t quite know what to do with.

At a red light, the car slowed to a stop, but the song kept going. His fingers tapped instinctively against the steering wheel, with the tempo.

A lyric drifted through the speakers causing him to exhale quietly through his nose, like he’d heard it differently than you did. “You ever notice,” he started, then stopped immediately.

“…never mind.” he said softly as the car rolled forward on green.

Despite the car moving forward, neither of you could move on from the sentence he didn’t finish. You were playing with your nails, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened again. 

A few minutes passed before he spoke again.

“You ever notice,” he started, slower this time, “how some people just…feel different depending on where you see them?”

He cleared his throat softly. “I mean,” he added, quieter, “it felt different seeing you at your door.” A pause followed. Then, like it cost him a little more honesty to continue, “I didn’t really expect that.”

His eyes stayed on the road, but his voice dropped slightly,“…in a good way.”

Your eyes snapped towards him as his name slipped out before you could stop it.

His hand tightened briefly on the wheel, “Yeah?”

You looked away from him, suddenly focused on the scenery outside again. “It was like that for me when we first met.” you paused “Then once I noticed Jia….”

Chan didn’t answer right away.

“Oh,” he said after a minute.

He let out a quiet breath through his nose, almost a laugh without humor, more like recognition settling in. “That’s…” he started as his thumb shifted against the wheel.

“I like that,” he quietly admitted, like it had slipped out before he could decide whether it should.

Neither of you said anything for a moment. Then Chan glanced ahead at the road “We’re almost there.” His voice was softer than before.

You nodded, even though he wasn’t looking.

--

Eventually, Chan eased into a parking spot and cut the engine. He got out first, circling around to open your door before you could even reach for the handle.

“You’re going to make this a habit,” you said as you stepped out.

“I already have,” he said simply.

You fell into step beside him without needing to think about it.

The crowd thickened as you moved further in, sound folding over itself in waves; music bleeding from somewhere ahead, laughter spilling from somewhere behind, the scent of food pulling you in different directions at once.

Chan didn’t seem rushed by any of it. If anything, he looked like he was adjusting to something he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.

And somewhere between picking a direction and stopping to decide nothing in particular, time stopped behaving like something you had to account for. Everything just… started happening.

You didn’t notice when the first snack got shared. Only that suddenly you were both eating it.

It might’ve started with him holding it out without thinking, or you reaching for it before deciding you were allowed to. Either way, it ended the same; something warm between you, passed back and forth like it had always been part of your routine.

Chan glanced at you once, like he was checking whether this counted as something.

You pretended not to notice.

The music shifted again somewhere deeper in the festival, pulling a small crowd toward one of the stages.

You stopped without thinking. Chan did too, a half-step behind you. He glanced at the stage, then at you. “You like this one,” he said.

“I didn’t say that,” you replied, but you were still watching.

“You don’t have to,” he said.

That made you look at him.

He kept his eyes forward this time, like he was pretending the conversation was still about the music. “You go quiet when something sticks out.”

”That’s not true,” you said automatically. But even as you said it, you didn’t move. The song had a pull to it, gaining your attention.

Chan shifted slightly beside you, weight settling more comfortably into stillness than motion. “Okay,” he said, not pushing it. Just accepting your denial in a way that felt almost worse.

The crowd flowed around you in small breaks and sways, people passing in and out of the music’s orbit. Someone laughed nearby, someone bumped shoulders, and the space between bodies tightened for a second too fast to prepare for.

Chan was nudged forward with it, the movement closing the gap before either of you could adjust. “Shit,” he said, steadying himself, his hand landing lightly at your lower back as he caught his balance. “I’m so sorry.”

He attempted to pull away, like the contact had burned more than it had any right to. But he didn’t quite manage it fast enough.

The crowd shifted again before the space between you could reset, and his hand lingered for a second longer than necessary, unsure whether to fully leave or stay out of the way.

You couldn’t step away and neither could he.

When he finally looked at you, it didn’t seem casual. It seemed intense enough for both of you to notice there wasn’t anything accidental about the fact that neither of you moved first.

His hand dropped a fraction slower than it should’ve. Then he completely removed himself from your space. “Sorry,” he said again, quieter this time, but it didn’t match the moment anymore.

The crowd didn’t care that anything had shifted between them. It kept flowing anyway; voices rising and falling, footsteps weaving through gaps, music pressing forward like it had somewhere to be.

Chan stepped slightly to your side again, not touching this time, but close enough that you could feel where he wasn’t. 

After that, the rest of the evening seemed to unfold on its own.

Finding yourselves looking for each other whenever something was worth seeing.

Chan laughing under his breath when you made a face at something spicy, then pretending he didn’t when you caught him.

Pointing things out to each other before either of you realized you'd started doing it automatically.

Somewhere along the way, a vendor managed to convince the two of you to buy a drink neither of you had intended to try.

Chan didn’t argue. Somewhere along the way, your curiosity had quietly become his itinerary.

“You’re being suspiciously cooperative,” you said.

“How do you know I’m not like this all the time?”

“Fair,” you smiled up at him.

A burst of music pulled a few people into dancing near the walkway, and Chan slowed watching for a second too long like he was deciding whether he was going to enjoy it.

“You want to get closer?” you asked.

He looked at you instead of the stage. Then nodded once. “Yeah,” he said.

“With you.” 

Like it was the most obvious answer in the world. 

You moved first, and Chan fell into step beside you like he’d expected it. The closer you got, the less space the crowd seemed willing to give back.

Bodies shifted around you in slow waves; shoulders brushing, people turning sideways to pass, laughter cutting through small gaps that closed just as quickly.

Chan stayed close enough that you stopped checking where he was.

You just knew.

His hand lifted behind you to let someone pass, and when he settled back beside you, the space between your sides had nearly disappeared.

A group surged through from the side, and the space split for a second too long. You got pushed forward a step, and Chan was beside you again almost immediately. 

“Almost lost you for a second,” he said.

“But you didn’t” you replied, smiling back up at him.

He looked at you for a moment.

“Yeah.”

And when the crowd shifted again, neither of you drifted apart until the music began to wind down and the crowds started to thin.

You followed the rest of the stragglers toward the exit, watching them as you went.

A couple holding hands.

A man trying to negotiate with a vendor before closing.

A group of friends going into the photobooth.

Right. Photos.

You stopped walking and Chan quickly followed suit. 

“What?”

You smiled mischievously, “We forgot to take pictures.”

He stiffened up, “No.”

“Why not?” 

“Because I said so.”

You laughed, “Don’t use your dad logic with me!” You stepped into his line of sight, already pulling out your phone. “Just one, come on. Jia would love it.”

He froze then stared at you. “That was low.”

“Did it work?”

“Maybe.”

“Chaaaan”

Maybe it was the way you tried to use his daughter against him, or the way you drew out the syllable in his name. But he knew right then and there, you won that argument. 

“How dare you,” he laughs out. 

“Get over here.”

“I am literally right here.”

“Closer.”

“Absolutely not.”

You rolled your eyes and grabbed the sleeve of his jacket, tugging him into frame anyway. “Smile.”

“No.”

The picture snapped and he immediately reached for your phone. “Delete it.”

“It’s not even that bad.”

“Let me see.”

You angled the screen away from him with a laugh. “Nope.”

“You’re impossible.”

Still smiling, you glanced down at the photo then showed him. It looked annoyingly nice. Somehow, neither of you looked awkward. Which was honestly worse. In Chan’s opinion

He was looking at the camera wearing a small smirk. You were looking at him, smiling. 

Before either of you could comment on it, Chan held out his phone. “Send it to me.”

You looked up. “You want it all of a sudden?”

“Jia would.”

“Right.”

“Right.”

Neither of you sounded particularly convincing, but you sent it anyway.

-

Somehow, the ride back disappeared faster than the rest of the evening had. One minute you were leaving the festival. The next, Chan was pulling up in front of your house in no hurry to end the night.

“Well,” you said.

“Well,” he echoed.

You laughed. “That was productive.”

“Very.”

“We really covered a lot there.”

“Absolutely.” The smile lingering on his face made it difficult to pretend that either of you wanted to go your separate ways.

Eventually, you reached for the door handle. “Thanks for tonight.”

“Thank you for coming.”

You paused as your hand froze on the door handle.

Chan noticed immediately. “What?”

Your eyes widened looking back at him. “Oh my God!”

“That’s never a good reaction.”

“Chan.”

“What?”

“It’s your birthday.”

He blinked and laughed out, “Yeah.”

“Oh my God.” You said more softly this time earning a chuckle from him. “You already said that.”

“I forgot.”

His smile only got bigger. “I know.”

You stared at him in disbelief, “I’m the worst.”

“You are.”

“Chan.”

“Sorry,” he chuckled. He wasn’t sorry at all.

You groaned, covering your face briefly before dropping your hands again.

“Happy birthday.” The words came out softer and more genuine this time, and before you could think better of it, you leaned forward quickly.

A kiss against his cheek.

“There,” you said. “Now I’ve acknowledged your birthday.”

The silence that followed lasted too long. Realization hit you first.

Chan second. His eyes widened slightly.

Yours did too. “Goodnight,” you said immediately.

“Right…..Goodnight.”

“Yeah.” You slipped out of the passenger side.

Neither of you sounded normal, and before you know it you were already halfway to the front door before either of you recovered.

Behind you, Chan was still sitting in the driver’s seat watching you when you glanced back, and somehow that felt much more dangerous than the kiss itself.

-

He didn’t think about much on the way back, only the ghost of your lips upon his cheek. 

By the time he got home, the house was dark and settled into itself. Quiet in the way that usually meant rest, but tonight it just felt like space that felt suffocating.

He moved through it automatically. Keys down, shoes off. The small routines that normally closed a day didn’t close anything tonight, they gave him more room to think.

That was the problem, because the thinking didn’t stay simple.

It started with the photo still open on his phone. You, mid-laugh, caught in something that didn’t look like effort. Him beside you, closer than it felt appropriate to analyze too long.

He stared at it longer than he meant to.

Exhaling slowly, he set the phone down like distance might help, the thought stayed anyway though.

What does this look like?

Not tonight, not the date, not the moment. The continuation.

Because that was the part his mind kept returning to without permission, the fact that this didn’t feel like something that would stay contained if it kept going.

And he couldn’t think about that without thinking about everything it touched.

Not you first. Not even him.

Jia.

Even when she wasn’t in the room, she was in the structure of everything.

He leaned forward on the kitchen island slightly, elbows on the counter, gaze unfocused on the counter like it might offer something more stable than his thoughts.

It wasn’t just the idea of dating someone, it was what dating someone meant in a life that already had weight in it.

Routines that weren’t flexible. Time that wasn’t entirely his. A child who noticed everything, even when she didn’t understand what she was noticing yet.

He thought about the way she had reacted to you earlier in the week, how quickly she had folded you into her version of safe.

No hesitation, no adjustment period. That was the part that should’ve made this easier, instead, it made it sharper.

Because if it worked as easily for Jia, it meant it could shift too easily if something changed between you two.

He dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling again, slower this time. This is what he was supposed to protect her from. Not you, or his developing feelings.

Instability dressed up as something good.

He sat back slightly, staring at nothing now, phone untouched beside him like it had become an object he wasn’t sure how to use anymore.

There were versions of this he could already see if he let himself go too far into it.

Jia asking where you were if you stopped coming around.

Jia getting used to seeing him light up in ways she’s never seen him.

Jia developing new attachment styles in real time without knowing she was doing it.

That was the part that sat heaviest. Not whether he could handle his own feelings, but whether he was willing to let Jia’s life be shaped by them.

His jaw tightened slightly, then released. “This is too fast,” he muttered under his breath, like naming it might contain it. But even as he said it, something inside him resisted the conclusion. It wasn’t just fast, it was already moving.

And that realization didn’t send him backward, it only made him painfully aware that slowing it down now wouldn’t undo where his mind had already gone.

--

Saturday didn’t fix anything.

The thought was already there when he woke up.

He moved through the morning on autopilot. Coffee, phone, small distractions that didn’t fully land. Every so often, his mind drifted back to the same place, circling the night before like it had never actually ended.

He told himself it was still simple. Just a date. A good one, nothing more complicated than that if he didn’t let it become anything else.

The problem wasn’t the date actually, it was how easily his life had already started adjusting around you before it even happened.

Sunday didn’t arrive with clarity, it just removed distractions. There was less noise, which meant more space for everything he hadn’t managed to set aside yet.

He thought about the small things in a way he hadn’t intended to, how easily you had matched his pace without effort, how conversation never felt like it needed to be forced, how the night had never once required him to perform for it to exist.

It would all be easier if something felt uncertain. Easier if there was a reason to step back that made emotional sense on its own. But the frustrating part was that nothing about you felt uncertain, he knew exactly what he liked. 

He liked the way conversations with you never seemed to stall. The way you fit into spaces that should have felt awkward and somehow never did. How easy it had been to spend an entire evening with you.

It was all too easy.

He was worse come the late evening. His phone was unlocked in his hand without a clear reason for it. Your name sat there on the screen like he's had something to say all weekend.

He exhaled through his nose, staring at the blank space like it was supposed to answer for him. It was just the fact that he wanted to talk to you again, and there wasn’t a normal way to start that without admitting it.

He sighed and typed out a quick

Hey

Erased it

Hey are you around?

Erased that too

Hey so random question

Gone before he could even figure out the question.

He gave up and locked the phone, leaving it in his bedroom while he grabbed a glass of water out of the kitchen.

By the time he was back in his room and sitting on his bed, he was back in your text thread. He didn’t type anything this time. He was just sitting with the cursor blinking.

So he did what he always did when thinking stopped being productive.

He moved towards something smaller. Jia.

He then typed, slower now, more deliberate, not because it was important, but because it was easier than sitting inside his own head any longer.

I sent the photo to my mom earlier.

He stopped, read it once. That definitely didn’t feel like enough on its own, so after a minute he added

Jia saw it too.

This part was the only reason he was sending it at all, because he knew you’d wonder, and because leaving it unspoken felt like it would make it bigger than it needed to be. So he finished it

She liked it! Kept asking about the festival

He stared at the message.

It was casual, something he could step back from if he needed to, but it also anchored you into something real without him having to admit he was doing that on purpose.

He sent it. Then immediately locked the phone again, except it didn’t help.

The message was out there now. Nothing left to edit. Nothing left to overthink. Which should’ve made him feel better. Somehow, it made him more aware of the silence instead.

He lasted all of seven minutes before checking his phone again.

There wasn’t anything there.

He told himself that was fine. People have lives, he’s a single parent after all

Then checked again ten minutes later. This time there was a response.

You: She liked it?

Chan stared at the screen for a second before opening it.

Another message appeared almost immediately.

you: You survived taking one picture lol I’m proud of you!

Despite himself, he laughed and texted back almost immediately.

It was a difficult experience

you: Interesting.... you looked pretty happy with it afterward

Chan stared at the message. The annoying part was that you weren't wrong.

The conversation kept going after that.

One topic became another. The photo turned into the festival. The festival turned into Jia. Then somehow the two of you were talking about things that had absolutely nothing to do with either.

Somewhere along the way, the need for an excuse disappeared.

He stopped thinking about what to say before sending it. Stopped checking whether he was texting too much or noticing how long the conversation had been going at all.

It wasn't until he glanced at the clock that he realized how late it had gotten. He should've gone to bed a while ago.

Instead, his phone buzzed again, and he smiled before he even read the message.

𐙚

Monday came faster than it should have, or maybe the weekend had just disappeared somewhere between overthinking and late-night conversations.

Either way, by the time Chan pulled into the driveway after work, the sun was already beginning to set. Jia was halfway through telling him a story from school before he'd even turned the car off.

"...and then she said that's not even how dinosaurs work."

"That's devastating."

"Right!"

Chan laughed, reaching back to help her with the buckle. "Good job for not arguing with her."

"Thank you."

Once he was out of the car and opening Jia's door, he was about to ask her what she wanted for dinner, but was met with a loud gasp from the preschooler.

"Daddy! Look!"

Chan followed her line of sight automatically, and you made eye contact immediately. You were the first to look away, Friday's events all coming back to you.

Jia was already out of the car running across the street to your house. "We saw dinosaurs today!"

You blinked. "Actual dinosaurs?"

"No," Jia sighed dramatically. "At school."

You chuckled, "That makes a lot more sense." Jia's nodding in agreement.

Chan watched the exchange happen with the same strange feeling he'd had all weekend. The one that kept appearing whenever the two of you occupied the same space.

"How was work?" you asked, finally looking at him.

The question was normal, but for him it was everything but. "Long."

Concern was etched all across your face, "you look tired."

He let out a breath through his nose, "I..."

"Do you want dinner?" you interrupted. "I had a roast in the slow cooker."

Before he could answer, Jia spun around, her attention abandoned the flowers immediately. "YES!"

Chan looked at her.

"Please, daddy?"

He then looked at you, then back to Jia who was grinning.

"Let's wash up."

Jia was already running towards your front door. "At our house," Chan added causing her to stop immediately almost tumbling foward.

"Daddy."

"Jia."

You laughed while watching them, then bent down to Jia's level again.

"Tell you what. Go wash up with your dad, and I'll have your plates ready by the time you get back. Deal?"

Jia gasped, "Deal!"

Then she grabbed Chan's hand and started dragging him back toward their house. "Come on, Daddy. We have to hurry."

a/n: this is so short bc this was originally with part 2, but part 4 will be longer, mwahhhh

masterlist | next