#kay101kim

warning(s): mild cursing?

pair: jaime reyes x gn!reader

note: heavily inspired by the picture above, thank you xolo. set in somewhere after high school graduation, there is an established friendship between jaime and reader. friends to lovers? am i manifesting this for myself? absolutely. #projecting also brenda & paco are jaime's bffs from the comics who are dating idgaf.

word count: 1.8k

blue beetle masterlist

New Year, New You. Is what they always said. The phrase dragged across the cold, hard cement until you could no longer bear its dying breath. Because you knew this year would be no different. That the world was still ending in all its shitty glory and that your feelings for him would not disappear. In fact, you were certain that the painstakingly long glances that were ignored would continue to be. Your hope for a simple touch, a gaze, a fucking sign from God, would never come. It would be a miracle for Jaime Reyes to notice you (as Brenda put it mildly). And since you constantly hung out in the same friend group, it was difficult to get over him even after graduation. With his crooked smile, bouncing curls, his back so wide that your hands badly wanted to explore underneath the layers of clothing. It takes everything in you not to stare an immense amount whenever he does anything. When he holds a book with one hand, makes silly faces every time you take an 'inconspicuous' photo. He just knew how to make you smile, feel seen, loved, even if he didn't know it.

You declared long ago you would never tell him your feelings. That eventually they would go away with time as did every other crush. But these feelings kept persisting. You kept looking at his phone contact desperately trying to see if you could text him about anything. The anxiety at the pit in your stomach stayed constant. And while your friendship was strong, lasting throughout the years, it was different. You knew it was, you just weren't sure in what way. Or maybe you were a little bit delusional. Nothing would go your way and you simply had to accept it.

Somehow, you ended up at Jaime's new years party. It was odd to hear his parents and sister had traveled off to god knows where for vacation (Greece), while he stayed here house sitting. Though, Jaime certainly knew how to take advantage of their absence. In the midst between Brenda and Paco, you didn't have anywhere else to go. With a red solo cup in hand, you mingled around trying to catch whatever gossip from the conversations that were occurring (loudly) at your side. When you looked one way, Jaime suddenly popped up with a simple “Hey!” It almost gave you a fright. Almost. But his smile immediately emitted butterflies in your insides, a grin blooming as he stared at you fondly for a moment. He was so happy to see you.

"Jesus, Jaime, have some decorum at your own party." you managed to say, trying to ease the growing tension in your neck. A chuckle emerged from both of you, as your back hit the counter in the kitchen, your cup forgotten by your side. You tried your best to not let the one-sided heat get to you like it did most days. Jaime was usually oblivious to any and all reactions you tried to hide, but today seemed like a special day.

"What? Too close? My b..."

There was a beat of silence as he took a step back, which didn't help the blush creeping up your neck. And the way he clasped his hands, fiddling his thumbs. Your gaze lingered and you realized Jaime was by no means underdressed for his party. His shoulders carried a thin, white long-sleeved shirt which you were sure was slightly see-through even with the tank top underneath of the same color. His chest hair peeked out ever so slightly which always seemed to catch your breath as his adam's apple bobbed up and down. He seemed princely in a way as the curls shaped his face just right for his pretty lips to pout a little at the sight of you staying completely silent. Unlike you, Jaime couldn’t stay quiet for more than five seconds.

“Where's Brenda and Paco?"

It was the question you were waiting for. That was the only reason he came up to you in the first place. To find his best friends. And it bubbled some insecurity in your relationship, but you pushed past it to answer nonchalantly.

"Probably making out in a dark corner." The red solo cup was back in your grasp, smiling awkwardly as you took a long sip of your beverage. "Or in your room." You tried not to snicker mischievously but you did so anyway. Jaime's face lit up as his laughter enveloped the room in pure bliss. Maybe you were imagining that last part a little. But you could never forget the curves of his smile and the small giggles that you two shared. It made your heart beat faster, your hand sliding down your side as you took another sip.

"Wanna bet?" Jaime smirked and lifted an eyebrow at you. You shook your head, giggles emerging from both of you again. Without hesitation, he took your hand and strung you along. Parting a path through the crowd. You couldn't help but stare at the back of his head before he looked back at you with widened eyes and a smile. The one where it was a little lopsided, showcasing his crooked fang before looking ahead once more. There weren't many people in the house, but enough that Jaime held onto your hand tightly, afraid you'd slip away somehow. The stench of alcohol was overpowering as you trudged through the house, by the time you reached his room you felt slightly nauseous from the smell.

You waved your hand around for a moment trying to breathe some fresh air before Jaime looked at you. Surprisingly enough, there was no one in the room. His curtains were open, the blinds were closed, his clothes somewhat scattered about on the floor.

"I told you." Jaime retorted to your earlier comment. And all you could do was stare a little longer than usual, your lips forming a smile from embarrassment (or because you two were alone). He was quick to pick up some clothes and throw them off somewhere in a dark corner. Oddly enough, he straightened the covers on the bed too.

"Right, right. Well it's almost midnight we should go—" You made your way to the door by quickly turning on your heels, grasping the handle before stopping abruptly. A moment to wait for something to be said. You glanced into the room and Jaime was standing there, holding your hand. He tugged you closer and you were eased into his embrace. A tight hug, warm and fuzzy on your behalf. "You okay?" It was all you mustered to say because he didn't let you go to answer. Not until he took in a deep breath.

"Yeah... I just– well I wanted you here. I told Brenda and Paco not to make out here actually." Jaime let out a breathless chuckle, holding something in that he couldn't ignore anymore. The hug left his heart pounding, tense hands, flexing his fingers without even noticing. But you noticed, oh fuck you noticed every single movement of his.

Even with your mouth slightly agape, suddenly tightly holding his hand, speaking with such directness that he could've kissed you right there. Jaime, however, obediently waited.

"Jaime." His name fell from your lips with such ease and clarity. Your gaze faltered behind him, seeing a pair of glasses on the nightstand. It caught your attention immediately, imagining how he would look in them, but also to dismantle the current tension you were so afraid of. Jaime cleared his throat, his hands felt the sudden cold and retreated to his pant pockets. You picked up the glasses carefully, examining them like you had never seen a pair. “Since when do you wear glasses?” There was a teasing yet curious tone in your voice, handing them over to him, hoping he’d put them on.

And he did just that, nervously chuckling at your questions, the way your attention so easily became distracted by something so mundane. But to you it wasn't. You hadn’t known he needed a prescription, it was something new, something you wanted to know everything about. Maybe because he was your friend, maybe because you liked him a lot more than that. At this point, you weren’t sure why. He put them on, finally seeing you more clearly than before. The way your eyes widened ever so slightly once you saw him with glasses, batting eyelashes, chapstick on your lips, rosy cheeks he had seen before but not like this. Not when the moonlight was perfectly exemplifying your beauty in the darkness. He took a step closer and then another until there was no more space between you two. And you didn't move. The room was almost suffocating as you felt his breath hit the tip of your nose. That breath of fresh air you were begging for earlier. You looked at him with hearts in your eyes and for the first time you saw the same yearning nature from Jaime.

His hand held your arm, quietly beckoning you closer and as you obliged, his lips parted to speak but nothing was heard. You were speechless just the same. The sudden night breeze had hit your bare skin, but you realized it was Jaime’s cold fingers grazing just underneath your shirt. Your breath stuttered and finally he took another gulp before speaking.

"Please... tell me you..." it was practically a whisper from his lips. You let your nerves get the best of you until his hand held your cheek. “It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way.”

“No– No, that’s not…” You held his hand against your cheek and finally leaned in to touch your lips. It was simple. A little peck at first. His glasses weren’t in the way and his light stubble created goosebumps on your arms, creating a giddiness you hadn’t felt in so long. You jumped forward a little in excitement which made Jaime stumble backwards, but you were too invested in the kiss to even care. So he cradled you in his arms like nothing else mattered. His hands caressed your waist, crawling up your back with firmness, flushing you against his chest. Your hands touched his exposed collarbone and up his neck which gifted you a sigh of content from Jaime. As your ears perked at the sound, you found a way to lift his glasses to pull his hair away from his face. You couldn’t help letting your fingers wander his face, brushing against his eyebrows and lower lip, continuing to build momentum as he sat on his bed with you on top.

The kiss deepened, lasting far more than a few seconds. Pulling away for a couple seconds of air and then pulling back together, hoping it would never end. Everyone outside eventually shouted “Happy New Year!” but your ears were buzzing from the mere stimulation of kissing Jaime. You both couldn’t get enough of each other. Quietly whispering in the dark, giggling, moon creeping in through the blinds, lips flushed, eyes fluttering open,

credits to xiaolanhua

warning(s): none

pair: jaime reyes x gn!reader

one shot or hc: one shot

note: recently i was in a photography class and lowkey was thinking about romantic scenes #daydreaming, so here's some fluff (some tension too because it's the darkroom) i thought jaime was the perfect character for this! also it has been a minute since i've written so please dont judge too harshly and enjoy <3

word count: 1.5k

blue beetle masterlist

“Fuck me."

You said out loud, looking into the dark abyss of nothingness. There was no use looking at the roll of film in your hands as you tried to load it into the reel. You simply did your best not to leave any fingerprints on the film, hoping by some god that the photos wouldn't be smeared. Within the room, there was a small counter where you set down most of your equipment needed, but all the effort felt useless once 10 minutes had passed. Outside the tiny room you stood in, you heard shuffling and chattering from your classmates. More specifically, Jaime, who knocked on the door twice. A habit he seemed to have recently, whenever you were stuck in the darkness for a minute too long.

"You good?" He asked innocently, genuinely concerned because this shouldn't take 15 minutes like your first week of class (it's been a month and you still struggled). You continued your task without responding, huffing and puffing, annoyed by his concern because you knew you could do it. After another five minutes, however, there was defeat.

You put the roll of film into the tank, covering the plastic with more plastic so no light could ruin the film. You opened the door, expecting the bright lights of the photo lab as you squinted at a blurry figure in front of you. Jaime was looking at you with bright doe eyes, which made you stop for a moment to admire.

"The reel's broken." You told Jaime, looking down at the reel and trying to get the two pieces back together. Miraculously, you could do it, but somehow only in the light. "It wasn't working, I couldn't--" The words left your lips in stutters, both upset and embarrassed by your fragile ego every time Jaime could see something you were bad at.

"It's okay, it takes a minute to figure it out," Jaime said, chuckling a little at your frustrated expression.

"Don't even start, Jaime." The expression he saw immediately made him stop, but a smile lingered on his lips. Even though you were clearly annoyed, your heart swelled with a million butterflies flying in your stomach.

You did, in fact, have a big fat crush on Jaime Reyes. You were aware, but shoved it so far down that it became just a buzzing feeling except in moments like this. Where his curly brown hair lay perfectly on his forehead, and his lips puckered ever so slightly that no one noticed except you (probably).

"I can do it in the light, but I don't know what's happening!" You looked around, trying not to garner too much attention from your classmates. It felt isolating and disheartening when you were the only one struggling with such a "simple" task. But whenever Jaime was around, he always wanted to accompany you through your failures and watch your successes. It was what made your relationship with him so much more important than anything else, which is why your little crush had to stay a secret.

You stepped into the room again before looking back, Jaime practically shoving himself into the small space with you. The room was small, barely fitting one person; nonetheless, you and Jaime. What was even more surprising to you was your arms grazing against each other. Certainly, there was enough space to create a couple of inches between you, but both of you stood firmly planted. You took a second to regain your emotions, gulping your saliva (hoping he didn't hear), and licking your lips.

"Jaime-"

"I'll help you." He said, not missing a beat from interrupting you so lovingly as he always did. You sighed and closed the door.

You both weren't sure what to do in the absolute darkness suddenly. As if the light leaving your eyes meant all the world's problems were gone. You grabbed the reel a moment later and felt Jaime's hand brushing against yours.

"I'll try."

And Jaime nodded, though, you couldn't see it, but the slight huff of air you felt meant he was probably in agreement. As you tried again, he aimed to position the roll of film for you. Slowly, you moved your left hand, feeling the roll was inserted well. For a moment, it was quiet, hearing the deep breaths from Jaime and you. It was tense on your end; you tried so hard to breathe normally, but now and then you would hold your breath for a second too long. Then you exhaled extremely loudly and felt awkward, a little shaky breath. To ease the tension (and self-consciousness) you spoke,

"Don't smear your fingerprints on my film."

Jaime chuckled ever so slightly that it relaxed you enough to continue turning one side of the reel. He was so accustomed to your direct and sarcastic demeanor that he could easily brush it off as the joke you intended. It was sweet finally having someone who understood you more than most people. Eventually, you met the point where the roll no longer cooperated with you.

"Fuck, you see?" You said, frustrated once again.

Jaime could hear the clicking and frowned, no longer concerned about the possible teasing of his expression in the pitch black room. He took the reel from your hands as you tried to press on the roll of film gently and instead accidentally pressed into Jaime's fingers. You pulled back quickly at the skin-to-skin contact, even taking a step back, but still having your hands out to catch the film if it fell. Jaime seemed to ignore the moment (his heart was pounding), inspecting the reel in his hands.

"I think I found the problem, look."

He paused and realized you couldn't actually see the problem, so he took your hand, your fingers carefully tracing the reel. The epiphany hit you simultaneously as he spoke, a frown overcoming your features.

"You were loading in the roll too fast," Jaime said, biting his lip back to not laugh. He awkwardly held out the reel to you, touching your chest without realizing, but not moving away. And you angled your face at what you thought was Jaime's face in the darkness with such a dumbfounded, embarrassed look that you wanted to disappear into nothingness.

"Oh..." You carefully took back the reel from Jaime, though now wrestling to open it. Again, it was very embarrassing to be struggling in front of Jaime. At one point, he offered to do it and you said "No!" a little too firmly but it was too late to apologize after 5 seconds of silence.

A minute or so later, you placed the start of the roll of film into the reel again. Jaime guided you, and even though you didn't need help, you let him anyway. His fingers traced your knuckles, enveloped your hands, and you gulped again. Except this time, he seemed to notice, and his hand lightly touched your cheek, almost poking your eye out.

"You okay?" He said, and somehow you can picture his angelic expression. Eyebrows furrowed, lips slightly downturned, fingers brushing just at your chin. So you nodded, trying not to let the roll of film fall out of your hands.

His thumb accidentally brushed your lips, and he pulled away quickly, scared by the consequences. You whispered in the dark, "wait-" and soon your hand found his face. The roll of film was long forgotten on the counter as you shoved it away to ensure it didn't fall onto the floor. And even sooner, your lips grazed his lips. His hand went to your neck, caressing your face, trying to find his final destination. Your head leaned back, breathing heavily, extremely hot, in a tiny room with a man who made your heart explode into a million pieces (in a good way). Jaime finally leaped (somewhat literally) and pressed his lips against yours, kissing you for the first time.

It was euphoric, surprisingly tasting like pomegranate. For a moment, you thought maybe he had a thing for pomegranates, or his lips were naturally acidic. Though that probably wasn't possible. You were kissing Jaime and had a million thoughts, making the kissing part hard to concentrate.

You wrapped your arms loosely around his neck, trying not to let the thoughts consume you or smile like an idiot. But then he smiled, and you could feel his teeth grazing against your lips. You couldn't help but laugh like an idiot, absolutely enamored with another idiot (which was true). Your hand went to cup his cheek again, although it took a couple of seconds to find his face due to the darkness that enveloped you both. The heat of the moment completely passed by without a moment's notice. The heavy breathing, the unknown consequences, the desire to kiss him again and again and again...

Not a second later, the professor was knocking at the door.