john logan x introverted fem!reader
warnings: mentions of birdie x reader, swearing, angst, drinking, reader getting drunk, reader feeling invisible, reader not fitting in, reader having self doubt and self confidence issues
a/n: dean is reader’s extroverted friend, the reader is inspired by taylor in the delicate mv and the whole fic is inspired by the song loved you first by one direction, this is longer than my usual fics, hope you like it!
You were the kind of person who always felt invisible since your childhood. In school you were always the backup friend, the one passing over from friend groups, the one who no one really cared leaving behind cause you’d always smile and understand their perspective. It was the same with guys, they talked to you because of your friends or any other kind of help. You’d never wanted to be popular so were fine keeping by yourself, if anything you were kind of glad not catching any attention.
You thought that would be the same when you got into Briar U and it was, until you filled the position of the hockey team’s media manager. For the first few weeks, it was fine, the guys were friendly and charming, but most importantly, they were chivalrous and gentlemanly. They knew how to make a girl keep safe and keep boundaries and you were beyond grateful for that.
After a few weeks, Dean had decided to officially adopt you and as your extroverted friend he took care of your social life. That’s how you were integrated into the royalty of Briar U, otherwise known as the most elite players of the Briar Hawks and their girlfriends. And that was the reason you were with the six of them during karaoke night at Malone’s.
‘Right. So don’t kill me for this, but you’re up after two songs. Drink up!’, Hannah blabbed coming next to you. You choked on your drink, ‘What?!’
‘It was Dean and Allie’s idea!’, she put her hand in surrender. ‘Come on, we’ve heard you sing in the shower, you’re good! You’re way better than me.’, Allie begged. ‘That’s kind of a low bar.’, Dean joked, getting smacked simultaneously from the three girls. ‘I hate the three of you and I’m not gonna do it.’, you decided. ‘Oh come on, please! It’ll be fun. We’ll get you drunk and build up your confidence as well.’, Dean reasoned.
‘Your idea of fun is extremely uncomfortable for me Dean’, I say, just as Garret, Tucker and Logan join us in. ‘I second that.’, Garret chimes in, wrapping his hand around Hannah’s shoulder. ‘Who’s he bothering now?’, Logan asks.
‘I’m not bothering anyone, Logan. I’m just convincing our little introverted singer to showcase her talents.’, Dean explained, smirking. ‘You sing?’, Tucker asked, surprised. ‘Not publicly.’, you replied.
‘Oh come on, we’ve got to hear you now! I’m sure you’ll be great.’, Logan grinned, as all of them started convincing you.
‘Okay fine. But I’ll need lots of alcohol and you guys are paying.’, you reluctantly agreed, turning to the only solution you knew of getting you up on that stage.
That’s how you ended up on that stage, getting ready to sing your favourite song that Allie and Hannah signed you up for, with the six of them cheering you on wildly.
You started softly, hesitant and nervous but soon, you got the hang of it and the alcohol in your system help you let loose. Few other strangers also joined in on your friends cheering you on, giving you more confidence.
When you got down from the stage, Hannah, Allie and Dean rushed to hug you. ‘That was fucking crazy!’, Dean beamed. ‘Knew you had it in you.’, Allie winked at Hannah and you. ‘That was great, you’re really good.’, Logan smiled at you. ‘Thanks.’, you smiled at them, as Dean got the celebratory shots ready.
Before you knew it, you were drunk, laughing at everything, words flowing freely and a bit slurred from your mouth and the responsibility to get you home settled on Logan.
He rested his hand on the small of your back, leading you out to his car, and getting you in the passenger seat before walking around and getting in. He started driving as you started rambling about random facts and anything that came to your mind really, making him chuckle and hum in response. ‘Anyone told you you’re a great listener?’, you say looking at him sideways from your seat.
He looked over from his seat, his big brown puppy eyes looking at you making you feel special, with that soft smile of his. ‘Don’t look at me with those eyes Logan.’, you slurred, laughing and looking at the road ahead. ‘What eyes?’, he asked, raising a brow and smirking. ‘You know what eyes, that no one has been able to say no to, that makes even people like me feel seen.’, you blurt out. Logan laughs, he loved this free and unfiltered version of yours. ‘People like you?’, he asked, his smirk widening. ‘Yeah, people who feel invisible like they’re not really a part of the world around them.’, you admit, eyes fixated on the road. ‘You’re not invisible.’, he breathes out, soft, under his breath and you look at him, his gaze fixed on the road now.
Soon he parked the car in front of your apartment, helping yoo get out and inside your house. You gasped dramatically as he helped you up the stairs to your room. ‘What? Are you okay?’, he asked, eyes instantly roaming around your figure to see if you got hurt or something. ‘I just realised you’re John Logan.’, you say looking up at him. He laughs, that deep hypnotic laughter, ‘You’re realising that just now? We’ve known each other for months now. Way to hurt a guy who’s helping you.’ ‘No, like your name is John Logan! Your nickname should be JLo! How cool is that!’, you beamed up at him, his laughter doubling as he sat you down on your bed. He kneeled between your legs, removing your heels. ‘You’re real smart. That’s the first time anyone has made that realisation.’, he said, smirking up at you. You hummed in acknowledgment, a proud smile making its way to your face as he went to your bathroom. He helped you remove your makeup and put an oversized tshirt next to you on your bed, before leaving and going back to the hockey house.
The next morning, you woke up groaning, your head thrumming against your skull. You turned to see water and an Advil kept on your nightstand with a note that read: ‘In case you need it- JLo’
You groaned, sinking further into your sheets as bits and pieces of your memory came back from last night, the karaoke, the drive, all the shit you blurted out in front of Logan.
As you wished to sink in your bed and never leave, the front door opened and Hannah and Dean walked up to your room. ‘Good morning!’, Dean chirped, laying down beside you. ‘You look horrible, you were pretty wasted last night.’, Hannah said, settling down coffee and pastries next to you. ‘I’m never doing anything you say to me ever again.’, you mumbled at Dean, which just made him laugh.
‘Anyways, how was the car ride with Logan? Did something happen?’, Dean asked, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. ‘What do you mean? Why do you ask that like we’re in a shitty reality tv show?’, I asked, clearly confused. ‘Dean and Allie are convinced Logan has a crush on you.’, Hannah clarified, ‘They’ve been trying to convince me all morning.’ ‘What?! You’re insane. Nothing happened and Logan doesn’t like me like that.’, you say, sipping your coffee. ‘You say so, but I know my boy. Don’t say I didn’t tell you earlier.’, Dean said, stealing your breakfast. ‘You’re wrong. He’s John Logan, he’s a Briar Hawk, he’s popular why would you even think that?’, I say. ‘Just trusting my gut and my eyes.’, Dean raised his hands in mock surrender.
‘Anyways, tell her about the party.’, Hannah interrupted, much to your pleasing. ‘What party? I’m still hungover I’m not going anywhere.’, you groan. ‘Not tonight, but this weekend, Beau and my birthday. You can’t say no. Allie and Hannah will help you dress up cause it’s themed, and maybe then you’ll realise what I’m talking about.’, Dean explained getting up, not waiting for your answer, he continued, ‘Right I’ve got practice and Wellsy has to rehearse. Feel better, see you!’
You stay in your bed for a few hours, spiralling about Dean’s words, eventually kind of avoiding Logan subconsciously, your drunken self’s conversations only adding to your decision.
A few days later, you were near Hannah and Allie in the stands, cheering for the boys on the ice. The Briar Hawks had an important away game, and you, as their media manager were behind the camera, recording clips and clicking pictures. The tying goal was scored by Birdie, another popular Hawk, who then celebrated the goal right in front of you, winking at the camera. A few minutes later, the winning goal was scored by Logan, who did his archer celebration right in front of you, getting the perfect shot for the official Hawks page, before the team crowded him.
As you were packing up your equipment, Birdie came around the railing, ‘Hey.’, he smiled at you. ‘Hey! Congratulations on the win.’, you smiled back. ‘Thankyou, you’re coming to the party tonight, aren’t you? For celebrating the win?’, he asked, leaning down on the railing. ‘I don’t know, I’m not sure’, you say, considering that tomorrow you had to go shopping for Dean and Beau’s party as well and complete a few assignments plus edit the videos and pictures you took tonight.
‘Oh come on, it won’t be the same without you there. Come for a little while at least.’, he said, a small smirk on his lips. ‘Okay, I’ll try, I don’t think my friends would let me stay at home either way.’, you chuckled as his smirk widened. ‘Good, see you there.’, he winked again, but this time at you, without any cameras before going to the locker room.
Hannah, Allie and you congratulated the boys before leaving to get changed for the party. Dean and Garret picked up the three of you and drove you guys to the party, Logan and Tucker already there.
After spending a fair share of time with your usual group, Birdie found you, ‘I’m glad to see you here.’ You guys talked for hours, him getting you drinks and flirting with you, even admitting that his celebration and wink on the field was in front of you on purpose and not just because of the cameras, which made a strange feeling erupt in your heart. You were definitely not the type of a hockey player, much less used to being hit on by them. A few moments later you caught Logan sneaking off upstairs with a blonde, ‘Dean’s an idiot.’, you thought but a weird pit started growing in your stomach. Blaming the feeling on alcohol, you decided not to drink anymore.
Since then, Birdie and you had gotten closer, you started texting and going on dates, surprisingly, he knew a lot about you, like he had paid attention to you, which only made you fall for him more. He knew what flowers you liked, he knew what coffee to get you, he knew what kind of food did you like and which drink was your go to. For the first time in your life, you didn’t feel like you were invisible, you felt seen.
That was majorly the reason you liked and enjoyed being with Birdie, prior to this, you didn’t really have any kind of romantic feelings for him. He was just a hockey player who was a friendly acquaintance.
You decided to go to Dean and Beau’s birthday with Allie since Dean and Beau were doing a duo costume. The two of you decided on being the sun and moon. You dressed as the moon in a metallic silver corset paired with a skirt and high heels.
‘You look gorgeous.’, Logan said to you, the moment he saw you making a warmth creep up your skin. ‘Thankyou, you look pretty good as well.’, you smiled at him. He led you to the kitchen, Dean and Beau joining the two of you, Dean shooting you a knowing smirk. ‘Fancy seeing the two of you here. Come on it’s time for shots!’, he smirked as he dragged you out. Within the first hour of the party, you had had enough to drink, thanks to Dean. You excused yourself from talking to Birdie, as you went out on the balcony to get some fresh air.
‘Hey, you good?’, Logan asked, stepping near you. ‘Yeah, just needed some air.’, you smiled at him.
He nodded as he moved closer to you, a beer in his hand. You could see that the alcohol was taking its toll on him too, he was freer, more vulnerable and unguarded.
‘So, are you going to start giving me nicknames again or you aren’t drunk enough for that yet?’, he smirked, making you groan. ‘Oh my god, I wished you would’ve forgotten about that!’, you protested. ‘Believe me, I can never forget you calling me JLo and acting like it’s the discovery of the year.’, his smirk widened as his eyes met yours. ‘It was creative!’, you urged. ‘Definitely.’, he chuckled, ‘Here, have this. You’re hungry after you drink.’ He handed you an appetiser, as you looked at him slightly wide eyed. ‘How do you know I get hungry after I drink?’, you asked, taking a bite. ‘I observe.’, he shrugged.
‘How’s it going with Birdie?’, he asked, taking a swig of his beer. ‘It’s going good. He’s really great, makes me feel seen which is a first.’, you smiled at the night sky. ‘What do you mean?’, Logan asked furrowing his brows, his brown eyes fixated on your profile.
‘He just knows me, I don’t really have to say anything to him.’, you explained. He scoffed in return, chugging down his beer. His reaction made you confused as you looked at him, ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ ‘Nothing.’, he said dismissively, looking away, his jaw clenching slightly. ‘No tell me. It doesn’t look like nothing.’, you requested.
He looks away at the sky as you turned fully to face him. ‘Logan please, if there’s something I don’t know please just tell me.’, you said, voice pleading. ‘It’s nothing. I shouldn’t have said that. Forget it.’, he says, moving back towards the party. You stop him, grabbing his wrist. ‘Why won’t you tell me? It’s very clear that you meant something by that. Besides, I don’t know how any of it is your business.’, you said, getting annoyed and frustrated, your emotions getting manipulated by the intoxication.
Those words got to him. He turned around, his eyes angry before they landed on you and softened. ‘None of my business? You think he knows you? You think he sees you?’, he said, his voice soft but strained, his eyes searching yours. ‘You wanna know the truth? He doesn’t know shit about you. Everything he knows, I’ve told him. I’m the one who’s been helping him get you. He doesn’t see you, I do!’, he blurts out, his eyes pleading and brows furrowing. You feel the pit in your stomach again, your mind not agreeing to process his words. The shock is evident on your face as Logan continues. ‘I saw you the day you sat in the class in your blue jeans and white tshirt. The day you became the media manager for the Hawks, the day Dean bought you over for the first time, all the days we spent together. The night of the karaoke, I saw how nervous you were but when you got the hang of it, you were amazing. That night when you said you felt invisible, I told you, you were never invisible to me but you forgot about that.’, he says, his breathing getting heavier and so does the look in his eyes, as faint memories start coming back into your mind. He sighs before continuing, ‘At the game, I was coming to ask you out but Birdie beat me to it. I was so mad at myself that night and you seemed so happy with him at the party.’
His confession hit you as you gasped slowly, you parted your lips but no words came out, your emotions and thoughts racing and overlapping. ‘You think he sees you? No he doesn’t, not like I do. I know you decided to be the moon cause you love astronomy and you feel like moon, the one who’s invisible until someone else shines their light on them. But you’re not! You’re not invisible, never to me. I told him everything, your coffee order, your favourite flowers, the food and drinks you like, the places around campus you like, I just wanted to be a good friend to the both of you.’, he admitted. He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky exhale as he opened them again, his puppy dog eyes entering the conversation as his brown eyes searched yours. ‘I shouldn’t have told you this, not now, not like this it’s not fair. But I couldn’t help it. I was here first and now that I see your hearts been taken and I hate it.’, he breathed out, his brows furrowing further as his hand found yours, ‘It should’ve been me, all this time. It tears me apart when I see you with him, nothings worse than that. I waited all this time, had all these chances and came so close, but never went through with it. It could’ve been me, should’ve been me.’
You stood paralysed on the balcony. The only reason you liked Birdie was a lie, it was John Logan all along. He was the one who truly saw you and Birdie was just creating an illusion, a facade. You never truly understood the extent of your relationship with John Logan, but there always existed a strange tension, a weird connection. Now you understood it was him all along, him seeing you for who you truly were, even when you felt you were in the darkness, he saw you. ‘John…’, you said softly. He moved closer, cupping your face in his hands, his warmth erupting goosebumps on your skin. ‘You’re the first girl who’s made me feel like this. This connection, this attachment, I’ve never been able to see anyone else since I saw you, not think about anything else.’, he closed his eyes, forehead resting against yours, his voice breaking slightly as his eyes turned glassy. ‘I know you don’t deserve this. But I needed you to know, I loved you first. You don’t have to say anything, you don’t have to change anything, you don’t have to do anything. I just needed you to know. I’m sorry, I tried to be selfless, be the bigger guy, but I just needed you to know. I’m sorry.’, he said, his voice soft as he pressed a feather light kiss to your forehead, lingering for a moment, before swiftly turning away and walking back towards the party. He didn’t wait for any answer, he just left you there, standing frozen, confused and conflicted in the darkness.