can you make one with Toni Fernandez, where y/n and Toni are dating but haven't seen each other for some weeks, where she surprise him at a game
summary:: after weeks on end of long distance you decide to surprise your boyfriend at one of his matches.
warnings:: uhhhh none?
writers note:: so i wrote this at 10pm lowkey half asleep otp to my friends so therefore it’s definitely not the best piece of writing ive ever done but i needed to get it finished bc i need to get as much done as i can before tomorrow!
tags:: @barcapix @n0vazsq @httpsdana @paucubarsisimp ; lmk if u wanna be added or removed.
you had been counting down the days. weeks, actually. being in a long distance relationship with toni fernández wasn’t easy, especially when his football schedule kept him away for long stretches. facetime calls, endless texts, voice notes, those things helped, but nothing could replace being with him in person. waking up to his sleepy smile, the warmth of his hand in yours, the comfort of just being near him. you missed it all. every single part of him.
so when you finally arranged to fly out and surprise him at his game, your heart buzzed with excitement. you spent nights going over the plan with his cousin, guille, who promised to keep everything under wraps. you’d triple checked your flights, packed your bag three times, and now, sitting in the stands, dressed in toni’s jersey, you could hardly believe you were actually here. the roar of the crowd vibrated through your bones, but all you could focus on was the figure on the field. him.
toni looked good, he always did, but there was something about seeing him in his element that made your chest tighten with pride. hair slightly messy, focus razor sharp, the number on his back like a magnet pulling you in. you found yourself grinning every time he got near the ball, heart leaping with each pass and shot. this was his world, and you were so proud to be part of it.
halftime came and went. you debated texting him, just to hear from him, but you stopped yourself. it would ruin the surprise. instead, you let yourself get lost in the atmosphere, the chants, the energy, the way strangers cheered together like old friends. it was electric.
the final whistle blew. barcelona had won, and the stadium erupted. you watched as players hugged, jumped on each other, shared grins that stretched ear to ear. toni was in the center of it, eyes crinkled with happiness, sweat soaked and radiant with that post match glow you loved so much. he started making his way toward the tunnel, exchanging high fives with fans along the way. and then…
his eyes flickered toward your section.
for a moment, he froze. like he wasn’t sure if he was seeing things right. then his gaze sharpened. his lips parted. you couldn’t hear his voice over the crowd, but you didn’t need to. you saw the way his mouth formed your name, disbelief melting into pure joy.
you waved, laughter bubbling up in your chest. his reaction was better than you’d imagined. without thinking, toni jogged over, ignoring security and the attempts to hold him back. he climbed over the barriers like a man on a mission, reaching you in seconds.
'you’re actually here,' he breathed, pulling you into his arms. his embrace was tight, grounding, everything you’d missed. he smelled like grass, sweat, and something uniquely him. your world righted itself in his hold.
'what are you doing here?' he asked, voice muffled against your hair.
'surprising you, obviously,' you said, laughing as he lifted you slightly off the ground. your cheeks hurt from smiling, but you didn’t care.
'god, i missed you,' he murmured, pulling back just enough to press his forehead against yours. his thumb brushed your cheek, eyes soft in a way that made your heart flip. 'this is, this is the best surprise.'
'figured you deserved a reward for the win,' you teased, though your voice cracked with emotion.
'trust me, this beats any trophy,' he grinned before leaning in to kiss you. it was soft, familiar, everything you’d been craving. the stadium noise faded, the world shrinking down to just the two of you. cameras clicked somewhere in the distance, but neither of you paid them any mind.
'missed you,' you whispered against his lips.
'missed you more,' he shot back without hesitation.
a chorus of cheers erupted from his teammates, guille’s voice cutting through; ‘finally! we’ve been keeping this secret for weeks!'
you pulled back, laughing. 'traitors, the lot of you.'
toni rolled his eyes fondly. 'come on, they’re dying to say hi.' he intertwined his fingers with yours, warmth seeping through every touch. 'you ready?'
'lead the way.'
the locker room was chaos, good-natured teasing, pats on the back, everyone welcoming you like family. someone handed you a beer, another draped an extra scarf around your shoulders. it felt like being swept into a whirlwind, but toni never let go of your hand, anchoring you through it all.
later, much later, you found yourselves back at his place. the adrenaline had worn off, replaced by quiet contentment. you lay tangled on the couch, his head resting against your shoulder, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on your arm.
'can’t believe you really came,' he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
'worth every second,' you replied, pressing a kiss to his hair. 'besides, someone’s gotta keep you humble.'
he huffed a laugh. 'good luck with that.'
you smiled, eyes fluttering shut. the weeks apart had been hard, but right now, with him here, warm, safe, home, it all felt like a distant memory.
'best post-match gift ever,' he whispered.
you didn’t disagree.
and as the city outside buzzed with life, you let yourself drift off, heart full and content in the arms of the person you loved most.
do u write smut?
i’m sorry i donttt bc i’m not of age so that’s pretty much the reason behind that 😭
MY FAVE WRITOR 😍😍 i love this and everything you do babe you’re amazing 💔💔
could u do a hector fort x reader where he’s at training and during the break, one of his teammates show him multiple social media posts uploaded by his mom of her and his gf of 2-years having a girls day without him knowing prior. the whole team is teasing him and saying how locked in they are and he’s just so happy asf saying that’s wifey and stuff like that xx
hector fort x fem!reader
sy: hector’s mood had been low all day, from your absent messages for hours. what he doesn’t know though, is your date with his mother was what you were up to.
a/n: this was a little crammed into my schedule to write, so im really sorry if it’s a lil stiff but ty for the req 🧡(ifykyk @n0vazsq)
warnings: nope!
the ciutat esportiva was electric, barça players scattered out amongst the pitch, immersed within a full spectrum of excersise and activities.
hector was completing goal warmups, firing past numerous balls beyond inaki. nearby, cubarsí and lamine were atop a cooler box, following every movement hector made.
“he looks sorta angry doesn’t he?” lamine nodded over, grabbing pau’s attention. “i wonder what’s up with him.”
“did you not hear what he was talking to balde and ansu about? his girl hadn’t messaged him this morning.” pau noted in all solemnity.
“what?” lamine grinned, “are you serious? de ninguna manera.”
“im serious.” pau scoffed, shaking his head. “he’s crazy over that girl.”
lamine let out an exasperated sigh, watching as hansi blew out his whistle to signal the first water break of the morning.
hector kept his head low, strutting past the two guys in a seemingly rushed hurry. his eyes were locked onto the ramp to the lockers, as lamine and pau instantly followed his footsteps.
their cleats were in a rhythmic motion, the clicks bouncing from the concrete walls onto the otherwise silent hallway. hector’s movements had stopped at this point, an eerie silence lingering.
“hey hermano?” lamine called out, his voice echoing off the bricks. they meet face with the locker room, sighting hector’s figure silhouetted in the dim light. he sat on the bench below his locker, head in hands.
his curls were messy and crumbled, his jersey clinging to his sweat-drenched body—his toned abs on display.
“why are you in here man? your bottles outside.” pau walked on closer, gently swatting his head.
hector let past a low murmur, tugging his shirt over his head. lamine frowned, taking a seat next to him.
“what’s the matter with you amigo? you don’t seem yourself today.” he further pressed, as they exchanged a knowing look.
“im alright, just tired.” he grumbled. it probably would of been believable if his voice wasn’t so threaded with tension.
“ey, the usual im tired gimmick,” pau teased but tone firm. “seriously hector, what is it?”
as hector was about to retaliate, a follow-up echo of shoes clacked against the floor, revealing a wide-eyed gavi, pedri, casado and olmo.
“coach has been looking everywhere for you three!” dani exclaimed, flailing his arms. “why are you all in here?”
pedri sighed in relief whilst muttering a small, “i told you so,” to gavi who didn’t seem to hear.
“ask him that,” lamine gestured to hector, inviting the four players near. the group drew closer, with raised brows and curious expressions upon hector’s uncharacteristic gloom.
“we saw you with that dopey look on your face earlier,” gavi tried to lighten the somber mood, grinning. “wipe that glare off man.”
hector didn’t comment, he just kept his gaze onto his lap where he was fidgeting with his jersey.
casado huffed, trying to bring reassurance. “it’s not personal H, she’s just busy with your mom.”
the words rolled off his tongue simultaneously, though by the look on hectors face, he immediately regretted it.
“she’s what?” hector abruptly stood up, voice rising and laced with confusion.
“uh, yeah, she’s been with your mom all morning.” the spaniard mumbled, stepping back ever so subtly.
“how do you know?” hector advanced onto him, his face now inches apart from marc’s. hector’s jaw tightened, the muscles in his cheek twitching.
“oh si.. she posted it on instagram,” he gulped, the colour drained from his face. “earlier.”
hector’s glare intensified, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “my question is, why do you follow her?” he interrogated.
“no reason.. i follow everybody.” he said weakly, hurriedly shoving his phone into his pocket.
hectors eyes narrowed, the type of look that made marc shift uncomfortably. as though he was about to burst, pau quickly intervened, slinging his arm over his shoulder. “don’t worry hermano, he followed my sister and her friends who he’s never even met before.”
marc let out a sigh of relief, dropping his tense shoulders. a few of the boys snickered, poking fun at casado for his internet obsession.
pau continued, slowly steering hector’s attention away, “and get this, he liked so many of her posts that her boyfriend had to step in.” pau proceeded laughing, causing casado cheeks to blush.
“ey! i was admiring her aesthetic!” marc tried to defend, though that never really stopped the rest of them making fun of him.
“can’t you do that with your own sister? i don’t blame irene for blocking you!” pedri clapped his back.
“what? irene blocked you?” lamine doubled over laughing, clutching his stomach for air. “no way!”
“okay whatever whatever, show me again.” hector interrupted the guys’ gig, motioning for gavi’s phone.
pablo protested, although dani elllbowed him into submission. reluctantly, he pulled up the post on his phone, as hector took it from his hands.
hector flicked through the numerous posts, images of you and his mother laughing, posing, and seemingly drunk off merriment.
they featured everything from coffee dates and endearingly charming selfies, to affectionate boasts about your latest matching nail sets together.
each photo possessed a natural setting, no forced chemistry, no pre-practised techniques or no false smiles. hector couldn’t shake the swell of his heart that was multiplying with each swipe, his grin only growing wider.
the simplicity of all of the candid shots, brought an unwavering, flustering emotion over him—his earlier frustration melted away. who knew that all he needed was a few coupled images of the two women he loved most in this world, to cure his dishevels.
“look at that smile on his face,” lamine teased. “he’s so happy, it’s disgusting.”
“see the way he’s invested in them,” gavi added, him and pedri similarly leaning into eachother by snickering. “he’s completely gone.”
“she’s got you hooked man,” dani commented, also grinning ear to ear.
laughter filled the room again, but this time, hector joined in. he ran a hand through his hair, with pablo’s phone still in hand, gazing fondly at the screen.
“at least we now know who really runs your life,” pedri qipped finally.
“she’s worth it though, they both are,” he said simply, the sincerity in his voice silencing any further teasing.
the others nodded, their teasing softening into gentle ribbing. “of course she is,” marc stated. “just don’t let her forget it.”
hector chuckled, his heart now infinitely lighter than it had been all morning and his mind no longer foggy. “believe me, i won’t.”
pairing: gavi x ofc
summary: gavi wants coral to be his. she's scared of their fame.
taglist: @htpssgavi ; @joaosnovia
masterlist // series masterlist // I do not take requests
Gavi took a deep breath. He had faced guys twice as tall as him in World Cup matches, shot penalties and done post game interviews for the Cahmpions League, but he had never been as nervous as he was parking by Coral's apartment.
He ahd been coming so often that when he crossed paths with one of thr neighbours she just smiled and greeted him by his name, adding a small comment about how Coral had been playing guitar all day long, and how delightful her new song was.
Gavi shared that fondness, he wanted to listen to Coral's music for hours every day for the rest of his life. He took the stairs jumping two steps at a time, his usual impatience getting the best of him. By the front door of her apartment, the soft chords of a song Gavi had not heard yet could be heard.
He felt a little guilty, ringing and interrupting the music, but seeing Coral standing on the other side of hte door, an oversized Barça hoodie on, her hair mess and her lips pink from biting them, like she always did, when she was concentrating; made it all worthy.
Gavi almost fell to his knee and asked for her hand in marriage, but her suspected that such proposal would not be accepted before he fixed their current situation.
"Gavi! I'm so busy right now, I don't think it's the best time to fuck right now..."
Right, that.
Their relationship was based around sex, the friends with benefits label falling over them easily after his ugly break up with Sandra. With a shattered heart and ego, the internet creating demeaning memes at lightning speed and everything he thought to be true crumling around him, Gavi had found shelter between Coral's arms.
But that shelter was not enough, not when he needed to really be hers.
For a long time he had been the heartbroken boy fucking his anger away. Now he was a smitten man, ready to ask Coral to be his girlfriend.
"I didn't come for that," he explained. Her eyes fell to the bouquet of flowers he was holding.
"Oh."
"Yeah." he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Do you think I can come in?"
"Yeah."
Coral stepped aside so he could walk inside. The apartmwnt was a mess, the way it became when she was composing a new song.
That was what had her so busy.
"Coral..." he started, handing her the flowers. "I'm pretty sure you can already figure out where this is going..." he laughed nervously. "I like you, Coral. A lot. It think you could tell already."
"I had a small idea..." she was already smiling brightly, her cheeks pink. It gave him confidence on what he was about to ask.
"Would you be my girlfirend, please?"
Coral didn't reply. She threw her arms around Gavi's shoulders, and kissed him hard.
"I love you," she said ending the kiss, with his hands around her waist. "But I really need to finish this song before inspiration leaves."
Gavi smiled. If there was soemthing he knew, it was that big emotions triggered her creativity and she would be writing for hours.
But now he could watch her work, like the lovee sick puppy that he was.
summary:: quiet night with your boyfriend.
warnings:: none!
writers note:: starting this off by saying don’t even ask why i’m posting sm recently i’ve been deadass been using this as a crashout prevention so i’ve been writing my mind off issues!! so that’s a bit tmi but yk.. anyways enjoy this! this is also really similar to the hector fic so ignore that!
tags:: @barcapix @n0vazsq @httpsdana @cherryloveshs ; lmk if u wanna be added!
The moonlight poured through the window of their small Barcelona apartment, its silvery glow casting long shadows on the walls. Alejandro lay sprawled on the couch, scrolling through his phone. His shirt clung to his chest, damp from the shower he’d taken minutes ago. You leaned against the kitchen counter, watching him, a smile tugging at your lips. Even in the stillness, he radiated energy, an effortless charm that made your chest feel too tight and your head too light.
‘You’re staring again,’ he teased without looking up, his voice low and smooth.
‘Can’t help it,’ you shot back, biting your bottom lip. ‘You’re kind of hard to look away from.’
Finally, Alejandro put his phone down and gave you his full attention. His brown eyes glimmered with amusement as they traced your figure, lingering on the oversized shirt you’d stolen from his closet. The sight of you, comfortable, completely at home in his space, made his heart ache in the best way.
‘Come here,’ he said, his voice soft now, almost a whisper. It wasn’t a request. It never really was.
You crossed the room, slow, like you were savoring the moment. When you reached him, he tugged you gently onto his lap. His hands found your waist, warm and familiar, like they belonged there. The world outside didn’t exist. It was just you, him, and the steady rhythm of your breathing.
‘You remember when we first met?’ he asked, his tone suddenly nostalgic. ‘I was such a mess.’
‘You weren’t a mess,’ you countered, running a hand through his damp hair. ‘You were just… figuring things out.’
He chuckled, leaning his forehead against yours. ‘You gave me a reason to figure it out. I was so lost back then, and then you showed up like…’ He paused, searching for the words. ‘Like a light, you know? Something steady. Something I could hold onto.’
Your throat tightened, his words sinking deep. You cupped his face in your hands, your thumb brushing over his cheekbone. ‘You don’t give yourself enough credit, Ale. You’ve always been this, this brilliant, magnetic, unstoppable thing. I just made sure you saw it.’
He pulled you closer, his lips brushing against yours, a kiss that was soft and slow, full of things neither of you needed to say. When you finally pulled back, his eyes burned into yours, raw and unguarded.
‘You’re my home,’ he murmured. ‘You know that, right?’
You nodded, unable to speak past the lump in your throat. The two of you stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the city buzzing faintly outside. No matter what the world threw at you, you had this. You had him. And he had you. Bound together, unshakable.
girl I’m OBSESSED with your gavi fluff omggg
like el mar, el sol and mi corazón is one of my top fics of all time 😔🙏🙏
STOP IT THAT MADE MY DAY. i remb i wrote that as mainly a scrap bc i was bored and it was a scrap and also originally for joao! but im so glad i changed it to gavi bc it suits him smm
Hii!! I just want to say that I'm absolutely addicted to your stories. Honestly, they've become the best part of my day, i get to escape the world for a bit. I hadn’t been able to find a book that truly hooked me, but your writing is simply incredible!! I’m completely obsessed ❤️❤️❤️
THANK YOUUUU ❤️!! you guys don’t know how much this means to me! every single bit of praise honestly makes my day. i love you all so much 🤍.
Jude Bellingham Reads Thirst Tweets About Himself
Jude Bellingham x Reader
The camera is set up, and Jude Bellingham sits comfortably on the couch, holding your phone. He looks at you, already suspicious.
“You really got me reading thirst tweets?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
You nod excitedly. “Yup! And no backing out.”
Jude sighs but smirks. “Alright, let’s get this over with.” He scrolls and immediately widens his eyes. “Nah, this one’s crazy.”
He clears his throat dramatically before reading, “‘Jude Bellingham could ruin my life, and I’d thank him.’”
His jaw drops. “RUIN your life?! What does that even mean?!” He looks at you for an explanation.
You just shrug. “They’re dedicated.”
Jude shakes his head and keeps scrolling. “Okay, next one.” He reads, “‘Jude Bellingham’s hands look big enough to carry me, and honestly, I’d let him.’”
He pauses, flexing his hands. “I mean… I do have big hands, but what do you mean, ‘carry you’? Where are we going?” He laughs, but his ears are turning red.
You burst out laughing. “Jude, you’re blushing.”
“I am NOT.” He clears his throat again and continues. “‘Jude Bellingham could look at me once, and I’d pass out on the spot.’” He leans closer to the camera. “Alright, let’s test that theory. If you’re watching this, don’t pass out.”
You roll your eyes. “Jude, stop flirting with the internet.”
He smirks. “Not my fault they started it.”
Scrolling again, he suddenly chokes on his own breath. “Oh, NO. I’m not reading that.”
You snatch the phone. “Oh, come on. What does it say?”
Jude groans, covering his face. “It says, ‘Jude Bellingham could call me a bad girl, and I’d forget my own name.’”
Your mouth drops open. “Oh my God.”
Jude stares at the camera in disbelief. “You lot need Jesus.”
You’re crying laughing. “Read one more!”
Jude sighs but scrolls. His eyes widen. “Oh, hell no.” He reads it anyway. “‘Jude Bellingham, if you see this, I will bark for you.’”
He drops the phone. “Nah. I’m done. You’re all unhinged.”
You’re wheezing at this point. “Regret doing this?”
Jude shakes his head, laughing. “One hundred percent.”
[TikTok ends – comments are wild]
Top Comment: “THE WAY HE SAID ‘YOU LOT NEED JESUS’ I’M SCREAMING 😭”
Second Comment: “‘Let’s test that theory’ JUDE PLEASE 😳”
Third Comment: “We broke him and I have no regrets.”
Hola chica 🤗
I have a request for you. Can your write for Pablo G. and the Reader ar going for a walk. Later they are in a Park and they hear some dog sounds. They found a small puppy that is hurt and they decided take him to a doctor and later Home and in the end its just cute because Pablo is a bite jealous of the dog ☺️
pairing: pablo gavi x reader
summary: in which you and pablo find a little puppy in the park
warnings: none
taglist: @barcapix, @universefcb, @nngkay, @joaosnovia, @ilovebarcaaaa, lmk if you’d like to be added!
a/n: i hope you like it love! 💕
the sun had dipped low, spilling warm light through the trees as you and pablo wandered through the park hand in hand. his fingers were laced with yours, his thumb brushing soft circles against your skin—something he did when he felt peaceful. or when he didn’t want to let go.
you leaned into his side, feeling his warmth. “you’re quiet today.”
he gave you a tiny smile. “just happy, mi amor.”
“soft pablo is my favorite.”
“shh,” he whispered, grinning. “don’t ruin my reputation.”
you bumped his shoulder. “too late. you’re mine now.”
“always,” he said quietly, like a promise.
then a sound—soft and broken—cut through the stillness. a whimper.
you both stopped.
“did you hear that?” you asked, heart already tugging.
“yeah,” pablo said, alert now, scanning the path. “over there.”
you followed the noise together, and that’s when you saw him—curled under a bush, tiny and shaking. the little puppy looked terrified, his paw curled under him awkwardly.
“oh, pobrecito,” you breathed, already crouching.
pablo dropped beside you, voice gentle. “hey, chiquitín… it’s okay.”
he reached out slowly, scooping the puppy into his hoodie-covered arms. the little one whimpered, then buried himself into pablo’s chest like it was the safest place in the world.
“he trusts you,” you whispered, brushing dirt from the puppy’s fur.
pablo looked at the pup, then at you. “he’s ours now, right?”
“obviously.”
—
at the vet, the minutes ticked by slowly as you sat beside pablo, waiting for an update. he hadn’t stopped tapping his foot, his hand gripping yours tightly the whole time.
you leaned your head on his shoulder. “he’s gonna be okay.”
pablo nodded, jaw tight. “he has to be.”
when the vet finally came out and said it was just a sprain and some dehydration, he let out the softest breath of relief.
you looked up at him. “can we keep him?”
pablo hesitated, then smiled—small, but real. “yeah. we’ll take care of him.”
—
back at your apartment, the puppy was asleep in the corner, curled up on one of pablo’s hoodies. he looked clean, warm, and finally safe.
you sat nearby on the floor, petting him gently, while pablo sprawled on the couch, watching you with that quiet gaze he saved only for you.
“he needs a name,” you said softly.
“i’ve got the perfect one,” pablo said instantly. “messi.”
you turned to stare at him. “you’re joking.”
“i’m serious,” he grinned. “it’s a power move.”
“he drools when he sleeps.”
“okay, then… iniesta.”
you groaned. “amor.”
“what? it’s classy.”
you laughed and looked back at the puppy. “he looks like a milo.”
pablo made a face. “milo?”
“yeah. sweet. soft. adorable.”
he sighed. “fine. but i still think messi would’ve been iconic.”
you smiled, turning back to look at him. “you’re such a football nerd.”
“you love it.”
you didn’t answer—you just crawled off the floor and into his lap, settling there like you belonged (because you did). pablo instantly wrapped his arms around you, like he couldn’t help it, burying his face in your neck.
“you’re my favorite thing,” he murmured against your skin.
you pulled back just enough to kiss him—soft and slow. his hands stayed firm around your waist, like if he let go, the world might shift.
“i love you, mi vida,” you whispered.
he nodded, lips brushing your jaw. “i love you more.”
you stayed there in his lap, tangled together, until milo let out a tiny snore.
you glanced over. “he’s so cute.”
pablo groaned. “yeah. whatever.”
“you’re jealous again.”
“he’s literally snoring in my hoodie,” he muttered. “he’s trying to replace me.”
you grinned. “he’s a baby.”
“i’m your baby.”
“you’re both my babies,” you teased.
pablo narrowed his eyes. “he better not try to sleep between us.”
“you’d push him off the bed, wouldn’t you?”
“absolutely.”
you giggled, pressing another kiss to his cheek. “possessive much?”
he hugged you tighter. “only with you, mi amor.”
you looked over at the sleeping pup, then back at pablo, and your heart felt impossibly full.
your clingy boy and your sleepy puppy.
your perfect little chaos.
don’t forget to leave a request!
Yes pt2 of the Jude fic plis
summary:: ‘and with hardship comes ease.’ here is finally your ease.
warnings:: THIS WAS LEFT IN MY DRAFTS FOR ALMOST A MONTH.
writers note:: i am SO sorry it took this long? but here’s part one as well.
tags:: @barcapix @n0vazsq @httpsdana @paucubarsisimp @universefcb
it had been weeks.
weeks since you walked out of his apartment, since you left behind the life you had built together. weeks of silence, of pretending you were okay, of waking up in an empty bed and forcing yourself not to check your phone.
you tried to move on. threw yourself into work, took on extra projects, stayed late at the office just to avoid coming home to the quiet. you told yourself you were fine. that you had made the right choice. that love should never come at the expense of yourself.
but god, you missed him.
you missed the way he’d pull you into his arms at the end of a long day, the way he’d press lazy kisses to your temple while you worked, the way he’d always keep a hand on you, your knee, your back, your fingers tangled with his, like he needed to know you were there.
some nights, you swore you could still hear his laugh echoing in the corners of your apartment. some mornings, you still reached for him in bed before remembering he wasn’t there.
and it hurt. because for all the love you had for him, it hadn’t been enough. and that truth sat heavy on your chest, refusing to fade.
then, one night, your phone rang.
his name flashed across the screen. your breath caught.
for a moment, you considered ignoring it. letting it go to voicemail. but something in you, something stubborn, something still so deeply tied to him, made you press accept.
‘hey,’ his voice was rough, like he hadn’t been sleeping.
you swallowed, gripping your phone tighter. ‘hey.’
silence.
‘i don’t know how to do this,’ he admitted, voice quiet. ‘how to be without you.’
your eyes burned. ‘you’re not without me, jude. i’m still here. i just… i just couldn’t keep choosing you over myself.’
a harsh exhale. ‘i know. and i hate that i made you feel like you had to.’
his voice cracked on the last word, and something inside you splintered.
‘it wasn’t fair,’ you whispered. ‘you wanted me to be someone i’m not. and that’s not love, jude. love isn’t asking someone to sacrifice who they are to fit into your world.’
he was quiet for so long you thought maybe he wouldn’t respond. but then,
‘i know,’ he said, voice hoarse. ‘i’ve been thinking about it. about us. about what i did wrong. and you were right. i wanted you to fit into my life, but i never stopped to think about how i could fit into yours.’
your throat tightened. ‘jude…’
‘i was selfish,’ he continued, not letting you interrupt. ‘i thought love meant you’d follow me anywhere, that you’d drop everything because you loved me. but i never stopped to think about how much you already had to lose. and that’s not fair. it’s not fair to you.’
a tear slipped down your cheek.
‘i miss you,’ he admitted, voice breaking. ‘but more than that, i miss being the person who made you happy. and i don’t know if we can fix this. but i want to try. if you’ll let me.’
your breath hitched.
for weeks, you had convinced yourself that he would never understand. that he would always expect you to fit into his world, to mold yourself into something easier, something more convenient. but this—this was him trying.
this was him choosing to meet you in the middle.
‘if we try again,’ you said carefully, ‘things have to be different. i need to know that you see me, jude. that you respect what i want for myself just as much as i respect what you want for yourself.’
‘i do,’ he said without hesitation. ‘i swear i do. i just… i don’t want to do this without you.’
you exhaled shakily, pressing your fingers to your temple.
‘can i see you?’ he asked after a beat. ‘not to fix everything right now, not to force anything. just… to see you.’
your heart ached. you knew this was a risk. that loving him, choosing him again, meant trusting that he would follow through on his promises. but a part of you, the part that never stopped loving him, wanted to believe that he could.
so you swallowed past the lump in your throat and whispered, ‘yeah. okay.’
and for the first time in weeks, hope felt like something real. something worth holding onto.