lanna.

𓆩𓁺𓆪 s!her. trying to express trough this

[ribbaton]

hii <3 thank u so much for the support. I really don’t have many ideas rn, so if u wanna send a request i would immediately love u. (and if u already sent me one, thank u! i’ll post it as soon as i can)

[ribbaton]

When did you get hot?

Malachi Barton x singer gf!reader. word count: 981.

summary: You just dropped your new album and everybody is really curious about one of the song being obviously about Malachi Barton, your boyfriend.

warnings: suggestive content. fluff. use of y/n. When did you get hot? by Sabrina Carpenter.

a/n: hiii!! so i actually had this idea like 30 minutes ago, hope you like it, and feel free to send me request whenever you want 💗

Said y/n, don’t you know Mal? and I was like, huh.

Those were the exact words from one of the new songs you released today in your latest album. And honestly? No one saw it coming—not even your boyfriend.

He thought he knew every single track you’d written for the album, including the ones that never made it to the public. But you had planned this as a surprise for everyone… especially for him. You wanted to see his reaction when he heard it.

You were at the launch party your team and close friends had organized to celebrate the album’s release. Freya stood nearby, animatedly talking about how excited she was for the tour and how things were going. You and Mk listened with smiles, soaking in the moment.

Your attention was fully on the blonde until you caught sight of Malachi walking past on your left, giving you that signature wink—the one he always used when he wanted your attention.

“Guys…” you said, still watching your boyfriend disappear down a hallway.

“We know, we know. Go get your Prince Charming,” Mk teased before you could finish your sentence, laughing with Freya.

You looked at them with your mouth slightly open, speechless, then smiled and wrapped your arms around their shoulders.

“I love you both. If you need anything, just let me know,” you said warmly before heading in the direction Malachi had gone moments earlier.

You would’ve reached him sooner if not for two people who stopped you halfway. They were old friends of your parents, and they congratulated you with genuine excitement. You responded with the same energy—you loved moments like that.

But you loved being with Malachi even more.

When you finally reached him, he was leaning against the wall of a small room filled with a few sofas and chairs. He had his phone in hand. Before you could say a word, a familiar melody played from the speaker, and you instantly recognized it. A sly smile tugged at your lips.

“So… all of a sudden you can look me up and down all day?” he asked, quoting a line from the song.

When did you get hot? All of a sudden I could look up and down all day.

Your grin widened as you walked toward him. You placed your hands around his shoulders and neck, your chests gently pressing together. Even with your decent height, you still had to tilt your head up to meet his eyes.

Seconds later, Malachi’s hands found your hips, tracing soft circles with his thumbs.

“That’s right,” you replied, locking eyes with him.

It was funny, really.

Besides singing, you’d always loved acting—even if you didn’t do it often. Years ago, you met Malachi while filming Stuck in the Middle. You weren’t a main character, just a recurring friend of the Diaz siblings.

It was obvious to everyone on set that Malachi had a crush on you back then. But you never gave him more than a friendly hug and a warm hello, so that little crush stayed just that—a crush.

Years later, you reunited while working on Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. And the rest? History.

“Didn’t know I was ugly as a kid. Thank you, baby,” he said.

Anyone else might’ve thought those words came from a place of hurt, but you knew him too well. He was just teasing you.

You bit your lip slightly, your gaze drifting to his mouth. “You’ve always been cute, but now…” You didn’t finish the sentence, just shrugged playfully.

Malachi smiled, those dimples driving you wild. “But now what, baby?” He needed you to finish that thought.

You shook your head, but couldn’t resist. “Now you’re incredibly hot,” you whispered, leaning closer.

He bit his tongue, trying not to say something that would get you both in trouble. Instead, he leaned in and pressed his lips to yours—softly, sweetly.

The kiss was full of love, full of unspoken words that translated into mutual longing. You played with his hair while he held your waist firmly, yet gently.

You knew he would’ve done anything to keep that moment going, but you couldn’t let it. You pulled away, feeling him chase your lips just a little more.

“Baby…” he whispered, voice raspy, eyes still closed, forehead resting against yours.

“Kai…” you replied in that tone that always answered his questions without needing words.

He rolled his eyes with a soft smile. “I love you.”

You opened your eyes and smiled. “I love you even more, love.”

After a few minutes, you both returned to the main room where all the guests were gathered. You received a few curious but playful glances from your friends, though no one said a word.

The night continued with laughter and hugs, surrounded by people you cherished. You even had time to record several videos for social media with them.

In fact, you filmed one with Malachi for his account.

At first, it was just you on camera, singing the opening line of the song with a flirty smile.

“Said y/n, don’t you know Mal? and I was like, huh.”

You tugged Malachi by the collar of his shirt until he was center frame with you. From that moment on, neither of you looked at the camera—only at each other. You sang with a smile, and Malachi bit the inside of his cheek, staring at you like you were the only person in the world.

And saying people went crazy? That would be an understatement.

“I feel like I’ve been cheated in front of my eyes.”

“A tear just fell down my tight.”

“This is my bi panic.”

“I want whatever this is.”

“I don’t know if I wanna be Y/n or Malachi.”

“I’m just laughing so hard because of Mk in the background looking disgusted.”

[ribbaton]

Every breath you take.

Malachi Barton x gf!reader. word count: 1.1k

synopsis: Just another night of lives on tiktok, laughs and kisses with Malachi after a show.

warnings: Kisses. Pet names. Fluff. Some cursing. Use of y/n and y/l/n. Malachi being whipped.

a/n: I just really wanted to write something short and cute so here it is! 💗 Btw, if you feel like sending me a request you can do it anytime you want!

Rarely could you enjoy a calm night since the Worlds Collide Tour had kicked off months ago. Usually, after the show, everyone would head out to grab a bite or order something quick before hopping back on the bus to travel to the next city.

Tonight was no different.

After picking up your food, you walked to the bus with Malachi. Once you reached the door, he stepped aside, waiting for you to go in first.

“Princess goes first,” he said with a soft smile, leaning against the bus and watching you closely.

You smiled back, pausing just long enough to press a kiss to his cheek before heading toward the small table inside. Mk and Freya were still outside, so the bus greeted you with a warm silence.

Malachi walked over to his usual seat and waited for you to sit beside him before starting to eat.

As always, you chatted while you ate—talking about the show, the energy, the fans. His hand rested on your thigh, occasionally giving it a gentle squeeze, and he never missed a chance to leave soft kisses on your forehead, cheek, or lips.

Not long after, Mk and Freya came in and started eating while you and Malachi moved to the couch. His guitar was beside him, and you couldn’t help but smile.

“Wouldn’t you like to sing for a bit?” you asked with a soft grin—one he could never resist even if he tried.

He looked at you instantly and smiled. Leaning in, he left a quick kiss on your neck before standing up and grabbing the guitar.

“Sure, baby,” he said, settling back beside you and positioning the guitar between his legs. “What do you want to sing?” he asked again, brushing a few strands of hair from your face and tucking them behind your ear.

“Our song, maybe,” you shrugged, thinking aloud. “We could maybe go live—it’s been a while since I’ve done that.”

Malachi smiled at the mention of your song. He knew exactly which one you meant—it was impossible not to. It was the song you auditioned with for Zombies 4, and ever since, you’d sing it together with more passion each time. Even the fans knew it was your song.

Every breath you take.

You unlocked your phone and opened TikTok, starting a live. Within seconds, thousands of people had joined.

“Hi, guys,” Malachi greeted with a tired smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “This’ll be quick because we’re sleepy—even if she refuses to admit it.” he teased, pointing at you with his thumb as you sat beside him again.

“I’m not!” you laughed, shaking your head, even though all you really wanted was to crawl into bed next to him.

“Yeah, sure,” he chuckled, taking your hand and gently stroking it with his thumb. “So, we’re gonna sing our song and just wanted to share it with you guys,” he explained.

“Let’s go,” you said softly, looking through the comments from your seat.

“They’re so cute.”

“I just want what they have.”

“Can somebody explain why she’s so pretty!!”

“When I grow up I want to be like Malachi—imagine dating Y/n Y/l/n.”

Malachi laughed at the last one. “Well, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to find someone else—she’s all mine.” he said, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pulling you closer, planting a kiss on your hair.

“Mal, stop.” you said, trying to hide behind your hands with a nervous smile.

“Aww, look—y/n’s blushing. Doesn’t she look adorable, chat?” he laughed, gently pulling your hands away so he could see your face, dimples showing as he smiled.

“Can we start now?” you grimaced, trying to change the subject.

“Of course, baby.”

Malachi began playing the melody. Whenever he was focused, he’d lick his lips and bite them—a habit you’d noticed long ago. It was impossible not to notice how good he looked.

When it was your turn to sing, Malachi suddenly stopped.

“Wait, I’m sorry.” he said, pausing to remove a few bracelets fans had given him earlier so he could play more comfortably.

“Oh, that’s so embarrassing—I already started singing.” you said, lips pressed into a straight line as you frowned at him.

“No, it’s not, baby. It’s fine.” he reassured you, finishing his adjustments and giving your thigh a gentle, loving squeeze before continuing.

“I’m embarrassed.” you admitted, catching his gaze.

“Don’t be, love. Let’s do it again.”

“Okay, but start with me this time. I’ve got trust issues now.”

You both laughed. Malachi nodded and gave you a sideways smile.

This time, you sang together. You exchanged smiles and glances filled with love and joy. You were both exhausted, but those smiles, touches, and kisses never failed to show up.

A few minutes later, after chatting with the viewers, you couldn’t hold back a yawn—knowing exactly what that meant.

Malachi immediately turned to you, smiling softly. He took your hand resting on your thigh and placed both of them over it.

“Well guys, the lady here is super tired as you can see, so we’re gonna head to bed now.” he said, waving goodbye with his free hand.

You knew you couldn’t argue with him on this, so you just nodded and looked at the screen. “Bye, guys. Love you!”

“Bye!”

He reached for your phone to end the live, making a silly face at the camera before shutting it off. Then—without letting go of your hand—he put the guitar back in its place as best he could.

“Alright, baby. Let’s go sleep, yeah?” he said, standing up and gently tugging your hand to lead you toward the bunks.

The beds on the bus were pretty small, so sleeping together was nearly impossible. Malachi knew that—he’d tried more than three times and failed each one.

Standing in front of your bunk, he turned you around and leaned his forehead against yours, bending slightly to match your height.

“Hi.” you said, gazing into his eyes with a smile.

He smiled like a kid opening a new present. “Hi, my baby.” He placed both hands on your cheeks, gently caressing them. “Why don’t you go to sleep, huh? You did a lot today, and I can see in your eyes you’re about to pass out on me any second.”

“I’m not, Kai.” you said with a grin, wrapping your arms around his neck and playing with his freshly cut hair.

Without thinking twice, you pulled him in. Malachi kissed you immediately—just like he did every night before bed. It was a kiss full of love, affection, and need.

He placed his hands on your waist, pulling you closer like he never wanted to let you go.

“Do I really gotta see this every night?” Mk groaned, though he was clearly happy for you both.

You and Malachi laughed, pulling apart just slightly—though your hands stayed exactly where they were.

“Can’t say I’m sorry, man,” Malachi replied, knowing you wouldn’t say anything out of embarrassment.

“Yeah, whatever.”

[ribbaton]

Beat after beat pt 2.

Malachi Barton x fem!reader. word count: 2.7k pt1.

synopsis: Time passed and finally you could tell your feelings to Malachi, or that’s what could’ve happened if you two weren’t such stupid teenagers with messy feelings. But what could be better than a love confession in the rain?

warnings: Brothers best friend trope. Angst and fluff. Pet names. Use of y/n. Cursing. Stupid teenagers. A lot of cliches. I’m sure there could be some mistakes, i’m so sorry.

a/n: Hi!! so this is part two of this fic Beat after beat. Hope you like it even though it’s super cliche, and let me repeat, they’re such stupid teenagers but they love each other okey?🫰🏼

Hours slipped by as you stayed in the kitchen, finishing the cookies while Harry Styles played softly in the background. You tried not to cry again—but the ache in your chest made it hard.

Meanwhile, Malachi wrestled with his feelings. Every part of him screamed to break his promise and run back to you. To kiss you the way he’d been aching to—without restraint.

But he’d made a promise. To give you space tonight. And he couldn’t break it.

So he waited. Even though it felt like torture.

He kept glancing at the clock, silently counting down the minutes until he could see you again.

You were in the backyard, feet dipped into the pool, staring up at the stars. Night had finally fallen, and you were waiting—hoping Malachi would show up so you could talk. When you heard the door creak open, you smiled, expecting him.

But when you turned, it was your brother—with Malachi trailing behind.

“Hey, y/n. After hours of convincing, I think I finally got Malachi to agree to hit a party tonight. You in?” your brother grinned.

You didn’t answer. You just frowned at Malachi.

His heart lurched at the sight of you—alone, glowing under the moonlight, looking like the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

He wanted to close the distance, wrap you in his arms, and tell your brother, “Forget the party. I’m staying here—with her.”

Instead, he forced a smirk.

“Yeah, I’m in,” he said, voice casual but hollow. “Could use a party tonight.”

Your frown deepened. He’d seen you crying earlier, and now he just wanted to go to some stupid party?

“Are you serious?” you asked, eyes flicking to the sky, trying to mask your emotions so your brother wouldn’t catch on.

“Why not?” Malachi replied, voice light—but his eyes locked onto yours, intense and burning.

Your brother stepped forward slowly trying to get you to agree. “Parties are fun. Loud music… people everywhere… easy to forget things.”

He stopped and Malachi stepped in.

“Hard to think about them.”

His gaze held yours—heavy with meaning. He wasn’t talking about the party. You knew it. And god, he knew you knew.

“Okay, if you’re going, get ready. We’ll wait in the living room,” your brother said before heading inside.

But Malachi didn’t move.

The second your brother disappeared, Malachi dropped the act.

He stepped toward you—quiet, deliberate—his eyes never leaving yours. The smirk was gone. Replaced by something raw. Real.

“You think I care about some dumb party?” he whispered, voice rough. “I’m only going because I can’t stay here with you right now and not do something stupid.”

A beat.

“Like kiss you in front of him.” He crouched down slowly, bringing himself to your level. “Look at me, y/n.”

You stood up without meeting his eyes and started walking toward the door. But just as your hand reached for the handle, he grabbed it.

The moment he felt you pulling away, Malachi acted on instinct.

He took your hand—firm, insistent, but gentle enough to let you go if you wanted to. But god, he hoped you wouldn’t.

“Don’t run away,” he said softly, voice low. “I’ve been waiting hours to talk to you. Please, princess. Look at me.”

“Malachi, I have to get ready. I’m going to a party with my brother and his best friend,” you said, looking at him. The words felt heavier than you expected. It had been a long time since you called him by his full name.

He froze.

The way you said “Malachi” hit him like a punch to the chest. Cold. Distant. Wrong.

From anyone else, it was just a name. But from you… it felt personal. Intimate.

And he hated the way you said “his best friend.”

He let go of your hand slowly, then stood to face you.

“Yeah,” he said quietly, jaw tight. “You’re going with your brother and his best friend.”

A beat.

Then he stepped closer—so close his breath brushed your cheek. “But don’t forget who’s been waiting for you under every one of those stupid nicknames. Who remembers how you take your coffee. How you bite your lip when I tease you.”

He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes—dark, intense.

“Don’t pretend it’s just Malachi the best friend going tonight. Because we both know… it’s me.”

You looked into his eyes—so different now. Not like earlier.

Was this really worth it?

“Fuck this,” you muttered, brushing past him, shoulder grazing his as you walked toward the door.

He didn’t stop you.

But the second your shoulder touched his—light, angry, charged—Malachi closed his eyes like it physically hurt.

And when he opened them again, the party didn’t matter. The world outside didn’t matter.

Only you.

He watched you walk away, jaw clenched so tight it ached. Every step you took felt like a knife twisting in his chest.

“Fuck this?” he whispered to himself as the door shut behind you.

Then he dragged both hands through his hair and let out a low curse.

“Yeah… maybe it’s not worth it. But I don’t know how to stop wanting you anyway.”

You got ready, trying not to cry. You slipped into a sleek black bodysuit, a shimmering silver skirt, and a leather jacket. Your makeup was flawless. You looked stunning—even though you didn’t want to go out.

You walked into the living room. Your brother was there, along with Malachi and two of his friends—Jacob and Sam.

You glanced at Malachi. His jaw was tight. His eyes unreadable. You could tell he was mad. Maybe even pissed.

“We can go now,” you said.

Malachi’s jaw clenched harder. Every muscle in his body was tense. You looked even more beautiful than usual—and somehow, that made it worse.

He wasn’t angry at you. Not really.

He was angry at fate. At himself for caring so much, for wanting you even when it hurt. And most of all, for knowing he couldn’t stop looking at you.

In the car, you sat between Jacob and Malachi. You laughed and joked with Jacob while Malachi stared silently out the window.

“What’s up with Malachi? Why’s he so quiet?” your brother asked from the driver’s seat.

Malachi’s jaw ticked. You were right beside him—so close it hurt. He could hear your laughter, your voice, your joy.

He wanted to scream, because your little sister it’s breaking my damn heart.

Instead, he just shrugged. “I’m just tired, man… didn’t sleep well.”

At the party, you went straight to your friends. Jacob stayed unusually close—something you’d never seen before.

You told one of your friends about the situation with Malachi to which she just said, “Girl, drink and have fun. That’s what you need.”

So you did.

You drank—even though you rarely did—and started chatting with Jacob. He was kinda cute, but deep down, you just wanted to talk to Malachi. Even if your ego wouldn’t let you admit it.

The alcohol started to kick in. You laughed louder than you meant to. Your skin buzzed—not just from the drink, but from the energy of the party… and maybe from knowing he was watching.

Because he was.

You didn’t have to look. You could feel Malachi’s eyes on you. Burning into your back every time Jacob leaned in too close or when you laughed at something he said.

And then—like clockwork—he was there.

Malachi cut through the crowd like a storm. Jaw set and eyes dark. He didn’t say anything at first, just stood beside you like a silent claim.

Then he leaned in, voice brushing your ear. “Having fun?”

His tone? Low. Dangerous. Jealous as hell.

And god… it made you smile. A little too tipsy. A little too bold.

You turned toward him and whispered. “Yeah, actually,” you lied, smiling close enough for him to hear over the music.

“Lying doesn’t suit you, princess,” he murmured, voice rough against the beat.

His eyes flicked to the guy you were talking to—still lingering awkwardly—then back to you. Closer now. So close your breath caught.

“You’re tipsy,” he said—not accusing, just stating. “And I know that smile. It’s fake.”

He leaned in even more, lips nearly brushing your ear.

“You don’t want him. You never did.” A pause. Then softer: “…and we both know it.” His hand found yours beneath the crowd—fingers lacing tight. “So stop pretending.”

“What would you know?” you snapped, voice sharp with hurt. “You didn’t even notice how much I was hurting hours ago. So what would you know about who I want to be with, huh?”

Damn.

The second the words left your mouth, Malachi tensed. They were sharp. Bitter. And they hit him like a sucker punch.

It hurt.

He clenched his jaw, trying to hide the sting. Trying not to let it show.

But he was never good at hiding his feelings to you.

He tightened his grip on your hand—firm, but never painful.

“I know you better than anyone,” he said, voice strained. “So stop lying to me. And stop lying to yourself. You think you’re the only one hurting, princess? Do you have any idea what it felt like watching you pretend I didn’t exist these past few hours?”

You snapped, voice trembling with emotion. “Well, I don’t know, Malachi. All I could think about was you telling me you wanted me—and then turning around and telling me to go to a party. So screw you, Malachi Barton.”

You stormed out of that house, heart pounding, fury burning through your veins. The rain outside was relentless, soaking you instantly as you walked the short distance to your home. But you didn’t care. You needed to get away.

The moment Malachi saw you disappear into the storm, he didn’t hesitate.

He immediately moved pushing past people, ignoring Jacob calling his name and forgetting the party entirely.

He burst through the front door and into the downpour—eyes scanning until he saw you.

You were drenched and Shivering, however still walking fast like you could outrun the pain.

“Y/n!”

His voice cut through the rain, but you didn’t stop, so he ran after you like his life depended on it. He caught up in seconds, grabbing your arm gently but firmly, spinning you around beneath a flickering streetlight.

“You don’t get to say that and walk away,” he shouted over the storm, soaked to the bone. “You don’t get to tell me ‘screw you’ like I haven’t been dying inside every second I had to pretend around your brother!”

His hands cupped your face, forcing your eyes to meet his. Rain poured down both of you, but neither of you flinched.

“I wanted that talk tonight more than anything. And yeah—I panicked when your brother asked me because I was scared as hell of what I might do if we were alone.”

He leaned in, forehead pressing against yours, breaths mingling in the cold night air.

“So go ahead… hate me. Walk home if it makes you feel stronger. But don’t stand there and tell me I don’t know how much this hurts. Because goddamn it, y/n…”

His voice cracked.

“I love you. Now live with that.”

Your eyes welled up instantly, heart aching so hard it felt like it might split open.

“Mal… don’t do this,” you whispered, trying to breathe through the tears.

“Don’t do what, y/n?” he asked, voice raw. His thumbs brushed the rain—or maybe your tears—from your cheeks. “Tell you the truth? Finally say it out loud?”

He stepped closer, closing every inch of space between you.

“I’m not taking it back. I love you. I’ve been trying not to for so long… but I can’t lie anymore.” His breath hitched. “And if that makes this harder… then fine. Let it be hard.”

His forehead pressed against yours again, rain cascading around you both.

“But don’t tell me to stop,” he whispered, voice breaking. “Because if I do… I don’t know how to be okay after.”

Tears streamed down your face, blurring your vision. “I don’t want to get my hopes up. To think we finally made it… and then watch it all fall apart. Mal, I can’t have that. I love you too much to risk it.”

Malachi’s breath caught.

The way you said it—I love you too much—broke through every wall he’d ever built.

He didn’t speak for a minute, he just pulled you into him—tight—arms wrapping around your trembling frame like he could shield you from everything. His heartbeat pounded against yours, fast and desperate while his chin was resting on your head.

“I know,” he whispered into your hair. “I know you’re scared. God, I’m scared too. But then don’t,” he said fiercely, voice cracking. “Don’t take it back. Don’t run. Don’t hide. We’re already doing this.”

He pulled back just enough to cup your face again, eyes wild and full of emotion.

“You think I’d say it if I wasn’t ready? If I didn’t mean to fight for this?” His thumb brushed your lip, rain dripping down both of you. “For you?” A shaky breath escaped him. “Let’s break every rule we have to, princess… just not each other.”

You closed your eyes, resting your forehead against his. The rain kept falling, cold and relentless, but you didn’t move and then you opened your eyes having him already looking at you. Both of you were so close you could even feel his breath but you didn’t pull away.

You stayed there—forehead to forehead, soaked to the skin, heart racing like it wanted to leap out of your chest.

Malachi wasn’t breathing. Not really. Too afraid that if he moved, this moment would vanish.

He just watched you, noticing the way your lashes fluttered when you looked up and found him closer than before… How your lips parted slightly when you exhaled, and the way raindrops traced down your cheeks…

God, you were perfect.

And he was ruined.

His hands slid from your face to your waist, pulling you closer—like he could fuse you together if he held you tight enough.

“Say something,” he whispered against the storm, voice raw. “Even if it’s just my name… just don’t leave me hanging like this.”

His eyes searched yours—brown locked on brown—and in them swam every fear, every hope… every us you’d both been too afraid to speak aloud.

You placed your hands on his cheeks, caressing them gently, forehead still pressed to his. “Mal… just kiss me. already”

He didn’t hesitate.

The moment those words left your lips—soft, trembling, certain—he was gone. His hands gripped your waist tighter as he closed the final breath of space between you, pressing his lips to yours in a kiss that was desperate and tender all at once. The rain poured around you, soaking through clothes and hair—but none of it mattered.

Not the cold.

Not the storm.

Only this.

His mouth moved against yours—slow at first, like he was savoring it… like he’d dreamed of it for years.

Then deeper. Hungrier.

As if trying to say everything he never could with words: I want you. I’ve always wanted you.

When he finally pulled back just enough to breathe—foreheads still touching—he whispered against your lips. “God… I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you.”

Eyes still closed. Heart racing.

“Don’t ever tell me screw you again.” he said like he needed to get it out.

“Shut up, Malachi,” you whispered with a smile—and kissed him again.

He laughed against your lips, breathless, the sound melting into a groan when you kissed him harder.

“Bossy and cute?” he muttered between kisses, hands sliding up your back beneath the soaked leather jacket. “Fucking lethal.”

But he didn’t argue.

Not when you were kissing him like that. He’d shut up a thousand times. So he gave in completely, pulling you flush against him, deepening the kiss like it was oxygen and he’d been drowning for years.

The rain kept falling.

The world kept spinning.

But here, under the flickering streetlight, drenched and breathles you were finally real.

[ribbaton]

Beat after beat.

Malachi Barton x fem!reader. word count: 2.1k. pt 2.

synopsis: Malachi Barton is your brothers best friend, and it had to stay that way, even when his heart is so full of you he can hardly call it his own.

warnings: brothers best friend trope. pet names. use of y/n. cursing. probably a part 2 (if you want it). stupid teenagers. i’m sure there could be some mistakes, i’m so sorry.

a/n: please don’t take this too seriously, for the sake of the plot i just made it a little bit too dramatic.

You had always loved baking in your kitchen while watching the sunset through the window, listening to your favorite singers. It was a way to clear your mind and even helped getting him it out of your head.

But it didn’t work much if the guy that left you thinking and overthinking that afternoon, appeared at the kitchen door with that unique cocky smile of his.

“Hi, mal. I didn’t know you where here.”

Malachi leaned against the counter and smiled at you. He watched as you were mixing the cookie batter and then crossed his arms across his chest.

“Yeah your brother invited me over. you making cookies, princess?”

Since you had memory Malachi had always been present, always there for Christmas, birthdays, parties and of course, the same school. And since you remembered, he had always had that nickname for you, because he said it reminded him of when you dressed up as a princess for Halloween as a kid.

You smiled slightly at the nickname however because it always made your stomach turn “yeah, want some?”

Malachi chuckled and walked over to you, he stopped behind you, towering over you as he watched you make the cookies. He rested his chin on your shoulder, his breath tickling your neck as he spoke.

“Is that even a question. If i want some? i obviously do, princess.”

You felt butterflies on my stomach but at the same time you frowned. Why would he always do this and then say you are just friends? You turned around and looked up at him without saying anything.

Malachi blinked, caught off guard by your silent stare. The playful smirk faded just a little, replaced with something softer—something real. He leaned back slightly, giving you space, but his eyes stayed locked on yours.

”Hey... what’s that look for?” he asked quietly, voice no longer teasing. “You always do that, like you’re mad at me for wanting to be close… but still letting me.”

A beat passed.

Then he smirked again—but it didn’t reach his eyes this time.

“Kai…” You were looking at his eyes with so much love just like he was, and deep inside it burned both of your hearts “You know what that look is for.”

He knew.

A pang of guilt flared in Malachi's chest, but he swallowed it down and replaced it with a charming smirk—the perfect cover. He leaned against the counter again, arms crossed, trying to seem casual as he looked down at you—as if your words hadn't hit him the way they did.

“Oh yeah? do tell, princess.” he tried joking. It was his way of trying to calm the air and it almost always worked.

Almost.

“Mal…” you shook my head “i’m not joking.” you said hurt, knowing that he couldn’t hide how your words hit him.

His smirk wavered. he was good at hiding his feelings, but sometimes you saw right through him. And right now he knew he wasn't fooling you. Malachi inhaled deeply, letting out a sigh. His eyes met yours, and he knew he couldn't keep up the act any longer.

He pushed away from the counter, moving closer. “You drive me crazy… you know that?” he murmured.

“Why would i know that?” you whispered trying to hide your hands on the pockets of his hoodie but he caught them in his before you could hide them completely, pulling them out gently.

“Because I see the way you look at me,” he whispered, thumbs brushing over your knuckles. “Like I'm something worth waiting for… even when I don't deserve it.”

His voice dropped lower, rough with emotion. “And it kills me, y/n… because I want to be that guy for you. But your brother—” He broke eye contact briefly before looking back, jaw tight.

“—I don't know how to want you and keep him as a friend at the same time.”

You bit the inside of your cheek trying to hide the pain. There it was, again. “Kai, i don’t want to mess up your friendship with my brothers because of this.”

Malachi's grip on your hands tightened slightly. His voice was softer now, almost pleading. “You think I want to mess things up too? I've been wrestling with this for so long, trying to find a solution that doesn't screw everything up—”

His eyes met yours again, and they held all the pain and confusion of someone stuck between wanting something he can't have and being loyal to someone else who means a lot to him.

“But god damn it, I can't ignore these feelings anymore.”

“Mal, you know the feelings I have for you. God i’m so sure you’ve known about them all this time, but I don’t want to take this good thing from my brother.” your eyes got watery and looked at the floor, you didn’t want him to see you this way “I—”

The sight of you getting teary-eyed, the sound of your voice breaking slightly, it broke something in him too. He gently lifted your chin, making you look up at him.

“Hey, look at me.” he said softly, the teasing tone in his voice replaced with genuine concern.

When you met his eye, his voice was low, intense. “You can't think like that. You're not taking anything away from your brother. You're not betraying him. Y/n, feelings aren't something you control.”

“So what do I do, huh? do I just ignored it? are we supposed to ignored all we have and could have?” one tear fell from thinking about staying away from him.

Malachi's hand moved to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away the tear that had slid down. He held your face gently, eyes locked with yours.

“No. We can't. I've tried for so long, princess. Ignoring it doesn't work. Trying to convince myself it's just friendship doesn't work…” he paused, looking conflicted for a moment. “Can I ask you something? and I need you to be honest with me.”

The distance between your faces was very small. You could feel his unsteady breathing, just like him. Malachi didn't take his eyes off you, and even if he tried, he knew he wouldn’t be able to.

“Anything, baby.” you whispered immediately regretting it. You had never called him that way before. It just slipped from your lips.

Malachi's breath hitched slightly at your use of the pet name. Hearing you call him baby sent a shockwave through him. His eyes flickered between yours, searching for any hint of uncertainty. But all he saw was love, genuine and unwavering feelings for him that had been there this whole time. He leaned in even closer, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Say it again. Call me that again.”

You smiled slightly and caressed his cheek “Tell me, baby.”

He swore his heart stopped for a second at the way you said it. The nickname, your touch, the look in your eyes—it was like a jolt of electricity in his veins.

He leaned into your touch, his hand moving to gently cup yours over his cheek. His eyes never leaving yours, he replied, his voice rougher than before, “God, I don't deserve you.”

He moved even closer, almost no space between you now. “Can I ask my question now?”

You sighed feeling some kind of weird nostalgia, like if that moment was something that would never happen again. Having him that close to you, looking at you that way. However, for some reason you tried to hide the sadness in your face and laughed nervously. “Yes, Mal, anything.”

He smiled slightly as the sound of your laugh reached him—even when you were sad, he loved your laughter. The boy let out a sigh, gathering his courage with his voice steady, but there was a hint of vulnerability beneath it.

“If we're being completely honest here, no holding back… then I need to know one thing.” he paused, locking eyes with you. Malachi took a breath, preparing himself. It was now or never.

“If we forget about your brother, about what everyone might think, about the risks, the complications—if we forget all that for just a moment… and only think about what we want…”

He paused, his thumb rubbing circles on your hand, his grip on yours tightening slightly. “Do you truly…” he hesitated, then continued, his voice softer than before. “Do you really want me?”

You were gonna answered yes, that you obviously would, but the sound of the stairs made you stay away from him and look somewhere else, seconds after your brother entered the kitchen.

“Hey, man. Why you taking so long?”

Malachi mentally cursed under his breath because the timing was terrible. He took a step back from you, putting space between you as your brother entered the kitchen. Then forced a casual tone into his voice, plastering on a familiar smirk.

"Just talking to y/n, man. Lost track of time," he replied, shoving his hands in his pockets.

While you listened to the voices of your brother and Malachi you felt like something was slowly breaking inside you. Would something really work between you when you knew your brother wouldn’t forgive you? The thought of forgetting whatever you had with Malachi made your eyes water, which you tried to hide and you knew that you would manage to hide it from your brother, but never from Malachi.

“What where you talking about?” my brother asked and went to the fridge looking for something to drink.

“Nothing important.” you said quickly, voice too light to be real.

Malachi watched you—really watched you—the way only he could. His eyes traced the shake in you hands, the way you refused to look up, how your lip trembled just once before you bit it still.

And even with your brother standing right there, laughing as he grabbed a soda from the fridge... Malachi didn’t look away from you.

He took one small step forward —not enough for anyone else to notice— and gave you that look.

The one that said: We’re not done. The one that made your heart pound like it knew something no one else did.

Then, quietly —almost under his breath so only I could hear— he whispered:

“Later.”

A tear finally fell down your cheek while you heard your brother say “well let’s go” and seconds after he was gone, expecting Malachi to follow him.

Malachi's eyes flicked between you and your brother, then back to you. He could see the tear falling down your face, his heart aching at the sight. He wanted to reach out, to comfort you, to pull you into his arms and not let you go but your brother was waiting, expecting him to leave with him.

And so, even though it near killed him, Malachi took a step back, glancing at the door his friend had left through.

“I'll catch up.” he said quietly.

“You have to go.” you said without looking at him, only at the cookie dough.

He heard the pain in your voice, even when you were trying to hide it. The boy wanted to protest, to stay and talk, to fix this, to make you look at him, but there was no more time, so he let out a sigh, knowing you were right.

“Okay. But we're not done with this conversation, he said quietly. “We'll talk later, princess. We need to talk later.”

You had always hated how you couldn’t hold back your tears, and that red color that appeared on your cheeks when you cried. Especially at times like this, where crying in front of someone was the last thing you wanted. God, even your eyes got all red just because of some tears.

And one look at your red eyes, and Malachi’s chest tightened. Now he didn’t care about the time, the place, or who might walk in. he stepped forward—fast—and gently cupped your face with one hand.

“Don’t cry.” he whispered, brushing his thumb under your eye. “I hate when you cry.”

A beat passed. Then he leaned in just enough to press a soft kiss to your forehead—brief, tender—but full of everything he couldn’t say out loud.

Then he pulled back, voice low and raw:

“Tonight. We talk tonight.”

And before you could respond—he turned and walked away. Leaving behind only the warmth of his touch… and a promise hanging in the air between you both. You just closed your eyes still feeling his kiss on your forehead like it burned.

find part 2 here!