It had been a few months since [Y/N] had met the actors for the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. Since she was taking college classes in photography, she took a lot of promotional photos for when Bohemian Rhapsody would be released and when Brian Singer allowed her to post the photos. Over that time, [Y/N] had gotten very close to the actors, especially Joe. The two shared a lot of the same humor. They were currently on break from filming the scene where Freddie gets a call about the band and the EMI records. [Y/N] and Joe were sitting next to each other on the couch, looking through some silly photos she had taken with her and the cast. She chuckled softly when she found one she had taken with Joe. [Y/N] was pretending to kiss his cheek, while Joe had a shocked look on his face.
She could feel Joe's eyes on her. She looked over and smiled slightly.
"What?" She asked, her cheeks flushing lightly. Joe smiled softly.
"Nothing. I just think you're very pretty." He said. They had a running theme with each other where they would playfully flirt with each other. It was getting harder and harder for [Y/N] to take the comments he sent her way playfully because she realized, after the few months that she had hung out with the cast, she had developed feelings for the child actor of Jurassic World. [Y/N] smiled and tilted her head slightly.
"I think you’re very pretty to.” She said. Joe smiled slightly, making her smile as well. She stood up, stretching her limbs and groaning when her limbs popped. She turned and looked at Joe. “I’m going to go and get some snacks before you have to go back to filming. Want anything?” She asked. Joe smiled and shook his head.
“Nah. I’m good, thanks.” Joe said. [Y/N] smiled and nodded, walking away to the snack bar. Joe smiled, a love sick look on his face. The couch dipped as John sat next to Joe, the older man letting out a sigh as he sat down. John looked at the man who played him in the movie.
“You have my blessing,” John said. Joe looked at the older man in confusion.
“To do what?” He asked. John chuckled.
“You have my permission to take my granddaughter out on a date. You’re a good man, Joe. I can tell how crazy the both of you are for each other. Just promise me you’ll take care of her. The last thing I want is for her to get hurt.” John said. Joe smiled. He turned and faced John.
“You have my word that I will love and look after your granddaughter.” Joe said. John smiled and held out his hand. Joe shook it. “Thank you.” He said. He quickly got up and raced off to find you. You were talking to Lucy, the both of you laughing at something. Lucy smiled when she saw Joe walking up to you. Joe had talked to the group about his crush on you and they had all given him the same advice. Just tell her. Joe tapped you on the shoulder, making you turn around.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?” Joe asked. Lucy excused herself and walked away. You smiled and nodded. Joe took a deep breath. “Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a while, and your Grandpa has just given me his blessing, so I’m taking a chance and I’m asking you, [Y/N] [M/N] Deacon, would you allow me to take you on a date?” He asked. You stood there for a moment. Then a smile crossed your face.
“It’s kind of weird hearing you asking me out on a date while you look like my Grandad,” you said, earning a laugh from the both of you. “And I would love to go on a date with you, Joseph Francis Mazzello.” You said. Joe smiled.
“Really?” He asked. You smiled and nodded.
“Yes!” You said, laughing. Joe smiled.
“Okay, um, are you free this weekend?” He asked. You smiled and nodded.
“Yup.”
“Okay, then I’ll pick you up at, let’s say, 8 am?” He asked. You smiled and nodded.
“8 it is.” You said. The bell rang for letting the actors know that it was time to start filming again. Joe was extremely excited for the date on Saturday with you.
The tale of Robin and Gale Hood; Ben Hardy x reader Chap. 1
*Author’s note*
Okay so firs the gif has NOTHING to do with the story, that was just the 1st gif I saw out of the borhap gifs that was displayed. So this came after the success of my Disney Aladdin AU fic so I decided to do a Robin Hood fic, so as a little cast list for you all here’s what I’ve got. I’ll also update the cast list as each new character is introduced so that none of you get lost. Hope you all enjoy this little AU fic starring our beloved Borhap cast.
Also on a side note, any italics written like this signifies a change in narration where the character of Alan O’Dale speaks his own narration verses what I’ll be writing.
Robin Hood: Rami Malek
Little John: Joe Mazzello
Prince John: Paul Prenter
Sir Heston: voiced by Allen Leech
King Richard (mentioned): Roger Taylor.
Alan O’Dale: Freddie Mercury (think 1975 version of Freddie)
The legend of Robin Hood. Ahhh yes, that handsome rouge who robbed the rich to feed the poor, who led a band of Merry men and made their home in Sherwood Forest. But there is more to the tale than meets the eye, and more people were involved in his rise to fame and glory. Like me.
Oi I’m over here, the handsome black-haired devil with the harp. Yes hello there my darlings. The name’s Alan O’Dale, and I am a minstrel. That’s an early day folk singer, I go about parading songs from town to town, kingdom to kingdom about brave knights, fierce battles, and of course my favorite stories, love stories.
And do I have two of the best love stories to share with you lovely darlings. Thankfully it all takes place at the same time so I don’t need to run my mouth on for very long. Anyways let’s first open our tale up to two dashing young men walking through the forest.
Two of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. These two young men were known other than Robin Hood and Little John. Now it didn’t start it off that way at first, those two chuckleheads always kept crossing each other’s paths as children and constantly argued and fought over territory, women, you name it.
But when they reached their late teens, Robin was one day captured by the despicable, ugly, and revolting Sheriff of Nottingham. Fortunately with the help of an additional 3rd party, Robin was saved from the hangman’s noose and from then on, Robin and Little John were the best of friends. You don’t believe me, let me sing you a little something.
Tuning the harp, Freddie then begins to play an uplifting little tune as he begins to sing.
Robin Hood and Little John walkin' through the forest
Laughin' back and forth at what the other'ne has to say
Reminiscin', This-'n'-thattin' havin' such a good time
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day
Never ever thinkin' there was danger in the water
They were drinkin', they just guzzled it down
Never dreamin' that a schemin' sheriff and his posse
Was a-watchin' them an' gatherin' around
Robin Hood and Little John runnin' through the forest
Jumpin' fences, dodgin' trees an' tryin' to get away
Contemplatin' nothin' but escape an' fin'lly makin' it
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day
Deep in the forest on top of a tree there hid two young men in their mid to late-20’s. One was a pale white man with long shoulder length auburn brown hair. His eyes were a mixed brownish-green and he was a handsome young man.
The man beside him was around the same age, if not slightly older and had skin that almost seemed to be kissed by the sun. His eyes were an intense blue color that could almost hypnotize you and at the same time make you feel relaxed. His short jet black hair topped off his head.
Together the two of them wore a similar green and brown clothes. Similar to a ranger’s outfit. Fit to camouflage them within the forest terrain, but also enough layers to keep them warm from the elements be it rain, sleet, snow and hail.
The two young men watched as the Sheriff of Nottingham and his men gave up on the search after losing them and retreating back to the city. Once they fled the forest, the two men threw themselves back against the top of the tree branches and laughed their heads off.
“Ohh we sure showed those clowns who the real woodsmen are!” boasted Little John.
“Indeed we have Little John.” It was then Little John saw on top of his friend’s and boss’ famed yellow hat an arrow sticking right through it.
“I wouldn’t be too quick to boast my friend. Take a look at your hat. She’ll not be pleased to see that.” Robin picked his hat up and his eyes widened in surprise and he said as he took the arrow out and fiddled with the newly made hole in his hat.
“Hello. This one had my name on it didn’t it? They’re getting better you know.” He placed his hat back on top of his head. “You’ve got to admit it, they are getting better.”
“Yeah. And when that day comes the Sheriff will have a rope hanging around our necks.” Little John said gravely. He then mimed out a hanging as he proceeded to make a brief choking sound. “It’ll be hard to laugh hanging there Robin.”
“Ha! The Sheriff and his whole posse couldn’t lift you off the ground. En Garde!” he then flicked the arrow right at Little John which went through his own smaller green hat.
“Oi watch it you bastard that’s the only hat she made for me!” Little John exclaimed as he took his hat off the arrow.
“Oh come along my friend. If she can patch mine up a hundred times, she’ll patch yours up as well. At least she won’t kill you for it.” Robin said nonchalantly as he leaned up against the trunk of the tree.
“You know something Robin I’ve been thinking.”
“Thinking that’s a first.” Robin teased. Little John glared at his friend before saying.
“I’m serious here. Are we good guys or bad guys? I mean our famed mantra of robbing the rich to feed the poor.”
“‘Rob?’” Robin tsked. “That’s a naughty word we never rob. We just—sorta borrow a bit from those you can afford it.”
“Borrow?” Little John chuckled. “Then we truly are in deep debt.” Before Robin could say another word, from the distance the sound of trumpets rang out.
He climbed a few feet higher up the tree till he reached the very top of it. He could hear the whole ensemble of a band playing in the distance and he chuckled softly.
“Sounds like another collection day for the poor eh Johnny me boy?”
“Yeah. Sweet charity. So, what’s the plan this time my friend?” Robin slid down the trunk to meet back with Little John and together he laid out the plan.
Just a few miles along a dirt road, the royal ensemble was walking through the forest. The royal band played an up-tempo beat, walking behind them was the royal guard all dressed in their armor and holding their spears.
Some of the guards even carried a very large treasure chest which held the taxes throughout all of England. Then shortly behind the guards was the royal coach of pure gold, and inside it was the vile, selfish, arrogant, man-child that was Prince John, the younger half-brother of the great King Richard.
An Irish bastard’s son. Who claimed right to the throne of England after his mother who was Queen. He was inside his coach happily running his hands through all the gold he had collected from the people as he boastfully cheered.
“Taxes! Taxes! Beautiful, lovely taxes!”
“Sire. You have an absolutely skill for encouraging contributions from the poor.” His talking albino python that he had named Sir Heston. He had Heston ever since he found him as a egg abandoned in the woods. With the help of some magic from the faes, Prince John gave his pet human intelligence and the ability to speak. And once he gained the throne, he allowed his snake to be his right hand man.
“The coin a phrase, my dear advisor. Rob the poor to feed the rich. Am I right?” The two of them laughed. “Now tell me, what is the next stop Sir Heston?” Prince John asked as he held the crown of England in his hands. Heston slithered over to the map and he hummed with interest.
“Why, the next stop is Nottingham sire.”
“Oh! The richest plum of them all. Nottingham.” Heston held a large mirror in his coils and held it up as Prince John placed the crown on top of his head and admired himself in the mirror. The crown slid off down his face as Sir Heston spoke out.
“A perfect fit sire. Most becoming. You look regal, dignified, sincere, masterful, noble. Chival……”
“Now, now don’t. Don’t overdo it Heston.” Prince John scolded as he adjusted the crown to make it fit upon his head. “There. That does it. This crown gives me a feeling of power! Power!”
“And how well King Richard’s crown sits on your noble brow.”
“Yes indeed I—ah King Richard?!” Prince John first started off before snarling by the end. Heston gulped and was soon choked by his master as he proclaimed again “I told you to never mention my bastard of a brother’s name!”
“A mere slip of the forked tongue your majesty.” Heston apologized. “But remember we were in this plot together. After all it was your idea that I hypnotize him…..”
“Yes. And send him off on that ridiculous crusade. Ah-ha! Ah-ha!” Prince John laughed along.
“Much to the sorrow of the Queen Mother.”
“Yes! Mother.” Prince John sobbed. “Mother always did like Richard best.” He muttered angrily before proceeding to suck his thumb.
“Your highness, please don’t do that. If you don’t mind me saying so, it’s undignified for a King to suck his thumb.” Heston said to him. He then slithered up to Prince John and his eyes began to shimmer and glow as he said in a low hiss, “Hypnotism can rid of your psychosis….so…..easily…..” Prince John began to slowly relax but he quickly snapped out of it.
“None of that! None of that!” he shouted at his snake advisor.
“Well I was only trying to help.” Heston said annoyed.
“Help. Help indeed. Now, now one more stunt like that Heston, and you will be walking to Nottingham.”
“Snakes don’t walk they slither. So there.” Heston muttered angrily as he slithered back onto his tree-like pole and lay there pouting.
Racing through the woods putting on their disguises was Little John in the lead. He wore a long blood red gypsy dress that revealed his shoulders. Once he got into the dress, he took out a few rings and placed them on his finger as well some anklets, earrings, and he quickly tied a purple sash around his waist to finish off the look.
While behind him, Robin wore a long blue dress that was fit for an elderly woman and had a long black wig on. He placed a couple of earrings on his ears and had a bandana tied to his head.
As the two of them stopped behind a tree, they saw the royal band coming in as well as the guards and the coach which held Prince John inside.
“Well this is a letdown. It’s only a circus. A peanut operation.”
“Peanuts? Why you dunce that’s the royal coach. It’s Prince John himself.” Robin snapped as his friend.
“Prince John. Alright you and her might be crazy enough to actually rob royalty but I am not having it. I’m gone!”
“What? And miss this chance to perform before royalty?” Robin said as he stepped in front of Little John. Quickly placing his hands over Little John’s fake breasts before backing off and doing a grand twirl of his blue dress. Little John rolled his eyes as he sighed.
“Here he goes again.” They waited till the coach got closer before stepping out and waved their arms in the air trying to get the attention of the Prince.
“Oo-de-lally! Oo-de-lally! Fortune tellers!” Robin proclaimed masking his voice to sound like an elderly woman’s voice.
“Fortunes, forecasts, lucky charms!” Little John proclaimed making his voice go an octave higher to sound like a woman’s.
“Get the dose with your horoscope!” Robin called out again. Prince John pulled back the curtains hearing the proclamations of the two ‘women’.
“Fortune tellers, how exciting! Stop the coach.” He ordered the guards as the entire royal party stopped their marching.
“Sire, sire. They maybe bandits.” Sir Heston whispered to his master.
“Oh poppycock. Female bandits, what’s next? Rubbish.” Prince John scoffed. He turned back to the two ladies who bowed before him and he said. “My dear ladies, you have my permission to kiss the royal hands. Whichever you like.” Both Robin and Little John stared wide-eyed once they saw the size of the jeweled rings that rested along the prince’s fingers.
“Hmm. Oh how gracious. And generous of you your majesty.” Robin said as he lowered his head to kiss the Prince’s left hand while sneaking off a ring from his tall finger. Sir Heston who had seen the ring being taken whispered in Prince John’s ear.
“Sire! Did you see what…..”
“Stop! Stop hissing in my ear!” Prince John scolded as he rubbed his left ear. Little John kissed right over the four rings on the prince’s right hand, secretly taking the jewels right off their encasement. Heston began stammering in the Prince’s other ear which made the Prince proclaim and rub his other ear like he did his last one.
“Heston! You’ve hissed your last!” he took his python by the neck and slammed him into a basket before closing it and sitting on top of it. “Suspicious snake.” He hissed lowly.
“Masterfully done. Ehh your excellency. Now the fun can truly begin.” Robin tempted the Prince as he climbed into the coach with Prince John and closed the curtains. He turned the lanterns down low and said to him, “Now close your eyes and concentrate.”
Prince John closed his eyes as Robin continued to tell him to close them tighter and not to peek. He looked around the room until he found the pile of gold, he did a soft chuckle before chanting out.
“From the mists of time, I call forth ye spirits.” Outside the coach, Little John had a glass bowl tied to a string that was attached to a pole.
“Alright you little fireflies. Glow, glow.”
“We’re waiting!” Robin sung out. That’s when Little John sent the bowl inside and he could hear Robin gasp. “Look sire! Look!”
When the prince opened his eyes, he saw three floating spirits within a crystal ball. He was in pure awe as he said.
“Incredible. Floating spirits.” He went to touch the ball until he was slapped by Robin. He chuckled a soft witchy cackle as he said.
“Naughty, naughty. You mustn’t touch young man.”
“Well how dare you strike the royal hand I—”
“Shh, shh, shh. You’ll break the spell just gaze into the crystal ball.” Robin took the ball with the fireflies and set it down on the table between him and the prince. Robin then began chanting in an ancient Arabic tongue before letting out a gasp. “A face appears.”
The Prince immediately looks closer at the crystal ball intrigued.
“A crown sits on his noble brow.”
“A crown! Oo-de-lally how exciting!”
“His face is handsome, regal, majestic, loveable, a cuddly face.” From outside Little John heard all the comments Robin was laying on the Prince and could help but mime out a gag and roll his eyes. Especially when the Prince began agreeing with everything that was said about him.
Robin then went for the treasure while the Prince was in his own head. But as soon as he reached out his hand for the bag of gold, Heston who had found a weak spot on the basket poked his head out and actually struck out at Robin’s hand.
Biting his lip as he quickly retreated his hand to see it bleeding from the snake’s bite. He let out a pained groaned which got the attention of the prince.
“Now what?” he asked impatiently. Robin swallowed his pain and chuckled softly.
“I—I see your….illustrious name.”
“I know my name! Get on with it!” the Prince cried impatiently.
“Your name will go down, down, down in history of course!” Robin said as he struggled to take the bag of gold from Heston, who had it wrapped around his tail, but with a finally good tug, Robin managed to get the gold and send it towards Little John through the back curtains of the coach.
“Ahh! I knew it! I knew it! You hear that Heston!? Oh no you can’t he’s in the basket.” He then banged the side of the basket and said to his snake, “And-and-and don’t you forget it.”
Meanwhile outside, Little John slowly circled around the coach when he took notice of the solid gold hubcaps on the wheels of the coach.
“Hmm now that’s what I call pure gold hubcaps.” He looked around and stood in front of the back one and unscrewed it from the wheel and shoved it up the back of his dress. He then moved over to the front on and did the same thing. “Oo-de-lally the jackpot.” He muttered softly as he eyed the royal treasure.
However it was completely surrounded and carried by guards. Little John pondered for a bit but remembered a trick that he learned from a friend of his.
The one sure fire way to get a man’s attention away from their post.
He whistled out to the guards and when they turned and saw him, their mouths immediately dropped and their eyes widened. He slowly and seductively untied the purple sash from his waist and began to do a seductive dance.
Shimming his shoulders and swaying his hips back and forth. Little John was light on his feet as he leaped and hopped about like a graceful deer. He then skipped on over to the first guard who was just in awe.
Little John wrapped the purple sash around the guard’s neck pulling him in a little closer. Close enough to kiss him. But to tease him, he shoved the guard’s helmet over his face before retreating back and flaunted the guard, who was still hypnotized by Little John’s performance.
He twirled around before suddenly dropping down into a full split. The guards now began to hoot and holler as they applauded, dropping the treasure. Little John then went up to another guard and took his spear out of his hands and jammed it into the ground.
With the grace of a deer, Little John then began to spin and slid down the spear’s long pole before ending with a pose with his right leg high in the air and he winked at the guards who were now applauding and whistling.
“Ohh stop it. Stop it you boys are too much.” Little John spoke his woman voice.
“That was the best show we have ever seen.” Said one of the guards.
“Well gentleman. It was my pleasure to dance for you. But of course every bit of contribution helps. For you see I—oh I just can’t say it.”
“What is it?” asked another guard.
“No it’s—it’s too painful to speak about.” The guards feeling sympathetic for this beautiful woman all started speaking up and telling ‘her’ that they wanted to hear her story. “Well…..I wasn’t always like this. My husband was beating me, cheating me, then left me all alone with no money. That’s when I—I forced myself to flee even without a cent to my name. That’s when I found Ms. Olga, the elderly gypsy woman I came with. But even then we—we hardly get by with enough food for you see…..I found myself pregnant at the time I left.”
These men were falling for the story hook, line and sinker. It was then one of the guards took the treasure chest and slid it over to Little John.
“Please, take it all.” Little John gave the young guard a surprised look and he said.
“Oh no I couldn’t possibly take all this.”
“Please. My—my mum had to raise me on her own when my father left her. For you and your baby.”
“Ohh you sweet thing.” He stroked the side of the guard’s cheek and Little John dragged the royal chest away from the guards.
As he came around the corner of the carriage, he felt someone bump into him which knocked him over the chest. He turned around and saw Robin wearing Prince John’s royal cape and surrounded by a bunch of gold pieces that had fallen out of a bag that lay on the ground.
“Nice robes your majesty.” Little John teased, his normal accent finally coming out.
“And what of you, you vulgar young hussy. I heard all the wolf whistles and cheering. I could hardly keep the Prince under my hypnosis to swipe his clothes and gold.”
“Never mind that. Just gather the gold and then help me with this.” Robin and Little John then worked together to put as much gold pieces back in the bag as possible. Robin stuffed the bag into his dress then both he and Little John picked up the chess and quickly raced off.
Prince John who had woken up from his dazed state, saw the two gypsy women running away from the scene, the elderly woman wearing his robes. He looked down and saw that he was in his undergarments.
“ROBBED! I’VE BEEN ROBBED! HESTON! YOU’RE NEVER AROUND WHEN I NEED YOU!!” Heston slithered out of the basket and raised half his body length up and looked the prince up and down. “I’ve been robbed.” He choked out as he covered himself up.
“Of course you’ve been robbed!” Heston hissed. Far in the forest, Robin was gleefully chanting as he and Little John made their escape with the royal treasure.
“AFTER THEM YOU FOOLS!” Prince John proclaimed. The guards now realizing they had been tricked, immediately took off running. The carriage soon began to chase after Robin and Little John, unfortunately due to the missing hubcaps, the wheels began to pop off which made Prince John hop out of his carriage and fall straight into the mud.
Leaving him stranded in the middle of the forest trail alone with Heston. He sobbed as he pounding the ground whining like a child.
“I knew it. I knew this would happen. I tried to tell you but no, no you wouldn’t listen. You just have to—” when Heston realized that he had angered the Prince, he began stammering as he tried to warn the prince as he now held a very large mirror, “Seven years bad…..” he then had the mirror smashed onto his head. “Luck. That’s what that is. Besides, you just broke your mother’s mirror.”
“Ahhh! Mummy!” Prince John whined as he began to suck his thumb once again. He took it out of his mouth as he said solemnly, “I’ve got a dirty thumb.”
a/n : HIIII welcome back to my writing! I miss all of ya so much :-] the other day i was hit with this thought of just being ababie arpund joe so here's a hc about that. Also, i wanna thank y'all for sticking with me when i was unactive several days ago...it means a lot to me!
also, i'm Chloe! Figured i will reveal my name after a while. People call me coco or cookie sometimes, so...let's be friend, i guess?
anyway, enjoy this hc!! ♡
•••
so we all know about the virus, honestly i think i'm the latest person to write about this
but joe freaking mazzello 'course cannot stay sane that long without you, his 24/7 childhood best friend
so he asked you to move in with him when the whole quarantine thingy started
"Come on!!! You will have the world-famous, fanfastic dino-shaped pancakes by Chef La Mazzello every morning, (Y/N)."
that was his effort to persuade you
of course you said yes
"Fine, but it's only because of the pancakes."
no (Y/N) we ALL know it's because you're head over heels for him!!!
moving-in day
it's not the first time you've stayed at his house
but you were pretty nervous with the idea of living with him, everyday, him seeing you without any makeup, or anything
ESPECIALLY your habits of cleaning products...you tend to use baby shampoo and soaps
when you put your johnson baby wash in his bathroom, Joe frowned
"Whose baby is staying here?."
you stuttered, "uhh...it's weird, but, it's mine...dONT LAUGH OKAY JOE-"
too late
joe's dying on the floor
(((((bathroom floor))))
"(Y/N) yOU'RE AN ADULT."
you tickled him as an escape of your embarassment, feeling shy
"OKAY STOP STOP I'M SORRY!," he laughed
then ruffled your hair
"Even if you use dog shampoo, i'd still.."
you freezed
what's he going to say?!
joe took a moment before finishing his sentence
"....m-make yOU DINO-SHAPED PANCAKES! come on, (Y/L/N)! let's unpack your clothes after this."
then he went out of the bathroom
leaving you
red
and possibly close to having a sheer heart attack
grocery shopping with joe
on some days, joe (and you) is waAY to lazy to make efforts to eat
but at the same time you guys are hella hungry
so you guys order the classic chinese take-outs, or pizza maybe
but also in some days, you will go out grocery shopping with him and buy ingredients for dinner (with masks of course, wear your masks everyone!!!)
joe will grab cooking ingredients and other products
like milk
dairy-free milk because we all don't want joe screaming
anyways
Joe also grabs some chips
and snacks
then there's you grabbing baby snacks
gerber
happy baby
teethers cookies
all the good stuff
"Why..are you???????"
"Stop shaming my snacking behaviour!!! It's good okay,,," you said then running into another aisle
leaving mazzello
grinning
like that joe smile we all love
"Gosh, such a cutie..." he mumbled, then pushing the cart, following you
also he paid for the groceries even though you insisted to pay
ugh i love him
dinner time with joe
joe's not actually the worst italian chef
but he does need constant guiding and sometimes can be sloppy
you guys were cooking baked spaghetti that night, and thankfully it went okay
joe almost spilled the whole sauce from the pan but luckily you were there to stop him
so while waiting for the food to cook
joe decided to play some music off of his phone
and guess what he played
nope
not queen songs
BABY SHARK
the first verse came and you were laughing out loud
"Joe what the fuck???? What is thiiiis?."
joe is already bopping his head and throwing some dance moves
drop it like it's hoooooot-
"Aw come on baby (Y/L/N), bABY SHARK DOO DOO DO DO-"
so you joined him
AND YOU KNOW THE DANCE MOVES
yeah the clapping hands thingy
you guys were dancing so hard you both were sweating
Joe picked you up with his arms
you were a laughing mess and tried to get out of his grip when you both fell into his couch
you on top of him
and him under you
"....joe?"
for a moment you thought joe is going to kiss you
and he reached you cheek
DING!
the oven dings
joe shuffled and you quickly stood up
"I'll check it!," you said while running to the kitchen
SIS your heart was POUNDING because was he going to kiss you????
joe was also a blushing mess
"mazzello you dumb...," he whispered while rubbing his face
then chased you into the kitchen
dinner went a bit awkward
because you both are dumb dorks
but it went over and you guys washes dishes together then got ready for bed
bedtime!!!!
Joe does have a guest room in his house
but he said that the room is currently unavailable
under the following reasons of
"it's messy," and "it has a lot of stuff in it!." "my room's more spacious."
he really just want to have you with him in his bed (Y/N) come on!!!!
so you agreed to sleep with him
because of course you also can't wait to cuddle with him
ehm okay moving on so
you changed into your pajama
and it has gudetama patterns
joe chuckled when he saw you after changing your clothes
"I swear (Y/N), you're a baby trapped in an adult's body."
you pull out your tongue playfully then joined him
joe was scrolling his instagram, and you were checking out your emails
joe then pulled you closer to him
"You're cold, you need more warmth from me," he said, as an excuse
you smiled and rested your head on his shoulder
you did not realize it, but you were feeling sleepy and slowly you lulled off on his chest
joe waS SO hAPPY AND IS A BLUSHING MESS I TELL YOU
because this is exactly the thing he loved the most about you
the domestic side of you, your bare face and your sleepy figure
he turned off the lights as careful as possible
he don't want his baby to wake up
he cuddled you closer and realized
this is what he wanted to see before he's off to the clouds
so let's all hope the man will gain the courage to ask you out
Happy new year everyone! Here’s some Ben Hardy fluff, bc that man has stolen my heart. This might not be my best work, but I really wanted to work out this idea, plz be nice xoxo
[requests here] [Masterlist]
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5 hours till midnight
You smiled as you looked in the mirror. You finished your makeup with a red lipstick and took a second to admire your work. Your eyeshadow was sparkly and your liner sharp. It was new years eve and you were about to head out to a party that one of your friends was hosting. You were wearing a cute jumpsuit covered in glitters, black sneakers and a black belt around your waist. Your phone buzzed and you saw it was a text from your best friend Lucy.
Hey! We’re on our way!
You quickly typed your reply, saying you were headed to the party as well.
You grabbed your coat and purse and closed the door of your apartment behind you. The cold breeze made you put your coat high up. Small foggy clouds were formed by your warm breath. You quickened your pace to get a bit warmer.
You were excited to see your friends again. It had been a while since all of you had been together. Joe was the one to suggest you’d celebrate new years eve together and everyone agreed with excitement. So he went ahead and rented a big house so everyone could go there and stay for the night. Earlier that day you had dropped off your night essentials, such as your toothbrush and your pyjamas. Gwil and Joe were already there to prepare everything. Joe was sat on the ground with a pile of garlands next to him, which he was trying to untangle and Gwil almost saw blue from the number of balloons he had blown up. You quickly came to the rescue and helped them with their preparations. After that, you went back home to get ready.
After ten minutes you arrived at the house. It was located near the centre of the city. Judging by the music coming from the house, the party had already started. You rang the bell and Joe opened the door for you.
‘Y/n!’ he exclaimed, excited to see you again.
‘Hi!’ you smiled as you put your coat on the coat rack. ‘You managed to get everything ready in time?’ you joked as you gave Joe a hug.
Joe laughed as he pulled away, ‘Well, it almost turned to shit after you left. We almost broke the glass table when Gwil tried to put up the last garlands.’
You looked at him in disbelieve, but you have known them long enough to know he wasn’t joking. You shook your head and chuckled. The two of you walked to the living room and you were greeted by Lucy and Rami.
Lucy let out a small squeal when she saw you. Your smile grew wide and you quickly made your way towards her.
‘You look amazing,’ Lucy said as she pulled you in her embrace.
‘Thanks! So do you, as usual,’ you winked and Lucy stuck out her tongue. You greeted Rami as well and chatted with the pair for a bit.
‘Hey Y/n!’ you heard behind you. You turned around and saw Gwil walking out of the kitchen.
‘Glad you didn’t demolish this entire house after I left,’ you said as you greeted him.
Gwil looked at Joe with a betrayed look in his eyes. Joe just shrugged, causing you to burst out in laughter.
You started chatting with Lucy, Rami and Gwil as Joe welcomed more people to the party.
4 hours till midnight
It started to get more crowded, but there was someone still missing. Lucy spotted you looking around and she grabbed your hand and walked away from the others.
‘Where’re you going?’ Rami asked slightly confused.
‘Oh, just some girl time!’ Lucy smiled as she dragged you towards the kitchen. You sat on the counter as Lucy got the two of you another drink.
‘What’s up?’ you asked. She handed you your glass and you took a sip, carefully eying Lucy.
She looked at you with a smirk, ‘Could ask you the same thing.’
‘Wha-’ you started, but then you stopped. The look on Lucy’s face said enough.
‘Oh, stop it,’ you fought the urge to smile and quickly took another sip of your drink. She was, of course, talking about Ben.
Ben was one of your closest friends. You didn’t see each other often due to his busy schedule as an actor, but that only made your friendship more special. You’d facetime often and when he was in town he always came to see you. You had started to develop feelings for the man that went beyond friendship, and it made you terrified. Not ever did you want to lose what the two of you shared. Lucy had quickly realized what was going on and often teased you about it. You made her swear not to tell anyone, because god knows what would happen if any of the boys found out.
‘He texted he would be a bit later,’ Lucy told you, bringing you back to reality.
‘Oh,’ was all you said.
‘You know what would be a really good new years resolution?’ Lucy sat beside you on the counter.
You looked at her and shrugged.
‘Telling Ben how you really feel about him,’ she whispered.
‘Oh no, nope, not doing that,’ you immediately shook your head.
Lucy giggled, ‘Come one, Y/n. Anyone can see something is going on between you. You guys are like lovesick puppies.’
‘Luc, Ben doesn’t feel about me that way,’ you sighed, looking at the half-empty cup in your hands
‘How do you know?’
‘I just do,’ you said.
‘Well, who knows what the new year has in store for you,’ Lucy nudged your shoulder, making you smile.
A few seconds later, your ‘girl time’ was interrupted by Gwil.
‘Uh Y/n, there’s someone who wants to see you, and he’s very urgent about it,’ he weirdly wiggled his eyebrows.
You felt your heartbeat started to quicken and a sight blush rose to your cheeks. You heard Lucy holding in her giggles and you hopped off the counter and basically sprinted to the living room. Your eyes scanned the room and they finally landed on Ben. He spotted you in the door opening and showed that beautiful smile of his. He opened his arms and you jumped into them without hesitation. He closed his arms around you and lifted you off the ground for a second. It had been a while since you had seen him, and it felt so good to be in his arms again.
‘Hi’ you breathed, still in his embrace.
He smiled into your hair as he tightened the hug, ‘Hey.’
You pulled back and looked into those bright green eyes that you had missed so much.
‘It’s so good to see you again,’ he said as his eyes bore into yours.
‘You too,’ you felt your cheeks grow hotter by the second. ‘Glad you could make it.’
From the corner of your eyes, you saw Lucy looking at you with a huge smirk on her face. Ben saw her too and greeted her, ‘Lucy, how are you?’
‘Good! Heard you’ve been busy filming?’ Lucy answered and Ben nodded, telling more about his upcoming project.
2 hours till midnight
You had been talking and laughing with your friends for the past hours. These were moments you really treasured. It didn’t happen often that all of you could spend time together. In the meantime, Gwil had brought out some board games and you were now fanatically playing a game of monopoly.
‘You gotta pay rent!’ Joe yelled as he spotted Gwil’s pawn on one of his streets.
‘You’re too late! It’s already Rami’s turn!’ Gwil yelled back. Rami tried to shush them, without any success.
Lucy, who sat next to you, leaned towards to as you were watching the chaos with mini houses and fake money in front of you.
‘Y/n,’ Lucy whispered discreetly, gaining your attention.
‘Hmm?’
‘Ben is staring at you.’
You turned your head to look at her. ‘No, he’s not.’
‘Look for yourself then,’ she smirked.
You narrowed your eyes at her, not sure whether she was messing with you or not. You looked back at the board and casually looked up to Ben, who sat across the table. Your eyes caught his and for a split second, your heart stood still. He didn’t look away, he just sent you a soft smile. You felt your cheeks heat up again as you smiled back. Ben looked away when rami handed him the dices.
15 minutes till midnight
‘Okay guys,’ Joe stood up from his chair, ‘I’m gonna find someone to give a new year's kiss when the clock strikes midnight,’ he announced dramatically. Seconds later he started to giggle uncontrollably, probably caused by the amount of liquor he had already consumed. ‘You guys should do the same!’
‘Jesus Joe, how drunk are you?’ Gwil laughed. Joe waved his comment away and left the table, off to find his new year’s kiss.
‘I’m gonna get the champagne ready!’ Rami said. Lucy joined him and Gwil and Ben went to get another drink, leaving you alone at the table. You sighed. You wished you had Joe’s confidence at the moment, but on the other hand, you were glad you didn’t. Your mind went back to what Lucy had told you. What if there was a chance Ben had feelings for you too? Wouldn’t you have noticed?
You stood up and walked upstairs, in need of some fresh air.
7 minutes till midnight
‘Have any of you seen Y/n?’ Ben asked. He came back from the kitchen, but couldn’t seem to find you anywhere in the living room.
‘Maybe she went to the toilet?’ Gwil shrugged as he handed some people champagne glasses. Ben nodded as he watched everyone get ready for the countdown. After some time, Y/n still was nowhere to be seen.
‘I’ll go look for her,’ Ben said as he put his glass down.
‘You sure? It’s almost midnight,’ Gwil said. ‘I’m sure she’ll be here any second.’
‘Yeah, I’ll be right back,’ Ben nodded as he quickly looked in the kitchen and the hallway, but you weren’t there either. Ben quickly made his way upstairs as he looked at his watch.
3 minutes till midnight
You took a deep breath as you enjoyed the fresh air. It helped to clear your mind a bit. You were lost inside your own head, until a voice made you jump.
‘There you are.’
You turned around to see Ben behind you. He walked across the balcony and stood next to you. ‘It’s almost midnight,’ he softly said.
‘I know,’ you nodded.
‘Don’t you wanna go look for someone to give a new year’s kiss?’ he showed a small smile as he looked at you.
You chuckled, ‘If I had more to drink, maybe.’
You both looked to the sky in a comfortable silence. There were already some fireworks going off, and faint music was heard from downstairs.
1 minute till midnight
‘Hey, Y/n,’ Ben broke the silence.
You looked at him, practically drowning in his eyes.
‘Yeah?’
Ben opened his mouth to say something, but it looked like he couldn’t find the words.
‘What is it?’ you asked softly.
Ben exhaled sharply and shook his head.
In the background, you heard the people downstairs making a lot of noise. They started to count down.
10
9
He just looked at you. There was something in his eyes, but you couldn’t quite figure out what it was.
8
‘I just,’ he started his sentence, but he never finished it.
7
His eyes went from your eyes to your lips and it felt like everything around you stood still.
6
He slowly closed the space between you until your noses were touching.
5
4
He looked into your eyes once more before pressing his lips against yours. You sighed into the kiss. You hand quickly sneaked around his neck and into his hair. His soft lips moved perfectly against yours as he deepened the kiss. Ben’s hands were on your waist, pulling you even closer to him. The fireworks outside started to go off, but all you could focus on was Ben. You smiled against his lips. You felt like your heart was beating out of your chest from happiness. You slowly pulled away and opened your eyes to look at him. Ben was smiling like an idiot. You brought your thumb to his lips to wipe away some red lipstick. You giggled as he pushed a piece of hair behind your ear.
Last Christmas - Joe Mazzello x Reader (Holiday Series!)
Joe used to love Christmas.
It was his favourite time of the year; usually spent with his family and friends drinking and eating way too much.
But truth be told, he was dreading Christmas this year. Because one very important person was missing from his life.
And it was all his fault.
The whole sad story began the last year. Well…really 20 years ago, but shit hit the fan last December.
You and Joe had met your first day of college. You’d been distracted, trying to fish your phone out of the bottom of your over-filled bag when you’d collided with an equally distracted ginger who’d been attempting to find the right building for his afternoon class. The map and all your books were sent crashing onto the concrete, which was quickly followed by furious apologies from both bruised parties. After embarrassed introductions you’d realised you were both heading to the same Intro to Literature Class and decided to walk there together (Joe was extra relieved as you’d been to that building that morning and he could follow your lead). And you were very kind, only teasing him for 5 minutes about him having been walking away from the Arts building. With a furious blush colouring his cheeks, he checked the map again only to groan loudly when he realised he’d been holding it upside down.
And with that, you found your best friend.
And that was how it stayed for the next 2 decades. The two of you were utterly inseparable, never going more than 2 days without speaking in-spite of his horrendous schedule. But it was always made easier with your job being an Associate Professor at NYU and your semester breaks were always spent jetting off to wherever Joe was in the world. He was always apologising and offering to pay for your airfare but you constantly refused, saying that you really didn’t mind.
And that wasn’t a lie – wherever Joe was, that was where you wanted to be.
Because you were hopelessly, completely and utterly in love with him. It took you an embarrassingly long time to figure it out, but in your final year at USC together you’d seen him hooking up with a girl from his Screenwriting class on the sofa when you came home early from your Shakespeare lecture. You’d immediately ducked back out into the hall, red hot tears stinging your eyes before it clicked in your brain. There wasn’t anything you wouldn’t give to be that girl. But the fear of losing your best friend had you locking those feelings away in the deepest, darkest corner of your heart, concealing it from the world – and most particularly Joe. Of course a few people figured it out over the years; your mum, your siblings and your best friend Kate. But they were kind enough to keep it to themselves. Because to them, Joe was the dumbest man alive for not seeing what was right under his nose all along.
It was Christmas 2018 when everything changed. Joe was home for the holidays for the first time in three years and he was celebrating with a blow-out party at his Brooklyn apartment. Every one of his friends was invited; his other actor friends, college mates and of course his best friends from Bohemian Rhapsody. You’d been so relieved when you’d got the invitation 2 weeks ago. There was something you’d been desperate to tell your best friend – but it was definitely an ‘in person’ revelation and you’d been pre-occupied visiting your extended family before the holiday season kicked off.
So. There you were. Standing by the large living room windows of Joe’s apartment with a glass of champagne clutched tightly in your hand as you watched the thick flakes of snow drift down to the power-covered street below.
“What’s got you looking so thoughtful over here?” a deep voice asked from over your shoulder. Looking into the dark glass you could see a familiar mop of blonde curls and turned to smile at Ben.
There was an unlit cigarette dangling loosely between his lips and he was rugged up in his coat, scarf and beanie. Obviously about to head outside to abide by Joe’s ‘no smoking in the apartment’ rule.
“I’m trying to work up the courage to tell Joe” you murmured. Ben immediately gave you a sympathetic nod, taking the cigarette from between his lips to fiddle with it aimlessly.
“God, I don’t even know how you’re going to do that”
“Me neither,” you sighed, “but it has to be done”
“Good luck” he said with a half-hearted smile. “I’d do it now if I were you. If he plays another round of beer pong you can tell him but he’ll forget by morning”
A loud chorus of cheers punched through the music; Joe’s team had evidently just won the game as you could distinctly hear him calling Sebastian “a little bitch”.
“Go before you lose your nerve” were Ben’s parting words of wisdom before opening the window and climbing out onto the snowy fire escape.
You took a steadying breath, willing the fingers clutching your glass to stop shaking. Before you could change your mind you crossed the small living room, downing the rest of your drink as you went.
“Joe, I need to talk to you” your voice barely carried over Mariah Carey’s ‘Santa Baby’ that was pouring out of the speakers – but your best friend still heard you. When he turned you could see the slight redness discolouring his hazel eyes, but he was still relatively conscious so you’d have to settle for that.
“Excuse me, gentlemen” Joe announced to his friends, who all gave him varying heckles in response, “but my petal needs me”
Normally that nickname would have turned you into a giggling mess, but that night it shot a white hot stab of guilt through your chest.
Joe pulled you into the deserted hallway, the crooning of Mariah deadened slightly. “What’s up, petal? This better be important to interrupt such a stellar beer pong tournament” he teased, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his dark jeans.
“I…I” you stammered, heat rising in your cheeks. God this was so hard. Joe raised his eyebrows in a silent ‘go on’ gesture and the words spilt out of your mouth. “I got a job offer”
“That’s great!” he grinned after a slightly stunned silence. “Don’t know why that was so-”
“At the University of St Andrews” you finished. Joe paused, his arms half raised to give you a celebratory hug.
“As in-”
“The UK. Yeah”
The Christmas carols and excited cries of Joe’s friends fell away, leaving you and your best friend for more than half of your life in silence.
“Have you accepted it?” he asked after a while, confusion knitting his eyebrows together. You shook your head, your gaze falling to the toes of your black boots.
“Do…do you want to go?”
“I think so” was your meek reply. A soft scoff escaped Joe’s lips which had your head snapping up. “What?”
“I’m sorry, petal, but I just don’t buy it” he shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest before leaning against the corridor wall. “Your whole life is here. Why would you want to leave that?”
“My ‘whole life’?” you questioned, years of resentment suddenly boiling like magma inside your stomach. “My family isn’t here. Kate isn’t here – she’s in Scotland. The only things I have in New York are my job and you”
“Then stay for me” he grinned, but there was something akin to fear clouding his eyes.
“I can’t do that, Joe. Not anymore” you sighed, the decades of unrequited love crushing down on your shoulders. “I can’t spend the rest of my life following after you with the sadistic hope that one day you’ll finally see how goddamned in love with you I am”
There it was.
The dirty little secret that had been weighing on your heart for 20 years. Fear gripped every cell of your body, freezing you to the carpet. You waited for him to laugh. Or yell. Or just do anything other than stare at you.
What felt like a decade passed, the only sounds were the thundering of your heart and the muffled sounds of Joe’s guests, who were completely unaware of your heart wrenching confession.
“I should go” you managed to whisper through your aching throat. You turned to walk away but Joe’s hand shot out, wrapping tightly around your wrist. “Joe” the name was barely a whimper but it was all you could get out before Joe pulled you towards him, crushing his lips against yours. You responded immediately, wrapping your arms around his neck. His lips were everything you’d ever thought they’d be, warm and soft and felt like home.
“What about the party?” you asked, reluctantly pulling back but resting your forehead against his.
“Fuck the party” he whispered, his breath hot against your lips. “Stay. With me”
You weren’t sure if he was talking about the job or you current situation, but you didn’t think too hard on it, allowing him to pull you into his bedroom, every other person in the apartment already forgotten.
You slowly blinked awake, roused by the cold winter light streaming in passed the open curtains. Snuggling back into your pillow you stretched out your arm, expecting to find Joe’s warm body next to you. But instead your hand wrapped around a sheet of paper.
Petal,
Had to go, early meeting.
Help yourself to anything in the fridge.
Call you later.
- Joe
The butterflied that had erupted when you remembered the events of last night faded slightly.
Who had an early meeting on a Sunday?
As you re-dressed in your sequinned party outfit you told yourself that this was normal. Joe’s schedule had always been strange, and your best friend was constantly complaining that there was no such thing as “weekends” in the entertainment industry.
So when you stepped out onto the frigid Brooklyn sidewalk in last night’s outfit you were convinced that you’d hear from Joe that night.
Except that you didn’t.
Or the night after. Or the night after that.
It was 3 days before Christmas when Joe finally surfaced. And it wasn’t even with a phone call.
You were sitting with Ben and Gwil in their hotel suite, waiting for the two of them to finish preening so you could all head out for dinner before the two would return to London the next day.
“Which glasses?” Gwilym asked, holding out two pairs. “Clear and square or black and round?”
“Clear. Can see your eyes better” you answered immediately. The brunette grinned as Ben chuckled, sliding the plastic frames onto his nose.
“So, tell us again how you scored that job?” Ben requested from his place in front of the mirror as he artfully applied gel to his blonde curls. “The school year went back in September”
“All I know is that one of the professors got a little too friendly with a first year student. They thought it best to avoid the scandal and get someone in to take over. The press would have had a field day if he kept teaching”
“I have to say - there is something kind of hot about the whole ‘Professor-Student’ dynamic” Gwil admitted, flopping down next to you on the end of his bed.
“What exactly did you get up to at uni, Mr Lee?” you teased gently, but a full on belly laugh followed when he turned a violent shade of pink. “You know, I don’t think I want the answer to that”
“Here here!” Ben agreed, his green eyes still fixed on his reflection. “so…after last night” he started, his eyes flickering to you in the mirror, “I’m guessing you’re not accepting the job?”
“Still waiting for some more information” you murmured, your eyes falling to your fingers. “But…no. I think I’m staying”
Both Ben and Gwilym watched a secretive smile twist your lips and they shared an excited glance.
“So….anything happen last night you want to tell us about?”
“I don’t kiss and tell, boys”
“Ooooh!” they chorused. You let out an embarrassed laugh, your hands flying to cover your burning face. “Get it gurl” Ben chirped. All you could do was laugh louder and lean forward to bury your face in the comforter.
“Stop teasing her and get ready, Benjamin” Gwil commanded, pointing to Ben’s lack of pants. “We’ll miss dinner at this rate”
“Yes, Mr Lee” the blonde drawled as he turned back to the mirror.
After a few minutes Ben finally moved away from his reflection, instead relocating to his suitcase where he began to stare at his pant options.
“Typical” Gwilym chuckled, pulling his phone out of his pocket. You followed suit, clicking on your Instagram app and scrolling through the latest photos. There was one of Kate, clearly dressed up to go on a date, another one of your cousin at her friend’s baby shower. But there was one that stopped you cold.
You’d always meant to delete her.
As soon as you’d found out Claire cheated on Joe she’d been persona non grata in your life and you’d thought it had been the same for your best friend.
But the photo that glared back at you screamed the exact opposite.
Claire had her arms wrapped so tightly around Joe’s middle it looked like she was trying to snap his spine, a ridiculous grin on her stupid face. The simple caption read “Finally got the one that got away! Best Christmas ever!”
Ben’s question of the name of the restaurant you were going to fell on deaf ears and when the boys noticed your lack of reply they tip toed over to peek at the screen from over your shoulder. Both gasped quietly but you couldn’t tear your eyes off that fucking photo.
“Is that the girl that –” Ben started but you cut him off.
“Yep”
“With his-” Gwil added and you nodded quickly.
“Yep”
“On his-” Ben continued.
“Yep” you replied.
“Jesus Christ” Gwilym muttered, still staring at the image on your phone screen. “I love Joe, but what a twat”
“I’ve – I’ve got to make a call” you murmured robotically, standing up from the bed and heading out onto the balcony without a backwards glance. It was for the best that you didn’t turn around really, as you would have seen Ben mouth ‘Fuck’ to his best friend.
Joe picked up after three rings, hesitation clear in his voice.
“Hey, Petal” he managed to get out before you jumped down his throat.
“Are you fucking joking, Joe? Claire?! Have you had a stroke I didn’t know about?”
“I can explain –” he tried again but you were faster.
“This is what you do after I tell you I love you? Sleep with me and then go running back to your scumbag ex?” you shouted.
“I got scared” his meek reply sent your blood boiling.
“Scared? You got scared? Try telling your best friend that you love them and then you’ll know what scared really feels like” you spat, your hand clenching so hard on the balcony railing that your knuckles popped.
“Petal, don’t be like that” he groaned but all you did was scoff.
“You know what? Fuck you, Joe” you hissed before smashing your thumb against the end call icon. You stayed on the balcony for a few moments, desperately trying to slow your racing heart and will down the tears that were stinging your eyes. With anger still flickering inside your chest you pulled up your email and began typing furiously.
That was the last time Joe heard your voice. He tried to visit you the next day, but you refused to open the door and he left dejected and cold. He tried again a week later after nearly a hundred unanswered voicemails but there was no response. He did see someone though, your neighbour Mrs Brookes. Who promptly informed him that you’d packed all your things and sublet the apartment – disappearing with only a rapid goodbye. He wasn’t surprised you left. He’d been expecting it really, after the way he treated you.
But that didn’t stop it from breaking his heart.
There were no words for how much Joe regretted what he did to you, and he knew better than to try and contact you again. Moving halfway around the world to get away from him sent a pretty clear message. But the regret never stopped eating away at his insides.
And that was how he found himself standing on a snow covered London street on Christmas Eve.
Normally the holidays were spent with his family, but Ben had recently been devastated by another bad breakup and had begged his former co-star to spend Christmas with him in his now empty apartment. Joe jumped at the chance, immediately booking himself a flight. He told himself that he was only doing it to help out a friend, but a niggling voice in the back of his mind kept whispering your name.
The frigid cold bit at Joe’s exposed face and hands, the latter of which he quickly stuffed into the pockets of his black coat. Looking around at the deserted street, he watched the fluffy flakes of snow glide softly down onto the snow covered footpath as a melancholy sky escaped his lips. He’d been in London for 4 days and still hadn’t managed to work up the courage to try and contact you. He wasn’t even sure your phone number was still the same, he’d been too scared to text you.
“Come on, Ben” he groaned quietly to himself, shuffling his powder covered feet. How long did it take to buy 2 bottles of Scotch?
A loud laugh echoed down the street, freezing Joe to the spot.
He knew that laugh.
He’d spent 20 years with that laugh.
It was hard to see through the curtain of snow steadily falling from the dark sky, but a few blocks down he could make out two figures walking towards him. One shorter in a bright red coat and the other much taller, dressed in navy. The man swore his heart stopped beating as he recognised the radiant smile on your face, but it immediately clenched when he realised who was making you grin. Gwilym’s mitten covered hand was holding gripping onto yours as he swung your entwined hands between you. More giggles pealed from your lips, each one like a knife through Joe’s chest.
It wasn’t meant to go this way.
This wasn’t meant to happen.
“Oh, hi Joe” Gwilym stammered when the couple realised who they were walking towards. Joe smiled tightly at his friend before daring to peek at you. You were regarding him with a stone-cold face, all the light in your eyes that had been there only moments before now extinguished. “Funny running into you here”
“Only bottle shop open near Ben’s place” Joe shrugged, his stomach twisting into knots. Tension so thick it was practically as solid as the surrounding snowflakes settled over you.
“I might just go in and grab the wine. Be out in a bit, love” Gwilym offered, trying (and failing) to keep his tone light. Joe couldn’t help but scowl as he pressed a quick kiss to the top of your head before ducking into the shop.
“What are you doing here, Joe?” you asked, folding your arms tightly over your chest.
“I came to spend the holidays with Ben. He’s not doing so great” your former best friend replied stiffly as he took in everything that had changed in the last year. Your hair was longer and a small gold charm he didn’t recognise was peeking out from the collar of your coat. His hands clenched when he realised it was probably a gift from Gwilym.
“Ah, Emily” you nodded, kicking the snow gently with the toe of your boot.
“And what are you doing here exactly? Shouldn’t you be in Scotland?” he asked, his words far more biting than he intended.
“I’m spending the holidays with Gwilym” you replied stiffly, not raising your eyes from the footpath. “Meeting his family” you added quietly.
“When exactly did this charming development occur?” Joe barked, anger flashing in his hazel eyes.
“A couple of weeks after I moved, if it’s any of your business” you snapped back. Joe watched your eyes narrow dangerously. He knew better than to push you but he was so upset he just couldn’t help himself.
“If you’re screwing one of my best friends I think it is my business” he shot back, his hands clenching so tightly in his pockets that his nails bit into his palms.
“I’m not just screwing him, Joe!” you exclaimed, anger prickling up the back of your neck. “But I shouldn’t be surprised that you thought that. Sex is the only thing you want from someone, right?”
Joe swallowed hard. He should have expected that. He deserved it really, but hearing it from you made it so much worse. It was as if all of the pain he’d caused you suddenly washed through his own body.
“So…you love him?” the man in front of you asked after an awkward pause. You nodded.
“Yes”
“Petal, I’m –”
“I don’t want to hear it” you interjected, the back of your eyes prickling uncomfortably. “You don’t deserve to apologise for what you did. You don’t deserve me, Joe” you murmured, the streetlight shining in the tears that were welling up in your eyes. A lead weight dropped into his stomach but he shook his head.
“No, I don’t” he admitted and you watched the apple of his throat bob rapidly. He opened his mouth to continue but he was interrupted by the soft tinkling of the bottle shop’s bell as Ben and Gwilym stepped out onto the street each clutching a dark bottle.
“(Y/N)!” Ben cried with far too much enthusiasm as he crunched through the snow to wrap you up in a tight hug. “What an unexpected surprise”
“I’ll say” Joe muttered to himself, but a reproachful look from Gwilym had him shutting up with an embarrassed blush sweeping up his neck.
“Are you coming to mine on Saturday?” Ben asked, his green eyes shining with excitement.
“No, sorry Benny” you winced, “Kate’s down here visiting her girlfriend and they invited me over. It’s the first time I’m meeting Amira so I really couldn’t say no”
“Alright” he conceded with a playful sigh. “But I want your word that you’ll visit before you head back up to Scotland”
“Promise” you vowed, smiling weakly. “We better go, darling. We can’t keep your parents waiting”
“Right you are, love” Gwilym replied, obviously eager for an excuse to leave. “I’ll see you boys later”
“Behave!” Ben called out as the couple walked away, tucking the brown bottle under his arm to wave excitedly. Gwilym returned it with equal joy, but you could only manage a small half wave, your eyes still fixed on Joe.
“Bye, petal” was his whispered reply as he watched you turn and walk away, hand in hand with your new love.
And in that moment, Joe made a promise to himself. That as soon as you and Gwilym broke up he’d be there. To tell you what an idiot he’d been. That he’d loved you for longer than he wanted to admit but he was terrified of loosing you. That he’d do anything to have you back in his life.
But he never got the chance.
When he saw you again there was a glittering ring on your left hand and he realised he’d have to live with his mistake. Because really, it was all his fault.
He’d ignored what was under his nose all along.
A/N: Thanks a bunch @kirstansworld for the request! Here you go!
Here are the headcanon prompts !
HC 22. Meeting them for the first time
Summary: Your tardiness has finally paid off in a way.
Warnings: None but concrete fluff.
WC: 845
xx Requests are always open!! xx
Being tardy was always a curse for you. You could get up hours prior but still leave the porch fifteen minutes- even as long as forty minutes late from the minute you were supposed to leave. But luck seems to be always at your favor with how slippery you are when it comes to sneaking into the first period of your lectures without your professor catching your scent.
However this time, you're certain that you're not going to make it in uncaught– considering that you've decided to stop at a cafe to grab yourself a bagel for breakfast. You're not going to compromise the regular function of your body for one lecture.
You dig deep into your pocket for your wallet and pull it out as you take hastened steps towards the queue of people.
"Not this time. Definitely not this time." You hiss to yourself, tapping your foot restlessly on the floor with the customers you're behind stepping aside with their orders. As soon as the man in front of you clears out, you take a huge step forward and order a bagel and a cup of coffee. After paying and taking your items, you turn around abruptly and speed walk your way to the exit. With your focus carelessly cast aside due to the adrenaline plummeting through you, you collide harshly with someone on your way out and end up spilling your coffee all over their shirt.
"Bloody Mary, Queen of Scots! Jeez!"
How lady-like.
"No! No, no! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to- tsk. Jeez, I'm really sorry." You babble as you frantically but uselessly try to wipe the stain off. A few people have noticed the small fuss that is you but they dismiss it anyway.
The man chuckles and clears his throat, insisting that it's all good and he should've watched where he was going. You scoff ridiculously at him, so focused on hoping to make the stain disappear with all your nervous wiping when the stain isn't that visible with how dark his shirt is. "You? No. It's my fault. Let me- let me pay for that."
"No, please don't. It's alright, I can just change," he grabs your hands gently from all the movement and dares to look you square in the eye to reassure you of your 'innocence'.
Holy shit, he's beautiful. Muscularly intimidating but beautiful. Your conscience yells from the back.
You're pretty sure he's heard the huge gulp you've taken as you tore your stare away from his eyes. "Ah, well. Okay. I'm...still sorry. I should've kept my eyes ahead." You chuckle awkwardly, rubbing your wrist.
He smiles a full megawatt smile that gets people of different backgrounds keeling over. "Hey, you seemed like you were in a rush. My name's Ben, by the way. Ben Hardy. " Out of your lowest expectations, he reaches a hand out to shake and you feel hesitant to take it at first; still secretly intimidated by his veiny arms. You've stained what could be his favorite shirt and he's introducing himself to you eagerly? Well you're not going to let an opportunity like this pass on and so you take his hand to shake, a lopsided smile on your face.
"I'm late- ah, I mean, I'm Y/N. Nice to meet you."
Damn straight you're late.
His eyes crinkle intriguingly at you with a voice deep and velvety like the pastries you took three minutes of your time to drool over. "Late, huh?"
You nod vigorously, withdrawing your hand from his. "As I'll ever be. It was nice to meet you, Ben and as much as I would like to use up my allowance to buy you a new shirt, I'm terribly late for school and so I'll see you later!" You don't take the time to question your last words and quickly make your walk to the door.
"I'll...see you later too! Back here, if you're free?"
Excuse me, what?
You freeze in your tracks and turn around, unsure if you heard him correctly. "Here? You mean, you wanna-"
He shrugs casually as a 'why not' response and you chew on the inner side of your cheek, pondering on it before coming to agree happily. "Sure. That'd be nice." The smile on his plump lips couldn't be any more wider than it is as you agree to exchange numbers with him. After agreeing to follow up through text, you give him a friendly nod as you scamper out of the cafe to catch up with the time you have left to slip in unnoticed in your first class.
As for Ben, he's definitely counting the hours til your dismissal.
Upon reaching the half-empty hallways, a rather obvious detail you've overlooked back there suddenly flashes in your mind– did he say Ben Hardy?
That Ben Hardy?
Pulling up Google on your phone on your way to the lecture hall, you look up his name and the results nearly bursts one of your arteries just as the strict mention of your name as you enter the room an hour late does.
Summary: Uni it’s been tough and you started to feel stressed about it and the future but luckily to have an understanding boyfriend (I’m still learning how to do summaries).
A/N: this is angst with a fluffy end.
Warnings: cursing, allusions of anxiety and depression not directly mentioned, if you are going through something similar please reach out some help (I’m always open to talk if you want).
It started slowly, nobody noticed, not even you. First you just skipped that dinner with your best friend you told her you were just tired cause it was true...well mostly, part of you felt very tired and at the same time wanted to sleep for like 10 hours but you didn’t do that and you couldn't get yourself to sleep so instead you stay in with your boyfriend Joe chatting till he fell asleep.
After that you didn’t go to your pottery classes, You loved to go to them every Wednesday but instead, you preferred stayed at home again, doing anything like reading, cooking, studying or whatever kept your mind busy and away from all the bad thoughts that been creeping on your head lately and not thinking at all. As the night went on it was more difficult, your mind kept working nonstop even if you closed your eyes harder-like that would be any help-you couldn't sleep so you just stayed there trying to not move a lot so you wouldn't wake up your boyfriend.
Weeks passed by and you went to Lou’s birthday party, he was a good friend from UNI it was from your group of close friends. So it was natural for you to go to the party and honestly that day you weren't feeling bad. You were having a good time until they started to talk about UNI it was at this moment when you started to feel overwhelmed and felt like your body and mind separated from itself, your body was there but again your mind was in another place, you felt your throat getting dry, your hands were shaking and your heart pounded faster. You weren't sure how long it has been since you zoned out but then when you were capable of brought yourself back to the conversation all of them were talking about their perfect lives and perfect grades what they planned to do after UNI. It seemed like all of them have it all figured out, on the other hand, you didn’t, you weren’t sure of where you were going to work, fuck you didn’t even know in what were you going to specialize yet…so you stayed there quiet and nodding your head from time to time so no one will notice the amount of shit going on your mind and how stressed you were.
Then you started to miss your classes You could not concentrate at all it was like your body was there, but you weren’t really there, your mind was off and overthinking everything you did and said.
Not long after you started to compare your grades to your friends, they all have succeeded in their exams and you barely made it... why it was so hard for you? You kept getting low grades and felt like you were failing. Even when you spend the night studying, why did they do so good? Why it seems so easy for them? Were you dumb? you felt like you didn’t know anything at all. It's not like you didn’t like what you were studying... heck you love it but at this moment you didn’t see yourself finishing so you wondered what will happen if you just quit.
Your bed was your safe place now and not attending classes was easier now that your boyfriend was in another country working on some movie or was he just doing interviews? Maybe he was visiting a friend, you couldn't… so now you were lying on your side facing the wall, tired to even move a finger, haven't ate or sleep either, you couldn’t remember when was the last time that you showered or what day it was, the sound of the phone startled you a little but you didn’t even attempt to reach it. Whoever it was got the message and after a while stopped calling.
Y/N? are you home?- Joe called, what was he doing here?- Y/N? Why is so dark here?- he asked entering the room, you couldn’t see him on your current position- hey sweetie- he kissed your cheek and you felt the bed deepen beside you- Hi Joe- you tried to sound fine but your voice failed- what's wrong babe?-he asked-. I.I.I don’t know- your said feeling some tears pooling at your eyes- can you turn around?-he pleaded- please?- you didn’t move- please look at me honey-you gave up and turn around- Hi beautiful-he smiled at you so warmly and with that action you started to cry- it’s okay babe I got you-he said embracing you, he didn’t ask anything and let you cry yourself out, you appreciated it, you weren’t good talking about feelings and stuff, very different from Joe now that you thought about it you both were so different he was extroverted, loud, funny and loving... but you? you were far from that, right now you weren't sure what he saw in you.
Neither you nor Joe move for a whole hour or so, he just held you and whispered calming words to you and finally you stopped sobbing- come on, lets get you a bath- he got up from the bed and extending his hand for you- Joe noo- you whined- I’m too tired to move- he took you in his arms-then I’ll take you there- he put you down on the bathroom counter and got the bath ready, the water started to fill the tub, he put some bubbles and when it was full and tempered he started to take off your clothes carefully, you felt exposed it’s not like you haven’t seen each other naked but this was different, you were vulnerable and incapable of doing anything. Then he helps you stand up and guide you to the bathtub-how is it?-he asked you- It’s perfect, thanks Joe-you replied- okay then I’ll make you something to eat-you were about to say you weren’t hungry but he spoke first-don’t say you aren’t hungry you’re going to eat something-he commanded- I bet you haven’t eaten in a while, now stay there and when I’m done I’ll help you wash yourself- he kissed your forehead and left, when he was gone you being to cry again, Joe was so good with you, so sweet and understanding what did you do to deserve him? You’ll never know but you were so grateful for him-I’m back- he interrupted your thoughts and got close to you, he knelt down beside the tub and wiped your tears away afterward he started to wash your hair ever so gently working his fingers on your scalp massaging, shampooing Joe was so cautious to not pull your hair after that he wash your body with a sponge when he finished he helped you out and took you back to the room and got you dressed Joe sits you down on the bed and untangled your hair with a brush and then proceeds to dry it with a hairdryer and when it’s done he tugged you in again and gave you a cup of tea and a peanut butter & jelly sandwich- now eat- he ordered and you ate half of the sandwich. He lay beside you looking at the ceiling – your friend texted me the other day told me you weren’t attending your classes anymore and asked me if we were traveling or something, so I called and texted you but you didn’t answer so I thought something had happened or worse that you were going to leave me- he tried to laugh at this but it didn’t happen so he played with his fingers- so I took a plane as soon as I could-he paused- can you please tell me what’s going on on your mind?- tears were falling down silently down your face- I..I’m just… I am just tired of everything….I'm sad and I feel like I’m stuck, my grades are getting low…and I can't help but feel like a failure. It’s not like I don’t like what I’m doing I just feel like I’m not enough at anything and I feel a huge knot on my throat and in my stomach and I feel alone even when I’m around of people that I know care about me but I just feel bad- you tried to explain- I just don't know if I’m good enough, I see all my friends doing well and I am not, and it sucks- he got closer to you and turn around to face you while you keep your eyes on the ceiling-Babe, why didn't you tell me you felt this way, you know I'm always here and you can talk to me-he said and you look at him- I didn't want to bother you with this and when I noticed it was bad it was too late and I was already drowning-you said- you can always talk to me I don't want you to think that you are bothering me- he took your hand in his- I think its normal to feel that from time to time but it doesn’t mean you are not enough or a failiure, I used to feel like that and started to doubt myself and questioned if I was good at my job but I couldn’t quit. So I talked to my mum about it and she told me to make a list of my strengths and weaknesses and write down the reasons why I love my work and it helped me a lot and gave me the motivation to keep going, we can do the same with you if you want. I’ll even help you prepared to your finals we’ll make flashcards, and I’ll quiz you till you know everything and you are going to kill on your tests so don’t give up, I know how much you love what you are studying, and if you keep feeling down we can get help, maybe therapy If you like, I’ll support whatever you want to do always but never push me away again, okay?-you were a sobbing mess but this was different it wasn't because you were feeling sad it was cause you felt so loved and supported by your boyfriend so you hug him and he hugged you back- thanks-you said and you put your head on his chest and played with your hands on his chest-God Joe, I love you so much- you look at him and he stares you back, he put your hair behind your ear and you kissed him- I love you too Babe- you didn't need to say anything else, you just held each other till you finally fell asleep, you didn't know what was going to happen but you did not feel alone anymore and that was enough.
