look at me part five
friends to lovers
summary: you meet jaafar in acting class and become friends, and he invites reader over to his family’s house in Havenhurst for a barbecue they’re throwing. Jermajesty is there, but he comes in late and immediately wants to get to know you.
warnings: none, just fluff
chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter 4
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A deep, heavy sigh escapes as you start to get ready. This was insane. He missed you? Wanted you to go somewhere with him? Oh my god, was this a date?!
You texted Imani; all she had to say was ‘finally, I thought I'd have to lock you two in a room or something’
She was no help at all, you had two choices. One, you could put your inhibitions aside and have fun with your crush. Or two, figure out a way to self-sabotage this. The first option sounded better and wouldn't get you beaten up by Imani.
So you shower, you poke your head out of your door to see Jermajesty throwing away your junk from the table. “So uhhh what do I need to wear?” he jumps because he wasn't expecting you yet. “Oh, something simple, it's hot out today.” So you settled on a black skirt, a Lewis Hamilton graphic tee, and your birks. Putting on light makeup, you're ready.
Walking out of the room, checking over yourself, you look up, but he's already looking at you.
Memories of how you looked at your house party came flooding back, and he was stuck there.
Clearing your throat, “see you're doing it again, the whole not saying anything… is this good ?” he snaps out of it, trying to appear more confident than what he was feeling, “bout’ time, girl, thought I was gonna have to drag you out of there.” “You are so- let's go before I change my mind.” he laughs, following you out.
The drive is smooth, and you can tell he's driving smoothly like he has something to prove. the way he's switching lanes, one hand on the steering wheel the other dangerously close to your thigh. It's attractive, but you don't say anything about it.
“So I've heard through the grapevine, you're into Pokémon.” Side-eyeing him, “I could potentially like it. Are those things involved?“ he’s subtle with his response “potentially”
You grilled him enough to find out that's exactly where y'all were going. he was trying to be coy about it but you had an insane need to know.
you scrolled through the official schedule on your phone. Every panel turned into a full debate. You’d insist one was worth going to because the voice actors were always funny during q&a’s. While he argued that another was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He states the next sentence coolly, “Regardless, I bought vip tickets for us”. The force of you whipping your head towards him could've given you whiplash. “How the hell did you get tickets so fast? It was sold out.”
What you didn't know is that he had this planned for weeks. he even texted Imani about it. But he wouldn't say that, so he just says, “I knew it was an opportunity you wouldn't pass up.” “Oh brotherrrr, I don't know why I agreed to this.” his eyes flicker towards her. “You're stuck with me now, sunshine.”
You both make small talk about the past week and start to talk about childhood memories that are unforgettable. He brings up how much of a menace Jaafar really was. As they pull up to a red light, he shows her the video of Jaafar punching him. “Oh my god- he was bad as hell. I bet you were worse.” A scoff is heard, “ who you telling, and i was lowkey”
You tell him about your childhood growing up as an only child, how boring it was for a while before meeting imani. You talk about bouncing between New York and California because of your father’s career. “Oh, so is that how you afford school? Or do you have a secret job?” You giggle, “I don't want to sound spoiled, but yes, they fund my lifestyle for now.”
He reaches over and pats your thigh; his palm is warm, and he gently squeezes before he pulls away. “There’s nothing wrong with that; I like to think of it as caring for their kid.” To be completely honest, you only heard half of what he said; the feel of his hand was imprinted on your thigh. It was the only thing you were focusing on at that moment.
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you realize that y'all are pulling up to the convention center. The walk from the parking garage to the actual building was short. Jermajesty was being such a gentleman,
he placed one hand on the arch of your back and led you across the street. The other carried the binders for the cards. you were an acts of service type of girl.
Loving when someone does something chivlrous, or because they thought youd like it. you swoon at his actions.
The both of you walking side by side, the backs of your fingers brushing- too shy to initiate actual hand holding. He had this whole evening planned out. Go to the convention, then dinner by the beach.
He was actually really surprised that you agreed, the party put a lot in perspective. Him watching you from the corner was torture. Dancing with you was maddening. His line of thinking was cut short when you spoke.
“Hypothetically speaking.. If you had to pick one Pokémon that describes your vibe, which one is it? This is a make or break answer, actually.”
Actually putting some thought into it, he answers “charizard” you laugh “thats very on brand for you i approve.” before he could actually respond youre already headed towards tables.
the whole time yall are there, he says enough to show you he’s interested in what youre talking about but he hasnt said much. He watched you most of the time, his eyes scanning over you in a calm manner.
You felt it, but didnt say anything. giving him a look, he just shook his head and grinned at you. “Not to crash the mood and all, but im starving.” he smiled widely “good. I have plans for that too.”
You then realize he truly hasnt told you anything that was happening today. "If we get arrested, from any of these ‘plans’ you have. I’m blaming you" chuckling “thats somewhat fair”
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by the time you two reached the restaurant the sun was setting, your eyebrows are in a deep frown as you contemplate what is actually happening ‘have we really been out all day?’, wait is this really a date? he didnt say it was but it was starting to feel like it…-”
its almost like he could read your mind, his demeanor was a shy confidence, he had small smirk on his face at the look of yours “its a date sunshine”
the restaurant is cozy, the ambiance is subtle and inviting. The lighting is warm, it wasnt crowded which you were thankful for. You asked to sit on the outside patio. The both of you wanted to feel the breeze and look at the water while you ate.
when you look at the menu you remember sending this to him weeks ago when you were ranting about new places you wanted to go to.
“you know for someone who doesn't speak much, you sure pay attention a lot.” he hums “it depends on what i'm paying attention to.”
A hesitant smile crosses your face, “real smooth, maj” hes brushing his thumb over your knuckles while they lay on the table. you're both not saying a word after that, just existing quietly in the same space like it's the most sacred thing.
Dinner was insightful, he was nothing like how online paints him. You knew him in real life before the post but this was a different side you felt like nobody got to see. He was soft, awkward, and nerdy. You loved that, this was the most youve been able to let your guard down.
the calmness that surrounded yall, the sun was so low, the soft breeze in the air. he was busy trying to pay the waitress as you looked at him. you realized how good he looked. His hair was curly today in his usual hairstyle, you see the stubble of him growing out his goatee and moustache. The way the sun was hitting him made his skin look extra tanned.
as she walked away he turned to look at you, catching you staring at him. he looks back you with a ting of concern in his eyes. “is there something on my face?” a soft exhale escapes you “no … im observing, like what youve been doing.”
his head hangs bashfully but he says nothing. He just stands to help you out of the chair. “Come on sunshine, ill take you home its getting late.” you pause as you stand “stay with me tonight, no funny business.”
the drive back to your place is silent. tense. the soft hum of music is a saving grace. you said no funny business but the threat felt like a joke by the time you made it to the car. Jermajesty’s hand was on your thigh rubbing, subtly, resting it there.
The sensation sent shocks down your legs and back up to your stomach. You actually didnt plan on fucking him but the way this feels you just might. You chuckle to yourself as you look out the window. “ whats so funny?” looking at him you can see the glint of playfulness in his eyes. “You.”
the car comes to a stop, you had changed the song to one of your favorites. ‘Speechless by beyonce’ you sung your heart out to the full song before you let him cut the car off.
and now youre making him sing it with you in order to get into your house. “its either you sing the song and come in or not and you can go home.”
he didnt know you were serious until he laughed a bit and saw your face didn't change. “you deadass?” “as a heart attack, the choice is yours.”
unknown to him you were recording him, definitely going to be using that for later. he rolls his and debates his next move. finally he gives in and starts singing as you sing the adlibs for him softly.
“Where you been, baby?
(Baby)
Waited for you all day
(waited for you all day)
Waited for you to use the key
(waited for you to use the key) “
youre laughing as you open the door, "access granted, come on pooks!” you walk around the apartment cutting on the soft lighting, turning on the tv so he could choose the movie. jermajesty kicks his shoes off and makes his way to the couch “what we watchin, sunshine?”
“oh , erm, your choice. Im gonna go change real quick.” as you dip off into your room he sits with his thoughts.
jermajesty wanted her. bad
he needed you like you were his next breath. he's tried to get her to understand that he wanted her seriously. but every time he got close, he got scared. Today was different, he put all his cards on the table and the months that led up to their date today felt worth it.
you were comfortable around him, and he deeply appreciated it. you understood him to a different level than he truthfully never let anyone but his family understand.
he gets up deciding to do something useful with his hands. he was careful about it all day. he didn't want to make you uncomfortable. but that's just how he was he loved feeling close to someone and when he did he was always aimlessly touching them.
as he prepared the snacks and brought them to the living room, she set the movie and blankets up for them. They snuggled closely on the couch, his arm was thrown over her hip.
she chose it as a classic in her eyes, ‘entergalatic by kid cudi’. she loved it, even though the miscommunication trope wasn't her favorite.
She was settled into his chest, eyes already closing and the movie barely started. “If you fall asleep, you owe me twenty bucks.” she hits his chest “im up!” he mumbles a quick barely audible “liar”
the movie as they watched it they would make comments here and there about the plot. he didn't even realize he was doing it, his fingers tracing mindless figures on her hip.
but you said nothing, in fact you welcomed it. the feel of his hands on you sent shivers through your body. he noticed and smiled in triumph he caused a reaction out of you.
looking down at his phone he sees jaafar texted him.
pain in the ass 1: i know you're out with y/n, but make sure you invite her to the pre screening party!
if jermajesty was by himself he would've leaped for joy, this was the perfect opportunity to see you again. well he had already planned a second date but this was more in the future so it was an excuse for later.
he turns to you and sure enough you're sleep. you're breathe evened out and you curled closer to him absentmindedly. he shakes you gently as you whine “leave me alone” he chuckles “i need to go sunshine, it's late and you went to sleep on me “
that sentence wakes you up completely “wait, just stay the night, it's too late for you to be driving alone.” he's conflicted he stares at you for a moment. reading your eyes to see if there is any discomfort in the slightest.
you stare at him back praying he stays, it's been forever since you had a cuddle buddy. imani was okay but she has jaafar now, she's abandoned you for the real thing. “please?” that undoes him “okay, i'll stay with you mama”
“funnily enough i have big tshirts you could wear, no outside clothes in my sheets!” he shakes his head in response.
you pull him to your room and give him the clothes so he can shower. he pulls your hands to his mouth and kisses your knuckles “i'll be back” you swoon and nod timidly.
as soon as that door closes you're on your phone with imani. a groggy voice comes through “hello? are you good?” “bitch, he's spending the night i don't know how we got here!” imani laughs in your face “girl this has been brewing for months please be serious” your jaw drops because you thought you were hiding your crush well.
apparently anyone in a two mile radius could see what you and him had, except yall well until today. “hey, you're thinking too much, just relax into the feeling. goodnight love ya” she doesn't give you time to respond as she hangs up on you.
you sigh deep in thought, as he steps out of the bathroom room. he smells like your body wash mixed with his natural scent. and it's calming in a sense. you liked him and he liked you how much you didn't know but you knew he did. it was a bonus he looked so damn good coming out the shower.
“i can sleep on the couch, or wherever you want me? the balcony works too.” you laugh "you're so stupid, sleep with me, we can finish the movie in here”
laying in your bed cuddling with him, felt so good. yall were laying side by side and his hands found you again. one wrapped behind your head playing with the edges of your hair. you're hands are resting on his chest tracing circles.
both of you quietly replaying the day, scene by scene . you realized you had been smiling all damn day. It had been a long time since you'd enjoyed yourself like this.
he'd never forget that look of pure joy and wonder on her face as she took in the city, the event and dinner. you're trying your hardest to keep your eyes open and talk to him at the same time. the conversation was so good, yall talked about life, astrology, nonsensical things.
he saw you fighting for your life and decided to stop being a loser. “before you clock out on me i need to ask you something.” you lift your head from his chest to look him in his eyes. “hmm?”
“jaafar’s pre screening is coming up for the movie and i want you to be my date.” you smile sweetly at him, you can tell he's nervous you'll say no. “i would love to, you should give yourself more credit today was amazing. i really enjoyed our date maj”
his toothy smile is shown again. “i'm glad i planned that for weeks” you go to sit up to question him but he gently pushes you back down. “shhh, don't question it. just go to sleep mama”
you eyes close for the final time, and you feel his hand tracing your jaw as you fall deeper into his chest. he was content with this. he could see a future like this.
it's only been a few months but they felt like years. he was always taught to go after what you want. and even when you get it keep going. he intended to do just that with you. as the thought passes he finally drifts off.
a/n: next chapter is the last one in this series, may or may not do smut still debating. i think it's so cute how idiots fall in love.
tags: @kidsol-ar @prettygurljo
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