#justtuesdays

[litgwritersroom]

Living a Lie

S1/S2 | Jake/MC | 4600+ words | @justtuesdays

To get the promotion she was vying for, Aviel was willing to do anything rather than face failure. Even if it meant living a lie for just one night.

Birthday fic for @mrsbsmooth

Aviel wasn’t sure what she was going to do. She’s always been a career-focused woman, it’s all she’s ever known. Of course, if people wanted to dig as to why they’d find a line of familial obligations and possibly first-born trauma. But, that didn’t matter right now because Aviel was floundering and there was no one she could go to for help. At least no one she knew. 

At every work function she had ever attended, Carl and Aviel always made an appearance together. They were a package deal— had been since the first day of orientation. But tonight, Aviel couldn’t play off their friendship, not in front of Arjun— their boss. No, Carl was bringing Persie, his girlfriend, as his date and as much as Aviel was fine being the third wheel she knew that tonight was different. Tonight, Arjun Kapri decided whether Aviel would receive the promotion she had been vying for and busting her ass for the past year. Or if Blake Rodrigues, her counterpart would. As Assistant Directors, they both qualified for the position. Aviel didn’t mind losing to Blake, that wasn’t the issue. It was simply the losing part that haunted Aviel. Aviel hated failure.

Something deep in Aviel’s gut told her she was bound to lose tonight, especially after the brief conversation she had with Arjun’s lively assistant, Chelsea. Aviel wasn’t sure how she ended up in conversation with the blonde, maybe it was that she was standing around the table of bubbly with a glazed-over look and pursed lips. Aviel always had a knack for sensing people in distress. That’s how Aviel found herself helping the girl call a few liquor stores for their last bottles of champagne because in all the work Chelsea had put into the party she had mistakenly ordered ten bottles of Rosè. Ten bottles for over a hundred employees. The disaster had been averted. 

Wiping her eyes and squealing in gratitude, Chelsea wrapped her in her arms. She tensed up, not used to blatant affection, especially in public. Exhaling through her nose, Aviel hesitantly returned the hug. 

“Avi, babe, we’ve got to work on your hugs,” Chelsea giggled through her tears. Aviel cringed, though she nodded. Pulling away, Chelsea once more wiped at her eyes, fanning away the last of tears. 

“If there’s anything else, don’t hesitate to ask, okay? I’m happy to help,” Aviel offered Chelsea her very first genuine smile. One of those that pressed into her cheeks and exuded warmth. Chelsea tilted her head to the side, grinning at the sight of the unusual smile.

“You’re the best, babes! I don’t get why Arjun thinks you’re not fit for Director. Yeah, I suppose you don’t talk much to the rest of us, but that’s because you’re working on something awesome. You basically wipe everyone away with your work. I suppose you have other things you do, right? It’s not like all you do is work. Not with taste like that.” Chelsea eyed Aviel’s dress and nodded with approval. 

“You always look great. Maybe you can share some tips? I don’t think I’ll ever find something comfortable enough to wear,” Chelsea said as she fidgeted in her pink slip dress, “besides a sports bra and leggings you know?” Aviel nodded, but inside she was turning over the fact that she wasn’t going to get the promotion. Not when Arjun was looking for someone well rounded, who was able to balance work and social life. That wasn’t her. But, that was definitely Blake.  

“Sure. Maybe we can go shopping this weekend or something?” Aviel posed the invitation while on autopilot. The words ‘not fit for Director’ still bounced around in her head.

“Yes, I’d love that!” Chelsea clapped her hands and pulled out her phone from her handbag and handed it over to Aviel. Aviel punched her phone number in and looked up to find Chelsea peering over her shoulder looking for someone.

“Where’s Carl? You two are like bubbles in champagne.” Chelsea continued to scan the room looking for Aviel’s best mate. Aviel swallowed down hard, preparing herself to share a truth she didn’t think would hurt as much as it did. She wanted her best mate there with her to help figure everything out. But, he wasn’t there and she realized that he wouldn’t always be.

“Carl’s picking up Persie,” Chelsea blinked a few times over, “his girlfriend.” Chelsea opened her mouth and closed it before she pursed her lips in thought. “They’ll be here soon. You’ll like her,” Aviel closed her eyes, internally cringing that she had added the last part. 

“Oh. That makes sense! Everyone in the office is always talking about you two never making it official. I always said you two were just friends. Like women can totally have male friends…” Chelsea trailed off and an idea began to form in her head. Aviel looked around the room in hopes of finding an escape from what she feared would be a conversation she’d regret having. She found none.

“I know! I know someone you’ll totally hit it off with. His name is Lucas and he works in finance. I think you two—” Aviel wanted the floor to swallow her whole at that moment. Being her longest interaction with Chelsea and in the ten minutes, she had spent with the pink-loving blue-eyed assistant she had managed to pull apart the facade of confidence she had arduously built without noticing.

“I— I’ve actually got a boyfriend!” Aviel interrupted Chelsea’s rambling and if the blush on the girl’s face and the heat spreading on Aviel’s neck were any indications, they were both very much surprised by the revelation.

“Is he here? Where is he? I’m sure Arjun will be happily surprised to hear that. Maybe that will even change his mind. No, it’ll definitely change his mind! Not that there’s anything wrong with Blake, but it’s obvious your work speaks for itself.” Aviel held Chelsea’s stare, her big blue eyes waiting expectantly for an answer to her questions. Once again Aviel was reminded that Blake had an upper hand in this situation. Blake was happily dating one of the company’s corporate lawyers all while balancing out her workload. But, Aviel barely saw the light of day consumed in her work. Dread filled her as she let the lies spill out her mouth.

“He’ll be here. He’s running late, you know, work.” Chelsea peered at her phone and looked up grinning at Aviel.

“Well, I’d love to meet him and I’m sure Arjun would too. See you around?” Chelsea didn’t wait for an answer, she simply air-kissed Aviel on either cheek and traipsed away.

Placing her hands on the edge of the table for support, Aviel continued to stand there thinking over her options. She could either face Chelsea and Arjun and tell them the truth or she could go on the hunt for a man who was willing to pretend to be her boyfriend for one night and soon. But, it couldn’t be anyone in the room, they’d see right through the lie. It was the first time she was glad that they had rented the second floor of Sweet Affairs. Maybe she’d have a standing chance if she looked around the first floor.

Nursing a cup of lemon tea in her hand, back against the bar’s countertop, Aviel scanned the crowd of strangers bustling about the first floor. Ignoring the strange looks she was receiving from those who caught sight of her steaming cuppa, Aviel’s sense of self-preservation began to rise. Tapping her nails against the counter, she whispered a silent prayer. She didn’t need anyone over the top, only someone with a friendly face who’d agreed to her stupidity.

“Maybe I should just tell the truth?” Aviel murmured to herself as she brought the cup to her lips for a sip. She savored the citrusy taste of the tea and let the warmth fill her up. She needed a hug if she was going to go through with this discombobulated plan of hers. The tea was the closest thing to getting one without heading up to the second floor to get one from her best mate, whose calls and texts she had been ignoring. But, she couldn’t give up now. She had worked her ass off for this promotion and her lack of social life wasn’t going to stand as an obstacle. With renewed determination, Aviel set her cup back down behind her, took a deep breath in and scanned the crowd once more. 

Overflowing with people, Aviel wasn’t shocked to find tables and tables of couples or groups of people talking animatedly over their food. The restaurant was one of the fancier ones around the office, but there was a homey touch to the elegance. This was the type of place she’d bring a date to— if she had one. She’d definitely invite her family to this very restaurant for dinner if she ever found time in her schedule. Aviel gave the restaurant one last look and felt her throat fall into her stomach when her eyes locked on the company President, the coppery-tanned man with a unique beard, arm around his partner.

Aviel forced a smile and with a trembling hand, she caught the arm of the first man that passed by. She swallowed down the nerves and stared straight into his brown eyes. The man stared at her for a moment, searching her eyes for an answer to a question he had yet to utter. Aviel hoped whatever he found was enough for him to stick around and possibly help her dig herself out of this one.

“Will— will you kiss me?” Aviel tripped over her words as she looked between the stranger who she was still holding onto and her boss standing in the background, watching her. Hand trembling she pulled away when the man didn’t respond. What sane man would want to kiss some stranger who was trembling at asking the question? 

“I— never mind, okay? You don’t have to do that. Pretend nothing happened, I’m just—” the man didn’t even give her time to finish her sad excuse of a half-assed apology. The embarrassment alone made her want to run out of the restaurant and send a text to Carl that she’d quit. There was no way she could show her face, not after this. But, every single half-brained idea she tried to pull out of her thoughts dissipated as Aviel registered warm lips pressed against her own. 

With eyes opened she watched the handsome stranger kiss her. His eyes were closed. His hands were cupped against her cheek. It was awkward. Aviel knew what to do. She had to close her eyes and let herself go. But she couldn’t. She was frozen in her spot. She hadn’t thought this through. Was she really going to go through with the charade? Could she even go back? 

“I’m not sure exactly who this is for, but darling, staring at me like a deer in headlights isn’t going to work.” The man’s eyes fluttered open and all Aviel could pay attention to was how the man’s lips brushed against her own as he murmured. His lips were soft against her own and tasted like cherry flavor chapstick. She gazed into the man’s warm amber eyes looking for any sign that he wanted an out, yet she found none. He held her stare and with a twitch of his brow, he gave her permission to initiate the next move.

“My boss,” she murmured, her lips brushing against his. A lock of his hair fell over his eyes and Aviel let her quivering fingers leisurely brush it back. 

“Your boss?” Aviel tipped her nose in confirmation. The slight movement caused her chin to graze against the light scruff on his own. 

“He’s walking towards us— he’ll think you're my boyfriend,” she finished and he leaned closer. Her bottom lip tucked between his own.

“You can kiss me.” From the corner of her eye, Aviel could see Arjun and his partner a few meters away. Without a thought to spare, Aviel clenched her eyes shut and let herself go with the kiss. Aviel felt the hand at her waist circle around her and pulled her flush against him. In response, her hands traveled up his chest and locked around his neck. 

“Ahem.” Slowly and in a haze, Aviel pulled away from the kiss and rested her head on the stranger’s shoulder grateful he hadn’t let go of her. She couldn’t quite feel her legs under her and with the five-inch heels she wore, it was a miracle she was still standing. Curious eyes looked at her followed by the quirk of an upturned mustache. 

“Uh, Arjun. Sorry about that.” Aviel stood up straight, hand wrapped around the stranger's hand at her waist, glad to have something to hold on to. “Uh, this is uh, my boyfriend—” Aviel turned to the stranger and with her eyes begged him to jump in. She should’ve been better prepared for this—for this ruse. But, how could she? She hadn’t exactly expected to lie her way into a promotion. Arjun chuckled.

“Oh, we know each other already,” Jake gave her side a squeeze, “Jake!” Aviel watched the exchange of pleasantries and found herself receding only until the stranger— no Jake put his hand on her waist. A lifeline she didn’t know she needed.

“Arjun! Henrik! I knew you two were coming, but I didn’t expect to see you until-,” Jake peered down at his watch, “much later.” Arjun chuckled, hands in his pockets. The tall blond, Henrik, was grinning as he watched their interaction, eyes on her.

“Got here a little early and for good reason, I see. How long have you two been keeping this a secret?” Arjun looks between the two and Aviel can’t help but fiddle with the hand on her waist.

“A secret? No secret here,” Aviel shot out so quickly, she tried to cover her nerves by leaning into Jake. Arjun raised a brow and Jake chuckled, kissing Aviel on the crown of her head.

“Babe, don’t worry. I’m sure Arjun understands that we like our privacy,” Aviel looked up at Jake and found him staring down at her with a softness that took her breath away. “But, if you have to know, it’s been what, a few months?” Swallowing down hard, Aviel willed herself to look back at her boss and found him sharing a knowing look with his partner.

“Really? I thought all this time, Aviel was just all about work and no play. But, I’m glad to see that you found yourself this old geezer,” Arjun clasped Jake by the shoulder giving him a good squeeze. Jake rolled his eyes and Aviel couldn’t help but smile at the subtle mischief. “Another one I thought was married to their job.”

“You’re kidding, right? You were a total workaholic, until a few years ago.” The tall freckled blonde jumped in and they all shared a laugh. 

“Alright, no need to tell everyone,” Arjun pulled Henrik to his side to rest his head on his shoulder. The sweet gesture caught Aviel’s attention. As far as Aviel knew of Arjun, he was always a great boss, encouraging everyone to put family first before work. Putting your health first before work. Knowing that she had something in common with her boss, or at least at one point helped soothe her nerves.

“Pot, meet kettle.” They chuckled and Aviel relaxed into Jake’s hold. Maybe she could do this. Maybe just maybe, they’d talk for a few minutes more, and then she’d be home free. The promotion was within her reach. 

“Well, we should be headed upstairs,” Arjun gestured to the stairs behind them.

“Of course. We’ll be up shortly. I’ve got to go change my shirt,” Aviel peeked at Jake’s clothes. And for the first time that night, she took a good look at him. Dressed in a charcoal black double-breasted coat and matching pants, Aviel almost choked at the fact that this man was a living replica of one of those Michelangelo statues she’s seen at the museum. Aviel could feel Jake’s knowing eyes on the side of her face and felt the heat rise up her cheeks as she realized two things. One, Jake was a very good-looking chef, and two, he also happened to be the best mate Arjun always raved about. The very same one that owned the establishment they were hosting their work function at. The one currently pretending to be her boyfriend and could give her up to his best mate if he so chose.

“Don’t tell me, Jake, you’re afraid I’ll share some of our embarrassing stories with your girlfriend, are you?” Arjun feigned innocence, eyes wide in shock, hands up in mock offense. Henrik snorted and shook his head. 

“Bloody hell, Arj. Can’t I spend some time with my girlfriend? You see her every day. I’m sure you can do without her for a few minutes.” Jake shook his head at Arjun, but the grin on his face said he was anything but upset. 

“And what embarrassing stories would you even share that wouldn’t humiliate you too?” Aviel giggled. It was a scene to see as she caught Arjun flushed and fumbling over his words. Henrik winked conspiratorially before he wrapped an arm around his partner. 

“Alright, you win this one, you old geezer. But, Aviel will find out about Mykonos,” Arjun teased as he gave them both a long look before he turned and walked away with Henrik. Jake exhaled deeply beside her. Aviel didn’t know what to say or where to start. All she knew was that Jake was still here playing his part even now knowing that she was lying to his best mate. 

Standing at Jake’s side under Carl’s scrutiny, Aviel was grateful that Jake had given her a few minutes to herself prior to joining everyone on the second floor. He had gone out of his way to get her another cuppa and taken that time to reassure her that he wasn’t going anywhere; that left Aviel mortified and relieved at the same time. It was something about the way that Jake had crouched down in front of her seat, soft brown eyes reminding her of her mother’s hot chocolate nights that gave her a renewed sense of hope. This man hadn’t once asked why she was doing this. Still, Aviel had explained everything to him and Jake had stood there and listened to her without interruption. Whatever Aviel had done to earn Jake’s trust, she didn’t know. But, she was glad she had him on her side. 

“Oh, my days! Babe! I can totally understand why you had that well hidden,” Chelsea chimed in, ignoring the looks Carl was giving her at her interruption. 

“You do?” Aviel asked, genuinely confused. Chelsea shot her one of her intoxicatingly sweet smiles. 

“Hun, of course. Jake is Arjun’s best mate. There would’ve been a few misunderstandings if Arjun had known that before today. They’d accuse him of playing favorites. Of course, if you hadn’t told anyone about Jake you probably wouldn’t—” Aviel’s eyes grew wide at Chelsea’s lack of discretion. 

“Chels, is that Arjun calling you?” Jake quickly stepped in, stopping Chelsea from spilling more information than she already had. 

“Excuse me everybody, duty calls.” Chelsea walked away, leaving Aviel and Jake with Carl and Persie. Aviel watched as Carl ignored her only so that he could give Jake a once over, which Persie had caught and subtly nudged him with her elbow.

“So how long have you two been dating?” Persie asked in her attempt to relieve that tension. Aviel mouthed her a thank you. 

“Five months?” Aviel jumped in, quick to remember the office party they had back in June in the very same place. Jake pursed his lips in thought.

“Four months, unless you’re counting the three times you were extremely late for our dates,” Jake added, twinkling eyes causing hints of fluttering in her stomach. 

“You met at the bank holiday party?” Carl asked, eyes pointedly at her. Aviel swallowed down hard at the light accusation. They had both attended the party together, in hopes of helping Aviel network her way into the promotion she’d been hoping to get. 

“We did. Apparently, someone had forgotten about her tea and I had the luck to be the first person to cross her path.” Jake went on about how they had met and Aviel stood at his side in complete awe. 

Aviel remembered she had gone to the kitchen to make herself her tea seeing that no one had returned with her requested drink after two hours of waiting. Carl had even suggested going after it himself, but Aviel had refused. No one had ever gotten her tea right– no one outside her family, and that night a complete stranger had taken the time to make her tea just how she wanted. She had forgotten about that night. With everything that was happening she had almost thought the night to have been a dream. 

“So all of this started from a cup of tea?” Persie squealed at the romanticism of it all. Aviel gazed at Jake as he continued on with his side of the story. 

Jake had offered Aviel his number that night so that no one ever forgot her tea whenever she stopped by. It was true, his phone number was somewhere among the endless list of numbers on her phone. Did she ever call? No. But according to Jake, she didn’t have to because he had sought after Aviel through her profile on their office’s directory online.

“I get the whole secrecy. But, why didn’t you say anything to me?” Carl directed his question at Aviel. Aviel didn’t even know what to say to him. She didn’t want to lie, but she couldn’t tell him the truth, not now.

“Carl, it was three failed first dates. I wasn’t sure if Jake and I would last,” Aviel admitted and almost cringed at her lack of sugarcoating the fake truth. Jake didn’t falter, instead he pulled Aviel onto his side. 

“Look, Carl, what was there to say?” Jake began and Aviel tilted her head back a little so that she could meet his eyes. “Aviel and I weren’t sure this would work. We were completely consumed by our jobs, we barely made time for each other. If it wasn’t for Arjun, I don’t think we would’ve made it this far.” Aviel wrapped her arms around Jake and pressed her forehead to his shoulder. Aviel realized at that moment that Jake was her only saving grace. All she wanted from Jake was a fake boyfriend and here he was practically pouring out husband material. 

“Oh goodness, you’re going to make me cry,” Persie wiped at her eyes. Carl handed her the handkerchief from his pocket. 

“We– we get that. Trust me, I get that,” Carl hugged Persie to his side and looked Jake in the eye, all suspicion gone. “But, this is my best mate we’re talking about. If you were in my shoes, I’m sure you’d be suspicious that she’s been going around for months hiding a boyfriend.” 

“Sure. But, this is not the moment nor the place for explanations. This is Avi’s big night and I’m not going to let your hurt feelings get in the way of something she’s been working her arse off for the past months.” Aviel didn’t know what came over her when she kissed Jake on the cheek. No one had ever stood up for her before, not that she’d ever needed it. But, the unsolicited gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Aviel. 

“Thank you,” she murmured. Jake blushed in response causing Aviel to bite her lip to stifle her giggles. 

“Right— this talk is for another time. Maybe next week?” Persie smacked Carl’s arm, who flushed at the gesture.

“Alright. I get it! Another time,” Carl held his hands up in defense. Aviel shook her head at her best mate.

“Excuse this idiot. If it helps, Carl almost shat himself trying to tell Aviel that we were dating,” Persie ignored the glaring look Carl was sending her, as she walked on over and offered Aviel a hug. 

“I like him,” Persie whispered loud enough for Jake to hear. Aviel laughed.

“I like him too,” Persie beamed at the response. Before anyone could say anything else, Arjun tapped the edge of his glass for their attention. Aviel gasped recalling why she was going through all the trouble of lying to Carl– to everyone by pretending to be Jake’s girlfriend, the promotion.

“Good luck!” Persie shot them a wink as she dragged Carl away from them. Aviel took a deep breath in and was surprised when a hand slipped into hers. Brown eyes offered her their support and she was glad for it.

“Congrats, babe!” Chelsea popped the cork of a bottle of champagne and started topping up their glasses haphazardly in her excitement. Laughing, Aviel helped the blonde with the bottle, filling up the glasses of the small group that had gathered to congratulate her for her achievement. 

“Thank you. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to get this far without any of you,” Aviel stated as she finished filling up Jake’s glass, setting the bottle on the table behind her and holding her flute up in cheers.

“So thank you for all your support.” Aviel looked at each person that had joined her in the small celebration: Carl, Persie, Chelsea, Arjun, Henrik & Jake. In the span of hours, her friend group had expanded and if it had been any other time Aviel would have been nervous being in the company of strangers. Maybe it was the endorphins of getting the promotion, or her body leeching off of the buzz emitting from her newfound friends, but Aviel was on cloud nine. 

“Hear! Hear!” Carl shouted, gulping back his champagne and stealing a pint from a nearby waiter. 

“Nothing to thank me for, Aviel. It’s important to me that you can balance your personal and work life efficiently. Your life should be more than just work and as the new Director, you’ve got to set an example to your employees that their livelihoods matter just as much.” Arjun shared a look with Henrik, who was nursing a neon blue drink in his hand. “And you,” Arjun motioned to Jake who smiled back at her, “showed me that.” 

“Now, who’s up for the after-party?!” Chelsea chimed in, motioning the others to follow her. No one paid attention that Jake and Aviel stayed behind. Not that they would question their reasons. Aviel stood there, staring at the champagne flute in her hand and trying to make sense of the strange fluttering in her chest and the lack of words in her head.

“Thank you,” Jake mumbled and Aviel looked up from her glass to give Jake a strange look.

“You’re kidding, right? I wouldn’t have gotten my promotion if it wasn't for you. I should be thanking you and even that wouldn’t be enough.” He was only an arm's width away, but Aviel knew she had no excuse to be any closer to Jake when there was no one else around.

“Maybe. Maybe not. I guess that’s up to me,” Jake mumbled, meeting Aviel’s gaze. Aviel nodded her head. Whatever favor Jake asked of her she’d do. She could trust Jake to ask for something she’d be able to give.

“Do you think we could live this lie a little longer?” Jake asked as he took a step closer, never breaking eye contact. Aviel’s breath got caught in her throat. Was he truly asking her this?

“How long?” Aviel asked breathlessly. Jake bit his lip and leaned down so their foreheads touched. The fluttering in her stomach intensified.

“Until it becomes true.” Aviel searched his eyes for any sign of hesitation. Jake didn’t look away. Instead, he pushed forward, their nose now touching, their lips a whisper away from each other.

“Would you kiss me?” He asked. So Aviel did.

[ikemenlibrary]

just popping by to say -- i hope you had a nice day!

tuesdays 🥺 thank you! my day was decent - not too good, not too bad. how was yours??

[rosecaffelatte]

hi! I just wanted to pop by and say, your ask always make my day! all the love ✨

Awww shucks 🥹🥰 It made my day to see this in my inbox.

Also, how can someone hesitate to accept an offer on venting about the shitshow with Hugo/Taylor/Sally?

[ikemenlibrary]

7 for the writing asks!

ask me some writing asks?

tuesdayyys hi thank you sm for asking me a question!

7. Your favourite ao3 tag.

lol, dude you know me. I'm such a sucker for hurt/comfort and will scour that tag to the end of the earth for any fandom I'm in hehe

[ikemenlibrary]

🌷🌼 Send this to ten bloggers you think are wonderful. Keep the game going 🌼🌷 because how could I not think you’re wonderful! You’re the bestie 😊

How did I not see this until now 😭 love you so much Tuesdays you’re the best 🥰

[ikemenlibrary]

🌷🌼 Send this to ten bloggers you think are wonderful. Keep the game going (no pressure <3) 🌼🌷

I loooove you <3

[ordinarygirlfromathirdworld-blog]

"is there anyone to look for you?" #justtuesdays