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hearta54 · 3 months
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Falling Asleep with Dom (reader x Dominic Fike Fluff)
Requested by Anon.
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Summary: After a long day at the studio you and you're husband Dominic Fike go to bed and when you can't sleep he reads to you. He never falls asleep before you. It's going to be a long night...
Word Count:
Notes: Send more Dom requests pretty pls and thank u, someone told me there's a drought and I 100% agree.
...
You and Dom giggled as you stepped back into your new house, Dom had surprised you with it last week, it was still a bit bare but it had character and warmth. And in the morning when you read your book and sipped ginger tea (it's good for vocals) you indulged in the view of the hills. Dom couldn't have picked a better spot in LA, he has good taste, I'm so glad I married him.
"Baby, I'm tired," whined Dom.
The long day at the studio had left you both fatigued. You admired the way his dark curls cascaded over his face framing his features and when his face stretched to yawn, you couldn't help but yawn too.
You yelped, abruptly Dom had picked you up, throwing you over his shoulder, laughing eruptively he walked stridently up the staircase and you gripped the dark oak bannister careful not to slip.
....
"Wow, y/n, you look so beautiful," you'd transfixed Dom.
"I know Damn, I always look cute." Dom laughs not breaking his gaze.
You were wearing a cotton, pink, boy short and tank top PJ set with perforated hearts. As you climbed into bed and lifted the blanket you saw Dom was shirtless - it still made you nervous - and he was wearing grey Calvin Klein boxers (Calvin Klein boxers on top fr) they made you think of his campaign from a few years ago, you felt your cheeks heat up.
You traced the squarish red cross on Dom's chest, his skin was supple and warm.
"Want me to go do your skincare?" You asked, still tracing his tattoos, you were focused on the one on his stomach now.
"No, I'm too tired," not liking his response you huffed.
"Maybe tomorrow," he hummed, he took your hand gently and placed it on your own pillow, the tattoo tracing made him not want to sleep.
You burrowed your head in the space between his shoulder and neck and he meets you with strong arms around your waist. These were your favourite times.
"Y/n, why aren't you sleeping, I'm going to read to you." Dom reaches to your bedside table and starts reading the book your on. He can't ever fall asleep until you have.
"Oh, and no fake sleeping this time," warns Dom teasingly.
Two chapters go by and you decided to feign a slow, consistent heart beat so Dom can sleep, he has a show at The Greek tomorrow and you want him to do his best. When you feel Dom's breath start to slow you smile to yourself. His eyelashes fan over his under eyes and you think about the apple tattoo below his right eye (live, love, laugh Apollonia).
You don't realise his eyes bat open until it's too late.
"You're such a liar, y/n" groans Dom, tired.
You go to kiss his plump lips (why his bottom lip so juicy tho), but he turns you over and he's on top now.
You shiver as his hand runs slowly up your leg lingering at your waist band.
"You never learn, y/n, do you?"
...
THE END
SEND DOM REQUESTS PRETTY PLS AND THANKU
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hearta54 · 4 months
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Cherry Red Guitar
(Dominic Fike x Reader)
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Summary: You're looking for a cherry red electric guitar but walk out the shop with much more than you expected. Singing lead for Lameboyz means getting to know the guitarist...
Word Count: 1 295
Notes: I loved writing this, and want to write more Dom stuff. DON'T BE SHY SEND REQUESTS. ENJOY!
It was one of those Spring days when there was warm, sprightly sunlight - but not too warm so you felt suffocated in your crocheted green sweater - there was also a subtle breeze which bit the air. You loved the way your dark-washed, flared jeans bunched around your beaten converses (Converses look a little better when they've been through it) as you perused the street for the guitar shop. Your eyes scanned across a shop's peeling sign; there was a middle-aged man outside smoking a billowing cigarette and leaning against the creviced brick wall. This would be good.
A bell rang when you crossed the threshold, your eyes flickered to the teeming shelves; you focused on finding a cherry red electric guitar, like the one on your Pinterest board. Feeling a presence behind you, you turned around, slightly vexed at being disturbed. All frustration dissipated when you saw soft brown eyes, grown out brunette curls dyed blonde, and a nose which curved like the crescent moon; his name tag said Dom.
"What you looking for?"
He smiled checking you innocently making your stomach giddy with butterflies. The consistency of his was voice was smooth with a raspy undercurrent; the faded wooden floors underfoot felt like they shifted. Ugh this boy.
"I'm looking for a cherry red electric," you said this coolly trying to not give yourself away.
"Specific huh," he chuckled biting his lip. The flirtatious tension was smothering in the best way possible.
"You sing? Cos my band Lameboyz is looking for a lead."
"Yeah, I do actually."
"Sweet, text me and I'll send you the details so you can come jam," suddenly he took your arm and slid your sweater up revealing your forearm (each inch burned, electrified) Dom wrote his number on your forearm, the lid was trapped between his iridescent teeth. You gazed at him just as he met your eyes. The bell jingled breaking the static.
Dom turned to walk away looking behind his shoulder he said,
"Cya ..."
"Y/n."
"Cya, Y/N."
...
You walk up to a garage and can hear a guitar riffing; whoever the guitarist is, is really talented. Slung comfortably against your back is the cherry red electric Fender Dom found for you yesterday.
Uncertainly you call into the garage; one of the band members opens the door, a boy with long dirty-blonde hair. Dom is perched crouched behind the amp holding a black electric guitar.
"Wow, that was you playing?"
"Why so surprised, girl?"
His response steals your quick wit, avoidantly ducking your head you take out the lyrics Dom texted you.
"Are we all good to start."
The band jams congruently, it feels invigorating to hear the music come to life: The melodies come easily and your shocked by the smoothness and tone of Dom's voice. He's so rock star.
"That was a solid session guys, I'm feeling good about the show next week, this is y/n our new lead singer."
The show. Lameboyz was performing at a small festival next weekend.
You get to know the band members while exchanging gushing compliments about everyone's performances. In your peripheral you spot Dom watching you intently drinking from a cup; rolling your eyes nervously you turn back to your conversation.
When the band members slowly begin to trickle home the sky is dark and starlit... eventually it's just you and Dom left.
Intrigued by a crate of records you thumb through them: The Beatles, Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Drake's Take Care.
A warm breath hovers over your ear, "you sounded good, y/n."
"Thank y-," a sudden pull of your waist turns you so your facing Dom with your back against the records.
"No need to thank me, I was just saying," he whispers.
Dom is distracted by the dark sky
"You should let me drive you home, it's dark out."
His car is slightly worn and old, but charming nevertheless, the convertible roof is cool.
The ride passes with a quiet Frank Ocean CD playing and mellow conversation speckled with intervals of subtle flirting. ...
As your about to place your phone on your bedside table it buzzes
"Good night, gorgeous."
"Good night, jit," you text back.
That night sleep doesn't come easily; Dom is in every corner of your mind.
The day of Lameboyz set creeps closer and each day you and Dom text more. He hasn't said anything or asked you out; each time hope threatens to rise you push it back down insistently. If I don't hope I can't get hurt... right?
...
The morning of the set reading a text from Dom forces a spectacular smile to stretch across your face.
"Can't wait to see you soon."
Slinging your guitar case over your shoulder you check yourself in the mirror one more time; smoothing your army green cargo skirt and fixing your vintage flared white tank. Realising how hard your smiling you force yourself to stop, I don't want to crease my concealer.
...
Leaning on the bonnet of his car and practicing his guitar licks you see him from afar. A warm heaviness in your stomach scares you,
Seeing you approach, Dom stands up, "hey y/n."
"Hey Dom," your name on his lips only deepens the feelings.
As Dom goes to say something the rest of the band pulls up; with a sigh you both join them. You pretend to ignore the surreptitious, knowing glances between the keyboardist and drummer.
...
You've missed performing and the roaring crowd reminds you why you love to sing. When Dom harmonises with you, you transcend and you are the music.
...
Gathered in Dom's hotel room the band is drinking; you're clinging on to your sobriety but the others are quickly becoming inebriated. They're hilarious, you don't really know someone until you've seen them drunk. Dom hasn't touched a drink, tonight he's seeking clarity... like he's going to make a revelation. When the laughter becomes hushed by lolling heads Dom and you help everyone to their rooms. On the way back Dom and you are hysterical from the drunken antics. You relish the candor of Dom's shining eyes and the easiness of his laughter.
Sitting on the floor of his hotel room you reminisce the performance and the melody of your voices together. Suddenly you have the nerve...
"Do you think you could teach me that guitar lick?"
Dom's face animates, excited to show you.
Cocooning behind you he guides you your fingers along the fret board when they get tangled. Keeping a steady, inconspicuous heart rate is trying.
"Your good at this," he breathes into your ear, the tension breaks your composure.
Dom places the guitar on the side and looks at you with darkened eyes; you hold your breath.
"I meant to say earlier, but I'm so glad we met and I was wondering if I could take you out for this picnic in the hills... there's a field of flowers and..." Dom trails off when he realises your staring at his lips.
Craning his head to reach yours, your lips connect; pushing your bodies closer there's no more space for anything else but right now. Running his hand through your braids Dom's other hand grasps your waist roughly, you've both been wanting for this a long time.
When you both run out of air and detach reluctantly; Dom bites his lips looking at the floor.
"I've been waiting for this."
"Me too."
...
Dom walks you to your hotel room and stays until you fall into a slumber.
You dream of wanting a cherry red guitar and leaving the store with it and a perfect boy's number scrawled on your forearm. It's a dream, but that's exactly how it happened. Thank God for cherry red guitars.
...
THE END
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hearta54 · 7 months
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❤ Dominic Fike and I Are Para-social ❤ (Poem)
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Notes: Enjoy my love sick musings over Dominic Fike. THIS MAN IS EVERYTHING!!! This is my first poem on here.
Word Count: 162
Warning: You may fall seriously in love with this man.
PSA: PLS SEND REQUESTS
Para-social they say; one-sided, expending unrequited emotion and time 
shaking my head in dismay I feel the connection, deeper meaning shines shyly like the sun peaks through the blinds 
Dominic Fike, quite possibly the first love of my life 
a beautiful disjointed tapestry on his skin 
the same skin that I wish was electrifying mine
when I think of everything and anything it ceases at him 
the drawling voice, and the catching sound of his laugh 
beauty so potent I cried, I knew what it meant for someone to be ‘so beautiful it’s painful’ alas
in times like this, my heart is fragile so I cradle it like glass 
his fingers as they strum his guitar, the piano he plays at his concerts so afar 
from his apple tattoo and his dark curls I love my babydoll 
para-social, so I don’t let disappointed scar my heart until it turns cold...
Dominic Fike and I are para-social, so I can still hope?
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hearta54 · 1 year
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❀Masterlist❀
Hi guys, I'm working on posting more... For now enjoy the few I've written :) PSA: SEND REQUESTS PLS
✦ Central Cee ✦
X-Reader One Shots
Love For Piano and Love For Cench
He's A Distraction
✦ Dominic Fike ✦
Poems
Dominic Fike and I Are Para-social
X-reader One Shots
Cherry Red Guitar
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hearta54 · 1 year
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He's A Distraction (Central Cee x Reader)
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Summary: You're a dedicated student and going to Cambridge and become a doctor is your stars and heavens. To make that happen you have to move schools, a boy was never meant to be part of the picture. But Cench looks so good in it...
Word Count: 2 472
Notes: Sorry this is a bit long, I would love if you guys would send requests.
You scroll fixatedly on your laptop, scanning the screen in intense concentration and stopping each time something caught your attention. Reading the Cambridge Medicine webpage was an addiction; in the past you had tried to dissuade yourself from accepting this, but how could you not when it always stared blankly back at you? Addictive but productive, each time you re-read the sentences you had engraved into your memory you grew closer to your dream. And when you closed your eyes at night, you saw yourself in lavender scrubs and a pearly white lab coat; living your dream of being a Cambridge Alumni doctor.
Three A*s needed for entry motivated you to be an excellent student. You didn't mean to behave exaltedly but your current school was inadequate in innumerable ways. Today in biology, there hadn't been enough dissection kits, so the class had taken notes robotically and brushed over the practical. Defeated, you remembered how you had trudged home dubious; how could a school implore success in its students and not have the right resources? A memory of sitting in an examination room at Queen Victoria's Sixth Form Academy unnerved you, yes, you had sat the scholarship examination. It had been strenuous and the competition in the room had been palpable, even so, you didn't feel as if you could compete successfully. Falling asleep, you were plagued by these worrisome thoughts even in your dreams.
Obnoxiously the sound of your alarm erupted immersing the room and awakening you. Each morning when you woke up, a void would open gaping at you, existing ostentatiously: It was a persisting sense of loneliness at first; an innocuous reminder to cherish time with your parents. But this was difficult when they both left for work as the sun just began to emerge teasingly over the horizon. Your mother worked as a university professor, such a nominal salary for an intelligent woman, and your dad worked as a nurse; anyone could tell you nurses were underappreciated, numbers didn't have to. A smart knock was being emitted from the hallway, who was at the door?
A postman adorned in fluorescents held a letter for you to take, when you hesitated a second too delayed, he dropped it, walking swiftly to his flagged motorbike and zooming down the road. A Queen Victoria's Academy insignia? You felt so inauspicious as you leaned on the door prying the seal delicately open. Covering your face with your hand you peaked at the verdict through the intricate gaps between your fingers. "We would like to congratulate your success on the recent Academic Scholarship examination and invite you to accept a scholarship place with us." No words can grasp your joy it's transcending.
Yawning tiredly, you stretched placing your feet into your fluffy slippers, the night had gone and went without a wink of reprieve - you were consumed with nerves for the day ahead: Your first day at Queen Victoria's Sixth Form Academy. Opening the door, you walked across the creaking timber to make breakfast alone as you did every morning. You were befuddled to see your mother occupied in the kitchen handling an assortment of kitchenware ,readying a breakfast spread; usually you would just eat cereal; before you were pancakes, fresh fruit niftily cut, orange juice and array of salivating dishes.
"Mum why are you not at work?"
"I wanted to drive you for your first day, I can't begin to express how proud dad and I are," she said beaming excitedly.
You sat at the kitchen visualizing your mother's small, slightly dated and mediocre car driving alongside the avant-garde and luxurious cars of your new peers. Your stomach knotted half ominously and half guiltily. She seemed so happy to drive you and had sacrificed work to drive you, your inner monologue whispered insisting to take the bus would leave your mother forlorn.
"I'm glad you're taking me; I didn't really want to take the bus on my first day anyways."
Lies.
The academy's tree-lined boulevard was now in sight, driving alongside it now; planting your face against the misty window, eager to catch a glimpse. Your mother's car was now aligned with the curb which signaled a convenient space to leave; grudgingly you opened the door slowly as if peeking into a foreign world - in a way you were. You breathed in a long breath of courage as you slung your bag across your shoulders.
"Bye mum, thanks for the ride," you said, genuinely grateful.
"My pleasure darling, I love you, see you after school." Your mother grinned, pride cascading her face and carved smile lines. Guilt ebbed slowly as you watched your mother drive away. As her car dissipated to a speck in the distance a humble maroon car pulled to the curb, your mother had dropped you off with a car of a similar stature. You felt an unspoken sense of camaraderie. I'm glad I have someone to share the embarrassment with.
A boy emerged who appeared to be in the upper-sixth form - your year. He didn't seem ashamed of his car or even the slightest bit alienated; instead, he was confident, you could read if from his aura: it preceded him. Staring now, you saw his dark hair which was styled into jaw length box braids. His cutting cheek bones were iridescent, catching the sunlight, and you marveled at the softness of his plum bottom lip...
"I love you mum, thanks for the ride," he spoke to his mother with a genuine smile.
"I couldn't say no after you begged for a ride, could I? Have a good first day, Oakley."
What! He had asked for a ride. The guilt came gushing back, you weren't like him, yes you could relate about your car which was vain and face level. But he appreciated his mother wholly and wasn't attempting a façade to fit in with the elitism around. You felt a searing pang of shame. Frozen in thought you only broke out of this state when you felt dark coffee eyes meeting your gaze. The dwindling blare of the lesson bell dismissed you from the intense, awkward situation. Walking towards the office to meet the enrollment officer you chastised yourself sternly: This was the year of academic success entailing A*s, boys could tear down everything you had worked so hard for in a painful heartbeat.
The enrollment officer had distributed timetables to the small group of scholarship students; some of them gave a condescending air: Almost as if the fact testing had terminated slipped their minds, but most were nice and proffered kind but shy smiles, clipped at the edges with perceptible nerves. You navigated the halls wearily searching for your chemistry lab, the school was grandiose but tastefully understated. The look of old money attracted your gaze, it was a world away from where you had come. Walking the winding stairs, you see your chemistry class meters away from the landing 'room 299.'
Having arrived ahead of time allowed you to peruse the chemistry lab, it was a spectacle. Advanced modern equipment, granite bench tops, the most powerful microscopes... It left you speechless. You were broken from your trance by your classmates trickling in slowly and the booming voice of your new chemistry teacher.
"I am Dr. Olsen, I have a doctorate of chemistry from Oxford itself, trust you are in more than good hands," he paused to chuckle at his own joke but carried on when the students unreciprocated his mirth.
"This is the only chemistry class in the upper sixth form, that should allude to the arduous nature of the course. Therefore, to maximise your concentration I have taken it upon myself to devise a seating plan."
Dr. Olsen trailed off when the class began to groan resentfully.
"You can thank me when you receive your A-level results at the end of sixth form. Right then, in the back row, Y/N and Oakley Caesar-Su, Veronica Windward and Yasser Malik ..."
Oakley, You had been seated next to the boy from earlier this morning. You knew you shouldn't be smiling to yourself, chemistry was an imperative A-level. You weaved yourself to the back row and sat next to him.
"Hi Oakley," your voice had manifested much more timidly than you had expected.
" Yeah hey y/n, call me Cench, only my mum and tired old teachers like this one call me Oakley."
You giggled unexpectedly, he grinned back his gaze lingering. As Dr. Olsen droned on about Titration you took down notes studiously, beside you Cench was doing the same; writing down notes swiftly. You couldn't help but notice his handwriting was neat and prettily round, looking at his notes you dropped your pen. From your stool you reached down to retrieve it, on the way back up you bumped heads with Cench who had thoughtfully wanted to help.
"Oh my days, I'm sorry y/n, you good?" He was asking searching your eyes for signs of hurt.
You went to assure him you were okay when you got cut off by no other than Dr. Olsen...
"You two in the back Oakley and y/n quiet please."
"I am sorry Dr. Olsen I was just _"
"I don't want a justification take notes like everyone else, or get out," he said belittlingly.
Your cheeks got hotter as the class snapped their necks rubbernecking to witness your embarrassment, you looked at your notes mortified.
"Look, Dr. Olsen, You don't have to chat to her that way, she bumped her head and I was seeing if she was okay, yeah." Cench's jaw was locked making his cheek bones even more enunciated.
" Don't talk back Mr. Caesar-Su, detention after school." With an angered demeanor he resumed his lesson. You fought away guilt as you continued taking notes, if only I had gripped my pen tighter.
Trailing the halls advancing towards the exit, you're clouded with gratitude tinged with empathy for Cench, you hadn't meant to get him in trouble. Nor had you meant to tarnish his reputation in front of the strictest teacher. In your periphery you see Cench and your heart soars.
"Hi, Cench, I'm so sorry about earlier, I didn't think you'd get in trouble for trying to help."
"Don't worry about it y/n, that prick shouldn't have -"
"Right, students before we go into the room, these are the rules of after-school detention..." A teacher drawled these words with an expression of boredom.
You gave Cench an apologetic look over your shoulder before you opened the door, you were met by a smile and a shrug of the shoulders from Cench. The whole way home your mind is scattered with intrusive thoughts of him, you don't want them there but you don't want to fight them away either.
Cench's POV:
Detention dragged on just as I thought, thoughts of y/n appeased this listlessness because thinking of her had made it bearable. As we had worked on our assignments in silence I had chosen to continue my English literature essay. I could say I had not made much progress because the silence which filled the room was unsettling, but really it was because it was y/n who occupied my mind. Y/n with her guileless smile, her sharp and dazzling intellect, the clocked tick some more and I spent the time like this: Thinking up an interminable list of why I like y/n. Really and truly I had only met her today, but something about her...
Wrapping a towel around my waist and drying my wet braids, I hear a ping from my phone. 'You have received an email from..." It's a notification from the enrollments officer. Is this about today, I know I went overboard but I wasn't gonna let that prick talk to y/n like that.
I check what she has to say and she's saying I have to pick an extra-curricular to fulfil my scholarship expectations. That's calm, I'll join the Charitable Cause Club, I heard y/n is in it.
Y/N's POV:
At your desk you're riddled with inconsolable worry. In two days will be the chemistry exam which will make thirty percent of your semester grade. Staring at the notes in front of you which feel insurmountable you begin studying. It is well after midnight when you finally turn off your lamp and resign to sleep.
Cench's POV:
Standing around the classroom I see y/n, her eyebrows are nearly touching in what looks like worry while she reads her chemistry notes. I never thought she would panic during exam season, I think she's the smartest in our whole class. Watching her worry like eats away at me I really don't like it.
Lying awake on top of my covers despite the cold. My mind turns to y/n for the infinite time and I stop randomly at the Starbucks order she has in the morning sometimes. A regular matcha latte with two pumps of vanilla syrup and a strawberry icing doughnut embedded with fresh pieces of strawberry. Trust man's not simping... it's deeper than that.
Y/N's POV:
At 7am on a Friday morning, the library is empty. The comforting silence interrupted sporadically by the tinkering of the librarian. Today, is the day of the chemistry exam and no matter how much you study you don't feel ready for the exam. You feel warmth on your head, the feeling of someone watching you so you glance up straight into coffee eyes. It's Cench leaning on a bookcase your favourite Starbucks order in hand. Your heart skips several beats.
"Hi y/n, your such a neek you know, studying at this time." Cench says this as his eyes flick across your face, enthralled.
"I don't know, you can never be prepared enough," you retort, trying to fight a smile from showing on your lips but failing.
"I don't know about that, you'll do great, your as smart as you are cute. Which makes you very smart."
You feel your cheeks getting hotter and you stare blankly at your notebook.
Never taking his eyes off you Cench puts the drink and a paper bag down on the table.
"I got you a little something, good luck, yeah."
You watch him as he walks away, with his bag slung over one shoulder. Suddenly you are filled with the confidence he has in you.
Taking a few sips of your matcha leaves you refreshed, reaching into the paper bag your heart squeezes when you see a strawberry covered doughnut. How did he know. Looking inside the bag for napkins you see a strip of paper, unfolding the paper you read the message.
It says: You should go out with man. Scrolled on the bottom is a phone number.
You gasp earning a reprimanding look from the librarian. Your mind wanders visualising what your date with him will be like.
...
THE END
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hearta54 · 1 year
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𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 (𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐞 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)
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Summary: You have a long-lived crush on Cench, the boy across the road, piano is one thing you share. At a piano examination, you find out if your persistent feelings are reciprocated.
Notes: Originally was going to write about Tae-Moo from Business Proposal; thought this suits Central Cee better. Plus he's hot as f!ck.
Warnings: alcoholism, abusive father, a little swearing
Word Count: 2 453
When you played the piano it was like the notes were emitted from your finger tips, rather than from the instrument you love. You closed your eyes and let memory lead into the crescendo of Fur Elise. Playing the piano was a form of ecstatic escapism; it allowed you to transcend reality and exist in a void untouchable by what drained you.
Dad could drain a pungent bottle fast, even faster than he could drain you. Drifting into the decrescendo the melodic keys helped you block the intrusive thoughts you had about him. He used to be better, a memory which was slowly fading from memory. But if you were to be honest … those days when he embodied something other than an absent and sorrowful father were lost in a network of messy incidents, spurred by the violent man he became under the influence.
Sometimes dad was cordial and added to a pleasant ambience but this didn't overshadow his bad days. On these days, you would crawl within yourself, barricaded in your room playing until your fingertips felt numb and your hands lost their supple dexterity. Feeling a need to escape as your parents argued downstairs, mother was made timid by him; so she tread carefully, but even then he was so volatile. So temperamental.
So mother lived in crippling fear: That a chair would be thrown too hard, or that dad would drink too much alcohol. Extra shifts at the hospital was how she coped, running and adamantly refusing to confront - this tainted you with disappointment. Piano was the way you fought. But in rare instances when your favourite composers didn't ease your worried mind you turned to Oakley, the boy across the road.
Placing your sheet music atop of your keyboard you allowed yourself to sink into an inviting daze. Oakley Neil H.T Caesar-Su is it weird that I know his whole name, his friends call him Cench, Cench was an anomaly he made rap music and dressed in tech fleece but under the guise of his demeanor he was one of the best pianist you had witnessed … Grade seven.
When Cench played it was riveting, unconsciously tilting his head to the side and getting lost in the keys he looked like a worthy muse. You digressed, thinking about the way his plump lips upturned when he smiled. The way his dark curls caught the sun when she watched from afar. Afar... because Cench barely registered your existence.
Last week in music class, late as always; he bumped into you. As he retrieved your folder you thought you had glimpsed a twinkle in his eye. But it must have been the glare of the sun because your eyes lingered and his were unbothered; turning away. Changed into your satin PJs you switched the lamp off - some dreams were best left for sleep.
...
Morning had arrived, but as the sun rose smoothly you were ruminating. Casting your memory back to last night, you revisited the way your hands had glided over the keys. Each note seamless and crisp melting into the songs you had beautifully played. You hoped you would play as effortlessly today. Today was a pinnacle and would hopefully affirm the hours of practice and offer a haven which floated more away from what was happening at home and into your future at The Royal College of Music.
Doing your therapeutic morning skincare, you thought listlessly of life there and the endless respite it unlidded. Today you had chosen a white turtleneck layered by a wooly grey cardigan and cute pleated skirt, with opaque tights - for the glacial London winter - and legwarmers. Leaving your room you slipped on your Doc Marten's - a complementary staple in your closet.
They had not been cheap, but with the aid of your part-time job which was not overly lucrative; you were able to secure the shoes and cover the significant costs of piano tuition. Walking down, you treaded softly on the worn carpet, you could hear the wretched sound of beer bottles clinking in the kitchen. Clinging to the bannister you steadied yourself; Cench would be at the piano exam. So you put on a façade of bravery and nonchalance even though you knew it was erosive.
"Hi y/n slept well," his words weren't slurred yet. You were flummoxed, dad was usually rooted in self-interest. When did he start looking beyond himself?
" Dad..." Your words caught in the static air, it sounded so raw.
"Mmm."
"Do you think you can drop me to my piano exam it's a bit far by bus, mum is working and -" Glass smashing to smithereens startled you; you covered your head instinctually.
"Who do you think I am. A fucking taxi, take the bus. You and your God damn piano," he was seething, as he turned around you took in his bloodshot eyes. So temperamental. He wouldn't have been good to drive anyways. Rigid and shaking you rushed up the stairs hurriedly and stuffed your bag blindly with your sheet music. Your eyes were too watery. You shut the door behind you with trepidation, not wanting to spark another polarizing outburst.
Tears streaming endlessly down your face you breath caught as you saw Cench leaving his house across the road. Seeing you he seemed perturbed like he'd seen something he shouldn't have. You watched aghast as he put his earbuds in and pulled his quintessential Trapstar hoodie to shroud his possessing curls. Walking down the street with your eyes downcast, you felt mortified, you felt Cench had seen a part of your life you worked so hard to hide.
You bumped into something unmoving, "ugh," you scoffed exasperatedly. Could my day get any worse? Glancing upwards you were dumbfounded by who stood in front of you.
"Hi y/n, you alright, everything calm yeah?" Cench was looking directly into your eyes, his earbuds out.
You nodded, clutching at fading conviction. How could you tell Cench your problems when he barely knew you? So dishonestly you made it seem like everything was fine; insecurity hoodwinked you into believing he would think you were 'too much.'
Almost smirking, he rolled his eyes tilting his head to one side like he was lost in demanding piano piece.
"Why do girls always move shady? I can tell your not fine, you were tearing up and that _ " he sighed seeing the resolve you had in being stoic.
"Alright then y/n, your fine I guess. The piano exams are time away, taking the bus is mad _" he was stopped short by a honk from a car blaring rap music.
"Anyways good luck, don't stress too tough, your piano skills are hard," Cench said this as the car drove away erratically.
Piano skills? Cench knows about my piano skills? Maybe you're not so self-deluded.
...
Raveled in the chaos of the morning, walking into the revered and coveted Royal College of Music was an exhale. The school was the cornerstone of all your dreams, you could always visualize it vividly. And now here you were for a piano exam, it was a reminder that it was real and not just a conjuring of your escapist imagination.
Walking through the hall you took in the surreal architecture and basked in its splendor. I could get used to this. Peeking at your crumpled pamphlet you realised the auditorium was on your left: 'Auditorium 9B.'
You sat down in a velvety plush seat and felt yourself inflate with hope, a place hear would be a gateway to magic. A piano piece began softly, enthralling the dozens of other pianists scattered in the vast, gilded auditorium. Flicking your eyes heavenwards you saw him, playing as gracefully as ever. Sometimes you thought to yourself Cench was born solely for this very thing.
Cench's POV:
I have played this piece a thousand times before now; I perfected it and made it radiate real talent even. Just so that when I got on this stage, I could stare at y/n and absorb her beauty. I committed every detail of her face to memory before the eighth bar - What can I say I'm a quick learner innit. The truth is I am worried about y/n, I know her dad is an alcoholic, I just don't want her to know I know. She'll get embarrassed and hurt, and I don't want to see her like that, ever. This piano exam is important, grade eight is what I need to come here; so why is all I can think about how to tell y/n I like her? I shake these feelings off as the keys fade for the end. These man are tapped if they say I didn't make Grade 8.
...
Y/n's POV:
Speechless and hypnotised is what you are. Making your way up to the mahogany stage, butterflies battle for dominance in your stomach. This mix of nervousness for the performance and the fact Cench will be watching is both nauseating and intoxicating. You inhale filling your squeezing lungs. The conductor motions for you to begin, the sheet music you have on the ledge... It's not Fur Elise, like you were assigned it's the one you've been experimentally writing. Horrified you close your eyes. Lost. You begin to play anyways. Confront don't run. You play until the amounting crowd is rendered delirious with applause and Cench is peering funnily at you in the audience, you brush it off. That's probably the look of disinterest.
As the curtains closed you saw your future becoming narrower... and narrower. There was an office which you were meant to report to promptly, to hear results. Practically tiptoeing in anticipation you felt yourself drown in dread. Not commencing to Grade seven meant bidding this school a sorrowful goodbye, before you even had a chance to enroll! It wasn't just the prestige, or the vigor which made this school shine in a pearly light, it was the love for music and adorned opportunities it created. For some a school like this was a pretty ornament on a promising resume, but for you, this was your youthful life's work.
Now standing outside the tastefully decorated office, you heard two adults discussing tersely, the conductor and examiner. Knocking lightly on the door, you were further unsettled at how swiftly it swung open. For the millionth time that day, you sat in a seat powerless; while others dictated your fate.
"Ms. y/n last name, we were shocked when you played the piece that was not assigned to you, but it appears you wrote it, yes?" The conductor drawled.
You cleared your throat hurriedly, looking intently at the poker-faced men.
"Yes sir, I did," it came out a near whisper.
"Excellent, welcome to grade seven, I look forward to seeing you at the Royal College of Music in the very near future."
...
You were beyond ecstatic. You honestly had no words to describe this feeling it was bliss and euphoria intertwined. The rain sprinkled predictably as you walked to your bus stop: You couldn't help but romanticise life at times, but this moment was a smidgen of actual romance in your life. Your gentle musings of how much you loved the piano led way to someone you might adore just as equally.
You could hear fast steps behind you through your beige XM4s, thinking it was just another jogger it didn't faze you.
"y/n..." your name caught in Cench's throat. Hearing his voice made you rip your headphones off. Ugh So unsubtle. You stopped to see what he had to say, Cench was only a few inches away. But you wished he was closer... Closer still. As close as possible.
"Hey y/n I saw you walking, can man walk with you," he said this confidently but his eyes were slightly down cast.
"Yes, of course," you replied, letting your heart soar with the possibility of this being the day you would turn a new leaf together.
You walked together to the bus stop talking about piano and your shared dream school, until you could see the tall, red bus blinking at you in the distance.
"There's my bus, see you in music class, Cench," you tried to mask your disappointment as you reluctantly climbed the steps.
"Where do you think I'm going, we live on the same street still," he chuckled rolling his eyes; exciting the butterflied entrapped in your stomach.
"Oh okay," you smiled awkwardly.
Cench's POV:
I am sitting so close to y/n in the bus right now. What if I just leaned in and... Truthfully I am overwhelmed with nervousness right now. This never happens ever. I don't want to talk to her about what happened this morning; she doesn't seem ready and the way she's smiling right now and just looking around the bus. Man she's so cute. Bu there are things to discuss..
"Y/n.."
"mmhmm," she was looking into my eyes and I thought my mind would go blank.
" I - I actually like you a lot... I have for time, I can't lie." Holding my breath. I'm hoping... I hope she responds the way she does in my head.
Y/N's POV
The air left your brain, the moment felt ethereal. You had pictured and edited this moment innumerable times in your imagination. And you always thought it was just remain a figment. Looking into Cench's dark, enamoring eyes you could see he was waiting for your answer.
"I like you too Cench... I have since forever." Your smile turned impossibly large and you faced the front, excited for what's yet to come and beaming.
"Since forever huh, babe don't be silly," Cench's smile was a reflection of a sunny day.
"It's true - " you mumbled realising what he has said. Babe.
Cench placed a warm hand on your cheek. His lips were soft like you had always envisioned; grazing over yours slightly - searching for reciprocation. You opened your eyes wide in awe and surprise, pressing your lips against his. You could feel Cench smiling into the kiss; his lips were sweet and fit yours perfectly. Slowly his hand trailed to grip your waist while the other stayed on your face. Moving your lips together he pushed his tongue in your mouth and roamed everywhere he could; you saw a different galaxy.
Gasping quietly you both pulled away grinning stupidly.
"You're so beautiful y/n you don't understand," whispering for only you to hear, he wrapped his arm around you moving closer. You put your head in the soft spot between his neck and the edge of his shoulder closing your eyes. You thought about love. Love for piano and Love for Cench.
....
THE END
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