In this story you and (c/n) are not dating, merely good friends who like each other
You were exhausted. Today's work was enough to set you on edge for the rest of the night. None of your paperwork had saved on your computer, and you were beyond mad. To add to everything that was going on, you spilled coffee on your favorite white blouse. That stain was not coming out.
You decided to head downtown to your favorite bar to relax and wind down for the rest of the night. A little alcohol in your system was just what you needed to cool down, maybe even hit up a cute bartender, who knows.
As you walked down the cracked pavement to what you now considered your comfort zone, the city around you bustled with life. Taxies were honking, street lights had come on, and late-night businesses
had opened up.
The brisk autumn air licked at your bare shoulders and uncovered skin, creating goosebumps wherever it touched. You shrugged it off, knowing that the warmth of the cozy bar would be comforting you soon.
When you arrived at the bar, you walked in, the smell of alcohol greeting your senses. Many of the louder patrons were lined up right at the bar demanding shot after shot. The quieter ones were seated at tables in a more private setting where they could converse face to face. You chose to sit on a stool at the bar, seeing as you hadn't come with anyone else and didn't have anyone to talk to.
As you waited no longer than a minute, the bartender walked over to you and was about to take your order when a younger man walked up and interrupted.
"I'll have a scotch on the rocks please, and put whatever she's having on my bill."
You turned to match the owner of the voice to find none other than (c/n) pulling up a stool to sit next to you. Smiling and giving him a hug, you asked "(c/n), how are you?"
(C/n) sighed, his shoulders weighing down on him heavily.
"I've been okay. Work has been stressful, but it's nothing new than what it's always been, you?"
"Same here. I had a rough day at work, just needed a little something to get away from all the craziness."
You and (c/n) talked and talked, laughing the night away without a care in the world. You decided to stop after three drinks, which somehow always made you feel a little tipsy. (C/n), on the other hand, seemed to have a high tolerance for how much he was currently ingesting. Trying not to be too suspicious, you shifted your glance ever so slightly to the large number of bottles that were starting to stack up.
(C/n) quickly stood up, slightly swaying, and laid a hand on your shoulder. "I'm going to the bathroom, I'll be right back."
You silently shook your head, knowing that you needed to get (c/n) home sooner or later before this turned into a bigger mess than you could take care of.
Not more than a few seconds later, you heard a loud crash coming from the general area the bathrooms were in. You quickly stood up and rushed over to find (c/n) laying on the ground with a knocked-over wet floor sign. You bent down to help him, grabbing him by the arm while the bartender swooped over to help you.
The two of you worked as a team to haul him to the exit, the bartender taking most of (c/n)'s weight. As you stepped outside, the bartender excused himself, telling you that he couldn't really leave the building as he had other customers to attend to. You nodded at him and told him you were thankful, before helping (c/n) lean against the building so you could hail a cab.
(C/n) shakily stood up, slowly making his way towards you. "Where are we going?" he whined.
"Home you dumbass, you're too drunk to be out anymore," you said while opening the cab door and helping him in.
You leaned to the front to pay the cab driver and tell him (c/n)'s address when (c/n) piped up again. "Why aren't you coming with (y/n)? I thought we were gonna watch Kung Fu Panda."
You rolled your eyes. A few days ago you had joked with (c/n) about watching Kung Fu Panda because he told you he's never seen it before. You looked back at (c/n), all crumpled up in the side of the car, too drunk to even buckle himself. He was giving you major puppy dog eyes right now, begging for company. As much as you needed to go home to get a good night's rest, you knew you couldn't leave (c/n) like this.
"Alright, scoot over, but you promise me you can't grab my ass on the way home."
The seat next to you was silent. You looked over to find (c/n) already fast asleep.
...
When you got to his apartment, you tipped the cab driver before hauling (c/n)'s ass out of the cab. Now that he was semi-awake, it was a little easier getting him up the stairs and into his building. You fished for his house keys in his pants pockets before shoving them into the lock, still keeping one arm around (c/n). You helped him inside, taking everything one step at a time to make sure neither you nor (c/n) tripped.
Once you made your way to his bedroom, you sat him down and instructed him to strip down into his pajamas. You walked into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and some Tylenol to leave on the nightstand so (c/n) would have it when he woke up. He for sure was going to have one hell of a hangover to deal with.
When you got back to his bedroom, you found him mostly changed and somewhat under the covers. You decided to help him and pulled the covers up to his head, making sure he was comfortable. As you were tucking him in, (c/n) looked up at you and smiled.
"Can I tell you a secret (y/n)?"
You giggled at (c/n)'s childness. "Of course you can tell me a secret, (c/n)."
(C/n) paused for a moment, before starting again. "There's this girl I really like, but I'm not sure how I should tell her."
Your smile faded. Of course (c/n) liked someone else, you should have known.
(C/n) waited, eyes wide for your response.
Not knowing what else to say, you leaned down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before whispering goodnight.
You shut his door quietly before heading to the sofa, pulling your own blanket over you as tears fell down your face. This is not how you expected your night to go.
...
You woke up to the sun filtering throught the blinds. It was quiet in (c/n)'s apartment, that was until you heard him pad out to the living room.
"Did you bring me here last night?" (c/n) asked you as he scratched his head, obviously confused as to why you were sleeping on his couch.
"Yeah, I did, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
(C/n) paused for a moment, pondering his words until he replied with a "thanks."
You mumbled a "you're welcome" back as he slowly walked into the kitchen, trying to recall last night's events. When he opened the fridge door, he went to reach for the jug of water before pausing again and turning to face you.
"It's you."
You turned around, puzzled by what was coming out of (c/n)'s mouth.
"What?"
"The girl I told you about last night...the one I really like.
"Yeah?"
"It's you. It's always been you (y/n)."
