Show me your smile (Dirk x Reader)

(A/N) There is literally ONE SWEAR WORD IN HERE. So yeah. Enjoy!
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She smiled at him, hiding the feelings that she felt behind it. The smile that could trick everyone into thinking she was fine. She was a pro at using it. She thought he never noticed. She thought no one noticed or even remotely cared about it. It had gotten to the point where she couldn't even show her real smile. She didn't even know what her real smile looked like anymore.

"See you later, Dirk!" She smiled with that same emotionless smile again. He waved as they both parted ways in the street. Dirk Strider lived across from her, always walking her home and making sure she got home safe as well. The neighborhood they lived in wasn't the safest place, but it was still liveable. They had been friends since the first day they started grade one. Dirk and (Y/N) had spent most of their lives as best friends, making it inevitable that his feelings would grow. He knew he had fallen hard for his best friend. He always loved to see her laugh and joke around with him, and when he would flirt with her, whether he meant it or not (most of the time he meant it), he loved to see her smile and the slight blush that she would always try to hide.

But as of late, Dirk could tell something was wrong. He knew something wasn't right with (Y/n). He couldn't brush the feeling off no matter what he did. As he watched her walk into her house, his mind was flooded with thoughts of her.

"She's hiding something, and I plan on finding out just what it is."

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You made your way into your house, calling out to see if your parents were home, but you knew they wouldn't be. They were always working late. They never had time to talk to you about anything. It was always about work. You made your way into your room, dropping your bag by the door and flopping onto your bed not bothering to do any chores. No, you needed time alone. You couldn't stop the feeling of depression running through you. You can't remember when you even developed depression, but it happened. You couldn't turn to your parents and you didn't want to turn to Dirk out of fear that he'll think you're just complaining and being annoying and he might even leave you. At least, that's how you think he'd react.

So you keep it in. Better to keep it to yourself than to burden and possibly lose your best friend/crush, right?

You let out a deep sigh. This was how you were most of the time. You wanted to tell Dirk about how much of a struggle life was for you and that you just felt so lonely and most of all, how much you loved him, but how would you? You felt tears weld up in your eyes and just decided to sleep the sadness away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~.:*The Next Day*:.~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once you had finished getting ready for school, you headed out the door only to run right into Dirk in his white tee with an orange baseball cap on it, his dark black jeans his fingerless gloves, as well as his signature triangle shades. He was slightly taller than you, making you have to look up at him. His hair was in its usual style; swept to the side in the front, spikes formed in the back. Total anime style. Totally Dirk Strider style.

"Hey Dirk." You plastered on your signature fake smile. He only looked at you not even saying a word, making you uncomfortable.

"Uh... Dirk?" You waved a hand in front of his face.

"Earth to Strider? You in there?"

"Let's skip school today." He said in a monotone voice. You could feel his stare from behind his dark shades. You felt something was wrong but chose to trust your friend. Besides, you could totally use some time alone with him. Maybe it'll get your mind off things. Then again, it could go totally south and then you'd be screwed.

"Shouldn't we go to school though? We have exams so--"

"We'll be fine (Y/n). Besides, it's just one day right?" He smirked. You knew you weren't gonna get out of this so you might as well just have fun and enjoy the day off. And pray nothing happens.

"Alright fine. Let me just leave my stuff inside." You drop your stuff by the doorway and walk back out, locking the door behind you. You looked back to see Dirk sitting on top of his motorcycle. You've only ridden on it a few times but for some reason, this time feels a little bit more special. You couldn't help but feel a little warmth from inside show itself in the form of a tiny smile on your face. You made your way to him, hopping onto the bike.

"Here," He handed you his bike helmet.

"What about you?" You asked as you placed the helmet on your head.

"Don't worry about me. It's a short ride anyways."

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." He looked back at me and smirked as he started up the motorcycle.

"Hold on tight now." He said over the roaring engine of the bike. You wrapped your arms around his waist doing just as he instructed.

The bike began to move and soon you felt the wind passing by you. You could see the side of Dirk's face; completely focused on the road, yet whenever he could, he would look over at you from the corner of his eye and smirk. It made your heart skip a beat so you'd hide your face and press it gently against his back. This is the boy you loved for years. This is how close you were. This is how much you loved him. You can't bear to lose him now, he's too close to you. Maybe he wouldn't leave you, maybe you're just over thinking things. You close your eyes, only focusing on the sounds of the traffic passing by and the wind flying past the two of you.

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"Hey, (Y/n), we're here." A familiar voice rang through your ears. You raised your head up from the warmth that was Dirk's back and took off the helmet, instantly being blinded by the sun.

"Mornin' darlin'." He said, his Texan accent coming out slightly. You felt your cheeks warm. Did you really just fall asleep hugging Dirk's back? Yes, yes you did.

"Enjoy your nap?" He teased.

"Actually I did, thank you very much." You retorted as you rubbed the sleep away from your eyes. He laughed.

"Well, we're here."

"Where exactly is 'here'?" You asked.

You moved your hands from your eyes and become instantly mesmerized by your surroundings. You stared wide-eyed at the beautiful flowers and trees that lay before you. A path lined with cherry trees all in full bloom on both sides of the path, flowers surrounding each tree, cherry blossom petals floating gently to the ground as the wind blew them off of the trees. You couldn't believe the sight you were seeing. It was magically beautiful. Almost like a fairytale come true.

You looked at Dirk who only smirked at you.

"How..." You tried to form a sentence but your words were lost.

"I found it one day when I had to do some exploring with Jake. I was waiting for the best time to bring you here." He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. You could swear you saw a faint blush cross his cheeks but it was gone in an instant.

"This is... amazing." Your voice was just a hush in the wind as you looked around at all the petals, but you knew Dirk heard it.

"Well then," You turned to look at him. He held out his hand for you to take.

"Shall we?"

Without any hesitation, you held his hand tightly as he led you towards the path. You followed the Strider, very conscious of the fact that the two of you were holding hands. You both walked in silence, Dirk leading the way as you followed slightly behind still holding his hand. You had to admit, walking hand in hand with him in pure silence with just the trees and flowers rustling was pure bliss. You could feel all of your depression flowing away from your thoughts. Your mind was finally clear as day.

You're abruptly pulled back to reality when Dirk stops in the middle of the path. You looked at him, confused.

"You okay, Dirk?" You asked. He had his master poker face on and you couldn't help but feel like he had something important to say.

"What is it?"

"(Y/n), I know you're hiding something." You froze automatically at his words.

"W-what do you mean?" You stutter.

"That there just proved it. What are you hiding?" He let go of your hand and crossed his arms over his chest. You stare at him and begin to feel your heart race.

"Nothing." You felt your whole body shake. How would he know that something was wrong?

"Don't lie to me, I can tell something's wrong. We've been best friends since we were little. I can pick these things up pretty well. Now tell me the truth." You looked into his dark triangle shades, knowing he was looking straight into your (e/c) eyes. You turned away.

"I... I don't want to lose you." You whisper under your breath. You felt tears weld up in your eyes.

Suddenly, you felt a tug on your arm making you turn to him again. His arms wrapped around your body and you froze, unsure of how to react.

"You're not going to lose me, stop thinking that. I'm here for you. I'm your best friend, right? You can always lean on me, idiot." He whispered gently into your ear. Your tears began to fall.

"I love you, Dirk." You said, not even realizing until after what you had just spoken out loud. He didn't move and you felt your heart sink. He pulled away from you and you stared at him already knowing the answer. He pulled his shades away, revealing his stunning orange irises that no matter what always made your breath hitch. You only stared at him until you realized he was leaning closer to you.

Then you felt it. His lips made contact with yours. Your eyes went wide in disbelief. He pulled away quickly and covered his mouth with his arm.

"I love you too, (Y/n)" He looked away, his face red. You looked at him in disbelief. He held your hands in his, looking into your eyes, (e/c) orbs to orange, his eyes swirling with intensity.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" You felt the tears stream down your face. Then, almost like a blossom finally being able to bloom, you smiled brightly, warmth filling your every being.

"Of course I will." Dirk's face lit up at your words. You felt him wrap his arms around your waist and lift you up, making you squeak in surprise.

"You finally really smiled." He beamed. You stared at him in disbelief.

"You saw through my smile?..."

"No shit. I knew you were hiding your beautiful smile somewhere. I just needed to get it out." He smirked. You laughed.

"There's my (Y/n). Now show me that beautiful smile again."

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After that day, Dirk made sure to always keep you smiling.

Really smiling.