" it's always been your game, y/n. "

info
- nate x fem reader
- 1st person
- y/n's and nate's perspectives
- euphoria x the queen's gambit au!
- continuation of pt 2
- y/l/n - your last name

y/n's pov

while walking out of the hotel, nate intertwined his hand with mine and led me through the small crowds of morning birds who were all occupied with steaming, freshly brewed coffees and newspapers in hand. i felt my heart race a bit while looking down at our hands touching.

once outside on the empty sidewalks, he let go of my hand and began to strike casual conversation as i followed beside him. our conversation eventually blossomed and i began to feel more comfortable with him.

nate wasn't as cold as he looked when he played chess. he was actually a sweet, talented gentlemen, a side he never showed to the press nor anyone during chess for that manner.

nate's pov

i decided to ask y/n out for breakfast. for some reason, i couldn't stop thinking about her even after i resigned. i was so happy to see her finally beat me. i knew she'd be the one to do so. she was the only one i would allow to.

y/n was a worthy opponent. somebody whom i didn't know i could learn so much from. on the outside, it looked like chess was a game with a board and two players but i knew there could be something beyond that and y/n was the one carrying that vision. her eyes were open since day one, both exposed to beauty and of strategic gameplay. she could simultaneously switch this vision and utterly control the game like the board was hers. she played a queen's gambit for the first time and won.

i couldn't put my finger on it but i wanted to feel her presence again. her simply talking with me right now illuminated an energy i couldn't fathom. she carried such a light yet heavy weight on her back and her journey to get here was astounding.

i wanted to learn more about her. i asked about her perspectives on chess and her life here and there. our conversation continued in the cafe as i held the door open for her to enter, her face slightly grinning at me.

sitting in the cafe, she ordered a good amount of food, being a bit hesitant at first. "don't be afraid to order the expensive stuff if you want. it's on me." her eyes slightly went wide in shock. "no no it's okay. i can't ask you to pay for all of this." i reached over the table and held her wrist, rubbing small circles in it.

"no, i insist. i'm eating out with a y/l/n. it's the least i can do after you beat me." her eyes trailed up from my hand resting on her wrist back to my eyes. when her eyes met mine, she quietly giggled, having a bigger smile on her face and her cheeks becoming a very sheer pink.

"okay. if you insist, jacobs." i shook my head at her, letting go of her wrist as she put her menu down in front of her. "please, call me nate." she scoffed and kept the bright smile on her face. "alright alright. but please, call me y/n."

i felt a smile trickle to my lips and that smile only got more contagious as we continued talking. i heard her laugh at some of my jokes and it made my heart feel a bit warm. god, why am i feeling this ditzy?

we continued to eat and converse until our plates were finished. once the check came in, i stared into her eyes as her gaze was fixed within mine. i could feel a connection between us. hopefully a secure bond that would last.

i led her out of the cafe and walked alongside her for the last time back to our hotel. the more i looked over at her features and saw her smile, the more my heart ceased. i didn't want to say goodbye to her for god knows how long but it was the end for the both of us whether we liked the parting or not.

"hey, this is where i need to go." we stopped within an empty hallway in the hotel as i knew the next turn led to our hallway, her room a few rooms over from mine. but i needed to visit my friends for the time being. she nodded at me. "it was a pleasure playing against you in the final game. you're a really fascinating player, you know that right?" y/n looked away a bit and giggled, her cheeks turning a slight pink like before. i couldn't help but feel smitten and smile at her.

"yes. i've been reminded all the time. but it sounds a lot more formal coming from you." i chuckled at her comment. "no but seriously. thank you." i nodded at her, feeling my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. we engulfed each other into a tight hug, holding on for a moment longer until we slowly pulled away and looked into each other's eyes, our bodies as close as they can be.

i bent down to her level a little bit and leaned in, still paying attention to her expression. "i'll never stop saying it. it's always been your game, y/n. please call me some time." her grin seemed to grow more if it was even possible. she stared back at me and nodded. "will do."

almost in an instant, she went on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. my eyes widened a bit, her action catching me off guard. "it was a pleasure playing against you, nate, and i hope to see you again." she started to back away before pausing, still staring at me while tilting her head. "by the way, you should smile more for the press. i think your dimples are really adorable." she quietly giggled while seeing my face heat up. my cheeks must've turned redder than hers. "have a nice day." she slowly backed away, watching me freeze up in surprise but still having a smile plastered against my face.

she giggled at me and waved before turning around and skipping lightly down the hallway. i waved back before seeing her back turned towards me, feeling my cheeks still heating up. i straightened myself out and gently touched the spot on my cheek where she put her lips against it, feeling myself grinning and my heart practically beating out of my chest.

you are such a sweet fascination, y/n. i hope to see you again soon.

a/n: aaaah i've been obsessing over the queen's gambit and got this idea. it was pretty cool writing this :)
image credits: https://pin.it/6SPWfSf
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