Work Text:
EJ was spiralling. He just got a call from Mr. Bleu’s team telling him that they would be back at camp even earlier than anticipated and he wasn’t even close to finishing breaking down the script yet. He had yelled at his friends and even shoved his girlfriend to the side, which is the one thing he never wanted to do. Gina has been so patient with him and has adapted so well to him being thrust into the directing role but he can’t help but feel like a shitty first boyfriend to her. She should be able to get excited and drag him away to go and find the shrine together, go late night swimming or even just lay down under the stars and enjoy the importance of quality time in a new relationship. He vowed that after the meeting tomorrow he would work on splitting his time better between the show, his friends, and most importantly Gina.
As Ej once again picked up his yellow highlighter, he felt a cooler breeze on his back. He turned around and saw an array of things being thrown inside his work tent. Sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, blankets, and a bunch of snacks. At last he heard someone huff and then Gina poked her head through and came inside. The two of them just stared at each other for a beat before Gina walked towards him, crawled into his lap, and gave him a big bear hug. Immediately, Ej clung to her just as tightly and they just breathed in each other’s scents. Early on in their relationship Ej realized that Gina’s predominant love language was physical touch. She always has to have her head on his shoulder, clutch his right arm as they walk side by side, or sit in his lap and cling to him like a koala. It didn’t take Ej long to get used to this level of affection, he would do anything for Gina. Gina had revealed to Ej that a lot of the times as a child she didn’t feel super safe because she never had a safe place to land for very long. She never had the opportunity to make friends and her mom and brother were much to busy to show her their love and affection physically. So with Ej being Gina’s first relationship she feels the need to hold onto him tightly, and is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ej has never felt happier to know that even though she didn’t come right out and say it, he makes her feel safe.
Ej slowed down the circles he was rubbing on her back and lightly pushed her head back and tilted her chin up so that he could look directly at her. “Gi, thank you for that hug I honestly think that cured half of my problems. But I really am behind babe so I don’t know if I’ll be able to participate in this slumber party it looks like you set up for us”.
Gina presses a soft kiss to his cheek and says “We don’t have to do anything crazy, I really just wanted to keep you company while you work because you shouldn’t have to be alone.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you”. Ej stands up with Gina still wrapped around him and helps her settle in on ground. He wraps her in blankets and kisses her forehead and murmurs his utmost thanks. He goes back to his desk with a newfound motivation.
“Sorry babe, I really really don’t wanna bug you I’m just really cold! Could I borrow a hoodie or something please?” Gina says with her head popping out of a blanket.
“Gi, don’t be sorry at all. You’re my girlfriend, you don’t have to ask anymore. Here I’ll grab ya one” Ej brings her one that he knows she likes and helps it on over her head and is careful to bring her hair all the way through to avoid any painful pulling. “Are you feeling better now Gi? What else do you need”
“Um no nothing, I’m good now!” She says with some apprehension.
“I’m not buying that, whatever it is I got you, you know that”.
“No no, don’t worry it’s just super embarrassing and I don’t really wanna talk about it”
“Hey hey no, we’re gonna talk about this." Ej sits down beside Gina and pulls her into his lap in one swift motion. Gina makes an oof sound and avoids his gaze. “Please Gi, please I’m here for you, just let me in”
Gina swallows and while still avoiding his gaze says “I’m just worried that I’m not doing something right and that I’m being a bad girlfr-“
“Woah, what??? Where did this idea come from, you’ve been nothing but amazing, I’VE been the shitty boyfriend, NOT the other way around!!” Ej says with conviction.
“It’s just some of the girls are making fun of me because I’m so new at this and when they heard you were my first kiss they were like “oh that’s why he barely kisses you” and just if there’s something I could be doing better, like just let me know, I’m a fast learner I think I could be better for you, I’m just sorr—"
Ej cuts her off by kissing her full on the mouth. She makes a surprised noise in the back of her throat before she begins to relax. Ej gently takes the back of her head and tilts her a bit and oh wow this is what kissing is supposed to feel like. This is the first time she’s ever made out with someone but it’s not as dirty as everyone makes it out to be. It’s all encompassing, and all she feels is so much love. They finally part for air and Ej strokes both her cheeks with both his thumbs and says “did you feel that? Gina confirms it with a whisper and a giggle into his neck. He pulls them both down and lays all of the blankets across them. Gina goes to sit up confused. “What are you doing? What about breaking down the script” He pulls her head down to his chest and says “If my girlfriend is doubting her amazing, gorgeous, brave self this much, I can promise that cuddling her is so much more important right now”.
The play and Mr. Bleu could wait. Right now, Ej just wanted to hold his leading lady a little tighter and keep her out of the cold that was sure to come.