Dive Deep into Creativity: Discover, Share, Inspire
Checked in - George Clarkey
words : 1.0 k +
warnings : Food-related content (mention of a gross food challenge), Fluff overload (excessive cuteness that may cause butterflies!)
The Sidemen studio was buzzing with energy—cameras rolling, crew members adjusting lighting, and the boys already causing chaos before the video had even properly started. You stood off to the side, tucked just behind the cameras, watching as your boyfriend, George Clarke, settled into his seat amongst the Sidemen.
He looked completely at ease, chatting and laughing with the boys as the crew made last-minute adjustments. Even though this wasn’t his usual kind of content, he fit in effortlessly, his natural charm making it seem like he’d been doing this for years.
You, on the other hand, weren’t in the video. You had come along purely to support him, happy to be behind the scenes, just watching. But what you weren’t expecting was the way George kept checking in on you—over and over again, in the most subtle yet adorable ways.
“All right, today we have a very special guest,” Ethan announced, throwing an arm around George’s shoulders. “Mr. Architecture himself, George Clarke!”
The boys erupted into cheers and mock applause.
George chuckled, shaking his head. “I swear, you lot hype me up too much.”
JJ smirked. “Mate, it’s only ‘cause we know you’re gonna get roasted in this video.”
That was met with laughter, but as the challenge got underway—some ridiculous mix of trivia and forfeits—you noticed something.
Every few minutes, George would steal a glance in your direction.
At first, it was subtle. His eyes would flick over to you when the others were distracted, his brows lifting slightly as if silently asking, You okay?
You bit back a smile, giving him a tiny nod.
Then, the gestures became more obvious. A quick thumbs-up under the table, a casual stretch where he subtly formed a tiny heart with his fingers before dropping them back down.
You couldn’t stop the warmth from spreading through your chest.
JJ, who happened to catch one of these moments, narrowed his eyes playfully. “Oi, what’s this guy doing?”
Vik followed JJ’s gaze and smirked. “I think George is sending secret messages.”
Harry snickered. “Bruv, you’re in a Sidemen video, not passing notes in class.”
George, completely unbothered, just grinned. “Gotta make sure my girl’s alright, haven’t I?”
The teasing was instant.
“WHIPPED!” Harry declared dramatically.
Josh shook his head, laughing. “We’ve lost him.”
Ethan nudged George. “Mate, she’s literally right there. She’s fine.”
George just shrugged, throwing you another glance, his lips curving into the softest smile. “Still gotta check in.”
Your cheeks burned, but you weren’t about to complain.
As the game continued, George found new ways to silently reassure you—his fingers drumming lightly against the table in a rhythm only you would recognize, a small, barely noticeable wink when the others were too busy laughing, a soft smile that made your stomach flip every time your eyes met.
At one point, when the boys erupted into chaos over a particularly questionable answer, George leaned back slightly, resting his arm on the chair beside him. With a casualness that didn’t match the giddy feeling blooming inside you, he raised two fingers in a peace sign—his own silent way of asking if you were okay.
You did it back, mirroring the gesture, and he smiled so softly it made your heart race.
But then, he took it a step further.
While the others were arguing about the score, George turned slightly, facing you more. With exaggerated slowness—so that only you would notice—he lifted his hands to form a tiny heart, then pointed at you before quickly dropping them back down.
Your heart nearly burst.
You covered your mouth to keep from laughing, shaking your head at him, but the way he was looking at you—so full of warmth, so full of love—made it impossible not to smile.
Tobi, who had been watching quietly, chuckled. “That’s actually cute, man.”
JJ groaned. “Oh my days. Someone get a bucket.”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “Honestly, just propose at this point, George.”
George just smirked, clearly enjoying the teasing. But before turning his attention back to the game, he shot you one last look—the kind that made your stomach flutter, your breath hitch, and your heart race all at once.
As the game progressed, George continued his little check-ins. Whenever the boys were deep in conversation or focused on the challenge, he’d take a second just to look at you, his lips quirking up in a soft, secret smile meant only for you. And every time, you felt that same giddy rush, your stomach twisting in the best possible way.
Then came the forfeits.
George, unfortunately, ended up on the losing team, meaning he had to suffer through a ridiculous punishment—having to eat an absolutely revolting concoction that JJ had gleefully mixed together.
You winced as you watched the boys cackle over the disgusting-looking sludge in front of George. He picked up the spoon with a sigh, but before taking a bite, his eyes found yours.
He pointed at the bowl, then dramatically wiped a fake tear from his cheek.
You laughed, shaking your head. In response, you held up both thumbs, encouraging him, even though you were internally gagging at the thought of him actually eating that monstrosity.
George grinned, rolling his eyes playfully before finally taking a bite. His face immediately scrunched up in horror, and the studio erupted into chaos.
JJ was on the floor laughing. “Oh my God! His face!”
Harry was crying from laughter, while Tobi clapped his hands together in delight. “Nah, that’s bad. That’s actually bad.”
Through it all, George still found a way to check on you. Even as he dramatically coughed and shook his head at the taste, he sent you a wink between grimaces.
You burst into laughter, pressing a hand over your mouth.
As the video finally wrapped up, George wasted no time in making his way over to you, ignoring the teasing from the boys as he wrapped an arm around your waist.
“Enjoy the show?” he asked, his voice warm as he pressed a quick kiss to your temple.
You smiled, leaning into him. “Loved every second.”
He hummed, squeezing your side. “Told you I’d check in.”
Your stomach flipped, and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of you in the room.
JJ’s voice broke the moment. “You two are disgusting.”
You laughed, rolling your eyes, but George just grinned, pulling you closer.
If this was what being ‘whipped’ looked like, he had absolutely no problem with it.