#Daniel smiles at Bobby politely when they make eye contact.

[zappedbyzabka]

Mafia AU: Sid tells Johnny to dress nice. He's sweating bullets and says that some big financiers are coming over. Johnny isn't stupid and Sid isn't subtle, muttering about his kneecaps and having his fingers chopped off while he yanks Johnny's tie closed.

Johnny's heart drops when he sees that it's the little squirt who kicked his ass with surprising speed over Ali's radio. He's with his mother, an effusive Italian woman, and his stepfather, a reserved and elderly Japanese man. They both beam with love and pride when they have their arms around him. Johnny wishes he had that, but Sid barely acknowledges him and Laura flutters her hands nervously.

So the shrimp has a Cosa Nostra mother and a Yakuza stepfather, both of who love him. Johnny has a stepfather who owes them money.

Miyagi says, pointedly, that Sid's house is very grand, that he seems prosperous. Mrs. LaRusso-Miyagi asks if the boys know each other.

Johnny looks at Daniel, who says sunnily that they met on the beach. Johnny's jaw still hurts, and he can remember the feeling of the sand scraping his face when he went down, the hushed awe of the Cobras. His face burns with humiliation all over again.

Laura says blandly that it's nice they're friends. Daniel and his mom both look puzzled. Johnny never told her he'd gotten his ass kicked by some strange kid. He doesn't tell her stuff like that anymore. His face burns even redder. He can see the woman's expression collapse into pity, but LaRusso just looks contemplative. Like he's figuring out how to ruin Johnny's life at school or something.

Dinner is Sid talking fast and loud about profit margins and Daniel staring at Johnny like a fucking weirdo. Laura and Johnny pick at their food. Every so often, Daniel or his mom will lean over to whisper into Miyagi's ear. Sid tells Johnny to take Daniel up to his room and "play videogames or whatever" after dessert.

Johnny leads Daniel to his room and sits on his bed awkwardly. Daniel actually sits beside him and asks him how his jaw is feeling, where he'd struck the final blow that dumped Johnny onto the sand. Johnny thinks about how Daniel could probably have him killed, and says that it's not the worst he's ever gotten. Daniel just nods, then asks him if he gets along with Sid. Johnny takes the chance to unload, then asks him how he gets along with Miyagi.

Daniel explains that his mom got pregnant and the guy ran off suddenly, and Miyagi stepped up and married her rather than having her family send her somewhere. Miyagi's the only father he's ever known, and he's utterly devoted to Daniel and Lucille.

When Sid calls Johnny downstairs and tells him that he's going with Miyagi, Johnny doesn't even fight it. Daniel could kick his ass. Miyagi could have him killed. Could have his mom killed. Why fight it? What does he have to gain?

It's not until Miyagi starts talking to Daniel about "your new pet-boy" in the car that Johnny really understands what's going on.

His first thought is that the Cobras can't find out, no matter what.

🫠🫠🫠 Daniel knew Johnny was going to be his the night they met—obsessed the moment he saw Johnny’s blue eyes all wide in shock after Daniel hit him—after Daniel put him in his place. He wanted to wipe the blood off Johnny’s nose and tell him he’s sorry that he had to hit his pretty face, but Johnny apparently hadn’t learned his lesson because he hit Daniel again and drove off with his boyfriends, or whoever they were—they’re irrelevant to Daniel. He went home that night and gave his dad all the info he knew about the boy on the beach so they could plan how to make him Daniel’s.

He got more of an idea of what Johnny needs when they talked in his bedroom; he looked so defeated as he talked about all the terrible things Sid would say to him on a daily basis and how it feels like his mom doesn’t care about him anymore since she doesn’t do anything about how Sid treats him besides sometimes half-heartedly asking him to be nicer. He was all hunched in on himself and refusing to make eye contact as he confessed all of it, and it broke Daniel's heart; his boy just needs /love/, needs to be praised and fucked until his mind is blank and all those awful things he thinks about himself are gone, not disciplined like Daniel thought at first. Oh, and Daniel’s definitely going to have Sid killed.

He pulls Johnny close when he starts quietly sobbing in the car and soothingly cards his fingers through Johnny’s golden hair, only pulling away to gently cup Johnny’s face in his hands and kiss away his tears, not stopping until Johnny relaxes against him, and Daniel luckily only receives a short warning from Lucille that he needs to control himself until he's at least in his own room.

"Don’t cry, honey, we’re not going to hurt you. I won’t let you ever be hurt again," he tells Johnny sincerely, smiling warmly—then his expression turns dark. "I’ll kill anyone who lays a finger on you with my bare hands if I have to."

Johnny looks back down at Daniel's lips like he wants to be kissed again.

[wolfpawn]

I Hate You, I Love You, Chapter 119

Chapter Summary - Tom and Danielle go house hunting.

Previous Chapter

Rating - Mature (some chapters contain smut)

Triggers - references to Tom Hiddleston’s work with the #MeToo Movement. That chapter will be tagged accordingly.

authors Note - I have been working on this for the last 3 years, it is currently 180+ chapters long.  This will be updated daily, so long as I can get time to do so, obviously.

All image rights belong to their owners

tags: @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog​ @jessibelle-nerdy-mum​ @nonsensicalobsessions​ @damalseer​ @hiddlesbitch1​ @winterisakiller @fairlightswiftly​ @salempoe​ @wolfsmom1​

If you wish to be tagged, please let me know.

‘What do you think?’ Tom asked as they pulled up to the house.

‘It’s a bit….big. What are we planning, a hundred and one dogs?’ Danielle looked at it. ‘It’s a bit fancy.’

‘Why not get something fancy if we are planning a home at all?’ Tom challenged.

‘Because I don’t want to have mortgage repayments of ten thousand pounds a month I suppose.’ Danielle commented in a bedpan tone. ‘I cannot afford to look at houses like this, Tom.’ She indicated to the house, how much is this even going for?’

‘Just shy of two.’

‘Two what?’ Tom did not look at her. ‘Million? Two million? Tom, what the hell are you thinking?’ She looked at him in shock.

‘That overall, this is a good house, it is big.’

‘I can see that.’ She looked at it again.

‘The front of it is like your parents.’ He pointed out. Danielle had to agree with him, it did. ‘Just look at it, please.’

‘Tom, I think it goes without saying, I cannot afford this.’ She stated. ‘I can’t.’

‘Please Elle, just take a look, we’ll talk more about that in a while.’

Danielle chewed her lip. ‘This is madness.’ she shook her head. ‘What made you even look at this?’

‘I want us to have a nice home.’

‘Nice does not have to equate to two fucking million.’ Danielle pointed out.

‘No, it doesn’t. It doesn’t mean it can’t either.’

‘Madness.’ Danielle shook her head as she got out of the car as the estate agent walked towards them.

Tom got out too and smiled. ‘Good afternoon, sorry for the delay.’

‘Not at all, was the drive out okay?’ He shook Tom’s hand. ‘Arthur Shrewsbury, by the way.’

‘Tom, and this is Danielle.’ He indicated to Danielle who had come up beside him, the estate agent shaking her hand too as she politely smiled at him. ‘The drive out was fine, bar the obvious delay we contacted you about.’ He smiled.

‘Well, let’s not delay any longer, I am sure you have a few places you wish to look at in the area, and we have a bit to go through here. It is a considerable 6,500 square foot property, and includes a car garage, several converted outhouses, a tennis court and a swimming pool.’ Tom refused to look at Danielle as she stared at him in disbelief. ‘It boasts six bedrooms, two studies, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen which of course, comes with all modern conveniences, but maintains a more classic look. It is, I should mention, a building that holds a Grade II restriction and cannot be altered externally in a manner that removes from the original design. That said, the roof does have solar panelling, though it is in accordance with the rules regarding its status.’

‘Wonderful.’ Tom smiled as he placed his hand on Danielle’s lower back, urging her inside.

Danielle, though slightly bothered, had to admit that the house was utterly divine. The house was beautifully done, beams exposed and airy. She could not believe the space it possessed as well as soon beautiful furniture.

‘What do you think?’ Tom asked, his eyes bright when the estate agent had left them to look around.

‘Six bedrooms? What would we ever need six bedrooms for?’

‘Mum, Sarah and Yakov, you and me, Emma and Jack, the Duchess, that is five rooms, Emma and Jack will probably have kids, not to mention, we might….’ He looked at her somewhat coyly, not wanting to make her feel like he was pressurizing her.

‘Planning for every eventuality?’ She smiled. ‘It’s huge, and so far from the city.’

‘I consider it a healthy distance from it.’ Danielle made a head gesture in agreement. ‘We don’t have to say yes, but I want us to look at homes like this.’

‘It is ridiculously expensive.’ Danielle commented. ‘I cannot afford half of this.’

‘Elle,’ Tom placed his arms around her. ‘Please, I know you are a very independent and proud woman, it is part of the reason I love you so much, you are strong, but if the reason we cannot get the perfect home for us, and I am not saying this is it, but in general, is because of your current income, I am going to insist on stepping in, because I can afford it, and I want us to be able to have exactly what we want, I think that if we are talking about making a home, it needs to be right.’

‘I would argue more, but considering the Ben and Sophie Hampstead debacle.’

‘Don’t even mention it. Honestly, it is over two years and they are still not in, he is withdrawing the application.’ Tom informed her.

Danielle looked out the window at the multitude of other buildings on the property. ‘That would not be an issue here.’

‘Definitely not.’

‘It’s too much, Tom. How would we ever even keep it clean?’

‘We’d need a cleaner.’ Tom agreed.

‘And a gardener.’ Danielle looked at the sheer amount of green area. ‘It’s a bit mad.’

The pair walked around the house more. When they came to the bedrooms, they stood in awe at the master bedroom. ‘Wow.’ Tom looked around the spacious room and en-suite. ‘This is bigger than I was expecting.’

‘That’s a bit of an understatement.’ Danielle agreed, looking around her. ‘It’s not very “farmhouse” here, is it?’

‘No.’ Tom opened a door. ‘I found a closet.’

‘I found another….wait this is….what is this?’

‘The nursery.’ Tom informed her, looking at the booklet in his hand. ‘It is smaller and off the main bedroom to ensure peace and tranquillity for any infants.’

‘Or a good room for people with weird sexual fetishes.’ Danielle stated calmly before looking at Tom and the pair laughed.

‘That too, I suppose.’ He grinned.

‘I love the name, by the way. Compton Bassett. This is not very Compton. Not the one N.W.A.rapped about anyway.’

Tom laughed again. ‘This is possibly the furthest thing from that Compton you could imagine.’

They looked around some more and assessed the house. ‘It is lovely.’

‘So you would consider it?’ Danielle made a non-committal noise. ‘What is bothering you, other than the price?’

‘The location from London, it is two hours each way, that is a serious amount of driving, I could go Dublin to Galway in two hours.’ She pointed out. ‘Also, I need to ask, but what is with a tennis court for one, we won’t be holding Wimbleton here next summer, and why, for the love of the divine Jesus, is there an outdoor pool, it is East England, it pisses rain three hundred and sixty days a year, the other five is a light mist. That is just madness to me.’

Tom laughed at her Irish turn of phrase and blatant exasperation at the idea of an outdoor swimming pool. ‘Think of the fun we could have in it?’ He winked at her.

‘What fun, your balls would ascend into your torso as a new pair of ovaries, the average temperature around here in summer is mid teens for fucks sake.’

He kissed her. ‘But is it along the lines of what you would like?’

‘I am a country mouse, I would be happy here, there is so much space, it is how I would want it if we have kids. Bobby and Mac would love it too, though I would insist on having some method of stopping them being able to get off the property, farmers tend to have a “shoot to kill” policy on wandering dogs near livestock.’

Tom paled as he looked at her in shock. ‘What?’

‘Farmers shoot straying dogs. You didn’t know this?’ Tom shook his head in horror. ‘Straying dogs chase livestock and can kill several ewes and lambs in a matter of minutes. It is legal for a farmer to shoot on sight, and rightly so. Honestly, people who don’t take control of their dogs need to stop this bullshit of “my dog is a sweetheart” I have seen the result of a “sweet” labrador left to its own devices, fourteen dead pregnant ewes, and several more wounded or with aborted lambs, two and a half thousand pounds old Irish money, that is about the same as here, maybe a little less, it was not pretty. The farmer was forced to sell a field as a result.’ She shook her head. ‘Dog was dead too, and it wasn’t a nice one, dad got him in, two rounds, but he was bleeding too badly, he suffered for about an hour after the shooting, so there were no winners. I don’t want that for our boys, they will be penned off outside or with us and no way to get into the farmland.’ She stated factually.

‘Yes, definitely.’ Tom agreed, shaken by what she had told him.

Seeing that he was still bothered, she put her hand in his and kissed him. ‘Did I upset you?’

‘No...I….I am not as strong stomached as you are.’

‘You never saw an animal give birth, did you?’ He grimaced and shook his head. ‘Oh boy, you need to toughen up. If they make a film adaptation of “All Creatures Great and Small” consider giving it a miss as a character. You shoving your hand up a mare to help pull out a foal would not do you any favours.’

‘Have you….?’

‘Shoved my hand up a cows or horses vagina, yes, several times. It’s all well and good until she shits on you.’

‘Jesus Christ.’ Tom felt nauseous.

‘Town mouse.’ Danielle laughed in return.

[meaganborromeo-blog]

The Unexpected

“Jesus, who would want to work this early, this should be illegal.” I groaned when I woke up to the loud buzz of my alarm clock on the side of my bed, but then immediately my mood changed from grumpy to happy when I saw my dog sleeping near my feet his name is Bobby he is a Golden Retriever,  and he has been with me for 5 years already.

I arrived at work 10 minutes late, due to the flat tyre. I work at a News Paper Company as a Journalist.  when I went inside the conference room I could tell that everybody’s tired because of all the requirements we’ve been complying over the week, some look like they are interested but deep down they’d rather be at home sleeping, I know because I’m one of them and the other half are just on their laptops pretending to act busy, or whatever. I could care less. I am seated next to a very dear friend of mine Sally. Sally is the kind of friend that you would like to hang around, she’s open minded and understanding not like most of the people here. “Hey! Wanna go out tonight?” She said in a whispering tone. “What? What’s there to celebrate?” I asked in a blind manner. “Duh! It’s Saturday, we should chill, you should chill you’re too focused on your work.” Sally said it like it’s the most oblivious thing in the world to do during weekend. “Let me think about it”  I responded.

 7:45 pm

“Hey, we’re on the way to your house get ready. You can’t say no.”

From: Cher

Great! Just great! All I wanted was too sleep, now my friends are coming to pick me up. 20 minutes later they arrived and we all went to our favorite spot, it’s a pub just 15 minutes away from the city.  And it’s a nice place to chill considering no one really goes to this place, the night went well with a lot of talking, laughing, and constant sharing of different ideas high school friends are always the best people to be with, when suddenly my phone buzzed and saw the caller ID. It was Sally..

  ‘Oh dear, I totally forgot about Sally.” I said dreading.

‘Hey Sal! What’s up? Why did you call?” I asked in an innocent tone possible. “Where are you!? Oh My God, you have to come here at Gastro’s. Your ex is here!” Sally panicked through the phone . “Which ex is it?” I asked. “It’s Daniel!”

Oh sweet potatoes. It’s HIM. That’s impossible. He’s working abroad, this can’t be him. Sally is probably drunk, or maybe her eyesight is poor. But then I realized Sally doesn’t drink nor does she have poor eyesight, I was just describing myself, but I kept on convincing myself any other way, I went silent for a while when Sally spoke again. “You there? Are you coming or what?” “I’ll think about it Sal, I’ll call you back.” I told her in a straight and shocked tone.

When I went back to the booth one of my friends Al asked me, “Where have you been? You just missed a phenomenal dance number from Jake he was dancing to Britney Spears’ song. “Nothing, my friend just called she informed me that Daniel is in town.” And everybody’s eyes were on me, ‘THAT IS BAD NEWS” Jenna said to me. “I know, we haven’t seen each other for a year after we ended that non-existing relationship of ours.” But the conversation about Daniel was cut off when Jake again danced to another song, everybody was laughing, and they were ordering bottle after bottle. You know the part where you start to get drunk and all your confidence just seems to be on full boost? That’s what I’m feeling. I logged on to facebook and messaged Daniel.

“Heard you were back in town, you didn’t tell me. J”

I did not expect a reply, but a few minutes later my phone buzzed signaling a new message. “Yeah, sorry I didn’t want to bother you since you’re so busy with work.”

“Where are you?” he messaged again.

“I’m at the Pub.” I responded.

“Call me. I want to hear your voice.”

And me being the foolish girl that I am called him. I still have his number, and I’m shocked that it is still existing.

We talked and talked until I was so drunk to tell that I was drunk and started to say things that I shouldn’t.

  “You know what, things could have been better for the two of us if you weren’t such a coward. If you just said that you loved me back, but No, because you were so hung up with your ex who’s moved on completely with her life, I wouldn’t really say that I wasted my whole year loving someone who couldn’t love me back because at some point you made me so happy. I was fine when you left, and now you come back and mess my whole system up all over again. But I know now why certain things had to happen.” I said it all in a flash, I was raging with emotions all the unsaid things that I wanted to say, came out abruptly and spontaneously. Damn alcohol is making me question my whole entirety as an individual.

“I like you. I loved you--” he said.

I was really having a hard time hearing what he was trying to explain since two of my friends who’s extremely drunk was starting to bug me off, telling me to go back because I’m missing the whole fun.

 I woke up to the sun shining to my face, I must have forgotten to tap down the curtains last night.

Wait.

What happened last night.

What did I do last night.

I asked myself as I try to remember the events last night, and a few minutes later my mind started working. “I drunk called Daniel last night.” I spent the whole day thinking about what I did, I embarrassed myself. I keep on face palming myself for the stupidity I committed, I remember asking him until when he was staying here in the country and he said he was here until November, that’s three months. This town is not big enough for us not to cross paths. I just prayed he wouldn’t remember it.

 *After two weeks*

 “Hey Sal! Let’s go out for coffee, I’ll wait for you in Starbucks.” “Okay, I’ll be there in 30.”

 It’s a gloomy day, my kind of weather, somewhat dark and cold. I was walking down the streets of Rosario Avenue, when I saw a man getting out of a Car. He was wearing a black V Neck shirt that was fit paired with a black jeans and black shoes that matched his fair skin tone. I was definitely checking him out but when I got closer as I walked I realized it was Daniel, I panicked because I was dressed like a homeless person. I was wearing sweat pants, and a loose shirt with my hair in a messy bun looking like I just got into a break up and is too depressed to make effort to look good. I walked to a different direction hoping Daniel didn’t see me, I was walking like a penguin in an attempt to avoid him but it was too late. “Mia! Mia! Is that you?”  Daniel called as he ran over to me, He looks like Zac Efron  from the movie Baywatch as he came towards me. “Jesus, Mia! You’re checking your ex out!” I mentally scolded myself, I was staring at him I didn’t realize I was in the middle of the road when I heard a car honking its horn out on me and Daniel was there to pull me out.

“Hey, are you okay?! You did realize you were standing on the middle of the road right?’’

I was still in a moment of shock. My mind stopped working for a while.

“Focus Mia! Focus! Work that brain of yours!” I mentally said to myself.

And I was now back on track, I realized I was under Daniel’s hug, well not literally a hug but more like under his protection.

We were on that awkward position for a minute or two when we both realized what was happening.

“Hey, uhm it was nice seeing you but I have to go. I’m having coffee with Sally.” I said very fastly

“Great! I’m coming with you, it’s been a year since Sally and I saw each other also. Daniel said excitedly.

Well who am I to say No? it’s not like I own Sally for me to be territorial.

“The God’s must really have strong hate for me for making this my fate” I thought to myself

“You sure?” I asked.

“definitely.” He answered positively.

When we got to Starbucks we were both greeted with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and it made me smile.

“I know how much you love the smell of coffee, it’s what you do whenever you get to Starbucks.” He said in a slow voice.

I was surprised, since he still remembers the smallest details about me.

“You go look for a booth, I’ll order for us.” He said in a demanding tone.

“but you don’t know what I want.” I replied.

“Java Chocolate Frappe.” He winked.

And it made me smile again, wow this man has good memory. I can’t even remember what I ate for dinner the night before.

I found a perfect spot near the window with two couches facing each other bounded by a long table, I liked the weather, and the place was not packed with people. There were a few customers and it was just perfect, I prayed he wouldn’t open up the “Drunk Call” I made a few weeks ago.

Daniel came back with our orders in hand, I said thank you politely and we started talking to each other by asking each how we were doing with our lives.

“So I heard you are dating someone. He is one lucky guy” he said looking down at his cup.

My mind was puzzled..

“Should I say yes?”

“Say yes! Don’t make him think you’re still hung up on him!”

“I am still a little hung up on him.”

“No Mia, you will not ruin this.”

Oh goodness, I’m fighting with my conscience.

“Yes he is.” I said proudly, I felt guilty for lying. But all in the name of pride I will not ruin it.

“I’m glad you’re not a jealous girl now, back when we were dating you get so jealous easily over everyone.” He said in a joking way.

I felt offended with his words but didn’t made it look obvious.

“I’m not a jealous woman, but if you are in a relationship and you find yourself at a party talking to a member of the opposite sex there are some guidelines you must follow. Never make physical contact, with these body parts.” I said while doing a hand gesture pointing out to my entirety.

“Pay attention because certain regions will require repercussions. Like that time when we were at the club with your work mates and those newly hired girls were dancing all over you like I was not in the counter sitting while keeping an eye on you.” I continued to talk.

I can tell through his facial expression that he was amused because he has that smirk on his face while trying to hold back his laugh and oh my god does he looks so hot when does that. He looks like a God who has been sent to Earth to bless the eyes of humans.

“Mia, focus! You have a ‘boyfriend’ remember?!” I mentally slapped myself.

I realized what I was doing was wrong, right when Daniel was about to speak my phone rang.

“It’s Sally, I have to take this. Excuse me.”

Daniel just nod.

“Sorry Mia, something came up. Harold came over at my house, we’re going to the Hospital to visit his Grandma. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow over lunch okay?” Sally hung up immediately without any hint of being sorry. I knew Sally was lying, I can sense it from the way she talks and not to mention Harold’s voice on the background. I just hope for the best for the both of them because I’m not yet ready to watch over a kid.

I put my phone on my pocket with a sour face.

“Are you okay?” Daniel asked.

“Sally just ditched me for Harold, nothing new.” I responded.

“Oh, that’s bad. Well at least they’re going strong, they’ve been together for 4 years now.” Daniel said with a little jealousy.

I just stayed silent.

And then there was awkward silence.

I was looking at the passing cars by the window when Daniel decided to break the deafening silence.

“There’s something I need to ask you..”

Oh dear, he’s gonna open up about the drunk call.

“Hey Daniel, I really need to go. Something came up, it was nice catching up with you!” I said as I walked directly to the exit when he got hold on my hand.

“I’ll drive you home.” He offered with a smile.

Goodness. The charm. That smile. So. Irresistible.

“Oh no, you don’t have to go through much hassle I’ll just grab a cab. Bye!”

I am indeed good at walking away..

 When I got home I was greeted by my dog Bobby, how I missed my baby. It’s been a while since we last took a photo together..

I reached for my pocket to get my phone but it was nowhere to be found. Great!

 It’s been a week since I lost my phone, and honestly it felt good to be away from social media. I only have my laptop with me now, I arrived at work stress free, when the security guard Arthur told me that my Boss Linda was looking for me.. I felt nervous, especially when Arthur said I go directly to her office as soon as possible.

 I was at the door, my heart was beating fast and was praying for my life, I needed this job more than the job needed me.

I finally decided to get inside with a timid smile when I saw Linda and Daniel talking together.

“Finally you’re here!” Linda said in an ecstatic voice. “Daniel here has been waiting for 20 minutes now.”

“ I am confused. Someone please explain to me what is going on.” I said straightly my eyes felt like they’re about to bulge out.”

“I’m here to return your phone but on a certain condition?” Daniel said in a commanding voice with a hitch of smirk on his face.

“Whatever condition that is I’m not taking it, you can keep my phone if you like I’m better without it.” I was about to walk out from the office when Linda called me.

“Mia! Don’t be rude. I did not hire you to walk away from your boss when we still got something to talk about.” Linda said in a strict way.

 “Mia, I know you’ve been working hard, it’s just that..”

“Are you firing me?” I said in an exaggerated way.

“no, definitely not, you are one of the best employees I have. I just want you to take some time off from work, you can’t say no. or I’ll fire you.” Linda continued.

“Where and what am I supposed to do with the time off?”

“Sally, Harold, and I are going to Hawaii for two weeks. And you are coming with us.” Daniel butted in.

“Linda this is absurd, you know the team needs my assistance. I’d rather work than be on a vacation spree.” I said as I could not believe the foolishness they are committing.

“Mia, my word is final. Jhon will take over your place while you’re gone. Now go on.”

I was left with no choice.

Jesus why.

 I fell in love with Hawaii, their beaches were majestic and as blue as the sky, maybe I needed this vacation after all, can’t believe this is our last night. Harold has finally proposed to Sally and is having their wedding 3 months from now. Daniel and I had our share of closeness throughout the vacation but then I had to remind myself why we broke up, why there should be a gap.

 All four of us are dressed to the nines, on a fancy yacht restaurant to celebrate our last night in Hawaii, after we ate dinner they started to talk about weddings, children and everything that coincides with the word “Marriage”. And so I excused myself to escape the questions..

 I went outside the yacht’s mini balcony which faced the sea and all the beautiful lights shimmering in different colors, the sky was full of stars also.

 As I stood there I realized that the thought of marriage is such a huge responsibility , it’s a lifelong commitment it has to require so much love for you to be able to decide that you want to be with that person for the rest of your life..  And as for me my life is still on the process of exploring what lies ahead.

 I felt a presence coming towards me and when I looked at my side I saw Daniel, he looked apologetic, I was curious to what was on his mind. Right when I was about to say something he cut me off by saying “Sorry.” And that the reason why he came back here is that he wanted to get back together.

 And so I explained to him. “No matter how hard you try to fit the two puzzles together if it doesn’t fit, you don’t force it. Some things are better left the way they are.”

 But is he really worth the second the chance..

[meaganborromeo-blog]

Ex’s and Oh’s

 “Jesus, who would want to work this early, this should be illegal.” I groaned when I woke up to the loud buzz of my alarm clock on the side of my bed, but then immediately my mood changed from grumpy to happy when I saw my dog sleeping near my feet his name is Bobby he is a Golden Retriever,  and he has been with me for 5 years already.

I arrived at work 10 minutes late, due to the flat tyre. I work at a News Paper Company as a Journalist.  when I went inside the conference room I could tell that everybody’s tired because of all the requirements we’ve been complying over the week, some look like they are interested but deep down they’d rather be at home sleeping, I know because I’m one of them and the other half are just on their laptops pretending to act busy, or whatever. I could care less. I am seated next to a very dear friend of mine Sally. Sally is the kind of friend that you would like to hang around, she’s open minded and understanding not like most of the people here. “Hey! Wanna go out tonight?” She said in a whispering tone. “What? What’s there to celebrate?” I asked in a blind manner. “Duh! It’s Saturday, we should chill, you should chill you’re too focused on your work.” Sally said it like it’s the most oblivious thing in the world to do during weekend. “Let me think about it”  I responded.

 7:45 pm

“Hey, we’re on the way to your house get ready. You can’t say no.”

From: Cher

Great! Just great! All I wanted was too sleep, now my friends are coming to pick me up. 20 minutes later they arrived and we all went to our favorite spot, it’s a pub just 15 minutes away from the city.  And it’s a nice place to chill considering no one really goes to this place, the night went well with a lot of talking, laughing, and constant sharing of different ideas high school friends are always the best people to be with, when suddenly my phone buzzed and saw the caller ID. It was Sally..

  ‘Oh dear, I totally forgot about Sally.” I said dreading.

‘Hey Sal! What’s up? Why did you call?” I asked in an innocent tone possible. “Where are you!? Oh My God, you have to come here at Gastro’s. Your ex is here!” Sally panicked through the phone . “Which ex is it?” I asked. “It’s Daniel!”

Oh sweet potatoes. It’s HIM. That’s impossible. He’s working abroad, this can’t be him. Sally is probably drunk, or maybe her eyesight is poor. But then I realized Sally doesn’t drink nor does she have poor eyesight, I was just describing myself, but I kept on convincing myself any other way, I went silent for a while when Sally spoke again. “You there? Are you coming or what?” “I’ll think about it Sal, I’ll call you back.” I told her in a straight and shocked tone.

When I went back to the booth one of my friends Al asked me, “Where have you been? You just missed a phenomenal dance number from Jake he was dancing to Britney Spears’ song. “Nothing, my friend just called she informed me that Daniel is in town.” And everybody’s eyes were on me, ‘THAT IS BAD NEWS” Jenna said to me. “I know, we haven’t seen each other for a year after we ended that non-existing relationship of ours.” But the conversation about Daniel was cut off when Jake again danced to another song, everybody was laughing, and they were ordering bottle after bottle. You know the part where you start to get drunk and all your confidence just seems to be on full boost? That’s what I’m feeling. I logged on to facebook and messaged Daniel.

“Heard you were back in town, you didn’t tell me. J”

I did not expect a reply, but a few minutes later my phone buzzed signaling a new message. “Yeah, sorry I didn’t want to bother you since you’re so busy with work.”

“Where are you?” he messaged again.

“I’m at the Pub.” I responded.

“Call me. I want to hear your voice.”

And me being the foolish girl that I am called him. I still have his number, and I’m shocked that it is still existing.

We talked and talked until I was so drunk to tell that I was drunk and started to say things that I shouldn’t.

  “You know what, things could have been better for the two of us if you weren’t such a coward. If you just said that you loved me back, but No, because you were so hung up with your ex who’s moved on completely with her life, I wouldn’t really say that I wasted my whole year loving someone who couldn’t love me back because at some point you made me so happy. I was fine when you left, and now you come back and mess my whole system up all over again. But I know now why certain things had to happen.” I said it all in a flash, I was raging with emotions all the unsaid things that I wanted to say, came out abruptly and spontaneously. Damn alcohol is making me question my whole entirety as an individual.

“I like you. I loved you--” he said.

I was really having a hard time hearing what he was trying to explain since two of my friends who’s extremely drunk was starting to bug me off, telling me to go back because I’m missing the whole fun.

 I woke up to the sun shining to my face, I must have forgotten to tap down the curtains last night.

Wait.

What happened last night.

What did I do last night.

I asked myself as I try to remember the events last night, and a few minutes later my mind started working. “I drunk called Daniel last night.” I spent the whole day thinking about what I did, I embarrassed myself. I keep on face palming myself for the stupidity I committed, I remember asking him until when he was staying here in the country and he said he was here until November, that’s three months. This town is not big enough for us not to cross paths. I just prayed he wouldn’t remember it.

 *After two weeks*

 “Hey Sal! Let’s go out for coffee, I’ll wait for you in Starbucks.” “Okay, I’ll be there in 30.”

 It’s a gloomy day, my kind of weather, somewhat dark and cold. I was walking down the streets of Rosario Avenue, when I saw a man getting out of a Car. He was wearing a black V Neck shirt that was fit paired with a black jeans and black shoes that matched his fair skin tone. I was definitely checking him out but when I got closer as I walked I realized it was Daniel, I panicked because I was dressed like a homeless person. I was wearing sweat pants, and a loose shirt with my hair in a messy bun looking like I just got into a break up and is too depressed to make effort to look good. I walked to a different direction hoping Daniel didn’t see me, I was walking like a penguin in an attempt to avoid him but it was too late. “Mia! Mia! Is that you?”  Daniel called as he ran over to me, He looks like Zac Efron  from the movie Baywatch as he came towards me. “Jesus, Mia! You’re checking your ex out!” I mentally scolded myself, I was staring at him I didn’t realize I was in the middle of the road when I heard a car honking its horn out on me and Daniel was there to pull me out.

“Hey, are you okay?! You did realize you were standing on the middle of the road right?’’

I was still in a moment of shock. My mind stopped working for a while.

“Focus Mia! Focus! Work that brain of yours!” I mentally said to myself.

And I was now back on track, I realized I was under Daniel’s hug, well not literally a hug but more like under his protection.

We were on that awkward position for a minute or two when we both realized what was happening.

“Hey, uhm it was nice seeing you but I have to go. I’m having coffee with Sally.” I said very fastly

“Great! I’m coming with you, it’s been a year since Sally and I saw each other also. Daniel said excitedly.

Well who am I to say No? it’s not like I own Sally for me to be territorial.

“The God’s must really have strong hate for me for making this my fate” I thought to myself

“You sure?” I asked.

“definitely.” He answered positively.

When we got to Starbucks we were both greeted with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and it made me smile.

“I know how much you love the smell of coffee, it’s what you do whenever you get to Starbucks.” He said in a slow voice.

I was surprised, since he still remembers the smallest details about me.

“You go look for a booth, I’ll order for us.” He said in a demanding tone.

“but you don’t know what I want.” I replied.

“Java Chocolate Frappe.” He winked.

And it made me smile again, wow this man has good memory. I can’t even remember what I ate for dinner the night before.

I found a perfect spot near the window with two couches facing each other bounded by a long table, I liked the weather, and the place was not packed with people. There were a few customers and it was just perfect, I prayed he wouldn’t open up the “Drunk Call” I made a few weeks ago.

Daniel came back with our orders in hand, I said thank you politely and we started talking to each other by asking each how we were doing with our lives.

“So I heard you are dating someone. He is one lucky guy” he said looking down at his cup.

My mind was puzzled..

“Should I say yes?”

“Say yes! Don’t make him think you’re still hung up on him!”

“I am still a little hung up on him.”

“No Mia, you will not ruin this.”

Oh goodness, I’m fighting with my conscience.

“Yes he is.” I said proudly, I felt guilty for lying. But all in the name of pride I will not ruin it.

“I’m glad you’re not a jealous girl now, back when we were dating you get so jealous easily over everyone.” He said in a joking way.

I felt offended with his words but didn’t made it look obvious.

“I’m not a jealous woman, but if you are in a relationship and you find yourself at a party talking to a member of the opposite sex there are some guidelines you must follow. Never make physical contact, with these body parts.” I said while doing a hand gesture pointing out to my entirety.

“Pay attention because certain regions will require repercussions. Like that time when we were at the club with your work mates and those newly hired girls were dancing all over you like I was not in the counter sitting while keeping an eye on you.” I continued to talk.

I can tell through his facial expression that he was amused because he has that smirk on his face while trying to hold back his laugh and oh my god does he looks so hot when does that. He looks like a God who has been sent to Earth to bless the eyes of humans.

“Mia, focus! You have a ‘boyfriend’ remember?!” I mentally slapped myself.

I realized what I was doing was wrong, right when Daniel was about to speak my phone rang.

“It’s Sally, I have to take this. Excuse me.”

Daniel just nod.

“Sorry Mia, something came up. Harold came over at my house, we’re going to the Hospital to visit his Grandma. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow over lunch okay?” Sally hung up immediately without any hint of being sorry. I knew Sally was lying, I can sense it from the way she talks and not to mention Harold’s voice on the background. I just hope for the best for the both of them because I’m not yet ready to watch over a kid.

I put my phone on my pocket with a sour face.

“Are you okay?” Daniel asked.

“Sally just ditched me for Harold, nothing new.” I responded.

“Oh, that’s bad. Well at least they’re going strong, they’ve been together for 4 years now.” Daniel said with a little jealousy.

I just stayed silent.

And then there was awkward silence.

I was looking at the passing cars by the window when Daniel decided to break the deafening silence.

“There’s something I need to ask you..”

Oh dear, he’s gonna open up about the drunk call.

“Hey Daniel, I really need to go. Something came up, it was nice catching up with you!” I said as I walked directly to the exit when he got hold on my hand.

“I’ll drive you home.” He offered with a smile.

Goodness. The charm. That smile. So. Irresistible.

“Oh no, you don’t have to go through much hassle I’ll just grab a cab. Bye!”

I am indeed good at walking away..

 When I got home I was greeted by my dog Bobby, how I missed my baby. It’s been a while since we last took a photo together..

I reached for my pocket to get my phone but it was nowhere to be found. Great!

 It’s been a week since I lost my phone, and honestly it felt good to be away from social media. I only have my laptop with me now, I arrived at work stress free, when the security guard Arthur told me that my Boss Linda was looking for me.. I felt nervous, especially when Arthur said I go directly to her office as soon as possible.

 I was at the door, my heart was beating fast and was praying for my life, I needed this job more than the job needed me.

I finally decided to get inside with a timid smile when I saw Linda and Daniel talking together.

“Finally you’re here!” Linda said in an ecstatic voice. “Daniel here has been waiting for 20 minutes now.”

“ I am confused. Someone please explain to me what is going on.” I said straightly my eyes felt like they’re about to bulge out.”

“I’m here to return your phone but on a certain condition?” Daniel said in a commanding voice with a hitch of smirk on his face.

“Whatever condition that is I’m not taking it, you can keep my phone if you like I’m better without it.” I was about to walk out from the office when Linda called me.

“Mia! Don’t be rude. I did not hire you to walk away from your boss when we still got something to talk about.” Linda said in a strict way.

 “Mia, I know you’ve been working hard, it’s just that..”

“Are you firing me?” I said in an exaggerated way.

“no, definitely not, you are one of the best employees I have. I just want you to take some time off from work, you can’t say no. or I’ll fire you.” Linda continued.

“Where and what am I supposed to do with the time off?”

“Sally, Harold, and I are going to Hawaii for two weeks. And you are coming with us.” Daniel butted in.

“Linda this is absurd, you know the team needs my assistance. I’d rather work than be on a vacation spree.” I said as I could not believe the foolishness they are committing.

“Mia, my word is final. Jhon will take over your place while you’re gone. Now go on.”

I was left with no choice.

Jesus why.

 I fell in love with Hawaii, their beaches were majestic and as blue as the sky, maybe I needed this vacation after all, can’t believe this is our last night. Harold has finally proposed to Sally and is having their wedding 3 months from now. Daniel and I had our share of closeness throughout the vacation but then I had to remind myself why we broke up, why there should be a gap.

 All four of us are dressed to the nines, on a fancy yacht restaurant to celebrate our last night in Hawaii, after we ate dinner they started to talk about weddings, children and everything that coincides with the word “Marriage”. And so I excused myself to escape the questions..

 I went outside the yacht’s mini balcony which faced the sea and all the beautiful lights shimmering in different colors, the sky was full of stars also.

 As I stood there I realized that the thought of marriage is such a huge responsibility , it’s a lifelong commitment it has to require so much love for you to be able to decide that you want to be with that person for the rest of your life..  And as for me my life is still on the process of exploring what lies ahead.

 I felt a presence coming towards me and when I looked at my side I saw Daniel, he looked apologetic, I was curious to what was on his mind. Right when I was about to say something he cut me off by saying “Sorry.” And that the reason why he came back here is that he wanted to get back together.

 And so I explained to him. “No matter how hard you try to fit the two puzzles together if it doesn’t fit, you don’t force it. Some things are better left the way they are.”

 But is he really worth the second the chance..