#duskwoodimagine

[straykidsworldwild]

Duskwood

Jake x MC

Plot : Jake and MC are together and they're having a heart to heart moment.

(credits go to the owners of the pics and Duskwood game. I don't own them and I don't own the characters. I just own the collage and one-shot!😉)

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I am lying on the small bed that I share with one of the most precious soul I have ever let in my life. My boyfriend, Jake... The Hacker that entered my life and turned it upside down. But in a good way, if I may say so... Well, let's say he kind of gives me another sight about life. Before, I was randomly waking up and would get ready to go to work. A normal boring day that we all know so well. Now, I'm here helping to help a group of friends that I never even met but that I got well along with. There are ups and downs, there are happy and sad moments, but we walk through the fire to find Hannah Donfort. I guess we can say it's because of this missing person that I am connected and met those people. And more important, that I met Jake...

I sit upright on the bed when I hear the familiar sound of an electronic material. Jake is working on some stuff that he wanted to do on his own. I let him do. I know Jake isn't the type of person that feels at ease with people. Me being here with him is already, and practically, a miracle. I froze for a minute when he accepted for us to meet after I had demand him hundreds of times. I don't know if he said "yes" because he wanted to see me in real life more than anything or if he got tired of my demands... I sometimes think he isn't all sure about this. That he might regret involving me much more than before just because I am living with him. But I'm not scared, so I don't want him to feel this way. Well... Yes, I am scared, but not for myself. I fear for him and the others living in Duskwood. I don't want this situation with Hannah to hurt him. It'll break me to see him devasted... Hopeless... Disappointed, because I know he will think that he didn't do enough to find Hannah when he actually did more than all of us. Anyway... I can't do anything about it right now...

I get up, pass my hand in my hair and walk quietly towards Jake. He looks exhausted. The bags under his eyes aren't the only proof that he is exhausted. The amount of coffee he is drinking and the number of times I slept alone in his bed are proofs as well. I wrap my arms around him as I just saw him resting completely on his chair. My chin rest on top of his head when I feel him letting a long sigh out.

- You need to rest, Jake, I tell him seriously and gently at the same time.

- I cannot, MC, he simply answers as he passes his hand over his eyes to rub them.

- You'll work much better if you rest a bit. But that's up to you I guess, I say as I pull away from him. I know he doesn't like hugs that much. And I'm all the contrary... But I respect his space. I was about to turn around when he catches my wrist.

- I will rest, I promise, MC. But for now, I just need to work on something first. And I need your help with it. Do you mind working with me a little bit? He tells and asks me gently as he softly rubs his thumb on my wrist. Mr. Hacker asking me to work with him... I smile and nod gently my head up and down.

- I'm so tired, but I'll make an exception. I'll do anything for you, Jake, I say with a playing and slight dramatic tone, knowing it will make him fluster. Jake smiles and looks away, still not used to how easy it is for me to make him feel this way.

- I know. Me too. But we have to do this work. Waiting could be a disaster, he says with seriousness, turning back to his computer. I guess he isn't wrong... I'm slowly getting used to him not showing or sharing much emotions. I know it's not against me.

- I know, I respond as I take sit on the barely small space next to him that is a vulgar piece of wood that is supposed to look like a bench. Supposed... Oh... I look at my phone that was charging next to his computer since there isn't much power outlets around here. It's Jessy. I take a look at what she sent me and see a picture of her and Richy working at his garage. Or more like they're taking a break... Some people seem to have fun, I state with a small smile, happy that they can enjoy a little moment, while things are calm. It can escalate pretty fast. Jake smiles when he saw my smile.

- "You two look cute!" I send to them both in our group chat.

- "😳" replies, Richy.

- "🤭" adds, Jessy. I smile and put my phone back down to concentrate on the work Jake wants to do.

- MC? I look up at him while humming positively. What would you like to do? Call the last number on Hannah's phone log or take notes of your friends private chat? He demands me with such a gentle voice. Honestly, hearing his distorted voice was impressive at first. I never knew what his real voice sounded like. But being able to hear it now and always, it's just... It makes me feel butterflies. It's just so soothing and calm and... It's Jake.

- We're spying them again? Why? I ask him with a confused tone while frowning. I don't like spying on them to be honest. Even if I know that we have to...

- I just want to make sure we did not forget anything. We never know if one of them is hiding something and revealed it by inadvertence, he responds seriously as he logs onto everyone's chat. When I watch him do, those computer stuffs just look so easy. But when I think further about it, I don't even know what key he pressed on the keyboard to make this happen.

- Hum... I think I'll take the phone log, I reply after thinking a few seconds. No offense but I think between us two, I'm the one who is more at ease when it comes talking to people and you're much more qualified than I am when it comes to computers, I wink at the boy as I crack a smile. Jake smiles back amused and nods positively.

- None taken. You're right, he tells me. I give him one last smile before grabbing the printed phone log. MC? I stop and look up at him, waiting for him to talk. But no words seem to come out from his mouth. I can see that he wants something but he... Probably doesn't know how to formulate his demand? I was about to call him when Jake suddenly gets up. Oh... His height always gets me. I know I'm not the tallest person in Earth but Jake is quiet tall... He takes the phone log from my hand and puts it down. What is he doing? I look at him confused despite the smile on my face. Timidly, he wraps my waist after bending down a bit and delicately places a kiss on my lips. The fireworks that it causes down my chest... Wow! It's not our first kiss but this feeling... I still haven't got used to it, but it's one of the best I've ever felt. It just feels so right, even if it's just a long peck. I wrap my arms around his neck to keep him closer to me a little longer. But Jake pulls away after a few seconds. Once you're done, please, take a break and rest a bit, he tells me kindly as he caressed my cheek with his hand. What? And him?

- And let you work alone? Not a chance, I reply while shaking my head negatively.

- MC... He calls me with a little sigh.

- Jake... I imitate him which makes him crack a small smile. I smile back. I'll be done in a few minutes, I say with a motivated tone as I grab the sheet he took from me. My left hand still behind his neck, I gently force him to bend down before placing a delicate kiss on his neck. Okay, I've got work to do! I go to the other side of the room and start making the last calls. Well, "call" should I say... There's only one number left. I listen to the beeping sound before someone picks up the call. Oh... Duskwood is really a small town... Phil Hawkins. I write down his name before receiving a notification saying Phil added me. Well... I guess another work is calling for me now. Okay, I'm done, I say as I go back to Jake. And you'll never guess who it was, I tell him, standing by his side.

- Who was it? He asks me, looking curious.

- Phil Hawkins, I respond. Jake lightly frowns to my answer. I let him think for a moment.

- Jessica's brother? He asks me with a confused tone. I nod positively. Why? Wait, who called who? He bombards me with questions. He clearly didn't see this coming.

- I don't know yet and I think it's Hannah who called him, I respond to my boyfriend. Jake keeps this confused frown over his face, looking like he speculates a lot about it. Almost like it seems to bother him in a way. Or maybe I interprete it wrong... What can I do next? I ask him, getting him out of his thoughts. Jake doesn't answer me and finishes writing something down. I see we have more information! That's great! I hope they'll be useful at least... Because having information, it's great but if they're irrelevant... It's like having nothing. He closes the window of Thomas's messages.

- Nothing for the moment, he tells me as he rests on his chair.

- Jake... I call him, doubting his answer. He's not saying this just because he wants me to rest?

- Come here, he suddenly says as he moves a bit backwards with his chair, letting space for me. Oh... Surprised, I crack a small smile and move closer to him as Jake takes hold of my wrist. He pulls me closer and closer to him until I am sitting on his lap. My back is facing him. His arms come around my waist, enlacing it. He can be so sweet when he isn't so focus on this situation in Duskwood. He rests his head on my shoulder. I know I said we should not waste time but it does not mean we cannot take a small break, he whispers next to my ear, making my whole body shiver. I smile with surprise and happiness, feeling those butterflies once again.

- I agree, I say back as I look at all of the material set before me. What's that? A code? Wow... Honestly, I don't know how you understand all of this. It's Chinese to me, I say with a serious and impressed tone while chuckling to my unknowledge. I hear Jake quietly chuckling back as one of his hands comes holding one of mines. At the same time, he places a kiss in my neck. How did you learn all of this? Who taught you? I ask him with curiousness.

- Myself. Computers were all I have that allowed me to be who I was back then, and today still, he admits to me. I nod, being honestly impressed. It kind of makes me sad to hear him saying this, but happy at the same time. He didn't have much people loving him when he was younger but he had his passion at least... That's... Something, right? Even if it doesn't replace people. Now that I said it out loud, I feel like I sound like an idiot, he says with an unsure tone towards himself.

- No, of course not. You have a passion. It's good Jake. And look, if you hadn't had it, what would we be doing right now? Where would we be? Not only we wouldn't be able to help Hannah but we would have never met, I tell him seriously, trying to show him how good this is for him that he knows so much about computers. And for us...

- I don't know, he responds with the same unsure tone. I stare at the screen before me when I suddenly feel Jake moving his head from my shoulder to rest completely on his chair one again. Do you regret it? He suddenly asks me. What? Regret what?

- What? I ask him, confused. I turn a bit to look at him all while staying on his lap. Jake keeps one arm around my waist to prevent me from falling, his hand still holding mine. Why is he so silent suddenly? I squeeze his hand, giving him comfort. Jake suddenly locks his eyes in mine. Those baby blue eyes... How can you not fall in love with those? However, the emotion that I witness in his eyes actually hurts me. Is he not happy? Is he okay? Did he see something about Hannah? What's going on?

- Do you regret being with me? He suddenly asks me. What? Having to hide in this ruined hideout? Having to live with my burden from the day I told you the whole truth about who I am and that the Government wants me? To have to live in fear for people you never even met and for us? To have to lie to them or hide things from them because I asked you? Do you not want the life you had before all of this? He asks me seriously which, I have to admit, I didn't see coming. Why is he asking so many questions? Why is he wondering all of that? Why does he even think about those? Staying quiet, I move from his lap only to sit back on it. But instead of having my back facing him, I am now actually facing my boyfriend. My arms wrap his neck as he shyly holds me by my waist. I take a deep breath in as my eyes keep alternating between his soft lips and his ocean eyes.

- I don't regret anything, Jake, I tell him sincerely while shaking my head left to right. I love being here with you. I don't mind lying to everyone if it's for their protection. I do what I have to do, I assure him, keeping the same sincere tone. Jake looks down, as if he is scared to believe my words. However, I make him look back up at me. And I absolutely don't regret the choice I made when I decided to join your side, my hands gently cup his face as I saw him trying to look away once again. I love you, Jake. I love you so much that just the idea of being far from you or not having any contact with you anymore hurts me so deeply, his eyes are locked in mine. His unsure and scared look makes my heart in pain. I just want to comfort him and... I want him to feel comfortable with me too. I want him to feel just as important than I am to him. You had such a huge impact on my life... A good impact. You gave purpose to it. Even if it involves dangerous situations, even if it involves breaking the law, I don't care. I love you... Loving you, being with you, knowing you're safe, alive, and okay, I say as I slide my right hand down to place it over his heart, that's all I care about, I tell him with honesty as my eyes never looked away from him. I don't know what he exactly needs to hear but I just hope my words will be enough for him to change his perspective on our relationship. Jake clears his throat as he slowly sits a bit more upright. What is he...? He surprisingly easily lifts me a bit only to bring me a bit more closer onto his lap. He tightens his grip after enlacing my back, hugging me so tightly. Oh...!

- I'm not good at expressing what I feel but... But you mean so much to me, MC. You're... He says before stopping himself from talking more. I hear my boyfriend taking a deep breath in and out as he hides his head in my neck.

- It's okay, Jake, I whisper as I know it's hard for him to talk about his feelings. But hearing him making an effort to do it... I just appreciate it so much. His hold tightens around me.

- No, I... You are the best thing that happened to me, MC. And it's scary, he admits to me with difficulty. The best thing... I can't help but to smile at the sound of his words. However his last words worry me. What does he mean?

- Why? What do you mean? I ask him as I run my hand up and down his back. Jake suddenly pulls away from me to look into my eyes.

- I... I never had anything like I have with you before. Being with you. Holding you. Kissing you. Talking with you about everything and anything without feeling judge... Being able to be myself with you... He says as he pushes the lock of my hair that was slowly falling over my eyes. Solving this situation with Hannah. Meeting under this situation... I wish we had met under different circumstances. It's wrong what we do together... But it feels so right. You being with me feels right to me even though it's wrong... He tells me with a serious and slight confused tone. And... I think he actually sounded like he was Getting upset at himself for... Involving me in this mess, I guess.

- Jake, I call him, interrupting him in his speech. He stops talking instantly when he heard The sound of my voice. What scares you? I ask him, going straight to the point.

- If anything goes wrong... If... What if you leave me one day? What if... He says with struggle, able to formulate his question correctly.

- I'm not leaving, Jake, I assure him seriously and sincerely.

- But what if you are lured and none of us saw it coming and you just... Disappear. What if I never see you again? He tells me with seriousness and fear in his voice. I hate hearing this emotion in his voice... I don't want him to be scared. I will never pardon myself for this, MC. And I will never get over losing you either, he confesses. He's getting nervous and almost anxious. At this point, it's not just us that worries him, it's a whole and the fatigue.

- That'll never happen, Jake, I say firmly and with a comforting tone. Though, I can see the reluctant look he has over his face. You trust me? I ask him.

- Unconditionally, he immediately answers, not doubting one second.

- Then don't be scare, Jake. I assure you that it won't happen because I'm not leaving your side and you're not leaving mine. Okay? The Man Without a Face needs to do much better to trap us to take me away from you and so does the government to find our location. We're together in this now, I say as I grab one of his hands. It's a choice I made to join your wild adventures and I want you to respect it and to never doubt it. Just like I do with you, I tell him with the same comforting tone all while telling him my wish and point of view. Staying quiet, Jake timidly looks at me. I crack a smile before leaning in to place a sweet kiss on his soft lips. However, before I could do it, Jake stops me. What...? Why? He...

- I... I love... You, he whispers with struggle. Wow... I think... No, I know... It's the first time that I hear him saying those words. It's surprising coming from him, but it sounds so right. It sounds like a melody. I wanted to be the one to give him a kiss, but Jake didn't let me the honor. Instead, he is the one to give me a kiss to which I answer without wasting time. Our lips move in synch, melting perfectly with each other. The kiss deepens slowly, forgetting what's around us for a moment. Time stand still.

I love him... I love him so much that words wouldn't be able to describe my feelings. Jake is a unique person, I know that. But damn, he's my person. I feel it. I know it. And I hope he feels the same with me. We're ordinary people with a not so ordinary life, but that's who we are.

[lyon-amore]

Imagining a chat between Jake and MC in which she sends him a slow song and they start talking as if they imagine dancing together and everything is so.... ROMANTIC!!!

I have to note this so I don't forget when I can write

Edit: the guilty song💖

[straykidsworldwild]

Duskwood

Phil Hawkins x MC

Part 3 : MC calls Phil. The next night, as she was going to the bar, someone crosses her path which unpleases her. She rushes to the Aurora and that's where another chapter of her life begins.

Warning : little swearing 🙈

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Heyy guys!! How are you? 😁 So sorry this part took so long to be published. Pardon me. Hope you'll like it! 😁

(I don't own the pics, I just made the collage. Credit goes to the creators of Duskwood and owners of the pics.)

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I take a deep breath in and out as I do a messy bun. I feel like I am getting ready for a marathon. My heart is already beating stronger and faster than normal and I haven't pressed the calling button yet. It's crazy how he makes me feel even when he isn't here, next to me… Just a thought of him and it makes my heart racing. I wonder how he feels when I'm close to him, talking to him, or just when someone mentions me. Does he even think about me sometimes? I know Phil is pretty confident about himself but that doesn't mean he cannot feel nervous, right? Anyway... I have a call to make. Alright, one last deep breath in and out and… Oh, you're such an idiot, MC… I'm so nervous that I'm calling the Aurora instead of his phone… I hope he is still at his bar.

- "Hello?" I hear Phil's voice echoing right after he answered. At least I know he is still there... His voice is so restful and deep. I smile just by this simple note coming from his voice.

- "Hi, I'd like to talk with Mr. Aurora", I answered the man, sounding playful as I let a small chuckle out.

- "MC" calls me, Phil, chuckling back. Oh God... You're not allowed to do that! My smile grows as I can picture him just by hearing him chuckling. It's so contagious... "Wait, before you say anything, I'm so sorry about..." He suddenly tells me which surprised me. He spoke so fast...

- "Phil, I'm not upset or mad or anything. Don't worry. It wouldn't be right of me to be upset with you anyway.", I immediately reply to the man, interrupting him. I do not want him to feel guilty or awkward about what happened. There's no need for that...

- "Why not? That girl literally shamed you and flirted with me in front of you." He tells me back, sounding confused as to why I am not angry. I mean… I guess there's reason to be upset but not angry. But are they worth being said out loud right now? I'm not sure...

- "Well, one, you're free to have whatever kind of relationship you want. I don't have a word to say about that. And two, we're not together so I don't see why it should matter." I answer to Jessy's brother which didn't sound that harsh in my head. I close my eyes and hit my face with my hand. Why did I say that? He's going to think I am not in for something with him or that I might have moved on from trying something with him. But then, do I want something with him? Am I ready to be in a relationship with Phil despite the kind of man he is? I mean, he can change… Right? Well, he already changed, right? For a moment, a dead silence takes place in the phone call. "Are you still there?" I ask Phil, my voice sounding faint compared to before.

- "Yeah, yeah... I was just deep in thoughts." He responds to me, sounding… Hurt? Disappointed? Maybe both... I couldn't tell. I let a quiet sigh out as I feel my heart beating so strongly down my chest. I need to know… Even if it scares me, even if it might not pleasure me to hear what he is going to say, I need to know.

- "Can I ask you something?" I gently demand to the boy.

- "Of course, Gorgeous" he answers softly. And the deepness of his voice is just so amazing to hear...

- "Are you being serious about... I mean... Are you really trying to... Do you really…" I sigh again but louder this time. How is he supposed to understand what I want to ask him if I can't put three words in a row? "I'm sorry, I don't know how to formulate my question." I tell him as I lightly shake my head. I'm such an idiot...

- "You want to know if I am playing with you or not?" He tells me as if he just read my thoughts. Oh... Am I this obvious?

- "Yeah. It's just... I'm having a hard time to believe that you actually want something with me. I mean... It's just easier to think that you want something from me than with me. Especially when I see the kind of girls you liked before…" I confess to the boy, telling him my worries all while hoping it doesn't make him step away from me. I don't want to lose him because I worry to much or don't open easily to him... I just need time.

- "I never said I liked them, MC." He calmly answers before hearing him blowing some smoke.

- "But you must have felt something for them, otherwise, you wouldn't have wanted a night with them." I reply to him with an unsure tone.

- "It was just physical attraction, nothing more. It's different from you. With you, it's not just the attraction, it's... It's the spark that I don't have with the others." He tells me sincerely and seriously, always sounding so calm but so sincere at the same time. I hum as I look down. I want to believe him… And maybe I do actually. But there's always this lack of confidence in me that brings me to my rational side. "I told you, MC, and I'll say it again. I love you. Now, I know what you think about me and I know what people say about me. But I don't care. And I care even less of those chicks. I only care about you." He admits to me with the same tone as before, sounding lightly desperate for me to believe him. I care about you too, Phil… More than you think, more than I certainly should. I stay quiet as I meditate on everything happening right now. There is a lot to think about. Suddenly, I hear a light sigh coming from Phil. "MC, do you trust me?" He suddenly asks me. Oh… Well...

- "Of course, Phil." I answer instantly, nodding positively even though he doesn't see me.

- "Then trust me when I say that I'll be ready to change things from me to be with you." He confesses seriously before blowing some smoke again. Change… But I don't want him to change...

- "I don't want you to change anything from you. I just... I'm just not confident enough." I tell and confess to the boy, admit my lack of confidence to him. It actually feels weird… Why am I telling him that?

- "If you let me, I'll prove to you that I really love you and that I'm not trying to play around with you. But I'll only do it if you want me to give you that proof. I'll never force you to do anything. It's your call." He says seriously and sincerely, letting me all the cards in my hands. It's my call… I smile, unable to stop it. Why do I smile in a moment like this one? How can he make me smile in a conversation like this one?

- "You're charming." I tell him which makes the boy chuckle. "I didn't give you your hug." I recall, sounding like I am kind of excusing myself to him.

- "I know. It broke my little heart." He says jokingly even though I could hear he was serious in a way. I giggle at his answer despite being sorry. "Maybe you could give it to me tomorrow night, Gorgeous." He suggests before a small pause takes place in the conversation. "Huh, you're coming to Jessy's birthday tomorrow night, right?" He asks me with an unsure tone.

- "Yes, why wouldn't I?" I demand him back, sounding confused.

- “When are your uncle's funerals?” he questions me, ignoring my questions. The funerals…? Why is he asking about that?

- “Huh... Tomorrow morning.��� I begin to answer when something just comes up in my mind. Of course... “Oh, I get it. You think I shouldn't go or I wouldn't want to go to the party?” I tell him, sounding like I have just read his mind this time.

- “Well, I just thought you would have preferred to be alone, maybe? That you wouldn't be in the mood for a party.” He responds so gently and so calmly, clearly caring about my emotions. I could hear how much he cares for me just by the sound of his voice. It’s crazy…!

- “Well, I will certainly be down but, I'd rather be with my friends than alone at home, especially in a time like this one. It's not…” I let a small sigh out. “It’s not good to stay alone. And my uncle wouldn't want me to stay by myself anyway, so…” I reply to the man I have been having a crush on for so long. The pain was heard in my voice.

- “Well, you can call or send me a message if you need to talk, okay? Anytime. I'll be there for you, MC.” He answers sincerely and seriously, showing me his support.

- “Thanks, Phil. That means a lot.” I tell sincerely to the boy, cracking a smile. That warmed my heart.

- “I'm sorry but I'm going to have to hang up, Gorgeous. I need to do the closing.” He says with a disappointed tone towards himself because he needs to hang up. Oh already...

- “Sure, no problem. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.” I tell him as I smile like an idiot. Again... Thank God he cannot see me...

- “See you, Gorgeous. Goodnight.” He wishes me back, letting a soft chuckle out. Oh… I keep a smile over my face and hang up. Why did I fall for an idiot like him?

~ Next day, morning ~

Next morning, I wake up and do my little ritual before getting ready. I out on a black dress with black heels but don't bother putting on the small amount of make up I usually wear. It's not necessary, I will ruin it with my cries anyway... Mom is waiting for me at her home. I told her I would pick her up before going to the funeral. I know mom is strong but I’m not sure she’ll be able to drive after the funeral. And to be fair, I’m not sure I will be able myself, but I’ll try… I have to be there for her, firstly, then myself.

~ A few hours later ~

I feel so strange. I feel like a piece of me was ripped and is missing, but at the same time, I feel relieved. I mean… I feel like my uncle is finally resting in peace and I can try to move on, live my life like he would want me to do. Though, I just can’t stop thinking about him… I want to turn the page but I'm also scared to forget him at the same time which isn't a good match. When I saw the white flowers set for my uncle's funeral, I was just so happy. They looked amazing. I just wished I could have bought those flowers for another and more joyful reason though... Anyway, maybe Phil was right to worry if I would come or not to Jessy’s birthday party tonight. I really don’t feel in the mood right now… And certainly not later either…

After dropping my mother at her home, I stayed for a moment with her. I just needed to make sure she'll be okay. And I also needed to be with my mom. I needed my mom. Anyway, I am finally on my way back home as Jessy won’t be long now. I park my car and walk up toward my little apartment. Oh… I’ve got a message.

- “Hey, MC, I’m sorry but I have to go help Cleo with something so I don’t think I’ll be able to make it in time at your home. Can we meet up at the Aurora, instead?” I read her text message which was sent an hour and a little more ago. I completely forgot to pour the sound back on so I didn't hear any of the notifications I received. "I keep my phone close to me though. So if you need to talk, I'll be there." I read her second message. A small smile comes over my lips.

- “Of course, Jessy, no problem. I’ll see you there.” I simply respond to her message as I don’t want to bother my mind right now. I don't want to talk. I guess I’ll get the chance to rest a bit before going to the party. Maybe I’ll be a little more motivated to go there after…

A few hours later, I am on my way to the Aurora to go meet up with the others. Well, I'll probably be the first one since I always come early. There’s a part of me wishing I could actually be home, lying on my sofa in front of the TV, and do nothing, and the other part is telling me, “is Phil alone right now? Will I have a heart to heart moment with him?”. Yes… I think… Yeah, I think I want to tell him that I want to give him a chance if he is really willing to have something serious. I don’t know if it is the right thing to do or not but, I need to… Live. I need to try new things. I need to challenge myself. Telling my emotions to him, how I feel about him, it’s something new. It’s just so hard to talk about how I feel most of the time. Especially saying my feelings to the boy I have a crush on since… A while now.

The streets are enveloped by the darkness of the night, but the streetlights bring some light to them. Thankfully, it's a calm night without any rain pouring down.

- “Hey!!” I hear a familiar voice screaming in my back. Not so calm now... Though the voice sounded… Off. It was a man for sure, but the person didn’t sound very "fine". He talked quite slower than a normal person would do normally and he half chew over his words. Is he drunk? I continue my way, ignoring the man. That's the best thing to do... “Hey, MC, is that you?” What? Who...? I turn quickly around to just give a glance at the person, but I don’t stop walking. Oh… My boss…? What is he doing here? “Whatever. Why don’t you come see your favorite boss, Baby Girl? You could be surprised by me.” He says in a drunk way as he points at me with a bottle. Oh… Huh… I didn't see it before. Hell no! I clear my throat, feeling uncomfortable and scared. I…

Without thinking further, I start to run away from him as I know the Aurora isn’t far from here now. It’s just a couple street corners away… I run as fast as I can, hoping to lose him. Which some chances, he is too drunk to actually run after me. Well, he did still seemed a little bit himself despite the alcohol... There! I can see the colorful light from the bar lightening the street. Please, be there.... Alone or with someone, I don’t care…. Just be there. I rush inside the Aurora and immediately close the door behind me before sticking my back against the door. I thought I was going to make a fool out of myself in front of people, but it’s empty… Though, Phil is standing behind the counter, cleaning some glasses. Breathless, I quickly lock the door and step away from it as I walk backward towards the counter.

- “Gorg…” I hear Phil calling me with his lovely voice. Though, it was quick to faint. “Did you just close my bar?” He asks me with a confused tone as he points at the door. I look up at him, fear flashing over my face. Wow, I didn’t think I was this scared actually... “MC, what's wrong?” He asks me right away with concern while walking around the counter to join my sides.

- “Phil, he's following me.” I tell him rapidly and out of breath as I walk towards him to meet him midway. Wow, I… I didn’t even control myself. It’s like my body just talked for myself, walked over to him, needing to feel this protecting feeling.

- “Wow, calm down. What are you talking about? Who's follow you?” He says calmly and seriously as his hands come grabbing my shoulders. Oh… I stare into his eyes, reading the calmness in them. Though, I can read the concern in them. Suddenly, there’s a loud thud coming from outside which made me jump and gasp, breaking eye contact with Phil. I turned around and found my boss standing outside, still holding his bottle in one hand. He managed to get here without falling? Oh God... Seriously?!

- “MC, bring your sweet little ass outside before I fire you!” I hear him yelling in the middle of the street which made me take a step back. Even with a wall and a locked door separating us, he still scares me. Phil grabs my wrist as he takes a step forward, shielding my body with his.

- “He's drunk and clearly worse than when he's sober…” I inform to the man as we notice that my boss is trying to get inside Phil’s bar. Please, don't break anything here... “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring him to your bar but…” I rapidly apologize to Phil, shaking my head negatively as I dance on my feet. I shouldn't have come here...

- “Hey, it's okay. I'm glad you actually found your way here." He tells me reassuringly and so calmly. "Stay here. It's okay.” He tells me with the same comforting tone while motioning me to not move. Huh… What is he doing? Phil goes to the front door, looking so upset. He unlocks it and opens it before stepping outside. Though, he makes sure to close it back behind him. “What can I do for you, sir?” I hear him asking seriously to the drunk man. It’s faint, but I can still hear their voices.

- “You?” Says, my boss, while rudely pointing at Phil with the bottle and frowning confused. “You work here?” He tells him with surprise as if Phil wouldn't be able or wouldn't be smart enough to work here.

- “I even own the place.” answers, Phil, crossing his arms over his chest.

- “Right... Look, I'm not goin' to bother you 'ny longer. Just tell me where the little wh**e is?” Then asks, my drunk boss, half screaming in the middle of street. I'm actually pretty sure he doesn't notice that he talks so loudly. Wow... He definitely doesn't know what pet names are...

- “Excuse me?” Questions, Phil, sounding very unpleased and like he heard him wrong. Though, I can tell that it is making his blood boiling.

- “Don't play dumb, boy. Where's she? She and I nee' to talk. If you know what I mean.” I hear my boss saying before he smirks, looking hungry for… Ugh! He’s such a pig! Knowing the thought he must have with me, I grimace with disgust. “She seems like a good little b**ch waiting to be f***ed.” He says before starting to laugh drunkenly. I knew he wasn't nice, but I never thought he had such a disgusting side...

- “Mmh... You see, I deal with clients all day long and I noticed that there are three different types. First one is the nice ones. The ones who come enjoy a drink or two and then go. Then, there are the annoying ones. They take a few drinks and start talking very loudly and getting a little bit out of line but it's still correct in a way. Finally, there are the ones that get to another level which is disrespect and being rude. Unfortunately, that happens to make me angry. Sadly, you're there right now. So I suggest you turn around and walk away while you can.” Replies politely and professionally, Phil, trying not to lose his cool despite the anger rising more and more. I know it. I see it. Just by the sight of the vein popping in his neck and the way he firmly closes his fists… His knuckles look so white...

- “Are you threatening me, boy?” questions, my boss, trying to play tough despite the fact that he struggles to stay still on his two feet.

- “No, It's just a "friendly" advice from one boss to another. Be smart. Take it. Turn around and walk away.” He tells him seriously, trying to make the man go away before it goes too far. I just hope he isn’t as stubborn as he is when he is sober… I stare at them from inside the bar, frowning with concern. This situation makes me so nervous. My boss is clearly unpleased by Phil’s words. Suddenly, the man starts screaming and draws his bottle towards Phil. Oh! The owner of the bar dodges the hit in time and pushes my boss against the wall behind him. The man is face first, kept pushed against the wall. “If you don't leave right now, I'll call the police! Want to think again?” Warns seriously and firmly, Phil, frowning with anger. Though, I can tell he is struggling to keep his anger in him. I have rarely seen Phil this mad… Honestly, it’s scary. Suddenly, my boss makes a rough move backward, his bottle hitting Phil’s ribcage. Oh! I gasp as I saw Phil bending over. My boss turns around and tries to hit Phil in the face with the bottle. Well, he isn’t as drunk as I thought… Phil steps back in time before punching him in the face. I gasp in surprise. I never saw Phil fighting before. My boss lands flat on his belly, the bottle rolling on the sidewalk. Though, he comes back up, helping himself with the wall. I can’t just watch them fight like this… I can’t watch Phil getting hurt because of me… My boss grabs Phil by the collar and pulls him before pushing him against the wall. He still has a certain strength... Though, Phil instantly pushes him back. I can’t...

- “Stop it! Now!” I scream after rapidly stepping out of the bar. I come in between the two men and separate them, forgetting what my boss could actually do. I push the drunk man away from Phil, making him stumble backwards before he catches himself on a car. Meanwhile, I place my hands on Phil’s chest as I felt him going for him. Hell no…! Enough! “Phil. Ph... Phil!” I call the boy as he tries to walk past me to get to the man. He's not angry, he's raging. Though, when I called him, imploring for him to look down at me, he stopped. His eyes met mines and softness instantly drowned them. “Stop, please. Don't enter his game.” I plead him seriously as I weakly nod.

- “I'm not letting that pig talk about you or treat you that way!” He replies with anger, looking back with dark eyes at the drunk man standing behind me. Phil takes a step forward, but again, I stop him, getting before him as I keep my hands on his chest.

- “Phil, look at me. Look at me!” I tell him seriously as I bring one hand to his cheek. Why am I doing this? Why does this feel so… Normal and right? Just with my hand on his cheek, I can feel how much the anger is boiling inside of him. I force him to look down at me. “Calm down, please.” I demand him softly, our eyes connecting a second time. The man stares at me displeased for a moment before letting a sigh out. Please, don’t do it… I didn’t notice, but I’m actually running my thumb on his cheek, as if the hope of him to calm him down will be by this simple gesture.

- “Are you going to make out now? Because I'd rather live the show than to watch it.” Comments, my boss. Gross… Disgusting… Repulsive… I slowly turn around to face the man as I stay before Phil. He is smirking as he looks at my body up and down. I’ve never felt so bad and embarrassed before. Like… He hasn’t done anything to me, but just the way he looks at me makes me feel dirtied.

- “Well, I'm going to make it easy for you, sir. I'm done. I quit. I'll come pick up my stuff tomorrow even though it isn't much.” I tell him with seriousness while frowning madly. I have to end this. My boss stares at me with a frown, processing my words.

- “You can't quit! You're working for me!” He screams back at me, half chewing on his words. As if...

- “Yes, I can!” I scream back at him which surprises him. Yeah, he must not be used to someone replying to him or going against him... “And if that doesn't please you, it's still going to be the same. I'm done being mistreated by you and by most of your clients. And if you can't accept that, maybe the police can help you like the idea. I'm sure I have enough to say against you.” I tell him with a reminding tone, raising my voice lightly but not as loud as he talks to me and keeping that firm tone. I don’t know where this confidence comes from, but it feels… Powerful. Maybe because I know Phil is here and has my back? I don’t know… My boss stares at us two so madly before he looks away. “Oh, and by the way, you owe me at least 4.000$ of pay for all the extra hours I did. I better have them soon if you don't want this to go to justice.” I remind him seriously, pointing at him with my finger. I feel like a tea pot. Everything I've been wanting to say to him, I say them.

- “You were i'competent 'nyway. 'nable to do one thing righ'. I won't be losing much.” He replies at me with a mad tone, almost looking relieved that I’m quitting. I watch him dancing on his feet, almost tripping over his own feet.

- “Exactly, and you were bringing absolutely nothing to me so it looks like we're both winning. Me a little more.” I answer to the man, keeping my firm and mad tone against him. Without saying another word, my boss just scoffs before he turns around to leave. Oh… First time he actually backs down in front of someone… Anyway, he'll far away now. I turn around to look back at Phil, watching him holding his ribs. Oh… “Oh God, are you okay?” I demand him with a worried tone as I try to hide my guilt. It’s because of me if he is hurt...

- “Yeah... He wasn't as drunk as I thought.” Answers, Phil, looking down at me with a light frown. Though, it is not a mad frown or else, he seems more.... Worried or concerned. But relieved at the same time, weirdly… I frown sadly before I look down at his free hand.

- “Come with me.” I tell him gently while taking his hand in mine. “Let me help you” I tell him while helping him get inside. Well… I’m not sure he needs help but still, I just feel the need to help him. He literally saved me from my boss.

- "Thanks, Gorgeous”, he says as he lets me lead him back to the bar. I close the door behind Phil and let him take place on a chair. While sitting, I hear him groaning lightly before he clears his throat, as if he didn’t want me to hear him in pain. Right, I should get him some ice. I walk over to the counter and go behind it. So it should be… Here! “You even know where ice is.” He tells me with an impressed tone as he lets a small chuckle out. How does he know I looked for that? That chuckle… It’ll be my death.

- “I've watched you worked behind that bar countless times. It's not hard to guess where the stuff is.” I respond to the boy as I come back to him, holding a cloth with ice in it. “Let me…” I tell him while sitting across from him. I gently and lightly lift his shirt up just to see if it has bruised or not yet. It’s starting to get bruised... I let a guilty sigh out before pulling his shirt back down. I place the cloth over it and delicately press on it. Phil lightly winces because of the pain and the cold touching his skin as he looks away. “I'm sorry. I didn't…” I begin to apologize to the man as I avoid his eyes.

- “It's okay.” he interrupts me as I feel him looking at him. I know he is. “It's not your fault. And at least I know you won't see that dick anymore.” he says with a satisfied and relieved tone.

- “Honestly, it feels like I just threw an enormous weight off my shoulders. It feels good. Thanks to you.” I admit to the man I have been crushing on for so long as I let a small smile appear on my face. He smiles back while weakly nodding.

- “What are you going to do now?” He asks me with curiosity.

- “Look for another job.” I simply answer.

- “My offer is still on, you know?” He tells me with a reminding tone. Oh… I looked up in his eyes for the first time since I’ve been holding the cloth with the ice on his wound. His offer… Working here... “If you want to work here while you look somewhere else, I'll be glad to have you here. I know you still need to pay for your college so…” He says with his calm and deep voice. How can he be so calm so easily, especially after what just happened outside his bar? My smile grows before I actually softly laugh.

- “Your job sucks so much that you're desperate for a constant distraction?” I ask sarcastically, joking around. Phil smiles and softly laughs back to my comment.

- “What can I say, I'd like to have a beautiful woman working with me. Especially you.” he answers, which makes my cheeks burn instantly. You player… I bite my lower lip without controlling myself and look up in his eyes. They are burning with flames of… Of… Such a strong emotion… Feeling. God, I love him… And those eyes that he is giving me aren’t helping at all…

- “When can I start then?” I demand him, not really knowing how I managed to ask him this without mumbling or stuttering.

- “Monday?” he proposes to me. Huh?

- “Monday... In four days?” I ask him, frowning confused after thinking for a second.

- “You deserve a little break, Gorgeous, don't you think?” He tells me seriously and so gently. He’s just so sweet and caring… I mean, he clearly wants to show who the boss is here because it is his bar, but… His calm personality and the way he behaves most of the time just seem to hide his true self. I mean, Phil is Phil and his words are sometimes raw, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t think otherwise. I nod to the boy before looking down. I feel so nervous suddenly. My heart is racing like never before and I can’t take this idiotic smile off my face. What has he done to me, seriously? Suddenly, Phil gently pushes my hand and the ice from his chest and starts to get up. What…? Where is he going? What is he going to do?

- “Wait, I…” I suddenly say, grabbing his wrist. What just took me? Why did I…? I’m such a fool. And such a nervous wreck right now. I avoid his look, staring at the floor. “There's... Hum…” I have to tell him. I can’t back down anymore. I can’t flee my own feelings either anymore.

- “Are you nervous?” He asks me with a smirk while sitting back down on the chair across from me. Oh...

- “No, I... Yeah. I'm... I'm a nervous wreck right now actually. It's just... I…” I confessed to him, sounding as if I even struggle to breath now. God, I’m such an idiot, why am I stuttering like this in front of him?

- “Am I making you this nervous, Gorgeous?” He asks me in a whisper with his deep voice while slowly getting closer to my face. Oh… I don’t move as my eyes just fall on his lips. They look so soft. My breathing gets heavier instantly. I can’t look at him… I close my eyes as I breath heavily.

- “Actually... Yes…” I admit. After a few seconds, I opened my eyes again as Phil didn’t say a word. The boy has his eyes devouring my lips as the fire in them seems to have grown. “Phil, I…” I begin to whisper, trying to find the courage to say the words.

- “Phil, what? What do you want, Gorgeous?” He asks me with the same deep and calm whisper which makes me even more nervous.

- “Phil…” I whisper his name as I lock my eyes with his. They’re just so beautiful and he is just so close to me... Phil hums with his deep voice as he lightly wets his lips. Oh my… The man gets closer and closer so slowly until his forehead connects with mine. I close my eyes, enjoying how close we are right now. I can’t explain what I feel inside right now, but it’s a total mess. There are butterflies, fireworks… It’s a crazy feeling. Phil brings his hand to my cheek which feels so soft and so right. None of us move. None of us say a word. Nothing breaks this moment. I bring my hand over his, wanting him to hold me. Then, as the two of us are plunged in a deep silence, Phil suddenly pecks my lips. He… Kissed me. His lips are just so warm and soft and the kiss is so delicate. Simple but delicate. Phil pulls away from my lips and disconnects our foreheads. Though, he keeps a really, really small distance. Our eyes connect once more but none of us say a word. There’s no need. His eyes are talking for himself. He just wants to make sure I’m okay with this… I smile with happiness as I bring my hand to his neck and pull him back in for a kiss. What’s happening to me? I don’t know. I would have never done this before. I’m too shy for that. But it just feels so right, right now. Phil answers to my kiss instantly, giving the same softness and warmth than before. It’s more passionate though… The boy grabs my hands and pulls me closer to him as he rests completely on his chair. I let him guide me and sit on his lap, never breaking the kiss. Phil holds me, one hand in my back, the other on my thigh as the kiss becomes quickly heated. Suddenly, he pulls away from the kiss but only to go down my jaw and then my neck. I close my eyes and let my head lean to the side to give him more room. This feeling is just amazing! However, Phil suddenly stops kissing me, sounding just as breathless as I am.

- “Sorry, sorry... I just... We should stop before it's too... Heated. I told you, I don't want to make you do something you don't want to do now and…” He tells me out of breath and with seriousness. I look at him, noticing that he's really not playing. Especially because he stopped before going too far. This proves one more time that he really wants to try this relationship. I smile, feeling just so lucky at this moment.

- “I love you, too.” I whisper to the boy which made him look at me with surprise. He said it so many times to me but I’ve never said it back before. I never dare. I was so scared and so shy. I lean in and give him a new soft and warm kiss before taking him into my arms and letting my head in the crook of his neck. His scent is lovely. I can tell that Phil was surprised at first, but he didn’t put long to hug me back. Jessy’s brother holds me tightly, hiding his head in my neck as well, smelling my perfume. “I love you, Phil.” I whisper one more time.

- “If I knew I needed to fight with your crappy boss to hear you say it…” He says playfully which makes me softly laugh.

- “Well, actually, I was going to tell it to you tonight, anyway. I figured... I can't deny or lie about it anymore so... And I need to live my life as well, take it in my own hands... And you did prove that you want something serious with me so…” I respond to the man sincerely. I can feel my nervousness slowly fading away as I feel more and more comfortable with him. I mean, how could you not? I was starting to pull away from the hug when Phil stopped me. Oh… The man kisses my cheek delicately before kissing my lips one more time. I smile and look at him in the eyes. “Just don't break me, Phil…” I demand him, softly whispering.

- “Oh, I won't. Trust me, Gorgeous. I've been wanting you for a while now. I did lots of things to prove to you that I love you. Things I’ve never done before. The idea of me hurting you is painful. And I think that if I ever hurt you, I'll probably have all Duskwood after me.” He replies seriously to me before chuckling playfully. I chuckle back, amused.

- “Oh, I'm not sure I know that many people but... Yeah, most likely.” I answer jokingly, entering his game. The two of us laugh one more time. His smile is just so contagious. I give him one last kiss before standing up from his lap.

- “Where are you going?” He asks me, sounding disappointed that I got up from his lap.

- “The others are going to arrive soon. I don't really want them to see me taking you for a chair.” I respond with sarcasm to the man as I walk over to the bar to sit on a stool.

- “Well, I don't mind, Gorgeous. Having you sitting on my lap is kind of... Sexy.” he says with his deep voice, looking at me up and down with a smirk. I hum as I notice how hungry he actually looks. Oh boy, he’s been waiting, hasn’t he?

- “You're a naughty little devil, you know that?” I tell him while giggling.

- “Yep, but only for you, Gorgeous.” He replies with a charming tone. I place my hand over my heart before laughing.

- “Phil!” I call him through my laugh.

- “Yes, Gorgeous?” he calls me, using the same charming tone mixed with the deepness of his voice. I laugh again as my cheeks are burning. “So, are we together, MC?” He asks me more seriously.

- “Well, no.” I answer to the boy which makes him frown, confused and disappointed. “What? Don't look at me like that. Technically, we just had a... A... Very unexpected heated moment. But you never asked me out, did you?” I remind him playfully, winking at the boy. Phil laughs to my answer, understanding where I'm getting at.

- “MC, would you like to be my girlfriend?” He asks me with seriousness, yet, having the most beautiful and charming smile over his face.

- “I don't know. Give me a good reason to say “yes”.” I answer playfully. Without waiting, Phil stands up from the chair and lifts his shirt, showing me his abs. I laugh and blush while bitting my lower lip. "Definitely getting there", I tell him as I’m actually devouring his body with my eyes. Seriously, what has he done to me? Phil chuckles as he approaches me. One of his hands goes in my back while the other one passes softly in my hair, pushing it back before placing it on my cheek.

- “You're definitely going to make me a fool for you, Gorgeous.” he whispers softly and lovingly.

- “Not my plan.” I answer playfully while smiling happily. Phil smiles back to me before he slides his hand in my back, holding me against him tightly. I feel him kissing my neck again while he runs his hand in my back. I just feel so comfortable in his arms, so protected.

- “I love you.” He tells me sincerely and with love in his voice.

- “I love you.” I repeat his words with the same tone he used while literally melting in his embrace.

I was a fool for him. He was a fool for me. I was just too shy and he was another man. A lot has changed lately in my life, but this is the best thing I could dream of.

[kyras-things]

I can imagine the scene, so cute 🥺

Imagining a chat between Jake and MC in which she sends him a slow song and they start talking as if they imagine dancing together and everything is so.... ROMANTIC!!!

I have to note this so I don't forget when I can write

Edit: the guilty song💖

[skye-duskwood]

🥺💖😌💕

Imagining a chat between Jake and MC in which she sends him a slow song and they start talking as if they imagine dancing together and everything is so.... ROMANTIC!!!

I have to note this so I don't forget when I can write