#or have i just not seen anything about daisy bell and portal

[russetfoxfur]

wait has no one done anything with daisy bell and glados?? really???

[biluata]

It Wasn't A Goodbye - Quakerider One-shot

Words: 4,337

Request #6: Season 5 Speculation of Robbie returning from the other dimension to find Daisy

Sweet Moments. Mushy Feelings. Self-Reflection. Action.

Read on Ao3: Here

Robbie Reyes was no stranger to saying good-bye.

He said it that warm fall morning in the Calvary Cemetery as he laid his parents to rest. He said it that day before the end of his junior year when he told his favorite teacher, Mr. Valdez, he wasn't going to be returning to Garfield High next year. He said it that first Saturday night after he became the Ghost Rider when he broke it off with his high-school sweetheart, Lisa, for her safety and happiness. He said it that hazy winter afternoon as his Uncle Eli burned for his sins beneath Robbie's grasp.

Good-byes were a recognizable, unwanted companion in his life. Like a festering old battle scar being ripped open over and over again, Robbie knew when it was time for him to say another good-bye. To part ways for good and know he'd never see that person again.

When he had hesitated outside that portal he whipped up with the Darkhold in hand, and Daisy had nodded at him with a tender smile that matched her eyes, he knew.

That wasn't a good-bye. It was a "see you later."

Robbie had never been more certain of this than anything else in his life. He could feel it in his bones even when the rest of him burned away. Daisy Johnson was meant to be in his life ever since she walked into that junkyard countless nights ago.

He honestly didn't know how he got attached to her so quickly. She had been nothing but a pain in the ass for him at first, but that somehow soon turned into a begrudging team-up. Sure, they had bonded over their shared darkness and had each other's back when it was just them against the world, but he would hardly call what they had a friendship. The Ghost Rider didn't have friends.

But then, he stopped Eli. He saved Los Angeles, and ended up in what most would Hell for his troubles.

Robbie had thought that was it for him. After all his strife and struggles, he was resigned to spend the rest of his days in that dark dimension being the vessel for the demon inside him to kill with. Still, in the moments when he was too numb to even register what he was doing, when it hurt too much to think about Gabe, his thoughts would turn to her. To the spunky girl dressed in silver and black who hid her vulnerability and compassion behind biting words and earthquakes.

It started off innocently enough, just a curious thought about her well-being or a reminisce of one of their conversations, but soon enough all he could think about was her. It quickly got to the point where he could imagine she was right there with him, giving him one of her sassy remarks:

"Really, Reyes? You call that a punch?"

"Come on, Carrot Top, even I could do this in my sleep!"

"Whoa, there, Hotshot, take yourself seriously much?"

It was wishful thinking, an illusion in his mind to keep himself sane, but her words and ghostly image were the one small pleasure he seemed to be allowed. Even if it wasn't actually her, Daisy had been there to keep himself from completely drowning in that Hellish darkness. She kept that small bit of human in him alive even when he was losing himself to the Rider.

And then, it had happened. A small crack in the dimension had formed like sliver of a broken mirror. He pushed himself through it and he was back. Sure, the Rider had a mission for him. Mystical darkness and danger were afoot on Earth. Robbie could sense that enough, as if the dark energy was a choking, acrid smog. Still, he was back. He could finally be him after who knew how long he was gone in that other dimension.

Then she had shown up.

Even if it had been weeks or months, he recognized the sound of her black heeled boots thumping rhythmically on the hard concrete before she even appeared. When she had turned the corner and finally walked into his view, Robbie was knocked breathless.

It was Daisy. It was actually her, here in front of him in the flesh. Her hair was a little longer and all the heavy dark makeup was gone, but it was her. Bruised and battered but still heavenly even in the dim warehouse lights. Robbie's heart had sputtered wildly inside his chest like a caged bird, and it took all his willpower to keep his cool.

Alright, so he liked her. A lot. He had tried to deny it in his head, explaining to himself whatever he was feeling was just because he hadn't been around other people for quite some time and he had missed her, but Robbie could only hold on to his disillusioned stubbornness for so long.

Ever time she was in the room, his eyes were drawn to her like a poor moth to a dazzling inferno. Each soft smile she sent his way sent sparks tingling up his spine. His whole body just gravitated towards her like planets around stars.

"But I'm here now . . . And that's good."

"That is good."

He wouldn't call it love or any other crazy idea like that, but there was something there between him and Daisy. Something that made the small space between them more charged than a lightning storm. Robbie had thought it was just him who felt this way until he stopped outside the portal to look at her one last time. He didn't know how long he would be gone this time, or if he would even be back at all, but at least his last image of this world would be of her. The girl who shook up his whole life that night in the junkyard.

That's when he had seen it. The look in her eye that nearly made his heart stop completely once more. It was unmistakable. A sense of longing for him to stay even though they both knew he had a duty to uphold, but there was also something else.

Hope.

Hope that he would be back someday. Hope that they would see each other again. Hope that maybe this unspoken connection between them could turn into something more. Something real.

When Robbie became the Ghost Rider so many years ago, he never thought he could find something like that in his life again. He had resigned himself to being satisfied enough that Gabe was alive. His brother would live and prosper and be able to go on to do the things that Robbie never had the opportunity or luxury to pursue.

Robbie had made many sacrifices in his life, and he didn't regret a single one of them. But, as Robbie entered through the portal, he knew. Now was not the time for another one. Whatever this thing was he had with Daisy, it was special, and he wasn't going to miss it.

This wasn't a good-bye.

* * *

Robbie spun his Hellfire chain round and round until the fiery circle exploded into life in a shower of orange sparks. With the Darkhold now safely stowed in a place no one could even dream of finding it and the Rider satisfied for the time being with his thirst for vengeance against the demons of Hell, it was time for him to finally go home to Earth. To Gabe. To Her.

Robbie swung the chain across his torso like a sash, making sure it was secure before stepping through the portal. His stomach immediately began to toss and turn as the interdimensional energy swirled around him like a storming sea. Despite the countless amount of times he had gone through these portals, he never could get used to them. It was worse than the Scrambler ride at Pacific Park. But before he could become the first person to throw up in an interdimensional portal, he bursted through to the other side.

Robbie blinked as he steadied himself. He was back right where he had left at the S.H.I.E.L.D. base. It was almost as if nothing had changed at all. Boxes and various supplies laid scattered haphazardly about in the dingy, dark room. Scorch marks from the explosion Daisy had told him about still lined the door and windows. Even the dismantled remains of the portal machine still sat in one of the corners. The only differences that told him he hadn't just been gone for a few minutes were the fact that Daisy and the rest of her S.H.I.E.L.D. friends were gone and everything was now covered in a much thicker layer of dust.

He frowned. The place was abandoned. For how long, he wasn't sure, but long enough to know nobody was coming back. Not that he should be surprised after all the events that happened before he left. Still, that didn't stop the heavy weight from growing in his chest.

Robbie's eyes turned to the closest object on the ground near him, an old plastic crate with a few odd metal parts in it, and kicked it with all his might. The innocent little box went clattering across the room, nearly smashing into the far wall. He gritted his teeth as throbbing pain flared through his foot.

If S.H.I.E.L.D. went underground again, how on Earth was he ever going to find Daisy? They were a spy organization, for Christ' sake, who apparently had been working in the shadows for years without the general population ever noticing. If they really wanted to, they could disappear without a single trace.

Robbie sighed and the tenseness strung tight throughout his body lessened. Of course, seeing her again was never going to be that easy, he thought with a bitter laugh. What was he expecting? A welcome home party? Her running in to his arms and begging him to never leave again? Please. When did anything in his life ever go that well?

"Who the hell are you?"

He froze. The stranger's voice, even at a normal volume, echoed loudly through the silent room.

Robbie slowly turned to find a blonde woman dressed in an Air Force uniform standing in the doorway. She held a service pistol in her hands and had it trained directly on him. Robbie's gut clenched as he eyed the small black revolver. He wasn't afraid of death, but guns could only lead to trouble.

Robbie slowly raised his arms with open palms towards the woman. "I'm a friend of Coulson's," he stated but immediately bit his tongue as soon as the words left his mouth.

The woman's eyes widened as she tightened her grip on her weapon. The soft click of the gun's safety being turned off rang clearer than a church bell through his ears. A feverish flame quickly began to burn across his body as the Rider stirred in his head, growling defensively and ready to spring into action if necessary.

"Easy there--" His eyes scanned her uniform and quickly found a name lapel -- "Evans. You don't want to do that," he said. More for her sake than his.

"What are you doing here? Did Coulson send you?" She asked harshly. "In fact, how did you even get in? This is now private property overseen by the U.S. Government as possible evidence while S.H.I.E.L.D. is under investigation. We have guards at every possible entrance and exit."

"Listen, ma'am, I just happened to end up here. I've sort of been busy off in my own little world for a while. I just came to look for somebody. I guess they're not here."

"Look for who?"

Robbie hesitated. He didn't want to go blabbering around about what he was up to, but at the same time he really didn't know where to start looking. Maybe she would. The government certainly had to have a tail on S.H.I.E.L.D. If they weren't already under arrest, that is.

"Daisy Johnson."

Evans tilted her head, her lips pulling together in an amused grin. "I guess you truly have been off in your little world."

That caused him to furrow his brow. "What do you mean?"

She gave him a once over, mentally debating whether she should elaborate before sighing and slightly lowering her weapon.

"We tracked Johnson, Coulson and the rest of their ragtag gang to a diner outside of Denton not long after your friend shot Talbot. We had planned to intercept them there and bring them in for arrest, when someone already beat us to it."

Robbie tensed as an icy chill quickly began to settle in his stomach.

"Apparently," she continued. "A bunch of shady characters showed up a few minutes before we did and suddenly they were all gone. No word of their appearances ever since despite all of our best efforts to track them down these past few months."

"So, you're saying they just upped and disappeared?"

"Yeah, as if they got abducted by aliens right on the spot. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secretive, but even we get some buzz about them from time to time. Now, they're just gone."

Her words swarmed through his mind like a hive of bees. Gone? Taken by shady-looking people months ago and they still had no idea who, where or why? Robbie clenched his jaw. God, if the freaking government couldn't even find them, how was he supposed to? Daisy's hopeful brown eyes flashed through his mind and his heart grew heavy.

"Listen, sir," Evans drawled out slowly, sending him cautious but curious looks. "You are, in fact, trespassing on federal property, and it seems like you may know some information about our mutual missing S.H.I.E.L.D. agents." She hesitantly took a step towards him. "I'm going to have to ask you come with me for questioning."

Robbie's eyes narrowed as he slowly grasped the end of his chain. Questioning? Sure, they'd question him alright, and then try to toss him into a cell right after. Besides the fact he never could get quite used to a cage, he didn't have time to waste dealing with government bullshit. If it's true what she said about the team being taken, Daisy could be in trouble.

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

Fire burned hot in his hand and traveled down the length of his chain as he unwound it from around him in a snap. Evans' face paled as she raised her gun once more.

"Sir, put the chain down, or I will shoot," she spoke evenly even though her gun trembled slightly in her hands.

"Sorry about this," Robbie murmured.

He slung his chain forward at her as she let out a shot. Red-hot pain blossomed in his left shoulder, but Robbie ignored it as the end of his chain made contact with her gun. The sheer force of his throw knocked the weapon from her hand and onto the cold, hard ground a few feet away. Evans went to reach for it, only to find her pistol half-melted and completely unusable.

Robbie gritted his teeth as he pulled his chain back in. He could barely move his left arm without feeling like a knife with the heat of the sun was digging into his shoulder. The Rider Roared in him, sizzling fire just beneath his skin, but Robbie used all his strength to keep him at bay. Even if Evans shot him, he knew she wasn't a terrible person. At least, not terrible enough to deserve facing the fiery demon.

The lieutenant reached behind her waist and pulled out a walkie-talkie. "All units. I need all available units to the east wing of the S.H.I.E.L.D base immediately. A fire enhanced male individual is on site. Very dangerous," she spoke hurriedly into the device.

Robbie rolled his eyes. You've got to be kidding me right now, he thought as he marched up to her.

"I repeat, the individual is very dangerous. Shoot on--" But the words were lost in her throat as Robbie wrenched the walkie-talkie out of her hand and immediately incinerated it.

"I did say sorry," he grunted before throwing the now destroyed two-way radio onto the ground and leaving the room.

He had to get out of here. Countless armed officers could show up any minute, and Robbie wasn't really looking forward to possibly fighting them for his freedom. His problems were not with them. So, he ran, or at least jogged the best he could with a bullet still in his shoulder. Sweat beaded across his face from the effort and each step was like having his arm repeatedly crushed in a hydraulic lift. Still, he had been through worse.

Robbie passed through endless burnt and destroyed corridors with numerous, closed steel doors. He wasn't really sure where he was going -- he had only been to this place three times at best -- but he just had to get away. When he turned a corner, he hoped to find an exit sign. Instead, all he found were six armed tactical agents at the end of the hall.

"Hey!" One of them shouted and they all took off towards him, raising their guns.

"Shit," Robbie breathed.

He quickly scanned around and turned to the closest closed door. It was unlocked, but it wouldn't budge. The explosion from months ago had slightly warped the door and its frame. With his good shoulder, Robbie slammed all his weight into it and the door went swinging inward.

Bullets whizzed past his ears as he went stumbling into the dim room. Robbie roared as a sharp pain struck his lower back on his left side, but he couldn't worry about that right now. He slammed the door shut and quickly pushed what he assumed to be a nearby, large file cabinet in front of it. As he finished setting it into place, the agents arrived, battering against the door. Robbie held his breath, but the cabinet held. For now.  

He winced as he paced the dim room, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. His left arm and shoulder still burned as if it had been bitten by a thousand fire ants, but there was now a chill in his lower body. The new bullet had gone clean through his back to his abdomen and blood was quickly trickling out through both holes. Robbie pressed a hand down on one side of the wound, but it was really no use without anything the soaked clothes he was wearing and his gloved hand to stop it. Any minute now and he could bleed out entirely.

"Just give in already, Robbie," the Rider murmured hollowly in his head with the sweetness of grinding gears. "We can stop those guards together. Let me help."

Robbie groaned as blazing heat hotter than an inferno stung his head just beneath his skin.

No!

The Rider had already been in charge of his body long enough. It was now time for Robbie to be at the helm, at least for a little while. With himself in charge, Robbie at least had some control over the scenario and what to do next. If the Rider took over, there were not guarantees about what would happen.

Not yet. If you want to help, help me find my Charger, he told his demonic companion.

People always said that there was a special connection between a man and his machine. Well, Robbie's was more than that. Ever since he had become the Ghost Rider, he and Lucy were tied to each other, almost like they had a psychic link. Robbie figured it had to be the work of the Hellish forces attached to them.

The tactical agents continued to batter on the door. With each pound, the file cabinet screeched inches further away from the door. Robbie grimaced. If he was going to get out of here, it was now or never.

Fire shot through his hand and ignited his chain once more. He focused on his beloved Charger as he swung the chain in large loops. Each arc was more painful than the last as his left side screamed from the stress. Finally, the portal exploded to life with the other side hard to make out clearly in the waves of orange energy. Robbie couldn't tell if this portal would actually lead him to his Charger or if the Rider was just going to send him back to another different dimension.

His heart jumped into his throat as a loud crash resounded behind him. The file cabinet had finally lost its battle and lay pitifully on the ground. Any second now the agents were going to break through that door. He didn't have much of a choice.

Robbie rushed and leaped through the portal as gunshots rattled into the room. His body seemed to hover for a moment as the interdimensional energies took him to who the Hell knows where when he suddenly shot through to the other side and crash landed onto hard, brown dirt.

He groaned as a dull pain radiated across his chest and chin. Not his best interdimensional portal traveling attempt, but it certainly hadn't been his worst. Robbie coughed as he slowly got up. Bitter, coppery blood laced the inside of his mouth and he honestly couldn't tell if it was because he bit something when he landed or if his gunshot wounds were really starting to get that bad.

As his eyes slowly adjusted to the bright light of the setting sun, Robbie found himself to be in a large, outdoor car impound.

At least, this isn't Hell, he thought.

Rows of detained S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles lined where he stood, but his eyes were only focused on one car. There at the end of the row next to Coulson's cherry-red '62 Corvette sat his treasured Lucy. She was covered in a little bit of dirt and dust, but she still managed to shine proudly with voluminous beauty and danger even in the dying light.

Robbie grinned, but immediately his face turned sour once he spotted the boot somebody put on her front left tire. Fire boiled in the pit of his stomach. How could somebody dare try to chain up his baby like that? He muttered a slew of Spanish and English curse words that would have surely made his mother bring out the chancla if she were around as he slowly shuffled his way over.

Robbie wrapped his chain tight over the knuckles on his right hand. When he reached his Charger, he immediately bent down and slammed his fist into the tire boot. Even in his weakened state, the device practically shattered in half under his force. Robbie ripped the broken pieces off and tossed them aside.

He wound his chain around his torso once more as he staggered to his full height. Digging into his jeans' pocket, he pulled out his car keys, unlocked the door then slipped himself into the driver's seat. He let out a long sigh as he sunk into her warm, leather seats.

Closing the door shut, Robbie sat there in the silence for a moment, taking the sight of his Charger all in as the sun began to disappear below the horizon. He smiled as he reached out a gloved hand and lightly caressed her smooth steering wheel. God, did he miss his baby.

His eyes flicked to the glove compartment and he quickly reached over, opened it and rummaged through. There were a few bits of small car parts and couple trash wrappers, all useless really, until his fingers came across exactly what he had been looking for. Robbie pulled it out , his heart fluttering violently in his chest as he sat back.

It was a photograph of Daisy. Alright, it was actually a photo of her, Fitz and Simmons, but all he could focus on was her smiling face in the middle.

He had found it while he was rummaging around in Daisy's stuff that day long ago in Canelo's. The day he had been trying to find a reason to warrant killing her. He hadn't meant to keep it, but it had gotten left behind in the shop sometime after she ditched him during the night of the blackout. Robbie had gone back to work at Canelo's to find her van and all her stuff gone, but this lone photo tucked in the shadows between two boxes. Robbie was going to give it back to her, but between the Darkhold, Eli and AIDA, he hadn't had the chance.

The photo had to be a few years old. They all looked so much younger in it, and he honestly could barely recognize Daisy at first with her long brown hair. He knew it had to be her, though, the minute he saw her eyes. The girl in the photo had the same shine of warmth in her brown eyes the way Daisy did whenever she smiled in his direction. Of course, Photo Daisy's smile was much wider and freer than the little grins his Daisy had, but maybe one day he'd get to see this smile for real, too.

"But I'm here now . . . and that's good."

"That is good."

A soft smile tugged on the corners of his lips as he put the photo carefully back into the glove box and snapped it shut. Robbie twirled his keys then slipped the one for Lucy into the ignition. A crackle of energy tingled up his spine as his Charger roared to life. He revved the engine as scorching flames began to flood his chilled body and crackle just beneath his skin.

If Daisy was in trouble, he was going to find her. He had to. This wasn't going to be another good-bye. It was far from it.

[candy-corps]

Weird Colors

Greg belongs to @mygardenofmuses !

Maybe he was just passing by. Michelle saw Dae in the shop's window from within and without thinking, hunched behind the counter so he won't see her here. What was he doing here anyways? The city was big. Her heart was pounding. But good she was in company. Charming company, actually. Possibly confused, charming company. Michelle raised a hand as if she'd start to explain why she dragged Greg behind the counter with her, but ... it was too long of a story, right now. And she'd rather hold hands.

Greg was more than happy to hold hands with her, though everything was so sudden- like, why were they hiding? Did she see some ex outside that she'd rather avoid? She could punch the lights out of that guy if he dared to lay a finger on Michelle...

"Hey, why are we hiding?" he whispered to her.

Michelle changed the setting on the collar to switch voices before she replied. "It's way more fun to hide together" Michelle then replied, holding Greg's hand and smirking a bit. "And I can't be seen by - " The bell rang - the sound of someone coming into the store. Michelle got quiet right away. She wasn't sure if it was Dae...

"I gotta reply to the customer." Greg whispered. He squeezed her hand and pressed a quick kiss on her lips before getting up. He beamed when he recognized his new friend.

"Good afternoon! Oh, it's you Dae! Same pink flowers for Jessie?"

"I was thinking some ... and then I was thinking ... one ... " Dae replied, grinning crookedly. "And ... one in green? Do you have green flowers?" He meant to remember Amelia did like the color.

"Greeeen... You sure ask me weird colors, bud. There's a variety of green roses I've heard of, but it's hella expensive and I don't have enough money to buy it. I have smaller flowers close to that tone, though. Would that work?" Greg offered, keeping it professional.

Dae was already doing an 'X'-sign when Greg mentioned the word expensive. "Can I see? White would work, too." White always worked. So did orange or yellow or blue or even purple, really.

"We've got plenty of white flowers this season because many couples want it for their weddings. So we've got rose, daisies, hortensias, narcisos..." Greg left the counter and guided Dae to the section where he kept the white flowers. "See anything you like?"

"Yeah." It didn't take long for Dae to pick one that caught his eye. With Greg lured from the counter though, he could finally talk straight to him. "Why is there someone hiding behind the counter?" he asked in a low voice.

"Because she wants. Let her be for now." Greg answered, in a very low voice as well.  He picked up the flowers Dae had chosen. "So you want one, two, or a small bouquet?"

"One with a little greens around it!" Dae answered, his voice back to normal and suspiciously cheerful. "And then another one, yeah. With pinks." These were easier to find.

"Little greens... mmh... like these?" Greg points to a series of smaller flowers. He thinks they'll fit the idea Dae is talking about.  "As for pinks - you know where are they, right?"

"I'm on it" Dae said, crossing the store to go fetch one when he made just the tiniest detour to peek over the edge of the counter.

"Dae, wait! Let her alone!" Greg didn't mean to boss him around, but when Michelle was hiding... he had to have a reason. And he didn't want anyone to invade her need for private space.

"Oh it's a /her/." Well, so far so good. Dae leaned over the counter, but didn't look down. He was soon punished for his mean behaviour though when a pale hand bapped at his arm.

"I am afraid of tall people" she explained, still using that new voice.

"Aah!" Greg squeaked in surprise. She didn't expect Michelle to just... bap him out of the blue. Though Dae kinda was asking for it this time...

"Huh-uh..." he looked back at Michelle, then back to Dae. Well, this was awkward... "I swear we weren't doing anything bad before you arrived!"

"That so." Dae stepped back from the counter, out of respect of course and not out of fear he'd get hit again. Michelle in the meantime, stayed undercover.

"Now he thinks we did" she spoke up, chuckling.

"Even if we did, it wasn't on the counter. That place is completelly clean." Greg mumbled, blushing deeply. He shook his head. "What the hell am I saying... gosh... Alright Dae, let's get done with this..."

Dae took another step back from it while Michelle was just laughing openly. "I am Sarah" she introduced herself, waving at Dae - still only showing her hand.

Greg arched one eyebrow. Why was she lying about her name? Was Dae an ex-boyfriend she'd rather forget? From what he had got to learn about him, Dae wasn't a bad guy. Perhaps she was just feeling awkward about this.  Sighing, he walked behind the counter. "Let's see... Pink, White, and Green... We've got an special offer this week Dae, you'll get to pay 10$ less if you participate in the pool."

"What's the pool?" he asked, all ears now.

Michelle was glad about Greg's company. She sat down a little more comfortable.

"Just a few questions so I know how to improve my services to the customer. Here." Greg picked up a stack of papers, and handed him one of the sheets. "Fill this up with your name, phone, then answer the questions. They're quite easy."

"Oh that's easy." Dae picked the paper to do just that, but he'd still give his two cents about customer service anyways. "How about you tell how you and Sarah met?" It may be a nice story.

"Oh, let's say... it was one night night. The stars were shining, the lights of the place were dim... we got to know each other... it was nice..." Greg left the sex out of the story because he didn't want to reveal too much. He wasn't sure how much Michelle would be OK with him revealing, after all!

"So a blind date?" Interesting. Dae was still busy to fill out the paper.

"Kind of." Greg fidgeted nervously. He looked down to Michelle. Was she ok scrunched up like that? It seemed Dae wasn't an ex after all, so... what else could be the reason why she was avoiding him?

How can you 'kind of' have a blind date? Dae would ask Greg about that closer, some other time. He assumed they got to know each other in some forum or so, for now. "Um ... okay. When Sarah got her fear covered we could ... meet with Jessie sometime. Lemme know when I can help" he said, talking over the counter to Greg's ... friend ... woman.

"Uh. That would be nice. What do you think... Sarah?" The name was foreign in his lips. He hoped Michelle would give him some explanations later.

Who was Jessie? "Yeah, sure" Michelle replied, sounding sure of herself while frowning, actually.

"Then It's settled." Greg felt his shoulders relax. Somehow, it seemed the most awkward part was over. "So... it will be 15$, as always."

And he'd shed a tear on the inside, as always. Dae handed the money over and took the two small bouquets. Jessie would be happy. And Amelia less angry, for sure. "Thanks, Greg."

"You're welcome. Anything for a friend." Greg patted gently his arm.  "Bet Jessie will love those flowers. Have a good day!"

Dae nodded at that. He wasn't ready to talk about Amelia yet. He meant to mention the last couple of times that he walked in the store, but it somehow, never fit. "See you around" he said his goodbyes. "Bye, Sarah" he didn't forget to mention, too.

"See youuu!" Greg waved at him, watching him go. He hoped things worked out for him. Dae was a really nice guy.

He looked at the spot where Michelle was hiding and knelt by her side. "Are you OK, Michelle?"

She was. But then again, she wouldn't mind some hand holding. Michelle held hers up for Greg to take. "Who's Jessie?" she wondered.

Greg held her hand and helped her up. "I think she is Dae's girlfriend. They are always together." he answered. "Why did you lie to him?"

"He hates me" Michelle replied shortly. She inched up to Greg. When they were standing next to each other, they might as well hug. Her gaze though stayed on the entrance, just checking if Dae would return any soon.

"Hate you? Why?" Greg wrapped his arms around her. He could feel her unease. Better to help her out. When they were hugging her could shield her as well, so...

"I don't know. I can think of a few ... reasons" she admit. "Maybe it's just some teenage rebellion. He knows who I am though. Better than maybe anyone else."

"What connection exists between you two?" Greg asked, raising one hand to caress her hair. Her words kept raising questions in his mind, but he was going one step at a time.

Michelle could think of a couple of lies that Greg was likely to believe when she said them. But she wanted to give this a chance. And it was hard to imagine any harm to get to her or Damien when he pet her hair like this. "He's my son. Well. When my son is going to be 10 years older, he is going to be this one. There was some fantastic timetravelling happening, I don't know. But now there's Damien ... and Dae. And he hates me. For something I did in the future, I figure, or something he found out in the future." She held Greg, too. There was an immense comfort to know he spend her company.

"Then we better work together into giving you a better future, so he doesn't hate you." Greg offered, kissing the top of her head. "I know portals and timetravelling can be crazy. But the good thing of the future is that we're still in time to change it, and create a better one, don't you think?"

That was a nice way to look at it. And deserved a kiss on the corner of Greg's jaw.

Greg blushed with her kiss. Holding her close, Greg pressed a little kiss to the tip of her nose.  Then another to her lips. "You're so lovely..."

At least Greg liked her, then. Michelle kissed him, too, her worries pushed away for now.

Greg nuzzled gently her hair. "Now we're alone... Wanna go to the private room?"

"With nobody else here, this is a private room, also" Michelle found, smiling.

"There's the risk of being caught." Greg whispered, gettig up to stand on his feet, and pulling her up with him. "Unless you don't mind that..."

"Caught? In what act ... " she wanted to know then, leaning to him so her breasts grazed his chest, " - would we be caught?"

"Oh, I don't know." Greg smirked. "We could be, huh... hugging... kissing... making out... touching each other in naughty ways... if you get what I mean..."

"No ... " Michelle shook her head, playing like she had no way what he was talking about. "What naughty ways" she asked, her eyes wide and innocent while her finger trailed over Greg's butt.

"A bit like what you're doing right now." Greg arched one eyebrow. "Or something like this too." Leaning forward, he pressed a quick kiss on her neck.

"Now that's ... in no way naughty" Michelle replied, nuzzling Greg. "That's sweet." She turned to him to kiss him, way softer than intended.

Greg smiled with her kiss. She could be so hot, and so sweet at once. It was wonderful. Almost without thinking, he pressed his body to hers. Once they parted for breath, he nuzzled her neck.   "I am going to pick up Jay from my parents' place later. I'd like you could stay the night... that way you could meet him." he whispered.

"How old was he again?" She assumed young, but she didn't know how much. Michelle slid on the counter with her legs spread.

"He just turned 2." Greg answered, leaning forward to nuzzle her chest. "It was his birthday just a few days ago."

Two. "Damien was adorable when he was two" Michelle remembered. Really, he was adorable at any given age, but with 2 ... too. "I'd love to see him. Stay with you ... " Yes, that, too. Michelle closed her eyes as he enjoyed Greg's attentions. She wrapped her foot arond him, pulling him close enough to have him feel the warmth between her legs .

"Who's Damien?" Greg asked, as he slid a hand into her panties. Gotta test the waters first, though her gesture was inviting enough - he didn't want to rush things too much.

"My child." Wow. The fact that she could say it without grabbing his hand and twisting it, making him swear on his mothers life that he would keep that to himself ... It showed the yoga classes did their magic on easing her mind up to being open. "Like ... " Oh, Greg. Michelle opened her legs more for him, giving him access to feel her. " - Dae, but younger." Dear Goodness. She was wet for him alright, but tense, too. A little worried, she looked up at Greg for guidance.

"...Oh. So Dae is your son, too? Wow." Reality just hit Greg like a truck. So he was falling in love with his friend's mother. Well, that kinda explained why she hid from him. Dae wouldn't take too well knowing he has feelings for her... Again, Michelle was protecting him.  It was so sweet from her.

"It's all good." he whispered, nuzzling her forehead as he tested her folds. So wet and nice. He began to stroke gently her clit.

"In a way." She made a vague gesture with her hand, laughing about that up until she let out a moan. Greg teased her and reassured her, and it send two kinds of warmths through her heart. Two. She used to barely feel anything, but these days, being around Greg, had helped so much. She did feel strongly, and she wanted that man. How long has it been. Michelle cupped Greg's face, leaned in and opened her mouth.

Watching her go for a kiss, Greg was more than happy to do so. He opened his mouth as well, letting his tongue caress her own the moment their lips touched. All while his fingers kept flicking and teasing her clit, as gently as he could. Truth to be told, he wanted her too. He was growing hard quickly... but they had time, all the time of the world.

"I need you, Michelle..." he whispered between kisses.

"Here." The counter? She would like that. So much so, her expression was fond as she kept looking at Greg. "I'd like to feel you" she confessed, easing up now. She remembered the last time and how considerare Greg had been, even when there was trouble. Michelle began pulling down the short black pants she wore.

Greg looked past her one second. It seemed no more customers would show up today, so... This place worked. "Here works." he assured her, and decided to unzip his pants as well. Good thing he carried a condom in his pocket, just in case. He picked it up before he slid down his boxers, letting her see he was just as excited as she was. "Now... where were we...?" he asked with a purr.

"Who cares where we were. I like where we -are- ... " Michelle said, pulling her feet up which made undressing easier. She kept her top on - all for appearance - but sat on the counter butt naked from her middle downwards. She pulled her legs together and brushed her slip down her ankle, from where it dropped to the ground. She looked up at Greg like it had been an accident, but was smirking all the same.

Greg blushed deeply at her gesture. That was so damn arousing! A rush of blood made his cock stand, even without his hands to hold it. With an erection like this, better to put on the condom already - something he did in no time.  "Me too..." he whispered, brushing her legs gently.  "Would you open up for me? Please?"

"How did you know it was the magic word?" she teased him smiling, elbows on her knees now and head rest in her hands. Her ankles shifted to the sides though, giving away her peachy entrance. She even shifted further to the edge for him. "Like so?" she asked, her eyes getting dark as she glimpsed to Greg's erection.

"Lucky guess." Greg smirked, as he lifted his hands to caress her hips. The way she was offering herself to him was more than entincing, it was almost hipnotic, a desire that was there and needed to be sated.   "Like this, it's awesome." he whispered, leaning forward to tease her folds with his hardness. So warm...

It was close to embarassing how sappily her body craved for Greg's attention. Just to test it, Michelle tried to look unimpressed - but straight away, she relaxed, her cheeks turned rosy and a tingling sensation had her know she was stepping up her game on getting wet for her -lover. Michelle folded her arms around her knees and pulled them to her even more. Greg had liked when she was tight. She kept eye contact with him and was just so very pleased with the situation. "You're welcome" she let him know.

"Hehe, I was about to say 'thank you'." Greg was so happy with this situation. Having sex in his workplace... To think he never had done such a thing before! She definitely awakened that bolder side of his. He cupped her cheek and caressed it. "Thank you, Michelle. You're the best." he whispered, before he began to slide in, very slowly, to ensure she would have time to adjust.

Michelle leaned her head on his hand and even closed her eyes for the moment. Sitting like this really increased intensity, and yes, stalled time. Both was nice. In the end, Michelle loosened up faster than the last time, even, doing it like this. "There ... " she moaned then, Greg's cock deep enough inside her now to graze her sweet spot. "'more" she allowed, wanting Greg to go deeper. Her lips parted as she kept looking at him again.

Greg decided to pull her closer, so it was easier to reach her sweet spot. Noticing how her body seemed loose and relaxed, he took that chance to make a series of slow, yet deep thrusts. He wanted her to enjoy this as much as he was. "Micheelle... nngh..." he whispered, covering her neck with kisses. These clothes were on the way and he couldn't kiss her chest like this! His hands tugged a little at her shirt as he kept moving. When their eyes met, he blushed lightly. What a beautiful woman she was. Almost without thinking, Greg kissed her deeply. By the gods, he adored her, he wanted her so much...

"Aaah .... " Michelle moaned loudly, breaking the kiss with that without meaning. She locked her lips with Greg's again, but again he kept thrusting just right which lead her to moan and part her lips so they just brushed against him. She loved this, though. Letting go of her knees, her hand tangled in Greg's hair to keep him with her. Kiss him and moan, she could do both. Her knees of course parted, but it was alright. She'd no longer mind when they would go fast.

If there was one way to feed Greg's fire, it was messing with his hair. In moments like this, some touches over there were the cherry on top of the cake. and being this pleased, Greg quickened the pace a bit, little by little. In the brief moments Michelle used to moan, Greg called her name in her ear, again and again, his voice husky. "Michelle... nngh... Michelle..." he whimpered, as he kept poking her g-spot.

So good. "Hah ... " Michelle panted, panting now. One of her hands had to support her on the counter as she leaned back in pleasure. "Mmmh ... " she hummed, "Amour... " Her leg caressed his side and gently, wrapped around him.

It was a good thing one of Greg's favourite subjects in school was French, because he could understand what she said. Letting out a happy noise, Greg raised one of his hands to caress her hair. "Ma chérie..." he whispered, nuzzling her neck. He didn't want to come so soon, but the heat had started to build up inside him...

What! He couldn't just ... french on her. And out of all of the things ... say ... that. Michelle's grasp softened. She pet over Greg's head. Oh that silly boy that made her so happy. Her hips moved towards him with each thrust now. Aside that, she kept squeezing him when he tried to move out. He shouldn't leave. He was quite good where he was. "Mon amour ... " she said again, more urgently this time.

"Nnghh... Aaahh....!" Greg started to pant. When she squeezed him like that, she took his breath away! Clinging to her, the young man began to move with shorter, quicker thrusts, not wanting to move too far away from her either. Faster, faster... The heat and the pressure in his cock was about to drag him to the edge. "M-Michelle... I'm going to cum...!"

"Yeah ... Deep ... " she asked him. "Oh Greg ... " She reached the edge, too. Too pleased to hold it, she relaxed around him again, only the deeper parts of her tight now. "Aaaaahh ... " Michelle whimpered while she tried to keep their hips locked, wrapping her second leg around him, too.

"MICHELLE! AAHHH!" He squeaked her name when he came, practically shaking as his cock released spurt after spurt deep into her. He kept thrusting until it was over - and only then he stopped.  They had left a mess on the counter, but oh, it was so worth it.  Greg held her close and kissed her gently, caressing her back. "Merci... Merci, ma chérie..." he whispered in her ear.

"You were not supposed to .... " she started, bt really, who cared. It felt so right and she wasn't quite done orgasming, too - her insides still pushing Greg's cock now and then. And he held her, which always made things better as well. Michelle embraced Greg in return and also had the decency to squeeze him some more, milking the last of his spare seed out of him. "Oh, Greg" she sighed, happy.

"Mmmhhh..." Greg trembled with that last squeeze. Oh, that felt so good. He barely had any strength left, but he still could pleasure, and that last bit was something really nice to feel after coming so much as he did.  "T-thank you... I... I was fairly good with French in school. Good thing it came in handy, hehehe!"

"I didn't know you'd know what I was ... " she started, but trailed off. She had no plan yet. Should they joke about it? Or - god forbid - talk? No. How about ... she'd just keep hugging him.

"I did not know. But when I heard you speaking French, well... I thought it would be polite to answer in the same language." Greg chuckled and kissed her hair. "And hey, it's fine if you're French. It's a nice country. Paris, the camembert cheese, the "Beauty and the Beast" fairytale... many good things came from there."

"Shhh ... " Michelle hushed him quietly. She didn't want to drag him into trouble. He already knew too much. Besides - that wasn't what she meant. "I liked what you called me."

"Ma chérie?" he echoed with a smile. "If you like it, I'll keep calling you that." he whispered, right before leaving a kiss on her cheek.

Oh, she did. Michelle turned her head as well and kissed Greg's chin in return. Her hold on him loosened as the fatigue kicked in and her feet lowered until she sat on the counter again, her legs still spread.

"Should I pull out? I don't want to hurt you..." Greg asked, noticing her tiredness. He rubbed gently her back, mostly to comfort her.

Michelle just nodded. It was fine and it was kind that Greg was asking.

Noticing her gesture, Greg began to slid out  slowly,  making sure she could draw some pleasure from such action. Once it was out, he raised one hand and caressed her cheek. "It's almost closing hours, too.  Shall we close the shop, pick up Jay, and go home?" he suggested. "I don't mind waiting a little more, though. Hugging you is so nice..."

Too good he was okay with that. Michelle exhaled, leaned up - and slid over the counter and leaned against Greg with her arms wrapped around him. Staying close for some time longer, that sounded about right.

Greg kept hugging her, ocassionally leaving kisses on top of her head. He had noticed how much she liked the hugging. It was one of the many cute qualities that he adored about her. He just hoped Jay didn't mind waiting a little longer.