#so now I can kinda only talk to Nash about Deep topics in passing and very occasionally

[fierysafrina]

Stubborn Love | Nash Gold Jr. x Reader | Chapter 2

Fandom: Kuroko no Basket Rating: Teen Genre: Action | Drama | Romance | Hurt/Comfort Summary: You lived many lives, but only one was always real.  Notes: I had this idea. It looked and sounded nice, but I had no idea how to start it. It’s kinda like mafia AU thingy with multiple chapters because the idea itself turned out long. I was conflicted about the title and when I ran into song, with the same title, it all fell perfectly. I also blame NCIS LA for coming with this idea - but totally worth it. Any review/feedback is welcomed.

CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2 | CHAPTER 3 Fanfiction

A sigh left your lips as you stared at your reflection in the mirror. Your hair was everywhere and the fact that you had work in an hour wasn't anything good either. With a whine, you went with fingers through your hair before you turned on water. Moving your hands to cup it, you waited. Seconds later, you leaned down and splashed water over your face.

Your eyes remained closed for a moment before you straightened up. You looked back at your reflection, water dripping down your cheeks onto your pajama. The scene from a night before replayed in your head and you shook with head. Today was new day and new day ahead meant future. Chills ran down your spine as you left the bathroom and back into bedroom.

Looking around, you frowned at how dim the room was, but it calmed you. You never liked bright rooms and sometimes even despised the days when sun shone bright in the sky. You weren't a morning or a day person, but when job called, you always woke up later than you had to.

Walking over to your closet, you took out skinny jeans, mahogany coloured top and a black cardigan. Quickly changing into your clothes, you looked at the time and frowned when fifteen minutes already passed. Though you still had time, it still sent shivers down your spine, hating to leave later than usually. Slapping your cheeks, you walked into kitchen and grabbed an apple before walking on the hallway to put on your shoes and left the apartment minute later.

Taking in a deep breath, the scent of rain reached your nose. Your lips turned up in a smile, loving the smell. Hearing dogs barking, you looked around and saw cars driving down the street. It was seven-thirty in the morning.

"Tell me one good reason why you're here?" Kacey raised an eyebrow. Her arms were crossed over her chest while holding a rolled-up magazine. She was tapping her foot on the ground, like she was waiting for the first slip to strangle you right there on the spot.

"I...couldn't sleep?" You spoke slowly and flinched when she hit your arm with the magazine.

"Answer." She narrowed her eyes.

Chills ran down your spine and you looked around. "It's nothing, boss." You began once again. "I took painkillers just in case and I couldn't miss out an hour. It's not really in me to start later than usually." you admitted and looked at Kacey.

Kacey stood in front of you quiet. She eyed you from head to toes before letting out a sigh. "Did you get home safe?" she asked and walked closer to your side, looking for something. "Hurt anywhere else than your head?"

"I got home safe and no," A small smile crept on your lips. "Only head." Hearing the manager sigh, you tilted head to the side in wonder.

"I already have enough worry with Nash and now you're also on my back." She shook with head, her lips turning in a thin line. "Kids these days don't know when to give up, do they?" Turning away, she walked to the counter and put the magazine down.

You looked at Kacey confused. "I...I'm sorry?" You murmured. Your confusion only grew when she waved with hand like she wanted you to forget what she said.

"It's nothing," Kacey smiled. "Mother's instincts kicking in, which I admit is weird, because I've never grew to like someone in such short time." she turned her head your way. Her eyes stared at you, trying to see something that even you didn't know. "Go change your clothes, Amelia."

You smiled. "Yes, boss."

"Kacey," The woman said before you could turn around. "You can call me Kacey, anything but Mrs or Ms, less alone boss. I'm only second-in-charge." she said and shook with head as she turned back to the counter. "Kids these days…" You heard her murmur to herself.

Your lips turned into a wider smile as you turned around and walked into changing room to change . Your gaze was fixed to the ground and before you could hold for the doorknob, you heard a voice from the side.

"We can't guarantee anyone's safety for that matter, Nash." You frowned and looked down the hallway. There was no one, except a room's door open, from where the voice was coming from. Looking around, to make sure you were alone, you quietly walked closer.

"It's only matter of time before cops start going after us."

Leaning forward, you spotted Nick talking over the phone, two of his men standing not too far away. All threes backs were turned towards you.

"No, look, I understand you want to keep us safe from Perron, but if that guy sees anything unusual, he won't hesitate to shoot any of us." Nick continue and stopped by table, leaning on it. "All I'm saying is that give us time to find something on him. Anything that could make him back off from the deal he has with Javier. Having every gang and mafia on our back is not good."

Nick quieted down. Looking at him closer, you saw the way his lips formed into thin line.

"Fine." Nick gritted out. "Just hope everything will work out for all of us." he hanged up and walked over to the wall, punching it.

With a startle you turned away and quickly walked inside the changing room. Biting your lower lip you looked at closed doors, wondering what just happened. Frowning, you stared at the front before shaking with head and walked to your locker. Opening it, you took out a white blouse, maroon coloured vest and black elegant skirt that reached your knees. The skirt wasn't entirely straight or pencil-style, but an A-line skirt that made you wonder just who was in charge. Nash or Kacey? Everything was pointing to Kacey.

A small smile graced your lips as you took off your cardigan and put it into the locker before taking off your jeans. Just as you pulled them down, the doors opened. You looked confused until you saw who was standing there. Your eyes widened and you immediately grabbed your cardigan, covering yourself with it.

"Shit, sorry!" Nick stammered and tried to turn around only to bump into the edge of doors. He cursed and held for his forehead, groaning in annoyance.

"Oh my god, are you alright?" You asked worried, completely forgetting he saw you in underwear.

"Yes…" He groaned before you could move. "God, why didn't Kacey say you're already here? Fuck I'm changing the doors from this damn hard-wood even if Nash kills me for it." he cursed and turned around, leaving the room.

You bit your lower lip and let out a chuckle when you heard him curse and raise his voice, 'arguing' with doors. Making sure that no one will walk into the room, you turned back to the locker and put cardigan back inside. Taking out your skirt, you dressed it up and zipped it on the side before turning it, so the zipper was behind. Humming to yourself, you pulled off your top and took blouse. Buttoning it up, you stared at your fingers doing their work until you heard a knock.

"Yeah?" You called, unsure if it was Nick or someone else. You knew Kacey would knock and open the doors.

"Is it safe to come in?"

Your breath was caught in your throat. "Y-yes…" You stuttered.

The doors opened, revealing the man hoped you would see soon again. He seemed like he wasn't in the club the night before and you wondered why he came to the changing room.

Nash quirked his eyebrows as he stared at you. "It really is you."

You blinked confused, unsure what to say. "E-excuse me?" You felt naked under his gaze as he eyed you from head to toes. What was going on in his head, you didn't know, but you were tempted to find out. There was something in his eyes that shifted.

"I think I said you can be two hours late." he said and took a step closer to you. "Yet here you are."

"I couldn't sleep." You answered before you could come up with a more thoughtful answer.

"Honest to a fault." he murmured to himself and looked down, more like at your chest.

Following his gaze, your eyes widened when you saw your blouse was only halfway buttoned up. Quickly trying to button up, your cheeks turned in dark shade of red. Nash laughed and it made you want to crawl underground and never come back on the surface. This was already second time you embarrassed yourself.

"I-I'm sorry…" You stuttered and turned away.

"Someone could think you did it on purpose." he said. "But I can clearly see that wasn't the case."

Your cheeks darkened and you coughed as you turned his way once you were decent. "I'm not a morning person, so I might be a bit off. But I'll manage it." you smiled softly and Nash nodded to himself. "What brings you here, boss?" You asked, deciding to change the topic. Raising your hand, you closed your locker and looked at Nash.

"Making sure my employees don't die." he answered and stared at you for a while more. You nervously watched him and bit your lower lip before he let out a sigh. "No matter what I say, you won't listen, will you?" he went with hand through his hair.

A smile spread over your lips. "Depends," You replied and took a step forward. "Don't worry, boss, I won't go that easily." This time you grinned.

"And that I appreciate." Nash nodded and stepped aside.

You gave a small nod and held for the hook, before you remembered. Looking at him, you asked. "Should I bring you espresso to the VIP?"

"No need," Nash waved with hand. "I'm only here to see what Nick wants to argue about the café." he sighed and shook with head. You laughed. "What's so funny?" he asked.

"I apologize, but I can't miss how you care for everyone and how your close friends care for you as well." You said and smiled softly. "It's nice to see that this time around." you added, lowered your head and left the changing room. Standing outside, your eyes were wide as you comprehended what you did. "He's going to kill me next time I'm so close to him!" You hissed, your hands on both of your cheeks, expression nothing but horrified. "Why did I have to say that? Like what if he really decides not to just fire me but kill? I'm so screwed."

"Amelia?" You heard Kacey's voice from down the hallway. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah!" You chirped in high pitched voice. "I'm fine, really. Perfectly fine." Slapping your cheeks, you took a deep breath and let it out before you walked to Kacey.

Kacey glanced at you from the side and sighed. "My dear, you are in for one hell of a ride." she said.

"Eh?" You murmured confused.

Saying nothing, Kacey continued making coffee, leaving you in the dark. With a small shrug, you went over to the counter and smiled at the customer. "Your coffee will be done in a moment." you said and looked around the café. You frowned when you spotted a familiar agent, who was in the line not too far behind. He met your gaze and gave a small, almost unnoticeable, nod. You returned it and waited.

Once he was standing in front of you, you smiled like usually. "What can I get you?" you asked like every customer.

"Black coffee without sugar and one croissant to go." he said and you nodded. Just as you turned around, you heard him speak again. "I guess you're new in the city."

"What gave me away?" You asked, your still still present.

"Don't take it the wrong way, but you're too approachable." He answered and you laughed.

"In what way?" You didn't back down, your eyebrow crooked up as you glanced at him.

"Too open, easy to talk to. Definitely not from LA." he clicked with tongue and winked at you.

You had to admit he was a good player. You laughed and shook with head. "Black coffee and croissant. Would that be all?" you asked and placed his order in front of him.

"One more thing," His smile widened and he leaned closer to you. Raising an eyebrow you looked into his eyes. They were green and filled with mischief. "How about we go on a ride? Maybe a drink first?" he asked.

"Sorry," You smiled. "Can't go."

"Oh come on, why not? Don't tell me you already have a boyfriend?" He asked and pulled away dramatic.

You spotted Nick on the doorway, looking your way. "No, I don't have a boyfriend, but I can't take the chance to lose my only source of income. I'm saving."

"Hey, with a body like yours I'm sure you could earn lots of money another way and quickly too." he said, completely ignoring Nick when he stopped beside.

"You done?" asked Nick.

"Not yet," The agent smiled. "Why don't you go back in the line?" he asked.

"Too bad I'm not a customer." Nick answered. "Pay and get out." He growled.

"Okay, okay," The man raised his hands before going for his wallet. "Geez, no need to threaten me." he said and looked back at you. "You sure you don't want to go on a drink?"

"I'm sure," You said and watched the man take his breakfast as he laughed, shaking his head.

"Your loss, babe." he winked one last time at you and left the café.

Letting out a sigh, you looked at Nick, who looked back at you. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," You nodded, small smile spreading on your lips. "Thank you."

Nick gave a quiet nod before he walked away as the next customer stepped closer. Your smile widened and you continued your work. You talked with Kacey, finding out that she was once married and had any plans of having a child. Until her fiancé left her in front of altar with another woman he met on a seminar.

"Do you still keep a contact with him?" You couldn't help but ask when you saw a tingle of emotion in her eyes.

"What makes you think that way?" Kacey looked at you surprised.

"I don't know," You bit your lower lip. "There's something more behind this story." you said and looked at her as the two of you stood by the counter.

"I…" she hesitated. Her breath was shaky, but she took a deep breath and smiled. "I lost a child. I didn't realize I was pregnant until weeks later after having abdominal pains and fever. My parents never forgave him." she laughed bitterly and looked at the cup she was holding. "You could say the next time they saw him they gave him a piece of their mind."

"And you?" You asked in quiet voice.

"I moved on." Was her simple answer. "And few years ago I met Nash." she continued with a soft smile. "I was working in a restaurant that barely had any customers when he walked in, approached me and just grabbed my hand. I was shocked and had no idea what to do." she laughed full heartedly. You smiled. "It was few weeks later that I realized and saw he was part of mafia and by then I couldn't leave. He reminded me so much of my fiancé and he's even same age like my child would have been."

You lowered your gaze.

"Sometimes life can play tricks on you." Kacey continued.

"That it does." You agreed and let out a silent sigh. You felt Kacey's gaze on you, but she didn't say a word anymore. She didn't have to. You were lost in your own thoughts.

"So, if I get thigh right, boss told you to give me a ride home from now on?" You stared at Nick as he stood in front of you with open doors to his black Range Rover.

"That's right," He nodded. "And he doesn't like no for answer."

"I'm sure he doesn't…" You murmured under your breath, but smiled. "I'm walking." You said and turned down the street.

"You gotta be jokin'..." he groaned. "Amelia!" He called your name.

You turned your head, but continued walking. "My home is like twenty, thirty minutes away and I certainly don't need a ride back." You replied and looked back in front. Hearing fast footsteps and a car driving behind, you raised an eyebrow and looked at Nick, who was now walking by your side. "I don't need a babysitter!" You pouted.

"Not my orders," Nick shook with head and raised his hands in defense. "Talk with Nash if you don't want anyone on your back." he said as he continued walking by your side.

Letting out a sigh, this time you shook with head and continued your way. The walk was quiet, except for the car that drove behind. You had your hands in the pocket and eyes focused on the ground before you. Humming to yourself, you saw with the corner of your eyes, Nick trying to speak up, yet closed his mouth the same moment.

"What?" You decided to ask, breaking the silence, but continue to look in front.

"What?" He looked at you.

"You wanted to ask something." You said and looked at him, tilting head a bit forward, seeing the car behind him. "Shoot,"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Nick replied and looked in front.

You laughed and shook with head. "Then if you don't mind me asking, how long do you know Nash?" you asked instead.

Nick hummed. "Since high school?" he murmured to himself. "Yeah, I think it was since freshman. He asked if I wanted to play in a basketball team." he laughed at the memory and you smiled.

"Must be nice," You looked back in front.

"Sure it is." He agreed. "And you?" He looked at you from the side.

"What about me?"

"I checked your background." He said and you felt your heart stopping for a moment. "Sure you were close to get the club, but there was more. I saw a name, Nikirov." You stopped walking.

"I'm not good with men." You forced a smile. "First the man, who's supposed to be my father and then him."

"And the kids?" Nick went further.

"W-what about them?" You stuttered, a shiver running down your spine.

"You looked uncomfortable around them." he shortly explained.

"I-it's nothing. I'm only a bit...awkward with them." You laughed nervously and started walking once again, this time a bit faster. "I was wondering…" You began after a moment of silence. "Why did he open this café?" you looked at Nick.

Nick hummed and looked up into dark sky, his hands in his pockets. "He just wants to help." he smiled. "He knows when someone's struggling, though I admit his pick in women is just...ridiculous. Having new one every week? It's a surprise they haven't got him yet." he laughed.

You frowned. "Women?" You murmured.

"He's a player, Amelia." Nick said and looked straight into your eyes. "I advise you to not fall for him, unless you wish to end up broken. He's not someone to be in serious relationship and it's a miracle if they last longer than a week."

I know. You wanted to say, but your voice got stuck in your throat. Stopping at the red light, you lowered your head and closed your eyes. "Thanks…" You murmured and looked at Nick. He looked at you confused. "I'm fine from here on."

Nick quietly stared at you before he nodded. "See you tomorrow." he said and walked to Range Rover and sat inside.

The car drove away, but you stood there even when the light turned green. Hearing no car or anyone walking outside, you didn't mind standing there for a while more. You wanted to be outside and alone. You felt everything swirling around you. From Kacey's to Nick's words, you wondered how could Nash be in all this drug and racing cars deal. It made no sense. And no matter how deeper and further you went, everything seemed to backfire as you continued to stand there.

"Now I have no idea if Nick didn't listen to what I said or you managed to sneak from his eyes."

You startled at Nash's voice that was behind you and his breath on your ear. Your eyes widened and you turned around in a second, taking a step further from him. He raised an eyebrow in amusement. He quickly raised his hands before you even realized your arms were up in self defense.

"It's okay," He said slowly. "It's just me." he carefully took a step forward and held your hands. "I'm sorry I scared you." he said as he stared into your eyes.

Relaxing at his touch, your shoulders slumped and a sigh left your lips. "I-I'm sorry. I just…"

"It's okay, Amelia." Nash said once more, this time quieter.

Looking to the ground, you bit your lower lip. "W-what are you doing here? I thought you had work to do." You said and raised your gaze, meeting with his blue eyes that seemed to shine ever so bright in the dark.

"I did have to take care of some work, but I'm done." He replied and released one of your hands, while he still held on your other. He began walking and you unconsciously followed beside, giving a slight grip tighter to his hand. "So, what's your excuse this time?" he asked.

"W-why should there be any excuse?" You asked flustered and looked in front.

Nash laughed and you felt like smiling. "Nick called and said you've been standing here for an hour. I'm sure there must be something to keep you thinking that deep and long." he said and turned to you. "Care to share?"

You frowned, but a smile quickly crossed your lips. "I'm fine." You answered.

"Sure you are." Nash agreed with a hum.

"If you don't believe me then it's on you." You shrugged, yet began feeling terrified. You knew he was smart and that it was only a matter of time before he found out.

"I heard you don't have a boyfriend either?" He asked.

You raised an eyebrow, surprised and confused. "I...do not." You answered hesitant. "Why are you asking this?" You looked back at him, but all you saw was a smile or more like a smirk that made your stomach knot and knees grow weak. You didn't like it, yet didn't hate it either. It confused you even more when he spoke.

"Now you have one."

You stopped walking. Nash stopped seconds later, looking at you rather confused as to why you stopped. You couldn't read him. You knew there was more to him, knew he had his own plans and thoughts, much different from the ones you usually dated in undercover. Yet not one of them could be like him. He was attentive when he didn't need to be. He was there when you said you wanted to be alone. He gave you things you knew you couldn't have, saying they would be better with you than with anyone else. You couldn't read him.

"You...you're not fair…" You wanted to keep your voice strong, but it cracked.

His smile disappeared from his lips.

"I-I heard you were a player, I knew you were, but…" You hesitated. "Do you...really have to do this with every girl that comes and tries to work? Kacey warned me about you. Nick warned me, yet you're...here and…" You laughed and released his hand, holding for your head. "I knew it was too good to be true. You-you do that with every girl."

"I don't," Nash was quick to held for your hands and cup your face within. His eyes stared right into yours, determination seen in them. But there were also feelings you saw in Kacey's and Nick's eyes. Feelings of care and love.

"I care for you." He began. "I care for you like I care for Kacey, Nick, Silver and everyone, who are by my side. I care for you more than I did before. I was on my wits ends when I heard you were unconscious on the ground in that club. I wanted to get you home myself, but I couldn't leave at that time. I was so fucking worried that I'm not myself whenever you're not with me."

You gasped and looked away.

"Don't turn away, Amelia." He begged with voice you never heard before.

Your heart ached. You wanted him to call you by your real name even more. You knew what you were getting yourself into. You knew that the moment you agree and the moment truth comes out, there will be no way back. You were scared of what was to come and terrified of the thought of Nash finding out.

You closed your eyes. It's for the mission. You told yourself. Taking a deep breath, you opened them and looked at Nash, who still watched you.

"Can you promise me one thing?" You asked in a quiet voice.

"Anything," He whispered, his lips inches from yours as his nose brushed against yours. His eyes lingered on your lips and his breath was mixed with yours.

"Forget me."

He looked at you confused.

"You'll know in time…" You whispered, held his face and pressed your lips on his.

Nash didn't hesitate to kiss you back.

Your lips turned up in a smile when you felt a trail of kisses on your shoulder. With a sigh of contentment, you relaxed. You heard laughter by your ear, kisses trailing lower on your back. You felt bed shift under the weight and he hoovered over you. His hands were resting on your waist and your smile grew wider.

Arching your back into mattress, you laughed when he reached your lower back. "That tickles…" You murmured and buried your face into pillow.

"Good…" he hummed against your skin, his warm breath sending chills down your spine. "Where else are you ticklish?" he asked, his fingers ghosting over your skin.

You laughed louder before you squealed. "Stop it!" You called and tried to get away as he tickled your sides. Your laughter filled the room, mixed with his and your heart began beating faster. You turned around and wrapped arms around Nash's neck, pulling him closer. Centimeters before his lips on yours, you spoke in quiet voice. "Tickle me again and I'll kick you where the sun doesn't shine." You raised your leg, tracing it on his inner thigh and closer, your lips turning in a smirk.

Nash laughed and kissed you as you pulled your leg away and wrapped it around his behind to pull him closer. You bit on his lower lip and tugged it with you as you pulled away.

"Fuck…" He cursed and stared at you with his fiery gaze. Just as he was about to kiss you again, his phone rang. Groaning he looked at the night table and cursed the caller before picking it up. "This better be important Silver."

You frowned, but you could see the way he tensed and gritted his teeth. He pulled away and you leaned on your elbows, your eyebrows knitting together in worry.

"Are you fucking with me?" Nash's voice was cold and it felt like a sharp razor on your skin. You didn't want to know what he was like pissed. Biting your lower lip, you followed him as he stood up and grabbed his pants. "Fucking hell, don't make a deal until I get there. I don't care what that asshole thinks, these are our cars, we make them and if I see a tiny scratch on one he'll pay it with his fucking head. And tell Perron we stopped with the drugs months ago. We're not going down with this shit again no matter what he promises."

Hanging up, Nash quickly dressed up before he grabbed his shirt and looked at you. He sent you a smile that seemed rushed and forced. "Sorry, cupcake, but business calls."

"It's okay," You smiled softly and he stopped once he had his shirt on. He watched you with expression you saw yesterday and you wondered what was going on in his head. "What?" you asked.

"You're different." He said and walked to your side. He tugged a strand of hair behind your ear, smiling down at you. "There's something about you that captivates me more than it should. You're dangerous, Amelia."

You chuckled. "Don't be silly," you began. "But it's true I would do anything for the ones I love." It wasn't a lie.

Nash smiled and kissed you on the lips. You could feel him hesitating leaving. Yet you had to take the chance and look at any evidence at café while they were gone. You could keep Kacey busy for a while.

Breaking the kiss, you went with hand through his hair. "Go," You smiled.

"Call me when you're done." he said and gave a quick peck on your cheek.

"Of course," You nodded and watched him leave through doors of your bedroom.

Once sure he was gone, you laid back down on your bed and let out a loud sigh. Covering your eyes with arm, you cursed under your breath.

"I'm fucked."

"You look different." Kacey spoke as you walked to the counter.

"Huh?" You looked at her surprised. "W-what do you mean?" You asked.

Kacey smiled, but said nothing. You stood there confused. With a shake of your head, the corner of your lips turned up in a smile. It wasn't long before she spoke once more.

"Did you sleep well?"

You looked at Kacey and opened your mouth, ready to answer when you stopped. You frowned seconds later. "I...I did…" You murmured. "I slept well… Too well for my liking." You admitted.

Kacey laughed. "You probably did." she said. "So how do you find working here?" she asked and glanced at you from the side. Looking at her, you were even more confused. "You've been here for two, three weeks, almost a month. You've been the longest and if I'm honest also my favourite." she smiled. "And I'm curious as a manager. I admit I'm a bit nervous since it's been years that I had someone for so long."

"It's okay," You smiled gently. "I like it." But I doubt I could come back once it's over. You added in your thoughts.

"That is good to hear." Kacey hummed. Before she could say another word, the doors were kicked open and men walked in with masks on and guns in their hands.

Your heart stopped when you heard a gunshot and immediately looked at Kacey, who was on the ground, gasping. You looked back at men, before one took a step closer.

"W-what do you want?" You stuttered, cursing to not have a gun with you.

"Kuznetsov sends regards." He raised his gun at you and shot.