#chap 20

Stepping into At Your Service, Guk is hit with the overwhelmingly familiar scent of vanilla and jasmine. It brings back nostalgia in waves and he can almost remember the exact day he began working here.

He was wearing these grey slacks that were way too big for him and a cardigan that was pimply and knitted weirdly. He didn't know anyone and all he knew was that fucking was making him a lot of money already. Now years later, strolling past the front desk with a black striped dress shirt that has three buttons open and fitted black dress pants that accentuate his thick thighs, he's come a long way.

"Lydia," he greets pleasantly.

She gives him a polite nod, not really looking up from her magazine.

She was always the only receptionist that had dignity about her.

"Hey," she murmurs, grabbing her sparkling water.

He continues down the long hallways, sometimes casually peeking into one of the clear office rooms where a random woman or two is meeting their next date or hook up.

Now that Guk thinks about it… this is all so impersonal.

'Hey, how are you doing?'

'I'm doing fine, thanks. And you?'

'I'm great. Wanna bang?'

It's astounding.

He consciously chooses to take the path that would keep him away from Jimin and Taehyung. He doesn't feel like hearing Tae's mouth and he's not in the mood to listen to Chjm ramble on today.

He just wants to get in here, say his peace and go home with you to cuddle and fornicate until he's spent under silk sheets.

The father of your child nods to a few of his other coworkers that aren't in meetings, taking in their fresh faced looks.

He's been here such a long time that some of these faces he doesn't even remember.

Finally, he comes to the two cloudy glass double doors that he's been seeking and he knocks gently but firmly in hopes that he's heard.

"Yeah? Come in."

With the order, he gently pushes in the door.

He hasn't seen the inside of this office for years. It's changed a lot since Guk has been here.

Rounding the desk is the man Jeon Jeongguk has known since his college days. He's decked out in a three piece suit, his blonde hair slicked back just enough where it doesn't look greasy and he has this air about him that bleeds money and begs for people to fuck with him.

"Tony," Guk greets professionally, extending his hand.

"Oh stop that shit!" Tony laughs, he grabs Guk's forearm with a friendly smile and the father of your child does the same, giving a big smile back.

"Sit down, dude! Please!" Tony fawns, waltzing over to the drinks caddy he's had time to put in since his parent's were the owners.

Your fiance does as told, looking around the professional office shortly before turning back to the man he's known for years.

He watches him pour two big glasses of whisky before striding over to the glass desk and sliding it across.

"So what's up, my man? You look really good these days! I've seen your numbers, I knew you would be perfect for this even back in our good ol' college days!"

Guk doesn't want to take a trip down memory lane. He doesn't need the reminder.

"I wanted to come in and talk with you because-"

"Is it the old cronies we're sending you out to? Cause they request you, dude. I get it, the old bags aren't the kind of eye candy you want to be having to go out and meet but they do have cash," Tony interrupts, lifting his glass with a wink.

"Oh. No. I don't care about that, some of them were really nice. I'm just here to tell-"

"That's good! As long as the cash is flowing then daddy's happy!"

Guk forgot just how annoying Tony can be and right now it's coming back in waves. In college, he's not sure anyone the blonde man was talking to could ever get their point of view across -- ever.

The father of your child chuckles awkwardly, taking a sip of his whisky to quell the frizzled nerves that are starting to sprout up.

"So what can I do for you, big dog? How can I help one of my star money makers? Cause that's what you are. A star," Tony chuckles, clapping his hands loudly and rubbing them together in some sort of bizarre, seemingly gross manner.

"I just need to tell you that I'm q-"

"Do you want a raise? Is that it? Because I can get you a raise! It might make poorer women look over you in the look book but I can do that for you!"

Guk sighs softly, shaking his head at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.

Holy shit, the escort feels like his head is going to explode.

How can one person be so infuriating? Jesus Christ.

"I am quitting!" Jeongguk enunciates, holding up his hand and pressing his index and thumb together.

The look on Tony's face is like he just got shot. His perfectly handsome features twist and change into pure shock and horror at the words. His mouth drops open and he blinks several times for it to sink in.

"What?" Tony hisses, standing up. He begins to pace behind his large desk chair, propping his hand beneath his chin, "Big dog, you're my star quarterback here! You're my team captain! You can't quit, dude! You've worked here for years! Look, man, if it's the money I can get you more money! I can get you hotter clients that want to bone. I can-"

Now it's Jeongguk's turn to interrupt and it's written all over his face how good that feels.

"I'm getting married and I have a baby on the way, I don't want to be an escort anymore," he simply states, finishing off his whisky with a cringe.

Tony stops pacing to turn around. "Oh, man. That's crazy. It's crazy cool, though! I mean… congratulations that's super sick but… I'm just surprised I'm losing you like this!"

Guk simply shrugs, fixing his watch. "It's gonna give me peace of mind and ultimately make me happier so I have to do it for myself."

The blonde man nods, holding up a finger before digging into the desk. "Here! Take this!"

He holds out a couple of thousand dollars and Guk tilts his head. "Tony, no. I'm not taking your m-"

"Oh, come on! It's a wedding and baby gift! I've known you for like a million years! Take the damn money, big dog! You deserve it!" Tony insists, shaking his hand.

Guk sucks an unsure breath between his teeth, grabbing the money. "Thank you, it's very kind of you."

"Yeah, I'm a giver," the blonde man agrees, sitting back down at his desk, "Y'know Applehyme is gonna be crushed."

Guk laughs then, rolling his eyes at the prospect of the older woman. "I think she'll be just fine."

Tony chuckles, folding his arms. "It was a pleasure to have you work for me, man. Really. You're dope."

The father of your child blinks. "Yeah… you too… man."

The boss smiles widely, winking at him. "Go on. Go have a real life then."

"Thanks," Guk mumbles, putting the money in his pocket.

As he goes to leave, his attention is called back to Tony as he grabs the door handle.

"Yo, Guk?!"

He turns his attention as he opens the door, tilting his head.

"Is your girl hot?"

The father of your child snorts softly, catching himself as he goes to roll his eyes. "Super hotm very gorgeous."

"Niiiiice, big dog. Very nice!"

As Guk leaves the office, he feels as if he's stepped out of a frat boy alternate universe and he can only shake his head at the past encounter.

That man has not changed for a single damn second. That's crazy.

He begins his brisk walk back to the car where you wait for him and he goes over the meeting once more and all that's transpired.

He never once remembered Tony like that and now that he has he can't stop thinking about it.

It's really astounding how people stay stuck in their ways for years on end. He wonders if the blonde man has ever gotten married, he wasn't paying attention to a wedding band but he doesn't seem like the type to settle. Although, Guk could be wrong and he's a super loyal guy to his woman.

Tony is kind of an enigma.

As Guk climbs back into the car, he greets you with a gentle kiss before sliding his hand over your stomach.

"How did it go?" you inquire, pushing some of his hair back.

"It was like a blast from the past. Wasn't terrible, though," he announces, kissing your temple.

"Well, that's good!" you cheer happily, giving him a smile.

"You would never interrupt me when I'm talking, right, baby girl?" he asks, putting on his seatbelt.

"No, that's rude," you breathe, starting the car up.

"Yeah… it is," he murmurs, lacing your fingers together.

It isn't everyday you get to go out to a lovely fancy dinner with the father of your child. Nor is it normal for his two best friends to show up either.

This feels good though, it feels healthy and you like that.

From the moment you stepped out of your closet, Guk cannot keep his hands off of you. Your dress is incredibly short, incredibly revealing showing off all the swollen, wonderful body parts that are growing because of his baby and the dress is tight enough around your stomach to make you seem probably more pregnant than you are.

He's obviously very happy with the choice of clothing and you're very proud that he is.

The private room that shelters you while you eat in this luxurious restaurant gives him enough courage to constantly have his hand dipping between your thighs as he talks to his two friends.

You were surprised Taehyung showed up and so was Guk to be honest. Maybe Tae is getting over the pain of having him taken away. You can only hope.

"I'm happy to see you," Guk tells the handsome man, leaning back in his chair with his glass of scotch close to his face.

God, everything he does is just so attractive. How does anyone in the world stand a chance when Jeon Jeongguk exists?

"Yeah I didn't know if I should come. I was an asshole lately," Tae bleats, combing his fingers through his hair.

Jimin just folds his arms, shrugging at you with a toothpick snuggly between his plush lips.

Guk tilts his head and sips his scotch unsure of what to say other than agreeing. "What's so wrong with me being happy, Tae? Everyone makes mistakes. You're not above it all. You know that."

"No, I know!" Taehyung agrees quickly, watching how your fiance angles himself closer to you to drift his hand over your stomach, "I was just feeling bitter."

"Why?"

The question is so simple and you and Jimin almost choke on your own spit at the word. Jimin hastily guzzles water while you find it apt to shove a piece of buttered bread into your mouth.

Guk doesn't seem to notice, taking his friend's thoughts and feelings as the most important thing right now.

The handsome man across the table from him simply shakes his head. "I just… I can't tell you. I don't want to ruin our friendship even more then--"

"You didn't ruin our friendship! Don't say that! I invited you here tonight, didn't I? Please… Tae… C'mon," Guk practically begs, wanting so eagerly to understand what's been going on.

Sure, it's one thing to be protective and defensive of your friend but to be that vicious about it? It's concerning.

Taehyung sighs heavily, picking up his expensive brandy and guzzling it for liquid courage of some kind.

He shakes his head, seeming like he's having some deep inner conflict.

You decide to just look down at your lap, tracing the outline of your stomach that seems to peek out in this tight dress.

Jimin guzzles his own drink, closing his eyes at the thoughts swimming through his mind.

"Tae?"

"Just hold on!" he snaps, running his now sweaty palms over his suit pants.

Jeongguk widens his eyes, taking a sip of his scotch wordlessly.

"I just… am very protective of you. I…" the handsome man stops himself before starting again, "Jimin and I have been a thing and we were wondering if you wanted to be a thing with us but then you started dating and I got upset."

You nod to yourself for a moment, happy that the truth has come out and that it can stay that way but then there's silence.

There's silence for a long time.

An incredibly long time.

You don't have the courage to look up at the rest of the people at the table so you just sit patiently and wait for someone to say something.

"What do you mean 'a thing'?" Jeongguk inquires finally.

His voice is very hollow and short, not judgemental but inquisitive.

"A relationship thing. We fuck… often," Jimin clarifies and when the youngest's eyes snap to his, he makes himself smaller in his chair.

"How long?" Jeongguk asks, folding his arms.

"Three, almost four years," Tae murmurs, staring down at his plate.

"FOUR YEARS," Guk booms.

You look up quickly to see the sparkling water within your glass quaking at the force of his voice.

Taehyung and Jimin both flinch in kind, staring down.

Guk runs his hands over his face, taking a deep breath to steady the betrayal and nerves within him.

When he stands, your eyes follow him. He stalks towards the private room double doors, the muscles in his back are tense.

He grips the door handle for a moment before collecting himself and turning around.

"Listen to me," he calls to his best friends, they both turn to him with weary eyes and he sighs at the sight, "I'm not mad you're in a relationship. I'm happy about that. If you guys are happy then that's great. You know I don't judge, I've done stuff with guys before understanding it wasn't for me. But I'm fucking pissed that you hid this from me for four years! And I understand if it's something you're not ready to tell the world yet. I understand that. But I still feel betrayed and hurt. Period."

He leaves the room in a single second and you shift awkwardly in your chair.

Taehyung goes to stand but Jimin simply plants a hand on his chest. "He's not ours to look after anymore. Y/N is his choice."

The handsome man diagonally from you looks over at you and the wicked gaze you expect to get doesn't happen. He nods understandingly, grabbing Guk's drink and chugging it all with a flinch.

You slowly stand up and make your way out of the room, looking for Guk through the now busy, loud restaurant. You check in certain little alcoves but ultimately step outside only to find him sitting on one of the benches near the front door. His head is down between his knees and his hands are in his hair.

The night air is brisk and chilly, sending goosebumps shooting up over your skin. When you approach, Guk looks up.

"You're gonna catch a cold, baby! What're you doing out here!" he hisses, pulling off his suit jacket and standing up in a flash.

He wraps the jacket around you, running his hands over your arms to transfer some semblance of warmth. You simply hug him tightly and he sighs loudly above you.

Jeongguk buries his face in your hair, eyes fluttering shut. You can feel his heart hammering inside his chest but you stay silent.

"Fuck," he curses, hugging you tighter.

"They're happy," you whisper in his ear and he solemnly nods, pressing his face into your sweet smelling neck.

"Good. They deserve to be, it's just going to take me a minute to wrap my brain around it," Guk replies, taking a large calming breath.

He likes me! He really does! They were right! God, Chloe was right. All this time? she thought, her mouth opening and closing a few times as it finally registered that this was real. She started nodding frantically with a big smile.

“I really like you as well, Dami! I was too scared to say something tho,” Mari admitted quickly, shutting her eyes a bit embarrassed. Damian smiled softly as he pulled Mari into a hug. Startling her from her thoughts was his soft laugh as she then wrapped her arms around him as well.

“How about tonight? You have the day off,” he said and Mari nodded. “Ok, I’ll pick you up at 6 then,” he whispered and Mari pulled back with a smile and stood on the tips of her toes to press a kiss to his cheek before pulling away with a breathless smile.

“Sounds perfect,” she whispered, trailing her hands to his and tangling their fingers together. Damian had a soft smile as he raised their conjoined hands up and pressed a kiss to her fingers. A blush dusted her cheeks, highlighting the sparse freckles she had over her cheeks and nose. Leaning her head against his arm, they walked back to the group, a dopey smile on her lips.

“Congrats Mari!” Lila said running over to hug Mari tightly as the others made their way over and congratulated them as well. “I’m so happy for you,” she continued and Mari smiled as she nodded agreement.

“I am too,” she said softly as her friends had soft smiles on their faces. “So, when are you going to ask out him?” Mari asked with a teasing tone causing her friend to blush. Damian chuckled softly from beside her.

“I assume you’re talking about Xan?” he asked and the group nodded as Lila squeaked and nodded. “Let me tell you this, you know what he’s been thru, at least part of it, you better not break his heart. Especially, if he decides to tell you more about what he has been thru. Got it?” Damian asked giving her a look. Lila swallowed the lump in her throat as she nodded understanding.

“O-ok. Promise,” she said softly and Damian gave a short nod at that.

“It’s getting close to lunch, is Xan available?” Mari asked looking over at Damian with a tilt of her head.

“I imagine he’s talking to someone we were both close to then right now. We can go see if he is available,” Damian said and the group nodded.

“Let’s go see. Where is he?” she asked as Damian started leading them out of the park.

“He’s at a store called Rose Petal’s Boutique talking with Rae, a woman from our past,” Damian replied and Mari nodded.

“Is it to help him heal?” Kim asked that time, knowing that sometimes talking to someone who’s had a similar experience can help.

“In a way, yes,” Damian started with a nod as they stopped at an intersection to wait for the light. “Fu helped him, but talking about it with someone who had something similar is better. Because then you know someone knows how you feel and sometimes able to offer insight to something you may not have realized,” he continued and Kim nodded agreement as they started walking once more.

“Hope this woman can help him, man,” Kim muttered softly as he returned the squeeze he felt Max give his hand.

“She can,” Damian assured as they got closer to the boutique. They soon reached it, the group looking at it with nods at the design. It was the typical design for most Gotham buildings, a few cracks here and there. But the sign was a vibrant white with the name of the boutique in a swirling deep red color like the Freedom Red Rose. Rose petals were scattered across the sign as if in a wind, a few interacting with the name as if connecting the letters.

A window display showed a few creations the boutique had but the inside was hidden from view by a divider. Etched around the edges of the glass was the same rose petal design. Damian opened the door, a bell chiming in response to the door swinging into the building. Mari and Damian entered the shop while the rest of them waited outside.

“Hello! Welcome to Rose Petal’s Boutique! How can I help you?” a woman asked moving toward them.

“I was hoping to speak to Rae, please. Is she in the back?” Damian asked and the woman nodded.

“Of course. Be warned she is talking to another person,” the woman warned and Damian nodded before leading Mari to the back. There he knocked once before pushing the door open. Sharp, deep green eyes looked over at them when the door opened. Her right nostril had a rose-gold colored piercing and the middle of her lip had a matching colored ring going thru it. Her hair was pulled back into a messy pony-tail with a rose clip holding back some of her bangs. A smile painted her lips when she realized who it was. “Damian. It’s so good to see you again,” she greeted happily pulling him into a brief hug before looking over at Mari. “Who’s this?” she asked, smiling softly at seeing the two glance at each other before blushing.

“This is Marinette, Rae. The girl I was telling you about,” he said and Rae smiled as she pulled Mari into a hug.

“Hello, Marinette. It’s nice to meet you. Damian and Xan talk a lot about you,” Rae said smiling teasingly as Xan rolled his eyes.

“I don’t think I should be included since well, I just talked about her,” he pointed out and Rae waved her hand at that.

“No matter. Now, what can I do for you two?”

“We came by to see if Xan, and you, would like to go get some lunch with Mari and her friends,” Damian said as Mari nodded eagerly and Rae smiled softly at that, sending Damian a subtle look that Mari missed but Xan caught as Damian looked away, the faintest of blushes on his cheeks.

“I’d love to go, but after my shift, I need to head over to my restaurant to speak with the builders. I don’t get a lunch break, sorry,” Rae said and Damian nodded, looking over at Xan.

“I’d like that,” Xan said moving from his spot. As they headed into the main shop area Rae stopped them.

“I fully expect to see you and all your friends at the grand opening of Janat Al'Amal next week,” she said and the group nodded.

“I’ll even bring Jason with, I’m sure he’d enjoy your food,” Damian said and Rae chuckled with a shake of her head.

“Don’t hesitate to visit!” Rae called out one last time before the closed behind them. Damian raised a hand in acknowledgment.

“Xan!” Lila beamed as she made her way over to him and hugged him in greeting. Xan had a soft smile on his lips as he hugged Lila back before greeting the others with either hugs or handshakes.

“So, where are we off too?” Xan asked looking between everyone.

“How about a cafe?” Mari suggested and the group nodded.

“Sounds perfect,” Damian replied, squeezing her hand before leading them to a cafe nearby.

“Xan....I think we have some stuff that we should talk about,” Lila whispered looking up at Xan, she may have grown a bit, but she still had to crane to look. Xan tilted his head, a bit of dread filling him but he nodded. They hadn’t talked much about what she heard at the reunion between him and his sisters. They should have, but he could admit he didn’t want to.

Looks like there’s no avoiding it, he thought before nodding. “Ok, when we order our drinks and something to eat we’ll talk,” he replied just as softly. Damian and Mari glanced back to look at them before looking ahead once more. Mari rested her head against Damian’s arm once more, squeezing his hand.

“You think everything will go well?” she asked and the softest hums left Damian as he thought about it.

“From what I’ve seen of Lila, I think they’ll end up fine,” he replied softly after a bit and she nodded agreement.

“I hope so,” she agreed softly. They soon reached the cafe in question and got in line. When all the orders were made and paid for- Damian sneakily paid for all the drinks much to her friends, mostly Jon’s, annoyance, and the barista’s joy as she giggled -they scattered around the shop. Nino and Sabrina found a couch to chat and was joined by Chloe, Adrien, and Jon. Kim and Max were nearby at a table.

Damian and Mari were a bit farther from them at a table for two. Mari was smiling shyly at Damian as they talked about their date that night.

Xan smiled as he pulled Lila’s chair out for her and pushed it in when she sat down. “Thank you Xan,” Lila said with a small smile as Xan picked up their orders and brought them over before sitting down across from her. They were a good distance away from the others as well. He drummed his fingers along his cup as he cupped it between his hands. He was looking down at it, taking a breath before looking up at Lila once more. She could only watch as concern, nerves, worry -whatever you would call it- float around in his eyes. Such a gorgeous color, there shouldn’t be any room in those silver eyes for anything but joy, she thought to herself.

“S-so what did you want to talk about?” he asked nervously, pulling Lila out of her thoughts. As his fingers drumming increased she reached a hand over the table and covered his hand, slowly pulling it from the cup to hold it.

“Well......I think there are a few things we need to talk about,” she said slowly and Xan nodded at that.

“I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I didn’t-no-I wasn’t-” he groaned as he tried finding the correct words. “I didn’t plan on you finding out,” he got out and Lila squeezed his hand.

“Where you ever gong to tell me? I care about, Xander. A lot, and I want you to feel safe around me to tell me things. I want to help you in any way I can,” Lila replied and Xan nodded at that slowly.

“I wasn’t sure how you take it. Only Fu, Damian, and Jason really know what I went thru. I left a ton out when I told Als and Lana. I didn’t want to lose you....because of my past,” he whispered looking down into his cup before feeling Lila cupping his hand in both of hers. He looked up to see her eyes burning with a determination, making her green eyes sparkle.

“You could never lose me, Xan. You don’t have to tell me everything, I get that this was a terrible thing to happen. I could never blame you for something you couldn’t control. You did what you did to survive after being taken. All I care about is you, right here, right now. Where you’re safe and sound and breathing. I could never fault you for doing something that ensured you lived another day,” she said, squeezing his hand with every word she put stress on. A water smile decorated his lips at hearing her speech. Pulling his hand from his cup he wiped away the tears that threatened to fall as relief coursed thru him.

“Thank you,” he whispered between chuckles that escaped him. She squeezed his hand at that, happy to hear him chuckling. “I was terrified this would end with you declaring us not friends anymore.”

“That could never happen,” Lila whispered, giving him the softest smiles that he returned when he finally got himself under control.

“So, what else was it that we needed to talk about?” he asked softly and Lila bit her lip.

She wasn’t ready.

Nope.

Nada.

But could she afford to wait?

No.

If she didn’t do this now, she was worried she’d never do it. So, might as well rip the bandaid off.

“Xander....I really like you. I have for a while now. This isn’t how you’d imagine a confession, I bet. But I had to say it. I really like you and would love to go out on a date with you,” Lila said glancing thru her lashes to look at Xan’s face. Xan was looking at her a bit shocked and surprised.

She was right.

He did not expect that.

But as the shock and surprise faded, he smiled softly at her and covered one of her hands with his own. He then squeezed them prompting her to look up. “I really like you too. How about Saturday night?”

That had Lila shocked but she then beamed at him. “Saturday!” she agreed, not seeing their friends smiling over at them happily.

Almost There @proudgothamite

Well, I’ll be doing something I haven’t done in a long time. You’ll get to see it soon #oldhobby #herewego #hopethiswillbefun