Updated Version of my old One Shot. I am much prouder of this one. I hope you all like it!
(Also, I couldn't bear to have Richy not in this story, so he is still alive and was never the MWAF. Please don't hate me, lol.)
MC stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, haunted by her thoughts. Why couldn’t she be beautiful like everyone else? Hannah and Lilly had gorgeous eyes that sparkled, Cleo and Jessy smiles that could light up a whole room, not to mention the excellent figures all 4 girls possessed. It didn’t matter how slim MC was herself, how her own eyes could capture men’s attention, how her smile was so contagious. She should try to be skinnier, pay more attention to her hair and makeup, perhaps then she could compare, maybe she would be-
MC became aware of the tall figure behind her, his wavy black hair slightly messy, those electric blue eyes staring back into hers. “Hey,” she mumbles.
“What are you doing in here?” The hacker asks, wrapping his arms around her small waist and pulling her to his chest, resting his chin in the crook of her neck.
“Nothing,” a small smile tugs at the corner of MC’s mouth as she views them both together in the mirror. “It’s nothing.”
“Are you sure about that?” Jake looks at her skeptically.
“Yes,” MC sighs. “I’m just thinking.”
“Hmmm, join me in my study?”
MC smiles at Jake’s version of an invitation, her fears and insecurities fleeing as Jake’s calming, laid-back presence consumes her.
“What do you think of this dress?” Jessy asks, hands in the air, head cocked, a small side smile forming on her lips. “Belt or no?” She reaches for a leather belt that lays on her dresser, giving the dark blue, strapless dress more of a waist as she wraps it around herself.
“I don’t think the belt suits the dress,” Hannah frowns, “It makes it look more rugged, less elegant.”
“Oh man,” Jessy sighs, brushing her long red hair over her shoulder.
Lilly snaps her fingers, “What about a ribbon, Jessy? It’ll still give you the waist you want, but it won’t look as out of place.”
“Like I have a bunch of ribbon on hand,” Jessy pretends to pout.
“Do you actually need a belt or ribbon though?” Cleo finally interjects. “The dress was designed to accentuate your curves already, so I don’t think a belt is necessary.”
“And we all know Dan will like it anyway,” Lilly smirks.
“Lilly!” Jessy covers her mouth, eyes wide.
“It’s true,” MC laughs. “Heck, you could wear a potato sack and Dan will still say you’re the prettiest girl he’s ever laid eyes on.”
“You all are full of it!” Jessy rolls her eyes, cheeks red with embarrassment.
“Well, whatever the case is, we best get busy.” Hannah reminds. “MC, you’re next.”
“I can’t wait for Jake to see your new dress!” Lilly beams, pulling it out of Jessy’s closet where the other three dresses were hanging.
A nervous feeling wells up inside MC’s stomach as she looks at the dress, now unsure. “I don’t know, do you think he’ll like it?”
“Come on,” Jessy laughs, “don’t be dumb.”
“He’s already in love with you anyway, there’s nothing to be scared about.” Hannah encourages.
“Here, go put it on.” Lilly hands MC the hanger, nudging her towards the bathroom.
MC takes it, her hands slightly shaking as she walks into the other room, closing the door behind her. After she slides the dress on she once more meets her reflection, this time it being a full-sized mirror. The modest, off-the-shoulder, black dress fits her curves nicely, cutting just above the knee, slightly flaring outward towards the bottom. MC’s hands subconsciously find themselves at her waist, smoothing out the fabric, her eyes following her actions. A frown flitters across her face, the dress didn’t fit quite right. It looked like it was too tight….she needed to be skinner, it was simply unavoidable.
“MC, hurry up!” Lilly knocks obnoxiously on the door. “I have to put my dress on next!”
“Does it look okay?” She asks, hurriedly, walking out of the room.
“It’s gorgeous,” Jessy smiles. “Even better than it looked in the store.”
The other three girls quickly changed into their dresses, each defining their figures well and enhancing their appeal.
The five girls then took turns working on each other’s hair and makeup until they decided they had reached the desired results for each.
“Perfect,” Cleo states as the five girls crowd in for a selfie in the bathroom mirror. “Great job everyone.”
“Great job on being fricken models,” Hannah smirks
“HashtagBeautifulbesties,” Jessy giggles. “Remind me to use that on my instagram when I post this picture. Now hurry, we can’t be late!”
“Easy hackerboy,” Dan teases as he leans on a pool stick, waiting for Jake to make his move.
“Do you really have to call me that?” Jake sighs with a roll of his eyes, carefully concentrating on which ball to hit in order to get the most points.
The balls ricochet across the table, creating a loud clanking noise. Jake smirks triumphantly as three of the balls fall into holes. “How was that, Daniel?”
“Could be worse,” Dan shrugs. “Richy, you’re next.”
The blonde man carefully lines his pole up with the white ball, soon sending one into a hole. “I’m surprised we’re meeting here actually,” he states, nonchalantly.
Jake sighs, “Right. I hate this place.”
“More like you hate Phil,” Dan corrects.
“Same thing,” Jake says, clenching his pole frustratedly.
“Tommyboy? It's your turn.” Dan looks at the brunette. “And take that stupid beanie off.”
“Hannah likes it,” Thomas defends himself.
“Well look who showed up,” Dan booms as the five girls walk into the bar.
“Have you girls considered being Pageant Queens?” Richy smiles shyly.
Thomas walks towards his girlfriend, “You look lovely as always, Hannah.”
“Do you like my dress?” Jessy prances over to Dan, who is grinning ear to ear.
“DAN!” Jessy smacks his shoulder, laughing.
“You girls look amazing,” Richy says, doing his iconic side smile.
“Jake?” MC smiles unsure as he just looks at her. “Do you like it? I tried to make sure it wasn’t too revealing, I know you don’t like how Phil-”
“Yes,” Jake says, simply.
“Of course,” Jake looks at her with a smile, offering no other words.
“Hello, MC.” Phil suddenly speaks behind her, winking when she turns around. “Don’t you look gorgeous tonight, as always.”
“Thanks, Phil.” MC says with a small smile, crossing her arms slightly.
“Jake,” the bartender smirks as he sees the hacker’s jaw set.
“Philip,” Jake nods his head as he reaches out and takes hold of MC’s arm, drawing her against his chest. “Don’t you have some other customers to tend to?”
“Jake,” MC mutters underneath her breath.
Phil cocks his head and looks once more at MC, “None as pretty as sweet little MC here, she’s a doll.”
“Phil, stop it.” Jessy sighs and shoots a glare towards her brother.
Phil only chuckles and winks again at MC, “Well, if you want a free drink, I have a seat reserved for you up front.”
MC nods and as soon as Phil turns his back on the group, she rolls her eyes. “You didn’t have to get so jealous, Jake.”
“He seems very unlikable,” Jake states.
“I agree,” Cleo nods her head, frowning as she watches the bartender laugh while engaging with a pretty blonde at the counter. “Playboy.”
“How about a different topic?” Thomas asks, trying to lighten the mood. “Jake was destroying us at pool before you girls walked in.”
“Hey,” Dan protests. “I haven’t even had my turn yet.”
Richy rolls his eyes, “How about a game of cards?”
“You brought cards?” Dan asks.
“Yeah,” Richy grins sheepishly.
“Thanks, Richy,” Cleo smiles, “That was a great idea.”
Richy grins,“what should we play?”
“Poker,” Lilly answers.
“I’m in,” MC sits down at a table. “Jake?”
“No, no, no.” Dan protests. “Jake has to finish this game of pool with me, he already started it.”
“I guess that means I’m obligated to finish the game as well,” Richy makes a sad face.
“Obviously. Thomas?” Dan stares, expectantly.
Hannah smirks as Thomas begrudgingly walks back over to the pool table, she herself sitting down at the table amongst the other girls. “What’s the stakes?”
“What about we take the winner to The Black Swan and share the price of their meal, but on top of that everyone has to buy an appetizer?” Jessy raises an eyebrow..
“Oooh,” Lilly smiles. “I like that idea, how about you, MC?”
MC’s stomach suddenly twisted at the thought of eating so much food, how would she get rid of all that weight?
“MC?” Hannah asks, noting the hesitancy.
“Sure,” MC manages to say with a small smile. “Sounds like fun.”
“I think so too,” Cleo agrees.
“I hope I win,” Jessy laughs. “The Black Swan is my absolute favorite.”
Cleo laughs, “We’ll see.”
“Did you enjoy yourself tonight, MC?” Jake asks later as the couple are getting ready for bed.
“Yes,” MC smiles. “I won the Poker game.”
“Good job,” Jake praises. “And the reward?”
“A night at the Black Swan,” MC says as her smile fades.
“What’s wrong?” Jake asks, concerned. “I thought you liked their food.”
Jake frowns, “What is it, MC?”
“I was just thinking of how much you’ve changed. It’s nice to see how much you’ve grown inside the group with everyone.”
“If that makes you happy, then I will continue to make myself uncomfortable and socialize with them.” Jake says in a serious voice.
MC giggles softly, “Do you really have to put it that way, Jake?”
“That was not my intention,” Jake cracks a small smile. “What I mean is, I still feel somewhat out of place amongst them. It’s been awhile since I’ve formed relationships, MC.”
MC gazes up at the young hacker, “I know.”
“No, you don’t know.” Jake shakes his head, “My past is still hidden from you.”
“Then share it with me now.”
“Please,” MC asks, curiosity evident in her eyes.
Jake sighs, “Hannah and Lilly’s father was away from home for two months as he was creating a business arrangement between two contracting companies . During those two months he met my mother and took an interest in her, most notably for her beauty and optimistic nature. She consented to the relationship because she was unaware he was married. When he confessed that he had cheated on his wife, my mother broke it off with him and told him to recommit himself to his family from then on. After finding out she was pregnant, she made the decision to raise me on her own. My mother always struggled financially, but when she had me her money problems grew worse. We had enough to get by, she made sure I had an education, was kept warm during the winter, had food to eat, clothes to wear. She worked tirelessly at her job as a waitress, secretly saving most of her tips for my future college fund. We were happy, just the two of us, she adored me. My mother was the best thing in my life, I didn’t need or want anyone else when she was with me. When I was fifteen her car was side-swiped on her way home, she was killed instantly. I never imagined her to be gone so suddenly, it left me shocked. After her death, I drowned myself in my studies, most importantly computer science. When the FBI found out about a young seventeen-year-old boy decrypting algorithms which caused years to crack, they enlisted me. During my year of working there, I uncovered the many scandals hidden inside the bureau, including embezzlement. I couldn’t stay quiet, the people deserved the truth. I anonymously and periodically leaked certain things to the public, but eventually the bureau was able to trace it back to me. At nineteen I was forced to go on the run.”
“That must have been awful,” MC frowns as she considers the hardships Jake was forced to endure at such a young age.
The young hacker takes her hand, clearing his throat as he continues. “I was without a home, without an identity, I had disappeared from the face of the earth. I had no friends, no family, it was just me and my gear. My mother had left me a letter along with her will when she had died, the will naturally gave me all of her savings, but the letter was much more important. Within the letter she finally disclosed my heritage, what had taken place in order to foreshadow my birth. Along with the letter was also a picture of my mother with the man I had never met, my father. I researched his name and was able to find pictures of him and his family, his occupation, where he resided, anything that the internet could pull up. Something inside my soul urged me to reach out to him, but that was too risky, I didn’t want to be responsible for tearing a family apart. That is how I came across my half-sister, Hannah. Lilly was also an option, but being that Hannah was only two years younger than me, she seemed like the best choice. I found her instagram account and messaged her, using the excuse of asking her what type of cat Dusty was. She replied and was eager to keep the communications open. Through our messages she figured out I was some sort of genius, but something went horribly wrong. Hannah started to fall in love with me, in love with someone she’d never met in person, in love with her half-brother. It was evident to see in her replies that I needed to pull myself away. My answers got shorter and shorter, and soon she stopped emailing me. Months later she posted a picture of her and a brown-haired guy she referenced as her boyfriend.”
“Yes.” Jake answers. “Then a year later she suddenly emailed me, asking for my help. As you know, I immediately video called her, she was unexpectedly ambushed while on the call.”
“And then she sent you my number.”
“Yes, and I immediately reached out to you as my only hope for finding Hannah.” Jake nods and then starts to smirk, “But then something with you also went horribly wrong.”
“And what was that, Jake?” MC teases, cheeks painted pink.
“You asked for my name, and I gave it to you. You also asked for the color of my hair. Then you prodded, asking if I was curious about who you even were.”
“Of course I was curious, you showed up under such mysterious circumstances, you had no recollection of meeting Hannah. But still, her last message sent from her phone contained just your number, what was the connection?”
“Now we know it was a typo, she was trying to send Alan’s number to Thomas, but she hit the wrong key in her hurry.”
“Yes, which unintentionally but thankfully brought you into the whole mystery.”
“Thankfully?” MC giggles softly as Jake smirks some more.
“I met you, and then everything changed.” Jake says. “For the first time in a long while I craved relationship. You piqued my interest. I found myself slowly falling for you, for a complete stranger. When you confessed you liked me over text, my heart raced, but my common sense and cynical nature took over.”
“You told me it wasn’t right, that it was dangerous for both you and for me. It left me stunned.”
“I know MC, I am so sorry.” Jake reaches out and kisses MC’s forehead softly. “But that chat was forever in my mind for a long time after. As the stakes rose, the more danger you were placed in, the more evident my feelings for you became. After Lilly’s video forced me to flee again, it nearly tore my heart out as I had to inform you that you would be on your own for a while. I felt like I was ditching you, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to contact you again.”
“I felt the same,” MC confesses.
“I promised you then that I would never let my pursuers catch me, because then it would separate me from you.”
“When I read that text, I felt hopeful despite all the circumstances.”
“I had set Nymos up to protect you and alert me of any suspicious activity concerning your phone while I was on the run. When I got the first alert of an attempt made by the FBI to hack your phone, it motivated me even more to find a safe place so I could help you. I found shelter in a small hotel.”
“Simple but sufficient,” MC remembers with a small smile.
“Yes,” Jake smiles back. “I had no sooner set my computer up when I got another alert that the FBI was trying to find your location, soon turning into accessing your camera.”
“I was able to stop them just before they had access to your camera. The first thing I could think of to text you was-”
“Yes, and I remember exactly what you replied. You said Do you know I feel like crying right now?”
“I was so weak,” MC shakes her head full of shame.
“No, you were human. You said, I’m in danger, Jake.” The hacker recalls, getting a far away look in his intoxicating blue eyes. “And I made another promise to you, do you remember?”
“You said, I will never let him get close to you ever again.”
“And I have kept that promise, haven’t I?”
“And now I have to protect you from another enemy,” Jake looks at her seriously.
MC’s eyes flash with fear, “What do you mean?”
“I have to save you from yourself.” The hacker answers. “From starving yourself and forcing yourself to undereat.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” MC crosses her arms.
“Promise me we will tomorrow then.”
“We don’t have to talk about anything,” MC protests.
“Fine.” MC turns her back on the black-haired man, walking to her side of the bed and climbing in. She lays down, back still facing her lover, pulling the covers up over her head.
“I love you, MC.” Jake says softly, MC can feel the weight shift as he joins her in the bed. “That is why I must force you to talk about the hard things.”
MC remains quiet, tears starting to stream down her face as she lays there. She can hear Jake sigh and then his arm slips around MC’s waist, pulling her to his chest once more. She uncovers her head and turns around in his arms, “Tomorrow we will talk, I promise, Jake.”
“Thank you, MC.” Jake pecks her on the lips softly, “Goodnight, love.”
“MC?” Jake asks, gently waking her up the next morning. A small smile tugs at his lips as he watches her slowly open her eyes and then close them again, snuggling her face deeper into the covers.
“What?” MC sighs, voice dry.
“I made breakfast for you.”
“At what time? Six in the morning?” MC giggles tiredly, glancing at the alarm which says 6:58. “Jake, it’s Saturday. You’re supposed to sleep in.” She rolls over, trying to block him out. “Or you at least let me sleep in.”
“But what about breakfast?”
“I don’t want breakfast, I want to sleep.” She mumbles into the pillow.
“You’re going to be hungry and angry soon.”
“It’s called being hangry, Jake. And I’m angry now, so please, shush.”
Jake looks at MC, frowning. Without warning he yanks the covers off the bed and picks her up easily.
“What the heck are you doing?! Are you insane?!” MC laughs, trying to somehow still act mad.
Jake smirks at her as she tries to get out of his arms, “You need to eat.”
“Then we at least need to have our talk. MC, please.” Jake’s worried look makes her heart ache. “Why else do you think I’m making breakfast this morning?”
“I know you suffer from a dysmorphic disorder, MC. You believe yourself to be overweight. BDD.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” MC lies.
“You know full well what it means, MC. BDD-Body Dysmorphic Disorder, you’re obsessed with your appearance, worried about your weight, how people see you. It’s rooted from anxiety, low self-esteem, comparing yourself to others, depression even.”
“It’s not hard to notice, all of your friends can see it, MC. You’ve progressively been starving yourself, Jessy and the others have repeatedly told me how little you eat anymore when you’re with them. I notice that after we get done eating together, you disappear into the bathroom for twenty minutes at a time, purging I assume. When I wrap my arms around your waist I can feel your ribs, this is not healthy, MC!” Jake’s voice rises, “Why do you do this to yourself?!”
MC lip starts to tremble, “I can’t compare to the others, Jake.”
Jake leads MC to the bathroom and points at the scale on the floor. “I want to show you something.”
MC gets on the scale, anxiety skyrocketing as the number increases the more weight she places on it.
“Hannah and Jessy are slender, aren’t they? Cleo and Lilly have excellent figures?”
“Yes,” MC nods, tears streaming down her face.
“Jessy weighs 123lbs, Hannah 129lbs. Cleo comes at 131lbs, Lilly 137lbs.” Jake says in a soft voice. “You’re 18lbs smaller than Jessy, MC.”
“I don’t understand,” MC stutters in confusion.
“All those negative thoughts telling you that you’re overweight, they’re all lies, MC. Ask anyone, you are literally underweight if we’re being honest.” Jake hugs her, brushing his hand through her tangled hair. “MC, I.” His brow furrows as he tries to figure out how to express his thoughts. “You are perfect just the way you are, MC.”
“It’s not enough though,” MC sniffles.
“You are Enough,” Jake says slowly, pulling away. “You are Enough for me, more than enough. I don’t deserve you, MC. You are beautiful, lively, sweet, energetic. Even when you’re like this, hair tangled, tears streaming down your face, still in your pajama shorts and my shirt on, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
“Do you really think so?” MC wipes her eyes, a small smile forming on her chapped lips.
“Then you are Beautiful. You are Gorgeous. You are Lovely. You are Stunning. You are Cute and Adorable, Endearing. You are More than Enough. You are my World, my Everything.” Jake kisses her, “And I love you.”
A small smile spreads across MC’s face as the hacker brushes his thumb over her cheek.
“Also, I may have lied about breakfast, Cleo actually made it.” Jake smirks, “She gave me a batch of her world famous cinnamon rolls just for you and me a few days ago, I just put it in the oven.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“I love you, don’t ever forget that. You Are Mine.” He states, kissing her mouth, dragging his teeth over her bottom lip.
MC gasps, a warm feeling pooling in her stomach as Jake's hands find themselves at her waist.
Jake smirks against the kiss, gently rubbing his thumbs across MC's hips. "Eat first, and then we'll continue." With that he took her hand and led her to the kitchen, MC biting her lip out of excitement of the promised future.
I hope you enjoyed reading this! Please comment any thoughts you have, I would love to actually talk to any of you! Love you! :)
