#jaredleto

She dropped her arms and gave you that look.

“No matter how many times you look at me like that, the answer is always the same.”

“You can’t just sit here and work. You have to have fun sometimes.”

“This is fun.” You said, gesturing to your work.

She gave a fed up sigh. Walking over to your desk, she grabbed the book you were referencing and the notebook you were writing in. Pointedly stuffing the notebook into the book, Martine slammed it loudly shut. 

“Hey!”

“You’re coming.”

She stared at you unwaveringly, eyes widening by the second.

“Vamos! ¡Mueve tu culo!” 

“Martine, you know I don’t do well in social situations.”

“Relax. You’ll be fine. Michael and I will be there.”

You jerked your head back. “You got Michael to come? Dr. Michael “Me, Myself and I” Morbius to come to game night?”

She bit her lip and gave you a smirk. “He pushed back at first, of course. Like you…until I told him you were coming.”

“Why would Michael care if I was coming or not? We’re colleagues.”

“Psh girl! You can’t tell me you don’t see the way he looks at you?”

“...Like one colleague looks at another?” You said, completely dismissing what she just told you.

Grabbing your hand, she said, “You’re hopeless! Come on. Let’s go shopping cause you ain’t wearing that!”

Looking up and down your scrubs, you said, “What’s wrong with this?”

She gave you another look. “It’s a game night…not a doctor convention. You know? Fun, drinking, dancing, Spin the Bottle. Fun!”

“Spin the Bottle sounds dangerous…” You said cautiously. “And we’re not teenagers anymore. You know how some of the wards are… I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

She leaned in, looking sincerely into your eyes.

“You had to grow up too fast, didn’t you?”

You didn’t answer her. 

“We’re dedicating tonight to stupid teenager fun.”

There was no talking Martine out of something once she had her mind set. She was pushy sometimes, but she meant well.

~~~~~~

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Martine gasped with wide eyes as she stepped out of the dressing room in a cute salmon colored crop top and black jeans. 

You stood in the mirror, looking at yourself dressed in the short, form fitting, black mini dress.

“I think I’m going to go for the pantsuit.”

“Turn around.” She asked, making a circle motion with her finger.

You did as she asked, feeling uncomfortable.

“Yes, Queen!…You clean up good! Gonna make it hard for me tonight with everyone looking at you!”

“Martine, this isn’t a hookup. I thought this was just a game night? And the wards won’t look twice. All they do is make fun of me for being a bookworm. Do you know what they call me?”

“Mouse?”

“Mouse.”

“Don't you dare change! You look absolutely incredible.”

“Isn't it too much? I’ve always dressed conservatively. This is…” You gestured to your dress. “Overly revealing.” 

Taking your hands, Martine said, “Stop overthinking it. You’re getting yourself all worked up over nothing. Besides, maybe this is the chance to get them to think differently of you.”

“I don’t give a damn what they think of me. If anything, I like the way I dress because it makes them think I’m some crazy cat lady or spinster. They don’t exactly give out respectful affection.” 

Placing her hands on your shoulders, she tried to make you feel better.

“I’ll be right there. Nothing will happen to you…” She got that devilish look in her eye. “That you don’t want to happen to you.”

“Martine! What kind of girl do you think I am?” You said in surprise, not liking where her thinking was going. 

“The kind that’s had a stick up her ass too long and needs to have some fun! You’re like a librarian that’s been at a library for too long. Shhsh! No talking! Quiet! No talking and no fun!” She acted like she was cracking a whip. Cupping her hand around her ear, she said, “What is that? What is that sound? Laughing? Bah!”

Through laughter, you said, “You’re the little latina devil that sits on my shoulder, you know that right?”

She pulled her hands up under her chin and blinked innocently. “Just doing my job!”

“Fine. I’ll keep the dress. But I’m wearing shorts underneath.”

She gave you a look but didn't say anything.

~~~~~~

After you’d finished shopping, you had gone back to your apartment to get ready. Martine helped you with your makeup and hair. When she was done, she stood back and admired her handiwork.

“Excuse me? Have you seen Dr. Y/N? Because all I see is a sexy bitch!”

“Oh, stop. I’m still me.”

“Uh huh. Tell that to the guys who probably won’t even be able to talk because their jaws will be on the floor.”

You looked down, consumed by nervousness again. Martine clicked her tongue and got down to her knees in front of you, grabbing your hands.

“Listen. I know I joke a lot but I’m serious when I say you will be okay. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. Plus, I think the reception desk ladies will be there, too. ”

“I know and I know you’ll make good on that promise. I just feel so…naked.”

“I know. But honey…you are drop dead gorgeous.”

You hid your face as you blushed and she pulled you into a hug. You hugged her back, careful not to smudge the makeup. When she pulled away, you looked at her.

“You’re one to talk! Look at you! My sexy Latina spitfire.” 

She licked her finger, touching her behind and making a sizzling sound. “You know it! It’s about time to go. I say we should wear our regular shoes until we get there and then we can change into our heels.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Alright then. Le’ go!”

~~~~~~

“Great. They’ve already started drinking.” You said as you and Martine walked into the research and development building, picking up on the loud noise and cacophony of voices that was carrying down the hall.

Martine squeezed your hand as you inched closer, feeling your palms get sweaty. 

“If I’d have known it was in here, I wouldn’t have overdressed.”

“Girl, please. When do we ever get the chance to dress up? Plus, I quite like seeing them drop their jaws and forget how to talk.” She said with a wicked chuckle. “Makes a girl feel empowered and sexy don’t you think?”

You gave her a look, thinking she should already know the answer to that.

Stopping just outside the door to a large lab, she turned to you. 

“You are strong. You are fierce. You are a queen. You’ve got this. Ready?”

With a deep breath, you pushed open the doors and walked in right on time with the chorus beat of Darkside by Neoni. It was surreal, like you were walking in slow motion. You caught sight of one of the wards tap one of the other guys on the arm, motioning with his head towards you. 

What Martine said was true. With her on your arm, you did feel empowered. As you got closer to them, they were trying to figure out who you were. Someone turned the music down and one of the wards was looking you up and down, rubbing his hands together.

“Who is thi-.” His eyes shot open in realization. “Holy shit… Mouse?!”

Every single head snapped up in that lab. Martine was right… again… their jaws practically hit the floor as they eyed you up and down. 

“Spinster Mouse? No way, dude…” He said, biting his fist in his mouth. 

Eyeing you up more slowly, he made a “Mm, mm, mm!” sound. 

“Hey! Her eyes are up here!” Martine suddenly snapped, pointing to your eyes. 

She waited for his eyes to drift up to yours before making an “I’m watching you” gesture. The other wards gathered like sharks waiting for the first sign of an open wound to attack.

“Have you seen Michael?” She asked the ward.

“Ugh, you invited him?! Boring, plain as rice, Michael?”

Martine’s upper lip snarled as she gave a warning glare. Walking you away from them, she whispered,

“I’m so sorry but I have to go check and see what’s keeping Michael. Will you be okay by yourself?”

Your eyes went wide and you shook your head. 

“I’ll be 5 minutes.” 

“You do see the way they’re looking at me right? Like goddamn sharks waiting for blood.” You sighed heavily, then said, “Fine. But please be quick.”

You watched her walk out of the lab before walking over to a small locker wall to set your bag down. Looking at your heels, you decided to keep your flats on for now. Someone entered your peripheral vision, leaning against the lockers. 

“I didn’t know there was so much women under there. If I had known…”

Turning to the ward that had started calling you Mouse with a flat expression on your face, you said, “What would you have done?”

“I’d have taken you home…” 

“Are you always this charming?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“Wow…How does it feel to be so ignorant?”

“I’m giving you a compliment.”

“And how is that supposed to make me feel?” You asked.

“Hot.”

“I could run circles around you, neanderthal. You do know what that is, don’t you?”

“They were like cavemen or something, right?”

Patting him on the arm, you said, “Good for you. You actually know something.”

He pulled his head back, eyes narrowing.

“You’re insulting me, aren’t you?”

“Does this sad excuse for courting actually work on every woman you approach?”

“Every time.”

“They must not have very high standards. Fortunately, I do.”

As you moved to walk away, his arm came out to block you.

“You’re running your mouth for someone who barely talks. I’m sure I could occupy it in a different way.” He said, extending his arm out to touch your face.

Slapping his hand away, you said, “You really are thick in the head, aren’t you?”

“Thick somewhere else too.”

You made a face like you were about to throw up. Ducking under his arm and walking away from him, you heard him yell,

“You know I could rock your world all night long!”

“Disgusting pig.” You murmured under your breath. 

Someone yelling, “Whaaaaat!” drew your attention. It was Janice the receptionist making a beeline for you. 

Putting on a bright smile, you said, “Hey Janice!”

She met you in the middle of the lab, absolutely losing her mind over how you were dressed.

“Girl, I thought I’d never live to see the day you were dressed like this! You look amazing!”

“Thanks. It’s drawing some unsavory attention though.” You nodded your head toward the ward that had trapped you against the lockers. 

She waved her hand at him. “Chad is a skirt chaser. A woman looks a little bit decent and he’s all over her like a vulture on a carcass.”

“Tell me about it.” You said, rolling your eyes. 

She raised her arms and moved her hips to the beat of Thunder by Gabry Ponte that was playing. “I am ready to get my game night on! Been looking forward to this all week! Let’s go get a drink!”

You followed her to the makeshift booze cabinet.

“Why didn’t we just do this at the bar?”

“Screw bars. They’re so expensive. We just bring our own stuff and make a night of it.”

She picked out some Tequila and took 2 shots, holding the shot glass up to you. 

“No thanks. I’m good. I’m gonna make a mixed drink. Let’s see…” You said, looking through your options. “Ooh! Someone brought stuff to make Tequila Sunrises!”

“What’s that?”

“Oh Janice, it’s so good! It’s Tequila, grenadine and orange juice.”

“That sounds amazing! Can you make me one?”

“Of course!”

Grabbing two small, thin beakers, you made both of your drinks, marveling at her face at seeing it actually looked like a sunrise.

“It’s almost too pretty to drink!”

“The trick is not to stir it after you add the grenadine so it has those distinct layers.”

Taking a sip, Janice’s face lit up. “I think I just found my new favorite drink!”

“Right?”

You stood around and talked for a little bit, having a few more drinks.

“You still dance?” Janice asked, shuffling to a pop song that was playing.

“Wouldn’t we look weird being the only ones dancing?”

“Who cares? And I’ll take that as a no. Shame. I remember we were good!”

“When do I have time to do choreography, Janice? And I’m not exactly dressed for that.” You said, laughing. 

 “Hang on. I’ll get one for a warm up!” She yelled over her shoulder as she jogged to the DJ booth. 

You stood there, shaking your head, hands on your hips. 

“Come on! It’ll be fun! Or do you not have enough alcohol in you yet?” She said as she got back to you. Stopping for a minute to look at you, she popped up her eyebrow and said, “You still wear shorts under your dresses?”

She knew you too well. 

“What did you pick?”

“Monster by Lumix.”

“Ooh, a shuffle one! Haven’t done those in a while.”

“Like I said, a warm up!”

As you waited for the beat to start, you went over the moves in your head. Pulling up your dress and holding it behind your back, you and Janice started to jump to the music as it built up. As you moved around, you realized a few people had joined you and were shuffling along. 

After the song was over, you both turned around and clapped for those who had danced with you.

“Another! Another!” Someone in the crowd yelled. 

We Like to Party by the Vengaboys came over the speakers and the crowd cheered. You looked over at Janice who gave you a big smile. You smiled back, happy that she was here. It had been such a long time since you had danced.

As the crowd clapped, Janice looked pleased with herself. 

“See? All everyone needed was some shuffle music. Now this place is jumping! You’d better be ready.” She plastered a devious smile on her face. “The next one isn’t a shuffle dance. I want to see you dance, you sexy bitch!” She said playfully. 

“With you, this could mean anything.” You said, anxious to see what song she chose. 

Taking the ponytail off your wrist, you tied your dress back just as Jennifer Lopez’s Ain't Your Momma came through the speakers. 

“I love this song!” You said excitedly.

“I knew you did!”

With every step, the music filled your bones with vigor, becoming a slave to it. You knew the dance was sexy, but you felt sexy. For the first time in a long time, you enjoyed feeling like that. 

(31) Jennifer Lopez - Ain't Your Mama - Choreography by Jojo Gomez - #TMillyTV ft. Kaycee Rice - YouTube

Janice gave you a double high five after the song was done. 

“Goddamn girl! I would’ve never guessed you had taken a break!”

“I have a good memory.” You said laughing, taking the time to catch your breath.

“You good for one more?” She asked as DJ Snake by Taki Taki started.

“This one will draw some attention.” You stated.

“Didn’t the last one?” Janice said with a chuckle.

You and Janice danced together in perfect sync, garnering more cheering as more people had arrived. You enjoyed feeling lost to the music, knowing that the high would probably come crashing down later tonight.  

(31) DJ Snake - Taki Taki ft. Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Ozuna - Dance Choreography by Jojo Gomez Ft. Nat Bat - YouTube

You both took a bow as you finished the routine. Untying your dress, you smoothed it back down over your workout shorts and went to get a drink. Thankfully, someone had the sense to stock water and not just straight booze. 

A hand provocatively moving up your rear end made you stop, Chad’s voice drifting into your ear. 

“Goddamn… why would you hide that body underneath all those scrubs? You are so se-ow!” 

Chad suddenly yelped. You both whirled to look behind you to see Michael lowering one of his canes back to the floor. Looking from you to Chad, he said,

“That’s not appropriate.”

“What the hell is your problem, man? Don’t know why you were invited anyway!” 

“Somewhere out there, a tree is tirelessly producing oxygen for you. I think you owe it an apology. Next time, I break it. Go on.” He said, pointing to the other side of the room. 

“Man, forget you.” Chad said, stalking off pissily.

Michael turned back to you and winked. 

“Um, excuse me!” Martine balked. “Why did I not know that you could dance like that and Janice could?! I could’ve used a backup partner at the club!”

“It’s not an active thing, Martine. Janice happened to present the idea and I kind of ran with it.”

“Well, it’s nice to see you having fun at the very least since I had to bully you into coming. I’m gonna make a drink. You two stand here like the wallflowers you are.” 

Michael inched closer to you as you both watched her walk away.

“So she roped you into this too?” 

Sighing, you said, “Yeah. She can be… very persuasive.”

He chuckled. “Tell me about it. She’s like a tick when she’s got her mind set on something.”

“She means well though. Doesn’t want to see us waste away in our offices. Still, it was nice to dance again.”

You saw him look at you out of the corner of your eye.

“You’re very good.”

“Thanks.” You said with a smile, feeling yourself blush.

“Dr. Morbius?” Someone called from the throng of people.

“Excuse me. It seems I am being summoned.”

“Sure.”

You watched Martine walk up, giving you that eyebrow look.

“What?”

She waited until Michael was out of earshot, then turned to you, hands ready to speak with her.

“He. Could. Not. Take. His. Eyes. Off. You.”

“Oh, come off it.” You said, waving a hand in front of your face.

“I’m not kidding, Y/N. That’s probably the first time I’ve seen that man speechless.”

You made a sarcastic, “Yeah, okay” face. 

“I’m serious! Why would I make that up? Have I ever lied to you?”

You turned your head to think for a minute and before you could open your mouth, she said, 

“Other than the ice cream.”

“I’m still miffed about that, you know.”

“Oh, get over it! I’ll buy you another pint.” She said playfully. 

You both looked over at Janice still getting her dance on.

“Where does that woman get all of her energy from?” You marveled.

“I don’t know, but it’s infectious!” Martine said, pulling you onto the dance floor. 

“I’m good for now.” You said, trying to plant your feet in the floor.

“Nah ah. You’ve been holding out on me so I’ll take my dues owed right now.” 

“Martine, you are impossible. But this is the last one. Told ya I should’ve gone with the pantsuit.” 

“Who knew you were actually going to let yourself have fun tonight?”  

Fifth Harmony’s Worth It started to play and you smiled. 

“Come on, Y/N!” Janice called. 

“We need you!” Martine yelled.

Several voices from the crowd joined in.

“Come on, Mouse! Get out there!”

“Go on!”

Figuring you might as well pull out all the stops tonight, you shuffle moonwalked out to Martine and Janice, taking the lead in a triangle formation, laughing at their shocked stares and hearing “Ooh, did you see that?!” from the crowd. 

“Yeah, there she is!” Janice yelled.

As your eyes scanned the crowd, you found Michael standing against the wall talking with another colleague. He did a double take and his mouth opened slightly. You popped your hip out along with the song, giving him a wink and a smile before turning your eyes. 

(37) Worth it - Fifth Harmony ft.Kid Ink / May J Lee Choreography - YouTube

As the track ended, you made a sawing motion at your throat to say you were done. 

“Oh, come on! The night is still young!” Janice cried. 

“Three is enough for me. Maybe later.”

Janice clicked her tongue. “Alright.”

“Whatever happened to this being game night anyway?”

“Hey, whatever happens, happens. I’m just here to go with the flow and have a good time.” She said as she moved her arms in a wave motion. 

You saw Michael looking at you again and walked over to join him, picking up another water bottle on the way.

“Hey, Michael. Are you having a good time?”

He looked around at all the people, then back to you.

“It’s not really my cup of tea but it’s fun watching you dance.”

“They have unlimited energy, it seems. I’m good for the night. I’m not as young as I used to be.” You said, laughing.

“Age is just a number. You’re only as old as you feel.”

“Oh, we’re getting the fortune cookie Dr. Morbius tonight.” 

He laughed at the joke, biting his lip. 

“It would be fun to join you someday.”

The comment went straight to your heart. Putting your hand on his shoulder softly, you said,

“You will, Michael. You will. I know it.”

He put his hand on top of yours.

“That’s very kind.” 

“Don’t lose hope. There is a cure out there. It might just come up when you least expect it.” 

 A very inebriated Chad came stumbling over, laughing like an idiot.

“I bet you wished your junk still worked, huh? Those ladies are hot, hot, hot!” He made a bucking motion with his hips on the word hot. 

Sighing, you opened your water bottle and dumped the whole thing on his head, then pointed to one of his buddies who was looking over at the three of you. You pointed at him, then pointed at Chad, and then at the door. 

“Is it raining?” Chad slurred.

Grabbing the collar of the friend who came over, you pulled him in close and said, “Get him the fuck out of here before I do something worse than pour water on his head.” 

Jerking him back, he actually hurried to get Chad out of there. 

“Well, color me shocked. He actually listened. Amazing.”

You turned back to look at Michael, who had an impressed expression on his face.

“What?”

“Remind me to never piss you off.” 

“I can’t stand guys like him. Skirt chasers who think they’re the greatest gift to women and look down on men who they deem less than themselves. He’s not going to ruin what actually turned out to be a fun and enjoyable night by being an asshole.”

“I appreciate the sentiment. I could’ve taken him though.”

“Yeah, sure you could’ve...” You joked as you went to take a drink of water. “Right…empty. Thanks, Chad!”

Exasperated, you went over to make yourself another drink, just in time to see Janice finish the rest of a Tequila bottle.

“Hey guys…” She said in a sing-song manner. “Empty bottle..You know what that means!”

A chorus of voices rang in the air. “Spin the Bottle!”

As you turned to head towards the lockers, someone grabbed your hand.

“Nuh uh, you’re coming too!” Martine said.

Groaning, you let her pull you to the middle of the lab where everyone had gathered. 

“I haven’t played this since I was a kid!” Someone said excitedly. 

“Alright, the rules are simple: we’ll decide who spins the bottle first and go in a clockwise motion. Whomever the bottle lands on, you kiss.” Janice explained. 

You groaned quietly, feeling Martine bump your shoulder. 

“Relax. At least Chad’s not here.”

Rolling your eyes, you focused on the bottle in the center of the circle.

“Alright, who wants to go first?” Janice asked.

“I will!” One of the other receptionists called out. 

“Yeah, Joelene!” Janice cheered.

The bottle landed on a cute male intern. Blushing, they moved towards each other and gave a short peck on the lips before settling back quickly on the edge of the circle. 

The game continued, each person getting their turn. Some of the kisses were steamy, complete with clothes starting to come off.

“Alright, alright, alright!” Janice said, breaking the two up. “Get a room.”

You and Michael had exchanged a few glances throughout the game, wondering if the bottle would land on either of you. Oddly enough, it hadn’t.

“Knowing my luck…” You said quietly to yourself. 

It was Michael’s turn now. You held your breath as he leaned up to spin the bottle to the best of his ability. He landed on Janice.

“Aww, come here sugar!” 

Janice scooted in close to him and he gave her an awkward kiss on the cheek. You couldn’t help but giggle at the look on his face. Martine was dying next to you, laughing at Michael.

“It’s not the plague, Michael.”

He cleared his throat and looked away. 

“Come off it. He’s nervous.” You said defensively.

“Why would he be nervous? Unless…” Martine started.

You shot her a quick warning glance. She put her hands up in defense. 

“I’m just sayin…”

After Janice, Martine and a few of the other hospital staff took their turns, it was unavoidably your turn.

“It’s your turn, Y/N.” Martine said with a smirk on her face.

“I’m aware, Martine. Thank you.”

Sighing, you got up on your knees and spun the bottle, not taking your eyes off of it. As it started to slow down, your heart started to race. When it finally stopped, you followed the direction the bottle was pointing in… straight up to Michael’s eyes.

“Called it.”

“What?” Michael asked.

“Just a little inside joke.” You said nervously. 

“Oh yay!!” Martine laughed and clapped. 

Eyeing you, she said, “Come on…we’re waiting.” 

All of the stares unnerved you, but knowing you weren’t getting out of this, you moved closer into the circle. Michael looked nervous, looking down at the ground and shaking his head before looking back up to you. 

You made a “what are you gonna do” face and leaned into him. Your eyes closed just as Michael’s lips touched yours, bringing a hand up to cradle one side of his face. 

You broke the kiss at the same time, eyes still closed. When you opened yours, he was staring right at you breathing unevenly.

“And that’s called progress.” Martine said as she got up with the others and moved to another corner of the lab. 

You barely heard it as you and Michael stared at each other. Suddenly, he started to laugh with you joining in. 

“Is this what being a teenager felt like?”

“More or less.” 

“It’s so nerve wracking when people are staring at you expecting to kiss. But it’s such a silly thing because it’s just a kiss.”

“Oh my gosh, I know, right? Like, you’ve seen people kiss before. It was like this as a teenager too. You say you like a certain boy or girl and the next thing you know, one of your friends is screaming down a hall that you like so and so.” You said, laughing. 

You looked down at the floor, inching your hand closer to him.

“I usually don’t give much thought to things like this…love…kissing…romance. It’s not really in the cards for me.”

“That’s bullshit. If you find someone you have a genuine connection with, that you might want to have a relationship with, you should go for it. Time is finite. Hell, any of us could get into a bad accident tomorrow and die. Your condition isn’t an assured time limit, Michael.”

He made a thinking expression on his face, then turned back to you.

“That is a good point, however, I couldn’t live with myself if this condition killed me shortly after meeting an amazing person and then knowing they would have to live without me.”

“It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” You said, smiling at him. 

“That’s debatable.” Michael laughed.

Helping him up, you both walked out of the lab and into the hallway. 

“I’m probably going to head out soon. It’s getting too late for me.” You said, checking your phone for the time. 

“Yeah, same here.” Michael echoed.

“I’m going to go get my purse and say my goodbyes. I’ll walk with you.”

As you went to turn away, you felt his hand grab your hand. Turning back around, you met Michael’s eyes, watching him close the distance between you. 

“I was too nervous in there to give you a proper Spin the Bottle kiss with everyone watching. May I?”

You nodded and met him halfway, your lips sealing in a gentle, yet passionate kiss that made your toes curl. 

As he pulled away, Michael said with a chuckle “I could get used to that.” 

Feeling cheeky, you said, “Play your cards right and you just might.”

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