Le sourire de Betty extended

A.N : This is a fic based on my story (in French) for Ugly Betty «Le sourire de Betty" (which means "Betty's smile"). In regards to the rating I put on this one, I could not go into too much details.

Disclaimer: I do not own Ugly Betty

Chapter 1: After the braces went off

What a day! Thought Daniel after he went back to his apartment. The million dollar bra photoshoot has gone very well although at first it seemed compromised.

But once again Betty has saved the day. That woman is a treasure! How could I have lived without her all these years! Thinking of Betty immediately reminded him of her big event that day. Her braces had finally came off! He has been so worried when he arrived at the Guggenheim to see her knocked down on the floor. But his Betty was a fighter and thankfully regained consciousness soon.

She has been so worried to have her braces taken off in front of a lot of people. She has glanced at him and he has put a hand on her shoulder to reassure and support her. When she finally smiled at him for the first time without her braces, he had been almost blinded by the beauty of it and could not find his words for a moment. His heartbeat has also sped up without him knowing why and then even now, while he was thinking of her, he could hear it.

I need to see her! He knew she was supposed to celebrate this event with her family but he hoped they will not mind if he stopped by. He really loved her whole family. He felt that it was partly thanks to them that Betty has this wonderful loving and caring personality that he admired and sometimes envied.

While arriving in Jackson Heights, he could hear Spanish music coming from her house and laughter. He rang and Hilda opened the door.

"Oh hello Daniel." She said and smiled.

"I hope I do not disturb."

"Of course not, Daniel." Said Betty as she entered the small and modest hall. "You are welcome any time, you know that." And once again her clear smile heightened his heartbeat. "Come in, come in."

"Papi, look who's here!" she said when they walked side by side into the living room.

"Hello Daniel! I'm glad to see you again."

"You too Mr Suarez."

"I already told you to call me Ignacio, Daniel."

"Of course, Ignacio."

The night passed pleasantly. Daniel loved being at the Suarez and observe Ignacio and Hilda watching crazy Mexican soaps, discuss fashion with Justin and sports with Bobby, talk to Betty about anything that came to his mind. Every time he went there, he felt happy and relaxed. There, he no longer felt he was Daniel Meade, heir of a publishing empire and co-editor in chief of a major fashion magazine but simply Daniel, a friend of Betty and her family and appreciated as such.

He also saw that her family has given her gifts and he offered her his: It was a simple necklace with a butterfly pendant on it. He saw this in some antique shop and immediately thought it would be perfect for his best friend.

"It is a thank you gift." He said. "For all the things you did and still continue to do to help or encourage me. I don't know how I would do without your friendship and support every day."

Betty was very moved by his words and hugged him. He smiled. He adored and relished on her enthusiastic and loving hugs.

Betty showed the pendant to her family. They exclaimed over it and thanked Daniel for his gift.

"Can you put it on me?" Betty asked innocently.

"Uh, sure." His hands began to shake slightly when she took her long hair out of the way to hold it up. His mouth went suddenly dry. She has a beautiful neck! Then he shook himself wondering why this thought has suddenly come upon him.

He finally took a deep breath and put the necklace on her. Ignacio was looking at him weirdly. Justin and Bobby have joined Betty and Hilda on the other side of the room as Betty went to the mirror to admire her new gift.

"What was that, Daniel?" asked Ignacio although he looked like he did already have an opinion.

"I hardly know, Ignacio."

"Don't worry. You'll figure it out soon." Ignacio replied with a wise smile.

The awkwardness was over and Daniel enjoyed the rest of the evening.

But when he found himself once again at his apartment and he fell asleep, he dreamed of the same scene with the necklace. Only this time, Betty has turned to face him and they were looking into each other's eyes. He bent over her… and that when he woke up.

Damn it! He cursed. He wanted to see the rest of the dream.

On the next day, he took more care of his appearance. The morning was spent as usual though he regretted not being able to see Betty through the glass of his office. He missed her.

At noon, he went to find her to ask her if she was busy for lunch and if she would join him for lunch. She smiled and agreed. He remarked that she was wearing his pendant and it matched her clothes.