A/N: Much love as always to my wonderful readers. I look forward to posting my version of the series finale. For now, here's some more Daniel and post-braces Betty goodness with a special guest appearance by Papa Suarez.

Timeline: 4x17 Million Dollar Smile

Disclaimer: I don't own Betty, Daniel or Ignacio. And I certainly don't condone the illegal activities that these characters partake in, although I am the one responsible for making them do said activities...

Salty Sweet Smiles

"Daniel, hey! What are you doing here?"

"Sorry for just showing up like this. I, uh, wanted to give you a congratulatory gift. For the braces and for saving the shoot. Really, for everything."

He thrust the sparkly foil bag he was holding into her hands.

"Daniel, you shouldn't have… Salt water taffy!"

"My personal favourite is the raspberry lemonade."

"Thank you."

Betty excitedly picked out two pink colored candies. She unwrapped one for herself and handed the other to Daniel.

"Wow," she murmured blissfully. "Delicious."

"I know, right?"

"Did you want to come in?"

"Oh, I don't want to intrude…"

"Don't be silly."

She held the door open with her foot and pulled him inside.

"Daniel, what a pleasant surprise," Ignacio greeted.

"Evening, Mr. Suarez."

"Would like some corn on the cob?"

"Uh, no thanks. I'm fine."

"Okay, if you change your mind there are plenty in the fridge. I am off to bed. Night, mija."

"Night, Papi."

Ignacio kissed Betty on the cheek before placing a reassuring hand on Daniel's shoulder.

"Night, Daniel."

"G'night."

Even after Ignacio disappeared upstairs, Daniel remained standing in the foyer.

"You've got quite the collection of lipstick," he commented, nodding his head towards the silver case open on the table.

"Yeah, Justin gave that to me," Betty paused. "Okay, what's up?"

"What do you mean?" he asked nervously.

"You came all the way out to Queens in the middle of the night, Daniel."

"I wanted to bring you your present."

"And I appreciate it, but you could've given it to me tomorrow. I know you, remember? Spill."

Sighing deeply, Daniel stared down at the floor.

"I guess this whole Amanda-Tyler thing is bugging me more than I thought it would. It just got me thinking. Am I really that afraid of commitment?"

"I wouldn't say you're afraid... Maybe, you're just not ready."

"But I am ready," he insisted, "at least, I want to be."

"You, are an amazing person, Daniel. When you find the right girl, you'll be ready."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Thanks," he said softly. "Sorry for putting a damper on your celebration."

"Nothing can stop me from smiling today."

"For what it's worth, you really do look great."

"Thank you," she beamed.

Daniel glanced down at his watch before jerking his thumb towards the door.

"Well, I should get going."

"Or… you could stay and watch a movie with me?" she suggested, wandering over to connect her laptop to the TV. "I just downloaded How to Train Your Dragon."

"Illegal," he whispered scandalously.

"I know!"

"Suarez, I didn't think you had it in you."

"What can I say? I like to live on the edge now."

Trading smiles, they took a seat next to each other on the couch as Betty pushed play. They barely made it halfway through the movie. Ignacio found them an hour later, both fast asleep.

Fin for now, Detty forever