Hey! Sorry this update took so long guys, as I said I'm working on my original works and that's been taking some time. Plus I've been rewriting my older fics for my other account so again, I'm very sorry.
On the other hand, I've made a little video for this fic. It's not that well made but it was fun. I've even chosen an actor to play Steven lol. If you look me up on tumblr: femslash-fan-11 . tumblr . com ; you'll see the video :D
Well, moving on to the chapter
Over the next few days, Steven formulated a plan in his head. He figured that if he wanted to get Bianca's attention, he could go one of two routes; he could be the over confident douche bag who insisted that she give him a chance or he could be the sweet sensitive guy who asked and then showed her why it would be good to accept. It wasn't until that following Monday that he realized he had been thinking about it all wrong. He didn't have to choose one of those options. There was another that he hadn't thought of….
"It's only Tuesday and I'm already anxious." Bianca said into her phone. She could hear chuckling on the other end.
"Yeah, well so are we. It's been to long since we've seen you; even Kendall is smiling." JR said. Bianca let a soft smile cross her features as she made her way through the crowd.
"Is she doing okay? Every time I ask her she insists that she's fine but with the divorce and everything…" she trailed off. It had come as a shock to most of Pine Valley when Kendall and Zach had announced their divorce. But the people closest to them had seen it coming; even if they'd hoped that the two would work it out.
"I think she's doing really well, actually." JR said, sounding surprised himself. "She's been in an overall good mood, but just the other day I saw her and Slater having dinner together and laughing. I think they're going to make it out of this as friends." He added. Bianca beamed.
"Even though I wish there was no 'this' for them to make it out of, I'm glad she's doing okay." She said affectionately.
"And Marissa is too, before you ask." JR said quickly. "She doesn't look or act like she's lacking in the sleep department or anything, so I don't think you should worry about her." he explained. Bianca puffed out her cheeks.
"I really appreciate you looking out for everyone, JR." she said.
"Ah, it's no big deal." He said trying to wave her off. Usually, it would be a big deal. JR Chandler didn't like to do anything unless it benefitted him in some way but, she was Bianca. You did things for her even if you hated her. If you didn't, it would make you feel like a complete asshole and that was a feeling he knew he did not enjoy.
"It really is," Bianca insisted. "I think it goes to show that everyone can change and be better; they just need a chance." She said softly. She stopped outside of the building and looked up at the dark glass doors.
"I didn't change, Bianca," JR said seriously, a bit uncomfortable with this conversations tone. "I just grew up and stopped blaming Dad for everything I do wrong." He said quietly. Bianca was quiet as well until she decided to break the tension.
"Yeah, now you just blame Marissa." She joked. JR chuckled.
"Yeah, well she's as good a target as any." She could imagine his goofy grin and everything. "I've gotta go, lunch is over for me. See you tonight on video call?" he asked. Bianca nodded, a small tugging her lips.
"Yep. And then you'll see me this weekend face to face; I can't wait!" she said excitedly. She heard JR chuckle before hanging up and stepping inside. She didn't see the dejected face a few feet from her.
So, someone from Bianca's past was coming to town this weekend. That was a little bit unsettling to Steven; he'd always imagined that Bianca would leave her past in the past. And from the smile on her face before she stepped into the hotel, she was excited to see this past person. He didn't want to have to compete for Bianca's affections, so he hoped it was just a friend coming to make sure she's settled in. He bit his lip and looked around before turning and walking away in confusion; what if he did have to fight for her?
Bianca felt amusement bubble inside of her as she listened to Miranda try to explain why Fruit Roll Ups were better than Scooby Snacks. It was cute, watching the way Gabby pretended to listen and humor her older sister. In an odd way, it reminded her a lot of her and Kendall. She couldn't help but wonder if that would have been them if they'd grown up together.
"Hey stranger." She almost jumped out of her skin when she heard the playful voice. She turned quickly, not noticing her girls look up at her curiously. She smiled a little uncomfortable.
"Hey Steven." She said. Steven smiled, looking over and waving at the girls.
"How've you been?" he asked. There was a calm smile on his face as he pushed his cart back and forth a few times. Bianca smiled, relaxing a little.
"I've been alright," she said. "Sorry we missed the barbeque the other day; we got caught up in girl time." He waved her off.
"Ah, it's no problem. Aiden and I didn't have much fun anyway." He said. Just as he mentioned his son, the little boy turned the corner quickly.
"Got 'em Daddy!" he said happily. "Heya Miranda!" he waved excitedly, tossing the chips into the cart. He looked up at Bianca shyly and hid behind his father a little. Bianca chuckled, kneeling in front of the brown haired boy.
"Well hi," she said soothingly. "I'm Miranda's mommy, what's your name?" she asked. Aiden peeked at her, smiling to himself.
"Aiden." He said shyly. Bianca smiled again, standing up and looking at Steven.
"Oh! Aiden, did you ask your dad if he can help?" Miranda asked moving to him. Aiden looked confused then recognition hit him.
"Oh yeah," he said looking up. "Daddy, me and Miranda have a project on dinosaurs to do, can we use some of your classroom stuff?" he asked. Bianca raised her eyebrows, looking down at her sheepish daughter.
"Oh, my adorable little nerd." She said affectionately. She felt a hand enter hers and smiled down at Gabby. Steven chuckled,
"Yeah, sure." He said. "Where are you guys gonna be doing this…what does it involve again?" he asked.
"WE get to draw a dinosaur!" Aiden said excitedly. "I wanted to build one, but we don't really know how to." He shrugged. Steven smiled.
"Well, if it's alright with Bianca, I could help you guys build a replica out of paper mache." He offered.
"Outta what now?" Miranda asked furrowing her eyebrows. Steven laughed and looked to Bianca. She smiled.
"How's about we all meet at the park tomorrow after school and we can all do something. I'm sure Gabby would love to help color the picture." She offered. Miranda perked up.
"Okay!" she said. Bianca just rested a hand on her head and looked at Steven. He smiled softly.
"Tomorrow at the park after school. We'll work on a plan then, alright troops?" he asked. Aiden nodded and tugged on his hand. "Well ladies, we must be going. See you tomorrow." He said. Bianca nodded and turned to walk with her girls. She couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable with him working with the girls. Then again, she would be there and they would be out in the open. She shook her head; they needed to finish their shopping.
Steven smiled at Aiden who rattled away about this and that. He couldn't help but let his mind go back to his interaction with Bianca; she seemed like she'd been happy to see him. And she was the one they turn the project into a group thing so that was a clear indication that she wanted to spend time with him. Even if the kids were just a buffer.
"Are you listening?" Aiden asked impatiently. He looked up and smiled at him.
"Yeah, I'm sorry buddy. I'm just distracted." He admitted. Aiden looked at him and tilted his head.
"You like her," he teased. Steven pulled a face.
"What?" he laughed. Aiden grinned.
"Daddy and Miranda's Mommy, sittin' in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n – oh, Daddy let's stop at Dairy Queen!" Aiden seemed to have dropped the topic. Steven just laughed, not voicing how he wished it were true.