Dallas, Texas

Just as a matter of principle JR wouldn't be pushed into marriage, no matter his own feelings about Sue Ellen; he didn't like being told what to do and didn't like when everyone assumed that he would just roll over and obey, he wasn't submissive. Five pairs of eyes were on the couple, looking for any hint of a reaction, they all wanted to know when it was going to happen, anyone could tell that they were suited for each other and obviously in love, it wasn't that unusual for couples to marry quickly, especially a man of JR's age. "Uh yes daddy, well let's not get too ahead of ourselves" he tried to brush the comment off, though he knew Jock wouldn't be dissuaded that easily. "I don't think it's wrong to ask, I mean you two have been together for what, six months? That is surely enough time to get to know each other, a long courtship isn't necessary. I expect that Patricia here is eager to know when you'll become her son-in-law and I'd like a grandson sooner rather than later. You're not that young anymore JR, and with Sue Ellen graduating in the spring, I don't see any reason why an engagement would not be coming soon", he finished speaking and JR was silent, he didn't really have any good arguments against his father. Looking first toward his mother and then at Patricia, and seeing both women nod in agreement made him feel outnumbered, there was no way out. Squeezing Sue Ellen's hand in support, she needed to know that he was telling the truth as he spoke, "well of course I plan to ask Sue Ellen to marry me, one day, but it will be on my terms and because we want to, not because everyone here expects it. Right now, neither of us feels ready to take that step, but as soon as it happens, you will all know. But please, respect our relationship the way it is at the moment", he tried his best to stay calm, they had company and were seated at the dinner table, this was no time to lose his temper. Sue Ellen smiled, JR had handled it perfectly and had verbally communicated his intent to both his and her family, if she didn't know his plan before, she did now. "Well could you please make it soon, I was promised a brother or sister" Lucy broke the tension with her childish remark and everyone laughed, though the adults silently agreed with Lucy, a marriage and a baby were exactly what was wanted and expected.

After lunch, Kristin and Lucy went off to play and the adults gathered in the living room. Politely excusing herself, Sue Ellen left the room and walked toward the bathroom. JR took her absence as an invitation and quietly excused himself a few minutes later as to not look suspicious, following her direction and waiting outside the bathroom door. Sue Ellen looked at herself in the mirror, this whole day had already been more stressful and tense than she had anticipated, she couldn't take much more. Opening the door she found JR standing outside, he had a sly look on his face and her heart jumped, he was so sexy when he looked at her in that way. "Was there something you wanted" she grinned, the look on his face was definitely not innocent, "mmhm" he nodded, he had intent and she loved playing games before giving in, it always made everything that much more satisfying. "Well, maybe I should go get Teresa and she'll help you" she started to walk away but he pulled her toward him, "Teresa can't help me" he moved his face closer to hers as he spoke, but she was having fun teasing him, wiggling her way out of his grip. "Maybe Raoul or your mama then", JR knew that she was just teasing him, but he needed her, "nope, only one person can help", his eyes darkening with lust, they'd barely had a moment to themselves all day. "Mm and who would that be?" she giggled, knowing exactly how their conversation was affecting him, "I think you know," he whispered before circling his arms around her waist, pulling her tightly against him as he leaned down and captured her lips. Sue Ellen knew exactly what the look in his eyes meant and was happy to oblige; opening her mouth and allowing him to take control of the situation. Sue Ellen wrapped her arms around his neck and ran one hand through his hair as JR moved them toward the wall; he was enjoying the way he felt when she was trapped between him and any object, with nowhere else to go, it gave him a sense of power that he just loved. They were so enthralled by each other that they didn't notice Lucy and Kristin running around the corner, before coming to a complete stop, standing in the hallway watching them for a minute and then giggling. Although Kristin understood the objective of finding a husband, she was still a little girl, boys were not attractive, they were gross. Lucy was the same, why anyone would want to be that close to a boy, she'd never know. The sound of giggles from down the hall brought JR out of the trance their kiss had put him in; he pulled away from Sue Ellen and looked toward the noises, though not seeing anything he knew exactly what had happened. Sue Ellen had been lost in their passion and hadn't heard anything, causing her great confusion when JR ended their kiss abruptly.

"…speaking of my daughter, where has she disappeared to?" Patricia queried, Sue Ellen had excused herself at least 15 minutes ago, as she looked around the room she noticed that JR was also absent, there was no doubt in her mind that they were together, she'd have to have a word with her daughter later about politeness and ladylike behaviour. Miss Ellie smiled to herself, JR was missing from the room too, she was sure that they were together, though she didn't have the same doubts or worries that Patricia did. "I'm sure they're fine" Miss Ellie spoke but Patricia was not reassured, Ellie wasn't the mother of a daughter, she didn't have the same things to worry about that Patricia did. "I think I'd better go and find Sue Ellen, I wouldn't want her to get into any trouble" she stood up as two young girls ran past the door, giggling and whispering to each other, "Kristin!" her daughter had been taught better than to run inside a house. The two girls turned around and were motioned into the room by Miss Ellie, she was curious about what they'd bonded over, she'd felt earlier that the two were close in age, but not in mindset; something had brought them together and she was interested in knowing what that was. "Kristin, you know that running inside the house is not allowed. Now, why were you two running and have you seen your sister anywhere?" Patricia spoke before Ellie, but both got their answer as the girls looked at each other and giggled again.

"JR?" she questioned him, she still had no idea what happened and why he'd pulled away so suddenly. "We've been caught" he grinned at her, no longer embarrassed, but amused; they weren't actually doing anything wrong, her mother couldn't scold him for his actions and she surely wouldn't make a fuss in front of his parents. Sue Ellen saw the look on his face, he wasn't worried, though she was a little concerned about what her mother would say when she returned, she'd only intended a short bathroom break. "If anyone asks, it was all your fault", JR gave her a sceptical look as the words escaped her mouth, "what? It was" she grinned at him, no one would believe that sweet, innocent Sue Ellen caused it to happen, despite both of them knowing that she was just as much a willing participant as he was. "I suppose we should be getting back" she started to move away, but he held onto her hand and pulled her back to him, placing a soft kiss on her lips and then slowly released her. "The last one ended badly", she laughed, no one would believe that JR Ewing was sweet and funny, that side of him was well hidden; the cocky, self-confident side was his public façade, but she found both sides very appealing in different ways.

Lucy and Kristin had explained the situation in very simplistic terms before leaving the room and returning upstairs. Patricia and Ellie were able to fill in the gaps and figure out what had happened, Patricia wasn't happy that her daughter had been so open, but didn't say anything because it wouldn't have been appropriate for the social situation. As Teresa laid out the tea set, JR and Sue Ellen returned to the room, her mother's stare was enough to make Sue Ellen's stomach drop, she'd be getting a lecture when they were alone. JR saw Patricia's look, no wonder he hadn't been able to get anywhere with Sue Ellen, the stare she was getting for a simple kiss was enough to make even JR want to behave; he chose to ignored it, he wouldn't have her mother make him feel guilty for something that wasn't bad or even close to immoral. "Nice to see you two back again. Would you like some tea?" Miss Ellie smiled, acknowledging the situation and then moving past it; Sue Ellen was grateful that they were not dwelling on the subject.

Austin, Texas

Sue Ellen lay in bed and reflected on their day, it had been both good and bad. She was pleased that everything with Jock and Miss Ellie had gone smoothly, but her mother had made sure to give her the predictable speech about her expectations and the standards a lady should live by. She was sick of hearing about the actions of a lady as if she was never good enough. What she and JR did together was between them and no one else, they hadn't even broken any 'rules', but she'd still been chided, it was frustrating more than anything else. JR had been wonderful though, the way he'd answered everyone's questions and how he'd made his intentions known to their families, she felt secure in their relationship and that made her happy. In some ways she agreed with Jock though, she was graduating in the spring and she didn't have any immediate plans after college, she wouldn't really mind getting engaged within the next six months, it would bring them to their one year anniversary and they would probably be ready for the next step, she hoped that they would anyway. It was lonely sleeping by herself, she longed for his touch and to be close to him, she loved the way they fit together and the way he affected her, no other man had ever had the same impact on her emotions or physical response, JR Ewing was definitely the right man for her.

To be continued…

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