"Fancy meeting you here," the cocky voice of Malcolm Cassidy said off to her left. She tensed, grinding her teeth as she ignored him, trying to eat her breakfast. He sat down across from her in the booth.
"Ignoring me, are you?" he asked, chuckling mockingly at her. She simply continued eating, though her knuckles had become white around the fork's handle. She had been arrested three times that week, and was currently facing her first suspension because of him (while her record wasn't clean, she only caused trouble outside of school). "I thought that the sheriff would have locked you up by now."
She finally looked up, glaring at him. "What the hell do you want, Pa- Cassidy?" she quickly caught herself. He looked offended. "What, I can't stop and say hello when I see you?" She raised an eyebrow, her face hard, as she silently answered his question. Two weeks she had put up with him, stuck with the memories of him torturing her, all of which he had no recollection of, and it was spreading her patience pretty thin. "Just answer the bloody question, or get the hell away from me before I kick your ass."
He held up his hands in mock innocence. "No need for violence, love, I'm just trying to make nice."
Her lip curled, her nose wrinkling at the endearment, "Yeah, you are doing a hell of a good job with that, mate," she spat, just wishing he would leave her alone.
"Reyna!" Ruby called as soon as she saw the two sitting together, her fast friend looking greatly annoyed– while she had truly become friends with the girl that most people hated around town, she also had orders from Regina and Snow to keep the two away from each other whenever she could prevent it.
Reyna looked up, relieved, at the sound of her name. "Red, aren't you supposed to be working?" not that she was complaining. Ruby smiled, nodding, and holding up the pot of coffee as she stopped at the end, giving Reyna a refill. "Is he bothering you, Rey? I can make a call to the sheriff's office, I'm sure Emma or David have enough free time to come pick him up."
Malcolm smirked, leaning back in the booth with his arms resting over the back. While it sounded tempting, Reyna had a bad feeling in the back of her mind about following Ruby's advice. "Thanks, Red, but I believe Cassidy was just leaving, and what harm is he if he doesn't, hmmm? I can handle him," she said with a tight lipped smile. Ruby nodded, not looking convinced, but turned away as Granny yelled at her to get back to work.
"Not calling daddy dearest on me, huh, love? How peculiar. Didn't realize you cared so much." She glowered. "I didn't do it for you, git! You aren't worth my effort, and I won't waste Emma's either," she snapped.
Malcolm just shrugged. "Are you ever going to answer my question?" she asked, shoving her plate away and crossing her arms as she leaned back, taking a sip of her coffee Malcolm's smirk widened.
"A date."
Reyna was caught off guard, choking as the scalding drink tried to go down her throat wrong. She coughed and hacked, finally swallowing it properly. Once her breathing became stable, she asked, "Pardon?"
He chuckled in response. "A date, you and me."
She looked horrified. "Not a chance! Why would you even think that I would?"
He just stared at her. "You act like you know me. Give me a chance, one chance. I might surprise you," he said, batting his eyelashes exaggeratedly, trying to look innocent.
She rolled her eyes despite herself. "Never in a million years, and I do know you. I'm not looking to go out with a fucking tosser."
His face fell mockingly, his hand moving to clutch his heart. "That hurts, like I've been shot. Right in the heart!"
"Too bad it didn't kill you," she muttered scathingly.
He continued like he hadn't heard her. "You know, one date is all I ask. If it goes terribly, I'll leave you alone, we'll never do it again. Just one date is all I want."
She was about to refuse again. "N-"
"Ah ah, wait. I won't leave you alone until you agree either, so choose wisely."
Her eyes narrowed, and she huffed, knowing he was serious. The clock tower began to chime, announcing that it was now ten. She needed to get going. As she moved to get up, Pan's hand shot out and wrapped around her wrist. She flinched from the sudden, strong grip. Pan either didn't notice or ignored it. "What do you say?"
"I have to go! Get the hell off!" She snarled, her hand trying to pry his off of hers.
He didn't budge. "Not until you answer me. One date. Yes or no?" She pulled once more, finding it was useless. He was much stronger than she was.
She huffed, glaring a hole in his smug face. He knew he had won. "Fine! One date, only one. Then you will stay the hell away from me! Now I need to go, so kindly give me my wrist back."
He released her as promised, letting her storm from the diner with a wicked smirk on his face.
She sat silently on the couch in Dr. Hopper's office, waiting out the duration of her mandatory counseling. Archie sat silently in his chair, his lucky umbrella in his lap, a clipboard in hand, a pen in the other, Pongo sleeping in the corner.
He sighed. They had been sitting in silence since she had arrived half an hour ago, and Madame Mayor was requiring two hours a day, three days a week. "There isn't anything you want to talk about? Worries, traumatic events, maybe even just how your day is going?"
She didn't bother looking up, continuing to fiddle with the ring that adorned her left hand. She couldn't remember how she got it, but it gave her great comfort. "Nope," she said, popping the 'p'. Archie sighed again, looking around the room in his impatience. He just wanted her to talk.
She finally turned to him, tilting her head to the side. "Shouldn't you be more concerned with other people? Like my nephew? He spent a lot longer with Pan then I did, and so what if I got arrested? It wasn't the first time, and I promise it won't be the last." Having said her part, she returned to staring at her hands.
"I-I am speaking to Henry, his mothers have made appointments, b-but it is necessary for y-you to have it as well," he stammered, something about the girl throwing him through a loop. "It is my understanding that you have been taken in-into cust-custody five times because of Neal's foster son, Malcolm. Do you have anything you would like to say about that?"
"Nope," she repeated, popping the 'p' once more.
Archie sighed. "You need to say something."
She turned, glaring. "No, I don't." Archie put the umbrella aside, stretching his legs slightly.
"Even if I did, why would I say something to you?" she suddenly asked, attracting his attention. "Well, I am just looking to help, and often bottling up one's fee-"
"Stop there, Archie, I really don't care. I'm not about to start talking." Archie just sat back, clicking his pen as they fell into silence again. The rest of the two hours passed at painstakingly slow pace, neither offering any more words to fill the room that was devoid of any sounds besides breathing.
Pan sat on the couch in Neal's apartment, deep in his thoughts as he thought of where to take Reyna for their date. He had walked around Storybrooke all afternoon, trying to find a nice place to take her. He had only returned when it was absolutely necessary.
He had skipped school, and would inform Reyna tomorrow that they would take their date that night, seeing as it was Saturday, meaning he would have all night to woo her in his favor.
Neal walked into the living room carrying two plates of food, placing one in front of the daydreaming boy. "Eat up or starve to death," he said, the last part jokingly.
Pan snapped his head towards Neal, taking the plate.
Neal couldn't help but be curious. While he still hated Peter Pan, he couldn't help but imagine him as Malcolm Cassidy, an innocent boy on the mischievous side. "What is your problem?"
"Hmm?" he hummed around a mouth full of food.
"You skipped school– yeah, I got a call– and now you are daydreaming. What is that about?"
Malcolm scoffed. "I don't daydream."
Neal rolled his eyes, forgetting that he was talking with Peter Pan. "Yeah right, with the way you jumped when I came in? What were you thinking about? You had a gleam in your eyes; it's a girl, isn't it?" Neal didn't know why he was participating in such playful banter, almost like he really was his own kid.
He shrugged in response, suddenly interested in his plate. Neal chuckled, swearing he could see a blush color the boys cheeks. "There is a girl, who is it? People don't get that look for just anyone." He really thought that he should have stopped there, not sure that he wanted to know, but something prevented him, almost like he cared. Almost.
Malcolm sighed, not seeing a point to hiding it. "Reyna Nolan."
Neal tensed at the name, but he wasn't surprised. "You know that her aunt and father are cops, right?" he said, referring to Emma, obviously they had to convince him that the two were related without informing him about magic, and David. Malcolm believed it easily. It would explain how she always got to walk freely.
"So how are you going to handle it?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow towards the seventeen-year-old. Pan narrowed his eyes, untrusting of adults. "We have a date," he stated shortly, "I was trying to think of where to take her before you rudely interrupted."
Neal couldn't believe what he was about to do. He felt bad when he found out, from Tink, that they were likely to be True Loves. They may be in a different life, but he thought that they stilled deserved something that not everyone found. He may have been evil, but as Malcolm, he was innocent and he didn't want someone else to lose their True Love like he had.
He was giving Peter Pan relationship advice. He was officially insane.
"Hey, Nolan!" she heard behind her, in a voice that made her stop, turning to glare at its owner. Malcolm came to a stop in front of her. "Our date shall be tonight, love, 7pm sharp. Shall I pick you up?"
Her nose wrinkled at the endearment. "Outside the loft complex, I'll be there," she said with ennui. He just smirked. "I can't wait to court thou then," he said, giving a dramatic bow.
"Am I expected to dress nicely?" she demanded, glaring at the horizon. She just wanted to get something to eat. She had spent the morning with Archie and did not want to spend any more time with Pan. She needed him to get off her back, and it seemed that a date was the only way.
"I do believe that that is customary behavior for a date, of course, I am always willing to continue to spend my days and nights seeking you out, I know how much you enjoy my company."
Her nostrils flared and she groaned. "Fine, I get it. Dress nicely."
He chuckled. "I've heard that it takes hours for girls to get ready, so I'll leave you be. Until tonight, love."
He turned and sauntered off, leaving her to glare at his back.
Felix watched the two as they sat side by side, not touching, Reyna looking immensely uncomfortable. It was all too obvious, in Felix's opinion, that the two were dancing on the fine line of being together.
Reyna sat ramrod straight next to Pan in front of the fire. She felt eyes on the back of her head, and she knew it was Felix, probably being his normally smug self, as he had been since he confronted her about the two sleeping together.
They sat in silence as they ate, Reyna's heart racing. They didn't really talk much anymore, her and Pan, especially after he showed her the hour glass controlling his life. It was mostly sex and tension filled silences.
Not that she minded, but she did, late at night when Pan was asleep. She would lie awake, just getting lost in her own thoughts until the tears would come. She would cry silently, no sleep evading her as her thoughts tormented her.
She was no better than her brother. They were fuck buddies, plain and simple. Not friends with benefits (they hadn't been friends before at least that is what she thought) and certainly not a couple– not that she wanted to be. That was all she was using him for, to fulfill her selfish desires, and they would pretend it didn't happen until she was pinned beneath him once more. And she was okay with it. She had always looked down on her older brother's tendencies, but here she was, following in his footsteps. She hated herself because of it.
The even bigger problem was what she wanted. She didn't want to pretend like it never happened, and she really wanted Pan to actually care about her. While it was hard for her to admit it, she had feelings for the older boy. She couldn't be good enough, and had she not been the only girl on island, she was sure that she wouldn't be Pan's first choice. She hated her insecurities, but she wasn't the prettiest girl, she was unhealthily skinny, and she had been a virgin until the first time they did it. How could that be what he would want? The tears fell harder.
When she thought that he was asleep, he would lie at her side, listening as she slowly broke down. A part of him wanted to comfort her, but he knew that it wouldn't do either of them any good. Did she hate him for defiling her? For taking away something she would never get back? For not expressing the feelings that he had worked hard to repress since he had discovered them years ago (was it really years?)?
They were just friends with benefits, a method of release for the both of them, and they were both fine with pretending that it never happened until he once again had the pleasure of kissing her, tangling his finger into her hair, feeling her soft skin, and taking her to bed once again. He hated that she would cry. He hated himself for not being stronger for her. He was a coward, and he knew it.
His feelings for her scared him, and he wanted nothing more than to act on them (in a way she actually deserved, them having sex wasn't what he saw– not in the way that they were going about it at least). He couldn't be good enough for her, and surely she didn't return his feelings. He was demonic and hateful (more than enough people have told him for him to get the hint– he prided himself on it. He is, was, truly heartless), and that wasn't something that a beautiful, intelligent, and loving but stubborn girl fell for.
He wished he could be better, but he wasn't about to change, it just wasn't him. He felt her begin to shake more violently, her chest heaving as she began to sob harder, though she was clearly fighting to remain silent. His nonexistent heart broke a little; she was better than this, she needed better, and he couldn't sit back any longer.
As naturally as possible for a sleeping person, he pulled her closer, snuggling his head in the crook of her neck, enveloping her in his arms in a way that he could only hope expressed what he couldn't out loud. Her tears continued to fall.
Felix, while he didn't like when they suddenly had the urge to go at it, thought that they made a very cute couple. They were practically attached at the hip, neither willing to let the other out of their sight. Even though they seemed like the last two people equipped to have a serious relationship, they worked perfectly, a deadly team that would give up everything for the other, even if they didn't know it yet.
He found it almost laughable the way that they balanced each other. She could keep Pan from going on an angry or jealous rampage (which happened quite often, especially with so many boys on the island and the pirate) and he protected her at all costs, even if they were in a cold bout from some argument. They were always touching in some way, both of their insecurities rearing their ugly faces as both feared losing the other, if only subconsciously (they hadn't admitted the true extent of their feelings yet).
He was always the middle man between the two, both coming for advice (like he knew the answer) or to complain, which was often because they were both obdurate. However, he didn't mind helping the two, taking great amusement in watching their relationship pan out (pun intended).
"And where do you think you're going?"
She paused with her hand hovering over the door knob, cursing under her breath as she spun to face her mother.
It was no shock that Snow became attached to the young girl that was acting as her teenage daughter. She had always wanted to be a mother, and while she wasn't a baby, she began to care for the girl like the young daughter she never got to watch grow up. David was having a harder time accepting it, but she could see his resolve slowing breaking.
"I'm going out," Reyna answered simply, eyeing her mother as she leaned over the kitchen counter with a mug of hot chocolate in hand.
"Dressed like that?" she asked with her eyebrows raised, a smile tugging at her mouth. Reyna looked down at her outfit.
It was a strapless dress, the top black, which showed off her cleavage, the flowing skirt blue and violet plaid that highlighted the color of her eyes. It stopped about midway down her creamy thighs, which were sheathed in black tights (that went over her feet) that disappeared into a pair of black stiletto ankle boots she had borrowed from Ruby. She had a long, black, lacy cardigan to cover her arms (and scars), and an across-the-body purse. She wore a silver chain that had her swan charm and a few other pieces which fell just about to her belly button (it was something she never took off though she didn't know where she got some of the charms from) and her ring that adorned her left ring finger. She had let Ruby do her hair as well, which fell in loose ringlets down her back.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Mum. I'll be back by midnight."
Snow rolled her eyes. "I thought that it was clear. You should change if you are going on a date."
Reyna scoffed. "Who said anything about a date? I'm going out with Ruby," Ruby had agreed to cover for her, "and I am entitled to wear what I want to."
Snow sighed, finding that it was useless. "Fine. Curfew is eleven, got it? No later."
Reyna held up her hands. "Alright, eleven it is. Can I go now?"
Snow nodded. "Have fun, sweetheart. Be safe," she said, knowing that Ruby wasn't always a part of the most appropriate activities.
Reyna hummed in response, quickly ducking out of the loft, wanting to get this night over with.
Malcolm Cassidy stood outside of the small apartment building where he had agreed to meet Reyna. He was dressed in dark wash jeans, a green t-shirt, and a black open button up on top, the sleeves folded up to his elbows. His hands were tucked in his pockets as he waited for Reyna, looking up at the sky as it darkened. A jacket was tucked under his arm incase Reyna got cold.
He turned as he heard the door open, his eyes widening as she stepped onto the pavement, closing the door behind her. She looked gorgeous. "Well, Nolan, you clean up quite nicely," he said with a smirk, mentally slapping himself.
She walked briskly towards him, crossing her arms and looking at her feet for a second, embarrassment flooding her as she felt her cheeks heat up at the almost-compliment. "You don't look half bad yourself, Cassidy," she said, stopping and looking him up and down before sighing, "Let's get this show on the road, hmm?"
Malcolm nodded, offering her an arm. She eyed it wearily for a second before threading hers through it, glaring at the floor as he began to lead her down the street, off to their first stop.
She couldn't stop the smile that formed on her lips, so she quickly used her glass of water to cover her mouth, taking a drink. They were in one of the nicer restaurants in town (of the four that existed) that was by the docks. Pan's eyes were gleaming brightly across the table, a mischievous grin on his face as he talked to her. She didn't think that it was going to be fun, but so far Pa- Malcolm had surprised her.
Killian Jones sat at a table across the restaurant, his fist clenching as he got the perfect view of that demon and his bloody sister. Tink sat in front of him, watching him wearily as she turned to see the two at their table. While it wasn't a date, Hook had offered to take her out to show her around town, but it was clear that he was going to spend the rest of the night following those two.
"She needs to put on more clothes," he snarled under his breath. Tink could have sworn that she saw a vein pop in his forehead. "And that demon only wants her because of it. She used to be smarter than this. What does she see in that?" he spat.
Tink sighed, running her hand across her forehead. "Maybe he isn't as bad to her as he is to everyone else," Tink offered, knowing it was true.
Hook scowled at her for a second before returning his glare to the other table. "Whose side are you on? Pan is a bloody demon; you should know that more than anyone!" She rolled her eyes at his tone, not bothering to answer him and instead taking a drink of the red wine on the table.
"Check!" he suddenly called, not taking his eyes off the couple that was now exiting. He swore under his breath as the waitress didn't move fast enough. He finally got outside, dragging Tink along, searching the docks and street for the two, growling when he saw that he had lost them.
He held the door open for her to go under his arm, letting her into the ice cream parlor, Any Given Sundae. She offered a smile as she walked into the small shop, straight to the display case in the center. She heard the bell ring as the door shut and sensed Pan walk up behind her.
The blonde shop owner came out from the back, her blue eyes brightening as she sees who had come into her shop. "Reyna! What a surprise. And who is this?"
Sarah Fischer was another person whom Reyna had befriended since regaining her memories. She came to the ice cream parlor almost every day after her therapy, and before she came after school.
Pan answered first, "Malcolm Cassidy, pleasure to meet you," he said with a charming smile. Sarah smiled, taking his offered hand and shaking it. She knew that he was actually Peter Pan. "Nice to meet you, I'm Sarah Fischer."
"We're on a date, Sarah, can I get one of the usual?" Reyna asked, returning both their attentions to her.
Sarah smiled and nodded. "And for you, Malcolm?"
He quickly scanned the case. "I'll try the rocky road," he said, deciding quickly.
She nodded again. "Why don't you two go take a seat, I'll bring them out to you. Waters as well?" Pan nodded, pulling Reyna by the hand to sit at one of the silver tables, a crystal chandelier hanging above them.
"Do you come here often?" he asked, not even realizing the cheesy pick-up line, truly curious as to why she was on such good terms with the shop's owner.
She chuckled and nodded. "Almost every day. Sarah and I get on quite well, especially when you get put in mandatory therapy because you've been arrested three times in three days," she sent him a playful glare at this, but the smile on her face showed that she didn't mean it.
"Alright, here you are. One rocky road and one death by chocolate, and two waters," Sarah said, placing down the cups before offering Reyna a bowl and Pan a cone. Malcolm moved to pull out his wallet. "Oh, no. It's on the house. Reyna eats free, and all first time customers as well."
Malcolm didn't look convinced, but Reyna nodded and he put his wallet away. Both accepted the dessert with a 'thanks', and Sarah gave them a smile, whispered something to Reyna that made her blush and glare that the table, before turning and moving to the back of the shop.
"Death by chocolate?" he asked, raising a perfect eyebrow. Reyna looked up, her face still slightly red, nodding. "It's an original, I talked her into making it after my first few visits. It has chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips and brownie, finished with a layer of homemade hot fudge."
He chuckled. "Death by chocolate indeed, by the sounds of it." She nodded enthusiastically, picking up her spoon and digging in. Pan followed suit.
"How is it?" she asked after awhile, taking a sip of water. He nodded, a smirk forming as he got an idea. "Want a taste?" he asked while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Never one to back down, Reyna offered her own smirk, winking.
She reached out, taking the cone from his hand, meeting his piercing gaze as she dragged her tongue over the cold surface, giving an exaggerated moan at its chocolaty flavor. He just raised an eyebrow. She took one last lick, purposely getting the creamy substance on her lips before offering it back. He grabbed it, never breaking eye contact, and she licked the chocolate from her lips in a slow, erotic way.
"Delicious," she said breathily before taking another drink of water, finally breaking eye contact. Malcolm stared for a second longer before he cleared his throat, shifting in his chair. She pursed her lips to keep from laughing at his dazed expression. "Want to try mine?" she offered, sliding the bowl towards him.
His face quickly became arrogant again. Two could play at that game. "How could I deny, love?" Her nose scrunched at the endearment, rolling her eyes.
He picked up the spoon, bringing it to his mouth, closing his lips and slowly pulling it out, slowly closing his eyes and groaning, nodding as he released the utensil with a pop. He met her eyes, smirking. "You have a sensational taste, love. In ice cream that is," he told her leeringly.
She coughed, pulling her bowl back and nodding absentmindedly as she dropped her eyes to her lap, pulling her lower lip between her teeth. Her face flushed from the implications of his words. They fell into a tension filled silence, though it wasn't completely uncomfortable.
It was broken by Sarah as she came out once more. "Reyna, sweetheart, would you take this home with you? It's been awhile since Emma came to get some for Henry, and I know these last weeks have been trying. Oh bless their hearts. It is his favorite if I recall, and I would love nothing more than to return the favor for all she does for our small town. Oh and how is it Malcolm?"
Reyna looked up, nodding as she worried her lower lip. Pan stared at her for second, his eyes lingering on her lips, before looking up and smiling. "It's absolutely delectable, Ms. Fischer, thank you."
She smiled back. "Such a gentleman, and please call me Sarah. You sure know how to pick them, Reyna. Will you be able to take these?"
Reyna shook her head to clear her thoughts. "O-Of course. I'm sure Henry will love it."
Sarah nodded. "I'll keep these in the freezer behind the counter. If I don't see you two before you leave, feel free to grab them out of there."
When she left, the two made eye contact, bursting out laughing at nothing in particular.
She didn't even notice when they had transitioned, him holding her hand and her chair sliding closer to him, she didn't even realize it had happened until much later. They ate and laughed, and it was the most fun she had had in a long time, and she honestly forgot that the boy in front of her had once tortured her and kidnapped her nephew. She was surprised at how easy it was to talk to him, and at some point he seemed to drop the conceited bad boy persona, something she liked immediately.
Sarah soon announced that she had to close up, telling them that it was just before ten. She was supposed to close at eight thirty. They had been there for nearly three hours. It only made them laugh harder as they collected the bag that she held out and walked from the shop. They still had an hour to waste.
Hook looked everywhere, but it seemed that he had lost them. He had dragged Tink around to all the hot spots in the little town, but none of them were where Reyna and run off to with that demon boy.
"Maybe they already went home. Can I at least leave if you insist on a man hunt?" Tink asked, not wanting to get anymore tangled up with Pan. He wasn't as bad as people made him out to be, but she was still scared of him.
"Pan wouldn't take her home! He'll probably kill her or break her heart or-"
"Hook! Listen!" she hissed, making the raging pirate fall silent. Laughing could be heard, and part of it was distinctly female. Hook paled and started off in that direction, his hand tight (not enough to hurt her) around her forearm as he dragged her in the direction of the sound.
He found them walking down the street, towards the park. He carefully followed them, trying to remain as silent as possible. He couldn't hear their conversation, and he ground his teeth in frustration. He hadn't liked them together centuries ago, and he sure as hell didn't like it now.
She sat on the swings, their interlocked hands held between them as they lightly swung. "I should probably get you home soon," he said, looking at his watch, "Your ice cream might melt."
She smiled at the bag in her lap, nodding. "My mum will be worried if I'm not home soon, but maybe we can talk for a little longer, I don't really want to leave yet."
"Of course, love, anything you want."
She got a soft smile as she kicked the sand that filled the playground, her nose wrinkling, like it always did. She then had an idea, jumping up and pulling on his hand. "I have somewhere we should go."
He raised an eyebrow, but followed her as she led him to a wooden castle a small ways into the forest. She climbed up a ladder, ignoring the metallic glint that she spotted at the base of the trees, shouting excitedly for him to follow.
He smiled as he climbed up, finding her crouching under the low ceiling. As he tried to straighten, he winced as his head banged into the ceiling, making a laugh bubble out of her, the sound joyous. He glared half-heartedly as he rubbed his swelling head.
She just grabbed his hands. "Sorry," she said through her laugh, and began pulling him. She crawled through a small tunnel before going up another small ladder.
She slowly lowered herself on the roof of the castle, removing her heels that were hurting her feet and pulling out the take out that she had convinced him to get her before Granny's closed. He settled into a seat next to her, bending his legs at the knee and resting his arms on them, looking up at the night sky that was filled with stars, the moon full and bright.
She offered him the small bag of onion rings, eating one of her own. He thanked her, taking a small handful and passing her the rest. She smiled, munching on the fried food in relaxed silence.
The crickets sang into the silent night, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they passed a grilled cheese back and forth, each taking a bite of varying sizes. Their hushed voices could be heard echoing as they whispered quietly, the seconds slowly ticking away as it neared eleven.
She didn't even notice that she was getting tired until her eyelids fluttered and her breathing evened out as she drifted off to sleep against him, leaving Malcolm's question unanswered.
She was shaken awake, groaning as she swatted the hand. "Five more minutes," she whined, hearing a chuckle sound at her words.
"As much as I would love to keep you in my bed, love, you were supposed to be home hours ago and Neal can only cover for so much longer," said an amused voice, which made her instantly feel wide awake as she jumped into a sitting position, coming face to face with Pan. She yelped, jumping, and she would have fallen off the bed had Pan not moved to catch her.
Her eyes darted around, and she spotted a clock on the nightstand, reading 10:37. She knew by the light outside that it was morning. She jumped out of the bed, hurriedly searching for her stuff. They were all resting neatly on a desk against the wall, and she hastily put on her shoes and jacket, hanging her purse on her shoulder. "I have to get home. Shit! Mum is going to kill me." She was just about to leave the room when he stopped her.
"Calm down, love. You fell asleep last night at the park. I carried you back here; I know you didn't want your parents to know that we were going out. Neal and Ruby agreed to cover for us, Ruby told them that she dropped you off here, concerned when you nearly passed out and she knew that she could trust Neal. Neal assured them that you were here and that I wasn't trying to seduce you. Not that I could if I wanted to, you sleep like the dead. The ice cream is in the freezer, and I only took off your shoes and outerwear, I promise. I may like to cause trouble, but I would never mistreat a lady in such a way."
She scanned his face, seeing that he wasn't lying. She allowed her breathing to slow, nodding. Pan smiled at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Neal has breakfast you can eat before you leave, I made him set aside a vegetarian plate if you are up for it."
She couldn't help but smile. She had never mentioned being a vegetarian, so it was sweet to see that he had paid attention. She shrugged, looking around uncomfortably. It was obviously the bedroom of a teenage boy, even if he had just moved to town a few weeks ago. "Since I'm already here, I might as well."
He grinned, grabbing her hand and pulling her from the room, leading her through a living room, the couch a mess– had he slept there to give her his bed?– and finally into the kitchen, where Neal sat at the table reading the newspaper and eating some scrambled eggs. He looked up when he heard them enter, offering a smile to her before eyeing their hands and giving Malcolm a hard look.
She took a seat, looking at the plate and giving a 'thanks' to Neal. He nodded, returning his attention to the paper. "You are welcome to use the bathroom before you leave if you want to change or something, Ruby left you a change of clothes when she stopped by. I can also drive you back to Mary-Margaret's if you would like, it wouldn't be any trouble."
She nodded, accepting the offer before tucking into her meal then leaving the two males at the table to go and change into Ruby's new outfit.
She walked out, finding the two in the living room, glaring at each other. Or, more correctly, Neal looking annoyed and Pan glaring daggers. "Uh. Am I interrupting something?" Both looked up at her, both of their faces softening. She just raised an eyebrow.
"No, no. You aren't interrupting anything," Neal said, shooting a look at 'his son', who was obviously checking out the girl. She was dressed like Ruby, a pair of black high-waisted shorts that went to the middle of her thighs. She wore a violet crop top with high-low trumpet sleeves that went well past her hands in the back. She wore her stilettos and the rest of her clothes were tucked under her arm. Her damp black hair was braided down her back.
She shuffled awkwardly, knowing that he was only trying to be nice. "Can I, um, can I get that ride now? I don't want to worry Mum any longer."
Neal nodded, getting to his feet. "Go get that ice cream from the freezer," he commanded Pan, who huffed and stormed towards the kitchen, his eyes lingering on Reyna for a second longer.
"I could have gotten it," she murmured, rubbing her arm. Neal waved her off. "Nah. The kid can handle it. I hope he treated you well last night."
"Oh! Yeah, he was great. I had a great time. Nothing to worry about. He was respectful but still," she cleared her throat, "I had fun, thanks for asking." Her eyes fell down to the ground again as she bit her lip, Pan entering at that moment and shooting Neal another glare as he moved towards her.
"Here's Henry's ice cream. I had a good time last night, but I understand if you don't want to go out again. I'll stick by my word, I won't bother you again," he offered a sad smile, trying to mask it with his usual arrogance.
She shook her head, looking startled. She opened her mouth to speak, stopping as she remembered Neal's presence. She shot him a pointed look. Neal, remembering when she had been his friend, held up his hands, walking backwards out of the house.
"I had fun, I really enjoyed it. If you want to, I… wouldn't mind if we went on a second date?" she said shyly, phrasing it like a question.
He smirked and nodded. "If I didn't know any better, I would think that you fancied me." She snorted, but let him continue. "I would love for the chance to take you on a second date, love. Next Saturday?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sounds good." She stepped forward, putting a hand on the side of his face. Even in heels she was still shorter than him, so she had to get on her toes to press her lips to his. It was a soft and simple kiss, but sweet nonetheless, a promise of more to come. She pulled back, squeezing his hand.
"I'll see you around, Malcolm."
He only nodded, lightly lifting his hand to brush his tingling lips as she turned her back on him and exited the apartment.