Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Ugly Betty.

A/N: Thanks so much for the wonderful reviews everyone!

Manhattan, January 2008

"We did good didn't we?" Daniel's eyes swept down his assistant's face, relishing in her bright smile.

"Yes, we did," Betty beamed, "and I just want to say, on behalf of all girls who wear over-sized t-shirts to pool parties...thank you, Daniel." He gazed down at her, the appreciation in her eyes and look on her face sped his heart up a bit. She looked absolutely wonderful. Daniel averted his gaze as his breath caught in his throat at the thought. He let out a small sigh, meeting her brown eyes again.

"It was my pleasure," he replied, his mouth suddenly feeling devoid of moisture. He extended his arm to her with a grin, in an effort to break the silence. Betty gladly accepted, and walked up the runway with him, as he ignored the raging butterflies in his stomach.

April 24, 2010

Apartment of Betty Suarez

Betty sat a couple of gifts down on the table, turning to watch Daniel close the door behind him. "You want me to sit this in here?" he motioned to the birthday cake he held on his right arm. "Yeah, that's fine," she nodded.

"Daniel I can't thank you enough for the party. You really made my birthday unforgettable," she smiled up at him, suddenly feeling shy around her best friend.

"You know you don't have to thank me. I wanted to do this...you deserve it. Plus... it's all worth it if I get to see that smile on your face," Daniel explained, his heart leaping into his chest as she tip-toed to give him a hug. Her hair brushed up against his neck. He subtly breathed in, the light mango scent automatically becoming his favorite. Betty started to pull away, and he reluctantly loosened the grip he had on her. He stared into her eyes, studying them carefully. It seemed like her chocolate depths went on forever.

"You're a great friend, Daniel," Betty broke the silence, grinning up at him.

"Guess I'm just trying to be more like you," he replied.

"That's… what makes it so hard for me to tell you this," Betty started fidgeting with her hands and bit her lower lip. Daniel frowned. "What is it? You're making me nervous," he watched her. This was obviously big news. "I've been offered another job."

Daniel felt his heart sink. The last few minutes surely had brought on a whirlwind of emotions. "You what? Where?"

"The New York Review," she told him, wishing she could ignore the hurt expression on his face.

"Wow. Betty…that's…great," he forced himself to smile. He was happy for her. He really was…he just-

"So you're going to take it, I assume?"

"I'm leaning towards yes. It is a great opportunity," she shrugged, watching him nod. "Well...you know I support you in whatever you choose. It doesn't sound like you should pass this up," Daniel nervously tapped his hand on a table chair.

"What's wrong with him?" Gabrielle wondered, looking at the anxious young man.

"He's nervous. He doesn't want Betty to leave because they've gotten so close, but he also isn't the kind of person that would hold her back," Joseph explained.

Betty studied his demeanor for few moments, frowning. "What is it?"

"It's..." he started to say nothing, but saw the look in her eyes. She knew him too well to believe that. "You know I don't want you to go. Things wouldn't be the same without you," Daniel admitted, seeing a small grin pulling at her lips. "I wouldn't either," he added, locking eyes with her.

"You wouldn't?" she questioned, subconsciously playing with the lace fringe of her undershirt.

"No. Even though you're not my assistant anymore, knowing you're in close proximity..." he shrugged, "oh I don't know. Makes me feel at ease, I guess." Daniel gave her a lopsided grin, the kind smitten schoolboys wear after a first kiss.

Betty fiddled with her hands and glanced down at them. "Well if I did take the job, it's not like I'd be a world away. Manhattan isn't that big, ya know. Just a lot of people. We'd still see each other," she pushed her frames up the bridge of her nose. He'd miss seeing her do that.

"I suppose you may have a point," Daniel stepped a few inches closer to her.

"I know I have a point," Betty crossed her arms over her chest, doe brown eyes staring directly up into his blue. Daniel smiled at her attempt at a smart ass remark, noting how cute she looked. He noticed a couple eyelashes about to fall into the chocolate heaven known as her eyes. Lucky bastards.

"You have a lash right here," he pointed to it on his eye, watching her unsuccessfully wipe at it a few times.

"Here," Daniel removed her glasses and brushed his thumb against her eyelid, resting his hand under her chin.

"Did you get it?" she reopened her eyes, suddenly realizing she was close enough to see her reflection in his eyes and smell the remnants of his aftershave. Daniel realized he may have been invading her personal space and widened the small gap between them.

"Yep," he handed red rimmed glasses back to her. "Thanks," she gave him a smirk, watching as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He focused his eyes back on her, reaching out and squeezing her shoulders gently. "Look Betty, it'd be crazy of you to give this opportunity up. It's a once in a lifetime thing. I just want you to know...having you as my assistant was truly a godsend. I wouldn't have survived without you there. You already know that, but it doesn't hurt to hear it," he grinned at her. "But having you as a friend- I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Betty swallowed hard, humbled by the honesty in his eyes and touched by his sincerity. She walked into his arms, allowing them and the scent of cologne to encircle her. Betty released a content sigh.

"Thanks Daniel," she leaned back to look at him but didn't break the embrace, "you're the best, too."

"What's going on?" Gabrielle wondered. "Things are about to change," Joseph promised.

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Next chapter up soon :0) Happy Holidays!