Hello loves,

I know, I know, last time I updated I said that I'm gonna come back to work on my first story. And I will. Definitely. And I already have the next Chapter written down. I just don't feel that it's finished just yet. Something is still missing. So as much as it pains me to say, you will have to wait a few more weeks. Probably.

But in the meantime, I have finally finished the first chapter to another story that plays in the back of my head for a long, long time. It's the beginning of hopefully something beautiful. That we can all enjoy.

A quick mention. In this story Bradford is still alive. He never had the heart attack, but a change of heart. So to speak. I just love to explore this idea.

And I already have a lot of content. It just needs a little bit of fine tuning. It will be maybe, probably as long as 'The Accident'. I hope you don't mind.

I hope you all enjoy your christmases and are able to spend it with your loved ones.

Love,

Steffi

Chapter 1

She likes him. Of course she does. He's her best friend after all. But lately she likes him in a totally different way. The little flutter in her stomach whenever he smiles at her, tells her that much. Or the way she blushes whenever he tries to check her out discreetly. Well, he's not discreet at all. Betty does notice his looks.

It's so many little things. All these years they were just friends. But all of a sudden, the little signs with 'Best Friend' and 'Not for you' written all over them, in capital letters, came down. They've been thrown out the window. And she's left almost speechless. About the way his smell makes her heart beat like crazy. Or how her palms get sweaty at the simple thought off him. But the worst is when he touches her. Her back or arm. Or when he lays his hand on her shoulder. Her heart skips a few beats before starting again, in a rapid rhythm. Her skin tingles like crazy and she's almost breathless.

It's maddening, really. She never felt like that. Well, that's not true. She did feel like this before. Though was it never this intense.

And she was never as distracted at work as she is right now. Her little Daniel-fishbowl making it so easy for her. To watch him work diligently. It's so attractive. At least to her. How serious he takes his job. How much he invests in it. He had a long way to go. But now? He rather works late and makes sure to have everything on schedule, then to go out and party like there's no tomorrow. And by the looks of it. He rather spends his evenings with Betty, then to go out on a date.

And it's not as if they would do some crazy or interesting things. They usually would work late together. Sitting shoulder to shoulder on the carpet in his office, eating takeout. Though most of the times they end up talking about everything else then work. It's great. Betty really loves it. The connection they have is just so unique.

It's such a long time ago, that they did that. Because when she became an Editor everything changed for them. They were friends, sure. Best friends, really. But they didn't spend that much time together anymore. And Betty can't help but miss him in her life. Three years they were almost inseparable. And all of a sudden that was history. No wonder it was so hard on them. And Daniel is an amazing guy to be around. He makes her feel seen and heard in a way no one else ever did or could.

And yeah, they are a lot flirtier. There's a cocky smile now and then and the fact that they are always kind of touching each other. They use every opportunity they can get. Whenever they walk together, Daniel would put his hand on the small of her back, but it's not just him. Betty is too taking every opportunity she can get. She would lay her hand on his arm and would always linger longer than necessary. They both would come up for excuses to touch each others arms, shoulders and once in a while even the face. It's weird. Good weird. The best kind of weird.

At the beginning Betty thought that it's just an effect of them missing each other and that it would wear off. But it doesn't. If anything, she thinks it's getting stronger.

And being back at her old desk was so much fun. Not only because their friendship was slowly transitioning into something totally new. But because they are such a great team. Always have been. And probably always will be. And Betty has everything so well managed, that it's easy for her to do the double workload. And she really doesn't mind it. It's quite the opposite. She loves to be so close to him at all times.

But she also feels as if they are stuck in between this very new and exciting thing for them. She is sure that they both know what's going on. They just both decided to not acknowledge the elephant in the room. Which is frustrating. He just doesn't seem to get her message. What more does she need to do? Does she need to rent a billboard? What is his deal? He can't possibly think that it's nothing? Or worse, that it's just a joke?

Well, whatever it is, this goes on long enough. And if he doesn't do anything about it? Then she for sure will.

He's a fool. He knows that. Because he can't seem to get his head out of his butt and ask Betty out already. He's so annoyed with himself. Because every single time he thinks of doing so, she takes his breath away and he freezes up. It's just the way she speaks. So animated. How her hands are flying through the air whenever she's explaining something? It's cute and adorable. And he loves nothing more then to hear her rant on about something important to her. Just like the other day, when she told him about this fundraiser thing for cancer.

Breast cancer to be exact. Having lost someone to the big 'C' connects them even more. He knows how hard it still wears on Betty to not have her mother around. How she still craves to tell her everything she's been through. And every little thing that happens to her. In person and not to a goddamn tombstone. She keeps saying that she would've loved for him to meet her mom. That they would've gotten along great, because they are so similar. She always says that he reminds her of her mother. And that's when the tears really start. And at first he didn't know what to do. Except for hugging her through it. But then he put on the worst mexican accent you ever heard and talked in a high pitched voice. Said something about finally being able to embrace his female mexican side. She bursted out laughing, almost snorted. And rubbing away the tears stains, she got up, got the empanadas out of her fridge and plopped back down next to him. Her smile the most loving he ever saw it. Mission accomplished. And eating the plain empanadas, she tells him, that she always steals food from her Papi whenever she's in Queens. She just grabs a box and smuggles left overs back to her apartment. Sure enough, he knows about it. But he never said anything.

They stayed there on her floor for the next half hour. Betty talking in a hushed voice, about how happy she is. How much she loves her family. How lucky she got. How lucky they all got. Her Papi having recovered so well from his heart attack and finding love again. And Hilda, who not only is so happily married to Bobby, but also has her own and very successful salon. Justin being the most amazing and fabulous kid in all of Queens. The strength to go through such a difficult phase in his life? Fearing that he has to deal with it alone? It's hard. No wonder he was always so wise beyond his age. He had to ask and deal with questions, no teenager should have to. You should just be and explore. No judgement and no pressure. But he handled it so well. She is so proud of him.

And that's the moment she first mentioned London to him. He had absolutely no clue. Tried as best as possible to stay focus and not panic. Because she never said anything. Didn't even mention the possibility. Betty reasons that she knew, that she would've never been able to leave everything behind. To leave her family and friends like that? She could never. Yeah, sure it was her dream job. But why did it have to be on a different continent? And apart from all that, she feels like she finally found her place at MODE. She wasn't ready to let that go. The real main reason for it was, that she almost suffocated when she thought about leaving Daniel behind. She had a full fledge panic attack. She couldn't breath. Her heart pounding like crazy. The pressure on her ribcage so huge, she felt as if her ribs were trying to burst out of her. The thought of not being able to see him everyday? To hear his warm laughter whenever she jokes about something, or the way he chuckles so adorably at these stupid fail videos DJ likes to email him? Yeah, she would've never survived the separation from him. Not that she would ever tell him that. Oh no, that's a secret she keeps to herself. At least for now.

And Betty, she understands what he went through with Molly. How hard it was to except her choice of not being treated. She was there. Not only when Molly was still alive, but also after she died and everything went back to normal. As if it ever could. His whole world was upside down. And Betty his only anchor. They talked about it a lot. Especially after the level 7 thing he opened up to her. He didn't feel comfortable to talk to someone he doesn't know. Like a psychiatrist or a grieve councillor. And Betty would just sit there and listen. Let him rant on about how unfair life is. How angry he is about loosing Molly like that. She was young and a good person. She was nice, she didn't deserve to go like that. She deserved a long, happy life. And most times, he would pace along his apartment, anger dripping from every pore of his being, because he didn't know where to go with it. That's when Betty suggested boxing. Maybe it would help him to deal with it. Not the grieve, but his anger. And it did. He felt so much better punching death in the face. But he also realized one important little thing. One he never talked to Betty about.

If Molly was still alive, what would've happened? He has feelings for Betty. He can admit that to himself now. Hell, he hopes that he can admit that to her soon. And he can't help but feel, that that is how it's meant to be. That maybe they needed to grow up and turn into the persons they're supposed to be, before they can be together. But where does Molly fit into all of this? Was she a lesson for him to learn? Was she an experience he had to go through to grow from it? Or if not, and everything would've turned out different. What if she would've lived, would he have broken her heart? Because he can't imagine his life without Betty. And the need he feels to be close to her is so overwhelming. Like nothing he ever felt before.

Maybe he would've done the noble thing and stayed with her. Though knowing himself, he knows that he would've probably broken her heart. Not on purpose, of course, but he would've done it nonetheless. Because he loved her, yes. To this day it was the most intense love he felt for someone else. But then he realized what Betty really meant to him. How important she is. The way he would put her life over his own is scary. How willingly he would harm himself, if only she stays safe.

So for the last four days, he sat at his desk, watching his temporary assistant turned best friend through the fishbowl glass of his office and was contemplating what the hell he should do about it. Maybe he should ask her out? Isn't there a business trip coming up? A long weekend? Maybe he could ask her to come along. There are so many things here that keep holding them back. At least that's how he feels about it. But maybe it's just him that's holding them back. Maybe he's just too chicken. She likes him for crying out loud. She would never flirt with him if she doesn't. So what the hell is he waiting for? She's single and he can't think of anyone else but her. Because boy he wants to get closer to her. So badly. It's all he can think about lately.

Especially on slow days like today. The new issue is out and they haven't assigned the new projects for next months issue. There is not much he can do on those days. Except for hanging on his own thoughts. Which nowadays revolve around his best friend. It's maddening. But as annoying as it is to not have all the answers. It at least gives him a lot of time to think about Betty and how beautiful she looks in today's royal blue dress.

Or how beautiful she looks working so concentrated at her desk. How she chews on her lower lip when she tries to figure something out. The way she twirls a strand of her hair around her right index finger. Before all of a sudden her whole face would light up and she tips away like a maniac. It's all very mesmerizing. At least for Daniel. He could sit here and watch her all day. What a great thing to get paid for.

But then all of a sudden said best friend stands up and walks in his direction. Shit, shit, shit, look busy. Weren't there a few notes she threw on his desk this morning? Hopefully she didn't catch him staring at her. Where the hell are they? He will never hear the end of it. Wasn't he supposed to get over them?

Daniel frantically searches for the goddamn reports. Something to go over to make him look busy and not like he was just sitting here and ogling his assistant. But then it's too late and she stands in front of his desk. In that awful royal blue dress, that hugs her in all the right places. God, how he loves that dress and the way it brightens her olive skin. It really messes with his head. He should do something, before he internally combusts. If she just wouldn't be so gorgeous. Time to play it cool, Meade.

Waving her hand in front of his face, she smiles her cute little smile at him. He shakes himself out of his stupor and clears his throat. Tries to act as natural as possible.

'Sorry, what did you say?'

'What were you looking for? You seemed kind of desperate'

'Oh, uhm, you know, the files you gave me this morning? I wanted to go over them', he tries to white lie his way out of it. But her snicker confuses him.

'You mean the files you already went over? The ones I put back?', her small mischievous smile is distracting. And right now when he tries to come up with an excuse, it's kind of annoying. Well, a teeny tiny bit.

'What do you want, Betty? Why did you come in my office in the first place?', he mock-glares at her and fakes annoyance. And she understands. Her cute little snicker tells him that. She enjoys this. Seeing him flustered and rambling. It's definitely a first. She can't remember in the four years that she knows him, that she ever saw him blush. But right this second, a soft rosé blush is creeping up his neck and settles on his cheeks. Tinting them in the most enticing way. Who would've thought that Betty Suarez can make Daniel Meade blush?

'I only wanted to ask, if you want another coffee. I was getting one myself and thought I could catch two birds with one stone', she explains still smirking.

'Oh, you know what, I'll come with you. I could use the distraction', he says smiling and gets up. What the hell is he doing? Sure, get even closer to her. Perfect recipe to make an even bigger fool out of himself. And he mentally slaps himself across the face.

Taking their cups, they make their way over to the staff kitchen.

'Is everything alright, Daniel? You seem very distracted lately', she says worried, when she pours the coffee.

'Yeah, everything's fine. Just thinking, you know', he distracts himself with the cream and sugar. Doesn't look up on purpose. Because she can read in him like a book. A freaking open book. No seals, no foreign language and no sticky sites. It would be the most annoying thing, if he wouldn't be so elated about the fact, that she just knows him that well.

'You sure? You know, you can tell me when something's wrong?', she says, her hand lays warm on his arm. And he just had to look up. God, the way she looks at him. Her brown eyes so warm and caring. Liquid chocolate melting into cerulean blue. It's hard to not get lost in them. They are so full of love and passion. The way she cares is mind-twisting and his heart skips one or two excited beats. And he really hopes that this is the effect Betty has on him lately and not the fact, that he may has inherited his fathers heart problems. Maybe he should seek out an cardiologist.

'Daniel? Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? You kind of zoned out on me again', she says handing him his coffee.

And making their way back to his office, he thinks maybe it's ok. She of all people will understand. She always does. And in that moment he made a choice. He will ask her. He has nothing to loose, right? Except for the best friend he ever had? No, no, they are fine. Better then fine. And looking up into her bright brown eyes, the small smile on her face so sweet and understanding. He chickens again. He can't risk this.

'It's nothing, really', he says, eyes downcast. God, he's a jerk. He saw the hopeful glint in her eyes. But ignored it nonetheless. Why? She couldn't possibly spell it out more for him. Well she could. She could hold up a sign that says 'Ask me out already, dumbass' or simply ask him herself.

'Oh, okay. Well, you know where to find me', she says, throwing a small smile over her shoulder, before making her way back to her desk. And he heaved a deep sigh and walks over to his office door.

It's getting ridiculous. She just simply doesn't understand. Is she too subtle? Is he getting mixed feelings from her? Is she so hard to read? She really thought that she's making it pretty clear. Well, she knows for a fact that she's obvious. Amanda of all people keeps telling her to finally claim her man. That it's getting annoying to watch them dance around each other.

And now it's Friday night and she lays awake in her bed and doesn't know what to do about it. She tried to sleep. But thinking about Daniel and this whole mess kept her up. And there's no way she's getting any sleep soon. Taking a sideways glance on her bright coloured alarm, she gets an idea. This could work. If he's still awake. But when he's anything as frustrated as she is, he will be. And she could use his weakness of not being able to say 'No' to her to her advantage.

So before she can talk herself out of it, she grabs her phone, sends the message and literally jumps into her clothes and out of her apartment. To race against her chosen finish line. Now's the only question if he'll really meet her there. And if he finally got the message she sent for the last four weeks. But is he willing to finally do something about it?

'You pretty much nailed it', when she hears his voice she turns around, smiles brightly at him. So he couldn't sleep either.

'I know. You were the wildcard. I wasn't sure if you would be awake', leaning back against the railing, she watches him walk over to her. And smiles at him warm and open.

'We never came back here', Daniel says under his breath when they take their places.

'So much has changed since then', Betty whispers back, looks at the reflection of them in the water.

'Yeah', he says wistfully. She feels his eyes on her. Almost penetrating. As if he would like to see what's going on underneath her skin. As if he wants to look bone deep. 'You know, I always wondered if we would ever come back here'

'I have an astonishing deep sleep', she bumps their shoulders together, try's to lighten the suddenly oh-so-serious mood.

'Betty...', he chuckles. 'You know what I mean. I know that I wasn't the most reliable person. But I'm always there for you. I hope you know that'

It's incredible what a change of scenery can do. Being back here with him. Where their friendship really began. Having this kind of memories? It makes her smile at him. Remembering him from four years ago? How he stood exactly there and told her that she's better then any model.

It left a mark on her, she can't deny that. Having him in her life listening, seeing her, wanting her friendship? Even back then it had a mind-twisting effect.

'What?', he smiles at her, sees the little blush creeping up her cheeks.

'Nothing, I just thought about the last time we were here', her smile turns more mischievous.

'What is that smile all about?', his delight by her playful mood is very obvious. And when he mindlessly takes her hand in his and squeezes it softly, her heart skips a quick beat.

'I just remembered how you tried to convince me to go after Henry', smiling at him, she examines his posture. How he straightens up, a soft chuckle under his breath. The little shake of his head before breathing out a deep sigh.

'Of all the things we talked about that night, that's the one thing you remember?'

'No', she shakes her head and when she turns around finds him already looking at her. 'It's one off the things I remember. Not the only one'

And giving herself a little pep talk, she scratches up all her courage and ignores her racing heart. Because this is it. She invited him here for a reason. Hoping that they could finally talk about what's going on between them. Or just move on. And she knows that he knows that. So she takes a last encouraging deep breath. And finally acknowledges the elephant in the room.

'Daniel/Betty, we need to talk', they both blurt out at the same time. They look at each other for a few seconds, before softly chuckling together.

'Sorry, you go first', they speak again in unison. And Betty has to laugh softly.

'We suck at this', Betty laughs and Daniel just stands there and admires the view in front of him. Betty looks so lovely. Her slightly wrinkled outfit. She must've been in such a hurry when she got ready. The soft blush on her cheeks and the bright shine in her eyes are absolutely brilliant. She never looked more gorgeous.

'You look so beautiful, Betty', he says soft. He couldn't held it in any longer. Softly intertwines their fingers.

'Thank you', she says small, the blush intensifying on her cheeks.

'I love it when you blush', he keeps blurting out.

'Really?', she says insecure. 'I hate it when I blush'

'Yeah, I really love it', he sighs. His hand softly cups her cheek, thump drawing little circles. And when she closes her eyes and leans into his hand, his heart nearly stops beating. This is what they both want. It's not just Daniel. He knew that before, otherwise Betty would've never flirted with him. But it's nice to see, that he has the same effect on her, than she has on him.

And when he looks down into her eyes, Betty feels it deep in her core. He is searching for something. Consent? Reciprocation? God, does she has to put up a sign? But then he starts to nod to himself and something changes in the depth of his cerulean eyes. He made a decision. And all of a sudden he completely turns around to her, his right hand never leaving her cheek. His thumb gently draws little circles. The touch so soft, that the goosebump makes her shiver.

And then his lips are on Bettys, soft but confident. With Daniel's hold on her face never wavering. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't escape. Not that she wants to in this moment. And while he keeps her face as close to his own as possible, her hands slowly travel around his waist to pull him closer to her. The heat coming from him almost burning her sensitive skin, even throughout all the different layers of clothing they're wearing. And she's in a trance. They're lips are tangled up in the most beautiful dance she ever had. And somewhere in the back of Bettys mind, the mere idea of a thought springs to life. The thought that this is what she wanted all this time. This is what she needed. To be this close to him. Her whole being screamed at her. To stop being stupid and finally admit to him and herself, that he's more then just a friend.

But then the need for air is so overwhelming that she has to entangle her lips from his. But the newfound closeness is too precious to move out of his embrace. So she puts their foreheads together and immediately misses the tingling feeling that his lips leave on hers.

When Betty finally opens her eyes, the tip of her tongue traces her swollen lips, frustratingly slow. Which causes Daniel to groan under his breath. His eyes are ablaze, the grip around her waist gets increasingly stronger and his breath as shallow as her own. And she is at a loss for words. She just had the most wonderful kiss with her best friend of all people.

Yeah, that is exactly how she feels. Betty is full of wonder over what just happened.

'Sorry...', he finally says.

She shakes her head, chuckles under her breath, silently forgives him for taking her breath away, quickening her pulse and weakening her knees.

'I wanted to do that for such a long time', his breaths are still ragged.

'Me too', she huffs out, pulls him even closer to her and brings one of her hands up and gently strokes his cheek. His eyes are immediately searching hers again, and this moment is perfect. Because the joy in his eyes is rivalling her own happiness. And time finally stands still. They are in their own little calm bubble. There's nothing in this world, that could burst it. And just like that she lets her hand slide to the nape of his neck and up into his hair. And with a soft pull brings his lips back down to hers.

Their second kiss is slow. Everything about him is so knew to her. Every little dent or crevice she feels under her fingertips is precious. And Betty can't get enough. To this day, she would've said that she knows almost everything there is to know about this man in front of her. But this? Betty's more than excited to explore this side of him.

She can feel his hands on her lower back and around her shoulders, pulling her further into his body. And while their tongues duel for dominance she lets her hands wander freely over his broad back and shoulders. Grips his hair and gently tugs at it. The little groan escaping his throat hits Betty deep in her core and she can't suppress the moan rising up.

Maybe she should be scared. What's going to happen now? He is still her boss and they're working at MODE of all places. The rumour mill extraordinaire. This could take a really nasty turn. Especially with Wilhelmina. And then there is his father. He probably needs to know. They are after all breaking the company policy. But then they come back up for air and his hands keep clutching her to him, as if he would fear that she could disappear any second. And she knows that it doesn't matter. As long as they're in this together, they can make it work.

'Wow, I'm so glad you finally got my message', Betty breaths out.

'Yeah...', he agrees, nuzzling his nose in her hair.

Her right hand in his neck is still playing with the short hair, while the left hand is palming his cheek, thumb drawing little circles. And he slowly turns his head around and kisses her palm soft and sensual.

'Do you have any idea what you do to me?', he whispers to her. Biting her lower lip, she shakes her head 'No', big eyes directed at him. 'God, Betty, I'm absolutely crazy about you'

'I'm crazy about you too', she says looking up to him.

'Lately I can't notice anyone but you. And first I thought there's something seriously wrong with me. Thinking about you, my best friend, like that. But I couldn't help myself', his nose buried in her hair, he's taking in her scent. Lets it calm him down effectively. As intoxicating and heart-rate-inducing it is to be so close to her. Hers is such a familiar fruity scent. For three years he always smelled her in the air. Whenever she came into his office to give him some folders, when he walked by her desk or if they would walk together through the offices. It calms him down knowing she's close by and safe. 'God, you smell amazing, Betty'

'You know, at the beginning I tried to talk myself out of feeling anything for you as well. I told myself that I'm probably just confused or lonely', Betty chuckles softly. 'It's ironic, isn't it?'

'That we both thought that this was wrong?', he chuckles. 'I would call it stupid. How could something that feels so right be wrong?'

'Which makes it ironic. Point proven', she states matter of factly. 'Which, by the way, is completely us. We avoid to talk about it, and when we finally do, everything sort of falls into place, you know? That was always one of my most favourite things about our friendship', she brightly smiles at him.

His hand cups her face and he's placing a little peck on the top of her nose. 'Look at that face. You look happy'

'Because I am, I could burst of happiness right now', and she smiles even brighter.

'Yeah, me too', his crooked smile so sexy, so boyish. And after it took her breath away for a second, she can't keep it in anymore. Betty yawns big. The tiredness hitting her like a train in full speed motion.

'Okay, I'm gonna bring you home. You should get some sleep', he lets go of her and she immediately shivers. Misses the closeness and the unlimited amount of body heat that he radiates. But he slings his arm around her and pulls her into his side, before starting to walk over to her apartment.