Extra - One of a Kind (Pt. 2)
Charming In Handcuffs
"How late did you stay up?" Jack asked as I walked out of our bathroom.
"Four." I grumbled and boosted myself up on one of the bar stools. "Mr. Pearson's papers are the worst." I flicked a strand of hair out of my face that fell from my messy ponytail.
Jack walked around the bar to my side and handed me my cup of coffee. He kissed the side of my head, like he does every morning. "When I get home I'll make you feel better."
I lifted my eyes to gaze at him through my eyelashes. "Depends on what you have in mind." I took a sip of the coffee and sat it down.
"I do see cuddling in the future." His lips tugged into a grin.
"What else?" My lips twitched from fighting my smile.
He took a sip of his own coffee. "Chinese food?"
Now I grinned. "Add Captain America and we have a date."
"It's a date then." He drank the last bit of his coffee and picked up his bag from the side of the bar. He slung it across his body and walked up to me. "What time are your grandparents and Lindy supposed to be here?"
"They'll be here tomorrow morning and then we have to go find a wedding dress. My grandma wants to wait until we go back to Georgia next month to make any other wedding plans. And my dad should be here tomorrow before dinner."
He smiled. "Did you tell them the date yet?"
"Yep. My grandma loves the idea of a spring wedding of course."
Jack leaned in and kissed me quick. "I can't wait to marry you."
My cheeks warmed. "Right back at you, McKinnon."
He kissed me again, but longer this time. "I love you."
"I love you."
"How much?"
"To the moon and back twice."
He laughed lightly and backed away to the door. "I'll see you tonight."
I nodded and he left.
Jack and I have been living together for two months. We really couldn't be happier. Of course, we have normal couple fights, but nothing serious. It's mainly over what to have for dinner or whose turn it is to do the dishes. Or sometimes Jack will have a rough day, or I will, and we tend to take it out on each other. We've never stayed mad longer than two hours.
We'll be getting married in April next year. It took forever to pick an actual date. We finally decided together on April. Why we didn't think of that before is beyond me. My grandma is super excited about it being in April. Her and my grandpa were married in the spring and she thinks it's the perfect time.
I didn't think I could be as happy as I am now. My dad and I are on great terms, Jack and I are getting married soon, and everything just feels right. Waking up with Jack and falling asleep next to him everyday and night is so much better than expected. This studio apartment is our own personal bubble that we don't leave as often as we should.
He does take me on dates though. And they're usually impromptu, which is even more exciting to me.
Today is Friday and Friday's are always the best day of the week. And I couldn't wait for my grandparents to get here with Lindy tomorrow. Even though I was nervous about finding a dress. I haven't even thought about looking and that's sad. I've been so caught up with my schoolwork, I forgot.
And of course I'm excited to see my dad too.
With my school, I'm going online for my first year here and then I'll apply for a local college for my final year. It's been easy going online, but I do miss actually getting ready for school. I don't miss the uniforms though.
Jack's happy with his school and he's doing fantastic. He's been writing a book, but still won't let me read it. He says he needs to finish it before I'm allowed to read it, but he sends his mom chapters all the time. He always tells me her feedback with a giant smile on his face and it makes me smile too.
* * *
I don't remember falling asleep until I felt a hand on my back. "Juliet." Jack's voice whispered.
I raised my head up from the desk and rubbed my eyes. "Sorry." I murmured, "Did you just get home?" I blinked away the blurriness and looked at him.
"Yeah." He spoke softly, "I brought dinner."
I smiled sleepily. "I'm starving."
"You just woke up." He teased.
"I'm psychic." I stood and followed Jack into the living room where he had sat the food on top of the coffee table. We sat on the couch and Jack was quick to start the movie. He handed me a take out box of Lo Mein and a pair of chopsticks. "How was your day?" I asked before taking my first bite.
"Good." He answered once he swallowed his bite. "Just tired."
I nodded in agreement.
When we finished eating, I curled up with Jack on the couch. He curled against my back with an arm taut around my waist. I was watching the movie intently and I knew Jack fell asleep when I heard his soft, even breathing.
My eyes were still burning from not getting much sleep this week. But I managed to finish the movie without falling asleep.
Sometimes it already felt like Jack and I were already married. We're connected on a level I didn't even know existed. This person that's lived next door to me almost my entire life is the person I'm going to be married to soon. He's the same person tangled up with me on our couch in our apartment. There are times when I just think about the time we've spent together and how crazy and real our relationship really is.
And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Jack.
My thoughts cut off when I felt him stir behind me. But he settled again, letting out a long breath. I turned on my other side to face him, but he was still asleep. I lifted a hand, brushing my fingertips over his cheek. It made his arm tighten gently around my waist.
I smiled and kissed his forehead.
He snuggled closer, nudging and tucking his head under my chin. I weaved my fingers through his hair and he sighed. "Let's go to bed."
"Isn't it still early?"
"If you're tired, you're tired." My fingers stilled in his hair, "Come on." I moved out of his arms slowly and stood up. Jack followed and we made our way to the bed. Jack stepped on the platform and pulled his sweater over his head. I walked to the dresser and pulled out a tank top and pajama shorts.
Ten minutes later, we were ready for bed. I crawled in beside him and he already had his arms open for me. And of course I didn't hesitate to cuddle into them. He kissed me goodnight and told me he loved me like he wouldn't get another chance before we both fell asleep.
* * *
The next day rolled around and my grandparents and Lindy should be here soon. I was already showered and dressed for the day, waiting patiently. "Are you sure you don't care hanging out with my grandpa today? He'll honestly do anything."
"Of course I don't mind." He smiled. "I have spent time with him before, Juliet."
"Yeah, but when you were five doesn't count and you haven't been alone."
Jack chuckled and walked around the bar. He cupped my face, his thumbs fluttering over my cheeks. "We'll be fine, I swear. We've always gotten along. So don't worry."
I bobbed my head once and pushed a smile.
He pecked my lips once. "And before you can say anything about dinner, that'll be fine too. Everything will be fine. I know you like to worry too much."
I sucked in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I just like things to be perfect."
"I know that too." His lips curved up and his thumbs still idly brushed over my cheeks, "We'll be here when you get home."
Then there was a knock on the door.
Jack kissed me again and released me so I could get to the door. I swung it open and was immediately swallowed in hugs. Lindy had her arms tight around me, hugging me tightly. "I missed you."
I hugged her back. "I missed you too, Lindy."
Once she let go and walked inside, I hugged my grandparents even tighter. "I'm so glad you guys are here."
My grandma kissed my cheek and I stepped back. "We're very happy to be here."
I moved out of the doorway to let them in. Lindy was talking to Jack and my grandparents joined them. My grandma was the first to pull him into a tight hug and my grandpa just shook his hand. I'd get them to hug one day.
We all talked for a bit, catching up on anything new. There would be more time for that at dinner tonight.
Jack left a small kiss on my temple and I left with my grandma and Lindy. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to leave Jack alone with my grandpa. I think it'd be worse to leave Jack alone with my dad and my grandpa.
There was a small boutique not far from the apartment, so we walked a few blocks instead of taking a cab. "Are you nervous?" Lindy asked, looping her arm through mine.
"Not so much." I answered honestly, "Definitely more excited than anything."
"I'm excited for you. I can't believe you're getting married. And especially to Jack McKinnon. Do you remember when we sat in your kitchen and you told me he wasn't your type?"
I laughed at the memory. "Well clearly things have changed."
"And for the better."
We walked into the first shop and all I could see were wedding dresses. They were displayed in the windows, hanging on the racks, and there was a woman standing in front of a mirror with tears in her eyes with who I'm thinking is her mother.
A younger woman walked up to us with a huge smile. "Welcome. Who's the bride?"
"I am." I spoke softly without meaning to.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?" She held a smile.
I thought for a second and shook my head. "I guess anything that just sticks out to me." I spoke stronger now.
She waved a hand over the length of the store. "Well have a look and my name is Holly, if you need anything, just let me know."
Once she disappeared, my grandma steered me towards a rack full of dresses.
This was going to be a long day.
* * *
Five shops and three hours later, I didn't find my perfect dress. After the last shop, we found a small place on the corner close to the apartment to have lunch.
My grandma looked at me with a sad smile. "I think I have something that could solve your dress problem."
"I'll do anything." I sighed and laughed.
Her smile widened. "I still have my dress. It wouldn't be hard to tailor at all."
"Grandma, I don't think a dress from the sixties will be any better."
Lindy laughed and my grandma's smile didn't falter. "I think you would be surprised, Juliet." She took a sip of her tea, "When you come to Georgia, I'll show it to you if you can wait that long."
I nodded timidly. "I'll give the dress a chance for you."
She reached over the table and put a hand over mine. "Thank you."
Our food came a few minutes later. We talked and ate and had a good time. It was nice having them here. When I first moved here, I did get horribly homesick for about two weeks. I do still get homesick and I'll start missing my grandparents. Jack always made me feel better, but it was always a dull ache in my chest.
It doesn't compare to the feeling I had when I wasn't around Jack for months at a time. Jack is also home to me and without him there, it was completely home. So maybe I was homesick before I even knew what it was.
* * *
Jack made reservations at a restaurant that was also close to our apartment. It was one of my favorite places. My dad should be here any minute and I couldn't wait to see him. I haven't seen him since Christmas last year, so it's been too long.
We sat around the table, I'm next to Jack, the other spot next to me is empty for my dad, and Lindy sat across from me between my grandparents. Jack reached for my hand under the table, wrapping his fingers around mine. He squeezed gently to ease my mind. I wasn't sure why I was nervous. People I love more than anything surround me, I'm fine.
Moments later, my dad showed up. I stood and hugged him before he could get a word out. "I'm so happy you're here." I squeezed him.
He laughed and hugged me back just as tight. "I'm happy to be here and so happy to see you." He pulled back and put his hands on my shoulders, "It still amazes me how much you look like your mother every time I see you."
I smiled. "Thank you."
"She'd be really happy for you."
My eyes burned and I nodded. "I know she would."
He kissed the top of my head and greeted Jack with a firm handshake. He said hello to my grandparents and Lindy before taking the seat beside me.
A waitress came and took our drink orders and then our food orders. Conversation fell over the table easily. Laughs were shared, random stories, and even some of my embarrassing baby pictures my dad had in his wallet.
When our food came, we continued our conversation while eating.
"Should we be expecting any grandkids soon?" My grandma asked.
It was literally the worst timing. Just as I was swallowing, she asked and I choked a bit. Jack patted my back and handed me my water. I took in a gulp and put a hand to my chest. "That came out of no where." I gasped for a breath.
All she did was grin. "Well I'd like to have great grandkids one day."
"I don't know how I feel about being a grandpa." My dad piped in.
Jack's hand rubbed circles on my back. "We haven't even talked about having kids. We aren't even married yet."
My grandma still had a smug smile.
"You guys would make gorgeous babies." Lindy said, taking a sip of her drink.
Jack laughed beside me and I looked over at him. "What are you laughing at?"
"I'm just thinking about a kid running around the house that looks like you."
His response kind of surprised me. "You want kids?"
"Of course." His lips curved, "Maybe not three years ago, but I can see us having kids in the future. I agree with Lindy. We would make pretty cute babies."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I think we should get a dog first."
Jack laughed and leaned in to give me a quick kiss. "Whatever you want, Princess." He whispered.
Once we got off the subject of Jack and I having kids, we caught up with Will and how work was going. Lindy filled us in on her life and then my grandparents. Everything still felt the same even though I wasn't there and Will wasn't here. Lindy and James are still off and on and at this point; I think they should just stay in the off area. They get along but only for so long before they clash.
We talked about the wedding and the plans. They're still the same as they were a month ago. Jack wants to have it in my grandparents' backyard with only close family and friends. A small, simple wedding we both agreed on. Small, simple, easy, but means more than anything. Jack wants to make sure I get the wedding I want, but I also want him to have the wedding he wants.
* * *
I walked out of the bathroom of our apartment in nothing but one of Jack's t-shirts. "Did you have a good time tonight?" I asked, stepping onto the platform our bed sat on.
Jack sat up against the mountain of pillows with a book in his hands. He looked up from the pages long enough to give me a smile. "Yeah. Your family is more fun than mine." He stuck a piece of paper between the pages and put the book on the bedside table. "We'll deal with my parents when they come next weekend."
I crawled on the bed and closer to him. I straddled his lap and placed my palms flat against his bare chest. "Don't you just love being an adult?"
His palms slid up my thighs and under the hem of my t-shirt. "It does have its perks."
I bowed my head to meet his lips. "Like not having a bedtime."
"Or no parents."
"More alone time."
He weaved his free hand into my hair and kissed me again. "I feel like I haven't even seen you all week."
I kissed him harder, pressing my body firm against his. "I know." I placed a hand on his jaw, my thumb touching his chin. "I've barely slept in the past week."
"Well I can definitely think of activities better than sleeping and homework."
My smile turned against his lips. "Then show me."
He complied and pushed me to my back before I could get another word out. His lips fluttered over my jaw, down my neck until he reached the neckline of the t-shirt. Jack didn't waste anytime removing it either. His lips touched my throat and I tilted my head back to give him the access he needed.
His mouth parted over the side of my neck and he bit down. Jack's name tumbled from my lips in a desperate moan as he descended down the center of my chest, his lips igniting a flame under my skin.
Jack lifted himself up on his knees and looked down at me with a mischievous grin. He gripped my hips until I felt them throb under his warm fingertips. He jerked me towards him and a laugh erupted from my chest. My legs wrapped around his hips as he hovered over me again.
I managed to get him on his back this time and I hovered over him. My lips attached to his in an instant. Jack touched the lower curve of my back, pressing harder until I was flush against his chest. I rested on my forearms beside his head and the kiss went smoother but harder. My body warmed and the teasing was killing me.
Clothes were lost, moans were spilled, we tangled together, and everything was forgotten in those moments.
After, I rested my chin on my folded hands over Jack's chest. I looked up at him. His finger traced over the back of my shoulders absentmindedly while his other arm was folded behind his head. His gaze caught mine and he smiled. "Do you think we'll like married life?" I asked.
"For sure." He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, "Nothing's going to change, Juliet. I can promise you that."
"It's pretty amazing how far we've come." I noted, "We went from hating each other to...well, you get it."
He leaned his head back and laughed. "I never hated you, dork."
"Could've fooled me." I murmured, "But sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I never got locked out of my house that night. We never talked, the only time I saw you was through your bedroom window, and I just wasn't on your radar."
Jack looked back down. "Smart and pretty girls don't go after guys like me. I never stood a chance."
"You're really smart, Jack. So that's a lame ass excuse if I've ever heard one."
He wanted to laugh again, I could tell by the twitch in his lips. "Things went down hill in high school. I got mixed up with the wrong people; I didn't treat girls with respect, which was really shitty. Then Madison...she changed me a lot. More than I cared to admit. No, I didn't like it. I didn't want to be that guy."
I searched his eyes that still held too many secrets. "You are that guy, Jack."
"But you made it okay. You made everything okay, Juliet. You were there when I needed you and when I had no one. That's what made me fall in love with you. You cared about me when no one else did. You believed me when no one else would. You helped me. Even as a friend, you helped me. You told me I didn't have to go through it alone and I didn't. I had you every step of the way and you just made it okay when it wasn't."
Tears invaded my eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Good, because I'm not either." He gave me a soft smile.
I lifted myself up on my palms to meet his lips. "You're not allowed."
"Would you handcuff yourself to me?"
"Odd question." I laughed, "But yes, yes I would."
"Guess I need to invest in a pair."
And we shared another before falling asleep.
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This is beyond over due omg, but hey, it's here now! :) It's more of a filler and the third part will be the final part and filled with so much cheesiness and tears. After the next part, I'm not sure how many one-shots I'll actually do unless I get requests. If it's something I can work with, then I'll do it!
Please let me know what you think! :) and don't forget to vote :) LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!