Warning: This chapter contains mild sexual content.

Notes:

Additional Cast:

Thomas Gibson as Stephen Reynolds

Sophie's POV

The mood instantly changed the moment we got in the car. She takes my hand in hers and intertwines our fingers and then brings my palm to her lips kissing it softly but my skin burns. Knowing that she got jealous of Grant the Ape, caused a primarily satisfaction in me and a very familiar hunger for her. My mouth is suddenly very dry and my palms sweaty, but that's not the only part of my body that is moist.

We drive silently to her house, and I am well aware that Alex is not home and won't be home tomorrow either, due to his shift at the fire station. We have the house all to ourselves which means only one thing.

I have been ready since Christmas, because I want Robin to be the one for me and after the talk with the girls, now my nerves have been in check and I feel more certain every passing day, since I already know Robin wants it as well, so I feel like tonight is going to be the night. I am even wearing the cute underwear Alice suggested I bought, even though they are kinda uncomfortable, but she said Robin would definitely like them, plus I spent an hour bathing with my favourite bath oils that Joss hates so much, to make sure my skin and hair smell perfectly, so here's to hoping this will make her crave me more.

Her navy blue mid-thigh dress with the teasing cleavage cut, had me embarrassingly drooling all night scanning the room to see if anyone else is checking her out and I curse myself many times for being so helpless and possessive. But now, now, seated in the driver's seat, the hem of the dress is revealing more thigh, rolled up almost up to her center, and my hand leaves hers to settle there which is bold of me and surprising for her. I have been surprising her lately and frankly I am quite surprised by me as well. Our thing before Christmas vacations changed something in me. It made me dream of her at night but not in the romantically innocent way I used to do before that, like, us just holding hands or hugging tightly. Nope. My dreams were anything but, and that made my body need her in the most carnal of ways.

My thumb caresses her thigh and I can feel her muscles tense at my touch, which makes me even more sure that Robin wants it as much as I do and I smile at the thought. We are going to do it. I am going to give her my all and the thought wakes up the butterflies.

We park outside and she gets out running to the passenger's seat to open the door for me, ever so chivalrous and then we make our way to the front door.

We make sure we lock the house and then we walk shoulder to shoulder up the stairs and then to her room. My senses are heightened as we enter her room and close the door behind us. Ro turns around and faces me soon enough and comes closer pinning me to the door, diving hungrily to my neck, creating goosebumps everywhere on my body.

Her hands grab my hips and untuck my shirt from my skinny jeans. Her thumps find skin and caress it soothingly as her lips lock around my earlobe and her leg sneaks between mine, creating a sweet friction.

She kisses me everywhere but the lips and it's frustrating, so I grab her face stopping her from kissing my cheek and bring my lips to hers desperately. I graze her lips with my tongue and soon enough our tongues dance together, in an aggressive battle for dominance. I win this time by sucking her tongue and squeezing her butt at the same time and she gives in to me.

We stay there with me pinned to the door for a while as our movements get more frantic and out of beat and my mind is running wild at was is to come. I only have to tell her that I want her. That I am ready.

She breaks the kiss when my hands trace her collarbone and descent to her exposed cleavage.

"Let's wear pyjamas, baby." She says with a voice that betrays arousal. She walks away from me to get to her wardrobe, removes her heels, puts them aside, and the after rummaging her drawers she pulls out two pairs of pyjama bottoms for the both of us. That's all. No t-shirt.

We have been sleeping topless for the past week and the feeling is quite liberating, if i'm being honest. I always slept with something on, but topless feels more free, more sexy and to frankly I love the feeling of my skin touching Ro's. I am always the little spoon so the way her breasts are pressed against my back makes me blush and crave her every morning, but also creates a feeling of safety and love.

I watch Ro walk past me, put the clothes on the desk and with her back turned on me she goes to unzip her dress.

My hands stop her mid-air and she turns her head confused I guess. Taking a deep breath, I speak.

"Can I do it?" My voice sounds unsteady, but that's because I am. I am getting nervous and I try hard to control my racing heartbeat by taking deep breaths that somehow are not enough and my lungs are burning.

"Sure." She replies easily. With uneasy hands I take the zip and pull it slowly down, exposing the pale skin of her back to me. The zip goes all the way down, just a few inches below her butt and in a dazed state, at the sight of her smooth skin, I find myself on my knees and my lips kissing the small of her back while my hands travel across her back, from her spine, to her waist and then back up.

I get up still in trance, and hook my fingers on the dress' straps and after a sweet kiss on her nape, I pull the straps down and help her get out of it. I watch the dress fall to the floor and then her body make a move towards the desk for the pyjama bottoms but when her hand touches the fabric I stop her again, grabbing her hand.

"Don't." I say faintly in her ear and I hear her gulp. I let her hand go and reach for the clothes myself. She turns around perplexed but I only smile and take the clothes in my hands. I turn around and walk to her wardrobe, put them in the exact same drawer she got them from, close the wardrobe and then take off my heels as well, putting them right next to hers. My feet feel the cold surface of the floor and I wince at the cold feeling but I get used to it right way.

I make my way to her and now face to face, I lean forward, bring my hands around her back and with a quick move, unhook her bra which follows the dress to the floor. She is looking at me with need and desire if her blown up pupils are any indication along with the goosebumps my touch created on her. Her hand tucks a curl behind my ear and then her fingers trace my jawline and then my neck, when her other hand is resting lazily on my waist.

After a few moments of silence, her fingers trace one of the buttons of my white shirt, and her mouth curls into a smirk.

"May I?" Is her question and I nod. She unbuttons the first three buttons quickly, revealing my collarbones but when she reaches the next ones her movements are agonisingly slow for my taste. Finally my shirt is off, joining the other clothes on the floor and then my bra follows the same fate. Our clothes have created a pile on the floor and I stare at it momentarily, but then focus again on her face.

Her eyes reach mine the same time her hands reach the zip on my jeans, and the question she afraids to ask is evident, so without her saying anything, I whisper "yes" and she faintly smiles, looking less on edge.

She unbuttons my jeans and slowly pulls them down my legs as I watch her eyes look back at mine, until her face is out of sight.

She mimics my earlier gesture, by kneeling down in front of me and helping me take my jeans off as I look down on her. She kisses my thighs and then absentmindedly her eyes fall on my underwear, but only briefly, so I don't get to feel shy about it, because she kisses my tummy next and then my belly button. I moan content on the contact as she keeps kissing my waist lovingly, whistle her hands caress my thighs.

This is it.

My hands reach her face and make her stop, demanding her to look up at me and she does, with cheeks red and lips wet. She gets that I want her standing so with one last kiss a little higher from the waistband of my undies, she is facing me. My eyes fall on her lips and finally after all this time together, I let go of the words.

"I am ready".

**************************************

My hand rests on her stomach and I watch her chest rise and fall, with my head on her shoulder. The wall clock says it's 9:28 but her dark room prevents the sun from illuminating the room. Outside, a car honks followed by another different honk and afterwards, a woman's raised voice. Underneath me, Robin's body moves and a groan escapes her mouth. It doesn't take long for her to wake up,and curse for yet another early and brutal sleep disturbance and I chuckle. She turns her head and look at me with sleepy eyes and a lazy smile as I support my weight on my elbow and plant a kiss on her heart spot.

"Morning pretty." She mumbles and rubs her eyes and then her nose which is cute as hell and an every morning habit.

"Morning babe" I lean for a kiss on her nose but she catches my lips before I get a chance.

"How did you sleep?" She wants to know, and my fingers trace her stomach abs. They are not very prominent, but you can tell she has them, in comparison to the muscles on her thighs, thanks to her love for leg day at the gym and bicycle. Apparently she has a bicycle she mainly uses during summer and its names is 'flash', go figure.

"I slept perfect". Half lie. I tossed and turned till I managed to fall asleep while she laid next to me unphased and calm. But how could I have slept after last night?

I still can't believe she stopped us from having sex.

I have to admit I was heartbroken when the 'baby, I want it to be perfect for you and tonight is not what I had in mind' speech left her mouth. I felt rejection, but she explained thoroughly how she wanted our night to be and the idea of rose petals and lit candles kinda made me feel better, but I was still sceptical. I wouldn't mind not having the romantic set but she insists on making it perfect for me. I just happen to think that anytime with her is perfect and frankly I am too old for these romantic additions. I find a bed full of rose petal unsanitary and uncomfortable. Won't the petals stick to your body? It is gross.

Anyway, we ended our night pleasuring each other grinding as usual and then while spooning we deciding on planning our first time for next week when Alex will be off. So I guess I have to wait. It's not like you are not having intimacy, but I was really ready for the whole thing.

"Mmmmm... I slept fine as well, you tired me out, sexy girl." I was hyped, can you blame me? I had saved up energy that had to be used in a constructive way. I think I still have some unused energy left.

I initiate a kiss while my hand massages her breast but she stops me again.

"How about I make breakfast for you, my lady?" She asks and tucks a curl behind my ear. I braid my hair while I sleep most of the time but when I am with Ro I always leave them loose... I guess I enjoy the small gesture of hers. I also guess I am hungry because my stomach makes this embarrassing loud noise and I eye roll. I would normally be embarrassed but her stomach did the same thing 4 mornings ago, so I am unphased by it right now.

"That sounds awesome." I state and she gets up. She walks to her wardrobe and fishes out clothes for the both of us. We put them quickly and then make our way down stairs.

An hour later we are both stuffed, doing the dishes and joking around, splashing each other with water making Ro's clothes a wet mess. We kinda got it on on the kitchen table, which was uncomfortable, by the way, but I am still not satisfied.

When Ro emerges from her bathroom, smelling mango, fresh from showering, she finds me wearing my clothes from last night and folding hers.

"What are you doing?" She asks pouting. "Don't tell me you are leaving?"

"Only for a few hours baby, I have to go get my clothes and my textbooks for Monday. I also need my car. I will be back before you know it." I approach her and peck her cheek.

"Arghhh, fine, but don't take too long ok? I will make something for us to eat for lunch. Be here before 14:00." I nod again. She is not Martha Stewart, but her food always tastes good to me. Not that I have tried many of her dishes, mainly breakfast, and a few successful pasta dishes, but she is far better than me and Joss. Maybe we can learn together some stuff.

She sees me off and I wave at her heading to the bus stop. I hate public transportation but I wasn't gonna make her drive me home today .

Soon enough I am home. I throw my clothes at the laundry, and cover my body with a towel, as I wait for the water to fill the bathtub so that I can have my relaxing bath.

This time I chose vanilla scented oils, vanilla shampoo and of course vanilla scented body milk afterwards so that my skin is smooth and nice to the touch for Ro. I am a walking vanilla. A vanilla scented perfume will be too much, right?

I put the small perfume bottle in my bag instead for later use, my toothbrush, my textbook, my charger and my ipad, in case I need something, and my glasses along with two changes of clothes. I consider leaving one to Ro's because I sleep over now and it would take time for me to come back to the apartment to change, but I don't know if Ro will be ok with it. I am only suggesting it for practical reasons.

I knock on her door precisely at 13:35, carrying my backpack and cheesecake for dessert and when we are done with her roast chicken and rice specialty, there is no room for my desert.

After a small nap till 16:30, I am lying on my stomach reading my textbook while Ro is on her back next to me, listening to music on her phone. The music can be faintly heard from the earplugs but its calming, the way it breaks the silence. Page 67 is a torture. I keep trying to understand what it says but I just can't memorize anything right now. We have a test on Wednesday and I need to ace it, which of course makes me anxious and less functioning.

I turn the page angrily and puff disappointed.

"Stupid page!" I curse resigned and my face falls on the book. That gets Robin's attention who takes the earplugs off her ears and turns her head to look at me.

"Everything ok, babe?" She asks and a groan is my answer. "Wanna use words this time?" She asks again. I raise my head and she laughs at the grimace I give her.

"I just can't memorize this freaking page! It's pissing me off!" She eyes me cautiously.

"Hey, you are just tired, give it time." She replies rubbing my nape to relax me but it doesn't seem to work very well.

"I really need to ace this test, I have to be the best!" I stubbornly say again, sighing in annoyance and return to page 67 to give it another chance. My frustration is evident as my fist clenches around the pen.

"Sophie?" She pecks my nape to make me look at her. I sigh again soundly but turn my head anyway.

"Do you have to be the best, or do you wanna be?" Is all she asks and my eyebrows narrow. I have to be. It's what is expected, is it not?

She can tell I am thinking about my answer so she speaks ago.

"Baby, I know you are competitive and have this need to be the best, but I think you should think about whether you truly want to be, and not have to be, because love, if you want to be the best I support you 100% and will help you in anyway I can, but if you feel you have to be the best, I think you will only end up tiring yourself from the extra pressure." Her hand finds mine. "So, which one is it, baby?"

My head falls as I realise the depth of her question. I am competitive, that I know, but it is now that it hits me that I don't actually take pleasure in being the best. I don't feel superior or like the queen of the world, it feels nice to have some sort of validation of my potentials, but other than that, I take nothing else. Being the best requires things I am too tired to continue to give. I just wanna do what I love.

"Mother hates mediocracy." My mouth speaks and I do realise it sounded like an awful thing to say. An ugly thing to say, to be honest, but I was raised in this philosophy.

Robin takes a moment to think this through.

"I am still waiting on your answer." She insists.

"I have to be." There, I said it. Robin simply smiles and shakes her head. She scoops her body closer, snaps the book and puts it on the floor. I am on the inner side of the bed so I have to get up to get the book I clearly need, but when I sit up her hand stops me and she sits up as well. I look at her angry at her childish behavior but she cups my face and the blue of her eyes makes my anger disappear.

"You don't have to be something you don't want, my pretty girl. You don't have to be the best for the rest of us to know how clever and how much of a brainiac you are. You don't have to stress yourself over things that will only cause you to be more anxious and end up tiring your pretty self, because this is something I won't tolerate. I don't want to see you worn out, upset about a meaningless class rank or whatever, and mostly I don't want you disappointed in your own self and thinking that the highest grade is all you are. Because you are not that, my love. No matter the grade, no matter your rank, you are still my genius of a girlfriend that reads tons of law books and dedicates so much time on what she loves, and no matter that grade on your paper, I bet anything I have in my possession that you will be the best lawyer out there, but not because of an A+ baby, but simply because you love it, and that is all that counts. This test does not define you or your college career. Being valedictorian wouldn't change a thing for you, it would only change other people's opinion, and I am sorry, but I think that you should only care about how you feel about your achievements, not about what others think, 'cause some of them may never be satisfied, baby, some people will always ask for more, and it is ok, if your best is not to their liking. It truly is ok, as long as you are proud of you, 'cause I am Sophie. I am proud of you and I want you to be proud of yourself as well, because you are perfect." she ends her speech with a deep inhale but her eyes never leave mine while doing so.

My mind is off and I just look at her feeling a variety of things that make my heart beat faster and my stomach clench. Her words play on repeat and I never thought that 5 words had the power to break me and make me whole at the same time.

Next thing I feel is her thumbs on my cheek, the same thumps that seem to catch my tears every time they fall, and now is one of these times, like it always is with her. She has made me cry a handful of times, more than anyone else in this boring life of mine, but these are not sad tears. They are relieving ones, happy ones, caused by love and not of hatred and pain. Everytime I cry with her, like this, I leave a piece of my old self behind.

She keeps catching the tears and after awhile she takes my glasses off and puts the on her nightstand, while fishing some hankies from her drawer and hands me one over and I take it, while her thumbs move to my thighs.

She takes the used hankie as well and tosses is on the desk and I shake my head letting a small chuckle escape from my lips.

She sticks her tongue out and moves her body to the edge of the bed ready to get up.

"I will go get you some water." She says and leaves the room, but soon comes back holding a glass of water, only to find me half naked sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her.

Alice's POV

My alarm wakes me up at 10 o'clock and I get up groaning, due to the lack of sleep. I don't mind though, because I will get enough when I arrive at DC. I am so excited that I will pass my birthday day with my dad. He will bake my favourite cake with chocolate and biscuit and we will spend the day watching disney movies. Me and him had each other for comfort after my mother's death, that's why we are so close to each other. I've lost a mother that day, but he lost his wife, the love of his life. I wish his job wasn't so demanding, but I know he loves it and who am I to take that away from him? Other people spend their entire lives searching for what makes them happy and my dad has found it, even though it's dangerous, but I know that he helps people so I am proud of him.

I sit on my bed looking around the room, which is empty. Vanessa has made her bed and she must be in the common kitchen. How can this girl wake up, so early by herself? I think she's from outer space. I try really hard to open my eyes, so I rub them before I stand up. My bracelets are ringing on my hand and I can't help it, but look at them. Among the old ones, a new shiny silver bracelet with blue stones and the infinity symbol is found. My eyes stay on it and I caress it softly. Everything that happened last night comes into my mind, like a storm and I stay seated with dreamy eyes. Joseph managed to make my night even more special. Why does he do all these things? His choice of a gift left me speechless. He could buy me anything ordinary, but he went for a gift that means something to me. Is it possible that he may have feelings for me?

After he left, I called Ren, whom I told everything. I told him off a bit about the cockblocking, but Ren, being the rational one, shot back by saying 'And then what?'. I know he is right. I am starstruck by Joseph and my brain stops functioning, when I am around him. Ren told me that he says all that, because he loves me and he doesn't want to see me heartbroken. Joseph is such a controversial subject. Anyway, I should get up and get ready to leave.

After my morning routine, I am about to go downstairs to make some sort of breakfast, before I hit the road, but my phone rings. I look at the screen and it's my dad. No! Not today! Why?

"Hey daddy!" I answer, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sweetheart, happy Birthday!" he wishes with a cheery voice.

"Thanks! Couldn't you wait, until I arrive to wish?" I ask, chuckling.

"I am an impatient old man!" he jokes and I chortle.

"If you're looking for a compliment, you're not going to get one. This is my day!" I tease him and he laughs. "Anyway, I feel generous today. You're quite fit for an old man... or the criminals that you hunt can't move their legs."

"Yet you still are out of breath trying to catch my pace." he teases me.

"I am faster than you!"

"You wish, my birthday girl!" he answers and I pout like a toddler. Then there is a small pause. "Honey... I have to change our plans for the day." he says softly.

"You don't say. I was sure of that the moment you called!" I huff.

"I am so sorry! I didn't want to bail on you again like Thanksgiving, especially on this day, but one serious case just arrived this morning. I have to leave from DC and I don't know when I am coming back. I swear I will make up to you!" his voice sounds really hurt. Why does a case have to arrive on this specific morning? Why can't I pass my birthday with my only family left?

"I know you will, daddy! You always do! But why can't they give you days off on special days?" I complain.

"Alice... I am the team's unit chief! If I don't give the right example, why would the rest of the team follow my lead? It would be wrong." he tells me calmly.

"I know, but this can't stop me from complaining though! I deserve that!"

"Sweetheart, you have every right to be upset, but I will make it up to you sooner than you think!" he comforts me.

"I know, but you owe me a huge cake and a brand name's shoes." I remark.

"Don't worry, I've got it covered. I have to go now, sweety! Happy birthday again and remember that I love you very much!" he says softly.

"I love you too, daddy!" I say, before I hung up. Then, I fall back on the bed with force huffing. Vanessa is not here yet. If I say to her what happened, she will cancel all her plans to spend with me the day. I don't want her to do that, because of me. She has done more than enough for my party and I am grateful. She's such a sweetheart and I am so lucky to have her as my roomie and friend. I've known her only for five months, but she's one of the kindest people I've ever met and that's rare to find.

As I am lying on my bed, trying to stop frowning and thinking of what I can do today, I hear my phone's text sound. I guess it's a happy birthday text.

When I see the sender, my eyes widen from the surprise and I stand up on the bed at once. It's Joseph!

How is Washington DC without me? I guess pretty boring. I laugh the moment I read it. What a smug!

If I was there, I would be able to tell you.

You're such a sleepyhead! I recall you wanted to spend your bd day there. He answers after some seconds.

First I'd set an alarm, because I don't trust me when it comes to sleep. Second I won't spend my bd at DC. I press send and wait impatiently for his answer.

Why? Is everything ok?

My father canceled our plans. He has a case. Sent.

So what are you going to do? I have no idea.

Beats me! No plans for me! I answer honestly.

Get ready.I'll pick you up in 30'. I read his text multiple times. What? Joseph is taking me out? For real? My heart starts pounding really fast from excitement. I answer ok without overthinking it.

I stand up, trying to find something good to wear. The clothes I am wearing are not appropriate for a... no, it's not a date, for a hang out(better) with Joseph. I change immediately to a bordeaux casual dress and I go to the bathroom to put on makeup. Then, I refresh my last night curls and I put on my black boots. I take a last look on the mirror and I like the result. I hope that he likes it as well. Then I hit myself. You don't dress up for him, but for you. This guy has taken every cell of mt logic (Not that I had many). Then, my phone rings. Joseph is here!

Joseph's POV

I am waiting for Alice in the warmth of my car, listening to my favourite rock radio station. The moment that Alice told me that her father called off their plans on her birthday day, an image of a frowning Alice came into my head and I couldn't bear it. I wanted to see her smile, especially on her day. I don't know what kind of man her father is, but Alice seems really close to him and she looks up to him, so she must be really frustrated now. Why did the dude have to cancel on her? She's your only daughter and this is her birthday for fucks shakes. Take a day off or something. I guess fathers is a problematic issue in more families than I thought.

Suddenly my phone's text sound is heard. It's Sophie.

Josssss I hope I am not waking you up, I will be heading home in a bit. Make sure there's no naked lady in there!!!

I laugh at her sassy text and I reply right away.

I am not home. As long as you don't open the kitchen's cupboard you're fine! 😜

Sophie doesn't answer back, so that means she uses the silence treatment. She left pretty early with Robin yesterday, since they couldn't hold their hornyeness. Sophie was eating Robin in her revealing dress with her eyes all night, so they might hit a home run.

When I take my eyes from the screen, I see Alice getting out of the dorms. How does she manage to take my breath away every time she appears in front of me? Yesterday I was completely mesmerized by her. I didn't have control over my actions. My body reacted on its own. We were so close to kissing , but her stupid japanese friend had to call at the worst time. I wanted to taste her lips so bad, but it wasn't our night, so I didn't want to push it any further. Alice wanted to kiss me as well. It was the first time that I could read her face. She wanted it too. I guess all these things about us being just friends were just shitty excuses. Alice wants me as much I want her. I can see it now, but after that what? Alice is against one night stands and I am not a fan of relationships. Not to mention, that I don't want Alice to be another number on my list. She's more than that, but I am not the appropriate guy to give her what she wants. I try to remind to myself not to push it when I am around her, but every time she's next to me all these thoughts disappear.

"Hey stranger! Long time no see!" Alice greets me sarcastically, stepping in the car.

"Someone is rather excited to see me!" I smirk.

"It's my birthday! I am excited in general today!" she answers beaming.

"I will pretend that I believe it!" I turn the engine on and I start driving.

"So where are we going?" she asks enthusiastically. She looks genuinely happy. Damn! Why am I so thrilled to see her like that?

"It's a surprise." I wink at her. "I hope you haven't had breakfast."

"No I haven't, but even if I had there's always room!" she jokes.

"You eat like it's the last day of the world. I wonder where you put so much food." I remark, watching her from head to toe. Her body is to die for. She's slim, but not skinny and has curves on the right spots.

"Thanks to hard training and work out I have achieved a high metabolism. Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed by the metabolism God, so I had to fix it myself. Martial arts may look cool on movies and stuff, but it takes a hell of training to achieve a master level. Hours of daily working out. I have reached a level now that I can eat whatever I want without guilt!" she winks. Well, her body is so well built. A great view, especially when she wears yoga pants.

"That's why you release the chocolate Kraken quite often." I point out and she chuckles.

"So when do you release your Kraken? Except the women part of course." she asks.

"I love sweets, but I am more of a meat lover and of course beer. Someday I will be blessed to visit Oktoberfest in Germany." I answer to her question.

"But you don't have a beer belly." she remarks and she bites her lip. The moment she realized it, she turns her head to look at the road. Our moment in her house in DC comes in my mind. It was so hot. Alice was eating me with her eyes and all I wanted was to get rid of her stupid blouse and scoop her up on the counter. If she hadn't ruined the mood, there was no way to stop.

"As you've said, I don't sit all day in front of a computer. I frequently go to the gym and I do sports every chance I get. I used to play tennis, when I was in high school and not to brag, but I was really good. I have won some tournaments, but science won my heart." I boast to her.

"Wimbledon lost its next Federer." she says sarcastically and I laugh.

"I just didn't want to take all the fangirls from the other players." I wink and she eyerolls. Suddenly a metal song is on the radio and the singer's screams start echoing in the car.

"I am changing the station! I am the birthday girl, so I will choose the music." her bossy nature speaks.

"I thought we lived in a free country." I joke and she takes her tongue out to mock me and then she changes the station, like she owns the car. She puts on a station, which plays soft music as the slogan says. It plays really nice songs and also many of my favourite ones. After some time, we reach our destination. We get out and I motion to Alice to follow me. Once we get in, she stays speechless.

The place is inspired from Charlie and the chocolate factory and it's decorated in that way. It has fountains of chocolate on the bar and the room is like it's taken out of the movie. They have build an imitation of the chocolate river and the green hills and it's very impressive. The walls are colourful and amazing decorations are all over the place. The sweets and the cakes are displayed for the people to see and they look so fucking delicious. There are cakes in every colour with many icings, cupcakes with crazy decorations and so many other sweets. You can't leave this place without a sugar overdose. The place has many people, but thankfully is not full. A waiter comes towards us and he places us at a table, giving us the menus.

"How did you know the existence of this place?" Alice asks, once the waiter leaves.

"I can't disclose you my sources." I tell her in a collusive way.

"It's amazing! I love it! Oh my God! I want to eat everything on the menu!" she effuses non-stop and I can't take my eyes off of her. How can she be so charming when she's excited? "Thank you, Joseph! It's perfect!"she adds.

"My pleasure! I am glad you like it." I smile at her.

"What's not to like? Why do you do all these things?" she asks and it's my time to stay speechless.

"Because I can't stand the image of you frowning. I couldn't let you like that on your birthday." I say without overthinking it. Alice looks at me in astonishment. Then a wide smile crosses her face.

"Thank you for that! You really made my day." she grins and I am lost again in her captivating eyes. "So what are you going to order?" she asks, breaking our eye contact.

"This one looks delicious!" I point at the catalogue.

"It looks like it! I am going for this one!" she says, pointing another sweet.

Suddenly, Alice's phone rings. If it's her japanese friend again, I am going to take her phone and say to him some insults that I've learnt from the animes that I have watched.

"It's Vanessa!" Alice informs me. "When I left dorms, she wasn't there so I didn't inform her about the change of plans. She must be worrying to see if I have arrived at DC." she explains and she answers the phone.

"Hello Ness! No, my father canceled so I went out! It was a last time thing. We will do a tv series marathon, but I don't think I will handle another piece of cake. Because I am at a coffee shop which is called 'Willy Wonka' and I am about to have a super huge one piece,judging by the display.I will get you something for sure! See you later, Vanessa! Byeeee!" She hangs up. "Vanessa is so sweet! She wants to cheer me up as well, but you beated her to it." Alice addresses to me with a smile.

"Yeah, she is! Did you know that my brother used to be her tutor?"

"Really? I am surprised that Vanessa needed a tutor." Alice remarks.

"Well, did you really think that Vanessa wouldn't be eager to learn extra stuff? Dan was thrilled with her. He was effusing about her abilities and how quickly she catches things up!" I inform Alice and after a while we order.

After several minutes, our orders arrive and two giant pieces of cake are in front of us. They are really huge. Alice has blue icing while mine has white. Let's hope they taste as they look. Alice takes a grab first and I can see she finds it delicious by her dreamy eyes.

"Someone loves the cake." I point out mischievously.

"It's terrific! It's like a holy symphony." she remarks and I take a grab from mine as well. "How is yours?" she asks.

"Delicious! We should come here more often!" I state.

"We should taste every single one of them!" Alice giggles. "Can I take a grab of yours?"

"Sure!" I answer and I take her fork to cut one piece. "Open up!" I instruct her. My action made her freeze for a second.

"I can feed myself!" she raises an eyebrow, being back in her usual self.

"I know you have this physical ability, but you're the birthday girl, so shut up and enjoy it!" I try to feed her while she's giggling and she plays hard to get, with a result to chase her with a fork. Finally she surrenders and she lets me put the piece into her mouth.

"Hello Alice." A raucous voice is heard. I turn to look at the source and in front of our table there is a tall man with brown short hair and a well built body, despite him being in his 50s. His eyes are penetrating me and I think he has made my blood frozen. His posture is very intimidating and he seems like a man who isn't to be messed around. He has his hands crossed in front of his chest.

"Dad! What are you doing here?" Alice gets her distance from me right away. Is that scary man her father? Really? Great, just great! Another one with superb timing. Thank God we weren't more intimate.

"I am here for your birthday!" he says calmly, but his voice continues being deep and intimidating. His eyes scan me from head to toe.

"What about the case?" Alice asks confused.

"It was an innocent lie. I wanted to surprise you and I didn't want you to come all the way to DC. You said that I owe you!" he looks at Alice with a soft look. How can this man looks at me with such a threatening look and change immediately to this loving one?

"And how did you know that I was here? Oh right... Vanessa!" Alice gives the answer by herself.

"I instructed her on what to say to you, so you wouldn't understand a thing!" he winks and Alice smiles. Alice stands up and hugs her dad! He embraces her softly. I can see now how close they are to each other.

"You cunning old man! I totally fell in your trap!" Alice teases him and pokes him on the shoulder and he laughs.

"This is for you sweetheart! Happy birthday!" Alice's face lightens in an instant.

"Don't tell me it's the shoes! You didn't have to buy me anything! The best gift is that you came! Ok, kidding! I was dying for these shoes. But I am still glad that I will hung out with you!" Alice says enthusiastically.

"I can see you have found a better replacement!" her dad notices, pointing at me. "Who's the young man?" he raises an eyebrow. It's exactly the same when Alice does it. Actually when Alice glares, she is exactly like her father. All the posture is the same.

"This is Joseph, a friend!" Alice introduces me.

"Do all your friends feed you cake?" he asks suspiciously, still his eyebrow raised. I hope he hasn't brought his gun with him.

"We were just fooling around, totally platonically." She states firmly, but I doubt he buys it, by the dubious expression on his face.

"Totally platonically?" he asks Alice, with a suspicious attitude.

"Yeah dad! He's only a friend!" Alice says decisively and he nods, but I am sure that he got all the vibes here. I mean besides the fact that he watched me feeding his daughter, he's an FBI agent with high perception skills. This dude catches serial killers before breakfast. It's impossible that he hadn't understood the flirt vibes, from two young people. I will be found dead in an alley and it will be federally covered. I am screwed. "Joseph, this is my dad!" she adds introducing her dad to me.

"Nice to meet you, sir!" I stretch my hand for a handshake, which he receives reluctantly.

"Stephen Reynolds!" he shakes back. His grasp is very strong. I guess he wants to show, who's in charge here. I thought my dad was intimidating, but he can't be compared to this. Mr.Reynolds puts him down in any intimidation contest.

"I should better go!" I suggest, thinking this is the best solution.

"No need, Joseph!Don't you want to finish the rest of your cake?" he says and I am sure there's a hint underneath it.

"I am good..... sir! After all, you came all this way to be with your daughter! I don't want to interfere!" I say gently. Alice stays silent looking between me and her dad.

"I insist! I don't want to send you away. You took care of my little Alice on her birthday after all." he remarks. This guy has figured everything out and he messes around with me. There's no emergency exit.

"Ok, I guess I will stick around for a while! Thank you sir!" I say calmly.

"So how did you both meet?" he asks, trying to open a conversation. I try not to choke with my cake and we change a meaningful look with Alice.

"Joseph used to go in the same school with Vanessa!" Alice takes the wheel. I better leave it like that. Speak less, stay alive longer. Seems like a good plan. Mr.Reynolds continues on watching me.

"Vanessa is an exquisite girl. It was about time to meet her. So Joseph... A magnificent name! I guess your parents expect big things from you... Tell me, what do you study?" he asks me casually. He's being friendly, but his fatherly protection mode is on full activation.

"Computer science!" I inform him and he seems impressed.

"And he's really good!" Alice chimes in. "He works in a really big project."

"You must be really smart! If you're interested you should consider apply to be a technical analyst in FBI. We appreciate ambitious young men with knowledge." mr.Reynolds tells me.

"Will I get a badge?" I ask joking, taking a piece of my cake. I have almost finished it. Mr. Reynolds laughs.

"Of course! You will be considered an agent if you pass the tests! Think about it as a possible career orientation." he advises me.

"Don't give him any ideas. He will wear his badge even on his pjs." Alice jokes and both me and her dad laughs.

"If something happens during the night, I should be ready!" I joke as well.

"That's the spirit we want! I wanted to share that when I was a new agent, I couldn't hold my badge into my pocket as well." he smiles and I chuckle. I think the atmosphere is not so heavy anymore. Alice's dad is talkative and even though, he still penetrates me, he's very easy-going. He's cool for a dad and I can see he adores Alice. He looks at her, like she's the most precious thing in the world.

"Well, I am going now." I inform them showing my empty plate. "It was nice meeting you, mr.Reynolds!"

"It was nice meeting you too, Joseph!" he says and we handshake. The grip is not so tight now, but still not loose.

"Alice, happy birthday again and see you around!" I say, before I leave them. I pay at the cashier, before I get out of the coffee shop.

"Joseph!"I hear a female voice. I turn around to see Alice running towards me. "Thanks a lot for today!" she leans and leaves a kiss on my cheek. Then she returns to get inside again. I stay there looking at her, until she disappears like a fool.

A/N: SO! Robin and Sophie are just a step away from actually taking the next step into the relationship! Next chapter is going to be a big one for them! ;) What did you think of Joseph's meeting with Alice's dad? As always, thank you for reading, voting and your comments! It means a lot! Till next time! xx