akashxbedi

[akashxbedi]

Akash didn’t immediately speak. His arms wrapped around her, sure—but his mind was working overtime behind his steady gaze. He could feel the shift in her body, the hesitation in her voice, the carefully measured honesty she was offering. And he wasn’t the kind of man to take that lightly. “I figured it wasn’t just from a client,” he said after a long pause, his tone even, not accusatory. “Not when the box comes with your favourite chocolates and a Sephora card. That’s not random. That’s someone who knows you.” He let the words hang there a moment before continuing, his voice lower now. “Look—I get that you’ve had a life before me. I never expected to walk in and be the only chapter worth remembering. But when things like this show up and you hesitate… it makes me wonder what part of it still feels unfinished.”

Akash stepped back just slightly, just enough to meet her eyes properly. His expression was careful—not guarded, not angry, just... present. “I’m not asking for every detail. But I need to know if this is something I’m walking into with my eyes closed. Because I don’t want to be naive about whatever this still is.” He gave a small shrug, almost rueful. “And if the gifts keep showing up, I’d rather we talk about them than pretend they’re harmless. You don’t owe me an explanation for your past, Cat. But you do owe yourself the right to be honest about what role—if any—it still plays in your present.” This didn't mean he wasn't worried about the answer she might give him--but he had to be open with his own thoughts and feelings, he owed her that much.

He was a criminal defence attorney, let alone working for the Castenada family, of course Akash could spot a lie from a mile away. A pang of guilt suddenly overtook her heart as she did her best not to break her composure under pressure. It wasn’t her intention to lie and in all honesty, she was simply worried about how he would take the news of her receiving gifts from what she could assume was from Zayaan. Scrunching her nose slightly, she narrowed her gaze and retorted with, “Well you know…Sometimes I yap too much and these clients are great listeners…” 

Observing Akash’s movements, as soon as he picked up the card and she recognized the look he was giving her, Catriona fell silent as she bit the insides of her cheek trying to think of another excuse. However, she came to a standstill and went completely blank as she didn’t want to lie to her boyfriend. “I…” She then plucked the gift card from his hand before tossing it back into the box and wrapping her arms around him, “You have every right to question it and feel some type of way.” Cat said at first. “I’ll be honest…I didn’t bother questioning these gifts because I already know who it’s from…” And in that moment, she wondered if he caught on or if she would have to spell it out for him.

[akashxbedi]

Akash smiled softly, a quiet respect settling in his eyes. “You know, most people chase the idea of love like it’s this constant blaze of fireworks—loud, flashy, impossible to ignore. But what you’re describing? That steady, real kind of love? It takes a different kind of courage. The courage to see someone fully, flaws and all, and decide they’re still worth it every single day. That’s rare. Especially here, where everything’s so fragile and prone to chaos.” He leaned back slightly, thoughtful. “Choosing to build something intentional, especially in a place like Devil’s Junction, where the noise and opinions never stop—that’s a powerful act of rebellion. It’s easy to get swept up in the drama and the whirlwind, but you’re doing the hard work of creating a foundation. That’s strength. That’s bravery.”

His voice softened, championing her with genuine conviction. “What you’re doing, choosing Ford with your eyes wide open, that’s not settling and whoever says it is--needs to keep their unsolicited opinions to themselves. It’s owning your happiness on your terms. And honestly? That’s something to be proud of. You’re not just surviving the chaos—you’re defining what love means for you. That’s rare, and it’s worth holding onto.” Then, as if to shift the weight just a bit, he grinned and said, “By the way, have you seen that new mural going up on Main Street? The one with the horses? It’s wild how much the city’s changing but still holding onto its roots. Sometimes I think the city’s got its own kind of steady love story going on., not gonna lie, I saw it from an artistic eye for the first time, probably thanks to Catriona whereas before I'd have been speaking to the local ward-person to figure out how to get it taken care of. Growth, don't you think?”

"The grown-up kind. Yeah, that's exactly it," Hae-Rin said, nodding. "Who says love has to be all romantic anyway? I'm sure Ford can keep me happy, and I'll do my best to make him happy too." She'd been thinking about this a lot lately, and honestly, he wouldn't have asked to marry her if he found her repulsive or didn't think they could make it work. The fact that he was the one who wanted to make this permanent meant everything about how he saw their future. "We've already survived more drama as friends than most married couples handle in their first decade."

There was something comforting about knowing Ford's worst habits and still choosing to stick around. She'd watched too many people get swept up in butterflies and grand gestures only to realize they barely knew the person they'd married. "Building something intentionally does take guts," she agreed. "And you're right about Devil's Junction too—everyone's going to have opinions no matter what we do." She grinned. "Might as well give them something actually worth talking about instead of another messy breakup story."

[akashxbedi]

Akash didn’t answer right away. He looked at Aarti for a long moment, the quiet between them stretching—not uncomfortably, but with weight. With understanding. Because he got it. The tightrope act. The guilt that digs into your ribs even when you're trying to breathe. The way lies, even ones born out of love, start to feel like they're erasing pieces of who you are. He finally spoke, voice quieter than before. “If I were you? I’d be scared too.” He wasn’t going to sugarcoat it. “There’s no clean way out of a lie like this. Especially not one you’ve carried long enough for other people to build lives around it. But you asked what I’d do… I think I’d tell them.”

He sighed, gaze dropping to his hands before returning to her. “Not because it’s easy. Because it’s true. And it’s not just about the job—it’s about you. The version of you they love right now? That person still exists. The bartender with a big heart who listens to everyone and makes killer lemon ginger mocktails—she’s real. She’s just not the whole story.” He paused again, the smallest hint of a smile tugging at his mouth. “And yeah, Auntie Priya’s going to have a field day. But the people who matter? The ones who raised you, who love you? They might be hurt or confused at first, but they’ll come around. Not because you’re perfect—but because you’re theirs. And that counts for more than we think sometimes.”

Then, with a dry laugh, he added, “Also, if I lied to my parents about my job, my mum would probably show up in court just to yell at me in front of the judge. So I’ve learned the hard way: one confrontation is still better than a hundred quiet regrets.” He nudged her knee with his. “You’re not a villain for trying to protect people, Aarti. But maybe it’s time you stop protecting them from things you can't control.”

She let out a long breath, staring up at the sky as his words settled over her. "Yeah, maybe you're right," she said quietly, though the admission felt like swallowing glass. When had everything gotten so complicated? She'd started this whole thing thinking she was protecting everyone—her parents from worry, herself from their disappointment, the Bureau from family drama. But now it felt like she was drowning in her own good intentions. The thing was, Akash wasn't wrong about the shelf life. How long could she keep this up? Every family dinner was becoming this elaborate performance where she had to remember what lies she'd told and when. It was exhausting, honestly. 

And the worst part? She could see how proud mama and papa were when they talked about their daughter who'd "found her true calling" as a bartender. They'd actually started bragging to their friends about how she was following her heart instead of chasing prestige. The lies was killing her. "But what if they never forgive me?" The question slipped out before she could stop it, and she immediately felt ridiculous for asking. These were her parents, not some random strangers. "I mean, they've been telling everyone I left the Bureau. Auntie Priya probably knows by now, and you know how she talks." She finally looked at him directly. "What would you do? If you were me?"

[akashxbedi]

"Hey you can kick some ass and punch the living daylights out of the punching bag too, I'm just excited you're going to box with me," he grinned before he realized she'd noticed him staring at the package with a suspicious look. Of course she took it quickly and that's when Akash raised an eyebrow as he watched Catalina unpack the box, his arms loosely crossed over his chest. He didn't say anything at first, but his expression gave away that his mind was already working. The toys for Lizeth? Sure. Essentials? Believable. But the chocolates? The Sephora gift card? He tilted his head slightly, lips twitching into a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. “Uh-huh. So let me get this straight—your client just happens to know your favourite chocolate brand and your preferred place to buy skincare?” He arched a brow, leaning a bit against the counter now, clearly not buying it. “Wow. I must be getting the wrong kind of clients. Mine just send over cigars or scotch I don’t drink.”

He plucked the Sephora card lightly from the edge of the table, holding it up between two fingers with a knowing look. “Unless Lizeth has been hitting up the beauty aisle lately, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say this package wasn’t exactly curated by your average well-meaning customer.” Then, softening slightly but not letting the moment slide completely, he added with a teasing edge, “If this is your way of telling me you’ve got a secret admirer who’s also moonlighting as a baby gift subscription service, I’m impressed. Efficient and sentimental.”

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: cat's home

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: noon

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: closed for @akashxbedi

Changing into her workout outfit, she was ready to conduct a one on one boxing lesson with Akash and as she made it to her dining area, she saw him examining a package which caught her attention. "I'm ready to kick some ass or more like pun—Oh..." Her voice trailed off as she felt her heart skipped a beat as she knew who that package is from. Regaining her composure, she played it off as she went over to open it, "Must be for Lizeth...I subscribed to those first time mom care packages and they certainly come in handy." However, her words defied her as the contents of the box said otherwise. Although there were a few toys and essentials for Lizeth, there was also some items for her too such as her favourite chocolates and a Sephora gift card attached to it. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she shook her head before glancing up at Akash and said, "It's nothing, probably a thank you gift from a client..."

[akashxbedi]

FIN.

Akash’s patience was truly unmatched as Catriona was grateful to have someone as understanding as him. The more their relationship developed, the more she wanted to invest her time and effort with him, finding each moment together worth it than the last. “That’s very sweet of you to say.” she replied with a soft smile. “Thank you for letting me know and being honest with how you feel about all this…About me and about us…” She could practically feel her heart beating loudly in her chest and this clearly spoke volumes on how she felt about him. 

Seeing his reaction to her daughter getting Pavlov’ed had Cat breaking out into fits of laughter, “You already are someone she looks up to.” she mused with a knowing smile. “And I know you’ll teach her wonders. Besides, Lizeth deserves the best and I make sure she’s surrounded by the best period.” Being with Akash longterm was ideally the plan, but at the same time Catriona didn’t want to jinx it as she did have a tendency for her relationships to go south. She could only hope that this time it was different. 

Nodding in understanding, she was at a loss for words at how committed Akash was to both her and Lizeth. A part of her wondered if this was some sort of dream or if she was the luckiest girl alive, but either way, she appreciated and wouldn’t take this moment, let alone someone like Akash for granted. “No takesie backsies.” she blurted out in a teasing tone. She was doing her best to keep things light between them as her mind tended to play tricks on her whenever something good was happening in her life. She just didn’t want to get to the point where she was overthinking and so, she simply nodded before squeezing his hand gently. “What can I say? Like mother, like daughter.” Cat then arched her brow at the terms and conditions that were laid out to her, “Surprisingly enough, I fear that may work on her. She’s a girl with taste and special treatment.” Pointing at the nearby booths, she then said, "Now come on, let's satisfy your birria and wine cravings before things get sold out...Then we can head home, Liz definitely needs her nap time."

[ END. ]

[akashxbedi]

Akash let out a quiet laugh at the babysitter line, the image clearly amusing him. “Welcome to our glamorous reality,” he joked. “I’ll see if Cat’s babysitter is free for whenever we plan this double date—so we might just be able to sneak away without the guilt trip.” His grin softened. “But yeah, a normal dinner sounds like a damn luxury these days. Let’s make it happen.”

As Thomas spoke more seriously, Akash’s expression shifted with it, the warmth still there but now layered with quiet focus. He didn’t interrupt—just listened, absorbing the details, the tone, the weight behind the words. By the time Thomas admitted the truth about Lucian, Akash had set his tea down untouched. “I figured something like that might be coming,” he said, voice low but steady. “I’ve seen this kind of play before. The will says one thing, but it doesn’t matter to guys like Lucian. What matters is perception—what he can spin, what he can sow doubt around. And the longer he keeps people talking, the more room he has to maneuver.” He leaned forward slightly. “And you’re right—your lawyers are probably doing exactly what they’re supposed to. But that’s not always enough in this town. What you need is someone who understands that this isn’t just legal. It’s tactical. It’s narrative control. We don’t just counter the claim—we tell the story better. Make the truth louder.”

There was no bravado in his voice, just quiet confidence. “I’ve got time this week to go over what’s already in motion, if you want. Doesn’t have to be official, just a second set of eyes. I’ve seen bloodlines get nasty, but I’ve also seen how fast things shift when you take the right shot at the right time.” Then, with a gentler look, Akash added, “And for what it’s worth? You’re not scrambling. You’re thinking ahead. That’s the difference between surviving this and letting it eat you alive.” He sat back, but didn’t move to leave. “Besides,” he added, almost smiling again, “I’m not in a rush tonight. It’s been a while since I had a conversation that didn’t involve depositions or damage control. Talking shop with someone who actually gets it—reminds me why I do what I do.” He gave Thomas a respectful nod. “You’ve built something real at the Spades. If Lucian’s coming for it, he better be ready for a proper fight.”

"A babysitter, Christ," Thomas laughs, shaking his head. "Yeah, double date sounds perfect actually. Vera would love Cat, and honestly it'd be nice to have a normal dinner where nobody's plotting anything." He takes a sip of his tea, feeling lighter already. "Celebratory dinner's definitely happening. Just gotta not mess up the proposal first. You're absolutely right about the poison thing," he says, pushing his plate aside. The food's gone cold anyway while they've been talking. "Lucian treats everything like some bloody chess match where everyone else is expendable. Meanwhile I'm just trying to run my casino without drama." Thomas has been so caught up in family politics lately that he'd forgotten what normal friendships actually feel like. "I appreciate that, mate. Really. Having someone who gets the city but isn't tangled up in all the Kang family rubbish feels like a lifeline right now."

He contemplates the extent to which he should disclose Lucian's recent actions. Akash deserves honesty though. "He's trying to say that I am taking his share of the Grand Royale. I'm not. Dad left it to me." The frustration creeps into his voice because Lucian's being clever about it. "My family lawyers are solid but they're cautious. Sometimes you need someone willing to think outside the box." He meets Akash's eyes directly. "I might actually take you up on that offer. It's gotten worse since the funeral, and I'd rather have options ready than get caught scrambling when he makes his next move."

[akashxbedi]

Akash leaned back slightly, watching the way her face lit up—not with giddy optimism, but with a rare kind of certainty. The kind you didn’t always see when people talked about marriage. “That’s the thing most people miss,” he said, his tone even but sincere. “Love’s easy to romanticize, but choosing someone—knowing the hard stuff, accepting it, and still walking in—that’s real. That’s love too. Just... the grown-up kind.” He nodded thoughtfully as she talked about the honesty between her and Ford, the freedom that came from laying it all out before crossing the line. “You two have done more groundwork than half the couples I’ve seen crash and burn in under a year,” he said, a trace of amusement tugging at his mouth. “People think love’s enough to build a life on. But love without clarity, without conversation? That’s just fireworks with no landing gear.”

Then his expression softened. “And trust me, you’re not giving up on anything. You’re building something intentionally. That takes guts. Most people don’t even ask themselves what they really want until the damage is already done.” When she grinned about the world’s opinions, he gave a low chuckle, nodding once. “Devil’s Junction isn’t exactly a town known for staying in its lane. But the opinions will come either way—you might as well do what makes you feel steady.”

Hae-Rin nodded, feeling heard for once. "Exactlyn we're not deluding ourselves about some epic romance that'll probably crash and burn anyway," she said. His point about clarity really hit home because that's what this whole thing was about, wasn't it?. "I love that you called it choosing instead of settling. That's exactly what it feels like, but I couldn't put it into words before." She'd been worried people would think she was giving up on love or whatever, but Akash made it sound like they were actually being smarter than most couples who stumbled into marriage based on feelings alone. Ford had been her friend for years—she knew his flaws, his good qualities, how he handled stress. That seemed way more solid than butterflies and dramatic declarations. "The honesty thing is huge for us," she continued. "We've already talked through scenarios that would make other couples break up. It's weird how freeing that is." She paused, then grinned. "And yeah, the world's definitely going to have opinions, but when has that ever stopped anyone in Devil's Junction from doing what they want?"

[akashxbedi]

Akash stretched out on the grass beside her, breathing deeply as the morning sun started to warm the back of his neck. He let out a short laugh at her comment. “Brutal builds character,” he said, grinning. “And also keeps me from punching judges in the throat some days, so—bonus.” But when he glanced over and saw the shift in her expression, the teasing dropped from his voice, replaced by quiet attentiveness. He let her talk, picking up on the way she kept fiddling with her shoelace—one of those small tells he’d come to recognize from years of reading both people and courtrooms. “You’re not wrong to want to protect them,” he said after a moment, voice steady. “But lying to protect someone? That has a shelf life. Especially when the weight of it’s eating you alive like this.”

He sat up, elbows on his knees. “Look, I get it. Our parents came from a world where security meant everything—pensions, prestige, titles you could explain to aunties without getting side-eyed." Akash rubbed the back of his neck. “But you know what else I’ve learned? The people who love you—truly love you—they’d rather know the truth and work through the shock or disappointment than find out later and feel like they were kept in the dark. You haven’t failed them, Aarti. You just chose your peace over their expectations. And that’s not cowardice. That’s growth.”

closed starter @akashxbedi

Aarti wiped the sweat from her forehead and grinned at Akash. "That was brutal. I think you're trying to kill me with these morning runs." She flopped down on the park grass, her legs still sore from the workout. The morning air felt good against her skin, and for a moment she just enjoyed the normalcy of it all. But then her conversation with Jesse of all people—crept back into her head. Why had she even told him about the whole FBI situation? That wasn't like her at all, especially with someone she barely knew. Now she couldn't stop thinking about it. "You know what's been bugging me?" she said, turning to face her cousin properly. "I've been lying to mama and papa about quitting the Bureau. I know I'm a grown woman who can make her own choices, but I keep wondering if I should have just been honest from the start." She picked at her shoelace absently. "I'm scared they'll find out somehow, and honestly? I'm more worried about disappointing them than anything else."

[akashxbedi]

"Oh yeah, okay—because you need a third wheel on date night?" he chuckled, then shrugged casually. "Or we could make it a double? I mean, if we found a babysitter, I’m sure Cat would be open to the idea." He hadn’t expected to throw out that invitation, but now that it was out there, it felt like a pretty good one. “Maybe after Vera says yes to your proposal, we’ll take you two out for a celebratory dinner. Sound good?” When the topic shifted to Thomas’s problems with his brother, Akash’s smile faded into something more grounded. He nodded slowly, expression serious as he took in what Thomas was saying. “Sounds like a mess you didn’t ask for, but you’re handling it the best way—keeping your focus on what’s yours, on what you’ve built.” He rubbed his chin, thoughtful. “Family politics... they’re the kind of poison that spreads slow, creeping into everything. Even the things you want to keep sacred. Lucian’s making moves because, to him, power is a game. And sometimes, that game doesn’t care who gets hurt.”

There was a beat of quiet before Akash went on, voice lower now. “I’ve seen it too many times—brothers, cousins, even friends turning into rivals. It’s exhausting. Brutal. But that’s why it matters that you’ve got people outside the storm. People who can see clearly, who’ll keep you steady.” He looked at Thomas directly. “Midnight Spades is yours. Your rules. And that makes it sacred. Protecting it? That’s a fight worth showing up for.” Akash gave him a half-smile, one of those quiet ones that carried more weight than words. “I’m here whenever you need to talk things through—bounce ideas, vent, strategize. No judgment. No angle. Just someone who gets how this city works.” He cleared his throat before adding, “And if you want to share more about what Lucian’s trying to do—I could look into a counter. I know your legal team is solid, but I specialize in thinking outside the box.” There was something calm but confident in the offer. “You’ve got options, Thomas. You just don’t have to face them alone.”

"Man, you're absolutely welcome to join our glamorous nights of arguing over whether we've ordered too much Thai food again." That's probably exactly how it'll happen too. Some random Tuesday when they're both in pyjamas complaining about work. The brother thing though. His mood shifts slightly because Akash is right to bring it up. People are definitely talking. "Yeah, Lucian's been a nightmare since Dad died," he says, pushing his plate aside. "Kid's convinced I'm after his crown or something, which is ridiculous because I've never wanted anything to do with running the family business."

He's been dreading this conversation but Akash deserves honesty. They're mates. "It's gotten worse lately. He's been making moves, trying to consolidate power, and I'm just trying to keep the Midnight Spades out of his crosshairs." The casino represents everything he built himself, separate from all the family drama and politics that come with the Kang name. "Your offer means a lot. I've got family lawyers obviously, but having someone outside that whole mess to talk things through..." He trails off, considering. "I might actually take you up on that. Lucian's unpredictable, and I'd rather have options ready than get caught off guard." Better to be prepared than scrambling later when things inevitably go wrong.

[akashxbedi]

FIN.

"Peace doesn't come from strategy. God, you sound like a fortune cookie sometimes, but you're not wrong," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "And yeah, I'd love to meet Cat without you lurking around making sure I don't embarrass you. Having said that, I will definitely ask her what her most annoying habit is." The whole idea of someone who just existed without needing to be decoded felt almost impossible to believe. Like, people actually got to have that kind of simplicity in their lives while she spent every conversation trying to figure out what wasn't being said. Maybe that was her problem—she'd gotten so used to looking for hidden meanings that she'd forgotten some things could just be what they appeared to be.

She begrudgingly acknowledged the wisdom in his comment about choosing one's stance as the world changed. She'd been letting everything happen to her instead of deciding where she belonged in all the chaos. Just reacting to whatever crisis showed up next instead of actually making choices about what mattered. "You know what's funny? I've been so busy trying to survive the storm that I never considered just walking out of it," she admitted. The cobbler idea seemed ideal—a simple, sweet treat, exactly what they both needed. "Lead the way to this life-changing dessert. I could use something that tastes good without requiring a background check first."

COMPLETED

[akashxbedi]

He tilted his head, softening as she explained more. “The fact that you've been friends for years? That says a lot. It’s not impulsive. It’s not delusional. It’s two people deciding to take control of their lives instead of waiting for permission from families who’ll never be satisfied no matter what you do.” His gaze held hers. “I’ve seen couples cling to passion like it’s the only thing that matters—then when it fizzles out, they’re left with nothing to hold onto. But comfort, respect, a shared understanding? That’s the stuff that lasts.” He offered a faint smile. “Honestly, I think more people should go into relationships with this level of clarity. You’re not lying to yourselves, and you’re not lying to anyone else. That’s rare.” He added, a little teasingly but with warmth in his voice, “And if anyone gives you crap about the lack of fireworks, just remind them that most fireworks end with smoke and silence. You’re building something with staying power. That’s more than a lot of people can say.” This was where he wanted to add that sometimes these fireworks could emerge even when least expected, but didn't say it because Hae-Rin knew what she and Ford were signing up for, no sense in adding extra drama to their practical situation.

Hae-Rin could see that quiet understanding in his expression—the same look she'd hoped for but hadn't quite expected to receive. His assessment about them walking into this clear-eyed made perfect sense, and honestly, it was exactly what she needed to hear right now. "Ford and I have been friends for years," she said, wanting him to understand this wasn't some reckless decision made over a few drinks. "He's promised me that if he ever develops feelings for someone else, he'll tell me immediately and we'll figure out how to handle it. Same goes for me. We're not going into this blind or pretending it's something it isn't." She was thankful at how Akash didn't immediately launch into warnings about the dangers of practical marriages or lecture her about settling for less than true love—whatever that even meant anymore.

Most people her age seemed to cycle through dramatic relationships that burned bright and crashed spectacularly anyway. "I think what makes this work is that we're both tired of the same family pressure, and we genuinely enjoy each other's company. Plus, Ford's one of the most decent people I know. He wouldn't have suggested this if he thought it would hurt either of us." She paused, studying his face for any sign of judgment, but found none. "Does it really seem that different from couples who stay together because they're comfortable, even when the passion fades? At least we're being honest about our expectations from the start."

[akashxbedi]

@ofgrenvde

alice hoffman practical magic

kofi

[akashxbedi]

Akash leaned back slightly, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “An ambush at the grocery store sounds dramatic until you’ve lived in Devil’s Junction long enough to know it’s actually not that far-fetched.” His voice was warm with amusement, but the truth behind it wasn’t lost on either of them. “But yeah… armour gets heavy after a while. Eventually you forget what it feels like to not brace for impact.” He didn’t press when she mentioned people running off once they found out what she did. She hadn’t said the words outright, but he didn’t need a detailed confession to recognize the weight behind that statement. The isolation that came with living in layers, where even family didn’t get the full picture. “If someone runs just because you’re good at surviving,” he said after a pause, “they weren’t built for the storm anyway. Let ‘em go.”

The part about interesting people finding her earned a low chuckle. “I believe it. You give off that magnetic chaos energy,” he teased, “the kind that makes retired assassins and rogue sommeliers decide you’re their person.” He shook his head, grinning. “And look, I’ll happily prep Cat for your interrogation, but I should warn you—she’s unshakeable. Grace under fire. She’ll probably charm you before you get three questions in.” At the compliment, he gave a mock bow. “I’ll take that as confirmation that my reputation is intact. Always nice to know my charm is still undefeated.” Then his tone softened just a little, the usual edge giving way to something real. “But seriously… I hope you know you don’t have to perform with me. You show up as yourself, baggage and all, and I’ll always make space for that. Deal?”

“Now come on—Greer’s closes in an hour, and if you miss out on that peach cobbler, I will be judging you. Let’s go eat something that tastes like joy and doesn’t come with a single emotional landmine attached.”

His laughter made a smile appear, and honestly, she'd forgotten how good it felt to just be herself around someone who actually got her. Yeah, she'd been trying to solve puzzles that didn't need solving—classic her, really. "I know, you're right about the whole armor thing," she admitted, rolling her eyes. "I've been walking around like I'm expecting an ambush at the grocery store or something." Which wasn't entirely wrong, considering her actual life, but still. The point stood. "I think everyone deserves someone who doesn't come with strings attached," she continued, though part of her wondered if people like that actually existed for someone with her baggage.

Someone who couldn't turn off the hypervigilance even during casual conversations. "I mean, I'd settle for someone who doesn't run screaming when they realize I do what I do." Meaning, she was an agent who'd lied about her true identity. Hell, even her parents didn't know she was still an agent. The vineyard comment made her snort. "Hey, interesting people find me, I don't go looking for them. Well, mostly." She paused, then added with genuine curiosity, "But I'm definitely meeting Cat now. Just so you know, I might accidentally quiz her about what makes you tick. It's an occupational hazard." The competitive comment at the end made her laugh outright. "Oh please, like anyone could compete with your charm."

[akashxbedi]

FIN.

To receive acknowledgement from Akash felt not only validating, but also relieving as her main worry was that she was doing a terrible job as mother. She’s aware of how busy and career driven she is, but as a single mother trying not to rely on those around her, it was her stubbornness and independence that drove her to this point as she only wanted what’s best for her daughter. Now, she was completely changing the narrative as she was allowing someone like Akash in her life.

“You’re right.” she managed to say out loud as she forced out a smile. The last thing she wanted to do was worry him and so she accepted his words wholeheartedly as she came to accept that she trusted him. “Thank you.” she whispered out. “It’s been a struggle trying to let people in on our lives, but you make it easy somehow.” 

Gently picking up Lizeth, she carried her over to the couch and nestled comfortably with Akash as she shook her head, “You’ve been babysitter of the year, let’s try not to put you through torture again.” she teased. “You know we spoil her endless, she’s a lucky girl I’ll give her that.” Chuckling softly, she nodded at the compromise and said, “Frozen it is…Hopefully she dozes off again and then we can have a truly relaxing evening, no?” And with that she grabbed the remote and started up the movie to enjoy the rest of the night with the people who mattered most.

[ END. ]

[akashxbedi]

Akash chuckled, shaking his head. “Vera’s definitely got the practical side of her down to an art form.” He smirked, imagining the scene perfectly. “And honestly, it sounds exhausting for both of you. But hey, that’s what makes it real, right? Not some scripted event but the messy, imperfect everyday stuff.” He nodded as Thomas talked about treating the whole thing like a presentation. “I get that. Sometimes we overthink it so much that we forget the point is just being with the person, not putting on a show.” Akash’s voice softened a bit. “You’ve already done the heavy lifting—talking about kids, money, marriage. That’s the foundation. The rest is just details.”

The idea of fancy dinners versus cozy nights in made him smile. “Trust me, those quiet nights on the sofa? They’re the stuff people actually remember. The ‘fancy’ stuff? Mostly just a blur.” He leaned forward, voice low but firm. “You’re not doing this for anyone but each other. And that’s what counts.” Akash clapped him on the shoulder. “Sounds like you’re on the right track. No need for a production—just the two of you, being real. And hey, if you ever need a wingman for the takeout nights, you know who to call.” He glanced at his watch before looking back at his friend. “But speaking of being real, I've heard some murmurs of some animosity between you and your brother? It's mostly heresay, but I figured I'd bring it up. I know we're friends and you probably already have legal representation but if you need someone to just bounce ideas off of, you know I'm around."

Thomas nearly chokes on his tea when Akash mentions the dental bill comment. "Christ, you're absolutely right about that," he says, laughing properly for the first time all evening. "Vera would spend the whole bloody meal checking every bite with her tongue, then give me a twenty-minute lecture about negligence lawsuits." That's exactly what she'd do too. His brilliant, paranoid girlfriend who reads restaurant reviews specifically looking for choking hazard complaints. The conversation thing really lands though. Makes so much more sense than all the elaborate nonsense he's been planning. "You know what gets me? I've been treating this like some corporate presentation when really it's just us talking," he says, finally putting down those chopsticks he's been fidgeting with. "We've already covered the big stuff. Kids, money, where we want to live. Hell, she's the one who brought up marriage first."

Something clicks into place as he says it out loud. They're not some couple rushing into anything. They've been building towards this for months without even realising it. "The next sentence in a conversation we're already having. Yeah, that's it exactly." He leans forward, more animated now. "I was thinking dinner at some fancy place, maybe that new rooftop spot downtown. But honestly, she'd probably prefer our usual Chinese takeaway on the sofa." The relief is immediate. No performance required. No grand gestures that would make her roll her eyes. Just them being themselves. "Thanks for talking me down from whatever ridiculous production I was planning. Home sounds about right."

[akashxbedi]

Akash shook his head, a slow, deliberate motion that said you’re not crazy far more effectively than any platitude. “I don’t think you’ve lost your mind,” he said, tone warm but steady. “If anything, I think you’ve done what most people don’t have the guts to do—cut through the noise and make a call that actually makes sense for you. That takes more clarity than people give credit for.” His mouth quirked at the mention of the napkin ring. “A napkin ring? Alright, I take it back—Ford doesn’t just deserve a medal, he deserves a statue. Something bronze and dramatic,” he added dryly, though his eyes were warm with quiet amusement. “Guy sounds like he’s got his head on straight. Practical and considerate? That’s rare in this town, I mean..asides from me." He chuckled with a teasing smile.

He leaned back slightly, fingers absently tapping the edge of his glass as he considered her last question. “As for permanent versus temporary… I guess I thought about it because most people—especially in a place like Devil’s Junction—don’t make room for permanence. They hedge. Build exits into everything. Keep a foot out the door so they don’t get caught in the fire when something explodes.” There was a pause. Not long, but long enough for something quieter to rise behind his words. “But when you said permanent, you didn’t sound trapped. You sounded… relieved. Like maybe this isn’t some stopgap after all. Maybe it’s the kind of peace most people don’t even realize they’re allowed to want.” He gave her a small, lopsided smile. “And that’s why I don’t think you’re settling. You’re choosing. There’s a big difference.”

He glanced toward the window, night reflecting back at them. “Also, for the record? A relationship built on honesty, mutual respect, and no delusions? That already puts you ahead of half the couples I’ve seen in court.” A beat passed before he added, quieter, “The world’s always going to have something to say. But if you and Ford know what you’re building and why, then let them talk.”

"Thank you for getting it," she said, relief washing over her. "I was honestly worried you'd think I'd completely lost my mind." His whole take on practical marriages versus the fireworks-to-lawyers pipeline actually made her feel way less crazy about this whole situation. At least she and Ford weren't deluding themselves about some epic love story. But that comment about not settling for just sensible—was she doing that? No, she didn't think so. This wasn't giving up on happiness, it was making room for it without her family breathing down her neck constantly. "Here's the thing though," she said. "We're actually planning to make it permanent. Neither of us is against that idea, and honestly, I don't see why we would be."

Okay, that probably sounded weird without context. "Obviously if we stop getting along or if either of us develops feelings for someone else, we'd handle that. We're not idiots about it." She grinned when he mentioned Ford deserving a medal. "I'll definitely tell him you said that. He's the one who proposed this whole thing, actually gave me a napkin ring and everything. Pretty sweet for a fake proposal, right?" Wait, was she rambling now? Probably. But Akash seemed genuinely interested instead of judging her life choices, which was refreshing. "What made you think about the permanent versus temporary thing though? Most people assume we're just doing this until something better comes along."

[akashxbedi]

Akash’s brow lifted, equal parts entertained and intrigued. Zach’s confidence wasn’t the performative kind—he wore it like a second skin, smooth and practiced. That made Akash lean in, just a little more invested now. “You don’t do this for a living if you can’t read people,” he replied easily, voice even but with a flicker of challenge behind the words. “Poker face or not, everyone’s got a tell. Yours is subtle, but it’s still there.” Was he bluffing? Yes but that was one of the key attributes attached to this game.

He set his drink down, letting his gaze linger a moment. “Me? Criminal defence attorney. Which means I spend most of my day picking apart lies that are barely holding themselves together. So when someone manages to keep it interesting?” He gave a short nod. “I notice.” Then, more pointedly, “But now I want to know, what exactly do you do for a living, Zach? Because you’re too good at this back-and-forth to be winging it. And I’ve seen enough hustlers, brokers, and politicians to know you’re not just passing time for fun.”

this back and forth was amusing. it was certainly providing the adrenaline rush that he'd been looking for, for the evening and he was thankful the other was willing to play along. most people weren't. at least not when it came to someone as confident as zach. "you know, you have a decent poker face," he started, "so, tell me something. what is it you do for a living?" he was curious. the other was good as far as that went and he just wanted to know where he got his practice from. "i know how to play the game. i've been doing all this for a hell of a long time."