#multipart: the actor in the app

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Actor In The App [2/?]

Pairing: Cassian x Jyn Rating: T Summary: Jyn stumbles with her words, how in the hell was she to guess that the actual Cassian Andor was in a dating app? “Uh, hi,” is all she manages to get out. Then she shakes her head quickly, “I’m Jyn from the app, you gave me your number.” “Ah, I was wondering if you would ever call.” Words: 1581 Notes: Celebrity AU Tagging: @mousedetective

Read @ AO3 | Chapter 1

Jyn stumbles with her words, how in the hell was she to guess that the actual Cassian Andor was in a dating app? “Uh, hi,” is all she manages to get out. Then she shakes her head quickly, “I’m Jyn from the app, you gave me your number.”

“Ah, I was wondering if you would ever call.”

She can hear the smile on his voice. “I – uh, I was terribly busy.” It’s not a lie, but also helps that she had to make up her mind. For someone who was so intent in unmasking the man, she now feels like she has egg on her face. But then again, how could she know he was real?

“Yes, I imagine that. I have some friends who are chefs, it’s a demanding life.” He sounds very understanding. “And how have you been?”

“Good, I mean, busy.” She says automatically. But then, her brain wakes up and she adds, “And how come Cassian Andor is on a matchmaking up?”

It is then that he laughs, “Well, I haven’t had any luck when it comes to dating, so I said, ‘why not?’ and made an account. But you’re still the only one to contact me, if only to try and expose a fake.”

She snorts. “Yeah, I’m not going to apologize for that.”

“And you shouldn’t.” He says firmly. “You followed your gut, and I’ve always been a believer that you have to trust your gut.”

Huh, she was not expecting that. He was far more reasonable than a celebrity would be, at least compared to some she had known in her line of work. “Thanks.” Then, she hesitated. “Listen, I’m still trying to wrap my head around you being an actual celeb, do you – uh, mind if we video chat?”

A chuckle was his answer, “Not at all, do you have something to write it down?”

“Yeah,” Luckily, she’s sitting at her desk and she has an assortment of pens and notepads. “When you’re ready.”

“I’m on skype, it’s Jeron2.0 – yes, very original I know. Cap on the ‘j’. What’s yours?”

“Stardust.Erso, with caps on the s and e. And before you ask, it was my dad who called me stardust.” As she speaks, she turns the laptop on and logs in and adds Cassian to her contacts. “I’m on skype now, just added you.”

“Give me a sec.” She hears him fumble with something, and muttering quietly in Spanish. And then, “I’m in and I’m adding you back. So… see you in a bit?”

“Yeah,” She’s thankful that for once, her make up is still intact. There’s no need for her to make the wrong impression right of the bat. A few seconds later, they connect. And there, on the other side of the screen is Cassian. And he’s smiling at her and she feels her heart skip a beat. “Hey, nice seeing you.”

His smile widens, “Likewise.”

And that is how it really starts. For her, it’s strange having a celebrity on her contacts, most of the ones she’s known, it’s due to her work and that was still on them employer-employee line and there were certainly not any sort of crossing. And they somehow manage to talk for an hour that first time, the next call lasts nearly as long.

“…and so I had to lie to my make up artist and said I was getting laid.” He stops and the sighs. “She probably thinks that I’m a weirdo.”

She can’t help it. She laughs, because it’s really funny that he was so excited about getting that movie role. “That’s hilarious.”

“Well, I’m very glad you think so.”

But she discovers that Cassian is easy to talk. It feels strange, at first, having someone to talk who isn’t Bodhi or Chirrut or Baze who can sit quietly and let her talk. Who pays attention and asks questions about her. She’s not so callous as to only talk about herself, she hears him talk about his work. About the ups and downs and how mentally exhausting it all can be.

“And let me tell you, that director is a monster and I refuse to work with him again. He’s a tyrannical asshole.”

“Sounds awful. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.” And she is, she’s had bosses who believed themselves lords of the kitchen and a single thing done their wrong would result in getting yelled face to face. “But you were awesome in that role, I must say.”

She has no experience on that, but she offers her sympathy and rants alongside him. They exchange texts almost daily, they talk whenever possible – as long as Cassian’s schedule permits, that is – and they are now friends on instagram too, she had already followed his public one, but now she has his finsta. Once, even he had sent her a video tour of his newest movie set. And she likes that little peak at celebrity life that he allows her to see.

One time, as they talk, he tells her, “You know, I considered a music career once.”

That catches her attention, “I didn’t know you could sing?”

She watches as he bursts in laughter, and she likes the way his eyes sparkle even on her screen. “I can’t. That’s the thing. I’m a better dancer than singer.”

“Yes,” It’s her turn to laugh. “I did see you in ‘Dancing Queen’, you were pretty good. Looked quite professional.”

He laughs again. “You have no idea just how much I practiced for that movie, but I had fun making, not going to lie.”

“How’s this one going, it’s a what? Horror?”

“Yeah, it’s fun. For the most part, I don’t quite like being sticky with fake blood.”

“Ohh is one of those movies.”

“Yeah,” he sighs. “But I liked the script. And it’s a challenge for me, I want to open myself to more genres of films. Why not start with horror? You know, just… jumping into the deep.”

“And what is something you’d like to do?”

“Historical could be fun. Never made one, and it would be interesting in just walking around in period clothing.”

She snorts, “Didn’t take you for someone who likes fashion.” He has always looked impeccable on the red carpet and photoshoots, but she has seen paparazzi pictures and his looks have been comfortable. Like a regular guy in jeans and shirt.

“I’m not,” he laughs. “But c’mon, those period pieces look great. Oh shit, Jyn, I have to go, my assistant’s glaring at me, it seems that we have to return to filming. Talk to you soon.”

“Yeah, go. Off to work. Bye.”

“Bye.” He hangs up and she can’t help but to laugh again. She had met his assistant, Kay, once and it had nearly ended in a virtual fight. Apparently, Kay was very protective of Cassian and he didn’t trust her at all. Not that she could blame him, she was new to Cassian’s circle, but it galled.

Shaking her head, she put her phone away. Maybe she should write? That way she could take away her mind of Cassian, if only for a little while. Because now, she finds that he has been rounding her head quite a bit and well… it’s slightly worrisome.

“And how’s your book coming along?”

She sighs. “I have the worst writer’s block that I’ve ever experienced.” She waits for him to say anything about writer’s block being only in her head. But when only a ‘Mmmh’ comes, she frowns. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“How about this,” he speaks slowly, as if he were measuring his words. “Why don’t you take a few days off of writing – wait don’t hang up yet! – and do something that you normally wouldn’t do.”

Her frown deepens. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, miss Erso, that I think you need to refill your creative well. Listen, it also happens to me. I’m not a writer, but sometimes I feel like quitting, so I do something I would normally wouldn’t do and rest and recharge. I feel much better afterwards.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Painting, pottery.”

Huh, she’d never given that much thought. “That came quite quickly to you.”

A chuckle. “Yeah, I did pottery once. I’m terrible at it, before you ask. But it was a fun activity, I still have the crappy plate I made. And painting? Well, my mom used to paint, and she always said that you could always be terrible, but someone out there, would like it.”

She doesn’t coo, but she damn near does. It’s heartwarming listening to him talk about his mom. That’s something they have in common, their undying love for their mothers. “You know what? I’m going to do it.”

“That’s the spirit! Let me know how it goes.”

“I will. Listen I have to go.”

“Got it, see you soon Jyn.”

“Bye Cass.” Because yes, they’ve progressed into her calling him ‘Cass’. And she hangs up, but as soon as she does, she goes into google and finds the nearest pottery workshop closest to her.

She takes a class, finds herself enjoying it and she ends with a halfway decent mug. She feels both relaxed and accomplished. She snaps a picture of the mug, posts it on her instagram and tags Cassian. And if her heart skips a beat when he answers with a ‘Go Jyn!’ and a heart emoji, well… no one needed to know.

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Actor In The App [3/?]

Pairing: Cassian x Jyn Rating: T Summary:  ‘Permission to send you something?’ Words: 1521 Notes: Celebrity AU Tagging: @mousedetective

Read @ AO3 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 1

It’s been a few days since the last conversation with Cassian, and Jyn finds herself both worried and on the edge. Every time her phone has rung, or vibrated, she has rushed to see if it’s him. And he has only sent her one message that read, ‘Will have a busy couple of days, sorry.’

And sure, she understands hard days at work. But for the first time it hits her how different Cassian and hers life it is. Her busy or hard include hot kitchens and sometimes tempers, writers block on top of that sometimes, too. But she has no idea what hard or busy days include for him. Sure, she’s heard about twelve to fourteen hour days, and those must be terrible… and oh. That’s probably it.

Fortunately, Cassian is a gentleman and sends her another text that reads, ‘Permission to send you something?’

She smiles, sure, they’re in a strange limbo of relationship right now, because she’s not quite sure she’s ready to call him her boyfriend. They haven’t even had a first day, goddamn it. But she’s sure he could send her whatever he wanted without her permission, but she’s touched at his respectfulness. ‘Sure. Thanks in advance.’ She sends back along with her address.

And Cassian doesn’t disappoint. A few days later, he sends her a large white bouquet of peonies, a favorite book of his, some expensive chocolate and a bottle of wine. She looks at the loot and she feels like she hasn’t felt since she was a teenager in the throes of a first love, she’s giddy with excitement. The flowers smell wonderful and she opts to use the fine vase she got from her mom and places them at her desk, the book goes to her bedside – it’s a poetry book, the wine to the small shelf she has for wine and alcohol bottles and the chocolates also join the book, after all, what better way to end the day than with a fine chocolate? She send a text, ‘Thank you, everything’s wonderful’.

Cassian’s reply comes surprisingly swift, ‘Enjoy, Jyn. Talk to you soon.’

‘Okay.’ She replies and stands there in her bedroom as she stares at her book and chocolates. But then stands and opts for doing more work on her book, and now, she has something pretty to look at when she can’t think of what to do. Now she was really eager to go on a date with Cassian. He wouldn’t disappoint, she was sure now.

A couple of days later, the message is, ‘I’m free now, can you video chat?’

‘Sure.’ She replies and before she opens up the video, she brushes her hair. Sure, he has seen her without much make up, but that doesn’t mean she has to be a complete slob and have her hair be a mess. Specially the mess it always gets after dance class.

“Hey Jyn,” Cassian’s smiling when she finally answers. “Did you liked my gift?”

“Yes,” she smiles back. “It was very thoughtful of you. The wine is delicious and please don’t get me started on the chocolates. Haven’t finished the book, though, but it’s lovely so far.”

If anything, Cassian’s smile widens and his eyes seem to sparkle, even on the screen. “Good, good! Listen, the filming nearly finishes, and I was wondering, since I’m going to be in New York afterward, would you like to meet in person?”

“Meet or go on a date?” She tilts her head, she would like to know what sort of meeting it will be, she has, after some pride in her and she would like to be dressed correctly for it.

“You don’t mince words, huh?” Cassian doesn’t seem bothered. “A date, miss Erso. I think I would very much like to take you on a date.”

She feels herself relax and her lips curl upwards, “Then yes, Mister Andor. I would actually like to be taken on a date.”

“Excellent!” Cassian beams at her. “Do you want to pick the place? Or do you want me to surprise you?”

“You know what? Surprise me. I would very much like to be surprised. I’m intrigued to see the places you like and think are date worthy.”

“Very well, then leave it up to me.”

“Any ideas how should I dress? I don’t want to show up in jeans to a dress sort of date.”

Cassian laughs, “How about this? I’ll plan the date, and make the necessary arrangements and when it’s all settled, I’ll let you know what sort of outfit it is.”

That sounds good to her, “Very well. I like that. I’d hate to ruin the date.”

“You could never ruin the date… not unless you showed up with a trail of papparazi behind you.”

She snorts, she doesn’t know anyone in the media, and even if she did, she’s not like that. “I would never.” And it’s true. She has never been one to watch gossip shows or read the magazines at the supermaket, it doesn’t interest her. She’s of the firm believer that people deserve their privacy. But she understand why Cassian would mention it. “But I get it. And rest easy, I don’t like other people up in my business either.”

“I believe you. You seem the kind of woman who’ll fight an army to keep her privacy.”

“That’s a surprisingly accurate read!”

“Well, thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” She looks at him for a moment. He looks a bit tired. “Is the filming doing okay?”

“Yeah, just had a heavy week, but everything’s going well. Should have things wrapped in a couple of days, I want to be home a day or two before I take you out though, wouldn’t do for me to fall asleep in the middle of a date thanks to jet-lag.”

“That would suck. But glad the movie is nearly done.”

“Yeah, I’ll be taking six months off before I start to film another, so I’ll have some time to rest.”

“Yeah, you should. God, if I could take six months to rest at work that would be amazing.”

“You’d have time to finish your book?”

“Yes. But I even if I complain about my work, I like cooking. It’s a creative outlet for me too.”

“I imagine it is.”

“It has its ups and downs, but it’s a good fit for me. The same way movies might be for you.”

“I think so. There is something freeing in just letting other sides of you ‘come out and play’ if you will. I do in movies what I’d never do in real life.”

“Sounds fun. Must be quite liberating.”

“It is…” Cassian looks away at a knock. “Jyn, I gotta go, my assistant is calling for something. See you in person real soon.”

She nods. “Take care, and see you soon.”

“Likewise Jyn, bye.”

She remains looking at the screen even after he has to log off. There is something magnetic about Cassian that pulls her in. He seems so down to earth and not at all like the celebrity she had expected him to be. And now, she’s the lucky one that will go on a date with him.

That is the thought that startles her.

But she feels herself grin widely. She understands in that moment that he might be an actor, but he’s still a person. And she’s quite excited to see what makes him thick in person. She turns the computer off, she’s not in the mood to write tonight.

She makes her way back to her bedroom, she head straight for her wardrobe. She inspects every piece that hangs there and making mental notes to which ones she could still use for that date. She finds some  black jeans and her favorite leather jacket, she could get herself a nice blouse in case they went for a casual date.

But she needs a dress. The only one she has is a black one, but it’s more for clubs and dancing than a date. She’d have to shop, but for once in her life, she doesn’t mind. The excitement over the date is bigger than her usual dislike for shopping. Also, thank fuck for online shopping.

That in mind, she closes her wardrobe again rushes to the bath. It’s getting late and she needs a shower, she didn’t have the time before, but now, she does. The bath relaxes her a bit, but she’s still too excited to sleep, so she lays in bed, book in hand and reads until the words begin to blur.

Two days later, she receives a text from Cassian, it reads, ‘Casual. Let’s have fun.’

She smiles, and lets the wave of relief wash over her. Her dress will arrive soon, but still, she is happy at the thought of having the chance to meet him without any sort of pressure. Something fun and casual give a different sort of chance, she wants to see him be casual, not with the feel that he has to get it perfect at the first try. So she sends him, ‘Very well, let’s have fun.’

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Actor In The App [5/?]

Pairing: Cassian x Jyn Rating: T Summary: Jyn all but swoons and leans against the door as soon as Cassian’s gone. Words: 1628 Notes: Celeb AU. Tagging: @mousedetective

Read @ AO3 | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Jyn all but swoons and leans against the door as soon as Cassian’s gone.

She closes her eyes and breathes, a smile softly forming in her lips. Who would have guessed that she would’ve had such a fun date with Cassian? Truthfully, she had never been one to daydream about Hollywood or celebrities, but right now she felt almost like a teen girl dealing with her first crush. And it wasn’t a bad crush at all, Cassian was a complete gentleman and now, she was fully excited to go out again with him.

That night, she had the best sleep she ever had.

***

Work was hard and demanding, but she found that she felt like she was walking on cloud nine. No matter what went wrong at the restaurant she worked, she was in an unusually good humor and she dealt with everything with calm.

She would text Cassian here and there, and then, one day Cassian called. “How about we go out? A morning date, you up for it?”

She was more than up to it, “Sure! I don’t think I’ve ever been on a morning date, so long as it isn’t too early.”

Cassian chuckled, “Not yet, there’s one I have planned that we might have to get up early, but not yet.”

“Oh?” She found herself quite intrigued. “Well, so long as it isn’t this one, because I’m not quite ready to get really early, not even for you.”

“I knew I liked you for a reason,” Cassian laughed loudly. “But I promise you, not this one. We can go to this date after eleven. And then, maybe we can grab a bite after.”

“Sounds good to me, where do you want to meet?”

“I’ll pick you up, let me surprise you again. You free on Monday, right?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, then, I’ll see you on Monday at eleven.”

“Deal.”

The countdown to Monday was, if she was being honest, the longest one of her life. But when Monday came, she woke up early and took a long hot shower to wake up. Dressed in jeans, boots, a nice shirt and her leather jacket, she gave herself a once over in the mirror before doing a casual make up look and putting her hair in a low bun.

When Cassian texted her that he was downstairs, she all but ran out the door. And as it turned out, the place where Cassian wanted to take her, was the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It was a beautiful and calming way to spend time getting to know one another, they simply wondering surrounded by nature and simply enjoying each other’s company.

By the time their date came to an end, they made plans to see each other again. Cassian made it clear that he had downtime, so unless something came up, neither should worry. And it was something that soothed her.

***

Their next date was in a jazz club, they danced and drank and laughed.

“I didn’t know you were such a good dancer!” She exclaimed as Cassian swirled her on the dance floor. “You keep surprising me!”

Cassian beamed at her, “I like to dance, and I have the advantage of being able to hire private tutors.”

“Yeah, I can’t imagine that it must be fun to have other people in your business.”

“No, no it isn’t.” Cassian nodded. “Want a drink?”

She nodded and they made their way to their table and ordered their drinks. “How’s dealing with the paparazzi?”

“Not fun.” Cassian said and took a sip of his drink. “But I’m a private man, so I don’t have them trailing after me.”

“That’s good. I’m glad.”

“Thank you, and just know that if for some reason we end up in the tabloids, I’ll make sure you’re well as much as I can.”

She took a large gulp of her own drink, it was something that worried her, after all, eventually someone was bound to spot them. “Thank you, that makes me feel better.”

***

Their next date was stargazing at the High Line.

They arrived just as the sun began to set, casting a wonderful light upon the view they had. There was a part of her that she was quite excited for this date. Yes, the garden had been a good one, but she would hope that romance blossomed on this one. Maybe she could get him to spend the night. Everything be damned, she wanted him.

They talked about everything, from their childhoods to the good and bad of their jobs. They had drinks and simply watched as the sun set and little by little the stars could be seen, alongside the city view as light turned on.

When it was time to go home, she took a leap of faith and invited him in.

“Are you sure?”

“Never been surer of anything in my life.”

Cassian looked at her eyes, as if trying to discern any lie. In the end, he smiled and said, “Lead on, Jyn.”

The rest of the night was spent in passion and pleasure, it was strange how their bodies melded to one another, like two puzzle pieces that finally found their respective place. It was hard, letting him go in the morning.

***

Their next date was an interesting one, the Museum of Interesting Things.

They perused and listen to their guide, asking questions and seeing old and sometimes strange things. She fell in love with a barometer that seemed to fit the steampunk aesthetic. That date ended with them exploring little Greece.

It was a pleasant surprise for her, that several of days later, Cassian asked for permission to show up at her apartment. When he arrived, he came with a present, a steampunk barometer.

“How did you found this?!”

“I did some research and found it.” Cassian said with a shrug. “And I got express delivery.”

She rushed towards Cassian and planted a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Jyn,” Cassian’s whole face was soft. “You’re very welcome.”

***

For their next date, it was the Aquarium. And once again it was fun to simply enjoy the animals and learning about them. “I really like dolphins,” she admitted. “And otters, otters are so cute.”

“I have always liked sharks.” Cassian said. “You have no idea how much I loved Jaws, even if the shark was killing people. I have always felt that the shark was misunderstood.”

She snorted in laughter, “A misunderstood killer shark, now I’ve heard everything!”

“He was!” Cassian laughed. “Just imagine your house invaded by people, and I imagine they were tasty people.”

“Oh, you’re the worst!” She laughed. “But I like you anyways.”

“Thank you, miss Erso.”

***

The date that Cassian had promised she would have to get up early arrived. It turns out, that Cassian’s idea was to pedal boat around Manhattan. She would gladly admit to want to punch him in the face, but fortunately she knew how to swim and Cassian would be there with her.

“Be thankful that I like you,” She said as she pedaled at the same time as he did. “Because if I didn’t, you wouldn’t have been able to get me to get up for this.”

Cassian laughed and elbowed her gently, “C’mon on Jyn, look around you! Isn’t it beautiful? This early morning and the coastline look amazing, the sea is calm and it’s just you and I.”

She grumbled, “And just because I like you. But test me, and I’ll toss you over.”

Cassian cackled, “As if you could toss me without going overboard yourself.”

She growled at Cassian, unwilling to admit that he was most likely true. “Only because I like you,” she repeated, but when she turned and looked at the harbor and the light of the sun reflecting on the windows, she was enchanted, even if she wasn’t going to admit it.

“Beautiful view, right?”

“…Yeah.”

***

But one very memorable date is the Literary Pub Crawl, one that he somehow managed to arrange just for the two of them. She can’t quite help but to be impressed by Cassian’s ability to come up with creative dates. This literature crawl was something she would’ve never think for herself, but she likes it. It’s not every day when she tours special places where authors whose names she recognizes sat and drank and wrote. Or ate and wrote.

They drink at a bar and simply enjoy their guide as they speak the story of the bar they’re in. She leans to Cassian’s side, and feels as he throws and arm around her, and her heart skips a beat.

***

Through it all their dates, Cassian also made sure to get here little trinkets here and there. Sometimes she would arrive home to find a flower bouquet, fine chocolates, books, or little collectibles that he thought she would treasured.

One particular day, she arrived to find a gift bag that held the softest leather jacket she’d ever owned. It was like butter and on the inside was warm and she knew she could use it during the winter. And every time, her heart skipped a beat and she knew that this relationship was special and she would do whatever she could do for it to last.

***

But of course, she knew that eventually their relationship was going to leak to the media. But she was not expecting it to be this way.

She’s standing on the line in the grocery store, she’s distracted and her eyes are wondering, but as she starts to look ahead, her line of vision falls into the gossip magazines and that’s when she sees it. In the front page of one large magazine, there is a picture of her and Cassian kissing on one of their dates.

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Actor In the App [4/?]

Pairing: Cassian x Jyn Summary:  The day of the date, Jyn found herself surprisingly nervous. Words:  1507 Notes: The date arrives. Tagging: @mousedetective

Read @ AO3 | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

The day of the date, Jyn found herself surprisingly nervous.

She had gone through her whole wardrobe, and while she had things to wear, she had found herself scoffing and dismissing the clothes. In the end, she opted to go shopping. She had bought herself a new pair of jeans, a blouse in green that would bring out her eyes, and instead of boots, she got some chunky high heels to wear, which she broke in before the date.

Cassian had said that he would be picking her up at five, and from there, they would make it to the place Cassian had planned for their first date. She had done her best not to pace around her apartment and not ruin either her hair or make-up, but the nerves were getting the better of her. So, she picked a book and began reading to kill time while Cassian arrived.

She was well into the book, when the knock came and nearly startled her. She set the book aside, stood and walked towards the door, “Who is it?”

“It’s Cassian, Jyn.” Came from the outside.

Her hand shook a little as she placed it hovered on the handle, she closed her eyes took a deep breath and exhaled, opened them right back, removed the lock and opened the door with a smile. And she found herself face-to-face with a smiling Cassian who had gotten her a bouquet of white and blue flowers. “Hello Jyn,” he said.

She blinked, turns out, she still wasn’t ready for the reality of having Cassian Andor at her door, but she regained her wits quickly, she took the flowers, “Hello Cassian,” she said as she moved aside to let him in. He looked quite handsome, well groomed and that cologne of his was intoxicating. “Come on in while I put the flowers in water, and thank you, they’re lovely.”

Cassian followed her inside, closing the door behind him. “I’m glad you like them.”

She rushed quickly to her kitchen, she still had the vase there. She placed the flowers in water as quickly as she could. She didn’t want to make him wait, “They’re very beautiful. Thank you.” She left the flowers in her table, when she returned she’d change them to her bedroom. “I’m ready to be surprised,” she said playfully. “I’m ready to be swept of my feet.”

Cassian grinned widely, rubbing his hands together, “Very well, miss Erso, let us go, we don’t want to be late and miss the show!”

They walked out and once she had locked her apartment, they made their way to a car and driver that was waiting for them, Cassian shot her an apologetic look, “We gotta beat traffic, but the first place I have in mind, might blow yours.”

“Oh, sounds intriguing.”

Much to her surprise, they found themselves on the way to New Jersey. “I thought our date would be in city?”

“Oh it will be, just wait until I see what I have planned!”

“Very well.”

As it turned out, his idea of fun was renting a helicopter for two for forty minutes. “Are you serious?” She asked, jaw hanging a little.

Cassian chuckled, “Oh yes, and believe me, the view will be worth it!”

She stared at the helicopter and while her nerves were kicking in, she was just not going to miss out. The sun was going down and she didn’t think that the view would not be worth it. “Okay, but you’ll have to hold my hand!”

“That’s fair.” Cassian said as they climbed in. Once they were both strapped and ready, he extended his hand and waited for Jyn to take his hand. He smiled at her when she did. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” She looked at Cassian, and let the sensation of Cassian’s thumb rubbing comforting circles wash over her as the sound of the engine turned on. A few moments later, and they were airborn. It was then she braved looked outside and she found herself breathless. The sundown looked spectacular and the skyline was something she never thought would be something worthy of looking at. “Wow.”

“I agree.”

The trip’s forty minutes were so worth it. They saw major landmarks and they found themselves talking about them. And she managed to forget about her nerves completely, she and Cassian lost themselves in the sights the city had to offer and they talked about which ones they already had visited and which they hadn’t.

“I saw Ellis Island when I first came to New York,” Cassian told her. “I’m an immigrant, it seemed important to see where many people passed, looking for a better life.”

“I’ve never been,” She admitted. “But you’re right, it’s such an important place, maybe I should go.”

“If you decide to see me again, I could take you.”

“That would be lovely.” She smiled at him. It was a funny thing, even if this was the first time they met in person, she felt completely safe with him, it was as if they had known each other for years on end. Strange, yet pleasant. “I would like that.”

Cassian’s soft smile was worth it.

They ended the trip and Cassian said, “The date’s not done, just wait and I hope you like as much as you did the trip.”

She felt herself smile, “If it’s half as fun as the flight, I’ll probably love it.”

Cassian’s second idea, was one that nearly floored her, because it was an escape room in the form of a  labyrinth. “Oh I’m going have to think!” She mock complained.

“If it makes you feel better, so will I!”

“That’s fair.” She laughed, but truth be told, she found that she wasn’t bothered. She liked the idea of solving the puzzle so they could escape. And it was such a different thing! Her last date had simply taken her to a bar and did his best to get her drunk. Sure, Cassian had money, but it was clear from the place they went that the place was not only for rich people, anyone who made an appointment could walk in and have fun.

And so, she made her mind to simply enjoy it.

“...and I still think it’s one of the picture frames.”

“Mmhh,” Cassian looked thoughtful as he rubbed his chin. “Maybe, alright, let’s move the frames around and hope for the best.”

“Thought you’d see it my way.”

“You’re still not right yet, you know?”

“Oh shush, I’ll get us out of this place in no…” she had to stop when she realized that the picture frames were, in fact, not the way out. “Okay, I was wrong.”

Cassian cackled.

It took them a while, but they did in fact, escaped by working together. At the end, she found herself a bit hungry, and she wasn’t shy about it, “Well, I hope you have a good place to eat, because now I’m actually hungry.”

“I do, ever been at the Special Club?”

“No.”

“Well then, luckily, there’s a first time for everything.”

The Special Club, she found out was a jazz club with a Japanese inspired entree menu, a good list of sakes, live music and comfy booths, the décor had a vintage air to it. It was both romantic, intimate and something else at the same time. She liked it.

They were given a booth and they sat down, ordered their food and waited while enjoying the band. “How did you find this place?” It was a fair question, since the club was underground and she had never heard of it before, and she was a local, but then again, she knew better than to assume that she’d know everything about New York. This date had surprised her quite a lot.

“A director brought us here to celebrate the wrapping of a movie, and I liked it. Figured that I could bring you here, since you mentioned you liked music.”

“I do like music, and live music is even better.” She felt rude whispering, but her being close to Cassian, was nice. She liked being close to him.

They ate mostly in silence, to her surprise, those silent moments were not as awkward as she feared. It was like having dinner with a dear old friend who knew her and whom she knew very well. Something she never had for a first date. To her surprise, she liked the feeling and she knew, that she would like to see Cassian again.

They stayed until near closing, it was lucky that today had been one of the days she had off. But tomorrow she had to work and she had to sleep if she didn’t want to fall asleep in the middle of service.

Cassian took her home and accompanied her back to her door, “Is it too silly to hope for a second date?”

She smiled at him, “Not too silly, I quite enjoyed myself a lot. So, second date?”

The grin that Cassian gave her was worth it, “Deal.”