Dan fcked up: Time Skip Unknown - May 22nd, 1998
The word “deal” still lingered in the air, and Addie already regretted it. A real date. God, what had she just agreed to? This was… quite literally the opposite of what she’d been trying to do for the past week and a half. She was supposed to be avoiding Leonardo Azure, not willingly stepping into situations where they’d be alone together. Fck. What was wrong with her?
She absently tugged at the hem of the shirt she was wearing—his shirt—and avoided his gaze. The idea of a date hung heavily in her mind, wrapped in memories of another Leo, her Leo. Those dates had been perfect, unforced, full of easy laughter and warmth. But this timeline? No. It couldn’t be the same. She wouldn’t let it. If anything, she should be sabotaging this whole idea, pushing him away before it went too far.
“So, dinner then? Like… a restaurant?” Her voice came out light, almost casual, but her fingers fidgeted nervously under the table.
Leo leaned against the counter, arms crossed, his expression maddeningly calm as he looked at her. “Yeah, dinner. We’ll talk, eat some good food. Get to know each other the normal way.”
Her chest tightened. Talk. The word echoed in her head like a warning bell. Talking meant questions, and questions meant truths. And there was too much about her he couldn’t know. “You know, we could just… skip that part. Go see a movie or something. Avoid the awkward silences. Have a good time… you know… popcorn and all that jazz.”
He smirked, tilting his head like he was already calling her bluff. “Awkward silences? You?” He let out a soft laugh. “Come on, Addie. You’d probably spend the whole movie talking anyway.”
Her fingers gripped the edge of the table, a flicker of frustration sparking in her chest. She forced a breezy laugh. “I’m serious, Leo. A movie’s perfect. No awkwardness, no pressure. Just… entertainment. We watch, we come back here, and—”
He raised an eyebrow before she could finish. “You think I don’t see what you’re doing?”
Her heart skipped, her defenses rising instantly. “I’m not doing anything.” The words came out too fast, too sharp.
He took a step closer, his voice dropping to something softer, but firmer. “You’re avoiding it. Me. Us.”
Her jaw clenched, irritation prickling under her skin. “That’s ridiculous. I’m literally agreeing to go out with you.”
“No, you’re agreeing to go through the motions. Big difference.” His tone remained calm, which only irritated her more. “You’re trying to pick something where we won’t actually have to talk. Where you can sit there and pretend like this isn’t a thing without actually being present.”
How the hell did he always manage to strip her down like this? “You’re reading way too much into this.” She stood abruptly, pacing the small space between the table and the counter. “It’s just a date, Leo. Why does it have to be so complicated?”
“It’s not complicated. You’re making it complicated.”
“Oh, I’m making it complicated? Sure, because you wanting to go to some fancy restaurant where we awkwardly stare at each other isn’t complicated at all.”
He sighed, the sound low and deliberate. “It doesn’t have to be a fancy restaurant.”
“Fine. A drive-in then. Casual, low pressure. You get your date. I get my sanity. Everyone wins.”
His smirk returned, a challenge glinting in his eyes. “Addie, I’m not taking you to a drive-in. If you want to have sex with me, we’re doing this my way.”
Her lips parted, her frustration boiling over. “Fine, pick something else, then. Just not dinner. It’s boring. Be creative, darling.”
For a moment, he just looked at her, the silence stretching between them. Finally, his smirk deepened, and he said, “Carnival. It’s a little drive away, but it’s got everything—games, rides, bad food. Sounds like fun, right?”
She blinked, momentarily thrown. “A… carnival?”
“Yeah. Let’s go. You’ll actually have to show up for this one.”
Her arms crossed instinctively. “That’s ridiculous. We’re not kids.”
He shrugged, his gaze unwavering. “Maybe not, but it’s still a date. One you don’t get to weasel out of.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but the words caught in her throat. A carnival. It was unexpected, and maybe even a little too close to one of their old dates. But there was something about the way he looked at her—calm, certain—that made her stop fighting.
Letting out a long sigh, she threw up her hands. “Fine. But if I end up puking because of this bad food, it’s on you.”
His grin widened, triumphant and maddening. “Deal.”
And as much as she hated to admit it, part of her wasn’t sure if she hated him for pushing her… or if she hated herself for wanting to let him.
The moment Addie stepped into her room, her mind spiraled. A date… with Leonardo. The idea had seemed… almost manageable when she’d left his apartment—if manageable meant a mild existential crisis—but now, standing in her space with the looming weight of what she’d agreed to, it was anything but manageable.
She flopped onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling as her chest tightened. What the hell are you doing, Addie? The thought echoed over and over, each repetition louder, angrier… to the point where it was screaming at her. She shouldn’t be doing this. She was supposed to keep her distance, not let herself get roped into dates where emotions—real ones—might surface. Not that they ever fell below the surface… not from Addie’s end.
Her mind raced, cycling through excuses. What if I just call it off? she wondered, already dismissing the idea. No, he’d see right through that. Besides, he’d made it clear: if she wanted anything from him, she’d have to go through with this. And fck… she wanted his arms around her… if only just once… if only for a night. If in this world she wasn’t going to end up with Leo… she wanted to be with him one more time before letting him go. Maybe… maybe she was selfish.
Fine. I’ll go. But I’ll make sure it’s terrible. That plan seemed… reasonable. If she bombed the date, acted insufferable, Leo would finally get the message. He’d lose interest after having sex with her, and she could avoid the inevitable heartbreak. Right? Right.
The rest of the day was a blur of nervous pacing, attempts at distraction, and her overthinking every possible scenario. Every so often, she’d catch herself imagining how the date could go well—a shared laugh, his hand brushing hers, a kiss under the carnival lights—and she’d immediately shake the thoughts away. No. That’s not the plan. The plan is to ruin this.
By the time evening rolled around, she was dressed but still a ball of nerves. Her outfit—a casual-but-cute dress with sneakers—seemed like a safe choice, but she still felt exposed. The doorbell rang, and her heart jumped into her throat. Showtime, Addie.
She grabbed her purse, took one last steadying breath, and opened the door to see Leo leaning casually against the frame. His grin was small but enough to make her stomach flip.
The word “date” echoed in Addie’s mind like a bad punchline as she slid into Leo’s new car. The scent of clean leather hit her immediately, a stark contrast to the chaos still swirling in her thoughts. She buckled herself in, her fingers brushing the pristine dashboard. Of course, it was spotless. Perfect. Leo Azure’s life in a nutshell. 
Her lips twitched into a small, forced smirk as she ran her fingers along the edge of the seat. “Wow, look at you, stepping it up. Using a car I didn’t crash into. Very bold of you.”
Leo glanced over, unamused, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—exasperation? Amusement? “Figured I’d spare you the guilt trip.” His tone was cool, measured, the same infuriating calm he always seemed to maintain.
“How noble of you,” she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She sank back into the seat, crossing her arms and gazing out the window. The streetlights blurred as the car hummed along, her reflection staring back at her, accusatory and silent.
The air in the car was thick with tension, her standoffishness palpable. She fiddled with the strap of her bag, keeping her gaze out the window as Leo made small attempts at conversation.
“You’ve been to a carnival like this before?”
“Once or twice.”
“Anything you’re excited about?”
“Not really.”
His sigh was audible, heavy with frustration. He pulled the car to the side of the road with a sharp but controlled movement, shifting the gear into park.
Addie blinked, turning to him with a frown. “What are you doing?”
He leaned back in his seat, his gaze meeting hers, steady and piercing. “What are you doing, Addie?”
She opened her mouth to respond, but he held up a hand, cutting her off.
“No. Listen. If this is how the date’s going to go, we can turn around right now. I’m not wasting my time—or yours—on some half-assed version of you. If you want to sit here, sulk, and act like you don’t want to be here, fine. I’ll drive you home. But if you’re going to be here, be here. With me. For real.”
Her chest tightened, a flicker of shame creeping in despite her resolve to push him away. She opened her mouth to argue, but his words struck a nerve she couldn’t ignore.
“Addie, if this is about getting what you want—” his eyes narrowed, “—I’m not sleeping with you if this is how the date’s going to go. If that’s all this is to you, just tell me now.”
The bluntness of his statement made her flinch. She wanted to lash out, to throw up her defenses and push him away the only way she knew how, but his gaze held hers, unwavering and frustratingly honest.
“I…” She faltered, her voice softer now. “I’m sorry, okay? I’ll… I’ll try.”
He studied her for a moment longer before nodding, shifting the car back into gear. “Good. Because I actually want to enjoy this.”
By the time they arrived at the carnival, the tension in the car had eased slightly, though Addie still felt like a tightly wound spring. She stepped out, taking in the colorful lights and the sounds of laughter and music. A pang of nostalgia hit her—memories of another carnival, another Leo—but she quickly pushed it away.
“So? Ready for some fun?” he asked, standing beside her with an easy smile.
She forced a smirk, determined not to let him see how off-balance she felt. “Lead the way, darling.”
The carnival was a sensory overload. Bright lights danced against the night sky, the mingling smells of fried food and cotton candy wafting through the air, and the distant hum of laughter and carnival games filling the space between them. Addie stood at the entrance, her arms crossed, eyes scanning the chaos ahead. For a moment, she hesitated.
What the hell am I doing here?
Leo nudged her shoulder gently, breaking her thoughts. “Second thoughts already? You haven’t even lost at any of the games yet.”
“Please. I never lose.” She shot him a quick smirk, trying to mask the unease still bubbling in her chest.
“Is that a challenge?” He grinned, his hand resting casually in his pocket as he tilted his head toward the row of game booths. “Pick your poison, Parker. Let’s see if that ego holds up.”
Her smirk faltered, just slightly. You’re supposed to ruin this, Addie. Remember? Be insufferable. Make him want to leave. But the flicker of excitement in his eyes was contagious, and against her better judgment, she found herself nodding.
“Alright, Azure. Prepare to be humbled.”
Addie spotted the dart booth first, her eyes lighting up as she nudged him in that direction… not making it obvious that that’s the game she was headed towards. And like a bee in a honey trap - he fell exactly how she needed him to.
Leo spoke first; which honestly worked in her favor. “What do you say, Addie? Need me to show you how it’s done?”
Addie smirked, an idea already forming in her mind. Oh, darling, you have no idea.
“I don’t know, Azure. This one might be out of my league. I’m more of a… luck game kind of girl,” she teased, feigning a shrug as they approached the booth. When else did she have the chance to play a real game of darts with Leo again? Him, of course, not already expecting her to win.
The attendant handed Leo three darts, which he twirled lazily in his fingers. “You’re not chickening out, are you? Because… that’d be a little embarrassing.”
She knew what he was doing - egging her on. Getting her competitive side to peak through.
“Chickening? Me? Never,” she said, her lips quirking into a sly grin. “But fine, go ahead. Let’s see if you’re as good as you think you are.”
Leo stepped up to the line, his stance casual but focused. His first dart hit the board with a satisfying thunk, landing just outside the bullseye. “Not bad,” he murmured, lining up his second throw. This one was closer, but still not quite there. His final dart skimmed the edge of the bullseye, and he turned to her with a cocky grin. “Your turn, Parker. Good luck topping that.”
“Isn’t this a first date? Aren’t you supposed to go easy on me to get me to fall for your charm or something, darling?”
A laugh left his lips, “I think we’re past that point, don’t you?”
Addie stepped up, picking up a dart and twirling it between her fingers as she pretended to inspect the board. “Wow, you’re really going to make me try, huh?” she said with an exaggerated sigh.
Her first dart missed the board entirely, clattering to the ground. “Oops,” she said sweetly, biting her lip to hide the smirk threatening to break through.
Leo attempted to hide his smile, leaning back against the counter. “Come on, Addie. At least hit the board.”
Her second dart hit the board, but just barely, lodging itself in the outer ring. She winced dramatically, shaking her head. “Ugh… Leo…I told you I’m no good at this.”
Leo was practically glowing, wrapping his arms around her as he watched. “Looks like I’m walking away with another prize tonight,” he whispered. “Need me to walk you through it?,” He asked; letting his hand waver on her sholder, slowly moving down her arm.
God damn you Leo.
Addie closed her eyes for a second, enjoying his touch.
“No… no can I try again darling? One more chance? Equal footing?”
“Sure… but you sure you don’t want pointers?” Leo asked - paying for another three darts before Addie had even finished.
Addie picked up her third dart, stepping up to the line with a casual air. “No… No i’m good. Don’t get too cocky. Watch this.”
She lined up her shot, her movements suddenly precise and deliberate. The dart flew through the air, landing dead center in the bullseye.
Leo blinked. “Wait—”
Before he could finish, she threw her second additional dart, hitting the exact same spot, the two darts stacked almost perfectly on top of each other.
Leo straightened, his smug grin slipping as he watched her pick up the third dart. “You’ve got to be kidding me—”
The third dart followed the same path, landing in the bullseye with the same sharp thunk. Addie stepped back, her smirk finally breaking free as she turned to him, arms crossed. “Beginner’s luck, right?”
Leo stared at the board, then at her, his expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. “You were hustling me.”
“Hustling implies I wanted to take something from you,” she said innocently, tilting her head. “I was just… making it interesting.”
He laughed, shaking his head as he handed her a prize—a small stuffed lion. “Alright, fine. You win this round. But don’t think I’m letting you off easy at the next one.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said, her smile lingering as she clutched the lion. Yeah, this date wasn’t going according to plan at all. But maybe… maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.
The next game was a classic: the ring toss. Leo paid the booth attendant and handed her a set of rings, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the counter. “Show me what you’ve got.”
“Watch and learn,” she quipped, lining up her first shot with exaggerated focus. She tossed the ring, watching as it bounced off the bottle and clattered to the ground. Her second throw missed entirely. By the third, her confidence wavered. Okay… so… so maybe she wasn’t as good at this… compared to darts. Don’t blame her… SHE HAD DARTS PRACTICE. This was different.
“These bottles are rigged.”
Leo laughed, a low, warm sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Excuses already? At least lose with some dignity.”
“Oh, please. Like you could do any better.” She shoved the last ring into his hand, crossing her arms with a defiant glare. “Let’s see the great Leonardo Azure in action.”
He raised an eyebrow, taking his time with the throw. The ring landed squarely on the bottle, a satisfying clink filling the air. He turned to her, smug. “What was that about being unbeatable?”
Addie rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched upward despite herself. “Now… that was beginner’s luck.”
Game after game, the tension she’d carried all day began to fade. She let herself laugh when Leo groaned dramatically when he somehow managed to win at the rigged basketball toss. At one point, he handed her a small, slightly lopsided stuffed bear he’d won, grinning like a child as he held it out to her.
“A token of my… clear dedication to winning.”
“It’s hideous.” She took it anyway, clutching it against her chest with a small smile she didn’t bother hiding.
God she loved him.
The night wore on, and Addie found herself swept up in the chaos. They shared a paper cone of cotton candy, sticky fingers brushing briefly as they passed it back and forth. They raced on the bumper cars, where Addie shamelessly slammed into Leo at every opportunity, cackling at his feigned outrage. By the time they approached the Ferris wheel, her cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Ready for the grand finale?” he asked, gesturing to the towering wheel.
She hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of the night catching up to her. But then his hand brushed lightly against hers, a silent question in his touch. “Why not?” she said softly, letting him lead her to the ride.
The Ferris wheel car rocked gently as they ascended, the carnival shrinking below them. Addie leaned back against the seat, her eyes scanning the skyline. It was peaceful up here, the noise of the crowd muffled by the height. She felt his gaze on her before she turned to meet it.
“What?” she asked, her voice quieter now.
“Nothing.” He smiled, leaning slightly closer. “Just… you look like you’re actually enjoying yourself. It’s nice.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was no bite to it. “Don’t let it go to your head, Azure.”
He laughed softly, and the sound settled something inside her she hadn’t realized was restless. The car came to a slow stop at the top, the city lights stretching out before them. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
And then, quietly, she murmured, “Take me home, Leo.”
He blinked, his smile fading slightly as he studied her expression. “You sure? We still have tickets left—”
“Take me home,” she repeated, her voice firmer now.
He nodded, his hand brushing against hers briefly as the Ferris wheel began to move again.
The drive back to Leo’s apartment was tense, but not in a bad way. The kind of tension that hung heavy in the air, crackling between them, making every glance and every subtle movement feel magnified. Addie stared out the window, her lips pressed together to keep herself from blurting out something impulsive. Her fingers idly played with the hem of her dress, the same dress that had his gaze lingering a little too long all night.
When they pulled into the parking garage, the car had barely stopped before Addie was unbuckling her seatbelt. She didn’t even wait for him to open the door for her, already climbing out and striding toward the elevator. Leo trailed behind, his footsteps deliberate, like he was giving her space to think.
Not that she needed any.
As soon as the elevator doors slid shut, sealing them in, she turned to him, her breath hitching as his eyes locked on hers. Neither of them moved at first, the air between them taut and heavy. Then, without a word, he reached out, his hand brushing against her cheek, and she leaned into his touch instinctively.
“Addie… are you sure about this?” His voice was soft, his tone careful as he searched her gaze.
She stepped closer, her hands finding his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. “Leo, if you ask me that one more time, I swear—” She stopped herself, tilting her head up until their lips were just a breath apart. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve never been more sure.”
He let out a soft laugh, but it was tinged with something deeper, something almost nervous. “Addie, I’m serious. I don’t want this to be something you regret.”
Her lips curved into a smirk, and she slid her hands up to his neck, pulling him down until their foreheads touched. “The only thing I’d regret, is if you don’t bloody start kissing me right now.”
That was all it took. His lips crashed against hers, urgent and consuming, his hands gripping her waist as he backed her into the elevator wall. She let out a soft gasp as his mouth moved to her neck, his kisses trailing down her skin and making her pulse race.
The elevator dinged, but neither of them cared. By the time they stumbled into his apartment, their breaths were already heavy, their hands tangled in each other’s clothes. He kicked the door shut behind them, his lips finding hers again as he walked her backward toward the couch.
“Last chance, Addie,” he murmured against her lips, his voice low and rough. “Tell me now if you want to stop.”
“Leo, shut up,” she whispered, tugging his shirt over his head and letting her fingers roam over his skin. “I want you. I need you.”
That was all he needed to hear. He lifted her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her to his bedroom. The tension that had been building all night finally broke, giving way to a fervent, desperate need that neither of them could contain.
Her dress fell to the floor in a soft whisper of fabric, his hands exploring every inch of her as his mouth claimed hers again and again. She let out a soft moan as his lips moved down her neck, over her collarbone, and lower still, her skin burning under his touch.
“Addie…” he murmured, his voice a mix of reverence and hunger as he hovered above her, his eyes dark with desire.
“Stop talking,” she whispered, pulling him down to her, their bodies tangling together as she kissed him like she’d never get enough.
There was no hesitation now, no room for second-guessing. For once, she wasn’t thinking about the past or the future, only the present—only him. And as they lost themselves in each other, everything else faded away, leaving only the sound of their breaths and the feel of his skin against hers.
This was where she wanted to be. With him. Always.
Addie woke up before the sun, the soft gray light of dawn spilling through the curtains. The bed was warm, Leo’s arm draped loosely over her waist, his steady breathing brushing against the back of her neck. She stared at the ceiling, her heart aching in a way that had nothing to do with regret. Not about Leo. Not about the night before.
But about what she had to do now.
Her thoughts had been a whirlwind after they’d fallen asleep, and somewhere in the early hours, a resolution had settled. She had to protect him. She had to create space before she made things worse. For him. For herself.
Slipping out from under his arm, she moved as quietly as possible, careful not to wake him. She grabbed her purse from the corner of the room, her fingers trembling as she pulled out her checkbook. She hadn’t planned for this—this wasn’t her Leo, the one who knew her so deeply, who understood her fears without words. This was a man who could still walk away, untouched, if she didn’t pull him into her chaos. And that’s what she was: chaos.
She sat at his kitchen counter, the pen shaking in her hand as she began to write.
“For last night 
- $30,000.”
The words felt wrong even as she wrote them, the amount higher, as if money could dull the weight of what they’d shared. Her throat tightened, a lump forming that she refused to let turn into tears. She had to finish this quickly. The longer she stayed, the harder it would be to leave.
But then she heard his voice.
“You’ve got to be fcking kidding me.”
Her head shot up, her stomach flipping as she saw Leo standing in the doorway, shirtless, his expression dark with anger and disbelief. His eyes flicked to the check, his jaw tightening as he pieced together what she was doing.
“Another check? Really, Addie? Am I a fcking joke to you?”
She froze, the pen slipping from her fingers. “Leo…” she started, her voice barely above a whisper. But the words wouldn’t come. How could she explain this without making it worse? Without making him feel worse?
“What the fck is this supposed to mean?” he demanded, stepping closer, his voice sharp and cutting. “Do you think this is normal? That this is okay? You’re seriously trying to pay me for…” His voice broke off, his frustration evident as he ran a hand through his hair. “For last night? What the hell, Addie?”
She stood, her heart sinking as she saw the hurt etched into his features. His brows were drawn together, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes—God, his eyes looked like she’d shattered something inside him.
Her resolve crumbled in an instant.
“I’m sorry.” The words tumbled out of her mouth, her voice cracking. “I’m so, so sorry, Leo.” Tears pricked her eyes as she stepped closer, her hands trembling as she reached for him. “I thought I was protecting you. I thought…” She shook her head, letting out a shaky breath as her voice dropped to a whisper. “I was scared. I… am so scared, Leo.”
His shoulders softened slightly, the anger in his gaze melting into something more conflicted. “Protecting me? By doing this?” He gestured to the check on the counter, his voice quieter but still firm. “Do you know how that feels? What it says about me? About us?”
She nodded, her tears spilling over as she stepped into his arms, wrapping herself around him like she was afraid he’d pull away. “I know. I know, and I hate myself for it. I was wrong. So wrong.” Her voice broke again as she whispered, “I’ll never do it again. I swear. I swear, Leo. Please…”
He hesitated for a moment before his arms wrapped around her, his hold firm but gentle, as if he didn’t know whether to comfort her or chastise her. She buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking into his skin as she clung to him.
After a moment, she pulled back, her hand trembling as she grabbed the check from the counter. Without a second thought, she tore it into pieces, letting the fragments fall to the floor before turning back to him.
“I just… I care about you so much. And I was trying to keep you safe. But all I’ve done is hurt you.” Her voice was barely a whisper as she pressed her forehead against his chest again, her body shaking with silent sobs. “I won’t do it again. I promise.”
Leo let out a slow breath, his hand coming up to rest on the back of her head, his voice soft but firm. “Addie, if you care about me… don’t push me away like this. Don’t do that to me. To whatever… this can be.”
She nodded, her tears still falling, her arms tightening around him as she whispered, “I won’t. I swear.” And for the first time, she meant it. Truly. It wasn’t worth it anymore.
@Littlefeets - afjdapjfdioajfdap this was so long for no reason
? SHE WASN’T A BEARD GIRL. She did not MARRY this man with a beard. The audacity. Where are the divorce papers? Okay not really but it was annoying her.
