Javier is in love with you. Except he's been fighting against his feelings for you for months.

He asks you out for drinks and finally breaks down and admits his true feelings for you.

Only you're not sure how to react.

Swearing and angust.

.....................

Something has been up with Javier Pena. He's been acting so strange towards you lately.

A man like Javier Pena is hard to figure out. He can be a real asshole at times. But other times, he could be well, decent.

Lately, he's been hanging around, asking you if you need any help. Or if there's anything he can do for you.

Huh. Weird. What is going on? You ponder. You asked Steve if he knew what was going on with Javi.

Either he didn't know or he wasn't going to tell you. Okay.

Well. You just leave it be. There could be a million reasons why Javi is acting so weird. Maybe the heat is starting to get to him.

.................

"Uh, Y/N?" You look up. There's Javier, standing there, looking nervous and awkward. You smile, hoping it'll calm his nerves.

"Yes, Javi?"

"I was wondering if maybe you'd like to grab some drinks with me after work this evening?"

"Uh, yeah. Sure." What the hell?

Javier smiles and you fight against the urge to reach out and brush your fingertips over his lips and mustache.

"Great. I'll come grab you when I'm done?"

"Sounds like a plan."

You watch Javier saunter away, a visible bounce in his step. Huh.

...................

It's still pretty steamy out, even though the sun has already set. Javier stands close to you, gently guiding you by your elbow to his car

It's cute how protective he's acting around you. Besides, out here, at night, it's just a good idea to be careful. You never know what you might come across.

Javier drives to a cute little place, right in the heart of the city. You're amazed at how many people are still out at this time of night.

Javier guides you to a small little area, close to the back and you get settled.

"Are you hungry?" Javier asks. Is he crazy? You're starving.

"Yeah, a little. Wanna order some steaks?" Javier grins and reaches over to gently squeeze your arm.

"You read my mind."

You order thick, delicious streaks and a couple of beers. There's a little band playing some music and singing in Spanish.

It sounds lovely to you. As dangerous and crazy as this place can be, it definitely has it's charms, too. Sometimes you feel like you're in a completely different world.

You and Javi talk about the band and he asks if you'd like to dance.

"Maybe after I've had some nourishment," you joke and Javier chuckles.

"Yeah. It's been a hell of a week, huh?"

"No shit."

Your food arrives and You dig in. Oh my god. This steak is positively divine.

"Oh, wow. This is amazing!" You tell Javi. You see the look in his beautiful dark eyes. You can feel yourself getting pulled in, just a little.

"You're amazing," Javier says bluntly and you stare at him, dumbfounded.

"I'm sorry?"

"Y/N, I think you're amazing and I think I might be in love with you."

Javier looks unsettled and you want to comfort him. You reach out, gently placing your hand on his wrist.

His bare skin feels hot to the touch and you like that.

"Wow, Javi. I-I hardly know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. Not yet. I know this is a bit of a shock for you."

Javier smiles ruefully. You touch his cheek and his expression softens. You feel as though you are seeing the true Javier Pena.

"You're right. This is a bit of a shock. But I kinda like...it." Javier's face lights up. Oh, you think you might want to kiss him.

"That's a relief!"

"Is this why you've been acting so strangely towards me?" You tease and Javier's cheeks go pink.

"Uh, yeah. Kinda."

You lean closer and gently caress his cheek. His skin is soft. You wouldn't have expected that.

"Javier?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you kiss me?"

"I would love to kiss you, Y/N." He leans in, capturing your lips with his. Oh, wow. His lips are so soft, too.

"How's that, chica?" You gently draw your thumb across his mustache.

"I loved it. Maybe we can dance now?"

Javier stands, taking your hand and pulling you up and you walk over to where everyone else is dancing.

You get another surprise. Javier is a fabulous dancer! You grin as he twirls you. Javi pulls you back, closer, so that your bodies are touching.

"This was magical, Javi," you whisper. "You've made me believe that life can be good, too. It's not always so awful out here."

"I'm happy that I could do that for you, Y/N." Javi gently kisses you again and you rest your head on his shoulder, close your eyes and just listen to the rhythm of the music, pretending that it's only you and Javier out here.