"And if you don't fall in love with me by then"

Chapter 1/1

Dwight and Andy. After sleeping with the same woman, to which one of them was engaged, they faced each other in a duel. During this duel, both of them found out about their lover's infidelity. Both of them lost. However, what came after the duel was unexpected. They became friends. Dwight learned that Andy was surprisingly fun to be around. He could be annoying sometimes, but Dwight had developed an admiration for that man because Andy had been brave enough to face him in a duel. Not many would've risen to the challenge. Andy learned that, in his own way, Dwight really cared about his friends, and he would eventually let people in — had they earned that privilege. They balanced each other. One was too goofy, the other, too professional. And that resulted in a strong friendship.

Most of the office was surprised at first to see both men getting along, but then people were indifferent. Not Jim Halpert, though. Jim Halpert was annoyed. Don't be mistaken, he wasn't jealous (that's what he kept telling himself). He was just... annoyed. Annoyed because Dwight would work a lot in the morning so that he and Andy could chill in the breakroom for most of the afternoon. He was annoyed because he couldn't prank Dwight as much, because Dwight hadn't been giving much attention lately, because they spent less time together. He was annoyed. And he knew, deep down, he needed that attention to get through the day.

One day, Andy didn't go to work. He had the flu and stayed home.

"It's now or never" Jim thought. "Hey, Dwight?" He called.

"Yes?" The older salesman replied, not looking away from his computer screen.

"I was thinking... I mean you can totally say no to that, it's probably a stupid idea, I would totally understand if-" Jim was interrupted.

"Are you gonna take all day? Spit it out." Dwight said, now turning his attention to Jim.

"I was wondering if you'd like to watch a movie at my house tomorrow..." Jim said and held his breath because he was anxiously waiting for a reply.

Dwight got up from his chair and went into the breakroom. Jim looked around confused but people were either focused on their work or focused on a random website, avoiding work. A minute went by and Dwight hadn't come back, so Jim got up and went after him. His hands were sweating. He took a deep breath before entering the breakroom. He found Dwight standing in front of the vending machine, apparently deciding what to buy.

"Hey man you could've just said no but walking away was kind of-"

"I accept"

"-rude. What?"

"I accept your invitation" Dwight said. "Let's watch a movie at your house. I'll be there tomorrow at 8. Sounds good?"

"Y-yeah..." Jim stuttered.

"Great" Dwight said and left the room, patting Jim on his back before going back to his desk.

Jim, on the other hand, was still in the room. Dwight had said yes. He wasn't expecting that. But if Dwight said yes, why did he walk away when Jim asked the question? Jim was confused but excited for the following night. He'd chosen a movie that had some similarities to Battlestar Galactica, which he knows Dwight is a fan of. Personally, he doesn't like it. He prefers horror movies or romantic comedies, but the night was supposed to bring them closer, so Jim decided to go with something he knew his coworker would like.

Jim got back to his desk and the day ended as usual. He and Dwight didn't speak much during the rest of the day, only when it was work-related. At 5 pm, as Jim left his desk and Dwight waited for everyone to leave — he had the key to lock up the office — the older man spoke.