Red, White & Royal Blue Stories

• I Hate You, No You Don't • Alex § Henry § Jane § August •

𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐

I finished One Last Stop recently and I adored it. I need to get used to writing their characters. I hope this is a good first attempt.

Also, absolutely adore the idea of a Casey McQuinston Universe in which they all live in the same New York.

• ———— •

"Right there- no, lower- wait-" August gasped, sinking down into the counter.

"There" she groaned, burying her face into her arms. Above her Jane smirked, continuing to massage the tense muscles in her back. It was a quiet day at Billy's, which was a relief after the busy masses congregating there almost every day since the campaign.

Jane's been great, only needing a couple weeks to fall back into the habits of waitressing. They work with each other well, and certainly do not use the back room for anything nefarious. It would be completely inappropriate and unprofessional.

If anyone asks, August wholly and entirely blames Jane and how impossible she makes it to say 'no' to her soft smirks and delicate touches.

"Get a room" Winfield joked as he came through, carrying two plates. August rolled her shoulders, Jane laughed gently.

"We do have one" Jane shot back as soon as Winfield returned. August blushed, nudging her elbow into Jane's gut. She dodged the blow, grin sparkling.

Winfield sighed deeply, throwing a rag over his shoulder. "Don't let Lucie hear you" he murmured quietly, turning to the cash register and pressing a few buttons. Only one couple were there, sitting close to the corner, quietly chattering over their pancakes. Truly, there was nothing to do.

Which was why August didn't feel so bad agreeing to the back massage she was currently receiving and melting into like butter on a hot stack.

"I'll give you one, if you want" Jane offered as Winfield turned to them, resting his elbow on the glossy counter. He snorted.

"Sit me down and give me one of those-" he pointed to her skilful hands working August into a slumber. "I'll never get up again"

Jane chuckled, "wouldn't be such a bad thing"

Winfield gave her an unimpressed look, "I'll try not to be offended"

August laughed with her, tilting her head to the side and allowing one eye to open, watching Winfield's fuzzy figure as he looked up towards the doors, his eyebrows raising in surprise.

"More customers?" August guessed, not needing an answer as the familiar chime of the door being pushed open rang in her ears.

Winfield stepped closer to them, tossing his rag under the counter and crossing his arms. "I think Jane should take this one" he murmured, keeping his eyes trained on the people August still hadn't seen from her position.

"Why?" August furrowed her eyebrows, totally against losing her personal massager.

"Because Jane seems the best type to handle celebrities" he spoke even quieter, finally turning away from whoever entered.

Jane's hands stopped, resting atop of August shoulders. She bit back a groan of annoyance. "They're celebrities?" She asked, standing taller to get a better view of the couple who sat down at a booth together.

One of them stretched out, throwing their arm across the back while the other crossed their legs and plucked a menu from the wooden block.

Winfield paused momentarily, "you don't-?" He shook his head, "yeah, you should take this one" he repeated, nodding. August, tired from bending over the counter stood herself up, stretching her arms above her head before sliding her glasses onto her nose and-