Whatever Happens (M.J)

Eight

Ruby twirled around in her new dress; it was beautiful but she was probably going to return it. It screamed L.A. and just wasn't appropriate for a New York summer. It was white, with a pretty lace bodice and halter neck ties. Ruby shook her head as she admire the back, or lack off. Her bra clasp was on show and it look ridiculous; another reason to return the dress.

"Is it uncomfortable?"

Ruby caught sight of Michael in the mirror; he was standing a few feet behind her, leaning against the doorframe. It was the exact position she'd left him in when she'd last seem him, back at the studio.

"Is what uncomfortable?" She asked.

"Are... women's underwear uncomfortable?" Michael replied, refusing to say 'bra'.

"Sometimes; depends what we're wearing. If it's uncomfortable, you know something special is about to go down, if you get what I mean." Ruby replied, wiggling her eyebrows.

Michael rolled his shoulders; now he was becoming uncomfortable, almost looking like he wished he'd never asked.

"Why do you ask?" She continued, shifting her weight.

"I can see the back of your..." He pointed but dropped his finger straight away.

"My bra; it's not a bad word, Michael, you are allowed to say it."

"I'd rather not; it'll make me feel even weirder about sharing a hotel room with you."

"First of all, you didn't have to share. I offered to pay for my own room but nooooo; you wanted me close. And second, why does it make you feel weird? It's only me! Plus, we're in separate rooms, for god's sake."

"Because... Because: the only female I've ever shared a hotel room with, besides my mother and sisters, is Diana."

Diana was not a subject they touched on often, on account of the fact she'd basically told Michael that their 6 and a half month fling was just that: a fling and nothing more. It was fun, but she got bored and wanted an older man, someone with more experience who really knew how to handle a woman like her.

Ruby turned to face him; it didn't take a genius to see that Michael was hurting. And that was the ulterior motive to his pushing Ruby's visit forward by two weeks. He was lonely and he needed a friend.

She walked over to him, resting on the wall beside him. "Hey; you got me, y'know? I'm always here for you. Or, at the very least, I'm a phone call away."

Michael smiled; he raised his arm and leant it against the doorframe, resting his forehead against it. "I'm lucky to have you."

"That's for damn sure." Ruby replied, happy to see Michael smiling again.

"I asked about your bra because I don't understand how they can be comfortable."

"I suppose a lot of women agree with you; that's why they go commando up top. I don't personally, because I don't need to add saggy boobs to my list of imperfections but y'know, each to their own."

Michael shook his head. "What imperfections? Are you really so blind that you don't see what a gift you are?"

Ruby blinked a few times; what kind of response was suitable for something so profound? There wasn't one really. So she kissed his cheek.

Michael just stared at her; she was blushing even though she'd kissed him.

"Can I get changed now?" She asked quietly, avoiding his eyes.

"Sure; I'll just..." He took a step back and Ruby shut the door in his face.

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