Friends With Benefits (A Sidemen Fanfiction)

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     I was nodding to the music that came through my headphones ever so slightly as I tied my apron around my waist, getting ready for another long and boring day at work. I took my headphones out of my ears, the silence of the small room the employees used to put their personal items in lockers overtaking me. I put my phone and wallet into my locker and slammed it shut, putting on a small smile as I made my way out of the locker room and into the dining area of the restaurant. It was usually pretty dead until lunch time, but this morning it was a bit busy. "A big group just came in. You got it?" Natalie, another waitress, asked me. I nodded and gave her a small smile as she carried her tray of drinks away. I walked towards the front door with my eyes on the ground. Once I reached the front doors and looked up, I mentally sighed. It was JJ and a lot of other people. I recognized Simon, Josh, and Vik but now there were new people. "Oh hey. Eight?" I asked, counting all of them quickly. JJ nodded as I grabbed eight menus. "Right this way." I said, walking away. They followed me, without saying anything, to a big table. Once they were all sat down and I actually got a good look at all of them, I noticed they were all wearing football attire. Each of them wearing jerseys from different teams. I took note that JJ had on an Arsenal jersey as I looked at him first. "What can I get you guys to drink?" I asked. I went around the table one by one, writing down what they wanted to drink and eat, since they already knew what they wanted to eat. I took their menus away and went to walk away before JJ called me back. "Mackenzie. Ummm what time do you get off?" He asked. It was Tuesday. And every weekday I worked from 9 AM to 9 PM. On Saturdays I worked 8 AM to 12 PM. And I was off Sundays. Yeah, this job kicked my ass. But it's the only job I had at the moment. "Not until 9." I shrugged. "I'll call you." He smiled, holding up a phone. I guess he got a new one. That was quick. I smiled and nodded, turning on my heel and walking away.

•••

     The big group JJ came in with stayed for about an hour as they ate and talked very loudly. Now I was finally getting off of work and I took my things out of my locker. I put on my hoodie over the t-shirt I was wearing. I walked out of the front door at 9 o'clock sharp. And at 9:01 I received a call from an unknown number. I could see my breath in the cold air under a streetlight as I sighed. "Hello?" I asked, confused as to who was calling me. "Hey. What's up?" JJ's voice came from the other end. I mentally slapped myself. I had completely forgotten he said he was going to call me. And he was true to his word. "Oh nothing. Just walking home. What about you?" I asked, keeping my eyes ahead of me as numerous cars passed. "I may or may not be looking at you." He said. I stopped walking and looked around, laughing lightly. "That's not creepy at all." I said, still looking around. I ran a hand through my hair, shaking out my curls I had done early this morning. The line went dead as a shiny Lamborghini, yes Lamborghini, pulled up to the curb in front of me. The window rolled down and JJ poked his head out. "Get in loser, we're going shopping." He laughed. I giggled at his 'Mean Girls' reference and made my way around the car, still staring at it in astonishment. Once I got in and looked around some more, scared to really touch anything, I looked at JJ, who was staring at me. "No wonder you weren't worried about your stuff." I rolled my eyes, buckling my seatbelt. He chuckled. "Down for a little drive?" He asked. "Sounds good to me." I shrugged, texting Liv and telling her why I would be late. "Did you have a good day?" He asked. "Better now if I'm honest." I laughed. "How about you? Does your face still hurt?" I asked before he could comment on my statement. He chuckled lightly. "Busy and tiring day. I played football with my mates almost all day. And my face is good, thank you for asking." He said, smiling. I nodded in response and stared out the windshield in front of me. "So you're probably wondering 'Why the fuck is this guy so obsessed with me? I did what any decent human being would do and helped him when he was helpless.' And to answer your thoughts -" "I wasn't thinking that though." I interrupted him. "Sssh. Let me finish. Anyways, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," he joked, rolling his eyes with a smile glued to his lips, "you helped me not because I'm a YouTube sensation. Or because of my Lamborghini. Or for publicity. You helped me because I was in need of help. Now, with that being said, do you want to go on a date with me?" He said quickly. It took a minute for everything he said to settle in, but once it did I raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't even know how old I am." I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "Alright. How old are you then?" He asked. "Twenty-two." I answered, still looking at him. "Right cool. I'm not a pedophile." He laughed, making me laugh as well. "I'm twenty-three if you were wondering." He added after he stopped chuckling. I nodded. "We've known each other for twenty-four hours." I said, leaning back in the comfortable seat. He sighed. "Yeah you're right." He said, sounding defeated. I bit my lip, thinking. "Just hear me out for a second. I helped you because you needed help, we've been over this. But how would you know, if I were to accept the date, I wouldn't only accept it because of your Lamborghini or you being famous?" I asked. "Well would you?" He asked. "Well no but -" "You're looking too far into this. I know you're not a superficial bitch. You know I'm not a complete bellend. I just want to go on a date with you and see how it goes." He interrupted me. I giggled. I wouldn't take him as the type to use words like 'superficial', but that was beside the point. "Fine then. Yes, I'll go on a date with you." I said. He sighed. "How hard was that?" He asked sarcastically. I rolled my eyes. "I don't even know you, JJ. I could be making a big mistake. And you could be making a big mistake too." I said, shaking my head. I knew there was nothing I could say to change his mind, but it was worth a shot. It's not like I wanted him to take back his offer. I just wanted to see how far I could push him. And see how he viewed me, which I guess I made a pretty good first impression. "I honestly don't think I am." He shrugged. I felt a blush rise to my face. "Well me neither. So don't blow it." I joked, punching his shoulder lightly. I bit my lip. I hoped I was right.