What a Pain

A/N- Hey people! Sorry this took so long! For anyone who's interested Tony and Andy now have their own story called Collision, chapter one is up already...go read =)

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Chapter Twelve

My shoulder was still tingling from where Mr Jared had touched it. I absently rubbed it as I walked home; the air was slightly cooler now, which I was eternally grateful for. It’d been a scorcher of a day, hitting the mid twenties; the inner city was a few degrees warmer than everywhere else due to congestion and all that.

As I neared my apartment, I saw a familiar car parked on the side of the street and grinned. I hurried my pace and raced up the stairs, sure enough Tony was lounging by my door wearing ripped jeans and a dark green T-shirt, sunglasses perched on his head held his shaggy hair back from his face.

He looked relaxed; I hadn’t seen him this calm in a long time.

“Hey Tony! How’s things?”

He pushed himself away from the wall and pulled me into a warm hug. It felt good, I hadn’t even realised I needed this comfort until he held me. I bought my arms around his muscular waist and held him back for a few moments. We pulled apart and he gave me one of his dazzling smiles, making his handsome face light up.

“Things are great thanks Jos,” Then his expression turned serious “More importantly how’re you?”

I smiled, trying to make it look real, but Tony has known me for too long and could see right through it.

“C’mon, let’s talk inside,” I said as I pulled my keys out of my bag and turned to unlock the door. Tony frowned at me but conceded anyway.

I let us in and he turned and closed the door.

“Coffee?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.

He sighed and grabbed my wrist; dragging me over to the sofa and making me sit down on it. He turned to me again, face serious and concerned.

“José, how are you really? I know what you’re like, you’ll bottle your feelings up until the eventually explode. It’s not good for you.”

I nervously fidgeted, I hated talking about my emotions, it was too girly for me.

“Honestly Tony, I’m fine. Sure I was a little pissed off about Awan having a boyfriend, but I talked to my boss and he said that it was all a misunderstanding; he doesn’t want to fire me. He said I’m one of his top designers!”

The frown on Tony’s face deepened.

“So Awan lied to you then?” He calmly asked, not letting me avoid his gaze.

I swallowed, I wanted to fight my own battles but as soon as Tony finds out I know he’s going to want to do something about it.

I gulped.

“Well, not exactly lied, more like lead me to believe something that wasn’t exactly factual.”

Tony blinked at me.

“That’s the same thing José!”

I sighed.

“I know Tony, I just…I don’t know why he did it. I didn’t want to get him into trouble with Mr Jared because I’d feel mean, y’know he’s in a foreign country and everything…it could be difficult for him to find another job and he’s got his boyfriend-“

“Stop right there José!”

He grabbed my shoulders roughly and leaned down starring into my eyes.

“Now you listen to me. What Awan did wasn’t right, no matter what way you look at it. First he fucked you and then told you he had a boyfriend. I know you’re acting like it hasn’t hurt you, but I know it has. Now he’s trying to get you to leave your job, something needs to be done about him.”

I knew he was right, I should do something about him these sorts of things only get worse if left alone. I was still struggling with the fact that Awan had a boyfriend, it hurt the way he said it so matter of fact and that he wants me to keep it a secret from him just because he couldn’t keep it in his trousers.

“Yeah, Tone you’re right. I just don’t want it to be awkward at work y’know people are gonna start to talk.”

“I know Jos, but thing’s will just get worse the longer you leave it. Maybe you should have a chat with your boss yeah? See what he suggests, it’s better to go through your superiors rather than sort it out on your own.”

I looked back at him, studying his brown orbs; I’d never seen him this serious.

“Yeah, ok Tony I’ll talk with the boss and see what he comes up with. He’s a pretty easy going guy for all his annoying habits.”

Tony smiled again, demeanour changing to happy go lucky.

“That’s my boy!” He ruffled my hair playfully and I batted at his hand, scowling at him he knew I hated it when he did that!

“So why were you over here in the first place Tone? I know it wasn’t just to check up on me.”

He grinned.

“Well, me and Andy were chatting and we decided we’d like to invite you over for dinner. It’ll be at my place because I have a large kitchen and Andy wants to cook.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“So you two are getting pretty serious now?”

He turned slightly bashful.

“Yeah, things are going great, I know this sounds cheesy and all but I think he’s the one Jos.”

“Really? I’m happy for you Tony. I’ll come over and have dinner with you, you guys need me to bring anything and when’s it happening?”

Tony chuckled.

“Nah, just bring yourself and we were thinking about having it tomorrow evening. Andy’s been running about the place getting food ready and that even though I hadn’t asked you yet, he really wants to make a good impression.”

“I’m sure he will. I like him anyway, he’s good for you. I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time, I’m really glad you’ve found someone Tone.”

My voice turned wistful, how I wished I had someone like that. Tony must have noticed as he clapped me on the back.

“Don’t worry José, you’ll find someone and he’ll actually deserve being with you. Well, I’m gonna mosey, I’ll see you tomorrow yeah? At seven.”

He stood up and I followed him to the door, he gave me a quick hug again and I smiled at him.

“Yeah sure, see you tomorrow.”

I watched him walk down the hallway and smiled to myself, Tony always made me feel better.

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The next evening at five o’clock I was running around my bedroom trying to decide what to wear, I mean honestly what does one wear? Clothes…I know but of what variety?

Finally after about half an hour of rummaging through my various clothes I decided on my favourite pair of jeans that hugged my bum and got baggier around the thighs and a white T-shirt with a black ninja on the front, knowing Tony he’ll be in something equally as casual we don’t do dress up when we have dinner at each other’s place.

By the time I was ready it’d just turned half past six.

I’d forgone my glasses again and had struggled with contacts, I hate them sometimes, they just don’t want to go in. I blinked trying to stop my green eyes from watering, it took a while.

I went over to the fridge and selected a bottle of Jacob’s Creek white wine, I know Tony said not to bring anything but I’d feel like a bit of a twat if I turned up empty handed. I grabbed my keys, phone and wallet, locked up and started my walk to Tony’s.

He only lived about a fifteen minute walk away and the exercise would do me good.

I arrived at almost bang on seven, woah that was good for me; I’m not the world’s greatest at being punctual.
I looked up at the apartment building; it was fairly new and modern in design. Chrome and glass were the main features.

To be honest I was dreading going up to Tony’s apartment, I mean Awan only lived a few doors down, what would happen if I ran into him? I just know Tony will start a fight and I want today to go off peacefully.

I climbed the stairs and cautiously made my way down the corridor, praying to the All Mighty that I’d not bump into Awan. I made it to Tony’s door and knocked, letting out a sigh of relief, He actually listened to me today.

I stood outside the door, tapping my foot waiting for someone to answer.

Laughter echoed down the hallway and I turned to see Awan stumbling down with a blonde guy hanging all over him. My heart lurched painfully and I knocked a little frantically on Tony’s door.

A muffled “Yeah coming!” was heard and the sound of footfalls.

Tony answered the door, looking a little flushed. I raised an eyebrow; did I interrupt his little make out session? I internally sniggered.

I gave him a pleading look and he cocked he head as if to say “what’s up?”

The laughter sounded again and Tony poked his head out the door. His expression turned stony in an instant.
Awan noticed me and whispered into the blonde guy’s ear, he giggled and blushed a bit. I could feel something boiling in my blood, I was getting mad.

Awan sauntered over in my direction, blonde guy clinging to his arm. Does he have no morals? What about his boyfriend?

Awan stopped in front of me and Tony stepped out of his apartment coming to my side. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared hard at Awan who ignored him altogether.

“Hey José, I’d like to introduce you to someone.”

He practically gleamed. I glowered at him.

“José meet the love of my life, Cody. Cody meet my work partner José.”

He put a slight emphasis on work partner and his eyes dared me to say something else.

I glanced at Cody; he was about Awan’s height, a tad smaller at 5’9”, finely muscled and had brown eyes. He was handsome. But I wasn’t having any of it.

I plastered a fake smile on my face and held out my hand for Cody to shake.

“Hey Cody, nice to meet you. I suppose we have one thing in common with each other.”

He looked at me confused.

“We both sleep with Awan, though I must say his technique leaves a lot to be desired.”

With that I flashed a quick smile at Awan and made a hasty retreat into Tony’s apartment. He followed me in and shut the door chuckling.

“Man José, you sure showed him!”

Voices were steadily rising outside Tony’s door. I felt a little mean breaking it to Cody like that but I just wanted to make Awan pay.

Tony calmed down and then looked at me seriously; he placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it comfortingly.

“You okay though Jos?”

I smiled sadly.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay.”


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Reviews-

Jen-Mwahahahahaha!

Cobraqueen- As I said before, it's getting there. I'm not gonna suddenly put it all in one chapter, what kinda story would that be? Thanks for reviewing though.

Aduial- Thanks for the advice and for the review..More Tony and Andy on the way!

KD- Yeah..Kind of Uh-oh...I didn't torture my characters too badly this time!

Suzie- Thanks for your review, makes me happy!

Queen of the Cucumbers- Your name made me laugh! There will be a few confrontations pretty soon, I'm glad you like this story!

Tatiana- Nyah, Yeah 3 updates, I was on a role! Thanks for the review =)

Kryst Sutures- Yeah Awan's an grade A Asshole!

Irinutza- I don't have my chapters too long I think 2000 words is enough for me, anymore and I get bored. Plus I update 2/3 times a week so really it's not too bad. I'm glad you like the characters and thanks for reviewing!

Tf- My story's on someones rec list? *is honoured* Well even I'm not too sure who José's gonna end up with! Thanks for the review!