[the den] too late to turn back | this is the payback. [jane]

"I know that I could. I have bigger connections than you, sweetheart." Jane smiled. She wasn't going to name drop, but she was actually surprised that he didn't remember who she was related to. "However, given that I think that we could actually pull this off, I would like to work with you on this. Just stop being such a prick." With a shrug of her shoulders, she sat back in her seat, seemingly unbothered despite her aggressive behavior from before.

A grin crossed the blonde's face at her companion's next words. "Thank you." I knew you'd give me my way. "You won't regret it. I promise. We've been doing pretty well for ourselves, business-wise, while you've been out doing your thing. We're never home." They hadn't moved in together, yet, but they were at each other's flats a lot whenever they weren't staying in some hotel room. Honestly, it had been a bit of a surprise to her that Darren hadn't figured this out sooner. She and Piers had always been close, though perhaps that was why he hadn't suspected. He'd probably thought that Piers had been forever banished to the friend-zone.

To be fair, that had been Jane's intention. Then, she'd caught feelings. She didn't regret it even for a second given the outcome but, at first, it had terrified her. Darren's departure had still been fresh in her mind, and she never wanted to feel that sort of heartbreak ever again. Slowly, she'd come to realize that it wasn't just about their physical relationship to Piers. She trusted him more than she'd ever trusted anyone if she were to be completely honest. She was in love with him. Lately, she'd found herself thinking about a future with him-- their house, dogs, and kids.

She could have never had that with Darren. She knew that now. But, they could have this. This was enough.

"We good, then?"

"Yeah were good." He said completely ignoring all of the bitchy things she had said leading up to her question. He never had, or would, care about her familial connections. She threw them around like it was nothing but he had a feeling they probably wouldn't of cared for that. Everyone knew the Regans were tough business, dangerous and smart, but everyone also knew to keep their name out of their mouths. They were the family that had a finger in everything but some how kept themselves out of trouble. It was because they didn't throw the name around, they didn't brag, they let their business do the talking.

Ignoring what she said about her and Piers with just as much obviousness Darren finished his cigarette and sat forward. Jane seemed like she felt like she was getting exactly what she wanted and that was what Darren had hoped for. He knew he wronged her the way he left but it was the best thing for the both of them. Really for all of them. Darren and Jane were always destined to be partners, just not romantic ones. They weren't right for each other and if she found that some where else he wouldn't get in their way. Of course, he could of done with a little less time spent together in his apartment. He had noticed them spending more and more time there since the wards alerted him to visitors but part of him had been in denial about it. A small part of him still thought there was no way either of them would do that to him but he was wrong. Regardless, if they were happy, he was happy, as long as they helped him get some money.

"So do some research and bring everything back to the apartment tomorrow night."

He pushed his chair back loudly, reaching into his pocket for his wallet and tossed down enough coin to cover both of their drinks. It wasn't chivalry or something he'd hold over her head later, it was business. He brought her here for a meeting it was only right he paid for drinks. "Bring Piers with you?"

And then he slid his wallet back into his back pocket and headed for the alley, digging another cigarette from his pocket as he did.

[[out]]

"Can do." Jane smiled again. In her mind, she had done nothing wrong. Darren had broken up with her. Piers had been the one to pursue her. She was single. He was single. He was cute, and she actually enjoyed his company. Plus, she'd remembered what a good kisser he'd been that one time when they'd gotten drunk and snogged in his bedroom. Why not, right? And it had turned out to be the best decision that she'd made yet. Besides, she wasn't stupid. It wasn't as if Darren hadn't pursued other women since their split. It had bothered her, at first, but now she would just be glad to not have him tamper in one of her relationships for once.

In a way, it did sort of feel like the good old days minus all of that. She'd always been the research person back then too. It felt good to be back into their old routine, even if it had started off a little rocky. Jane had always been much easier to get along with when she was given what she wanted. "I will. We'll bring food too."

She quietly got up from her seat and watched him toss enough money on the table to cover both of them. "Are you sure? I can get it. --Okay, fine. Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow night then."

With that, Jane exited behind him before walking in the opposite direction and disappearing with a soft pop.

[out]