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22 – Martin’s smile is bright, just like before, changing his whole face. He tucks his notebook and pen away and pats the pocket a couple of times as he speaks again, his voice lower and warmer again, the tightness gone. “I’m already having fun and we haven’t even gone yet!” You chuckle, kind of knowing what he means, and say, “You can tell me about the bet, too.” Martin nods eagerly, his smile staying as he watches you walk away. You find you’re looking forward to it more than you expected. End
Anonymous

Awwww. I’m sad it’s over but on the upside “I” got a date with Martin XD and martin happy is always good. So yes, basically you are awesome and I love you anon. Feel free to invade my ask box anytime!!

  
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21 – “I think… y-yes?” He sounds hopeful and astonished and you just have to do something to unkick this puppy. Nodding in a matter-of-fact fashion you say, “Good, we’ll do dutch. I know a cheap, but good, place. Call me around seven, I’ll give you directions.” Martin nods, looking as if he’s waiting for the catch. Smiling, you gather your things and stand, he rises, too, and you take his hand – no longer sweaty. “Between the two of us, we’ll hatch a great story for you to tell, it’ll be fun.”
Anonymous

  
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20 – “They’re going to be expecting you to go on a date tonight,” you say, a little shocked at yourself, but you just can’t help it. Leaving now would be like walking out during the intermission of a strangely silly but fun play. “B-but, I couldn’t ask you t-to go—” Martin starts, but you interrupt. “You didn’t ask,” you say with kind firmness. He blushes and stammers more, “No, I… I-I mean I couldn’t. I may be a pilot, b-but m-my pay is really quite low.” “Do you have a fiver?” you ask softly.
Anonymous

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19 – “No, this was… really, the oddest thing that’s ever happened to me,” you tell him, smiling. “You’ve been such a good sport… OH!” He gasps, eyes wide in horror. “I never did ask your real name!” About twenty minutes ago, you’d have kindly refused and left, but now you smile a little and say, “Do you have pen and paper on you?” Martin produces a notepad and pen with only a single near-fumble and you write your name and mobile number. “Oh!” Martin says, looking at the paper in astonishment.
Anonymous

  
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18a – (oops, hit the enter key too soon!) I was going to live it down.”
Anonymous

(It’s way ok!)

  
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18 – He covers his mouth, clearly self-conscious about his giggling, but you’re having trouble not joining in; it’s a bit adorkable, too. Martin finally gasps, “Captain S-s-suave and Admiral Ch-charm-buckets?” and sets off into more smothered giggles. You’re sure most of this is stress, poor guy, and yet you’re chuckling, too after a few seconds. Finally he’s wiping his eyes and still hiccupping a bit as he says, “Thank you, I-I’m going to keep… heh… thanking you forever, I think. I didn’t think
Anonymous
  
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17 –You put your hand on Martin’s arm, squeezing as you ask, “Can I offer some advice?” He looks worried, but nods, obviously trying not to expect the worst. “Martin, it’s got to be hard working with Captain Suave and Admiral Charm-buckets there, but you wind yourself up as much as they do. You need to just try and calm down a bit.” Martin’s eyes widen, looking a little bluer now, his lower lip trembles, then his chin quivers. Just as you start to worry, a sudden giggle just bursts out of him.
Anonymous

  
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16 – Arthur stops once near the edge of the café area to wave like a kid having his picture taken at the zoo, and then you’re alone with Martin again. He keeps his face in his hands, just breathing. You lean over and say in a genuine whisper, “I think they’re all gone; you’re safe.” He inhales deeply and says in a surprisingly deep and resonant voice, “Oh, God, how embarrassing!” He looks up, face mottled from pressing his fingers against it. “I am so very sorry, but I can NOT thank you enough!”
Anonymous

  
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15 – With a nodding smile at you, Douglas leaves, as well. Martin lets go of your hand to drop his face in both hands. You start to speak, but realise Arthur’s still standing there, smiling at you. Lifting your eyebrows in silent query, you get a widening of Arthur’s amazingly innocent smile and he says in a stage whisper that’s anything but, “I think you did brilliantly. You didn’t seem shy at all, Anne!” He pats Martin on the back with rapid happy slaps. “See you later, Martin. Have fun!”
Anonymous

  
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14 – “Try not to squash Martin’s heart too badly, there’s a good girl,” Herc says with a lazy smile and a wink. Martin goes bright red and gives you an apologetic look as Herc catches Carolyn’s arm and leads her away. You can hear Carolyn berating Herc in a sharp undertone as soon as they’re a few feet away, though it hardly seems to faze him. Douglas clears his throat, smiling in obvious amusement.“And I’ve a date with an heroic amount of sushi, courtesy an old friend of mine from Nippon."
Anonymous

  
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13 – “Oh, really, now?” Murmurs Douglas, sounding amused. You can already see Martin’s probably had a lot of teasing over this. No wonder he begged a stranger to be his pretend girlfriend. You try to think of a good explanation when the last person, standing behind Carolyn, steps forward to extend a hand. “Torture them later, Douglas, Carolyn and I have a date with Rigoletto. Hullo, Herc Shipwright, charmed.” He’s a handsome middle-aged man, voice just as lovely as Douglas’. You take his hand.
Anonymous

You’re even including Herc!!!

You are fantastic!

  
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12 – She gives you a shrewd look and you suddenly know it’s less the look of a scrutinising boss and more the look of a Mother-figure scoping out her son’s new girlfriend. It’s a bit alarming, but you’re kind of happy that Martin’s got someone looking out for him. “We were wondering when we would have the chance to meet you,” she says, giving Martin a look that tells you she doubted you – rather, Martin’s girlfriend – even existed. “It's my fault. I'm very shy,” you say, sounding anything but.
Anonymous

  
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11 – You grin, it’s physically impossible not to, this Arthur chap almost sparkles with cheery kindness. “Nice to meet you, Arthur,” you say, letting him waggle your hand a bit more. “Arthur, leave the poor girl some fingers!” The older woman scolds, and Arthur frees you with a chagrined, "Sorry!" Martin surreptitiously pats Arthur’s arm with his free hand while saying, “A-Anne, this is Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, m-my employer.” You see she's the no-nonsense type and nod. "Pleased to meet you."
Anonymous

  
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10 – Douglas gives a brows-up look of amused surprise, you aren’t sure if he’s pleased about Martin’s flustered-firmness or amused by it. “This is Arthur Shappey, our steward,” Martin says, indicating a man who looks in his late twenties, but has the sweet, happy grin of a much younger person. His voice matches his expression as he grabs your other hand and pumps it several times rapidly, exclaiming, “Hi! Skip’s hardly said a thing about you, but I knew you’d be brilliant 'cause you like him!"
Anonymous

  
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9 – “Douglas Richardson, likewise.” He immediately takes charge, releasing your hand at just the right moment, waving at the other three people approaching. “These are—” Martin interrupts, snatching your hand, holding on just short of too tightly. “If you don’t mind, Douglas, I’d rather introduce her myself.” You’re a bit surprised at the firm determination showing in Martin’s voice, but he’s still a bit pink around the edges and the hand in yours still a bit damp. So, desperate courage, then.
Anonymous

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