Disclaimer: As always, I do not own The Great Gatsby!

A/N: Heeeeeyyy! Hi friends! How are you? I missed you all soooooooo much! Did anyone miss me? Yeah didn't think so but a girl can dream! Wow, it's been almost three years, huh? It's great to be back! Let's get on with the story! I love you all so so very much and I hope you enjoy! Btw, does anyone like my profile picture? Nnnnooo? :D

We Found Love in a Hopeless Era

Chapter 5: Slip-ups Part 3

Nick struggled to keep his eyes open. His hands lazily grabbed at the phone on his desk and shuffled through paperwork. He rubbed his eyes thoroughly when he realized the numbers in front of him were getting blurry. He sighed in frustration when he couldn't manage to focus his vision. It was no use. He was too tired to get any work done. He had hardly gotten a few hours of peaceful sleep. Every time he closed his eyes and drifted into dreamland Gatsby would invade his mind. If he wasn't hugging him, he was kissing him. If he wasn't kissing him, he was touching him and whenever he touched him, well, that's when Nick woke up sweating and panting heavily. What disappointed him the most was the way his body acted on its own. Most of the times he was shocked out of his slumber, he found his hands idly working away at his lower region. His member happily corresponded and soiled his covers while his mouth moaned out Gatsby's name. He was physically and mentally exhausted. Part of him was ready to feign sickness and crawl home.

"Aww Nick don't tell me you didn't get any sleep! Isn't that the whole reason you left Daisy's gathering?"

Just what he needed. Jordan Baker stood tall in front of Nick, grinning. Before last night, she was a gorgeous woman he chased after but now she was just a horrid reminder of what was possibly the worst moment in his life. He wanted to shoo her away so he could forget his problems, at least for the serene eight hours of work he was thankful for. That was his only escape and yet there she was. A forced smile emerged. "Ms. Baker, to what do I owe the pleasure of this pleasant surprise?"

"Mr. Carraway, the pleasure is all mine. Let's just say luck brought me here." Once more she shot a smile at the visibly drained man who was still attempting to work.

He chuckled. "Well you're awfully cheeky today. May I ask what has got your spirits bright this fine morning?"

"Seeing you so weary amuses me." Jordan burst out laughing at how quickly Nick's feeble smile turned into a deep frown. "Oh Nick, don't be so sensitive I'm only teasing! Let me make it up to you by taking you to lunch."

Nick had eaten beyond his stomach's capacity. A content sigh escaped his lips. It's amazing, the therapeutic effect food has over one."Delicious."

"Very. By the way, I missed you yesterday. Where you avoiding me?" Her lips curved into a smirk as she casually lit a cigarette.

His eyes widened. Everything he had been trying to suppress came rushing back into focus. His complexion reddened as he remembered every detail of what he had witnessed. Gatsby was so heavenly sculpted. His blue eyes melted Nick. The warmth of Jay's lips sent shivers down his spine. Everything about Gatsby was sensual, majestic, and gentle and Nick was sick of it. He couldn't understand his own thoughts. Losing the war against his senses and morality was frustrating but what was even more maddening was that part of him, somewhere deep down inside, was enjoying the odd new feelings forming for his male neighbor. "Ah, n-no of course not! I do apologize Ms. Baker it was not my intention to leave without saying goodbye it was just... I got caught up in an unpleasant matter. It is a rather boring story I'm certain you would not want to hear it. Anyhow, I should be getting back to work. Thank you for your lovely company. Until we meet again!" Nick placed a bundle of bills on the table and shot out of his chair only to have a pair of delicate hands forcefully tug him back down.

"Don't be silly darling, we just got here! Now tell me."

"What are you referring to?"

"I heard you caught them bums-out." The gleam in her eyes was frightening.

Nick was dumbfounded. How much did she know? "I'm sorry I don't know what you are talking about."

"Nick, Daisy did not spare any detail from me so don't hold back." Jordan confidently deceived him.

He was paralyzed from embarrassment. Daisy asked him not to say a word about her affair yet she was the one spreading the news about her betrayal. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise though. Jordan was her best friend. She had known about all of Daisy's extramarital adventures and this was no different. What concerned him the most was his involvement. She was running her mouth without thinking about Nick. If Tom found out Daisy had cheated on him, she would be in a sticky situation. If Tom found out he knew, he was a goner. "Alright. I walked in on them."

"Oh my!" Her cheeks turned red. "So how was he?"

"Ms. Baker please!" His face mimicked hers.

"I mean just staring at him over his clothes leaves a woman breathless but being able to see such greatness in its full glory I can't even imagine the rush of lust you must have felt! I-"

His blush deepened. "I refuse to talk about this any longer!"

She chuckled. "I'm sorry. What I meant was Gatsby is an extraordinary guy. He's thoughtful, caring, and strong-willed."

Finally, something he could agree with."Yes, he is an amazing person."

"And he can have you in bed without much effort."

He was at his limit. Jordan was acting completely different than normal. "That's enough. I do not appreciate your words. Gatsby is a great man. He has been hospitable and kind to you, to all of us! You're insulting his character and his compassionate, and gracious nature by describing him as a piece of meat who has no feelings. I will not stand by idly as you insult Gatsby. Of all people, I did not expect such a foul mouth from a classy lady as yourself. And for the record, I am not easy, I have standards." Nick had never felt so furious.

Her smile was irrepressible. "You sure are defensive. You care about him that much?"

"Yes I do."

That's all she needed to hear. "You're right. I am being rather indecent. Please forgive me." She forced her smile into a frown.

"Thank you for your apology. I am sorry as well."

"May I ask you something?"

Nick sighed. "As long as it doesn't involve that incident."

"Well... Does Gatsby look happy with Daisy?"

His shoulders slumped in defeat. "From what I saw, I'd suppose he does."

Jordan felt a pang of sadness in her chest. "I'm not entirely convinced."

"I'm sorry but I don't see Gatsby as the type to sleep with someone on a whim or to drown his own needs."

"I understand but something doesn't seem right. He doesn't look at her with the same eyes. Daisy is my best friend. I don't want her getting false hopes with him if he has no intention of being with her."

"Jordan we can't control them."

She sighed. He was right. "I hope Gatsby pulled out. We don't need another questionable child."

"What do you mean?"

She bit her lip, holding back a few curse words. "Isn't it about time for you to return to work Nick?"

"Is there anything I need to know about Pammy?"

"Thank you for such a lovely date Nick. Next time we'll go somewhere more private." She winked at him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Ms. Baker," he raised his voice to get her attention. "this conversation is not over."

The weekend had come again. Nick had spent the entire week searching for Jordan with no favorable results. It was clear she was avoiding him. He was tired of worrying about her words. He had enough to worry about trying to avoid his neighbor.

Gatsby had sent countless flower arrangements to his home. Each one had an apologetic note written personally by the sender's hand. Sometimes he would have them delivered but other times he would present himself in Nick's front step, waiting for Nick to pop out for hours until a servant would appear to inform him of business phone calls. What made everything worse was the heated nights he spent alone. He was exhausted. He had hoped and wished that all the naughty thoughts of Gatsby would dissipate. He was a disgrace to himself. His neighbor was a man yet he would have such steamy and vivid dreams with him. Besides being a man, Jay was his best friend. He didn't want to ruin their friendship. Then again, Gatsby already had by over-stepping boundaries. He couldn't suppress the fact that Gatsby was an amazing person. Besides being a sensitive care giver, Jay had the power to make him laugh. He would make him feel better whenever Nick was worried or stressed and he was there for every important moment. He always felt important in the blonde's eyes. There was no doubt Gatsby was wife material. Unwillingly, his mind visualized what their life would be like together if he allowed them to go that far. The thought of growing old with him made Nick smile uncontrollably. There was no doubt that part of him was harboring feelings that he wasn't about to admit.

"Wow. I long for the day when a man smiles so bright when he thinks of me." Jordan smiled.

Nick jolted. He was sure he locked his door but there she was. Jordan stood before him once more, emitting no hint of shame for breaking into his home. His hand slid down his face. "Ms. Baker, it's lovely to see you, as always."

Her smile widened. "Likewise Mr. Carraway. I heard you were searching for me. Are you ready to propose?"

"Please, never lose your charm."

"An insult from a gentleman?" Her grin gaped. "Don't tell me you're upset because I was avoiding you."

He was too tired to build a defense. "Not at all. How may I be of assistance?"

She stared at him skeptically. He was being honest. "Well, if there is no ill will behind your offer, I would like you to accompany me to Mr. Gatsby's party. Let's have some fun!"

"No thank you, I would much rather have a few shots and rest my eyes."

"Oh come, Nick. Daisy has Tom. Do you really want me to be lonely? Besides, that mansion is enormous. You can easily get lost in it if you don't want to be found."

"I'm sorry but my decision stands." He didn't hesitate to reject her. There was no way he was going to face all of them.

"What if I tell you everything you want to know about Pammy?"

There was a long silence before he gave in. "Alright but only for a little while."

"Sorry dear but if you want to know, you have to stay the whole night." Knowing he wouldn't refuse, she started walking towards the exit.

"Great, so it's a bribe!"

Nick was looking over his shoulders. The last thing he needed was to be surprised by the only male that made his heart race. As always, there was herds of animals. His hearing was invaded by loud cheers, whistles, and conversations. He almost missed Jordan's faint voice.

"...sorry...I'll...you later!" she walked off hand in hand with a stranger.

He panicked. She tricked him and stranded him in a river of piranhas and lucky enough, the first two had bit him.

Daisy was dancing towards him, dragging Tom behind her. "Nick! My loyal darling! Have you missed me?" She extended her hand to his lips.

He placed a gentle peck on her smooth skin. He exhaled loudly, making her smile brighter. "I weep every night I don't see you." He kindly reciprocated her smile.

Daisy was floating on a cloud. "Promise to love me and I'll give you my heart."

"You seem rather blissful." He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'd have never imagined you would be this happy with Tom's return."

She giggled and playfully slapped his chest. "Oh don't be silly! I feel renewed. I feel joyous. I feel alive!" She clasped her hands together and swung her arms. "Nick, I'm in love!"

"Quiet down Daisy, you're boring the man." Tom interfered. "Good evening Nick." He halfheartedly greeted him. His mind was somewhere else. His eyes darted from beauty to beauty as he searched for his new lover.

"Good evening Tom. How was your trip?"

"Great."

"Come Nick. Tom is busy undressing women with his eyes. Have a drink with me!" She dragged him to the bar. "Aren't you coming honey?"

"I'll catch up." He raised his hand to shoo them away.

"He's such a hopeless romantic!" She devoured her drink and asked for another. "Have you seen Jordan?"

"Yes. We were suppose to be on some type of date and she abandoned me for another man."

She burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. She's too cruel!"

Her laugh was contagious. "It's alright. I expected as much from a known heart breaker."

She sighed contently. "Have you heard from Jay?"

Nick felt a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He wondered whether it was from the alcohol or from the mention of that bronze beau. "Not in a while. Have you?"

"In my dreams. Tom has been watching me like a predator watches its hunt. The only reason we're here is because Jordan insisted we meet the handsome fellow who proposed to her. Have you seen the ring he gave her? It's divine! It's almost as pretty as mine." There was a gleam in her eyes.

Throughout the years, Nick had forcefully convinced himself that Daisy was always joking. He didn't want to think the worst of her. They were family after all. "So she finally found someone to love her?"

"You're not bitter?"

"Not at all. I haven't thought about her for a while." He had Gatsby in the back of his mind.

She raised her glass. "Cheers to new beginnings!"

He clinked their glasses. Trying to steady his nerves, he ferociously gulped his drink down. "Speaking of Gatsby, he has mesmerizing eyes, wouldn't you agree?"

Daisy stared at him and giggled. "My, it seems I'm not the only one who has fallen in love with him!"

He blushed and tugged at his tie, suddenly feeling hot. "T-That's not..."

"Don't be so nervous darling I'm only teasing! Everything about my Jay is mesmerizing. He has the most dreamy sapphire eyes that make me melt!"

The alcohol was getting the best of him. He visualized those eyes that always stunned him. "They are dreamy...I mean I can tell you are very in love with him. By the way, where do you suppose Pammy got her blue eyes from? You and Tom both have dark eyes." He tried sounding casual.

She looked away, running her finger over the rim of her cup. "Well I suppose blue eyes run in Tom's family. He's always bragging about how his daughter inherited his great grandfather's eyes! They're gorgeous aren't they? They suit my Pammy very well. It's like having a little reminder of the past around at all times."

"Talking about Gatsby again?" Jordan took the glass out of Daisy's hand.

"Of course! You're just in time. We were getting to the good part." She winked at Nick, making him choke on his drink.

"So it's easier to talk to Daisy about these things?"

"Ms. Baker, I will have you know that this conversation is purely about Daisy's feelings. Besides, you're the one that left."

"Sulking doesn't fit you Mr. Carraway."

"You're extremely mistaken Miss Jordan. You see, I lost all feelings for you a while ago. I don't like your wicked personality and I think your actions are misleading, unrighteous, and corrupt. You are, by far, the worst person to catch my eye. I hope your fiance rethinks marrying you before it's too late. Cheers!" He threw back another drink while Daisy and Jordan stared at him wide-eyed. He sighed and noticed their stunned expressions. "What's wrong? Was it something I said?"

The two ladies stared at each other in disbelief before they broke out in laughter. "You two bicker more than an old married couple!"

"I never knew you felt that way about me Nick. You can really keep a secret. Anyway, I'm sorry you have a rotten impression of me. Let me get you another drink."

"No thank you. I've had enough for one night." Nick pushed his empty glass away.

"Don't be silly Nick. You don't have work tomorrow, right? Have some fun!" She forced his hand to grip another beverage. "Let me show you how inaccurate your opinion of me is." She turned to the bartender and quietly ordered him to keep the drinks coming. She was definitely going to make sure Nick had a great time.

Daisy looked around anxiously. "Has anyone seen Jay? He usually greets us when we arrive."

"I ran into him earlier. I introduced him to John and he excused himself saying he had business to attend to." Jordan looked up towards Gatsby's study to find someone spying on them from behind a window. "Don't worry doll, we'll bump into him sooner or later. Nick, dance with us!"

Blue eyes glared at two brunets. He harbored some hatred for the female who had her arms wrapped around Nick's neck. He watched as she pulled Nick closer to her, grinding their bodies together.

She smiled when she noticed Gatsby's disapproving scowl. "Nick you're such a great dancer. Let me reward you for not stepping on my toes." Jordan planted a prolonged smooch on his cheek.

Jordan was too close for comfort. He felt uneasy and dirty. Not long ago he would have loved to be even closer than their present position. Something wasn't right. Nick wasn't enjoying her warmth. It was different than what he was use to. What he was use to...was Gatsby. His body was craving Jay's warmth. Her kiss was nothing like his. His lips were mellifluous and they conveyed all of his feelings. Nick's heart began to ache. He softly pushed her away, not wanting to offend her. "How about we get another drink? I'm parched!"

Nick's move did not go unregistered by his keen eyes. He chuckled. He never thought he would see his love push that meddling tomboy away.

"Pardon me sir, you have a phone call from a Miss Adaline Blakely."

"Damn."

Jordan was struggling up the stairs, helping a stumbling Nick up every step. The alcohol had finally gotten to him. "Miss Bake...Baker...there's like twenty of you."

She snickered at how intoxicated he had gotten. He was cuter when he was drunk. "There is? Well I guess I hadn't noticed. Count me again."

"One...five...one..." He giggled at the buzzing current he felt with every movement of his body.

Jordan panted. He was heavier than she expected. "Almost there."

"Hey...isn't this Gatsby's room?"

"How observant. I'm just going to lay you down on his bed like you asked." She dragged him into the wealthy man's room.

"I asked you not to bring me here...right? You're trying to trick me but I can see...why are we here?"

"Oh Nick, you don't remember? You said you wanted to give Gatsby a hug to congratulate him for being so handsome!"

He tumbled onto silky bed sheets and kicked off his shoes. The entire room was spinning but nothing could take away the smile on his face. "He is quite handsome. Do you think he likes me?"

"I don't think I have ever seen Gatsby this in love before." She tucked him in.

"Love...I love..."

"Who do you love?" She leaned in to hear his fading voice only to hear light breathing. Nick was fast asleep.

"Gatsby never showed." Daisy pouted.

"Don't look so down. He must have been really busy. You'll see him soon. Now let's go find Tom." She interlocked her arm with John's.

"Leaving already?" He suddenly spoke, stopping them in their tracks.

"Jay..." Daisy blushed.

"Yes we are it's getting rather late. We would't want to overstay our welcome. Thank you for inviting us Jay. I'm glad you could meet John."

"It's my pleasure. I'm sorry I wasn't a very good host this night I was swamped with work. I don't mean to probe but weren't you here with Nick Ms. Baker?"

She felt cornered. "As friends Mr. Gatsby. Poor thing was having so much fun, he lost track of how many drinks he had. He got dizzy so he went to lay down. Take care of him for me, won't you?" She bit her lip and winked at him.

He was stunned. "Have a great night." Without much thinking he swiftly paced away.

"Jay, wait!" Daisy reached out for him.

Her request fell on deaf ears. There was only one thing on his mind.

She was furious and humiliated. Her lover had abandoned her for her male cousin. Daisy had never felt so rejected by anyone, especially Gatsby. 'Let's see who you care for the most. I will not be ignored.'

Gatsby gazed at Nick's serene body wrapped in his covers. Even when he was sleeping he was beautiful. He sat next to him quietly, holding his exposed had. Gently, he glided his fingertips along Nick's angelic face, caressing his smooth skin, bringing them to rest on his parted lips. They were warm, plump, and flushed. Gatsby couldn't help himself any longer. He had loved Nick for a long time, always dreaming of holding him and showering him with affection and he finally had a chance. 'He's drunk. He will never know...' Reaching his limit, he leaned in closer to Nick. He felt his sleeping beauty's breath feather over his own lips. Gatsby's patience snapped and he closed the gap between them. Nick's blissful warmth filled him with delight and relief. He felt butterflies tickle his stomach while chills traveled up his spine, making him tremble with pleasure. Not even poison could take away his love's sweet taste. Gatsby was engulfed by Nick's essence and his own love. He needed to be closer to him. Deepening the kiss, he ran his hand through the brunet's hair. Feeling the vibration of Nick's moan travel through his mouth, Gatsby pulled away to find two glossy eyes staring at him. "Jay...take me."

Please, review for the sake of fiction everywhere!

This is the longest chapter I've written! Sorry if it's a little rough I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things. I love you guys so so very much! Thank you for reading and like I said, I won't abandon a story even if it takes me forever to update.