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Sitting in Professor Snape's class you were staring intently at the book laid in front of you, a fountain of information flooding your mind. It wasn't so easy for everyone else, but you seemed to perfectly understand the potions recipes in the book which was great - your class needed to memorize a whole 12 of them for an exam at the end of the week. You were sure you had heard of at least half of them before so you just needed to put more effort into understanding the ones new to you. Actually, you were quite excited.
As you were cramming all the information into your head, a frustrated sigh rang out on the other side of the class. Neville couldn't believe that Snape would give his poor students an impossible quiz like this. It didn't matter if he knew what he needed to remember, he would just forget everything by the time the exam came up. In his mind, the only positive thing about the situation was that he didn't actually need to physically brew anything and get secondhand burns from Seamus' special combustible potions.
"Mr. Longbottom, stay focused", Snape's stern voice lectured. "Everyone else is."
Neville frowned and glanced around the classroom as if to confirm the professor's statement, noticing a couple familiar Gryffindors intensely writing down notes, a group of Slytherins messing around at the back of the class and along with the studious Ravenclaws, his friend Y/n L/n.
You were so caught up in reading that you didn't even realize someone was speaking or that the Gryffindor boy's gaze was lingering on you a bit longer than it should've, but soon enough Neville snapped out of it and looked back at Snape, mumbling a neglectful 'yes, sir'.
The professor only rolled his eyes and went back to the front of the classroom. Neville turned to his book yet again, trying to focus but his frustration only built up more the longer he attempted to make sense of what was the difference between Murtlap essence and a Pompion potion. He wasn't sure why he couldn't grasp even the slightest bit of information recently.
After a while, Snape dismissed the class. You gathered your books and stationary items, then got up from your seat. You looked around the class to search for Neville, quickly spotting him and walking over to him as he was still sat at the desk, staring dully at the text laid out in front of him. You placed a hand on his soft, curled hair. "Nev?"
The boy jumped, startling you as well which made you retract your hand. "Oh, h-hello." He breathed in and started to pile up his books, almost carelessly shoving them into his bag. "This exam is so unfair. I was thinking I should just use an auto-answer quill", Neville joked with slight spite, smiling up at you. Of course he didn't take any notice to the glare Professor Snape shot at him from the other side of the classroom.
"Oh, I have one of those!" You stated and immediately saw Neville's eyes light up.
"Really?" He said, excited, believing you wholeheartedly until he noticed the mischievous grin on your face. As you snickered he sighed dramatically and got up from his seat, slinging his bag over his right shoulder. "I'm stupid. Of course you wouldn't even need one, you're so smart, Y/n."
"Why thank you, sir", you replied, hooking your arm on his as you walked out of the cold classroom. You failed to notice Neville stare at your intertwined arms before coyly turning his head the other way, a signature splash of red on his cheeks. As you walked up the steps, he seemed to mind it less and less. "It's, um... Divination next, right?" Neville mumbled, but you couldn't hear him as he was facing away from you and the cacophony of students talking filled the hall. He, though in doubt, stopped you both in your tracks, leaving you both standing on the stairs, arms unhooking in the process. He felt his cheeks grow even warmer as your eyes pierced through his. "Hm?" You hummed softly, resting your arm on the railing.
Neville froze up ever so slightly before clearing his throat, a variety of thoughts still clouding his mind. "... Divination?" You smiled and shook your head at the vague question. "No you goof, it's Charms next." The boy muttered an 'oh'. You were going to ask what Neville thought the spell of the day could be, but were took by surprise when the stairs abruptly moved. You gasped as you lost your grip on the railing and were about to fall on your back and roll down the stairs to oblivion, but luckily Neville was quick enough to catch you. Frightened, he pulled you against him in an embrace-like manner and wasn't going to let go of you until the stairs were to stop. His head was spinning.
You chuckled with a hint of nervousness in your voice and pressed your head against Neville's chest. You realized that you had never really been with a boy like this. Yes, you were close friends with Neville but this was the first time you had ever hugged, or at least for this long. You could feel butterflies forming in your stomach. Why did you feel this way?
"Ooh, kiss!" Someone shouted from atop the stairs. "Guys look! Neville's snogging with Y/n!"
Neville's face reddened wildly as he glanced up and saw many students looking down at him and you. Embarrassed, you looked down at your feet, well, yours and Neville's. The boy nervously, but carefully reluctantly distanced himself from you and took your hand to walk you up the rest of the flight of stairs. You could hear him mumble something under his breath. "...Snogging?"
After a slightly awkward hour at Charms class, you and Neville made it to the courtyard on your way to Hagrid's first lesson. You had both been almost entirely silent as your minds had been racing ever since the 'stairs accident'. Neville couldn't stop thinking about how he had gotten to hug the most attractive person at Hogwarts for so long purely by luck, and his crush on you was growing by the minute. A smart and stunning student was his polar opposite and he could hear his grandmother in his head undermining him, telling him to give it up. But he couldn't help it, Neville had to admit to himself that he fancied you sooner or later. He just never would've guessed that you liked him as well.
As you walked alongside Neville, Seamus Finnigan caught up to you. He grinned as soon as you two laid eyes upon him and you gave the lad a small wave. "Hey lovebirds, heard you were making out in the Grand Staircase after Potions", he teased. You swiftly averted your gaze from the two and Neville's eyes widened as he listened to his friend's nonsense.
"Whoever told you that is a lying scoundrel", Neville retorted. "It was those bloody stairs moving, Y/n almost fell down." You could hear his voice was laced with concern. "I just.. caught them."
Walking with Seamus and Neville to Hagrid's hut for his lesson wasn't actually that bad, the boys were quite funny in your opinion. Well, at least after Seamus stopped teasing you two. You had gotten to know him through Neville and always felt just a bit bad for him. Things would so often blow up in his face, literally and figuratively, that you would've thought his attitude to have gone sour, but it hadn't.
Everyone gathered around Hagrid and he welcomed the group of you. "I got a real treat for you today, a great lesson! So follow me," the newly found teacher instructed. You walked with Seamus and Neville, trailing behind the Gryffindors and keeping distance between you and the Slytherins, more specifically Malfoy's gang.
"Right you lot, less chatterin', form a group over there", Hagrid instructed. "And open your books to page 49!"
You could hear Malfoy scoff at this. "Exactly how are we to do that?"
"Well just stroke the spine of course, goodness mate", Hagrid explained and you grinned at the sass as you pulled out the Monster Book of Monsters from your bag, trailing behind the two lads you arrived with. Holding the fuzzy artifact carefully in your arms you drew your fingers across the spine of the book, the pages opening up with ease. After flipping to the correct section, you looked forward at Neville and Seamus. The Irish boy was sort of getting there, rubbing the book a bit intensely, but when your eyes landed on Neville you felt a sting of fear. "No, Neville, don't touch the-!"
Your warning was a bit too late as you had to witness the monstrous textbook shredding your friend's blazer, tie and part of his shirt as well.
"Don't be such a wimp, Longbottom", you hear Malfoy snark in a snide voice and feel your face scrunch up in anger. Noticing Seamus was too busy laughing to help, you knew you had to come to Neville's aid and swiftly pulled out your wand.
"Accio!" You casted on the book and it launched at you, but luckily you caught it with ease and shut it, securing the latch. Hugging the book, as well as your own, you ran to Neville and knelt next to him. He sat up, eyeing your face with a stupid smile. "Thanks Y/n", he said in an exhausted tone and proceeded to look up at Seamus. "You git." The Irish boy smiled mischievously and shrugged, looking like he took it as a compliment.
Laughing at the two, you handed Neville's book to him as you both stood up and explained how to open it. He eventually got it. You were still a bit concerned for him, you weren't sure if he'd be the kind of guy to hide it if he got injured but luckily he seemed to be in normal condition. Other than his shredded clothing of course - Neville looked like he had transformed into a werewolf the previous night.
"Hey, Neville", you started and glanced around you to see if anyone was around to eavesdrop. Neville gave you all his attention and a shy 'yes?' You smiled slightly and looked down, leaving the boy more curious than ever. "I just wanted to, you know..." You trailed off, but he kept his eyes on you, patiently waiting for you to continue.
"Thank you. For saving me." Hearing this, Neville chuckled, maybe a little nervously. He couldn't believe it, you were thanking him? As far as he knew, you two were only friends. Yet you were so kind to Neville. It felt incredibly uplifting when you stood up for him or helped him with his studies, even just chatting with you made him so happy. Gingerly the boy stepped closer to you and said, "You're the one who saved me, I think."
You were about to say something, but heard Hagrid call everyone to group up. Neville walked with you to stand beside the Gryffindors and everyone focused their attention on Hagrid and the creature behind him.
"Tadaa! Isn't he beautiful?" Hagrid asks, everyone staring at the white feathery horse-like thing. "Say hello to Buckpeak", he announces and throws a treat to the creature, who gracefully catches it in its beak.
"Hagrid! Exactly what is that?" Ron asks, speaking out loud everyone's thoughts. You glance at the people around you and everyone looks either confused, scared or amazed. "That, Ron, is a hippogriff. First thing you wanna know about hippogriffs is that they're very proud creatures. Very easily offended. You do not want to insult the hippogriff", Hagrid explains. "It just may be the last thing you ever do. Now, who wants to come say 'hello'?"
You, like everyone else, back away from the front row quicker than you could say 'Quidditch'. Neville looks at you for a split second then ducks behind the cobble fence everyone laid their books on. Harry Potter is left idly standing at the front and of course, Hagrid picks him. Feeling safe once more, Neville stands up and you laugh softly. He smiles back at you as you watch the boy who lived approach the hippogriff, bowing to it and eventually befriending it. It was extremely interesting, though you did feel very jealous when you saw Harry take flight on Buckpeak. You almost hoped you had been the one to make acquaintance with it.
As the lot of you waited for Harry to return, you took a seat on the cobble fence and started writing notes of everything that occurred today. Well, not the incident with Neville and the Monster Book of Monsters, but about the hippogriff. You were always ready to study up on everything, even if you didn't necessarily need to. Meanwhile, Seamus and Neville chatted in solitude, unbeknownst to you.
"Seamus, what'd you think Y/n likes?" Neville asked bashfully, rubbing the back of his head as his friend smirked, glancing over to the student sitting on the fence.
"Studying?" The boy guessed and Neville groaned. "What? I don't know what they like, you're 'eir friend, not me", Seamus argued playfully. "If you're asking me for gift advice you might as well just smack a dynamite on them and blow them up now."
"Right. I just want to get them something, but I can't figure out what they're into", Neville said desperately. It was true he didn't really know what your interests were, the only thing he ever saw you do was study or write down notes. Or run to another class, or help Neville with his homework. He really just wanted to show you he cared about you and was thankful for your companionship. "Could I find something for them at Diagon Alley?"
Seamus shrugged, but came up with an idea. He gestured for Neville to wait and he stomped on over to Hermione, kindly sparing Neville from revealing he fancied Y/n and preparing to ask Hermione in his stead. He could take the embarrassment since as Neville's friend Seamus knew he'd be petrified if the whole school started pressuring him or spreading even more rumors. "Hello Granger, I have a question."
Hermione turned to him with an almost undetectable irritation in her expression. "What is it?"
"What would a person like Y/n L/n want as a present?" Seamus asked, piquing Ron's interest along with everyone who could hear him. A few 'ooh's rang out in the crowd of Gryffindors as Hermione thought about it. She glanced over to you, though you weren't paying attention. Ron was spouting some silly jokes about why the explosives expert would ask a question like this, though Hermione ignored him completely and eventually whispered something to the Irish lad.
"Oh, that's great! Thanks a million", he said gratefully and walked off, allowing Hermione to finally continue with her own notes. Seamus, the genius he is, took a roundabout way of returning to Neville and sharing the newfound information as to not reveal the true identity of Y/n's admirer. As the friends discussed the gift further, the shy boy was impressed with Finnigan's idea. "Seamus, you're a great old twat sometimes but it was a brilliant idea asking Hermione", Neville praised his friend before everyone grouped up to leave upon Harry Potter's arrival.
However, everyone stopped in their tracks as the obnoxious blonde pushed through the crowd to go up to the hippogriff. Being at the front, you got a pretty good view of the whole situation and though you never had a taste for drama, you were worried. Neville noticed you subconsciously shift against his shoulder, but your eyes were glued on Draco Malfoy.
"Yeah, you're not dangerous at all are you? You great ugly brute", Malfoy spat as he walked closer to Buckpeak with an annoyed expression. You had no idea what the Slytherin boy was hoping to achieve with this, but you didn't really have the time to figure it out as the large creature jumping up at Malfoy scared you and caused a panic amidst the students. Draco reflexively backed away but the aggravated Buckpeak angrily kept pushing against him closer to you and the crowd. You could hear Hagrid trying to command the hippogriff, but it had already pushed Malfoy down on the mud and nabbed on his elbow. Buckpeak was too angry to calm down and the creature roared even at you. Your ears were filled the screams of students.
Before it could strike you as well, you covered your face with a squeal but were surprised when instead of a striking hoof you heard shuffling and only felt a gentle gust of wind brush past your hands. "Buckpeak! Stop it!" You heard Hagrid yell, along with a couple grunts, and the creature seemed to quiet down. As it did, you lowered your arms and noticed Neville in front of you, breathing shakily and clutching his arm with a dumbfounded expression. Neville had a weird feeling of Déjà vu.
A wave of emotions took over you and you rushed to your friend, placing your right hand on his shoulder as you studied his face. A red mark along with a bit of dirt was on his cheek and you could see small sparkles in the corners of his eyes. "Neville..." You struggled to speak up. "W.. We need to take him to Madam Pomfrey!"
"What about Draco?" Gregory Goyle asked.
"It's killed me, it's killed me!" Malfoy whined on the mud as Hagrid reassured him.
You were so tempted to just say 'who cares' but decided it wouldn't change anything. Luckily, you didn't need to answer as the gruff man took the boy into his arms and gestured for Neville to follow. The boy's eyes lingered on you, as if looking for an answer. He would rather stay with you, injured, than go sit in the hospital wing with Draco Malfoy.
"Please just go Nev, I promise to visit you later and get your things to you. Okay?" Neville nodded and you smiled bittersweetly. I can't believe he's actually carrying Malfoy. So much for the 'bad boy' act. As the three left, you searched the grounds for his bag and the Monster Book of Monsters, of course. Retrieving the items swiftly, you left for Hogwarts .
You attended the rest of your classes for the day, bringing Neville's things with you everywhere you went, since this was an especially busy day and you just couldn't catch one break long enough to visit the hospital wing. You knew it'd be weird to bring them to the Ravenclaw common room and you were scared someone may steal his things, so you just held on tight to them. As you walked in Mr. Lupin's class, something slipped out of Neville's bag. You noticed it was a book as you reached to grab it, dusting the item. 'Intermediate Transfiguration'. Opening it, you saw Neville's name in there as you'd expect, but as you flipped through the pages, a smile grew on your face. Every few pages there'd be notes made by both you and Neville. Advice, corrections, memorizing tips and such. There was also a note on one of your recent subjects, written by your friend. 'Ask Y/n.'
"L/n, perhaps you'd like to be the first to meet your boggart?"
You quickly lift your head up from the book, facing professor Lupin. Agreeing with a mumble, you put Neville's book back in his bag and leave the items on the floor, approaching the strange closet presented. The professor re-explains the boggart to you, since you weren't listening earlier, but you already knew what this was - you had studied it before. "I'm ready," you say and keep a tight grip on your wand. Honestly, you weren't sure what to expect when Remus Lupin opened the door. But as the creature stepped out, the whole room roared with laughter. It was Buckpeak.
"It didn't even hit 'em", someone said. "What a baby!"
Promptly, though slightly nervously, you pointed your wand at the hippogriff which seemed much, much larger and more intimidating than before. You couldn't understand why this was your boggart. It attacked you, yes, but you didn't even get hurt. "Riddikulus!"
The boggart didn't flinch at this, it only strolled closer to you. Maybe it was your lack of confidence or the fact you couldn't figure out a way to make it funny in your head. All you could think about was Neville's tear-stained face and red cheek, how he was holding his injured arm... You shouted the spell once again, but to no avail. You and Remus shared a suspecting glance and you took a deep breath. Okay, it's just.. a pony. A pink pony with ugly bangs and green spots.
And Neville's okay.
"Riddikulus!" You shouted, the boggart finally morphing into a magical pony, causing everyone to laugh once more. The boggart looked almost offended and stumbled backwards on it's shiny hoofs.
"Well done, well done L/n. That is truly hideous", the professor joked. You could only give Remus an unreadable expression before grabbing your things and heading to the back of the class to calm yourself until the class would be over. In normal circumstances, this would've been easier and you wouldn't have embarrassed yourself. But the day's events kept racing through your mind and you couldn't wait to get away from all this to see how Neville was doing.
Eventually professor Lupin's lesson was done with - you had lazily written down the most crucial parts of the boggart and then spaced out, only realizing class was over when you saw other students leave the classroom. Quickly gathering the two bags you were carrying, you threw a dismissive 'have a good day' at the professor and started making your way to the hospital wing to finally meet up with your friend. You only hoped he was okay.
The halls were emptier than usual so it seemed you were able to get to the infirmary a lot quicker than you would normally. Unintentionally throwing the hospital wing's door open a bit loudly, you rushed in and your eyes started a search for Neville. A few ill students glared at you and another one grumbled, seemingly awakened by you. To your surprise, you couldn't see your friend anywhere.
"Looking for Longbottom?" A grating voice asked you and you swiftly turned around to see who was speaking.
"Malfoy", you greeted inauspiciously. "Yes, I am. Do you know where he is?" Upon hearing the question, Draco scoffed. You knew he wouldn't want to tell you but assumed he was going to say it anyway, probably in an insulting manner. So you waited patiently for his reply.
"Probably at Hogsmeade looking for a new uniform, that dimwit." Though he was bedridden, his presence still made your blood boil - the whole thing was his fault after all. "Let me guess, you're gonna go kiss him better?" He smirked at his own remark.
You sighed deeply. "You know what? I'll go do that. Meanwhile you can ask Madam Pomfrey to put a little bandage on your poor scraped elbows and have a lovely tea party with her. I'm sure if you ask nicely, she'll give you some kisses too." Draco's smile fell and his face visibly reddened.
"You just wait until my father hears about this", he spat at you but you just rolled your eyes. You didn't ever feel that threatened by the Malfoys, especially by Draco who seemed to be all talk. "Well, tell him I'll be at Hogsmeade then."
With a smile, you left the hospital wing before Draco would start yapping again.
Determined to find Neville and give him his books back, you pranced around the snowy Hogsmeade for quite a while, circling the shops and street more than once. You visited many nooks of Hogsmeade, asked around but neither the grumpy wizards or the excited students wanted to talk to you. The few that did couldn't help and expressed pity for you. The bags you were carrying around, almost dragging, felt progressively heavier. You had put on warm clothing, though the wind kept pushing against your face and your nose was red from the cold. You were so tired that you decided you would get something from HoneyDukes and then go wait in the hospital wing. Maybe Neville went back and was already there, and if he wasn't, you could clandestinely borrow his blanket to warm yourself up while Draco and Madam Pomfrey weren't looking. But who knows? You could get hypothermia and get transferred there anyway.
After choosing a pale blue box of Peppermint Toads from the shelf, you lingered in the shop - you held the packet with your mittens and viewed the snowy scene outside, the chatter of customers drowning out as you fell into your thoughts. The snowfall really looks better from the warmth of HoneyDukes. I wonder... would Neville lend me his jacket if I was cold? He probably would. He's so sweet. The shopkeeper of the evening stalled before asking you to pay and exit, feeling sympathy for the shivering student. You didn't mind having to leave even though it was heavily snowing, if you delayed going back to Hogwarts any more you wouldn't have enough time to study tonight, so you obliged.
The bell on the door rang cheerfully when you made your exit, the wind howling and pricking at your face. You pulled your scarf up to your nose and the snow crunched under your boots as you started to make your way back, though you did not make it far. Someone had placed a gentle hand on your shoulder which caused you to stop and turn around. "Hey", a familiar voice greeted. Could it be-?
"You look like you're freezing", Neville frowned, but the wave of relief you got seeing him made you smile. Your friend looked fine - save for the few scratches on his face and the cast on his left arm, which was safely tucked behind his blazer. He cautiously reached out with his hand and cupped your face, feeling your ice cold skin.
"Don't worry, I'm okay, I was.. looking for you. I wanted to return your books, like I promised. Strangely, um, Malfoy told me you might be here", you admitted while studying his face. Neville seemed surprised by this and would've retracted his hand if you hadn't stopped him. "No, don't, um.. It's warm."
"Oh," he smiled and you snuggled into his hand. If it weren't for the cold and exhaustion, you would've realized how embarrassing this was. "If my arm was any better, I'd carry you back. We'd better go warm you up somewhere, snow puff", Neville suggested as he looked around for open shops. "How about the Three Broomsticks? I'll treat you, I'm sure gran won't mind me spending a few galleons if it's for a mate as great as you."
You pulled his hand down slow and smiled sheepishly at the suggestion - at this point, hurrying back to Hogwarts for another study evening like every other was the last thing on your mind. You didn't have many opportunities to hang out with your friends - people rarely invited you, because they always assumed you were busy reading or rehearsing for exams. It was true in some cases, but you wouldn't ever turn down a hangout request from the boy you fancied. "I'd like that."
After entering the cozy pub, you and Neville took a seat at one of the corner booths with a window view. You really did like looking out there, but you'd had enough of snow for tonight and focused instead on warming yourself up. You took your scarf and mittens off and rubbed your hands together in a futile attempt to create some friction. Neville wanted to help, but couldn't figure out how before you were greeted by the surly waiter asking what you would like to order.
Surprisingly, Neville spoke up first. "Oh, uh, I'll have a Conjure Cocoa." Though it sounded more like a question than a statement.
You nodded, approving of his choice. "That seems appropriate, it is quite cold. I'll have a Firewhisky, if you please", you requested with a held-back smile and mischievous glee in your eyes.
"Y/n!" Neville hissed, astounded. You tried to stifle your laughter at his silly expression of shock, it was so cute to you. "Fine, fine, Conjure Cocoa then," you laughed.
After the waiter rolled his eyes at you two and left, Neville fumbled with something in his right pocket, unbeknownst to you. It was the present he had gotten for you. As Seamus had found out, Hermione said the perfect first gift for anyone was jewelry - it showed wealth, class and good taste. Maybe it was just what she wanted, but Neville liked the idea - though he thought it wasn't quite good enough. A simple rock on a chain would not do. So, before escaping from the Hospital Wing to Hogsmeade to find a goldsmith, he gathered his pointed purple crystal (which he had purchased during his second year at Hogwarts to protect himself against the Basilisk) and asked around for a moonstone which he traded his (slightly useless) Remembrall for. He had no clue what the value of the ball was exactly, but he knew for sure his nan would scream at him for giving it away anyway. "It's worth it", he thought.
Neville's gift for you was a unique amulet mixed of moonstone, red garnet, purple crystal and phoenix flint (which the goldsmith convinced Neville to add to the mix, though he fetched a high price for it) imbued with a simple luck enchantment. Inside the elegant navy blue case, which was messily wrapped with a flaxen ribbon, was also a golden chain to support the amulet.
Shortly after receiving your drinks and cheerfully chatting with you, the Gryffindor boy finally gathered the courage to bestow upon you the present, asking you to show your hands so he could place the box in them. Neville wore a nervous smile the whole time - though he had never put this much effort into a gift in his entire life, he couldn't help but think it was too little. Or was it too much?
You raised a curious eyebrow and studied the small box. It was very pretty, you had always adored the colours of Ravenclaw. You wondered if it was intentional and glanced at Neville, though he couldn't read your mind. Carefully untying the ribbon, you placed it on the table and ran your thumb over the small satin box. The anticipation was killing the boy, but you couldn't help but be cautious - you had no idea why Neville wanted to give you a present, you certainly didn't have one for him and felt a little guilty.
"Go on," Neville encouraged. "It's really nothing."
You felt less nervous and smiled a little, deciding to finally open the box. "Neville," you yelped, "this is so cool!" Hands still squeezing the box, you shot a radiant smile at the boy as a tear of gratitude glistened in the corner of your eye. "Thank you so much." Neville's cheeks flushed and he smiled at your reaction, he was just happy you liked it. You gestured for him to come closer and he scooted around the booth to get to you, but still kept a bit of comfortable distance between you. "Could you put it on for me please? I always have trouble with the latch." You really didn't.
Neville daren't refuse helping you, especially on an evening when you looked so radiant, so he picked up the amulet and put the box aside. He turned to face you and the chain in firm hands he reached behind your neck, unconsciously shifting closer to you and fumbling with the latch whilst his elbows lightly rested on your shoulders.
With a click, the amulet was securely around your neck. "There", Neville sighed and smiled. He began to lean back away from you, but you grabbed the collar of his shirt to stop him and watched the shocked expression on his face in amusement. You giggled at his red cheeks and leaned in to softly kiss him on the lips, and as you parted, you let him fall back.
"... I've been waiting for you to do that," he smiled. "I knew it wouldn't take you long to realize this was supposed to be our first date. First of many."