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Dustin Herderson has had enough. Enough of Steve’s constant whining about love. They were at the Henderson house and Steve was fixing Claudia’s car.
“Have you always been this pathetic or is this the first time I actively listened to your moaning about your love life.” said dustin, leaning on the trunk.
Steve looked at him with a blank look on his face. “Thanks dude”
“Seriously Steve, are you actually hearing what you’re saying? It’s always the same speech. How you like a girl, you trying to get her attention. Actually, in the past what? two months you weren’t even talking about a girl. Just the same ‘Oh, Dustin, I’m so pathetic and lame and I do my hair every day and no girl likes me. I just want to make out with someone because I’m so lonely!’ ” Dustin mocks him while fake crying.
“Hey, enough! Come on man, I don’t sound like that!” he warned, pointing a screwdriver at him.
“You keep telling yourself that. Jesus, man. You should just give up.”
Steve puffed and leaned over the engine. Give up. How can he give up on the one thing he’s always wanted. Love. He knows it’s cheesy and lame to chase after the same dream after all these years. But, God, does he want it more than ever.
“Can you believe it, Robin! That attitude!” Steve said while sorting movie tapes.
“You’re an idiot for talking about your love life with a fourteen year old.” Robin muttered, leaning her chin on her palm, bored out of her mind.
“And then he told me to give up. Rob, I don’t know why, but that little shit gets to me. It shouldn’t even piss me off this bad.” Steve grumbled. He looked at the shelves, realising he’s been putting romance movies in the crime section. Ironic.
“Maybe that’s it!” Robin’s face light up.
“That’s what?” he asked, taking all the tapes back from the shelf.
“You should give up! It’s brilliant actually.”
“I don-“ Steve looked at her confused.
“Give up on love. Forget it. Think about it. If you aren’t living in a constant state of waiting for romance to happen, love will find you on its own! My mother says ‘good things come when you’re not expecting’.”
Steve stared at her, but he didn’t get a chance to respond, because the bell above the door rang. He turned his head to the door.
When his eyes landed on you he almost dropped the tapes. The world faded for a few moments. There you were. The reason he’s been going mad for the last God knows how many months. He blinked fast, like you were an illusion he tried to get rid of. Not because he did’t want to see you. Because he just couldn’t keep looking at you and not say the truth. Steve stumbled behind the counter.
“Oh my God.” Robin said, turning her head between you, who were closing the door, unaware of the puppy eyes the boy gave you, and Steve, who was practically melting on the ground. “Why didn’t you tell me! How long?” She whispered excitedly.
“Don’t say a word, Rob.” Steve warned her while you walked to the counter. Robin just smiled with mischief in her eyes. This explained so much.
“What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing!” Robin exclaimed, maybe a little too fast and Steve exhaled, already done with her. That’s why he didn’t tell her. Steve knew Robin would get all excited and fidgety every time you two were in a room together. “How are you, darling? And how can we help you today?” she asked you, a wide smile on her face. She kicked Steve under the counter.
“Ah! What the-“ he gasped, earning a suggestive look from Robin. “I mean yeah how can we help you?” he said. Steve tried not to stare, but you were so goddamn pretty. Steve loved your colorful eyeshadow. Each day you wore a different color.
You just looked at them, not knowing what’s going on. “You guys are idiots.” you smiled, still a bit suspicious. “I just came to return this.” handing Robin the tape. “And I want another movie.”
“Right. Well I got some work to do in the back, but *Steve* here is all free to help.” she said, shoving the tape into his hands. Robin grinned at you and turned to leave, not without giving Steve a proud smile, like she just set you two up for direct marriage.
Steve was left speechless.
“What the hell is going on. Did she smoke something?” you asked him, following Robin with your eyes.
“I honestly don’t know and don’t want to know.” He looked at you, his heart burning, but he avoided your eyes the second you gazed at him. “So, what movie do you wanna get?”
“*The Godfather*”
“Really? After you saw Grease you think The Godfathe* will be a good follow up? Don’t think the guy will sing.” he laughed while walking to the drama section. You were following him with a smile on your face.
“I can’t watch musicals all day. I mean I like them, but it gets to a point. Also, Al Pacino’s in it.”
“Al Pacino? That’s why you’re watching it.” He found the tape. He stood up, looking into your eyes while handing you the movie. “So what, that’s your type?” You grabbed the tape, feeling warmth in your cheeks.
“I don’t have a type. If I like a guy, it’s not only for his looks. I have to like what’s behind all that.” you said, gazing deep into his brown eyes, hoping he read between the lines.
Steve’s thoughts cleared and his hopes shattered. That was it. You didn’t like him. Of course you didn’t, he thought. He was just a pretty face to you, nothing more. A sharp pain shot through his heart. He hoped his expression didn’t give away the heartbreak. He was annoyed with himself, because at first he thought you liked him too. He thought he had a chance. During your visits at Family Video there were plenty witty banter between you, but he must have read it wrong.
You were staring at each other, feeling the sudden tension. Looking down, you realised Steve was still holding the tape. When he let go, his digits were pale from clenching it and his fingers were slightly shaking.
The check-out was awkward and you left with a quick ‘Bye’, basically running out of there.
Robin came back when she heard the door closing. “So, did the Steve charm work?” She stopped, seeing Steve’s devastated eyes. “What happened?”
“I-I don’t know” Steve’s gaze followed you. When you disappeared after a building his decision was made. “You’re right.” he said with a shaky voice, rubbing his face with his palms. “I have to give up.”
“What? No!” she yelled.
“This was your idea!”
“Yeah, before I knew this was all about her. Why did she leave? Did you say something to her?”
“We were kind of laughing and then she mentioned Al Pacino and that was it” Steve didn’t want to talk anymore. He has yet again failed to like a girl who returned his feelings.
“Al Pacino? She left because of Pacino?”
“She told me she didn’t like me.” he blurbed out.
Robin gasped. “Did you ask her out?”
“No.”
“So how do you know she doesn’t like you?” she exclaimed, throwing her arms in front of her.
“Robin, stop, just-“ he looked down, trying to hide his slightly watery eyes. “She basically said I’m just a pretty face to her. Nothing more.”
He doesn’t want to admit it, but it hurts him so bad. To not be seen above his looks. Everyone liked Steve. But no one really loved him for who he truly was. He didn’t want everyone to love him. Just you. And now-.
“That just can’t be true. Now I know you like her and if I think about it I noticed her sometimes looking at you. You know, with that hopeless look. There’s still hope, dingus!” Robin encouraged, putting her hands on Steve’s shoulders and shaking him.
“Stop! It’s no use. She doesn’t like me. I- I give up.”
Robin exhaled, seeing he was serious this time. She hugged him tightly. “Don’t.”
“I have to, Rob. It’s always the same story.” he said, going back to sorting movies, like the past ten minutes didn’t shatter his world.
You were an idiot. The greatest dumbass that set foot on this planet. You were walking away from Family Video and trying not to actively throw yourself in front of a car. In what world does anyone talk to their crush about how they’re watching a movie just to drool over an actor.
‘Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.’ you thought, squeezing your eyes.
Your every-other-day-visit to Family Video wasn’t just because you enjoyed movies and cinematography. It was also for who was working there. Steve Harrington has been lingering in your mind for what it feels like a lifetime. You didn’t really like him in high school, him being all popular and you were, well, normal.
But now, it was like he was a whole other person. Kind, funny and a bit of an idiot sometimes. And he protected those kids like they were his.
You started liking him a few weeks before the mall fire. Before you got dragged into what Hawkins really is.
And you didn’t just like him. You noticed the small things he does. How he frowned every time someone wanted to rent a military movie (he hated them for a reason you thought you knew). How he rolls his eyes when Dustin said something smart but in reality you knew he was actually amazed and proud of him. You were starting to hopelessly fall in love with this Steve. And that wasn’t good, because you weren’t gonna confess your feelings. You embarrassed yourself enough on your own, you didn’t need the humiliation that came with Steve’s rejection. Which, again, wasn’t good, considering it was eating you alive.
You didn’t tell anyone. And you did a pretty good job at hiding it. Especially today, when you basically told him you were in love with freaking Al Pacino and sprinted out of Family Video. Dumbass.
You were gonna get over it. Either that or you had to tell him.
Three months passed. *Three* and now you were unfortunately madly in love with Steve Harrington. Three more months of complete misery. And now, your occasional bantering was almost gone. He was still friendly, but something shifted in his behaviour. Some days he was more distant. He sometimes acted like you got a restraining order against him. Which was infuriating, because if you could, you would get the opposite of a restraining order. You wanted him as close as possible to you.
You tried to distract yourself. You were closer to Max, but she was still grieving and you could see she was about to enter a bad phase of it. You tried everything to help her, but she pushed you away.
Steve Harrington was fine, according to, well, everyone. He was doing a great job at Family Video, expanding his taste with every movie Robin forced him to watch. His life was better. A couple of girls that seemed to be out of town even flirted with him, but he just smiled and guided them to the movies they asked for. He kept the promise he made to himself. Or so Dustin and Robin thought.
In this situation, Dustin was the most weirded out. Steve, who was constantly rambling about how he wants a girlfriend, was not even pronouncing the “g” or the “l” words. It was odd. he bugged him about the reason he stopped talking about it, but it was like Steve was sworn to secrecy, which at first annoyed the hell out of Dustin. Eventually he gave up.
According to himself, Steve was not well. For the past three months he managed to keep a facade of “I’m content with my current situation” and “No, Dustin, I don’t want a girlfriend, stop asking.” But he was in agony. His feelings for you flooded his mind even more now. It was like knowing that he can’t have you fueled his longing.
Some days were better than others. He liked to believe the days when he didn’t see you were better. But no, he spent that time thinking about you. Dustin was right, he was pathetic. Pathetic for still waiting for you after all this time. And he still wasn’t sure what he was waiting for.
He never mentioned you to Robin again, only in a casual conversation. She tried to talk with Steve about you, but every time he shrugged it off and said he got over it. But Robin wasn’t buying any of it. Steve wouldn’t hear any of it.
“I see the way you still look at her, dingus. Just admit it. You can’t just throw her the same sad puppy eyes. Do something!” she tried to convince Steve. Robin was done with his “I’m in love with you” screaming eyes every time you were in his eyesight. She could not understand how you were so oblivious.
“I’m over her, Robin” Steve says every time. He wasn’t even believing himself. How could he, when every time you walked into a room his days was instantly better.
Robin ended every failed discussion about you with “time will heal it” (another thing her mother apparently says).
Time didn’t fucking heal anything.
Robin invited you to a party. Robin. You didn’t believe this day would come. But there you were. You haven’t been to a party since Halloween. And you could use one right now, to get… nevermind who out of your mind. At least for a few hours. Robin said to be ready at seven in front of your house. You guessed you two will walk to the party, considering she didn’t have a license and you were planning on drinking.
To your surprise, a burgundy BMW pulled up in front of your house at 7:03 and your stomach turned upside down. You instantly recognised the car. Robin rolled down the window in the back, which was weird, because she wasn’t in her usual spot in the passenger seat. You looked at the driver seat. Steve was already looking at you, with a strange expression on his face. Shit. *Shit*.
“Hey there! Hop on.” Robin said, tilting her head towards the passenger seat. You ignored her cue and started to open the door in the back. “Actually, would you mind sitting in the front seat? I have a cramp in my calf and I want to stretch my legs.” she said smiling.
“Oh, okay” you agreed. And sighed. Great. Now you were stuck next to him. You opened the door and sat down. “Hi, Steve. Didn’t know you were coming.”
“Yeah, I made up my mind earlier.”
“He actually said he needed a *distraction* from whatever problems he has.” Robin announced with a knowing smile.
“I’m right here, you know.” Steve frowned and you smiled. He was so close to you. Closer than he’s ever been in the past three months.
Steve Harrington was done for. First, Robin basically dragged him to this party, as he said yes 20 minutes ago. She didn’t lie, he needed a break from his thoughts. And 5 minutes ago Robin told him they had to pick someone up. When she said your name, Steve almost stopped the car.
“I thought it wasn’t gonna be a problem because, you know, *you got over her.* Unless…” Robin raised an eyebrow. Steve swallowed hard, trying to keep his expression blank.
“No, it’s fine. We can pick her up.”
Now you were next to him and a weird silence settled. Steve glanced at you. You were wearing blue eyeshadow on your eyelids and dark brown eyeshadow around your eyes. This combination suited you so well that he couldn’t get his eyes off you.
“Watch out!” you yelled, suddenly turning to Steve. An old man was crossing the road. Steve hit the break at the right time and the car stopped three feet away from the man. Steve’s breathing was fast and his face pale.
“Shit” blurbed out, seeing the man approaching you opened window. When the old man was right next to the car, Steve started: “I am so sorry, sir, I didn’t see you at first.” His breathing hitched, like waiting for him to start yelling. He smiled instead.
“No trouble, young man. I remember how it’s like having a beautiful lady next to me. I wouldn’t look at the road either.” he said with a goofy smile. “Good day” And he left.
Just like that, the whole car was speechless. Steve was stunned. The man saw right through him. You made eye contact for a moment, but it was enough to make your cheeks turn pink.
In the back, Robin snorted. “That went way better than I expected.” she chuckled.
“Yeah, it really did” you grinned, looking at her, then at Steve, with whom you shared your gaze more than usual.
The rest of the ride was spent in silence. Steve parked a minute away from the party house. It was already packed with drunk teens inside.
You looked around for the drinks. On your way there, you started thinking. You could not keep going like this. It was ruining your life. This party was supposed to be a refuge from your feelings. But now that silly, handsome boy you were stupidly in love with was here. Tonight, you had to treat Steve like a normal friend. Like a totally ordinary person.
The plan sounded easy to follow in your head. But in reality it was going to be the hardest thing you did. And you survived a crazy monster an a fire. You had to go through with this.
You grabbed a cup and drank. It was disgusting, having no idea what was inside, but it had to do its job.
Steve eventually figured out that Robin “accidentally” forget to mention you were coming to the party too because she wanted to get you together in the same place. Robin must think she was smooth with executing her plan. While you were gone getting drinks, he confronted her about it.
“So what? When are you going to be a man and admit that you are head over heels for her!”
“I don’t have- Ouch! The hell, Robin!” he yelped. Robin was slapping and punching his shoulders.
“I am going to keep slapping you until you admit it.”
“Okay enough! You won. I still like her. Happy?” he crossed his arms.
“Very. So do something about it. Tonight’s the perfect time!” She smirked.
Steve sighed. “She’ll say no.”
“Hm, don’t think so. When the old man made that comment, her cheeks were as red as your car. And no, she wasn’t just embarrassed. She likes you, dumbass. Talk to her. Or at least find her.” Robin said and disappeared into the crowd.
Steve was left alone and Robin's encouragement worked. Was there really a chance that you felt the same way?
You walked around the party. Trying to find Robin. And your Friend, with capital “f”, Steve. You only found Robin. “Where’s Steve?”
“Oh, he went after you. You didn’t meet him?” she asked confused.
“No.” Were you supposed to meet him? For a moment, your heart beat faster, but you calmed yourself down. It was probably nothing. Like always.
“Oh, well he’ll probably find us. Let’s…” she started looking around. This place, with all the drunk teenagers and tight spaces wasn’t where one would usually find Robin. “Let’s have fun!” she encouraged you, like she figured out you weren’t yourself today. Robin held out her hand.
“Yeah. Fun.” you said, amused by Robin different behaviour and grabbed her hand.
If moving your limbs in four different directions was considered dancing, then you and Robin were experts. Robin ran to the bathroom and you were left alone for a few minutes. Looking around, you accidentally made eye contact with a guy because he kept staring at you. And now he was stepping towards you.
“Hi. I’m Luke.” he introduced himself.
“Yeah, I know. We were in the same year.” You tried not to be rude, but you were’t in the mood to talk to a random drunk guy that stared at you like you were a slice of meat.
“So, you remember me.” he said with arrogance. “I always thought you were beautiful.”
“Thanks.” You saw he tried to be charming, but his breath reeked of alcohol and he was stumbling over his words. He could be a temporary way of forgetting Steve. You shook your head, not believing you were considering making out with a stranger to forget Steve.
“I have a drink here. We could share it.” he said, putting his hand on the wall above your shoulder.
You cringed. “Sorry, I need some fresh air.” You used the classic line of politely getting rid of unwanted attention, hoping he would get the meaning.
“Would you mind if I came with you?” he asked, leaning closer to you.
You bent down and passed under his arm, evading his too close presence. “Actually, yes. I’m going alone.” You left, without another word. Now outside, you felt the cold air against your face. You breathed it in, but a hand clasped your arm.
“You don’t have to be so rude now. I was just trying to be nice.” You recognised Luke’s voice. The asshole followed you.
“Let me go.” you hissed.
“Don’t get so frustrated now, baby. Relax.” He still gripped your arm.
Before you hit his arm, someone stepped in. “You heard her, asshole. Let her go.”
“Harrington. No need to get mad. I was just talking to this beautiful girl here.”
“Yeah. And she what? rejected you the third time in two minutes. I would’ve gotten the idea by now. She’s not interested.” he began. His voice was cold. You rarely saw him like this. He came closer, now three feet away from you.
Luke felt his tone and let you go. Your arm hurt. “All yours, Harrington.” he said turning away.
Steve clenched his fist in anger. “You okay?” he checked, his face full of worry.
“Yeah. Thank you.”
He was furious. Furious that a guy disrespected you like that. “Pussies like him only listen to other men. Can’t take no from a girl.”
Luke must have heard it, because the next thing Steve felt was a fist into his nose. You gasped.
Steve regained his balance and dodged the next hit, catching Luke’s fist. He was going to hit him, start a fight, but then he caught your gaze. Your eyes were telling him to stop. And Steve did.
“Get out of here, man. You’re blackout drunk. I’m not fighting with you.” he said, pushing Luke towards the house.
Luke stumbled across the door and turned to Steve. “Steve Harrington, ladies and gents.” he announced, to the few people that were watching the scene. “The ever gentleman. You and your whore can go to hell.” he cursed and disappeared into the house.
Steve was livid with rage. He sprinted to the door, but you stopped him.
“He can’t say that about you!” he protested.
“It’s not worth it. Just another asshole.” you assured him, holding his hand. Electricity was coming up your arm, but you ignored it.
“But-“ He stopped, looking at your linked hands.
“No but. I think we should go. Before the guy starts anything else.” The corner of your mouth turned up. “Or you. Let’s go get Robin.”
You guided him into the house, still holding his hand. He wasn’t letting go. Weird. And neither were you. Robin was leaning against a wall, looking out of place. When she saw you, her face light up.
“We have to go!” you yelled over the music.
“Why? Are you not having fun?” she said while looking like the last person that was having fun. “And why does Steve have a bloody nose?” It took her a moment, but she realised. “Oh, that’s why we have to leave.”
Robin looked down at you still holding hands and she smiled. Her plan was working. Not that she really had one. She only knew the objective. You followed her gaze noticing Steve’s hand was still in yours. You let him go, feeling your cheeks burning.
“Alright, let’s go kids.” Robin smiled.
In the car, a weird silence settled. Steve started the car and Robin yelled: “I have an idea! Let’s have a movie night. At Steve’s place!”
“What?” you and Steve said at the same time.
“Yeah, it will be fun. Besides, we three haven’t hang out in a while. So…” she looked between you.
“Yeah, sure. Why not.” Steve decided, already knowing it was part of Robin’s plan. But he didn’t think about that at the moment. He didn’t want that Luke guy to ruin your night. Maybe they could fix it with a movie. After all, you loved movies.
Steve and Robin looked at you, waiting for your answer. “Yes. That would be great.” you accepted.
And so you were off to Steve Harrington’s house and your heart never beat faster.
At his house, Steve showed you to the living room. You browsed his collection and decided to watch an Indiana Jones movie.
Somehow, you were actually paying attention to the movie, considering everything that happened this evening.
On Steve’s part of the couch, things were different. All he could think of was that guy and his hands on you. Steve knew you could have probably handled yourself, but when he saw Luke couldn’t take a no, he exploded. Before you went outside, he watched you, trying to make up the courage to confess his feelings. But that asshole started talking to you and his plan was ruined.
But not completely. He still had time. The night wasn’t over. He couldn’t keep waisting every opportunity to talk to you over a stupid reason. Even if there was a high chance he’ll make a fool of himself, he had to try.
Steve looked over. You were absorbed in the action on the screen. He stood up. “I’ll be right back.” He needed to clear his head.
You were thirsty and there was no water around. “Robin, where’s the kitchen? I need a glass of water.”
Robin pointed in the direction of the room. “Want me to pause the movie?”
“No, I’ve seen it before. I’ll be back in a minute.”
You walked towards the kitchen, admiring Steve’s house. It was big but… empty. Steve mentioned that his parents were rarely in town. She felt so bad for him. It was like they abandoned him here.
When she opened the kitchen door, she saw not only glasses, but also Steve. She took a step back, but after a second she entered the room.
“Hey. I just need a glass of water.”
“Sure” He filled a glass. “How’s the movie?”
“The same as the last three times I saw it.”
“Yeah sorry about that. I have to update my collection.” he said, scratching the back of his head. Before you could say anything, a clump of blood started flowing from his nose. “Shit.” he cursed. “Not again. The idiot must have hit a vein.” He reached for a napkin, but you got there first.
“Wait, I’ll help. It’s the least I could do for taking a punch for me.” You said and wet the corner of a napkin and turned to him. He was taller than you, his eyes looking down to you. Your confidence was replaced with nervousness. You swallowed. “May I?”
“Yes. Of course.” Steve said, his eyes not leaving yours.
You cleaned the blood from his nose. Your movements were slow. Steve watched you closely. You were so close to him. So close that he was now drunk with your scent. “Tell her, tell her” a voice in his head (that sounder like Robin’s) urged him. He tried to ignore it. He tried to ignore it, but his mind was dizzy. He could kiss you right there. The words flowed without his knowing:
“I can’t keep doing this” he breathed, realising he said it out loud.
“Doing what?” you lowered your hand, thinking you made him uncomfortable.
“Lying to you. And to myself.”
You just blinked, not knowing what to say, but Steve still waited for a word from you. When you didn’t say anything, he continued.
“Lying to myself that I can stop thinking about you. I tried to do it. I really did. For a while I thought it worked, but my life was dull and blank. I tried to keep you in the back of my mind. Nothing made me excited anymore. But every damn time you came to Family Video my day was better. And I-I know you probably don’t feel the same, but I just-. God, I just had to tell you because you’re not even sitting in the back of my mind. You’re like fully in my brain, all the damn time. Actually, that sounded so weird, I’m so sorry” he paused, trying to rearrange his words. You were so stunned you couldn’t say anything.
“What I’m trying to say is all i do is dream of you and it’s driving me nuts. I know it’s a lot and it’s so much more than this. Even if I tell you everything I’m not sure you’ll know how much I'm in love with you.”
Your ears started ringing. Steve was now two feet away from you.
“How long?” you managed to ask.
“Almost five months” he looked down in shame. He was ready for rejection.
You paused before speaking. “Me too”
He raised his head confused. “What?”
“Five months.” You breathed. “I’ve liked you for five months. And ‘like’ is too weak. Why do you think I used to come to Family Video so often? Yeah, sure, for Robin too, but you were-.“ you stopped, raising your eyes and seeing him staring at you with his brown eyes. You took it as a sign to continue. “I tried to get to know you better. At one point I even tried to find some things I don’t like about you, but I gave up. Because the things I usually don’t like in others made me like you even more. Which doesn’t even make sense!” Your voice was now pitched, but you didn’t care. You had to get everything out. There was so much to say that nothing made sense anymore.
“I love your stupid jokes and your kindness. I love how you stand up for everyone and I love- you. I’ve been in love with you and it’s gotten so embarrassing for me because I just can’t move on. You turned my world upside down and I don’t know how to get back to normal.” You looked him deep into his eyes. “I don’t want to.”
You let out a breath you’ve been holding for the last five months. You breathed hard, like you ran a marathon. Tears were forming in your eyes and you tried to hide them. The emotions were too much, a light tear now landing on your right cheek. You raised the back of your hand to wipe it, but you felt another hand brushing your cheek. His other hand grabbed your left cheek. Steve opened his mouth to say something, but he changed his mind and slammed his lips on yours.
The sudden contact took your breath away for a moment. Steve must have noticed that, because he pulled away. He then saw in your eyes desire and confirmation, so he kissed you again, this time harder, hungrier. His lips were soft and you whimpered. Hearing that, Steve smiled into the kiss.
He was in heaven. You tasted like honey and strawberries and everything he’s ever dreamed of. His legs felt like jelly, but you were grounding him, keeping him in this world. Your hands in his hair sent shivers down his spine.
When the kiss ended, you grinned and Steve gazed upon your pink lips, already wishing for more. You hugged him, and he held you so tight, like he as if he answered your old prayer to be as close to him as possible.
“Should’ve done that a long time ago. I want to do this right with you without screwing up again.” He grabbed your hand. “Will you go on a date with me? Please?”
“Kiss before a first date? I’m going off the book here.”
“So it’s a yes.” He had a cocky smile on his face.
You kissed his cheek, then his lips. “Of course it’s a yes.”