skylargrxy

[skylargrxy]

talking to isaiah was a really nice thing, he was always so kind to her, probably one of the nicest people she had ever known, and she had to thank leo for that. they were the cutest couple, and she knew that marriage had been one of the best things for them. "oh, i've for sure got the love story i wanted," she nodded, a smile on her lips. when skylar told isaiah she knew he and leo were soulmates, she knew she had hers too. romeo was the love of her life—she couldn't ask for anything better, and even if there was someone better, she wouldn't want them. she had found the perfect person for her. skylar wasn’t expecting isaiah to talk about his dead brother, and if she was honest, her heart broke for him—losing lucas would destroy her. a warm smile touched her lips as he said he hadn’t talked about his brother like that in a long time. it was hard, but isaiah had spoken about him with so much love, she could feel how deeply he still carried that love with him. "of course you deserve this kind of love, why wouldn’t you?" she asked, genuinely. he was a kind soul—of course he did. "that’s true," she added with a small smile, grabbing a napkin to dry her tears before tossing it in one of the bins. as he replied to a text, she watched him with quiet curiosity, not wanting to pry but still noticing the soft smile on his face. at his comment about leo flirting mid-shift, she shook her head, smiling. "well, he knows what he wants." her eyes sparkled a little. "i can tell." then, with a small tilt of her head, she asked softly, "i’m not like retrasando de tu trabajo, verdad? i’m loving this conversation, but i don’t want to bother you—do you need to go back?"

Isaiah had always known Skylar had a big heart—but moments like this reminded him just how big. She felt things so deeply, carried other people’s happiness like it was her own, and somehow, she made space for everyone. It's a trait that he could sometimes have. When she smiled at him with teary eyes and called what he said “really sweet,” Isaiah felt a familiar warmth settle in his chest. He wasn’t used to people hearing him like that—really hearing him. He gave her a soft smile in return. “Well, it’s true,” he said gently. “You’ve got that storybook love now, you know?" When she reached for his hand after he mentioned his brother, Isaiah didn’t pull away. He let her hold it—let the quiet weight of her comfort settle between them. It wasn’t pity; it was something gentler. Something real. “Thank you,” he said quietly, looking down at their joined hands before glancing back up. “It’s been a long time since I talked about him like that." And when Skylar said “you deserve this kind of love,” Isaiah’s throat tightened. She said it so sincerely, so honestly, like she really meant it—not just the words, but the belief behind them. “I used to think maybe I didn’t,” he admitted. “That maybe people like me weren’t meant for that kind of forever. But then… Leo happened.” His voice was quiet, steady. “And the day I met him I knew that I wanted him." He watched as Skylar tried to laugh through her tears, pressing her hand to her lips like it could hold all the emotion back. “You don’t have to apologise,” Isaiah said, squeezing her hand. “Crying just means you’ve got a heart that works." Isaiah’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he instinctively reached for it, still holding Skylar’s hand with his other. He glanced down at the screen, and the moment he read the message, a grin spread slowly across his face—warm, amused, and just the tiniest bit flustered. He let out a soft laugh under his breath and quickly typed out a response, thumbs flying across the screen. When he locked his phone and slipped it back into his pocket, he shook his head, smiling to himself like someone who’d just been caught in the middle of a private joke. “My husband’s flirting with me mid-shift through text,” he said, his tone equal parts exasperated and absolutely smitten. “Man’s supposed to be saving lives, and he’s out here sending heart emojis and telling me what he wants to do when he gets home.” He shook his head again, still smiling. “It’s honestly unfair how good he is at distracting me. Even through a screen. God, I love him so much."

[skylargrxy]

skylar wouldn’t have been surprised if anyone told her her mom was going to do that. that was just who the woman was—she loved her family more than anything, but her way of showing it was through teasing and, sometimes, utterly embarrassing her kids, just like she was doing in that exact moment. skylar was red, her heart racing inside her chest, silently begging her to stop. romeo, however, kept the conversation alive with her mom, and skylar honestly wanted to disappear. "you better be not that tragic," elisabeth warned with a playful smile, "but knowing sky, she probably wouldn’t mind it. how many times have you read romeo and juliet, baby?" skylar closed her eyes, sending her mom a wordless plea to shut up. now they were both talking about how cute she looked when she blushed. she didn’t know what she’d done to deserve this. when her grandma called her mom inside, she sighed in relief. "my mom loves doing that... i didn’t get the nerve gene, though. my brother has it, but he got it all," she said softly. "like a professional? don’t think so, but thanks for cheering me up." she chuckled, and when he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, she looked up at him, a soft sigh slipping past her lips. "well, i do care," she nodded. maybe her nerves meant something—if he liked it, then that was nice. it wasn’t like she could control them. when he agreed to stay, she smiled. she didn’t want the night with him to end, but she also knew she probably wouldn’t be as relaxed if her mom stayed around. "you’re safe, grandma’s not going to ask you that—not on the first date. just wait until she gets comfortable," she said with a soft smile. "for the record, she’s the opposite of my mom—really ladylike and elegant. that’s your heads-up." when he said he already liked it better at her place, she nodded. she wanted to ask why, but just being in that moment felt enough. and then, when he said she made it hard to walk away, her cheeks burned again. she wished she could stop that. she nervously let his hand go, placed both her hands on his torso, and rose up on her tiptoes—heels or not, she was determined to kiss him again—when her mom’s voice echoed through the porch. "skylar gray, come inside already, you’re going to get cold!" her mom yelled. skylar closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "i think we should go in before she comes to drag us," she said softly, pulling away and heading for the door. halfway there, she turned and looked back at him, her hand reaching out. "c’mon," she mused, waiting for him to take it.

Romeo could barely hide his grin as Elisabeth Gray laid it on thick, shamelessly embarrassing Skylar in front of him like it was a sport she’d mastered—and he had to admit, it was wildly entertaining. Skylar’s face had gone an impossible shade of red, and while part of him felt for her, the rest of him? Thoroughly amused. It was cute. “Nice to meet you too,” Romeo replied with a slow, amused smile, eyes twinkling. “And yeah, like Shakespeare. Though I’m not quite as tragic,” He gave Skylar a quick glance and added, “I hope.” When Elisabeth teased about the kiss, Romeo laughed—actually laughed. "I think she looked cute before she turned red too. This just... highlights it.” And then came the flirting. The audacity of it? Kind of iconic. “You want me to wait until bedtime? You trying to book me for a late slot?” he quipped, raising a brow as Elisabeth as another laugh escaped from his mouth. He liked Sky's mom already and they'd only know each other seconds. She was shameless and could crack a good joke. He watched as Skylar’s grandmother summoned her daughter back inside. “I’m not sorry,” he said, stepping just a little closer. “That was fun. Your mom’s got nerve—kind of admire it. Also, that was some grade-A mortifying charm. You handled it like a professional, Sky." As Skylar started to ramble, reaching for his hand, Romeo took hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Hey,” he said, voice softer now. “You were perfect. You don’t need to apologise for any of it. Not the kiss, not the nerves, not even the world’s most shameless mom.” He tilted his head, watching her closely. “And for the record... I like that I make you nervous. Just means you care.” When she asked about him staying longer, he glanced toward the house, then back to her. “I won’t get in trouble,” he said with a small smirk. “Worst-case scenario, your grandma makes me help with the dishes. I’ll risk it. Besides…” He glanced around at the porch lights, the distant sound of laughter, the soft way the night seemed to hold everything still. “I think I prefer it better here already.” He didn’t elaborate—didn’t have to. The bitterness in the word home never had to be spoken for it to be understood. Romeo didn’t talk much about his parents. He rarely needed to. There was a kind of silence about them that told its own story. And now, here he was, standing under a porch light next to a girl whose cheeks were still flushed and whose hand was still in his, and he could almost pretend—for a moment—that this was normal. That this was safe. He looked down at her again, brushing his thumb across her knuckles. “You make it hard to walk away, you know that?”

[skylargrxy]

skylar had always been like that—she loved sitting down to watch disney princess movies just for the romance. then she got older and started reading about it. now, somehow, she was actually living her dream love story with romeo. he had told her plenty of times that he hit the jackpot with her, but deep down, she knew she was the lucky one. romeo had pulled her out of a dark place. it wasn’t like her situation was worse than what he had been through at home, but her last relationship had left her so insecure, so convinced no one would ever love her the right way. and then romeo came along, and suddenly she knew—she could be loved. people could care. maybe one day she’d tell their kids the story of how she met their dad, how fast she fell for him. for now, though, she’d just listen to others talk about love. “aw, that’s really nice, no one’s ever said that to me. it’s honestly really sweet,” she said, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. she loved isaiah—he had the kindest heart. talking to him always felt easy. she hadn’t planned on crying that day, but hearing him talk about leo like that made her tear up. she was so happy for her best friend. leo was lucky, really lucky, to have someone like isaiah. skylar cried about everything, and this was no exception. just the thought of being included in their family was overwhelming—it made her smile, made her heart ache in the best way. “you’re lucky to have each other,” she said softly. she knew how much isaiah had changed leo’s world. he was his person. and that made her happy, knowing leo had found that kind of love. but when isaiah mentioned his brother, skylar felt like all the air had been pulled from the room. she hadn’t known. “i’m so sorry about your brother,” she said quickly, reaching out to hold his hand. “leo’s like that. he really is the best,” she nodded. then isaiah said something that hit her hard again, and she had to fight the tears. “maybe he did,” she whispered. “i want to believe he did,” she added. “you deserve this kind of love, isaiah—the kind that makes you smile the way you do when you talk about leo. the kind that makes you dream about forever. you deserve nothing but the best.” she paused, laughing softly through her tears. “and i should probably stop with all these heavy words before i start crying again,” she chuckled, pressing her hand to her lips. “sorry, i’m a little too sensitive today.”

Isaiah listened to Skylar with a quiet smile, his heart full. Hearing how much she adored love stories—how she clung to every little detail of her grandparents' tale, how she asked Leo over and over again to retell his own—it touched something deep in him. He could see the light in her eyes when she spoke of Romeo, and it reminded him of the way he looked at Leo, the way his own chest still tightened in the best way every time he remembered their wedding. Isaiah’s chest ached in the warmest way. He believed she would have a lovely wedding too. The way she talked about Romeo made it obvious—they were already the real thing. “You will,” he wanted to tell her. “You're made for that kind of love.” As she dabbed at her tears with a scrap of tissue overwhelmed by his words, Isaiah felt a deep tenderness for her. He hadn’t meant to make her cry, but he was glad his love could move someone like that. Skylar had always been soft-hearted, always felt deeply, and that was something he admired in her. Her compliments made him pause. The way she spoke about his heart, about Leo’s beauty inside and out, about the love they shared—it wasn’t just sweet, it was sincere. That kind of validation meant the world. Isaiah never wanted to take his love for granted, and hearing someone like Skylar recognise its depth reminded him just how special it all was. And as she spoke about his future children—saying they’d be beautiful no matter who they took after—he pictured it. Leo holding their baby, the house full of laughter and storytime and bedtime hugs. And Skylar there too, visiting, maybe with a little one of her own someday. He didn’t say it out loud, but in that moment, Isaiah felt grateful. Grateful for love. For Leo. For the future. And for Skylar, who always knew just how to make someone's story feel heard. Isaiah’s voice was soft when he spoke, the kind of soft that carried the weight of something real. “I am lucky to have him,” he said, and he meant every word. He wasn’t the kind of person to take love for granted, not after everything he’d been through. “I’m lucky to have someone that cares about me so much. I had a huge hole in my heart when Gabriel, my brother, died,” he admitted. It was the kind of pain that never fully went away. It just... changed shape over time. “Leo’s helped to start sealing the gap that he left.” Isaiah didn’t need to say more. The silence that followed was full of everything he couldn’t put into words—love, loss, the ache of memory, and the peace of finally finding someone who helped him breathe through it all. “It’s a different kind of love,” he said gently, his voice carrying that soft reverence that always showed up when he talked about Gabriel. “But I know my brother would've picked him out and put him in my sights.” There was a faint smile on his face, touched with both grief and gratitude. He could almost hear Gabriel teasing him, nudging him forward. “He knew I could use a boyfriend that loves deeply and with his whole heart,” Isaiah continued, nodding slowly like he was affirming something sacred. Leo’s love wasn’t just present—it was intentional, overwhelming in the best ways, and healing in the ways Isaiah hadn’t even realised he still needed.

[skylargrxy]

and when skylar thought the night couldn't get any better, he called her name—it felt like a movie. she turned around and there he was, handing her phone back like some kind of knight in shining armor. she didn’t want to overthink the moment, but if she was honest, she knew she’d dream about it all night. and then, just when she thought the night was really over, he kissed her. he kissed her in a way that made her whole world shake. his lips pressed gently against hers, his hand resting on her waist, and her neck was definitely going to hurt if they kept kissing for long—she was sure his back would too. but none of that mattered, because everything was perfect. he was making her stomach flutter and she couldn't even put into words how she felt, it wouldn’t be possible. when he pulled away and she looked up at him, she saw that smile on his lips—and then, of course, her mom had to interrupt. she knew her mom wasn’t going to change, she loved teasing skylar no matter who was around. that was elisabeth gray—she’d kill for her kids, but she had no issue embarrassing them first. “nice to meet you too, romeo, like in shakespeare? is that why this little bookworm decided to reread romeo and juliet again? oh, sweetheart,” her mom teased, and skylar just wanted the earth to swallow her whole. her cheeks were so red she couldn’t even speak. “as long as she’s good with that kiss, i’m good with it too,” the woman added, giving skylar a look. “doesn’t she look so cute all red?” she teased again. “mom! stop,” skylar said softly. at romeo’s words, her mom brushed her hair back. “you’re so cute, but if you’re gonna flirt with me, let me put skylar to sleep first,” she joked, covering skylar’s ears like a kid. then they heard skylar’s grandma call her mom back into the house. “i’m in trouble now, what mom?” elisabeth muttered before walking back inside. skylar stood in front of romeo, her face still burning. “i’m sorry about that,” she whispered. “she’s a tease,” she added with a small laugh, “but now my grandma’s going to scold her for what she said, so that’s how it works around here.” she reached out for romeo with a shaky hand. “i was good with that kiss,” she whispered. “i’m sorry if i didn’t react well at first, i just wasn’t expecting it and i got nervous and i… i am nervous. you make me nervous…” she started to ramble. “i’m sorry, you make me nervous and then my mom had to embarrass me,” she trailed off, glancing up at him. “are you sure you won’t get in trouble if you stay longer?”

When he called out her name and she turned around, he could see the confusion written on her face, but he didn’t mind. He was happy to offer her the phone she had clearly misplaced, enjoying the way she responded, her small smile lifting something inside of him. Her hand touched his briefly as she took it, and he felt a warmth spread through him. For a second, it was just the two of them, standing there in an easy quiet, but the moment shifted when he turned to walk away, only to be stopped by the look in her eyes. Without thinking, Romeo found himself stepping back towards her. The pull between them was almost magnetic. As he kissed her, it was like the world around them stopped for a moment. Her fingers brushed against his cheek, tentative at first, as if she was testing the waters. It made him melt against her just a little more. He could feel her heart race against his chest, and that was enough to make him forget about everything else. His hands found Skylar's waist to steady himself - despite the height difference. When he pulled back, Romeo was almost surprised by how breathless he felt. She was speechless, her eyes wide, and it made him laugh softly to himself. But before he could even process what had just happened, they were interrupted by a voice behind them. Skylar’s mom, Elisabeth, emerged onto the porch, her teasing tone clear as she got closer. Romeo’s cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected intrusion, but he couldn’t help but grin at how embarrassed Skylar was. "I guess I’m meeting the family sooner than I thought," he joked, offering Elisabeth a smile as she wrapped her arm around her daughter. At her introduction, Romeo felt a little awkward, but he extended his hand, offering a warm handshake. "Nice to meet you, Elisabeth," he said politely, trying to shake off the residual nervousness. The fact that Skylar had been talking about him nonstop only made him feel a little more self-conscious, but it was also oddly comforting. "I’d love to come in," he added with a grin, looking over at Skylar. Romeo gave Elisabeth a small, respectful smile, though his tone had a hint of playful confidence. "I took your daughter on a date tonight, Miss Elisabeth," he said, his eyes flickering briefly to Skylar, who was still visibly embarrassed. "I hope you didn’t mind me ending what I thought was the last moment with a kiss." He paused, letting the words hang in the air for just a moment, his gaze shifting between mother and daughter, a little amused at how flustered Skylar was. Romeo leaned in slightly, his tone both earnest and playful as he looked over at Skylar. "Your daughter is easy to fall for," he said with a soft smile, his gaze lingering on her for just a second longer before turning back to Elisabeth. There was no hiding the sincerity in his voice, though he couldn’t resist the teasing edge. "She’s kind, smart, and honestly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better date." Romeo’s smile widened, a bit more confident now as he took in the moment. “… And obviously beautiful,” he added, his eyes flicking from Skylar to Elisabeth again, a playful glint in them. “I can see where she gets that part from."

[skylargrxy]

hearing people talk about their weddings was something sky loved. skylar loved hearing other people's love stories the same way she loved reading them. she had heard the story of her grandparents meeting a million times and still adored listening to her grandma tell it. hearing isaiah talk about how that was the best night of his life made her smile. as he told her how he got to marry the man of his dreams, it made sky’s eyes water for a second—maybe she was too sensitive, but hearing that made her heart swell. "i hope i get to experience that too," she smiled. skylar and romeo were meant to be, they both knew it—she could never love anyone the way she loved her boyfriend. it was impossible. she knew that someday she’d be the one walking down the aisle, but for now, all she could do was dream. "oh, i've heard about that story a million times," she said softly, "leo has told me a lot of times and i keep asking him to tell me again, i love it," she nodded, being completely honest with the guy. as isaiah told her how he couldn’t wait to introduce his kids to her, the blonde couldn’t help smiling. "oh, stop that, i'm going to cry," she said, her eyes tearing up again. "that's the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me, thanks isaiah," she murmured, grabbing a tiny piece of paper to dab at the tear. hearing how excited he was about his future with leo made her even more excited—she couldn’t wait to meet his kids. "i love the way you talk about leo, i really do, always so sweet and thoughtful," she nodded. "those kids will be pretty no matter if they look like you or leo," she said softly. "i also love the way you talk about being in love with him—you have the kindest heart, isaiah," she added. "leo’s beautiful on the outside, and he’s got a beautiful soul too," she nodded again. "you’re lucky to have each other."

Isaiah watched Skylar’s smile as she spoke, her warmth and kindness shining through even in the smallest gestures. He admired how much she cared about others, how she always put people before herself. It wasn’t just something she did—it was who she was. He couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for her, knowing how much love and care she poured into everything she did. She was his husband's best friend and he couldn't have wanted anyone better to be on Leo's side. When she mentioned ordering pizza not feeling the same, he could see the conviction in her eyes. “I get it,” he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. “It’s the little things that make the difference, right?” He nodded, a smile forming on his lips. “It’s not about what you do, it’s about how you do it, Sky. You’ve always found a way to make people feel like they belong, like they matter.” As Skylar teased him about his wedding, Isaiah couldn’t help but smile wider. She had this way of bringing lightness into the room, making everything feel warmer. “You’re right,” he replied, his voice playful yet filled with affection. “It really was one of the best nights of my life. I got to marry the man of my dreams. Couldn’t have asked for anything better.” Her words about love made his heart swell. Listening to her talk, he could see how deeply she believed in the idea of soulmates, how much she valued the connections people had with one another. “I agree,” he said, his voice soft. “Sometimes it’s all about timing, isn’t it? I remember falling in love with Leo the first time I saw him. He took my number but then he made me keep working to get his attention. I remember telling my co-worker that I wanted him." When Skylar’s eyes lit up at the mention of them starting a family, Isaiah felt his own excitement rise. The enthusiasm in her voice was contagious, and he couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah,” he said, his voice filled with pride and joy. “We’re really excited. It feels like the next chapter is finally starting.” Her gentle squeeze of his hands made him feel all the more grateful for the support she was offering. He could see how much she cared, and it made him appreciate their friendship even more. “I can’t wait to introduce them to you in the future, Sky,” he said, his eyes warm with appreciation. “If there’s anyone I want around my future kids, it’s definitely you.” Isaiah chuckled softly, his eyes lighting up as he thought about the future. He was genuinely thrilled about starting a family with his husband, but there was a quiet wish, a secret hope that lingered in his heart. He looked at Skylar, a small smile tugging at his lips as he spoke. "You know," Isaiah began, his tone thoughtful, "I secretly hope our baby looks like Leo. I really do." He paused, his expression softening as he let the words sink in. "I want him to see his beauty reflected in someone else. I want him to look at that tiny person and fall in love with them, just like I did with him." His voice caught a little, filled with so much affection that it almost seemed to spill over. "Leo’s the most beautiful human in the world to me."

[skylargrxy]

the blonde was trying to walk to her house without falling, she was so nervous and knowing romeo was looking at her was making her watch her step carefully, not wanting to trip and embarrass herself, she would like the ground to eat her alive if that happened. but then she heard her name. she turned around, only to find romeo rushing towards her. she was clueless. as he mentioned her phone, her hands instantly moved to where her pockets should be, but she was wearing a skirt and she would have never been able to put her phone in it. "thanks" she said softly, a warm smile on her lips as she took the phone in her hands, a sweet silence flooding the space. as he took a couple of steps back she was the one who was going to watch him go back to the car when she saw him turn around. there was something in his eyes that she wasn’t able to really read but before she knew it he was kissing her. her eyes opened wide for a second, but before she could even understand what was going on, she was melting against him. her fingertips cupping his cheek, as if she was scared of touching him. she could feel her heart racing inside her chest. as he pulled away, the blonde was speechless. she looked up at him, she didn’t know what to say. but that intimate moment was interrupted by someone coughing behind them. "mom!" skylar shook her head, covering her face with her hands. "what? you’re on my porch, if someone is kissing my daughter on it i can go out and check, don’t you think, skylar?" she asked, a playful smile on her lips. the woman took a step closer to them. "you must be romeo" she smiled, wrapping her arm around skylar’s shoulder, who was still deeply embarrassed. "she has been talking about you nonstop" she pointed out, only embarrassing the blonde even more. "mom" she whispered. "oh, my love, you were kissing, he deserves to know" the woman teased. "i’m elisabeth, her mom, nice to meet you, wanna come in?"

Romeo stood there, the cool night air brushing against his face, watching Skylar disappear toward her front door. He reached down, absentmindedly adjusting his belt, when his eyes caught a flicker of movement on Skylar’s phone, which was still resting in the cupholder. He squinted, his heart skipping a beat as he noticed an alert from Odette. His brow furrowed for a moment, but before he could think too much about it, something inside him stirred. With a sudden, almost desperate urge, he unclicked his belt and shouted her name. "Skylar, wait up! You forgot something!" His voice was loud enough to carry, and he quickly rushed after her, his sneakers tapping lightly against the pavement. "Your phone," he said, holding it out to her with a smile that only grew more mischievous the closer he got. "You left it in the car." Romeo paused, his gaze catching hers. There was a moment of silence, that kind of electric stillness in the air as the world around them seemed to fall away. His pulse quickened as he thought about what he wanted, what felt so right. He walked a couple of steps back to his car, then suddenly, almost like a character in one of those old romantic films, he turned back to face her, looking at her with something fierce, something that made his chest feel full. He surged forwards and leaned in, and for the first time, his lips met hers with an intensity that spoke of everything he had been holding back. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t hesitant. His kiss was deeper, slower, filled with all the emotions that words could never express. The kind of kiss that lingered even after the lips pulled away. Just as he was about to pull back completely, he heard a small cough—one that made his heart stop for a split second. He blinked and turned slowly to see Skylar’s mom standing there, arms crossed, watching them with a knowing smile on her face. "Sorry, ma'am," Romeo said with a sheepish smile.

[skylargrxy]

at his words, skylar couldn’t help smiling at her best friend. "maybe we are going all out, what else can we do? this is a reunion, we deserve to have a nice hot chocolate," she smiled, a giggle falling from her lips. at his words, a soft smile tugged the corners of her lips. "it’s not your fault, sometimes we shut people out without even meaning to," she said softly, "i don’t think you’re a bad person for that, leo," she assured, "sometimes we do it without thinking about it," she promised, a soft smile on her lips. "i mean it’s not a science so we don’t really know, what we know is that we are now together," she smiled, her hand reaching to squeeze his. "okay, i’ll bother you next time." the thought of being walked out of somewhere in cuffs made the blonde shake her head, that wasn’t going to happen. she would be so ashamed. at his last words, the girl’s eyes opened wide. "oh my god, leo?" she chuckled, "he might put you in handcuffs? why would he…" then the girl felt her cheeks burning, "oh, you mean in bed?"

" whipped cream AND marshmallows? we are going all out today I hear" he said with a soft giggle. Leo was realizing how much he really had missed his friend and he promised himself he would never close her out like this ever again. It wasn't good for anyone. Leo looked at their hands as she took his then he looked up at her. " I know you will always be here for me, that's the thing. Why do I close you out when you are here to help me no matter what? do you get me?" he asked, wondering if he made sense " I mean... if I had just let you, maybe I would have gotten out of this deep valley much sooner," he then stated and bit his lip. But what really mattered was that things were getting better. " yeah, things will only get better from here, but please do me a favor... if I don't call or reach out for some time, can you give me a push? I need you. i just don't realize it in the moment, if that makes sense. " he stated.

As she made sure to tell him is husband hadn't come to see her for anything more serious than a hot chocolate, the boy smiled " okay good, yeah you in handcuffs... that would be the end of the world" he said chuckling as he handed her the cup " I do think I made a crime tho.... so he might have to put me in handcuffs" he joked

[skylargrxy]

skylar had always cared about others more than she cared about herself. she didn’t think about her own well-being as long as everyone else was happy. maybe that was why, after she could no longer dance, she decided to study nursing. and even though that didn’t work out, she still found her own way to take care of people. maybe coffee and books weren’t the things people needed most when going through hard times, but she was there to serve them with a smile and make them feel at home for as long as they stayed in her café. she was happy to help people. it wasn’t as important as isaiah’s work, but in her own way, it still mattered. "thanks," she smiled. "i just want to show you how much i care," she added. "ordering pizza doesn’t feel the same." skylar wasn’t going to change her mind about that. she was going to be there for leo and his husband—she loved that couple and would do anything for them. seeing how isaiah smiled at the mention of his wedding made her feel all warm inside. "you better not," she teased. "it was probably one of the best nights ever." listening to isaiah talk about the wedding had skylar leaning against the counter, her chin resting on the palm of her hand. she loved hearing about love stories—she loved reading about them, but hearing them firsthand from someone as special as isaiah? that was even better. "it was meant to happen," she nodded. "i really believe everyone has their soulmate out there… you just have to be lucky enough to find them at the right time." a soft smile played on her lips. when isaiah mentioned starting a family, skylar immediately straightened up. "no way," she gasped, excitement sparking in her eyes. "oh my god, that’s amazing!" she grinned. "first odette, and now you two?" she beamed, reaching for his hands and giving them a gentle squeeze. "oh, i’m so excited for you! if there’s one thing i love more than weddings, it’s babies," she assured him. "god, i can’t wait to meet them already." she already knew that after work, she’d be rushing home to tell romeo.

Isaiah watched Skylar with a sense of appreciation, feeling a warmth in his chest as she spoke. She had this way of making everyone around her feel valued, whether it was through her actions or the way she spoke. Her love was a tangible thing, expressed not just in words but in the way she touched and cared for the people in her life. It wasn’t something he took lightly. When she offered to make pizza, his initial reaction was to protest, but then he saw the determination in her eyes. "Alright, I won’t argue," he said with a small smile, knowing that once Skylar made up her mind, it was pretty much set in stone. Skylar was a natural giver—whether it was food or affection, she never hesitated to show her love. And while Isaiah didn’t always know how to respond to the compliments she gave, he appreciated them more than she probably realised. Her words about Leo made him pause. He knew she respected Leo in a way that was rare, and it wasn’t just about the trauma he had survived—it was about the strength it took to rise above it. Isaiah had no doubt that Skylar saw the goodness in him. When she came back from delivering the order, he couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Her smile had a way of brightening the room, and when she asked about his wedding, it was impossible not to share in the joy of that moment. The memory still felt fresh, a snapshot of pure happiness. “We’ll never forget it either,” he agreed, his voice carrying that same fondness that was always there when he thought about the wedding. The playful comment he made about the night caught Skylar off guard, and he couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction—her cheeks turning that soft shade of pink only made her more endearing."Yeah, he was proud, I made an honest man out of him that night" Isaiah said with a nostalgic smile, his voice softening as he thought about Leo’s pride that night. "It felt... right. Like it was always meant to happen." As she moved away to grab something, Isaiah leaned back slightly, feeling the warmth of the moment. “Well, actually,” Isaiah started, his tone shifting a bit as he looked over at Skylar, “Leo and I have been talking a lot about starting a family. It’s definitely high up on the list of things to do right now.” He smiled softly, the excitement in his voice barely contained. “We’ve been looking into baby options, trying to figure out what would be best for us, and honestly, it’s been both a little overwhelming and really exciting at the same time. It’s something we’re both really looking forward to.”

[skylargrxy]

the connection she felt was something skylar wished he could feel too. they just clicked, as if they were made for each other. she was happy he had asked her out, happy that the night her friends took her to that party, he asked to spend time alone with her… just the thought of romeo wanting to dance with her and then driving her home had been something she’d been daydreaming about ever since. she wished romeo felt the same way—it just felt right. even though they had only been a couple for thirty minutes, skylar was willing to wait for him. she didn’t care how long it took; she wanted to know him, to be there for him. she could do her own thing and then spend time with romeo, something she would love. she’d wait for him, and he’d wait for her. in her mind, that’s how a relationship should start. "of course," she nodded. "i don’t know anything about football, but i can be moral support?" she mused. she wasn’t sure if that was the right term—she was just speaking off the top of her head. when he said she was all he needed there, her heart stopped. how did he manage to say things like that without getting nervous? "we can make this work," she nodded, a soft smile on her lips. as he talked about driving, she found herself watching his hands on the wheel. "yeah, i get that feeling, but i think i get stressed because there are so many things to keep in mind—the lights, the signs, everything. i don’t feel in control when i drive, that’s why i usually avoid it," she mused. it was something they didn’t have in common, but somehow, they complemented each other. "i wish i had that sense of control… maybe i’ll learn something from you," she smiled. when he mentioned liking to drive her home, her gaze moved from his hands to his face. "i like when you drive me home," she admitted. there was something about those moments that made skylar feel safe, like nothing else in the world mattered—just the two of them in that car. he was great at conversations, but even the silence between them felt comfortable. as she noticed they were pulling onto her street, a wave of sadness hit her—she didn’t want the night to end. "i am," she said softly, and by the way he reacted, she could tell he didn’t want her to leave either. "i wish this could last longer," she admitted, flashing him a sad smile. "but of course, i’ll see you tomorrow, and we can text as much as you want. i still feel like i need to know so much more about you," she nodded. "i had a really good time," she added. "you’re great," she said softly, that last word leaving her lips as barely more than a whisper. "thanks for asking me out, and well… thanks for asking me to be your girlfriend," she smiled, the blush creeping onto her cheeks. when his hand moved to her thigh, the pinkish tint deepened—she hadn’t expected that. "y-yeah," she whispered. "good night, romeo," she murmured nervously, grabbing her bag and opening the door. "thanks for everything," she said softly. she was so flustered, her mind racing, that she didn’t even realize she had left her phone in the car. too embarrassed by how nervous she was, she didn’t notice. she shut the door, gave him a small wave, and started making her way to her front door.

Romeo kept his eyes on the road, but his mind wandered back to Sky. He couldn’t help it—every time she spoke, every time she smiled, it was like his heart skipped a beat. The way she looked at him, the way her words came so gently—it was all so natural, so effortless, like she belonged in his world. He didn't just like her; he felt everything she was, every little detail about her, and it made him feel more alive than anything else. As she spoke about making time for him, about waiting for him after practice and being patient with his commitments, his heart warmed. He glanced at her for just a moment, a soft smile tugging at his lips before he quickly returned his gaze to the road. "Sounds perfect," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I want that too. You’ve got no idea how much it means to me that you’re willing to do that. I'll also wait for you after practices." Her suggestion to study in the bleachers made him smile, his chest tightening with appreciation for her selflessness. "Football’s important, but I think we can make this work, Sky. As long as you’re there, that’s all I need." He paused for a moment, taking in the peace of the drive, the rhythmic motion of the car beneath him, and the thought of her waiting for him. It felt like the perfect balance. When she mentioned his driving, his lips curled into a small, amused smile. "I like being in control of things, you know?" he admitted, his eyes momentarily flicking to hers. "Driving helps me clear my head, feel like I’ve got a handle on things." But there was more to it. Driving with her in the car—whether it was in silence or with a conversation like this—felt right, like everything was just where it needed to be. Sky’s blush didn’t go unnoticed, and his heart fluttered at the sight. "I like driving you home," he said softly, his voice carrying that familiar warmth. He turned onto her street, the thought of leaving her to go home already making him feel like something was missing. But he didn’t want to say anything just yet. For now, he was content with the drive, with the silence between them that wasn’t uncomfortable at all, just peaceful. He stole one last glance at her, catching her gaze for just a moment, before returning his focus to the road. Romeo pulled up in front of her house, his fingers tightening slightly on the steering wheel as he reluctantly came to a stop. He glanced over at Sky, taking in the way the soft light from the streetlamps illuminated her face, the way she looked even more beautiful as the night drew on. The thought of her leaving, even just for a few hours, tugged at him. "Alright, you're home," he said softly, a small sigh escaping his lips. "I’m sad to see you go, but we’ll text and see each other again soon, alright?" His voice carried the sincerity of someone who didn’t want the night to end. "Tonight was really nice, Sky. The date was great." He smiled, his eyes warm with genuine affection. He wanted to say more, to keep her here, but he knew he had to let her go. Still, he couldn’t help but feel that this was only the beginning. Romeo’s hand hesitated for a moment before he reached out, his fingers brushing against the softness of Sky’s thigh. He squeezed gently, the touch lingering for just a moment, a silent promise in the gesture. "I'll text you tonight, okay?"

[skylargrxy]

skylar was the kind of person who always made sure the people in her life knew how much she appreciated and loved them. she didn’t just say it—she showed it. when it came to romeo, her love was mostly expressed through physical touch—holding his hand, sitting on top of him, wrapping her arms around him, kissing him, or preparing things he liked. her friends were no exception. while the physical affection remained—because skylar loved hugging them—cooking for them was another way she showed her love. "i'll make pizza then," she smiled. "i can do it, you don’t have to worry," she promised. skylar wasn’t great at receiving compliments, but giving them? she was the queen. at isaiah’s reaction to her words, she smiled. "you’re more than welcome," she nodded. "leo is amazing—he’s the best—but so are you. you don’t have to worry about that," she assured him. "i’m sure you’re living up to everything leo gives out, i know you are," she added with a smile. leo’s life had been tough—traumatic, even. she wasn’t sure she could have been as strong as him if she had gone through everything he did. but she was glad he was healing. leo deserved nothing less. when she returned after delivering his coworker’s order, skylar couldn’t help but want to keep talking to isaiah. seeing his face light up as he talked about his wedding made her smile—that was love. "we’ll never forget it," she promised. she knew she wouldn’t—she was always looking at the pictures from that night. but at isaiah’s playful words, her eyes widened, her cheeks burning a soft shade of red. she hadn’t expected that comment. trying to brush it off, she let out a soft chuckle. "he was so proud that night—you both looked really proud," she nodded. "i love weddings," she grinned before stepping away for a second to grab something to do while they talked. she was the boss here, but she still felt bad standing around chatting while her coworkers were busy. "any plans to celebrate it?" she asked.

Isaiah leaned back in his seat, a small but genuine smile playing on his lips as Skylar spoke. Her warmth was something he appreciated deeply—she was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel like they mattered. "That sounds great," Isaiah said with a soft chuckle, the idea of Skylar making dinner for them something he found appealing in a way that felt comforting. "But hey, if you want to take it easy, we can grab takeout. I know Leo’s always up for a pizza night." He winked, his tone light, even though the offer itself felt so sincere. Isaiah couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of gratitude for Skylar. He was happy she saw the good in him when he often couldn’t see it himself. It wasn’t always easy for him to accept compliments, but Skylar’s words landed differently. They were never just words with her—there was always depth behind them. "Thank you for saying that," he said, his voice softer now, a little vulnerable. "I guess it’s easy to think I’m not quite living up to what Leo’s gives out y’know? But hearing that from you, it helps." He gave a small, thankful nod, letting her words sink in. When Skylar handed him his drink and spoke about his work, he couldn’t help but smile at her light teasing. He appreciated her ability to keep things easy-going, even when things at work were far from easy. "Yeah, it’s definitely been a lot," he said with a sigh, but it was clear from his expression that things were indeed starting to feel more balanced. "But like you said, it’s getting better." He watched as Skylar walked over to his coworker, the way she interacted with everyone around her so effortlessly—it was clear that she made people feel seen, and Isaiah was no exception. When she came back, he smiled at her apology. "Don’t worry about him," he said with a shrug, "he’s used to it. He’ll survive." The mention of the wedding caught him off guard, but in a good way. The memory of that night always brought a soft warmth to his heart, and hearing Skylar reflect on it made it feel all the more special. "Yeah, three years," he chuckled, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe it. "It really was magical, wasn’t it? I’m glad you were there to share it with us. It was a night I’ll never forget." He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering with a playful glint in his eyes. “Well,” he said, his tone playful with a hint of mischief, “I made him a king that night.” His eyes sparkled with humor, and there was a subtle confidence in his voice. "Couldn’t let him get married without a little royal treatment, right?" He gave her a wink, clearly enjoying the moment and the easy way they could banter with each other. "Honestly, I think he’s still riding that high. I mean, you saw him that night—couldn’t have looked even more proud of himself."

[skylargrxy]

it felt impossible for sky to be in the same room as romeo and not feel nervous. her heart raced inside her chest. there was something about the way romeo looked at her and talked to her that made everything else fade away. he didn’t just notice her—he saw her. at her suggestion to spend more time with her boyfriend, she wasn’t sure what to expect. with jack, things were different. he wanted to see her when he wanted, and that wasn’t every day. sometimes, it just didn’t work that way. but as she listened to romeo telling her how much he wanted to be with her, a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. when he mentioned that being with her was important, the blonde smiled. "i think we can do that," she nodded. "i can wait for you when you’re at practice, and if you want, you can wait for me after my dance practice?" she asked softly. the thought of spending more time with him made her feel all happy and bubbly. "but football is important too," she added quickly. "we can have time together, but the most important thing is your training. i can wait for you, and we can go home together once you finish?" she suggested. "i can study or read in the bleachers," she assured him, a soft smile on her lips. he was important to her, and if he played football, she was going to be there until he was done. she wouldn’t want him leaving early or being late because of her—she would adapt to him. skylar watched as he opened the app and entered her address. when he admitted that he already had it saved, a soft blush crept up her cheeks. "that’s so nice of you," she said softly. "you can drive me home as many times as you want," she nodded. "i’d offer to drive you one day, but i think i need more practice, or i’ll embarrass myself," she admitted with a small laugh. "you look so focused and at peace when you drive," she added. "i noticed it last time."

Romeo couldn't help but watch the way Skylar fumbled over her words, the soft blush creeping over her cheeks. It was impossible for him not to notice, and honestly, he liked it. There was something about her shy hesitation that made every moment with her feel more special—more real. It was like a little secret between the two of them, and he wasn’t about to let it slip away. He smirked softly, leaning back in the seat, the warmth of her hand still lingering in his. "Skylar," he said, his voice low and smooth, playful but reassuring, "if you think I’d rather spend time with anyone other than you, you’re absolutely out of your mind." His eyes stayed on her as he gave her a soft, teasing glance. "I think I can spare a little time for you, even with practice. It’s not like I’m doing anything that important anyway. Just some drills and running around, nothing compared to... well, this." He gestured to the car, to the soft silence between them, to the way the air felt different when she was near. Romeo leaned closer, his voice dropping a little as he added, "Besides, you’re right. A few minutes here and there—those little moments? They’re way more meaningful than running around with a ball. And I think I could get used to more of them with you." He flashed her a knowing smile, one that only added to the warmth in his eyes. "So, no more second-guessing yourself. I’m more than happy to wait for you or have you wait for me anytime." Romeo grinned to himself as he started the car, the soft hum of the engine filling the air. His fingers tapped the screen of his phone effortlessly, pulling up the map app and entering her address without a second thought. He didn’t even need to ask—it had been saved there since the first time they’d hung out. As the directions popped up, he glanced over at Skylar, his lips curving into a playful smile. "You know," he said, his tone light and teasing, "I already had your address saved in my phone. Guess I was just being prepared... just in case I ever needed an excuse to drive you home."

[skylargrxy]

"oh, you know that's not true, stop inventing things because all you want to do is tease me," she warned him playfully, narrowing her eyes. she hated when people messed with her hair—well, unless it was romeo. that was different. "oh, grandma would break you so fast," she joked, laughing softly as she let her older brother walk inside, closing the door behind him. "do you want anything to eat or drink? coffee, biscuits..." she offered, already heading toward the kitchen.

"Hey, it's an older brother's birthright to pat their younger siblings on the head like a dog, just embrace it" Lucas teases playfully."Oh god, don't mention those Iron ladies, their too stiff for a young criminal like me" Luckas went on as she let him inside. "Fine fine, I'll stop" he then mumbled as he walked on inside.

[skylargrxy]

as odette kept talking, the blonde felt tears streaming down her cheeks. she was always emotional—skylar cried over everything—but this? this was different. she was overwhelmingly happy, and the only way she knew how to let that happiness out was by crying. "her godmother?" she asked, her eyes widening in pure shock. she hadn’t expected that—maybe odette would’ve asked her own brother—but… she asked her. "oh my god, odette," she whispered, her hands flying to cover her lips as a soft sob escaped. "i would love that."

" That's because you are Auntie Sky," Odette said and smiled softly at Skylar. "In fact, Jesse and I wanted to ask you if you'd be her godmother," Odette said glancing over at Sky to see her reaction to her request. She figured she might cry even more unless she didn't like the idea of course, but Odette would not take it badly if Sky said no, it was a big responsibility to be a godmother, it wasn't for everyone.

[skylargrxy]

skylar had always loved babies, and she could still remember the day odette told her she was pregnant—she had cried then, and now she was crying again. she was overwhelmed with happiness, seeing her best friend with her baby. "yeah, i heard that happens," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "you did amazing, i'm so happy everything went great." a warm smile tugged at the corners of her lips, though it wavered slightly as more tears spilled down her cheeks. "of course i'm crying, my best friend just had a baby, and you called me auntie sky," she mused, her voice breaking as she wiped at her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. "this is the best day ever." she took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself before looking at odette with hopeful eyes. "can i see her?"

Odette smiled widely at the sight of her best friend walking in and although she wasn't the sappy type, when seeing Sky tear up, she started tearing up too"I'm...I'm amazing... I mean..everything hurts, my body is sore in places i didn't know could be sore...but she is perfect, she perfectly healthy and, ten fingers, ten toes..things couldn't be better" Odette expressed happily" How about you Sky, you already crying boo" she couldn't help it, she had to make fun of her too, even tho she was tearing up as well herself.

[skylargrxy]

skylar really loved the relationship she had with the kings. they were such good people, and she was grateful to be able to call leo and isaiah her friends. they were always so kind to her and romeo, which mattered the most in skylar’s mind. she clicked with isaiah almost instantly when leo introduced them, and their friendship grew fast. she was so glad her best friend had brought them together. she could see how similar she and isaiah were in a lot of ways, and she loved that. "right?" she chuckled softly. skylar loved making plans with the people she cared about—spending time with the right people was always worth it. she was sure romeo wouldn’t mind a double-date type of thing. "oh, you can always come to our place. you work so hard, i don’t mind making dinner, it’s really no big deal," she smiled. skylar loved cooking for people—that was part of why she opened her coffee shop in the first place. "but whatever you prefer." she didn’t want to pressure them into anything, so if they wanted takeout instead, she was fine with that. seeing the softness in isaiah’s eyes and the love in his words made skylar smile. she was so happy that he had found his person. everyone deserved that. she had been lucky enough to find hers, and she wished the same for all the people she loved. when he spoke, she saw how he doubted himself. she was used to that—people seeing the best in others but struggling to see it in themselves. "for the record, i know i’m not leo or anything, but i do think you’re amazing," she said softly. while focusing on making their order, she still made sure to listen to isaiah’s words. "why shouldn’t you? you work so hard—you deserve it," she smiled, adding the topping to his drink. "that sounds stressful," she mused, handing him his cup. "i’m glad things are getting back to normal." as isaiah sat, she glanced over at his coworker. "you do have the best company waiting for you," she teased before adding, "give me a sec, i’ll take this over to your coworker." skylar walked over to the other officer and handed him his drink with a warm smile before heading back behind the bar and sitting near isaiah. "sorry, i felt bad making him wait while i kept you here," she said softly. then she grinned. "i can’t believe it’s already been three years since your wedding." she shook her head. "that night was magical, and i wasn’t even the one getting married!" she laughed. "if i could go back and experience it again, i totally would."

Isaiah watched Skylar with a soft smile. He’d always appreciated how deeply she cared for Leo and for him. Skylar wasn’t the type to offer affection just for show—her kindness was real, and it meant the world to him. He knew Leo felt the same, which made him feel all the more grateful for their friendship. Skylar was such a great friend to have. As she talked about having dinner together, Isaiah couldn’t help but chuckle. He could see how excited she was, and it was hard not to share in that joy. "Dinner and a movie sounds perfect," he said, the idea already sounding like something he’d look forward to. "And hey, don’t apologize—getting carried away sounds like the best way to plan a fun night. I could order take out so nobody has to cook too!" He'd let his husband know as soon as he went back home to get things planned out and set up for a date in the near future. When Skylar commented on his relationship with Leo, Isaiah felt a warmth spread through him, a kind of gratitude that he always struggled to put into words. He pressed a hand onto his own heart. "Thank you, Sky," he said, his voice sincere. "We are lucky. I don’t think either of us could ask for anyone better." He meant it deeply—Leo was everything to him, and hearing that Skylar saw their bond as something special only made it clearer how right they were for each other. "Well, maybe he could, but I definitely couldn't." Isaiah didn't see himself as great. He noticed his own flaws and could see points he wanted to work on. Isaiah watched as Skylar prepared their drinks, the way she moved with such ease, making it clear how much she was used to balancing tasks while staying present with the people around. When she offered him a choice of whipped cream or marshmallows, he couldn’t resist a teasing reply. "Whipped cream, definitely," he said with a grin. "I shouldn't, but it's a treat, right? You can't say no to those things." As she shifted gears and asked about his life outside of work, he appreciated the genuine curiosity in her voice. Skylar always made people feel like they mattered, like they were worth knowing beyond the surface. Isaiah leaned against the counter, his gaze softening as he thought about her question. "Personally, I've been alright, we've gone through some testing times the last couple of months but everything's beginning to fall back into place with a little patience." Isaiah had been working with his husband on building his trust again. "No complaints here. I have the world's best husband to go home too every night."

[skylargrxy]

skylar wasn’t used to feeling this relaxed around people. it was true that she still got shy around him, hesitated before speaking, and blushed at even the smallest glance from romeo—but she felt comfortable. she wouldn’t change a single second of that night. watching grease in his car, just like danny and sandy’s date (without it ending like theirs did), the ice cream parlor—she wished the night would last forever. as they stepped outside, the cold breeze hit them, but she didn’t mind. her cheeks were already burning from the way their fingers were laced together. at his words, she glanced up at him. "thank you for that," she nodded. it felt nice knowing romeo cared about her. maybe it was just about taking the bus or not, but the warmth in his voice made her feel safe. skylar smiled again when he said he’d wait outside until she was inside her mom’s place. he was making their night feel like a dream. she was used to reading about moments like this in the books she collected in her room, but romeo was making her heart race in a way that felt unreal. she wasn’t used to being treated like this. her breath hitched when he brushed a strand of hair from her face. her eyes met his at his words. that sounded like a promise. "i can wait," she said softly. "i really want a million more moments like this with you." as they got inside the car, skylar smiled at him. she couldn’t help it. whenever he was around, she was smiling or blushing—it was just what he did to her. "i guess... maybe i could wait for you whenever you have practice?" she said softly. "maybe it’s not a lot of time, but i guess it could be another moment?" her mind raced. what if that was a stupid idea? what if she was embarrassing herself? "it’s just an idea, but i bet you’d rather spend that time with your teammates," she added quickly. "it’s totally fine if you’re busy, i just—" she trailed off, looking away for a second.

Romeo couldn’t help but smile, his heart swelling with a warmth that made everything else seem insignificant. Skylar was a mystery to him—her shy laughter, the way she hesitated before speaking, the little blushes that followed her every word. It was all so endearing, and he cherished every moment of it. As they stepped outside the parlor, the cool night air wrapped around them, but it didn’t matter. Her hand in his felt like the most natural thing in the world. The way her fingers curled around his, trusting him, made his chest tighten with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. Everything about tonight had been effortless, and yet it felt like they had shared something deep, something lasting. When she mentioned not wanting to catch the bus so late, Romeo nodded, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I wouldn't want you catching a bus on your own this late - not if I can drive you." The fact that she also didn’t want to part ways just yet made him feel like he was doing something right. There was something undeniably special about her, the way she opened up just a little more each time. He couldn’t help but admire how thoughtful she was, how considerate of his feelings. When she mentioned that he didn’t have to wait outside, Romeo only smiled, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m more than happy to wait outside until you walk inside." He wanted to make her feel comfortable, to show her that her comfort and happiness mattered. He also had a fear of parents which she probably didn't know too much about yet. "You don’t have to thank me for that. I wanted to drive you home. It’s been an incredible evening." Romeo leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his smile gentle. "I’m looking forward to more moments with you, Skylar. A lot more. A million more if I have any say about it."

[skylargrxy]

the blonde smiled at leo’s suggestion. “i feel like i want some whipped cream with it,” she said confidently, her grin growing. “oh, and marshmallows too,” she added, practically beaming. she had really missed her best friend. “leo,” skylar started, reaching for his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “you don’t have to say sorry. i know it’s hard—well, i can imagine. but you don’t have to worry, i’ll be here no matter what.” her voice was soft but certain, letting him know she wasn’t going anywhere. “you don’t have to call if you’re not ready, but just know i’ll always be on the other side of the line.” skylar promised. “i’m glad you see that,” she added, squeezing his hand again. “that’s the first step, and it only gets better from here.” at his concern, she laughed. “oh, he only came to grab a hot chocolate with one of his co-workers. i don’t get into trouble, so you don’t have to worry about me. i wasn’t dragged out of my café in handcuffs or anything,” she teased, winking at him.

" hot chocolate it is. but which topping are we going for today? i think we got whipped cream or vanilla ice cream... we probably have some marshmallows laying around as well." Leo suggested. " yeah, they take forever. Im mostly just sad about how I haven't been in the mood to be around people, you especially. Like I miss you so much but at the same time I cant pick up the phone and call you. " I... i think i´m at the point where I'm ready to get back to my normal life... if that makes any sense, I cant mope around home all day anymore. its not doing me any good. " I would like it if we hung out more" he then admitted. " he did? what did he want?" Leo wondered.