Ah, sunsets—the daily spectacle where nature paints the sky with its most vibrant hues. They're like nature's way of saying, "Hey, pause for a moment and appreciate this beauty." Whether you're watching from a beach, a mountaintop, or even just your backyard, there's something mesmerizing about seeing the sun dip below the horizon, casting an array of colors across the sky. Each one feels unique, like a fleeting masterpiece that's there one moment and gone the next.

Anastasia loved the sunset. There was a certain tranquility in seeing it every day. No matter how many times she saw it, she would always find herself lost in its splendor. She always looked forward to its appearance at the end of the day. She never grew tired of its majesty. The sky was like a canvas, and the sunset was the artist's brush. Every evening was a new masterpiece. Tonight, Anastasia sat on her roof like she did most nights to watch the sunset. There was a peaceful serenity when she sat out there, and she enjoyed being able to spend some time alone with her thoughts. The sunsets in her little town were always gorgeous. They always made her feel relaxed and happy. She had always loved sunsets. They were her favorite part of the day.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of movement. Followed by the sight of Marcus emerging onto the roof, his silhouette outlined by the fading light of the setting sun. She couldn't help but smile as he joined her, the familiar comfort of his presence washing over her like a warm embrace. Without a word, he settled beside her, his gaze fixed on the horizon as they watched the sun dip below the skyline together.

They had done this every evening since they were kids, the two of them sitting on her roof or his and watching the sun set, talking about their days and sharing secrets. It was a tradition they had started when they were younger, the two of them finding solace in each other's company as they escaped from the chaos of their everyday lives. Over the years, the routine had stuck, their ritual becoming a symbol of their friendship and a source of comfort and stability in a world that was often unpredictable and confusing. It was their safe haven, a place where they could let their guard down and be themselves without fear of judgement or ridicule.

The roof had become their sanctuary, a place where they could be honest and vulnerable with each other without fear of rejection or ridicule. They had shared some of their deepest, darkest secrets and fears on this roof, the darkness and solitude a buffer from the outside world. As the last rays of sunlight faded and the sky turned a deep shade of indigo, Anastasia turned to face Marcus, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He met her gaze, the warmth and affection in his eyes making her heart flutter.

"Hey." She greeted, her voice barely a whisper.

"Hey." He replied, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

A moment of comfortable silence passed between them before Marcus speaks again. "Do you come here often?" He teased, and she laughed softly, the sound mingling with the evening breeze.

"Only almost every night," She replies, her eyes still fixed on the horizon. "You?" She looked back at him with a smile, an amused glint in her eye from his teasing. 

"Only every chance I get, Stas." Marcus replied with a grin, nudging her playfully with his shoulder.

 "Well, lucky for you, I don't mind the company." She teased back, leaning slightly into his shoulder.

Marcus returns her smile, his gaze returning to the darkening sky. "I don't know what I'd do without our sunset tradition." He admitted, his voice soft with sincerity.

"Me neither," Anastasia confesses, her tone equally earnest. "It's like...No matter what's going on in the world, everything feels a little bit better when I'm here with you, watching this."

There was a brief pause as they both absorbed the weight of her words, the significance of their shared moments sinking in. Then she scooted closer to him to lean her head on his shoulder, linking her arm with his as they both sat in comfortable silence, soaking in the last remnants of daylight. The horizon was painted in hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking backdrop to their shared moment of serenity. Marcus' lips curved upwards when she did that and he shifted to move his arm and wrap it around her shoulders. She didn't seem to mind and in fact she leaned into his warm embrace, her arm wrapped around his waist.

The feeling of being in his arms, the comforting warmth and familiarity, sent a wave of relief and contentment through her body, the tension melting away as she snuggled closer to him. She never wanted to leave his side, wanting to stay in this moment forever.

"You know I love you, right, Stas?" He murmured, his words muffled by her hair before he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I love you too, Marcy." She mumbled, her arm snaking around his waist, her hand resting on his lower back. They both were used to saying that, it was natural to say to each other as friends. They've been saying it to each other their whole lives. It wasn't any different now. 

Marcus' smile widened at the nickname. He only let her call him that, anyone else calling him Marcy would earn them a death glare. But from Anastasia, it was different, special. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves above them, adding a soothing soundtrack to their shared moment. Anastasia closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully immerse in the sensation of being held by Marcus. She had always felt safe and secure in his arms, his presence comforting and protective. He pulled her closer, his arm tightening around her waist. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head, the feeling of his lips against her hair sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She smiled, her cheeks flushing pink.

The two best friends watch the sun set together, the last few rays of light illuminating their faces before the sky turns a deep shade of purple. Neither one of them wanting to move or break the spell they've fallen under. They stayed like that until the sky turned black and the stars began to appear, their presence a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay ahead. Eventually the air got colder and they decided to go inside. Anastasia climbed in her room first, Marcus following behind her.

"Hey, do you mind if I crash here tonight? It's late and I don't wanna go home." Marcus admitted sheepishly.

"Of course not, you know my parents are cool with you staying over whenever you want." She assures him, turning to look at him with a fond smile. "And you should know by now that you're always welcome here."

"Thanks." He said with a grateful smile, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he looked away. "I'm gonna change." He mumbled, walking over to the dresser to open the bottom drawer where he had clothes of his that he left there before.

Anastasia hums in response and watches as he disappears into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. She changes into pj's as well and laid down in bed, scrolling through her phone while she waits for him. It's not long before the bathroom door opens and he emerges, wearing a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Anastasia can't help but admire how good he looks in the simple attire, the loose shirt revealing his toned arms and muscular chest, the grey pants hugging his lean frame perfectly.

She shakes the thought away, scolding herself for her wandering thoughts. She pats the empty space next to her, smiling softly. "C'mere, Marcy."

Marcus smiled back at her, the corners of his lips quirking up at the nickname while he climbed into bed beside her, his arm immediately wrapping around her waist and pulling her close. He only let her use the nickname, but it was a special privilege she had as his best friend. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, breathing in her familiar scent as they settled into a comfortable silence. Anastasia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling her into a sense of peace and contentment. 

He pulled the covers up, the warm cocoon enveloping them both as they snuggle closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly. They lay like that for a while, their breathing synced and the steady beat of his heart thumping in her ear. It was a soothing sound, a reminder of his presence and the safety of being in his arms. His hand trailed up and down her back, tracing lazy patterns on her skin. She nuzzled her face into his neck, inhaling his familiar scent and reveling in the warmth and comfort of his embrace. Anastasia could feel herself beginning to drift off, the exhaustion of the day catching up to her. She stifled a yawn, her eyelids growing heavy. Marcus chuckled, the vibrations sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

"Sleep." He whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll be here when you wake up, bubba."

The affectionate nickname makes her heart flutter, her cheeks flushing as a smile spreads across her face. "Okay." She mumbled sleepily, her eyes fluttering shut.

Marcus chuckles again, his arm tightening around her. Anastasia feels herself relax, her body melting into his as she drifted off to sleep, the sound of his heartbeat lulling her to a peaceful slumber. He kisses the top of her head one last time, whispering a soft "Goodnight, bubba." Before closing his eyes, the steady rise and fall of her chest a soothing reminder that she was here, in his arms, safe and sound.

****

In the morning, Anastasia wakes up feeling better rested than she has in months. Her body is warm and heavy, the familiar weight of an arm draped across her waist making her heart race.

She's not surprised when she opens her eyes and sees Marcus lying next to her, his face peaceful and relaxed in his sleep. She can't help but smile, her heart swelling with affection at the sight of him. She takes a moment to appreciate the view, his tousled dark hair and strong jawline accentuated by the sunlight streaming through the window. He looked so peaceful and at ease, his features softened by sleep. His bangs fell into his eyes, a stray lock falling across his forehead. She couldn't help but reach out and gently brush it away, her fingers lightly brushing his skin. The touch jolted him awake, his eyes fluttering open and fixing her with a sleepy gaze.

"Hey, bubba." He mumbled sleepily, his voice raspy and thick with sleep.

"Hi." She whispered back, her gaze lingering on his face. She smiled softly, the warmth of their shared moment enveloping them like a cozy blanket.

Marcus stretched lazily, his muscles flexing beneath the fabric of his t-shirt as he shifted closer to her. Anastasia couldn't help but admire the way the morning light danced across his features, highlighting the contours of his face and casting a soft glow around him.

"Sleep well?" He asked, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"Mhm." Anastasia replies, stifling a yawn. "You?"

"Best sleep I've had in months." Marcus admitted, a soft smile gracing his lips. He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Anastasia couldn't help but grin and leans into his touch, reveling in the warmth and affection radiating from him. "Me too, M." She murmured.

Their morning was filled with quiet moments of intimacy and tenderness, the lingering traces of sleepiness giving way to the gentle warmth of the morning sun. They stayed cocooned in each other's arms, relishing in the simple pleasure of being together. By the time they finally left the bed and ventured downstairs, the morning was almost gone and the house was bustling with activity. Anastasia's parents were in the kitchen, the delicious aroma of breakfast wafting through the air.

"Good morning." Her mom greets them with a smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she took in their disheveled appearance. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah, thanks." Marcus replied, his arm still draped around Anastasia's waist. Anastasia had rolled her eyes at her mom's teasing tone, but couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment at the sight of Marcus standing beside her, his presence a comforting presence in her life.

Anastasia's dad, Daniel, smiles at the two teens, a knowing look in his eyes. "Breakfast is ready. Eat up. There's plenty."

Anastasia and Marcus thanked him and walked further into the kitchen to get some food. As they sat down at the table, Anastasia couldn't shake the feeling of Marcus's arm around her waist, the warmth of his touch seeping into her skin like sunshine. Their breakfast was filled with laughter and chatter, easy conversation flowing between the four of them. It was a familiar routine, one that they had done for years. Marcus had always felt like a part of the family here, and Anastasia's parents treated him like their own son. This house was his second home, a place where he could find comfort and acceptance, and he cherished every moment spent here.

After breakfast, Anastasia and Marcus went back up to her room after helping her parents clean up. "Wanna watch a movie?" Marcus suggested, laying on her bed.

"Sure." Anastasia smiles brightly at him, laying beside him. "Oh, can we watch the Marvel movies?" She asked hopefully. He hadn't watched them all yet and she was dying to get him to watch all the movies.

"If you want, bubba." Marcus replied with a smile, pulling her closer.

Anastasia's face lit up with excitement and an excited squeal left her lips. She grabs her remote, turning on her smart tv. "Yes! Okay, so I think we were on one of the Thor movies..."

Marcus laughs softly at her excitement, his heart warming at her enthusiasm. "Whatever you say, bubba." He replies, his arm tightening around her waist.

The movie started and they got comfortable, Anastasia snuggled into Marcus' side as they watched the movie. The two best friends cuddled together as the movie played, the warmth and familiarity of their proximity bringing a sense of comfort and security to both of them.

They spent the rest of the day watching the rest of the Marvel movies and talking about the plot, characters and theories. By the time the last movie ended, they were both exhausted but content, their minds buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of the next installment.

"So, what did you think?" She asked turning to look at him with bright, curious eyes.

"It was good." Marcus replies, his tone noncommittal. He looked at her with a playful grin, knowing full well how much she loved the movies. He couldn't help but tease her a bit. "But I still think Iron Man is overrated."

Anastasia gasps, playfully swatting his arm. "How dare you! Tony Stark is a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist!"

Marcus chuckles at her dramatics, pulling her into a tight hug. "Alright, alright, I take it back. He's cool."

Anastasia grins triumphantly, snuggling closer to him. "That's what I thought. But seriously, just good? C'mon, you gotta give me more than that!" She pressed, her curiosity getting the best of her. She started rambling with questions about the plot, characters, and theories.

Marcus simply listens, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched her rambling animatedly. He couldn't help but notice how cute she looked when she was passionate about something, the sparkle in her eyes and the excitement in her voice were adorable. "Alright, alright. Calm down, bubba." He interrupts her rambling, a chuckle escaping his lips. "I liked it all, honestly. I'm glad you got me to watch all the movies because it was really fun."

Anastasia smiles widely at his answer, the satisfaction clear on her face. "See, I told you! Marvel is awesome." She said, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

Marcus just shakes his head fondly, his arm tightening around her waist. He presses a soft kiss to her temple, his lips lingering against her skin for a moment. She sighs softly, leaning into his touch. "I'm glad you enjoyed the movies, bubs." She mumbled, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Of course I did, I'm with you." He murmurs, his tone playful but sincere and what he said made her smile widen. "Now, c'mere. I'm tired and want cuddles." He pouted playfully, tugging her closer.

Anastasia giggles, letting him pull her into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in the crook of his neck. His familiar scent surrounds her, the warmth and security of his presence bringing a sense of comfort and protection. She loved the fact he rarely showed this side to anyone and that she was one of the special few who got to see his softer, more vulnerable side. It made her feel cherished and special, knowing that Marcus trusted her enough to let his guard down and be himself around her. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's arms, neither one of them wanting to move or break the moment. The two best friends cuddled on the bed, the sound of the movie playing in the background and the feel of each other's warmth surrounding them. It was a comfortable and familiar setting, the intimacy of their proximity bringing a sense of ease and contentment to them.

They stayed like that for the rest of the night, neither wanting to break the moment or move. Their bodies were tangled together, their limbs intertwined. Anastasia could feel his steady breathing and the rise and fall of his chest, the rhythmic sound lulling her into a peaceful sleep. It wasn't long before the two best friends drifted off, the exhaustion from the day catching up to them. But neither of them minded, both knowing that they were exactly where they wanted to be, wrapped in each other's embrace. It was later that night when they both woke up. They both changed clothes and then went back to bed after turning the lights off.

Anastasia cuddled into him and Marcus held her close, her body fitting perfectly against his. She nuzzled her face into his chest, the steady beating of his heart and the warmth of his skin a comforting presence. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Neither one of them spoke, their actions speaking louder than words ever could.

"Night, bubba." Marcus whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"Night, M." Anastasia mumbled, her words muffled by his shirt.

The two best friends fell asleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms and surrounded by a sense of security and contentment that they both knew would only grow stronger as time went on. She leaned into his embrace, her body melting into his. It was a familiar position, one that they'd found themselves in many times over the years. But now, there was a newfound intimacy to it, a closeness that hadn't been there before. The two best friends drifted off to sleep, their bodies curled together and their hearts full. The rest of their weekend was spent much like that, wrapped up in each other's arms and reveling in the safety and security of their closeness.

Marcus went home the night before Monday reluctantly, wanting to stay longer, but school started tomorrow. He knew he should probably head home, but he was reluctant to leave her. It had been such a peaceful, perfect weekend, he wanted to bask in it for as long as possible.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Stas." He said with a small smile, wrapping her in a hug. They stood by her bay window, the sun setting in the distance. He often climbed in that window to get to her room, the big Oak tree near her window making it easier.

Anastasia nods, hugging him tightly. "See you tomorrow." She said softly, her eyes lingering on his face. They stayed like that for a moment, the warmth of their embrace enveloping them like a cozy blanket. Eventually, Marcus pulled away, a sigh escaping his lips as he moved to the bay window.

"See you tomorrow, Marcy." She responded with a warm smile, earning a soft smile back from him.

"Bye, Stas." Marcus mumbled, giving her one last hug before heading out the bay window, climbing down the oak tree.

Anastasia watched as he disappeared into the distance, a smile on her face. Her heart fluttered with warmth and affection, her mind filled with thoughts of him. She couldn't help but feel giddy with happiness, her body practically vibrating with energy. It had been an amazing weekend, and she knew that things would only get better from here on out. Nothing could dampen her mood right now, not even the looming prospect of the new semester at school. 

A/N ugh i love anastasia & marcus so much already