- Imagination; Shawn Mendes -
- Something Different; Why Don't We -
- 18; One Direction -
- It May Sound Strange; Spencer Sutherland - 

Carter Jackson

Guilt ran through me as I waited for Rory to get back from the bathroom. She's been in there for a few minutes now, and I know it's probably to get her dress as dry as possible, but I can't help but feel bad.

I pulled my phone out as I waited, pulling up my texts with Elijah.

Dude, this is embarrassing. Sarah White's here and she's totally fucking everything up!

I set my phone on the table, my fingertips getting a little fidgety as I waited. What if she leaves? What if she decides this is the worst night of her life and wants nothing to do with me?

My phone vibrated on the table, causing a loud vibration sound to echo from it resting on the table. I glanced to see Elijah texted me back, and I didn't hesitate to grab it.

Sarah White? Don't believe I know her.

Kaya White's little sister you dumbass.

The sophomore? Why is she there?

I don't know, I guess she works here now. But either way, she's already been rude to Rory and now Rory's been in the bathroom for like five minutes because she poured water all over her.

Fight the bitch

duh

Elijah, be realistic please I'm totally freaking out

Carter Jackson??? Freaking out??? HELL FROZE OVER DIDNT IT 
seriously though what is this girl doing to you

I don't know but I'm scared

It's just Rory there's nothing to be scared of mate

She's 'just rory' to you but not for me

yeah yeah ik ik I've heard the whole thing. I doubt she's going to think any differently, dude. just wait and she'll come out, and i guarantee everything will be okay

I didn't respond, because I didn't think there was a need to. Elijah wasn't going to take me seriously, and I honestly didn't blame him. He probably didn't know how to react because I'd never freaked out about something like that, but I had nobody else to tell.

Logan and I aren't close like that - and even if we were I couldn't talk to him about Rory. He likes her too, and it would be wrong to rub it in his face about how close Rory and I are getting.

As much of an asshole he is, he's still my brother and has feelings.

I couldn't let Rory see me panic. Instead, I just gave myself a little pep talk and shoved my phone in my pants pocket so she didn't think I was bored when she came back.

Soon enough, she finally showed back up to the table. This made most of my worry fade away as she didn't just up and leave me here, but I frowned as I saw a faded wet spot in the front center of her dress. It was right over where her lap was, and it didn't help that she was wearing a white dress.

I felt bad all over again just seeing her, but I was caught off guard as I saw her sit down with a beautiful smile on her face.

"Sorry I took so long, I very poorly attempted to dry my dress on one of those hand dryer thingies." She waved her hands as she spoke, acting as if nothing happened. I couldn't help but give her a look, but she just frowned at me as she saw my expression. "Everything okay?"

"I just-" I stopped, "I just hope you're okay." I finally decided on saying that, despite what my mind was begging me to say.

"Of course I am, it was just a little bit of water. Why let that ruin my night?" She asked with a shrug. I wasn't used to seeing this side of her, but then again she knew how much I really wanted her to have a good time tonight. If she showed me how upset she really was, that means the date wasn't what she wanted it to be and that I failed at giving her the best first date I could.

"You're right, it was just water," I told her, watching as she grabbed her fork. "They just brought us out new food a few minutes before you came out since yours got cold, on the house."

"That was nice of them," She said softly, grabbing her fork. I waited until she began to eat before I started eating my own food, and it was silent between us as we ate our food.

It wasn't long until she started another conversation, the Rory I knew completely flipped into someone else. Not meaning that this side of her is bad, but I'm just not used to it. She has her moments with me where she can get a little talkative and sarcastic, but I've never seen her initiate anything.

When she touched my hand earlier, it felt like the world stopped. My stomach erupted with butterflies and her touch sent shocks through my body, just as it usually did. It just felt so different with her being the one to be the first to touch me, as I'm usually the one trying to always constantly touch her whether it be holding her hand, cuddling her, or resting my hand on her back.

It immediately made me crave more, despite knowing how bad it is to rush things. Not to mention Rory's really new when it comes to friendships and relationships. I don't want her to think this is another Asher situation.

It wasn't long before we were finished eating, and I paid the bill. Rory pulled her pink cardigan up on her shoulders, standing from her seat. I held my hand out to her and she hesitantly grabbed it, our fingers interlocking together as I led her out of the restaurant.

Thankfully, this wasn't the end of our date. I'm glad I had more planned, and the only reason I really brought her here is because my mom insisted. Not to mention she would probably be hungry, having not eaten due to not knowing where we were going.

Which is totally my fault, considering I didn't give her too many details. I bet she'd have felt much better about the whole date had I told her exactly what was planned, but I really just wanted to surprise her. She's big on those romance movies, and I was afraid if I had told her she would try to be like those girls she sees in the movies.

That's the opposite of what I want. I wanted her to come into this acting like herself, and maybe it was a wrong judgment of me but I felt if I didn't tell her much, it would prevent her from acting like one of those characters she loves a lot.

That's stupid, isn't it?

The drive was silent, so I put on some music to fill the tension. I watched as Rory stared out of her window as we drove. It was obvious her mind was spiraling into so many thoughts, but I couldn't figure out what she was thinking. It would be too pushy to ask, as well.

It took a bit to drive where we were needing to go, but as soon as we arrived I smiled and shut the car off. Rory looked around in confusion, her eyes wide as she couldn't figure out where we were.

"What is this?" She asked, "Where are we?"

"You'll see." I pulled my car door open, flinging myself out of the car. I ran over to her side of the vehicle and opened the door, waiting for her to climb out herself.

She pulled herself out of the car and held her cardigan tighter to her body, shielding herself from the chilly weather. I couldn't help but smile, giddy that we were getting to the actual part of the date. No matter how good or bad the dinner was, nothing was going to ruin this next part of our date.

"We're standing by trees, that's weird." She commented, brushing some curly hair behind her ear.

"What? Never seen one of these in your movies before?" I asked playfully, causing her eyes to snap to me again. I sighed at her reaction, holding my hand out. "Do you trust me, Rory?"

She looked at my face before looking at my outstretched hand. A smile then covered her features as she put her cold hand in mine, gripping it tightly.

"Of course."

That only made me smile. Hearing Rory actually admit it was something else, and although part of me wondered if she meant it or not, I knew she did. She's not the type of person to just say something, and if she was really spooked out by some woods then she would probably honestly wait here instead of go with me if she didn't trust me.

I pulled her along with me through the lining of trees, following the path that has been here for years. She followed along with me, her body very closely behind me as she was afraid of something here in the dark.

Remembering that she once admitted she's afraid of things that lurk in the dark, I pulled her as close to me as I could. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, causing her hand to grip the back of my shirt for leverage. She was probably cold as well, considering it had gotten colder out since we went to dinner.

I didn't plan for it to get this cold, which sucks, but I'm just grateful the weather's not any worse.

Soon enough, we were out in the open again. The lining of trees was only the beginning of the path, the rest of the area cleared out. In the center of the clear path was a giant gazebo, one I took time today to decorate.

My nerves began to get the best of me as we neared the gazebo, suddenly afraid she wasn't going to like it.

I pulled at her a little more, walking faster toward the gazebo. The quicker I get her reaction, the better I'll feel.

"Carter!" She laughed as she kept her pace up with me. I glanced back at her, seeing the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen on her face.

Of course, I think that about every smile I see her wear. But I just can't get enough of it, and it makes me feel much better knowing I'm the reason behind it right now. It's selfish, but I don't care.

I'll be selfish when it comes to Rory and making her happy.

She's had so much heartbreak in her life, the last thing she needs is any more of it. She deserves nothing but love and care, and I can't help but feel like I need to do as much as I can to help that.

We arrived at the gazebo, and I let her go ahead of me so I could see her reaction perfectly. Her eyes lit up on the little fairy lights littering the gazebo, lighting up the small space. I watched as her eyes landed on the little makeshift pallet, the one covered with multiple art items.

Paintbrushes, paint of all kinds, canvases, everything. I wasn't sure what the best products to buy when I went to Walmart today, but Elijah told me some of the items he's seen me use and said she'll appreciate the gesture no matter what it was.

But then again, he also suggested I show up with that dollar crappy kids' paint, which is the worst idea I've ever heard in my life.

Her eyes danced around the different items, letting go of me completely. She stepped toward the gazebo, stopping on the first step. I leaned against one of the edges as I watched her, unable to take my eyes off the beautiful girl in front of me.

"Carter..." She stopped, turning to me. Tears pooled in her waterline, causing the smile to drop from my face.

"Rory, what's wrong?" I asked, leaning up and stepping toward her. "Do you not like it?"

"No! No, I love it!" She exclaimed quickly, turning back to the items in front of us. "I just- nobody's ever done this for me before. I just-" She stopped again, turning back to me.

I waited for her to continue what she was saying, but she didn't. Instead, she just threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my torso. I stayed completely still for a moment, unsure of how to react.

As if she felt that I wasn't hugging her back, she pulled away. "I-I'm sorry," She said quickly. She was flustered I didn't respond, and realizing how dumb it was that I stayed silent, I just shook my head and grabbed her arms.

I pulled her to my body again, this time engulfing her in a giant hug. She slowly hugged me back, her tiny arms warming my slightly cold body up. "Thank you," She said. "This means so much."

"I told you I know you, Ror," I mumbled, pulling my head off of hers. "You always say because we haven't known each other for too long that it means we don't know each other, but I know you more than you realize."

She pulled away from me completely, turning back toward the sight in front of her.

"The lighting isn't the best, but this little paint date is for fun, nothing serious." I self-consciously said as I began to walk onto the pallet.

She slowly entered as well, almost as if she were too nervous to ruin what it looked like. I sat down on one side, leaving the other side for her to sit down on. She sat with her legs to the side so she was sitting properly enough for her dress, and part of me felt bad that I brought her here to where she couldn't sit as comfortably as she wanted.

Glancing over, I noticed a backpack I'd used to bring some of the things I needed. One of my hoodies stuck out of the side of it, so I reached over and grabbed it in one swift motion. I pulled myself up to my knees and leaned forward, laying it out over her knees. She looked up at me with pink cheeks, the same smile on her face that's been there since she saw the gazebo.

I sat back in my previous position, clearing my throat. "I'm not a painter, really."

"If you're not a painter why are you taking painting?" Rory asked, "I've seen you work in class, you're really good."

"It's just something to pass the time, I guess. They suggested I take it, so I did." I shrugged, "Mine's going to look horrible compared to yours."

She shook her head, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "It's not. You said this wasn't anything serious, remember?" She asked, moving to grab some of the paintbrushes. "How much did you spend to buy these? 'Cause I highly doubt you owned any of these."

"How would you know?" I asked playfully, opening her canvas.

"Because I've never seen any art products in your room," She said.

"Right," I said as I let out a chuckle, setting her canvas in front of her. "Don't worry about getting any paint on this blanket. I bought a couple of cheap ones to bring out here."

"Okay," She said, although I could tell by the look on her face that she wanted to be stubborn and tell me she was going to do her best to not get anything messy. It was just how she was, but I think she was more nervous that she was going to do something stupid.

Which is impossible, by the way. Nothing Rory says or does can make me change the fact that I really like her, and I mean that.

"What are you going to paint?" She asked, opening a pack of sponges.

"I don't know yet, I haven't thought that far," I told her. I grabbed some of the red solo cups I bought, pouring some bottled water in them for us to use to clean our brushes. I then grabbed a couple of rags I bought as well, handing her one for when she needed it.

"What do you like painting? I notice you do a lot of dark colors in your work," She commented, looking through the bucket of paints I brought with me.

"Dark colors are my favorite," I told her, watching her carefully. If I'm being honest, I don't even want to paint. Not that I hate it, but I just would rather sit here and watch her paint.

Most of the time when we're in class - and this is any class, not just the painting class that we have together - I find myself watching her instead of focusing on my work. She looks so peaceful when she's doing her own thing, especially when it comes to art-related things.

"I've noticed," She said. "Not in a weird way-" She quickly countered, "I just- I see the clothes you wear, your car, your room." She named off on her fingers. "I just see and that's nothing bad."

"You like blue," I commented, turning the topic to her.

"As I've said, yes." She confirmed with a nod, although we both knew. 

"You always wear something blue," I then told her, adding to my statement. "Right now, your nails are painted blue. Whenever you wear an outfit that has nothing blue related to it, you find a way to interpret it. It's also in a lot of your artwork, too."

"You noticed that?" She asked, her big blue eyes staring at me. She had a look on her face I couldn't describe, but I hope to God it was nothing bad.

"You're not the only one who watches people, baby," I told her smoothly, grabbing a color from the bucket.

She just looked down, finding a pencil to sketch with. I'm glad I second-guessed myself and brought a package of pencils and erasers with me because I almost didn't. But I also know she keeps lots of pencils with her usually, so I just used that as my final answer as to whether or not to bring them.

Rory was facing me, so I couldn't really see what she was drawing. But she was completely focused, her tongue sitting at the edge of her lip as she drew whatever inspiration had come to mind.

I just stared at her, unable to begin my own painting. I could do this all day, as odd as it sounds. Rory looked so happy and content sitting there, a smile covering her features every once in a while at her work. Part of me was curious to see what she was drawing, but I didn't want to ruin her moment.

Plus, I'd surely see it at the end when it was finally time to leave.

Finally deciding to stop being a weirdo, I glanced down at my empty canvas. I'm only really good at things with dark colors, but I wanted to do something different. I want to do something that reminds me of Rory, which is anything but dark.

She reminds me of those beautiful sunrises in the morning, all the while at the same time reminding me of beautiful sunsets. The look of the beach in the sunlight, or the look of tulips in the daylight.

Basically, anything to do with daylight.

Before I processed what I was doing, I just began to paint. I've never been very good at being organized and planning out what I needed to do, much like Rory sat across from me doing. Instead, I'm better at just going with the flow and doing whatever came to my mind.

I really hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the ass, but I guess we'll find out when we're done and it's time to pack up.

It was silent between us as we painted, but I didn't say anything due to not wanting to bother Rory. She looked happy, and that's what the point of our date was about. It was about her being happy, and realizing that there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to dating someone.

After what felt like forever, I was finally done with my piece. It was something simple, as I didn't know how long Rory was going to take on hers. She still worked, completely unaware of how dark it's gotten around her. The only light was coming from this little gazebo we sat in, but the more I stared at her, the more I realized I don't think that she was unaware of what was going on around her - I just think she felt safe enough with me here to not freak out.

"Are you done?" Rory asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I glanced down at my finished canvas before looking back up at her, my cheeks burning up a little bit.

"Yeah. You?" I asked, looking at her. She looked down at her painting with a nervous look, biting her lip before looking back up at me.

"Almost," She softly told me. "I'm sorry I'm taking so long, I know it wasn't supposed to be anything serious."

"You can take all night for all I care," I told her, shaking my head. "I'll be fine waiting anyway."

She smiled bigger, happy that I wasn't upset she was taking so long with her painting. Her hands were now covered in paint, even going as far as swatching a peach color she mixed on her skin. This only made me even more curious as to what she painted, but I didn't pry.

Rory looked beautiful sitting in front of me, and I sat my painting to the side so it could dry fully. I grabbed my phone from my pocket, pulling my camera app up. I want to remember this moment forever, even if after tonight she decides she's not interested enough to go on another date.

Not wanting to think about that, I just put my focus on taking a photo of Rory. She had no idea I was taking the photo, and I really hope she wouldn't mind in the end. But burning it in my brain wasn't enough, I want to continuously look back at how amazing this night is.

I put a bit of quiet music on in the background as she painted, looking over my painting again. It wasn't my best work, and it was the most simple piece I've ever done. But it was perfect, and I couldn't stop smiling as I looked at it.

"I've finished," She spoke after more moments of silence. I don't know exactly how long we'd been here, but I know it was for a while.

I looked over at her, seeing her nervously looking at me. "Are we showing each other?" I asked as I grabbed mine. It was out of her sight, which made me a little happy as I wanted to see her reaction.

"I-I mean sure," She nervously said. Her hands were completely covered in paint almost. A soft peach color, black, and a black-brown color. Even a dark blue color, one that matched my shirt almost perfectly. "Don't judge mine," She then added, causing my eyes to snap from her hands to her beautiful blue ones.

"I would never," I told her honestly. "On three?" I then asked, and she nodded. I counted to three and we flipped our paintings, my eyes stuck on the beautiful painting looking right back at me.

I stayed silent as I stared over the colors, shock flowing through my body. I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't this.

"Is it that bad?" She asked, looking down at it.

"You painted me?" I asked, ignoring her question. "That- oh my god, Rory, that's beautiful. I didn't know you did portraits."

"I've only ever drawn portraits before," She shook her head, turning it back around to her. "This was the first time painting one, which was why I sketched beforehand."

"It's beautiful."

"It's yours," She looked back up at me, holding it out.

"What?" I asked.

"I did it for you, I don't know." Her cheeks burned red, setting the canvas in front of me when I didn't take it. "I thought maybe it'd be a good way to thank you for everything you've done for me up until now."

My face fell, and I looked at her with something I couldn't describe. She painted something for me to thank me for all of the kindness I've given her when I've simply done just the bare minimum. I don't deserve a reward for being kind to her, not at all.

But then I thought about it as something good. Not just her trying to pay me back for being nice but as a gift. She did this for me - of all things she could have done. She used her talent and something she loves so desperately to do to make something like this for me, and I couldn't help but feel an abundance of care for her at this moment.

"I love it," I said.

"You do?" She asked, her blue eyes meeting mine again.

"Of course I do," I said, holding my painting out for her. "This is for you, by the way."

"You painted something for me?" She asked, taking it from me. "And it's no dark colors at all." She added, looking it over. "What was the inspiration? Like sunsets- or sunrises? What did you think about?"

The questions left her mouth quickly, almost as if she switched to a different person. I couldn't help but feel nervous at the questions, feeling like one of those cheesy guys from the movies she watches.

Kinda like that Landon kid in A Walk To Remember. I continued to watch the movie despite Rory falling asleep in the first thirty minutes, and I'm glad because I totally cried at the end.

And I don't cry often, honestly.

"You," I answered her question, rubbing the back of my neck with my right hand. "I just thought of you, and whatever came to mind when I did."

"But-" She stopped, looking down. "I don't understand." She spoke defeated, her dark brows pushed together in thought. "It's just a field of tulips-" She stopped, seeming to realize despite saying she didn't understand only moments before. "Tulips. Bright colors," She added. "Blue."

All it was that I had painted was a garden of Tulips in bright green grass. The grass was a mixture of forest green and light green, the tulips ranging in colors of blue, red, and pink. I did the blue closest as I could to the color of her eyes, and the pinks for her cheeks and red for her lips. The sky was a mixture of orange and yellow, a sad attempt at being a sunrise. The yellow and orange were bright, much like I thought whenever I saw her.

"Do you like it?" I asked softly, nervous that she secretly hated it.

Her head shook back and forth quickly, looking back up at me. "I know you said it's simple but just the thought alone that you put into this is much better than I did. I just painted you at how you looked sitting in front of me." She answered, "You did colors I enjoy, things that make you think of me. This-" She stopped, "This is the best piece I've seen anyone ever do, and I've seen a lot of art."

"You don't need to boost my ego more, Rory," I said with a chuckle.

"I'm being so honest right now," She said. Her eyes traveled back down to the painting in her hands, admiring it some more. It made me happy she truly enjoyed it, because I really did mean what I said when I said I used her for inspiration. I would tell her about using the blue of her eyes or the pinks of her cheeks, but I told her enough and that's what matters.

Rory shivered as a big gust of wind blew past us, and it was then I realized how late it was. "I should really get you home before your mom blows a fuse," I told her, causing the smile on her face to fall.

"Right. I forgot that this was just a moment in time, nothing that will last forever." She pouted as she said it, setting the painting down on the blanket. "That was cheesy, I'm sorry."

"No, don't be. I felt the same way when we started painting." I pulled my phone from the ground, pulling up the photo I took of her. "See? I took this for safekeeping." I turned the phone to her, her cheeks growing dark red.

"You took a photo! I have a double chin," She nitpicked at the picture, causing me to roll my eyes as I pulled it out of her sight.

"You look beautiful, and I wanted to keep the moment forever. So I did," I said. I stood up and began to gather everything, loading it up to leave and come back and get in the morning.

"I'm going to definitely get you back for that," She said as she followed, the hoodie laying on her legs falling to the ground as she stood.

"Okay, baby, whatever you say," I responded quickly as I put everything away. The only thing I planned on taking home with me was my backpack, the rest could stay till I come by tomorrow when I woke up. If any of this gets stolen, it won't matter anyway because it's just stuff I brought for the date. 

"Where did you find this place, anyway?" Rory asked softly, holding her cardigan to her body tightly. I grabbed the hoodie from the ground and shook it out before opening it and pulling it over her head.

She pulled it down the rest of the way as I grabbed the two paintings, handing them to her. "My father owns this park," I said.

"This is a park?" She asked, looking around. "There's nothing but this gazebo and some trees."

"I came in through the backway, which also has an entrance. If you were to go that way-" I stopped, pointing to the left. "There'll be more of it. We can come sometime during the daytime if you want to."

"And you can teach me to skateboard when we do," She offered, causing me to stop whatever movements I was doing. I looked at her, seeing a smile on her face. "The offer's still up, right?"

"Of course," I said, smiling at her.

"Good," He softly told me, her eyes moving to the paintings in her hands. "Maybe that could be a second date idea?"

"A-a second date?" I asked, caught off guard. 

"I mean, if you're interested yes." She told me, nodding. Her cheeks were pink, but I'm not thinking it was because of the wind, but more of the fact that she was initiating a second date.

"Are you asking me on a date, Rory?" I asked, copying her words from yesterday.

"Sure," She said, playing it cool. I could tell from her tone and her body language this was very nerve-wracking, so I just stepped in front of her as I hung my backpack over my shoulder.

"It's a date, then."

"Great," She breathed out.

"Let's get you home, okay?" I asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

She nodded, agreeing and we walked our way to the car. It was silent as we walked, Rory under my arm as she took multiple glances down at the paintings we made today. She kept looking at the one I made, a small smile on her beautiful features as her eyes ran up and down the medium-sized canvas.

I made sure she didn't trip or fall over anything considering she was wearing heels. It was awfully late at night, considering we got lost in our paintings and spent a lot of time on them despite it being just for fun and nothing serious.

As we approached the car, I was quick to unlock it and turn it on to get the heat going. I then opened Rory's door and waited patiently for her to get in, shutting the door. After throwing my backpack in the trunk I made my way back over to the driver's side, getting in.

I was met by warmth as I shut the door, the heat blasting me in the face from how high I had it. I only really turned it on for Rory, but after seeing her roll up the hoodie sleeves I knew she'd warmed up enough.

Turning it down, I took my time pulling out of the parking lot, wanting more time with her. I know it's selfish considering we've been together for a while, but I really didn't want tonight to end.

This was the best night I've had in so long, and it made me just appreciate Rory so much more.

Music played quietly from the speakers. Rory held onto the two paintings - one in each hand. She looked between the two, and I couldn't tell if she was judging her own then admiring mine, but either way, the constant switch of expressions on her face made it seem like it.

I kept my hands on the wheel. I couldn't hold her hand because she was holding our art, and I didn't want to make her feel like I'm rushing things or pushing too much.

Despite knowing Rory for the time we have, I can't help but care for her more than I do most people. For some reason, the day she'd accidentally walked into my bedroom felt like some stupid sign that we weren't meant to be in each other's life. What are the odds she came into my room of all places?

Okay, now I'm just getting cringy. I've watched too many of Rory's movies is what it is.

After what didn't seem like enough time together, we finally pulled up to Rory's house. Both cars were in the driveway, the only light coming from the window at the top of the house. It was Rory's bedroom, meaning lights were left on inside.

"Let me walk you to the door," I offered as Rory unbuckled.

I unbuckled as well, throwing myself out of the running car so I could open her door. She climbed out, making sure she had all of her belongings.

"Thank you," She politely told me, the first words I'd heard her say since we were at the park.

We walked to the house side-by-side, the painting I made for her in her hands. She'd left the other one in the car, probably because it was the one she made for me.

As we got to the front door we both stopped, facing each other. My stomach turned as I realized that this was the end of our date. I didn't know what she was thinking, or what I was supposed to do.

All of the other 'dates' I've been on have been nothing like this, and I don't want to screw whatever this is up.

"Thank you for tonight, Carter," Rory spoke up first, which was unusual. Usually, I was the one to speak and say something, but Rory's done this a lot tonight.

It surprised me for sure, but I love it either way.

I looked at her for a moment, admiring her beauty. I liked it this way - she was dressed how she wanted to dress up, completely and utterly herself. Of course, I liked how she looked when Paige dressed her up the times I'd seen her before, but I much prefer when she looks how she wants to look.

She's beautiful no matter what, nonetheless.

Hair flew into her face, and without thinking I brushed it away behind her ear. Little strands blew all around due to the late-night air, and it just made me appreciate her beauty more.

My mind turned as my stomach knotted together, realizing how close we were. Just moving an inch down our lips would meet, or if she were to move just a few centimeters up. She was taller because she was wearing these pink strappy heels, although it didn't add too much to her short height.

I looked between her two eyes, the pretty blue still distinguishable in the dark. The only light was the porch light above the two of us, giving me a perfectly illuminated view of her round face. Her cheeks were pink, which could be a result of her nerves or the cold air.

My thumb rested on her left cheek, her skin cold against my warm hands. I knew she was cold, despite wearing both her cardigan and my hoodie. This means I should really let her go, but I'm just too selfish.

I didn't care that we were just standing here staring at each other, it meant I was still around her which is all I want, oddly enough.

My face moved just a centimeter closer to her, my mind and heart arguing about what to do. My body was moving before I could comprehend that I was moving in to kiss her, but I was moving slowly enough that if she were to try and stop me I could easily stop myself.

I'll only kiss her if she wants me to.

As if reading my thoughts, her smile fell from her face. Her eyes glanced down at my lips before back at my eyes, a look of nervousness flickering through her dark irises. "Carter..." She trailed, her voice just barely above a whisper.

I didn't say anything and instead stopped my movements. I won't move any further unless she gives me permission, and so until then, I'll stand here looking like an idiot.

"Carter I want you to kiss me," She murmured, grabbing onto the hand that rested on her cheek.

"Tell me and I will," I mumbled softly, my brows pushing together as I waited for her response.

"I want you to," She started, pulling my hand down and away from her face. "But I've never had my first kiss."

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