CHAPTER 40:
Perfect.
Eli

It felt like we had been torn apart as many times as possible before finally coming back together again, and stronger than ever. I realized that I had become the bully that we all hated, and that it was all my fault that I let this happen.

So when she asked me to hold her, I didn't let go. It was an hour before anyone moved, just us holding eachother in silence before I took her home.

"What. . .what do you want to be?" I asked her nervously.

". . .A psychology major-"

"N-no, I mean us," I interrupted with a slight chuckle and her cheeks immediately reddened as she looked off to the side.

"O-oh, right."

Even when you're embarrassing yourself, you're still beautiful.

The light on outside her house wasn't intense, so it highlighted her beautifully, so even if she decided she didn't want to be with me in that moment.

She'd still be the most beautiful girl I've ever met.

"I want us to start out small - as friends first. N-not too long though, I still like you. . .a lot. And I do want to hold hands with you, do those pinterest couple pictures, steal your-your hoodies, if-if you'd like that," God, just the thought of her in one of my hoodies made me smile and her stuttering didn't make it easier for me.

Knowing I'm the only one who can get her this nervous.

"I'd love it," I stepped closer, a small smirk tugging at my lips.

"I'll probably look like I'm swimming in one of your hoodies," She chuckled.

That's the appeal.

"You'll look cute in them."

"Can I call you Eli? Or did you actually change your name to Hawk?"

I felt myself genuinely smile as my hand cupped her cheek, "As long as it's you."

I went in to kiss her, her lips always looking soft but they looked better in this light. But she stopped me with her pointer finger, making feel like an idiot for not asking her permission first.

"Not quite yet, Eli," She teased him and I nervously pulled back.

"R-right, sorry. . .I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow."

"Eli?" I snapped out of my daze.

"What's got you all worked up?" She asked jokingly as she finished stacking the Christmas presents under her tree.

"Nothing," I shrugged it off with a smirk.

"Thanks for coming over today. I don't know if I could've handled a Christmas Eve without you," She admitted.

"You would have," That surprised her, "you're stronger than you give yourself credit for, and. . .I'm grateful you've let me back into your life."

She smiled bashfully, "Th-thanks. Do you think we could keep tradition going? You stay the night?"

We had this tradition thing going on before. . .all that happened. We would always open up the presents I got her and the ones she got me Christmas Eve, and then I'd stay the night and leave in the morning.

"Sorry guys, not this year," Miss. Moore interrupted us, walking in from the dining room.

"Why not?"

"You two know about eachothers feelings now, and as much as I love that you're taking things slow, I don't exactly trust your hormones," She explained.

"Mom!" Quinn said, clearly embarrassed as I nervously scratched the back of my neck.

"Kids do things out of the heat of the moment, plus I don't want grandkids yet. But hey, glad you're not an asshole anymore, I missed you," Miss. Moore smiled at me.

"But if I hear that you took her v-card and bounced, I'm killing you."

"Glad to be back, a-and I wouldn't do anything without her consent anyways," I replied, knowing I'd never do anything like that but her stare just made me want to piss my pants.

"Mom!"

Even though Miss. Moore was clearly enjoying herself by teasing the both of us, it made me smile.

This is perfect.

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OKAY OKAY OFFICIAL LAST CHAPTER! I just couldn't end s3 without some fluff, okay? Hope you've all enjoyed and feel free to check out my new Cobra Kai fanfics, Ophelia and Greek Tragedy.