I first post this story on my Tumblr account for Valentine's Day. As I didn't want to wait next, year I decided to post it now on Wattpad. I hope you'll like it.
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I wrote something for Valentine's day. I don't think there are any trigger warnings but I'd say : language, grumpy MC, two adults making out (houlala) and also it's a bit cheesy but isn't it the purpose of Valentine's day?

I never liked Valentine's day, and this year wasn't an exception. Even when I was dating my exes I always tried to avoid them that day. Well, I have to admit that, some of them were happy we weren't celebrating it. And I was ok with this. But not this time.

I was on my way home back to work, with my earphone on, trying to cut myself off from the world. But I couldn't. There were couples, couples everywhere. They were walking hand in hand in the street, kissing on a bench, hugging while waiting at a bus stop. Even a guy appeared from nowhere screaming "She said yes!" with a big silly smile on his face. I winced, are we in a romantic movie or something? I wasn't jealous, I don't think so. I was angry. Angry because all those stupid couples could do well... couple things. To be honest I could have done all of those things too. I dated a few men in the past few months, but none of them mattered.

No. I was alone that day because I couldn't forget the man I met online, the man I didn't even know how he looked like. The last time I talked to him was almost a year ago. He told me he was fine, that he managed to escape the mine on fire. I was so relieved! I would finally be able to meet him like he promised. I was packing my bag and while I was getting in my car to drive to Duskwood - where we were supposed to meet - he sent me another text. He told me the FBI was too close to him, that it was dangerous for him as for myself. We couldn't meet, not yet. He had to hide again and he didn't know for how long. He told me he meant what he said in the mine, that he loved me. But he also told me I shouldn't wait for him, I had to live my life, and maybe, one day, we shall meet again.

After that my phone went black and when I was able to turn it on again every message, every picture we shared were gone. As if it was a dream, as if he never existed. So, I listened to him, I was living my life.

I sat on a bus and pulled out my phone from my jeans pocket to try to find some distraction. This is when I noticed a text from Phil.

Phil: Hi MC! Happy Valentine's day ! What about coming to Duskwood so I can invite you to the Black Swan? :)

Phil was a nice guy, and he was clearly hot. Plus, he was always flirting with me! He never gave up. I had sincerely thought about dating Phil, or at least having sex with him. He really was my type, and I appreciated him. But everytime I wanted to tell Phil that I agreed to date him, I thought about Jake and how jealous he was of Phil. I could live my life, but I couldn't date Phil. It would have hurt Jake too much, and I wouldn't forgive myself. I have to admit that the bitch in me thought that I could date Phil, to make Jake jealous, so it would make him come back. But I didn't. I sighed and answered honestly to Phil.

MC: Even if I'd loved to come to Duskwood and have dinner at the Black Swan, I remind you we're not living in the same country and it's at least a 10 hours drive from my place to yours. So.... I won't be able to go to work tomorrow and my boss won't agree with that.

Phil : Oh come on! I'm sure they can do without you for a day or two!

MC: So do you, Phil.

I knew I was rude to him. But he insisted for days and it started getting on my nerves. How was I supposed to react? At least, this little conversation helped me to spend time and I have already arrived at my bus stop.

As I got into my apartment, I immediately kicked off my shoes and sighed with relief. I was home, and this day was almost over. I decided to change my mind by making myself a huge cup of tea and reading. I sat on my favorite spot, a bench I created in front of the window and next to my bookcase. I picked up the book I started to read a few days ago - a detective novel - and opened it. I was sure I figured out who the murderer was. 20 more pages left before I finished the book. And yes! I guessed right! With a satisfied smile I closed the book and stored it on the shelf.

My phone rang. Jessy was video calling me. I picked up and greeted her.

"MC! I need your help!" she said solemnly,

"Black dress, or my favorite jeans with this red shirt?" She was showing me the clothes while talking to me.

"Oh! Dan is finally taking you on a date?" I pretended to be surprised, but in fact, Dan was asking me for advice for weeks to take Jessy on a date. "Where are you going?"

"Black Swan," she said.

It's like there was only one restaurant in Duskwood and everybody goes there. "So, black dress I guess. I'm so happy for you guys, " I smiled. I wasn't objective, I knew it, but I really was happy for them. Dan has tried his best to cheer Jessy up since Richy's death. He was always there for her, and he truly loved her. Jessy on her side, really cared about Dan, but she was still struggling about her feelings toward him, and toward Richy. Though, I knew she wanted to give their relationship a try. They deserved to be together, they deserved their happy ending.

"Thank you MC, I admit I am a little stressed out about all this. First date on Valentine's day..." she started and then froze, "I'm sorry MC... I know you miss him. I shouldn't talk to you about this."

I closed my eyes. Yes, I missed him, but it wouldn't mean I couldn't be there for my friend. "I'm fine, Jessy"

"If you want I can stay with you!" she suggested.

I looked at her with wide eyes. "No way, Jessy! Last time you did that, Dan had a car accident!"

Her skin turned pale. "Oh shit, you're right!"

We both laughed and I said, "Go on your date, have fun! Don't worry about me, this is a day like any other day. I'll be alright."

We talked a few more minutes and then Jessy went to change for the date. I opened my chat with Dan and wrote.

MC : Good job, Dan! Jessy's coming on a date with you 😊 Happy Valentine's day!

Dan : Thank you, boo. I need a whisky right now, to find the courage to go pick her up.

MC : Do not even think about it! You drive! 😤

Dan : I was just kidding...

MC : 😒

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I pressed my head on the cold window watching my breath form mist on the glass. It was already dark outside, and now that all of those couples were in restaurants, cinemas or shity hotel's rooms, the city was quiet.

Suddenly I jumped on my seat as my eyes just caught a hooded figure standing across the street. It was a man wearing all black. From where I was, I could notice he had his head up, looking at the windows, looking at me.

Every normal person would have freaked out - a stranger, spying on windows was so creepy. But not me, deep inside me I knew who he was - the man I was longing to meet for months - and my heart started racing. The man took a few steps towards my building before disappearing in the shadows. Instinctively I stood up and rushed to my doors, my hands were shaking as I grabbed the keys trying to open that damn door!

I opened the door, breathless, staring at the dark corridor. The automatic light came on and I heard soft footsteps coming from the staircase. I walked out of my apartment and stood at the top of the stairs. Down the stairs, the hooded man was there, looking back at me. "Jake...?" I asked in a whisper.

The hood was hiding his eyes, I was only able to see his nose and lips. The man said nothing and started to climb up the stairs. He stopped two steps below me, so his face was at the same height as mine. At that moment, the light turned off. I watched him in the darkness, none of us were moving. I tried to see his eyes, but it was too dark, I could only feel his eyes staring at me with such intensity. I had imagined him so many times, now I was about to see him for real. I couldn't wait any longer, I reached out to grab his hood. But he stopped me, shaking his head and pointing to a spot behind my shoulder. I looked there and saw the building's CCTV. I chuckled lightly and let my arms fall down along my body.

The man took another step, so this time he was a few inches taller than me. He was still standing a step below me, so I could imagine how tall he was compared to me.

Without a word he leant on me and rested his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes, first touch. I focused on his cold skin on mine, on his nose brushing my nose, on his hot breath falling on my face. Then with a deep quiet voice he speaked, "MC... I am sorry it took me so long to come to you." I inhaled his breath slowly, trying to feel it going inside me, as if we shared the same air.

He lifted his head slightly up and kissed me softly on the top of my head, first kiss. My hands grabbed his hoodie tightly, I couldn't let him go. I stopped breathing, clenching his clothes in an iron fist. Maybe if I didn't move, this moment would never stop, he would never go away. I could feel his body under his hoodie, his muscles, his abdomen going up and down with every breath. I wonder how it would feel to have my hands, underneath his damn hoodie, on his bare skin. This thought immediately sent shivers down my spine.

"Are you alright?" he asked worryingly. I nodded, catching my breath.

And then, in a weak voice I said, "Maybe we should go inside." Without a word, he walked into my apartment as the light went on again, and I stood there looking at the empty staircase for a few more seconds. My brain was trying to process what had just happened.

I followed him and closed the door behind me when I entered my apartment. I saw that Jake was at the window, closing the curtains so we wouldn't be seen from the outside. He put a big paper bag with food in it, on the table. Chinese food. Jake came closer to me, a light smile crossed his face. "Well, now you can take off my hood if you want to."

I reached out and grabbed his hood to reveal his face. Blue eyes, straight nose and his lips... I had to fight the urge to kiss him. He was so handsome! A giggle left my mouth and I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Stop acting like a fucking teenager, MC! "Sorry, " I babbled, "I didn't mean to... It's just that I..." I sigh, "I have imagined you so many times, and yet, I feel so overwhelmed. You look so amazing."

It was his turn to blush, I smiled, taking his hands in mine. He pulled me against him and wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face into his chest, holding him close to me. I felt his chin resting on the top of my head, one of his hands on my back and the other finding its way to my hips. He lowered his head a little so his mouth was near my ear and I could feel his stubble scratching my cheek slightly. "You look amazing too, MC."

A silly smile appeared on my face. Jake reached for my chin and tilted it up. I stood on my tiptoes to lean on him and our lips met. It was a gentle kiss, I put my arms around his neck and he held me closer to him. After a moment we split up and Jake spoke softly, "I promised you I would take you to a Chinese restaurant once. I am sorry I cannot fulfill this promise for now. I instead brought Chinese food."

I pecked him on his lips and smiled, "That's perfect!"

We ate without talking, enjoying each other's presence. But soon, I broke this silence. I had far too many questions to ask. "So, what happened after the mine? You told me you had to hide again. Are you safe now? Is this why you're here?"

Jake looked at me a little confused, slightly overwhelmed by the flow of my questions. He remained quiet for a moment, as if he was thinking about what to answer. Then, he cleared his throat and started to speak." Yes, I had to hide for months. I have a plan though, to finally clear my name. But it will take time. It can take years."

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. He looked deeply into my eyes. "I managed to get rid of my pursuers for a while and as I was close to where you live, I thought it was time for us to meet each other."

I intertwined his fingers with mine before asking "How long can you stay?"

He sighed. "Only tonight. I cannot afford to stay too long at the same place. Especially if it could endanger you."

My throat was tight and I tried to hide the tears that started to appear in my eyes. One night. This was all we had. I leaned over him and kissed him. He placed his hands on my shoulder and I gripped the collar of his hoodie, bringing him closer to me to deepen the kiss. Jake raised one of his hands to stroke my cheek. As he tugged one of my strands behind my ear, he pulled slowly away from me.

"MC, we should stop." He said quietly. "I'm only here for one night. I wanted to see you. I am not here to rush you and even less take advantage of you."

My eyes widened. "Are you kidding me?" I cut him off. "We probably won't be able to see each other for a long time. Do you really think I will waste that night not being close to you? I thought this was what you wanted too... being close to me!"

He closed his eyes and whispered "Of course I want to be close to you. You cannot imagine how much I want it. I want to be with you every single day."

This was the only thing I needed to hear at this moment. I stood up from my seat and straddled Jake, pushing him back in his chair while I was kissing him. Jake's arms warped around my body and he pulled me closer to his chest.

This was no longer a gentle embrace. I could feel his hands all over my body. One of his hands was in my hair, keeping me close to him and the other was caressing my back and my side. He ended up putting his hand on my butt squeezing it. I couldn't help but smile against his lips at his behavior. My hand reached under his hoodie and I was finally able to touch his skin. My hand traveled on his muscled abdominal and torso, exploring every inch of him. I could feel the heat of his skin. I placed a hand on his chest, his heart was pounding!

I started kissing his neck, leaving light hickeys on his skin. With one hand I pulled down his hoodie to give me more access to his collarbone and nibbled his sensitive skin. Jake tried to muffle a growl, but to my pleasure I heard it clearly. My other hand was still on his chest and I could feel his heart racing even more.

His hand left my hair to stay between our bodies, on my belly. He gripped my butt firmly to prevent me from moving away from him and I moaned as his fingers slipped under my waistband.

I pulled away and stood up, tugging his hoodie to suggest him to do the same. He cupped my face, crashing his body against mine, and kissed me again. I stepped back, without breaking the kiss, to lead Jake toward my bedroom. I reached out looking for the knob of my door, but he was the one who opened it. He looked at me with such lustful eyes that my body shivered. He grinned at me as I entered my room, following me and he closed the door behind him.

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We were in my bed, our bodies intertwined. I had my head on his bare chest, my eyes closed. Jake was lovingly stroking my hair, laying from time to time light kisses on the top of my head.

It was late and my eyelids were heavy, I fought to stay awake. There was no way I could waste a single second sleeping instead of enjoying Jake's presence.

"You should sleep MC, it is late." He whispered.

"I don't want to. Tomorrow you'll be gone." I nestled against him.

Jake turned to face me, leaning his forehead against mine. "I will not leave without saying goodbye." He looked at me and I melted into his piercing blue eyes.

"You promise?" I asked.

He smiled and kissed me on the nose. "I promise." Jake pulled me closer to him and I buried my face into his neck. I inhaled his scent and it made me feel safe. I finally got to meet him, and he had to go already. I held him tighter, I wanted to feel his whole body against mine. Even more if it was the only time I could experience this closeness with him. As I drifted to sleep I heard his voice in my ear. "Happy Valentine's day, MC".

I was woken up by Jake kissing me softly all over my face. I opened my eyes and he was above me, fully clothed carrying his backpack on. "It is time, I have to go."

I sat up in my bed with teary eyes. Jake stood up and left the room. I went to my closet and grabbed a shirt and panty before I followed Jake into the living room.

He came toward me and placed a hand on my cheek. "Promise me you'll come back, " I said.

He took a deep breath and I could see so much sadness in his eyes. "I promise to do my best to come back to you, I promise to try everything to live my life with you."

I nodded, my sight started to blur because of tears. But I didn't cry. I couldn't, not in front of him. We looked at each other for a while, and I tried to burn his face on my memory. He leaned toward me and kissed me deeply and lovingly. With one last glance, he opened the door, and left my apartment.

I watched the empty corridor, my lips started to shake. And it's only when the light went out that I started to cry. It was over, he had left and I didn't know if we'll be able to see each other again.

I closed the door and leaned my back against it... Sliding on the floor. I cried, I cried so much. My sobs were echoing in my empty apartment. How could a moment that brought me so much happiness also make me feel so miserable? It was the end and he would never come back.

But I was wrong. He came back, once then twice. And when he was finally able to clear his name, he stayed. And he never left me again.

I was wrong.

It wasn't the end.

It was the beginning.

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Thank you for reading and for the support. And if you like the story, feel free to leave a comment or vote. Remember this is your humble writer's only payment. ❤️