Lily's POV

As we walked out of our Jurisprudence and Legal Theory class, Kam let out a dramatic sigh.

"Can you believe how boring that class was? I thought I was going to fall asleep right there in my seat."

I nod agreeing. "Mr. Archer is literally the harbinger  of sleep. How can anyone talk so slowly, dragging each word, and expect anyone to pay attention? It's baffling."

Kam chuckled as I made a mental note to head to the admin's office to drop the module.

"So, any plans for Finn's birthday next week?" she asked as we made our way to the café.

"I'm thinking a football themed party" I say tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, "Though planning the party is not the hard part, it's the gift" I added with a sigh.

Kam nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, finding the perfect gift can be tough. What are you considering?"

"I have a few ideas," I replied as we entered the café and found a seat by the window.

Finn's birthday is in a week, last year Shawn said he didn't spend it with anyone because of a massive fight he had with his dad, which was around the person we spent our first night together and he ghosted me – for good reason I guess now, the past is past. So this year, planning the party for him is easy ... it's the gift that isn't.

"What ideas did you have in mind?" Kam asked pulling me out of my thoughts, as we took a seat in the café.

"I thought about getting him tickets to a Manchester United game," I said, scanning the menu. "Iced coffee with a lemon cake?" I suggested as I got up to head to the counter.

"Sounds perfect," Kam said with a smile, pulling out her phone.

As I walked to the till, Kam looked at her phone and smiled. "Jen just texted, she's on her way and to order her a Vanilla Frappuccino."

I nodded and added Jen's drink to our order. With our beverages sorted, I returned to our table. The café buzzed with the hum of conversations and the clatter of cups, creating a cozy backdrop for our chat.

So, tickets to a Manchester United game?" Kam said, leaning forward. "That's a great idea. He'd love it."

"Yeah, I thought so too," I replied, stirring my iced coffee. "But I want to get him another gift and I just can't think of anything else"

Kam nodded thoughtfully. "What about something related to his interests or hobbies? Does he have any collections or special interests?"

"Well, he's really into music," I said, tapping my finger on the table. "He loves vinyl records, especially rare ones."

Kam's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! You could find a rare record he's been wanting or something from his favourite band."

"Yeah, but I want something else," I sigh as I feel my phone vibrate. I pick it up to look and I see it's from Finn, and a smile spreads across my face – speak of the devil.

Lovebug: Hey Butterfly, any plans this evening?

I quickly typed a response.

Me: Can't get enough of me huh Brookes?

Me: Didn't you just see me like 2 hours ago

As I waited for his reply, Jen walked in, waving as she made her way to our table. "Sorry I'm late, my lecture drawled on, like she didn't want to shut up."

"No worries," Kam said scooting over, allowing Jen to slide in beside her. "We just ordered your drink."

"Thanks," Jen said, sitting down with a grateful sigh.

"So, what are we talking about?"

Just then my phone buzzed again.

"Finn?" Kam guessed.

I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee "He's asking if I have plans tonight." I say before turning back to my phone.

Lovebug: What can I say? Two hours is way too long to be away from you *winks*

Lovebug: How about dinner at our favourite Italian place? I've got a surprise for you ...

Me: Surprise? Sure babe, see you at 7 ? xx

Lovebug: Perfect, Love you.

I shoot a quick 'love you too' before turning back to Jen and Kam who are immersed in conversation.

"Alright," Jen starts "Kam's caught me up to speed, leave the second gift to me" Jen's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Jen ..." Kam raised her eyebrows turning to her, "What are you thinking,"

I too with equal curiosity leaned in, "Jen ..."

"Babes, do you not trust me?" She smirked and I shook my head.

Jen leaned back, crossing her arms with a playful grin. "Trust me, I've got this. Let me handle the second gift. You focus on the party and the tickets."

Kam and I exchanged curious glances, but Kam shrugged. "Alright, Jen, we trust you. Just don't go overboard."

"Me? Overboard?" Jen said, feigning shock. "Never."

I laugh, but only heaven knows what Jennie Lee has up her sleeve.

*****

The evening rolled around quickly.

I slipped into my favourite dress, its fabric smooth and comforting, and gave myself a final glance in the mirror.

With a deep breath, I headed out to meet Finn. The Italian restaurant, our go-to spot for special occasions, was just a short walk away. As I approached, I saw Finn waiting outside, looking effortlessly handsome in his crisp shirt and jeans.

"Hey, you," I said, my smile widening as I neared him.

"Hey, Butterfly," he replied, pulling me into a warm embrace. His cologne was a familiar, comforting scent. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," I replied, feeling my cheeks warm with a blush. "So, what's this surprise?"

"You'll see," he said with a mysterious grin, holding the door open for me.

We were seated at our favourite table, tucked away in a cozy corner. The restaurant's ambiance was intimate, with soft lighting casting a gentle glow and the hum of quiet conversation surrounding us. We ordered our meals, the rich aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting from the kitchen. Just then, Finn reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box.

"For you," he said, sliding the box across the table.

"What's the occasion? It's not our anniversary," I asked, smiling curiously.

"Well, technically, you bumped into me a year ago today," he said, his smile widening as my heart fluttered.

I unwrapped the box, and the sight of the distinctive blue from Tiffany and Co. nearly made my eyes pop.

"Finn," I gasped, "This must have been expensive." My fingers traced the smooth surface of the box.

"What's the point of having money, if I can't spend it on you" he smirked.

Carefully, I open the box to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a butterfly pendant. It was beautiful, simple yet elegant, and it took my breath away.

"Finn, it's gorgeous," I said, touched by the thoughtful gift.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, his smile widening. "The butterfly reminded me of you."

I smiled, still staring at the necklace. "Turn it over," he suggested.

I did as he said and saw a tiny inscription on the back: 'Always and Forever'. "Finn," I choked with emotion, "I love it!" I leaned over and kissed him. "Thank you."

Our starters arrived, a delectable plate of Caprese skewers. Each skewer held a vibrant cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and a juicy cube of watermelon, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. As we ate, I noticed Finn looked uneasy.

"Babe, are you okay?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

Finn took a deep breath, his expression becoming more serious. "Lily, there's something else I need to tell you."

I looked at him, feeling a pang of anxiety. "Is everything okay?"

"I got an offer from Atlético Madrid," he said, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.

"They want me to join their sub team after graduation, but first, I have to attend a winter training camp in Spain next month .... for a month."

My heart raced with mixed emotions—pride, excitement, and a touch of sadness.

"Finn, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you!" I said, squeezing his hand. His skin was warm, the touch reassuring.

He smiled, but the concern in his eyes was unmistakable. "It's a huge opportunity, but it means I'll be away for a month."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "Babe, it's just a month, and we have FaceTime," I said, attempting to reassure him. "Your career comes first."

"I know," he replied, his voice trailing off. "But after graduation, I'm leaving England for Spain, and who knows how long I'll be there."

"What airplanes are for?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll come visit."

"Lily –" he starts frustrated and I cut him off leaning to peck his lips.

"Let's focus on today and leave tomorrow for tomorrow," I said, brushing a stray hair from his forehead.

He smiled back, his eyes softening a little.

Dinner arrived, and we enjoyed our meal, talking and laughing like always. But there was an unspoken tension, a mix of anticipation and the impending separation that neither of us wanted to dwell on.

After dessert, Finn insisted on walking me home. As we strolled through the quiet streets, he kept me close, his arm around my waist. Every so often, he would pull me into a tight hug, as if he couldn't get enough of me.

When we reached my door, Finn gently kissed my forehead. "Love you, Butterfly," he whispered before turning to leave.

I let out a small cough and murmured, "Not enough." He stopped in his tracks, turning back with a smile that held a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Oh really?" he replied, his lips curling into a wicked smirk.

"Yeah really," I say, "Might have lost your touch, Mr Brookes" I tease even further, and he raises his eyebrows and takes a step closer.

His eyes locked on mine and seemed to sparkle under the soft glow of the apartment's porch light and their intensity made my breath hitch. His gaze was hungry and lingering on my lips before meeting my eyes again.

His hands found their way to my waist, and he stepped closer, eliminating the distance between us. Instinctively, I took a step back, lightly brushing against the door behind me. Despite this, we were still intimately close.

He pressed his body against mine, and I could feel his dick straining through the thin material of my dress, slightly brushing against my panties. The warmth and wetness between my legs was undeniable.

It was crazy how much control he has over me.

His hand slid down to my ass, squeezing it firmly, while his lips found their way to my neck, nibbling on one spot. I let out a soft moan / gasp, a blend of pleasure and embarrassment at the thought of someone overhearing us.

He lifted his head lightly and crash his lips into mine, capturing my them in a hungry, possessive kiss. As he gripped my ass again, I moaned softly once more, and he used the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth. Our tongues danced and wrestled until we finally pulled apart, breathless.

"Better?" he asked, his forehead resting gently on mine, his breath warm against my skin.

"Yes," I replied, smiling with my cheeks lightly flushed.

He chuckled softly. "You're insatiable,"

"Only when I comes to you" I reply smiling, my cheeks still flushed.

"Alright, head in," he says before placing a short kiss on my forehead. 

I nodded before opening the door to step inside. As I closed the door, my heart was still pounding, and I couldn't help but smile as I walked to my room to change into my pyjamas. Once I changed, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Finn.

Lovebug: Goodnight, Butterfly.

I smile before responding.

Me: Goodnight ... Love you x

Me: Always x

As I climb into bed, my hand resting on the butterfly pendant around my neck. Just before drifting off to sleep, my phone buzzed, I get another text from him.

Lovebug : Love you too, always (and forever)  

I smiled and replied before drifting into sleep.