The next morning, Aurelia was woken by the sound of knocking on her door. She groaned and rolled over, pulling her covers over her head. She didn't want to get up, but the knocking was persistent. She finally sat up, rubbing her eyes. The knocking was still going, and she realized someone was calling her name. She sighed, climbing out of bed.

"I'm coming!" She yells, annoyed that she was suddenly woken up. She walks over to her door and opens it, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw Steven standing there. "Steven? What are you doing here?" She asked, her voice laced with confusion.

"I just wanted to check on you and see how you're doing after last night." Steven shifts nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "I know things got a little...Intense, and I wanted to make sure you're okay."

Aurelia blinks, surprised by his concern. She didn't expect him to come to her room, especially after their interaction in the bathroom last night. She feels a flutter of something in her chest, but she pushes it aside, focusing on Steven's words. "I'm... I'm fine," She says quietly, avoiding his gaze. "Thanks to you. You helped me a lot last night, and I really appreciate it." She reluctantly admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. She felt a mix of gratitude and confusion towards Steven. On one hand, she was grateful for his help and concern, but on the other hand, she couldn't shake off the strange feelings that his actions had stirred within her.

Steven nods, his gaze softening. "I'm glad I could help, bambi. I know we don't always get along, but..." He pauses, taking a deep breath as he continues. "I do care about you, and I want you to be okay. Though that doesn't mean I've changed my mind about you. I still think you're annoying." He added, causing her to roll her eyes.

"Gee, thanks," Aurelia deadpans, unable to stop the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "Though the same goes to you, Stevo. I still think you're a jerk, even though I'm grateful for your help." She chuckled softly, the tension between them easing slightly. It was a strange moment of camaraderie between them, one that Aurelia couldn't quite wrap her head around. She felt a mixture of confusion and warmth towards Steven, and she didn't quite know how to process it.

Steven nods, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Fair enough, bambi. Fair enough." He pauses, his expression turning serious again. "But seriously, if you need anything, let me know. I might not be able to stand you, but I'm not a monster. I won't let anything bad happen to you."

Aurelia blinks, her heart fluttering at his words. She doesn't quite know how to respond, so she simply nods, her cheeks flushed. "T-Thanks, Steven. I appreciate it."

"Yeah, whatever," Steven mutters, his gaze soft. "Take care of yourself, bambi. I'll see you around." With that, he turned and left, heading down the hallway.

Aurelia watches him go, her heart pounding in her chest. She can't shake off the warm, fuzzy feeling that has settled over her. She doesn't quite know what to make of Steven's sudden change of heart towards her, but she can't help but feel grateful for his concern and support. What was she feeling? And why was it because of Steven? She doesn't understand, but she pushes the confusing feelings aside, deciding to focus on the day ahead. She can worry about her complicated feelings towards Steven later.

****

(aurelia's outfit for this part of the chapter)

After she did her morning routine, she texted Harvey and asked if he was free for breakfast. She received a response almost immediately, saying he would come by and pick her up in twenty minutes.

She quickly got dressed, throwing on some denim shorts and a t-shirt. She grabbed her bag and sunglasses, slinging it over her shoulder. She took a quick look in the mirror, making sure her hair and makeup were okay. She didn't want to look like a complete mess. She didn't want to have to explain to him about the cut on her face. It had a bandaid on it, she had put some ointment on it before putting a fresh bandaid on. She hoped that it would heal fast and she could pretend like nothing ever happened.

She walked down the stairs after turning the lights off. She noticed Conrad sitting in the living room, drinking Jeremiah's smoothie that he claimed helped hangovers. She hadn't talked to Conrad since last night and she didn't plan on talking to him any time soon. She wanted to avoid him for as long as possible.

"Good morning." Conrad muttered, his gaze flickering to her.

"Morning." Aurelia replied, her tone cold.

"Look, about last night, I-" Conrad started, but she cut him off.

"Sorry, I have to go. Harvey is coming over to pick me up so we can go out for breakfast." Aurelia walked past him, missing the hurt look on his face.

Steven chuckles, looking at her with amusement. "You and Harvey are going on a date?"

"No, not a date." Aurelia rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. "He's just coming to pick me up and then we're going out for breakfast. As friends."

"Sure, whatever you say, bambi," Steven mutters, smirking. "Have fun on your date."

"It's not a date!" Aurelia snapped, glaring at him. She was annoyed by his teasing, but she also couldn't help the way her heart skipped a beat. The thought of a date with Harvey sent a rush of warmth through her, and she quickly pushed the thought away. It was definitely not a date, and she needed to stop thinking about it like that.

Steven laughs, shaking his head. "Keep telling yourself that, bambi."

Aurelia rolls her eyes and continues walking to the door. "Have fun with Harvey, Aurelia!" Laurel called out. She had been sitting at the kitchen island on her laptop when she walked in. 

****

Aurelia texted Harvey she was heading over, smiling when he replied and told her he was waiting outside. She walked downstairs and headed outside.

"Have fun, honey!" Susannah called out. She was sitting in the living room, reading a book when Aurelia had walked down the stairs.

Aurelia smiles at her. "Thanks, mom. I will. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." Susannah said softly, she puts a bookmark in her book and stood up, walking over to her. "And don't listen to the others, but just know that I support you if it is a date or not."

"Thanks, mom." Aurelia smiles, hugging her. "I'll see you later." She let go of her, stepping back.

"Be safe and have fun." Susannah replies, kissing her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too." Aurelia said before leaving the house. She walked over to her pink moped and hopped on it, grabbing her helmet and putting it on. She had gotten her moped when she turned 16 and it was the best birthday present ever. She loved riding her moped. She put her sunglasses on and started her moped, smiling when she heard it roar to life.

She rode her moped towards Harvey's house and saw him skateboarding. He wore a blue t shirt with white shorts and white converse. His hair was a bit messy, but that just added to his charm. Aurelia couldn't help but admire how good he looked. She parked her moped in front of his house and removed her helmet, putting her sunglasses on top of her head.

"Harvey." Aurelia greeted, smiling at him. She didn't think he still did skateboarding. He did when they were younger a lot. He even managed to convince her to try it, but after she almost fell when she tried stepping on the board she gave up on it.

"Aurie." Harvey smiles, stopping and putting his skateboard under his arm. "Hey, you still have the moped?"

"Of course." Aurelia grins. "It's my baby. I'll never get rid of it."

"Well, that's good. You look great by the way." Harvey told her.

"You too." Aurelia smiled, blushing a bit.

"It's a little early for lunch, but I'm not complaining with seeing you before the time we planned. We can hang out and then head out for lunch?" Harvey suggested with a smile.

"I'd like that." Aurelia said, smiling back at him. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's a skatepark nearby. I haven't been there yet. Do you wanna check it out and I can teach you some things?" Harvey asked, his eyes hopeful.

"You really don't want me on a skateboard." Aurelia chuckles. "Do you not remember the last time I tried stepping on a skateboard? I almost busted my a**."

"Come on, it'll be fun. I caught you that time and I'll catch you again if you fall. I promise." Harvey reassured her with a smile.

"I know, and I trust you. Alright, let's go. If I do fall, you're paying for my hospital bill." Aurelia replied with a teasing smile.

"Yes, ma'am." Harvey teased, saluting her with a grin. He got on his skateboard and skated forward and she watched him for a moment before following him on her moped. They eventually made it to the skate park and she parked her moped near the entrance.

Aurelia took off her helmet, running her hand through her hair. She put her helmet on the seat and her sunglasses back on her head. She smiled at Harvey, watching him as he showed off his tricks. He always made it look so easy. He was so graceful on the skateboard. She didn't know how he did it. Aurelia took in the sight as Harvey got off his skateboard, kicking it up to hold it under his arm and walking over to her. The skate park wasn't big and it was basically a small skatepark with a ramp and a few things to jump off of. There were a few people here, but it wasn't crowded. She felt out of place though. Everyone was so impressive at skateboarding, jumping off things and landing it, doing tricks and not falling off their boards.

"So, what do you think?" Harvey asked, looking at her with a bright smile.

"I'm way out of my league." Aurelia replies, biting her lower lip. "These people are so good. They're way more talented than me. I couldn't even step on a board and not fall."

"Don't put yourself down like that." Harvey says, looking over at her. "They've probably been skateboarding since they were young. You're just starting out, that's all."

"I guess." Aurelia muttered, crossing her arms.

"Hey, come here." Harvey says, reaching over and grabbing her hand. He pulls her over to an area where there weren't a lot of people around. "We're just gonna try the basics first. You're not gonna die." Harvey reassures her. "Just relax. You're gonna be fine. I promise."

"You better hope so." Aurelia huffed, glaring at him playfully. She glanced down at the skateboard hesitantly and then stepped on it. Harvey held his hand out to her and she took it, letting him help her keep her balance. She wobbled a bit as she stood on the board, but managed to balance herself.

"There you go." Harvey smiled, looking at her with a fond expression.

"I haven't even moved yet." Aurelia laughed.

"But you're standing on it and haven't fell yet. That's progress form the last time you were on one." Harvey teased, laughing when she punched his arm.

"Haha." Aurelia said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at him. "Very funny."

For the next hour, Harvey helped Aurelia with learning how to skateboard. She had almost fallen a few times, but he had always caught her and helped her back on her feet. They were both laughing and having fun. Aurelia hadn't noticed how close Harvey had gotten to her while they were practicing. Their hands were always touching as she was riding on the board and his arms would be wrapped around her waist or hips to make sure she wouldn't fall. She didn't mind it at all. Every time they touched her heart flutter and she felt her face heat up, but she couldn't help but smile.

When it was around noon, they decided to head to the pizza place. Harvey was skating next to her on the sidewalk as she rode her moped. Once they got there, they parked and headed inside. Aurelia thanked him when he opened the door for her and she walked in, followed by him. The pizza place was like your average pizza place, a few arcade games and tables. There was a bar near the front of the store and a few booths. There were a few people here, but it wasn't crowded. They got a table in the corner of the restaurant and sat across from each other. They always sat at the same table when they came here when they were younger.

"Man, I forgot how good the pizza was here." Aurelia sighs, leaning back in her chair. "I haven't been here since I was a kid."

"Same. We need to come back more often." Harvey said, smiling at her.

"Yeah, definitely. We should." Aurelia agreed, returning his smile.

"So, I never asked, but are you going to college or anything? Are you staying home?" Harvey asked her, looking curious.

"Oh, I'm not really sure yet. I haven't decided." Aurelia admits, rubbing the back of her neck. "My family and by family I mean my parents, has been encouraging me to apply for a few colleges, but I don't know. I don't really see myself going to a college or anything."

"You should, but I mean if you're not sure, that's fine too. There's no rush, you know." Harvey replied, giving her a soft smile.

"I know." Aurelia smiles back at him. "Thanks."

"No problem." Harvey grins, leaning forward and resting his arms on the table. "You know, I bet you I could beat you at an arcade game."

"Oh, are you sure? If I remember correctly, the last time we played an arcade game together, I beat you." Aurelia pointed out, raising her eyebrows.

"You cheated!" Harvey huffed, a pout forming on his lips. Aurelia's lips curl up at the pout, thinking it was adorable.

"Did not. You were just being a sore loser." Aurelia retorted, shaking her head.

"How about we find out who's better. We're gonna play some arcade games." Harvey decides, smiling at her and standing up. "And I'll pay for lunch." He added, pulling out his wallet.

"Wait, Harvey," Aurelia starts, her eyes widening slightly as she stands. "I can pay for my own. It's alright."

"I know you can, but I offered, so don't worry about it. Just accept it." Harvey replied, placing the money on the table before she could protest anymore.

"Thank you, Harvey. You're really sweet, you know that?" Aurelia said, her cheeks tinted a light shade of red.

"Thanks." Harvey responds, his own face turning a bit red. "Come on, let's go play."

"Let's go." Aurelia said with a smile, following him.

Aurelia and Harvey spent a couple hours playing games at the arcade in the pizza place. They played a lot of games and had a bunch of fun. Harvey did beat Aurelia at one of the arcade games, but she did end up beating him at a couple as well. It was late afternoon when they realized how late it was. They both were sitting at a booth, laughing about something when Aurelia glanced at her phone, her eyes widening.

"Oh, wow, I didn't realize how much time went on."

"Time flies by when you're having fun. And with the right person." Harvey added, looking at her with a soft gaze. Aurelia felt her heart race, feeling her cheeks heat up.

"I...I'm really glad we reunited at the bonfire." Aurelia blurted out, looking away shyly.

"Me too." Harvey replies, his cheeks also a light shade of pink. "I was happy to see you and even happier when you agreed to hang out."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere. So, there's plenty of time to hang out." Aurelia said with a smile. She bit her lip, debating on what to say. She really liked spending time with him and she really wanted to ask him, but she was afraid he might say no. She didn't want to make things awkward.

"Yeah, I hope so. You have my number and I have yours, so text me or call me whenever you wanna hang out." Harvey offered, giving her a bright smile.

"I will. The same goes for you." Aurelia smiles back at him, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. "Maybe we could some day...Go on a date." She suggested shyly, glancing down to hide the blush on her face.

"Huh?" Harvey's eyes widened and he stared at with surprise, his face turning bright red while his heart raced. 

"Sorry, that was a stupid idea." Aurelia rambles, her face flushing even more. "Never mind. Just ignore me." She was internally kicking herself. Why did she say that? They had such a great time and now she ruined everything. She just had to go and suggest a date. She was an idiot. She turned to head to the front door of the pizza place, ready to leave and run out of here and possibly never see him again.

"Wait, Aurelia, please, wait." Harvey says, quickly standing and catching her wrist, gently stopping her from leaving. "I didn't say no." He added quietly, his cheeks still a light shade of red.

Aurelia turns to look at him, her face bright red. Her eyes wide with surprise. "R-Really? But I thought...You looked so surprised." She stammered, her heart continuing to beat fast. 

"Because I was." Harvey chuckles, smiling sheepishly. "It just caught me off guard. But that didn't mean I don't want to go on a date with you. I want to go on a date with you."

"R-Really?" Aurelia asked again, her voice filled with hope and excitement. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach as she stared at him.

"Yes." Harvey confirms, his smile growing. "I would love to go on a date with you, Aurelia." Harvey said, his cheeks flushed.

"Great, I would too as well." Aurelia grinned, her heart fluttering in her chest. She was so happy, she was grinning like an idiot, but she couldn't stop smiling. She was going on a date with Harvey, the boy she had a crush on ever since she was a little kid. She couldn't believe it.

"How about tonight?" Harvey suggests, rubbing the back of his neck while biting his lower lip. "If you're not busy, that is."

"Sounds great." Aurelia replies immediately, but then she pauses as she remembered Laurel's book signing party. She wondered though if she and the others would understood and be okay with her not going though. They would be fine with it, right? "I would love to go on a date with you tonight."

"Awesome, I'll pick you up at 7pm?" Harvey asked with a hopeful look.

"Sounds perfect." Aurelia grins, nodding.

"Great, I'll see you then." Harvey says, looking relieved. "I'll see you tonight, Aurie." He gave her a small wave and left the pizza place.

"See you." Aurelia said quietly, watching him go with a smile. Once he was gone, she practically squealed. She was going on a date. Her first ever date. With Harvey, the boy she had a crush on forever. Aurelia couldn't wait.

A/N aurelia & harvey are so cute omg