fall with me

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𝔼ℝ𝕀𝔸ℕ stood there for a moment, still holding the book close to his chest, his thoughts lingering on Rain. The scent of fresh pine and the sound of his workmates going about their tasks filled the air, but all he could think about was the warmth of her embrace and the easy laughter they had shared. One of his workmates, a burly man named Tom, slapped Erian on the back, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Hey, lover boy, you gonna stand around daydreaming all day, or are you gonna help us finish this job?" Tom's voice was gruff, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Erian chuckled, shaking his head as he tucked the book into his bag. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," he replied, grabbing his gloves and slipping them back on. But even as he returned to the task at hand, his mind kept drifting back to Rain—the way she looked at him, the way she effortlessly brightened his day just by being there.

As he swung the axe with practiced precision, the rhythm of the work gave him time to think. He remembered the way Rain had teased him about his shirt, her playful words echoing in his mind. It was such a small thing, but it made him realize just how much he enjoyed being around her, how her presence had become something he looked forward to, something he cherished.

By the time the workday was winding down, the sun had begun its descent, casting a warm golden light over the clearing. Erian and his workmates gathered their tools, the usual banter and jokes flying around as they packed up for the day.

Tom, who had been watching Erian closely, couldn't resist poking a little more fun. "So, who's the lucky girl?" he asked with a grin, leaning on his axe.

Erian paused, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he thought about Rain. "She's...someone who makes the day better just by being in it," he said, his voice thoughtful. "Someone who makes me laugh, who makes everything feel a little lighter."

Tom raised an eyebrow, impressed by the sincerity in Erian's words. "Sounds like you've got it bad, man," he teased, but there was a hint of respect in his tone. "You gonna see her again?"

Erian nodded, his smile widening at the thought. "Yeah, I hope so," he said, glancing at the book tucked safely in his bag. "I think I might have to return the favor and bring her something next time."

༄.°

Rain pulled into the driveway, the gravel crunching beneath her tires as she parked the Jeep. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the house, and she felt a contented sigh escape her lips as she stepped out of the vehicle. The day had been full of pleasant surprises, and the lingering warmth from Erian's hug was a nice reminder of just how good life could be.

She headed towards the front door, her mood light and carefree. As she opened the door and stepped inside, she was met with Bella's scowl. Bella was standing in the hallway, arms crossed and tapping her foot impatiently.

"Where have you been?" Bella demanded, her voice sharp with frustration. "You disappeared to La Push without telling me."

Rain strolled into the living room with a casual grace, unfazed by Bella's annoyance. "Oh, you know," she said with a smirk, "just saving the world one drive at a time. And besides, you'd have just slowed me down. I had to dodge a few squirrels who were plotting a rebellion."

Bella's eyes narrowed. "Seriously, Rain? This isn't a joke. I was looking forward to seeing Jacob, and you left without a word."

Rain raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across her face. "Oh, come on. You're acting like I went on a top-secret mission for the FBI. I just drove to see Erian and picked up a book for him. It's not like I found a hidden treasure or anything. Although, I did get to meet a few interesting characters on the way. Besides, you could've seen him without me."

Bella huffed, clearly not amused. "And how did you forget to tell me you were going?"

Rain shrugged nonchalantly. "I just took a solo adventure this time. It's called 'me-time.' It's when you go out and do something that makes you happy, even if it means leaving your sister behind. It's an art form, really."

Bella rolled her eyes, "You're impossible."

Rain winked and headed towards the stairs. "I think I'm adorable."

As she reached the top of the stairs, her phone buzzed with a new message. She pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat when she saw it was from Erian. She read the message with a smile, feeling a rush of excitement.

Unknown: Hey Rain, it's Erian. I just wanted to say thanks again for the book. I'm looking forward to reading it. Also, I hope you're having a great evening. Maybe we can catch up soon?

Rain's grin widened, and she quickly typed a reply.

Rain: Hey Erian, I'm glad you liked the book! I'm having a pretty good evening, thanks. Would love to catch up soon. Maybe I'll bring you another book—or just hang out.

With a satisfied sigh, Rain tucked her phone away and headed into her room, ready to relax and unwind after a long day. Bella's earlier annoyance seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the warmth of her day and the anticipation of seeing Erian again.

༄.°

Erian finished his shift at the lumberyard, his muscles aching pleasantly from the day's hard work. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange as he packed up his tools. His thoughts kept drifting back to Rain, and the note she'd slipped into the book. The small smile he'd found inside was still fresh in his mind.

As he wrapped up his gear, one of his workmates called out, "Hey, Erian, you heading out? Looks like a nice evening."

Erian nodded, giving a wave. "Yeah, just heading home. Got a little reading to do." His friend shot him a curious look. "Reading, huh? Not what I expected from you."

Erian chuckled. "Well, I have my hobbies. Besides, it's a nice change from swinging axes all day."

Once he arrived home, Erian headed to his modest cabin, the smell of fresh-cut wood filling the air. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, his thoughts still on Rain and the note.

He set the book on the kitchen table, carefully pulling out the note once more. The little smiley face made him grin like a fool.

As he settled into his armchair with a sigh of contentment, his phone buzzed. Erian pulled it out and read Rain's message, his heart warming at her words.

Rain: Hey Erian, I'm glad you liked the book! I'm having a pretty good evening, thanks. Would love to catch up soon. Maybe I'll bring you another book—or just hang out.

Erian's grin widened. He typed back quickly, his fingers flying over the screen.

Erian: Looking forward to it!

He hit send and set his phone down, feeling a pleasant flutter in his chest. The thought of seeing Rain again, her smile and playful banter, filled him with a sense of eager anticipation.

As he prepared a simple dinner for him and his brother before he had to do his late patrol, he couldn't help but replay their conversation in his head, each detail making him smile. The day's labor seemed lighter now, the evening promising a pleasant end. The note from Rain and her playful suggestion of just bringing herself made the quiet of his cabin feel a little warmer, a little more alive. Erian glanced at the book on the table, knowing that as much as he enjoyed reading, it was Rain's presence he was truly looking forward to.

Erian couldn't shake the warmth in his chest as he thought about Rain. The evening was quiet, his cabin enveloped in the soft sounds of the forest outside. But inside, there was a sense of anticipation he hadn't felt in a long time.

After finishing dinner, Erian washed up and found himself sitting back in his armchair waiting for the time for him to go on patrol, the book Rain had given him resting on his lap. He hadn't started reading yet; instead, he kept thinking about her—the way she made him laugh, the way she made everything feel lighter. It wasn't just about the book or the note she'd left; it was the feeling she brought with her, something comforting and exciting all at once.

As the night settled in, he flipped through the pages of 'The Shining', but his mind kept wandering back to Rain's smile, her easy humor, and the way she had hugged him before leaving. He could still feel the warmth of that embrace, lingering like a pleasant memory that he didn't want to let go of.

His phone buzzed again, and he glanced at the screen to see another message from Rain. A smile tugged at his lips as he opened it.

Raindrop: So, did the book win you over yet, or are you just pretending to read it? :)

Erian chuckled, quickly typing back.

Erian: Haven't started yet—too busy daydreaming. But I promise, it's next on my list.

Rain's reply came almost immediately.

Raindrop: Daydreaming, huh? Guess I'll take that as a compliment. XD

Erian leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of ease wash over him. It was rare for him to connect with someone like this, so naturally and effortlessly. He liked that that Rain didn't take things too seriously, that she could find humor in the smallest things, and that she had a way of brightening even the most mundane moments.As he sat there, he found himself looking forward to their next meeting, imagining what it might be like—more teasing, more laughter, and maybe, just maybe, another hug that would leave him feeling like this: warm, content, and a little bit hopeful.

 Erian: It was definitely a compliment. Can't wait to catch up again soon. Maybe you can tell me how this book ends—no spoilers though! ;) 

 He hit send and smiled, knowing that the conversation, like everything with Rain, would be both fun and meaningful. As he finally opened the book to the first page, he couldn't help but feel like this was the start of something special, something worth looking forward to.

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By: SilverMist707

I hope this is okay and I hope you all have an amazing day today. <3