A/N:

Written out of whim.

My body was tensed as I pretend to go over the menu, but I'm already strangling Giro in my mind. What the heck was he trying to prove bringing us in a fine dining restaurant we frequent when we were still dating?

"Did you already change your preference, Oreo? I was expecting you'll order your usual filet mignon." Giro broke my murderous thoughts and I robotically put down the menu as I flashed him a very fake smile.

"I don't think I will tonight." I willed my tone to be pleasant but it came out sounded strangled because of my forced smile.

"Have you stopped coming here?" He continued with that big mouth and it seemed that he has left his brain somewhere tonight. Why does he need to ask this with all these people around? Especially, with his girlfriend and my boyfriend here?!

There was an awkward silence as I felt everyone's eyes paused in me. And even Rosenda who I was expecting to first to react was quiet while looking at me with an unreadable expression. I anxiously glanced at my left where Vitto was seated and he was giving Giro a cold stare.

Cheska cleared her throat, apparently trying to get rid of the awkward atmosphere. "Whose craving for steak tonight? Shall we order sirloin?" She asked in her usual cheery tone and thankfully, Jules and Yuri joined discussing about the menu, so as Marian and Kate. I indiscernibly released a relieved breath and focused back to Vitto.

"C-Carrots, would you like grilled asparagus or steamed broccoli?" I asked him trying to break his somber stare at Giro. He finally blinked, like he has woken from his trance. I bit my lower lip, expecting him to carry that grave look he had for Giro but his expression softened as he faced me. I felt like I can finally breath normally again as he reached for my left hand and kissed the finger where his ring was. And I was suddenly engulfed with warm serenity brought by love and trust in his eyes that all I could do was to bask at the moment as I stare back with an overwhelmed smile, my heart drowning with love for him.

"What would you like, Oreo?" And of course, Giro has to interrupt that moment. I didn't hide my irritation anymore as I openly glower at him but he was still wearing that practiced smile on his face making me more annoyed. "Vitto, should I recommend you something?" He then asked Vitto and I already know his intention of asking and it was making me livid. I scoffed in disbelief as I pieced everything together. Why would Giro invite us in "our-once- favorite" fine dining restaurant, insisting to treat everyone with a meal that would surely cost him 5 figures, and recommend menu to Vitto as if taking that it's not a place my boyfriend has ever been, if not to assure himself that he has better status than my boyfriend? When did he become like this? I was the one who has the tendency to be as petty, but never him. And I wanted to throw up thinking that I behaved the same to Rosenda before because of jealousy... and insecurity. Of bitter denial that I can lose to someone whom I think was less.

Running out of patience already, I moved to rise from my seat ready for an argument when Vitto wound his arm around my middle to tuck me on my seat. He then turned to face the waiting server and said in a pleasant tone, "Mixed green salad, please. Chicken on top."

Everyone was quiet as they seemed to realize that Vitto has placed an order without looking at the menu. He hasn't since we arrived at the restaurant. He doesn't even have one in front of him. And he has ordered probably the cheapest on the menu.

Giro cleared his throat, "You seemed already familiar with the place. This is Oreo's favorite steakhouse. Do you also frequent here?"

"Giro stop—" My complaint was interjected with the maître d' rushing over and I was stunned as Vitto gently let go of my hand to stand as the old man greeted him with a bow and Vitto did the same gesture.

"It's a real pleasure to have you visiting our humble place, young mast—"

"It's been long, Mr. Cortez." Vitto interrupted whatever the maître d' was saying.

"Just a few days ago your mom and aunt were here with their friends. And I assume you're here with your close friends, too?" He asked as he looked at us with a smile. Vitto leaned down to reach for my hand urging me to stand up and I did.

"This is my girlfriend." Vitto politely introduced and I smiled at the old man. "Everyone here's working with her for an outreach."

"Nice meeting you, miss. Young ma— sir Blake's mom is a good friend of the owner. And the family has been a patron here. Thanks to their constant recommendation that the restaurant is known even to the highest politicians and well-known bus—" He paused then recovered with a smile as he faced everyone. "We will provide our best menu as complimentary so please enjoy your meal tonight."

"Thank you for the kind offer, Mr. Cortez. I really appreciate it but my girlfriend's friend promised to foot the bill tonight. I promise to come back here with her next time and demand for the best menu." He added with humor making the old man laughed, obviously fond of him. But who wouldn't? Seriously. After Giro's attempt of furtive insult, my carrots still has considered of his pride to decline the complimentary meal so as not to affront him.

Mr. Cortez folded his hands together and smiled to the group. "Well then, if that's the case I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

The maître d' left and everyone's seated again as they place their orders. I felt something vibrating in my bag and rummaged for it. My brows furrowed when I saw an unknown number calling Vitto's phone.

"Who's this?" I asked as I squinted at the vibrating phone. He leaned in to check the screen then offered his open palm waiting for me to hand it to him. I threw him a suspicious look but he just smiled as if reassuring me that everything's alright. I hand him the phone with a heavy heart. "Come back fast." I tried not to sound sulky but think I failed and I swear I saw him smirk!

"Please excuse me for a while." He said with a slight tilt of his head and exited with grace.

"What does your boyfriend's family do, Oreo?" Cheska asked with clear curiosity while looking at the direction Vitto went to and I stiffened. She's not someone I'd expect to ask something like this.

I nervously cleared my throat. "J- Just a normal business. He came from a simple household." I lied.

"A simple household wouldn't be acquainted with an owner of establishment such as this." Marian joined in. "And I believe I heard the maître d' saying that his family frequents here. Plus, your boyfriend looks, speaks, and moves like a prince. He's obviously not from a simple househo—" She choked with her own breath when Kate elbowed her on the side then gestured at Giro. I looked at him and it was already evident how he tried to force a smile while Rosenda was silently staring into space. What gives? She wasn't like that 'til Vitto gave us a ride to the admin building this afternoon. And why is Giro suddenly acting petty like this? Did they have a fight?

"I'm sure whatever household Vitto has grown into, he grew up fine. He's always careful and polite." Jules added with the discussion.

"I am, too!" Yuri said. "Didn't you, guys, notice?" And before everyone can react, Rosenda suddenly rose from her seat and excused herself to go to the restroom.

"Is she alright, Giro?" Kate asked him.

"Of course. She's just probably tired." He replied with his lackluster smile.

I heard Yuri snort, "How can she be tired when Oreo almost did everything?" He groaned when Cheska nudged him on the side.

"I'm really sorry about that, Oreo." Giro looked at me apologetically, and unlike the fake smile he's been wearing, his voice sounded sincere.

"It was an experience. I'm proud that I did it." I told everyone then looked back at the direction where Vitto went. What's taking him so long? I heard the guys starting a conversation and it became a background noise as I restlessly wait for Vitto.

I excused myself when I can no longer contain myself from my seat and followed him out. I turned the corner and paused seeing Rosenda leaning against Vitto as if for support while he has his hand around her shoulder and I couldn't see straight anymore when she lifted her hand to touch his chest.

"What happened?" I asked as I cross our distance.

"S- Sorry, Oreo. Huwag kang magalit, please. I almost fainted kaya—" Rosenda paused when I snag one of her arms to drape over my shoulder so I can support her, imperceptibly hauling her away from Vitto. I tried to remain calm despite the surging storm inside me.

"Bakit naman ako magagalit?" I smiled sweetly at her. "My boyfriend was just assisting you since you were faint."

"I think I should call for help." I heard Vitto said and just like that, Rosenda jerked away from me not feeling weak anymore. She whirled to face him.

"Thank you for the help, Vitto." She said in a really soft voice and left in a hurry and if my gaze can bore holes in her body, she must have truly fainted by now. I felt Vitto reaching for my hand and I threw him a glare.

"Really? You fell for that?" I incredulously asked. He smirked so handsomely as he pulled me closer and I have to look away because that smile was dangerous!

"She almost fell. I did not." He smartly remarked. I snap my gaze back at him.

"She's obviously acting." I almost stomped my foot in frustration.

"Are you saying you doubt my IQ by thinking I didn't notice?" He jerked one brow at me.

"You still touched her. You even allowed her to touch you here." I slapped his chest and he caught my hand.

"I didn't know that this is your favorite steakhouse."

"Was." I answered in haste and I almost couldn't stand the intensity of his gaze. I was about to break my stare away when he smiled somberly making my heart twist into knots. It felt heavy seeing him upset.

"So, this is how it feels." He murmured and I reached my hand to smoothen the crease on his forehead.

"To feel what, carrots?" He caught my hand and brought it to his cheek.

"To feel jealous." My heart sank seeing regret in his beautiful eyes and I don't want that. I wound my arms around his neck and he did the same around my waist, burying his face on the crook of my neck. Jealousy is an ugly feeling and I don't want it on my Vitto. I should have felt happy, in fact relieved that he feels that, but I only felt shame. . . of guilt that I was subjecting this beautiful man to this hideous feeling.

"Should we leave now?" I whispered and I felt him tightened his arms around my waist for the last time before tearing himself from me. The action made me feel empty as my hands slipped down his arms.

"Bunny, I'm okay." He smiled gently at me, "And I want to confront this feeling head on. I don't want to be like this every time I see your ex. He's been a part of your life and you have memories with him, pleasant ones which I don't want you to forget just because you feel like it would make me uneasy." He sighed, lifting one hand to caress my cheek through his thumb. "You had a life before me, Oreo. And I understand that. Unlike the life I had before you, yours is something I can easily embrace. Just stay with me while I learn how to fight this green- eyed monster, okay?"

I wasn't aware that a tear escaped my eye until he rubbed it lightly through his thumb. I was so immersed with his warm love that all I could do was to smile tearily while I nod my head. He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

And I decided, while he fight this green- eyes monster in him, I'll fight the monster that's been starting to eye him around.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

I covered my mouth with the back of my palm as I yawned but I hastily pursed it closed as I felt Vitto's eyes on me. We went to a café after having our dinner and the rest were busy putting their orders in the counter while Vitto and I stayed back when Cheska volunteered to order for us. I felt Vitto's arms wrapped around my shoulders and I burrowed myself on his side, taking as much comfort and body heat I can from him.

"Maybe we should go now." He whispered soothingly, his lips brushing against the top of my head.

"Can I sleep in your condo tonight?" I felt his body tensed and I closed my eyes in utter shock. Where did I even find courage to say that? Maybe it was my clouded mind speaking! And if it is, then I'll let it speak for me if it would give me more time to be with my carrots.

"Bunny." He groaned.

"We don't see each other a lot lately. I want to be with you longer." I threw all caution in the wind as I looked up at him.

"We'll see each other tomorrow."

"Still not enough. And I'd start to really become grumpy if I continue to have short dose of my carrots." I sulked and my heart skipped a beat when the corner of his lips cracked a gorgeous smirk. He lowered his head to plant a soft kiss on the corner of my lips.

"You still need to go home, bunny." He asked patiently. I pulled back from him and I thank the muted lights that he'll not see the disappointment I wear on my face.

"Drive me to Heaven's place then."

"Oreo."

"Who wants to go home in an empty house, Vitto?"

"I always go back to an empty condo."

"Because you don't like me to go home with you." The statement was like a whip of lightning that made even myself stunned. I looked away with my eyes bulging in embarrassment. And I just want the ground to swallow me when I saw Rosenda staring at me like I've grown two heads. And I can't think of anything to salvage the situation but to runaway so I rose from my sit but my attempt failed when Vitto wrapped his arm around my middle and scooted me closer to him. I moved to face the other side yet my hand has its mind of its own as it dropped down to touch his arm surrounding my middle.

"Problem?" Giro asked as he stopped by our table. I cast a hurried glance at Rosenda who was still looking at us then at Giro who's apparently waiting for a reply. Vitto's hand moved to clutch my hand, taking me with him as he stood up.

"We really appreciate the dinner and the tea but it has been a long day and we'd like to retire tonight."

"But what about the tea—"

"Of course, we understand." Giro cut off Rosenda's protest. "Oreo has worked hard today. She must be feeling sleepy now."

We left the café after apologizing to Cheska and promising her I'll make it up to her the next day. We were silent as he drove and before my eyes could close on its own, I rummaged my phone from my pouch and typed a text to Heaven when Vitto finally speaks.

"Who are you texting?"

"Heaven. Telling him I'd crash by tonight."

I heard him blew a breath. "Bunny, please understand."

"I do." I answered hastily, borderline irritated. "I understand, okay? I know that you're just thinking what's best for me but I miss you and still misses you. Give me a moment to sulk, please." I faced the window and closed my eyes. We don't even have enough alone time today. And tomorrow I have to work with the council again while he visits other libraries for his thesis. I feel like I'm having withdrawal and I hate myself for it. I'm with him now but still longs for him, what would I become once he needs to leave for Texas?

I snapped my eyes open when I heard a dial tone from the car's infotainment system then Heaven's voice suddenly popped in.

"Hey, bayaw. What gives? Did my cousin give you a headache today?"

I would have screamed at my cousin on the line if only I wasn't having my moment moping.

"I'm sorry for troubling you tonight. But I would want to ask for permission."

"Permission for what?" Heaven's voice was laced with confusion. "To break up with Oreo?"

"Stupid Heaven." I muttered as I propped myself sideways and closed my eyes again. And why would Vitto even need a permission for?

"Would you allow Oreo to spend the night at my place?" I snapped my eyes open, twisting to face Vitto while my cousin was obviously choking in his own saliva on the other line.

"To what?" Heaven spouted, seemingly perplexed while my boyfriend was still looking unbothered while his eyes focus calmly on the road ahead.

"Dude, am I really hearing this from you? Why would you even!" He sounded genuinely scandalized. Huh! Rich coming from someone who's trying to annul marriage with his wife.

"So, you'll know that I won't do anything to her..." He trailed off, clearing his throat before continuing. "Improper I mean."

The line was quiet for a moment and I remained frozen in my seat as I stare at my boyfriend whose attention never astray from the road. One thing about him is he's a very responsible driver and tonight he just proved again that he's also a very responsible boyfriend. My chest twisted painfully in a good way, apparently expanding to make room for more love I have for him. Heaven then chose the moment to awkwardly clear his throat and trust my cousin to spout absurdity every time he opens his big mouth.

"Well, I'm more worried for my cousin doing something improper to you than you to him."

"You're really a giant moron, Heaven!" I bawled at the other line in annoyance.

"I know that you're listening, little demon. You better not take advantage of my bayaw."

"Shut up, you crazy!"

"Thank you, Heaven." Vitto chimed in before my cousin and I start another world war.

"You better send me a message in the morning so I'll know that you've survived safely in my cousin's claws, dude!"

"Stupid! Stupid, Heaven!"

Vitto's deep chuckle resonated in the car, "I will. Thanks for trusting us."

"I trust you. My cousin, not so much."

"Get lost, Heaven!" I reached down the screen to end the call and Vitto caught my hand after, squeezing it then bringing it to his lips to kiss the back of my palm and I swear I melted into puddle right there and then.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, contemplating what to do now that I finished drying my hair. My eyes strayed at the counter where my essentials are neatly seated. My things are slowly occupying Vitto's condo because I spend more time here during the weekends but this is the first time I'd spend the night. And why do I feel so nervous when it's my whim to spend the night here in the first place? It's not like we'll do something improper, as how he phrased it. But I don't trust myself not thinking improper things especially that I've noticed how he's become so doting lately. Not to mention how my body reacts everytime he touches and kisses me. And it's been happening regularly that it becomes a part of my day to receive kisses and hugs from him. I felt my face heat so I opened the tap and whisk cold water in my flustered face.

I breathed deep and faced my reflection. My carrots gave in to my whim to spend the night because he trusts that I'll stay proper and that I would do. Hopefully. I better ask him to lock his bedroom door to make sure I won't attack him if ever I sleep walk or whatever. Right, I better do that.

There wasn't any pillows or blanket on the sofa yet so I peeked inside his bedroom to ask and I saw him fixing the beddings.

"Carrots." I made my presence known and he lifted his gaze, smiling upon seeing me peeking by the door.

"Come in. I already prepared the bed." He turned from me to open his closet and get his sleepwear. "I'll go take a bath. You can sleep first."

"Hmm, about that. I was going to ask for a pillow and blanket. I'd sleep in the couch."

He faced me, bewilderment on his handsome face. "You heard me tell your cousin that you're safe with me."

"And you heard him tell you that you aren't with me." I reasoned, straightening my back as I do so, making him chuckle.

"I'd sleep in the couch, then."

My brain frizzled for a moment but I forced it to function realizing the implication of his statement. "Y- You mean, you were planning to sleep in the bed with me?" There's no way he didn't see how my face and ears burn!

He stared for a moment, walking slowly towards the door where I was trying to hide half of my body. "You said you want to be with me tonight because you miss me."

I rested my back against the wall to support my unstable knees as he stopped in front of me. "I- I do." I swallowed.

"Why can't you feel that I miss you, too?" He murmurs and my knees give in, thanks to his fast reflex that he caught me otherwise I'd be awkwardly kneeling in front of him now.

"What's wrong?" He asked as I grip his arms for dear life. When did my carrots become so intense like this? I feel like a volcano ready to erupt any moment now? It's not like I'm complaining but dear God, why is my boyfriend a dangerous combination of smart, doting, and hot?

"Y- You're making my knees weak. That's what's wrong!" The deep resonance of his chuckle doesn't help to steady my feet.

"Head in now. I'll sleep in the couch instead."

He smiled kindly and before he could walk away, I caught his arm and mustered enough courage to say, "L- Let's sleep in the bed." His intense stare brought my insides into chaos but stood my ground and stare back at him, "I promise to behave and not do anything improper."

He flashed an amused smile and ruffled the top of my head. "Don't let Heaven's jokes mess with your head. If anything, I should be the one making a promise about that." His voice softens at his last statement.

"I trust you, Vitto." He paused for a moment before giving me a small smile. He reached for my cheek to caress it and I leaned into his touch.

I was tossing and turning on bed as I wait for Vitto to finish his shower, and it doesn't help my tumultuous insides that I could hear the running water from the bath. I never felt this chaos in my body before, not even when I was dating Giro for two years. Maybe because we weren't really physically close as how I am with Vitto now. I mean, we occasionally kiss but only in the forehead and cheek. We hugged, but it didn't give me this funny feeling of being hot and wanting more like when I am tangled with Vitto. I notice how my body syncs with him, following his movement and my nerve endings are even aware when he's near even without me looking. And that gives me this scary feeling that I might do him bad. He prepared a separate blanket for me but it wasn't enough to assure me that I won't claw at him in my sleep. I feel there's a monster inside me that was just waiting to sink her fangs into him. And now I'm mentally having a panic attack. What if I'm really a vampire and suck his blood? What if I accidentally hurt him in my sleep?!

I sit upright from the bed, prepared to escape in the living room and pretend to sleep in the couch before Vitto finishes his shower but I seemed to beckon him from my mind when he entered the bedroom wearing a white shirt and sweat pants. I swallowed as he pulled the door closed and confusion was on his face as he looked at me.

"Why are you still up? Are you uncomfortable with the mattress?"

"No." I squeaked and he looked at me funny. I planted my back on the bed and hide in my blanket just to make a tiny opening to peer at him. He was reaching something at the top of his closet and I swallowed yet again as I saw the ridges in his abdomen when his shirt ridden up!

This is a bad idea, Oreo. Real bad one. It's not too late, though. I can call an Uber and go home before I can totally sink my fangs at him!

"Is the air-conditioning too cold?" I heard him say and I can feel his movements around the room, probably increasing the temperature thinking that I was cold. Then his side of the bed moved and I tensed even more.

"Oreo."

I didn't answer fearing I might say something embarrassing again.

"I love you." He said and my heart raced even more.

"I love you more." I replied in haste. I heard him chuckle softly. The bed moved again.

"Good night, bunny."

It was suddenly quiet so I lowered the blanket down my face and saw him getting his pillow and blanket. I sit right up surprising him.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll sleep just fine in the couch. You're tired. Please rest now."

I crawled on the bed and grabbed his arm before he could walk away.

"You're leaving me to sleep alone here?" My tone was accusatory, I was even surprised myself.

"You can't sleep comfortably with me here."

"Who told you?" I called back. I snatched back the pillow and blanket to fluff them back on the bed. "Sleep here."

"Oreo." He tried to complain but I'm not having it. I'm even almost done with my self- incrimination now. As they say, come what may.

"You said you miss me."

"I do."

"So come here and sleep." I pat the bed and he stared at me like I'd grown another head. "Come on, I won't bite." Hopefully.

"You're not scared anymore?"

"I'm scared of myself. Not you." I admit. "And you should be scared of me."

"Why should I?" He's clearly confused.

"What if I suddenly suck your blood? With how pretty I am, it wouldn't be a wonder if I'm a vampire. I feel like there's a monster inside me that wants to eat you. And I don't want to hurt you, carrots. I'd rather hurt myself than cause you pain—" My eyes widened as he leaned down and caught my face in his hands to kiss me.

I blink and the kiss finished like it never happened. It's when I realized that I stopped breathing and expelled a breath when he pulled back from me.

"You talk too much." He murmured and I clutched my blanket with my shaky hands.

"I- I'm sorry."

"Why would you be? It's adorable." He responds and the shock made it seemed like I swallowed my tongue. I stared at him as he switched of the lights leaving his lamp on before lying down on the bed, extending his arm on my pillow.

"Come lie with me, bunny." He calls with his soft voice and my body moved, propping myself on his side and using his arm as my pillow. I closed my eyes as his spring fragrance soothed my aches and worries, the stroke of his fingers through my hair a massage to my troubled heart. Why would I even fear, if he's here to pacify the chaos inside me?

I felt him move, his warm lips pressing a kiss on my forehead and I breathed deep, loving the comfort his touch brings me. His other arm wrapped around my back, pulling me closer as possible and only our blankets separate us. I opened my eyes and lifted my face to plant a kiss on his jaw that smells so fresh as his aftershave.

"Thank you for today, carrots."

"Thank you for everyday, Oreo." He murmurs, leaning his head down to press his lips to mine and I opened my mouth to fully welcome him, his hands and body remained unmoving except his lips and tongue that's managed to enter the inside of my mouth. Our heads slant as to give better access to our lips, and I couldn't stop the tiny moans that escape my lips while he continues his sweet assault. My body feels like on fire but I don't mind so long that his arms are tangled with me, his lips brushing against mine.

I'm into deep now. And there's no way escaping this because it's the only place I'd rather be.

With Vitto.