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IRL!
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↳ ❝YOU HAVE PRETTY EYES.❞

Chris found himself in a precarious situation, immersed in a metaphorical pit of deep shit. The intensity of his emotions for Lovette had blindsided him, leaving him grappling with an internal struggle. It was as if he had stumbled upon uncharted territory, unprepared and afraid to navigate the treacherous waters of a potential relationship. The thought of diving into something serious with Lovette scared him, stirring up a torrent of anxiety within him.

Commitment had always been a thorny subject for Chris. He had developed a knack for avoiding emotional entanglements, preferring the safety of remaining single. He had witnessed the fallout of failed romances, both in his own life and those around him, leaving scars that served as a haunting reminder of the risks involved.

But Lovette... she was different. Her presence had a disarming effect on Chris. Whenever they were together, he found himself effortlessly engaged in meaningful conversations, baring his soul with an ease he hadn't experienced before. She had a way of making him feel comfortable, breaking down his defenses without even realizing it. It was both thrilling and terrifying.

In those moments when Lovette's undivided attention was fixed upon him, Chris's nerves were sent into overdrive. The weight of her gaze made him acutely aware of his own flaws and insecurities. The idea of being truly seen by someone other than his brothers, with all his imperfections laid bare, was a daunting prospect. He feared that once Lovette unravelled the layers he had so carefully constructed, she would discover a version of him that fell short of her expectations.

His conflicted feelings led him to concoct feeble arguments in an attempt to convince himself that liking Lovette didn't equate to desiring a committed relationship. It was a defense mechanism, a way to shield himself from the vulnerability of genuine intimacy. Deep down, however, he knew he was fooling no one, least of all himself.

In the midst of his turmoil, he couldn't help but acknowledge the possibility that Lovette might be the one who could help him break free from the chains of his commitment issues. She held the power to challenge his beliefs, to show him that romantic relationships could be a transformative force rather than a source of pain.

Chris was torn between the desire to take a leap of faith and the instinct to retreat into his familiar fortress of emotional detachment. He knew that if he wanted a chance at a meaningful connection with Lovette, he would have to confront his deepest fears head-on. But the journey ahead seemed arduous, the path uncertain.

"Are you even listening to me?" Lovette playfully interrupts, pulling Chris away from the depths of his thoughts.

Seated in her kitchen, the house blissfully devoid of distractions with Levi and Maeve out, Lovette's curious gaze lingers upon him, her chin cradled in her hand.

God, she's pretty, he silently marvels.

"I am listening," Chris responds, his tone lacking conviction.

Her raised eyebrows reveal that she sees through his facade. "Oh, really? Then what did I just say?"

"Something about..." He scrambles for a moment, attempting to recall the topic of their conversation. "Baking?"

"Is that a question or an answer?" Lovette challenges, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

A soft chuckle escapes Chris's lips. "It's an answer."

"Well, lucky you for getting it right," she teases. "I was asking you if you want to help me bake brownies."

Chris nods, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling within him. "Yeah, I can help."

Lovette's eyes light up with anticipation, a mischievous smile dancing across her lips. "Great. We're making them from scratch, by the way. No boxed mix."

With Lovette taking the lead, Chris finds himself in unfamiliar territory. He watches intently as she effortlessly measures the ingredients, her hands moving with a graceful precision that captivates him. The rhythmic sound of the spoon against the mixing bowl fills the air, harmonizing with the subtle chemistry building between them.

Chris, tasked with cracking the eggs, carefully taps one against the edge of the bowl, his concentration focused on not letting any shell slip into the mixture. As he cracks the second egg, his fingers tremble ever so slightly, betraying his nerves.

Lovette glances over her shoulder, catching Chris stealing glances at her. A playful smile tugs at the corners of her lips, but she pretends not to notice. Instead, she focuses on the task at hand, her fingers delicately sifting through the mound of flour.

"You know," Chris begins, "I've never made brownies from scratch before."

Lovette turns to him, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and admiration. "Well, lucky for you, Maeve taught me how to make them. So you're in good hands."

Their shared laughter fills the kitchen as they playfully bump shoulders, a lighthearted exchange that speaks volumes. In a moment of mischief, Chris flicks a sprinkle of flour in Lovette's direction. Caught off guard, she retaliates, flicking flour right back at him.

A flicker of surprise gives way to a burst of laughter as she shakes her head. "What, you can dish it but you can't take it?"

Chris grins mischievously, his eyes gleaming as he flicks flour at her again. "Oh, I can definitely take it."

Lovette chuckles, gently brushing off the flour from her cheeks. "Let's stay focused on the task at hand, okay?"

With newfound determination, they work side by side, their movements harmonized and synchronized. Time seems to fly as they mix, pour, and carefully transfer the brownie batter into the pan. Lovette expertly slides the tray into the oven and sets the timer, her eyes glimmering with satisfaction.

As the warm aroma of chocolate fills the air, Lovette spins around to face Chris, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "You wanna watch a movie while we wait?"

Chris finds himself at a crossroads, caught between the tug of his fears and the pull of possibility. Lovette's invitation to watch a movie feels like a subtle sign, an opportunity for them to bridge the gap between friendship and something more. The warmth of the kitchen envelops them, mirroring the growing warmth within Chris's heart.

A smile dances on Chris's lips as he meets Lovette's gaze. "I'd love to watch a movie with you," he says, his voice laced with newfound confidence.

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The soft glow of the TV bathes the room in a warm, ambient light, casting gentle shadows across their faces as they embark on the quest for the perfect movie on Netflix. Lovette's fingers dance over the remote, scrolling through the endless options until they settle on 'Murder Mystery.' Nestled together on the couch, their bodies instinctively gravitate towards one another, finding comfort in the support of the backrest.

Lovette's gaze lingers on Chris, captivated by the way the TV light accentuates the mesmerizing blue of his eyes. A smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she appreciates the way he looks in this enchanting illumination. Chris, sensing her gaze upon him, instinctively runs his hands through his hair, an unconscious attempt to free his eyes from their unruly curtain, causing them to briefly lock eyes.

"What?" Chris's voice carries a hint of curiosity as he meets Lovette's gaze, the slight difference in their heights prompting him to cast his eyes downward.

Lovette hums nonchalantly, feigning casualness. "You have pretty eyes."

"They're pretty boring," Chris dismisses.

Closing the gap between them, Lovette edges closer, her proximity causing Chris's breath to hitch. As she gazes intensely into his eyes, the world around them seems to blur, and the thought of her words linger in the air.

"No, they're not," Lovette insists softly, her voice carrying a gentle sincerity. "They're a nice shade of blue. They're pretty."

Chris finds himself momentarily taken aback, his usual self-assured demeanour momentarily faltering in the face of her words and her closeness. He can't help the surge of emotions that well up within him.

"Can I kiss you?" The question slips from his lips, propelled by a blend of nerves and the intoxicating presence of Lovette.

Lovette's heart skips a beat, her breath catching in her throat. It dawns on her that nobody has ever asked her for permission before, their actions merely assumed and taken. But this moment, this vulnerability, is different.

"Yes, you can," Lovette whispers, her voice barely audible, but laced with an unmistakable tremor of anticipation.

Chris moves with deliberate care, his hand tenderly cradling her jaw as he gazes deeply into her eyes, seeking reassurance in her unwavering certainty.

"Are you sure?" Chris's voice is tinged with a mix of reverence and uncertainty, his lips hovering tantalizingly close to hers.

Lovette nods, her voice barely more than a breath. "I'm sure."

With her affirmation, Chris's doubts evaporate, replaced by a newfound confidence and a surge of affection. He leans in, their lips meeting in a delicate fusion of longing and tenderness.

Chris had always been skeptical of the cliché of fireworks erupting when people kiss, an experience that had eluded him in his limited encounters. But at this moment, he finally understands. It's a dizzying rush, a whirlwind of sensations as her lips respond to his, reciprocating his feelings with equal fervour. It's a tangible confirmation, an electrifying connection that leaves no doubt that Lovette shares the same depth of emotion.

As their lips reluctantly part, Chris's hands linger, gently cradling Lovette's face as if unwilling to let go of the enchanting connection they had just shared.

"I really like you, Lovie," Chris confesses, his voice laced with a tender vulnerability.

A genuine smile tugs at Lovette's lips, her eyes shimmering with joy and affection. "I like you too," she replies softly, her words carrying the weight of her own burgeoning feelings.

Unfortunately, the shrill sound of the timer jolts them back to reality, piercing through the air and shattering the tranquillity. The interruption causes a collective sigh to escape their lips,

Chris reluctantly removes his hands from Lovette's face, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "I guess we should check if they're ready."

With a mixture of reluctance and anticipation, they untangle themselves from their cozy haven on the couch, their connection still palpable as they move towards the kitchen.

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Lovette couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as they settled back into the living room, carrying the tray of perfectly baked brownies with them. As they made themselves comfortable on the couch, Lovette's exhaustion began to catch up with her, her eyelids growing heavy and her head finding a natural resting place on Chris's shoulder.

Amidst the unfolding plot twists and suspense of the movie, Chris's acute hearing picks up on a subtle change in Lovette's breathing. His attention shifts from the screen to her, a flicker of concern replacing the previous peacefulness.

He observes with cautious eyes as Lovette's brow furrows, a crease of worry marring her otherwise peaceful expression. A single tear escapes her closed eyes, slipping down her cheek in a silent testimony to the turmoil within her subconscious. Sensing her distress, Chris gently shakes her, his voice tender yet urgent as he calls out her name, attempting to rouse her from the grip of her unsettling dream.

Lovette startles awake, her eyes flying open as she jolts out of her slumber. Her breath comes in rapid gasps, her chest rising and falling with the intensity of her panic. Confusion clouds her features as she struggles to ground herself in reality, her mind racing to catch up with the sudden shift in surroundings.

Chris reaches out, his touch gentle yet firm, as he places a reassuring hand on Lovette's arm. "Hey," he says softly, his voice a soothing balm. "You're okay. You're safe here."

Tears continue to stream down Lovette's face, her breathing still ragged as her body trembles from the remnants of her nightmare. The weight of her emotions presses heavily upon her chest, making each breath an arduous task.

Chris's gaze remains locked on her, unwavering in understanding. His voice, steady and comforting, cuts through the chaos of her mind. "Breathe with me," he gently urges, his own breaths deep and measured. He inhales slowly, allowing Lovette to mimic his rhythmic pattern, a lifeline for her to cling to amidst the swirling storm of her emotions.

She follows his lead, her eyes closing as she seeks solace in the synchrony of their breathing.

Inhale.

Exhale.

The simple act of aligning their breaths becomes an anchor that grounds Lovette in the present moment. Gradually, the tension in her body eases, the jagged edges of her panic beginning to smooth out.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Chris asks, his hand still tenderly placed on Lovette's arm, a silent offer of support.

"No," she replies softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "Not really."

Chris nods understandingly, respecting her need for space. "Okay," he says gently.

The comfortable silence settles between them, allowing Lovette to gather her thoughts. Chris remains attentive, his gaze never leaving her as she slowly opens her eyes, as if cautiously reentering the present moment.

"Did I miss much?" she asks, gesturing toward the TV where the movie continues to play.

"No, you didn't," Chris reassures her, a warm smile gracing his lips.

There's a fleeting pause before Lovette speaks again, her voice laced with gratitude. "Thank you, by the way," she says, acknowledging the support he had offered during her vulnerable moment.

"It's no problem," Chris replies genuinely, his voice filled with sincerity.

As Chris's phone lights up with a message from Matt, indicating his presence outside, he realizes the need to depart. However, he finds himself lingering on Lovette's porch, his internal struggle evident in his demeanour. Observing him intently, Lovette leans against the door frame of her house, her curiosity piqued.

"You look nervous," she muses, her eyes filled with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Unbeknownst to Lovette, Chris finds himself wrestling with a decision, contemplating whether or not he should seize the opportunity to kiss her goodbye. His heart races, conflicting emotions swirling within him.

"I'm good," he manages to reply, though his stance reveals the turmoil beneath the surface.

As if she can read his thoughts, Lovette steps out onto the porch, bridging the physical distance between them. Tilting her head slightly, she asks, "Is it okay if I kiss you goodbye?"

Chris's breath catches in his throat, the answer within him forming before he can fully process it. "Yes," he responds, the word slipping past his lips quicker than he anticipated.

A soft, affectionate smile graces Lovette's face as she leans in, her lips meeting his in a tender farewell kiss.

"Text me when you get home?" Lovette requests, her eyes sparkling with affection and concern.

Chris's grin widens, genuine happiness radiating from him. "Always," he assures her, his voice filled with unwavering commitment.

Casting a final glance over his shoulder, Chris reluctantly tears himself away, entering the car where his brothers eagerly await. As he closes the door, Nick leans forward from the backseat, a playful tone in his voice.

"Was that a kiss I just saw?" Nick jests, unable to contain his amusement.

"Shut up and take the brownies," Chris retorts, shoving the Tupperware container into Nick's hands, a lighthearted gesture masking the butterflies that flutter within him.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

helloooo

soo they kissed.. how do we feel

i know i cant say much but... these next chapters should be interesting!

i hope u enjoyed

until next time <3!