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IRL!
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↳ ❝DID YOU JUST QUOTE ABBA?❞

"I don't want you to resent me," Lovette whispered softly, her voice breaking the quietude in the kitchen.

Their conversation by the front door had left her feeling uncertain, prompting her to retreat to the kitchen instead of inviting Chris back into her room. Fidgeting with her hands, she mustered the courage to meet Chris's gaze, her warm brown eyes searching his piercing blue ones. Her concerns emerged, following his candid discussion about his fears surrounding relationships.

Chris pursed his lips, his mind racing to evaluate her words. "I won't resent you," he assured her, his voice filled with earnestness and determination.

A hint of skepticism laced Lovette's reply as she let out a humourless laugh. The roles seemed to have reversed, with Lovette now wavering in her resolve to move forward. "You can't exactly promise that."

Her words hung sardonically in the air, reflecting the growing apprehension between them. Lovette had become cautious, afraid of becoming collateral damage.

"I get it, we're young. And you want your freedom. But I don't want to be the causality in that," she confesses, her vulnerability laid bare.

Chris's gaze intensified as he scanned her features, desperately searching for any sign, any flicker of hope that he could break through her defenses.

"I want more than just freedom. I want a relationship with you," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want to take you on dates. I want to be with you."

Lovette sighed deeply, the weight of their conversation pressing upon her. She struggled to find the right words, her mind filled with a mixture of doubt and longing.

"Chris—" she began, her voice laden with uncertainty.

"Take a chance on me. That's all I ask of you, Lovie," he pleaded, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

Her eyebrow arched in surprise, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Did you just quote ABBA?" she asked, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Caught off guard, Chris's cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue. Unaware that the lyrics from the iconic band had found their way into his plea, he stumbled for an explanation. "I watched 'Mamma Mia!' with my mom yesterday," he confessed, hoping his innocent reasoning would diffuse any potential embarrassment.

The corners of Lovette's lips curled into a genuine smile, her amusement mingling with a newfound warmth.

"Okay," Lovette responds quietly, her warm gaze locked with his, searching for something deeper within his eyes.

"Okay?" Chris repeats, more of a question than a statement, still grappling with the reality of her answer.

She chuckles softly, the sound like a melody that tugs at his heartstrings. "Okay, Chris, I'll take a chance on you," she affirms, the tenderness in her voice resonating with unspoken emotions.

Relief floods through him, and he releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Part of him longs to pull her close, to kiss her and seal this newfound connection. But he hesitates, aware that the bridge between them is still fragile, and he fears pushing too hard might break it.

Instead, he musters a warm smile, letting his affection for her shine through. "I'm going to take you on the best date imaginable," he promises, his words laced with genuine enthusiasm

"Well, I'll hold you to that," she teases playfully.

She can sense his apprehension, his desire restrained by the weight of their shared history. He's holding back, unsure if it's the right moment to bridge the physical distance between them. In all honesty, Lovette finds a mirror of her own feelings. She, too, is drawn to him, yearning for the intimacy that seems both tempting and dangerous. But she's cautious, guarding her heart against potential pain. Lovette's eyes trace the contours of his face, silently urging him to take a chance, to step closer and break down the barriers that separate them. Yet, she knows that timing is everything, and they both need to find the courage to navigate the delicate dance of their budding relationship.

At that moment, the kitchen became a sanctuary, a space where two people tiptoeing on the edge of a relationship find the courage to take a step forward together.

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Chris doesn't know what went wrong.  He had wanted tonight to be perfect, to show Lovette that he was capable of making her happy. But it seems like everything is conspiring against him, and he can't help but curse his luck.

"Matt, can you fucking hurry up!" Chris yells from downstairs, the impatience evident in his voice.

He had relied on Matt for a ride, but of course, his brother's less-than-ideal sleep schedule had to come in the way. Who the hell sleeps till 3 p.m. anyways?

Matt lazily makes his way down the stairs, seemingly in no rush to save the day. "You know, maybe you shouldn't cuss out your ride," he sarcastically responds. "Or better yet, get your license."

Chris rolls his eyes, "Can we just go?"

With a sigh, the two brothers head towards the car, but Chris can't contain his excitement. His leg bounces with nervous energy, ready to see Lovette and make this night unforgettable. Until, of course, Matt tries to start the car, and it sputters mockingly.

Chris can feel his heart sink, his hopes deflating like a balloon. Matt tries again, but the car just won't cooperate.

"The engine is probably fucked 'cause of the cold," Matt explains, trying to rationalize the unfortunate turn of events.

"Matt, do something," Chris urges, glancing at the time on his phone. He's already made Lovette push back their date once, and he's determined not to be late.

Matt gives his brother an apologetic glance, but it's clear that he's at a loss too. "There's not much I can do. Mom has the other car, Dad's at work, and Justin isn't in the state."

Chris's frustration simmers, his excitement fading into a knot of anxiety. Lovette must be wondering what happened to him. He had planned every detail meticulously, hoping to impress her, to make this date memorable. But now, he found himself stuck with a malfunctioning car and no immediate solution. He curses under his breath, frustrated with the situation and himself for not having a backup plan.

"Shit, shit, shit," Chris mutters under his breath, casting a desperate glance at his brother. "I can't believe this is happening right now."

Matt shrugs, his expression a mixture of nonchalance and sympathy. "You know, maybe you shouldn't have waited until the last minute to plan this. And seriously, get your damn license. This wouldn't be an issue if you could drive yourself."

Chris knows Matt has a point, but he's in no mood to hear it. The pressure builds as the minutes tick by, and he can't help but wonder if Lovette will think less of him for being late. He had wanted to show her that he's reliable, that he's capable of taking care of her and making her happy. But now, he feels like he's falling short.

"Just try again," Chris urges, his impatience palpable. He tries to contain his frustration, but it seeps into his voice nonetheless.

Matt sighs, giving the car another attempt to start. The engine grumbles, but the car remains unresponsive. "It's no use, Chris. I can't fix it. And I don't have any other options right now."

Feeling defeated, Chris slumps back in his seat. He feels like he's let Lovette down, and it stings. He had put so much effort into planning this date, and now it's all falling apart.

"What the hell am I gonna do?" Chris mutters, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Matt glances at him, his eyes softening with understanding. "Look, maybe you can call Lovette, and explain the situation. Shit happens, and if she's into you, she'll understand. "

"Yeah, you're right," Chris concedes, pulling out his phone to call Lovette. He dials her number, his heart pounding in his chest as he waits for her to pick up.

To his surprise, Lovette's response is understanding and kind. "Do you just want me to pick you up?" Her words offer him comfort, assuring him that she's not upset or disappointed with him. It's a small gesture, but it means the world to him in that moment.

"Yeah, if it's not too much trouble," he sighs, feeling slightly embarrassed that he couldn't handle the situation on his own.

The call ends shortly after that, with Lovette telling him that she'll see him soon. The knot of anxiety in his chest starts to loosen as he realizes that she's not holding this against him.

Matt smiles, "See, she's into you."

Chris manages a half-smile in return, grateful for his brother's support. "Yeah, I guess so."

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Boston's 'Little Italy' was particularly beautiful in the winter. The soft, white snow blanketed the cobblestone streets, and twinkling lights adorned the small cafes and shops that lined the charming neighbourhood. The winter air carried the sweet scent of Italian pastries and warm drinks, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Chris and Lovette walked side by side, their breaths visible in the crisp air. The Italian dessert shop, La Dolcezza, that Chris had taken Lovette to in the summer was still up and running, and it looked even more inviting surrounded by the winter wonderland.

As they stepped up to the counter, they were greeted by Giovanni, the renowned owner of La Dolcezza. He was a friendly man with a warm smile, and his twinkling eyes seemed to hold a knowing glint.

Giovanni raised his eyebrows playfully, his gaze shifting between Chris and Lovette. "I see you brought back the pretty girl," he teased, his Italian accent adding a charming flair to his words.

Chris felt a hint of embarrassment colouring his cheeks, but he couldn't help but smile at Giovanni's playful comment. He had been a regular customer at La Dolcezza, and somehow, Giovanni always managed to get his customers to open up to him. It was as if he had a knack for understanding the complexities of human emotions.

"Yeah, I did," Chris replied, trying to sound nonchalant even as his heart raced with affection for Lovette as he reached for his wallet.

Giovanni waved his hand dismissively. "No need. It's on the house," he declared generously, signalling that their orders of tiramisu and hot chocolate were his treat.

Lovette's eyes widened with surprise, and she turned to Chris then back to Giovanni, a mix of gratitude and curiosity in her gaze. "Are you sure?" she questioned, her caring nature shining through.

"Absolutely. Consider it a special treat from Giovanni," the owner replied from behind the counter.

Chris couldn't help but smile to himself as Lovette's smile radiated like sunshine. There was something about her presence that made his heart race and his nerves jittery. He took a bite of his tiramisu, trying to distract himself from the mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within him. Lovette had a way of making him nervous, but it was the kind of nervousness that brought him to life. He found himself stumbling over his words at times, wanting to impress her.

Lost in the warmth of Lovette's company, Chris couldn't have anticipated what happened next. As he attempted to make her laugh, a moment of clumsiness took over, and his hand knocked over his mug of hot chocolate, spilling a significant portion of the steaming liquid onto Lovette's white shirt and her lap.

His eyes widened in mortification, his mouth hanging open as apologies slipped his mind. Lovette, ever gracious, tried to reassure him with a smile, grabbing a napkin to dab at the spilled hot chocolate.

"I'm so sorry," Chris apologized profusely, feeling like he had ruined the perfect moment they were having.

"It's alright. I'll just go to the bathroom and clean up," Lovette said, excusing herself abruptly.

As she walked away, Chris felt frustration and regret welling up inside him. He wanted everything to be perfect for her, and now he had made a mess of things. Leaning back in his seat, he closed his eyes momentarily, berating himself for his clumsiness and the seeming string of unfortunate events.

When Lovette returned, she had managed to clean up the hot chocolate spill as best as she could. Despite the mishap, she smiled at Chris, her eyes holding warmth and reassurance.

"So, where were we?" she asked, her voice gentle and devoid of any frustration.

Relief washed over Chris as he realized that Lovette didn't hold it against him. He thought that maybe, just maybe, this date could still turn around.

As Chris and Lovette continued their date at La Dolcezza, things seemed to take an unfortunate turn. As they enjoyed their desserts and conversation, a sudden burst of cold wind rattled the windows, causing the heating system to malfunction. The once warm and cozy atmosphere quickly turned chilly, leaving Chris and Lovette shivering in their seats.

Chris felt a pang of guilt, as if he had jinxed the day. He had planned this date so carefully, wanting it to be perfect for Lovette, and now everything seemed to be going wrong. He apologized profusely to her, but Lovette simply shrugged it off, trying to make light of the situation.

"It's not like you broke the heater. Don't worry about it, Chris. We can still have a good time, right?" she said, trying to muster a smile despite the discomfort due to the cold.

He admired her positive attitude, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had let her down somehow. As they finished their desserts, Lovette suggested they take a stroll outside.

Chris agreed, hoping that a change of scenery would help salvage the date. But as they stepped outside, they were met with heavy snow pouring down, drenching them within seconds. Chris hadn't anticipated the sudden change of weather, and they were both ill-prepared for the sudden downpour.

Lovette let out a laugh, seemingly undeterred by the snow. "Well, this is unexpected," she joked, attempting to shield herself from the snow with her arms.

Chris chuckled too, but inside, he was starting to feel defeated. It was as if the universe was conspiring against them, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was responsible for everything going wrong.

As they huddled under a nearby awning, Chris suggested they find another place to continue their date. He had caught a glimpse of a beautiful snow globe in one of the passing bookstores that he thought Lovette would adore. Excitedly, they made their way to the bookstore, only to find it closed for renovations. Chris couldn't believe his bad luck; it seemed like anything that could go wrong, did.

Apologizing yet again, he racked his brain for an alternative plan. He suggested they head back to La Dolcezza to wait for the snowstorm to stop, but even that plan failed when they found out the dessert shop was closing early due to a plumbing issue.

Lovette laughed at the absurdity of the situation, but Chris felt his confidence crumbling. He had wanted to show Lovette a great time, to make her feel special and cherished, but he was failing at every turn.

"Well, let's just go back to my house," she offered, her smile still shining through despite the unfortunate turn of events.

Chris nodded, finding it difficult to put his thoughts into words at that moment. He followed her lead, walking back to her car. Once they arrived, Chris found himself sitting on Lovette's bed, waiting for her to come out of the bathroom where she had gone to change her shirt, now stained with hot chocolate.

He picked at his cuticles nervously, replaying the events of the date in his mind. He felt the bed dip slightly as Lovette returned, her presence bringing some comfort to the frustrating day. She gazed at him softly, her eyes filled with warmth.

Feeling defeated, he looked at Lovette with a heavy heart. "I'm so sorry, Lovie. I really wanted today to be perfect, but it's been a fucking disaster," he admitted, his voice filled with disappointment.

Lovette reached out and took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Chris, it doesn't matter that things didn't go as planned. I liked that you made an effort, that's all that matters to me," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Her words had a soothing effect on him, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by her understanding and kindness. She had every reason to be upset or disappointed, yet instead, she was supporting him, trying to lift his spirits.

Their eyes locked, and Chris found himself drawn to her soft lips, then back to her eyes, searching for any signs of discomfort or regret. Instead, he found reassurance in her gaze. She nodded slightly, giving him permission and encouragement.

Without a second thought, he gently cupped her jaw and leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss. It was a gentle apology, an unspoken way for him to convey that he was sorry for the mishaps of the day. Lovette responded with equal tenderness, her hand resting against his cheek, accepting his apology without needing any words.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

hellooo

one more chapter before act two!

until next time <3!