we never started off as a normal couple. he was quiet but dorky, respectful but straightforward, while i was blunt and headstrong. we went rock climbing as our first date, and quite obviously only looked at each other's asses the whole time.

today, our hands were entwined as i laid on his stomach, the soft breeze tousling my now pink ombre hair. i played with his fingers, the silence blanketing us in a protective cocoon as i basked in his warmth and scent. the clouds were high above us, and the shade of a maple tree shielded us from the harsh sun. it seemed as if time had stopped; it wad only me, and only him.

"flora," he breathed, bringing goosebumps across my skin as he dragged his fingers down my arm.

"hmm?" i hummed, dropping his hand and letting it curl around my shoulder. never once had he put it somewhere where i felt uncomfortable. his kind, considerate personality never made me feel as if i was limited, as if my wings were clipped. he let me be the feminist, self sufficient, and badass girl that i've always been.

he let me be me, and it's the first time i've felt this.

he sighed, causing my head to raise up to look at him. "what are we? we've been going in dates for a couple months. is it too soon to say i love you?"

i laughed, the sound clear and loud in our quaint surroundings. "yeah, it's too soon to say that." it's funny, because those words were playing at my lips too. "but i think we should, i don't know, make it official?"

he sat up straight, knocking my head into his lap. i left out a soft giggle at his bewildered expression and messy hair. "you—you'd wanna do that? make it official?"

i pushed myself off of him and leaned my weight on my arm, noticing how the sun made his pink hair shine, and his eyes looked brighter than ever. "yeah, i think so. i really like you." i felt my cheeks heating up at my own blunt confession.

"woah." was all that left his lips, for the next second, they were on mine, meshing us together like a puzzle piece.

i melted into him, his lips softer than what i'd ever imagined. a fire ignited in me, and somehow, everything just felt right.