"For You"

I wake up to the sunlight beaming on my face from the open window on the left side of my bedroom. Instantly feeling it's warmth, I realize how hot it feels in here, only making me glance down to see the thick black hoodie I'm in.

Trying to wake myself up further I wipe my eyes, adjusting my sight, and sit upright.

Rio's hoodie from last night. After we got back to his place for me to get my car, he said I could keep it. He suggested it as a 'souvenir' for everything we did last night--even though all of it is undoubtably impossible to forget.

I remember how I felt when we ran from the guard, in attempts to not get caught trespassing, through the halls of the morgue and out across the field. Throughout all of my 27 years of living, I've never felt so free. The thrill of it all was overbearing.

It was definitely the most eventful birthday I've ever had. And today, Rio is surprising me with the 'greatest gift in store for me' - and I really don't know what to expect from him.

But it's physically impossible to hide my excitement. I love surprises!

I hop off my bed and take off the hoodie as I make my way to my attached bathroom with nothing but the utmost enthusiasm. I begin brushing my teeth and turn on the nearby radio to happily dance to Selena Gomez, before undressing myself and getting into the shower.

After my shower, I dry off and search for an outfit in my closet. I'm feeling like wearing a dress today, since it's suppose to feel really warm outside. My ocean eyes skim across a ditsy floral square-neck sundress, and I instantly take it into my grasp.

I put it on and decide to leave my hair out, parting it in the middle and brushing my wavy blonde strands over my shoulders.

And after putting on very little makeup, I slip on my red flats that match the tiny flower imprints on my dress.

Rio's going to be here any minute now, since it's almost 10AM - the time we both agreed would be perfect for the unknown adventure that awaits.

Last night, before we both exited his car for me to get into mine, he said we'd be out all day today. So he's officially won the battle in keeping it a surprise indeed, since I have no clue as to what he's giving me, or where he's taking me. But I trust him. Plus, the immense excitement still takes it's course.

However, the entire ride back to his place was silent, and I have my guesses as to why. There's not a doubt we both experienced the thrill and riveting fun of stealthily making it out the morgue alive, but afterwards, came the silence. It's like he began to reprocess everything I had told him in the autopsy room.

I hate to believe that the news of my transfer upset him, but I know it did. I saw it coming, which is why I wanted to prolong the moment of telling him. But I remembered I only have one week before I leave for New York--days, now.

So last night Rio let the silence permeate the entire ride for as long as he needed it to. Then he looked over at me, growing a small smile and said for me to be ready at ten. And to prepare for staying out the entire day, before I left and drove myself home.

Which brings me to now, waiting for him to arrive any moment.

I hear my cell phone ring across the room before I go and take it from the nightstand, and I feel my shoulders slightly tense the second I see it's Vince calling.

I know what it's about.

Peterson.

He's calling to bring me the news that Peterson's case is now closed. Without a single thought that I'm the reason why--alongside the leader of the most wanted gang in Richmond.

I swallow the lump in my throat and answer, bringing the phone up to my ear.

"Costellanos?" he begins.

"Hey, Vince." I make myself sound as casual as possible.

"Hey... look I know it's your day off, but I just had to..." he pauses, and I can hear the uneasiness in his deep voice. He knows this unsettling news will hurt me - it would have. So I know I have to pretend.

"I've got news, C. And it's not good." he continues gently, carefully. "We had to close Peterson's case this morning."

"What?" my reaction comes out vaguely shaken, just the way I needed it to.

"There couldn't be an autopsy because there's no evidence left behind. No sign as to what killed him, just a puncture, a wound." Vince states. "My guess is that he was shot, but there's no bullet. There's not a single way we could know what happened."

"There aren't any prints? Nothing?" I ask him apprehensively.

"No, I'm afraid not." he answers softly. "I'm sorry, C."

There's a moment of necessary silence before I respond.

"....Okay." I say quietly. "I guess what matters is that he isn't going to kill anyone else anymore." I add, with sadness lingering in my soft tone. "Thank you, Vince."

Vince is silent for another moment longer, on the other line, before he speaks again. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll see you tomorrow." he states and ends the call.

A small breath of relief escapes me when Vince hangs up.

Even though I knew the case was already over and dealt with the second we got that bullet last night, this was confirmation.

It's actually over.

The sound of my doorbell being rung snaps me from my inner thoughts and the corner of my pink lips slightly curve.

He's here.

I grab my small purse and toss my phone in it before beginning to make my way downstairs. And when I'm standing before the front door, I don't think twice to swing it open.

The moment Rio comes to view the widest smile immediately plasters across my face. On my doorstep, Rio showcases a genuine, charming smile - one I've come to know simply suits him and his gallant demeanor.

His chocolate brown eyes instantly fixate on me; his gaze warm and steadily ardent, distinct from last night's car ride.

"Detective." he greets happily, never ridding his contagious smile as I playfully deliver a curtsy.

"Rio." I laugh, unable to tame my evident excitement when he chuckles with me.

I can't help but notice his vivid content this morning, and the last time I talked to him, after I told him about my transfer, he seemed upset.

"You seem mighty cheerful today," I start curiously, perching a brow enthusiastically while watching him fold his hands behind his back.

"I did some thinking last night, when you left." Rio says huskily--and slightly mischievous.

"About?" I ask, failing miserably at suppressing my smile still.

It's then when I realize he's now watching me intently, his dark brown eyes softly ablaze on mine. It makes my heart flutter for a moment.

"Important stuff." he answers with the boyish curve of his full lips.

"Tell me!" I nudge his arm and he chuckles, his grin instantly shifting into a wider smile.

"Let's make the most of what we've got in Virginia, yeah?" Rio then says, swiftly stepping aside for me to step out onto the porch with him. And with furrowing brows in curiosity, I step out and close the door behind me.

"Let's go, ma." he adds, gesturing towards his car parked across the street before walking in it's direction. A smile soon creeps it's way onto my face again and I roll my eyes before falling into step by his side.

He opens the passenger door for me and I thank him before getting in, and moments after he enters the sleek black Camero himself and ignites the engine.

He turns on the radio and a random song plays lowly, somehow suiting perfectly for a road trip, if that's what this is.

I toss my head back onto the seat, excitement still overbearing any other emotion of mine as Rio makes his way out of my neighborhood.

But, before I begin to attempt taking guesses on where we're going, I'm reminded that I haven't told Rio about the phone call I received minutes ago.

I turn my head and look in his direction, seeing him focused on the road ahead.

"Vince called this morning. He let me know that the case is officially closed." I inform him casually.

Rio then sounds a low hm with another curve tugging at his lips. "Looks like we're in the clear," he says huskily, before carrying his eyes to mine, "my partner in crime." he grins, and a scoff spills from my mouth before I direct my gaze ahead - only to be defeated by a bright smile in return.

From the side of my eye I notice Rio reverts his attention ahead again, too, as he soon exits city limits. I feel my expression shift to confusion again, wondering where on earth he's taking me, and I glance over to him. But, Rio's small grin resurfaces as he keeps his eyes locked ahead, avoiding my stare purposefully.

I bite my lip in what I wish was frustration, but the vivid anticipation on his face only makes it impossible to be even innately annoyed or impatient. Because he's got a look in his eyes, I saw it back on my front porch moments ago - a look that promises the destination will be entirely worth the wait.

I bite back my surfacing smile and reach forward to turn up his radio, before resting back comfortably and glancing out the window next to me--at the lingering pine trees that becomes a blur as we pass them by, and the countless skyscrapers left behind in the rearview mirror.

Minutes fly by as we eventually turned down the music and began talking about everything under the sun; his childhood and mine - of course effortlessly making me laugh every once in a while.

And before I know it, it's been nearly half an hour on the road before he parks his Camero in an open field--feet away from a silver helicopter in the center of the grassy plain.

My attention jolts onto Rio, now immensely perplexed, only to see him quickly take off his seatbelt almost excitingly, plastering a mischievous smile before exiting the car and making his way over to my side.

He opens the door for me and I step out next to him, watching him suspiciously. "What are you up to?" I question.

In return, he lightly sweeps his tongue between his teeth, a steady spark of trouble still glistening in his gaze. "Almost there." he smiles. "C'mon, live in the now, Detective." he begins deliberately walking backwards, whilst reaching for my hand.

I stand in place for merely a moment longer, before summoning a similar grin and stepping forward to place my hand in his. Rio squeezes my hand as we walk towards the helicopter - my sparking curiosity heightened and evident.

And he helps me get inside before entering the piloting seat himself, and my brows instantly raise in surprise when I watch him put on the headset I've only ever seen in movies.

"You know how to fly this?!" I ask, buckling up.

"I may have a few tricks up my sleeve from leading a notorious gang." Rio says huskily, a smug grin beginning to play about on his full lips as he adjusts all the controls, turning on the helicopter.

"After all, I had to top a rival I use to have somehow." he sends me a sideways glance and I bite back my laugh, shifting in my seat in preparation for takeoff.

An excited squeal escapes me as I look out the window, knowing Rio's about to lift us off the grassy field any second.

"Ready?" he says next to me and I glance over to him.

"Away we go!" I chime with a warm smile that seems to be contagious as Rio beams ahead, soon lifting us towards the cloudless blue sky.

He flies us over the city, and I gaze down in awe at all the cars that look like tiny ants from afar, and the rooftops belonging to buildings I've never seen before.

We pass some of the most vast and breathtaking parks of Virginia, overlooking it's beautiful hiking trails and floral scenery. It's incredible!

Then, minutes later, I feel us eventually come to a stop. I didn't realize Rio settled on a flat plain and parked.

And when I look over to him, he's already looking at me intently - the headset that was once on his head is off, his frame now unbuckled.

"Go look, Isabel." he says huskily, softly, watching me.

And I look at him for one moment longer, before unbuckling myself and opening the passenger door. I step out onto a rocky surface, beginning to look around and take in my surroundings.

There are tiny flowers all around, embezzled with the mix of bright green grass. The sound of birds lightly chirping is the only thing to fill my ears, and it's like there's nothing else but the wind.

I begin in calm steps ahead, soon stopping right at the edge. And it's then when my breath gets caught in my throat.

There, standing at the edge of a mountain, I realize where I am. The tallest mountain in Virginia. The one place I always dreamt of going. The one thing I always wanted to do.

An amazed scoff spills from my lips as I stand in shock, overlooking the most I've ever seen of my home - far from the city and it's noise. It's peaceful. Breathtaking.

A smile forms across my face, and I don't think I've ever smiled so big. I feel my heart begin to hammer wildly in my chest, and when my smile begins to dissipate from the steady shock, I glance back over my shoulder.

Seeing Rio stood in front of the helicopter with his hands folded behind his back, his eyes on mine, I turn around to face him completely--my breathing becoming slightly shaky as I part my lips to speak.

"You... you did this?" I say softly, feeling my eyes become vaguely teary when I face ahead again, carrying my gaze out to the scenery, "for me?" I add, though it's barely audible.

And my smile widens immensely again, as I feel like I'm the most happiest person alive in this moment. Then, it doesn't take another minute longer to spin around and run to Rio.

I run into his arms, crashing into him and hugging him tight as I feel him slightly tense against me for only a second, before he wraps his tattooed arms around me in return.

I smile against him when he holds me tight, and I hear him chuckle contently near my ear as he briefly lifts me off the ground a moment, briefly spinning us around.

I laugh happily before he stands in place and his arms never let me go. And hugging him for the first time, I'm only reminded of how much I'm gonna miss him.

He's not at all what I had thought of him before all of this. He's good, caring. An amazing friend. And he clearly, thoroughly, listens.

I don't know if I could ever let him go.

Instinctively I hug Rio tighter, nearly burying my face in the dip of his tattooed neck, closing my eyes whilst trying to embrace the moment - the moment I don't want to forget.

And he isn't tentative to hug me tighter, too, in return. Right now, I know the both of us only know we have to say goodbye soon.

And I don't think I'm ready for that, not yet.

I feel a warm breeze pass and my bubbling excitement resurfaces all over again, remembering where exactly I am. I squeal and soon let him go, seeing him share the same bright smile before I spin around and hurry towards the edge of the mountain again.

I gaze at the tiny yet vast city for a few minutes, the surrounding flowers and the greenery near and far. Then I take in a breath, and close my eyes.

The settling Spring air hits again and I suddenly hear the sound of a picture being taken. I look back to see Rio still several feet behind me, a small camera in his grasp as he smiles mischievously from getting caught.

My brows perch up as I can't believe I didn't bring a camera myself, but I didn't exactly know the whereabouts of my gift from Rio anyway.

"Come here, Isabel." Rio says, and I oblige, making my way over to him. And when I'm close enough he pulls me in next to his side, having a warm hand on my waist while holding the camera out in place.

And I look into the lenses with a bright, joyful smile, leaning my head on Rio's as he smiles simultaneously--the beautiful greenery with it's small flowers fitting behind us perfectly as he takes the picture.

Then, shortly after, I pull his arm avidly. "Let's go!" I start, wanting him to see everything with me, as he then follows into step by my side.

--

I lay on my back with my hands intwined above my stomach, looking up at the baby blue sky with a blanket beneath me. Beside me, lies Rio, too. His dark brown eyes fixated above, watching the birds that soar in the bountiful sunlight.

It's the most peaceful serenity I've ever endured, the top of this mountain. I still can't believe I'm actually here.

My absolute favorite place, now. My favorite moment. And there isn't a sliver of doubt that this will be my best memory, with him, before I go.

"Do you ever just spot something so beautifully remarkable, something that makes you believe perfection does exist in this world, and it's so physically breathtaking that you don't know what to say, or how to even say it?" I ask softly, keeping my gaze drawn above.

"Alright Ms. Poetic," Rio comments next to me, and instinctively I roll my eyes whilst defeated by a laugh in return.

Rio's chuckle mixes with mine for only a moment, before settling in a vague moment of silence, and he delivers his answer.

"Yeah, I have." he says almost ardently, and I smile.

I close my eyes and take in a low breath, engulfed in the unexplainable peace and warmth.

"This makes me want to travel the whole world," I exhale calmly, "to see everything else that's just like this."

In thought, I open my eyes and look over to Rio, seeing him still take in the endless sky, relaxed. And a content smile forms at my lips.

"Will you come with me?" I ask him, and seconds after, he meets my gaze.

"You don't even have to ask." he states intently. For a moment I think I see a small grin begin to form, but he carries his eyes up to the sunlight again.

"It's you and me, Detective." Rio huskily adds as I don't look away from him. "We can go wherever you'd like."

With my hands remaining intwined on my stomach, another genuine smile surfaces as I follow his gaze up to the blue sky above us.

But, I don't know why, within those peaceful moments of gazing up, I want to look at him again. It's an urge, a subtle temptation to see him so soon when I had just looked away.

And I do, face his direction without thinking twice. By my side, Rio's still looking up, but I don't care. My blue green eyes wander, deliberately tracing over his perfect jawline and the ink across his neck.

I look down to his hand that rests across his own stomach, the other free and bestowed on the blanket by his side, near me.

And without even thinking my hand lands next to his, now a tiny fraction away from contacting his tattooed skin.

"Thank you." I say quietly, eternally grateful for the day he gave me, and his eyes find mine.

Then, I notice Rio innately observe my features, beside me. It isn't the first time he's done it--I'm starting to think it's just an attentive tendency of his.

And soon, he settles on my eyes.

"You're my girl." he reasons, calm and intent.

And I would smile, or perhaps even roll my eyes with a scoff, in response. But right now, under his gaze, there's an overwhelming feeling building up, and it's stopping me from saying anything, or doing anything.

I don't know what it is - in the pit of my stomach, with the mix of an unusual pace of the pounding in my chest, and something now tingling beneath every inch of my skin--spreading like wildfire.

I've never felt it.

But it's overbearing any pinch of emotion I felt beforehand. And it's so strong that I feel unable to look away from Rio.

And near his rested hand, when I feel his finger barely brush against mine from a presumable twitch, my breath is held. Then somehow it's like I'm unable to inhale, or exhale, but I'm perfectly fine.

For whatever this surfacing feeling is, as his finger slowly curls around one of my own, I internally, inevitably, long for more.

Only when his gaze is on mine.

I don't want to unlatch from his deep brown eyes, or pull away from his touch.

Because every part of me is yearning for it; the way my pulse has never raced so dangerously, the way my heart's never pounded as freely. And yet, above it all, it's exhilarating.

It's overwhelming because.... because it's like I didn't know what being alive had even felt like until now.

Then suddenly, too suddenly, his phone rings. His hand slips from mine and I take in a soft breath, watching him glance at the call he silences, before returning it to his pocket.

I clear my throat. "You're not gonna answer it?"

"Nah, just one of my boys from Armory." Rio says, carrying his gaze up to the blue sky. But he's sure to sneak his hand into mine while doing so - my heartbeat never calming down as our fingers are now fully intwined.

"I've been on the low, still pressing pause on our usual... activities." he informs me and my brows furrow in his direction.

"So you haven't been talking to them?" I ask sincerely.

"Of course I still do, everything's the same. Just without the crime parts." he answers with a slight shrug, and my lips curve upward as his do the same.

And I follow his admiring gaze to the blue abyss above us, shortly before his hand slips from mine and he comes to a stand.

"Look at that," Rio starts enthusiastically, pointing out towards something in the distance, and I settle on my elbows as I search for what he's looking at.

"A whole flock of them." he says under his breath, sounding almost amazed, and my brows instantly perch up when I watch him hurriedly pat his pockets.

"Shoot- where's my camera?" he says before quickly looking around him.

"Someone has a thing for birds." I smirk as he practically spins around in search for the camera.

"Red Cardinals, Isabel, Cardinals." he corrects me and I can't help but laugh, seeing his set determination to take a picture of the beautiful red birds encamped on a cherry blossom tree not too far from here.

Then he jogs towards me, immediately reaching down for my hands.

"C'mon Detective, you're helping me find it." he says and I take his hands, failing at suppressing my amused laugh when he pulls me to my feet.

"I'm gonna get that picture." he claims as we head towards the helicopter in search--a smile spread across my face the entire way there at the new acknowledgment of Rio's thing for birds.

Sorry-- Cardinals.

---

HIIIII LOVESSS!! Thanks so much for reading! This chapter was so lovey-dovey - made my heart mushy.

** There are only 6 more chapters left of Rivals!! :(

Updating ISAIAH next, this week.

And if you haven't read it yet, I have a new erotic one-shots book up on my profile--with lots and lots of smut filled short stories (some random, some fanfics). Requests are temporarily open.

MUCH MUCH LOVEEEE!!

xx