"Ugh! Elizabeth! Can you please move your shoes? I keep tripping over them!" I had been rushing around the living room all afternoon after my Attraction and Relationships seminar early this morning (fitting, I know). Elijah did not share this course with me, and I'm not sure whether or not that's a good or bad thing. I can't think about that right now, though. I was trying to clean up the aftermath of this week's craziness that resulted in our shared space being a complete mess. For some reason, the professors across all areas of interest planned major assignments, all set to have a deadline this week of all weeks. As a result, we've been working frantically - and messily (some more than others) - in the hopes of accomplishing all of our tasks on time. Thank goodness I got mine done early this week, long before my deadline, so I wouldn't have to stress about it.

"Elizabeth! Please pull out your headphones for one minute and help me bring your stuff to our room!" I had to knock on the wall a few times as I vacuumed the floor, but sure enough, a half-asleep Elizabeth entered the room with a groan.

"Sara, I was up until three last night trying to get my paper in." She was cut off by a yawn. "I know I have the organizational skills of an ogre, but cut me some slack." I sighed and plopped on the couch, resting my forehead on my palm.

"Don't stress, Hun. I'll make sure this place is spick and span for your little Elijah-fest tonight." I almost choked on a sneeze, which led to an awkward coughing fit. Liz's slaps on my back did not improve the situation.

When I was finally able to breathe again, I slumped back, lying limp on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

"This is the first date I'm planning." I turned my head to look her dead in the eyes. "Ever. It has to be absolutely perfect." I picked myself back up, only to kneel in front of the coffee table that clearly needed a good once over. "He always makes everything perfect, even when I go and mess up his plans. He's so good like that."

Elizabeth's toothy smile was so big that her eyes were crinkled. "That's because it doesn't matter, Silly! It's perfect for him because he's with you. Do you realize he's absolutely crazy for you?" I looked up at her, almost shocked. I didn't know how to respond to that. So I just looked back down and kept cleaning. 

"Still, I want this to be amazing. I don't want to disappoint him. I think he's the best at planning dates, so the last thing I want to be is underwhelming." Liz groaned and stood up.

"In that case, let's get a move on. I wish you would actually tell me what your big surprise plan is, but I'm assuming you'll need snacks?" I could tell she was trying to be sly and get me to spill my plans, but that wasn't going to happen. I'm excited for the secret to be between Elijah and myself before anyone, namely Elizabeth, accidentally slips and spoils everything. 

"First of all, I told you, its a secret. Second of all, the snacks are covered." Mariana offered to help, so I asked her to pick up a few things from a list I wrote for her this morning. She's probably getting that done now, as her class ended the same time as mine today.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Jeez, you're really taking this seriously! I applaud your unwavering commitment." She walked around me and groaned as she bent to gather the pile of shoes in her arms, eliciting a laugh from me. 

"Why do even have all of those shoes? You have about three pairs of sneakers in that arm alone!" I gestured to her left arm, from which random shoes hung by their laces. 

"Charlotte loaned me some of her shoes because she said they matched some outfits better. You know how she is about that stuff." We both giggled thinking about Charlotte's LA fashion sense. Fashion is like second nature to her, which is more than you can say for me. I've had one pair of sneakers all throughout high school, and my mom had to convince me to get a new pair for college. I guess you can say we're on slightly different levels.

As Elizabeth huffed down the hall to our room, I heard the front door shut. Maddy rushed towards me with Charlotte in tow. "Okay, thank goodness Liz just left the room. I was planning a distraction for her, but we both know how she goes into detective mode. It would've just been too suspicious and-"

"Whoa, Mads. Just breathe. She's not here. That was gonna be the hard part. Now's the time to spit it out!" Charlotte was flushed and out of breath behind Maddy, who had apparently made her run all the way here. It's a shame she didn't have someone to carry her...

"Hey! Sara, did you hear a word I just said?" Maddy slapped her hands in front of my face, knocking me out of my memory.

"Um, sorry. I'm a little distracted by the long list of things I have to get in order by tonight." A little white lie never hurt anyone...

"Well, you now have one less thing to worry about. What I said was I have secured plans to keep everyone out of the house." By everyone, I knew she meant Elizabeth. "You're welcome."

I let out an immense sigh of relief and almost strangled Maddy with a hug. I cannot believe I overlooked that one minor detail. I guess I just assumed that the girls would spend the night out purely out of the kindness of their hearts, but I should've been smart enough to realize that idea had a few holes, the largest one being Elizabeth the Spy.

"Thank you." I spoke slowly, emphasizing my gratitude by looking into her eyes with my hands firmly on her shoulders. I received a quick hug from both of them, as to avoid any questions from Elizabeth, who was sure to re-enter the room any second. 

"Okay, now, we'll let you return to your tasks while we break the news to our old pal that she sadly won't be joining you and Elijah on your date tonight." I chuckled, shaking my head. I don't think she really planned on staying, but it's nice to know that everyone will be out so Elijah and I can relax without little eavesdroppers on our tails. Plus, I have a feeling the girls would not be very fond of my plans for the night if they did intend on joining us.

↞↠ 

As the girls got ready to go out, I put the finishing touches on my mini snack bar, remembering Elijah's favorite candy, of course, which I was looking forward to enjoying with him in a little while. The s'mores station took some research, as I was trying not to get suspended for infringing on the school's fire and safety codes. I had called the pizza place and asked if they could possibly make the pizza so it was ready and delivered by the exact time I was planning for our night to really begin. I would've gone with Braxton's favorite pizzeria, but unfortunately, they don't deliver. Sorry, Braxton! The popcorn packet was in the microwave, ready to be popped and heated up fresh for our enjoyment after we settle in. I had set up a plush nest of pillows and blankets for us to lounge in. Everything was exactly how I wanted it to be. Perfect.

I sauntered to my room, taking a brief pitstop at Charlotte and Maddy's door. As usual, everyone assembled in one place to get ready whenever we would all go out together. This time, however, the group would only consist of five roommates. "Guys, I'm really sorry about not being able to do your hair tonight. I could actually try to do some simple updos. Maybe half-up-half-down, or-"

"Please stop worrying about us! We all told you to focus on yourself. Trust me, I know my way around a straightening iron. I got tonight covered." Charlotte responded with a smirk and a wink and shooed me away to my room.

"Have fun tonight!" I didn't turn back to respond to Lara's cheeky remark. Her sing-songy voice said it all. The girls did enough responding for me as they squealed their way to oblivion. I just smiled and rolled my eyes, closing the door behind me. My outfit was laid out on my bed. Now, all I had to do was contain my nervous excitement until you-know-who arrived.

↞↠  

At precisely seven thirty, there was a familiar knock at the door. The girls had already been gone for about twenty minutes and I was losing my mind. I was so excited and the anticipation was eating me alive. Worst of all, I hoped Elijah would be happy, possibly even impressed, if that isn't reaching too far. He is, after all, the master of amazing dates.

The first thing I saw when I opened the door were those mystical chameleon eyes I just couldn't get out of my head (as if I wanted to). Next, was his bright smile that made my heart flutter. Slung around his shoulder was a Yale University Track and Field drawstring bag which, I could only imagine, contained a set of pajamas, as per my instructions.

"Good evening, mon biche." You know, at this point, you'd think this would be cliche, maybe you even thought so from the beginning, but that nickname - coming from him - never failed to make my chest tighten.

"Please do come in. I have a wonderful evening planned for us." I stepped aside with a playful smirk. He laughed at the exaggerated connotation of formality in my voice.

"Might your plans include telling me why I have my 'most comfortable PJ's' with me?" As he spoke, he observed my own attire, which consisted of my favorite set. Oversized men's plaid pajama bottoms with a matching army green top. My mom gifted the set to me last year. She didn't realize they were men's pajamas until I tried them on, but I fell in love with them right away. I actually got angry when I realized that they were much more comfortable than any girl's sleepwear I'd ever owned. To this day, I haven't found a set that can compete.

"All of your questions will be answered soon enough. First, you need to change." I took his hand and led him into my room. "You can get dressed in here while I get set up inside." I must've looked like a hyper child. I was practically bouncing around. I might've even left Elijah in a confused daze as I swooped out of my room and slid to the living room in my fuzzy socks to make sure everything was connected to the TV so I would only need to press play.

A few seconds later, I heard my door close and my heart palpitated yet again. I stood up from my kneeling position next to the TV to see Elijah in a track and field T-shirt from his high school and navy blue sweatpants that matched the lettering on his shirt. I smiled and slowly approached him, reaching out my hand to grab his so I could lead him to the nest I created with all of the blankets and pillows I could get my hands on (after asking everyone for permission, of course).

"Tonight will consist of a pajama party slash horror movie marathon curated by yours truly. Each one was hand-picked and given my special seal of approval. I have all of our favorites and one or two that I don't think either of us had ever seen before." What I saw before me absolutely surpassed my expectations. His smile grew huge. There was a glint in his eyes that made my heart melt. He looked like a little boy, so happy and pure. Without saying a word, he leaned in and gave me a long bear hug, which reminded me just how much I loved feeling his heartbeat through his chest. The affectionate embrace was followed by a sweet and tender kiss, which - only for a brief moment - made me want to cancel my plans and lie in his arms for the rest of the night. However, I was determined to follow through with all of my ideas. I worked so hard and the girls all pitched in to help make everything perfect. Plus, how could I let all of that candy go to waste?

Before we sat down and got comfortable, another knock at the door made me remember our dinner. I was still smiling as I slid down the hall, yet again, to open the door for the delivery man. That smile grew wider when I felt Elijah's large presence following right behind me.

Before I could greet the guy at the door, I heard Elijah's smooth voice from behind me. Actually, more like above me.

"Hey, man! What's up? I didn't know you worked for Costa's." The guy's face lit up once he saw Elijah.

"Oh, yeah, I just started there not too long ago. It sure is better than working on campus. I get tips now." We all laughed before Elijah introduced us.

"Sara, this is another one of my teammates, Spencer. He's a junior."

We shook hands and made small talk before completing our transaction. Elijah offered to pay and turned to get his wallet from his bag before I put my foot down and refused. Tonight was my night to treat him and, even though I couldn't afford some of the more extravagant things he could, I wanted to feel like I could get him everything he wanted.

I handed him the pie and asked him to bring it to the coffee table inside. He said bye to Spencer as he disappeared around the corner. Just as I was about to say goodbye and shut the door, he stopped me.

"Um, actually, can I ask you a question?" He lit up once again, so I assumed he was going to say something about Elijah. I smiled and nodded.

"Would Elizabeth happen to be home, by any chance?" I must've looked puzzled because Spencer looked like he was just about to ask if I was alright.

"Oh, no. Sorry. She's not here right now. Do you want me to take a message for her?" He looked slightly disappointed as he shook his head, thanked me anyway, and started to descend down the steps. I was just about to shut the door when he turned around abruptly and called out to me.

"Actually, yeah, if you wouldn't mind, could you tell her Spencer said hi?" I smiled and nodded.

"I'll tell her." He grinned and thanked me before continuing on his way.

As I shut the door and walked down the hall, I smirked to myself wondering what my best buddy, Liz, could be hiding.

↞↠

After completing both The Conjuring movies and the first Nightmare on Elm Street, we decided to take a break to make s'mores and talk. Elijah couldn't stop telling me how much fun he was having and thanking me for putting all of this together. I had a painful smile permanently plastered onto my face. I was so incredibly happy that he liked everything.

"You are so good at this. This is probably the best date ever." That comment made me realize how dry graham crackers really are because I started choking on graham cracker dust from the bite I just took. Elijah immediately shot up towards the fridge to get me a water bottle, which made me realize just how lightning fast he is, as he was right there gently rubbing my back in soothing circles before I knew it.

"You okay, there?" He was smiling, but it didn't hide his concern, which I found adorable.

"I'm fine, but I don't think you are." He chuckled as I took another sip of water.

"What do you mean?" His warm hand was still rubbing my back, making me feel more and more relaxed.

"What do I mean? Elijah, you're crazy. This is nothing compared to the dates you've planned for us. I've been going insane trying to make something even remotely as good as your surprises, which are always so sweet and well thought out. I wish I could take you to a fancy restaurant, like on our first date. I wish I could make you feel how you make me feel." My voice got progressively quieter towards the end of my spiel.

Elijah just sighed and led me back to our nest. It was then that I realized how his face fell. He looked upset, disappointed even, and that was something I hated seeing. It hurt my heart.

"Sara, I want you to listen to me, okay? This is very important." He was looking into my eyes, but his gaze didn't stop there. He was staring into my soul. That's the only way I could explain it. It was an intense and overwhelming feeling, but I felt completely safe with him. I nodded so he would continue, totally unsure of what to expect. "I never want you to feel like you're not good enough or you're not doing enough. That could not be further from the truth of how I feel. How you make me feel. I can't even begin to explain how much I love being around you. Even hearing your voice can completely change my demeanor, my outlook on life, but nothing compares to how I feel when I'm with you. When I see you smile and laugh and blush. When you get embarrassed and even frustrated. All of that just makes me want to be around you more. You put me to shame with what you do by just being you. That's what I care about. You. I would choose to do this every night for the rest of my life over going to insanely overpriced restaurants with insanely uncomfortable dress codes. There is nothing I love more than holding you in my arms while we're in our pajamas watching scary movies and pigging out on our favorite candy. Well, nothing more than you."

My heart stopped. My mouth gaped. My face, well I couldn't describe the emotions displayed on my face because the only thing I focused on was him. How true and real and pure his words really were. I would say his speech brought tears to my eyes, but I didn't even realize it did that until his thumb met my cheek to wipe them away.

Elijah just said something, and there was no questioning if he meant it or not. I knew he did. I saw it. I felt it. It was that feeling in my soul that I now knew was him, connected to me. I felt him within me in the most passionate way that exists.

"I love you." I was staring down, at his chest, speaking from my heart to his, before I looked up into his breathtaking eyes. "I love you too."

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What else is there to say? 

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Well...