(THEN)

It was a bright sunny day with a slight cool breeze. The Bradley household was buzzing and lively as they prepared for dinner. Colorful streamers and balloons were scattered throughout the first floor of the house and streamers went up the railing of the stairs. Of course they were all the same two colors, green and blue (Libby's favorite colors), and a sign was hanging from the ceiling that read, "Happy Birthday, Libby!" that her mother, Kendra, had painted herself. She was happy she could use her artist skills to decorate the house and was very pleased with the outcome. She was in the kitchen preparing the food with her mother's help.

The Bradley's lived in a small town in Arkansas, living on a ranch and raising cattle, chickens, and a few horses. Her parents were hard workers and had worked their way up from nothing to have the life they currently live. Libby's and Q's father, Daxten, was currently out in the field and would be back soon for dinner. There was a storm coming so he and his employees were making sure the cattle and the chickens were in shelter and had enough food and water to last until the storm was over.

"Kendra, honey, the cake is almost done. Where's Libby?" Loretta asks her daughter as she took the cake out of the oven. "I figured she would want to help decorate it."

"Most likely in her new hideout her dad made for her for an early birthday gift." Kendra chuckles, thinking about her now seven year old daughter. "She was so excited to have a new spot all to herself. She's been out there all day."

"I'll go get her then." Loretta replies with a smile. "See if she's up to decorating her own cake."

Loretta walks out of the kitchen and heads up the stairs to her granddaughters room. It took her a bit but she eventually found the secret door. It blended with the walls color and the wallpaper so if you didn't know it was there, you would've missed it. "Cupcake, dinner is almost ready. Want to come down and help decorate the cake?"

"No grandma. I'm good." Libby replied back, her voice muffled from the other side.

Loretta laughs at the girls response. "Okay, I'm coming inside." She says as she opens the secret door and climbs up the latter into her granddaughters hideout. It was small but not too small that you felt claustrophobic. "Nice place you have here, cupcake." She complimented, smiling while looking around.

Inside the hideout, it was decorated with fairy lights hung up, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and posters. Some of her drawings were hanging on the walls. There was a little corner where a couple bean bags were placed. A desk with a lamp and some books were in another corner. Art supplies sat on the desk. There was a rug in the middle of the room, surrounded by the bean bags. It was a simple cozy space, but it was Libby's own little hideaway from the world.

"Thanks, grandma." She beams. "Daddy made this just for me and helped me decorate it."

"That was nice of him." She replies. "Your mommy is getting dinner ready and your daddy will be back soon. So, yours welcome to help me decorate your cake if you want, cupcake." Loretta offers, smiling at her. "I'll even let you lick the spoon after we finish decorating."

Libby's eyes lit up and she nods. "Yeah! Let's go decorate!" She said excitedly, jumping out of the bean bag she was sitting on and running out of the room, heading downstairs. Loretta smiles and shakes her head, following her granddaughter downstairs.

When she arrived downstairs, Libby had already put the stool in front of the kitchen island where the cake was placed and grinned at her. "Can I add sprinkles, grandma?" She asked, giving her puppy dog eyes.

"Of course you can, cupcake. It's your cake." Loretta smiles. "Why don't you go grab the sprinkles from the pantry while I get the frosting ready."

"Okay." Libby went to grab the sprinkles and brought them to her grandmother. She stood on her stool and watched as her grandmother opened the can of frosting and grabbed a knife. She got the cake ready and began spreading the vanilla frosting onto the cake. When the cake was completely frosted, Libby's smile widened and she opened the can of sprinkles, pouring some onto the cake.

"Can I lick the spoon now, grandma?" She asked.

"Go ahead, cupcake." She handed the bowl and the spoon to Libby, who quickly began licking the frosting.

"Yummy!" She exclaims happily, eating the frosting. "It's really good, grandma."

"We can tell, sweetheart." Kendra chuckles, looking at her fondly and with slight amusement at seeing icing smeared across her daughter's face. "Try to eat the icing, not wear it."

Libby giggles. "Sorry, mama." Kendra just smiled and shook her head.

"How's my favorite birthday girl doing?" Daxten asks as he entered the kitchen, smiling at his wife and daughter. He chuckles when he sees icing all over his daughter's face. "Looks like you're having fun, ladybug."

"I am, daddy." She smiles, looking up at him. "Grandma let me help decorate the cake and I got to eat the icing, too." She beamed proudly, a few giggles leaving her.

"That's great, ladybug." He smiled and gave her a kiss on the head.

"Did you and the guys get the animals situated?" Kendra asked her husband.

"Yeah, the storm isn't going to hit us until late tonight so we should have time to prepare and board up everything." He responded, placing his cowboy hat on the kitchen counter, earning a look from his wife.

"You know the rules, no hats on the counter." She scolded.

Daxten rolls his eyes playfully and places his hat on the hook near the door that led to the garage. "Happy now, woman?"

"Not yet." Kendra replies, looking at him with amusement shining in her eyes as she smirks. "Maybe give me a kiss and I'll think about it."

He chuckles and walks over to her. He takes her hand, pulling her closer and surprising her by dipping her a little before he gives her a sweet and tender kiss. Libby was still standing on the stool, watching her parents with a huge grin and a sparkle in her eyes. Loretta stood behind her granddaughter, watching the couple with a smile. She was happy her daughter had found someone like her son-in-law.

"Gross." A voice called out. Tad pulled away from the kiss and chuckled, helping his wife stand up straight and then looked at his son who was standing by the door, his face scrunched up in disgust.

Quinten walks inside the house, closing the door. "Is it okay if I hang out with Tyler later? We were gonna go four wheeler drive after dinner." The ten year old boy admitted, looking at his parents hopefully.

Tyler Owens lived next door and was his best friend. His family was their neighbors and the boys had grown close. The Owens' had lived there for as long as the Bradley's. The families had gotten close over the years and the two boys were practically inseparable. Libby often tagged along with the boys, sometimes annoying them since they didn't want to have to babysit her all the time. But Libby just wanted to have fun and would often pester them to include her. She gained the nickname 'Little Libs' by Tyler. He was the one who had came up with it and had continued to use it over the years. It just stuck and now her whole family often called her that. She didn't like it at first, but grew used to it.

"Might have to cancel that. We're expecting a bad storm tonight." Daxten replies as he moved to help his youngest kid off the stool. Quinten pouts and moves to sit at the kitchen island. "C'mon, ladybug. Let's go clean your face."

Libby nodded and climbed off the stool and was picked up by her father, who took her upstairs to her bathroom. He helped her wash her face and hands. Daxten was surprised when he heard it raining, seemed like the storm was coming sooner than he thought. He and his daughter headed back downstairs. Rain was pelting against the windows, thunder rumbling in the distance, and the wind howling.

"Looks like the storm is here." Loretta calls out. "Hopefully the weather isn't too bad. Heard a rumor were supposed to get a tornado tonight."

"But grandma there aren't usually tornados here." Quinten argues, hesitating when he thought it over more and now second guessed himself. He pauses before furrowing his eyebrows. "Right?"

"There have been a few in the past." Daxten nods. "Just not recently."

"And that's why it's only a rumor." Loretta chuckles, smiling reassuringly at her grandson. "Don't worry, we thankfully have a storm shelter."

"I wanna see a tornado!" Libby spoke up excitedly. She never seen one in real life and she loved them. She always had this fascination with them. She loved watching videos and learning about them and storms in general. When she leaned what a weather man was, she declared she was going to become one and help predict storms when she was older and be a weatherman well weatherwoman.

"Too dangerous, sweet pea." Kendra tells her, shaking her head at her daughter. "We want to stay in the shelter so we can be safe when a tornado comes by. Not get close enough to see one."

Libby pouts and crosses her arms over her chest. "But I wanna see one. It's cool."

"No means no, ladybug." Daxten said, looking down at his daughter. "And it's not cool, it's dangerous and we could die." He firmly told her. He wanted her to understand how dangerous and deadly these storms are.

"But-" Libby began to argue, but stopped when her mother shot her a stern look that made her be quiet. She pouted again and looked down at her shoes. She had learned a while ago not to argue with her parents when they gave her a look like that. But she still felt upset. She understood what her dad was saying and she did want to stay safe, but she wanted to see a tornado. They fascinated her and she wanted to get a good look at one. She had never had a glimpse of one in person. She was a bit scared, but was also curious and she wanted to see how a real tornado was.

"Now that that's settled. Why don't we all eat?" Kendra offered.

Everyone agreed and made their plates. Conversation flowed easily as the rain picked up and the wind was blowing harder. The family ate their food, occasionally laughing and having fun. Libby was distracted, though, staring out at the window, watching the rain hit the window and the wind making the trees blow. She was excited and nervous about the storm, hoping she'd get to see a tornado.

The family ate their food, enjoying each other's company. After they finished, Libby and her parents helped clear the table and clean the kitchen while the rest of her family went to the living room to hang out and watch the news. But the TV eventually went out due to the storm.

Daxten was worried about the animals. They were protected from the storm, but they were still in danger if they were near a tornado. The storm was getting worse. Thunder booming, the wind howling and rain pelting hard against the windows. Libby was watching the storm, fascinated and amazed. The lights flickered a few times before they went out, the power going out. Libby wasn't phased and didn't notice. She just kept looking outside curiously. The power generator kicked in a few seconds later. Daxten checked the radio, listening to the warning that was currently on the radio. Then they heard a faint sound of the tornado siren go off.

"Okay, everyone. To the storm shelter." Daxten orders, looking at his family. He picks up Libby, holding her close. "Let's go, ladybug."

"No wait, Mr. Turtle!" She squirmed out of his arms, just then remembering she left her beloved stuffed animal outside on the porch swing when she was watching her brother and Tyler throw around a football. She didn't care about her own safety, she was worried about her stuffed animal. It meant the world to her. She ignored the calls of her parents as she ran to the door and onto the porch, taken aback when she was met with a harsh and cold wind and the heavy downpour of rain. But that didn't stop her. It surprised her but she continued on.

She ran to the porch swing where the stuffed turtle sat and grabbed him. She was soaked from the rain, her hair plastered to her face. She hugged the stuffed turtle close to her chest, shivering a little and was about to head back inside when she spotted it. There in the distance was a tornado. Her eyes widen in awe. She had never seen one in person before and seeing one in real life made her heart beat faster. The wind was howling and blowing hard and she was sure her parents and family was calling her name, but she was mesmerized.

She stood there and watched the tornado. It was huge, dark grey with white clouds inside of it. The sight was breathtaking. The wind and rain had stopped, it was silent. Libby stood there on the porch, her eyes trained on the tornado. She should've been afraid. Should've run and went to the shelter with her family, but she wasn't. She couldn't. It was a beautiful, majestic sight to see and she didn't want to miss it.

Her breath was caught in her throat, her grip tightening on the stuffed turtle. She stood there for a few more moments, her eyes still trained on the twister. It was amazing and she was glad she got to witness this. She let out a yelp when she's suddenly picked up and brought inside the house. Thomas had came back to grab her. She didn't care, she didn't pay them any attention. Her eyes were glued outside and on the twister.

"Dad, look!" She exclaims happily, her smile growing wide. "A tornado! I finally got to see one." She beamed and was still smiling, not noticing her dad was taking her to the storm shelter and didn't care. She was excited and happy, feeling proud of herself for getting to witness such an event. Daxten got to the storm shelter, Quinten closing the door behind them. Libby didn't really take note of the fact her family was in there. She was too entranced by the tornado.

"What were you thinking?!" Daxten scolds, looking down at his daughter as he set her down, but was keeping a hold on her. "You could've been hurt, ladybug. You're lucky the twister wasn't any closer."

"I'm sorry, daddy." Libby said, looking up at him with an apologetic look. "Mr. Turtle is safe now, too. See?" She showed her dad her stuffed turtle, looking more relieved now with a small smile on her lips.

Daxten sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He knew his daughter wasn't going to be afraid or scared of anything after this. He was grateful she was okay, but he was worried about her safety. He didn't want her running into the middle of a storm just to watch a twister. He didn't know what he would do if she had been seriously hurt or worse. He would do anything to keep her safe.

"I'm sorry for worrying you and mommy." Libby apologizes again, her bottom lip quivering and her eyes beginning to tear up as she looked at her father with remorse. "I just wanted to see the tornado because I've never seen one before. I didn't mean to make you worry."

Daxten's expression softens as he looked at his daughter, seeing the fear and concern in her eyes. He kneels down to her level and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "I know, sweetheart. I understand that you're curious and excited. But your safety is the most important thing to us. Tornadoes can be very dangerous, and we want to make sure you're always safe."

Libby nods, her eyes still glistening with tears. "I'm really sorry, daddy. I promise I'll be more careful."

"That's all we ask." Daxten replied, giving her a reassuring hug.  

"I love you, daddy." She mumbled, hugging him back and burying her face in his chest as she held her stuffed animal tightly. 

"I love you, too, ladybug." Daxten whispered back, holding her close. The storm raged on outside, but in the shelter, surrounded by the comforting presence of her family, Libby felt a sense of security. The tornado, though still visible through the small window of the storm shelter, seemed distant now, and the roaring winds felt like a faint memory compared to the warmth and love she felt from her family. She felt guilty for worrying them, but was still happy she was able to witness a tornado. It was something she'd never forget and was grateful to have seen it.

The aftermath of the tornado was a little destructive. Thankfully no one was hurt and the animals were all safe. Some houses were destroyed, a few torn apart. It was a relief the Bradley's house wasn't destroyed. Many limbs and leaves in the yard, a large tree branch had hit the roof of the house so that part would have to be fixed. The storm didn't last too long and wasn't a big one thankfully. The whole family went out to help the community and help their neighbors, fixing the damage caused by the storm.

Libby's birthday had ended a lot different than what she had imagined. But it was something she'd never forget.

****

The next tornado she saw, she was a teenager and it was a much more terrifying experience than the first time she saw one.

She was with her family and the Owens' when the storm hit. The fifteen year old was helping them take care of the animals as the weather got worse and worse. She was getting worried. She knew they had a shelter, but they were still in danger. They could get hurt or worse. And when she noticed a horse had gotten scared and was running off into the words, she feared the worst and didn't hesitate to go after it. It was young too, it wouldn't stand a chance.

She ran after the horse. The rain was hitting her hard and the wind was blowing. The rest of her family and the Owens family were too busy with handling everything else, but Tyler spotted Libby running to the woods out of the corner of his eye as he helping getting the rest of the horses in the barn with her and Quinten.

"Little Libs!" Tyler locks the stall door he was at, having just guided one of the horses inside. "Q, keep doing what you're doing. I'll go after Libby." Quinten hesitated since be was also worried about his little sister and wanted to go after her too, but Tyler ran out before he could argue.

Libby was still chasing after the mare. It was dark and the sky was grey. Lightning and thunder crackled above her, lighting up the sky and startling the young horse even more. She ran after the horse, calling out to it. "Come on, girl!" She tries. "I'm trying to help you. Just listen to me. It's not safe here." She pleaded, but the horse kept running which made her groan in frustration.

Tyler catches up with Libby and the horse, grabbing her arm. "Are you crazy?! What were you thinking, Little Libs?!" He asked her, his voice a little loud due to the wind and rain.

"I was thinking that this poor mare is out here and is scared. We can't leave her." She replies, glancing up at the sky, noticing the weather was getting worse and they had to get somewhere safe. "She's young, Tyler. She won't stand a chance out here." She yanks her arm away from him. "And I'm not gonna leave her. So you can either come with me and help or go back." She turned and ran after the mare.

Tyler was taken aback by her attitude, but quickly followed her, not wanting to lose her. Libby ran after the mare. Her clothes were drenched and her hair was sticking to her face. She was soaked and freezing, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was saving this horse. But the weather was getting worse. The rain was coming down hard, the wind blowing harshly, and the lighting flashing. It was harder to see, but the two teens continued to run. Though at one point they lost sight of the mare.

"We need to go back. The weather is only getting worse. It's not safe here." Tyler yells over the wind, grabbing her hand and turning her around. "We can try and find her later, but right now we need to go."

Libby was hesitant, but knew he was right. She felt bad for the poor mare and wanted to help her, but they needed to get somewhere safe. And with the weather, they'd never be able to find her. When a sudden tree branch hits the ground next to her, it nearly misses her if it wasn't for Tyler, who grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him.

"C'mon, Little Libs. We gotta go." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him. Libby doesn't protest. They ran through the woods, trying to get home. But with the bad weather, it was hard to tell where they were or where they were going.

The tornado warnings went off, a loud siren sounding in the distance. Libby's heart was pounding, her stomach in knots as her grip tightened on Tyler's hand. The sound of the tornado siren only made things worse.

Tyler spotted a cave in the distance and tugged her to follow him to it. That cave was deep enough where they could hide and be safe from the storm. And the tornado forming nearby. The two ran to the cave, Libby almost slipping on the muddy ground when they reached the cave. Tyler caught her just in time before she hit the ground, tightening his hold on her. The seventeen year old helped her inside the cave, making sure they were far back and away from the entrance. They were far enough where they weren't close to the entrance, but could still hear the wind howling and see outside a bit. They were both drenched and soaked and exhausted from running. Libby slumped down on the ground, wrapping her arms around herself as she shivered. Tyler sat down next to her, putting an arm around her and bringing her close to him. She leaned into his side, laying her head on his shoulder. She brought her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them.

Tyler was trying his best to keep her warm, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. It wasn't doing much, his hands were freezing too, but he was trying. He knew they were both in danger. They were still a good ways from their houses and they didn't have the shelter with them, but this was the best he could do. The cave was dark and damp, but it was a temporary shelter. They both had used their flashlights on their phones for now, sitting them down for the light to face up.

"You scared the h** outta me." Tyler's voice broke the silence, his voice soft. He was staring ahead, his arms wrapped loosely around the girl next to him.

"I didn't mean to worry you." Libby replies, looking up at him. "That horse is young and she's alone and I didn't want anything to happen to her." She mumbles, looking at the rock wall in front of her. She was scared. While she was fascinated with tornadoes still, no one would want to be in this situation. "Thank you for not leaving me behind." She added quietly.

Tyler turns his head and looks at her, lifting a hand to push a strand of her hair behind her ear. He could see how scared she was. She was only fifteen, she was still a kid. And despite her stubbornness and tough attitude, she was still a kid. He didn't like seeing her upset or scared. "You really thought I would just leave you here?"

She looks back at the wall, hugging her knees tighter to her chest. "I don't know. It's not the first time someone left me behind." She muttered, remembering times he and her brother and sister had left her behind before when they didn't want her tagging along.

He sighs and wraps his arms around her. "I'm sorry." He whispers, hugging her close. Tyler looks down at Libby, his expression a mix of concern and relief. He could feel how cold and scared she was, and he wanted to do everything he could to make her feel safe. "I'm sorry you've felt left behind before," He said softly, his voice gentle. "You're not alone now. We're in this together."

Libby glances up at him, her eyes reflecting both her fear and gratitude. "Thank you for coming after me. I was really scared, but I didn't want to leave that horse out there."

Tyler nods, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "I know. You've got a big heart, Libby. I understand why you were trying to save her. We'll find her after the storm."

She takes a shaky breath, trying not to think about what could have happened to the poor mare. "I hope so." She leans into Tyler, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you were with me."

Tyler pulls her closer, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Me too, Little Libs."

Libby felt herself begin to relax, Tyler's warmth and presence comforting her. Despite their surroundings, she felt safe with him. They're in this together, and she knows that they'll be okay. As long as they have each other. The storm continued and eventually the tornado had went past them. They knew that the tornado had went past since debris, tree branches and limbs were being thrown around. They were in a deep part of the cave, so they knew that they were safe. But Libby couldn't help but flinch and bury her head in Tyler's chest when the wind was getting loud or debris was being thrown. He kept his arm wrapped tightly around her, holding her close and doing his best to comfort her. He shielded her with his body as well, her body pressed against the rock wall and his body in front of her. He wanted her protected if something happened. He didn't want anything to happen to her and he was trying his best to protect her.

Libby had made sure to hold onto to the wall of the cave, there were little indents where she could hold on. Tyler held onto some as well, kneeling in front of her to cover her. She was thankful for his presence and support, even though they were both freezing and soaked and were stuck in the middle of the woods, hiding in a cave while a tornado raged on outside. She knew that as long as they had each other, they would be okay. Tyler kept reassuring her and telling her that they'd be okay. She was thankful for his company and she knew that he wouldn't let anything happen to her. She felt safe with him and she trusted him. Even though they'd bicker and fight sometimes, she knew that she could trust him. And she was grateful for that.

Tyler thought he should try to distract her from the raging storm outside. He couldn't help but glance down at her lips. He was thinking about kissing her. It was the perfect moment, right? She was scared and needed comfort. He could give her comfort. His thoughts were interrupted when a small tree branch and piece of wood came flying into the cave. Thankfully, it didn't land anywhere near them. Libby buried her head into Tyler's chest and wrapped her arms around his neck.

He wrapped his arms around her, one hand on her head, and he buried his face in her hair. His heart was beating fast, partly because of the raging storm, but also because he had her so close. He didn't want to admit it, but he had feelings for her. Strong feelings. And being this close to her and her practically clinging to him, it made him realize those feelings even more. He was brought out of his thoughts when Libby spoke up, her voice soft and a little shaky.

"This storm is really bad, isn't it?"

"Yeah." He agrees, his voice quiet. "It is."

Libby pulls away slightly, just enough so she can look at him. Her eyes are wide, reflecting the fear she feels. But there's something else there too, something deeper, something he can't quite name. "We'll be okay though." He assures her, giving her a small smile. "I'm not gonna let anything bad happen to you."

She nods, taking a deep breath. She knows he's right. As long as they're together, they'll be okay. "I trust you."

Tyler's smile widens at that, and he moves his hand to cup her cheek. "I trust you, too, Little Libs." He whispered, and he leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers. He couldn't help it. He had to. He was tired of pretending, of keeping his feelings a secret. He had to show her how he felt. He kissed her gently, but firmly, putting all his emotions into the kiss.

Libby's eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she returned the kiss, her eyes fluttering closed as she lost herself in the moment. Tyler's lips are soft and gentle, and she can't help but melt into the kiss. She has no clue what to do, it was her first kiss. But Tyler guided her, his hand moving to the back of her neck and pulling her closer. His lips move against hers, and she responded, following his lead. The kiss is tender and passionate, and it leaves them both breathless when they finally pull apart.

"Wow." Libby breathed out, her eyes still closed. Her heart was racing and her lips tingled from the kiss. It was her first kiss, and she didn't regret it. She didn't regret kissing him.

"Yeah." Tyler whispers, his thumb stroking her cheek. "That was..." He trailed off, unable to find the words to describe what he's feeling. He can't believe he finally kissed her, and he can't believe how amazing it was.

"Amazing." Libby finished for him, her eyes opening and meeting his. She sent him a small smile, and he can't help but smile back.

"Yeah, it was." He murmured, and he leaned in to kiss her again, this time a little more urgent and desperate. He had been waiting to kiss her for a while and he couldn't get enough. He hadn't done anything about his feelings for her because she was his best friend's little sister and his friend. He had never acted on his feelings because of that. But he couldn't stop himself now, not when she was kissing him back with just as much enthusiasm and passion.

She didn't care that her lips were cold, and they were both still freezing. The only thing that mattered was the two of them, and this moment. The storm raging outside was forgotten, the only thing she could focus on was the boy in front of her, the one who made her feel safe and who cared about her. The one who made her heart beat faster and her cheeks turn pink. The one who she had been secretly crushing on. And now, he was the one who was kissing her and making her feel like she was on top of the world.

As their lips moved against each other, the only sounds were their breathing and the tornado outside. It was like nothing else existed except for the two of them. They were in their own little world, and the only thing that mattered was the fact that they were together, and that they would always have each other. They were both scared and cold, but as long as they were together, they knew they would be okay. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.

Libby's heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt dizzy with happiness. She had been waiting for this moment for a while, and now that it was finally here, she didn't want it to end. She couldn't believe she was kissing her older brother's best friend and her friend, but it was everything she had imagined and more. He was an amazing kisser, and she couldn't help but get lost in the moment, in the feeling of his lips against hers. She had never been happier, and she knew that this was the beginning of something special, something that would change her life forever.

She was clearly less experienced, but Tyler didn't mind. Tyler was guiding her gently, his kiss tender and filled with a depth of emotion that spoke volumes about how he felt. Despite the chaos of the storm outside, the intimacy they shared in the cave provided a haven of warmth and connection that transcended their immediate fears. As their kiss deepened, Tyler's hands found their way to Libby's face, cradling her gently as if he were afraid to break the spell of their moment together. He loved how she responded, her hesitance gradually melting into a passionate and genuine return of his feelings. Each touch, each movement was filled with care and a newfound tenderness that was both exhilarating and comforting.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Tyler rests his forehead against Libby's. "You're beautiful." He murmurs, his gaze locked on hers. "And I'm sorry it took a freaking tornado to finally kiss you."

Libby smiled shyly, her cheeks turning pink as her heart fluttered at his words and the look of tenderness and adoration in his eyes. She was speechless, but she didn't need to say anything. The look in her eyes was enough to convey how she felt. She was happy and she was in love, and she knew that Tyler felt the same way. This was the beginning of something new and exciting, and she hoped they could get together and last forever. They stayed in the cave, huddled up and sharing more sweet kisses and whispers. The storm had died down and it was safer to go out now. The tornado had passed them.

When the storm finally ended, they were both ready to go out and continue their search to find the mare. They were surprised with the damage that had occurred and the destruction. They pushed on to find the mare, their hands easily finding each other's as they walked through the woods. They were both worried for the young mare. It was a miracle, but they did manage to find her. She was shaken and scared, hiding in a nearby cave. But when the two approached her, she knew that she was safe. She recognized them from before and didn't run. She was hesitant, but she let them approach her and they managed to get ahold of her and guide her back home.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Libby asked, petting the mare as they walk back to the barn. The weather was getting better, the sky was clearing and the rain was stopping. She was relieved and thankful that they were able to find the young horse alive and unharmed and that the bad weather was finally gone.

"Yeah, I think so. 'Cause of you." Tyler replied, smiling at her and nudging her shoulder.

She blushes and smiles back at him, a sparkle in her eyes. "You helped too."

He laughs softly and shakes his head. "You did most of the work. I'm proud of you, Little Libs. You saved her."

She ducks her head, her cheeks flushing pink at the compliment. "Thanks."

They reach the stables, relieved to see that the damage was minimal. They lead the horse into the stables, giving her a good amount of food and water. The other horses were fine as well, but were shaken. But they were safe and sound and that was all that mattered. After a few minutes of petting the horses and making sure they were okay, the two teenagers left the stables and headed home.

Libby looked up at Tyler, a shy smile on her face. They were holding hands again, and the feeling of his hand in hers was both thrilling and comforting. She felt giddy and happy, and she couldn't believe how much had changed in such a short period of time. She had saved a horse, gotten caught in a tornado, and finally kissed the guy she'd been crushing on for a while. It had been an eventful day, but it had been worth it. And she was glad that Tyler was by her side through it all. 

A/N  first chapter done!! already love libby & tyler so much