https://youtu.be/6cucosmPj-A

Her classes were done for the day as Charlie stepped out of the university building. 

While adjusting the strap of her backpack on her shoulder, the sky was painted in soft hues of white and blue as the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the campus. Partly cloudy. She was heading toward the student parking lot when something caught her eye.

A truck.

Not just any truck, though—the dark truck.

The one she recognized.

Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze landed on John, leaning casually against the side of it. He was in his dark jacket that hugged his broad shoulders, paired with a fleece beanie that made him look as rugged as always. His hands were shoved into his pockets, and his eyes scanned the campus until they landed on her.

Charlie couldn't help the smile that broke across her face. She quickened her pace and approached. John pushed off the truck and stood tall, his lips curling into a small smile.

"Afternoon, love," he said, his voice smooth and warm.

"John?" she asked, her tone laced with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Instead of answering, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. The embrace was firm but gentle, which made her heart flutter. Her nose picked up his scent—faintly of cedarwood and distinctly him—washed over her.

"I wanted to see you," he said simply, his lips brushing her forehead before pressing a soft kiss.

Her cheeks flushed as she glanced around, realizing they were very much in public. A few students passed, sneaking curious glances at the older man holding her.

"John," she said, slightly embarrassed, "people are staring."

He pulled back just enough to look at her, a mischievous smirk in his eyes. "Let 'em."

She giggled, and her white teeth showed as if he made her smile more. He leaned down to kiss her totally on the lips. Her face burned as she kissed him back, her hands lightly resting against his chest as she tip-toed until he pulled away. He grinned at her flushed expression.

"There's that pretty smile from my girl."

"Alright, alright. But seriously, what are you doing here? I was about to head to work."

His grin widened. "Not today, you're not."

Her smiled faltered. "What?"

"Had a word with your boss," he said casually, his tone almost smug. "Told her you needed some time off."

Her eyes widened. "Seriously?"

He chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. "Relax, love. Just used a bit of persuasion. Nothing you need to worry about."

Charlie stared at him in disbelief before letting out a laugh. "John, you can't just—"

"Already done," he interrupted, his voice firm but teasing. "Now, get in the truck. I've got plans for us."

She opened her mouth to protest but stopped, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're something else, you know that?"

"So I've been told," he replied, opening the passenger door for her. "Ditching is healthy."

Charlie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as he offered her his hand to help her climb in. Once she climbed into the truck and was settled, he closed the door with a low thunk and walked to the driver's side. The truck rumbled to life as he started it, the low hum vibrating beneath them.

"Where are we going?" she asked, turning to face him.

He smirked. "It's a surprise."

He reached behind his seat and pulled out a small bundle wrapped neatly in a folded flannel cloth. He didn't hand it to her right away. Instead, he set it gently between them on the console, one hand resting protectively over it.

"I've got somethin' for you," he said after a moment, his voice quieter now. Rougher. Like whatever he was about to say mattered more than he wanted to admit.

Charlie blinked. "For me?"

"Made it myself."

She stared at the bundle and him. "You made something?"

He gave a soft huff, like he couldn't believe she was surprised. "I'm not just good at shootin' and stormin' bloody compounds, sweetheart."

She smiled faintly at that, biting her bottom lip as her hands hovered, unsure.

"Can I...?"

John finally looked at her and nodded once. "Go on."

With gentle fingers, Charlie peeled back the fabric. What met her eyes made her breath catch all over again.

A jewelry box—solid walnut, smooth and rich in tone. It wasn't ornate, but the craftsmanship spoke for itself. Rounded edges, sanded down to perfection. She ran her fingers across the top before her touch stilled.

There, carved into the lid, was a wolf and a lamb—entwined so delicately in the design they almost disappeared into the grain. It was a gentle image. Protective. Like they were meant to be there together, against all odds.

"John..."

His voice was low. "You're the lamb. Pure and stubborn. Always lookin' for the good in the world."

She looked up at him, heart in her throat. "And you're the wolf?"

He gave a slow nod. "I don't pretend to be soft, Charlie. But I'll protect you with everything I've got. Even if it costs me."

Her fingers brushed the carved animals again. 

"It's beautiful," she said softly.

He shifted slightly, reaching over to open the box for her. Inside, it was lined with soft black velvet, deep enough to cradle her jewelries. But there was something else. A small, hidden latch beneath the lining.

"What's this?"

John gave a faint smile. "Push it."

She did, and the bottom clicked open with a snick, revealing a second, shallower compartment beneath the first. And carved into the wood, barely visible in the low light, was a single line in his tight, blocky hand:

For the girl who made me believe in tomorrow. — Yours, JP.

Charlie stared at it. The words searing themselves into her chest with a quiet kind of ache she didn't know how to explain.

"You made this?" she whispered.

He didn't speak. Just nodded, jaw tight, like saying it aloud might undo him.

"John..." she reached for his hand, threading her fingers through his. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't need any," he said, voice gruff. "Keep it."

She held the box to her chest, as if it could protect her heart the same way he did.

He leaned over and kissed her temple before pulling out of the parking lot. Charlie held the box in her lap like it was the most precious thing in the world. How he handled the moment confidently made her heart beat all over again. 

Cruising down the winding roads, the golden autumn light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the truck's dashboard. The faint hum of the engine mixed with the low classic rock station he turned on the radio was playing, Every Breath You Take by The Police.

Her attention was drawn to John before his strong hands. 

The way his veiny, large hand grip the steering wheel. They're rough, the type of hand that told a thousand untold stories. She couldn't help but wonder about each callous—what wars had he fought? What moments had shaped him into the man he was today?

Suddenly, his hand left the steering wheel and reached out toward her.

Without hesitation, he grabbed her smaller hand, his warmth enveloping her. Her heart skipped a beat as his fingers interlocked with hers.

"Cold?" he asked casually, though the faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed his joy.

Before she could answer, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Giving her a rush of fuzzy warmth straight through her stomach. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her face toward the front view to hide her reaction.

"Blushing already?" he teased, his deep voice laced with playful charm.

"I am not," she protested weakly.

John chuckled, a low, rich sound that made her stomach flap. He didn't let go of her hand, though. Instead, he rested their joined hands on his thigh, his thumb absentmindedly brushing over her skin.

Charlie dared to glance at him, only to find his gaze fixed on the road, a small smile on his lips.

She bit her lower lip to suppress the grin threatening to break free. Her free hand traced the calluses on his palm, her fingers running over the roughness.

"You're checking me out," he said, amused.

"Maybe," she replied softly, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Before she could say more, he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles but he didn't stop there. 

When his lips trailed down to her finger, his teeth grazed her skin in a teasing bite. A sharp small pain of sensation shot up her hand. 

Charlie gasped and laughed breathlessly. "John!"

"Couldn't help myself," he said playfully, pleased to see her reaction.

Her cheeks burned, but she couldn't stop laughing. "You're such a teaser."

"And you're adorable when you're shy," he shot back, his grin widening.

She shook her head, her heart racing from the playfulness.

A time off from work and expecting a surprise from her brooding lover—it was a side of him she rarely saw, making her fall just a little more.