Protective arch coming to get you after a night out with friends
he knows he shouldn't, but he does anyway. the random sensation of a cold thrill running through him, seeing you talk with a guy, a guy you've specifically stated was nothing more than a coworker.
he sees you let out a laugh, not a shy or normal one, the kind that only the arch gets to hear. your head thrown back, your hand coming to cover your beautiful smile, eyes twinkling with happiness.
your friends are surrounded, but for some reason, he can't take his eyes off him. he knows that look too well; it's bothering every cell in his body to not go up and cause a scene. your eyes find arch's truck, smiling big upon seeing your boyfriend.
relief. a wave of relief runs through him, not resisting the urge to get out the car and meeting your hug. you still look effortlessly beautiful. your hair down, makeup still intact and glowy despite the harsh humidity, one of your arms carrying his leather jacket, your black dress clung tight.
"hi baby, how was your night?" he murmured, catching his eyes and everyone else's. your face flushes, a clear sign of the drinks starting to hit. "we had so much fun, but i missed you," you said kissing his cheek.
"let's say bye, and we can get going?" you say, accepting arch's grip around your waist, guiding the two of you to the group. he says hi to everyone, some side hug, bro claps, and a rough, tight handshake to the guy who irritated him just by standing next to you.
"everyone has a ride?" arch asks, wanting to be kind in case someone needed a ride home. he knew how expensive uber was at this time, and everyone seemed to live close, so it was no issue from his end.
"arch, you're always so kind! we're all good, we rode here together with tyler," your friend says, swaying around, clear evidence of her tipsy state.
"y/n and lucas rode here from work together," she said again, arch glancing down at you, swallowing a bubble of jealousy. "that so?" arch asked, drawing small circles over your dress, his gaze landing on lucas who stood there cockily, arms crossed over his chest.
"mhm, he offered, and i kept declining, but then it started raining, so i had no other option," you giggled, explaining. "thank you again by the way, you did me a favor or else i would've shown up soaked," you said.
you were always so kind and endearing, something arch loved so much about you. "we couldn't have that, couldn't we? the pleasure is all mine, at any time," lucas winks, seeing you let out a small smile. "i was surprised since he always drops you off," he hinted, arch's jaw clenching.
"he was busy with football at the time, so he couldn't. but he always does, which is why i love him so much," you appreciated kissing his blushed cheek again.
arch knew you hated driving, or anything that had to do with being behind the wheel. and he didn't care where the location was, he wouldn't hesitate to drop or pick you up.
"it's been fun guys, but we're going to head home! i'm exhausted and can't wait to sleep," you said tiredly, arch noticng your tired state. "thank you guys for taking care of her, it means a lot," arch valued.
he helped you into the car, helping you buckle into your seat, brushing a few pieces that covered your face, knowing how much they annoyed you. he opened a cold water, and handed you some crackers he brought.
arch waved everyone goodbye, throwing a glare at lucas, who noticed it, but didn't react. he drives slowly out the crowded street, a hand on your thigh, listening to you yap off about how the night was.
"i'm so glad you had fun, baby. it sounded like you really needed it," arch said, kissing your knuckles delicately at a red light. "i did! it's been a while since we went out for drinks," you said with a tired sigh.
"you looked so beautiful. i couldn't stop thinking of the picture you sent me," arch complimented, watching as you looked away, clearly shy at his words. "stop it, i know what you're doing," you warned, looking forward where he began to drive again.
"thank you again, for picking me up. for every time, actually," you said with a soft look on your face. "anything for you. just don't accept any rides from lucas anymore, hmm?"
"because he clearly thinks there's something else, and i don't like that."
"i know he is. but he doesn't respect or understand that. trust me i know," arch says, grunting uncomfortably, the look on your face replaced with confusion.
"i used to watch you the same way. i know what he pictures and thinks in his head," he says, letting out an embarrassed chuckle. he never got this way unless someone was clearly breaking a boundary.
"okay edward cullen," you joked, your small hand fitting perfectly against his. "i'm not trying to be controlling, that's the last thing i want you to think or that i don't trust you. he just clearly... isn't getting the hint."
"i know arch, and i don't think that. thank you for telling me," you reassured, not wanting him to feel guilty or invalidate his feelings. at a red light he leans over and places an urgent kiss on your lips, tasting the strawberry flavor tainted.
"very much... i could go for some in and out? only if you're down?"
"oh baby, i'm always down."
