*Pureheart / Powerful

&   *   ——   archie.

Lucky for you, I never listen to a no when regarding food thanks to my perpetually-hungry best friend who eats everything in sight always. So fries are always free for sharing. He grinned in amusement. “Funny you say that because three pieces seems a bit much and I don’t own one of those.” He chuckled. “I’ll give you the attire when I finish my date planning though, I’m sure you’ll look gorgeous in whatever it is.” 

“Dont worry, Eminem, I’ve considered myself pretty damn lucky the last few days.” Oh wow he was really flirting today huh? Hopping out and moving to her side, Archie opened the door and held his hand out to help her out. “Madame.” The redhead guided them both inside and over to a booth in the back where they were less likelt to be interrupted by his friends or neighbors.

“Alright… it’s the moment of truth.. best shake flavor?”

‘   good to know — because i’m more trash panda than i care to admit.   ’ magnolia had a steady diet of french fries & pizza, with bouts of healthy foods between all that. they call that balance, don’t they ? ‘   okay, good—   ’ a pause, cheeks turning red, ‘   thank you, archie. a heads up is appreciated.   ’

he was really on top of his game today, wasn’t he ? magnolia giggled, eyes faltering to her lap before she got out of the car, pressing a kiss to archie’s cheek, ‘   thank you.   ’ she was apparently tongue tied today & had no comebacks today. taking his hand, she walked into the joint with him — in awe over the place. it was cute. & very back in time. 

sliding into the booth, the witch leaned on her elbows, ‘   definitely chocolate. with whipped cream & a cherry.   ’

“Can’t say I imagine you as much of a trash panda but it sounds pretty freaking adorable.” He smirked and nodded at her appreciation. It was quite the relief knowing they could chow down on whatever he usually ate though and she wouldn’t care less what it was. How the hell did he find her. 

A blush rose to his cheek at the kiss, grinning at the ground like an idiot before leading her into the diner and to the booth. “Oof she does have good taste.” He teased. When the waitress stroled over, Archie offered the woman a smile and ordered a shake, holding up 2 fingers when mentioning straws. Adding in a large order of fries, he glanced at Magnolia to see if she wanted anything else before the waitress left. 

‘   gotta say archie, i think that would look nice on you.   ’ maybe they should make THAT another date — so long as archie doesn’t think she’s too ridiculous & stops talking to her after their first date. however her thoughts were pushed to the side as another giggle left her, brow quirking skyward, ‘   oh yeah ? i think i like that rule. we should also amend it to fit sharing fries when i say i don’t want any.   ’ 

a grin spread to her face, ‘   oh yeah ? i can’t wait then. now, this big date, what do you want me to wear ? so i don’t show up in jeans while you’re in a three piece suit.   ’ she also didn’t want to over dress, in case archie was dressing down.

& ta da ! she was happy to deliver a spotless performance, eyes focusing on archie, ‘   told you i was a rap god.   ’ a joke, grinning from ear to ear before her cheeks turned pink, ‘   i don’t normally do that. unless i’m showering or by myself. consider yourself luck—   ’ oh. pleasant surprise. a hum left her lips as their lips met, soon to smile against his mouth.

Lucky for you, I never listen to a no when regarding food thanks to my perpetually-hungry best friend who eats everything in sight always. So fries are always free for sharing. He grinned in amusement. “Funny you say that because three pieces seems a bit much and I don’t own one of those.” He chuckled. “I’ll give you the attire when I finish my date planning though, I’m sure you’ll look gorgeous in whatever it is.” 

“Dont worry, Eminem, I’ve considered myself pretty damn lucky the last few days.” Oh wow he was really flirting today huh? Hopping out and moving to her side, Archie opened the door and held his hand out to help her out. “Madame.” The redhead guided them both inside and over to a booth in the back where they were less likelt to be interrupted by his friends or neighbors.

‘   if i had known it was a cute little fifties thing, i would have dressed the part.   ’ probably more grunge fifties if she was honest, but she’d still have tried. though her words came with a giggle, her teeth gently pushing into the plush of her bottom lip, ‘   oh yum ! i love a good milkshake —   ’ she paused,a d ark brow quirking, ‘   so we sharing it like those movie couples —   ’ another pause as she let out a laugh, ‘   i mean. y’know. just because it’s one of those old school diners & all.   ’ saved by the excuse. she needed to watch herself.

another brow quirked as a shit eating grin formed, ‘   i’m not fucking with you, archie. i can do a mean cardi & an excellent nikki. depends on the song.   ’ though these were things she did in the shower on her own, not with an audience. it was the same for singing. she loved to sing, but hated anyone listening. one thing she was shy about. 

snagging the phone, magnolia picked a song, no longer responding to archie, as the song poured through the speakers. & she did not miss a beat.

Archie chuckled at the idea of the woman dressed the part, nodding as if contemplating it. “You know, I think if you do that, I’ll have to do the same. Quaffed hair and all.” He mused playfully with the woman, a brow raised in her direction. “You know, I think it’s mandatory here. There’s no sign or anything but it’s a rule. Pretty girls sitting with a guy have to share a shake.” He pursed his lips with another nod in amusement. He would happily take whatever excuse he could to spend time with her. 

“FYI, this does not count as my date. We’ll call this a warm-up. To prepare you for the real deal.” Of course he’d snag the time he could but he was really going to plan something he knew she was going to love.

A laugh fell from his lips when she took the phone in all seriousness and just like that, the woman hit each word, causing the redheads jaw to drop before he had pulled into a parking spot. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” He uttered in awe, a huge grin pulling at his lips. “I’m not gonna lie.... That was stupid hot.” Archie cleared his throat at the admission and undid his seat belt to press a kiss to her lips.

‘   glad i could be of service.   ’ words stated through a giggle, the bridge of her nose a soft shade of pink. is this what happiness looked like ? it felt like magic between them. natural. like she’s known archie for much longer than they actually did. it was a nice change of pace. falling into rhythm with him without needing to work for it. ‘   pops ? never been, actually   ’ the witch admitted, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, ‘   but you said the magic word — milkshakes.   ’ & good music ? sounded like a 50s dream. 

‘   thank you, kind sir,   ’ she giggled as she sat in the car, shaking her head at the other, ‘   i think it’s best i don’t pick music. you’re not ready for my rapping skill.   ’ because lord knew she’d spout off.

Archie chuckled softly and nodded. “Honestly its a bit dated, like an old school diner. I think you’re gonna love it.” He uttered softly and nodded. “Oh yeah, best milkshakes around, I’d put money on it.” God he loved how comfortable this was. 

Shock took his features instantly, glancing at her in wild amusement. “You’re messing with me.” He cocked his head as he turned the key and took off. “Well now you gotta know I’m gonna make you rap, right? What do we want? Some nikki? Cardi B? Iggy?” He rattled off a few, holding out his phone for her. 

“It’s a short drive, gorgeous, make it count.” He grinned.

was she busy ? no. did she have free time ? always when it came to archie. when she switched from wanting to not involve him in her life to being a giddy schoolgirl was unbeknownst to magnolia, but she welcomed the change in her own attitude. aiden was nowhere to be found in days — she didn’t even sense him. maybe he learned his lesson & decided to go his own way. possibly a false sense of security, but she’d work with it. for now. ‘   hm ? i’ve not absolutely nothing in my schedule, so my time is all yours.   ’ her response held tone of flirtation, warm grin forming to her face as their fingers laced. ‘   lead the way, babe.   ’ ah. cue the fire red to her cheeks. well. that definitely didn’t go unheard.

He hadn’t smiled like this in so long, it was crazy what effect one girl could have on him. “Just what I wanted to hear.” He chuckled though the pet name pulled a brow to the sky. Wow. Yup. He could get used to that. “Well good, Pops it is.” Archie nodded towards his truck and lead the way holding her hand. “I’m sure you’ve been and it’s nothing super fancy but they have the best shakes. Good music too.” He grinned moving to her side and opening the door for her. “madame.” He mused, allowing her to get in before closing it and hopping into the driver’s side. “Music is all you, he spoke, driving off towards Pops.

school was a drag, as usual. despite chemistry, english, & mathematics, the witch couldn’t pay much mind even if she tried. she was thinking about archie, whether she cared to admit it or not, since the day he’d walked her home. it’s only been a few days, but the witch felt a draw to him like a moth to a flame. if she hadn’t known better, she’d say she was falling for his charm & good looks.

at the end of the day, she prayed she’d see archie — maybe she could walk him home this time around. otherwise, he’d be meeting the caine clan, which she definitely didn’t want. ‘   & if i am ?   ’ came her coy response through a smirk, cerulean gaze focusing closely on the other, ‘   must mean i’m even luckier.   ’ the butterflies were ridiculous.

Archie grinned seeing her reaction and even more at the response he earned. He shouldn’t have a crush like this. It was way too damn strong and he didn’t even feel this way about Ronnie so soon after meeting her. How the hell did she have him wrapped around her finger like this?

Stepping out of the locker rooms, Archie held the keys to his car, his duffle hanging off one shoulder. He would have been lying if he said he hadn’t thought about the raven haired woman since their last run in, even in class today he couldn’t help but steal glances at the woman across the room. It wasn’t until then he regretted choosing a seat that wasn’t next to her. 

it was the innocent, brush of a kiss that caused an even bigger commotion in the pit of her stomach — butterflies released like in the early days of spring. with that she stole one last, soft peck herself, cheeks tinging the slightest shade of red. ‘   i guess that’s probably a good idea,   ’ the witch mused through a chuckle, pressing one more kiss, despite knowing better, ‘   you have a date to plan. i’ll text you so you have my number. then just tell me time & place. & i’ll be there. pinky promise.   ’ giving him a warm grin, magnolia rose to her feet from her bed, offering him a hand, ‘   i’ll walk you out.   ’ out of all stupid ideas shes ever had, this was the dumbest. he’d get hurt. all because of her.

‘   mmhm,   ’ the hum of a response came between rapid breaths, ‘   yeah.   ’ magnolia realized what she’d said on their way here. he’d have to ask multiple times before she said yes. but she couldn’t keep running from her life because of aiden. she needed to live it & deal with the punches as they came. she needed to live. they didn’t help her gain a second chance if they didn’t want her to live her life. & so she would. eyes fell shut to the warmth of archie’s hand on her jawline, a soft content hum leaving her lips before her eyes lazily slid open to meet his gaze, ‘   i’d love to, archie.   ’

electric charges moved through magnolia’s veins to each movement of archie’s mouth against her own, their tongues licking & flicking in exploration as this was oxygen & all they both needed. his touch caused swarms of butterflies to pool in the pit of her stomach & the witch needed more of it. she also knew she needed to regain control of the situation or archie would be hurt. she couldn’t allow that. grateful for her lungs screaming for air, the ravenette pulled away slowly, quick shallow breaths taken as she pressed her forehead against archie’s, ‘   i think —… i think you should… ask me out. on a date.   ’ not the control she was hoping for, but it would buy her time to think of how to protect him.