Sab

Lorenzo Berkshire had a plan. After years of pathetically pining after his best friend, Lorenzo, at the insistence of the nosy twats he called friends, decided to finally do something about it once and for all. 

Step one: Purchase tickets to the Wicked Sisters concert.

Step two: Ask you to accompany him to said concert.

Step three: Confess his undying love to you and Salazar willing, if all goes well, immediately begin planning your summer wedding to be held at Berkshire Cottage after which the two of you will live happily ever after with your two dogs and horde of brown eyed cherub cheeked children you miraculously return his affections.

Admittedly, Enzo had his work cut out for him when it came to managing his expectations. Avoiding daydreaming about your life together before you even agreed to a date would probably be the best place to start. All jokes aside, he would consider it a miracle if he somehow pulled this off without stuttering and stumbling over his words like the bloody lovesick idiot that he was. 

Needless to say, his plan was a work in progress, but it was a plan nonetheless. 

After purchasing the concert tickets, Lorenzo was more than ready to pop the question and by more than ready, he meant that he was a complete nervous wreck and could hardly keep his breakfast down as he sought you out in your usual spot in the courtyard. 

It was unusually sunny that day for the Scottish Highlands, which Enzo took as a good omen. Perhaps Aphrodite had finally taken pity on him after years of yearning. Whatever it was, he sent a silent prayer to the goddess of love to grant him luck and good fortune in his endeavors. That, and to muster up the strength to avoid swallowing his own tongue as he approached you. 

Because there you were, sitting in the sunlight underneath a willow tree, a book in your lap, the warm breeze billowing through your pretty little sundress. The frilly white one dotted with bright yellow daisies—Enzo’s favorite. Prompted by his footsteps, you looked up and smiled at him like he was your favorite person in the entire world. His knees nearly buckled at the sight. 

Merlin, he truly was as pathetic as Mattheo and Theo said. 

But he simply couldn’t help it. Enzo was hopelessly smitten.

“Hi, Enz,” you greeted, throwing your arms around him in a bear hug as you were wont to do. 

“Hi, honey,” Enzo greeted, chuckling softly against your hair. “I missed you at breakfast today.” 

You patted the spot next to you on the picnic blanket, which Enzo obediently settled into. If you asked him to bark, Enzo had no doubt that he would do that on command too. 

“It’s so nice out today,” you remarked, tilting your head back and soaking up the rare sunlight. “I thought I’d take my breakfast out here. Besides, I knew you’d find me. You always do.” 

“Hmm, it’s not exactly hard to do,” Enzo teased. “I just look for the girl with her nose stuck in yet another romance novel.” 

You playfully rolled your eyes. “As if you’re not always reading them over my shoulder, you nosy little busybody.” 

“Fair point,” Enzo said with a soft chuckle. “You win this one.” 

“Shall I read my book aloud to you?” You teased, poking him with the newest installment of your favorite series. “I know you were curious about the wings last time.”

“As much as I would love that,” Enzo cleared his throat, “I actually wanted  to ask you something.” 

“What is it, Enz?” 

Marry me and be the mother of my children? Too forward. Definitely way too forward. Date first, then Enzo can start considering the marriage proposal and possible progeny. Salazar, he truly was a mess. 

“I was—um, wondering if you’d like to—” His heart was pounding so loudly that he could hardly hear himself speak. “Would you like to accompany me to the Wicked Sisters concert this weekend?” 

The question came out in one beleaguered breath, strung together so quickly that it took you a moment to process what he was asking. Then thankfully, you smiled. 

“I’d love to come with you.” 

Enzo tried his best to refrain from pumping his fist into the air in celebration. Was it too early to retrieve a betrothal ring from his family’s vault in Gringotts? He already knew the exact piece he would pick. A cushion cut pink diamond halo ring with a pavé custom band that once belonged to his great-grandmother, aptly named La Vie En Rose.

A rose for his rose. 

It was perfect.

Some would say, meant to be.

His daydreams, arguably delusions, were momentarily interrupted by your expectant expression. 

“What day are they performing?” 

“Saturday.” 

“Oh no,” you said. “I’m so sorry, Enz. I already agreed to go to Hogsmeade with Cedric on Saturday.”

“Cedric,” Enzo repeated, the name tasting foreign and bitter on his tongue. “Diggory? You’re going to Hogsmeade with Diggory?” 

Of all the things that could possibly throw a wrench into his plan, he would’ve placed Cedric Diggory at the very bottom, but apparently the universe was playing a cruel joke on him. 

“Yes, he asked me earlier and I agreed, but I know how much you love the Wicked Sisters. I can ask Cedric to reschedule, I’m sure he’ll understand—”

It was tempting to agree, but Enzo wasn’t that selfish. 

You seemed genuinely excited at the prospect of going on a date with Diggory. He didn’t want to ruin that for you. 

“No, it’s alright. There will be other concerts,” Enzo said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You only experience your very first date once.” 

Enzo always thought that your first date would be with him. In fact, he was determined to hog every single one of your dates all to himself, but he had waited too long. Someone else had beaten him to it.  

“Thanks, Enz. I knew you’d understand,” you mumbled while nervously fidgeting with your fingers. “To be honest, I’m a little nervous. What if it’s terrible? What if I’m terrible and I bore Cedric to death?”

“Don’t be silly, honey. He’ll love you,” Enzo said. “Cedric would be an idiot not to.”

You smiled then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m so lucky to have you,” you said. “You’re a great friend, Enzo.” 

Somehow, that hurt worse than anything else. 

When Saturday night rolled around, you were a jittery mess. 

Even though Daphne and Astoria were nice enough to help you with your hair and makeup, sprinkling in some much needed first date advice and reassurance here and there, you couldn’t shake the anxious feeling looming over you like a cloud. 

You had never been on a date before, so you had no baseline of expectancy when it came to emotions, but somehow you doubted that it was supposed to feel like this. You always thought it would just feel…right. 

Still, you plastered on a smile as Pansy inspected your reflection in the mirror. The raven haired girl winked in approval.

“You look hot, babe. You’ll have Diggory eating right out of your hands,” she declared matter-of-factly as she charmed your nails into a pretty pink shade. “Remember: always let him open doors and pull out your chair for you. It makes men feel useful. Your emergency gloss is in your purse, along with some mint and mouthwash in case you need it. Oh, and condoms too.”

“Pans!” You chided, blushing furiously while Daphne and Astoria giggled behind you. “It’s our first date. He’d be lucky to get a parting kiss at this rate.”

Pansy smirked. “Good,” she says, nodding proudly. “I like a witch who knows her worth.”

You squeaked in surprise as she patted your bum. “Now, go in your closet and get changed. I hung your dress up for you.” 

The dress that Pansy had chosen for you was more daring than anything you would’ve picked. It was a pretty blush color with white frills that flared out at the hips and dipped at the neckline. At first glance, you were definitely skeptical about whether or not you would be able to pull it off, but once you slipped the dress on, you were pleasantly surprised to find that it fit like a glove. 

You stood in front of your closet mirror, quietly admiring the way the fabric hugged your curves. You should’ve known better than to doubt. There was no one in the wizarding world who had a more gifted eye for fashion than Pansy Parkinson. 

As you finished zipping the dress up, the fabric caught on a snag. You tried to coax it into cooperating, but had no such luck. After helplessly fumbling with it for longer than necessary, you finally admitted defeat and walked back into your room for assistance. 

“Pans, I think the dress is caught on a snag do you mind helping—”

You stepped dead in your tracks when you found Enzo staring at you from the doorway. His gaze swept over you in appreciation, giving you a boost of confidence that you didn’t even know you needed. Thank Merlin for Pansy and her impeccable taste. 

“You alright, Enz?” You asked, tilting your head at your best friend. “I thought you lot were heading out to the concert soon.” 

Enzo licked his lips, his throat bobbing. “We were, but Pansy sent me to fetch her flask. She thinks she left it here.” 

You retrieved the silver and emerald engraved flask from your bed and handed it to him. Enzo was uncharacteristically quiet, his cheeks flushed as your fingers brushed against his. 

“Thanks,” he said softly. Warm brown eyes looked up at you earnestly. “Did you need help? With your dress, I mean. Sounded like you ran into a bit of trouble.” 

“Oh yes,” you nodded enthusiastically. “It seems to have snagged. Would you mind zipping me all the way up?”

“Course not,” Enzo replied as he slipped the flask into his pocket and stepped closer. You held your breath as he stood in front of the mirror, caging you against the vanity table. “Turn around, honey.”

You flushed, chewing your bottom lip as you faced the mirror. Behind you, Enzo positioned himself a hairsbreadth away and swept your hair over your shoulder. His touch was gentle, reverent almost, as his fingers found the back of your dress. 

The heat radiating off of him made the room feel warmer than usual. You watched from the mirror as his features twisted in concentration, a crease forming in the furrow of his brows as he smoothly untangled the zipper from the fabric. 

“Here it is,” Enzo said softly, his breath cool against your skin while he zipped your dress all the way up. “I think I’ve got it.” 

You fidgeted with your hands before smoothing them down the front of your dress, if only to give yourself something to do besides gawk at your best friend. “Thank you,” you said with a smile. “How do I look?” 

Enzo sucked in a breath as you examined your reflection. He was quiet for a moment, a steady presence at your back as he took you in. 

“You look beautiful.” 

Enzo met your gaze in the mirror, those familiar brown eyes twinkling with an emotion you couldn’t quite place. 

“You are beautiful.”

You turned slowly, attempting to read his expression, but Enzo had already replaced whatever it was with his usual charming smile. 

“I should get going,” he said wistfully. “Have fun, tonight.” 

“You too, Enz.”

You felt a tinge of disappointment as he walked towards the door. Then, as if he couldn’t help it, Enzo turned around and stared at you for a beat longer before bidding you farewell with a parting grin. 

“I hope your first date is everything you dreamed of.” 

Enzo was gone before you realized that it wouldn’t be. You had only ever dreamt of going on your first date with one person and it wasn’t Cedric.

Enzo tried his best not to wallow in self-pity, which he was doing a rather shite job of, according to his ever helpful friends (see: aforementioned twats). In his opinion, his moping was actually quite justified given that the love of his life was going on a date with another man tonight. 

At this point, you and Cedric would’ve just arrived at Hogsmeade. Enzo could picture you in your pretty pink dress, the one that nearly sent him into cardiac arrest earlier, sweeping into whatever fancy restaurant Diggory had reserved, beaming brightly enough that the sun would be jealous of the brilliance of your smile. 

Enzo could practically hear Diggory complimenting your dress, not knowing that you looked just as beautiful in your ratty pajamas. The sound of it was grating in his ears, the banter, the jokes, the stupid arse question of where the loo was—

He paused. 

Because surely, that was just his imagination running wild. Surely, he wasn’t actually hearing Cedric ask where the toilets were whilst in line for the concert. Surely, he wasn’t actually seeing the gormless tosser standing next to Cho Chang like you weren’t at Hogsmeade waiting for him. 

“What the fuck?”

Pansy’s incredulous voice all but confirmed it. Before the rest of their group could piece together what was going on, Enzo was already marching straight towards Cedric. 

“Diggory,” he seethed, “What the hell are you doing here?” 

The git had the nerve to casually shrug. “Cho got last minute tickets. I couldn’t pass it up.” 

Enzo tried his best not to murder the man right then and there. “Did you tell Y/N that you weren’t going to make it to your date?” 

Judging by Cedric’s sheepish expression and Cho’s glare, the answer was a resounding no. “There was no time,” he stuttered pathetically. “I mean, I’m sure she’ll understand.” 

His fist collided with Diggory’s jaw before the older boy even finished the sentence. Cedric reeled back, stunned, but Enzo had already landed three more punches before his friends managed to pull him away. 

“Leave it, mate,” Theo said, gripping him by the back of the collar. “He’s not worth it.”

Enzo struggled against his friend’s hold, attempting to launch himself at Cedric once more. “I’m gonna kill him.” 

Mattheo blocked his way. “Trust me, we’re more than happy to beat him senseless for Y/N.” Enzo stopped struggling at the mention of your name. “But right now, she needs you.” 

Pansy nodded in agreement. “Go get your girl,” she said with a knowing look. "This is your chance.”

“I don’t know what you mean—”

“Please,” Theo said as he shoved Cedric straight into Mattheo’s path. His curly haired friend struck a blow to Diggory’s side. “As if we don’t all know how pathetically in love with Y/N you are.” 

“I, for one, am sick and tired of all the puppy dog eyes and constant drooling,” Mattheo said with an emphatic nod. “It’s time you do something about it.” 

“Please, let me go—”

Theo smacked Diggory upside the head. “Don’t be rude, Diggory,” his best mate said. “Can’t you see we’re having a moment?” 

“I don’t want any trouble.” 

“You think we’re trouble?” Mattheo said with a chuckle. “We’re just the warm up, mate. It’s Parkinson who you should really be afraid of.”

Pansy shot Cedric a cold glare as she twirled her wand between her sharp, manicured fingers. “I’m going to make you regret that you were ever born.”

Diggory paled as the three of them crowded him into a corner. Pansy looked over her shoulder, raising a dark brow at him. “What are you still doing here?”

Enzo blinked, then stepped back. He needed to get to you now. He spun on his heel, apparating faster than he ever had before. Before Enzo disappeared entirely, he could hear Pansy’s words of encouragement echoing in his ears. 

“Don’t fuck it up, Berkshire!” 

Twenty minutes. 

You had been waiting for twenty whole minutes before the reality of the situation finally dawned on you. Cedric wasn’t coming. You were alone in a fancy dress, in the middle of a crowded Three Broomsticks, while all of bloody Hogwarts seemed to be shooting you pity glances through the window.

It would’ve been humiliating, had you not felt so relieved. Sighing, you flagged down the barmaid and relinquished your table for the other couples waiting outside. 

“Wait!” cried a familiar voice. “I’m here.” 

Enzo stood before you, panting and breathless as you stared at him with wide eyes. He looked as though he had run from London and back. “What are you doing here, Enzo?” 

Your best friend took a moment to compose himself. Even with his cheeks flushed and hair windswept from the unexpected bout of cardio, Enzo still looked as handsome as ever. 

“Your date couldn’t make it tonight, so I’m here to take his place.” 

You crossed your arms. “He stood me up, didn’t he?” 

Judging by the way Enzo’s eyes softened, you already knew the answer. You supposed you should've felt disappointed or perhaps even angry at being blown off, but instead you felt nothing of the sort. If anything, you were glad Enzo was here. 

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Cedric is paying for it as we speak, but let’s not waste any more time talking about that waste of space. I’m here to be your date and we’re going to have a fantastic time.” 

“Enz, you really don’t have to—”

Your best friend shook his head. “I know, but I want to. You got all dressed up and you look stunning. I’m not letting that all go to waste. I want to give you the first date that you deserve.”

“But you were supposed to see your favorite band,” you said. “I can’t let you miss that.” 

“They may be my favorite band, but you’re my favorite person.” Your eyes threatened to well up at the sincerity written in his expression. “I can’t let my best girl down.” 

You choked back a sob as Enzo held out his arm. He huffed out a surprised breath as you launched yourself at him, hugging around his waist and breathing in his familiar scent. In that moment, you were convinced that he was an angel sent just for you. 

“Thank you, Enzo,” you murmured against his chest. “I’m really glad you’re here.” 

“Of course, honey,” he said softly into your hair. “You know I’ll always find you.”

After gathering yourself together, you slapped a hand across your forehead. “Oh no, I already gave up my table and the queue is a nightmare.” 

Enzo just smiled. “I wouldn’t worry about it,” he said. “There’s somewhere else I want to take you anyways.”

Le Jardin d’Amour, the new French restaurant that you had been dying to try for the past month, came into view. You remembered seeing a line wrapped around the establishment that extended all the way out into the street the last time you visited the village. Pansy said it was nearly impossible to score a reservation there and for good reason. 

The restaurant had a whimsical feel to it, styled after a French cottage that was both cute and cozy. Not to mention romantic. 

The exterior was covered by sprawling green ivy and dotted with cotton candy colored flowers that made it appear that much more charming. The inside was equally gorgeous, with its exposed brick, arched glass ceiling, and twinkling tealights. To top it off, there was an enormous lemon tree in the outdoor garden that made everything smell citrusy and sweet.

“I’ve been wanting to try this place for ages,” you murmured, taking everything in with excitement. “How did you get a reservation? They’ve been booked out since they opened.”

Enzo smiled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. “I heard you telling Pansy about it a few weeks ago,” he cleared his throat. “So I had them reserve a table. I hadn’t quite gotten around to asking you yet though.” 

“But how did you know what day to reserve?” 

“I didn’t,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I just told them to hold the table every Saturday night.” 

You blinked in surprise. “You’re telling me,” you said slowly, “that you booked a table at this very expensive restaurant every Saturday night for an entire month just for me?” 

Enzo flushed. “I know it’s silly, but I just wanted to be sure that when I finally got the nerve to ask, I’d be able to take you somewhere nice. I’m sorry…that’s probably weird, right?” 

You shook your head. “No, it’s not. I don’t think it’s weird. I think it’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

The shy smile Enzo rewarded you with made your heart skip a beat. 

Despite the abysmal start, the evening was actually turning out to be quite lovely. The waiter had seated you right under the lemon tree, which gave you the perfect view of the rose garden out back. It was a warm, breezy night and the stars twinkled brightly while you and Enzo ate and chatted. 

As promised, your best friend had been the perfect gentleman. He opened the door for you, pulled out your chair, and even fed you little bites of his food because he knew that you would want to try everything that you could. Despite your excitement, you hardly even remembered the food. 

All you could think about was how easy it felt. Perhaps it had always been that way between you and Enzo. He was your best friend. The person who knew you better than anyone else. Until tonight, you thought it was just the nature of your friendship, but then you tried to imagine sitting here with any of your other friends and knew that it wouldn’t have been the same. 

Butterflies fluttered against your ribcage every time Enzo looked at you. He made you feel a giddy sort of excitement that felt nervewracking, but comforting all at the same time. It was like jumping off a cliff only to find that he was already waiting to catch you the entire time. 

Midnight snuck up on you like a thief in the night. The restaurant had cleared out hours ago, save for a few stragglers like the two of you who didn’t seem to want to end the night. You finally took the hint after the waiter dropped by with the check. When you offered to split the bill, Enzo nearly spit out his drink. 

“Not a chance in hell, honey.” 

The walk back to the castle was peaceful. You kept glancing over at Enzo from the corner of your eye, trying not to blush every time your fingers brushed together. It was silly, given how affectionate you usually were, but for some reason,  reaching out to hold his hand felt like the most daunting thing in the world. 

You fidgeted with your fingers, twisting the rings on your knuckles. It was a nervous habit of yours. One that your best friend knew all too well. 

Without breaking his stride, Enzo slipped his fingers through yours, walking and talking like he hadn’t just awakened something in you that you could no longer ignore. You supposed it had always existed—this deep, innate knowledge that your connection with Enzo was a once in a lifetime kind of thing. 

Knowing him was its own sort of magic. Enzo was like catching sunshine between your hands, warming every part of you until you forgot what it was even like to feel cold.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he said softly, rubbing his thumb over your knuckles. “I’ve got one more stop planned for us.” 

You squeezed his hand, gesturing for him to lead the way. Enzo cut through the main street, weaving behind shops and homes before reaching a narrow alleyway. You peeked behind his back to see sacks of sugar floating through the air, tunneling in and out of the back door of a bakery. The sugar dotted the air like snow, coating the air with its sweetness. You had never seen anything like it.

Enzo watched with a smile as you looked up in awe. “It’s like a sugar storm,” you said giddily. “It’s beautiful.” 

You giggled as your best friend twirled you into the middle of the alley where the flurry was at its thickest. Sugar coated your hair, your lashes, and your clothes, but Enzo didn’t seem to mind as he pulled you close. It felt natural to lean into him and rest your head against his chest, swaying to the rhythm of his heartbeat. 

Falling for him was like this sugar storm, not all at once, but gradual, slow, floating faster and faster until it coated everything around you. 

As you looked into those honey brown eyes, you knew that this was always what it was supposed to feel like. Warm, familiar, safe—like finally coming home after being away for so long. 

You melted into his touch as he brushed the sugar off of your lips with his thumb. His gaze was molten gold, sweeping over you with such tenderness that it made your heart leap in your chest. It was the most alive you’ve ever felt, but if he kissed you right now, you might drop dead. 

Enzo tasted like sugar. He kissed you, softly, sweetly, like nothing else in the world mattered besides memorizing the feel of your lips against his. Your fingers tangled in his hair as he brought you closer, kissing you breathless until you didn’t know where you ended and he began. 

You were both panting for breath when the two of you finally pulled away, his forehead pressed against yours as he flashed you a breathtaking smile. “Merlin, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” 

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” 

“Because you’re my best friend and I was afraid of losing you.” 

“You could never lose me, Enzo,” you said. “It took getting stood up by that stupid prick Cedric for me to realize it, but I think I always hoped that my first date would be with you. This was the perfect night. You…you’re just perfect.” 

“Perfect?” Enzo teased. “You’re not leaving me much room for improvement for our next date, honey.” 

You blinked. “You want to go on another date with me?” 

“You’re the only one I want to go on dates with, Y/N.” 

A sudden realization hit you at that moment. “Earlier this week, when you asked me to come to the concert with you…” Enzo smiled shyly as you wiped the sugar off of his cheek. “Were you trying to ask me out on a date?” 

“Yes,” he admitted. “I had a plan and everything.” 

“And what exactly did this plan entail?” 

Enzo spun you around, pressing you against the brick wall. “Well, we’d go to the concert first of course. Dance and sing our hearts out like we always do. Then, I’d take you to dinner. That part I actually got right. At some point, I’d muster up the courage to actually kiss you instead of just thinking about it.” 

“I think we can check that off the list,” you said with a giggle as you pecked him on the lips. “Anything else left in that plan of yours?” 

“Mhm,” Enzo said as he littered your cheek with kisses. “I would’ve given you a whole bouquet of roses. Your favorite. Hell, I even thought about filling your room with it, but that seemed a bit much, so I asked for a rose from the garden instead.” 

You gasped in delight as Enzo retrieved a single red rose from his pocket. “I thought I could charm it to never die, that way you’ll always have a reminder of our first date.” 

It was such a sweet and touching gesture, but that was just who Enzo was. You sniffled as you carefully clutched the rose to your heart. 

“It’s beautiful. Thank you, Enzo.” 

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he teased. “That definitely wasn’t part of my plan tonight.” 

“I’m sorry. It’s rude of me to interrupt, isn’t it?” He chuckled softly as you attempted to compose yourself. Merlin, you didn’t think your heart could take anymore. “Was that everything?” 

“Almost,” Enzo said as he wiped a stray tear away. “The only thing left is telling you how I feel, but I think you might already have an idea.” 

“I do,” you admitted softly, “but I still want to hear you say it.” 

Enzo took a ragged breath, pressing his forehead against yours. “I feel like you’re the first person I want to see when I wake up and the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep.” 

This time, you couldn’t stop the flood of tears from falling freely. You looked into those sweet brown eyes as Enzo laid his heart bear for you. 

“I feel like you’re my best friend, but also so much more than that. I feel like you’re something I’ve been looking for my entire life without realizing you’ve been right in front of me the whole time.” 

You let out a broken sob, smiling despite the tears clouding your vision. “Most of all, I feel like I’m home when I’m with you. I love you, Y/N.” 

Enzo smiled against your lips as you kissed him. “I love you too, Enzo.”

You loved him. 

You loved him. 

Enzo couldn’t quite believe his luck. The love of his life actually loved him back. The walk home took twice as long as it usually did because he kept stopping to kiss you every chance he got. It was like once he started, he simply couldn't bring himself to stop. 

The plan had been a total success. Enzo would’ve never imagined that he would be standing here, pressed up against the door of your dorm, stealing as many little kisses as you allowed. You looked so beautiful—cheeks flushed, lips kissbitten, hair still covered in flecks of sugar while you giggled softly against his lips. 

“It’s getting late, Enz,” you murmured. 

Enzo hummed as he tilted your chin, peppering kisses all over your face. 

“Mhm.” 

“We should probably go to sleep.”

“Hmm.”

“I’m serious,” you said with a breathless laugh. “I know how cranky you get without your beauty sleep.” 

“Worth it.” 

While Enzo knew that you were absolutely right, he simply didn’t want the night to end. The dinner, the sugar storm, the confession…it was better than anything he could’ve ever expected. Enzo was convinced that if he went back to his room, this would all just be a dream that he never wanted to wake up from. 

“Then don’t go back,” you whispered softly. Enzo blinked, not realizing he had said that last part out loud. “Do you…do you want to stay the night?” 

In truth, Enzo wanted to stay forever, but he supposed that spending the night was as good a place to start as any. 

The rest of the evening was filled with sweet kisses and innocent touches. Enzo was more than content to take it slow, to savor the novelty of pouring out his affection for you without having to hide how he truly felt. The two of you lay side by side, cheeks pressed against the pillows like you often did before, only this time you finally knew that he loved you. 

As he buried his face in your neck and cuddled you close, Enzo started going over his new plan. 

Step one: Fetch his great-grandmother’s ring from Gringott’s first thing in the morning. 

Step two: Discuss the logistics of a summer wedding at Berkshire Cottage with Pansy. 

Step three: Propose to the love of his life and hope to Merlin that you’ll say yes. Oh bollocks, he should probably ask you to be his girlfriend first, right—

“Enz?” 

“Yes, honey?” 

“Thank you for tonight,” you whispered softly, stroking his hair with the most breathtaking smile on your face. “I’m so glad it’s you. I think it’s always been you.” 

In that moment, Enzo scrapped whatever plan he had concocted in his mind in favor of kissing you breathless instead. He poured everything he couldn’t put into words into that kiss, the years of pining and yearning, of falling hopelessly and desperately in love with you, all culminating to this perfect night. 

“It’s always been you for me too, love.”

And he would never get tired of reminding you.