#direodes

@direodes ( a.j. connelly ) 💖 for jake.

it was something she read about in books, the fake dating thing. at first she thought it was a stupid idea, it couldn't possibly work. but he needed to clean up his act if he wanted to play professionally & she just wanted her family off her back, until she is done with college. figure out something, just for herself and leave all their expectations behind. it's perfect. in some ways at least. unless someone found out. or someone caught feelings. or it came in the way or something in either of their lives. so . . . need some rules. she thinks. if she'll consider doing this. really commit to it. find him in the library & sitting down across him, she watch him for a moment after putting her bag down on the floor. maybe he's thought about it. really thought about it, and found it silly. stupid. but she really think it could work out, for both of them. and if he has changed his mind since the last time they talked about this, then she'll just kick him under the table and leave, pretend he just doesn't exist in the near future.     ❝   so . . . if we're really doing this, i think we need some rules.   ❞

there had been quick pecks on the lips. when necessary, just like their list said. ragged, barely holding together piece of paper, but still. gotten quite comfortable, touching. hand on the small of her back. holding his hand, other curled around his biceps. shoulder to shoulder. it was easy enough, not too big of a change from their friendship. until a mistletoe was hanging above their head & a brief peck on the lips wasn't enough. and then, it became necessary. what couple wouldn't kiss under mistletoe, given the chance ? it's sweet. it's romantic. it's . . . couple'y. so she turn towards him after one of their friends said it didn't count as a kiss : hands slide up his chest & there's a small grin upon features, pushing herself up on the tip of her toes. close enough for noses to brush together, gaze slowly flicker between his, voice barely a whisper between them.     ❝   guess you should kiss me like you mean it.   ❞

something precious about this little moment. everything feels a little magical, like someone sprinkled just that extra something over them. the kids running around, giggles and excitment clinging to them & the scent of baked goods in the air. the big christmas tree lit up a little earlier when it was just getting dark. sitting shoulder to shoulder with oakley on the bench : cup of hot chocolate warming cold hands as they watch people skate around on the rink. one hand go to pull the beanie a little further down on her head when the wind blow across them & turning more to face him, there's a wide grin forming while leaning a little forward.     ❝   . . . you got a little something,   ❞      hand reaching up and brushing away the cream sticking to his upper lip.