It was already noon. I couldn't believe we'd spent the entire morning wrapped up in each other and somehow that was enough. We didn't need anything else. Not even air when we were so close we could just breathe each other in.

I sat up and Lucas felt me shift. He sat up as well.

"Are you okay, baby?" he asked me.

Again... baby... I was actually getting used to that. Even if it did make me blush slightly.

"Yeah, we should probably get up. I mean, not that I'm not having a good time and all. It's just that it's getting late in the day. We should also clean up."

"It's okay. I'll clean it up. I set it up anyway."

"No... I want to help. You set it up for us, right? Both of us? So yeah. It should be a group effort, right?"

Lucas chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

We got up, cleaned up, dressed, and went to work on what we didn't know was going to test our patience for the day.

This fucking candle wax.

"I can't believe your teammate didn't think to get something to put these pillar candles on."

"Sorry, Noah. He just isn't a romantic like me. He wouldn't have known." Lucas grinned.

I couldn't stop myself from laughing. I actually nicked the wax on the countertop I was desperately scraping away at with a freaking butter knife.

This was Lucas. He never changed. He just grew up. Too bad I didn't get to see that transpire.

Lucas went back to scraping the candle wax off the floor, but I got stuck just gazing at him. He was even more beautiful than yesterday. What's happening to me? I remember when I even questioned if I liked a guy. But here me and Lucas are. At third base... I think. Or maybe second? I didn't know anymore. And honestly, I didn't care. I don't plan on reaching any more heights like that with anyone else ever.

That thought snapped me back into reality.

Oh god. I just... I'm thinking about a future with him.

I looked back over at him.

I never thought our relationship would ever reach here.

"You know," he said casually, "these candles kind of went to waste. Could've used it in bed last night."

Okay, as if I could get any more red than what I already am sitting here thinking about how I want him to be my first and last.

I dropped the knife and slowly lowered to the floor behind the counter so I could hide. My hands cradled my face.

I heard Lucas crawl over to me and he threw an arm around my waist, pulling me flat on my back onto the floor. He knew I was at a disadvantage, so he climbed over me. Looking down at me, my face still covered with both hands.

"Can't look at me?"

"Move, Lucas."

I felt his breath on my hands as he moved closer.

"Make me."

"Ugh..."

"Plus the way I had you last night, I—"

"Oh god, Lucas, stop!"

"You're so cute when you're flustered."

My hands finally left my face so I could look him in the eye.

"Who are you call—"

Oh god! OH GOD! He's tickling me! He hasn't done this in years. I didn't even know I was still ticklish. I can't control myself. Not my body, not my laughs, but again... especially not my body as I kicked and one of those kicks accidentally landed on Lucas's—

Lucas collapsed on top of me, grabbing himself.

"Oh shit, Noah! Cheap shot, man!" Lucas called out. Not angry, but kind of in pain and very in shock.

"Oh god, Lucas! I'm sorry!"

"You have to make up for this."

"H-How?"

Lucas released himself with one of his hands and caressed my left cheek before kissing my lips softly.

"I feel better now," Lucas said before he got up.

I smiled and sighed on the floor before he helped me up, still firmly holding onto my hand.

"Hey, we should run to the store and grab some groceries. What are you in the mood for as far as dinner?"

"I'm not sure. I mean... we could just grab some ramen."

"Why are you like this?"

"What?"

"We're eating real food. Don't worry, I'll pick out dinner. Just stay by my side the whole time," Lucas said as he pulled me closer.

I got lost in his eyes the whole time he was talking and didn't snap out of it again until he kissed me. And this one was deeper than the peck he had just given me on the floor. His tongue slipped into my mouth like it was searching for something. Then suddenly he hummed and pulled back to look at me.

"You taste like those Sour Patch Kids. You're sneaking candy before dinner."

"What? Seriously. I was just snacking on them while we were cleaning up."

"Nope. Let's go. We can get back to this later. Let's get you some real food."

"Okay, okay. I could use a break anyway."

Lucas smiled, kissed the knuckles of the hand he was still holding, and let go.

We grabbed our phones, he grabbed his keys, and we headed to the parking lot to his car.

Once we were in the car, Lucas started driving us to the store. He was actually kind of quiet. Music played softly on the radio in the background while I watched him. His thinking face hadn't changed. There was nothing cuter than a serious, lost-in-thought Lucas.

He checked his phone a couple of times before he sat it down and reached for my hand to hold.

Once at the store we got a cart out of the parking lot but... Lucas's attention seemed to be else where. Like behind us.

"Lucas? Are you okay?" I asked

"Yeah, I'm fine, Noah. I'm sorry."

We walked into the store and Lucas led us over to the meat section.

"What do you want bae? Steak? Lobster? Chicken? You can have anything you want."

"Oh.. I don't know."

"Okay, how about I pick huh?"

"Okay."

His scholarship must have really paid off if he is able to afford lobsters and these high priced steaks. I'm glad for him but...

"Lucas, do you think you're going to miss football? Or regret quitting?" I asked.

"No... I don't regret anything, Noah."

I didn't have any more questions after that. I just followed him around the store as he picked up things he needed. It's funny because I always thought this would be my role in the event we grew up and became roommates. I didn't have much faith in Lucas becoming a responsible adult as a child, but he is definitely showing me up right now. It's so weird how everything flipped on its head. One day I was the organizer, the voice of reason and now... that's Lucas. But... At least I have him. My thoughts are mostly too jumbled up anyway. I mean...

"Bebe, are you still good with eating bell peppers?" Lucas asked me.

"Yeah," I said standing next to him. His voice made me feel like I could breathe. It shouldn't be this grounding. I reached out to wrap his hand in my own and he pulled back slightly. I looked up at him to see him looking around the store before actually grabbing my hand back.

That made my heart sink. What was he looking for that would cause me to have to wait for his affection?

Or... was I reading too much into this. I mean this is my first relationship. I can see myself getting nervous over mundane things like that.

Or was it because... I'm a guy?

Lucas paid for the groceries and put them in his car. I have no idea what he purchased because I was so deep in thought. In thoughts I thought I had left behind.

We pulled into the apartment parking lot and parked. Lucas stepped out first, grabbing the grocery bags from the backseat and refusing to let me help like usual.

Then—

"Lucas! Hey!"

We both turned.

A girl about our age was walking toward us. Black hair. Hazel eyes. Tall posture. The kind of confidence that didn't need to announce itself.

She looked... familiar.

Not personally.

But in the way Dylan felt familiar.

Controlled. Elegant. Dangerous without trying.

Nico lingered a few steps behind her, already watching the situation like it was about to entertain him.

I avoided eye contact with him immediately.

But I couldn't look away from her.

"Victoria," Lucas said flatly.

No warmth.

No introduction.

Just her name.

"Oh Lucas," she smiled, closing the distance like she had every right to. "I was hoping I'd run into you outside of training."

Her eyes flicked to me briefly, curious but unreadable.

"I can't believe your mysterious girlfriend finally let you outside today," she continued lightly. "Where is she anyway? I've been dying to meet the girl that keeps making you turn me down."

My stomach dropped.

Girlfriend.

Had he told them I was a girl?

Before I could even process the thought, Lucas's arm slid around my waist and pulled me firmly against his side.

Solid. Certain. Protective.

"Yeah," Lucas said calmly. "She's right here."

No hesitation.

No humor.

Just truth.

Victoria blinked.

Her gaze shifted from Lucas... to me... then slowly back to Nico.

Nico was already smirking.

"Oh," she said quietly.

Nico chuckled under his breath. "Look, this is none of my business."

Victoria exhaled once through her nose before looking back at me — not angry, not cruel, just recalibrating.

"Hi," she said, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm Victoria. Sorry we had to meet like this."

She extended her hand.

Lucas's hold on my waist tightened slightly — not stopping me, just grounding me.

I reached out anyway.

"I'm Noah."

"It's nice to meet you, Noah," she said smoothly. Then she glanced back at Nico. "Excuse me. I need to have a conversation with my cousin."

Nico didn't stop smiling.

This was absolutely the highlight of his day.

"Come on," Lucas murmured softly, guiding me toward the building.

Once inside, Lucas set the groceries on the counter.

I hadn't moved more than a few steps from the door.

My thoughts were loud again.

She was beautiful.

Confident.

Effortless.

She could probably have any guy she wanted.

And I understood why she liked Lucas. Hell, I fell for him too. Even after the trauma.

Lucas crossed the room and pressed a soft kiss to the side of my neck, pulling me out of my spiral.

"She's at your training sessions?" I asked quietly.

"Most days," he said.

I paused for a moment.

"She's related to Dylan too?"

"His sister."

His sister? I felt confusion flood my mind. What do you mean? I didn't know he had a sister. And why...

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because she doesn't matter."

I swallowed.

"She likes you."

"I know."

"So why didn't you—"

Lucas kissed me mid-sentence.

Not to shut me up.

To reassure me.

"That's why," he murmured.

I searched his eyes.

He didn't look guilty.

He didn't look defensive.

He looked certain.

"Okay," I whispered.

"Okay," he echoed gently. "Now come help me cook."

Lucas didn't let go of my hand even after we stepped into the kitchen.

He moved around like he'd done this a hundred times — setting groceries on the counter, pulling things from bags, organizing without even thinking about it. It was strange watching him like this. Not the boy who used to make fun of me in high school. Not the guarded version of him from training.

Just Lucas.

Barefoot in the kitchen. Hair messy. Hoodie sleeves pushed up.

Domestic.

Safe.

"You gonna help," he murmured, glancing over his shoulder, "or just stand there staring at me like I'm a museum exhibit?"

"I'm observing," I said defensively.

He snorted. "You're staring."

I stepped closer anyway.

"What are we making?"

"Something edible," he said. "That's the goal."

"That doesn't inspire confidence."

Lucas lightly put his right hand on the small of my back and passed me a cutting board with the other.

"Chop the peppers."

I stared down at the knife like it was a test.

"You trust me with this?" I asked.

"I trust you with my life," he replied casually, not even looking up as he rinsed vegetables.

The words landed heavier than he probably intended. So dramatic.

My chest warmed.

I started chopping.

Badly.

Lucas watched for about ten seconds before stepping behind me, reaching around to guide my hands.

"Slow," he murmured near my ear. "You're not fighting the peppers."

His chest pressed lightly against my back. His hands covered mine, steady and warm, guiding the knife in smooth motions.

It was ridiculous how much that small contact affected me.

"You're distracting," I whispered.

"Good."

His breath brushed my neck.

I almost forgot what we were doing entirely.

After a moment, he pulled away, letting me continue on my own.

"See?" he said. "You're capable of adult activities."

"I resent that statement."

He laughed softly — not loud, not teasing in a sharp way. Just warm.

Comfortable.

I finished chopping and slid the peppers into the pan while he worked on seasoning the meat.

We moved around each other without thinking. Passing things. Bumping shoulders. Reaching for the same utensil at the same time and pausing for a second too long before either of us pulled away.

At one point, Lucas reached behind me for a plate and I instinctively leaned back into him.

Neither of us commented on it.

We didn't need to.

"You know," he said after a minute, quieter now, "remember what I told you the other day?"

I glanced over. "You said a lot of things."

A faint smirk tugged at his mouth.

"When I told you I'd been with girls before... but I thought it would feel different with you."

My heart stumbled.

He didn't look embarrassed saying it. Just honest.

"I was right," he added softly.

I didn't know what to do with that kind of sincerity.

So I bumped his shoulder lightly.

"You're cheesy."

"Yeah," he said without hesitation. "But you like it."

I didn't deny it.

The food started smelling good — warm and grounding in a way that made the apartment feel even more like home.

Lucas reached over and stole a piece straight from the pan.

I smacked his hand.

"Hey!"

He grinned, chewing anyway. "Quality control."

"That was mine."

He picked up another piece and held it toward my mouth.

I hesitated only a second before leaning forward and taking it.

His eyes softened watching me chew.

That look again.

Like I was something precious he still couldn't believe he was allowed to touch.

"Good?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Yeah."

And for a second we just stood there — food cooking behind us, hands brushing, the quiet hum of a normal evening settling around us.

Not dramatic.

Not intense.

Just ours.