You Belong With Me 💙🏈📖

You Belong with Me 💙🏈📖

Wally Clark x fem reader Y/N slow burn story

Part 8:

Summary: It’s been three weeks since your death as Halloween rolls around, the ghosts are busy planning for the big Halloween school dance and Wally walks in on you…

It’s been 3 weeks since you and Wally have been dead, and it also happens to be Halloween tomorrow. Normally you and Wally would do movie characters, we picked it out already and anything. You and him were meant to dress up as Rocky Balboa and Adrian Pennino from one of Wally’s favourite movies, Rocky. Ever since you were kids, your moms would dress you in couple’s costumes because they thought it was cute and it became a tradition for us every Halloween. And of course, you will get to see everyone else have fun at the Halloween dance while you will most likely be eating all the Halloween candy waiting for the night to be over. over the last couple of weeks, the other ghosts have been really nice to you and Wally even Rhonda was making more of an effort to be your friend though most of the time you spent in the library since you were dead you now have an excuse to read every single book.

Wally walks into the library, your nose so buried in your book that you didn’t even notice him walk in. “I thought I would find you in here, come on its time for group. You had been so focuses on your book you didn’t realise how late it had gotten. “Fuck I’m sorry I was really into this book. Let’s go don’t want Rhonda to find a reason not to like us because we are late.” You say all frazzled. You place the book down and You and Wally head to the gym. You both sit down as Mr Martin has already started. “Great to see you two have finally joined us. We are discussing the Halloween dance and who we should go as.” Janet chimes in. “I’m dressing up as Rosalind Franklin a British chemist.” You nod at her like you know who she’s talking about but, you have no clue who she was. As the others share their ideas Mr. Martin looks at you and Wally. “This will be your first of many afterlife Halloween parties, what do you two normally do for Halloween?” he asks. “When we were younger our moms would dress us in matching character costumes like Mickey and Minnie Mouse because they thought it was cute but Y/N and I still- used to carry on the tradition. We were going to be Rocky Balboa and Adrian Pennino from Rocky.” Wally said with a little emotion in his tone realising that the two of you won’t be able to carry on with tradition. “That’s a great movie, I loved Rocky.” Tommy chimed in. “Maybe Janet and Dawn could help you make some costumes?” he added. “Really? You guys will help? Thank you.” Now you respond a bit more excited, maybe the Halloween dance wont suck after all.

As group ends, You and Wally meet Janet and Dawn in the home economics room and with your help and what supplies you found they made pretty accurate costumes. “Wow you guys these look great!” you say as Dawn finishes up on your top. “Go try it on see how it fits.” Janet says excitedly. You and Wally leave to head to the bathrooms to change. Wally finished putting on his costume and came to check in on you when he walks in on you changing. “Wally geez turn around” you say as you try to find something to cover yourself since all you had on was your bra. “Sorry I... sorry” he quickly stumbles out of the bathroom. You quickly finish putting your costume on and meet Wally out in the hall. “Well, it was only time that one of us would walk in when we are changing.” You giggle as you see Wally’s cheeks turn pink. “We should go back and let the girls see our costume’s” He mumbles avoiding the conversation. Did he just blush? You wonder what it could mean. You and Wally walk back into the home economics room and Janet says “Those costumes turned out great. You two might even win the costume challenge.” “Wait you guys do a costume challenge too?” Wally says. “Yep, whoever has the best costume gets to pick the next movie for movie night.” Dawn chimes in also giggling with pins in her mouth which is not at all disturbing. “Cool I’m going to change.” Wally says and before any of you can respond he’s already left. “What was that about?” Janet says with concern. “I think he’s a bit freaked out because he walked in on me when I was changing, and he saw me in my bra.” You respond back. Both Janet and Dawn look at each other sensing something going on with you and him and before they can respond, you interrupt them “Thanks again girls I owe you, see you later.” And you leave quickly not wanting for them to make any more comment about the situation. You changed back into your clothes and went to try to find Wally.

Part 7 Part 9

😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

you were robbed of summer, i was robbed of you

If you want to cry over how adorable Wally is, read this ASAP

Punctuation.

summary: prompt fill. it's that dreaded time of the month and you're miserable. thankfully, you have the most thoughtful, adorable boyfriend in Wally Clark, and he isn't going to let you suffer alone. (request)

pairing: Wally Clark x fem!reader

warnings: fluff. drabble. period fic. feelgood. cuddles and romance.

bon reading, frens

___________________________❣️

Punctuation.

You groan, rolling out of bed with a pained expression. Hand on your belly and lower back aching, and everything sucks so why is someone at the door bothering you now!? Ugh.

It's gruesome Day 2, the worst of the seven. You haven't had the energy to bathe or eat or, Jesus, sleep because, apparently, God hates you and when your body is in agony, sleep isn't required. Stay awake, stare at the ceiling, cry at videos of adorable old men loving their wives, and live with it.

All part of being a woman, your grandmother says without sympathy. As if your body going to war with itself should be dismissed and you should just control and manage and ignore. Yeah, fuck that to hell and back, thanks.

With a frustrated whimper, you pull the front door open and scowl at the figure on your doorstep.

"Hey, baby."

And that scowl melts into a pout—lower lip jutted all the way out, brow knitted, eyes glittering with affected emotion. You slump forward, arms lax at your sides, and whine pitifully into Wally's chest.

One of his big hands cups the back of your head, and at the same time, you feel his lips press into your hair. You hear the rustle of plastic; smell the aroma of your favorite fast food place, and peek out of the corner of your eye to see the two bags Wally's holding. Stuffed full to bursting. Just for you.

Again, you press out a weak whimper and burrow deeper into him, body against his, face hidden in his collar.

"I'm smelly and gross and everything hurts." You complain.

He chuckles, kisses your head again before encouraging you to lean back so he can look at you.

"You're a goddess, baby, shut up." He tells you like you should know that by now. "Come on, let me make it a little better."

You shuffle back inside, stop suddenly, and stand there with your arms around your middle when another sharp cut of period cramps hits like electrocution. As the wave descends, Wally—who must've deposited the bags somewhere—gathers you in his arms and carries you, bridal-style, upstairs.

"I'm not a damsel in distress," You grouch because you can.

"You're right," Wally says, tone deceptively neutral, "You're a little dragon in distress."

You scowl up at him, but he simply grins back, boyish and bright and sparkly-eyed. He deposits you on your unmade bed, tucks you back in, and kisses your forehead. Nuzzles his nose against yours before leaning back to gaze at you. Soft. Sweet. Stupid, you grouse, since you're matted in last night's sweat and greasy and he shouldn't be looking at you like that when you're a mess, it makes every time he calls you cute or pretty feel like a lie, is he a liar—

"You're spiraling, baby, I can hear it from out here." Wally chuckles quietly, booping the tip of your nose and then cradling your jaw. He strokes your cheek softly with his thumb, back and forth, soothing, "Stay here, I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"

Defiant. "No." But he rolls his eyes playfully and tucks you more tightly into your bed. Pecks kisses all over you face until you giggle and relent, relaxing into the warm cocoon to settle while he wanders off and does whatever it is he came over to do.

Your parents are out of town for the weekend, so you've been left to suffer alone. Something you told Wally last night when the headache came out of nowhere, and suddenly there was a crime scene in your underwear.

Right in the bin. Along with the new leggings you just bought last week with Claire, since you cannot be bothered to do a whole cold-wash cycle for a stain that ghastly.

Ten minutes later, and you're dozing. Wally comes in, gently rouses you with more kisses and soft pets to your hair, words whispered against your skin as he rolls you onto your back.

"You wanna walk, or you want me to carry you?" He asks, to which you raise your arms and blink big cow-eyes at him.

Hey, if he's going to be accommodating, let it happen, right? You're in no position to argue, anyway, face pinching in pain when another roll of cramps rises in your belly and lower back simultaneously.

"I hate my body," You whimper, face tucked into his neck, "I hate everything." Except, "Not you, you're okay."

Wally laughs, "Thanks, baby."

He sets you down on the vanity, slowly peels off your layers, not at all disgusted or shy or embarrassed when he helps you out of your underwear. As if it's totally normal. Just, whoop, bundles up the pad and drops it in the bin beside the sink, helping you into the warm bubble bath he ran for you before he collects your dirty clothes and disappears to put them in your hamper.

It takes awhile, but eventually he comes back, and Wally's carrying a bottle of painkillers and what looks like a fancy bottle of the bodywash you finished last week. You perk up, lifting your upper body out of the water. He manifests a water bottle—pulled from his deep back pocket—and hands you a couple of pills along with it.

"Here, take these. The lady said they're way better than what you've been taking."

You want to cry. So you do. Tears fat and wet, lashes starred, blubbering through a mouthful of water as you swallow the painkillers. By now, you're not even surprised when he strips down to nothing and adjusts you so he can slip into the bath behind you. Long legs on either side of you, hands gentle on your hips, lips planting little kisses across the slope of your shoulder, up your neck to your ear.

"You wanna wash your hair now or later?"

"Now." You murmur, sinking into him.

It's a process that involves the detachable faucet, draining the bath a little, and then letting it fill again after the conditioner is rinsed, and Wally does it all while chatting to you about what he got up to last night with Rodney and Ajay. Breezy and cheerful and not even an iota of annoyance when you paw at him to let you slosh into his lap so he can wash your back while you cling to him like a koala.

He's not even hard which makes you feel insecure way too fast, the feeling sharp and burning and you start to tear up again, because what do you mean your boyfriend isn't attracted to you when you're wet and soapy and naked!?

But he reassures, "Baby, you're the hottest thing on earth, and I was hard five minutes ago, but I've been repeating fucking football stats in my head because you're in pain and I love you."

"Fine." You grumble, and, yeah, you believe it. Wally doesn't lie to make you feel better ever, so you kind of have to.

Bath done, he dries you off—quick and efficient as time is of the essence. He brought in clean underwear and gets you a fresh pad from the drawer by the toilet, turns around when you ask him not to look while you assemble yourself.

Then he's back, hands rubbing body butter into your muscles before he so much as pulls on his boxer-briefs. You're my priority, pretty girl, he murmurs, following you back to your bedroom to get dressed.

Your bedroom that is tidy, bed outfitted in clean sheets—you can hear the washer going downstairs—and he even brought over that massive band shirt he's had since he was a chubby freshman. You know, the one you often steal because it smells like him.

When you ram into him for a hug, Wally laughs, delighted to have made your day a little better.

"Alright, baby, do you wanna do bed or living room?"

"Living room," You decide, feeling more human, and wanting to let your room air out a bit.

He takes you by the hand, letting you walk under your own power now that the painkillers have kicked in and your muscles don't feel so stiff. Down the stairs to the fucking nest he made on the living room floor. The couch is pulled apart, cushions joined under a fitted sheet, pillows and blankets from the guest room piled on top. Beside it, the coffee table is laden with a combination of your favorite snacks and his, as well as the takeout you smelled earlier.

There's even tea. In a pot. Under a cozy. A new mug sitting beside it with a bright pink rose leaning against it.

Your lower lip wobbles. He doesn't give you a second to break down, merely swoops you into his arms again, steps onto the makeshift bed, crosses his legs, and drops onto his bum with you securely in his lap.

"Nope," He commands, "You're supposed to be worshipped, baby, it's the law. You can make life. And that means you need to be pampered."

"But you—"

"Love and cherish you?" Wally interrupts with a goofy grin, "Yeah, you're right. I do. So, suck it up and let me love you."

Releasing a heavy, almost grouchy sigh, you resign. He releases you so you can find a comfortable position; between his legs, his back against the bottom of the couch. You pick at your takeout order in your lap while he lists the names of your favorite comfort movies.

"Ever After," You announce once he's rattled it off. "And then Bridget Jones."

"You got it, baby girl," He smacks a silly, sloppy kiss to your cheek, pushing your whole body to the side.

Giggling, "Watch my food!" You scold, but Wally keeps smiling at you, eyes tender and filled with affection.

"I promise to get you more if I spill anything, okay?"

That pleases you enough to share a fry with him, feeding it to him when he opens his mouth for it.

"But that's it, the rest is mine."

He holds one hand up in surrender, "I'm not gonna argue," while he uses his other hand to massage your hip.

Wally spends the rest of the day coddling and doting on you, at your beck and call before you even ask for anything. Up to get you more painkillers when the first round wears off. Offering a back rub, fetching the hot water bottle, holding your hand when you feel suffocated in the house and sniffle that you want to go for a walk around the block.

No complaints. No judgment. Just unconditional thereness and support. And ice cream. Lots of ice cream...

❣️___________fin.____________

also on AO3!

if you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy Wally Clark Headcanons - 3.

an affectionate, fluffy little glimpse into our favorite ghost's mind when he's completely obsessing over you.

Milo Manheim in a leather jacket does something to me 🤤🤭🫦

You Belong with Me

Wally Clark x fem reader slow burn story

Part 26:

Summary:

It was the next morning you have woken up in Wally’s arms again, something you still feel giddy about. You carefully try to remove his arm that is clung to your body, which doesn’t work as he wakes up imminently. “No babe five more minutes, please” he begs as he wraps his arms around you placing a firmer grip around you. “We can’t Walls, we have to go set up the gym for the chat, you know the one we set up. We can’t be late again otherwise they will come looking for us and they will see your butt again.” You say loosening his arms around your body. “Ok fine, but when it’s over we are doing this again.” He pleaded as he got of the bed. You and him quickly change and head to the gym. 

You walk in and are greeted with everyone already waiting and Mr Martin and Janet arguing. “Finally, you guys are here, they have been arguing like that for ten minutes.” Tommy said as you and Wally take your seats in the familiar circle of past group sessions. “I don’t think they have even acknowledged us being here yet.” Rhonda groaned as she takes out a lollipop from her pocket and placing it in her mouth. “Should we say something?” Charley wonders. “Yeah, I will.” You whisper. Standing up from your seat you shout, “Hey are you going to talk to us or should we leave you two alone to continue to bicker like an old couple.” 

Everyone is silent, you were not usually the type to snap like that at anyone, what can you say you have changed in death no longer the quiet, shy girl who only had one friend. You eye them both and wait for them to join the circle before you sit back down. Wally moves his seat closer to you and whispers “Ok babe that was hot, seeing you take control like that.” You giggle and before you can whisper anything back Mr Martin starts talking.

“All I ever wanted was to help you all by crossing over. I worked on every theory anything to explain why we were trapped here I-“ “ So your way of helping us was to trap us in our own personal hell?” Rhonda interrupts. “When Janet came to me with a theory that ‘energy is trauma’ and how we enter our scars would break the barrier for us to be free. Yes, I did want you guys to do that, and I didn’t know how long it would take. But Janet refused. She went in herself and over time when I saw that the janitor had noticed me, I knew it was working. But Janet was becoming more reluctant to enter the scar.” He admits. “Gee I wonder why she became so reluctant.” Charley snapped at him. “You kept pushing her in when she was scared and traumatized. She literary had to take over another body to get away from your torture. You should have stopped when you saw she was getting reluctant to enter. But you didn’t you pushed, and you pushed her, so much for caring for us.” You snarled with anger flooding your body. “And you kept things from us, our things for decades without us knowing.” Rhonda added. 

“I’m sorry. If we just try, we could-“ “Enough of your excuses, you tormented me for far too long and I will not let you do that to them.” Janet snapped interrupting him. “I will never forgive you for what you did as I’m sure everyone else here is the same. We may all be trapped in this school but that doesn’t mean we have to tolerate you.” She grumbled marching out of the gym. You can see the tears well in his eyes not daring to fall. “Excuse me.” He says standing up and leaving the gym. 

“I can’t believe he tortured her for so long and we never knew.” You sigh. “That is so fucked up.” Rhonda snarled taking a lollipop from her pocket and placing it in her mouth. Silence falls between them not knowing how to process what was just revealed. Breaking the silence Tommy asks, “Do you think Maddie can still see us when she comes back?” “I hope so. It felt good to have some sort of connection to the living, I know I appreciated her help with Lily.” You utter as Wally places his hand on your thigh and gently strokes him thumb up and down. “I miss her, more than I thought I would.” Charley shares with tears welling up in his eyes. Suddenly the lights in the gym begin to flicker and shine brighter followed by a loud bang that shook everyone. “What the hell was that?” Wally asks as you all shoot up quickly from your chairs and run out the gym. “You don’t think one of them – Janet or Mr Martin- crossed over?” Quinn exclaimed. “I don’t know how; Mr Martin needs us especially Janet to forgive him-“ “And Janet? What if she did?” Tommy interrupts. “We have to find them. Wally, Tommy and I will try to find Janet, you guys find Mr Martin.” You shouted. Heading in opposite directions, You, Wally, and Tommy head to the library remembering Janet had her own spot in the corner to read science books. Just as you are about to open the doors, Janet bursts through the doors, “You guys felt that too, right?” she uttered. “Yeah, the last time the lights flickered was when Dawn crossed over, but we don’t know about the big noise that happened after.” Wally replies. In your peripheral vison, you look out the window where the marching band are normally looping. “Guys where’s the marching band?” you slurred. The others approach the window with you. In the far distance up the road, you can see the whole marching band walk the street. “What the fuck.” Tommy shouted. You all run outside to the parking lot with Rhonda, Charley, Yuri, and Quinn catching up. “Did you see-“ “Yeah we can see it” Charley adds in a puff. You all cautionary walk in the parking lot, towards the road and off school property waiting to be flung back to the place you died, like you’d would when crossing the barrier but that didn’t happen. All of your feet were planted on the road. “I think that big bang was the barrier somehow breaking down, we’re free.” You utter. Everyone screams and starts jumping up and down. You run into Wally’s arms as he swings you around. “We’re free, we’re actually free from this place.” Wally yells as you wrap your legs around his back and hold onto his neck. “We’re free baby.” You express planting a kiss on his lips. 

Part 25 Part 27

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HOW IS HE SO DAMN HOT?! He should pay me some rent for how much space he’s taking up in my mind

ʚ♡ɞ˚ 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 ʚ♡ɞ˚

✮ NAVIGATION ✮

⋆˚✿˖° STORIES ⋆˚✿˖°

Split Rivers Sweetheart // Wally Clark x show choir! reader

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ SHORTS // HEADCANNONS ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Stay // Wally Clark x Reader

Jealousy looks good on you // Wally Clark x reader

Game of Pride // Wally Clark x reader

I’m not used to someone giving a damn // wally clark x reader

The Breakfast Club or... The Ghost Club? 😱😱😱 Jk jk Bros im too deep tho 😔 I fear I won't be able to make it to March cause I NEED ALL EPISODES NOW

Shapeshifter? - Milo Manheim

Chapter two

Summary: Milo and Auroras friendship is complicated. They act like they're together but both of them swear they're just friends. Well Aurora does. But things starts to change during the break before season 2

Playlist

Song rec - Friends by Ed Sheeran

The best mornings were the ones without alarms.

Aurora stretched lazily under the covers, savoring the warmth of her bed as sunlight filtered through the curtains. No early call times, no back-to-back interviews—just a full day off with her friends.

Her phone vibrated on the nightstand.

Kristian: Lobby in 20. We’re getting coffee first before Bug turns into a menace.

Aurora snorted, typing back a quick rude before throwing on a cozy sweater, leggings, and her favorite sneakers. When she stepped into the elevator, she could already hear their voices echoing from the lobby.

The second she stepped out, Peyton threw an arm around her shoulders.

“Look who finally decided to show up.”

“I am literally two minutes late.”

Nick grinned. “And yet, Spencer was already debating leaving without you.” Aurora shot Spencer a glare. He just shrugged, arms crossed.

“Look, Bug, if I don’t enforce some kind of schedule, these idiots will have us wandering aimlessly for hours.”

“I take offense to that,” Milo said, slinging an arm around Spencer’s shoulder. “I have great directional instincts.”

“You got lost inside a mall last week,” Sarah reminded him, adjusting the camera strap around her neck.

Milo opened his mouth, paused, then huffed. “...That mall was big.”

The group collectively laughed as they stepped outside into the crisp autumn air. The streets were already bustling—commuters rushing to work, the smell of fresh pastries wafting from nearby cafés, a street musician strumming a guitar on the sidewalk.

“Coffee first,” Kiara announced, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. “Bug gets cranky without caffeine.”

“I do not,” Aurora argued.

Kristian and Rainbow exchanged looks. “You definitely do.”

Aurora huffed. “You guys are the worst.”

Milo grinned, bumping her shoulder. “Aw, we tease ‘cause we love you, Bug.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get coffee before I start throwing hands.”

The café was warm and inviting, the scent of espresso filling the air. The group lined up at the counter, chatting casually. Aurora was already reaching for her phone to place her usual order— But before she could, Milo smoothly stepped forward.

“Medium iced vanilla latte, extra shot of espresso,” he said without hesitation, then gestured toward himself. “And a black coffee, two sugars.”

Aurora blinked.

The group immediately turned to look at her.

Kiara raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t even ask you.”

Milo just smirked. “Didn’t have to.”

Aurora stared at him, a mix of amusement and suspicion. “Have I become that predictable?”

Milo turned toward her, his smirk deepening. “Not predictable, Bug. I just pay attention.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Creepy.”

Milo chuckled, handing her the drink when it was ready. “You love me.”

Aurora took a slow, deliberate sip of her coffee. “Again Mi, the Jury’s still out.”

Spencer groaned. “You two flirt so much.”

“We’ve been saying this!” Sarah laughed

“We are not flirting,” Aurora and Milo said in unison.

The entire group rolled their eyes.

Fueled by caffeine, the group ventured into the city, stopping in every store that caught their interest.

The first stop was the thrift store Aurora and Kiara immediately made it their mission to find the ugliest sweaters possible.

“This one is atrocious,” Kiara announced, holding up a bright orange knit monstrosity with dancing reindeer.

Aurora cackled. “Milo. Try this on.”

Milo eyed the sweater warily. “That looks like something my grandma would force me to wear.”

“Exactly,” Aurora grinned, tossing it at him.

Meanwhile, Nick and Spencer were in a heated debate over a bedazzled jean jacket.

“You cannot pull this off,” Nick argued.

Spencer deadpanned. “I have kids to think about.”

“You don’t have kids.”

“You don’t know that.”

The Next stop a record store.

Sarah, ever the photographer, was snapping photos of everyone.

She caught Milo flipping through vinyl, Peyton balancing a ridiculous stack of albums, and Rainbow dramatically posing next to an old jukebox.

Aurora found a vintage Fleetwood Mac record, running her fingers over the worn cover.

Milo peered over her shoulder. “Classic Bug. Old soul.”

Aurora smirked. “I like good music, sue me.”

Sarah snapped a candid shot of them before Aurora could protest.

And then—

Sephora.

Milo groaned the second Aurora grabbed his wrist.

“No. Nope. Absolutely not.”

“Oh, yes,” Aurora said, already dragging him inside.

The others followed, highly entertained.

“You’re so dramatic,” Aurora teased, leading him toward the makeup displays.

Milo sighed. “I do not belong here.”

Aurora grinned. “Oh, you do now.”

Before he could protest, she grabbed his hand and flipped it palm-up, swiping a deep red lipstick across the back.

Milo just stared. “Did you just—”

“Yep.”

“Unbelievable.” Still, he didn’t pull away as she tested a few more shades

“You know they have paper swatches for this, right?”

She shrugged “where’s the fun in that?”

Milo smirked “so you just wanted an excuse to hold my hand?”

Aurora paused, Narrowing her eyes “do you ever stop?”

He grinned. “Not when it comes to you.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“It’s okay I know your game, Bug.” She rolled her eyes fighting the urge to shove him.

Rainbow, watching, started humming “Unwritten”.

Milo immediately joined in. “FEEL THE RAIN ON YOUR SKIN—”

Spencer groaned. “I swear to god, you two—”

It only got worse from there.

Milo and Rainbow started singing everything anyone said that reminded them of a song.

At one point, Peyton said, “We should grab a drink after this,” and Milo immediately launched into “bartender” by akon

By the time they left, Milo’s hand was covered in makeup swatches, and Spencer looked one second away from putting them all in time-out.

A small group of fans spotted them on the street.

“Milo! Aurora!”

Milo lit up immediately, turning toward them with a grin. “Hey, guys!”Aurora stepped back, watching as he immediately pulled them in for hugs.

“You guys having a good day?” he asked, voice warm and familiar, like he knew them.

A girl in a lavender sweater beamed. “This just made it way better.”

“D’awww,” Milo cooed, ruffling her hair. “You guys are too sweet.”

Aurora watched as he took selfies, signed things, and—of course—kissed one girl on the cheek, making her squeal.

Aurora shook her head. “You’re so ridiculous.”

Milo turned to her, still grinning. “Hey, don’t be jealous, Bug.”

One of the fans giggled. “You guys are such cute friends.”

Milo smirked. “Hear that? We’re cute.”

Aurora groaned. “Come on, Loverboy.”

After hours of wandering through thrift shops, record stores, and makeup aisles, the group found themselves standing at a crosswalk, the neon lights of the city casting a warm glow over them.

“I refuse to let this day end without a drink,” Nick declared, stretching his arms over his head. “We deserve a little celebration.”

Spencer checked his watch. “One drink. Then we all get some actual sleep.”

Milo smirked. “Look at you, Dad Mode activated.”

Spencer just rolled his eyes. “Someone has to be responsible.”

“Do they?” Peyton teased.

Sarah nudged Aurora. “What do you say, Bug? One drink?”

Aurora, still buzzing from the day, grinned. “Let’s do it.”

They ended up in a cozy little bar tucked between two towering buildings, the kind of place that wasn’t too loud but still had a steady hum of conversation and low music playing in the background. Edison bulbs hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the dark wooden bar top.

Milo leaned against the counter, flashing the bartender his usual easygoing smile. “Alright, what’s everyone having?”

Orders started flying in—Spencer with his standard whiskey neat, Rainbow with a fruity cocktail, Kiara and Kristian opting for classic gin and tonics.

When it got to Aurora, she barely had time to open her mouth before Milo spoke up.

“She’ll have a spiced rum and coke.”

Aurora blinked. “Okay, seriously, how do you just know these things?”

Milo gave her a lazy grin. “Like I said earlier—I pay attention.”

Kiara smirked. “That’s a little suspicious.”

Milo winked at Aurora. “Maybe I’m just invested in Bug’s well-being.”

Aurora groaned. “You’re insufferable.”

Milo lifted his glass. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Nick raised his drink. “Alright, to chaotic friendships, successful press tours, and not getting lost in a mall again.” Milo pointedly avoided eye contact. Glasses clinked, and for a moment, everything just felt easy. No cameras, no schedules—just them, laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying the simple comfort of being together.

At some point, Aurora and Peyton got distracted by a dog sitting outside the window.

“Oh my god,” Payton gasped. “That puppy is so cute.”

Aurora practically melted against the bar. “Look at his little face.”

Kristian sighed. “That’s it. We’re never leaving.”

Meanwhile, Milo and Rainbow were still turning every casual statement into a song.

Spencer, exhausted, pinched the bridge of his nose. “If you two sing one more time—”

Rainbow smirked. “Oh no, guys, Spencer’s mad.”

Milo, without missing a beat, started singing “Mad” by Ne-Yo.

“So both of us are Mad for nothing!” He sung

Spencer groaned.

By the time they finished their drinks, the group was just tipsy enough to be giggly but not enough to make getting back to the hotel a struggle.

Milo, ever the gentleman (or so he claimed), offered Aurora his arm as they stepped out into the chilly night air.

“Shall we, Bug?”

Aurora rolled her eyes but took it anyway. “You are so dramatic.”

Milo grinned. “And yet, we’re still best friends.”

She didn’t respond.

But she also didn’t let go.

Back at the hotel, the group split off to their respective rooms, exhausted but still buzzing from the day. Aurora sighed, kicking off her shoes as she stepped into her room, only to hear a knock at her door before she even had a chance to sit down.

She didn’t even have to ask who it was.

With a knowing smirk, she swung the door open. “Couldn’t survive five minutes without me?”

Milo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that familiar grin tugging at his lips. “Busted. What can I say? I need my daily dose of Bug time.”

Aurora rolled her eyes still took his hand to head to his room knowing he’d drag her there at some point eventually.

“Also,” he added, flopping down dramatically onto his bed, “I figured we should probably eat before we pass out. What’s the move? Room service or takeout?”

Aurora stretched, glancing at the bedside clock. “Room service takes forever. Takeout?”

Milo pulled out his phone, already scrolling. “Okay, what are we feeling? Pizza? Sushi? Burgers?”

Aurora flopped onto the bed beside him, peering at his screen. “Mmm… Chinese?”

Milo smirked. “You always go for Chinese.”

“Because it’s elite.”

Milo chuckled. “Fine, fine. What’s your order?”

Aurora didn’t even get a chance to answer before Milo tapped on the screen.

“Sesame chicken, extra sauce, fried rice, and an egg roll.”

She blinked. “Okay, you seriously need to stop memorizing my orders.”

Milo just wiggled his eyebrows. “Admit it. You’re impressed.”

Aurora grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it. “Creeped out is more like it.”

Milo laughed, shielding himself. “Hey! It’s not creepy! I just pay attention.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Aurora muttered, but she was smiling.

They finished ordering, and while they waited, Milo rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow.

“So. Highlight of the day?”

Aurora thought for a moment. “Probably taking you into Sephora and using your hand as a makeup palette. That was very satisfying.”

Milo held up his hand, which still had faint traces of swatches. “You ruined me.”

“Oh, please. You liked it.”

Milo smirked. “I liked you holding my hand, sure.”

Aurora groaned, shoving his face away. “You cannot be serious this late at night.”

Milo just grinned. “What about you? Favorite moment?

Milo exhaled, staring up at the ceiling for a second. Then he looked at her, softer this time. “Honestly? Probably when we met those fans. I love how excited they get. Makes all the crazy stuff worth it.”

Aurora smiled. “You are kind of a golden retriever when it comes to them.”

Milo scoffed. “Excuse me?”

“You just—” Aurora gestured vaguely at him. “You love people. Like, really love them. You go all in, full hugs, cheek kisses, the whole thing. It’s kinda cute.”

Milo wiggled his brows. “You think I’m cute?”

Aurora groaned. “I walked into that one.”

He chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “You make it too easy, Bug.”

“And yes Mi, you’re cute.”

Before he could retaliate, a knock sounded at the door.

Milo hopped up. “Food’s here!”

He grabbed the bags from the delivery guy and plopped back onto the bed, setting the containers between them.

They dug in immediately, Aurora stealing an egg roll from Milo’s container without hesitation.

Milo gasped, clutching his chest. “Betrayal.”

Aurora took a slow, exaggerated bite. “You love me anyway.”

Milo rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching some random late-night TV show on the hotel screen. At some point, Aurora pulled a blanket over her lap, leaning against the headboard.

Milo nudged her knee with his. “Tired?”

Aurora yawned, stretching. “A little. It’s been a long day.”

Milo reached over, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Wanna sleep?”

Aurora sighed. “Mmm. But I should probably get back to my room.”

Milo didn’t move, just watched her for a second before shaking his head. “Nah. Just crash here.”

Aurora hesitated, glancing at him. “You sure?”

Milo gave her a lazy grin. “Yeah, Rora. I don’t mind.”

Aurora rolled her eyes but settled deeper into the pillows.

Milo grabbed the remote, lowering the volume. “Sleep well, bug.”

And for once, she didn’t argue.

—

The soft light of morning filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Aurora’s eyes fluttered open, the warmth of the blanket surrounding her feeling comforting and familiar. She shifted slightly, but something didn’t feel quite right.

It took her a moment to realize why—there was an arm wrapped securely around her waist.

Her first instinct was to freeze. But as her mind caught up with the situation, she slowly turned her head, heart skipping a beat as she realized why she felt so secure. Milo’s face was inches from hers, his head resting on the pillow next to hers. His arm was draped over her, his body tangled up with hers in a way that should’ve felt awkward but instead felt completely natural.

Aurora's chest tightened for a moment.

But the warmth of Milo’s body next to hers was too comforting, too calming. She slowly breathed in, feeling his steady breaths against her cheek. He was sound asleep, his face relaxed, his lips barely parted in a peaceful expression that was a far cry from his usual playful, teasing grin. She felt the beat of his heart beneath her skin, their bodies still intertwined in a way that felt more intimate than anything they’d shared before.

Her breath caught, and for a long moment, Aurora just laid there, her body still, trying to process everything without waking him. She could hear the soft rhythm of his breathing, the way his arm tightened around her waist every time she shifted slightly.

She should move. She should get up and slide out of his embrace. But the way his body held onto hers so effortlessly made it hard to pull away.

There was something about waking up like this—so close, so tangled with him—that felt different. There were no cameras, no fans, no schedule looming over them. Just this quiet morning, the weight of the world momentarily gone.

Aurora tried to adjust, but as she did, Milo groaned softly in his sleep, his grip tightening around her waist instinctively. His lips brushed against her hair, a soft exhale slipping from him.

Aurora couldn’t help but smile at the softness of it all. She had never imagined waking up like this, not with Milo. They had their playful moments, their teasing banter, but this—this was different.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Milo shifted slightly, blinking sleepily as his eyes cracked open. For a brief moment, there was only silence.

Then his eyes met hers, still blurry with sleep, but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Morning, Bug,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Aurora’s breath hitched, her heart racing even though she tried to remain casual. She swallowed, a slight blush creeping up her neck. “Morning,” she replied softly.

There was a beat of silence, just the two of them in this tiny bubble of quiet. Neither one moved to pull away. Neither one seemed to want to.

Finally, Milo blinked again, his voice teasing despite the grogginess. “So… this is what it looks like when you actuallyfall asleep on me, huh?”

Aurora laughed softly, her fingers lightly grazing the back of his hand where it rested on her side. “Or maybe you just can’t stay away from me?.”

Milo smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure, Bug. Keep telling yourself that.”But his tone was soft, his thumb gently brushing across her skin.

Aurora stared at him for a moment, and she could see it—the way his eyes were a little more vulnerable than usual, the way he seemed more real, more present in a way that felt different from their usual back-and-forth.

For a moment, she felt the tension rise between them. A question hung in the air, unspoken but understood. Was this just a moment of vulnerability? A one-off slip-up, or was it something more?

But before she could say anything, Milo gently pulled her closer, as if he couldn’t help himself. He tucked his face into her hair, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Stay for a while, s’last day I’m gonna see you for at least a month,” he said, and for a fleeting moment, there was a quiet softness to him that Aurora wasn’t sure how to handle.

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she let herself fall into the comfort of his arms, allowing the stillness of the morning to wash over her.

“Don’t remind me.”