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A/N: Just for your knowledge, Chapter Eight will take place about a week after Chapter Seven โก
๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ญ’๐ฌ ๐๐๐
I sat in my home office, staring at the stack of papers on my desk that desperately needed my attention. But my thoughts were elsewhere, drifting back to a few days ago.
๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐๐๐๐ค
Y/n was leaving for South Carolina tomorrow, and I couldn’t help but feel a little sad about it. Since the night I showed up at her apartment, we’d been spending more time together.
I don’t know what it says about usโabout meโbut I wasn’t complaining. It wasn’t all sex, though there had been plenty of that. It was also easy moments, quiet laughter, and fleeting glances that lingered a little too long.
That night, my kids were with Colin, and the house was unusually quiet. Y/n had come over with her usual vibrant energy, carrying a bag of sushi from a spot she insisted was “life-changing.”
Now, we were sitting on my living room floor, surrounded by takeout containers and chopsticks, laughing as I struggled to eat without embarrassing myself.
“You know, for someone who claims to love sushi, you’re really bad at using chopsticks,” she teased, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief.
I rolled my eyes, fumbling with the chopsticks again. “It’s not that I’m badโit’s that they’re slippery. There’s a difference.”
“Uh-huh,” she said, smirking. “Want me to show you how it’s done?”
I raised an eyebrow, holding out the chopsticks. “Be my guest, master of sushi.”
She scooted closer, her knee brushing against mine as she slid her hand over mine, adjusting my grip on the chopsticks. Her touch was warm, her fingers lingering just a little longer than necessary.
“There,” she said softly, her voice carrying a teasing edge. “Now try not to drop it this time.”
I managed to pick up a piece of sushi, holding it up like a trophy before popping it into my mouth. “See? I’m a quick learner.”
“Or I’m an excellent teacher,” she quipped, leaning back on her hands.
“Oh, absolutely,” I replied dryly, grabbing a soy sauce packet and tossing it at her. She dodged with ease, laughing as it landed on the carpet.
“Really, Scar? That’s the best you’ve got?” she said, feigning disappointment.
“Oh, you think you can do better?” I challenged, grabbing another packet.
She grinned, grabbing a napkin and throwing it at me. Before I knew it, we were locked in a playful battle, soy sauce packets and napkins flying across the room. I lunged forward, tackling her gently onto the floor as we both dissolved into laughter.
“Admit it,” she said breathlessly, her hands on my shoulders as she looked up at me. “I win.”
“You’re delusional,” I shot back, my face inches from hers. “This isn’t over.”
Her laughter faded slightly as her eyes searched mine. The air between us shifted, the playful tension giving way to something deeper. I could feel her breath on my lips, and before I could stop myself, I leaned in.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but quickly deepened as she responded. Her hands slid from my shoulders to my neck, pulling me closer. I threaded my fingers through her hair, losing myself in the moment.
When we finally broke apart, she smirked up at me. “You’re not bad at that,” she said, her tone teasing but her eyes warm.
“Not bad?” I repeated, pretending to be offended. “I’ll have you know I’m exceptional.”
She laughed, sitting up and nudging my shoulder. “Okay, exceptional. Let’s see how you handle a rom-com.”
We moved to the couch, her leg brushing against mine as she grabbed the remote. “Okay, ground rules,” she said, her face serious. “If I cry, you’re not allowed to make fun of me.”
“Fair,” I said, leaning back. “But if you cry, you owe me one.”
She rolled her eyes but hit play on the movie. She leaned over, quickly kissing my cheek, leaving me trying not to smile too big.
We settled into an easy rhythm, exchanging playful commentary during the overly dramatic scenes. At one point, she mimicked the lead actor’s pout, earning a snort of laughter from me.
“Don’t deny itโyou’d totally fall for me if I pouted like that,” she teased, nudging me with her elbow.
“Oh, absolutely. I’d be powerless,” I deadpanned, making her laugh again.
The movie carried on, but I noticed her gaze drifting from the screen. She leaned back, her head resting against the couch, and stared up at the ceiling. I stayed quiet, sensing there was something on her mind.
“You ever just feel like life is moving too fast?” she asked suddenly, her voice softer now, more thoughtful.
I studied her profile, the way her lashes fanned out against her cheekbones, the faint furrow in her brow. “Sometimes. Why?”
She shrugged, her gaze still fixed upward. “I don’t know. It’s like… there’s so much I want to do, so many places I want to go, but I feel like I’m always playing catch-up.”
Her vulnerability tugged at something deep inside me. Without thinking, I reached out, placing my hand over hers. She looked down at our hands, then back up at me, her expression unreadable.
“You’re doing amazing things, Y/n,” I said quietly. “Sometimes it’s okay to slow down and just… be.”
Her lips curved into a small, appreciative smile. “You’re really good at this whole motivational speech thing.”
I chuckled. “Don’t get used to it. I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners, and for a moment, everything felt light and easy.
By the time the movie ended, she was half-asleep, her head resting on my shoulder. I didn’t move, afraid that if I did, the moment would end. Instead, I let my cheek rest lightly against her hair, my arm draped over her shoulders.
For a fleeting moment, I wondered what it would be like if this were our normal. If I could let myself have this without overthinking it to death.
But I knew better.
๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐๐๐๐ค
And now, sitting in my office, the memory felt like both a comfort and a curse. I truly didn’t know what it meant for usโif it meant anything at all.
.ย .ย .
๐/๐’๐ฌ ๐๐๐
I parked my car outside the small cafรฉ where we were supposed to meet, trying not to psych myself out. South Carolina had this laid-back charm that I wasn’t used to, but it was niceโa slower pace, the kind of place where people waved at strangers. I stepped out of the car, took a deep breath, and headed in.
The bell above the cafรฉ door chimed as I walked in, scanning the room. It didn’t take long to spot her. Madelyn Cline.
She was seated at a small table by the window, sunlight streaming through and catching the soft highlights in her hair.
She was scrolling on her phone, her legs crossed, looking so effortlessly cool that I felt slightly underdressed. When her eyes met mine, she smiled, standing up to greet me.
We hugged, the hug lingering longer than we both expected.
“Y/n?” she asked, her voice warm and teasing. “Well, Chris didn’t mention his sister would be this… interesting.”
I raised an eyebrow, playing it cool. “Interesting, huh? I’ll take it.”
She grinned, her brown eyes sparkling. “I meant it as a compliment.”
“Noted,” I said, holding out my hand. “Madelyn, right?”
She shook my hand, her grip firm but soft. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I said, sliding into the chair opposite hers.
She pushed a coffee cup toward me. “I took a gamble. Caramel latte? Chris said you weren’t a total coffee snob.”
I chuckled, taking a sip. “You’re lucky you got it right. Otherwise, I’d have to end this date right now.” I joked.
She laughed, leaning her chin on her hand. “Good to know I’m safeโfor now.”
We settled into easy conversation, joking about how Chris had set this up like it was some rom-com. She teased me about being “Captain America’s little sister,” which earned her a dramatic eye-roll.
After about an hour of talking, it felt like we’d known each other for years. She was funny, sharp, witty, and had this effortless charm that made it impossible not to smile.
“You’re not letting me pay for the coffee, are you?” I asked as we got up to leave.
“Absolutely not,” she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “You can get the next one. If you’re lucky.”
I smirked, holding the door open for her. “Next one, huh? Feeling pretty confident there.”
She grinned over her shoulder. “Just calling it like I see it.”
As we walked down the street, she pointed out an arcade. “Feel like losing at some skee-ball?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow.
“Losing? To you?” I scoffed. “Let’s go.”
Inside, the arcade was a kaleidoscope of neon lights and nostalgic sounds. Kids darted between games, and the hum of machines filled the air. We went straight for the skee-ball machines, each grabbing a lane.
“Ready to get destroyed?” I taunted, rolling the first ball.
She rolled hers, landing it perfectly in the 50-point slot. “Destroyed? By you? Unlikely.”
I narrowed my eyes, focusing on the next roll, but she kept distracting me with little comments and light touches. When her fingers brushed my arm, I faltered, sending the ball off-track and into the gutter.
“Are you always this bad under pressure?” she teased, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
“Well, how do you expect me to focus when you keep brushing my arm?” I shot back, grinning.
“Oh, so you like when I touch you?” she asked in a flirty tone, her fingers trailing lightly along my forearm. Her voice was teasing, but the way her gaze held mine was anything but.
“So it’s my fault now?” she asked, leaning closer, her voice dripping with mock innocence. Her face was inches from mine, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
I leaned in, closing the small gap between us, my lips almost brushing her ear. Her breath hitched, and I whispered, “Absolutely.”
Before pulling away, I pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to her cheek, letting my lips linger just long enough to make her blush. Her reaction was immediateโher cheeks turned a vibrant shade of pink, and she bit her bottom lip, trying and failing to hide her smile.
“Y/n,” she said, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and amusement. “You’re trouble.”
I grinned, stepping back and grabbing another skee-ball. “Oh, you have no idea.”
She shook her head, her blush still faint but lingering as she picked up her ball. “Focus, Evans. You’re still losing.”
“Not for long,” I teased, my confidence bolstered by the playful moment.
I threw my next ball, landing it perfectly in the 100-point slot. Madelyn groaned dramatically, pretending to be annoyed, but her smile never faltered. I hit another 50-pointer, and the game was sealed. I was victorious.
“Ha! What was that about losing?” I said, smirking as I pointed to the scoreboard.
She playfully rolled her eyes, but her grin gave her away. “Okay, okay. You win this round. But don’t let it go to your head.”
“Oh, it’s already there,” I said, walking over to the prize counter. I handed over my tickets, scanning the options before picking out a small stuffed dolphin. Turning to her, I held it out. “For you.”
Her expression softened as she took it, her fingers brushing mine. “You won this for me?”
“Of course. I couldn’t let you leave empty-handed,” I said, my voice softer now.
She looked down at the dolphin, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea,” I said, winking.
We moved on to air hockey, where the competition was just as fierce. She gave me a run for my money, but in the end, I scored the final goal. She threw her hands up in mock frustration.
“Okay, fine. You’re better at this,” she admitted, laughing. “But I’m still winning overall.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” I said, nudging her shoulder as we walked over to the racing games.
By the time we left the arcade, the sun was starting to dip lower in the sky. She held the dolphin close to her chest as we walked toward the car.
At some point, our hands brushed, and instead of pulling away, she intertwined her fingers with mine.
The simple gesture sent a warmth spreading through my chest, and I couldn’t help but glance at her, the smile on her lips contagious.
“Thanks for winning me this,” she said, holding up the dolphin.
“Anything for my favorite competitor,” I replied, squeezing her hand lightly. “Though you should know, next time, I’m not holding back.”
“Next time, huh?” she teased, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Her words hung in the air as we headed toward the beach, the playful tension between us only growing stronger.
The beach she took me to was quiet, with soft sand that stretched endlessly and waves that lapped gently against the shore. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped lower.
“Told you it was worth it,” she said, slipping off her shoes and walking toward the water.
“Alright, I’ll give you that,” I said, following her. “But don’t get used to me admitting you’re right.”
She laughed, turning to face me. “Noted.”
We waded into the water, the coolness biting at first but quickly refreshing. The waves lapped around our ankles, and the air was filled with the scent of salt and seaweed.
“Okay, serious question,” she said, splashing me lightly. “Do you know how to swim, or should I be worried?”
“Excuse me? I’m an excellent swimmer,” I said, splashing her back. “You, on the other hand, look like you’d panic if a wave hit you.”
“Please,” she said, laughing. “I was practically born in the water.”
We splashed each other like kids, laughing so hard that tears pricked the corners of my eyes. At one point, we were standing chest-deep in the water, closer than I realized.
Her hair was wet, sticking to her face, and her lips parted as she caught her breath.
The moment stretched, her gaze flicking to my lips and then back to my eyes. I leaned in slightly, almost instinctively, but then a wave crashed against us, making us stumble and laugh.
“You’re lucky that wave saved you,” she said, her voice low but teasing.
“Saved me? I was about to make a move,” I shot back, grinning.
Her cheeks flushed, and she splashed me again. “Keep dreaming.”
We stayed in the water for a while longer, the almost-kisses hanging between us like unsaid words.
When we finally walked back to my car, the temperature had dropped, and I grabbed the towels and warm clothes I’d brought. As she dried off, I noticed a strand of wet hair clinging to her cheek.
“Hold still,” I said, stepping closer. She froze as I reached out, brushing the hair away and letting my thumb linger against her cheek. Her brown eyes searched mine, and the teasing smirk she’d worn all day softened into something more vulnerable.
This time, I didn’t hesitate. I leaned in, our lips meeting in a kiss that was both tentative and electric. Her lips were warm and soft, tasting faintly of salt from the ocean. When we pulled away, she smiled, her cheeks flushed.
“So,” she said, her voice light but her eyes serious. “Are all blind dates this good, or am I just special?”
I grinned, resting my forehead against hers. “Definitely you.” I grinned as she leaned in, meeting my lips for another kiss as I pulled her closer to me, leading to a make out session.
.ย .ย .
I got back to where I was staying, giddy and smiley from the amazing date I had just been on. I felt kind of wrong for enjoying it so much since Scarlett and Iโ I don’t even know.
But, there was no doubt, I had the time of my life with Madelyn and I couldn’t seem to get her out of my head.
The kiss was perfect, the date was perfect, her hand in mine just felt right. I took her back home after the date and we shared another kiss which really just flew me to the moon.
I showered and hopped into the bed as I grabbed my phone to text my best friends.
Fake Steve Rogers โ:
Hate to admit it but, Chris may actually be good at matchmaking
Stiles Stilinski ๐ฅ:
THE DATE WAS TONIGHT?!
U-Haul Lesbo Anna ๐:
No shit dufus
U-Haul Lesbo Anna ๐:
Aww Y/n/n, it went great I’m assuming! We need all the details when you get back!!!
Stiles Stilinski ๐ฅ:
I hope you wrapped that cucumber up like I taught you
Fake Steve Rogers โ:
Shut up, none of that happened
Stiles Stilinski ๐ฅ:
That’s kind of sad bro
U-Haul Lesbo Anna ๐:
She doesn’t need to stick her little friend in everyone’s cat
Stiles Stilinski ๐ฅ:
You weren’t saying that when she was railing you
Fake Steve Rogers โ:
BAHAHAHAH DYLANNNNN
Fake Steve Rogers โ:
And Anna you know it’s not little, don’t make me embarrass you
U-Haul Lesbo Anna ๐:
Y/N THAT’S PRIVATE! DON’T YOU DARE
Fake Steve Rogers โ:
You’re lucky I’m tired, goodnight, details soon to come hehe
I closed my phone as I settled into bed, grinning about the date I just had. Is this how easy it’s supposed to feel? I feel like I need to buy Chris a car or something now.
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