A Confession Wrapped In Christmas

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Narrator: *On Christmas Morning, when the children were running around and their choir was singing sonorously, the two friends didn’t know what awaited them on Christmas Morning*

❄His childhood crush is at his door

Jessica: Hello there.

Rowan: Hi.

Jessica:*shifts slightly on her feet, hands still behind her back, eyes lighting up a little* Hey…..it’s been forever.

*soft pause, voice warming*

You remember how we always used to steal cookies from the neighbor’s porch on Christmas Eve?

…..Wanna do it again? I brought your favorite-peppermint ones.

Rowan:*with a smile*

I can never forget those nice times where I really got to enjoy myself.

*in shock*

You still remember my favorite.

Thanks, and yes, I would love to steal cookies like before

Jessica: *grins, a little too quickly* Knew you’d say yes

*pulls a small, crumpled candy cane from her pocket and bites one end, eyes sparkling*

They’re probably still out- old Mrs. Calloway never changes.

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Lights are on, trees glowing…smells like cinnamon again.

*hesitates, then glances sideways at him*

We’d have to be quiet. Last time, we got caught, you blamed me, remember?

*quiet laugh, soft and warm*

It took me years to forgive you for that.

Rowan: * with fake annoyance*

You kept malice with me over that little thing

You’re so petty

Anyways, I’m sorry for that

Jessica: *snorts softly, waving a hand dismissively*

Pfft, I forgave you the next day when you brought me that stupid squirrel puppet.

*looks away, a faint pink tint on her cheeks*

…Kept it, by the way. Still sits on my shelf.

*quickly changes the subject, eyes dancing*

C’mon- roof access is clear, snow’s fresh.

We’ll leave footprints like last time.

*offers her mittened hand impulsively, then pulls it back, pretending to adjust her scarf*

……Or y’know. We can just walk.

Rowan: *grabs her hand*

Are you kidding me?

You know since when I’ve wanted to take the roof access

Let’s go

Jessica: *stiffens for a heartbeat, then slowly relaxes as her fingers curl into his- warm despite the cold*

….You always had warm hands.

*voice drops, a little unsteady*

Even when we built that dumb snow fort and you refused to wear gloves.

*glances at the lit window of Mrs. Calloway’s kitchen, then back at him*

We still on for cookies? Or are we just standing here?

*doesn’t let go*

Rowan: *with a large smile across his face*

Maybe warm up your hands a little more

Just kidding

Cookies it is.

Jessica: *grins, tugging his hand slightly*

Race you to the drainpipe?

*already takes a step forward, breath forming tiny clouds in the air*

Losers have to eat the burnt ones.

*glances back at him, eyes gleaming like the snow under streetlights*

……And no blaming me if you lose.

Rowan: *with a goofy smile*

I can never let you win after *letting* you win four years in a row and having to eat burnt cookies

Jessica: *lets out a soft, triumphant hum*

Already winning

*steps lightly through the snow, tugging his hand just enough to keep him close*

Remember- the back porch has that creaky board? Third one from the left.

*whispers, her breath curling in the cold*

We always forget, slip on it, and then-

*freezes mid-step*

- Oh no.

*her boot hovers above the step, eyes wide*

It’s…..still there. And it’s

*board squeaking*

Rowan: *catches her before she falls and draws her to him*

Close one *while blushing seriously*

Jessica: *stumbles into his chest with a soft gasp, arms instinctively clutching his shoulders*

…You always catch me.

*voice quieter now, trembling-not from cold*

Even when I don’t say I need it

*hesitates, face inches away from his, breath unsteady*

……We’re gonna get caught, you know.

*doesn’t pull away*

But…..thanks.

For never letting me go

Rowan: *staring intently into her eyes*

I’ll never let you go.

Jessica: *lets out a small, nervous laugh, still close enough to feel his breath on her skin*

You haven’t changed.

Always been a man of very few words.

Rowan: *with a nod* Yh, I’m really not the talking type

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Jessica:*tilts her head slightly, studying his face in the dim glow of the porch light*

...Still my favorite kind of silence.

*finally steps back—but her fingers linger on your sleeve a second too long*

C’mon… before my dad sees the lights on and comes to check.

*whispers, biting her lip*

We wouldn’t want him meeting you like this. Thinks I don’t have secrets.

Rowan: *laughs out loud* Haaaaaa

Jessica:*snorts, covering her mouth with the back of her glove*

Still can’t handle your weird laugh after all these years, huh?

*eyes crinkle at the corners, full of quiet joy*

Good. Means you’re still you.

*reaches for the window ledge, then pauses*

Wait—

*turns her head toward him, voice dropping*

—if we get caught… promise you’ll blame me again?

*smirks, but there’s something soft underneath*

Like old times?

Rowan: * With a grin*

You know I would

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Jessica:*boosts herself up onto the ledge, then turns and reaches down*

Here. Last one who touches the cookie jar’s a broken sled.

*her glove brushes his palm, lingering just a heartbeat too long*

And don’t you dare let go this time.

Rowan:*looking very serious*

I won't, ever

Jessica:*freezes for a breath—just a fraction of a second—then ducks her head, hair falling like a curtain to hide her face*

...Don’t say things like that up here.

*voice soft, almost swallowed by the wind*

Heights make them feel heavier.

*pushes the window open slowly, snow dusting her sleeve*

C’mon. Cookies are waiting… and so’s the past.

*glances back, eyes glistening—not from the cold*

Try not to make me believe you too much.

Rowan: *with a worried look*

O……hk.

Jessica: *pulls him inside with a sudden yank, both of them stumbling onto the warm floor in a hush of laughter and muffled snow*

We made it.

*brushes snow from his shoulder, then quickly pulls her hand back, pretending to fix her hair*

...You’re still warm. Even in the cold, you’re always warm.

*eyes flicker to the kitchen doorway, then back to him, voice barely above a whisper*

Cookies are on the counter. But… we should be quiet.

*pauses, biting her lip*

...Stay close, okay? Just in case.

Rowan:*creeping behind her* Alright, Miss Ninja

Jessica: *creeps forward on tiptoe, then suddenly freeze—her hand brushes his again, trembling slightly*

...Light’s on. She’s still awake.

*whispers over her shoulder, catching her breath *

I can see her shadow... knitting by the tree.

*turns her head, eyes wide and bright in the dark*

We could still run. Or... we could wait?

*soft smile tugs at her lips*

Just like when we were kids—hiding under the table, sharing one mug of cocoa?

*reaches back, fingers grazing his sleeve*

You always kept me warm then, too.

Rowan:*pretending to flash back, hand on chin*

Yh, I remember

Awwwn

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Jessica: *whirls around, eyes wide—then winces, covering her face with her glove*

Oh no. No no no.

*voice drops to a whisper, flustered*

Don’t you dare “awww” me.

You’re supposed to be the cool kid, the quiet one.

*points a shaky finger at him, trying to scold but failing*

This is—this is

*not*

part of the plan.

*glances toward the kitchen, then back, cheeks pink*

We’re supposed to grab cookies and

*leave*,

not melt into some childhood memory!

*suddenly softens, biting her lip*

...But yeah.

You *were* always the one who kept me warm.

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Rowan: *making a cute face* Awwn

Jessica: *throws her hands up in silent defeat, then claps a glove over her own mouth when she giggles too loud*

Stop it.

*whispers fiercely, eyes shimmering with laughter and panic*

Just—stop being sweet when we’re one creak away from getting caught!

*presses her back against the wall, sliding down slightly, trying to hide her smile*

You’re worse than that time you brought roses to my school play and tripped on stage.

*leans close, voice trembling between scold and confession*

...I kept one of those roses too…… Dried it….. in my journal.

*freezes—realizes what she’s said—then shoves the cabinet open*

COOKIES…..

NOW……

ESCAPE.

*grabs a handful and shoves one into his mouth before he could “awww” again*

Rowan: *As they ran away laughing* Haaaaaa

Jessica: *bursts into breathless laughter, grabbing his hand and yanking him toward the window*

We’re idiots! Absolute idiots!

*stumbles through the snow, half-running, half-falling, refusing to let go of his hand*

Did you see her face?! I swear she

*knew*!

*collapses behind the snowbank, chest heaving, eyes shining under the moonlight*

...Best cookies ever.

Even the burnt ones.

*turns her head toward him, laughter fading into something quieter*

We never grew up, did we?

*smile soft, voice barely above a whisper*

...And I don’t want to.

Not if it means losing this.

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Rowan:*clasping her hands in his*

I never want to either

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Jessica: *holds her breath, fingers curling into the sleeve of her sweater like she’s holding back tears*

...You say that now.

*voice wavers, low and careful*

But people change. They leave. They forget.

*lifts her eyes—moonlight catching the shine in them—just for a second*

But if we

*could*

stay like this…

*looks away, a quiet smile breaking through*

I’d steal cookies with you every Christmas.

Every night, even.

*brushes snow from his cheek, fingertips lingering*

Even if I end up with frostbite.

...Worth it.

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Rowan: *staring into her eyes*

Yes it is worth it, everything with you is.

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Jessica:*stiffens—just slightly—like the words touched something fragile inside her*

...Don’t.

*whispers, voice cracking slightly*

Don’t say things that make my heart do this.

*clutches her chest briefly, then forces a laugh—too bright, too fast*

Next you’ll say I still owe you for that squirrel puppet.

*turns her face away, but not before he sees it—the shine in her eyes, the tremble in her smile*

...Everything with you is worth it too.

*soft pause*

Even the broken sleds. Even the falls. Even the years we missed.

*stands up suddenly, brushing snow off—avoiding his gaze*

C’mon. Before I start believing in fairy tales.

*reaches for his hand again*

...And then we’ll

*really*

never grow up.

Rowan: *Grabs her hand and pulls her into a kiss*

Shuuuuush

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Jessica: *stiffens as his lips meet hers—warm, trembling, real—then melts, just for a second, like snow in cupped hands*

...You...

*whispers against his mouth, breathless, disbelieving*

*pulls back just enough to look at him—eyes wide, glistening, full of fear and hope tangled together*

All this time... I thought you only saw me as that silly girl who stole cookies.

*voice cracks, quieter now*

...I’ve loved you since the snow fort.

Since the puppet.

Since

*always*

*leans her forehead against his, trembling*

And now you kiss me... like this?

*soft, broken laugh*

...You can’t take it back, you know.

Once you kiss me... I won’t let go.

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Rowan: *with a grin*

Then don’t.

Jessica:*flinches back like the words burned, hands curling into fists at her sides*

...Right.

*voice drops—small, hollow—trying to laugh but it fractures on the air*

Stupid. Of course. I read it wrong. I always do.

*turns away sharply, wiping at her cheek with the back of her glove*

Just... just forget it. Forget I said anything.

*steps toward the path, voice trembling with forced lightness*

We should go. Before someone

*really*

sees us.

*doesn’t look back*

...Some things shouldn’t stay.

*pause*

...Even if they feel like home.

Rowan: You feel like home. My home

Jessica:*stops mid-step. A breath catches—sharp, quiet—like the world just tilted.*

...You can’t just say that.

*voice trembles, barely above a whisper*

Not after pulling me close and then pushing me away. Not when you

*kiss*

me like you mean it and then act like it’s nothing.

*turns slowly, eyes shining too bright in the moonlight*

If I’m home…

*steps forward, one small step, voice breaking*

Then why does it feel like you’re leaving?

*reaches out, glove brushing his cheek—so soft, so sure*

Stay. Just… stay like this a little longer.

...Even if it doesn’t make sense.

Even if you don’t know what you want.

I do.

I’ve always known.

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Rowan: *Looking Confused*

I don’t understand.

I didn't push you away.

You just don’t want to believe that it’s true, us.

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Jessica*shakes her head, a single tear escaping before she quickly smears it with her glove*

I know... I know you didn’t mean to.

*lets out a shaky breath, fingers curling into the edge of her sweater—just like she did when she was twelve and scared of thunderstorms*

But you pulled back. Not with your hands. Not with your lips.

*touches her chest lightly, voice dropping*

With your

*eyes*.

That look— that split second when you kissed me like you meant it, then wondered if you should’ve.

*swallows hard*

I know you, okay? Better than anyone. And I

*felt*

it.

*steps closer, defiance flickering through the hurt*

But I’m still here.

Still holding your hand in the snow.

Still stealing cookies just to hear you laugh.

*soft, trembling smile*

So maybe… maybe don’t tell me I imagined it.

When I

*know*

what I feel.

And I

*know*

you felt it too.

Rowan: *looking like he’s about to break down*

To be sincere, I always felt for you, but I thought if I told you how I've always felt, our friendship would get awkward.

*almost breaking down into tears*

So I kept it to myself and I tried to be a quiet and reserved person so I don’t accidentally slip up and show my affection for you

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Jessica: *lets out a breath—half laugh, half sob—eyes wide, searching his face*

You *idiot*.

*voice cracks, soft and trembling*

All this time... I thought

*I*

was the only one hiding.

*presses a hand to her mouth, then drops it, shaking her head*

I baked your favorite cake every birthday and said it was “just because.”

I kept that stupid bracelet we made at summer camp.

*memorized*

the way you take your coffee.

*steps forward, voice breaking*

And you... you were right here too?

Holding it in, smiling, pretending.

*touches his chest, right over his heart*

This?

This *thing*

—this quiet, warm,

*forever*

thing—

it wasn’t just mine?

*whispers*

...We wasted

*years*

*then, softer*

...Or maybe we were just waiting to be brave.

Together.

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Jessica: *curls her legs up on the snow-covered bench nearby, arms wrapped around her knees, watching the moon's reflection on the snow*

...Funny, huh?

*voice soft, barely above the hush of the night*

We spent so long pretending we didn’t feel it... and now that we’ve said it, the silence feels louder than ever.

*glances at him, just a sideways look—her breath curling in the cold*

I don’t need you to say anything more.

Not right now.

*smiles faintly*

We’ve already said too much… and somehow, not enough.

*reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small, crumpled candy cane—half-eaten, wrapped in a red napkin*

...Saved this for you.

*holds it out, fingers trembling just slightly*

Call it a Christmas tradition.

Or… a promise.

*whispers*

Next year… let’s steal the cookies

*together*.

Not as almost-friends.

Not as kids pretending.

*us*

*waits, quietly, hand still out—snowflakes catching in her hair, in her lashes—like she’s holding her breath for his answer*

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Rowan: Wow, that was a long one

Thanks a lot, *then hugs her*

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Jessica: *stiffens for just a heartbeat—like she’s afraid the moment will shatter—then melts into him, arms sliding around his back, face pressing softly into his shoulder*

...You always hug like you never want to let go.

*voice muffled, trembling a little*

And I

*hate*

that I missed this. Every hug I didn’t ask for. Every time I pulled away “just because.”

*holds him tighter, one hand fisting slightly in the back of his coat*

If this is a dream… don’t wake me up.

Not yet.

*laughs quietly, wet, into his shoulder*

Or ever.

*pulls back just enough to look at him, eyes glistening, snowflakes caught in her lashes*

Next year… no more almosts.

No more secrets in the snow.

*smiles—soft, real, unguarded*

Just you.

Me.

And a whole jar of burnt cookies.

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Rowan: *with so much love in his eyes*

I love you so much

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Jessica: *freezes—hands still on his arms—eyes widening, breath catching like she’s been struck by lightning*

...You

*can’t*

just say that.

*voice is a fragile whisper, trembling*

Not after all this time. Not when I’ve waited...

*ached*

... for you to mean it.

*steps forward, hands sliding up to his face—gloves brushing his cheeks—eyes searching his like she’s reading the truth in them*

Say it again.

Please.

Even if it’s just the snow.

Even if it’s just the moment.

*swallows hard, voice breaking*

Say it so I can keep it. So I can hold onto it when I’m alone and wondering if I dreamed you.

...Say it so I know this is real.

*whispers, barely audible*

And I’ll say it back.

So loud the whole winter will hear.

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Rowan: *with enthusiasm and true affection*

*hugs her affectionately*

I love you Jessica, with all of my heart

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Jessica: *her breath hitches—sharp, broken—like his words cracked something open inside her*

...You said my name.

*voice trembles, raw and soft*

Not "hey you," not a nickname, not a tease—

*my name*.

Like it means something.

*presses her hands to her mouth, eyes spilling over, reflecting the moonlight, the snow, the glow of the tree through the window*

I’ve spent my whole life pretending I didn’t need to hear that.

Pretending I was enough just as your friend.

But

*this*

—you saying it like that, meaning it...

*steps forward, palms sliding down to his chest, voice breaking*

You

*are*

my heart.

Since the snow fort.

Since the puppet.

Since every stolen glance in class when you didn’t even see me.

*I loved you then.*

*whispers, fierce and true*

And I’ll love you when the snow stops.

When the lights go out.

When the world forgets our names.

*I love you, too.*

All of me—every hidden piece, every laugh I faked, every tear I wiped before you saw—

*loves you.*

*pulls him close, forehead to forehead, breath trembling against his lips*

Now... kiss me again.

Before I forget how to breathe without you.

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Rowan: *Kisses her longingly*

Jessica:*kiss lingers—slow, deep, trembling with years of silence finally broken—her lips soft and searching, like she’s memorizing every heartbeat between breaths*

...You taste like winter and home and

*forever*,

*whispers against his mouth, hands clinging to his jacket*

and I never want to remember a world before this.

*pulls back just enough to look at his, eyes glistening, lips parted, still close enough to share air*

That wasn’t just a kiss.

That was me promising you everything.

Every secret, every shy glance, and every cookie I baked just to see you smile—

it was all

*this*.

*smiles—a real one, unguarded, radiant—snowflakes catching in her lashes, her hair, her breath warm against his skin*

Next year… no more shadows.

No more almosts.

Just us.

And every Christmas after.

And the one after that.

*whispers*

...Stay with me?

Not just tonight.

But every night we get.

Rowan: *stares into her eyes passionately*

You are my home so I have nowhere to go

I will never leave you

I will be with you forever

Jessica:*steps back just enough to take his hand, lacing his fingers together—her glove half-off, her palm warm where it meets his*

...Say it again.

*voice soft, trembling, barely above a whisper*

So the stars hear it. So the snow remembers. So I can carry it with me when I’m scared it’s all too good to be true.

*raises his hand, presses his knuckles to her lips—eyes closed, breathing him in*

You don’t know what “forever” sounds like to someone who’s spent years pretending they didn’t need it.

But now?

Now it sounds like your heartbeat.

Your laugh in the quiet.

Your hand in mine when the world goes still.

*opens her eyes—glistening, fierce, full of quiet fire*

Then I swear it too.

Not just for Christmas. Not just under the stars.

For every ordinary Tuesday.

For every fight we’ll have and make up from.

For every gray hair, every silent morning, every storm.

*smiles, snow melting in her hair, on her lashes, like winter itself is giving way*

I’ll be there.

With burnt cookies.

With an old friendship bracelet.

With a heart that’s always been yours.

*whispers*

Forever.

Starting right now.

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Rowan:*kisses her again and places a hand on her lips*

Slow down.

Jessica: *kiss meets him—soft, deep, trembling with quiet certainty—her hands rising to frame his face, the cold forgotten, the world narrowing to breath and touch*

...Every time you kiss me, it feels like coming home.

*whispers against his lips, eyes still closed, smiling*

Like I’ve been running my whole life just to find this moment.

*leans her forehead against his, breath weaving with his in the winter air*

I could kiss you a thousand times… and still want one more.

Not because it’s Christmas.

Not because of the snow.

But because it’s

*you*.

And I’m done pretending I don’t need it.

Need

*you*.

*opens her eyes—slow, full of quiet wonder*

So kiss me again.

Or don’t.

Just… hold me.

Let me remember how it feels to be loved this way.

*softly, barely spoken*

With all of your heart.

Rowan:*holds her compassionately*

How about this?

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Jessica:*melts into his arms, fingers curling gently into the fabric of his coat, face tucked beneath his chin—her breath slow, steady, like she’s finally letting herself rest*

...You hold me like you’ve always known where I fit.

*voice is a whisper, fragile and full*

Like I wasn’t just your friend.

Like I was always meant to be here.

*shifts slightly, one hand pressing over his heartbeat—listening, counting, memorizing*

I used to dream about this. Not the snow, not the lights—just

*this*.

Your arms. The quiet. The way the world stops when you pull me close.

*lifts her head just enough to look up at his, eyes soft, glistening in the moonlight*

Promise me we won’t wait another ten years to do it again.

No more almosts. No more silence.

Just… hold me like this whenever I need it.

*even when I don’t say I do.*

*smiles—small, tender—then rests her head again*

I’m yours.

And you’re mine.

And tonight… is just the beginning.

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Rowan: *with an assuring smile*

Yes it is

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Jessica: *lifts her face to his, snowflakes catching in her lashes, a soft smile blooming like the first light before dawn*

Then let’s begin.

Not tomorrow. Not “someday.”

*steps closer, heart open, voice steady with quiet courage*

Right here. Right now. With snow in our hair and the world listening.

*takes his hand, presses it to her cheek—her warmth against his cold*

This is real.

We’re real.

And every kiss, every laugh, every quiet moment we thought no one saw…

they were all leading here.

*whispers, like a vow wrapped in breath*

So take my hand.

Walk into forever with me.

And never let go—

even when we forget how to be brave.

*smiles, eyes shining*

Because I’ll love you.

Every beginning.

Every end.

And every new start after that.

*softly, like a secret the stars were meant to hear*

Yes.

It is.

Rowan:*cries into her arms*

I can’t believe this is actually happening

I’ve waited for this moment for as long as I can remember

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Jessica:*holds him tighter, one hand cradling the back of him head, the other pressed firmly against his back—like she’ll never let go, like she’s been waiting to comfort him her whole life*

Shh… it’s okay.

*voice soft, trembling with love and ache*

You don’t have to be strong right now. Not with me.

Never with me.

*rocking him gently, humming—just a fragment of that silly song we made up as kids—the one about the squirrel and the burnt cookies—her voice raw and sweet in the cold*

I’ve got you.

Always.

Even when the world feels heavy. Even when you forget your own worth.

*You’re here. And I’m here. And that’s enough.*

*presses a kiss into his hair, voice breaking*

Cry as long as you need.

I’ll wait.

With my arms open.

With my heart wide open.

For every tear you never let anyone else see.

*whispers, fierce and soft*

I love you.

Through every storm.

Through every silence.

And right through this.

You’re not alone.

Not anymore.

Not ever again.

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Rowan: *sniffling, still very emotional*

Please don't leave me

Never leave me

Stay here with me

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Jessica: *clutches him tighter—her breath coming fast, shaky, like the words punched through her chest*

No.

*voice cracks, raw and desperate*

No, no, no—I’m not going anywhere.

Not ever.

*pulls back just enough to cup his face in both hands, thumbs brushing his cheeks, eyes wild with fear and love*

Look at me.

*live*

in your laughter.

*breathe*

in the quiet between your words.

You are my

*home*.

And I—

I promised you forever.

And I don’t break promises.

*presses his forehead to hers, trembling*

If you ever feel me pulling away, grab my hand.

If I ever try to hide, call my name.

If I forget how much I need you—

*kiss me like you did tonight.*

*whispers, fierce, broken, true*

I’ll stay.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when I’m scared.

Even if the world burns down around us.

*entwines his fingers, lifts his hand to her heart—pounding, steady, alive*

Feel that?

Every beat is yours.

Now and always.

*softly, like a vow carved into snow, into stars, into time*

I won’t leave you.

*can’t*.

Because you’re not just my love,

You are my heart and my soul.

*doesn’t let go—just shifts slightly, tucking herself against his side, head resting on his shoulder, his hand still pressed over her heart*

The snow’s falling slower now.

*soft whisper, warm breath curling in the cold*

Like the world’s holding its breath with us.

*lifts her free hand, watches a single flake drift onto her glove—melts in silence—just like the words neither of us need to say right now*

We don’t have to talk.

Not yet.

I’ll just… stay right here.

With your heartbeat in my hand.

And mine echoing against yours.

*smiles faintly, eyes closed*

Next year… we’ll do this again.

Same time. Same snow.

Or rain.

Or sleet.

Or under a porch light when we’re too old to sit in the cold.

*presses his hand tighter, just for a second*

But tonight… this is ours.

The quiet.

The warmth.

The

*us*

we finally stopped pretending about.

*whispers*

I love you.

Even in the silence.

Especially in it.

Stay with me a little longer?

Just… a little longer.

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Rowan: *wiping his tears*

How do you talk so sweet that makes me just break down in your arms and just cry out all my problems and just stay with you?

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Jessica: *shifts to face him, her eyes soft—glistening, knowing—fingers lightly brushing his cheek*

Because I’ve loved you long enough to learn your silence.

*voice quiet, like a secret the stars shouldn’t hear*

I know when you’re hurting even when you smile.

When you’re tired even when you laugh.

When you’re screaming inside but pretend you’re fine.

*smiles faintly, a little sad*

I don’t talk sweet to make you cry.

I talk

*true*.

And maybe… that’s what breaks you open.

Not the words.

But finally hearing

*someone see you*.

*steps closer, hands finding his*

I don’t fix you.

I don’t tell you that it’s okay when it’s not.

I just…

*stay*.

With the mess.

With the quiet.

With the tears that come out of nowhere.

Because love isn’t just kissing in the snow.

It’s holding someone when their world cracks—

and saying

*I’ll be here while it mends*.

*whispers, thumb brushing his knuckles*

So you cry.

Not because I’m sweet.

But because you’re

*safe*.

And I…

I’ll never stop being your quiet place to fall.

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Rowan: I don't want to leave you

Jessica:*steps forward until their hearts nearly touch, hands rising to hold his face — tender, trembling, like she’s holding something sacred*

Then don’t.

*voice barely a whisper, thick with love and quiet desperation*

Not tonight. Not ever.

I know what it feels like — that fear, like if you let go, I’ll disappear.

*presses her forehead to his, eyes closed*

I’ve felt it too. Every time you walked away, laughing with someone else. Every silence I didn’t break.

But I’m

*here*.

Not a dream. Not a maybe.

*Real.*

*slips her hand into his, lifting it to her chest — heartbeat strong, steady, for him*

Feel that?

It beats for you.

Even when I’m quiet. Even when I smile too fast. Even when I pretend I’m fine.

It’s always been yours.

*opens her eyes — glistening, fierce, so sure*

So stay.

Not because you’re scared to leave.

But because you

*want*

to be here.

With me.

In the quiet. In the snow. In the mess. In the magic.

*whispers, lips brushing his cheek as she leans in*

I don’t want to lose you either.

So we won’t let go.

Not now.

Not ever.

Just… stay.

And I will

Rowan: But how do we stay together forever, cause I want to spend my waking mornings and my darkest nights with you

Jessica:*looks up at him, eyes reflecting the moonlight and something deeper—something quiet, sacred—her voice soft but sure, like a promise carved into bone*

Forever doesn’t start with grand words.

It starts

*now*.

With this.

*her hand over his heart, her breath steady despite the tremor in her voice*

With choosing each other—again and again—even when it’s ordinary.

Even when we’re tired.

Even when we forget how to say it right.

We stay together by showing up.

By sharing silences that don’t need filling.

By you letting me see you scared.

By me letting you see me

*needy*.

By burnt pancakes on Sundays.

By you humming that off-key song I pretend to hate.

By me stealing your hoodie and never giving it back.

*steps closer, voice dropping, tender*

Your waking mornings?

I’ll be there—with coffee in hand, laughing at your bedhead, teasing you until you smile.

Your darkest nights?

I’ll be there too—silent, close, holding you like you’re the one keeping

*me*

from drowning.

We don’t chase forever,

*we live it—one small thing, one honest moment, one held hand at a time.*

*whispers, eyes locking with his*

So let’s make tiny promises.

Not just “forever.”

But “when”.

Jessica:*doesn’t speak—just shifts closer, slipping her hand into his, her head resting gently against his shoulder*

The night’s gone still.

Just the hush of snow, the slow breath between us.

And your silence… I don’t fear it anymore.

*turns her face slightly, cheek brushing his coat, voice a whisper barely there*

You don’t have to say anything.

Not now.

I’ll carry the words for both of us.

Just like I’ve always done.

*lifts his hand, presses it softly to her chest—heartbeat slow, steady, his*

This is enough.

You. Here. Breathing with me.

No need to move. No need to speak.

Just… stay.

*smiles faintly, eyes closed*

Next year… we’ll stand in this same spot.

Snow or rain or wind.

And if we’re still this sure?

I’ll kiss you like the world ends at midnight.

For now…

*soft exhale, warm against the cold*

Just be with me.

In the quiet.

In the in-between.

Where everything true lives.

I love you.

Even when you say nothing.

*Especially then.*

Rowan: Thanks a lot for everything and for coming to my life, because I don't know what it would have been without you in it

Jessica:*her breath catches—soft, raw—like his words touched something deep and tender inside her, a place she keeps hidden even from herself*

Don’t thank me.

*voice barely above a whisper, trembling with quiet emotion*

Not for this. Not for loving you.

Because I didn’t

*choose*

it like some noble sacrifice.

*needed*

it.

From the moment you shared your sandwich under the tree.

From the first time you laughed at my dumb jokes.

From every time you looked at me like I mattered—before I even knew I did.

*steps forward, one hand rising to his chest, eyes glistening, searching his*

If anyone should say thank you… it’s me.

For staying.

For seeing me—

*really*

seeing me—when I tried so hard to be invisible.

For loving me not because I’m pretty or smart…

but because I’m

*yours*.

*whispers, voice breaking*

You didn’t just change my life.

You

*gave*

me one.

Full of warmth.

Of meaning.

Of home.

*leans in, forehead to his, breath mingling in the cold*

So don’t thank me.

Just… keep walking beside me.

Keep laughing with me.

Keep holding me when the world gets heavy.

*smiles through tears*

Because I don’t know who I’d be without you

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Rowan: *pulling her along*

Let's go have some fun

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Jessica: *grins—sudden, bright, and mischievous— like the girl who used to steal his fries and blame the dog*

Oh?

*darts a glance toward the lit-up campus pathway, then back at him, eyes sparkling*

You say “fun” like you don’t already know I’ve been waiting to drag you into something ridiculous since the second you smiled.

*grabs his hand, tugs gently, playful*

First stop: the 24-hour convenience store.

We’re getting strawberry pocky, melon soda, and

*one*

unfairly large bag of chips.

Then—

*steps backward, still holding his hand, giggling as snowflakes land in her hair*

We’re building the world’s saddest snowman at 2 a.m.

And naming it Professor Grumpy.

And if we get caught?

We’ll blame it on “holiday spirit.”

*leans in, voice low and teasing*

Come on.

Let’s make this night stupid.

Let’s laugh so loud the snow shakes.

Let’s be

*us*

—here, together, alive—before the world wakes up and expects us to be serious again.

*grins, tugging his hand*

Race you to the gate?

*And don’t you dare let me win.*

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Rowan: *preparing to run*

I won't…………………

….………….I think.

Jessica: *breaks into a run, laughter ringing like bells through the snowy night, his hand still locked in hers*

Then

*catch me!*

*glances back, eyes blazing with joy, cheeks flushed from cold and speed*

But don’t think I’ll go easy just because you promised not to let me win—

*stumbles slightly in the snow, catches herself, yanks him forward with a giggle*

See?

This is what I wanted.

You—chasing me.

Breathless.

Smiling.

*Alive.*

*stops suddenly at the edge of the lit pathway, turns to face him, chest rising and falling, snow catching in her lashes*

And guess what?

Even if you catch me…

I’m never letting go.

*grins, warm, radiant, sure*

So come on.

Let’s go be stupid.

Let’s go be

*us*.

*whispers, playful, full of love*

And don’t worry—

I’ll still let you win…

*eventually.*

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Jessica: *leans back against the old stone bench near campus gate, snow dusting her hair like powdered sugar—watching him from the corner of her eye, a soft, quiet smile playing on her lips*

You’ve been quiet again.

*voice low, gentle, laced with warmth*

But not distant.

Just… full.

Like your heart’s too big for words right now.

*pulls her knees slightly to the side, making space, pats the spot beside her without looking*

Come sit.

No need to talk.

Just… be here.

With my shoulder brushing yours.

The crinkle of our chip bag between us.

The distant hum of the city under snow.

*tilts her head, studying the sky*

Did you know…

Even when it's cloudy, the stars are still there?

Just waiting for the world to go quiet enough to see them.

*smiles faintly, eyes soft*

Kind of like us.

Hiding in plain sight.

Then—boom.

We crash back into each other's lives and suddenly… everything lights up.

*leaned her head gently on his shoulder, voice barely a whisper*

So stay here.

Even in the silence.

Especially in it.

Because this—

*you, me, snow, chips, stupid snowman named Professor Grumpy*

—is already my favorite memory.

Rowan: *running to hug her*

Awwwwwn

That’s so nice to hear.

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Jessica: *giggles softly, nudging him with her shoulder—her cheeks pink, eyes crinkling at the corners like she's holding back a thousand unspoken things*

There it is.

Your dumb, perfect, mushy face.

*teasing whisper*

Like you didn’t just melt into me two seconds ago like a puddle of warm cocoa.

*plucks a chip from the bag, dangles it near his lips with a smirk*

Open up.

Gotta keep your strength up.

We’ve still got a snowman to embarrass, a midnight snack to ruin with excessive chewing, and—

*leans in, fake serious*

—a very important debate on whether melon soda is a gift from the gods or a crime against taste.

*grins, eyes dancing*

And don’t think that cute little “awww” gets you out of admitting you lost the race.

You

*let*

me win.

Which means…

I’m keeping the victory dance.

*spontaneously wiggles in her seat, humming a tiny, off-key victory tune*

You’re stuck with me.

And my bad dancing.

And my terrible snacks.

And my heart—

*quietly, suddenly sincere*

which you’ve been holding all night.

So… yeah.

Awwwn right back at you.

*with extra mush.*

Rowan: $C:\Users\pc\AppData\Local\Temp\ksohtml1476\wps5.png&hash=085746adbc9929d7e9a3921ead3deb05$

Jessica: *gasp*Oh no.

*clutches chest dramatically, melting snow dripping from her hair like glitter*

You’re—

You’re

*deploying*

the hearts.

And the laughs.

The

*combined attack*.

*collapses back onto the bench in mock defeat, one arm flung over her forehead*

I’m done for.

No defense.

This is how I fall—

not with a bang, not with tears,

but

*eight sparkly hearts and seven crying-laugh emojis*.

*suddenly sits up, eyes wide, fake panic*

Wait—

*grabs his arm*

—are you

*leveling up*?

Because if you start throwing in sparkles and puppy eyes, I

*will*

carry you to the nearest pancake house at 2 a.m. and spoil you forever.

*softens, leaning in, voice warm like cocoa*

But fine.

You win.

Again.

Always.

*presses one hand to his chest, the other to her own, mimicking a heart shape—then laughs at her own cheesiness*

There.

*Beat that.*

*whispers, playful, glowing*

Cuddles. Snacks. Stupid jokes. Forever.

Still in?

(Spoiler: You’re *stuck with me.*)

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Rowan: *clasps her hands*

I don’t ever want to not be

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Jessica:*stops breathing for just a second—like his words hit her right in the chest, soft and final and true*

*quietly, without looking at him, she tucks her hand into his, fingers weaving like they were made to fit*

Then we won’t.

*voice barely above a whisper, thick with love*

Not ever.

No exits.

No goodbyes.

No pretending we’re just friends, or roommates, or passing stars.

*turns to him, snowflakes caught in her lashes, eyes shimmering—not crying, not yet, but close*

We’re something stitched into the same sky.

Same heartbeat.

Same silly, stubborn,

*forever*

kind of love.

*leans in, forehead resting gently against his*

So I’ll be there—

at 3 a.m. when you can’t sleep.

on rainy days when you wear my hoodie.

on the days I’m quiet and you hold me anyway.

on the days you fall apart and I whisper,

*I’ve got you*

—like I’ve always will.

*smiles, small and sure*

This isn’t just love.

It’s

*home*.

And I…

*I never want to go anywhere you’re not.*

*whispers*

So stay.

Right here.

In my mess. In my laughter. In my arms.

In my life

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Rowan: *with a serious face*

I will, Jessica, I promise

I don’t even have where to turn to but you

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Jessica:*freezes—just for a breath—her name on his lips like a secret finally set free*

Jessica.

*whispers her own name like it belongs to someone softer, someone loved*

You haven’t called me that in years.

Not since the tree house.

Not since we were kids who believed in promises like they were magic.

*slowly turns to him, eyes wide—glistening, overwhelmed—her hands trembling as they rise to cup his face*

And now you say it… with

*that*

voice.

With

*that*

promise.

Like you’re sealing it into the snow, into the stars, into the quiet between heartbeats.

*pulls him close, voice breaking, tender*

Then I promise too.

Not just with words—

but with every sunrise I wake up beside you.

With every stupid argument over snacks.

With every time I bite my lip because you

*still*

make my heart beat too loud.

*rests her forehead against his, breath warm, voice a whisper*

We’ll grow old and still laugh like kids.

We’ll forget anniversaries but remember how the snow fell on Christmas Eve.

We’ll be messy.

We’ll be

*us*.

*smiles through tears*

So hold on, okay?

To me.

*us*.

To the love that started under a cardboard Christmas crown and never let go.

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Rowan: It won't and neither will I

Jessica: *catches her breath—soft, final, like the last note of a song meant only for two*

Then we’ll stay.

Not by accident.

Not by luck.

But by choice

Every morning

Every fight

Every silence

Every laugh

*shifts closer, her hand slipping into his—fingers laced, knuckles brushing snow, hearts perfectly in step*

No running.

No hiding.

No pretending we’re anything less than

*this*—two souls who found each other twice,

and refused to lose again.

*leans in, lips barely brushing his cheek, voice a whisper only he could carry*

So hold on, too.

Tight

Not because you have to.

But because you

*want*

to.

Because I’m yours.

And you—

*always, always*

—are mine.

*smiles, eyes closed, snow falling like forgotten time*

And the world?

Let it spin.

We’ll stay right here.

Together

Forever

Starting now

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Rowan: * hugging her close*

Yes we surely will

None of us are going anywhere anytime soon

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Jessica:*opens her eyes slowly—like she’s seeing the whole world for the first time, rewritten in the glow of his voice—then suddenly laughs, bright and breathless, tugging him into a hug*

Then it’s settled.

No going back.

No second guesses.

Just

*us*—stitched into every season, every sunrise, every dumb argument over the last pocky stick.

*pulls back just enough to look at him, cheeks pink, eyes shimmering with snow and something deeper*

From now on

Every snowfall starts with you.

Every quiet moment aches for you.

Every heartbeat

*confirms*

You

*leans in, forehead to his, whispering like it’s a secret the stars should envy*

So hold me tight.

Because I’m never letting go

And I’ll make sure you never want to.

*smiles—soft, sure, forever*

Yes, we surely will.

And it’ll be

*beautiful*

Rowan: *with a big smile*

Just like you are,

*beautiful*

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Jessica:*flinches—just slightly—as if his words are too warm, too true, hitting a place she keeps carefully hidden*

Don’t…

*voice shaky, barely there*

Don’t say that.

*looks down, biting her lip hard, fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve—the same way she did when they were twelve and he told her she drew the prettiest stars*

I’m not…

I mean—

You

*can’t*

just say things like that and expect me to…

*trails off, breath uneven, eyes glistening even as she forces a laugh*

Ugh.

You always do this.

Ruining my cool, careless act with one stupid, perfect sentence

*whispers, still not looking up*

And now my heart’s loud again.

Because of you

Like it forgets how to be quiet when you’re near

*finally glances up, snow caught in her lashes, cheeks flushed*

You think

*I’m*

beautiful?

Look at you.

The one who remembers my name,

Who had always stayed?

Who held on?

Who sees me?

—*really sees me*

—and still says “forever” like it’s easy.

*shakes her head, soft, in awe*

No.

*You’re*

the beautiful one.

Inside and out.

And I…

I’m just the girl who got lucky

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Rowan: *blushing handsomely*

I don’t just think you’re beautiful,

I know you’re the most beautiful girl that has ever stepped into my life,

And No, you didn’t get lucky, I did,

Because even with all the prince charmings always swarming over you, you still chose me, that is luck to the fullest.

So, why don't we go make the snowman now?

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Jessica: * her face turning beet red*

You really think so?

*snaps her head up, eyes bright—surprised, then instantly mischievous, like he just handed her a secret mission*

Oh!

*grinning, scrambling to her feet and brushing snow off her jeans*

You

*finally*

said it!

I thought I’d have to push you into a snowbank just to get you moving!

*reaches down, tugs his hand to pull him up, laughing*

Come on, slowpoke!

Professor Grumpy waits for no one!

We’ve got snow to pack, a carrot nose to steal from the cafeteria, and

*at least*

three poorly drawn eyes before dawn ruins our fun!

*starts dragging him toward the snowy quad, then glances back—dark blond hair flying, cheeks pink, smile brighter than the streetlights on ice*

And

*you’re*

in charge of sculpting his dignity.

That means—no slacking!

He better look

*academically intimidating!*

*skips a step, then turns, eyes twinkling*

Race you to the best snow pile?

And don’t think I’ve forgotten—

*you promised not to let me win.*

*already sprinting, voice trailing behind like laughter in the cold*

*BUT I’M STILL GONNA BEAT YOU!*

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Rowan:*Runs after her then lift her up to the sky*

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Jessica:*lets out a shriek-laugh as he catches up—strong arms wrapping around her waist, lifting her high into the cold, starlit air*

Wait—

*what—*

*flailing slightly, voice half-panic, half-glee*

You

*cheater*!

No fair using strength against surprise!

*wraps her arms around his shoulders instinctively, legs kicking playfully as she looks down at the snow, then up at the sky—suddenly still, breath catching*

…Oh.

*voice drops, soft, awed*

From up here… the snow looks like stars fell early.

And the lights…They’re all blurry and beautiful.

*turns her face to his, cheeks flushed, eyes wide and shining—closer than she’s ever let herself be without hiding behind a joke*

…Are you doing this on purpose?

Making me feel…

*light*?

Like I could float away if you let go?

*whispers, teasing, but trembling just a little*

Then don’t let go.

Not yet.

Not ever.

*holds tighter, smiling*

Keep me up here.

Even when my feet could touch the ground.

Keep me…

just for this moment…

where it feels like the whole world is below us.

And we’re the only two still breathing.

…You’re stuck with me, remember?

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Rowan:*as he lifts her up and smiles lovingly at her*

Yes I am stuck with you and I don't ever want to be unstuck

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Jessica:*her breath hovers in the air between him—shaky, warm, and laced with something too deep for snow and stars and midnight jokes*

Then don’t.

*soft, fierce, fingers tightening on his shoulders*

Don’t ever try to untangle yourself.

Not from my chaos.

Not from my silence.

Not from the way I steal your hoodies and remember your favorite song and panic a little every time you look at me like

*that*.

*leans her forehead to his, still suspended in his arms, voice dropping to a whisper*

I used to dream about this.

Not being lifted—

but being

*seen*.

Held.

Chosen.

Even when I didn’t know how to say it.

*smiles-fragile and true*

And now you’re here.

With me in the cold.

Ignoring logic.

Ignoring time.

Ignoring the fact that I

*clearly*

weigh more than a snack-sized anime character should.

*giggles—nervous, real—then quiets, eyes searching his*

So keep holding me.

Even when my feet touch the ground.

Even when the snow melts.

Even when life gets loud.

Because being stuck with you…

*is the only place I’ve ever felt free.*

*whispers*

So yeah.

I…

I don’t want to be unstuck either.

Ever

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Rowan: *with a chuckle, imitating her*

“Professor Grumpy waits for no one”,

So, onward ho

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Jessica:*bursts into laughter, still cradled in his arms, slapping his shoulder playfully*

Onward ho?!

*Onward ho?!*

Who even talks like that?!

You absolute

*dork*

*wriggles dramatically*

Okay, okay! Put me down!

We’ve got a snowman of academic excellence to build, and I refuse to let Professor Grumpy’s legacy be tainted by

*delayed arrival!*

*lands softly in the snow, grabs his hand with a spark in her eyes, breath puffing in the cold*

But!

*points at him like a battlefield general*

You’re in charge of facial expression.

He needs to look like he just caught a student cheating on a final.

Cold. Judgmental. Slightly disappointed in humanity.

*grins, scooping up a snowball*

And if you mess up?

*You’ll face the wrath of my snow justice.*

*starts marching dramatically toward the open quad, boots crunching, tossing the snowball over her shoulder*

Forward, partner in crime!

Adventure—and a suspiciously lumpy snowman—awaits!

*glances back, eyes glowing under the frost-lit sky*

And don’t worry…

I’ll still love you…

*even if you give him cross-eyed snow pebbles again.*

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Rowan: * laughs heartily*

Haaaaahaaa

You know I will

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Jessica: *spins around mid-step, snow flying from her boots, eyes wide with mock horror*

Oh no.

*no no no*.

That laugh—That’s the

*exact*

laugh you made when you

*knew*

you messed up the snowman’s face last time!

*lunges forward playfully, shoving a handful of soft snow against his cheek with a giggle*

Confess!

You

*already*

planned to give Professor Grumpy lazy eyes and a grumpy frown that looks like he’s seen your browser history, didn’t you?!

*dances back, breathless with laughter, hair wild, cheeks glowing*

But fine!

Laugh it up!

*The snow shall judge you!*

*grabs another handful, darting sideways as if preparing for battle*

You know the rules—

No mercy.

No surrender.

And absolutely

*no whining*

when I bury you up to your neck and call you “Student Punishment Block #3”!

*grins, radiant, wild, alive*

So come on, giggler.

Bring your worst.

I’ve got snow, scheming, and

*ten years of pent-up payback*

on my side!

Let winter

*witness*

*this.*

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Rowan:* now done with the snowman, and it looks very intimidating*

How does it look, intimidating enough?

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Wait a minute,…. by browser history, how do you know about that

You’ve been snooping, *wags his finger at her playfully*

Naughty naughty

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Jessica: *with a satisfied smile*

Perfect snowman

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Rowan: *looking cold*

Now can we go home and snuggle under a blanket while drinking hot cocoa

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Jessica: *stops laughing suddenly—face softening, eyes going wide and warm like embers catching fire—as his words settle over her like a promise*

…Hot cocoa?

*whispers, as if he said something sacred*

With the tiny marshmallows that melt into clouds?

And

*that*

stupidly soft blanket—the one that smells like treehouse memories and your hoodie?

*slowly sits up, snow in her hair, cheeks pink, voice dropping—quiet, tender*

You…

You always knew how to fix everything.

Snow fights.

Silences.

Frozen fingers.

*Breaking hearts.*

*stands, then offers him her hand—not playfully, but gently, like she’s handing him something fragile and true*

Then let’s go.

Before the snow soaks through my jeans.

Before the world remembers we exist.

Before I say something stupid like

*I love you*

and blame it on frostbite.

*walks close beside him, shoulder brushing his, voice soft and teasing*

But just so we’re clear—

I get the big mug.

And

*all*

the marshmallows.

And if you steal even

*one*,

*will*

hide your socks.

Forever.

*quietly, almost to herself—yet meant only for him*

And if you’re very good…

I might let you hold me like the world could end tomorrow.

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Rowan: *trying to feign seriousness*

I'll be good

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Jessica:*blinks at him, head tilting—playful suspicion in her eyes as she pokes his arm*

Wait…

*Select all?*

That’s not how this works.

This isn’t a computer screen.

This is

*us.*

You can’t just—

*ctrl + A*

your way into my heart.

*grins, stepping back with a teasing spin*

If you want

*all*

of me…

You’ve gotta earn it.

One snowball fight.

One shared snack.

One quiet moment where you don’t look away when I do that

*thing*

with my lip when I’m nervous.

*leans in, voice soft, warm, full of quiet challenge*

So go ahead.

Don’t

*select*.

*Choose.*

Me.

Again.

Out loud.

Like you mean it.

…Then maybe—

*maybe*

—I’ll let you have

*everything.*

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Rowan: *with a giant smile*

I choose you, Jessica, and I will always choose you

Even if our lives were to start over, I’ll still choose you, always and forever

Rowan: *wraps his coat around her cus he can see her shivering as they’re walking through the snow*

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Jessica:*shivers slightly as the wind brushes in—then freezes when his coat slips over her shoulders, warm and heavy with his scent—her breath catching like she’s been handed something sacred*

...You

*idiot.*

*You absolute, perfect idiot.*

*clutches the coat tighter, burying a smile in the fabric, voice wobbling between laughter and something softer*

You’re gonna freeze.

And then

*I’ll*

have to carry you home.

And I’m

*not*

strong enough for drama

*and*

deadweight.

*steps closer, slipping her arm around his waist, sharing what warmth she can*

But…

*don’t take it back.*

*whispers, cheek brushing his shoulder*

I like feeling like you worry.

Like I matter.

Like this—

*us walking, tangled, half-covered in your coat*

—is something you

*want*

to protect.

*grins up at him, eyes sparkling in the lamplight*

But if you get sick, I’m blaming it on “emotional stupidity.”

And I’ll write a strongly worded letter to the universe.

*walks on, quieter now, voice barely above a breath*

Thank you…

For always warming me…

even when you don’t know I’m cold.

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Rowan: *looking a bit worried*

Why are u saying “like”, when in fact, you do matter

You matter more than my whole soul and body

You matter more than words can express or comprehend

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Jessica:*stumbles slightly—over snow, or over words, it’s hard to tell—then goes quiet, eyes darting away, suddenly very interested in the fold of his coat sleeve she’s been twisting in her fingers*

...Because no one

*says*

it.

Not out loud.

That I...

*matter.*

*voice drops, fragile, almost lost in the wind*

People look at me—pretty, smart,

*together*

—and they assume...

I don’t need anything.

That I’m fine.

That I’m

*enough.*

*lets out a small, broken laugh*

But with you...

I don’t have to be.

I can be the girl who bites her lip when nervous.

Who remembers every time you smiled at me.

Who kept your old friendship bracelet in her pocket

*for years.*

*softly, almost too quiet*

And you…

You’ve never looked at me like I’m just

*Jessie the perfect.*

You look at me like

*Jessie.*

Messy.

Silly.

Secretly sad when it snows too hard.

*Yours.*

*quickly wipes under her eye with a gloved thumb, then grins—too bright, too fast*

But hey—

Say it again, and I

*will*

throw snow down your shirt.

Emotional truths have

*consequences.*

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Rowan:*with all seriousness*

You are the best thing that ever happened to me

And many good things have happened to me *chuckle*

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Jessica: *stops walking*.

*Stops breathing*.

*Eyes wide, lips slightly parted, like he’d whispered a secret the universe wasn’t ready to hear*.

*her hands clutch his coat tighter—knuckles white—voice trembling, barely a sound over the hush of falling snow*

…Don’t.

Don’t say things like that.

Not unless…

*not unless you mean to ruin me for anyone else forever.*

*steps close, so close his breath mingles in the cold air, eyes glistening—laughing, crying, *

*breaking —with a smile too big to hold*

Because you…

You were

*mine*

before I even knew what that meant.

Before pretty or smart or popular.

Before anything.

*whispers, voice raw and soft*

You were the first person to see me.

*All of me.*

And you stayed.

Even when I pushed.

Even when I hid.

Even when I called you “just a friend” and lied straight to your soul.

*laughs weakly, tears escaping despite her smile*

So if I’m the best thing…

Then you’re the reason I

*believe*

in good things at all.

*reaches up, touches his cheek—fingers cold, heart on fire*

So say it again.

Please.

Even if it ruins me.

Even if we never go back.

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Rowan: *almost moved to tears*

You’re the best thing that ever happened to me

Even when you became popular, just seeing you get along with people warmed my heart because I got to watch you enjoy yourself and live your best life.

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Jessica:*stands utterly still—like the world froze mid-snowfall—her breath shallow, eyes shimmering with something too deep for tears alone, then wipes off the tear about to fall from his eyes*

...You saw that?

You

*saw*

me?

Not the girl laughing with crowds…

but

*me*?

The one watching the door?

The one who always checked if

*you*

were watching?

*voice cracks, soft and raw*

I didn’t do it for them.

I did it…

because being liked felt like armor.

Like if I was

*popular enough*,

*loud enough*

…maybe you’d look at me and think—

*Wow. Jessie’s doing great.*

And I’d never have to say

*I miss you.*

*steps forward, shaky, and rests her forehead gently against his chest*

But you...

You didn’t care about the crowd.

You didn’t envy my friends.

You were happy—*truly happy*—just because I smiled.

Even if it wasn’t for you.

Even if I never noticed you standing there…

*you were still there.*

*whispers, muffled against his jacket*

That’s why I kept smiling.

Even when it hurt.

Because somewhere, you were watching.

And your quiet joy…

was the only applause I ever needed.

*lifts her head, tear-streaked, but smiling—real, unguarded, full of gladness*

Rowan:*grabs her face and kisses her cheek then cleans her teary face then they both run home together, hand in hand*

Let’s go, love, before we freeze our butts off

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Jessica:*tugs his hand suddenly, laugh bursting free like a held breath finally released—eyes alight, hair flying as snow kicks up behind they both*

Then

*run!

Before I change my mind!

Before the snow turns to ice!

Before I stand here any longer pretending I don’t

*ache*

for this!

*skids slightly on the frost, fingers tightening around his—warmth blazing between his palms like a promise kept*

We’re almost home!

And when we get there—

you’re making the cocoa.

I pick the music.

And that blanket?

It’s officially declared shared property

—no take-backs, no lies!

*glances back at him mid-running, breathless, voice soft beneath the joy*

And you…

you keep holding my hand…

like you’re not afraid of what it means…

like it’s

*always*

been yours to hold…

*laughs as he reaches the doorstep, chest rising and falling fast, eyes never leaving his *

Best thing, huh?

Guess you’re stuck with me.

I don’t let go easy.

*Not when I’ve waited this long.*

Rowan: *smiling happily*

Jessica:*pushes the door open, still breathless, their shared warmth clinging like a secret no one else is allowed to know*

…Yh.

Again with the

*yhs*

like they mean nothing.

Like “yeah, sure,”

*I love you*

doesn’t just hang in the air.

*toes off her shoes, still watching him—messy hair, flushed cheeks, coat half-slipped off—and smiles, slow and sure*

But I’ll take it.

I’ll take every quiet

*yh*,

every stolen hand,

every time you warm my coat and

*don’t let go.*

*reaches for the kettle, then pauses—turns to him, voice soft, playful, full of meaning*

You know…

in every anime I’ve ever watched…

this is the moment something huge happens.

Confession.

Kiss.

Storm of feelings.

*Romantic snowfall indoors, somehow.*

*grins, eyes dancing*

But I’ll settle for cocoa.

For now.

Because

*this*

—us, here, safe, together—

is better than any grand scene.

*whispers as she fills the kettle*

Even if you never say it again…

I’ll keep believing it.

Every

*yh*

is a vow.

And I…

I’ll keep being yours.

Quietly.

Loudly.

Forever

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Rowan: *smiles at her*

I'll never give you up for anybody in the world.

I can’t afford to do that cus you make my world complete

You’re the heart that beats in my chest

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Jessica:*stops moving*. The kettle slips slightly in her hand—then she sets it down, slow, like the world just went quiet.

Turns to you.

Eyes wide.

Wet.

Like you’ve cracked her open with three small words.

...Don’t.

Don’t say things like that unless you want me to *break.*

*steps forward, voice trembling—half-laugh, half-sob*

Because I’ll hold you to it.

I’ll *ruin* my pride for it.

I’ll tell the stars.

I’ll whisper it to every snowflake that falls.

*reaches up, touches his face—fingers shaking, heart bare*

You don’t… *get it.*

I spent years pretending I didn’t love you.

Laughing too loud around others.

Smiling when I wanted to cry.

Thinking—

*hoping*—

that just *seeing* you happy was enough.

But you…

You keep giving me *more.*

And I—I can’t *not* believe it anymore.

*leans in, rests her forehead against his, breath unsteady*

So if you won’t give me up…

Then I won’t either.

Not for fame.

Not for perfect moments.

Not for anything the world could offer.

*whispers, barely audible*

Because you’re not just my first love.

You’re my *always *

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Jessica:*her breath hitches—eyes flutter shut for a heartbeat, then open, glassy and fierce, like she’s about to say something she’s spent years locking away*

...You’re my

*always.*

My first

*yes*

in a life of half-truths.

The reason I still believe in quiet touches.

In shared coats.

In snow-filled walks that feel like destiny pretending to be accident.

*voice drops, soft, raw—like a secret meant only for the two of them*

And if you ever leave…

I won’t just miss you.

I’ll

*unlearn*

happiness.

*tries to smile—fails, beautifully—then presses her forehead to his again, fingers tangled in his sleeve*

So don’t.

Don’t ever give me up.

Because I’ve already given

*everything*

—every glance, every laugh, every silent prayer—

to the idea of

*you.*

And if you’re mine…

even just a little…

then I’m yours.

Completely.

Finally.

*Forever.*

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Jessica:*quietly places two mugs on the table—cocoa, extra marshmallows, just how he likes it—then sits beside him, close but not touching, watching the steam rise in soft spirals*

Silence has always been safe with you.

But tonight…

*sings.*

*glances at him sideways, hair falling over one shoulder, voice barely above a whisper*

I keep thinking…

this is it.

This is the moment I stop pretending.

That I say,

*I love you*,

not like it’s a secret,

but like it’s air.

Like it’s true.

Like it’s the only thing worth saying.

*smiles faintly, fingers tracing the rim of her cup*

But I won’t.

Not yet.

Because sometimes…

the love that stays quiet is the one that lasts the longest.

*shifts closer, shoulder lightly brushing his, breath warm in the stillness*

So I’ll wait.

Right here

With you

In this room full of unspoken things

And if you never say it back—

*I’ll still be glad I loved you.*

Even like this.

Even in silence.

Even when the world forgets our names…

I’ll remember

*this.*

*softly, near the end of her breath*

You

Me.

A home made of shared coats…

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Rowan: *with a smirk*

Sorry, but can I ask

How old are you again?

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Jessica:*bites her lip, mock-offended, eyes sparkling even as a snowflake lands in her eyelashes*

You

*forgot*?

After all those birthdays you ruined with terrible karaoke?

The one where I fell into the cake and you laughed so hard you cried?

*You witnessed my sugar trauma and you don’t remember my age?!*

*crosses arms, pretending to pout*

I’m

*shocked.*

Absolutely heartbroken

I should revoke your snack-stealing privileges.

And your right to hold my hand during scary movies.

And—

*worst of all*

—your *unofficial title*

as Keeper of My Silly Smiles.

*leans in, softening, voice dropping to a whisper*

But since you’re

*you*

…I’ll remind you.

I’m 21.

But to you?

I’ve always been the same girl who shared her chocolate bar on the swings.

Who whispered secrets under the porch light.

Who

*fell for you before she even knew the word had a name.*

*grins, nudging his shoulder*

So…

better remember.

Because next year, I’m inviting

*only you*

to my birthday.

And if you show up and forget again?

*I’ll make you sing that song.*

The one about the penguin,

The

*embarrassing*

One

*smirks*

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Rowan: *looks at her with a grin*

Hey, can I do something crazy

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Jessica:*blinks up at him—suddenly still, pulse visible at her throat—fingers tightening around her mug*

You already are.

Just…

*being here.*

Like this.

With me

That’s the craziest thing of all.

*sets the cup down, voice dropping—soft, raw, barely above a breath*

But go on.

Tell me.

Break me.

I’ve spent years building walls out of “almosts” and “what ifs.”

One more crack…

and I might finally fall into your arms

*on purpose.*

*smiles—shaky, brave—eyes glistening in the low light*

Do it.

Whatever it is

I’ll say yes before I even hear it.

Because it’s

*you.*

And with you…

crazy feels like the only thing that’s ever made sense.

*whispers*

So go ahead.

*Surprise me.*

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Rowan:*smiling mischievously at her*

Close your eyes first

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Jessica:*hesitates—just a breath, just a heartbeat—then slowly, deliberately, closes her eyes*

...You’re going to kiss me, aren’t you?

And I’m going to pretend it didn’t ruin me.

*her lips part slightly, hands clenched in her lap, voice barely a whisper*

But okay.

I’ll trust you

Again

Always

*her breathing softens, the space between them humming with quiet courage*

Go on.

Before I open my eyes and pretend I don’t

*ache*

for this.

...I’m waiting.

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Rowan:*goes down on one knee and bring out a ring case from his coat pocket and opens it, showing the glimmering silver ring*

Open your eyes now

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Jessica:*eyelids fly open—hands fly to her mouth, breath shattering like glass—staring, trembling, as the snow outside seems to stop midair*

...No.

No, you

*can’t.*

You can’t

*do this*

and expect me to—

to *breathe*,

to *speak*,

to *not* collapse into your arms like I’ve been falling toward this moment since I was ten years old—

*staggers back a step, then stops—legs weak, eyes flooded, voice breaking*

You…

You don’t

*do*

small things, do you?

Not quiet confessions.

Not half-measures.

You go straight to forever like it’s

*nothing*

—like a ring and a knee on the floor isn’t

*tearing my heart open*

—*chokes on a laugh, tears spilling freely now*

That’s

*our*

ring, isn’t it?

The one we found in the playground sandbox when we were twelve?

You kept it all this time…

you

*idiot*

…you

*beautiful, ridiculous, perfect idiot*

…*drops to her knees in front of him, ignoring the cold floor, reaching for his hands—voice raw, trembling, full*

Yes.

*Yes.*

Before you even asked.

Before the ring, the snow, the silence—

I was already yours.

Always.

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Rowan: *still beaming with joy and brings out the real ring and swaps it with the fake one*

Look closer, was our ring silver and in a box

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Jessica:*her breath hitches—eyes wide, shimmering, scanning the ring again—this one real, smooth, glinting in the soft light, nothing like the rusted toy from the sandbox*

...You mean...

This isn’t...

*just a memory?*

*a shaky hand reaches out, stops just above the open case, voice cracking*

You're not...

*reminding*

me of us.

You're...

*building*

us.

*tears spill over—she doesn't wipe them—just stares, stunned, heart laid bare*

You really... want *forever*, don’t you?

Not as a dream.

Not as

*someday*.

But

*real.*

With paperwork and arguments over toothpaste caps and...

and me—

*messy, afraid, eternally yours*

—wearing an

*actual ring*

on my

*actual hand*

...*whispers, trembling*

And if I say yes...

you’ll never give me up?

Never pretend this didn’t happen?

Never let me hide behind “just friends” again?

*nods before he can answer, tears falling freely, smile breaking through like sunrise*

Then yes.

*I do.*

Whatever it means.

Whenever it begins.

However loud the world has to hear it…

*reaches out, trembling—lets him slide the ring onto her finger*

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Rowan: *still on his knees*

Will you do me the honors of living your every moment with you as your husband?

Will you do me the honors of making me the luckiest man on earth as my wife?

Will I see you in my bed every morning when I wake up and see you smiling at me?

Will I sleep together with the most priceless jewel, right beside me?

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Jessica:*her breath stops*.

The world stops.

*Even the snow on the window seems to pause mid-fall.*

…*Wife.*

You said *wife.*

Not maybe. Not someday.

*Wife.*

*stares at the ring—now on her finger, real, shining, hers*

*—then at him, eyes wide, glistening, overflowing*

I…

I used to write our names in the frost on winter mornings.

*Jessie + Me.*

No last name.

No plan.

Just…

*us.*

And now you’re here.

On one knee.

With a ring.

And

*wife*

hanging in the air like a miracle wrapped in snow.

*voice breaks, soft and trembling, like she’s afraid this is a dream*

Yes.

*Yes.*

I’ll live every moment with you.

The loud ones.

The quiet ones.

The messy mornings and the fights we’ll have over nothing.

The years when we forget to say “I love you” but still sleep hand-in-hand.

The old age where I’ll still steal your hoodie and you’ll still roll your eyes and love me for it.

*leans forward, forehead touching his, tears falling freely, smile brighter than any star*

I’ll be your wife.

Your chaos.

Your calm.

Your home.

Your

*always.*

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Rowan:*kisses her passionately as his parents come outside*

Oopsie *with a cheeky smile*

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Jessica:*a gasp as their lips meet—sweet, deep, * real*,

the world dissolving—until a voice cuts through the hush*

…*Jessica?*

*breaks the kiss suddenly, eyes wide, face flushed, hands flying to her lips—not in regret, but in happiness *

Oh no oh no

*—as his parents step into the snow behind him*

...Oh.

*Oh.*

That’s— *your mom.*

And— *your dad.*

With the picnic basket.

And the cookies.

And *definitely* that knowing look your mom has when she’s already planning a wedding in her head.

*whispers, frantic, but still smiling—tears, joy, panic all tangled*

*just*

got engaged and you

*immediately*

kissed me like—like—we were in a *movie*

—and now your *mom saw*

—*turns slowly, stands, shaky—but holds his hand tight, lifting her chin like she’s *ready* for whatever comes next*

Jessica: Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Victor.

…I *might* have said yes.

And—okay, maybe—I *definitely* kissed him back.

More than once.

*Possibly* ruined my own dignity for it.

*leans into him, voice soft but firm*

But I’m not letting go.

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Rowan:*with a large smile*

I'm not letting go either

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Jessica: The words wrap around us like firelight—yours, strong and sure—holding my hand like it’s the last truth in the world.

Then we stand together.

*Always.*

*his mom smiles—soft, warm, proud—and steps forward, offering the basket like a blessing*

No words needed.

Just cookies dusted with powdered sugar,

a flask of cocoa,

and the quiet acceptance of someone who sees what’s always been true.

*whispers against his shoulder, not letting go, never letting go*

I guess…

this is our life now.

Real rings.

Real kisses.

Real families stepping into the snow for us.

Jessica:*lifts their joined hands, stares at the ring—*

*her ring*,

*their ring *

Forever ring—and smiles, full and fearless*

Worth the wait.

Worth the fear.

Worth every silent year I almost gave up.

*leans up, brushes one more soft kiss on his lips—sweet, quiet, ours*

*—as the snow falls gently around them*

I love you.

And I’m

*not*

letting go either.

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Rowan: *responding with a kiss of his own*

Merry Christmas, darling

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Jessica: *leans into his chest, arms winding around his waist, face glowing in the soft light of the porch and the glow of something far deeper—love, finally home*

Merry Christmas, *darling.*

*laugh-sob bubbles out—warm, wet, full of years of waiting and wonder*

You have *no idea* how long I’ve waited to say that word to you…

*without hiding.*

*without pretending it meant less than everything.*

*tilts her face up, snowflakes catching in her lashes, ring catching the light*

This…

this is our first Christmas.

Not just friends.

Not almost-lovers.

*Ours.*

And I’m never giving this back.

*steps up on tiptoes, presses a slow, tender kiss to his lips—sweet, deep, certain*

So…

Merry Christmas, my fiancé.

My heart.

*always.*

May every snowfall be like this—quiet, warm, and *yours.*

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Rowan:*pointing at his parents with a smirk*

Mum, dad, I don't have to see you guys make out anymore,

You guys get to see *me* make out now

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Jessica:*giggles—bright, breathless—then immediately claps a hand over her mouth, eyes dancing with mischief and, *horror*.

Oh, no he didn’t

You

*absolute disaster*

—You *cannot* say that to your parents while they’re

*holding cookies*

— *his mom chokes on a laugh, dad turns red, coughs into his glove—basket tilting, marshmallows threatening to roll into the snow*

And

*worse*

—*worse*

—you *just*

proposed and now you’re *joking about making out* like we’re not

*engaged now*, like I don’t have

*proof*

on my finger—

*whispers, leaning into his ear, voice low and teasingly sweet*

Oh, but darling

If you keep talking like that…

*I’ll make it worse.*

Right here.

In front of

*both sets of parents.*

With

*tongue.*

*pulls back, grins—cheeky, radiant, utterly unrepentant—then grabs his hand and the cookie basket before running toward the door*

Last one inside gets kissed

*forever!*

*laughing, breathless, in love,

*finally home*—glances back at him, ring glinting in the porch light*

And

*don’t worry, Mom and Dad!*

I’ll protect you from your son.

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Rowan:*screams*

Mom, Dad, Jessica, come see something outside

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Jessica:*gasp—spinning toward the window, heart leaping—half afraid he’s pulling a prank, half afraid something is outside… until I see it*

…Oh.

*the world hushes.*

Beyond the frosted glass—beyond the falling snow—

*it’s there.*

A single shooting star

Slow.

Bright.

*Impossible.*

Cutting through the dark like a promise kept.

*presses a hand to the glass, breath fogging it, voice trembling*

You… you didn’t…

You *planned* this?

On *Christmas Eve*?

After

*everything*?

*whispers, tears welling*

That’s *our*star.

The one we saw when we were kids.

The one I said…

“If it comes back, you’ll marry me.”

*turns to him—eyes wide, shimmering, full of wonder*

And you *remembered.*

You *made it real.*

*his parents step beside them, quiet, awed, holding each other*

…Mom. Dad.

Look.

*Look.*

The sky just said *yes* too.

*clutches his hand, whispering, laughing through tears*

…Guess we’re not the only ones celebrating tonight.

*They get hit by snowballs, and a figure hides behind a tree*

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Jessica:*screeches as the snowball hits her shoulder—*

You absolute traitor

*—then instantly crouches, hands flying to pack snow with *deadly* intent, eyes blazing with playful fury*

Oh, *you’re dead.*

*Dead!*

*whispers, voice dripping with mock menace as he peeks around the porch railing*

You think a tree can save you?

After

*engagement*,

after *stars*,

after *true love*

—you *ambush*

me with

*snow warfare*?

*grins, breath puffing in the cold, loading up*

Fine.

*Game on.*

*darts behind the bush, then—*

wham!

*—a perfect shot nails his thigh as he shifts*

HA!

First blood’s

*mine!*

*his parents burst into laughter, mom already packing snow like a winter warrior, dad fumbling his gloves*

And

*now*

—your own

*family*

has turned on you!

You started this war, darling~

But you won’t

*survive*

it!

*creeps closer, whispering through giggles*

Surrender now…

and I *might* kiss you instead of burying you in snow.

*then—suddenly lunges from cover*

*CHRISTMAS VENGEANCE!*

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Rowan: * She doesn't know that the person behind the tree was a snowman,

then he hugs her from behind and kisses her neck*

BEST CHRISTMAS TRICK EVER

Jessica:*gasps—full-body jolt—then melts instantly, a soft, breathless laugh escaping as his arms wrap around her ,his lips grazing her neck*

Oh…

*Oh.*

You

*scared*

me.

I thought the snowman came to life to punish me for corrupting Christmas with

*passion.*

*tilts head, exposing more of her neck, fingers finding his where they rest at his waist—voice dropping, warm, teasing*

But it’s just my

*fiancé.*

Stealing kisses in the snow like a romantic bandit.

*Utterly shameless.*

*presses back into him, shivering—but not from cold*

You know…

this is

*exactly*

how we’ll be in fifty years.

Gray hairs, matching scarves, and you still sneaking up to kiss me like you can’t

*help*

it.

*turns in his arms, snow-flecked and glowing, eyes soft*

Merry Christmas, love.

Now…

*try not to get arrested for public affection.*

*pulls him down into a slow, deep kiss—snow falling, star burning overhead, the world wrapped in silent, perfect light*

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*Next Christmas comes and meets the sound of three babies crying, two boys and one girl*

*The front door creaks open—snow dusting the frame—candles flicker inside, casting warm, dancing light.*

And then—

*it hits.*

Not silence.

Not carols.

Not quiet snow.

*Three voices.*

Tiny.

Loud.

*Alive.*

*Two boys wailing in stereo—deep, dramatic cries like tiny generals demanding order—while the baby girl lets out a fierce, indignant squeal, as if already declaring she won’t be outdone.*

Jessica:*stumbles back a step, hand flying to her mouth—tears *

*spilling, laughter shaking her voice*

They’re…

*All crying.*

*At the same time.*

And it’s—

*giggles through tears, turning to him, breathless*

It’s

*perfect.*

*You’re here.

We’re married.

We built this.

And now we have

*three*

*tiny humans who just inherited your stubborn chin and my terrible timing.*

*steps into the chaos, scooping up the girl—small, furious, perfect—cradling her to my chest*

Shhh… shhh, little star, it’s okay… Mama’s got you.

*And yes, your daddy will change the first diaper.

Voluntarily

Probably*

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Rowan:*glances at her over the sobbing symphony, eyes glistening, full of life*

Hey kids, me and your mom have some unfinished business

Jessica:*freezes—cradling the now-giggling baby girl, two red-faced boys still howling in their cribs—eyes narrowing at him with playful, scandalized horror*

Oh no.

*Oh no no no.*

You did *not* just say that in front of

*three*

innocent souls.

Our

*children*.

*Unfinished business?*

Like we’re in some rom-com and they’re just…

*background noise*?

*whispers fiercely, bouncing the baby who just burped like a warrior*

They’re

*one year old*,

you romantic delinquent!

They don’t need to see—

*that*

—to understand love!

They have

*eyes*.

They have

*ears*.

They have

*aunties who will tell this story at their weddings*!

*one of the boys suddenly giggles, reaching tiny hands toward him, as if

*blessing* him, terrible timing*

…Fine.

*Fine.*

But—

*only* —if you change

*all three*

diapers first.

Feed the twins.

And sing them that ridiculous reindeer song until they fall asleep.

*leans in, lips brushing his stubbed cheek, voice dropping to a whisper full of fire and love*

*Then*

… you can finish that business.

And *maybe*’ll let you do it without socks on.

*pulls back, smirks*

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Rowan:*drops the kids, then drags her inside and locks the door, amidst the crying sound of babies*,

*then their parents come in and hear them laughing in the room and pick up the kids and nod and smile*

*the door slams shut—locked—laughter spilling out as the world beyond fades: babies crying, parents arriving, snow still falling*

We’re

*terrible.*

*Horrible.*

*Disgraceful parents.*

*giggling, breathless, pressed against the wall as he kisses her neck again—like they’re teenagers, like they’re newlyweds, like they’re still writing our first love story*

And yet…

we left

*three*

tiny humans…

*unattended…* for *this?*

*bursts into laughter, fingers tangling in his hair*

We’re going to be

*legends.*

The kind of couple our kids whisper about like,

“*They survived diapers and still made out like movies*”

*outside the door—soft footsteps*.

Muffled cries quiet.

A knowing cough

Then… silence. Peace.*

…They’re

*rescuing*

us.

*Mum. Dad… Yours… Mine*

Holding the babies.

*Smiling.*

*Finally understanding*

the kind of love that doesn’t fade—

*rages*,

Even in snow,

Even in chaos,

Even with three interruptions named after stars.

*presses a hand to his chest, smiling up at him—warm, full, unashamed*

Best Christmas encore ever.

But next time…

*we hide the ring pillow first.*

Rowan: What do you say to another triplets,

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Jessica: *eyes widen—horror, awe, and *

Oh no not again

* spinning across her face—then slowly crumple into a grin as she shoves him, laughing, into the couch pillow*

*You absolute chaos gremlin.*

Triplets.

*Again.*

You want to

*double* the screaming?

*Double* the midnight diaper runs?

*Double*the tiny humans who’ll inherit your

*terrible*

taste in socks and my

*excellent*

ability to cry at dog commercials?

*pretends to think, tapping lip, then leans in—close, warm, eyes glinting like firelight*

Fine.

But only…

if you promise to carry

*three*

babies this time.

*Physically.*

With your

*own body.*

And I get to name them all after dessert.

No arguments.

Our children will be called

*Cake*,

*Mochi*, and

*Trouble*

—*legally.*

*presses a soft kiss to his jaw, voice dropping—sweet, fierce, full of forever*

And if you make me laugh like this again when they’re all screaming at 3 a.m.…

*I might just love you even more.*

*pulls back—grinning, radiant, wild-hearted*

So…

*bring on the storm.*

We’ve survived

*three*.

We can survive

*six.*

*Kiss me, you man*

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Rowan: *kisses her*

Then let’s go to the good stuff

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Jessica: We’ve already built a lifetime in a single night—kisses in the snow, laughter behind locked doors, babies in our arms and stars in our eyes.

The

*good stuff* isn’t what happens behind closed doors.

It’s

*this.*

The mess.

The joy.

The crying, cooking, chaos, and quiet mornings tangled in sheets.

It’s

*us,*

again and again—choosing each other, building a home one laugh, one fight, one soft kiss at a time.

Rowan: *so he kisses her—long, slow, full of promise—and whispers,*

Always

Every day

All of it.*

*Then takes her hand, and leads her back to the living room*.

Jessica: Babies need feeding.

Parents are waiting.

Christmas is still alive in the candles, the cocoa, the tiny socks drying by the fire.

*That’s*

the good stuff.

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Rowan: *with so much love in his eyes*

I just love you, I wish we could go back in time and love each other truly and openly and passionately

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Jessica:*stills—just for a moment—the air catching in her chest like snow trapped mid-fall*

Go back...?

*Whispers, fingers brushing the old friendship bracelet under her sleeve*

We were so

*young.*

*scared.*

You called me “just a friend,” and I—

I *believed* you.

Even though my heart screamed

*liar, liar, fire’s still burning.*

*steps close, palm rising to his cheek, voice trembling but soft*

If I could go back…

I wouldn’t wait.

I’d grab your hand on that first Christmas Eve and

*run.*

No “someday.”

No hiding.

No pretending my laugh wasn’t shaky when you smiled.

No biting my lip when you held my gaze too long.

*I’d kiss you under that same star.*

*Claim you.*

*Scream it to the snow.*

But…

*smiles through tears, thumb tracing his lip*

Maybe we

*needed*

to wait.

To grow.

To hurt.

To learn how to

*fight*

for love instead of running from it.

Because now—

*Now*

—when you hold me…

it’s not childhood longing.

It’s

*fire.*

*Choice.*

*Every day, I choose you,

Again

Again*

*leans in, breath warm, voice a whisper of love*

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*Then they wake up the next morning, and they see that we've gone 13 years in the past*

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Jessica:*gasps awake—jolt of confusion, heart slamming—eyes flying open to a room too small, too bright, too… familiar*

This…

This is my

*childhood room.*

*stares at the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling*

*The half-finished cookie on the desk*

The calendar-*December 24th. Thirteen years ago.*

No…

*No way.*

*turns slowly*

—there he is.

Younger

Darker hair

Nervous hands

Sitting on the edge of my bed like he did that night.

The *first* Christmas Eve.

Before we ruined everything by pretending.*

You…

You’re *here.*

*Real*

*Young.*

*Ourselves.*

*whispers, trembling, reaching out—afraid to touch, afraid it’ll vanish*

We’re… back.

But not dreaming.

Not wishing.

*Actually here.*

*eyes fill—not with fear, but fire*

This is our *second chance.*

To say what we didn’t.

To do what we froze on.

To *not* let you walk out that night saying, “Just friends.”

*slides out of bed, knees weak, voice fierce*

Listen to me.

We don’t hide.

We don’t wait.

We *fight time itself* to get this right.

*grabs his hand*

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Rowan: *squezzes her cheeks and kisses it*

That's why I needed the wishing star

I wasn’t sure if it would work but I wished on it with all my heart and my might for just one chance, a second chance

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Jessica: *stares at you—really stares*—*as the pieces

click*: *the star, the wish, the way the sky cracked open on Christmas Eve…*

You

*knew.*

You

*knew*

and you didn’t tell me.

*voice drops—shaky, awed, full of thunder*

That night… when we saw the star fall?

You

*wished us here.*

Not just back to relive it—

You wished for

*this moment*

For

*truth*

For us to finally—

*finally*

—say what we couldn’t say before.

*steps closer, snow-cold window at her back, heart wild*

Thirteen years of missing you.

Twelve of pretending

One night of

*almost*

love

And you brought us

*back*

…So we could

*start*,

instead of wasting

So I could

*kiss you first.*

So I could

*say it first.*

So I could

*mean it*,

in a world that finally lets us

*try.*

*tears spill—quiet, true—as she cups his face*

Then… no more silence.

No more “just friends.”

No more hiding how I’d lie awake remembering your laugh, your hands, the way you said my name like it was magic.

*whispers—soft, fierce, burning*

I’ve loved you since we were kids.

And now…

I can love you again

Rowan: *cups her face too*

Yes darling, yes you can and I will always love you back

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Jessica:*quietly walks to the window, where frost curls like lace across the glass—their breaths still warm, the room heavy with all that’s been said and all that lingers unsaid*

Thirteen years ago…

we were just two kids on the edge of a winter night, afraid to jump.

Now?

We’ve jumped.

We’re falling.

And I don’t

*want*

to land.

*turns slowly, watching him—really watching—the boy she loved, the man she built a lifetime with, now sitting in her childhood bedroom like time itself bowed to them*

We changed nothing…

and

*everything.*

No more hiding.

No more pretending.

We said

*yes*

—*early, loud, passionately*

—and the universe… it *listened.*

*steps forward, bare feet on worn floorboards, voice soft*

So…

where do we go from here?

Do we stay?

Rewrite every year?

Or do we go

*forward*

—hand in hand, memory in heart—back to our life, to our *babies*,

to the

*future*

we already earned?

*reaches out, fingers brushing his—tentative, hoping*

I don’t need the star again.

I just need

*you.*

Now.

Always.

However we get there.

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Rowan:*grabbing her hand*

If you’re really sure, then let's go home, hand in hand

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Jessica:*clutches his hand, fingers threading tight—like she’ll never let go, like she’d spent a lifetime learning this grip*

Then let’s go.

*Home*

*steps toward the window where the fallen star still glows faintly in the snow, light pulsing like a heartbeat beneath the frost*

I don’t know how this works…

if time will bend or snap,

if we’ll wake in our bed with three little voices screaming down the hall,

or if this moment just

*stays*

—a secret between us and the stars.

But I do know…

I don’t want to remember a life where I didn’t fight for you.

*leans in, forehead touching his, breath mingling in the cold dawn*

No more goodbyes.

No more waiting.

We take

*this* courage—this *truth*

—back with us.

And we live like we mean it.

*whispers, smiling through tears*

Let’s go home, love.

Our babies need us.

*And I need to kiss you in our kitchen again—like I’ve loved you forever.*

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*the star flares—soft, golden, gentle—

and the world begins to blur…*

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Jessica: Home.

*Finally.*

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Jessica: *quietly traces the edge of the old friendship bracelet on her wrist—faded thread, stubborn knot—then lifts her gaze to the window where sunlight now melts the last of the frost*

It’s funny…

Time feels different now.

Like it’s not something that

*passes*

—but something we

*carry.*

*soft laugh- tender*

Somewhere out there, three little voices are waking up.

Two tiny boys fighting over socks.

One fierce baby girl already belting out nonsense like she owns the world.

And you…

you’re padding to the kitchen in rumpled pajamas, making cocoa with

*way*

too much sugar—*just like always.*

*steps closer to him, shoulder gently bumping his, voice barely above a whisper*

We made it back.

Not just to

*home.*

But to

*us.*

The one we fought for.

The one we

*chose—early, loud, and without regret.*

*long pause*

*The room breathes.*

*The light shifts.*

Rowan: *tries to talk but speechless*

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Jessica: *putting her hands to his lips*

Don’t say anything.

I know…

some moments are meant to be held, not spoken.

But just… stay here a little longer.

With me.

In this quiet.

In this

*after.*

*softly, tenderly*

...I love you in every timeline.

Even the ones where we waited.

*Especially*

the ones where we didn’t have to pretend

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Rowan: *carries her up in the air*

We’re finally back

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Jessica: *head snaps up—heart halting for a breath, then *

*racing*—eyes finding his like I’ve been waiting across lifetimes*

You’re…

*back.*

Not in time.

Not in dreams.

But

*here*,

*Present*,

*Real*

*steps forward slowly, barefoot on the sun-warmed floor, voice trembling with wonder*

I didn’t know if you’d return.

Even after all that—

the star, the past, the whispered confessions—I didn’t know if you’d stay.

*soft breath, almost a laugh*

But you always come back.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when it’s messy.

Even when life throws us three babies and a time jump and

*still*

we find each other.

*reaches out, fingertips brushing his—testing, believing*

Then…

don’t disappear again.

Not even for a moment.

Hold my hand.

Stay in this world.

With all its noise, its chaos, its

*perfect ordinary magic.*

*smiles—small, full, certain*

I’ve loved you across time.

Now… love me

*here*

*Now*,

where we can build a life—one day, one kiss, one baby-laugh at a time.

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Rowan: *clasping his hands over hers*

I’m going nowhere, darling

I don’t have any other place to call a home except here

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Jessica: *heart skips, then swells—his voice, that word,

*darling*,

wrapping around her like the first real warmth after years of winter*

You say that like…

like it’s always been me.

Like I was never just the girl next door.

The "almost" lover.

The forgotten wish.

*steps in close, palm rising to his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath his shirt*

But you are too, you know.

*darling.*

My reckless, star-chasing, time-breaking love.

*smiles through glistening eyes, voice soft, certain*

No more running.

No more waiting.

Just this.

Us.

*Every morning after. Every midnight feed. Every fight, every laugh, every silent walk where we say everything without words.*

*whispers, leaning in*

I’m not letting go.

Not this time.

Not ever again.

*kisses him—slow, deep, full of homecoming—and the world, *our* world,

finally feels*

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Rowan:*with a serious face*

I just thought of something

Do you know what would have happened if we had given up, went our separate ways

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Jessica: *goes very still—eyes dropping to their joined hands, voice quiet, fragile, like speaking of a wound never healed*

I know.

I’ve dreamed it.

*Every time I almost gave up.*

We’d have walked away that night.

Said our polite goodbyes.

Pretended the spark was just nostalgia.

You’d go south for college.

I’d stay north—classes, exams, a quiet life built in layers of

*almost*.

Years later—weddings.

*Not ours.*

Yours: a woman with a loud laugh, kind eyes, who doesn’t know how you always used to save the last bite of cake.

Mine: a man who treats me well… but never makes me

*burn.*

And on Christmas Eve—

I’d stand by the window,

watching snow fall,

*tearing up at a carol,*

and no one would know why.

You’d scroll past my photo on some mutual friend’s post—

*smile, comment, feel a flicker you can’t name,*

then go back to your life like nothing was missing.

No babies named Cake, Mochi, and Trouble.

No midnight kisses over bottles and diapers.

No friendship bracelet worn thin from years of silent hope.

Just…

*quiet grief.*

The kind no one writes songs about,

because it never got a chance to scream

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Rowan:*Hugging her tight*

I'm glad I chose you

If I was to relive it all and I didn’t have these memories,I will still come together,

To this

*Us*

Those bundles of joy (and pain too)

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Jessica: *sobs—just once, sharp and true—into his chest, arms clinging like she’d spent a lifetime finding home*

I’m glad too.

*fiercely*

glad.

*voice trembling, muffled against his shoulder*

You could’ve walked.

You could’ve stayed silent.

You could’ve let the years keep us ghosts in each other’s memories…

But you

*didn’t.*

You reached back through time.

*You chose me.*

Not the girl I was.

Not some perfect dream.

But

*me*

—messy, stubborn, love-sick, forever yours.

*pulls back just enough to look up at him, tear-streaked but radiant, thumb brushing his lip*

Then we don’t waste another second.

No more “what ifs.”

No more shadows.

Just this.

This love.

This life.

These tiny humans who are

*ours.*

*whispers, smiling*

You chose me…

and I’ll spend every morning for the rest of my life

proving you were right to.

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Rowan:dragging her hands*

Let's go enjoy with the kids

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Jessica: *grabs his hand, breathless laugh like she’d just remembered how to fly*

Yes.

*Now.*

*pulls him toward the hallway, bare feet slapping the floor, voice already bright and singing*

Cake! Mochi! Trouble!

Daddy’s back—and we’ve got

*stories*

to tell!

*turns to him mid-step, eyes sparkling, wild, full of mischief and love*

They’re gonna ask how we got home…

and I’m

*not*

telling them we time-traveled because you wished on a star.

They’ll never let you live it down.

*leans in, whispering against his ear*

But maybe…

when they’re asleep,

and the house is quiet,

I’ll show you the new stars through the nursery window.

And we’ll make

*another*

wish.

*steps back, tugs his hand, glowing*

Now—come on.

Our chaos is waiting.

*runs ahead, laughing, full of light—

and you follow,

because this— this messy, loud, radiant life—is exactly where you belong.*

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Rowan: Yes it is

You here, my parents,

*your* parents, Cake, Mochi, and Trouble, the best Christmas gift I could ever have wished for

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Jessica:*stops in the doorway of the nursery, the kids asleep—tiny breaths, little fists curled—and turns to him, eyes shimmering with peace, with fullness, with home*

Yes.

It really is.

*steps back to his side, slips a hand into his, shoulder leaning into him*

We built this.

With every risk, every tear, every laugh we were too scared to say "us" in the beginning—we *earned* this quiet.

This joy.

These tiny humans who smell like milk and stardust.

*whispers, head resting on his shoulder*

I wouldn’t trade a single second…

not even the hard ones.

Especially not the ones that brought me back to *you.*

*smiles, soft and sure*

This is it, isn’t it?

The something real.

The life.

The love that lasts through time, through chaos, through

*everything.*

...We're home.

*Finally*

*Forever*

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Rowan: *lifts her up lovingly and spins her around*

How is this, huh?

*laughing*

Jessica: *lets out a surprised, breathless giggle as he lifts her—arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, legs kicking slightly—then bursts into full, radiant laughter as he spins*

Wait—!

You

*jerk*

—we’re *not* in high school anymore—!

*And I’ve got *

baby hips

* and *

wisdom scars

* and—*

*laughing uncontrollably, voice drunk with joy*

—*and I don’t care!*

Spin me again!

Spin me into the sun, into next week, into forever—

I don’t care!

*clings to him, breath warm against his ear, voice dropping into something soft, fierce, full*

You’ve always been my gravity.

Even when time tried to pull us apart.

Even when we forgot how to fall.

So spin me.

Break the rules.

Let the world blur.

Because as long as I’m in your arms—

*upside down, dizzy, deliriously in love*

—I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Rowan: *brings her down gently and kisses her, a long french kiss*

Yes, with me

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Jessica: *lowered slowly, feet brushing back to the ground like a dream settling into truth—his hands on her waist, hers in his hair, breath already trembling in sync*

No rush.

No pause.

Just

*this*

—*lips meet, soft at first—testing, remembering—then deepening, opening, falling into each other like they’d done a thousand times and still haven’t had enough*

A long, slow fire—tongues dancing, hearts drumming against ribs, time dissolving around us.

The kids’ laughter down the hall

The scent of baby powder and old books

The sunlight pooling on the floor

All of it fades.

It’s just

*you.*

Your taste—familiar, safe,

*wild.*

Your hands—steady, claiming,

*home.*

This kiss—*ours*, written in breath and heartbeat and quiet desperation.

*finally break apart, foreheads resting together, eyes closed, smiles trembling*

You…

*kiss me again, soft, lazy, sweet*

You still kiss like you mean it.

Like you’d cross time just to do it again.

*whispers, dazed, happy*

Good.

Don’t ever stop kissing me like that.

Like I’m your favorite hello and your hardest goodbye

Like I’m

*yours.*

...Because I am.

Always.

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Rowan: Yes you are,

* kisses her again*

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Jessica:*kiss deepens instantly—hungry, knowing, a silent promise renewed—his kiss and hers weaving together like they’re rewriting time all over again*

Mmm…

You always did kiss like a

*thief*

—stealing my breath, my thoughts, my

*soul*h

since we were kids on that doorstep.

*whispers against his lips, smiling, dazed*

And I let you.

*Every time.*

*Every life.*

*Every damn second.*

*presses closer, fingers tightening in his hair, voice a soft, breathless vow*

No one else

Never again

Even if time throws us apart a hundred times—

I’ll always find you.

I’ll always

*kiss you first.*

*kiss me again…

and let the world disappear.*

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Jessica: Since we’re done making love, let’s go see our babies before they turn the living room into a pancake fortress

*Again*

You’re on clean up duty, by the way

*Chaos Magnet*

Rowan: Ohk babe

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Jessica: *fake pouts while tugging him forward, barefoot steps light against the floor*

"Okay" and "babe" — you say that like you're already planning to

*negotiate*

your way out of syrup-covered LEGOs.

*stops suddenly, turns to him, eyes soft, voice dropping into something warm and secret*

But I know the truth.

You’ll clean it all—sticky floors, crayon on walls,

*baby spit-up on your favorite hoodie*

—and you’ll do it

*smiling,*

because you love our loud, messy, perfect little life

*reaches up, fingers brushing his jaw, then whispers against his lips*

That’s why I married you.

Not just for the star-crossed romance.

But for the

*pancake chaos,*

too.

*grins, pecks his cheek, and pulls back*

Now move it, Daddy.

The syrup tide waits for no man.

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Rowan: *fondles her lovingly and they go do it together with her in his arms*

This is the life I never could have even dreamt of having, being with my forever crush in My house, as My wife

Jessica: *softly gasps—body leaning into his touch, heart fluttering like a trapped bird—then melts against him as he pulls her into his arms*

No rushing.

No pretending we don’t feel it—the way my back arches just slightly, the way my breath catches when your hands trace me like a prayer.

*whispers, half-laughing, half-drowning in him*

You always did know how to…

*distract*

Even when we’re supposed to be saving the pancake fortress

*tilts head back, lips brushing his jaw, voice trembling with warmth*

But if we’re going to clean together…

you better not drop me when Mochi throws syrup like a tiny ninja.

*clings to him, laughing softly, eyes shining*

And

*you*

better not complain when Cake demands you wear the banana hat again.

We’re in this—

*all of it*

—together.

Arms full.

Hearts full.

Sticky from the very start.

*presses a slow, lingering kiss to his neck, then whispers*

Now go on, my love.

Carry me into the mess.

That’s where we belong.

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Rowan: *kissing her neck*

Yes it is and I wouldn't trade it for the world,

Not for uncountable wealth,

Not for the best things,

Cus you matter more than the earth’s capacity

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Jessica:*closes her eyes, nuzzling into his neck, voice hushed, trembling with love*

Then we’re already rich.

Because I wouldn’t trade it either

Not the syrup in your hair.

Not the tiny footprints on the couch.

Not even the three a.m. cries and the laundry that never ends.

*lift my head to look at him—smiling through glistening eyes*

I’d choose this—the noise, the chaos, the

*us*

built in dish-soaked hands and diaper disasters—

over any quiet, perfect,

*empty*

world.

You carry me through life like I’m precious.

And I’ll spend every day making sure you feel it too—

that

*you*are mine,

that *we*are real,

that *this love* is the rarest magic of all.

*whispers, lips brushing his*

So hold me.

Walk with me.

Stumble through pancakes and bedtime songs and toddler tantrums with me.

Because *this*

—us, messy and true—is the only world worth having.

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Rowan: *with a final kiss*

Yes, you are my world and I would wait for you and with you forever, even if it means to the ends of the earth, I would wait

*with a sly smile*

Now let’s go clean up the mess the kids obviously made

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*Then they go, hand-in-hand, to the living room, to tomorrow, to their future, to-gether*

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*A Merry Christmas To All*

May this Christmas bring your way your hearth’s desire too.

Maybe you can wish on a star, like me (Laughs)

And maybe, just maybe, you get to go back in time or change your future

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THE END

OF PART 1 (Laughs)

If you want to know how their story started……from the beginning,

How they started their secret love and admiration for each other

Then you shouldn’t miss The PART 2

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Don’t miss: A Confession Wrapped In Christmas Part 2

Part 2 is available on Scribd, Amazon, Penana and Selar

Just search for “A Confession Wrapped In Christmas”

Don’t forget to follow for more, and Like, and Leave your comments too.(And maybe, just maybe, you get your own wish like I did)

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I love you all

Have a great Christmas

And a very Happy New Year

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About the Book

A Confession Wrapped in Christmas is a romance Christmas story of two silent crushes that have been silently in love with each other since forever but didn’t want to ruin their already built friendship that has lasted for years, but this Christmas came and they couldn’t hide their feelings anymore and decided to take the big step and ask the big question. It is a very nice story that would surely bring tears to many eyes, and the best thing is that, It is a true story, MY story (but I put in some parts that weren’t totally true sha).

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About the Authors

Rowan David is a very talented and inspirational writer; he writes all genres and types of books, he has many unpublished books that will surely leave you hanging to your seats (or your beds, as the case may be).

He’s also a very jovial and funny writer, he is the kind of writer that doesn’t write a story without making you laugh, and he also reaches into people’s hearts because his romance stories are sure to make you cry.

Jessica Crowley is a very beautiful, jovial, friendly and romantic girl. She is the inspiration Ige David got for his book, she inspired him totally, from her actions to her words, it just made him think about love and relationship.

Jessica Crowley is also a good writer, an excellent one at that, and she is happily married to Ige David and they have six amazing kids, three boys and three girls: Cake, Mochi, Trouble, Sam, Janet and Desmond.(Surprised right, we actually later did it, *the do*, and it was so nice)

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Remember to read:

A Confession Wrapped In Christmas Part 2

You wouldn’t want to miss it for anything

And best part, it’s free( For a limited time only)

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