𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 ʷᵃˡᵗᵒⁿ ˢⁱᵇˡⁱⁿᵍˢ

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗔 - 𝗝𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗡 (𝗣𝗧 𝟮)

SUMMARY: because of her family, willow's very closed off, but jaden and his family somehow manage to fix her (based on "matilda" by harry styles)
WORD COUNT: 2.0k
WARNINGS: child abuse, mentions of blood, mentions of bodily injuries, mentions of hospitals, mentions of police, mentions of death (no one dies)

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the time spent with the walton's only made her slightly bitter. she saw how close their family was, how they always made sure to include everyone so no one felt left out or overlooked. they even took time to acknowledge willow and her needs and wants.

she ended up getting closer to jaden than she thought she would. during the time she was at the walton's home, she would find herself spending the most time with jaden, finding the most comfort in him since she didn't necessarily have to hide anything from him. they'd watch movies in his room, make tiktoks together, he even took her out on a date.

they weren't alone on their date since they were only 15, but jaden had asked for his parents to take them to the lake. he made sure willow was healed and comfortable enough with the idea before planning it. he didn't think he'd seen her smile as wide as she did that day.

speaking of dates, the two of them planned another one today. it was her last day at the walton's so he wanted her to be in peace before she had to go back to her life of hell.

it was a simple date, really. mataeya planned it. with the little money she had, they went and bought two coloring books, along with some colored pencils and crayons. they spent the majority of the day coloring and cooking together, getting to know each other more before she packed her things.

"so, why did you chose to color instead of something else?"

"i like coloring, makes me feel like a kid again i guess."

she chose to leave later at night, around 10 or so, just to be sure that she would be able to get into the house safely. she'd stalled and stalled until felt like it was time for her to leave.

of course, jaden walked her out, just to make sure she'd at least get home safely. before she could actually leave, he pulled her into what she'd consider the tightest hug she's ever received.

"i really like you, willow," he mumbles into her hair as he rests his head on top of her. he has his arms tightly wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her head into his chest protectively.

"are you sure? you don't have to say that just because—"

"ah, shut up."

willow huffs jokingly, squeezing the boy tighter, "i really like you, too." she lifts her head and rests her chin on his chest as she gazes up at him. the two stare at each other for a few seconds, jaden glancing between her eyes and her lips.

he drops his arms from around her shoulders, gently placing his hands on her cheeks. resting his forehead against hers, he asks, "is this okay?"

willow's heart is beating so hard and so fast, she's afraid jaden could hear it. her hands and legs are shaking from the anticipation. she grips his shirt in both of her hands, pulling his body right against hers. she nods, humming as she responds, "yeah," she says, nearly whispering.