Oxygen || Leonardo DiCarpio

Chapter 25: "I Will Never Disappear"

Originally Published: June 2, 2022

I slept with my head against Leo's shoulder the whole plane ride home, it seeming weird to be back in our apartment. I sighed softly when I saw the schoolwork Tobey had picked up for me resting on the kitchen counter.

"I guess I better hit the books soon," I commented, but Leo took my hand to lead me away from the stack.

"Everly, we just got back from vacation. I think you can wait until tomorrow to start on things." He brought me to the couch, which we both gratefully sat on, our feet sore from all of the walking at Disney World. He was stroking my hair as I looked around our small home.

"So, what's your next movie?"

"Everly... Can we not bring that up as soon as we get back for once?"

"I know, I'm always going in a loop with this question."

"It's a movie about the titanic."

"Is it a love story, or just action packed?"

"It's a love story with tragic happenings," he hesitantly answered.

"Have you met your co-star yet?"

"Yeah, her name's Kate Winslet."

"Oh. Is she really pretty?"

"Everly... Are you getting jealous already?" He rubbed my opposite arm as I looked over at him.

"Well, just look at you. You're the most gorgeous man in the world, Leo."

"I wouldn't say in the world," he softly chuckled, his blue eyes dancing between mine.

"No, you are. I just know you are. Puberty hit you like a train."

"You predicted it would. You miss me being that kid with the voice that cracked?"

"Sometimes. You were really cute even back then. How long have we known each other now?"

"About... 6 years," he estimated.

"It feels like our whole lives. We've been through so much together."

"Everly?"

"Yeah?" My brown orbs found his blue again as he gave me a weak smile.

"I was just wondering where we were at. Like are you okay with us not doing physical stuff?"

"Yeah, I'm okay with it. Why? Are you not?"

"N-no, I am. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page about it, you know?"

"Yeah, I know what you mean." I looked down as I thought for a couple seconds. "I was thinking we should only do it if we get married someday. I just think that's what would feel best for me."

He nodded slightly as I leaned my head against his shoulder again, the soothing ticking of the clock making me drowsy again. "I don't mind waiting until then for you," he finally spoke up, causing me to smile faintly.

"We have a really strong emotional connection, and that's more important than anything else," I pointed out, intertwining our fingers together.

"I love you so much, Everly."

"I love you so much too. Why did it take us so long to say it?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm still trying not to rush into things with you. I wanted to make sure that it was real, you know? Like we weren't just saying the typical, 'I love you,' to each other."

"Am I going to be with you on the first day of filming next time?"

"You always will be." He kissed my forehead as we kept enjoying each other's company.