Duskwood After Story

Reunion, Part 5

Notes for this chapter:

Hi there! Hope you're having a great day. :)

This part is a bit long. Mostly just silly, fun, wholesome things between these two love birds. The upcoming chapters will be a bit more... heated, haha.

Enjoy!

- End of Note -

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A strong wind hit us as soon as we exited the restaurant. When it finally stopped, I could literally feel the mess that was my tangled hair. I ran my fingers over my hair quickly, trying to fix it. Suddenly, Jake ran his fingers along a strand that was straying in front of my face and tucked it gently behind my ear. He cupped my cheek with that hand and softly whispered:

"You're beautiful, Bailey."

Jake was much taller than what I had imagined. I looked up at him, flustered at his compliment while he was smiling down at me. I put my hand over his and smiled back.

"Thank you. You are too... I-I mean, handsome! You look very handsome! So much that my heart hasn't stopped pounding since our eyes met."

I caught myself in a stutter again. Jake was bolder and more charming in real life than his online persona. I wondered if he was making me flustered on purpose. In any case, it was sure working.

"Really?" - He chuckled in surprise - "I have that much power over your heart?"

Then he moved his hand from my cheek to the pulse on the side of my neck. It was just a slight touch but it was enough to make all the hair on my back stand.

"You're right. Your pulse is going crazy."

He said in surprise, but somehow I knew he was teasing me. I crossed my arms in front of my chest while pouting.

"Hm, and you sure are much bolder in person. Please stop teasing me."

He laughed then removed his hand from the side of my neck to hold my hand again.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to tease you that much. It's just that my nerves are also killing me."

Then he pulled me closer gently into a hug. His other hand cupped the back of my head to position my ear to where his heart is.

"Can you hear it? It's been like this since I saw you too."

Even through his hoodie, I could still hear the loud thumping in his chest. I stood still, listening to the rhythm of his heart and slowly wrapped my arms around his waist. I closed my eyes and let myself be completely defenseless against his warm body.

"Yes, I can hear it. Loud and clear."

Jake put his arms around me. We embraced each other tightly, savoring this moment to make up for all those months of yearning. I could feel Jake's gentle kiss on the top of my head as he whispered "I love you, Bailey". And I smiled, softly replying with my head against his chest: "I love you too, Jake".

We finally broke out of our embrace from what seemed like an eternity. It strangely gave me back my confidence and courage. I gradually found it easier to look him in the eyes. We both exchanged a loving smile with each other. Jake raised his thumb to caress my cheek and that gesture unfailingly made me blush again.

"You're quite easily flustered in real life, Bailey."

Jake teased. I protested with a small "Hey!" then grabbed his hand to walk together towards my car.

"Tease me all you want. We're still playing by my rules tonight."

I hastened my steps as a way to assert dominance over this playful man. Jake chuckled as he hurried after me.