𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐒, 𝐳. 𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐫

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

𝒂 𝒍 𝒊 𝒆 𝒏 𝒔

"Hey, (y/n), I gotta talk to you about something," Zeke stated, taking your hand and leading you to the other side of the bleachers, far away from the others.

You, him, Casey, and Marybeth were waiting inside the school gym for Stan to come back with the all-clear, the sounds and lights of Friday Night football seeping into the room.

"Everything alright?" you asked, worried, as the two of you sat down in the corner.

He had never held your hand before, and you couldn't remember the last time he called you by your real name.

"I just... need to get some shit off my chest," he started, taking a deep breath.

He paused for a moment, allowing himself to get his thoughts together before he said something stupid.

And you waited patiently, wanting to give him all the time he needed.

"You... mean everything to me, shortie... a day doesn't go by without me thinking about it. You're so kind... and sweet... and you put up with my shit more than anyone... more than my parents. I wanna be near you all the time... I wanna make you laugh," he raised his hand to your cheek, chest warming as you leaned into his touch, unable to fight the grin raising to your lips.

"I wanna make you smile that beautiful smile... 'cause you're it for me, shortie. And if we make it out this shit alive, I want you to be my girlfriend."

He took your hand, sliding his silver ring off his finger and slipping it onto yours.

"If you'll have me..."

Without a moment's hesitation, you leaned in, pulling him into a passionate kiss which he more-than happily reciprocated, grabbing you by your waist and pulling you into his lap.

Your hand found its way to the nape of his neck, tilting your head for the angle and teasing his hair as he shifted his grip on your hips.

Zeke smiled into it, relieved to see that his confession was reciprocated, your emotion clear in your touch.

This was years in the making, and now that he had you, he could agree it was well worth the wait.

The two of you pulled back for air, cheesing from ear to ear as you stared at each other.

"I'll take that as a yes," he teased, resting his forehead on yours.

"No shit," you giggled, smiling as he leaned in to claim your lips again.

"Hey, guys," Casey sighed from across the room, the two of you pausing and turning to him, "Love the enthusiasm... but can we save it for the big battle? Y'know, when the entire fate of the world isn't on the line..."