Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 12

Colin

We were on the couch, with Penelope snuggled against my chest. Outside, the rain kept tapping against the windows, creating a rhythm that seemed to sync with the beat of our hearts. I gently ran my fingers through her hair, while she lazily traced circles on my chest, a playful smile on her lips.

—You know, —I began with a crooked smile, —I never imagined I'd end up soaked and shivering at your building's doorstep, and even less that it would lead to... this. —There was warmth in my words, mixed with a touch of humor in my eyes.

Penelope lifted her head, returning my smile with that spark in her eyes that always disarms me. —Oh, yes, you definitely looked like a wet puppy when I saw you coming up the stairs, —she said, laughing softly. —But an adorable wet puppy.

I couldn't help but laugh, leaning in to kiss her on the forehead. —So, that's how you see me? As an adorable wet dog. Great, just what I was hoping for.

—Come on, you know I'm kidding, —she replied, giving me a gentle push on the chest. —Although, to be honest, I didn't expect you to show up like that, but I'm glad you did. —Her tone softened, and a sweet seriousness filled her words.

I looked at her closely, searching her eyes. —Neither did I, Pen. I couldn't have stayed home, without trying, without giving us a chance, not after everything that's happened... and everything I feel for you.

Penelope seemed to swallow a lump in her throat, but she covered it with a mischievous smile. —Does that mean you're going to show up soaked at my door every time you feel overwhelmed by your feelings? Because if so, I need a bigger doormat.

I laughed, but then I grew more serious, playing with a lock of her hair. —I can't promise that... though I wouldn't rule it out. —I looked at her intently, lowering my voice a little. —Pen, I want to ask you something.

—What is it? —Her tone was curious and gentle, but there was something in the way she looked at me that made my heart race.

I took a deep breath, as if gathering courage. —Come with me on the tour.

Penelope looked at me, her eyes blinking with surprise. —On the tour? With you?

—Yes, on the tour, —I repeated, with a smile, but there was an underlying seriousness in my words. —Six months across Europe... Spain, Italy, France, England, Germany, Greece... It'll be the adventure of our lives, Pen. I don't want to do this without you.

Penelope looked at me with a mix of amazement and tenderness. —Colin, that sounds amazing, but... —Her voice trailed off as she tried to find the right words. —I can't just leave everything here. I have my job, the magazine, my life in London...

—You know you could write from anywhere, —I said quickly, almost desperate. —You could tell stories from every place we visit. It would be like a chronicle of our adventure. And you wouldn't have to worry about anything else, I promise. Just think of everything we could experience together.

Penelope let out a nervous laugh, looking at me fondly. —Colin, I know this is important to you, and honestly, I'd love to go. But there are a lot of things I have to consider here... and someone has to be home to wait for you when you come back.

—Pen, please... —I looked at her, my expression pleading, my heart on display. —I don't want to be without you for six months. I can't imagine being so far away for that long, without your laughter, without your eyes, without... you. —My words overflowed with sincerity, making Penelope's heart melt.

Penelope caressed my cheek tenderly, feeling the intensity of my emotions. —Colin, I want to be with you more than I can express. But I also know this is your moment, your chance to shine. And even though I'd love to go with you, I know the best thing for both of us is for me to be here, supporting you from home.