the fire between us

chapter 9

The sensation of his embrace was both comforting and exhilarating. I leaned back into him, feeling the strength and warmth of his presence. "Thank you, Martinus," I murmured, resting my head gently against his shoulder.

"You really do," he continued, his voice close to a whisper. "Tonight's going to be perfect."

I turned slightly to look up at him, my eyes meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and affection. "I couldn't ask for anything more," I said softly. "Everything has been so wonderful. You've made this birthday truly unforgettable."

Martinus smiled down at me, his eyes reflecting the warmth and love I felt for him. "I'm glad to hear that. It means a lot to me."

As we stood there, enjoying the moment, Nora joined us, her own smile wide with excitement. "The party's starting to get lively. Are you two ready to mingle and celebrate?"

I nodded, feeling a renewed burst of energy. "Definitely. Let's make this evening as special as the rest of the day."

Martinus and I moved through the party, greeting guests and sharing in the joy of the evening. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. As the night progressed, we enjoyed delicious food, danced, and cherished the company of friends and family.

Nora and I were way past tipsy, firmly in the territory of being drunk. The kitchen felt like our personal dance floor as we leaned against the counter, laughing at nothing in particular and everything at once. The music was blaring from the living room, the bass vibrating through the walls, and we were dancing to a beat that only we seemed to hear. "Oh my god, Nora!" I slurred, trying to catch my breath from laughing so hard. "We are absolutely wasted." Nora giggled, nearly spilling her drink as she swayed to the imaginary rhythm. "I know, right? But we are having the best time!" She raised her glass, nearly losing her balance in the process, and I steadied her with one arm, both of us still laughing.

 Marcus wandered back into the kitchen, raising an eyebrow at our antics. "You two look like you're having too much fun," he teased, but there was a grin on his face. "Join us!" Nora declared, pulling him into our little circle, her movements exaggerated and unsteady. "Yeah, Marcus!" I chimed in, grabbing his arm and spinning him around, though we both nearly toppled over in the process. He chuckled, trying to keep up with our wild energy. "Okay, okay! But you two need to slow down a bit." "Slow down?" I gasped in mock horror. "Never! We're just getting started!" Nora nodded enthusiastically, her eyes wide with excitement. "Exactly! No slowing down on Y/N's birthday!" 

We all took another round of shots, and the liquid courage only fueled our wildness. Nora and I started dancing like no one was watching, the kitchen our stage, and Marcus soon joined in, finally letting loose as the drinks took effect. 

"I love you guys!" I suddenly exclaimed, throwing my arms around them both in a tight, unsteady hug. "We love you too, Y/N!" Nora replied, her voice filled with the same crunked-up affection. "well guys, im sorry to announce I need to find martinus, I need a kiss" "go find your man" she said, her tone teasing but encouraging.

 I laughed, though a small part of me sighed inwardly, I wish he was mine. 

The thought lingered as I left the kitchen, weaving my way through the crowd, the anticipation of finding Martinus building with every step. With a slight buzz still tingling through me, I slipped away from the kitchen, leaving Nora and Marcus to continue their antics.

 The music thumped through the house, people mingling and chatting, but my focus was on one person. I needed to find Martinus. The lights were dimmed, and the party was in full swing, with people scattered around, laughing, dancing, and enjoying the night.