My Sunflower(Elio Story)

💛🌻 Chapter 18: First Date and Shadows of a broken spirit💛🌻

Trigger Warning ⚠️: This chapter contains themes of trauma, emotional struggle, and references to past abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

Luna walked into the restaurant, her eyes widening as she took in the moon and sunflower string lights. The soft glow cast a warm ambiance, blending seamlessly with the scents of moonflower nectar and sunflower candles. Her dress, adorned with sun and moon patterns, floated around her as she moved, and her yellow flats barely made a sound on the polished floor. Loose white waves of hair framed her face and danced with every step.

Her gaze fell on the carefully arranged tables, and her bright light blue eyes sparkled with surprise. She turned to me, a radiant smile spreading across her face. I took a step closer and enveloped her in a hug, feeling her warmth seep through me.

"This is breathtaking," she whispered, her voice a gentle murmur against my shoulder.

"I wasn't sure if it would turn out-" I began, but she cut me off, her voice firm but soft.

"Elio, I love it," she said, her eyes locking onto mine with sincere affection.

A smile crept across my face, and she reached for my hand. "Walk me to the table?"

I led her to the table, pulling out her chair and guiding her into it before taking my own seat. Uncle John arrived with the menus, placing them gently on the table. Luna unfolded hers, her fingers trembling slightly as she scanned the options.

I set my menu aside and reached out, my hand resting lightly on hers. Her gaze lifted, meeting my steady eyes. My hazel eyes, flecked with gray, reflected a calm and warmth that spoke volumes. There was no need for words; the look I gave her said everything: she didn't have to be perfect around me. I loved her just as she was.

Luna's tension eased as she held my gaze. The corners of her mouth curled into a soft smile, and her eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky. She turned back to the menu, ordering a gourmet bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions and cheddar, sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo, and a pink lemonade.

I opted for a classic margherita pizza and waffle fries with honey mustard, sticking with water to drink. As we ate, Luna couldn't resist reaching over to snag some of my waffle fries, even though she have fries of her own.

"Hey, those are mine," I said, feigning annoyance.

"You're not really upset, Sunflower," she teased, her voice tinged with playfulness. "I just-I-"

Her voice faltered, and her eyes grew soft, revealing a depth of emotion that I couldn't quite name.

"It's okay, Luna," I said gently, squeezing her hand. "If you want to steal my fries, that's fine."

"Thank you, Elio," she whispered, her voice filled with unspoken affection. Her mischievous grin returned as she reached for another fry.

"Just making sure you're serious," she said with a laugh that eased her nerves, her eyes sparkling with playful light.

After dessert-ice cream that seemed to echo the sweet memories we were creating-Luna hesitated, her voice softer than before.

"Would it be okay if I took a picture of you? I'd like to have you on my lock screen, but only if you're comfortable with it," she said, giving me space to respond.

I hesitated, my cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm not used to this kind of thing, but if it means that much to you, I'll do it. Just promise you won't laugh if I look weird?"

"Oh, Elio, you could never look weird to me," she assured, her eyes warm and sincere. "You're perfect just the way you are. I promise I'll treasure it."

"Thanks, Luna," I said, my voice soft as I squeezed her hand, feeling a mix of self-consciousness and gratitude. "That means a lot."

"You're always safe with me, Elio," she said, resting her head on my shoulder as she guided me to the couch. "I'm so glad you're letting me share this with you."

"Thank you, Luna," I murmured, resting my head against hers. "I really don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," she replied, lifting her head to look into my eyes. Her gaze was full of love, and I could see the depth of her feelings reflected there.

"You're everything to me," I said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

"And you're everything to me," she said, gently pushing my wavy golden blonde hair out of my eyes. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

"I can't tell you how much that means to me," I said, leaning in to kiss her. When I pulled away, I added, "Thank you for being my safe place, My Moonflower."

"You don't need to thank me," she said, her fingers caressing my cheek. "It's what I want to be for you-your safe place, always."

"That means everything to me," I said, kissing her forehead. "I'm really lucky to have you."

"And I'm lucky to have you, too," she said, gently squeezing my hand.

Feeling reassured, I pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Would it be okay if I took a picture of you now?" she asked.

I smiled, though a hint of nervousness remained. "I guess I'm okay with that, especially after everything we just talked about."

She smiled back, taking out her phone. "Thank you. You look amazing, just so you know."

I blushed slightly, trying to relax. "Alright. Go ahead."

She took the picture with a satisfied smile. "You really do look perfect. I'm so glad you're letting me do this."

"I'm glad too," I said, my smile reflecting my appreciation. "Thanks for making me feel this way."

She hugged me warmly. "You mean so much to me, Elio."

I hugged her back, feeling comforted. "And you mean everything to me."

Alva, my cousin, waited patiently. Once we stopped hugging, she took my phone and set a beautiful picture of Luna as my lock screen, her expression teasing but kind.

"Thanks, Alva," I said, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude in my voice.

"Hey, Alva, can you take two pictures of us? One of us hugging and another kissing, for our wallpaper?" Luna asked.

"Of course! Let's start with the hug," Alva said, her tone light-hearted. Luna and I embraced, and Alva snapped the photo.

"Now, the kiss! Make it a good one," Alva said with a playful glint in her eye.

Luna whispered something that made me blush. As she kissed me, I closed my eyes, savoring the sensation and the warmth of her touch.

Alva captured the moment, and when she was done, Luna asked her to send the photos to her phone. I heard Taylor Swift's "Daylight" ringtone, signaling the arrival of the pictures.

"Give me my phone so I can set the hug picture as my wallpaper," I said.

Alva handed me my phone, and I set the hug picture as my wallpaper, feeling a mix of happiness and relief.

After Luna left, I walked to the park. Despite the warmth and comfort of the evening. shadows of the memories of being trapped in that cold basement, shackled and suffocating by that muzzle, haunted me. My mind whispered for me to give up and to stop fighting, and I obeyed.

But Luna's love made me regret surrendering to the darkness. I knew that the broken part of me wasn't her fault; it was the result of my father and her parent cruelty. I would keep pretending for Luna, hiding the broken pieces because she deserved to love someone whole and unscarred.