In Between

The evening air was crisp as Y/N and Walker stepped out of the hotel, the city lights twinkling like stars above them. The energy of Whistler at night felt electric, yet intimate—a perfect backdrop for their first official date.

They walked side by side, the occasional brush of their hands sending small sparks up Y/N's arm. She wasn't used to this kind of attention from Walker—at least, not in a way that was so openly affectionate. And yet, with everything that had happened recently, it felt right. Easy.

"Where are we going?" Y/N asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Walker gave her a boyish grin. "You'll see."

They made their way down the bustling sidewalks, weaving through the crowd until Walker led her to a small, tucked-away diner. It wasn't anything fancy, but that was part of its charm. Soft, warm lights illuminated the windows, and the smell of freshly baked pies wafted out into the street.

"Here?" Y/N asked, surprised but smiling.

Walker nodded, a little sheepish. "I thought it'd be nice. Somewhere quiet. Plus, I remembered you said you love diner milkshakes."

Y/N's heart fluttered. He'd remembered.

Inside, they slid into a booth by the window, the red vinyl seats squeaking as they sat. The cozy atmosphere made it feel like they had their own little world, separate from the busy city just outside. A waitress came over, handing them menus with a friendly smile, and Walker wasted no time ordering two milkshakes—chocolate for him and strawberry for her.

"So," Walker began, once the waitress had left, "you having fun so far?"

Y/N laughed softly. "We've only just sat down, but yeah. I am."

He smiled, leaning back against the booth. "Good. I wanted tonight to be... special. For us."

The way he said "us" made her pulse quicken. The milkshakes arrived, thick and creamy, served in tall glasses with whipped cream piled high. Y/N took a sip of hers, the sweet taste making her grin.

"Perfect," she said.

Walker chuckled, taking a sip of his. "Told you."

For a while, they just talked—about everything and nothing. It was easy, slipping into conversation about their favorite movies, funny stories from set, and random thoughts that popped into their heads. There was no awkwardness, no pressure. Just them, being themselves.

But as the night went on, Y/N noticed a shift in Walker. He grew quieter, more thoughtful, his eyes lingering on her a little longer than before.

"Y/N," he said suddenly, his voice serious.

She looked up from her milkshake, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his gaze. "Yeah?"

Walker hesitated for a moment, like he was searching for the right words. Then, he leaned forward, his fingers brushing hers across the table. "I've been thinking about this for a while now. About us. And I know we've had a lot of ups and downs, but..." He paused, swallowing nervously. "I don't want to keep pretending I don't feel the way I do."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat. "Walker..."

"I like you, Y/N. A lot," he continued, his voice quiet but firm. "And I don't want to just be your friend anymore. I want to be more than that. If you'll let me."

Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. This was the moment—the one she'd been hoping for but never quite believed would come.

Walker's blue eyes searched hers, his expression open, vulnerable. "What I'm trying to say is... will you be my girlfriend?"

Y/N's cheeks flushed, a rush of emotions swirling inside her. She'd imagined this moment before, but hearing it—*really* hearing it—felt so much more real, so much more important. And now that it was happening, there was only one answer she could give.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "I'll be your girlfriend."

Walker's face broke into the biggest grin she'd ever seen, his relief palpable. "Yeah?"

She nodded, smiling back, her cheeks hurting from how wide it was. "Yeah."

Without hesitation, Walker stood up, moving around the booth to sit beside her. He took her hand, holding it tightly in his as he leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "You have no idea how happy that makes me," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.

Y/N's heart soared. "I think I have some idea."

For a few minutes, they sat there in comfortable silence, the world outside the diner fading into the background. It was just them—finally together.

Walker pulled back slightly, his thumb brushing softly over her knuckles. "I promise I'll be a good boyfriend. Like, the best boyfriend."

Y/N laughed, her heart light. "I believe you."

As they finished their milkshakes and paid the bill, the weight of the night began to settle in. Everything felt perfect—like this was exactly where they were meant to be.

Hand in hand, they walked out of the diner, the cool night air greeting them once again. But now, things felt different. Lighter. They weren't just Walker and Y/N anymore. They were something more.

And as they strolled down the streets of Whistler, together, Y/N couldn't help but think that this was just the beginning.