there she goes - jschlatt

underneath the surface

the air buzzed with excitement as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the café patio. laughter and chatter filled the space, and I found myself leaning into the moment, my heart lighter than it had been in days. tucker and ted were animatedly discussing their favorite movies, but my attention drifted to schlatt, who sat across from me, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"what's so funny?" I asked, arching an eyebrow at him.

"just thinking about how ted once thought 'the godfather' was a romantic comedy," he chuckled, shaking his head. "you should've seen the look on his face when we told him otherwise."

I laughed, the sound bubbling up effortlessly. "that's priceless. poor ted."

"he takes it like a champ, though," schlatt said, his gaze locking onto mine. the playful glint in his eyes sent a flutter through my stomach. "but I can't blame him for wanting a little romance in his life."

"speaking of romance..." I trailed off, leaning slightly closer. "what's your ideal romantic movie?"

"hmm, that's a tough one," he said, considering. "probably something with a lot of tension and maybe a hint of tragedy. a slow burn, you know?"

I felt a thrill run through me at his choice of words. "sounds familiar," I teased, matching his intensity. "do you have someone in mind for that tension?"

"oh, definitely," he replied, his tone playful as he leaned in closer. "but I'm not sure if she's ready for it yet."

"maybe she just needs a little push," I suggested, a smile playing on my lips as I felt the warmth of his gaze.

"or maybe she's just too busy playing it safe," he countered, his expression turning serious for a moment. "you know, hiding behind the walls she built."

"maybe she's waiting for someone to break them down," I said softly, my heart racing at the vulnerability of the moment.

just then, tucker broke in, oblivious to the tension between us. "hey, you two! we're planning on hitting that karaoke bar later. you in?"

"karaoke?" I echoed, glancing at schlatt, who shrugged nonchalantly.

"could be fun," he said, his eyes still locked onto mine. "unless you're afraid to sing in front of me."

"afraid? me?" I shot back, feigning indignation. "I'll show you how it's done."

"oh, I'm counting on it," he said, a hint of mischief in his smile.

as the conversation shifted back to planning our night, I felt a rush of anticipation. there was something brewing between schlatt and me, something electric that pulled at the edges of my heart. as we finished our drinks, I could feel the heat of his gaze lingering on me, igniting a spark of hope.

once we arrived at the karaoke bar, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. I watched as tucker and ted dove headfirst into the fray, belting out a classic rock song, their enthusiasm infectious. I couldn't help but laugh at their antics.

"your turn next," schlatt said, nudging me playfully as he tossed back his drink.

"what? I thought we were a team!" I protested, grinning.

"teamwork makes the dream work," he said, winking at me. "but you've got to take the spotlight at least once tonight."

"fine, but only if you promise to join me," I replied, my heart racing at the thought.

"deal," he said, the promise lingering in the air.

as I took the stage, the spotlight felt both exhilarating and terrifying. I could see schlatt in the audience, leaning back in his seat, his expression a mix of amusement and encouragement. I started singing, and as the music swelled, I found myself losing track of everything around me.when I finished, the crowd erupted in cheers, and I felt a rush of adrenaline. I hopped off the stage, grinning from ear to ear.

"you were amazing!" schlatt said, catching me as I stepped back into the crowd.

"thanks! but I think you're up next," I said, nudging him toward the stage.

"not a chance," he replied, his voice low and teasing. "I prefer to enjoy the show from the sidelines."

"what if I pick a song you love?" I challenged, my gaze locking onto his.

"that might change things," he said, his smirk deepening.

"okay, how about 'there she goes'? it's a classic," I suggested, barely able to contain my laughter."you're really trying to embarrass me, huh?" he shot back, feigning shock. "but I'll consider it."as we bantered back and forth, I could feel the chemistry building between us, a magnetic pull that left me breathless. with every joke, every teasing glance, it felt like we were stepping closer to something deeper.

"but seriously, char," schlatt said, suddenly more serious, "you're incredible up there. I love how you just let go."

"it's easier when I'm with you," I admitted, my voice softening. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing in, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

"maybe we should make a habit of this," he suggested, his gaze unwavering.

"of karaoke or just... letting go?" I asked, a hint of hope threading through my words.

"both," he replied, a smile breaking through the tension. "I think it suits you."

"then I'm definitely in," I said, feeling a rush of excitement. the night felt electric, the promise of something more lingering just beneath the surface.

as the night continued, we found ourselves caught in our own little world amidst the laughter and chaos. I could feel the connection between us growing stronger, the tension simmering just below the surface. it was a thrilling dance of flirty banter and playful teasing, and I couldn't help but hope it was only the beginning.