More Than Friends

Chapter 27: Takin' the Next Step

Nicole's life had started to settle into a new rhythm. With school in full swing, she found herself finally excited about the future again. Every day, she was learnin' somethin' new, growin' in ways she hadn't expected. And the best part? Devin was there, right beside her, cheerin' her on, makin' sure she never doubted herself.

One night, after a long day of classes, Nicole walked into Devin's place feelin' exhausted but content. She tossed her bag onto the couch and headed straight for the kitchen, where she found Devin sittin' at the table, lookin' deep in thought.

"What's on your mind?" Nicole asked, pullin' a bottle of water from the fridge before joinin' him at the table.

Devin glanced up at her, his expression serious but soft. "I been thinkin', Nic. About us."

Nicole's heart skipped a beat, and she raised an eyebrow, curious. "What 'bout us?"

Devin took a deep breath, his eyes meetin' hers. "We been through a lot these last few months. Everything that went down with Keon, the way we came out stronger...it got me thinkin' about the future."

Nicole's chest tightened slightly, wonderin' where he was goin' with this. "Yeah?"

Devin nodded, reachin' for her hand across the table. "I ain't tryna rush nothin', but I wanna start buildin' somethin' real with you. I'm talkin' 'bout gettin' a place together, startin' a life, for real this time."

Nicole felt her breath catch, a mixture of excitement and nervousness rushin' through her. She hadn't expected this conversation, but at the same time, she had been thinkin' about it too.

"You serious?" she asked softly, searchin' his eyes for confirmation.

Devin smiled, squeezin' her hand. "I'm dead serious, Nic. We already spendin' all our time together. It just feels right, you know? Us sharin' a space, buildin' somethin' that's ours."

Nicole stared at him, her heart swellin' with emotion. It did feel right—she couldn't deny that. Everything with Devin had always felt like it was supposed to happen. From the way he protected her, to the way he loved her without question, it was clear that this was where she belonged.

"I been thinkin' about it too," Nicole admitted, her voice soft but steady. "I didn't wanna say nothin' 'cause I wasn't sure if it was too soon. But...I'm ready for that, Dev. I'm ready to take that step with you."

Devin's face lit up, his smile growin' wider. "For real? You ready?"

Nicole nodded, feelin' the warmth in her chest spread. "Yeah. I'm ready. I wanna build somethin' real with you, too."

A Month Later

Nicole and Devin spent the next few weeks searchin' for a place that felt like home. It was excitin', lookin' at different spots, imaginin' what their future would look like together. And when they finally found the perfect apartment, it all started to feel real.

The day they moved in, Nicole couldn't stop smilin'. She stood in the middle of their new living room, boxes scattered around, but all she could think about was how far she had come—from the fear and darkness Keon brought into her life, to this. A new beginning. A fresh start.

Devin walked up behind her, slidin' his arms around her waist. "What you smilin' about?"

Nicole leaned back against him, sighin' with contentment. "Just thinkin' 'bout how crazy life is. A few months ago, I didn't think I'd ever feel safe again. Now, we got a whole new life startin'."

Devin kissed the side of her head, his voice soft in her ear. "We built this, Nic. You took control, you found your strength again. And now? Ain't nothin' we can't handle."

Nicole turned around, wrappin' her arms around his neck. "I couldn't have done it without you, though. You kept me grounded, even when everything was fallin' apart."

Devin smiled, lookin' deep into her eyes. "You ain't never gotta worry 'bout fallin', 'cause I'll always be there to catch you."

Nicole's heart melted at his words, and she leaned up to kiss him, feelin' the warmth of his love surround her. This was the life she had dreamed about—peace, love, and the kind of connection that made her feel like she could take on the world.

A Few Days Later

Their new place was startin' to feel more like home every day. They spent their evenings together, cookin' dinner, laughin' about old memories, and plannin' for the future. It was easy with Devin. Everything felt natural, like they were always meant to be together.

One night, Nicole sat on the couch, flippin' through her textbooks while Devin scrolled through his phone beside her. The house was quiet, peaceful, and she found herself thinkin' about what Devin had said before—about buildin' somethin' real together.

"Dev," Nicole said softly, lookin' up from her book.

He glanced over at her, his eyes curious. "What's up?"

"You ever think about what comes next? After this?"

Devin raised an eyebrow, settin' his phone down. "You talkin' 'bout us? What you got in mind?"

Nicole hesitated for a second, feelin' her heart race a little. "Yeah. I guess I'm just wonderin'...do you think about things like...marriage?"

Devin's eyes softened, and he smiled, reachin' for her hand. "I think about it all the time, Nic. I ain't rushin', 'cause I want us to take our time, but yeah. I see it in our future. You the one I wanna spend my life with."

Nicole's heart swelled at his words. She hadn't been sure if she was ready to have that conversation yet, but hearin' him say it made her feel like they were on the same page.

"I feel the same way," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I didn't know if you was thinkin' about it too."

Devin leaned in, kissin' her softly before pullin' back to look into her eyes. "We got all the time in the world, Nic. When the time is right, we'll make it happen. But I want you to know, you already my forever."

Nicole smiled, feelin' tears prick the corners of her eyes. This was it. The future she had always wanted, with the man who made her feel safe, loved, and seen.

"I'm ready for whatever comes next," she whispered.

Devin smiled back at her, his voice full of love. "Me too, Nic. Me too."