Fleeting Flames - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

Part 21

The days slipped by in a happy, effortless routine that felt almost surreal. Every morning, you'd wake up to find Jenna curled against you, and somehow, her presence made everything brighter. You both fell into easy habits—cooking breakfast together, stealing sips from each other's coffee cups, and teasing each other over the smallest things.

One lazy Sunday afternoon, you were both lounging on the sofa, Jenna's head resting in your lap as she absentmindedly flipped through a magazine. She'd been crashing at your place so often that it felt like she practically lived there. The thought had been simmering in the back of your mind for a while now, and finally, you decided to say it aloud.

"You know," you said, feigning casualness as you ran your fingers through her hair, "since you're always here anyway, maybe you should just officially move in."

Jenna's eyes shot up to yours, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Oh, are you asking me to move in, huh?" Her tone was teasing, but there was a flicker of excitement in her eyes. "This is basically a proposal. Shouldn't you be getting down on one knee?"

You rolled your eyes, nudging her shoulder. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just tired of your stuff cluttering my place, that's all."

Jenna grinned, propping herself up on her elbow as she tilted her head at you. "Oh, really? Not because you can't stand being without me?"

You smirked, trying to keep your tone light. "I just figured I'd save you some rent, that's all."

She let out a laugh, her fingers finding yours as she intertwined them together. "You're so bad at this," she teased, squeezing your hand. "Just admit it—you want me here, full-time."

You couldn't help but laugh, shaking your head. "Fine, you win. Yes, I want you here. Permanently. Happy?"

Jenna beamed, her eyes sparkling with that familiar playful glint. "There it is! And here I thought you'd never say it." She leaned closer, brushing her lips against yours, her voice soft. "For the record, I'd love to."

A warmth bloomed in your chest as you kissed her, feeling like everything had fallen into place. The sofa had always seemed too big without her on it, and the apartment too quiet. Now, knowing she'd be there whenever she was in town, it felt complete.

Pulling back, she looked at you with a smirk. "You know, you're basically stuck with me now."

"Oh, I know," you replied with a playful roll of your eyes, unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips. "I'm prepared for endless arguments over closet space and whose turn it is to do the dishes."

Jenna laughed, nudging you with her shoulder. "Well, as long as you know what you're getting into." She leaned into you, wrapping her arms around your waist as you settled back into the sofa. "But honestly... I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."

You held her close, the two of you sinking into a comfortable silence that felt as natural as breathing. In her arms, everything felt right, like this was exactly where you were meant to be. Eventually, she shifted slightly, looking up at you with a mischievous smile.

"So... are we going to celebrate this momentous occasion, or what?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, this is basically our version of a wedding proposal, isn't it?"

You laughed, pulling her close. "Sure, let's call it that. But don't think you're getting out of helping me organize all your stuff."

Jenna rolled her eyes, but her smile was warm. "Fine, I'll do my best to bring some sense of style to this place."

You just shook your head, laughing as she wrapped her arms around you, both of you content to stay wrapped up in each other. In that moment, you knew—no matter where life took you, with her by your side, you could handle anything.