A Different Kind of Devotion (R5 Fanfiction)

Ryland's POV

While everyone at the party was distracted playing in the water, I pulled Kristie out of the pool. I led her to the front of the house and about halfway down the block, the sound of the party fading away until it was just a hum in the background.

I pulled Kristie under the streetlight so I could see the curves of her face despite the dark night.

I took both of her hands in mine and looked into her eyes.

"Kristie, I want you to know that I love you," I began. "I'm sorry you thought I was cheating on you, but just know I would never do that. Never. I love you too much to purposely hurt you. Just know that."

I leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. When I pulled back, I noticed her eyes welling with tears. One rolled down her cheek and I gingerly wiped it away.

"Ryland..." her bottom lip quivered.

Then she kissed me.

We stood there, dripping under the streetlight, the sound of a warm summer night surrounding us.

We pulled away and we looked at each other. Kristie smiled through her tears. I wrapped her in a hug, and she felt tiny against my chest.

"Thanks for the party," she sniffled slightly.

"You're welcome." I smiled, even knowing she couldn't see it.

We swayed together under the streetlight, forgetting our worries and the rowdy people back at my house.

We just stood there late into the night, long after everyone from the party had departed.

Soon, I realized Kristie was about to fall asleep in my arms. I led her back to the house, realizing we were now completely dry. I tucked her under the covers and she was fast asleep.

After another thought, I climed under the quilt next to her and wrapped my arms around her small body, falling asleep after a night that was a complete success.