Raven (Nolan Rayburn fanfic)

Ten.

Nolan woke up with a clear plan of what he was going to do that day. He was going to find Raven and tell her how he felt about her. He was tired of keeping it inside and he finally felt like her found someone that could make him genuinely happy. I hope when I see her she isn't mad, I have been gone for a while, what if she thinks I was avoiding her?
He picked up his phone and called her, nervous but excited.

"Hello?" Raven said, sounding sleepy.

"Uh, Raven, it's Nolan. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out today?" He asked, trying to conceal the nervousness in his tone.

Raven was quite for a few seconds and then answered, "Um, yeah, okay! Give me a time and place and I'll be there."

"Downtown diner, 12 o'clock." Nolan said, his
confidence growing.

"Okay, I'll see you there, Rayburn." And with that Raven hung up. Nolan smiled, that went way better than he expected. God I love it when she calls me that.

***

Nolan arrived at the diner a few minutes early, he was nervous and wanted to calm down before seeing Raven. Just tell her how you feel.
The diner had a nice atmosphere with a retro vibe. The booths were made with red and white leather and the walls were covered in vinyl records. Nolan sat down and told the waiter that he was waiting for someone.

Nolan felt a tap on his shoulder, "Hey stranger!" Raven said, sitting at the opposite side and table, facing Nolan.

Nolan smiled, "Hey Raven, it's good to see you." He was nervous. God just be normal, stop being nervous and act fucking normal.

"I haven't seen you in a few days, are you okay?" She asked, sounding curious.

"Yeah, I've just been busy with stuff at home and work." Nolan said, looking at Raven. She was wearing a tight tank top and it was making Nolan even more nervous because of how beautiful she looked.

"Oh, well you haven't missed much at school. I brought the chemistry homework you missed, it's in my bag I'll give it to you later." She looked down and studied the menu. She's so thoughtful. Say something, anything, you need to tell her how you feel.

"Um, you look beautiful today." Nolan said, instantly regretting it. Fuck that sounded lame.

Raven looked up, the compliment taking her by surprise. She blushed, "Thank you, I mean, I really don't. I kinda rushed here so I really didn't have much time to get ready so if anything I look worse than normal." Raven bit her tongue, she rambled whenever she got nervous.

Nolan smirked, looking at the flustered girl. "Well I think you look fine." He laughed.

***

"Favorite color?" Nolan asked, smiling. They had been there for an hour and the two decided to get to know each other better.

"Red, what about you?" Raven asked, sipping on her milkshake that she had ordered.

"Green." Nolan responded, a smile plastered on his face. God I love spending time with her.

"I've got a good question, whats your family like?" Raven asked, curious.

Nolan swallowed, "Well like I said, my dad died and my mom isn't really in the picture. She'll show up once and a while saying that she's sober, but next thing you know she's gone again. I live with my uncle and I love it there, and I'm close with my aunts and my cousins. My cousin Sarah is really awesome, I think you would like her." I just can't keep myself from opening up to her, can I?

"I'm happy you're living with people who care about you and Sarah sounds really cool. I'm sorry about your parents, though." Raven said, looking into the boys eyes.

"It's okay, I've made my peace with it. Hey, would you want to go on a walk? I'm all finished."

Raven nodded and the two headed out of the diner. They stepped outside and were met with a gust of wind. Raven felt goosebumps form on her skin and Nolan noticed. He took off his flannel and handed it to Raven. "Here, I don't want you to get cold."

Raven accepted it, smiling. "Thanks." She loved the idea of wearing his clothes, she couldn't help but hope tonight would finally be the night they make things official.

***

"Um Nolan, can we talk about something?" Raven was ready, she didn't care. She was feeling more confident than ever and she was ready to confess her feelings.

Nolan felt his heart rate speed up. Crap is this happening now? I'm not ready. I need to be the one to start this conversation.
"Yeah, uh, what's up?" His voice low and quiet.

Raven took a deep breath, "Ever since we met, I've felt.."

Nolan cut her off, "Hey let's, um, so let's talk about something else." Fuck why did you just say that your such an idiot!

"What?" Raven asked, clearly hurt.

"Nothing, lets just keep walking, alright." Nolan said, his tone sounding harsher than he intended.

"Jesus, Nolan you're making me go crazy!" Raven yelled, throwing up her arms, walking away from the boy. After walking for forever, the two found themselves on a trail in the woods and it was getting dark.

"I'm making YOU go crazy? It's the other way around, Raven!" Nolan shouted back, jogging after her, he was flustered and he didn't even understand why he felt so mad. Maybe because he wasn't used to feeling so much for someone.

Raven turned around abruptly, leaving the pair standing close, "Nolan you're so fucking hot and cold, first you tell me you want to be there for me and then you ice me out for days, then you call me beautiful, but wait! Nolan Rayburn can't let his emotions show too much so you decide to shut me out again!" Raven ranted, staring up at the tall boy in front of her.

Nolan looked at Raven, realizing she was right. He had let his inability to let someone in hurt her. "Raven, look.." He began.

Raven cut him off, "Actually Nolan, forget it, all I have to say is this. Though I hate admitting it, the second we met Ive felt something for you, and I'm not too afraid to say it out loud. I guess I can't be mad at you because I just have to realize you don't feel the same wa.."

It was Nolan's turn to cut Raven off. Nolan walked forward, grabbing her face with both hands and leaned down, pulling the girl into his lips. Raven went stiff for a second, but instantly melted into his touch and placed her hands on his chest, tugging on his t-shirt. Time stood still and electricity flowed between the pair. Nolan pulled away, staring at Raven, searching her eyes.

"Raven, I... I like you more than anyone I've ever met before. You are the most amazing girl I know and I want to be with you." The two were staring at each other, smiles plastered on their faces.

"I, uh, I want the same thing." Raven whispered, completely shocked by the sudden turn of events.

The two teens stood still, holding onto each other, breathing heavily and staring into each others eyes. I think I love this girl.