𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The hum of the plane engine droned softly in the background as I sat by the window, tapping my fingers on the armrest.

The anticipation in my chest was like a low buzz, both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Charleston was just a few hours away, but the weight of what I was about to do made the flight feel longer.

I glanced at my phone again, rereading the messages from the OBX cast group chat. It was a lifeline, their teasing helping to keep me grounded.

Madz's boo ♡:
Wheels down. Operation Madelyn is a go.

The responses came almost instantly.

Carlacia Grant 👑:
YOU BETTER NOT MESS THIS UP.

Madison Bailey 🏳️‍🌈:
Big moves, Evans. Don't blow it.

Drew Starkey 🙃:
She's totally going to overthink this and chicken out.

Jonathan Daviss 🏀:

I laughed under my breath, shaking my head. They weren't entirely wrong. I had practiced my speech—several times, in fact. This was too important to leave up to chance.

Madz's boo ♡:
Thanks for the faith, guys. Real supportive.

Carlacia Grant 👑:
You're welcome. Now don't ruin it.

I sighed, leaning back in my seat. As much as their relentless teasing annoyed me, I knew they had my back. After exiting the plane and getting my bags, I called an Uber and headed to the hotel to drop off my stuff.

. . .

The golden hues of the sunset reflected off the gentle waves, the ocean breeze carrying the smell of salt and the faint sound of seagulls.

Ahead of me, Carlacia, Madison, Drew, and Jonathan were finalizing the setup—a picturesque arrangement of fairy lights, blankets, and a small firepit that flickered warmly against the encroaching dusk.

I stepped closer, hands in my pockets, watching as Madison fussed with the lights.

"Do we really need this many fairy lights?" she asked, half to herself.

"Yes," Carlacia replied firmly, adjusting one of the blankets. "It's called romance, Madison. Look it up."

Carlacia paced back and forth, arms crossed as she surveyed the setup with the air of a director inspecting her set. "The lights look crooked," she muttered, frowning.

"They're fine," Madison said, rolling her eyes as she adjusted the cushions. "It's a beach, not a wedding."

Carlacia shot her a look. "Romance is in the details, Mad. You wouldn't get it."

Jonathan chuckled, placing the last blanket down. "This is why you're single, Carlacia. You overthink everything."

Carlacia gasped, clutching her chest in mock offense. "I overthink nothing. I perfect everything. There's a difference."

Drew snorted, crossing his arms. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

I stood off to the side, watching the chaos unfold with a mixture of amusement and nerves. The bracelet felt heavy in my pocket, the words I'd rehearsed a thousand times suddenly slipping from my grasp.

Jonathan noticed me as he walked over and clapped me on the shoulder. "You ready for this, Evans? No backing out now."

I exhaled sharply, my nerves peaking. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Carlacia sauntered over, her gaze narrowing. "Don't get cold feet now. Do you know how much effort we put into this?"

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "No cold feet. Just... want it to be perfect."

"It will be," Madison said confidently. "Just don't do that thing where you ramble."

"Thanks for the tip," I said dryly as everyone laughed.

"She should be over soon, she's wrapping up a scene." Drew said as he put his phone in his pocket. I nodded as we all went to sit by the fire pit.

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I was mid-scene on set when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Curious, I picked it up and saw a text from Madison.

Maddie 🤎:
We're having a little hangout at the beach tonight. You in?

I smiled, already imagining the relaxing evening ahead.

Madelyn 🦋:
Sounds perfect. What time?

Maddie 🤎:
7. Don't be late, also don't worry about brining anything, we got it covered ♡

The rest of the scene dragged on, but as soon as I wrapped, I rushed back to my apartment, throwing on something more comfortable and grabbed Y/n's hoodie I stole to ward off the evening chill.

The beach was quiet when I arrived, the waves lapping gently against the shore. Madison and Carlacia waved me over, their smiles wide and slightly mischievous.

"What's all this?" I asked, gesturing to the glowing setup.

"You'll see," Madison said cryptically, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer.

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Madelyn's footsteps slowed as she spotted me standing near the firepit. Her eyes widened slightly, her lips curving into a surprised smile. We hadn't seen each other in nearly two weeks.

"Y/n?" she said, her voice soft but I could hear the excitement building.

"Hey," I replied, my heart hammering in my chest.

She glanced around at the setup, her brows furrowing. "What's all this?"

"Madelyn," I began, my voice steady despite the nerves coiling in my stomach.

"I like you—a lot. You make me laugh, you make me feel seen, and I can't stop thinking about you. I want this—us—to be real. Official and I promised you, it'd be romantic. So I flew all the way across the country to ask you one question,"

Madelyn's cheeks turned a dark shade of pink as her eyes started to well with tears. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

For a moment, she was silent, her eyes glistening as she looked at me. Finally, a radiant smile broke across her face.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Yes, Y/n." she said as she jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist as I kissed her. She held onto me tighter as I spun us around as her friends and casemates cheered.

"How long have you been planning this?!" she asked as her friends started to take everything out that I had ordered. "Also how did you get them involved?" Madelyn asked as she gestured to her friends.

"Well the night of the premiere, I knew then that I wanted you so, we made a groupchat and I planned this thing and had them help set up while I was on the plane." I smiled at her before she placed a kiss on my lips.

"We're so happy for you Madz!" Carlacia squealed as she and Madison wrapped their arms around her. "I'm just here for the free food but congrats, butthead." Drew joked as he gave Madelyn a hug.

"Oh, I almost forgot, I got you a little something." I said before pulling a velvet box out of my pocket. I opened it revealing a bracelet she'd been talking about since we went out shopping in LA.

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

She reached forward, slipping the bracelet around my wrist. Her fingers were steady but gentle, and when she clicked the clasp into place, she brushed her thumb against the inside of my wrist. The touch sent a shiver up my arm.

"It looks good on you," she said, her voice low and filled with pride.

I tilted my wrist, admiring the way the charms caught the light. "It's beautiful."

"So are you," she replied, her gaze steady and unwavering. The intensity of her stare made my cheeks warm.

"You're ridiculous," I said, laughing softly, but I couldn't hide the way my heart raced.

"And yet, you said yes," she teased, stepping closer.

"Couldn't help myself," I admitted, my voice dropping as I tilted my head up to meet her gaze.

Her hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer until there was barely an inch between us.

"Good. Because I plan on making you regret absolutely nothing."

"Big promises, Evans," I murmured, my fingers curling into the fabric of her shirt.

She grinned, leaning down so that her lips were just a breath away from mine. "I like to keep my promises."

The kiss was soft at first, gentle and full of unspoken emotion. But as her arms tightened around me, it deepened, growing more passionate.

Her hands moved to the small of my back, holding me close as the sound of the waves faded into the background.

"Just babe, please be gentle with my heart." Madelyn spoke barely above a whisper. "I promise," I said softly, holding her gaze.

"I'll take care of your heart like it's my own." I nodded my head before our lips reconnected.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. The world felt still, like it had narrowed down to just the two of us.

"Madelyn," Y/n whispered, her voice full of sincerity. "You're everything I didn't know I needed."

I smiled, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of her mouth. "And you're the best decision I've ever made."

Her laughter was soft, her arms still wrapped securely around me. "Come on," she said, nodding toward the blankets. "Let's sit for a while. I'm not ready to let this night end."

"Neither am I," I said, letting her lead me toward the cushions.

As we sat down, the firelight danced in her eyes, and I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to have found her.

We joined my friends who were joking away, I settled between Y/n's legs, letting my hand trail up and down her arm, enjoying the warmth of her arms wrapped around my body.

. . .

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The drive back to Madelyn's apartment was filled with soft laughter and the hum of music from her playlist, the kind of cozy atmosphere that felt like home even though we were miles away from mine. My hand rested on her thigh as I drove her car.

"You keep looking at me like that," she said, glancing at me briefly, "and we're going to have a problem."

I smirked, "What kind of problem?" I said as we approached a red light.

Her lips quirked into a smile, though she tried to keep her focus ahead to hide her blush. "The kind where I forget how to function because you're distracting me."

"I can't help it if you're this cute," I teased, watching the faint blush creep up her neck.

When we pulled into her driveway, I parked and she turned to me, her eyes shining in the dim light from the streetlamp. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are," I quipped, grinning as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

Inside her apartment, the warmth and familiarity of her space wrapped around us like a cocoon. The faint smell of lavender lingered in the air, and her cozy throw blankets were draped over the back of the couch.

Madelyn set her keys on the counter and turned to face me, leaning back against the edge with a playful smile. "So, what now, Evans?"

I stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

"Now," I said, my voice dropping as I slid my hands onto the counter on either side of her, caging her in, "you tell me how I did tonight. Was it romantic enough? Did I win the best girlfriend award?"

Her laugh was soft and breathy, her fingers curling into the hem of my hoodie. "Hmm, let me think."

I leaned in, my nose brushing against hers. "Careful. Your answer might determine whether or not I cook you breakfast tomorrow."

She tilted her head, her lips hovering just out of reach. "What if I said it was perfect? And you're already the best girlfriend ever?"

"Then I'd say you deserve a reward," I murmured, letting my lips graze hers in the softest kiss.

Her hands slid up my chest, fisting the fabric of my hoodie as she pulled me closer. "What kind of reward are we talking about?"

I smiled against her lips, moving to press a series of kisses along her jawline. "I think I could come up with a few ideas."

Her laughter bubbled up again, her hands moving to the back of my neck. "You're such a tease."

"And you love it," I said, grinning as I kissed the corner of her mouth.

"I might," she admitted, her voice a soft whisper.

My lips found hers again, this time with more intent. The kiss deepened as her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me flush against her.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, and a soft sigh escaped her as I kissed her harder.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us slightly breathless, her eyes locked onto mine. "You're too good at this," she said, her cheeks flushed.

"Good at what?" I asked, trailing my fingers down her sides.

"Making me feel like I can't think straight," she admitted, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and affection.

I smirked, sliding my hands to her waist and lifting her onto the counter effortlessly. "Maybe I like making you lose control."

Her hands found their way to my face, cupping my cheeks as she kissed me again, her legs wrapping around my waist. The heat between us grew, the tension electric and undeniable.

She pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against mine. "If you keep this up," she said, her voice low and teasing, "we're not making it to the couch."

"Who said we need the couch?" I quipped, earning a soft laugh from her.

Madelyn's laughter faded into a soft moan as my lips moved to her neck, my hands sliding under the hem of her shirt to rest against her warm skin. She tilted her head, giving me better access as her fingers tightened in my hair.

"Y/n," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah?" I replied, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

"Take me to my room," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I didn't need to be told twice. Sliding my hands to her thighs, I lifted her effortlessly, her legs still wrapped around my waist. She buried her face in my neck, her laughter soft and warm against my skin as I carried her toward her bedroom.

"You know," I said as we reached her door, "if you wanted me to sweep you off your feet, you could've just asked."

Her response was a kiss pressed to the corner of my mouth, her voice playful as she said, "I think you've done more than enough to prove your point tonight, Evans."

I kicked the door open gently, stepping inside and setting her down on the edge of the bed.

She looked up at me, her hair tousled and her eyes bright, and I couldn't help but think how utterly perfect she looked in that moment.

"Now," she said, tugging me down to her level, "where were we?"

I leaned in, my lips brushing against hers as I murmured, "Right about here."

Madelyn's hands slipped to the hem of my hoodie, her fingers brushing against my skin as she slowly pushed it upward. Her touch was light, teasing, and it sent a shiver through me.

"You know," I murmured, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze, "if you wanted me to take my shirt off, all you had to do was ask."

She grinned, tilting her head as her hands lingered on my sides. "Where's the fun in that?"

Her voice was soft but playful, and I couldn't resist leaning back in to kiss her. This time, the kiss was slower, more deliberate, as though we were savoring every second.

Her lips moved against mine, warm and inviting, and when her teeth grazed my bottom lip, I let out a low hum of approval.

Her laugh was muffled against my mouth. "You're easy to rile up."

"Shut up," I shot back, my hands resting on her thighs, my thumbs tracing slow circles on her skin.

"But don't think I don't notice how flustered you get every time I do this." Her hands slid under my hoodie again, her nails grazing lightly down my back.

I bit my lip, my eyes narrowing slightly. "You're playing a dangerous game, Cline."

"Oh, am I?" she teased, leaning back slightly so she could pull the hoodie over my head. Her eyes roamed over me, and she let out a soft, appreciative hum. "Dangerous... or fun?"

I smirked, leaning down so that our faces were just inches apart. "Guess we're about to find out."

Her cheeks flushed, but she held my gaze, her confidence never wavering. "I think I'm ready to take that risk."

I laughed softly, trailing kisses from the corner of her mouth to her jawline, then down to her neck.

Her hands found their way to my shoulders, her nails pressing lightly into my skin as my lips explored the sensitive spot just below her ear.

"Y/n," she whispered, her voice shaky but full of anticipation. "You're really testing my self-control right now."

"Good," I murmured against her skin, grinning as I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. "Because I don't think I have any left."

She let out a soft laugh, her hands moving to my waist and tugging me closer.

Madelyn's laughter faded as I leaned back down, kissing her again.

This time, the kiss was deeper, more urgent, as though we were both tired of holding back. Her hands slid up my chest and around my neck, pulling me impossibly closer.

When we broke apart, both of us were breathless. She rested her forehead against mine, her lips curving into a small smile. "You know," she said softly, "I think I like this side of you."

"What side?" I asked, my voice low.

"The side that makes me feel like the only person in the world," she said, her fingers gently brushing against my cheek.

"You are," I replied, my voice steady and sincere. "You're all I see, Madelyn."

Her smile widened, and she leaned in to kiss me again, her hands sliding down my sides. This time, there was no teasing, no hesitation. Just us, completely wrapped up in each other.

I reached for the hem of her shirt, my fingers brushing against her skin as I slowly lifted it. She raised her arms, allowing me to pull it over her head.

Her hair tumbled around her shoulders, and she looked up at me, her eyes full of trust and something deeper that made my heart race.

"You're beautiful," I whispered, my hands moving to her waist.

"And you're overdressed," she shot back, her playful tone making both of us laugh.

I leaned in close, my lips brushing against her ear as I murmured, "Then help me fix that."

Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, but she didn't hesitate. Her hands moved to the waistband of my jeans, and as she worked to undo the button, her laughter bubbled up again. "You really don't make this easy, do you?"

"I thought you liked a challenge," I teased, my voice dropping as I pressed a kiss to her collarbone.

Madelyn's breath hitched, her hands stilling for a moment before she recovered. "You're lucky I like you," she said, her tone light but full of affection.

"I'm more than lucky," I said softly, my eyes locking with hers. "I'm falling for you, Madelyn."

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, the room felt completely still. Then, her lips curved into a soft smile, and she reached up to cup my face, pulling me into a gentle, heartfelt kiss.

"I'm falling for you too," she whispered against my lips.

The words sent a wave of warmth through me, and I couldn't help but smile as I deepened the kiss.

The rest of the world faded away as we lost ourselves in each other, every touch and every kiss a silent promise of what was to come.

I spread her legs as we both fully undressed. Without another second lapsing, I began to eat her out.

Madelyn's moans filled her bedroom as she gripped the sheets, her lip settled between her teeth as my tongue swirled between her folds. It didn't take long for her to let loose in my mouth.

It didn't take much for her to get up and begin sucking me off. Madelyn was more than eager and that's what I like about, well one of the many