All Too Well
(10 minute version)
Taylor Swift
3:55 ——•——————————
𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒈𝒐.

☆

𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆'𝒔 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒋𝒆𝒆𝒑 rolled up to the curb in front of Jody's house, its engine purring like it was auditioning for the "Fast and the Furious" spin-off no one asked for. Jovi barely glanced back at the porch, where Ares leaned against the railing with a smug grin, arms crossed.

"Really?" Ares called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're seriously doing this? What's next? Couples yoga? Matching tattoos? Or, oh wait, how about a playlist called 'Cliché Love Songs for People Who Should Know Better'?"

Jovi rolled her eyes so hard she swore she caught a glimpse of her own brain cells trying to escape. Ignoring him was the only sane option. She grabbed her duffel bag, and jogged to the Jeep, a grin spreading across her face as Blake leaned out of the driver's window.

"You ready, Winchester?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

"Born ready," Jovi shot back, throwing her bag into the backseat before climbing into the passenger side. She didn't miss the way Blake's gaze lingered on her for just a second longer than usual, and it made her grin widen.

As she settled in, Blake reached over and gave her thigh a playful squeeze. "Let's hit the road."

The Jeep rumbled off, leaving Ares in the rearview mirror muttering something Jovi couldn't hear — and didn't care to.

The drive was smooth, the kind that made it feel like the world outside the car didn't matter. Blake had his favorite playlist on shuffle, a mix of classic rock and guilty-pleasure pop songs that Jovi teased him about but shamelessly enjoyed.

At one point, Jovi turned to him, feigning offense as she caught him humming along. "You, Blake Winslow, are a closet Taylor Swift fan, and that's hilarious."

"Hey, don't knock 'blank space'" Blake said, holding up a finger for emphasis. "That song is a masterpiece, and you know it."

Jovi burst out laughing, and the sound filled the Jeep, light and carefree. For the first time in days, she felt like herself again.

The scenery shifted as they drove deeper into the woods, the trees growing taller and denser, their branches casting dappled shadows on the road. When they pulled up to the cabin, Jovi's jaw dropped so hard it nearly dislocated. This wasn't a cabin; this was the Beyoncé of cabins. Two stories, a wraparound porch, windows so big they probably had their own zip code, and a stone chimney that practically screamed, I come with a cozy fireplace and a side of emotional healing.

"Are you kidding me?" Jovi said, climbing out of the Jeep and spinning around like she'd just stepped into a Hallmark movie. "Blake, this place is insane. Like, are you secretly a billionaire? Should I start calling you Bruce Wayne?"

He laughed, grabbing their bags from the back. "Not quite, but I'll take the compliment. Wait till you see the view from the deck."

Oh, good. A view. As if this place wasn't already making Jovi's old self-esteem issues tap-dance on her psyche. But instead of letting that spiral take root, she plastered on her best smile and followed him inside.

Inside the cabin, the air smelled faintly of cedar and fresh pine, as if the forest itself had seeped into the walls. Jovi stepped into the main living area and stopped in her tracks, her eyes scanning the room. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, its mantel adorned with old photographs and a few well-worn books. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in streams of natural light, giving a panoramic view of the woods beyond.

"Blake," she said, turning to him with wide eyes, "this isn't a cabin. This is, like, a luxury lodge."

Blake chuckled, dropping their bags near the couch. "My parents call it a cabin, so I just go with it. But yeah, it's pretty nice, huh?"

"Nice?" Jovi spun around, taking it all in. "Nice is a motel with decent Wi-Fi. This is something else. Do you even realize how lucky you are to have access to a place like this?"

This had to be the nicest place Jovi had ever had the pleasure of staying in, the bunker was cool and it was home but it was no where near as nice as this. She could barely believe this was all casual for Blake, that this was the lifestyle he was used to.

Blake shrugged, his smile softening. "I guess I don't think about it like that. I've been coming here since I was a kid." He moved closer to her, his hands sliding into his pockets. "But it's cooler now that you're here."

Jovi felt a small blush creep up her cheeks, but she masked it with a playful scoff. "Smooth, Winslow. Real smooth."

Blake grinned and reached out, grabbing her hand. "Come on, let me show you the best part."

He led her through the open-concept kitchen, which was almost too pristine to feel real, and out onto the back deck. Jovi's breath hitched the moment she stepped outside.

The deck overlooked a sprawling lake, its surface shimmering under the afternoon sun. Tall pines lined the shore, and the sound of birds and the gentle lapping of water filled the air. A pair of chairs sat by a firepit, as if waiting for them. It was all so beautiful.

"Okay," Jovi said after a moment, her voice quiet, "this is actually perfect."

Blake gave her hand a light squeeze. "I thought you might like it. It's peaceful, you know? No school, no stress, no... whatever's been bothering you lately."

Jovi glanced at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. She smiled faintly and looked back at the lake. "Yeah. I think this is exactly what I need."

They stood there for a moment, the silence between them comfortable.

"So," Blake said, breaking it, "what do you want to do first? Chill here, hit the lake, raid the kitchen?"

Jovi smirked, her playful side beginning to resurface. "Well, as tempting as raiding the kitchen sounds, I think I want to test out that hammock I saw on the side of the house. But only if you promise not to push me out of it."

Blake laughed, leading her back inside. "No promises. You know I live for chaos."

For the first time in days, Jovi felt like she could breathe again.

☆

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 like something out of a dream as Blake and Jovi prepared to take advantage of the sunny afternoon. After a quick debate over what to do first, Blake made the call.

"The lake," he said firmly, slinging a towel over his shoulder. "It's mandatory."

"Mandatory, huh?" Jovi teased, grabbing her bag. "You're awfully bossy for someone who begged me to come here."

Blake just smirked, heading out the back door.

Jovi took her time changing in the cabin's bathroom, tugging on her black bikini and wrapping a towel around herself. She stepped out onto the deck, the sunlight glinting off the water, and made her way toward the dock where Blake was fiddling with a cooler.

When Blake turned and saw her, he froze.

His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her, standing confidently at the edge of the dock in just a bikini, the sun highlighting her skin and her hair tousled from the breeze. For a moment, he couldn't find the words.

Jovi noticed his expression and quirked an eyebrow. "What? Did I forget something?" she teased, pretending to check herself trying to hide the blush that threatened to make its way onto her face.

Blake finally snapped out of it, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Uh, yeah. You forgot to warn me you were about to make every swimsuit model in the world jealous."

Jovi rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "You're such a dork."

"A dork with excellent taste," he countered, walking up to her. "Seriously, Jo. You look incredible."

"Alright, Casanova," she said, smirking. "Stop staring and get in the water already."

Blake shook his head, still grinning as he dove into the lake. "Fine, but don't take too long. You're missing out!"

Jovi laughed, setting her towel aside before taking a running start and cannonballing into the water.

When she surfaced, Blake was treading water nearby, a playful glint in his eyes. "So, does looking like that automatically make you a better swimmer, or am I still gonna smoke you in a race to the dock?"

Jovi smirked, flipping her wet hair out of her face. "Oh, you're so losing."

They spent the afternoon racing to the floating dock in the middle of the lake, splashing each other mercilessly, and floating lazily under the warm sun. Blake's occasional awestruck glances didn't go unnoticed, and though Jovi pretended to roll her eyes, it secretly made her heart flutter.

Back at the cabin, Blake suggested baking cookies, and despite her skepticism, Jovi agreed.

"This is going to be a disaster," she said, eyeing the pile of ingredients he'd dumped on the counter.

"Have a little faith in me," Blake replied, cracking eggs into a bowl.

"I have faith that this is going to end with us calling for pizza," Jovi shot back, grabbing the sugar.

The kitchen quickly descended into chaos. Blake managed to get flour everywhere but the bowl, and Jovi ended up with chocolate chips stuck in her hair after an impromptu food fight.

When the cookies finally came out of the oven — burnt around the edges and oddly shaped — the two collapsed onto the couch with the misshapen treats.

"This," Jovi said between bites, "is either the best or worst thing I've ever eaten."

"Definitely the best," Blake declared, his voice smug. "It's gourmet. You're welcome."

Jovi shook her head, laughing. For the first time in days, the weight of everything seemed lighter. Here, with Blake, she felt free. Everything else could wait. Today was theirs.

☆

𝑨 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 later after the two had cleaned up, Jovi stood in the kitchen, her back to the room as she whisked together a pot of steaming hot chocolate on the stove. The rich, chocolatey aroma filled the air, and she hummed softly to herself, feeling more at ease than she had in days.

She didn't hear Blake approach until he was right behind her. His hand brushed against hers, making her jump slightly.

"Blake!" she said, spinning around with a half-smile. "You scared me."

"Sorry," he said, not looking sorry at all as his signature grin spread across his face. "I couldn't help myself. You looked too cute standing there."

Jovi rolled her eyes. "I'm literally making hot chocolate. Not exactly runway material."

"You'd be cute even in a hazmat suit," he quipped, sliding his hand into hers.

"What are you—"

Before she could finish, Blake took her other hand, gently pulling her away from the counter. "Dance with me," he said softly.

Jovi blinked at him, momentarily stunned. "There's no music, Blake."

"Don't need music," he replied, already swaying to an imaginary beat.

Jovi laughed as he spun her around, the sound light and genuine. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love it," Blake teased, pulling her closer.

Jovi tried to protest, but her laughter made it impossible. She allowed herself to be led across the small kitchen, their movements clumsy but playful. Blake twirled her again, and she stumbled slightly, landing against his chest.

"Smooth, Winslow," Jovi said, grinning as she looked up at him.

"I thought so," he said, grinning back. "Maybe not as smooth as your hot chocolate, but I'm close."

Jovi let out a snort, shaking her head as Blake's hand slid to her waist. "This is ridiculous," she muttered, though her smile gave her away.

"It's perfect," Blake corrected, his tone softer now.

For a moment, they just swayed together, the world outside the cabin fading into irrelevance. The only thing that mattered was the warmth of the moment, the quiet intimacy of being entirely present with each other.

"You're such a dork," Jovi whispered, resting her head briefly against his shoulder.

"And you're stuck with me," Blake murmured, kissing the top of her head.

The pot of hot chocolate bubbled gently behind them, but neither moved to tend to it just yet. Some things were worth letting simmer.

The cabin was cloaked in a warm glow as the evening settled in. Jovi sat beside Blake on the couch, their legs intertwined beneath a soft blanket, the faint crackle of the fireplace filling the silence between them. The world outside seemed so far away, but the weight of everything she'd been through still lingered just beneath her skin.

She stole a glance at Blake, his profile illuminated by the flickering firelight. His jawline was strong but relaxed, and his eyes were focused on the flames. He looked peaceful, but Jovi knew better; he was always the calm in her storm, but she could feel the quiet strength he was offering her, like he always did when she needed it most.

Her chest ached — not with pain, but with something so tender and fragile it scared her. For so long, she had carried the weight of loss, anger, and uncertainty. Blake didn't erase those feelings, but when he was around, they didn't feel so crushing.

Jovi turned to Blake, her gaze soft but filled with something deeper. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Blake frowned slightly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "For what?"

"For everything," Jovi said, her fingers trailing lightly over his arm. "For being you. For bringing me here. For... just making everything feel okay again."

Blake smiled, his thumb grazing her cheek. "You don't have to thank me for that, Jovi. I'd do anything for you."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and for a moment, she felt overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside her. He means it. He always means it. It was a terrifying thought — to trust someone so deeply, to allow herself to be this vulnerable. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized she already had. "I love you" she blurted her eyes bright and smile wide. Blake's smile widened as he told her "I love you too"

She leaned in before she could second-guess herself, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was soft at first, hesitant even, but quickly deepened. This wasn't the playful kind of kiss they'd shared in stolen moments before. This was something heavier, something charged with the weight of everything she felt but couldn't put into words.

Blake kissed her back with the same intensity, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her onto his lap as if he couldn't bear even an inch of space between them his hands beginning to roam over her body, exploring every curve and contour. She straddled his waist her fingers finding their way to his hair, tangling in the soft strands as she lost herself in the moment.

Blake pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes searching hers. "Jovi," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion.

She silenced him with another kiss, her hands cupping his face as she poured everything she had into it. She wasn't afraid anymore. She didn't want to hold back, not with him.

When she finally pulled away, her voice was steady but soft. "I want this," she said, the words spilling out like a confession.

Blake froze for a moment, his gaze locking with hers. "Are you sure?" he asked, his hands still resting gently on her hips.

She nodded, her lips brushing his as she whispered, "I've never been more sure."

The way he looked at her then made her feel like she was the only person in the world. He kissed her again, slower this time, his touch more deliberate as if he wanted to savor every second.

He moved his lips to her neck, nipping and kissing his way down to her collarbone, eliciting a moan from her lips. Jovi's fingers tugged at his tshirt, the two of them breaking away momentarily as she yanking it off and tossing it aside earning a smirk from Blake who gently shifted them laying her down on the couch, hovering over her.

Their movements became more urgent, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Blake's hands roamed over her body, exploring and claiming every inch. He slid his hand under her top, feeling the warmth of her skin against his palm. Jovi arched her back, pressing herself against him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.

Her mind wandered for just a moment, reflecting on everything that had brought her to this point. She'd spent so much of her life running — running from danger, from her past, from the fear of losing people she cared about. But with Blake, she didn't feel the need to run anymore.

Later that night, as they lay tangled together beneath the soft blankets in the cabin, Jovi felt something shift inside her. It wasn't just about the physical connection they had shared —it was deeper than that. It was the realization that she didn't have to face everything alone anymore. She had Blake, and together, they could navigate whatever came next.

As she drifted off to sleep in his arms, the sound of the lake lapping gently against the shore outside, Jovi knew that their bond had only grown stronger.

☆

𝑱𝒐𝒗𝒊 𝒘𝒐𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒑 with a dreamy smile lingering on her lips, the weight of last night still wrapped around her like the warm blankets tangled at her waist. Her fingers traced absent patterns on the sheets, and for a fleeting moment, she let herself savor the way it all felt — weightless, exhilarating, right. For someone who spent so much time bracing for the worst, letting herself feel this vulnerable was intoxicating. But when her hand drifted to the space beside her, all she found was cold, empty sheets.

Her brows furrowed, the magic of the moment cracking slightly. "Blake?" she called softly, her voice sleepy and hesitant. The cabin was silent, save for the faint hum of the wind against the windows.

Sitting up, Jovi grabbed Blake's hoodie off the floor and pulled it over her head. The scent of him — all cedarwood and something uniquely his — wrapped around her, grounding her for just a second. He's probably just making coffee or something, she told herself. But the gnawing unease at the edge of her thoughts didn't listen. It never did.

Then she heard it. Low, tense words coming from somewhere down the hall. Blake's voice, sharp like the snap of a breaking branch. Her stomach twisted.

Don't jump to conclusions, Jovi. She rolled her eyes at her own inner voice. Yeah, because that's gone so well for me in the past.

Padding barefoot down the hall, she followed the sound of his voice to the kitchen.

"...I said I'll handle it," Blake hissed into his phone, his back to her. There was a sharpness in his tone that she wasn't used to, an edge that made her stomach knot tighter.

Jovi paused just outside the doorway, leaning slightly against the wall. Her heart thudded as his words floated back to her, too muffled to piece together but