The next morning, it's the rising sun that wakes me from my slumber. The rays of the sun soak into my skin and warm my chilling body, sending me over the edge as the scent of salt fills my nose. Squinting, I slowly open my eyes to the bright blue sky and the realization that I'm still on the beach, in Felix's arms and it's no longer nighttime hits me. It's a whole new day and panic immediately replaces the peace in my chest.

"Shit!" I swear as I sit up, looking over at Felix who has one arm tucked under the pillow and the other that was once securely wrapped around me now rests in my lap. "Felix! Wake up!"

"What?" He groans as I abruptly shake him.

"We fell asleep! It's morning," I frown as I search the purse, tearing through it to find my phone only to see that the battery is dead. "I'm dead. I'm so, so dead!"

Felix looks at the watch on his wrist before sitting up, "Nicks, deep breath. It's five. I'll get you home and everything is going to be fine."

"In what world is this fine?" I gasp and look at him with wild eyes. "My mom is going to kill me. She's probably in full mama bear mode and my dad will find out and they will never, ever let me see you ever again so I hope you enjoyed the date because you won't be getting a second one."

My lips part to rant more when Felix leans forward and kisses me, pushing the worrisome thoughts out altogether. "Inhale, Stevie. You're okay."

The words ease me out of my panic and I do as he instructs, slowly taking a deep breath before letting it out and meeting his eyes. All the panic in my chest eases out to a minimum, almost gone completely and I realize maybe it will be fine. It's going to be fine.

"I'm right here," he squeezes my hands. "I'm choosing to be optimistic in saying your mom doesn't even know you aren't' home and that we're going to be fine. We fell asleep, not a huge deal."

"You really don't get how big a deal th-," I start to say when he kisses me again.

"There are bigger problems in the world than two teenagers falling asleep on the beach."

I nod and let out a breath. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he smiles gently. "I like that I can calm you down."

My lips curl up as he leans over, kissing my cheek before getting up and offering me his hands. I don't realize just how right he is until I'm on my feet, my nerves at ease whenever I'm around him. He's the calm to my storm, and I don't think that comes around that often.

"Let's pack up and get you home."

"Yeah," I nod, letting out a breath of air as I toss my bag over my shoulder. "Okay."

"Grab the other side," he directs and I do as he says, grabbing the other side of the circular blanket.

We fold up everything and pile our arms up with everything before carrying it up to Felix's car. And despite his reassurance that everything is going to be fine, there is still a small part of me that is concerned. I don't want to get on my mom's bad side. I want her to trust me with Felix and not coming home after our first date is definitely not going to show her she can.

"Felix, how can you be so sure that I'm not going to be in deep trouble when I get home?" I ask, not being able to calm my curiosity.

The corner of his lips curl up as he closes the hatch to his car, not speaking until he looks at me. "Because, assuming that you're right about your mom turning into a total mama bear and I've met her. I know for a fact that she would, don't you think she would have gotten my number from your brothers when you weren't answering?"

"Your phone isn't dead?" I ask.

He shakes his head and holds it up, lighting the screen up to show me that the only notifications he has are from Gavin and his Instagram. "You're fine, Nicks. I don't think she even knows you aren't home so you can sneak in and she'll never know."

"Right," I exhale softly and nod my head. "I'm sorry I keep freaking out. You're right. She would have gotten Greyson or Riker to text you."

"You don't need to apologize for anything, Stevie," he smiles gently and cups, my cheeks sending a shiver down my spine as he meets my eyes. "No apologizing, okay?"

"Not ever?" I hum out as I bring my hands up and rest them on his forearms.

"Not about this," he shakes his head and steps closer, pressing his chest tight to mine as he leans down and meets my lips. I curl into his touch and move my hands to his waist, curling my fingers into the fabric of his button down shirt.

"We need to go," I frown as I pull away, seeing the same facial expression painted on his features.

"One more kiss," he pulls me out and I laugh against his lips as I move my arms around his neck. Felix pulling my tighter to his chest as he presses my back into the cold exterior of his car and a warmth bubbles in the pit of my stomach.

"Felix," I press into the car, trying to create some space between us. "We have to go! I need to get home before my mom wakes up."

A groan falls from his lips before he presses his lips to my jaw and then my neck, taking a step back to grab the handle to the passenger side. "If we must."

"I'm sorry," I smile gently, kissing his cheek before climbing into the passenger seat.

"I told you no apologizing."

"Sure, but I'm going to keep apologizing about not getting to kiss you longer."

"We're going to need to make some room in our schedule for that," he smirks at me, pressing his lips to mine one more time before stepping back.

My heart jumps into my throat as he steps back, closing the door quietly for me before rounding the front of the vehicle. As he walks, he pulls his keys out of his pocket and climbs into the driver seat. I lean back into the chair and stretch out my neck, the night spent on a sand mattress leaving a kink in my spine.

"You okay?" Felix asks.

"Yeah," I nod. "Just thinking."

"About?"

"A whole lot of nothing," I laugh. "Last night was a lot of fun. Thank you."

"You're thanking me for taking you on a date?" He questions. "That's a first."

"Shut up," I swat at his arm and shake my head. "I'm not thanking you for taking me on a date. I'm thanking you for all the effort you put in to make it special."

Felix laughs and catches my hand midair, bringing the back of it to his lips before holding onto it. "You're welcome."

The rest of the drive to my house is filled with music from the radio and silence between us. Felix's eyes focused on the road while I can't seem to tear mine away from our hands intertwined. His palm warm and callused from throwing around a ball for as long as he has. The same way the tip of my fingers are from pressing into the nylon strings of a guitar.

"I'll see you Monday?" I ask when he pulls up in front of the house.

He nods his head, "Absolutely."

I smile gently in his direction, reaching for the passenger door but not untangling our fingers yet. When I go to do so, Felix pulls me back – stopping me.

"Not so fast," he hums and my lips curl up as I lean over the console, finding his lips again. "Better."

"You're such a nerd," I playfully roll my eyes. "A cute one, but still a nerd."

"Funny," he sticks his tongue out at me as I move to get out. "Wait, Nicks. I wanted to ask you something."

"Okay," I turn, my foot rested on the running board of his car. "What is it?"

"Homecoming. You going?" He asks.

My lips curl up, "Kind of have to. Duty calls."

"You allowed to have a date?"

"You asking?"

"Maybe," he nods. "Would that be a yes?"

"Yes, I'll go to homecoming with you," I smile and climb back in, sealing it with a kiss. "Okay, I really have to go now. I'll see you later."

He grins at me, "I'll call you tonight?"

"I'll be waiting," I hum and climb out finally, closing the door behind me before heading up the porch steps.

I search my bag for my keys and when Felix sees I have them, he pulls around our driveway and heads back for the gate. I find myself chewing my lip to hide the grin dying to grow on my face as I watch him drive away.

I'm going to homecoming. Not just because I have to for the paper, but because I was actually asked and by Felix Montgomery no less.

Shaking the butterflies from my stomach, I stick my key in the deadbolt and unlock the door. I quietly lock the door back up behind me after removing my keys from the lock, and lean down to get my shoes off. With the straps in hand, I peek into the living room and then the kitchen – finding no sign of my mom.

Blowing out a thankful breath of air, I quickly head up the stairs and sneak pass her door. The door slightly ajar and my stomach is in my throat until I'm in the safety of my bedroom, squeezing my eyes shut tightly while pressing into the wood of my door. When I open my eyes, a yelp nearly leaves my lips at the sight of Riker in my bed.

"Riker!" I whisper as I walk over to him, pressing on his shoulder. "Rik, wake up."

A yawn falls from his lips as he rolls onto his back, "Good morning to you too, rule breaker."

"What are you doing in my room?" I ask.

"Covering for your ass," he chuckles as he stretches out. "How was your date?"

"Wait, one second," I hold my hand up as I sit on the edge of the bed. "Why are you covering for me?"

"Do I really need to remind you about the times you crawled into my bed to cover for me and Lena with mom and dad?" He hums. "You finally have a boyfriend, Vee. It's about damn time I return the favor."

"You're kind of the best," my lips curl up as I lean over and wrap my arms around him. "Thank you, Riker. Seriously."

"Don't sweat it," he chuckles lightly. "Now, tell me. How was it?"

My lips curl up.

"That good, huh?" He asks when he sees my face light up. "What'd you guys do?"

"Picnic on the beach," I tell him. "Simple but seriously amazing. He got my favorite pizza. Thank you, by the way."

"You're welcome."

A laugh falls from my lips, "And he asked me to homecoming."

"Going to the dance with the homecoming king? Didn't think you had it in you, Vee," he chuckles as he sits up and climbs out of bed. "I'm proud of you, Stevie."

"For what?"

"Being the bigger person," he says as he stands. "You gave Felix a second chance after what happened with his friends and that shows character. You're a boss, Vee and I think you're insanely amazing."

"Thanks, Rik."

"But, that doesn't mean I won't kick his ass if you ask."

"I'll keep that in mind," I laugh as I fall back in bed. "Goodnight."

"Good morning," he corrects. "Get some sleep, Stevie."

I bob my head and wave him off as I pull the blanket back, and crawl under the covers not bothering to undress from my romper. My clothes still lingering with Felix's scent, sending me off into soft slumbers.

a/n;

Today doesn't feel like Tuesday, but I'm sure glad it is because in less than 48 hours I'm going to be sitting in a movie theatre having my soul ripped out by the Avengers. I'm so freaking pumped.