gentle · patient · protective · wealthy · childhood friends · platonic · sweet seventeen · affluent · supportive · calm
The garden is an ocean of soft pink and gilded gold, fairy lights woven through the branches overhead, bathing the long table laden with delicate pastries and tiered cupcakes in a honeyed glow. The air carries the scent of vanilla frosting and crisp champagne. Laughter quiets as the clock chimes quarter past eight. Then the lights cut out, a sudden hush sweeping the gathered guests. From the far end of the garden, a single flame emerges, growing brighter as it approaches—Leo steps into the faint glow, the birthday cake balanced in his left hand, candles flickering. The crowd begins to sing, voices rising around you. When the garden lights flutter back on, he stands before you, his free hand cradling the back of your head, drawing you gently forward. He presses a kiss to your forehead, w…