I LOVE YOU ━ SWEET PEA

fifty-seven

Harper sheepishly shrugged, "I don't know, it's just -- I think it's sweet."

She raised her hand to cup his face and softly patted his cheek, "You're just too adorable; I can't stand it."

Sweet Pea felt a blush creep upon him as he closed his eyes and laughed, "Shut up." His eyes squinted up at the girl, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What?" Harper raised her eyebrows, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Suddenly Sweet Pea's hand reached at the girl's side, tickling her with all his might. "Who's adorable now? Huh?" He teased.

Harper couldn't stop the giggles erupting from her lips, gasping for air, "Sweet Pea! Stop-- I can't breathe!" Finally, he stopped, letting out a chuckle. He smiled down at the girl as she tried to catch her breath. She looked up at him beaming.

The raven-haired boy tucked a lock of Harper's hair behind her ear, "I'll never get tired of seeing that smile."

Harper's cheeks bloomed with pink, "Stop it." She covered her face with her hands.

Sweet Pea gently pulled her hands away, "C'mon, don't be like that."

Harper smirked at him, "Careful. You keep this up. I might just fall for you."

"That's the goal, my love." He pecked her on the lips before falling back into his previous spot next to her.

"You're so cheesy." She rolled her eyes playfully, resting her head on his chest.

"Yeah, but you like it." He began to play with her hair. Tangling his hand in the dark strands.

Harper listened to the soft thumps of the boy's heartbeat, "That I do." she whispered, "That I do."

"Don't worry. Many people fall for my charms. I'm basically irresistible." He boasted.

Harper slapped him lightly on his chest, "Stop talking. You're ruining star-gazing for me."

"Why admire stars when you can admire me."

"Oh my God. Please stop." She groaned.

"What? You don't like my jokes?" He raised his hands innocently.

She rolled her eyes at him, "Enough, please."'

"Okay, okay." He laughed, "I'm done."

It was silent for a while. It was a comforting silence. Only the sound of the world around them. They lay together staring up at the stars.

"The stars look really pretty tonight," Harper softly spoke.

Sweet Pea smiled. Her voice sounded smooth and sweet, like honey. His hand stilled in her hair as he muttered, "Yeah, but not as pretty as you."

Harper sat up a bit and chuckled lightly, "Oh, stop it!" Harper looked directly into his eyes. Honey brown meeting dark chocolate. "I love you." The words tumbled from her lips before she could think, and instantly her eyes grew twice the size.

The breath got caught in Sweet Pea's throat as his eyes widened in shock, "What?" His heart began to beat rapidly. He thought his ears were playing tricks on him.

"I love you." She repeated this time much more firmly, "I love you, and your stupid cheesy jokes, and the way your eyes crinkle in the corners when you laugh. I love the goofy smile you get whenever you see your friends, and I love how your eyes light up at the sound of laughter and love. I love how you care about everyone you know dearly, and I love how protective you are. I love you."

Sweet Pea's heart was beating a mile a second as he stared into her eyes, nothing but sincerity swimming in them. Without a second thought, he grabbed her by her face and pulled her in for a kiss. They only pulled away when they needed oxygen, both having enormous grins on their lips, "I love you." He spoke, leaning his forehead against her's, "I think I've loved you since the moment you called me beanstalk." They both laughed before going in for another kiss. They broke away again and gazed lovingly at each other in a state of utter euphoria.