No One Else Like You

Infinity

"You're the reason I believe in fate, you're my paradise."

- James Young (Infinity, 2017)

______________

Y/N's POV

When Lizzie asked me to stay another night at her house, I couldn't be happier. She practically begged me like a little kid with those mesmerizing green eyes of hers before I could leave her front door. I teased her about it, but her reason being was that she didn't want to be alone in her own house because Maya requested to spend another night at Scarlett's house. So, here I am, freaking out a little bit inside of her bathroom because I could not control my own emotions.

A slight knock on the door pulled me out of thoughts. I flinched a little bit, quickly turning on the faucet so it sounds like I'm actually doing my night routine as I told I was doing fifteen minutes ago.

"Y/N, are you okay? You've been in there for a while." Lizzie asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

I cleared my throat before answering, "Uh, yeah I'm fine. I'm almost done." Nope. I'm nowhere near done. I haven't even done my night routine yet. I've spent the last fifteen minutes trying not to lose my cool, but I'm failing at it.

"Okay, just checking." She said behind closed doors.

As soon as I heard her footsteps receding, I released a big breath, the one I've been holding ever since she asked me if I was okay. I don't know what's making me act this way. I don't know why I'm treating her simple request to spend another night as if she just asked me to marry her. Why do I tend to over romanticized things when in reality they don't mean the way I portray them to be? This is why I end getting my feelings hurt.

I eventually left the bathroom. When I found Lizzie waiting for me in the living room, I tensed up a little. My nerves immediately shot, and it was as if I had done something wrong, I couldn't even look her in the eye. Where the hell did my dominance go? I need that shit back.

"Finally." Lizzie sighed, gesturing for me to take a seat right next to her. "I've been waiting for you. Now that you're here, come and watch a movie with me."

"O-okay." I stuttered as I took a seat next to her as she requested. I gave a fair amount of distance between us, afraid that I might be pushing boundaries. When she noticed my discomfort, I immediately said, "What are we watching?" In order to try to steer my sudden submissive act away from us ever talking about it.

"WALL-E." She said softly. "MK told me it's your favorite Pixar movie, so we're watching it. Together. It's the least I could do after everything you did for me today."

I blush a little, "I'm glad that you had fun." I breathe out, finally getting my composure back. "I was afraid that it was going to be a bit overwhelming."

Lizzie squeezed my hand, "Well, it wasn't. It was nice. I had such a great day. I can't wait for more with you." She gave my cheek a quick kiss before laying her head against my chest.

I froze after the contact. I don't know how to react. But, it was as if it was a written rule somewhere, my arm had a mind of its own and the next thing I know is that I draped across her back, my hand now resting on her shoulder. It took a minute for me to relax at our sudden closeness, but when I did, I smiled to myself, my heart feeling contempt. Oh, how I've missed this.

Halfway through the movie, I heard Lizzie's soft, adorable snore. I chuckled to myself when I realized that she had fallen asleep on my chest with her hand intertwined against my own. I can't recall when we decided to hold hands, but here we are, doing exactly that. I'm enjoying the contact nonetheless. For the time being, I decided to draw imaginary circles on her knuckles gently because I don't feel like moving to carry her up to her room just yet. I'll let this blissful moment control us, at least for a little bit.

When it felt right, I carefully escaped her koala grip on me. I swiftly slid one arm under her legs, and the other supporting her back. After, I brought her to her room, being careful with every step of the way so as to not wake her. Luckily, her door was already open so all I had to do was kick it open quietly. I settled her nicely on the bed, tucking her in comfortably. And that was when she began to stir into consciousness.

"Y/N?" Lizzie murmured softly as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

"Yeah?"

"Will you stay with me?"

I nodded with a smile, "Always."

I got in bed with her, and as soon as I was under the covers, Lizzie wasted no time and koala hugged me again. Her soft murmurs about how comfortable and content she is made my heart smile. Sooner rather than later, I began to drift to sleep. This feels just like old times.

• • •

When I woke up, she wasn't right next to me anymore. My heart ached a little, but maybe it was best that one of us had woken up before the other. I can't imagine how awkward it could've been if we both woke up at the same time. I wouldn't know how to react. I'm almost positive she wouldn't as well.

Curiosity about her whereabouts was what got me out of bed. But, before I could go downstairs, I decided to freshen myself a little because I look a mess. After fifteen minutes of doing my morning routine, I made my way downstairs where I found Lizzie in the kitchen, dancing to Beast a Burden as it's playing in the background faintly while she cooks.

I didn't make my presence known just yet. I stood in the corner, observing with the widest smile on my face. She's dancing like a complete dork, but I'm not complaining. I love it more than I can imagine. I've always enjoyed seeing her so carefree like she's not carrying any baggage.

I walked closer to the island, sneakily taking a seat in one of the vacant chairs. I looked at her with so much admiration in my face, not wanting this moment to end just yet. But, when Lizzie spun around my direction, she flinched, almost dropping the bowl of pancake mix to the floor. I couldn't help but smile at how cute she looks with her messy bun, and a few flour residue on her face.

"Jesus, you scared me."

"I'm sorry." I apologized, incapable of getting rid of the grin on my face. "What are you up to?"

"Making us breakfast." Lizzie said happily as she began to stir the whisk. "I hope you're hungry because I'm making pancakes!"

I matched her energy and laughed at her playful antics as she cooked. I wanted to help, but Lizzie insisted for me to just sit back, and relax because she feels like she owes me one because of how our day went yesterday. I told her many times that she didn't need to do anything, but knowing her, she fought back and told me that she won't feel at ease until she does something in return.

"So, Scarlett called your phone earlier, and I answered it." Lizzie said, putting the food on the plate.

"What did she say?"

"She's inviting us for dinner with the kids, and I said that we're going."

"Alright, sounds good." I gave her a toothy grin as she placed my plate in front of me. "Wow, this looks appetizing."

Lizzie scrunched her nose, "Really? I thought I overcooked the bacon a little bit, and maybe fucked up the pancakes as well..." She dragged her words. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because... you look cute." I chuckled, running my fingertips across her face. "I'm liking this cover up you got going on with the flour." I showed her the flour residue that's all over her face.

"Oh my god." She mumbled to herself. "This is kind of embarrassing. I'm gonna go and clean myself up."

Lizzie tiptoed her way out of the kitchen and into the nearest bathroom. I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I took a bite of the bacon, the flavor instantly melting on my tongue. It was so good that I had to stop myself from eating the rest of the food because I wanted to eat with her.

When she finally came back, I held my breath as soon as I saw what she was wearing. I didn't even know I had packed it. Wow.

"I'm sorry for wearing your shirt." Lizzie said in between soft laughter. "I saw your bag by my closet and it looked really comfortable and something I would wear so..." She stopped mid sentence unsure whether or not I'm okay with it. "I hope you're not mad."

I drew a faint smile, "It's actually yours." I said softly. "You wore that black shirt the night we met."

"Oh, I did?"

I nodded, "Yes, and I meant to give it back to you but I guess you could say I've grown some attachment to it."

"It smells like you."

I chuckled, "Is that a good thing or bad thing?"

Lizzie lost her attention on me for a second, her eyes swarming the black shirt, observing it, "It's a good thing. I like how homey you smell." When she realized what she said, she hid her face with her hands. "I don't know why I keep saying embarrassing things."

I smiled, pulling her hands away from her face, "Hey, it's okay. I think they're funny. Keep saying more embarrassing things. They are the complete highlight of my day."

"Oh, okay." She blushes. "We should probably eat before the food gets cold."

I agreed and we ate in comfortable silence together, minus the silence. She couldn't stop laughing about every little thing that I had said even when I thought they weren't that funny in the slightest. Lizzie laughed at all my jokes, and I swear I've never felt so accomplished before in my life. Not even when I opened my own recording studio.

"Please tell me I didn't actually do that." Lizzie cries out in embarrassment as I continue to tell her of what happened the night we met.

I laugh at her misery, "Oh, baby, it gets worse." I'm really pushing my luck here with the pet name, but what do I have to lose? Maybe I shouldn't be this confident. "I didn't know at the time, but you told me that you would take a shot every time you would look at me for longer than five seconds."

"But, wasn't I blacked out drunk that night? Like you've said." She pointed. "Which means..."

"You looked at me so many times and took shots every time." I teased. "I was eye candy to you that night."

She groaned, "Oh god." Lizzie hid her face once more. "Then, what happened?"

"I was about to leave, when I heard you calling out for help." I continued the story. "I didn't know it was you at the time, but you were really struggling. Throwing up everywhere. But, anyway, I couldn't really have you ride my motorcycle so I carried you on my back for five miles."

"Five miles?!" She exclaimed in disbelief. "Wow, you must've been tired."

"I was, but I didn't mind having a beaut—" I stopped myself from finishing the sentence. "I didn't mind."

"And then what?"

"I brought you to my apartment and, uh... changed you." I said, my cheeks flaring up with so much heat.

"You changed me?"

I held my hands up, "In my defense, your clothes were dirty, and I didn't want you to sleep with them on.

"Y/N, it's okay." Lizzie laughed at how defensive I got. "I'm guessing I fell asleep right after that?"

I grimaced, feeling bad for her, "Not quite."

"What did I do now?"

"Not much, you were just mumbling things that didn't make sense." I smiled at the memory. "It was cute actually, if I do say so myself."

"The things I did, it just piles up and it keeps surprising me."

I placed a hand on her knee, "You're fine. You didn't do anything crazy."

"Please tell me that was the end of it."

"It was."

"Where'd you sleep?"

"The couch."

"Why didn't you just sleep right next to me?"

"I didn't want to intrude." I stated. "And to add to that, you were in a place you don't know with someone you haven't met, so, I don't exactly know how you would react if you were to wake up at a place you haven't been before with someone you haven't met."

"You're technically not a complete stranger if you think about it." Lizzie said. "I mean, we're childhood best friends, so we know each other."

"Well, yes, but you and I didn't know that at the time."

"You're right." Lizzie agreed. "I probably would've been violent if I woke up with you in bed with me."

"You actually were, but I promise you it wasn't that bad."

"I thought you said I didn't do anything else after I slept." Lizzie groaned in embarrassment. "But, tell me, what exactly did I do?"

I sighed, "Okay, so when I got back from my run, you threw a blender at me and called me an intruder."

"Wait—" She realized. "Didn't I do that to you yesterday morning? Oh my god, what is it with me blenders?"

"That's what I'm wondering." I laughed. "I think that's your love language or something."

"Haha, very funny." Lizzie rolled her eyes. "That was the end of it right?"

"Yes." I nodded.

"Pinky?"

I snickered at her playful antics before intertwining my pinky around hers, "Yes, I promise."

After our playful banter, Lizzie insisted that she do the dishes, but I fired back saying that she already cooked so it only makes sense if I were to wash the dishes we used. Lizzie being Lizzie, she didn't give up. Her rebuttal argument was that it was her house. Our harmless argument went on for a while until we found a common ground where we do it together.

"We should get tattoos today." Lizzie suggested, catching me off guard.

"That's out of nowhere and very spontaneous of you."

"Aren't I always spontaneous?"

"Not always." I said. "But, you do have your moments. Like, when we were in Hawaii, you pushed me to go paragliding with you."

"That sounds like fun. We should do it again some time."

"I don't know if they do that here in LA." I hummed, drying off the plates she gives me.

"Then, we should go to Hawaii again. Together." Lizzie suggested, catching me off guard once more, but this time, my heart could not stop smiling. "We could even take Maya with us. Not to paraglide, but to sightsee and stuff."

I smiled warmly, "I would love that."

"Great." Lizzie handed me another plate. "So, tattoos today?"

I shook my head, "I don't think so, Olsen. Not today."

"Why not?" Lizzie whimpered. "Please?" She gave me her cute puppy dog eyes.

I rolled my eyes, "That's not fair. You can't keep doing that to me. You know I'll cave in."

"So, is that a yes?"

"How about we do it when I take you to New Orleans a few weeks from now?"

"You're still willing to take me? But, I lost the bet."

"I know, but I haven't been there myself, so it could be fun."

"That's great." Lizzie pulled me into a hug. "Thank you for being such a kind person."

I reciprocated her sudden embrace, "Of course. Anything for you."

• • •

After we did the dishes, Lizzie went upstairs to take a shower. In the meantime, I went outside and decided to water her garden. I hummed and sang them a few songs as if they were people. I made sure to water each and every one of them because I don't want anyone looking dead.

"You didn't have to do this." Lizzie said out of nowhere.

"I know, but I wanted to." I flashed her a warm smile. "And besides, I have to keep the streak going."

Lizzie gave me a look, "Streak?"

"I may or may not have been watering your plans consistently for about a year." I mumbled under my breath, but loud enough for her to hear.

"You did that? Why?"

"Because, I know how much you love your garden, and I wouldn't want you to come home to a bunch of your dead plants, so I watered them every day."

When Lizzie didn't say anything, I glanced at her direction, and found her in deep thought, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She cleared her throat.

"I'm almost done here." I said. "Is there anything you want to do specifically today before our dinner with Scarlett?"

"Can we go to the park today and pack snacks to eat?"

"Of course we can." I beamed her a smile. "And I'm done here. You didn't brush your hair?"

Lizzie fiddled with her hair, "I mean, I did, but I was struggling. And when I saw you through the window watering my plants, I wanted to come down and see you."

It's not much, but that sure made me feel important, "Come with me." I pulled her hand inside and made her take a seat on the couch comfortably. "After this, I'm changing your bandage."

Lizzie nodded innocently as she let me brush her hair without any complaints. As soon as I was done, I grabbed the first aid kit in the bathroom, and began to take care of her wound.

Lizzie winced in pain, "I'm sorry." I apologized, as I blew cold air to ease it.

I slid my hand beside her face, and the other gently dabbed a q-tip on her wound by her right eyebrow. I was so focused on not hurting her that I didn't even realize the way she's staring at me longingly. But, when I did, I couldn't get myself to move and or do anything for that matter. It's like she's got me locked in within her gaze, and there's no way out.

With Lizzie's gaze still plastered to me, "And you're good." I mumbled softly, my heart beating out of my chest.

"Thank you." She mimicked my movement. "For everything."

I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "Anything for you."

Lizzie blushed and I did the same. When we realized what was happening, we both moved away from each other quickly. I cleared my throat and began disposing of the things I used.

"What do you want to pack for snacks?" I asked, in an attempt to steer clear of the moment we had. "Actually, why don't we go see what you have in your kitchen." I offered my hand for her to take.

Lizzie smiled, "Let's do that." She took my hand, and let me lead her to the kitchen where we began to look for snacks we could make.

Lizzie and I decided to pack BLT for sandwiches, and various types of fruits such as mango, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, and cantaloupe. She was surprised to find so much food in her fridge and pantry, but I also told her that I got her groceries a few days before she was being admitted out of the hospital.

Like two teenagers in love, and going on their first picnic date, we laughed about everything while preparing the food while we also fed each other with fruits that we decided to pack. Our interaction is very domestic, and it's making my heart feel warm and fuzzy.

Before we could leave, I told Lizzie to wait in the car while I went upstairs to grab a couple of things I almost forgot to bring. When I found Lizzie in the driver's seat, I gave her a look.

"Nice try, Olsen." I said. "You know what your doctor said. No driving unless she gives you the say so."

Lizzie got off the car, and moved to the passenger seat, "It was worth the try."

I huffed, "No, it wasn't." I chuckled before driving to the main road.

• • •

When we arrived at Echo Park Lake, to my surprise, there weren't a lot of people, which was ideal because I know Lizzie doesn't want to deal with a big crowd just yet. There were only a few families around, walking and a few kids flying their kites. Maybe, we could bring Maya here one day with Ollie. As a family. One can hope right?

We found a spot under a tree, and laid the blanket under the shade. I placed the picnic basket in the middle and my ukulele in the corner for later. Lizzie began to take some of the container filled with assorted fruits, and popped a grape into her mouth.

"Do you want one?" Lizzie asked. I nodded, and to my surprise, she puts it into my mouth, making me smile. "Does this mean you'll sing to me later?" Lizzie pointed at my ukulele.

"Only if you read me the poetry book that you brought." I bargained, not really being serious with it because I'm going to sing to her regardless.

"Deal." She shook my hand. "How about we eat first, then I'll read to you, and then you can sing to me."

"Alright."

• • •

Despite eating breakfast earlier, Lizzie and I finished the sandwich that we made in a matter of three minutes. We laughed about it, and teased each other because we were eating like we haven't eaten in years. Like kids at heart we are, we played grape hoops, definitely catching a few people's attention, which made us laugh even more because we're adults acting like kids. We're having fun nonetheless.

With my head laying on her lap, "Sometimes you can't explain what you see in a person. It's just the way they take you to a place where no one else can." Lizzie read to me as mindlessly ran her finger into my  hair. I closed my eyes for a second, and allowed myself to fall in deep.

"Like raindrops in the summer storms or the dying leaves on autumn trees, I will fall for you for the rest of our days. I will fall for you." She spoke softly, her voice music to my ears. I will never get tired of hearing her speak. She sounds so angelic.

Like promised, it was eventually my turn. I got up and situated myself into a seated position as I grabbed the ukulele beside me. I strummed it a couple of times to make sure it was in tune, before playing the song I had in mind.

(Count On Me by Bruno Mars)

"If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see
I'll be the light to guide you

We'll find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like one, two, three
I'll be there
And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two
And you'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah..."

Lizzie turned on the flash on my phone, and began swinging it like she's in a concert. I couldn't help but laugh at her playful, but sweet antics. I was so focused on hee and only her that I didn't even realize that I gained some attention because as soon as I was done, they cheered for me and went about their way.

"I feel like the luckiest girl right now." Lizzie wiggled her eyebrows comically. "Everyone was swooned by the way you sang."

I bowed, "Only for you."

She blushed, "Better be." Lizzie stood up. "Catch me if you can." She stuck her tongue out and began to run away from me.

• • •

We eventually grew tired of chasing each other around, so we laid comfortably on the blanket, pointing at various clouds in the sky.

"We used to go on a lot of picnics like this." I spoke softly, catching her attention. "Every chance we get, we would go and you would read to me and I would sing to you. It was basically tradition."

"That sounds lovely."

I nodded slightly, "It was. It was so much fun. We try to go before sun down with Maya so we can watch the sunset and ride bikes around the park."

"We should do that again some time."

"Whenever you want, I'll take you and Maya here again, and we'll do what we normally do."

"That sounds like a plan." Lizzie nudged my shoulder as she put her pinky up. "Promise?"

"I promise." I smiled. "Do you want to see pictures and videos of us during our Italy trip?"

"We went to Italy?" Lizzie gasped audibly.

"Yes, to go visit my parents since they live there."

"Did we have a lot of fun?"

I laid on my stomach, "We did. Want to see?"

Lizzie nodded excitedly as she leaned her head closer to my direction. I showed her various pictures and videos of us in the villa where my mom let us stay. Then, I showed some more of when we explored Rome, Venice, and Pisa. She had the brightest smile on her face the entire time, watching herself have so much fun with me. Eventually, I ran out of things to show her.

"We looked so happy." Lizzie teared up. "I can't believe I forgot about all of that." She looked down at her feet, afraid to meet my eyes.

"It's okay."

"It looks like I'm at my happiest and best when I'm with you." She mumbled under her breath. "I can't remember the last time I've seen myself smile so much. I don't think even at my best I was that happy. And now, what could possibly be my best memories, now all down the drain because I can't..." Her voice cracked, it broke me. "I can't remember them. And I want to. I really want to."

"Oh, Lizzie." I pulled her into a warm embrace, the ones where you know you're in good hands. I made sure that she knows she's safe. "It's okay. That's what I'm here for. I'll make you remember them. I promise."

I rubbed her back soothingly as I could still feel her broken sobs. Lizzie hid her face further into my neck, hoping that she would stop crying and it would all be over. And it wasn't necessarily that she can't remember that drove her to the edge. It was the fact that she's trying to remember the last time she was ever genuinely happy before me, or more so our 'memories', but sadly she couldn't pinpoint one that made her feel the way the pictures do.

When Lizzie calmed down, she came back to her usual, happier self as if it never happened. It was like she found a way to turn off the switch of her own emotions. And that was when I remembered what Dr. Grey had said. She will have a lot of emotional swings, and some could be minor, others could be worse. I don't exactly know where to put her 'episode' in the spectrum, but I still wasn't fond of the idea that she completely just turned everything off. And the worst part of it all, I don't even think she's aware that she did it.

I tried not to think about it as much. After our picnic to the park, Lizzie persistently pulled on my hand like a little kid begging to get ice cream for us to go grocery shopping together at a nearby farmer's market. Of course, I caved in. I mean, how could I say no to someone like her? Yes is also a full sentence.

We jammed out to what I think Taylor Swift's best album, 1989 on the way there. I personally think that was the album where she had all the bops. People can argue with the wall. I don't care. But, anyway, my phone was on shuffle so I have no idea what song is going to be playing next.

"Nice to meet you, where you been?
I could show you incredible things
Magic, madness, heaven, sin
Saw you there and I thought
"Oh, my God, look at that face
You look like my next mistake
Love's a game, wanna play?" Ay

New money, suit and tie
I can read you like a magazine
Ain't it funny rumors fly
And I know you heard about me
So hey, let's be friends
I'm dying to see how this one ends
Grab your passport and my hand
I can make the bad guys good for a weekend

So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over, mmh
If the high was worth the pain
Got a long list of ex-lovers
They'll tell you I'm insane
'Cause you know I love the players
And you love the game."

Lizzie and I sang on top of our lungs like we're at our own concert. We laughed in between at how terrible we sounded, but we didn't care. We're having so much fun singing like there's no tomorrow. And that's when I had a realization. This is that good old days I know I would look back one day, and remember how happy I was. I'll always remember.

When we arrived at the farmer's market, Lizzie excitedly took a cart and rolled it inside like a kid that she clearly is. I laughed and admired her excitement as I'm trailing behind her. I let her do her thing and put whatever she wanted in the cart. I didn't say much as usual, but answered whatever question she had.

"Which watermelon do you think we should get?" Lizzie caught my attention as she showed me two similarly identical watermelons.

I squinted my eyes as if it's going to help me tell the difference, "They look the same." I chuckled. "There's absolutely no difference."

Lizzie scoffed, "What?! You honestly don't see the difference between the two? Come here and take a better look at the one on my right hand." She gestured for me to move closer. "Okay, now hold it and compare it with this one." She handed me the other one.

"They still look the same to me."

Lizzie groans, "Do you really not see that the one on your left hand is clearly smaller and it's not as ripe as it should be. She points out. I laughed at her persistence as she took the one on my right hand, putting it in our cart. "Get with the program, Y/N." She shook her head at me before rolling the cart away from the produce section.

I chuckled in defeat before catching up to her. We continued to shop for some more stuff that she needed, and we had a friendly banter during most of the time she asked for my opinion. It was like she already knew what she wanted, but somehow still wanted to know my input.

"I almost forgot." Lizzie snapped. "We have to get your favorite cereal." She thought to herself. "Krave right?"

"Yes." I answered with a smile on my face. "But, wait, how'd you know?"

"I didn't." Lizzie admitted. "But, somehow, I had a feeling it would be that."

I nodded as I listened, my mind drifting to my own little world. I was way in over my head that I didn't even notice that Lizzie had run off on her own, leaving me once more, alone in the aisle by myself.

"Hey, wait for m—" I stopped on my tracks when I heard what song was playing on the intercom.

I watched as Lizzie began to dance her way to me with two boxes of my favorite cereal boxes like a dork, "I love this song. Dance with me, Y/N." She threw the cereal boxes in the cart as she pulled my hand.

I was too focused in the moment, that I barely matched her energy. I stood there, admiring with all of my heart as Every Little Step played throughout the store. Memories of her dancing in my living room flashed before me. Even though she doesn't remember how important this song is to me, to us, I couldn't help but cry a little when it reminded me just how much I truly love her with all of me. She's still the same even without our memories.

Out of breath, Lizzie came up to me, "What song is this? I love it so much."

"Every Little Step." I drew a faint smile.

"What a good song." She grabbed the cart and began to push it away from me. "Are you coming?"

I pulled myself together, "Uh, yeah."

After we paid and bagged our stuff, Lizzie pushed the cart back to the parking lot to where her car is located.

"Y/N?"

I turned around to the familiar voice, and saw Rebecca approaching me with a cart of her own. Wow, this is a surprise.

"Fancy seeing you here." Rebecca said, pulling me in for a quick hug. I was too stunned to reciprocate. "What brings you here?"

"You mean, to the farmer's market?" I chuckled lightly. "I don't know, to shop for groceries?"

"You're still a jokester, huh?" She pointed out. "I've missed that about you. But, anyway, are you here alone or are you—"

"She's with me." Lizzie said with some guidance in her voice. "And you are?"

"Rebecca." She offered her hand for Lizzie to take, but she didn't. "Right. Well, it's very nice to meet you, Y/N. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to give me a text or a call."

I didn't say anything, but stood there awkwardly. When my gaze followed Lizzie, she glared at Rebecca the entire time until her car left the parking lot. As much as I didn't like the interaction between the three of us, I couldn't help but smile at her jealousy.

"I assume that she's someone you dated?" Lizzie asked sternly.

"No, we never dated." I answered almost instantly. "But, I did have feelings for her in college where we met. She told me she was straight and didn't swing that way so we never happened."

"Well, she lied to you." Lizzie mumbled under her breath as she put the remaining bags in the trunk. "By the looks of it, she's still in love with you."

"Well, too bad, because." I leaned over to get her seatbelt, our face merely inches apart. "Because I have my eye on someone else."

"Oh." Lizzie whispered innocently. "That's, uh, that's good."

I smirked, and kept a smug smile on my face as I buckled her in. I started the car, and began driving to the main road. I took a quick glance at Lizzie and found her blushing. Only she can act like she could kill anyone with one single look, but is actually a cinnamon roll on the inside.

• • •

When we arrived at her house, Lizzie and I gave each other the look as to how we're going to bring all of these bags in one single trip because coming back for some more is not an option. Being as lazy as we are, we started covering our entire arm and some more. And by the end of it, we're wobbling like penguins inside of her house, and into the kitchen.

We laughed amongst ourselves as we barely made it inside. We looked silly with our arms and hands looking mighty red from the weight of it all. With the bags on the floor, Lizzie looked at me tiredly.

"How about we organize this later?" She said in between breaths. "I'm going outside to get some air."

"I'm right behind you." I said with a slight laugh as I followed her.

Lizzie stood outside with arms wide open, enjoying the nice, breezy air. With her eyes closed, I took a quick glance at the hose nearby, and sneakily grabbed it from where it was before turning on the faucet as quietly as I could.

When water started coming out of the other end, I wasted no time and pointed it at her. Lizzie stood, too stunned to speak. I almost felt bad, but when I saw her grab the other one, and turn on the faucet, she tilted her head at me and shot it straight in my direction.

"You'll pay for that, Y/N." Lizzie chased me around, the water barely getting to me. "You can run, but you can't hide."

We chased each other around her backyard, our laughter could be heard from miles away. Lizzie eventually caught up to me, and began to spray me with the water. But, it wasn't enough that I was basically drenched already as she still chased me around like a maniac with her sudden burst of energy. Almost like a crackhead on crackhead. It's funny nevertheless.

When she got closer to me, I reached over just in time to push her own hose away from her grip. I held her waist in place, flushed against my body as I hovered the hose on top of her head. She squealed as she got wet, her soft giggles filling my heart up.

Lizzir froze in place when our eyes locked. It was like she's having a moment of her own, maybe flashes of something because her eyes began to gloss over. I attempt to reach over and ask if she's okay, but pulled away before I could even ask.

"I have to use the bathroom." Lizzie excused herself, and before I could say anything, she's already gone.

I waited for at least fifteen minutes until she came back with towels for us. Lizzie tossed me one as she began to dry herself off. I wanted to ask what happened, but she seemed to be in a good mood, so I didn't pry.

At one point, Lizzie took my towel and used hers instead of mine to dry me off. I don't know what got into her, but I let it happen. After she was done with me, I did the same to her. We exchanged heartwarming smiles, neither one of us capable of ever controlling our own emotion.

But, just like before, Lizzie pulled away, not allowing any of her emotions get the best of her. She has her guard up so well that I don't even know if I'll ever get through it. Yes, we have these moments, a lot of them, but every time one thing could lead to another, she shuts it down just in time before something happens between us. I don't know why she's trying to fight it so much. I just want to know what's going on inside that head of hers.

• • •

Lizzie showered first, and then it was my turn. I had a lot in mind, and as much as I don't want to overthink about anything other than my blissful moments so far with her, I couldn't help myself. I find it a little challenging to crack her walls down just enough to where I can get an opening. I'm hoping that one day, preferably sooner rather than later that I would be able to make her feel something.

When I went back downstairs to join her, I found Lizzie comfortably laying her stomach on the couch as she surfed through my phone, looking at more memories of us. I sat right next to her, and peeked over at what she's looking at. I smiled when I realized that she just finished watching the video of us in Luigi's Cafe Shop, and now she's at our very first lantern festival.

"I don't remember giving you the password to my phone..." I teased.

"Yes, you did." Lizzie scoffed. "Earlier before you—"

"I'm kidding." I laughed at how defensive she got. "Are you looking at more pictures and videos of us?"

"We used to go on a lot of dates, don't we?"

"More than we can count." I gave her shoulder a nudge. "Don't get me wrong, we stay in a lot too, binge watch movies, and cuddle, but any time we can, we'd go out a lot."

"I can see that." Lizzie smiled, scrolling through more pictures. "We also went to New York with Maya?" She pointed at the many pictures, and a couple of snowball fight videos that I took.

I nodded, "It was a surprise trip. Maya has never seen snow before, so I took her there with us. We also went skating, and we did a bunch of cute winter things. It was a lot of fun."

"I bet it was."

"The holidays are just six months away." I said. "If you want, we could go again. The three of us. That way, we can relieve one of our best memories. And you can redeem yourself and beat me at another snowball fight since you lost last time."

"I think I'd like that." Lizzie licked her lips and smiled. "And I will redeem myself because I firmly believe that I let you win."

I laughed, "That's what you said last time."

"Haha, whatever." Lizzie swiped to the left, and a video played. It was me singing.

"All I knew
This morning when I woke
Is I know something now
Know something now I didn't before
And all I've seen
Since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like..."

A single tear escaped her eye, and it took her by surprise. By the looks of it, she didn't think she would feel this much, let alone her body would react this way. She's feeling something, having another heartfelt moment of her own as she watches me singing our song.

Lizzie turned off my phone, and handed it to me, "I just need a moment to myself."

"But—"

"I just want to be alone, Y/N." And just like that, she left once again.

• • •

"How do you know where Scarlett lives?" Lizzie asked as we began to make our way in front of the doorstep.

"This is where I go when you're asleep." I cracked another joke. "We have this secret relationship going on."

Lizzie rolled her eyes, "I hate you." She knocked on the door, waiting for it to open.

Scarlett welcomed us with open arms, "My two favorite couples. Come in you two." She winked and gave us a teasing smile. "The kids have been waiting for you—"

"Moms!" Maya screeched as she ran toward our direction, pulling us into a warm hug.

Lizzie kneeled down to her level, "Did you have fun at your sleepover, little one?"

"I did, but I miss spending time with you and Y/N."

"Well, we'll have plenty of that tonight." She tapped her nose, causing Maya to scrunch it.

"Come, I want to show you what Rose and I have been working on."

"So, how's it going with you and Lizzie?" Scarlett asked as she led me to the kitchen.

"It's going." I chuckled nervously.

"What does that mean?"

"I mean, don't get me wrong, everything's been great." I started. "I took her to a lot of places that we used to go, but... but every time she'll have some sort of moment or she feels something about a picture or a video, she puts up a wall that I can't seem to get through."

I helped Scarlett start putting plates on the table, "Oh, I'm sorry about that. I can't say I'm surprised though. In her eyes, you're still just a stranger, but at the same time you're not. You're very new and even though she's seeing all of these memories, her heart remembers but her mind is fogging it all up because it's too much for her to handle."

I nodded and listened intently.

"On the bright side, she's not pushing you aside as bad as she did when she woke up." Scarlett stated. "Just give her some time to feel things out and be patient with her. She'll come around. I mean, it's you. The hot, motorcycle driver, ten instrument player, singer, song writer, and hopeless romantic, Y/N. She'll fall in love with you over again. I guarantee it."

"I hope so." I lowered my feet to my gaze.

Scarlett brought my chin up, causing me to look at her, "If I was her, I would. You're amazing. And genuinely good at heart." She softened her gaze, "I'm always here if you—"

"Is dinner ready?" Lizzie interjected, causing our heads to turn her direction.

"Yes, we're almost done here."

"I'll go get the kids." Lizzie mumbled under her breath before leaving us alone.

After dinner with Scarlett, Maya ran out of energy after we went to the playground with Rose. She spent the past hour running around, and eventually it caught up to her. She's knocked out in the backseat while I drive us back to Lizzie's house. I carried the little one to her room, where I tucked her in.

"And she's out." I turned off the lights and closed her bedroom door.

"I'll never get over how energetic she is." Lizzie chuckled as she led me downstairs.

I nodded, "Yeah, well, I should get—"

"It's really late." She cut me off. "I think that, uh, you should spend another night. With me. I mean, with us. Me and Maya." Lizzie blushed. "She would be happy to see you here in the morning."

"Okay." I smiled in return.

"Where are you going?"

"To the guest bedroom?"

"Oh." Lizzie lowered her gaze. "I was wondering if, maybe, you'd want to sleep in the same room as me. Or not. It's totally your choice. I wouldn't want to..." She rambled, dragging her words. "Why are you laughing at me?"

"Nothing." I chuckled. "Let's go to bed, Elizabeth." I held her hand and led her to the bedroom.

—————
A/N: My longest chapter yet, I'm sorry about that 😅 I hope you guys enjoyed it. There will be more jealous Lizzie and Y/N x Scarlett flirtatious coming your way 😉 Oh, and don't forget about MK. She'll have her time to shine.

See y'all in the next chapter Lizzie simps!