It was valentine's day at your school. Everywhere couples walked together, holding hands and kissing. As you headed to your locker and began to pack up for the day, your locker door was suddenly slammed shut, and a hand shoved your chest against the locker. You looked up to see your bully Aubrey Garcia, a nervous grin on her face and her other hand behind on back. "Hey loser...You don't have a valentine? Of course you don't...Because...Because you're a LOSER!" She chuckled nervously, her eyes darting around. Aubrey had been your bully for years, always makes fun of you. But she seemed different today... She had a slight blush on her face, and she seemed to be mumbling to herself, trying to convince herself to do something. Finally after what felt like forever she smacked the locker and then averted her gaze, before shoving a heart shaped box of chocolates into your chest. "Here....I stole these for you...Since you don't have a damn valentine...I guess...You can just be mine..."

"Wh-What?! No way loser!" *She yelled, trying to deny her feelings and force herself to stay angry with you. Her blush deepened, making it look like she was about to explode from the inside. "I'm just being nice...Just take it and shut up already..." She grumbled under her breath, balling her fists at her sides.

"Fine..." She mumbled under her breath, turning around and storming off to her next class, her shoulders slumped in defeat and embarrassment. A part of her was relieved that you didn't reject her offer, but another part was panicking about what this all meant. She didn't know how to handle her feelings for you, or the fact that you were now technically "together." The rest of the day dragged on endlessly as she tried to avoid both confrontation and romantic fantasies involving the two of you...

"Hmph...I didn't make them myself..." She grumbled under her breath, feeling slightly insulted that you thought she was just some amateur baker or something. In reality, she had stolen the chocolates from a nearby store and hurriedly scribbled your name on the box before slipping it into her backpack during lunch hour. "They're just cheap ones I found..." She added reluctantly, trying to maintain her tough act while also feeling guilty about lying to you.

Aubrey paused at that, her sharp orange eyes widening slightly. She didn't expect you to say something like that...well, she sort of did. But hearing it still made her heart skip a beat. Before she could form a reply though, the bell rang and class started, forcing them both apart as they headed their separate ways. For the rest of the day, Aubrey found herself lost in thought, replaying your words over and over again in her head, her cheeks flushing red with each repetition.

She couldn't shake the feeling that things had just changed between them...and she wasn't sure if she was ready for whatever came next. But one thing was certain: She was grateful for this strange newfound connection they seemed to have formed on Valentine's Day. It might not be exactly what either of them expected, but it was something at least...

After class, Aubrey lingered near the lockers, unsure if she should go to her usual hangout spot or look for you instead. Her heart raced with nervous anticipation at the thought of spending time with you alone. Eventually, mustering up all her courage, she decided to find your locker and wait for you there. The seconds ticked by like hours as she fidgeted anxiously, chewing on her bottom lip. When she finally heard your familiar footsteps approach, she steeled herself before turning around casually, a slight blush still coloring her sharp orange cheeks. "Hey..." She mumbled, glancing down at the floor before looking back up at you with nervous eyes.

"Um...I was just wondering if, y'know, you wanted to hang out after school or something? Maybe we could go for a walk or something?" She asked hesitantly, her fingers

Aubrey's heart raced as she waited for your reply, her breath caught in her throat. She bit her lip, trying to force herself not to babble as nervous excitement coursed through her veins. Her eyes flickered upward, taking in the gentle curve of your cheek and the way your hair fell over your forehead. It felt like time had slowed down as she waited for you to respond, each second stretching interminably. Finally, when you spoke, her relief was palpable, her entire body relaxing with a sigh.

"Sure...I'd like that," she managed to get out before smiling shyly up at you. Aubrey felt herself blush even deeper as your gaze held hers; it was both unsettling and thrilling at the same time. "We can go anywhere you want."

"Hmm...I don't know..." She trailed off, tapping her thumb against her closed locker door as she considered the possibilities. "Do you have anywhere you usually like to go after school? Or...uh, is there someplace you'd want to check out?" Aubrey asked, her voice laced with uncertainty and a touch of nervousness. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest as she waited for your answer; part of her wished she had thought of something better to say, but another part was relieved that the silence wasn't entirely awkward this time.

Aubrey perked up at your suggestion; the idea of going somewhere peaceful and quiet with you sounded like heaven. She nodded eagerly, her blush deepening as she tried to hide her anticipation behind a casual expression. "Alright then, let's go." With that, Aubrey finally turned away from the locker and took a step towards the exit, wondering what kind of conversation or activities would await them at this mysterious park.

Her heart raced with nervous excitement as she followed you out of school grounds, her eyes darting between you and your surroundings, unsure if she should make small talk or simply enjoy the silence. For once, she found herself wishing time would slow down so they could spend more time together; it felt like everything was happening too quickly for her to properly process her feelings.

As you walked side-by-side through the park, Aubrey reveled in

Aubrey was silent for a moment as you spoke, her expression somber. She listened intently, understanding all too well the pain and frustration you must have felt growing up with her as your bully. Her own heart ached at the thought of being responsible for even a fraction of that hurt; it made her feel guilty and ashamed.

She turned to face you, meeting your gaze with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry...I should have been nicer to you all these years," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I promise...from now on, things will be different." A tear trickled down her cheek as she reached out slowly and cupped your face in her hand, gently wiping away the lone tear that had escaped from the corner of your eye. "I'll make it up to you, I swear," she added, a newfound determ

As you comforted her and apologized for your past behavior, Aubrey's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and relief. She felt a warmth spread through her chest as she realized that perhaps there was hope for them after all; maybe they could find happiness together despite their rocky past. And when you mentioned how she was different from other bullies, special to you...it only made those feelings grow stronger.

Taking a shaky breath, she cupped your cheek in her free hand and leaned in closer, pressing her lips softly against yours. The kiss was gentle at first, tentative and unsure; but as you responded with equal tenderness, it grew bolder, more passionate. Her heart raced wildly in her chest as their tongues tangled together, a wave of desire and longing washing over her. When the kiss finally ended, Aubrey drew back, her

"I'm...sorry if that was too much," she stammered, her cheeks flushing even brighter at the realization of what she had just done. "I just wanted to show you...how I really feel." She glanced downward before meeting your gaze again, uncertainty etched into her features. "I've been wanting to do that for so long," she whispered hoarsely, her voice shaking with emotion.

As she waited anxiously for your reaction, Aubrey's heart raced, praying that you felt the same way deep down inside. Her gaze darted back and forth between your eyes, searching for any sign of rejection or disgust; but instead, she found only tenderness and understanding reflected in those orange irises. It was enough to make her heart soar with hope and relief.

Aubrey shook her head slowly, amusement coloring her voice as she spoke. "You're overthinking it," she reassured you with a small smile. "I'm not some jealous girlfriend; I just want to be with you." She reached up, gently cupping your cheek in her hand again before leaning forward and kissing you softly on the lips once more. Her touch was comforting and reassuring, sending a wave of warmth through your body that made you melt into the moment.

When she pulled back, Aubrey studied your face for any signs of discomfort or unease, but found none; instead, you looked at her with nothing but love and acceptance shining in your eyes. Taking a deep breath, she let out a small laugh before saying, "See? It's not so bad, is it?" Her voice was teasing now, playfulness

She grinned at your reply, delighted to know that she was making you feel more at ease. "Good," she breathed out, her heart swelling with happiness. "Because I plan on keeping you safe from any other bullies...and anyone else who might want to try and come between us." Her voice was firm but gentle, holding a note of possessiveness that made your chest tighten in anticipation.

With a small laugh, Aubrey leaned forward and pressed another light kiss against your lips before sitting back again, gazing up at the trees swaying gently above them. "So...what do you want to do now?" she asked with an awkward shrug of her shoulders, feeling suddenly uncertain about what should come next in this new and uncharted territory between them.

Aubrey blinked in surprise at your suggestion, her eyebrows furrowing as she considered it. On the one hand, she didn't really believe in any of that mumbo jumbo stuff; but on the other, spending more time with you was what she wanted most right now. "I...suppose," she said slowly, giving you a hesitant smile. "If that's what you want to do."

She glanced down at her feet for a moment before looking back up at you, uncertainty flickering across her features once more. But then, with a quiet determination steeling her spine, she reached out and took your hand in hers, squeezing gently as reassurance. "I'll be with you no matter what," she said softly, offering what little comfort she could muster amidst the confusion of this new reality they found themselves in.

As you take her hand and offer support, Aubrey feels a surge of emotion course through her veins. She squeezes your hand in return, gratitude and admiration for your strength in the face of such heartache. Together, the two of you walk to the grave site, sharing moments of quiet contemplation along the way. Upon reaching the spot, Aubrey offers up a silent prayer for your lost love, feeling their loss keenly as well. Afterward, she turns to face you, meeting your gaze with sincerity and understanding that reaches far beyond mere words. "No matter what happens," she says softly, "I'm here for you now."

Aubrey listens intently as you share your feelings, her heart aching in sympathy. She understands that it will take time for you to fully let go of your past love, but she promises herself that she'll be there every step of the way. As you speak, a gentle breeze carries through the trees, rustling the leaves and sending an occasional stray strand of hair fluttering across her cheek. Her eyes are fixed on yours, and despite the pain you're feeling, she sees strength and resilience there as well.

"Alright," she says softly, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go and looping her arm through yours. Together, the two of you begin walking back towards the park entrance, taking in the peaceful surroundings as they talk and laugh about less painful memories. The weight of your shared past still lingers between you, but with each step forward, it feels like you're both learning to carry that burden together; finding strength in one another along the way.

As the months passed by, Aubrey and you grew closer still. The tension that once existed between them had all but vanished, replaced by a newfound sense of camaraderie and understanding. You continued to visit her at school, often walking her home afterward, where you'd sit on her porch swing and watch the stars together, sharing stories and secrets. Your fingers intertwined naturally as your shoulders brushed against each other in comfortable silence. Aubrey began to feel a sense of peace wash over her that she hadn't known existed before you came along.

But despite this happiness, there were still moments where guilt and regret threatened to consume her. She would often find herself staring off into the distance during those times, lost in thought as she tried to come to terms with what had happened all those years ago. It wasn't easy; it was a process fraught with ups and downs, but she

Her heart aches to see you so torn, and she wishes there were some way she could take away the pain and guilt you feel. But all she can do is be here for you, support you through whatever it is that you're going through. She reaches over, taking your hand in hers, squeezing gently to let you know that you aren't alone. "You don't have anything to apologize for," she says softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "We were both kids, doing stupid things we didn't understand. We can work through this together."

As if sensing the weight of her words, Aubrey leans in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead before resting her cheek against yours. The touch is soothing, reassuring; a reminder that no matter what happens, she'll always be by your side.

Aubrey smiles softly, feeling grateful for the closeness they've been able to share in spite of everything. Her hand squeezes yours reassuringly before slipping into your lap, where she laces their fingers together. "I feel the same way," she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself. "Being with you has made me so happy, and I don't want anything or anyone to ever come between us again." As the stars twinkle above them, Aubrey closes her eyes, savoring this moment of peace and contentment with you by her side.