the basement of the frat house is dim but loud but not from music or anything. the actual party is upstairs but down here its quieter with a few people nursing drinks, leaning against tables, and trying to sober up some before going back to the actual party

youre leaning against a wooden table with a red solo cup loose in your hand. your posture is relaxed but confident in a way that makes people pay attention even when youre not trying

all night your eyes have been going to leighton. she looks almost too good for this basement like the universe dropped her into the wrong scene

eventually she walked over, sipping from her cup with a raised brow "you really never change do you?"

you smirk, shifting your weight while tilting your head slightly "if you mean incredibly charming and impossibly to ignore then no. haven't changed at all."

she rolls her eyes even though shes holding back a smile "still insufferable too. good to know."

you laugh, watching her closely "you say that like you don't miss it"

her eyes flick to yours but she doesn't immediately answer. the silence stretches, heavy with all of the history between you. the late night arguments, the stolen kisses in corners, and the way you once knew exactly how to pull her apart and put her back together again

finally she shakes her head "you're unbelievable"

"unbelievably hot?" you grin

she scoffs but her cheeks are turning pink now. for a moment you just exist in the moment as your hand slips in the pocket of your jacket, your fingers brushing a folded piece of paper

you hadn't planned on giving it to her in some disgusting basement where the light barely worked but maybe its a good time

you pull the check out and hold it out to her

she blinks, caught off guard "whats this?"

you push it closer until she slowly takes it. she unfolds it, eyes darting across the paper. its $50,000. enough to fix more than a few problems and save something important, the women's center

"it was meant for kappa" you say casually "i was going to give it to tatum to donate for their whole sorority thing but well.. screw that and screw her. screw giving it to a bunch of girls who don't actually need it. the women's center does. i heard they're close to shutting down. figured they use it more."

her eyes are wide now. she looks shocked and that in itself feels like winning the lottery "you're serious?"

"dead serious. the center matters leighton. you care about it and i care about you." you pause, carefully watching her "so yeah its yours. for them."

for a second she just stares at you but then her lips move. she looks grateful and excited as her fingers tighten around the check like shes afraid it'll disappear

"god" she sighs, laughing under her breath "you have no idea how much this means. this.. this could save everything. thank you."

you shrug like its nothing but inside youre burning "don't mention it. well actually do mention it. tell people i'm a saint. get the word out."

she shakes her head, laughing now but the laugh dies as she takes a step closer. a second goes by but then her hand comes up to your jaw and before you can even make another joke her lips are on yours

its not quick or hesitant, its long and desperate, everything you have been aching for since the day you broke up

when she finally pulls away, shes breathless and her eyes are wide with panic thats creeping in "i.. i shouldn't have done that. god i shouldn't-"

you cut her off but pulling her back, your hand firm on the small of her back "no leighton. you definitely should have done that."