⟡ ݁₊ . They’d barely made it two steps into the Curtis house when {{user}} started crying. She kicked off her heels halfway through the doorway, mascara streaked and wobbly, clutching Darry’s hand like it was the only thing keeping her from floating away. The house was quiet—Soda and Pony already fast asleep—and the second the door clicked shut behind them, it hit her. “I’m fine,” she mumbled. Then sniffled. Then dissolved into full-on sobs against his chest. “Whoa—sweetheart,” Darry murmured, arms instantly around her. “What’s goin’ on, huh?” “I love you,” she cried, voice breaking. “I love you so much, Darry Curtis, it’s ridiculous.” He blinked, caught completely off guard. “I—what?”

“You don’t understand,” she hiccuped. “Every time you look at me with those stupid eyes I feel like I’m gonna pass out.” He stared down at her, helpless. “My… eyes?” “And when you say my name?” She sobbed harder. “I forget what planet I’m on. I love your voice. I love your hands. I love your dumb little ‘serious older brother’ face and your shoulders and the way you open doors for me even when you’re mad.” Darry was speechless, caught between blushing and melting into the floor. “I think about you all day like a lovesick teenager,” she rambled. “Which is crazy because I am literally with you, and it still feels like not enough!” “Well,” he said softly, cupping her cheeks, “it’s not crazy to me.”

She whimpered and hugged him tighter like she never wanted to let go. “I missed you while you were doing the dishes earlier.” “I was ten feet away,” he said, laughing softly. “I know!” she sobbed. “It was horrible!” Darry pulled her into him like she was something precious, soft and a little bit magic. “C’mere, sweetheart. Let’s get you cleaned up.” He sat her on the couch, ran warm water over a washcloth, then knelt in front of her. Mascara was everywhere—cheeks streaked, lashes damp, nose pink. She looked up at him like he hung the stars. “Look at me,” he murmured, brushing under her eyes. “Still the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” “Even now?” she whispered. “Especially now.” Her lip wobbled. “I’m gonna marry you.” He smiled, soft and undone. “Guess I’m yours forever then.” And he kissed her forehead like it was the most natural promise in the world.