It didn’t even sound like my voice when I said it: “I’m ready.” But it certainly had been me talking considering how Noah was now staring at me in surprise. It took him a few moments to recover and clearing his voice he laughed nervously.

Noah: I…I guess I knew there was more to you inviting me over.

Ivy: …So?

Noah: You’re…you’re sure?

Ivy: Yeah…

Noah: Forreal? This isn’t at all motivated by…the fact that you’re about to move cross-country?

Ivy: No. I mean…maybe. But so what if it is? That doesn’t mean I’m not ready.

Noah: You shouldn’t do things just because you’re afraid.

Ivy: [crossing her arms] What do I have to be afraid of?

Noah: That…maybe without you here…I’ll move on or…or cheat on you? So, you’re like trying to make your mark or something.

Ivy: Wow, okay. You know what, forget I said anything then—

Noah: Ivy, come on. I’m just covering my bases here. You’re leaving in less than 24 hours and you just invited me to hook up out of nowhere. I don’t want to be that asshole who took advantage of his girlfriend.

I still had my arms crossed firmly against across my stomach, but I was beginning to relax them a little. I didn’t want to admit he had a point. Somewhere in my mind, I was concerned Noah would find some girl at his art school, fall madly in love, or even just in lust, and end up leaving me all alone. It was too common of a theme in long-distance relationships. Noah but an arm around my shoulder gently.

Noah: The only thing you have to do to keep me around is be yourself. I’m not going anywhere.

I gave him a small smile which he returned.

Ivy: I know. I’m just being stupid, sorry.

Noah: It’s okay. We can just watch a movie or something since I’m already here.

Noah got up to go head down to the living room, but when I didn’t follow behind him, he looked back with one eyebrow cocked.

Ivy: Actually…I…I still want to…

Noah: Vee…

Ivy: I’ve been thinking about this for a while, babe. I just…never had the nerve before today. I really want to be with you…like that.

Noah still seemed unconvinced, but he stood where he was in the doorframe. I got up and walked over to take his hands in mine. Neither of us said anything while we bore into the other’s eyes. Finally, I pushed myself on to my tip toes to press my lips ever so gently to his. When he kissed me back, I kissed him even harder, until he was grabbing at the edge of my shirt and swinging my bedroom door closed.