I trust you. That sentence, though small as it may be, sent a pang through Gray’s chest. That piece of trust she had in him… he vowed to never break it. He would never let her regret placing that trust in him.
“You have no idea how much that sentence makes me happy,” he murmured as they stepped inside their theatre, the ads playing on the large screen. “You have no idea at all.”
“Well, you deserve the happiness,” Violeta hummed, “And the trust. It’s almost surreal how I went from fearing you to trusting you this much, isn’t it? I’m really glad we sorted things out… and I’m sorry about our earlier misunderstanding.”
"If I hadn't been holding these, and if we weren't surrounded by people, I honestly would have pressed you against the wall and kissed the life out of you," Gray told her, bumping their shoulders together as they walked to the top. "And our misunderstanding was to be expected. You did what you had to do. You protected yourself and I can never, and will not, blame you for that."
Violeta’s cheeks burned.
“But—“ she began to protest, then realized this was not the time and place for an argument like this. “Never mind. I’ll say later.”
Gray motioned for her to sit, setting their drink in the cupholder before he took his seat. “Well, whatever you say, I won’t think any different. You did what you had to do.”
Violeta seated herself, immediately listing to one side until she was leaning against Gray’s shoulder. She said nothing on the subject, unsure how to reply.
Gray smiled softly, looking at his girlfriend from the corner of his eye. Finally, he set his head on hers, reaching out for her hand.
“During the really cheesy movie dates,” he began, “The couples hold hands.”
Violeta interlaced their fingers without a second thought, exhaling softly. “Is this a cheesy movie date?”
Gray squeezed her hand. “Well, it could be. It could also not be. I just like holding your hand. It’s small, and I love how it easily fits in mine.”
“I like how gentle your hands are when you hold me,” Violeta stated softly. “And I love how, already, j feel a sense of belonging when I’m in your arms.”
Gray looked at her, gaze melting softly. He bent down to kiss the top of her head, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand. “That makes me happy,” he murmured. “So much, Vy.”
“I’m glad I’m useful for at least that..” she murmured gratefully, leaning against his touch.
"Vy, no," Gray shook his head as another trailer began to play. "Don't think like that. You're not useless."
Violeta made no reply, instead reaching for the bag of popcorn. She swallowed her rising guilt along with a few kernels, waiting for the movie to begin.
Gray squeezed her hand, bringing it to his mouth to give a small kiss. "I love you, Vy. More than you know."
Violeta relaxed against him, releasing a soft exhale. I love you. Someone loved her——the fact blew her mind. Gray loved her.
The movie began to play and Gray rested his head back on hers, one arm thrown across her shoulders. He loved her so much. There wasn’t anyone else he wanted to love this much.
Violeta stared at the screen, transfixed through the first half of the movie as she lost herself in the fantasy playing out in front of them. But, after time passed, she became conscious of the diminishing bag of popcorn. Nausea took root in her gut. She shifted uncomfortably, biting the inside of her cheek.
Honestly, Gray couldn’t really find it in him to concentrate on the movie. His eyes were on Violeta the entire time as the movie stole her entire attention.
And then she became uncomfortable and he furrowed his eyebrows. “You okay…?”
Violeta nodded automatically, pressing a hand against her stomach. “Yeah,” she whispered, “Sorry.”
“Do you feel sick?” He murmured. “Should I get a 7UP for you?”
“I’m fine,” she hastened to reassure him, inclining her head towards the screen in hopes of diverting his attention. “Let’s just watch the movie.”
“Are you sure?” Gray whispered. “If there’s anything bothering you, you can tell me.”
Violeta pressed her face against his shoulder, sighing slowly. “I’m sure…”
“Okay,” Gray kissed the top of her head. “Remember that I’m always here for you.”