(alaina's outfit for the chapter is above)

Alaina and Nico have been best friends their whole lives. Which might be a surprise for some people because of how different they are. She was like the sun, shining brightly, spreading warmth and joy wherever she went. Alaina had an infectious energy that drew people to her, and her optimism was unwavering even in the face of adversity. She had a knack for seeing the good in everyone and everything, her optimism unwavering even in the face of adversity.

Nico, on the other hand, was more like the moon, mysterious and introspective. He had a quiet intensity about him that often went unnoticed by those who didn't take the time to look beyond the surface. To others he might portray as a troublemaker, classic bad boy type. Leather jackets, motorcycle, and a brooding expression were all part of his image. But Alaina knew better. She knew that beneath Nico's tough exterior lay a heart of gold, a mind full of creativity, and a sense of humor that was both sarcastic and witty.

She never saw him as a troublemaker, but as someone who needed to be understood. Nico was complex and multifaceted, and there was so much more to him than what met the eye. Alaina had been Nico's constant source of light and laughter, a steady presence in his life that kept him grounded and helped him stay true to himself. She was his best friend, the one person who understood him and accepted him unconditionally. He would do anything for her, and she would do the same for him.

Their friendship had weathered many storms, but it only grew stronger with each challenge they faced together. They had laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other's victories as if they were their own. Alaina's sunny disposition had a way of brightening even Nico's darkest days, while Nico's steady presence grounded Alaina when her optimism threatened to waver. They had been each other's support system, confidants, and partners in crime.

But now, things were starting to change. Their friendship was evolving into something deeper, more intimate. As they spent more time together, their feelings for each other grew stronger. They were becoming more aware of each other in a way that was new and exciting, but also a little bit scary. Especially because of the fact they never felt this feeling before.

Alaina had always been popular and had plenty of admirers, but she never had a boyfriend. She was never interested in dating, and she always told herself it was because she was too busy focusing on her job and college classes. But the truth was, she never found anyone that made her feel the way Nico did.

Nico, on the other hand, had a reputation for being a bit of a playboy. He had never been in a serious relationship, and he never thought he'd be interested in one. He was more than content with his life the way it was, having fun and enjoying his freedom. But now, things were different. He found himself thinking about Alaina constantly, and when they were together, he couldn't take his eyes off her. His heart would flutter when she smiled at him, and his stomach would fill with butterflies whenever she touched him. He couldn't deny it any longer; he was falling for her.

As their feelings grew stronger, so did the tension between them. They were both afraid to ruin their friendship, but they were also drawn to each other in a way they couldn't resist. They found themselves seeking excuses to spend time together, their hands would accidentally brush against each other, and their eyes would linger for a few seconds longer than necessary. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and it was only a matter of time before something happened to break the tension.

One day, Alaina and Nico were taking a walk on the beach, something that they did often together. It had became a tradition between them, a way to get away from the pressures of their lives and just enjoy each other's company. The sun was setting over the ocean, casting a warm glow over everything. The air was filled with the smell of salt water and seaweed, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore was calming and soothing. They walked in silence, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment.

It might've looked a bit odd seeing these two walking on the beach together. They were like night and day, complete opposites, but at the same time, they were perfect for each other. Alaina's blonde hair was down with wavy curls, she wore a off the shoulder blue blouse, a white skirt and white tennis shoes. Nico's black hair was somehow messy yet perfect at the same time, wearing a black v-neck tee, black leather jacket, and a pair of ripped jeans and black boots. They were the most unlikely of friends, but their bond was stronger than anything else.

"Remember when we used to build sandcastles here when we were kids?" Alaina suddenly asks, breaking the silence. "We would spend hours out here, building the most elaborate sandcastles, then destroying them just as quickly. I don't think we ever left without being completely covered in sand." She laughed, the sound like music to Nico's ears.

"Of course I remember." He says, smiling softly at her. "Our parents always scolded us for getting so dirty, but they never could stay mad at us for long. We always managed to convince them to let us stay a little bit longer, and they'd even join us sometimes, making the most ridiculous looking sandcastles. I remember you always insisted on decorating yours with seashells and seaweed."

"Yeah, I guess I did have a bit of a thing for collecting seashells." Alaina smiles fondly at the memory. "It was my way of bringing a piece of the ocean with me, even when I wasn't near it. I've always loved the ocean. It's so vast and mysterious, full of hidden treasures. You never know what you might find beneath the surface."

Nico's gaze lingers on Alaina for a moment, the setting sun bathing her in its warm glow. Her golden hair seems to sparkle in the light, and her blue eyes are shining. In that moment, she takes his breath away. She's so beautiful, inside and out. "Just like you." Her soft voice brought him out of his daze. "You're the biggest mystery of all, Nico."

He clears his throat, his cheeks turning slightly red. "You think so?"

"Definitely. You're so strong and confident, but there's a softness to you too, a vulnerability that you don't let many people see." She says, her gaze meeting his. "You put on this tough guy act, but I know that deep down, you're just as sensitive and caring as anyone else. You have a big heart, Nico, and I admire that about you."

Her words send a shiver down his spine, and he has to look away from her. No one has ever seen through him the way she does. No one has ever been able to look past his hard exterior and see the real him. He had always admired Alaina's way of seeing the good in everyone and everything, but to have that same gift turned on him is almost too much.

"What about you, huh?" He asks, trying to deflect the attention away from himself. "You're like sunshine incarnate. You brighten up every room you enter, and you always have a smile on your face, even when things are tough. You have a way of making people feel like everything's going to be okay, and you're always there to offer support when someone needs it. You're amazing, Alaina, and I don't think you even realize it."

Now it's Alaina's turn to blush, a faint pink color spreading across her cheeks. She's not used to being complimented in such a way, and it's making her feel a bit flustered. "Well, I don't know about that." She says, nervously playing with her hair. "But thank you. That means a lot, coming from you."

The moment is charged with a new kind of energy, a tension that hasn't been there before. They're both aware of it, but neither of them wants to be the first to acknowledge it. The silence stretches on as Nico suddenly stopped walking, staring out at the ocean when he noticed a surfer in the distance, riding the waves with ease. He was jealous of how good the guy was at surfing. It was a skill that Nico had always wanted to master, but he never had the chance.

Alaina stops walking after seeing he did as well and follows his line of sight. Her face softens and she looks back at him, nudging his shoulder. "Do you want me to teach you?" She asked curiously. She loved surfing. She went surfing all the time with her parents. Her dad had taught her at a young age and she had loved it ever since. She wanted to pass down the love of the ocean to Nico, if he wanted.

Nico glances back at her, his eyes lighting up. "You would do that?" He asks, a grin spreading across his face. "I would love that!"

"Sure. It's easy once you get the hang of it. I'll teach you everything you need to know." She says, smiling brightly at him. "Maybe we can hit the waves this weekend? I can teach you then, Nic." She loved surfing, and she was excited to share that with him.

"That sounds great." He replies, unable to contain his excitement. "I can't wait."

They continued their walk along the beach, lost in their own thoughts. Alaina was happy that she would get to share her love of surfing with Nico, and Nico was excited to finally learn how to surf. The sun had finally set, leaving the sky a dark blue and the stars beginning to peek out. It was a beautiful night, and neither of them wanted it to end.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through, causing Alaina to shiver slightly. Without a second thought, Nico slips off his leather jacket and drapes it over her shoulders, giving her a smile. "There you go, sunshine. Can't have you catching a cold."

"Thanks, Nic." Alaina mumbled shyly, slipping her arms through the sleeves. His jacket was still warm from his body heat, and it smelled like him, a mixture of leather and something else, something unique to him. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she loved the way he smelled. The jacket was big on her, the sleeves going past her hands and the leather jacket reached past her thighs.

Nico tried not to stare, but he couldn't help it. Alaina looked good in his jacket, and he could barely resist the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her right then and there. He always loved it when she wore his clothes. She had a habit of stealing his hoodies and sweatshirts, claiming they were warmer and more comfortable than her own. He didn't mind though, he secretly loved the way his clothes looked on her. She made them look so much better than they did on him.

Another gust of wind blew past, this one colder than the last. Alaina shivered again, the thin blouse and skirt she was wearing providing little protection from the elements. She didn't think it would be this cold. She pulled the leather jacket closer to her, wrapping her arms around herself. "Should we head back?" She asked, glancing up at Nico.

"Not yet. I want to show you something." He said, offering her his hand. She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his, his large hand enveloping her smaller one. He intertwined their fingers and started walking, pulling her along with him. She wasn't sure where he was taking her, but she trusted him, so she didn't ask questions.

They walked for a while, their footsteps muffled by the sand. The air was filled with the sounds of crashing waves and the occasional seagull call. The moon was high in the sky, bathing everything in a silvery glow. The stars twinkled above them, and the smell of salt water filled the air. They were the only ones on the beach now, everyone else having gone home for the night. It was a beautiful night, and Alaina was happy to be spending it with Nico.

"Come on, we're almost there." Nico says, pulling her toward a small alcove. "Trust me, it'll be worth it."

Alaina followed him into the alcove, her eyes widening in awe as she saw what he had wanted to show he. The alcove was surrounded by jagged rocks, which protected it from the wind and waves, creating a secluded and private space. Inside, there was a blanket laid out, along with a picnic basket and a few lanterns. It was a little romantic, and Alaina's heart fluttered in her chest.

"What's all this?" She asked, her eyes meeting his.

"I wanted to surprise you." He replies, giving her a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. "I figured we could have a little picnic, just the two of us. I made some sandwiches and a few other things."

"You did this for me?" She whispered, her voice filled with awe.

"Of course. I wanted to do something special for you, sunshine. You deserve it." He said softly, squeezing her hand.

"Nico, you didn't have to do anything. Being here with you is special enough." She replied, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

He shakes his head. "You're always doing things for me, so I wanted to return the favor. Let me spoil you a little bit, okay?" He gently pulled her towards the blanket and sat her down, settling in next to her. He opened the picnic basket and pulled out the sandwiches, handing one to Alaina. They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company and the peacefulness of the night. Nico had turned on the lanterns that were left in the alcove, and they were surrounded by a soft glow. It was perfect.

Nico reaches into the picnic basket and pulled out a small container of strawberries. "I remembered how much you love strawberries." He said with a grin, offering her the container.

Alaina's eyes lit up with delight as she took a strawberry and pops it into her mouth. "Mmm, these are delicious." She said, closing her eyes and savoring the sweet taste. "Thank you, Nic."

She loved strawberries. She wasn't sure what it was about them, but they had always been her favorite fruit. They were sweet and juicy, and the perfect snack. She could never get enough of them.

"You're welcome, sunshine." He said softly, his eyes full of warmth and affection.

They continued to eat, laughing and joking together. It was the most fun Alaina had in a long time, and she was happy to be sharing it with Nico. As the night wore on, the air grew colder, and Alaina shivered slightly, pulling the leather jacket closer to her. It was warmer in the day, but now that it was night time, the coolness of the breeze was evident.

Nico noticed and without a word, scooted closer to her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. She nestled into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thanks." She mumbled, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

He grinned down at her, his heart beating faster at their close proximity. He could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo, it always smelt like lavender. "No problem, sunshine."

They sat like that for a while, neither wanting to move, enjoying the closeness and intimacy. But eventually, they decided to pack things up when it was getting colder and more late into the night. Though they did make a promise to come to this spot more often. Nico packed the leftover food in the picnic basket and stood up, extending a hand to Alaina. She took his hand and let him pull her up.

"We should probably get going. It's pretty late, and you have work in the morning, right?" Nico questioned as he turned off the lanterns. He then folded up the blankets and put them into a chest that was there with extra blankets and pillows. This was a public area despite it being a secluded area. Not many people knew about it, but there were quite a few who knew and often used it as well.

"Yeah, I do." Alaina sighed, running a hand through her hair. She really didn't want the night to end, but she knew she had to get some sleep if she was going to make it through the day tomorrow.

Nico picks up the picnic basket and offered her his hand again. "C'mon, sunshine, let's get you home." He said, giving her a smile.

Alaina took his hand, smiling softly as her heart fluttered at his touch. They walked hand in hand back to his bike, which was parked nearby. He had picked her up at her house earlier that evening for them to hang out at the beach for a bit. He had told her ahead of time don't eat dinner since he had planned on surprising her. She had been curious and excited to see what he planned for her and she loved it.

"Did you have fun?" Nico asked as they approach his bike. He placed the picnic basket on the basket on the back of the motorcycle.

"Yeah, I had a great time." Alaina replies, her smile widening as she looked up at Nico. "Thank you for tonight, Nic. It was really special."

Nico's heart skips a beat at the sight of her smile. "Anytime, sunshine. I'm glad you enjoyed it." He said, returning her smile. He picks up the extra helmet, offering it to her. "Here, put this on. Safety first."

Alaina giggled, taking the helmet from him and putting it on. She then went to secured the straps, but before she could, Nico took over, tightening them for her. Her heart fluttered as he did, his touch sending tingles through her body.

"Thanks." She whispered, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"You're welcome." He replies, grinning at her. He then put on his helmet and gets on his bike, starting the engine. "Ready?"

Alaina nodded, getting on behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. She snuggled closer, loving the feeling of being pressed up against him. Plus she felt more warm and safe that way. Nico tried to ignore the way his heart raced at hearing the sound of her giggle, and how the feeling of her holding him made him feel like the happiest man alive.

They drove off, heading back towards Alaina's house. The ride was peaceful and relaxing, and she wished it could go on forever. Her blonde hair was whipping behind her, and the night air was cool and refreshing. Yes, they were both cold, but that was okay because the feeling of being close to each other made up for it.

It didn't take them long to arrive at her house. She reluctantly let go of Nico, getting off the motorcycle. She tried to undo the straps of the helmet, but her fingers were a bit numb and she was unable to. Nico got off his bike and came around to her, taking the helmet off for her and setting it aside.

"Here, let me help." He said softly, gently reaching for the straps and undoing them for her. Once the helmet was off, he tucks it under his arm. "There you go, sunshine." Her blonde hair was disheveled from the helmet and the ride, and he couldn't help but reach out and tuck a loose strand behind her ear.

"Thank you, Nic." She replied, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink at his touch.

"You're welcome." He whispered, his voice barely audible. His eyes met hers, and he suddenly felt his throat dry. Her blue eyes were shining with something, a look he had never seen before. It was a mixture of adoration and something else, something he couldn't quite place. He felt the urge to kiss her, to hold her in his arms and never let her go. But he didn't want to scare her, or ruin their friendship, so he pushed those thoughts aside.

"Well, goodnight." He said, forcing a smile on his face.

"Goodnight, Nic." Alaina replies, returning his smile. "Thanks again for tonight. It was amazing."

"Anytime, sunshine." He said, winking at her. "Sweet dreams." Before he could overthink too much, he leaned forward to kiss her cheek, lingering for a second longer than necessary.

Alaina's cheeks turn a bright red, and she feels her heart rate increase. Her skin tingles where he kissed her, and she's barely able to get her words out. "Y-You too." She stammered, her mind reeling.

Nico gave her a wink again before getting back on his motorcycle. He puts his helmet back on and starts the engine. He waves goodbye to her, watching her disappear into her house before driving off. Alaina closed the door, pressing her back against it. Her heart was racing and her mind was spinning as her face turned redder. She had never felt this way before, and it was making her feel like a teenage girl again.

She went to her room and plopped on the bed, burying her face in her pillow and screaming. She had never been this nervous or excited before, and she didn't know how to deal with these feelings. But one thing was for sure, she was falling hard and fast for Nico.

She couldn't deny it anymore. She was in love with him. She just hoped he felt the same way.

A/N what should their ship name be? alaico? nina? carlander? alexson?