Hollyn flinched at a loud thunder boom, reminding her fear of thunderstorms. She didn't know why, but thunderstorms had always frightened her. They were too loud and too bright and it made her nervous. It was probably silly, but that was how she felt. Lottie, sensing her distress, kept a close eye on her and occasionally nudged her. Hollyn appreciated the concern from her dog, and she made sure to give her lots of pets and kisses. Hollyn had been thinking about everything that had happened today, how crazy it had been, and how different her life was going to be now.

Hollyn had been so lost in her own thoughts, she didn't realize where her feet were taking her. She hadn't realized where she was until Lottie had barked, getting her attention. She didn't recognize where she was. She paused and looked around with confusion, furrowing her eyebrows upon seeing tall trees around her. Where was she? How did she get here? How far did she walk? Hollyn took a moment to gather her bearings, realizing that she had walked quite a distance from the house and into a wooded area.

"Just great." She muttered under her breath, shaking her head. This was the last thing she needed right now. Hollyn sighed, running her hand through her hair. She looked down at Lottie, who stared up at her with a tilted head, a small whine escaping her.

"We'll be okay, girl. Don't worry." Hollyn said, forcing a smile as she reached down to pet her. Lottie whimpered, nuzzling against her leg. As Hollyn stood in the wooded area with Lottie, the impending storm added another layer of tension to the already overwhelming situation. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves and making the trees sway. The distant rumble of thunder grew louder, the rain starting to fall faster and harder. Hollyn shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't know where she was or how to get home. 

She takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "We really need to get back." Hollyn muttered to herself, glancing at her phone to check for a signal. Unfortunately, there was none, and panic started to set in. She knew her family would be worried, especially after the emotional rollercoaster they had all experienced. She started walking down a path with Lottie close by her side. She hoped to find a signal to call her parents to get help.

The sound of thunder echoed through the forest, and the wind had started to pick up. Hollyn felt a shiver run down her spine, the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She quickened her pace, feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear. She held her phone out, trying to get a signal to call her parents. When she eventually got one, she quickly called her dad, hoping he would pick up. Her heart dropped when he didn't. She tried her mom too, and she grew more worried when she didn't pick up. She's sure they're dealing with settling mom in at home and comforting each other after finding out the devastating news, but she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to bother them and stress them out even more, but she was freaking out and scared.

Hollyn looks at Lottie, who seemed to sense her distress and was giving her a worried look. "We'll be fine, Lotts. I'll try calling the Walters." She murmured, pulling up the Walter house phone number she had in her saved contacts.

To her surprise, the line rang only once and Cole's voice came through the other end. "Hello?"

"Cole, hey." Hollyn sighs with relief. "It's me, Hollyn."

"Hey, Hollyn. What's up?" Cole's voice sounded confused and concerned.

"I'm...In the woods. And there's a storm coming." Hollyn stammers, glancing up at the sky nervously. "I went for a walk with Lottie, and I think we might have gone too far."

"Of course, Hollyn. Stay calm. I'll come get you. Anything stand out around you?" Cole questioned and she could faintly hear the sound of keys jingling. That made her sigh with relief at the fact he was already coming to get her.

"Uh, a lot of creepy tall white trees." Hollyn replies, looking around her and Lottie nervously. She wasn't familiar with the area, and everything seemed foreign. Plus it didn't help she was panicking and stressed out. "I've never been out this area before. I don't know how to explain it. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Holly Berry, don't apologize, alright? I know where you are. Don't move. I'll be there as soon as I can." Cole reassured her, his tone soft and soothing.

"Okay, please hurry. I'm kinda freaking out here." Hollyn laughed nervously, her grip tightening on her phone. She was beyond anxious, her mind racing with various possibilities.

"You'll be alright, Holls, just stay calm. I'll see you soon." Cole promised, and the line went dead. Hollyn took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. She paced anxiously, glancing up at the sky with nervousness.and Hollyn felt her anxiety dissipate slightly. He hung up after that and she slid her phone into her pocket, feeling a bit more at ease. She trusted Cole, and she knew he would find her.

A crack of thunder suddenly broke the silence, causing her and Lottie to jump. Hollyn glanced up at the sky, noticing the dark gray clouds rolling in. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a low rumble of thunder. A gust of wind blew past her, blowing her hair around and sending a shiver down her spine. Lottie whimpered, moving closer to Hollyn and hiding her face into her leg. Lottie had never been a fan of thunderstorms and Hollyn didn't blame her, storms were scary.

"It's okay, girl." Hollyn whispers, reaching down to gently pat her head. "Cole's coming, and then we can go home." Lottie whimpered again, nudging Hollyn's leg with her snout.

"I know, Lottie." Hollyn sighs, rubbing the top of Lottie's head. "This isn't ideal. But we'll be okay."

The distant rumble of thunder seemed to grow louder, and Hollyn looked around anxiously, her heart rate increasing. As Hollyn waited for Cole to come to her rescue, the wind intensified, causing the trees to sway ominously. Lottie remained close by, sensing her owner's anxiety. Hollyn tried to focus on Cole's reassuring words, but the distant thunder and darkening sky only heightened her unease. She looked around, trying to find any familiar landmarks, but everything seemed unfamiliar. The tall white trees cast eerie shadows as the storm approached. Hollyn could feel the first few raindrops on her face, and she knew she needed to find shelter soon if Cole didn't get there before it started pouring.

The storm was starting to pick up, and the thunder and lightning were getting closer and more frequent. Hollyn's heart raced as she looked around for somewhere to take cover. Lottie stayed close, whimpering and looking at her with wide eyes.

"We'll be alright, girl. Don't worry." Hollyn whispered, running her hand over the dog's head. She was trying to reassure Lottie and herself. Hollyn felt a sense of vulnerability in the face of nature's fury. As the raindrops turned into a steady downpour, she quickened her pace, hoping to find shelter. Lottie trotted faithfully beside her, glancing up at Hollyn with concern. The ominous atmosphere and the urgency of the situation were not lost on the loyal canine. Hollyn's mind raced with thoughts of her family, the recent news about her mother, and now the impending storm. She wished she could escape the overwhelming reality, if only for a moment.

Suddenly, a bright flash of lightning illuminated the sky, followed by a loud crash of thunder. Hollyn jumped, letting out a yelp of surprise. Lottie had whined, moving closer to her and hiding her face in Hollyn's leg. Hollyn felt a rush of fear, a chill running down her spine. As the rain poured down and the wind whipped around her, she knew she had to find somewhere to take shelter, fast. But she felt relief and hope fill her when she heard a car approaching. The familiar van the Walters had came into view, the headlights cutting through the dark night and the pouring rain. Hollyn sighed with relief when the front door opened and Cole stepped out, a concerned look on his face.

"Holly Berry, you're alright." Cole's voice was laced with relief and concern as he walked over to her. "Thank God."

"Yeah, I'm okay." Hollyn breathes, the tension in her body releasing at seeing him. "I-I mean, besides being soaking wet, freezing cold, and lost in the woods during a thunderstorm that I'm scared of. Other than that, yeah, I'm good."

Cole chuckles softly, shaking his head. "You're a funny girl, Holly Berry. Come on, let's get you girls home." He took off his jacket and covered her head with it, using it as an umbrella. He glances down at Lottie, concerned for her as well. He ushered them to the car, opening the front door for Hollyn and covering her with his jacket as she got in so she wouldn't get anymore wet. After the door was closed, he opened the back door, letting Lottie jump in the back seat and get out of the rain. Hollyn was soaking wet, her clothes were drenched and her hair was dripping. Cole got in the driver's seat, setting his jacket on the seat to dry off. He cranked up the heat, wanting Hollyn and Lottie to get warm.

"Thank you so much, Cole." Hollyn says, her voice shaking from the cold and filled with relief. "I'm so glad you found us."

"It's not a problem, Hollyn. I'm just glad you're safe." Cole replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

The sound of thunder broke the brief silence and Lottie whined, hiding her face in her paws. Cole glanced back at her, his expression softening with sympathy.

"We'll be home soon, Lotts. But don't worry about the thunderstorm, we'll be okay." Cole assured, his tone gentle, reaching back to pat the top of her head. Lottie looked up at him and gave him a soft lick, appreciating the kind gesture. Cole smiled at the sweet gesture, then glanced over at Hollyn, his smile fading slightly when he saw how upset she looked.

"Hey, Holly Berry. You okay?" He asked softly, reaching out to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Y-yeah." Hollyn nods, but her voice was trembling. She glances over at him and forces a smile. "Just...A little shaken up, that's all. This whole day has been pretty traumatizing."

Cole nodded in understanding, knowing the past few hours had been extremely stressful. He pulled away and started driving down the road, the rain beating against the windshield. The windshield wipers swiped back and forth, clearing the view. Lottie curled up on the seat, resting her head on her paws.

The rest of the ride was mostly silent, the only sound being the rain hitting the car. Hollyn stared out the window, watching the rain fall, her thoughts consumed by her mother. Her stomach twisted into knots, guilt weighing heavily on her heart. Cole occasionally glanced over at her, his heart aching for her. He could see how much this was affecting her, and he wanted nothing more than to take away her pain.

It was silent for a moment as the song ended. Hollyn took a shaky breath, trying to hold back tears. She could feel Cole's concerned gaze on her, and she turned her head, meeting his eyes. He gave her a small, encouraging smile, and reached out to take her hand. She laced her fingers through his, finding comfort in the gesture. He didn't say anything, he just held her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His presence was reassuring, and she was thankful that he had come to her rescue. She felt a small smile tug at her lips, and she leaned her head against the window, watching the rain.

She thought about everything that had happened, her mother's illness, Nathan's diagnosis, and the terrifying storm. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Then she had remembered she had wanted to talk to Cole to confess her feelings for him but now with everything going on, it didn't seem like a good idea. She didn't want to make things more complicated than they already were. So, she pushed her feelings down, trying not to think about them. But with him holding her hand, she was reminded of why she liked him.

The car ride continued to be silent, the rain and the rumble of the engine being the only sounds. Hollyn was thankful for the silence, as it gave her time to reflect on the events of the day. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, and she would need to be strong for her family. But she also knew that she would have her friends and the Walters to support her along the way. She could feel Cole's gaze on her, it kept making her heart race. She knew she had feelings for him and it was getting harder and harder to ignore them. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves.

"Can you stop giving me that look?" She finally said, her voice quiet.

"What look?" Cole replied, raising his eyebrows.

"That look." Hollyn sighs, turning her head and meeting his gaze. "The one that makes me feel like my insides are melting."

Cole chuckles, shaking his head. "I don't know what you're talking about, Holly Berry."

"It's that stupid Cole Effect." She muttered, rolling her eyes.

"It's not my fault I have a charming personality." He smirked, and she let out a laugh, unable to resist his playful teasing.

"Well, stop it." She said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Why? Because it makes you melt inside?" He raised his eyebrows and grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Because it makes me want to kiss you." She blurts out, immediately regretting her words. She felt her cheeks grow warm, and she looked away, embarrassed. "And if we do that and then just act like nothing happened afterwards like we had in the past, that's the last thing I want."

Cole's eyes widen slightly in surprise, and his cheeks flush a light shade of pink. He's caught off guard by her sudden confession, but he's also relieved that she feels the same way. He knows it's not the best time, but he can't help but feel elated. But when she said the other sentence, he felt a pang of guilt.

"Hollyn..." He trailed off, unsure of what to say.

"It's fine, Cole." Hollyn murmurs, avoiding his gaze. "Forget I said anything."

"No, I can't do that." Cole replied, his tone serious, catching her off guard. He suddenly pulled over to the side of the road which surprised and confused Hollyn.

"Cole, what are you doing?" She asks, her voice a mix of concern and frustration. "I just wanna go home." She mumbled, leaning her head against the window.

Cole parks the car and unbuckles, turning to face her. "I'll take you home, but we need to talk about this."

"Talk about what?" Hollyn sighs, rubbing her temples. "My mom is suddenly getting worse, Nathan has epilepsy, we're suspended from school, now we're stuck in a thunderstorm that I'm scared of, and I just told you I wanted to kiss you. I'm freezing cold and wet, I'm frustrated and angry and upset and I just want to go home, curl up in a ball and forget this day ever happened." She ranted, her emotions finally bubbling over. Lottie in the back seat lifts her head up and whimpers, nudging Hollyn's seat, sensing her distress. Cole reached out and gently took Hollyn's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I get it. Believe me, I get it." Cole nods, his voice soft and understanding. "This is a lot, and I'm sorry, I really am. And I'm here for you, always." Hollyn sniffles and wipes her eyes, taking a deep breath. "But I don't wanna forget about this. I don't wanna wait any longer to talk about this."

"Why? What's the point, Cole? We're not gonna get together. We can't. It wouldn't work out." Hollyn muttered, leaning back against the seat and avoiding eye contact as she pulled her hand away from his. She was starting to give up on her chances of ever being with him. The doubt and insecurities were eating away at her and making her feel like the world was collapsing around her.

"Why wouldn't it work out?" Cole questioned, a hint of hurt in his voice.

"Cole, we're best friends for one. And when we did kiss, we just acted like nothing happened. And then you always do one night stands with girls and not really do a serious relationship. I don't want to do that. I want to actually date someone. Not just hook up." Hollyn rambles, her voice thick with emotion. "And this isn't how I wanted to tell you about my feelings."

Cole stares at her in disbelief, his chest aching at her words. He felt like she was pushing him away, and he didn't want that. He didn't want to lose her, and he didn't want her to close herself off from him. He wanted to be there for her, to support her and love her, but he knew that would never happen. Not when she saw him the way she did. "So, I'm not good enough for you, huh? Is that it?" He asked quietly. He couldn't help but ask. He should've known she would never think of him that way, but he needed to hear her say it.

"I didn't say that, Cole. I-" She starts, her voice wavering. She pauses, taking a deep breath and looking him in the eye. "Look, you're my best friend. I love you, and I don't want to lose you. I'm sorry. But I don't want to be another girl to you. I wish and hope this would work," She admits, shaking her head. "But you don't do serious relationships. You hook up with random girls, then move on to the next. You've never been in a serious relationship. I don't know how long we'd last. I don't want to break up with you if we got together because I'm scared we wouldn't still be friends and I can't lose you. I can't do that. I can't-"

He cups her face with his hands and gently tilts her head so she was looking up at him. She was trembling slightly and her eyes were filled with tears. "I would never let that happen, Holly Berry. Ever. You are not just another girl. You're special to me." He said, his voice sincere and full of emotion. "You have no idea how much you mean to me. I'm in love with you, Hollyn." He confesses, his voice low. He was tired of keeping it a secret, and he didn't want to keep it from her anymore. "And I know now you feel the same way, I can't just ignore that. Look, I know I can be a jerk sometimes and I have a lot of issues, but but I want to try. I want you to be my girlfriend. I want to be more than just a friend to you, Hollyn." Cole's voice was firm but tender, his eyes locked on hers, revealing the depth of his feelings. "I know I haven't been the best at relationships, but I want to be different with you. I want to show you that I can be someone you can rely on, someone who's serious about us, someone who will always be there for you and loves you unconditionally."

Hollyn's heart fluttered and a warmth spread throughout her chest, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. No one had ever made her feel this way, and she had no idea how to process her emotions. "Cole... I..."

"I understand if you're not ready or if you're not interested. I get it." Cole said softly, giving her a small smile.

"It's not that. I'm just...I'm so scared. My life is a mess right now, and I don't want to drag you into it. And I don't want to lose you either if something went wrong..." She stammered.

"You're not dragging me into anything," Cole said softly, his thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "And you won't lose me. You're the one I want to be there for, no matter how messy things get. I want to help you through it all. I'll be by your side, no matter what. Because I love you, Holly Berry. You're my best friend, and I can't imagine not having you in my life. You make me want to be better, to be the man you deserve. Because I love you. Always have and always will." He confessed, his voice soft but full of emotion.

Hollyn felt like her heart was going to burst, and she couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her face. "I-I don't want to get hurt. Or have you get hurt. I'm so afraid of that, Cole."

"Hollyn, nothing is guaranteed in life. But I can promise you that I will never intentionally hurt you. You mean the world to me. And no matter what, we'll get through this, together. I won't abandon you or leave you. Because you're worth fighting for." Cole's voice was sincere and genuine, and Hollyn felt a sense of relief wash over her.

But she's suddenly overwhelmed with emotions, but also relieved. She was finally able to voice her fears and insecurities, and Cole had listened and understood. It was comforting, knowing that he felt the same way, and was willing to take a chance on their relationship. But she was also still afraid, and didn't know what to do. She didn't want to lose him as a friend, but she also couldn't deny her feelings for him anymore. She was starting to feel claustrophobic, her heart kept racing and her head was spinning. She turned away, shaking her head as she got out of the car and stepped into the pouring rain. She could care less about the pouring rain now, she needed air. She felt like she was suffocating.

Lottie lifted her head up when she saw her owner step out, she let out a small whine but she stayed where she was. She was worried for her owner, but she had a feeling she would be fine with Cole there. Cole didn't hesitate to get out of the car, not caring about getting soaked by the pouring rain.

"Holly Berry, get back in the car! You're gonna get lost and sick." He yelled out over the rain, following after her. Hollyn ignored him and continued walking down the road, not sure where she was going. Her emotions were running wild and she just needed to get away. She was starting to hyperventilate, the weight of everything pressing down on her. She felt like she hadn't had any time to catch her breath since everything that had happened today.

Cole caught up with Hollyn, his concern evident in his expression. He reached out and gently grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. Raindrops mixed with tears streamed down her face, and she looked overwhelmed. He wanted nothing more to hold her tightly and tell her everything would be alright. "Holly Berry, come on. Let's get you out of the rain. Come back to the car. It's okay." He said softly, his voice gentle.

Hollyn shakes her head and pulls away, her breathing ragged and her eyes wide. She was spiraling and needed to escape. She couldn't breathe, she was dizzy, and the rain was only making things worse. Her emotions were out of control, and she didn't know how to process them. "Nothing is okay! Nothing!" She yells, her voice breaking. "With everything else going on my best friend just told me he loves me and wants to be more than just a best friend, which is what I wanted for so long, but I'm so scared. What if I'm not good enough for you, or what if something happens between us and we break up and you won't want to be friends with me. And you'll get hurt too, and then I'll lose you and-I can't lose you, Cole, I can't-"

Cole quickly cut her off, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. She buried her face in his chest, clinging onto him as her body shook with sobs. He held her tightly, trying to ground her and give her comfort. She was shaking from the cold and from the weight of her emotions. Her knees buckled, and he held her tighter, trying to keep her steady. They stood there in the rain for a few minutes, Hollyn letting all of her emotions out. Cole murmured soft reassurances, rubbing her back gently. He didn't care that they were both getting soaked, or that they were in the middle of a storm. All that mattered was her.

When her tears had finally subsided, she took a deep breath and pulled away, wiping her eyes. She felt embarrassed, but he didn't seem fazed. He gently cupped her face, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. His eyes were full of concern and affection, and his touch was gentle and comforting.

"I'm so sorry." She whispers, her voice hoarse from crying. "I-I didn't mean to freak out on you like that." She stammered, avoiding his gaze. She felt so vulnerable, and she didn't want to see the look on his face. She was sure he would think she was crazy. But when he spoke, his voice was soft and reassuring. He was being patient with her, and she was grateful for that.

"Don't apologize, Holly Berry. You have nothing to be sorry for. I understand. This is a lot. And it's okay to feel overwhelmed." He said softly, his eyes filled with understanding. "We can figure it out together. Whatever you want, whatever you need, I'm here for you. I love you, Holly Berry." 

He pulled her into a hug, and she leaned into him, feeling safe and secure in his embrace. He held her close, rubbing her back and whispering reassurances. Her breathing was starting to calm down, and she was feeling more grounded. His steady heartbeat was soothing, and she could feel the tension slowly leaving her body. After a few moments, she pulled away and gave him a small smile, her eyes filled with gratitude and adoration. She reached up and cupped his face, brushing the wet hair out of his eyes. She looked up at Cole, her expression calmer, and his heart melts. Even though they're soaked and in the middle of a thunderstorm and her eyes are red and bloodshot, she still looks beautiful. Cole's thumb gently traced her cheek, wiping away the raindrops mixed with tears. The intensity of the moment hung in the air, and Hollyn felt a magnetic pull towards him. The vulnerability they shared in that moment made everything else fade away.

"Holly Berry, you've had the worst day ever and I hate that. I hate that I can't take away your pain, I hate that I can't fix everything for you. I wish I could. And I'm scared too, of losing you, of everything changing, of the uncertainty of the future. I'm terrified of losing the one person who's always been there for me." He whispers, his voice filled with emotion. "But I want you, Holly Berry. I want to be with you. Even if the timing isn't perfect. I think we waited too long to admit how we feel about each other. I don't want to wait any longer. I want to be there for you, to support you, and to share both the good and the bad moments with you."

Hollyn's heart was pounding in her chest as she looked into Cole's eyes. The sincerity in his words and the vulnerability he showed touched her deeply. She felt a mix of emotions – fear, uncertainty, but also a growing sense of warmth and connection. The rain continued to pour down around them, but in that moment, it felt like the world had slowed down.

"I...I want that too, Cole," Hollyn confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what the future holds, and everything is so overwhelming right now, but I don't want to push you away. I want to try, despite all the chaos." She takes a shaky breath, her eyes locked with Cole's. "I want to be with you too, even if it's messy and complicated. I just need you to promise me that you won't treat this lightly. I can't handle any more heartbreak right now. I love you too much, and I couldn't handle it."

Cole's chest swelled at her words, and a fond smile tugged at his lips. He was elated, and relieved, but also incredibly nervous. He'd never felt this way about anyone before, and he wanted to do things right, to prove to Hollyn that he could be the man she deserved. He was determined to show her just how serious he was, and that she could count on him. He was in love with his best friend, and he wasn't going to let her go.

"Holly Berry," He breathes, "I'm going to try to be the best d*** boyfriend ever 'cause that's what you deserve. Nothing but the best. And I want to prove to you that I'm serious about us. I want this to work, and I'm not going to mess it up. You mean everything to me, and I love you." Cole's fingers continue to trace gentle patterns on her wet cheek. "I promise, Hollyn. I won't treat this lightly. You mean the world to me, and I would do anything to keep you safe and happy. I know we've had our share of fights and misunderstandings, but I swear to you, I'll do my best not to screw things up anymore. I don't wanna lose you, and I want us to give this a shot. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I would be a fool to let you go. I love you so much."

Hollyn smiles slightly, her cheeks flushed. "You're such a sap." She teases, her voice light. "But, thank you, Cole. It means a lot, hearing you say all that. I think...I think we can do this. We can make this work. I want to make this work. Because I love you too."

The tension between them was palpable, and the moment felt electric. Cole leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. The kiss was soft and tender, full of emotion and longing. His hand cupped the back of her head, his fingers tangled in her wet hair. He felt the butterflies in his stomach, the warmth spreading throughout his chest. The kiss was slow and gentle, their lips moving together in sync. It was everything he imagined and more.

She didn't hesitate to kiss him back, her eyes closing and her hands resting on his chest. She could feel the rapid beating of his heart beneath her palms, and she was surprised at how fast his heart was racing. It made her feel less nervous knowing that he was just as affected by the kiss as she was. She couldn't believe this was actually happening, after all this time. It was like a dream come true, and she was savoring every moment of it. Her arms move to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepens. She was still trembling from the emotional rollercoaster, but she knew Cole would be there to hold her through it all. He always had, and she knew he always would.

"Holly Berry," He murmurs against her lips, pulling away slightly. "We should get you home and into some dry clothes. You're gonna catch a cold, and your dad's probably worried sick."

"Can't we just stay here for a while?" She asks, her voice quiet. "I just want to forget about everything for a little bit."

As he looked down at her, he was overcome with emotion. This amazing, sweet girl, who'd always been there for him, and who'd stood by him no matter what, loves him. Despite all his flaws, despite all the times he'd messed up, she loves him. It was incredible. She was incredible. And she wanted to be with him. He felt so lucky, so undeserving, and yet so utterly grateful.

"Of course, baby." He murmured, his arms tightening around her waist, holding her close. "We can stay here for as long as you want." He pauses when he remembered something and adds, "Even though you're afraid of the storm?" 

Cole smiles warmly, his heart swelling with love and relief. He could see the trust Hollyn was placing in him, and it only made him more determined to be the support she needed. The storm raged on around them, but in that moment, the world outside felt distant and irrelevant. He gently brushes his fingers through her damp hair, his touch tender and reassuring. "Then we'll stay here a bit longer. We can weather this storm together, just like we'll face everything else that comes our way. No matter how hard or scary things get, I'll be here. I promise."

Hollyn nestled closer to him, finding comfort in his embrace. The rain continued to fall, but it seemed to blend into the background as she focused on the warmth of Cole's arms around her and the sincerity in his voice. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace amidst the chaos of her emotions.

"I don't know what the future holds either," She murmurs, her voice muffled against his chest. "But right now, I'm glad we're in this together. I feel like I can finally breathe." But then she can't help the wide giddy smile on her lips as she realized he called her 'baby' for the first time. It sounded so natural coming from him. "We didn't even ask each other out yet and you're already using pet names." She teased, but there's a hint of shyness in her voice.

"Well, now's a good time as any," He says softly, his gaze locked with hers. "Holly Berry, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Yes," She replies without hesitation. "Of course, I'll be your girlfriend. Only if you'll be my boyfriend." She added teasingly, a smile tugging at her lips.

Cole laughs, a joyous sound that Hollyn rarely hears. But it's a wonderful sound. One that makes her feel warm and fuzzy. "I guess it's settled then."

They both look at each other, smiling. The rain still poured down around them, and the wind was blowing hard, but they were both content and happy. Their lives were a mess, and they didn't know what the future held, but in that moment, it didn't matter. He leaned down to kiss her again, and she kissed him back eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck.

Their clothes were soaked through, but they barely noticed, caught up in the moment. They stood there in the pouring rain, wrapped in each other's embrace, kissing, laughing, and celebrating the fact that they had finally admitted their feelings. They knew they had a long way to go, and that things weren't going to be easy, but they were willing to fight for their relationship, no matter what. Finally, they broke apart, breathing heavily. Their foreheads rested together, their bodies still intertwined. They shared a smile, a look of pure love and adoration in their eyes. They both were blushing and smiling widely, a little disheveled, but completely content.

"You know, I always wanted a kiss in the rain." Hollyn whispered, her eyes shining.

"Yeah? Did I meet your expectations?" Cole asked with a smirk, his hands resting on her waist.

"Hmm, it was pretty good. But I think I might need a few more tries." She replied shyly, her face turning more red as her hands moved to his shoulders.

"Well, I think that can be arranged." Cole grinned, leaning in for another kiss. Hollyn smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as their lips met once again.

The thunderstorm continued to rage around them, but they didn't seem to care. Their bodies were pressed against each other, their lips locked together in a passionate kiss. They were lost in the moment, their hearts full of love and hope for the future.

She gasps when his hands suddenly trailed down her sides to the back of her thighs, gently squeezing them before he lifted her off her feet and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. The kiss grew more heated, their bodies flush against each other. Cole held her securely, one hand supporting her back and the other resting on her hip. Her fingers dug into his shoulder blades as she returned his passionate kisses with fervor.

Hollyn couldn't believe this was actually happening. After all this time, she was finally kissing Cole. Her best friend, her crush, the man she was in love with. They were making out in the rain, and she didn't care. She was happy, and he was happy, and that's all that mattered.

They finally broke apart, both breathing heavily. "D***, Holly Berry. You sure can kiss." Cole said, his voice low and husky.

She smiles shyly, her cheeks flushed. "Yeah, well, so can you. Now I know why people say you're a good kisser."

Cole laughs, shaking his head as his face grew warm. "Come on, baby. We should get you home." He suggested, gently placing her back down on her feet. He took her hand, intertwining their fingers together as they walk back to the car.

She felt giddy and warm and breathless, and she couldn't stop smiling. As they walked back to the car, the rain still falling around them, her mind was filled with thoughts of Cole. She couldn't believe that this was actually happening, that they were actually dating. She'd dreamed of this moment for so long, and now it was a reality. She didn't know what the future would bring, but she was ready to face it with Cole by her side.