Maddie shook her head at Luke's response, instantly dismissing his insecurities. Although she wholeheartedly believed that everyone deserved happiness, she somehow knew that was especially true for Luke. Even through his tears, the warmth persisted underneath, as though it were waiting for someone to pull it out. "Yes, you do." It was the sternest her tone had sounded in their entire conversation, but that only proved how confident Maddie was in her statement, needing him to believe her. "We all deserve someone to take care of us. To make us happy." She'd been lucky, she realised, to never have known otherwise. Even in the hardest of times, she'd had her siblings, and her friends. Maddie had never questioned whether or not she'd been worthy of them, so she couldn't relate to Luke's reluctance. Still, she'd spent enough time with Zoe to understand the self doubt, even if it'd never touched her personally. It came from a deep, painful place within. With her help, perhaps Luke could navigate his way out of it.
"Oh, I came from the park. I spend most of my time there," Maddie responded, once again misunderstanding the question. "I was on my way home when I saw you." It was only then she realised how fast night had fallen, the only light coming from artificial sources. It should've bothered her, but Luke's presence offered her comfort, a sense of safety. Although they'd only met mere moments ago, Maddie already felt as though she were committing to something — someone. She didn't understand the gravity of it, and risked being berated by her loved ones for diving headfirst into a dynamic with someone she barely knew, but she didn't care. She'd always lived in the moment, this was no different. If it felt right, she followed it. This did.
Maddie's patience remained unmoved as she held Luke, hands rubbing circles on the fabric of his t-shirt, promptly noticing the absence after he'd pulled himself back. Her arms felt empty without him in them, but it was compensated by their remaining closeness, the exchange of silent gazes. She was just coming to learn the colour of his eyes when Luke pressed his lips against hers. It was soft, and warm, and caused her stomach to turn over despite how natural it felt; so much so that Maddie couldn't even acknowledge the shock of him initiating her first real kiss. She'd spent most of her young adult life in the maze, so outside of a few 'practice' make out sessions with the girls, this was her first experience of genuine intimacy. She'd almost forgotten it was even a possibility. But here Luke was, to remind her. To teach her.
They broke apart momentarily, Maddie's smile stretched wide, leaving no room for apologies or hesitance. Luke was handsome, and kind, and gentle. She didn't recognise anything past that, as blind to his flaws as she was to everyone else's. She wanted him. "I think we should fall in love," she mumbled, before snaking a hand around the back of his neck, kissing him again. This time, she deepened it, chasing the high it elicited.
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