Monroe Cooper

@monroe-cooper

74 posts

she was so relieved that her relationship with monroe hadn’t changed at its core. they were still the same people they had been as best friends, playful and careless around each other in the easiest way possible. she had been terrified things would change between them, and she was glad they hadn’t — if anything, everything had only gotten better. “happy ending? i can work with that,” she smiled, “and i’ll try to push you into giving me a massage later.” she winked at him playfully. as she pulled away and grabbed her burger, she knew she was the one distracting him, but she wasn’t about to admit guilt. after swallowing her bite, she pointed at him accusingly. “you’re not innocent after admitting you watched a whole show because the main characters kept pinning each other against walls,” she teased, eyebrows raised. “the consequences are going to be serious.” she tried to keep a straight face, but the smile tugging at her lips ruined it immediately. “and i don’t push you,” she corrected softly, her brown eyes locked on his, “i shove you with love.” she noticed how he focused on his burger for a second, trying not to look at her too much, and it gave her a moment to really look at him instead. he was the most perfect man she had ever met, inside and out. she genuinely didn’t think she could ever love anyone more than him. so when he looked back at her and admitted he fell harder every time he saw her, her heart skipped painfully in the best way. she had found the right person. “you’re such a simp,” she said softly, warmth all over her face, “but i get it. it happens to me too.” she sighed quietly, glancing away before meeting his eyes again. “you’re my happy ending too, you know that?” she murmured. she took another bite of her burger before smiling again. “if we finish these, we can totally have a dramatic makeout session against the car,” she mused. “city lights behind us, full lonely night vibes from la la land.” she laughed softly, shaking her head at herself.

He leaned back slightly in his seat, burger halfway lifted, eyes fixed on her in that quiet, affectionate way he always seemed to fall into without meaning to. The teasing didn’t even land as an attack to him, it just felt like her, like home. When she accused him of the show, his grin widened. “Oh no,” he murmured, soft and mock-dramatic. “Not consequences from you. Anything but that.” His smile softened when she corrected herself, shove you with love, and there was something unmistakably fond in the way he looked at her then, like he’d been collecting moments like that for years without ever admitting it. “Good,” Monroe said gently, almost under his breath. “Because I prefer it that way.” He glanced down at his burger for half a second, like he needed something to do with his hands before he looked at her again properly. When he did, it was quieter, less teasing, more honest. At her simp comment, he didn’t even deny it. Just smiled, slow and a little helpless. “Guilty,” Monroe admitted softly. “But I think I’ve been worse since you agreed to date me. Bit inconsiderate of you, really.” The warmth on her face made his expression soften even more, like he couldn’t help reacting to her reactions. Then she said it, you’re my happy ending too, and for a moment he just looked at her. Not teasing, not joking. Just completely still, like that sentence had landed somewhere important and stayed there. Monroe exhaled quietly, smile turning smaller, more real. “Yeah?” he said softly. “Good. Because I was kind of hoping I wasn’t just some douchebag side character in your life's plot." At the idea of the dramatic car makeout, his brows lifted. “Against the car?” he repeated, leaning back again like he was considering the logistics. “We’re really going full cinematic today, aren’t we?” He glanced at her burger, then back at her, eyes bright. “Though I feel like you’re forgetting an important detail,” Monroe added, tilting his head. “The makeout is gonna taste like burger grease and chilli sauce.” His smile widened, softer but unmistakably teasing now. “I’m gonna make your lips tingle,” he said, like it was a completely reasonable promise, eyes bright with affection. “And when I drop you home,” he added, voice dropping just a fraction, still warm but steadier now, “and your lips are still tingling from chilli sauce and bad decisions,” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You’re gonna think of me all night long."

hearing that their relationship meant just as much to him as it did to her made lottie feel warm all over, deeply loved in a way she had once been too scared to hope for; he wasn’t hiding her, he was proud to claim her in public, and after years of wondering whether she should confess her feelings, she was grateful they could finally share their love openly. “oh, so it’s smut with a little bit of hockey? now i get why everyone at the office keeps mentioning it — dirty people,” she joked with a playful smirk, raising her brows. “do you think i’d enjoy the sex or the hockey parts more?” she teased, laughing when he started talking about bringing essential oils and turning massages into a full experience. “you’re insane… and what exactly is my prize?” she added lightly, as if she’d ever have to pay for anything he offered. the way monroe noticed every small movement she made still amazed her — not because it was strange, but because it meant those details mattered to him — and when he leaned closer, calling himself even cornier than her, she chuckled softly. a blush spread across her cheeks when he kissed her, making her feel all giddy inside. “loser, you could’ve chosen anyone and you picked me — joke’s on you,” she murmured fondly before cupping his face and then laughing, pulling back. “stop distracting me from the food, i’m starving,” she warned, only to steal a quick kiss from his lips before reaching into the bag for a burger. taking a big bite, she shot him a playful look. “seriously, cooper — keep distracting me and you’ll have to deal with the consequences.” she joked.

Monroe watched her reaction closely, the warmth in her expression settling somewhere deep in his chest. Seeing that look on Lottie’s face, soft, glowing, a little amazed, made him feel strangely proud of himself, like he’d done something right without even trying that hard. “Hey, don’t blame the office,” he said, raising a brow at her with a crooked grin. “They’re just passionate viewers. Probably very invested in the athleticism in the show and the development of the characters.” His eyes flicked over her face when she asked whether she’d enjoy the sex or the hockey more, and a slow, amused smirk spread across his lips. “Oh, the sex parts. No question,” Monroe said easily, completely certain. “You’d pretend you were there for the hockey plot, but the second someone gets pushed up against a wall you’d suddenly be very attentive.” He nudged her knee lightly with his. “Not that I’m judging. Sex can be hot if it's done right." At her question about the prize, Monroe tilted his head as if he were seriously considering it, even though the answer had clearly already formed in his mind. “Your prize?” he repeated thoughtfully. “Happy ending, for sure." A beat passed. “Plus,” he added casually, his voice dipping just slightly, “whatever else you manage to negotiate out of me while I’m busy making you relaxed and cooperative.” Her blush didn’t escape him, and when she called him a loser for choosing her, Monroe just laughed quietly against her hand when she cupped his face. “Yeah,” he murmured, eyes warm and amused. “Terrible decision. I wake up every day and regret it deeply.” His hand briefly covered hers before she pulled back, though he didn’t miss the quick kiss she stole. When she warned him about distracting her from the food, Monroe raised both hands in mock surrender. “I’m innocent here,” he said, watching her take a huge bite of the burger with clear amusement. “You’re the one initiating kiss based distractions before taking a bite." When she gave him that playful look and threatened consequences, Monroe leaned a little closer again, clearly unfazed. “Consequences, huh?” he said, voice low but teasing, his eyes flicking briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. “That sounds serious.” He tapped the bag lightly. “But go on, eat. Build your strength.” A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Wouldn’t want you getting weak before you start punishing me.” Monroe finally gave in to the food sitting between them, reaching into the bag and pulling out his burger. He unwrapped it halfway, taking a solid bite like someone who’d definitely been hungrier than he’d admitted. For a second his attention stayed on chewing, eyes dropping to the wrapper in his hands. Then he glanced over at Lottie again. And just like that, his focus shifted completely. A slow smile spread across his face, soft but a little incredulous, like he’d just remembered something good all over again. He leaned back slightly in his seat, still holding the burger in one hand as he looked at her. “Shit,” Monroe muttered under his breath, shaking his head lightly. His eyes stayed on her, warm and a little helpless. “Every time I look at you,” he said, voice easy but sincere, “I just fall even harder.”

they were meant to be together—anyone with eyes could see it, and they both felt it in that quiet, certain way that didn’t need proving. “i don’t want you building immunity to me,” lottie pointed out, lifting her brows at monroe with a playful smile. “that completely defeats the purpose of being your girlfriend.” she scoffed lightly at her own thought. “and i absolutely cannot oversell you at work. what if someone at my firm decides you’re their best option and tries to pursue you? not happening. i refuse to advertise you.” when she mentioned eye-fucking, she paused at his reaction. “wait, that is a thing, right? i didn’t just invent it?” she narrowed her eyes suspiciously before waving it off. “also, i keep hearing about this heated rivalry and i truly don’t get the obsession. it’s a hockey show, isn’t it?” she admitted she hadn’t watched it—between work and letting monroe pick what they streamed, she was permanently behind. “trust issues? you’re so dramatic,” she rolled her eyes, though her smile gave her away. when he reacted to her making him pay, she laughed. “you’re welcome to come to my office and give me a shirtless massage anytime,” she teased. “my coworkers would lose their minds and immediately book appointments.” she tilted her head. “are you bringing essential oils? because you’d make a very hot masseur, just saying.” her attention dropped to his hand in the chip bag, watching curiously as he pulled one out and hovered it near her lips. “i’m going to complain because your hands are probably dirty,” she warned, leaning closer anyway. “but i’m starving, so i’ll eat it.” she caught the chip between her teeth as he described her hands, chewing slowly. “and yours are definitely dirty,” she teased. then softer, more sincere: “but i like your hands anyway. that’s how much i love you.” she scrunched her nose slightly. “do i always sound this corny?”

When she said she didn’t want him building immunity to her, he smiled slowly. “I don’t think that’s possible,” he said, voice warm and easy. “Pretty sure I’m biologically incapable of being immune to you. I think it's my genes or something." At her refusal to “advertise” him at work, he leaned back into his seat. “Okay, first of all, I respect the brand protection,” he said. “Very smart. Very strategic. But I’m not worried about anyone at your firm.” His eyes narrowed playfully. “I’m taken. Very publicly, very happily taken.” When she questioned whether eye-fucking was real, he stared at her for a second, then nodded seriously. “That is absolutely a thing." At the mention of the heated rivalry, he scoffed lightly. “It’s not just a hockey show,” he corrected, mock offense in his tone. “It’s about tension. Competition. Slow burn. Sex. The hockey is just the filler parts in between. I think you'd enjoy it." When she called him dramatic over trust issues, he pressed a hand to his chest. Her shirtless massage comment made him laugh under his breath. He dragged a hand along his jaw thoughtfully. “I would absolutely bring essential oils,” he said. “Very professional. Very focused.” His voice dipped slightly. “But if your coworkers are booking appointments too, my rates are going up. I only have two hands." When she leaned in to take the chip, complaining about his hands being dirty, he smirked. He held the chip steady as she caught it between her teeth, watching her chew like she wasn’t fully aware how distracting she looked. When she said she loved his hands anyway, something in him softened, the teasing easing into something quieter. He flexed his fingers slightly near her knee. “I love your hands too,” he said more sincerely. “The way you grab my hoodie when you’re cold. The way you tap my arm when you’re thinking. The way you hold onto me when you’re half asleep without even thinking about it." At her scrunched nose and question about sounding corny, he leaned closer, brushing his thumb lightly under her chin. “And if you’re corny, then I’m worse. So you’re safe.” A small grin pulled at his mouth. He leaned over without warning, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Not quick. Not casual. The kind that lingered just enough to make a point. He pulled back only slightly, close enough that his breath still brushed her skin. “Ugh,” he muttered, shaking his head like she’d personally inconvenienced him. “You’re my favourite person in the world. It’s so annoying.” There was zero irritation in his tone, just warmth wrapped in mock complaint.

“oh, i can definitely finish,” she warned him, teasing, “and i will bite you right back—i’ll bite you more, that’s it, i win, period.” she smirked, then burst out laughing at how ridiculous her own words sounded. at his comment, and when his knee bumped against hers, she took a deep breath, a content smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “i like knowing that’s the reaction you have when i show up,” she nodded. “i hope you never do,” she added softly, looking at monroe again. he was her kryptonite too; he could disarm her with just a look, and she was done for. “i don’t know if you deserve a good reputation,” she teased, “but i’m pretty sure i’ve told them you’re charming—though they probably don’t even listen to me. all they care about is teasing each other and eye-fucking while they think i’m not looking.” lottie chuckled. “i could tell them anything about you and they wouldn’t care,” she laughed. she opened the bag as he spoke. “i would totally exploit an ‘owing me big time’ moment, for sure,” she nodded. “i can already see it—you giving me a massage while i work, full spa style, maybe even shirtless.” she teased, the words tumbling out so fast it sounded like she’d imagined it more than once before. “just be careful about owing me big time,” she winked playfully, “as you can tell, i already have it all planned.” when he took the chip from her lips, she smiled. “of course you couldn’t,” she said softly. there was something intimate about the way he didn’t break eye contact as his hand dipped back into the bag and he chewed another chip, that smirk on his lips making her smile—until his hand went back into the bag and stayed there. “i can’t concentrate because you’re probably touching all the chips with your filthy hands,” she laughed. “you’re not going to turn me on by sticking your hand into a greasy bag,” she added, chuckling. “take it out, or feed me a chip—those are your options.”

When she admitted she liked the effect she had on him, his expression softened for half a second before the charm slid right back into place. “Good,” he said easily. “Because I don’t plan on building an immunity to you. Kinda defeats the fun.” His knee nudged hers again, not an accident this time. At the reputation comment, Monroe scoffed theatrically. “Charming?” he repeated. “Wow. That’s it? You’re really underselling me.” He shook his head, amused. “And for the record, if they’re not listening to you, that’s on them. I’d listen. Religiously.” His tone dropped just enough to make it land. "Eye-fucking though? Are you teaching heated rivalry in the classroom?" When she described exploiting the ‘owing me big time’ moment, Monroe let out a slow whistle. “See, this is why I have trust issues,” he said, laughing. “You don’t just cash favors, you invest them.” He glanced her up and down. “Shirtless massage while you work, though? That’s less exploitation and more community service. I don't know I think I'd be pretty down for that if I'm being honest with you." Her ultimatum made him pause, hand still in the bag. He looked at her, deliberately unbothered, then smirked. “You drive a hard bargain,” he said. Slowly, he pulled his hand out, with a single chip between his fingers. Instead of handing it over, he brought it to her lips, hovering there. “But if I’m feeding you,” he added, voice low and teasing, “you don’t get to complain about my filthy hands.” Monroe’s smirk slowed into something more deliberate. He gently brushed the chip against her lips, teasing, unhurried. His eyes never left hers as he murmured, “Beautiful, manly, strong hands, is more like it” like he was testing the words for effect. Then, softer, but no less confident. “...hands that worship you.”

being with monroe had always been the easiest thing in the world. when she didn't want to see anyone, she called him; when she wanted to be around people, she called him then, too. he was always on her mind in a way no one else had ever been, and in a way no one ever would be. with him, they didn't have to pretend; they could just be the kids they used to be, joking around and being themselves. as he laughed against her hand, she pulled it away playfully. "hey, don't try to bite me, i'll bite you back," she laughed, her smile mirroring his. "you're too easy to disarm," she teased, "but i’m glad i’m your kryptonite. i can't get enough of you either." she nodded to herself. "i’m pretty sure the two girls i’m mentoring know everything about you by now. i bet i’m so annoying about it," she chuckled. telling him she loved him wasn't a secret—she’d said it back when they were just friends—but now the word meant something deeper. "i do love you. and i’d totally get you off the hook, but you’d owe me big time," she joked, shaking her head. she knew she'd do anything for him; no matter what happened, she’d be there. the softness in the air was her favorite part. the way those promises left monroe’s lips like honey as he nudged her nose with his made butterflies rise in her stomach. "forever," she whispered back, before breaking the moment with her usual childishness. "i’m glad i’m scary, it’s how i get the bigger portions," she laughed, opening the paper bag and digging inside. "i don't threaten you... okay, maybe i do, but the law is on my side," she teased. she was about to ask him something, but the way he was looking at her made her nervous in the best way. she bit her lower lip and leaned closer. "don't you know humans are friends, not food?" she asked, quoting finding nemo. she pressed a peck against his lips before pulling away to find the chips inside the bag. "i choose food, though," she joked. she held a chip between her lips and looked at him. "i look stupid, so just take the chip like we're doing the lady and the tramp thing," she joked. "you can have the best of both worlds."

Monroe laughed easily, the sound warm and unguarded, like it always was with her. He caught her wrist gently when she pulled her hand away, eyes bright with mischief. “Oh, don’t start something you can’t finish,” he teased. “You bite me, I definitely bite back.” He flashed her a grin. “And yeah— I'm too easy to disarm. Guilty. I folded the second you show up.” He bumped his knee with against hers. “And for the record, I can’t get enough of you either. Never have." When she admitted she talked about him to her students, Monroe’s brows lifted, clearly delighted. “Do I get a good reputation, at least?” he joked. “Please tell me I’m charming and devastatingly handsome in all of those stories.” He laughed again. “I don’t mind being your favourite topic. I’ll wear it proudly.” Her words—I do love you—landed with the same sweetness they always did, but deeper now. Monroe’s teasing smile softened into something sincere. “I know,” he said gently. “And I love you too.” Then, back to playful in a heartbeat: “But owing you big time? Dangerous territory. You’d absolutely exploit that.” When she held the chip between her lips, Monroe didn’t hesitate. “You never look stupid,” he said, leaning in. “But I will take the chip.” He bit down gently, careful not to rush it, close enough that his smile brushed hers. “Best of both worlds,” he murmured once he pulled back. “Food and you? Yeah. I win.” Monroe didn’t even hesitate. He leaned in and pressed a quick, playful peck to Lottie’s lips—soft, affectionate, the kind that came with a smile already waiting on his mouth when he pulled back. “Couldn’t resist,” he murmured, eyes bright with mischief. Then, without breaking eye contact, his hand dipped straight into the paper bag resting between her legs. He grabbed another chip, popped it into his mouth immediately, and crunched down with exaggerated satisfaction. A smug little smirk tugged at his lips as he chewed. His hand then went back into the bag again, only this time, he left it in there, just because. He leaned back in his seat, clearly pleased with himself. “Now can you concentrate on anything but my hand?"

lottie raised her hands in the air at his dramatic words, closing her eyes like she was accepting an award. “you gave me all that information, i have to share it with the world,” she laughed, catching how he tried to look horrified even though he was clearly smiling. “the betrayal,” she echoed, nodding hard as she giggled. when he leaned closer and their teasing shifted into something undeniably flirty, she slapped her hand over his mouth. “don’t be your absolute worst — drive, idiot,” she chuckled, moving her hand away with a shake of her head. “i would never beg for anything from you, what the hell,” she added, tossing her hair and smirking. “i can disarm you with a threat and a smile; that’s way better than begging.” that was her favorite version of them — carefree, laughing at nothing, letting the world disappear until there was only monroe. “so you think i’d get you off the hook just because i’m a lawyer?” she clapped once, grinning. “please, i’d just flirt our way out… or tell them you were speeding because you had diarrhea and needed to get home before you exploded.” she laughed at her own joke, then softened when he spoke again, her chest warming. “that’s why i love you,” she murmured, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “lottie and monroe forever, right?” she smiled, brushing her nose against him once before pulling back. “now park, please — i’m starving,” she added in a childish whine.

Monroe lived for moments like this—Lottie laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe, teasing him like she was born to do it, acting like his melodrama was an award-winning performance. He tried to look offended when she claimed she’d 'share his secrets with the world,' but Monroe couldn’t hide the grin tugging at his mouth. She always saw right through him. And he loved that. When she slapped her hand over his mouth to shut down his flirting, Monroe’s eyes lit up with that boyish spark he only ever showed her. He laughed against her palm, then nipped at the air playfully like he might bite her fingers just to be annoying. “You would disarm me with a smile,” he muttered, shaking his head with exaggerated defeat. “And it works every damn time. I can't get enough of you." He glanced over at her, eyes warm, amused, a little smug in that soft Monroe way, and murmured: “I think you’d get me off the hook because you love me.” He said it like he knew it was true, like he knew he could nudge her with the words and get that exact reaction he wanted out of her. His shoulder brushed hers. There was something ridiculously sweet in the way he said it—playful, teasing, but also this gentle thread of vulnerability woven through it. Like he wasn’t just flirting… he was letting her see the part of him that honestly believed she’d always choose him. Hearing “that’s why I love you” hit him the same way every time—like something warm and steady was being poured straight into his bones. When she pressed a kiss to his cheek, Monroe leaned into it, eyes falling half shut. In that moment, he wasn’t the flirty idiot or the dramatic clown—he was just the boy who adored her more than he could ever explain. “Lottie and Monroe forever and always,” he murmured back, nudging her nose with his in a tiny, affectionate brush that felt like a promise he’d never break. When she pulled back and whined about being hungry, he let out a soft laugh and kissed the side of her head. “Okay, okay—parking now,” he said, turning into the lot. “But only because I love you. And because you get scary when you’re hungry.” He shot her a sideways grin as he pulled into a space, his voice warm and teasing all at once. “C’mon, let's feed the gremlin before she starts threatening me again.” Monroe parked the car and unbuckled, glancing over at Lottie with that familiar spark in his eyes. He looked at her… then the food, and then back and forth again. A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. “What to eat first?” he wondered aloud, eyes flicking between her and the food like he genuinely couldn’t decide which was the bigger temptation.

his hand was still on her thigh, thumb tracing slow circles against her skin, and she could feel her head spinning because of it. there was no way she could stay composed—not when he was doing that. she went completely speechless when monroe called her out for giving him stars without even trying, and she hated how easily he managed to win again. her heart was racing, her thoughts a blur, the only things grounding her being his hand and his voice. “i’m way too good to you,” she muttered, shrugging lightly. “maybe those are pity stars.” lottie tried to fight back, sticking her tongue out at him, but it only took one word from him to make her blush. he knew her too well, and he was right—she didn’t want him to stop touching her. when he finally pulled his hand away, she crossed her arms over her chest, trying to mask how much she missed it already. “four stars,” she whispered under her breath, glancing out the window before meeting his gaze again, a playful smile curving her lips. she knew that look—he wanted her to cave, to ask for more—but she wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction. “who doesn’t love a gentleman,” she teased, rolling her eyes. as the car roared forward, her hand reached for the handle above her head. “if a cop hears that noise, you’re getting fined,” she said, her lawyer instincts kicking in, laughter trailing after her words. “and i’m not paying for it.” she shook her head, chuckling. “you never learned how to behave. i’ve known you since you were a kid, monroe. save the charm for someone else—I know all your deepest secrets.” her smirk widened, eyes glinting. “so maybe you should treat me right, before i start sharing them.”

Monroe leaned back in his seat, letting out a dramatic, exaggerated gasp that made Lottie raise an eyebrow. “Wait—hold up,” he said, clutching his chest like she’d just dealt him a mortal wound. “You—YOU—are going to spill all my secrets?” His voice was mock-horrified, but the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him. “After everything, all the years of training you, of giving you little hints… and now you’re just going to throw it all out there? The betrayal!” He leaned closer, his smirk widening, eyes glinting with that flirty, dangerous charm he knew worked on her. “I’m going to have to be on my absolute best behavior now… or maybe the absolute worst.” He let his voice drop a little, warm and intimate, the tease wrapped around every word. “Honestly, I should be mad, but I can’t stop laughing. You know, most people try to scare me off or beg for mercy… and you? You just smirk and threaten me. Bold strategy,” Monroe’s smirk widened, eyes glinting with mischief as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing drawl. “I’ll treat you better then right. I’ll treat you how you should be treated. Give you the world if I could.” He let the words hang in the air for a beat, watching her reaction with playful intent, his thumb brushing lightly over her hand. "Besides, if a cop caught me revving, I got a lawyer to get me off the hook,” he said, letting the amusement linger in his tone. His eyes flicked to her, mischievous and teasing. “We’re the dream team, Lots,” he said, his voice low and teasing, letting the flirtation hang in the air. “Nobody else stands a chance when we’re together.”

being around monroe was always so easy, she didn’t have to be anyone else, just herself, and he seemed to love her no matter what. the way he squeezed her knee made lottie’s breath hitch, he was winning, even if she wasn’t going to admit it. “we’ll see about that, cooper, i never lose either,” she pointed out, raising her eyebrows at him. they loved that bickering, it had always been their thing. she loved his competitive side, it was always fun. lottie went silent for a second, listening to him rant about how he was going to get those three stars later, but it wasn’t that she had nothing to say—she did, but the way his fingers inched higher and his thumb traced circles on her inner thigh was distracting enough, and his husky voice wasn’t helping either. just for that, he was getting another star. and he didn’t even seem like he wanted to stop, determined to get a better score. “we’ll see if you can get it,” she mused, trying to ignore his hand on hers, but then at another red light, he leaned in, lips brushing along her jawline, and she closed her eyes, taking in every sensation. her hand instantly found his cheek as he kissed her jaw, and he was driving her insane, but then that nip made her breath catch. “not yet,” she lied. “okay, three stars, now stop touching me like that.”

Monroe only laughed low in his chest, the sound warm but edged with mischief, like he’d already called her bluff. His hand stayed exactly where it was, thumb still drawing those lazy circles that had her fighting to sound composed. “Three stars?” he murmured against her jaw, the words brushing her skin as much as his lips did. “Lottie, you’re already handing them out like candy, and I haven’t even started trying.” He leaned back just enough to catch her eyes, one brow arched like he had her right where he wanted. When she tried to set the boundary—now stop touching me like that—Monroe’s grin deepened. “Funny,” he said softly, fingers deliberately stilling but not pulling away, “because every time you tell me not yet, you sound like you’re hoping I don’t listen.” He let the silence stretch, controlling the rhythm, keeping her suspended between anticipation and protest. He finally lifted both palms in mock-defense, a grin tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright, fine —three stars and I’ll keep my hands to myself,” he teased, voice dripping with disbelief. “But don’t go acting like I’m the problem here. You’re the one melting because of me." He leaned back in his seat, laughter still in his chest, shaking his head like she was the one being ridiculous. But his eyes never left her, playful and knowing, the kind of look that said he’d just taken a step back only to make her miss it. “You’re lucky I’m such a gentleman,” Monroe added, tone mock-serious, but the smirk gave him away. The light shifted from amber to green, and Monroe dropped his hand to the wheel, pressing down on the accelerator with a deliberate growl of the engine. The car roared forward, a deep, throaty sound that filled the air like a challenge, like he’d just staked his claim on more than the road. “See?” he shot her a sideways glance, lips curling into a smirk. “I can behave. Mostly.”

if there was something lottie was, it was competitive, she had to win, it wasn’t just about teasing or playing the game, it was about making sure she came out on top because that was who she was, a winner through and through, and maybe monroe could make her cave one day but right now she was only interested in riling him up, “pay premium? what is this, a netflix subscription?” she shot back, brows raised as his wink made her bite down on her lip, shaking her head with a grin she couldn’t quite hide, because the way he smirked told her he was enjoying this just as much as she was, and that only made her want to stay in that car longer; “who says i multitask while i use my fingers?” she teased, turning to face him fully, “that doesn’t even make sense, cooper, i’m the courtroom closer and you’re the bedroom opener? my review’s better, suck it,” she laughed, leaning closer like she was staking her claim, “i’m the winner, you’re the loser, take it,” she whispered with a chuckle, and though she rolled her eyes at his next words, there was no denying the amusement curling at her lips, no matter how hard she tried to keep it in, until his hand squeezed her knee and her breath hitched, just for a second, betraying her; then came his low demand to shut up, and lottie froze, eyebrows raised, lips parting only to snap closed again like she didn’t dare say what she wanted to, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned back against the seat, that sly smile never leaving her face, “two stars,” she muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with mock disdain, but inside she was reeling because she couldn’t deny it—god, that was hot, not that she’d ever give him the satisfaction of hearing her say it.

He watched her grin, the way her eyes sparkled when she tried not to show how much she was enjoying the back-and-forth, and felt a thrill run through him. Monroe leaned in just enough, letting his presence press close, fingers brushing against her knee in a subtle claim of territory. When she leaned in, whispering her “winner, loser” declaration, Monroe’s grin sharpened, his competitive streak flaring. “Oh, I see how it is,” he said, voice just above a whisper, leaning closer so their faces were inches apart. “Trying to get under my skin, claiming the win before the game’s even over? Bold move, Lottie. But you’re forgetting…” His hand tightened slightly on her knee, and she shivered under the pressure. “I don’t lose.” Monroe loved this—the push and pull, the teasing, the little battles that left them both reeling. He watched her fold her arms over her chest, sly smile still in place, and laughed softly. “Two stars, huh?” he murmured, leaning in again, daring her, competitive fire in his eyes. “I’ll take that… and I’ll get the rest of the rating later.” His voice dropped even lower, almost a growl, and the smirk never left his face—he was in this game to win, and he had every intention of making her cave. His hand slid up subtly, fingers brushing her knee, then inching higher, thumb tracing slow, deliberate circles against her inner thigh. He let out a low, teasing chuckle, watching the way her breath hitched, subtle but betraying her composure. “Three stars,” he murmured, voice husky and just above a whisper, “will be the easy part. It’s the other two stars I need to worry about getting… although,” he added, smirk widening, “I know I’ll get them. Won’t stop until I do.” The car rolled to a stop at another red light, and Monroe didn’t even bother keeping his hand to himself. He let his thumb linger against Lottie’s inner thigh for a moment longer before shifting his focus, leaning just enough to brush his lips along her jawline. He kissed her there once, twice, slow and deliberate, feeling the heat rise between them as she shivered under his touch. Then, with a subtle but teasing bite, he nipped at the skin along her jaw, low and hot enough to make her catch her breath. “Is this improving my score yet?"

if lottie was honest, that little show they pulled—extra sweet, extra all over each other—wasn't the best thing she'd ever done, but knowing how the girl behind the register had flirted with monroe in the past, she wasn’t about to let go of anything that might keep her from trying again. as possessive as it sounded, he was her boyfriend. then they moved on like nothing happened, like they hadn’t just looked like a couple of highschoolers being disgustingly cheesy and in love. the little play was done, and she could go back to her teasing and sarcasm. as he started bringing up those reviews about him pleasing girls with his fingers, the lawyer laughed. "two reviews don’t say much about your service," she pointed out, "i’m glad it’s not twenty, but two? that’s nothing," she smiled. "on the other hand, my own reviews about my own fingers—more than two and hard to beat—you can’t compete with me, cooper, i always win," she smiled, pulling away from that almost kiss. at his playful challenge and wink, the brunette rolled her eyes. "i will be the judge of that," she assured him, "if you don’t reach my standard, what am i supposed to do with you?" she asked playfully, her tone dropping to a whisper as he looked deep into her eyes. she went quiet for a second as he leaned in, noses touching—she was waiting. and then he kissed her lips and turned on his heel to grab their order, leaving lottie biting the inside of her cheek dramatically. "you’re an asshole," she called out, walking over to the door and opening it for monroe. "you’re going to regret that shitty kiss—one star," she teased, "and you get one and not zero because you could’ve had thin lips, and that kiss would’ve been nonexistent," she added, "execution poor, just pure teasing, which i like, but not enough to get you another star," she shrugged. as they walked to his car, she opened the back door so he could place the food there, still dressed way too fancy for that dinner, then got into the passenger seat. "drive fast to our spot or the dinner will be cold—you don’t want another poor review, monroe, tick tock," she teased, blowing him a kiss.

Monroe didn’t even flinch at the onslaught—he thrived off it. The teasing, the back-and-forth, the way Lottie tried to outsmart and outplay him every time. It was half the reason he was into her in the first place. That brain, that mouth, that need to always win. Hell, he’d let her win just to keep watching her gloat. "One star?" he echoed with a hand to his chest, wounded. "Babe, that kiss was a teaser trailer. You want the full film, you gotta pay premium," he said with a wink, sliding into the driver’s seat. He glanced over at her as he started the engine, letting the growl of the car match the smirk pulling at his lips. "And please, your fingers? I’ve seen you at work. You’re good, I’ll give you that, but you multitask like a control freak. I bring finesse. I’m the slow burn that gets remembered. You’re the courtroom closer—I’m the bedroom opener." He tapped the steering wheel dramatically, pulling out of the parking spot with ease. "You know what I think?" he said, eyes flicking toward her for a brief second before settling on the road. "You’re talking big game because you know if I gave it my full effort, you’d fold so fast you’d be begging for the Yelp login to leave ten reviews." Then, as the car picked up speed, he reached over and rested his hand on her knee, squeezing gently, thumb brushing just once—suggestive, knowing. "So go ahead, lawyer me into a one-star rating." He shot her a sideways glance. "Now shut up and enjoy the ride—literally. Food’s hot, you’re hotter, and I’m about to get five stars whether you like it or not. I'll make the other four stars up someway if I have too."

being with monroe was the easiest thing she had ever done. she didn’t have to be someone else for him to like her. he had seen all her sides—the good ones, the nervous one, the one that wanted to crawl under a bed and cry, and her more professional self—and he managed to love everything about her. she didn’t have to impress him, she just had to be herself and that seemed to be just enough for monroe, which was another way lottie knew she was doing the right thing. she had chosen to fall for the right person, even if she didn’t exactly choose who she had fallen for. she was happy that it was monroe. the way their relationship didn’t change when they started dating made it clear—they were made for each other. and in lottie’s eyes, monroe was just the perfect person to be around: smart, fun, and sweet. that was all she had ever wanted. she had imagined herself kissing and being around monroe before they started their relationship and... reality had met her expectations. the joy of being around him was real, and there wasn’t anything better. if lottie was honest, being there and being extra corny in front of the girl who had a crush on monroe wasn’t the most mature move, but... it felt good to show everyone he was her boyfriend. she was playing her part, and she was making sure it was clear how in love she was. they had only been dating a couple of months, but she loved monroe—there was no question. she loved him more than anything in this world. as they walked away with the girl, lottie couldn’t help rolling her eyes at her boyfriend. “i’m glad, if that wasn’t enough i don’t know what would’ve done it. what? ask you to marry me? ask you to undress me in a public place? crazy,” she teased, sticking her tongue out at her best friend. “your fingers do pretty good?” she raised her eyebrows. “let me ask someone you’ve dated—maybe i should’ve read your reviews before deciding to date you,” she joked, a smirk tugging the corners of her lips. as he leaned in, she knew what she’d said had been just the right kind of teasing. “oh, monroe, i know how to finish this,” she promised, turning just enough to have his lips nearly touch hers—then pulled away. “you getting cramps in your fingers because you can’t beat the fast fingers alligators.”

Communication with Lottie had always come naturally. There were no masks, no pretense—just Lottie in her truest form, and that was more than enough for him. He saw every part of her: the bright, confident Lottie who could hold a room, the anxious one who sometimes needed quiet, and even the version of her who wanted to disappear under the weight of a bad day. He loved all of it, every bit. For Monroe, love wasn’t about perfection or performance. It was about presence—and Lottie’s presence was the one he wanted to be around more than anything. When she teased him, like she did in front of the girl who’d once had a crush on him, Monroe knew exactly what she was doing. He leaned into it to make sure she knew he was off limits and seeing someone. Lottie was his. Her playful jabs, her flirty sarcasm, even the way she leaned in and then pulled back with a smirk—it was all a kind of language they shared. Monroe didn’t need grand gestures or elaborate speeches from Lottie to feel loved. She knew how to keep things light, keep things real, and make him laugh in the middle of a serious moment. That was what made their communication work: a perfect blend of honesty, humor, and love. When she joked about reading his reviews, Monroe laughed—not because the joke was sharp, but because it was so Lottie. And it reminded him again that he wasn’t just dating someone who understood him—he was with someone who matched his rhythm. Monroe smirked, catching Lottie's teasing tone without missing a beat. He leaned in just slightly, voice low and playful. "My reviews would say something like: 'Handsome young man, such a gentleman, fingers that can make a woman go weak in the knees,'" he said with a cocky grin, clearly enjoying himself. Then he raised an eyebrow, eyes twinkling. "Five stars. Highly recommend." And as she pulled away from a kiss she almost gave, teasing him about finger cramps, Monroe just smiled and shook his head. With a playful nudge to her side, he leaned in, that signature grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Shut up," he said, voice warm with amusement. "Say that when these fingers of mine make you feel better." He winked, letting the words hang in the air just long enough to hopefully make her blush—or roll her eyes, which he loved just as much. He inched closer to her face, slowly, deliberately, until he was all up in her space. Eyes locked on hers, he raised his eyebrows and made a series of exaggerated, dramatic noises right in her face: “Hm. Hm. Hmmmm.” His grin widened as he leaned even closer, their noses nearly touching. Then—bam—he kissed her quickly, just a soft press of lips that barely lasted a second. Before she could react, he was already turning on his heel, running to go and grab what they ordered from the counter.

lottie loved being with monroe, no matter what, she was in love with him, she always had been, but now? not having to be scared of how she felt… was nice. she loved how they never changed for each other, she could be herself and monroe could be himself and that’s how they worked. how they always had and how they always would. "you’re corny as fuck monroe, don’t try to be cool when you’re definitely not" she joked, childishly sticking her tongue out at her boyfriend who was now nudging her with his elbow. "oh, i’m not telling you about those dreams without a judicial order" she joked, "and i’m the one in charge of those so… you’re fucked, cooper" she joked, "i’ll tell you that we once dressed up as monsters inc characters and we went to the aquarium" she smiled, she had just made that up, she was surprised at her own words but she couldn’t help it, "that’s as dirty as it gets" she joked, a chuckle falling from her lips. lottie knew she was being extra bubbly because of the girl behind the counter, there was just something about the way she’d flirted with monroe that made lottie want to make sure she knew they were together. of course it was too much, she’d probably laugh if she saw a couple that clingy, but it was for a better cause, and monroe seemed happy to play along, pulling her closer without missing a beat. "i’m off duty, i can allow myself to do it" she joked. without hesitation, the guy pulled out his card and paid for her. at his confidence, the girl raised her eyebrows. "asshole" she retorted, rolling her eyes, playfully pushing him as he nudged his nose against her cheek. lottie didn’t overthink his words but as he gave her a smug grin and leaned closer to her, she groaned, "oh my god, monroe cooper" she rolled her eyes. "the facts are not there, monroe, you and your fast fingers should work a little harder" she mused, pulling him away. as the cashier handed her the receipt and told them to wait, lottie pulled monroe along with her. "do you think she got the message? i feel like we’ve been the corniest couple i’ve ever seen" she chuckled, "and who can actually corroborate those quick fingers, huh? ’cause i can’t."

Everything about being with Lottie felt impossibly easy—effortless in a way that meant something deeper. He saw her love not as something new, but as something that had always quietly been there, waiting to be fully claimed. Now that it didn’t have to hide behind fear or uncertainty, it glowed with an honesty that made even their goofiest moments feel grounding. Monroe never tried to impress Lottie by being someone he wasn't. He didn’t need to. That was the point—neither of them had to bend or twist themselves into a mold for the other. That’s what made it work. That’s why it had always worked. So when Lottie called him “corny as fuck” and stuck her tongue out at him like a bratty kid, he only laughed, nudging her elbow with his like it was a shared language—one they spoke fluently, and with affection. There was no sting in her teasing, only warmth, only play. And he leaned into it like he always did. He grinned when she dodged his question about her dreams, throwing up some fake legal drama about needing a judicial order. When she spun up some nonsense about them dressing as Monsters Inc. characters at the aquarium, Monroe knew she was bluffing, but he played along. Why wouldn’t he? He liked that about her—the ease with which she could invent joy. That ridiculous fake memory made him laugh more than a real one might have. He wasn’t oblivious either. He caught the subtle shift in her tone, the extra honey in her voice whenever the girl behind the counter glanced their way. Monroe knew what was happening. And he let her stake her claim, let her fill the space with affection and ridiculous jokes, and when she leaned closer, he met her halfway without hesitation. He pulled out his card and paid for her like it was nothing—because it was nothing. He nudged his nose against her cheek like it was a secret he was telling her skin. She groaned his full name like he was driving her up the wall, but her eyes were too soft for it to be real anger. He didn’t take her teasing about his “fast fingers” too seriously. It was just another spark between them, another beat in their rhythm. And when she pulled him away from the counter, receipt in hand, he followed without question. Monroe smirked, brushing his hand lightly against Lottie's back as they moved away from the counter. His voice dropped just enough to make her glance at him out of the corner of her eye. "I think she got the message loud and clear," he said, amusement curling through his tone. "And excuse me—rude, Lottie. My fingers do plenty good." The smug look on his face was pure Monroe—half playful, half daring her to challenge him. He leaned in again, just enough to graze his words across her ear, drawing out that teasing edge with deliberate slowness. “Don’t start something you’re not ready to finish."

being around monroe was the easiest thing she had ever done, she didn’t have to fake who she was to impress him. he had seen her at her worst and her best, and she never felt like she had to hold anything back—monroe just got her. she still thought of him as her best friend, even though they were dating now, and she wasn’t about to change the way she teased him or playfully shoved him when they were together—that was just them. the only real difference now was that they didn’t have to hide how they felt, and they kissed, and it felt so natural. “oh you’re so corny,” she chuckled, “you’re my last thought too, why would i deny it?” she added, smirking. “but my dreams stay with me, don’t ask me anything about them,” she winked, letting the playful tension linger like she’d dreamed something spicy—even if she hadn’t, monroe didn’t need to know that. walking up to the counter with him gave her a strange sense of pride, like this small moment meant something bigger. they weren’t sneaking around, they weren’t pretending—he wanted the world to know she was his and that felt incredible. no one had ever made her feel this cherished. the way he pulled her closer, his hand sliding down her back, the soft kiss to her cheek—it was clear, monroe wasn’t half-in, he was all in. she had to bite back a grin as they approached the cashier, but her heart was doing flips. she ordered for both of them, the words coming out like muscle memory, like reciting lyrics to a favorite song. “and well, another coke,” she added with a soft laugh, giving his hand a small squeeze as their fingers intertwined. when he spoke, lottie burst out laughing, momentarily breathless. turning to the girl behind the counter, she smirked. “just one coke and two straws,” she corrected, “your girlfriend can be less professional,” she added, standing on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to monroe’s lips. the cashier’s voice cut in, asking if they needed anything else, and lottie pulled away with a little smile. “i think that’s it,” she said, “how much is it?”

Monroe stood next to Lottie, his usual playful smile never quite fading as he listened to her tease him. It felt so natural now, the way they joked, the way they interacted—he loved it. He loved how she never felt the need to put on a front with him, how she was completely herself. She wasn’t just his girlfriend; she was his best friend, and that meant more than anything. When she chuckled and called him corny, he couldn't help but grin wider. "Corny, huh?" he teased back, nudging her playfully with his elbow. "I’ll take that as a compliment. Besides, I already know I’m your every last thought." He was watching her closely when she winked and mentioned her dreams, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. "Oh, now I really want to know what those dreams were about," he said, his voice low and teasing, but he knew better than to push. Lottie had that playful, mysterious air about her when it came to certain things, and he adored it. She wouldn't budge and he knew it. They weren’t sneaking around or pretending anymore. She was his, and he was hers. He didn't care who knew it. "I’m all in, Lottie," he whispered, just for her, as they stood there in that quiet moment, the world outside their little bubble fading away. He couldn’t help but give her fingers a gentle squeeze in return, his thumb brushing over her skin. And when she corrected the cashier, smirking and standing on her tiptoes to steal a kiss, Monroe’s heart did a little flip of its own. He pulled her in close for just a moment, savoring the feeling of her lips against his before they were interrupted by the cashier. "That’s the kind of professionalism I’m here for." He kept his hand on hers, fingers still intertwined, and watched as she pulled away with that smile that always made his chest tighten. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket, pulled out his card, and with a playful flick of his wrist, he slapped it down on the card reader before the cashier could even finish asking about the total. He smirked at Lottie, his eyes gleaming with that signature confidence. “Ha, too slow!” Monroe chuckled, nudging his nose against Lottie’s cheek with a playful, exaggerated wink. “You think you can beat me to the punch? I probably have the worlds quickest fingers” He leaned in just enough to make sure she felt the rush of warmth from his close proximity, his breath brushing against her skin. The cashier, caught a little off-guard by Monroe’s speed, blinked a few time. Monroe shot her a grin, then turned back to Lottie, still holding her back with a relaxed grip, like he was completely in control of the moment. Monroe gave a smug grin as he leaned in just a little closer to Lottie, his eyes twinkling with that irresistible cocky charm. “I said what I said,” he replied, voice laced with playful confidence. He shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal. "Can’t argue with the facts."

being with monroe was the easiest thing in the world. she didn’t have to filter her words, didn’t have to try to look perfect. he had seen her at her highest and lowest, and if he still liked her the way she was, that was all she needed to be with him. "aw monroe, stop," she laughed, playfully shoving him as he told her she was what he dreamed about. if she was honest, she dreamed about him too. she wasn’t going to say it just yet—she didn’t want him to feel pressured—but she would mean it when she did. how could she not when she’d been in love with him for years? she had been so focused on him that she completely forgot about the girl who used to have a crush on her boyfriend. it was crazy to think that lottie had once told him to ask her out because she was too scared to admit how she felt about him. now, with a little promise sealed by a kiss before they walked inside, she just wanted him to know that she wasn’t going to let anyone take her place. as they entered the restaurant, her fingers naturally found his, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she looked around. she didn’t want to acknowledge the girl, but she loved this place. these crystal walls held so many memories, and they were going to keep making more—just like tonight. when monroe whispered that the girl was watching, lottie was more than ready to put on a show. she pulled him closer, placing his hand on her lower back, her heart skipping as he responded with little kisses all over her face. he wasn’t just telling the girl behind the counter that he was taken—he was telling lottie, in front of everyone, that he wasn’t ashamed of being sweet and affectionate with her. and she loved that. "i think i trust you enough," she teased, pulling away with a smirk before they made their way to the counter. "hey," she smiled at the cashier, keeping her voice light and confident. "i’d like the original burger with sweet potato chips and a large coke. and my boyfriend will have the original too, but with regular chips. what do you want to drink, babe?" she turned to monroe, her eyes shining, fully aware of the way the girl was watching them.

Monroe couldn’t help but smile at the easy banter between them. Being with Lottie was effortless—like second nature. There was no pretending, no need to be anything other than exactly who they were. He’d seen her at her best and her worst, and none of it had ever made him love her less. In fact, it made her even more real, more his. When she laughed and playfully shoved him, Monroe’s heart skipped a beat. There was something about her laughter that made everything feel light and right. Her teasing didn’t bother him; in fact, it only made him more certain that being with her felt like home. He loved that he could say those things to her without it feeling forced. "I think you are the last thing on my mind so I picture you in my dreams." He felt her hand slip into his as they walked into the restaurant, and his chest warmed at the simple, comfortable act. It felt like they had always been a pair—no awkwardness, no second thoughts. Just them. As they approached the counter, he noticed the girl behind it watching them, and he couldn’t help but grin, his own heart racing a little at the thought of making it clear that Lottie was his. He pulled her closer, gently placing his hand on her lower back, a soft kiss landing on her cheek. He wasn’t just showing the girl that he was taken; he was showing Lottie, in front of the world, that he was proud to be affectionate with her, proud to love her. Lottie pulled away with a teasing smile, and Monroe chuckled softly, following her lead. When she addressed the cashier, he found himself watching her with admiration. There was something so effortlessly confident about her, the way she held herself. Monroe didn’t care about the girl behind the counter. In this moment, he had everything he needed. He could feel the weight of Lottie’s gaze as she turned to him, her eyes sparkling. “I’ll have a Coke too, thanks,” he said with a grin, his fingers lightly brushing hers as she took charge. As much as he loved teasing her, he couldn’t deny how good it felt to just be with her, to know they were building something real—something that nobody could take away. He leaned in slightly, his voice soft but teasing. “Do you want to be one of those cute couples that have two straws in the Coke float?” he asked, his grin widening as he watched her reaction. Monroe’s smirk deepened, and he raised an eyebrow as he teased, his voice light but laced with affection. "Or is my girlfriend, The Lawyer, too professional for that?"

their connection had been there for years, and she had never been able to get him out of her mind. the world had a way of making sure they stayed together, no matter what—lottie was always there for monroe, and he was always there for her. their relationship was built on years of friendship, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. being able to say she was dating her best friend was something not many people could claim, and she was glad she could. monroe had made her fall head over heels for him without even trying—everything about them felt so natural. "i knew i shouldn't have told you that," she joked, shaking her head. "those kinds of things make you lose your case," she added, glancing at him. but it wasn’t like it wasn’t obvious—monroe knew exactly how to distract her. if he was around, that was it; she couldn't focus on anything but him. she had tried before—it was impossible. it was nice that they had planned to go somewhere fancy, but that wasn’t really them. seeing monroe relax as they pulled up to their favorite restaurant made her realize it didn’t matter where they went, as long as they were together. "i'm not going to be the one crashing your dreams—dream as big as you want," she teased, winking playfully as she turned off the engine. "ugh, i forgot about her," she chuckled, "i’m going to be mean for a second—she was kind of annoying," she mused. "do what you need to do," she added, raising her hands in mock defense. when his hand reached for hers, she felt her heart race inside her chest. and then those words? how did he always know exactly what to say? she undid her seatbelt and leaned in, pressing her lips against his in the softest kiss. "this is where i want to be," she promised. as they walked outside the car, his hand reached for hers, and she instinctively noticed the girl they had just been talking about behind the counter. her eyes widened slightly as she caught the other checking him out before going back to pouring coffee. she was surprised, to say the least. her attention only moved back to monroe when he leaned in a little closer. she glanced at him. "that tone means you're just looking for an excuse for me to kiss you," she teased. "are you sure you don’t want her looking at you while she pours coffee? it was kind of sexy," she joked, her free hand moving to cup his cheek before she pressed her lips against his, guiding his hand to her back. "do you think this is enough?" she whispered against his lips. "we're making a scene."

Monroe had always been a constant in Lottie’s life, a steady presence that never wavered. He didn’t need to try—he simply was for her, and that was enough. Their relationship had blossomed from years of friendship, and as much as it seemed natural now, Monroe couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly they had fallen into each other’s arms. He smiled as she joked, feeling that familiar pull in his chest when she teased him. He grinned, knowing she was just as distracted by him as he was by her. It was inevitable. "Honestly, I don’t even need to try," Monroe replied, his voice light. The way she reacted to him—how she couldn’t focus on anything else when he was around—was something he knew all too well. She was just as lost in him as he was in her, and it was something he would never take for granted. As they pulled up to the restaurant, Monroe couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over him. It wasn’t the fancy dinner or the place that mattered—it was Lottie by his side, as always. His smile softened as she spoke, teasing him, making light of everything around them. "Maybe it’s you I’m dreaming about," he teased, the words slipping out before he could think too much about them. But with Lottie, it was like that—so easy, so comfortable. When she mentioned forgetting about the girl behind the counter, Monroe raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly who she meant. He chuckled when she admitted she was going to be mean for a second, the playfulness in her voice lighting up his mood. "Do what you need to do," he said, hands raised in mock defense. As his hand reached for hers, Monroe felt that familiar flutter in his chest. Her touch—her presence—always made his heart race. When she leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a soft kiss, he melted into it. When they got out of the car and walked toward the entrance, Monroe felt her hand slip into his, the warmth of her fingers sending sparks through him. His attention drifted briefly to the girl at the counter—he saw her glance over, checking him out before returning to her task of pouring coffee. Monroe couldn't help but smirk. As he leaned in a little closer to her, Lottie turned her gaze back to him. Her teasing words only made him smile more. Her lips pressed against his again, and Monroe’s pulse quickened. The way she guided his hand to her back, the way she pulled him closer—it felt like everything they’d been through had led them to this exact moment. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her even closer. Monroe pulled back from the kiss slowly, a mischievous smile spreading across his face as he looked at Lottie. Before she could even process it, he began scattering a dozen quick, playful kisses all over her face—her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, each kiss punctuated with a soft chuckle. "I think I proved my point - let's get to ordering."

dating monroe was like breathing easy. lottie never had to try too hard, never had to be anyone else but herself. she’d loved him as a friend first, and now that they were together, it felt like everything had fallen into place. the years of longing were over, and she was finally getting to be with the person she’d always wanted. "you have that power over me, fine, don't make me regret telling you that," lottie teased, her lips curling into a smile, her voice light and playful. she loved this, the back-and-forth banter with him, the comfort they shared. seeing him relax as she started the engine made her smile softly. it wasn’t the first time she’d driven, but it always made her heart warm when she felt like he trusted her. as they pulled up to their favorite restaurant, the familiar sights of it made lottie feel at ease. it was theirs, a place where the food was always delicious, and where stealing bites from his burger had become a funny little tradition. "thank you, but honestly, i would've driven us here even if you hadn't agreed," she said with a laugh. "i’m glad we’re on the same page though." she gave him a playful side glance when she heard him mention the fancy restaurant. "i don't even think they’d give you four chips and a burger in there, but it’s cute that you think all those people were there for a burger," she teased, sticking her tongue out at him. "we’ll catch everybody’s attention in there, you know. you’ll have to keep all the girls away," she joked, her tone light and full of affection. "sadly, i’m the one taking you to a beach so we can have our greasy dinner under the moonlight," she added with a wink, loving the little ways they made everything their own.

Monroe chuckled, shaking his head as Lottie teased him, her smile making his heart skip a beat. Everything felt effortless with Lottie. He didn’t have to try to impress her or be anyone other than himself. The playful banter they shared, the ease between them—it was everything he had ever wanted. They’d started as friends, and now, being with her felt like the most natural thing in the world. When she mentioned the power she had over him, he grinned, leaning back in his seat, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I can’t promise I won’t use that power to my advantage every once in a while.” He felt a rush of appreciation as he watched her behind the wheel, the way she drove with ease, her confidence making him feel at home. Trust wasn’t always easy for him, but with Lottie, it came so naturally. There was something about her that put him at ease, something that made him feel like he could let go of all the tension he carried around. When they pulled up to their favorite spot, Monroe’s heart lightened. This restaurant, this place, was theirs. It wasn’t just about the food or the tradition of stealing bites from his burger. It was the moments like these that made him feel like he was truly where he belonged. He laughed when she teased him about the fancy restaurant. “I know, I know,” he said, grinning. “But you can’t blame me for trying to dream big.” Monroe loved that she wasn’t fazed by his playful fantasies, and instead, she threw the ball right back in his court. “Oh, I’ll definitely have to fend off all the other girls, huh?” he teased, looking at her with a wink. “Remember that waitress that has a crush on me here? I'll need to hang all over you so she gets the point that I'm dating." When she mentioned the beach, Monroe smiled softly, a sense of contentment washing over him. He reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, his thumb brushing over her skin. “A greasy dinner under the moonlight with you? I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”There was something about the way they made simple things feel special—something about the way she made everything feel like home. Monroe couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to have found her, someone who made him feel like he didn’t need to be anyone other than who he was. "This is exactly where I want to be," he said softly, his smile growing. "With you." Monroe grinned as Lottie reached for his hand, their fingers intertwining as they walked into the familiar diner. But as they stepped inside, Monroe’s eyes caught sight of the waitress behind the counter. He’d known her for a while now; she had a habit of lingering a little too long at his table, offering extra smiles and always just a bit too much attention whenever he came in. And from the way she was glancing over at him now, Monroe could tell that tonight wasn’t going to be any different. He couldn’t help but notice the way her gaze softened, lingering just a bit too long before she went back to pouring coffee. The realization hit him all at once, and he couldn't suppress a laugh. Looking down at Lottie, who was still holding his hand, Monroe smirked, an amused twinkle in his eye. He leaned in a little closer, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “Ah, fuck…” He laughed quietly, shaking his head. His thumb gently brushed over the back of her hand as he shot a teasing grin toward Lottie. “Quick, Lottie," he said with a chuckle. "Make her get the picture before she asks for my number again."

"Well, Nero hadn't even asked Audrey to be his girlfriend when he asked her to marry him, so I think that actually a pretty fair question to ask" PRestley wasnt bringing up Audrey and Nero so much on purpose, but the whole ordeal really bothered him. He wasn't sure why he was letting it get to him like that, Audrey was a big girl and should get to choose how to live her life, but for some reason, he just could not support her in her decision to marry Nero and it really got to him.

He sighed and looked at him" How's Lottie anyways? are you going to buy her something nice for Valentine's?"

"I'd have more of a problem with Nero if he an asshole but he isn't." Monroe gave a small, almost reluctant smile at the mention of Lottie. He didn’t mind Audrey being with Nero, not really—he could see how much Audrey cared about him, and that was all that mattered. But with Lottie, things felt simpler. There was no drama, no questions about intentions, just genuine happiness between them.

“She’s doing great,” Monroe said, his tone softening. “I’ve been thinking about getting her something special for Valentine’s. She’s always so thoughtful with the little things, so I want to return the favor. Something meaningful, you know? Not just some generic gift.” His smile grew a little as he thought of Lottie, the way she lit up even the simplest moments. “I’m lucky to have her. I can’t believe how much she’s made me realise what I really want out of life. She’s... just good for me.” He paused, grinning. "I think I'll go with flowers or a cute teddy bear instead of anything in front of us in this store though."

Monroe Cooper @monroe-cooper - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag