I was stopped mid-sentence by Rico's lips that came crashing down on mine.

As soon as I felt Rico's warm lips connect to mine in the softest possible way, my eyes voluntarily closed, a tingly sensation grow all across my body. I parted my lips, kissing him back. This kiss wasn't intense; it was more gentle and passionate. Like we were pouring our feelings into that one kiss.

On their own accord, my hands found their way to his dark and curly hair, softly twirling a strand around my finger. He slightly bit my bottom lip in a way of asking for entrance but I didn't part my lips any further. He would have to work for it.

His hands traveled to the small of back, gently pushing me closer to him than I already was. Our lips moved in sync with each other's, almost like they were fighting for dominance.

My fingers gripped on to the material of his shirt, knowing that I would turn into a pile of mush if I didn't. And when I did, I felt the muscles of his torso tense under my touch.

An electrifying feeling came over me, making me realize how I felt about Rico. He is annoying, funny, and drives me crazy at times but he's whom I want.

Desperate for air, we pulled away from each other but didn't let go of each other.

"You drive me crazy in an amazing way." He stated breathlessly. "And I fucking love it."

Smiling at his confession, I replied,"Well, that's great because the police are on their way to arrest you for stealing my heart, hijacking my feelings, AND driving me crazy."

Understanding that I felt the same way, he grinned, not wasting another second to give my already swollen lips a small peck.

"I hope you don't mind that I told you parents that I was your boyfriend." He hesitantly spoke.

"It's alright, Rico." I took a step back. "It's just that I don't want to lie to them."

"Who said that we would be lying to them?" He asked.

My eyes widened in surprise. "Heh?"

"I knew that I wanted you to be mine since the day I met you, Xia. You make me feel giddy. Your name brings butterflies to my stomach, and when you walk into a room my heart speeds up. And even just thinking about you makes me smile like a goof."

"Rico..." I didn't say anything else because of how astounded I was. I'm not going to lie, it felt nice to know that I had the same effect that he did on me.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" He asked, his eyes glowing with hope.

"Of course I will, Rico." I answered, almost jumping on him to give him a hug.

"You don't know how happy I am to hear that." He smiled.

Pecking him on the corner of his lips, I went back the living room in search of Nico. To my surprise, I saw him sitting between my parents, playing with a toy truck. Mom and Dad seemed to enjoy his company and this looked so...wholesome.

Before I could say anything, the little boy noticed my presence and jumped off of the couch, running towards me. Squatting, I carried him in my arms and stood up, kissing his cheek.

"You ready for a bubble bath?" I asked him, seeing that he still he hadn't showered and changed out of his Avengers night-suit yet since Rico and him woke up a little later than usual today.

His eyes lit up in excitement, "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"

Chuckling at his behavior, I told my parents that I would be back soon. Going to my room, yes we shared a room, I picked out a comfortable outfit for him and proceeded to give him a bath.

Once I was done doing all of that, he ran to the living room and sat on the couch.

"We'll be leaving in a few hours." Mom stated.

"Wait, what?" I asked in confusion, sitting next to Nico. Didn't they just get here?

"Yeah, Rico said that he could let us stay here or even in a hotel but we denied his offer. He has spent so much of money already just to bring us here, so we didn't want to be a burden." Dad explained.

"No problem, don't worry about that. I can pay for the stay, you can stay here for a while longer." I tried convincing them because it was nice having them here, talking to them again.

"We appreciate it, Peanut." Mom spoke. "But I'd rather go back; you know I get scared to live on islands."

I nodded, understanding her. "Okay, but I'll visit soon."

"You better. You don't want George to accidentally fall out of the window now, do you? " Mom playfully threatened.

Oh, no she didn't. George was a stuffed animal, a monkey to be precise, whom I adored as a child and still do to this day. Since it was almost half my height, I couldn't bring it to Spain, which was why it was still in my parent's house.

"No, Mom. You wouldn't." I narrowed my eyes.

"Okay, then." She shrugged. "Guess you will know when you come home next time."

"Hey, I'm sorry for interrupting this conversation but uh...my Mom wants to talk to you." Rico said, standing behind the couch I was sitting on.

"Oh, sure!" I said, wondering why his mother would want to talk to me. Oh, wait. It's my birthday! Damn, I almost forgot.

He held the phone to his ear and continued speaking while I followed him to the kitchen, "Sí mamá. No se preocupe, aquí estamos todos a salvo. Sí, sí. Ella está aquí. Esperar...."

He handed the phone to phone to me once he finished speaking. Taking the phone in my hand, I held it up to my ear. "Hello?"

"Xia, Mi querido ." She greeted in a thick Spanish accent. "Happy birthday!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Ramirez. How are you doing?" I replied.

"Mrs. Ramirez makes me sound old, Xia." She let out a small laugh. "Call me Isla. I'm doing great. Julian and I wanted to come over there but we're a little busy at the moment. I'm so sorry."

"Oh, it's fine, Isla." I said, not wanting her to feel guilty. "I understand. You don't have to apologize to me."

"You're such a beautiful and kind heart. No wonder that the Ramirezes you live with are in love with you." She complimented.

Love? Rico loves me? Nah, she's probably speaking metaphorically.

"Speaking of that, is he treating you well?" She asked. "Or should I get my slipper ready the next time I see him?"

I laughed at her comment, and leaned on the counter behind me. "No, Isla. You don't."

"Okay, but tell me if he gets stubborn, you know, his usual self, tell me. Imma whoop his ass." He said.

"You don't have to worry about that. I'll do it myself." I smirked, glancing at Rico who was very confused at the conversation his mother and I were having.

"Julian! Get the wedding bells ready!" She shouted to her husband.

Chuckling, we bid goodbye to each other and I handed the phone back to Rico and walked to the living room to spend some with my parents before they left from here.

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