Flashback:
“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to youuuu, Happyyy birthdayyyyyy deaarr Leoooo and Angelllaaaa, happy birthday too youuuu,”
The entire room burst into claps and screams for the twins as the siblings blew out their candles on the cake - quickly followed by Addie wrapping her arms around Leo’s torso. “Happy birthday Darling, I hopeeee you liked your surprise,” there was a soft glimmer in her eyes as she said that last word - knowing far too well that Leo knew exactly what was happening since yesterday. Watching his smile, she found his lips approaching hers and after a quick peck, she heard his whisper “I loved it,”
The entire room had been filled with Angela and Leo’s friends… well most of them. Addie knew a few of Leo’s friends, including his best friend, couldn’t make it. But nevertheless, the party was an absolute hit and Miranda did an amazing job decorating the place. On the note of Miranda, that girl was absolutely crazy. Despite everything that happened this morning, she was already running around the party making sure everything was perfect even though Addie begged her to just sit down and the fruits of her labour - but nooo. God, that girl knew exactly how to make Addie worry. Despite that, Justin and Natalia had also arrived and were somewhere in the masses - but more importantly, THAT MEANT HOLLY WAS ALSO HERE who was the MOST IMPORTANT guest in Addie’s book. That was exactly why while Leo entertained the guest, Addie found a comfy spot on the couch inside and played with Holly. Though that girl didn’t seem to be lacking attention - most of the party goers giving her as much love as Addie did.
After another hour of celebrations - people were jumping in the pool, others were absolutely boncked out of their minds walking around inside, and Addie would not be surprised if some of Leo’s friends took their shenanigans upstairs. Leo had still been going around catching up with everyone, and honestly that had given Angela enough time to… what do the Americans call it… get to know Adelaide? Though honestly, it did feel more like she was being grilled with questions half the time before Angela let out a you know what, I like you and left to talk to her own boyfriend. It was already approaching 3 AM and honestly… Addie was getting a little tired.
Also, where was Leo? Wakling through the crowds of people who had been there for the past few hours, Addie smiled as she caught sight of the man who supposedly had been talking to Miranda - likely asking if she was feeling better since this morning. Approaching him, she let out the words “Mind if I steal you for a second love?” before smiling at Miranda as he soon excused himself. Taking Leo’s hand, Addie led the man towards the nearby private beach - and away from the party where all the people were. There were a few party-goers who had made their way to the beach as well, but for the most part, Addie found herself having a moment alone with the man - walking hand in hand.
“I know I’ve said It a million times but, Happy birthday my love,” Addie stated, looking up towards him as she continued to walk towards the water. It was only when Adelaide was a few steps away from the waves that she stopped and took a seat on the sand - soon followed by Leo who wrapped his arms around her almost instantly. She felt him kiss her neck and a soft moan left her lips. “You know, it’s been 2 bloody hours and I’ve barely seen you. Are you having fun?” Addie whispered, leaning into his touch. “I’d have more fun if I was alone with you.”
“Are you saying you don’t bloody appreciate my hard work, you arse.”
“”No, I do appreciate your hard work, just not as much as I appreciate you, or having you all to myself.”
“Well, Leo…” Addie started before moving her body so that she was straddling him, her arms wrapped around his neck as she stared into his eyes “I’m not going anywhere so I guess you’re stuck with me””
May 15th, 1999
“Mmmmm it’s too early to be awake Leoooo,.” Adelaide mumbled as she snuggled against Leo’s arms, moving towards his body as he kissed her shoulder. Despite her arguments about the time, there was no hesitation as she moved further into his touch. Could anyone blame her? It was a good wake up call okay.
“As much as I want to continue this, we need to wake up, Addie.”
A large frown met her lips at the now… lack of kisses she was receiving. Turning around in bed, Addie opened her eyes and pouted. “Leo the sun’s not even bloody up,” “That’s the point. Weren’t you the one saying you wanted to see the sunrise and get photos with that camera?” “Okay but can’t we do it on a day I’m not sleeping?” A laugh left Leo’s lips as he brought his hand to her face, slowly moving a piece of her bed hair out of her eyes. “No because you’re going to use that excuse every morning, plus, what’s a better morning to enjoy the sunrise than our anniversary?” A groan left Addie’s lips knowing he was right but she was tiirreeeed… and lazy, so instead, she simply wrapped her arms around his neck - a mischievous look upon her features as she said her next words. “I know something better we can do on the morning of our anniversery that doesn’t require us getting out of bed, love.”
“Mmm oh do you now?” Addie grinned as the man shifted, moving her body under him so that he was hovering above her now. Addie 1; Leo 0. “I’d love for you to tell me more about… exactly what we can do,” His words were soft as she felt his lips on her collarbone. “So how about you tell me after you get dressed and we’re at the sunset?” And instantly, she felt his body off of hers. THAT BLOODY TEASE. “You bloody arse.” “I’ll give you 20 minutes, meet me in the living room. I love you.” SHE COULD SEE THAT IDIOT GRINNING AS HE WALKED OUT OF THEIR BEDROOM. EXCUSE ME. HOW RUDE.
Despite the UTTER exhaustion she felt, Addie had pulled herself in for a quick shower and gotten changed into an outfit she would want memorialized in a photo with Leo. He boyfriend was right that she wanted photos - hence the camera around her neck that she stole from Leo’s closet the day they arrived. Walking down the stairs, she found Leo sitting on the kitchen island, dressed and with a newspaper in his hands. Holly was running around his legs - probably confused at why they were all awake sooooo early. Well, Holly, Addie had the same damn question. And GUESS what? There was still no sun out. Yep, it was THAT bloody early. “I despise you.” Addie mumbled as she walked towards him, watching as he put his newspaper down and smiled at her. “So what I’m hearing is you’re not going to tell me what we could have done in bed?” “Darling, I’m not even going to show you later.” "We’ll see about that. “Stop being cocky, you butt” “It’s not cockiness, it’s confidence… now come on. We have a little trek to make,”.
Little?
Did he say little?
IT WAS NOT LITTLE.
IT WAS EARLY, AND COLD, AND DARK, AND HE MADE HER WALK FOR MORE THAT A LITTLE BIT. How rude. They could have easily been having sex in the warmth of their bedroom right now but nooooooo. The are we there yets left Addie’s lips every few minutes - but after a while she had given up because he was GIVING HER NOTHING. Couldn’t they just sit on the beach and enjoy the sunset? Isn’t that the point of having a beach front property? Appaently no.
Okay maybe she was over exaggerating - it was like a 10 minute walk but when you’re tired, your boyfriend left you hot and heavy alone in bed, and it’s 5 something in the morning, she’s allowed to be a little, tiny bit cranky. And NOW THEY WERE WALKING UP SOME BIG ROCK AT AN INCLINE. Sigh. Though, after a few seconds, Leo let her jump on his back so at least he was good for something this morning.
After a few more minutes, Addie found herself FINALLY at the top of said hill or rock or whatever it was… but what she wasn’t expecting was for there to be an entire picnic set out. “Thank you for setting this up Jared,” Leo told the man who was there who nodded before dissapearing. There were blankets and pillows and honestly everything a girl who was up at 5 in the morning needed. Letting her down, Leo put his hand out to lead her towards the picnic that overlooked the water, and… fine it truly was a gorgeous view even though it was still dark and the stars were illuminating the water. Taking a seat, Addie wrapped herself in the blanket as she leaned against Leo’s chest.
“Fine… I guess this was… maybe worth it darling.” Addie whispered. “You haven’t seen the best part yet Addie,” “And how long until the best part?” “Give it 5 minutes,” Addie smiled towards Leo before just snuggling against him in silence for a few seconds. She watched as he grabbed the thermos and poured what looked like coffee into small cup for her, before kissing her forehead,
“What do you imagine in the future, Leo?.” Addie asked, her bright eyes meeting his in the darkness. “What do you mean?,” “I mean… I know we’ve talked about it. I’m going to Oxford next year, you’re going to take over your dad’s business… I love you, so where does it leave us.” “Are you worried?” “Not exactly worried more just… curious.”
Addie didn’t exactly get an answer to her question as her eyes caught sight of some light in the distance. Looking ahead, Addie found a breathtaking view as the sun rose over the water. “Leo, oh my god look,.” Addie squealed, moving forward slightly “Wait we need a photo” Addie yelled, grabbing the camera and setting up the automatic timer. With that , Addie ran towards the side and fixed the camera on a rock before she ran back towards Leo, and wrapped her arms around him and laughed as she set herself up for the first photo. Kissing his cheek, she posed for the camera until she saw the flash. Running back towards the camera, Addie once again pressed the clicker before walking back towards leo and pulling him off the floor so she could get a candid of them looking at the sunrise.
“One more, darling” Addie mentioned, walking back towards the camera again and pressing the clicker - but this time, as she turned back around, she found Leo on his knee with a ring in his hand. And with that, Addie found herself stilling with shock. “Adelaide Parker. To answer your question, I don’t know exactly what the future for us means, but I know I want you in it. I want you in it for the rest of my life because I love you. I-,” Adelaide didn’t let him fininish before she ran and wrapped her arms around him, practically tackling him to the ground with a kiss. She didn’t even care about the camera going off - what she cared about was the man in front of her. “Yes, yes darling, yes.” Addie whispered in between kisses as she let him put the ring on her finger.