Today was Kiara's 18th birthday. The Pogues were planning a party at the Chateau for her. She was not really looking forward to this party, for the simple fact that for the last two weeks JJ had been avoiding her. Suddenly, having to work all the time. She had texted him a couple times, only to be met with one-word responses. Not even sure if he would be there, Kiara decided she really did not want to go.

As the day neared closer to night, she made her way to the bathroom and began putting on makeup. Startled when there was a knocking from the bedroom window. Stepping onto the room, the familiar pool of blonde hair shot her a soft smile. Quickly she opens the window.

"What the hell are you doing, there is a front door you know?" Kiara couldn't contain her smile at seeing one of her best friends for the first time in weeks.

"yeah but that seemed way more fun, and I avoided your parents."

"They aren't even here dumbass." They laughed for a second then he began fidgeting.

"Well, I just wanted to come by and wish you a happy birthday before the party." The happiness began fading and Kiara remembered she was super pissed at him for avoiding her, she crossed her arms at the words.

"Really, I am surprised you are even wishing me happy birthday, since you have been ignoring me for weeks."

"Kie, I have not been ignoring you."

"Really, not responding to me is ignoring last time I checked."

"I just wanted to give you some space, I'm sorry." Slowly he sat on the corner of the bed.

"JJ I don't want space from you." She came a little closer.

"Well, good, because that seriously sucked. Also…" He fiddled in his pocket, pulling out something wrapped up in a rag.

"I uh…I made you something for your birthday." Slowly he handed her the rag, then looked down watching her hands. Nerves filled her stomach, and she began to unwrap the present. A small gasp escaped her lips when she saw the gift. A handmade sea turtle necklace welded out of metal (probably stolen from the junkyard), hand painted with two small purple crystals for the eyes. It was beautiful.

"JJ…" Kiara was at a loss of words, something that did not happen often.

"Yeah, I know it isn't much, you probably have wat better stuff to wear. And don't feel like you have to wear it or anything. I uh…I just-"He cut him off.

"JJ, this is fucking amazing." She still hadn't looked up at him, she was still mesmerized by the detail of the necklace. Missing the way he bit his lip to hide his smile.

"Thank you, like seriously. This is so beautiful JJ." Finally looking up, she saw the fear and insecurity in his eyes. A grin graced his face. They stared at each other for a few moments.

"Well...I should go."

"Oh…Okay, you're going to be there tonight right?" Nerves cursed her words.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world." He shot her a wink then was back out the window.

Kiara couldn't help but smile for the rest of the afternoon. Glancing on the mirror, giving herself a final once-over. She chose a pair of white jean shirts, a black crop top, white and purple fans, and the finishing look was the new turtle necklace she'd received.

Pulling up the Chateau the party had already begun. Once she entered the house John B and Sarah came running at her, yelling happy birthday. All her friends brought her gifts that ranged from new headbands, alcohol, gift cards, to random trinkets. But nothing would top the necklace dangling from her.

Finally, she found JJ, sitting alone on the dock.

"Hey you!" She sang as she got closer to him. Turning his head, his eye slit up at her.

"Hey Birthday girl" He spoke, patting the spot next to him.

"What are you doing out here alone?" She couldn't help herself, wanting to be close to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I was just thinking…" Slowly he leaned his head against hers.

"Thinking about what?"

"Nothing too juicy" she rolled her eyes at the response.

"Are you going to come back to the party?" She asked, nervous for some reason.

"Yeah, lets go." He stood up and offered her a hand. She took it and began walking not letting go until they reached the house.

The party continued and Kiara had not drunk any alcohol, surprisingly, just enjoying all her friends getting sloshed. Once again she noticed a familiar figure missing. Heading out the back door, she saw the blonde boy sitting on the dock.

"JJ, how many times do I have to come get you from out here tonight?" Glancing up, surprised by her presence, he smiled softly.

"Sorry."

"Do you not want me to be out here?"

"Kie, of course I do. I just have a lot on my mind tonight I guess."

"Well, stop thinking and hangout with me." She pleaded, shotting her best puppy dog eyes.

"Now, how can any man refuse that." Jumping up he headed towards the house.

As the party continued, Kiara couldn't stop herself from watching him. JJ was telling some story about a eave he conquered the other day. Noticing how his smile lit up a room, the way his eyes always seem to glance back towards her, how when he smiled butterflies grew in her stomach. Suddenly she was overwhelmed by her feelings for him.

Stepping out into the cool air, Kiara headed out towards the hammock. Laying down, trying to calm herself.

"Now Kiara Carrera, what are you doing outside, avoiding your own birthday party?" JJ's voice filled the quiet night. A smile grew immediately on her lips.

"Oh, you know I am just thinking." She teased back.

"I uh…noticed you were wearing the necklace."

"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't i?

"I don't know…" He fidgeted nervously, running a hand through blonde locks.

"I thought maybe you just said you liked it…" He continued.

"No, I love it JJ, I really do." Exiting the hammock, she crossed the distance, so they were only a few feet away. He looked away as the blush reached his cheeks.

"Good, also…uh I just wanted to say you look really beautiful tonight."

"JJ…" A million words were threatening to leave her lips. Words that would change everything between them forever.

"Yeah, sorry that was took much. Sorry…" He began backing away, but Kiara didn't let him get far, gripping his wrist.

"Thank you JJ." Slowly wrapping her arms around his waist, pulling him close. He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead, pulling her closer. They stayed like this for a few moments, then she pulled back, staring into bright blue eyes.

Taking a deep breath, not letting nerves take over, she leaned close and gentle brushed her lips against his. Slowly she leaned forward again, this time with force, and closed the distance fully between their lips. The kiss lasted about 4 seconds, before JJ pulled away. Fear poured into her body.

"Kie…"

"What JJ?"

"Kie…you don't want this…"

Kiara had heard enough of people telling her what she wants.

"JJ, stop telling me what I want. I want you. You are such an amazing person. Even though you don't see it, you are. You are kind, loving, protective, you would do anything for the people you care about, you are perfect."

"Kie…no I'm not-"

"JJ! Yes, you are! I want you; I want this." With the part motioning between them.

"Kie, are you sure about this? Looking up, she could see the fear in his eyes, something she wanted to take away from him. She kept her distance, not wanting to overwhelm him.

"JJ, I have never been so sure of anything in my life." The words sat between them for a while. Then he was closing their distance. Cupping her cheek, his other hand gripped her waist and pulled her close, crashing his lips into hers. The kiss lit a fire within her. Wrapping her arms around his neck. Slowly they pulled apart. JJ kissed her forehead that way he had many times before, this time she leaned into the touch.

Eventually they made their way to the hammock and tangled themselves together. Kiara kept her head on his shoulder and had an arm and leg draped across him. One hand kept running up and down her arm, while the other payed with loose stands of curly hair.

Slowly Kiara started to drift off to sleep when the blonde boy spoke.

"Happy birthday Kiara." She smiled then leaned up and kissed him again, because she finally could.