So sorry that it's been so long! I love this chapter though, so enjoy it! It's been a month of Monchele already! :D

A Monchele Romance

Chapter 11- A Month Already

There was no doubt in either Lea or Cory's minds that the two were completely and utterly in love. Whenever they didn't work too late, they always went to either Lea's apartment or Cory's house just to be with each other. These were always their favorite times every week. Lea and Cory wouldn't even do very much, they just appreciated and enjoyed being able to be alone together. Nothing that they did was ever really planned; they would do things like talk about their relationship, discuss things that have been happening and what they should do about their secret, and, more often than not, spend some quality time together on the couch, exchanging tender kisses. Everything seemed to be completely perfect for Cory and Lea, and they couldn't have been happier.

Before they knew it, it had been a month from September 19, the first day of their relationship. Luckily, they weren't at work very long that day, even though it had been complete torture for them not to be able to run to each other and say 'Happy One Month Anniversary!' Finally, at about five o'clock, Lea and Cory got in their own cars and drove to Cory's, as they had planned.

Before he had left for work, Cory had started cooking their dinner so that it would be done by the time he was home. He hurried so that he would have some time before Lea arrived; he wanted that night to be perfect.

Lea lightly knocked on the door, and Cory hurried to open it and gazed up and down at the beautiful woman standing at his door. Luckily for Cory, Lea had taken time in the bathroom to get ready, giving him plenty of time to make sure that night would be perfect. Cory couldn't believe how well she did getting ready, though, and for a moment he couldn't speak.

Lea was wearing a strapless, light purple dress; Cory instantly remembered that purple was her favorite color. Her silver high heels showed off her perfectly painted toenails, which matched her fingernails. Lea had pulled back her hair in a neat but simple ponytail, curling it so that the bundle of beautiful hair looked perfect lying against her back and complimenting her beautiful, sparkling earrings. Lea mostly waited for Cory to notice her necklace, though.

"You're wearing the star necklace that Finn gave Rachel!"

Lea giggled softly. "While I was waiting to have to go on set I went to my costume trailer and saw it immediately… I thought that, technically, you gave it to me, because you're Finn and I'm Rachel, and I couldn't help but steal it."

Cory eyed her playfully. "Oh Lea, so now you're starting to steal things, are you?"

'Well, let me reword that. I didn't 'steal' it, I borrowed it. I'm returning it as soon as I go back to work. I'm just using it for tonight because I thought that it would be cute… plus, I needed a necklace that I knew you'd like." She shrugged, blushing softly.

"I do like it," Cory said, "but that just made this the perfect time to give you your anniversary gift early."

Cory pulled her to the living room, where a small, square package sat on the coffee table. Lea couldn't help but wonder what he could've gotten her for their one-month anniversary. Carefully unwrapping the package, Lea gasped at the necklace. It was similar to the gold necklace with a star charm that she was wearing, but this one was made of white gold, which she knew was even more expensive. Another thing about it made it even better than the gold one though. Around the entire star were many tiny diamonds.

Real. Freaking. Diamonds.

Lea's jaw dropped when she realized how much the necklace must have cost. "C-Cory, it's beautiful… but it's too much. I mean, it's only been a month; you didn't have to get this for me. This probably cost you a fortune-"

Cory shook his head, cutting her off. "It wasn't just any month, though. It was the best month of my life. I want to give this to you. Hey, now you don't have to steal jewelry from your costume trailer." He chuckled.

Laughing lightly, Lea looked at the necklace admiringly. It was beautiful. "Do I have to put it on myself?"

"No, I could do that for you." Cory smiled and took the necklace gently from her as she turned around. First, he took the one she was wearing off and she put it in her silver clutch to keep it safe. Then, Cory placed the necklace around her neck and clasped the two ends together.

When Lea turned around, Cory was reminded, once again, that she was the most beautiful girl in the world. And she was all his. He knew he would always cherish her and make her feel safe and beautiful.

Lea blushed softly, seeing him gaze at her in that adorable way. Finally, he told her to take a look at herself and she walked over to the bathroom where a mirror was. Her voice caught in her throat at the sight of herself wearing that beautiful necklace that was given to her by Cory, now her favorite necklace in the world.

The rest of that night was perfect. Lea had gotten Cory a nice watch and then they ate. Cory had made a delicious vegan meal that Lea had mentioned loving. The table was a beautiful set up for two, with a candle illuminating the dim room. Lea loved how romantic he was being.

Suddenly, when they finished eating, Cory gazed into her eyes. "Happy one-month Anniversary Lea," he said softly.

Lea smiled softly. "Happy one-month Anniversary Cory."

Then, Cory said something that surprised even himself. He knew this was going to happen, but he never expected it to be that soon. He just was looking into her big, brown, sparkling eyes and knew that she was the one. "I love you Lea." He wasn't just saying that. Cory really loved her, and he was relieved that he knew how he felt and that she knew as well. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of his shoulders now that the words that have been hidden inside of him since he had seen Lea for the first time finally were able to be spoken.

Lea was surprised, but only for a moment, because she knew that he wasn't lying and that was what she had wanted him to say the whole time. It was almost surreal that this was happening, but Lea knew it would all along. "I love you too, Cory."