Unspoken Love

Sky balanced her phone between her ear and shoulder as she stirred the rice, the smell of garlic filling her small kitchen. Outside, the sun barely peeked through the horizon.

"Mommy, hindi ko alam kung tama 'tong ginagawa ko." The rice sizzled in the pan, bits of garlic turning golden brown.

"Just keep stirring, anak. Add more butter if it's too dry." Her mom's voice crackled through the speaker.

The flowers she picked out earlier sat on the counter—soft pink carnations nestled with delicate sprigs of baby's breath. The florist had raised an eyebrow when Sky knocked at their door before opening hours, but the extra tip had been enough to smooth things over.

"What if 'di niya magustuhan luto ko?" Sky murmured, absently swirling the rice in the pan, watching it turn a perfect golden color.

Her mom's voice crackled through the phone. "Si Quill? Kahit ano pa 'yan lutuin mo, kakainin niya 'yan." She laughed warmly. "Trust me."

Sky smiled, turning to the sizzling strips of bacon in the other pan. The familiar pop and crackle filled the kitchen as she glanced at her phone—a message from Quill, letting her know she'd be there early.

The tocino went in next, its sweet-savory aroma mixing with the rich scent of bacon. Sky cracked eggs into the last bit of space in the pan, careful to keep the yolks intact.

"Mommy, salamat. I think I got it now, send my regards to dad! I love you both!" Sky said, ending the call and focusing on the final touches. She arranged everything just so—golden rice, crispy bacon, and perfectly sunny-side-up eggs, just like Quill liked.

She placed the flowers in a crystal vase, setting it gently in the center of the small dining table. Sky took a step back, admiring the soft glow of the carnations in the morning light, the pink and white petals catching the sun, making the wood of the table seem warmer, richer.

Her phone buzzed again. A text from Quill: On my way.

Sky's heart fluttered as she adjusted the plates one more time, making sure the silverware was perfectly aligned. The kitchen smelled of garlic, bacon, and warmth, filling the space with a quiet kind of comfort.

A soft knock on the door broke the stillness. Sky smoothed her sweater dress, heart racing, and opened it to find Quill standing there. Her hair was tousled from the morning breeze, and she held two cups of coffee in one hand, a bouquet of pink tulips in the other. The sunlight kissed Quill’s cream blazer, making her look even more radiant.

"I brought your favorite," Quill said, lifting the coffee cups with a smile that reached her eyes, turning them into crinkled crescents.

Sky's chest tightened at the sight of the tulips. "We had the same idea." She stepped aside, letting Quill see the carnations on the table.

Quill set the coffee down and, before Sky could shut the door, pulled her into a warm embrace. The soft, familiar scent of Quill's perfume, mixed with the freshness of the morning, wrapped around them.

Their eyes met. Sky’s breath caught as Quill’s gaze softened and dropped to her lips. Time slowed as Quill leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against Sky's mouth.

"Good morning," Quill whispered, her voice tender.

Sky's fingers curled into the lapels of Quill's blazer. "Good morning."

Quill pulled back, her eyes wide. "You cooked?" She glanced at the spread on the table. "Is that tocino?"

"And garlic rice. And bacon," Sky said with a shy smile, tugging Quill toward the table. "Gusto lang kita i-surprise."

"Nagluto ka for me?" Quill’s voice softened, her hand finding Sky’s, holding it with such gentle care.

"I called my mom for help with the rice," Sky admitted, her cheeks warming. "I wanted it to be perfect."

Quill smiled, pulling Sky closer, her lips brushing the top of Sky's head. "It already is."

Sky couldn’t focus on her own plate. Her eyes kept drifting to Quill, watching how she closed her eyes in delight with every bite of tocino. The distance between them seemed to stretch too far, and before she could stop herself, Sky stood up and slid into Quill’s lap.

Quill’s fork clattered softly against her plate. "Ano'ng ginagawa m—?"

Sky picked up a piece of tocino with her fingers, her smile playful. "Open."

A blush crept up Quill’s cheeks as Sky pressed the sweet, tender meat to her lips. Quill’s hands instinctively found Sky’s waist, steadying her, as she opened her mouth, accepting the offering.

"You're impossible," Quill breathed, her voice a mixture of laughter and disbelief.

Sky grinned, feeding her another piece, following it with a quick, sweet kiss.

After breakfast, Sky retreated to her room to change for school, while Quill insisted on washing the dishes. She pulled on her favorite pink sweater, adjusting the ribbon in her hair as she checked her reflection.

From the kitchen came the sounds of running water and clinking plates. Sky peeked around the corner to see Quill’s back, sleeves rolled up and her blazer discarded.

"Ready ka na?" Quill asked, without turning around, as though she could feel Sky's gaze.

Sky grabbed her bag and Quill’s blazer, and they left the apartment, their fingers intertwined. The crisp morning air carried the scent of coffee from the café down the street.

Quill opened the passenger door for Sky before sliding into the driver’s seat. The familiar scent of leather and Quill’s perfume filled the car as she started the engine.

"Late ka na sa work," Sky teased, watching the traffic ahead.

"Worth it," Quill said, her hand sliding to Sky's knee, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

When they reached Sky’s campus, Quill leaned over the console, pressing a soft kiss to Sky’s cheek. Sky did the same, her lips brushing Quill’s skin with quiet affection.

"Text me when you’re done with classes?" Quill asked, her voice soft, her hand lingering on Sky's.

Sky nodded, staying in the car for just a moment longer, savoring the warmth of Quill’s touch before stepping out.

"Always, I love you." she whispered, heart full.

"I love you too, Princess," Quill murmured softly.

Sky slipped into the courtyard, where her friends usually gathered before class. The early sun cast long shadows over the brick pathway as she approached, but she slowed her steps when she overheard their conversation.

"Your reverse psychology isn't working," Sofia's voice rang out. "She's not falling for it. Tinulak na natin siya kani-kanino pero ayaw bumigay."

"Give it time." Jolie was sprawled across one of the benches, looking like she had been in a lazy battle with gravity. "Bibigay din 'yan. Have you seen how much she panicked last time we asked her?"

Sky froze. Wait, they’ve been playing her?

"Bakit kasi 'di na lang natin tanungin ng derecho kung umamin na siya kay Quill?" Sofia suggested.

"Where's the fun in that?" Jolie stretched like a cat in a sunbeam. "Besides, alam mo naman si Sky kapag confrontation. Iiwas lang 'yun. I’m also curious if she’s confessed to her best friend yet."

Gabby, sitting cross-legged on the grass with a textbook in her lap, looked up and shook her head. "Para kayong tanga dalawa." But the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

Sky’s phone buzzed in her pocket. Another message from Quill. She wanted to check it right then, but resisted, her curiosity rising.

"Morning!" Sky called out, stepping out from behind the column with all the dramatic flair of someone revealing a big secret.

Sofia practically jumped out of her skin. "Sky! Kelan ka pa—" Her eyes widened.

"Long enough," Sky said, settling down on the grass beside Gabby. She pulled out her phone, letting them all catch a glimpse of Quill at the top of her messages. "You guys are terrible at being subtle."

Jolie sat up, suddenly very serious. "So, si Quill nga?"

"Wala akong sinabi." Sky grinned, typing a quick reply to Quill. "Pero kung gusto niyo talaga malaman, you could've just asked."

"Aamin ka ba?" Sofia scooted closer, practically leaning into Sky's personal space.

Sky locked her phone and tucked it away. "Maybe. Maybe not."

"See?" Jolie gestured dramatically. "This is why we needed a strategy para mapaamin ka eh!"

Sofia leaned forward, her eyes glittering with mischief. "Come on, Sky. We saw how your face practically lit up when Quill sent you her photo last week."

Sky sighed and traced circles in the grass. "And?"

"At 'yung mga ngiti mo na mukhang kinikilig, since last week pa 'yan." Jolie kicked her feet up on the bench, smirking. "'YAN! Tulad niyan."

Sky's fingers twitched at her lips, catching herself mid-smile. Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Quill. Ugh, she really did want to check it, but she held strong.

"'Di tayo sure, baka good mood lang ako," Sky said, shrugging like it was no big deal. But her cheeks betrayed her, warming up just a little.

"A good mood?" Jolie snorted. "Please. Kulang nalang ma-kuryente ka na sa kilig."

"Umamin ka na ba? You should just tell her how you feel, 'di tayo bare minimum enjoyer na tropa." Sofia said, her tone suddenly soft and encouraging.

Sky’s heart skipped. They had no idea how right they were. "What if—"

Jolie sat up straight, her eyes lighting up like she’d just solved world peace. "What if tulungan ka namin mag plan ng confession? Like, a huge romantic gesture? With flowers, chocolates and harana."

"Or ikulong ka namin at si Quill sa isang room hanggang sa may umamin sa inyo, pero unahan mo na baka abutin tayo siyam-siyam." Sofia added, clearly not understanding how kidnapping worked.

Gabby didn’t even look up from her textbook. "Or you could just talk to her like a normal person."

Sky fought the urge to laugh, watching her friends spiral into increasingly convoluted schemes. It was honestly adorable—and completely unnecessary. The irony was too good, considering she and Quill had already confirmed everything yesterday.

Sky leaned back on her hands, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Mhmm. 'Di niyo ba naisip baka umamin na talaga ako?"

The sound of three heads snapping toward her was like a slow-motion car crash.

"WHAT? Parang kailan lang iiyak-iyak ka pa baka maagaw na siya ni Maze ah." Jolie nearly fell off the bench in shock.

"When?" Sofia shot out of her seat and grabbed Sky’s arm. "Did you do it when you sent her home last week drunk? Sis 'wag ganun chansing ka masyado."

"How?" Gabby's textbook slipped from her lap with a dramatic thud.

Sky stood up indignant about their theories, brushing grass off her skirt like she was leaving a party. "Wouldn’t you like to know?"

"Sky!" Sofia jumped up, her voice a mixture of shock and betrayal. "You can't just say that and walk away!"

Sky gave them a playful wink and swung her bag over her shoulder. "Watch me," she said, already strutting toward the building like she’d just won a gold medal in being mysterious.

Behind her, chaos erupted. Jolie was trying to connect the dots using some sort of wildly complex logic, Sofia was having an existential crisis, and Gabby, sweet Gabby, was still trying to pick her textbook up off the ground like the world had just shifted beneath her feet.

Sky couldn’t help it. She was grinning like an idiot.

Maybe being a little mysterious wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

»

Sky checked her watch, grinning when she spotted Quill's car in the parking lot. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of Quill leaning against the hood, a single pink rose twirling between her fingers.

"Is that—" Sofia's voice rang out behind her.

"Takbo!" Sky bolted across the lot, leaving her friends in a cloud of confusion. She grabbed Quill's hand, practically dragging her into the driver's seat. "Quick, before they catch us!"

Quill's eyes widened, but she played along, diving into the car. "Ano na naman ginawa mo, Princess?"

"Drive!" Sky buckled up, watching her friends' shocked faces shrink in the side mirror. "I may have told them I confessed to you already but didn't make it clear."

"Sky!" Quill's laugh filled the car as they pulled onto the main road. "Ang sama mo."

"Nakakatawa 'yung mukha nila." Sky accepted the rose from Quill, bringing it to her nose. "Muntik na mahulog si Jolenne sa bench."

They grabbed lunch at their usual spot, a quiet corner cafe where the booths felt like their own private world. Sky picked up a fry and held it to Quill's lips.

"Open up."

Quill's cheeks flushed pink, but she accepted the offering. "You don't have to feed me."

"I want to." Sky grabbed another fry. "I'm courting you, remember?"

"About that..." Quill's voice softened. "Kelan natin sasabihin sa kanila? I mean if you're not ready—"

Sky traced patterns on Quill's palm across the table, memorizing every line. "No. This weekend. I want everyone there - Jolie, Gab, Sof, Mai and Claire. You could also invite Maze. We'll do it at your place?"

"Kinukulit na nga ako ni Claire eh. She keeps giving me these knowing looks at work." Quill intertwined their fingers. "And don't worry about Maze, she got her eyes on my cousin."

"I believe you. And quit smiling whenever I text you during office hours. Kaya ka timbog palagi eh." Sky stole another fry from Quill's plate. The afternoon sun painted golden streaks across their booth, catching in Quill's dark hair. "Mai figured it out too after posting that flower last week. Tinawagan niya ako the next day."

"Ano sabi niya?"

"Na iba daw 'yung aura ko, glowing daw ako ganun." Sky rolled her eyes. "Artists and their observations."

Quill's thumb brushed against Sky's wrist, sending tingles up her arm. The simple touch made Sky's breath catch - how had she never noticed before? The way Quill's presence filled every space, made everything feel right.

"I like having you to myself for now." Sky leaned forward, dropping her voice. "Once they know, Jolie won't shut up about it."

"Tinakbuhan mo kasi." Quill's eyes crinkled with amusement. "They're probably blowing up your phone."

Sky pulled out her phone - thirty-seven messages in their group chat. She showed the screen to Quill. "Gusto mo guluhin pa natin utak nila?"

"Princess, don't you dare—"

But Sky had already snapped a photo of their joined hands and sent it to the chat. The response was immediate - a flood of exclamation points from Sofia, keyboard smashes from Jolie.

"You're impossible." Quill shook her head, but her smile gave her away.

Sky slumped against the passenger seat as Quill pulled up to her university's entrance. The familiar buildings loomed ahead, but her mind lingered on their lunch date.

"Text me when you're done?" Quill's hand brushed Sky's knee.

"Miss mo na agad ako?" Sky grabbed her bag, letting her fingers trail across Quill's arm. The touch sparked warmth through her chest.

"Palagi naman."

Sky floated through her afternoon classes, doodling hearts in her notebook margins until her final Fashion Design lecture. Professor Santos cleared her throat at the front of the room.

"Good news and bad news. No classes for the rest of the week." A ripple of excitement spread through the room. "But your final projects need to be completed. I expect detailed sketches and material selections by Monday."

Sky's mind raced as she packed up her supplies. A whole week free? Her apartment felt too quiet lately, too empty. She needed a change of scenery.

Back home, Sky spread her sketching materials across her desk. The blank pages stared back at her as she twirled her pencil. Her eyes drifted to the photo of her and Quill on her cork board - them at the beach last summer, Quill's arms wrapped around her waist.

The idea hit her like lightning. Quill's place had that perfect bay window she loved to sketch by, and the morning light there always inspired her best work. Plus, waking up next to Quill...yeah, she needed that inspiration.

Sky grabbed her phone.

"What time ka uuwi from work today? 🌸" she texted.

Three dots appeared immediately. "6PM. Missing me? 😊"

Sky grinned at her phone. Quill had no idea what was coming.

Sky hummed as she browsed the flower shop's selection, her fingers trailing over soft petals. The roses caught her eye - but no, too obvious. Her gaze landed on a spray of white gardenias, their delicate blooms nestled among dark leaves.

"Perfect." Sky selected the freshest bunch. The florist had mentioned gardenias symbolized secret love and pure affection. The scent reminded her of quiet moments with Quill, of safety and warmth.

She pulled out her pink notepad, the one Quill had given her last Christmas, and wrote: "To my Quill- thank you for loving me exactly as I am. For being my home when the world gets too loud. For waiting until I was ready to see what was right in front of me. - Your Sky❤️ "

The bakery next door yielded Quill's favorite chocolate cake - the one with dark chocolate ganache that made her eyes light up. Sky added it to her growing collection of supplies in the passenger seat.

Her final stop was the Thai place they'd discovered on one of their best friend date. She ordered Quill's usual - green curry with extra vegetables, spring rolls, and mango sticky rice.

The evening air carried a hint of coolness as Sky pulled into Quill's driveway at 6:30. Her heart raced as she gathered her offerings - the gardenias cradled in one arm, food balanced in the other. The familiar path to Quill's door felt different tonight, charged with possibility.

Sky knocked, shifting her weight from foot to foot. Her overnight bag sat by her feet, packed with a week's worth of clothes and her design supplies. Through the door's frosted glass, she caught movement - Quill's silhouette approaching.

The door swung open, and Sky's breath caught at the sight of Quill fresh from work - dark hair falling loose around her shoulders, suit jacket discarded to reveal a crisp white button-down. Their eyes met, and warmth bloomed in Sky's chest.

"Surprise?" Sky held up her offerings, drinking in the way Quill's expression softened.

"You didn't have to-" Quill's words trailed off as she spotted the overnight bag. Her eyebrows lifted in question.

"Wala akong class this week." Sky stepped inside, setting the food and flowers on the kitchen counter. "And your bay window has the best lighting for sketching. So naisip ko lang..."

Quill's arms slipped around her waist from behind, and Sky melted into the embrace. The familiar scent of Quill's perfume wrapped around her and something uniquely Quill that made her feel at home.

"Stay as long as you want." Quill's breath tickled Sky's ear. "You know I love having you here."

Sky turned in Quill's arms, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Bumili ako ng dinner and dessert. Green curry, spring rolls-"

"And chocolate cake?" Quill's eyes lit up as she spotted the bakery box.

"Of course." Sky traced her fingers along Quill's collar, smoothing out an invisible wrinkle. "I know my girl."

A blush crept across Quill's cheeks at the words my girl, and Sky's heart skipped.

"The gardenias are beautiful." Quill buried her nose in the blooms, inhaling deeply. Her eyes caught on the pink note tucked among the flowers.

"Read it later." Sky grabbed Quill's hand, tugging her toward the kitchen. "Food first. Alam ko gutom ka na."

Sky watched Quill set out plates and utensils, her movements precise and graceful. Even these simple domestic moments made her heart flutter now.

"Tell me about your day?" Sky pulled out their favorite curry bowls - the blue ceramic ones they'd found at that artisan market last summer.

"Claire kept giving me these looks." Quill spooned rice onto their plates. "Every time my phone buzzed, she'd smirk."

"Because you light up when I text you." Sky bumped Quill's hip as she reached for the spring rolls. "It's cute."

Hindi kay-" Quill's protest was cut short by her phone chiming. Her face softened instantly at the screen.

"See?" Sky leaned over to peek. "What did I send that made you smile like that?"

"It's just a heart emoji." Quill's cheeks flushed pink. "Stop looking so mayabang."

Sky hopped onto one of the kitchen stools, watching Quill move around the kitchen with familiar ease. The evening light painted everything golden, catching in Quill's hair as she bent to grab drinks from the fridge. These quiet moments - they'd always been there, waiting for Sky to notice.

"Mai texted earlier." Sky accepted the glass of iced tea Quill handed her. "She wants to know if we're still on for dinner this weekend."

"When we tell them?" Quill settled beside her, their knees touching.

"Mm-hmm." Sky loaded her fork with curry, holding it up to Quill's lips. "Open up."

The simple act of feeding Quill made her pulse quicken. Everything felt heightened now - every touch, every shared glance. Sky watched Quill's expression melt into contentment as she tasted the curry.

"Sarap talaga." Quill reached for Sky's hand under the table, intertwining their fingers. "Naalala mo tagala na gusto ko 'yung veggies nila."

"I know what my girlfriend likes." The word girlfriend still felt new on Sky's tongue, thrilling and right.

After dinner, Sky insisted on washing the dishes despite Quill's protests. The warm water ran over her hands as she scrubbed their curry bowls, stealing glances at Quill drying beside her. Their elbows bumped, sending soap bubbles flying.

"Here, may ano ka—" Quill reached over, brushing foam from Sky's nose.

Sky flicked water at her. "Now you do too."

They took turns in the shower, Sky borrowing one of Quill's oversized sleep shirts that smelled like fabric softener and home. Her damp hair left water spots on the soft cotton as she padded into the living room.

Sky curled into the corner of Quill’s couch, her feet tucked beneath her as she watched Quill lift the note from the gardenias. Her heart fluttered in her chest as Quill’s gaze moved over the words, her fingers tracing each line with reverence.

Quill’s expression softened, a delicate flush rising on her neck as her eyes lifted to meet Sky’s. “Princess…”

Sky’s face turned crimson, and she buried her hands in her lap. “Bakit mo binasa na andito ako, nakakahiya.”

Before Sky could hide her face further, Quill was already crossing the room. Gently, she pulled Sky’s hands away, kneeling in front of her, her eyes never leaving Sky’s. “Hey,” Quill murmured softly. “Tingin ka sa akin.”

Sky hesitated, her breath catching in her throat, before her gaze met Quill’s. The tenderness there, the depth of affection, made her chest ache in the best possible way. Quill kissed the palm of Sky’s hand, then trailed her lips down to her wrist, each touch a silent promise.

“You’re my home too.” Quill’s voice was barely above a whisper, her words floating through the space like they were meant only for Sky. “Every laugh, every quiet moment. Even before, when you didn’t know.”

She kissed Sky’s fingertips, one by one. “Thank you for seeing me now.”

A warmth bloomed on Sky’s cheeks, a sensation she could hardly place. She’d written love notes before, penned countless romantic words, but this... this was something entirely different. It felt raw, real, and untouched by any pretense. Quill’s devotion bared itself so openly, it left Sky trembling, her walls crumbling piece by piece.

“I should’ve seen sooner.” Sky’s voice cracked, fragile.

Quill shook her head, pressing another kiss to Sky’s knuckles. “No… You saw exactly when you were meant to.”

The simplicity of those words, the unwavering certainty in Quill’s touch, overwhelmed Sky. Her chest tightened with emotion. Needing her, needing the comfort of her presence, Sky tugged Quill closer, as though trying to anchor herself to her warmth.

“How are you so sure about everything?” Sky whispered, her breath warm against Quill’s temple.

“Because it’s you,” Quill replied softly, brushing her lips across Sky’s cheek. “Ikaw at wala ng iba. Sky, mahal na mahal kita.”

Sky’s heart skipped a beat at Quill’s words, each syllable a declaration that seemed to make the air around them hum with electricity. The space between them pulsed with an unspoken promise, drawing them in until their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling in the quiet.

Sky traced the curve of Quill’s jaw with trembling fingers, committing every inch of her to memory. In this moment, everything felt eternal.

“Kiss me,” Sky whispered, her voice barely audible, her chest tight with longing.

Quill’s eyes darkened, the space between them closing with infinite tenderness. Her lips brushed softly over Sky’s, a hesitant question, a sweet invitation. Sky’s heart swelled with the gentleness of it, the softness of Quill’s touch, and it felt like nothing she’d ever known before. It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t demanding. It was pure and unhurried, like coming home after a long, difficult journey.

Sky melted into the kiss, her fingers tangling in Quill’s hair, as each brush of their lips sent sparks of warmth down her spine. Quill tasted like chocolate cake and whispered promises, like every unspoken dream Sky hadn’t even known she was waiting for.

“You’re trembling,” Quill murmured between kisses, her voice a low, soft whisper against Sky’s lips.

“Because it’s you,” Sky answered, pressing closer, breathing in the scent of Quill’s skin, familiar and comforting. “Because you make me feel safe enough to fall apart.”

Quill’s thumb traced slow, soothing circles on Sky’s hip, her other hand cradling Sky’s face with such tenderness that it felt sacred. Each touch was a confession, each kiss an unspoken “I love you” written in the spaces between their breaths.

“My Sky,” Quill whispered, her voice rough with emotion. “My perfect, beautiful Sky.”

The words shot straight to Sky’s heart, making it stutter in her chest. She’d always been the one chasing grand, cinematic gestures, but this — Quill’s quiet, unwavering devotion — this was everything. It was better than any fairytale. It was real.

“I’ve never been kissed like this before,” Sky breathed, pulling back just enough to meet Quill’s gaze. “Like I’m something sacred.”

“Because you are.” Quill’s eyes shone with such pure adoration, they made Sky’s breath catch in her throat. “You’re everything.”

And with that, they kissed again, this time with the weight of everything unsaid, everything shared between them. The kiss tasted like tears — happy ones, the kind that slipped unnoticed down Sky’s cheeks as she let herself be overwhelmed by the depth of what they had. Quill kissed them away, her touch impossibly gentle, as if every part of Sky was precious to her.

This was love, unspoken. Quiet, profound, and real.

Sky nestled into Quill’s side as the opening scene of Titanic filled the screen. The familiar strains of "My Heart Will Go On" began to swell, and she pulled Quill’s arm a little tighter around her shoulders, settling in.

"What if ikaw si Jack, first time mo makakita ng malaking barko," Sky asked softly, tracing lazy patterns on the back of Quill's hand. "Would you be that excited?"

Quill smiled, her fingers threading gently through Sky’s hair. "I’d be more excited about the chance to meet you there," she said, voice low and playful. "Though, I wouldn’t need to win a ticket. I’d have saved up for years just to be on the same ship as you."

The movie continued, and Sky glanced up at Quill just as Jack first noticed Rose from across the deck. "Mapapansin mo kaya ako from all the way over there?"

"In a heartbeat," Quill replied, her voice tender. "'Di lang kita titigan though. Gagawa ako ng paraan mapalapit sa'yo, maybe pretend to sketch the ocean or something, just to be closer."

As the scene shifted to Jack saving Rose from jumping, Sky pressed herself closer to Quill. "What would you say to talk me down?"

Quill’s fingers laced with Sky’s, her voice soft but firm. "I wouldn’t need words," she said. "Yayakapin kita. Yayakapin kita until you felt safe. Then, I’d spend every day showing you all the reasons to stay."

Sky smiled, her cheek resting against Quill’s shoulder as the dancing scene played out on the screen. "Would you teach me to dance like that?"

Quill kissed the top of Sky’s head, a laugh vibrating against her skin. "Mhmmm. Although hindi ako magaling sumayaw, I’d learn it just for you," she murmured. "We can stumble through our own beat if I mess up. Create something unique that belong just to us."

Sky’s breath caught as the car scene came on, and she flushed, her eyes flicking to Quill. "Would you…"

Quill chuckled softly. "I’d make sure the windows weren’t fogged up first," she teased, her fingers brushing over Sky’s cheek. "So I could see the stars in your eyes clearly."

When the chaos of the sinking scenes began, Sky clutched Quill’s shirt, her heart pounding with the rising tension on-screen. "Ibibigay mo rin ba sa akin ang pinto?"

Quill’s arms tightened around her, pulling her even closer. "There was room for two," she said, voice steady and sure. "I’d pull you up beside me, keep you warm. We’d both make it, Princess. I’d never let you go."

Sky let out a quiet sigh of relief, her eyes fluttering closed. Quill’s hand smoothed over her back as she whispered, "Sleepy?"

"Mm-hmm," Sky murmured, her voice muffled against Quill’s neck. "Pero dito muna tayo."

They made it through to the end of the movie, the credits rolling as Sky’s eyelids grew heavy. Quill guided her to bed, pulling back the covers with gentle care. Sky tugged Quill down beside her, wrapping herself around her like a sleepy koala.

"G’night," Sky mumbled, her voice barely audible as she burrowed closer.

Quill smiled, her arms encircling Sky. "Goodnight, love," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Sky’s hair.

And with that, they both drifted into sleep, wrapped in warmth and the quiet comfort of each other.

Morning light filtered through the curtains when Sky felt soft lips press against her forehead. She cracked open an eye to find Quill in running gear,

"Going for my run." Quill smoothed Sky's messy hair. "Tulog ka pa."

Sky drifted off again to the quiet click of the front door. When she next stirred from slumber, the aroma of pancakes and coffee permeated the room, a delicate pink rose resting on the bedside table. Quill appeared in the doorway balancing a tray loaded with breakfast - golden pancakes drizzled with syrup, fresh berries, and two steaming mugs.

"Morning, beautiful." Quill set the tray across Sky's lap, stealing a quick kiss.

Sky's heart melted at the sight of chocolate chip smiley faces on her pancakes. "You're perfect, you know that?"

Sky savored her chocolate chip pancakes, watching Quill settle beside her on the bed. Morning light caught in Quill's damp hair, fresh from her post-run shower. The domesticity of it all made Sky's chest warm.

"Para tayong naglalaro ng bahay-bahayan." Sky stole a strawberry from Quill's plate. "All we need are wedding rings and matching aprons."

Quill's cheeks turned pink. "What do you mean?"

"You know, waking up together, breakfast in bed." Sky gestured with her fork. "Very married couple of us, wifey."

The blush spread down Quill's neck at the endearment, and Sky couldn't resist pushing further. "Lipat nalang kaya ako dito. Save myself the commute to class."

Quill's coffee mug froze halfway to her lips. "You... want to move in?"

"Biro lang, pero—" Sky paused at Quill's serious expression.

"Tawagan ko lang si Tito at Tita." Quill reached for her phone. "We should do this properly. They should know you'll be staying with me, and I can explain my intentions—"

"Quill!" Sky grabbed Quill's wrist, laughing. "Breathe. Binibiro lang kita."

"Oh." Quill's shoulders relaxed, but disappointment flickered across her face.

"Though it's cute how you jumped straight to asking my parents for permission." Sky leaned over, pressing a syrupy kiss to Quill's cheek. "Such a gentlewoman."

Quill glanced at her watch and sighed. "I need to head to work soon."

"Five more minutes." Sky wrapped her arms around Quill's waist, nuzzling into her neck. "The airline can survive without you for a bit longer."

But eventually Quill had to leave, dressed impeccably in her navy suit. Sky walked her to the door, straightening Quill's collar.

"Text me when you get there?"

"Always do." Quill bent down for a goodbye kiss, but Sky deepened it, threading fingers through Quill's hair.

"Sky—" Quill pulled back, breathless. "Male-late na ako."

"Worth it." Sky smoothed Quill's hair back into place, stealing one last quick kiss. "Have a good day at work, wifey. I love you."

"I love you too, wifey." Quill whispered tenderly, playing along with Sky's chosen call sign.

The endearment made Quill's eyes crinkle with happiness as she headed out. Sky watched from the doorway until Quill's car disappeared around the corner, already missing her warmth.