As the movie progressed, Harper found herself drawn into the world of Anatevka. The characters' struggles and joys resonated deeply, and she felt a lump forming in her throat. When Tevye found out his daughter Chava had married the Russian soldier, Harper's eyes welled up. She tried to blink away the tears, but they spilled over, running down her cheeks. Nathan glanced at her, concern etched on his face.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked softly, pausing the movie.
Harper nodded, sniffling. "I'm fine, it's just... " She burst into sobs again.
Nathan chuckled, and stood up. "Hold on a sec," he said, heading to the hall closet. He returned moments later with a box of Puffs.
Grinning, he handed her a couple. "I'm glad I helped you unpack the house. Knew right where to find these."
Harper took the tissues gratefully, dabbing at her eyes and cheeks. Despite her efforts, she couldn't stop the sobs that shook her body. "It's so sad," she managed between hiccups. "He's in so much pain from his daughter marrying the Russian, and Chava is in so much pain because she loves that man, but she also loves her father and her family, and he has cut her off. She had to choose, and he had to choose, and they both hurt so bad."
Nathan's grin softened. He pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her. "Come here," he murmured, pressing play on the remote. As the movie continued, Harper found herself swept up in the emotions once more. By the time Tevye told Chava to "go with God," at the end, she was sobbing again.
Even after the credits rolled, Harper couldn't seem to stop crying. Nathan held her close, gently stroking her hair. His amusement was evident in the quirk of his lips, but his touch remained tender and comforting.
"You okay there?" he asked softly, his fingers running through her foxy-red locks.
Harper nodded against his chest, her tears slowly subsiding. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice slightly hoarse. "It was just... beautiful."
Nathan couldn't help but chuckle as Harper's sobs finally began to subside. He pulled back slightly, his warm brown eyes twinkling with amusement as he gazed down at her tear-stained face.
"You know," he said, his voice light and teasing, "I picked a musical hoping to cheer you up, not traumatize you even more."
Harper blinked up at him, her amber eyes still watery. For a moment, she stared at him in disbelief. Then, a small giggle escaped her lips, quickly growing into full-blown laughter. She buried her face in his chest, her body shaking with mirth instead of sobs.
"Oh God," she gasped between fits of laughter. "I'm such a mess."
Nathan grinned, his fingers gently combing through her foxy-red hair. "A beautiful mess," he murmured.
Harper lifted her head, meeting his gaze. The laughter faded from her eyes, replaced by something softer, more intense. Nathan felt his breath catch in his throat as she leaned in, her lips meeting his in a sweet, tender kiss.
When they parted, Nathan found himself lost in the warmth of her amber eyes. His heart raced, and he knew with sudden clarity that he couldn't hold back any longer.
"Harper," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "I... I'm in love with you."
Harper smiled, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she raised her hand to touch Nathan's cheek. The stubble beneath her fingertips sent a pleasant tingle through her palm.
"I love you too, Nathan," she whispered, her amber eyes shimmering with emotion.
For a moment, they sat in silence, basking in the glow of their shared confession. Harper's heart raced, her fox nature singing with joy at the rightness of this moment. Reyna, her inner fox, practically purred with contentment. "Mate" she murmured.
Nathan leaned into her touch, his milk chocolate brown eyes never leaving hers. He brought his hand up to cover hers, intertwining their fingers against his cheek.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to say that," he murmured, his voice low and filled with affection.
Harper's smile widened, her earlier tears forgotten. "I think I might have some idea," she replied, her voice equally soft.
Nathan chuckled, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down Harper's spine. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled, and Harper felt as if her heart might burst from the sheer happiness of this moment.
"So," Nathan said, a playful glint in his eyes, "does this mean I get to call you my girlfriend now?"
Harper laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I think that ship has sailed, Mr. Musical Lover. You're stuck with me now."
Nathan's response was to pull her closer, capturing her lips in a kiss that made Harper's toes curl. The warmth of Nathan's embrace enveloped her, and she breathed in his familiar scent - a mixture of sandalwood and something uniquely him.
Nathan stirred, his gaze drifting to the clock on Harper's wall. The late hour registered, and he realized with a start that he should probably head home. He reluctantly pulled away from Harper's warmth, already missing the feel of her in his arms.
"It's getting late," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I should probably go."
