Tones of Grey (Lady Lesso x OC)

Perfect Birthday

Dumb A/N: Sorry if there happens to be more mistakes in this chapter. I was correcting it whilst watching the football match between Argentina vs Ecuador. That shit was tense AF.

2nd A/N: I told someone that chapter 23 (this one) would be intense. For various reasons (me, having completely forgotten I wanted to write this chapter, mostly) the intense chapter will be next one. Might publish it before next Saturday, but still unsure. Hope you like this one though, I literally screamed writing it.

Sofía's POV:

I woke up for the second time in the day in Lesso's arms. I tried to pretend to be asleep, I was still exhausted.

When the time came, Lesso gently shook me awake. "So, it's time to get up," she whispered, her voice soft but firm.

I stirred, slowly opening my eyes and blinking against the morning light. "Already?" I mumbled, my voice a bit low. "Fuck, I'd forgotten how it felt to sleep like this. I missed it."

Lesso smirked. "If we don't want to be late for breakfast, yes, we do need to wake up. I've already woke the Nevers five minutes ago, but I wanted to let you sleep. But don't worry. You can catch up on sleep tonight," Lesso reassured me.

"Wait, five minutes ago?! We usually wake up earlier than the Nevers Lesso!"

"I know. But it's fine, we'll get there in time."

I nodded, still feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to me. "Thanks for letting me sleep," I said, reaching out to caress her cheek. "I needed it."

I started moving to get out of bed, slowly standing up to get ready. I noticed the slight hesitation in Lesso's movements, just as if... as if she wasn't used to this. Right. For a moment there I'd forgotten this was her first time sleeping in my room. The morning dynamic was unfamiliar to both of us and as I noticed, I couldn't help but feel just a bit awkward.

"Lesso," I began tentatively, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Do you... would you prefer to get ready on your own? I don't want to intrude."

She looked at me with a teasing smile on her face. "You do realize it's your own room, right? If anything, I'm the one intruding," she mocked for a second. "It's okay, So. Do you want me to stay?"

I blushed just before nodding. "Yes."

"Then we can take turns using the bathroom if you want to."

"That sounds good."

As we settled that, I let Lesso take her turn in the bathroom first, allowing myself a few moments to gather my thoughts. Gosh, I couldn't believe everything that was going on in my life now. I sat back in the bed after I finished conjuring the dress I wanted for the day, trying to pull myself together.

When Lesso emerged from the bathroom, I smiled warmly at her, silently appreciating her presence. "Your turn," she said, gesturing toward the bathroom door.

"Thanks," I replied, gathering my things and stepping into the bathroom. Alone with my thoughts once more, I took a moment to splash water on my face, letting the coolness wash away everything that I was overthinking. The mirror reflected a face filled with uncertainty. I had to admit that even after the few months I'd been here, I was still having trouble recognizing myself in the mirror. I was such a different person now, that what I had been back in Argentina. It wasn't just my age. I'd become bolder and more relaxed. I still wanted to have everything under control, but at least my anxiety had stopped crippling at me each time I tried to speak with more than two people around. As I brushed my teeth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort knowing Lesso was there in the room and I smiled softly at my reflection. My life here was good. I was building something nice with Lesso, and I had built solid friendships with most people at the Schools. My inner child wanted to cry of happiness, knowing that I was slowly beginning to find peace with myself, to like me for who I was, and being more courageous. Even amongst the difficulties and uncertainties.