Echoes of Wonderland

Details matter

Chloe's POV

As I walk with Fay and Ella, we chat about the upcoming Castlecoming event and our plans for the day. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the academy grounds, and I'm feeling more relaxed with each step. Just when I'm starting to enjoy the day, Red suddenly appears, her face a mix of determination and excitement.

- Chloe! - She calls out, her voice ringing with urgency. - Come with me!

Before I can even ask what's happening, Red grabs my hand and starts pulling me away from Fay and Ella. They look puzzled, and I manage a quick wave before I'm whisked away. Red's grip is firm but gentle, and as we navigate through the campus, I can't help but be intrigued by her sudden insistence.

Red leads me to the small field behind the academy, my heart skips a beat. It's a simple setup—a blanket laid out on the grass, a few snacks, and the sun casting a warm glow over everything. But what makes it special is the effort I know Red put into it. I know she's never been the type for grand gestures or carefully planned details, so seeing this makes my heart swell with emotion.

She fidgets a bit, clearly nervous, and I can't help but smile at how adorable she looks, trying so hard to get everything just right.

- Chlo, - Red begins, her voice a little shaky, but there's so much sincerity in it that it makes my chest tighten with affection. - I'm really sorry for not asking you properly about Castlecoming. I've never done anything like this before, and sometimes I just don't know how to act. But I wanted to make sure you know how much you mean to me. You're everything to me, and I want to share this night with you.

Hearing those words from her sends a wave of warmth through me. I can see how much she's trying, how much she cares. It's clear that this isn't easy for her, but she's doing it anyway because she wants to show me that she loves me.

- Bae, - I say softly, taking her hand in mine. - You didn't have to go through all this trouble to show me how much you care. I've always known you care deeply, even if you don't always show it the way I might expect. But I needed to know that you could see the little things too, the details. That you cared about them as much as I do.

Red's eyes widen, and she nods slowly, taking in my words.

- I'm sorry if I made you feel like I didn't appreciate the little things. - She says, a hint of playfulness in her voice. - I guess I just get caught up in my own way of doing things, and it's sometimes hard for me to slow down and focus on what really matters.

I laugh softly at her honesty.

- Well, I'm glad you're trying. And you know what? This. - I gesture to the picnic setup with a smile. - Is perfect. It's not about being neat or pretty, it's about you doing it.

Red's face lights up with relief and affection. She steps closer to me, her gaze never wavering.

- Chloe Charming, would you make me the luckiest girl in the history of time travel, and be my date for Castlecoming?

My heart races at her words. I can see the earnestness and love in her eyes.

- Of course, Red. - I reply, my voice trembling slightly with emotion. - I'd love to be your date.

Without hesitation, I close the distance between us and kiss her. Her lips are soft and warm, and I feel the connection between us deepen with every passing second. There's a sweet urgency to the way she kisses me back, as if she's been waiting for this moment as much as I have.When we finally pull away, both breathless and smiling, I look into her eyes and whisper;

- You know bae, I wasn't mad at you. I just wanted to feel like you cared about the little things as much as I do. And you've more than made up for it.

Red's smile is radiant as she brushes a strand of hair from my face.

- I'm glad you feel that way, Chlo. You mean everything to me. I just needed to find the right way to show it.

We settle onto the blanket, and I lean back against Red, feeling her arms wrap around my waist, pulling me close. It's comforting, being here like this, just the two of us in our little world.

- So, do you have a dress for Castlecoming? - Red asks, her voice soft and warm against my ear.

- I do, but you're not seeing it until tonight. - I can't help but giggle at the question, the sound bubbling up naturally.

I can't help but think about the dress I just picked up today. I've only tried it on once, but I already know it's perfect. It's the kind of dress that's both elegant and a little daring—one that hugs my curves just right and makes me feel confident and beautiful. Red has no idea what's in store for her tonight, and I can't wait to see her reaction.

- Come on! - Red's eyebrows lift in interest - What's it like?

I glance back at her, and she's looking at me with that curious, almost mischievous expression that makes my heart skip a beat. I can tell she's trying to figure out what I'm thinking, but there's no way I'm giving anything away just yet.

- You'll just have to wait and see, bae. But I promise you, it's going to knock your socks off. - I smile, savoring the anticipation.

- Is that so? Now I'm even more curious. - She smirks, a playful glint in her eyes. - You're no fun.

I turn my head just enough to catch her gaze, a playful grin spreading across my face.

- Oh, I'm plenty of fun. - I tease, leaning in to brush my lips against her cheek. - Besides, I got something for you too.

- You did? - That perks her up.

- Mhm, - I nod, unable to hide the playful excitement in my voice. - And you have to wear it. No complaints.

- What it is? - She raises an eyebrow, looking both intrigued and a little suspicious.

- You'll find out tonight. - I can feel my cheeks warming just thinking about it. - I'm serious, Red. When you see me in this dress, you won't be able to keep your hands off me.

Red's hands around my waist tighten slightly, her gaze growing a little more intense.

- Now you've really got me excited. What color is it?

- Nice try. - I shake my head, laughing softly. - You'll have to wait until tonight.

Red chuckles, her breath warm against my ear.

- Deal. But now I'm dying to know what it is.

I relax back into her arms, my heart fluttering with excitement. Tonight is going to be unforgettable. I can already picture the look on Red's face when she sees me in that dress, and the way her eyes will darken with that familiar mix of desire and admiration. She won't be able to resist me, and honestly, I wouldn't want her to.

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I really love writing this cute stuff, feels peaceful.