Midnight Blue in Italy

Midnight Confessions

The warm glow of the Italian sunset bathed the streets of Milan in golden light, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated events in the fashion world: Milan Fashion Week. Earn stood by the window of her hotel room, watching the city come alive with excitement. She was here to showcase her latest summer collection, a labor of love and dedication. Yet, as the evening approached, her thoughts kept drifting away from the intricacies of fabrics and stitches. Instead, they lingered on the woman who had been by her side through it all - Fahlada.

Before their trip, Earn had left a note on Fahlada's desk, a simple message that only the two of them would understand: Bring your midnight blue and gray suits. It was a reminder of the countless events and parties they had attended together, Earn as either the guest or, the host and Fahlada as her bodyguard. But more than a security detail, Fahlada's presence had always been a source of quiet comfort and unspoken understanding to Earn. Although they didn't start peacefully like this. The suits were more than just clothes; they were a symbol of their connection, one that had deepened over time as trust built up and later, something that had developed over time into something neither of them dared to name.

As Earn prepared for the evening, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The soft, flowing fabric of her dress clung to her frame, accentuating her elegance. But tonight, there was an unfamiliar flutter in her chest, a nervousness she hadn't felt in years. She brushed it aside, focusing instead on the collection she would present. Yet, deep down, she knew that her excitement wasn't just for the show - it was for the moments she would share with Fahlada.

The evening's event was as glamorous as she had imagined. The grand ballroom of the historic palazzo was filled with the crème de la crème of the fashion world. Earn moved gracefully through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and discussing her work. Yet, her eyes constantly searched for Fahlada, who stood watchful, just a few steps behind, clad in the midnight blue suit Earn had suggested.

As the night progressed, the tension between them grew, an unspoken understanding that neither could ignore. They shared fleeting glances, asking with their eyes if they were okay. Glances that linger longer than the last, speaking volumes of what they both felt but couldn't admit.

And then, it happened.

A man, emboldened by the evening's festivities and too many glasses of champagne, made a move toward Earn, his hand brushing against her waist in a way that was too familiar. Before Earn could react, Fahlada was there, her presence commanding as she stepped between them.

"What do you think you're doing with my girlfriend?" Fahlada's voice was low and steady, with an edge that made it clear she would not tolerate any disrespect towards Earn.

The man backed off, mumbling apologies, and quickly disappeared into the crowd. Earn's heart raced, not from fear, but from the realization that Fahlada had said it out loud - girlfriend. The word hung in the air between them, a confession that neither had been brave enough to make until now.

Fahlada turned to Earn, her eyes softening as she took in the woman she had protected for so long. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle, but there was something more in her gaze - a vulnerability that she rarely showed.

Earn nodded, her throat tight as she struggled to find words. The song playing in the background, Ben & Ben's Fall, seemed to mirror her emotions, the lyrics echoing in her mind.

"Move a little closer 

So I can breathe you in 

Wrapped in this enclosure 

How long has it been?"

It was in that moment, surrounded by the elegance of the evening and the beauty of Milan, that Earn realized she had been falling for Fahlada all along. Every note she left, every suit she suggested, every hydrangea she bought, every glance that shared - it had all been leading to this.

"I'm sorry," Fahlada said, but Earn shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Don't be," she whispered, stepping closer, so close that she could feel Fahlada's breath against her skin. "I think I've been waiting for you to say that."

Fahlada looked at her, searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation, but all she found was the same longing she had been trying to hide.

"Feels like we can stay forever

In each other's arms

So lay down on my shoulder

I'll keep you safe from harm."

The song continued to play as Fahlada reached out, gently taking Earn's hand in hers. "Then let me say it properly," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm in love with you, Earn Sanithada."

The world seemed to fade away as Earn heard those words. She had always been so focused on her career, on her responsibilities, that she had never allowed herself to consider love. But here, under the Italian sky, with Fahlada by her side, she realized that love had been there all along - growing quietly, waiting for the right moment to bloom.

Earn squeezed Fahlada's hand, her heart swelling with an emotion that she could no longer deny. "I'm in love with you too, Captain Fahlada Thananusak," she confessed, the words slipping out as easily as a sigh.

For a moment, they stood there, in the middle of the grand ballroom, lost in each other's eyes. The music, the chatter of the crowd, the glamour of the evening - it all faded into the background. All that mattered was this moment and the love that had finally found its voice.

As the night drew on, they stayed close, no longer hiding behind professionalism or unspoken words. They danced together, letting the music guide them, their hearts in sync with the rhythm of the song. And as they moved, the lyrics of Fall echoed in their minds, a perfect reflection of the journey they had taken together:

"So why don't we fall in love tonight

'Cause everything else just feels so right

And now I just want to hold you tight

So why don't we just fall"

And in that fall, they found each other - finally, completely, and forever.

A/N:

Yes, I know. I have an unfinished story. Don't worry, I'll finish it (and for those who haven't read it first before you read this, you better check out the Unbreakable Duty). 

I just have to write these words being vomited by my brain as I was listening to Ben & Ben's playlist (if you haven't heard about them, it won't harm you to check their music out. :D). 

Anyway, I hope you liked this one-shot. Thanks!