𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐬 || ¹

21.

୨⎯Hers⎯୧

IRL 彡♡

Ava stirred slowly, awakening to the unfamiliar but comforting scent of lavender that wafted through the room. The light filtering through the pale curtains was soft, casting a warm glow over Inara's neatly decorated guest bedroom.  Ava blinked, sitting up, and rubbed her eyes. She wasn't quite sure what time it was, but the house was still and quiet. The events of the previous day were hazy now, softened by sleep, but she remembered the car ride vividly — the laughter of Inara, Scarlett, and Sophia as they picked her up, a whirlwind of energy pulling her into their evening plans.

Last night had been fun, so fun that Ava had barely kept up. After they arrived at Inara's house, they had played games, eaten too much pizza, and told stories late into the night. She had drifted off before she could even hear how Scarlett's story ended. Now, the house seemed to be in a peaceful pause, waiting for everyone to wake up and start the day again.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching with a satisfying yawn. She had fallen asleep in her soft, oversized pajamas, the ones Inara had lent her after realizing Ava had forgotten to pack any.  As she padded quietly to the door, she hesitated, listening for any sound in the house. Nothing but the soft hum of the morning.

Ava cracked the door open and peeked into the hallway. Inara's house always had a cozy feel to it. The walls were lined with family photos and art, most of it done by Inara herself.  Ava smiled as she noticed one painting in particular a watercolor of a sunflower field that Inara had done in art class last year. It was one of her best.

Moving on silent feet,  Ava made her way down the hall, following the scent of freshly brewed coffee. She passed Scarlett's room, where the door was half-open, and she could just make out a bundle of blankets that must have been her still-sleeping friend. Sophia's door was closed, no doubt still lost in sleep as well.

When Ava reached Inara's room, she found the door was only slightly opened, She pushed it open further gently and tiptoed inside. Inara was still asleep, lying on her back with her dark hair fanned out on the pillow. The soft rise and fall of her chest was rhythmic and peaceful, and Ava hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb her. But she couldn't help the grin that crept onto her face waking Inara up was always an adventure.

She crept closer to the bed, leaning over it slightly. "Inara," she whispered softly. No response. She leaned closer, her voice a little louder this time. "Inaraaa..."

Nothing. Inara was always a deep sleeper, and this morning was no different.

Ava bit her lip, a playful idea forming in her mind. She reached out and gently poked Inara's arm. When that didn't work, she poked her friend's cheek, still whispering her name. Still no response. Ava's grin grew wider as she leaned in even closer and, in her softest but most dramatic voice, she said, "Inara, wake up! The world is waiting for you!"

Inara stirred slightly, her brow furrowing, but she didn't wake up. Ava giggled quietly to herself. Clearly, more drastic measures were needed.

After a moment's consideration, Ava scooted over to the side of the bed, crouching down so that her face was level with Inara's. She took a deep breath and, in a loud, exaggerated whisper, she said, "Inara! Wake up! There's a dragon in the living room!"

Inara's eyes fluttered open at that, blinking against the morning light as she turned her head toward Ava. For a second, she seemed disoriented, but then her lips curved into a sleepy smile. "A dragon, huh?" she murmured, her voice raspy with sleep. "Is it friendly?"