Not So Vibrant, Not So Dull (draft) ✔

Chapter Seven: Together

I used to love black over blue. That was before I met you.

Now, standing in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but admire the fit you had chosen for me-deep blue with subtle textures that seemed to come alive under the soft glow of the bedroom light. The shirt hugged my frame in all the right ways, and I could still feel your fingers brushing against me as you adjusted the collar earlier, that lingering touch making my heart race.

"You look perfect," you said from behind me, your voice soft but sure, a smile dancing on your lips as you leaned against the door frame, watching me. This was one of those perfect moments-the two of us, no pretence, just excitement bubbling under the surface. We were going on a date tonight, something we hadn't done in a while.

You walked in and wrapped your arms around my middle, your hands slithering across my torso, your chin resting on my shoulder as you peered into my eyes through the reflection in the mirror. The weight of your touch, the warmth of your body pressed against mine-it was enough to ground me, to remind me how much had changed since you became part of my life.

Outside, the city lights shimmered, casting a warm glow through the window. The gramophone in the living room played a slow, romantic rhythm that made everything feel timeless.

I turned to face you, taking in the way your dark hair framed your face, soft waves falling just over your forehead. Your blue eyes-those striking, soft blue eyes-held a depth that I could lose myself in every time.

"You don't look too bad yourself." No, you looked divine, effortlessly handsome, like you always did, the kind of beauty that felt both calming and electric. You looked like everything I'd ever needed.

"Mhm?" You raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of your lips, and before I could say anything else, you leaned in for a kiss.

Our lips met softly, tenderly, gracing each other with a warmth that melted away everything else. This closeness, this feeling of being wrapped up in you-it made everything else fade. The world could be falling apart around us, and I wouldn't care. Not when I had you beside me.

Every battle we'd fought to get here, every challenge we'd face in the future-it would all be worth it for this. For the quiet moments when it was just us, wrapped in each other's embrace, finding solace in the simple act of loving one another. This, right here, was everything.

You pulled back, your forehead resting against mine, your breath mingling with mine as you whispered, "Ready?"

I smiled, my heart swelling with love. "Ready."

The restaurant you chose was tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, one of those places you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. Soft, golden lights glowed from within, casting a warm, inviting hue across the cobbled street. As we stepped inside, the low hum of gentle conversation and clinking glasses greeted us, along with the faint scent of rosemary, garlic, and freshly baked bread. It was a modern space, minimalist but rich with character-clean lines, dark wood, and soft fabrics that begged to be touched.

I pulled out the chair for you, a small smile playing on my lips as I watched you settle into it. Your eyes sparkled under the amber glow of the lights, and I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world just to be here with you. The table was set simple-just a single candle flickering between us, its flame swaying ever so slightly in the air-conditioned breeze. No need for anything extravagant. The intimacy of the setting was more than enough.

You looked good tonight. The shirt you wore clung to you in all the right places, accentuating your frame without trying too hard. Casual, effortless. Just like the way you smiled at me as I sat down across from you.