the night was still, the world outside their window silent, save for the occasional whisper of wind brushing against the glass. the soft glow from the streetlights cast faint shadows across the room, illuminating the soft curves of their faces as they lay side by side. ddot's apartment had always felt warm and inviting, but tonight, it was like their own little bubble of peace—separate from everything outside.
star lay on her side, her body curled up slightly as she faced ddot. the blanket draped over her was thick and plush, but still, a small shiver coursed through her body. it was the type of cold that crept in slowly, not the harsh kind that you brace yourself for but the subtle kind that you don't notice until it's too late. she pulled the blanket closer, trying to keep the warmth, but it didn't quite reach her.
ddot noticed immediately. his eyes, half-lidded with sleep, flicked open at the small movement. his arm, which had been lazily resting across his stomach, reached out instinctively, pulling her closer without a second thought. his fingers found their way to the curve of her waist, tugging her gently until she was pressed up against him, the heat from his body instantly warming her chilled skin.
"you cold, baby?" his voice was soft, deep, laced with a grogginess that only made it sound more intimate.
star nodded, her face half-buried in his chest, her nose grazing the fabric of his shirt as she breathed in his familiar scent—a mix of fresh laundry and the subtle hint of his cologne, lingering from earlier in the day. "just a little," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
ddot's hand slid up her back, his palm warm against the soft fabric of her shirt. "why didn't you say something sooner?" he asked, his lips brushing against her temple in a feather-light kiss. there was a note of concern in his voice, though it was gentle, barely noticeable.
"i didn't want to wake you," she admitted, her fingers lightly tracing small patterns on his chest. she always did that when she was trying to relax, her mind calming itself by focusing on the feeling of his skin beneath her touch. it grounded her, made her feel safe.
"you can always wake me up," he murmured, shifting slightly so he could pull the blanket up higher, tucking it around her shoulders like he was wrapping her in a cocoon. "i'm supposed to keep you warm, remember?"
she smiled against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. "i guess i forgot," she teased lightly, though the warmth of his body against hers was already chasing away the chill. her head nestled into the crook of his neck, her breath warm against his skin.
ddot shifted again, this time pulling her even closer so that there was no space left between them. his legs tangled with hers, his arms wrapped securely around her, holding her in place like she was something precious. "you ain't gotta worry about that no more," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. "i'll keep you warm all night."
the weight of his words settled over her like a blanket of their own, heavy with meaning. it wasn't just about the cold—it was about everything. about how he'd always be there, how he'd always take care of her, how he'd always make sure she was safe and warm, no matter what.
star's fingers absentmindedly traced the line of his jaw, her touch light as a feather as she admired the sharp angles of his face. "you're so handsome," she whispered, almost to herself.
ddot chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. "what's that?" he teased, his voice playful but still laced with affection. "you finally admit i'm handsome?"
"i've always thought that," she replied, her fingers now trailing up to his eyebrows, marveling at how perfectly arched they were. "but seriously, your eyebrows... they're perfect. like, ridiculously perfect. how do you even manage that?"
he raised an eyebrow at her, clearly amused. "my eyebrows?" he repeated with a grin. "that's what's on your mind right now?"
"yeah," she said with a small laugh. "i mean, look at them. they're like perfectly arched, and they make your eyes look even more intense."
he smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "i don't do nothin' to them, if that's what you're asking. they just come like that."
star rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't help the warmth spreading through her chest as she looked at him. "well, they're beautiful," she said softly, her fingers brushing against his brow again. "you're beautiful."
ddot's playful grin softened at her words, and for a moment, he was quiet, his eyes searching hers. then, with a tenderness that took her breath away, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "you're the beautiful one, estrella," he whispered, his voice full of sincerity. "ain't nobody in this world like you."
her heart fluttered at his words, the way he said it with such reverence, like she was something sacred. she loved how he called her 'estrella,' his little star, the center of his universe.
"i love you," she whispered, her voice soft but full of emotion, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
he tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer until she was completely enveloped in his warmth. "i love you too, baby," he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. "more than anything."
they lay there in silence for a moment, their bodies pressed together under the covers, their hearts beating in sync. the world outside seemed so far away, like it didn't even exist. it was just the two of them, wrapped up in their own little world of warmth and love.
ddot's hand slid up to her hair, his fingers gently threading through the soft strands. star smiled against his chest, her heart swelling with love for him.
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