Franco's hands were steady as he massaged the shampoo into Aurelia's hair. The soft scent of vanilla filled the small bathroom, the steam from the warm water creating a calm environment around them. Aurelia stood in front of her boyfriend, eyes closed as Franco carefully worked his fingers through her hair, making sure to be gentle. He knew how sensitive she could be about her hair, how it represented layers of her past—both the painful and the healing.
"You okay?" he asked softly, his voice a low hum over the sound of the running water.
"Mmm," she murmured in response, her shoulders relaxing under his touch. She wasn't used to this—someone else taking care of her. Not like this. But with Franco, it didn't feel suffocating. It felt... right.
Franco leaned down, the warmth of his chest pressed against her shoulder for just a moment, his lips brushing her temple. "Dime si te hago daño, okay?" he said, his Argentine accent wrapping around the words in a way that always made her feel safe.
( Tell me if I hurt you, okay? )
"I will," Aurelia whispered, but she knew she wouldn't need to. He was always careful, always patient with her, especially on nights like this. She felt herself relax further under the motion of his fingers, each slow circle unwinding tension she hadn't realized she'd been carrying.
He rinsed the shampoo out, his movements slow and deliberate as he poured warm water over her head, careful not to let any drip down her face. The water ran down the length of her straight hair and disappeared into the drain, taking with it the weight of the week, the weight of the thoughts that sometimes overwhelmed her.
"Your hair's gettin' so long," Franco said, his tone light but admiring. "Like Rapunzel, baby."
Aurelia cracked a small smile, eyes still closed. "You watch too many Disney movies."
He chuckled, the sound low and comforting, before reaching for the conditioner. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just right."
As he worked the conditioner into her hair, section by section, Franco took his time. His fingers were careful, combing through her curls gently, detangling without pulling. Aurelia leaned into it, feeling the warmth from his hands, from his presence. For a while, neither of them spoke, the silence filled only with the sound of the water and the soft hum of the bathroom's fan. There was something deeply intimate about this moment, more than anything physical they'd ever shared. It was the kind of care that went beyond the surface, the kind that made her feel truly seen.
Franco stood up after a while, his fingers still threading through the length of her hair. "Alright, let's get this rinsed out, and then I'll dry it for you."
She opened her eyes just a sliver, looking up at him. His expression was soft, his eyes focused on her like she was the only thing in the world. It still surprised her sometimes, how much he looked at her like that, like she was something precious.
He tipped her head back slightly, rinsing the conditioner out with the same careful attention he had the first time. The warm water felt soothing against her scalp, and she could feel her hair becoming lighter, softer under his care.
After he finished, Franco turned the water off and grabbed a towel, wrapping it gently around her head. "C'mon," he said, holding out his hand to help her stand. "Let's dry this masterpiece."
Aurelia took his hand, letting him guide her to the bedroom. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, and the bed was already neatly made, with blankets pulled back and pillows fluffed.
Franco had a blow dryer and brush set up on the vanity, and as she sat down in the chair, he plugged it in. "Not too hot," he muttered to himself, adjusting the settings. He glanced at her in the mirror, his reflection smiling at hers. "Ready?"
She nodded, and he began drying her hair. He worked in sections, using the brush to smooth out the curls while the warm air from the dryer followed. Aurelia watched him through the mirror, feeling a strange warmth in her chest as he focused on every detail, making sure to be gentle. She had never let anyone else handle her hair like this, not even herself most of the time. But with Franco, it felt easy. Trusting him felt easy.
"Almost done, promise," he said after a few minutes, flashing her that soft, easygoing smile that always made her heart skip a beat.
"No rush," she replied, her voice quiet but steady. She wasn't in any hurry for this moment to end.
Once her hair was fully dry, Franco turned the blow dryer off and set it aside. "Alright," he said, moving behind her again. "Now, for the braid."
Aurelia could feel his fingers gathering her hair into a single section, and then he started to create it, his movements slow, as if he were braiding something delicate. She watched him in the mirror, watched the way his fingers worked, the concentration on his face.
He finished the braid, tying it off with a small band before gently tugging on the ends to loosen it a bit. "All done," he said softly, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "How'd I do?"
Aurelia touched the braid lightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Perfect."
Later that night, they lay together in bed, the room dark except for the soft glow of the moon through the curtains. Aurelia was curled up against Franco, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arm was wrapped around her, holding her close, his fingers tracing slow circles on her back.
For a while, they just lay there in the quiet, both of them lost in the comfort of each other's presence. Then Franco's voice broke the silence, his words soft, almost a whisper.
"Sabes cuánto te adoro, ¿verdad?"
( You know how much I adore you, right? )
Aurelia felt her heart skip again, the warmth of his words wrapping around her like a blanket. She shifted slightly, looking up at him, her eyes searching his in the dim light. "Dímelo," she whispered, even though she knew.
( Tell me. )
Franco smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Te adoro, mi vida," he said, his voice low and full of something deep. "Te adoro más de lo que puedes imaginar."
( I adore you, my love. I adore you more than you can imagine. )
She swallowed, her chest tightening at his words. "I don't know why," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
He tilted her chin up so their eyes met fully. "Because you're you, Aurelia. Eres fuerte, eres hermosa, y no tienes que ser perfecta para ser amada. Yo te amo tal como eres."
( You are strong, you are beautiful, and you don't have to be perfect to be loved. I love you just as you are. )
Aurelia blinked, feeling the sting of tears she hadn't expected. She didn't say anything, but she didn't have to. Franco knew. He always knew. Instead, she nestled closer to him, her head resting on his chest once more, and closed her eyes.
And in the quiet of the night, with his arms around her and his words lingering in the air, Aurelia finally let herself believe it.
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typing... make sure to vote and comment and give ideas for the plot!!
