Southern Charm | wlw

2

~now~

Messy sheets clung to her soft skin as she stirred awake. She ran her hand through her golden hair, sitting up with a wide yawn. Just then, the bedroom door swung open, and there she stood—her dream, wearing a bright smile that lit up the room. She loved her with all her heart. With her warm, dark brown eyes, she stepped closer and pressed the softest kiss against her chapped lips.

The kiss lingered for a moment, sending a rush of warmth through her.  "Good morning," Rowyn whispered, her voice a melodic echo that wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.

"Good morning," she replied, sitting straighter, her heart racing. The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a golden glow around them, making the whole room feel enchanted.

They shared a quiet moment, basking in each other's presence. Memories of laughter and late-night talks flooded her mind—how they had built this connection, layer by layer, each shared secret and soft touch weaving them closer together.

That evening they made their way to a rather large house. The walls shimmered like gossamer threads, and, they found themselves standing in a vast, opulent hall, bursting with life and laughter.

A grand chandelier sparkled overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the marble floor. The room was filled with elegantly dressed guests, their laughter mingling with the sweet notes of a string quartet. She blinked, disoriented but enchanted. "Where are we?" she asked, turning to Rowyn, who looked equally mesmerized.

Aspen shrugged, her smile unyielding, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I don't know, but it feels... perfect." She then nudged her and laughed, "you have been wanting to go to a big party for forever!"

They walked hand in hand, weaving quickly through the crowd. The scent of sweet pastries and exotic spices floated in the air, tempting them from every direction. A lavish spread filled a long table, adorned with fruits that glimmered like jewels and decadent desserts that seemed to beckon them closer.

"Let's try that!" Rowyn pointed excitedly at a platter of tiny cakes, their icing shimmering under the lights. They moved to the table, laughter spilling from their lips as they sampled one after another, sharing bites and playful jabs about who had the best taste.

"Okay, that one is definitely my favorite!" Rowyn declared, her cheeks dusted with crumbs and a mischievous glint in her eye.

But as they indulged in the festivities, a peculiar sense of unease fluttered in the back of her mind. The faces around them felt familiar yet distant, like echoes of memories half-formed. The music swelled, enveloping them, but it seemed to twist in a way that made her heart race with an unshakeable sense of urgency.

"Let's dance!" Aspen exclaimed, tugging her towards a swirling mass of bodies. The floor vibrated beneath their feet as they twirled into the throng. She felt exhilarated, the world fading away until it was just the two of them, laughing and spinning, lost in their own rhythm.

But as the song reached a crescendo, a flicker of doubt pricked at her heart. "Rowyn, what if—"

"Just enjoy this!" Aspen interrupted, pulling her closer, her warmth anchoring her in the chaos. They moved as one, a seamless blend of joy and tension, until the music shifted into a slower,  melody.

Suddenly, the laughter dimmed and all Aspen saw and heard was this moment. She spun Rowyn around, their laughter merging into a melodic echo that felt like it belonged to the universe itself. The world around them faded until it really was just the two of them. Her eyes couldn't stay in one place; she didn't know what was more beautiful—Rowyn's dark eyes that seemed to hold galaxies or her pretty lips that curved into that enchanting smile.

Aspen leaned in closer, feeling the warmth radiating from Rowyn, her heart racing as their foreheads touched. The air between them crackled with an electricity that made everything else disappear. "This moment," Aspen whispered, "it's perfect."

Rowyn's smile widened, and she brushed a lock of hair behind Aspen's ear, her fingers lingering on her cheek. "You make every moment feel like magic," she replied, her voice low and sincere.

As they swayed gently, the melody enveloped them again, but this time it felt comforting rather than unsettling. Aspen's worries melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging she had never known before. They danced together, moving in sync, lost in a rhythm only they could hear.

The atmosphere shifted, and the room began to pulse with colors that flickered like stars. Aspen felt dizzy with joy, her spirit lifting as they laughed and spun, the world blurring around them. They shared soft kisses between twirls, the taste of sweet frosting lingering on their lips.

Eventually, they found themselves retreating to a quiet corner of the expansive hall, where soft cushions formed a makeshift bed. Aspen sank into the plush fabric, pulling Rowyn down beside her. The surrounding shadows felt safe and intimate, cocooning them away from the fleeting party.

Rowyn nestled against Aspen, resting her head on her shoulder. "Do you think it will last?" she murmured, a hint of vulnerability threading through her words.

Aspen wrapped her arms around Rowyn, drawing her close. "We can make it last," she whispered, as if sealing a promise in the air between them. "As long as we're together, it's real."

Rowyn smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she let out a contented sigh. Aspen watched her, feeling a rush of affection that filled the space between them. She stroked Rowyn's hair gently, the soft strands slipping through her fingers like silk. The sounds of the party faded further, replaced by the soothing rhythm of their breathing.

As the last remnants of the twilight faded into a tranquil hush, Aspen felt herself grow heavy with sleep. She leaned back against the cushions, pulling Rowyn closer. The warmth of their bodies mingled, creating a sanctuary in the coolness of the night.

"Goodnight, Rowyn," Aspen whispered, feeling her eyelids flutter as exhaustion enveloped her.

"Goodnight, Aspen," Rowyn murmured, her voice soft and dreamy.

With one last glance into those deep, dark eyes, Aspen felt the world around them slip away completely, and soon, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in each other's warmth and the magic of the moment, unaware of the shifting shadows that danced beyond.