Feral Daydreams 🎀

Home in Your Arms (🌸)

Laramie shifted their weight from one foot to the other, tapping their black platform boots against the glossy airport floor. The hum of travelers moving around them, the distant sound of a boarding announcement, and the occasional burst of laughter from passing groups filled the air. They clenched their phone in one hand, resisting the urge to check the time again.

Vanessa's flight had landed twenty minutes ago. She should be here any second.

They ran a hand through their short, deep red hair, exhaling slowly. They had no reason to be nervous-this wasn't the first time they'd been apart, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. But damn, it felt like forever. Two months of Vanessa's texts, late-night video calls, and voice notes saying she missed them weren't enough. They needed to see her, touch her, hear her laugh without a lag or a tinny microphone quality distorting her voice.

Just as Laramie lifted their phone to check the time, they heard it-her voice, clear and bright, cutting through the noise of the airport.

"Laramie!"

They turned just in time to be swept into Vanessa's arms. The force nearly knocked them off balance, but her warmth, her scent-a mix of vanilla and something fruity-flooded their senses, grounding them instantly. Vanessa clung to them tightly, arms wrapped around their shoulders like she never intended to let go.

Laramie let out a breathless chuckle, arms tightening around her waist. "You're acting like I've been gone for years," they murmured, voice softened by affection.

Vanessa pulled back just enough to look at them, her green eyes shimmering. "It felt like years," she pouted, before leaning in and pressing a kiss to Laramie's lips, quick but meaningful. "You're real."

They smirked. "Last time I checked."

Vanessa huffed, finally stepping back but keeping one hand clasped in Laramie's. "Come on, we're not wasting another second in this airport. I need real coffee and a couch where I can drape myself over you like a human blanket."

Laramie raised an eyebrow. "So basically, my place?"

She grinned. "Exactly."

---

Twenty minutes later, they were tucked into the corner booth of Laramie's favorite coffee shop, a dimly lit, moody little place nestled between thrift stores and bookstores in the arts district. Rain drizzled lightly against the windows, casting a cozy atmosphere.

Vanessa sat across from them, stirring her overly sweet strawberry latte with one perfectly manicured nail, while Laramie nursed a black coffee, enjoying the contrast of bitter warmth against the cool air. They were both quieter now, but it wasn't awkward-it was the kind of silence that only came from being completely at ease with someone.

Vanessa's gaze flickered up, studying them. "You're staring," Laramie pointed out, a teasing lilt in their voice.

"I'm appreciating," she corrected smoothly, resting her chin in her hand. "You look hotter than I remember."

Laramie snorted. "You FaceTimed me yesterday."

"Yeah, but in person?" Vanessa's gaze flicked over their tattoos, the way their dark outfit contrasted with their fair skin. "Way better."

Laramie rolled their eyes but couldn't hide their smirk. "You just like having me around to admire."

"Obviously." She sipped her drink, looking smug. Then, as if remembering something, she perked up. "Oh! I got you something."

Laramie blinked as she dug through her bag, finally pulling out a small, pastel-pink gift bag and shoving it across the table.

With an amused smile, they opened it, pulling out a soft, black beanie embroidered with tiny red bats. Laramie turned it over in their hands, grinning. "You really do know me."