Marlos

"Future"

The morning light, soft and golden, spilled through the hideout window, painting the dusty room in warm hues. Mal woke with a gentle smile, her cheek resting against Carlos's shoulder. He was still asleep, his breath soft and even against her hair. She shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, but his eyes fluttered open, a sleepy grin spreading across his face.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Morning," Mal replied, her voice soft.

He pulled her closer, his arm tightening around her. The silence was comfortable, filled with the quiet intimacy of a shared morning. The previous night's events, their kiss, their whispered confessions, felt like a natural extension of their growing affection.

They lay there for a moment, simply enjoying the quiet closeness. The air was filled with a sense of peace, starkly contrasting with the tension that had filled the hideout.

Carlos gently cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. "Last night," he began, his voice soft, "was perfect."

"It was," Mal agreed, her heart swelling with affection.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tender kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of affection, of shared warmth, and of a growing love.

"We're good, right?" Carlos asked, his voice filled with gentle reassurance.

"We're perfect," Mal replied, her smile radiant.

A comfortable silence filled the small room as Mal and Carlos began to dress. The intimacy of the morning lingered in the air, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Carlos, his back to Mal, pulled on a worn leather vest, the familiar scent of the material filling the air. He moved with a quiet efficiency, his movements precise and deliberate. Mal watched him, a soft smile playing on her lips.

She turned away, retrieving her familiar leather jacket from a nearby hook. The rough texture felt comforting against her skin. As she slipped it on, she caught Carlos's reflection in a cracked mirror, his gaze fixed on her. A blush crept up her neck, but she met his eyes with a confident smile.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

"As I'll ever be," Mal replied, her voice equally resolute.

They moved around the small space, gathering their belongings with a shared purpose.

Carlos checked the straps of his pack, ensuring everything was secure. Mal adjusted the clasp of her bracelet, a small, intricate piece of metal that had become a familiar comfort. The silence was not empty but filled with unspoken words, a quiet acknowledgment of the shared journey they were about to embark on.

"Let's go," Carlos said, his voice firm, but gentle.

Mal nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Together."

XXXXXXXXXXX-MARLOS-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Enchanted Forest welcomed them with a breathtaking display. Sunlight, fractured into a thousand shimmering beams, danced through the emerald canopy, painting the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow. The air, crisp and sweet, carried the delicate fragrance of blooming moonflowers and the earthy scent of ancient, moss-covered trees.

Mal and Carlos walked hand-in-hand, their fingers intertwined, their footsteps muffled by the soft, velvety moss that carpeted the forest floor. The trees, tall and majestic, stood like silent guardians, their branches adorned with vibrant, luminous blossoms that pulsed with a gentle, inner light.