Yours and Mine
Envy’s bare feet tapped softly against the stairs as she made her way down to headquarters, the familiar sounds of Riley’s dream playing in the background. Wrapped snugly around her shoulders was her favourite teal coloured blanket, the one that Shame had conjured up for her weeks ago. She couldn’t quite explain it, but it felt lighter than an ordinary one, like it was weighted specifically for her. A small smile tugged at her lips as she held the fabric close, humming a cheery tune to herself.
By now, the nighttime ritual felt second nature. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she glanced at the console where Riley’s dream played out in colourful detail. Tonight’s dream had Riley navigating a candy cane forest. Riley, wearing a pink dress, was laughing with a group of candy characters as she explored.
Envy barely paid attention, however. She had already set her sights on the red sofa, her designated spot during Dream Duty, and plopped herself down with a soft sigh of contentment. She shifted a bit, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders, and without thinking twice, spoke into the still air.
“Hey, Shame.”
The words came effortlessly, like a greeting to an old friend. Her tone carried a warmth that she barely registered anymore, as natural as the comfort she felt when settling in for their nightly ritual. She leaned back into the plush cushion, letting her head rest against the soft material, and smirked.
“No need to be shy. I know you’re here.”
There was a faint shift in the air, just the way she liked it, a subtle sign of his presence that made the room feel alive. Within moments, a faint shimmer appeared in the corner of her eye. Envy turned her head and grinned as tiny glowing particles began swirling near the backrest of the sofa, creating playful shapes in mid-air.
“Still sticking with the sparkly stuff, huh?” she teased, crossing her legs and curling them up beneath her.
“It’s cute. A little predictable, maybe, but cute.”
The particles dissolved as though in response, reforming into a soft, glowing stream of light that looped lazily around her like a ribbon. Envy chuckled, reaching out to lightly trace the path of the ribbon with her fingertips.
“See? You know how to put on a show,” she quipped, her voice playful and bright.
“You just can’t help trying to impress me, can you?”
She laughed at her own joke, but there it was: a sudden flutter deep in her stomach, a tingling that made her shift awkwardly in her seat. Her smile faltered for half a second before she recovered, brushing off the feeling with a dismissive flick of her wrist.
Shame responded with a sudden burst of motion, the ribbon shifting shape into something different, a tall, elegant outline of what looked like a castle, complete with glittering turrets and flowing banners made of light.
“Okay, that is impressive,” she said, her eyes lighting up in delight.
“You’ve been saving this one, haven’t you?”
Though she was fully immersed in watching the shifting illusions, Envy’s cheeks had grown warm again. She felt the flush spread from her face down to her neck, and while it annoyed her slightly, she chalked it up to the cozy blanket and the ambient warmth of headquarters. That explanation felt logical. She stretched her legs out across the sofa, letting herself relax even further as Shame’s light display shifted once more into swirling, soft golden waves, like sunlight shimmering on water. She grinned, unable to help herself, and said,
“You’re really laying it on thick tonight. Someone’s trying hard.”
The teasing remark came naturally, but it carried an unintentional edge that she didn’t recognise in herself.
It was bordering on flirtatious and Envy didn’t have a clue.
The thought hovered faintly in her subconscious, but she brushed it off without much concern.
Instead, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
“So,” she started, her tone sly,
“When are you gonna start doing REAL tricks? Like something insanely mind-blowing.” She tilted her head, an easy smile dancing across her lips.
“Or have I seen all that there is to see, hmm?”
The shimmering illusions changed pace slightly, faster, sharper, but not less beautiful. It almost felt like a silent conversation. Envy giggled, running her hands through the soft fabric of the blanket as she watched Shame respond to her provocations with more dazzling shapes and glowing figures. Even through her quips and banter though, that fluttering feeling remained, an odd stirring just beneath the surface. Envy didn’t realise that her tone was slipping softer and warmer. Nor was she fully aware of how often her gaze lingered on the light displays Shame created, or how her heart picked up speed at every clever change in the illusion. Shame conjured a tiny flock of glowing birds next, their wings pulsing softly as they circled above her head before scattering and fading into specks of light. Envy tilted her head back and laughed.
“Okay, okay, fine, I was kidding!” she said, her voice still laced with amusement.
“Infinite possibilities with you I’m guessing.”
Another faint blush crept into her cheeks, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a little off-balance, unsure why. It wasn’t anything Shame had done. At least that was what she told herself. It was just the atmosphere perhaps. Or something about the way the room felt so lively when the entity made its presence clear.
When she spoke again, her voice had lost some of its confident edge, dropping into something sheepish.
“Shame,” she said, half-laughing,
“It feels so weird to say this but…I think you deserve credit for changing my perception on Dream Duty.”
She caught herself before saying too much and bit her lip. The idea of admitting that he made her nights brighter, not just entertaining but something she looked forward to, felt like opening a door she wasn’t ready to open. But her cheeks stayed warm, her stomach still fluttered, and no matter how much she tried to brush it off, the realisation lingered. She liked having Shame around. She missed it when he wasn’t there. And she was starting to rely on his presence in a way that scared her more than she cared to admit.
For now, though, she shook the thought from her mind and turned her attention back to the shimmering lights. After all, what was the harm in letting herself enjoy the moment? With Shame around, every Dream Duty felt like stepping into another world away from her responsibilities of everyday life. In addition, she couldn’t deny that she wanted to keep that world to herself, for as long as she could.
As the shimmering light display dissolved into a soft golden glow that lit up the red sofa like a warm campfire, Envy shifted under her blanket. The night had stretched on longer than she realised, but she didn’t mind. Dream Duty wasn’t just about Riley’s dreams anymore, at least, not for her. It had become her sanctuary, a time when she could sit back, feel at ease, and indulge in the oddly soothing company of Shame.
The thought tugged at her briefly, causing her to glance toward the empty air beside her where Shame might have been standing. His presence was unmistakable even when unseen: the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the faint flicker of warmth despite his often cold, shadowy displays.
Envy even tried scanning her surroundings for any streaks or stains of black ink. She managed to find some dripping from underneath the console. It didn’t seem to affect Riley’s dreams.
“Hey,” she started, her voice dipping into an unfamiliar hesitancy,
“So why do you do this every time?” She twirled a loose thread on her blanket as if needing to keep her hands busy.
“I mean… these shows you put on. It’s a lotta work, isn’t it? I figured you’d just wanna sit in the shadows and mope… y’know, like you normally do.”
The glow shifted, morphing into a slow, pulsing pattern, soft waves rippling outward like water disturbed by a pebble. It wasn’t an answer, but it was something.
“Okay, sure.” she said, leaning back into the sofa with a smirk.
“Don’t answer. Be mysterious.” She tucked the blanket closer and cast her gaze at the console, where Riley’s dream flickered idly.
A pause stretched between them, quiet except for the hum of headquarters. As if suddenly unable to stop herself, Envy continued, her voice softening even more than it already was.
“Anyway…it’s not that I don’t like it…”
Her cheeks were hot, and she quickly looked down, pulling the blanket tighter as though Shame could see right through her attempt to cover her feelings.
“You’re… surprisingly good at this. Making me feel good.”
The light rippled again, more subtle this time, almost like a quiet laugh.
“Ugh, don’t get cocky,” she said with a smirk, hiding her sudden vulnerability behind humour.
“I swear, if I find out you’re doing this with anyone else, I’ll…”
She stopped mid-sentence, biting her lip. There it was again, this fluttering nervousness in her stomach, the kind that wouldn’t go away no matter how much she teased him.
“…You’re not, right?” she asked softly, almost under her breath.
Her voice wasn’t demanding, it carried a quiet, sincere curiosity instead.
“Doing this with anyone else. This whole thing. These nights. They’re yours and mine only, right?”
The silence lingered this time, thick and heavy. She watched the glowing figure fade away into ripples, feeling strangely exposed by her own question.
“Y-You don’t have to answer.” she said quickly, flustered by her own nerves.
“It’s fine! I mean, who cares if you are?” She laughed nervously, pulling the blanket higher over her face.
When she peeked out a moment later, she was startled to see a single glowing wisp, a tiny, delicate spark floating toward her. It hovered just in front of her, pulsing gently like a heartbeat before dissolving into nothing.
For a moment, Envy just sat there, frozen, her mind racing. She didn’t quite know what else to say.
“Okay.” she breathed, unable to keep the corners of her lips from curling into a small, shy smile.
The rest of the night carried on much the same, her teasing remarks softened, her nervousness growing with every little moment between them. And yet, she couldn’t help herself. Something about Shame made her want to prod, to ask questions, to figure him out. At one point, she turned fully to the air beside her, lowering her voice to a whisper.
“Do you ever… wonder where you’ll be in the future?” She paused.
“Like, in a few years time…the older Riley gets. Do you ever think about…staying here?”
Her words trailed off, unfinished but heavy with meaning. Shame responded in his typical way, conjuring a simple, peaceful illusion, a series of blue swirls of light conjuring an image of still water, unbroken by any ripples, quiet and calm.
“Hmm,” Envy murmured, looking down at her blanket.
“I bet Joy’s offer from that day will always stand.”
It wasn’t a request by any means. But it felt like something important anyway, an unspoken understanding between them that words couldn’t quite reach.
And as she sat there, wrapped in her favorite blanket with her cheeks still warm and her mind still spinning, Envy realised that this was more than just a distraction, more than just a routine. It was a connection. And no matter how nervous or confused it made her, she wasn’t ready to give it up.
Not yet.
The comforting hum of Riley’s dream filled the air as Envy sank deeper into the plush embrace of the red sofa. The glow from the console painted the room in soft, rhythmic hues, and her favorite blanket covered her entirely, a cocoon of warmth that she wouldn’t trade for the world. Beneath the blanket, her hands fidgeted. Her mind, usually sharp and quippy, had quieted. It wasn’t often that Envy let herself sit in silence, but tonight felt different from all the others. There was a stillness to it, though her thoughts were anything but. Shame was here; she could feel him, as constant and unspoken as her own presence in headquarters.
The idea of Shame actually sitting beside her, physically, visibly, in some tangible male or female form, played on a loop in her head. She imagined him or her leaning back against the sofa, perhaps folding his or her shadowy arms or even slumping slightly as he or she got comfortable. Would Shame sigh too, like her?
Maybe.
The image of that simple possibility made her heart flutter in a way she didn’t understand. Her chest tightened, her palms grew clammy under the blanket, and her cheeks flushed once again, the warmth spreading slowly but surely.
What was this? Why did she feel so nervous, so… out of control? She was Envy, for goodness’ sake! Sarcastic, sharp-tongued, and clever little Envy. Yet here she was, unable to still her racing heart or slow the thoughts careening through her mind.
She let out a quiet, contented sigh, imagining Shame’s presence again, sitting near her, close but not overbearing. Her breathing steadied, only for her thoughts to pick up speed once more. The dreams she’d watched with Shame, the light displays, the illusions, they all formed memories now, unshakable ones she could play back at any time.
But then her mind stumbled upon a bolder idea. Her thoughts shifted, unbidden, from light displays and shadow dances to something more. Something real. Her grip on the blanket tightened as a new thought rooted itself.
What if…
What if they did something that wasn’t just a dream or an illusion?
She inhaled sharply, her nerves reaching their peak. What kind of question was that? Was she losing her mind? Yet, even as she tried to convince herself it was a foolish idea, her curiosity grew. She imagined what it might feel like to spend time with him in a space that wasn’t built from shimmering lights or fleeting shadows.
After what felt like an eternity of self-debate, she glanced to the empty space beside her, her nerves threatening to choke her. And then, suddenly, she spoke:
“Hey,” she said, her voice much softer than her usual confident tone.
She cleared her throat and tried again.
“Shame? Can I ask you one more thing? It’s nothing serious or anything, but…”
She sighed, squeezing the edge of her blanket tightly in her fists as her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
“I was just… I dunno,” she started again, her voice faltering slightly.
“Do you think…could we…maybe sometime… do something real? Together?”
She was stammering badly.
As soon as the words left her lips, she felt like hiding under the blanket and never coming back out. Her heart pounded, and the silence that followed only made her more uneasy. Had she overstepped? Would Shame laugh silently? Or worse, what if he simply didn’t answer at all?
She bit her lip, waiting.
The room remained still, the soft glow from the console steady as Riley’s dream continued to unfold in the background. She was about to backpedal, to nervously stammer something about how it was a silly question and forget she’d said anything, when a subtle flicker of motion drew her gaze.
A glowing wisp appeared, floating gently toward her. This one was different, not playful like the others, not hurried or mischievous. It drifted slowly, deliberately, its soft light pulsing like the beat of her heart. It lingered just in front of her for a long moment before drifting upwards and vanishing into a soft, golden spark.
Envy blinked, her breath hitching.
“That’s a ‘yes,’ right?” she asked, her voice hesitant.
She was still unsure how to interpret Shame’s wordless communication.
“I mean… if it’s not, uh…that’s fine too. I just…”
Before she could ramble further, the air shifted. Shadows began to play on the backrest of the sofa. They weren’t wild or extravagant; this time, the shapes formed a simple, steady movement. Two silhouettes, side by side, walking down an open path.
Envy’s lips parted slightly as she watched, her heart inexplicably light.
“…I’ll take that as a yes,” she whispered, unable to suppress the small, nervous smile spreading across her face.
The display faded, leaving her alone in the dimly lit room once more. Despite the sudden emptiness, she didn’t feel alone at all.
Lying back against the sofa, her thoughts began to spiral again. What would they do, exactly? What could they do, if it wasn’t tied to dreams or illusions? Her head spun with possibilities, and the anticipation made her stomach flutter all over again.
Her blanket curled tightly around her, Envy found herself lost in thought. For the first time in a long while, she wasn’t planning a quip or teasing remark, nor was she overthinking or fretting about Shame’s intentions.
Instead, she let herself dream about what a night like that might look like.
“Something real,” she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with curiosity and maybe a hint of hope.
The room was silent except for the soft sounds of Riley’s dream unfolding in the background. Envy stared at the shadows playing faintly across the walls, her mind far away. Wrapped snugly in her favorite blanket, she found herself drifting deeper and deeper into her thoughts.
Shame’s gentle, wordless response from earlier still lingered in her mind. A steady “yes” hidden in shadows and wisps, a quiet promise that they would, someday, do something real.
For once, her usually guarded imagination began to wander freely, and a shy smile crept onto her face as she let herself explore what “something real” might look like. She pictured herself strolling through Long-Term Memory, the grand labyrinth of shelves that stretched infinitely in every direction. The light refracted through the endless glass spheres, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that danced across her skin. She imagined walking slowly, Shame at her side, his or her silent presence grounding Envy in a place so vast that it always made her feel even smaller.
Would they wander aimlessly, taking in the dazzling sights? Or would they stop to inspect a memory orb or two? She imagined carrying one in her hands, its light shining faintly as it spun and reflected moments of Riley’s life. Shame would, of course, give his input through more shadows or small gestures, maybe the odd leak of black ink, his silent humour teasing her even there.
The thought made her grin.
From there, her mind wandered to Imaginationland. That place was pure, chaotic brilliance, flying rainbows, giant puffy clouds made of cotton candy, and an impossible patchwork of landscapes shifting endlessly. The idea of being there with Shame, running through the whimsical terrain, brought an involuntary giggle out of her. Maybe he’d create one of his illusions to fit in with the zaniness, or maybe it’d simply let the wild chaos surround them as they took it all in. Would they laugh together at how utterly absurd everything was?
But of all the places Envy imagined visiting, one stood out above the rest: Friendship City.
She had always wanted to explore it, to wander the bustling streets where the bonds of camaraderie and affection between Riley and her closest friends were reflected in colourful storefronts, quaint parks, and a sparkling skyline. She’d only been there once, during the massive victory celebration in the Lime Grill rooftop restaurant, the night with the music and fireworks. The fact that that was the only time she’d been was mind boggling to her. Envy’s heart raced as she envisioned herself sitting on an open-roof tour bus, marveling at the vibrant cityscape with Shame following her. He would be silent, of course, but his presence would be reassuring, maybe even comforting. She’d point out the sights, jokingly narrating to him as though she were the official tour guide.
Envy smiled at the thought of visiting Friendship Park, a lush, tranquil place filled with shady trees, soft grass, and sparkling fountains. She could see herself there, having a hot chocolate picnic on a cozy blanket Shame had conjured just for the occasion. She’d sip from her mug, feeling the warmth seep into her hands, as the gentle breeze carried laughter from other corners of the park. Would Shame do something quietly surprising, like leave a little wisp to float lazily in the air while they sat in comfortable silence?
Her smile grew wider, and without realising it, she pulled her blanket up higher, tucking her chin beneath its edge. But her imagination wasn’t done yet, it carried her to the perfect ending for a day in Friendship City: a dinner on the rooftop of that same restaurant, overlooking the glittering skyline.
The thought was ridiculous, she knew. Envy sitting at a rooftop restaurant, chatting and giggling at an invisible presence while everyone around her exchanged puzzled looks? She rolled her eyes at herself. Yet, even as her practical side dismissed the thought, she couldn’t help but let it linger. In her mind, the warm glow of hanging string lights lit the rooftop, their reflections sparkling in nearby glasses and plates. She’d be dressed a little more elegantly for the occasion, maybe a flowing teal dress that matched her complexion, and she’d have ordered a steaming mug of hot chocolate instead of wine or something extravagant.
Shame would sit across from her, or his presence would anyway, and somehow, it wouldn’t feel strange. Perhaps he wouldn’t sit at all. Perhaps, Envy would take a table for one while Shame hovered around her. No, it wouldn’t feel strange, it would feel normal, expected, for him to be there with her, silent but wholly engaged in their quiet way of communicating.
Envy’s cheeks flushed as she imagined herself laughing at his wordless antics. The thought of other patrons staring at her like she’d lost her mind made her snicker. Of course they’d find it weird. But she wouldn’t care. For once, Envy wouldn’t care at all.
The deeper she delved into her little fantasy, the more she noticed her heartbeat picking up again, her chest tight with an unfamiliar feeling she still couldn’t quite name. Her cheeks, already warm, deepened in their pink hue, and a giddy little laugh slipped out despite her best efforts to smother it.
She curled further into herself. Her stomach felt odd, a fluttering sensation that wasn’t unpleasant, but left her both nervous and… excited?
“Get a grip, Envy,” she thought to herself under her breath, though her grin betrayed any attempt to seem annoyed with herself.
But even as she thought it, her mind returned to the scene of the rooftop dinner. She wondered if Shame would, someday, finally show himself in some kind of new form.
Male or female?
Her thoughts turned to possibilities, what he or she might look like, how his or her voice might sound, what little details they might add to their surroundings as their silent way of engaging.
And why did Envy care? That part frustrated her most of all. Why did it matter to her how he’d appear, or what he’d do? Why couldn’t she stop picturing his presence in such an impossibly comforting way?
She let out a long, quiet sigh, squeezing the blanket tightly around her. All these strange, unfamiliar sensations, the heart fluttering, the blushing, the growing desire to spend more time with this fascinating entity felt new, unsettling even.
But they weren’t unwelcome.
Lying back against the sofa, she stared at the soft glow of Riley’s dream lighting up the room. Her thoughts swirled around the possibilities, each scene playing out vividly in her mind, her heart pounding as she imagined.
Her lips curved into another soft, nervous smile, and her voice came out in little more than a whisper.
“One day…” she said to the empty room.
Envy shifted slightly on the red sofa as her thoughts continued to race. She still couldn’t shake the tingling nerves that seemed to simmer in her chest and stomach. Normally, the quiet routine of Dream Duty would calm her, but tonight her mind felt unrelentingly noisy.
Shame’s presence, though silent, was unmistakable. She could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the way the room seemed to breathe differently when he was there. Tonight, however, he seemed more attuned to her than usual, almost as if he was observing her closely.
A shadow flickered across the sofa next to her, gentle but deliberate. It didn’t take a genius to interpret the message:
“You’re tense.”
Envy stiffened slightly and quickly tried to deflect.
“I’m not tense!” she shot back, her voice sharper and more defensive than she intended.
“Maybe…maybe you’re projecting! Ever think about that?”
Envy imagined the face of the tall, black suited man, the last physical form she saw him take. She imagined that face raising an unimpressed brow. The corner of her lip twitched as she folded her arms, aware that she sounded defensive. Another shadow appeared on the wall, softly mimicking a shrug.
“Seriously,” Envy continued, leaning back into the sofa and glaring at nothing in particular.
“It’s just been a long day. I’m fine!” She insisted, biting her lip as the fluttering feeling in her chest returned with a vengeance.
It was a lie, of course, she wasn’t fine, but she wasn’t about to admit that to him.
The shadows shifted again, painting an exaggerated question mark on the wall.
“Oh, please.” Envy huffed, narrowing her eyes.
“Don’t gimme that.”
This time, Shame’s response was playful. A small breeze swept through the room, ruffling her hair ever so slightly. It wasn’t long before an illusion of a clumsy Envy appeared right beside the real Envy. It was sitting stiffly on the sofa, its posture exaggeratedly straight. It was wearing a big, forced and awkward smile, like it was trying desperately to hide what it was really thinking.
“Very funny,” the real Envy muttered, rolling her eyes as she tried to suppress a grin.
The banter between them had become an oddly comforting routine, and even in moments like this when she felt cornered, it always made her feel lighter.
Another breeze swept through the room, cooler this time, ruffling the edges of her blanket. Before Envy could muster a proper comeback, she felt the sofa shift beneath her slightly. She frowned, sitting up straighter. Then she heard a faint creaking sound, the kind that always meant Shame was up to something.
“What’re you up to now?” she asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as the ground in front of the sofa began to shift.
Slowly, the purple floor slid open like a trap door, revealing a gaping hole.
Envy leaned forward cautiously, staring at the void. It was nothing but black, endless, featureless black. She felt a strange chill crawl up her spine as she hopped off the sofa and approached the hole. She leaned closer and reached a hand inside. It was disorienting; there was nothing there to touch, just cold emptiness.
“What are you playing at, Shame?” she asked, glancing around the room.
A gust of wind ruffled her nightgown this time, and she scowled.
“If you think I’m gonna jump into some creepy pit, you’re totally…!”
But before she could finish her thought, she felt a sudden, invisible nudge against her back.
“AGHH!!!” she shouted, but it was too late.
She tumbled forward into the void, arms flailing.
For a split second, she was falling, air rushing past her, heart pounding in her ears. But just as quickly, the sensation stopped. Instead of plummeting into darkness, she found herself gently floating. The void began to shift and change, colours bleeding into view.
Orange hues surrounded her, morphing and swirling like liquid glass. She blinked in confusion, her nerves easing as she realised where she was. The blackness changed completely, replaced by the unmistakable glow of a lava lamp. She floated among the warm, viscous globs of orange light, weightless and calm.
Envy’s lips parted in awe as she looked around. Outside the lamp, Riley’s dimly lit bedroom came into focus. It was quiet and serene, the only sounds coming from the faint clicking of Riley’s keyboard and the low hum of her headphones. Riley, or at least a simulation of her, was perched on her bed with her laptop, her face illuminated softly by the screen. She wore an expression of contentment, completely at ease as she surfed the web.
Watching the scene, Envy’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite name. Seeing Riley so peaceful always brought her a sense of pride, but this moment felt different, more intimate, somehow. A soft smile crept across her face as she closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift in the gentle currents of the illusion. She could feel the warmth of the lava lamp around her, like a cocoon, shielding her from the rest of the world. For the first time that night, the chaos in her mind finally settled.
She sighed, the sound soft and content.
“Okay, Shame,” she murmured.
“I see what you’re doing…”
The lava blobs shifted slowly around her, forming faint, fleeting shapes. She swore she saw a heart form for a split second before it dissolved into an abstract swirl. Her cheeks flushed, she curled up into a fetal position and exhaled.
Outside the lamp, the room stayed still, the illusion flawless. Riley’s soft smile didn’t falter as she scrolled through whatever was on her screen. The calmness of the scene seeped into Envy’s bones, easing the tension that had been knotted in her chest all night. She knew exactly what Shame was doing. He knew she was tense, he knew she needed to relax.
This was perfect for her.
“Thanks,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Whether she was thanking Shame for the illusion or something deeper, she wasn’t entirely sure.
Another blob of orange drifted past her, and for a moment, she thought she saw something written in it, maybe just her imagination, or perhaps another one of Shame’s silent messages. Whatever it was, it made her grin.
The night continued like this, soft, tranquil, and oddly freeing. Envy floated in the orange glow, letting herself feel whatever it was this illusion was stirring in her. For the first time, she stopped fighting the warmth in her cheeks and the strange fluttering in her chest. She didn’t fully understand it yet, but tonight, she didn’t need to.
She was safe, content, and for the moment… happy.