The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling gardens of the manor. Scarlette stood by the edge of the fountain, her crimson gown swaying gently in the evening breeze. The cascading water sparkled in the fading light, but her gaze was distant, lost in thought. She hadn’t realized how often her mind wandered to Selene lately, how the younger woman’s presence had become a quiet comfort in the chaos of their lives. She often found herself seeking these small moments of solitude, only to discover that the thought of Selene had quietly followed her, bringing a warmth she couldn’t explain.
“You look like you’re in another world,” came Selene’s soft voice, breaking Scarlette’s reverie. Her voice was like a gentle melody, carrying with it an unspoken understanding that always seemed to soothe Scarlette’s restless thoughts.
Scarlette turned, her lips curving into a small smile as she took in the sight of Selene standing there, holding a small bundle of wildflowers. The golden light of the setting sun framed Selene perfectly, making her look almost ethereal. She was radiant, her gentle demeanor contrasting with the ever-present turmoil around them. Scarlette couldn’t help but marvel at how Selene seemed to bring a sense of calm wherever she went, like a beacon of hope in the shadows.
“Perhaps I was,” Scarlette replied, her tone light, though her heart raced slightly at the sight of Selene’s smile. “And now, here you are, pulling me back.”
Selene’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink at the comment, but she stepped closer, holding out the flowers with a shy but heartfelt gesture. “I found these while walking through the garden. They reminded me of you… bright and bold, but with a kind of elegance that’s hard to describe.” Her words were simple yet genuine, carrying a sweetness that left Scarlette momentarily speechless.
Scarlette accepted the flowers, her fingers brushing against Selene’s briefly, sending a small but noticeable spark through her. She studied the bouquet with a softness she rarely allowed herself to show, the vibrant reds and soft whites interwoven in a way that mirrored their contrasting personalities. “You have an eye for beauty,” she murmured, her voice softer now, the words carrying more meaning than just the flowers in her hands. Selene laughed gently, the sound like a delicate bell chiming in the quiet of the evening. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her movements shy yet endearing. “I just pick what feels right. It’s nothing special,” she said, though the slight smile tugging at her lips betrayed her modesty. “Don’t diminish yourself,” Scarlette said, her gaze meeting Selene’s with quiet intensity. “You have a gift for seeing things others overlook. That’s something truly special.” Her words lingered in the air, carrying a weight that made Selene’s blush deepen. The two stood in companionable silence for a moment, the sound of the fountain filling the space between them with a peaceful rhythm. Then Selene spoke again, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of wistfulness.
“Scarlette, do you ever think about leaving the manor? About what life could be like beyond all of this?” Scarlette’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression as she considered the question. “I do. Often. But this place… it’s been my prison and my sanctuary. Leaving it feels like… losing a part of myself.” Her voice grew quieter, as if the weight of her own words surprised her. She hesitated, then added, “And you? What do you dream of?” Selene’s eyes brightened, her expression softening as a wistful smile tugged at her lips. “I dream of a little cottage, far away from all the noise. A garden full of flowers, and maybe a bakery where I can share my creations. Something simple, but filled with warmth.” Her words painted such a vivid picture that Scarlette could almost see it, a serene world untouched by the hardships they’d endured. Scarlette’s heart softened at the image, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine it too. “It suits you,” she said gently, her voice carrying a rare tenderness. “You’d make that little world beautiful.” The sincerity in her tone made Selene’s smile widen, and Scarlette felt a pang of warmth she couldn’t quite name.
“You could visit,” Selene blurted, her voice rushing out before she could stop herself. She quickly looked away, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment at her boldness. “I mean, if you ever wanted to. Or stay, if… if you’d like.” Her words hung in the air, vulnerable and hopeful. Scarlette’s eyes widened slightly, her usual composure faltering for a moment. She hadn’t expected such an invitation, such sincerity. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond, the words catching in her throat. But then she smiled, a rare, genuine smile that lit up her face in a way that made Selene’s heart skip. “I’d like that,” Scarlette said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that matched the golden light around them. “More than you know.” Her gaze held Selene’s, and in that moment, it felt as though the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them. Selene’s nervousness melted into a beaming smile, and the two of them stood there, basking in the warmth of a shared dream. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the garden, but neither of them moved, content to exist in this fleeting moment of peace. It was a fragile yet precious feeling, one that neither of them dared to disturb.
As the first stars began to twinkle in the evening sky, Scarlette extended her hand, her heterochromia eyes soft and inviting. “Shall we walk?” she asked, her voice as gentle as the breeze.Selene nodded, slipping her hand into Scarlette’s without hesitation. Their fingers intertwined naturally, as if they had always been meant to fit together. They wandered through the garden, their conversation meandering from shared memories to silly anecdotes, their laughter carrying through the still air like music. Each moment felt like a treasure, a rare reprieve from the heaviness of their lives. Eventually, they reached the old oak tree at the edge of the manor, its sprawling branches casting a protective canopy over them. Scarlette leaned against the trunk, her gaze drifting upward to the stars. The night sky was vast and endless, a reminder of how small they were in the grand scheme of things, yet it felt less daunting with Selene by her side. “It’s strange,” Scarlette said after a while, her voice soft and introspective. “I’ve spent so much time thinking about protecting you, about keeping you safe from the dangers of this place. I never stopped to think about what it means to simply enjoy your company.” Her words were vulnerable, a rare glimpse into the thoughts she usually kept hidden.
Selene tilted her head, her expression warm and understanding.
“You’ve done more for me than I could ever repay, Scarlette. But you don’t have to carry all of it alone. I’m here too, for whatever you need.” Her voice was steady, filled with a quiet strength that made Scarlette’s chest tighten with emotion. Scarlette’s heterochromia eyes softened, a hint of moisture gathering at the corners as she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Selene’s face. “You’re remarkable, you know that?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. There was an unspoken depth to her words, a quiet acknowledgment of everything Selene had become to her. Selene’s cheeks flushed again, but this time, she didn’t look away. Instead, she stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on Scarlette’s. “And you’re more than you let yourself believe. One day, I hope you’ll see it the way I do.” Her words were gentle but firm, a promise wrapped in affection.
For the first time in a long while, Scarlette felt a sense of peace settle over her. It wasn’t the fleeting calm that came from solitude or the bittersweet relief of fulfilling a duty—it was deeper, more enduring, like the quiet assurance of being truly understood. Selene’s presence was a balm to the parts of her heart Scarlette had long since thought unreachable. She didn’t say it aloud, but in this moment, Scarlette realized she no longer wanted to imagine a future without Selene in it.
The night air grew cooler, but neither of them seemed to notice. Instead, they lingered beneath the oak tree, sharing soft smiles and quiet words. Scarlette found herself speaking more freely than she had in years, recounting stories of her past—some light and funny, others weighed down by sorrow. Selene listened with unwavering attention, her hand never leaving Scarlette’s as if anchoring her through the memories.
When Selene spoke of her own dreams and struggles, Scarlette marveled at her resilience. Beneath her gentle demeanor was a strength that rivaled even the fiercest warriors Scarlette had known. It wasn’t the kind of strength born from battle or hardship, but the quiet courage to remain kind and hopeful in a world that often tried to crush such things. As the hours slipped by, Scarlette couldn’t help but notice how the lines between them seemed to blur. Their differences, which once felt like walls, now felt like the threads of a tapestry—distinct but woven together into something beautiful. She thought of the flowers Selene had given her earlier, bright and bold against soft whites. Together, they created a balance that felt almost poetic.
Finally, Selene broke the comfortable silence, her voice soft but sure. “Scarlette,” she began, her gaze lifting to meet the woman. “Do you ever think we could have that little cottage? That life we talked about earlier?” Scarlette’s breath hitched at the question, her heterochromia eyes searching Selene’s face for any hint of hesitation. She found none—only hope, pure and unguarded. “I think…” Scarlette started, her voice trembling slightly as she allowed herself to truly consider it. “I think if it’s with you, then yes. I think we could.” The smile that spread across Selene’s face was brighter than any star above them, and Scarlette felt her own lips curve in response. At that moment, the future didn’t seem so uncertain. It didn’t matter that the path ahead was fraught with challenges or that the scars of their pasts would always remain. What mattered was that they had each other, and that was enough. Selene leaned her head against Scarlette’s shoulder, her breath warm and steady against the older woman’s neck. Scarlette hesitated for only a second before wrapping an arm around Selene, pulling her closer. The world could wait, just for a little while. For now, all that mattered was the warmth they shared beneath the shelter of the oak tree, their hearts beating in quiet harmony.
And as the night stretched on, Scarlette realized something profound: for the first time in her life, she wasn’t merely surviving—she was living her dream—a peace that didn’t come from the absence of chaos, but from the presence of something, or rather someone, worth holding onto. She looked at Selene, standing so close, her eyes filled with a warmth that Scarlette had rarely seen directed at her. It wasn't a pity, nor was it an obligation. It was something far purer, a quiet devotion that made Scarlette’s heartache in the best way. The two of them sank to the grass beneath the oak tree, the gentle rustle of the leaves above them lulling the night into a serene calm. Selene rested her head against Scarlette’s shoulder, and Scarlette found herself wrapping an arm around the younger woman without a second thought. Their breaths synchronized as they sat there, the world around them fading into the background. "Do you remember the first time we spoke like this?" Selene asked, her voice a soft hum against Scarlette's side. "You were so guarded then. I was honestly a little scared of you." (STOP, IDK WHY I WROTE THIS BUT IT FITS)
Scarlette let out a low chuckle, her fingers brushing idly through Selene’s hair. "I remember. You wouldn’t stop smiling at me, no matter how cold I tried to be. It was infuriating." Selene giggled at the admission, lifting her head to look up at Scarlette. "And yet, here we are. You couldn’t resist me after all." Scarlette rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a small smile. "Perhaps you’re more persistent than I gave you credit for," she replied, her tone teasing but her gaze soft. "Or perhaps I was just… waiting for someone like you."
Selene’s breath hitched at the confession, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond, so instead, she reached out and intertwined their fingers. The simple gesture spoke volumes, and Scarlette felt the weight of her words land gently between them, like a seed taking root in fertile soil. They talked for hours, their conversation flowing effortlessly as the night deepened. Selene spoke of her dreams again, of her imagined cottage and the garden she would fill with every flower imaginable. Scarlette listened intently, picturing herself there with Selene, tending to the garden or simply sitting on the porch, watching the world go by. “And what about you?” Selene asked after a while, her head resting against Scarlette’s shoulder once more. “What would you do, in this little life we’re dreaming of?” Scarlette hesitated, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Selene’s arm. "I suppose I’d… protect it," she said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "I’d make sure nothing ever took it away from us. From you."
Selene tilted her head to look at her, a gentle smile spreading across her lips. "You don’t always have to protect, you know. It’s okay to just… be. To enjoy what you’ve fought so hard for." Scarlette’s chest tightened at the words, and for a moment, she couldn’t speak. She had spent so much of her life being the shield, the protector, that she had forgotten what it meant to simply live. But with Selene, the idea didn’t seem so far-fetched. Maybe, just maybe, she could learn how to let go of her burdens, even if only a little. As the first rays of dawn began to peek over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the garden, Scarlette realized that the peace she felt wasn’t just a fleeting moment. It was something that Selene had given her, something she hadn’t even known she was missing. And for the first time in a long time, Scarlette allowed herself to hope—for a future, for happiness, for a life where they could both be free. Selene shifted beside her, letting out a content sigh as she snuggled closer. "We should probably head back," she murmured, though her tone lacked any urgency. Scarlette tightened her hold on Selene, resting her chin lightly on the top of her head. "In a moment," she said softly, her voice carrying a rare tenderness. "Just a little longer." And so they stayed, wrapped in each other’s warmth as the sun rose higher, illuminating the world around them. In that quiet moment beneath the oak tree, Scarlette knew she had found something worth holding onto—someone who made the endless battles and scars worthwhile. Selene wasn’t just her light in the darkness; she was her reason to keep going, her reason to dream.
The sun climbed higher into the sky, painting the garden with hues of soft gold and warm amber. The chill of the night faded, replaced by the gentle caress of the morning breeze. Scarlette closed her eyes, letting the serenity of the moment settle into her heart. Beside her, Selene shifted, lifting her head to meet Scarlette’s gaze, her eyes shimmering like the dew-kissed petals of the flowers they had walked past. "Scarlette," Selene said softly, her voice carrying a weight of sincerity that made Scarlette pause. "Thank you… for being here. For letting me in." Scarlette’s chest tightened at the words, her heterochromia eyes searching Selene’s face. There was no judgment there, no expectation—just an open, unwavering acceptance that left her both vulnerable and whole. She reached out, cupping Selene’s cheek with a tenderness she didn’t know she possessed. "It’s not just you who’s grateful," Scarlette replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You’ve given me more than I ever thought I deserved." Selene leaned into the touch, her smile gentle but radiant, as if the entire world was brighter in her presence. “Then let’s keep giving to each other. Let’s build something… beautiful.” The simplicity of the promise made it all the more profound. Scarlette felt her heart swell with an emotion she had long since buried, a fragile but growing hope. She nodded, her hand slipping from Selene’s cheek to take her hand once more, their fingers intertwining as naturally as the branches of the oak tree above them.
As they stood, the soft crunch of grass beneath their feet, the manor in the distance seemed less imposing, its shadows less suffocating. Together, they walked back, the warmth of their shared dream guiding their steps. For every step forward, Scarlette felt a little lighter, as if the weight of her past could no longer tether her in the same way. When they reached the door, Selene paused, her hand tightening ever so slightly around Scarlette’s. "One day," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination, "we’ll leave this place. We’ll have that cottage, the garden, and everything we talked about."
Scarlette smiled, her lips curving into a rare, genuine expression of contentment. "One day," she agreed, her voice carrying not just a promise, but a certainty she hadn’t felt in years.
As they stepped inside, the door closing behind them, Scarlette realized that the manor, for all its shadows and secrets, no longer felt so cold. Selene’s presence had changed that. She had brought warmth into a life that had once felt unyieldingly harsh.
Scarlette knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time, she didn’t dread it. With Selene by her side, she had something to fight for—someone to dream with. And as the echoes of their laughter filled the halls, Scarlette knew that, no matter what lay ahead, she had already found her light.
In Selene, she had found home.