Date Night
Coming From the Shadows Series
Raven had been feeling particularly vulnerable lately; the weight of the world seemed to be pressing down on her with what was feeling like a normal familiarity; she often had moods like this, she fluctuated between happiness and sadness at random; things could set off her pretty easily, she had gotten used to it, even if she hated the way she felt, it was just something she’d not grown to expect and today it was feeling especially acute.
As she trudged up the familiar steps to Yasmin’s flat; she was enveloped by a wave of exhaustion; she fumbled with the keys, the metallic clink echoing in the quiet hallway; pushing the door open, she had expected to find the usual chaotic haven she had come to love.
Instead though; she was met with a warm glow; a tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs; the small living room had been transformed; candles flickered on the coffee table, casting dancing shadows along the wall; a soft music played quietly from Yasmin’s music-player, in the centre as a small dining table that had been set for two, adorned with a simple; yet elegant floral centrepiece.
Raven stood in the doorway, she was speechless, glancing in the direction of the kitchen she finally found her voice “Yasmin?” her voice though was just a whisper, but it was thick with emotion
Yasmin emerged from the kitchen, a radiant smile gracing her face; she had purposely chosen to dress up in a way that accentuated her height and warm complexion “Welcome back home” she said, her voice was a melodic caress “I thought you might need a little…, cheering up”
Raven’s vision blurred, she felt her eyes welling up “You did all this?”
Yasmin nodded, her smile was widening “All for you; I even made your favourite” she told her “I am going to spoil you tonight”
The meal they shared proved to be delicious, it was clear Yasmin had spent a lot of effort; Raven savoured the atmosphere Yasmin had meticulously crafted; she was attentive, but not overbearing; offering gentle conversation and radiating warmth that had easily melted Raven’s anxieties; she felt seen, cherished – safe.
Raven reached over, taking Yasmin’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze “Thank you” she said softly “This…, this meant a lot” she told her, a tremble was present in her voice, sincerity was obvious
Yasmin smiled, squeezing Raven’s hand in return “You deserve everything Raven, and more”
After dinner; as Yasmin cleared the table, she got a mischievous glint in her eyes, Raven watched her, a sense of playful anticipation bubbling up inside.
“You know” Yasmin said as she placed the last plate in the sink “I’ve been meaning to try out a…, new technique”
Raven raised her eyebrow, she was intrigued “Oh….?” She smiled “What kind of technique”
Yasmin turned, a sly grin playing on her lips; before Raven could react, Yasmin had moved to her, her movement has been fast, and she easily wrapped herself arms around Raven’s waist; Raven gasped, laughter bubbling up from her chest as she was pulled off balance.
Yasmin, taking advantage of her height advantage, skilfully manoeuvred Raven towards the floor; Raven, caught off guard – though thoroughly enjoying the unexpected turn of events, playfully struggled against her “Hey, that’s not fair; you’re cheating” she exclaimed, her voice laced with mirth
Yasmin chuckled, her breath warm against Raven’s ear as she gently, but firmly pinned her down to the living room rug “All’s fair in love and…., floor wrestling” she teased, her eyes sparkled with delight
Raven looked up at Yasmin; basking in the glow of the candles, the sheer joy radiating from her face – the playful wrestling had chased away the last vestiges of her earlier anxieties, all that remained was a sense of profound contentment and love “Okay, Okay; you win” Raven conceded, a wide smiled spread across her face “But only because I am letting you”
Yasmin smiled before leaning down; her lips hovered just above Raven’s “Of course” she whispered before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her mouth
They stayed there for a moment; tangled together on the floor, lost in a comforting rhythm of the breathing and soft music as it continued to play in the background; creating a cocoon of intimacy around them
Finally, Raven managed to wrap her arms around Yasmin; pulling her down to her as she buried her face in the crook of her neck “I love you” she murmured, the words a heartfelt confession
Yasmin held her close; gently stroking her hair “I love you too Raven; more than words can express”
They knew that they should probably get up; move to the bedroom, but the floor felt strangely comfortable; the atmosphere too perfect to disrupt, instead they simply closed their eyes, listening to the music and feeling the warmth of one another’s body “Let’s just stay here” Raven whispered, her voice drowsy
“Okay” Yasmin replied; her voice equally as soft “Just like his”
And so they did; they fell asleep together on the living room floor, entangled in each other’s arms; surrounded by a soft glow and sweet melody; it was a perfect, imperfect night – a testament of their bond.
Raven drifted off to sleep with a peaceful smile, feeling safe and at home.
The candles would be snuffed out as they slept; one by one, as the smoke wafted gently away; a light creak of the board, barely even noticeable as someone seemed to leave the two sleeping in the darkness of the living room; soft music still playing.
Written By: Westley H.
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