Scarlet carefully adjusted Kelly's position, gently lifting her as she tugged her toward the bed. She moved slowly, trying not to disturb the peaceful look on Kelly's face as she slept soundly against her shoulder. The soft weight of Kelly's head resting there felt like something both new and familiar, a quiet comfort Scarlet hadn't realized she craved until now.

As she laid Kelly down on the bed, a sense of tenderness washed over Scarlet, her eyes lingering on Kelly's sleeping face. She admired the softness of Kelly's features, the vulnerability in the way her lips were slightly parted, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. In that moment, Scarlet couldn't help but feel utterly awe-struck. How could someone like Kelly—so pure, so kind, and so beautiful—exist in her life? How could she, of all people, be lucky enough to have someone like Kelly by her side?

Scarlet's fingers gently traced Kelly's cheek, her touch barely a whisper, as if she was afraid to break the delicate moment between them. Her heart ached with something both fierce and tender at once. She'd been through so much, had seen and experienced so many darker sides of the world, and yet here Kelly was—her light in the middle of it all. The girl who had shown her that there was more to life than the edge, more to life than pushing everyone away. Kelly had cracked through her walls in a way she never thought possible.

The memory of that night flashed before her eyes—when she had carried Kelly home after she'd been humiliated, drunk and passed out in her arms. It had been an unexpected moment, one that felt as if the universe had been nudging her in a direction she never expected to go. Back then, Kelly had been vulnerable, and Scarlet had been her protector. But now, as she looked down at Kelly—vulnerable in an entirely different way—Scarlet realized that the tables had turned in a way she never imagined. Kelly wasn't just the one she protected anymore. She had become someone she cherished deeply, someone she wanted to be worthy of.

Gently, Scarlet slid one hand under Kelly's head, supporting it as she made sure Kelly was settled comfortably against the pillows. She let her hand linger there for a moment, feeling the warmth of Kelly's soft, smooth skin beneath her fingertips. Her other hand rested gently on Kelly's, tracing the outline of her hand, the small motions almost instinctive. Kelly had always been there for her in ways she couldn't quite express, even in moments when Scarlet was too guarded to let people in. And now, as Kelly slept so peacefully beside her, Scarlet realized something: she didn't need to keep everyone at arm's length anymore. Not with Kelly.

Scarlet's breath hitched in her chest as she stared at the girl lying before her, asleep, innocent, and beautiful in a way that made her feel vulnerable yet safe. She wasn't used to feeling so exposed, so unguarded, yet with Kelly, it didn't feel like weakness. It felt like home.

She leaned down, brushing a soft kiss against Kelly's forehead, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions she didn't fully understand. But one thing was clear—she never wanted to let go of this. Of Kelly. Of the life they were building together.

With a final, lingering touch, Scarlet pulled the blanket over Kelly's shoulders, her fingers brushing through her hair one last time before she settled back into the bed beside her. As she closed her eyes, a sense of peace washed over her—something she hadn't felt in years. She allowed herself to drift into sleep, knowing that for the first time, maybe ever, she didn't need to keep fighting anymore. She had found something worth holding onto. Something worth cherishing.

And that something was Kelly.

As Scarlet lay there, the warmth of Kelly's body beside hers grounding her, a quiet storm of thoughts swirled through her mind. She gazed at Kelly, watching the rise and fall of her chest, the soft rhythm of her breathing. A quiet ache filled her chest, the kind that came with realizing just how precious someone was to you—how rare they were, like a fragile light in a dark world.

"This world is too cruel for you" Scarlet whispered to herself, her voice barely a murmur in the quiet of the room. It was a thought that had been haunting her, a quiet, nagging fear that Kelly was too pure for the harshness of everything around them. Too good for the world that could turn so cold, too gentle for people who didn't understand the beauty of her kindness.

The world, with all its cruelty, didn't deserve Kelly. But at the same time, Scarlet couldn't imagine a world without her. Without Kelly's warmth, her laughter, her light that made everything feel brighter, even in their darkest moments. It was an unsettling thought—the realization that she'd come to rely on Kelly in ways she hadn't even fully grasped until now. That Kelly had become her anchor, the one thing that kept her grounded, even when everything else felt like it was slipping through her fingers.

Scarlet couldn't imagine facing another day without her, couldn't fathom a world where Kelly wasn't by her side. The thought of it made her heart clench in a way that terrified her. How could she have let herself care this much? How could she have let Kelly in so completely?

She let out a shaky breath, brushing a lock of hair from Kelly's face, her fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

"I don't deserve her either," Scarlet thought bitterly, but the thought only served to deepen the yearning inside her. She couldn't let Kelly go. Not when she had already become a part of her—someone she needed.

Kelly was everything Scarlet never thought she deserved. Her softness, her strength, her kindness—it all felt too much sometimes. But it was also everything Scarlet had ever wanted, everything she had been too afraid to let herself dream of.

But what if she ruined it? What if she wasn't enough for Kelly? What if, eventually, Kelly saw the darkness that lingered inside her and decided to leave? The fear of losing her, of not being good enough, settled deep in her chest, but it was a fear she couldn't let rule her. Not when Kelly was right there beside her, not when she had the chance to keep her.

Scarlet pressed her lips together, her resolve hardening. She didn't know what the future held, or how long she'd be able to protect Kelly from the ugliness of the world. But she knew one thing—she would fight for Kelly, no matter what. Because as long as Kelly was in her world, Scarlet wouldn't need anything else.

The world may have been cruel, but as long as she had Kelly, Scarlet could face anything.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. Scarlet woke first, the warmth of Kelly's body pressed against hers like a comforting weight. She could feel the rise and fall of Kelly's chest, her breathing steady and peaceful. It was one of those rare moments where the world outside felt like it didn't matter—where time slowed, and all that existed was the quiet hum of the space between them.

For a while, Scarlet just lay there, her heart full, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the moment. Kelly had her head tucked into the crook of her neck, and as much as she wanted to savor the stillness, she knew it wouldn't last forever. Kelly would wake soon, and the world outside would pull them back into its reality.

Still, for now, Scarlet allowed herself to feel it all—the security, the love, the peace she'd found with someone who, only a short while ago, she acted so distant and out of reach towards.

As if on cue, Kelly shifted in her sleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She adjusted, snuggling closer to Scarlet's chest, and for a brief moment, there was only silence. The quiet between them was more comfortable than words could ever be.

Scarlet ran her fingers gently through Kelly's hair, brushing it back as her thoughts wandered. She wanted to say so many things—things she hadn't been brave enough to voice yet. But she wasn't sure if she was ready. Not yet.

Kelly's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze still heavy with sleep, and her lips curved into a lazy smile when she realized where she was. "Hey scar" she mumbled, her voice rough with sleep but still somehow warm.

Scarlet smiled softly, her thumb gently tracing Kelly's jawline. "morning, princess." She could feel her heart race just from the simple gesture, the tenderness of their touch. There was no need for more words; the moment was already perfect in its own way.

Kelly's eyes softened, a look of contentment washing over her. She lifted her head slightly to meet Scarlet's gaze, her breath warm against her skin. "You're not letting me go, huh?"

Scarlet chuckled, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "Nope. Not for a second." She tightened her grip around Kelly, pulling her a little closer. The way Kelly fit so naturally against her, as if she was meant to be there, felt right in a way Scarlet had never expected.

Kelly smiled, her fingers gently tracing the outline of Scarlet's chest. "You know," she said softly, a hint of mischief in her tone, "I think you might be spoiled by me."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "Spoiled? I'd say I'm just getting started."

Kelly laughed softly, the sound of it warm and genuine, and it made Scarlet's heart do something strange. Maybe it was the way Kelly's laugh held a certain comfort, or how her presence had changed everything for Scarlet in ways she couldn't explain. But it was something that made her feel... full.

"You make me feel crazy, you know that?" Kelly said quietly, her expression shifting to something more vulnerable. She lifted her gaze to meet Scarlet's, searching her eyes as if looking for something unspoken.

"I know," Scarlet replied, her voice soft and steady. She brushed a stray strand of hair from Kelly's face, her thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. "But I promise, I'm not going anywhere."

Scarlet continued "Alright, imma let you free now, but if you keep looking at me like that, i'll have to kiss you over again until you can't find your breath anymore".

Kelly pouted at her adorably "why are you so rough, scar?"

Scarlet's smile widened at Kelly's playful pout, her gaze softening, though her words still carried that teasing edge. "Rough?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone low and seductive. "I'm not rough, princess. I'm just honest."

Kelly shifted in Scarlet's arms, her pout deepening. "You make it sound like a threat," she muttered, though there was a faint blush creeping up her neck.

Scarlet chuckled, gently cupping Kelly's chin and tilting her head up to meet her gaze. "It's not a threat, babe," she said softly, the teasing still there but mixed with something more sincere. "It's a promise."

Kelly's heart skipped a beat, her breath hitching as Scarlet's thumb brushed over her bottom lip, just barely skimming the sensitive skin. There was something about the way Scarlet's presence consumed her, how every small touch felt like it ignited something inside her.

"You're impossible," Kelly whispered, her voice thick with emotion, though she tried to maintain that playful edge.

Scarlet leaned down, her lips just a breath away from Kelly's. "You can keep pretending I'm impossible," she whispered back, "but we both know you like it."

Kelly's pulse quickened at the proximity, her body tingling with anticipation. She swallowed hard, struggling to find her words as Scarlet's lips hovered so close, a tease of contact just out of reach.

"Stop... teasing," Kelly muttered, a small laugh escaping her lips. She couldn't help herself, the mix of frustration and attraction making her heart race.

Scarlet smirked, her lips brushing against Kelly's as she pulled back just slightly, enough to make Kelly lean forward, wanting more. "You want me to stop?" she asked softly, the playful glint in her eyes still there. "Then stop looking at me like that."

Kelly blinked, the moment suspended in the air. "Like what?" she asked, her voice betraying her, barely above a whisper.

Scarlet's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Like you want me to kiss you again."

Before Kelly could respond, Scarlet's lips captured hers in a kiss, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the very essence of Kelly's taste. And in that moment, Kelly melted into the kiss, unable to resist the pull of Scarlet's touch, her hands instinctively winding around Scarlet's neck, pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, slow and passionate, until Kelly's head spun, breathless and caught in the whirlwind of Scarlet's presence. And as the kiss lingered, Scarlet pulled away just enough to whisper, "I told you... keep looking at me like that, and I won't be able to stop."

Kelly could only smile, her chest rising and falling with every shaky breath. "You're the biggest jerk ever," she murmured again, but this time, her words held no annoyance—only an unspoken understanding of just how right all of this felt.

Scarlet chuckled softly, the corners of her lips curling into a playful grin. She brushed her thumb against Kelly's cheek, her touch gentle despite the teasing edge to her words. "Biggest jerk ever, huh?"

Kelly, still trying to catch her breath, narrowed her eyes at Scarlet, her voice a little shaky but filled with affection. "You are. You know that, right?"

Scarlet's grin only deepened as she leaned in, pressing a quick, soft kiss to Kelly's forehead. "I know, princess. But you wouldn't have me any other way."

Kelly rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "You're lucky I like jerks," she muttered, but her tone was playful, a mix of exasperation and something else—something far warmer.

Scarlet just laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair out of Kelly's face. "Well, then you're stuck with me."

Then Scarlet leaned down, her lips brushing the soft skin of Kelly's chest, just above her heart. She could feel the quick rhythm of Kelly's pulse beneath her touch, and her lips curved into a teasing smile.

"Your heart's beating so fast," Scarlet whispered, her voice low and almost teasing as she felt Kelly's heart race against her. "I wonder why..."

Kelly let out a soft breath, her body going still as she met Scarlet's gaze. Her cheeks flushed, the intensity of the moment not lost on her. "That's your fault," Kelly replied quietly, her voice a mix of shy and playful. Scarlet's smile softened, her fingers brushing lightly over Kelly's chest as she raised her head slightly, looking up at her. "Mine, huh?" she murmured, her eyes locking with Kelly's. "Guess I like having that effect on you."

Kelly couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at her lips as she bit her lower lip. "What a jerk," she said, though the words were filled with warmth.

Scarlet let out a low laugh, a sound full of affection. "And you keep falling for it."

Kelly stood up, crossing her arms in front of Scarlet, who was lounging on the bed with a lazy grin. "I gave you the best birthday ever and even let you tease me like this," Kelly said, raising an eyebrow as she glanced down at Scarlet. "So how are you gonna make it up to me now, badass?"

Scarlet let out a soft laugh, stretching out on the bed and spreading her arms. She leaned back, her gaze never leaving Kelly. "Come here," she said, her voice low and inviting. "I'll show you."

Kelly immediately narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying into the invitation. "Not tricking me, Scar," she said, tapping her foot and giving a mock stern look. "I know better than to fall for your games."

Scarlet's lips curled into a playful smirk, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Who says it's a trick?" she teased, patting the space beside her on the bed. "I'm just showing my appreciation."

Kelly bit her lip, considering for a moment, but her feet stayed planted where she stood. "You're always so confident," she muttered, though there was a soft hint of affection in her voice. "But I'm not falling for it. Not this time."

Scarlet chuckled, sitting up slightly, her gaze softening as she looked at Kelly. "You don't have to fall for anything. Just trust me, alright?" Her tone was gentle now, no longer teasing, but sincere. "You deserve more than just a birthday wish from me, Kelly. I just want to show you how much I mean it."

Kelly stood there for a long moment, uncertainty flickering across her face before she finally gave in, rolling her eyes with a playful smile. "Fine, I'll come over, but only because you're annoying me so much," she said, walking toward Scarlet, though her heart was fluttering. "But don't think this means I'll let you get away with anything."

Scarlet grinned, her arms open wide. "I wouldn't dream of it, princess."

As Kelly walked over to the bed, she couldn't help but feel the warmth of Scarlet's gaze, like it was drawing her in despite the playful banter between them. She sat down next to Scarlet, keeping some space between them, still holding her playful defiance.

Scarlet, however, wasn't having it. She gently nudged Kelly's shoulder with hers. "I know you're pretending to be tough, but you don't fool me." Her voice was teasing, but her touch was soft, a contrast that made Kelly's heart beat faster.

Kelly rolled her eyes but felt a small smile tug at the corner of her lips. "You think you know everything, huh?" she responded, though the teasing edge in her tone had faded, replaced with something more vulnerable. She couldn't deny the way Scarlet's presence made her feel—alive, seen, and cared for in a way she hadn't experienced before.

Scarlet met her gaze, her playful smile softening into something more genuine. "No," she said quietly, "but I do know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here."

The vulnerability in Scarlet's voice made Kelly's breath catch. There was something about the sincerity in her words, the quiet promise in her eyes, that made Kelly's chest tighten in a way she couldn't fully understand.

"I—" Kelly started but was cut off by Scarlet's hand gently reaching out to rest on her knee. The simple touch sent a wave of warmth through her, and she stopped, lost in the moment, unsure of what to say next.

Scarlet leaned closer, her face just inches from Kelly's now, her breath warm against Kelly's skin. "You don't have to say anything, Kelly. Not now, not ever. Just know I'm here for you—always."

Kelly felt the weight of Scarlet's words settle in her heart, and she found herself giving in to the pull. Without thinking, she reached for Scarlet's hand, her fingers lightly brushing over her skin, and then gripping it gently, as if to remind herself this was real, that this wasn't just a fleeting moment.

Scarlet's lips quirked into a smile, her gaze flicking down to where their hands were intertwined before meeting Kelly's eyes again. "So... now that you're here, are you gonna let me spoil you a little?" she asked with a playful edge, but there was something more in her voice, an unspoken depth that Kelly couldn't ignore.

Kelly laughed softly, the tension between them easing as she leaned in slightly. "Spoil me? I thought I was the one who was supposed to be spoiling you, birthday girl," she teased, though her words were laced with affection.

Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you are," she replied with a smirk, "but I'd like to think I've earned a little bit of attention too."

Kelly smirked back, rolling her eyes but feeling the warmth spread across her chest. "Alright, fine," she said with a mock sigh, "I'll let you spoil me. But just for today."

Scarlet laughed, her hand moving to gently pull Kelly closer, guiding her to lie down beside her. "Good. Because you're already spoiled in my eyes."

"Then you better behave yourself"

Scarlet chuckled, the sound low and amused as she turned her head to look at Kelly, who was lying beside her with a mischievous grin on her face. The playful tension between them was so familiar now, it felt like a part of their dynamic. Kelly's teasing, her sharp wit—Scarlet couldn't get enough of it.

"Oh please," Scarlet teased, rolling her eyes as she leaned back on the bed. "You're the one acting like a kid, not me."

Kelly snorted, clearly entertained by the comment. "Said the one who calls me 'kid' every chance she gets," she said, crossing her arms behind her head, staring up at the ceiling as if deep in thought. "Maybe you're the one who's stuck in the past."

Scarlet grinned, propping herself up on her elbow to look at Kelly with a raised brow. "You are, you forgot that I'm two years older? I'm the responsible one here." She winked, enjoying how Kelly squirmed at the term "responsible."

Kelly stuck her tongue out at Scarlet, clearly amused. "Only two? Pfft, big deal." She shot Scarlet a look of mock indignation. "Maybe I just spent too much time with you. Now, look at you! All grown up, making music, living your best life while I'm still stuck in high school, how jealous."

Scarlet felt her heart tighten a little at Kelly's words, though she tried not to show it. She had always been protective of Kelly, but hearing her talk about feeling lost made something twist in her chest. She'd seen Kelly struggle—she knew that beneath the jokes and sarcasm, there were moments where Kelly didn't feel as sure of herself as she let on.

"You're not stuck," Scarlet said softly, her tone shifting. She moved to sit up, brushing a strand of hair from Kelly's face, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. "You're figuring things out, and that's okay. Don't rush it. You've got your whole life ahead of you."

Kelly looked at Scarlet, her expression softening, though she quickly masked it with a playful smirk. "I'm just saying, you're way too serious for someone who's only two years older," she teased, leaning closer with a wicked grin. "Does this mean you're turning into a boring adult now, Scar?"

Scarlet rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Boring adult? Me?" She scooted closer to Kelly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I think we both know I'll never be boring. Not with you around."

Kelly gave her a knowing look, her gaze softening a little. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Life would be a lot more boring without you." She let out a small sigh, almost as if the words slipped out before she could stop them.

Scarlet smirked but kept her voice teasing. "What, you finally admitting I'm the most interesting thing in your life?"

Kelly rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Don't get too cocky," she muttered, though her heart was lighter now, a warmth spreading through her chest. There was something about being with Scarlet like this—playful, carefree—that made everything else seem distant. "I'm not admitting anything. Just stating the obvious."

Scarlet smiled down at Kelly, a genuine warmth in her eyes that softened her usual smirk. "Good. Keep that attitude," she said, brushing a finger against Kelly's arm. "I like it."