Lily cradled the final cardboard box with trembling arms as the autumn sun slipped through the tall dorm room windows. Freshman year, a new beginning—yet in her gut churned the familiar cocktail of anxiety and anticipation. She had grown up a bookworm in a small town, always under the gentle safety of routine, and now she was thrown into this bustling university life, this labyrinth of new faces and expectations.

Just as Lily tried to set her box down, a voice from the doorway startled her. “Need a hand there?”

A tall girl stood in the hallway, sunny and confident. Her auburn hair spilled in a cascade over her shoulders and a warm smile played on her lips. She wore a shirt emblazoned with a spirited campus logo, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with welcome.

“Oh—thank you,” Lily murmured, stepping aside to allow the stranger to enter. Her voice was soft. She rarely had to lift more than a finger to order supplies back home; the physical burden of these packages made her shy cheeks warm.

“Here, let me help with that,” the girl said, sweeping into the room. She set the box down on Lily’s new bed with gentle care. “I’m Ava, by the way. You must be one of our freshmen.”

Lily nodded, managing a polite smile. “Lily.” She brushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear, unnerved by her own trembling. “Yeah, I just moved in.”

Ava’s bright gaze took in the mess of unpacked boxes. “Nice to meet you, Lily. It’s always crazy on moving day, huh? Freshman year!” She stepped forward and offered her hand. Lily shook it gently.

“Um, yeah,” Lily said, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. She was flustered by this stranger’s warmth. “Thanks for helping.”

“No problem. Moving’s easier with a friend.” Ava tossed the last unpacked box onto the floor, then perched on Lily’s new bed. “You live here now?”

“Yeah,” Lily replied softly. This was her room. But the presence of this stranger felt oddly comforting. They exchanged small talk—Ava’s laughter was easy, light—but Lily’s words came in whispers.

Inside, Lily wondered why a free and confident girl like Ava was talking to her. “Sorry, do you live here?” she asked hesitantly.

“Just across the hall,” Ava said. She adjusted her backpack. “I’m here to drop off my stuff too, but it’s been a long day. I saw you struggling and figured it couldn’t hurt to lend a hand.”

Lily felt a warm flush of gratitude. “That’s really kind of you.”

Ava smiled brightly. “No problem. If you want, come by later and we can grab dinner or something.”

Lily’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to say yes, but her mouth went dry. “That would be—great, thank you.”

They exchanged room numbers. As Ava left, Lily placed her hand on the smooth wood of the door and exhaled. Her pulse was galloping, but oddly full of hope. Life at college had just started, and already, it felt like more than just newness. It felt like possibility.

---

The next morning, Lily found herself in the bustling dining hall for breakfast. It was a Friday, the sun slanting through the tall windows that overlooked the college quad. Fresh fruit and pancakes sat forgotten on her tray as she scanned the room for an empty table. The dormitory buzzed with students animatedly swapping stories about their first night.

Just as Lily turned a corner, an all-too-familiar figure appeared. Ava, carrying a mug of steaming coffee and a plate of eggs, was threading her way through the crowd. Lily’s heart fluttered. She watched as Ava approached a table where two other students sat, animatedly conversing.

Their laughter was easy and real, and Lily felt a pang of both admiration and anxiety. Ava’s friend—a tall boy with tousled hair—greeted her with a nod. Without hesitating, Ava waved across the hall when she spotted Lily. “Hey, Lily! Over here,” she called cheerfully.

Lily hesitated, then, remembering their conversation, she walked toward the table. She felt somewhat like an intruder but also comforted by the invitation. “Good morning,” Lily said softly as she slid into the empty seat beside Ava.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Ava teased gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I thought you overslept after moving in.”

Blushing, Lily shook her head. “No, um, I was just... my roommate and I got lost on the way to the cafeteria.” She forced a laugh.

“It happens,” Ava said sympathetically. Her eyes crinkled kindly as she piled some pancakes onto Lily’s plate. “Here, have some pancakes. They’re really good today.”

Lily offered a genuine smile, suddenly hungry. The simple act of sharing a meal felt strangely intimate. As Lily picked at the pancakes, she caught Ava’s eye. There was a warmth there; a quiet attentiveness that set Lily’s heart racing.

“So, how are your classes going?” Ava asked, leaning slightly forward, resting her chin on her palm.

“Okay...” Lily began, summoning courage. She rarely spoke up so easily. “I love literature, so my English class is great. The professor seems nice. Math is hard, but I’ll manage.”

Ava nodded enthusiastically. “That’s awesome. I’m taking Sociology and a Creative Writing class, actually. Wish I had more English classes around.”

They chatted about professors and dorm life—small talk that felt exciting to Lily. She found herself relaxing, laughing at Ava’s animated gestures. Every so often, Lily stole glances at Ava—at her confident posture, the way her hair fell. Each time, her chest felt unexpectedly warm.

At one point, their hands brushed as Ava handed Lily the syrup, and a gentle electricity passed between them. Lily’s pulse hammered in her wrists. Ava didn’t pull away; instead, her hand lingered over Lily’s just a second too long.

For a shy girl like Lily, this was more than just lunch. It felt like the first real connection she’d made at college. A thrill of possibility shimmered in her chest, growing just as the first rays of morning sun warmed the hall.

---

Later that week, Lily felt overwhelmed by an upcoming essay. She sat cross-legged on the floor of the dorm’s common lounge, surrounded by books and papers, trying to form coherent thoughts. It was late evening; a few students dozed off on couches or whispered about plans for the weekend.

The soft lamplight made Lily squint as she read a paragraph she had written over twice. Frustrated, she leaned back and sighed. “This is terrible,” she muttered to herself, tugging at the ends of her hair.

A shadow fell over the page as a hand gently rested on Lily’s shoulder. “Hey, everything okay?” a familiar voice asked.

Lily looked up. Ava was standing over her, holding two cups of hot chocolate. The leftover traces of an earlier workout had left Ava flushed and glowing. “I thought I’d find you here,” Ava said, sitting down beside her.

Lily managed a tired smile. “Not really. This paper’s due tomorrow and I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Ava handed Lily one of the warm cups. “Nice try with the understatement,” she teased softly, making Lily giggle despite herself.

“It’s just... I feel so out of depth sometimes.” Lily blew on the drink’s surface. “I study literature, but writing about women in Shakespeare’s plays suddenly feels impossible to articulate.”

Ava nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a tough topic. But the way you write poems and letters at home—you’re a natural with words, Lily. Give yourself some credit.” She looked into Lily’s tired brown eyes. “You’ve just got to trust your instincts.”

Lily glanced at her essay. “It just sounds so stiff and not like me at all. What if I fail?”

Ava gently took the pages from Lily’s lap. “Let me see it.” Lily handed over the draft. Ava read silently, her blue eyes scanning the paragraphs. After a moment, she looked up with an encouraging smile. “This is good. You’re just being too hard on yourself.”

“But it’s not finished,” Lily said quietly. “It doesn’t have my style yet.”

“It will.” Ava set her cup down. “Why don’t you take a break? We could grab some fresh air and maybe brainstorm together.”

Lily considered for a second, then stood. “Yeah, maybe a walk.”

Outside, the campus was bathed in soft moonlight. The night air was cool and quiet. They walked down a path lined with flowering shrubs. Lily felt the warmth of the mug gone cold in her hands.

Ava linked her arm through Lily’s as they strolled. The gesture was casual, but to Lily, it felt protective. She leaned into Ava’s side, comforted by the steady rhythm of her steps.

They talked about classes and childhoods. Ava shared that she had grown up in the city but often felt alone at times, and reading was her escape. Lily admitted how books had always been her refuge. The moonlight glinted on Ava's hair as she listened, and Lily saw a rare vulnerability in the confident girl's face.

For Lily, this walk turned strangers into friends. When they returned, Lily's essay draft was still unfinished, but her heart felt full. Ava squeezed her hand. “You can do this, Lily,” she said softly.

Lily smiled, feeling a new kind of strength. “Thanks, Ava. I think I can.”

---

Two days later, a rainy Saturday enveloped the campus in a hush. Thunder rumbled outside Lily’s dorm room window, punctuating the quiet of the common room. Lily and Ava had retreated there after a debate meeting ended early. With the storm approaching, few students dared venture outdoors. The common lounge had become their refuge.

Ava sat beside Lily on the sofa, their shoulders almost touching. Lily was curled up, book in hand, and Ava was sketching doodles in a notebook on her lap. The familiar sound of raindrops drumming on the roof was oddly soothing.

“Lily, how’s the English essay coming along?” Ava asked softly without looking up.

Lily closed her novel. “I’ve rewritten it a million times. Now I’m just rereading it, making sure I didn’t screw it up.” She looked at Ava and managed a weak grin. “I’m fine.”

Ava raised an eyebrow and put down her pencil. She turned to face Lily. “Hey, hey... don’t say that, tell me what’s wrong.”

Lily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks turning pink under Ava’s gaze. Her heart hammered. “It’s nothing.”

But it was. Lily had been lying to everyone for a while. “Actually—” she began, glancing out at the rain-streaked window. “It’s my parents. They keep asking about a boyfriend now that I’m here. And I... I’m not sure I’m ready to tell them I like girls.”

Ava’s expression softened immediately. She scooted closer so their knees touched lightly. “Oh.”

Lily’s eyes moistened with unshed tears. “They want to see me with someone, someone they think is a ‘nice boy from home.’ I feel like I’m disappointing them.” She took a shaky breath and turned away, tracing patterns in the frayed edge of the sofa cushion.

Ava’s hand found Lily’s arm, squeezing gently. “Lily... I’m sorry they’re putting you through that. It must be really hard.”

“It is,” Lily admitted quietly. She felt a lump in her throat. Up close, she noticed the flicker of worry in Ava’s eyes—something she rarely showed.

For a moment, silence settled between them, heavy and tender. Ava’s thumb softly traced circles on Lily’s arm. “You are not disappointing anyone,” Ava whispered, her voice earnest. “You’re brave. I’m proud of you.”

Lily turned to face Ava. The confident girl’s hand was still on hers, fingers warm and reassuring. Lily’s breath hitched. She felt safe and understood, feelings that made her pulse race.

Ava met Lily’s eyes gently. “You know I’m here for you, right? Whatever you need. You can talk to me, always.”

Lily felt something wet on her cheeks. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Their eyes locked, and for a few heartbeats, neither spoke. The storm outside seemed miles away. Lily noticed how the lamp light shimmered in Ava’s blue eyes, and how her eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks.

Without quite realizing it, Lily’s free hand moved up Ava’s shoulder, finding its way around her neck. Ava’s breath caught softly as Lily leaned in. For a suspended moment, the world held its breath.

A soft kiss brushed Lily’s lips, gentle and searching, as tentative as the first drop of rain. Lily’s eyes fluttered closed. Ava’s hand slid from her arm to cradle her cheek. Seconds later, Lily pulled back slightly, cheeks aflame.

“Ava...” she whispered in wonder. “I’m sorry.”

Ava shook her head, smiling with warmth. “Don’t be. I was hoping you’d do that.”

Lily blinked, surprised. “You were?”

Ava brushed a damp strand of Lily’s hair away. “Yeah. I had been wanting to, for a while, but I didn’t want to pressure you.”

Lily’s heart soared at those words. A slow blush spread over her face as relief and joy mingled inside her. “So... it was okay?”

Ava leaned closer and pressed another kiss, this one more confident. “It was more than okay,” she murmured.

Lily felt a flutter in her stomach like warm butterflies waking up. The longing she had felt since meeting Ava suddenly seemed charged with promise. Their evening had turned into something neither had expected, but both wanted.

As the rain softened to a gentle patter, the girls sat together in comfortable silence, savoring this first spark of something new between them.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into Lily’s dorm room as she stirred awake. She lay on her back, fingers toying with the hem of her shirt, replaying the events of the previous evening. The softness of Ava’s lips still lingered on her own, a warm imprint in her memory. Lily’s chest tightened in a way that felt thrilling and new.

She wore a shy smile as she hopped out of bed, resolving to see Ava soon. Today, the world looked a bit brighter.

At breakfast, Lily entered the dining hall with her tray and spotted Ava at their usual table. Ava sat alone, a notebook spread out in front of her, writing in neat loops. When their eyes met, Lily’s stomach flipped. Ava’s grin widened in that way that made Lily’s heart skip.

“Hey,” Ava called, patting the seat across from her. Lily slid into the chair, cheeks aflame.

“Morning,” Lily whispered, her voice barely above the ambient chatter of the hall.

Ava’s eyes danced. “Rough night of studying?” she teased lightly. Lily blushed harder.

“Nah,” Lily shook her head. “I actually slept great.”

“Good, you look rested.” Ava raised her coffee cup in a salute. “To better days.”

They clinked the cups together like a toast. Lily realized this was their first toast as more than just friends. In a way, it felt like something official, though neither had spoken about it yet.

“So, ready for our afternoon study session?” Ava asked, folding her notebook shut.

Lily smiled. “Yes, thank you for coming by last night. You were a big help with my essay.”

Ava waved away the compliment. “Hey, anytime. It was nice spending time with you.”

Lily’s heart warmed at how easily Ava had wrapped an arm around her and walked home with her in the rain. That memory made her cheeks burn, and she quickly changed the subject. “By the way, I got us tickets to the campus concert tonight, if you want to go together?”

Ava’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to! That sounds fun.”

Later that day, they met in the campus quad. The trees were budding with spring leaves, and students lounged on the grass. Lily felt a jitter in her stomach as she approached Ava, who was sketching the buildings.

As Lily drew near, Ava stood to greet her with an enthusiastic smile. “You came!”

“Of course,” Lily said softly. She wanted to reach for Ava’s hand, but hesitated; instead, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

Ava reached out first, gently taking Lily’s hand. It felt like electricity. Lily’s heartbeat fluttered. They started walking side by side, fingers interlaced on their own accord.

“So, concert or study this afternoon?” Lily asked with a playful grin.

Ava grinned back. “We can do both. Let’s hit the library now, then get ready for a great evening.”

The afternoon passed quietly as they sat side by side in the library. Books and coffee between them, they exchanged whispers and gentle laughter. Lily leaned against Ava’s shoulder at one point, enjoying the closeness. The brush of Ava’s elbow against hers sent a shiver through Lily that she couldn’t explain.

As the sun began to set, Lily and Ava prepared for the evening. Ava wore a casual dress that Lily had always admired, and Lily wore a simple blouse that Ava complimented. They walked to the campus stage under the pastel twilight sky, shoulders brushing.

At the concert, the music and murmur of the crowd wove around them. Lily felt like she was in a dream; every color was brighter. As the band played a slow song, Lily felt Ava lean in close. Soft and warm, Ava whispered, “You know, I’m really glad we’re doing this.”

Lily smiled widely, though she could barely hear herself think over the music. She squeezed Ava’s hand gently. “Me too.”

They swayed softly together to the melody. Under the sprinkling of stage lights, Lily pressed her body closer to Ava’s. She felt safe and unbelievably happy.

---

After the concert, Lily and Ava slowly made their way through the quiet campus. Lights twinkled on the brick path, and the air was crisp with the coming of night. Lily felt a gentle pressure of Ava’s hand in hers; they had stayed intertwined since that soft kiss under the dim stage lights.

They strolled in silence for a moment, letting the energy of the music fade into the background. Lily felt more at peace than she had ever felt anywhere. At one point, a cool breeze brushed Lily’s cheek, stirring the hair across her face. She brushed it back and Ava tucked it behind her ear tenderly with a thumb.

The smile they shared was warm and easy as Ava asked quietly, “That song was beautiful, wasn’t it?”

Lily nodded, her heart spinning. “It was... perfect, I think.”

They passed a tranquil fountain at the center of the quad. Students had long since cleared the area, but the fountain still played its gentle melody of water. Ava stopped and turned toward Lily, gazing at her face.

In the moonlight, Ava’s features were soft and luminous. Lily watched Ava’s eyelashes, heavy with contentment. Then Ava’s gaze dropped to Lily’s lips. For a heartbeat, Lily felt as if time had frozen.

“I like you, Lily,” Ava said softly, her voice barely above a whisper in the calm night. “More than I’ve liked anyone in a long time.”

Lily’s breath caught. Her heart thrummed wildly in her chest, each beat alive with excitement. She realized she had been holding her breath. “Ava…” Her voice cracked a little, not from sadness but from pure emotion. “I like you too. More than I thought was possible.”

Ava’s face beamed at that confession. Emboldened by Lily’s words, Ava hesitated only a moment longer before closing the gap. Lily rose onto tiptoe and Ava bent down, and their lips met. This kiss was warmer and deeper than the last, filled with the vulnerability and trust they had built together.

Lily felt Ava’s fingers slide into her hair at the nape of her neck. She responded by wrapping her arms around Ava’s waist, pulling her closer. The sound of water from the fountain beside them made a soft, continuous backdrop for their kiss. It felt like a private world, just the two of them.

Ava broke the kiss and laughed softly against Lily’s lips. “That was a long time coming,” Ava teased, her eyes bright with happiness.

Lily blushed and squeezed Ava’s hand. “I know. I’m just glad we found it.”

Hand in hand, they walked back to the dorm feeling weightless. The connection between them felt real and complete, as if the world had quietly rearranged itself around the two of them. They were no longer just Lily and Ava—they were something more, something shared.

When they reached the entrance to their dorm hall, Ava paused and turned to Lily. “Goodnight, Lily.”

Lily smiled, an inside warmth glowing in her chest. “Goodnight... Ava.”

Ava leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Lily’s forehead before their hands slipped apart. Lily watched the confident girl walk away, her heart full, daring to hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something truly beautiful.

---

A few days later, Lily invited Ava over to her dorm room for a movie night. The campus was quiet; the midweek bustle had settled into a calm routine. Lily’s roommate had gone home for the weekend, leaving the room empty and waiting.

Lily dimmed the lights to a soft glow. They sat on her twin bed, leaning into pillows, a laptop streaming a classic romance movie. Light instrumental music played, filling the silence. Ava curled against Lily’s side, one hand around Lily’s waist while Lily’s head rested on Ava’s shoulder.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel comfortable,” Lily murmured, smiling at Ava in the dim light.

Ava turned her head, letting their lips meet in a gentle kiss. “Only the girl who deserves it,” she teased softly, eyes bright.

Lily blushed under the flickering light. Their bodies pressed together warmly. She sighed contentedly as Ava’s hand slid down to gently hold her hip. The scene on the screen was of two lovers about to share a secret smile. Lily thought of nothing except Ava’s close warmth.

As the movie faded into a slow scene, Ava’s lips traced a path down Lily’s neck, nibbling lightly. Lily gasped, the sensation electric. Her hand flew to her mouth to stifle the soft sound she made. Ava paused and looked up at Lily, reading the question in her eyes.

Ava kissed Lily gently and whispered, “I want to, if you want me to, Lily.”

Lily’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart raced, a wildfire behind her ribs. “Yes,” Lily managed to whisper back, voice quivering slightly.

Ava smiled tenderly. She leaned in and pressed her lips to Lily’s again, kissing more boldly this time. Their hands began to explore cautiously. Lily’s fingers brushed Ava’s back, grateful for Ava’s calm, guiding presence. Ava’s fingers traced circles on Lily’s thigh over her jeans, gliding higher slowly.

Lily tilted her head back and closed her eyes, letting the kissing deepen. The movie became background noise as Ava’s touch sent shivers through her. She felt Ava’s breath warm on her neck.

Slowly, Ava’s hand slipped under Lily’s shirt, cool on her skin. Lily didn’t move away; instead, her body leaned further into Ava’s palm. She wasn’t sure if she had the courage to speak, but she trusted Ava completely. Every sensation felt new and cherished.

Ava discovered the gentle rise and fall of Lily’s chest beneath her fingertips. She brushed her palm over the thin cotton of Lily’s bra strap, then carefully slid it down Lily’s shoulder. Lily let out a soft exhale as her skin became exposed to the cooler air.

They paused, eyes meeting for reassurance. Lily’s cheeks burned with nervous excitement, and Ava just smiled in encouragement. Slowly, they continued—Ava’s lips moving to kiss Lily’s shoulder as her hand slipped around to unclasp Lily’s bra in the back. Lily felt a mix of anticipation and delight when Ava’s cool fingers slipped under the fabric.

Once Lily’s bra was unclasped, Ava let it drop softly to the floor. Ava paused to take in Lily’s form, her touch gentle and reverent. Lily’s body was delicate, curves soft and young. Ava’s fingertips softly caressed Lily’s skin, admiring the small goosebumps the touch elicited.

In a tender moment of vulnerability, Lily lifted a hand to rest on Ava’s face. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I trust you.” Ava gave a reassuring nod and kissed Lily’s forehead.

The movie played on with dialogue and laughter, oblivious to what was happening on the bed. Lily and Ava kept kissing and exploring, each touch blossoming like a flower. This slow, budding intimacy—a first experience for Lily—felt more wonderful than anything she had imagined.

---

After that first exploration, Lily and Ava paused, breathing heavily and intertwined. Ava brushed Lily’s hair back from her face.

“Are you okay?” Ava asked, concern and tenderness in her eyes.

Lily nodded. A smile spread across her face, still flushed with excitement. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I’m okay... I feel... amazing.”

Ava smiled and kissed Lily’s brow. “Do you want to keep going?”

The question hung between them as Lily’s heart hammered against her ribs. She realized how deeply she trusted Ava. Lily took a breath and, with a steady hand, gently turned Ava to face her. “I... I want to,” Lily said softly. “If you want me to.”

Ava’s eyes softened in understanding. “I do.”

With that quiet affirmation, they continued their journey into each other. Ava brushed her lips back over Lily’s shoulder and down to her spine, planting soft kisses that made Lily arch into her. Every touch, every caress was attentive and gentle.

Lily’s heart was racing, but she felt safe. Slowly, Ava slipped a hand beneath Lily’s jeans, moving with deliberate care. Lily let out a small, eager moan as Ava’s fingertips grazed over her hip and belly. Ava paused momentarily, looking up. Lily’s cheeks burned hot. “I’m here, Lily,” Ava whispered reassuringly as she began to unbutton Lily’s jeans.

Lily lifted her hips slightly to help. Her jeans slipped off her waist, joining Lily’s discarded bra on the floor. Now clad in only the light blouse and her underwear, Lily felt a delicious vulnerability. Ava admired Lily’s soft curves with admiration and care, her hands gentle as they caressed Lily’s stomach and sides, then brushing down to the lace trim of Lily’s panties.

Lily’s breath hitched as Ava’s fingers lightly grazed over the thin fabric. Ava leaned in, one hand at Lily’s back pulling her closer, the other slowly sliding under the waistband. Lily’s eyes fluttered closed at the sensation as Ava’s finger pressed gently against her damp folds through the material. Lily was so sensitive, every nerve alight with anticipation.

Ava paused to look at Lily’s face. Lily’s lips were full and parted, and her eyes were heavy-lidded with desire. Ava grinned, and Lily returned it with an almost unhinged smile. There was a moment of mutual acknowledgement before the barrier of cloth was removed. Ava slid Lily’s panties down her legs and kicked them away. The cool air touched Lily’s bare skin, and she whimpered softly from goosebumps rising all over.

Ava pressed a warm kiss over the sensitive skin of Lily’s inner thigh, inching closer to her core. Lily’s back arched as she softly encouraged Ava to continue upward. Ava’s skilled fingers circled Lily’s most sensitive spot, sending shivers through Lily’s body.

Then Ava’s tongue followed, gentle at first, tracing Lily’s slick folds with slowly building pressure. Lily barely recognized the sound she made when warmth flooded her. Her hand fisted in Ava’s hair, steadying herself as waves of pleasure began to wash over her.

As Ava’s tongue moved with a rhythm perfectly in tune with Lily’s breathing, Lily’s worries melted away. All that existed was the sensation of lips and tongue and fingers. Ava had learned exactly how Lily wanted to be touched, coaxing moans and quiet cries of pleasure from her.

Lily felt herself growing wet, needing more, wanting to feel Ava’s attention everywhere. Under the gentle ministrations, her body trembled with anticipation. “Ava...” Lily gasped her name as she edged closer to the brink.

Ava only responded by deepening her focus, letting her tongue circle and flick across Lily’s sensitive skin. The intimacy of Ava’s mouth moving against her was overwhelming and exactly what Lily needed. Before long, Lily was trembling, sure she would shatter any second.

Then, with a final flick of Ava’s tongue, Lily tumbled over the edge. Her body clenched, warmth and pleasure washing through her in intense, rippling waves. Lily cried out quietly, burying her face in Ava’s hair as bliss flooded through her. Ava held Lily softly through the orgasm, coaxing every last bit of tension from her.

After Lily’s breathing began to even out, Ava kissed her, tender and gentle, tasting their shared closeness. “You’re so beautiful,” Ava murmured, voice thick with affection as she pulled Lily into a soothing embrace. Lily felt tears of happiness prick her eyes.

“No,” Lily whispered against Ava’s chest. “Thank you. Thank you.”

They lay together in the quiet aftermath, Lily curled against Ava’s body. Ava gently kissed Lily’s head. All words felt too small. They had shared something sacred, something that bound them closer than they had ever known possible.