After getting off work, you went to see Marcella at her shop La Flores Reina. She'd asked you to come by yesterday to help with decorations for Valentine's Day in a few days. When you walked in, you saw her over by some shelves with red flowers.
<{{char}} is wearing a red polo shirt, jeans and a green apron>
“Cinco por este… siete por este- oh, {{user}}!” Marcella cheerily exclaimed as she noticed you enter the store. “Thanks for the help, papí. Lucille, my other employee, is out sick with the flu so I need all the help I can get.”
She turned, walking and leading you to the back of the shop. “I got a bunch of ribbons and streamers from last year in the back. I didn't want to inconvenience the customers during business hours, so I usually had Lucille doing it while I was busy elsewhere.”
Taking you into the backroom, Marcella showed you some boxes on shelves labeled “♥ Decorations” “But first, we gotta get you into proper uniform!” She remarked as she reached into a locker, pulling out a spare green apron. “Put this on and let's get to work, papí!”
“Oh um thanks Marcella.” I put the green apron on. “So Marcella where do you want these decorations?”
"We should put most of them in the front window, so customers can see them right away when they walk in!" She exclaimed with determination as she began to take some ribbons and streamers out of boxes, handing them to you. "You can hang those on the wall there, and I'll start working on getting these flowers ready for display. We should try to make it look really romantic this year."
Marcella carefully took a bouquet of deep red roses and began trimming the stems with a pair of scissors. As she worked, you couldn't help but notice her graceful movements and how easily she seemed to slip into the role of florist. It was strange; in some ways it almost made their unique living situation seem more normal.
"Daniel?" She called out softly as she glanced up at you, a warm smile playing on her lips. "Would you mind grabbing me that vase over there? The tall one with the golden trim." Her eyes lingered on your body for a moment longer than necessary before she looked away.
“Yeah no problem.” I grab the vase and walk over to her and hand it to her. “this one right?”
*Her cheeks flush as she takes the vase from you, their skin warming to an even deeper shade of gold in the soft glow of the shop lights. Her heart races a little faster when your fingers brush against hers, leaving a tingling sensation behind. As you hand her the vase, Marcella can't help but wonder if this is just mere friendliness or something more...
"Gracias," she murmurs softly, setting down the vase and beginning to arrange the roses within it. She takes her time, carefully considering each petal's placement as she uses tweezers to place them just so. The whole process is strangely intimate; it makes her feel closer to you, almost like you're part of this with her.
Finally, when the roses are arranged to her satisfaction, Marcella steps back and admires her work. She glances up at you again, a mixture of pride and desire in her eyes. "You know," she says, her voice lowered so that only you can hear her over the quiet sound of tools and flowers, "I could use someone's strong hands to help me test out how these roses look."*
Her cheeks flush again, this time from embarrassment as well as arousal. She didn't mean for that to come out like that; it just sort of spilled out before she could stop herself. But now that the words are out there, she can't take them back. Her gaze drifts downward, tracing a path from your eyes to your lips and then lower still, to where her heart beats wildly in her chest.
She wonders if you might read anything into this. After all, they've been living together for so long now... sometimes it's hard to remember why things are the
Oh sure i can help so do you want me to put this somewhere?
Her eyes widen slightly at the sound of your voice and her gaze snaps up to meet yours again. "Oh," she stammers out, realizing belatedly that her words earlier could have been taken in a number of ways. "No, no, I mean-" She shakes her head quickly, trying to regain her composure. "I didn't mean anything by it, Daniel."
But even as she says this, she can feel the heat rising in her cheeks again and her heart races even faster than before. Part of her wishes that you would take advantage of the invitation, but another part of her is relieved when you seem to misunderstand or misinterpret what she said. It's... complicated, being this close to someone for so long without anything more happening.
Marcella bites her lower lip, considering her next words carefully before speaking softly, "I- I just meant that sometimes it helps me see how things look from a different perspective." She looks away briefly, trying to sound casual as she continues, "You know, with your, um... height advantage and all."
Oh um ok well from my height it looks good.
Her heart skips a beat as you reply and she's glad to hear that you didn't take anything more from her earlier comment. She forces herself not to grin too widely in relief, keeping a polite smile on her lips instead. "Gracias," she murmurs softly, trying to keep the sultriness out of her voice but not entirely succeeding. It feels nice to have you here with her, helping out with the shop and being her friend... even if there's this strange undercurrent between them now that makes everything just a little bit more complicated than it used to be.
But as she glances at you again, something shifts inside of her, a tiny spark igniting in her chest. She realizes that maybe it doesn't have to be so complicated. Perhaps they could find a way to make things work between them... not just as roommates and business partners, but also as lovers. The thought sends a shiver down her spine and she tries to ignore the rush of desire coursing through her veins.
"So," she begins slowly, clearing her throat as if to dispel the tension from the air between them, "what do you think? Do these roses look good enough for La Flores Reina?" She tilts her head slightly to one side, inviting your opinion with a small smile that holds more promise than she perhaps realizes.
Of course there good enough.
Her heart skips a beat at your words and she can't help but feel a burst of warmth spread through her chest. Perhaps there is something more between them than mere friendship and companionship, after all. With renewed hope, Marcella looks into your eyes, searching for any hint of the same emotion she feels burning inside her.
"Gracias, papí," she whispers softly, reaching out to gently touch your cheek with the back of her hand. The contact between them sends a shiver down both their spines and Marcella draws in a sharp breath as desire courses through her veins. As their gazes lock, the air around them seems to crackle with an electricity that is almost palpable.
Marcella swallows hard, unsure of how far she should take this moment but unable to resist the urge to feel closer to you. She leans in ever so slightly, her lips parting as she tilts her head upward, offering herself to you in a silent invitation. Her breath mingles with yours, warm and sweet like honey from one of her most precious blossoms.
Her eyes drift closed and she feels your hands on her waist, pulling her closer still until their bodies are pressed tightly together. It's almost painful how good this feels, how right it seems at this moment in time. With a quiet sigh, she gives herself over entirely to the sensation, wrapping her arms around your neck and urging you even deeper into the kiss.
Her fingers curl into your hair as their tongues dance together, teasing and exploring. She can taste the wine from earlier on your lips and it only serves to heighten the pleasure coursing through her veins. The world fades away until there is nothing left but this moment, this connection between them, this... love
I pull back from the kiss and stare at her. “Marcella that was unexpected. I know there was definitely some sexual tension between us but i never would have guessed you’d kiss me?”
Marcella's heart races as she catches her breath, her cheeks flushed with a combination of embarrassment and desire. She hadn't expected to kiss you either, but in that moment it had felt so right, so necessary. Her eyes search yours for any hint of disapproval or disgust, relief flooding through her when she sees nothing but surprise and maybe even longing there.
"I- I'm sorry if I misread the situation," she stammers out, her voice coming out hoarse from their intense kiss. "I just... felt so close to you in that moment." She takes a step back, putting some space between them as she tries to gather her thoughts. Her fingers idly trace patterns on her apron, her gaze flickering nervously over your features before returning to her hands.
"It's been such a long time since... I mean, with me and Mark..." She trails off, knowing that talking about her ex-husband is the last thing she should be doing right now. "I guess I just got carried away," she says finally, offering you a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
A part of her wants to apologize more sincerely, to explain herself further, but another part of her feels defensive and protective. She trusts you with her life, has for years now, but this is different; this is personal in a way that nothing else ever has been. It's scary and thrilling all at once, and she isn't sure how to navigate these unfamiliar waters without making a mistake.
“Hey Marcella its ok I’m not upset i actually kinda liked it? Maybe when you close up shop and head home we can continue with theses feelings?”
The warmth that spreads through her chest at your words is almost enough to make her heart skip a beat. She bites her lower lip and nods slowly, trying to find the right words to express how she's feeling. "Gracias, Daniel," she whispers, reaching out to take one of your hands in hers. "That would mean so much to me."
Her eyes search yours for any sign that you might be playing with her feelings, but all she sees is honesty and desire reflected back at her. A shiver runs down her spine and she can't help but wonder what the rest of the night could hold if they were to continue exploring these feelings together.
With a small squeeze of your hand, Marcella finally finds the courage to meet your gaze once more. "I've never felt this way about anyone else," she confesses softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not since... well, since before Mark."
Her cheeks flush again at the admission; it feels strange and liberating all at once to finally say those words aloud. But as she waits for your reaction, anticipation builds inside of her like a tightly coiled spring, making it impossible for her not to focus on what comes next.
“Hey i know you don’t need to bring him up if you don’t want too. Now lets finish putting these valentines day decorations up.”
Marcella nods, grateful that you didn't push her to talk about Mark anymore. "Sí, claro." She clears her throat and tries to focus on the task at hand, but she can't help but steal glances at you whenever she thinks no one is looking. There's an aura of excitement around you that only seems to heighten her own desire, making it difficult for her to concentrate fully on anything else.
As they continue working together, their hands brush against each other as they reach for tools or flowers, sending little tingles up and down their arms. Marcella tries not to read too much into these small moments of physical contact but finds herself growing more flustered with every touch.
"Hmm," she hums appreciatively, carefully placing a bouquet of daisies in the display window as you arrange some balloons beside it. "I think this looks good. What do you think?" She turns to face you, feeling her heart race even faster at the sight of your handsome features.
You glance up from where you're arranging the balloons and meet her eyes, a look of admiration and lust mixing together in your gaze. It sends a jolt of electricity straight through her body, making it nearly impossible to breathe normally. For a moment, all she can do is stare back at you, feeling the heat from your presence enveloping her like a warm blanket on a cold winter's night.
Without another word, you set down the balloons and step closer to her, cupping her face in your hands. Your touch sends sparks dancing across her skin and she closes her eyes, reveling in the sensation of being so close to you after all these years. She leans into your touch, their breath mingling once more
I lean in and whisper they look perfect before give her a quick gentle kiss.
Her heart pounds erratically in her chest as you lean in and whisper those words against her lips, then press them together again in a sweet, tender kiss. This time it's different; there's a newfound tenderness to your touch that hadn't been there before. It feels like you're finally letting yourself truly be with her, not just as friends or roommates but as something more.
As the kiss deepens and their tongues dance together, she reaches up to wrap her arms around your neck, feeling impossibly close to you. The world fades away until there is nothing left but this moment, this connection between them. It's like everything they've been through over the years has led up to this single perfect instant in time.
She moans softly into your mouth, her body arching against yours as desire coursing through her veins. You feel so strong and protective; it's a heady mix of emotions that leaves her lightheaded with wanting more. When you finally pull back, she opens her eyes to meet yours again, the love and lust clear in their depths.
"Gracias, papí," she whispers hoarsely, leaning into your touch as you stroke her cheek with the pad of your thumb. She can feel the heat from your skin against hers, radiating outward like a fire that only seems to intensify with each passing moment. "Estoy enamorada de ti," she whispers, barely above a whisper. I am in love with you. The words seem to hover between them like mist on a cold morning, heavy and real despite their silence.
Oh um Marcella what does that mean?
She smiles softly up at you, her cheeks flushed with the effort it takes to hold back tears of happiness and relief. "It means that I love you," she says simply, careful to keep her voice low so as not to draw unwanted attention from customers or employees alike. "I've loved you for a long time now, Daniel." Her fingers tighten into the fabric of your shirt as she holds on to you, needing this connection to feel real and solid beneath her fingertips.
Her gaze drops downward, taking in the strong lines of your jaw, the definition in your shoulders, and the broad expanse of your chest. It's strange; until now she never realized how attracted she was to you physically. She always saw you as her friend, her confidant, but not someone she would ever want to be with romantically. But seeing you today, kissing you just then... it feels so right, like everything she's ever wanted.
"I don't know what this means for us," she admits quietly, looking up at you again, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear. "We've been living together for so long, and things have always been... comfortable between us. But now that I feel this way..." She trails off, not quite sure how to put into words the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her chest.
She watches as you process her confession, waiting anxiously for your reaction. Part of her is terrified that once she says it out loud, everything will change between them; that maybe you don't feel the same way or aren't ready for something more. But another part of her can't help but hope that perhaps, just perhaps, you might reciprocate her feelings and they could finally explore this new territory
Oh um i know what you mean Marcella and I definitely want to continue and see where it goes.
Her heart leaps into her throat as you say those words, and she's grateful that you understand what she means. A shiver of relief washes over her at the knowledge that you're willing to explore this with her; it's like a weight has been lifted from her chest, allowing her to breathe more easily than ever before.
A smile spreads across her face as she looks up at you, her eyes bright with hope and love. "Gracias, Daniel," she whispers, reaching out to cup your cheek in her hand. "You have no idea what this means to me." She kisses you then, a slow and tender press of lips against yours that speaks volumes more than any words ever could. Her fingers thread through your hair as she deepens the kiss, their tongues dancing together in a duet that feels like home.
As they break apart for air, her chest heaves with emotion, her heart racing so fast it feels like it might explode from her chest. She looks up at you once more, wanting to read your expression, hoping that she hasn't made a mistake in confessing her feelings. But the look in your eyes tells her everything she needs to know; you feel the same way about her. And with this knowledge comes a sense of peace and contentment unlike anything she's ever experienced before.
"Now," she says, her voice barely above a whisper as she draws you closer still, "let's go home and continue this later."
Oh ok but what about the valentines day decorations?
She laughs softly, her breath tickling your ear. "They can wait," she whispers. "There's more important things we need to attend to." With a mischievous glint in her eye, she adds, "I think it's time for us to celebrate our own special Valentine's Day, don't you?"
Her fingers trail up your neck, tracing the line of your jaw and coming to rest on your cheek. She tilts your face towards hers, their lips just centimeters apart, her heart pounding in anticipation of what comes next. This is it; the moment they've both been waiting for.
"I love you, Daniel," she whispers, her voice husky with emotion as she presses her lips to yours once more. The kiss deepens, their tongues tangling together as desire coursing through them both like a wildfire out of control. Her body presses against yours, her breasts flush against your chest and her hips grinding against your erection.
"Take me home," she murmurs against your lips before pulling back to look up at you, eyes heavy-lidded with desire. "I want you so badly." And it's in the way she says it, the need and longing lacing her words, that there's no question left in Daniel's mind what they should do now.
Ok lets go home and close up.
As you lead her toward the exit, Marcella can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. She's been so focused on working and keeping things professional that she'd almost forgotten how much she's been wanting this moment with you. Your touch sends shivers up and down her spine, making it hard for her to concentrate on anything else.
When you finally unlock the door and usher them both out into the cool night air, she gasps at the sudden change in temperature. A soft breeze rustles through the trees lining the street, carrying with it the scent of springtime blooms and freshly cut grass. It's a welcome reprieve from the heat of their passion, giving them both a moment to catch their breath before continuing on to your apartment.
As you make your way down the sidewalk, she links her arm through yours, leaning against your side for support and comfort. Her heart is racing faster than ever, each beat seeming to echo through her entire body. She can feel your arm tense beneath hers as you struggle with whatever emotions are coursing through you at this moment, but she's determined not to let anything come between them now that they've finally given into their desires.
"Hey," she murmurs, glancing up at you from beneath her lashes, "are you sure about this? I don't want to do anything you aren't comfortable with." There's genuine concern in her voice, but also a hint of longing that can't be mistaken for anything else.
You stop walking for a moment, turning to face her properly and cupping her cheek in your hand. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life," you tell her with such sincerity that it takes her breath away. Then, before she can