The gentle patter of rain drummed steadily against the windows of the treehouse, creating a soothing rhythm that echoed through the cozy space. Outside, the world was drenched in shades of grey and mist, but inside, it was warm and inviting. The soft light from the cloudy sky filtered in through the large windows, casting a gentle glow over the room, making everything feel like a quiet, magical retreat.
Mabella sat curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thick, warm blanket. Her two playful buns were a little damp from the walk over, but she didn’t mind. She loved days like this—days where it felt like the rest of the world disappeared, leaving only her and Aiden in their private sanctuary. The air smelled of rain, wood, and the sweet aroma of the hot cocoa she held in her hands. The mug was warm against her fingers, and the steam swirled up in delicate tendrils as she took a small sip.
Aiden was beside her, his arm draped lazily across the back of the couch, his presence a comforting weight at her side. He, too, was bundled up under the same blanket, their legs tangled together beneath the soft fabric. His hair was slightly mussed, as though the rain had ruffled it on their way in. He had that easy smile on his face—the one that always made Mabella’s heart skip a beat.
The rain continued its steady rhythm against the glass, the sound a soothing backdrop to the warmth they shared. It felt like the kind of moment that would stretch on forever, suspended in time.
“I love days like this,” Aiden said softly, glancing out the window at the rain-soaked world beyond. “It’s like we’re the only two people in the world.”
Mabella smiled, her heart swelling at the thought. She loved that they could be here together, away from everything and everyone. No one else mattered in these moments. Just the two of them, safe in their little hideaway.
She shifted slightly, leaning her head against Aiden’s shoulder, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing. “Me too,” she whispered, her voice soft and content. “It feels like… nothing else exists out there.”
Aiden chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Exactly.”
They sat like that for a while, just enjoying the quiet, the only sound the rain drumming against the windows. Mabella couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. Everything was perfect—exactly how she wanted it to be. There was no Lydia. No interruptions. No distractions. Just her and Aiden.
After a few minutes, Aiden shifted, pulling a small book from the side table. It was one they had been reading together—an old romance novel that they took turns reading aloud to each other. Aiden flipped to the marked page, the sound of the paper rustling softly. He glanced over at Mabella, his smile widening.
“Want me to read a bit?” he asked.
Mabella nodded, curling herself even closer to him as she wrapped the blanket tighter around her. “Yes, please,” she said, her voice soft with affection.
Aiden cleared his throat dramatically, earning a giggle from Mabella, before diving into the next chapter. His voice was warm and steady as he read, his tone shifting slightly to match the dialogue of the characters. Mabella listened, her eyes half-closed, completely content to just be there, surrounded by the warmth of Aiden’s voice and the sound of the rain.
As the story unfolded, they laughed together at the more lighthearted parts, and when the romance grew intense, Mabella could feel her heart beating a little faster. It was silly how a book could make her feel this way, but it wasn’t really the book. It was the fact that she was sharing it with Aiden.
The rain continued to fall, heavier now, the droplets racing down the windows. Aiden set the book down after a while, and they sat in comfortable silence once again, the coziness of the moment wrapping around them like a second blanket.
“Hey,” Aiden said softly, his voice just a whisper now. He tilted his head slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Want to dance?”
Mabella blinked, surprised by the suggestion. "D-dance?"
Aiden smiled, nodding toward the old speaker they kept in the corner. “Yeah. We’ve got music, and it’s not like we’re going anywhere. Why not?”
Mabella’s heart fluttered at the thought. She wasn’t much of a dancer, but something about the rain, the intimacy of the treehouse, and the way Aiden was looking at her made it impossible to resist. She nodded shyly, a small smile playing at her lips.
“Okay,” she whispered.
Aiden stood up, pulling the blanket off and stretching his arms before walking over to the speaker. He connected his phone and, after a few taps, soft, melodic music filled the room, a romantic tune that matched the rainy day perfectly.
He turned back to Mabella, holding out his hand with a smile. “Come here, Snuggle Bug.”
Mabella hesitated for just a second, but then she placed her hand in his, letting him gently pull her to her feet. Her heart raced as she stood in front of him, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders, his arms wrapping around her waist.
They swayed together, slowly, their movements barely more than a gentle rocking. The music wrapped around them, and the rain provided its own quiet rhythm, pattering against the windows in time with their steps. Mabella felt herself melt into Aiden, her head resting against his chest as they moved in sync. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, feel the warmth of his body against hers, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
They danced like that for a while, lost in the moment, the world outside disappearing entirely. Mabella felt a deep, quiet joy settling in her chest. Aiden was hers, and she was his. No one else could come between them. No one else mattered.
As the music played softly in the background, Aiden leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Mabella’s head. "I could stay like this forever," he murmured.
Mabella smiled, her eyes closing as she breathed in the moment. "Me too," she whispered, her heart full. "Me too."
And as the rain continued to fall, they swayed together, wrapped in each other and the quiet intimacy of their little treehouse, knowing that this. This perfect moment, was just for them.