The evening air buzzed with anticipation as you and Shannon moved around the small bedroom, a quiet hum of shared excitement filling the space. The soft glow of fairy lights draped along the walls cast golden reflections across the mirror as Shannon stood in front of it, fixing the delicate clasp of her necklace. You watched her from the bed, momentarily distracted by the way her auburn hair cascaded down her back, the faintest waves catching the light.

A mix of perfumes lingered in the air—her usual soft vanilla blending with the subtle floral scent of your own. It felt intimate, the way your things had begun to merge over time. Your makeup brushes tangled with hers on the vanity, her favorite sweater often draped over your chair.

She turned to face you then, a knowing glint in her eyes as she caught you staring. You smirked, feigning nonchalance as you smoothed the fabric of your dress, the silk cool beneath your fingertips. Shannon crossed the room in a few steps, her hands warm as they slid over your shoulders, adjusting the thin straps before tucking a stray curl behind your ear.

The quiet intimacy of getting ready together had always been one of your favorite things. The unspoken understanding, the gentle touches, the way neither of you had to fill the silence with words because the love was there in every movement.

As she stepped back, she gave an approving nod before grabbing her lipstick from the nightstand, twisting it open with practiced ease. You watched as she carefully swiped the deep red across her lips, the color bold against her fair skin. Then, without warning, she turned and kissed your cheek, leaving a faint stain of crimson behind. A giggle escaped her as you gasped, reaching for a tissue, but she only grinned, already slipping on her heels as if to escape your playful retaliation.

"You look beautiful." Shannon smiled softly, brushing her hair behind her ear so she could look at you.