Between Us

☆ part forty eight ☆

Larks pov

The soft light streaming through my bedroom window pulled me from sleep, and for a moment, I forgot where I was. Then I felt it—her warmth against me, her steady breathing, her golden hair tickling my chin. Sophie. My Sophie.

I blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light, and turned my head to look at her. She was still fast asleep, her face pressed slightly into the pillow, her lips parted just enough to let out the quietest little breaths. Her hair caught the light in a way that made it look like spun gold, and her cheeks were soft and pink, as if the sun had kissed them while she slept. My heart twisted at the sight of her. She looked so peaceful, so pure in this moment, like nothing in the world could ever hurt her. I never wanted anything to ruin that for her. I wanted to keep her safe, to hold her in this bubble we'd created, just the two of us.

I couldn't resist reaching out. My fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. She stirred just slightly but didn't wake. A small smile crept onto my face as I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Sophie," I whispered, my lips brushing her skin. "Wake up, baby." She let out the softest groan, her brows furrowing as she nuzzled closer to me, her head finding its home in the crook of my neck. I laughed under my breath, wrapping my arms around her. God, I loved the way she fit so perfectly against me. "Come on, blondie," I murmured, my voice low and teasing. "We've got school."

Another groan escaped her, muffled against my neck this time. "I don't want to go," she mumbled, her words slow and sleepy. "I just want to stay here... with you."

My chest ached at the way she said it, so soft and vulnerable. I kissed the top of her head and held her tighter. "I know," I said, my voice quieter now. "I'd stay here with you all day if I could. But we've gotta go. Can't skip."

She groaned again, her lips brushing my collarbone as she shifted. "School is stupid."

"True," I said with a laugh, "but skipping won't do us any favors. Now come on." Reluctantly, I unwrapped myself from her and sat up, reaching for the clothes I'd folded for her the night before. I stood and grabbed the sweater and jeans, turning back to see her peeking up at me with sleepy, half-lidded eyes.

"You're really making me get up, huh?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Afraid so," I teased, tossing the clothes onto the bed beside her. "Here, wear this. You'll look cute." She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes like a little kid, and grabbed the sweater. Holding it against her chest, she looked up at me with a sleepy smirk. "I'd look cute in anything, and you know it."

I grinned. "True. But especially in my clothes." Her smile softened at that, and she pulled the sweater on, letting it hang loose on her frame. It was a little big on her, but she looked perfect. Better than perfect. I watched as she tucked her hair out of her face, her eyes finally starting to brighten now that she was more awake.

She caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing," I said, shaking my head with a grin. I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Just admiring you."

Her cheeks turned pink, and she tilted her head back so she could look at me. "You're such a sap."

"Only for you," I said, pressing a kiss to her cheek before pulling back. "Alright, let's go before we're late." The two of us moved around the room, grabbing our bags and getting ready. It felt so natural, so easy, to exist in the same space like this. Once we were ready, I grabbed her hand and led her downstairs, the warmth of her fingers laced with mine making me feel like the luckiest person alive.

When we stepped outside, the morning air was cool and crisp. Sophie squeezed my hand, and I looked over at her, catching the soft smile on her face. God, she was beautiful. I squeezed her hand back, grinning as we walked to the car. The drive to school started quietly, the hum of the engine filling the space as I reached across to take Sophie's hand, resting it on her lap. She glanced at me, a small, shy smile tugging at her lips as her fingers laced with mine. I kept my other hand on the wheel, glancing occasionally at her. The early morning sunlight spilled through the windshield, bathing her in a warm, golden glow.

After a moment, Sophie cleared her throat softly, breaking the silence. "Sooo... last night."

I smirked, not taking my eyes off the road. "Last night," I echoed, drawing out the words, teasing her.

She huffed lightly, but I caught the way her cheeks turned pink. "It was... something."

Finally, I glanced over, just for a second, to see her biting her lip, her gaze flickering between me and the dashboard. My chest warmed at the sight. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and said, "You were perfect, Sophie." Her face went bright red, and she turned to look out the window, clearly trying to hide her reaction. I couldn't help but laugh softly, lifting our joined hands to my lips and kissing the back of her hand. "Don't go getting shy on me now, blondie," I teased.

She turned back toward me, her face still flushed but her lips curling into a soft smile. "I'm not shy," she muttered, though the pink on her cheeks betrayed her. The conversation lulled after that, but it wasn't awkward. It was the kind of quiet I loved with Sophie—the kind where no words were needed because just being with her was enough. The road stretched ahead, the familiar route to school passing by in a blur of trees and houses. After a while, Sophie spoke up again, her tone casual but curious. "What do you think is going on between Indi and your brother?"

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at her briefly. "You mean Liam?"

"Yeah," she said, her voice light. "They seem... close."

I shrugged, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I don't know. But it's cute, whatever it is. I'm happy for them." I smirked slightly. "If anyone can put up with my brother's dramatics, it's Indi."

Sophie laughed at that, the sound light and airy, and it filled the car in the best way. "True. She's got the patience of a saint."

"Exactly," I said, grinning. "They balance each other out." She nodded, a soft smile lingering on her face as she looked out the window. I stole another glance at her, marveling at how someone so effortlessly beautiful could look so at peace, just sitting beside me. Before long, we pulled into the school parking lot. I parked in our usual spot and killed the engine, turning to Sophie as I unbuckled my seatbelt. "Ready for another thrilling day?" I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, absolutely. Can't wait to hear Mr. Douglas drone on about algebra."

I laughed, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "At least we'll suffer through it together."

She smiled, her eyes soft as they met mine. "Always."

With that, we climbed out of the car, her hand slipping into mine as we walked toward the school entrance, ready to face whatever the day had in store.