Harriet groaned softly as she rubbed her eyes, adjusting her vision. Looking down, she noticed Zoey nestled against her chest, sleeping peacefully. She chuckled, remembering how they'd fallen asleep on Zoey's sofa after talking. Gently, she tucked a few stray strands of Zoey's hair behind her ear, smiling at the sight.
"So this is what it feels like to be lovedâand to be in love again," Harriet whispered to herself, reaching for her phone on the coffee table. It was already past six in the morning. She gently nudged Zoey to wake her up.
"Sweetheart, don't you have work?" she murmured, softly poking Zoey's cheek.
Zoey groaned, shifting just enough to bury her face in the crook of Harriet's neck. "Got the day off," she mumbled, pressing closer, still half-asleep. Harriet chuckled, wrapping her arms around Zoey and gently stroking her back.
"Alright, then, get some more sleep," Harriet said, closing her eyes to drift off again herself.
"Let's go to the amusement park later," Zoey mumbled, her voice muffled and drowsy as she rested on Harriet.
"Amusement park?" Harriet echoed with a smile, wondering if Zoey would even remember this plan once she was fully awake. "Alright."
Zoey yawned, rubbing her eyes and letting out a soft groan. "Fully awake now?" she heard Harriet ask. Glancing up, she was greeted by Harriet's warm hazel eyes.
"Yeah," she murmured, burying her face back into Harriet's shoulder. Harriet chuckled, patting her head affectionately.
"So, are we really going to the amusement park?" Harriet asked. Zoey chuckled and nodded.
"I took the day off for that," Zoey replied, slowly sitting up, her weight now on Harriet's abdomen. Harriet blinked, her hands instinctively resting on Zoey's waist.
Zoey paused, suddenly aware of their position. She met Harriet's gaze and saw the playful smile on her face. "Stop thinking naughty thoughts this early," she teased, getting up from the couch and tossing a pillow at Harriet.
Harriet just laughed, removing the pillow from her face as she sat up. "I do need to change clothes, you know," she said, giving Zoey a grin.
"Exactly! That's why we're going to your place after I take my bath," Zoey said, stretching her arms and hips. Harriet smiled and shrugged.
"Then maybe we could grab breakfast outside," Harriet suggested, checking her phone for the amusement park tickets. "Should I buy us some?"
Zoey glanced back at her with a smile. "No needâI already have two tickets," she said, heading toward the stairs. "I'll just take my bath. Feel free to make yourself at home and grab some coffee. The coffeemaker's over in the corner," she added, pointing toward the kitchen.
Harriet smiled, watching Zoey's reaction as they arrived at the amusement park. She looked like a kid savoring her free time, eyes bright with excitement. Harriet reached for Zoey's hand, pulling her close.
She couldn't help but take in Zoey's outfitâfaded denim shorts, a white turtleneck tank, a black cardigan, and white Converse. How does she look this hot in such a simple outfit? Harriet thought, grinning at the sight.
"Is there something wrong with my clothes?" Zoey asked, catching Harriet staring. "You've been looking at me since we got here."
Harriet shrugged, a teasing smile on her lips. "It's because you look cute," she said, playfully poking Zoey's nose.
Zoey smirked. "You're sure you don't have a problem with how I dress?"
Harriet raised an eyebrow. "Wear whatever you want. I'll support you all the way. I don't mind if you dress how you likeâI can handle it, and I'll definitely step in if anyone tries to bother you."
Zoey chuckled, glancing down at their outfits. "You know, we kind of match."
Harriet looked down and realized they were both in faded denim, a white top, and black jackets with similar Converse sneakers. "Guess it's no accident," Harriet admitted with a smile. "I wore this on purpose to match you."
Zoey chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes. Harriet could be unbelievably stubborn sometimes. "Alright, let's pick our first ride, then," she said, tugging Harriet along as they strolled around the park.
Zoey stopped in front of the haunted house, grinning as she turned to Harriet. "How about we start here?"
Harriet looked from the spooky entrance back to Zoey, gulping a bit. "You're sure about this?"
"What's the matter? You scared?" Zoey teased, nudging her.
Harriet cleared her throat. "Scared? Who, me? I'm not afraid of anything," she said, trying to sound casual.
Zoey shook her head, trying to hide her smile. "Alright, fearless one. Shall we?"
Harriet nodded, grabbing Zoey's hand as they joined the line. "Stay close, okay?" she reminded Zoey, who shot her an amused glance, noting the slight tremor in Harriet's grip. Think I found your weakness, Doc, Zoey thought with a smirk.
As they entered the haunted house, eerie music and flickering lights surrounded them. Zoey glanced at Harriet, who was taking in every shadow and dark corner. She felt Harriet's grip tighten slightly as they crept further into the pathway.
When a ghostly figure dressed as a white lady suddenly floated toward them, Zoey jumped, only to glance over and find Harriet still expressionlessâthough her hand had gone a bit colder.
"Want to go ahead so you can keep an eye on me?" Harriet suggested, lightly nudging Zoey forward while holding on to her cardigan, her gaze darting around warily.
Zoey chuckled, catching on. "You know, you could just admit you're a little spooked."
Harriet scoffed. "Me? Scared? I told youâ Aah! What theâ" she shrieked, clutching Zoey's shoulder when something brushed against the back of her neck. She turned around, her eyes wide, as another ghostly figure lurked just behind them. Almost screamed myself into another universe, Harriet thought, nudging Zoey forward.
Zoey burst out laughing at Harriet's reaction. "Oh yeah, you're totally fearless."
"Exactly," Harriet insisted, though she kept casting nervous glances behind them, watching out for any more ghosts or zombies lurking nearby.
As they stepped out of the haunted house, Harriet let out a relieved sigh, taking off her cap and running a hand through her hair. Zoey looked up at her and noticed how pale she'd turned.
"You look a little pale," Zoey said, standing on her tiptoes as she gently cupped Harriet's cheeks. "You know, you could've just admitted you were afraid," she teased softly, noticing how cool Harriet's skin felt.
Harriet swallowed, glancing away. "Well... it's not like being scared would kill me," she muttered, "and, hey, if it's what you enjoy, then what's a little harmless fear?"
Zoey smiled, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Harriet's lips. "How thoughtful of you," she whispered, dropping back onto her heels. "Come on, let's grab something to eat and find our next adventure."
A faint blush crept onto Harriet's face, but she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. Well, she thought with a quiet shrug, if a little fear leads to a kiss like that, maybe I don't mind so much.