Whispers of Passion | (18+)

20 | The Beginning To An End

DIANA
***

As I stood under the showerhead, I felt the warm droplets of water gently cascading down my body, flowing through the curves and crevices of my skin, leaving me feeling at peace, in stark contrast to the frigid air that enveloped Dante's penthouse. The warmth of the water was akin to a soothing embrace, wrapping me in a cocoon of delicate heat, reminding me of Dante's touch.

I felt fully ready to leave the past in the past and it hasn't even been a week. With Dante, I feel like I can be a new person and experience things that I never thought I would.

Once I finished, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a soft and plush towel around my damp body. As I stood in front of the wide mirror, I couldn't help but notice how different I looked from just a few minutes ago. The tears that streamed down my face had dried up, leaving no trace, and the puffiness around my eyes had vanished too. My hair, which was styled, had now reverted to its natural curly state, cascading down my back in curls. Droplets of water still lingered on my chest and ran down my neck. As I stood there, taking it all in, I realized how much I needed this moment of peace and tranquility.

Walking out from the bathroom that connected to the bedroom, I found new clothes and undergarments on the bed and new sheets as well. A small grateful smile crossed my face from knowing that Dante did this.

I clothed myself in his black hoodie and shorts that didn't properly fit me but matched what I typically wore to sleep. As I put them on, I couldn't help but notice the familiar scent of his cologne. It was a calming scent that always seemed to ease my mind. I found myself taking deep breaths, trying to take in as much of the scent as possible. Even though it wasn't my clothing, it felt like I was wrapped in a warm embrace, and I found myself feeling grateful for having something so comforting to wear.

Before ascending the stairs I slipped on the comfy ankle socks. Dante stayed at the piano, still playing the songs that reminded me of a specific memory I have with this song.

I found my seat next to him and leaned my head against his shoulder. From the physical contact, he appeared a bit surprised but briefly made eye contact. The intensity of the gaze left me wondering about what he might be thinking and feeling, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity, excitement, and nervousness.

He played it beautifully and I couldn't help but keep listening. The melodic tunes were like his words— mesmerizing and enamoring.

"I always loved it when you played piano," I looked down at his hands moving skilfully across the keys, tempted to touch them.

His eyes flickered to mine with a small smile, "You want me to show you how to play a song like before?"

I quickly said yes and lifted my head from his shoulder. Each time he touched a key I followed suit mimicking him.

Soon enough I realized that he was playing The Shadow of Your Smile by Astrud Gilberto. A song we both loved since our teenage years together. It was evident we shared the same music taste and that was what drew me in closer to him.

As we played together, our fingers dancing on the piano keys, I could feel a sense of connection beyond the music.

Dante's fingers gracefully moved, guiding mine along the keys. His touch was gentle, and patient. with each passing moment, I found myself not just learning a song but rediscovering a piece of myself that I had long forgotten.

The soft glow of the room, the lingering scent of his cologne, and the shared tempo of our fingers formed an intimate ambiance.

As the final notes of the song resonated, I looked into Dante's warm eyes, gratitude filling my heart, provoking a bubbly happiness within me. He smiled, a familiar warmth in his gaze that spoke volumes.

With a soft sigh, Dante spoke, breaking the tranquil silence, "You did well"

Heat crept up my neck, appreciating his compliment. "It's thanks to you, other than that I wouldn't have known what to do."

Dante nodded, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "This song brings back memories, do you remember the first time we listened to this song together?"

My smile grew bigger from the memory he put in my head by his words, "Of course I do," I said, "We were on the rooftop of my building and you decided to play it and I loved it ever since."

Our gazes locked onto one another, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. As we sat side by side, I couldn't help but feel that this shared melody marked the beginning of something beautiful.