Originally posted to AO3 on August 29, 2022.
The quaint café had a rustic ambience about it. A few couples were talking, their laughter gently drifting out into the street. It was a lovely summer evening and the air was warm and still.
Elesa had come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. She sat at a small table near the back, sipping a cup of sweet tea. Her curious eyes were focused on a book about astronomy, her latest interest.
Suddenly, a hand snatched the book from her grasp, causing her to look up, startled.
"Hi! Thought you'd be here!" Skyla was beaming at her from over the table, her face flushed. "Surprise!"
"Hey!" Elesa exclaimed. "Give that back!"
Skyla giggled, wrapping a loving arm around her wife before taking a seat beside her.
"You know why I came, right? Winona's birthday tomorrow. Or did you-"
"Forget? I..." Embarrassment filled Elesa's voice, and she coughed nervously. "I'm sorry, I just... I had a lot on my mind."
Skyla gave Elesa a warm smile. "Don't worry about it, Lese. How about this: I'll order something real quick, then we can start discussing what we'll do for her birthday. Sound good?"
"Yeah, sounds great!"