Chapter 21
The next day, Kelly was still processing everything that had happened with Scarlet, the way she had let herself fall apart in front of her. But as she walked into the school courtyard, the normal hustle and bustle of the day seemed to offer a bit of a distraction. That was, until she spotted Sarah and Jax sitting together on the steps, chatting casually.
Sarah noticed Kelly walking toward them and shot her a teasing grin. "Look who decided to grace us with her presence," she said, her voice dripping with mock sarcasm.
Kelly rolled her eyes, already bracing herself for Sarah's playful teasing. "Yeah, yeah. Did you finally get Jax wrapped around your finger yet, or do you need some more tips from me?"
Jax shot Sarah a confused glance. "Wrapped around my finger? What's that about?"
Before Sarah could respond, Kelly spoke up with a shrug. "Just trying to help out our resident love expert," she teased. "But I think she's got it covered now."
Sarah raised an eyebrow, catching the look in Kelly's eyes. "What's this, Kel? You suddenly trying to play matchmaker for the both of us?" she asked, clearly enjoying the moment.
Kelly sighed, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "I'm just trying to help. I've got my own stuff to deal with." She glanced at Jax, who was watching her with curiosity, clearly sensing something deeper beneath the surface.
Jax, always the cautious one, asked gently, "Are you alright, Kelly?"
She smiled at him, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah. Just... dealing with some things." She didn't want to get into it right now, especially with Sarah grinning like she had all the answers.
But Sarah didn't let up. She leaned back against the stairs, her eyes flicking between Kelly and Jax. "So, you're all good then? No drama or unresolved feelings?" she asked, her voice teasing but there was a hint of genuine curiosity.
Kelly's eyes narrowed slightly, wondering where Sarah was going with this. "Sarah, we both know that if anyone's got unresolved feelings, it's you with Jax. I'm good. I'm not the one with the issues."
At that, Sarah chuckled, her tone softening. "Fair point," she said, nudging Jax. "But seriously, you two should just talk it out. It's a lot easier than all this back-and-forth."
Jax nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Kelly. "You don't have to do this alone, Kelly," he said, his voice sincere.
Kelly hesitated, torn between opening up to him and shutting him out like she had done so many times before. But there was something in his voice, something that made her want to trust him just a little bit. "Thanks, Jax," she said, offering him a small, genuine smile this time. "But right now, I think I've got to sort some things out myself."
Sarah gave Kelly a knowing look. "Alright, alright. I'll stop being all nosy. But hey, don't forget we're here for you. Both of us."
Kelly appreciated Sarah's words, even if it was hard to admit. "Thanks. But you've got your own stuff to deal with too," she said, glancing between the two of them.
As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Kelly couldn't shake the feeling that things between her and Sarah were changing—both of them had grown since the days they'd been at each other's throats. And maybe, just maybe, Kelly was starting to feel like she could find some balance, especially with the people she cared about around her.
But as the bell rang and they headed to class, Kelly couldn't help but feel the weight of everything still lingering in her chest, unresolved and uncertain. She had a lot of work to do, both on herself and on the relationships around her. But for the first time in a while, it didn't feel like she was doing it all alone.
Days passed after the conversation with Sarah and Jax, and while Kelly was grateful for the support, the confusion in her heart continued to grow. She couldn't escape the powerful connection she shared with Scarlet, but it was as if every time she tried to let herself fully give in, a part of her held back. Despite their physical closeness and emotional exchanges, Kelly wasn't sure she was ready for what Scarlet wanted from her, what she wanted for herself.
One afternoon, as they were in the studio working, the tension between Kelly and Scarlet seemed to weigh heavier than usual. The studio, usually a place where music and laughter filled the air, now felt like a space where silent undercurrents of desire and longing simmered just beneath the surface.
Kelly was in the middle of recording, her voice filling the room with powerful emotion as she sang a new track. Scarlet was nearby, standing by the mixing board, her usual intensity focused on Kelly's every move. There was no escaping the way Scarlet's presence seemed to magnify everything—her beauty, her dominance, her care.
But as the final notes echoed through the speakers, Kelly couldn't ignore the way her heart raced. Her chest tightened with an overwhelming feeling that had nothing to do with the music. She couldn't seem to separate herself from the magnetic pull that Scarlet exerted, and despite herself, she was beginning to realize that no matter how much she tried to push it away, she was already too far gone.
Scarlet stepped forward, eyes darkening as she reached for the controls, her movements languid and purposeful. She paused, staring at Kelly with that knowing look, the one that always made Kelly's breath hitch. There was no escaping the connection now.
"Done for the day?" Scarlet's voice was low, and Kelly knew it wasn't just about the music. She wasn't fooling anyone anymore, not even herself.
Kelly swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yeah, I'm done."
Scarlet took a slow step forward, then another, closing the space between them until they were inches apart. "You've been distant lately," she said softly, her voice almost like a whisper, but it carried weight. "What's going on, Kelly? Why do you keep holding back?"
Kelly shook her head, her chest tightening. She didn't want to admit it, didn't want to acknowledge how terrified she was. "I... I don't know," she murmured, her voice shaky. "I'm just not ready for that kind of stuff, Scarlet. I still don't know if I can handle it."
Scarlet's eyes softened, though the desire in them didn't fade. She stepped closer, bringing her face just inches from Kelly's. "I'm not asking you to be ready right now," she said gently, her voice laced with affection and patience. "But I can't keep pretending I'm not falling for you, Kelly. I'm yours, completely. But I'll wait for you to be ready. And when you are, I'll be gentle with you."
Kelly's breath caught in her throat. Scarlet's words, so tender and true, had the power to unravel the walls she had so carefully built around herself. It was like everything inside her—everything she had fought against—was finally breaking down, piece by piece.
Scarlet's hand reached out, brushing Kelly's cheek lightly. "I'll never force you, Kel," she murmured, her voice so soft it made Kelly's heart ache. "But I'll make you feel safe. You're everything to me. And when you're ready, I'll be right here."
Kelly stood frozen for a moment, her emotions a whirlwind. She had always told herself that she wasn't ready for this kind of relationship, that she wasn't prepared to open herself up to someone else. But there, in the quiet of the studio, with Scarlet's hand on her face, she realized that maybe she had been ready all along. Maybe it wasn't about being ready—it was about trust, about knowing that Scarlet would never push her too hard.
Tears welled up in Kelly's eyes, and she shook her head, unable to keep the emotions at bay. "I don't know if I can give you everything you want," she whispered, her voice raw with vulnerability. "But I want to try. I just... I'm scared."
Scarlet's hand cupped Kelly's face, her thumb gently brushing away the tears. "I'll be gentle with you, I promise," she said softly, her lips brushing Kelly's forehead in a tender kiss. "I'll be everything you need, when you need it. And I'll wait as long as it takes."
Kelly took a deep breath, her heart racing in her chest. For the first time, she allowed herself to fully feel what was in front of her—her heart, her desires, and her love for Scarlet. Maybe she wasn't completely ready, but she was willing to trust Scarlet, to let her in, step by step.
"I want to be with you, Scarlet," Kelly whispered, her voice barely audible but full of sincerity. "But I need time. I need to take things slow."
Scarlet smiled softly, her gaze full of understanding and patience. "I can do slow," she murmured. "I'll wait as long as you need me to."
With that, Kelly finally allowed herself to be pulled into Scarlet's arms, the weight of her emotions finally being released.
After weeks of rehearsals, studio time, and late-night talks, Kelly had finally stepped into her element. The performances were becoming more natural, the crowds' energy lifting her higher, but nothing compared to the night she and Scarlet shared the stage for the first time. The duo had practiced tirelessly, blending soulful pop with electronic dubstep, creating a sound that was unique and unforgettable.
Scarlet had been her usual commanding self, guiding Kelly through every step, making sure she understood the music, the crowd, and how to command the stage. Kelly's voice had blossomed with the right amount of power and emotion, mixing effortlessly with Scarlet's intricate beats. The performance was a mesmerizing combination of strength and softness, of contrast and harmony, and the audience was completely captivated.
As the final notes reverberated through the venue, the crowd erupted into applause, screaming their appreciation for the electric chemistry between the two. Scarlet's eyes met Kelly's from across the stage, a shared understanding passing between them—their collaboration was something special, something new, something they could both be proud of.
Later that evening, as they stood backstage, catching their breath and trying to absorb the rush, Kelly felt a warmth spread through her chest. She wasn't just feeling the buzz of performing anymore—there was something deeper, more tangible. She was in it for the long haul. The adrenaline wasn't just from the stage; it was from everything that had led up to this moment with Scarlet. This was no longer just a collaboration; it was a connection.
As they celebrated with their team and the crowd gradually dispersed, Kelly felt the tug of exhaustion in her limbs, but also the intense satisfaction of knowing she had given everything. That night, the night after their first joint performance, came with a huge reward. The announcer on stage called her name—Kelly, for Best New Artist.
Kelly stood frozen for a split second, still processing the announcement. Scarlet had been at her side, and when she heard the award mentioned, she squeezed Kelly's shoulder. "You deserve it," she whispered.
Still in disbelief, Kelly walked to the stage to receive the award. The applause felt deafening now, like a wave crashing over her. She was shaking slightly, the weight of the moment sinking in. As she held the golden statue in her hand, she looked out into the crowd, her gaze landing on Scarlet in the front row, watching her with a proud smile.
"Thank you, everyone," Kelly started, her voice cracking with emotion. "This is... this is for everyone who believed in me, for everyone who saw something in me. And Scarlet," she paused, turning her head toward the woman who had been by her side through it all. "You've been everything. I couldn't have done this without you."
The crowd cheered, but Kelly's attention was focused solely on Scarlet. Scarlet's eyes softened, the fierce exterior she usually wore melting into something far more tender. Kelly could feel the warmth of their shared history in the air between them—years of tension, frustration, and, ultimately, understanding.
After the award ceremony, as they returned to their shared hotel room, Kelly sat quietly for a moment, the weight of the night finally sinking in. She hadn't expected her first award to come so soon, let alone after a performance so powerful. But there was something even more important than the shiny statue she held—it was the realization of how much she had grown, not just as an artist, but as a person, especially with Scarlet beside her.
Scarlet sat down beside her, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Kelly's ear. "You did amazing tonight, Kel," she said softly. "You were incredible."
Kelly smiled, a mixture of exhaustion and happiness making her feel light-headed. "I know," she said, her voice low. "But it wasn't just me. It was us. This is our thing."
Scarlet leaned back against the bed, her expression softening. "You've earned every bit of this, Kelly. And I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone in this anymore."
Kelly's heart swelled as she placed her award down on the table, standing up to walk over to Scarlet. "I know," she whispered, pulling Scarlet into a hug. "And I can't believe you're still here after everything."
Scarlet chuckled, her arms tightening around Kelly. "I wouldn't leave you, Kel. Not for anything."
The air in the room felt different that night, heavy with a tension neither of them had fully addressed. Kelly sat at the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, while Scarlet stood across from her, a quiet, yet palpable intensity in her gaze.
For weeks, Kelly had felt the weight of Scarlet's desire, a constant undercurrent of longing that both excited and scared her. She knew the depth of what Scarlet wanted, knew that the woman before her was someone capable of giving everything—of consuming her, body and soul, if she allowed it. And yet, despite all the feelings swirling inside her, Kelly wasn't sure if she was ready to fully embrace it.
"Scar," Kelly whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I—"
Scarlet's eyes softened, but there was an undeniable hunger there too, something that Kelly couldn't ignore. "You don't have to say anything unless you're ready," Scarlet said, her tone low, almost like a warning. "But if you're asking me... if you're asking if I want you, the answer is yes. More than you can imagine." She took a slow step forward, but paused when Kelly flinched ever so slightly.
Kelly swallowed hard, her heart racing as she looked up at Scarlet. She wanted to say it, wanted to finally tell her what she knew was true—but there was fear too, a lingering doubt that made it difficult to put the words into the air. "I... I just don't know if I'm ready to let it happen the way you want it."
Scarlet tilted her head, a quiet smile tugging at her lips, though there was an edge to it, a silent challenge in her eyes. "What exactly is it that you're afraid of, Kel?" she asked softly, taking another step closer. "You think you can't handle what I want from you?"
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