Archive of Our Own ^beta

As the first light of dawn spilled over the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow on the crisp morning, Vivien and Constance sat on the porch, side by side.

The autumn chill gently nipped at their cheeks, while the air carried the earthy scent of fallen leaves and fresh coffee. Constance took a slow drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling lazily around her like an ethereal veil. Vivien wrapped her hands around her mug of hot coffee, sipping slowly, the warmth a welcome contrast to the cool air.

"Look at the leaves, Constance," Vivien said, her voice soft with wonder. "They’re already starting to change. So vibrant, like the trees are on fire."

Constance exhaled a stream of smoke, her sharp blue eyes following Vivien’s gaze to the rich tapestry of red, gold, and orange in the trees. "Yes, darling," she mused, "the world does put on its most glorious dress before it withers."

Vivien smiled, the melancholy in Constance’s words tugging at her heart. "And the air's getting colder. Halloween is just around the corner. We really need to start thinking about our costumes."

Constance gave her a sidelong glance, raising one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Halloween? Don’t you think it’s a bit early, dear, to be fussing over something so trivial?"

Vivien chuckled, her lips curving in amusement. "As if you don’t get a thrill out of scaring people, Constance. You practically invented it." She leaned closer, teasing. "Remember last year? You nearly gave that poor old man a heart attack with that grim reaper costume."

Constance laughed, a rich, sultry sound, the kind that seemed to come from deep within her. "Oh, well, he deserved it. The man has the emotional range of a houseplant." She flicked the ash from her cigarette, a wicked grin curling on her lips. "So, tell me, what do you think we should go as this year?"

Vivien’s eyes sparkled as she turned toward her lover, the early morning light catching in her auburn hair. "You," she began, drawing out the word with a playful glint, "would make a stunning devil. All fiery elegance. A vision in red."

Constance’s smile grew as she considered the suggestion. "Oh, my dear, how right you are. I would look simply divine. And you, Vivien, what do you see yourself as?"

Vivien leaned in closer, her breath warm against Constance’s cheek as she whispered, "Maybe your fallen angel." Her tone was light, teasing, but the intimacy in her words lingered in the air between them.

Constance’s eyes gleamed, and she took one last drag from her cigarette before stubbing it out. "An angel and a devil. How deliciously ironic," she murmured, her voice a low purr.

Vivien laughed softly before their lips met in a tender kiss, the warmth of their shared breath warding off the morning chill. They lingered in that moment, a quiet intimacy settled between them, as the autumn leaves danced around them in the breeze.

Together, they sat in silence, watching the world around them shift and change, the leaves falling like gentle reminders that even as seasons turn, some things—like their love—are eternal.