Page 49 of Scripts of Desire

Bard, their Russian Blue cat, sat regally on the duvet, his green eyes fixed on them with an imperious stare. His tail swished back and forth, a clear sign of his impatience.

Eden's laugh, rich and warm, filled the room. She sat up, reaching out to the disgruntled feline. "Oh hush, you drama queen," she chided affectionately, her fingers finding that spot behind Bard's ears that never failed to appease him. "You've already been fed. No doubt you’ve been tricking us into giving you two breakfasts while we’ve been on opposite schedules."

Genevieve watched as Bard leaned into Eden's touch, his loud purr a stark contrast to his earlier complaints. The cat's eyes narrowed in contentment, his regal posture softening as he settled into the attention.

The scene before her filled Genevieve with a profound sense of peace. She reached for her coffee again, taking a long sip as she observed the simple, domestic moment. Eden lavishing attention on their pampered cat; the soft morning light casting a golden glow over their bedroom; the familiar scents of coffee and Eden's rose perfume mingling in the air.

It was a life Genevieve had never dared to dream she could have. For so long, she'd convinced herself that personal happiness was a sacrifice necessary for professional success. She'd built walls around her heart and focused solely on hercareer, believing that love and fulfilment in her work were mutually exclusive.

But Eden had changed all that. With her warmth, her passion, and her unwavering support, Eden had shown Genevieve that it was possible to have both - a thriving career and a loving partnership. Together, they'd created this haven, this place where they could be fully themselves. Where they could find respite from the demands of their public lives.

Genevieve admired how naturally they'd fallen into this rhythm. How seamlessly their lives had intertwined. From that first explosive meeting in the audition room until now, sharing quiet mornings with their cat, they'd built something beautiful and lasting.

Genevieve’s reverie was interrupted by Eden's voice, soft and curious. "How long before you have to leave for the theatre?"

Genevieve glanced at the clock on the bedside table, mentally calculating the time. The annual summer Shakespeare retelling was in full swing, with rehearsals demanding more of her attention as opening night approached. But today . . .

"Actually," Genevieve replied, setting her mug down, "I have a meeting later this morning." She watched as Eden's eyebrows rose in question, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "It's with some fellow directors who are interested in working with me on the charity."

Eden's eyes lit up with understanding and pride. The charity had been Genevieve's passion project for the past year, a way to create opportunities for underprivileged queer youth in theatre. It was Genevieve’s way of paying forward the success she'd found. Of opening doors for talented individuals who might otherwise be shut out of the industry. The program at TBTC had been a roaring success since its inception two years before, welcoming all manner of incredible actors from different backgrounds into an otherwise elitist space. Now Genevievewas hoping to branch out further by creating a new program, specifically designed to shine light on queer performers and stories.

"They want to discuss collaborating on the project," Genevieve continued, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. "If we can get more directors on board, we can expand our reach, and perhaps offer more workshops and mentorship programs."

Eden's smile grew wider with each word, her pride in Genevieve's endeavours evident in the way she gazed at her. It was a look that still made Genevieve's heart skip a beat, even after all this time.

"That's wonderful, Gen," Eden said, her voice warm with affection. "I can’t wait to put together my own workshop. Lord knows I could have done with a space like that when I was just a little, closeted actress."

Genevieve chuckled, grateful once again for Eden's unwavering passion and support, as well as the history that bound them together. In Eden, she'd found not just a partner, but a true collaborator. Someone who understood her dreams and ambitions, and who pushed her to be her best self, both personally and professionally. “Aren’t you lucky to have found me, to show you the light?”

Eden huffed her own quiet laugh and leaned in, closing the distance between them. "Yeah, yeah . . . Have I told you lately how incredible you are?" she murmured, her lips barely brushing against Genevieve's as she spoke.

Before Genevieve could respond, Eden closed the gap completely, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. Genevieve melted into it, savouring the soft press of Eden's mouth against hers. As they parted, Genevieve found herself chasing Eden's lips, reluctant to break the connection. She hummed contentedly, her hands moving of their own accord to pull Eden closer.

"I've missed this," Genevieve breathed. "Missed you."

Even after three years together and the demands of their respective careers pulling them in different directions, the magnetic pull between them remained as strong as ever.

Eden pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Genevieve's gaze.

"Well," she said, a playful lilt in her voice, "if you have some time before your meeting . . ." She paused, her eyes flicking toward the en-suite bathroom before returning to Genevieve's face. "Care to join me in the shower?"

The suggestion sent a thrill through Genevieve, igniting a familiar warmth low in her belly. Images flashed through her mind - of water cascading over Eden's curves. Of steam rising around them as they lost themselves in each other's touch.

"Fuck yesss," Genevieve groaned. She stood, hastily pulling Eden up with her.

As Eden took her hand, guiding her toward the bathroom, Genevieve felt a rush of emotions bloom in her chest. Desire, certainly. That was a constant undercurrent in their relationship, a flame that had never dimmed. But there was something deeper, too. A profound gratitude for this life they'd built together. For the love that had blossomed between them against all odds.

Yet here they were, three years later, still finding new ways to fall in love with each other every day. From opening nights at the theatre to lazy Sundays spent reading scripts together on the couch, every moment was a reaffirmation of the choice they'd made to build a life together.

As they reached the bathroom door, Eden paused, turning back to Genevieve with a smile that made her breath catch. In that moment, Genevieve was struck anew by Eden's beauty, just as she had been that first day, when Eden had stumbled into her audition.

"I love you," Genevieve sighed, the words falling from her lips as naturally as breathing.

Eden's smile widened, her eyes shining with an emotion that mirrored Genevieve's own. "I love you more," she replied, her voice filled with a tenderness that made Genevieve's heart ache in the best possible way.

Genevieve's hands moved with urgent desire as she pushed Eden into the bathroom, fingers fumbling with the buttons of Eden's dress. Her impatience grew with each passing second, until finally, she growled in frustration and simply tore the garment open, sending buttons scattering across the tiled floor. Eden gasped, unrestrained lust flashing in her eyes as Genevieve's hands roamed over newly exposed skin.

Eager to fulfil the promises she saw in those deep blue eyes, Genevieve swiftly removed her own t-shirt, tossing it aside without a care. As Eden turned to start the shower, Genevieve's gaze raked over her lover's form, drinking in every inch of her beauty. Even after years together, the sight of Eden's naked body never failed to take her breath away.

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