say "nighty-night" and kiss me || serena & morgan
WHO: Serena Smythe @serenaxsmythe & Morgan Weston
WHERE: Serena's apartment/a live music lounge
WHEN: Sunday the 15th of September
WHY: Serena and Morgan go on a date, and despite not knowing who's supposed to have planned it, Morgan takes control and they go dancing
MORGAN:
The moisture from the steamy shower filled the bathroom, the smell of teakwood and spices rose up the nose and infiltrated his brain, and the feeling of going from a soft bathrug to the cold tiles under his feet had him wrap his towel even tighter around his waist. It was Sunday night, and Morgan Weston was going out. Was it a date? At first, it wasn't. He had Puck and Eva - those were the only people he...dated? Was that even dating? Everyone else were friends, that was for sure! But then Puck mentioned something about how he was chill with Morgan seeing other people, and all of a sudden, the throuple didn't feel as exclusive as he thought they'd agreed to be. And while he couldn't speak for Eva, Puck at least didn't want to be tied down to Morgan - that's how he understood that. The tall man did just go ahead and assume the same for Eva though - she was the type of person to just go with the flow, and honestly, Morgan had never heard her talk about a previous relationship. So, was it a date, this thing with Serena? Now it was. Running the musk-scented oil through his beard, brushing his teeth and putting on cologne, Morgan got dressed in a pair of dress pants and a dark green shirt, wanting to show Serena that country folk could clean up too. He'd been surprised that she'd asked him out. Not because he was of the old school 'that's a man's job', but because of the way she seemed so reserved towards him when they met, and it seemed like she just wanted to get away. Now, he realized that it was probably her surroundings and not him she wanted to get away from. As much as Morgan wanted to show up on his a horse, he decided against it - he didn't need to get involved with the law tonight. Instead, he zoomed from his ranch into the city, so that he could be at her address by 7pm. Finding her apartment, Morgan looked around the place. It was a nice building. He rang the doorbell and took a step back, waiting for her to open the door.
SERENA:
At the sound of the doorbell, Serena glanced at the clock. Shit, she was running late. She slipped on her heels with practiced ease, the soft click of the strap echoing through the living room. “It’s okay, I’ve got it,” Serena said, dismissing one of her staff members who had already moved to answer the door. Puck, who had made himself at home on her couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table, looked up with a grin. It was barely six when he arrived. Or maybe he was already there. Serena couldn't really tell since his presence was as familiar as it was welcome, one of the few constants in her life. She took a final glance at her reflection in the mirror before saying, “The staff is here if you need anything. Dinner will be served soon, and please, no letting her eat dessert as dinner like last time. She needs her vegetables," she reminded him, as she grabbed her coat and purse. Pausing at the door, Serena glanced back with a mischievous grin. "Oh, and by the way, I taught her to say ‘Go Dallas Cowboys’ just for you". She knew Puck hated them so she waved goodbye with a playful wink as she finally opened the door. Leaning against the doorframe, Serena's gaze lingered appreciatively on Morgan, taking in his dark green shirt and the hint of abs visible beneath it. "Look who managed to find his way out of the wilderness," she teased, her voice dripping with both admiration and playful sarcasm. "You look good."
MORGAN:
Morgan could hear the doorbell ringing on the other side of the door, and he started rolling up the sleeves of his shirt as he waited for Serena to open the door. He was intrigued to see where she wanted to go; this was after all her, who’d asked him out on this date. The door finally opened and revealed Serena behind it. His eyes started at her high heels – of course she was wearing uncomfortable shoes again – but then began making their way up her body, taking her in, and completely admiring her. Okay, those heels really did it. She looked tall and gorgeous. He could appreciate her choice of shoes tonight. Hearing her comment, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He was a bit of a home-body, so that was fair. “I used my compass,” he teased and the grin turned softly into a small smile as she complimented him. A sincere “thank you” came out of his lips. “You look pretty damn good yourself,” Morgan complimented back. She really did. The tall cowboy’s eyes managed to move past Serena’s body, and into the apartment. A familiar figure sat there, on the couch, in the living room. Puck. Morgan’s whole body went stiff as he caught the other man’s eyes for a brief moment. Clearing his throat, Morgan quickly stepped aside to allow Serena to come out. “Shall we?” He quickly asked, redirecting his attention onto her. Tonight was only going to be about her. “Where are we going, by the way?”
SERENA:
Serena’s eyes sparkled with amusement at his “compass” comment, her lips curling into a grin. “Impressive. Although, you might want to try this new thing called GPS. Much faster, smarter and less likely to leave you stranded.” As he complimented her, she let his gaze linger for a moment before shifting slightly, her posture relaxed but confident. “Thank you. I try,” she replied casually, though the warmth in her tone betrayed her genuine appreciation. Following Morgan's gaze into the apartment, she caught the brief but unmistakable tension as he locked eyes with Puck. A flicker of recognition crossed her face, but she masked it smoothly, her expression settling back into its usual calm. “Don’t worry about it,” she said lightly, pulling the door closed behind her. “This isn’t the first time that’s happened.” Her lips curled into a subtle smile, her tone laced with humor. When Morgan asked where they were going, Serena's brows shot up in playful surprise. "Wait, you don’t know where we’re going?" she echoed, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "I thought you were the one taking me out!” She shook her head, finding the confusion amusing. Her laughter trailed off into a teasing smile. "Well, looks like we’re both in for a surprise then."
MORGAN:
Morgan chuckled, running a hand through his beard as he shot Serena a playful wink. “Hey, I'm here on time, so it can't be all that bad! Just be happy I didn't follow the northern star, otherwise you would've had to wait forty days and forty nights probably." Morgan teased playfully. He let her response sink in, appreciating the way her confidence matched his easygoing nature. “You do more than just try, Serena,” he said, a slow grin growing on his face. “But I reckon you already know that.” His gaze wandered back toward the apartment briefly, the tension between Puck and himself lingering, but Morgan brushed it off with a shrug, turning his attention fully to her again. In his own words, he was 'chill' with Morgan seeing other people, so to him, it felt like their little situationship wasn't that important. Why should Morgan sit and wait around for Puck to make time for him, if he was busy with other people? As she teased him about the destination, his laugh came naturally. “Now wait just a second,” he drawled, hands up in mock surrender. “I like a woman who knows where she’s goin’, but I didn’t figure you’d need me holdin' the reins.” He met her smile with teasing eyes. “Guess that means we’ll just have to see where the night takes us, huh? I think I know a place." Gesturing, he allowed her to walk first so they could exit the building and walk towards his truck.
SERENA:
“Forty days? Honestly, I’m impressed we managed to evolve into modern society at all," she joked, very distracted by his easy charm. When he complimented her again, her usual witty retort seemed to falter. Since the first time they met his warmth and sincerity were unsettling in a way she wasn’t prepared for. She was used to flattery as a tool, something predictable, but being treated with such gentle affection? She didn’t know what to do with that. It stirred something in her, a strange desire to wrap her arms around him and just be there, basking in the effortless warmth he radiated. The thought made her uncomfortable. She hadn’t hugged anyone since she was ten, maybe. She covered that brief flicker of vulnerability with a smirk, slipping back into her usual confident persona. “You’re right,” she replied, her voice smooth but laced with a softness she couldn’t completely mask. “I do know. But it’s always nice to hear it again.” When Morgan raised his hands in mock surrender she grinned, but when his words sunk in, she blinked, genuinely thrown. “Wait, what do you mean you didn’t think I needed you holding the reins?” Her brows furrowed, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You asked me out, didn’t you?" She looked at him, her grin widening as realization dawned. "Oh my God, you think I asked you out?" Did she? She could've sworn it was his idea, especially after he mentioned letting her in on his Sunday. Now, a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. Had she misunderstood the whole thing? As they approached his truck, Serena stopped short, her gaze shifting to the large vehicle before her. “Okay, I’ll need help this time,” she said with a chuckle, glancing at her sleek, form-fitting dress. The last time she’d climbed into his truck, she’d been wearing a flowy summer dress but now the elegance of her night dress didn’t exactly lend itself to climbing into a towering truck.
MORGAN:
Morgan couldn’t help but laugh at Serena’s reaction, his easy grin widening as he guided them outside. “We started with a wheel, and look at what we’ve got now,” he said as he met her eyes. “You get lemons, you make lemonade.” He winked at her, his tone playful but there was a warmth in his gaze that lingered longer than the flirtation. The way she seemed a little flustered, even for just a second, had him intrigued. He was used to being easy-going and down-to-earth, but Serena had this way of catching him off guard, making his usual smooth charm feel a little… different. As they reached his truck, and she paused, glancing up at it, Morgan’s smile turned into a low chuckle. “I gotta admit, Serena, you look about as fancy as a glass of champagne right now,” he teased, his eyes trailing over her dress with clear appreciation. “But I reckon that means I get to be your cowboy knight in shinin’ armor for the night.” He moved closer, extending his hand to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Come on now, let’s get you up there in style,” he said, his voice softening. “Wouldn’t want that dress to get messed up on account of my ride.” His arm went around her waist, lifting her gently but effortlessly, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary, savoring the closeness. “There we go,” he murmured once she was settled in the truck, grinning up at her. “Now you look even better sittin’ up there.” He climbed in beside her, turning his head just enough to meet her gaze. “It also doesn’t matter who asked who out first,” he added with a wink, “The important part is that we’re here, right?” Morgan said, starting the car and driving out onto the road. He knew exactly where they should go, and he hoped it was sophisticated enough for Serena. “D’ya like music?”
SERENA:
When he moved closer, offering his hand, Serena felt a sudden surge of warmth, something unexpected yet undeniably magnetic. The way he effortlessly took control, his arm sliding around her waist as he lifted her into the truck, made her pulse quicken. His touch lingered, and she felt the solid strength of him, the way his presence seemed to envelop her in a way she wasn’t used to. For a moment, she breathed in the clean, rugged scent of him, and to her surprise, she found herself enjoying it far more than she wanted to admit. His arms felt good around her. Once she was settled, she glanced down at him, trying to mask the flutter of excitement that danced beneath her cool exterior. A faint smile tugged at her lips, and she teased, “Horse shampoo’s approved for now,” her voice carrying a playful edge, though the amusement couldn’t fully disguise the awareness simmering between them. As Morgan climbed into the driver's seat, their eyes met once again and she took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind. His easy words brought a soft laugh from her, and she found herself relaxing just a little more. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” she said, her smile lingering as she settled back into the seat. When he asked about music, her brow arched, curiosity piqued. “I guess it depends on the music,” she said, her tone playfully teasing, though her mind briefly wandered back to his touch, her body still tingling from the closeness.
MORGAN:
Morgan chuckled softly at her playful response, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he settled into the driver’s seat. “Thank you,” he chuckled, remembering their little shampoo conversation. "Don't worry, I won't make you use it," Morgan gave her a teasing grin. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, noting the way she tried to mask the flutter of excitement with her cool exterior. She was cute. He shifted the truck into gear and the engine roared to life, the rumble filling the space between them. As he steered the truck down the road, he glanced at her from time to time, the warmth of their earlier closeness still fresh in his mind. He didn’t need to ask why she was smiling - it was evident that despite her attempts to play it cool, the connection between them was undeniable. Morgan liked that. “I trust that you're not exactly a country girl,” he said teasingly, referencing to her cool city girl exterior. "There's a place, I've only been a few times," Morgan started. He wasn't the kind of guy to go out to crowded places, but he figured this might be more her scene. "We'll see if my choice of place is good enough to impress ya," his accent was thick, as he turned into the parking lot. It was a busy place, people constantly coming in and out. The large old building was lit up, and as the people came through, Morgan suddenly felt happy that he'd at least picked a nice outfit. He got out of the car, the music from inside instantly ringing out, as he made his way to the other side so he could help Serena out. "It's a lounge with live music," he informed her, extending his hands, eager to grab her exactly like he'd done before.
SERENA:
Serena placed her arms around Morgan's neck as he helped her out of the truck, liking the warmth of his body against hers. She reveled in the closeness, her fingers lingering on his shoulders before he gracefully lowered herself to the ground. "Do people dance here?" she asked, a playful glint in her eye. "Dancing wasn't on my mind tonight, but now that I think about it, watching you show off any moves you've got sounds pretty entertaining." She stepped away from him with a confident smile, adjusting her dress with a laugh. “Let’s see if your choice of venue can match your charm,” she added, giving him a flirtatious wink as they headed toward the entrance.
MORGAN:
Morgan’s grin widened as he helped Serena down, her arms around his neck sending a pleasant warmth through him. He held her just a second longer than necessary, enjoying the feel of her close before letting her feet touch the ground. He hummed as an answer to her, before properly replying. “Well, Serena,” he started, his accent coming through with a playful lilt as he continued, “I think we can make that happen. But fair warnin’, my dance moves are a little more honky-tonk than Hollywood,” he teasingly said with a grin, unbothered by the idea of showing off, even if it wasn’t the most graceful display. As she adjusted her dress, her laugh ringing in the air, Morgan felt his chest tighten a little. There was something about the way Serena moved, her confidence, her teasing - he found it all irresistible. A slight blush came upon his cheeks, and he kind of hoped it was too dark for her to see it. “If it has to match my charm, then I’m takin’ you to The Old Buffalo bar, and trust me, you don’t wanna go there on Sunday night – fight night,” Morgan said, his tone clearly teasing in a self-deprecating way. He didn’t know how else to take her compliment. With a slight smirk, Morgan offered his arm, leading her toward the entrance. The music got louder and revealed to be a band covering all of the classics from the 50s and 60s. ’Fly Me To The Moon’ was playing, and the majority of people were walking around with fancy cocktails, and mingling. The inside of it was dimmed but light enough to make it moody and atmospheric. “D’ya think it’s charmin’ enough?” Morgan asked, having leaned in to her ear, so he wouldn’t have to shout over the music. He smirked, hoping it had surprised her enough that he even knew of a place like this. Leading her to the bar, Morgan’s expression softened as he turned to look at her, his smirk becoming more of a genuine smile. “What’s your choice of drink?”
SERENA:
As he led her toward the entrance, her eyes drifted over the scene. The moody atmosphere, the timeless notes of Fly Me to the Moon in the background—it was unexpected. She had pictured the place to be more like the rugged Old Buffalo he’d just mentioned, not this sophisticated surprise. “It’s... refined,” she remarked, raising an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. "I wouldn’t have pegged you as someone who frequents places like this." Her tone was light, but there was a subtle admiration beneath it. She liked how effortlessly he played along with her teasing, the banter flowing so naturally between them. Then his breath grazed her ear, his voice low and warm, sending a shiver down her spine that she fought to suppress. His closeness felt magnetic, his words lingering like a soft touch as her pulse quickened. For a brief moment, she forgot about everything around them, her mind lost to the heat of his breath and the press of his body near hers. She turned her head slightly, her lips hovering inches from his ear as she murmured, “Keep whispering in my ear like that and our night here will be a ten minute stop." Her voice was soft, almost breathless, as she pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes dark with mischief. By the time they reached the bar, her playful confidence had returned. She glanced at the bartender, then back at Morgan, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I’ll have a French 75," she said, her tone casual but sharp, testing whether the bar met her level of sophistication. "And you?" She raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening. "Let me guess, whiskey?"
MORGAN:
Morgan chuckled softly at Serena’s playful challenge, enjoying the way her mischief danced in her eyes. He’d figured she might expect something rugged, something more in line with the quiet cowboy she thought she knew, based off of their first encounter. But tonight, he wanted to surprise her, to show her there was more beneath the surface. He leaned back against the bar, his gaze steady on her as she teased him. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips, his eyes warm and thoughtful as he watched her order. When she guessed at his choice, he nodded slowly, appreciating her sharp wit. “Close,” he said, his voice low and calm. “I think an Old Fashioned seems more fitting though.” There was something in the way she looked at him - like she was trying to puzzle him out - that made him feel more grounded, more present. He hadn’t expected her to respond the way she had, but he liked it. A lot. As the bartender went to work on their drinks, Morgan turned toward her, leaning in just slightly, enough to catch the subtle scent of her perfume. It danced up through his nose. “I figured you’d enjoy this place,” he said, his tone relaxed, the corners of his mouth lifting again. “It's a little different from what you saw out at the ranch, I know.” Their drinks were delivered and Morgan took a pleasing sip of it, before bringing it back down to sit on the little napkin. His hand rested lightly on the bar, fingers tracing the edge of his glass. “So whispering, huh?” He gave her a slow, teasing smile, his voice dropping just enough to match hers. “Had I known that's all it would take..." He was teasing her, pushing the boundaries, and he liked it.
SERENA:
Her eyes wandered over the room. How did he know about a place like this? Maybe it was through his work—she imagined he had dealings with powerful people. Or perhaps it had been for another date. The thought lingered as she glanced back at him, the soft glow of the lights casting a warm hue over his features. Whatever the reason, it was a pleasant surprise to see him move through her world of sophistication with such effortless ease. While he spoke, she watched him closely, savoring a slow sip of her drink before setting the glass down and subtly closing the space between them. Her body seemed drawn to his quiet, magnetic pull. She leaned back against the bar, fully aware that his arms and glass were behind her. She felt a bit ridiculous, almost like a teenager back in high school again, hoping to feel his fingers brush against her back. A small smile tugged at her lips as she tilted her head. "Well, yeah, but if you’d taken me to a rodeo or a dive bar with sawdust on the floor, it’d take more than whispering." Her expression then shifted, becoming more thoughtful as she glanced up at him. “So, what’s your story, Morgan? You inherited the ranch and work there, but never got married? No kids?” The curiosity in her tone was genuine, though beneath the surface of her casual questions, the spark of desire still lingered unmistakably.
MORGAN:
Morgan’s smile softened as Serena closed the distance between them, her teasing as natural as the slow, relaxed pace of the night. He couldn’t help but notice the way she seemed to drift toward him, like she was pulled in by something unspoken between them. Her words made him chuckle, and he imagined for a moment what a rodeo or a dusty old dive bar might have looked like for their night out. Was it still a date, if Puck knew? “You can’t knock the rodeo ‘til you’ve tried it though,” he said, his voice warm and low, “but it’s definitely made for a different type of feeling; not really first date material. I figured tonight called for somethin’ a little different. First time I came here was for my folks’ anniversary party.” As her questions shifted to something deeper, Morgan glanced down at the glass in his hand for a moment, thinking. He wasn’t used to laying out his life story - he’d always been more of a man of action than words - but something about the way she asked made him feel like she genuinely wanted to know. “I bought the ranch three years ago, after my dad suggested I get into the business,” he said, his tone steady but thoughtful. “Horses have been in the family for as long as I know. My dad was a rodeo cowboy before he became a stunt actor. I worked on my grandparents’ ranch until I moved here. And that’s just always been my main focus; work.” Morgan explained, taking a quick sip of his old fashioned. “I never really had the time to settle down, I guess. Or maybe just never found the right person.” His eyes lifted to meet hers, and for a brief moment, there was a quiet sincerity behind his gaze, a glimpse of something that hadn’t been shared before.
SERENA:
Serena held his gaze, her playful demeanor softening at the glimpse of vulnerability in his words. "Sounds like you've been carrying the weight of that ranch on your own," she said softly, the teasing edge in her voice replaced by something gentler. As he spoke about his work and life, she couldn’t help but compare it to her own. Their worlds were so different—he had built something tangible, something that demanded dedication and effort, while she had never really worked for anything. The thought settled heavily. She had only started focusing on her career because the endless parties had lost their thrill. Eventually, she realized there had to be more than just fleeting excitement. "Maybe you need a challenge," she said quietly, her eyes lingering on his for a long moment before she looked away, suddenly uncertain. God, what was she doing? She sighed softly, shaking her head. "You’d have made time for it if you really wanted it, trust me." She pulled back just enough to reach for her glass on the bar. "I’ve avoided commitment my entire life, I'd know," she admitted with a soft chuckle, taking a sip. "Even when I dated, I was always dodging it." She stared at her glass then, debating whether to share more. "Sadie..." she began, her voice fading as she searched for the right words. "She wasn’t exactly planned. I barely knew her father when it happened." There was a note of hesitation—uncertainty about what he’d think of her. Not that it usually mattered. Her parents never judged her, and she’d learned not to care what society thought either. But now, for some reason, it did matter. "I never planned on settling down, and I didn’t want kids. But the universe had other plans. She’s a commitment. The biggest one there is, and I’m still figuring out how to handle that."
MORGAN:
Morgan listened quietly as Serena spoke, her words hitting closer to home than she probably realized. The way she opened up about her own struggles, about whom he assumed was Serena’s daughter and the life she hadn’t planned, made him feel like they weren’t so different after all. They both carried responsibilities they hadn’t expected, both figuring things out as they went. He let out a slow breath, running a hand through his beard as he thought about how to respond. A soft shrug came on his shoulders before he said softly, “It’s my home away from home, in a lot of ways. It’s what I have of Montana, and it’s closer to my family. I love it, so most of the time, it doesn’t feel like a weight. But I guess I just haven’t noticed it.” He trailed off, knowing she’d get what he meant. “You’re right,” he continued, meeting her gaze again. “I didn’t make time for things. I didn’t make time for the relationship I had either. I got caught up in work, and I let it slip away. They deserved better.” There was no bitterness in his voice, just a quiet acceptance of the way things had played out. Morgan watched as she took a sip of her drink, his eyes softening when she mentioned Sadie. "Sounds like you’ve been handed a lot you didn’t plan for," he said, his voice gentle. “But you’re doin’ it. Maybe you’re still figuring it out, but that’s more than some people would do.” The sound of whatever song had just played fizzled out and people clapped, before the next one started. ’Ain’t That a Kick in the Head’ An upbeat one, with horns blaring out. “We should dance,” Morgan said finally, wanting the heaviness of the evening to go away; they were supposed to be enjoying themselves. Putting his drink down, he grabbed a hold of Serena’s hand and started pulling her out on the dancefloor with everyone else. With his hand in hers, he spun her around with a grin on his face, before making her face him again, and placing his free hand on her hip, and moving happily to the song.
SERENA:
Serena nodded thoughtfully as she listened, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her glass. His words mirrored so much of what she had felt—those moments when life just slips by because you're too busy holding onto something else. She glanced up at him, her expression softening. "Yeah... I get that," she said quietly, her voice softer now. "It's easy to let things slip when you're caught up in your own world. I did the same thing. For so long, everything was about me—what I wanted, what I needed. And when Sadie came along..." She trailed off, her gaze shifting to the people moving around them on the dancefloor. Before she could dwell on it, Morgan was already pulling her toward the dancefloor with a grin. She let out a surprised chuckle, the mood shifting as quickly as he spun her around. The heaviness of their conversation faded with each movement, his hand on her hip grounding her in the present. “So, showing off your moves was your plan all along, huh?” she teased, her smile widening.
MORGAN:
Morgan grinned as Serena teased him, his grip on her waist firm yet gentle as he lead them around the floor together. The truth was, this wasn’t his usual scene—he wasn’t the type to dance in crowded places, let alone in a fancy lounge. But something about being here with her made it easy, natural, like he didn’t have to overthink it. And those dances that his mom made him do as a kid finally paid off. “Maybe I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve,” he replied with a playful smirk, spinning her lightly once more. He wasn’t the smoothest dancer, but it didn’t matter. The laughter in her eyes, the way she moved with him, made it worth every awkward step. As the music played, Morgan’s hand slid up her back, pulling her just a bit closer. “Honestly,” he murmured, his voice low but light, “I wasn’t sure about this at first. I ain’t much for crowds. But… I think I made the right choice.” There was an unspoken meaning behind his words, something deeper than just the night itself. His gaze softened, lingering on hers. “Don’t get used to me showing off like this, though,” he added with a chuckle, his tone teasing, but his eyes never leaving hers. “I’m just doin’ this to impress you.”
SERENA:
Serena let out a soft laugh, her fingers tightening briefly on his shoulder as he spun her. She could feel the ease in his movements, even if he wasn’t as polished as a dancer. But it didn’t matter. His honesty, the way he seemed a little out of his element but still present, made her smile. When he mentioned making the right choice, she tilted her head slightly, feeling there was more behind those words, but she didn't want to think about it now. Instead, she let the warmth of his hand and the rhythm of the music guide her, enjoying the easy connection they seemed to share. As they moved, her body followed his naturally, her arms wrapping around his neck, her body pressed close to his. She loved to dance, but right now her mind was focused entirely on the feeling of his hands on her. "Don’t worry," she teased with a smile, looking into his eyes, "I'm not just interested in your dance moves." She paused for a second, letting the music fill the space between them before continuing, “And you know, it’s working—I'm very impressed." Her heart beat a little faster as she leaned in close, her lips inches from his ear. "Maybe I didn’t want a crowd around us tonight either," she whispered.
MORGAN:
Morgan chuckled softly, feeling Serena's body pressed close to his as they moved to the rhythm. He wasn’t one for smooth moves, but her smile and the way she seemed to be enjoying herself put him at ease. Her teasing about not being interested in just his dance skills had him blushing slightly, and he found himself smirking a little bit. “Well, that’s a relief,” he said, his voice low, playful. “Because if my dancing’s all I got, we might be in trouble.” Morgan grinned and gave her a little push away, arms extending, as he spun her around again, before pulling her in once more. Her words, whispered near his ear, sent a warm shiver down his spine. The idea that she didn’t want a crowd around them had him swallowing hard. Did she mean what he thought she meant? The coy personality got up in him. “I think we got just the right amount of people around us tonight,” he murmured back, his lips brushing her temple as he spoke. “Could be just you and me in the middle of this room, and it wouldn’t make a difference.” He leaned back slightly to meet her eyes, his smile soft and genuine. “You’re the one impressin’ me tonight, Serena,” he said quietly. “I didn’t think you were gonna be the type to just let go, and do somethin’ so spontaneous.”
SERENA:
She chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m so grateful not everyone reads TMZ," she said, laughing softly. "The Smythe brand of spontaneity was well-documented. I have been keeping the press busy since I was seventeen and I’m not talking ‘fun’ kind of headlines. More like ‘how much can a scandal blow up in a week?’ kind of energy." She felt Morgan’s warmth as the music shifted into something slower, more intimate. It was a subtle cue, but enough for her to press closer against him, feeling the moment intensify. “And you've got your charm,” she teased, resting her head on his shoulder. “That’s how we ended up here, remember?” She glanced up at him, thinking how different he was from the typical men she dated. They thrived on power, money, drugs and chaos, while Morgan... he seemed genuine, uncomplicated. The mood between them shifted, something in the way their bodies were moving slowly together. “God, you're handsome” she said, softer now and her hand slid up to the back of his neck, and without much thought, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a slow, lingering kiss. As they pulled back, her smile returned, but this time, it was softer, almost vulnerable. “You do taste like fall,” she whispered.
MORGAN:
Morgan grinned at Serena’s teasing, shaking his head slightly as they swayed to the slower rhythm. He wasn’t much for headlines or scandals, but hearing her talk about it with that mix of humor and resignation made him realize just how different their worlds were. Still, she didn’t seem bothered by it right now, not when she was pressed up against him like this, and that made him feel more at ease. As she rested her head on his shoulder, he felt a warmth settle between them, more than just the physical closeness. Her playful remark about his charm brought out a chuckle, and he teased back, “I thought it was my heroic nature that had you keep comin’ back for more?” When she called him handsome, he felt his heart skip a beat, and then her lips were on his, soft and lingering. He wasn’t expecting it, but he leaned into the kiss, letting it wash over him, feeling the connection deepen in a way that wasn’t just fun or playful - it felt... real. As they pulled back, he caught the vulnerable look in her eyes, a side of her he hadn’t seen yet, and it made his chest tighten in a good way. The song ’Dream A Little Dream Of Me’ rang out from the singer who sang it effortlessly with the horns backing it up, and as he looked down at Serena with a soft smile, his hand moved to gently brush her cheek. The quiet moment, with the music wrapping around them, had him seeing that she was way more than just the headlines or wild stories she hinted at. “You’re gorgeous.”
SERENA:
Serena’s lips curled into a slow smile at Morgan’s words. The change in music set the perfect tone, pulling them even closer together. “Heroic nature?” she echoed with a soft laugh, her head resting against his shoulder. “But does it count if you haven’t done anything heroic yet?” Her fingers brushed his neck lightly as she held onto him, savoring the warmth of his skin. “I'm actually glad a villain won't burst in here after you. I’ve had enough thrills for a lifetime, you know? I could use more of this…” Her voice trailed off, her gaze meeting his before she leaned in for another kiss, this time deeper, more deliberate. As "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" swirled around them, Serena felt the weight of their connection settle in. For a moment, the chaos that usually surrounded her faded—none of the headlines or drama seemed to matter. Here, with Morgan, everything felt… different. When she pulled back, she met his gaze, lips parting slightly. “You’re dangerous, you know that? Handsome, sweet, heroic, charming. You could make people rethink their rules about mixing fun with feelings.” And with that her mind inevitably went to Puck. Oh shit.
MORGAN:
Morgan let out a soft laugh, the deep rumble in his chest felt even through their close embrace. “Please, I saved you from evil mechanics who like to take advantage of people and their wallets,” he teased, but the warmth in his voice softened the words. Her fingers on his neck sent a shiver down his spine, and when she leaned in for another kiss, slower this time, more intentional, he felt the world narrow down to just the two of them. The chaos of everything outside - the uncertainty with Puck, his own feelings - seemed to quiet for a moment. There was just her, the music, and the feeling of being right here, right now. When she pulled back, and those words left her lips, calling him 'dangerous', it threw him off just enough to stir something in his gut. He chuckled softly, but there was an edge of truth to her words that hit deeper. Fun with feelings - that was the tricky part, wasn’t it? The kiss, the closeness, it was real. But so was Puck; he was still in the back of his mind, the way their eyes met briefly. And Eva, despite her not physically having been there, she was constantly present in Morgan’s mind. His smile softened as he met her gaze, his thumb absentmindedly brushing her back. “Dangerous, huh? I hope not.” He hesitated for a moment, his hand resting at the small of her back, eyes flickering down before meeting hers again. He didn’t want to lie to her, didn’t want to lead her on, but at the same time, he wasn’t ready to figure out what to say about Puck. Maybe it was okay, because Puck was also seeing other people; that’s what he’d meant with what he’d said, right? But Morgan couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that this was more complicated than he wanted it to be. “Life’s a little messy sometimes,” he admitted with a sigh. “But for now, I think I’m gonna enjoy this moment with you, if that’s alright.” He pulled her a little closer, letting the music guide them again, not ready to break whatever this was between them just yet.