-Just The Way You Are-

                                    

                                          
*Darella*
Marella's POV:
Sitting on the edge of the fountain in the Lost Cities, the silver moon hung high in the velvety sky, casting its gentle glow over the beautiful landscape. My reflection dancing upon the crystal-clear waters. My fingers tracing the cool, smooth surface of the water creating gentle ripples.  The soft whispers of the night surrounded me, carrying the melody of the wind through the rustling leaves of the towering trees.
Sighing, my thoughts swirling with self-doubt. I had always felt different, my fiery abilities setting me apart from my friends. Sometimes, I wondered if I was too much—too intense, too unpredictable. A sudden rustle broke the serene silence. I froze, my hand still in the water, eyes darting towards the source of the sound. The shadows grew denser as a figure emerged from the foliage, and my heart raced.
Dex emerged quietly, he strode towards me and offered a gentle smile. "Hey Marella," he said softly. "What's on your mind?" I glanced at him, feeling a huge sense of uncertainty. "Dex, do you ever think I'm... too much? Like, maybe I should tone it down a bit?"
He reached out, taking my hand in his. "Marella, your perfect just the way you are. Your fire, your spirit—it's what makes you, you. I wouldn't change a thing about you." he said, his voice soft but firm. 
I looked down at our intertwined hands, feeling a warmth spread through me. "But what if I'm too intense? What if I scare people away?"
Dex shook his head, his grip on my hand tightening. "You don't scare me away. In fact, it's your intensity that draws me to you. You're passionate, and that's something to be proud of. You don't need to change for anyone, especially not for me."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Dex. His words were like a balm to my soul, soothing the doubts that had plagued me. "You really mean that?"
Dex nodded; his eyes filled with sincerity. "Absolutely. I love you just the way you are, flaws and all. You're amazing, Marella, and I wouldn't want you any other way."
I felt a tear slip down my cheek, but it was a tear of relief and happiness. I leaned in, resting my head on Dex's shoulder. "Thank you, Dex. You have no idea how much that means to me."
Dex wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "Anytime, Marella. I'm always here for you."
Under the watchful gaze of the moon, I realized the truth in Dex's words. I was enough, just as I was. Dex pulled me into his arms, enfolding me in a cocoon of warmth and safety. The cool night air caressed my skin, but it was Dex's touch that set me ablaze. In that moment, all my doubts and fears melted away, leaving only the fierce love that burned between us. 
"I love you, Marella," Dex whispered against my ear, his breath stirring the tendrils of my hair. "I love you for who you are, for all that you are, and all that you will ever be."
"I love you too, Dex," I whispered, my voice barely a breath on the wind. "Thank you for seeing me, for loving me for who I am."
They sat there in silence, the sound of the fountain's gentle trickle surrounding them. In that moment, I realized that I didn't need to change for anyone. I was loved and accepted just the way I was, and that was more than enough.
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"I just insulted the macaroni and cheese recipe of a WHALE! What part of that is not evil." (Dr. Doofenshmirtz)
Keep Being Cool
-KotlC183