"I'm scared," Lavender admits, looking down at her lover's beautiful tan hand, sharply juxtaposed against her own pale flesh. "What will they say?"
Parvati only smiles, grazing her lips lightly over Lavender's knuckles. "Does it matter?"
Yes, Lavender thinks. Reputation means so much, and words can cut deeper than knives. But they've been keeping secrets for so long, hiding themselves, and that hurts more than any snide remark ever could.
Parvati takes the lead, her head held high. Eyes find them immediately. Cold eyes. Judging eyes. Cruel eyes.
Lavender relaxes her grip, but Parvati wont let her let go, won't let her pull away and hide anymore. "Together," she whispers.
Together. One word, but it's so warm, so soft. It caresses her soul, and maybe, just maybe, it's powerful enough to combat the fear.
Lavender doesn't let go.