For the Most in a Month Competition, the One Word Title Oneshot Challenge (marvel), and the 100 Ways to Say I Love You Challenge ("Can I have this dance?")
"Can I have this dance?"
Lavender stares at Parvati, her eyes wide. It's not the first time her girlfriend has asked that question. They've danced a hundred times. But only in private.
And now, as Padma and Anthony finish their first dance as husband and wife, this is anything but private. If she takes Parvati by the hand, if she allows her girlfriend to lead her onto the dance floor as the sweet, slow melody plays, people will know.
They've spent years talking about the day they would make their relationship public. But those talks always felt like silly daydreams and wishful thinking. It's something that has always been sweet to think about, but so very impossible to actually do.
She marvels at Parvati's hand, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She's held that hand so many times before. But this is different. This is for everyone to see, and it's simultaneously terrifying and wonderful.
"Is that a no?" Parvati asks, and she starts to pull her hand away.
Lavender grabs it quickly. It's amazing how it feels so much the same and yet so different, so much more important now.
Her heart races and butterflies tickle her insides. "Of course I'll dance with you," she says, allowing Parvati to guide her to her feet. "You're sure?"
"Lavender, I love you," Parvati says, smiling that smile that makes Lavender fall in love a little harder every time. "I'm in love with you. And I want the world to know it."
Those words silence every doubt and fear that has clouded Lavender's mind. She nods, placing a hand on her lover's waist. Parvati shivers at her touch, and Lavender marvels at the way she still has that reaction after so many years. It's as though they're still falling in love for the first time. Lavender hopes that feeling never stops.
She expects gasps and whispers as they take the floor. Of the many people there, only Padma and a few others know about their relationship. Surely it will be scandalous for them to announce themselves now.
But no one seems to mind. In fact, as Lavender moves along, she notices the smiles. The few whispers that come are all accompanied by kind eyes.
Another flutter in her stomach. She's been so afraid of being judged for who she loves, so sure that they would be rejected. But it doesn't happen, and it's just like all those stolen dances in their dormitory over the years. It's just her and Parvati, and it's so natural.
"What if they just think we're friends?" Lavender asks.
Surely that's it. Surely everyone just assumes they're just two best friends sharing a dance for fun.
Parvati caresses her cheek, leaning in. "I've never seen friends dance so closely," she muses. "Not to a song like this. It's okay, Lavender. We're okay."
The music slows, softening until it fades completely, and Lavender comes to a stop. Her chest aches as her heart pounds fiercely.
"I guess we could always wipe away any doubts," she whispers.
Before Parvati can respond, Lavender captures her lips in a kiss. Another thing they've done countless times, something almost mundane suddenly turned marvelous.
The atmosphere doesn't change. Still just smiles and kind eyes.
"Well, how does it feel to finally let the world know?" Padma asks, appearing next to her sister.
"Amazing."