"Look," Lily says nervously, glancing around the rows of bookshelves, praying no one will spot her. "I don't think this is such a good idea. Anyone could see us, you know."
Molly grins, taking her cousin's hand and pulling her into the shelter of the nearest aisle. "That's what makes it so exciting," she says, leaning in so that her lips almost touch Lily's. "Forbidden love. Tempting fate."
Lily squirms, eyes flickering towards the end of the aisle. But she has to admit that she's never felt such an adrenaline rush. It's almost too much, yet she sort of likes it. "You're right," she mumbles.
"Of course I am," Molly chuckles, pressing Lily against the shelf and kissing her lightly. "Trust me, Lils."
"I do."
.
Lily watches as Lysander grabs Molly by the wrist, leading her between the shelves.
She presses her quill so hard against the parchment that the tip shatters.
.
"I saw you," Lily says. "You and Lysander..."
"I should hope so," Molly says, a grin tugging the corners of her lips. "We weren't really trying to hide it."
Lily feels tears prick her eyes. She can't cry, not in front of Molly. "I thought you loved me."
"I do," Molly says quietly, pulling Lily into her arms. "But we never said we were exclusive, did we?"
"No," Lily admits, nuzzling Molly's shoulder and squeezing her eyes shut to keep the tears at bay.
"You know we can't be forever loves," Molly sighs. "We're cousins, Lils. And when you're related, it doesn't matter how much you love each other. It won't end with a happily ever after."
Lily nods mutely. She pulls back, biting the inside of her lip. "Then, maybe we shoudn't see each other anymore," she whispers. "Not like that, I mean."
"If that's what you really want."
.
Molly crawls into Lily's bed, curling against her. "Love you, Lily," she whispers against Lily's neck.
She smells like Lysander. Lily knows it shouldn'tbother her because they can't be together. But it still hurts.
Still, she whispers back, "Love you, Molly."