Disclaimer: I do not own Cruel Summers. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

June 1995...

Mallory Higgins and Kate Wallis watched a lot of movies together. Like, a lot.

In her weaker moments, it was easy for Mallory to delude herself into thinking it might be more than what it was. Which was basically all the time.

She couldn't help it. She literally had the girl of her dreams, snuggling up with her, being as close as they could be, as if Mallory was a protector, instead of just another predator, who wanted what they shouldn't have. What she could never, ever have. She had to remember that.

Hilariously, Mallory thought it would be easier in a cinema. Kate had understandably been reluctant to go. Partly because they had to sit quietly in the dark. But mostly because of all the people around. And after everything that happened, Kate wasn't the social butterfly she had been.

Hell, Mallory had been reluctant to bring it up, at first. But ultimately, she did, and she pushed them to do it, because she thought it would be good for Kate. And maybe they could finally get through a movie without Kate touching her, and driving her crazy.

But no luck. No, Kate insisted on holding hands the entire journey, from the car to their seats, and then she just wouldn't let go. Then Kate Wallis was leaning her head against Mallory's shoulder, and Mallory's poor damned heart just couldn't take it.

She wanted to run out of the movie screaming, but instead she suffered in silence, knowing it was what she deserved.

*

September 1995...

Mallory Higgins and Kate Wallis still watched a lot of movies together. They just weren't seeing much of them.

Honestly Mallory had always struggled to concentrate on anything when Kate Wallis was around. At least when she really got to know her. But it was so much worse when Kate Wallis's lips were on hers. Or more accurately, it was so much better.

In this early stage of their relationship, pretty much everything led to making out. Not that Mallory was complaining. Not really. It was just... it felt like they should do other things too.

Like go on a proper date.

Which was why they were here, in the cinema.

Not taking any chances, Mallory had picked seats in the back, and they had ditched school, so they could go at a time which the place was virtually empty. Even then, she felt paranoid that someone would figure out what was going on. No one had so far, but it was possible.

And Kate didn't exactly make it easy, looking all incredibly hot and sexy, as always. And insisting on holding her hand, as always. And trying to kiss her when the movie started, as always. At least lately. But sadly, this time, Mallory felt compelled to stop it. Or at least try.

"Kate, we're... in public!" Mallory hissed as quietly as she could.

"No one's going to see." Kate said dismissively, "And if they do, we'll laugh it off."

That shouldn't of hurt, but it did. Also, they had gotten away with an awful lot already, but it was hard for Mallory to believe something like this would be dismissed.

But then Kate Wallis was kissing her again, and poor Mallory just melted. It was uncomfortable with the armrest in between them, and incredibly dangerous given they weren't entirely alone, but in that moment, it was perfect.

Again, Mallory didn't really see much of the movie, but if she was asked, she would say it was the best one ever.