Gris-Gris: thunder

Boyfriend Checklist: first kiss

Flowers, Pansy: Pansy Parkinson

Elemental: bliss

Book Club, Dr. Sayer: safe, understand, being unable to sleep

Showtime, Trust Me: "How many kisses do you need?"

Amber's Attic, Saw: game

Count Your Buttons: PansyDaphne

Lyric Alley: Whatever makes you happy.

Word Count: 520


Pansy feels like a child, but she can't help it. It doesn't matter how old she is, how mature she's supposed to be; the sound of thunder still terrifies her. She tries to tell herself she's safe in the dormitory, that the thunder can't get her. Still, fear makes her heart race as she hears another rumble.

"Figured you would be up," Daphne says, climbing into Pansy's bed. "You always did hate the thunder."

Pansy swallows dryly, painfully aware of how close Daphne is now. They've always done this. For years, the girls have danced around their feelings. Both understand, but neither act. They just pretend for a while longer.

"And you always hated sleeping," Pansy says with a soft laugh.

"I happen to love sleeping, actually," Daphne counters. "I just struggle with it. Insomnia and all that."

Pansy nods, unsure what to say. Daphne moves closer, and it makes her heart race so painfully. Why can't they just be normal? Why does everything have to feel like a game? She sees other people fall in love so easily, so naturally. Why can't they be like that?

She hears another rumble and jumps slightly. Daphne is quick. Within seconds, her slender arms wrap around Pansy's body, holding her close. Though it doesn't erase the fear completely, it makes Pansy relax a bit.

"How many kisses do you need?" Daphne asks.

Pansy pulls away, brows raised in confusion. For several moments, all she can do is stare at Daphne, trying to decide if she's heard her correctly. "What?"

With a laugh, Daphne rests her hand on Pansy's thigh. "You heard me," she says. "Don't act like we haven't been playing this game since third year. I'm tired of playing. I want you."

Heart fluttering, Pansy stammers unintelligibly for a moment, her words failing her. This is what she's wanted for so long, but she is suddenly too nervous to act on.

"I…"

Daphne leans in, pressing a soft, chaste kiss to Pansy's lips. It's first kiss they've ever shared. Though it's far more innocent than Pansy would have expected, it's nothing short of pure bliss. Daphne has kissed her, and everything feels like it's going to be okay.

The thunder in the distance no longer matters. Knowing that a storm is steadily raging on beyond the castle walls cannot shake her. Daphne is in her bed, and Pansy finally knows what it feels like to be kissed by someone she cares about.

"I've wanted to do that for so long," Daphne admits, pushing her dark hair behind her ears. "I'm glad I finally had the chance."

"Me too," Pansy says quietly. "You aren't going back to your bed, are you?"

"I can stay here with you, if you want me to."

Pansy doesn't have to pause and think. Having Daphne nearby is a nice comfort, and it makes her feel okay. "I definitely want you to."

Daphne kisses her again, more passionately this time. "Whatever makes you happy."

"You," Pansy replies. "You make me happy."

The storm no longer matters. She has Daphne, and she knows that nothing can touch them.