Insane House Competition: elixir
Love In Motion: ChoLuna
Liza's Loves: (title) The Outsiders
Word Count: 488
"It's okay, you know."
Cho jumps at the voice, quickly wiping her tears away. She may be an emotional wreck, but that doesn't mean she enjoys it when people actually see her break down. When she turns, she relaxes slightly. It's just Luna. "What are you on about?" she asks, trying to keep her voice as sharp as possible.
"Losing someone hurts. But it's okay," the younger girl says. "They don't really leave you. And I know Cedric wouldn't want you to be sad."
Cho wants to tell her to bugger off and mind her own business. Instead, a strangled sob escapes her lips, and fresh tears streak her face. When Luna takes her hand, Cho doesn't shy away from her touch. There's something beautiful about finally having someone who doesn't tell her to get over it.
"Thank you," Cho whispers.
…
She doesn't plan to become friends with Luna. Maybe life is just funny like that. Plans mean nothing, and things just happen. Somehow, Cho doesn't mind.
Luna is there for her when everyone else spends their days walking on eggshells around her, acting as though Cho might explode at any moment. Luna always offers her that dreamy smile and only the kindest of words.
There is no remedy to grief. Cho is well aware of this. Potions can numb the mind and offer distractions, but nothing really takes the pain away. Still, Luna's presence is like a calming elixir, and there's something about her that makes the world feel just a bit brighter.
…
Cho doesn't know when it happens exactly. Her feelings slowly shift, and, one day, Luna causes her heart to flutter. Only one other person has ever had this effect on her. It only feels like a betrayal to Cedric.
But Luna is right. Cedric had loved her, and he wouldn't want Cho to go through the rest of her days lonely and miserable.
He would understand. Maybe he would even be happy for her.
Cho can only hope.
…
Luna doesn't pull away when Cho kisses her. It's a soft kiss, gentle but saturated with a silent plea.
Please don't leave me. Please let this be enough. I need you.
When they break apart, Luna's eyes are wide and confused, but a small smile plays at her lips. "That was rather nice," she says quietly. "Why did you kiss me?"
"Because I feel something for you," Cho answers. "Something only Cedric has ever made me feel."
Luna nods and takes Cho by the hand, still smiling that dreamy smile. "Thank you," she whispers. "It makes me feel less alone."
Cho has never thought about it until now. She's felt so isolated, but of course Luna would feel the same. In the eyes of the rest of the school, they are strange; they are to be avoided at all costs.
"We don't have to be alone anymore," Cho says before kissing Luna again.