Auction: LeeRoxanne

Amber's Attic (quote below)

Ami's Audio, Wright On "I heard the quit in your voice."

Buttons: topaz

Word Count: 408

"Fear is only a verb if you let it be. Don't you dare let go of my hand."

-Andrea Gibson

Roxanne feels the flutter of nerves tickle her insides. Her topaz eyes flicker to Lee, and her full lips twitch like she wants to smile but doesn't know how. "You're sure you want to arrive together?" she asks.

This isn't the first time they've attended her family barbecues. Lee has always been a fixture at Weasley gatherings. But this will be the first time they've dared to be public. For the past two years, she has contented herself with stealing glances and sharing knowing smiles with her dad's best friend.

Lee lifts her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Yes."

"Why?"

They've fought about it before. She wants to be able to be with him. She's tired of their time together being limited to nights spent in her flat, keeping an eye for anyone who might discover the truth. But she's dealt with it because she loves him. If he isn't ready, she can respect that.

"Last night…" He inhales deeply, shaking his head. His dreadlocks fall in face, but he pushes them away, sighing heavily. "I heard the quit in your voice, Roxy. I know you're miserable, having to keep things on the down low, and it isn't fair."

She opens her mouth to reassure him, but her words seem to fail her. "I'm not miserable with you," she manages, and her voice is barely above a whisper.

"You're miserable with the secrecy," he says, and she nods. "I didn't want… It's complicated because…"

He trails off. She nods again. Of course she understands how difficult it must be for him. It's more than just the age difference; he's her dad's best friend. Loving Lee has so many risks attached, but she thinks he's worth it.

"You don't have to," she says.

He offers her a crooked grin, offering her hand a quick, gentle squeeze. "I want to." He takes another deep breath, and it's only now that she realizes how much he's trembling. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared half to death."

Roxanne stands on her tiptoes, kissing him gently and quickly on the lips. She can't help but smile. She's scared too, but she feels like she can conquer the fear if Lee is by her side. "I won't let go."

He nods and takes a step forward.