Chapter 26: We Awkward Lovers

There's something so special about that feeling of nervousness around a special someone.

Pitch-black, with only muffled sounds of voices echoing through her walls.

"Come in. You should stay the night."

"Don't bother sleeping in those clothes, Willow can lend you hers."

"...Are you sure?"

"It's the least we can do. Have you two eaten yet?"

"Yes... Sir."

"Please, there's no need to be so formal. Just call us Harvey and Gilbert."

"I... Don't think I'm allowed to do that sir..."

"Why not?"

Around them, you feel as though you want to be better. Like you want to improve.

Willow lies on her empty bed, already settled in. Her glasses placed haphazardly on her nightstand, in comfortable clothing. She replays the day constantly in her mind as she gazes on her scroll, at the selfie they took just hours ago. As she scrolls through various pictures of disgusting food and long lines, she realizes just how terrible amusement parks are.

She pauses just as their selfie on the carousel popped up. Her thumb hovers just above Boscha's face. That wide smile... and her derpy ears perked up so cheerfully. Then she notices, the wild blush on her own face as she grinned from ear to ear next to her.

She had so much fun because she was with her.

And they make you so happy. That it doesn't even matter what you do, as long as you're doing it with them?

Willow sighs and shuts her scroll shut. Just the thought of her made her feel so empty. But in a good way. In a way that you just forget about your worries and responsibility for just one second.

The door creaks. The orange light from the hallway pours into Willow's room. Almost blinding her. She catches a glimpse of Boscha's silhouette in the doorway. It wields the thickest pillows and blankets in her flimsy—totally-not-toned-Willow-does-not-perceive-them—arms.

"Willow."

The hairs on Willow's neck rose...

Hnngh... It's so unfair...

"Mhm?" Willow hums as she turns her head.

Why am I so fond of her?

Along with the shirt that was clearly not her size, she wore Willow's gym shorts. And... Willow could melt right at that moment as she felt a harsh blush fill her cheeks.

Boscha smiles softly. Like she's trying not to laugh at her. "Uhm... Your dad told me we're not allowed to lock the door."

Willow freezes, a warm feeling suddenly overtaking her as she sweats. "Oh—I know."

With that Boscha bashfully makes her way over, and the bed creaks as it handles the weight of another awkward teenager above it.

As Boscha sits near Willow's feet, Willow suddenly feels a little self-conscious—Before Boscha proceeds to dump her wielded pillows, blankets, and a certain flowery stuffed rabbit onto her.

Willow pretends to suffocate before erupting from beneath the fluff. "RAAGH!"

Despite how awkward they were, they could still laugh and be silly together.

Boscha's giggles enamor Willow more than she would like to admit. Each noise and each loose strand of hair—Oh gosh her hair is down—it really did nothing but captivate her more. This confident baddass witch, softening as she cuddles up under inches of blankets and pillows in her bed.

How lucky is she? How much longer does she need to yearn for her?

"Willow..."

Hearing her own name from her, it makes her want to love herself more. Because she says it with so much softness. It's almost unbelievable how much she could love someone.

As Willow loses herself in her own train of thoughts, she isn't aware Boscha was stuck in her own. Amid her lovesick pining and yearning, Boscha questioned everything that has ever lead up to this moment. And there's this need brewing up within her that she can't quite explain.

Willow hums absentmindedly. "Yeah?"

"I'm so sorry, "Boscha huffs. "But I'm just not used to feeling so...nervous."

Willow's ear twitches. It's all the same song and dance with her.

"...Do you still feel guilty?"

"Maybe..."

"I already forgave you..." As the words slip her tongue she realizes just how sweet it feels. Even after all this time, Boscha was still so worried about making things right.

"I don't know," Boscha shuts her eyes and buries herself beneath the blanket. Her words muffle through the bed, "Words just don't feel good enough. Get revenge! Do something!"

Willow raises her hand above her head. It shivers in the air like a leaf grappling for it's life on a branch—before falling back down gently. She sighs, defeated. She can't bare to hit her. It would never give her any kind of satisfaction.

"I can't... Dad told me revenge never makes anything better." Willow sighs. "But my pop did say I should never leave anything unfinished sooo..."

Willow gingerly places her fingers on Boscha's cheek. Her thumb delicately rubs a small circle on her soft skin as she tilts Boscha's face towards hers.

And with a grip as strong as a shrimp, she pinches Boscha's cheek.

"...I know you can do better than that!"

"Mmm. I don't know... Kinda don't feel like it. What use would that serve?"

Boscha's gaze lingers on her... She could fall asleep to those blue eyes of hers.

"Nothing really," she replies. "I've just been feeling a little selfish..."

And at the same time being so comfortable to feel that you can be vulnerable.

Willow huffs, her hand still gingerly placed on Boscha's cheek. "How so?"

Her eyes flutter suddenly. Like it hadn't hit her that Willow could just... ask.

"...I know I said it was just going to be just friends..."

Willow nods, urging her to go on. It's very apparent she doesn't talk about what's bothering her very often.

"I. wanted to kiss you."

Willow's heart skips a beat. But remains quiet.

"But I don't think I can." Boscha huffs. As if she's more annoyed at herself. "Cause like—I don't think. I don't—I'm not used to being so nervous. Like you feel so different compared to other people and. It all feels so new to me. And I'm going through a lot and I'm figuring a lot of stuff out..."

When it seems she has nothing more to say, and her eyes linger on Willow's, she finally speaks. "Take all the time you need." She smiles, though behind that smile was some selfish part of her. She turns over, not wanting to show any part of her that could make Boscha believe she's disappointed. "I'll still be here, waiting."

Of course, Boscha isn't completely oblivious. Despite turning her back toward Willow she still manages to say a few words. And those few words not only gave Willow hope and something to look forward to, but also made her realize she was serious;

"January 1st."

She's not making her wait any longer than that.

Author's Note:

Hi! I'm nearly out of school so I might go back to regular updates. In the meantime have this incredibly yearny bittersweet chapter