Chapter Text
Melissa fell for Shauna the first time she saw her.
Well, technically it was not the first time she saw her. The first time she saw her was when they were really little; babies, really. Their mothers had been friends, and having two daughters so close in age, naturally set up countless play dates. There were old photos of her and Shauna - Melissa just starting to toddle, Shauna grinning and showing her almost-full set of baby teeth. But their mothers grew apart, Melissa’s family moved to the other side of town, and they almost never saw each other anymore. She’d see her in elementary school on the playground, but was always too shy to talk to her - despite being just a year and a half older, Shauna was a full two grades above her. To add to the intimidation, Shauna was best friends with a very pretty blonde girl who always seemed to be surrounded by a gaggle of other girls, all taller and older than her. Sometimes she’d wave to her, and Shauna would wave back, but that was it.
After Shauna went off to junior high, she barely saw her again until she started high school. She was sitting in the library during study hall, hunched over some book. Her soft brown hair, which was a bit longer than when she’d last seen her, was tucked behind her ears, showcasing the little gold hoops in her ears. Her flannel was rolled up her sleeves, and her jean shorts showed off her muscular thighs.
That was when Melissa first fell for her.
Melissa picked up more about Shauna over the first couple weeks of school; she was a soccer player, and was best friends with one of the most popular girls in school, Jackie Taylor. She quickly realized that was the same blonde girl Shauna was friends with in elementary school. Her hair had darkened to a deep honey color, but she instantly recognized her massive hazel eyes. Melissa envied how they nearly always seemed to be together, wishing that was her and Shauna.
Melissa joined soccer; she was always athletic, so she had no issue making the team, and she made varsity by the end of her first season. Much to her dismay, didn’t get to interact with Shauna as much as she would have liked, being JV for most of the season. That was, until an incident at the last practice of the year. They were in the locker rooms, sweaty from the early summer heat, and a few seniors had started giggling and pointing at Melissa.
“I think that little JV girl is checking us out,” one of them said. Melissa kept her eyes downcast. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard comments like that; Allie, who was the grade below her, gave her hell in middle school, calling her a lesbo and a dyke and spreading all sorts of nasty rumors. She tried to ignore them and change as fast as possible, but they wouldn’t let up.
“Don’t we have a no-dykes rule? Jackie better do her job as captain next year, and keep the team safe. What if she tries something with one of the new girls?” Melissa swallowed, throat and eyes burning. One of them shoved her, nearly pushing her down. “Hey, we’re talking about you.” Before she could continue whatever it was she wanted to say, or hurt her further, someone stepped between them. “Shut up.” A soft voice, a bit lower than the other girls spoke. It was Shauna, defending her. “Leave her alone.” The girls harassing her seemed surprised; actually, everyone did. Telling someone off this publicly was very not Shauna-like. The girl who shoved her scoffed. “What, are you defending her because you can relate?” Shauna rolled her eyes. “I just think it’s pathetic to be a senior and spending your time harassing a freshman. Maybe you should be more focused on making sure you’re actually going to graduate this year. You know, since you didn’t manage to do that last year like you were supposed to.” That got a few giggles out of some of the other girls, and the girl gaped, unable to think of a comeback before storming off. After she was gone, Shauna gently touched Melissa’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” Melissa nodded and swallowed, quickly blinking back her tears. “Yea. Thank you.” Shauna nodded, and rubbed her back. “Let me know if anyone gives you a hard time again, okay?” Melissa nodded. “Thanks, Shauna.” Shauna smiled softly, before going back to Jackie. Despite the whole getting-called-a-dyke and being shoved, Melissa was thrilled.
Shauna talked to her, and defended her. She tried to not grin as she shoved her dirty clothes in her gym back before leaving the locker room.
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Summer came and went, and this year she found herself around Shauna far more often. They shared a gym class, and since Melissa got bumped to varsity at the end of her freshman year, she’s been invited to a lot more parties by the juniors and seniors on the team. She was still shy around her, and never got past more than small talk at parties or in gym class, but she remained very observant. She’d gotten to learn a lot more about Shauna. Well, specifically, Shauna and Jackie.
They were nearly always together. At parties, in the hallways, during lunch, during gym. Jackie even got rides from Shauna most days. She was mine first, Melissa selfishly thought. Shauna followed her around like a puppy, and it seemed like Jackie made decisions for both of them- without ever consulting Shauna! She’d overhear their conversations.
“Oh, Shauna, tonight Jeff is having a party. We’re gonna get ready at your house, okay? And you should wear that dress I got you- you know, the boob one. You look adorable in it.”
“Shipman! No, you can’t wear your flannel, it’s a party! Kiffy said some college boys are gonna be there, you have to look cute.”
“Aww, Shauna, let me help you with that. You always apply your lipstick so messy.”
Shauna sometimes looked annoyed, but rarely said anything back, and if she did, it was met with a soft smile from Jackie. Like Shauna was joking, or being silly or something. It was infuriating; but not as infuriating as how Jackie acted when her dumb boyfriend, Jeff was around. She’d basically ignore Shauna, who always looked miserable when he was around. Not to mention all the times she overheard Jackie ditching plans with Shauna to hang out with Jeff. She couldn’t help but resent Jackie. I’d treat her so much better, Melissa thought to herself.
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Melissa was at a party, sitting between Gen and Akilah. She was sipping a beer, staring at Shauna, who was being spun around by Jackie. She momentarily lit up, smiling as Jackie put her arm around her waist and pulled her close. She wasn’t sure if it was the multi-colored lights strung up in the basement making Shauna’s face look so red or if she was actually blushing, but she smiled so sweetly before resting her forehead on Jackie’s shoulder it made her heart ache. They held each other, swaying to the music, as Melissa seethed with jealousy. Sure, Jackie was being sweet with her now, but Melissa would make Shauna smile like that all the time. Well, maybe not all the time. She didn’t mind Shauna’s broodiness, and found it sort of hot when she’d see her moping or staring angrily at someone (usually Jeff). Except she wouldn’t be the cause of Shauna’s bad moods, unlike Jackie.
Who was about to do just that, apparently. Jeff came up behind Jackie, tugging at her waist. She groaned, but loosened her grip on Shauna, petting her hair. “Shipman, Jeff wants to dance.” Shauna lifted her head and quickly detached herself, expression sour. “I’m sorry, look, we’ll dance more later, but Jeff- Jeff, stop that. I’m talking to Shauna!” Jeff had started kissing her neck, but stopped momentarily. “Look, Randy’s over there, maybe talk to him, okay?” And with that she was off, dancing with Jeff who immediately started making out with her, hands roaming way more than Jackie seemed to like.
Now Shauna was alone, pouting, with this absolutely tragic look in her eyes. To make matters worse, the boy she assumed was Randy came up behind her. “Hey Shauna,” he said, drunkenly. “You look” he burped mid sentence “very sexy tonight.” Shauna scoffed, rolled her eyes, and Melissa decided to step in. She stood up, walking across the room. “Shauna, hey,” she said. Shauna looked relieved. “Some of the other girls from the team - uh - need to ask you something.” It didn’t matter that her lie sucked, Shauna played along. “I gotta go, soccer stuff.”
She stuck close to Melissa, who led her back across the room. With her that close she could feel her shaking, and Melissa wasn’t exactly sure if it was from anger or something else entirely. “Wanna step outside? It’s kind of hot in here.” Shauna nodded, and they slipped outside. A few people were sitting out there, drinking or making out, so Melissa walked further down until they were at the edge of the woods behind whoever’s house this was. Shauna plopped down on the dirt, and Melissa did the same.
“Thanks,” was the first thing Shauna said. “I did not want to spend another night with Randy hitting on me while Jackie’s off with Jeff. I don’t know why she keeps trying to set me up with him. She knows I’m not into him.” She scowled. Melissa nodded. “I’m sorry.” Shauna grimaced. “It’s not your fault.” She stared at her for a moment. “I’ve been meaning to say, you look really familiar. Like, not just from the team. Did you go to that dance studio in the strip mall when we were kids?” Melissa shook her head. “Our moms were friends when we were basically babies. I think they stopped talking when I was in pre-K, after my family moved to the other side of town.” Shauna blinked, the realization dawning on her. “Ohhh. Sorry I don’t remember that much, since we were so little.” She paused. “Wait, how do you remember? You’re younger than me.” Melissa shrugged. “I was four when we moved, so I was old enough to remember. You’re not that much older than me.”
Shauna shrugged. “I guess not. When’s your birthday?” She started plucking up blades of grass. “January 15th. You?”
“July 20th.” Melissa smiled. “You’re a Cancer.” Shauna raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t take you as someone who’s into astrology.”
“I’m not. Gen- she’s JV still- got super into it when we were in 8th grade. So I remember some stuff from her.” Shauna nodded, smiled. “Are you two close?” Melissa nodded. “Mm-hm. But lately, she’s been talking to this one boy, so we haven’t been hanging out as much.”
“Been there. Still kinda there,” Shauna said, mood sour again. “Jackie wants me to date guys, but she always suggests the worst ones. Besides, I don’t want to date any of the guys here. But god forbid I have standards and don’t waste my time with some guy I don’t even like for the sake of having a boyfriend.”
“I don’t want to date any guys.” Melissa said, softly. Shauna looked at her, and nodded. “That’s cool. Does your friend know?” She shook her head. “Not right now, I don’t know what she’d think.” She brought her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. Shauna was silent for a moment. “Well, if she doesn’t suck, she’ll be cool with it. Sometimes I…” she trailed off. “Whatever. It’s cool you know that. And you’re smart, you’ll find some girl at college, who’s worth it.” You’re worth it, Melissa thought. “Thanks.” Shauna smiled, placing her hand over hers, and slowly intertwining their fingers.
It was nice and quiet, the only sounds being distant shouts from the party. A cool breeze blew past them, and Shauna shivered. “Are you cold?” Melissa asked. Shauna was in a tight dress, low cut and short and not suited for this weather. She had on a jean jacket, but it was clearly not doing much. “A little. I wanted to wear something warmer,” she frowned. “But Jackie basically forced me to wear this. I don’t even like pink. It looks terrible on me.”
“I don’t think it looks terrible on you,” Melissa said. Shauna didn’t look pleased. “But I like what you usually wear better. Besides, why did she want you to wear that? It’s practically November.” Shauna nodded. “Exactly! And why should I wear something I’d never pick out on my own if I’m trying to get someone to look at me. It’s stupid.” Melissa nodded, and another cold breeze passed them, making her long blond hair fly in her face and Shauna shiver. “Here,” she said, shrugging off her jacket. “My flannel underneath is pretty thick, so I’ll be fine.” She held out her jacket to Shauna, who looked surprised, before letting Melissa help her put it on. “Thanks,” she said, a small smile on her face. “No problem. It looks cool on you.” They were sitting even closer now, shoulder to shoulder. “You’re sweet,” Shauna smirked, and Melissa blushed. “And cute. Really, once you’re in college, girls are gonna be all over you.”
“I just wish that was now,” she huffed, which made Shauna laugh. “I’m serious! I haven’t even kissed a girl,” she said softly, lest anyone overhear. Shauna nodded, sympathetically. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I’ve never kissed anyone where it really mattered either. I’ve kissed a few guys at parties, but it’s not like I was into them.” Her hand had snuck back into Melissa’s somehow, and she was all pouty again. Melissa wanted to kiss her so badly. “Really?” Shauna nodded. “Yeah. And kissing guys you’re not even into sucks. They don’t know what they’re doing, and they usually try to grope you, and… just don’t do it. Only kiss someone you really want to kiss. And if they don’t want to kiss you back, then they’re not worth it.” She swallowed, and Melissa noticed her eyes almost looked teary, and she wondered who hurt her. “It’s almost worse when… yea. Just make sure it’s the right person, okay?”
Their faces were inches apart, fingers intertwined, shoulders pressed together. Kiss someone you really want to kiss. Make sure it’s the right person. Maybe stupidly, Melissa leaned in, kissing Shauna. She pulled back, studying her face, trying to see if she was mad. She was preparing herself to apologize and beg her to not tell anyone, before Shauna’s lips were on hers again. She quickly kissed back, wrapping her arms around her waist and pulling her closer. Shauna quickly started using tongue, pressing her body closer. She pulled Shauna into her lap, trying to not whine too loud as Shauna started kissing her neck as she squirmed in her lap. Melissa would’ve happily given her more, then and there under the tree, but their make-out session was rudely interrupted by someone-Jackie-calling Shauna’s name.
“Shauna! Where are you?” Jackie called. “It’s almost curfew, we need to go home.” Shauna groaned, thumping her head against Melissa’s shoulder before climbing off her lap. “Do you have a ride?” Melissa shook her head. “You’re coming with me. Come on,” she stuck out her hand, pulling Melissa up and leading her over to Jackie. “So what, you ditch me to make out with Jeff and ask me to drive you home?”Jackie looked hurt for a brief moment before hugging her. “Shaunaaa, I’m sorry about that. You know I like spending time with you the best.” Shauna grunted, and Jackie finally noticed Melissa. “What’s she doing here?” She didn’t say it in a rude way, but Melissa still felt a bit offended.
“We were hanging out. I’m giving her a ride home.” Shauna said. Jackie looked almost jealous about that. “Oh. That’s nice! You’re on varsity this year, right?” Melissa nodded, and Jackie slung her arm around Shauna’s shoulder. “I am really sorry about earlier. It’s just-that’s how boyfriends are. But we’re spending all of Sunday together, right?” Shauna nodded, giving Jackie a small smile, looping her arm under hers. “Yea. Now come on, before you miss curfew.”
Shauna drove to Jackie’s first, who seemed surprised. “Your house is close to the party, so I figured I’d just drop you off. Plus, you’re like, barely making your curfew.” Jackie nodded, and hugged Shauna, pecking her cheek. “I’ll see you Sunday!” After making sure Jackie was safely in her house, Shauna turned to Melissa. “You can sit in the front, if you want.” She nodded, wordlessly moving to the front seat.
They drove in silence for a moment, before Melissa spoke. “Earlier…did you want to, or?” Shauna swallowed, then nodded. “Yeah, I did.” Then, “Are you doing anything tomorrow?” Melissa shook her head. “Wanna hang out?” She nodded, “Yeah! Yes.” She hoped she didn’t sound too excited, but if she did, Shauna didn’t seem to mind. “Okay. I’ll pick you up at one.”
“Okay! Cool,” They pulled up to Melissa’s house. “Well… uh… I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”
“Wait,” Shauna said. Melissa listened, and Shauna took her chin between her thumb and index finger, kissing her before pulling back. She smirked seeing Melissa’s beet-red face. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Melissa let out some semi-coherent reply and climbed out of the car, hands shaking as she unlocked the door to her house.
She just kissed Shauna, and more importantly, Shauna kissed her. Despite it being late, she struggled to fall asleep, far too giddy with excitement to relax. Eventually, she drifted off into a deep sleep, dreaming up potential scenarios for what could happen with Shauna tomorrow.