Archive of Our Own

Marianne-- I'm so glad I got to know you this year! Have an AMAZING summer and let's stay in touch, okay? Love, Hilda

Hilda clicks her pink glitter gel pen. Maybe she shouldn't have written 'love'. Isn't that too obvious? But, then again, she literally gave Marianne red roses on Valentine's day and Marianne thought she was doing it out of pity.

(Meanwhile, Marianne had given her a dollar store card with a little alien on it that said "you're out of this world, valentine!" and a box of candy hearts. Was she disappointed at the time? Yes. Does she still have the card and smile whenever she thinks about it? Also yes.)

Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Hilda hands the yearbook back to Marianne. The other girl takes it back without a word.

"C'mon, aren't you gonna read what I wrote?" Hilda teases.

"S-sorry. I'm just…" Marianne flips the yearbook back open. When she comes to her own photo, she pointedly flips past it.

So far, Hilda's the only one who signed Marianne's yearbook. Hilda herself has already gotten signatures from half the school and has a line forming at her desk for more.

A faint smile comes to Marianne's face, and it's all worth it. "Y-you're so sweet, even to someone like me. Thank you, Hilda."

And Hilda wants to grab her face and tell her, don't talk down to yourself like that, you're gorgeous, you're sweet, you're so much more than you realize and I want to kiss you and tell you it's all going to be okay.

But the bell rings, and she does none of those things. Marianne places her yearbook in her backpack and heads toward the door.

"I'll see you at graduation, okay?" Hilda calls after her. Marianne just nods without looking back.

As she leaves, Hilda can't help but feel like it's the last time they'll ever see each other.

Hilda scrolls through her Instagram while waiting in line. The person ahead of her at the coffee shop is taking forever, but she has plenty of time until her next client.

Their high school graduation was a whole five years ago, as a post reminds her; Claude has just shared an old photo he took before graduation. It's their whole class together, laughing.

There, in the back of the photo, is a familiar little mop of light blue hair.

Marianne isn't quite laughing in the picture, but the corners of her mouth are turned slightly up, and that was a rare sight. It brings a sad smile to Hilda's own face.

She impulsively flicks through all the accounts she follows again. Then, she runs a few searches even though she knows nothing new will turn up. Sure enough, no Marianne.

Hilda's considering scrolling through her text history, as if Marianne might have just decided to reply after five years, when the barista calls her up. Thank goodness someone saved her from that pathetic corner of her mind. She tucks her phone away and walks up to order.

One of the luxuries of being a personal stylist is that Hilda can often work in cute little cafes. She sets up her laptop in a corner and places her latte down nearby.

The din of the cafe helps her focus. For times when she needs background noise but doesn't feel like going out- or otherwise just feels like lounging at home in her pajamas- she works with her music cranked up (and sometimes takes breaks to dance and sing along).

At the least, the background noise stops her mind from wandering too long, wondering about a certain girl.

And it's not like Hilda hasn't had other relationships. She and Claude were on again/off again for a while before settling into friends with benefits- though Claude has a boyfriend now, so that's just 'friends' now- and she had a few hookups with other guys and girls when she was in college.

The longest of those flings lasted a few months with a very nice girl who Hilda probably could have fallen in love with if she hadn't been careful. She sometimes still wonders about an alternate world where the two of them got married and had kids or something. Her heart yearns thinking about it, but she's sure that birds also sometimes yearn for the comfort of a cage.

Anyone would grow tired of Hilda once they saw through the pretty exterior. Maybe that's why Marianne stopped responding.

Hilda shakes her head. The cafe is too quiet-- even the barista is just scrolling on their phone, now. She rummages through her purse for her earbuds before the bell above the door chimes.

A group of girls walk in, chatting and giggling amongst themselves. The barista puts their phone away and takes their orders. With the comfort of background noise, Hilda returns to work.

"And can I get a name for the order?" asks the barista.

"Marianne."

Hilda nearly spills her drink.

She's learned not to get too excited, but when she looks up, a tall woman with braided baby blue hair is standing in front of the counter. She's wearing a cable knit sweater, a long skirt, and a pair of sneakers-- the type of 'grandma chic' that some of Hilda's clients want to avoid. Hilda finds it absolutely adorable.

She pinches herself. Ow. Not a dream. The woman is still there, putting away her wallet in her purse.

"Marianne, is that you?" she asks, rising to her feet.

Marianne turns and covers her mouth. "H-Hilda!"

One of the other girls she's with- a curvy brunette, Hilda thinks, with only a little jealousy- glances at the two of them. "Me and Ingrid will be at the table by the window, okay?"

Marianne nods, and then Hilda is standing face to face with her high school best friend/crush once again.

"Girl, you look amazing," Hilda says, looking Marianne over. While she is dressed modestly, it's easy to tell that HRT did a lot for her figure. Beyond that, her hair is neater, the perpetual eye bags are gone, and she just seems happier, somehow.

Because she left me behind, a wretched little part of her thinks.

"I wouldn't go that far, but I do feel much more like myself these days," Marianne says, with a wry smile. "You look wonderful yourself, Hilda. I love what you've done with your hair. Did you make those earrings?"

"Oh, these?" Hilda turns her head to show two pink heart-shaped earrings. "I did. I'm selling some of my crafts on Etsy, actually, but it's not enough to live on. I was just here working at my actual job."

The barista calls Marianne's name, and Hilda scowls at them when Marianne isn't looking. It looks like she ordered tea. It smells like cinnamon-- it's almost like she's sitting outside eating lunch with Marianne again back in their school days.

"Want to come sit at my table with me and catch up a little bit?" Hilda asks. "I don't want to keep you from your friends, but--" I've missed you, hang the words unspoken.

Marianne's smile lights up her entire day. "I'd love to."

'A little bit' of catching up turns into a lot, until both of them have finished their drinks.

It turns out that Marianne works at her church now, doing an assortment of tasks like managing the little library, helping with childcare, and setting up the Sunday services. The community in faith did a lot for her after she lost some structure post-graduation-- and while Hilda hasn't been to church since she was a kid, she likes listening to the joyful lilt in Marianne's voice when she talks about it.

They talk for so long that, eventually, Marianne's friends get up to leave, but stop by to ask her to introduce them.

"Dorothea, Ingrid, this is Hilda," Marianne says. "We were friends in high school."

The use of past tense stings, but then she has to put on her best smile and shake hands with Dorothea and Ingrid, and she doesn't say anything.

Dorothea's skin is almost insultingly soft and smooth. They promise to exchange skincare tips, but she and Ingrid apparently have to get going. "I'll catch up with you two later," Marianne says.

The way that Dorothea touches Marianne's shoulder before leaving does not go unnoticed.

After a second latte, sharing a croissant, and Hilda talking about her crafts and what it's like being a stylist, it's almost time for her client appointment.

"I'm having such a great time, but I have to get going," Hilda says with a pout.

"That's okay-- I should start heading home. I'm glad we ran into each other."

"Me too," Hilda says, hoping that her tone doesn't give away just how much she's been thinking about her during the last five years.

As much as Hilda wants to ask her why she stopped responding to her messages, she's avoided the topic. She knows Marianne was in a dark place, and asking will probably only hurt her feelings.

But, when they exchange phone numbers, Marianne's lock screen has a photo of her and Dorothea on it, and jealousy coils around Hilda's heart.

Actually, the picture reminds her. She pulls out her wallet-- a cute little pink one which was a birthday gift from Holst years ago, and it came with a slot for a photo. Holst had said she should put in a picture of the two of them, and was only a little offended when Hilda put a photo of Marianne in there instead.

"Check this out, by the way," Hilda says. She'd never had the heart to remove the photo, even during Marianne's absence.

Marianne's eyes widen. "What? You still have that old photo?" She smiles awkwardly, looking away as if the image cursed her. "Don't remind me of how terrible I looked back then."

"What are you talking about? You were adorable back then."

She shakes her head. "Please, Hilda, you don't need to be nice for my sake. I know I was a mess. I didn't know anything about makeup, and look at those bags under my eyes."

"You don't need to know about makeup to look cute, you know. You had a natural beauty going. You still do."

Her cheeks dust pink, but she's still frowning. "You looked way better than I did, anyway."

"You make it sound like you were jealous of me."

The silence is deafening. "... Maybe I was, just a little bit. You were everything that I wasn't. Good-looking, popular, charming, charismatic, smart… and I felt awful for being so envious, because you were still so nice to me."

"Marianne…" Hilda trails off.

"And I'm not saying you didn't deserve it, don't get me wrong! I just… I wanted your confidence."

She can't help but smile while Marianne is being so adorably shy. "You're too nice, Mari. That's why I have such a big ego."

Marianne smiles. "Haha… it's almost funny, looking back on that now. I had such a big crush on you back then."

What?

"But," Marianne continues, "you were obviously out of my league. And so many other amazing people were into you, so I never had a chance."

Hilda opens her mouth to speak. Nothing comes out.

"And I hated myself so much, anyway…" Marianne says, with a sigh. "I… would have just dragged you down with me."

Was that the reason why? Marianne thought she didn't deserve her? Hilda's used to people putting her up on a pedestal, but somehow, she's always felt more true around Marianne. To think, they could have been together instead of Hilda ending up alone--

But what if she had hurt Marianne? The other girl was so vulnerable back then, and she was way more flighty in high school.

It doesn't matter, now. Marianne said she had a crush on her-- in the past tense. Why would she still care after five years, especially with someone like Dorothea on her lock screen?

"Marianne." Hilda's mouth feels dry. A maelstrom of emotions is churning in her. "I--"

Her phone rings. It's an important client-- she can't afford to miss it.

"It's okay, you can take your call!" Marianne says, standing up. "I have to catch the bus."

Hilda knows what she should do: take her call, play it cool, text Marianne tomorrow or so and ask to have coffee again sometime.

But then Marianne is about to leave, and it feels like the bell has just rung and Marianne is about to walk out for another five years.

She silences her phone and stands up. "What about now?"

Marianne looks back. "Huh? Now? I don't…"

And Hilda's heart breaks.

"I don't hate myself anymore. At least, not that much."

Before Hilda can clarify that's not what she meant, Marianne continues: "Ever since I found a good therapist and got on antidepressants, things have been a lot easier. There are still bad days, but I have friends to talk to, and I know I'm not alone."

Her phone is ringing a second time. Hilda silences it a second time. "I'm glad, Marianne. Really. You deserve to be happy." Even if it's not with her. "And you have me to talk to, also."

Marianne blushes again, and she stares down at her feet for a moment before glancing back up at Hilda with those beautiful brown eyes. Some things never change. "Thank you, Hilda. I promise to keep in touch."

She promises. That makes Hilda feel a little better. She sits back down. "I've got your number, and I'm holding you to that bubble tea date," she says, and then internally kicks herself. Why did she say 'date'?

But Marianne just giggles and doesn't seem to comment on the word. "Thank you, Hilda. We'll keep in touch."

The bell above the door chimes, and Marianne walks off. The bus pulls up. Hilda watches her get on board. Hilda watches as the doors close and the bus departs.

With a frown, she goes to answer her client's third call.

Hilda: Hi, Marianne, this is Hilda! :) <3

Marianne: Hello!

Hilda: Just totally out of curiosity, when did you change your phone number?

Marianne: Probably half a year after I graduated high school.

Hilda: And you didn't tell me??? :(

Marianne: I'm sorry.

Hilda: It just means you owe me some bubble tea! How about on Saturday?

Marianne: Sounds good.

They promised to meet at 11, and it's 11:09 already. Not that Hilda has been counting.

Maybe Marianne was only pitying her. Maybe if she texts her again, she'll find that her number is blocked. She even woke up early (before 10) and dressed up, and now she's wearing one of her cutest casual sundresses in the middle of this park for nothing.

But then she spies Marianne walking up from the corner of her vision. Today, she's wearing a soft blue blouse, a long skirt, and a pair of brown boots instead of her sneakers. "Sorry I'm late," she says, a little out of breath. "The bus was running behind schedule."

"It's all good, I just got here!" Hilda says, smiling. "You look adorable. You've really figured out your style."

"Dorothea helped." Marianne does a little twirl. "It's not much, though. I mostly dress for comfort."

Dorothea again. Hilda clasps Marianne's hand possessively. "Well, you're always cute, y'know. Come on, let's go to the tea shop!"

Spring is here, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The first time Hilda ever met Marianne was in their first year of high school. Although they had known each other for so long, they hadn't been close-- they had few shared classes, and the other girl shied away when Hilda tried to approach.

But one time, Marianne was standing under a tree, talking to a bird on one of the branches. A single cherry blossom had fallen onto her hair. The bird chirped, and Marianne had noticed Hilda was watching, and Hilda asked what kind of bird she was talking to. Instead of saying it was a bluebird or something, Marianne said its name was Blue. And ever since then--

Hilda hadn't known if they were friends, really, since Marianne kept to herself so much. She had confirmed just the other day to Dorothea that they 'were' friends; better late than never. And when she tried to make them into something more, Marianne hadn't seemed to have known.

"This brings back memories," Marianne says, quietly.

"It does, right?" Hilda says. "I can't believe how long it's been."

She doesn't mean to be cruel, but she can't help how bitterly the words leave her mouth. Marianne hadn't explained why she hadn't told Hilda her new phone number, she had just apologized.

And the apology was nice, but it didn't explain why.

Marianne stops underneath one of the cherry blossom trees, staring at her feet. "It has been a while."

If she hadn't been in that particular coffee shop on that particular day, would she have never seen Marianne again?

The air between them feels thick. Then Marianne continues walking, and Hilda notices that she hasn't let go of her hand. "The cherry blossoms always made me think of you."

"Because they're pink?" she laughs.

"They're a symbol of new beginning. It doesn't feel like spring until I see them." Marianne smiles. "I always thought of meeting you underneath one."

Year by year, Marianne still thought about her each spring. And Hilda thought of her too, when she would hear the birds sing, when the church bells would chime, when opening her wallet and seeing her face.

The bubble tea shop is tucked away at the edge of the park under the shade of a massive oak tree. Marianne insists on having their drinks at a picnic table outside-- she orders a cookie, too, mostly tossing crumbs to the pigeons.

Hilda uses the natural light to take a killer photo of her strawberry bubble tea for Instagram. Marianne winds up in the background of the photo. She hovers her finger over the delete button, sure that Marianne would want her to, but she's practically glowing in the photo.

Instead, she spins around and holds up a peace sign for a selfie. "Marianne, say cheese!"

The old Marianne would have hid her face. Marianne just gives a little awkward wave.

"I'll need a new picture for my wallet if you don't like the old one," Hilda teases.

"I'm still surprised you held onto that."

"Well, I got the wallet back in high school," Hilda says, "and I…"

Had a crush on you. "Thought we were BFFS, y'know? I would've given you my picture too."

Marianne goes quiet. A squirrel has walked up and stopped near her foot. When Marianne offers a little piece of cookie, the squirrel takes it from her hand and starts nibbling on it.

"You were off to college," Marianne says, quietly. "Bigger and better things."

"That doesn't mean I was going to forget about you. Or any of my friends from Garreg Mach Academy."

Marianne pauses. "A few months after our high school graduation, I looked you up on Instagram."

"You did?"

"You looked so happy in your photos. I remember one of them. You were at a party, and there was a girl who was under your arm… she had purple hair, I think."

Oh, she must mean Shez. They dated for about a week. She thought it would help her get over her hopeless crush, but it didn't.

"I was so jealous. But it made sense. You were with a pretty girl at college and I was a loser who didn't know what she wanted to do. For a while, I didn't… feel like I had a future at all."

Emotions crash into each other-- anger, then remorse, then the desire to comfort her. "Marianne… I know you were struggling, but…"

"Please, Hilda, let me finish."

She does. Marianne takes a breath. "I locked a lot of others out. That's why I wound up changing my number. When things got better… I felt like it had been too long."

By that point, her short fling with Shez was long since over and Hilda was probably wondering what had happened to one of her favorite friends from high school. She had tried to look her up, but she never had a social media presence.

"I know you would have wanted to help," Marianne says, "But I was still jealous and I couldn't ruin your new happy college life. And then… time just slipped away. I just thought you wouldn't want to hear from a sad girl you pitied in high school again."

"Um, you know now that's total bull, right? Of course I wanted to hear from you. I really did care about you-- I still do! It wasn't just pity!"

"I suppose I saw it that way. You even got me roses on Valentine's Day when nobody else did."

Hilda hadn't ever thought the display made her feel patronized. "I wanted you to be happy."

"It was nice, but… I only got you that stupid alien card. I was so embarrassed."

"If it means anything, I loved that alien card." She grins. "I am 'out of this world'."

To her relief, Marianne giggles. "Thank you, Hilda."

She could leave it there. But she finds herself opening her mouth to speak again. "I won't lie, Marianne, it did hurt. All this time, I missed you a lot. And I've never been, like, a perfect person. Hell, I only dated that girl you talked about because she bought me drinks all the time."

"Hilda, you're--"

"If you won't let me interrupt to build you up, at least don't do the same."

Marianne stares down at her tea.

If they're clearing the air, she knows she should admit that she had a crush on her, too. She didn't just date Shez because of the aforementioned drink-buying. But, she just got Marianne back in her life-- she doesn't want to scare her off too quickly. This can't be another 'red roses on Valentine's day' incident.

Besides, Marianne has Dorothea now.

"You remember Holst," she says. Marianne nods. "Always coddling me and treating me like I couldn't do anything. It's always either been that, or people act like I'm so amazing that I shouldn't lift a finger. And it's not like I haven't made use of it-- it was nice to get people to do stuff for me."

Marianne is silent. Hilda continues: "But then when we were on that assignment together, you didn't treat me like that. I actually wound up working because you were stuck. And I thought you saw me more for how I am."

"Hilda, I'm so sorry. If you want me to go, I can--"

"I want you to stay!" Hilda says, reaching across the table and grasping her hands. "I am really glad you're here. But I'm not perfect. You've got to know that."

"I know you're not. To be honest, you could be pretty full of yourself," Marianne says, a slight smile on her face. "And, um, lazy."

"Me?" Hilda puts a hand to her chest in mock-offense, as if she hadn't just admitted that, herself. "Guess I can't deny that."

"It was both because I just hated myself so much, and… liked you so much." Marianne looks away. "I know that still meant that I left you in the end, anyway. I'm sorry."

"I'm glad you're here now." Hilda reaches across the table and clasps Marianne's hand.

"... Maybe things won't be like how they were," Marianne says, squeezing HIlda's hand. "But I'd be happy to make something new together with you."

"Something new… yeah." Hilda smiles, despite herself. "I think we could do that."

Hilda checks her phone again. Claude usually runs late, but rarely is he this late.

She looks up when Marianne approaches the table. "Sorry I'm late again," she says, pulling up a chair. "The bus was late… again."

"I thought Dorothea was driving you?"

"She's sick." Marianne flips open a menu. "I offered to stay and take care of her, but she wouldn't hear it."

A waitress comes to pour water for Marianne. The other table settings sit there, forlorn. Just then, Hilda's phone buzzes.

Claude: hey im not gonna make it tonite

Hilda: are you serious??

Claude: my bad lol

Claude: have fun with marianne ;)

Just as Hilda's about to flip out on him, Marianne looks up from her phone as well. "Ingrid said she got called into work," she says. "It looks like it's just going to be us."

"Oh, Mari, I'm sorry. I know you were looking forward to getting to hang out with our friends. If you want, we can reschedule--"

"I'd feel bad," Marianne admits. "You already got the reservation here and got all dressed up. You look very nice, by the way."

Hilda does look very nice, thank you-- she's wearing her nicest cocktail dress and stiletto heels. Marianne is wearing a white dress with long and sheer sleeves, as well as what Hilda thinks is a little makeup.

"Okay," Hilda says, knowing full well how dangerous it is to have dinner alone with the girl she has a crush on. "It'll just be for us two. Too bad for them, missing out! This place has the best drinks."

As if on cue, the waitress comes back for their drink orders. Hilda decides on a fruit juice cocktail, while Marianne orders a pink zinfandel.

"I can't usually drink too much because of the medicine, but tonight's special," Marianne says.

Hilda blinks. Is there an anniversary or special occasion she missed? Is it special because of her? Maybe it's just because they're at a fancy restaurant. She forces herself not to overthink it, just smiling. "Hell yeah. Tonight's just for us, Mari!"

"Just like old times."

Just like old times, she wants nothing more than to lean across the table and kiss her right now.

The waitress is back after a moment with a glass of wine for Marianne and a cocktail for Hilda. It comes with a little maraschino cherry and a straw with a heart shape in it-- now that's her aesthetic. She goes in for another Instagram picture.

"You take such cute pictures," Marianne says.

"Oh, sorry. I can put my phone away--"

"No, no! I mean it." Marianne smiles. "You have a great social media presence, you have an Etsy shop for your crafts, you work full-time… you do so much."

She's a social media whore with a failing side hustle and a full-time grind. "Aww, you're sweet."

"And that's the tone that means you're being mean to yourself in your head, isn't it?"

Hilda blinks. "Mari?"

"I could tell before, but… I was too shy to ever say anything, and I knew how hypocritical it would be. But I don't like seeing you treat yourself like that." She has a little pout on, even.

Wow, okay. Even after years, Marianne can still read her like a book. "I'm just not all that you think I am."

"I know you're not perfect. We discussed that. But also…" Marianne says. "I think you're more than you think you are."

She stirs her drink with her straw, unsure of how to answer.

"We don't have to discuss this more right now," Marianne says. "But I hope you'll take the compliment."

"You're so kind, Marianne." Even to someone like me, she thinks. "Thank you. Really. I'll… think about what you said."

That earns her a smile. "Thank you, Hilda."

She takes a sip of her drink. It tastes like spiked juice with a ton of added sugar-- just how she likes it.

"That looks just like the punch that Claude spiked at prom," Marianne says.

"Oh my gosh, you're right!" Hilda bursts into a fit of giggling. She and Marianne had gone together… as friends (plenty of guys had asked Hilda out, but she hadn't been in the mood to entertain them). "Ms. Eisner had a nose like a freaking bloodhound for booze, though. She caught on right away."

"I think I saw her drink some after she confiscated it."

"Hah! That sounds like her." Hilda takes another sip. "It's pretty good, though. Want to try?"

"Just a sip."

She passes the drink across the table. Marianne puts her lips to the curly pink straw, and then Hilda realizes what she's done.

It's ridiculous, really. She's a grown adult who has dated and had sex before, but she's blushing like a schoolgirl over an indirect kiss. Marianne just has that effect on her.

"Wow, that's sweet," Marianne says. "Just like you."

"Wowww," Hilda says, giggling. "When did you get so smooth?"

"I may have picked up a thing or two during our time apart."

Hilda feels a pang of guilt when she takes her drink back. "Dorothea seems like she's taught you about more than just fashion," she says, not able to meet Marianne's eyes. "How long have you two been together? You make a cute couple."

No response. Then, Marianne bursts into a fit of giggling.

"Dorothea and I aren't dating," Marianne says. "We're friends and roommates, but that's it."

It feels like Hilda is left in a lurch. "Um, what? Really? Just kidding, haha. You just seemed so…"

She doesn't know how to finish the sentence. Marianne rarely interrupts, but she offers: "Close?"

Hilda tucks a stray hair behind her ear. "Yeah."

"We met after high school. It's a bit of a long story, but… Dorothea helped me in my transition. Having someone to talk to who understands really helps." She stirs her drink with a small smile. "Actually, she's also a vocal coach. I've been able to join my church's choir again with her help."

And Hilda feels like an awful friend again, because she still wishes it was her instead-- she'll never know what it's really like to be trans, though, and that's fine. At the same time, she feels like an awful friend because of the rush of relief knowing that Marianne is single.

"That's super cool." She means it, though. "I'm so happy for you, Mari. Maybe I could hear you sing sometime?"

"Are you asking me to serenade you?"

"Only if you wanted to." Hilda can feel her cheeks burning. "You sure know how to make a girl feel special, Mari."

"I'm glad I can make you feel like that." Marianne giggles. "Gosh, if my high school self could see me now..."

The idea of a younger Marianne being completely flustered is really cute. She never could've guessed that Marianne would have her blushing like this. "Y'know, if you aren't careful, you might make me think that crush wasn't just back in high school."

"Would that bother you?"

Hilda's eyes widen. "Not at all, but... wait, are you saying you like me?"

"I do want to start something new with you." Marianne smiles sheepishly. "Maybe you don't want to jump into anything serious now, after all those years apart... but when I saw you again, and we started spending time together again, it just brought back all these feelings."

"I feel the same way." Hilda feels warmth spreading through her chest. "I mean, you were always adorable, but I couldn't believe how much of a beautiful and amazing woman you'd become. I feel like now you're out of my league."

"I think we're both in the same league."

"You know what? You're right." Hilda reaches across the table to clasp Marianne's hand. "Because gosh, Marianne, you really look amazing tonight."

"Dorothea helped braid my hair. I really was surprised when she came down with a cold, because earlier she seemed fine--"

Marianne seems to realize something. She scoffs. "I'm going to have a word with her and Ingrid later."

The waitress returns to take their food orders and can only give them a perplexed look as they both burst out laughing.

Hilda: im going to kill u

Claude: :)

Claude: sooooo?

Hilda: yes we're going on another date next week

Hilda: but im STILL killing you

Claude: yeah yeah

Claude: kill me after you tell me about how it went

Claude: who confessed first? i've got 10 bucks on marianne

Hilda: YOU WERE BETTING?????????????

The stars are shining without a cloud in the sky. Hilda turns off the car's engine and just stares out the window for a moment. Light pollution means she rarely gets to appreciate them much, but everything feels so much brighter with Marianne around.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Hilda gazes over at Marianne. "Totally."

Marianne giggles and playfully shoves her. "That's so cheesy!"

"And you love it."

"You're right, I do."

Hilda opens the door and walks around to open Marianne's. She always thought it was silly when someone else did it for her, but making Marianne feel all ladylike is awakening something in her. Taking her hand, she walks her up to the door.

"Well, tonight didn't go how I thought it would," Hilda admits. "But I'm really glad it didn't. This has been really special."

"I think so, too," Marianne beams. "Let's do this again sometime."

"And maybe actually introduce our friends, though I think they were all in on this."

"I wouldn't put it past them." Marianne giggles.

They stand in front of the door. Distantly, crickets are chirping. The light bulb on the front porch casts a faint glow over them both. Marianne looks into her eyes, then her eyes dart to her lips, then back to her eyes.

Hilda gathers her courage. "Could I kiss you goodnight?"

"Please do."

Hilda leans in; Marianne meets her halfway. It's a little clumsy at first, their kiss off-center-- and Marianne smiles, and Hilda lets out a giggle, and it feels perfect.

Hilda slips her arms around Marianne's back and kisses her again, just a gentle meeting of their lips. As much as she wants to deepen the kiss and really show Marianne how much she missed her, she wants to take things slow and really court her. Marianne deserves it.

When they pull back, Marianne's lips are stained with Hilda's lipstick. She plants another kiss on her cheek for good measure.

"Sleep well, Mari," Hilda says. "I'll text you tomorrow, okay?"

"I'll be looking forward to it."

This time, when Hilda turns to walk off, there's not a doubt in her mind that she'll be seeing Marianne again soon.