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Gabby was skipping along the sidewalk, a maelstrom of thoughts clouding her mind as she tried to come up with the perfect way to spend the afternoon with her girlfriend. Today was Saturday and Ellie was off. She’d waited the entire week to be able to spend some quality time with her and it finally arrived at long last.
“So Gabs, got any idea on how we can spend our afternoon?” Ellie asked, her hands stuffed into her pockets as she shuddered from the gentle breeze.
Gabby stopped in her tracks, her scarf wavering in the air. “There’s so much I wanna do! But, I’m not sure we'll be able to fit it all in one day.”
“That’s fine by me, as long as we’re both happy that’s what matters.”
“Exactly, and since it's your day off, how about you suggest the first activity we should do?”
“How about we go to the coffee shop downtown? It’s a bit cold out here and I’m not in the mood to turn into an icecube any time soon.”
“Then it’s a deal!” Gabby grabbed Ellie's hand and dashed down the sidewalk.
-
The line was short, a few people blocked their path as the duo stood in line. Ellie crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently against the floor as Gabby had her eyes fixated on her scarf, fiddling with it and smiling at the soft texture.
“Long lines are the worst, I’m getting reminded of how awful traffic is when heading to work.”
Gabby re-tightened her scarf and hooked an arm around Ellie’s, leaning against it. “Well, if it makes you feel any better you’re with me now, so hopefully the wait isn’t as bad.”
Ellie wrapped an arm around Gabby’s waist. “True, with you around it makes it more bearable, but it still sucks.”
“Stop being a grumpy cat silly, at most it’s going to be a couple of minutes of waiting and then boom! We’ll be snuggled up together drinking some delicious coffee!” Gabby nuzzled against Ellie and rubbed her head against her neck affectionately.
Ellie blushed and gulped, looking around. “G-Gabs, what if people start staring at us?”
“Come on Ellie, we’re in a public space, plenty of couples aren’t afraid of getting all cuddly with each other.” Gabby pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Unless it makes you uncomfortable?"
“N-No! It’s just that…” Ellie fidgeted with her hands, biting her lip. “I’m not entirely confident with getting all mushy in public spaces, that’s all, It makes me a little embarrassed.”
Gabby grabbed onto Ellie’s hand, a smile on her face and her face a little red. “There’s no need to get embarrassed over it Ellle, It’s normal for couples to do this and how could I resist getting all cuddly in public when I’m with the best girlfriend in the world?”
Ellie smirked and let out a content sigh. “When you put it in that way, it's hard not to get all mushy when I’m with you two,” she squeezed and cupped Gabby’s hands, staring into her eyes as a cocktail of emotions swirled in her chest.
“Next!” A loud voice interrupted their moment.
The duo both flinched and their heart skipped a beat, both turning around and spotting the queue was now empty.
A sheepish smile crossed both of their faces, both of them giggling at one another then dashed to the empty space. The duo scanned the building and their hearts jumped when they noticed everyone in the building staring at them, luckily for them everyone was either smirking or chuckling at them, even a few of elderly people mentioned how adorable young love was.
Ellie internally screamed at herself.
She was beyond embarrassed.
-
Ellie scooted herself onto her seat, burying her face into her palms as she replayed the events that had transpired. Why was she being so awkward, afraid and to top it all off, a total goof when showing affection in public with her own girlfriend? Sure, she wasn’t exactly the Mrs. Extrovert hosting parties and getting drunk with her buddies, but she wasn’t Mrs.introvert either.
Throughout their relationship she was the quieter and less spoken person out of the duo, she’d rather spend her off days reading books and spending time with Gabby’s, preferably indoors. That was the perfect, simple life for her. But in any committed relationship sacrifices had to be made, Gabby was the outdoors, happy go lucky type she loved spreading joy and talking to random strangers on the streets. Did their personalities and wants clashed at times? Sure, but in Ellie's heart that’s what was so beautiful about their relationship.
That even through their own personal differences that could make it work.
It’s a shame that my grumpy ass can’t figure out why I’m so nervous when getting all affectionate with Gabby in public.
She rested her hand against her face and stared out the glass paned windows, the orange and purple hues on the sunset casting their gentle glow on her face. Maybe it was the silent fear of looking weak? Or vulnerable? She stricted herself on being a strong woman, her time on Disvneture Camp proved that alone, she’d survived that shit show and learned first hand how the entertainment industry could raise people to fame only to spit them out of their mouth and leave them on the sidewalk.
Maybe I am insecure?
The sound of footsteps snapped her out of her trance.
“Ellie! Guess who's got some coffee!?” Ellie turned around and spotted Gabby skipping over with two cups in her hand, smiling without a care in the world.
Gabby stopped in her tracks and handed her a cup, a faint steam rising from the cup as the sweet and bitter taste of coffee engulfed her nostrils.
Ellie scooped up her cup and placed it on the table. “Thanks Gabs you’re the best.”
“No worries, anything for you Ellie!” Gabby beamed and planted next to her. “So, how are you feeling? You’re still not embarrassed about what happened earlier, right? With everyone watching us and all.”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it,” Ellie grumbled and sipped on her coffee, staring at the table with a troubled expression. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me lately, I’m struggling to understand why this is the case.”
Gabby squeezed Ellie’s hand and gave her a reassuring look. “Do you have any ideas? It’s not because you’re losing feelings for me right?”
Ellie’s lips parted. “W-What, no, I’ll never lose feeling for you Gabs! I love you way too much for that to happen.”
Gabby blushed and placed a hand on her cheek, smiling. “Awe, that’s so sweet !You're so precious and kind, I’ll promise to never lose feeling for you too,” She giggled and hooked an arm around hers. “But, If that’s not the case, then, why do you feel embarrassed about getting all cuddly in public?”
Ellie lowered her head and frowned. “I think It’s a multitude of things, like, since we’re not around each other that much because of my miserable worklife, we barely if ever get time to spend time with each other in public anymore.” She rubbed the back of her head and clucked her tongue. “Most of the time when I’m out of the house it's because of work, so when we finally do get to spend time together, kissing and getting all close around people in public feels like foreign concept.”
Gabby hummed and danced her fingers across Ellie’s thigh. “That makes sense, we usually spend time at home snuggling and talking about whatever, so when you’re outside, showing me off, it’s kind of unnatural for you?”
“First off, please don’t word it like that?”
“Word it like what?”
“Showing you off, It sounds like I’m one of those lame celebrities who show all the hottest women they can get with.”
“Well, you kinda are a celebrity around New York, aren’t you?”
Ellie blinked. “T-That’s kinda true to be honest.”
Gabby licked her lips “And you’re surely one hot celebrity too.” She placed her hands on Ellie’s face and looked at her with a smug grin. “I’m glad to be shown off by someone as pretty as you.”
Ellie lips quivered until it broke out into a smirk, she playfully swatted Gabby’s hands. “Alright Gabs, calm down before we break into a hot makeout session and get kicked out of here.”
Gabby pouted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Fine.”
“But getting on topic, I think there’s another reason why I’m so awkward when it comes to affection in public?”
“Oh, please tell.”
“I think it's because it makes me feel vulnerable.” Ellie said, placing her cup on the table. “Look, I know it sounds stupid, but I take pride in looking like a total buffoon in public, when we get all flirty and touchy it makes me feel so… human? It makes me feel so girly and immature like I’ve suddenly been zapped into being some stupid teenager who can’t keep his hormones in check.”
“I’m flattered to know I have that effect on you.” Gabby winked.
“S-Shut it!” Ellie's face reddened, her cheeks burning as she crossed her arms and pouted. “I-It’s not my fault you’re so perfect, being around is like being under a spell, how I act around you is a complete one-eighty to how I act in my workplace and with anyone else in general.”
“You know Ellie, There’s nothing wrong with acting differently with the person you love” Gabby reassured in a soft, gentle tone. “What happened to Ellie who didn’t care about how others viewed her?”
“That Ellie isn’t as strong and perfect as she makes herself out to be, she has insecurities and fears too.”
“She sounds like someone who needs cheering up, don’t you agree?” Gabby tilted her head and flashed a sincere smile.
Ellie narrowed her eyes and smirked, she had a feeling where this was going. “She does and she so happens to have a girlfriend who’s always by her side and ready to give her the advice she needs to hear.”
Gabby giggled. “Really? Very well then, her advice is to embrace her fears and come out of her shell.”
“Embrace them, come out of her shell?”
Gabby nodded and cupped her girlfriend's hands. “Yeah! Who cares if people judge you for acting a little silly with the one you love? If they happen to do so then they’re just a bunch of meanies. Who matters more to you Ellie? me or the thoughts from some random buffoons?"
“You, it will always be you.”
“Then how about we drop all of this image stuff and treat me how you really wanna treat me?” Gabby winked and pressed a hand on her thigh, half lidded eyes as she stroked it with a feather-like touch.
Ellie’s leg twitched from the gentle touch, her heart rate skyrocketing, it was like her body had been taken over by an uncontrollable drug, she felt like she was intoxicated and her mind was turned into mush, her train of thought completely destroyed as Gabby flashed a teasing smirk. It was like she was goading her, like she knew what kind of effect she had on her.
Her body shook and she wanted to pounce on Gabby and enter the most passionate session ever, it was tempting, like really tempting, but she closed her eyes and exhaled a deep breath, all the fog that clogged her mind was cleared.
Ellie placed a hand on her hip and shook her head, snickering. “You’re such a fucking tease, you know that?”
Gabby clutched her firsts and sighed. “I was so close to making you break, like, so close!”
Ellie smiled triumphantly and ruffled Gabby’s head. “Then keep dreaming Gabs because I’m a tough egg to crack.”
Gabby pouted and pressed her head against the cushions, though, a smile broke through. “At least you’re feeling better. It's nice seeing you like this after what happened early, sorry for being such a dummy and making you feel uncomfortable.”
“There’s no need to apologize, I’m the one who’s being overdramatic and making a big deal out of nothing."
“When it comes to you there’s no such thing as making a big deal out of nothing, whatever makes you feel upset deserves one hundred percent of my attention so we could turn that frown upside down!” Gabby planted her fingers on Ellie’s lips and pressed them against it. Her mouth twitched upwards from Gabby’s touch as she smeared her fingers around her lips like a child that discovered finger painting for the first until, after some trial and error a perfect picture was created.
A warm smile was painted on Ellie’s face.
“See, you look ten times better!”
“Shucks, you’re way to kind Gabby.”
“Yippie!” Gabby beamed and clapped her hands together, her feet kicking against the table. Her coffee bounced upwards a tiny bit before landing back on the table unscathed. “I’m glad you liked my makeover! You somehow even look more beautiful with that massive smile of yours, but, to be fair, everyone looks better when they’re smiling.”
“Can’t fault you on that logic.” Ellie grabbed a hold onto the cup and took a drink out of it, "By the way Gabs, not trying to be a buzzkill here, but watch your feet are going? If you end up knocking over our cups then we might end up getting into trouble.”
Gabby leaned forward and looked around, placing a hand on the corner of her mouth to drown out her voice. “Pfft, like they would Ellie, you know those workers don’t care that much about what goes on in here right?” She whispered. “As long as we clean up then we’re golden.”
“It’s better if we avoid making a mess in the first place.” Ellie murmured, narrowing her eyes and looking at other people sitting at the tables. “You can never tell with people in this place, nine times out of ten they’re bottling up something and they lose their shit when the slightest thing goes wrong.”
“E-Ellie, language!”
“What It’s the truth?”
“I know, but you could have said it in a less harsh way?”
Ellie shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
Gabby nodded. “Unfroutnaly you’re right, people around here can be total losers at times.”
“Tell me about it? Say, aren't you gonna take a swig out of your drink?” Ellie pointed at the cup laying on the table. “You haven’t touched it.”
Gabby’s eyes widened. “Oh right, I got so carried away I forgot I even bought my own drink, ahah.”
“What did you get?”
“Hot chocolate!” Gabby licked her lips and downed the whole cup in one big gulp, her mouth was completely covered in chocolate. “T-That was delicious!” She burped, her eyes widening as her face turned into a deep shade of crimson. “O-Oops, pardon me!”
Ellie snorted and reached into her bag, pulling out a wipe. “Here, take this and clean yourself, you big dummy.”
Gabby snatched the wipe and slowly wiped her face. Ellie's face stretched into a massive smile, her girlfriend looked too cute for her own good.
Ellie sighed and checked her watch, it read 7:00pm. She knew it wasn’t going to stay bright forever and she had a limited amount of time before they’d have to call it quits.
“So, Gabs, since this is our day out, how about you choose our next activity?”
“I know! How about we go to the park?”
Ellie raised a brow. “The park?”
Gabby nodded. “Yep! I know it's nothing exciting and it's pretty cold outside, but we've finished our drinks and there’s nothing else to do here, why not make the most of our time together and have some fun?”
“Sure, let’s go to the park.” Ellie interlocked her hand around Gabby’s.
“Yippe!
Gabby rose up and the duo walked out the coffee shop.
-
“Ellie! Watch this!” Gabby stretched her muscles
“What are you planning on doing?”
“I’m gonna do a cartwheel!”
Ellie leaned against the swingset. “Gabs, are you sure doing a cartwheel is a good idea after downing a whole cup of hot chocolate?”
Gabby shrugged and continued stretching. “That’s not going to stop me from having fun, I’m going to perform this cartwheel!”
Ellie smiled and crossed her arms. “You do you Gabs.”
“Alright then, watch this!” Gabby closed her eyes and took a deep breath before rolling forward and performing a perfect cartwheel. “Wasn’t that amazing or what?”
“That was beautiful,” Ellie clapped her hands together. “I’m surprised you managed to pull that off after downing a full cup of hot chocolate.”
“What do you mean?”
"Doesn't your stomach feel a bit bloated?”
“A little bit, my stomach felt a little queasy when I was upside down.”
“Makes sense, you did down that hot chocolate, I’m surprised you didn’t end up throwing up everywhere.”
Gabby grimaced and clutched her stomach. “Eww! Ellie, That’s gross! My stomach feels really weird now because you mentioned that.”
Ellie snorted and walked towards Gabby. “I’m kidding, but, to be honest, that was one nice cartwheel you performed, congrats on that.”
“Thanks, you know, It’s not as easy as it looks.”
“It looks difficult to perform.”
“Do you want me to show you how to perform a cartwheel?"
“Nah, I’m good.”
A sudden draft of wind blared past them, the sound of trees howling and leaves frolicking into the air caught their attention. Ellie stuffed her hands into her pockets and shuddered, a burning sensation surging through her hands.
Only If I’d brought my gloves with me…
Gabby hugged herself tight. “B-Brrh, talk about getting cold all of a sudden. If you’d tried to do a cartwheel right now you’d land on your butt.”
“Damn right, my ass would be toast.” Ellie said. “You know, since it's freezing out here, how about we call it quits and head back home?”
“Right now? Ellie, we’ve only been at the park for five minutes?”
“I know, but there's not that much to do is there?”
“There’s plenty of stuff to do!”
“Like what? Watching you do cartwheels?”
“No silly, there’s plenty of stuff we can do together.”
“Like what?”
Gabby fidgeted with her hands, scanning her surroundings. Her eyes lit up when she spotted a swingset in the corner off the park surrounded by a metal fence.
She pointed at it. “How about we go on the swings for a little bit? Think about all the fun we can have together?”
“I’m not sure if this is a good idea Gabs?” Ellie asked with a worried look, watching the swings swaying back and forth in the air. It was like a cage beast trying and fighting to break free from its chains. “It looks unsafe with how windy everything is.”
Gabby reached into Ellie’s pocket, retrieving her hand before she began guiding her to the swingset. “Nonsense! We’re adults Ellie. I’m sure we are heavy enough to keep the swings at bay?”
Ellie pursed her lips. “That’s another problem too, we might be too heavy and the chains might snap off and you might tumble through the air and land on your ass.”
Gabby covered her mouth, suppressing a chuckle. “You have such a way with words Ellie. The worst that could happen is that it snaps off and I end up flying in the air, no biggie.”
“Then you end up breaking your ass?”
“Like that would happen.”
“It’s a possibility.”
“It also could be a possibility that you’re overthinking?”
Ellie frowned. “I’m just looking out for you, the last thing I want to happen is you ending up getting hurt.”
Gabby sighed. “I know Ellie, but I'm a big girl who can make her own choices and I’m choosing to go on the swings.” She hopped onto the swings and wrapped her hands around the handle bars. “So, do you wanna join me?”
“I’m gonna sit on the bench for the time being and wait until the wind calms down, If that’s fine with you?”
“That’s fine by me.” Gabby lifted her feet into the air, the wind picking up the momentum as she rocked and back forth.
Ellie turned her attention to the bench near the swings and plopped herself onto it, crossing her arms and leaning back on the bench. An uncomfortable feeling rose in her stomach as she closed her eyes. Chilling inside of the park was an interesting way to end their day-out.
More like a hangout? It’s not like we really went anywhere besides going to a coffee shop and chilling at a park? But It’s not like it matters in the grand scheme of things, Gabby’s having the time of her life swinging around which makes this whole time worth it.
The echoes of her girlfriend's laughter filled the park, her laughter was like muscle to her ears. She really is having fun, swinging around, not caring about how windy it is, or how the hooks could come off at any moment… stop if Ellie you’re overthinking things, this is why Gabby is enjoying this because she’s not worrying about something so arbitrary and unlikely to happen…
Gabby was rocking back and forth on the swingset, giggling to herself as the afternoon breeze brushed against her face with each successful swing.
“Wa-hoo! Yeah, Ellie, look at how high I’m getting!” Gabby cheered and pushed her feet against the ground, picking up momentum.
Ellie waved at her and smiled. “That’s wonderful Gabs, keep up the work.”
“This is so exhilarating! It’s like I’m getting closer and closer to the sky with each swing!”
“Careful Gabs, if you put too much force with your swings the hook might snap off.”
“Nonsese! Like that would happen!" Gabby dangled her feet in the air, humming to herself. “You should join me Ellie!”
Ellie's eyes locked onto the swingset itself, even with the wind blaring it wasn’t budging at all.
Fuck it, It’s time to stop being grumpy and have some fun.
“Fine, I’ll join you,” She cracked a smile and eased onto the swings. “Though, If anything terrible happens don’t say I warned you.” She teased and pushed her feet against the ground, with each swing she rose higher and higher into the air, her heart was racing and the view of the sunset from the angle was beautiful.
Orange and pink hues clouded the sky and all of her worries disappeared into the backfront.
It was a beautiful sight.
“So, are you having any fun?”
“Of course Gabs, I’m with you afterall.”
Gabby scraped her foot against the ground, coming to a stop “No, I mean, are you having fun in general?”
Ellie's eyes furrowed. “Yeah, being around you and taking a go on the swings is pretty nice.” She said, stopping in her tracks. “Are you having fun?”
Gabby rubbed arm, biting her lip. “Yeah, it's just that, don’t you think what I’m doing is a little childish? Swinging around and screaming at the top of my lungs.”
Ellie shrugged. “Everyone deserves happiness, and if that’s what makes you happy then it’s fine by me,” Ellie cupped Gabby’s chin, placing a gentle finger on her lips. “Seeing you happy makes my day, and so what if it’s a little bit childish? As long as you’re having fun that’s what matters, as you’re not harming anyone then it's all good.”
Gabby blushed, her lips curving into a smile. “Oh, thanks Ellie, It’s just that, you know, sometimes my mind keeps telling me stuff like how with how ditzy and loud I am it might make you feel embarrassed to be around me.”
“Embarssed to be around you?” Ellie chuckled and interlocked her hand with Gabby’s. “That’s crazy talk. How could I ever be embarrassed to be around you? If anything, I'm the embarrassing one”
“What makes you say that?”
“Oh, well…” Ellie’s face turned a shade of red. “N-Never mind, forget I said anything.”
“E-Ellie…” Gabby’s face softened as she squeezed Ellie’s hand. “There’s no reason to hide how you feel, I’m all ears.”
Ellie sighed. “Fine, it’s just that when comparing myself to you, you’re just so perfect, you’re always happy, smiling and having a great time, you’re everything everyone would want in a person, while I’m the awkward miserable tag along who rubs people the wrong way…”
Gabby hopped off the swingset and placed a hand on Ellie’s face. “Ellie, you’re none of those things, people like you for who you are and you’re not embarrassing to be around, are you a little grumpy cat at times? Sure, but everyone has days where they feel down in the dumps.”
“You really mean that?”
“Of course! If anything you’re the perfect person for me, we complement each other so well! You might be a bit quiet and serious but that’s a perfect match to me being… well me!” She giggled and rubbed the back of her head, blushing. “I’m a little loud and energetic for my own good, but you’re the perfect person who balances that out.”
“So you’re saying we’re like Yin and Yang?” Ellie raised an amused brow.
Gabby clasped her hands together. “Yeah! Like Yin and Yang!” She exclaimed, though, her excitement died down as she tilted her head, confused. “W-What does Yin and Yang mean Ellie?”
Ellie chuckled and got up from her seat. “It means total opposites that complete each other perfectly, the good and the bad that matched together to create something beautiful.”
Gabby’s lips parted, her eyes widening. “That… sure does sound beautiful…”
“It sure is,” Ellie rubbed her thumb against Gabby’s hand.
A comfortable silence rained in the air joined with the gushes of the wind, it seemed like time had stopped and they were the only people in the universe. Moments like these for Ellie were few and far between, where all of her personal issues ceased to exist replaced with an unmistakable joy like no other, how did she end up so lucky to find someone as perfect as Gabby? Someone so kind and considerate who’d always brightened her day without even trying?
The feeling of warmth bubbled in heart when something soft, gentle and tender crashed into her lips, for a moment her body shut off like an important wire was unplugged in her brain, but eventually everything came on and when she reopened her eyes, the love of her life's lips were pressed against hers.
Ellie closed her eyes, savoring the moment as she hooked her hands around Gabby’s neck, bringing her into a stronger embrace.
Eventually their lips departed and Gabby blushed heavily, her face a deep shade of crimson.
“I-I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me!” Gabby buried her face into her hands.
Ellie laughed a little, her heart racing as she gently pulled Gabby’s hands down. “Slow down Gabs, there’s no need to apologize, in fact, I liked that a lot.”
A sheepish smile crossed Gabby’s face, interlocking her hands behind her back and brushing her foot against the ground. “Oh, silly me, for some reason I thought you’d get weirded out with me throwing myself against you.”
“It did catch me by surprise, but it was a good kind of surprise.”
“Like what?”
“Like going to the pet shop and getting swarmed by a bunch of dogs, kind of surprising.”
“Awe, that’s so sweet!” Gabby giggled, bringing Ellie into a hug.
Ellie smiled and stroked Gabby’s hair, threading a finger through it. “Say Gabs, do you wanna hop on the swing set for a bit while I push you?”
Her question was answered for her when Gabby sprinted to the swingset and jumped onto it, gripping her hands tightly around the old run down hooks.
“Does that answer your question?”
“It sure does,” Ellie walked over and positioned herself behind Gabby. “Are you ready?”
“Yep! Ready when you are!”
Ellie took a deep breath and looked up at the sky, the orange and purple hues of earlier were slowly fading beneath the horizon and soon to be replaced with the moon.
It was only a matter of time before the town would be entranced in darkness and stars would fill the night sky and she knew they’d be heading home soon.
Might as well make the most of the time we have left?
Ellie pushed her forward with all of her might, she backed up, watching as her girlfriend rocked back and forth having the time of her life.
A single tear trickled down her face from the sight.
She wouldn't trade her girlfriend's happiness for the world.