Work Text:
As the freezing December air nipped at Lilly’s face, she let out an exhale.
It was just her and Ronnie at the standpipe, relaxing. Lilly couldn’t stop thinking about Ronnie all day, and now she was with her. Lilly adjusted her scarf a bit, fidgeting with it too. Ronnie spoke:
“Cold, Bainbridge?”
Lilly nodded. Ronnie beckoned Lilly over to the hammock, together they sat, cuddling. Lilly’s cheeks and ears were red but she blamed it on the cold, even though she knew it wasn’t fully true.
Ronnie tried not to sneak too many glances at Lilly, but it was hard. She felt drawn to her, like moths to lights; Ronnie was the moth and Lilly was this light that randomly entered her life. Ronnie noticed Lilly’s far-away look, her brows furrowed with concern.
“You okay?” Ronnie spoke softly.
“Yeah… Yeah, I.. I’m just…” Lilly couldn’t form a sentence.
Ronnie giggled at that, looking at Lilly with sparkling eyes. Lilly almost choked and looked away immediately.
“What’s wrong, Bainbridge?” Ronnie teased. “We’ve been together for a month and you still can’t not be a blushing mess around me?”
Lilly let out a laugh.
“Can you blame me? I don’t exactly have a good reputation and… It just shocks me I guess… That we’re actually…” Lilly trailed off, finding Ronnie’s eyes. Ronnie intertwined their hands.
“I know, I feel the same. How could someone as pretty as you, fall for someone like me?” Ronnie spoke as if Lilly was this ethereal being. Lilly playfully smacked Ronnie’s shoulder.
“You sap.” Lilly laughed.
“Worth it,” Ronnie said, placing a kiss on Lilly’s cheek. Lilly let out a soft gasp, still not used to the physical affection. She squeezed Ronnie’s hand, a shy smile on her face.
Lilly laid her head atop Ronnie’s shoulder. She spoke softly,
“I love you, Vee.”
“I love you too, Lills.”
They sat in comfortable silence, not worrying about the problems Derry planned for them. They didn’t worry about the future. Instead, they enjoyed one another’s company, quite the warmth in contrast to the cold, breezy weather. That was all they had, and it was
all they needed.