Work Text:
Michelle
It was Friday the 13th, Michelle had been planning today for a month.
She planned a d&d campaign around her favourite horror films. Some of her favourite moments, creatures made up using inspiration from the villains and even got Willow to draw up the creatures giving them all their own stats and everything.
She was so excited that she added more to it last night just to make sure it was absolutely perfect! It was her first time DMing for the group at school, Edwina usually was the Dungeon Master for Hellfire but she liked Michelle’s idea so much she let her run a one shot this week.
Everything had to be perfect.
Today was far from perfect though, Michelle is currently pacing her room. All her black pants are in the wash because she was supposed to take them down to the laundry for her mother but got sidetracked working on the campaign.
“So stupid,” she whispered to herself.
Okay it was fine, she had to have something. She walked over to the closet and stared at the dresses her mother would make her wear to church, a few white shirts and dress pants. She closed her eyes and breathed through her nose slowly trying not to lose her cool. Okay think think… ah ha!
She dug through the box at the bottom of the closet that she was supposed to donate, and pulled out some old blue jeans.
‘Thank you procrastination!’ she smiled to herself.
They were a little tight but they fit, and they would have to do. She decided to leave on the shirt she slept in and sprayed herself with enough deodorant that she was coughing in a puff of smoke.
She threw on her jewelry and ran her hands through her shoulder length hair, adjusting her front fringe quickly in the reflection of the clock.
Crap she was running late.
She didn't have time to worry about anything else. Michelle ran down the stairs, her dad threw her an apple and her keys, and she whispered ‘Thank you’ to him, grateful. She picked up her bag that she left at the front door yesterday, throwing it over her shoulder as she pulled the door shut behind her.
She grabbed her bike and took off down the street towards school.
A car pulled out in front of her on Maple and she had to slam on her brakes, she breathed heavily clutching her chest, flipping off the driver for good measure. She yelled curses at them and kicked their tire before she took off again.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Willow
At school, Willow was pacing near the bike racks and chewing her nails down to the buds. Michelle had promised yesterday she would be early, what if something had happened?! She checked the time, they were due in class in 3 minutes.
Where the hell was she?!
Willow was about to start pulling her hair out when she saw Michelle barrelling down the foot path. She threw her leg over the bike while it was still rolling, jumping off and jogging with it the last 200 meters. Willow tried not to blush at the mere sight of her windswept hair, and flushed cheeks.
She was already weak at the knees when she noticed her shirt. Oh God..
“Sorry I know, okay I know! I’m so sorry!” Michelle said, locking up her bike.
“What are you wearing?” Willow squeaked.
“I forgot to wash my clothes, okay? I had to dig through my donation box for an outfit. Don’t judge!” Michelle laughed.
“Oh” Willow responded, trying not to sound disappointed.
The worst part was that Michelle didn't seem to know why that comment upset her. They were already running late. Before Michelle could enquire, Willow spoke again.
“Come on, we are late!” she said, as she started towards the building.
“Hey wait up!” Michelle called, running after her.
Willow had finished her painting for Michelle yesterday, a beautifully crafted dragon being fought off by their party as their d&d counterparts. Michelle the leader and the heart. Willow planned on using it to hint at her feelings, but maybe it wasn’t the time?
Michelle had a busy day after all with the campaign and their movie night the party had planned.
Okay, so she might have been mildly freaking out about the whole thing. The painting had been finished for weeks, but it just never felt complete. It never felt ready to be given, it wasn’t perfect.. or maybe she just wasn’t ready to admit what it meant.
She wasn’t ready to tell her.
She wondered if she ever would be.
They got to the doors at the same time pushing into the corridor. The wind rushed around their faces and Willow took a deep breath.
Everything was going to be okay.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Michelle
Michelle was immediately overstimulated when they stepped into the corridor. It was loud with chatter and slamming lockers, and floors scuffing. She looked to Willow to ground herself and when her best friend smiled up at her, suddenly that was the loudest thing in the room.
She could do this.
They walked through the halls. They didn’t have time to go to their lockers if they were going to make it to class on time, so they agreed to meet after class at changeover.
Michelle walked Willow to class as always, and just as she was about to leave, Willow reached out and grabbed her wrist.
“Wait!” Willow breathed.
Michelle’s breath audibly hitched and she cursed herself it was Just Willow.. ‘Just..’ her thoughts echoed, like anything relating to Willow could ‘Just’ be anything. She ignored that, now wasn’t the time… matter of fact never was the perfect time to address whatever that meant.
Willow went wide eyed and quickly let go.
Michelle felt her wrist burn at the contact and tried to ignore the fluttering in her chest. It was because she was nervous today, she was sure of it.
Michelle followed Willow into the art room and over to a canvas, Willow looked at her a moment and breathed in shakily before she pulled off the cover.
Michelle was speechless, she wasn’t sure she had ever in her life had no words to describe something. It was a beautiful painting of all their friends fighting a dragon from their last campaign in her basement.
It felt like she was seeing colourfor the first time like-
Michelle was shaken out of her thoughts by Willow clearing her throat.
“Do you like it?” Willow asked, scratching the back of her neck.
She was so nervous it was cute.
Wait what?! Michelle shook her head. Stop.
“This is amazing, you painted this?” She breathed looking over at Willow.
She smiled wide, nodding.
“Yeah. I wanted to show this campaign because I remembered you were worried about us not being ready for it. You were pacing the whole day before, worried we needed to level up before it.” Willow started explaining fast, smiling wide.
“Yeah, I remember.” Michelle almost whispered, eyes softening.
“And I wanted to show you that you were brave, and it paid off in the end right? We were ready, and it was hard but that’s what made the victory worth it right? If you tried to wait for it to be perfect then it wouldn’t have felt earned. It would have been too easy or we might have missed the window.” Willow said, breathing heavily.
Michelle felt her throat closing over as everything washed over her, the words, the nights in the basement, the shared looks.. everything.
Willow saw her, she really saw her.. every single part of her and she was still here smiling at her. Bringing her stories to life exactly how she imagined them. She wasn't sure she deserved it, a small voice whispered at her that she didn't.
It was like a siren suddenly appeared in her head, loud sounds crashing around her. It felt like an emergency situation, all the signs, everything she had been burying started flooding out and she was not prepared to be on unstable ground. It was like a cure pulsing through her veins when she had no idea she had been poisened.
She was about to have a panic attack, she could feel it happening in real time.
“What I'm trying to say..” Willow said, voice shaking.
Michelle’s lips parted, but nothing came out, her ears were turning red..
She liked Willow.. She might even –
DING DING
“Crap, I'm going to be late again!” Michelle yelled, hugging Willow quickly and kissing the top of her head before she ran out of the room. Michelle almost collided with her teacher as she ran into her classroom a few doors away.
“Sorry!” She mouthed at her.
Michelle sat down at the back of her math class and breathed through her burning lungs for a moment. When she got her breathing in order and her supplies out of her bag she looked forward and then her eyes went wide.
Oh god..
SHE KISSED WILLOWS HEAD..
Michelle groaned and rested her head on her desk. What else could go wrong?
Then she felt it.
No..
Of course. Of all days for her to finally start.. It had to be today.
Her first period.
It was going to be a long day.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Willow
Willow had got almost nothing done during her entire art class. She just kept repeating the kiss over and over and over again. She had been in the middle of telling Michelle how she felt when the bell had gone.
She wanted to scream and yell and throw something. This is why she wanted her here early this morning, so they would have time.. She should have waited.
She had to come up with another way to tell her... or maybe, she didn’t have to? Michelle had hugged her and kissed her head? So... maybe she knew?
Oh god
Did she know? Did she figure it out?!
What did she think..?
That was the last hour, Willow spiralling during her favourite class, Paper macheing a balloon to make a... bowl? For what she had no idea, the teacher had spoken to her twice about spacing out in the first 10 minutes, so she sat down and started making this... thing.
Great.. She would have to figure out something to explain this..
Oh!
Maybe she could make some characters to stick to the side of it, make it into a dice tray! She popped the balloon and started trying to flatten the bottom of the bowl and square the edges. Then the bell went off.
DING DING
Again.
“Stupid bell.” She scowled at the ceiling, earning a few odd looks from her classmates.
She blushed embarrassed.
Okay, time to face the music with Michelle.
She breathed in deep and headed for her locker.
As she approached she found Michelle leaning against their lockers. She could feel her nerves from across the hallway.
Okay don’t panic.. She reminded herself as she approached slowly trying not to spook her best friend.
When she was 5 feet away Michelle looked up and they locked eyes, a faint blush crept up both their cheeks and Willow felt really light headed.
Don't panic. Everything is going to be fine.
“Willow, I'm freaking out!” Michelle spoke fast.
Okay.. maybe not fine.
“It’s okay, we can just pretend I-I never–” Willow started looking down at her feet.
“What? Willow something happened in class… I– Do you… Oh my god– I'm so embarrassed.” Michelle said, covering her eyes.
Willow pushed her own feelings to the side and moved quickly to stand in front of Michelle, she put her face directly behind the others hands a mere 3 inches. Slowly she lowered Michelle’s hands enough to be able to look in her eyes.
Michelle's eyebrows were furrowed looking between Willow’s. She wondered if she was trying to speak in blinks and looks alone, without having to ever utter the words. Something was really getting to her, and Willow wished she could understand.
“Talk to me Mich,” Willow pleaded, looking between her eyes.
“Remember the pool two years ago? The day you.. You..” Michelle started, Willow furrowed her brows. That wasn’t very descriptive and clearly Michelle picked up on the fact she needed to say more.
“Your mum was prepared.. I- I’m not prepared.. I- My.. It started in first.. Class. God, I can't even say it.” She covered her eyes again, leaning down to lean her head on Willow’s shoulder.
Oh
“I have some pads and tampons. It's okay here–” Willow said as she leant down to start to dig through her bag. Michelle’s hand shot out to stop her.
“That’s not all,” Michelle grimaced.
“I need to go home and, I don't know... What am I supposed to do?! Today of all day’s...” Michelle said, trying hard not to cry.
She was extremely overwhelmed.
Oh
It wasn't PE day so she had no spare clothes, neither did Michelle. Shit.
“It’ll be okay,” she said, trying to comfort her.
“You worked so hard on your campaign with Edwina, you can’t miss it.” Willow reminded Michelle.
“What am I going to do, I can't walk around all day like this?!” Michelle whispered, looking around panicked.
Willow thought for a moment, she could cover her with her jacket but she needed a better solution. They only had another 10 minutes left of change over.. If only she had material she could throw something tog-
“Hang on, I have an idea.” Willow said determined.
She took off her jacket and tied it around Michelle’s waist, nodding once it was done.
Okay, they needed to hurry.
“This doesn’t hide the front,” Michelle said, still panicking.
“That wasn’t the plan.” Willow deadpanned.
“Come on,” Willow said, grabbing her hand and dragging Michelle down the corridor to the art rooms.
💙 ✦ ⚜️ [ Flashback 5 years ago] 🪡 ✦ 💛
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ERROR ERRORC MISSING
MISSING ERROR ERROR
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
FILE MISSING
ERROR ERROR
ERROR ERROR
ERROR ERROR
💙 ✦ ⚜️ [ Flashforward to Current Day] 🪡 ✦ 💛
Michelle
Willow walked around the room opening draws and pulling out items as she went, Michelle just standing in the middle of the room watching as she dug for supplies. Scissors, measuring tape, and elastic were a few of the things she noted.
“I’m so confused” is all Michelle could say.
Willow stepped closer to her, her hands circling her waist and Michelle stopped breathing. She could smell Willow's apple scented shampoo from the morning, as well as the soft lemon of her laundry detergent that she had smelled like since they met at 5.
Willow's breath on her neck made all the hairs on her body stand up on end. She was starting to feel lightheaded when Willow stepped back with the measuring tape.
Right, she was just measuring her. Wait, why was she being measured?
“What are you doing?” she questioned, confused.
“Just making sure it will fit.” Willow explained, smiling shyly at her.
“What will fit?” Michelle asked, furrowing her brows in confusion.
Willow just smiled at her, taking her supplies through into the textiles corner of the room.
“A sewing machine?” Michelle questioned.
“No more questions. Let me concentrate and trust me okay? We don’t have much time.” Willow said, already focusing back on her project.
“Always.” she responded on impulse, blushing as she turned around.
Oh my god what was happening?!
Willow made quick work of it, she cut up her art smock, layering the pieces over each other and sewed them together on three sides.
She bunched it together and sewed a line straight across the top of it. She put the elastic at the top where she had just sewed, and folded material over it, sealing the strip over it to hide her previous work. Lastly she got out a retractable knife and stabbed her painting.
“What are you doing?!” Michelle squealed, rushing over.
“Ah ah quiet.” Willow said, pausing momentarily. She proceeded to cut a square out of the middle of it.
It was the painting of a dragon with three heads, the one she had shown her that morning, the one that had started whatever this weird beating in her chest and fluttering panic was. It was what had made her realise just how important Willow was to her. Not that she dind't know, but the extent, the deeper meaning behind why she treated her differently. How much she truely cared, how much she lo–
But Willow just cut it up like it didn't matter.
Did she not know how much she loved it? She had run out, but she couldn’t be late for class and risk a detention during lunch. How would they play her campaign otherwise?
Maybe it wasn’t what she thought it was.
“I loved that painting, you worked so hard on it.” Michelle breathed in almost horror.
A complex look crossed Willow’s face that Michelle could not decipher, she would unpack that later.
Maybe Willow didn’t feel the same, Michelle thought to herself and the thought was so horrifying she had to physically shake her head to dislodge it.
“I can always paint another,” Willow said sweetly, returning to the garment.
After a few more stitches she took out her paint brush, using white paint she drew little numbers in random locations across it. There was a small fraction of the garment splattered with colour but it was mostly black with the white of the numbers and brightness of the canvas the show pieces.
“It’s incredible, I can't believe you made this?!” she exclaimed as the last stitch was made and cut free.
“You watched me do it” Willow said smiling so wide that it almost reached past her face, her dimples more prominent than Michelle had seen them in years. She was at a loss for words at how in awe she was with her.
“Are you going to put it on?” Willow asked, looking bashfully at her through her lashes. Michelle felt her face heat up. She had been staring at her as she was being passed the garment, for who knows how long.
“Right, yes. Of course,” she said, clearing her throat. She pulled it down over her head, past Willow’s “The Cure” shirt she had been wearing all day. Something that she only just now realised…
Shit.
How had she not realised she was wearing Willow’s shirt? She tried not to think about it.
Not the time or place to get more flustered.
The girls grabbed their bags and slipped into the bathroom across the hall.
Michelle slipped her pants down once the skirt was sitting correctly around her waist, sitting on the sink ledge to maneuver them completely off her legs.
When she stood up she suddenly felt really self conscious about her legs and her height.
She held the hem down as Willow looked at her.
“You’re uncomfortable,” she frowned.
“No, i’m good” she said with a grimace she hoped passed as a smile.
“Hang on,” Willow said, opening her bag and pulling out a pair of stockings.
“I ripped these this morning on my way to school, and switched them with my spare when I got here. I know they're a little ripped, but I think they will go with your outfit?” Willow offered.
Michelle’s face lit up with appreciation and fondness.
“Yes! That would be amazing! Thank you! This is, everything's so.. You ruined your canvas you didn’t - wow.. I just. Thank you. You're incredible!” Michelle stumbled, trying to express her gratitude.
“It’s nothing,” Willow blushed, as she said as rubbed the back of her neck.
They stood there close to each other, neither looking away. Their smiles fell as the electricity in the room zapped. The tension felt like it was building and Michelle was aware of the way her heart started beating faster in her chest.
She thought maybe Willow felt it too, the magnetic pull that she had been pushing down for who knows how long.
She didn’t want to push it down anymore.
Just as she went to lean forward-
DING DING
The bell chimed. Again.
“I should-” Willow said, stepping back pointing at the door and refusing eye contact.
“Yeah we should go.” Michelle breathed as she grabbed her bag from the floor, she ducked into the bathroom stall. When she got out of the stall Willow was already gone.
“So stupid,” She whispered to herself, not for the first time that day.
She made her way to English and sat near the window looking out. She had alot to think about.
Should she tell her how she feels? Maybe it will pass? Maybe it was too soon, or she's felling too emotional? She knew the answer to both those questions.
All answers pointed to no.
No it won’t pass because it’s always been there, No it wasn’t too soon, if anything it was too late.
What was it that Willow had said that morning? About missing a window..
“Cool outfit,” Elliot said suddenly in the middle of the class, breaking Michelle out of her thoughts.
“Huh?” She said confused, looking up at him.
“Your outfit? It’s cool. Did Willow design it?” He inquired.
Michelle looked down, she had completely forgotten about the skirt... somehow. She was so worried about her feelings for Willow.
She blushed looking over at him.
“Yeah, your sister’s a life saver.” She smiled to herself.
“Cool.” Elliot said smiling at her, he looked back towards the front of the class.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Willlow
When Willow got out of class early, she decided to go wait for Michelle. That way, they could head over to the cafeteria together for the campaign.
What she wasn’t expecting, was to see Michelle and Elliot leaving the classroom together.
Michelle was smiling big and bright, talking animatedly with Elliot.
Willow hid quickly, watching them from a distance but close enough to hear.
”I can’t wait. Thank you so much for this! Are you sure it’s okay?” Michelle stopped and asked.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and Willow felt her heart stop beating. Was she flirting..? She only did that when she was nervous.
They don’t talk, or at least, neither had even mentioned being friends. What the hell was happening..?
“Of course! It’s no trouble. I love the mall!” Elliot responded beaming.
Willow couldn’t hear anymore.
She ran into the bathroom nearby, breathing deep stuttering breaths. She looked down into the sink and tried not to throw up.
She just stood there for a moment, trying to collect herself. After a few minutes, she splashed water on her face trying to cool down.
Get it together.
Maybe it wasn’t what it looked like? She thought.
Michelle would have said something if she liked your brother.. right?
Yeah, she was freaking out for nothing. It would be okay.
She looked up at herself in the mirror. Fixing her hair quickly, she then dried her face with her shirt.
After on last look at her self in the mirror, she nodded.
Okay.
Okay.
She left the bathroom and headed for the cafeteria.
Willow was the last to arrive. When she approached, she greeted everyone with a smile and a small ‘Hey’.
“Hey you okay?” Michelle asked softly looking at her through her lashes.
God why was she always so cute.
It was completely unfair.
“Yeah, I just got out late,” She lied.
Edwina gave her a look from across the table but ultimately let it go. Willow was grateful for that.
Friends may not lie, but what's a small lie when she is hiding such a huge secret from Michelle.. right?
“Okay,” Michelle said with a slight frown. Shit, maybe she knows that was a lie.
Willow wanted to say something but just as she opened her mouth—
“Let’s start!” Michelle said addressing the group.
It would have to wait till later. Maybe tonight she might be more brave.
The Campaign went well. Everyone showed up with their level 13 Characters all planned out. Everyone seemed to stick to the guidelines and not make their back stories too complex which she knew Michelle would appreciate.
Michelle locked in, shaking off her nerves and let it take over her.
The party made it past the Vampire fight and through the ‘League of Villains’, a few of them had died fighting the Umbral Pinhead, but thankfully the Golem Freddy Kruger was surprisingly easy for their builds.
They had gathered weapons from the League of Villains to help in their fight. Lucinda had Jason’s Machete and Chucky’s spelled, long Kitchen Knife. Destiny had taken Freddy’s leather gloves, and Edwina and Willow had shared Pinheads Hooked weapons and chains.
They got to the 3 small metal dragons that were possessed, and turned into cars towards the end of the fight, joining together to make a 3 headed robotic monster.
That fight was much harder than the other fights leading to it.
It was touch and go for Lucinda with her health extremely low by the end. One of the other players had sacrificed themselves for Destiny because otherwise they both wouldn’t have made it out.
They had taken a long rest in game, and decided to take a short bathroom break as well.
“Five minutes only!” Michelle had yelled out.
While some went to the bathroom, the others discussed what they thought the final boss might be.
They all looked to Willow in question, who only raised her hands up in defence.
“I may have drawn the other monsters, but she wouldn’t tell me what the final boss is!” She explained.
“But she tells you everything.” Lucinda said, confused.
Willow tried not to blush.
“She does not!” She hissed back.
“She sort of does..” Edwina agreed.
“Oh my god.” Willow said, covering her face.
“What’s going on?” Michelle asked approaching.
“Nothing.” Everyone said dispersing, Edwina winked at Willow quickly before disappearing with everyone else.
Soo yeah, she absolutely knows.
Willow waved her hand around choking on her saliva.
Michelle handed her a bottle of water to drink from. When Michelle asked for it back, she looked down and realised it was Michelle’s and not her own.
She almost choked again.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Michelle
When everyone had split off for a bathroom break, Michelle stayed back to finish off some notes and check what was yet to come.
She was really happy with the way the campaign was going. Everyone also loved her skirt that Willow had made her.
It was the perfect outfit for today, she really wanted to do something to thank her for all her help and her new favourite artwork made just for her.
Maybe show her how much she appreciated her too. She had a plan, she just really hoped it worked out the way she wanted it to.
She spent the break writing a little list quickly. She needed to make sure she had everything she needed to do after school organised.
She wouldn’t have much time.
After that was done, she checked in on everyone to see if they were all ready to go again.
Part of said plan, included getting this done in time. Most of it really relied on it actually, and she was notoriously late.
Not with this, she can't be late.
Please don't be late.
Michelle took a deep breath, she has got this. Everything will be fine.
She took one last breath and then stepped back behind her binder, returning to the campaign.
It was all down to Lucinda, Destiny, Edwina and Willow.
Lucinda and Destiny were attacking the vines up close while protecting the Storm Sorcerer Willow, and Cleric Storm Giant Edwina who were working together to control the weather and electrocute the giant man eating plant.
They were working on shrinking it down so it would be easier to defeat.
“I can cast lightning bolt and teleport but that would kill you guys because you're in range!” Willow protested.
“But if you don’t fail your dexterity, then it will be over and we win!” Edwina pleaded.
“What if it fails?” Willow asked, looking around.
Lucinda and Destiny looked at each other.
“Do it, you can still attack again.” Lucinda said sternly, nodding.
“And you have your lightning hitting as a bonus action on your turn from the storm sphere.” Destiny finished Lucinda’s thought clicking her fingers and pointing at her friend excitedly.
“We are almost out of health anyway.” Lucinda advised, shrugging.
Okay.
Willow picked up the d20 and rolled, it rolled across the table and everyone held their breath. She needed at least an 8.
It was a 7.
“A 7! Shit!” Willow said frustrated without thinking.
Michelle smiled at her behind her binder, trying to stop her giggle and failing miserably.
Edwina laughed and threw her arm around a pouting Willow. Michelle felt a flair of protectiveness that was decidedly not jealousy.
She cleared her throat and tried to hide the glare on her face.
“Forgetting anything?” She prompted because it was Willow, and not because of anything else.
She wasn’t jealous. Willow just didn’t like to be touched. Unless it was Michelle, and Edwina was not her. That’s all.
After a few moments of thinking, Willow's arm shot out and hit Edwina in the stomach forcing the air out of her lungs with an ‘oof’. And maybe Michelle hid her satisfaction behind her binder.
“Sorry,” Willow said wincing, “I roll with advantage so I can roll again.” She explained and Edwina stood up straight comically fast.
“ROLL ROLL ROLL! YOU GOT THIS!” Edwina yelled, throwing her hands up in the air like she hadn’t been punched in the gut a moment ago.
The dice rolled over the board and then—
“11!!!” Everyone cheered,
“The monster is hit with lightning so strong that it shrieks loudly and its vines start sizzling down to nothing. Its giant sharp teeth try to bite everything around it as it shrinks, unable to attach onto anything. It disappears to nothing. The sky starts to clear and those still alive come out of hiding to help those injured.” Michelle says, pretending to be the plant falling behind we her binder a moment.
She pops back up after a moment, continuing.
“Willow and Edwina have a parade thrown in their honour, and everyone remembers not to feed the plants! The END!” Michelle says with a bow.
Variations of ‘That was so awesome!’ and ‘I want to play that again!’ came from around the room. Michelle and Willow locked eyes smiling at each other as everyone else blurred around them.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Willow
“Audrey II?” Willow mouthed at Michelle, eyes sparkling, and smile so wide it actually hurt.
“It’s your favourite.” Michelle mouthed back to her, a smile just as wide as Willow’s.
As Willow went to step towards Michelle, everyone else seemed to have the same idea and ran at her pulling her into a hug.
Willow stood back and watched, she could wait a second before she spoke to her.
“WILLOW!” a voice called from the other side of the room.
No no no no… Not now..
Over jogged Elliot.
“We have been waiting for you! We have to go. Mom’s got work tonight.” Elliot explained.
“I have my bike?” Willow said furrowing her eyebrows.
“I know, we are going to the mall though. I want to get Michelle a gift for her birthday next month. I thought you could help?”
“We have plans–” Willow started to say as Lucinda and Destiny approach.
“Sorry Willow, I have to babysit Eric tonight!” Lucinda said, dashing off towards the door.
“I can’t either, sorry Willow. Another night, yeah?” She said, clasping her on the shoulder, before following after Lucinda.
Willow turned and almost knocked into Michelle who was approaching behind her.
“What’s going on?” She asked, looking between Elliot and Willow.
Willow tried not to think about the way Michelle was smiling at him. She had forgotten what she had witnessed earlier today before the campaign. Now she couldn’t think about anything else.
She tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes anymore.
“Are you bailing on movies too?” Willow asked, looking up and Michelle… looked guilty..?
She looked so guilty.
No no no.. they were supposed to have more time, she was so excited to cuddle up on the couch and relax, tell her how she felt so maybe they could cuddle up together.
“Mich! Pleaseee!” She begged.
“Come on! Mom’s waiting!” Elliot said, pulling her along as she looked back at Michelle hurt.
She missed her window, Michelle clearly liked Elliot.
“I’m sorry” Michelle mouthed to her across the room.
Who was she kidding, she knew Michelle was straight.
She knew better than to have hope.
Willow and Elliot made it outside, and jogged over to their parents. When they got in the car, Joe pulled out of the car park and took off towards the mall.
“How was school?” Hopper turned around to ask them.
Elliot told her all about his day, animatedly throwing his arms around talking.
Willow wasn’t really paying attention to what was being said, she just watched the houses pass the window.
She felt a tap on her shoulder after a few minutes.
“Huh?” she turned to ask the two.
“I was saying you made something really cool today, I didn’t want to spoil it. Do you want to tell them?” He asked, smiling at her.
“What?” Willow asked, still confused.
“Uh.. I don't know what it's called. Like a lamp thing but you wear it?” He explained, grimacing.
Willow stared for a good 30 seconds, mind completely blank before she realised.
“Oh! I made Michelle a skirt. She started– UH.. I mean that is— she… her.. I made her a skirt on break because.. because she needed something to wear for d&d. It wasn’t a big deal.” Willow said as she turned completely bright red.
She really needed to get a grip.. Michelle would kill her if she had just told the whole car about her period.
God this day was a nightmare.
“You did a great job, it looked great!” Elliot said beaming.
Willow momentarily wondered how fast they were going and if she could roll safely out of the car, or if she could make a run for it at the next light.
She did neither and 5 minutes later they arrived at the mall.
They got their bikes from the car, locking them at the front entrance, and headed in.
They looked around for half an hour, bought ice cream and talked. Thankfully Michelle only came up twice.
Once when Willow mentioned Michelle’s favourite ice cream flavour unprompted when they were talking to Stevie about what was the most popular.
The other time was when Elliot asked about what to get her, they picked out a blue hoodie that Willow knew that Michelle had looked a little too long at when they were here last week.
It was what Willow was going to get her, she was just waiting for it to go on sale which it now was.
Unfortunately, she could no longer afford it.
She was going to have to replace her art smock that she cut up earlier that day.
She would just have to homemake her something.. Maybe the paper mache bowl that she didn't mean to start that morning in art class.
“You two are really close.” Elliot commented while they lined up to pay for the hoodie.
“She’s my best friend.” Willow responded, but it tasted more sour on her tongue than it had that morning.
Elliot just nodded at her, silently for a moment.
“Is that what you want?” He asked, looking over at her curiously.
“Why wouldn’t I?” She responded faster than she should have.
“I don't know. It looks like it hurts when you look at her.” He said casually, shrugging and walked over to the counter to pay for the jumper.
Willow was left to stutter out noises.
She really needed to let this crush go if Elliot of all people could see it.
God did everyone know?!
On the bike ride home, Willow decided she needed to figure out how to get over this.
Michelle and Elliot were probably going to date soon, the way they looked at each other, there was no way they didn’t like each other.
Willow didn’t want to get between them, her best friend and her brother, not if it would make them both happy.
But it was going to hurt. It was going to hurt so much.
She needed to find a way to get over Michelle before then, so it wouldn’t hurt so much. She could write a list when she got home, a ‘How To Guide for getting over your best friend’.
When they got home Willow headed straight to her room.
When she pulled open her door, she froze in place.
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Michelle
“Surprise!” Michelle said when Willow opened the door.
Willow wasn’t moving, possibly not breathing.. Maybe a surprise wasn’t the best idea?? Michelle thought to herself.
“What? What are you doing here?” Willow asked slowly, cautiously.
She didn’t sound mad which was a good sign.
“I spoke to Elliot today in class..” Michelle started, but she was cut off by Willow.
“Yeah I heard.” Willow said trying to move past Michelle, but she was blocking the door.
“Did he tell you? God, can’t he keep a secret?!” Michelle whined.
“He didn’t say anything, I just saw you guys. Now can I come in my room?” She responded annoyed, shoving through.
When Willow got in the room, the first thing she seemed to notice was the balloons. They were red and black, the red ones had 13’s drawn all over them. Then she looked at her bed, and she looked like she might cry.
“Wh-what..?” Willow breathed looking over to Michelle, she was looking at her feet and playing with her fingers.
“I uh.. I know it’s..” She started, looking up slightly through her bangs, trying to pretend she wasn’t.
Willow could see though.
She quickly turned around and shut the door.
“I asked Elliot to distract you so that I could set this up for you. I know — I know it’s early. I just thought.. I had it already and you might.. need it?” Michelle said, voice shaking as she tried to calm herself down.
It’s okay. Be brave Michelle.
“It’s—” Willow started.
She walked over to her bed where Michelle had laid out a blank canvas and a paint set that Willow had mentioned liking a few months ago. She had said it was too expensive but Michelle saved everything she could, on top of it was a new art smock with ‘Willow’ embroidered in cursive writing.
“Michelle,” Willow breathed out, looking over to her.
Michelle could hear ringing in her ears.
“I know I can’t repay everything you did for me today, but I hope that this shows how much I care about you. It’s an early birthday present. Do you like it?” Michelle asked, nervously rubbing her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Do I like it— I love it! You didn’t have to do this. It’s too much, I— I can’t accept this.” She said looking over.
“You can! If you need to, you can call it payment for this incredible skirt. She said twirling.
She then realised how short and flowy it actually was and quickly pushed it down, face heating up.
“Uh.. speaking of clothes..” Willow started. “If you're going to donate the shirt you're wearing, can I just have it back instead?” She asked.
Michelle looked at her a moment confused and then she realised.
This morning.. that was why Willow had asked about her outfit. She was wearing her shirt and like an idiot, she had said she was donating it.
“Oh Willow no I- the jeans were from the box for donation. I woke up in the shirt I just didn’t change-” Michelle tried to explain.
“You slept in my shirt?” Willow asked, confused.
Shit.
Think Michelle, how are you going to talk your way out of this..
“Ye-yeah.. I- It.. It's comfortable.” She blurted.
“It’s comfortable?” Willow asked, smiling, raising an eyebrow at her.
Yeah, Willow can tell you are flustered. This isn’t going well..
“Yeah. Yes, very. I don't have to wear pants because it’s long–” She spoke again without thinking.
Maybe she should stop talking altogether.
“What..” Willow said quietly but high pitched, face red. Not a question, more a statement.
“Nothing,” Michelle said high pitched, matching Willow, trying to defuse the situation.
“Okay.” Willow said looking around at the balloons and walls, voice still an octave higher than it should be.. she looked anywhere that wasn’t Michelle’s face.
Michelle was doing the exact same thing trying to calm down her blush.
“Oh look, a sketchbook,” She said pointing to Willow’s desk. She leant forward to touch it.
“NO DONT LOOK AT THAT!” Willow said quickly, throwing her hands up and out at Michelle.
Michelle instantly put her hands up like she was in the middle of a robbery.
“Sorry!” She said quickly, unmoving.
"I'm just.. I’m just confused," Willow said after a moment.
”Yeah, that’s on me.” Michelle breathed out.
”Listen, I need to tell you something.. and I don’t know how you’re going to take it.” Michelle started, and Willow looked like she was about to start crying.
That was absolutely not a good sign.
She tried to swallow the knot in her throat and persevered.
Michelle fought the urge not to pace but she couldn’t help it.
”Today, was a bit of a confusing day for me.” She started looking up at Willow.
”You see I had a conversation with someone who I’ve known a really long time and I guess I— I was looking but wasn’t really seeing them? And now, well, now I can’t stop seeing them.. every small little detail. They just know me better than I know myself, and all I want to do is tell this person how I feel. The problem is.. I have no idea how they feel? I know this could go so so bad if they don’t feel the same.. I don’t know what to do. Do you see what I’m asking?” Michelle said stopping in front of Willow, chest heaving. Eyes pleading.
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Willow
Willow wanted to throw up.
This was happening, this was actually happening.
She wasn’t ready for this yet, she felt her heart actually rip in two.
This didn’t seem like just a crush, this seemed like love.
Willow knew because she had felt this.. all of this. Everything she was saying it all made sense. Knowing everything about someone, and letting them know you you, the crazy look in her eye..
She knew that too, all too well.
‘Love makes you crazy’ Joanne had told her, and they were supposed to go crazy together.
Michelle had promised, but here she was, crazy about her brother.
“My brother..” Willow whispered, pain unmasked.
Willow couldn’t stop herself, her face crumbled and an ugly sob escaped her lips. Her hands came up to her face, as her knees buckled. Her legs gave out from underneath her, and she almost fell to the ground but Michelle was quick.
In one step, she reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into her chest. One hand wrapped around her waist, the other supporting her back. Michelle held Willow’s head to her chest.
”What about your brother? What’s wrong Willow?!” Michelle asked panicked.
Willow just sobbed more.
”Hey, Hey.. Shhhh it’s okay baby,” She said low.
‘Fuck’ she could have sworn she heard Michelle say afterwards, but she was in so much pain she couldn’t register a word.
Willow stayed there in Michelle’s arms, as she held her tightly. Michelle was talking to her, but she had no idea what was being said.
They stayed there a few minutes as Michelle played with her hair gently. It was soothing enough, Willow eventually calmed down.
When she did, she registered the ‘baby’ and pulled back slightly to look up at Michelle.
“Hey, there you are.” Michelle said softly.
She reached her hand around from the back of Willow’s head, and moved her hair out of her face, a thumb stroking a few tears away in the process.
“Did you call me a baby?” She asked looking up at Michelle. It came out flat, devoid of any emotion.
“I didn’t— I didn’t know you heard that.. no I didn’t call you a baby I just called you baby, you know.. like— like a pet name.” Michelle said blushing.
Blushing?!
“Why are you— what? Look. I was trying to tell you this morning.. but I..” Willow started,
”The window.” Michelle said looking down at her. She was searching her eyes for something, like a kissing piece.
Great so she understands.
”Okay. So you understand. I don’t want details, I won’t get in the way of your happiness okay.” She said, looking down.
“I do understand,” Michelle said lifting Willow’s chin up so they were looking at each other.
Willow wanted to pull away, but Michelle moved her hands to hold her face in place.
Why was she torturing her further?
Michelle stopped searching her eyes, and she closed them for a brief moment.
Willow felt like she was drowning without the eye contact.
“I don’t think you understand,” Michelle said, opening her eye’s again.
“I’ve been hiding for so long, but you found me Willow. Your painting. It made me realise you see me. You see everything, you always have.. and you love me anyway?”
Willow shut her eyes, she couldn’t feel this exposed right now it was all too much. She was waiting for the rejection.
She felt her eyes prickling again.
”I’m sorry I didn’t see you. Will you let me in? Let me see you Willow. Eyes on me.” Michelle whispered.
Willow mustered up all the courage she had and forced her eyes open. Michelle rested her forehead against hers for a brief moment.
“Thank you, I felt like I was drowning.” Michelle said, and Willow’s eyes went wide.
Was this.. it wasn’t about Elliot was it..
”What are you saying Michelle?”
”I’m saying, I’ve been stupid and blind. I don’t want to miss my window. Can I— Can I kiss you?” She asked as her eyes fluttered, it was like she was struggling to keep them open too.
Willow couldn’t say anything, so she nodded.
Michelle leaned forward, and kissed her cheek softly and gentle.
Willow closed her eyes.
She felt Michelle kiss her other cheek, soft and a little wet.
Then her nose, and she knew she was blushing furiously but she didn’t care.
Nothing happened for a moment and Willow almost opened her eyes, then she felt firm lips on her forehead. She almost started crying, she sniffed and opened her eyes as Michelle pulled back to look at her.
✃ ༝˚ ༝ ⚔ ⚉ 𐙚✦ ̊
Michelle
Willow, shakily moved her hands up to gently hold Michelle’s face.
She followed the same pattern. She kissed one cheek and then the other. She kissed her nose and Michelle giggled.
Willow then pulled her face down and placed a firm long kiss on Michelle’s forehead by standing on her tippy toes.
It was so soft and so full of love that Michelle forgot how to breathe. She wasn't sure of her name, the date, or anything else. It was like the world had gone quiet just so she could feel this moment.
Nothing had ever felt like this, she was sure nothing ever would again so she held on and enjoyed the moment, wishing it would last forever.
When Willow pulled back she could see that she had tears in her eyes.
She hoped that she knew they were from the overwhelming affection, and not fear.
“Are you sure? I won’t.. I can’t go back if we do this. We can’t go back.” Willow asked, swallowing roguhly, voice hoarse.
”I know,” Michelle said nodding, “I know” she repeated.
She had never been so sure of anything in her entire life. This was it for her. This was all she ever wanted, all she thought she could never have so she dug a whole in her chest and burried the feeling.
Michelle leant forward, she paused briefly giving Willow a chance to pull back, and when she didn’t, she connected her lips to Willow’s, soft but sure.
She wrapped her arms around her middle, and pulled Willow into a tight embrace, with Willow still standing on the tips of her toes, arms around her neck and hands in her Michelle’s hair.
They stood there kissing over and over until their lips were red.
When they finally managed to pull away from each, it was only long enough to have food. They put on a movie in the lounge room, sharing a blanket and cuddling up on the couch together.
Half way through the movie, Willow spoke.
“I’ve been looking for that shirt for weeks you know,” she said, smiling up at Michelle.
“You can have it back if I can steal another one?” Michelle bargained.
“We can rotate a couple.” Willow said shyly, looking up at her, eyes fluttering.
Michelle wanted to kiss her again so badly.
“Deal.” She whispered, leaning down towards her.
“Deal.” Willow whispered back against her lips.