“I will always keep you safe.” Aster murmured between their lips and wiped away traces of tears from Vivian’s eyelids. Her girlfriend giggled and smiled like a goddess. “No matter how far I am.”

“Thank you.” Vivian kissed the bridge of Aster’s nose and then her cheeks, and chin. “You know, the days go slowly by without you. But when I’m with you, time doesn’t matter. Only you do.”

“That is a really beautiful thing to say. “ Aster laughed and pulled Vivian closer if possible. “I never thought anyone would say something like that to someone like me.”

“Someone like you?” Vivian retorted, pushing several strands of hair away from her face. “You’re perfect and mysterious. Street-smart. Who wouldn’t want you? That one chic wanted you. Guys hit on you all the time. People always want a piece of you.”

“Yeah, I guess I am pretty amazing.” Aster smirked and Vivian punched her lightly. “But I’m yours. I don’t want anyone else. Why would I look at anyone else when you’re all that I’ve been looking for?”

“Wow.” Vivian opened her mouth and closed it unexpectedly for she wasn’t sure how to respond.

Vivian bit her bottom lip and raised a brow. “What did you think? You know I’m horrible with sappiness and declarations of love.”

“Actually, it was quite exceptional.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Really. And do you know what?”

“What?”

“I’m lucky to have you, too.” Vivian pecked her girlfriend on the lips. “ Wanna know what else?”

“Hmmmm?”

“I’m going to come out to my Aunt when I get back.” She frowned, troubled by the thought. “ I can’t keep hiding this part of me from them. It hurts you way too much, as much as it hurts me.”

“You’re something else.” She tickled Vivian’s hipbone and grinned. “Do you want me to be there with you?”

Vivian shrugged and smiled, all the while trying not to giggle. “Only if you want to be. It’d help, especially if my aunt kicks me out.”

“Psh,” Aster stuck her tongue out in a gag. “They won’t kick you out. Your Dad is on our side so you’ll have extra support.”

“True, true.” Vivian faltered and shrugged helplessly. “I guess you’re right.”

“I know I am.” Aster snickered. “I always am!”

Vivian’s eyes softened, finding herself unable to stop.

“I love you.”

Aster fell silent and took a moment to absorb her words. “I haven’t heard those three little words in a while.”

“I know. With everything that has happened, our time together has been limited. I just wish—“

Aster pressed an index finger over her mouth and beamed.

“I love you too.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I do. I really do.”

“I’m glad. After how I’ve been acting lately I’m lucky to hear them at all.”

Aster took Vivian’s hand in hers and laced their fingers together. Gingerly, she planted a kiss on their knuckles and rubbed them affectionately.

“Aster?” Vivian grinned mischievously and pulled her in for another fervent kiss. “We need to test out this new water bed of yours.”

***
FIN