The Blight That Wasn’t a Guy

by Toothsoap

Summary:

Luz blinked, looking up at the person trying to help her, and she swore her heart skipped a beat.

Okay, maybe the trouble was worth it.

Staring back at her was, quite possibly, the prettiest boy she’d ever come across: Light amber pupils, mint green hair tied back into a ponytail, multiple ear piercings, the coolest cap ever, and a mask that just screamed ‘mysterious backstory.’

What Luz didn't know, however, was that the "pretty boy" she was crushing so hard on outside school was actually the famously intimidating popular girl from her class - Amity Blight.

Notes:

this is a fanfiction of a fanart drawn by @myuuchii_ on twitter! please go follow them, their art is so amazing and cute!!

Chapter 1: Lost Keys

“Excuse me –” Luz heaved a large script in her hands, desperately pushing past the bustling of people at the railway station. She was fairly sure her backpack was unzipped, but it was impossible to turn around in the sea of commotion, and she found herself grumbling as yet another person bumped into her shoulder, almost knocking off her balance. 

She always took public transportation to Hexside, seeing as the only school buses routed to her neighborhood were from Gravesfield High. Of course, all the relentless bullying last year made transferring the only option, paired with the fact that she actually had friends at Hexside, but it would be nice if she didn’t have to worry about hundreds of shoes trampling over dropped homework all the time. 

And, on a busy day like this, where she was travelling for a theatre rehearsal on a painfully early Saturday morning, she wondered whether or not the trouble was even worth it. 

Finally, she shoved her way into the subway train, murmuring small apologies with each person she brushed past. She leaned against one of the windows with a sigh, hundreds of little backpack Azura keychains clinging against each other, and quickly filed through the papers in the palm of her hands to check for everything. 

When the train suddenly jerked forwards with a start, however, Luz gasped, the script scattering onto her feet, earning her glares from the other passengers. She chuckled awkwardly, hurriedly crouching down to reach for one of the papers when her hand brushed against another.

Luz blinked, looking up at the person trying to help her, and she swore her heart skipped a beat.

Okay, maybe the trouble was worth it.

Staring back at her was, quite possibly, the prettiest boy she’d ever come across: Light amber pupils, mint green hair tied back into a ponytail, multiple ear piercings, the coolest cap ever, and a mask that just screamed ‘mysterious backstory.’ His eyes widened upon fully settling on her, and he immediately stood after picking up the script, Luz shortly following after with a wide beam. 

“Um – thank you,” she squeaked, desperately trying to keep her excitement from slipping through her voice. 

He cleared his throat, handing her the papers and ever so slightly pulling down his cap. His voice was raspy, but almost light, though it was largely muffled by the mask. “It was nothing.”

“I love your outfit,” she added, gesturing to his jacket. “And your piercings. And – uh, you get the point.”

His eyes darted towards her, and away again. “Thanks?” he mumbled, though it sounded more like a question than anything.

The next few minutes, the train sailed the tracks silently. Luz fidgeted with her hands, her eyes flickering towards the person next to her, who seemed to be scrolling through his phone. She should’ve just left the conversation there, her brain told her. 

“Do you come on the train often?” she blurted. How could she not talk to him? He was, literally, the guy from her dreams. And he’d just helped Luz – Luz! – pick something up, and their hands had touched, and it was like a moment from every romance book she’d ever read. “I just haven’t seen you before.”

He shifted, digging his hand into his jean pocket with a shrug. “Saturdays.”

“Oh,” she whispered. His responses were so simple, quiet. It added more to his mystery, and was already making her swoon. “That’s nice! I’m here for my theatre rehearsal. I mean, I’m going to Hexside, where the rehearsal is, not literally in here –” 

She stopped, mentally chastising herself. She was already falling into a nervous ramble, and it was obvious he was not all that interested with the way he began to avoid eye contact, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you,” she said quietly, shrinking. 

The bus slowed to a stop, and he hefted his handbag, hesitating as his eyebrows pulled into a knot. As people began to flow out the bus and pushed past him, he ultimately said, “It’s fine.”

And, with that, the boy dissolved into the crowd, and Luz was left staring at the spot he once was, her pulse pounding in her ears and a sudden longing running deep in her chest.

✧

Amity’s heart, too, was hammering, but for an entirely different reason.

She wasn’t surprised that she was unrecognizable, exactly. Many of her features were covered up, her height appeared different — she usually wore heels in school, and tennis shoes outside — and that particular clothing style wasn’t something people from school could imagine her donning. In fact, the clothes weren’t really hers at all. They belonged to her brother, Edric, who graciously lended it to her for the past few months (and who, by the way, called it his apology for stealing her diary last year. Emira, who had been in on it too, apologized by helping her style it). 

Amity’s mother would never approve of her buying something like this for herself, and that’s exactly why she wore it. It felt freeing, exhilarating even, to be a stark contrast to the image everyone expected of her. It made her feel less like the ‘perfect Blight daughter,’ and more like she was just, simply, Amity. 

But she desperately hoped the disguise held up should she ever bump into that girl again. Amity didn’t know very much about Luz Noceda, apart from the fact she was one of Willow’s close friends, whom she’d been trying to avoid for a while; and the last thing she needed was her outside-school-secret-identity being found, becoming a huge topic amongst the other students and ripping away the last peace she had.

What she really hadn’t expected, however, was that Luz would be talking about her during class the next day, especially in a way that shocked her beyond comprehension.

“And then he left the train all mysteriously,’” Luz sighed dreamily, resting her chin on her palm. “This girl,” she gestured to herself, “is in love. ”

Willow grimaced. “Not to be mean or anything, but he sounded a bit…”

“Rude?” Gus finished with a raised eyebrow.

“Reserved,” Willow corrected graciously.

“C’mon, I’m sure he was just tired or something,” Luz waved it off. “And, oh my gosh, he had all sorts of cool piercings!”

Those piercings, actually, were fake magnetic ones. Amity’s parents would kill her if they noticed the real thing. 

“Anyways,” Luz continued, “I gotta take the train for rehearsals again. Should I try talking to him?”

Please don’t, Amity prayed, continuously sneaking glances towards the trio as she scribbled down her essay. 

“Yeah, I’m real sure he’ll be head over heels for you!” Boscha called out from behind Amity, garnering giggles from their other friends.

“Lay off, Boscha,” Willow chided with crossed arms. Luz frowned, shrinking into her seat, and it weirdly sent a pang of pity through Amity.

“Hey,” Boscha tapped on Amity’s shoulder, “you think she has a chance?”

She pursed her lips. As expected from her group, she’d add some snarky comment like, ‘I’d be surprised if he even looked in her direction,’ but something in her — and it confused her, too — compelled her to say otherwise. “Why the hell are you asking me?” she grumbled.

Everyone fell into a brief silence, and Amity kept her eyes trained on her paper. “Geez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” Boscha whined.

“I have a headache,” she retorted.

Boscha hummed. “Whatever. Anyways, keep embarrassing yourself, Luz. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

Luz stuck her tongue out and made a mocking noise before the teacher yelled at the class to quiet down. 

Amity stuck a set of earbuds in, tuning out the rest of the conversation. She didn’t have the patience for today.

About two classes later, Amity hugged her books to her chest, swerving through the students in the hallways. Her eyelids hung heavy, and a few people sent worried looks in her direction. They all knew not to talk to her when she was exhausted and snappy, just as they knew that she was valedictorian, or popular, or rich. It always peeved her how the details of her life were so out in the open, and served as yet another reason for her to assume another image at her bookstore.

Her train of thought, then, was cut off when she collided into another student as she turned the corner. She stumbled backwards, rubbing her head with a groan.

“ Watch it, ” Amity snapped, scowling. Her eyes met with the one who bumped into her.

“Sorry, sorry! That was an accident,” Luz relented. As she looked up at Amity for a few seconds, her eyebrows furrowed just the slightest bit.

Amity felt her breath hitch – she’s not sure why, really – and quickly muttered an “it’s fine,” pushing past her. She hadn’t lingered long enough to see the other girl’s following expression.

✧

Luz, this time, was much more prepared for the struggles of the subway. She’d kept everything inside a closed zipper, hands gripping the straps of the backpack as she displayed an added pep in her step. She made her way through the crowd, her eyes surfing through for a certain someone (his mint green hair wasn’t very difficult to spot), and found him typing something down on his phone.

“Oh, hey! Fancy seeing you again,” Luz grinned and coolly leaned against one of the stanchions, promptly slipping when the subway began to move. She let out a yelp, barely catching onto it in her fall.

He blinked, staring in her direction for a few moments, and turned his head away, palm reaching up over his mask to stifle what seemingly was a snort. A crimson climbed up to her cheeks, and she wasn’t sure if she should be proud she made him laugh or cowering in self-consciousness.

Tentatively, she went to stand beside him, fiddling with the fingers of her hand. He’d opened his phone again, leaving little room for discussion, and Luz pouted and looked to the side, slowly falling into a surrender. What was she even thinking? That he, some random cool guy on a subway train, would want to talk to her? Boscha was right. She’s already embarrassed herself enough.

The subway train slowed to a stop, and she didn't bother to utter another word. But then the guy shoved past another passenger, and her eyes caught onto something falling from his jacket pocket. She reached out and gingerly picked it up — a set of keys.

“Hey —“ she called out, but he’d already left the train. "He dropped his keys,” she whispered to herself. “He’ll be so happy to get them back!”

Luz slipped her way through all the people, hurrying down the steps, and stood on her tiptoes to spot him. He’d begun walking up the station stairs, and she waved the keys in the air, hoping he’d notice, but the attempt was futile.

Dodging the elbows and shoulders of the people around her, she ran up and out the station, lungs heaving from the added weight of her backpack. Luz’s eyes darted around rapidly, knuckles clenching over the fence of the station entrance, and she spotted him on the sidewalk. After a few minutes of agonizingly peeking past others and pushing through to the sidewalk herself, she yelled out again. “Wait up!”

He stood in front of a store, scrunching his nose under the mask and digging through his handbag. Upon hearing her voice, his head snapped towards her, eyes expanding like a deer caught in headlights. She approached him, slouching as she spoke through staggered breaths. “You left your keys…”

After a moment, he tentatively took it from her fingers, her heart leaping when their hands touched the slightest bit. “Oh — uh, thanks.”

“No problem,” she managed, straightening her back. 

“What about your rehearsal?” he asked slowly.

“I’ll just get back to the — oh, crap!” She looked back. The subway’s likely already left by now, and she let out an awkward laugh. “It’s okay, I’ll just call in and tell them something came up.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Do you have a ride or anything?”

“I can probably contact my mom,” she pulled out her phone, clicking her tongue. “Who’s at work right now…”

He stuffed the keys into his jacket pockets, looking around the area, tension still bunched up in his forehead. “You should wait in a store ‘til she picks you up.”

“Yeah…” she paused, her eyes trailing up to the bookstore they were standing at. “Wait, is this yours? You were trying to open the door, right?”

“That —“ he swallowed. “Yeah, that’s mine.”

Luz perked up, a beam pulling at her lips. “You own a bookstore? That’s awesome!” She let out a little gasp, and quieter, she added, “can I check it out?”

He considered for a moment, and then nodded wordlessly, unlocking the store and taking a step inside. The moment she followed, a fresh floral scent rushed into her lungs. “ Wow, this place is beautiful,” Luz said aloud, eyes darting across each decoration.

Dark wood spread across the floors, plants hung from ceiling baskets, and a wide expanse of books stretched across the shelves, each section labeled in careful handwriting. She grinned and hurried over to the fantasy section, bouncing on her toes and fingers trailing across the spines.

The guy, meanwhile, dropped his handbag onto the front desk, settling himself into a chair and flipping open a magazine. Luz allowed herself to steal a few glances in his direction, enamored with the way he seemed to have picture-perfect posture paired with such a casual attitude. Their gazes met, and she quickly turned her head, pulling her phone out and texting her mom in a desperate attempt to hide her initial staring.

After a few silent minutes, she was about to inform him that her mom arrived, but he then said, “I think there’s a book here you’ll like.”

Slowly, she turned her head in his direction again. “Really?”

He let out a small “mhm,” reaching under his desk and fishing out a large chapter book. Luz’s mouth fell agape at the cover.

“The Good Witch Azura 5?” she murmured, walking up to get a closer look. “Wait, are you a fan too?

“Yeah,” he smiled. “I noticed your keychains. You have good taste.”

She pressed her palm to her lips, the speed of her heart picking up. Not only did he own a bookstore, but they shared a similar love for the same fantasy series? She had to restrain from pinching herself. Every time she learned something else about him, she couldn’t help but wonder how someone so perfect was real.

Luz scratched the back of her neck sheepishly, making a split-second decision to take a bold leap. “Do you think,” she began, and he waited patiently as she hesitated. “I could get your number? To talk about the series,” she hurriedly added.

He blinked, and then glanced around. “Ah, I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t have any paper around…”

“That’s okay!” Luz interjected. “I always carry a pen with me.” She reached out and took his hand — and her eyes gleamed at how perfect his nails were — and scribbled it on the back. His pupils darted between her and the number, and as his palm laid in hers, she couldn’t help but let out a giggle.

He tilted his head. “What?”

“No no, it’s just,“ she lightly pulled away, smiling. “You really resemble this girl in my class.”

His expression was blank, but he whispered, “is that so?”

“Yep! Except you’re, like, barely taller than me. She’s way taller. And scarier,” Luz mused, tapping the pen to her chin. “I might be exaggerating a little, actually.”

He cleared his throat, packing the book into a small plastic bag and handing it to her. “That’s nice.”

“Yeah,” she chuckled, pulling out the money and sliding it onto the desk. “Anyway,” she hoisted the bag, flashing a smirk as she headed to the front door. “I’ll be texting you about Azura later. Don’t forget! And keep the change!”

As she took a step outside, she heard him mumble a small, “Okay.”

By the time Luz made it to the sidewalk, tilting her head to make sure she was distanced from the shop windows, she let out a squeal into her palms. She was always outgoing, but around crushes? She was more of a mess than anything. She couldn’t believe she’d just done that. Did asking for his number count as flirting? Then again, she’d specified it was to talk about the book series…

Either way, she felt that today wouldn’t be her last trip to the bookstore. After all, if Luz wasn’t already head over heels, then, she certainly was now. 

Chapter 2: When I See You

Amity’s eyes bore into the number on the back of her hand, panic running through her mind at mach speed. She knew Luz had a tremendous crush on her — correction, her persona — and it made her fall into a huge internal debate on what she should do about it . Amity didn’t even know how she felt about this girl. Luz was cute, sure, and maybe Amity’s caught herself staring at her faint freckles or bouncy curls or soft smile or — okay, maybe she admired her a little bit, but it couldn’t go much further than a hallway crush. 

She heaved a sigh, sliding open her phone and hovering her finger over the messaging app. She didn’t want to entertain this, for there was absolutely no way she could keep up the mysterious guy act forever, but it’s not like she could just ghost her. And, as much as she wouldn’t want to admit it aloud, she really wanted to discuss that book series with someone.

So, after chewing on her lip for a few seconds, Amity jotted the number in and sent a quick greeting. She didn’t have much time to read the reply, however, as the bookstore entrance swung open.

“Hey Mittens!” Edric sang, brandishing two large paper bags while Emira trailed close behind. “We got your lunch.”

“Please don’t call me that in public,” Amity huffed, flipping her phone over. Her older brother slid a fastfood bag towards her, and Amity tentatively looked through the contents. “I’m on a diet, you know.”

“Nuh uh,” Emira tutted, waving her finger. “Amity Blight’s on a diet. But you’re the cool kid working at the bookstore right now.”

She narrowed her eyes at Emira, then glanced at the burger, and relented with a sigh. “Okay.”

“What’s that scribble on your hand?” Edric pointed out, leaning against the front desk.

“Nothing!” Amity shouted suddenly, slapping a palm over it. 

The twins shared a look, and it was then that Amity realized she was doomed. “I don’t know,” Emira drawled out, “it looked like a number to me.”

Edric gasped dramatically. “Oh my gosh, did our little Mittens actually pull someone?”

“No! She’s just some girl from my class.” She paused. “And what do you mean by ‘actually’?”

“We’re just impressed, is all. You’re very…” her sister turned her wrist considerably. “Snappy.”

“I’m not snappy,” Amity snapped, which earned a snort from her siblings. She rolled her eyes, pulled down her mask, and took a bite from her burger, signaling the end of the conversation. But it seemed the other two didn’t get (or simply ignored) the hint.

“So, what does she look like?” Emira questioned, leaning her chin on her palm. “Is she cute?”

Amity grumbled. “She’s nice.”

“You definitely think she’s cute,” Edric said. “Your face is turning red.”

“My face is not turning red,” Amity retorted, though she took a quick peek at her phone camera to check, noticing just a slight flush. “It’s from the sun. I stepped outside recently.”

“Right,” Emira chuckled. 

“Besides, I don’t even know if she’s into girls,” Amity argued with a frown.

Emira tapped her chin. “Writing her number on your hand sounds like flirting to me,” she shot back.

“Yeah, but.” Amity hesitated, pursing her lips. “She doesn’t know I’m in her class. She thinks I’m some guy.”

Her siblings’ jaws drop. “Dang, didn’t know my sense of style was that convincing,” Edric whispered.

“You mean my sense of style? You just gave her some clothes, I made it actually look good,” Emira boasted with a smirk.

“Okay, but they’re still my clothes —“

“As I was saying,” Amity interjected, “if she comes into the store while you two are here, just play along, alright? The last thing I need is people figuring out who I am.”

“Sure, sure,” Emira waved off, and then smirked. “But you’re gonna have to tell her eventually, especially if you wanna date her.” She made a few mock kissing noises. 

By now, she most certainly couldn’t hide the face flush. “I don’t — she — shut up! ”

✧

It’s been a good three weeks since Luz first lended her number to her crush, meaning she was able to visit him a whopping… three times. Still, they got a lot of talking in through text conversations, and something Luz had learned was that he was extremely secretive. He hadn’t even revealed his name, not that Luz asked for it specifically, but she assumed he would introduce himself after she did. But he hadn’t. Suspicious, almost, but Luz would be lying if she said it didn’t serve to further intrigue her.

This Saturday, she didn’t have a theatre rehearsal, but that wouldn’t stop her from going into town. She’d woken up just a bit late, rushed to her closet to find a good outfit (she wasn’t sure whether she should go for cute or cool, after all, she had no clue what his type was) and ultimately settled on a graphic tee and baggy jeans, slipping a tiny sunflower clip into her hair. It would be a nice balance, she concluded.

That ended up being a bad decision, for the weather was unbearably bitter and she had to desperately cover her arms throughout the train ride. And, she’d left during lunchtime, meaning he’d already been on the train before her, so she was squeezed between a crowd of tall strangers. Still, with anticipation coursing in her veins, she had little care. 

When she finally made it to the bookstore, she stood by the front desk, eyes lingering at the empty seat. They were immediately drawn to her crush stepping out the backroom to the front desk.

“Sorry!” Luz squeaked, turning her head to the side after being caught in the act. “I was just wondering where you were.”

“Sorry for what?” he chuckled, and it was the prettiest sound that’s ever graced her ears. “It’s alright. Are you really that eager to see me?”

“I am,” she whispered, fairly sure she looked like a lovestruck idiot. 

That seemed to earn a pause from him, and for a moment, she swore she saw crimson creep up behind the facemask, but he quickly cleared his throat. “So, uh, how are you?”

“Good as ever! I’m almost done with book 5.”

He set his chin on his palm, leaning against the desk. “That’s nice, Luz. Do you like it so far?”

Hearing her name roll off his tongue made every muscle feel like it was melting. She let out a small “mhm,” tucking a curl being her ear. “I’m on the part where Azura uses the Haunted Mirror, and —“

“And a spirit shatters it during her monologue?” he finished, a sparkle in his eyes. Luz nodded excitedly, and he continued. “I always wondered if that was symbolism for Azura’s inner turmoil. She always carried a high amount of guilt for every action, to the point that it’s shattering her psyche, and that being represented by a mirror makes even more sense.”

Luz was fairly sure it just represented a very angry ghost, but she smiled along. He tended to fall into theories or philosophical meanings behind the scenes of the book, and Luz would listen to every bit of it. Her inner nerd would shine and absorb every word with glee, pulling her even deeper into love sickness. Then, suddenly, as if her heart couldn’t pound any faster, two very endearing people with light brown hair stepped through the front door. The girl, who looked just a little older than Luz, brightened upon seeing them.

“Mittens, is this your new friend?” she teased, walking up to them and flipping her large braid back. She had similar eyes, a beauty mark beneath her eye, and carried an awe-inspiring poise. “Wow, you got lucky with this cutie.”

Luz froze, the words registering in her mind, blood rushing to her face. Cutie? Is she talking about me? I’m cutie!? “Hi,” she said shyly. “Wait, ‘mittens’?”

Her crush sent a piercing glare at them, as if directing some sort of warning, which the older girl rolled her eyes at playfully.

“That’s just our nickname for him. We’re his cool, uh, family friends,” said the tall girl. “I’m Emira, and that’s Edric.” She pointed to the guy behind her, who matched her in height and shared similar facial features.

“Oh, wow,” Luz beamed, turning towards her friend, who seemed to shrink just the slightest bit. “How come I’ve never seen them before?”

“They visit every once in a while,” her crush explained with crossed arms. “You just happened to show up at the same time.”

“Oh, yeah, we got your lunch again,” Edric dropped a bag on the front desk. “You’re welcome.”

He mumbled a small thanks, pushing it aside. “You two can go now.”

“Aw, what? Don’t want your favorite people around?” Edric cooed. He then turned, sending a grin towards Luz. “Besides, you’re not gonna introduce us to your friend?” 

“Yeah, she seems really cool,” Emira said, placing a hand on Luz’s shoulder. “Maybe too cool for you, even.”

At this point, Luz’s swooning began to turn into a full-on panic. With the combination of Edric’s smile, Emira’s hand on her shoulder, and the guy behind the front desk, her little bi heart was a bit too close to exploding. She chuckled, rubbing her arm to calm her nerves. 

Her crush stared, interpreting that as discomfort. “Maybe give her a little space.”

“Oh! Sorry,” Emira stepped back, folding her hands behind her back. Suddenly, she looked between them, and gasped. “Actually! You’re right, Mittens. We should be off.”

“Wait, really?” Edric asked, blinking.

“Yes. Your face is breaking out!” she added.

“Really?” Edric repeated, a little more urgent.

She whispered something to him, and his mouth turned into a small “oh” shape, and he nodded. “Right, right. We’ll be going now. Have fun!”

And, with that, the two rushed out of the bookstore, Edric waving goodbye and Emira blowing a kiss to them. Her friend’s shoulders untensed. As the door swung closed, Luz turned towards him with a smirk. “‘Mittens,’ huh?”

“Please don’t,” he groaned, shaking his head. “I don’t even know why they call me that.”

“Well,” Luz rocked back and forth on her heels, “I might have to resort to it, ‘cause you never really gave me your name.”

He fell silent. “Oh. Right. I uh — I haven’t.” He didn’t follow up with anything else.

She frowned, stilling her rocking to just tap the sole of her foot against the floor. They’ve been friends for a while, haven’t they? Was there a reason he didn’t want to reveal his name? A sudden, frightening thought arose — what if it was somehow his way to hint that he wasn’t interested in her and was already taken? But platonic friends share their names, too.

In the end, she decided to simply change the subject. No amount of spiraling would get her answers, and she didn’t want to be an annoyance. They spent a good few minutes discussing the series, even other fantasy books from their childhood, and the minutes soon turned to an hour. Even when her mom called her, she couldn’t help but linger at the store for just a little longer, unable to get enough of her impossibly amazing crush’s presence. When her phone rang again, she sighed softly.

“I should probably be going now,” Luz relented, trying to keep the disappointment from slipping through her voice. “Don’t wanna keep my mom waiting.”

“It’s really cold outside,” he pointed out.

Luz grinned nervously. “Yeah, I was thinking about going back into my house when I stepped out to choose something else, but…” but, she was running out of patience to see him, which would be beyond embarrassing to admit out loud. “I didn’t wanna miss the train.”

He stared at the door for a moment, and then began to take off his jacket. Luz tilted her head questioningly, and her breath hitched as he held it out to her. “You can borrow this one, if you want.”

Trying not to go crazy over the Azura shirt he was wearing underneath (Good Witch Azura merchandise! Luz began to wonder if he was her true soulmate), she took the jacket tentatively. “Really? I mean, I don’t need it, unless you want me to have it. I’d love to wear —“ backtrack, Luz! You’re sounding like a fangirl! “I mean, I’d appreciate borrowing it because of, you know, the weather. Thank you.”

He chuckled again, sending a million flips through Luz’s stomach. “It’s not an issue, really. I’ll see you next week?”

Luz nodded. As she left the store, she sunk into the soft fabric of the clothing, embracing the scent — is that weird? Eh, whatever — and giggled softly. 

✧

Luz wore the jacket to school the next Monday, and Tuesday, and the current day, deciding she’d take full advantage of borrowing it. After all, it’s not like he’d know, so she had little shame.

She gushed about him with every heart-throbbing fact she learned. Even though he refused to talk about his personal life, there were a few things she now knew: that he was very invested in his studies, that he kept a diary with a hand-drawn cover (to Luz’s dismay, he wouldn’t send a photo of it), and that he wasn’t just an Azura fan, he was a fanatic. 

The best part? He was willing to listen to her Hecazura rambles! 

“And we were discussing Book 3 Chapter 7, where Hecate and Azura promised to meet back at the Mystic Tree, and when they held hands and separated with a ‘longing feeling’ between them, and he said it was a very good literary tactic for setting up their feelings for each other, and —” Luz let out a happy noise and stuffed her face into her hands, her cheeks sore from her smile. 

Willow set her lunch tray down with a soft grin. “Had my doubts at first, but I’m happy for you! You’re a cute match.”

“I mean, that is if he likes me that way. We’re just being friendly, he could have a partner for all I know.” The words, even though it came from her own lips, settled like cold ice in Luz’s stomach.

“You could always ask if he’s single,” Willow offered.

She groaned. “But that’s so obvious!” 

“I still wish I knew what he looked like,” Gus mused. “You said he’s always wearing a facemask, right? What’s he hiding under there? So many mysteries!”

“His whole life is a mystery,” Luz sighed, poking her food with her fork. “But I think it’s cool.”

“But what if…” Gus waited, and then lowered his voice, “he’s a secret agent sent to spy on you?” 

“Okay, let’s tone down the theories,” Willow suggested, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“The possibilities are endless, Willow. Endless.”

“There’s probably a good reason for it,” Luz said. “Maybe he has a scar on his lips or something, and he’s insecure of it, even though it looks awesome.”

“One that he must’ve gained on a secret mission,” Gus finished jokingly. “See? My point is proven.” 

“To be honest, it is really suspicious he didn’t tell you his name,” Willow considered, pursing her lips. 

Gus’s eyes widened. “Maybe he’s running from the law! No wonder he’s hiding his identity so much.”

“I mean, I never asked for it,” Luz shrugged. He really didn’t seem like a ‘secret criminal’ or anything, the last thing she wanted was for her friends to be suspicious of him. “Seriously, I think he’s just introverted.”

The table suddenly shook, and Willow let out a gasp when her drink spilled over.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bump into that,” Boscha sang, her lips curled in a smile. Amity stood beside her with crossed arms, letting out an amused snort.

Willow sighed, sending a deathly glare in her direction. With gritted teeth, she spat out, “it’s fine.”

Boscha winked and walked away, waggling her fingers in a goodbye wave. Amity followed behind slowly, her eyes settling on Luz, and, in an unreadable way, stayed there for a few moments . Amity ripped her gaze away and turned from the table. 

“How many tables have they done that to so far?” Gus questioned.

“Like, five.” Willow rolled her eyes. 

Luz raised an eyebrow, still thinking about Amity’s lingering look, but quickly shrugged it off and stood. “I’m gonna go get some towels for that.”

“It’s okay, Luz,” Willow chuckled. “I can handle a spill.”

“Nah, I wanna move my legs anyways,” Luz insisted. “I’ll be back!”

Before her friends could protest, Luz was already scooting out of the seat and winding her way through the other tables to the towel dispenser. After wiping down the spill and leaving once again to throw away the towel, she stepped out into the hallway, chewing on her lip as she tried to spot a trash can. You’d think they’d be in the cafeteria…

She finally found one, and a tiny smile was set on her lips as she tossed the paper over to it. She turned around on her heel, walking straight into Boscha, and yelped as she fell backwards.

“Geez, watch where you’re going,” Boscha rolled her eyes, standing beside Amity. “Dumb and clumsy is a bad combo.”

“You were right behind me, I couldn’t even see you!” Luz protested.

Boscha let out an amused huff, strutting away with her head held high, her leg brushing past and shoving Luz’s shoulder. Luz pouted in her direction, wishing she knew where all that audacity could possibly come from, and then looked up at Amity with a frown. She had a feeling this interaction wasn’t exactly over as the girl's eyes darted between her and Boscha. But then Amity did something so unexpected that Luz’s jaw almost fell open.

She held her hand out.

A very, very simple gesture. Luz just stared at it, her mind whirling in confusion. Amity narrowed her eyes and muttered, “are you gonna take it or what?”

Slowly, hesitantly, Luz took her hand, was pulled up to her feet, and her russet pupils met pretty amber ones. Amity opened her mouth, as though to say something else, but her face reddened and her fingers slipped from Luz’s. She briskly walked past her, and Luz could only stand frozen, her palm still tingling from the contact. Amity Blight just helped her? Albeit a bit snarky about it, she helped her up instead of joining Boscha’s berating? 

And why, Luz wondered, was her own heart pumping so fast?

Notes:

i love writing luz being head over heels she's so silly in the best way possible

Chapter 3: Too Close

Notes:

i wasn't the biggest fan of the direction i took chapter 3 last time, so… I rewrote it. i’ll probably mention this in chapter 4 notes, too, just to avoid confusion. but i hope you like this version <3

Luz was about to miss the subway train.

In all honesty, she could have waited for the next one. But that was in, what, an hour? She’d already come all this way, sprinting to the station, and both the idea of going all the way back home and waiting in a public place (filled with adult strangers, especially) for a long time were wholly unappealing to her. So, here she was, running beyond her limited athletic abilities, and it wasn’t long before she tripped over her own shoe and scraped her elbow against concrete.

With a hiss at the sharp sting now running through her arm, Luz stood quickly. A few strangers shot her a concerned glance, but she paid little attention, winding through them and down the stairs into the underground subway. 

Only once she saw the train, still waiting in all its glory, did she allow herself to catch her breath. Her fingers trailed over her fanny pack to make sure it was still intact, and her lungs heaved as she pushed her way into the subway, immediately standing on her tiptoes to spot a familiar head of green hair. His eyes were glued onto his phone screen, and a beam broke across Luz’s face.

“Heya!” she called out breathlessly. His head lifted, and in an instant, his eyebrows furrowed together, glancing at Luz’s elbow.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, reaching out, and stopping midway.

“What? Me? Of course!” she assured, though her panting for oxygen was betraying her words. She could feel her pulse running at a million miles per minute, and she likely looked like a mess. Luz made a mental note to never ignore her morning alarm ever again.

Most of the guy’s face was covered by the mask, of course, but she could tell he was having an internal debate. He glanced over to some of the train seats lined up against the walls, and gently pushed her shoulders down to sit on one. Luz blinked in confusion as he sifted through his handbag, fished out a small water bottle, and held it out to her.

“Oh,” she whispered, tentatively taking it from his hands. In all honesty, she felt like she was on the verge of fainting, and she couldn’t really tell if that was from the run or the fact he was being so impossibly kind to her right now. Probably both. 

“Thank you,” Luz murmured, twisting the cap off and practically chugging the bottle. She forgot to waterfall it, but he didn’t seem to really care.

“It’s no problem,” he chortled, sitting down next to her. Their shoulders brushed together, and warmth travelled up Luz’s face. “What happened, anyway?”

Closing up the bottle, Luz looked away, a sheepish smile on her lips. “I sorta slept in and ran to get here and tripped.”

He let out a huff of amusement. “You should be more careful.”

Luz groaned, leaning her head against the wall as the subway train began to move. “I know, I know! My mom tells me that, like, daily.”

He hummed, putting the water away. “I think I should have some bandaids in the backroom? Unless Ed or Em did something with it,” he sighed. “Those two are always sticking their dumb noses in there.”

“Hey!” she laughed. “Ed and Em aren’t dumb! They’re sweet, in my opinion.”

“‘Sweet’ and ‘Ed and Em’ are not words that should be in the same sentence,” he grumbled.

“Don’t they bring lunch for you every day?” Luz argued. “My family friends would never .”

“They’re my –” he stopped short, clearing his throat. “They act like they’re my siblings. Which, if you know anything about those, means they’re both lovable and a pain in the butt.”

Luz let out a snort. “Do you have any actual siblings?” 

“No,” he said quickly, leaning against the wall with her. “I’m an only child.”

“Me too! But you already know that.” She tapped her fingers against her knee considerably. “You don’t really talk about your life outside the bookstore often. What school do you even go to?”

“Oh.“ he paused. “Uh… Glandus?”

Luz gasped. “Oh my gosh, that’s Hexside’s rival school!”

“Guess we’re enemies, then,” he joked, nudging her shoulder, and Luz offered a grin in response. A small part of her fanfiction brain whispered ‘ rivals to lovers,’ but she quickly squashed it down. As much as she liked this guy, she still had no clue about his love life.

The two fell into a brief silence, and Luz swallowed. Well, Willow had told her to just ask , and maybe if she framed the question curiously, he wouldn’t suspect anything. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, feeling her heartbeat pick up, and could only hope the flush on her face wasn’t as apparent as it felt. 

“On the topic of, uh, getting to know you better, ‘cause you’re really secretive,” she began, and that seemed to earn a chuckle from him. “What about friends? Or partners?” 

He blinked, and she inwardly cringed. Way to go, Luz. That was way too obvious.

“I have a few friends,” he replied slowly. “As for a partner, at the moment, no.”

“I see,” she mumbled, trying her absolute hardest not to let out a squeal. She almost couldn’t believe it — how was someone like him single? — but, hey, she wasn’t complaining. Feeling bold, she added, “that’s really surprising, honestly. There’s probably tons of people wanting to date you.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds, and a sinking feeling set in on Luz at the idea that she may have completely messed up. She peeked at him, and he looked a bit — red? Not that she could see his cheeks, but there was crimson scattered all over his forehead and ears, somewhat reminding Luz of a ripe tomato. It was cute, really.

“Thanks,” he murmured, rubbing his arm. Luz stared for a few seconds. Was he… flustered? No, she had to be imagining things. 

Before either of them could continue talking, though, the subway train came to a stop. The two pushed past the crowd, making their way to the bookstore, and Luz considered striking up another conversation; but she was still mulling over the image of him practically blushing at what she said. Was he really that flattered by Luz’s opinion?

Her train of thought was interrupted by the creaking of the store entrance. He tugged on her sleeve, leading her to sit down in the front desk seat. “Okay, I’m gonna go check the backroom. Is it alright if you wait here?”

“Yep!” Luz chirped, sinking into the seat. It was really comfy, honestly, even more than her chair at home. No wonder he could sit here all day. 

With a smile – well, not that she could see his lips, but she could sort of tell from his eyes – he quickly stepped into the backroom, leaving Luz by herself. She waited a minute or two, her heart rapidly beating in her chest. He was just so considerate! And he blushed!

Oh, she had it bad, that was for sure. Her eyes wouldn’t dare leave the door. It’s almost as though her brave move had shifted the mood between them, into something a bit more relaxed, yet anxious all the same. She couldn’t help but wonder if he felt it, too. 

Finally, he re-entered the room, holding up a tiny set of bandages. “Found ‘em.”

Luz stood from the chair and backed up a little, giving him some more space. He pulled out the water bottle again and gently took Luz’s arm, the touch sending jolts through her veins, and gently poured the water over it to clean it out. He then plastered the bandaid over her elbow, smoothing it out with his fingers. 

His eyes met Luz’s, causing a million somersaults to erupt within her stomach, and she had to pull her gaze away to suppress her shy smile.

“Better?” he asked, his hand trailing from her elbow to her wrist before pulling away. 

She sucked in a small breath. “Better.”

The two fell silent, with Luz slightly picking at the bandaid, a soft smile upon her lips. He seemed to want to break the silence, so he said, “Hey, about what you said earlier…”

She lifted her head. “Hm?”

“About feeling like a lot of people would like me? I could say the same for you.”

Luz’s breath caught in her throat. Quietly, she asked, “Really?”

He nodded.

The two stood there, neither saying much of anything else, and all Luz could really focus on was the person in front of her. She could no longer hear the bustling of the streets outside, nor the sound of her pulse hammering into her ears, nor could she see the bookstore or the windows or the desk. Everything was focused on him. 

Their faces were mere inches away, and she was getting completely and utterly lost in those bright pupils — they almost appeared like a unique yellow, even — and Luz found herself stepping closer, her fingers brushing against his. He intertwined them, sending her stomach into yet another flip. Oddly enough, though she’d never held his hand like this before, it felt familiar.

He reached up to his facemask with his other hand, and then…

And then, he froze before his palm even graced the mask, something in his gaze changing. He looked away. In an instant, Luz’s heart sank to her stomach and churned into embarrassment, worrying she’d somehow misread the situation.

“Sorry, I —“ he paused, a thick silence hanging between them for a moment. “I’m not really sure you’d like what’s under the facemask.”

She frowned. What did he mean by that? Was he insecure? “It doesn’t matter to me what you look like,” Luz whispered reassuringly, squeezing his hand. “I like you regardless.”

He shook his head, murmuring, “That’s not the only issue. It’s — it’s complicated? I don’t know how to say it.”

Luz stared, her heart burying itself even deeper. She nodded. She wasn’t going to push, obviously. But if insecurities weren’t the issue, then what was? Maybe it was just a way to gently let her down? 

Her eyes fell to her feet, pulling her fingers away from his. She couldn’t help but feel just a bit queasy. “I understand.”

His voice softened. “I’m sorry, I just can’t really explain…”

You don’t like me that way, right? Luz finished internally. She wasn’t really sure what to say. She’d thought her feelings would be reciprocated for once, but of course, that was yet another one of her silly fantasies. A tiny, harsh lump formed in her throat, and she quickly shut her eyes, if only to hide its swelling. She’s used to rejection, so why did this hurt so much?

“Luz?” he asked tentatively.

“It’s okay!” she answered hurriedly, though the slight croak in her voice said otherwise. “I just, um — I think I have to go. My mom’s probably waiting for me.”

She felt bad. It’s not his fault that he didn’t see her that way. Still, she felt like she had to leave, if only to avoid the tears threatening the corners of her eyes. Without saying anything else, and without daring to see his expression, she swiftly walked out the bookstore.

✧

Amity Blight had no idea what she was supposed to do.

She must’ve spent an eternity there, staring straight at the door where Luz had left from, adrenaline racing through her bones. Whether it was from the almost-kiss or panic, she wasn’t entirely sure. 

She wanted to kiss Luz. Even though it’s something she would never have admitted out loud a few weeks ago, she absolutely wanted to. But how could she, when Luz didn't know it was her? That wouldn’t have been a real connection. It wouldn’t have been fair to Luz. Which was, of course, something Amity had realized after she held her hand. She slipped the mask off, running her hand through her hair, mumbling to herself. “I really screwed up, haven’t I?”

She pulled her phone out, inhaling, and opened Luz’s contact. She had to say something. To fix this. But she wasn’t sure how.  

She typed in a, “hey”, but then deleted it. Then she typed, “are you ok?”, but that didn't seem right either. Of course Luz wasn’t okay. She thought she‘d just gotten rejected. Groaning, Amity set the phone down, bumping her forehead into the wall and staying there for a moment. She only lifted her head when the door opened, and her twin siblings walked in, chattering and holding her lunch.

Lunch? How long was Amity standing there for?

“Hey, Mittens — woah,” Emira stopped, a frown forming upon her face. “What happened?”

Amity let out a weak laugh, separating herself from the wall. “Nothing. And please tell me you got something other than fast food this time.”

Her sister, ignoring the last statement, leaned against the front desk. “If it was ‘nothing’, why were you sulking just now?”

“Yeah,” Edric agreed, plopping the bag on the table. “We know a sad baby sister when we see one.”

Emira gasped. “Did something happen with the cutie?”

Amity flushed the slightest bit, reaching up to cover her mouth with the heel of her palm. “It’s complicated.”

“This is about the cutie!” Edric exclaimed. 

Immediately after, Emira questioned, “What happened? Did you two make out?”

Her face fell into an even deeper shade, and her head whirled towards Emira, scowling. “Em! ”

“Right, right,” Emira relented, smirking. “You’re in a bad mood. So, did you two make out and she thought you were a bad kisser?”

Amity scoffed. “No, we didn’t make out ! Stop saying that!” She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “We didn’t even kiss. That’s the issue. She wanted to kiss, but I… didn’t think it’d be right.”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t told her yet,” Edric said, eyes wide like saucers.

Amity made a strained noise, which was enough answer for the twins. The two exchanged a look, and Edric soon leaned forwards, displaying his annoyingly confident smile. “Why don’t you go tell her, then? Go reveal the truth, tell her you like her, and then you two can go canoodle!”

Pointedly ignoring whatever he said last, she sighed again, turning away. “Yeah, sure, Ed. I’m sure she’ll be real happy to learn I’m the girl in her class she’s practically afraid of.”

“What else can you do?” Emira questioned, her voice softening. “Don’t you think she deserves to know?”

“I…” Amity trailed off, glancing at the phone again. Emira was right. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, and then picked it up, reopening Luz’s contact. “I suppose you have a point.”

Making a final internal decision, her thumbs already moving, she sent, “can we talk?”

✧

Luz couldn’t stop thinking about that day.

She just felt so… stupid. Of course he wasn’t interested in her. Why would he be? He could pull anyone he wanted, why settle for her?

She couldn’t imagine facing him after that. No matter what, there’d always be an awkward air hanging around them. She’d have to live with the fact that any chance at romance had been horribly shattered in front of her, because she ruined it, as she did with many things. Luz knew she was being a bit harsh on herself, but after that horrific fumble? Maybe she wasn’t being harsh enough.

Suddenly, a voice cut through her thoughts. “Is it just me, or has Amity been giving you the death glare lately?” 

Luz lifted her head from her assignment to Gus, who was donning a very serious expression. She blinked. “She has?”

“I’ve noticed it, too,” Willow whispered, leaning over to Luz’s desk. She tilted her head over to the girl in question, and Luz’s eyes drifted towards her, able to catch just a fraction of a stare before Amity hastily returned to her notebook.

A shiver ran down her spine, and she gulped. The last time some popular girl kept staring her down, it was a cold warning of the harsh bullying Luz was about to endure, at least, until she relented and switched schools. There were others, of course, but the parallel between this and that memory was unsettling.

“Did you piss her off lately?” Gus asked curiously.

“Gus, language!” Willow chided. “The teacher could hear you.”

Luz’s eyes still lingered on the top student, her lips pursed. Whatever she must’ve done, she had no clue what it was. Has she ever even interacted with Amity before that time in the hallway? She shook her head, and then shrugged it off. “Maybe she was just spacing out. I do that and realize I’m accidentally staring at a person sometimes, too.”

“I dunno…” Willow trailed off, frowning.

She waved it away. “It’s probably nothing.”

However, now that her friends had pointed it out, Luz was just a bit more alert throughout the day. And, maybe it was her overthinking, but the stares had gotten much more frequent.

In the lunchroom, as she had stood in line, she noticed a certain pair of amber eyes locked in her direction.

Then, in the hallway, she simply walked past Amity, and she swore her gaze snapped in her direction.

And then, after school, as kids were emptying out, Luz caught yet another glance.

Honestly, it was getting too much. Part of her began to worry that everyone was staring at her, as though they slithered into her head and found her embarrassing bookstore moment from the previous day. The moment that kept replaying itself in her stupid head. 

So, instead of packing up and heading to the bus like everyone else, she’d found herself hiding in a small corner, all her papers in books bundled up within her arms. Once she was sure there was nobody around, she walked towards her locker, sighing. Luz leaned against it, hugging her book to her chest and tracing tiny shapes in its spine. Even though she was sure she’d gotten all the tears out, they seemed to be out to torment her again, harshly stinging her vision.

And then, suddenly, she felt something incredibly cold dumped all over her shoulder. She jolted, turning her head, blinking past her foggy sight. Her entire side was soaked. 

“Oops,” Boscha snickered, stuffing a now empty bottle inside her locker. “Didn’t mean to tip the water bottle that way.”

She clenched her trembling jaw, fingers curling around the book. Of course, with her luck, one of the people she least wanted to see had shown up after she looked around the hallway. The universe had to be out for her or something. Out of all the times to get bullied, it had to happen now?

“Was there a reason to do that?” another voice cut in sharply. Amity’s. As Boscha closed the locker, she came into view, her eyebrows pulled together.

Boscha scoffed. “What? It was an accident,” she smirked, nudging Amity’s elbow. The other girl didn’t seem very amused, though it might’ve been some sort of act. Were they planning this? Was that why Amity had been leering at her the whole day?

Luz whimpered, turning her head to the side. Clearly, she wasn’t going to worm her way out of this, so she mentally prepared herself for more berating.

But then, to her complete and utter shock, Amity stepped towards her and encased her wrist in her hand, leading her forwards. Luz stared at the point where her hand met, still catching up to whatever the heck was happening right now. “C’mon, let’s go get that cleaned up.”

“Uh, what ? ” Boscha sputtered out. “Where did this come from — why are you helping her ?”

Amity shot her an icy glare. “Because I grew up, Boscha. When will you?”

Luz’s jaw dropped the slightest bit, though she wasn’t able to catch Boscha’s reaction, still being gently pulled towards the bathroom. Her mind was practically whirling at trying to comprehend this. Amity Blight was helping her. Again. Not that she didn’t appreciate it, but she couldn’t help but wonder where this kindness was stemming from.

Eventually, they found the restrooms. The light flickered on upon their entrance, the room devoid of any other students. Wordlessly, Amity let go of her wrist and pumped out a few towels from the dispenser, bundling them up and pressing them against Luz’s shoulder. 

A heavy silence lingered in the bathroom, and Luz swallowed, her heart racing for reasons unbeknownst to her. Though she hadn’t thought much of it before, now that she was up close, she realized that Amity was very… pretty. She had extremely refined eyeliner, smoothly painted nails, her hair was silky — everything about her just screamed proper perfection. But she never seemed very relaxed, and Luz passively wondered what she’d be like if she were.

“Are you okay?” Amity suddenly asked, tossing the towels into the trash bin. “You were crying earlier.”

Luz rubbed her eye, and it took her a moment to process what she’d been asked. “What? I’m fine,” she murmured, feigning a chuckle.

Clearly, Amity didn’t believe that. But it didn’t matter. Luz wasn’t obligated to tell her about her love life, and even if she did, she was fairly sure the other girl would laugh at her for crying over something so silly. In fact, Luz was surprised she wasn’t being made fun of right this moment.

Amity was chewing on her own lip, looking down. She wondered what was going through her mind. “Listen, Luz, I… I need to tell you something.”

Huh? Her eyebrows etched together. “What is it?”

Amity inhaled sharply, a flush spreading across her face and ears. “I’m —“ she swallowed, clenching the hem of her skirt, and she seemed to be reaching for the right words. Sighing, she turned away, leaving Luz even more confused than before. “Nevermind. Sorry,” Amity mumbled finally, and with that, she stepped out of the bathroom. 

Luz could only stare in her direction, an odd feeling curling in her stomach. 

✧

The walk home felt strange.

Soft breezes brushed past her ear, orange hues spilled across the sidewalk, and on days Luz decided not to take the bus, she’d be dancing and singing all the way home. But not this time.

She clicked open her phone, seeing numerous messages from Ed and Em she hadn’t responded to. And, also, a singular one from him , which Luz didn’t dare to open yet. She feared a pity apology for the rejection — he didn’t even have anything to apologize for — and she especially feared a message doubling down and making fun of her for assuming he liked her. Of course, the second option was slightly out of character, but that did nothing to calm the uncomfortable tightness in her chest.

The moment she’d gotten home, she was grateful that Camila was still at work. She didn’t want her to see the water pricking at her eyes. Luz wasn’t sure why she was crying so much, anyways. It was just some guy. A really pretty, charming, Azura-fan guy…

She shook her head, hurrying to her room and tossing the phone onto the bed. Schoolwork. That would get her mind off things.

Plopping into her desk, Luz chewed on her pen, the borrowed jacket slung across the back of her chair. Well, now that she forcefully pushed away any musings on bookstore guy, her brain seemed to find anything else except her homework to zone in on — which happened to be Amity. Amity, the top student, the most popular girl, the one who has a reputation of being quite snappy. And yet, despite all the rumors, the girl was showing a kindness to her which rivaled that of Luz’s friends. 

She was undoubtedly acting off. First the hand in the hallway, then the deadly stares, then she was defending Luz against Boscha? There had to be some sort of reason, and popular girls don’t typically want to be Luz’s friend. And she couldn’t remember talking to Amity at all before that point, and it’s not like Luz was acting different lately, either. Well, unless I count gushing over my crush. But tons of people do that!

Suddenly, she froze.

My crush.  

The one with green hair. The one with amber eyes, a raspy voice, painted nails, a tendency to turn red all the way to his ears…

‘I’m not really sure you’d like what’s under the facemask.’

Luz gasped, the pen falling from her fingertips.

Notes:

tried to make the beginning more fluffy but it seems i gravitate towards writing angst 😓 lots of fluff incoming though

comments appreciated <3

Chapter 4: The Real You

“You’re telling me,” Gus began, eyes so wide they might as well pop out of his skull, “that the mysterious guy you were talking to was none other than Amity Blight!?”

Luz nodded rapidly, plopped on her stomach on her bed and facetime propped up against the pillow. 

Willow snapped her fingers. “I knew there was something off about him!”

“I’m a bit disappointed that he’s not a secret super villain,” Gus sighed, “but this is just as good of a plot twist.”

“Do you guys know what this means?” Luz groaned, running a palm down her face. “Amity was there every time I gushed about the bookstore guy! Watching the whole thing!”

Willow and Gus simultaneously made a seething noise through their teeth. “Yeah, that’s…” Gus trailed off.

“Embarrassing? Cringey? A complete blow to my dignity?” Luz sunk her cheek into her palm, nose scrunched up. “Yeah.”

“It’s okay,” Willow offered. Luz disagreed internally. It was absolutely not okay. “It’s not like you could’ve known. It’s on Amity that she was hiding it from you this long.”

“ Why she was hiding it is the real question,” Gus brought up. “Maybe she was in love with you the whole time, and pretended to be a bookstore guy to catch your attention!”

“She didn’t really want anything to do with me before I approached her at the bookstore,” Luz corrected. “But we also almost kissed, but she also rejected me, which is probably ‘cause I didn’t know who she was? I dunno.”

Gus and Willow’s jaws fell open, and she awkwardly scratched her head. Luz hadn’t actually mentioned that part when she’d told the story. Immediately, she was being bombarded with a barrage of questions, practically taking up the rest of her evening.

By the time the call finally ended, Luz sighed and sunk into her blankets, staring up at the ceiling of her bunk bed. In the end, none of them could really figure out Amity’s true motives. She opened her contacts, her thumb hovering over Amity’s number. She hadn’t opened the message yet, she realized.

Slowly, she clicked it, eyes trailing across the words. “ can we talk?”

Okay, that made sense. She probably should’ve read that earlier.

But when Luz began to type a response, she wasn't really sure what to say. Did Amity want to talk now, over call? Or in person the next day? Was she prepared for either?

“Ponte las pilas, Luz!” She chided herself. It was just a talk. It wasn’t complicated. And she’s been wanting answers, hasn’t she? With another sigh, she shut the phone off and let it sit next to her. She’ll just let her brain clear and respond in a bit, she decided.

Her eyes fluttered closed, desperately ignoring the way her heart surged with hope at the idea of Amity Blight actually liking her that way.

✧

Amity stared at the message she’d sent a day ago, her knee bouncing rapidly. Read Friday.

She glanced at her alarm clock. 12:17 A.M on a Saturday. Sighing, she shut the phone off, swung her legs onto the bed, and pulled the blanket over herself while burying her cheek into her pillow.  She’s not even sure why she chickened out in that bathroom. That was the perfect chance to spill the truth, to offer an explanation and fix the awkwardness between them. Or it could’ve made things worse. Maybe it was that uncertainty that scared Amity off.

Her phone let out a ding, and Amity jumped just the slightest bit. She turned over, slowly reaching to her phone on the bedside table, breath hitching at the notification. It was from Luz.

“sure, we can. when?”

She bit on her lip. She hadn’t actually expected a response this late, and she felt a small churning in her stomach at Luz’s absence of usual emoticons. Amity jotted in “evening at town?”, sent it, and clicked the power button. Secretly, she was hoping for another notification sound, but it wasn’t coming so soon. 

So, Amity forced her eyes shut and waited for slumber instead. And waited. And waited…

With a huff, Amity sprung up from her bed and stalked towards her bathroom, dragging her feet across the floor. Apparently, sleep refused to grace her with its presence.

She flipped the switch up, the quiet hum of the vent filling her ears as a fervid light spilled across the room. She rubbed her eye, stepping to the sink to access the upper cabinet. As she caught her own reflection in the mirror, she winced at her heavy eyebags and ruffled hair. To say she looked like a mess would be an understatement. 

Amity sighed and opened up the cabinet, sifting through for sleeping pills. She stood on her tiptoes, reaching in further. Nothing. She must’ve ran out. She groaned, about to close up the cabinet when her fingers bumped against a small box.

It was her collection of hair dye, a different color at that. 

Amity stole a glance at the clock. It was a horrible idea, especially at midnight. But she’d been considering and ultimately avoiding it for a while, for she knew Luz would notice if both ‘bookstore guy’ and Amity dyed their hair the same color at the same time. But now that she was going to spill the truth, it didn’t matter. 

It was then that it really settled in on Amity. She was going to tell the truth. If she did this, she couldn’t work her way around it or try to think of another explanation. This would be it.

With a deep breath, Amity popped open the box, dumping the tube into her palm. 

And the next morning, when the decision was finally finished and a huge wave of regret was washing through her gut, she called her siblings over to her room. She was still in her pajamas, a bit too timid to go get breakfast since their parents were downstairs.

“ What do you think?” Amity asked tentatively, running a hand through her hair. The twins stared at her blankly, eyes jumping across each lavender strand.

“I think mom’s gonna kill you,” Edric said. And honestly, he was pretty much right. Amity was only allowed to dye her hair under one condition — that she dye it green, her mother’s favorite color. And, last time she checked, lavender was a very different shade.

“But it suits you!” Emira exclaimed. “It’ll look so good with the piercings. But can I comb it out?”

Amity nodded shyly, seating herself on her bedroom carpet as Emira pulled out a comb from the dresser. Edric unceremoniously plopped himself onto the bed, pulling out his phone and showing complete disregard for the smoothed blanket. Amity shot him a stink eye that he promptly ignored.

“So, are things sorted out with the cutie yet?” Emira asked, parting her hair.

“No,” Amity huffed. “We’re going to this evening. And I have no clue if I’m ready for it.”

“Better now than ever,” Edric offered.

“It’s just… ever since I met her, things have been so complicated,” Amity complained. She groaned when the comb hit a particular stubborn knot of hair.

“Is that so bad?” Emira argued. “You weren’t happy before.”

“Well, I doubt I’m going to be very happy once I reveal this,” Amity grumbled. “I still don’t know if she’s into girls, Em.”

“Amity,” her sister deadpanned. “You literally told us about her daily ‘Hecazura’ rambles. Of course she’s into girls.”

She paused. Okay, Emira had a point there. Maybe Amity had a chance. But still. “What,” she scoffed, “you’re saying I just… ask her out?”

“Yeah,” Edric chimed in, sitting up. “Prom’s coming up, y’know. You should do one of those grand giant signs with a ‘Will You Go to Prom With Me’ in sparkly letters.”

Amity immediately shot that idea down, whirling her head around (she let out a small ‘ow’ as that consequently yanked the comb out of her hair) and scowled. “Absolutely not!”

“Ed, stop trying to sabotage her,” Emira chided. He shrugged with a cocky grin. “But maybe you could ask her to prom. Y’know, normally.”

“With a huge sign,” Edric added.

“No. No sign.”

Amity sighed as the two continued to bicker, wincing as the comb hit another tangle. It wasn’t a horrible idea. And she had to admit, picturing herself going to prom with Luz Noceda was doing many things to her stomach. She’s not sure how she’d even lead into that conversation, but… 

“I guess we’ll see in a few hours,” she murmured.

✧

As Amity leaned against the wall outside the bookstore, sun dipped below the sky, she found out she was still absolutely not ready for this.

She had no clue how Luz was going to react. If she was going to hate her. If she would be disgusted, or confused, or enraged. Amity’s hand reached for her phone, and she almost considered cancelling… But she couldn’t. Luz needed to know. 

And besides, she was already here.

Hand in her pocket, the borrowed jacket tucked under her other arm, Luz slowly stepped up to the store. The warm glow from overhead store roofs illuminated her curls, and even when she was serious, there was just a hint of a pep in her step that Amity really adored. Their eyes met, a wordless greeting, and it took everything in her not to crumble on the spot.

“Your hair’s different,” Luz noted quietly. Amity couldn’t quite catch what her expression was, whether it was judgement or awe. But it was something.

“Oh, I thought it could use a change. My mom only liked it when I dyed it green,” Amity shrugged, avoiding the fact it was basically a panicked midnight decision.

Luz hummed in acknowledgement. The two fell into an uncomfortable silence, the faint sounds of bustling and shoes drifting through the air. Then, Luz sucked in a breath. 

“I’d almost forgotten about it, but —” Luz held out the jacket bundled in her arms, a faint flush dotting her cheeks. “You probably wanted this back.”

Now, were things on better terms, Amity would’ve boldly insisted that Luz keep it. But instead, she gently took it from her hands, the fabric soft and thoroughly cleaned. It’s clear that Luz had taken careful care of it. “Right, thank you. So…”

“You go first,” Luz offered.

Amity nodded. Luz stared up at her, her pretty eyes round and unreadable, but palms wringing together. She always did that when she was anxious, Amity noticed. It offered her some solace that she wasn’t the only one absolutely overcome with nerves right now. 

She reached up to her facemask, and Luz frowned when her fingers twitched. Amity swallowed, her heart’s pulse deafening her ears as sweat trailed down her hand. But she couldn’t back out now. Exhaling, she finally grabbed the mask and slipped it down.

She’d expected some sort of reaction, but Luz just stood there, waiting. Like she wanted Amity to say it herself. She cleared her throat. “I’m Amity Blight. The girl in your class. And…” 

And what, that she was too scared to tell her? That she liked her, but was afraid Luz wasn’t into girls? What sort of excuse was that?

When Amity’s words died out, and a silence hung between them, Luz sighed. “I knew.”

She opened and closed her mouth, stiffening. Out of all the responses she could’ve gotten, that one was the least expected. “You did?”

Luz nodded timidly, showing a sudden interest in her shoes, rocking back and forth on her toes. “I sorta figured it out a while ago. After…” she trailed off with a twirl of her wrist, but Amity already knew what she was referring to. “But I wanted you to tell me, y’know?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t earlier,” Amity murmured. Luz’s eyes flickered upwards. Then, Amity shrugged, and although her next statement was a simple admission, it came out meekly. “Didn’t want people in school to judge me for dressing like this, I guess.”

Luz fell quiet, and her gaze softened, a pitying lilt in her tone. “Oh, Amity, that’s why? I never would’ve judged you.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” Amity chuckled. She took the cap off, running a hand through her fringe. “And that’s why I’m apologizing. There was no reason to hide this from you for so long.”

The other girl chewed on her lip. Amity shifted uncomfortably, wondering if she should add something else, but Luz then responded slowly. “I get it. I forgive you.”

She wasn’t sure what else to say, so Amity simply nodded. They still hadn’t addressed the whole romance thing. And in complete honesty, Amity was still running on fearing adrenaline, and she wasn’t sure how much more serious conversation she could take. She couldn’t tell what Luz was thinking, either. Despite usually being an open book, she was unusually guarded right now. 

“I know it’s a bit late, but…” Amity jabbed a thumb towards the bookstore entrance, uncertainty laced in her words. “Do you wanna come inside?”

To her relief, a soft smile grew onto Luz’s face. “Sure.”

At last, they fell into their familiar rhythm, with Amity tossing the jacket on the chair she sat in as Luz checked out the latest issues. There was still a tense air, a hint of something unfinished, but they could push it aside for now. They could try to be normal.

Okay, well, maybe not. In all honesty, Amity should stop tiptoeing around and just ask her out. But was this even the right time? Would it be an awkward question to ask here? Or should she just suck it up and listen to the twins’ dumb advice?

“You know,” Luz mused suddenly, flipping through a book, “you should wear this style to school.”

Amity blinked out of her daze. “What do you mean?”

“Like, the cap and piercings,” she explained, tucking a curl behind her ear. “It suits you.”

“Oh, I…” Amity scratched the back of her neck. She hadn’t ever considered doing that, especially as it was practically what she’d been trying to avoid this whole time. “I doubt that’d be a good idea.”

“Why?” Luz questioned, closing the book and stepping up to the desk. “I mean, I’ve worn a skirt to school one day and masc clothes the next, but nobody’s ever judged.” She paused. “Well, okay, I’ve been judged, but not for that.”

Amity huffed in amusement, tapping her finger against the desk. “That’s because you’re Luz. It’s normal for you. Not for me. Not for a Blight.”

“Then make it normal,” Luz said simply, placing a hand over hers. Amity’s stomach flipped, and she looked up to meet Luz’s eyes, filled to the brim with confidence. Confidence in her. “Show them all the new you! Or, I guess, real you.”

Amity opened and closed her mouth. She was going to protest. She was going to brush the idea off completely. After all, she was Amity Blight, and god forbid the sort of reactions and back-talking she’d get for changing her appearance so drastically.

But… well, she’d already dyed her hair. And she could sneak the clothes into school with her backpack so her parents wouldn’t notice. And Luz sounded so hopeful, as though Amity showing her ‘true self’ was doing her a favor. It was so caring and adorable and so Luz.

“I’ll think about it,” Amity decided, threading their fingers and giving Luz’s hand a slight squeeze. 

Luz’s eyes thoughtfully lingered on their intertwined hands. And then, she beamed, pulling Amity up from the chair and into an embrace, knocking the air out of Amity’s lungs. 

It was a bit awkward, as both of them were leaning over a desk and Luz had to stretch her arms far in order to fully wrap herself around Amity. But it was close enough to a hug. “Yes! You’re going to blow everyone away.”

Her heart thudded fiercely, and she slowly reached over to pat Luz on the shoulder. Okay, that was enough. She’s made up her mind. She had to ask her out. Taking in a breath, Amity stepped back, jaw clenched and arms taut at her sides.

“Listen, Luz,” Amity said. Luz’s eyebrows furrowed, and she realized her tone was too strict. Amity took a moment to relax and continued. “About, uh, us.”

In an instant, Luz’s face fell, an absolutely heart-wrenching sight. She shifted on her toes. “Oh, right, sorry. Yeah.”

“I was wondering,” she began slowly. Luz stiffened, as though she were bracing herself for something. She could do this, Amity reminded herself. They liked each other. Did like each other. And if Luz didn’t like her anymore… well, may as well rip that bandaid off now.

Soon enough, the words tumbled out of Amity’s mouth. “If you wanted to go to prom together? As…” she swallowed. “As girlfriends? It’s okay if not! ‘Cause, y’know, you didn’t really like me me, but… um, yeah.”

Luz opened her mouth. Blinked. And it looked like her brain froze. Quietly, she asked, “Really?”

Amity let out a hum of confirmation, practically shaking. Luz was deathly silent for a good moment. Was she wrong? Was Luz actually not into girls? Was listening to the twins as crap of an idea as she’d anticipated?

“Yes!” Luz blurted out, taking Amity’s hands in hers. Her breath caught in her throat. “Yes, of course! Oh my gosh, I almost forgot about prom. I would love to go! As girlfriends!” 

Amity broke into a smile, relief flooding through her veins. She was about to reply, but then Luz’s phone rang. “Aw, crap —“ Luz shut her phone off. “My mom’s here. But yes, absolutely yes! I’ll see you Monday — oh, prom’s next Friday, isn’t it? I need to pick an outfit!”

She had some trouble keeping up with whatever Luz was saying, but she nodded along, her crimson cheeks practically hurting from her beam. Luz’s hand slipped from hers, and she hurried to the door, giving a wave to Amity. But then she paused, and sheepishly scratched her neck. “Uh, sorry, that was a bit of a huge reaction.”

“It’s okay,” Amity murmured. It was a little cute, honestly. And she was mostly just focusing on the fact this didn’t end in a huge embarrassing rejection. Luz flashed one last grin, and stepped out the door, leaving Amity alone in the bookstore.

Okay, turns out Amity would be thanking the twins.

✧

When Monday rolled around, Luz’s legs were kicking in her seat, trying to keep herself from squealing.

Amity asked her out. Amity Blight asked her out! To prom! Luz has never been asked to prom before! What was she going to wear? Originally, she was going to go in an otter suit, but that just wouldn’t do for a date. Maybe she could go for that one dark dress. Or a suit? Or a suit mixed with a dress? She doodled the different outfits in her notebook, tapping her pen against the paper as she sifted through the decisions in her mind.

But then, as Amity stepped into the classroom, her thoughts quieted as her heart leapt into her throat. 

It seemed she’d taken the advice.

About half of the other students fell completely silent, smiles growing and excited whispers mingling between them. Because Amity Blight, the well known preppy top student who usually wore heels and a skirt, dyed her hair purple and was donning streetwear.

Boscha, out of anyone, was the most shocked, completely frozen in her seat. Willow and Gus, meanwhile, followed the same emotion when Amity approached Luz’s desk with a slight flush, and slid a bookmark to her. “A gift.”

Luz looked up at her from her seat. Amity was wearing the same clothes as when Luz first saw her in the train, including all the piercings. But instead of tying her hair back, she let it hang loose just barely past her shoulders underneath the cap. The way she was leaning over her desk was causing a comical amount of blood to rush to Luz’s face, and she wondered how embarrassingly red she appeared to her friends. 

“Thank you,” she managed, taking the bookmark in her fingers. 

Amity smiled softly. And then, she leaned a little closer to her ear and lowered her voice, though her words were loud enough for others in the vicinity to catch it. “See you at prom.”

Before Luz could even reply, she swiftly walked away to her own seat. Okay, Luz was definitely burning red. She heard a pop from how far Boscha’s jaw fell open, and she could already hear the rumors weaving their way into the whispers, talking about how the popular girl is going to prom with the supposed loser.

But she didn’t mind. No, not at all.

Notes:

amity w rizz (she was actually freaking out internally)

p.s i couldn’t figure out how to parallel the manga with the truth-revealing since amity doesn’t play guitar, but hopefully the parallel with her showing up to school and wow-ing everyone makes up for it lol

p.s p.s i haven’t forgotten about the awkwardness between amity and willow, that’s going to be addressed next chapter

but anyways, i hope you enjoyed this chapter! it went through tons of edits and changes, but hopefully the final product is satisfying. as always, comments appreciated <3

Chapter 5: May I Have This Dance?

Notes:

honestly, this chapter may seem a bit short, but i wanted to keep it to pure tooth-rotting fluff. think of it as like an epilogue lol!

Luz might’ve spent forever in front of the mirror, adjusting her tie and smoothing out her hair.

Prom had finally come up, and while she was absolutely overjoyed at the prospect of going with a date, it also meant she had to look her best. Which, to her, meant a cool suit paired with an even cooler vibrant skirt. She could only imagine what Amity was going to wear now that she’d become more comfortable with her self-expression, and it sent a wave of giddy anticipation bubbling through Luz. 

After tugging on her collar one last time, Luz smiled at her reflection (and if she shot herself some fingerguns, that would stay between her and the mirror) before hopping over to her window. Amity said she was going to pick her up, so she waited for the telltale sign of a car pulling up to her driveway.

But what she hadn’t expected was to be met with a whole limousine. 

She might’ve spent a second too long staring at the window, as she had to blink herself back to reality. She rushed down the stairs, hugged her mom goodbye, and stepped out the front door, slightly stumbling in her rush. A wave of cool air washed over Luz’s face, and she breathed in a good amount of it as a pair of leather shoes stepped out of the vehicle.

Her girlfriend – girlfriend! – was wearing a purple suit, a few shades darker and muted than her silky hair. It had a tiny flower pin perched on the lapel hole, was perfectly ironed out, and the tie was much straighter than Luz could manage her own. As the girl tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, piercings glinting beneath the moonlight, the only word going through Luz’s brain was pretty, pretty, pretty. 

She swallowed, shifting ever so slightly, praying her voice didn’t shake. Her eyes were still flickering between Amity and the giant freaking limousine parked right outside her driveway. “Hey, Amity!”

“Hi, Luz.” Amity’s eyes trailed down Luz’s outfit. “You look handsome. Strange outfit choice, but it’s nice.”

The first few words sent a flip through her stomach, and she sheepishly looked away, her hand finding the other to fidget. “You look handsome, too.”

Although it was dark outside, she could’ve sworn she saw a tint of red seep into Amity’s cheeks, probably as much as was on Luz’s. She was quite sure she’d give up a million dollars just to see more of the sight. 

After a stretched moment, Luz rubbed her own face, hoping the color would drain, and cleared her throat. “So, not that I don’t appreciate it lots, but you brought a limousine?”

“It’s prom, isn’t it?” Amity shrugged. “As your awesome girlfriend, it’s my duty that I pick you up in the best sort of vehicle.”

Well, any effort to dampen her flush was now futile. “Oh,” she whispered. How did she possibly get this lucky? “Isn’t your mom kinda strict? She really doesn’t mind?”

“I said I was picking up a friend,” Amity explained. She leaned closer, lowering her voice as her lips pulled into a tiny mischievous smile. “I accidentally left out the ‘girl’ at the beginning of that word.”

Luz snorted, her hand easily slipping into Amity’s. “Oh no,” she drawled out sarcastically. “Now your mom can’t get mad at us.”

“A shame,” Amity shook her head. The two fell into a fit of giggles as Amity opened the door, gesturing for Luz to enter the backseat and following shortly after.

A long sofa extended around the edges, and a tiny cup coaster sat below a large monitor. A soft, purple ambient glow spilled around the limousine, a faint perfume aroma floating across. It felt a bit too professional for something like prom, but she wasn’t about to complain. Luz sat back in her seat as Amity exchanged a few words with her butler before the vehicle began moving. As she looked around once more, she couldn’t help but notice the absence of two difficult-to-forget faces.

“Where are the twins, by the way?” Luz asked curiously, legs swinging.

“Em can drive, so she’s picking someone up,” Amity explained, scooting a bit closer to Luz. “Viney, I think?”

Luz gasped, her palms flying to her mouth. Emira mentioned her during one of Luz’s visits, but she hadn’t thought much of it until now. “Oh my gosh, do you think…”

Amity grinned. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

A few minutes passed, their idle talking filling the silence. They moved onto books, and catching up, and all the things they could do at prom (which wasn’t much besides dancing, but it didn’t make Luz’s excitement any less). Eventually, when Luz passively wondered who else would be there, the conversation shifted to students at school.

“Boscha can be a lot, but…” Amity shrugged. “She has a few redeeming qualities, I think. Somewhere.”

“Is being a bully one of them?” Luz huffed, raising an eyebrow.

“I’ll talk to her about that,” Amity sighed. “Or try, at least. I’m trying to better myself too.” She paused, tapping her finger on her knee, and then brought up, “How is Willow doing, by the way?”

“Willow?” Luz repeated, tilting her head. Last time they’d spoken, it was Luz spilling all the details about how Amity was her prom date and she needed advice on how to keep her palms from being all sweaty with nerves. “She was doing good last time I saw her. Why?”

“We had some issues before I met you,” Amity explained. She was still fidgeting, and Luz placed a hand over hers, hoping it’d offer a bit of comfort. A tiny smile worked its way up Amity’s face as she continued. “So I apologized to her. I’m just hoping there’s no leftover hard feelings.”

“I’m sure she understands. You’re changing a lot,” Luz mumbled, giving her hand a squeeze. “You’re much more expressive, too. I like it.”

Amity chuckled bashfully, looking to the side. “You’re the one that encouraged me.”

Although Luz wouldn’t admit it out loud, she was a little obsessed with the look of Amity being shy. Both from when she was dressed up as the bookstore persona and now, it was wholly endearing. She almost considered laying her head against her shoulder, hopefully to pull more flustered reactions, but decided that could wait for sometime during the actual event.

As the school came into view from the window, Luz shifted in her seat, anticipation crawling up her skin. There was a large banner slung across the entrance, bright sparkles dotting the edges and huge bouquets of flowers sitting beside the doors. A few people lingered outside, catching up with their friends and waiting for their significant others as soft moonlight shone across the campus.

Prom was here. It was happening. And she had a date.

“I dunno why, but my stomach’s squirming,” Luz chuckled, putting an arm over it. “Maybe I drank some milk without knowing or something.”

“Nervous, are you?” Amity teased, nudging her shoulder. She felt her heart stutter.

“How could I not be around someone like you, Blight?” Luz shot back. It was an extremely cheesy response, but the slight lift in Amity’s eyebrows and darkening cheeks was worth it. She had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time the two of them would be blushing like idiots. 

She could feel her heart hammering against her chest as the limousine slowed to a stop. A few heads turned in their direction, caught by the flashy vehicle. The small glint in their eyes showed that they already knew who was coming: Amity Blight. 

Luz reached up to adjust her tie, trying to suppress the beam on her face. Amity took her hand, their palms perfectly fitting together, and the two stepped out into the open. She could see a few smiles accompanied by others giving unreadable glares, and suddenly felt like she was under a vibrant spotlight. She exchanged a glance with Amity, who gave her a reassuring nod, and smiled back.

They made their way to the gym, still hand in hand, and were immediately met with bright pink ambience and soft music playing from a speaker. Tons of students were scattered around the gym, chattering and holding their punch glasses. She spotted Willow and Gus – Willow sent her a knowing smirk, and Gus sent her a cheerful thumbs-up – while the twins were hanging out by a table, Viney just a few feet away from Emira. Emira spotted the two and waved them over.

“Oh, she’s waving to us! We should go say hi!” Luz chirped. She tugged on Amity’s arm, already heading in that direction. Amity rolled her eyes fondly, Luz’s excitement a bit too adorable to resist.

The corners of Emira’s lips lifted as they approached. The twins shared matching expressions, and Amity pursed her lips suspiciously, clearly sending some sort of antic. 

“There you are!” Emira sang, pulling her sister into a squeezing hug. “We missed you so much!”

“I saw you an hour ago,” Amity said, though her voice was a bit muffled with her face being squished in Emira’s shoulder.

“So, how is your date going?” The older girl asked, finally letting her go. “I know you were really nervous before you went to pick Luz up.”

“Em,” Amity groaned. “Please don’t tell you two are out to embarrass me.”

“What?” Emira drawled out.

“We would never!” Edric exclaimed at the same time.

Luz couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, earning narrowed eyes from Amity and brighter grins from the other two. 

“Aren’t you gonna thank us for being your wingmen?” Emira asked. “We helped you pick a suit that would impress your girlfriend!”

“ Em,” Amity said harshly, her tone teetering on a warning. But Luz was a bit too focused on the fact that Amity was trying to impress her. Her!

“Mittens here was freaking out,” Edric teased, laying an elbow on her shoulder. Amity scowled fiercely, trying and failing to shrug him off. “She kept worrying about her hair, and the outfit, and if she was using a good cologne –”

“Hey!” she scoffed, lightly pushing him. Her face was practically burning in frustration. “You guys don’t need to tell Luz every detail about my day, alright?”

“And she was all flushing,” Emira added, smirking. “Just like she is now! But way redder.”

“Okay, you know what?” Amity blurted, and she grabbed the sleeve of Luz’s suit, “Wanna go to the dance floor? I feel like going to the dance floor. And not participating in this conversation anymore. That sound good?”

Luz’s eyes widened, and she let out an “mhm,” letting herself get dragged away by Amity. She looked back at the twins, who shot her matching winks, and offered a shy smile in return.

By the time the two sifted through the crowd, Amity abruptly stopped, inhaling. She glanced back at Luz, clear tension in her forehead, and sheepishly said, “Sorry.”

“It’s okay!” Luz insisted. She wasn’t exactly sure what Amity was apologizing for, anyway — she could tell she was feeling embarrassed, and dare Luz say, it was almost cute. “I’ve been wanting to move my legs anyway. I’ve got tons of energy in these bad boys!”

Amity took another breath, then nodded, glancing about the area. The current song was coming to a close, a romantic, faster-tempoed melody arising in its wake. 

Couples poured onto the dance floor, and it was clear they’d be surrounded. A few eyes trailed towards Luz and Amity, and people began to whisper to each other, some nodding in approval and others glaring with peeved conviction. But Amity wasn't deterred by this at all, and instead held a palm out in a clear invitation.

“Well, in that case, may I have this dance?”

Luz offered a smile. She slipped her palm into Amity’s, who suddenly pulled her close, other hand resting on the small of Luz’s back.

The last time Luz danced with someone, it was some random sequence in a theatre performance. She wouldn’t call herself a professional by any means, and she’d stepped on that poor person’s shoes and tripped about every minute. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t sweating while her brain screamed to keep track of her footing. 

But surprisingly, this instance was much easier. Amity moved in tune with her, their steps guiding each other around the dance floor, weaving through the others. It was almost like it came naturally, a gentle flow rather than a practiced routine, as though the very concept of dancing was invented for the two of them. 

She lifted her arm to twirl Amity, which she may or may not have had to stand on her tippy-toes to do so. They took a few more steps, and at some point she wasn’t even sure if they were still tuned with the song, but she honestly didn’t care. Electricity shot up her spine when Amity’s hand returned to it, and she dipped Luz back, causing the other girl’s heart to swerve as she was pulled up. Their faces met just a centimeter away, and were they not in the middle of the school gym, Luz would’ve absolutely closed their remaining distance.

Instead, a beam broke across her face, and a series of flustered chuckles bounced between them. Luz’s hands found Amity’s hips, and in a surge of confidence, she lifted the other girl in a spin, whose laughs only grew. And even though it was a bit drowned out by the music, her giggling was a faint melody that Luz’s ears were able to catch, and she was completely, utterly in love with it.

As the last few notes rang from the speakers, Luz let her down, hands reaching to meet Amity’s. Her lungs heaved, and she could feel sweat trailing down her face (it was quite crowded, after all) but she felt continuous rushes of adrenaline and energy pumping through her. 

“So,” Amity said, and it was clear she was out of breath, “now what?”

Luz glanced around. Honestly, when she’d fantasized about prom last night at what was probably much too late to be falling asleep, she’d expected it to be a bit more… spacious. A crowded room wasn’t the most desirable for romance. But in all fairness, she shouldn’t have expected much from a school gymnasium anyway. “No idea!”

“It’s pretty clear tonight,” Amity offered, her thumb idly moving against Luz’s fingers. “Wanna go outside?”

Luz perked up, nodding profusely. Fresh air was absolutely what she needed. 

So, they slipped out the school building, past the few people lingering outside, and towards a more secluded area in the trees. Their clasped hands swung back and forth, and it wasn’t long before their attentions were caught by the cascading light of the moon and the dots spotted across the sky.

And of course, any romantic evening is incomplete without stargazing, so that's what Luz immediately suggested they do. Granted, she wasn’t as knowledgeable in constellations as Amity seemed to be, but she had her own ideas up her sleeve. 

“Oh, I think I see Orion,” Amity pointed up, tracing it with her finger. 

“I think I see us, ” Luz said, leaning her head against her shoulder. She could feel Amity stiffen for a moment, but then relax, sinking into the contact.

Her girlfriend raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

Luz lifted her hand, drawing out a heart into the stars. “See?”

Her girlfriend let out a snort, though crimson was seeping into her cheeks. That typical flustered demeanor was apparent, which was exactly the reaction Luz had been hoping for. “You’re so cheesy,” Amity huffed.

Luz rocked back and forth on her toes, singing, “You totally love it!”

“Yeah. I do.”

A silent few seconds passed between them, faint chirps of crickets swimming through the night air. Amity seemed to be staring at the night considerably, the glistening starlight dancing across her cheeks, and Luz tried her best not to stare.

“Thank you, Luz,” Amity mumbled suddenly. She smiled quite softly, her hand running up and down her arm, and Luz tilted her head.

“For what?” she asked incredulously. If anything, she should be thanking Amity for even asking her out in the first place, she felt.

“Everything,” Amity chuckled. “Helping me express myself. Encouraging me. I even fought my mom to let me wear this suit, and I’ve never…” she trailed off.

Luz let out a tiny “oh,” her face spreading into a beam. “Of course, girl! I’ll always be here for my amazing hermosa.” She took her hand, then, Amity’s soft fingers intertwining with her own. “But remember, you’re the one that had the courage to do that. Maybe I helped a little, but you gotta give yourself some credit.” 

“Maybe,” she mumbled. “Still, thanks. Really.”

Luz squeezed her palm in response, still looking up at her, a bit enamored to say much of anything else. Amity began to watch her too, and she must’ve caught on to the staring, as the corner of her lip quirked up.

Her other hand twitched, a tiny contemplation, until she reached up to hold Luz’s jaw in her palm, sharp amber eyes gazing into her own. Luz’s heart did a full stop — it wasn’t a gesture she was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t unwelcome — and she felt twists within her stomach as Amity stepped closer. Unsure of what to do, Luz closed her eyes and subtly puckered her lips…

Only to be met with a peck on the nose. She peeked through her eyelid, on the verge of a complaint, but she couldn’t get any words out when her entire face was being attacked in kisses. Luz let out a combination between a squeal and a giggle, though she did nothing to pull Amity off, secretly relishing in the peppering. 

Eventually, with one last kiss on the cheek, Amity stopped. She gently held up Luz’s chin, admiring the lipstick marks spotting her face, sending a series of butterflies erupting inside her. Feeling a miniscule hint of frustration that Amity had avoided one particular spot on her face, she pouted, which the other girl responded to with a small huff of amusement. 

But when neither of them opened their mouths to speak, and all movement had left their limbs, Luz began to feel that similar rush from that moment in the bookstore. That same focus, that same warmth blossoming in her heart, all accompanied with the knowledge that this amazing person in front of her was her girlfriend.  

And without much other thought, Luz found her hands settling on Amity’s hips as Amity’s palms reached up to cup Luz’s face. The soft streams of moonlight bounced off of Amity’s features, her face flush and inching closer. Luz swallowed, eyes darting between Amity’s eyes and lips, feeling her anticipation fire up with each heartbeat, a magnetic pull flourishing between the two of them. Amity paused, as if waiting for a confirmation, which Luz nodded softly to. And then she closed the distance.  

It was, to say the least, everything. Terrifying, exhilarating, soft. Months of pining all put into one kiss. But Luz wouldn’t have it any other way. Her hands moved up to tangle them in Amity’s soft hair, and she felt Amity’s hum reverberate through her. When they pulled away, Luz’s eyes drank in Amity’s reddened lips, and she let out a small chuckle.

“You’re a good kisser,” Luz whispered.

She felt an emptiness around her face as Amity’s hands left, instead reaching over to intertwine their fingers. “I learn from the best romance books.”

Luz snorted, and they fell into soft giggles, meeting again for a few more chaste kisses. Eventually, Amity sighed, turning her head towards the direction to the school.

“We should probably head back.”

Luz shrugged, trying to keep the disappointment from seeping into her voice. “Yeah. I wish I could spend more time with you, though. Prom is way too short.”

“But you’ll visit tomorrow, right?” her girlfriend asked, a small smirk pulling at her lips. A familiar invitation. One Luz had grown beautifully accustomed to, warmth enveloping over her heart yet again. 

“Of course,” she whispered, matching Amity’s expression as she gave her hand a light squeeze. “I’ll meet you at the bookstore.”

Notes:

what if… butch amity 🤯

chapter was inspired by that one crew art of amity in a suit for grom. i still mourn what could’ve been 💔

anyways, this was so much fun to write! go read the manga, it’s so good and the art style is so cute, and once again go follow @myuuchii_ who inspired this whole fic!! i hope you all enjoyed <3

p.s sorry this took so long haha. got a bit caught up in one of my classes!