Chapter Text
"I- uh... what?"
"She loves you. As more than a friend," Raven said.
"Are....a-are you sure?"
"Yes. We're both sure," Crow replied.
Maggie fidgets with a loose thread on her sleeve, avoiding eye contact. "H-hey… if this is some kinda joke, it’s not funny. But… if Ava really feels that way… I guess I’ve been kinda mean to her lately. Maybe I should… talk to her?"
"Yes. She's been hurting so much and desperately needs you."
Alright… I- I think I will. Thanks. Can you… can you tell me where she is?
"Near the playground. can't miss her."
"Awesome. Uh… wish me luck, I guess." turns around and heads in the direction of the playground.
Both sisters smile. "You don't need luck. You'll be fine."
*pauses, then mutters under her breath*
"...Thanks. And hey—shut up if you see Gil. I don’t need him smirking at me before I’ve even said a word to her."
Walks off toward the playground, trying (and failing) to look casual.
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Maggie arrives at the playground and spots Ava staring out at the ocean, completely lost in thought. Maggie shoves her hands in her pockets and walks towards her.
"Um… hey."
"Hey," Ava replies.
*sits down beside her, hesitantly*
"You… uh… look like you’re deep in thought. Something on your mind?"
"I've just been thinking. About the last time we hung out. It's been so long."
Maggie nods. "You’re right. It has been a long time. I’ve missed hanging out with you. Maybe… maybe we could do it more often? If you wanted to."
"Really? You mean it?"
Maggie fidgets, scuffing her boot in the sand. "Don’t make me say it twice, dummy. Of course I mean it. You’re… you’re kinda my favorite pain in the neck."
No words had ever touched the Ava as much as those. Ava kissed Maggie.
Maggie is surprised at first, but instantly relaxes into the kiss, leaning towards Ava and placing a hand on the side of her face. After a moment, she pulls away slightly, a mix of surprise and happiness playing across her face.
"Whoa- where did that come from, huh?"
"I've loved you since we were young."
Maggie blushes clearly taken aback. "You have? All these years? Why didn't you ever say anything? I… I never knew."
"I didn't think you'd feel the same. I was also worried that confessing could ruin our friendship. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
Maggie looks down, voice softer than usual. "I get that. But… you should’ve told me. I might’ve been a jerk sometimes, but never because of you. And we’re not losing anything—we’re gaining something way better."
She reaches for Ava’s hand. "So no more running, okay? We stick together—from now on."
Ava wraps Maggie in a hug. "Always together."
"Yeah, always…," She returns the hug, burying her face in Ava's shoulder. "And no more secrets, alright? I thought I was supposed to be the closed-off one here."
Ava giggles. Maggie grins, pulling back just enough to poke Ava’s nose. "Oh, so now you’re laughing? You better not start crying next—I can’t handle waterworks." Maggie says quietly, with a rare softness. "…But if you do… I’ll stay. Always."
"Don't worry. No more secrets. And I'll always be by your side."
Maggie rests her forehead against Ava's, a small, sincere smile on her face. "You better be. I don't know how to be without you, you know. "…Hey. Can I ask you another question?"
"Yeah. What is it?"
*takes a breath, voice quieter now*
"...Why me? Out of everyone… why did you fall for me? I’ve been sharp-tongued, reckless, always pushing people away… Why didn’t you just walk away for good?"
"Because I know there's more to you than people realize. You're very sweet. I was shy, awkward, clumsy and kind of a buzz kill. But you accepted me anyway. You can't believe how much that meant to me, Ava replies with sincerity.
Maggie blinks fast, fighting back a rare swell of emotion. "Don’t… don’t say stuff like that. You’ll make me cry, and I hate crying."
She squeezes Ava’s hand tight. "But… you’re right. And if you ever call yourself a buzzkill again, I’m gonna punch you. You were never that—never to me. You were the one person who stuck around when I didn’t even want to be around myself."
"And now... we’ve got each other. So no more hiding, no more doubting—just us. Okay?"
The two kiss again which lingers a little longer this time, a soft, quiet moment full of everything words couldn’t say.
"…Okay. Ava whispers against her lips. "Definitely okay."