If I Could Give You the Moon

We're in Love

   Much to Scarlett's surprise, the classes that weren't solely based on religion, like Biology and English, she was actually doing very well in. It made her think that the Sisters of Mother Mary wasn't truly a qualified school with certified teachers. It seemed too easy to get good grades. But, she wasn't going to take it for granted. Her grades were proving to her family she was "back on track" and finally a good girl again.

    She maybe owes it to Phoebe and the rest of the boys for her boosted marks. Unlike back at home, they actually did their schoolwork and then fucked around. Companionship and good influences were, in fact, helping her as the Headmaster and her parents had planned.

   Just not in the way they thought. In reality, self-acceptance and self-exploration CAN work wonders on one's mental health. Fuck you, Mom.

   This meant Scarlett got a bit more freedom around the campus, similar to Phoebe. Less check-ins, and semi-monitored access to the internet.

   JB's birthday had come and gone, but not without the recognition. When curfew checks were done, they all had gone out to the treehouse out in the woods and slept there together, after the boys had sung some of their songs. That's what Julien had wanted. Music and her friends.

   Hearing those songs was like a religious experience for Scarlett. The harmonies, as well as the lyrics, spoke to her on levels that had never been touched before. They ended the night all cuddled together, the soft glow of unconditional love warming their chests.

"Scar?"

    Scarlett jolted. Phoebe's hand continued running through her hair despite the movement, giggling at how easily her girlfriend scares.

    "You're too easy, dude. I literally only had to say your name."

    Scarlett sighed softly. "Sorry, Pheebs. I got caught up in my head."

    "I know, Scar. I could see the wheels turning. Did you want to talk about anything?"

    "No, I was just thinking back to Julien's birthday. I think it was one of my favorite nights here. The genuine connection that we all share- it's surreal. Wait, hang on- Do you think it's possible to be, like, platonically in love?"

    Phoebe's hand stilled. "I've never thought about it that way. True friendship is being platonically in love, I guess. Describing it that way captures the true beauty of human connection, without the need for romance. Though, I mean I quite enjoy the romance, as well."

Phoebe sat up and gave Scarlett a swift kiss on the forehead. "For a second there I thought you were going to break up with me because you only saw me as a friend."

    "Oh, sweetheart, if this is what all of your friends do, I think we need to have a discussion," Scarlett replied deadpan, gesturing down to the bruises littering her chest.

    "Shut the fuck up." Phoebe haphazardly bodychecked Scarlett, ultimately ending up pushing both of their bodies to lie back on the bed. "But, yes. Now that you mention it, I think you summed up true friendship perfectly. Lucy would love the way you're thinking."

    Scarlett thought for a moment. "Do you think you and the boys would ever let me sit in on one of your writing sessions? Or even just sitting in on one of your rehearsals again? Listening to you guys in the treehouse when it was Julien's birthday was so special to me. I loved it so much, it was like a religious experience." Scarlett continued to ramble on.

    "Of course you can. We're getting to the point where some of our songs are almost done, and then you'll definitely be able to listen. Me and the boys will need feedback, because we want to start looking at doing gigs soon on our breaks from school." Phoebe explained, feeling a bit silly for already wanting to perform.

    "That's a great idea! I can see it now, one day you guys will be huge, selling out Madison Square Garden with millions of fans across the world. But you guys have to start somewhere, even though you guys are already famous in my heart." Scarlett held Phoebe tighter. "Promise you won't forget about me when you make it big?"

    "Darling, I could never forget about you, even if I tried."

—

    The idea of being platonically in love stuck with Phoebe. When she explained it to Lucy the next time she saw her, it was like a lightbulb went off in the brunette's head.

    "Pheebs, you're not gonna believe this, but I think I might have written the perfect song to complete our set."

—

    "I don't think I'm mentally prepared for this, Pheebs."

    "Yes, you are. You've been asking for this for weeks. Don't act like you haven't tried to eavesdrop on our rehearsals." Phoebe heard Scarlett gasp. "Yeah, I noticed, you little shit." Phoebe continued to drag Scarlett towards the door of the music room. "Please, Scar, stop dragging your feet. It took a lot of begging to convince Julien to work on this song."

"Fine. I just feel like I'm intruding on your guys' space. Like I'm not supposed to be here."

"Scarlett, just shut the fuck up and walk through the door." 

    Scarlett turned and walked through the door with her metaphorical tail tucked. I'm just nervous that I'm intruding, this is Phoebe's domain and her safe space...

    "Hey, just sit and listen. I know you'll love what we've been working on. And it's partly due to you," Phoebe looked down at her girlfriend with a soft smile. "We all want you to be the first one to hear this. It's special to us, just like how you're special to us."

    Lucy and Julien nodded behind Phoebe, both sporting the same loving soft smile as the blonde. Phoebe gave Scarlett's hand one last squeeze, and backed up, slinging her guitar over her shoulder. "You ready?" She winked with a smile.

    "You could absolutely break my heart, that's how I know that we're in love..."

A/N- hi guys! it's been awhile and for that i'm so sorry. i've started university now, so it's getting so much harder to find time to write. this one's a short one but i needed to finish it so that i can start with the next chapter. it kinda sucks but thanks for reading, and stay tuned 🫶