Unspoken Goals

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The girls pulled away from their embrace, a breath of air passing between them, lighter now but still thick with the weight of the night's emotions. Juliette's fingers slipped effortlessly into Abigail's, as if their hands had always been meant to find each other in this moment. The warmth of Juliette's touch sent a gentle, reassuring pulse through Abigail's veins.

"Can we go home?" Juliette's voice was soft, carrying the exhaustion of the night but tinged with something deeper—something tender that made Abigail's heart flutter in her chest.

Abigail tilted her head toward the house, her brow quirking up in question. "Should we go back inside and tell them?"

Juliette smiled, a quiet laugh escaping her lips as her thumb traced a slow circle over Abigail's knuckles. "An Irish goodbye never hurt anyone. And judging by the smirk Soph gave me when you ran off, I'm pretty sure they already know we are out here together,"

Abigail giggled, her laughter quiet but bright, a sound that melted into the night as they began their walk home. Their hands stayed intertwined, a silent promise between them, as the cool air swirled around them like a whispered secret.

"I'm trusting you on that," Abigail murmured, leaning into Juliette as they fell into step together.

For a few precious moments, the world around them seemed to soften and quiet, the night folding into itself as if it were giving them the space they needed. They walked in easy silence, their footsteps the only sound against the pavement. It was a strange and beautiful thing—to be so close after everything, to feel the shift between them, yet find themselves here, side by side, as if nothing had ever broken.

Abigail's heart felt full, almost too full. The night sky stretched above them, vast and endless, yet she felt as though her entire world was wrapped up in this one moment, in the girl beside her. It was surreal to finally have Juliette here, with no barriers left between them, just the quiet intimacy of their shared breath.

"Hey, Jule's," Abigail broke the silence, her voice soft but curious.

"Mmm?" Juliette hummed, glancing down at the girl beside her, catching a glimmer in Abigail's blue eyes that always seemed to unravel her.

"That girl back there... Hazel, right?" Abigail's words were cautious, yet laced with amusement. "Is she... I mean, will she be waiting for you to come back? Because if so, I kind of feel bad now."

Juliette's laugh bubbled up, full and genuine, spilling into the quiet night. Abigail raised an eyebrow, clearly taken off guard by her laughter. "What's so funny?" she asked, tilting her head in that way Juliette always found endearing.

"Long story short," Juliette began, her smile broadening as she glanced sideways at Abigail. "Hazel was in on it—she was helping me make you jealous. Honestly, it was her idea. She literally pushed me to go after you, so no, she's definitely not waiting up for me."

Abigail gasped dramatically, halting mid-step, one hand clutching her chest in mock horror. "Oh my god, Jules, you're so mean for that!"

Juliette stopped as well, turning to face Abigail, her gaze sparkling with mischief. "Worked, though, didn't it?" She lifted an eyebrow, the teasing in her eyes melting any lingering defenses.

Abigail tried to keep her pout steady, but her lips curved into a reluctant smile, betraying her. With a laugh, Juliette stepped closer, pressing a quick, soft kiss to her lips. "You survived," she whispered, her voice playful, her forehead brushing against Abigail's.

Any trace of Abigail's pout disappeared, replaced by a grin that stretched wide as they began walking again, hands still woven together.

When they finally made it back to the apartment, Juliette led Abigail wordlessly into her room, a quiet thrill in the air as they stepped inside. Abigail wasted no time, heading straight to Juliette's closet, fingers skimming over soft fabrics and worn t-shirts like she'd done it a hundred times before.