Winter Stars (#MSM)(one shot)

Winter Stars

The chilly winter wind whips through my disheveled hair as I run, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Frosty leaves crunch beneath my feet, and I push myself faster. Please still be there, I plead to myself.

I slow as I near her house and will my frantic heartbeat to calm. Her silhouette comes into view as I move closer, framed gently with moonlight.

She's waiting for me. I silently watch her eyes scan the dark sidewalk. Then, I emerge from the shadows.

"Rivera," I whisper softly, as if sending a prayer. She pauses on her front step, peering into the dark.

"Tori?" She questions tentatively.

Stepping into the light, I smile at her. Immediately, she launches herself at me, bare feet risking the snow.

"You came." She says, delighted.

I gaze at her affectionately and lift her up, arms fitting around her snugly. "Of course I did."

Even in the cold, biting night, I can feel her warmth like a blanket. The wind howls and snow starts to fly, but nothing can touch us in these few minutes.

All too soon, she draws away, cheeks flushed from the frigid temperature. "I have to go." She mutters reluctantly.

"Can't you stay another minute?" My eyes implore her to say yes, even though I already knowing the answer.

"My mom will come any minute now," she replies sadly, looking away. "If she catches us, I'll never see you again." I study her eyes as she wills me to understand.

I know.

I want to say something, anything, that will change the way we are. But there's nothing I can do.

"We have to stay hidden." She tells me urgently, her voice hushed and afraid.

Forbidden love. The term echoes through my thoughts. Louder, and louder.

Bursting with a sudden sadness, I grab her and pull her close to me.

The radiant smile she sends me in return fills me with joy. She's a star. My star.

But stars can only shine at night.

Rivera pulls away from me again, her absence striking me with irrational loneliness. She stands on her toes, kisses my cheek, then turns away.

Suddenly, I grab her wrist, deciding to make a confession. Her startled eyes meet mine as she turns back around.

"I love you." I mouth, unable to voice the words aloud.

She gasps softly and beams at me. Even though the night has obscured my vision, I notice a blush rise to her cheeks as she mouths back, "I love you too." My lips lift into a blinding smile of joy.

Finally.

I release her wrist and she disappears silently back into her house.

I am left standing on the sidewalk. My wide smile fades into a small but unbreakable one as I turn away from her house and start the long journey back to my own.

As I glance at the sky above, a thought strikes me.

Stars may only shine at night, but they never shine alone.

***

**

*