It's 1902.
It's cold out.
It's always cold out so it's no surprise really. Romy smiled slightly from under her cap and coat; the only things really keeping her warm. Other than the arms around her and the soft body behind her. She leans back with a sigh; she's met with the arms tightening around her.
"What are you thinking now?" Kenna has her face pressed against the other's hair. It really is cold out but this is fine. More than fine. They do this almost every night. Meet up in the park between their houses and sit on a specific bench. It faces a lake that's long since frozen in December and it's the perfect view for a midnight show. Not really a show, but it's beautiful nonetheless. Especially when the Morpho butterflies decide to come out.
"I just wish we didn't have to do this." Romy leans further against Kenna and turns slightly, pressing her face into the other girl's neck. "I know, I know. They'll never allow us to do this but I wish it was as simple as us loving each other." It was Kenna's turn to sigh. They had this conversation multiple times, almost too many to count. Romy's parents would never allow their daughter with another female. Especially since Kenna is technically an adult at nineteen and Romy just turned seventeen. Kenna's own family would throttle her for even thinking of dating outside her race. It was beyond complicated to even fathom; but the two of them didn't care. It was nearly unsaid but understood.
They loved each other.
They proved it to each other every night they trudged through snow or rain. Even when they dealt with mosquito bites in the summer. During the day they could pretend to not know one another. Pretend they were interested in the dates their families set up with boys who disgusted them. Pretend they were their families perfect daughters.
But at night. Once the sun fell and the moon rose, there was no more pretending. It was almost too easy for them to sneak out and meet. They would sit, kiss, talk, touch. Whatever they wanted. There weren't any boundaries keeping them apart. It was at night they were free to love and laugh and smile at each other as the stars twinkled above. Their only companions were each other, the stars, and the moon. And the butterflies.
Beautiful lapis blue butterflies came out every night like clockwork. They danced in the sky for only a few brief moments before returning to their home. Just like Kenna and Romy. Once, Romy had commented on them. "They're so beautiful." She smiled so wide seeing them.
Kenna had kissed her softly and smiled. "I would rather look at you."
The butterflies were their witnesses. They kept their secret every night, no matter the day. As long as the butterflies came at night, so would they.
