T H E M .

In the Rain

    "Look, it's raining!" The younger one exclaims, taking hold of their friend's shoulder, startling them from the book they had their nose stuck in.

    "Yeah, it is." Their friend chuckles, as they place their book down, being careful not to lose their page. "Why?"

    They looks at them with a twinkle in their eye, and a mischievous smile playing on their lips. "Come with me." They chuckle, getting up and holding their hand out for their friend to take.

    They take their hand and they leads them outside to the older one's backyard. They let go of their hand under the awning and runs into the rain, tipping their head back and spinning a few times, before looking back to where their friend is standing under the cover, watching them.

    "What are you doing?!" They yell out to the young one over the rain, smiling at their antics.

    "Come on!" They calls back, taking a few steps forward, their hand again outstretched.

    Their friend sighs and rolls their eyes, chucking to themself. They walk out into the rain and, once again, taking the the younger one's hand whilst trying to shield themself from the rain with their free hand. The younger one takes that hand as well, and instantly their short hair, pulled into a bun, is drenched.

    "Dance with me." They says in a soft voice, pulling their friend close and wrapping an arm around their neck, and with the other brushing away a raindrop sliding down their cheek, then letting it rest there.

    "Gladly." They say with equal softness, wrapping their arms around her middle. 

    Tightening their grip on their friend, they lower their head and place their forehead on theirs, the younger one being multiple inches shorter than them, never breaking eye contact. There, the two sway back and forth, melting into each other's embrace, letting the rain wash over them. And when the taller one gently presses their lips to the shorter one's, and a tear silently slips down their cheek, they are comforted in the constant reminder that love can be found in the company of one another.