Reap

Chapter 4

        "So you want to be a Light-Bringer?" The two girls sit underneath an oak tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves.
        Penumbra nods. "And you want to be a Reaper?"
        Aurora nods. The two fall silent.
        Penumbra studies Aurora. Her dark brown eyes, hooded by long lashes. Her soft black hair. It's scary. Back in the Reaper Fortress, no one loved each other softly like this. It was tough love, the kind that makes your chest ache - not sweet love, the kind that makes your stomach tingle, the kind that Penumbra felt right now. A warm smile spreads across her face; she can't help herself. She knows what lesbians are - she has two aunts back home that are married. But it's another thing entirely to feel it yourself.
        Aurora gazes into Penumbra's eyes. The wind blows Penumbra's wispy brown hair, making it stand up. Penumbra smiles, and at that moment, a fuzzy feeling spreads throughout Aurora's chest - unconditional love. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. At home, they loved each other tightly, in a hold-you-to-my-chest-and-never-let-go sort of way. But this love, right here? This was a free love. A rest-my-head-against-your-chest-and-love-you-softly love. And from the way Penumbra is looking at her, she gets the feeling that Penumbra feels the same.
        Penumbra's whole body feels warm and light. The feeling gets so strong that she feels sparks coming out of her skin. They swirl around the pair, glittering, and showering the girls with shimmering dust.
        Aurora's whole body feels cool and lovely. The sensation gets so intense that she feels darkness rising out of her. The cloud of black twirls in the air, entwining with the golden sparks from Penumbra.
        The sparks and darkness begin to sizzle, heating up until a cloud of warmth surrounds the two girls.
        At the same time, Penumbra and Aurora lean together, closer and closer until their lips touch.
        Immediately, the sparks grow into fireworks, and set off. Against the darkness, they shine bright.
        The girls slowly separate, gazing at the pyrotechnics show in awe. They lean their heads together, and stay that way long after the fireworks fizzle out, until the sky grows dark with actual nighttime. Aurora rests her head against Penumbra's chest, and Penumbra gently puts an arm around her.
        Not long after, Aurora can feel Penumbra's breathing slow; she can tell Penumbra has fallen asleep. And soon, Aurora is asleep, too.