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The stage lights dimmed, casting a hazy glow over the cast as they took their final bow. Ema couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and an unexpected flicker of pride as she looked out into the audience. Acting in the school musical hadn’t exactly been her idea of fun; it felt frivolous and pointless after everything they'd been through. But seeing Spoon’s eyes light up at every rehearsal, especially after losing Candy, had made it all worthwhile. She'd even managed to enjoy playing the Phantom, especially after convincing her mom to let her wear an actual mask—no makeup chair required, and thus, no awkward small talk with Whitney.
As the crowd started dispersing, Ema stepped down from the stage, still in full costume, and made her way into the audience, searching for one person in particular. She didn’t have to look long before she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Ema! That was amazing!" Rachel Caldwell’s voice rang out as she practically tackled Ema into a hug. Ema allowed herself a rare smile, hugging her back and taking in the warmth of her embrace.
“Thanks, Rachel,” she managed, feeling a familiar shyness creep up as she pulled away.
Rachel's face was alive with excitement. “I mean, seriously, you’re an incredible singer! We should totally start a band or something!” she laughed, and Ema found herself giggling along. Very few people could make her laugh like that.
Gathering her courage, Ema took a breath and spoke. “So, um, my mom is throwing a wrap party tonight at our place… and everyone’s allowed a plus-one. Spoon’s bringing Mickey, so… I thought maybe you’d want to come with me?”
Rachel’s face lit up, her smile practically electric. “Absolutely! I’d love to,” she replied. Ema swore she saw a faint blush on Rachel’s cheeks, though she brushed it off. Why would the captain of the cheer squad blush over her, anyway?
“Cool,” Ema said, trying to sound casual. “Spoon and Mickey are heading over now if you wanted to come with us?”
Rachel nodded eagerly. “Just let me grab my bag. Meet you backstage?”
Ema watched Rachel disappear before making her way to the dressing rooms, feeling a bubble of excitement she hadn’t felt in ages. Once she changed into her usual grunge style, she stepped out and was startled to see Rachel already waiting. She looked Ema up and down, eyes lingering a second too long, and Ema felt her face heat under the attention.
“You ready to go?” she managed, hoping to deflect some of the tension she felt.
“Yep!” Rachel answered, snapping out of her gaze and flashing her signature grin. She grabbed Ema’s hand, pulling her along toward the exit where Mickey and Spoon waited by Ema’s affectionately nicknamed Limebo.
“You took your time,” Mickey teased, his smile knowing, though thankfully, he left it at that. Ema knew he’d picked up on her hopeless crush on Rachel. Both he and Spoon had, actually; she'd just hoped Rachel hadn’t.
The ride to her house was filled with laughter and lighthearted chatter about the play. Ema, in the driver’s seat, occasionally stole glances at Rachel, who sat beside her in the passenger seat. She couldn’t help but feel a strange, happy warmth as they sang along to the radio, all of them laughing and joking as they pulled up to her house.
When they arrived, Rachel’s jaw dropped. “Ema, what the Fuck.”
“Oh, right. You haven’t been here,” Ema said, her cheeks burning. Only a few weeks earlier, most of the school thought her family were criminals who lived in a shack in the woods. But this sprawling mansion, surrounded by iron gates and towering trees, had been her home all along, not that she wanted anyone to know that.
Inside, they made their way up to Ema’s bedroom, laughing and sharing stories as they picked outfits for the party. At one point, Ema’s mom, Angelica, poked her head in to ask for help with the decorations. Mickey and Spoon, already dressed and ready, volunteered and went downstairs with her, leaving Ema alone with Rachel.
Rachel glanced at her own reflection. “Do you think I should change?” she asked, looking a bit uncertain.
Without thinking, Ema answered, “You look beautiful in anything.” Realizing what she’d just said, she quickly backpedaled. “Uh—I mean, I have some extra clothes if you want options.”
Rachel seemed both surprised and touched. “Thanks, Ema,” she murmured, following her into the walk-in closet. Her eyes widened at the half of the closet lined with sequins and dresses, a contrast to Ema’s usual black and grunge style.
Rachel’s excitement at the discovery made Ema’s heart flutter, and as they picked out their clothes, she felt an unfamiliar but wonderful sense of ease. Rachel chose a fitted silver dress, pairing it with a set of white heels, while Ema went for a cropped, mesh-covered top over a black tank, silver accessories, and her favorite leather boots.
When they were dressed, they looked at each other, and for a long moment, neither moved.
“You look amazing, Ema,” Rachel said, her smile soft and sincere.
“Thanks. You too.” Ema responded, feeling her face heat up. She turned away, trying to compose herself, but Rachel stepped closer.
“There’s just something missing,” Rachel murmured, studying Ema’s face. Before Ema could ask what, Rachel took her by the chin, gently tilting her head up.
Her touch sent a shock through Ema, and she felt her breath catch as Rachel studied her features. “Your eye makeup,” Rachel said, stepping back with a smile.
“Come on, sit on the bed—I’ll do it for you,” Rachel said, her tone so matter-of-fact that it didn’t even occur to Ema to refuse. She perched herself on the edge of the bed, feeling Rachel’s hands guide her back ever so slightly. Rachel rummaged through the makeup bag until she pulled out an eyeliner pencil with a satisfied little hum.
Ema’s breath caught as Rachel stepped forward, positioning herself between Ema’s legs. Rachel leaned down, their faces only inches apart, and Ema felt her pulse quicken as Rachel focused, lifting the liner to her eyes.
“Hmm, scooch back a bit,” Rachel said gently, her brows lifting. Ema adjusted, and Rachel tilted her shoulder, pressing Ema down so she lay flat on the bed. Ema could feel her heart pounding as Rachel straddled her waist, bracing herself on either side of Ema’s head. She bent down again, and Ema found herself staring up at her, the world fading into the background as Rachel continued to apply the liner.
As Rachel worked, Ema took in every detail. Rachel’s eyes sparkled under the soft room lights; her skin glowed, illuminated by their close proximity. Her nose would crinkle slightly whenever she adjusted her hand, and when she seemed pleased with her work, her eyes sparkled with a quiet confidence.
Finally, Rachel murmured, “I’m done.” She didn’t move; instead, her gaze stayed locked on Ema’s, her eyes tracing over Ema’s face as if studying the effect of her handiwork. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and Ema noticed the way Rachel’s eyes flickered briefly to her lips. Without thinking, Ema’s own gaze dipped to Rachel’s mouth, lingering there.
Rachel leaned in just slightly, closing the distance between them—and then the door swung open.
“Guests are arriving!” Spoon’s voice filled the room as he sauntered in, coming to an abrupt halt at the sight of them. “Oh. Uh… did I interrupt something? Because I can totally come back…”
Rachel’s reaction was instant. She shot up, stammering, “No, no! You’re fine, I was just… finishing up Ema’s makeup.” Her cheeks were flushed, matching Ema’s as they both sat up, averting their eyes from each other and Spoon’s amused smirk.
“Guests, right,” Ema said quickly, desperate to defuse the moment. “We should probably head down.”
“Yeah, let’s go!” Rachel replied, brightening as she turned to Spoon, who was still trying to hide a grin. She reached for Ema’s hand without a second thought, giving it a quick squeeze before leading her out of the room.
The party came alive with music, laughter, and whispers. Rachel stayed by Ema’s side, her fingers occasionally brushing Ema’s, a quiet but constant thrill that left Ema’s heart racing. At one point, Troy entered the party with Buck and Whitney. Rachel leaned close, lips brushing Ema’s ear as she whispered, “Hey, can we go upstairs for a bit?”
Ema nodded understandingly, heart pounding as she led Rachel to a quieter spot—the observatory, a glass room nestled at the top of the house. This was probably Ema’s favorite room in the house, it was cozy and covered in bookshelves and blankets. Inside, the night sky stretched out above them, and Rachel’s eyes sparkled as she looked up in awe.
“It’s beautiful here,” she breathed, sinking into a couch, pulling Ema down beside her. They talked for what felt like minutes, but must’ve been an hour, until Rachel shivered.
Ema noticed and draped one of the many blankets over Rachel’s shoulders. As she tucked it around her, Rachel turned to face her, their eyes locking. The air between them felt electric, and this time, Ema didn’t pull back. She glanced at Rachel’s lips, then felt Rachel’s fingers gently tilt her face up.
And then, Rachel kissed her.
The world fell away as Ema felt Rachel’s lips on hers—soft, warm, and perfect. Her whole body tingled as she melted into the kiss, her fingers tangling in Rachel’s hair. They pulled away only when they couldn’t breathe, their foreheads pressed together.
“Wow,” Rachel whispered, her smile radiant and slightly breathless.
“Yeah,” Ema managed, her own smile matching Rachel’s. She laid a soft kiss on Rachel’s forehead, and when Rachel asked, voice soft and hopeful, “Would you want to go on a date with me?” Ema answered, “I’d love to.”
Rachel’s eyes brightened, and they shared one last kiss, content in the quiet warmth that only they seemed to share.