While they continued to navigate their new relationship status, they decided to spend a romantic weekend in Paris— the city of Lovers.
***
"So, I was thinking…" Hyacinth began, "Why don't we get out of here? Let's go to… somewhere romantic and fierce for lovers like us. What do you say to that?"
"Oh Hyacinth! I'd absolutely love that."
Lana embraced her passionately without letting go. They were finally going to have a romantic moment together without worrying about anything or anyone else in the world…
***
The flight was long, but the excitement of being together, alone and uninterrupted, made the hours melt away so fast. As they touched down in Paris, Hyacinth looked out over the city that seemed to radiate in the warm, early evening light. She glanced at Lana in excitement. It was surreal to think that they were finally here… together.
Lana turned to her, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"I still can't believe we're really here."
She chuckled, brushing her fingers lightly over Lana's hand.
"Paris has a way of making things feel like a dream, but I can assure you, this is very real."
They made their way to the hotel, and the moment they stepped into the room, Lana let out a gasp.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the Eiffel Tower, lit up against the dusky sky. It was stunning, romantic, and the perfect backdrop to the trip she'd been imagining for weeks.
Hyacinth watched Lana with a smile. She loved seeing her like this. Happy, free, and so full of life.
"What do you think?" she asked, stepping up behind her.
Lana turned to face her, eyes glistening.
"It's perfect. You're perfect."
She caught her breath as Lana leaned in, her lips soft and warm. The kiss deepened, their hands exploring and finding each other in ways that felt both familiar and electric. They stumbled back onto the plush bed, as they got lost in each other.
Later, as they lay tangled in the sheets, Hyacinth traced gentle patterns on Lana's shoulder, feeling the need to open up, to share the parts of herself she'd kept hidden for so long…
"You know," she began, "there was someone before you. A long time ago."
Lana tilted her head up curiously.
"A past lover?"
Hyacinth nodded.
"We met in college, and it was… intense. For a while, I thought it was love. But it was more like an infatuation, something I clung to, because I was afraid of being alone. Eventually, we went our separate ways."
Lana's fingers brushed lightly over her arm, gesturing a quiet reassurance.
"That must have been hard."
"It was," she admitted. "But it helped me understand what real love could look like. And now… with you, I feel like I've found it."
A soft blush spread over Lana's cheeks, but her gaze changed slightly. She looked away, as though she was questioning something within herself.
"Lana, what's wrong?" Hyacinth asked pleasantly, sensing her hesitation.
She sighed.
"My family… they don't know. About me, I mean. They still think I'm…" She trailed off, her expression was visibly conflicted.
Hyacinth felt a pang of understanding. She reached for her hand, squeezing it.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
Lana shook her head.
"It's not your fault. It's just that my parents… they have expectations. I've been hiding this part of me for so long that it feels… I don't know. Like something I can't quite let go of, even though I want to."
Hyacinth brushed a strand of hair behind Lana's ear, meeting her gaze.
"You don't have to hide with me. I'll wait for you, however long it takes."
Lana's lips quivered into a small smile, feeling a little relief.
"Thank you, Hyacinth. That means more to me than you know."
They lay in silence for a while, simply enjoying the warmth of each other's presence.
***
The next day, they spent hours exploring Paris together, laughing as they wandered down cobbled streets, sharing stolen kisses in quiet alleyways, and indulging in pastries at quaint little cafés. By the time night fell, they found themselves at the edge of the Seine, the beautiful glow of the city lights reflected off the water.
Hyacinth felt her heart swell as she looked at Lana, who seemed lost in thought.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked.
She looked at her, her eyes filled with a vulnerability that took Hyacinth by surprise.
"It's just… I don't know. Being here with you feels right in ways I never imagined. And it scares me."
She took Lana's hand, feeling the burden of her own emotions.
"I know what you mean. This trip has felt like something out of a fairytale, but I want it to be real. I want us to be real."
Lana's gaze softened, and she moved closer, her lips brushing Hyacinth's cheek in a tender gesture.
"I want that too."
As they walked back to the hotel, Lana intertwined her fingers with Hyacinth's. But as they turned the corner, Hyacinth noticed a woman watching them. She had a striking, elegant figure with piercing eyes. The woman's gaze lingered on Lana, and she wore a smirk playing on her lips before she disappeared into the crowd.
The moment was brief, but it left Hyacinth feeling unsettled. She didn't mention it to Lana, not wanting to ruin their evening, but the woman's expression remained in her mind.
That night, as they lay together, she felt the urge to finally put her feelings into words. She took Lana's hand, and traced her thumb with circles over her knuckles.
"Lana," she murmured, with a pounding heart, "I've been meaning to ask you something."
Lana turned to her, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"What is it?"
Taking a deep breath, she squeezed her hand.
"Would you… would you be my girlfriend?"
The words hung in the air, and Hyacinth held her breath, waiting for Lana's response…
"Of course! Of course, I'd be your girlfriend, Hyacinth. You're all I want, and breathe for." She screamed in excitement, drawing close and engaging in a sweet, warm hug, thanking the universe for finally giving her her very own person.