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Ribbit sat cross-legged on her bed, the door locked, as Jax poured her heart out, revealing the truth about her mother, the day she ran from home, and the fact that she was a girl. Ribbit listened to Jax’s story, encouraged her to share, and when it grew quiet and Jax was about to retreat into herself, Ribbit once again coaxed her out of her shell.
Then, as Jax stood to leave, embarrassment lighting her cheeks, Ribbit gently grabbed her hand.
“Wait,” she said. “I’m glad you trust me.”
Jax looked down at her, eyes welling up. After sharing such a vulnerable moment, even someone as strong as Jax couldn’t hold back the tears. Not after years of holding back trauma.
“Oh, [BOINK!],” swore Jax. “This is embarrassing.”
Jax wiped at her eyes, looking anywhere but at Ribbit.
“Your secret’s safe with me,” Ribbit promised, and she meant it. Outside her room, she’d use only male pronouns for Jax until she was ready to confide in the rest of the group. Anything to make her more comfortable.
A soft smile spread across Jax’s face as she let herself be pulled back onto the bed, her hand still intertwined with Ribbit’s. In that moment, something welled in Ribbit’s chest. Maybe it was because Jax trusted her, or perhaps because Jax chose her of all people to confide in, but her heart soared for her friend.
Silently, Ribbit unclipped her bowtie and placed it atop Jax’s head like a ribbon. Jax’s eyes widened at the gesture, then her entire body relaxed. It was as if the invisible strings holding her up had been cut now that she’d admitted her truth.
She was a girl. Always had been. Always will be.
And now Ribbit knew too.
In a small voice, barely above a whisper, Jax spoke. “Thank you, Ribbit. I... I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything right now. Not when you’re here with me...” Ribbit hesitated, the words caught in her throat, before swallowing her fear. “...especially with me.”
Jax’s face softened. She blinked up at her, sweetly, rose dusting her cheeks.
Ribbit slowly reached forward, waiting for Jax to tell her no, and when she didn’t, cupped her face. She could feel the heat radiating from Jax’s cheek, but she didn’t pull away. In fact, Jax leaned into Ribbit’s touch, pupils blown wide.
Ribbit had hoped. God, she’d hoped. But now that it was happening, all she felt was a rush of adrenaline pushing her forward.
“You’re so beautiful,” Ribbit admitted.
“I... oh.”
Jax stared at her as if she’d hung the moon and the stars herself. Perhaps she had, in a way, lighting her room with a celestial projection.
Ribbit leaned closer, lightly rubbing her thumb along Jax’s face to her lips. She paused, staring into Jax’s almost black-engulfed eyes, her pupils so large that Ribbit couldn’t see any yellow.
“Is this...okay?” Ribbit asked.
She had to make sure. One last time before taking the leap.
Jax nodded, her lips slightly parted. She closed the last of the distance and met Ribbit’s lips.
Ribbit closed her eyes and kissed her, pouring every emotion, every want she’d ever had into it.
Kissed her for the stupid jokes she made. Kissed her for her sweet, adorable laugh that lit up her chest. Kissed her for every sly, knowing look when she teased her. Kissed her for being authentically herself. Every flaw. Every triumph.
Everything.
When they pulled apart, a tear escaped from Jax’s eye, trailing down her cheek to her chin.
“Oh, jeez. I hope I’m not that bad a kisser,” Ribbit teased.
Jax snorted and gave her a light shove. “Pfft. Don’t be stupid.” She wiped the tear away with her glove. “You were amazing. It’s just... I hadn’t thought you’d... Not when I’m now a... a...”
Jax swallowed awkwardly, looking away.
“Now that you’re a girl?” Ribbit finished the question for her.
“Yeah. That.”
Ribbit gently took Jax’s hand and laced their fingers together. She waited until Jax felt comfortable enough to look up at her, then smiled.
“I like you for you, not because of your gender.” Ribbit squeezed Jax’s hand reassuringly. “All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy.”
Ribbit watched as the last of Jax’s defences, the part that kept her from believing she could be loved, crumbled into dust. She sniffled, then dove into Ribbit’s arms, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
It would take time, perhaps years, but one day Jax wouldn’t question her love for her. It would come as naturally as breathing. She wasn’t there yet, the same way she’d only just realised her gender identity, but it would happen, and Ribbit would make sure she was there every step of the way.