Today's prompt was Independence/Dependence. I chose to write about Dependence today, with a tiny dash of Independence sprinkled in here. Sorry it's so short. ezance, this is for you.

Serena doesn't need anyone, and Shauna knows this. She is stronger on her own. She is a mighty oak tree; a mountain that doesn't need to lean on anyone, not even her own girlfriend. 

Shauna, on the other hand, has always counted on people to make her happy. She feels like she'd be nobody without someone else--- anyone else--- by her side. She leans on Serena like it's the only thing keeping her alive.

"You don't really need me, do you?" Shauna asked on the days when the world seemed darker; when it seemed the influence of Team Flare would never really leave Kalos; when Shauna was convinced she wasn't enough.

"Of course I do," Serena would say, a cool smile on her face. "I love you, Shauna, and I'd be lost without you."

Shauna didn't really believe her. Until now.

.

Serena sits behind the Professor's lab when Shauna finds her, hunched over and exhausted. She looks far older than her sixteen years. 

"Serena!" Shauna cries in dismay, rushing to her girlfriend's side. "What's wrong?"

Serena simply shakes her head. "I don't wanna talk about it."

Shauna doesn't pry--- she sits next to Serena and puts a comforting arm around her, pulling her close. They stay like that for awhile--- Serena in Shauna's arm, just holding each other. When Serena finally pulls away, she is crying. "Thanks," she manages. It is small; the words don't hold the confidence they normally do.

"I'll always be there for you, you know," Shauna whispers. "No matter what."

"Me too," Serena whispers back. 

And in that moment all is well. Even Serena's tear-stained face does not look like the darkness. Because they both know that no matter what happens, they can always depend on the other to be their guiding light.