#the plausibility of a scenario like this would be a byproduct of a time sapphic love/relationships were not taken seriously/not as visible*

[smalltownduck]

crying about how, unlike og byler, millow (lesbyler) could have likely been able to get away with being physically affectionate in the open with each other (such as holding hands and hugging just because) without people giving them as much crap, looks or 'talks' about it, and not only as kids, but well into their teens.

--but then tween willow reluctanly set out to very gradually pull away from michelle to avoid ever getting her in trouble, and next el came back and michelle probably took that as her cue to also stop reaching out for willow as frequently as she used to -or wanted to, even though she shouldn't.

good thing is, once they get together, they'd holds hands in public again, exploit the shit out of the plausible deniability of any excuse for touch, and even sneak tons of small kisses (mostly cheek/hand/forehead kisses) at any chance they get 💟