Never did they meet eyes, the accursed looking from afar or not looking at all. Meeting stares would petrify them both and she knew she wouldn't bear the pain.

"You've been staring," said the lady, staring at the ground.

"From afar, yes, but never have I seen your face," answered the other.

"You can look, if ever you wish," she proposed.

"I could never," she declined in a murmur.

"Ever since I stumbled into your domain, you have provided for me. Please, let me offer you to look at my face in return," proposed once more the lady. "I know you haven't seen one in a long time."

But as gentle and sweet the proposition was, the gorgon refused. She couldn't risk the only person who ever stayed near her for so long.

She was kind and gentle.

Time went by and the lady stayed. And, maybe on purpose, maybe in an unconscious desire, the gorgon managed to look, day after day, at another part of the lady's face.

She tried to stop herself many times, but each attempt failed, and another inch of skin was discovered under her eyes.

One day, as she was walking with some food for her guest, she stumbled right upon her. Never did she stare at anyone that long.

She was beauty and grace.

"You're staring again," said the lady without looking up from her handiwork.

The accursed woman lowered her head and walked carefully towards the other.

The lady hummed "I told you once before, if you want to look at my face you are allowed to do so, and as long as you please."

"You know who I am," said the gorgon with great sadness.

"I do," affirmed the lady, "but never have I tried to look at your eyes, and never will I."

"Everyone is bound to look at my eyes, no matter how desperately they are trying not to," she protested.

"I am not trying to avert my gaze from yours," said the lady in all seriousness. She turned her head, facing Medusa, but not looking anywhere near her eyes. "I just can't, I never was able to look at anyone in the eyes."

And so Medusa could finally see her full face, darkened by a blush, but free to stare as long as she wanted.

She was the most beautiful person she had ever seen.

"Will you stay with me?" asked Medusa.

"Of course," the lady answered, her smile widening and her hands moving faster.

The woman traced the face of the other, slowly and carefully, before leaning forward. Holding her chin in place, she deposited a kiss on the other's lips.

The lady suddenly stood up after the kiss, stomping the ground lightly and her hands flailing the air around.

"I wish to do it again!" she laughed full of joy.

"And again?"

"And again and always."

They were love.