Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi was just getting out of the gym, ready to put on her helmet when she felt her phone buzz in the inside pocket of her leather jacket.

-Powder [7:00 pm]

    Hey sis, get us some dessert for tonight. Forgot to buy one when I got out of class today and you know how dad loves dessert. Don’t be late!

That was so typical of her sister. to ask her for things last minute. Now Vi had to find a bakery, or some other place that sold desserts, not far from the gym so that she would still arrive on time to the weekly family dinner. She searched for the nearest place. The best result was a bakery named “ Piltover’s Finest ” only a five-minute walk from where she was. She decided she could make it on time.

The bakery looked really fancy, painted in white and gold. She could see some pastel details here and there, on the chairs and tables inside where clients could eat, on the doors and on the apron worn by the only employee she saw inside. The windows showcased delicious looking cakes with magnificent decorations on top. Maybe this place would be expensive but Vi thought she could do expensive at least once this month. She was sure Vander would love any sugary treat this place had to offer. After admiring the works of art in the window she decided to finally push the door.

“Welcome to Piltover’s Finest , what can I do for you?”, said the man with the most genuine smile Vi had ever seen.

“Hi, I’m looking for a dessert”

“I’m going to need a little more information to help you. Is it just for you?”

“I’m sorry. No, it’s for a family dinner, for three people. And I don’t really know what to choose, everything looks delicious.”, said Vi with a shy smile.

“Well, thank you! You’re only three and I’m closing soon, so I’m afraid I can’t find you a cake that’s the right size for your request. But we have plenty of cupcakes left. What’s better than multiple bite-sized cakes?”, he said while laughing. “On top of that you’ll have the benefit of choosing from all the flavours we have.”

“Thank you, that seems like an excellent idea.”, Vi responded looking at all the flavours written behind the blue-haired man. “I’ll take the blueberry”, for her, “ the salted caramel”, for Powder, “ and two chocolate.” for Vander.

“Will that be all?”

“Yes, that will be all. I’m so hungry I’m going to have to fight the urge to eat them before dinner” she added laughing lightly. She paid for the cupcakes as the man behind the counter put a bow on top of the box they were in. When he turned back towards Vi she searched for a tag with his name on it and found out he was called Tobias.

“You can always come back to get more tomorrow, or any day after that. We are basically open all the time. Bon appétit!”, he said while giving her the white box with the cupcakes inside.

Vi parked her bike further from the gym than she used to. She felt like walking around before starting her day. Work is calm in the morning anyway. The taste of the delicious cupcakes from the other night sneaks its way into her mind and guides her feet towards the bakery. Before she even realizes she is staring at the employees working in the shop through the giant windows. She can see the man from last time, Tobias, handing candy to a little girl and a white box to a woman Vi assumes is the mother of the child. But, inside, there is also a girl that she didn’t see last time putting frosting on cake. She is focused on applying the pastel pink cream evenly on the vanilla cake. Vi can’t help but be mesmerized by her fingers when the beautiful girl started decorating the cake with flowers. She did everything with precision and delicacy. Her fingers were practically dancing on the cake, leaving roses and pansies in her trace. Vi was lost in the magic when everything stopped. She looked up from the cake, robbing her eyes of the view of the graceful fingers, to find the girl in the light blue apron looking at her with a quirked eyebrow. Vi felt the blush spread on her cheeks, she offered an awkward smile and two thumbs up and turned around. She felt so embarrassed but it was time to go to work anyway. Maybe eating drool worthy cupcakes (was she drooling?) was not that important, maybe she could do without entering the shop again… Because there was no way she was going to cross paths with that girl ever again. No way. What did she think? Thumbs up and the most idiotic smile anyone has ever seen as the first (and last) impression this magnificent woman was going to have of her? She wanted to die, right there, right now.

A week later Vi was coming out of the gym, craving something sweet. The cupcakes made their way to her mind, again, and she decided to go to the bakery, hoping the girl from the window would not be there, but too sweet deprived to resist.

Still a little sweaty from her day as she did not want to share the showers in the gym today, and wearing her workout attire, she pushed open the front door.

“Welcome to Piltover’s Finest , what can I do for you?”

This was a feminine voice, Vi looked up and saw no trace of Tobias, the girl from last time was the only one in the bakery.

Vi’s mouth dried instantly. The embarrassment from the other day came back to her. She began to look everywhere but in the girl’s direction before coming back to reality. She had to answer her in order to not look like a fool, again.

“Hi, I had your cupcakes not long ago and they were delicious. So, I’m here for more.” Did that sound ridiculous? She looked at the girl, she was smiling at her.

“I’m glad to know people crave my cupcakes. What will be the flavor of the day?”

She took a better look at the girl talking to her. Her dark blue hair tied in a ponytail looked so soft. Vi imagined passing her fingers through the silky texture. The blue of her hair complimented the blue of her eyes to perfection. She noticed that now that the girl wasn’t leaning over a cake, she was surprisingly tall. One of Vi’s weaknesses had always been tall women. She needed to find something to say that was a tiny bit clever or flirtatious.

“I… Which one’s your favorite?”

Maybe it wasn’t really clever or flirtatious but at least she would know something about her new crush.

“This is not a question I get asked often … I’d say the one I prefer is the lemon flavoured.”

“Sweet but with an extra kick, I can get behind that.”

This made the baker laugh. Vi was surprised by how much she wanted to hear it again. And that would be even better if she was the one that made her.

“So, a lemon cupcake. Anything else?”

“I’ll take a salted caramel. It’s my sister’s favourite flavour. You would not believe the amount of caramels I stole for her when we were young.” Oh no, she just admitted to a pretty lady that she was a thief.

“Well, I’m glad our bakery did not cross your path back then.”

“You wouldn’t have given lil old me some free candy?” Vi replied, making a puppy face. “Is your heart made of stone?”

“You’re right, how could I resist such a cute face. But I’m afraid I was just another eight year old caramel thief myself.”

Did she just call her cute? Vi tried to stop herself from smiling too wide.

“This is why we never crossed paths, this city wasn’t big enough for the both of us.”

“You must be right. I’ll keep an eye on the sweets as long as you’re in the shop, just in case.” She handed Vi her cupcakes. Vi paid for everything and left the bakery with a smile.

It’s only when she reached home that it hit her that she did not look for the girl’s name. She had to come back and look for a name tag, just like the one Tobias had. She couldn’t let this girl and her beautiful laugh live in her mind without a name!

The next week, on a Wednesday, Vi had just finished a 2 hour training session with an annoying client. The guy never listened to a word she said. It’s like he wanted to hurt himself. So it felt like a get-yourself-a-reward kind of day. After a hard day at work she needed something sweet. She never thought she had a sweet tooth. Now she couldn’t live without the sugar rush. So she went back to the bakery. But this time with a mission on her mind and an appetite for cupcakes. The girl welcomed her as soon as she opened the door.

“Are you here to steal sweets or to buy cupcakes?”, she asked with narrowed eyes to seem suspicious.

“I come in peace. I’m here for the cupcakes.”

The girl walked towards the cupcake case and looked back up at Vi, waiting for her to place her order. The sugar wasn’t the first thing to rush in her veins. The blood got right to her cheeks.

“I’ll have the carrot cake and the salted caramel.”

“For the sister, right?”, the girl asked with a glimmer in her eye.

“Yes”, Vi felt a hint of pride that she remembered.

As the blue-haired girl was typing on the cash register Vi let her eyes roam, looking for the name tag she missed a week ago. The problem was that now it looked like she was staring at her boobs, and with no name tag to be found. Nobody had ever been faster averting their gaze than Vi in that moment. She really hoped that nobody saw her eyeing the girl’s chest.

Passing in front of the bakery became a habit. It was just so Vi could check out the new cakes in the window, artfully decorated with flowers or stars. Totally not so she could check out the baker with the blue hair.

“Maybe she will have her name tag today”, Vi thinks as she pushes the door for the third time this week.

“A salted caramel cupcake for the sister coming up!” Shouted the girl from behind the counter.

The thought of becoming a regular whose order is known by the pretty girl who makes the most delicious cakes was more than pleasant to Vi. She looked at her and she was still not wearing a name tag. How was Vi supposed to continue dreaming about her pretty face without putting a pretty name on it?

“You know me so well.”

“Are you going to take one for you this time?”

“I think I can be convinced into buying one for myself too.”

“And I think I’ll be able to convince you. I think I can even be convincing enough to get to choose the flavour I want.”

“Go on.”

“My first argument is that I made the cupcakes so if you don’t want to break my heart you absolutely have to buy one.”

“I’m already buying one for my sister so I technically already can’t break your heart.”

“True, but you will not be able to feel all the love I put in them and that would be a shame really. My second argument is that there is a new flavour I made and it’s even more delicious than the previous ones.”

“Is it because you put more of your not so secret ingredient in it?”

“It’s impossible, all the cupcakes I make are filled to the brim with love. I can’t physically put more love into it. I’d simply die.” She said, putting her hand on her forehead in a dramatic reenactment of her so-called death.

Tobias passed behind the girl to give a client the cake they just bought. That’s when it hit her. Tobias must be the girl’s dad, or at least a relative. How could she have been so blind? They had the same glint in their eyes, the same shiny indigo hair.

“So what’s this mystery flavour that is supposed to make me think everything I ate until then was bland?”

“It’s not a crazy flavour but it’s really good.” She picked up a pink cupcake with red frosting. “Strawberry flavoured with a cherry frosting.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll even put a cherry on top of yours because I’m having a good day. And look, it matches you hair!”

Vi was trying not to blush so the cupcake would not also match her cheeks. But doing so was hard considering she was facing the cutest and warmest smile she had ever seen. The piercing blue eyes weren’t helping either.

“You were right, you convinced me. But I must say I think I’m an easy target. Maybe next time I’ll buy one that matches your hair if you make it for me.”

She swore she could see the hint of a blush on the other girl’s face. But Vi couldn’t really see it as the woman turned around to put the cupcakes in a box and tie a ribbon around it.

“If I’m not convinced by the taste and you misled me, who do I file my complaint to?”

“That would be my father, right there.” She pointed at Tobias. “He taught me everything there is to know about baking and greenlit the idea. So if it tastes bad, he’s to blame.”

Vi thought her plan was foolproof but getting this girl’s name was starting to sound complicated.

“But I’m sure you’ll like it. Or that you’ll be nice enough to never tell me that it was the most disgusting cupcake you ever ate.” Vi could see the girl starting to lose her confidence.

“Don’t be ridiculous, with the amount of love it contains, I’m sure I couldn’t taste anything bad even if I wanted to.”

“Here you go.” She said as she gave the box to Vi.

Vi started to walk towards the cash register, taking her credit card out of her hoodie.

“Oh, you don’t have to pay this time. It’s on the house. You know, since you might only like it because I put my whole heart in it and not because it’s delicious.”

“You’re sure?!” Vi looked at her with disbelief. The other girl nodded. “Well thanks.”

“My pleasure.” She said with a wink.

Now Vi was definitely blushing. Who knew flirting with the pretty girl who made the cupcakes could get you free food. Was this her way of flirting back? Vi hoped so and the smirk on her face lasted the whole way to her dad’s place.

“Powder! I have something for you!” Vi shouted. No sight of her sister but the living room was covered in blueprints, papers, and paint. Which meant she was somewhere near.

The younger girl appeared from the corridor, her long braids following behind her as she launched herself to go hug her sister with all her might.

“Woah there! You saw me two days ago.”

“I can’t miss my sister? We used to be together all day, everyday.” She pouted. “Soooo, what did you bring me this time?” She said, batting her eyelashes exaggeratedly.

Vi gave her the box containing the cupcakes.

“Another cupcake! You don’t love me enough to bring me treats multiple times a week.” She said as realization settled in her eyes. “You’re trying to bang the girl who sells them! OMG! Who is she? How does she look? I want to know everything about your stupid little crush.” Powder said, the questions all asked almost in one breath.

“What?! That’s not -”

“That is totally what this is; I know you, sis.”

“Just say thanks and eat your goddamn cupcake. And don’t touch mine!” Vi said as Powder disappeared with the box into the kitchen.

They ate their cupcakes while talking about their day. Vi did not talk about the baker, to Powder’s disappointment. But she talked about her clients who were entertaining enough to make the younger one forget about her big sister’s crush. Powder explained what she was working on. Some type of machine fueled by a new energy they had to prepare for class. Vi never understood anything about the engineering projects her sister got herself into but she was always trying to. Powder made sure not to use too specific a vocabulary, she didn’t want to lose her sister’s attention. Their conversations were always interesting and most of the time it was hard to stop talking and leave the family house. One thing was making it hard for Vi to follow their talk this time. The cupcake was so good it teleported her to another world. The flavours complimented each other so well and it was not too sweet or acidic. The cute girl was right, this was the best one she ever had. Maybe it was possible for her to put more love into some cupcakes than there already was. Because Vi was sure that with each bite her “stupid little crush” grew bigger and bigger.

Vi wanted to tell the baker how good her last creation was. So the next day, right after her personal training session, she ran to the bakery. Still sweating, her hair sticking to the back of her head she pushed the door open. The coolness of the shop was a welcomed change. The blue-haired woman was here. Vi saw her laughing with a tall muscular man with a dumb look on his face. She sat down a little while waiting for her turn to get the pretty girl’s attention. Apparently she wasn’t the only one who fell for her charms and magical cupcakes.

“No, don’t get your card out Jayce! It’s on the house.”

“Let me pay for once. I can’t keep getting these for free. Or else I’m going to come everyday and get you out of business.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you’ll always be our favourite freeloader.” The girl said laughing while covering her mouth, trying not to sound too loud.

“It’s not freeloading when I get you out of trouble and keep your secrets.” Answered the man named Jayce back. He even winked at her. He tried to be quiet and Vi thought nobody except her heard. She wanted to know what was said. Maybe she was just really curious about the interaction, or maybe she was a bit jealous that she wasn’t the only one to get free cupcakes accompanied by a warm smile.

They talked a little bit more, the man asking how her father was doing and asked her to say hi to her mother. Knowing they were close enough to talk about each other’s family got Vi less hopeful for her future with the baker. Jayce walked towards the door with his free cupcakes – and, Vi was almost sure that if the girl could she would’ve hugged the guy. This left an unpleasant tingle on Vi’s skin. As he made his way through the shop he looked over to Vi and smiled at her. The guy was charming, that was for sure. Not Vi’s type obviously, but she could see why women would fall for his white teeth and kind eyes. Another himbo stealing all the cute girls in town. How was Vi supposed to date in these conditions? Was he trying to charm her with that smile? That will not work, buddy. What a weirdo thinking a girl who looks like Vi would be interested in men in the slightest.

After the girl turned around to clean the space where she put the cupcakes in boxes and cut the pretty ribbons, Vi waited a bit and walked to the counter. She coughed to make her presence known. It startled the baker.

“Hi.” Said Vi.

“Are you trying to kill me?”

“How did you know that was my plan all along?”

“My parents say that I’m very smart. Must be the reason, not at all your malicious eyes and you trying to look intimidating.”

“Trying? So I’m not intimidating?”

“I’ve seen scarier.” She looked at Vi through her hair, still cleaning the space behind the counter.

“And here I thought the tattoos, scars and muscles were the only things I needed for people to fear me.”

“I can still pretend that it’s scary if you want me to.”

“I’d rather have you give me free cupcakes because you think I look cool than because you’re scared I will punch you as soon as your shift ends.”

“Oh, so the free cupcakes are the reason you’re back.” She said as she side-eyed her.

“Yes, but no. I’m not here to rob you of more of your delicious cakes. I actually came to tell you that the new flavour was an absolute foodgasm!” Did she just say “foodgasm” to her crush?

“Told you you would like it! But please, never use “foodgasm” to describe anything I make ever again.” Vi could tell that she was trying not to laugh when using the word.

“Anyway, I just came to tell you that if you ever need a guinea pig to test your new ideas, I’m here.” Vi said, her hands in her sweatpants’ pockets.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I have to go. People to scare, food to steal, you know, the usual.” Vi said, winking. “Until next time, Cupcake.”

Vi left, the girl behind her turning towards the door, slowly realizing what the pink-haired girl who just left the shop called her. Eyes widening, a smile forming on her lips.

Chapter Text

Vi got downstairs in search of breakfast. Sleeping in her old room was weird after so many years out of the family house. But last night’s dinner went on for a little too long and she might have drunk too many glasses of wine. She opened the cabinet and found an empty cereal box, she also found no coffee pod next to the coffee machine. Seemed like a great day was on its way.

“Morning!” Said a cheerful voice behind her.

“Yeah, that.” Vi responded to her sister.

She turned around to see the last cup of coffee and the last bowl of cereal of the house in front of Powder.

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“What?”

“I sleep here, like what? Twice a year. And you have the audacity to steal my breakfast!”

“I live here, and you should have gotten up earlier. There’s probably bread in the cupboard.”

There wasn’t.

“What is it with everyone stealing my stuff.”

“Do I want to know about what you’re hinting at?” said Powder, lifting an eyebrow and her spoon in Vi’s direction.

“No, you don’t. I can’t have you all up in my business like you always do.” said Vi as she went looking for eggs in the back of the kitchen. “WHY IS THERE NO FOOD IN THIS HOUSE?!”

“Somebody’s cranky.”

“Somebody needs to shut up.”

Vi went to the closest shop to buy herself a decent breakfast and returned to the house, still grumpy but ready to talk to her sister. Despite being annoying most of the time (I mean, it was her job as the little sister) she was a good listener. She even sometimes gave good advice between judgmental comments.

“It’s the baker.”

“I knew it! Tell me more.” Said Powder, excited to learn about the mysterious girl her sister was crushing on.

“I went to the shop multiple times, as you know” Vi said, looking at her nodding sister. “She winked at me, gave me a discount, smiled at me, I … I think she even flirted a little … But I saw a guy this week, and she did the same with him.”

“Not good.”

“You want to know what’s even worse?”

“Oh, yes. Tell me!” Said Pow, way too happy for a girl facing her desperate sister.

“He seemed to know both her parents. I talked to her dad once and I didn’t connect the dots right away that he was her dad. This Jayce guy must know a lot of stuff about her… I don’t know anything … Except for her favourite cupcake flavour … Hell, I don’t even know her name …” Vi’s face went from troubled to utter shock. “Oh my God! I called her Cupcake the last time I saw her! That’s stupid! Who does that?!”

“You’re a class act, sister.”

Powder got up to but her bowl and her cup in the sink. She approached her sister with a smile on her face, ready to tease her.

“You’re a complete flirt, you do that kind of stupid stuff. Maybe it’ll work like it usually does. Or maybe you finally found a girl who’s not dumb and doesn’t fall for your muscles, tattoos and no brain cells. You had to open your mouth.”

Vi looked offended but Powder could see the playfulness in her eyes. After all they were sisters, this type of teasing was everyday life for decades.

“You see this look on my face?” Vi said pointing to her scrunched up face with her index. “This will always mean it’s time to shut up.” She got up from her chair and went to the couch to grab a pillow. “You’ve gone too far. Prepare for my dumb muscular self to take her revenge.” She declared, throwing the pillow in Powder’s face.

Vi thought that it was too soon for her to go back to the bakery after calling the girl “Cupcake”. Her sister was right, it was stupid and this time it was not about being a flirt, this was a real crush. She couldn’t mess all of this up that easily. She craved the baked goods but resisted the urge to go buy some. It lasted two weeks before she went back to her old habits … in a different way this time.

The day when Vi found the path behind the shop where a window overlooked the kitchen was the best day ever. She could watch the girl work on the cakes without being seen. She’d get her “cupcake” dose without having to confront the baker. Sure she couldn’t get her real cupcake fix but she hadn’t built up the courage to face the girl yet. And sure it seemed a little stalkerish but Vi had a crush and the path was a shortcut to the gym… It was absolutely not and she woke up earlier in the morning just to see the baker work. It was a breath of fresh air before having to train clients all day at the gym.

This morning the woman was putting white icing on a red velvet cake. Vi was hypnotized by her fingers. They were light and precise. She wondered what it would be like to feel these hands on her. She could live with just knowing how it felt to have them caress her cheek. Losing herself in this thought made her blush. She was glad no one could see her. When the woman began to draw on the cake using a piping bag, Vi lost it. The baker looked so cute, biting her lower lip and squinting. Vi came to learn, through her almost daily visits, that it was what she looked like when she focused on a task. You could see how much she loved what she does. The amount of care and attention she put into each curve of each design. Every cake held a little part of her, she gave life to cakes every morning. And when she looked back at her creations with a satisfied smile, Vi simply melted. How could someone covered in icing stains and surrounded by non flattering fluorescent lights be so attractive!

Vi woke up late and drove a little too fast to the gym. She made it just in time, her boss sending a cold glance at her from behind the weights rack. She got to work immediately.

After a quick workout and a shower after everyone had left, Vi closed the gym. She got to her bike, put on her helmet, got on it and started it … She started it … Not a single noise … Complete silence … Well, not anymore. She was cursing. Why the hell did her bike not work? She needed to go back home. She tried to push it and see if it worked better once it had moved. As if that would work for some reason. It did not. She parked it somewhere safe and began to walk back home. It was a long walk but it was her only option, she was the last one to leave the gym and the parking lot next to it was empty. Getting in a stranger’s car was absolutely not an option, she could defend herself but it didn’t mean that she would want to get willingly in trouble. After all, she was still a woman alone in the streets, a muscular woman of course, but that did not change how men behaved. Furthermore, she was really tired from her workout and she might have strained her back muscle when she helped a client this afternoon.

That’s when life decided to hit her with a new low. It started raining. How was she supposed to get back home bikeless, tired, with her back hurting and under a storm? She ran towards the first store she could find to try and shield herself from the rain with the canopy. It did not work and she almost got drowned under the canopy. She dodged the thing pouring all the rain accumulated on it on the ground.

“Fuck!” was all Vi could say in the moment, needing to express her frustration. On top of that her bike must be soaked right now.

“Yeah, I knew you would need my help as soon as I saw you trying to hide under the smallest canopy I’ve ever seen.” called a voice from behind her.

And before she knew it, a red umbrella appeared above her. The sound of the rain on it was magical, not feeling the water spray her face made everything a little bit better. She turned to her left to see who was her saviour.

“Better, right?” said the blue-haired baker.

“You? … I … Thanks.” Vi said, smiling like a relieved idiot.

Only then did she notice she was exactly on the other side of the road from the bakery. The tall woman must have seen her through the windows and decided she could not let her suffer more than she already had.

“You’re welcome.” She smiled at her. “And I have to admit, I missed your weekly visits to the shop… Who’s going to tell me if my creations are any good?” The hint of a blush could be seen on her cheeks, but Vi did not dare to look.

“Awww you missed me! That’s cute.”

“I could let you taste the rain back on your skin if you want.” She responded, faking to take back the umbrella only to herself.

“Please don’t! I’ve had the worst day ever. Your fancy umbrella is the best thing that could happen to me right now.”

“It’s not that fancy … So I get it that the rain is not your friend right now, but it’s not bad enough that it deserves a “fuck”. What else happened?”

“My alarm did not go off this morning, so I was almost late for work. My back hurts because some client wasn’t listening to me, my bike is not starting, and now this.” Vi said gesturing to the rain outside the umbrella safe haven.

“Maybe I can help.”

That’s when the girl took her hand and led her across the street and into the bakery. She closed the door behind them and shook the rain off her umbrella. Everything happened way to fast for Vi to enjoy the contact of their hands intertwined.

“I need to finish things here but you can stay, dry off and wait for the rain to stop. See? That’s one problem down.” Said the girl, still with the cutest smile.

“Thanks a lot, Cupcake.” Oh no, she did it again.

“You seriously need to stop calling me that.”

“You never told me your name and you don’t wear a name tag, I had to improvise!”

“You could have asked!”

“I could’ve …”

“It’s Caitlyn, nice to meet you …” She said extending a hand.

“Vi.” She answered taking the soft hand and shaking it. She started to grin. “It’s nice to know your name, but I think I like Cupcake better.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes but still smiled at Vi’s answer.

After a moment of silence she said “You know, you look like a puppy right now.”

“Excuse me?”

“You looked so sad under the rain and now you look like a puppy who got rescued.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“And calling me Cupcake isn’t?” Caitlyn said. “Speaking of, do you want one? There are leftovers from today. I guess we don’t sell as much as we did when you came every two days.”

“Right on time, I think my stomach just growled.”

“I’m sure you’d be waging your tail right now.”

“Ha, ha, very funny. Where are the cupcakes?”

“In the back. Follow me.” She gestured to the door behind the counter.

Vi followed her throught the door. The room behind it was the room with the large windows she spied on Caitlyn through.

“Here you go.” Caitlyn said as she left a tray of cupcake in front of Vi.

The pink-haired girl was seating on a stool, elbows leaning on the counter top. She bit into a chocolate cupcake and closed her eyes.

“I missed these!” She said, her mouth still full of the delicious cake.

“I’m sure they missed you too. I have cakes to decorate before I leave… Do you want to help me?”

“You want ME to help YOU? Your clients might not want to have their cake look like Frankenstein’s monster.”

“You must have some artistic skills. I’ll teach you! And if it’s really as bad as you say I’ll rectify your mistakes. Don’t worry, I’m a pro.”

“You’re right. And maybe I’ll need this skill to pick up girls. I mean, I know how to cook a perfect dinner but if I add a beautiful desert, they are going to line up to get a date with this bitch.” Vi pointed her two thumbs towards her chest. She silently hoped to pique Caitlyn’s interest in tasting one of her home cooked meals one day. A lot of girls were trapped by Vi’s skills with pots and pans, but if Caitlyn was the last of them to succumb to her talent as a cook, she’d be more than fine.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes and turned around to get the cakes from where they were stored. It was also a way for her to hide her burning cheeks. The red tint rising when the pretty girl in front of her mentioned that she was interested in girls.

She brought the cakes back, placing one in front of her and the other in front of Vi.

“We have to draw some flowers on it. The client didn’t specify which one so we can chose.”

“You assume I can draw different kinds of flowers. I think the best I can manage is a daisy.”

“Okay, so you have the drawing skills of a five year old, got it. Don’t worry, I’m here.” She moved to Vi’s side of the table. “What’s your favourite flower?”

“I never really thought about it… Maybe tulips!”

“Okay, let me show you how to draw a tulip then.”

The girl placed herself close to Vi and gave her a small piping bag with red cream in it. She held her hand and helped her trace the lining of the tulip. It looked splendid. When Caitlyn let go of her hand, Vi felt almost dizzy.

“I’m not sure I can do as good without you guiding me.”

“You’ll do great, I can’t hold your hand all night.” Vi wish she did though. “I have my cake to finish too.”

“What’s your favourite flower?” Vi asked, trying to focus on the filling of her tulip.

“Sunflowers.” Caitlyn said with a dreamy smile. She began to draw a perfect sunflower on the side of her cake. “I think people give roses too much credit. Sure, they are pretty, but have you seen sunflower fields! They are so tall and bright… I don’t know I probably sound silly, but I love how happy these flowers look.”

“It’s not silly. I think I might’ve to change my favourite flower now, you convinced me!”

“But tulips are so cute too! They come in all colours, tulips fields are magnificent, they’re so simple yet you can see the beauty in them, they make you think of Spring, and the days getting warmer and -”

Vi came to understand that Caitlyn was very expressive and liked to talk with her hands. As she spoke about tulips passionately the girl knocked a bag of flour over the table.

“Shit!”

Okay, Caitlyn swearing was a first. And Vi could not lie to herself she found it out of character but extremely attractive. Thinking about it, it weirdly suits her.

“I can help you with that. After all, it was my favourite flowers that caused this mess. Do you have something I can use to clean all of that?”

“It’s okay, I will clean it when we’ll finish the cakes … I’m such a klutz!”

That’s when Vi decided it was time to tease the baker a little. She took a fistful of four and blew it in Caitlyn’s face.

“Doing coke, Cupcake? And here I thought you were a delicate princess.”

Caitlyn looked at her, eyes round, still surprised from the flour attack. But Vi could see a new spark in the girl’s eyes. Soon enough a grin formed on her face as she dipped her finger in a bowl next to her. She ran the distance separating the two of them and booped Vi on the nose with blue icing.

“You did not just do that”

“What if I did?”

“Okay, I don’t even care if you are a delicate princess anymore.”

With that said, Vi took her piping bag and tried to squeeze some icing toward Caitlyn’s face. The other girl shielded herself and the icing found its place on Vi’s cake.

“We can’t keep making a mess or my father is going to kill me. And we still have to finish the cakes. I think I just made yours look cooler. And without touching it.”

“A true artist.” Said Vi, bowing to Caitlyn.

They laughed, wiped away the flour and icing on their faces and got back to work. Vi was absolutely not able to get her focus back. How could she think about drawing tulips when the prettiest girl she had ever seen stood only inches from her. Vi was not thinking about baking. In fact, Vi had never though about baking as an occupation she would like to have. Vi had never even thought about baking as a sexy occupation. At least not before Caitlyn. This girl made sprinkles look hot!

Caitlyn was very aware of Vi’s eyes on her. In fact, she had been aware of Vi’s eyes on her for the past week. She knew about the pink-haired girl’s secret visits. Vi was not the most discreet person. It made Cait nervous but she liked how in awe the shorter girl looked at her.

“Yes, I’m going to help you salvage your cake when I’ll be done with mine. Now stop staring at me so I can finish.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes as she said this.

“I was absolutely not staring. And I was absolutely not thinking you were doing a better job than me. Look! You could never draw such a perfect smiling face.”

“Oh yes, that’s what I get for sticking with my stupid little flowers. How could I have not thought about drawing childish things on my cakes from the start. That could’ve saved me so much time. Imagine all the things I could do. Imagine how much hours I could spend at the gym getting fit.” She eyed Vi’s muscles under her shirt.

“Don’t hate me because I'm beautiful. Hate me because your boyfriend thinks so.” Vi replied. Her mouth a little bit quicker than her brain. She did not want to ruin the moment by mentioning this Jayce guy. But it was too late now.

“My boyfriend?” This was accompanied by a small incredulous laugh.

“The guy from last time… With the muscles… and the free cupcakes. He’s your boyfriend, right?”

“Jayce?!” Vi had never seen Caitlyn’s eyes as wide as they were now. She burst out laughing the second the shock left its place to realization of what had just been said. “Oh my God! You really thought that I was going out with Jayce?! That’s disgusting, he’s like my older brother. Ew, I can’t get rid of the image now. He’s going to die when I’ll tell him people think we’re a couple.” She was dabbing tears from the corner of her eyes with a corner of her apron.

“I’m glad that made you laugh.” Vi was a bit lost. And very embarrassed.

“I think your gaydar might be malfunctioning.” She passed her hand in front of Vi’s eyes before she continued. “Just checking If you’re blind. I’m a lesbian, darling.”

Vi stood there in shock. She never got straight vibes from the girl but she never imagined her to be a lesbian either. She must be blind, yes. Blinded by her. It’s hard to see the signs when the girl you’re looking at is the most gorgeous person you have laid eyes on. If the thought of Caitlyn being a lesbian ever crossed her mind it was wishful thinking.

“You’re a lesbian baker who decorates cake to perfection.” Vi said looking at Caitlyn’s cake. The multiple flowers she drew on it were so colourful and lifelike, Vi was not sure she wanted the client to destroy this work of art and eat it. “Why isn’t there a line of girls waiting for you at the bakery every day? Because you clearly have what they want.” The cake thing worked on Vi, so it must have worked on other girls.

“Some girls tried to sweep me off my feet when I started working here.”

“You must have picked girls up like crazy then!”

“I was not out to my parents yet and they were not my type, if you really want to know. Most of them were way older than me too, that was a weird first month.”

“Popular with the MILFS.” Vi wiggled her eyebrows in Cait’s direction.

“Let’s put your cake back in the other room.”

“You’re not going to keep this monstrosity!”

“The mutation must survive!” Caitlyn declare dramatically as she took the cake to another room to stock it.

“People are going to pass away when they’ll see this, you can’t serve them that.”

“Nobody ever died because of CAKES, Vi !” Caitlyn shouted from the room at the back.

“I’m sure some people did.” Vi shouted in response.

Caitlyn came back to take her beautifully decorated cake to the same room as Vi’s attrocity. As Vi moved to give her space she almost tripped over her own feet. She found herself in front of the other girl, on one knee, trying to keep her balance.

“Well, the cake is already here.” She made an opening of a box motion.

Caitlyn’s response was to close Vi’s hands and shake her head.

“Ask a girl to diner before proposing, Vi.” She laughed and picked up the cake.

When Caitlyn came back she guided Vi back to the front of the shop. They could both see that it was still raining outside. They both wished for this time together to continue, so rain not stopping yet was actually good news.

“It shows no signs of stopping soon. I can take you back to where you live.”

“You shield me from the storm outside, make me forget about the bad day I was having thanks to the power of cake decorations and now you want to take me back to probably the opposite of where you live. Are you a lesbian fairy or something? How many wishes do I get? Because if that’s the last one, I’m not sure going back home is the greatest choice.”

“Genies grant wishes, not fairies. And I guess I just have a good heart. Let’s go.”

Vi did not care if she had to wake up early tomorrow and take the bus. Her bike could stay outside for one night, it was safer here than where she lives anyway. If all of this meant she could spend more time with Caitlyn, she was down.

They spent a relatively calm drive to Vi’s flat.

“That’s me.”

Caitlyn was out of the car, and on Vi’s side in a flash.

“M’lady.”

“I need to stay humble, I can’t afford this type of treatment. But I could get used to this.”

They were both standing in the rain, the fancy red umbrella forgotten at the entrance of the bakery. It was as if they tried to slide between each drop. Talking just to make time move faster. But at the same time wanting it to stop completely. Maybe it was just Vi. Maybe it was the way rain makes everything feel like a scene from a movie. But she really wished Cait had kissed her.

“Thank you, that was fun. I’ll see you around.”

“See you, Vi.”

“Drive safe, Cupcake.”

Vi just finished lifting weights next to a client for a friendly competition. A competition she obviously won. She got back to the side of the gym to get a drink and noticed someone she’d never seen here before. She recognized the blue hair right away. It was tucked in a sleek ponytail. Vi began to walk towards Caitlyn to startle her when the girl started doing squats. Vi’s foot caught in a jump rope someone forgot to put away. The fall could not have been stopped. Distraction came in all forms, but this time it was wearing tight yoga pants. Of course Caitlyn turned around, the loud noise coming from Vi hitting the ground not going unnoticed.

“Oh my god! Vi, are you okay?!” She rushed to her and kneeled down next to her, putting her hand on Vi’s shoulder. She could read the worry on her face.

“I’m fine. The only thing bruised is my ego. WHO LEFT THEIR JUMP ROPE ON THE GROUND?!”

Vi got up and tried to regain composure.

“What are you doing here, Cupcake?”

“You’re allowed to come to my work every day but I’m not allowed to come once to yours, Red Velvet?”

“First, touché. Second, you’re never saying that again. You might be good at making cupcakes but you’re horrible at giving nicknames.”

“I was trying something.”

“Stick with darling. How did you know I was working here? I never told you where I work.”

“Every time you come to the bakery you’re wearing a shirt with the logo of the gym. It’s also on your gym bag.”

“You’re quite the detective.”

“Quite disappointed to learn that you don’t drive miles and miles just to eat my cupcakes.”

“It’s not the journey, it’s the destination.”

“I think it’s the other way around, darling.”

“See, darling is so much better.” Vi winked. “I’ll let you get back to your workout and I’ll get back to my clients.”

“Try not to fall… again.”

Vi went to coach her next client. She didn’t notice the multiple looks Cait was throwing her way. When Vi lifted her shirt to wipe sweat off her forehead Caitlyn almost died right then and there. How could her clients get anything done without being distracted by those abs. Let’s not even talk about her arms or her thighs… A cold shower was needed for the blue haired girl.

As soon as Vi had finished with her client Caitlyn walked to her and gave her a small folded piece of paper.

“I forgot to give it to you yesterday. You know, in case you get stuck in the rain again.” After saying that she picked up her water bottle and towel and left.

Vi opened the piece of paper. The girl’s number was on it. Vi was so happy. She needed to thank her sister for asking her to get desert weeks ago.

Speaking of the devil… The girl with the long braids noticed Caitlyn giving something to her sister. She put two and two together and figured out quick that this smokeshow was the baker her sister had a crush on. She had to see this girl up close.

Powder followed Caitlyn to the bakery. She only needed the address, she’ll come back tomorrow.

And she did. She bought a salted caramel flavoured cupcake and came home to her sister talking with her dad in the small kitchen. She had to say her sister had great taste. The woman was beautiful and seemed kind. Powder didn’t have to threaten the poor girl for her sister’s sake. No, it wasn’t like that. Powder was a protective sister but the problem had never been the other girls. Vi just had a problem with staying … So Powder feared more for the baker to lose her heart in the process.

“Where have you been? I come here to kidnap you for a fun sister day and all I find is this old guy trying to feed me chocolate cake and coffee.” She pointed her thumb towards their dad. The old man was laughing.

“I was out. I payed your girlfriend a visit. Bought a snack.”

Vi looked at her in shock. She closed her mouth quickly.

“Caitlyn is not my girlfriend! Did you follow her to the bakery?!”

“So the Cupcake has a name now, huh? Interesting …” Pow said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“I … yes, she … You didn’t answer my question.”

Powder explained that she, indeed, followed her sister’s crush to her place of work and came back the next day to buy a cupcake. What could she say, Vi turned her into a cupcake addict.

That night, when Vi came home, she felt the need to send Cait a text. She succeeded in waiting a full day to send one as not to seem too eager.

-Vi [8:17 pm]

Hey, Cupcake! Sorry it took me some time to send you a text but I’m a busy woman. Are you doing something next week?

-Cupcake [8:22 pm]

Hi, busy picking up girls at the gym? I’m surprised you didn’t lose my number. I might be free on Wednesday.

-Vi [8:25 pm]

Maybe I should’ve lost it. It would’ve given me an excuse to stop by the bakery and ask for it. Cool, where should I pick you up on Wednesday?

-Cupcake [8:40]

I’m not giving you my address this easily, you think you’re so slick. Pick me up at the bakery. Can I know where we are going? I need to dress accordingly.

-Vi [8:48]

Playing hard to get, huh? You know where I live it’s only fair! But I like a challenge, I’ll pick you up at the bakery.

It’s a surprise. But don’t worry, nothing fancy.

No matter what she would wear, Vi was sure that it would make her heart skip a beat. Was this a date?

Chapter Text

Vi decided that Wednesday was too far. It was time to go back to the bakery. As soon as she saw her through the large windows, smiling to a customer, she knew she made the right choice. She would simply have to train harder for the cupcakes not to mess with her diet. And she had to ask Caitlyn when she could pick her up since they hadn’t decided yet. After all, they were both working and Vi’s activity idea felt better suited for the evening.

She spent the rest of her day at the bakery, eating a million cupcakes and watching Cait work. She even stayed after the shop closed, watching Caitlyn work on cakes as the sun started setting. She looked like a painting. Everything about her was art. From the features of her face to her fingers dancing on the counter. The light shining through the windows of the bakery highlighting her silhouette. And the image of her beauty was accompanied by the sweet melody of her voice. Vi wasn’t even listening, she was too focused on her lips. But she came back to reality when Cait laughed. She laughed with her whole body and it was the most beautiful thing on the planet. Vi didn’t need to see the world to know that.

Wednesday took two more days to come, you know how days and weeks work. But for Vi it was the two most excruciating days of her life. During these 48 (and some more) hours; she trained more than she should have, she thought about Caitlyn’s gorgeousness way too much and she fought with her brain about if she should text her every 3 minutes. She settled on one text the night before the (not a) date.

-Vi [9:31pm]

Ready for your surprise trip tomorrow?

-Cupcake [9:33pm]

Kind of anxious not knowing where we are going but I think I found an outfit that’s great for any occasion. Proud of myself, really.

-Vi [9:34pm]

Clothes ready as if you’re going on a school trip, that’s cute

Can I see it?

-Cupcake [9:39pm]

Nope, it’ll ruin my end of the surprise.

I’m going to bed.

-Vi [9:41pm]

Goodnight, Cupcake

-Cupcake [9:42pm]

Just so you know, I’m rolling my eyes right now.

Goodnight, Vi.

But, finally, Wednesday came. Vi wished she could have picked up Cait with her motorcycle but she only had one helmet since Powder totally stole her only spare as soon as she learned she could put cat ears on it. She started to consider buying a new one when she saw herself in the mirror placed next to the door. She checked herself in it. She looked good, maybe she needed to fix her hair. Did she have anything between her teeth? Were her white shirt and red leather jacket too much? Not enough?

“Oh God, you don’t need to stress like that, it’s not even a date! Get a hold of yourself!” Vi said, talking to herself as she put on her Dr Martens. She got back up and winked at herself in the mirror, being her own hype man.

She got out of her flat, to the parking lot and sent a text to Caitlyn before getting to her car.

-Vi [7:20pm]

I’m coming to get you, Cupcake

-Cupcake [7:22pm]

This sounds awfully lot like a threat.

But I’m ready and waiting for you.

Vi smiled at her phone and bumped her head as she got into her car.

“Ouch! Fuck you car, for ruining my moment of joy.” She slapped the wheel lightly, a retribution for almost hurting her.

When Vi arrived at the bakery she immediately saw Caitlyn. She was waiting for Vi, seated on the stairs of the bakery, phone in hand, scrolling. Vi honked and it startled Caitlyn who almost dropped her phone. The blue haired girl crossed the street as Vi rolled her window down.

“Looking good.”

Caitlyn was wearing a long black skirt with little blue flowers on it and a white sweater. Vi knew why she said it was good for any occasion when she looked at her feet and she saw sneakers instead of the heels she had expected. The girl was ready to run away at any inconvenience. Maybe Vi was reading it wrong and she just wanted to be comfortable. The cutest thing about her outfit were the frilly socks coming out of the sneakers.

“Thank you. Love the jacket!” Cait said as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, rosy cheeks in full view. It was nice to see her hair out of her usual ponytail. “You almost killed me.”

“That was not the plan… Well, not for now.”

“Very funny. At least I know I’ll look decent when I’m dead.”

“I said good, not decent. I’d even dare to say you look gorgeous. Now get your ass in the car!”

“How boorish of you.”

“Words I don’t know can’t hurt me, Cupcake.”

Vi parked the car in front of the funfair’s entrance. The ferris wheel and other rides could be seen from miles away.

“I had a feeling this was where you were taking me.” Said Caitlyn, looking at Vi from the corner of her eye.

“Am I this transparent?”

“Maybe…Or maybe I really wanted to go to the fair and I manifested it into coming true.” She shrugged.

They headed to the entrance and Vi stopped them in front of the first ride.

“Where do you want to start, Cupcake?”

“I don’t know. You took me there, you get to chose the first one.”

“Are you into roller-coasters?”

“Yeah, and better now than when our stomachs are full of cotton candy.” She pointed to the candy stand.

“The voice of reason. Let’s get tickets!”

The vertical loops, speed and loud noises were not the only things making Vi feel dizzy. Roller-coasters had nothing on Cait’s smile. As soon as the other girl started laughing and enjoying herself in the ride, Vi felt her heart stop. It stopped but picked up two times faster right as another laugh crossed Caitlyn’s lips.

After multiple rides they stopped in front of the house of mirrors. Vi shook her head as soon as Caitlyn looked at her with a mischievous grin. The girl payed for two tickets and took Vi’s hand and led them through the first two turns. Caitlyn let go of Vi’s hand to touch one of the mirrors. It was at this moment that Vi had a brilliant idea.

“Watch me speed run this thing.”

She sprinted towards what she thought was the right way. And it was … the first turn. Then she went left and her forehead met the mirror a little too enthusiastically. The loudest BANG was heard by Caitlyn and the four children in the ride. Vi turned around just in time to see Caitlyn suppress a laugh.

“Don’t try to hide behind your hand, I heard it.”

“I’m surprised you heard it through the commotion.” She said, almost tearing up at the memory. “Are you alright?” She got closer, pressing a caring hand on Vi’s cheek to examine her forehead.

“Don’t worry, I’m used to blocking with my face.”

“You might get a bump or a bruise out of that.”

“Let’s get out of here before the children. Because I think them finishing this thing as if it was the easiest thing on Earth might hurt me more than the mirrors.”

The two women made it out alive, thanks to Caitlyn who guided them out in a matter of seconds. It was like she had a magical power, she always knew where to go.

“It’s like a labyrinth, if you always follow one direction you’ll find your way out eventually.”

“Now on top of looking like an idiot I feel like one.”

“Don’t beat yourself up, you’re bruised enough.”

“Let me show you something I’m good at.”

Vi steered them through the crowd to the punching ball machine.

“Time to show you what these guns are for.” Vi flexed, winked and faced the machine. It lit up, she moved to a fighting position and hit the punching ball. The noise it made when it came in contact with her fist could be heard above the surroundings noises.

“That’s how you get the high score! That’s impressive young lady!” Shouted the stallholder. He handed prize tickets to Vi, still beaming from her winning blow.

“Impressed, Cupcake?”

“I’m still picturing you making contact with the mirror at full force, but… yes. This score is unbeatable. They will have to take it down or no one will want to play.”

“You don’t seem impressed enough. I’ll try something else.”

“My friend Jayce,” she looked at Vi almost laughing at the mention of the one the girl thought was her boyfriend, “is really good at the strength game with the hammer, so I’m used to you brutes and your high scores when it comes to these type of games.”

“It’s your fault for surrounding yourself with strong handsome people.” At that Caitlyn rolled her eyes. She did that a lot, but Vi thought it was the cutest thing. “Let’s try something less about strength and more about precision. If you’re up for the challenge.” As she said this, Vi guided the other woman to a shooting gallery.

Caitlyn did everything she could to hide her smile.

“You go first.”

“Huh-Huh, not this time. You shoot first and after you lose I’ll get you a big prize.”

“You seem very sure of yourself.” Caitlyn responded as she took one of the rifles.

“I was pretty good at this game when I was a child, Powder, my sister, taught me everything.” A proud smile appearing on Vi’s lips. “I’m guessing you’re a good shot, but you don’t stand a chance.”

Caitlyn smiled at Vi, brought the gun close to her, aimed… And shot down every target there was to shoot. She turned back to Vi, a cocky smile on her lips and passed her shocked friend to get her prize. She chose the biggest stuffed toy she could find. It was a blue shark.

“I’m an excellent shot.”

“EXCUSE ME?! When -? How-?” She was at a loss for words, a mix of shock and awe on her face. “And I’m supposed to beat that?”

Vi still tried to do as good as Caitlyn, but she failed miserably. Powder’s lessons didn’t stick apparently. Only 3 targets went down, which meant Vi was on her way to get the smallest prize ever. She got a smaller version of Caitlyn’s big shark in pink.

“I was going to get you a big prize you could take home, but I guess it’s better than nothing.” She handed the little shark to Cait.

“You know what, I think I like this one better.” She took the shark, a radiant smile illuminating her face. “You can have this one and pretend you won it yourself.” She pushed the big shark in Vi’s arms and started walking towards the ferris wheel.

They bought tickets and got inside. The view, even as they started to ascend, was gorgeous.

“I should teach you how to shoot. Because whatever your sister taught you escaped your brain years ago it seems.”

“You really should.” No, Vi, it was not the moment to think about Caitlyn pressed behind you, showing you how to shoot a gun properly. “Where did you learn to shoot like that?”

“I’m a champion. A markswoman if you will. Started competing when I was 8.”

“Daaaamn! That’s fucking impressive.”

“I picked it up mainly because it was the only activity that my mother was really excited about. We don’t have a lot of things in common but the perspective of shooting next to my mother – who is an incredible markswoman herself – was tempting. And I happened to love every second. As soon as they put the rifle in my hand I knew the shooting range was going to become my second home. It might sound dumb but it reminds me to always have something to shoot for.”

Vi looked at Caitlyn as she spoke and she could see the passion in her eyes. They continued to go up in the ferris wheel, the lights of the funfair sparkling. But the only thing Vi could see was the blue of Caitlyn’s eyes. It was as if she hadn’t noticed before. Of course she had seen that Caitlyn had blue eyes, but today they shone in a different way.

“That’s not dumb at all.”

They spent the entire ride admiring the view, trying to be subtle with admiring each other. Caitlyn talked about her parents and Vi about her dad and sister. They laughed at each other’s stories. As soon as they put a foot back on the floor of the fair Vi’s stomach growled.

“Let’s continue with the embarrassment.”

“I’m actually quite hungry too.”

“There’s this place, not that far, that makes delicious food. You’re going to love Jericho!”

“I hope that this time you’re right.” Her shoulder bumped into Vi as they walked to the food truck.

The food was great. Caitlyn was hooked from the first bite. Even though she admonished Vi for eating with her fingers she laughed during the whole meal. She, indeed, loved Jericho and his cuisine. It wasn’t like the fancy food she was used to eat at parties and expensive restaurants her parents dragged her to. But at least it didn’t leave her hungry.

“Can I have another burger, Jer?” Vi asked. “Without pickles, please.”

“Excuse me?”

“What?”

“How can you not like pickles?”

“I don’t know, I just don’t like them.”

“Well, you’re wrong. Pickles make everything better.”

“You know what’s nice about me not liking pickles? I can give them to you. And just like that, the pickle war is over.”

They left Jericho’s truck with a wave goodbye and a tip from Caitlyn. After taking the car and parking it closer to Cait’s home and next to a beautiful location, they walked along the river, it seemed neither of them wanted this day to be over. But as the evening went on, the air got colder. Vi felt Caitlyn shiver next to her. As Caitlyn put her arms around herself to regain a little warmth, Vi took off her jacket.

“Take this.”

“I can’t, you’re only wearing a t-shirt under that, now you’ll be the cold one. And we’re close to my house.”

“Take it, I insist. I’m never cold! And I can’t let the damsel be in distress.”

“My knight in shining leather jacket.” Another eye roll. She put on Vi’s Jacket. “Thank you.”

Caitlyn was sure Vi could see she was now matching the jacket. But Vi was too distracted by the smell that hit her when Caitlyn moved her hair trapped under the jacket. She smelled like something sweet and a hint of lavender. At this moment, Vi wanted to drown in whatever shampoo or perfume bottle this was coming from.

The first thing coming to Cait’s mind as she was adjusting her hair was her mother telling her to always wear a coat. But it wasn’t that cold when they left, the summer heat staying a bit before letting the fall cold take its place. And what was the use of a coat when you were trying to flirt. Now that she was immersed in Vi’s warmth lingering in the jacket, she was glad she forgot her mother’s stupid advice.

They arrived at Cait’s place pretty soon after. Vi whistled when they crossed the front gate.

“I had a feeling you were some sort of princess but you literally live in a castle!”

“I’m not a princess, shut up!”

“You certainly look like one.” A grin and the rise of an eyebrow was all it took to make the other girl blush.

“Do you not know how to read?” Caitlyn had to create some sort of diversion from her blush. “The bakery is named after my mother, Kiramman. You know, Cassandra Kiramman.”

“You’re mother’s THE Cassandra Kiramman?! The politician?!”

“That would be her, yes.”

“Okay, now I get the whole castle, big iron gates and probably the biggest pool I’ve ever seen.” Great, now she was thinking about Cait sunbathing in a bikini.

“The fact that you’re right hurts. I guess I’m Piltovian royalty after all.” She laughed, putting her hand in front of her mouth.

“Time for me to go, princess.”

“Wait, you need to take this back!” Cait started to take off the leather jacket.

“It suits you. And you’ll need it. Have you seen how far from the gates your house is? You have time to catch a cold before you reach the front door!”

“You’re impossible.” Caitlyn said as their shoulder bumped once again.

“You’ll give it back when we’ll see each other next time.”

“Which, if I’m correct will be soon enough, considering your sister’s consumption of cupcakes.” Caitlyn might’ve started to believe that it was just an excuse to see her. At least she hoped so. But you can never be sure.

“Again, I’m so sorry she followed you and came to bother you at work.”

“It’s fine. It’s not your fault my cupcakes are delicious. But it’s your fault for introducing them to her. And don’t worry, she was really nice. I can even tell after tonight that I see the family resemblance.”

Vi smiled at that. It was nice to hear people say she looked or acted like her sister. Sure she was a bit much to handle but she was always trying to lift everyone’s spirit and protect those she loved or deemed worthy of her love (this meant all animals, pretty girls on the street, weird children and like two of Vi’s ex flings.). It also hurt a little because it reminded Vi of her mother, of how she would say that she and Powder were two sides of the same coin.

“She’s pretty cool, huh?”

“She looks pretty cool. Say “Hi” to her for me when you see her.”

“See ya, princess.”

“See you, loser.” She stuck out her tongue and pointed to the little pink shark in her hand.

Vi laughed and turned around, looking at her new possession, the gigantic blue shark Cait won for her. She got back to her car and struggled fitting the shark in the backseat. She absolutely did not know where she would put it in her apartment. That’s when the discussion with Caitlyn came back to her. She took her phone out of her back pocket.

-Vi [0:21 am]

Hey, sis! Can you stop by the flat tomorrow, I have something for you

-Powder [0:44 am]

Hey, Fat Hands ! If it’s those fucking cupcakes again...

I mean, I’ll eat them, but not a surprise

-Vi [1:03 am]

I promise, it’s not cupcakes

You’re going to love me!

Vi came home and dropped on her bed. She was exhausted, but it was the good kind of tiredness. Her phone buzzed next to her head. She opened her eyes at the sound, not event noticing she had drifted off for a minute.

-Cupcake [1:30 am]

Thank you for tonight, it was really nice spending time with you outside of work. I hope you enjoyed it too. You know, despite all the losing and hurting yourself. Is your head alright by the way?

Vi wanted to reply to Caitlyn that she never had any complaints about her head but, of course, Vi would never send her that because they absolutely did not know each other enough.

-Vi [1:31 am]

Ugh, don’t remind me please

Head’s alright

I had an awesome night

C upcake [1:35 am ]

Good, because I wanted to ask you something…

Vi saw the message bubble pop on and off again on the screen. Caitlyn was struggling on how to word her text without sounding desperate or weird.

-Vi [1:39 am]

Come on, spit it out

-Cupcake [1:42 am]

Okay, okay.

There’s this Halloween party my friend Jayce is throwing and I don’t want to go alone.

Since you brought me to the funfair I thought it was only fair to take you to a fun place too.

Would you like to come to the party?

It’s in a bar

In Piltover

Vi was freaking out. The girl she liked was – maybe – asking her out on a second date. Yes, she had decided to consider the funfair as a date because screw what Caitlyn thought (well not really), Vi was crushing hard.

-Cupcake [1:49 am]

Vi?

I get it if you don’t want to come.

Halloween is not everyone’s favourite holiday…

-Vi [1:50 am]

I would love to go to a party with your fancy friends in a fancy bar

-Cupcake [1:51 am]

Good.

I was afraid you were going to say “no” and then I would have to go alone.

-Vi [1:51 am]

Why don’t you want to go alone?

Pretty boy will be here since he’s throwing the party

-Cupcake [1:52 am]

Some of the people he invited aren’t really my cup of tea. Let’s just say they don’t get the fact that I’m not into them and they keep on being very insistant.

-Vi [1:52 am]

So you need your knight in shining leather jacket? Too bad, some princess stole it from me

-Cupcake [1:53 am]

You insisted I kept it!

-Vi [1:54 am]

Speaking of clothes, is this a costumed party? Or does the spirit of Halloween not mean anything anymore?

-Cupcake [1:54 am]

Who do you think we are?!

Of course it’s a costumed party!

Can’t wait to see you in something else than your gym clothes.

-Vi [1:55 am]

You already saw the best outfit I own today

I can’t top that

I’m kidding, I’ll wear something good

Can’t wait to see your costume, Cupcake

Oh, are you coming as a cupcake?

-Cupcake [1:57 am]

Goodnight, Vi.

I’ll text you the info for the party tomorrow.

-Vi [1:57 am]

Goodnight, Cait.

Vi put her phone on her nightstand and put the charger in. She turned around and was met with the shark’s pointy teeth. She smiled at the enormous stuffed animal. She had grown attached to it. Maybe it was the fact that it was blue… Vi had never thought of blue as a warm colour. Blue was cold. Blue was ice. Blue was the cloudless skies of winters past. Blue was feeling like crying in your bed at night. Then Caitlyn came along. Caitlyn's blue eyes changed everything. They felt warm. They held the sun. And blue became hot. Blue lit a fire. Blue was the summer skies stretching for miles and meeting the blue of the ocean. Blue became laughing out loud for hours.

Caitlyn sent Vi the info by text right after lunch. She waited for a confirmation from Vi that she would come and it was not only her sleepy state that made her accept the invitation. Hours and hours passed without an answer. So Caitlyn decided to lay down on her bed and play Animal Crossing on her Switch to distract herself. Looking at her phone every minute was not healthy. She jumped at the first notification, but it was just someone liking her Instagram post. She looked at the picture again, it was a view from the ferris wheel she took last night. She smiled, memories flooding back. Her phone dinged again, this time it was Vi assuring her that she would come and telling her she was actually on her way to pick up some stuff for her costume.

Of course, Caitlyn’s costume had been ready for months. Halloween was her favourite holiday and she always went all out. The fact that she still hesitated to go to Jayce’s party before asking Vi to come with her was irrelevant. If she had had to spend Halloween alone in her room wearing her costume, so be it. But she was glad she would be able to show it off in the end.

Vi was so excited to go to this party. She needed a costume that was equally good and hot. She looked for ideas on Pinterest while listening to some music when Don’t you dare (make me fall in love with you) by Kaden MacKay played. Vi has listened to the song a thousand times, but this time it felt different. God, she was doomed.

Chapter Text

Vi was doing the dishes when she heard her front door bursting open.

“GUESS WHO’S HERE?”

“The absolute insane gremlin also known as my sister?”

“BULL’S EYE!” said the younger sibling as she entered Vi’s vision.

“I should really lock that door…”

“I have a key.”

“Yes you d- … Since when do you have a key to my apartment?!”

“… Since Dad gave me his?”

“You stole Dad’s key?” Vi didn’t know if she was impressed or annoyed. Must be a mix of both.

“Okay, I didn’t come here to be accused of the crimes I obviously committed. I’m sorry for wanting to have access to my incredible big sister at all times.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere, gremlin.”

“I said I’m sorry! And we both know flattery is your weakness. Now can we move on to the part where you show me what you have for me?” she said as she tugged on Vi’s sleeve, smiling devilishly.

Vi finished rinsing the glass she was cleaning and turned to her sister.

“Okay! Stop stretching my sleeve, close your eyes and let me guide you.”

“If this whole thing is an elaborate prank I’m killing you. Just so you know.”

The older sister rolled her eyes and pushed her sister towards her room. Powder gave in and closed her eyes. Vi could see that her sister was excited about this surprise.

“Open your eyes.” Powder did as asked. “And say ‘Hello’ to your new friend!” said Vi as she gestured to the big blue shark on her bed.

“Oh my God! This is so much better than the Cupcakes!” shouted Pow as she jumped on the bed to start cuddling the gigantic plushy. “No offense to your girlfriend though.”

“She’s not my girlfriend!” The smile on Vi’s lips grew, she loved seeing her sister as happy as she was right now, smiling and almost jumping on the bed.

“I’m gonna name him Fishbone!” she looked back up to where Vi was leaning against the door frame, she was beaming.

“That suits him.”

“And how did you get Fishbone?”

Oh, now it was time for the questions.

“I won it at the fair.”

If Vi told her sister about Caitlyn winning this for her, she would never hear the end of it. She also will not be able to live down the fact that she was bad at something and the precious looking baker had beat her to it, no, had exterminated her, annihilated her.

“Yeah, let’s say you won it for me with your incredible skills… And not just bought it after many failed tries.”

Her sister might not be buying her bluff totally but at least she did not suspect that Fishbone was originally a gift from Caitlyn.

Giving Fishbone to Powder was an excellent idea but Vi did not think about how she would have to get her sister back to the house because the sister and the shark would never come back both alive in public transportation. After 20 minutes spent trying to fit everyone in the small car they were on their way to Vander’s, listening only to shark related songs by Powder’s demands.

“Vi, I promise you, if you move again it’ll be the last thing you ever do.” Powder said as she turned Vi’s face upwards for her sister to look at her while she kept on putting makeup on her face.

It was Halloween night, Vi had found her costume but she obviously needed her little sister’s artistic skills to do her makeup. Vi was not bad at makeup, but she rocked the same eye liner and eyeshadow since she found out the combo which made her grey eyes look good. Her sister, on the other hand, had never settled on a makeup look and was as skilled with a paintbrush as she was with a makeup one.

That is why she was in her pyjamas, sat on the couch with the whole coffee table covered in thousands of creams and palettes, her sister facing her, telling her not to mess with her masterpiece. Vi had a vision and Pow was here to make it a reality.

“There you go. You can go look in the mirror and get changed. I’ll do you hair after. And you have to let me take a picture!”

“Are you going to post it on your Instagram?”

“Absolutely! I did an amazing job and you look hot. This look is going to bring me so many new followers.”

“Being used as your hot lesbian sister to get followers is not something I signed for.”

“Well, being used as your personal makeup artist to get some baker’s pussy is not something I signed for either.”

Fair enough. But Vi would never admit to her sister that she was going to that party just for Caitlyn.

“… Don’t say the word ‘pussy’ ever again.” She said as she walked to the bathroom.

Vi looked in the mirror. She was looking extremely good thanks to her sister. She asked Pow to turn her into a skeleton and her sister exceeded her expectations. She touched her face to see if the makeup would smudge during the party, but not a single inch of makeup moved under her finger. She changed into her costume – a suit on which bones were painted (thanks again Powder) where they should be on the human body – and looked in the mirror again. Vi had never felt hotter in her whole life. Maybe Powder wasn’t lying about the power makeup held.

“Here comes your best work of art!”

“Looking great! God, I’m so good at what I do! Now come here so I can do your hair.”

She put gel in Vi’s hair so it could be sleeked back and stay that way all night.

“You’re ready, now go have fun, my favourite creation!”

“I will.”

“Don’t drink too much.”

“I won’t.” said Vi as she put on her shoes.

“Don’t get into a fight.”

“I won’t.”

“Call if you need someone to pick you up or something.”

“Gosh, you sound like Dad! Don’t worry sis, I’ll be fine. I’m responsible and this is just a fun night out. Now you go have your fun movie night with Ekko.” She kissed her sister on the forehead and left the flat. Powder had the key and will leave as soon as she had cleaned and packed everything.

Vi arrived at the bar a little early. She liked to be early to everything, hated being late. She used her time wisely and took calming breaths in her car. What if nobody came in a costume? What if Caitlyn spent the whole night ignoring her? What if everyone thought coming as a skeleton was cringe? What if someone hotter was here? Yeah, remember, calming breaths.

After panicking in her car for 10 minutes and only relaxing a little when an ABBA song came on the radio, she got to the doors and entered the bar. There were a lot of people there. And, thankfully, they were all in costumes. She couldn’t see if Caitlyn had arrived yet or not but she recognized the tall and muscular guy she saw once at the bakery. Jayce. After all, it was his party, so him not being here yet would’ve been weird.

Vi sat at the bar, asking for a beer to occupy her hands and keep on calming her nerves.

But then, Caitlyn got out of a room in the back of the bar, laughing with a friend. The friend, dressed up as Wonder Woman, locked the door. But Vi’s eyes came back to Caitlyn. How could you not look at her? She was dangerously gorgeous.

She locked eyes with Vi from across the room and waved at her. She said something to her friend and started walking towards the bar. The vinyl bodysuit she was wearing was hugging each curve to perfection. This woman was all legs, and this was accentuated by her high boots and their very tall heels. Vi didn’t know how she could even walk so gracefully with those. The girl’s waist was cinched by a black corset. Vi tried so hard to look away from the top of Cait’s costume, her cleavage was more than distracting. Forcing herself to stop being a creep, Vi’s eyes got to Caitlyn’s face. Her makeup was gorgeous, the liner and smokey eye look highlighting her blue eyes, it was like red lipstick had been made to be worn by her. You couldn’t see more than her eyes and lips as the rest of her face was covered by a black mask with ears on top. Vi felt her mouth get dry, she was sure she was gaping. So she finished her beer in one go. Maybe the cold liquid will also fight the now burning atmosphere.

“You’re hot, Cupcake.” she said, smiling like an idiot when Cait was finally close enough to hear her. She had been wanting to say that for a while but tonight’s outfit took the words out of her mouth.

“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.” said Caitlyn, and Vi knew she was blushing under her mask. “I’ve been wanting to dress as Catwoman for a while, even got the whip!” she turned to the side to show Vi the whip attached to her waist.

Vi was fighting for her life, now without her drink and full of not so friendly thoughts.

“I originally wanted to dress as Elphaba, being a theater kid and all. But Mel, my best friend, convinced me that this year was the time for me to dress sexier. She also didn’t want to be the only one dressed as a sexy comic character.”

“Well, where is she? Because everyone who had the chance to lay eyes on you tonight should thank her.”

Cait laughed, feeling flattered and a little embarrassed.

“I kinda have been hiding for an hour because I’m not used to everyone looking at me like that. But now, I have the sexiest skeleton to keep me company. Get up so I can see your costume better.”

“I bought the suit and my sister did my makeup and painted the bones on the suit.” said Vi.

“She’s really good!” Caitlyn got closer to admire the makeup, her eyes dropping only once to Vi’s unbuttoned black shirt.

Vi was thankful for her sister’s makeup skill, but she really hoped that her red cheeks could not be seen through the layers of cream and powders.

After talking about their thought process to find the perfect costume they sat at a table not far from the bar. Caitlyn got more comfortable after her first drink – a fruity pink cocktail which smelled like paradise.

“So, now I can call you Caity Cat?” Vi winked at Cait, her pun making Cait sigh and roll her eyes.

“Guess you can… But only for tonight!”

Vi waited for Caitlyn to finish the story of the Halloween when she got lost in Piltover and had to ask someone for help. Her being dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and the person she asked for help being dressed as the Big Bad Wolf. A funny coincidence that made her mom cry with laughter when she opened the door.

“She seems cooler than I thought she would be. Anyways, I’ll get us drinks. What’s you poison?”

“Get me a glass of wine.”

“Red? White? Rosé?”

“I don’t know, what do you think Caitwoman drinks?” Caitlyn wiggled her eyebrows at Vi.

“Did you just…? That was a nice one.”

Vi made her way to the bar to get a glass of red wine for Caitlyn and a Jaegerbomb for her. As she waited for the drinks she saw a guy approach their table. He leaned to talk to Caitlyn. Vi couldn’t make out what was said. But she was sure seeing how his eyes were not locked on Caitlyn’s eyes but more on her boobs.

Caitlyn saw Vi go to the bar, she took advantage of that to look at Vi’s broad back, accentuated by the suit which was stretching just right. Just before she started drooling over the sexy skeleton lady, her vision was blocked by some guy.

“Hey, I haven’t seen you around here before.” said some guy who was not even wearing a costume. Who went to a Halloween party with everyday clothes on?

“Yeah, I’m new here.” she had had her fair share of dudes thinking they had their chance with her. Now she knew how to have fun with the little interactions she had with them. She looked him straight in the eye, which he did not do on his part. Apparently her cleavage was the most captivating thing on Earth.

“What’s your name, beautiful?”

BARF

“It’s Mathilda.” She always used that name when boys wanting to flirt with her asked. It was easy to remember since it was her aunt’s name.

“What a nice name.” Another look down her cleavage. “So you know some comic book history? Catwoman is a great choice. Suits you well. I’m sure you’re not like the other girls here?”

“What the fuck is wrong with other girls?!” She hated when they tried to use that line. Other girls were fine, they were extra fine even. How stupid and blind were most men!

“Ooh, kitty has claws.” Okay, that was too much.

But Cait couldn’t even answer because Vi was back, anger clear on her face.

“What does whatshisface want?”

“What do you want, bitch?”

The little smile Vi made at the last word meant trouble. Cait thought it was really hot.

“Want me to wipe that smile of your face? I’m trying to talk to the lady here, dyke.”

Vi looked at her drink, thought for a millisecond and threw it at the guy’s face. Seeing his whole bravado wash away with the golden liquid made paying for it worth it even more than by drinking it.

“A bit of advice. Don’t threaten the gal who pours the drinks.” She winked and sat back down.

Vi had asked the bartender to send someone to their table as soon as she left the bar with the drinks to get this creep away from Caitlyn. So when one of the bouncers got to their table, he lifted the guy by his shirt and threw him out of the bar with a warning to never come back. Vi’s drink was replaced by a new one, on the house. The waitress didn’t fail to smile and wink at Vi. Vi didn’t notice because her eyes were already back on Caitlyn, asking her for the third time if she was okay.

“A lot of guys must try to hit on you.”

“Yeah, but I have my methods to drive them away. Their ego is so fragile that sometimes I just have to stand up and make them see that I’m way taller than them and they leave.”

“But then all the girls come and drop at your feet.”

“Being this tall is a powerful tool to get girls, yes. I may not have dated all the milfs hitting on me at the bakery but I got quite a lot of dates when I accompanied Mel to her college parties.”

“You’re a lady killer then?”

“I wouldn’t say that… I’m just lucky and know how to talk to girls. I guess that’s what you get for being part of the debate team since… forever. I learned how to be very persuasive. Thanks mom, got laid tons because of you wanting your daughter to be perfect.” Caitlyn laughed and finished her glass of wine.

Vi was starting to get tipsy meanwhile Caitlyn was still fine. Or if she was tipsy she didn’t show it. But of course Vi would be kind of a lightweight when it comes to drinking. Her father may own a bar but she was prohibited to drink for a long time, one drop of alcohol touched Vi’s lips and she knew her dad would know about it in the second and ground her for months. She also didn’t want to make an ass of herself again after the funfair. She got herself a beer and bought another glass of wine for Caitlyn.

She looked at the woman in front of her bringing the glass to her lips and putting it down again, a pinky in the air, making all her movement delicate and fancy. Vi stared at the lipstick stain on Caitlyn’s second glass of wine.

“Do you want a sip?” Caitlyn asks when she sees Vi’s eyes trailing the brim of her glass.

“I was just thinking that since I bought it I suppose your lips are mine.”

Okay, Vi was definitely too tipsy for this. She was starting to flirt with this girl, who was possibly not interested in her in the slightest.

“That’s a nice line, let me note that down somewhere so I can use it too.” Cait winked. “Anyways, I’m paying the next round. So we’re even in the lips buying business.”

Was this her flirting back or her letting Vi down gently. The thought of kissing Cait made her feel even more dizzy than she already felt. She needed to slow down on the drinks and keep a clear mind.

“Isn’t it going to be too much for you?” she asked.

“Oh, believe me, I’m good. You build a high tolerance when the only interesting thing at a banquet is judging people while having a drinking competition with your best friend.”

Vi stoped drinking after her fifth drink and only asked for water. Caitlyn, on the other hand, got offered many drinks by drunk guys and girls throwing smiles her way.

“Are you sure alcohol is safe for cats?”

“That’s very funny, Vi.”

Vi tried to take a shot from Cait because she could see she was starting to be a little more than tipsy. But Cait was way too quick for her. Apparently alcohol doesn’t affect her cat-like reflexes.

“Slow down, Caity Cat, you only have 9 lives.”

“Then let’s make this one count!” she served Vi more water and lifted her shot glass. “I hope to arrive at my death late, in love and a little drunk!” and she took her shot after clicking her glass to Vi’s.

“So you have a wild side.”

“You need to have a wild side when your mom is very controlling. I’m sure you’re also very wild, Vi. What’s the story behind the cheek tattoo. Scared to forget your name?” Cait’s eyes went to her tattoo and came back very slowly to look into Vi’s eyes.

“That’s a long story but to make it short; poor kid, in the system, trying to survive and keep her sister from harm’s way, making bad decisions, prison aaaaand now I have a tattoo on my face.”

Caitlyn’s eyes became as wide as they could.

“Okay, I’m going to need more details.”

“Shoot.”

“Which bad decision led to prison?”

“Stealing a car and trying to ditch the police… That gets you in prison easily, even more easily when the cops are corrupted and you’ve been known to steal food not to die from hunger at the orphanage.”

“So, not a happy childhood. Now I kinda feel bad for the times I complained a little bit about my mom. I’m sorry the system let you down… Things are not well managed, and I’ve seen it first hand.” Her eyes bore all the compassion in the world. Vi could see she was really sorry and not just saying that to be nice.

“You’ve seen it first hand? How? You live in Piltover and your dad sells the best cupcakes in the whole country! Don’t try to deny it, I’ve looked at reviews on the internet and that’s what people say.”

“I wasn’t always a baker, I wanted to be a lawyer at some point. Studied law for 5 months and quit because it was too much pressure. I did an internship somewhere, for free, just to see what it was like in the real world. I was so disappointed in what I saw. No one was really helping people, they were in it for the money and nothing else, even when they already had too much money to know what to do with it.”

“So you became a baker and decided to never serve lawyers?”

“No, I don’t really hold a grudge against them, they still defend clients who really deserve some justice. But I picked up baking to relax and fell into it pretty easily. I was used to bake with my dad as a child, but when I started doing it seriously everyday after my dad closed the shop, it became my passion. Years later and I’m selling the best cupcakes in the world.”

“I said the country not the world.”

“Who said I was going to be humble about it. But let’s get back to my questions, Miss Vi. You said you have a dad, so how did you leave the system after prison?”

“I went to prison a few days before my sister and I were going to be adopted. I received a letter during my time in Stillwater, the guy who was supposed to adopt us was dropping the case. It was too difficult for him to try and get me out of prison. Messy kids, bad girl records, not what he wanted. Powder was devastated, having no hopes to leave this hell hole and without her sister… But our saviour came in the form of a bear of a man. Big guy, had a bar, was used to handle edgy kids and people with a lot of problems. He had a friend who already adopted other kids so he came with a recommendation letter. Decided he’d take home the kids with the worst story because no one else would want them. That was us. Got me out of Stillwater after years of fighting with lawyers and prison guards, both metaphorically and literally. During this time he got Powder into school, she got friends and learned how to smile again, gained back hope to see me again. When I came back she jumped in my arms and didn’t leave my side until next morning.”

“That’s a sweet story in the end. You got to experience a new happy beginning. Can’t wait to hear more about this when I’ll have less alcohol in my system. Let’s circle back to the tattoo! Is there a meaning? Is this your first tattoo? Did you get it willingly?”

“Woah, slow down, Caitycat! I got it willingly and it wasn’t my first tattoo. Did the first two in prison, the rest is from artists I got to know when I got out. Got to cheek tattoo a month before getting out, I will never forget prison, but I wanted a reminder for everyone else around me. My prison number was 516, name’s Vi, seemed appropriate to get all that in one tattoo in a very visible place.”

“What was the first tattoo then?” The curiosity that lit Cait’s eyes was enticing.

“It was a little violet on my rib cage, just under my left boob.” Vi said and smiled.

“Oh, cute, I kinda want to see it n- IT’S BECAUSE YOUR FULL NAME IS VIOLET! OH MY GOD? HOW DID I NOT GUESS BEFORE?!” Cait was mindblown, she was usually the smartest in the room. She felt stupid for not getting it sooner. Of course she was nicknamed Vi for Violet. A pretty name, a pretty flower, a pretty face.

“Stop shouting, Cait!”

“I’m not shouting.” She knew she was shouting. “I’m so dumb!”

“You’re not dumb, you didn’t know and I don’t really like the name.”

“I think it’s very pretty and fits you like a glove. Violet, Violet, Violet.” It was like she was trying to get used to the sounds, to taste the name on her tongue, and liked the taste of every vowel.

Vi did not usually like the sound of her name, especially coming from people she barely knew. But flowing from Caitlyn’s mouth, it sounded like the best thing to be called. Vi didn’t know if it was the accent, Cait’s voice or the way her lips moved in the most perfect way, but her name suddenly seemed so magical. But Vi didn’t care why it felt this way, she just enjoyed that it did.

Caitlyn continued to drink wine while they talked and laughed. Each trying to drown in the other’s laughter. Vi stopped drinking because she did not want to add to her looking-stupid-in-front-of-Cait agenda.

“What I understand from all these stories is that you’re a scoundrel!” Cait said after Vi told her about another story from her teenage years where she tagged a building with her friends.

“A scoundrel?!” Vi gasped, hand on her chest as if she was wounded by the remark. All the while mocking Caitlyn’s accent, she decided it was fair to make fun of her a little bit more. “I like the sound of that.” She winked, only to see a blushing Cait right in front of her.

“Stop trying to immitate my accent, you’re not good at it.”

“Am I not good at it, luv?” Vi tried again, but everything sounded awful and the alcohol didn’t help.

Caitlyn started laughing with her whole body, throwing her head back and trying to get her breathing back to normal. She wore the biggest smile when she finally calmed down and looked back Vi’s way. That’s when it hit Vi. Caitlyn had a tooth gap. Vi never really cared for people’s teeth but this time it was different. It was Cait’s little thing. Some would call it an imperfection, but Vi would call it the cherry on the cake. It was the most perfect, cute, sexy thing she’d ever seen. She focused on Cait’s mouth a little too long and didn’t hear what the girl was saying. She looked back up when Caitlyn hid her mouth with her hand.

“It’s not pretty I know, I kinda want to get it fixed...” The blue-haired girl said.

“Your tooth gap?”

“Yeah.”

“I think it’s beautiful. Suits your face, makes way for your laugh I’d say.”

Caitlyn took her hand away and smiled, Vi could see a new sparkle in her eyes. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe she said the right thing.

Drinks were brought to their table, courtesy of some random guy at the bar. Caitlyn looked at Vi and shrugged, then downed two shots. She looked at Vi with lidded eyes and giggled.

“I think that will be our last drinks.” Vi said, a little worried.

“Bottoms up then!” She said as she drank another shot.

Vi tried to get to the last shot glass but Caitlyn, even drunk, was too quick for her. She drank it before Vi could even look up to see. All she ended up seeing was the other girl setting down the glass on the table with way too much enthusiasm.

“Another one!”

“No, I think you had enough for to-” Vi couldn’t even finish her sentence because she had to stop Cait from almost falling off of her seat.

“Okay, we’re going home, kitten.”

“Meow” whispered Caitlyn making a claw motion with her left hand. She giggled just after and it was hard for Vi not to lose it at the sight.

Vi guided both of them to the exit and found Jayce on her way.

“Miss Responsible over here drank way too much. Where do I drop the drunk cat?”

“Oh no… Her parents can absolutely not see her like that! Did you drink?”

“A little but-”

“No ‘but’! I’m calling you a taxi. I’ll text Caitlyn so she can pay you back as soon as she sobers up.”

“Where do I drop her off then?”

“I think you’re going to have to babysit tonight, sorry.”

The man in a Thor costume used the giant hammer he had with him to get to the bar and ask for his phone back to call a taxi.

Vi looked around for the Wonder Woman friend but couldn’t locate her. She’ll have to get Cait back to her place it seemed. That’s not how she planned bringing back home the hottest girl she knows to go.

As soon as Jayce told her the taxi was here she almost dragged Caitlyn to the outside of the bar. No taxi in sight. They waited for 30 minutes more, sat on the curb, but still nothing. Vi was beginning to feel tired.

“Seems like we’re going to have to walk, princess. I’m not taking my car and you’re not in a state to do so either.”

“Yay, more time with you.” Shouted Caitlyn, raising her arms above her head in a victory motion.

Vi felt her heart melt at that sentence.

Vi raised to her feet and extended a hand to help Caitlyn. The girl looked her straight in the eyes with a dreamy look on her face.

“You’re very pretty you know.” and she took Vi’s hand, got up and started to walk away from the bar.

Vi was too stunned to speak. She smiled, shook her head and sped up to catch up with Cait.

After 5 minutes of walking together and trying not to lose Caitlyn each time they passed a dark alley where “cats could be hidden”, rain started to pour.

“Fucking rain again” Said Vi under her breath.

Cait stopped and started twirling in the rain, laughing as if each drop told her the most amusing secret. Her platform boots slipped on the wet pavement but Vi caught her just in time.

“My hero.” Cait said with the most charming drunken smile.

And then she booped her nose and laughed.

“Okay, I’m so dropping you now.”

“No, please don’t. You can’t be a knight in shinning armor if you let the drunk princess fall to the ground.”

“True, back on your feet, princess.”

Cait got back up, not on the first try though.

“What on Earth got you to boop my nose.” Said Vi as she wiped the water dropping from it.

“I just think that you have the most beautiful nose I’ve ever seen, couldn’t control myself, simple as that.” Cait answered as she laughed and got back to walking in front of Vi.

Nobody had ever complimented Vi’s nose. It was broken, it was not a cute button nose. Was Vi going to spend the whole walk back to her flat smiling like an idiot? As she looked back up she saw Cait walking in front of her. The view was … amazing, if you will. But enough of that, Vi was better than a man! In two large strides she rejoined Cait’s side.

“Thanks for the compliment… People usually think I’m scary more than anything.”

“Why do they think that?”

“The tattoos and muscles, I guess…”

“I don’t think your tattoos and muscles are scary, they are endearing! They make you look beautiful. Not worth fearing but worth admiring. I mean, maybe from afar you look intimidating but, I don’t know, it should make people want to see up close. And if they did they could see how pretty your are.”

Vi was at a loss for words again, and she was now sure that gap-toothed smile would kill her one day.

“Sometimes I think they are right, you know. I could hurt them like the world hurt me and my family… Maybe I am the monster they think I am…”

“No overthinking on my watch! You’ve got a good heart, Vi.”

“Overthinking is the only thing I’m very good at.”

“That’s a good way to drive yourself crazy.” As Caitlyn said this, she made a motion with her fingers on either side of her face and crossed her eyes.

Vi laughed and felt all the tension from talking about how people saw her lift from her shoulder.

They arrived at Vi’s apartment after 40 minutes of walking in empty streets and under the pouring rain. Violet opened the door and signaled Cait to enter the flat. She passed her and held Vi’s arm not to fall as she took off her shoes. The blue-haired woman looked around, marveled at the decorations with glazed eyes. Looking at her felt like looking at a goddess. Being vulnerable only made her seem braver. She was so beautiful that you were almost scared to brush past her. Her touching you, even in the smallest way felt divine. Vi sensed that she was the chosen one, deemed safe enough for tonight, and it was the most rewarding feeling she has ever felt.

“You can sleep in my room, it’s the second door on the left.” Vi said pointing to her room.

“Which left? Because the room is totally spinning.” Announced drunk Cait.

“I promise you, your head is the only thing spinning right now.” Giggled back Vi as she directed the poor girl to face her bedroom door.

Caitlyn disappeared in the bedroom as Vi was taking off her shoes. She took off her dripping jacket and put it on a chair in the living room. After taking 3 towels in the bathroom she put one the ground under the jacket and started drying her hair. She poured 2 glasses of water and got some aspirin out of the cupboard. Vi didn’t want Caitlyn to experience a big hangover tomorrow. She made her way to her room to give the towel, the water and the pills to Cait.

When she got to the half open door she didn’t hear anything. She knocked, waited and entered the room to witness Cait sleeping on her bed, her hair splayed on the pillow. She smiled at the sight and walked towards the bedside table. She put the glass and pills there for Cait to take as soon as she’d wake up. Vi’s only hope was for Caitlyn not to throw up during the night. When she put down the glass she looked at Cait’s face under all that hair. She still looked beautiful completely out and drooling on Vi’s pillow. That’s when Vi noticed that Cait had fallen asleep in her party outfit and makeup. That was not the best option but Vi felt like undressing Caitlyn while she was drunk was way past boundaries. So instead, she walked to her dresser and got a plaid to drape over Cait. The towel was placed next to Cait’s head. Then, she left the room and closed the door as quietly as she could.

When Vi was in the bathroom to take her makeup off and brush her teeth, she took some time to rewind the whole night. It had been chaotic but it had been a great night. After smiling like an idiot for the millionth time tonight, Vi decided a warm shower would be the best thing after getting caught in the rain. It would also help getting rid of the last makeup residue, it felt great to wear but it was a battle taking it off. The whole time she was in the bathroom, Vi tried to be as quiet as possible not to wake up Caitlyn who slept in the room next door.

After all that, Vi went to the couch and took the blanket stored under it. After this wild night, she was going to sleep like a baby.

Cait woke up to a slight headache. She turned around and felt a soft spongy thing on her face. She opened her eyes to see that a towel was laying beside her. She smiled at the thought of Vi bringing it for her to dry her hair after last night’s downpour. But her hair had dried during the night so she wasn’t in need of the towel in the end. As she lifted herself to a sitting position, she noticed that she was still wearing her Halloween costume. Now the feeling of being restricted in her movements as she slept made sense.

She took in how Vi’s room looked like in the soft morning light filtered by the orange curtain. It looked cozy, relaxing,… As she turned her head towards the wall her eyes were caught by things on the bedside table. She smiled at the cute gesture. She took the pills and drank the water before being reminded of her headache. She then decided to leave the room and try to find Vi to thank her and leave the flat, hoping she didn’t say anything embarrassing while she was drunk. She remembered only glimpses of conversations from the night before.

When she got to the middle of the living room she spotted pink hair on the couch. She had found Vi! She got closer as silently as she could and saw that the muscular woman was still asleep. Cait almost screamed at how cute the sight was. Vi was all snuggled up in the covers, only one foot escaping the blanket, a rabbit plush in her arms. Caitlyn stared at the display for a few minutes before she stepped back… and knocked over a vase on the coffee table, waking up Vi in the process.

“I’m so sorry for waking you.” Said Caitlyn holding a cup of warm tea in her hand.

“No problem, you have to stop apologizing.” Answered Vi as she was soaking up the water from the vase.

After the tea was drank and the carpet almost dry, it was time for Caitlyn to ask for a service.

“I’m sorry to ask that, but can I borrow clothes?” She gestured towards her outfit.

Vi nearly forgot she was wearing that and almost had a heart attack following Cait’s hands. Seeing a hot woman dressed as Catwoman this early in the morning could not be good for your heart.

“I already said that you have to stop saying you’re sorry. I don’t see why you want to change, this is a totally appropriate outfit. You just have to jump from roof to roof and you’ll be home in no time.”

“Are you always this funny or am I just lucky? I wish I brought something to change into because I can’t take the bus in this and I don’t feel comfortable meeting my parents at the door dressed like that.”

“Oh yeah, secret identity and everything.” Caitlyn took a pillow on the couch and threw it at Vi. “Ouch! Okay, don’t attack me, kitten. I was going to find something for you.”

“Thanks, dork.”

“You’re welcome, nerd.”

Vi didn’t know if she had anything to lend to Caitlyn. Most of her clothes wouldn’t fit her. Maybe if she found old things that were too tight for her that she hadn’t donated yet. Or something loose Powder forgot at her flat. As she was digging in her dresser she found a large t-shirt from a hockey team she used to support and a sort of basketball short that she forgot about at the bottom of her closet.

“Here you go. You can use the bathroom, first door on the right.”

“Got it, I’ll take a quick shower. I need to take this mess off.” She pointed to her face, the makeup from last night had not survived.

“Take your time, it always feels good to be under the hot stream for a while after a party like this. Washing the sins away, you know.” Responded Vi. Why did she look hot even with her makeup all smudged like that.

Caitlyn came out of the bathroom 30 minutes later in her new outfit. This woman looked good in everything, unfair.

“You know what, you have to stop stealing my clothes. First, I still have flour on my clothes from last time at the bakery.”

“This one is totally your fault, Violet.”

The name in her mouth still sounded perfect.

“But this outfit is totally yours…” She said as she gestured to her new Vi collection outfit. “And you forgot to give me back my jacket.”

“I’ll give you the jacket and the shirt back next time you visit the bakery, I promise. And I’m sure you won’t miss these,” she gestured towards the shorts, “I think they fit me perfectly.”

And she was so right about that.

“Well I have to take more shifts at the gym so I guess you won’t see me at the bakery for some time. But I think we can find an arrangement. How about a night out where it doesn’t rain and you’re not drunk and you’re not stealing my bed.”

“You said I could sleep there! But I’m in for the night out, can’t promise anything about the rain though.” She made a move to shake hands with Vi as if this was a business deal.

Caitlyn came back to her house, her costume in a plastic back given by Vi, only to find it empty. Her parents must be out for lunch. She got to her room and put everything back in its place. Her costume went in the hamper to be washed and stored back with the other Halloween costumes in her walk-in closet.

She heard her parents come back but they didn’t show to her door. They must have a lot of work to deal with during the afternoon.

Cait decided to lay down on her bed, she was still exhausted after her drunken night. But when she closed her eyes the only thing she saw was Vi. Her cute smile, the scars on her face, her pink hair that was always perfectly messy, her abs poking from under her shirt, her beautiful nose… She turned around and started screaming into her pillow. She was too gay for this.

But screaming into her pillow wasn’t enough. Because as soon as she stopped she got back to the gayest thoughts ever. The thoughts of Vi’s scared lip and how it would feel to kiss it. Her freckles, adding hundreds of beautiful constellations to her face. The mystical colour of her eyes, it seemed they changed with the weather. The sound of her voice and the melody of her laugh. How she’s caring and sweet. She’s perfect, and the worst thing is SHE’S SO FUCKING HOT.

“How could she say the right things like ‘your tooth gap makes way for your laugh’ or ‘you’re hot’ but not in a creepy way ! Who says things like that genuinely and with the prettiest smile ever?! Ugh ! She’s going to kill me !” She shouted while pacing in her room, hands in her hair. But no one could hear her frustrated call for help, the house was too big for that. She was whipped like the cream on a cake.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn’s mornings were made of her “forgetting” to bring a coat. After all, she had Vi’s red jacket to keep her warm if the cold autumn wind decided to invite itself to walk with her between her house and her car, or between her car and the bakery. 

One of those mornings, Cassandra visited her daughter at work. Caitlyn wiped her nose with a tissue multiple times before preparing her mother’s order. She didn’t think much of it, but Cassandra did.

“I knew that by not bringing a jacket you’d catch a cold”, said the older woman.

“I know, you always tell me to wear a coat, but it was not that cold on Halloween night and I’m not sick.” responded the midnight haired girl.

“So, you’re admitting to not bringing a coat to Jayce’s Halloween party.”

“You caught me, officer.” Caitlyn raised her hands from the glass display where her mother’s cupcakes were waiting for the girl to pick them up.

“Come on, don’t act like that. I think it’s time you learn what ‘always wear a coat’ means, darling.”

“It’s so I don’t catch a cold and boys don’t drool over the smallest amount of skin I could show.”

“These are the parents' reasons. I didn’t repeat that to you countless times as a child for you to only think about those.”

“Then, what is the mysterious reason behind the need for me to wear a coat?” Cait put the two violet flavoured cupcakes in the small box and handed it to her mother.

“To lend it to shivering cute girls who forgot to bring theirs of course.” Said Cassandra with a wink before leaving the bakery as if she did not just drop a bomb to her offspring.

Caitlyn was left in shock in the middle of pastel cakes and giant cookies. So, her mother’s advice was not stupid and it’s exactly what Vi did during their first “date”. Of course she already knew her mother had dated girls in the past. They talked about it when Caitlyn came out as a lesbian in high school. Still, to learn that your mother has a whole flirting strategy involving – she assumes– multiple tricks… That was weird. Cait couldn’t suppress a shiver of awkwardness before chuckling in disbelief. She was reminded she needed to go back to work when her father appeared from the back area and pointed at the lady waiting to be served.

Caitlyn’s days were made of cupcakes and gay panicking at Vi’s texts.

-Vi [8:42pm]

Hey, thief! When will I be able to see my children again?

-Cupcake [8:42pm]

By your children, do you mean the ugly shirt and really cool jacket?

-Vi [8:43pm]

How dare you speak about my shirt like that! But yeah, the jacket is really cool … Which is why I need it back.

-Cupcake [8:43pm]

How about you drop by the bakery tomorrow after work?

-Vi [8:44pm]

Can’t. 

Took more shifts at work.

-Cupcake [8:45pm]

This weekend? I’m probably going to work more on wedding cakes but you can always join me in the back to get your things and tell me about all the embarrassing things I did while drunk.

-Vi [8:46pm]

I would love to see you all embarrassed and shit but I’m helping my dad at the bar

-Cupcake [8:47pm]

We’ll work something out

But they didn’t. Vi was not lying, she was really busy. After all, Christmas was approaching, so she did everything she could to get her family the gifts they wanted… And she kinda wanted to help her dad buy a car for Jinx. Speaking of the devil, she had to take the gremlin to art shows almost every Sunday. Jinx was getting ready to go to uni, she needed to participate in more shows, competitions and charitable events to fill her resume. This also meant that the perfect big sister had to take her to visit some colleges before the younger sibling made her final choice (aka sent her applications to all the colleges she couldn't choose from and hope for the best). Helping her dad was not in her plans. She would’ve preferred to spend her weekends eating cupcakes in the back of the bakery or chilling on her couch playing video games than getting some drunks their favourite flavourless beer.

Being this busy turned into missing some of Cait’s texts. Which, most days, turned into forgetting she had a phone all entirely. 

As said before, Christmas was on its way. This time of the year wasn’t just hard on her bank account. The money she could deal with. But the emotional crisis that arrived each year at the same time as Christmas songs and decorated trees was a whole different story. All the families would gather around a copious meal and share heartwarming stories while exchanging multiple gifts. But for Vi, it had been her and Jinx for a long time. Then it had been her, alone in a cell, freezing, wishing on the only star she could see from a little hole in the wall of her cell, that her sister had a better time than her. Sure, now her family was bigger, louder and they were able to exchange some gifts around a meal big enough for all of them and then some… Of course seeing her dad and sister, her almost brothers; Claggor, Mylo and Ekko, and her uncle; Benzo, all in the same place always felt nice. But considering them as family also meant losing them would hurt like hell. Some people didn’t have to worry about making a mistake and losing their whole family in a matter of seconds, but Vi did. Being dealt the life she had made her this way. And she realized, with all the missing text notifications on her phone, that Cait did not have this issue. It seemed she had everything she wanted, always, and not a problem in the world.

Caitlyn was waiting patiently for an answer. In fact, she had been waiting everyday for Vi to respond.

Cait texted her about times they could meet. She made time for her in her busy schedule to give her back her belongings. Who was she kidding? She was not busy, she had a lot of free time. And it was not just to give Vi her stupid shirt and awesome jacket back, she wanted to see her, she missed her, her voice, her smile… She was lonely. 

She always felt lonely when winter time was around the corner. Because, for her, Christmas means spending time alone while her parents are at some dinner party she didn’t want to attend, or they are on a business trip across the world. In the end, they always came back with a mountain of gifts and a delicious meal to share, but it wasn’t Christmas anymore. To Caitlyn; the trees looked like they were weeping under the weight of the decorations, the lights were blinding and the big man with a beard needed a punch in the face to make his stupid laugh stop.

One morning, she was walking from her car to the bakery when she saw children throwing dead leaves to each other on the pavement. It reminded her of the time Jayce threw a snowball at her. What she and Jayce were not aware of until the snowball hit her was that a rock hid in it. She had ended up with a black eye on Christmas day. Another one she would’ve spent with Home Alone (and a nanny) as her only companion if Jayce’s mother hadn’t taken pity on her. It was one of the first Christmases she spent surrounded by family. 

When she started to work on wedding cakes in the back of the shop, she started thinking. Her routine was going to work, seeing Jayce for coffee when he came to the bakery and meeting with Mel from time to time for shopping sessions. She still didn’t see her mother often and, even though she loved him very much, seeing her dad all day at work meant that she had enough of him most days. She was lonely, she missed the new feelings Vi brought in her life, the thrill their “dates” brought, the excitement she got everyday from waiting for the bright haired girl to walk through the door.

The poor lonely princess felt left out again.

During her break, she allowed herself to eat a cupcake. She chose her mother’s favourite; the violet flavoured one. It tasted really good. 

“Violet…” 

She licked the frosting left on her lips. The ghost of the flavour lingering in her mouth. Just like the ghost of Vi haunted her every day. Speaking of, was she ghosting her? Caitlyn checked her phone. No answer, still left on read. She thought about sending another message but didn’t want to seem desperate. 

Vi was busy, but her brain was busier. She didn’t think that having so much to do would still leave her time to overthink. But here she was, doing the dishes at the bar, going over every little detail of her life. 

She thought about how much money she still needed to get for the gifts, and how she could help her sister with her college applications. But mostly, she thought about Caitlyn. She thought about her while doing dishes and serving drinks, she thought about her when she was walking amongst the green grounds of another college campus Jinx wanted to visit. She even thought about her when she was beating the shit out of one of the punching bags at the gym.

She thought about the girl so much that she felt herself become sick. Yes, she was a master at overthinking things. She grew distant, not answering to the girl’s texts and not going back to the bakery. Of course, she was busy. But she also faced a huge problem; she had feelings for Caitlyn. Romantic feelings .

Vi was scared. She had had girlfriends before, but none of them made her feel the way Caitlyn did by being just a friend. She had never felt that much attraction to a person. It was hard to keep her distance, but this time for thinking was needed. 

Was she allowed to feel like this? Was she allowed to want to be with her? To trust her? Were these feelings real or just fleeting little things? She had hurt women before because she got bored after a while… Maybe this time was not different. Was she in the right headspace for a relationship? Would telling her how she feels ruin what they had now?

Vi felt as if Caitlyn was her total opposite. She had an education, both her mom and dad, no siblings. She was an artist, she looked like a princess, she always knew what to say… And she was rich.

All those differences could tear them apart, turn this whole relationship into a mess. It was better for Vi to rip the band-aid off right now and decide not to see her again. If she decided against that, she would only fall more in love with the baker. And her life was already messy enough.

Caitlyn had too much time on her hands. So she spent it feeling all the negative emotions available to mankind. Anger . She was furious that there seemed to be no sign of life from Vi. Did she lose her phone? No, she couldn’t give her an excuse to treat her like that. It had been weeks, if the girl really cared she would have come to the bakery. Even her sister found time to come get cupcakes! Guilt . She felt hurt, giving her heart away so easily, as if she did not learn her lessons. Sadness . She really thought she had finally found someone she liked who liked her back. Fear . Maybe she had ruined their whole relationship and will never find something as good. Loneliness . It didn’t seem like Vi missed her at all. Annoyance . The lack of explanations was killing her. She needed answers.

Waiting in her car outside of Vi’s work was not the original plan. But since it was the only sure way to catch the woman’s attention these days, that’s what she did. Not knowing when Vi got off of work was a problem. So the waiting game began. She saw all the clients and staff members leave, and before she knew it it was dark outside. She noticed the last light turning off. A couple of minutes later, pink hair and a sports bag showed up. Caitlyn got out of her car and ran to Vi as the other girl was closing the door. 

“I’ve seen your sister more than you this last month.” Said Caitlyn, her arms crossed.

“Caitlyn?! What are you doing here?” Answered Vi, startled by the sound of the familiar voice.

“It’s been impossible to catch you lately, so I’m forcing the hand of fate.” 

Caitlyn’s tone was cold, matching the sudden downpour. They were both drenched before Vi could talk again.

“I can see that you’re upset, let me explain.” said Vi.

“I’m not upset Vi, I’m way past upset now, I’m disappointed. I just want some explanations as to why you’re ignoring me… I looked at the situation from every point of view I could fathom to imagine, and I still haven’t found what I’ve done wrong. So please, enlighten me.”

“I- it’s not yo- it’s not something that you’ve done wrong… I changed my mind…”

“Don’t serve me that ‘it’s not you it’s me’ crap!”

“I wasn’t going to say that… Because it’s actually us, we are the problem.”

“I’m not following you.”

“We tried. Okay? It wasn’t enough. Topside and bottom. Oil and water. Wasn’t meant to be. Life’s just easier without me around, okay?” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“We’re too different, Cait. You’re a topside princess who has everything in the world, I’m just a misfit who can’t give her heart to people she doesn’t fully trust. I’m bound to abandon you one day. You’ve been immersed in this world for too long, you’re doomed to become them, and betray me, leave me to die on the side of the road.” 

“I get why you wouldn’t want to trust the lonely rich princess who gets every chance she wants in life. But I’m not the one who made your life a living hell while you were in prison, I’m not the one who put you there and I’m certainly not the one who abandoned you when you were a child. So stop comparing me to them and making me feel like I’m the monster because of other people’s mistakes.”

“We both deserve more than this.”

“This!? What even is ‘this’? Why can’t you see that I like you, that you matter to me.”

Vi stays silent, the raindrops falling on the ground being the only sound surrounding them.

“I can’t afford to have my heart broken by you when we haven't even kissed… I know what ‘this’ is; it’s ridiculous.”

“You’re ridiculous right now. You’re acting like the spoiled child that you are, you didn’t get what you wanted and you’re not used to it.” Vi said harshly.

“I- This is not me throwing a tantrum. I can see that it’s not just a fantasy I made up in my mind. I see how you look at me! You like me too and you’re just too scared to admit it. What will happen then? What if you let someone in for once in your life! I’m asking you to trust me with your heart.”

“You’re asking too much.”

“Funny, because I trusted you with mine… And look at where we are.”

“In the rain… seems to always be the case for us. No sunshine, no future, no nothing.” Said Vi, as to finish their discussion. 

“Yes, apparently I’m asking too much. You changed your mind really fast and broke my heart in the process. Maybe this is why we don’t have a future.” 

They were standing in the rain. Awkwardly. Trying to slide between each drop. Staring at each other as time seemed to stop completely. Maybe it was just her. Maybe it was the way rain makes everything feel like a scene from a movie. But Vi really wished she had kissed her instead of breaking her heart.

“Goodbye, Violet.” Lesson learned, Caitlyn always has the last word.

When she got to the car she received a text from the woman who looked good even drenched and crying.

-Cupcake [8:12pm]

If you can erase me from your life you can do the same with my number.

Powder was waiting outside, at the gate, wearing her yellow raincoat. She was excited to see her sister and tell her about the wonderful day she had at the art convention, about how she won second place with her favourite piece. But as soon as her big sister got out of her car she could see this was not going to be a fun night. Vi had her hands balled into a fist. As she got closer to Powder, the smaller girl noticed that Vi’s eyes were red from crying.

“You’re all drenched! Come inside, I’ll warm a towel for you.” Was all she said in the moment.

Vi followed her inside and didn’t talk while Powder prepared the warm towels. One towel for her body and the other one for her hair. She could also prepare some tea… She’ll ask Vi. 

“Do you want tea? Coffee?… Ice cream?”

Vi didn’t answer. Powder knew her sister very well. When the redhead was like that, there was no way to get her to talk. So that’s when the talkative nature of Powder manifested. If angry and sad Vi didn’t want to tell her what was going on, Powder was going to worm it out of her.

Caitlyn used to love the rain. It was beautiful, it helped the flowers grow, it was fun to dance under,... But now she knew better. Caitlyn started hating the rain. She missed the summer sun, she missed the warmth. In all honesty, she missed Vi.

Caitlyn had waited for Vi to call her, to send her a text, to make the first move. But laying on her bed waiting for her phone to ring like a heartsick teenager did not change anything. She got up and walked to her walk-in closet where she fetched Vi’s jacket from behind a pile of old sweaters. She got back to her bed and hugged it. When her face nuzzled into the fabric she noticed she could still smell Vi on it. She smelled like cinnamon… 

“She wasn’t even your girlfriend, you twat!” Shouted Caitlyn at herself, letting the jacket fall on her knees, and herself fall on her back. Her hands in her hair, she sighed. 

What a sight to see; the rich lonely princess’ heart broken up by the charming peasant in a shining jacket… The curse of not confessing their feelings and being too proud or shy or… dumb, falling upon them like a shooting star. Or more like a meteorite, destroying every hope of romance in its path. She knew she looked pathetic, crying over a girl, in her childhood room. But that’s when she realized, it was her first heartbreak, her first time crying over a crush, her first time… falling in love. The realization only made it worse; she cried harder, knowing the first girl she ever truly loved would never love her back.

Caitlyn stayed in her room for days. When it had come to a week of isolation and ignoring her friends, a familiar face tugged on her covers to wake her up. It was still raining outside, but at least Jayce brought his shining smile with him.

“You think you can avoid me by not responding to my texts? You should know better than that, young lady, I have a key to your house and I’m not afraid to use it.”

“I almost forgot how annoying you were.” she said as she turned around, her back now facing the muscular idiot.

“Cait, I need you to tell me what’s bothering you. I can’t promise that it will feel great, but I’m sure you’ll feel better.”

Jayce succeeded in getting her out of bed. He could see something was wrong and Cait was avoiding the subject. If her shifting eye contact and fingers picking at skin were pretty good indicators, her puffy eyes were a dead giveaway. Jayce knew her like the back of his hand; the girl was heartbroken. But he needed her to say it. He would not be able to find a solution if he didn’t have the details.

After a couple of glasses of wine, Jayce got Caitlyn to spill the beans. Now that he knew all the details of this burgeoning love – well, it was more decaying now than burgeoning– he could try to help her.

The wine was expensive, Caitlyn was crying, Jayce was listening. The only thing he could offer was an attentive ear and bear hugs. If only he could find a solution to his best friend's heartache. 

“Come for the accent, stay for the existential crisis.” Cried Cait into her third glass of wine. She got drunk more easily when she was emotional, and the lack of sleep didn’t help. She spent days in bed, but hardly slept, her thoughts keeping her awake.

“Oh no, you’re mistaken, I came for the existential crisis, the accent is just a bonus. And you know how much I love an accent.” Jayce winked.

“Well, you must love what’s happening now.”

“Doesn’t compare to the coming out crisis a decade ago, but I’ll live through it.”

“I hope I will too.” 

She took another mouthful of red wine before she spoke again.

“I’m a misfit too, I suppose. Everyone thinks I have the perfect life. It’s just another rejection, shouldn’t bother me this much. I’m just the lonely rich girl. Being rejected comes with the status. Doesn’t matter if it’s because of my mother, or I'm too tall, too intelligent, or because I want a serious relationship and not just some summer fling no one should know about. They all think I’m too perfect for them when I’m not. I’m flawed, I mess up, I get angry. I say things I shoudn’t and regret saying them. I was mean to her, Jayce. She doesn’t deserve this. Even now, I’m complaining when I should just shut up and enjoy my perfect little life.” 

Seeing the woman he considered as his sister down in the dumps like that made him miserable. He had lived through a lot of Caitlyn's relationships, but none of them had left the most important woman in his life struggling like that. 

“What’s her name and address? Do you need me to beat her ass? Or just threaten her into not approaching you ever again?”

“It’s a lost cause, she would win any fight against you. And I don’t need you to do that, I think I already dug my grave on this one by telling her to get rid of my number.” A sniff could before she started crying again.

"You seem to really like this girl, huh?" 

"Yeah, I don't think I'd be crying like a damn fountain if I didn't, dummy." 

"Don't insult the guy who's there for you, moron." 

Jayce hit her shoulder playfully with his fist.

"Okay, time for me to explain how I see it. The big bro point of view might help you. You know as much as I do that feelings are hard to deal with when they're strong and beautiful and scary. You should still try and talk to her. Apologise for the things you said. You don't know, maybe she feels the same way. Maybe she’s just as scared as you. If you’re the one to talk first she might just follow your lead and tell you what’s really wrong. I’m sure y’all can work it out."

Caitlyn sighed.

"And please, if you go and apologise to her, take a shower, you look dead…" Jayce got closer and sniffed her. "And you smell dead too."

"Jerk!" said Caitlyn, throwing the little pink shark in Jayce's face and laughing at her best friend’s antics.

" Okay, okay, I lied, you always smell good."

Caitlyn was drying her eyes after the well deserved laughter.

"Happy I, at least, made you laugh. Mission accomplished. " Jayce winked at her.

After more wine and relationship talk, it was time for Jayce to go.

"I'll let you sleep on it. No matter what you do, I'll be there for you, sis. So… please keep me posted. You can call, send a voice note or cryptic emojis. I even accept carrier pigeons." 

“Thanks for always being here.”

“It’s an honour. Now go to bed.” He kissed her forehead and disappeared in the hallway.

Caitlyn closed the door and looked at her messy room. She would need sleep before she could clean the whole place. But one thing caught her eye when she got closer to her big comfy bed.

She picked up the pink shark she had thrown earlier. Maybe it was not time to let this girl go like that. Caitlyn was known for always putting up a fight. And this time was not going to be different. She would surely need more time to sort out her feelings and get past how hurt she felt, but she’d fight for her happy ending. She smiled as she put the plush back on her bed and went into the bathroom to take a shower and brush her teeth. 

After her shower, she looked at her phone, hoping that the message she received was from Vi. 

-Mel [7:51pm]

My little finger (his name is Jayce) told me that you may have stopped crying, good. I think I have another way to lift your spirits up, dear. 

A SHIT TON OF SUSHI FOR MY BEST FRIEND!

You can’t get out of this one because I’m coming to your house tomorrow with your favourite food in the whole wide world and we’re eating that and shit talking about whatever (or whoever) you want.

She smiled to herself. It was nice knowing you had amazing friends.

“It’s the baker, right?” Asked Jinx.

Vi was still silent. No words came out of her mouth since she got back from work.

“Since you don’t want to talk to me I’m just going to assume things. My deduction skills are leading me to believe that something happened between you and her. You’re not bringing us cupcakes anymore, you’ve been neglecting your phone, and you spend a lot of time alone and quiet when you’re here with us.”

“You’ve done a lot of research, Sherlock.”

“Oh, so she talks!”

“I’m gonna go upstairs…”

“See! You always isolate yourself when you have something on your mind, I know this. I know you.”

“Then you know that it’s better to leave me alone. I can deal with this whole situation by myself. I don’t need your help.”

“And what is this whole situation exactly?”

“You’re not going to let me off the hook, huh?"

“Nope.”

“The baker was a bad idea. Here, that’s all I’m gonna say. Her and I were never and will never be a thing. So you can go get your cupcakes elsewhere from now on.” She started walking towards the stairs, picking up the hair towel she had left on the back of the couch.

“Okay, go to your room and be sad or angry or whatever. But before you do that I need to be real with you for a second. And you’re going to listen to me.”

Vi stopped, rolled her eyes, but she waited to hear what her sister had to say. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too long and she’d be in her old room in a few minutes.

“You can’t lie to me saying things like ‘we were never a thing’. You liked the girl really much, and I’m sure you still do. You wouldn’t be here, still thinking about it, mad, trying to hide that you’ve been crying in your car for the whole ride home. Which, by the way, is really dangerous, but we’ll come back to that later. I love you, I really do, but you’re such an idiot. I know it’s hard to cope with trauma and we do have a lot of that, but your abandonement issues really fucked up on that one. This girl is perfect for you. She’s sweet, funny, and, I’m repeating myself here but, you like her! You can’t erase that with a snap of your fingers because you’re scared. Imagine how she feels, because she probably is terrified too. Love is scary, we get it! But, I saw you! I saw how you looked at her texts, I could hear how you would go all soft when talking about her and her stupid cupcakes. You finally had the chance to trust someone outside of our family, someone who was really worth it. You finally had the chance to let yourself love someone fully, with your whole heart, and to feel loved, just how you deserve it. And you wasted that…”

“Good story, but in what chapter do you shut the fuck up?” 

That was Vi’s only response to what Powder had told her. She got upstairs and cried as soon as she had closed the door. Since when did her little sister become the big sister in their family? Since when did she become so wise? This talk with her had left a bittersweet taste in her mouth. She was happy to see her sister growing up to become a very emotionally intelligent woman. But she wished Powder wouldn’t have been so right about her. It was self sabotage and nothing else. Maybe that’s why she was always alone, maybe that’s why she never had lasting relationships and always found something wrong with the girls. Maybe she was the wrong one.  

Today, the sky is fucking blue. It’s sunny and almost warm outside. What a way not to match Vi’s killer mood. It should be raining, the sky should be a dark grey, it should be freezing. Not that she needs the reminder… The stupid breakup scene has been replaying in her head for days, non-stop. Is she even allowed to call that a breakup? They weren’t even together… Then why did it hurt like it did? It hurt to hear those words. It hurt to say those words back. It hurt to leave her.

It became a habit; smelling Vi’s jacket. Whenever she felt sad, she would get it from under her bed (she had moved it to get access to it more easily), smell it, and feel comforted by Vi’s smell. It almost felt like being held in her arms… Except she would never really know how that truly felt. And that’s how the comfort turned into sadness. How bittersweet was a first love.

Vi lost herself in training to try to forget about the girl she lost. Turns out you don’t have to look at your phone and its many unread messages when you’re working on your abs or running like you’re chased by a horde of rabid dogs. Vi was jogging through town. In fact, she had been running for a while. She came up to an uphill slope, and decided to push herself harder and run up that slope. Arriving at the top of it, she realised she had pushed herself a little too hard. So she stopped to catch her breath, lean against a wall and drink water. Water that she had finished in the middle of her run already… She looked at the shops around her wondering which one could give her a refill. That’s when she turned around to see which shop she was leaning against. Call it fate, destiny or life being a big joke but it definitely was something. Something called a flower shop .

Vi saw the sunflowers in the window and got reminded that it was Cait’s favourite flowers. So, forgetting her lack of water she entered the shop.

“Hi, what can I do for you?” asked a cute girl with her hair tied in two buns at the back of her head.

“I-huh- Do you have flowers?”

“Hm, let me see…” the woman looked around her as if she was looking for something and turned back to Vi with a big smile on her face “I think I can find some for you!”

“That was stupid, sorry. I just didn’t think I’d enter a flower shop today.”

“Well, I’ll have to thank the universe for letting our paths meet then. Who are the flowers for?”

“What gave it away that they weren’t just a nice little treat for me?”

“Okay, this is going to sound bad… But you look quite sad.”

Vi looked at herself in the tiny mirror next to the door.

“Do I?”

“I see a lot of lovebirds, men cheating on their wives, widows… I tend to recognize if they want sorry flowers or an I love you bouquet before they even say a word to me. And you look like your heart was broken in a million pieces and the only way to glue it back is to get a little push to say sorry and get the… girl?”

“Wow… You’re good at this.”

“Told you! Glad to know I haven’t lost my skills during my week off. Just reopened this morning.”

“Okay, this has to be fate.”

“The power of flowers works in mysterious ways. So what are we getting?” She asked the question while walking around the counter.

As she got closer, Vi was able to read her name tag. Unlike Caitlyn, she was wearing one. ‘Elora’ is a pretty name, she thought.

“I’m not good at this. It’s the first time I get flowers for someone… Pretty flowers that can say ‘I’m sorry I was really stupid not to trust you but now I realise that I’ve made a mistake and I would like to kiss you’...”

“That’s a lot but I think we can do something…” Elore bit her lip and tapped her finger on her chin as she thought looking at the flower display.

“Also, her favourite flowers are sunflowers if that can help… It’s actually what drew me in.”

“So many signs! We have to put some in the bouquet!” She went to the window and took five sunflowers. She put them on the counter and turned back to the display.

“Hello, dear!” Said a voice behind them, the little bell on the door chiming along to the melodious voice.

A very beautiful woman – she looked familiar but Vi couldn’t put her finger on where she could’ve seen such a classy woman – entered the shop. She wrapped her arms around Elora and kissed her. Vi was stunned, she really thought that Elora was a straight woman with a really good gaydar. But, after all, she was a florist, so she had to be at least a tiny bit gay.

“That’s Mel, my wife.” She showed Vi her shiny ring.

“Okay, you need to stop doing this, honey.” She turned to Vi. “We’ve been engaged since September and she hasn’t stopped showing her ring to customers and calling me her wife.”

“Oh my god, congrats! This is a really pretty ring.”

“Thanks, my wife got it for me. But enough kisses and talk of marriage. We have a situation on our hands. We need to get your girl the best flowers.”

“She’s not my girl.”

“After one of her bouquets, she will be.” Said Mel after a wink before disappearing up a flight of stairs.

“So, I was thinking, we could put blue salvias in her bouquet. In the language of flowers they say ‘I think of you’, and it seems you have done a lot of thinking.” Elora pointed to the flowers she had just mentioned. “Also, I think they compliment the sunflowers quite well.”

“They are beautiful.”

“We covered her favourite flowers, do you happen to know what are yours? Maybe we could work with that.”

“Mine are tulips. Do you have one that says ‘I’m an idiot’?”

“I don’t think so… I’m gonna need you to describe the girl to me so I can work my magic better.”

“Okay, she’s… She’s perfect. She’s really smart, she’s passionate about everything she does. She is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. She’s very kind, except when you deserve to be put in your place… And it’s the worst thing seeing her cry because her laugh is the most magical thing you’ve ever heard. And don’t even get me started on her smile!” Vi said all of this almost in one breath. She told this stranger all the things she wished she had said to Cait. She deserved to hear those nice things instead of the stupid things Vi had said last time in the rain.

“I got it!” She began searching in the tulip section. She grabbed some and shook them in front of Vi’s face. “Yellow tulips!” She ran towards purple flowers and took the little ones. “And violets!” She got back behind the counter and started putting the bouquet together.

“So what does all of that say in flower language?” Vi asked, already mesmerized by the unfinished bouquet. It was already so pretty. 

“Sunflowers, her favourite flowers, which is nice, but they also stand for optimism and devotion. I can feel that you want to get her back and the way you described her to me as if she was a goddess… If that’s not devotion I don’t know what it is. Blue salvia, as I told you, will let her know that you’ve been thinking of her. The tulips, your favourite flowers. But I chose the yellow ones because of what you said about her laugh and her smile. You see, yellow tulips stand for ‘sunshine in your smile’.” She explained all of this as she continued putting the bouquet together and tying all the flowers with a pretty blue ribbon. “And of course the violets because you’re very gay for her.”

“I didn’t know violets were a gay symbol.”

“Oh sweetheart, they’ve been a symbol of lesbianism for a while now.”

“Wow, no wonder I’m a lesbian then.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, sorry. My name is Violet.”

“That’s a very nice coincidence. Nice to meet you, Violet.” She handed the flowers to Vi. “Here you go!”

Vi took the bouquet she didn’t know she was going to get minutes ago.

“Thank you, they are so lovely.”

“Lovely flowers for a lovely girl, right?” She smiled fondly.

“Right.” Vi smiled already imagining Caitlyn’s face when receiving the flowers.

Vi paid for the flowers and left, thanking Elora at least a hundred times. She ran back home, not messing up the gorgeous bouquet. But it was missing something. You couldn’t say ‘sorry’ only with flowers.

Everyone had their way of getting over someone. Some slept around, some did retail therapy, others drank and did drugs, Caitlyn cleaned. That was her, that was what she did; deep cleaning her room, choosing which clothes to get rid of and which to keep, getting every speck of dust with her feather duster,... And she was more efficient with music on. That is why her speaker was blasting her playlist. Her favourite songs travelling through the garden by the open window.

“Would you be so kind as to fall in love with me? I know you know that I like you but that’s not enough. There’s gotta be some butterflies somewhere.”

It was like her playlist was mocking her. So she decided to turn it off and keep on cleaning her room in absolute silence. But the silence didn’t last long as her father knocked on her door.

“What is it?”

“Someone delivered these for you, darling.” Tobias said, handing her a long white box. “You must have not heard the bell with the music.”

“Who delivered this?”

“Some delivery guy, but I don’t know who it is from. I’ll let you unveil the mystery on your own, I have to go to the bakery. There’s always a wedding cake to bake!”

“Thank you. Good luck with that.”

Caitlyn closed her door and opened the box. She put the top of it on her desk before looking inside. There stood a stunning bouquet made of blue, purple and yellow flowers. Working for weddings and decorating cakes meant she got to know quite a bit about the language of flowers…And the message was very touching. Could this be from Vi? Looking closer, she recognised the logo on the blue ribbon, these were from Elora’s shop! Maybe Mel was sending her flowers to make her feel better. That was something she could see Mel doing with a little help from her sweet fiancée. After all, if someone knew what flowers meant, it was Elora. But she knew Mel, and she knew Elora, and neither of them would’ve put violets in a bouquet that was meant for a friend. 

As she took the bouquet out of the box to put it in a vase, a note fell on the floor. She picked it up and started reading the unsure handwriting. 

“Life is full of ‘almost’. I almost missed the bus. I almost bought this dress. I almost died. I almost did so many things. Not having enough courage, will or chance to do them. To make them happen. 

 But I wasn’t going to let you be a ‘almost’.”

-An idiot

Chapter Text

Vi was panicking in her living room. The flowers had been delivered two hours ago. The delivery guy said he gave them to the man who answered the door. It must have been Tobias. But knowing that two hours had passed without any news from Caitlyn was making Vi anxious. Did she need to send her a text? Of course she couldn’t come to erase her number. But did Cait? Did the girl receive her flowers? Did she like them? Did she think it was stupid? Vi was sure that this gesture was not enough to say how sorry she was.

“Maybe she’s at the bakery right now! I’m so dumb, how did I not think about that?!”

Vi picked up her jacket and opened the door…

… Only to find Caitlyn about to knock on said door. The girl looked at her with wide eyes, not prepared to face Vi this soon.

“I was just going to go to the bakery to see if you were there.” Vi looked in Cait’s direction and saw the sadness her eyes bore even though she had tried to hide it. She felt so sorry for being the cause of it. “Did you get the flowers?”

“I got them… and the note.” She finally decided to look Vi in the eyes after avoiding them the first time. “We’re both idiots.” She said, holding out a white box to Vi.

Vi took the box and gestured for Cait to come inside.

“What is that?”

“I made you a cake…”

Vi opened the box and saw a beautiful cake with “I’m sorry too. Let’s not be almosts” written on it in gorgeous handwriting. It was signed “Idiot n°2”.

“It’s a ‘sorry’ cake.”

“I can see that.” Vi looked back at Caitlyn and smiled at her as she put the cake on the kitchen counter.

“That’s not the only thing I have for you.” She searched in her tote bag and brought out something red and familiar. “It’s your jacket.”

“Thanks for bringing it back, I missed that thing… I missed you.” The last part was said in a more quiet tone, but the silence in the room made it clear enough for Caitlyn to hear it.

“I think we need to talk about this whole thing… About us.” Caitlyn said, playing with her fingers, clearly nervous.

“I’ll put that in my room and we can talk. You can take off your shoes and your jacket, I won’t be long.”

As soon as she was in the privacy of her room she let out a shaky breath. This talk was not going to be the easiest one, but it would be alright. It was a complicated thing for Vi to talk about her feelings, especially with people she had feelings for. But it was important they had that talk. Vi didn’t want to leave Caitlyn hurt and for her not to understand that she was afraid.

Vi did not realise that while she was thinking about what was going to happen in a few minutes, she began hugging her jacket. It was her favourite jacket and brought comfort to her. As she hugged it closer to give herself some courage to go back into the living room, she buried her face in it.

Vi decided to smell it again, as she didn’t believe what her nose told her. But yes, it smelled of jasmine and flour… It smelled like Caitlyn. Had she been wearing it? Had she found as much comfort in it as Vi? It made her smile to imagine the midnight haired girl hugging her jacket just as she was doing right now. But this vision was tinged with heartache…

Vi reappeared in the living room to find Caitlyn, ridden of her shoes and jacket, standing in the middle of the room, waiting anxiously.

“I think I’m the one who should start this conversation. I was the one who ghosted you and told you mean things. You need a better apology than just a little note with flowers.”

“Even though the flowers were really pretty.” Caitlyn said with a small smile.

“Elora is a witch.”

“Elora is way too good at her job, it’s almost frightening.”

They shared a little laugh, trying to defuse the tension. After a calming breath, Vi decided to explain her side of the story. Caitlyn took Vi’s hand and squeezed it

“I was just scared. I know it seems like a futile reason, it sounds stupid, but it’s as simple as that. My feelings for you scared me. I’ve never loved someone like I love you… I’m still scared to leave you, to hurt you… I was a sad collection of maybes and almost, and maybe I still am in some way. But I want this, I want to give us a try. Maybe oil and water don’t mix, yet I want us to prove that wrong… I’ve never been that good with words. And maybe that’s why I never told anyone how I felt about anything… But I’ll try to be better. You’re worth fighting for.” She paused for a second, trying to calm her nerves. “I always heard you. You know. Shadows in the street, prickles on the back of my neck. Your voice, pushing me, picking me up when all the colors were black. There was always that shade of blue, reminding me of you, everywhere I went. Your image never left me. I’m sorry it took me some time to realise that I was missing you… Turns out I like you a lot more than I originally planned… Love is a curious thing, pouncing on you when you least expect it. I needed more signs than the usual person, but I finally got a clue… Powder gave a little push and stumbling upon the flower shop was the other push that I needed. I would’ve hated myself if I had missed the chance to get to know you.”

Maybe it was not the right words, in the right order, said in the right tone. But it was said with sincerity and she really meant every syllable. Saying you’re sorry as well as trying to explain your feelings for the first time in a very long time… is hard, but very liberating. Still, Caitlyn could feel how genuine this tirade was. Vi had spent the whole time looking at her hand in Caitlyn’s. When she looked back up she seemed equally relieved and scared. Now it was Caityn’s turn to say everything she had in mind. Her heart felt heavy with all the things she meant to say, so she tried to say them all, clearly, without thinking too much. Because Vi deserved to see the raw version of Cait.

"You were not the only one who was afraid of what they felt. It's the first time that I feel this way. I know it's soon. I know I can't really be sure, and can you ever be sure of that? But I think it's the first time I've fallen in love. And to know that the person you love loves you back is exalting, but also very weird and scary and stressful. I'm not perfect and neither are you. I have flaws and troubles. But that does not mean that you'll ever have to doubt my sincerity when I say those words, when I tell you that I love you. I know we will be able to navigate through all of this and find a place where we both feel at ease. I know that because the path will be paved with love and understanding. We're not so different in the end… We're both scared of loving and being loved back… But it feels natural with you. It feels great. " She smiled with teary eyes.

Vi felt the need to joke around, so that Caitlyn would have time to dry her tears. Drown them in a little bit of laughter.

“Cake and flowers… Are we getting married? I mean I know lesbians work fast but it might be a bit much for me.”

It had the effect Vi had hoped. Caitlyn chuckled, her tooth gap barely visible.

“You’re an idiot!” After she took some time to breath and let go of Vi’s hand, she spoke again. “You said you weren’t going to let us be another almost… So will you learn to stay?”

Hopeful eyes looked in Vi’s. It was as if her commitment issues and self depreciation disappeared.

“You’re not gonna get rid of me that easily.” Her signature grin made its way back on her face.

Vi was ready to break down the walls she had built around herself. Caitlyn could almost read that in her eyes. In that moment, she thought she would never tire of looking into the storm they always seemed to hold. Taking advantage of how close they got while joking around, she looked at Vi. She needed to see her in a new light. Because another point of view had been offered to her. She could look without having to hide, without turning her head when her gaze became too insistent and the other girl noticed. Vi noticing Caitlyn staring at her wasn’t dangerous anymore. And Vi looked dashing. She was wearing the same thing as minutes before, when Caitlyn entered the flat. But her face had left the sadness and confusion behind to make way for happy feelings. That made Caitlyn’s smile widden. And Vi smiled even wider. Her teeth were visible, her cheeks all round and a dimple formed on the right side of her mouth. But Caitlyn’s eyes dragged across her nose. She could see the stars in the freckles on her face. How radiant was Vi. How pretty. Almost blinded by the beauty such a small part of Vi held, she decided to look lower… The scar on her mouth gave her smile a certain je ne sais quoi. She lingered there, trying to understand the poems that seemed to be written on her lips.

“Are you gonna kiss me or not?” Vi said, interrupting Caitlyn’s thoughts. “Don’t miss your shot, Cupcake.”

Caitlyn smirked. She took Vi’s chin between her thumb and index and kissed her. After being mesmerized by it, she could finally feel the scar on her own lips. She could read the poems her lips bore. They weren’t a mystery anymore, but they still hinted at something more, something she wanted to explore and discover. Vi tasted divine, and the feel of her mouth on hers was the closest she could get to heaven, she was sure of it. The kiss was not hungry or precipitated. Caitlyn decided that she was allowed to take her time feelling each particle of Vi’s being, stealing every word that could possibly come out of her mouth. She was allowed because she had been waiting for that kiss. And it exceeded her expectations.

“You’re a damn good kisser, Caitlyn Kiramman.” Said Vi with the dreamiest smile Caitlyn had had the chance to see in her life.

“So now that we kissed we’re going back to the first name basis?”

“What? You’re missing the old nickname?”

“I think I grew attached to Cupcake.”

“Then Cupcake it is, Cupcake.” A wink followed the last word.

“Stop being a smartass and kiss me you twat.”

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you since I met you.”

“Too bad you took a detour by being a frightened idiot. ” That was low, but Caitlyn didn’t know how to respond to that new information… Because she had wanted that for as long as she could remember too.

“Don’t remind me how much of an idiot I was.”

And Vi kissed her, cupping her cheeks with her very soft hands. The kiss was as perfect as the first one. Caitlyn thought about that thing they say about popping your foot when the kiss is very good, that stupid fairy tail, romantic comedy rule… But if the scene had to be shown on film, she would’ve been popping her foot.

“I want to fall in love with you and no one else. I think you might just become my new weakness, Cupcake.” Vi smiled against her lips.

“I’d like to become your new strength.”

“You’re right, it fits you way better.” With that said she gave her a quick kiss, she was never going to get tired of kissing her.

“Remind me to thank Powder next time I see her.”

“I will. But I know it will only get to her head. She already thinks that she’s better than me at everything… including knowing my own feelings.”

“Not to choose a side or anything but… she might be right on that one.”

Vi had started making them dinner, insisting that Caitlyn stayed at least until they had dessert. She, of course, hoped that the midnight haired woman would stay the night.

“It’s ready, give me your plate.”

“This curry smells delicious.” Caitlyn said as she handed her plate for Vi to put a generous serving of curry on it.

“Not to brag but it should taste as delicious as it smells.” Vi responded as she gave Cait her plate back and put curry on her own.

Caitlyn discovered that Vi was very talented. The meal was scrumptious. You could feel all the different flavours melting in your mouth. The aromas dancing on your tongue. Vi was surely a great coach at the gym but she would’ve been an excellent chef. Cait was already thinking about the meals they could make for their friends, and it would be perfect, and they could kiss in the kitchen and maybe even… she was getting ahead of herself.

“You’re not talking so I guess it’s a good sign.” Vi startled her.

“Sorry… It’s just way too good. How are you still single?!”

“I don’t cook for all the girls I meet, you’re getting the V.I.P treatment.” She said as she snached Caitlyn’s empty plate to put it in the sink. “And I think I can say that I’m not single anymore…” The end of the sentence was dragged and she expectedly looked in Cait’s direction. A question in her eyes.

“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” Caitlyn teased.

“Yes, I am.”

“I’d love to be your girlfriend, Vi.” She finally answered the question, getting up from her stool and linking her arms around Vi’s shoulder, brushing her nose against the other girl’s.

“Phew, I was afraid you were going to say no.” Vi exhaled.

“How could I? I would never pass on such a good meal.”

“So you’re telling me you want to date me just because I can cook? I think I’m starting to feel offended.”

“Who said I was talking about the food?” Caitlyn answered, looking at her mischievously as she walked towards the white box to cut them each a piece of cake.

Vi swallowed hard. This little rhetorical question had more effect on her than she’d like to admit.

“Here’s your slice, Red Velvet.”

Vi looked incredulously at Caitlyn.

“Did you just try to give me a nickname?”

“It’s not my fault it’s a perfect match! The cake looks like you!”

“It’s the hair?”

“It’s the hair… It’s also one of my favourite flavours.” Caitlyn added biting her bottom lip.

“You have no right giving me a nickname and being all sexy about it!”

“I have the right to give you a sweet nickname, I’m the baker!” She replied, feigning innocence about the sexy remark.

During a long conversation, the two cake slices had been eaten and Caitlyn had been convinced to stay at Vi’s for the night. But this conversation also led to Cait persuading Vi to watch a Christmas movie with her. When the time came to choose a movie, as the two girls were seated on the couch, a blanket wrapped around them, a shocking news made its way to Caitlyn’s ears.

“What do you mean you’ve never seen Home Alone?!”

“I don’t know what to say, I just never saw it.” Vi shrugged.

“I can’t let you live any longer without having seen the best Christmas movie ever. We’re watching it!”

And just like that, Vi was forced to watch this movie. She knew it always aired on TV around Christmas, but she never had the time to watch it. She wasn’t big on Christmas movies like her sister. She enjoyed them, of course, but she preferred using her precious Christmas free time to cook for her family.

It was the first time they watched a movie together. And this led Caitlyn to learn that Vi was a talker. The pink haired girl was commenting on everything. Cait thought it was adorable. And she had to admit that she was also an avid commentator during movie marathons at home. She believed she was this way because of her father. They both shared the same taste in movies and views on the characters. Her mother, on the other hand, was usually the type to stay silent and debrief the whole movie after, a cup of tea in her hands. So, listening to Vi ramble about how the villains were right and the child was annoying made her feel at home.

“This child is absolutely going to kill them before the end of the mov-”

Vi was stopped before she could finish her sentence. Caitlyn’s lips catching her. The kiss was sweet… Red velvet.

“That’s a very nice way of telling me to shut up.” Said Vi.

A knock on the door was heard. Vi moved from the sink where she was doing dishes.

“I’m coming!” She shouted as she dried her hands.

She opened the door to the blue haired girl wrapped in a bright orange coat and carrying two grocery bags.

“How many times am I going to open my door to a pretty girl with treats?”

“As long as you’ll have me. Now get out of the way, it’s freezing outside.” Caitlyn ordered as she pushed past Vi to get inside.

Caitlyn had to go to the store to buy supplies for their cozy Sunday inside. Vi’s cupboards were full of delicious stuff, but nothing Cait could work with. After all, one was a baker and the other more of a cook.

Vi resumed her washing of dishes. Caitlyn watched her closely, waiting for her to put down her last glass.

“Now that you’re done, get out of my way and go relax on the couch.”

“So bossy.”

“I’m sure you love it. Now shoo!”

And she did love the bossy side of Cait. She felt as if she would never find it annoying. It showed how passionate she was about certain things. And today it was making Vi a hot sugary drink. Vi was starting to become a fan of winter.

After spending some time in the kitchen, dirtying half the dishes washed by Vi sooner, wooden spoon banging on the side of a pot, and delicious smells tickling Vi’s nose, the drink was finally ready.

Caitlyn sat on the couch, two mugs in her hands; a yellow one and a purple one. The hot cocoas were both topped with mini marshmallows and a cinnamon stick. She handed the purple one to Vi. As soon as she took her first sip she felt as if she had teleported herself from her couch to a fluffy cloud.

“I made it specifically for you. It’s hot, sweet with just a bit of spice.” She said before hiding her smile behind her mug and taking a sip herself.

This woman was a master of sweetness, both in her hot drink compositions and her words.

They had finished their drinks and talked as a YouTube video played on the TV. Vi asked what Caitlyn’s plans were for the holidays.

“I have nothing planned for Christmas. I mean, my parents have invited me to go with them to the chalet but I still don’t know if I’m up for it. Maybe I’ll stay home in my pajamas and watch all the Christmas movies I can find.”

“I can’t let you spend Christmas alone… Also, very selfish reason as to why I want you to come to my Christmas party: I’ve been missing you for the past month so I would like to spend all my time off of work with you. Can’t do that if you go to the mountains with your parents.”

“Are you sure you want to bring your very recently acquired girlfriend to your Christmas party?”

“Yes, I’m sure. And Powder will be absolutely ecstatic to have someone else to watch Christmas movies with her while I cook with my dad. So, are you in?”

“I’d love to attend.” She rested her chin and her hand, slouching on the couch’s arm. But shot up two seconds later, the information sinking in. “Does this mean I’ll meet your dad on Christmas?!”

"Yup. You'll meet the whole gang! I mean, you already met my sister.”

"Briefly."

"Trust me, briefly feels like a lifetime with her."

"How dare you speak of my favourite sister in law like that?!" Cait said as she punched Vi in the shoulder.

"Outch! She's your only sister in law so…"

"Come on, I know that didn't hurt. And, still, she helped me by helping you understand that you liked me. So I like her!"

Caitlyn smiled the whole way back to her house. As soon as she got home she started making a list of everyone who will be at the party, Vi having filled her in on who was who. And she jotted down multiple gift ideas for each one of them. Cait also began listing all the things she could bake for dinner and for breakfast on Christmas morning. She was really excited about this Christmas party.

Chapter Text

It was two days before Christmas, Caitlyn was at Vi’s, reading after a long day at her job. Vi had offered to cook for her tonight since she was on a break while the other woman was drowning in work.

As Vi was cutting and peeling vegetables for the meal she had planned, she decided it was a nice time to annoy her girlfriend. She threw a peel at her. It fell on the ground next to her. The midnight haired girl lifted her eyes from what she was reading to look at what was on the floor. 

“I hope you’re gonna come pick up your failed throw.”

“Thought you wouldn’t even dignify me with a response.”

“Almost didn’t.” She said, going back to reading.

Vi chose to let some time pass before trying her luck again. That’s only when she put the dish in the oven that she tried to throw another thing lying on the counter, this time it was a sugar cube.

Without even tearing her eyes from her fantasy book, Caitlyn caught the cube in mid air.

“You interrupt my reading once more, and this book will become a lethal weapon.” Was all she said, still not looking at Vi, placing the sugar cube on the coffee table.

Vi tried to hide the blush invading her cheeks, but that was really hot. 

They were now lying on Vi’s bed, talking about Cait’s book and Vi’s childhood.

“Mel came to the shop today. We talked a bit before I had to go back to decorating my third wedding cake of the day. I still can’t believe you didn’t recognize her.”

“I was stunned and was very sad that day, okay? But did you ask her why she didn’t recognize me?”

“I did. And she’s better than you at excuses. She said that she only saw you once from afar at a party and you were wearing makeup, so how could she have recognized you?”

“You never showed her pictures of me? Like, ‘this is my crush, look at her Instagram’.”

“No… I tend to keep my lesbian feelings to myself.” She said with a proud face. “And if I have to tell someone I tell Jayce.” She added after Vi looked at her, not the tiny bit convinced.

“Also how did you want me to connect the dots? When I saw her at the party she looked straight to me. I didn’t know she had a girlfriend, let alone a WIFE!”

“Your gaydar is really broken, Miss Violet.”

“How was I supposed to know?!”

“You useless lesbian, she was dressed as WONDER WOMAN!” Caitlyn shouted.

They both laughed way too loud at this until a knock could be heard through the wall. They also heard a distant shout about being quieter because “some people were trying to sleep”. Apparently they were too happy to Vi’s neighbour’s liking.

“I know where we will NOT be having sex.” Vi said before they both started laughing again.

Caitlyn parked her car in front of Vi’s childhood home. She took a moment to calm her nerves before stepping out of the car and taking her bags from the trunk. She was meeting her girlfriend’s new family and it was making her more anxious than anything she had ever done. And she had gone through multiple competitions and award shows in front of thousands of people in her life.

She heard the front door open and her favourite person appeared on the porch, wearing sweatpants, a sports bra, a loose sweater and crocs.

“Hey! Let me help you with that.”

“Hey… Can I get a kiss before you try to pry my heavy luggage from my hands?”

“Of course, Cupcake.”

When Caitlyn entered the house after Vi, she saw multiple boxes filled to the brim with Christmas decorations on the coffee table and Vander with his back turned to them. He was washing the dishes in the kitchen.

“Dad, Caitlyn’s here!”

The man dropped the pan he was cleaning, dried his hands and put the towel on his shoulder before he came to meet Caitlyn. 

“Hello, sir. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hi, nice to meet you too, Caitlyn.”

“Thanks for having me.”

“My pleasure! As I always say, the more the merrier.” 

Vander’s smile felt like a warm cup of cocoa. He had a comforting aura about him, and Caitlyn was sure the man gave wonderful hugs.

“Did I hear correctly?! My sister in law is here!” 

They heard someone running upstairs.

“The tornado is coming back to the living room, so I will go hide in the kitchen. If she asks, I’m busy with the dishes SHE HASN’T DONE!” Vander said before returning to the kitchen.

Then a pair of blue braids and an enthusiastic smile appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

“Hi, Powder.” Caitlyn waved politely.

Powder ran towards her and captured her into a hug.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. I mean we already met, but it’s nice that you’re not working this time.”

Vi was rolling her eyes, arms crossed over her chest, leaning on the wall.

“I need to go help dad with something, so please be an angel and help Cait with her suitcase and bags.”

“Can you put these in the kitchen?” Caitlyn asked with a smile, handing a few bags to Vi.

“If she’s being too weird just shout and I’ll be here in no time.” Whispered Vi when she was close to Cait. She took the bags and left her with Powder.

Powder first explained to Caitlyn that she needed to leave all the presents she had in her possession in the closet under the stairs. It was tradition that Vander was the one in charge of placing them under the tree. So Caitlyn’s neatly wrapped gifts joined the other less neatly wrapped gifts in the closet. After that she was asked to leave her suitcase in the hallway so that Vi could be “a perfect buff girlfriend” and get it for her later. Then she was led into different rooms, Powder guiding her through a tour of the house.The younger girl seemed eager to show everything to Caitlyn. As she brought her upstairs she started telling Caitlyn about all the projects she was working on for art school. One of them involved a lot of fake blood and many headless mannequins. And when she opened the door to her room, all the mannequins were here, staring at her, well, not staring since they didn’t have a face. As Cait was about to ask questions about the project, someone interrupted their discussion.

“Leave my girlfriend alone, you’re scaring her.” Said Vi, carrying Cait’s suitcase.

“I am not!”

“She is not.”

“See?! You just want to have some alone time so you can tongue kiss her. Smooch away!” Powder said, leaving both of them rolling their eyes and laughing.

“I don’t know if I’ll get used to your sister saying that you want to tongue kiss me, because I’ll have you know that she already said it while showing me the house. In case I wanted to ‘tongue kiss you’ in the bathroom, the closet or the shed in the back garden. Please ask her to stop.”

“This little shit harassing my girlfriend.” Vi’s fake frown turned into a genuine smile. “I have called you ‘my girlfriend’ multiple times already but it still feels so weird and new and… amazing. I’ll never get tired of saying it.”

“And I’ll never get tired of hearing it.” Cait replied, getting closer to Vi so she could kiss her.

“I WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE TONGUE KISSING!”

“I’m gonna kill her.” Whispered Vi against Cait’s lips.

She left Caitlyn and her suitcase in the middle of the hallway and went to look for her gremlin of a sister. She chased her around the house for a few minutes. When she found her she tucked the girl under her armpit and ruffled her hair asking her to stop being a menace.

After this little interruption she took Caitlyn to the room they were going to sleep in. Vi’s childhood room.

It looked like it had gone through so much. But not in a bad way. It was as if she could see a younger Vi sneaking off through the window, and an even younger Vi throwing a ball through the small hoop attached to the wall.

“It’s not a five star hotel but it’s clean and full of pictures you’re gonna love looking at.”

“It’s homey, I love it.” Cait answered, dropping her handbag on the bed.

Caitlyn looked around. Plushies were placed in a row on the bookcase and there was a mirror with a few pictures stuck to it. One of the curtains had had to be patched up for an unknown reason and was now customized with a patch from a rock band Caitlyn knew nothing about. She got up and decided to investigate the wall next to the closet. She discovered a drawing, not on a piece of paper but directly drawn on the wall.

“Courtesy of the artist of the family.”

“Is this supposed to be you?” Caitlyn asked, pointing at what looked like a slug with pink hair.

“She was still young and I told her that I was a slug monster.”

“So you’re only telling me now that you’re a slug monster? What else are you hiding, Violet?”

Vi laughed and pushed Caitlyn’s suitcase to a corner of the room.

“You’re making me wish I had siblings who could destroy my room with crayons and paint.”

“Yeah, I don’t come here often but it’s still my room, you know. I don’t want to change anything to make it look more grown up. Or erase Powder’s artworks. It’s full of memories I love. I like reminiscing when I come back here. Sleeping under the fluorescent stars is very therapeutic.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to experience that then.”

“It’s also Powder’s idea. Helped me more than she knew when I returned from prison.”

“It must’ve been hard to find sleep after that, in a house that you weren’t familiar with and living with someone you didn’t know.”

“It was. But it didn’t last long. Vander helped a lot. It’s not hard to trust him, he’s one of the kindest persons I’ve ever had the chance to meet… That’s why I know you’re gonna like each other. You’re both kind.” Vi smiled almost shyly. 

“I’m glad your paths crossed. You seem to love him very much. Looks like he helped you a lot.”

“He was the best, getting me into sports, helping me and Powder get through school. And the guy gives hugs that erase all your worries, I had time to know that. He held me through the nights when I couldn’t sleep, until sleep finally came. I'm pretty sure he’s made of magic.”

It was heartwarming to see Vi grin like she did when talking about her dad. It felt as if Vi became a child again, talking about her memories with the brawny man. Caitlyn felt so happy that someone found her and took care of her. Without Vander she wouldn’t have had the chance to meet her girlfriend. 

As they made their way back to the kitchen they were welcomed by Vander, Caitlyn’s bags opened in front of him. All the bags contained different baked goods she had made.

“Vi, I think your girlfriend is crazy and thinks we eat more than we do.”

“What I hear is ‘she’s a keeper’.” Responded Vi to Vander’s comment.

“I’m just glad to be included in your family celebrations this year. The only way I could really express this was through a cake.” A shy smile crossed her lips. 

“And it’s absolutely magnificent! The details on that cake are astounding. You’re talented, kid. I’m sure it’s even more delicious than it looks!”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Stop calling me ‘sir’. It’s Vander for you, Cait.”

Caitlyn felt pride overwhelming her. She had spent all yesterday making and decorating the different cakes. She wanted everything to be perfect for the family she was joining. And to know that Vander was proud of her for making that effort almost brought a tear to her eye. Caitlyn felt happy. How could you not be when you were surrounded by love and joy? She felt home.

Vi went back to cooking with Vander. And Caitlyn was taken hostage by Powder to decorate the living room. The tree was the first thing to get a makeover. It wasn’t ‘perfect’ as Powder had stated and needed to be redecorated. Caitlyn was asked to deal with the lights while Vi’s sister was in charge of the stars and baubles. Once the redecorating of the tree was done, not without long discussions about some Christmas’ decorations placement between the two, they took on the rest of the living room. Since Caitlyn’s work with the lights on the tree was deemed good enough, and because she was "as tall as the fucking tree", Powder had asked her to keep at it and hang the different string light on the walls. As Cait did that, Powder cleaned the mess they made with the tree and started decorating the rest of the space. She placed a snowglobe with a duck inside it on one of the shelves before moving to the fireplace and fixing socks to the mantel.

“Just by looking you wouldn’t guess that snowglobe is Vi’s trinket.”

“Wouldn’t have guessed that for sure.”

“We have this thing where we hide different trinkets about each other in the Christmas decorations. I’m always in charge of Vi’s.”

“That’s a really nice tradition… But now I have to know about the story behind the snowglobe.” Caitlyn whispered as she got closer to Powder.

“I bought it last week in a charity shop. It was just what I was looking for, the perfect Christmas trinket.” Powder looked at Cait, she seemed enthralled by her story. “The story is; when Vi was like 16 or something, she went to school one day and came back bruised, scratched and with a duck in her arms.”

“Oh my God, what happened?”

“She had stumbled upon the wounded duck on her way to school but didn’t have time to pick it up. She also had been late to class a lot lately and didn’t want to upset Vander by ending in detention. So she promised to herself that if the duck was still there when she came back from school, she would rescue it, bring it to a shelter or something. And, as you might’ve guessed, when she was on her way home from school, the duck was still there!”

“Poor baby duck, I’m glad Vi could save it.”

“Oh, but it gets better, I haven’t explained the scratches and bruises yet.”

“Please go on, I’m on the edge of my seat.” As she said that, Caitlyn sat on the coffee table.

“The duck wasn’t alone. Cats from the neighbourhood had gathered around the poor thing and were trying to attack it. The duck was trying to defend itself, but you can’t win a fight against ten assailants who are way bigger than you. So Vi stepped in to save the duck, she got scratched by the cats and bruised her knees and arms as she fell and tried to catch the frightened duck. She didn’t know where to find a shelter and felt her injuries beginning to sting so she came home instead. The duck wrapped in her dirty jacket.”

“That’s so cute!” Caitlyn almost squealed.

They got back to decorating, promising to share more stories as soon as the living room would look perfect.

Powder started setting the table, meticulously arranging the silverware, champagne flutes and pretty plates. Vi appeared in the living room, wearing a stained apron.

“Come here so I can kiss your face!” Said Caitlyn.

“Why?”

“For no particular reason… Do I need a reason to want to kiss my cute girlfriend?”, she answered while putting her arms on Vi’s shoulders and gave her a small kiss on the lips. 

“I’m sure it’s the apron.”

If Caitlyn was honest; the apron was part of it, but it was mostly because of the duck story.

After Vi and Vander were finished with the turkey and casserole, they decided it was time for a break. The whole family had to decide on a movie to watch. The final choice was made by Vander– but really it was Powder’s choice– and they started watching The Grinch .

As usual, Vi talked during the movie. Siding with the Grinch on most subjects but also simping for Martha May every time she was on screen.

“I just think that if I was the Grinch… but I am not because Christmas is nice and everyone deserves presents. Anyways if I was–”

Caitlyn stopped Vi’s rambling with a quick kiss. Smiling at the stupid look on her girlfriend’s face. She would never tire of the pure bliss she saw in Vi’s eyes after their lips touched. Vi came back to reality pretty fast though.

“I already told you it’s a great way to tell me to shut up… Doesn’t mean it’s gonna work though.” She winked at Cait. “So, before being rudely interrupted, I was saying. If I was the Grinch, I would totally try to dye my body, like my hair, a colour that doesn’t scream Christmas. Because that green makes him look like a tree. It doesn’t serve his cause, dying everything like a dark black with pink stripes would be a statement against everything Christmas.”

Powder had whisked Caitlyn away right after the movie so they could get ready together. It was fun for Caitlyn to have a taste of what having a sister was like. Even though she was sure her girlfriend’s little sister stole the gloss in her makeup bag. 

As she put the final touches on her makeup she heard the doorbell. She could make out many voices. The stress she had been avoiding all day started to show. It was time to meet Vi’s extended family. 

She walked down the stairs and saw that everyone was gathered in the living room. Her eyes darted in Vi’s direction. She looked absolutely magnificent. She was wearing brown pants– which Cait was sure made her butt look great– and a cream colored shirt. The shirt was underneath a brown chequered vest. Seeing her girlfriend calmed her nerves.

Vi didn’t lose a second of Caitlyn walking down the stairs. How could she get even more gorgeous every time she saw her. The long black skirt she was wearing made her legs look endless, the black heels helping too. She had tucked a white shirt in her skirt and buttoned the perfect amount of buttons– even if Vi would’ve loved for at least one less button to be attached. Her winged eyeliner and red lips made her look like a movie star from the 50s. Absolutely beautiful. 

Everyone welcomed the newcomer. She smiled and shook hands with everyone, a little tense but still a natural thanks to the galas her family organised year round. She made her way through the hellos and sat next to Vi on the couch.

“You look splendid,” Caitlyn said.

“And you look absolutely ravishing,” Vi answered, her smile brighter than the Christmas lights.

They were apparently waiting for Powder to make an appearance to start celebrating. 

“I especially love this pearl necklace, Cupcake.” Vi took advantage of the moment to touch Caitlyn’s neck. That’s when she discovered matching earrings.

“Thanks, the set is an early gift from my mother. She said it was so I could look really pretty for my girlfriend on Christmas.” 

“You don’t need that to look pretty but I would be a liar if I said I didn't find it extremely sexy on you.” 

Red could be seen on Caitlyn’s cheeks, but if someone asked she would blame it on the heat coming from the fireplace. Vi’s fingers left her neck as she grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and put it on her lap. The action was small but it made Caitlyn’s heart melt. It was as if Vi created this little bubble of protection around them where worries didn’t exist and everything was perfect. Not that Caitlyn would need protection from Vi’s family. They all seemed very similar. Benzo was almost a clone of Vander, his loud laugh filling the room every opportunity he got. Vander, was sitting next to him, looking goofy with his green Christmas jumper with a reindeer on it. She turned to the other guys as they asked if someone knew how much longer Powder was going to take getting ready. To which Vi answered by a shrug. They were all wearing jeans or black pants and a white shirt. But all of them had a little thing that made their outfit unique, that made their personality show. Claggor was wearing a red bowtie while his brother, Mylo, wore a yellow untied tie. When Caitlyn's eyes went back to Claggor she saw him looking back at her. He smiled, pointed to his brother's tie and shook his head. So he was the well mannered and soft best friend Vi told her about. The last guy had white dreadlocks on his head and a black turtleneck under his shirt. He looked extremely cool and stylish. So, Caitlyn deduced that he was certainly the one Powder had told her about; Ekko. 

“I’m here! I’m here! You shouldn’t have waited.” Shouted Powder from the top of the stairs.

Caitlyn kept her eyes on Ekko as the young sister entered the room. It was very obvious to her that this little crush was mutual. It was as if he could only see Powder. 

The artist of the family wore the brightest pink dungaree dress Caitlyn had ever seen. A black turtleneck and blue and pink striped tights accompanied the outfit. Apparently her trusty pink Dr Martens were not going to leave her for Christmas. And Caitlyn was happy to see the result of the intricate makeup look she saw her doing in the bathroom paired with the outfit. She also noticed that the missing lipgloss had, indeed, found its way to Powder.

“You look so cool, Powder!” She exclaimed.

“Thank you, sis. But now is not the time for compliments, let’s drink!” 

And just like that she disappeared again, this time in the kitchen. Vander followed her to help with the trays of champagne flutes.

When everyone got their drinks, Caitlyn decided to make a toast. 

“I wanted to thank you all for welcoming me here tonight, I’m sure I’m going to have a wonderful Christmas.”

“Well, you’re part of the family now.” Vander said, raising his glass towards her.

Vi looked at her tall girlfriend sitting back down, her hair swaying, reflecting the lights, resembling satin. She got closer to Caitlyn’s ear.

“Are you trying to kill me?” She whispered.

“I knew you’d be the type to like those.” Caitlyn answered with a wink.

Vi had only noticed the stockings with the line running down the back of her girlfriend’s legs during her toast. And she was, indeed, the type to like those.

It was comforting to see this family laughing together, telling stories about the past, in a house they spent all day decorating and preparing for each other; adding a little trinket here and there that was only meant for one person to notice. 

Everyone got up to go about their business before dinner was served. 

Ekko was in charge of the music, he connected his phone to the speakers and put on the Christmas playlist he had prepared the night before. Vi had told Cait that Ekko was the chosen one for this role because he always made the best playlists, no matter the occasion. The white haired boy pressed play. As the first notes of the song hit Caitlyn’s ears, she recognised it. It was her favourite Christmas song. She felt immediately merry and at home. No one noticed… or so she thought. In the kitchen, Vi tore her eyes from the first course she was preparing to look at her girlfriend. She notices it right away. A bright smile formed on the lips of the midnight haired beauty as the speakers played the famous melody. Who could resist the joy of hearing Nat King Cole sing? 

Claggor approached Caitlyn with a cocktail in hand.

“Can I offer you a drink?”

“I’d love that. Vi told me you were the bartender for tonight. She even praised your skills.”

“That’s very sweet of her.” He said as he handed the purple drink to Caitlyn.

“It smells delicious.”

“It’s violet flavoured.” He answered with a smile.

“Funny I see.” Cait said before clinking her glass to Claggor’s and taking a sip. “Okay, I can’t feel the alcohol in this, you’re a genius and I… am going to be drunk very soon if you keep handing me these.”That made Claggor laugh. 

Being a sweetheart who was good at making drinks came with hours of working next to Vander at The Last Drop. He had planned to take over the establishment once Vander would retire. Caitlyn was sure the regulars would still come and that many new customers would discover the bar and tell their friends. Claggor was absolutely going to be successful and loved by all. He already was, and Cait could see it by how everyone was very loving and caring with him. No one dared say anything bad about him because the whole family would murder you if you did. But no one could say anything in any case as Claggor had never done anything bad in his entire life. He was just that good.

It made Caitlyn think that her mother would absolutely be enchanted to talk with Claggor and Benzo. She was sure Cassandra would try to get them to come taste all the teas she kept for special occasions at the mansion. Benzo would ask questions about the paintings and other trinkets in the hallways and Cassandra would answer all of them, feeling glad that someone is interested in her taste for decorations and Impressionism.

As her eyes were drawn to pink hair moving in the kitchen, she thought about what was in the closet under the stairs. Her dad had given her a gift for Vi. This man apparently became Vi’s number one fan. Caitlyn’s interest was piqued and she really wanted to know what was inside that small box… But she’ll have to wait to find out. Her dad would’ve loved being here. Talking with Vi about recipes in the kitchen, laughing, sharing a bottle– or three– of wine with Vander. That would’ve been a weird but very cute display.

It was nice to finally have someone to envision all of this with. Caitlyn had never imagined while dating other girls, or even in her daydreams, that she would want her family to meet her girlfriend’s family. She would’ve never thought that something like that might be possible. But now, she wanted that more than anything. She knew everything would go perfectly. Maybe not according to plan. Maybe her mother would be the one sharing wine with Vander and Tobias would be recruited by Powder to prank Vi. But it would all be fun and games, laughing and sharing a beautiful moment, it would be perfect.

Then came time for dinner. Everyone sat around the gigantic table, decorated by Powder and Caitlyn earlier. They all complimented their work and dug into the first course. Caitlyn couldn’t help but look at Vi. She was the prettiest girl she had ever seen. And the charm surrounding her didn’t disappear even when she ate like a savage.

“You remind me of my dobermans when they were puppies. They would eat like no one had fed them for years every time we brought them food.” She said, not able to keep that thought in her head.

Sharing this brought the annoying sibling out of everyone around the table. Powder started making fun of Vi for being compared to a puppy. Ekko joined in and almost choked on his food. Powder even barked at Vi while Caitlyn barked with laughter. When everyone calmed down Vander decided to serve the next part of the meal. Caitlyn was already almost full but everything looked appetizing. She stole glances at Vi during the whole meal. And Vi did the same. They were totally in love with each other and it was not discreet. Everyone could see the sparkle in their eyes everytime their gaze would meet, before they looked away shyly. Escaping their cheesy thoughts to come back to the discussion the rest of the gathering was having. Vi even rested her hand on Caitlyn’s thigh for the most part of the meal. The blush on Caitlyn’s cheeks spreading, alcohol not being the only cause. Claggor did not participate in the bullying of the pink haired sibling nor in the hundred debates happening around him. But he listened happily to everyone, laughed and nodded with a smile dancing on his lips.

As they all talked about their favourite part of the meal and enjoyed the cake Caitlyn made for dessert, they heard Vander clap twice to get their attention. Benzo and him were standing in front of the tree, ready to make the announcement.

“Everyone gets out of the house. Out the door, kiddos! It’s time for Santa Claus to go down the chimney and put the gifts under the tree.” Said Benzo.

Vander opened the door.

“Out! Out! Out!” Vander yelled as everyone got moving.

Caitlyn didn’t have time to put on a coat before getting outside, she felt a chill running down her whole body.

“It’s freezing!” 

Vi perked up at this. She ran to her girlfriend to stop her from turning into an ice cube. She wrapped her arms around her and decided to rub her arms so she could warm her up.

“Oh! So she gets to be warmed up by a cute hug but when it was me freezing my ass off last year I received tickles? Unfair.” Powder screamed from the other side of the porch.

“You didn’t deserve the warm hug, that’s all.” Responded Vi, shrugging innocently before going back to protecting Cait from the cold.

“But you, on the other hand, deserved a face full of snow. Too bad there isn’t any available right now, I was ready for a remake.” Said Powder with a challenging look in her eyes.

“Oh, it’s on, little shit.” Vi said. She looked at her sister with a mischievous grin, which was reciprocated by Powder. They approached each other and shook hands.

“This is going to be a long night.” Cait said the moment Vander opened the door.

The two sisters almost fought to get inside first. After the commotion, Vander gestured for Cait to enter, rolling his eyes. Once she was inside he got closer to Caitlyn and talked to her discreetly.

 “Well, this is what you signed for. Welcome and good luck, kid.”

Caitlyn smiled to herself. Knowing she was welcomed by all warmed her soul. She sat next to Vi, still thinking about Vander’s simple– but so important– words. She looked at everyone sitting down on the couch and armchairs. Then, her eyes traveled back to Vi’s dad and she let out a small laugh.

“What are you laughing about, Kiramman?”

“I’m kinda disappointed not to see your dad wearing a Santa outfit.”

“What the fuck, Cait?” Vi exclaimed, clearly not prepared to receive this sentence as an answer to her question.

“What?! I think it would suit him! He is big and jolly.”

Both girls started laughing.

“I think you might be right.” Said Vi, wiping a tear.

“I’m always right.”

They glanced at each other, a wide smile still on their face from laughing. But their eyes told a different story. The passion and love could only be read by them. It was only a second, the tiniest communication of feelings ever, but they told each other a million things with just a glance. Caitlyn knew she was never going to get tired of these short private moments they got to share.

“Time to tear up some wrapping paper!”

Caitlyn was shocked. She thought maybe they would be opening the gifts in the morning and just leave them under the tree for the night, get everyone hyped up, wondering what they got, excited to get up early in the morning to find out. But she was wrong, they were opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. This was totally appalling. 

Vi’s hand finding hers instead of searching for her gifts brought her out of her initial shock.The pink haired girl squeezed once before she let go and got up to point her sister toward a box with her name on it. The box was neatly wrapped, Caitlyn smiled knowing it was her gift.

Powder set the box down on her lap and started unwrapping it. Inside she found various paint spray cans, almost all the colours you could imagine, and an envelope. She opened it and shrieked.

“Oh my God! Caitlyn! You did not!” She immediately got up to hug the tall girl.

“I’m glad you like it.” Caitlyn said, nearly suffocating from Powder’s embrace. “I didn’t know if you would like this artist.”

“Are you kidding?! I love her! I’ve been dying to see her art in person but her art shows are so exclusive it’s impossible to get your hands on them. How did you get them? Are you some sort of genie or something?”

“Nope, just a regular gal. I know some people.”

“Well, thank you, regular gal. And you’ll have to thank those people. I can’t believe I get to meet my favourite artist because my sister finally got a brain and found a cool girlfriend?”

“Are you calling me stupid?”

“That wouldn’t be the first time.”

“I’m gonna kill you.”

They started chasing each other around the living room, throwing the smallest things they could find on the coffee table to slow the other down. Vi got the upper hand and tickled her sister until she pleaded for forgiveness and to let her breathe. 

This sister fight didn’t bother anyone, they were all still opening their gifts, probably very used to their behaviour. But it gave Caitlyn an idea.

The tall woman approached her shorter girlfriend and started tickling her. Since their talk on the porch she wondered if Vi was ticklish. Now was the perfect time to find out and avenge Powder at the same time. Turned out, Vi was ticklish. The fighter almost broke Cait’s nose struggling to get out of what seemed like her personal hell. Everyone was laughing as Caitlyn freed Vi from her giggling misery.

“Promise me you’re never gonna do that again.” She said, breathless.

“I wouldn’t risk a broken nose except for a dire situation, promise.” Caitlyn answered, linking her pinky to Vi’s.

“Your turn for the gifts, Vi!” Shouted Powder, grabbing multiple boxes meant for her muscular sister.

Vi recognised Cait’s handwriting on the presents. 

“You got me too many gifts…”

“I didn’t. It’s the perfect amount of gifts. I would’ve bought you many more gifts if I had had more time.”

“But I only got you one thing.” Vi said, pouting.

“Shut your mouth and open your well deserved gifts!”

“Okay, okay.” Vi said, raising her hands in defeat.

Vi started unwrapping the first box. She instantly beamed, recognising the brand. 

“How did you know about this?”

“I knew you wanted truffle oil, so I asked Jayce if he knew a nice brand and he said this one.”

“You have to thank that tall idiot for me. This is the best one out there.” She smiled at Cait. “I’m gonna make so many delicious meals for you with that oil, you’re so not ready.”

Caitlyn didn’t notice the second box being opened as she was too mesmerized by Vi. How her eyes lit up, how her smile grew bigger and bigger. She was still getting used to knowing that who Vi was belonged to her in some way. It was not possession, it was something sweeter. Vi had said she didn’t get Cait a lot of gifts but all of these moments and gestures were gifts. Everything that Vi was and would be was gifted to her every time. 

“You’re kidding me!” Exclaimed Vi.

That made Caitlyn come back down to Earth just in time to see Vi, sharpening stone on her lap, unfold the leather storage bag.

“You must be kidding me! And you even bought the knives! I thought it was just the bag to put my old knives in. Oh my God! You’re amazing!” She got up to kiss Cait as some sort of an ecstatic thank you. Both of them smiled into the quick kiss.

“I even made them embroider your name on it.” Caitlyn added, pointing to the front of the bag.

“Oh my God! You’re an amazing girlfriend, I can’t compete.”

“You’re such a dweeb.” Said Powder, examining the knives.

“My girlfriend gets me expensive chef knives with everything wonderful that goes with it and you’re saying I don’t have the right to fangirl? Do I have to remind you how you reacted to your gift?”

“That’s true… She is amazing with gifts…” 

Then Powder smiled, took one of the knives from the bag and ran towards the kitchen with it. Vi tried to catch her before she would run away, stab someone or injure herself, but the short gremlin was quick.

“Let me see what you have?” They heard Vander say from the kitchen.

“A knife!” Was Powder’s only response as they heard her continue to run to God knew where.

“No!”

And the chase started. Powder only wanting to cause a little chaos, Vander trying to keep everyone alive, Vi struggling to get her gift back and Caitlyn enjoying herself a little too much in the middle of this anarchy. She liked the mess, the constant banter, the laughs and shouts. She could use more moments like those. Vander’s words about having signed for this came back to her. And she would say she signed willingly, every second of this chaos exceeding her expectations.

The opening of the gifts was back in session as soon as Powder was caught and the knife back in its bag. 

Caitlyn was next. She opened a small box wrapped in newspaper. Which meant it came from the little sister. Inside of the box she found a mug with a little piece of paper in it. “ Someone told me you were a tea monster ”. That made Cait smirk. She got the mug out of the box and discovered it had been personalised and decorated by Powder. It almost made her tear up, imagining Powder putting all of her efforts on making something special for her. She read what was written on the front of the mug: “ Every body on Mount Everest was once a determined individual so … maybe calm down ”. Next to the text Powder had drawn one of the corpses used as a beacon on Mount Everest, the famous green boots would draw anyone’s eye to the mug.

“Vi told me you were kinda overworked lately with all the Christmas weddings and everything. Also you apparently spent last night baking for us which is very sweet but also please get your eight hours of sleep.” Explained Powder. 

“That’s so sweet. I’ll bring it to work.”

“I just said you needed more time for yourself and you’re already planning to bring this to work. At least no one can steal it from you because it has your name on it.” Powder winked at her and gestured to Caitlyn to turn the mug around.

She did so and found out that the underside of the mug had a cupcake on it made of letters forming the name Caitlyn .

“This is incredible and kinda funny, thanks Powder.” She went and hugged Powder. An entire afternoon with her and she already considered the girl as a little sister.

Vi made her way to the tree to recover a small gift with her name on it that she didn’t notice at first. As she got busy unwrapping it, her dad took Caitlyn aside.

“Hey, kid. I wanted to talk to you. Actually, I wanted to thank you. For the gifts, but also for bringing even more joy to tonight. Usually Vi’s a little sad during the Christmas season, she always feels lonely, even after all these years. But tonight, she just looks happy.”

“I’m glad I can bring her that peace, sir.” 

The man smiled at that and shook his head. This girl would never learn not to call him ‘sir’.

“I never saw my girl more in love with someone than she is with you. And I have to say, she chose the right person to fall for.” He added, tears in his eyes. “That is why I wanted to give you this.” He said, pulling a tiny box out of his pocket.

Caitlyn opened it to find a beautiful necklace inside it.

“This is too pretty, I can’t accept this gift!”

“Yes you can, keep it. With the way Vi talks about you I just knew I had to give this to you. It belonged to my mother, and now it belongs to you.” He said, closing Cait’s hands around the box. “Let’s say it’s our little secret. Now go celebrate with your girlfriend. ”

Caitlyn grinned, touched to receive a family heirloom. 

“I have a feeling she’ll stick around for a while.” Whispered Vander to Benzo who just arrived with a knowing look and two cups of coffee.

Vi had put her gift back with the others, deciding not to show Caitlyn what she had received. But she had a hard time trying to stop her eyes from welling up to go back to the couch. Because the gift she had received was the softest thing ever. The box contained two keys and a note. It read : 

“In this box you have found two keys. One of them opens the door to the bakery, so you can come as you please, but you have to promise not to eat all the cupcakes. I can’t go bankrupt and you’d probably die of a sugar overdose. The second one, you’ll recognise it by the Kiramman coat of arms keychain, opens the door to our home. Just know that you are always welcome to visit our daughter, to enjoy the pool or even just to have a lovely chat with Cait’s old man. There is a key I did not include in the box, and it is because you already have it in your possession. I’m sure you’ll take good care of the key to my daughter’s heart and never lose it. You’re a great girl, Violet. 

Merry Christmas, 

Tobias.”

Now Vi knew from whom Caitlyn got her gift for wonderful presents and sweet words.

“You’re escaping to admire your gifts, but where is mine?” Caitlyn asked her when she returned to the couch.

“It’s the package under the tree, next to the thing that clearly is a book.”

“Can’t wait to open it!”

Caitlyn practically ran to her gift and came back to sit next to Vi. She was looking like a little girl, excited to see what Santa got her.

Two fuzzy sweaters were revealed. Caitlyn looked at the first one. The design knitted on it was a red velvet cake with white filling.

“I’m going to take this one back because it’s for me.” Interrupted Vi as she snatched the sweater from Caitlyn’s hands.

So Cait looked at the one she was left with. Of course Vi had gotten her a sweater with a cupcake on it.

“You made those?”

“It’s cute that you think I can knit, but no. I asked a friend of mine to make those for me. Sevika is really talented with a needle.”

Caitlyn thought her cheeks would hurt in the morning from all the smiling and laughing she had done today. Her girlfriend got them matching sweaters based on their nicknames and nothing could’ve pleased her more. Some would say it was cringy to wear that or that this was too cheesy for a first Christmas spent together. But Caitlyn loved cheese and ‘cringe’ had never been in her vocabulary.

Claggor, being known for having a sweet tooth, decided to have a gingerbread house competition. Three teams of two were formed; Claggor and Mylo, Ekko and Powder, and Vi and Caitlyn.

This end of the night activity was very messy but Caitlyn couldn’t recall having that much fun on Christmas Eve. On the other hand, it reminded her of the countless baking lessons provided by her dad. She felt a tinge of nostalgia. 

Claggor and Mylo ate half of their house before it was over so the whole thing looked like it was in ruins by the end of the competition. They went with it and named their house ‘ the abandoned shed ’. Powder and Ekko did an amazing job. Their house could withstand anything thrown its way– literally, Mylo tried to throw stuff at it in an attempt to destroy it. The decoration of the ‘ Christmas extravaganza’ was over the top and very colourful. But, in a weird way, it worked and turned out it looked way more festive than Caitlyn had imagined. The girls’ team, however, had to face some problems. Vi didn’t want Caitlyn to do everything, so she decided to handle the building of the house since she was pretty bad with decorations. Which meant Cait had been really good at decorating the wreck that Vi had built. At first they didn’t want to name their creation but then Cait had an idea and wrote ‘ the mutation must survive’ on the paper next to their house, winking at Vi. 

As Benzo, Claggor and Mylo left for the night, Vi and Caitlyn found themselves alone in the kitchen. Caitlyn hugged Vi from behind, nuzzling against the other girl’s neck.

“Mmh. You smell like frosting.”

“See, you’re rubbing off on me, now I smell like a bakery too.” Vi said, turning around to face her girlfriend.

“Oh, so that’s why you spend your time hidden in my hair when we hug. You’re like a kitten.”

“First, the puppy, now I’m a kitten. What’s next?”

“A silly goose?” Cait said, shrugging.

“You’re lucky you’re hot, Cupcake.”

They helped Vander tidy the living room and kitchen before going up to Vi’s room.

“Did you have a good time?” Vi asked.

“Of course I did.”

“You don’t think my family is too crazy for you?”

“Oh, no! Thank you for making the holiday season a little crazier. I had a lot of fun. Did you enjoy tonight?”

“I looooved tonight. You looked so cute smiling and laughing all evening, and did I mention you’re really hot in that outfit?” Vi said, looking Caitlyn up and down.

“A few times, yeah.” Caitlyn said, biting her bottom lip. “Now come closer so I can kiss you, Cherry Pie.”

Vi rolled her eyes and walked towards her girlfriend. She almost wrapped her hands around her so Caitlyn could give her a quick peck. But she stopped a few steps away from her.

“I thought you were done with your experiments in terms of nicknames.”

“I don’t know, I like this one too.”

“I don’t have the strength to ask Sevika for a new sweater.”

“It’s okay, Red Velvet. I think I know what your favourite nickname is…” Cait got closer.

“Oh yeah?” Vi said, challenging Caitlyn with her eyes, taking a step too.

“Of course. It’s…” 

She was building up the tension, closing the distance between them.

“ Darling ?” She whispered, her lips touching Vi’s as she spoke with her delicious accent. 

Vi kissed her, hungrily this time, answering the question; yes it was her favourite nickname. But Cait could tell her anything and she’d fall deeper in love than she already was. Even though Vi thought it was impossible, each time Cait entered a room and the laws of physics and psychology changed, faded away, disappeared. Vi fell, time and time again, and she would until time itself stopped bearing all meaning.

“You know, I haven’t seen Mrs. Claus around this year…”

“Is this your way of asking me to dress up as a sexy Mrs. Claus?”

“Maybe…”

“My suitcase isn’t magical, so maybe next year I can plan that to be one of your presents.”

“Oooh, next year… That means you plan on sticking around?”

“Of course I do. Where else will I spend a more chaotic Christmas? And who would be sexier than you with sprinkles in their hair?” Said Caitlyn, to which Vi ran her hand through her hair.

“Also, you forgot to unwrap one of your presents.”

Vi gave Caitlyn a questioning look. The tall woman looked at her with a teasing smile and pushed Vi on the bed.

A shiver traveling on her naked skin woke Caitlyn up. She looked at the pillow beside her and found it empty. According to the noise coming from downstairs, some people were already up. So, she put her pyjamas on and went downstairs to see what her girlfriend was up to.

“Morning Sunshine!” Vi greeted her as soon as she entered the kitchen. Caitlyn sat down. “I was just about to wake you up. I reheated the croissants and all the other stuff you brought.” She continued, kissing Caitlyn’s forehead, a hand placed at the base of her neck.

“It smells wonderful. Thank you Caitlyn for being a really talented baker. This Christmas breakfast is going to be epic!” Added Vander.

“You’re welcome. I really enjoyed making all of those for you. And I’m not going to lie, this way I get to eat my favourite things for Christmas.” 

Caitlyn saw Vi suppressing a laugh. She almost slapped the grin off of her girlfriend’s face but she tried to be discreet. She was apparently the only one.

Benzo, Mylo and Claggor arrived shortly after. Then Ekko got downstairs, holding hands with a still half asleep Powder. 

Breakfast was accompanied by Claggor’s famous eggnog. Both him and Caitlyn were congratulated for making this Christmas morning special. Caitlyn couldn’t stop smiling during the whole breakfast. She was almost getting emotional. It was comforting to know that she was welcomed in this family, that her laughter will join theirs around the table, that they'll tell stories about her in the future, in a house she helped decorate and prepare, adding trinkets for all of them, and finding the ones placed for her. 

The sweetness and calm of the moment was interrupted by a shriek.

“It’s snowing!” Powder shouted from the window in the living room before she disappeared upstairs.

Everyone got ready to go out in the snow, Powder waiting impatiently at the door for all of them to put their shoes on. Caitlyn and Vi wore their matching sweaters under big warm coats.

“You know you look very cute with my old coat, Mrs. Kiramman?”

“Do I?”

“Stop flirting and get your ass out the door!” Shouted Powder in their direction.

As soon as they were all outside they started playing in the snow. It was funny to see how some frozen water turned everyone into a bewitched child. Snowmen were made and decorated. They even had a snowball fight. It was all fun and games until Caitlyn and Power decided to team up and destroy everybody in their way. And neither of them ever missed their shot. 

A snow coated Vi approached Caitlyn and dipped her into a kiss. Caitlyn let herself be lost in the moment. They were not fleeing the rain or fighting under it. They were kissing in a much more magical setting. Time froze, in symbiosis with the snow, to let the girlfriends have a moment just for them. Caitlyn was sure of it, it was the first of many snow covered kisses.