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Chapter Text

Dessa noticed Rash as soon as he walked into the door, she immediately began waving him over to the front counter.

"Hey Rash! How's things going today?" Dessa said all too cheerful, moreso than her usual, which Rash rarely ever saw. but he assumed she just had a good day today.

"Oh, you know, just doin' what I do best." Rash said vaguely, knowing it was not smart to admit being a criminal in one of, if not the most popular stores this side of Evalia, even if it was mostly empty. He then quickly decided to change the subject. "But how's your day goin'?" You seem really cheery, alot more than usual anyway."

"Well-" Dessa started to say before she noticed two people walking up to the counter. "Hold that thought for a second." As she turned her attention to Daisy and Elly, who had just walked up to checkout holding supplies to bake a pie.

Elly immediately engaged in conversation. "Dessa! Didn't expect to see you here, how are things?"

"I'm... I'm here every day Elly... I'm the only one who works here." Dessa said, shifting around awkwardly. "But I'm actually really good right now, how about you two?" She says as she begins scanning their items.

Daisy quickly jumps to answer the question for her clearly embarrassed girlfriend. "We're both doing pretty good, we're actually heading over to her house so I can teach her how to bake a pie."

"Aww, well, ain't that adorable?" Dessa says as she finishes checking them out. "Well you two have fun, and don't let the house burn down!"

Daisy chuckles as she hands Dessa the money. "Thanks Dessa, you have a good day too, bye!"

"Uh, yeah, bye Dessa!" Elly says as she quickly makes her exit out of the building, escaping the awkwardness.

Dessa immediately turns her attention back to Rash. "So anyway what were you saying?" She asked, noticing he was grabbing snacks and essentials from the shelves. "I'm going to pretend I'm not seeing any of that, but you have a long tab Mr." She said jokingly.

Rash chuckled at her joke. "Whenever I get the money, I'll let ya know. Anyways, I was just asking what's got ya so excite-" but before he can finish, someone familiar started waving over at him. "Oh, that explains it." he said. "Heya 'Livia!" He called out to her.

Olivia, known by her friends as Lili, ran over to greet them, a Thrianta rabbit with skin as orange as the fruit, her red hoodie and blue sweatpants contrasting nicely with the color of her fur. "Hey Rash! It's been a bit. Anything change with you?"

"Nothin' on my end, anythin' change on your end?" Rash said, taking a look over at Dessa, and noticing she was staring directly at Olivia's emerald eyes, and not in a platonic way either.

"No sir, still the same as always, but it's great to see you again! The three of us should hang out more often." She says enthusiasticly, as she takes a second to wave to Dessa.

Dessa returned the wave. "That's a great idea." She said meekly as Olivia turned away to return to shopping.

Rash sits down on the edge of the counter and looks around the store, noticing that they were the only three people in the building. Once Rash was sure Olivia was out of earshot (which wasn't easy, seeing as how big her ears were). He asked Dessa "So Lili's pretty sweet, right?"

Dessa sighed dreamily. "Yeah, she's so sweet, and silly, and pretty, and-."

"I know what you are." Rash muttered half-jokingly under his breath.

"What?" Dessa stifled back a laugh, trying her best to pretend she hadn't heard him.

"Oh, uh, nothin'." Rash said quickly.

Before he could say anything else, Dessa burst out into a fit of giggling. "Ok, that was funny, I have to admit."

Rash slid off the counter. "Are you into her or somethin'?" He turns to look at her. "No offense but you always act all sorts-a crazy when she comes around."

Dessa paused for a moment, mulling over whether or not to admit it. "I mean... yeah, I kinda am." she said meekly. "I've known her for awhile now and she's really nice, and pretty, but I'm not even sure if she'd be into me, I don't even know if she likes girls."

Rash thought on this for a moment. "Well I suppose you can just ask her out, see if she reciprocates."

Dessa, immediately flustered at the idea, starts sputtering out her words as her face starts turning red. "W-well I would die of embarrassment if she rejected me, plus how would that affect our friendship?"

Rash shrugged. "You never know until you try."

Olivia then came up to the counter with three heads of lettuce, and placed them on the counter for Dessa to scan.

"That's it? That's all you're gettin'?" Rash asked as Dessa began scanning them.

"I like lettuce. Is that such a crime?" Olivia said defensively as she handed Dessa the money.

Dessa grabbed the money and finished checking her out. "This is normal for her." She added as she bagged the heads of lettuce. "Bye Olivia!" She said.

"Seeya later Dess!" She cheerfully cried out after she grabbed her groceries. "Oh and see you too Rash!" As she rushed out of the store.

Rash, realizing it was getting late, decided to head back. "Well I think that's my cue to leave aswell, seeya Dessa."As he was walking to the door, he picked up a small bag of food. "Is it ok if I take this? For my ma', y'know?"

Dessa sighed. "Sure, you can have them, I'll cover it."

Rash quickly put the bag in his pockets. "This is why you're the best! See you tomorrow!" He said as he rushed out the door, leaving Dessa to close.

As he was walking away, he noticed Olivia sitting on one of the benches in the underground parking lot, and sat down next to her. "You doin' ok?"

Olivia was startled for a second, before realizing it was Rash and calming down. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that the only reason I came down here today was because I meant to say something to Dessa, but I got way too nervous." She admitted sadly.

"What were you goin' to say?" He asked.

Olivia turned away for a second, lost in thought, before turning back and speaking. "I'm only telling you this because you're one of my closest friends. I, uh, kinda have a huge crush on Dessa." She admitted meekly. "I meant to ask her out, like just a small hangout, but I got too scared last second."

"Well, I'm sure she'd like you back." Rash said, not wanting to tell her about Dessa's feelings and breach her trust.

"I wish, I'm not even sure if she's into women, let alone little old me." Olivia said, brushing his comforts away. "Thanks for the reassurance though, maybe one day." She then gets up from the bench. "Seeya Rash."

Rash watched as she left, feeling uncertain of what to do next. But as he heard Dessa beginning to close the store, he knew he should get going. So he walked past the open divider into the metro. Where he slipped by onto the next train and got out after the next stop.

He eventually reached the Alleys, a place he was all too familiar with, and the closest thing he had to home. As he headed into the small building with the three doors, he opened one of them and was met with his mother, Rosie. after they exchanged waves of greeting, Rash began dropping off the items he took from the store.

"Hi ma'. Sorry to drop and dash, but I need a second to think, I'll be right back. Love ya." Rash said as he finished emptying out his pockets.

Rosie simply nodded and said "Love ya too, son."

Rash left the building and decided to pace around the Alleys, lost in thought.

"Ok, so Dessa likes Lili... and Lili likes Dessa, but I can't tell either of 'em without breaking their trust. What to do, what to do." He thought to himself.

Eventually he stopped pacing and decided to lean on the side of Daisy's TV's. Still thinking. "Well, unless I wanna see them 'will they won't they' for forever, I guess I gotta set 'em up, but i gotta be sneaky about it."

Satisfied with that conclusion, he decided to head back to his mom, but before he entered the building, he decided to take a look up at the moonlight, thinking one last time about those two.

"This is gonna take awhile." He said to no one in particular as he went back to his ma.

Chapter Text

Rash walked into the store yet again. Two whole months of him trying to nudge those two together have gotten him nowhere. As he enters, he finds Dessa staring at Olivia from afar yet again. Rash, having realized she hadn't noticed him yet, decides to spook her as he walks up to the counter.

"You know, I can't imagine starin' at the customers longingly was part of your job description." Rash said humorously. "But what do I know?"

Dessa froze in place, being startled by Rash seemingly appearing out of nowhere, aswell as her being caught looking at Olivia. Once she realized it was just Rash, she quickly began reprimanding him.

"What the hell, dude!? Where did you even come from?" She asked quickly. "How long have you been here?"

Rash, electing to ignore her questions, simply poked her lightly and teasingly said "Oh I can tell you are GAY for that woman."

Dessa, immediately feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, knelt down behind the counter and buried her head in her knees. "Shuuuut upp." she said sheepishly.

"There's no shame in it, just lettin' you know it's obvious." Rash continued joking.

Olivia, noticing that Rash was here, aswell as wondering what the commotion was about, skipped over to the counter. "Hey, what're you guys talking about?" She asked, clearly unaware of Dessa's current state.

Rash quickly cleared his throat and started covering for his friend. "Oh, we were just talkin' about that hangout idea you had like... two months ago now, I think? We were thinking about doin' it tonight, at her house."

Dessa immediately springs up from behind the counter, giving Rash a questioning look, but she dropped it as soon as she realized what was happening. "Yeah! I was planning on making a small little dinner for the three of us, too! You free?" She asked hopefully, searching for a reason to spend any extra time with Olivia.

"As a matter of fact, I am!" Olivia exclaimed excitedly. "I've got nothing going on tonight, so that sounds like a plan!" Olivia started getting jumpy, hanging out with Dessa sounded like a dream come true, and Rash being there as support was even better. Plus, she had never been to Dessa's house, so it'd be nice to finally see.

Rash, noticing the opportunity to finally get these two lovebirds on a pseudo-date after two months of no results, immediately jumped at it. "Oh wait, I forgot, I've got to deal with Billy... Pony... Willow. Y'know?" He mentioned vaguely while motioning his hand in the air. "I won't be able to make it."

Dessa, immediately realizing what Rash is trying to do. Starts shaking her head slightly to try and get him to stop, Rash, noticing this, motions slightly towards Olivia in a way that only Dessa would notice. Dessa sighs defeatedly, knowing it's now or never.

Olivia then chimes in. "You can't make it? But it would've been so much fun." She says solemnly

Rash looks over at Dessa, who gives him a slight nod of defeat. Taking this as a good sign, he immediately begins speaking again. "Yeah, sorry, Lili. But I actually have to go... right now, bye." He says as he turns to face the exit.

"Aw man, guess that's a bust. And I was really looking forward to it too." Olivia said solemnly as Rash walked out of view behind one of the shelves.

Olivia then turned to leave as well. But before she could go, Dessa grabbed her arm quickly, flustering her.

"I mean, I guess we could just hang out alone, you know, just the two of us?" Dessa said longingly.

As the heat rose to Olivia cheeks, she quickly turned away to avoid Dessa noticing. "Uh, yeah, yeah, that sounds good, we can always plan something else with Rash some other time."

Dessa breathed a sigh of relief hearing those words. "Alright, I just have to close the store, and then we can head over to my house. I don't suppose you have a ride back though, do you?"

Olivia shook her head, but before Dessa could say anything, she chimed in. "Actually, what if I just grabbed a few things from my apartment? Then we could have a sleepover, i mean, if that's ok." she said sheepishly.

Dessa smiled and hastily spat out her words. "That sounds like a great idea!" She tried her best to hide just how ecstatic she really was.

Olivia, without speaking another word, ran out of the store to her apartment.

Rash, hiding behind one of the shelves, gives himself a pat on the back for a job well done as he slips away out of the store and into the metro, with nobody noticing him.

Meanwhile, once Olivia made it to her apartment, she began to shove everything she would need into a backpack, and as she left the building, she saw Dessa waiting by her car outside the door.

Without another word, Olivia threw her backpack in the backseat and sat down in the passenger seat and started kicking her feet as they drove to Dessa's house.

As soon as they arrived and stepped foot into the building, Olivia immediately decided to lie down on the couch and get comfortable.

"Well, I'll probably just be making spaghetti for dinner tonight, maybe some garlic bread too. You want some tea in the meantime, though?" Dessa asked sweetly.

"YES." Olivia said almost instantly. Before clearing her throat. "Sorry, yes, I'd love some."

After awhile of silence, Dessa set down the finished tea on the table in front of Olivia and sat down on the chair across from her. "So, we have awhile before dinnertime, you wanna do something?" She asked hopefully.

Olivia took a sip of her tea. "Like what?"

Dessa shifted around in her chair. "Truth or dare, maybe? I just want to learn more about you, to be honest."

Olivia, flattered by her crush wanting to know her better, jumped at the opportunity. "Sure!"

"Alright, I'll go first, truth or dare?" Dessa asked.

"Truth." Olivia said.

"Are you into women?!" Dessa spat out almost immediately without thinking, before covering her face with her hands. "I'm sorry, I could've said that so much better, I'm so sorry."

Olivia's face turned red at the question. "It's fine, don't worry! But yes, I am into women. I'm a lesbian actually." She admitted sheepishly.

Dessa breathed a sigh of relief, before composing herself. "That's crazy, I'm a lesbian too!" She said excitedly.

"Oh my goodness, twinsies!" Olivia said giddily. Barely being able to get her question out, just the knowledge of her crush also being into women got her excited, but she composed herself. "Alright, truth or dare?"

"Dare." Dessa said.

Olivia thought for a second about what a good dare would be. "Do twenty push-ups."

Dessa stifled back a laugh. "Only twenty? Lili, I could do twenty with you sitting on me."

Olivia, embarrassed at her dare being so lack luster, immediately took this as a replacement. "Alright, fine, that's your dare then. Do twenty push-ups while I'm sitting on your back."

Dessa looked flustered before agreeing. "Alright, hop on." She said as she entered a plank position.

Olivia looked around embarrassed, as if someone was watching, before sitting on Dessa's back.

As Dessa began doing the push-ups, Olivia decided to finish her tea. Doing so at the exact same time Dessa finished her twentieth push-up

"Done." Dessa said smugly. "Normally I'd do better, but I think it's the dress throwing me off, I'm usually in workout clothes for this..." She said absentmindedly before snapping her attention back to Olivia. "Anyway, truth or dare?"

Olivia, unprepared, blurted out. "Uh, uhm, dare!"

"Do a backflip." Dessa said grinning.

"Alright." Olivia said, before moving back to a more open spot in the house and doing a backflip. "That good?"

"Perfect." Dessa said.

Olivia nodded. "Alright, truth or dare?"

Dessa thought about it for a second before saying. "Dare."

"Tell me the most interesting fact about you, if you daaaare." Olivia said playfully.

Dessa giggled before answering. "Not much interesting about my life, so I'd say the most interesting fact about me is that... I'm a trans woman."

Olivia chuckled. "So i guess you could say you're... Transgendeer?"

Dessa tried her best to stifle back a laugh. "Ok, that was bad, even for you."

"Aw, cmon, you love my bad jokes." Olivia said smugly.

"Yeah, yeah, I do." Dessa sighed dreamily.

"But seriously, that's cool, I never knew that!" Olivia mentioned excitedly.

Dessa looked suprised. "Really? We've known each other since we were teenagers... Rash never told you?"

Olivia shook her head. "No ma'am, I just thought you had a deeper voice back then, you always looked like a woman to me."

"Awwwww, thank you so much, that means alot to me." Dessa said sweetly

"So how long have you been transitioning?" Olivia asked curiously.

Dessa scratched the back of her head, embarrassed. "Well I've been out since I was a teenager. I've been on estrogen... longer than I can even remember now, and I also got top surgery!"

Olivia looked starstruck. "That's awesome! Happy for you sis!"

"Thank you!" Dessa said before looking at the clock. "It's around that time, I should probably start making dinner."

"Sounds like a plan, Im starving. If i dont eat something soon, I'll die!" Olivia stated dramatically, clutching her heart.

Dessa giggled once more "Alright drama queen, let's hope you can survive a few more minutes."

Olivia chuckled. "I can make no promises."

As Dessa started preparing the food, Olivia layed down on the couch and began to zone out. However she was snapped back to reality by the sweet smell of strawberries directly above her. Without thinking, she lunged forward and took a bite. However she accidentally bit Dessa's fingers as well.

"Oh my Angel I'm so sorry Dessa!" Olivia started frantically apologizing.

Dessa put her hand up to stop Olivia. "It's fine... now, let's try this again." She said through fits of giggles as she grabbed another strawberry from a bowl and held it up in front of Olivia.

Olivia took a few bites of the strawberry until there was nothing left, Dessa's fingers touching her lips softly for a second before she grabs another strawberry, as she does this again, and again, and again, until there are no more strawberries left in the bowl.

Dessa then grabbed a napkin and rubbed the strawberry juices off Olivia's mouth, before returning to finish dinner. Leaving Olivia stunned at what just happened.

Eventually, Dessa finished cooking the food, and the two sat down and had a good meal. After which Dessa gave Olivia a tour of her house, and even showed her her prized bo-staff. Before eventually deciding it was time to sleep, as it was already getting late.

Olivia then got dressed into her pajamas and threw herself onto the living room couch, with a few blankets and pillows from Dessa, and tried to sleep.

However, she could not sleep, she kept tossing and turning as she was generally uncomfortable, and whenever she managed to drift off, she always felt like something was watching her, so she decided to head to Dessa's bedroom, as if to keep herself safe under Dessa's watch.

Dessa was reading a book before bed when she heard Olivia come in. "Hey Lili, what's wrong?"

"I can't sleep." Olivia complained quietly. "The couch is way too uncomfortable for me, and I just keep feeling like I'm being watched. Sorry if this is a weird request, but can I sleep on the floor here or something?"

Dessa shook her head. "No, Im not gonna let you sleep on the floor! That'll only make you more uncomfortable. You can use my bed. It's queen-sized."

Olivia immediately rejected the offer. "I don't want you to have to give up your bed for me, and besides, the queen-size bed is for the queen, and there's only one of those here." She said jokingly.

Dessa felt the heat rising to her cheeks. "Oh, you flatter me. But I'm not backing down until you're able to have a great sleep. You don't want to take my bed? Fine, we'll share it." She said as she lifted the covers up to make room for her.

Olivia, not wanting to argue with her and very clearly on the verge of collapse, flopped down onto the space Dessa made for her, and fell asleep almost instantly.

Dessa, sitting at the foot of the bed, finished her book and decided to tuck Olivia in. "Good night Lili." She whispered. And after sitting in front of her for awhile, Dessa decided to kiss Olivia on the forehead, after which she climbed into bed next to her.

Olivia rolled around in her sleep, facing Dessa, and leaned her head forward slightly. Dessa leaned forward to match, gently pressing their foreheads together, as Olivia smiled subconsciously.

And then Dessa fell asleep aswell, leaving both of the lovebirds to have peaceful dreams right next to each other. 

Chapter Text

Dessa woke up in a startle. She looked at her alarm clock to realize she was late opening the store, but as she was starting to get up, someone grabbed her and muttered out. "Five more minutes." Dessa turned to see Olivia's tired self holding onto her, still asleep 

"Oh right, Olivia's here." Dessa thought to herself, before realizing she had no time to think and started rushing around to get ready, giving Olivia one last forehead kiss before she woke up, and immediately left for the store.

Hours later. Olivia, with her fur unkempt, walked lazily into the store as Rash, noticing her arriving late, went up to speak to her

"Wow... you look awful." Rash said humorously

Olivia looked at him, annoyed. "And you smell awful, trash boy."

"Ouch, I'm hurt." Rash said mockingly, putting a hand on his heart. "Guess someone woke up on the wrong side of Dessa's bed." He said smugly

Olivia looked at him furiously, before taking a deep breath and calming down. "So I'm guessing you talked to Dess' about last night?"

Rash nodded. "Yeah, sounds like you two really bonded, I'm glad you had fun. But why do you look so..." Rash motioned his hand around Olivia in a circular motion. "Messy?"

"Well, Dessa wakes up early, and trust me, she is NOT quiet. Plus there's also the fact she left without me, so that meant I had to brush my teeth, pack my stuff, walk ALL the way over to my apartment from her house, put my stuff away, get dressed to look atleast semi presentable, and then walk here. I'm tired." Olivia explained, her eyes wandering to stare at Dessa working the front counter.

Rash looked over at the long line in front of the counter. "I've been tryin' to find an openin' to talk to her since I've got here, but she's been busy since she opened. If I wasn't her before her, I would've never known what you guys did last night."

"I can wait." Olivia said patiently, as she leaned against one of the walls. "Talking to her is a great mood booster, I love hearing about how she's feeling, how her day is going, how-."

Before Olivia could even finish, Rash folded his arms and raised one of his eyebrows.

"I'm being way too gay again, aren't I?" Olivia said, clearly getting the memo.

"A bit," Rash said playfully. "But I suppose that's part of your charm. You never know how to shut up about the things you love." Rash teased.

Olivia giggled as Rash walked away to inspect some of the food on the shelves. She continued to stare longingly at Dessa, but Dessa was far too busy to even realize she was looking her way.

A few minutes passed, and Olivia had already zoned out, but she was quickly brought back to reality by someone raising their voice. She looked over at Dessa to see that she was dealing with a rather unruly customer. Olivia shuffled closer to hear the conversation more clearly.

"Ma'am, calm down, please." Dessa said with shaky breath. "I'm sorry I'm not of much help, but there's nothing I can do about an item being out of stock."

The customer was not pleased with this answer. "I know you have more in the back. Is there anyone more competent I can talk to!?"

Dessa shook her head. "No ma'am, I'm the only one who works here."

The customer grew more agitated.  "Well, that explains why this place is such a circus. The only person working here is a delusional man stuck in a fantasy-."

Olivia zoned out of the conversation as she noticed Dessa was starting to breathe heavier. She immediately scoured the store for Rash. "Shit, shit, RASH!? WHERE ARE YOU!?"

Rash came out from behind one of the shelves. "Lili, I'm right here. What's wrong?"

"I think Dessa's about to have a panic attack. Someone's screaming some transphobic shit at her." Olivia explained.

Rash's deiminor suddenly changed. "Ah shit." He quietly let out under his breath as he walked towards the unfolding scene.

The customer was still going on a tiraid to the clearly panicking Dessa, but before the customer could even finish their sentence, Rash grabbed their wrist forcefully. "I'm only going to say this once. Get out." He said as he dragged the customer out of the store.

Olivia noticed Dessa was starting to hyperventilate, and immediately sprung into action. "Rash, you get all these guys out of here, I'll comfort Dess, alright?"

Rash nodded as he began shouting out. "PLEASE EXIT THE BUILDING. THE STORE IS CLOSING EARLY!" And funneling people out, after which he turned to Olivia one last time. "You sure you can do this?"

Olivia nodded. "Pretty sure."

"Alright, thank you, Lili." Rash said as he exited the building.

Olivia then turned her attention to Dessa, and began comforting her

"Hey, it's alright, Dess. I'm right here, I'll make sure nobody can hurt you, alright?" Olivia said soothingly.

Dessa managed a slight smile before hugging Olivia tightly as she began sobbing into Olivia's shoulder.

"What am I doing wrong?" Dessa asked shakily. "I try my best to be nice, I try my best to pass. But no one ever seems to respect me. Am I doing bad?"

"You're not doing anything wrong. Some people just don't respect others. You can't control that. Just know that for every person who doesn't respect you, you have two more that do." Olivia reassured her. "I'll always be here for you."

Dessa kept sobbing into Olivia's shoulder. "I'm never good enough for anyone, am I? My own parents don't even love me and refuse to see me as their daughter. I just wish I was good enough."

"Dessa, look at me. You are good enough. Every single person I've ever met has had nothing but kind words to say about you. You were a shining beacon in my life when we first met. And I can never thank you enough for being my friend. You're more than enough. You're too good for this world." Olivia said. "Never let anyone convince you otherwise, because they are just wrong."

Dessa tightened the hug slightly, before quietly letting out a single sentence. "Thank you, this is why I love you."

"Huh, what'd you say?" Olivia asked. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."

Dessa thought for a second before realizing it wasnt time yet, and changing her sentence. "I love you, Olivia. You're my best friend."

Olivia, flattered, simply replied. "I love you too, Dess'. You're more than I ever deserved."

And they sat there for a while, hugging each other. Dessa having chickened out at the very last second to tell Olivia her true feelings. But it didn't matter to her, feeling her head against Olivia's soft fur was enough to keep her sane. It'll have to wait another day.

And everything was calm once again. As the two friends embraced on the floor behind the store counter.

Chapter Text

Olivia walked into the store and noticed Rash and Dessa talking, as she walked over to join them midway into the conversation.

"-look, all I'm sayin' is that ya' have that bo staff... maybe bring it next time." Rash said with a wink, Olivia assumed he was talking to Dessa about last night's incident.

Dessa shook her head. "I'm not risking an assault charge just to feel better when a transphobe misgenders me."

Rash shrugged. "Well, I guess you're more morally superior than I am, I would do it in a heartbeat if I was in your shoes." Rash then noticed Olivia listening into the conversation. "Oh hey Lili!"

Dessa, surprised Olivia was here, immediately lost her balance. before catching herself and trying to play it cool.  "Hey Lili."

"Smooth." Rash said sarcastically as Olivia tried her best not to roll on the floor laughing.

After Olivia finished her fit of giggling, she greeted the two and went to search the shelves for the items she needed.

Once Olivia was out of earshot, Dessa immediately spoke up. "I'm doing it tonight."

"Huh? Doin' what?" Rash asked, confused.

"I'm telling her I love her tonight." Dessa reiterated. "I can't wait any longer. She means too much to me, and I can't hold my feelings back much more."

Rash immediately started patting Dessa on the back. "Hell yeah, sister! I believe in ya'. You can do this!"

Dessa looked at him nervously. "I actually have... no idea how to do this." She chuckled.

Bunny and Sheepy then entered the store, which gave Dessa an idea. "But I think I know someone who might." She said confidently.

As Rash walked away from the counter and Bunny approached it, Dessa immediately struck up a conversation. "Bunny! How are you doing? How's the girlfriend?"

Bunny watched as Sheepy walked off to pick out her groceries. "She's doing well. And I'm also doing well, in case you were wondering." Bunny said.

"That's great. But, uh, can I ask a question?" Dessa asked.

"Of course! We're friends, you can ask me anything!" Bunny exclaimed excitedly.

Dessa looked around the store, making sure no one was listening in. "How did you tell Stella-"

Bunny stops her mid sentence. "She's fine with you calling her Sheepy now, by the way. She said it's grown on her."

Dessa smiled. "Alright! So uh... how did you tell Sheepy you liked her?"

Bunny looked away, embarrassed. "Well, uh, I didn't. We both sort of just... connected the dots and realized we liked each other. And we've been together ever since!"

"So you both just knew?" Dessa asked incredulously.

Bunny scratched the back of her head. "Well... there were signs we both saw for a while, and we kept having these psuedo-dates. Eventually we both thought we were dating, so we just... did."

Dessa looked at her suprised. "Really? That works?"

Bunny looked around. "Well... no, not usually. Me and Sheepy are a special case... I don't think it could be replicated."

Dessa looked away sadly. "Oh, I see."

"Why do you ask?" Bunny asked quizically.

Dessa looked down at the ground, mulling over whether or not to tell her, before looking back up and asking. "Do you really want to know? You promise you won't tell, or judge?"

Bunny nodded. "I promise on my life and name, I'll never judge anyone. Or my name ain't Bunnibell. You can say whatever, and I'll keep it to my grave, not even Sheepy would know."

Dessa smiled, satisfied by her words, finally spoke about her feelings. "So there's a girl-"

But before she could even finish, she was cut off by the sound of Bunny squealing in delight. "Really!? Who's the lucky girl?!"

Dessa looked away and sheepishly pointed over to Olivia, who was currently struggling to reach the lettuce on the top shelf, before Sheepy came over to help her.

"Thank you, Miss Tall Sheep." Olivia said jokingly 

Sheepy shook her head humorously and sighed. "You're welcome, Lili."

Bunny giggled. "Well, I can't really help much. All I can suggest is to just be straightforward. Tell her you like her as more than a friend." She said as Sheepy came over with her groceries.

"I'll try. Thank you." Dessa said as she checked them out. "Have a good day, you two!"

"You have a good day too Dessa, good luck!" Bunny said back.

Sheepy nodded to Dessa. "See you later, Dessa."

Rash watched them carefully as they left, before he overheard Bunny say something that made him freeze.

"Oh hey, when did Poley get here? Haven't seen him in a while..." Bunny said to Sheepy as they walked away from the store.

Dessa, noticing Rash, immediately called out to Olivia. "Lili, I think the police are here. Can you bring Rash to the storage area while I tend to them?"

"Ah shit, the fuzz. Of course I can help, cmon bud." Olivia said quickly as she guided Rash to the back of the store into the large storage room.

As Poley and Doggy entered the store, Dessa began snooping into their conversation.

"I'm telling you, Poley, the detective is getting close to solving this case, I can't afford to miss it. What if they get into action without me?!" Doggy said.

Poley looked at him, clearly tired. "It wouldn't be the end of the world if we missed a bit of action, Player can handle themselves... I swear we need to get you a boyfriend or something. You're unhealthily invested in your job."

"I'm not unhealthily invested, I just want to make sure they dont get themselves hurt!" Doggy stated. "And for your information, I'd be fine with a girlfriend too, either works."

Poley grabbed a box of donuts and started walking to the counter. "No boyfriend and no girlfriend, I guess no one wants you after all." Poley playfully jabbed at his friend.

"What th- wh- HEY!" Doggy started spitting out his words. Shocked at Poleys jabs.

Dessa then made herself very clear, directing all attention to her. "Hello, you two! I can scan that for you... oooh donuts? I'll have you know this specific brand is handmade! You see..." She continued to talk their ears off, assuring their attention was on her.

Meanwhile, Rash and Olivia were sitting on the metal catwalk inside of the storage room, as Olivia began to speak.

"I want to tell Dess I like her as more than a friend... but I'm really worried she just won't reciprocate."

Rash looked over at his friend. "Didn't she literally hand feed ya' strawberries? That doesn't sound very platonic."

Olivia returned his gaze. "I mean... people can do that platonically."

Rash facepalms before chuckling to himself. "Look, I can't help much here, but what I can say for sure is you just gotta bite the bullet. Tell her ya' like her now before it eats away at ya' forever." He urged her.

Olivia looked at Rash, determined. "You know what? You're right! As soon as she closes the store, I'm telling Dessa exactly how I feel!"

"That's the spirit!" Rash said excitedly.

Rash nodded proudly. "I just hope they both go through with this." He thought to himself.

Dessa watched as the officers got into their car and drove out of the parking lot, as soon as they were out of sight. She called out to the other two. "All clear!"

As Rash and Olivia both walked back into the store, Dessa spoke up again. "Oh yeah, Olivia, I checked out your... uh....daily heads of lettuce, too, by the way." She said, pointing to a bag on the counter. "Free of charge."

"Thank you. You didn't have to do that for little old me, though." Olivia said meekly.

"Oh please, it was my pleasure." Dessa said nonchalantly, trying to play it cool.

Rash, realizing he should probably leave them alone to confess, interrupted them. "Alright, well, I'm goin' now. Willow probably needs me. You two have fun, though!" He said as he rushed outside the store.

Both Olivia and Dessa waved goodbye to him, before Dessa turned to Olivia. "So there's been something I've been meaning to say."

Olivia turned to face her. "I've been meaning to say something aswell."

"You go first." Dessa urged.

Olivia shook her head. "No, no, you said it first, you go first."

Dessa fidgeted with her hair nervously. "No, really, you should go first."

"How about we both say it, on the count of three?" Olivia asked.

Dessa nodded. "That works..."

Olivia nodded in return. "Alright."

They both began counting down in unison.

"One..."

"Two..."

"Three!"

"I have a huge crush on you!" They both blurted out in unison, before they each took a step back in shock.

"Well, uh, what do you know... I guess the feeling was mutual." Dessa said meekly.

"Yeah, yeah, I guess it was, I was worrying over nothing." Olivia nervously said while fidgeting around with her fingers.

Dessa held out her hand for Olivia, which she took in a heartbeat.

"Girlfriends?" Dessa asked sheepishly.

Olivia nodded. "Girlfriends." She replied excitedly.

Before either of them knew it, they wrapped each other in a deep embrace, refusing to let the other go as if their life depended on it.

"I love you so much, Lili." Dessa said.

Olivia smiled. "I love you just as much, Dess."

Chapter Text

One day, a few weeks after Olivia and Dessa started dating, Rash stood by one of the entrances to the store, waiting for Olivia to show up so he could talk to her. Once she finally did, he immediately engaged in conversation.

"Hey Lili, sorry I've been gone these past couple of weeks, just tryna juggle helpin' Willow and my ma, y'know?" He explained.

Olivia nodded. "Oh yeah, it's not a big issue. I'm just happy you're here now!"

Rash smiled, before turning over to where Dessa was. "I never got to ask, but how did things go between you and Dess'?"

As Dessa finished up with her last customer, she looked over to see Rash and Olivia talking, to which she immediately left from behind the counter and ran up to hug Olivia. "LILI! I didn't even realize you were here!" She said excitedly.

Olivia returned the hug. "I'm here! I'd never miss a chance to see you. I love you, my beloved."

Dessa buried her head in Olivia's soft fur. "I love you too, my lovely."

They both stood there in their embrace before Rash awkwardly interrupted. "So, I take it things went well?"

Olivia and Dessa pulled away from each other, and Dessa began explaining to Rash. "Yup! We're dating now!"

"I kinda gathered from the pet names. But I'm happy for ya' both." Rash said, smiling. "Glad to know my efforts paid off."

Olivia looked at him, confused. "Your... efforts?"

"Oh, I've been tryna set you two up ever since the day you both told me you liked each other." Rash explained.

Olivia stared at him in disbelief. "You mean to tell me you knew that Dessa was into me this whole time, and you didn't tell me!?"

"That'd be a breach of trust! I didn't wanna do that to her! Same reason I didn't tell her about your feelings!" Rash hastily explained.

Dessa nodded. "And that was really sweet of you to think about, Rash."

Rash smiled smugly. "That's right, didn't wanna give either of ya' any reasons to not trust me." He then looked around the store a bit, thinking of something to change the subject. "So what are you two doing today?"

"We're actually going on our first date tonight!" Olivia exclaimed.

Rash looked at her confused. "Wait, you two have been datin' for two whole weeks and haven't even gone on a date yet?" He asked incredulously.

Dessa looked at the floor awkwardly. "I've been really busy with the store... I didn't have the time."

"Ey, I'm not judgin'. I was just confused, is all. Would've thought you both have been on a buncha dates by now." Rash explained.

Dessa continued staring at the floor. "We haven't even kissed yet..."

Olivia quickly wrapped Dessa in another hug. "We don't want to force it. Otherwise, it won't be the same, right?"

Dessa nodded. "Right, right."

Olivia then pulled back from the hug and turned to Rash. "We were actually planning on leaving around now, Dessa should be closing the store in a couple minutes. sorry if we couldn't really talk. But I'd love to talk more!"

Rash smiled. "Trust me, I'll try to be around alot more. For now? Seeya." He said as he made his way to the exit.

"Bye, Rash!" Dessa shouted out to him.

Olivia waved goodbye before turning back to Dessa. "So, the flower field?"

Dessa nodded eagerly. "It's so beautiful. You're going to love it."

Olivia chuckled. "You're going to be twice as beautiful as any flower."

"Awwww, thank you so much!" Dessa said with a small kiss on the cheek.

After Dessa closed the store, she led Dessa on a path outside the city to a field full of forget-me-nots. They ended up sitting by a tree in a small hill.

"It looks amazing." Olivia said, staring in awe at the field.

Dessa chuckled. "Yeah... It's not as amazing as you, though!"

Olivia giggled. "I should be saying that to you, silly." She said as she nuzzled up against Dessa.

They sat snuggling against each other as the sun began to set, before Olivia got up and carved both their initials into the tree they were sitting by.

"There!" Olivia said proudly. "Now it's our flower field."

Dessa giggled before pressing her hand against the side of Olivia's face. "I love you, Lili. You are quite possibly the greatest thing to ever happen to me, I'm so grateful to have met such a beautiful woman like you." She said sincerely.

Olivia pressed her hand against Dessa's. "Everything you just said applies to you aswell. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so glad I have you now. I love you so so much, Dessa, you're everything to me."

They both looked at each other's eyes for a minute, before both leaning in and kissing each other. Invisible sparks flying through the sky, they both melted into it, turning it into a moment they would never forget.

Nothing else in the world mattered at that moment. Just them together, and they were happy. They could never ask for anything more.

Chapter Text

Rash walked into the store yet again, hiding his head in shame before snapping it back up as he noticed Dessa and Olivia were talking to somebody, or rather two people.

A polar bear and a fox, that was about all he figured out before they picked up their groceries and left. Leaving just Rash, Dessa, and Olivia in the store once more.

Olivia immediately started waving to him as soon as she noticed him. "Hi Rash! It's been awhile!" She said cheerfully. Dessa also waved to him but remained silent as she focused on counting the cash in the register.

Rash walked up to the counter. "Happy to be back. Now my question is who were those two? I ain't seen 'em around before."

Dessa snapped her head up as she finished counting. "Oh, they're Pearl and Fia! Lovely couple really, they've actually come all the way down from a little place called Harmony Hills to shop at this little storefront!"

Rash looked at her, confused. "What could be so important that they wanted to drive down all the way here?"

"Well, uh, mostly just your standard groceries. Although one of them did have me sneak in some jewelry without the other knowing." Dessa explained.

"They plannin' on giftin' the other some jewelry? Ain't that sweet." Rash said while chuckled

Dessa giggled to herself and gave Olivia a knowing look. "Something like that... but anyways, enough about them. How are you, Rash?"

Rash put his elbows on the counter and held his head in his hands. "I'm gonna be honest with ya' Dess', It's been a fuckin' rough time. Daisy's been gone for awhile, and William followed her, so now Willows started changin' again, and not for the better. She's been actin' more reckless recently and I'm worried she's gonna get us caught. I can't let the cops find my ma', I just- I don't know what to do anymore."

Olivia sat on the counter as she began processing this information. "I'm assuming you've already tried to talk some sense into her, maybe someone else can? What about Pony?"

Rash just sunk his head deeper into his hands. "Pony also left, he dropped outta optometry school and went back to livin' the lavish life with his parents. He doesn't need to steal anymore so he just... left us out to dry, and honestly? Don't blame him one bit. He left on good terms."

"Well, what about Billy? I could probably talk to him next time we go to the gym together." Dessa chimed in.

Rash lifted his head to look at Dessa. "Billy left long before Pony ever did. Who the fuck knows where he is now, but he certainly ain't here, that's for sure. Fucker up and left for no reason while we needed him most. I never wanna see his smug ass face again." He said bitterly, every word seeping with contempt and malice.

Dessa shrank back at Rash's sudden aggression. "ᵒʰ... ᵒᵏ. ˢᵒʳʳʸ... ᶠᵒʳ ᵐᵉⁿᵗⁱᵒⁿⁱⁿᵍ ⁱᵗ. ⁱ'ᵐ ˢᵒʳʳʸ." She shakily whispered out.

Rash noticed her reaction and immediately tried to reassure her. "Hey hey Dess', you know I'm not mad at ya, right? Just stressed is all. I didn't mean to get so agitated."

Dessa nodded despite tears welling in her eyes, Olivia quickly wrapped her in a hug and let Dessa wipe her tears on her fur.

Olivia took a look at Rash and very plainly yet assertively said. "You need to take a day to recharge, Rash. You need a break."

Rash simply stared at the scene in front of him, he already felt bad enough driving one of his best friends to tears, but he knew he couldn't take a break when Willow needed him. "I can't."

"I mean, a break would be nice right about now, right? I think I could make that happen." A familiar voice to Rash and Dessa rang out from behind one of the shelves.

Olivia, not recognizing the voice, simply stated. "Excuse me, the store is supposed to be closed."

The voice laughed. "Aw cmon, can I not visit my little sister's store just cus I got here a bit late?"

The owner of the voice stepped out from behind the shelf. A reindeer bearing a striking resemblance to Dessa, wearing green and red clothing, with Christmas lights hanging off her antlers.

Dessa, who had her head buried in Olivia's neck the whole time, quickly bolted up at those words. "Reinny?" She asked.

Rash looked over at the reindeer aswell, equally confused. "Reindessa? What're you doin' here?"

Reindessa walked over to the counter to join the rest of them. "Like I said, I'm visiting my lil sis. Nice to see you, by the way, Rash."

Olivia looked at the others for guidance. "Am I supposed to know who this is or...?"

Dessa snapped out of whatever trance she was in and began introducing them. "Oh right! Uh, Lili, this is my older sister Reindessa. And Reinny, this is my girlfriend, Olivia."

Reindessa looked at Olivia. "Oh, so you're the reason why my sister was always cuddling with a pillow and calling it Lili. Pleasure to meet you."

Olivia giggled at that knowledge as Dessa just fell to the floor in embarrassment, head in her knees. "Good to meet you too... hey wait a sec, your name is Reindessa? Did Dessa get her name from you?" Olivia asked.

"Hmmmm, I don't know, did she?" Reindessa asked sarcastically while slowly turning her head to look at Dessa, whose previous embarrassment was replaced with a whole new kind.

"M- maybe I got a little inspired..." Dessa whispered out.

Reindessa chuckled. "First you take my charming good looks, then you take part of my name. Soon enough people are gonna think we're twins instead of me being older." She said playfully.

Dessa giggled as she got back up. "What can I say? HRT sure is amazing. Thank the Angel for Estrogen."

Reindessa turned to Rash. "So anyway, how about that break? It's Christmas time after all!"

"It's November 29th..." Rash reminded her.

"It's Christmas time." Reindessa reiterated, this time more sternly.

Olivia jumps into the conversation. "It's not even December."

Reindessa turned to look at Olivia and very simply said. "Christmas."

"Uh... yes ma'am...?" Olivia said, confused as she sat back on the counter.

Reindessa clapped her hands in delight. "Goody! I've got a lot planned for tonight so let's get to it." She turned to Dessa. "Your house? Your house."

Dessa looked around confused. "Don't you usually celebrate with our parents?"

Reindessa looked away, letting out a sneer. "They call you slurs almost any time you're brought up, Dess. I'm not trying to be holly nor jolly with them. I'm just sad it took me this long to leave."

Olivia was so caught off guard by that last statement she almost fell off the counter, luckily Rash caught her and helped her back up. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry they call her WHAT!?"

"Oh every slur that applies, they call her the r slur cus she's autistic, the t slur too, they don't see her as a woman, except when they do so they can call her the f slur. They've also called me the f slur too once they found out bout me n Rosey. They're quite possibly the worst people I've ever met." Reindessa explains casually, with a hint of bitterness directed at her paternal figures

Rash looked at Reindessa in shock before turning his head to Dessa and simply stating. "We needa kill your parents."

"I concur." Olivia added as she carefully slipped off the counter yet again to wrap Dessa in another hug.

Dessa gripped Olivia tightly as she reflected on those words. "Yeah, I think one of your Christmas parties at my place would be nice right about now Reinny."

Reindessa pumped her fist in excitement. "Yeah! Let's go!" She said as she started motioning the two out of the door.

As Rash tries to take this opportunity and sulk away, Reindessa grabs his arm and says. "You're coming too, mister. This isn't just for my lil sis."

Rash tried to pull away from her stern grasp. "I don't have time to party, I got a friend who needs me."

"Willow ain't it? She can go a day without you, I promise." Reindessa assured him. "Plus look at how much Dessa wants you to come."

Rash turned to see Dessa looking at him with pleading eyes, he couldn't say no to those no matter how hard he tried. "Fine, I guess just this once."

Reindessa clapped her hands excitedly as Dessa grabbed Rash's arm, and the four of them made the journey to Dessa's house.

As they were walking, Olivia got closer to Reindessa to talk. "So... Dessa cuddled a pillow and imagined it was me?"

Reindessa nodded. "Oh yeah, she'd hug it, kiss it, snuggle with it. The whole nine yards, basically."

Olivia could feel her face turning red. "Really?"

Reindessa looked back to see if Dessa was listening, which she was deep in conversation with Rash, then turned back to Olivia. "Yeah, she never acted like that ever before, she really loves you y'know. Don't waste that, I don't mean to do the stereotypical older sibling thing, but if you hurt my little sister in any way, I will personally shoot you in the eye with an arrow." She said coldly and menacingly

"Yes, M-ma'am... I would never dream of such a thing." Olivia assured her through shaky breath. "I love her too much to ever let her get hurt."

Reindessa was pleased with this information. "Oh, goody! Glad to hear that." She said enthusiastically as they reached their destination.

As they stepped inside, Dessa noticed all the boxes of Christmas decorations littered about that she definitely did not place.

"I take it you came here before you visited the store?" Dessa asked.

"Yup!" Reindessa says proudly. "I'm glad you guys decided to party because otherwise, this would have been... very awkward."

"You can say that again." Rash chuckled out.

"Nah." Reindessa said quite literally. "Don't feel like it. Anyways, party time! Rash, help me set up."

As Rash and Reindessa set up the decorations, they come across one box and proceed to signal Olivia over.

Olivia looks at the box confused, seeing it's full of plant-looking things. "What's all this about?"

Reindessa looks at her shocked. "Have you never heard of mistletoe before?!"

Olivia just sorta stared blankly and said. "Mistlehuh?"

"It's a kinda plant thing ya hang on a doorframe, and if two people walk under it, ya gotta kiss." Rash explained.

"Oooooh I get it, so what do you need me for?" Olivia asked.

Reindessa facepalmed. "Hang this somewhere and get Dessa to walk under it with you. Dumbass." She said in the most affectionate way possible.

Olivia nodded and grabbed one of them from the box

She then spent the next two hours trying and failing to hang it on a doorframe, with Rash and Reindessa chuckling from the sidelines. Eventually, Dessa came over to see what the commotion was about.

"Lili, do you need help? What are you trying to do?" Dessa asked.

Olivia looked at her defeatedly. "I wanted to hang this and then surprise you with a kiss but... I'm too short."

Dessa giggled and grabbed the mistletoe from Olivia's hand. But instead of hanging it on the doorframe, she put it on one of her antlers instead. "There we go... I'm ready for that kiss now." She said sheepishly.

Olivia nodded and proceeded to kiss Dessa, the two lingering on each other's lips for a bit, feeling like they won the lottery.

Eventually, this was cut short with Dessa letting out a big yawn. "Usually I drink a bit during a party-" She was saying before she was cut off

"Yeah, sure, a bit. I've seen what ya get like when ya start drinkin'" Rash said humorously.

Dessa cleared her throat and continued. "Usually I drink a bit, but I think I'm just going to go to sleep this time."

Olivia yawned aswell. "I think I'm going to bed too. Mind if I crash on your couch again?"

Dessa giggled. "You goober, you know you're sleeping with me. C'mon, let's go." She said as she dragged Olivia to her bedroom.

Reindessa looked at Rash. "You take the couch I take the armchair?"

Rash nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

As they both prepared to nod off, Rash asked one last question. "Successful mission?"

Reindessa got up from the couch and took a peak into Dessa's room, seeing the two lovebirds snuggled up in bed together. She shut off the lamp on the nightstand and quietly closed the door. Before sitting back down.

"Yeah, I'd say so." Reindessa said casually.