Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The click of Caitlyn Kiramman's heels echoed lightly across the tiled floor as she moved through the quiet house, a half-finished cup of coffee in one hand, her phone in the other. The Mercedes was already warming up in the driveway, and she was precisely on time — not early, not late, just... on schedule.

“Celeste!” she called toward the hallway. “Shoes. Backpack. Do not make me come in there.”

A muffled voice answered back. “I’m brushing my hair!”

“You were brushing your hair ten minutes ago.”

“That was round one!”

Caitlyn sighed and leaned against the edge of the kitchen counter. She scrolled through her inbox, scanning the usual flood of messages. She flagged a few and reminded herself to breathe.

Celeste finally emerged from the hallway, backpack slung over one shoulder, one shoelace untied, and her hair only half-brushed.

“You look like you lost a fight with a dragon,” Caitlyn said, lips twitching.

Celeste squinted at her. “I won the fight. This is what victory looks like.”

Caitlyn reached for her daughter’s shoe, crouching to tie the laces herself. “Next time, try winning faster.”

“I had to negotiate with a tangle. It was complicated.”

“Mm-hm. Are you ready for the spelling test today?”

Celeste shrugged. “I studied. I’ll either pass or I’ll live in a treehouse forever.”

Caitlyn stood, smoothing down her blazer. “If you live in a treehouse, you’ll need to learn how to file taxes. Might as well pass.”

They headed out the front door, the morning crisp and cool. The Mercedes sat gleaming in the driveway, spotless as always. Caitlyn slid into the driver’s seat while Celeste climbed in beside her, pulling the seatbelt across with a dramatic sigh.

Celeste watched the neighborhood roll by through the window. She didn’t speak for a while, and Caitlyn let the silence stretch. It wasn’t uncomfortable, lately she’d grown a little more withdrawn. Nothing dramatic, just... subtle shifts. Less eye contact. More unfinished sentences.

Caitlyn noticed everything. She always had.

“Are you nervous about the new class?” she asked gently.

A pause. Then, “A little. But I kinda want to go.”

“Good. Trying something new doesn’t have to mean you’re ready. Just willing.”

Another pause. “Why now?”

“You asked me last week what to do when someone doesn’t listen when you say stop.”

Celeste nodded slowly.

“I didn’t have an answer I liked,” Caitlyn added. “So maybe this class will help you find your own.”

They pulled up to the school drop-off zone. Kids streamed past in puffy jackets and backpacks, some laughing, some shouting. Celeste lingered in her seat.

“Will you stay and watch the class later?” she asked.

“Of course.”

Celeste opened the door, then paused again. “They’re not gonna make us scream or anything, right?”

“I have no idea.”

“Well... if they do, I’m going to scream really professionally. Like a lawyer.”

Caitlyn grinned. “That’s my girl.”

She watched her daughter disappear into the crowd, her small frame swallowed up by the chaos of morning routines and playground noise. Then the door clicked shut and Caitlyn was alone again.

She didn’t drive off right away. Instead, she sat there for a moment, her hands resting on the steering wheel. The car purred softly beneath her, the dashboard glowing faintly. 

She didn’t hate her life. She wasn’t lost, or broken, or even particularly sad. But something in her had been on autopilot for a while now, and she wasn’t sure when that had started. Maybe after the nights she spent explaining to Celeste that none of this was her fault. Maybe even before that.

The gym smelled like rubber mats and eucalyptus spray.

Caitlyn stepped inside, adjusting her coat against the blast of cool, filtered air. Celeste walked a step ahead of her, her backpack bouncing lightly with each step, tight with nervous energy she was pretending not to have.

The Last Drop wasn’t what Caitlyn had expected. She’d pictured something more clinical or fluorescent lights, echoing halls, maybe banners that tried too hard to be empowering. But this place felt... real. Lived-in. The kind of place that didn’t need to prove anything.

The front desk sat just a few steps from the door, a sleek, waist-high counter with a small sign-in tablet and a bowl of wrapped protein bars. The woman behind the desk sat with her arms folded, head tilted slightly to the side like she was listening to something intently.

She wore a black baseball cap backward on her red hair, black shades, and a dark gray tank top that showed off sculpted arms covered in tattoos black ink winding from shoulder to wrist, bold and unapologetic. One leg was propped up on the bar of her stool, and her foot bounced in time with the low thrum of the gym’s music.

Caitlyn assumed she was the kind of person who worked out here more than she worked here. She looked like she belonged in a back alley fight club, not behind a front desk.

Still, she was the only staff member in sight.

Caitlyn cleared her throat. “Hi. We’re here for the kids’ trial class?”

The woman’s head turned slightly, but her eyes didn’t meet Caitlyn’s. She reached for something just to the left of the tablet, a clipboard, Caitlyn realized and slid it across the counter.

“Waiver. You’ll want the second page if she’s under twelve,” the woman said, her voice low, almost lazy. Not rude, just casual in a way Caitlyn wasn’t used to.

Caitlyn took the clipboard. “Thanks.”

“You’re early,” the woman added. “Class starts at four. Studio B. You’ll hear them yelling soon.”

Celeste gave her mother a sideways look. “Yelling?”

The woman smirked. “Not the scary kind.”

Caitlyn offered a polite smile and pulled a pen from her bag. As she filled out the form, she kept glancing up, curious, though she didn’t quite know why.

There was something about the woman’s posture. Relaxed, but precise. She didn’t even look at the clipboard when she passed it over. Just... knew exactly where everything was.

Caitlyn’s eyes flicked to the sunglasses. Indoors. But they didn’t feel performative, not the kind of fashion statement she’d seen on twenty-somethings in university hallways.

It wasn’t until the woman leaned back and reached for a nearby water bottle, her hand landing on it with unerring accuracy, that Caitlyn felt the first twinge of realization.

The shades. The way she hadn’t made eye contact. The stillness.

She was blind.

Caitlyn blinked, her pen pausing on the waiver. She didn’t say anything, didn’t want to. It wasn’t her business. But the realization shifted something in her. Not in a condescending way, just... surprise. The way you realize you’ve been looking at something wrong, and now you can’t unsee it.

The woman seemed completely at ease, like she had nothing to prove. Like she’d already fought whatever fight the world had tried to throw at her and come out the other side, not untouched, but unmoved.

“Name’s Vi, by the way,” the woman said suddenly, as if sensing the silence had stretched too long. “If you’re waiting, there’s a bench by the window. Good lighting, if you brought a book.”

Caitlyn blinked again. “Caitlyn. And... thank you.”

Celeste tugged on her sleeve. “Can I go in early?”

Caitlyn glanced down the hall, then back at Vi.

“She’ll be fine,” Vi said. “Instructor’s in there setting up. You’ll hear the kids before you see ‘em.”

Celeste didn’t wait for permission — she darted off toward the studio. Caitlyn watched her go, then turned back.

Vi hadn’t moved. Just sat there, one hand resting lightly on the edge of the counter, the other lazily tapping one finger to the beat of the music. Her head was tilted slightly again — listening. Her index finger tapping on the counter.

Tap, tap, tap

“You’re staring,” Vi called out.

Her voice wasn’t sharp, but it wasn’t joking either. Neutral, like she was pointing out a fact. Caitlyn froze mid-step, caught between denial and explanation.

“I wasn’t—” she started, then stopped herself. Lying felt ridiculous.

Vi didn’t turn. She just kept tapping her finger, her chin angled slightly toward the window, the mirrored lenses of her sunglasses catching the light.

“It’s fine,” she said after a beat. “People do when they’re trying to figure it out.”

“I wasn’t trying to figure anything out,” Caitlyn said, more defensively than she meant to.

Vi gave a small, one-shoulder shrug. “Sure.”

Caitlyn stepped back toward the desk, just slightly. “You’re very good at reading people.”

“Makes up for the whole not-reading-the-room thing,” Vi replied, internally cringing at the poor attempt of her joke when Caitlyn didn't laugh.

Caitlyn exhaled through her nose, the corners of her mouth twitching. “Right. The glasses, the way you didn’t even glance at the clipboard.” She folded her arms, not unkindly. “I thought it was just a look. The whole... mysterious energy.”

Vi smirked. “It is a look. Just happens to be functional.”

There was something disarming about her. Not because she was trying to be — if anything, Vi felt like someone who’d spent a long time not trying to be anything in particular. She sat like the world didn’t owe her interest or explanation, and Caitlyn wasn’t used to that.

  ________________

“How was your class?” Caitlyn asked as Celeste hopped into the passenger seat.

“It was okay... Nothing special.”

“Would you like to continue attending the classes?”

Celeste paused, tugging at her hoodie sleeve. “Hm… the girls there were really nice, but I’m not sure.”

“You should continue the classes then.”

Celeste hummed in response, noncommittal, but not dismissive.

  ________________

Vi took out a pack of pre-seasoned chicken breast from the fridge, then crouched to reach into the lower drawer for a few potatoes. She laid the ingredients out on the counter in a neat line, like always.

She pressed the button on the side of her watch.

“Six thirty-four, p.m.”

She sighed and picked up the potatoes, placing them on the chopping board. Her hand slid open the drawer smoothly, fingers immediately finding the knife without hesitation.

The front door burst open.

Vi jumped, her body instinctively bracing, head snapping toward the sound. Her grip tightened on the counter—until a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“Vi! We got takeout from Jericho’s!”

The adrenaline dropped all at once. Vi exhaled harshly, the breath shaky in her chest.

“Jesus, Powder,” she muttered, adjusting her stance. “You have to stop barging in like that. I’m gonna have a heart attack one of these days.”

“We wouldn’t want that now, would we?” Powder said cheerfully, dropping a takeout bag on the table.

“Wassup, Vi,” came Ekko’s voice behind her.

“Hey, lil man.”

Vi set the knife aside. “Pow, I was literally just about to cook dinner.”

“Yeah, and now you don’t have to. You’re welcome,” Powder said, already moving to put Vi’s ingredients back in the fridge. “A full dinner and you save a round of groceries. You should be thanking your best sister.”

“I only have one sister,” Vi said dryly. “And if I had another, you’d still be my least favorite.”

“Too bad you’re stuck with me.”

Vi rolled her eyes and took a seat at the dining table, her fingers tapping mindlessly against the smooth surface — a habit she refused to acknowledge, even to herself. 

Tap, tap, tap. 

“How’ve you been?” Ekko asked, pulling out a chair.

“Same as usual. Nothing exciting.” Vi shrugged. “I’m surprised you’re still putting up with her shit.”

“She’s manageable,” Ekko replied, deadpan.

“Dipshits, I’m still here,” Powder cut in, flicking Ekko’s forehead. He winced, while Vi chuckled under her breath.

Powder set out the plates, Vi’s in front of her, exactly as she always did. Plate in the center. Fork on the left. Spoon on the right. A box of tissues directly in front of Vi. She was never a clean eater, and Powder never let her forget it.

They began to eat, conversation flowing easily. Powder never ran out of things to say — not that Vi or Ekko minded. She filled the air so Vi didn’t have to.

“You want me to trim your hair again?” Powder asked between bites. “It’s getting long.”

Vi paused, fork halfway to her mouth. “Is it?”

“I’m taking that as a yes.” Powder didn’t wait for permission — she knew better. Vi needed to be nudged, not asked.

Vi had always been the protector. Since they were kids, she’d stood in front of Powder like a shield. And after the accident, she’d fought even harder to keep that role, even when everything in her body said she couldn’t do it alone anymore.

She’d insisted she didn’t need help. Pretended she wasn’t scared. But Powder had seen through her from the beginning. Vi could lie with silence, with stubbornness, but Powder had always known better.

Vi smiled faintly and returned to her food. She only ever let Powder trim her hair. No one else. Not since the scar.

The one that curved along the side of her scalp, the one she’d not shown to anyone outside of people close to her, a cap or a beanie depending on the weather.

“You know,” Powder said, mouth full, “you need a social life.”

Vi groaned. “Not this again. I have you both, Ekko, Loris, Vander, Sev and Purrcy.”

“At least someone who isn’t your sister, or people twice your age, or your dad OR your cat” Powder said, glancing toward the cat tree where Purrcy sat perched. The feline glared down at her with the quiet judgment of a creature deeply wronged.

“Ugh…Purrcy hates me because I booted he off your chest when you were having a migraine. I was saving you.”

“He’s never going to forgive you.”

“I’ve tried! I give him treats. I talk to her. He eats the food and then climbs back up there and glares like I killed her family.”

Vi didn’t respond. She just pressed the button on her watch again.

“ Seven fifty-two, p.m. ”

“Hey,” Powder said, narrowing her eyes. “You don’t get to ignore me, you need a better social life sis.”

Vi continued chewing her noodles, louder now. Purposefully obnoxious.

Ekko snorted. 

Powder rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway. “Stubborn lil shit.”

  ________________

“You know, Mum, you don’t have to sit in the lobby every time I’ve got class,” Celeste said casually as Caitlyn drove.

“I know.”

“You know… you can talk to her.”

Caitlyn blinked, her grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied a little too quickly, already feeling the heat rise in her neck.

Celeste snorted. “You are so not slick, Mum. I catch you staring at her sometimes when I look out the window.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “God, you are way too young to be discussing this with me.”

Caitlyn arrived at the gym twenty minutes earlier than usual. She didn’t like being late to anything — not lectures, not school drop-offs, and certainly not awkward drop-ins where she might accidentally see someone she’d been pretending not to think about all week.

The desk was empty when she walked in. She glanced around, suppressing the irrational pang of disappointment. Maybe Vi had the day off.

She shook the thought off quickly and sat down on the lobby couch, scrolling aimlessly through her phone. Celeste plopped down beside her, swinging her feet.

“I have to use the toilet,” Caitlyn murmured. “Don’t wander off.”

“Mum! go. I’m not a toddler.”

“You’ll always be a baby to me.”

Celeste groaned as Caitlyn walked off, amused.

As she passed the weightlifting section, movement caught her eye — a redhead, cap backward, sunglasses on, curling dumbbells with casual precision.

Vi.

Caitlyn didn’t know how long she stood there staring. She realized it just as quickly, guilt blooming in her chest. She snapped her gaze away and walked briskly into the bathroom, cheeks burning.

When she came back out, her stomach dropped.

Celeste was talking to Vi.

Vi was crouched slightly to hear her better, nodding along, her expression open and focused. Caitlyn’s panic kicked in. She sprinted over and gently pulled Celeste back.

“Shit—Sorry! She tends to wander off without asking sometimes,” Caitlyn said, flustered.

Vi smiled, scratching the side of her neck. “It’s alright. We had a nice chat. She’s a smart kid.”

Caitlyn’s eyes flicked to the tattoo on Vi’s neck before she forced herself to look away. Her daughter was grinning at her now.

“This one’s always ahead of herself,” Caitlyn said, managing a tight smile. “Sorry again. We won’t bother you.”

She turned and practically dragged Celeste back to the lobby.

“What did you say to her?” Caitlyn whispered once they sat.

“Just asked what she was doing.”

“Are you sure ?”

“Yes! I didn’t tell her you have a big fat crush on her,” Celeste said sweetly.

Caitlyn slapped a hand over her daughter’s mouth, eyes wide, scanning the room for witnesses.

“ Celeste! ”

Celeste giggled into her palm.

They sat back down. Caitlyn was still recovering.

“It wouldn’t hurt to talk to her, you know,” Celeste said casually.

“I’m not having this conversation with an eight-year-old.”

“If you don’t ask for her number, I’m not coming to this class anymore.”

“I—you—” Caitlyn sputtered.

“Your choice, Mum,” Celeste said with a mischievous shrug before skipping off to greet a classmate.

Caitlyn prayed her daughter would forget.

She didn’t.

After class, Caitlyn was halfway out the door when Celeste stopped her.

“Let’s get ice cream?” Caitlyn offered, desperate for a change of subject.

“Yes! But not until you talk to her.”

“Lest—”

“Come on. Just as friends. I like her. She seems fun.”

Before Caitlyn could protest, she was being pulled by the hand toward the desk — where Vi now sat, calm as ever, tapping her finger rhythmically on the counter.

Tap, tap, tap.

The moment Caitlyn stepped into her shadow, Vi’s tapping stopped.

“How can I help you?” Vi asked, her voice even — but with the faintest curve of amusement. Caitlyn hadn’t expected her to notice so fast.

She froze. Mouth open. Nothing came out.

Celeste didn’t hesitate.

“My mum here has something to tell you.”

There was a pause. Vi tilted her head slightly.

“Oh? Is something wrong… Miss Kiramman?”

Caitlyn’s throat went dry. “I—well—no, nothing’s wrong. I was thinking, maybe—um—”

Her accent caught Vi’s attention again. That soft, refined curve to her vowels. Vi’s head tilted again, just slightly, like she was memorizing the sound.

“She wants your number,” Celeste said.

Both women went still.

Then—

“ YES! ” a voice exploded from under the counter.

Caitlyn jumped. A girl popped up holding a screwdriver in one hand and an impish grin on her face.

“My sister would love to give you her number.”

“Pow—” Vi started.

“What?” Powder said innocently, then turned to Caitlyn. “Here, give me your phone.”

Caitlyn, too stunned to argue, fumbled through her coat and handed it over.

“Name?”

“Caitlyn.”

“Alrighty,” Powder said, typing fast. “This is Vi’s number. She’s awesome. You can call her whenever” 

“Powder,” Vi said, her voice sharp, her face and ears visibly red.

Powder handed the phone back to Caitlyn with a wink. “Good luck, British lady.”

Caitlyn stared at the screen. Vi’s number was now saved under Vi (Gym Girl 💪).

She didn’t remember breathing for the last two minutes.

Vi cleared her throat. “Um… sorry about her.”

“No, it’s… fine,” Caitlyn said, still dazed. “She’s… efficient.”

Celeste beamed. “Ice cream now?”

Caitlyn nodded, still clutching her phone like it might vanish.

  ________________

Caitlyn stared at the contact on her phone the entire ride home. She was not a very safe driver.

Vi (Gym Girl 💪)

The emoji was Powder’s doing, obviously. But the name... the name was hers now. In her phone. Permanently. Like it had always been there.

Celeste was in the back seat, humming softly to herself between licks of her ice cream cone. She’d chosen mint chip again — her favorite. Caitlyn had barely touched hers.

She wasn’t sure if she was nervous, annoyed, or something in between. Probably both.

“You’re welcome, by the way,” Celeste said, casually, like she hadn’t just upended Caitlyn’s emotional equilibrium in a public gym lobby.

“For what?”

“For helping you make a move,” she said proudly.

“I didn’t make a move,” Caitlyn muttered. “You did. Without asking.”

Celeste shrugged, licking her cone. “Same thing.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes and focused on the road. The streetlights were starting to flicker on, casting long shadows across the windshield. Her mind, however, remained stubbornly back at the gym. At the counter. At the half-smile on Vi’s face when she heard her voice.

She hadn’t said much. But she hadn’t said no.

And that was something.

Back home, Caitlyn closed the door behind her and leaned against it, just for a moment. The house was quiet — the kind of quiet that came from routine. Celeste dropped her shoes by the door and disappeared into her room without needing to be asked.

Caitlyn stood in the entryway, coat still on, holding her phone like it might bite her.

She opened it.

Vi (Gym Girl 💪)

She stared at the message field for a solid minute. Her thumbs hovered over the keyboard.

Hi, it’s Caitlyn. From the gym.

No. Too bland.

Thanks for not being alarmed by my daughter ambushing you.

Ugh. Too apologetic.

I hope Powder didn’t add any emojis to your contact in her phone.

Too presumptuous. Too familiar. Too—

She locked her phone and tossed it onto the kitchen counter like it had offended her.

Nope.

Not tonight.

That night, as she got ready for bed, she found herself brushing her hair slower than usual. Her eyes drifted to her own reflection — tired, a little flushed. She looked… unsettled. Not in a bad way. Just off-kilter.

It wasn’t like her.

She’s never indulged herself in any of those thoughts since her ex-fiance left. The heartbreak was painful, a hard adjustment for Celeste and herself. 

She didn’t text that night. Or the next. 

But the contact stayed in her phone, quietly waiting.

And every time she opened her messages, her eyes drifted to it — just for a second longer than before.

  ________________

Vi just walked out of the shower, wearing a t-shirt and shorts. 

“Meow… purrcyyyyy” Vi’s voice a few octaves higher to summon her orange cat, She was snapping her fingers.

From above, she heard the soft jingle of a bell, followed by a muffled thump and the sound of fur brushing the floor. A second later, something warm and heavy nudged her leg.

“There you are, you little menace,” she grinned.

She extended her arm, palm steady by her side. A beat passed…then a muffled “oof” escaped her as a bundle of fluff landed squarely in her hand. Purrcy, her orange tabby, now very much not a kitten, climbed his way up her arm and settled around her shoulders like a scarf.

 The orange feline was a lot heavier then it was as a kitten. The last image of him Vi remembers was a young teenage orange cat with green eyes that looked peaceful beneath the sun. 

Vi adopted Purrcy when he was a little kitten, she found him in the garden outside of her old house. The two immediately bonded with the orange cat being extra clingy towards Vi. Purrcy’s 8 years old now, he was around 1 when Vi lost her sight, the poor cat was scared shitless when he had to stay at Loris’ house since Vi was in the hospital for quite some time. 

When she finally came home, Powder had fitted Purrcy with a collar and a tiny bell. Vi hadn’t asked, but it helped. Even if the cat hated it at first. He eventually accepted his fate with the same theatrical disdain he gave Powder every time she entered the apartment.

Purrcy liked sitting across Vi’s broad shoulders or even on top of her head occasionally, even though he was gaining quite some weight for the lack of exercise, he still found a way to keep himself on Vi. 

Vi walked to her nightstand fluidly, memorising the outline of her one bedroom apartment which Powder helped her decorate. She was told by Powder that her belt was hanging on top of a cabinet, along with other trophies, medals and framed pictures. Other than that, everything was placed systematically, easier for Vi to navigate. 

Her closet was filled with simple clothing, nothing could go wrong with simple. T-shirt, hoodies, tank tops, and some other clothes buried in the back of her closet for said special occasions which she had never touched. 

She had specifically ordered for Powder to keep her clothes of simple colour as well, only grey, white, black and blue so no funky combinations, not that she would notice.  And of course, her special selection of headwear of caps and beanies, although Powder had tried many times to convince her that she didn’t have to wear it all the time when they were out, she still did. 

Vi picked up the phone from her nightstand, “Hey Siri, read my notifications.” 

She found herself checking her notifications more then she should, waiting for a specific someone to send her a text, though a part of her still thinks that the day would not happen. 

Her heart did that stupid skip thing again, the one she hated. 

“One new message from Pow Pow:
Sis! I’m coming over now. Just sister bonding time.
Sent twelve minutes ago.”

“Fuck” she muttered to herself. She’s been ignoring her sister since the incident in the gym, not replying to her messages.

She picked up her phone, “Hey Siri, call Powder.” 

“Pow! I’m going to bed now! No point in coming.” 

“Well too bad, I’m unlocking your door now.” 

Then Powder hung up. Vi wanted to sink into her bed and never wake up. 

Vi groaned, dragging herself to the living room, Purrcy still comfortably wrapped around her shoulders. The light flicked on, stabbing into her squinting eyes.

“Pow, you didn’t have to-” 

“I brought you ice-cream.” Vi always had a soft spot for desserts. 

She rolled her eyes, “Fine.” 

“Gotta take a piss, gimme a sec.” Powder said while eyeing the cat on Vi’s shoulders, leading to an intense staring battle that lasted for three seconds before Powder gave up. She flipped the cat off before walking into the bathroom. 

Vi’s hand reached for the table, feeling where the ice-cream was before bringing it into the kitchen. She took two bowls and a spoon out. Vi opened the tub of ice-cream smelling the flavor. Strawberry, her favorite, she smiled while she shook her head. 

She pulled out two bowls. Her movements were practiced as if she could do this with her eyes closed. And, well, she did. She placed the bowls on the table, already indulging in the treat. If she could, she would lock herself inside her room just so she could avoid the conversation with Powder. 

“So… Caitlyn.” Powder broke the silence. 

“Hm?” Vi replied innocently. 

“The British mum.” 

“Ah. Yeah I heard from Loris she’s a good kid.” 

Powder narrowed her eyes at Vi then the cat glaring at her on Vi’s shoulders. 

Just as Vi thought she would give up the topic, Vi’s phone vibrated,

“You have received a notification on Messengers from a new contact, Caitlyn K, would you like me to read the message?” 

Vi froze. Spoon paused mid-air.

“No fuck,” she muttered under her breath.

Of all the times.

She’d been waiting for this text. Days. Every quiet moment she'd checked. And of course it had to come now , with her sister across the table like a smug hawk.

Vi attempted to continue eating her ice-cream ignoring the text. 

Powder perked up immediately. “Well well well …”

“Ignore it. My phone’s broken. Dropped it two days ago,” Vi lied flatly.

“Like hell it is,” Powder grinned, already lunging across the table.

“POW—!”

Too late. Powder grabbed the phone and hit the read-aloud function.

“Good evening. This is Caitlyn from the gym. Would texting or calling work better for you?”

Powder blinked. Then frowned. “Why is this woman so proper?”

“POW! Give it back.” 

At this point, Vi’s stomach was doing full-on backflips. Caitlyn’s voice echoed in her head — soft, polished, careful in a way that made every word feel like it meant something.

It was... sexy, to say the least.

“You don’t want to miss out on her,” Powder said, leaning back in her chair with a grin. “She’s hot as fuck .”

“Powder—!”

Vi felt her whole body jolt. Her insides did another involuntary somersault. Because Powder saying a girl was hot? That meant she wasn’t joking . That meant Caitlyn was perhaps actually hot.

“I mean, if I wasn’t dating Ekko,” Powder added with a shrug, “I’d absolutely be on top of her right now.”

“Jesus Christ, Pow ! ” Vi covered her face with both hands, the heat crawling up her neck like wildfire.

Powder just smirked. “I could describe her to you, but it seems like you’re not interested.”

Vi paused. Goddamnit.

She wanted to know. She didn’t want to want to know… but she wanted to know.

Still, she forced her voice into a flat drawl. “Yeah. I’m not interested.”

“Suit yourself, sis,” Powder teased, stretching like a cat. “But she’s got these blue eyes that sparkle like sapphires.”

Vi’s fingers twitched.

Shit.

Powder saw it. She definitely saw it.

There was a pause.

“At least tell her you’re not interested,” Powder said, clearly playing her. “I’ll help you write the text.”

“No!” Vi blurted, a little louder than intended. “I’ll… think about it. Let me sleep on it.”

Ha. Bingo.

Powder grinned like she’d just won a bet with herself.

Vi got her sister out of the apartment as quickly as she could. 

The second the door clicked shut, she exhaled like she'd been holding her breath for an hour. She leaned against the wall, palms pressed to her face.

“God,” she muttered.

Purrcy meowed from the corner, hopping down from the cat tree with the grace of a slightly overweight ninja. He followed her into the kitchenette, curling around her legs until she reached his tub of food.

She hadn’t let anyone new into her life in seven years. Not really. Not since everything went to hell. Not since the accident. And there was no way it was going to change for Caitlyn… 

Fans and media offered their sympathy for the young star's sudden retirement, she liked the attention she had when she was on the top of her career, though not after when everything crumpled down. 

She hated it. Sold her old house. Cut ties. Disappeared.

No more interviews. No more statements. No closure. Just... silence.

The sympathy had been unbearable.

They called her a “tragedy.” A “what-could-have-been.”

Let them think what they wanted.

People still recognized her sometimes. She hated those moments most. The awkward “Hey, aren’t you—?” followed by that look — part awe, part pity.

But Caitlyn…

Caitlyn didn’t look at her like that.

She hadn’t even seemed to realize who she was. And if she had , she didn’t show it. She just spoke to Vi like she was still someone . Like she wasn’t broken. Like she hadn’t vanished.

And her voice—

Vi shook her head and cursed under her breath.

She couldn’t stop thinking about her.

And now the woman was in her phone.

Waiting.

She sat on the edge of her bed, playing the message again and again

“Good evening. This is Caitlyn from the gym. Would texting or calling work better for you? 

Sent 35 minutes ago.”

“Good evening. This is Caitlyn from the gym. Would texting or calling work better for you? 

Sent 38 minutes ago.”

Vi wasn’t sure what Caitlyn wanted.

Maybe it was nothing. Maybe she just wanted to be polite. Maybe Powder had forced this whole thing and Caitlyn was trying not to be rude.

Vi had no idea.

But she couldn’t stop thinking about her voice. The shape of the words. That subtle accent that made everything sound just a little more careful.

She sighed and let her head fall forward into her hands, elbows resting on her knees.

Fuck it.

Then her fingers hovered over her phone and she pressed the voice recording button. 

“Uhh. Hey, it's Vi. Um texting works.” 

She released her finger and a swoosh noise rang in her ears indicating that the text was sent.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn seemed more interested in attending Celeste’s classes than her daughter was. 

The soft bell above the entrance jingled as Caitlyn pushed the door open, one hand wrapped gently around Celeste’s.

Vi perked up at the sound, her head lifting from behind the counter, music still humming faintly through the gym speakers.

Caitlyn didn’t say anything. She simply guided Celeste to the couches in the lobby. They were early again.

“Mum…” Celeste whispered, tugging gently at her hand.

“After your class starts,” Caitlyn whispered back, quiet but firm.

“Fine.” Celeste huffed, crossing her arms.

More kids began to trickle in, laughter and sneakers echoing across the gym floor. When class started, Celeste slipped away with her new friends, leaving Caitlyn alone on the couch, not far from the counter where Vi sat.

Vi’s head bobbed lightly to the beat in her speakers, Stopping when a shadow fell across the counter, she could guess who it was. The scent of Caitlyn’s perfume and her tall shadow made her easier to distinguish.

She tensed without meaning to.

“Hi,” Caitlyn said, breaking the silence between them.

“Hey,” Vi replied.

They hadn’t texted much since they exchanged numbers, or were forced to by Vi’s sister and Caitlyn’s daughter. The texts had been brief. Polite. Avoidant. Neither of them really knew what to say.

The silence between them now was thick and awkward, stretching far too long.

“How’s your daughter doing?” Vi asked, finally, the only safe question she could reach for.

“She’s good… in class right now,” Caitlyn said, eyes flicking to the classroom.

“Yeah, I know.” Vi smirked, a flicker of her usual confidence returning. “You look good today.”

“Thank yo— I…” Caitlyn faltered, blinking. Her brain short-circuited.

Vi laughed lightly. “I’m just messing. I wouldn’t know.”

Caitlyn blinked again, then cracked a smile. “Well… you look good.”

Now it was Vi’s turn to freeze.

She was in a tank top, shorts, a backwards baseball cap, and shades. Hardly dressed to impress. Heat crept up her neck anyway.

“Thanks,” she muttered, scratching the back of her head.

A beat passed.

“So… why’d you sign Celeste up for this class?” Vi asked, trying to shift the spotlight.

“Her classmates weren’t the nicest,” Caitlyn replied, tone tightening slightly.

“Shit, I’m sorry to hear that.” Vi frowned. “Your kid sounds like a good one.”

“She is.” Caitlyn nodded proudly.

“I’m sure you and her dad are super proud of her.”

“Dad?” Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, amused.

Vi blinked behind her shades, realizing. “Mum, then.”

“Actually,” Caitlyn said, her voice quiet but steady, “it’s just me.”

Vi stiffened slightly. “Shit. I’m sorry to hear that.”

Caitlyn shrugged. “You did a good job raising her,” Vi added quickly, genuine.

“I’d like to think that,” Caitlyn said, eyes softening.

The silence returned, but it was different this time. Not as sharp. Not as brittle.

“This gym’s nice,” Caitlyn said, glancing around. “Have you worked here for long?”

“Yeah,” Vi nodded. “Long enough I guess.”

Vi was grateful that Caitlyn didn’t press the question further. 

“How’s your day been?” Vi asked, steering the conversation into safer, softer territory.

“Quite good, actually,” Caitlyn replied, her shoulders relaxing. “I managed to finish off a few things I’ve been putting off for weeks.”

“That’s good,” Vi nodded, then tilted her head with a playful grin. “So… what do you do? You already know what I do, so it’s only fair I get to know yours.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “I’m a professor.”

Vi hummed in response. “hmm..Professor Kiramman.”

Caitlyn blushed harder then ever, she was a bit relief to know that Vi couldn’t see her turn tomato red.

Vi’s grin widened, eyebrows raised in teasing suspicion. 

“Anyway…how was your day?” Caitlyn asked, shifting the focus to something else.

“Same as always,” Vi shrugged. “My days don’t change much.”

There was a pause, then, suddenly:

“Well, do you want to grab lunch with me tomorrow?” Caitlyn blurted.

Vi blinked, a little stunned.

Caitlyn’s eyes were wide, like she couldn’t believe she actually said it out loud. “I mean, if you're free. I figured it’d be a good chance to hang out, outside the gym.”

Vi tried to keep her cool. She really did. “Sure.”

But inside, her heart was doing somersaults. Her fingers itched to fidget, and she had the overwhelming urge to throw herself onto her bed, scream into a pillow, and kick her legs like a teenager with a crush.

“How does twelve sound?” Caitlyn asked, trying to play it casual. “I don’t know the area very well, got any recommendations?”

“Yeah, twelve works,” Vi said, still riding the high of not completely embarrassing herself. “There’s a burger place a few blocks from here. Best fries in the city.”

“Perfect,” Caitlyn smiled, and this time, it was softer. Warmer. Real.

“It’s called “Char’s Pattys.” 

“Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” 

                                                       ________________

Caitlyn arrived early to the burger place.

She wore a simple white T-shirt tucked into high-waisted jeans, a navy cardigan draped over her shoulders. Comfortable. Casual. Not trying too hard — though the mirror would disagree with how long she'd spent getting ready.

The restaurant had a warmth to it,  cozy, clean, inviting. Customers chatted easily with the waiters and even the chefs behind the open counter. It felt like the kind of place that made you want to stay longer than you planned.

Caitlyn liked it.

But she couldn’t sit still.

She shifted on the bench seat, fingers tugging at the edge of her sleeve. Every time the door creaked open or footsteps passed too close, her head snapped toward it, hopeful.

Waiting.

It was 12:04 now.

And the thought crept in, slow and unwelcome: What if she doesn’t show?

A waitress approached, smiling politely. “Would you like to order anything, miss?”

“I’m okay for now,” Caitlyn replied quickly. “Just waiting for a friend.”

The waitress nodded and moved on.

Caitlyn sighed, reaching for her phone. Her thumb hovered over Vi’s name. She could send a quick text 

— Hey, everything alright?   but she stopped herself.

She didn’t want to rush her.

Instead, she stared at her lock screen, then the door. Then her phone again.

Every ten seconds.

The nervousness was building, coiling tight in her chest.

Then,  the door opened with a soft chime.

And there she was. A redhead stood in the doorway, baseball cap backwards. She wore her usual dark shades, her brows scrunched together in faint concentration. Her cane tapped softly against the floor, rhythmic and steady.

Caitlyn froze for half a second,  then called out, voice soft but clear. “Vi.”

Vi’s head lifted at the sound, posture relaxing just slightly. She turned toward Caitlyn’s voice, adjusting her stance.

It was the first time Caitlyn had seen her like this, outside the gym, out in the world. With her cane. vulnerable in a way she never seemed behind the counter or in the gym.

Vi made her way to the table, guided more by sound than sight. Her cane tapped once against the leg of a nearby chair, and she muttered a soft “Sorry” to no one in particular before finally reaching Caitlyn’s side.

“Hey,” she said.

Caitlyn smiled, standing instinctively to help, even if Vi didn’t need it. “You made it.”

“I told you I would,” Vi replied, her voice teasing but a little breathless, like maybe she’d been walking faster than she should have.

Caitlyn waited until Vi was seated and folded her cane. “I wasn’t worried,” she lied.

Vi smirked. “Liar.”

Caitlyn looked down at the menu to hide her blush. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving,” Vi said. “I didn’t eat anything this morning. Was too nervous.”

Caitlyn blinked. “You were nervous?”

Vi tilted her head. “You weren’t?”

A beat passed. Then they both laughed, softly, a little awkward, but genuine.

“You said the chips were good?” 

“Fries.” Vi grinned teasing Caitlyn’s accent. 

“Do you know what you're getting or-?” Caitlyn asked carefully, unsure how to approach the topic. 

She didn’t know how far her vision is impaired or if she could read the menu or what. 

“It’s ok, I know my order.” Vi replied. 

They both ordered, and Caitlyn couldn’t help but keep staring at Vi, her features were so soft, there was a scar on her upper lip and she couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like. She quickly shoved the thought away when Vi tilted her head slightly to Caitlyn as if she could tell that she was staring. 

“You’re staring,” Vi said, her voice low and teasing.

“I—”
Caitlyn froze.

Damn it.

Vi caught her, and there was no excuse she could come up with fast enough. Her lips parted, but nothing came out. A beat of silence passed between them.

Then Vi grinned.

“I’m just messing.”

Caitlyn let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, sinking slightly in her seat. “You’re terrible.”

Vi shrugged, smug. “You’re the one staring.”

“I wasn’t—”

“You were absolutely staring.”

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes, hiding her smile behind her milkshake. “So what if I was?”

Vi’s brows lifted slightly. “Then I’d say I’m flattered.”

Caitlyn coughed into her straw. “You’re impossible.”

Vi laughed, a warm, genuine sound that made Caitlyn’s chest tighten in the best way.

“So…what do you teach?” 

“Arts.” 

Vi’s eyebrows arched weirdly, before Caitlyn continued.

“Well architectural studies to be very exact.” 

“Oh fuck.” Vi clearly amused.

“What?” Caitlyn asked obliviously

“I would say that’s hot as fuck but..” 

“But?” 

Vi shrugged and let out a little chuckle when the waitress arrived at their table, holding both their trays of food. The waitress slid the trays onto the table with a practiced smile. “One cheeseburger, no pickles, no sauce, and fries for you,” she said, setting Vi’s plate down. “And the double mushroom melt, with small fries for you,” she added with a grin toward Caitlyn.

“Thank you,” Caitlyn said politely, already reaching for a fry.

Vi waited until the waitress walked away before picking up the conversation again.

“So you teach architecture?” she asked, already unwrapping her burger.

“Architectural studies,” Caitlyn corrected, smiling. “Mostly theory and history. Materials, design language, sustainable structures…”

Vi blinked. “That’s… a lot of words.”

Caitlyn laughed. “To simplify it-”

“No, no, it’s just” Vi shook her head, clearly amused. “I was expecting, like, literature or philosophy. You’ve got the vibe.”

“Oh, so I look like I’d quote Nietzsche over lunch?”

Vi pointed at her with a fry. “You absolutely do.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Are you kidding? That’s hot as fuck.”

Caitlyn blinked, nearly dropping her burger.

Vi smirked. “But now I gotta live with the knowledge that you probably judge every ugly building you walk past.”

“I do,” Caitlyn said unapologetically. “And the people who designed them.”

They ate in silence for a few moments, the easy kind, filled with the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of the restaurant around them. Vi wiped her mouth to make sure her face was clean every other second, a habit she’s acquired since she was always a messy eater and losing her vision didn’t make it any better, for safety precautions as well, she didn’t want to sit through an entire conversation with Caitlyn while her chin had a small dot of ketchup.

“Shit, these fries are good.”

“I told you so” Vi shone a victorious grin.

“So,” Vi said, after a moment, licking a bit of salt off her thumb, “what made you go into architecture?”

Caitlyn paused, chewing slowly before answering. “I was obsessed with cathedrals as a kid. The scale, the detail, the way they made you feel small but safe at the same time. I wanted to understand how people could create something so great with stone and glass.”

Vi blinked. “That’s… actually kinda beautiful.”

Caitlyn shrugged, a little embarrassed. “I like things that last. That carry stories in their walls.”

Vi nodded, quieter now. “Yeah. I get that.”

Vi leaned back slightly, turning her head toward the sound of passing traffic outside the window. Her fingers traced the edge of her tray absentmindedly.

“Things that last,” she echoed softly. “That’s rare.”

Caitlyn tilted her head. “You don’t think anything lasts?”

“Most things don’t,” Vi said with a shrug, like it was just a fact. “People leave. Places change. Shit breaks down, gets torn down. Even memories fade.” 

All the things were spoken from the bottom of her heart. When she was younger, she took her vision for granted, such a basic thing which the majority of the people had, yet so important, though no one really appreciates it, including young Vi. She’s changed so much during the years and despite thinking that she was going to stick to fighting forever, it doesn’t. 

Caitlyn watched her for a long second. “That’s true. But I think that’s why I love it. Architecture, I mean. Because it fightsthat . It’s like someone saying, ‘I was here. I mattered. And this thing I built? It’ll outlive me.’”

Vi gave a quiet laugh, not mocking, more like she was surprised by how much that idea affected her. “You really talk like a professor.”

Caitlyn smiled. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Vi said quickly. “I like it.”

They fell into silence again, but this time it felt heavier. Not uncomfortable, just… more honest.

Vi ran her finger along the edge of her burger wrapper. “When I was younger, I used to sketch buildings, or just any cool structures.”

Caitlyn blinked. “You did?”

Vi nodded. “Yeah. Not anything fancy. Just… rooftops. Fire escapes. Graffiti on the side of old brick walls. Stuff I’d see walking around, I didn’t grow up in the nice part of town, but the neighborhood was always lively.. Filled with art.”

Caitlyn’s expression softened. “That’s still architecture.”

Vi tilted her head. “I guess.”

Caitlyn leaned forward slightly, voice softer now. “ Would you ever think about going back to that? Drawing?”

Vi shook her head. “Nah. Hands aren’t what they used to be. And…” She hesitated, then said quieter, “It’s hard to draw what you can’t see anymore.” Vi lifted her free hand a little, rubbing her thumb over the small bumpy scars on index knuckles, which made Caitlyn wonder if she fought a lot. 

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Vi replied.

But Caitlyn didn’t look away. “Still. I think you saw things most people didn’t. That doesn’t just go away.”

Vi didn’t reply right away.

Then she smiled, small, genuine. “You always talk like that?”

“Only when I’m trying to impress someone.”

Vi laughed. “Well… it’s working.” 

Caitlyn blushed harder, unable to contain the red spreading around her face. 

“Have you seen the famous cathedral, I forgot what it’s called but-” 

“Yes, I actually have. Seeing the Duomo of Milan was what intrigued me as a kid. The thing that excited me most as a kid was the buildings there. The buildings were ginormous and so detailed. Even as a kid, I was already thinking about the process of building and the structure of the building.” 

Vi nodded with a smile on her face. 

“Shit, sorry I probably talk too much, I tend to babble a lot when I get to the topic of architectures, there’s too much to talk about and I can’t seem to stop…shit, I’m doing it again.” 

“Noo.. Keep talking, I like your voice.” Vi bit her lips after, saying it as Caitlyn’s eyes widened from hearing what Vi said, she almost choked but disguised it with a few coughs.

“Well enough about me, have you been to Italy?” 

Vi’s smile altered a bit upon the question, her fingers tapping the table absentmindedly. 

“No…well I’ve always wanted to travel around and see the world when I was younger, but I guess fate had something else planned.” Vi shrugged. 

Vi didn’t want to trauma dump everything onto Caitlyn on their first lunch meeting, so she tried her best to simplify her words. Though she would never admit that ever since she was a kid, she always dreamt of seeing something beyond smoke-choked skylines and rusted rooftops. But dreams cost money, and back then, she had none. Later, when she actually had enough,  more than enough, she told herself she’d wait. She promised herself that she would after she retired, but the opportunity was lost before she could even grasp it. 

How did something that could make her dream come true yet at a moment later, take away her dreams and more. 

                                                       ________________

“Mum made a new friend,” Celeste commented, casually breaking the silence that had settled over the dinner table.

Three pairs of adult eyes froze mid-motion. Forks paused. Glasses hovered just above the tablecloth.

Jayce and Mel both turned to Caitlyn in perfect synchrony.

Caitlyn blinked. “The book you’re reading?” she asked with feigned innocence, gently nudging Celeste under the table with her foot.

Celeste gave her a devilish grin before happily diving back into her pasta, mission very much accomplished.

Jayce raised an eyebrow. Mel sipped her wine far too slowly. They were both still watching Caitlyn.

Caitlyn did her best not to squirm under the weight of their combined stare. She focused meticulously on cutting her roasted vegetables, pretending not to notice the heat crawling up the back of her neck.

She could feel the questions sitting on the tips of their tongues.

Her daughter had just thrown her under the bus. She could definitely sink into her chair right now. 

"Are you gonna tell us more?" Mel finally broke the silence, her eyebrow raised in playful suspicion.

"This is big, Sprout," Jayce added, grinning.

"It so not is. I make new friends all the time," Caitlyn huffed, crossing her arms.

"Sure," Jayce said, leaning forward with a smirk. "Name one friend you’ve made this year."

"The girl down the street?" Caitlyn offered, a little too fast.

Jayce gave her a look. "Did you become friends with her in your dream?"

Celeste snorted, trying her best not to laugh. Mel shot Jayce a sharp glare, but even she was trying not to smile.

“I’m so done with all three of you. Teaming up against me like this,” Caitlyn pouted, sinking further into the chair.

“We just want the best for you, Cait,” Mel said gently. “It’s been a while since you made a real connection with someone.”

Caitlyn groaned, dragging both hands down her face. “You all sound exactly like my mother. I’ve been busy, okay? Sorry that making friends isn’t at the top of my to-do list.”

"How did you even meet her?" Mel asked, curiosity piqued.

“Remember that self-defense class Mum said she was signing me up for?” Celeste chimed in helpfully.

“Mhm,” Mel nodded.

“She’s the receptionist there,” Celeste grinned, “and I caught Mum staring at her a lot.”

Caitlyn’s head whipped around. “ Celeste! ”

The girl shrunk slightly under her mother’s glare, but the grin on her face gave away her pride.

Mel and Jayce burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the show.

“Oh, she definitely stared,” Celeste mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for them to hear.

Caitlyn groaned again, burying her face in her hands. “I need new friends and a quieter child.”

“Nope,” Mel said, raising his glass. “You’re stuck with us.” 

“Or that friend.” Jayce added, wiggling his eyebrows. 

The three of them shared a quiet laugh while Caitlyn glared the three of them down. 

Jayce cleared his throat trying to pick up some composure. “What’s your friend’s name.” 

“Her name’s Vi.” 

Jayce paused a little as if he was hesitating something, “Vi..” Jayce repeated the name in a whispered voice. 

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at him.

“Her name rings a bell, but I’m not sure where I’ve heard it.” 

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes at Jayce before continuing a conversation with Mel and Celeste. 

As the dinner wrapped up, Jayce was playing a video game with Celeste, while Caitlyn and Mel watched them on the couch. 

“What if she’s not interested and I’m just assuming things? What if she’s just humouring me?”

Mel placed her hand on her best friend’s shoulder. “I think she would have blocked your number and placed a restraining order.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes and shoved Mel ’s hand off of her. “Not helping.”

“Cait, come on. You have game. You can get into her pants no problem.”

“Mel, I like her. This isn’t just sex. Honestly, I don’t even care about the sex. She’s pretty and sweet, and she has this one smile and I can tell that she doesn’t smile like that often but I just,” Caitlyn sighed. “I want to make her smile like that all the time.”

Mel studied her friend’s face for a few seconds before she hummed in response, no words, knowing that Caitlyn has found something she’s been so afraid to reach for in a long time and to say she was proud could easily be an understatement.

Chapter Text

Vi found herself worrying about her appearance which could be referred to as a lunar eclipse moment. She cared about her basic appearance of course, but to impress? That was rare. 

She paced around the room worriedly and bumped into the end of her bed quite a few times before collapsing onto it with a frustrated sigh.

The redhead laid down, her face facing the ceiling, resting there for a few good minutes, her right hand reaching for the scar on her right side of her head. Her thumb tracing against the rough edges of it. 

There were times where she would convince herself her hair could cover the scar but everytime she walked out of her apartment without her cap or beanie on, the cool breeze that blew against her hair made her regret the decision, leading to a second trip back to her apartment.  She cursed herself for making dumb decisions and eventually, the headwears became a part of her. 

Vi prayed that Caitlyn would see the cap as an accessory for fashion and not question it. 

But Caitlyn wasn’t doing much better, arguably worse. 

Sitting on the edge of her bed, her thumb spun absentmindedly over her bare ring finger, where a ring had once sat until three years ago.

She contemplated whether or not she was ready for this or not. Yet a part of her knew how unfair it would’ve been for Vi if she backed out right now, afterall it was Caitlyn who initiated a conversation, not that it was the reason to not back out of the date. 

A part of her wanted to retreat, hide back in the familiar safety of solitude, just her and her daughter.

But another part, the part that remembered Vi’s genuine smile, her easy laugh, the inked tattoos tracing strong arms.

Her train of thought was interrupted by the chime of the doorbell, followed immediately by the sound of the door unlocking — Celeste’s doing, no doubt.

Finally, hearing voices from the three she leaves her room to greet them in the living room. 

“Caitlyn Kiramman, why are you still in your pajamas?” Mel immediately called out when she saw Caitlyn. 

“I didn’t know what to wear, so I was hoping you could help?” Caitlyn smiled awkwardly. 

“Of course.” Mel answered sincerely. “But I recall you telling me you should be arriving at her apartment at 6:30?” Mel raised an eyebrow. 

“Yep, so ju-” Caitlyn replied while looking at the clock hanging on the wall, realising that she had less then 15 minutes before she had to leave the house. She spent too much time thinking in her bedroom, she’s completely forgotten about the time.

“Fuck!” Caitlyn cursed, grabbing Mel’s arm and dragging her toward the bedroom.

Jayce, settling down the pizza box he’d brought, chuckled. “What happened to the Caitlyn who used to arrive fifteen minutes early to everything, planner in hand?”

Caitlyn pointedly ignored him.

Once inside her room, Caitlyn whirled toward Mel, rambling, “I don’t know what to wear! Should I go for something comfortable? Or formal? What if it’s a candlelit dinner instead of something casual?”

Mel laughed softly, trying to calm her down. “Cait, you’ll look stunning no matter what. I’m sure she’ll be drooling the second she sees you.”

Caitlyn hesitated, then whispered, “Mel… she’s blind.”

Mel blinked. “You mean, like, oblivious blind, or—?”

“She’s visually impaired,” Caitlyn clarified, her voice firmer now.

Mel’s eyes widened staring at Caitlyn, asking a million questions. “And you never told me?”

“You never asked.”

Mel studied her for a moment, her teasing fading into something more serious. “Caitlyn… are you sure about this?”

“Yes. I am.” Caitlyn didn’t hesitate.

“Then why are you freaking out about what you look like?” Mel teased, half-laughing. “She wouldn’t even notice.”

“Mel! That’s disrespectful!” Caitlyn snapped, giving her an exasperated look.

“But it’s true,” Mel said with a shrug.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes so hard it hurt.

In the end, practicality won out. Caitlyn decided comfort was better than dressing to impress.
Besides, Vi didn’t strike her as the candlelit-dinner type and Caitlyn wanted to be herself tonight, not some polished version of what she thought she was supposed to be. 

Vi wished her apartment were less organized,  just messy enough to distract her.
She imagined herself pacing anxiously, shoving dirty laundry under the couch or into random cabinets like people did in movies before an unexpected guest arrived. But her place? It was spotless.

It always was.

A habit she and Powder had picked up over the years. If something was out of place, Vi would notice. And once she noticed, it was hard to let go. A single stray sock on the ground could spiral into a full-blown meltdown.

The anger was always justified, since she slipped and sprained her wrist one time when Vi stepped on Powder’s misplaced jumper.

The food was already out and waiting on the kitchen counter, prepped and ready to go. Vi had calculated the timing carefully. If Caitlyn arrived exactly when she said she would, Vi wouldn’t have to keep her waiting long. Dinner would start almost right away.

Maybe she was overthinking it.

But still, the buzz of anticipation in her chest was undeniable.

God, it had been so long since she felt this kind of thrill.

She’d settled on something simple for dinner: mashed potatoes and steak. The mashed potatoes were already resting in the pot, perfectly smooth and seasoned with extra butter. The steaks were prepped, seasoned, and wrapped — waiting for the pan, waiting to be seared to perfection.

Vi had lost a lot that night, more than she could ever put into words. But time?

Time was something she had plenty of.

And she’d filled it with cooking.

Julia Child was her favorite.

Something about the way she talked made it easy to follow, casual, chatty, funny. Listening to her was like having company in the kitchen. She learned little things from her, like why you shouldn’t use an omelette pan for anything but omelettes .

She’d bought one just for that reason. Powder had teased her for it, until she tasted the mastered version of Vi’s omelettes.

After that, no one questioned the pan. Vi had become the go-to breakfast host between her family and friends. There was something deeply comforting about that.

She pressed the button on her watch.

“Six o-four, p.m.” 

Damn. Time was crawling. She’d already run through her mental checklist twice — everything was perfect. So now she sat on the couch, hands resting on her knees, leg bouncing restlessly. Vi’s finger instinctively tapped on her knee.

Tap, tap, tap.

The apartment was filled with the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional jingle of Purrcy’s bell as he batted around a toy hanging on his cat tree.

Eventually, she stood again. Couldn’t sit still.

She made her way to the kitchen counter and ran her hand across the surface, fingers searching until they landed on the cloth. She wiped the table again — twice — even though it was already clean.
Just in case.

Then she tapped her watch again.

“Six twenty-two, p.m.” 

Eight more minutes.

Vi sighed and returned to the couch, sinking into it, arms folded tightly across her chest.

The wait stretched on. She stared into the stillness of her apartment, stuck in her thoughts, her breath shallow and quiet.

And then, finally.

The soft click of footsteps outside her door.

Vi’s head lifted.

A beat later, the doorbell rang.

She tapped on her watch again.

“Six thirty, p.m.” 

How does Caitlyn manage to stay so on time? 

Vi made her way to the door, opening it just a little bit to confirm that it indeed was Caitlyn. 

“Hello.” A voice from a familiar accent. “It’s Caitlyn.” 

“Hey, it’s Vi,” Vi joked while opening the door wider for Caitlyn. 

The moment it left her mouth, she winced internally.

God, that was lame.

Luckily Caitlyn chuckled to her joke, a soft chuckle. Though it was probably a teasing chuckle to Vi’s horrible attempt. 

“You can put your shoes right there,” Vi said, pointing toward the shoe rack. “You’re not scared of cats, right?”

“I—I can manage,” Caitlyn replied, a little too quickly.

Vi grinned. “You totally are.”

“I’m not scared,” Caitlyn mumbled, clearly trying to save face.

Vi laughed under her breath. She could practically hear the embarrassment on Caitlyn’s face.

“I’ll just put the meat in the pan. It should take no time, just rest on the couch.” Vi gave a confident smile, “Medium rare ok?” 

“Oh wow you cooked?” Caitlyn asked, shocked. Vi raised an eyebrow in response. “No shit sorry, I mean you didn’t have to, we could’ve- Yes, medium rare sounds good.” Caitlyn shut herself up before making matters worse. 

Caitlyn took a little longer than expected to be seated on the couch so she thought Caitlyn was curious and was looking around her apartment until she heard a thump. 

Vi batted her head in the direction, she’s pretty sure Caitlyn just bumped into her coffee table. She let out a soft chuckle. 

“Shit, and I thought I was the blind one.” Vi teased with a shiteating grin on her face. 

“Y-your light’s off, so I can’t see..” Caitlyn replied hesitantly. 

“Fuck” Vi mumured, her own teasing backfiring on her. She didn’t need to turn her lights on when she was home alone and even after thinking everything was perfectly set up and prepared for Caitlyn, she still managed to forget to turn her lights on. 

“Sorry,” she muttered, scratching the back of her neck as she walked over to the wall. Her hand patted against the cold surface until she found the switch and flicked the lights on.

Warm light filled the space, it wasn’t strong nor stinging, just enough to lighten up the place.

Vi offered a sheepish smile. “I usually just… don’t need them.”

“It’s okay,” Caitlyn said, brushing herself off with quiet grace. “I should’ve asked.”

Vi gave her a small nod, then excused herself back to the kitchen.

As Caitlyn waited, her gaze wandered — just a little. She felt a twinge of guilt for looking around uninvited, but curiosity tugged at her.

Her eyes landed on a cabinet filled with trophies, championship belts, and framed photographs.

The belts were clearly from some kind of combat sport — likely MMA or boxing. That tracked.

One photo caught her attention.

Vi stood in the center, one arm raised with a belt in hand, the other wrapped tightly around a blue-haired girl that looked like the spitting image of Vi, just skinnier, her sister most likely. The girl’s expression was one of exaggerated disgust, recoiling from her sister’s sweaty hug. Around them were cheering teammates, friends, and strangers.

She was biting her clear mouthguard, wearing a black sports bra, her muscles looking like they were sculpted by Michelangelo himself, like it was a masterpiece carved by the best of the best, with a layer of thin sweat coating her, not an excessive amount, but the perfect glisten.

But Caitlyn’s eyes landed on something else, Vi’s eyes.

They sparkled with pride. Not arrogance, but joy. Confidence.

And something softer beneath it all. Like a pink rose blooming in the middle of a red rose field.

Caitlyn turned her head toward the kitchen as the sharp scent of seared meat filled the room. Vi moved with ease — pressing the steak with two fingers, checking its doneness, then reaching out to find the plate by touch. Her fingers circled the rim before gently laying the steak down.

There was something beautiful about how practiced she was, how at home in her space.

“Smells good,” Caitlyn called from the couch.

Vi looked over her shoulder, blushing faintly. “I try.”

She tried not to smile, but failed. The grin tugged at her lips anyway.

A minute later, Vi set the plates down on the dinner table and sat opposite Caitlyn.

“Dinner is served,” Vi said, offering her a fork.

Caitlyn took a bite,  and her eyes widened.

“Shit… this is good .”

Vi exhaled, clearly relieved, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “Well, I think the presentation could use some work,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck.

“I prefer taste over looks anyway,” Caitlyn purred, her tone light and teasing.

Vi’s composure cracked. Heat rushed to her ears and neck. She cleared her throat, trying to play it cool.

“I cook often,” she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “Maybe you should taste more of it.”

“I’ll taste whatever you offer me,” Caitlyn replied with a sly smile.

Vi paused, caught between choking and laughing. “Wow. You’re really going there, huh?”

Caitlyn shrugged, feigning innocence. “What can I say? You bring it out of me.”

Vi chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re lucky I like your company, or I’d be kicking you out right now.”

“Oh, so I have to earn my stay?”

Vi leaned back against her chair, her grin widening. “Pretty much.”

They both laughed, the tension easing into something warmer, something comfortable.

Caitlyn took another bite and asked, “So... Do you always cook for your dates?”

Vi raised an eyebrow. “Who said this was a date?”

Caitlyn met her gaze, smiling. “You cooked steak, Vi. That’s not just friend food .”

Vi looked down at her plate, smirking. “Yeah, well... you’re not just any friend.” 

Caitlyn basically forgot about eating, the whole time admiring Vi’s features that were covered by her sunglasses before. 

Vi’s eyes from afar seemed grey, but once Caitlyn looked at it for longer, it was a soft shade of Powder Blue. It’s a shame how she has to wear sunglasses, she made a mental note to ask Vi more about that later.

The tattoo and freckles also stood out of Caitlyn. A tattoo of her name on her cheeks. Caitlyn would have laughed if it was anyone else, but it actually looked good on her? Her freckles were subtle, it was soft-

“-Cait?” 

Caitlyn jumped as Vi pulled her out of her thoughts while admiring her beauty. 

“Hmm?” Caitlyn tore her gaze off of Vi. 

“You okay?” Vi asked, and of course she wouldn’t have known what Caitlyn was doing. 

“Yeah sorry, I was just..” Caitlyn bit the bottom of her lips, it was only fair for Vi to know what she was doing. “admiring the view in front of me.” Caitlyn admitted. 

“That’s unfair.” Vi shook her head giggling as she took another bite of her steak. 

“What were you saying?” Caitlyn asked. 

After dinner, both of them decided to settle on the couch. 

It wouldn’t hurt for Mel to take care of Celeste for a bit longer. 

The entire space is very minimal, not a lot of personal stuff lying around. Caitlyn supposed that having things all over would make it difficult for Vi to find things.  

Vi drew out her iPhone from her pocket and used it to pull Netflix up on the television. Her phone talks out loud to her as she touches the screen and Caitlyn understands how she can text other than using Siri. Technology is so cool.

“What would you like to watch?”

Caitlyn relaxed into the back of the couch. “Show me something you really like.”

“Something that I really like is boring,” Vi mumbled.

“I don’t think you’re boring.”

Vi’s small smile made a reappearance. “Okay, fine. Don’t complain when we’re half an hour in and you’re ready to fall asleep.” She turned on The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans. “It’s not a movie, it’s a tv show but I like this episode.” She puts on the second episode, about the deep parts of the ocean.

Caitlyn is happy to sit and watch it. Except Caitlyn is more paying attention to a smiling Vi in the corner of her eye as she listens to the show. Vi’s eyes are on the screen, like she can actually see it, which surprised Caitlyn a little. She mentally yells at herself for making assumptions about Vi and blindness in general. She really should educate herself. Caitlyn’s eyes began to roam Vi again like in the dinner table and except this time she stops and chastises herself for it. She doesn’t need to be perving on her like this.

Vi speaks about three minutes into the show. She’s curious as to why Caitlyn is so quiet. “Have you fallen asleep yet?”

“Of course not, this is really cool.” She tried to pull her eyes away from Vi to actually look at the screen. She didn’t want to be a liar.

As soon as the transparent squid was mentioned, along with its cousins, Vi smiled that signature smile again, “Squids are my favourite.” Caitlyn wondered what it would be like to get Vi to really smile. One that made the skin around her eyes crinkle up. One that was combined with a hearty laugh. Caitlyn wanted to make her smile like that.

The documentary starts talking about a fish-Caitlyn missed the name, too busy looking at Vi. When she turns back to look at the screen, she sees giant eyes and a silver body. It’s so hideous.

“Aren’t they? Hatchet fish look awful.”

Caitlyn wasn’t aware that she voiced that thought aloud. She also got curious about how Vi knew how ugly they were. She glanced back to the screen. Not expecting a new fish to have large yellow eyes and a gaping mouth, she jumped. Vi laughs lightly at the noise she makes. Caitlyn felt butterflies in her stomach.  

The next fish introduced has teeth so big it can’t close its mouth completely. Caitlyn shuddered at the thought of getting anywhere near these terrifying creatures deep in the ocean. But as a colourful jellyfish comes up, Caitlyn is back to smiling. It was really pretty. That lasted all of thirty seconds though, when a burgundy creature appeared. It has white eyes, sharp teeth in a wide mouth and what looks like long spikes coming out of its body all over the place. These are actually antennae used to detect motion, but Caitlyn is having a hard time thinking of them as anything other than razor sharp points that will stab her the next time she sets foot in an ocean.

“This monster, half a meter across, is a hairy angler. This is the first time it’s been seen.”

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t count on anyone wanting to see it again,” Caitlyn muttered around a bite of ice-cream.

Vi lets out a snort to that. She’s enjoying having Caitlyn’s commentary on the documentary.

When an angler fish eats a squid whole, Caitlyn lets out a horrified gasp. “That poor squid.”

“The dead are gone, Caitlyn. The living are hungry.” Vi smirked.

The rest of the episode goes by with Caitlyn’s sarcastic comments about the horrifying creatures and Vi thoroughly enjoying herself for once in a long time. Powder got sick of re-watching things that Vi had already seen, and although Vi did enjoy watching new things, the descriptive narrating got a little annoying after a while. It was nice to be able to picture the screen sometimes. 

As Caitlyn was invested in the new creature, she flinched at Vi’s hand hovering near her, a pause for permission. It took her a few seconds to know what exactly Vi was doing. 

“Okay.” Caitlyn whispered. 

Vi fingertips missed Caitlyn’s face leading to a soft chuckle by Caitlyn, before she gently took Vi’s hand and rested it on her cheeks.

The touch was gentle, yet it sent shocks to both of them. The television was no longer playing, there were no sounds of traffic outside, no soft humming of the air conditioner. 

Just Caitlyn and Violet. 

Caitlyn placed Vi’s hand against her cheek, then let go, giving Vi full control.

Vi hesitated for only a moment, then let her fingers explore. Her touch was slow and reverent, brushing along the curve of Caitlyn’s jaw, the slope of her cheekbone, the soft point of her chin.

Caitlyn closed her eyes, letting herself be read. Her breath hitched,  not from nerves, but from how delicate Vi was being. As if touching something sacred.

Her lips parted slightly as Vi’s fingers grazed across them, and Vi paused,  just for a second, before continuing upward to trace the arch of her brow, the line of her nose, and finally, resting her hand over Caitlyn’s heart.

“You’re beautiful,” Vi whispered.

Caitlyn opened her eyes slowly. Her voice was soft but steady. “You can tell that… just from your fingertips?”

Vi gave a small, quiet smile. “No, I can’t.” She admitted

Caitlyn leaned forward, just a little. “What can you tell then?”

Vi’s hand was still resting gently against Caitlyn’s chest, feeling the soft, steady beat beneath her palm. Her thumb brushed across the fabric of Caitlyn’s sweater, then returned to her face, fingertips now trailing downward, toward her lips again.

“That you’re nervous,” Vi said softly. “But not scared.”

Caitlyn nodded faintly. “I’m not.”

Another pause. The air between them was warm, electric.

Vi swallowed. “And that you want me to kiss you.”

Caitlyn’s lips curled into the faintest smile. “Do you need permission?”

Vi’s hand dropped slightly, brushing along Caitlyn’s neck. “Maybe I just like hearing you say it.”

Caitlyn leaned in closer, her breath brushing against Vi’s skin. “Then kiss me, Vi.”

Vi didn’t hesitate this time. 

The kiss was tender, soft, slow and also a bit clumsy too. It’s been 7 years since Vi’s had physical contact like this, 7 years since she’s felt another pair of lips, 7 years since she’s allowed her heart to speak for itself. 

Caitlyn’s hands cupped Vi’s cheeks, traveling down to her neck. Her other hand cupped the back of Vi’s head. 

“Meow” 

The both paused, their foreheads were touching, a soft giggle came out from Caitlyn, followed by Vi’s. Their foreheads lingered for a while, because at that moment, it felt right. The past didn’t matter, nor did the future. It was like a singular puzzle piece that’s been lost for so long that it’s forgotten, yet when found, the significance of it spoke louder than words. 

They both giggled at the interruption until Purrcy hopped on Vi’s lap. 

Caitlyn’s body felt tense immediately. Side eyeing the cat, trying to think of a way to stop the cat from crawling towards herself. 

“You are definitely scared of him.” Vi’s grin reached up to her ears. She picked Purrcy up and teasingly shoved it to Caitlyn who jumped off the couch immediately. “Shit, it’s serious.” Vi grinned. 

Caitlyn stood a few good meters away from the couch, keeping a safe distance from herself and the orange cat so the possibility of him leaping up to Caitlyn was minimal. 

“What’s the story behind this?” 

“I was scratched badly by a cat as a kid, had to get a shot and stitches because of it.” Caitlyn explained. 

Vi laughed teasingly, “Purrcy’s a good cat, see?” Vi picked Purrcy up again, putting him up on her shoulders, his fat spilling out a bit from Vi’s shoulders but he managed to stay on, curling himself up comfortably. 

Caitlyn tried her best not to laugh, her hand covering her lips. 

“Hm?” Vi’s eye’s narrowed suspiciously at Caitlyn’s figure. 

“I think your cat has some enemies.” Caitlyn’s hand slowly reached for Vi’s, “Here, follow me" She Guided Vi through the living room Vi is so familiar with, yet it all fell new when Caitlyn guided her. They stopped at the wall with the windows, Caitlyn’s hand lifted Vi’s. 

She was expecting to feel the solid surface of the cold wall, but instead, her fingers were met with a large piece of paper, her fingertips tracing the edge of the paper slowly, confused as to what it was. She certainly doesn't remember a poster being set up there. 

“It’s a wanted poster. It reads, Wanted, and below it is the main picture of Purrcy in a funny angle, and smaller funny pictures of him in the corner, it also states the crime he’s committed is tax fraud and  being a spoiled orange pussy.” Caitlyn chuckled at her last words. 

“That fucker.” Vi muttered, wondering how long that poster’s been up there. “My sister’s not exactly bestfriends with my cat as you can see, she can be a bit hateful” Vi let out an awkward half smile, which Caitlyn wished she could just capture her adorable expression. 

“The reward for putting him behind bars is free meals for the entire month, I might just claim it.” Caitlyn teased. 

“Haha, very funny.” Vi said, rolling her eyes sarcastically. “Are there…any more weird posters in my apartment?” Vi asked genuinely, hoping to not have anything more embarrassing on display. 

“I don’t think so?” Caitlyn replied, scanning the room. “Everything looks in order.” 

Vi’s fingers felt the surface of the paper again, shaking her head while chuckling at the prank by her sister. 

“I didn’t know you were a fighter.” Caitlyn blurted out, eyes on the cabinet in standing in the apartment, filled by framed pictures, trophies and the belt. 

“I-” Vi was shocked by the sudden question, she’s never really talked about her past fighting career, and her friends and family knew better than to ask or force her to talk about it. 

“Shit sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” Caitlyn mentally kicked herself for not thinking before speaking again. 

Vi paused for a few seconds, hesitating something like she wanted to open her mouth but words caught on the tip of her tongue. There was a deafening silence between the two, Caitlyn’s eyes widening, scrambling to find something to bridge over the tension between the two. 

“I-I fought a long time ago, not anymore though.” Vi replied casually while she slowly walked back to the couch sitting down as Caitlyn followed her. “But I’m pretty sure you’ve figured out that I’m in no condition to fight anymore.” 

“Well you still have the body for it.” Caitlyn commented, making Vi blush again, and Caitlyn’s favorite, the smile. 

“Glad to know I’m still in shape.” Vi smirked. 

“In shape would merely be in an overstatement.” Caitlyn nudged Vi’s right arm with her elbow. 

Vi’s pretty sure her entire face is red like a tomato, biting her lips in an attempt to stop herself from smiling, at that moment, she wished for nothing more than to see Caitlyn’s face. Vi had fallen, hard and she's decided she would go for it, no matter how much it would hurt.

Chapter Text

By the time Caitlyn got home, there was a smile on her face she couldn’t even pretend to hide.

Mel and Jayce were practically vibrating with curiosity, ready to shake her upside down if it meant finding out what had happened during her date. The couple’s eyes tracked her every step like hawks, wide grins already playing at their lips as Caitlyn floated past them.

She moved toward the kitchen for a glass of water, her steps light like some invisible weight had finally been lifted off her. She felt... free. Giddy, even. The kind of giddy that made her cheeks ache from smiling too much.

Vi was definitely doing something to her.

Mel and Jayce had known her through every stage of her life, through heartbreak, through the engagement, through the painful end. But never, not even at the height of her relationship with her ex-fiancé, had they seen Caitlyn like this. Not this soft. Not this smitten. Maybe that whole soulmate theory was true after all.

Caitlyn sat on the couch with her legs to her chest, holding a glass of water while Mel and Jayce were sitting on the carpet eagerly waiting for Caitlyn to share whatever happened at Vi’s. 

“Gotta say I wasn’t expecting you to come home tonight.” Jayce started off as Caitlyn shot him a glare. 

“Not spending the night at hers doesn’t mean I didn’t have a good time.” Caitlyn stated.

“Please do tell.” Mel had the exciting look on her face, the look she always had when someone was about to share any interesting drama with her. 

“Well she cooked a nice dinner, we watched her favorite show, that’s about it?” Caitlyn recited, she wasn’t exactly lying, though she was definitely not telling the entire story. 

Mel narrowed her eyes at Caitlyn, which she immediately looked somewhere else to avoid Mel’s suspicious gaze. 

Caitlyn let out a sigh knowing how well Mel can read her. “Fine.. we kissed but it was nothing much.” Caitlyn took a sip from her glass to grasp some sort of composure. 

“And it was only a kiss?” Mel asked after sharing a look with Jayce, as if they were highschoolers sharing about their love lives.

Caitlyn, with her still glass raised to her mouth, sipping the water as slowly as possible nodded, with a muffled, “mhm” 

“Oh, Cait, you’re in love.” Mel teased. 

“I-I’m not.” Caitlyn huffed, setting her glass down on the coffee table. Her mouth said one thing, but her mind thought something else. Could you possibly be in love with someone within a month? No, it was not possible, Caitlyn concluded. Yes, of course Caitlyn did have feelings towards Vi she wouldn’t admit but she wasn’t sure how serious the feelings were or how deep she’s actually fallen. 

“How was Celeste?” Caitlyn asked, changing the topic. 

“Honestly, she seems like she understands everything. “ Jayce commented. “She’s way too mature compared to other 8 year olds.” 

“Baby, remember the kid we saw in the supermarket? She looked older than Celeste but was throwing the worst tantrum over ice-cream.” Mel added. 

Caitlyn mentally gagged at the pet name Mel had for Jayce whom she grew up with, but also was glad that Celeste barely threw tantrums nowadays. 

“I’ll talk to her tomorrow, if she’s skeptical, then I’ll-” Caitlyn didn’t finish the sentence, only letting out a soft sigh after it. 

Sunlight peeped through the curtains in Caitlyn’s room, hovering over her face, naturally waking her up. It was a Saturday morning and everything was perfectly slow, she made no plans the entire day, the possibility of a mother and daughter’s bonding time never sounded better. 

After her morning routine, brushing her teeth, tying her hair back, pulling on a clean shirt — Caitlyn made her way to the kitchen. She opened the fridge, then the cupboards, frowning slightly. Not much to work with.

She smiled to herself. Waffle House it is.

Caitlyn padded quietly to Celeste’s room, the hardwood floor cool beneath her bare feet. She opened the door gently, not wanting to startle her daughter awake.

Leaning against the doorframe, her expression softened.

Celeste was still asleep, curled up like a cat beneath her blanket, clutching the same owl plush she’d had since she was a baby. Her cheeks were squished against the pillow, her hair a mess of tangled curls.

The sight tugged at something deep in Caitlyn’s chest, a memory of the very first time she held Celeste, still and tiny in her sleep, not knowing how profoundly her life had been rocked upside down.

She walked over to the window and quietly tied the curtains back, letting the morning sun spill into the room. Celeste stirred, mumbling something incoherent but still not waking.

Caitlyn smiled and walked to the bed, sitting gently on the edge. The mattress dipped slightly under her weight. She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her daughter’s forehead.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” she whispered.

Celeste groaned in protest and tugged the blanket over her head.

Caitlyn chuckled. “I’ll give you another five minutes. But if we want breakfast at Waffle House…”

That got a reaction.

“…Waffles and strawberry milkshake?” came a muffled voice from under the covers.

“Mhm,” Caitlyn confirmed with a teasing smile.

In a flash, the blanket flew off. Celeste bolted upright, eyes wide with purpose, and darted off toward the bathroom.

Caitlyn laughed. “Be ready in ten?”

“Okay!” Celeste shouted through the door, already brushing her teeth.

Caitlyn turned to head back to her room to get dressed, her heart feeling unusually light.

The smell of batter on pans immediately filled their nostrils, Caitlyn holding her daughters hands as Celeste excitedly greeted the familiar waitress while Caitlyn offered a polite nod to the waitress. They were led to a table right next to the window, providing a perfect view of the busy sidewalks filled with passersby.

They both ordered once seated, a berries waffle and strawberry milkshake for Celeste and an original waffle and hot peppermint tea for Caitlyn. 

“How was your night with Jayce and Mel?” Caitlyn asked while Celeste was slurping on her milkshake. 

“It was so fun! I played soccer with Jayce in our garden then we played monopoly. Also, Mel said she’d paint with me next time!” Celeste said excitedly as she recalled last night’s memory, she always enjoyed her uncle and aunt’s accompaniment. 

“You mean football?” Caitlyn teased with a smile on her face while watching her daughter’s eyes light up talking about her night. 

“We’re in America mum!” Celeste retorted. 

“It doesn’t matter, football is football.” Caitlyn continued teasing.

“So…How was your night?” Celeste had the little mischievous grin she couldn’t hide which earned an eye roll from Caitlyn yet the smile still remained on both their faces. Celeste went back to slurping her milkshake as she waited for a response from Caitlyn. 

“It was good, which is why I wanted to talk to you about something.” Caitlyn’s face is a bit more serious now. 

“Hm?” Celeste asked, her mouth still on the straw while her eyes looked at her mum. 

“Let’s say if mummy did start spending more time with Vi how would you feel?” Caitlyn asked, carefully phrasing the question, not trying to put too much pressure on her daughter. 

Celeste paused for a while to think, “I dunno.” 

Caitlyn’s lips pressed into a thin line, she tried to keep her face neutral though Celeste saw something more, she had always been an observant kid. “Is she going to be my mum?” Celeste asked, her voice barely audible. 

“That’s way too soon for us to decide, Lest.” Caitlyn hadn’t even thought about that part. Although Caitlyn did like Vi, but if she can’t accept Celeste along with Caitlyn, the good times and the kiss be damned. Caitlyn loved her daughter more than anything, and that bond would always come first.

“Can we eat dinner with her sometime?” Celeste asked. “I want to interrogate her like a lawyer!” 

Caitlyn chuckled at her daughter’s ambition. Ever since she learned what jobs were, Celeste had dreamed of being a lawyer. She was smart, hardworking, and loved to talk, there was no doubt she would achieve her dream in the future.

“You can’t overwhelm her though.” Caitlyn narrowed her eyes playfully. “Your questioning can be scary sometimes.” 

“Deal!” Celeste exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. Since joining the class at The Last Drop, she had become noticeably happier and more confident. She had made new friends who treated her well, and her situation at school seemed to have improved.

“And my questions are not that scary.” Celeste huffed, crossing her arms. 

“Sure…” Caitlyn replied, her hand reaching to her hot glass of tea. Now she had to plan a dinner with Vi, not knowing what questions her daughter was going to throw at her. “Do you want to ask her yourself next time you see her or should I ask?” 

Celeste’s eyebrows scrunched up, the gears in her head turning, then her eyes lit up, just like the lightbulb in cartoons, “Can we eat dinner with her tonight?” Celeste asked with her puppy eyes to be more convincing. Those puppy eyes would always be the death of Caitlyn.

“Lest, she might not be free,” Caitlyn replied, trying to temper her daughter’s expectations.

“Please! I talked to her last time, and she seemed really nice!” Celeste pressed, her enthusiasm infectious.

“I’m not that close with her yet,” Caitlyn replied, backing down slowly. “maybe it’s too soon.”

“I’ll help you two be closer! Pretty please?” Celeste pouted, putting on the most adorable face she could. 

Caitlyn, knowing how stubborn her daughter was would most likely not give up, “How about early this week?” Caitlyn pretended like she hated that idea, but deep down, she couldn’t wait to see Vi again. They had already seen each other quite a bit that week, but Caitlyn could never get enough.

“I can call her now?” Celeste asked, her eyes basically sparkling. 

“How about I text her later, so I can make sure you’re not guilt tripping her.” 

Celeste nodded eagerly. “Okay, but I’ll be watching you type!” She sat up straight, arms crossed on the table, patiently awaiting their breakfast.

Caitlyn took a sip of her tea, rolling her eyes while a faint smile lingered on her lips. “So, what have you been up to this week in school?” she asked.

“It was fun! On Thursday, Mrs Fields forgot to show up to our math class, so Marie and I had to go on an adventure to find her.” Celeste excitedly told her mother about her school week. Caitlyn’s been rather busy with her work as well as she was preparing for her classes’ final semester assignments which resulted in less time spent with her daughter. 

After breakfast, they strolled leisurely around town, stopping at Celeste’s favorite candy shop. As Caitlyn pushed open the door, a soft bell chimed, signaling their entrance. Celeste darted to the counter, her excitement palpable.

“Morning, Celeste! How’s my favorite girl doing today?” Mr. Sims greeted, his warm smile brightening the shop as he nodded politely at Caitlyn.

“We had breakfast at the waffle house this morning!” Celeste said, barely able to contain her enthusiasm as she pressed her hands against the glass display, eyes scanning the colorful array of candies.

One thing Vi really enjoyed about Saturdays was watching soccer with Loris and occasionally getting completely smashed in the middle of the day, ignoring the inevitable hangover that followed.

Normally, they’d settle for a couple of beers during the game. But today was different.

Today was the El Clásico . Vi could practically feel the buzz through the apartment walls, the tension, the excitement, the kind of energy that made fans forget to breathe. Loris came prepared, showing up at her door with extra beer and two boxes of greasy pizza. He wasn’t planning to hold back and if Loris was going all out, who would Vi be if she didn’t join him as well. .

Vi leaned back into the couch, Purrcy curled up on her lap as Loris adjusted the TV volume, settling into his usual spot beside her. He handed her a beer, then popped open his own and reached for the bowl of popcorn he’d made.

Vi sniffed the air and smirked. “You didn’t burn the popcorn this time.”

Loris nudged her with his elbows jokingly.

Loris was a quiet man, often reserved in larger groups, but his presence was always felt. Although he didn’t speak much normally, he talks extra when Vi’s next to him. The bearded man would tell Vi what was happening on the pitch creating a better mental image for her acting as a private commentator.

The opening whistle blew, the commentators immediately launching into fast-paced play-by-play. Vi tilted her head slightly, listening and letting the rhythm of the game paint pictures in her mind. She could hear the roar of the crowd, the sharp whistle of the ref, cleats brushing grass, the tension in the announcers’ voices rising with every near miss.

“Ball’s on the right wing. Raphinha’s pushing forward,” Loris muttered, just loud enough for her to catch.

“Is he cutting in?” Vi asked.

A beat passed.

“Yup. Crossed it, too long. Keeper picked it up.”

Vi groaned. 

The match continued, the noise of the crowd rising and falling like waves. Vi listened closely, one hand resting against the couch cushion, tapping her fingers in rhythm with the game. The commentary blurred into Loris' short updates, clipped, efficient, and as always, just enough. 

“Yamal’s has it on the left final third, two on him right now, one two with Pedri.” Loris muttered instinctively, it had become quite a habit now. 

By the end of the game, they have already finished twelve bottles of beer, feeling more than tipsy from the alcohol in their systems. Barcelona had won that game which made them feel extra giddy. Vi let out a triumphant laugh, throwing her arms up in celebration, “Let’s fucking go!” 

Barcelona had pulled off a win 2-1 and Vi was grinning like a kid on her birthday. She leaned back, arms stretched across the couch, a lazy smile on her face. “God, I missed that feeling.”

Loris nodded, nursing the last of his beer. “You were yelling like you were on the pitch.”

“I was on the pitch.” Vi snorted. “In spirit.”

They sat in quiet celebration, the post-game analysis playing softly in the background. Loris didn’t say anything, but she could tell he was watching her, maybe trying to read her mood.

She was happy. She really was. But…

She sighed, tilting her head back. “You know, I love listening. I do. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss seeing it. Half the time I thought Barca were in our half but it’s already near the box, Lewandowski ready to shoot.”

“Kid, at least you don’t have to see the dog with its teeth sticking out pissing at the entrance of the Last Drop.” Loris jokes, easing the mood. “And I’m always the one to clean it.” 

“Benefits of being blind” Vi nudged Loris while grinning, sinking deeper into the couch. 

Loris stood up with a grunt, standing in place for a few seconds to steady himself before taking a few shaky steps, perhaps he was more drunk than he thought. 

Vi heard his uneven footsteps, “I swear to fucking God, if you piss on my seat you’re a dead man.” Vi shouted from her couch, her words slurred. Yet she still had consciousness to remember how bad Loris’ aim is when he’s drunk. 

Her hands patted around the coffee table, searching around for a full bottle of beer, her movements sloppy as well. That was when her phone in the left pocket of her black shorts vibrated then her notification read aloud. 

You received three notifications on Messenger from Caitlyn, would you like me to read the message?

Vi’s froze, suddenly all her memories from last night flooding back to her, cheeks reddening. She frowned before allowing siri to read the message aloud. 

Good afternoon Vi, I had a great night at yours yesterday. 

I was wondering if you’d like dinner with Celeste and me, she seems to like you a lot. 

Btw don’t feel obligated to come. 

Vi tried to suppress her grin when hearing that Caitlyn wanted another dinner with her, and even happier to hear that Celeste liked Vi. 

The notification seemed to sober Vi up immediately. She sat upright, blinking slowly as her grin threatened to betray her cool exterior. Her cheeks burned, but not from the alcohol anymore.

“Would you like to reply or mark as read?” Siri asked again, patient and robotic.

Vi took a breath, straightening her posture and running a hand over her face like it would somehow wipe away the giddy expression trying to creep in. Then she cleared her throat.

“Reply,” she said.

There was a small beep before Siri prompted, “What would you like to say?”

With the extra courage from the alcohol, she replied eagerly

“Hey Caitlyn,” Vi began slowly, carefully. “Last night was really nice. I’d love to have dinner with you and Celeste.”

She paused, then added, “Just let me know when and where. I’m super excited!!” Vi probably had too much confidence right now.

There was a beat of silence before Siri confirmed, “Message ready to send. Would you like to send it now?”

Vi smirked and whispered, “Send.”

As soon as the message was gone, she dropped back onto the couch like she’d just run a marathon. Her hand instinctively covered her mouth, trying to hide the stupid grin forming again.

Loris returned from the bathroom just then, his steps still a little uneven. He raised an eyebrow at her, beer in one hand, the other bracing himself on the wall.

“You look like you just got drafted by Barca,” he muttered.

Vi snorted. “Better. Caitlyn wants me to have dinner with her and Celeste.”

Loris blinked, trying to get his brain to think, “The tall woman with her kid in the gym? Cohen’s class?” 

Vi nodded slowly, her voice softer now. “Yeah… her.”

He flopped back onto the couch beside her, groaning slightly as the cushions shifted beneath his weight. “You nervous?”

Vi ran a hand through her hair, sighing. “A little. It’s one thing to have a good date. It’s another to be introduced to her kid. That’s... serious.”

“She’s trusting you,” Loris said simply. “That means something.”

Vi didn’t reply right away. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shorts, her mind replaying the message over and over. Celeste seems to like you a lot.

That hit her harder than she expected.

“She’s smart,” Vi murmured. “Sharp. Like Caitlyn. I don’t wanna mess it up.”

Loris leaned back, cracking open another beer. “Then don’t.”

Vi shot him a look. “Wow. Revolutionary advice.”

“Worked for me,” Loris said with a shrug, going back to his bottle of beer

Vi snorted, Loris was the last person she would go to for relationship advice, “Yeah, you’ve been single for like 20 years, if I ever asked you for relationship advice, it would be because I don’t want a relationship with her.” Vi joked, “Pass me a beer?” 

Without a word, Loris reached forward and handed her a bottle. Vi took it, only to realize it was empty. She shook the bottle, then gave him a deadpan look. “Real mature.”

Loris just shrugged, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “You didn’t specify full beer.”

Vi rolled her eyes and tossed the empty bottle back onto the table with a clink.

A soft ding sounded from her phone. She instinctively reached for it, her fingers brushing across the screen until Siri read the new message aloud:

Tuesday night at my house work for you? Celeste has a school project due Monday, but she’s clearing her schedule to “grill you properly.” Her words, not mine.

Vi chuckled, her grin returning.

“Tuesday,” she said aloud, mostly to herself. “That’s soon.” 

“You have a night shift on Tuesday.” Loris mumbled. 

“Too bad, that’s what you get for messing with the blind,” Vi grinned confidently. “I’ll tell Vander to switch our shifts.”

Loris took Vi’s left hand, handing yet another empty bottle to her, his own triumphant way of revenge. 

Chapter Text

As much as Vi was excited and nervous, there was an issue. She didn’t know how to get to Caitlyn’s. 

It wasn’t that she hadn’t tried. Caitlyn had sent her the address earlier that morning, and Vi had gone over it with Siri, Google Maps, and her own internal logic at least five times. But every route involved transfers, unfamiliar stops, or neighborhoods she’d never walked through before. And the last thing she wanted was to end up standing alone in the wrong place, unsure if she was even on the right street. The experience could be rather stressful, to say the least.

She didn’t want to rely too much on her sister, after all her life doesn’t revolve around Vi. 

Vander and Loris both had their shifts in the gym, so they were not an option. She would ask Caitlyn to pick her up but that would be too much of a hassle, she was probably too busy preparing for dinner anyways. 

Defeatedly, she rang Powder. Her index finger tapped on the couch instinctively as she waited for her sister to pick up. 

The second she picked up, Powder’s voice practically exploded in her ears “I’m so glad you called, I was so fucking bored. What’s up.” 

Vi hesitated, replying a few beats later, “Pow, Can you drive me somewhere?” 

There was a pregnant pause, Vi could already imagine Powder’s suspicious face on the other end of the call, her eyes narrowing, gears turning in her head, the look she had before she figured things out. 

“ Wait… you never ask me to drive you anywhere ...unless” Powder said slowly as if she was trying to remind Vi how weird the request was.

Vi feigned innocence, “Yeah, I want to get to a new place, is that not allowed.” Typical aggression she displayed when she’s trying to avoid something. 

“Shoot me the address.” Powder’s voice already tingling with mischief. Vi immediately did so, forwarding the address to Powder. “Hmm.. fuck me, Piltover Main Street that’s a rich neighborhood.”

Vi only replied with a, “Mhm…” 

“Holy fuck, you’re going to Caitlyn’s house!?” Once again, Vi can imagine Powder’s excited face, her grin mischievous and teasing. “How dare you not tell me?” Powder, a little hurt by how her sister had kept such an event from her. 

Vi groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose, “Well now you know.” 

“Arriving in ten.” Powder grinned and hung up before Vi could say anything. 

“That little shit.” Vi muttered, hearing that the line had gone dead. Now she was going to have to survive an entire car ride filled with questions. And worse, Powder would definitely make a grand entrance when they arrived. 

Vi threw on a simple outfit, nothing special, just her usual plain colors. Her cap was already snug on her head as she sat on the couch waiting, Purrcy curled up beside her, grooming his paws with lazy contentment.

She scrolled through her phone, checking old notifications, then opened her calendar. Her usual schedule was read aloud by Siri; everything seemed ordinary until it announced her schedule for two months later.

“July 17th- Annual appointment with Dr. Kase. 14:30 at Zaun Clinic.”

Vi flinched subtly. Her teeth grazed her bottom lip before she swiped the app away.

Not tonight, she thought. Tonight isn’t about that.

She stood abruptly, causing Purrcy to flinch. “Come on, who wants treats?”

Purrcy upon hearing the T word got up immediately as Vi put her left hand out for Purrcy to jump on like he’d done it so regularly. In no time, the orange cat was already standing on Vi's left shoulder as Vi slowly rummaged through Purrcy’s snack box. 

Vi put a few pieces of treats on her cap, letting Purrcy eat from her head.

“Good boy.” Vi cooed, while petting her cat on her shoulder.  

Purrcy purred contentedly, munching happily on the treats placed on Vi’s cap like it was a dish made just for him. His tiny claws gently gripped the fabric of her shirt for balance, and Vi chuckled softly under her breath.

“God, you’re spoiled,” she mumbled, scratching behind his ears. “If you weren’t so damn cute, I’d kick you off for using me as a dining table.”

Her phone buzzed — a text from Powder.

Outside. Bring your hot girl energy.

Vi gently lifted Purrcy off her shoulder and placed him back on the couch who followed her to the front door. “Be good. No knocking shit over while I’m gone.” Vi was pretty sure the cat had attachment issues, but nothing’s wrong with an extra clingy cat. 

She slipped into her sneakers, grabbed her cane from the hook by the door, and made her way outside.
Her cane tapped rhythmically as she navigated down the stairs, one hand on the railing.

She stood in her usual waiting spot at the driveway, twisting the string on her cane’s handle around her finger. The familiar hum of Powder’s Mini Cooper rolled up the street, then stopped in front of her.

“Heard someone’s got a date,” Powder shouted, window down.

Vi sighed, dragging herself over. She patted the door to find the handle and climbed in, buckling up while ignoring how close Powder was to exploding with excitement.

“I have so many things to say,” Powder squealed. “And guess what? You’re stuck with me for the whole ride!” Vi rolled her eyes so hard, it almost did a 360. 

Powder continued, “Why are you still wearing a cap?” Powder’s right hand playfully lifted Vi’s cap off, holding it on her driver’s side. “It’s not giving hot girl energy.” 

“Pow!” Vi was more serious now, “give it back.” She tried to reach for it blindly, not knowing where it was. Powder gave it back, putting it on backwards for Vi. “Do you want to strip me naked until I’m late?” Vi narrowed her eyes at Powder’s direction, asking the question sarcastically. 

“I’ll still be asking questions while driving.” Powder replied, her right hand on Vi’s passenger seat, driving backwards to back out of the driveway. Vi only looked ahead, her hand on the handle, her index finger tapping against the material. 

Powder turned up the music, humming to it while stealing glances at Vi at the corner of her eyes. 

“You know your cap doesn’t have to stay on right?” Powder broke the silence between the two. “It’s barely noticeable.”

“I know,” Vi let out a sigh, “I’ll take it off someday. Not today though, I’m eating dinner with her daughter.” 

“Shit, meeting her daughter already? This is serious. She’s not married right?” Powder asked the last question in a hushed voice. 

“I don’t know her well enough to ask that.”

“Seems pretty serious to me. You never eat anywhere unfamiliar, like, ever.”

“I eat everywhere, all the time,” Vi huffed, arms crossed.

“Mhm,” Powder replied, she definitely believed her sister.

 Powder turned the air-conditioning in the car off, she rolled both their windows down, letting the cool breeze gently hit their faces. A comfortable sensation that words couldn’t describe. The car ride was nice, their conversations teasing and casual as trees and cars passed by them in a blur. The car ride was about thirty minutes before Powder struggled to find Caitlyn’s house, slowly driving to see which house was Caitlyn’s. 

As they entered Caitlyn’s neighborhood, Powder slowed the car, squinting at the pristine lawns and fancy garages.

“No shit, the first girl you bag in a decade is filthy rich.” Powder muttered “Way to go, sis.” 

Vi exhaled slowly, the scent of grass and something grilling in the air. Everything was clean. Manicured. Designed. She could feel the difference. Too polished. A little eerie. But she pushed that aside.

“I didn’t know she was rich.” Vi shrugged, “Thought professors didn’t make much.” Vi muttered, mostly to herself. She was once again deep in thought wondering if professors made a lot of money while Powder drove through the neighborhood searching for the address Caitlyn gave. 

After a few more turns, Powder finally found the house and parked in front of the driveway. Powder walked in front of Vi as the redhead followed her footsteps. 

“Stairs, 5 even steps.” Powder casually commented out of habit which Vi was grateful for as her end of the cane hit the bottom of the stairs, feeling the next level. Powder stood right next to the door, to make sure Vi was standing in front of the door. She gently took Vi’s right hand and placed it right next to the button of the doorbell. 

“Ring it,” she whispered, practically vibrating with excitement.

Vi hesitated, finger hovering. Then she pressed the bell.

Inside, quick footsteps approached — one light and fast, the other graceful and measured. The second sound made Vi’s throat go dry. She remembered that rhythm — the confident click of heels on gym floors.

Then the door swung open.

“Vi!” A high pitched voice came from a short height. Vi immediately had a smile on her face, almost as if she was here for a playdate with Celeste. 

“Hello, Vi.” Followed by Celeste’s, welcome was Caitlyn’s welcome, laced with a thick accent, her voice alone made the hair of Vi’s arms stand. “I hope you didn’t have a hard time finding our house, the thought only occurred-” 

“No, it was no trouble at all.” Vi reassured before she froze when a hand grabbed her on her wrist and led her into the house. 

“Come!” Celeste excitedly invited, “You can take your shoes off anywhere here. And I’ll show you around the house.” 

Vi took her shoes off, before the hand grabbed her again without any warning, leading Vi further into the house. Vi’s cane was still in her hand wondering if she should still use it but was a bit hesitant to do so just in case it was dirty and Caitlyn minded. 

On any other occasion, Vi would’ve hated being grabbed by the hand and led into the unknown but this was somehow different? The pace was not too quick nor too condescendingly or sympathetically slow. Vi loosened up, trusting Celeste to not make her bump into anything. 

“Lest, you’re gonna scare everyone away like this.” Caitlyn’s parenting voice stern as ever. 

Just as Caitlyn was about to close the front door, a figure appeared from the blindspot of the house’s entrance and Caitlyn could’ve sworn she saw her soul leave her physical body for a few seconds. 

“GAHHhh” Caitlyn yelped. “Bloody mother of the shits.” 

“Indeed I had a hard time looking for this house.” Powder narrowed her eyes on Caitlyn. The taller woman was still recovering from the jumpscare as the shorter girl continued. “My sister eating dinner with the only heir to the Kiramman Real Estate Empire…Caitlyn Kiramman” Powder looked at Caitlyn from head to toe slowly. 

“I don’t see how that’s related to anything.” Caitlyn in turn looked down at Powder, her height towering over Vi's sister. 

So it seems that Powder has done some research. 

“What do you want with Vi?” Powder asked, “I hope you know she’s not made a new friend in about 8 years and she’s finally leaving her comfort zone for you . While I’m very fucking happy for her. If you dare hurt her I’ll make sure your perfect white house is painted into the shittiest shit colour and each stroke would be painted by none other than Powder Lanes herself.” Powder warned Caitlyn in a hushed voice, making sure Vi’s not close enough to hear her. 

“I assure you I only have good intentions with Vi.” Caitlyn huffed. “I’ve enjoyed my time around her and I hope the feeling is mutual.” Her face softened up. 

“I’m not gonna lie, Vi is happier.” Powder admitted. “But- if this is one of your Kiramman PR scandals to let people know that your family is kind enough to help out a person with a disability. All the houses you own will be painted into a shittier colour than the shittiest shit colour and I will make sure of it.” 

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at Powder, “I have nothing to do with my family’s business, as you know I am over 5000 miles away from them and I have my own life.” 

“Hmm.” Powder hesitated, while sneaking glances at the interior of Caitlyn’s house. Her suspicious gaze suddenly shifted into a grin. “Have a good night then.” Powder even winked before leaving without looking back, only leaving Caitlyn standing there, blinking in confusion. 

As Caitlyn walked back into her house,Vi was seated on the grey couch in the living room while Celeste held a carton of orange juice and a glass, carefully walking over. The first thing Vi noticed upon stepping into the house was the subtle aroma of pinewood. She could tell that the interior of the house was mostly white, beige or something along the lighter shades of colour. Hearing Caitlyn’s footsteps, Vi batted her head to her direction. 

“She’s really excited.” Caitlyn spoke gently, “If she’s too much, let her know, she doesn’t know when to stop sometimes.” 

“She’s just a welcoming host.” Vi smiled before hearing another set of footsteps, lighter and slower. She was happy Caitlyn’s daughter was so enthusiastic to see her, but it made her a little bit unsure of what to do.

“I’ve got orange juice!” Celeste announced, making sure she didn't drop the glass. “Mum can’t cook so she ordered pizza, it will arrive soon…hopefully.” Celeste carefully poured the juice into the glass. While Caitlyn blushed a little. The eight year old held the glass out to Vi out of pure habit expecting her to take it, she tilted her head just very little before realising why Vi wasn’t taking the glass.

When food arrived and they were all sitting at the table, Vi was trying her best to map the location of the food out, her fingers tracing against the wooden table. Seeing Vi’s eyebrows scrunched up a little in confusion, Caitlyn helpfully asked, "Margarita or pepperoni.” 

Caitlyn beat herself up mentally for being so inconsiderate. The taller woman hoped one day she’ll be able to learn all the necessary things to accommodate Vi. 

“Pepperoni.” Vi had a grateful smile of relief on her face. While Caitlyn put her pizza on Vi’s plate. 

“Mum wanted to try cooking for dinner, but thank god I convinced her not to.” Celeste said in between her bites. “Or we’ll be eating burnt food tonight.” 

“I’m sure she’s not that bad.” 

Heat rushed up to Caitlyn’s face, “She’s not wrong.” 

“Mum’s blushing really hard right now.” Celeste pointed out. 

“Is she?” Vi’s head turned towards Caitlyn showing her a teasing grin. 

“Mhm!” Celeste took another bite of her pizza. “Can you really not see?” Celeste suddenly asked, causing both adults to tense up. 

“Lest.” Caitlyn warned, hoping her daughter wasn’t so shameless when talking. 

“No, it’s ok.” Vi assured. “As far as I know, I can’t see.” Vi tried to joke, she was still a little awkward. 

“How many fingers am I holding up?” Celeste asked. 

“I can only guess.” Vi replied. “I can’t see that kind of detail but I can tell where you are.” She explained, while Caitlyn curiously took everything in. A part of her grateful her daughter was asking all the questions she wouldn’t have the courage to ask. 

Celeste stood up and jolted to a random spot, “Do you know where I am now?” Celeste asked.

Vi nodded, “I also have really good hearing, so I can hear where your footsteps are.” 

“Do you have super hearing then?” Celeste whispered not so quietly from afar.

“Lest, let’s finish dinner first,” Caitlyn said gently, already rising to guide her back to her seat.

Vi just laughed, enjoying the kid’s boundless curiosity.

Celeste finally sat down, taking another bite of her unfinished pizza while giggling, using her hand to cover her giggles and prevent any food from spilling from her mouth. Caitlyn watched her daughter suspiciously. 

Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she blurted out, “Do you have a crush on my mum?”

Hearing this, the redhead paused, staring into Caitlyn’s figure as Caitlyn subtly bit the bottom of her lips and stared into Vi’s eyes. A soft moment of connection before Vi replied. 

“I think I’m too old for crushes.” 

“How old are you?” Celeste tilted her head. 

“26.” Vi replied. 

“That’s ok! Mum’s 27 and she has a crush on you.” 

Caitlyn’s hands clasped her mouth suppressing a gasp. She let out an awkward chuckle, not wanting to face Vi. 

“I think you have a crush on her as well.” Celeste’s eyes darted back and forth between the two awkward adults who were struggling to find any words. “You’re both as red as tomatoes!” Celeste finally commented. 

Vi scratched the left side of her neck letting out an awkward chuckle. While Caitlyn was coughing from choking on her own saliva. 

“It’s ok you can whisper only to me and I promise I won’t tell mum.” Celeste sneakily got up and stood next to Vi, extending her head. 

“I swear I’m never doing this again.” Caitlyn muttered, her fingers massaging her eyelids, while Vi only had an awkward lopsided smile on her face. 

Celeste, a bit defeated after not getting a response from Vi, sat back down, grabbing another slice of pizza from the box. She noticed Vi’s empty plate and put another piece on Vi’s plate. 

“You don’t have to tell me you have a crush on my mum.” Celeste announced. “But you have to promise me that my mum’s your only crush. Celeste carefully asked, knowing how much it hurt when her mum wasn’t the only one. 

Caitlyn’s heart ached hearing her daughter’s concern, knowing no child should’ve gone through that and be doubted its worth over another man. 

Vi, sensing the uneasiness in the air, quickly replied, cutting off the worsening mood, “Only her, I promise.” she assured, putting her pinky finger up in the air to show Celeste her sincerity.

“How do you know if you have a crush on my mum if you can’t see her?” Celeste continued. 

“Liking someone is more than just their looks.” Vi explained, “The concept of faces is barely a thing for me,” 

“Don’t you get curious?” 

“Very rarely…but now I am” 

“Well I have green eyes and blonde hair unlike mum or mama.” There was a little strain on the last word which Vi picked up. “It’s very weird, I don’t really look like them at all.” 

“Everyone has different DNAs and sometimes family members don’t look alike.” Caitlyn cut in. 

“But you’re my mum?” Celeste asked. 

“Always.” Caitlyn smiled reassuringly, “Now finish your food, or we’ll be stuck here until morning.”  

“Does that mean we’ll have a sleepover here?” Celeste perked up.

“We have our own beds to sleep in.” Caitlyn answered as Vi watched the mother and daughter interact, a smile naturally plastered on her face. 

After dinner, while Caitlyn cleared the plates, the little girl tugged Vi gently by the wrist, her voice bright with excitement as she guided her through the house with the enthusiasm of a tour guide giving a VIP client the grand tour. 

Vi tried to keep up, nodding at the right moments, but her smile was starting to strain. Each step felt like a gamble. The floor beneath her wasn’t consistent, smooth hardwood interrupted by thick, plush rugs that shifted underfoot. She had no sense of where one room ended and the next began. Celeste’s voice was a blur of enthusiastic descriptions: windows, side tables, wall art, something about a hallway mirror shaped like a sun. 

She tried to picture it all, but her mental map was long gone. And her cane — her lifeline was folded up, resting in her pocket

Caitlyn followed closely behind the two. 

As Vi was led to the backyard. The cool spring breeze slowly brushed past her, making her more uncomfortable. 

“I have some potatoes planted in the backyard, that’s so cool right?” 

“Wow.” Vi replied with a chuckle, though her voice was thinner than before. “I wish I knew how to garden.” 

“I can show you!” Celeste beamed. 

“Sure!” 

Truthfully, her pulse was beginning to race. Every step felt like she was walking on tempered glass. Her foot hovered before each movement, unsure if she was about to trip over a table leg or sink into another unpredictable rug. She bit the inside of her lip, hard enough to taste metal.

She didn’t want to ruin the moment. Celeste was trying, she was sweet, thoughtful, and so full of light. But Vi’s anxiety was crawling up her spine, burrowing beneath her skin. Her fingers twitched at the outline of her cane inside her pocket, aching to unfold it, to tap her way back to something familiar. 

Caitlyn could sense Vi’s uneasiness. Her pupils were shifting constantly, more than ever before, fingers fidgeting. 

“Lest,” Caitlyn’s voice cut off Celeste’s sentence. “How about you go to your room and make sure it’s clean so Vi doesn’t step on one of your toys later. We’ll come up soon.” 

Celeste nodded before darting upstairs to her room. 

Vi let out a little breath, clearly less tense now. 

Caitlyn took a few steps forward, closing the distance between the two, “Use your cane, daredevil.” She teased.

Vi took her cane out immediately, unfolding it. The moment the end of her cane hit the ground, her tense facial expression relaxed. 

“Thanks, cupcake.” the words slipping out causally as she tapped her cane around to see how close she was to bumping into anything. “Let’s not keep Celeste waiting.” 

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. They entered the house again, this time with Vi’s cane hitting the ground. They walked side by side, with Caitlyn on Vi’s right hand side. The back on their palms brushing against each other ever so slightly, yet each contact sent jolts to their heart. 

Caitlyn walked up the stairs first, prompting Vi to ask, “Can you tell me how many steps there are?”

The taller woman has lived in her house for around a decade yet she’s never noticed little details about it like how many steps there are on her stairs. She counted from the bottom, her finger following her eyes as she whispered while counting. 

“Now this is my room.” Celeste announced, “It has toys in one corner, my bed on the left hand side.” 

Vi made a mental image while her fingers brushed over some artwork Celeste drew that was hung on the wall, while Caitlyn watched the both of them from afar. 

“The art you’re touching right now is one about my dream job! I want to be a lawyer when I grow up.” Celeste’s eyes beamed as always when talking about her dreams. 

“Really? You must be very smart then.” Vi asked. 

“That’s why I study very hard.” Celeste replied. She was indeed one of the top students in her grade and everything seemed to come naturally to her so she rarely found school boring. “Did you have a dream job?” 

Vi hesitated, “Mhm. Guess what it was.” 

“Doctor? Police? Ice cream taster!” The gears in her head turned. 

“Ice-cream taster?” Caitlyn chimed in. 

“Yeah, it’s really a real job.” The blonde stated, “So what was your dream job?” 

“I wanted to be a fighter.” Vi replied. Each word seemed a little shaky, tension against each word. 

“Did you ever become a fighter?” The blonde was more curious than ever. 

“I did, for some time.” 

“Could you see when you were a fighter.” 

“I did back then.” Luckily for Vi, Celeste didn’t ask about how she lost her sight, probably knowing there was a limit, but she could sense that Celeste had a lot more questions she wanted to ask. 

“Is that why you have so many muscles?” Celeste stood besides Vi, examining her arms. 

Vi in turn closed her fist to flex her muscles a little, a cheeky grin on her face, knowing that Caitlyn was watching. “That, and I workout a lot.” 

“Are you better at fighting than coach Cohen?” 

“Back then I was. Not anymore though.” 

“Why are you not anymore? Do you still fight?” Celeste pushed, a question that made Vi ask herself as well. Why didn’t she fight anymore? Well, she could if she set her mind to it, sparring wouldn’t hurt. Not that she didn’t try, but every time she stood facing anyone, with her fists balled, wrists wrapped. Each passing second made it harder to breathe, stopping her from proceeding, it was like she could see again, replaying its memory or the sound of her bones shattering upon impact. 

“Lest, take a breather.” Caitlyn voice cut through Celeste’s questions. 

Celeste did a few moves she learned from her class, “one, two.” She whispered when throwing two punches in the air. “I learned that from Coach Cohen.” 

Vi was about to reply, Celeste walked closer to Vi, still panting from the demonstration. The redhead tensed a little upon feeling how close the eight year old was to her. Celeste narrowed her eyes on Vi's shirt. Realizing that there were lots of white and orange fur stuck on it. A detail she only noticed now. 

“Do you have a pet?” Celeste asked. 

Vi chuckled, “How did you know?” 

“Your shirt is filled with fur.” Celeste smartly pointed out. 

“Yeah, he’s an orange cat.” Vi perked up in excitement, “Do you want to see some pictures of him?” 

“Please!” Celeste’s love for animals was also a significant part of her, “Mum! Come look at Vi’s cat.” 

Celeste watched curiously as Vi navigated her phone while the screen was read aloud. Vi swiped and clicked naturally as each action was read aloud. Soon, Vi opened an album named Purrcy pics.

Vi handed her phone to Celeste, guiding it carefully into the girl’s eager hands. Celeste’s fingers brushed Vi’s as she took it, her excitement almost tangible, eyes already sparkling as the screen reader chirped to life. Caitlyn sat down beside them, her posture relaxed but her gaze attentive, taking in the scene unfolding only inches from her.

The three of them sat close on the floor — Celeste practically glued to Vi’s side, her legs tucked under her as she leaned in, and Caitlyn just a little behind, knees drawn up, arms resting loosely around them. The soft light from the hallway spilled into the room, casting a warm amber hue onto the hardwood. Vi’s cane rested beside her, finally unfolded and leaning gently against the wall, a quiet symbol of comfort reclaimed.

On the phone, the voice read aloud: “Album: Purrcy Pics.”

Celeste blinked at the name. “You named your cat Purrcy?”

Vi smirked. “Yeah. Like Percy, but with a purr.”

Celeste giggled as she swiped through the pictures. “That’s such a weird name,” she said, clearly delighted. “But it’s cute.”

The photos were... chaotic. Most of them were blurry or off-center — a paw sticking in from the edge of the frame, a blurry streak of orange fur, one of his ass mid-jump. But there were a few gems in there, too — Purrcy perched proudly on Vi’s shoulder like a pirate’s parrot, one where his chin was tucked on her head, his face squished from the angle.

“He’s a chongus,” Celeste announced very seriously.

Vi’s brows furrowed. “A what?”

“It means he’s big and fluffy,” Celeste explained with a giggle. “I’ve always wanted a pet, but Mum says I need to be more responsible first.”

Caitlyn, who had been quietly watching her daughter’s delighted expressions, raised an eyebrow and gave a soft, amused snort. “Because you do. You’d probably try to dress a cat in a tutu.” Caitlyn thought back to the phase where Celeste decided that being a hairdresser was her future career, using her art scissors to give each and single one of her dolls a new look. If they had a pet during that time, no fur was safe. Caitlyn could’ve swore Celeste secretly cut some of her hair too, although there was so evidence.

“And what’s wrong with that?” Celeste asked, mock-offended.

Vi grinned, turning her head toward Caitlyn. “I think I know the real reason.”

Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed, her lips already twitching with dread. “Don’t.”

“Your mum’s scared of my cat,” Vi said, victorious. “And all cats.” 

Celeste burst into giggles, completely entertained by the idea of her stoic, composed mother being chased around by a chubby orange cat.

“Can we visit him one day?” she asked, still scrolling through the photos.

Vi’s expression softened. “Anytime.”

There was a pause. The kind that didn’t feel awkward, but full,  like a moment meant to breathe in. Caitlyn looked at Vi then, really looked. There was something in the way the redhead’s body had eased, the way her shoulders, usually so tense and drawn, were relaxed now. The way she was smiling like she didn’t have to guard it.

“I didn’t know you took so many pictures,” Caitlyn said quietly.

Vi shrugged. “I can’t see them, but... I like having them. It’s like freezing a moment. I remember how I felt when I took it. And sometimes that’s enough.” Taking pictures felt real, like she could forever hold on to the memories, prove of its existence. 

Caitlyn’s heart tugged in her chest at that, the quiet weight of the words, the subtle ache behind them. She wondered how many moments Vi had captured, not for what she could see, but for what she didn’t want to forget.

Celeste, still focused on the phone, suddenly gasped. “This one! He’s on your head! He looks SO grumpy.”

Vi laughed. “That’s his default setting.”

Caitlyn leaned over to see, her shoulder brushing Vi’s. She didn’t move away. Neither did Vi.

“He’s charming,” Caitlyn admitted, her voice softer now.

“You’re just saying that because he’s not here,” Vi teased.

“You’re right,” Caitlyn replied, deadpan. “He terrifies me.”

Another laugh bubbled out of Vi before she could stop it. It felt easy. Natural. She hadn’t realized how rare that had become.

Celeste looked up from the phone, her voice curious again. “Do you miss seeing him?”

The question hung in the air a second longer than expected.

Vi tilted her head. “I don’t think about it like that,” she said. “I miss moments. I miss seeing people laugh. I miss sunsets. But with Purrcy... I can feel him. I know his weight, his purring, the way he lands on my shoulder. That’s enough.”

Celeste nodded, satisfied. But Caitlyn, Caitlyn was quiet. Her eyes studied Vi’s face, every small movement, every shift in tone. And something about the way Vi spoke made her chest ache. Not out of pity, never pity, but something deeper. Admiration. Respect. And maybe, just maybe, something that was starting to feel dangerously close to love.

“I think you two would bond very well if you gave him a chance,” Vi added suddenly, breaking the silence. “You’re both a little uptight.” She teased

Caitlyn let out a bark of laughter. “I knew there’d be a backhanded compliment coming.”

“If the shoe fits,” Vi said with a shrug.

They sat like that for a while, three of them huddled together over an album of blurry cat photos. The kind of moment you don’t plan for, but remember forever. 

After exhausting Vi’s gallery of lopsided cat selfies and blurry tail shots, Celeste reluctantly handed the phone back, her fingers gently brushing Vi’s as she did. 

Celeste nodded slowly, then perked up. “Can we play a game?”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “It’s getting late, Lest.”

“Just a quick one! Just one!”

Vi, still sitting cross-legged on the floor, tilted her head. “What kind of game?”

Celeste grinned — the kind of grin that made Caitlyn instantly suspicious. “Twenty questions. But you can only ask yes or no questions. One person thinks of something, and the others have to guess.”

Vi clicked her tongue playfully. “Is this how you interrogate your friends at school?”

“They’re not as fun,” Celeste declared dramatically.

Caitlyn gave her daughter a look. “And why do you think that is?”

Celeste shrugged, then pointed a finger at Vi. “Vi can go first. Think of something!”

Vi leaned back, resting her hands behind her on the carpet. “Alright... got it.”

Celeste immediately fired off her first question. “Is it alive?”

“Nope.”

“Is it something you can eat?”

“No.”

“Is it something you can hold?”

Vi smirked. “Not really.”

Caitlyn joined in, her voice warm. “Is it something you own?”

“Nope.”

Celeste gasped like she had already cracked the case. “Is it... a building?!”

Vi grinned. “Closer than you think.”

“A house?” Caitlyn offered.

“Nope.”

Celeste narrowed her eyes. “Is it a school?”

“No.”

“A gym?”

Vi’s lips twitched. “Getting warmer.”

Celeste’s eyes lit up. “Is it The Last Drop?”

Vi tapped her nose. “Bingo.”

“That’s not fair!” Celeste flopped back dramatically onto the carpet. “You picked something too easy.”

“You asked good questions,” Vi said, turning her head toward where she’d heard Caitlyn shift. “Your daughter’s got a future in detective work.”

“She already thinks she’s a lawyer and a spy,” Caitlyn replied, stretching her legs out in front of her. “She tried to bug our living room once using a cereal box and a walkie-talkie.”

Celeste shot upright. “I succeeded .”

Vi laughed. “Remind me never to talk shit in your kitchen.” Immediately covering her mouth once she realised what she said in front of an eight year old.

“It’s ok! I say bad words too. Just not in front of my mum.” Celeste cheekily said, “ass” she whispered before a fit of giggles. Although Celeste deliberately said it in a hushed voice which Caitlyn could not hear, she still saw the words forming on her daughter’s lips, shooting her a glare while Vi tried her best to hold it in.

She rolled her eyes but let it go. Her gaze was warm as she looked at Vi. “She only eavesdrops on me.”

“My turn!” Celeste declared, sitting up and folding her arms as she thought about her secret object.

Vi leaned forward slightly. “Is it alive?”

“Yes.”

“Is it an animal?”

“Nope.”

“Is it a person?”

“Yes.”

Vi smirked. “Is it your mum?”

“No.”

Caitlyn looked over. “Is it me?” Caitlyn absolutely sucked at the game. 

Celeste giggled. “No.”

Vi raised an eyebrow. “Is it me?”

Celeste pressed her lips together like she was trying not to laugh, then nodded. “Mhm” 

Caitlyn gave her daughter a look, gently teasing. “That was subtle.”

“I panicked!” Celeste exclaimed. “Also, she’s the coolest person I know right now.”

Vi pretended to puff up her chest. “I accept this title.” Shooting Caitlyn a grin, who gave Vi a little push. She winced sarcastically.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but there was a quiet pride in her expression, like watching Vi and Celeste banter was something she hadn't realized she'd needed — and now couldn’t imagine not having.

They played another round, then another, time slipping through their fingers unnoticed. At some point, Vi stretched her legs out, her foot accidentally bumping Caitlyn’s. Neither of them moved.

Celeste’s questions started to slow, her voice turning softer, yawns sneaking in between guesses. She lay on her stomach now, arms stretched out in front of her, chin resting on her hands as she looked up at Vi like she was listening to bedtime stories instead of playing a game.

Vi didn’t mind. It felt... good. Being here. Being part of something that wasn’t just about keeping herself together. Something softer. Caitlyn leaned back on her hands, eyes on her daughter, then on Vi.

“She likes you,” she said, quietly.

Vi tilted her head. “I like her too.”

There was a beat of comfortable silence before Caitlyn added, “And I’m glad you’re here.”

Vi didn’t answer right away. Her hand rested on the carpet, fingers brushing against Caitlyn’s again — not by accident this time. When she spoke, her voice was low.

“So am I.”

They sat like this for a while. Vi’s finger on top of Caitlyn’s, for once, it didn’t have the urge to tap on the surface nor fidget on something, yet her finger traced back and forth on Caitlyn’s finger. Their knees lingered, not an inch moved since they accidentally made contact. The air filled with a soft scent of Caitlyn’s perfume, and the wooden toys in Celeste’s room. 

“My sister would draw on any possible surface, every one of my homework was-” Vi continued sharing about her childhood stories, although Caitlyn paid no mind to it. 

Her gaze was fixed on Vi.

Caitlyn’s gaze was steady, soft, her pupils dilated, almost unblinking, her blue eyes softened with a yearning look that she didn’t bother to hide. Her bottom lip caught gently between her teeth, as if biting back words she couldn’t bring herself to say. The faintest blush crept to her cheeks, a warmth that betrayed her composure. She wasn’t listening to Vi’s story, the words barely registered by the taller woman. All she could focus on was the way Vi’s finger traced hers, the unspoken intimacy humming through the tiny movements, the accidental brush of their knees that neither dared to break. In that moment, the weight of Caitlyn’s gaze meant much more than just a stare. 

When you know you know. 

Much to Caitlyn’s insistence, Vi was now sitting on the passenger’s seat on Caitlyn’s car, while Celeste dozed quietly in the back. As the night grew older, Celeste’s eyelids drooped, Vi was about to call her sister to pick her up, but Caitlyn dismissed the idea immediately. She offered to drive Vi home, leading to a round of bickering between the two. Though Caitlyn would never deny that she was guilty of wanting to spend as much time as she possibly could with Vi after not being able to converse much during dinner. 

“Thanks for the night.” Vi whispered. 

“It’s nothing, really,” Caitlyn replied, glancing at her. There was a pause. Then a sly smile. “Don’t think I missed the nickname you gave me earlier though. Cupcake?”

Vi smirked. “Because you’re sweet. Like a cupcake.”

“Shut up,” Caitlyn muttered with a mock groan, but the smile lingered. Then, more seriously, “So... Do you?”

Vi blinked. “Do I what?”

Caitlyn checked the rearview mirror, confirming Celeste was still fast asleep — her hoodie pulled up, face turned toward the window, mouth wide open.

Her tone shifted, quieter now. “Have a crush?”

The woman who had practically choked when her daughter called her out was gone. In her place sat someone far more dangerous, flirtatious, confident, and too damn smug for her own good.

Vi matched her energy with a grin. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Just as Vi thought her response was unmatched, a shiteating grin still on her face as she received no response from Caitlyn. A gasp escaped her lips before she could suppress it, when Caitlyn put her right hand teasingly on Vi’s upper thighs, just slightly hitching up her shorts as the taller woman gently raked her short nails on Vi’s skin, before resting her hand there. 

Vi’s breath caught. The grin faltered. “I think I’d like to know,” Caitlyn whispered, her tone feigning innocence. 

“Maybe just a little,” Vi managed, her voice low. “Maybe... more than a little.” The only response she managed, trying to not think about Caitlyn’s hand teasing her thigh.

“Good to know.” Caitlyn replied, a smile on her face that was unable to fade. 

“This is nothing romantic, but I’ve enjoyed every moment we’ve had together.” Vi used all the confidence she had, “Maybe we try taking this further?” Her voice was barely audible, but the words came out nonetheless. 

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

“Not anymore.” Vi rolled her eyes sarcastically. 

“Ok, girlfriend.” Caitlyn purred, her hand innocently inching upwards, rubbing slow circles with her thumb on Vi’s thighs. It was definitely enough to make the redhead’s throat dry, to feel each and every movement of Caitlyn’s fingers on her sensitive skin, before forcing herself to put both of her hands back on the wheel. 

“We’re here.” 

They soon arrived at the driveway of Vi's apartment, both reluctant to say goodbye to one another. They sat in silence for a while, the tension crackling in the air between them.

Caitlyn reached over to the passenger’s seat, her hand finding its way to Vi’s neck, fingers tracing lightly along her jawline. The warmth of Caitlyn's touch sent a shiver down Vi’s spine, making her heart race.

Before either could think twice, their lips crashed together, a collision of pent-up desire. Vi leaned into the kiss, her hands finding their way to Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her closer. Caitlyn was so close to straddling Vi entirely, but her daughter was still sleeping behind them after all. 

If Caitlyn were even a few years younger, a little more reckless, a little less responsible, she might have pulled Vi upstairs without a second thought. She would’ve parked the car and followed her in, kissed her breathless in the hallway, and let the night unfold with no regard for consequences. But she wasn’t that girl anymore. She had lectures tomorrow. Celeste had school. And somewhere beneath the heat building between them was the voice of a mother, a woman who knew where her responsibilities lay, and the weight of them.

Still, it was hard to remember all that when Vi was this close. When her lips were still damp from the kiss. When her breath was still shallow and her pupils blown wide with want.

Caitlyn’s hand found its way back to Vi’s thigh, again. Her fingers lingered near the edge of Vi’s shorts, teasing. Her nails grazed across warm skin, slow and deliberate, the motion making Vi’s breath hitch. Then Caitlyn’s hand slid higher, fingers curling at the waistband of Vi’s boxers, tugging just slightly — enough to make a promise neither of them could keep.

Vi bit back a moan but failed. It escaped into Caitlyn’s mouth as they kissed again, harder this time, messier, a collision of mouths and breath and heat. 

Caitlyn moved like someone who had been starving for this, because maybe she was and Vi matched it, until—

“Fuck.” Vi pulled back, panting, her forehead pressed against Caitlyn’s. Her voice was strained, barely a whisper. “I don’t want to traumatize Celeste.”

That line cut through the haze like a cold breeze.

Caitlyn froze, eyes wide for a beat before she let out a breathy, embarrassed laugh. She sat back in her seat, dragging a hand through her hair as she tried to collect herself.

“Shit. Yeah. Sorry. I got carried away.”

Vi’s chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. Her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed, and her body was still humming with unfinished tension, but she reached down anyway, patting her pockets, grounding herself. “Thanks for the ride,” she said, voice softer now. “And for... everything.”

Caitlyn nodded, her gaze still lingering on Vi’s mouth. “Of course.”

Vi opened the door but lingered, unfolding her cane with a familiar flick and resting it against the ground. Before stepping out, she turned back with a smirk.

“I had a great night, girlfriend.”

The word made Caitlyn’s heart stutter. She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved with something that was far too warm to be teasing. “Goodnight to you too.”

The air in the car felt charged — like the spark of young love had been left behind in the passenger seat, pressed into the fabric. They both sat there, hearts beating a little too fast, bodies still buzzing, a dull ache settling between their thighs that neither of them could ignore.

Vi lingered at the open door, leaning into the frame. “Text me when you get home,” she said softly, and for a moment, Caitlyn wished she could follow her inside. Just to see what it would be like — a quiet moment in Vi’s space, their knees brushing on her couch, Purrcy curling up beside them like it was meant to be…Maybe if the cat was on the other end of the Couch, Caitlyn might just be able to tolerate it.

“I will,” Caitlyn promised.

Vi smiled and stepped out, her cane tapping lightly against the pavement. Caitlyn watched her — the sway of her movements, the way her hand glided along the railing of the stairs. She walked with a confident rhythm, a calmness Caitlyn admired, even now. And when Vi reached the entrance of her apartment building, she turned her head slightly, like she knew Caitlyn was still watching.

She raised her hand in a small wave, then disappeared through the door. 

Vi walked up the stairs as quickly as she could, entering her home. She leaned on the front door, pulling up her shirt to her nose to catch the scent of Caitlyn lingering on her shirt. The kiss replayed in her head, still wondering how she had the courage to ask Caitlyn to be her girlfriend, how Caitlyn had said yes. There was no doubt her underwear was soaked, which was a surprise. 

She was told her sex drive would be affected. Seven years of celibacy . That was how long it had been since she’d felt anything like this. After everything, the endless stream of pills that dulled her pain but also dulled everything else, she had assumed that part of her was gone for good. The medications she occasionally took to manage her migraines and nerve pain had side effects that suppressed her libido, but she hadn’t cared, hadn’t even noticed. It had been easy to blame the numbness on the trauma, to bury herself in the belief that her body wasn’t capable of wanting anymore.

But now...her body betrayed her with the help of Caitlyn. Her cheeks flushed as she became acutely aware of the dampness between her thighs, a sensation she hadn’t thought she’d ever feel again. It was startling, unfamiliar, almost foreign after so many years, and yet it was undeniably there.  

Needless to say, a long shower was needed to calm herself down from what had happened tonight. While Caitlyn had another way of dealing with her ache.