#fluff arcane

˙⋆✮ Cuddles are always first, she needs the physical contact as much as you do. She loves holding you on top of her, chest to chest so that your hearts can calm down and beat together in sync. Her hands are always soothing you whether it's tracing shapes on your back or running them through your hair, massing your scalp- and being peppered with kisses all over is absolute. It has to happen.

˙⋆✮ Aftercare isn't twenty minutes and then it's over, not with Sevika. It's hours. The rest of the day. The only time she leaves you alone is to get you water and whatever food you request- if you can't decide she knows exactly what your comforts food are. Always has them stocked up in the pantry. If you're particularly tired or sore she'll feed you herself with her own hands, no matter how pathetic people think it is.

˙⋆✮ Showers after sex are your absolute favourite because you don't have to do anything other than keep yourself standing while Sevika takes care of everything. Though most of the time you take care of each other. Sevika washes your hair, then you wash hers, together you'll wash every inch of each other... if you're up for it Sevika is always down for another round in the shower- usually gentle, coaxing that last orgasm out of you. Those are you favourite moments.. seeing her need you as much as you need her.

˙⋆✮ Depending on the time of day, naps or sleep after are incredible. You always have the best sleep afterwards because Sevika will never leave you unsatisfied. When she's tucking you both into bed Sevika loves to wrap herself around you, like you're her living, breathing teddy bear. Something you'll always let her have. The soft, needy side of Sevika always comes after sex, a side only you get to see and its possibly your favourite side of her. She knows you're taken care of and happy and she finally lets her guard down.

˙⋆✮ That's when you get to take care of her, when she finally let's you. Running your fingers through her hair or massaging her back- which you know hurts after her being on top and ravaging you for hours. Sevika doesn't complain, never tries to stop you. She knows you love taking care of her as much as she does for you... this is the only time she's vulnerable enough to let you so she never stops you. Sevika would never take that away from you.

Every day felt the same day in, day out. The city bustled and remained alive no matter how late it was, or how early. Sunsets and sunrises were continually shielded and covered by towering skyscrapers which makes the view far less pretty. Mother nature was robbed of being seen due to man-made structures and pollution, stars hidden by fog,and the moon barely shining behind clouds of smog. 

Life in the city was boring, despite the copious amounts of entertainment, bars and clubs littering the streets it was all the same. Men in suits chasing after women either taken or controversially too young for them, thinking they'll get what they want because they wear a fancy suit and work for the rich, or they are the rich and were born with a sense of entitlement. Of course living in a city filled with people had its advantages, you had lots of friends –even if maybe they didn't feel like real friends– and you could simply click a few buttons and have almost anything delivered straight into your hands. 

You hated it. 

Which was why you sat at your desk in the middle of the night, outside still as bright as day only illuminated by neon club lights and car headlights instead of the sun, with leaflets scattered all over your desk. 

Coral Bay. 

Far away from the city where nobody would know your name or who you are, filled by a community of locals, hopefully friendly, with beaches that went on for miles. Coral Bay was known for the wildlife, lively reefs full of sea life and corals, caves and rocks filled with the inhabitants of the past cemented into the earth. A paradise compared to the cramped city you've always known. A sweet escape from reality. 

That's where you wanted to be, at least, that's what you thought you wanted... considering you had just booked a one way ticket online and a suitcase which would hold just enough to get you through a few weeks.

Hopefully you won't come home, but maybe the coastal life won't be for you either. 

Keeping out of people's business is how you survive in the city, maybe being in a close knit community with people who confide in each other wouldn't be something you could handle. What if people tried to dig into your life here in the city? Would you tell them the truth? Or create an elaborate story that's more believable than 'I hate the city and feel out of place here even though there's hundreds of people and I should have found my life purpose by now'.

The contrast of airports was like getting a severe case of whiplash. In the city there were terminals everywhere and no matter where you turned or how out of the way you tried to be, you were always in somebody's way. Shops and restaurants lined the walls, merchandise being sold for 3X its value for necessity. Who the hell is going to pay 20 dollars for sunscreen? 

Desperate people, apparently. 

When you arrived at the Coral Bay airport, a wave of heat hit you immediately, sweat slicked to your skin, the hair on the back of your neck clinging to you. The building almost didn't need lights as the sun was so radiant outside it naturally filtered in. The size comparison was a 180 too, you could probably fit 50 Coral Bay airports into the one city airport... this really was a small, closed off paradise hidden from the rest of the world. It was perfect. 

Immediately you notice the cultural difference in the people, getting into a taxi in the city would be a fight for who was there first and where you want to go. Here? The taxi man took your bag without a second thought and placed it in the trunk, he even opened your door for you before climbing back into the car himself- he might have been a miracle in disguise because as soon as he saw your sweaty face in the rear-view, he set the AC to high. "Where can I take you? Did you have a nice flight? Where did you fly from?" 

Okay yeah, they're definitely friendlier here. 

"Coral Bay, uhhh the address is- hold on let me pull it up on my phone." Digging through your bag you try to find it beneath snack wrappers and loose chargers. 

"What color is the building?" He asks as he pulls off, presumably heading in the general direction of the town. 

"It's a pastel green? The street outside the front is cobblestoned, or at least it was on the picture..." you smile sheepishly, having a conversation in a taxi was rare enough for you, let alone a friendly one. 

"Ah- sunset drive. They're good apartments, those are. on the nice side of town too. Right by the beach." He winks as he changes direction, changing lanes with ease. 

As you drove further away from the airport and into town it was almost unbelievable, Coral Bay was exactly as you had pictured and seen in all the brochures. Bright blue skies with no clouds in sight, the heat smothering you like a warm blanket, stalls and small business lined the streets and through the open window you caught whiffs of all different kinds of food that was being sold. 

Each building had character and was clearly lived in, they were worn down but in a good way, they had served their purpose and still looked aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Most buildings were either cobblestoned or painted bright, pastel colors which looked stunning in the sun. No matter where you looked out of the window there was something new, the city was nothing like this- and you loved it. 

Luckily for you, people out here were a lot friendlier than they were in the city. When you finally pulled up to your new home away from home, not only did the taxi man help you bring your bags up to your apartment, the neighbours were already knocking to offer to help you unpack. 

The neighbours were friendly enough and the conversation flowed easily as if you'd been living there your entire life. While you unpacked they gave you the run down on the town, who to go to for certain things, where the best places were to eat and such... then they mentioned High Tide Haven.

Run by a well known family in town, a bar just on the coast right by the beach. It had stunning views of the ocean and a nearby cliff which hung on the horizon. Vander was the owner– at least you think that's what your neighbour said. Along with his four children who were all grown-up as three of them worked at the bar. Powder, Claggor and Mylo. Vi was the one that struck your interest though, she was a lifeguard on weekdays and was almost always found surfing on the weekends- unless she was helping out her old man at the bar. 

Even over the next few days leading up to the weekend nobody had a bad word to say about Vi, the only genuine ‘complaint’ they had was that it would be hard to find her if she wasn't working- that she would be in the sea, surfing. When you were bombarded at the local grocery store for being new meat everyone made sure to mention Vi and the family's bar. Your neighbours spoke of her every time you saw them when coming and going... you had to check out the bar this weekend. Though you swore to yourself you would finish unpacking first otherwise it would never get done.   

The weekend had finally arrived, you had heard so many things about this bar on the beach, how it was a family owned business that everyone seemed to know and love. While you unpacked over the past few days, the neighbours didn't hesitate to fill you in and give you the run down on the owner and his children. Vander was the owner, a ‘gigantic giant’ they said, muscular and burly with a heart of gold. His children -the four of them- were often at the bar, lingering around or helping out. Though one of them caught your interest, Vi. Your neighbours described her to be around your age and a real sweetheart, always wanting to help out whether it be with the elderly or kids surfing lessons- she was there. 

Each time people spoke of Vi, they mentioned her love for surfing, that she was always in the sea when she had any free time… that would definitely be something you could bring up to her to start a conversation if you got too nervous. 

After finally unpacking and having everything in order in your apartment, you decided to get ready to head to the beach and see what all the fuss was about, to see how beautiful Coral Bay really was. While getting ready you packed your little craft bag all set and ready for your day at the beach. The bag was simple, a brown leather with simple stitching, as you were packing you added some double sided tape, pencils and rubbers, along with some scrap paper, and an empty scrap book. It was a way to physically show a new chapter in your life. The best thing about this bag was a side compartment which you used to place any little trinkets you found in, the perk of this compartment meant you could store all these new items without ruining the rest of your bag. 

When you were ready to leave you slipped on a pair of shoes, making sure to pick ones that were light and comfortable as it was a bit of a walk to the beach, which you didn't mind, the fresh air was something the city lacked. As you got further away from the apartment the sun soaked into your skin, the air was salty and fresh, completely different from the muggy, polluted city air your poor lungs were used to. 

The walk wasn’t awful, you got to listen to some music while heading down the roads and on occasion taking some photos which consisted of unusual flowers which you didn’t get to see in the city unless they were fake. On occasion you’d take a picture of the buildings which were brightly coloured which you planned to add to your scrapbook once you got down to the beach.

After a fifteen minute walk you reached the beach. All you could hear was young children playing and laughing, music blasting from the bar which sat on the beach edge. As you stepped onto sand you took off your shoes, letting the warm feeling of the grains slip between your toes. The sun reflected off the water, almost blinding to the eye as it shone so bright, not hidden away by clouds or smog or skyscraper buildings. Families with young children playing and groups of friends all sat in groups along the coast, claiming their own little spots on the sand. 

As you made your way further onto the sand, laughter from the bar briefly caught your attention. Everything about this town was so lively and fun, people seemed so kind unlike the city where everyone only cared about getting from point A to point B and everything else was an obstacle.

Once you found the perfect spot to sit in, you settled down on your towel, hoping the sun would sink into your skin and tan you a shade or two. The spot you had picked wasn't far from the bar which you had smartly chosen so you wouldn't have to walk too far back and forth with your drinks. While setting up and taking in your surroundings you noticed a lifeguard with bright pink hair, now unless having bright pink hair was popular here… that must be Vi. The girl everyone in town has been telling you about. 

Vi had a large back tattoo that covered every inch of skin on her back which flowed down the back of her biceps and up her nape, expanding over her shoulders. You could only see it so well since she was facing away from you at this exact moment, her muscles rippling under her skin as she brought her arm up to shield her eyes from the sun. All she wore was loose swim shorts, a bright yellow with a red stripe along the side, clearly her lifeguard uniform and tape that was used to bind her chest instead of a bikini top.

Watching her on guard, scanning the beach and looking so gorgeous doing so should be illegal, Vi really was effortlessly beautiful. No wonder people liked her. Once you realised how long you had been staring you immediately busied yourself with setting up your little area, dusting sand off your towel and grabbing your scrapbook out of your bag along with your wallet before going over to the bar to grab a drink.

The walk to the bar was short, thanks to your amazing thinking ahead. From here you could still see your belongings as you leaned against the bar scanning the menu board. It was impressive how many options the little bar seemed to have, freshly made juices, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages along with sodas and water. 

“Anything I could get for you?” you could only assume the brick wall of a man in front of you was Vander, the owner, your thoughts were confirmed when your eyes roamed from his chest to his name tag.

“Yeah, can I have sex on the beach please?” while giving him your order you smile, grabbing a straw from the holder. 

“Comin’ right up. You know, you've got an accent, you ain't from around here are ya? I'd know, bartenders know everyone.” he gives you a knowing smile as he mixes up your drink in a shaker. The fresh juice was so pungent you could already smell it and your mouth was watering. 

“No I'm from the city, I just moved here to try and… well I don't really know. I want to find myself I guess?” The straw in your hand becomes very interesting as you realise you just opened up so easily to this… stranger. Though, on the contrary everyone only had nice things to say about him. 

As Vander slides your drink to you across the bar he gives you a smile, a friendly smile. One of those smiles that are infectious and you find yourself giving him a small smile back. “On the house, go and enjoy yourself, yeah?” 

 “Thank you so much. If this is as good as it smells I'll be back soon for another.” as you walk away from the bar back to your towel you give him a polite wave over your shoulder. 

When you sat back down you immediately took a sip, letting out a small moan of appreciation for the beverage made with the freshest juice. After a few sips you began to sort out your supplies and start your scrapbooking. You lost track of time with how long you spent working on your scrapbook, you had even begun working on some of the pages and filling it out. 

Lost in your own little world of organising, you didn't even notice the lifeguard coming over to look at what you were doing until her shadow loomed over you and your towel like a stormcloud stealing the sun. When you realised she was there you almost jumped out of your skin in surprise, goosebumps appearing on your arms until you realised it was only Vi. 

She stood just behind you, arms crossed and legs slightly spread as she hovered there with a level of confidence you wish you possessed. “Nice scrapbook it’s coming along well, y’know my younger sister does a lot of scrapbooking.” 

You just stared up at her in pure awe at how casually she made conversation, not at all worried about rejection. “I’ve never really seen you around here before? Did you just move here or something?” 

It took your brain a second longer than normal to process what Vi had said because even though you were a fully functioning human, she was hot, and you couldn't focus. “Oh yeah, yes I just moved here a few days ago.” 

She simply hummed in response before noticing the drink which was carefully propped up beside you, she recognised the beverage immediately as her father always made them the same way with a little plastic umbrella in the cup, though decided to ask anyway to be conversational. “What’re you drinking?”

“A sex on the beach, it's really good though.” Vi nodded before smirking to herself.

“Uh huh, maybe we should have sex on the beach, bet you’d love it just as much as that cocktail.” She winked after saying that in the most flirtatious way she could, but it didn’t help. Everything became awkward and embarrassing and for a moment Vi’s confidence shattered slightly as she cringed internally at the words that just left her mouth without thought. After a moment of long, painfully awkward silence you bursted out laughing causing Vi to laugh just as much.

“That was really terrible, like, what possessed you to say that?” through giggles you manage to force your words out. Vi takes a seat next to you in the sand, after doing another quick scan of the beach. It's a habit that comes naturally to her considering her job as a lifeguard. 

“No idea, sunshine. Though if you want too, I'm not gonna say no-” She chuckles as you slap her arm. 

“You're incorrigible.” Vi's lips curl into a grin.

“And you're beautiful.” Silence, for only a second.

“Oh that was smooth.” the smile refuses to leave your face. 

“I know.” Vi winks and god it should be illegal. In fact her whole demeanor should be illegal. Someone should not look so good sitting there, leaning back on their hands with the sun bathing their skin. 

Vi's skin that wasn't corrupted with ink was glistening tan, used to being attacked by the sun on a daily basis. With every move and breath she takes, her muscles dance and ripple under her skin, causing an unfamiliar flutter in your stomach which you chose to ignore- for now. 

For the rest of the day, Vi sits and talks with you in between doing her job, every so often she'll stand up and grab her megaphone to remind people to swim between the flags, or she'll tend to injuries with the utmost care. One little girl cut her toe on a jagged rock and Vi became a completely different person as she cleaned and bandaged her foot, the whole time she was making silly faces and speaking in loud, funny voices to distract the little one from her pain. And it worked, by the time she left with her parents she was smiling as bright as the sun in the sky. 

Eventually Vi's shift ended as the sun began its descent to the horizon, painting the sky with a colorful haze of orange, red, pink, purple and blue. 

By the time Vi had closed up her tower she came to find you but you were nowhere to be seen. Admittedly you had left while she was distracted, the nervous flutters in your stomach were too much for you to handle, and you knew you'd see Vi again -of course you would she's seemingly always on the beach- so it wasn't like you'd up and left her hanging on a date. 

On the other hand Vi found herself smirking, she would chase you to the ends of the earth if you wanted her too. That was already decided in her mind, you were the one she wanted. 

Having the beach so close was something you hadn't expected to enjoy so much, you thought maybe you'd go once a week to soak up some sun. Though that wasn't the case at all. Since you'd always lived in the city you hardly ever got to experience the beach, so now you could so easily, you took every opportunity you could. 

Filling up a scrapbook in the city usually took such a long time, to do anything was so expensive, experiences were money and you only really went out when your friends weren't busy. But Coral Bay had so much life and history for you to explore and it was all free. The scrapbook you had was filling up quickly with more photos than you could count, the sea was beautiful, clear and always warm  when you dipped your toes in. Not being able to swim was something that held you back here, there was so much sea and you couldn't explore any of it. 

It was another sunny day, like every other and you'd decided to go to the beach again. In your mind you told yourself it was for the sun and sand... not because you wanted to see a certain pink haired lifeguard. Not at all. 

As you step onto the sand you take off your flip flops, holding them in one hand as you walk, naturally your feet carry you towards the lifeguard tower. You decide to set up your towel right next to it, smiling up at Vi when she notices you, her own smile beaming. "Well ain't this a nice surprise?"

"Mhm, I make your days brighter." You grin at Vi as she hops the little fence and lands on the sand next to you with a highly ungraceful thud. 

"Cocky ain't ya? Maybe I'm just a smiley person." As she takes a seat next to you, pushing you to scoot over so she can sit on your towel, you don't protest. 

"That's not what I heard. I believe Vander's words were 'you make her happy kid, I ain't seen her smile this much in a long time.' It's okay to admit I'm the light of your life." Biting down on your tongue you try not to laugh at Vi, bless her soul she's blushing like crazy even though you know she'll deny it if you point it out. 

"He has no idea what he's talking about, he's old don't listen to him." Vi runs a hand through her already messy pink hair, tousling the strands even more. Her eyes are squinted slightly from the sun, her face flushed a rosy red mostly from the heat- though your comment didn't help either. 

"Or you just don't want to admit that I am, in fact, the light of your life." Despite it all, Vi's smile matches the one on your own face. Leaning back on both hands she looks out to the sea, keeping an eye out for drowning civilians considering it's her job. 

"One day you're going to distract me so much that I'll miss somebody drowning, you know that?" Feigning a mock look of shock you hold a hand over your heart.

"Blaming me for your inevitable demise? I'm hurt, Vi." You don't miss the way her eyes follow your hands where they're resting on your chest. Fingernails painted a sky blue to match your favourite bikini that you'd brought recently and were currently wearing. 

Her jaw ticks slightly before she forces herself to look back up to your face, where you were staring with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "Like what you see?"

"You know I do." Her voice isn't quieter but it's definitely a lot deeper, filled with lust and adoration. 

Desperately you force yourself to swallow the lump in your throat, for weeks now all you two had been doing was either playfully flirting, talking about the most random shit, or having deep conversations. One of those nights -your favourite night so far since you'd moved- you two sat on the beach until late, drinking cocktails which Vi had stolen from the bar and spoke about everything and anything. 

Of course the topic of the city came up, its why you moved here after all, you told Vi all about it, how busy it was and how Coral Bay exceeded your expectations. 

That was the night Vi decided she wanted to ask you out, since then she's been working up the courage. Most of the time when you hang out it kind of feels like they're mini dates anyway, but Vi wanted to make it known she was serious about this- about you. Vi wanted it to be a big, romantic gesture, she'd never put the effort in for previous partners because it never felt serious. 

You were different. In her eyes you were the one and she wasn't going to fuck this up, she couldn't.

Over the day, Vi would come and take her small breaks from work with you, complimenting you or your scrapbook which she showed genuine interest in. Even though you tried so hard you couldn't stop staring at Vi when she was walking up and down the beach, her back and chest bare except for the tape that donned her skin. Every nerve ending in your body reacted to the way hers did, when her muscles would ripple beneath her skin the cage of butterflies in your stomach would flutter like crazy. In your lifetime you'd met some rather attractive people, but nobody even came close to Vi or the way she made you feel, the way your own body reacted to her without your own permission.

Friday evenings were always busy on the beach, you'd figure that out over the weeks when the youths and bar regulars would swarm in the minute the sun decided to start its descent. The sky slowly transformed from a bright blue into a beautiful mess of pinks and purples with fluffy looking clouds rolling in over the horizon. 

As Vi closed up her tower for the night, the bouquet of flowers on her desk were staring at her. In her mind she was running over all the ways she could possibly ask you out. Does she go romantic? Or silly and fun? She's never brought flowers for somebody before, she doesn't know how to do this... but Vander gave her one piece of advice last night which she was clearly not following. 

'Don't overthink it, kid. Can tell from a mile away they'll say yes, and if they don't for whatever reason– I've got enough alcohol to drown your sorrows in, aye?' 

It was that simple. Or... at least it was supposed to be. Though those nerves were prickling on the back of her neck, the hairs on her arms stood up at attention despite the warm weather. 

Don't overthink it. Don't overthink it. Don't overthink it. Don't overthink it. Don't overthink it.

Stepping out of the tower Vi locks the door, the bouquet of blue lilies in hand, the florist at the store suggested them when Vi was absolutely stuck on what to get. Red roses were far too cliché and she didn't know what else to do. 

The sand beneath her feet had cooled now the sun wasn't burning with so much rage, settling down by the horizon. With each step she took closer to you Vi repeated her practised line in her head, along with her favourite mantra. Don't overthink it.

Sensing Vi's approach you lift your head, your heart thumping and eyes immediately softening at the sight of her with those flowers in hand. God you'd never seen her so nervous- it was adorable. The lilies were perfect, the blue mirroring the color of your sky blue bikini... probably a coincidence, though your heart fluttered anyway. 

"Hey... I've never done this before, so don't laugh at me if it's cheesy like a rom com, okay?" Before you can open your mouth to assure her you won't laugh, she drops to one knee like it's a proposal. 

"You've been here for a few weeks now and I'd like to think we get along pretty well. I know I really enjoy your company whether you're chatting my head off or listening to me ramble... uh... what I'm trying to say is I want to take you on a date. Like an official, proper set up date." 

For a moment you're silent, processing her words. The corners of your lips curve upwards into a bright smile, the one Vi loves so much. A smile is a good sign, it means you feel the same way, or she hopes you do. Your initial reaction wasn't anger or disgust, that's a win in Vi's eyes. 

As she offers you the flowers you take them gratefully, sniffing them before meeting her eyes again. "It would be my pleasure. I'd love to go on a date with you." 

Holy shit. Holy mother-fucking shit you said yes. You said it would be your pleasure. That's better than a yes. "Okay... okay yeah, you said yes okay..." Vi mutters to herself, sitting down with a happy sigh beside you on the sand. 

"It's gonna be the best date you’ve been on, I'll make sure of it, you deserve that." Vi's smile matches yours as you rest your head on her shoulder. 

The two of you watch the sunset as it descends towards the sea, the wind lightly blowing as clouds roll in over the darkening sky. Somehow, you and Vi end up with your pinkies linked between your bodies on the towel below. Moving here wasn't to find love... at least that wasn't your main goal. Though meeting Vi here is definitely one of the best things to happen since moving away from the city. She was real, down to earth (even if a little cocky at times) Vi was real. There were no masks, no facades or personality changes around different people. Vi was Vi no matter where she was or who she spoke to. 

Without knowing it she was exactly what you needed.

Your eyes drop to the towel where your pinky fingers are linked, the callouses on Vi's finger feeling rough against your smoother skin. Squeezing softly you move your hand to intertwine all of your fingers with hers. Her thumb naturally runs back and forth over the top of your hand, rising and falling over and between your knuckles with a kind of intimacy that feels... weirdly right. 

"Where are you taking me on this spectacular date?" You look up at Vi from where your cheek was resting on her sun kissed shoulder. 

"If I tell you it won't be a surprise, will it?" The grin that stretches over the lower half of her face is almost cheeky and definitely infectious, her blue eyes glinting with mischief and affection.

Whatever she had planned, you knew you'd absolutely love it as long as you got to keep seeing her smile and spend more time with her.

It’s like mother nature knew Vi was taking you on a date this evening and she graced you with the most incredible sunset Vi has ever seen. All day the weather had been great, sunny but not blistering hot and the clouds had only now started to lightly roll in, cooling the air enough for the walk to be enjoyable. 

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Vi’s hands tightened around the edge of the sink. The past few hours she had spent freaking out about the date, she wanted it to be perfect, perfect for you. Anytime she spent with you was good enough for her, you could sit there in silence and Vi would have the best time as long as she got to spend it with you though she couldn't help but think she needed this to be perfect. 

Staring at herself in the mirror, shirtless with tan lines where her tape usually sits, all she could do was remind herself that you had agreed, so easily, to go on a date with her. It would be your 'pleasure', you were as eager as Vi was- yet she couldn't help stressing, hoping that the date would be perfect. It had to be and Vi would make sure of it. 

Vi was suddenly interrupted from her thoughts at hearing Mylo practically hammering on the door. “Dude, are you seriously going to spend all day in there?” 

Before Mylo could knock on the door again Vi shouted back at him. “Fuck off Mylo!” The annoyance was clear in Vi's voice and for a moment she thought he left, but then his annoying ass voice piped up once again.

“Oh my god is this about that girl you were talking about?” Vi audibly groaned at his words, but instead of arguing further she finished up in the bathroom, carefully placing the tape on her skin and pulling her breast back to help flatten it.

After a moment Vi left and saw Mylo leaning against the wall. “There, all yours.” Mylo quickly walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Just as Vi began to walk down the corridor to her room she heard Mylo call out to her. 

“Y'know you could ask Powder or Claggor for ideas.” Vi scoffed at the idea of asking them for advice, but within an hour she was talking to them asking what she should do.

Both powder and Claggor recommend finding different things on the beach. Coral bay was known for its unusual shells, crystals and fossils so it wouldn't exactly be hard to find something along those lines, plus Vi knew all the good spots that most people didn't know of. For a few days Vi would go out along the shore checking for geodes and shells, went into caves and along the walls of the cliffs that she knew were safe, the last thing she wanted was to get caught in a rock slide, just to try and find some fossils or more geodes. While walking around Vi decided to take some photos as well, thinking you could possibly add it to your own scrapbook. At one point she even went diving to try and find stuff or get photos.

By the end of the week she had collected a good amount of trinkets to give you and with Powder's help she organised it into a cute little gift bag. One thing she did find while on her search was a deep cave which was often hidden by the tide, there was a deep rock pool inside which had some unique fossils stuck along the walls. It would be a perfect spot for a date though she already had this date planned, she decided that one day you two could go there together on a second date if this one went well.

After lots of planning and preparation Vi was somewhat confident in her plans for this date, but even so she still had this weird feeling it wasn't good enough, she needed this date to go well, she already cared for you way too much, in the somewhat short amount of time you’d know one another. She waited at the bar, looking around the currently quiet beach seeing if she could spot you. Vi wasn't wearing anything special, she had a basic plain button up shirt, linen and thin to help deal with the day's heat, she also wore long cargo shorts with a simple black belt and her carabiner hooked to her belt loop.

The minute Vi laid eyes on you she was sure her heart skipped a beat two. Dressed in a simple yet sexy pair of denim shorts that make your legs look endless, tanned from all the time you've been spending on the beach paired with a simple flannel that was unbuttoned, a simple black bikini top underneath. 

No words could describe how good you looked. 

Even bare faced and slightly flushed and red from the heat you still looked beautiful. Vi was convinced you had some sort of superpower to always look incredible no matter what state you were in. 

"You look... so good. I feel underdressed." Vi flushes red, her shoulders naturally shrugging as if she was apologising for not wearing a full suit to a date on the beach. Which was insane because she looked incredible, although the shirt was baggy and airy you could still see how well she filled out the shirt and you'd stare at her muscles enough to know what they look like underneath. 

"I'm not wearing anything fancy either. Though I might be biased, I think this look suits you... I'd tell you to wear linen more but I do prefer watching you shirtless." Vi catches the faint smirk that pulls at your lips. It was a bold statement, though you weren't 'just friends' anymore, were you? Flirting was acceptable. More than acceptable, actually highly encouraged in this situation.

"Uh huh. And what do you like so much about seeing me shirtless hm? You're objectifying me."

"Is that an issue, red? I think you secretly like it." The heat creeping up Vi's neck spreads over her cheeks, feeling warmer than the sun on her face on a sunny day. 

"What- I do not!" You can see it in Vi's eyes that she internally rejects the idea, but she can't, and her rosy cheeks glow a deeper red. 

"Then why are you blushing?" The smirk on your own face grows, loving how easily you can get her riled up. 

"I'm not blushing, it's warm out." Excuses, excuses…

"OR you're just always blushing around me, you should be used to the heat Vi." While Vi's brain is malfunctioning you take a seat on one of the bar stools, your bare knee brushing against the rough fabric of her cargo shorts.

"I- this is- you're bullying me!" Oh. Oh the little whine she lets out at the end is maybe the most adorable and weirdly hot sound you've ever heard. And you need to hear it again. 

"Sounds like you like being teased and bullied, Vi." 

Before Vi can stutter out an excuse and embarrass herself even more than she already has, Vander swoops in to save the day and take your drink orders. He needn't ask what Vi wanted; it was always the same thing- pineapple juice and vodka. None of these fancy cocktails, she had her thing and she stuck to it. 

"And for you, kid?" Smiling you glance over the menu before ordering a sex on the beach from Vander, your usual. Of course he knew Vi was planning to take you on a sunset walk so he had the drinks in to-go cups. Vander knew Vi would bring glass straws back so he sticks them into the drinks, saving you from the nightmare that is soggy paper straws. 

Vi shares a grateful look with the brick wall of a man that is her father-figure. She also realises the discreet look of 'get out of here before it gets busy' he gives her, egging her on to whisk you away and woo you over with the charming personality he knows she has. 

The only problem? Vi loses that the minute she looks at you. To Vi you're anxiety inducing in the most addicting way. She knows she's going to make a fool of herself and that you'll tease her endlessly... and she can't think of a better way to spend her time. As long as she's with you, she'll take being teased and 'bullied' any day.

Oranges, yellows, pinks and purples explode along the horizon painting the perfect backdrop as Vi steals glance after sneaky glance at you. Even doing the most mundane task like taking a sip of your drink has her almost falling in love with you already.

If this is what love feels like.

Sure Vi has had flings in the past, had a good time with people she found attractive... but there was something different about *you*. An invisible magnet was constantly pulling and attracting her towards you, Vi always wanted to be with you or at least in your vicinity. During the slow paced, peaceful walk you're taking you chatted about anything and everything- the gift bag in Vi's hand hadn't been brought up yet. Since she left the bar with it you knew it was for you, she just hadn't given it to you yet. 

"Are you ever going to give me my gift? Or do you like keeping me in suspense?" 

Taking your hand, Vi drags you off to sit on some rocks that face the sea, the sun causing her hair to glow more pinkish rather than red in the light. "It's not... it's not much. Found some things while I was working and I thought you'd like 'em..."

Vi practically shoves the gift bag into your hands, displaying her nerves outwardly without realising it. God she was adorable. You knew the minute she started talking she was lying, nobody just finds random things and gifts them in a gift bag. She went out and found these specifically for you... though you saved face and let her believe that you thought she found them. 

"That's so sweet Vi, thank you. I feel bad I didn't bring anything for you." Offering a small smile you reach into the bag and pull out the small tub, full of small shells and a fossil which is beautiful. 

Picking up the fossil first it's a pretty common one, especially for the area. You've seen a few but they've all been broken or chipped... Vi found one fully intact, and it's gorgeous. Ammonite fossils you always found so pretty, the way the spiral and curl in on themselves had always fascinated you. 

Setting the fossil down you next examine the few crownie shells she had found. The patterns on them were beautiful, speckled and blotchy in the most natural way. Before you could bring one to your ear, Vi cut in. "You know if you hold those ones to your ear, it sounds like the ocean. It's true I swear, try it."

"Really? I didn't know that but that's awesome. Show me how?" Lie. Bold faced lies, you knew that, of course you did... It was totally worth it when Vi's face lit up with pride, like she'd done a good job and taught you something new and cool. You'd lie a thousand times over to see her smile like that again. 

The two of you lean in closer to each other naturally, listening to the sound of the ocean through the crownie shells. Then Vi shows you the last shell, her award-winning conch. You had to admit it was beautiful, a few places had chips and cracks though that didn't matter, not to you. 

Vi found it for you, and gifted it to you. This was the most special conch shell in existence in your eyes. 

"I love these so much Vi, thank you so much." 

"It's not bother- honest. Like I said I just- I just found them." The blush dusting her cheeks really gave her away, and if you wanted to tease her you absolutely could she was a terrible liar. Though you decided to finally get what you wanted from her... if she hopefully feels the same way. 

"You know... I could always gift you back in a different way." Your hand finds her thigh just above the knee, squeezing softly. Her cheeks reddened even more, with nerves, or embarrassment; possibly both. 

"H-how?.. You really don't have to I only-"

"Shhhh."

Cutting off her protests you lean in, pressing the lightest, softest kiss to the corner of her mouth. Not a full on kiss at first, you were testing the waters. When Vi let out a small whimper you went in again, this time more confident as your lips molded to hers. Vi visibly felt her body sag, the pressure and anxiety releasing instantly as she kissed you back. 

Vi's hand found your waist under your shirt, pulling you closer. The callouses on her fingers from surfing all time were rough against the softness of your skin. Your own little sound escapes you, muffled by Vi's lips as you move closer, hiking one leg over her lap. Both of your mouths open as your tongues find each other, swirling and mixing together as the kiss deepens. 

It felt right. Of course it was a little messy at first, it always is when kissing new people though you quickly, naturally found your rhythm. Like this was meant to be…

And just maybe, maybe it was. Maybe you and Vi were supposed to find each other.

A few days have passed since the date and Vi was already planning the next one, specifically what she wanted to give you next. The way your face lit up when you saw the fossils and shells warmed her heart so much that from that moment onwards she decided she was going to shower you with gifts as much as humanly possible just to always see that smile grace your face once again.

While brainstorming in her room that sat just above the bar, she was thinking about things you liked, obviously fossils were an option but she did give you some last time, same goes for the shells. 

She needed this to be special. 

Then she remembered the scrapbook and the way you collect things, so she decided to give you something along those lines. At first she thought about craft supplies, she knew of a pretty good craft shop in a random corner of town that had printed paper with patterns specially made for scrapbooking, but that seemed too simple. Sure you'd probably like it, but it was generic and simple, she wanted something special just for you. An organiser crossed her mind but once again, way too simple. 

Then she considered making you something, even if it was simple, it would still be special because it was handmade. As she thought about what to make you she noticed a crochet patch that powder had made her. That's when she decided that something crocheted would be great, the only issue with that was, Vi had no idea how to crochet. She also had to figure out what to crochet.

After deciding she was going to crochet you something, she went to her younger sister Powder, who as usual, was in her room. When Vi walked towards the bedroom she was immediately met with Powder's loud ass music which Vi firmly believed was terrible and downright questionable at times. Vi knocked on the door, waited a few moments before walking in. 

Powder's room consisted of walls plastered in posters or random drawings she made, storage units containing all of craft supplies and trinkets, along with some junk she found and decided would be useful one way or another. Her bed was covered in different blankets, plushies and a few too many pillows. Hearing her older sister walking into Powder's room she perked up from her desk which was littered with different projects and tools.

“Hey Pow, mind helpin’ me out a bit?” Vi was lent up against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest as she looked over to her younger sibling.

“Hm? Sure Vi what’s up? Oh my god, wait, is it about that girl you’ve been seeing!?” Powder practically lit up at the thought of it, she was always a little bit nosey with other people’s business, especially Vi’s. 

Vi rolled her eyes at Powder's eagerness before speaking. “Shut up, anyways I need you to teach me how to do that crochet thing.” Vi walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind her before sitting down on Powder's bed. The younger girl jumped out of her chair and ran over to one of her storage units to grab some wool and a hook, before bringing the items over to Vi as she sat next to her.

“Ok so I’ll just show you some of the basics first and then I can help you with whatever you’re making.” Powder was always excited to hang out with Vi, even though they did it a lot she still acted like it only happened once in a blue moon. Vi nodded as watched and listened to Powder explain how to chain, do a double crochet, increasing, decreasing, etc. After a while Vi had a go and even her chains looked crooked and messy let alone when she started to do rows as Powder had told her.

The two girls spent hours trying to crochet, Powder doing her best in teaching Vi, which she wasn’t exactly great at. Vi tried to listen as much as she could and slowly the chains began to look straighter, the rows weren’t 20 different sizes, and the walls stopped looking crooked. Even though there were clear improvements it still didn't look good enough for Vi.

Over a few days between work, Vi would spend her time practicing different stitches and improving on some of the basics. While Vi spent her time practicing and thinking of what to make, in the end she came to the idea of a craft bag. She knew you already had one, but there's no such thing as too many craft bags, plus you could use them for different occasions. She told Powder about the idea and Powder, being Powder, got super excited about it, saying she knew exactly how to design it and got to work almost immediately.

After about 2 hours Powder came over to Vi with the design done, the bag itself was a simple tote bag, however there were small star shapes along the strap giving it this beach vibe, but Powder said she’ll help out with that part as it is more complicated. Vi saw the design and immediately knew you’d love it, Powder began making the pattern, referring back to actual crochet bag patterns while adding a few details in the process. 

Thankfully Vi had a day off and with only a few days before she needed this bag done she definitely spent the whole day crocheting. While Vi worked on the bag, Powder worked on all the extra detail, she also helped with any sewing involved while Vi worked on the panels of the bag. 

By the end of the day Vi was laying on the floor groaning slightly while Powder sat at her desk sewing the bag panels together. “Since when was crocheting physically painful? I thought this shit was a fun little hobby.” 

Powder rolled her eyes before responding to her sister. “Well usually it isn’t unless you’re doing a big project or you work for hours sitting like a shrimp without taking any breaks, or stretching.”

Vi groaned again before she sat up and cracked her back which made Powder cringe slightly. “Hey do you even know what you’re gonna do for this next date?” Vi looked over at Powder for a second before speaking. “Yea I’ve got an idea, ya know that cave that’s at the very end of the beach? Was planning on taking them there, I dunno, is that too much?”

“Oh my god wait, that's so cute! Look at you being all romantic and shit.” Vi rolled her eyes and glared at Powder. 

“Oh shut up you sound as annoying as Mylo, I just want this to be special ya’ know, like I want to ask them out and I thought it would be a nice spot.” For a moment it was quiet but then Powder spoke up again. 

“Wait, isn't that cave like super dirty? Are you gonna make it at least look nice?” Vi rolled her eyes again. “Well yea obviously! I’m gonna set it up with lights and some blankets, do you think candles would be too romantic?” 

Powder thought for a moment before speaking. “I mean it’s your date so be as romantic as you want, do they even like super romantic stuff?” Vi shrugged before getting up and walking over to Powders desk and looking at the bag which was slowly being pieced together. 

“Hey it’s actually looking like a bag now! Oh and I’m sure they’ll be fine with it being a bit romantic.” Powder simply nodded while she focused on sewing some of the more fiddly pieces together, then Vi spoke up again. 

“Would you be fine with helping me out with setting up the cave?” Powder looked up at Vi and for a moment she was debating her answer but ultimately decided she’d help out, plus it meant she had more chances to be nosey which was a perk. 

“Yeah sure, but you’re carrying everything in.” Vi rolled her eyes and messed up Powder's hair before heading out of the room, knowing she had work early tomorrow Vi decided she was going to try and sleep early. “Night Pow.”

Everything was perfect. Honestly without Powder this whole set-up would have definitely looked a mess, though Powder was the creative one and had an eye for these things. 

The only entry to the cave was to swim in through the water through a crack in the boulders on either side. Sunlight barely broke through the cracks however lighting wasn't really an issue as Powder had strung up enough fairy lights littering the walls to look like a starry night sky. 

Picnic blankets stolen from Vander sit on the cave floor along with pillows and two huge, bursting full baskets of food. Party food and picky bits along with sandwiches and chocolate and strawberries. The bag which Vi had practically slaved over, along with Powder's help sat near one of the pillows, hopefully the perfect gift for you that you'd love. This date had to be perfect. It was **the** date. 

She was hopefully going to make you hers... or offer herself up completely to you because let's be honest Vi would do anything for you. 

"I think she's gonna love it, it looks great in here. I think this is where you're supposed to thank me, Vi." Powder pats her shoulder, other hand propped on her hip as she admires her handy work secretly hoping that one day somebody would care about her enough to do this for her. 

"Thank you. Seriously Pow Pow you've outdone yourself, I think they're going to love it. Hopefully. Maybe. They will... right?" Vi's head tilts down as she looks at Powder- despite being the eldest Vi was always the more anxious one, the one that cared too much about everything. 

It was a blessing and a curse. 

"I think if they don't love and appreciate all of your effort then they don't deserve any more of your time. Though we both know she will, so stop stressing and sort your hair out- that's the only scary thing in this cave." Self-consciously Vi runs a hand through her messy red hair, tousling the strands even more. 

"I hate you. I take it back, I don't love you." Vi glares. 

"No you don't, you love me. Hush." Powder grins. 

Waves lapping at the rocks edge fills the silence before Powders giggling and Vi's rumbling laughter echoes off the cave walls. If things were already going this well at the set-up the actual date had to go just as well, surely.

Vi had set a time to meet on the beach, though she hadn't told you what the date entailed or where you were going. With little information you went with the safe outfit option of some cute denim shorts with a seashell stitched into one of the back pockets that you brought a few days ago at the market. Pairing it with a simple tank top and some jewelry.

Simple. Cute. Reliable. 

Anything Vi had planned you should be okay wearing it... so you don't wait a second longer before leaving your apartment. The walk down to the beach was beautiful as always, the salty sea air clearing your lungs, the loud squawking of seagulls still never compared to the noise of the city. Life was peaceful here. Easy. Freeing. And there was no pressure to pretend to be someone else, to be false and 'fit in'. 

By the time you got to the beach Vi was already there, waiting with another stunning bouquet. Red roses this time. A classic and still it made your heart skip a beat. Vi was so thoughtful it rattled the cage of butterflies in your stomach. A wide, real smile pulled on your cheeks as you finally got to Vi, taking the bouquet. "These are gorgeous, Vi. You didn't have to get me anything." 

"I wanted to, you deserve them... plus I've never really been on a date like this before." Her hand naturally makes its way to the back of her neck, nervously rubbing the tense muscle. 

"Speaking of our date, where are we going?" Taking her offered arm your hand wraps around her bicep as far as it can go though your fingers are still inches away from being able to touch. 

"It's a surprise, sunshine." Under your fingertips you can feel her arms flexing, tensing as you both grow closer to the cave. She hopes you'll love it, that it's not too extravagant or too cheesy. 

The short walk to the cave entrance is quiet yet comfortable. Whenever you were in Vi's presence the need to fill the silence was void, unlike your life back home where you spoke about near enough anything to fill awkward silences. The quiet with Vi was far from uncomfortable... It was relieving. 

Her surfboard sits upright against the rocks at the cave entrance. You know the board is Vi's because it's a vibrant blue with bright flowers in every color around the edges. "Did you wear your swimsuit underneath? Shit I forgot to tell you we uh... we gotta swim through." 

Her hand shoots to the back of her neck again. Vi knew she'd fuck up somehow- and of course she already has and the date has hardly started. "Vi, I've never told you this but I actually can't swim..." 

For a minute Vi goes still, the gears turning behind her eyes before she lets go of you and sets the board into the water. "Hop on, I can push you through." 

She holds out her hand and takes your bouquet, sitting it upright against the rocks before helping you onto the board. The warmth of her hands on your waist sets off those butterflies again- and Vi's face is flushed a deep shade of red that it wasn't a minute prior. 

Cute.

"You know you picked the right person to date, a lifeguard. Especially since you can't swim." The roll of your eyes makes Vi laugh as she sinks down into the water and she swims through the cave entrance, pushing her board and your weight on it with ease. You'd be lying to yourself if seeing her shoulder and arm muscles strained, dripping with water wasn't making other parts of you just as wet…

Vi was so focused on getting you through safely and making sure you were steady on the board that the anxiety completely left, until a small gasp escaped your lips when you got through the rocks and into the cave. "Oh... my god, Vi. You did all of this? For me?" 

The strings of fairy lights glimmer along the wet walls of the cave, giving them almost a glittery sheen. The butterflies in your stomach went rampant, fluttering like crazy, feeling like your heart had skipped several beats and was beating out of time. She had done all of this... just for you. 

With a heavy, steady arm around your waist Vi helps transfer you from board to rock. After climbing out of the water Vi sits on the rock edge, taking off her shirt. 

Fuck. Everything is wet. Including you. 

Water droplets roll down her back over the defined ridges of muscle, her chest completely bare except for the tape binding her down. You never thought you could be jealous of water... but the droplets rolling down her abs towards the waistband of her swim trunks were taunting you. 

"It's rude to stare, sunshine." Having been so focused on silently cursing out the water on her body you hadn't noticed her turn around. 

"Well you know what they say, Red. Masterpieces should be admired." Your own embarrassment depletes as Vi's face heats up to match the colour of her hair, which she's running her hand through nervously- a habit you love because it messes up her hair and you would be a liar to say you didn't love her hair all out of place. 

"I'll let you flirt this time- because this is a date." She wiggles her finger at you, trying so adorably hard to sound stern as she finds her place next to you on the blanket. 

"Cute. You think you have any power over me when I flirt with you hm? I've been watching you for weeks, Red." 

Holy mother-fucking shit. 

Vi hadn't expected anything per-say, but you being the teasing dominant type was a little bit of a shock... one she'd happily accept. "I uh... you... you have?" 

When you nod, taking a bite of the chocolate covered strawberry you'd just assembled. "I love watching you. Not in a creepy way... you're really good with teaching the kids to surf." 

Her hand flies up, thumb catching the drop of chocolate from your bottom lip before it falls. "Maybe I can teach you to swim one day. It's an important life skill, I don't need my sunshine drownin' on me." 

"Vi?"

"Hmm?"

"Kiss me." 

Where her hand hovers from where it was near your face, then she moves. Sliding her hand around to the back of your neck she brings you closer, pressing her lips to yours. God, she'd missed the taste of you. Since your last kiss it's all Vi had thought about was getting to taste you again. 

Unlike the last time you found your rhythm quickly, Vi followed your tongue, swirling it around yours as you lapped your way into her mouth, exploring further than you had last time. Vi's free hand found your hip, pulling you closer so that one of your legs was hiked up over hers. The kiss is messy, hot and so, so right. With your hands now tangled in her hair you give it a slight tug, reminding her who's really in control here. 

All Vi responds with is a tiny whimper, her lips parting further to let you in and have your way with her. Nothing had ever felt so right, so easy, so... simple. Dating in the city was a pain, going to spend your money on a date that would either lead to a maybe satisfactory one night stand or nothing at all. 

You hadn't even touched Vi in that way and you already felt like she was the one. Fate has a funny way of telling you what it's chosen for you, right? 

The rest of the date was making out, eating, laughing, then making out again until the sun disappeared below the horizon. Pinks and oranges faded to black as the stars made their appearance, that's when you both agreed to pack up and head back to your place…

As soon as the door closed, Vi had you pressed up against the cool wood, her hands exploring your sides as if she couldn't decide on where to keep them. Squeezing and kneading your hips in her hands, a strangled, desperate moan spills from her lips which you swallow with your own. "God... you are so... I can't believe I'm actually... is this real?" 

Vi never gave you a chance to respond to her in-awe ramblings before she was claiming your mouth once more. 

Naturally your arms moved to wrap around her neck, pulling her impossibly closer as if you couldn't bear the thought of not being molded together as one. If you didn't take some charge of the situation, Vi would happily have you pressed up against your front door all night- you're sure of it. Though having the neighbours hear you... like that when you're new to town? Not the reputation you'd like. Walking backwards you blindly guide Vi towards the couch. 

Making it to the bedroom, let alone the bed, was not an option. Not right now. Not today.

"Red calm down-" the ungraceful, loud squeal that you let out as Vi pulls you down on top of her is muffled as she crashes her lips against yours. Again. 

"Taste so good, sunshine... so fuckin' good." You open up for her as she licks and laps her way into your mouth once more. Since getting through the door and into the privacy of your apartment, all signs of being domesticated had left Vi's system. And yours too apparently. 

With every drag of your tongues your teeth clashed together, drool and saliva spilling from the sides of your mouths and mixing together on your chin. Vi's hands had disappeared into your shorts, squeezing and groping the plump flesh of your ass and your hips rocked and bucked with unbridled need. 

As your fingers thread through her hair, nails scratching at her scalp, Vi whines. A needy, high pitched fucking whine. With how eager she was you'd assumed she might be more dominant leaning in the bedroom... Though now you think about it, Vi does blush a lot. And despite not admitting it she does love it when you tease her. Maybe she's not, or she's craving you too badly to give a fuck about how pathetic she sounds.

Either way it had your panties soaked. 

Without breaking the kiss, both if you strip each other of your clothes with eager hands. Gripping and pulling, only separating your lips to get Vi's shirt over her head. "Fucking stupid thing-"

A small, quiet giggle escapes you as she curses at her clothes, simply because they pulled her away from you for a mere second. 

"So desperate Vi... what if I make you wait hm? What if I don't let you taste me?" Almost immediately you regret teasing her- though it only lasts a second before the arousal seeping into your panties grows imminently. 

That goddamn pout. 

Vi's bottom lip juts out like a petulant little puppy being denied treats. Fucking adorable. "Please... please don't take it away from me. I'll be good, I'll be so good for you sunshine- please?" 

Tugging lightly on her pink strands you tilt her head back. Vi looks up at you obediently, lips parted and still wet with the evidence of your makeout smeared across her face. "You're already so messy, Red. And you haven't even touched me yet... you're a messy little eater, aren't you?" 

Instead of using her words, Vi can only nod, her hands tightening on your waist. 

"Words, Red. You know how to speak, tell me what you're going to do to me." To tease her further, as if you haven't already teased her enough by purely existing, you let your hips naturally rock against her. Now with no barriers between the two of you Vi can feel exactly how ready you are for her. 

"I'm... fuck sunshine I'll do whatever you want me to do. I'll use my fingers, tongue, hell we don't have a strap but I'll find one. I'll make one. Please let me make you feel good." The utter need in her whiny voice was enough for you to give Vi whatever the hell she wanted right then and there. 

"Who said I don't have a strap?"

"You... you have a strap?"

"Nope. I'm just teasing you, Red. Gonna have to get creative with this loud mouth of yours." 

"...you're cruel."

"I can be crueler, Red. But you'd like that too much." 

Vi did not disappoint. 

Not. At. All. 

When she said she'd use her fingers and tongue... well she followed through, doing an excellent job too. With each curl of her fingers and flick of her tongue over your clit you felt your back arch upwards off the couch. Vi was on her knees between your pillowy thighs, wearing them like earmuffs as she worked you open- messily. "Never tasted anythin' so sweet sunshine. Not like this-"

The words died on her lips as she dove back in, ten seconds away from your cunt was apparently far too long. Messy, bright red strands of hair curl in between your fingers as you tug in her scalp, keeping her flush against you. It was too good, you'd never been given head so well, let alone this enthusiastically. Each drag of Vi's tongue and curl of her fingers earned a wet, sloppy squelch from your heat- it was undeniable that Vi was breaking you down from the inside out- literally. 

"Good girl, Red. Just like that baby... such a good girl f' me." A broken, guttural moan escapes you when Vi curls her fingers just right, forcing those sweet sounds from your lips. She could die and go peacefully listening to you in ecstasy. 

Vi mumbles something but you don't hear it, whether it's the overwhelming pleasure or the fact that Vi refuses to pull her mouth off you clit, her voice is mumbled, incoherent. Her free hand slides from your thigh to your ass, kneading and squeezing the plump flesh as she pulls you impossibly closer, diving in with even more enthusiasm you didn't know was possible. 

God you wanted to praise her, tell her how well she was doing but you couldn't. Your mind was broken beyond coherency. Every lap of your clit caused your hips to buck, chasing the feeling as the coil in your tummy threatened to break. "Nghh f-fuck Vi..." 

Despite having never touched you like this -even though it was torture waiting for it- it's like Vi knew that sound. The one that indicated you were right there, ready to tip over the end into a world of heaven. So she does what she does best, she gets you there. 

Keeping thrusts of her fingers and swipes of her tongue over your clit the same she lets you ride it out, a feral groan escaping her lips the second you let go and gush all over her lower face and into her awaiting mouth. 

Like it's precious Vi doesn't waste a drop, she can't. She won't. The grip she has on your ass never wavers though, she doesn't stop you from grinding your twitching hips against her face, using her to get yourself off. For Vi it was a privilege. "Get up here, Red. Let me taste it..." 

With a slight tug on her hair, Vi kisses her way up your body, messy, sloppily, worshipful until she reaches your lips, sharing the divine taste of your release with you. Vi's tongue laps into your mouth, exploring all over again, your hands massaging her sore scalp from the tight grip you've had on it. 

When she eventually pulls away for air- going against every primal instinct to keep herself as close to you as possible Vi's eyes are glazed over. Hazy with pleasure and she has a lazy, goofy ass grin on her swollen, wet lips. "Thank you... god you taste so good please let me do it again?" 

A loud, amused chuckle escapes you as you bring her down to lay on top of you like a personal weighted blanket, smoothing her hair away from her forehead. "Not tonight, but definitely in the future. You're such a good girl Vi, made me feel so good, thank you." 

The rest of that night is spent in each other's arms- from the shower, to the kitchen and eventually the bedroom. Vi never wanted to let you go, and you didn't want her too. After the date and everything that happened afterwards? It was safe to say Vi was one person in your life that you truly valued for the first time... in your life. 

Friends in the city were mere acquaintances, everybody used everybody as friends to cover up the fact that even in a city bustling with people you can still feel so lonely. Yet in this small town with a population of a couple hundred? 

You found your person. And so has Vi.

Life these days are filled with genuine happiness, purpose and love. Once you and Vi officially got together Vander offered you a job as bartender considering Vi didn't really have time to help out anymore and Powder had been helping out less and less these days. Originally you were going to turn it down because you had zero bartending experience and weren't too sure if it was going to be something you enjoyed, though your worries were quickly squashed when you did a trial shift one quiet Wednesday afternoon.

...being able to watch your girlfriend surfing and saving lives on the beach sure was an added bonus. 

Adjusting to coastal life from living in the bustling city was hard but Vi helped in so many ways even if she didn't realise it. Whenever your parents called to try and convince you to 'leave behind that silly fling and come back home' Vi was always there to hold you, kiss you until you felt better. For once in your life you felt true contentment and you couldn't understand how they didn't see that, how they couldn't hear it in your voice when you answered the phone. 

On those nights Vi understood how you felt without you having to voice it, instead she'd take over and make dinner having learned your comforts over time, she'd run you a bath and wash your hair and if you ever cried there was no shh'ing you, not telling you to stop crying. All Vi would do is keep you close and let you feel.

In the city showing an ounce of weakness was catastrophic. You talk about how you truly feel in a job interview? You're weak. On a night out with friends if you get too drunk and cry? You're overly emotional and clearly can't handle your drink which usually resulted in people not wanting to drink with you any longer. Everything was so unbelievably fake, nothing like life out here. 

If that meant sacrificing your rocky relationship with your parents for a truly happy life? You would in a heartbeat. 

Though not everything was awful, you tried to focus on living and enjoying the simple things in life, not taking those small moments for granted. Each weekend after Vi finishes up surfing lessons with the kids she takes you out to teach you to swim, she knows where the currents are calm and erratic- if there was anybody in the world to teach you it was Vi. She was perfect. 

Also you'd gotten into the habit of leaving sexy polaroids in Vi's guard tower for her to find. Vi has a whole folder of them now though she keeps one specific picture in her wallet- a photo of you sat on her surfboard, legs straddled over both sides and you'd lifted up your bikini top to flash your tits at the camera. 

You remember the day she found that one...

"Sunshine! Hey!" Vi was breathless as she ran up to the bar, watching you move around with ease as you wipe down the counter. 

"Hi my love." Vi's erratic horniness faltered at your smile. So genuine and happy... it's what you'd come here for and she helped you find that. It would be the most precious thing she's ever achieved in life. 

"That photo... is cruel Sunshine. Absolute cruelty. How am I supposed to go and save lives when all I'm thinkin' about is you?" 

"Better suck it up Red. Now stop distracting me before Vander gets back and scolds me." You casually fling the cloth over your bare shoulder, Vi’s eyes follow it then drags down the rest of your body like a physical caress. That almost breaks you. God you want to drag her to the back room and let her do whatever the hell she's thinking about... but you can't. 

Her hands tighten around the edge of the bar, muscles bulging with restraint as she eyes you over one last time, jaw ticking as she huffs and turns away. "Tonight. I'm getting you back." 

And oh did she follow through on that promise…

That day Vander banned Vi from coming to the bar while you were working as you were so distracted, though the ban didn't last for too long, she was far too in love with you to stay away and you were the exact same. He complained every time, calling it 'young love' and teasing you both about being dramatic, even though you could see how happy it made him to see his own kid happy. 

Powder had fully adopted you as her own sister, she was just as annoying to you as she was to Vi, always crashing at your place on the weekends until Vi kicked her out so that she could have her alone time with you. Vander always loved seeing you and Powder working together when she came in and actually helped out- the two of you were a dream team.  

On one of those days you got shown a rare vulnerability from the mountain of a man. "I wanna say thank you kid, I don't think I've seen both of my girls this happy in a long, long time."

Still to this day he denies the tears that made his eyes glassy, and you tease him about it relentlessly. He'd become a second father away from home, one that understood your desire to live a real life instead of a fake one, he understood the repulsion of living in the city- one visit was enough for him to stay far, far away. 

[Five years later]

As you step through the door to your shared apartment Vi is immediately on you like a puppy that's been left alone for hours on end, which isn't completely wrong. You had left for a few days to go and visit your parents in the city though Vi wasn't alone, she had the family but apparently that wasn't good enough. 

No she needed you. 

"That was torture. Don't do that to me ever again sunshine." The duffel bag slung over your shoulder falls to the floor as Vi scoops you up into her arms easily, carrying you through the apartment to the bedroom. 

"My wife missed me hm?" A giggle escapes you as you sigh a breath of relief seeing the beach through the window, the familiar salty scent soothing something inside you. This was home. 

"Missed you? I could've died. Literally, I was already tellin' dad what I wanted at my funeral." The weight of her presses you into the mattress as she lays on top of you. Her face immediately buries itself into your neck, kissing and sucking marks into your skin. "Needed my sunshine... couldn't sleep or anything..." 

That breaks your heart a little bit. Vi is a tough girl, she can handle a lot– you've seen her handle things most people couldn't. Yet being away from you was the worst thing that could happen to her. The shine of the sun bounces off your ring as the sun shines through the window, creating a nice little rainbow on the wall as you run your fingers through Vi's messy hair. "What do you need, Red? Talk to me baby." 

She's silent for a beat, warring with her own neediness. Is she going to be honest and admit she absolutely needs to be inside of you? Or will she push the desire down?

The latter has never happened. 

"Need to make you feel good, wanna feel you wrapped around me." Her kisses on your neck grow sloppier, her voice muffled as her hands work your shirt off. Vi's kisses trail lower down your collarbone and your sternum, hands wandering to your waistband. "Please baby?" 

Words aren't needed, you're breathless already from her touch, hips lifting off the bed as permission for her to strip you bare. You don't miss the slight tremble in Vi's hands as they settle on your waist as she shuffles herself down between your legs. "Calm down Red, I'm here sweetheart, I'm yours all night- mmph!"  

All thoughts leave your head as Vi drags her tongue over your cunt, lapping softly yet precisely at your puffy folds. Her warm mouth engulfs your clit as she suckles the sensitive bud between her lips. The contrast of her warmth and the coolness of her fairly new lip piercing was delectable, earning Vi lots of those pretty little moans she loves so much. 

"Vi... baby please..." immediately Vi is moving, reading your mind like she knows exactly what you need. She always does. Unintentionally Vi gives you the best little strip show as she strips off her own clothes, revealing her body which has definitely changed over the years. Her lower stomach is softer now, abs still visible but not so defined. A long time ago she had stopped shaving her hair, leaving behind the prettiest pink bush between the apex of her meaty thighs... and it hid the vertical clit piercing she had that felt incredible when rubbed against yours. Recently she had gotten the lip piercing to try and still seem 'down with the kids' though they all still teased her for being older now– it was adorable. 

"Like what you see, Sunshine?" That one sentence. It reminded you of when you were younger, flirting with each other and being all giddy that Vi was actually talking to you. You remember when you asked her that when she was staring at you, and you remember exactly what she replied with…

"You know I do, Red." Naturally your thighs part as she climbs back onto the bed, positioning you with one thigh over hers so that your cunts brush against another, eliciting a small whine from Vi. She's been so sensitive since getting a piercing. 

She takes both of your hands in your, intertwining your fingers and holding them next to your head as she rolls her hips just once, experimentally. "There?" 

Vi is breathless biting down on her lip to stop the pathetic moan you know she wants to let slip. "A little higher Red." 

The minute she shifts and rolls her hips again, your moaning, hips bucking against hers. Pleasure shoots through your body, hijacking every nerve ending as Vi's clit brushes over yours over and over. The mix between her sloppy warmth and the coolness of the metal ring nudging your sensitive clit is electrifying. 

"Fuck baby... you feel so fuckin' good..." Vi's hands tighten in yours, small grunts and whines huffing from her lips as she takes control despite humping you like a needy pup in heat. Normally you'd tease her, take control but after the past few days all you wanted was to let go– and Vi always took the opportunity to dom you when allowed. 

Wet squelches fill the room, bouncing off the walls along with the symphony of grunts, moans and whines of pleasure from the both of you. Chasing the feeling your own hips start rutting up into Vi. You're not seeking control, you're seeking release and Vi understands it and opens her thick thighs wider, rolling those hips down harder to grind her pussy over yours. Arousal from you both seeps down between your cheeks, creating an absolute mess everywhere. It's all over both of your inner thighs, the bedsheets, your ass... and Vi's bush has visibly darkened a shade from being so drenched. 

The closer Vi gets the louder she becomes. Before getting her clit piercing she was sensitive, especially when she had you in her bed. Only now it's so, so much worse because every drag of her throbbing clit over yours shoots pleasure through her entire body. Each touch, every little whimper from you has Vi dangerously close to letting go before you get there– even though you’re ready to cum, you’re waiting on VI to give you permission. 

She’s in charge right now however it's plain as day that Vi has forgotten that in her desperate rutting. 

“Vi baby… let go f’ me. I’m so close, Red.” your voice is quiet and hoarse from the guttural noises that have been escaping you the past ten minutes. The wet squelches of your cunts rubbing and grinding together grow louder, more obscene as you follow Vi and let go. The noises echoing off the walls create a pornographic harmony of moans, whimpers and whines as your pussy gushes over Vi’s, hers doing the same as you both let go and mark each other with your juices. 

“Oh sunshine… fuck baby you made such a mess…” Vi chuckles as she pulls back her hips, strings of sloppy arousal keeping her connected to you for a few seconds before they break. 

“I’d beg to differ… you definitely contributed to that mess, love.” Before Vi can fully climb off the bed to go and grab towels to clean you both up, you cup her face and kiss her. It’s deep, messy and portrays all the feelings of you missing her the past few days. The wedding ring on your finger is cold against Vi’s cheek, reminding her that somehow you made your way into her life and you were staying.

She won the girl. 

That evening you’re working at High Tide Haven alongside Powder, fooling around and getting told off by Vander as always. Vi is sitting at the bar, watching her wife work feeling like the luckiest woman on the damn planet. After your shift you and Vi take a stroll on the beach, hand in hand as you talk about everything and nothing until you fall into a peaceful silence. As you pass the cave– the same cave you had your very first official date in. 

Your thoughts wander and you start to think about how your life could have been so different had you not had booked that one way ticket and never turned back. How you decided to stop listening to what everybody else thought you should do and followed your own heart. What you found was true happiness, a life that couldn't be obtained in the city. Vi was here and she was your happiness– along with the beach, your second found family and the community here. No matter what happened here, no matter the issue you would have people to lean on who genuinely cared for you. In the city it was relying on strangers to dig way deep and find the heart they’ve buried deep, deep down. You could never have stayed and lived like that. And you certainly could never go back now. A nudge from Vi pulls you from your thoughts. “Where’d you go, Sunshine? I lost you there.”

“You didn’t lose me, Red. I’m right where I want to be… home.”

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who loves on you so softly, beneath her gruff exterior she's really a huge cuddle bug. She absolutely loves laying on top of you and squeezing you and your assets. Her favourite place is your hips, with her face buried in your neck, her breath warm on your skin as just holds you, fondling and squeezing the flesh softly in her hands to ground herself after long days. You are home to her. And home is safe.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who absolutely loves to kiss you, it's her favourite hobby when she gets home after a long day. There's nothing more she wants except for you on her lap, your head in her hands with she coaxes you open with her tongue. She's not a biter, she'll never draw blood from you- you're far too precious for that. Instead she switches out biting for sucking on your bottom lip or tongue.

The kisses are always slow and messy, but you both love them dearly.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika refuses to touch you expect maybe a kiss when she get home before she's showered. Being out in Zaun all day leaves her smelling of gunpowder, dirt, alcohol (spilled on her, she doesn't drink now she has you to protect), blood and a loss of sweat... its it's dirty job.

She hates that she even has to come home like this, you spend ypur time making sure you both have a clean home and she appreciates it, so she will not touch anything until she's clean and showered. And she has a separate laundry basket so that she doesn't accidentally stain any of your clothes.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who's face visibly scrunches up when you ask her to leave a hickey on you. She doesn’t want to bite you, she knows she's rough and if she's going to leave a mark it's going to hurt. And she doesn't want to do that. Even if you're begging for it... she finally relents because her girl will always get what she wants.

The mark you come out with is tiny. It's barely there, very easily missed. When you go to complain she simply shuts you up with a soft kiss until you've forgotten what you're complaining about.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who does not have gentle hands, they're not made for touching pretty things like you. They're big, rough, littered with callouses and scars from fights. Her knuckles are bumpy and scarred and no matter how much she washes them they alway end up dirty.

So when she touches you it makes her realise how lucky she is to have not only found you, but whooed you enough to stick around and love her for exactly who she is. Her hands always make you look so dainty beneath her, but she kinda loves it... it means she's bigger, she's stonger.

It means those hands can protect you.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who is unashamed of how much you've changed her. People always laugh, saying that she's 'going soft' or that she's getting 'too old'. Though they still shut up when she shoots them that one warning look.

If you're out in Zaun with her, whether it's something simple like going to the market, or it's a Friday night and you want to go to The Last Drop, she's there. A silent cocoon of safety, a towering, petrifying statue behind you wherever you walk. If someone won't move out of your way? They won't part like the sea for her woman? They'll know about it. You never really noticed how respected you were now- totally oblivious. Sevika noticed though, she always did.

˙⋆✮ Gentle!Sevika who never really cared about aging before you, life was one day after the other and she hadn't realised how quickly the years had crept up on her. So now, every morning before she leaves the house she'll check her hair and pluck out and greys. Not that she thinks you'd care or judge her... but for the first time in a long time she has somebody she wants to be attractive for.

Little did she know you'd always see those hairs when she was cuddling you with her face buried in your cleavage. And you loved them- because she always missed a few... you keep telling her to get glasses.

She stood near the sandbox, tall enough to stand out even in a crowd. Dark hair swept back, one arm folded across her chest while the other a sleek, mechanical, unmistakably well-engineered prosthetic hung stiffly at her side. A little boy darted circles around her legs, laughing to himself as he searched the ground for...something.

Sevika had broken bones without flinching. Given birth with zero pain meds. But walking over to say hello to you, an attractive stranger?

Impossible.

"You're ridiculous," she muttered under her breath. Her son, Billy, looked up.

"What?"

Sevika shook her head, rubbing a calloused hand overher jaw. "Nothin' kid."

"You talkin' to yourself again mama!"

"...No."

Billy gave her a suspicious look, his little brows wrinkling the exact same way Sevika's do before wandering off again.

She hadn't expected this. One glance across the park, and there you were reading beneath the shade of an old oak tree, smiling faintly at something on the page. Peaceful. Comfortable. The kind of person who made the world seem quieter just by existing.

She'd felt something twist unexpectedly in her chest. Now every attempt to introduce herself dissolved before it reached her mouth.

"Hi." Too short.

"Mind if I sit?" Too forward.

"My name's-" No.

She rubbed the back of her neck. This was pathetic. A 40 year old woman and she couldn't even find the guts to say hi to a prettything like you...

Before she could force herself to move—

"Mama!" Her little boy sprinted past. "...Wait."

It was too late. In the spur of the moment Billy changes direction and he was charging directly toward you with all the unstoppable determination only a six-year-old possessed.

You looked up just in time to see him skid to a stop right in front of you. "Hi!"

"Hello there." You greet the little boy with a friendly, warm smile.

"I got wormies!" Without waiting for permission, he proudly thrust a glass jar into your hands. Inside were several earthworms wriggling happily through damp soil.

"...Those are impressive wormies." You nod with a... hesitant smile.

His grin stretched ear to ear. "I found five!"

"Five?" You rest your arms on your knees, looking at the jar with intent interest.

"And this one's the biggest." He pointed enthusiastically to the fattest worm of the five, wriggling around the jar edge. "I think he's the daddy."

You leaned closer with genuine curiosity. "He could be, looks like it huh?"

"I named him Noodles."

"Excellent name."

From several steps away, Sevika closed her eyes. "I'm going to dissolve into the ground." She muttered and despite her mild annoyance and rising anxiety in her chest... She finally forced herself over.

"Billy." Sevika stood there, imposing as always, arms folded over her chest.

He looked up, his brows farrowing like her with annoyance that his mama had the audacity to interrupt his worm conversation. "What?"

"You don't run up to strangers." She gestures to you- without making eye contact.

"But she's nice! She thinks Noodles is the daddy worm too!" He said it with absolute certainty, that it was a fact you were nice. Not an opinion, not a suggestion. A fact.

You looked between them, noticing how alike the two were. From a mile away you could tell he was her kid. "I hope that's not causing trouble."

Sevika rubbed her greying temple, a habit she really has gotten into since being a mother. "No." A beat passed. Then another. She realized you were waiting. "...Sorry."

"It's okay, I get it."

Sevika sighs, finally meeting your eyes. "He gets excited. Likes to make friends and doesn’t have no sense of stranger danger at all- not that you're a danger or anything..."

"I can see that, he's very sociable, I'm assuming you're not the same way." You give her a small smirk, one that makes Sevika's heart rate pick up a few beats too fast.

Then Billy tugs your sleeve, trying to pull your attention away from his mama. He found you first, you were his new friend first. Wanna see where I found 'em?"

Sevika sighed, rubbing her jaw again. "Buddy."

"What?"

"Give people a chance to answer before dragging them across the park."

"Oh." He cconsideredit, thinking about why he would need to ask, but he agrees anyhow. "...Okay." Billy looked at you again, tugging lightly on your sleeve. If anyone could say no to that face they must be evil. He was too damn cute for his own good. "So... you wanna? We can find new wormies."

"I'd love to."

Sevika knew right then and there that maybe, just maybe she'd fallen in love with you. At first sight? Possibly. But the way you handled Billy and his... enthusiasm so naturally was endearing and she knew if he was to ever have a second mama... she wanted it to be you.

your room looks like a paper graveyard, notes everywhere, flashcards face down like casualties, three different pens uncapped and bleeding into the desk. your laptop screen glows with an open study guide you’ve read four times and somehow absorbed none of.

you tell yourself you’re fine. though you’re not fine, not one bit.

the clock on your wall ticks too loud. finals in three days. two days. then tomorrow… the numbers blur together until it just feels like a countdown to humiliation.

you read the same paragraph again and again and again but nothing gets to your head.

has your brain has slammed a door shut and is holding it closed while you pound on it from the outside?! you know you studied. you know you did the practice questions. but suddenly it feels fake and flimsy. like you built everything out of wet cardboard.

what if the questions are different? what if you blank out? what if everyone else is calm and you’re the only one spiraling? so so many what-if’s

“get it together,” you mutter.

but the more you try to force it, the worse it gets. your thoughts start stacking on top of each other. fail the test. drop the GPA. lose scholarships. disappoint professors. disappoint her.

sevika, who always looks at you like you’re capable of anything. like you hung the damn moon. what if she sees you bomb a final and realises she overestimated you?

you grab your phone, and put it down, you pick it up again. it’s late, she’s probably busy, she’s a professor after all. she’ll think you’re being dramatic. you are being dramatic. you’re supposed to handle this yourself. you’re not a kid.

your vision blurs slightly and you blink fast, annoyed at yourself.

oh fuck it, you unlock your phone, open her contact ‘Sevika 🩷’ , and stare at the message bar. the cursor blinks at you, waiting.

and then you start typing.

you stare at the message the second it sends, heat crawling up your neck. good job, great, reaalll mature, texting your older girlfriend “ms sevika are u awake?” like you’re twelve and scared of the dark.

you stare at the screen, watching the little typing ‘…’ bubble pop up. disappear. pop up again.

then she answers.

you read it again, i believe in you. your heart does this small, traitorous flutter. not enough to fix everything, not enough to magically calm you down, but enough to remind you that you’re not invisible in this.

sevika doesn’t throw praise around carelessly. when she says she believes in you, she means it. she’s stubborn like that. once she decides you’re capable, that’s it. it’s law.

and you know she likes you. you know you’re her favourite person without her ever having to say it out loud. it’s in the way she shows up and looks at you while teaching, in the way she pays so much attention to you. in the way she talks about you to other professors like you’re something solid, unshakeable and impressive.

you flop back onto your bed out of you chair, phone clutched to your chest like it personally saved your life.

a laugh bubbles up before you can stop it, all breathless and embarrassed, and you kick your feet into the mattress like a complete idiot.

panic still buzzing in your veins and yet here you are, grinning at the ceiling because your older girlfriend said she believes in you with a red heart emoji. how cute.

you blink at the message. what.

you glance at the clock. then back at your phone. there is no way in hell she got here that fast. she lives across town. traffic exists, physics exists!

you hear a knock sound and you actually freeze. another knock, firmer this time.

your heart launches into your throat and you scramble off the bed, nearly tripping over your own backpack. you dash to the door and when you open it, there she is. leather jacket, hair slightly wind-tousled, expression already set in that focused way she gets when something matters. oh she’s so beautiful, as always. it’s been 2 days and you already miss her.

“you look shocked,” she says.

“you! how did you—”

“i drove,” she replies dryly. “move.”

she steps inside like she belongs there. you close the door slowly, still staring at her. “that was so fast.”

she shrugs, toeing off her boots. “you sounded like you needed me.”

well she’s not wrong. she walks into your room and takes in the chaos. you stand there with watery eyes and shaky hands.

her face softens immediately. “c’mere.”

you don’t even argue. you just step into her space and she pulls you in, one arm around your waist, the other cradling the back of your head. your face presses against her breasts and for a second you just breathe her in.

“i can’t do this,” you mumble into her shirt. “i’m gonna fail. i’m actually gonna fuck this up!”

she tsks softly. “no, you’re not.”

“you don’t know that.”

she pulls back just enough to look at you. “i do.”

your eyes sting again. “what if i blank? what if everyone else is smarter than me and i’m just—”

that’s when she sits down on the edge of your bed and gently tugs you with her. you end up straddling her lap without even thinking about it, knees on either side of her thick muscular thighs. her hands settle on your hips, grounding, solid.

“talk, baby,” she says. “get it out.”

so you do. it spills out messy and fast. the fear, the comparison, the guilt, the pressure. your words trip over each other and your breathing goes uneven again. you hate that you’re crying, but tears slip down anyway.

she doesn’t interrupt. she just listens, thumb rubbing slow circles into your hip. the other hand coming up to wipe a tear from your cheek.

when you finally run out of breath, she leans forward and presses her lips to your forehead. soft and lingering.

“first of all,” she murmurs, “i don’t care if everyone else is smarter. i care about you.”

another kiss, this time to your temple.

“second, you are not allowed to talk about my girl like she’s incompetent.”

your laugh comes out shaky and wet. she tilts your chin up and kisses you properly on your lips. slowww and steady, not rushed. not desperate. just warm and reassuring. your hands grip her shoulders.

she pulls back just enough to rest her forehead against yours. “you’re overwhelmed. that doesn’t make you stupid, it makes you human.”

you sniff. “i hate that i’m like this.”

“i don’t,” she says immediately. “means you care.” she kisses you again, thumb brushing under your eye to catch another tear.

“okay,” she says after a moment, tone shifting slightly, practical but still gentle. “we’re going to turn this panic into a plan.”

you groan faintly, still half clinging to her. she squeezes your waist. “stay right there. you can sit on me while we do it, i’m not going anywhere.”

that earns a small, embarrassed smile.

she reaches over, grabs your nearest textbook, and flips it open. “what’s the worst subject?”

“calculus,” you mutter.

“good. we start there.”

you make a face. she smirks. “don’t pout. show me what you’re stuck on.” you shift in her lap, still wrapped around her, and point to a problem. your voice wobbles a little as you explain where you keep getting lost.

she listens, asks you questions instead of just giving answers. makes you walk through the steps out loud. when you hesitate, she nudges gently.

“you know this,” she says. “slow down.”

you try again. and… it clicks. her hand squeezes your hip. “see?”

your chest feels lighter. she presses a quick kiss to your cheek. “twenty five minutes. then a break. then we go again.”

you nod. and the entire time, you stay in her lap. her warmth solid under you. her presence anchoring you every time your thoughts start to drift toward disaster again.

the finals are still coming.

but now you have her voice in your ear, low and certain, reminding you step by step that you can handle this.