#rabexxpaulson

"I see the cat is out of the hat." Fiona cut them off, a cigarette lingering between her fingers.

Misty internally cringed when she heard Fiona's voice. She instantly pulled away from Cordelia, but still lightly held her one hand. She didn't know what to say to the older woman.

Cordelia knew that voice. And she certainly knew the way her heart was beating so incredibly fast and her hands began to sweat. She tightened the grasp on Misty's hand, even though she had jumped away from Misty. The other position was way better. In her head, she saw her mother. Fiona. It looked like she had come back early. "Hi, mother," her voice was stern although it shook a little. She gulped.

Misty bit her lip as she looked down nervously. She didn't want to say anything or do anything to make things harder on Cordelia.

"Misty," Fiona gave her a nod.

Cordelia's stomach clenched. Fiona was hard on her, yes, but she wouldn't allow Misty Day to get involved in that. She was her responsibility now. "I thought you were out."

Misty bit her lip as she softly looked up, meeting judgmental eyes.

"I was... but I came back. Someone told me you haven't been taking care of the house." Fiona said.

Cordelia took a deep, quiet breath. She could see Fiona's eyes in her mind. "I haven't been i-in my best state."

"Don't you act like a coward, Cordelia!" Fiona's voice came loud and harsh. "You are my daughter. How can you be so weak?"

Misty felt her blood boiling. She didn't understand how someone could be so cruel to someone with such a pure heart as Cordelia. "She's tryin' her best... ya don't see what she's been goin' through cause ya ain't here. Maybe if ya were, ya'd understand, but 'til then, ya ain't got no room to judge anyone but yaself." She said.

Cordelia's body shrank. She squeezed her eyes. It made no difference. Her stomach squeezed itself.

Fiona chuckled before taking another drag of her cigarette. "Do you think you know my daughter better than I do? Huh? Just because you're here, helping her finally get out of her bedroom?"

Misty's eyes dropped. "I may not know her better, but I do know the good, pure parts of her that matter the most." She said.

Cordelia's eyes grew teary. She focused on not allowing her tears to fall down. "Misty and I are on our way out." She managed to croak.

Misty nodded softly. She gently squeezed Cordelia's hand.

"Okay, whatever," Fiona said with a wave of her hand before walking off.

Cordelia's free hand moved to put her hair behind her ear. She sighed, subconsciously loosening the grip on Misty's hand.

Misty frowned before turning toward the stairs. "I'm sorry... I thought she was gone."

"I-it's not your fault," Cordelia shook her head softly, hesitantly starting to walk downstairs.

Misty took small steps. "Still... she's such a bitch." She said softly.

Cordelia chuckled before sniffing. She didn't say anything just yet.

Misty smiled sadly before guiding Cordelia to the end of the stares. "Uh, just remembered we'll have to walk... I don't know how to drive..." she said nervously.

"That's alright, lo... love," Cordelia said softly. She caressed Misty's fingers and focused on taking deep breaths.

A new swarm of butterflies invaded Misty's stomach as she looked down with a small blush on her cheeks. "I'm glad it's okay... plus, this way we can enjoy the autumn air."

"That's very true." The academy was so unknown now that she was in the dark. Cordelia kept on taking hesitant steps.

"Hold my hand so ya can see. I won't let ya bump into anythin' I promise." Misty said softly, sweetly.

Cordelia held Misty's hand stronger. She could see the academy, where they were walking. She missed it. "Thank you, Misty."

Misty smiled shyly. "Of course, but ya ain't gotta thank me. I promise." She said.

"I feel like I do... no one stands up against Fiona for me..." Cordelia was embarrassed about herself. Not even herself stood up like that.

Misty smiled sadly. "She scares me a little, I'll admit that, but you don't deserve the things she said."

"You shouldn't be scared of her... you'll take her place soon," Cordelia said sweetly.

Misty shook her head softly as she chuckled shyly. "I doubt that..." she said as she guided them to the front door.

"You're powerful, Misty Day." Cordelia stepped outside. She had missed it so much, the sun and the grass.

Misty blushed as she shook her head again. "Maybe, but I ain't the supreme." She said.

"I doubt that," Cordelia teased lovingly. As the front door closed, she caressed Misty's waist once again. Then, she blushed. "I'm sorry I keep touching you..."

Misty shook her head softly. "Stop apologizin'. I don't mind it, really, darlin'." She said as she grabbed Cordelia's hand again and started to guide her down the steps of the academy.

Cordelia nodded as she blushed once again. Before they could start walking, she pulled Misty closer and kissed her lips lovingly. God, Misty had gotten her.

Misty was surprised by the action, but she gladly kissed the other witch back. Her free hand came up to caress Cordelia's cheek softly.

Cordelia smiled against Misty's lips, pulling away shyly. "Well..." she giggled.

Misty giggles shyly as she caressed Cordelia's cheek softly. "Oof," she chuckled as she pulled away slightly. Her stomach was filled with butterflies and her smile was from ear to ear.

Cordelia looked down as she kept on smiling brightly, shyly. "It's been... quite some time."

"I know whatcha mean," Misty smiled shyly. "I, uh, I know a coffee shop that ain't far from here that's really good." She said.

"I'd love that." Cordelia kept on walking with Misty, lacing their fingers together. She kept on taking hesitant steps.

Misty gripped Cordelia's hand softly. "Ya can use me to see if ya need to." She said softly.

"Are you sure?" Cordelia asked softly.

Misty nodded. "Of course, I don't mind it at all." She said.

"Alright..." Cordelia squeezed her eyes, Misty's sight invading her mind. Outside was so beautiful, she had missed it.

Misty smiled softly as she started to guide Cordelia down the sidewalk and out of the gate. She used her free hand to push it open and then closed.

Cordelia gladly walked along, smiling to herself at the images in her head. Her fingers tangled in Misty's and caressed them over and over again. Feeling her like that... it had no price. She took a deep breath, savoring the air.

Misty was in her own little world as they walked. She hadn't been this happy in what seemed like forever. When she was with Cordelia she felt truly loved, and that warmed her heart.

Cordelia felt something on her feet. She frowned. "Misty, do you mind looking at my feet? There's something stuck I think..."

Misty glanced down at Cordelia's feet and noticed that the one shoe was sticking to the ground. "Stay still for a sec," she said before leaning down to slowly lift Cordelia's foot. "It's gum..."

Cordelia frowned but nodded. As Misty ushered her foot up, she instantly reached for her shoulders, holding herself. "Oh no..."

"I'm sure I can get this off. It looks old, so it ain't that sticky." Misty said before picking the gum off from the underside of Cordelia's shoe.

"Oh, sweetheart don't touch it!" Cordelia pulled her foot away, but it was too late.

Misty shook her head softly. "It's okay, Delia. Some gum can't hurt me." She said before flicking it off her finger.

Cordelia bit her inner cheek. It was gum from somebody else. Chewed gum. She cringed. "Thank you."

Misty didn't think it was a big deal. "Of course," she said before standing back up. She grabbed Cordelia's hand again and started to guide her down the sidewalk once again.

As the hand grabbed hers, Cordelia didn't have the guts to pull apart. It was Misty. She was a sucker for Misty. She caressed her hand and concentrated to see again. The sun wasn't very bright today, but it was certainly beautiful.

Misty smiled softly as she caressed Cordelia's hand back. "The greenhouse is doin' great." She said softly. She didn't know how to start up a conversation, so she went with that she knew best: plants.

The greenhouse. Oh, she missed the greenhouse. The thoughts excited her. "How are the calla lilies?" she asked sweetly, a little more excited than intended.

Misty smiled to herself. She had picked the right topic. "They're flourishin'! I've added some of my mud to the soil for just about everythin' and it's all doin' so well!"

"Oh, I miss it so much." Cordelia smiled to herself. "I bet you're taking care of them just right."

Misty smiled shyly. "I hope so. I was thinkin' we could get some seeds for a mint plant since they're very helpful and would be good in tea." She suggested.

"That'd be sweet." Cordelia wished she had met Misty sooner. She was so caring. "Maybe we can get some seeds later..."

"The shop I wanna take ya to should have some," Misty said happily. "We can buy some flowers already potted or the seeds, actually."

"That'd be nice, lovely." Cordelia was getting used to calling Misty sweet names. A small blush still made her way to her cheeks.

Misty blushed as she smiled down. "I like it when ya call me that." She said.

Cordelia smiled shyly. "Well, it's true..."

Misty felt herself blushing even more as she smiled. "Well, thank ya, darlin'. It means a lot to me." She said.

Cordelia giggled once again. "It's just the truth." She hadn't smiled that much in ages.

Misty gave Cordelia a shy smile, even if she couldn't see it. "Well, thank ya." She said.

"Of course." Cordelia shook it off, smiling to the floor.

Misty smiled even more as they kept walking. "Do ya want a bagel, too? Or maybe a muffin?" she asked.

"I'd love both." Cordelia chuckled. "I'm starving." She hadn't had a proper meal in days since she was too ashamed of leaving her room.

Misty smiled. "They have donuts, coffee, and even bagel sandwiches that I know of." She said.

"I want it all." Cordelia smiled happily.

Misty chuckled softly. "Okay, I think we can do that." She smiled before quickly pecking Cordelia's cheek.

Cordelia wasn't expecting that. Her smile grew more before she squeezed Misty's hand. "I like when you do that..."

Misty giggled shyly. "It just felt right... I ain't ever felt like this." She admitted shyly.

"Am I your... first?" Cordelia asked quietly.

Misty's heart sped up in its place. "I mean... kinda, yeah." She murmured shyly.

Cordelia seemed to smile even more. It was nearly impossible. "I'm honored."

Misty smiled brightly. "I'm glad ya don't think it's strange. I accidentally told Maddie and she called me a prude..."

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Madison has some weird ideas about people..."

"Yeah, she ain't the nicest, I've learned." Misty sighed softly.

"I'm sorry..." Cordelia caressed her hand. "Are you still sharing a room with her?"

Misty nodded softly. "Yeah, but I don't see her that much." She explained.

"If... if you'd like, we can get you a new room..." Was it too forward? Cordelia hoped not.

Misty smiled shyly as she nodded. "Okay, I wouldn't mind that." She said softly.

"We can think about that." Cordelia smiled to herself as they kept on walking. "Are we close?" she asked sweetly.

Misty smiled softly. "Yes, it's just around the corner." She said before guiding Cordelia that way.

Cordelia nodded, hesitantly turning with Misty.

"What kind of muffin would ya like? They have blueberry, banana nut, and chocolate chip." Misty said softly.

"Banana nut sounds really good," Cordelia smiled sweetly.

Misty smiled. "Alrighty, a banana but muffin, a bagel with cheese, and some strawberries doused in chocolate. Do ya want a drink?" she asked.

"That sounds delicious. And yes, I'd like some tea, please."

Misty smiled. "Awesome. What's ya favorite kind? I'm sure they have it."

"Green. I'm lame." Cordelia chuckled. She hadn't made a joke in so long... it felt good.

Misty chuckled as she shook her head. "Nah, ya ain't. Green tea is the best!"

"You think?" Cordelia giggled.

Misty nodded. "Yup, it's my favorite. Especially with a little honey and lemon."

"I've got to try that sometime." Cordelia smiled to herself.

Misty smiled softly. "Ya can just try mine today if ya want. I wouldn't mind."

"I'd love it. Thank you so much." She caressed Misty's hand.

Misty smiled. "Course! Here we are." She said as she looked up at the small café.

Cordelia used Misty's eyes once again. She saw the café. It was so cozy and looked so comfortable. She was excited.

Misty smiled to herself before guiding Cordelia inside. She walked straight to the counter and waited.

Cordelia shyly walked inside. She looked down. "I should have put some sunglasses on..." she murmured out loud.

Misty simply shook her head. "Ya don't need 'em. You're gorgeous." She said.

Cordelia smiled weakly. "My eyes look gross..."

Misty shook her head as she stopped. She turned to look at Cordelia and softly, slowly, and gently lifted her head up with her hand. "No, they don't. I think you're gorgeous, and I'm sure I ain't the only one who thinks that." She said softly.

Cordelia shut her eyes. She squeezed Misty's hand. "T-thank you..."

Misty nodded. "Of course, but ya ain't gotta thank me. It's the truth." She said.

Cordelia offered another weak smile before nodding. She took a deep breath and straightened herself.

Misty smiled softly. She felt an intense urge to protect Cordelia, to make her feel better in any possible way. But, before she could do or say anything more, the cashier called for them. Misty guided them that way, still holding Cordelia's hand in her own, softly squeezing it.

Cordelia felt watched. It was like everyone was staring at her. She focused on walking along with Misty, squeezing her hand back as she did so.

"How can I help you, ladies?" the man behind the counter asked.

Misty smiled softly at the man. "We'd like one banana muffin, a bagel with cream cheese, a dozen of your strawberries in chocolate, and two to-go green teas." She said softly as her hand continued to caress Cordelia's hand.

Cordelia kept on looking down. She tried focusing on Misty and on Misty only, for she had craved for her touch and for such moments for so long. "I can pay," she said softly, reaching for her wallet on her purse. Her fingers tapped all over.

Misty looked over at the other witch, noticing her struggles to find the wallet. "I can help ya," she whispered softly. She tried to keep in mind Cordelia's frustration about needing help, but she still wanted to offer help when she thought it was needed.

Cordelia felt her chest getting heavy. She offered a small smile. "I think I can..." she kept on tapping, having trouble to open the delicate purse. She kept on turning it to the wrong side.

Misty's hand softly squeezed Cordelia's a little harder for her to see what she could. She stared at Cordelia's purse, allowing her to get a good look at what she was trying to do.

Cordelia's mind flashed with the sight. She blushed and turned it to the right side. She was able to lift it up and find her wallet, finding a twenty-dollar bill. She handed it over to the cashier. "Thank you," she whispered lowly so only Misty could hear.

Misty just nodded softly for now.

"Alright, your change is seven dollars and ten cents." The cashier said before handing it back over and gently placed it into her hand.

Cordelia smiled a little. "Thank you so much." She put it back into her purse, just placing it there along with her wallet.

The cashier nodded. "A name for your order?"

"Misty," Misty said with a soft smile as she looked back up at the man.

Cordelia went back at caressing Misty's hand. She played somewhat nervously with her fingers.

"Done." The man smiled. "We should call you two soon."

Misty smiled once again. "Okay, thank ya so much." She said before pulling Cordelia over to an empty table. She pulled out a chair for her and guided her to it.

Cordelia carefully walked along. She tapped the chair before sitting down, feeling herself shrinking. It was so embarrassing.

Misty bit her lip when she felt Cordelia's emotions invading her own. She sat down next to her and took her hand once again. "Hey, it's okay, darlin'."

Cordelia's palm had grown sweaty. She gulped and offered a weak smile along with a nod.

Misty frowned as she caressed Cordelia's hand again. "Ya know ya can talk to me, right?"

Cordelia took another deep breath. She knew that tightening on her chest a little too well. "I k-know... I know, Mist." She nodded.

Misty could tell there was something wrong, more wrong than before, but she couldn't pinpoint it. She closed her eyes as she squeezed Cordelia's hand softly. "I'm sorry you're anxious... is there anything I can do to help?"

Cordelia felt bad. Utterly bad. She could only imagine how Misty was feeling. She closed her eyes and focused on Misty. And then, she began to think. My voice is stuck in my throat... I haven't been outside the house... my room, for a while. It's like getting overwhelmed with anxiety. She hoped Misty would be able to hear it.

Misty frowned as she listened. She looked down at their hands. "It's okay, honey... ya ain't gotta say anythin' else. We'll be goin' soon."

Cordelia was relieved Misty could hear her thinking. She forgot she couldn't turn it off, and the next thought was quick to invade her mind. I think I love her already...

Misty's frown quickly turned upward into a smile. A swarm of butterflies invaded her stomach as her heartbeat picked up. "Really?" she asked without thinking.

Cordelia didn't understand the question. She focused on taking another deep breath. "Hm?"

Misty bit her lip softly. "I-I think I heard ya thoughts... more than ya wanted me to." She said.

"Oh..." Cordelia blushed. But it was too much to talk about right now. Her breath was still hard. "I-I... I j-just feel something strong for you..."

Misty couldn't help but smile. "I feel the same way, Delia. But we ain't gotta talk about it now." She said.

Cordelia offered yet another shy smile. "T-thank you... it's j-just too much..." she felt pathetic. Extremely pathetic.

Misty instantly shook her head. "Hey, ya ain't got no need to apologize, I promise ya that." She said.

Smiling a little more now, Cordelia moved to caress Misty's hand with both of hers. "Y-you are the best thing I've h-had in ages..."

Misty smiled brightly as she caressed Cordelia's hand back. "I know the feelin'. You're the best thing I've had... ever." She said.

Cordelia chuckled weakly. "Really?"

Misty smiled as she nodded softly. "Yeah, I mean... ya really special." She said.

"So are you, Misty Day." Cordelia squeezed her hand a little. Her chest began loosening up.

"Misty," someone called from the counter.

Misty smiled softly. "I'll be right back." She said before pulling her hand back before getting up. She placed a small kiss on Cordelia's forehead before walking to the counter to grab their things.

Cordelia nodded. Her chest tightened again. At the small kiss, however, she felt a smile creeping onto her lips. She focused on the sounds around. Some people chatted about the weather, some others about some tv show she had no idea of, and some others chatted about the food. The smell of coffee invaded her nose and she took a deep breath. Tea was certainly better. Coffee was too bitter for her taste, but sometimes - nearly all morning when she was still working on tons of paperwork - she forced herself to have a mug. It did help her waking up, after all.

Misty smiled as she walked away. She gathered their things and walked back to the table. "Do ya want to eat outside?" she asked.

At the voice Cordelia knew so well, she nodded. "Please."

Misty smiled. "My arms are full, but you can grab my arm." She said softly.

Shyly, Cordelia got up. She used the table as a guide and wrapped an arm around Misty's. "Thank you. Let me carry something?"

"Course! Here's your tea, be careful, it's hot still." Misty said as she slowly and gently guided it to Cordelia's free hand.

Cordelia tapped the cup before grabbing it. She felt her heart filling with a type of joy; Misty had been nothing but careful with her. Not everybody was so considerate.

Misty smiled brightly before she started to slowly lead them toward the door. A young woman who was standing by it opened the door for them, and she smiled at her. "Thank ya so much." She said before leading Cordelia outside of the cafe.

Cordelia didn't really understand what was going on, but she thanked anyways and followed with Misty. "Will we see the flowers now?"

"We will! I was thinking we could eat and then go to the shop. It's just around the corner." Misty said softly.

Cordelia nodded once again. "I think that's perfect." She caressed Misty's arm where her hand landed. It was so firm but so delicate at the same time. "You're so strong," she commented sweetly.

Misty chuckled shyly as she guided Cordelia to the one picnic table under a tree. "I guess it's from carryin' heavy bags of soil, and when I was at my swamp, I was digging holes and stuff to plant." She explained before setting things down.

Cordelia listened carefully. She pictured everything in her mind, and a smile crept onto her lips. "I bet you looked beautiful..."

"Thank ya," Misty blushed even more before she took Cordelia's hand and helped her to the seat. "Here, sit." She said softly.

With the hand on hers, she giggled and sat down carefully. "Thank you." She kept on holding Misty's hand to see things.

Misty smiled as she helped Cordelia. "Of course, ya ain't gotta thank me." She said once again.

Cordelia smiled a little more. She could feel they weren't around many people anymore. "Sit near me?" she asked shyly.

Misty smiled as she sat down next to Cordelia. They were so close that their thighs were touching. "Want ya muffin?" she asked.

Cordelia nodded. Her hand rested on Misty's thigh, caressing it. "Is—is that alright?"

Misty blushed as she looked down. "Yes," she said softly. "More than alright."

Cordelia giggled and worked up enough courage to lean closer to Misty. Shyly, she reached for her cheek a little clumsily and pecked her. Her cheeks burned.

Misty smiled brightly as she blushed. "Damn... got them butterflies again..." she murmured.

Cordelia couldn't help but giggle loudly as she looked down. "Me too..."

Misty smiled as she leaned closer and kissed Cordelia's cheek. "I like ya a lot."

Cordelia reached for Misty's hand so she could see what was at least going on behind her. She caressed it. "I like you a lot, too, Misty Day... I... I can't stop touching you, and wanting to kiss you." She giggled.

Misty giggled shyly. Her free hand moved to turn Cordelia's head towards her. She kissed her softly on the lips. "I know the feelin', darlin'."

Cordelia watched herself turning and getting closer. She kissed Misty back lovingly, heart skipping a beat. At the words, she giggled and kissed Misty once again, freehand moving to caress her cheek.

Misty smiled brightly before kissing Cordelia once again. Her hand holding the other woman's, gripped it softly as the butterflies swarmed around her stomach.

Cordelia's thumb traced Misty Day's cheek, caressing it lovingly before she pulled away. Her lips shinned a little. Her cheeks burned. "You're a good kisser," she said shyly, lowly.

Misty giggled shyly. "Really?" she asked a bit surprised. She pecked Cordelia's lips again, feeling like she couldn't get enough of Cordelia.

Cordelia nodded, smiling even more at the peck. "Yes. Not that I've kissed many people before, but still..."

Misty chuckled as she pulled away. "I know whatcha mean. You're an amazin' kisser."

"You think?" Cordelia weirdly reached for her tea.

Misty grabbed Cordelia's hand with one and the tea with her other and gently put it in her hand. "Here, I don't want ya to spill it."

"Thank you," Cordelia smiled softly. She carefully took a sip. "This is good," she hummed.

Misty smiled. "Of course, and ain't it? I love comin' here when I can."

"It's lovely." Cordelia took another sip, savoring the taste. "I didn't know you left the academy so much... I mean, to this kind of place."

Misty nodded softly. "I don't go much, but I do come here probably three or four times a week. I go to the flower shop every other week." She explained.

Cordelia nodded. "That's a lot, though... I barely leave the house." She chuckled bitterly.

Misty smiled softly as she caressed Cordelia's hand. "It's okay. I think ya making a lot of progress today." She said.

Cordelia looked down, nodding. "Thank you... I feel... I feel pathetic..." she chuckled.

Misty shook her head instantly. "Don't be... ya ain't pathetic at all. I think anyone in your situation would feel that way too."

Cordelia shrugged softly, taking another sip of her tea. "Fiona makes it hard."

Misty frowned before sighing. "I'm sorry, darlin'... I wish I would'a said more earlier—stand up for ya."

Cordelia instantly shook her head. "No... no, no. I don't want you to get hurt. Her magic is fading but she is evil..."

Misty sighed once again. "I know... I can feel it. If that makes sense?" she asked before opening the small bag of their food.

"It does." Cordelia nodded. She sighed. "Is it bad I just wish the next supreme would come already?" she murmured.

Misty chuckled softly. "Not at all. I hope it happens soon. She doesn't deserve the job." she explained before grabbing Cordelia's muffin and started to pull the paper off of it.

Cordelia nodded. "Yeah... Myrtle deserved it way more."

Misty nodded as she tore the muffin into pieces before placing it in front of Cordelia. "I agree... she's so knowledgeable."

"Without a doubt..." Cordelia gently reached for Misty's hand so she could see where the food was. Once she did, she let go and clumsily reached to grab a piece. "She was the one to raise me, you know..."

Misty smiled a little as she heard this. "Really? That's amazin' she seems like a good mother figure." She said before getting her bagel out of the bag.

"She is," Cordelia slowly began to chew the muffin. God, it tasted amazing. "Fiona was never really present..."

Misty frowned softly. "I'm sorry... I know what it's like though—to not have a parent in ya life, I mean." She explained before taking a bite of her bagel.

Cordelia smiled sadly to herself. They both had tragic parent stories, but she thought perhaps Misty's could touch her more than her own. "I'm sorry, Misty..."

Misty shook her head softly. "It's okay. It doesn't really bother me anymore." She said before sipping on her tea.

Cordelia smiled sadly. She blindly reached for her tea, managing to get a sip.

Misty smiled softly as she watched Cordelia. She couldn't stop thinking how adorable, cute, and beautiful she was.

Cordelia hummed once again. It was, really, an awesome tea. "Misty, this is... this is so good." She chuckled.

Misty smiled softly. "I'm really glad ya like it. I can always bring ya some, or I can bring ya with me when I come here." She offered.

"The second option sounds lovely... first one too, if you drink it with me," Cordelia said softly, reaching for Misty's hand once again, caressing it.

Misty smiled as she caressed Cordelia's hand back. "I will. I love tea and bagels." She giggled shyly.

Cordelia smiled a little more. She laced their fingers together. "We can do that more often... maybe in my bedroom?"

"Whatever ya'd like I'm up for as long as it's with ya," Misty said before taking a big bite of her bagel.

Chuckling softly, Cordelia pulled her hand away and reached for another piece of her muffin. She rested her head against Misty's shoulder, smiling to herself as she chewed.

Misty smiled before kissing the top of the other witch's head. "You're absolutely amazin', Delia." She spoke softly.

Cordelia looked down, shaking her head. "That's you..."

Misty instantly shook her head as well. "Delia, I-I'm serious. When I met ya... it changed everythin' for me. It might sound stupid, but ya really special. I can't explain it, ya just are."

Cordelia bit her lower lip, hesitantly leaning up to kiss Misty's cheek. "You are, too... I mean it."

Misty blushed as she turned to peck Cordelia's lips. "Thank ya... I mean it."

Cordelia felt herself blushing again. A lot. "Me too," she said lowly, shyly.

Misty smiled shyly. "When we're done here, I'll take ya to the flower shop."

"I can't wait." Cordelia offered another smile. She blindly tried reaching for another muffin piece but couldn't quite reach.

Misty bit her lip before grabbing Cordelia's hand and put it over the muffin. "There ya go, cutie-pie." She said without realizing it.

Cordelia blushed at the motion, but even more at the pet name. She let out a giggle.

Misty blushed as well. She didn't even realize her words before it was too late, but she was glad Cordelia seemed to like it.

Taking a bite, Cordelia washed it down with the tea. Misty made her feel so warm on the inside.

Misty was quick to finish her bagel. "Should we save the strawberries for later?" she asked.

Cordelia nodded. "Yes. I'm kinda full already." She smiled shyly.

Misty smiled. "I am, too, so it's alright. We can get goin' to the flower shop 'nd way 'em later." She offered.

A/N: Surprise, bitch. I bet you thought you'd seen the last of me.

Thank God. Chuckling, Wilhemina nodded. Both of her hands now caressed Billie Dean’s back. Brown eyes stared at the woman on top of her, with lips red, breath labored, pupils dilated… angel. Venable desperately wished she could just go and be a normal person, a normal adult in love with another. I have never been normal. She blinked. “Let me go get it.” Wilhemina lovingly pecked Billie one more time before she began to get up, lip caught between her teeth, face scrunching up with tears out of nowhere. Quickly, she walked to the kitchen.

Billie Dean was left on the couch with her heart aching and her breath still labored. She gulped and reached for her hair, making sure everything there was in place. The room had grown uncomfortably quiet, even though music hummed on the background. She sighed. I don’t know what to do. No sound came from the kitchen, almost as if Billie were alone in the house. Is she alright? Waiting there and doing nothing was hard for Billie Dean, but also what if Venable needed a moment alone? I shouldn’t. But she would anyways. With steps that barely produced any sounds, Billie tiptoed to the kitchen as quietly as she could—thankfully, the door was open ajar. Quietly poking her head inside as to not be seen, honey eyes landed on Wilhemina quietly dealing with the tears that cascaded down her cheeks, one palm covering her mouth while the other squeezed the cane as harshly as she could manage, hips resting against the counter. Billie Dean’s own eyes grew misty. She felt guilty, even though she rationally knew she was not at fault. Gulping, Billie Dean kept on watching Venable; the way she took quiet deep breaths, the way she scrunched her eyes so tightly as to stop her tears, the way she looked down at the floor and shook her head in disbelief. “I’m so tired,” Wilhemina whispered, and Billie blinked twice as she hid herself a little more. “I just want to be normal,” Venable whispered again. Billie Dean’s heart ached even more, and as she kept on discreetly watching, Purpura jumped on the counter and meowed at Wilhemina, catching her attention. A teary smile spread across Venable’s features, and Billie Dean’s own face mirrored it. “You shouldn’t be on the counter,” Wilhemina whispered, hand reaching to caress the cat between her ears. Honey eyes paid attention to every single detail of the scene that was not for them to be watching. “I love you, darling,” Venable bent down the best she could and kissed Purpura’s little head. “Thank you,” she sniffled, soon sighing again. Billie kept on watching as Wilhemina gulped, tears eventually stopping but cheeks still wet. “She deserves so much more, Purpura… I wish I could give her everything I want to.” Catching her lower lip between her teeth, Billie Dean figured it was time to walk away. Making no sound yet again, she made her way back to the living room. A sigh escaped her lips.

“What can I even do?” Billie questioned herself out loud. She took a deep breath, sitting back down at the couch and closing her eyes, head resting against the backrest. How painful was it, to love someone who felt so poorly about themselves? It’s not that the boundaries were the hard thing, but the reason for them. How could Venable—the Wilhemina Venable, perfect in every single way for Billie Dean—see herself that way? Feel that way, cry that way? I need to learn more about her. Billie desperately wanted to help, but she couldn’t do it without fully understanding where everything came from. Does she even understand? Was it even her place to try and help Wilhemina that way? In the middle of such internal turmoil, Billie Dean only realized how severely the temperature of the room had dropped when her arms wrapped themselves around her own body. Instantly, honey eyes snapped open. She looked around. This isn’t normal. Venable had, after all, shown to be quite susceptible to the interests of the other realm. With the hair on her neck standing up, Billie sat a little better and kept her senses sharp. A thin gush of air flew by, moving her locks just slightly. Honey eyes kept on looking around, lips mouthing a silent prayer. ’I need you to help me,’ the thought came flying through her mind, a thought that clearly wasn’t hers. “I know you’re here,” Billie Dean said out loud. “Who are you?” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Nothing. “What do you want?” She tried again. Another gush of air flew by, this time accompanied by the smell of raw eggs and a hint of lavender. Billie frowned. A certain weight suddenly appeared on one of her shoulders. She gulped again. “Who are you?” She insisted. ’Help me.’ Another thought, this time with a faint voice. Billie Dean kept herself stiff, trying to understand whatever was behind or beside her. The smell kept on getting stronger. ’She does not know.’ “Who does not know?” Billie asked out loud. The weight got heavier. ’Her… my…’ Behind her eyelids, Billie began to see shapes and forms and odd colors; nothing made sense. ’She needs to know.’ Rain mixed in with the shapes, loud thunder clouding her ears and her ears only. “Show yourself,” Billie Dean commanded. An even stronger gush of air flew by. Honey eyes opened themselves. Nothing. “I’ve surrounded myself and this house with the power of the white light, you can’t hurt me nor anything inside this property.” ’I won’t stop.’ The voice was back again. The lights flickered. The smell intensified itself more and more. ’She… is… mine…’ Billie’s body filled up with goosebumps. “You’re not from this realm, therefore you no longer have any power or belong in here in any way.” The temperature dropped one more time, making it quite impossible not to shiver. Billie Dean gulped. “Leave this property alone.” ’Not until I get what I want.’ “Show yourself, then. Tell me what you need.” Honey eyes looked around, searching for any signs of something there. The lights flickered harshly, now. “Show me.” ’Supposed… to be… mine…’ “Nothing here is supposed to be yours, you don’t belong to this realm!” ’Will be known.’ Understanding that entity was hard. Billie could feel her head starting to throb. “Show yourself or be gone!” As the words left her mouth, everything suddenly went back to normal. Billie Dean blinked twice. Her hands trembled as she took a deep breath.

“Billie?” From the corner of the door, Venable frowned.

Honey eyes felt heavy. Billie’s body still shivered as she fell onto the backrest again, consciousness wanting to slip out. I’m going to faint. “Mgh,” she mumbled, for that was the best she could manage right now.

With her eyes growing to the size of the moon, Venable rushed to sit beside Billie Dean. She reached for her hands, flinching at how cold they were. “What happened? Are you alright?” Wilhemina was no fool; she had seen Billie like that before. The room is colder. She looked around. “What did you feel?”

Venable’s sharp mind never failed to amaze Billie Dean. She squeezed her warm hands, breathing slowly. Her consciousness still felt weak, so she focused on the warmth and the energy Wilhemina provided. Billie Dean kept on taking deep breaths. As best as she could manage, she scooted closer to Venable and leaned her head on her chest, taking in her scent. I shouldn’t be this drained. One hand slipped away from hers and an arm soon wrapped around her shoulders, caressing it.

“I’m here,” Wilhemina whispered. She’s as cold as ice. Venable caressed Billie Dean’s perfect back as she leaned to kiss the head of blonde hair against her chest. Down on her other hand, she could feel how tightly Billie held it. What did she see? Once again, brown eyes looked around; everything looked perfectly in place. She chewed on her bottom lip. Billie breathed weakly, eyes still closed. Wilhemina figured it was best to give her time and space.

After a few minutes, when Billie Dean finally felt like her consciousness had gripped tight on her once again, she gently pulled away and took a deep breath. Venable watched her attentively. “There’s something in your house.”

Fiery eyebrows moved closer together. Wilhemina felt the hair on her neck standing up. “What… what do you mean?”

“It might be attached to you, or to the house, but there is… something. Something different from last time.” Billie knew these waters very well; the smell of raw eggs was way too distinct from decaying meat, and while it wasn’t necessarily good, it was definitely not as bad. There’s lavender, too. It indicated whatever it was meant no harm, at least intentionally, and was familiar. Billie Dean bit her inner cheek as she thought. Venable’s eyes were open wide as she kept them glued on her. “Tell me… tell me what you know about your family?” She asked gently, cautiously.

Family. Wilhemina didn’t know what that word meant. She looked down at their still intertwined hands. How fucking dysfunctional can my life be? “I don’t know anything about them,” she answered, short and simple.

Billie Dean took a deep breath. She moved closer, reaching to caress Venable’s warm cheeks with her free hand. Honey eyes noticed how brown ones twinkled at the corners. This is so fucking hard. “What do you know?”

Gulping harshly, Wilhemina’s brown eyes looked away. Billie bit her lower lip. “I know I was a-abandoned by someone at the door of the o-orphanage I grew up in.” A tear slid down her right cheek. Venable still refused to look at honey oceans. “I had a note with my n-name and d-date of birth in it.”

Billie Dean nodded. She herself took yet another deep breath, fingers caressing the skin underneath them as soft as she possibly could. “Did you have a bracelet or… something?”

Swiftly, Wilhemina wiped a tear that slid down. She briefly looked at Billie’s eyes before looking away once again. “T-the only thing I had was a p-purple blanket.”

Oh. Suddenly everything made sense. Billie Dean blinked twice. She nodded. “I’m sorry for asking you all that… I just need to understand a few things so I can try and find out why that entity is around you.” Venable shook her head as she gulped the huge lump in her throat and looked down. Billie nibbled on her lower lip a little harder. “I’m here if you ever need to talk… you know that, right?”

Wilhemina knew, yet she didn’t really feel. After a lifetime of being alone, feeling like she had someone was hard. Logically, she knew; emotionally, how could she feel? “T-thank you.” Billie Dean nodded but didn’t say anything, giving her space to think. Venable let go of Billie’s hand to wipe her face clean, eyes down and still too ashamed to look at her. After a minute or two, Wilhemina looked back up. “Dinner is… is ready.”

That’s a no on talking. Billie nodded. “Can I help you set the table?”

Venable nodded.

In no more than thirty minutes, dinner had been served and finished with; they loaded the dishwasher and got back to the couch, talking about nothing at all as they finished the bottle of wine Billie Dean had brought them. Their nerves had calmed down from each of their turmoil, and the wine now fulfilled its goal and made everything lighter; after such an eventful day and week, they deserved a relaxed night with each other.

Wilhemina sipped the last of her wine as she stared at Billie Dean’s rosy cheeks. One of her legs had intertwined itself with Billie’s as they sat down, and she could feel her own skin growing hot. “I’m glad you enjoyed dinner.”

“It was delicious,” Billie Dean hummed. She sat her empty glass back on the center table, honey eyes never once leaving brown ones. She looks ravishing like that… Red really complimented Venable’s features.

“The wine was a great choice.” Taking a deep breath, Wilhemina allowed herself to relax on the couch. Purpura lay asleep on the armchair at the corner of the room, snoring lowly. Music still hummed on the background, a faint buzz.

“It went perfectly with the chicken, didn’t it?” Billie licked her lips as Venable hummed in agreement. In her tipsy state, Billie Dean couldn’t help but stare at Wilhemina; at her relaxed eyes, her moist red lips, her crimson cheeks —all courtesy of the Rothschild. The light was low and yellow now, giving them a more informal atmosphere. Why was that entity here? The question popped inside Billie’s mind; she decided to ignore it. Let them have at least a single night to forget about all the sorrows.

“Would you like more wine?” Wilhemina asked softly. More wine couldn’t hurt right now, right? She was in the company of Billie Dean, nothing could hurt or happen right now. I shouldn’t lose control. But control had already been given up when she allowed that woman to enter her life and mess with her heart like she already had. Billie is safe. Besides, she could use the quietness of her nerves after her little show to herself in the kitchen earlier. I just want to be normal.

Billie Dean nodded. “Sure.”

“Alright.”

Honey eyes watched as Venable disappeared into the kitchen once again. Billie bit her lower lip and let her head fall back on the headrest of the couch, sight fixated on the ceiling. She took a deep breath. Her ass is looking delicious in those trousers. The thought caught her off guard. Billie Dean chuckled to herself. Alright, take it easy with the wine.

“It’s not as fancy as Rothschild, but it should do,” Wilhemina’s voice cut the humming of the song. Billie sat back up and smiled at her. She’s so fucking beautiful. Venable’s chest fluttered deliciously. “I got us some bonbons as well.”

“That’s perfect.” As Venable sat back down, Billie Dean already held both of their glasses up. Carefully, Wilhemina poured them more wine before resting back and taking a sip. Billie did the same, eyes never leaving Venable. “This is good,” Billie Dean hummed. She reached for a piece of chocolate and popped it into her mouth, feeling as it melted right on her tongue. “Mm…”

“I’m glad you like it.” Wilhemina sat her glass back down, crossing her legs as she relaxed. The sound Billie Dean made caused the hair on her neck to stand up. She bit her inner cheek and reached for a bonbon as well. “Are you more of a dark or white chocolate kind of person?”

“Is it too bad if I say white?” Billie grimaced playfully. Venable let out a small chuckle and shook her head, reaching to take another sip. “I know it’s technically not chocolate, but I love it. I do like milk and dark as well, I just prefer white.”

“I figured.”

“Why?” It was Billie Dean’s turn to drink a little more. One of her legs reached for one of Wilhemina’s, caressing it.

Venable shrugged shyly. “It’s sweeter… like you.” Billie felt the corners of her lips tugging up. “I just figured you’d prefer it. That’s why I got us the box with all kinds.” I definitely didn’t need to say that out loud. The wine had clearly managed to loosen her tongue already. Thankfully, the low light hid the growing blush on her cheeks.

“That’s so thoughtful of you, darling…” Billie Dean smiled sweetly.

“I’m always thinking of you.”

With her heart fluttering, Billie bit her lower lip. Their eyes kept themselves glued on one another, sharing the same emotions. I love you, she wanted to say, I love you, I love you, I love you… Gently and carefully not to spill her drink, Billie Dean moved closer to Venable and reached to caress one of her cheeks. “I’m worried about you,” she allowed her heart to speak, for the words she wanted to say were not meant to be let out loud just yet. Wilhemina frowned. “I heard you… earlier, in the kitchen.”

Oh no. Venable gulped. She focused on the soft caress on her skin, fingertips as light as a feather as they traced it. “I’m sorry,” she nearly whispered. The wine clouded her brain and caused her thoughts to come in foggy patterns. She blinked once. “I didn’t—you weren’t meant to hear that.” Shame would have crawled inside hadn’t the wine arrived first. Her feelings seemed to flourish. Brown eyes grew misty. “D-did you follow me?”

Setting her glass back on the center table, Billie Dean shook her head. Please, don’t get angry at me. Wilhemina had set her glass aside as well and now hugged herself, shoulders shrunk and small. Billie’s heart ached. “I went to check on you since you seemed to be taking too long…” Silence. Billie Dean gulped. Her hand longed to reach for Venable again, but she knew she probably needed some space right now. I shouldn’t have accepted that second bottle of wine. Her mind felt too hazy for that kind of conversation. “D-did I cross any lines?”

Closing her eyes as she allowed Billie’s words to sink in, Wilhemina took a deep breath. A tear slid down her cheek, which she swiftly wiped away. “You n-never do, Billie Dean… I just… I…” Opening her eyes again, Venable could no longer think clear; she had too many feelings, too many thoughts, too many glasses of wine in her system. “I w-want to make love to you.” The words were gentle but still assertive, firm. Billie’s eyes opened a little more, positively taken by surprise. “I want you to see me, I-I want you to love me, I want you to touch me, kiss me… I-I want to touch you, I want to make you feel good. And I c-can’t.” Another tear slid down. “T-this morning, all I wanted w-was to give myself t-to you. Earlier, I j-just wanted to t-take you right then at this c-couch. And I c-can’t. I freeze e-every single damn time. I-I feel as if I’m suffocating. I t-think about my b-back and at how disgusting I a-am and I just—I just c-can’t move, I feel petrified. I want to be normal. I want to have a normal relationship and I-I want to be enough for y-you, I want to make y-you feel good… I want t-to give you w-what you should b-be receiving from m-me… and I c-can’t.” She sighed. And then she took a deep breath and stared down at her hands—surprisingly, they were not shaking. I need to stop talking. Instead, Wilhemina looked back up and to honey eyes; the movement caused everything to get a tiny bit blurry. Venable felt anesthetized, and despite everything, she was quite sure she saw nothing but something awfully similar to love in Billie Dean’s warm oceans. “I d-don’t think I can handle losing you… certainly not for being d-disgusted by me. And so, I d-don’t allow myself to continue, because I can’t risk continuing without you.” Once again, Venable sighed. Her head was spinning, her mouth was dry and she somehow felt like she needed more wine.

As Wilhemina reached for her glass, Billie gently stopped her with a hand on her arm. Their eyes met yet again, and Billie Dean gulped the lump on her throat as matching tears fell down her cheeks. Inside her chest, her heart seemed to be trying to escape. “I l-love you, Wilhemina.” It was visible the way Venable’s heart skipped a beat; she stopped in place. “Do you hear me? I love you, W-Wilhemina Venable. I a-am utterly and completely in love w-with you. I love you. You.” Without thinking, Billie reached for both of Venable’s cheeks; she cupped them. Down her waist, she felt the way Wilhemina now clung to her, holding her as tightly as she could. Their breaths mixed in notes of grape and tobacco. “You want m-me to love you b-but I already do. You don’t want t-to continue without me b-but I am the o-one who can’t continue without y-you… I love you.”

“I…” The alcohol nearly vanished from Venable’s system, leaving her senses tingling and eyes as waterfalls. Her mind went blank. She sniffled. “D-did you… do y-you… y-you love me?”

“Yes,” Billie Dean chuckled softly as she nodded. Her lips opened into a smile that reached her eyes, causing them to be even warmer under the yellow dim light.

Wilhemina couldn’t help but smile as well. She almost didn’t believe the words, but the way Billie smiled at her was enough to calm all her thoughts down. “I l-love you, t-too. I love y-you so much, Billie Dean. I… I love y-you. I h-have never loved anyone the way I l-love you and I realize I sound so a-absolute cliche and silly right n-now but it—“ a pair of lips cut her words. Venable closed her eyes as she kissed Billie back, slowly melting down. I really needed to stop rambling, after all. Their lips moved slowly.

“You don’t sound silly at all,” Billie Dean murmured after a minute or two. The hands down her waist still held her close, fingertips caressing her on top of the dress. Wilhemina gulped, clearly nervous still, and so Billie carefully reached to wipe the last of her tears away. “You give me exactly what I need… you give me patience, kindness, understanding… you give me the feeling of not being alone, of being seen and known… what else could anyone want from their lover?”

Nearly inaudibly, Venable whispered, “I-intimacy.”

Billie Dean shook her head. “What is more intimate than allowing someone to come into your life and settle themselves into your heart?” Wilhemina just stared at her in silence, dimple of worry back between her fiery eyebrows. Billie smiled sadly, thumb tracing Venable’s cheekbone. “Nothing.”

“E-eventually, you will g-get frustrated with me,” Venable nearly whispered once again. How tough could Wilhemina be on herself? It never failed to amuse Billie Dean. “Y-you’ll need more, and I might not be r-ready.”

“Do you really think I’m so shallow like that? That my love for you is that fragile?” Billie’s words were a shot in the dark; she knew they could backfire horribly, but she had to try and do something. And so, she watched as Venable frowned even more, cheeks tinting a darker shade of crimson that, even in the dim light, could be noticed. “My love, I would wait forever for you… I would wait this lifetime and the next if I had to. You mean so much to me, don’t ever think otherwise.”

In a loss of words, Wilhemina licked her dry lips. Why do I allow myself to doubt her? Guilt began to invade her once again, but now it carried no real meaning. She was past feeling guilty, she was past allowing her past to control her future. “I didn’t m-mean to imply I found y-you shallow,” she said after a minute. “I just… I…”

“It’s okay.” Billie Dean gently lifted Venable’s head so they were looking at each other again, for brown eyes had fallen down. “I know you don’t, but I needed to find a way to make you stop martyring yourself for something you can’t nor should control… I just want you to understand I love you, in the purest ways and in the most beautiful meaning of the word… I love you. Nothing can change that, Wilhemina.”

How can she manage to deal with me so well when I myself don’t know how to? Venable nodded as she gulped the lump that rose inside her throat once again. She took a deep breath. “Y-you mean so much to me,” she whispered. “I just w-want to do it justice.”

“You do. I promise you.” Billie leaned closer and lovingly pecked Wilhemina’s lips. It was a struggle, but Venable allowed herself to relax against them. I wish I could make all her turmoil go away. The world had done Wilhemina so incredibly dirty.

“Thank you,” Venable murmured against Billie Dean’s lips. My heart could stop beating right now and I doubt I’d feel a thing. She kissed her again, reaching to cup the base of Billie’s neck with one of her hands; she caressed it, pulling her closer. Billie Dean happily obliged.

After a kiss of two, they pulled away. Billie stared at Venable, eyes light with care and affection. “What is your favorite kind of chocolate?”

Letting out a tiny laugh, Wilhemina relaxed back on the couch once she reached for her glass of wine. Billie Dean motioned her with a smile. “Dark.”

“I figured,” Billie teased.

“Why?”

“It’s sophisticated, just like you.”

“Silly,” Venable murmured as she took a sip of wine. She loves me. She loves me. She loves me. Wilhemina felt suffocated in such a delicious way that left her all giddy inside.

Billie Dean laughed softly, leg bumping against Venable’s as her heart fluttered happily. She as well took another sip. I want to scream out loud that that woman loves me. That I belong to that woman. “I find it delicious to mix it with fruit,” she commented.

“Indeed,” Venable nodded. “Especially orange.”

“Oh, yes.”

A/N: This might not be the most eventful chapter, but it's one I'm proud of for it being, after nearly an year, the end of my hiatus. Thank you for everone who waited for me, I hope I have not disappointed and I can confidently say this time that more is coming very soon. Once again, thank you.

The words echoed inside Billie Dean’s heart, caressing and stabbing it at the same time. She pulled away just enough to stare at brown eyes, hands cupping Venable’s cheeks and caressing them with her thumbs, wiping the remaining of the tears away. Two arms wrapped around her own waist, pulling her closer. I love you. She couldn’t say that yet—so soon, so fast. So she leaned closer and kissed those wine lips in front of her, pouring the words on them, speaking through caresses. Wilhemina held her even tighter, lips moving slow, gentle… lips pouring I love you’s all over.

The rest of the lunch break went smoothly, and once people began to get back into the office, Venable was already kissing Billie Dean on the cheek and walking back to her table. A sigh of relief left her lips as she eyed Emma’s empty table. After getting settled, she turned the computer back on and took a deep breath, excel sheet already spread out on the screen. Not even five minutes into work, heels clacked loudly to her left, indicating Emma had come back to her table. Wilhemina nibbled on her inner cheek as she kept her eyes on the monitor, avoiding any eye contact possible.

In her office, Billie Dean smiled to herself as she did her best to focus on the e-mails in her MacBook. Her mind kept on slipping to Venable, to their kisses, to their conversation… to how much she inevitably came to love that woman. I don’t want to sleep alone tonight. But Wilhemina had been a loner her whole life it seemed, and perhaps she needed some personal space. Or maybe she was a loner for a lack of choice. Billie had yet to find out. I could invite her for a glass of wine at least. Billie Dean blinked twice and tried focusing on the words in front of her yet again, corner of her lips tugging up nonstop. Once Jenny got back from lunch, they started working on what was left of the Christmas special.

Two hours of nonstop work later, Billie stretched her back and took her glasses off. She sighed as her spine popped, eyes closed. “Oof.”

“Right.” Jenny leaned back on the chair, stretching herself as well.

Blinking a few times to adjust her sight again, Billie Dean sat back straight. “I need a cigarette.”

“I need something sweet.”

“Good idea.” Billie got up, followed by Jenny right behind. They both walked to the kitchen, and she excused herself to the balcony, purse in hand. The first hit of nicotine instantly relaxed her body, leaving her leaning against the wall with eyes closed. She took another drag and then another one until the cigarette was gone, and then she got back to work alongside Jenny, whom ate a bag of chocolate-covered pretzels.

With eyes still on the monitor, Venable almost missed it when people began getting up to leave. She blinked twice and leaned back on the chair, saving the document she had been working on. Her mind instantly slipped to Billie Dean, and to their lunch and to their time at her place and to all the butterflies that were still present in her stomach. Would she come over tonight? Wilhemina figured sometimes Billie would need some alone time, but asking couldn’t hurt… right? I will be upset if she says no, though. Being upset was worth the shot. Once she collected all of her things, Venable leaned onto her cane and got up to put her coat on. Jenny walked by the office, smiling at them as she followed to the elevator. From the corner of her eye, Wilhemina watched her. Billie should be alone. Discreetly, she grabbed her purse and followed into the hallway all the way to Billie Dean’s office. The door was already open, so red waves peeked inside; there Billie was, quietly gathering her things. Venable watched her quietly, eyes bathing on the beauty of the unnoticed. She’s the most beautiful creature to ever grace this Earth. “Billie?” She called quietly, as to not scare her.

Honey eyes instantly lifted up from whatever document Billie Dean was gathering. She opened a smile, so bright and sincere Wilhemina had to grasp her cane a little harsher in order not to fall. “Hi, darling.” She set the paper aside and walked to Venable, purse on her shoulder. “Are you done?” She asked as she leaned to peck her lips.

Wilhemina nodded. This time, the tobacco was a little stronger on Billie’s kiss. “Yes. I was wondering—I was wondering if you’d like to come over, uh, tonight?”

Taken positively by surprise, Billie Dean nodded. She reached to caress Venable’s waist, resting her hand right where her skirt met her sweater. I know what’s underneath it. She gulped. “I would love to. I have this bottle of red wine in my place that I’ve been saving, I can bring it along if you’d like?”

“Sure.” Somewhat relieved with the answer, Wilhemina took a discrete deep breath. The fingers against her waist were a sweet reminder of earlier—as if she needed one. “Y-you can stay over, if you’d like…”

Oh. Biting her lower lip with an even bigger smile, Billie caressed the place her fingers rested. “Would you like me to? I don’t want to impose…”

“I would love you to.” Being honest and vulnerable was becoming easier for Venable to do so when around Billie Dean. She almost didn’t recognize herself sometimes. “But I understand if you need some alone time, too. I mean—I also don’t want to impose.”

With her eyes scrunching affectionately, Billie leaned to peck Wilhemina again; this time, Venable’s free hand reached up to cup her cheek and pull her into a full kiss. A sweet chuckle escaped Billie Dean’s lips. As they pulled away, Billie stared at brown eyes. “I’ll be there at seven.”

“Perfect,” Venable nearly whispered. She pecked Billie Dean again and pulled away to follow her way to the garage. With a smile, Billie watched her from behind.

The ride home was cheerful; Billie sang loudly to the songs that played on the radio, mind on Wilhemina. As she got home, Eleanor was already gone. With quick footsteps, she got upstairs and straight to the bathroom, ready to take a shower. It didn’t take long for her to step out, body wrapped in a towel and hair up in a bun. She walked to her closet and began to look through her underwear. What if something happens? It’s not that Billie Dean was waiting for it, but if something ended up happening, she at least wanted to look nice. Reaching for a set of blue lace panties and bra, Billie put them on and went to choose an outfit. Something simple… A dress and some boots, her nearly signature look at that point, as well as a coat and some tights. Once dressed, Billie Dean gathered her things to spend the night over and put on some basic makeup—mascara and lipstick, that was enough. And then she nearly showered herself again in Floratta Blue before going downstairs and to the garage, stopping only to grab the bottle of red wine she had promised Venable.

In her house, Wilhemina was already waiting for Billie Dean. She put some music on and sat down on the couch in comfortable sweater and trousers, skin covered by the delicious smell of lavender from her soap. Purpura purred as she lay down on Venable’s lap, eyes closed as she received caresses on top of her head. Venable had already started cooking some chicken, which was now in the oven, as well as some salad and rice—something simple, but nice. On the table in the middle of the couches she had poured them both an empty glass, ready for when Billie Dean arrived with the bottle of wine. In the air, music hummed lowly as Wilhemina had turned her record player on and meticulously selected Aretha Franklin as the soundtrack of the night. Even though there was no reason for it, Venable felt her chest nervously bubbling. It didn’t take much for the bell to ring, which caused Purpura to already jump off of Wilhemina’s lap and walk to the front door, meowing softly as Venable followed close behind. With quick fingertips, she opened the door. There Billie stood, with that beautiful dress and tights and looking as perfect as ever. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hi, darling.” Billie Dean gripped her bag a little tighter. She did look amazing earlier in that skirt, but Jesus those trousers are perfect.

“Would you like to park in the garage? Since you’re spending the night, it could be safer.”

“Oh, thank you. But I ubered here, since we’re going to the same place tomorrow morning.”

Smart. Venable felt her cheeks warming up. She nodded and stepped aside for Billie to get in. As she did, Billie Dean leaned to peck her lips sweetly. Wilhemina smiled before closing the door behind them. Purpura meowed happily as she stared up at Billie. “Someone missed you,” she chuckled. Already walking to the couch so she could pet the cat, Billie Dean took a seat and set her bag and purse beside her on the floor. Instantly, Purpura jumped on her lap and purred loudly, head bumping on Billie’s chest as Billie Dean caressed her head lovingly, mumbling sweet compliments to the cat. Venable watched as she stood there close to the door still, hand on her cane and eyes glued to the absolutely angelic scene in front of her. She makes herself home so easily… Wilhemina could never feel so comfortable in a place that was not her own, could never just be one within and blend in so well, yet Billie Dean… Billie Dean had barely arrived and she already looked like she belonged to her place—to her life, to her ways, to her heart. Purpura bumped her head more and more against Billie’s chest, receiving pets and little kisses on the nose. What a lucky woman I am. “You’re so beautiful,” she said without really thinking, almost as if Billie Dean wouldn’t be able to hear her.

Honey eyes looked up at Venable, almond in shape from the smile she carried on her lips. “I was just thinking the same about you.” With her free hand, Billie pet the seat next to her on the couch. Promptly, Wilhemina walked there and sat down, cheeks crimson.

“I mean… not only on the outside.” Venable reached for Billie Dean’s knee, caressing it on top of the tights and on a place Purpura was not stepping at. With her own cheeks tinting, Billie reached to caress the hand on her leg. “You make yourself belong so easily…”

“I think that’s your eyes speaking, darling…”

“Either way, it’s beautiful.” Venable leaned to kiss Billie’s cheek. Purpura meowed softly as she stared at them. With a chuckle, Wilhemina used her free hand to pet the cat’s head. “I’ll share only with you,” she said softly.

With the hair on the back of her neck standing up, Billie Dean bit her lower lip. “Are you possessive?”

The question caught Venable off guard. She bit her inner cheek, searching for any signs of discontentment in Billie’s eyes; she found only curiosity and a hint of mischief there. Her cheeks tinted even redder. “No. Just extremely monogamous.”

With the corner of her lips tugging up, Billie Dean hummed. She squeezed the hand underneath her own. How was it possible that Wilhemina Venable simply never failed to be so damn enticing? So damn sensual? So damn classy? “What a coincidence, so am I.” Calm down. Her lower stomach trembled.

She’s teasing me. “So, you’re just mine?” It was safe to tease back, she assumed.

Oof. This time, Billie opened a shy smile as she bit her lower lip. “Yes. Only yours.”

Leaning closer, Venable brushed her lips against Billie Dean’s. She felt the way her breath quivered, and with a small smirk and ignoring all the burning of her cheeks, Wilhemina squeezed Billie’s leg again. “Did you bring the wine?” She whispered.

“Y-yes.” Billie Dean gulped. Even though they were inches apart, she refused to look away from brown eyes. What was this new side of Venable she was getting to experience and explore? I’ve never seen her so confident. The hand on Purpura didn’t move anymore, but only rested against the fuzzy purple sweater.

“Good.” Pulling away without a kiss, Wilhemina smiled to herself at the state she left Billie at; chest quivering, face crimson. A giggle left her lips as she reached for her cane and began to get up. “I’ll go check on the chicken. The glasses are on the center table,” she bobbed her head over to it.

Nodding the best she could, Billie Dean watched as Venable disappeared into the kitchen, with Purpura jumping from her lap and following right behind. Taking a deep breath, she let out a chuckle to herself. “Jesus,” she breathed out. Her palms had begun to sweat a little, and with somewhat wobbly legs Billie got up to open the bottle of wine she had brought. Only now, alone in the living room and with her senses very well aware, did she hear the faint buzzing of the record player. ’It’s a lovely day today,’ it hummed, ’so whatever you’ve got to do, you’ve got a lovely day to do it in, that’s true’. It was indeed a lovely day. Once she had managed to open the bottle, Billie Dean poured them both a glass of wine and sat back down on the couch.  Her heart was just now starting to lose the extra speed it had taken.

“I figured I’d get us some snacks, so we don’t drink on an empty stomach.” Walking back into the living room, Wilhemina held a tray with a few tiny bowls on it. “Peanuts, cashews, cheese, olives and ham. Is that alright?”

“It’s perfect, darling.” Billie reached to make room for the tray on the center table. Once Venable set it down, she sat back beside her on the couch. Billie Dean smiled at her. “I hope you like the wine.”

“I’m sure I will.” Wilhemina reached for a glass and closed her eyes as she leaned closer to smell the liquid. Absolutely rich. A hum escaped her lips. Billie watched her somewhat nervously. “Bordeaux…” Carefully, she took a sip. “Lafite Rothschild?”

With her eyes growing in size, Billie Dean nodded. “Yes, actually. How do you know that?”

Venable smiled as she set her glass back on the table, eyes back on Billie. “The tobacco… it’s kind of unique.”

Blinking twice, Billie Dean let out an amused chuckle. “That’s… really impressive.”

Chuckling back, Wilhemina smiled to herself. “Thank you.” She leaned back against the couch, relaxing as she stared at Billie. She watched as she reached for the glass and took a sip as well, lips tinting purple before she licked them clean. Instinctively, she bit her lower lip. I want to kiss her. Venable felt herself craving for those lips, because how long had it been since they had last kissed? A few hours, probably. It felt like days already.

Taking another sip, Billie set the glass down and popped a small cube of cheese into her mouth. She slowly began to chew on it, back resting on the couch once again. Her eyes met brown ones, and she found in them something awfully similar to love, and perhaps a hint of lust. Her lower stomach trembled. She took a deep breath, reaching for one of Wilhemina’s hands and tangling her fingers in hers. “Can I confess you something?” Venable nodded, eyes already scrunching up lovingly. Billie Dean chuckled to herself, cheeks starting to tint. “Your… you have the most beautiful breasts I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh—“ Letting out a surprised laugh, Wilhemina covered her mouth with her free hand. That was definitely unexpected. She’s lying, her head screamed, shut up, Venable shouted back, and this time she managed to actually make it quiet down, for Billie meant safety. “Thank you?” Is that really true?

“You’re welcome,” Billie giggled. She bit her lower lip, fingers caressing Wilhemina’s. She watched how brown eyes seemed to struggle with the dimple of worry between them, that even though faint was still there. She’s doubting it. Once again, Billie Dean felt guilty for her past, even if it didn’t make sense. “I mean it,” she added, softly. “They’ve been on my mind all day.”

Holding back any embarrassed sounds this time, Venable only allowed a shy chuckle to come out. “Thank you,” she repeated. “I—I’ve been, uh, thinking about earlier. A lot.”

“Yeah?” Seeing Wilhemina with such red cheeks would never fail to make Billie melt. She kept on smiling to herself, finding a weird sense of delight in how brown eyes refused for stop on her honey ones.

“Yeah.” Venable nodded. She cleared her throat and reached for an olive, popping it into her mouth right before taking another sip of wine. Her nerves deliciously bubbled up as she could feel Billie Dean’s eyes on her. Leaning back against the couch, she licked her lips clean.

“I don’t think it’s fair you haven’t allowed me a kiss yet.”

Blinking twice, Wilhemina held back the urge to look away and decided she’d play the same game. A hum left her lips. “Have you tried kissing me yet, per chance?”

With the corners of her lips tugging up, Billie nodded slowly. “Touché.” She moved closer, watching how brown oceans focused on her lips. Cupping a cheek with her free hand, Billie Dean was about to collide their lips together when Venable pulled slightly away. She frowned.

Wilhemina bit her lower lip, eyes now on honey ones. “You’re cute when you´re flustered,” she nearly murmured. I barely recognize myself.

Already red cheeks grew even redder, and Billie bit her lip harshly to hold back a gasp. Remaining as collected as she possibly could right now, her fingers moved to caress the base of Venable’s skull, deliciously massaging her scalp there. “So are you,” she murmured back.

This time, it was Wilhemina’s turn to say nod. “Touché,” she whispered before finally meeting their lips together. The fingers tangled in Billie Dean’s slowly let go as she reached to caress Billie’s waist, pulling her closer. Their lips moved as if their kiss were an oasis and they had been lost in the desert for years.

“Mm,” the sound escaped Billie Dean’s throat before she could stop it. Her cheeks threatened to tint impossibly more but she simply did not care. With her now free arm, Billie caressed one of Venable’s legs, fighting the urge to just slip up a little. Not now. Too much, to fast. She squeezed the flesh there softly, tongue dancing alongside Wilhemina’s as her lower stomach twisted and turned even more. Flashes and more flashes of earlier invaded her mind, from the pretty lace Venable had on, to just how absolutely gorgeous her breasts looked covered by it, and to how utterly delicious they felt under her lips. I might go insane. Billie Dean was consciously aware of her touches by that point, careful not to be too rough.

The only thing Billie’s hum did for Wilhemina was to leave her ears tingling. Her hand squeezed the curve of Billie’s waist, and she couldn’t help but take a deep, shaky breath. I need to compose myself. Composing oneself was fucking hard when Billie Dean was there, kissing her lips and slowly going down her jawline. “Mgh,” Venable bent her head back, coral lips instantly peppering the skin of her neck with kisses. The position was weird now, but Wilhemina didn’t have the mind to adjust herself.

I need her. Billie’s mind screamed. I need her and I need her desperately. With her lips tingling, Billie Dean twisted her body the best she could to reach Venable’s neck. It was still uncomfortable. Without really thinking, she moved to straddle Wilhemina, each thigh on each side of her body. Hands instantly caressed her hips, pulling Billie closer and closer. Underneath her, Billie Dean watched as Venable threw her head back and closed her eyes, lips red and swallowed from their kiss. Slow. We’re going slow. The words were something Billie had to always remind herself, for resisting Wilhemina was a war right now. With her thumb carefully placed under Venable’s jaw, Billie Dean leaned closer and placed an open-mouthed kiss right on her pulse point, taking her time to savor each and every curve of her delicate skin. “You always smell so good,” she murmured, soon allowing the pad of tongue to sooth the place there.

With the delicious weight of Billie’s body on top of her, Wilhemina could only hum. Her hands slowly passed up and down Billie Dean’s tight covered thighs. I want to go under her dress. She squeezed Billie’s hips. “I…” Venable murmured as a sigh.

“Yes?” Murmuring against the skin, Billie Dean now kissed the other side of Wilhemina’s neck, free hand using the backrest as support. She’s quivering.

I don’t even know. Venable simply hummed again. Her hands went down and up again, but this time she allowed them to follow an inch up inside the dress. On the cusp of her ear, Billie whined lowly. The hair on Wilhemina’s neck stood up. She gulped. Gosh. “Can I?” She managed to whisper. Instantly, Billie Dean nodded. Venable bit her lower lip, hands nearly trembling as she began to move them up and under the dress, caressing the outer parts of Billie’s beautiful thighs, digits dangerously close to the curve of her ass.

“Mgh,” Billie Dean whimpered, back subconsciously arching as her lips moved up and to Wilhemina’s again. She kissed her with gusto, stopping to pull on her lower lip before kissing her again, tasting the Holy wine.

It was becoming too much for Venable to handle, and so she had no choice but to move her hands up and cup Billie’s butt gently, nearly asking permission to do so; when Billie Dean insisted against her palms, however, Wilhemina gave herself full permission to actually feel them. Her heart skipped a beat. She gulped. Jesus Christ. It felt just like she had imagined it would, and the memory of herself, weeks ago, touching her own body as she imagined the exact situation she was at right now was enough to engulf Venable’s body in lust and a tiny bit of shame—one that passed by unnoticed, for the other with no doubts won the battle. It was so fucking erotic. “Fuck,” she murmured against Billie’s lips. Billie Dean pulled back just slightly, smirking softly as she stared at her with those seductive honey eyes.

“You sound so good,” Billie murmured, leaning to peck Wilhemina slowly. With her cheeks red, Venable nibbled on Billie Dean’s lip before pulling slightly away. Her palms delicately massaged the fat against them, pulling Billie even closer. Billie Dean could feel her underwear already sticking to herself. Just a touch and I can barely handle myself. Never had that happened in her life, and even though absolutely torturous, Billie definitely enjoyed it. She bucked her hips, grinding on nothing at all, eyes still deeply staring at brown ones. It was Wilhemina’s turn to let out a small whimper, eyes looking away from Billie Dean’s for a second. Fuck me I want to hear more. Billie leaned closer and kissed those lips again, hips finding a slow, delicious rhythm that was soon picked up by Venable, whom now helped her move gently, hands helping on the movement.

Growing uncomfortably wet between her thighs, Wilhemina let out a sigh as she focused on just feeling all that was happening. Her heart had been pleasantly beating inside her head for a while now, and all her senses seemed to be turned off for any and every thing that was not Billie Dean. Floratta Blue lingered in the air, and with the reminder of it, Venable moved to kiss down to Billie’s neck, taking her time to move her lips against every single inch of skin she found there, tongue eventually making contact with it all. Wilhemina’s lower stomach took a turn, and she couldn’t help but to squeeze Billie’s butt a little harsher. On top of her, Billie Dean had already settled her arms to rest around her neck, never once allowing it to slip even an inch south and close to Wilhemina’s spine. I’m safe. Venable felt comfortable with what they were doing, just like she had felt this morning. Do not get into your head right now, she scolded herself before the chance of a bad though occurring. Kissing up to Billie’s right ear, Wilhemina felt herself growing brave, taking strength out of seemingly nowhere—an impulse, a gush of fresh air. “Sometimes,” she started, low and slow. “I can’t help but stare at you… at your legs… at your ass…” Her cheeks were burning, but Venable simply couldn’t manage to care. Stop. You’re embarrassing yourself. She ignored the voice.

With a low hum and a teasing smile, Billie Dean made sure to arch her back a tiny bit more. When had she ever heard Wilhemina talk like that? Feel safe enough to actually do so? Billie was not taking it for granted at all. The hair on her neck stood up. Her body filled with goosebumps. Go under the tights, she wanted to say, go under and touch it all… scratch me, bite me, spank me, do whatever you please. Instead, she took a deep breath, for Venable should be the one to decide when she felt ready and comfortable to explore more of Billie Dean’s body. Her insides, however, never stopped twisting and turning. “Do you like them?” She breathed out.

“Yes,” Wilhemina was quick to answer before placing a kiss right under Billie’s ear. “Yes, I do.” With a content hum, Billie Dean reached to cup Venable’s cheeks as gently as she could at the state she found herself at, pulling her up for another kiss. Wilhemina felt herself melting, tongue dancing around Billie’s, body tingling. This is enough. Stop it before you make a fool of yourself again. Except, Venable didn’t know if she actually could, for her body seemed to be on autopilot and commanded by something awfully similar to desire. She gulped. I want to have her. I need to have her. I love her. Was she even ready for it? Was she ready for Billie Dean to see the worst part of herself? To see her back, to see her spine and all the turns it took? Panic began to crawl inside her chest, clearly telling her no, demanding she stopped it, demanding she gave in once again. Wilhemina gulped yet again, struggling to keep her pace on their kiss. One of her hands softly moved up, resting on the small of Billie’s back, caressing it and trying to ground herself back to reality. I’m fully clothed, I’m safe. Her back rested against the couch a little firmer. Her heart kept on beating fast, but it no longer felt good. No, no no no, not now. Not again. Venable squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the growing feeling inside her chest.

Billie Dean was no fool; she had felt the way Wilhemina had gotten stiff out of nowhere. Her hips stopped in place, and as she was about to pull away, the oven in the kitchen began to beep continuously, letting them know that whatever was cooking was ready and nearly burning. They pulled away. Venable took a deep breath. Billie offered her a soft smile. Even though Wilhemina smiled back, she knew it was, without a doubt, time to stop. “That damn oven,” she played, for perhaps it was best to act as if she didn’t know the turmoil that was passing inside Venable’s beautiful head.