#vi fluff

You just pulled her deeper into your embrace and whispered, “never say that, you could never be a burden to me.”

That’s when Vi fell for you, maybe.

Because there just had been way too many instances she could have fallen—like all those times you didn’t ask her how she got hurt and instead focused on making sure she got better, like that time you didn’t judge her for going back to Caitlyn just to get her heart broken. You never judged her, never made her feel like she was somehow broken as a human being.

She felt seen. She felt loved when she was with you.

And she wanted to be with you for the rest of her life, but she didn’t know if this was… love beyond friendship.

She’d already struggled so much in her love life before, it felt like the universe just had to take anyone she loved dearly away from her, and the thought of exposing you to the dangers of being her partner was what terrified her and kept her awake at night.

౨ৎ BEST FRIEND!VI was drifting around so much after her breakup, you felt pity but pity wasn’t what made you approach her during training one day, and asked, “do you wanna move in with me?”

At first, she wanted to decline you right there on the spot. Not because she didn’t need a decent place to crash. But because she felt like it was entirely sympathy that made you offer her that and she wasn’t about to take advantage of her best friend.

But that’s when she saw the look in your eyes—genuine concern. And that was something Vi hadn’t seen directed towards herself in a while.

So she nodded.

Even that was hard.

It was like she was accepting defeat in her own newfound incompetence after the breakup. How was she so weak? It didn’t occur to her that she just needed to let her emotions show until she finally did move in with you.

You healed her in ways you didn’t know. You healed wounds Vi herself didn’t know existed.

౨ৎ BEST FRIEND!VI was always shocked every time you did something for her. Like she wasn’t used to the idea of someone taking care of her or simply coexisting in her space and making living easier for her.

You didn’t urge her to stop pitfighting.

You didn’t ask her to stop drinking her days away.

You stayed by her, helped her through the worst of the hangovers and bandaged her knuckles when she came back with them split open, caked with blood. Not once did you make a face when she felt too drained to take a shower.

You were gentle, but that didn’t mean you just stayed by and never did anything.

You hand washed her clothes to get rid of the blood stains and sweat stains some days. You made so much out of so little because even if you weren’t the richest woman in Zaun, you had a big heart.

And that made everything count a hundred times more.

You made her homemade meals, you listened to her go on and on about how great Caitlyn was when she got sappy and drunk. You held her through every hardship she was faced with.

Almost as if she wasn’t alone.

Almost like you were promising her a lifetime of companionship.

“I know it doesn’t feel like it.” You said, passing her a glass of water, “but eventually, you’ll pick up the pieces of yourself and you’ll learn to move on. The only way to get rid of grief is to grieve.”

Vi looked at you, her blue eyes already collecting with fresh hot tears. “Why are you so nice to me?”

You smiled slightly. “You’re my…”

“Friend” sounded like it would undermine her importance in your life at the moment so you took a deep and breath and continued—

“You’re someone really important to me. And I care about you.”

Those words made a different kind of change.

The kind of change that helped a person heal.

౨ৎ BEST FRIEND!VI fell in love slowly. It wasn’t one day of dramatic realisation. It was when she caught herself doing things for you…

Getting you flowers randomly. Telling you how beautiful you look. Holding your hand when you both are walking the streets.

The drinking slowly stopped. She started sitting with you more during meals.

She started caring for you back.

Not because she felt like she owed it to you.

But because she was falling in love.

She could be herself—the sweet, broken, shy girl deep down that she was but never showed anyone else in fear of rejection.

But it was like you saw right through her even before she initiated acting like how she felt. You made her feel loved and cared for.

Vi couldn’t see a future that didn’t include you anymore.

You became a big part of her life.

She spent time in getting to know you even better—your favourite color, favourite food, the way you nervously played with your hair when you got a little shy, the way you listened to hopeless love songs when you cooked, the way you were a little sensitive to the usual gruff nature of Zaun’s people.

And Vi knew she couldn’t take you away from all the roughness the world offered to people who lived in the Undercity.

But she could make it easier.

She longed for you, she longed to make you the happiest woman on the planet.

She didn’t need you to reciprocate romantic feelings because in her heart it was enough to know she was in love with someone who had a good heart and cared about her.

But the idea of rejection still stung.

She was still raw after everything she’d been through.

So she took her time.

౨ৎ BEST FRIEND!VI knocked the lights out of some guy that dared touch you inappropriately. This wasn’t a new occurrence but Vi losing her temper like that was new. So when you were finally in the confines of your living room, you asked her, “are you okay?”

Vi nodded, eyes set on the way your hands gently cradled her injured fist.

“Does it hurt?” You asked, dabbing at the wound with disinfectant—as if you weren’t aware she’d taken worse injuries.

Vi didn’t say anything. She just stared quietly at the way you gently patched her up.

“Why?” she then blurted.

You blinked. “Huh?”

“Why do you care so much? I’m just—I’m—”

“Because you matter.” You said gently, “I don’t know what you see every time you look in the mirror, Vi, but I see someone who’s been too strong for too long, and you need to break down every once a while,” you cupped the side of her face. “You’re only human, too.”

Vi swallowed thickly.

She didn’t know why, she leaned closer and pressed her lips to yours. She genuinely thought you’d push her away.

But you didn’t.

You closed your eyes and let her kiss you. Your hands braced on her shoulders as you kissed her back. You held her like she mattered. Like you weren’t just going to take advantage of her. Vi didn’t realise when she’d started crying.

Not sobbing. Just a few silent tears that escaped her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks as she kissed you.

Her feelings for you overwhelmed her in the best way.

౨ৎ BEST FRIEND!VI was genuinely so shocked and honoured when you said you would let her take your virginity. She gently fingered you open first just so you don’t feel too much pain when she fucked you when her strap.

“Does that feel good? Let me know if it’s too much.” She muttered, her voice filled with love and care.

Her fingers worked in your pussy, curling and twisting as she toyed with your sweet spot. Your face was buried in the crook of her neck, your moans muffled by her skin.

“You’re gonna make a mess on my fingers, cupcake?”

“Stop… you’re so embarrassing.” You said, cheeks bright red.

“You wanted this…”

“Then just fuck me…”

She kissed your forehead and moved down, lips leaving a trail of kisses on the expanse of your chest and collarbones.

“You feel like heaven on my fingers.”

Her words weren’t doing you much good. You were so wet that it was genuinely embarrassing. You were moving on her hand, grinding down, chasing the friction of her fingers inside you—until suddenly she switched her fingers for her strap.

First the head of the toy pressed against your tight opening, and you thought it wouldn’t fit until it slid in with a slight wet “pop”, burying in all the way until all of the length was in you.

You gasped, “w-wait, it hurts a little.”

Vi paused instantly, eyes slightly wide, and filled with concern—did she hurt you? That was her worst fear.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah…” you wrapped your arms around Vi, “please… keep going.”

Vi’s hands were braced on either side of your head, her hips moving back and forth as she slid in and out of you with ease, thanks to your arousal. You clenched tightly around her, the stretch providing a burning pleasure you’d never felt before.

“Good job, baby, you’re taking me so well,” she whispered, leaning forward to press a kiss to your forehead as she buried herself to the hilt.

You gasped and came with a cry of pleasure, liquids dripping alongside the sides of the toy. Your clit throbbed with need.

And although you never expected to hear yourself say this, you did;

“Please… don’t stop.”

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.”

it'd been a strange sort of conversation to have on a thursday night, you and her, drunk and high (respectively), sprawled out on the old couch in your living room, vi chuckling as you stutter yourself into a deeper and deeper corner --

"it's just -- i've never understood how it works --"

vi takes another long hit of her j, blowing out smoke, "what? scissoring?"

your blush darkens as you crinkle your nose.

"y-yeah! like how --" you place your mug of box-wine on the table and hold up both of your hands, two fingers extended as you try to simulate the motion, "it just doesn't seem like it'd be -- pleasant?"

vi grins, a bit too wide, reaches out with one of her hands to catch yours, tugging you closer.

"it's not like that -- chill -- chill -- relax your fingers, or -- legs -- whatever --" she giggles, head tipping back as she tries to wrangle one of your hands between both of hers, trying not to think too hard on the way you let yourself be manhandled into her lap, how easily you give into her instructions, how your skin smells just a bit like pastry bread, sweet and buttery and utterly, mind-bendingly delicious.

she swallows, frowning at your hand in hers --

"usually, you're like --" she tries to show you with her fingers criss-crossed with yours, "face to face, but like -- your legs are crossed --"

you giggle, watching as she tries to slot her fingers between yours.

you grab her hands in yours, shaking your head, tipping back even as she tries to yank you back into her.

"at this point, it'd be easier for you to just show me --"

your breath cuts off as vi's hands tighten around you, hauling you up and over her lap, so that somehow, you end up straddling her, your arms propped on her shoulders, your thighs on either side of her hips, her palms warm on your waist as you fight for a breath that she's long-since stolen.

there's a storm brewing behind the horizons of her ocean eyes, and lightning strikes against the flintstones in your stomach, setting your body ablaze as she bites her lips and looks up at you, her eyes going dark in the static-ridden light.

"yeah? you... you want me to show you how it's done?"

you swallow, saltwater and caramel, slick and sweet down your throat as you search her eyes for any sign of uncertainty.

you find none -- only the hard-lined want you'd become oh-so familiar with as the days went on. the way you'd catch her watching you sometimes, right after you shower, the way you'd find yourself watching her, when she's trying to show off how well she a can flip a pancake in the pan, in nothing but boxers and a tank top.

"i-is that weird?" you ask, chewing on your bottom lip.

vi lets out a soft groan, her eyes darkening as she catches the gesture.

"no -- i mean -- we're friends, right?" she asks, her voice so laced with want she can almost taste it.

you nod, your eyes caught in the net of her gaze, almost in a trance as you let your eyes slick down to her lips.

she leans up to kiss you; you lean down to let her.

it's simple after that -- and so, so easy -- her hoisting you up easy as anything, the pair of you tumbling into her bed, her asking in a voice that's almost a whisper (as if she's afraid she'll wake one of you up from this tender, tenuous daydream) --

"is this okay?"

you nod, eager, fingers sliding into her hair as she groans and peels the sleep shorts from you, tugging down your underwear along with it.

it's only been ten minutes, but vi thinks that it's been centuries, or perhaps only the span of a few seconds. she can't think when she's got you pinned beneath her like this, and she knows she must look a bit unhinged from where you are, sweat shining on her skin as she works her hips down over yours, intent on finding just the perfect angle.

"vi -- oh -- that feels --"

"a-ah fuck, princess -- holy shit --" vi jerks above you, a familiar coil tightening in her stomach as she tries to slow down her pace, to draw it out -- she wants to savor this, to remember this --

"vi -- vi -- mmngh -- th-that's s-so good -- you're making me -- oh god --" you're tugging on her arms, fingers looping around her wrists like bracelets, squeezing her tight as your head tips back and vi leans down to sink her teeth into the bared skin of your throat.

"shit, shit, shit -- no one's gonna -- gonna make you feel this good, hm? pretty g-girl -- no one but me -- fuck --" she rolls her hips, a breath hitching out of her as she feels your swollen clits catch, and then you're squirming beneath her, wetness slicking down your puffy pussy lips, the slick of it nearly throwing her off-pace as she sucks a dark hickey into your skin.

"o-only you, vi -- fuck, please, please, please --" you cum with a hard spasm, fire eating through you as vi whines into the crook of your neck, her own orgasm hitting her half a second later. and it's all you can do to reach out and hold her to you, letting her ride out the waves of her pleasure in soft jerks and heavy pants against you.

"h-hoooly shit..." vi puffs out a laugh against your collarbones as she pushes herself back up. you blink blearily up at her, a tired giggle bubbling out of you as vi pulls back and you both grimace at the soft shluck of your bodies coming apart, sticky with cum and sweat and whatever else.

"w-well --" you say, "i -- that was -- i think i get it now --"

vi stares at you for a second before breaking into a fit of laughter. you join in a second later, reaching for a wad of tissues from her bedside table and handing her a few. she takes it from you with a wide grin.

"and you thought it wouldn't be pleasant."

you crinkle your nose, making a face as the pair of you try in vain to mop up the mess between your bodies. vi holds out her hand for your tissue and you hesitate for a second before dropping it into her open palm.

"thanks," you say.

vi shrugs, biting her lip, her nose ring glinting in the warm glow of her study lamp. she turns to toss both wads into the trash bin by the door. you whoop as they fall in, one after the other.

"what are friends for, right?" she asks, turning back around with a loping grin. there's a kaleidoscope of color caught in the rings of her eyes, and a sadness that you don't have the time to unpack. so you shove back the wince that threatens to shake apart your composure at her words and smile right back.

"y-yeah -- right -- friends."

you tell him in a choked up voice that you’re not driving and that you’re not alone— being at work is not alone, right? you have plenty of people around you, it didn’t matter, because you didn’t have time to get caught up in the semantics of safety check protocol, not now, not when you needed to know what was wrong with your wife. you needed to know if vi was okay, you needed to know if she was alive, if she was breathing, if today would be the last time you ever got a call saying that she’s injured, or worse…

you can hear captain vander prepping his voice on the other side of the call, clearing his throat and breathing hard through his nose, the dual combination of sound told you that he, himself was getting caught up in his head, that remaining impartial and stoic and following proper procedure was almost as painful for him as it was for you. it’s never easy when a firefighter is down, it’s harder when it’s your favourite. “this is deputy chief vander from station 19.” he continues, following protocol to a t, maybe because it was the only thing he could do at the moment, but the waiver in his voice gave him away, and it ended up making you even more worried, whatever happened was serious, whatever happened was real, whatever happened wasn’t good. “i’m calling to inform you that violet was involved in an incident during a structure fire twenty minutes ago, she’s being transported to piltover general hospital, she’s unconscious but her breathing is stable, so are her vitals” he reassures. who? you don’t know, because it’s certainly not you.

you lean back against the closest wall of the hospital that you can find, your breathing shallow and your eyes stinging with unshed tears. twenty minutes, for some reason your brain is fixated on that one detail, twenty minutes where vi has been unconscious, twenty minutes where she has been in the back of a cold ambulance, alone, possibly fighting for her life.

you feel sick.

until— the unexpected happens, you hear commotion near the main entrance of the hospital, near the er— right, you are still working, and the sick and the dying don’t wait for your internal turmoil to be over, you signed up for this after all, but it was in moments like these where you wish that you hadn’t— wait did captain vander say that vi was being transported to piltover general?— you walk towards the scene in quick, rapid steps, only to be met with hot pink hair and pale skin laying flat on a gurney.

vi, your vi.

you feel your heart stop and everything resembling heat leaving your body when you see her, laying down like a patient because that was what she was— a patient, someone who’s hurt, someone who had the possibility of not walking out of the front door with her life intact, but she wasn’t just someone she was your someone, and that detail alone rendered your brain useless and unable to process the gravity of the situation, let alone anything else, because it couldn’t possibly be true, it couldn’t possibly comprehend that the person laying on the stretcher was vi, your vi, the same vi that called you in the middle of her shift to say that she misses you, the same vi who pouts if you don’t kiss her before leaving the house— now rendered, unresponsive, in a hospital bed.

it was unthinkable.

it was too much.

so much so that you let go of whatever professionalism was still coursing through your veins and immediately make your way to her, only to be pushed back— only personnel is allowed— you argue that you are personnel only to be shut down again, you couldn’t work on family, you knew that, but the rational side of your brain was currently shut off for the moment.

hours passed while vi was in surgery— crush injuries, they said— captain vander had come in to explain it to you, explain how the roof had given out from the building she was in and how she was stuck underneath, no vital organs were damaged, that should be a comfort. but it wasn’t because she wasn’t awake, she wasn’t speaking and she still wasn’t cleared for visitors.

when the nurse finally came out of her room and started walking in your direction your knees almost gave out under you, you’re sure that if you weren’t sitting down you would be on the floor right about now. you try to focus on what the nurse is currently saying to you, you really do. but it’s like you have earmuffs covering your ears and you’re only able to string together bits and pieces of her dialogue. “the surgery went well, we have violet stabilised in her room…” but you’re more interested in the next thing that comes out of her mouth. “she hasn’t woken up from surgery yet, but she has been cleared for visitors.”

you rush down the hall and immediately open the door of the antiseptic smelling-like room, getting in quickly and closing the door behind you only to be met with the pale, beat up image of your wife.

you feel tears start to well up in your eyes, again, you hated seeing her like this, so unresponsive, so fragile, so vulnerable. you pull out a plastic chair from the side of the room and sit next to the hospital bed, her hospital bed, grabbing her hand and stroking your fingers over the callouses of her otherwise soft skin, you pull her hand to your lips and press a feather light kiss against each of her knuckles.

“hey… cupcake don’t you think it’s a little bit unprofessional to be kissing your unconscious patients like that?” vi’s otherwise playful voice sounds out, startling you in the process— vi’s voice… she’s awake!— so much so that you let go of her hand, which causes her to let out a discontented grunt from her chapped lips.

you roll your eyes affectionately at her joke, only to stop yourself from crying further, deciding instead to debate her previous statement, just to fill in the silence. “i wasn’t kissing you, you asshole.” you rebuke. “and you’re not my patient.”

vi rolls her eyes right back at you, before hitting her chest in a mock offended way. “still counts.” she debates, moving to sit up, in order to be able to argue with you properly, only to plop back down on the stretcher, her body burning with pain. “ouch, I feel like i got run over by a firetruck.” she plays it off, laughing— painfully, but you know better.

“worse.” you remind her.

vi splutters. “yea, yea, sure feels like it.” she groans, moving her arm up to cover her eyes only to be met with more pain, from her harsh movements.

you can’t take it, seeing her being so careless, even now, while laying in a stretcher, bruised, burned and beaten. “what is wrong with you?” you snap, but your voice is wavering and your eyes are filled with unspilled tears, your head or your heart are working overtime due to the fact that she could’ve died but is now awake— utterly unable to process whether to be relieved at her unbelievable luck or angry at her unbearable stupidity.

“what do you mean, baby?” vi asks back, turning her head in your direction, her movements stiff, due to the heavy cocktail of pain relief medication and left over pain she’s currently on.

“you’re so stupid, you could have died, do you know that and then what?” you argue or rather cry out, your eyes stinging with tears that are threatening to come out and make their way down your cheeks. “i hate you.” a lie, and you had the waterworks to prove it.

vi only manages a smile at your outburst, loving and sweet, god she’s infuriating. “i love you too.” she rebukes, like she hadn’t heard a word of what you just said. “you know that?” she continues. “more than anything in this world.”

you don’t respond, you can’t, too fixated on her forehead, specially on the crease in between her eyebrows— a tell-tale sign that she’s downplaying the amount of pain that she’s currently on— in order to prevent yourself from crying— it isn’t working.

vi frowns, and grabs your hand, running her mouth over your knuckles the way you had done earlier to her unconscious form. “i’m. sorry. baby. it. won’t. happen. again.” she punctuates each word with a kiss on your skin.

“no you’re not, and yes it will.” you admonish, because of course it will, vi wasn’t the kind of person to run away from danger to save her own skin, it was what had attracted you to her in the first place, how selfless she was, how inclined she was to to the right thing, what you hadn’t taken into account was how hard it would be to be in a long term relationship with someone like that, the constant worry, the phone calls saying she’s been injured and is currently fighting for her life.

“come here.” vi commands, voice impossibly soft while patting the space next to her on the hospital bed.

you almost go to her, out of reflex more than anything else, before remembering the state that she’s currently in. “you’re hurt.” you point out, looking at her defiantly, but the look on your wife’s face tells you that it’s not coming across as you had anticipated.

“i’m fine.” she reassures, liar.

“you’re not.”

“cupcake.” vi says, in that strong, grave voice of hers, the one that leaves no room for argument. “come keep me company.” she says, again, her light coloured eyes trained on your figure, defiant as ever, even after surgery, she was still the most stubborn woman in all of zaun and possibly the world.

you move to the right side of the hospital bed, accessing her injuries and deciding that that was her safest side— or at least the side that was less damaged, and lay down next to her, careful not to put too much pressure on her tender skin, but once you do, once you feel her body against your own, it’s like all your defences shatter and your walls fall down, because she was here, she was okay. you swallow down hard but that doesn’t stop the tears from flowing down free from your eyes to your cheeks. “i was so scared.” you confess, your voice small and vulnerable before hiding your tear stained face in the crook of her neck.

vi smiles, sadly, she hates seeing you upset, especially over her, the corners of her mouth turning up almost imperceptibly while her calloused hands move on top of your head. “i know.” she reassures. “but you’re strong, okay? you are a superstar.”

that makes you laugh. “no, i’m not.” you argue— you don’t feel super right now— before returning your face to its rightful spot on vi’s marred skin.

“yes, you are.” vi debates, before pressing a chaste kiss to the top of your head. “you’re my superstar, you know that?” she asks, her voice soft with just a touch of playfulness, now she was sounding more like herself.

“still hate you.” You huff out, clinging to her like she was about to disappear on you.

vi laughs, throwing her head back and everything. “and I still love you, superstar.” she says again, like it was the truest thing in the world, maybe it was. “more than anything, i wasn’t lying about that.” she speaks into your skin.

“i love you too.” you tell her verbally, for the first time today.

“i know.” vi whispers in your ear, her fingers still moving on top of your head, because she knew you did, of course you did, you don’t cry over people you hate being in a hospital bed, fighting for their life.

usually, anyway.

꣓ 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 :

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“You’re incorrigible.”

She looks exquisite, breath-taking and disarrayed, and infinitely going to mess up your life kind of way. Her black, baggy muscle tank doesn’t show the outline of her abs that you know are there. What it does do is highlight her biceps in the dimly light library. Her shoulders that only seem to get wider in time, more defined in horrible ways that make you never want to give her up.

Unfortunately, it's exactly what lands you here. The very same reason you’ll hate yourself later. Just say no to her. It’s not hard. She’s only a woman. There’s so many out there. Other fish in the sea and what everyone on this god-green earth has spoken to you in the past.

You wonder if there’s more of her that can do what she’s doing with her tongue. A thought you cursed out of your mind for three consecutive days. Monday through Wednesday, you locked yourself up, besides the flow of your classes, pure isolation is the only solution you managed to find.

The stir-crazy brain got a grip on you as you shuffled your way into the library—it feels a lot like admitting defeat. It’s the only place you frequent, and exactly where she can find you.

The drill of the week chipping at you, your concentration hardly being able to resist when she sits next to you in the hidden corner of non-fiction memoirs on the third floor. These books have been collecting dust practically since the dawn of time. You should have known better than to think you could possibly be undisturbed for a week straight.

Once she found you, little to no probing you was needed. Vi makes you stand, because she’s absolutely insufferable, and she sinks to her knees. Overworked hands with her calloused palms and fingers tips kiss along your skin. She dips into the waistband, pulling them slowly until they hit the bottom of heels.

You have this whole, preppy look going on and Vi can't deny it always works on her. Short skirts, and your tight white and cream button ups that really do anything and everything for her. She can already feel her boxers clinging to her, sticky and sweet, all and becoming saccharine she’s been missing.

“Don’t get too loud, honeybee. Can’t have anyone know the smartest girl on campus fucks below her grade-point average.”

That stupid name falling off her tongue makes you want to rip her hair out from the root, but all you do is keep her locked underneath your wool skirt. Violently carefully nails scraping in annoyance on her scalp. Last time you wore this outfit, Vi maneuvered her hands underneath and let her fingers fuck you in the co-op stall with your date down the hall.

It’s when you learned Vi didn’t like splitting your time with anyone else.

She's not what you usually go for. Arrogant, self-obsessed, but surprisingly sweet in a way you obstain from admitting. Her mouth gets in the way of it. Whether she’s on her knees like she is now, or letting dumb shit fly off the handle. Today, she’s managed to do both at the same time.

This time though? She’s practically boasting from the dig. Knowing you had the attention of her ex-girfriend, and might have even fucked her if Vi learned the capability of keeping her distance. “I really didn’t know—”

Vi shuts you up, lips wrapped around your clit, and a heavy moan leaves your mouth. You cover it when she flicks over your sensitive bundle of nerves, drawing patterns with her free hand on your thigh in the way she learned you enjoy.

“I can't really blame Cait—” She lavishes your cunt in a heated swirl of her tongue before her lips linger at the apex of your thighs, letting her fingers do the work for her while she speaks at you. “We always did have the same taste in women. It really must suck for her that you’re so obsessed with me.”

“I am not obsessed with you.”

Vi sinks another finger in, enjoying the instant possessive clench around her. “What about now?”

Without losing the power she has, Vi softly stands, while she keeps fucking you, until she’s looking at you, directly in the eye with her broad shoulders squaring against your frame. Her hot breath pressing against your neck as she flicks her wrist, her fingers curling until you grip onto her shoulder for leverage.

“Just admit it, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.” Vi’s lips monopolize on the curve of your jaw, the expanse of your neck, and just behind your ear. The sharp intake of your breath stirs a groan within her. Animialstic as it soars through her chest. “You always wanna be with me, huh?”

With one hand having her way with you, she lets the other precisely unbutton your shirt. The first time she hasn’t ripped one off, leaving you to awkwardly walk back to the parking lot to your car. Vi’s picks up her pace, enjoying the rapid fall of your chest every second you get closer.

“You’re so full of yourself.” You try to bite convincingly, but Vi does it much better when her teeth playfully sink into your neck.

“Maybe.” Vi slides her left hand underneath the wiring of your bra, tweaking your already peaked nipple. “But I do know when a pretty girl likes my company, and my fingers—and likes it even more when I fuck her with my mouth.”

“Shut up, Violet.”

“Oh, are you close already, baby?” Her thumb plays with your clit, applying more pressure as your hips buck into her. “You do always get a little bratty when you try to avoid me and realize where home is.”

A roll of your eyes doubles, and you’re about to tell her off. Really roll right over her. Let her cocky smirk slide right off her beautiful goddamn, scarred lips. Vi’s quick to see maybe she’s pushed you too far. So, she does the one think that always sets you off.

Popping your full breasts out of the lace cup, and one of them delectably falls in her eager mouth. It’s far too much, too soon, and you can hardly catch your breath.

“Vi, please—”

Your hips are riding her fingers as much as you can. Making sure she keeps them curled and sinking into the spot you’re chasing. This is when she really does you in. She goes all sweet, her alter-ego taking over, and she sheds her second-skin like a snake. This is the unfiltered version of her. Vi doesn’t put on a show. She’s not cocky and triumphant about fucking you. She’s full of honey and dreams. Sticky and too damn sweet.

It’s short lived, lasts as long as your orgasm does, and it’s your deadly secret you keep at night when your vibrator is between your thighs, trying to replicate the high. The reason you are obsessed like she claims. It has little to do with how she fucks. When she’s eager and putting all her strength into nimble and capable fingers. While it bodes well for your libido, your heart crushes underneath the weight of her compliments that leave her breathe in the secluded corner.

Almost like Vi blacks out when you beg.

It brings out the sweet-tooth in her, and you’re the sweetest piece of candy she’s ever tried.

“My sweet and smart, honeybee.” Vi pulls off your tits, and consumes your mouth, tongue and teeth overwhelming your every sense. “Be my sweet girl, yeah? My pretty girl always get what she wants, doesn’t she? Come for me, baby. I know you’re right there.”

And you do.

“what’s your deal, anyways? you totally flirt with her whenever she’s at the bar. not even we get that good of service,” gert points out. they’re searching through a stack of cd’s and cassette tapes for something to play. 

“that was before.” 

you walk over to sit next to gert, taking it upon yourself to choose the music. you settle on jagged little pill; alanis morrissette’s lush voice is a welcomed addition to your conversation.

“our funding is at risk,” you explain. “it’s like the dean assigned her to us because she knew it would end terribly and the board would have an excuse to finally cut us loose.” 

“if they need an excuse, they’ll find one,” gert grumbles.

you shrug. “i just think violet is bad news, which is something i’d prefer we avoid..”

“the article does say that she punched maddie nolan in the face during an exhibition game against the piltover knights.”

“see? bad news. literally.”

“well, i think we lucked out,” sky gushes, though her focus remains on finishing her current project. she’s crocheting so fast that you only catch glimpses of her sparkly pink fingernails. you’re sure she’ll be done with this blanket before violet shows up. if she even bothers to show up. “the yellowjackets might’ve lost their captain, but we get to spend quality time with the hottest butch on campus.”

“whatever,” you sigh, though you don’t disagree with that description. you check the clock again — 11:11am — and settle against the worn couch. “since we have the time — mel, why don’t you read our horoscopes? i’m itching to see what the universe has in store for us today.” 

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

vi spent the better part of last night crying and getting wasted in her bathtub with cheap dye burning into her scalp. 

she just couldn’t stand the memory of caitlyn kiramman’s perfectly manicured nails running through her formerly pink locks as they kissed, tugging on vi’s hair to bring her closer —

enough. fucking pull yourself together. 

cait’s moved on, that much is clear, with someone more like her. someone whose last name is on buildings all around the university of piltover’s campus.

so far, no amount of bar fights or red cards or late nights in some random girl’s bed seem to mend the heart that caitlyn shattered to pieces, but vi doesn’t give up easy.

soon enough, she’ll be back on the field, leading the yellowjackets to victory at nationals; she’ll finish all her classes, graduate with honors and have a great plan for an even greater future; all while having amazing, mind-blowing sex that won’t lead to serious heartbreak.

relationships are overrated, anyways. 

the first step in this plan: spending 100 hours with a bunch of angry, bra-burning lesbians.

maybe vi will fit right in.

so, vi walks into her community service assignment with a wicked migraine and hands that look like lady macbeth plotted to murder an oil spill, but with her usual confident swagger nonetheless, as conversation echoes down the hallway.

“according to your rising, there will be a much needed spark in your romantic life. my guess is a fire sign is gonna sweep you off your feet.”

another voice chimes in, a gentle rumble. “could that be your sweet jules?” 

“i’ve never asked about her chart,” an achingly familiar voice replies. it brings back memories of dizzying lights and strong whiskey coursing through her blood, but something else, too. a sky full of stars and too-sweet alcohol on her tongue. “paula was a fire sign, though, and that blew up in my face.”

“paula was a walking red flag.”

“yeah, well, apparently red’s my favorite color.”

“maybe that was just the heartbreak you needed to bring passion back into your life. do you feel that with jules?”

“i don’t know — maybe? we haven’t had sex yet.” 

“passion isn’t just about sex, you know —”

“gert, i love you, but i cannot handle a sex therapy session right now.”

someone else giggles, bright and bubbly. “hm, i wonder what sign our pink-haired hottie is.” 

vi clears her throat to announce her arrival, leaning against the doorway.

everyone turns to look at her then, with varying degrees of shock, and vi feels like she’s just walked into an after midnight roommate vent session.

she isn’t sure what she expected the space to look like, but zaun university’s women’s centre is well-lived in, defined by a sort of organized chaos. each wall is covered in posters and collages, multicolored flags and fairy lights; there’s a shelf in the corner with assorted trinkets and books piled high, a table next to it with baskets of condoms, pads, and tampons and informational pamphlets, and a door in the opposite corner, slightly ajar. a vintage boombox placed on the coffee table plays 90s alt rock, circled by mismatched seating with patterned blankets and brightly colored pillows strewn about.

someone with dark lipstick and an eyebrow piercing is drawing on their converse; a dark brunette wearing glasses is draping a blanket over the arm of a couch; another person is scrolling on their laptop, a gold necklace glittering on their collarbones. 

vi’s attention is stuck on you, though, the origin of the aforementioned familiar voice: the very hot bartender from sappho’s, where vi happened to be kicked out of not even 72 hours prior. 

you’re wearing a vintage wonder woman t-shirt tucked into faded blue jeans with a carabiner clipped to a belt loop. the sleeves of your shirt are rolled up, displaying your array of tattoos — vi’s already decided that her favorites are joan of arc holding her sword, a pomegranate that’s been cracked open, and lyrics from bikini kill’s ‘rebel girl’ (which admittedly, vi had to look up when she first saw). it’s everything vi’s booze-soaked brain had apparently memorized after many nights of staring at you across the bar counter, licking up whatever honeyed flirtations you’d spill from your lips. vi always noticed your hands, too: the many rings you’ve stacked on your fingers, the lavender sprig sprouting from your middle finger and venus symbol etched onto your wrist, the nails that are always clipped short and painted black. 

one of those nails is tapping anxiously on your coffee mug, which has a picture of hayley kiyoko as lesbian jesus.

“pink-haired hottie, reporting for duty. though, i might need a new nickname.” vi grins; you roll your eyes. “i’m an aries, by the way.”

“good to know.” the brunette winks not-so-subtly in your direction before walking towards vi and extending a hand, gold bangles clinking together at the motion. “i’m sky, she/her. we had electromagnetic theory together last spring. it’s lovely to officially meet you.”

vi makes a big show of leaning down and kissing sky’s hand.

“nice to meet you, too, sweetheart.”

“such a gentleman,” sky giggles and leads vi to the patchwork couch. she curls up like a cat, and vi follows suit — the couch is cloud soft, and vi tries not to sink into the cushions. “i’m our supplies and communications coordinator.” she turns away from vi to look around the room. “okay, that’s my intro. who’s next?”

the person with an eyebrow piercing nods at vi, a sort of effortless greeting. “gert, they/them.” they snap the sharpie shut after writing ‘the future is intersectional’ on the tip of their toe. “i curate and design our newsletter, the black rose. i’m also in a band —”

“the sirens of zaun. yeah, i recognize you. you’ve played a few gigs at sappho’s.” 

vi looks at you pointedly, and you take this as your cue to disappear behind the door, which appears to lead into some sort of office.

gert seems pleased, though. “then you might also recognize our lead singer….”

the person with the gold necklace, who vi does, in fact, vaguely recognize but can’t quite name, closes their laptop and waves at vi. “i’m mel. pronouns: she/her. i mostly deal with the finances around here. and, from what i understand, you’re already well acquainted with our fearless leader —”

mel is cut off by the sound of her phone alarm. 

“shit — it’s already 11:30. our set at campus radio starts soon.” mel gestures at gert. gert picks up the bright red guitar case behind them and secures it around their shoulder as mel packs up her leather satchel. 

“damn, i gotta get to class, too. the space-time continuum waits for no one.” sky gets up and gathers her things, too, stuffing yarn into a fruit-printed tote bag. “it was nice meeting you though.” she pats vi’s head affectionately before throwing out a loud: “see ya later, boss!”

mel and gert offer similar farewells, and you shout goodbye from the other room before the three of them are out the door. vi expects you to reappear a few moments later; when you don’t, she ventures into the office.

it’s smaller, but just as decorated as the lounge space. there’s a desk that seems to be more storage than actual use, littered with piles of books and old copies of the black rose. you’re sitting on a fluffy rainbow carpet that looks like every member of sesame street stitched together, writing something in a sticker-covered notebook. 

“so, violet —”

“vi’s fine,” she tells you. she decides to sit on the floor next to you rather than the zebra striped chaise lounge.

you nod, rip a page out of your notebook, and hand it to vi. there’s something a bit too intimate about knowing what your handwriting looks like before even knowing your name. 

“this is a run down of everything you’ll need to know, but real quick: we do feminist film fridays and trivia tuesdays on alternating weeks; our radical reads book club meets once a month, along with our slam poetry group, and we have a bunch of other events in between — workshops, art builds, discussion groups, and so on. sky keeps everything in the centre stocked, and occasionally the rest of us will pitch in when organizing a charity drive. our newsletter publishes the third wednesday of every month — gert puts it together, but we print in pairs since it could be a lot of work for one person. we have team meetings once a week to share updates, make sure we’re all on the same page, stuff like that. any questions?” 

“wow, okay. that’s a lot.”

you smile. “i’m sure you’ll be able to keep up, varsity.” 

“so….where do i fit in?” 

“that depends on you, really,” you tap your glitter gel pen on your notebook, thinking. “like, i’m assuming you’re not well versed in feminist literature.”

vi puffs out her chest. “based on what assumptions? i’m not a dumb jock.”

“yeah, i know you’ve made the dean list ever since your freshman year.” 

vi raises an eyebrow. “keeping tabs on me, wonder woman?” she teases. 

you laugh. “don’t flatter yourself. sky’s the one who mentioned it to me. so, unless you mean your very large, unpaid tab at sappho’s...”

“the bar i was kicked out of, you mean.”

“well, yeah, because you —” you take a deep breath. “not the point. anyways, we don’t have a complete schedule for book club, so you can maybe take the lead on one of our meetings. do you have a favorite author?” 

vi smiles at you sheepishly. “ah…..you got me there.”

“thought so,” you smirk and vi covers her blush. “if you’re curious, this bridge called my back is a good place to start. oh, and audre lorde is a classic and a personal favorite…..” you pause when you catch vi staring at you. she wants you to keep talking, to appreciate the way your eyes light up so enthusiastically, but you blink away, and a veil of professionalism falls back onto you. “sorry. anyways, we’re having trivia tomorrow — would you be able to help us out with that?

vi nods. “sure.”

“sweet.” you check your phone. “i’ve got a coffee date, so i should get going.”

“wait — you never told me your name, wonder woman.”

“well, it’s not diana prince,” you quip before finally introducing yourself. 

“nice to finally put a name to the face.” vi winks at you, standing up. she extends a hand to guide you up. your hand is cold against her skin, your metal rings even colder.

“i’ll see you around, varsity.” before you’re out the door, you turn back around. “oh, and vi?”

“yeah?”

“don’t be late.”

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

you had stepped away for a quick smoke break — a habit you knew you had to kick — but you’re so fucking drained and it’s only wednesday. 

you were up all night bickering with your girlfriend. it started with her admitting that she really doesn’t want to meet your friends, which transitioned into her asking you to not talk to anyone about her or your relationship, which prompted you to make a (maybe slightly insensitive) comment about how she’s welcome to stay in the closet but has no right to push you back in. 

needless to say, you did not get any sleep.

you’re about to walk outside, and finally get a moment of peace, when your phone rings. it’s your sibling, and the fact that they’re calling instead of texting tells you that this conversation is about to be (A) exhausting, (B) infuriating, or (C) both.

the correct answer is C.

it’s the same story over and over again: your dad drinks too much, your mom is absent. it hadn’t been this bad when you were growing up, but you suppose you’d been around to ease the damage, or at least step in and take care of your sibling as needed. 

“just — take a deep breath. you can come stay with me for the weekend, okay? it’ll be good for you to get away from the chaos for a bit….we’ll go apple picking if the weather’s nice, maybe start working on your halloween costume — whatever you wanna do.”

“you know, i’m not five anymore,” they mumble, stifling a small laugh along with some tears. “but…okay. that sounds nice.”

you smile to yourself, shoulder pressing against the door. “it’s a plan then. we’ll sort out the details later. and, don’t worry about mom and dad — i’ll take care of it. love you.” 

you hang up and exhale as you finally push the door open, happy to finally get one moment to breathe.

except, just as you’re greeted by a crisp breeze on this beautiful late september evening, you’re also greeted by the sight of vi pressing someone against the brick wall, their legs wrapped around her waist as she kisses their neck.

something ignites in your abdomen, familiar after many nights of seeing vi at the bar, charming her way into another woman’s bed. except, it’s definitely not jealousy, this time.

(okay, maybe it is; but only a bit.)

they spring apart upon hearing the door slam closed. you recognize who vi’s with — maya, a sophomore who’s frequently attended women’s centre events since last year. she’s always been friendly with the team, but never this friendly.

“oh my gosh, i am so sorry!”

“you don’t have to apologize,” you tell her sincerely. her cheeks are flushed, and she’s busy smoothing down her skirt, clearly trying to distance herself from vi, who’s leaning against the wall nonchalantly. “i just need to talk to violet, so do you mind giving us a sec?”

you wait until maya disappears inside to cross your arms and glare at vi.

“so, it’s violet now, huh?” she teases, wiping red lipstick off her smirk.

“you were supposed to be helping facilitate this workshop,” you note. 

“well, it is a queer sex ed workshop.” vi rolls her eyes. “i was giving maya a hands-on experience.”

you grit your teeth together. “and you just had to do that now? like you just had to go down on that third year during trivia last week?”

“well, see, i don’t have a ton of free time, and since i’m not allowed at the local lesbian bar….” she trails off, looking at you pointedly. “i’ve had to resort to multi-tasking.”

“multi-tasking.” you let an exhausted, bitter laugh slip from your lips. “you’ve showed up late to every single event in the past few weeks, and once you’re there, you’re either on your laptop, getting drunk, or hooking up with someone. tell me, violet, as captain of the yellowjackets — if someone on your team was acting like this, what would you do?”

vi narrows her eyes at you, like she can’t believe what you’re asking, and admits, “i’d call them out, tell them to do better.”

“right. and if they kept giving you empty promise after empty promise? you’d have to do something more drastic, even if you didn’t want to, yeah?”

no response.

shaking your head, you take out a cigarette. there’s only silence when you flick the lighter open and light it between your lips. you inhale deeply, letting the smoke enter your lungs, exhale slowly, and decide: “i’m gonna ask the dean to reassign you.”

“fine by me,” vi scoffs, but you swear that something close to disappointment flashes across her face. “clearly, this isn’t working out.”

“clearly.” you take another drag of your cigarette, and as vi walks back inside, you can’t help but try to get under her skin. you’ve had a bad week, between family drama and turbulence in your relationship with jules, and you’re just sick of people not giving a shit. “the year’s already started, so i doubt there’s something available. which means you’ll remain on academic probation until spring.”

and, okay — you do get some twisted satisfaction in how that makes vi stop in her tracks. you’re leaning against the wall, and she strides over to stand in front of you, her jaw and fists clenched.

“i’ll miss the whole tournament.”

you shrug, and blow smoke in her face. “i’ve given you plenty of chances.”

“but the team needs me —”

“you should have thought of that before you fucked up, varsity,” you snap. vi’s eyes widen; you’re usually more level-headed. “you’re cocky, irresponsible  — ”

“i lost my scholarship,” vi blurts out, prompting you to pause, the cigarette millimeters from your lips. 

you blink at her, blood still roaring in your ears.

“i…don’t know why that’s relevant.”

vi just sighs, so deeply that you feel it in your bones. you haven’t seen this side of her before — no flirtatious smile, no overconfident posture. instead, she slips to the ground, knees pressed to her chest. feeling a bit guilty for pushing her buttons, you slide down next to her. you offer her the cigarette, but she shakes her head.

“i…i’m going through a shitty breakup. i’ve been lashing out, and i lost my scholarship. i haven’t asked my parents for money, because the last thing i want is for them to worry about me. so, i started picking up these odd jobs to make ends meet, and the hours are a bit crazy so between school and practice and — fuck, there’s also shit going on with my sister that i won’t even get into now, but it’s a lot — and i also need to do this because i let my team down and i need to be there for them, whatever it takes, and i’m just so fucking —”

“exhausted, yeah.” 

you can see more clearly now — the slump in her shoulders, the shadows underneath her eyes; you see her more clearly. you realize that you might have more in common with violet rose atlas than you initially thought.

“so the laptop —”

“finishing assignments.”

“the drinking?”

vi juts her chin out at your smouldering cigarette. “we all have our vices.”

“and the sex?”

her lips curl into a sheepish grin, and she shrugs. “we all need to relieve stress.”

you clear your throat, blinking away from her gaze and trying to ignore how you can feel warmth radiating from her body, so close to yours. “right.”

vi runs her hand through her tar-black hair. that should have been your first hint — nothing says lesbian breakup more than terribly dyed hair and questionable decisions. 

“look, i know i can’t do everything, but i have to, and i’m still trying to figure out how.”

“well….as far as excuses go, it’s not the worst,” you admit. “thanks for telling me. i know that couldn’t have been easy.” you take a deep breath and get to your feet. “i stand by what i said earlier, though — this isn’t working out. you just can’t tell us that you’ll be helpful and not follow through. it means a lot, to a lot of people, that there’s a space like this on campus. mel, gert, sky— they all work so hard to make that happen, and that’s something i need to protect. i’m sorry.”

“wait.” vi grabs your wrist before you can leave. “i’m sorry. really, i am. i promise to do better.”

“you’ve made that promise before,” you point out. “why should i believe this time will be different?”

“because…you’re right. i’ve been too caught up in myself, in what i need, in what my team needs. i can see that you really care about your team, though, and i should have respected that. they’re — you’re — amazing, everything that you do to make people feel safe and heard and loved. i’m sorry for taking that for granted.”

wow. okay. 

you did not expect that. you’re hoping that vi can’t feel your pulse quicken at her words, but you’re glad that she’s holding on to you, keeping you steady.

“yeah, well…flattery’s not gonna get you far.” you clear your throat. “but, you’re obviously going through a lot right now, and it can drive you crazy, feeling like you’re the one who —”

“has to keep everything together,” vi finishes, sliding to the ground once more. you follow. “seems like i’m cracking under pressure, this time. fucking everything up.”

“you’ve got a reckless streak.”

“must be the aries in me,” she laughs, softly. “apparently it’s my Ieast attractive quality. along with my stubbornness and selfishness.”

“well, i don’t think that’s the whole picture,” you assure her. vi looks at you incredulously. “i won’t lie and say that your actions aren’t….thoughtless sometimes. you’re more self-centred than selfish—”

“hey!” 

“but you obviously feel some sense of responsibility, for your team, your family, for what you think is right. hell — the reason my boss asked me to kick you out is because you started a bar fight with that frat boy who was insisting he had the right dick to set lesbians straight.”

vi scoffs. “asshole.”

“i was about to throw him out, but you beat me to the punch. literally.” you nudge your shoulder against vi’s, and she chuckles. “and, yeah, you’re stubborn, which can be annoying, but it also means that you’d never give up, that you’re willing to keep trying despite the odds, so….” 

“so….?”

vi’s looking at you with the widest, softest eyes. fuck, you never expected her to be this gentle, so much so that it you want to melt to her every need. 

“i’m hoping third time’s the charm, varsity.”

vi smiles, the most sincere one she’s probably ever given you, and the scar on her lip stretches; for all your talk about responsibility, there’s a part of you who’d risk pushing your already tenuous relationship with your girlfriend to its breaking point just so you could kiss vi, guilt-free, just once. maybe you have a bit of a reckless streak, too.

“thanks, wonder woman. you won’t regret it.”

yeah. you kind of already do.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

vi would never admit it, but one reason she fought to keep her community service assignment here is because she wanted to keep seeing you. 

she likes getting under your skin, seeing those pretty eyes roll whenever she strides in late for a meeting, that kissable jaw clench any time you catch her tangled up with someone else. 

it almost makes up for all those nights at sappho’s you’d spent flirting back and forth, some sort of unspoken agreement between you to never go further.

sometimes, it’s just nice to have a crush in your back pocket, to know that they’ll always be there to admire and admire you back while others come and go.

the more time you spend together, though, the more vi realizes that you’re not just a fictional character in her head, in a fantasy she pictures before bed — no, you’re tangible.

vi watches as you bring special tea for gert when their period cramps are particularly painful; she listens to you console mel after another fight with her mother and offer advice to sky when she was hoping to ask out her lab partner. vi notices how you prefer your coffee with a dash of cinnamon; and she learns that you had your first kiss with a girl in your freshman year journalism class, and that your first tattoo was done by the same person. a stick-and-poke star on your ankle.

she can hear your laugh, feel the cool metal of your rings brush against her skin accidentally when you’re squeezing past her in a crowded room, smell your perfume when you hug her goodbye. you have stories and quirks and expectations and opinions that vi subconsciously files away as she gets to know you better.

you’re not just a crush, anymore. 

you’re a friend. 

vi likes having you as a friend. really — she does!

you’re a friend who makes vi’s heart jump at the sight of your name on her phone. a friend who smirks when vi blushes after you tell her she has the prettiest cheekbones you’ve ever seen. a friend who mentions this vibrator that gave you one of the best orgasms you’ve ever had, so vi orders the same one and maybe still pictures you before bed, imagining that you’re using it at the same time. except someone else might be next to you.

yeah, vi’s pretty sure you’re dating someone, but that’s something she hasn’t gathered enough information on. 

not that it matters. she wouldn’t be interested in anything serious, anyways, after the mindfuck that was her relationship with caitlyn, and the damage she’s still having to heal from.

though, if that hadn’t happened, vi would have never gotten into a fight with maddie nolan, the second striker for the piltover knights, who taunted her during an exhibition game about how caitlyn is so much happier now that she isn’t disgracing herself with a filthy zaunite. vi would have never been banned from the first half of the tournament and chewed out by coach sevika for fucking up the yellowjackets’ chance at nationals. 

vi would have never been put on academic probation and assigned to 100 hours of community service, either.

she certainly wouldn’t have been here, now, in the women’s centre office close to midnight on a tuesday, folding the most recent issue of the black rose when you walk in.

“oh. hey, v.” you drop down on the zebra-striped couch, your tote bag falling to the ground. “i thought sky was gonna be here tonight.”

vi shakes her head, removing one earbud and letting it dangle from the cord. “she’s got this huge chem report due tomorrow, had to meet up with viktor to get it done.”

“right…” you sigh and lie back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. a few moments pass, and there’s only your steady breathing. “what are you listening to?”

your eyes are closed when vi settles in next to you. it’s a relatively tight fit, but it doesn’t seem like either of you particularly care. vi gently places an earbud in your ear.

you snort, opening your eyes. “you could have just said the cranberries.”

“i’m surprised you recognize them,” vi quips. “it’s not your usual angry girl music.”

“well, sometimes people surprise you. this is actually one of my favorite songs,” you explain. “it’s in one of my favorite movies, too.”

“you’ve got mail?”

you furrow your brows. “when harry met sally.”

vi shakes her head. “no, ‘dreams’ is definitely in you’ve got mail. but, i agree that when harry met sally is a better movie.”

“you’ve watched nora ephron movies and enjoyed them?”

“well, sometimes people surprise you,” vi teases. “i can appreciate a good love story as much as the next person.”

you let out a short, airy laugh. you tilt your head and you’re so close to vi that you’re practically exchanging the same breath. your eyes land on her lips for a millisecond, and vi starts to lean in before you sit up abruptly. 

“i could use some alcohol.” you climb over vi and go to the desk, pull out a half empty bottle of fruit-flavored soju from a drawer. you grab two mugs — the hayley kiyoko one, and another with frida kahlo. you stop short of pouring, looking to vi. she nods. 

soon enough, you’ve got your legs strewn along vi’s lap, sipping lychee infused alcohol. 

“can i ask you something?”

“anything,” vi answers, squeezing your calf.

“why’d you and caitlyn break up?” the question hangs in the air for a second before you add: “if you don’t wanna talk about it though, i understand.” 

shit. it’s definitely not vi’s favorite topic of conversation, but….

“i think she thought that i was one of the good ones, that regardless of the way i grew up or the blood that coursed through my veins, i would be her perfect little charity case. people would be like: future president kiramman definitely cares about the poor — just look at the broke angry lesbian she’s turned into her docile wife!” 

you suck in a sharp breath. “fuck that.” 

“yeah,” vi laughs sadly. “the worst part is that she wanted me to be vulnerable with her, so i was, because i thought the more i opened up, the more she’d love me, but, in the end….i was too messy. i was too much.” 

vi hates the lump that starts to build in her throat, the tears that threaten to spill. she cannot cry in front of you —

you grab her hand. your skin is cool against hers, and it eases her quickening heartbeat.

“you’re not too much, v.” your voice soothes her like honey, trickling down her throat. “it sucks, though, when they ask you to rip your heart out of your chest and get mad at you for bleeding out in front of them.”

“shit, i never thought of it so…viscerally, but that’s exactly what it feels like.”

“well you’re not a creative writing major,” you quip. “i know it still hurts — trust me, i know — but your heart was never hers if she treated you that badly. you deserve more.” 

is it the alcohol messing with her brain, or does it look like you want to kiss her?

fuck. 

vi clears her throat. “why’re you asking?”

you pull your hand away, take a sip of your drink. “jules broke up with me a few days ago.”

you’re single now. good to know. 

“what happened?”

“i caught her kissing someone at a bar. a boy.” you roll your eyes. “maybe she just wasn’t ready, which is fine, but when we had it out, she told me that what we had isn’t what romance is supposed to feel or look like, which sucked. especially after being so….vulnerable with her.”

“you offered her that bleeding heart of yours, didn’t you?” 

you click your tongue, pouring some more soju into each mug. “course i did, v. and it didn’t mean anything in the end. because relationships suck.”

“i’ll drink to that.” 

you cheers, keeping eye contact. 

“and you know what?” you take a big, long gulp. “i know that relationships aren’t just about sex, but i’ve been having to get myself off for months now and sometimes, i just want someone else to —”

“take care of you?”

vi sips her drink, watching you mull over her words.

“not sure if i’d put it like that,” you decide. “i just miss that excitement. when another person wants to discover what makes you feel good, and wanting to learn how to make them feel good, too. i miss having that connection with someone.” 

“i’m guessing you didn’t have that with jules, then.” 

“ha! no. and paula…the girl i dated before….let’s just say, she didn’t give a shit whether i felt good, in any sense.” you shift in your seat; vi senses there’s a story there, but she doesn’t push. “how about future president kiramman — she take care of you?”

vi can’t help but laugh. “nah. i mostly took care of her. she sure liked it when i got down on my knees for her.”

you hum. 

“lucky her.” 

you wink at vi, and she chokes on her drink. 

i would gladly do it for you, if that’s something you want.

“is that a genuine offer? because, if you’re joking —”

shit. did vi say that out loud? 

vi’s heart is beating out of her chest, but she sits up straighter to regain some level of composure. she nods. 

no use in turning back now.

“i’m serious, wonder woman.”

you stare at her. “i really can’t have another relationship that’s just gonna crash and burn.”

“that’s not what i’m offering. i care about our - our friendship. i care about you.”

you swallow. “i care about you, too.”

“right, and when our friends need help with something….”

“we help them,” you finish. “so, you’re really just talking about casual sex. right now, on this couch?”

“yes,” vi answers. maybe a bit too quickly. “if that’s what you want, too.”

“that’s what i want,” you reply. maybe a bit too quickly, too. “but none of this one sided bullshit: you do me, i do you.”

vi takes your mug, puts it next to hers on the floor, and repositions your bodies so that she’s hovering above you, hips set between yours.

“sounds perfect to me.” 

you finally, finally kiss and it feels oddly…familiar. you taste like lychees and nicotine and cherries, burnt sweetness, and your skin is so fucking soft.

“wait.” you tug on vi’s hair and she has to bite back a moan at how fucked out you already look underneath her, all wide-eyed and desperate. “just so we’re 100% clear: just sex.”

vi nods once. “no strings attached.”

“it’ll be casual.” 

“we’re not doing the whole relationship thing.”

“promise?”

vi sticks out her pinky, grinning at you sheepishly. you roll your eyes ever so slightly, but still wrap your pinky around hers.

“promise.” 

so, you take care of each other. no strings attached.

because that’s what friends are for, right? 

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

v ⚽

are u busy rn? got out of my lab early and im bored 

wndr wmn ☆

yeah, im at work

v ⚽️

leave early. im BORED and HORNY

wndr wmn ☆

ofc you are 

v ⚽️

pls u love it 

u know #6 isn’t just my jersey number ;))

i’m implying that i will give u 6 consecutive orgasms

wndr wmn ☆

yeah i got that 

v ⚽️

so….

wndr wmn ☆

….

leaving now

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

“you sure about this, v?” 

vi hums, looking up at you through hooded eyes. “isn’t it every girl’s dream to get tied up by the lasso of truth, wonder woman?”

you’re straddling her, still wearing your red and gold bodysuit underneath blue shorts that you’ve decorated with silver stars. your makeshift lasso of truth — really, just some gold rope — sparkles, tying vi’s wrists together to the headboard.

the theme of the women’s centre halloween celebration is always the same — dress up at your favorite female icon — but you’d never seen someone look as good as vi does. she dressed as trinity from the matrix, all tight, black leather and vinyl, showcasing her defined muscles as the gods intended.

now, she’s left in a sleeveless cropped top and black boyshorts, with her pants and jacket thrown somewhere on your apartment floor. 

you have a feeling she really liked your costume, too, because she practically begged you to take control tonight. 

“if it gets too much, our safeword will be —”

“sappho.” the slight whine of impatience in her voice sends a jolt right to your core.

“perfect.”

you kiss her lips, her jaw, her neck, your lipstick leaving angry red marks. you lodge your bare thigh in between vi’s legs, biting your bottom lip when you feel her already warm and wet, when you hear her whimper as you apply more pressure to where she needs you most. you reach into your nightstand for your vibrator and switch it on, teasing vi’s nipples through her shirt. 

vi moans, deep and loud. not even thirty seconds, and she’s already pulling at the restraints, the headboard creaking. 

“are you gonna be a good girl for me, violet?” you coo, inching the vibrator lower and lower, feeling her shake underneath you. “because we’ve got all night, and you better not break my bed.”

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

“hey, so — i found these in between one of the couch cushions, thought maybe they might be yours.”

you can only spare a glance at the item mel is holding up — you’re grading freshman papers, focused on this one student’s thesis about gender fluidity in shakespeare’s twelfth night.

“oh, those are vi’s.”

“hm. and just how is it that you know what her underwear looks like?”

you stop writing mid-sentence and look up at mel who’s giving you a pointed look. 

you and vi had been the ones to clean up after feminist film friday last week, and one thing led to another….

in your defense: vi had been wearing these low cut jeans that showed off her v-line, and you could tell she didn’t have her usual sports bra on because you could see the outlines of her nipple rings through her tight, white tank top. it took everything in you to wait until people cleared out during the credits of the watermelon woman to pin her down and have her whimpering for you.

“i just…guessed.”

“right.” mel rolls her eyes. “so, you and violet are….what? fucking? dating?”

you clear your throat and take a sip of lukewarm coffee. 

“we’re keeping it casual,” is all you say.

“are you sure that’s a good idea?”

you just shrug.

“just — be careful,” mel, always the diplomatic one, eases. she walks towards you, sits on the edge of the desk, and hands you the pair of black briefs. “i know we all teased you about it before, but i don’t want to see you get hurt. i’ve seen you get your heart broken one too many times.”

“it’s fine, mel,” you assure her, grabbing the piece of fabric and shoving it at the bottom of your bag. you’re visiting their owner after this, anyways. “vi and i are just friends helping each other out.”

mel raises an eyebrow. “well, you and i have been friends for years and we’ve never gotten that close.”

“that’s different.”

“how so?”

“i appreciate your concern,” you say, avoiding the question. “but it’s fine. nice, actually.” 

“it’s your life,” mel sighs. “maybe don’t fuck on our couches anymore, though.” 

your cheeks heat up. you turn your attention back to the essay in front of you.

“noted.”

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

vi starts showing up at your place after soccer. 

she’s allowed back on the field during games now, so she appears with a winning grin, a grass-stained uniform and fresh bruises on her knees. one time, she had the remnants of a bloody nose after a header gone wrong, and you could taste copper when she pressed her lips against yours before she hopped in the shower.

you keep her go-to body wash stocked — bergamot and cedarwood scented old spice — but she always walks out of the bathroom smelling like your mango-vanilla shower gel. sometimes even your coconut shampoo. she slips on one of your oversized graphic tees, drapes a light purple towel around her shoulders to avoid staining your shirt with her cheaply dyed black hair, fading back to pink with each wash. she walks over to the fridge in her soft gray sweatpants rolled at the ankles and cracks open one of the spiced-pear red bulls as you pull ingredients out for dinner. usually something quick and simple, since it’s always a long week and neither of you have capacity for anything more.

vi chops garlic and tells you about her game; you boil water for pasta and tell her about the latest drama between students in your literature class. 

you pretend you have all the time in the world.

because you both know that vi’s got the strap packed in her gym bag, that soon one thing will lead to another and she’ll be fucking you with it until you’re both sweaty and spent and exhausted in the best way possible. 

you’ve established this routine together, agreed upon several unspoken rules: no pillow talk once it’s over; no actually falling asleep in the other’s bed; no crossing that thin sapphic line between friendship and romance. 

no breaking that promise.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

wndr wmn

wanna come over? i’m watching bend it like beckham

v ⚽️

MY FAVORITE!!

i would love 2

but lucky fell asleep on me 

we just finished devouring an xl pepperoni pizza 

wndr wmn

remind me again why your one-eyed golden retriever likes pizza so much?

v ⚽️

come on it’s cute

[v ⚽️ sent an attachment]

wndr wmn

yeah, you’re cute

v ⚽️

<3 

come over here instead?

wndr wmn

omw

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

vi whines, and you can’t help but roll your eyes.

“come on — hurry up.”

“you practically begged for this, v,” you chide. 

“yeah, but you’re taking too long and your hands are fucking freezing.”

“it’s the irony deficiency, babe,” you quip. “now, are you gonna be a good girl and let me finish?”

“fine,” vi grumbles. she does stop squirming, though. you hum, pleased.

you certainly didn’t miss the way her breath hitches at the nickname. vi’s right hand, freshly polished, tightens on your thigh.

you’re not sure why she called you at 1:27am for your help with this, or why she couldn’t just do it herself, but you’re sitting on her lap, painting her nails the color of pomegranate juice, a color she had chosen from the options you brought.

sure, you were about to turn in for an early night, but the moment you heard her voice through the phone, you rushed over to her place wearing nothing but your pajamas — plaid boxer shorts and a spiderman shirt that vi wore last time she was at yours, and you haven’t washed since.

you stretch time out as much as you can, meticulous in every stroke, but painting her nails doesn’t take much longer. you start to move off her lap — it’s probably time for you to leave — but vi grabs your hips, a playful smirk on her lips.

oh, right. that’s the type of relationship — friendship — you and vi agreed upon.

shit. you’re pretty sure that you’re wearing your days of the week underwear. is it a turn-off that you’ve got on a saturday pair on a thursday?

it doesn’t really matter, anyways.

instead of initiating a kiss, vi takes the bottle of polish from you, swaps it for black, and gestures for your hand. you blink at her, until you realize what she’s asking.

“oh! you don’t have to —”

“you do me, i do you.” vi grins at you. “i thought that was our arrangement.” 

you laugh, feeling warmth radiate from your chest.

it’s kind of….adorable, the furrow of her brow, the way she curses under her breath when a drop of nail polish falls onto your skin. she’s surprisingly gentle, too, one of her hands holding yours for support while the other paints. 

while she focuses on getting the polish onto your nails in even layers, you busy yourself by counting vi’s freckles. 

violet rose atlas has a constellation of freckles sparkling across her cheeks. you hope there’s enough time in the world for you to memorize every single one.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

v ⚽️

do u need more nicotine gum? 

im at cvs rn

wndr wmn

yeah that’d be great!!

v ⚽️

ok 

i’ll get u the cinnamon one

that’s the one u like right?

wndr wmn

yep!!!

v ⚽️

okay cool

im also gonna get u some of those iron supplements

wndr wmn

my hero 🙏🏽

thank you sm

v ⚽️

ofc

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

“that red head was trying to get your number.”

“are you jealous, v?”

vi scoffs, sipping her cherry coke. “of course not. i’m just observant.”

you’d convinced your manager to let vi back into sappho’s. it’s nice, really, to see her back here again. 

nice, but different. 

gone are the days of staring at her from across the room, where she would be charming someone else, and only flirting with you when she came over to get another whiskey for herself and vodka something for her date. instead, she jokes around with mel, sky, and gert if they’re around, and sometimes brings her teammates in as well to play a game of pool. she usually has one drink, and then switches to something non-alcoholic. sometimes, vi doesn’t even come in for a drink; she just stops by to say hi before a team dinner or a study session.

(it’s fine — never once have you gotten an overpriced coffee from the cafe she started working at mid-october, and you probably stop by once a week between errands. that’s your excuse, anyways.)

so. things are different, but nice. 

you lean across the sticky counter. “you want me to get down on my knees for you right now to prove which girl here i’d like to go home with?”

“baby….” vi shifts on the bar stool. it’s hard to tell under the dim multicolored lights, but you’re pretty sure she’s blushing, too. 

“i think we both know you’d draw a bit too much attention to yourself. especially when i use my tongue to —”

“my car’s outside.” 

you smirk. “my break’s in 15.”

you used to spend your breaks in the alley outside sappho’s burning through a cigarette. now you find yourself knee-deep in the passenger seat, eating vi out like she’s the last thing you’ll ever taste. 

“f-fuck,” vi groans. 

“feels good, yeah?” you tease her clit with her tongue, sliding two fingers into her easily. you work fast, determined to let her finish before you run out of time.

“so fucking good. i’m gonna —”

she clenches around your fingers; you lap her up eagerly, let her writhe against your face until she’s had enough. 

you sit back on your knees once her hips still, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. you crane your neck to check the time on the dashboard, when you notice something in the footwell.

“vi! i thought i lost this.”

vi grins at you sheepishly, chest still heaving as you hold up the complete works of audre lorde, a tattered book with a well-worn spine and dog-eared pages. 

“sorry. i meant to put it back on your nightstand once i was finished.”

you open to where she’s placed a makeshift bookmark — the ticket from an underground sirens of zaun show you’d both gone to. you’ve had this copy since freshman year, the scribble of your handwriting in the margins of practically on every page.

“it’s okay,” you tell her. “you like it so far?”

“yeah.” she grabs the book from you gently, thumbing through the pages. you wonder if vi registers the curves of her own smile, tender and bashful. “honestly, i’m not usually a fan of poetry, but it’s really cool how lorde writes about desire between women in such a tangible way, you know? i really liked this one verse in ‘recreation:’ ‘touching you, i catch midnight as moon fires set in my throat.’ it’s just so - so beautiful, the idea of something so domestic and mundane being almost magical, because that’s what it’s really like when —”

you don’t even realize that you’re staring until vi looks up at you and freezes.

“sorry,” she clears her throat, closing the book and setting it aside. “did i say something wrong?”

you assure vi that she did nothing wrong. 

you exit her car, the taste of her lingering on your tongue, the feeling of her keeping your body warm on this cold november night.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

wndr wmn

hey

are you in town during break?

v⚽️

having dinner at my dads’ on friday but otherwise im here

why? u gonna miss me?? 

wndr wmn

lol

im having ppl over for friendsgiving on sunday

if you wanna join

v ⚽️

hell yeah

can i bring anything?

wndr wmn

just your pretty face

i’ll take care of the rest

turkey, cranberry, sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie…

etc. etc.

v ⚽️

damn!!!!

full course meal

wndr wmn

yep

im basically wife material

v⚽️

pls we’re so over gender norms

but yeah

you are

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

vi has never been the type to wait by the phone for a girl to text, or to show up at her place after not hearing from her in a while, worried that she might have done something wrong. 

yet here she is, standing outside your door.

it’s cool, though. completely platonic behavior.

she knocks. 

there’s no answer. 

she knocks again.

nothing.

vi waits another second, leaning her shoulder against the door.

“it’s me, wonder woman,” she tries. 

hope flutters in her chest as she hears you shuffle, unchain the lock. vi stumbles as you throw the door open, but she recovers quickly to find you: smudged black eyeliner enhancing the shadows underneath your eyes, hair in disarray, clothes disheveled. 

“i’m not really in the mood for sex.”

vi can’t help but laugh, even though your comment feels like a punch to the face.

“wow. figured you would think more of me by now than just some horny teenage boy.”

“look, vi —”

vi? 

since when do you call her that?

“i’m sorry i missed the meeting today. i texted mel —”

damn, so your phone does work. 

you’ve just been ignoring her calls and texts.

“but i’m just… it’s not a good time, okay? i’ll see you around.”

ah. 

the classic generic excuse and non-committal statement combo.

you start to close the door on her before she even has a chance to get a word in.

the hits just keep coming. 

thankfully, vi’s always been a good fighter.

“wait.” vi places her palm firmly on the door before you can fully shut her out. “i’m just here to check on you.” 

your face remains unchanged.

“okay, well, you’ve checked on me.” 

“yeah, i’ve checked on you. you look like shit.”

you glare at her. “well i’m sorry i didn’t have the time to get all prettied up for you. i know that you like me better that way.”

“that’s not what i  —”  vi inhales sharply. she’s a fighter, but she doesn’t want to fight you. “mel dropped the news — about admin officially cutting our funding. i knew how that would affect you, so….” vi lifts the bag of takeout. “i brought some thai food for us to share. a pomegranate, too, because i know you like seasonal fruit. it’s been a while and honestly, i just….i just wanted to spend time with you.”

you exhale, your eyes softening. 

there. 

a hesitant smile, an invitation to come inside.

there are clothes all over your floor and dishes piled high in the sink. your desk is littered with empty boxes of cereal and cans of an energy drink that normally you’d never touch. the blanket that sky had crocheted for you — lavender and pink checkered — is unfolded on your couch, your laptop half-closed on the coffee table in front next to two stacks of printed essays — ones marked with purple pen, the others untouched. in contrast, your bed is still perfectly made. 

you take the blanket and wrap it around your shoulders, sitting at the kitchen table and curling into yourself. vi busies herself in cracking open the pomegranate, putting the seeds into the last clean bowl in your cupboard. the palms of her arm wraps are now stained a reddish-purple, but she doesn’t care.

vi manages to find two pairs of clean chopsticks for the thai food, and the two of you eat in silence. 

“so….” vi starts, watching you stab a piece of chicken before popping it into your mouth. “you wanna talk about it, or….?”

“what’s there to talk about?”

“well, for starters, maybe tell me what’s been getting you into full hibernation mode? we haven’t seen each other in, like, a week.”

“six days,” you correct, chewing a mouthful of noodles. “last tuesday, we played pool during my closing shift at sappho’s. i lost. you made me down two shots of tequila because you’re a menace and you know i hate it.” 

“yeah, but i drove you home and tucked you into bed with water and advil for later, so i’m also a gentleman. so, just tell me what’s been going on. we’ll figure it out, yeah?”

“it’s fine,” you grumble.

“clearly, it’s not. just tell me what you need.”

“what i need is to not be distracted,” you huff, avoiding eye contact. “i certainly don’t need you —”

“taking care of you, i know.” vi grabs your hand from across the table. she feels you stiffen on instinct, and then ease into the heat of her skin. “trust me, i wouldn’t be here if i didn’t want to be. so — humor me.”

vi squeezes your hand, hoping to reassure you. 

you sigh. “i’ve just — i’ve been spiralling trying to figure out how the centre can keep going with, like, half our required budget, trying to see if we can get some external donors and i still need to finalize the venue and equipment rentals for our last open mic….and….and my sibling called again to tell me that things haven’t been great at home, so i want to go down there this weekend to sort everything out, but my car hasn’t been starting….plus i’m behind on grading, and i told my supervisor i’d have a complete draft ready by thursday and i’m not even halfway done, and that’s the same day we’re having that art build for the climate rally on friday, and i’ve been having the worst cramps since this afternoon, and all i wanna do is pass out and sink into my duvet, but i need to keep going —”

vi squeezes your hand again, this time more firmly. “you need to slow down.” 

“i can’t.” you huff. “i have to keep everything from falling apart, and if i don’t….”

vi shifts to the chair next to yours, still holding your hand. 

“but you can’t do it all if you’re too exhausted to take care of yourself. from the looks of it, you’ve been living off of frosted flakes, red bull, and zero sleep.” 

you shrug. “if that’s what it takes.”

“if that’s what it takes, then maybe it’s not worth it.”

“don’t say that,” you tell her. “it’s all worth it. i just wish it wasn’t so…heavy.”

vi nods, because she really, truly understands. she gives you the advice she can see you giving her in another context.

“you ever think that maybe it wouldn’t feel as heavy if you…i don’t know…weren’t too stubborn to ask for help.”

“there are things that are my responsibility, violet,” you tell her, slipping your hand away. you reach for the bowl of pomegranate seeds, meticulously picking up one at a time with your chopsticks and crushing it in between your molars. “i can’t just pass those off to someone else.” 

“fine. but what about other things? like the women’s centre stuff — we’re a team, right? so we’ll figure it out together, divide the labor so you’re not doing everything. and, maybe ask your supervisor for an extension, too? and, well, i don’t really need my car this weekend, so you’re welcome to borrow it.”

you pause, narrowing your eyes at her. 

“you said…. ‘we.’”

“well, yeah. i’m part of the team, aren’t i?”

“but you’ll be finished with your hours in a week. there’s no reason for you to stay.”

“of course there is,” vi whispers, studying your face as it morphs from suspicious to something else, something gentler. 

her heart is pounding as she waits for you to say something, so vi starts to dig into the pomegranate seeds, the juice surprisingly more sweet than sour. some dribbles out from the corner of her lips, and you reach over to wipe it away with your thumb.

“i’d love for you to stay,” you hum, smiling, and vi feels her chest glow with a brightness it seems only you can bring out. “turns out you give pretty good advice.”

“so…you’ll consider it.”

you shrug again. “maybe. i am very tempted to take you up on the car thing.”

“all yours, if you want it.”

“are you sure?”

“it’s fine, wonder woman. i’ll just carpool to practice — it’s better for the environment, anyways. can’t show up to the climate rally as a hypocrite, can i?” she jokes, and you roll your eyes playfully. “and, i’ll try to fix your car while you’re away.”

“wow. you are a gentleman.”

“gentleman? baby, i’m husband material.”

you actually laugh.

“i thought we were over gender norms,” you quip. “but yeah. you are.” 

vi’s cheeks heat up at your statement. you most definitely notice her blushing because you break out into a toothy grin

“i missed you, v,” you admit. “any other words of wisdom?”

despite your tender smile, you look exhausted. vi just wants to hold you through it all, tell you it’s gonna be okay. instead, she settles for placing a gentle hand on your cheek, running her thumb over the deep shadow underneath your eye. 

“get some rest, pretty girl.”

a few hours later, you wake up alone. 

you have a vague memory of warm arms wrapped around you, a heart beating steadier than yours. your sheets smell like old spice, your apartment smells like fresh laundry. you get out of bed and notice that there are no more dishes in your sink, no more cans or containers on any surface. all the clothes you’d been meaning to wash are now carefully folded on your couch. 

there’s a bright pink sticky note on your nightstand next to the keys to vi’s car.

you talk in your sleep. something about stargazing? maybe we can go when you get back. 

drive safe. text me if you need anything.

xxx

- v

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

zaun yellowjackets vs. piltover knights. 

two minutes left in overtime. 

one goal standing in the way of their trophy. one goal to end piltover’s monopoly over the title of national champions. 

caitlyn probably told her knights to be extra aggressive — win by any means necessary — so it’s been a long game of dirty plays and intentional fouls.

vi always puts her heart into every single game, but this time —

this time, it’s personal. 

zaun’s defense works to regain possession and prevent piltover’s attack. ashe manages to intercept a pass between two knights, and is quick in dribbling the ball until mid-field. she sends it over to vi with a swift kick. vi’s quick on her feet, catching piltover’s defense by surprise, sprinting closer and closer to the goal. she makes it to the penalty box.

this could be the winning point. 

vi has it, too. she’s so fucking close, about to fake out the goalie and kick into that hard-to-defend sweet spot — until a sharp, pointy elbow collides with her ribs so abruptly, it knocks the wind out of her lungs. she stumbles forward over the ball, knees skidding onto the grass. whoever it is also steps on vi’s cleat for good measure. 

“fuck!” she looks up to see who it is.

of course. it’s maddie fucking nolan, who doesn’t spare so much as a glance as the ref doles out a red card. she nods at caitlyn as she walks off the field, no doubt following her captain’s orders.

her teammates help vi to her feet, and the ref makes sure everyone is in position for the penalty kick.

this could be the winning point. vi just has to ignore caitlyn’s icy stare from a few feet away, and the heart threatening to beat out of her chest. 

vi takes a deep breath. 

she looks to the stands. among the crowd of screaming fans, zaunites and pilties alike, is vi’s family. they’re cheering.

you’re there too, sitting next to them. 

everyone is staring at vi, waiting for the whistle, waiting for her to make the shot, but the only person she stares back at is you.

you’ve got this, v, you had whispered to her the night before. she couldn’t sleep, so she called you. vi wishes she was back there, now — tangled in flannel sheets, lucky snoring at the foot of the bed, gazing up at the glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to her ceiling until she finally fell asleep in your arms.

but, vi’s on the field. 

and this is the winning point. 

the whistle blows. 

she makes the shot.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

“i told you i wasn’t a jinx!” powder sticks her tongue out at mylo.

she’s all sweat and dirt and adrenaline, but, fuck, if vi isn’t so, incredibly happy and proud of her team, of everything they’ve been through, everything they’ve accomplished.

it almost doesn’t feel real.

just like it doesn’t feel real, seeing you talk animatedly with her sister’s boyfriend, laughing along with her siblings, smiling as you watch her dads hug and praise her.

when it’s your turn to do the same, you practically leap into vi’s arms, gushing about how amazing she was, how proud you are of her. 

“this looks good on you,” vi hums, as you pull away from another hug. her fingers play with the bottom of the jersey, and she bites the inside of her cheek to ground herself in the moment. you, with her family. you, in her jersey. “thinking of joining the yellowjackets?”

“i think i’ll leave the soccer to you,” you tell her. “you were amazing out there. guess i should be calling you wonder woman from now on, huh?”

“wonder woman! that’s where i remember you from!” vander suddenly exclaims, stepping closer to the pair of you. silco turns around, too. “you once tried to get into the last drop with a fake id, didn’t you? under the name diana prince?”

“shit,” you laugh nervously, eyes flickering between vander and the ground as if you’re once again a teenager caught in the act. “i….probably did.”

“i kicked you out, told you to go home to themyscira.”

“yeah…i….i remember that.” you nod slowly, furrowing your brows. “except, i didn’t want to go home that night, so i lingered outside,” you continue. you turn to vi, and your face softens. “which was when you —”

“brought two glasses of cherry coke and rum,” vi finishes; she sees flashes of that night as you gaze into her eyes. “we climbed onto the roof and —”

that was her first kiss. vi never even realized until now, but —

you were her first kiss.

“i can’t believe i forgot that.”

“weird, how memory works,” you agree, tilting your head curiously, looking at vi with a newfound interest, like a ghost from your past.

“well, isn’t this a story we’ll be sharing on your wedding day!” vander chuckles, ruffling vi’s hair. 

“don’t pressure them, darling,” silco chides, but the smirk growing on his face gives him away. he’s loving this drama. “they’re barely 23 — i doubt they’ve discussed marriage.” 

“oh, we’re not —”

“yeah, we’re just —”

“friends,” you say at the same time, careful to avoid eye contact.

vi feels like she might burst into flames at the knowing look vander and silco share.

“well, violet, would your friend like to join us for a celebratory dinner?” silco asks.

so that’s how you’re sitting between powder and claggor, listening to them talk your ear off about the young innovator’s competition. vi’s sitting across from you, next to ekko, who occasionally pipes in. 

you’re here, sharing the tradition of a post-game meal with vi’s family at the local pizza parlour. 

caitlyn never even wanted to meet vi’s family.

a few pizzas are ordered for the table, and you eat and laugh and sip your soda along with everyone else. you make a flower out of your paper napkin and hand it to isha, who’s on the other side of powder, and she gives you a toothy grin in return. you answer all the standard questions about your job and major and plans for the future.

“after graduation, i’m probably gonna take a break, get some work experience,” you explain. “maybe save up some money for law school a few years down the road.”

“you wanna be a lawyer, huh? you sure you wanna be friends with a felon, then?” powder asks, blowing bubbles into her soda through her straw. 

vi coughs, choking on a mushroom. 

“powder!” 

“what! she never told you?”

you shake your head, glancing over at vi who suddenly finds it hard to look you in the eye. your foot has been pressed against hers underneath the table all night; you pull it away now. she takes a big gulp of water; vi looks over at vander and silco for help, but they seem to be caught up in their own conversation.

“oh, damn! ” mylo adds, leaning over. “it’s a great story!” 

“guys, maybe don’t —”

“but it’s a great story!” mylo insists. “shows what a badass you are!”

“she didn’t do anything serious, like murder or anything,” powder clarifies. “it was really just her pissing off some enforcers —”

“rightfully so,” ekko adds. 

claggor nods. “we were just kids. they were harassing us for some bullshit, disruption of property or whatever, so vi steps in and things get heated —”

“it takes three of enforcers to get her handcuffed, but she manages to get a few nasty hits in before they send her off to stillwater —”

“she spends three days there —”

“i thought it was two —”

“no, it was three —”

“needless to say, this isn’t the first time vi has been sentenced to community service, but it seems she’s really enjoying it this time, thanks to you,” powder finishes, winking at you. 

“well that’s….quite the story,” you finally say, voice steady. 

“oh! let’s tell her about the time she stole from some enforcers that were hoarding food —”

as powder continues the story, and you listen intently, it’s hard to read your expression.

are you ashamed of being friends with her? disgusted by her family, her past? regretful that you ever let her touch you, let her into your life? 

vi’s stomach turns when your eyes collide; she’s been down this road before, and vi’s scared that she knows exactly what you’re thinking.

she pushes her chair back and disappears to the bathroom before she has to watch you walk away.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

there’s a knock on the door.

“someone’s in here,” vi says. she grips the edge of the counter so hard, her knuckles turn white. 

deep breaths. 

this isn’t the same as before.

this isn’t caitlyn, who threw vi out like a piece of trash when something better came along. 

then again, you never knew this much about vi’s past. you’re well within your right to —

there’s another knock.

“v? it’s me….i have to get going, but i wanted to check on you before i leave.”

“okay,” vi clips. she looks up at herself in the mirror; she had splashed her face with cold water to calm herself down. a drop falls from her chin. “bye.”

“are you sure you’re okay?”

“i’m fine. see you around.”

you sigh, and vi hears you settle against the doorframe. 

“violet, let me in,” you press. “please?” 

“i’m fine. you can leave.”

“okay, well, i’m not leaving until i see that gorgeous face of yours one more time,” you whisper. “i got all dolled up just for you, and all i wanna do is give you a proper goodbye….” 

well, when you put it like that….

vi grabs some paper towel to dry her face and fixes her hair before opening the door for you. you smile knowingly, enter and lock the door behind you. 

you lean against the door as vi leans against the counter, the marble digging into her lower back.

“okay, i’ll start because, frankly, i don’t have time to waste,” you state after a few moments of silence. “nothing i’ve learned about you tonight has changed how i see you. it’s just confirmed some things.”

“right. like how impulsive and violent and reckless i’ve always been,” she lists glumly, unable to look you in the eye.

“maybe you are all those things,” you pause. “but, i don’t fucking care. i mean, i do, because it’s part of you and i like who you are. i like you.”

your words do wonders to ease the tension throughout vi’s body, and she feels like she can actually take a breath.

vi’s eyes lock onto yours.

“you do?”

“i like who you are, every part of it,” you tell her. “well, i don’t like that you’ve had to fight your way through an unbelievably fucked up system ever since you were a kid, but the bottom line is that you’re the strongest, most compassionate person i know.”

vi blinks at you.

“funny, i was just thinking the same thing about you the other day.”

neither of you say anything for a minute or so, letting the sentiment linger in the small space between you. once more, you’re the one to break the ice.

“well, you know what they say about great minds….” you step closer to vi. you take her chin between your thumb and your index finger. "can you guess what i’m thinking now?" 

vi shakes her head, throat suddenly very dry.

“i’m thinking that i’ve wanted to kiss you all night.”

“what’s stopped you?”

you grin. “i didn’t want to make a fuss in front of your family, but now that we’re alone….”

vi doesn't say anything, but instead closes the gap between your lips.

you kiss her, harsh and messy, tongue and teeth, swallowing her moans as your fingers snake down the waistband of her pants. you pull vi’s bottom lip with your teeth before moving to her neck, nipping along the outline of her tattoo. you bite down harder on her skin, right at her pulse point. 

"what’s that you said earlier —” a low groan tumbles from vi’s lips when you start to suck just above her collarbones. another when your tongue soothes over the sting. “about a proper goodbye…?” she tugs your hair so that you’re looking right at her. 

it’s quite the sight — your lips swollen, chest heaving, eyes curious and lustful.

“anything you want,” you whisper, all breathless. 

vi hums. she slips a hand underneath the frayed hem of your denim skirt, and you gasp as her nails scrape against your inner thigh.

she likes that you’re here. here for her.

"get on your knees for me, sweetheart.”

she pulls down her pants along with her briefs, as you kneel before her without hesitation.

you drape one of her legs over your shoulder, giving your tongue better access to her cunt. vi grips your hair tighter, bringing you in closer, and you moan, sending vibrations up her body.

"fuck," vi hisses. you add a finger, while your tongue works her clit. 

you bring her to the edge, stay with her even as her thighs clench around your skull. she expects you to get back on your feet right away, but you stay, adding another finger and sucking her clit. she moans your name.

you pull away slightly. "one more, pretty girl," you promise. your chin glistens with vi’s release; you lick your lips as you gaze up at her through thick eyelashes. "can you do that for me?" she nods furiously, and you get back to work.

after letting her ride your tongue and fingers through another orgasm, you kiss her ankle before releasing her leg. vi pulls you up to your feet, sucks the taste of herself off your tongue.

you pull away slightly, heart racing against vi’s chest. 

vi swipes her thumb over the smudged lipstick below your lip. she studies you, admires you, like you’re a fucking work of art that belongs in a gallery, like you didn’t just fucked her through two consecutive orgasms in the bathroom at a pizza parlour while wham's "last christmas" plays through shitty speakers.

"take these off." vi tugs at your tights. you do as instructed, slipping off your underwear as well. she pulls you towards her, and lodges a leg in between yours. your bare cunt brushes against her thigh, back and forth as she guides your hips. "i can't believe you got all dressed up…. wearing my jersey, and this pretty little skirt even though it’s so cold outside. all for me?"

vi flexes her thigh muscles, pushing you down faster and harder. you whimper.

"all – all for you.”

vi feels her pussy clench, with the desperation in your voice, the stickiness of your heat against her skin, the smell of the two of you intertwining. your orgasm crashes into you, and vi holds you through it. 

you kiss her ever so sweetly before removing yourself from her grasp, smoothing down your skirt and looking around for your underwear.

"where are my...." 

you look over as vi tucks your fuschia thong into the inner pocket of her jacket.

"i'm guessing you'll buy me replacements for christmas."

vi flashes you a shit eating grin before putting on her own underwear. she then pulls up her pants, not wiping your release from her thigh. she likes the idea of walking around with you seeped into her skin. 

when vi looks over at you, you’re as fully dressed as you can be and busy checking something on your phone. she only sees a flash of your lock screen, but it’s her. a photo of her and lucky playing at the park; there’s snow, so it had to have been a few days ago. 

that doesn’t mean anything, right? people use photos of their friends for their wallpaper all the time.

“i really have to go,” you sigh. you pull a tube of lipstick from your pocket and step closer to the mirror. “hey — do you think we could switch shirts? not sure i should wear this to my next dinner.”

vi nods and you remove her jersey, revealing a matching fuschia bralette. she wonders what’s got you all coordinated — who else you’ve clearly dressed up for. 

“so, you’ve got a hot date?” vi tries to act casual as she takes off her jacket, pulls off her shirt, and waits for you to answer. you take your time, fixing yourself in the mirror.

“something like that,” you finally say with a shy smile.

later, when isha’s asleep on powder’s lap in the backseat, vi thinks about how your date might have gone, if you’re taking them home to the same bed vi has fucked you in throughout these past few months.

where do you get off, fucking vi in the bathroom during dinner while her parents are at the table, only to leave for another date, wearing vi’s shirt, too?

“hey, can i ask you something?” ekko asks from beside her, cutting off the angry monologue in her head.

vi reaches over to turn down the music.

“sure, little man. what’s up?”

“what’s the deal between you and wonder woman?”

vi clears her throat, gripping the steering wheel. “what makes you think there’s a deal?”

“oh, please, we all noticed that hickey on your neck after she visited you in the bathroom.” 

the car crawls to a stop as the light turns red, and vi adjusts the collar of her shirt.

“we’re just friends.”

“well, powder and i were just friends for ages,” ekko points out.

vi doesn’t notice that the light’s turned green until someone behind her honks. she steps on the gas, but the idiot behind her still cuts in front of her.

“asshole,” she grumbles, throwing them a middle finger for good measure. vi glances to her right at ekko, who’s scribbling something in his sketchbook despite only the streetlamps outside providing light. “so, what made you….realize that you wanted something more?”

ekko closes his book, smiling to himself. 

“honestly? it was kinda a million little things, but what it really comes down to is that she’s the only person i could spend every second of my life with, and i’d still want more time. and, in my experience….it’s better to tell someone how you feel sooner rather than later.”

“or, some people prefer to wait a few weeks,” powder mumbles, stirring awake. “nice try, mister, but no interfering. i’m not losing 20 bucks.”

“wait — you’ve bet on my love life?”

ekko smirks. “so it is love.”

vi shrugs, pretends that she doesn’t immediately picture you in your kitchen, making her banana pancakes at 2am when she hears the word love. 

“it doesn’t matter.”

because, it really doesn’t matter. 

you’re out with someone else right now. 

it’s over before it really had a chance to begin.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

cupcake 

Hey, Vi

Just wanted to say good game today

You played brilliantly

Violet

k

cupcake

No need for the attitude

I was just trying to be nice

Violet

my apologies!!!

thank you SO much for recognizing my talent captain kiramman

i feel like i’m actually worth something now!!!

cupcake

Bitterness isn’t a good colour on you, darling

Violet

im NOT your darling

cupcake

I’m aware

I saw you earlier with that girl

Are you together? 

Violet

idk

are you still with maddie?

cupcake

Actually, we broke up

I was hoping you and I could chat

Violet

what’s in it for me?

cupcake

The chance to reconnect with an old friend

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

you can excuse vi no longer attending the weekly team meeting. she finished her 100 hours around thanksgiving, so technically she didn’t need to be there anymore.

maybe you could excuse her ignoring your calls, or leaving your texts on read. it’s finals season, and she did mention picking up a few extra shifts to save up for christmas presents. 

but you simply can’t excuse vi walking into sappho’s with caitlyn fucking kiramman, ordering drinks from you like you’re absolute strangers.

“what the fuck, vi?” you seethe. 

vi glances at her date. caitlyn’s waiting for her back at a table, the glow of her phone screen illuminating her pretty face.

“what, should i have ordered something else? not every girl likes cherry coke and rum.” 

you glare at her from across the counter, but start preparing their drinks nonetheless. 

“why are you with her?” you throw some ice in a glass, the cubes clinking aggressively against the crystal. “are you back together?”

vi has the audacity to roll her eyes at you. “why’d you care?”

you catch yourself before saying something you’ll regret, something about liking her more than you definitely should considering the agreement the two of you had made. 

clearly, vi doesn’t feel the same way; it’s not worth spilling your guts to her at your place of work. 

“because we’re friends.”

“yeah, right,” vi scoffs. “you’re jealous, which you have no right to be because you’re seeing someone, too.”

you accidentally pour a double shot of vodka. you don’t really care, and mix the drink anyways.

“what the fuck are you talking about?” 

“i’m talking about the date you went on the night of my championship game.”

“what date?” you slam the glasses in front of vi, so hard that you’re lucky they didn’t break.

“oh, don’t play dumb.” vi spits your name like it’s poison. “this whole thing started because you said you didn’t want a relationship, when really you just didn’t want a relationship with me. you used me until someone better came along. you lied to me.”

her eyes are glazed over, her voice shaking ever so slightly. you’re not sure if you’re more hurt or angry by what she’s saying, but it cuts deep; you continue as though you aren’t bleeding out in front of her.

“i don’t want a relationship with anyone and certainly not with you —”

“excuse me! are we able to order something?” someone with bright green hair and a septum piercing waves their hand in front of your face.

“yeah, just give us a second —”

“look, you and your girlfriend can fight on your own time.”

“she’s not my girlfriend!” you and vi snap simultaneously. 

you glare at each other.

vi grabs the glasses from the counter, and walks away.

───── ⋆☆⋆ ──────

it took many brainstorming sessions, many boring conversations with potential donors, and many, many tears, but you managed to secure enough funding to keep the women’s centre going for the foreseeable future.  

it was a team effort, of course, so you just want everyone to enjoy this open mic night, the last event of the semester — even though you are weighed down by the absence of a certain someone.

the gallery space on campus that you rented out is both cozy and electric, decorated with fairy lights on the walls, with pillows and blankets on the floor for people to sit and watch performances. there’s a table with drinks and snacks, a corner for people to make art if they’re inspired. 

you’re rearranging the food, watching gert perform an original song when mel slides in next to you, wearing a gorgeous white dress with gold accents. 

“do you mind running to the office? we’re out of paint.”

“really? people don’t usually use the paint.”

“well, it seems to be quite popular tonight.”

“it’s fine. we still have lots of other stuff. they can just collage or something.”

mel shakes her head. “i really think you should go get more paint.”

“maybe ask sky? i should stay here —”

“you could use a break, too,” mel cuts you off, placing a hand on your shoulder. “you’ve been nonstop all day; the rest of us can hold down the fort for a little while.”

you concede, mostly because she’s right and you don’t have the energy to argue. 

when you get to the office, you’re surprised to find the lights on. even more surprised that someone’s already there, sitting on the zebra-striped couch.

“vi?”

she jumps slightly when you say her name.

“mel texted me,” she rushes out like she’s been caught red-handed. “said she needed help with something she’d been planning.” 

you frown, until you realize why mel must have sent you here, specifically. 

you haven’t seen vi since that night at sappho’s; you’d been quite a mess after your shift, ranting to mel on the phone about how she’d been right and you should have been more careful, how you don’t know what you did that ruined whatever you and vi had, and you really don’t know what you can do to fix it.

you’re both too stubborn to reach out to the other, so it seems like mel decided to take matters into her own hands. 

“yeah, i doubt she’s coming,” you tell vi. 

“okay,” vi says, but she doesn’t move. “i, uh, i was hoping i’d run into you, though.”

“yeah?” you raise an eyebrow at vi, crossing your arms. “needed another vodka martini for your piltover princess.”

“she’s not — we’re not together.”

“oh,” you exhale. the animosity you were holding towards her evaporates, but doesn’t completely disappear. you watch her, watching you stand by the doorway. 

there are so many things you want to tell her, but you don’t even know where to start. you know that you’ve hurt her. she hurt you, too.

but, also:

you miss the cloudy blue-gray of her eyes, the scar on her upper lip. 

you miss her.

“do you wanna come sit?”

after being so far away from vi, for what feels like forever, you don’t hesitate to take her up on the offer. your knees brush together as you settle next to her on the couch, a jolt of electricity passing through your body at the contact.

“so, i admit that —”

“vi, you were right —”

both of you stop your sentences short, chuckling nervously. you each urge the other to continue, and only get caught in a similar mess:

“i fucked up,” vi blurts out.

“i lied to you,” you confess at the same time.

an awkward, unfamiliar silence hangs above you; you’re not sure what to do next. 

vi takes the leap. she tells you that mel explained everything: that you had to attend a dinner with alumni and potential donors on the same night of her championship game, but you kept it from vi since it was already a big moment for her; that you haven’t been on a real date with anyone else since september. vi apologizes for jumping to conclusions and falling back into caitlyn’s arms, shutting you out when she should have just talked to you.

you’re the girl who was her first kiss, she says. the girl who lingered in a vague memory, appeared in the fiction of her daydreams, and then suddenly became too real. 

“i like you. i really fucking like you. and if it has to be as a friend, that’s fine because i don’t want to lose you.” vi takes a shattered breath, blinking back tears. she fiddles with the ring on her index finger, anxiously bouncing her knee. you place your hand there to steady her, and she exhales. “i guess i’m just not sure….when you said you liked me that night at the restaurant….is that what you lied about?” 

vi’s practically doe-eyed, waiting for you to respond. 

you shake your head. 

“i lied when i said that i didn’t want a relationship with you,” you admit, and the hint of a smile dances across her lips. “i had this major crush on you, you know? every time you came into sappho’s….i couldn’t help it. and then you showed up here and we became friends, and then we started….well, you know the rest.”

“duh. i was there,” vi jokes, easing into her usual, playful self.  

“i can’t do the whole casual thing,” you continue, rubbing circles into her knee with your thumb. “i know we made a promise, but i just can’t, not with you. it’s like…in every other relationship i’ve been in, i was trying to run out the clock. with you, though, with us, i feel like there’s never enough time —”

vi grabs your neck and crashes her mouth onto yours before you can finish your sentence. 

you’ve kissed each other many times, in many different places, in many different ways, but never like this: like you’re both willing to break one promise if it means forging a new one.

“will you be my girlfriend, violet rose atlas?” you whisper as you pull away, lips brushing against hers.  

you start to count the freckles on her cheeks as she beams at you, pulls you into her lap.