honey

The lab smelled of burnt wires and motor oil, the sharp scent of solder filling the air as you adjusted a small circuit on the table in front of you. Powder sat beside you, tongue peeking out in concentration as she twisted a screwdriver into the guts of your latest mechanical project—something about improving the reaction time of a prototype arm.

"Careful," you murmured, steadying the piece as she nearly fumbled a wire. "If this shorts out, we’ll have to start over."

Powder snorted, rolling her eyes. "Relax, I got this. You act like I don’t know what I’m doing."

You gave her a look, and she grinned, unrepentant. "Okay, okay, maybe I almost blew up the last project, but that was a one-time thing."

“Just a little bit-” 

BOOM

The explosion rattled the lab, sending a thick cloud of smoke spiraling toward the ceiling. Shards of metal clattered onto the floor, scattering across the workbenches. A high-pitched ringing filled your ears, muffling Powder’s cackling as she waved a soot-covered wrench in the air.

“Holy shit, that was awesome!” she wheezed, coughing through the smoke.

Ekko groaned from somewhere behind the table, pushing himself up from the floor. “Yeah, if by ‘awesome’ you mean ‘totally not what we were going for.’” He rubbed his forehead, looking around at the mess.

You cough, shaking off the soot and ash that found its way on your dress.

“Prof Victor extended the deadline to next week so as long as we perfect the wiring and go through some tests we’ll be fine.” You sigh.

“We will be fineeeee, stop worrying your little head. Ekko and I are gonna go out back to get new parts. You’ll be good here?” Powder says rubbing your shoulder. She knows you get anxious around finals, and this new mishap certainly didn’t calm it. 

You give her a small smile and nod. 

Ekko shot you a thumbs-up as they headed for the back door. “Try not to blow anything else up while we’re gone.”

You rolled your eyes, pushing your lab goggles above your head. The lab had finally gone quiet—aside from the occasional drip of some unknown liquid somewhere in the wreckage. You sighed, grabbing a rag to wipe off the table when—

Knock. Knock.

You froze.

For a second, you debated ignoring it—maybe it was just some other students coming to check on the aftermath. But when the knocking came again, firmer this time, you sighed and made your way to the door and opened it.

“Oh! Um, h-hi. You’re Vi!” you say, your voice a little breathless from the surprise of seeing her up close. You offer a small, nervous smile, feeling a flush creep up your neck as you try to steady yourself. You’re proud you recognized her from all of Powder’s stories, but now that she’s standing there, her warm, woodsy cinnamon scent fills the air, making it hard to focus. The words feel like they’re stuck in your throat.

Vi gives you a small, almost approving smile, her eyes scanning the lab before meeting yours. She seems to take in the chaos around you. “Yeah, um, is everything alright in here?”

You shift on your feet, tugging at the hem of your dress to smooth out the wrinkles, trying to focus. “Oh, it’s just a small explosion. You know how Powder can get…” You let out a tiny, nervous laugh. “Her and Ekko went to get more parts though, so I’m not sure when they’ll get back.”

Vi looks at you with an unreadable expression for a second, and you can feel your stomach flutter. “Nah, it’s alright. Just wanted to see if she wanted to grab lunch.”

You nod quickly, heart pounding a little faster. "O-Oh, I can... let her know when she comes back," you offer, stepping back just a bit to give her more space, feeling the warmth in your cheeks grow.

Vi tilts her head slightly, eyes softening just a little as she watches you. She steps further into the lab, her presence still commanding the space. "I appreciate it..." she trails off, her gaze steady as she waits.

“Vera”, you take her hand and introduce yourself, feeling her palm engulf yours.

Vi gives a slight nod, a small smile playing at her lips as she meets your eyes. "Nice to meet you. You’ve got everything handled here?"

You nod quickly, your throat tight with nerves. "Y-Yeah, I’ve got it... don’t worry." You force yourself to meet her gaze, but you can feel your cheeks burning under her scrutiny.

She turns and heads out. 

The door clicks shut behind her, and you stand there, still reeling from the encounter. Your heart races, and for the first time in a while, you feel more than just a little flustered. You couldn’t help it—there was something about Vi that made you feel small in the best way, like she had this quiet control over everything, even you.

With a soft sigh, you turn back to the wreckage of the lab, trying to shake the warmth from your cheeks and the lingering scent of cinnamon that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

___ 

Well, Pow was in some shit at the lab, so I’m bothering you for today,” Vi says with a grin, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on Caitlyn’s lips. She pulls away, looking down at her mate with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Caitlyn’s lips curve into a small smile, but she’s not about to let herself get distracted just yet. “I don’t mind your presence, darling,” she says, her voice steady and amused, though there’s a hint of a challenge in her tone. “Just no distractions this time.”

Vi chuckles softly and shrugs. “I promise, only eating.” She tosses her bag and flops down on the opposite side of Caitlyn’s desk, reaching for a snack. But her mind seems to be elsewhere, her fingers tapping absently on the table as she looks off into the distance.

After a couple of beats, Caitlyn notices the change in her mate’s demeanor and quirks an eyebrow. “What’s on your mind, Vi?”

Vi hesitates, fiddling with the wrapper of her snack, her eyes darting between Caitlyn and the table. She chews on her bottom lip, unsure how to say what’s been on her mind. Finally, she gets up from her seat, shifting a bit uncomfortably, and walks around the desk. She leans against the edge of the desk, her posture a little tense but trying to steady herself. She glances down at Caitlyn, her voice quieter than usual. “I, uh… Y’know how we’ve been looking for an omega for a while, and since there's been no progress we kinda gave up?... Well, I met someone today,” she says, her words coming out a little softer, a hint of uncertainty sneaking through.

Caitlyn looks at her with curiosity, her expression unchanged but her body language attentive. “Someone?”

Vi nods, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. “Yeah, an Omega... She’s... really cute. And sweet, a little shy, but there’s something about her. I don’t know if it's her scent or her demeanor," she stops herself, trying to find the right words. “I think… I think she’d be perfect for us.”

Caitlyn remains quiet, studying Vi’s face as she tries to gauge her reaction. Vi can’t quite meet her gaze, the anxiety evident in the way she shifts in her seat. “I, um, I know it’s a lot, and I don’t want to rush anything, I only spoke to her in Pow’s lab, but… I don’t know, there’s just something about her that feels right.”

Caitlyn’s eyes narrow just a bit, and Vi can feel the sudden shift in the room. Caitlyn’s protective pheromones flood the room and Vi’s heart races at the change in the air. “I don’t know if this is weird or too soon or—”

“Honey, I trust you. If you think this omega is someone who’d be a good fit, then I’m open to meeting them. It will definitely take me a bit to get used to, it’s just been us for so long… I’d need some time to think about it.

Vi gives her a small, almost hesitant smile. “Yeah, I do. But I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for.”

Caitlyn leans in slightly, her lips brushing against Vi’s hand in a tender kiss. “We’ll figure this out. I trust you, just... give me time to adjust.”

Vi smiles, relief washing over her as she nods. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

—--

The busy sounds of the Saturday bridge market filled the air—vendors shouting out their wares, the clink of metal, and the hum of various conversations blending into the background. It was a blend of the sleekness of Piltover and the grittier, more rustic vibe of Zaun. The mix of both cities came together in the market’s atmosphere, a strange but comfortable chaos.

Powder, Ekko, Vi, and Caitlyn moved through the stalls, their conversation laced with playful banter and the occasional bickering over where to get the best fruit or which stall had the juiciest meat. Powder was already arguing with Ekko about which vendor had the freshest veggies, while Vi and Caitlyn exchanged looks, a quiet understanding between them as they weaved through the crowd.

"You sure we’re getting everything we need?" Vi asked, checking the list in her hand.

"We’ve gathered most of it, but I assure you, the cinnamon here far surpasses what one would find on the upper streets," Caitlyn replied, leading them to a nearby spice stall. The air smelled of freshly baked goods, and the rich scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar blended perfectly with the market’s busy energy.

“Powder! Ekko!” 

The four turn to see you happily making your way towards them with a basket full of flour, fresh fruit, and flowers.

“Vera!” Powder brings you in for a hug, “you grabbing things for the bakery?” 

“Yea I’ve wanted to try something new, introduce more sweet pastries and what not.”

You turn and spot Vi and her mate watching the interaction.

“C-Commander Kiramman. Hi! It’s lovely to meet you. I'm Vera.”

Caitlyn’s gaze shifts to you, her eyes soft but calculating, taking you in with quiet interest. She gives a subtle smile, the corners of her lips curling up slightly. "Just Cait is fine," she says simply, but there’s a warmth in her tone, her eyes lingering just a moment longer than usual. “Nice to meet you, Vera.”

Vi watches the exchange, a quiet smile playing on her lips, as Cait steps just a little closer to you. She’s calm, collected, but there’s a touch of something unspoken in her posture, a subtle draw toward you. Caitlyn tilts her head slightly, eyes flicking over your basket before returning to your face.

“You’re a baker?” Cait asks casually, her voice soft but with a curious edge to it. She doesn’t seem in any rush to look away, her gaze steady, though she doesn’t press further.

You nod, a little hesitant, but trying to keep the conversation flowing. “Yeah, I work at a small bakery right next to the bridge. It's been going well. I’m actually thinking of experimenting with new recipes.”

Caitlyn hums in acknowledgment, her expression unreadable but not unfriendly. “That sounds delightful, we’ll definitely have to stop by sometime,” she says simply.

You just nod, your words getting caught in your throat under the gaze of the two alphas. You take a breath, trying to calm the fluttering in your chest. "Well, I should probably get going," you say, offering a small, tight smile. "I have an early start tomorrow, it was nice seeing all of you.”

You turn after a chorus of goodbyes and make your way to drop off the new supplies.

—-

“She’s cute,” Cait hums. 

“I knew you’d like her.” Vi states while taking Cait’s coat and hanging it on their coat rack, 

After Vi had put away all their groceries, Caitlyn lingered in the kitchen leaning on the island, quietly contemplating the conversation. The calm, methodical way she approached everything always served her well, but as the thoughts of you lingered, she found herself yearning for a change. Something about you had sparked something deeper inside her—a curiosity, an interest she hadn’t expected to feel so strongly. Caitlyn wasn’t one to rush things, but she couldn’t ignore the way you had looked at her, the way you carried yourself with quiet grace. That alone made her wonder if this could be something worth exploring... properly.

Vi, oblivious to Caitlyn’s quiet musings, moved to wrap her arms around Cait and press kisses to the side of her neck. Caitlyn’s mind had shifted gears, her focus on how to approach this with intention, without overwhelming you. She had always believed in the traditional courting process—the subtle gestures, the unspoken tension that built slowly until everything fell into place.

She rubbed her hands over Vi’s, her eyes glinting with a quiet resolve. "You know," Caitlyn said casually, "I was thinking about Vera. If we’re going to be serious about this, maybe we should make sure she feels comfortable. Not just in a casual sense, but truly... courted."

Vi blinked at her, a little caught off guard. "Courted? Like, the old-fashioned way? You wanna take her out on dates and all that?"

Caitlyn’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile, turning to wrap her arms around Vi’s neck. “Exactly darling. Slow, deliberate. Let her get to know us, and us, her. I don’t want to rush anything, but I’d like to make sure she knows we’re serious.” 

Vi connects their lips with a smile. “How about at the end of the week? Let the thought settle for a bit, then we can visit her bakery and ask to meet at closing?” 

“Sounds perfect.” Caitlyn’s breath hitched slightly as Vi’s hands slid lower on her back, pulling her in just a little closer.

“Let’s get ready for bed then hm?” Vi smirks. Cait nods and with no more words needed, Vi’s hands move swiftly, pulling Caitlyn closer, lifting her effortlessly in one fluid motion. Caitlyn gasped in surprise, wrapping her legs around Vi’s waist as the other woman walked them to their bedroom.

—-

Ok cupcakes in the oven, dough resting, I just need to clean some pans… might as well prep -

DING

As the door chimes and the cool afternoon air sweeps in behind them, Caitlyn steps in first, her sharp gaze immediately settling on you. But then—she hesitates.

It’s brief, almost imperceptible, but Vi notices it too. The slight pause in Caitlyn’s step, the way her fingers subtly flex at her sides as she takes in your scent. Peach. Sweet, warm, and just a little intoxicating.

“Vi! Cait! Hi,” you greet them with a blush.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Vi says, making her way to the counter. “Hope we’re not interrupting.”

Caitlyn glances at the trays of dough proofing nearby, then back to you. “Hard at work, I see.”

You quickly wipe your hands on your apron, heart hammering in your chest for no good reason. “Oh, um—yeah. Cupcakes just went in, and I was about to prep the filling for the tarts. Would you guys like to try anything?”

“Yes that would be lovely, a matcha latte for me, and, Vi, honey would you like a pastry?”

“Erm yea chocolate croissant is good.” Vi replies

“Ok, perfect just those two.” Cait says while reaching for her pocket.

“Oh no! I-I mean, um, no worries it's your first visit, it's-its on me.” 

Caitlyn raises an eyebrow, but there’s a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Are you sure? We’d be happy to—”

“No, really!” you insist, waving your hands. “It’s nothing. I just—well, you’re Powder’s family.”

Caitlyn turns back to you with a polite smile. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

You nod quickly, moving to prepare the drink and pastry, but your hands feel clumsier than usual, your pulse embarrassingly loud in your ears. Maybe it’s the way Vi keeps watching you—not overtly, but there’s a weight to her gaze, something lingering in the way her nostrils flare slightly when you pass by, the faintest twitch of her fingers against the counter.

As you set the drink and the plate on the counter, Vi picks up the plate with one hand, her fingers brushing yours in the process. It’s barely a touch—just a light graze—but it might as well have been a spark for how immediately you feel it.

A quiet hitch in your breath, a tingle in your fingertips where her warmth lingers. You pull back on instinct, but Vi doesn’t move right away. She just looks at you, her lips parting slightly like she wants to say something—but then she smirks instead, slow and knowing.

Caitlyn watches the exchange as she lifts her cup to her lips, her gaze flicking between the two of you with silent amusement. Then, just as she exhales softly, there’s a subtle inhale—her expression shifting the tiniest bit.

Her lashes lower just slightly, her grip adjusting around her cup as she takes in the faint, lingering sweetness in the air—peach, warm, and unmistakably you.

“There’s actually something we wanted to discuss with you, Vera. Is it alright if we come back at the end of your shift?” Cait asks.

Your stomach flips at Caitlyn’s words, the way her tone is perfectly measured—calm, composed, but undeniably intentional.

Vi, still holding the plate, tilts her head slightly, her smirk easing into something gentler. “Yeah, nothing serious, just wanted to talk,” she adds, voice warm and easy, like she’s sensing the slight tension in your shoulders.

Caitlyn takes a small sip of her drink, watching you carefully before offering a reassuring smile. “Only if you’re comfortable, of course. We don’t mean to put you on the spot.”

You blink, suddenly feeling a little silly for the way your heart is racing. They’re being nice, that’s all. You barely know them, but there’s nothing predatory in their eyes—just patience, curiosity, and something else you can’t quite name.

“Oh, um—yeah,” you manage, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “I should be done around five.”

“Perfect,” Caitlyn says, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “We’ll see you then.”

Vi flashes you a small, reassuring grin before turning toward the door, and as the chime rings softly behind them, you exhale, only now realizing how fast your pulse had been.

As the door swings shut behind them, you stand there for a moment, still gripping the edge of the counter like it’s the only thing keeping you tethered.

Your heart is pounding, too fast for something as simple as a conversation. But it wasn’t just a conversation, was it?

It was Vi’s touch, the way her fingers had lingered, how warm they felt against your skin. It was Caitlyn’s gaze, steady and knowing, as if she’d picked up on every little shift in your expression. It was the way she’d inhaled so subtly, as if… as if savoring something.

And it was your own reaction, the way your body had gone still, your breath catching, your Omega stirring in a way that left you uneasy.

You shake your head, exhaling sharply as you turn back to your work. Focus. You still have cupcakes to frost, dough to roll out, an entire bakery to clean before you even think about—

But it’s impossible to push the thought away.

Your Omega is restless, pacing inside you like an anxious thing, both curious and cautious. It’s never reacted like this before—not to anyone. But something about them, about the way Vi smelled when she got close, about the soft but deliberate pull in Caitlyn’s voice—it felt different.

You try to keep your hands steady as you pipe frosting onto the cupcakes, but the movements feel clumsy, distracted.

Your mind won’t stop spinning.

Why do they want to talk to you? Was it just because of Powder? Or… was it something else?

Your Omega keens softly in the back of your mind, uncertain but not afraid—no, that’s what’s strange. There’s no fear. Just a pull, something warm curling deep in your chest.

You swallow, pressing your lips together as you glance at the clock.

Five feels too soon and too far away all at once.

—

“We would love to court you, as our Omega darling.”

You freeze, midbite into your danish, eyes widening at their offer..

It was 5 pm and all three of you sat down at one of the tables after turning your open sign off.

“As all of our schedules are busy, it would be on the slower side. About three months of dates and what not, then if everything goes according to plan, you would ideally move into ours. It would give us the proper time to get to know each other, and see how well we’d be living under the same roof. ” Cait explained, taking a slow sip of her water.

“We just want to get to know you better. Y’know, outside of Pow’s lab and the bakery. Let us treat you to dinner." Vi added.

The air between you thickens with unspoken words, your breath catching in your throat at the weight of their invitation. Vi’s gaze softens, and Caitlyn’s calm demeanor only serves to make your heart race faster. You try to steady your pulse, focusing on the task at hand, but their presence feels overwhelming in the best way.

You nod, though you feel a little dizzy from their attention. "Of course, um… I’d like to give it a try."

Caitlyn’s smile deepens just a fraction, her eyes glinting, “Perfect. Let’s swap numbers so we can get your schedule, hm?” 

The moment Caitlyn finishes her sentence, she pulls out her phone, her fingers nimble as she taps it a few times before offering it to you. Vi watches you with a mix of anticipation and warmth, her gaze steady and soft as she waits for you to take the phone.

You blink at it for a moment, trying to clear your head and stop your heart from racing at the idea of this step. It’s a lot, and your thoughts swirl with the possibilities and questions that suddenly flood your mind. But their quiet confidence eases some of the tension, and you find yourself reaching for Cait’s phone with a steady hand, entering your number quickly.

“There you go,” you say, handing it back to her.

“Thank you, love,” Caitlyn smiles, her voice light but tinged with something more serious. “We’ll plan something soon. Take your time to think about it, but know we’re excited to see where this could go.”

Vi leans forward slightly, her voice warm. “We’re not rushing you. Just wanted you to know we’re serious about this. Whatever you need.”

The weight of their words lingers in the air, your pulse still racing but somehow grounding with their reassurance. You give them both a tentative smile, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but something inside you feels lighter. There’s an undeniable pull, and as much as you want to process this, you can’t help but feel a little giddy.

As the evening winds down, the three of you finish your snacks, the easy conversation keeping the atmosphere light despite the weight of their earlier words. When it’s time for them to leave, Vi stretches with a satisfied sigh before glancing at Caitlyn.

“Well, we should get going,” Vi says, pushing back her chair. She turns to you with that signature lopsided grin. “But we’ll be in touch soon.”

Caitlyn stands, picking up her coat before turning her gaze back to you. There’s something unreadable in her expression, something careful yet undeniably fond.

Just as you start to bid them goodnight, Vi steps forward first, her hands warm as she gently cups your face. Before you can react, she presses a soft, lingering kiss to your cheek, her breath fanning against your skin as she pulls away. “Sweet dreams, Omega,” she murmurs, her voice low and affectionate.

Your skin burns in the best way, your brain struggling to keep up when Caitlyn steps in next. She doesn’t hesitate, leaning down to press a slow, deliberate kiss to your other cheek, her lips softer than you expected. “We’ll see you soon, text us when you arrive at home.” she says smoothly, a hint of amusement in her voice at your dazed expression.

They both exchange a look, satisfied, before heading toward the door. As they step out into the evening air, Vi throws one last playful wink over her shoulder.

And just like that, they’re gone, leaving you standing in the quiet bakery, fingertips ghosting over your cheeks, your heart hammering in your chest.

—

The next three months are a dream. They take you out on dates—together when possible, but when one Alpha gets too busy, you get the chance to know them individually, each experience leaving you more smitten than before.

One evening, they take you to a rooftop dinner, the city skyline stretching out before you, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The table is set with candles, Caitlyn having gone out of her way to pick the perfect bottle of wine, while Vi grins as she feeds you bites of dessert, her thumb swiping at the corner of your lips. “Can’t let anything go to waste, sweetheart,” she teases, winking. Caitlyn, ever composed, simply watches with an amused smirk before brushing a strand of hair from your face.

Another night, Vi drags you to an arcade, her competitive streak kicking in as she attempts to win you the biggest plush toy there. Caitlyn stands off to the side, arms crossed, watching with an arched brow. When Vi finally succeeds, she hands you the stuffed animal with a proud grin. “See that? Skills, babe.” Caitlyn, on the other hand, casually hands you a second plushie—one she somehow acquired without even trying. “You’re both ridiculous,” you laugh, but warmth floods your chest at the way they look at you.

The most breathtaking memory comes from a weekend getaway to a secluded cabin. Days are spent hiking through the forest, Vi challenging you to races and lifting you over fallen logs with ease, while Caitlyn enjoys the peaceful quiet, taking pictures of the scenery. Nights are spent curled up in front of the fireplace, Caitlyn reading aloud from a book while Vi leans against your shoulder, half-asleep. It’s a glimpse into something more—something deeper, something you could get used to.

Caitlyn’s idea of a date is thoughtful, refined. She takes you to an art museum, her fingers grazing yours as she guides you through the exhibits, her voice rich with knowledge. She looks at you more than the paintings, though, a barely-there smile on her lips whenever she catches you staring.

Afterward, she brings you to a tea house, watching your expression closely as you try different blends. When you settle on a favorite, she makes a note of it, tucking the information away for another day.

One afternoon, she surprises you with a trip to a shooting range. “You should know how to defend yourself,” she murmurs, standing close behind you as she adjusts your grip on the gun. The heat of her body against yours is distracting, her voice low and deliberate. When you finally hit the target dead center, she hums in approval, pressing a lingering kiss to your temple.

“Smart and capable,” she praises, her voice carrying the faintest hint of pride. “I do have excellent taste.”

Perhaps the most heart-racing date is the night she picks you up in a sleek black car, stepping out in a floor length dress that makes your breath catch. She takes you to an elegant dinner, every gesture smooth—holding doors open, pulling out your chair, a guiding hand at the small of your back.

“You look stunning,” she tells you, voice like silk.

Over candlelight and fine dining, she asks about your dreams, your childhood, your thoughts on the future. And when she walks you home, she leans down just enough for her lips to brush your cheek, her voice warm as she whispers, “I hope you know this won’t be our last night like this.”

Before you can overthink it, she tilts your chin up and kisses you, slow and deliberate, as if memorizing the taste of you. When she pulls away, your pulse is still racing, and her lips curve into something knowing.

“You’re exquisite,” she murmurs, brushing her fingers against your cheek before stepping away.

Vi, in contrast, thrives on excitement. One evening, she pulls up on her motorcycle, tossing you a helmet with a wide grin. “C’mon, babe, trust me.”

The ride is exhilarating, the wind whipping past as you cling to her back, your heart pounding. She takes you on a food truck crawl, introducing you to her favorite late-night eats. Every bite is shared, and she insists on wiping sauce off your lips with her thumb, her smirk teasing but her eyes burning with something softer.

Another time, she takes you to her boxing gym, her hands warm and firm as she adjusts your stance. “Like this, sweetheart,” she murmurs, guiding you through the motions.

It starts as a lesson, but it quickly turns playful, Vi grabbing you in a teasing wrestling match that ends with you pinned beneath her. “Gotta say, Omega,” she muses, her fingers tracing your wrist, “I like this view.”

Your breath hitches, and she grins, lowering herself until her nose brushes yours. “Can I kiss you?”

The words make you shiver, but you nod, and she doesn’t hesitate—her lips crashing against yours, claiming and hungry. It’s nothing like Caitlyn’s slow, deliberate kisses. Vi kisses like she’s staking a claim, like she’s been waiting too long and refuses to waste another second.

When she finally pulls away, her forehead rests against yours, her grin utterly pleased. “Yeah, I could get used to this.”

Perhaps the most intimate night is the one where she takes you to a quiet beach, laying out a blanket beneath the stars. “That one?” she points upward. “Looks like a fist. Probably punching Caitlyn for being a smartass.”

You laugh, leaning into her warmth. When a breeze picks up, she pulls you into her lap without hesitation, wrapping her arms around you. “Better?” she murmurs against your ear. And somehow, it is.

She doesn’t ask this time—she just tilts your chin up and kisses you again, softer now, like a promise.

By the end of the three months, you’re left breathless, your heart hopelessly entwined with theirs. Every moment, every stolen touch, every lingering glance—it all leads to you confirming your decision on moving in with them.