Part 1
Fatin blinks her eyes open, stretching lazily and reaching across the bed to hug Leah.
Empty spot.
She looks to her left and, yeah, Leah isn’t here; which is weird since Fatin is always the one to wake up first.
What the hell is this smell?
That’s definitely not the usual smell of freshly brewed coffee made by Rachel, or the sweetness of pancakes made by Dot.
No, this smell is unmistakable – burnt food.
Fatin shoots out of bed with a jolt, the blankets flung aside as she quickly scrambles to her feet. She rejoices the fact that she already has her clothes on today before she sprints downstairs to get to the kitchen as quickly as possible. She did not want to do that naked.
“Who the hell is burning down this kitchen?” Fatin shouts as she enters the space, only to freeze mid-step when she sees the scene before her.
Leah is standing at the stove, spatula in hand, her face a mix of nerves and embarrassment. She glances back at Fatin, her lips twisting into an awkward smile. “I, uh… tried to make you breakfast,” she mumbles, nodding toward the blackened pancakes. “But, uh… well, this happened.”
“Babe,” Fatin laughs and walks to Leah. She flicks off the stove with a quick motion. “You didn’t have to do all that.” Fatin steps forward to hug Leah.
“Nooo,” Leah protests, gently pushing Fatin away before crossing her arms again. “I wanted to surprise you for your birthday!” Her bottom lip juts out just enough to make Fatin’s heart melt. “And now… now I ruined everything.”
Fatin’s laughter rings out, and she leans in to kiss Leah on the cheek. “You’ve never ruined anything, baby. Honestly, as long as you’re here with me, my birthday is already perfect.” She pulls Leah back into a warm embrace, her arms wrapping securely around her.
“But it’s your birthday,” Leah pouts but her eyebrows suddenly shoot up, “Oh my god! Happy Birthday my love!”
Fatin is pulled into a passionate kiss, and for a moment, everything else fades into the background.
Who gives a rat’s ass about fucking pancakes when she’s kissing the most beautiful girl in the world?
When they finally break apart, both of them are grinning. Fatin rests her hands on Leah’s shoulders, her fingers brushing the soft fabric of her shirt. “Thank you, baby.”
Leah shakes her head, still a little embarrassed. “This would have been even more perfect if I had actually managed to make the pancakes, though.”
“Honey, we have been dating for almost three years now and living together for what, two years?” Fatin says with a teasing smile, “Haven’t we already established that I’m the only one who can cook in this relationship?”
Leah gives her a playful shove. “Not funny!” Leah pouts, though there’s still a hint of amusement in her eyes. “I even made sure everyone else was gone so I could cook in peace and surprise you with breakfast in bed.”
Fatin’s heart swells with affection. She can see, from the big ass mess in the kitchen, the effort Leah has put in. “Tell you what,” Fatin says, her voice softening as she steps closer to Leah, wrapping her arms around her waist. “How about we make pancakes together and then take them back to bed? That way, we can still have the breakfast in bed part, right?”
Leah rolls her eyes but can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of her lips. “I guess that could be fun.”
Fatin grins and quickly moves to the counter, grabbing the pancake mix. She sets about preparing the batter while Leah hovers beside her. As she begins to heat the pan, she pulls Leah close, guiding her to the stove.
Despite their height difference, Fatin wraps her arms around Leah from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. It’s a bit awkward, but Fatin doesn’t mind. She’s tempted to just pull up a small bench to stand on it, but Leah would never let her forget that.
“I’ll guide you through it,” Fatin whispers in Leah’s ear, her voice full of affection. She takes Leah’s hands gently and helps her pour the batter into the pan, their fingers brushing in the process.
Leah leans into her embrace, and Fatin sighs contentedly, her heart racing in the most delightful way. They cook together in a comfortable silence, the soft sizzle of the pancakes filling the air. Finally, they’re ready, and Fatin leads Leah back to their bed.
Leah settles back against the headboard while Fatin sits between her legs, the plate of pancakes balanced on Fatin’s thighs. Fatin leans back against Leah’s chest and feeds her a piece of pancake, grinning. “See? This is perfect. Just us and some delicious pancakes.”
Leah hums in satisfaction, then swallows the bite. “It would have been more perfect if it was a surprise for you,” she says, her voice soft with regret.
Fatin places the plate on the dresser beside them, then turns to face Leah, crossing her legs so she can be closer. She smiles at Leah with all the warmth in her heart. “Babe, I told you. There is nothing I wanted more than to just be here with you. Right now. In this moment.” She leans forward to kiss Leah, her lips lingering for a beat longer than necessary before pulling away slightly.
Leah’s face softens, and she smiles down at Fatin, her eyes filled with love. “Can I still make you coffee when we’re done?” she asks playfully.
Fatin laughs, her heart full. “Sounds good, baby,” she murmurs. Then, with a mischievous grin, she rests her hands on Leah’s thighs. “Tell me why you love me.”
Leah raises an eyebrow in surprise. “What?”
“I want to hear it,” Fatin says, her voice filled with affection. “Why do you love me? It would be the best birthday gift ever.”
Leah smiles and takes Fatin’s hands in her lap, her fingers gently fiddling with them as she thinks. “I love you because you’re the most wonderful person I know,” she begins. “I love you because you make the simplest moments feel magical. I love you because you care so much about others. I love you because you have the kindest heart.” Leah’s voice cracks slightly, but she continues. “I love you because you always wake up ten minutes before me, even when you don’t have classes, so I don’t miss mine because I never hear my alarm.” Fatin chuckles, wiping away a tear she hadn’t realized escaped. “I love you because you have the most beautiful smile in the world. I love you because you make me feel like anything is possible. I love you because you’ve shown me what true love is.” She pauses for a moment, her fingers gently tracing the back of Fatin’s hands. “I love you because you are… you, proudly so.”
Fatin is silent for a moment, the weight of Leah’s words settling deep in her chest. She smiles through the tears streaming down her face and leans over to kiss Leah gently. This kiss spoke of all the love and warmth they shared. It still feels unreal to Fatin how lucky she is. She must sound like a broken record, but she wakes up every day feeling this grateful.
When they pull away, Fatin’s voice is thick with emotion. “That… that is the best gift I’ve ever gotten in 21 years.” Leah smiles at her and Fatin feels her heart grow. “And I love you too.”
“If you had given me a bit more time to prepare my speech, I could’ve gone on for another ten minutes,” Leah smirks.
“How about,” Fatin slides her hands up Leah’s thighs, “you show me how much you love me now? This is like the first time in weeks we are alone in the house and can be as loud as we want.”
“Gladly, my love.”
--
Fatin and Leah spend the entire day together, deciding they can miss one day of class. It’s Fatin’s fucking birthday, right? Today is all about Fatin and her favourite person—no stress, no distractions, just each other.
Currently, they’re shopping in a quiet corner of the city. Leah insists on paying for everything. “You’re the queen today,” she says with a wink when Fatin tries to protest.
Who the fuck is Fatin to argue with that logic?
So here they are, strolling hand in hand down the bustling sidewalk, bags of random items Leah picked out for Fatin hanging from her fingers. Things Fatin hadn’t asked for, but would love all the same. Leah always has a way of picking the perfect little gifts.
“Okay,” Fatin says, glancing at their bags with a grin, “you’ve definitely spoiled me enough today.”
Leah smirks. “Oh, I don’t think so. I have one more gift for you.”
Fatin raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Leah, you’ve already bought me so much stuff. You don’t need to get me anything else.”
Leah grins even wider. “Yes, but this one is special.”
“I think the multiple orgasms you gave me all morning were pre-tty special, my love,” Fatin winks, earning a slight shoulder slap from Leah.
“Stop,” Leah blushes, “but seriously. I think you’ll like this one.”
“What is it?”
“A tattoo.”
Fatin stops mid-step, staring at Leah with a mix of confusion and surprise. “Wait—what? Babe I think you’re amazing but I don’t think you can tattoo.”
Leah laughs softly, shaking her head. “No, silly. I want to pay for your first tattoo. You’ve been talking about getting one for months now.”
Fatin pauses, the offer catching her off guard. She’d mentioned it before, in passing, but the thought of getting a tattoo had always felt like something that could wait. But now, with Leah offering to make it happen, it feels like the perfect moment.
“I don’t know what to get,” Fatin admits, her voice soft as she glances around as though searching for inspiration.
“That’s alright,” Leah smiles. “I already have the design for you.”
“Oh really? Is it your name?” Fatin teases, a playful smile on her lips.
Leah scoffs, rolling her eyes. “God no. I love you, but that’s just a terrible idea.”
Fatin laughs, her heart swelling. “I’d totally get your name tattooed on me, you know.”
Leah shivers dramatically. “Please don’t.”
“Okay, okay,” Fatin laughs, nudging her with her shoulder. “So what’s the design then?”
Leah guides them to a nearby bench, pulls out her phone, and hands it to Fatin. “I thought this could be cool. You don’t talk about them much, but I can tell you miss them.”
Fatin looks at Leah’s phone, and her heart stops.
The design is simple, beautiful: an outline of two little boys hugging each other, their small figures drawn with delicate lines. Fatin recognizes it immediately—it’s the outline of the picture she keeps at the back of her phone case. The picture of her two little brothers, the two boys who have always been her world.
Tears well up in her eyes, and she blinks rapidly, trying to steady herself.
“Fatin?” Leah’s voice is soft, unsure. “Do you like it?”
Fatin doesn’t trust her voice, so she just stares at the design. Her heart is full, emotions swirling in her chest. This is perfect. More than perfect.
She wipes away a tear, and with a deep breath, looks up at Leah. “It’s perfect.”
Fatin misses her brothers more than words can express. . She hasn’t seen them in roughly two years, ever since they left the San Francisco Bay Area to move to New York. The distance is unbearable at times. Sure, they do Facetime sometimes but it’s always very quick because she doesn’t want her bitch ass parents to know she is in contact with her brothers.
She’s not ready to talk to her parents yet. They barely reacted to almost losing Fatin on that fucking island and barely batted an eye when Fatin announced she was moving away. Fuck them.
But her brothers? They’re everything to her. They’re innocent, they’re pure, and they remind her that despite all the mess in her life, there’s still something good in this world. That’s why she keeps their photo in her phone case.
And now this tattoo design?
Leah gently wipes away another tear with her thumb. “You really like it?”
“I love it, baby,” Fatin says, her voice thick with emotion. “You know me better than I know myself. I always knew my first tattoo had to mean something, but I never even thought about this. How the fuck did I not think of this?”
Leah grins playfully. “That’s because I’m the light that guides you every day.”
Fatin chuckles, pulling Leah closer. “You might just be right,” she whispers before leaning in to kiss her again, this time with all the love she can convey in that single kiss.
Leah pulls back, grinning. “We can book the appointment for this Saturday. What do you think?”
“Sounds great. Are you getting one too? My name, perhaps?” Fatin teases.
Leah scrunches up her face in mock horror. “Eh, I love you, but no. I’m still debating whether I want one or not.”
Fatin glances at her watch, and her eyes widen. “Babe, we have to leave now, or we’re going to be late for dinner,” she says, tugging gently at Leah’s arm.
They’ve had the best day—full of laughter, shopping, and surprises—but now, dinner with the girls is calling. Fatin smiles at the thought of the evening ahead: teasing, laughter, and, of course, more gifts.
“Shit, you’re right,” Leah says, standing up quickly. “Let’s go.” She grabs Fatin’s hand, and they hurry to the car.
Before they reach the door, Fatin stops, turning to Leah with a soft smile. “Thank you,” she says, her voice sincere. “For everything today, and for this design. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
Leah smiles warmly, her eyes shining with affection. “It’s my pleasure, babe,” she says softly, squeezing Fatin’s hand. "You deserve it all."
--
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! We’re late!” Leah exclaims, dragging Fatin into the restaurant to meet their friends at their reserved table. Since it’s a week day, they all agreed on a dinner only. They could always get drunk during the weekend.
“About time you showed up!” Dot grins, “I thought we were going to have to start without you.”
“Were you guys having sex?” Toni teases.
“Where would we even have sex, we were out all day,” Fatin rolls her eyes. They have had sex in public places before but Toni doesn’t need to know that. “We just lost track of time.”
“Happy Birthday fuck face,” Rachel says with a teasing grin while standing up to hug Fatin.
All the girls also hug Fatin before she can sit down.
They enjoy dinner while catching up on everyone’s week so far. Despite living together, it is quite hard getting time to talk. They do have weekends, but even then, most of them sometimes spend their weekend doing assignments or working.
Adult life is fucking hard.
“So,” Martha begins while they are eating the birthday cake, “what gifts did you get her Leah?”
“You mean, besides the multiple orgasms, Marty B?” Fatin smirks and everyone groans, including Leah.
“I got her a bunch of clothes and stuff for our room,” Leah smiles at Fatin, “but I also showed her a design for her very first tattoo.”
“I can’t believe you don’t have tattoos yet Fatin,” Dot says, “I always pictured you as those queer women with the patchwork tattoos.”
“Fantasizing about me Dorothy?” Fatin smirks.
“Fuck no bitch.”
“So what’s the design?” Nora asks Leah.
Leah shows the girls the design and they all swoon.
“That is so beautiful, Leah,” Shelby smiles softly.
“You know,” Toni says, “I wouldn’t mind getting a tattoo as well. Mind if I tag along?”
“Not at all,” Fatin grins, “only if you get my name tattooed on you.”
“I’d rather go back on the island,” Toni deadpans.
They all laugh and Fatin relishes this special moment with her friends.
“I’d get your name tattooed on me,” Rachel starts and Fatin shoots her a surprised look, “only if I can get it on my butt cheek to remind myself what a pain in the ass you are.”
They all burst out laughing and Fatin has to join in.
“Fuck you Reid.”
“Name the time and place baby,” Rachel winks.
“Okay Rachel, maybe stop flirting with my girlfriend,” Leah says in a teasing tone before her face lights up. “What if we all got matching tattoos?”
“Are you serious?” Nora asks, mouth full of cake.
“I mean, I’ve been debating whether to get one,” Leah shrugs, “and the thought just crossed my mind. What’s better than getting a matching tattoo about shared trauma?”
Fatin laughs and grabs Leah’s hand on the table, “That’s a great idea babe. I don’t mind getting two tattoos in one day. Gives me a head start on Dorothy’s sexual dream of me covered in tattoos,” she winks at Dot.
“I never said it was sexual!” Dorothy huffs, “but yeah I’d love to get a tattoo with you guys.”
They all agree and Fatin gets excited over this. A matching tattoo with these girls with whom she will forever have a special bond.
They go home and spend the rest of the night debating what to get as a matching tattoo.
They settle on something very simple: a plain heart with the number “8” written inside.
They have been dubbed, by the few news outlets that bothered covering their story, the “unsinkable 8” so that was very fitting.
Fatin also opens her gifts from the others and has to laugh at the matching shirts Dot got them, showing two people sharing one brain cell.
“I am so wearing that on Saturday when we get tattooed,” Fatin grins, “and you better wear yours.”
“You got it boss,” Dot winks.
Shelby and Toni got her a pack of her favourite perfumes and Fatin gets the middle finger from Toni when she mentions that, just because they are dating, it doesn’t mean they have to get her ONE gift.
Martha gives her a bathrobe, a set of candles, and some luxurious bath salts.
“I can’t wait to take a romantic bath with you baby,” Fatin whispers loudly to Leah, causing everyone to groan.
“I fear I have made a mistake,” Martha winces.
“They already shower together most of the time anyway,” Nora rolls her eyes.
“Just trying to save water,” Fatin shrugs.
“Like you care about the planet, bitch,” Toni shakes her head.
Fatin bursts out laughing when she opens Rachel’s gift, a book on ‘how to please your woman”.
“She definitely doesn’t need that,” Leah winks.
“Bitch this is fucked up. I could have written this book,” Fatin says confidently and earns a high five from Leah.
Nora got her a bunch of albums from her favourite artists and Fatin cannot help but smile.
She loves these girls.
--
Saturday finally arrives, and the group is practically buzzing with excitement as they head toward the tattoo shop. Fatin can barely believe it's taken them this long to get matching tattoos—it's such an obvious step in their friendship.
As they step into the shop, they're greeted by their artist—a friendly woman with arms covered in tattoos, sporting a stylish pink pixie cut that looks effortlessly chic. She looks like the kind of person you would see rocking every corner of the latest fashion trend without even trying.
“This is what I always imagined Fatin would look like in a few years,” Dot jokes, flashing Fatin a teasing smile.
“She’d look hot,” Leah agrees with a wink.
“I would absolutely rock a pixie haircut,” Fatin says confidently. “But maybe blonde instead of pink. You know, classic.”
The tattooed artist walks up to them. “So, what are we doing today? What can I create for you all?”
Nora steps up with a smile that lights up her whole face. “A symbol of us,” she says, her voice full of affection as she gestures to the group. “Our friendship, everything that makes us... us.”
Leah goes ahead and explains the matching tattoos, along with Fatin’s outline tattoo.
Toni leans forward, her eyes mischievous. “Can we make sure mine is extra cool?” she asks, her voice playful. “I want something that screams epic—like a real piece of artwork that catches everyone’s attention.”
Shelby, who’s standing right beside her, rolls her eyes but smiles fondly at her girlfriend. “It’s literally just a heart with an 8, babe,” she says, her voice full of affection and teasing.
Rachel chimes in from the other side of the room, her expression dripping with sarcasm. “What, are you getting a unicorn pooping rainbows around the heart too?” she asks with a grin, earning a quick middle finger from Toni.
The room erupts into laughter, but eventually, everyone agrees to get their tattoos on their wrists—a daily reminder of their bond, their struggles, and the moments that have defined their friendship. Fatin, for her part, settles on the outline of her brothers' names on her forearm. It's something deeply personal, a way to carry them with her every day.
--
Once the tattoos are finished, Fatin looks down at hers, a smile spreading across her face. She turns to Leah, her heart full. “I love it,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you so much for this, Leah. Seriously.”
Leah grins and leans in to kiss Fatin softly on the lips. “My pleasure,” she whispers. “It looks so hot on you. I love it.”
Rachel, who’s been eyeing her own tattoo, grins wide. “I look so badass,” she says, examining the ink on her wrist with pride.
“You almost fainted,” Nora deadpans.
Rachel gives her a smirk, cocking her head in Toni’s direction. “At least I almost fainted,” she quips, turning her gaze to Toni, who is lying on the couch with her head in Shelby’s lap. Shelby is carefully patting Toni’s forehead with a wet cloth, and Toni looks up, groaning dramatically.
“Shut up bitch,” Toni mutters from her spot.
Fatin chuckles, her eyes shining as she looks around at all of her friends, her heart swelling with gratitude. “It feels surreal, you know?” she says softly, her voice filled with wonder. “This is something we’ll all have for the rest of our lives. A permanent reminder of how much we all mean to each other, of what we went through.”
Nora raises an eyebrow. “You’re going soft on us, Jadmani?” she teases. “Next thing we know, you’ll be getting all of our names on your other arm.”
Fatin rolls her eyes playfully. “I’m saving that for my girl only,” she says, winking at Leah with a teasing grin.
“I will literally break up with you if you do that,” Leah jokes and puts her arm around Fatin’s shoulders.
They leave and as they walk down the street, laughing and reminiscing about their latest adventure, Fatin leans into Leah’s side. "I think this might just be the best birthday gift ever."
Leah smiles and kisses her on the forehead. "I love you so much."
“I love you more.”