Part 1
“Are we really doing this? Getting matching tattoos?” Leah squeezes Fatin’s hand, her voice a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
“Yeah, I can’t believe we’re actually the cheesy couple getting matching tattoos,” Fatin replies, glancing up at the wall of designs in front of them. The tattoo parlor is quiet, filled with the low hum of a tattoo machine in the back, the smell of ink and sterilizing alcohol hanging in the air. They're up next.
Fatin’s mind drifts to the tattoos she’s gotten over the years. She’s accumulated a patchwork collection—some meaningful, like the one with the girls and the one for her brothers, and others just because she liked the design she found on Pinterest. She realized that getting tattooed was like a weird form of therapy for her, and god knows they all needed therapy. She has absolutely no regrets about any of her tattoos and loves every single one of them; especially since Leah thinks she looks even sexier with her tattoos. Needless to say, Dot is also very pleased with all of Fatin’s tattoos.
Fatin was quite surprised when Leah suggested they get matching tattoos a few weeks ago. Leah only has one tattoo and had never shown any interest in getting more. But when Fatin came home one evening with a fresh piece of ink, Leah had looked at her and said, "What if we get one together?"
Things have been going amazing between them. Fatin is still working with Amanda – and as weird as it sounds, Amanda is really cool and Fatin really likes her - and Leah is close to publishing her own book – a horror novel (that has nothing to do with what they went through). Their house definitely feels like a home now and they try to see their friends as much as possible, given everyone’s busy life.
“I know,” Leah grins, “It’s practically a milestone, right? Getting matching tattoos?”
Fatin raises an eyebrow, her smile teasing. “So, does this mean we’re like… married now?”
Leah blushes, a soft laugh escaping her. “Yeah, linked by ink or some shit,” she jokes. Then, more seriously, she adds, “But honestly, your entire body is like a living art gallery, and mine has as much ink as a blank sheet of paper.”
Fatin chuckles. “You still have the ‘unsinkable eight’ tattoo.”
“Yeah, and that makes me so badass, right?”
“It absolutely does,” Fatin teases, squeezing her hand.
Leah looks over at the tattoo options on the wall, her brow furrowing. “Do you think a ribcage tattoo will hurt?”
Fatin laughs, a low, knowing sound. “Oh, it’ll hurt like a fucking bitch, but it’s just a few words with no shading, so it won’t be as bad as you think.”
Leah winces. “That… weirdly enough, does not make me feel a whole lot better.”
Fatin leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Leah’s cheek. “I’ll hold your hand through it, I promise.”
--
The tattoo process takes longer than expected, but Fatin barely notices. Her mind wanders as she hears the buzz of the machine, the occasional murmurs of the artists working.
“How were you this calm?” Leah says, half-laughing when they are both done. “You looked like you were ready to take a nap.”
Fatin shrugs with a smile. “I’ve been through this enough times, I guess.” She glances at Leah, her eyes soft. “Let me see yours again.”
Leah lifts her shirt and Fatin admires the tattoo, the one she that also has on her ribcage now. It’s a simple tattoo: the lyrics to the High School Musical 3 song ‘Can I Have this Dance’.
It's like catching lightning
The chances of finding someone like you.
It's one in a million
The chances of feeling the way we do.
Simple yet meaningful to both of them. Fatin actually shed a tear when Leah suggested they get this tattoo. It brought her back to all those nights after they island during which they cuddled and watched the High School Musical trilogy because neither of them could sleep; the nightmare they went through too fresh in their minds.
“God, I love it,” Fatin murmurs, her voice thick with emotion.
Leah smiles softly. “I love you.”
Fatin leans in and kisses her gently, savoring the warmth of Leah’s lips against hers. “Should I get my nose pierced?” Fatin wonders, staring at the picture of a tattooed woman with a bunch of piercings behind Leah.
Leah blinks at her in confusion. “What?”
“Since we’re already here,” Fatin shrugs, “Maybe I should get my nose pierced? I’ve always wanted to.”
Leah raises an eyebrow, considering it. “Hmm, it would absolutely be a perfect addition to all your tattoos and your blonde pixie cut.”
Oh yeah Fatin also got a haircut a few months ago. Leah was so turned on by this “new Fatin” (as she dubbed her) that they made love all night long and Fatin had to take a sick day the next day to recover.
Fatin’s grin widens at the compliment. “I’ll get it.”
“Good. You’re going to look even hotter than you already do.”
--
“I was so right, the nose ring looks really good on you,” Leah nods approvingly as they walk out of the tattoo parlour, hand in hand, “You look like you could start a punk band.”
Fatin raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh? A punk band, huh? What would my band name be?”
“Hmm I don’t know, something like Nipple Teaser or Boob Slasher,” she pauses, then adds, “You’d definitely be the lead singer. With your tattoos, that attitude and the nose ring, you’ve got the whole ‘I don’t care about authority’ thing down.”
“Nipple Teaser? Boob Slasher? Seriously babe?” Fatin laughs before adding, “Do you picture me up on stage with a leather jacket, screaming into a mic?”
“Absolutely,” Leah says without hesitation, her eyes sparkling. “You'd own it. You would look so fucking sexy.”
Fatin smirks, “You’d be coming to all of my concerts, right?”
“Of course,” Leah grins, “who else would bitch slap any crazy fan trying to jump on stage?”
Fatin laughs, “Oh so you’d me my personal groupie?”
Leah grins, “Fuck yeah, but only if I get front-row tickets and exclusive backstage access.”
“And what do you imagine us doing backstage huh?” Fatin asks, one eyebrow raised.
“Lots of dirty stuff,” Leah says and leans over to nib at Fatin’s ear, causing a shiver to run down Fatin’s spine.
“How about you show me exactly what kind of dirty stuff when we get home?”
“Deal.”
--
“I think we have enough wine to drown a small village, babe,” Leah teases and gives Fatin a quick kiss on the cheek before placing the rest of the food on the table.
The spread on the table is impressive: roasted vegetables, grilled chicken and mash potatoes. They are having their friends over for dinner and drinks tonight because it has been quite a while since they’ve seen each other.
Leah actually helped Fatin cook and managed to only burn the garlic bread, which they eventually had to throw away.
“I’m sure these bitches are going to take a few bottles home anyway,” Fatin jokes.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rings and Fatin rushes to open the door, almost tripping over her own feet.
“Careful, babe. You’re not supposed to break a leg until we’ve had at least one drink,” Leah jokes.
Fatin blows her a kiss before opening the door. She hugs all of her friends tightly, before they all move to the kitchen where Leah is placing the last glasses on the table.
They all take a seat at the table and engage is small talk, diving right in since everyone is hungry.
“Matching T-shirts? Seriously?” Nora says when she notices Leah’s and Fatin’s T-shirts. They’re wearing vintage band tees—Leah’s is the Rolling Stones, and Fatin’s is the Beatles.
“You two are like those disgusting couple goals on Instagram… except, you know, real,” Toni jokes while taking a seat next to Shelby.
“You’re one to talk Shalifoe, you can only take a shit if Shelby is in the bathroom with you,” Leah says and Fatin laughs while serving everyone wine.
“It happened once!”
“That is still so fucking disgusting to me,” Dot says from her spot next to Fatin, as usual, “If I ever reach this level in a relationship, please shoot me.”
“Well,” Shelby says with a teasing smile, “might wanna actually get into a relationship first Dottie.”
“Oh fuck off.”
“All four of you should totally have your own reality show,” Martha says before taking a sip of her wine.
“That would be more of a horror show, really,” Rachel replies without missing a beat.
They’re all serving each other food while continuing their bickering and Fatin missed this so much. It just comes naturally.
“You’re just jealous that Sarah has more style than you, so you guys can never match,” Fatin smirks.
“We’re still fucking cute together,” Rachel shrugs.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Fatin smirks.
“Alright, on a serious note, what the fuck is up with your matching t-shirts?” Dot says before serving herself some mashed potatoes.
“It was an honest coincidence,” Leah shrugs.
“But,” Fatin says and looks at Leah with a glint in her eye, “we did get something else that matches last week.”
They haven’t told their friends about their matching tattoo yet. Leah insisted that they tell them in person, just to see their reaction and Fatin could only accept. She knows she and Leah are in for a night of teasing.
“Other than those matching aprons” Nora teases and points to the aprons hanging by the pantry.
“Those were gifts from Amanda!” Fatin huffs.
“What then? Did you both get Brazilian waxes so that your assholes would match?” Toni says, mouth full of mashed potatoes, “This is delicious by the way.”
“Eww,” Dot says, “I did not need that image in my mind.”
“Seriously Toni,” Martha shakes her head and Toni only shrugs.
“Fucking hell,” Fatin shakes her head and looks at Leah, “Maybe we should have just sent them a picture in the group chat. They are so fucking annoying.”
“I don’t want pictures of your assho-,” Toni starts before being interrupted by Shelby.
“Babe, please,” Shelby laughs, “Let them talk.”
Leah sighs and Fatin tries to stifle her laugh.
“We got matching tattoos,” Leah says before taking a sip of her wine. Fatin casually takes a bite of her food.
The table goes quiet before Rachel speaks up.
“No way, you’re like that couple now?”
“Bitch please, we’ve always been that couple,” Fatin says.
“Show us!” Martha says excitedly and Leah and Fatin both stand up and lift their matching T-shirts to reveal the lyrics.
“Is that from fucking High School Musical?” Toni says amusingly.
“Glad you recognize it,” Fatin winks.
“Fuck man,” Dot says before smiling teasingly, “That is so fucking cheesy it makes me sick.”
“We thought it was cute and a good representation of our couple,” Leah shrugs and leans over to kiss Fatin gently on the cheek.
“I think it’s beautiful,” Martha smiles.
“No way dude,” Toni says, “Shelby and I are cute and cheesy but definitely not enough to get actual matching tattoos.”
“That’s because you’ll faint,” Nora and Rachel deadpan at the same time.
Fatin grins at Leah and wiggles her eyebrows because there is something else that they have to announce to their friends. They wait a few minutes while they are all eating and chatting away before Fatin blurts.
“We’re also getting a puppy soon.”
The room goes dead silent for about five seconds, before Dot, of course, bursts into uncontrollable laughter.
“Oh, you two are so screwed,” Dot says between giggles, yes giggles. “You’re getting a puppy? That’s cute, but that dog is going to rule your life. You realize that, right?”
“That dog’s going to need therapy by month three,” Rachel says seriously, earning a middle finger from Fatin.
“Where did that even come from? I never thought Fatin was a dog person, although, she is a bitch so it makes sense,” Toni jokes, dodging Shelby’s shoulder slap.
“Suck my dick Shalifoe,” Fatin deadpans and thinks about her conversation with Leah yesterday.
Flashback
“Hi my love,” Fatin gives Leah a kiss on the cheek before sitting next to her in their living room. “What are you doing?”
“Just scrolling through Instagram,” Leah says and Fatin hums while turning on the TV, “What do you think about getting a puppy?”
Fatin freezes, “A what?”
“A puppy. You know, a little dog to make our lives a hundred times more chaotic and impossible to manage?” Leah grins.
Fatin slowly turns her head towards her, “You mean, a tiny, furry dictator who will require 24/7 attention and will probably eat all our shoes? That puppy?”
“Yes,” Leah replies, unfazed. “Exactly that. But imagine the snuggles. The little puppy cuddles in the morning. The tiny, floppy ears. The zoomies.”
“Are my cuddles not enough anymore?” Fatin jokes and Leah playfully slaps her shoulder. She processes the idea. “Hold on, I’m trying to wrap my head around this. You want us to get a small, adorable creature whose primary function is to fucking destroy our apartment and bark for food at 4 a.m.?”
“Well, when you put it that way,” Leah rolls her eyes, “it doesn’t sound as cute. But yes. A puppy.”
Fatin has never had pets. Her parents always insisted that they were a waste of money and time, so she never really understood when people talk about their pets like they are actual children. However, ever since she’s spent some time in Leah’s childhood home, she sees how Leah and her parents are with their dog Buddy; Fatin swears that dog is like the Rilke’s second child, and it’s quite adorable to watch them all interact.
“Okay sure, what the hell,” Fatin shrugs, “it’s like adopting a tiny, four-legged human who can’t even speak English, but I’m in,” Fatin says with a grin.
Leah launches herself at Fatin and kisses her all over her face. “Thank you thank you thank you!”
“We’re so taking the puppy to training classes though! I can’t have the dog chew my favourite shoes.”
“Sure,” Leah says excitedly.
End of flashback
“You are so fucking whipped Jadmani, it’s sickening,” Rachel says and shakes her head, a playful smile on her lips.
“Shut the fuck up, I am also excited about it!”
“That’s like getting a child,” Dot nods, eyes wide.
“Yes, and we count on Aunty Dorothy to dog-sit whenever Mom and Mommy are away on vacation,” Fatin teases.
“Oh, fuckno, I’m not the ‘cool aunt’ of this relationship. I’m barely keeping it together with my own plants in my room.”
“I’ll dog-sit for you guys,” Nora says with a smile. “I’ll take tons of pictures of the dog for my Instagram.”
“We don’t even have the puppy yet and they’re already using our child for clout,” Leah jokes, earning a laugh from everyone.
“Okay, but seriously, what kind of dog are we talking about? Are you getting a fancy dog, like a tiny French bulldog with a bowtie? Or are we going full-on chaos with a giant Labrador?” Shelby asks.
Fatin and Leah share a glance before Fatin says, “We’re leaning toward a smaller dog, but we haven’t decided yet.”
“Well, congrats on the puppy,” Rachel says, raising her glass in a toast. “Just remember: when it pees on your favourite rug, never fucking call me for help.”
“Not cool Auntie Rachel, not cool,” Leah laughs.
The rest of the evening is filled with more teasing, and one thing’s for sure. Fatin and Leah are in for the wildest ride of their lives... and their friends are going to enjoy every second of it.
--
Two days later, Fatin and Leah pull up to their apartment in their black Suzuki Jimny (they got the car last year because Leah begged her, saying it was cute as fuck and how can Fatin say no to Leah’s big blue eyes?). Leah grins at Fatin, clutching the small crate currently holding their new puppy like it’s the most precious thing in the world.
“Ready to discover your new home boo boo?” Leah says, staring at the dog.
“Boo boo, really?” Fatin deadpans.
“What? We haven’t decided on a name yet!”
Fatin rolls her eyes, but gets out of the car before opening the door for Leah. She actually feels like they’re coming back home with their newborn baby, and Fatin feels excited about it.
They head to the living room and Leah opens the crate, letting the dog out. Fatin and Leah watched with adoration as his little paws patter across the hardwood floor, fluffy tail twitching in excitement.
“This little shit is kind of really fucking cute,” Fatin says.
“Look at him sniffing the air like he's trying to decode the mysteries of this new world,” Leah says with a grin, clearly in awe of this new addition to their family.
Leah takes a seat on the couch and their puppy leaps up and lands right next to Leah, before sinking into Leah’s lap like it’s a cloud of heaven. Fatin’s heart grows with love at this sight; she can’t help but snap a picture.
“Okay, we need a name babe,” Fatin takes a seat next to Leah and caresses the puppy. He’s so fucking soft and fluffy.
“We need something adorable,” Leah picks up the puppy and holds it up to their eye level, “because look at this face, my god,” Leah kisses the puppy on the mouth, causing Fatin to cringe in disgust. This is definitely some white people shit. Fatin doesn’t mind cuddling with the dog, but mouth kisses? Hell to the fucking no.
“I thought we agreed NOT to kiss the puppy on the mouth?” Fatin says, earning an eye roll from Leah. “You better wash your mouth before kissing me,” Fatin says, eyebrows raised.
“Fine,” Leah huffs, “I won’t do it again.”
“Okay, what do you think of… biscuit as a name?”
“Biscuit?” Leah deadpans, “he is not a snack.”
“Fine,” Fatin rolls her eyes, “So all food related names are off the table. I had muffin, cookie and crispy next,” Fatin grins teasingly.
“Crispy?”
“Like crispy bacon,” Fatin nods and Leah burst into laughter.
“I didn’t know you were that bad at names,” Leah says.
“I never had pets,” Fatin shrugs, “and I named my teddy bear ‘Mr Chocolate’ because he was brown.”
“That’s adorable,” Leah leans over to kiss Fatin’s cheek.
The puppy bounces off Leah and zooms around in the living room.
“Oh my god, our dog is homophobic,” Fatin jokes, “that little shit ran off as soon as you kissed me.”
Leah laughs before grabbing Fatin’s hand.
“Okay, so I’m thinking.. Mr Fluffington? He’s ridiculously fluffy with his little floppy ears.”
Fatin raises her eyebrows and looks at the puppy, still running around in circles.
“I like it,” Fatin smiles softly at Leah, “Maybe we could call him Fluffy but his official name will be Mr Fluffington.”
“Fluffly,” Leah nods, “That’s perfect.”
They both watch as Fluffly stumbles over his own feet before going back to zooming around the house.
Fatin grins at Leah. “You know, I think we might have just adopted a tiny tornado. Look at this little shit running around, tail wagging like a helicopter.”
Leah laughs. “You’re gonna call “little shit” more than Fluffly, aren’t you?”
“Most probably, but it’s all said with love.”
“Welcome to your new house, Mr Fluffington, aka Fluffy, aka Little Shit,” Leah grins.
“You’re lucky Fluffy, you’re about to be raised by two bad bitches.”
--
“Guys, meet Mr Fluffington, most commonly known as Fluffy,” Leah announces, holding up Fluffy like a prize on display.
All of their friends are over for brunch, but mostly to meet their new puppy.
“Oh my god,” Shelby says, stepping forward to hold Fluffly, “Hello little guy,” she coos.
Fluffly wiggles and Shelby puts him on the floor. He doesn’t waste time and goes back to his favourite activity: zooming around the living room.
“Is that... the dog? Or a cloud with legs?” Dot says incredulously, earning a laugh from everyone.
“Look at that face!” Martha says with an excited squeal. She squats down and flails her arms toward Fluffy, but he completely ignores her.
“He’s adorable. What breed is he again?” Nora asks and takes a seat on the couch.
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,” Fatin says proudly. “He’s like, a royal dog. Look at that face, that’s the face of royalty.”
“He’s so fucking cute,” Rachel says, already on the floor trying to coax Fluffy over, “He’s gonna look so good in the little batman outfit I got him.”
“He’s gonna be a fashion diva for sure,” Nora grins. “I got him this little toy.” Nora pulls out a squeaky rubber chicken that is approximately three times Fluffy’s size.
“Little toy?” Fatin says with a laugh before glancing at Toni, who has been standing a little too far back for comfort. “You okay Shalifoe?”
“Yeah,” Toni grins nervously.
“You’re not… scared are you Toni?” Leah says with a teasing grin.
“She is,” Rachel and Nora say at the same time.
“Babe,” Shelby says and walks over to Toni, “it’s just a little puppy. He won’t hurt you,” she says reassuringly.
“Toni. He’s not going to bite you,” Martha says. “He’s, like, 12 pounds of pure fluff. Just pet him.”
“Maybe next time,” Toni says and walks to the kitchen to grab a beer. Of course, Fluffy – most probably sensing Toni’s hesitation because he’s a fucking genius like his moms – makes a beeline for her, causing Toni to scream in fear.
The others burst into laughter.
Shelby rushes to Toni’s side and picks up Fluffy, “Babe, I swear, he’s just a little baby. Look,” Shelby holds him at Toni’s eye level and Toni smiles, but Fatin knows she’s still kind of scared.
“I just, never really liked dogs.”
“You’re a monster,” Dot says.
“Damn Shelby,” Rachel says, also walking in the kitchen, “I’d break up with her.”
“Shut the fuck up Reid,” Toni says, rolling her eyes, before staring at Fluffy. “I guess he is kind of cute?”
“Kind of cute?” Fatin says from the living room, offended, “Our baby is fucking adorable!”
“Yeah, say it Toni,” Leah teases.
“Fine he’s cute,” Toni rolls her eyes and tentatively pets Fluffy, “oh wow he’s very fluffy!”
“No fucking shit, genius,” Fatin deadpans.
Shelby and Toni take a seat in the living room, followed by Rachel. Fluffy looks at the toy in Nora’s lap, so Leah grabs Fluffy and puts him on the floor, along with the chicken toy. He immediately starts nibbling on it, tail wagging enthusiastically.
“Now that we’re done witnessing Toni being a total badass,” Martha jokes, “I brought him a luxury dog bed. It’s memory foam!” She pulls out a cushion that looks more comfortable than the couch they’re all sitting on. “You can thank me later when you realize your dog is living in more luxury than you.”
Of course, Martha, the animal lover, would absolutely spoil the fuck out of their dog. Fatin grins at Martha while Leah marvels at the new bed. They had bought a few stuff for Fluffy and he did already have a bed, but another one wouldn’t hurt.
“Wow, thanks Martha,” Leah grins.
“Auntie Dot bought him something too,” Dot grins before reaching into her bag. “I got him.. dog goggles!” Dot dramatically pulls out the dog goggles and Fatin burst into laughter.
“Fuck, I feel like we have to get a motorcycle now to take him on rides,” Fatin jokes.
“Yeah, no fucking way babe,” Leah says. “I love you but motorcycles are death machines so Fluffy can wear the goggles to swim.”
“Eh, good enough,” Fatin shrugs before leaning over to kiss Leah on the cheek.
Shelby pulls out a giant chew bone that is comically large compared to Fluffy. “This is from Toni and me, it’s for his teething phase,” she grins. “It’s like... a full meal wrapped in chewable goodness.”
“Did Toni actually help or was she too scared to go into the pet story?” Fatin jokes.
“Fuck you Jadmani.”
“Bring it on Shalifoe,” Fatin winks before looking at the pile of gifts accumulating on the floor and grins at Leah.
“You guys seriously went all out,” Leah says before leaning down to get Fluffy, who is now rolling around on his back, trying to wrestle with the rubber chicken.
“He’s already a spoiled little shit,” Fatin adds.
Fatin and Leah spend the rest of the day chatting away with their friends and playing with Fluffy.