Part 1
Fatin hated being sick. She has been sick all fucking day. The last time she felt this shitty while being sick, it was 10 years ago when they all got food poisoning on the island (Lucky Shelby). Not even her worst hangover felt that shitty.
Leah says that it’s just a fever, but damn that shit hit her hard like a fucking a truck. The fever is dragging her through the pits of exhaustion, her body aching, and her mind is clouded. She’s curled up on the couch, covered in blankets, practically unable to do more than blink. The only thing that makes this whole ordeal bearable is Leah. Leah, who has been the perfect caretaker; sweet, doting, and doing everything she can to make Fatin feel better.
Leah’s been running around the apartment all day long like a hurricane of love. She’s made soup, brought Fatin her meds, adjusted pillows, and even found time to crack some ridiculous jokes to keep Fatin's spirits up. She also took tomorrow off from work so she could stay home with Fatin and make sure she’s taken care of. Fatin is barely able to register how lucky she is, but the warm, tender care from Leah makes her feel loved even when she feels like absolute garbage.
“Where’s Fluffy?” Fatin mutters, still feeling like she’s underwater. She shifts under the covers, her eyes fluttering open to look at Leah who’s carefully adjusting the tray in her lap.
“He’s with Dot and Mateo,” Leah smiles. “I wanted to be able to focus on you tonight, so they’re spoiling him until tomorrow. I bet he’s having a blast.”
Fatin smiles then looks down at the tray Leah just brought her. A bowl of soup, some crackers, and... a little flower.
“Where’d you get a flower from?” Fatin asks weekly, sitting up.
“The neighbour’s garden,” Leah gives Fatin a mischievous smile.
Fatin stares at her for a long second, then bursts into laughter, immediately regretting it as her head throbs from the sudden movement. “You didn’t.”
Leah just shrugs nonchalantly, as if stealing flowers from the neighbours is just another Tuesday. “They never watered them anyway. If I get arrested for this, it’ll be worth it because you deserve this little flower.”
“You’re such a naughty girl, but I doubt you’ll go to jail for stealing a flower.” Fatin chuckles before picking up the soup spoon and adjusting the tray on her lap. “Thank you for this.”
“It’s the least I can do my love.” Leah runs her hand through Fatin’s hair while she eats. “Is it good?”
“Delicious,” Fatin smiles. “I’m so glad you learned how to cook,” she teases.
“Even if I still didn’t know how to cook, I would have moved the earth to get you food.” Fatin’s heart swells in her chest. What did she ever do to deserve Leah Rilke? “Or I would have snuck into the neighbour’s house to steal some of their food.”
Fatin shakes her head with a laugh. “We are never watching Orange is The New Black again, it just made you want to go to jail.”
--
Later, after Fatin finishes her soup and Leah settles in next to her on the couch, Leah suggests they watch Brooklyn Nine- Nine and Fatin thinks it’s the perfect idea; this show never gets old and can always make Fatin laugh. Leah snuggles close to Fatin, her hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. Fatin curls up against her, closing her eyes, trying to ignore the persistent fever that makes her skin feel like it’s on fire.
They watch two or three episodes and to Fatin’s dismay, it does not help. She still feels like shit.
Leah, most likely sensing Fatin’s discomfort, pulls away slightly and says, “I’m sorry you feel this way my love.” She kisses Fatin’s forehead. “God you’re burning.”
“You mean, I’m hot?” Fatin tries to smirk.
“Of course you are, nothing sexier than a snotty nose,” Leah teases. “We’re gonna get you through this though. You’re gonna feel better by morning, I promise.”
“I hope so,” Fatin says weakly.
“I have an idea,” Fatin sees a spark in Leah’s eyes.
Fatin watches as Leah stands up to put YouTube on the TV. Fatin’s brain is foggy but she’s pretty sure Leah is putting the song “Push it” on, and Fatin has never been more confused in her life. Maybe it’s the fever.
Without any warning, Leah starts doing some crazy dance moves to the music. Fatin’s eyes widen in disbelief as Leah awkwardly flails around in front of her.
“Babe, what the hell are you doing?” Fatin groans, still feeling miserable.
Leah doesn’t stop. She does an awkward twirl, then a shitty attempt at the moonwalk before throwing her hands up in the air as if she’s the world’s greatest performer. “I’m distracting you!” she exclaims, grinning from ear to ear. “Just like Terry and Holt during Amy’s labour. Call it my ‘Fatin Distraction’ Dance!”
Leah is grinning from ear to ear and Fatin cannot help but laugh. Leah spends the next few minutes moving like a drunken giraffe trying to do the cha-cha and during those few minutes, Fatin’s fever fog lifts, replaced by the most insane feeling: love.
She laughs, full belly laughs, her body shaking with the effort; and one specific thought crosses her mind:
I need to marry this girl.
Leah stops mid-spin, looking up at her with pride. “You’re laughing? Are you... laughing?”
Fatin grins at her. “I’m laughing. I feel like death, but watching you flail around like that is the most fun I’ve had all day.”
Leah plops down next to her again, smiling that goofy, unashamed grin of hers that Fatin loves so much. “Well, anything to make you feel better baby.”
Fatin cuddles into Leah’s side. “I love you, you know that right?”
“Aww you’re a little baby when you’re sick,” Leah coos. “Of course I know you love me.” Leah plants a kiss in Fatin’s hair before putting another episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine on, unaware of Fatin’s recent thoughts.
They have been tiptoeing around the idea for a few months now; they both have stable jobs with good income, they both want kids eventually and they both know they want to spend their lives together, but neither of them ever made that first step. Fatin can’t believe it took her so long to come to this decision, but she’s sure of it now. It’s definitely not the fever brain thinking. Her mind has never been clearer. She’s going to ask Leah to marry her. Fatin smiles at the thought.
She has to plan the perfect proposal now, well, not now because her fever is still kicking her ass, but soon, because Leah deserves the perfect proposal.
As the episode continues on the screen, Fatin leans against Leah, suddenly feeling a little warmer, despite her fever. She’s still sick as hell, but right now, she has everything she needs. Leah, with all her ridiculousness and love, is taking care of her.
And then, when the night grows late, they decide to just sleep on their big ass couch. Leah pulls Fatin close under the blankets, cuddling up against her. Fatin feels the heat radiating off of her, but she’s shivering like crazy. It’s weird, she’s burning up, but her body feels freezing, and Leah, despite the warmth, just holds Fatin tighter.
“Babe,” Fatin murmurs, her voice small, tired. “Aren’t you hot? It’s, like, hotter than Satan’s balls right now.”
Leah doesn’t move, though. She just holds Fatin and kisses her forehead. “I’m fine. I’d rather be a little hot than let you freeze alone.”
Fatin sighs, the exhaustion and fever pulling her down, but she still manages to smile up at Leah. “You’re perfect.”
--
Fatin starts her proposal plan the following week when she feels much better.
Her first order of business is to call Leah’s parents to inform them of her intention to propose to Leah. As expected, they are both ecstatic at the idea and Fatin feels relieved. She doesn’t know why she was even worried about them not being happy; they love Fatin.
Flashback
“So,” Fatin says over the phone, after catching up a bit with Leah’s parents. “Leah and I will be celebrating our ten year anniversary soon, and I thought it might be time for the next step.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to propose to Leah.”
Leah’s parents go silent for a few seconds, causing Fatin to start sweating.
“It’s about time!” Leah’s mom screams with joy.
“You guys have been together longer than most married couples,” Leah’s dad jokes before getting serious. “We love you both very much, so we are very happy for both of you. You’re already part of the family Fatin.”
Fatin wipes a single tear with the back of her hand, smiling happily.
“We see how happy you make Leah, so we are more than supportive.” Fatin can hear the smile in Leah’s mom’s voice.
“Will it be an epic skydiving proposal?” Leah’s dad asks.
“Well,” Fatin laughs, “considering the circumstances under which we became friends and more, I don’t think getting on a plane and jumping out of it is a good idea.”
End of Flashback
Fatin smiles when she thinks back to that phone call, but a little sadness still tugs at her heart. She hasn’t spoken to her own parents in years, and she doesn’t think things will ever get better between them. She has really tried over the years, but the lack of effort from her parents says more than enough.
She is still close to her brothers, and she did call them as well to inform them of her plans. All they both had to say was “about time” and “can you have your wedding in a hotel so that we can lounge by the pool” as if they haven’t been to Fatin’s and Leah’s house and swam in their pool before.
--
A few days later, Fatin meets Dot for lunch and tells her to clear her schedule for the day. There’s a mission at hand, and it’s important.
Fatin slides into the booth at the café, practically glowing with excitement. Every step in this journey is starting to feel more real, and she can barely contain the joy bubbling inside her. Dot, already halfway through her iced coffee, raises an eyebrow when she notices Fatin’s grin.
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What’s going on? You look like you’ve got a rainbow stuck up your ass.” Dot asks, leaning forward, her curiosity piqued.
Fatin grins wider, unable to hide the news any longer. “So, I have an announcement.”
Dot rolls her eyes. “Fatin, I didn’t think you’d invite me for lunch on a Tuesday and tell me to clear my schedule for nothing. I obviously know you have something to tell me.”
“You mean I have to pay for the lunch?” Fatin teases
Dot scoffs. “Dude, just tell me! Is it good or bad?”
“Good.” Fatin can’t stop her grin from spreading wider. “Very good.”
Dot cocks her head to the side. “Are you finally introducing me to that hot French singer you signed up at the record deal?”
“I don’t think Mateo would like that, honey,” Fatin teases, raising an eyebrow.
Dot smiles slyly. “Is it what I think it is?”
Fatin’s smile only grows, her heart racing. She knows Dot well enough to realize that her best friend has already figured it out. Dot can read her like an open book—almost as well as Leah does. “I want to ask Leah to marry me.”
Dot grins. “It’s about fucking time, man! Ten years!”
“I know, right?” Fatin laughs, running a hand through her hair. “But it feels like the right time”
Dot stands up suddenly and pulls Fatin into a tight hug, her voice full of joy. “I’m so happy for you! You guys are perfect for each other.”
Fatin hugs her back, trying to steady her breathing. “Thank you,” she says, finally pulling away and sitting back down. “I want it to be perfect, though. And I need your help.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right person! People say I’m amazing at everything,” Dot says, grinning with mock modesty.
Fatin laughs. “And people are right, my friend.” She leans in, lowering her voice dramatically. “We’re going ring shopping today.”
Dot’s face lights up, her eyes practically sparkling. “Ooh, that’s fun.” She takes a bite of her burger before adding with a mischievous smile, “You need something that says ‘I love you, but I’ll also steal the covers every night for the next decade.’”
Fatin snorts, rolling her eyes. “I’m not a blanket hogger.”
Dot raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Bitch please, we’ve had enough sleepovers for me to know that you are.”
Fatin can’t help but laugh, but then she takes a sip of her iced coffee, more focused now. “Anyway, I want something that fits Leah perfectly. Something as beautiful and elegant as her.”
“We’ll find the perfect ring, I’m sure,” Dot says with confidence, then her face shifts to something more thoughtful. “Do you already have proposal ideas?”
Fatin nods, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “I’ve been thinking about some stuff. I know I want to do it in two weeks, on our ten-year anniversary.”
“So fucking cheesy, but perfect.”
“I know,” Fatin grins. “I can’t help it.”
They’re nearly done with their food when Dot suddenly perks up. “What about a flash mob proposal?”
“I’m terrible at dancing unless it involves shaking my ass at a party.”
Dot laughs. “True.” She pauses, thinking for a moment. “Okay, what if you take her for a hike in some dark location, and you turn on your flashlight to reveal ‘will you marry me?’ spelled out with reflective tape or some shit? You could even say, ‘Sorry it’s dark, but my love for you is bright.’”
Fatin stares at her, incredulous. “Hiking in a dark location? Like a forest? Do you want Leah to break up with me because I triggered her PTSD from the island?”
Dot winces. “Yeah, maybe not the best idea.”
Fatin laughs, shaking her head. “Maybe I should’ve asked for Toni’s help.”
Dot snorts. “Shut up bitch. Toni would’ve probably suggested you hide the ring in a pizza.”
Fatin bursts into laughter, already imagining Toni’s wild ideas. “Let’s focus on the ring today, yeah?”
Dot rolls her eyes dramatically, but her grin never falters. “Fine.”
Fatin takes another deep breath, then looks at Dot with a serious expression. “I do have one more thing to ask you.”
Dot smirks, clearly teasing her. “You’re taking advantage of my kindness.”
Fatin grins. “Will you be my maid of honour?”
Dot freezes and Fatin grins at her, waiting for an answer. Dot is her best friend. She wouldn’t imagine anyone else in this role. Ever since their nightmare on the island, they have always been there for each other, even more so over the years. Fatin absolutely loves her and there’s no one else she’d want by her side for her big day.
“Are you for real?” Dot finally asks, her voice soft but full of emotion.
Fatin raises an eyebrow, her voice playful. “Do you want me to get down on one knee to ask?”
Dot laughs loudly. “I would actually like that.”
“Okay.” Fatin stands and pretends to drop to one knee, but Dot pulls her back up quickly, still grinning.
“I’m kidding, dude! Of course I will be your maid of honour. Dare I say, it would be my honour.”
Fatin lets out a relieved laugh. “Dude, your speech at the wedding better not be that cheesy.”
“You know it will. And I am definitely mentioning that time you and Leah went skinny dipping in our pool and accidentally locked yourselves outside. Without any towels. Or clothes.”
Fatin’s eyes widen. “You wouldn’t!”
“You know I would,” Dot winks and Fatin shakes her head. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to ask me to be the maid of honour after you’re engaged? What if Leah says no?”
Fatin gives her an incredulous look. “I would kill you for jinxing it.”
“Kidding, of course she’s gonna say yes. You could ask her to marry you when you wake up tomorrow, eyes full of boogers, morning breath burning her nose hairs and she’d still say yes.”
Fatin laughs. “Now that’s the kind of encouragement I need.”
--
An hour later, Fatin and Dot walk into an upscale jewellery store, the sparkling displays making Fatin’s nerves flare up. She looks around, trying to get a sense of where to start; she never knew there could be so many fucking rings.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” the salesman says, flashing them a charming smile. “How can I assist you today?”
Fatin gives him a nervous smile. “Yeah, uh… I’m looking for an engagement ring. For my girlfriend.”
The salesman’s smile widens, and he looks between the Fatin and Dot. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations! I have to say, you two make a lovely couple.”
Fatin bursts into laughter.
“Oh honey, she should be so lucky,” Dot says and Fatin shakes her head.
“Like you could ever handle my ass, Dorothy.” Fatin turns towards the salesman who is clearly flustered at his mistake. “She’s tragically in a relationship with a man even though I know she is a little bit gay for me. And she is just my best friend.”
“I’m sorry ma’am, I just assumed-,”
“It’s okay,” Fatin cuts him off because that guy looks like he could faint anytime now. “I’m looking for the prefect ring for my girlfriend. I need something elegant, delicate, with a modern twist.”
“I’m thinking Sapphire,” Dot winks and when Fatin furrows her eyebrows at her, she adds. “Trust me. Sapphire will be perfect.”
“I’ll be right back with a few selections.”
“Not the brightest is he?” Dot whispers and Fatin shots her a look. “Who the fuck brings their girlfriend to pick an engagement ring?”
“People do that, you know.”
“Yeah, rich entitled coupled who have known each other for 2 weeks maybe.”
Before Fatin can answer, the salesman is back with a few rings. “I brought some beautiful sapphires, just like you asked.”
They spend a good fifteen minutes discussing and looking at all of their options before both Fatin and Dot agree on a ring.
“This one is perfect,” Fatin smiles. The ring has a soft, blush pink sapphire set in a polished white gold band. The stone is a cushion cut with slightly rounded corners that soften its brilliance. Its colour is a gentle, romantic shade of pink, not too pale, but not too bold—a perfect middle ground that radiates warmth and love; it’s simply perfect for Leah. “I’ll take it,” she says to the salesman.
“Do you know the ring size of your girlfriend?”
Without missing a beat, Dot replies. “Of course she does my dude. She knows those fingers by heart.”
“Dorothy!” Fatin shrieks and does her best to hide her blush. “It’s a six,” she says to the salesman who nods and goes to the back to get her ring. “I’m starting to rethink this whole maid of honour thing,” Fatin turns to Dot with a raised brow.
“Bitch you love me.”
“I do,” Fatin smiles. “And thank you, the ring is pure perfection.”
“It really is,” Dot smiles. “If she ever says no, I’ll marry you just to get that ring.” Dot grins at Fatin, who rolls her eyes.
“If you talk about the fact that Leah might say no one more fucking time, I might have to fight you.”
“I would totally beat your ass,” Dot teases. “Leah would be the dumbest person on earth to say no to someone as amazing as you though. You’re awesome dude and Leah knows that. You two are like those fairy tales, except you both saved each other and are meant for each other. It’s like watching two puzzle pieces just... click. The two of you together? Insufferably adorable. Like, I almost can't handle it.”
Fatin blinks, feeling tears build up. “See, that’s the kind of shit you should say in your speech.” Fatin hugs Dot tightly. “I love you Dorothy.”
“I love you too Fatin. I’m still talking about the skinny dipping incident though.”
“I hate you.”