Biscuit
The next morning, Vi still couldn’t believe what had happened. She had actually done that. What if she had ruined everything? What if Caitlyn never wanted to see her again? What if…No. She shook her head. She wasn’t going to spiral there was no point. It was fine. It had to be fine. She’d just play it cool, act like nothing had changed. What’s the worst that could happen?
With that thought, Vi pushed herself out of bed, got dressed, and got ready for school.
Across town, Caitlyn was having similar thoughts, though hers were accompanied by a persistent warmth in her cheeks that Vi dare not even think about. Every time she thought about seeing Vi again, her heart fluttered. She already missed the way Vi’s hand felt in hers, the way it just fit.
But if this, whatever this was, was going to go anywhere, Caitlyn knew she had to be honest not only with herself but with her mother. She had always known she liked girls, but she had never told her parents. Not even as much as a hint. She didn’t know how they’d react, and part of her had always been too afraid to find out. But now, she felt different. Stronger. If she wanted a future with Violet, she had to take this step.
So she made up her mind. She was going to tell her mother that instant.
As she peeked into the dining room, she saw her mother sitting at the table, reading the newspaper with a cup of tea in hand. She looked so at ease. This might be the only chance I get for a while, Caitlyn thought. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and cleared her throat.
“Mum, I have something I want to talk to you about. It’s really important.”
Cassandra barely looked up, offering only a small nod and gesturing for Caitlyn to sit. But Caitlyn remained standing, her hands fidgeting at her sides.
“I’m not really sure how to say this, but…Mum, I like girls. And I don’t mean just as friends. I mean really like them.”
She clenched her fingers together, willing herself to stay strong.
Her mother sighed, setting the newspaper down just enough to glance at her. “Oh, Caitlyn, you’re only twelve. You’ll grow out of this phase soon enough.” Her voice was dismissive, almost bored. “Is that all? I’d like to finish the paper.” She waved her hand in a shooing motion.
Caitlyn felt something inside her crack.
“…Yes, Mother.”
Her voice was small, defeated. She turned away quickly, blinking back the sting in her eyes as she hurried to her room. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number.
After a few rings, a soft but husky voice answered. “Hey, Sprout. It’s early. You alright?”
Caitlyn swallowed the lump in her throat. “Can you take me to school? I really need a friendly face today.”
Jayce didn’t hesitate. “I’ll be right there.”
Minutes later, Caitlyn rushed to the front door the moment she saw Jayce’s car pull up. He barely had time to step out before she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. His large frame was warm, steady, exactly what she needed.
Jayce held her for a moment before gently pulling back. “Alright, Sprout. Let’s get you to school.”
They walked to the car in silence, but as soon as they were on the road, Jayce glanced at her. “What happened? You look like you’ve been crying.”
Caitlyn exhaled sharply. “I kissed a girl last night.” She said it so quickly that Jayce almost thought that he heard it wrong.
Jayce slammed the brakes so hard that Caitlyn lurched forward, caught only by her seatbelt.
“Jesus Christ, Jayce! Easy!” she yelped, gripping the dashboard.
Jayce’s hands tightened on the wheel. “Who is she? Did she break your heart? Do I need to call some people?” His tone was instantly defensive.
Caitlyn sighed, shaking her head. “It’s not like that, Jayce. She’s… wonderful. She’s sweet and caring and charming. She knows me better than anyone, and she never fails to make me smile.” Even now Caitlyn had a small smile on her face just thinking about her.
Jayce relaxed a little, but his brows were still furrowed. “So… what’s the problem?”
“Well, I was getting to that before you nearly killed us,” she muttered.
“Right. Sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
Caitlyn’s fingers resumed their nervous fidgeting. “I told Mother.”
Jayce’s expression darkened. “And?”
“She just…dismissed it. She said I’d ‘grow out of it.’ Like it’s some kind of phase.” Her voice wavered with frustration. “She’s so dismissive of my feelings all the time. I’m sorry I’m not the perfect Councilor’s daughter she wants me to be.”
Jayce was silent for a moment before reaching over and giving her shoulder a squeeze. “Hey, Sprout. I’ll support you through it all, even if she doesn’t understand now. You are who you are. And besides, we were always meant to be misfits.”
Caitlyn glanced at him, her lips twitching despite herself. “Together?”
He grinned. “Together.”
A long silence stretched between them before Jayce smirked. “So… how was it?”
“How was what?”
“The kiss, obviously.” He nudged her playfully.
“Oh my god, Jayce!” Caitlyn groaned, covering her face as she turned away, her cheeks burning red.
Jayce chuckled. “Oh, so it was good.”
“Shut up!,” she mumbled.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he said, his tone softer now. “I’m only teasing. But for what it’s worth, whoever she is…she’s lucky to have you.”
Caitlyn smiled, a small warmth blooming in her chest. They drove the rest of the way to school, talking about Vi without ever saying her name.
Vi walked to school with Powder, as she did every morning, making sure to drop her off at her class before heading back outside. She had a tradition of waiting for Caitlyn at the school gates, and today was no different except that it was. Today, she clutched a small bouquet of daisies from her yard paired with fresh lavender, Caitlyn’s favorite.
She shifted on her feet, twirling one of the stems between her fingers as she scanned the school grounds. When a familiar blue-haired girl stepped out of a car, Vi felt her breath catch. Had Caitlyn always been this beautiful? The morning sun made her eyes even more striking, her presence pulling Vi in like a magnet.
“Good morning, Vi,” Caitlyn greeted her, a bright smile lighting up her face.
Vi swallowed, trying not to stare. “Well, hi there, princess. Did you sleep okay? Your eyes look a little red.”
Of course, Vi of all people would notice. Caitlyn had hoped to keep her emotions hidden, but she forced an easy smile. “Just didn’t get much sleep,” she shrugged.
Vi didn’t look entirely convinced, but she didn’t press. Instead, she extended the flowers toward Caitlyn.
“For me?” Caitlyn’s eyes brightened, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile.
Vi nodded, suddenly feeling self-conscious. But before she could say anything, Caitlyn stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her.
Vi stiffened for half a second before melting into the embrace, her flushed face pressing into the crook of Caitlyn’s neck.
When Caitlyn pulled back, she placed a quick kiss on Vi’s cheek, her voice soft as she whispered, “Thank you for the flowers, my knight.”
Vi barely had time to recover before Caitlyn stepped away, her sadness seemingly lighter, the weight on her shoulders lifted just a little.
And though they both carried the memory of the kiss from the night before, neither of them spoke about it. The stolen glances, the lingering touches, the soft pink tint on their ears whenever their hands brushed, it was all they could think about, but neither dared to bring it up.
Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. Neither of them spoke about it, afraid that doing so would change everything.
By the time they entered seventh grade, school had become even more challenging, but that didn’t stop them from earning the highest grades in their class. They constantly competed, always pushing each other to be better, yet their rivalry never got in the way of their friendship. No matter who scored higher, they still studied together, still spent hours side by side, as inseparable as ever.
One afternoon, as they walked home from school, Caitlyn suddenly stopped.
“Oh my, Vi, look.”
She crouched down near the sidewalk, her voice filled with concern.
Vi followed her gaze and saw a small kitten lying there, its frail body curled up in its own filth and blood. Caitlyn’s breath hitched when the tiny creature twitched.
“Vi, she’s still alive. We have to help her.” Caitlyn’s voice was soft, aching in a way that made Vi react instantly.
Without hesitation, Vi pulled off her jacket and gently wrapped the kitten in it. “Let’s go.”
They took off running, sprinting through the streets until they reached the Kiramman mansion.
Bursts of cool light streamed through the grand windows as Vi rushed past the towering portraits of Kiramman women. The massive house was still intimidating, but right now, all she cared about was getting the kitten somewhere safe.
When they reached Caitlyn’s room, Vi sank onto the plush rug in the center of the sitting area, cradling the kitten protectively.
“I have a suture kit in here somewhere,” Caitlyn muttered as she rummaged through a drawer.
After what felt like an eternity, half the contents of the drawer now piled on the floor, she finally found it. Grabbing a few rags and a bottle of alcohol from the bathroom, she hurried back to Vi’s side.
Vi continued to soothe the kitten, murmuring soft lullabies as she took the rag from Caitlyn and dabbed at the wounds. The kitten whimpered and weakly scratched Vi’s hand, but Vi barely reacted. She just kept going, carefully cleaning away the dirt and blood until the wounds were ready to be stitched.
Caitlyn threaded the needle with steady hands. “I’m quite sorry for this, little one,” she whispered.
Vi held the kitten as still as she could while Caitlyn worked, her movements precise and delicate. Once the stitches were in place, Caitlyn dampened a fresh rag and gently wiped away the grime from the kitten’s fur.
“She’s probably starving,” Vi murmured. “We can’t expect her to heal on an empty stomach.”
Caitlyn nodded, already thinking of a solution. “We don’t have formula, but there’s a general store two blocks down. I’ll run there, it won’t take long.”
Before Vi could respond, Caitlyn was already out the door, disappearing down the hall in a blur of blue and white.
Left alone in Caitlyn’s massive room, Vi glanced around. It had been a while since she’d been here. They usually spent time at her place, Caitlyn had always liked it better there.
The kitten shifted in her arms, and Vi carefully adjusted the blanket around it, keeping it warm.
She glanced up at the mounted rifle above Caitlyn’s bed, its sleek design and high-powered scope catching the light. Vi had always known the Kirammans went shooting, but she never realized just how seriously they took it. Caitlyn never really talked about that part of her life. There’s a lot I don’t know about her family, Vi realized.
Her gaze wandered to Caitlyn’s dresser, where delicate jewelry and an array of perfumes were neatly arranged. It was so…Caitlyn. Every piece elegant, every item perfectly in place.
But what caught Vi’s attention most was the framed photo sitting on the nightstand.
She picked it up carefully, recognizing the image instantly it was of them. The picture hadn’t been taken that long ago, but it still surprised her. When did she have time to print this?
A warmth spread through Vi’s chest. She loved how Caitlyn always took the time to do small things like that.
Carefully, she lay down on Caitlyn’s soft lavender colored sheets, letting herself sink into the comfort of the bed. The kitten rested on her chest, its tiny breaths steadying.
Vi exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment.
She didn’t know what this meant. She didn’t know where she and Caitlyn stood or if they’d ever find the courage to talk about the almosts between them.
But right now, wrapped in the scent of lavender and warmth, with the kitten rising and falling with each breath against her heart Vi allowed herself to just be.
Luckily, Caitlyn had found a small bottle and formula for the kitten at the store. As she stepped back into her room, her eyes scanned the floor before landing on the bed, where the sight made her pause.
Vi had fallen asleep, curled up with the tiny kitten nestled against her neck. The soft rise and fall of their breathing intertwined, and for a moment, Caitlyn simply stood there, taking it in.
Moving carefully, she reached down and gently lifted the kitten from Vi’s embrace. Her fingers brushed against the warmth of her friend’s skin, and she hesitated. Lately, Vi had been pushing herself harder than ever with juggling school, Powder, the flower shop, and training with Vander. It was no surprise she was exhausted. Caitlyn had noticed the changes, too: how Vi’s face was growing more rugged, how her muscles had begun to take shape, and how she always seemed hungrier than before.
As Vi lay sprawled across the bed, Caitlyn couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly she fit into the sheets, completely at ease. She sighed softly before turning her attention to the kitten, quickly mixing the formula in a bottle. As soon as the bottle reached her tiny mouth, the kitten latched on, sucking lightly while Caitlyn absentmindedly stroked her soft fur with her thumb.
Beside her, a faint snore broke the silence. Caitlyn’s lips curled into a quiet chuckle, but she quickly covered her mouth, stifling the sound. She set the kitten down gently on the bed once she was done feeding and whispered, “What am I gonna do with you, Violet?”
Her gaze drifted back to Vi, and before she could stop herself, Caitlyn reached out, brushing a few strands of auburn hair from her face. It was always slightly messy but impossibly soft, and she ran her fingers through it with practiced care, careful not to wake her.
But then Vi stirred.
Before Caitlyn could react, Vi shifted and curled into her lap. Heat rushed to Caitlyn’s face. She’s so close. They hadn’t been this close since they were kids—aside from the occasional hug. They didn’t even hold hands anymore.
Tentatively, Caitlyn traced her fingers along Vi’s cheek.
“I love you,” she whispered, barely audible, before pressing the lightest kiss to her cheek.
A few seconds passed. Then Vi stirred again, this time shifting to face her.
Her powder-blue eyes blinked open, hazy with sleep, and met Caitlyn’s oceanic gaze. A slow, sleepy smile pulled at Vi’s lips. She reached out, brushing her hand against Caitlyn’s cheek, her touch warm and grounding.
“Good morning, princess.”
Caitlyn’s breath caught. Her heart hammered as Vi sank deeper into her lap, mumbling, “Just a few more minutes…” before her hand fell limp and her breathing slowed once more.
Caitlyn barely dared to move. She leaned back slightly, adjusting so that the kitten lay comfortably between them. The warmth of Vi’s body against hers was both unfamiliar and intoxicating.
She hadn’t meant to fall asleep. But she must have because when she jolted awake, the clock read ten.
Caitlyn blinked groggily before realizing Vi had sprawled even more on top of her, limbs tangled, head resting in the crook of her neck. She was completely at peace, breathing softly, drooling, Caitlyn realized belatedly, as she felt the slight wetness on her skin.
Typically, she would’ve been disgusted. But instead, she found it… endearing.
“Vi,” Caitlyn whispered.
No response.
“Vi.”
Still nothing.
“Violet,” she tried again, a little louder this time.
A groan followed. “It’s the weekend, Powder. Let me sleep.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Vi, wake up.”
Vi cracked open one eye, only to be met with Caitlyn’s flushed face. As awareness seeped in, she seemed to process their position, the way their legs had tangled, Caitlyn’s hands on her waist, her own face buried in Caitlyn’s neck.
Oh.
“Oh my god, Cait, I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep like that. I swear I was just exhausted, and your bed is so comfortable, and-”
“Goldilocks, calm down,” Caitlyn interrupted, her voice gentle. “You did nothing wrong. I let you sleep.”
The reassurance made Vi pause. Caitlyn’s face was open, full of quiet care, and the tension between them was thick, something unspoken hanging in the air.
Before she could think too hard about it, Vi threw her arms around Caitlyn, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Caitlyn stiffened for only a second before melting into it. Their bodies pressed together, warm and snug, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if they were one.
Neither of them spoke.
Eventually, Caitlyn cleared her throat. “Um, Vi? Can you move so I can use the bathroom?”
Vi blinked, suddenly realizing they were still completely entwined.
“Oh-right. Sorry,” she said sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck as she pulled away.
Caitlyn shot her a small, nervous smile before slipping off the bed and into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
As soon as it clicked shut, she slid down against it, pressing her hands over her face to stifle a scream.
Her heart would not stop racing. She had just she had just cuddled with Vi. The girl she had been in love with for years. And it had felt so perfect. Every inch of Vi had fit against her like she belonged there.
But she doesn’t feel the same. She can’t.
Caitlyn forced herself to her feet and turned on the faucet, splashing cold water onto her burning face. Get it together, she scolded herself. She’s just your best friend. Nothing more.
God, she was beautiful. It was infuriating.
Meanwhile, outside the bathroom, Vi had buried her face in Caitlyn’s pillow, screaming silently into it.
Did that really happen?
The memories of the night before came rushing back. The warmth, the closeness…Had Caitlyn actually whispered ‘I love you’? Had she imagined the soft kiss on her cheek?
No, that had to be a dream…right?
But still, she couldn’t shake the way Caitlyn’s touch had lingered, how her eyes had looked impossibly bright in the morning light.
She groaned, rolling over only to spot the kitten staring at her.
“Oh, right. You’re still here,” she muttered. She grabbed the bottle from Caitlyn’s nightstand, refilled it, and held it out. The tiny feline latched onto it immediately, white paws reaching greedily.
A moment later, Caitlyn reemerged, looking slightly more put together, her hair brushed neatly. She sat down beside Vi, her gaze settling on the kitten.
“What are we gonna do with her?”
Vi shrugged. “Well, I’m kind of attached now, so obviously, we keep her.” She looked down at the kitten. “What do you think, little one?”
In a silly voice, she added, “I think that’s a great idea! I love my mommies!” as she gently wiggled the kitten’s tiny paw.
Caitlyn blinked. “Mommies?” Her accent peaked through in her effort to say it the way Vi did.
“Yes, your majesty.” Vi smirked. “It was your idea in the first place. Plus, she’d benefit from having two loving parents.”
Caitlyn huffed a laugh. “I suppose you’re right. Coparents it is. But she’ll have to stay with you-my parents hate cats. And Blaize and Berkley would chew her up in seconds.”
Vi nodded. “Alright then, it’s settled. Now we just need a name…”
After a moment, she grinned. “How about Biscuit?”
Caitlyn laughed. “Vi, I think you’re just hungry. But… I rather like it.” She reached down, stroking the tiny kitten’s head.
Vi beamed. “Alright then, Biscuit. You’re coming home with me.”
Over the next few weeks, Biscuit grew much bigger. She was finally at a healthy weight. Today, Caitlyn and Vi were taking her to the vet to be vaccinated and spayed.
“Vi…” Caitlyn’s voice rang out as they walked along the sidewalk, Vi positioned protectively on the outside.
“Yes, Cait?”
“What if she’s in pain…or doesn’t wake up from the surgery?” Caitlyn asked, glancing down at the orange kitten in her arms.
Vi gave her a reassuring smile, reaching out to ruffle the fur on Biscuit’s head. “Oh, Cait, she’ll be alright. She’s tough, this one.”
With a reassuring nod from Caitlyn they reached the vet’s office, dropping Biscuit off before setting off to spend the rest of their day in town.
As they wandered through the streets, Caitlyn pointed out all her favorite shops, her voice full of excitement. Vi listened carefully, committing each one to memory.
“Vi! Look!” Caitlyn suddenly gasped, tugging on Vi’s arm. “They have a record shop here! Oh, can we go in, please?”
Vi smirked at Caitlyn’s enthusiasm and nodded. They stepped inside, where rows of vinyl records stretched out before them, organized neatly in alphabetical order. Caitlyn immediately led them to the “H” section, pulling out a Hozier record.
“I’ve been wanting this one for what feels like ages,” she murmured, running her fingers over the sleeve.
“Then get it. Duh.”
Caitlyn sighed, shaking her head. “Mother wouldn’t approve. She thinks I shouldn’t waste my money on useless things.”
Vi scoffed. “Well, I’ll buy it, then. That way, it’s a gift.”
“You really don’t have to do that, Violet,” Caitlyn said softly. “It’s alright. She’s probably right, anyway.” She hesitated for a moment before slipping the record back into its box.
Vi frowned, then plucked the record back out without hesitation. “It’s not useless if it makes you smile. Besides, anything for my princess.”
Caitlyn’s face warmed as Vi leaned in close, her signature grin playful yet sincere.
“I guess you’re right,” Caitlyn murmured.
“Damn right, I am. What does she know, anyway?”
Before Caitlyn could argue, Vi was already walking toward the register. After paying, they left the shop, Vi carrying the bag with an air of triumph.
A few stores down, Vi suddenly stopped, eyes widening as she stared into the window of a bookstore.
“Let’s go in,” Caitlyn said, laughing at the childlike excitement on Vi’s face.
Inside, Vi browsed the classic literature section, eventually picking out two books. As they waited in line to check out, Caitlyn perused a shelf of trinkets, her eyes landing on a small figurine of an orange cat.
“Vi, look! It’s Biscuit. Isn’t it cute?”
Vi raised an eyebrow. “It is…but isn’t it kind of weird? It looks exactly like her.”
Caitlyn scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Well, I think it’s adorable.”
Vi turned to pay for her books, but Caitlyn tapped her card before she could even reach for her wallet.
“It’s on me today. And you’re getting the cat trinket,” Caitlyn said, flashing a coy smile.
Vi sighed, rolling her eyes, but there was a glimmer of amusement in them as they walked back outside.
They made their way to a cozy café near the florist shop where Vi worked. At the counter, Caitlyn ordered a chai latte while Vi opted for a mocha frappuccino. Once they had their drinks, they sat at a small table by the window.
“Whoa, don’t look now, but there’s a really pretty girl over there,” Vi said casually, nodding to her left.
Confused, Caitlyn turned to her right only to be met with her own reflection in the glass. Her face immediately flushed a shade of pink that nearly matched Vi’s hair.
Vi grinned as Caitlyn buried her face in her hands. Vi’s hand reached out to Caitlyn’s chin and lifted her blushing face up.
“You really think I’m pretty?” Caitlyn asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Before Vi could open her mouth, their order was called. She stood, retrieving their drinks and setting them down in front of them.
“Thank you,” Caitlyn mumbled, still a little flustered.
Would you like to try mine? Caitlyn inquired as Vi glanced over at her drink.
Vi took a sip of Caitlyn’s chai as offered, nodding in approval. “Cinnamon-y. I like it. Although…it’d be better cold.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “You’d think everything was better cold, Vi.”
Vi shrugged, smirking. Before Caitlyn could protest further, she suddenly burst into laughter.
“What?” Vi asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You have a foam mustache.”
Vi frowned, but before she could wipe it away, Caitlyn reached over, gently dabbing at her face with a napkin.
“There. You’re all clean now,” Caitlyn murmured.
Her hand lingered on Vi’s cheek for just a moment before she quickly pulled away, clearing her throat.
“Are you hungry? I can buy you whatever you want,” Caitlyn offered, eager to change the subject.
“I’m alright, cupcake. Don’t worry about me,” Vi replied with a wink.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “That’s not my name, Violet. And honestly, I’m not quite fond of it.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it, cupcake. I know you’re not, but you sure are sweet like one.”
Caitlyn huffed, crossing her arms, but her blush betrayed her.
“Sorry, your majesty. Won’t happen again,” Vi teased winking, standing up and offering her hand. “Now, let’s go get our kid.”
Caitlyn hesitated before taking Vi’s hand. They walked back to the clinic, fingers intertwined.
Inside, Caitlyn picked up Biscuit, who was still groggy from the anesthesia, cradling her gently. Vi exchanged a few words with the vet before they stepped back outside.
As they walked, a man approached them, sneering before spitting on the ground near Caitlyn’s feet.
“Dyke,” he muttered.
Caitlyn instinctively clutched Biscuit tighter to her chest.
“Hey! Who do you think you’re talking to?” Vi snapped, eyes flashing with fury.
“Vi, it’s alright. Let it go,” Caitlyn urged, her voice low.
“Yeah, listen to your bitch,” the man scoffed.
Vi’s vision went blurry and before she or Caitlyn could think, her fist connected with his face, sending him stumbling back. Blood dripped from his mouth as he spat onto the sidewalk.
“You cunt,” he snarled before swinging back. His fist slammed into Vi’s abdomen with force, making her grunt in pain.
Caitlyn gasped as Vi took a step back, but before the man could land another hit, Vi straightened, setting her stance. She wiped her bleeding lip with the sleeve of her ruined flannel and smirked.
Recently, she’d been training with Vander whenever she had the chance, and it showed. With a single lunge, she brought the man to the ground in one swift motion. Straddling him, she landed another punch to his already-bloodied face before standing back up.
The man scrambled away as onlookers murmured amongst themselves. Vi sighed, wiping sweat from her forehead before grabbing her flannel off the ground.
Caitlyn was already by her side, catching her as she swayed slightly.
“Thanks,” Vi muttered.
“Vi, you’re bleeding.”
“Eh, nothing new. Don’t sweat it-ah, shit, I’m bleeding all over you.”
Caitlyn smirked. “I think that’s the least of your worries. Besides, I’d love another reason to piss my mother off.”
Vi chuckled, draping an arm over Caitlyn’s shoulders. Caitlyn did the same, supporting her weight as they made their way back home with the kitten still nestled in her other arm.