Vi had grown accustomed to Caitlyn’s unusual cravings by now, but this one was definitely something new. There had been the hot Cheetos and strawberry yogurt phase, followed by the cheese and jam sandwich obsession, and then the chicken wings drenched in maple syrup craze. Each phase was more eccentric than the last, but Vi did her best to keep up. She made it a point to stock their kitchen with whatever ingredients Caitlyn’s ever-changing tastes demanded, no matter how odd the combinations seemed.
This new craving of Caitlyn’s posed a particular challenge—it required a food that Vi couldn’t exactly get her hands on in the middle of the night since the restaurant was obviously not open.
Vi stirred from her sleep, feeling a hand firmly shaking her shoulder. She groaned softly, muttering under her breath as her eyes fluttered open. The room was bathed in darkness, but Vi could still make out the silhouette of Caitlyn and her growing belly. At eight months pregnant, Caitlyn’s cravings had only become more intense—and so had her libido. Which Vi certainly didn’t complain about.
Pushing herself up slightly, Vi blinked away the sleepiness and let out a half-hearted chuckle.
“Cait, my jaw still hurts from last night, so if you’re thinking—”
A sharp slap to her shoulder stopped her mid-sentence.
“It’s not that!” Caitlyn hissed, her voice defensive and flustered. Vi couldn’t see her wife’s face in the dark, but she was certain Caitlyn was blushing furiously.
“Then what is it, Cupcake?” Vi asked softly, concern replacing her teasing tone as she fully sat up.
Caitlyn’s frown deepened, her voice tinged with frustration.
“I really want Ionian spicy noodles and… peanut butter.”
Vi let out a soft chuckle, her voice still thick with sleep. “Babe, I can’t exactly get takeout at…” she trailed off, glancing over at the glowing red numbers on the alarm clock perched on the nightstand, “two in the morning.”
Caitlyn’s lower lip trembled, and her pout quickly turned into a watery eye as tears began to well up. Caitlyn usually wasn’t one to cry very often but her hormones were in full swing, amplifying every emotion tenfold.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright,” Vi said quickly, shifting closer to her wife. She wrapped her strong arms around Caitlyn, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “I’ll get it for you first thing when we wake up, I promise.”
Caitlyn sniffled, burying her face against Vi’s shoulder. “But I really want it now,” she murmured, her voice muffled and tinged with frustration. She sounded just like Lavender at that moment.
Vi sighed, her heart aching at the defeated tone in Caitlyn’s voice. She hated seeing her wife like this, especially when she couldn’t fix it immediately. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up.
“Well… I can try to make it myself,” Vi offered, her voice warm but uncertain. “But I can’t promise they’ll taste anything like that Ionian place you love so much.”
Caitlyn’s face softened, a grin breaking through her lingering tears as she nuzzled against Vi’s skin. She pulled back slightly, allowing Vi to gently wipe away the tears that had slipped down her cheek.
“You’d really try? For me?” Caitlyn asked, her voice laced with both hope and affection.
Vi smiled, her broad hand cupping Caitlyn’s face as she gazed at her. “Of course I would. I’d do anything for you,” she replied softly, leaning in to press a tender kiss to Caitlyn’s tear-streaked cheek.
Caitlyn’s grin widened, her heart swelling with love for the woman who never failed to go above and beyond for her, no matter how ridiculous the request. “I don’t deserve you,” she whispered.
“You’ve got that backwards, Cupcake,” Vi murmured, her lips brushing lightly against Caitlyn’s forehead. “Now, let’s see if I can whip up some late-night Ionian magic.”
“Don’t forget the peanut butter,” Caitlyn added with a small, teasing smile.
Vi chuckled softly, leaning down to give her one last kiss before sliding out of the bed. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” she replied, her voice warm.
But as she shuffled toward the door, the half-asleep enforcer wasn’t exactly at her most graceful. She yelped when her toe slammed into the corner of the doorframe.
“Damn it!” Vi hissed, hopping on one foot and muttering a string of muffled “ows” as she stumbled into the hallway.
Caitlyn couldn’t help but giggle, her earlier tears forgotten. “Careful, love. I need you in one piece to make my noodles.”
Vi groaned dramatically but called back, “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just one more battle scar to add to the collection.” She grinned to herself as she made her way to the kitchen, determined to make her wife’s midnight craving a reality.
Vi was undoubtedly the better cook between the two of them, a fact that had been cemented early in their relationship. She vividly remembered one of their first mornings as an official couple, back when Caitlyn, ever the thoughtful partner, had decided to make pancakes to lift Vi’s spirits during her terrible grieving process. It was a sweet gesture, but it quickly turned into chaos when Caitlyn accidentally set the stove on fire.
The smell of burnt batter and smoke still lingered in Vi’s memory, along with the frantic way they’d both tried to fan out the smoke detector. Vi had to step in and take over before things got worse, and by the end of it, they’d both been laughing hysterically over the disaster.
From that moment on, Vi made a silent vow to never let Caitlyn near the kitchen again—not without supervision, at least. It wasn’t just about avoiding potential disasters; cooking had become Vi’s way of showing love, and she didn’t mind carrying that torch for the both of them.
Vi just really hoped she could do these Ionian spicy noodles justice. They had all the ingredients, but that didn’t stop her from feeling a little nervous. She wanted them to be perfect—for Caitlyn, her pregnant and hormonal wife, who deserved every bit of care Vi could give.
As she stepped into the large kitchen, she was greeted by the soft sound of nails clicking against the tile. Patch, their one-year-old Doberman, had been alerted to Vi’s presence. Ever vigilant, the dog paused at the kitchen entrance, her bright blue eye watching carefully until she realized it was just Vi.
“Hey, Patch,” Vi said softly, crouching down as the dog’s tail wagged enthusiastically. She reached out, giving the sleek black-and-tan pup a few affectionate scratches behind the ears.
“You’re a good girl, huh? Always protecting our babygirl,” Vi murmured with a smile. Her heart warmed as she glanced toward the hallway and noticed where Patch had come from—Lavender’s room. The four-year-old had been tucked in hours ago, and it seemed Patch had stationed herself nearby, keeping guard like the loyal companion she was. Patch’s favorite was undoubtedly Lavender and they had such an incredible and special bond.
Vi gave Patch one last pat before standing up. “Alright, let’s get to work, girl. Mama needs to make some noodles that Mummy won’t hate.” The Doberman huffed softly, as if in agreement, before settling by the doorway to watch her owner.
The pink-haired woman began gathering the ingredients with a determined air. She pulled the box of noodles from the pantry, followed by an assortment of spices she hoped would mimic the flavors Caitlyn loved so much. Finally, she grabbed the jar of peanut butter from the cabinet, setting it on the counter with a small, amused shake of her head.
“Peanut butter and spicy noodles,” Vi muttered to herself with a chuckle. “Only Cait could dream this up.”
Vi filled a large pot with water and set it on the stove, cranking the heat up to high. As the water began to heat, she let out a loud yawn, rubbing the back of her neck with a hand. She was beyond tired, her muscles still aching from a long day, but she didn’t mind. Caitlyn was her everything, and now that she was carrying their second child, Vi felt an even deeper sense of responsibility to take care of her.
While waiting for the water to boil, Vi measured out the noodles and set them aside. Her gaze flickered to the jar of peanut butter. “This better be decent enough,” she muttered. It was an odd combination, but far from the strangest thing Caitlyn had craved lately.
The water soon came to a rolling boil, and Vi carefully added the noodles, stirring them to keep them from sticking. As they softened, she moved on to the next step: recreating the bold, fiery flavors of the Ionian dish Caitlyn adored.
She pulled out a small saucepan, heating a drizzle of oil over medium heat. From the array of spices she’d gathered, Vi began to work, adding minced garlic first, letting it sizzle and fill the kitchen with its rich aroma. Next came the finely chopped ginger, followed by a blend of red chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, and a dash of turmeric for depth. The mixture crackled as she stirred, the fragrant spices coming to life.
Once the base was aromatic and golden, Vi added a splash of soy sauce, a spoonful of honey to balance the heat, and a dash of rice vinegar. She whisked the mixture together, creating a glossy, vibrant sauce. The scent was mouthwatering, even to her tired senses.
As the noodles finished cooking, Vi drained them and tossed them directly into the spicy sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. The noodles glistened with a fiery red sheen, and Vi couldn’t help but feel a little proud.
She grabbed a bowl and carefully transferred the noodles into it, then scooped a generous amount of peanut butter from the jar, plopping it right on top of the steaming noodles. She gave it a quick stir, just enough to mix the peanut butter in without losing the texture of the dish. Caitlyn had developed an obsession with peanut butter lately, and it seemed to be involved in many of her odd craving combinations.
Vi grabbed a fork and blew gently on the noodles before taking her first bite. As the flavors hit her, her face went through a series of expressions. She initially grimaced, the heat from the spices catching her off guard, but as she chewed, she tilted her head thoughtfully. The combination wasn’t as awful as she had expected—it actually started to come together in a surprisingly decent way. By the time she finished the bite, she found herself nodding in approval. She just hoped it satisfied Caitlyn’s weird two AM craving.
Vi quickly cleaned up the kitchen, wiping down the counters and putting everything back in its place. Once the kitchen was in order, she grabbed the bowl of noodles and made her way to their bedroom.
The sheriff was lying in bed, engrossed in a book, the soft glow of a clip-on light illuminating the pages. It was the same book light Vi had gifted her a few months ago, and she was still using it every night without fail.
When Caitlyn saw Vi enter the room, her face lit up instantly. She slammed the book shut with excitement and tossed it onto the nightstand before eagerly holding her hands out for the bowl of noodles.
Vi chuckled, shaking her head as she handed it over. “Here you go, Cupcake. If you need more peanut butter with those side of noodles, just say the word,” she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Caitlyn grinned, her fingers curling around the bowl, her expression full of joy. “You’re the best, darling,” she said, already dipping her chopsticks into the bowl of noodles with a gleam of anticipation in her eyes.
”I know,” Vi smiled cheekily, sliding into bed beside her wife. She watched with amusement as Caitlyn blew gently on the hot noodles before taking a bite.
Caitlyn hummed in delight, nodding her head in approval. “You did great, my love. This is delicious.”
Vi beamed with pride, her chest swelling at the praise. “Are you sure you’re not lying to spare my feelings?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, looking up from her bowl. “Violet, you know if it was terrible, I’d tell you.”
Vi laughed softly, her eyes softening as she watched Caitlyn eat. She knew her wife was right—honesty had always been a pillar of their relationship, no matter how brutally candid they had to be at times.
“Well, it’s not on the same level as my favorite restaurant, but it’s definitely up there, darling.”
“Hey, I’ll take it,” Vi replied, settling into the pillows, her gaze never leaving Caitlyn. She smiled as she watched her wife do her signature happy dance, the one Caitlyn always did when she was enjoying her food—wiggling her shoulders slightly and bopping her head to an imaginary beat.
Vi chuckled, reaching over to give Caitlyn’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Damn, I’m so in love with you.”
Caitlyn finished swallowing her current bite before setting the bowl down on the nightstand. She leaned over, her hand gently cupping Vi’s face as she kissed her softly. Her lips carried the lingering taste of spices and peanut butter, a flavor Vi would never get used to but would always associate with Caitlyn’s quirky cravings.
Vi smiled into the kiss, her hand resting over Caitlyn’s pregnant belly, feeling the warmth and life beneath her palm.
“And I love you,” Cait whispered softly, her breath mingling with Vi’s, “very much.”
Vi chuckled, her voice low and teasing. “You better. I don’t make spicy noodles at two in the morning for just anyone.”
Caitlyn smirked, pulling back just enough to meet Vi’s eyes. “If you did, we’d have to have a talk.” Her tone was playful, but there was a layer of seriousness beneath it. Caitlyn was joking, of course, but the sentiment was clear—she wasn’t about to share Vi with anyone.
Vi raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. She could tell Caitlyn was only half joking. It was no secret that Caitlyn’s possessiveness had grown stronger since she’d gotten pregnant, and while it was endearing, Vi found it incredibly hot. But it wasn’t just about control—it was the deep, raw emotion Caitlyn wore so openly.
“Oh? You wouldn’t share me?”
“Not with anyone,” Caitlyn replied firmly, her eye locking with Vi’s. “Not now, not ever.”
Vi’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity in Caitlyn’s gaze before her wife kissed her again, this time more hungrily, her hands cupping Vi’s face as she deepened the kiss. She pulled back just enough to breathe, her lips brushing against Vi’s as she asked in a low, sultry whisper, “Is your jaw feeling better?”
Vi’s breath caught, a smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, much better,” she murmured, her voice a little rough from the sudden shift in energy between them.
Caitlyn’s hands roamed over Vi’s muscular body, her pregnant belly pressing against Vi’s side as they both melted into each other.
Let’s just say they didn’t exactly go back to sleep right away.
The next day, Vi noticed they were running dangerously low on peanut butter—a situation she wasn’t about to let happen again. So, she planned a grocery trip with Caitlyn and their four-year-old, Lavender, in tow.
At the store, Caitlyn took charge, ever the meticulous planner, holding a neatly written shopping list as she directed Vi through the aisles. Caitlyn pushed the cart while Vi carried Lavender on her shoulders, her muscular arms flexed slightly to steady the little girl. Caitlyn couldn’t help but let her eyes linger on her wife, briefly distracted by the sight of Vi’s biceps.
Lavender, meanwhile, was having the time of her life. Perched high on Vi’s shoulders, she giggled and squealed, lifting her tiny hands in the air as if she were on a rollercoaster.
“Left here, darling,” Caitlyn said, glancing at her list. But soon enough, something in the baby aisle across the way caught her eye—a display of adorable infant clothes. She parked the cart to examine the tiny outfits, momentarily lost in thought.
Vi saw her chance and made her way to the aisle that housed the peanut butter. This time, she grabbed a two-pack of their favorite brand, knowing Caitlyn was going through it at lightning speed. It was good protein for her and little Vander, anyway.
“Mama, I want this,” Lavender chimed in sweetly, reaching out for a jar of Nutella conveniently placed at her eye level.
Vi chuckled, grabbing the peanut butter with one hand and steadying her daughter with the other. “Muffin, Mummy says that’s not good for us,” Vi said gently. It was true, though the real reason was that too much sugar turned Lavender into an unstoppable ball of energy. They only allowed her to indulge in treats on weekends.
Lavender pouted, grabbing a fistful of Vi’s hair while still reaching for the Nutella. “Please, Mama,” she pleaded.
Vi sighed, already feeling herself caving. “Fine—” she began, but a stranger’s voice interrupted.
“Oh, c’mon, Mama, let the kid have it,” a woman said. Her tone was sultry, and Vi immediately felt uncomfortable.
Turning, Vi saw the stranger: a petite woman with olive-toned skin, dyed blonde hair showing brown roots, and an undeniably pretty face. She wasn’t bad-looking, but she wasn’t Vi’s type. Vi’s type was six-foot-tall bluenettes with long legs, an eyepatch, and a posh accent—her Caitlyn.
Vi chuckled nervously, feeling awkward. “Uh, yeah. I was going to give in anyway. Go ahead, Lav, grab it.”
Lavender squealed excitedly and snatched the jar, holding it like a prized treasure.
Meanwhile, the woman’s gaze drifted over Vi, lingering on her exposed biceps. She stalked closer, her smile predatory. “So, Mama,” she said in a low, flirty tone, “what’s your name?”
Before Vi could awkwardly respond, her favorite voice broke through, its crisp accent carrying a slightly exaggerated volume.
“Violet, darling!” Caitlyn called out, approaching with a cart full of baby clothes.
Vi’s face lit up, but before she could say a word, Caitlyn stopped the cart and strode toward her with purpose. Grabbing Vi’s face firmly in her hands, Caitlyn pulled her into a passionate kiss, her lips lingering in a deliberate claim of possession.
When they broke apart, Vi’s cheeks were flushed pink, her eyes filled with equal parts love and hunger as she gazed at her wife.
“You got the peanut butter—and my favorite brand, no less. You know me so well, my love,” Caitlyn said with a sly grin, giving Vi one more quick peck before turning back to the cart.
Just as Caitlyn began to push it forward, she paused, glancing casually at the other woman. “Oh, who's this?” she asked, her tone light but with a subtle edge that didn’t go unnoticed.
The blonde’s confidence faltered instantly, and she shifted awkwardly, clearly intimidated.
She stammered slightly, her earlier boldness evaporating under Caitlyn’s sharp, inquisitive gaze. “Oh, I was just… uh… saying hi,” she said, forcing a nervous smile as she took a step back.
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a polite yet pointed smile. “How kind of you,” she said smoothly, her tone deceptively pleasant. She tilted her head slightly, her piercing blue eye locking onto the woman’s with a subtle intensity. “Though, I must admit, I don’t often meet strangers quite so… enthusiastic about introducing themselves to my wife in the middle of a grocery store.”
Vi stood frozen, her face turning redder by the second, unsure whether to laugh or run. Lavender, oblivious to the tension, giggled from Vi’s shoulders, holding up the Nutella like a trophy. “Mama said yes!” she chirped, waving the jar in the air.
Caitlyn’s smile softened as she glanced up at her daughter. “Of course, sweetheart. Mama always says yes to you.”
The blonde cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable now. “Well, I didn’t mean any harm… just being friendly,” she muttered, her confidence completely shattered.
Caitlyn nodded, her expression polite but firm. “I’m sure you didn’t,” she replied, her tone leaving little room for debate. She slid her hand onto Vi’s arm—the one holding the peanut butter—giving it a possessive squeeze as she looked at her wife. “Darling, why don’t we finish up? I’m sure Lavender would love to get home and have a Nutella sandwich.”
Vi grinned sheepishly, leaning up slightly to peck Caitlyn on the cheek. “Yeah, sounds good, Cupcake.”
As the three of them turned to leave, Caitlyn didn’t bother to look back, but her hand remained firmly on Vi’s bicep, a silent but unmistakable declaration of ownership.
Once they were a safe distance away, Vi let out a low whistle. “You, uh, really laid it on thick back there, huh?”
Caitlyn arched an elegant brow, glancing at her wife with a smirk as she took both jars of Nutella and peanut butter, placing it in their overflowing cart. “Darling, if someone thinks they can flirt with you while I’m nearby, I consider it my duty to correct their mistake.”
Vi chuckled, adjusting Lavender on her shoulders. “Well, it worked. I think you scared her off for good.”
“Good,” Caitlyn said, her smirk widening as she pushed the cart forward. “You’re mine, Violet. And remember, I don’t share.”
Vi couldn’t stop the grin spreading across her face as she leaned up to kiss Caitlyn’s temple. “Don’t worry, Cupcake. I’m all yours.”
From her perch, Lavender giggled. “Mama and Mummy are in love!” she declared, her tiny voice ringing through the aisle.
Vi and Caitlyn laughed, the earlier tension melting away as they continued to finish up their shopping.
As they walked down another aisle, Vi kept a firm yet gentle grip on Lavender, steadying the giggling child on her shoulders with one arm. Caitlyn, ever graceful, held onto Vi’s free arm while casually pushing the cart with her other hand.
Caitlyn glanced at Vi with a mischievous grin tugging at her lips, her voice dropping just slightly. “You know,” she began, her tone teasing but deliberate, “I think Mama deserves a treat tonight, too.”
Lavender’s face lit up, her tiny hands gripping Vi’s head for balance as she leaned forward eagerly. “Mama wants a Nutella sandwich?” she asked excitedly, her voice brimming with innocence.
Vi’s face immediately turned crimson, her mouth opening slightly in shock. She caught Caitlyn’s sly smirk and felt her pulse quicken, her throat suddenly dry. Licking her lips instinctively, she stared at her wife with her wide powder blue eyes.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Caitlyn replied smoothly, her tone sweet but layered with an unmistakable double meaning. She gave Vi a quick, playful glance before looking back at Lavender. “Mama’s going to get a Nutella sandwich, too.”
Vi let out a choked laugh, shaking her head as her blush deepened. She cleared her throat and muttered under her breath, “You’re unbelievable.”
Caitlyn merely hummed, feigning innocence, her eye sparkling with amusement as they continued down the aisle. Lavender, completely unaware of the exchange’s hidden context, clapped her hands together. “Yay! Me and Mama get treats!”
Vi chuckled softly. “Yeah, Muffin. Mama’s definitely getting a treat,” she said, her voice low as she shot Caitlyn a knowing look.
Caitlyn smirked as she gently tilted Vi’s head toward her from a certain angle so Lavender could not see, leaning in to capture her lips in a deep kiss. She playfully nipped at Vi’s lower lip before pulling away with a wink, leaving her wife slightly breathless.
“Can’t wait for that treat,” Vi muttered breathlessly.