A Little Too Much Fun
The sun hung high in the sky as Vi parked her truck outside the bar, the building quiet and closed for the day. She stepped out, tugging her cap lower against the brightness of the morning, when a familiar figure stepping out of an Uber caught her eye.
Caitlyn, dressed casually in a plain white V-neck shirt, black shorts, and sneakers, had her phone in one hand and a small purse slung over her shoulder. Her car key dangled from a clip on her shorts, jingling faintly as she moved. Her dark blue hair was pulled back loosely, and a pair of sunglasses shielded her eyes. Even through the relaxed demeanor, the telltale signs of a hangover lingered—the slight slump in her shoulders, the faint furrow in her brow.
Vi grinned, jogging over to her. “Morning, Cupcake,” she said, her tone light and teasing. “Rough night?”
Caitlyn let out a short laugh, pushing her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose. “You could say that.”
Vi tilted her head, her grin widening. “So what’s got you looking so cheerful today? Did someone brighten your morning?”
Caitlyn snorted, a trace of amusement playing on her lips. “Oh, definitely. You.” Her tone was dry but tinged with humor.
Vi raised an eyebrow, pretending to be confused. “Me? What’d I do?”
Caitlyn crossed her arms, smirking faintly. “You’re the one who kept filling my glass last night. That’s what.”
Vi laughed, scratching the back of her neck. “Fair point. I might’ve gone a little overboard.” She glanced at Caitlyn’s casual outfit and the Uber driving off in the distance. “Don’t you have work today?”
Caitlyn sighed, slipping her phone into her purse. “I called in. Woke up with a splitting headache. Figured showing up like this wasn’t the best idea.”
Vi chuckled, shoving her hands into her pockets. “Fair enough. So, have you eaten yet? I’m starving. Let's grab a bite?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Food sounds like a solid plan.” She pulled her car key from her clip. “I’ll drive this time. I owe you after last night.”
Vi stepped back, giving Caitlyn an exaggerated once-over. “You sure about that? Can you even drive in your condition? You still look half-drunk.”
Caitlyn placed a hand on her hip, feigning offense. “I am perfectly capable of driving, thank you very much.”
Vi held up her hands in mock surrender, her grin never fading. “Alright, alright. But if you start swerving, I’m taking the wheel.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, shaking her head in amusement. “Deal. Let’s go before you start complaining about being too hungry to walk.”
They headed toward Caitlyn’s car, their banter continuing as Caitlyn unlocked the doors. Vi opened the passenger door and slid into Caitlyn’s car—a sleek, black Mercedes-Maybach S with its polished interior practically gleaming. As she settled into the plush seat, Vi whistled low, leaning back and glancing around.
“Damn, Cupcake,” Vi teased, running her fingers along the armrest. “This thing is sleek. I feel like I should’ve dressed up or something.”
Caitlyn adjusted her sunglasses, her hands steady on the steering wheel as she pulled out of the lot. “It’s just a car, Vi,” she replied, her tone polite but with a hint of amusement. “It gets me from point A to point B, same as yours.”
Vi smirked, shaking her head. “Yeah, sure. Except mine rattles like it’s about to fall apart every time I hit a pothole.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly, keeping her eyes on the road. “Yours has character.”
“Yours has enough luxury to buy a small house,” Vi shot back, her grin widening. “But hey, no complaints. This thing’s smooth. Almost makes me forget I’m hungry.”
Caitlyn turned toward her slightly, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Do you want to go back to that diner? I liked it.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, leaning forward in mock surprise. “You? The fancy Kiramman liking greasy diner food? Who would’ve thought?”
Caitlyn laughed lightly, her shoulders relaxing. “What can I say? I thought it was good. Besides, I wanted to try something else on their menu.”
Vi let out a low chuckle, shaking her head as she slouched back into her seat. “Alright. But don’t blame me if you start craving it all the time.” Cait laughed.
The hum of the car filled the brief lull in conversation, Vi glancing sideways at Caitlyn as she drove. Caitlyn’s white shirt clung comfortably to her frame, the short sleeves showing off her toned arms. Her black shorts rode up slightly as she shifted her legs, her long thighs catching Vi’s attention. Cait looked effortlessly put together, the kind of casual confidence that didn’t need anything extra.
Vi let her gaze linger, trying to figure out why the sight of Caitlyn in something so simple felt different. Her mind drifted to her usual type—her past flings and hookups, the women who were loud, bold, always flaunting themselves with tight dresses and heavy makeup. There's nothing wrong with that, Vi mused. They had been distractions, easy and uncomplicated, but fleeting.
And yet here was Cait, in nothing more than a plain shirt and shorts, making it hard for Vi to look away. Maybe it was the way Caitlyn carried herself, or maybe it was just because it was Cait. Whatever it was, it caught Vi off guard, leaving her both amused and a little flustered.
“Vi?” Caitlyn’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts, her tone curious. “What are you thinking about?”
Vi quickly smirked, leaning her elbow against the window. “I’m thinking you should drive faster. I’m starving over here.”
Caitlyn glanced at her, laughter spilling from her lips. “Alright, alright. I’ll step on it. Can’t have you fainting on me.”
Vi chuckled, resting back against the seat. The easy banter between them continued as Caitlyn picked up speed, the casual rhythm of their conversation matching the lightness of the moment. For now, everything felt easy—simple in a way Vi hadn’t expected.
Since that morning at the diner, brunch had become their thing. Every Saturday and Wednesday without fail, Caitlyn and Vi would find themselves sitting in their usual booth, flipping through menus they already knew by heart. The diner had turned into their little routine—a constant in both their chaotic lives.
Caitlyn couldn’t deny how much she looked forward to those mornings. They’d talk about everything and nothing at all, conversations flowing effortlessly from work stories to childhood memories, with plenty of teasing in between. Vi always had a way of making Caitlyn laugh, whether it was with her dry humor or some ridiculous observation about the world around them.
She liked Vi’s company—a little too much, Caitlyn realized.
Outside of their brunches, their time together stretched into evenings. Sometimes Vi would show up at Caitlyn’s clinic unannounced, leaning casually against her truck with her hands shoved into her pockets, waiting to take Caitlyn out for a movie or dinner. Other nights, Caitlyn found herself at Vi’s bar, perched on a stool while Vi served drinks with her usual charm, sneaking her free refills with a conspiratorial smirk.
Caitlyn told herself it was friendship.
After all, Vi had made her feelings clear years ago. Back when Caitlyn was just 17, awkward and brave enough to confess how she felt. And Vi had turned her down, gently but firmly. The memory still stung sometimes, though Caitlyn tried not to dwell on it.
She knew better now. She knew that Vi valued their friendship, and Caitlyn didn’t want to risk ruining what they had.
So she worked on convincing herself—conditioning herself—that this was all it would ever be. Just two friends enjoying each other’s company.
But it wasn’t easy.
Because every time Vi laughed at one of her jokes, or casually draped an arm over the back of their booth, or flashed that crooked smile that made Caitlyn’s chest ache, it was hard not to feel like that same girl who had fallen for Vi all those years ago.
Caitlyn sighed softly, swirling her coffee as she watched Vi from across the table during one of their usual brunches. Vi was leaning back, recounting some ridiculous story about a customer at the bar, her hands animated as she spoke.
Caitlyn smiled, letting herself enjoy the moment, even if it hurt a little. She could live with this, she told herself. She could live with being just friends.
Even if a part of her still wanted more.
Friday, 5:30 PM. Caitlyn stepped out of the clinic, her bag slung over her shoulder and her hair tied back into a loose ponytail. The sun was just beginning to set, casting warm hues across the quiet street. And there, as always, was Vi, leaning casually against her truck with her arms crossed.
Vi straightened when she saw Caitlyn, flashing her a grin. “Hey, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly, shaking her head. She didn’t even bother bringing her car to work on Fridays anymore—she knew Vi would be there waiting. It had become their unofficial tradition.
“Hey,” Caitlyn replied, her tone light. “How long have you been standing there?”
Vi shrugged. “Not long. Thought I’d surprise you.” She gestured toward the street with a tilt of her head. “There’s this new food bazaar a few blocks down. Figured we could check it out.”
Caitlyn smiled, nodding. “Sounds good. Let me guess—you’ve already scoped out all the best stalls?”
Vi smirked, opening the passenger door for Caitlyn. “What can I say? I’m thorough.”
By the time they reached the bazaar, it was just after 6 PM. The place was alive with energy—brightly lit stalls lined both sides of the street, the air filled with the rich aromas of grilled meat, spices, and sugary treats. Music blared from speakers set up at either end of the bazaar, blending with the lively chatter of the crowd.
Vi’s eyes lit up as she scanned the stalls. “Alright, Cupcake. Let’s eat.”
They wandered from stall to stall, Vi ordering food at almost every stop. Skewers of barbecue, steaming bowls of noodles, savory buns, fried snacks, and an impressive selection of desserts quickly piled up in her arms. Caitlyn watched with amusement, her eyebrow raising higher with each new dish Vi added to their collection.
“You’re really going all out,” Caitlyn teased as Vi balanced another takeout container in her hands. “You must be starving.”
Vi laughed, a carefree sound that made Caitlyn smile. “What can I say? It all looks good. And, you know, a little extra food never hurts.”
Caitlyn shook her head, her lips quirking into a grin. “A little extra? You could feed an entire squad with this.”
“Or just us,” Vi quipped, nudging Caitlyn playfully.
Once they had their haul, Vi led them back to her truck. She dropped the tailgate, arranging the food neatly before hopping up to sit on the edge. Caitlyn joined her, swinging her legs over the side as the sounds of the bazaar buzzed around them.
The music from the nearby speakers was loud but not unpleasant, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the evening. Vi handed Caitlyn a container of fried dumplings and popped open a drink for herself.
“This is perfect,” Caitlyn said, looking out at the bazaar lights. “Good food, good company… the best choice for someone who just got off work.”
Vi smirked, leaning back on her hands. “Hey, glad you agreed to it. And admit it—you’re having fun.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, nodding. “I am.”
They ate and talked, their conversation flowing easily as it always did. Vi shared stories about the bar and the strange customers she’d served that week, while Caitlyn recounted a particularly tricky case at the clinic that had a surprisingly happy ending.
Vi’s laughter rang out as Caitlyn finished her story, shaking her head in disbelief. “You’ve got some weird cases, Cupcake. Makes me glad all I have to deal with is drunk idiots.”
“Well, I’d take drunk idiots over stubborn clients who refuse to follow instructions any day,” Caitlyn retorted, earning a chuckle from Vi.
As the evening stretched on, they found themselves leaning closer, their laughter mingling with the distant hum of the crowd. Caitlyn felt a quiet warmth settle over her—a sense of ease she rarely experienced.
Vi leaned back, tossing an empty skewer into a nearby trash bag. “This was a good call,” she said, her tone soft.
Caitlyn glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. “It was. Thanks for dragging me out here.”
Vi shrugged, her gaze flicking briefly to Caitlyn before settling on the lights of the bazaar. “Anytime, Cupcake.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke, content to let the music and the hum of voices fill the space between them. The night felt comfortable, familiar, and just a little bit special—like it belonged to them alone.
“I haven’t seen Jinx around much lately,” Caitlyn remarked, breaking the comfortable silence. Her tone was casual, but there was a note of genuine curiosity.
Vi shifted slightly, leaning forward with her forearms braced on her knees. “Yeah, she’s been hanging out with Ekko a lot. Helping him with that gadget he’s been working on. Past couple of weeks, I’ve barely seen her. She just swings by the apartment to grab clothes and then disappears again.”
Caitlyn arched an eyebrow, her lips curving slightly. “Do you think… she and Ekko are you know, together?”
Vi smirked, letting out a soft chuckle. “Man, I don’t even know. They’re close, but Jinx? She’s not exactly the ‘settle down’ type, you know? She’s still… figuring herself out. Hell, she hasn’t even had a regular job she can stick with for more than a month.”
Caitlyn nodded, her tone light. “She’s young. She’s got time to sort things out.”
Vi tilted her head, her gaze turning to Caitlyn with a curious glint. “What about you? How many serious relationships have you had?”
Caitlyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. She hesitated briefly before answering, her tone thoughtful. “Two. The first one lasted a few months. We had fun, but it didn’t take long to realize we wanted completely different things. The second…” She paused, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. “That one was a little harder. It lasted about a year, but in the end, we realized we were better as friends.”
Vi’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying Caitlyn’s expression. “And after that?”
Caitlyn let out a small laugh, a touch self-deprecating. “After that, I thought I’d try something casual. No strings, no expectations. But I found out pretty quickly that I’m not wired that way. I prefer… consistency. Something real.”
Vi leaned back, her lips curving into a smirk. “Figures. You’re the long-term type.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, shaking her head. “Guilty as charged. I suppose that’s not a surprise.”
There was a beat of silence before Caitlyn tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What about you?”
Vi let out a low chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. “Nah. Serious relationships aren’t really my thing. Or at least, they haven’t been.” She shrugged, her tone casual, though there was an edge of sincerity beneath it. “Most of what I’ve had were flings. Quick, easy, no complications. That’s more my speed.”
Caitlyn nodded, her expression understanding but curious. “And you’ve never wanted anything more than that?”
Vi was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting to the night sky. The faint stars were barely visible against the city’s glow. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice softer. “I guess I just haven’t met anyone who made me want to try.”
Caitlyn watched her carefully, her tone gentle. “But you think you might someday?”
Vi shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Maybe. Someday. Who knows?” Her eyes flicked back to Caitlyn briefly before turning back to the horizon. “For now, I’m good with where I’m at.”
Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully, her gaze dropping to her drink. She didn’t press further, though her mind lingered on Vi’s words.
After a moment, Vi broke the silence with a teasing grin. “You’re not secretly some hopeless romantic, are you, Cupcake?”
Caitlyn let out a soft laugh, her cheeks tinged with the faintest flush. “Hopeless? No. Romantic? Maybe a little.” She glanced at Vi, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Not that I’d admit it to you.”
Vi chuckled, shaking her head. “Figures. You and your fancy vet charm.”
“Fancy vet charm?” Caitlyn repeated, laughing. “What does that even mean?”
Vi shrugged, her grin widening. “You know what I mean. You’ve got that whole ‘calm, collected, and put-together’ thing going on. It’s annoyingly impressive.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. “And you’ve got that whole ‘scrappy, charming rogue’ thing going on. Annoyingly likable.”
Vi barked out a laugh, raising her drink in a mock toast. “Touché.”
They clinked their cups together, the sound light and easy, like the mood between them. As the night deepened, their conversation drifted to lighter topics, punctuated by laughter and the occasional teasing remark. But for Caitlyn, the weight of Vi’s words lingered. The casual air she carried masked a depth Caitlyn couldn’t quite define—leaving her uneasy with the emotions quietly resurfacing, ones she wasn’t ready to face.