Glowing Like Sunshine
Caitlyn woke up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through her bedroom window, painting warm streaks across the walls. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn’t need an alarm to pull her from slumber. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she stretched, her muscles loosening with ease.
Sliding out of bed, Caitlyn made her way to the bathroom, brushing her teeth and letting the cool water refresh her face. Her reflection in the mirror revealed a glow she hadn’t seen in years—soft pink dusting her cheeks and a smile she couldn’t quite suppress.
As she stepped into the shower, the warm spray of water cascaded over her, washing away the fatigue of the past few weeks. The memory of the previous night played vividly in her mind, making her heart flutter.
Vi’s words lingered, rich with sincerity and vulnerability: "We can take it slow, Cait. Whatever pace you want. Damn, as long as you’re with me, that’s all that matters."
And the kiss—the warmth of Vi’s lips on hers, the gentle way Vi held her, like she was something fragile but cherished. Caitlyn smiled as she recalled Vi’s playful side, too: the teasing bite to her lip, the way Vi whispered, “I’ll see you tomorrow?” with such hopeful anticipation.
Stepping out of the shower, Caitlyn wrapped herself in a towel and padded back into her room. She chose a pale blue blouse and comfortable slacks for the day, blow-drying her hair while humming an old tune. She felt light, energized—as if her body had somehow stored the emotions of the night before and transformed them into a tangible spark.
She didn’t even need her usual morning coffee.
As she combed her hair, Caitlyn thought about how Vi had wanted to stay overnight. But Chip—their lovable chaos of a dog—still wasn’t used to being left alone through the night. Caitlyn had laughed at Vi’s apologetic tone and teased her about being a responsible "fur mom."
"You can bring Chip next time," Caitlyn had said, grinning as Vi kissed her at the door. That kiss had felt endless, leaving Caitlyn breathless when Vi finally pulled back.
“I'll see you tomorrow?” Vi had asked, her voice soft and hopeful, her hand lingering on Caitlyn’s cheek.
“Yes, please,” Caitlyn had replied, her smile wide and unguarded.
Vi had kissed her again—this one softer—before heading to her truck. Caitlyn had stood at the door, watching as Vi waved, her heart feeling fuller than it had in years.
That memory stayed with her as she drove to the clinic, her smile unwavering. Even the dull routine of the morning traffic couldn’t dampen her mood.
When Caitlyn stepped into the clinic, her assistant Connie was already at the desk, organizing files. The moment Connie looked up and saw Caitlyn’s face, her lips curled into a sly grin.
“Good morning, Dr. Sunshine,” Connie teased, leaning on the counter with an exaggerated smirk. “You’re practically glowing today. Let me guess—you had the most magical, relaxing sleep ever, huh?”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, her laugh bubbling up unbidden. “Something like that,” she replied, trying—and failing—to suppress her grin.
Connie’s smirk deepened as she waggled her eyebrows. “Uh-huh. Sure. Because you look way too happy for someone who worked on her day off yesterday”
Caitlyn shook her head, brushing past Connie toward her office. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she called over her shoulder, her voice light with amusement.
“Uh-huh. And I have no idea why you’re laughing like that,” Connie shot back, her tone teasing but good-natured.
Settling into her office, Caitlyn let out a small laugh, shaking her head at Connie’s antics. She opened her laptop and began going through the day’s schedule, her fingers tapping absently on the keys. But every so often, her mind wandered back to Vi—the way her smile could brighten an entire room, the way her words held an honesty that melted Caitlyn’s defenses.
Caitlyn’s phone buzzed on her desk, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw a text from Vi.
"Morning, Cupcake. Slept okay?"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face as she typed her reply.
"I did. You?"
The response came almost immediately.
"Would’ve been better if Chip didn’t decide 3 AM was a great time to practice barking."
Caitlyn laughed softly, her fingers flying across the screen.
"Told you he’s not ready to be left alone yet."
Vi’s reply was quick, playful yet warm.
"Yeah, yeah. Don’t rub it in. But he’s lucky he’s cute."
Caitlyn shook her head, the warmth in her chest growing.
Whatever the day ahead held, she already knew one thing: with Vi in her life, every moment felt a little brighter.
Vi groaned as she rolled over in bed, the faint sound of birds chirping outside pulling her from the haze of sleep. Her body still felt heavy with exhaustion, thanks to Chip’s impromptu 3 AM barking session. She cracked one eye open and glanced at her phone on the nightstand.
7:00 AM.
With a sigh, she pushed herself up, stretching her arms overhead until she felt the satisfying pop of her shoulders. The familiar sound of claws clicking against the floor reached her ears, and she turned to see Chip sitting patiently by the main door, his tail wagging slowly, his golden fur illuminated by the early morning light.
“You’re lucky you have that face,” Vi muttered, her voice still groggy as she swung her legs off the bed. She padded toward the door, grabbing Chip’s leash.
Chip trotted outside eagerly, and Vi followed, the crisp morning air doing wonders to shake off the lingering drowsiness. She watched as Chip sniffed around the small patch of grass near their apartment and eventually did his business.
“Good boy,” she murmured, grabbing a bag to clean up after him. “But you’re still on thin ice for last night.”
After depositing the bag in the trash, Vi led Chip back inside and refilled his food bowl. As the dog munched happily, Vi headed to the kitchen and started her coffee maker. The rich aroma of brewing coffee filled the small space, and Vi couldn’t help but smile faintly.
With her mug in hand, she sank into the couch, sipping slowly as she mesaged Cait. A few moments later, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She glanced at the screen—it was a reply from Caitlyn.
Her lips curved into a grin as she read it, her mood instantly brightening despite the grogginess still lingering from the night before. Vi tapped out a quick reply, setting the phone aside, her thoughts wandering back to last night.
It had been a long time coming, that talk with Caitlyn. Vi had spent months trying to deny what she felt, trying to convince herself that being friends was enough. But standing in Caitlyn’s living room, hearing her ramble nervously about not wanting to lose their friendship, had made it impossible to keep pretending.
The look on Caitlyn’s face when Vi had asked her, "What if I don’t want to forget last night?" had been etched into her memory. The shock, the hope, the vulnerability—it had been everything Vi felt mirrored back at her.
And then Caitlyn had kissed her.
Vi couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lips as the memory played out in her mind. That kiss had been tentative at first, testing the waters, but it had quickly deepened, carrying all the emotions they had both kept bottled up for so long. It had been perfect—better than Vi could have ever imagined.
She ran a hand through her pink hair, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. If anyone had told her a year ago that she’d be sitting here, grinning like a fool because of Caitlyn Kiramman, she would have laughed in their face.
But now? Now she couldn’t imagine things any other way.
Vi’s smile faltered slightly as she remembered how she had wanted to stay overnight at Caitlyn’s place. The thought of waking up next to her, sharing quiet moments in the morning—it had been tempting. But Caitlyn had pointed out the obvious: Chip couldn’t be left alone all night.
Vi’s gaze drifted to the golden retriever, who was now sprawled out on the kitchen floor, licking his paw contentedly.
“You’re such a cockblocker, you know that?” Vi muttered, though her tone was more amused than annoyed. She reached down to scratch behind Chip’s ears, earning a happy wag of his tail.
Still, Caitlyn’s teasing words from the night before echoed in her mind: “You’re a responsible fur mom now, Vi. Gotta set a good example for Chip.”
Vi had groaned at the time, cursing Chip under her breath, but she couldn’t help but laugh now. Caitlyn’s smile as she said those words, the playful glint in her eyes, had made it worth it.
And when Vi had kissed her goodbye at the door, she’d felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Caitlyn had kissed her back just as fervently, her hands tangling in Vi’s jacket. It had felt like forever and not nearly long enough.
Her cheeks flushed slightly at the memory of her playful parting gesture—biting Caitlyn’s lip just enough to make her laugh.
Vi sighed, leaning back on the couch and letting her head rest against the cushions. It was still surreal, this new chapter they were starting together. They had agreed to take things slow, to build something that felt solid and sure. And for once, Vi wasn’t scared.
She glanced down at Chip, who was now curled up at her feet, his tail thumping lazily against the floor.
“You better behave, buddy,” Vi said, her voice soft. “Because Cait's not wrong. I gotta be a good fur mom, don’t I?”
Chip barked in response, and Vi laughed, finishing the last of her coffee.
The day was just beginning, but for the first time in a long time, Vi felt ready for whatever it had in store.
The clinic doors clicked shut behind Caitlyn as she stepped out into the crisp evening air, her bag slung over her shoulder. She paused for a moment, glancing around, and immediately spotted Vi leaning against a lamppost just a few steps away. Vi’s white shirt and caught the light, and her pink hair, slightly tousled from the breeze, framed her amused expression.
Caitlyn smiled and walked toward her, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. “Hey,” she called out, a teasing lilt in her voice. “Where’s your truck?”
Vi pushed off the lamppost and strode toward Caitlyn, her hands slipping into her jacket pockets. “Parked it on the next street,” she replied with a smirk. “Your usual spot was taken.”
Caitlyn frowned for a moment, then glanced toward the parking lot beside the clinic and spotted her own car parked neatly in Vi’s usual spot. Realization dawned on her, and she gave Vi an apologetic smile.
“Oh,” Caitlyn said sheepishly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I completely forgot I drove to work today. I guess that’s why you couldn’t park here.”
Vi chuckled, reaching out to tap Caitlyn’s nose lightly. “You’re getting forgetful, Cupcake,” she teased, her voice warm.
Caitlyn scrunched her nose at the playful gesture, narrowing her eyes at Vi. “Excuse me, I’ve had a busy day. And besides, I don’t usually bring my car to work.”
“Uh-huh,” Vi said, her smirk widening. “Busy day or not, next time, maybe leave me a spot.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but laughed, her shoulders relaxing as she reached out to gently nudge Vi’s arm. “You’re impossible.”
Without missing a beat, Vi plucked the bag from Caitlyn’s shoulder and slung it over her own. “Come on,” Vi said, her tone casual as her hand found its way to Caitlyn’s waist. She guided Caitlyn down the street, their bodies close as they walked.
Caitlyn didn’t protest, falling into step beside Vi as their conversation turned to lighter topics. They laughed and exchanged stories from their day, the easy rhythm between them comforting and familiar.
As they rounded the corner to the next street, Vi nodded toward her parked truck. “So, here’s the plan,” she began. “We grab dinner first, then head to the bar. I need to pick something up there anyway. After that, we’ll park my truck at the bar and take an Uber back here to grab your car.”
Caitlyn tilted her head, considering the plan before nodding. “Sounds good,” she said with a grin. “But where are we eating?”
“New diner near the bar,” Vi replied. “Figured we could check it out.”
“Trying to impress me with new spots now?” Caitlyn teased, her tone light.
Vi smirked, holding the truck door open for Caitlyn. “Always.”
The diner had a cozy, retro vibe, with checkered floors and booths upholstered in bright red leather. Caitlyn and Vi slid into one of the corner booths, the warm lighting casting a golden glow over their table. They chatted between bites of their meals, Vi stealing fries from Caitlyn’s plate with a grin while Caitlyn pretended to swat her hand away.
By the time they finished, the sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. They paid their bill and headed to Vi’s bar.
The familiar sound of music and chatter greeted them as they stepped into the bar. Jules, busy polishing a glass at the counter, looked up and immediately spotted them. Her face lit up with a grin.
“Well, well,” Jules said, setting the glass down as they approached. “Long time no see, Cait.”
Caitlyn smiled warmly at Jules. “Good to see you too,” she replied.
Vi headed behind the bar to grab what she needed while Jules leaned against the counter, her gaze flicking between Vi and Caitlyn. “So, Cait, good thing you’re back,” Jules said with a teasing edge. “Boss lady’s been in a real mood lately.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smile. “Oh?”
Jules nodded sagely, lowering her voice as though sharing a secret. “Yep. You should’ve seen her. Sulking like a teenager. Almost unbearable, really.”
Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head. “That bad, huh?”
Jules smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Worse. I was about to stage an intervention.”
Just as Caitlyn laughed, Vi reappeared, her house keys hooked on her trousers. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Jules. “Alright, what the hell have you been telling her while I was gone?”
Jules straightened, her expression entirely innocent. “Nothing, boss. Just saying how much I missed seeing Cait around.”
Vi gave her a flat look, but Caitlyn’s quiet laughter diffused the moment. “Don’t worry,” Caitlyn said, her smile soft but amused. “Your secrets are safe with me.”
Vi rolled her eyes, grabbing Caitlyn’s hand as they turned to leave. “Come on,” she said over her shoulder. “Later, Jules.”
“Later, boss. Bye, Cait!” Jules called after them, her voice tinged with mischief.
Outside, they left Vi’s truck parked at the bar and called an Uber to take them back to the clinic. As they waited, Vi leaned casually against the lamppost, her hand brushing against Caitlyn’s as they stood close.
“You’re not gonna forget your car tomorrow, are you?” Vi teased, her tone light.
Caitlyn shot her a mock glare, bumping her shoulder against Vi’s. “I won’t, but if I do, I’m sure you’ll remind me.”
Vi chuckled, her grin widening as the Uber pulled up to the curb.
They climbed into the car, settling into a comfortable silence as they headed back to the clinic. The inside of the Uber was quiet, save for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of movement from the driver up front. The atmosphere between Caitlyn and Vi was warm, filled with the kind of comfortable silence that only came from two people who truly enjoyed each other’s presence.
Seated close together in the backseat, their arms brushing lightly, Caitlyn was scrolling through her phone when a notification popped up. She unlocked it to see a message from Mel.
Mel: “Hey, Cait. Think I can join you for your Saturday jog? Promise not to slow you down!”
Caitlyn smiled at the message, typing back a quick response.
Caitlyn: “Sure, but don’t complain when I leave you behind 😏.”
A moment later, another message arrived—a GIF of an animated character dramatically collapsing on the ground, overlaid with the words: “This will be me after 5 minutes.”
Caitlyn couldn’t help but laugh softly, the sound catching Vi’s attention.
“What’s so funny?” Vi asked, turning her head to glance at Caitlyn.
“Mel,” Caitlyn replied, still smiling as she held up her phone. “She’s planning to come jogging with me on Saturday morning and sent this.”
Vi leaned closer, her brows quirking in curiosity. “Let me see.”
As Caitlyn showed her the GIF, Vi shifted slightly, resting her hand casually on Caitlyn’s thigh for balance as she leaned in. The warmth of her touch was subtle. She laughed at the GIF, her grin spreading wide.
“Typical Mel,” Vi said with a chuckle. “Always talks big but folds in five minutes. You should time her—it’d be hilarious.”
Caitlyn laughed at Vi’s comment, the sound soft and genuine. She glanced down briefly, noticing Vi’s hand still resting on her thigh, but it didn’t feel out of place. If anything, it felt… natural.
As the car continued its journey, Caitlyn leaned her head against Vi’s arm, her posture relaxing as the quiet rhythm of the car lulled her. Vi didn’t move her hand, nor did Caitlyn pull away. The proximity felt easy, the kind of closeness they had always shared but with an added layer of unspoken understanding after the events of the previous night.
Vi glanced down at Caitlyn, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she felt Caitlyn’s weight against her arm. She adjusted slightly to make her more comfortable but said nothing, savoring the moment.
By the time they reached the clinic, the driver pulled to a stop, and the quiet atmosphere was broken. Caitlyn sat up, adjusting her bag as Vi paid the driver. They climbed out of the car, their earlier closeness lingering like a warm echo as they walked toward Caitlyn’s car, their conversation resuming with the same ease as before.
They stepped into Caitlyn’s car, and before Caitlyn could even reach for her keys, Vi held out her hand expectantly.
“I’ll drive,” Vi said, her grin playful.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow but handed the keys over without protest, settling into the passenger seat as Vi adjusted the mirrors and slid the seat back slightly to accommodate her height.
As they made their way back to Caitlyn’s house, the car was filled with lighthearted chatter and laughter. Caitlyn’s shoulders felt lighter, the warmth from Vi’s presence melting away the usual weight of her day.
“So,” Vi said after a brief pause, her tone casual, “since Mel’s joining you for your morning jog on Saturday, think it’d be okay if I come along too? I’ll bring Chip and wait while you two finish.”
Caitlyn smirked, her tone teasing. “Why wait? You could jog with us.”
Vi groaned dramatically, shaking her head. “Cupcake, it’s way too early for me to jog. But…” Her voice softened slightly, her grin turning sly. “Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view.”
Caitlyn felt her cheeks flush at the implication, and she swatted Vi’s arm in mock protest. “You’re impossible,” she muttered.
Vi laughed, her free hand catching Caitlyn’s as it hovered near her arm. She brought Caitlyn’s hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles without taking her eyes off the road.
The gesture made Caitlyn’s face heat up even more. “You’re such a Cassanova,” she mumbled under her breath, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
Vi burst out laughing, her deep chuckles filling the car. “Did you just call me a Cassanova?”
“Yeah” Caitlyn muttered, crossing her arms but unable to hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
“You’re adorable when you’re flustered,” Vi teased, glancing at her with a playful glint in her eyes.
When they reached Caitlyn’s house, Vi pulled into the driveway and cut the engine. She handed the keys back to Caitlyn with a smirk. “Well, I’d better head home. Chip’s probably wondering where I am. He hasn’t eaten yet.”
Caitlyn smiled, her tone light. “You could just take my car if it’s easier, you know. Your truck’s still at the bar.”
Vi shook her head, brushing off the suggestion. “It’s fine. I’ll grab an Uber.”
They waited outside the house as Vi booked her ride, the cool evening air wrapping around them. Caitlyn leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed, while Vi stood a few steps away, her gaze wandering over the quiet street.
After a moment, Vi broke the silence. “Hey, Cait?”
Caitlyn turned her attention to her, her expression nonchalant. “Huh?”
Vi hesitated, her lips pressing together for a moment before she finally asked, “Can I kiss you?”
Caitlyn blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Vi’s voice. She let out a soft sigh, a smile breaking across her face. “There’s no need to ask.”
Vi grinned and stepped closer, her hand cupping Caitlyn’s neck gently, her other arm wrapping around Caitlyn’s waist to pull her closer. Caitlyn’s hands rested naturally on Vi’s shoulders as their lips met. The kiss was deep, unhurried, filled with the kind of warmth that left no room for hesitation.
When they finally broke apart, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, Caitlyn’s arms slid around Vi’s neck, holding her close. Vi smiled, her nose brushing against Caitlyn’s.
Caitlyn chuckled softly, leaning in to press a light kiss to the tip of Vi’s nose.
Vi crinkled her nose playfully, earning another soft laugh from Caitlyn. “I wish this could be longer,” Vi murmured, her voice laced with both longing and contentment.
Caitlyn tilted her head, her smile teasing. “Then you’d better bring Chip next time. That way, you can stay longer.”
Vi grinned, her eyes sparkling. “Deal.”
The rumble of an approaching car broke the moment, and Vi glanced over her shoulder to see the Uber pulling up. She sighed softly but didn’t let go of Caitlyn until the very last second.
“Good night, Cupcake,” Vi said with a smile as she stepped back, her fingers trailing gently against Caitlyn’s hand.
“Good night, Vi,” Caitlyn replied, waving as Vi climbed into the car.
Caitlyn watched as the Uber disappeared down the street, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. She sighed happily, stepping back inside her house and closing the door.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt like it was exactly where it needed to be.