Warm Drinks & Weary Hearts
By the time they pulled into the driveway, Vi was practically vibrating with worry. Her arm stayed protectively around Caitlyn’s waist as they shuffled inside, the others slipping off to various rooms with mumbled goodnights. The glow of the streetlight outside fell across Cait’s downcast eyes, and Vi pressed her palm to Cait’s cheek.
“You probably need a shower,” Vi said quietly. She winced at how tired her own voice sounded, her adrenaline crash hitting hard.
But Cait’s mind was clearly elsewhere. Her gaze kept darting to her phone, which she clutched in a white-knuckled grip. “I—I might have to call Mel,” she murmured, more to herself than to Vi. “She’s going to find out eventually, and if I wait too long…” A shiver rippled through her.
Vi tucked a strand of hair behind Cait’s ear. “You can do that, sure. But maybe you should shower first, clear your head.” Her free hand traced comforting circles on Cait’s arm, hoping to ground her. “I can help, only if you want?”
Cait inhaled shakily, mustering a faint smile. She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Vi’s lips - just enough to convey gratitude, if not exactly calm. “You go ahead,” she whispered, stepping back. “I just… need a minute to breathe.”
Vi’s heart twisted with protective instinct. Every atom in her body screamed to stay close. Still, she recognised the look in Cait’s eyes - overwhelmed but determined. “Alright,” she said softly. “But call out if you need me, okay?”
Cait nodded, watching Vi slip up the stairs, glancing back only once before disappearing into the hallway. Alone now, Caitlyn inhaled, exhaled, and made her way into the living room. The house was dim and quiet, the faint hum of the fridge in the kitchen the only sound. She sank onto the couch, phone in hand, her thumb hovering over the call button. With the time difference, Mel was likely up already. Please let the videos not have reached London yet. But she knew better - viral clips travelled fast.
She closed her eyes, letting the fear coil in her chest. What will they say? How do I explain— Her phone screen blinked, waiting. One press, and she’d face Mel’s inevitable wrath or disappointment. She swallowed hard, Not only would she, herself, get in trouble, but all the attendants of the Kiramman Estate could lose their jobs. They have to know I snuck out on my own accord; I can’t get more people in trouble.
The sudden rustle of movement made her jolt. Powder emerged from the kitchen, a glass of water in hand, stopping short at the sight of Cait on the couch. Cait quickly slipped her phone behind a throw pillow, mustering a bright - but hollow - smile.
“Oh, hey,” Cait said, voice strained with forced cheer. “Didn’t see you there.”
Powder frowned, taking in the rigid set of Cait’s shoulders and the worry etched beneath her tired eyes. She approached slowly, careful not to startle her. “You okay?” she asked, voice gentle. “Want some water or something?”
Caitlyn swallowed, shaking her head. “No, I’m good,” she said, forcing her tone lighter than she felt. “Thanks.” A part of her screamed, Don’t stress her out. She’s been through enough tonight.
Powder took another step closer, sipping from her own glass. “You don’t have to hold it together for us. We know how rough that was. It’s completely okay not to be okay.”
Cait tried to laugh it off—a shaky, hollow sound. Her gaze flicked away, her shoulders tensing as she tried to muster a faint smile. “It’s not… that big of a deal,” she insisted, her voice wobbling despite her attempt at sounding casual. “I, um… I’ve handled worse on my own before.”
But even as she said it, her breath caught in her throat, betraying her outward composure. She glanced down at her hands, unable to hide the tremor in her fingers. “I just don’t want to drag everyone into my mess.”
Powder’s features softened, and she reached out to place a gentle hand on Caitlyn’s arm. “Look,” she said, voice low but steady, “I know you’re used to handling everything yourself. But you don’t have to - not here. If you need to vent, scream, cry – whatever – just do it. Keeping it all in will only make you burst. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
A tremor ran through Cait. She realised, almost painfully, that there was no point in pretending she was fine. She needed to say something - to someone. Setting her phone aside, she pressed her palms against her eyelids, willing herself not to cry again. “Powder, I…” The words caught in her throat, but Powder waited patiently, her presence steady.
Eventually, Caitlyn let out a ragged breath, pressing a trembling hand to her forehead. “It’s just—I know the entire – thing – was filmed from multiple angles, probably plastered all over social media already. And once it hits England…” She swallowed hard, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. “I just came out the other side of that revenge porn scandal. Finally seeing some light. Now, after sneaking away to a desert rave behind my family’s back, I look like some wild child who can’t stay out of trouble.”
She paused, shaking her head bitterly. “My mother is going to lose it when she hears about this. She’ll see Vi dragged into my mess, and—” Her voice cracked, betraying the fear beneath her anger. “She won’t even try to understand. She’ll just think I’m reckless, a disappointment, a royal screw-up, proving her right all over again.”
Caitlyn inhaled shakily, eyes darting away as if looking for an escape. “And Vi... she never asked for this. I’m scared. So scared of what happens if this blows up bigger than any of us can handle.”
Powder’s expression turned contemplative, and for a moment, a flicker of worry for Vi crossed her features. “Yeah... I won’t lie - I’m worried about Vi too,” she admitted quietly. “I don’t like the idea of her being sucked into some huge scandal.” Her voice hesitated, and then she shook her head, as if chasing away the thought. “But you know what?” She reached out and placed a steadying hand on Caitlyn’s arm. “Right now, I’m more concerned about you.”
Her gaze softened, catching the anxious gleam in Cait’s eyes. “You’re doing the best you can, considering the cards you were dealt. You’ve got this royal, high-profile life you didn’t exactly ask for, and you’re still just eighteen - trying to figure out who you are in a world that’s constantly watching.” She offered a small, empathetic smile. “That’s a lot for anyone. And honestly? I think you’re handling it better than most people would.”
Powder squeezed Cait’s arm gently, wanting her to feel the sincerity behind her words. “You’re not some wild child for going out tonight - you’re a teenager who wanted a break from all the pressure. Anyone in your position would feel the same. It doesn’t mean you’ve messed up your life, or that you’re a disappointment.” She paused, giving Cait a chance to breathe. “You deserve the chance to be human, not just some perfect figurehead.”
Cait looked up, tears stinging her eyes. “But what if it all blows up - like, really blows up? I’ll just… I’ll bring everyone down with me.” Her chest felt tight, the weight of guilt pressing in. “How could I be so stupid? My mother’s right. I’m a reckless disappointment.” She could her mother’s voice ring throughout her thoughts.
Powder stiffened, hurt flickering in her eyes. “Hey. Don’t talk about yourself like that.” She stood abruptly, tugging Cait up from the couch with surprising strength. Before Cait knew it, she was pulled into Powder’s arms. “I know what it’s like to hate yourself,” Powder murmured, her voice wavering just a bit. “But you’re not alone, okay? You’ve got a group of people here who care about you—who already love you like family.”
Cait’s resolve cracked. She let out a choked sob and clung to Powder, tears spilling anew. “I’m… sorry,” she whispered, though she wasn’t sure what she was apologising for anymore—everything, maybe. “I just – thank you. I appreciate this. I appreciate you.”
Powder squeezed tighter, then pulled back enough to look Cait in the eye. “No more apologising,” she said, then offered a small, teasing grin. “And no more tears if you can help it, because I’ve got something way better than crying in a dark living room.”
Cait wiped at her eyes, confusion turning to curiosity. “What?”
“C’mon.” Powder grabbed her hand, leading her into the kitchen. The faint yellow light above the stove gave the space a cozy glow. Powder moved with purpose, rummaging in cupboards until she pulled out cocoa powder, blueberry syrup, and milk.
“This is the ‘Lanes Latte,’” she declared, taking a saucepan off a hook. “It’s basically a blueberry-flavoured hot chocolate our mums used to make for us. Claggor, Mylo, and Vi would always fight over who got the biggest mug.” She let out a soft laugh, glancing back at Cait. “I figure you could use a family recipe right about now. Helps with the dread, or so Vi always said.”
A warmth spread through Cait’s chest that had nothing to do with the stove’s heat. “Thank you,” she breathed, settling onto a stool at the breakfast bar. Powder filled the saucepan, humming a tiny tune as she worked, and the gentle sound was strangely soothing.
“Vi told me how she and our mum used to make the Lanes Latte,” Powder said, stirring the mixture with careful dedication. “But the tradition really took off after I dropped my mug one time. I was, like, four? Mum was handing it to me, I was so excited I practically flung it out of her hands.” She let out a soft laugh, though there was clear wistfulness in her eyes. “The mug chipped on the corner, but it didn’t break. Mum just smiled and said, ‘Now it’s extra special, Puds.’”
Caitlyn leaned forward on the stool, sensing there was more to the story.
Powder continued, “I was mortified - crying my eyes out - so Mum, Dad, Vander, Vi, Mylo, and Claggor ended up chipping their own mugs on purpose. All so I wouldn’t feel bad. Vi’s mug got the biggest notch, of course. She insisted it had to ‘show real commitment’ or something.” She half-smirked at the memory. “And that’s how it became part of the recipe, basically. Gotta have a chipped mug to drink it from.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Caitlyn, spoon gently tapping the side of the saucepan. “We used to banish everyone else from the kitchen, claiming it was a ‘secret recipe,’ but really, Mom and Vi just liked bonding time - and I loved trying to peek.”
A fond smile touched Powder’s lips, though her gaze seemed a thousand miles away. “But… yeah, that’s why we do this little chipped-mug thing. Reminds us we can take mistakes and make them into something… meaningful.”
Caitlyn’s heart clenched at the warmth in Powder’s voice. She thought of how Vi and her siblings had chipped their cups just to make Powder feel less embarrassed. No wonder they’re all so fiercely devoted to each other.
Powder broke from her reverie, turning back to the stove to pour the blueberry-infused cocoa into two chipped mugs. “You can use Vi’s mug, I’m sure she won't mind,” Sliding one across the counter, she gave a lopsided grin. “Go on - taste it. Careful, it’s hot,” she warned.
Caitlyn cradled the mug, fingertips running over the quite large gash near the handle. She could practically feel the love and history in that imperfection. Lifting it to her lips, she took a cautious sip. The sweet-tart warmth flooded her senses, and for a moment, the tension in her muscles eased.
Powder eyed her reaction with a small smile. “Welcome to the Lanes family, I guess,” she teased lightly. “If you stick around, we might have to chip a mug for you, too.”
Caitlyn swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat, offering a grateful smile. “I’d like that,” she said quietly, the comforting taste of blueberry chocolate soothing her raw nerves, and reminding her that, in this house, even mistakes became cherished memories. But as Caitlyn took more sips, the thoughts and worries began creeping in again. She tried to steady herself in the kitchen, her hand trembling around the chipped mug of Lanes Latte. She’d barely managed two more sips before the weight of everything began pressing down on her again. Powder hovered by the counter, noticing the shift in Caitlyn’s demeanour, unsure whether to reach for Cait or give her space.
At first, it was just a tremor in Cait’s shoulders, a laboured breath that caught in her throat. But the panic swelled quickly, and within moments, her pulse was pounding in her ears. She clutched at the edge of the kitchen island, the mug clattering onto the countertop as her vision tunnelled.
“Cait?” Powder asked, alarmed. She inched forward, seeing the fear in Caitlyn’s widened eyes. “Hey, you good?”
Caitlyn tried to respond, but the air felt thick and unforgiving. Each breath came in a shallow gasp. Her thoughts raced, colliding with no sense of order: They filmed everything… Vi’s going to be dragged into this… I’m going to lose everything… My mother will—
“I—” she choked out, voice barely above a rasp. Her fingers dug into her own arms, knuckles whitening. “I can’t… can’t breathe…”
Powder set aside her own mug and quickly placed a hand on Cait’s shoulder, attempting to guide her through measured breathing. “It’s okay,” she soothed, “just focus on me. In through the nose, out through the mouth.”
But Caitlyn was too far gone, her mind spiralling deeper into panic. Powder’s heart pounded in her chest - she’d seen Vi like this before, but that was different. This was Caitlyn, and the raw terror in her eyes rattled something in Powder’s own memories. She’s been dealing with all of this alone.
“Vander!” she called, voice cracking with urgency. “Vander, get in here!”
A moment later, Vander’s broad figure filled the doorway, his normally relaxed gaze zeroing in on Caitlyn’s stricken face. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, gently urging Powder aside. Kneeling in front of Cait, he cupped her cheeks to make her meet his eyes.
“Caitlyn,” he said softly, his voice steady but firm. “I need you to take a deep breath with me. Right now.”
She gasped for air, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. He placed one hand against her sternum, reminding her where to focus her breathing. “Look at me. Breathe in - slow. Good. Now out.” He demonstrated with exaggerated slowness.
Caitlyn tried to follow, but the panic still clawed at her ribcage. She let out a shaky sob, her entire body trembling. Vander’s presence, though, was calming in its solidity. He kept encouraging her, quietly repeating, “That’s right, keep going. In… and out… good…”
Gradually, the iron grip on her lungs loosened enough for her to pull a full breath. The tears finally spilled over, and she slumped forward, forehead against Vander’s shoulder. Powder stood by - mouth pressed into a worried line. She’d seen Vi in many states of anger or hurt, but this was different. Cait had been handling so much stress, so much fear, alone - until now.
When Caitlyn’s breathing began to slow, Vander gently guided her to lean back, keeping a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “That’s it,” he said quietly. “You’re okay now. It’s gonna be alright.”
Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered open, still moist with tears. Her voice came out in a whisper, raw from choking on sobs. “I’m sorry,” she managed. “I just… I’m so scared.”
Vander shook his head. “No apologising,” he murmured, a faint smile crossing his features. “You’re allowed to be scared. You’re allowed to feel whatever you need to.” He glanced briefly at Powder, who looked both relieved and deeply concerned.
“I’m… messing everything up,” Cait said, her breath still shaky. “My mother always said I’d—”
Vander’s expression hardened. “None of that matters right now,” he said, gently but firmly. “You’re here, and we’re with you. We’ll handle what comes, together.”
Powder exhaled a shaky breath of her own, stepping closer once she was sure Caitlyn was calmer. “Cait,” she said softly, “maybe you should talk to someone. A professional. Therapy. It’s really helped Vi…and me, too.” She hesitated, not wanting to push, but the panic attack she’d just witnessed convinced her. “You’re… you’ve been carrying a lot. Alone”
A fresh wave of tears pricked at Caitlyn’s eyes, but she nodded, a tiny movement. She was too exhausted to argue anymore. The panic attack had drained her, leaving only a dull ache of regret and fear. “I just want to feel normal,” she murmured and a slight huff escaped her lips. “huh - I don’t even know what normal is.”
Vander patted her shoulder, rising to his feet with a quiet groan. He looked to Powder, who gave him a significant nod - an unspoken promise that they’d discuss the therapy idea further. Powder gently squeezed Caitlyn’s hand, and Cait squeezed back, grateful to be heard.
Once Vander stepped away, Powder rubbed Cait’s back soothingly. “It’ll be okay,” she said, quieter now. “We’ll find a way to get you through this. Promise.”
Caitlyn, still overwhelmed, let herself believe it for just a moment. Surrounded by the warmth of Vander’s calm and Powder’s gentle support, she felt the faintest flicker of hope amidst the turmoil. There would be consequences and fallout, yes—but she wasn’t alone anymore, and maybe that made all the difference.
-----------------------------------------------
Vi emerged from the shower in a haze of steam and apprehension. Her hair hung damp around her face, and she paused at the top of the stairs, eyeing the kitchen below. Vander and Powder were there, with Caitlyn resting between them.
The tension from earlier still radiated in the air - Cait’s panic attack had clearly taken its toll. But the moment Cait spotted Vi, she pushed to her feet and hurried forward, meeting her halfway up the stairs.
“Hey,” Vi murmured, not quite knowing what else to say. Caitlyn just wound her arms around Vi’s shoulders and held them tight, as if Vi were a lifeline. Vi closed her eyes, pressing her damp forehead against Cait’s. Relief and guilt swirled in her chest, but she kept her breathing even.
Behind them, Vander and Powder exchanged a glance. Vi offered the faintest smile of thanks - no words exchanged. Both of them nodded back in silent understanding, then turned to busy themselves tidying the kitchen. The clock on the microwave blinked 3:00 a.m.
Caitlyn exhaled shakily and pulled back. “I’m gonna take a quick shower too,” she said. “Just... need to clear my head.”
“Sure,” Vi agreed softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Cait’s ear. “I’ll wait in the bedroom for you.”
They made their way to Vi’s bedroom together, the house was eerily quiet aside from the low murmur in the kitchen. The second the door clicked shut, Caitlyn ducked into the bathroom, leaving Vi to perch on the edge of her bed, mind racing with worries.
A moment later, Caitlyn’s voice called from the shower, muffled by running water. “Tell me something random,” she said, almost pleading. “I can’t stand thinking about... everything.”
Vi let out a small laugh, nerves twisting in her stomach. “Uh... well,” she began, raising her voice enough to be heard over the hiss of water, “did I ever tell you about the time Powder and I tried to camp in our backyard, but we forgot to zip the tent shut? We woke up in the morning with, like, a stray cat snuggled up between us. Scared us half to death.”
A faint giggle echoed from the bathroom. “You serious?”
“Oh, totally,” Vi said, feeling a strange sort of comfort that she could make Cait laugh right now. “Powder yowled louder than the cat, so it bolted, and then our mum came racing out, thinking a raccoon attacked us or something. Turns out, we just had a very friendly neighbourhood kitty.”
Caitlyn’s soft laughter rolled through the bathroom, and Vi couldn’t help smiling to herself. They needed this - some tiny piece of normal amid the chaos.
Minutes later, the water shut off. Cait emerged wrapped in a towel, her hair plastered to her neck, looking a bit calmer but still weighed down by worry. She pulled on a fresh pair of pyjamas, each movement careful and slow, before her gaze settled on her phone sitting on the nightstand. The screen was dark, but it felt like it was vibrating with unspoken threats.
“I... I have to call Mel,” Caitlyn said, almost to herself. “She needs a heads-up.” Her voice trembled just enough that Vi heard the fear there.
Vi rose from the bed, crossing to Caitlyn’s side. “Do you want me to give you some privacy?”
Cait shook her head quickly, tugging Vi’s hand closer. “No. You’re probably going to be dragged into this anyway,” she admitted, eyes flicking nervously to Vi’s. “I - I’d feel better if you stayed.”
Vi swallowed hard, forcing a nod. Dragged into it... The reality sank in deeper. But she refused to let Caitlyn see her own panic. “Okay,” she managed, offering what she hoped was a reassuring squeeze of Cait’s hand. “We’ll face it together.”
Together, they settled on the edge of the bed, legs brushing. Cait took a breath, her finger hovering over the call button. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, voice cracking. “For all of this...”
“Hey,” Vi said softly, “stop apologising. We’ll figure it out.”
Caitlyn closed her eyes, nodded once, and finally pressed the button. The phone lit up, ringing in her hand, each beep sending another jolt of anxiety through them both.
Vi tightened her grip on Cait’s fingers, heart pounding, ready to face whatever Mel had to say. together.