Sneaky Steps & Soft Dates
The soft hum of the truck’s engine faded as Vi pulled into a dimly lit parking lot. Flickering neon lights buzzed above a small, run-down pizza joint with a crooked sign that read Papa John’s pizza. The windows were fogged up, and the paint on the door was peeling.
Caitlyn stared at the building, her brow arching in suspicion. “This is where you decided to take me?”
Vi smirked, throwing the truck into park. “Hey, the sketchier it looks, the better the pizza. It’s a fact.”
Caitlyn gave her a playful side-eye, unconvinced. “Is that backed by science, or are you just making things up again?”
Vi leaned across the centre console, grinning as she cupped Caitlyn’s cheek, brushing her thumb softly along her jaw. “You’ll just have to trust me, Cupcake.” She pressed a sweet, lingering kiss to Caitlyn’s lips before pulling back, her breath warm against her skin. “Stay put. I’ll be right back.”
Caitlyn’s heart gave a little stutter, and she found herself speechless as Vi hopped out of the truck and sauntered toward the entrance. The door creaked open and shut behind her, leaving Caitlyn alone in the quiet hum of the parking lot.
She leaned back in her seat, still feeling the ghost of Vi’s lips on hers, a shy smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Cupcake.
Fifteen minutes passed. Then twenty. Caitlyn’s curiosity about the pizza place grew, and just as she debated going in to check, the door creaked open. Vi emerged triumphantly, balancing a pizza box in one hand and two canned soft drinks in the other.
Sliding back into the driver’s seat, Vi popped the lid of the box open with a smug grin. “Behold, Arizona’s finest Margherita.”
Caitlyn blinked at the plain cheese pizza. “Margherita?”
Vi shrugged, offering her a can. “I didn’t know what you’d like, so I played it safe. Plus, can’t go wrong with the classic.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, accepting the soft drink. “Fair enough.”
As Vi set the box between them, Caitlyn hesitated for a moment before picking up a slice. The cheese stretched in gooey strands, grease already pooling at the crust. She eyed it warily.
“You’re really selling this whole ‘sketchy pizza is the best’ theory.”
Vi chuckled, resting her elbow on the steering wheel as she watched her. “Just try it.”
Caitlyn took a tentative bite, and almost instantly, her eyes went wide. The melted cheese, the salty tang of the sauce, and the buttery, crisp crust hit her all at once.
“Oh my god,” she mumbled around the bite, hand flying to her mouth in surprise. “This is... greasy. And so cheesy. And absolutely delicious.”
Vi laughed, utterly enamoured. “See? Told you.”
Caitlyn took another eager bite, giggling. “I feel like I’m breaking every rule my mother ever made.”
Vi cocked her head. “What do you mean?”
Caitlyn leaned back, wiping her hands on a napkin, a soft chuckle escaping her. “This is only one of the few times, since living here, that I’ve eaten something that the estate’s chef didn’t prepare.”
Vi raised a brow, mid-bite. “Seriously?”
Caitlyn nodded, rolling her eyes. “They’re really strict about it. Safety precautions, they say. Like someone’s going to poison me through bad takeout.”
Vi smirked, licking a bit of sauce off her thumb. “Well, if anyone was gonna pull that off, it’d probably be Papa John in there.”
Caitlyn snorted, then smiled down at the greasy slice in her hand. “Funny thing is… all the times I’ve broken that rule have been with you.”
Vi paused, her teasing grin softening. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.” Caitlyn’s voice was quieter now, more thoughtful. “Guess you make it feel... safe to break the rules.”
Vi’s smirk returned, a little softer this time. “Damn right, I do.”
Caitlyn’s tone was light as she said, “Besides, I’m pretty sure Vander isn’t trying to poison me.”
Vi snorted around her last mouthful of pizza, setting the slice down. “Vander? He’d never try to get rid of you. In fact, I think he already sees you as one of his own. Kinda like how he was when Ekko started officially dating Powder.”
The mention of dating turned Caitlyn’s cheeks pink. She fiddled with the greasy napkin in her lap, eyes darting away. “Oh,” she mumbled, swallowing. “Right. Dating…”
Vi’s cheeks flamed at the sudden realization of her word choice. She swallowed, eyes flicking up to meet Caitlyn’s. “I just meant… Vander practically sees you as family,” she fumbled, feeling her pulse hammer.
Caitlyn nodded briskly, the air tightening with unspoken tension. Dating. It hung between them, unacknowledged but impossible to ignore. Their eyes darted away from each other for a fraught moment.
Finally, Vi cleared her throat, snatching up another slice of pizza like it were a lifeline. “Anyway,” she quipped, mustering a teasing grin, “I swear there’s no secret plot to off you with greasy takeout. You’re safe with me.”
A shaky laugh escaped Caitlyn’s chest, relief palpable in her voice. “Good—because if you really were plotting my demise, I’d at least expect some over-the-top Bond villain speech first.”
They both laughed, the awkwardness ebbing away, leaving only the warmth of each other’s presence and the easy banter that made them both feel so alive. Vi’s grin softened, her eyes locked on Caitlyn’s, watching her enjoy the messy, carefree moment. No expectations, no cameras—just them. And Vi realised, in that quiet bubble of warmth and pizza grease, that she could watch Caitlyn smile like this forever.
-----------------------------------------------
Vi chuckled as she turned the key in the ignition, the old truck rumbling to life. "Alright, pick some music. But fair warning, this thing only handles CDs. No fancy Bluetooth or aux cords here."
Caitlyn raised a brow, intrigued. "Seriously? I mean should I even be surprised at this point?"
"Ha ha,” she retorted sarcastically. “Just check the console."
Caitlyn popped open the console and shuffled through the small stack of CDs. Her eyes lit up as she pulled out a well-worn ABBA album. A delighted squeal escaped her lips. "No way! ABBA?!"
Vi glanced over, amused by Caitlyn's excitement. "Oh, you're an ABBA girl, huh?"
Caitlyn grinned. "My Aunt Isolde used to play this on the gramophone in the ballroom. She’d spin me around until we were both too dizzy to stand." Her voice softened at the memory.
Without hesitation, she slid the CD into the player, and the opening notes of "Honey, Honey" filled the truck. Caitlyn didn’t hold back, belting the lyrics with pure joy, her hands moving animatedly to the beat.
Vi’s grip on the wheel tightened, trying to focus on the road, but every side glance at Caitlyn made it harder. Her grin stretched wider with each note Caitlyn hit, so carefree and radiant.
As the drive stretched on, the songs shifted to the gentle melody of "I Have a Dream." Caitlyn's eyes fluttered closed, her head leaning back against the seat, completely lost in the music and the warmth of old memories.
Vi slowed the truck as they pulled up to their next stop, parking under the soft glow of a street lamp. The final chords of the song echoed throughout the truck. Caitlyn slowly opened her eyes, blinking back into the present.
She turned to Vi, a soft, almost overwhelmed smile spreading across her face. "I don’t remember the last time I felt this… happy."
Vi’s heart clenched at the sincerity in her voice. She leaned in slightly, a quiet smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Good. You deserve it."
Without another word, Vi pushed open her door and hopped out, motioning for Caitlyn to follow.
"Come on," Vi murmured over her shoulder, her fingers tightening slightly around Caitlyn’s hand as she led her toward the shadowed back entrance of a building.
Caitlyn hesitated, glancing at the weathered door. "Where are we going now?"
Vi offered a faint grin but didn’t look back. "Somewhere I can calm my nerves for a minute."
That answer didn’t ease Caitlyn’s curiosity, but she followed anyway. Vi pushed the door open, and they stepped into a dimly lit space. The faint scent of stale beer and old wood filled the air. Caitlyn’s eyes adjusted to the dark as she took in the empty bar. Chairs were flipped upside down on the tables, and the place looked closed.
Cait tugged gently at Vi’s hand. "Vi… did we just break into a bar?."
Before Vi could respond, a deep voice rumbled from behind the bar. "For god’s sake, kid. Could’ve called first."
Caitlyn startled, turning to see a broad-shouldered man emerging from the shadows, wiping his hands on a rag. His stern expression softened as his eyes landed on Vi.
Vi just smirked. "C’mon, Benzo. Since when have I ever called ahead?"
Ben rolled his eyes but gestured casually to the bar. "Yeah, yeah. Take a seat. You know the drill, don’t touch anything that looks expensive."
Vi shot Caitlyn a crooked smile and led her to the bar in the middle of the pub. Caitlyn, still processing, leaned in and whispered, "You know the bartender?"
Vi rested her elbow on the bar, turning herself towards a still-confused Caitlyn. “That’s Benzo—Ekko’s dad and Vander’s best friend since they were kids. He’s sorta family, in a roundabout way.”
Before Caitlyn could respond, Benzo eyed Vi suspiciously. “Vander finds out I’ve been letting you come here to drink sometimes, he’ll have my head.”
Vi shrugged, relaxing onto the stool. “Hey, at least I’m doing it under supervision.” She tipped her chin toward Caitlyn. “Better than sneaking booze out on the streets.”
Benzo snorted. “Supervision, huh? More like indulging you. Anyway—” He motioned for Caitlyn to take the seat next to Vi. “Sit, don’t spill anything. I just cleaned up.”
Caitlyn finally settled onto the stool next to Vi, the faint hum of a fridge filling the quiet. Benzo’s gaze flicked between the two of them, then zeroed in on Caitlyn, his brow arching. “And who’s the lucky lady on this late-night rendezvous?”
Vi opened her mouth, only to realise she had no idea how to introduce Caitlyn—friend? Girlfriend? Lover? Something else? She hesitated a second too long, her cheeks warming.
Caitlyn stepped in gracefully, tugging her hood off and offering Benzo a polite smile. “I’m Caitlyn,” she said simply, meeting his curious gaze without flinching.
Benzo nodded. “Right. Well, if you’re with Vi, guess that’s good enough for me.” He reached under the counter and set two glasses down in front of them, the soft clink echoing in the near-empty bar. Without asking, he poured each glass with a precise measure, as though he already knew exactly what they’d want. “I’m only allowing you one tonight, okay?” he warned, but the warmth behind his stern tone made it clear he wasn’t truly upset.
“Thank you,” Caitlyn murmured, and Vi echoed the sentiment with a quiet “Thanks, Benzo.”
Benzo grunted in acknowledgment, then hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m gonna mop the back, leave you two alone for a bit. Just—” He shot Vi a pointed look. “Behave.”
As he disappeared through a door leading to the back area, Vi exhaled a small breath of relief. The bar fell silent, the faint buzzing of an old neon sign near the window just barely breaking the quiet. She glanced at Caitlyn, the low light catching on Caitlyn’s features, making her look both relaxed and quietly thrilled by the clandestine adventure.
Vi took a sip of her drink, the edges of the glass clinking against her rings. She set it down carefully, exhaling as she glanced around the bar’s empty interior. “I used to come here,” she started quietly. “Back when… things were rough. I’d just sneak out, climb down the trellis, and slip away into the night. I guess I wanted a place where no one would ask questions.”
Caitlyn’s brows knitted. “So that’s how you got so good at climbing up to the attic? You’ve had… practice?”
A wry smile tugged at Vi’s lips. “Yeah, pretty much. First time I tried it, though, I ate shit on the way down.” She shook her head, remembering the sting of scraped knees and a bruised ego. “But after a while, I had the routine down. Slip out, come here after closing for a beer and… just breathe.”
Caitlyn leaned an elbow on the bar, eyes widening slightly. “And Benzo… just let you?”
Vi shrugged. “Guess he recognised a kid who needed an escape. I wasn’t legal then—still not—” She scrunched her nose, trying to recall. “I don’t even know exactly how many more years I’ve got. Three, four?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Either way, definitely not twenty-one.”
Caitlyn’s lips parted in surprise. “Wait, you have to be twenty-one here?”
Vi snorted softly. “Yeah. And the fact that we’re both under that age means this—” She tipped her glass toward Caitlyn’s. “—is most definitely illegal.”
Caitlyn glanced at the liquid in her glass as though it had just turned radioactive. A startled laugh escaped her. “Oh my God, so I’m breaking another law? I was already sneaking out and eating potentially poisonous food… Now underage drinking, too?”
Vi’s smirk gained a mischievous tilt. “Hey, we’re in a private bar with an owner who’s basically family, so… I’m not sure it’s really law-breaking,” she teased, though her eyes sparkled with delight at Caitlyn’s flustered reaction.
Caitlyn huffed in mock exasperation. “Is your plan just to get me to break as many laws as possible tonight?”
Vi laughed—a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver through Caitlyn. “Oh, absolutely,” she said, leaning in closer, her tone dipping into a playful drawl. “I’m trying to show you how to live dangerously, Princess.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes dramatically, though the wide grin tugging at her lips betrayed her. “I think you just like watching me stumble around these so-called ‘dangerous’ escapades.”
Vi arched an eyebrow, setting her glass down and shifting nearer so the space between them vanished. “Guilty as charged,” she murmured, slipping her hand beneath the bar to lace her fingers with Caitlyn’s. “Because every time you loosen up, I get to see the real you… and I like what I see.”
Caitlyn’s pulse fluttered, a glow of heat spreading through her cheeks. “You’re so full of yourself.” Yet the soft tremor in her voice made it clear she loved every second of Vi’s attention.
Vi smirked, brushing her thumb over Caitlyn’s knuckles. “Maybe I just love seeing that little spark in your eyes whenever you’re breaking the rules.”
Caitlyn let out a small, breathy laugh, lifting her glass in a mock toast. “Cheers, then—to living on the edge with the world’s worst influence.”
Vi raised her drink with a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, I’m definitely the worst. But you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Their glasses clinked softly, and Caitlyn leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Dangerously it is,” she repeated, her voice dropping as she locked eyes with Vi.
“Dangerously,” Vi echoed, voice low, her gaze lingering on Caitlyn’s lips before flicking up. She smirked, noticing Caitlyn’s eyes doing the same. “Eyes up here, Princess.”
Caitlyn shook her head slightly, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “But your lips are right here,” she teased, closing the small space between them. In the next breath, her mouth found Vi’s, and the kiss deepened, warm and eager, lingering far longer than either of them intended.
They broke apart only when they heard a startled grunt from behind the bar. Benzo stood there, one hand clutching a cleaning rag, eyebrows practically hitting his hairline. “Oh, uh—shit, sorry,” he muttered, turning away with sudden urgency. “Didn’t think… I mean—carry on… or—” He trailed off, nearly stumbling over his own feet as he scurried behind the counter.
Vi, face hot, all but slammed her glass onto the bar and downed the last of her drink. “We’re, uh—heading out anyway,” she said, clearing her throat as she glanced at Caitlyn, who was also hurriedly finishing off her drink.
As they moved to leave, Benzo eyed Vi with pointed concern. “Hold up, Pinky. You’ve been drinking. Hand over the keys.”
Vi scowled good-naturedly, but obliged, fishing the truck keys from her pocket and tossing them to Benzo. “Fine, Dad,” she mock-grumbled, earning a dry snort from him.
Before Caitlyn could say goodbye, Vi laced her fingers tightly with Caitlyn’s and pulled her toward the back door. Her steps were determined, the flush on her cheeks a testament to both the stolen kiss and the shot of adrenaline surging through her veins.
“You two be safe,” Benzo called after them, keys jangling in his hand. They both waved dismissively without turning back, disappearing into the cool night air.
Once outside, Vi quickened her pace, dragging Caitlyn along with her. “Come on,” she murmured, her voice still a bit breathless from the moment in the bar. “I’ve got another idea.”
They left the bar hand in hand, wandering down a lone dirt road as the town’s lights grew faint behind them. The moon hung low, illuminating their way as if beckoning them onward to some hidden place. The air was still, the only sounds were the rustle of leaves and the chirp of crickets. It was nearing 2 a.m.—the rest of the world asleep, leaving just the two of them and the open sky.
After a while, they reached a small lake, its water shimmering under starlight. Without a word, Vi released Caitlyn’s hand and picked up her pace, a mischievous spark lighting her eyes. She yanked off her jacket, then her shirt, not slowing down before kicking off her boots and tugging off her pants. She hardly gave Caitlyn time to react before diving head-first into the water.
Caitlyn stopped at the water’s edge, her cheeks flushing in the cool night air. “Vi!” she hissed, fighting a laugh. “You’re insane! What if someone sees us?”
Vi emerged from under the surface, droplets trailing down her pink hair. “Never been caught before,” she called back, grinning. “Come on, Princess—live a little!”
Caitlyn glanced around, but the deserted lake offered no sign of spectators. Her heart thundered with a mix of exhilaration and nerves. Carefully, she peeled off her own top and pants, folding them neatly beside Vi’s haphazard pile. She caught Vi’s amused smirk and scowled playfully. Catching Vi’s smug expression, Cait glared half-heartedly. “Don’t look at me like that.”
Vi’s laugh echoed across the quiet lake. “Sorry,” she teased, voice laced with amusement. “I just didn’t realise I was getting a front-row seat to a strip tease.”
Face warming, Caitlyn huffed. “It’s not— I’m just being… careful.”
Rolling her eyes, Caitlyn tiptoed into the water, a startled gasp escaping her as the chill clutched at her skin. “Oh my god, It’s freezing!” she hissed, teeth chattering.
Vi drifted closer, the dark water lapping around her shoulders. “Guess we’ll just have to stay extra close,” she teased, wrapping an arm around Caitlyn’s waist and pulling her in.
Caitlyn’s breath caught; the chilly lake forgotten when Vi’s body pressed against her. “I’m not complaining,” she murmured, settling against Vi’s body. They shared a wry grin, and for a moment, it felt like no one else existed but them.
They splashed about, lazily, letting the water cradle them. Now and then, Vi flicked droplets at Caitlyn, who spluttered and retaliated, their laughter echoing across the lake. For Caitlyn, every breeze against her skin felt like freedom—an escape she’d never known. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so alive.
Vi, meanwhile, sensed a lightness in her own chest that she hadn’t realised was possible. She couldn’t remember the last time she went days without spiralling into dark thoughts. Something about Caitlyn—her laughter, her presence—steadied Vi in a way she hadn’t expected. As if Caitlyn were some sort of anchor, making life simpler just by being there.
Eventually, Caitlyn drifted closer, her gaze flicking to the moonlit ripples. “This is crazy,” she breathed, a mixture of awe and disbelief etched across her features.
Vi tucked a damp strand of hair behind Caitlyn’s ear, her voice dipping to a soft murmur. “Sometimes crazy’s good,” she said, leaning in until their foreheads nearly touched.
Caitlyn’s heart pounded, a gentle smile curving her lips. “And sometimes,” she whispered, “it’s perfect.”
They let the hush of the lake and the glow of the moon cradle them for a long moment—until a tremor ran through Caitlyn, reminding her how cold the water was. She shivered, her teeth almost chattering.
Vi chuckled lightly. “Alright, Princess—maybe we call it a night before you freeze to death.”
Caitlyn let out a mock whine, wrapping her arms around Vi’s shoulders. “I don’t want this night to end,” she admitted, her voice trembling just a bit. Then, before Vi could protest, Caitlyn pulled her in for a heady, lingering kiss that deepened in a matter of seconds. Vi responded readily, her arms circling Caitlyn’s waist, losing herself in the moment.
After a breathless minute, Vi pulled back just enough to grin, eyes still locked on Caitlyn’s. “Keep that up, Cupcake, and I’m never letting you out of this lake.”
Caitlyn’s cheeks warmed, but a chill made her shudder again. In one fluid motion, Vi scooped her up in a bridal carry, wading out of the water. Caitlyn let out a soft gasp, clinging to Vi’s shoulders as she carried her to the shore.
They stumbled onto the grassy shore, clothes and hair dripping lake water. Without towels in sight, they exchanged sheepish looks before resigning themselves to tugging dry clothes over soaked underwear. The damp fabric clung to their skin, a reminder of just how impulsive—and exhilarating—this little escapade had been.
Caitlyn fought to button her shirt over her damp bra, her hands trembling from both cold and adrenaline. Meanwhile, Vi ran a hand through her hair, trying to shake out the water, droplets scattering in the faint moonlight. Then their eyes met, and despite the chill, a surge of warmth passed between them.
“We need to get warm,” Vi said, her breath clouding the air as she exhaled. “My place is only a couple blocks away.”
Caitlyn arched a brow, a teasing edge slipping into her voice. “Oh, so this was your grand plan? Get me half-naked in a freezing lake and then whisk me back to your place?”
Vi snorted, shaking droplets from her hair. “It’s better than dragging you back to the Kiramman estate, where your staff might see… or hear us.” Her tone took on a mischievous lilt, and Caitlyn’s cheeks flamed at the suggestiveness.
“Good,” she replied with a shaky laugh. “Because I need a uh hot shower…” She paused, her voice dipping suggestively. “And maybe you could, you know, help me save the water bill.”
Heat flooded Vi’s face as she fumbled to zip her jacket. “I—uh…” She cleared her throat, trying to sound nonchalant. “We definitely can’t waste resources. Very…environmentally conscious of you.”
Caitlyn let out a soft, delighted snort, stepping closer until their bodies nearly touched. “Right?” she teased, letting her gaze linger on Vi’s lips. “Gotta do my part for the planet.”
Vi swallowed, her pulse quickening. Without waiting another second, she grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and tugged her forward. “Come on,” she managed, voice a bit unsteady. “We’ll freeze if we don’t move.”
They set off down the quiet street, huddling close, shoes squishing slightly with each step. The moonlit road stretched before them, empty and silent, illuminated only by the stars overhead and the promise of what lay ahead. Every brisk footstep felt like a heartbeat pounding in time, and neither could stop grinning at the absurd, thrilling night they were living.
Neither spoke, but the quickened pace and the tight grip of their hands said enough: they were equally eager to reach Vi’s bedroom—and neither would be holding back once they got there.