What freedom feels like

Night draped Vi’s backyard in soft shadows, the hush of the neighbourhood broken only by the faint scrape of their shoes on the damp grass. A thin veil of fog clung to the moonlit air, distorting every hushed sound—Caitlyn’s unsteady breaths, Vi’s heart thudding in her ears. Neither spoke as they crept forward, drawn by a mutual urgency they couldn’t quite name.

Vi paused when they reached the trellis, lifting a hand in a silent gesture. In the muted glow, her eyes met Caitlyn’s, a hint of uncertainty mingling with the adrenaline that charged the air. She inclined her head toward the climbing lattice, its wooden rungs stretching up to the attic window like a promise and a dare.

Caitlyn nodded, swallowing around the knot in her throat. Despite the fog, despite the uneasy thrill coursing through her, she couldn’t ignore the quiet comfort she felt just standing by Vi’s side. For a single breath, they lingered in that dark stillness—two figures caught between the safety of the ground and the secret refuge above.

Then, with a swift breath, Vi braced a foot on the trellis and began to climb, every creak of the wood magnified by the silent night. Caitlyn followed, the damp chill of the air sticking to her skin, her pulse racing faster with each step. And as they made their way upward, the fog thickening around them, it felt like stepping into another world—one where only the two of them existed.

Inside, the soft glow of a bedside lamp offered the only illumination. Neither spoke at first, standing there in damp clothes, a swirl of unspoken wants pressing in around them. Finally, Caitlyn broke the silence, her voice cracking with uncertainty. “I need to get out of these wet clothes,” she said, hooking a finger under her shirt and peeling it off. Her cheeks burned, but she tried to hide it. “My bra is… drenched.”

Vi’s heart lurched. She tried to speak but only managed a garbled stammer. In a rush, she spun around, turning her back towards Caitlyn. Confusion flickered across Caitlyn’s face—she’d assumed they’d take that shared shower they’d joked about earlier. An uneasy feeling washed over her, but she pushed it aside, heading into the bathroom alone.

As the shower’s steady hiss filled the attic, Caitlyn let the hot water pound against her neck, steam curling through the cramped space. Guilt gnawed at her chest. Was I pressuring her again? she wondered, pressing a hand to her forehead. Maybe I came on too strong. She inhaled, willing the shame away, but it lingered.

When she emerged, hair dripping slightly down her neck, she found a neat pile of pyjamas waiting on the bed. She dried off in silence, tugging them on with methodical care. Before she could fully process her swirling thoughts, Vi darted past her without a word, eyes averted, disappearing into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her.

On the other side of that door, Vi stared at her reflection in the spotted mirror, chest tight. What’s the fuck is wrong with me? she wondered. She probably thinks I’m chickening out. Turning the shower on full blast, Vi stepped under the spray, washing off the lake water and the swirl of confusion. She scrubbed her hair quickly, then shut off the water and towelled off, pulling on a pair of boxers and a wrinkled singlet. Stop being such a fucking coward, she told herself, raking her fingers through her damp hair.

She opened the bathroom door to find Caitlyn pacing back and forth in the attic, her eyes shadowed by worry. Their gazes locked, both of them still breathing a little too fast, hearts pounding with a barrage of unspoken questions. The tension crackled between them, neither sure how to break it—and neither willing to look away.

They both opened their mouths at the same time.

“Sorry,” they blurted in unison, voices jumbling over each other. A beat of confusion passed as they stared at one another, then shared a soft, nervous laugh.

Caitlyn was the first to recover. “Why are you sorry?” she asked, taking a hesitant step closer.

Vi exhaled, raking a hand through her damp hair. “I’m sorry I’m being so weird,” she admitted, her words tumbling out faster than she intended. “I—I really want this. But I’m putting so much pressure on myself for it to be perfect.”

She paused, swallowing. “Last time I slept with someone was with my ex, and I— Well, it was...a long time ago. Sex is really intimate for me. And knowing it’s your first time—” Her voice cracked slightly, doubt creeping in. “It needs to be special. You deserve special.”

Caitlyn’s heart clenched at the uncertainty in Vi’s eyes. She closed the remaining distance, cupping Vi’s face gently between her palms. Then she leaned in, pressing her lips to Vi’s in a lingering, tender kiss meant to chase away her worries. Vi’s responding sigh melted into Caitlyn’s mouth as her arm looped around Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her in.

When they finally broke apart, Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed, but her gaze was steady. “We don’t have to do anything if you’re not ready.” A small, wry smile crossed her face. “Though… I’m still a bit confused. I mean, wasn’t Friday night technically my first time?”

Vi ducked her head, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “I mean, yeah, but we were drunk,” she grumbled. “And you deserve more than some sloppy, half-remembered fumbling.”

Caitlyn’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she brought their foreheads together. “From what I do remember - I really enjoyed Friday night,” she whispered. “If that was drunk you, I’m excited to see what sober you can do.” Her tone softened, a subtle flicker of worry flashing in her eyes. “But really, don’t feel pressured. We have time…”

She trailed off, inhaling a shaky breath as her mind flicked to the looming possibility of being sent back to England. Vi caught the shift instantly, stroking her thumb over Caitlyn’s cheek. Vi caught the change in her expression instantly and pressed a gentle thumb against Caitlyn’s cheek, guiding her to look back up.

“Hey,” Vi said softly, brushing a tender kiss across Caitlyn’s lips. “I’m not just okay with this—I want this. More than anything.” She let the reassurance hang in the charged air between them, each syllable a promise.

A wave of relief passed between them, unspoken but understood. Slowly, Vi took Caitlyn’s hand and led her to the bed. She laid Caitlyn down with a care that spoke of both reverence and desire, her gaze drifting over every subtle curve and line as though memorizing the moment. And in that hush, with both their hearts pounding, they let the uncertainties slip away—just for now.

The room was quiet, save for the sound of their breaths—uneven, heavy, and mingling in the space between them. Caitlyn’s back pressed into the soft mattress as Vi hovered above her, arms caging her in, her pink hair catching the light of the bedside lamp. The weight of Vi’s body was warm and grounding, Caitlyn could feel every point where they connected, her chest brushing Caitlyn’s with each breath.

Vi’s lips were on hers again before Caitlyn could think to speak, and oh, how she kissed her. It wasn’t gentle, not entirely, but it wasn’t rushed either. It was hungry and deliberate like Vi had been waiting for this moment for far longer than either of them cared to admit. Caitlyn’s hands found their way to Vi’s shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of her singlet. She wanted more—needed more—and Vi seemed to know it without her having to say a word.

Caitlyn broke the kiss for just long enough to murmur, “Off,” her voice trembling with desire as she tugged at Vi’s singlet.

Vi smirked, that same teasing grin that always made Caitlyn’s stomach flip, and sat back on her heels. In one fluid motion, she pulled her singlet up and over her head, dropping it carelessly onto the floor. Caitlyn’s breath caught, eyes roaming over Vi’s bare skin—the defined lines of her abdomen, the faint scars mapping her torso like a story Caitlyn longed to learn.

Heat rushed through Caitlyn at the sight, her heart thudding loudly in her chest as she took in every detail. Vi, catching the look in Caitlyn’s eyes, felt her own pulse quicken. A flicker of vulnerability mixed with the boldness in her gaze, but she wore it with the easy confidence that always left Caitlyn breathless.

Before Caitlyn could say anything, Vi reached for her tee, pulling it up and off in one swift movement. The cool air hit Caitlyn’s bare skin, and she shivered, though not from the cold. Vi’s eyes roamed over her, pausing at the glint of metal on her nipples.

“Fuck, Cupcake,” Vi muttered, her voice low and rough in a way that sent a jolt straight through Caitlyn’s core. “I missed these.”

Caitlyn giggled, the sound bubbling up despite the heat pooling low in her belly. But her laughter was cut short as Vi’s mouth descended, her tongue flicking over one pierced nipple. Caitlyn gasped, her back arching off the bed as pleasure shot through her. Her hands flew to Vi’s hair, tangling in the soft strands as if anchoring herself to something solid.

Vi didn’t stop there. Her lips trailed down Caitlyn’s body, leaving a hot trail of soft kisses along her sternum, her ribs, and the curve of her hip. Each touch was tender yet purposeful - as if Vi was mapping her out, committing every inch of her to memory. By the time Vi reached the waistband of Caitlyn’s shorts, Caitlyn was trembling, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

“Please, Vi,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I need you.”

Vi looked up, her gaze locking with Caitlyn’s, and for a moment, everything else fell away. There was something raw in that look, something that made Caitlyn’s chest ache in the best way possible. Then Vi’s hands were hooking into her shorts, pulling them down and off, and Caitlyn felt exposed in every sense of the word.

Vi’s smirk returned as she noticed the lack of underwear. “Easy access, huh?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Caitlyn shrugged, trying to play it cool even as her cheeks burned. “What can I say? I like to be efficient.”

Vi laughed, the sound light and carefree, and then she was crawling back up Caitlyn’s body, her hands skimming over her thighs, her hips, her waist. When their lips met again, the kiss was different—deeper, more desperate. Caitlyn could feel the tension building between them, a coiled spring ready to snap.

And then Vi descended once again, her breath now hot against Caitlyn’s inner thigh. Caitlyn’s hands tightened in the sheets, anticipation winding her tighter with each passing second. When Vi’s tongue finally touched her, slow and exploratory, Caitlyn couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped her lips.

“Fuck,” she breathed, her hips rising instinctively.

That was all the encouragement Vi needed. Her movements became faster, more urgent, her tongue working in ways that left Caitlyn dizzy. Every stroke, every flick, sent waves of pleasure crashing through her until she was gripping Vi’s hair so tightly it must have hurt. But Vi didn’t stop—if anything, she only pushed harder, edging Caitlyn closer and closer to the brink.

Caitlyn's breath quickened, soft sounds of pleasure escaping her lips, and Vi couldn’t help but smile at the symphony of responses she evoked. “God, those sounds are beautiful,” Vi murmured, her voice filled with admiration. 

Caitlyn’s moans filled the room, loud and unfiltered, as she tumbled over the edge. Her body shook with the force of it, her mind going blank except for the overwhelming sensation of pure bliss. When she finally came back to herself, Vi was already moving up her body, her lips finding Caitlyn’s in a kiss that tasted like her.

They stayed like that for a moment, tangled together, breathless and grinning. Caitlyn reached up to brush a strand of hair from Vi’s face, her heart swelling with something she couldn’t quite put into words.

“You’re amazing,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vi chuckled softly, leaning in to kiss her again. “And we’re just getting started.”

With tentative fingers, Caitlyn explored the curves of Vi’s body, tracing lines along her arms and down to her waist, every touch sending shivers of delight through both of them. Vi, ever attuned to Caitlyn’s sensations, responded with gentle guidance, encouraging her to let go of her inhibitions. Their laughter mingled with soft whispers, each moment a discovery, a dance of exploration that brought them closer together.

Vi’s lips found Caitlyn’s neck, planting tender kisses that made Caitlyn gasp, her breath hitching in her throat. It was intoxicating, this new territory they were venturing into, and Caitlyn was eager to absorb every sensation. She revelled in the way Vi’s hands roamed her body, igniting every nerve ending, making her feel cherished and alive.

“Is this okay?” Vi asked softly, her voice a caress against Caitlyn’s ear, seeking reassurance. Caitlyn nodded, a smile breaking across her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was ready to try everything, to taste every moment, and Vi was more than willing to guide her through this beautiful journey.

In one graceful movement, Vi shifted their positions, so Caitlyn found herself straddling Vi, an unexpected but thrilling turn. Vi looked up at Caitlyn, her expression a mix of awe and admiration. Caitlyn’s eyes, filled with newfound confidence and desire, began to trail kisses down Vi's body, each touch a promise of her affection. Vi, in turn, reached up, lightly playing with Caitlyn’s jewellery, adding a new layer of sensation to their experience.

As Caitlyn started to move further down, Vi gently caught her wrist. “Wait, you don’t have to do anything,” Vi said earnestly, her tone filled with care. “I promise, I don’t need anything in return. This is your first time. You don’t have to—”

Caitlyn quickly surged forward, capturing Vi’s lips in a reassuring kiss. “I want to,” Caitlyn interrupted, her voice firmer than she expected. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. “I’ve been researching,” she confessed with a playful glint in her eyes. “I want to try things while I feel the safest—and that’s with you. But if you’re not comfortable, we can stop.”

Vi was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by the trust and desire she saw in Caitlyn. Her heart swelled with emotion, and she released Caitlyn’s wrist, a smile playing on her lips. “Okay, Cupcake,” she murmured, her voice a mix of admiration and anticipation. “Show me what you’ve got.” She gave Caitlyn’s hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go, her fingers trailing down Caitlyn’s arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

With Vi’s encouragement, Caitlyn continued her exploration, the two of them lost in a world of their own, where trust and delight guided their every move.

Caitlyn exhaled slowly, willing her nerves to settle. She shifted lower on the bed, her hands sliding along Vi’s thighs, tracing the strong lines of muscle there. She pressed a kiss to the inside of Vi’s knee, tentative at first, then more confidently when she felt Vi shiver beneath her. Her lips moved higher, lingering on the soft skin of Vi’s inner thigh, savouring the faint saltiness of her sweat.

Vi’s breath hitched, her hips lifting ever so slightly off the mattress. “Cait…” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. It was enough to send a jolt of electricity through Caitlyn, spurring her on.

She hesitated only for a moment before dipping her head lower, her tongue brushing against Vi’s centre in an experimental flick. The sound that escaped Vi’s lips was nothing short of primal, a choked-off moan that sent a thrill coursing through Caitlyn. Emboldened, she did it again, this time with more pressure, her tongue dragging slowly, deliberately.

“Fuck, Cupcake,” Vi gasped, her hands tangling in the bedsheets. “That’s— oh god, that’s good.”

Caitlyn moaned softly against her, the vibrations drawing another sharp intake of breath from Vi. She explored tentatively at first, learning what made Vi squirm, what made her curse under her breath and what made her toes curl. Every little reaction fuelled Caitlyn’s confidence, her movements becoming bolder, more assured.

Vi’s hips began to rock against her mouth, shallow thrusts that spoke of desperation. Caitlyn wrapped her arms around Vi’s thighs, holding her steady as she delved deeper, her tongue working in firm, steady strokes. Vi’s moans grew louder, more ragged, her breathing coming in uneven gasps.

“Don’t stop, Princess, please—” Vi’s plea was cut off by a strangled cry as Caitlyn found a rhythm that seemed to drive her wild. Her fingers clawed at the sheets, her back arching off the bed as Caitlyn’s name spilled from her lips like a mantra.

Caitlyn felt Vi’s thighs tighten around her, her whole body trembling as she edged closer to the brink. She redoubled her efforts, her tongue swirling and flicking, her teeth grazing lightly where she knew Vi was most sensitive. It wasn’t long before Vi came undone, her orgasm crashing over her in waves, her cries muffled by the press of her hand against her mouth.

Caitlyn slowed gradually, her tongue lapping gently until Vi’s shudders subsided. She pressed a sweet final kiss to her centre before pulling away, her own breathing heavy, her lips swollen and glistening.

Vi reached for Caitlyn blindly, her hands finding her shoulders and pulling her up. Caitlyn went willingly, her body melting into Vi’s as their lips met in a searing kiss. Vi’s tongue slid against hers, tasting herself on Caitlyn’s mouth, and she groaned into the kiss.

“God, I love how you taste right now,” Vi murmured between kisses, her voice rough with desire. Caitlyn whimpered, her hands roaming desperately over Vi’s body, her lips trailing down her neck, her collarbone, anywhere she could reach.

Vi chuckled softly, her fingers threading through Caitlyn’s hair. “Easy, Cupcake,” she teased, but Caitlyn wasn’t listening. She was too lost in the sensation, in the overwhelming need to be close to Vi, to feel her everywhere.

Without warning, Vi shifted beneath her, her leg sliding between Caitlyn’s thighs. Caitlyn froze for a moment, her eyes widening as she realized what Vi was doing. “Vi—”

Her protest died on her lips as Vi’s thigh pressed firmly against her centre, sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Caitlyn gasped, her head falling back as her hips instinctively ground down against Vi’s leg. The friction was electric, sending sparks skittering along her nerves.

Vi smirked, her hands moving to Caitlyn’s hips, guiding her in slow, deliberate circles. “There you go,” she murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction. “Just like that.”

Caitlyn moaned, her nails digging into Vi’s shoulders as she rocked against her. The sensation was overwhelming, almost too much, but she couldn’t stop. Her movements became more frantic, her breath coming in shallow gasps as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter in her core.

Vi matched her rhythm, bucking her hips up to meet Caitlyn’s downward thrusts. Their bodies moved together in perfect sync, each movement driving them both closer to the edge. Caitlyn’s moans mingled with Vi’s, their voices blending into a symphony of need.

When Caitlyn finally came, it was with a cry that echoed through the room, her body shuddering violently as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Vi wasn’t far behind, her own orgasm ripping through her with equal intensity, her grip on Caitlyn’s hips tightening as she rode out the aftershocks.

For a moment, neither of them moved, their bodies still intimately entwined, breath mingling in ragged gasps. Slowly, Caitlyn sank forward, collapsing onto Vi’s chest with a contented sigh. Vi’s arms circled her, fingers tracing lazy patterns over the smooth skin of Caitlyn’s back, anchoring them in the electric afterglow.

Time seemed to dissolve. They touched, laughed, discovered one another, each round of intimacy deepening the bond between them. The world outside blurred into an inconsequential hush—only the tangle of sheets, limbs, and whispered words existed now, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.

Eventually, they collapsed together, skin glistening with a sheen of sweat, the room thick with the lingering scent of their passion. Caitlyn nestled closer, her heart full. With a dreamy smile, she pressed a soft kiss to Vi’s shoulder and murmured, “I don’t ever want to stop.”

But before Vi could respond, Caitlyn’s eyelids fluttered closed, exhaustion washing over her like a warm wave. With a soft chuckle, Vi pressed a gentle kiss to Caitlyn’s forehead, her heart swelling with affection. She pulled Caitlyn closer, savouring the blissful aftermath of their exploration, content to lie there in the silence, wrapped in each other’s warmth, knowing they had only just begun to uncover the depths of their desires.

-----------------------------------------------

Vi awoke to a gentle grey light filtering through the attic window, casting soft shadows across the rumpled sheets. I must’ve dozed off for a bit. She felt Caitlyn’s weight draped over her, the slow rise and fall of Caitlyn’s breathing reminding her of how deeply she slept. A glance at the alarm clock on the bedside table read 5:30 a.m.

For a minute, Vi tried willing herself back to sleep, but her mind buzzed with too much excitement—too many memories of the last few hours swirling in her head. Carefully, she eased herself out from under Caitlyn, only for Cait to murmur a half-asleep protest.

“Mm… where’re you going?” Cait mumbled; eyes still closed.

Vi bent down, pressing a featherlight kiss to Caitlyn’s forehead. “Just going to grab a drink. Can’t sleep.”

Caitlyn exhaled a soft, contented sigh. “Could really go for a Lanes Latte right now,” she murmured, a blissed-out smile curving her lips.

A fond chuckle escaped Vi. “Of course, Cupcake,” she murmured, pressing a light kiss to Caitlyn’s temple. She got up from the bed and padded toward the door, too dazed to notice she wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing. Her only focus was on getting downstairs and back again—fast enough to bring Caitlyn the comfort she’d asked for.

She made her way downstairs, goosebumps rising on her arms. In the kitchen, she rummaged through cabinets for the milk and blueberry syrup, trying not to clatter too loudly.

Suddenly, a voice hissed from the hallway. “Vi! What the hell?”

Vi nearly jumped out of her skin, spinning around to see Powder standing in the doorway, eyes going wide at the sight of a naked Vi. Yelping, Vi fumbled for the nearest tea towel, clutching it over her body.

“Shh!” Powder hissed, stepping into the kitchen. “You’re seriously standing here naked? In the kitchen? Anyone could walk in—you’re lucky I’m the one who found you instead of Mylo or Vander!”

Vi felt her cheeks flame. “Sorry. Didn’t think anyone would be up,” she muttered, trying to juggle the tea towel and the carton of milk.

Powder crossed her arms, casting a pointed look at Vi’s very naked form. “Yeah, well, guess what? I am up. And from the looks of it, you’re trying to make the Lanes Latte in your birthday suit.”

A groan escaped Vi’s lips. “Just—just give me a break, okay? Cup— Cait wanted one, and I can’t exactly think straight right now.” She hiked the towel higher, aiming for some semblance of dignity.

Powder’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Oh, I’m sure you can’t. Combine your foggy brain with the, uh, noise I heard a few hours ago, and I’d guess you and Cait had quite the night.”

Vi sputtered, cheeks scorching. “Powder,” she hissed, flustered, “that’s— You don’t know—”

Powder just snatched the milk from Vi’s grip before she could finish. “Uh-huh, totally. Now scoot.” She gestured toward the corner of the kitchen, effectively shooing Vi away. “Let the expert handle this before you burn something. Or flash the entire house.”

Vi slunk over obediently, clutching the towel like a shield. Despite her embarrassment, she managed a playful glare. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

Powder just rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, busy whisking the cocoa, blueberry syrup, and milk. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble.” She spared Vi a quick glance over her shoulder, a smirk tugging at her lips. “And, you know, not scar me for life in the process.”

Mortified but relieved, Vi stood awkwardly in the corner, hugging the towel to her. Powder, moving with practised ease, got to work mixing the cocoa, blueberry syrup, and milk, heating it on the stove while Vi tried not to die of embarrassment.

“So…” Powder began in a low voice, stirring the saucepan, “next time, either clear the house or don’t be so goddamn loud.” She shot Vi a pointed look. “Walls are thin, you know?”

Vi’s ears burned. “Yeah, got it.”

Powder poured the piping hot concoction into two mugs. She closed her eyes dramatically, thrusting them toward Vi without looking at her. “Here. Now, please go before my retinas melt.”

Muttering a quick thank-you, Vi looked at the two mugs and then back at her one free hand, trying to work out the best possible way to carry them with one hand, still awkwardly clutching the tea towel with the other. Powder, rolling her eyes, made a big show of covering her face.

"Alright, go," Powder said, raising one arm to shield her eyes. "I really don't need to see your everything again."

Vi didn’t need to be told twice. She exhaled in relief, letting the tea towel drop to the floor with a soft plop before grasping both mugs. "I owe you, Pow," she mumbled, cheeks still burning.

“Yeah, yeah,” Powder shot back without looking, waving a dismissive hand.

Without missing another beat, Vi spun on her heel and bolted from the kitchen, hurrying up the stairs two at a time, vowing to herself never again to wander the house naked. Especially not at dawn with everyone half awake.

Caitlyn was up, sitting against the headboard, hair still tousled with sleep. A sleepy smile flickered across her face when she saw the mugs. Vi carefully set them on the nightstand before crawling back onto the bed. Caitlyn reached eagerly for one of the mugs, inhaling the sweet aroma.

“Thank you,” Caitlyn murmured, taking a slow, appreciative sip. She glanced at Vi, eyes dancing with fondness and something more. “Couldn’t sleep, huh?”

Vi blew on her own mug, then looked Caitlyn square in the eye. Memories of the night rushed back, sending a flutter through her chest. “No,” she admitted with a half-grin. “Too busy thinking.”

Caitlyn took another sip, then lowered her mug. “Thinking about… last night?”

Vi’s heartbeat skipped. She set her mug aside, shifting closer. “Yeah,” she said quietly, meeting Caitlyn’s gaze. “Every second of it.”

For a moment, Caitlyn seemed on the verge of tears, her emotions brimming in a soft gasp of relief or joy. Yet all she managed was a choked, “Me too.”

They settled against the pillows, mugs of blueberry hot chocolate cupped between their palms. Dawn’s gentle glow stole into the attic, painting them in warm, muted tones. In that hush, tension and tenderness coiled together, leaving them both grateful for the quiet—for the chance just to be.

Vi slid her free arm around Caitlyn, drawing her in close until their foreheads touched. Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered shut, leaning into Vi’s warmth. Neither spoke as they sipped, savouring the heat of the latte and the heady comfort of each other’s presence.

But in their bliss, they failed to notice a faint, insistent buzzing coming from the other side of the room—Caitlyn’s phone, buried in the pocket of her discarded pants. The sound barely registered over their contented sighs and the soft clink of mugs when they set them aside. And so they remained oblivious, lost in each other’s heartbeat and the promise of whatever might come next.