Archive of Our Own

Caitlyn looks at herself in the mirror one last time before leaving the apartment, making sure her hair is still in her place. She takes a breath, trying to relax her shoulders and unclench her jaw.

It’ll be fun.

Even internally, she’s unconvincing.

Shutting the door behind her, Caitlyn steps over boxes in the hallway, absently assuming a new neighbor is moving in as she questions whether she should have worn these particular heels. She’s already tall – maybe it’ll come across as a little intimidating?

No, she’s fine. The shoes look good. If her date is really that insecure about their height, they’re hardly going to be compatible.

“Sorry about the mess!” a faint voice calls out from a concealed entryway, a few doors down.

“Not to worry,” Caitlyn says politely over her shoulder, concentrating on not tripping over. “Welcome to the building.”

“Evening, Caitlyn,” another voice greets her as she continues.

“Oh, Loris,” Caitlyn holds her hand to her chest as she turns to see the concierge, marching past, arms full of taped up boxes. “You scared me.”

“Just helping our new resident,” he replies gruffly, appraising her. “You look nice.”

“Thanks,” Caitlyn exhales as she walks past him. “Big date tonight.” She does a spin, letting the skirt of her black dress twirl around her, dangly earrings sparkling under the fluorescent lights. “Is it too much?”

“You look great,” Loris replies in a sincere, low tone. He grins encouragingly, “knock ‘em dead.”

The clip of Caitlyn’s shoes on the hard floors echoes as she hurries downstairs, ignoring the concerns about her dress, her hair, her general being, with the hopes that it comes down to first date jitters. It’s normal to want to make a good first impression on someone; no amount of outfit changes will overcome that.

The taxi ride to the restaurant is short, at least, and she arrives a little early, awkwardly pausing in front of the building, wondering whether to go inside.

The concept of a blind date is stressful, anyone will surely admit. She’d entrusted her fate entirely in the hands of Mel who had insisted that the hot lesbian from the gym would be exactly Caitlyn’s type. Caitlyn loves her dearly but she’s not sure Mel really understands what Caitlyn’s type is. Truth be told, Caitlyn hardly knows what her type is these days. She hasn’t had much luck dating in recent years. Her ideal match could be anybody’s guess.

She decides to go inside, feeling ridiculous standing in the cold, giving her name to the hostess and following her to the table.

“Can I get you something to drink while you wait?” the woman asks politely.

“Martini, please,” Caitlyn orders without thinking, needing something strong to settle her nerves.

The hostess smiles and nods. Caitlyn looks up at her, half-wishing this woman could just be her date instead. She has kind eyes and seems friendly enough. Dark hair and gold eyeshadow. As she focuses, Caitlyn realizes she’s probably quite young, actually – only twenty or so.

Oh God, is she being a predator? She doesn’t mean to be. It’s just been a while since she’s had meaningful human interaction outside of work and it’s been even longer since she’s had a decent orgasm. She’s hopeful all that might change tonight; at least the former if not both.  

“Coming up,” she replies, turning to leave. 

Perhaps this was a bad idea. Sitting at the table alone is even more anxiety-inducing than waiting outside. Is it as obvious to everyone else that she’s waiting for a date as it feels? Or – worse – does it look like she’s been stood up? Caitlyn glances at the time on her phone. Has she been stood up? Her date is officially late now. Only five minutes, but still. Not the best first impression considering Caitlyn already has one foot out the door.

She decides to text Mel to pass the time.

She’s late.

Mel replies straightaway.

She’ll be there.

Relax.

Caitlyn rolls her eyes at the second comment, not particularly sure how she’s supposed to relax in such stress-inducing conditions. Her foot taps against the tiled floor under the table, unable to stay still.

What are you wearing?

Glancing at the phone, Caitlyn sighs and picks it up again, sending Mel a photograph she’d snapped before leaving the apartment. If tonight is a total failure, she figured she could at least use the occasion to update the pictures on her dating profile.

You look stunning. She’s going to love it.

She’d better.

Are you wearing underwear?

Caitlyn laughs under her breath and turns the phone over to ignore her.

~*~*~*~

Vi is late.

She knows it’s not a good look, but it’s not her fault. Nothing has gone to plan today.

She practically sprints from the cab to the restaurant, only hesitating for a moment outside to smooth down her shirt and tidy up her hair. The room is packed out; loud buzz of chatter and classical music playing in the background. She’d only chosen this place as it’s the nicest-looking spot in town – she’s never actually tested it out.

It’s hard to know who her date is when there’s gorgeous women everywhere. Vi tries not to get distracted by the mirage of pretty smiles and visible cleavage, clearing her throat and focusing.

Then, someone catches her eye, smiling widely and waving from the bar. Vi swallows and heads over.

“Oh my gosh, you must be Vi,” her date gushes excitedly, pulling her in for a hug. “Powder’s told me so much about you.”

“Yeah,” is all Vi responds with, instantly stressed when she hears Powder’s name. Nothing about this date is destined to go well with Powder involved. “Sorry I’m late.” She hopes she doesn’t look as freaked out as she feels.

It’s not a big deal, she tells herself. Just a date.

Vi knows how to date. Chit chat, compliment, flirt. The mechanics of it aren’t exactly difficult. She can’t pinpoint what’s throwing her off balance about tonight specifically.

Maybe it’s knowing her date is friends with Powder, which makes Vi feel oddly creepy. Or maybe it’s the fact that she’s younger, Vi worries they’ll have nothing in common. Her date isn’t unattractive – blonde hair, red lips – if anything, she’s almost too attractive. It’s making Vi feel like she’s accidentally stumbled onto a reality dating show.

“Don’t even worry,” her date waves a hand, showing off long, manicured nails that look expensive. And painful. “I took the liberty of getting us drinks. You like wine? Thought we could split a bottle.”

“Ah…” Vi trails off, not wanting to immediately cause offense by declining the offer. She’s never been a wine drinker but supposes she better suffer through it if she wants to make a good impression. “Sure.”

“Great,” she responds happily.

A woman dressed in all black approaches them, an arm outstretched. “Your table’s ready,” she advises, leading them into the maze. “Someone will bring your drinks over in a moment.”

“Thanks,” Vi replies, catching the hostess’s eye and hoping her expression doesn’t look like a cry for help. 

“I’m so excited,” her date exclaims as they head over, her voice a little too loud. “I’ve been wanting to come here forever.”

“Oh yeah,” Vi nods.

“I’ve rearranged my schedule this week so it’s my cheat day,” she continues, as she sits down at the table, throwing long hair over her shoulder. “So,” she casts a suggestive look in Vi’s direction, “I can be naughty tonight.”

“Ha,” Vi replies flatly, cringing a bit at the announcement while their waitress hovers a little too close, arranging an ice bucket between them for the wine and setting down glasses.

Vi wants so badly to be into this, but – first impressions? She doesn’t feel even a drop of chemistry with this woman. The vibes are just… off.

Maybe she shouldn’t make a judgement too quickly. Maybe the romance will grow as the night continues. Maybe her date is just nervous.

“The craziest thing is,” she announces, as if on cue, “I didn’t even feel any nerves about tonight. Just so excited to meet you. That’s how confident I feel about this,” she beams widely, flashing teeth. “The energy’s just right tonight. You know?”

Vi pushes her hair back and smiles weakly. She coughs and looks up at the waitress who’s poured half a measure of wine into her awaiting glass.

“Little more, please,” Vi requests quietly.

The waitress nods sympathetically and tops her up.

~*~*~*~

Caitlyn’s evening isn’t going well.

When her date finally arrived – twenty minutes late all told – she was, at least, highly apologetic and sweet about it, explaining that there was a problem with the trains, she’d never usually leave such a beautiful woman waiting, that kind of thing. She’d laid it on just about thick enough for Caitlyn to forgive, but she wasn’t able to forget it.  

Her date was fairly attractive, which helped. Short but fit and nerdy glasses which were cute. They seem to have a few shared interests, like true crime documentaries and classical music. It all seemed so promising on paper. And yet.

“So glad we’re doing this,” her date smiles widely. Then asks, “how are you single?”   

Caitlyn laughs, sipping the last few drops of her martini. She’s flattered – same as anyone would be – but there are sadly no butterflies forming. Still, she’s sure that kind of thing can build over time if given the chance. Hopefully.

“Oh,” she clears her throat awkwardly, unsure how to respond. “Haven’t had much luck so far, I suppose.” Her date doesn’t respond, instead looking at her silently until she returns the question. “Um, what about you?” Caitlyn asks. “Have you been single for long?”

She scoffs, leaning back in her seat as if to prepare for a speech, hands resting on the chair arms.

“Me? I mean, I’ve been single… what, three years now? Yeah. Not for lack of trying though. I date. I put myself out there. I’m not one of those people who just sits at home complaining, you know? But it’s like no one’s actually serious anymore. Like, I’ll meet someone, we’ll go out a few times, and everything seems fine, and then suddenly it’s, ‘Oh, I’m just figuring things out,’ or ‘I’m not ready for anything serious.’ And I’m thinking – okay, then why are you dating? What’s the point? It just feels like a massive waste of time.”

Caitlyn wasn’t particularly prepared for so much honesty so early in the night. She nods and hums when needed to show she’s listening.

Her date continues, “and I’ve noticed a pattern. People say they want something real, but what they actually want is someone to fill their weekends until something better comes along. No one wants to actually build anything.”

“I suppose,” Caitlyn sips her martini, glancing around them like a silent plea for someone to come over and interrupt. She’s starting to regret asking the question.

The woman opposite her doesn’t seem to notice. “I mean, I take care of myself. I work out, I’ve got a stable job, I’m not out partying every weekend. I’m at the stage where I want something solid. But it’s like that’s almost a turn-off now. Like if you’re too put-together, people assume you’re boring or… I don’t know. It’s like people don’t want to make an effort anymore.”

“Right.”

She finally looks up, seeming to acknowledge Caitlyn’s existence for the first time in a few minutes. “That’s why I was so excited when Mel told me about you. You’re someone I can actually get on with. You clearly care about how you present yourself to the world, well-spoken and probably well-travelled. It’s so hard to find these days.”

Caitlyn bites the inside of her cheek, holding back a response. The concept of someone she met under an hour ago complimenting her ability to speak and dress herself like she’s a toddler is… interesting.

Thankfully, their waitress appears at that moment, offering two menus, saving Caitlyn from having to try and formulate a reply that is anything other than what the ever-loving fuck are you talking about?

Caitlyn’s date instantly snatches the menu out of her hands, instead turning to the waitress with far too much confidence.

“I’ll order for the table,” she announces with gusto.

“You…?” Caitlyn opens her mouth in surprise and is met with a wink in her direction.

It’s… truly horrifying. Caitlyn winces so hard she has to sip her drink to cover up her reaction. The waitress jots down the order; oysters, champagne – all the classics. No real imagination whatsoever.

She places her empty glass back down on the table, staring down while she recomposes herself. Who’s to say Caitlyn even wants to eat an oyster? She might have a seafood allergy. (She doesn’t but she might have). Honestly, the audacity of ordering for her without asking, the cheek –

“Hope you don’t mind,” her date interrupts her thoughts. “It’s kind of like my superpower. I always know what a woman wants.”

“Is that so?” Caitlyn murmurs, praying the champagne at least arrives quickly.

This is going to be a long night.

~*~*~*~

Vi sits up straight in her chair, feeling overdressed and underwhelmed. Across the table, her date is talking about her Pilates instructor.

“He’s just really changed how I think about my body,” she says, slicing her sea bass into small, symmetrical pieces. “It’s all about alignment. And energy.”

Vi nods. She’s been nodding for most of the last forty minutes. Her neck is starting to ache.

“That’s cool,” she says, without much else to add.

Her date smiles, not seeming to pick up on a hint of Vi’s boredom. “You… work out?”

Vi thinks about the gym she goes to three times a week, considering how much detail to offer.  “Sometimes,” she says.

Before she can elaborate, her date nods, “awesome. You know, I can totally take you to my studio sometime. You’d love it.”

Laughing a little, Vi takes a sip of her drink, allowing her eyes to drift around the room. There’s a couple next to them leaning in close, having an obnoxiously good time.

This was a mistake, Vi thinks. She’s had worse dates, sure, and this is far from catastrophic but still. She’s more confident by the second that this isn’t going anywhere and she’d probably be better off cutting her losses.

“How do you know Powder again?” Vi asks.

She should have known, really, that this date was doomed from the beginning, when Powder insisted she had the perfect blind date to set Vi up with. Powder has never been the best at making sound decisions.

“Oh,” her date smiles, “we met at the Innovator’s Competition. Yeah, I was working at the event and we got chatting over drinks. She is so cool.”

“The best,” Vi replies flatly.

“I was telling her how much I love to keep fit. And also how painfully single I am,” she laughs. “Powder was like, I know the perfect person for you. So, yeah. Here we are.”

Vi curses Powder internally, wondering if she even has a clue what Vi does at the gym. Or what Pilates is.  A mutual love of working out doesn’t exactly form the unbreakable foundation of a relationship.

“Here we are,” Vi repeats flatly.

It was half her fault, as well. Vi hadn’t asked many questions and said yes to the date willingly. Honestly, she just figured – how bad could it be? She’s bored, she’s horny and she’s trying to be open to new experiences, though it does seem to continually backfire.

Her date is quickly back to telling a story about a sound bath retreat.

“I cried,” she says softly. “Like, really cried. It was very healing.”

“Yeah,” Vi says, finishing the last of her drink. “Sounds intense.”

“That is an understatement.”

“I need another drink,” Vi shakes to the empty glass in her hand, looking at the table then over to the bar. “You want one?”

“Oh,” her date’s surprised, hesitating. “I think we can just call someone over…”

“No, it’s fine,” Vi insists, desperate for a moment alone. “I’ll go. Be right back.”

Escaping any further protests, Vi hurries to her feet, scurrying away until her date is out of sight. She dodges servers and weaves around tables to get to the bar, trying to decide her next move.

She wonders, briefly, if she could fake an emergency. A family thing? No, not when her date is chummy with Powder. Sudden illness? That feels like tempting fate.

Once she’s alone, she feels like she can finally breathe, exhaling heavily and rubbing her forehead in exhaustion. Vi leans on the counter and flags the bartender down, nodding as she orders.

“Hey, can I get two –”

Another voice cuts in from beside her at the same time, far more proper and polite. “Two martinis, if you don’t mind.”

Vi turns and her mouth grows instantly dry. There’s a tall woman roughly the same age as her, standing there with a surprised expression, dark midnight hair pulled back into a neat bun, fancy dress hugging her body in a way that’s so hot it’s borderline pornographic. Vi swallows, taking her in and wondering why, why, she couldn’t be on a blind date with this stranger instead. This insanely hot stranger.

Vi blinks, then laughs. It slips out of her before she can stop it. “Snap,” she jokes.

The stranger doesn’t say anything at first, appraising Vi for a moment longer than necessary with narrowed eyes and pursed lips (a bit like Vi had just been doing, she realizes).

The bartender raises an eyebrow. “Uh…”

“My bad,” Vi finally cuts through the awkward silence, addressing the woman beside her. “You were here first.” She looks back at the bartender. “Please could you get…” then turns to the stranger again. “Sorry, what’s your name?”

“Oh,” the woman responds, speaking matter-of-factly, “Caitlyn.”

“Please could you get Caitlyn her drinks,” Vi requests.

“Coming up,” the bartender says, moving down the bar.

Caitlyn looks at Vi for another minute, expression unreadable. “And you are…?”

“Vi.”

“Well,” Caitlyn says, resting her elbow on the bar. “That was very kind, Vi.”

“Kind is my middle name.” Vi grins. “Besides, you’re too beautiful to be kept waiting.”

Caitlyn offers a small quirk of her mouth in response, fighting a smile, but her eyes give away interest and her cheeks flush slightly at the compliment.

When Caitlyn doesn’t say anything, Vi asks, “both drinks for you?”

Caitlyn drops her guard a little and sighs. “I wish. No. One’s for my date.”

“Date,” Vi repeats.

Coincidental. And…surprising. Caitlyn’s so elegant and attractive, Vi can’t believe she hasn’t been wifed up already.

A few seconds of silence tick past, Vi wondering how acceptable it is to make small talk with this gorgeous woman while she has another waiting for her back at the table. “How’s it going?”

Drumming her hands against the countertop, Caitlyn considers the question. “She was late.”

She? Vi tries not to fixate on that too much, not allowing herself to imagine she might actually have a chance with someone like Caitlyn.

“How late we talking?” Vi wonders, knowing she’d be a hypocrite to start critiquing someone else’s punctuality.

“Around…” Caitlyn thinks, “twenty minutes. Maybe thirty, all in.”

“Damn,” Vi shakes her head. “And you still waited?”

Caitlyn nods, looking like she might regret it.

“Lucky date,” Vi says, then catches herself and smiles. “I mean. For you to have patience like that.”

“Not quite sure it was worth it,” Caitlyn mutters, gathering her drinks and watching the bartender getting started on Vi’s order. “What about you?”

“Me?” Vi parrots.

“Are you here alone?”

Vi laughs at the idea of getting dressed up to go to a fancy restaurant by herself. “No, uh, I’m on a date as well. Not convinced mine’s gonna end with wedding bells, either.”

Caitlyn frowns in sympathy. “It’s not going well?”

“Just,” Vi says, considering, “…a lot of talk about Pilates.”

Caitlyn laughs sharply, seeming to temporarily relax for the first time in the conversation. “There’s nothing wrong with Pilates.”

Vi chuckles as well, instantly enamored by the sound of Caitlyn’s light laughter. “No, no, I know. I mean, I love Pilates as much as the next guy,” she jokes.

“There’s just only so much you can discuss it on a first date,” Caitlyn finishes, nodding in understanding. “You have my condolences.”

“Thanks,” Vi replies, collecting her drinks and meeting Caitlyn’s sparkling gaze.

“Do you need some help coming up with conversation topics?” Caitlyn offers, her voice level with a teasing undertone.

“I’m good,” Vi smirks, enjoying Caitlyn’s unwavering confidence. “Thanks, though.”

“It seems like you’re struggling, that’s all,” she shrugs.

“Appreciate it,” Vi replies with an amused glint in her eye. “Reckon I’ll manage. It can only get better from here, right?”

Caitlyn raises an eyebrow. “Here’s hoping.”

She’s not imagining this… is she? The instant chemistry she feels between her and Caitlyn is laughable compared to the dead air she’s getting from her actual date. There’s no way the universe would be so cruel that she’d be taunted by a dream woman like this, just out of reach, as she suffers through hours of conversation that’s almost sending her to sleep?

“Well,” Caitlyn clears her throat after a second of silence, gesturing behind her with a nod. “I’d better… get back.” She says it slowly. Reluctantly. “It was good meeting you.”

“Yeah,” Vi sighs heavily, feeling equally as hesitant. She shoots a warm smile at Caitlyn, looking into her bright blue doe-eyes and trying not to get lost. “Good luck. With the rest of your date.”

“Thank you,” Caitlyn nods, looking down awkwardly as she begins to step away. “You too. I hope it improves.”

Yeah, Vi thinks to herself as Caitlyn disappears into the busy room. Although the chances of her date seeming interesting after that interaction feels fairly farfetched.

~*~*~*~

Caitlyn knows within thirty seconds of sitting back down at her table that this was a mistake.

Another fifteen minutes later and her date is explaining why she ‘doesn’t really do tipping unless service is earned’.

Caitlyn smiles through tight lips and stares at the ice floating in her drink. She can still hear the echo of Vi’s laugh in her ears, feel the warmth of her presence. Going back to this table feels like switching from color to grayscale.

Thinking about Vi makes her stomach lurch. God, she was attractive. She certainly hadn’t been expecting to lock eyes with such a gorgeous, mysterious stranger when she went to order more drinks. Let alone someone who made her feel so instantly jittery (in a good way).

Vi was hot, very hot. Crooked smile and silver eyes, crisp white shirt tucked into her black trousers with a belt just begging to be undone. But, more than that, she was chivalrous and kind, her laugh was warm and genuine. She really ticked every one of the checkboxes Caitlyn didn’t even realize she had.

Caitlyn reasons with herself that it was only a couple of minutes they were speaking for; hardly a long enough interaction to develop some sort of ridiculous crush.

Even so. Caitlyn feels flutters she hasn’t felt in years. And they aren’t because of the clown sitting opposite her.

“I just think it’s gotten out of hand,” her date says, waving a hand. “Like, why am I subsidizing someone else’s bad career choices?”

Caitlyn pauses, unsure of how to respond. “Hmm.”  

Her date barely acknowledges her reply, launching straight into a rant about hustle culture.

Caitlyn’s mind drifts. She thinks about Vi’s knuckles, wondering where she’d acquired the spattering of scars from. She thinks about Vi’s face tattoo and the ink creeping up her neck, wondering if she has any others. She can’t help but hope she might be Vi’s type, too.

Caitlyn’s date clears her throat loudly. “You okay? You’re kind of spacing out.”

“I’m so sorry,” Caitlyn says, pushing her chair back. “I… need to go to the ladies.”

“But you just –”

Caitlyn ignores her, getting to her feet and tiptoeing around the tables in a rush, grateful for the dim lighting and the hum of other people’s conversations to create some distance. This date really is awful.

In the hallway toward the restrooms, she exhales, unclenching all the muscles in her body she’s been subconsciously tensing. She rounds the corner and nearly collides with someone solid.

“Oh – sorry,” she says automatically, then looks up.

Vi.

Caitlyn’s breath catches at the ridiculous coincidence. What are the chances of a second accidental meeting in one night?

Vi looks just as dumbfounded at first, but quickly recovers.

“Caitlyn,” Vi says, smiling warmly.

“Hello,” Caitlyn breathes, trying not to fixate on the way her name sounds exquisitely erotic on Vi’s lips. “Again.”

They stand there for a minute, blocking foot traffic like idiots.

Caitlyn laughs softly, disbelieving. “Let me guess,” she says. “Escaping?”

Vi nods. “Bathroom break slash regroup.”

“Same,” Caitlyn says. “God, same.”

They drift to the side, leaning against the wall near an ornate arrangement of flowers, just large enough to offer a sliver of privacy. The noise of the restaurant fades around them as they appraise one another for the second time tonight.

“So,” Vi says. “No improvement?”

Caitlyn makes a face. “She thinks tipping is optional and feminism has gone too far.”

Vi winces, “what?”

“Oh yes,” Caitlyn laughs, the tension in her body instantly easing further. “What about you? Pilates still holding strong?”

“She suggested we try a sound bath together as a second date,” Vi says, monotonous.

Caitlyn covers her mouth to hold back laughter. “I see.”

As she recovers, they look at each other, eyes dancing when they meet. The way Vi’s so casually leaning against the wall, her focus locked on Caitlyn like there’s no one else in the room, really is quite stirring.

“Surely you don’t need to be set up with some random,” Vi murmurs lowly, speaking quietly like they’re sharing a secret. “You must get hit on all the time.”

Heating up, Caitlyn feels the blush creeping up her neck. “Me?” she laughs in surprise.

“Duh, you,” Vi chuckles, her eyes roaming up and down Caitlyn’s body without a hint of subtlety. “Tall, hot, smart. You’re, like, the full package.”

Caitlyn flushes deeper, avoiding Vi’s eye as she attempts to get a handle on the knot forming in her stomach. “How do you know I’m smart?” she questions, fighting a smile.

“’Course you’re smart,” Vi replies with a grin. “The accent alone is enough. You could say anything and it would sound smart to me.”

With a shake of her head, Caitlyn covers her mouth to hold in a flustered laugh. “You’re wasting all that charm on the wrong person,” she informs Vi, “you should save some for your date.”

Vi pulls a face and Caitlyn laughs even more.  

“It would be rude not to finish the meal, right?” Vi asks, sounding hopeful that Caitlyn will give her permission to abandon the woman waiting for her.

“Absolutely.” Caitlyn gives her a pointed stare, suddenly feeling bad for this person. “She’s probably been looking forward to it.” 

“Okay, okay, you’re right,” Vi says. “I’ll be good.”

Caitlyn forces down any inappropriate thoughts about Vi being good, clearing her throat to cover up her distasteful imagination. 

Footsteps pass behind them and reality nudges back in.

“We should probably…” Caitlyn mumbles, though she doesn’t move.

“Yeah,” Vi says. She shifts her weight, avoidant. “But, uh. I’m really glad this happened.” She pauses and adds, “probably the best conversation of my night so far.”

Caitlyn meets her gaze. Up close, Vi is even better-looking, her freckles, the ridge in her nose, the scar on her lip visible under the soft lighting. Caitlyn needs to cool it before she winds up doing something to embarrass herself.

“Me too,” Caitlyn responds simply, saying the rest with her eyes. She straightens, forcing herself to take a step back. “Okay. I’m going to go pretend to listen to my date explain economics to me.”

“Godspeed,” Vi says, tone sincere. “Just shout really loud if you need extraction.”

Caitlyn laughs as she walks away.

~*~*~*~

Vi knows the evening is beyond saving twenty minutes later when her date starts discussing the concept of love languages using hand gestures.

“I’m very words-of-affirmation,” she says, palms open in front of her face. “And I don’t always feel met.”

Vi nods automatically. She feels nothing being met inside her either. It’s not like she’s against love languages. And it’s not like she’s feeling annoyed or offended by any of the conversation. She’s just… bored. She checks her watch. Has it been a socially acceptable amount of time to call it a night yet?

“I’m gonna step outside,” Vi says, her chair scraping as she stands. “Need a smoke.”

The date purses her lips, seeming disappointed. “Oh.”

“I know,” Vi says. “Bad habit.”

She hums disapprovingly. “Well. Don’t be long.”

Vi gives a small, apologetic smile and walks away before she can think better of it.

Outside, the air is cool and instantly less suffocating. Vi leans against the brick wall beside the restaurant, pulls a cigarette from her pocket and lights it. The first drag settles her brain a bit.

She exhales then freezes. Caitlyn is standing a few feet away, hands shoved into the pockets of her coat, breathing hard.

Vi laughs softly. “Hey.”

“Wh –? Oh,” Caitlyn looks up, startled, then smiles with obvious relief. “Are you stalking me?”

“Must be fate,” Vi chuckles, beginning to seriously wonder. She lifts the pack in her hand. “You smoke?”

Caitlyn grimaces. “No. But,” she gestures vaguely toward the door, “desperate times.”

Vi studies her for a second with an amused smile, staying still.

Caitlyn takes one. “I’m already making terrible choices tonight.” She places the cigarette between her lips and steps in closer.

Vi lights it for her, bringing a hand up slowly, their faces dangerously close together. Caitlyn inhales then coughs immediately, eyes watering.

“Oh God,” she wheezes. “It’s terrible.”

“You didn’t give it a chance,” Vi says, chuckling.

Caitlyn tries again, wincing. A piece of hair’s fallen out of her perfectly sculpted bun, draping down over one of her cheeks. As she exhales, she looks equal parts smouldering hot and absolutely adorable. Vi wonders how that’s even possible.

They stand there, shoulder to shoulder, watching smoke curl into the dark night and dissipate into the air above them. The restaurant bustles behind them, their dates momentarily forgotten.

“You know,” Caitlyn says, eyes forward, “it’s probably a good thing we weren’t on a date with each other tonight,” she muses.

Vi arches an eyebrow, turning to look at her, chest tightening. Shit. Had she somehow imagined every little spark of chemistry between her and Caitlyn tonight to try and overcompensate for her bad date? “Why’s that?”

Caitlyn keeps her expression neutral. “I would have been horrendously nervous. Stumbling over words. Feeling nauseous.”

Oh. Vi smiles as she realizes Caitlyn’s being coy. And it’s the opposite. Caitlyn… might actually like her.

“You’re right,” Vi nods.

“A boring date, on the other hand – someone with which I have absolutely zero interest in? Much better.” Peeking over at Vi, Caitlyn’s biting her lip to hold back a smile. “Safer.”

Vi plays along, nodding again as she inhales. “Definitely.” She breathes out smoke. Vi allows herself to imagine, just for a moment, having a fancy dinner with Caitlyn on a blind first date and instantly starts sweating. “I would’ve flirted with you so hard,” Vi continues. “You would have been like, ‘what is her problem?’”

Caitlyn laughs. “You, flirt?” she teases. “I can’t picture it.”

“Yeah,” Vi happily takes the bait. “Would have been like – are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got fine written all over you.” She winks. “Or something.”

“No,” Caitlyn groans as she laughs again, blushing in spite of herself. “That’s awful.”

“It’s a classic!” Vi defends.

“Terrible.” Caitlyn continues to laugh, shaking her head in disagreement.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Vi takes a long drag from her cigarette, exhaling slowly. “It would never have worked between us, cupcake.”

“Perhaps,” Caitlyn smiles and shrugs, seeming to blush a little at the nickname. “I suppose we’ll never know, will we?”

Vi doesn’t trust herself to respond straightaway, so they stand quietly for a few moments, listening to the hum of the city, cars whizzing past.

“You reckon there’s any hope for your date?” Vi finally asks, trying not to sound too hopeful.

When she looks up at Caitlyn, silhouetted against the panelled streetlight like some kind of movie star, it’s hard to think straight.

“Well,” she considers – then coughs, looking down at her hand. “I don’t think I can finish this.”

“That’s fine,” Vi says, watching as Caitlyn drops her cigarette on the ground and stamps it out. Vi tries desperately not to get distracted by the eroticism of Caitlyn stomping her heel down and all the different sexual fantasies it fuels.

Caitlyn continues. “She just asked if I’d ever consider being less confrontational because I disagreed with her about tipping.”

Vi winces. “Jesus.”

“What about yours?”

“Lost cause,” Vi says simply. “I’m outta my depth.”

“Ah.”

They fall quiet again. It’s weirdly comfortable.

Vi really looks at Caitlyn – the tiny smile playing on her lips, the excited glint in her eye, the glow across her cheeks.

“Hey,” Vi says, before she can talk herself out of it. “Do you wanna just… get out of here?”

Caitlyn turns to her. “Like –”

“Like ditch,” Vi shrugs. “Right now. Get a drink or something.” She pauses. “Together.”

Caitlyn’s smile widens. “Yes,” she says. “God. Yes.”

Vi flicks ash and then stubs out her own cigarette, heart picking up speed. Yes? Shit. She said yes. Shit, shit shit. Now Vi actually has to take Caitlyn out without completely fucking it up with cheesy pick-up lines, as previously prophesied.

No, this is good. This is great, even. Caitlyn – the mysterious, sexy stranger she had eyed up at the bar – being interested in Vi enough to abandon her date entirely? Vi sincerely hopes she isn’t being Punk’d.

“Okay. I’m gonna grab my jacket, pay the bill and pretend I’ve gotta deal with something at home.”

“Right,” Caitlyn agrees, nodding with an endearingly serious expression on her face. “I’ll do the same. Quick, help me think of something!”

“Uh,” Vi waves her arms, hoping it might spark some genius. “Tell her you don’t feel well?”

“No!” Caitlyn rebukes. “She’ll think it’s the oysters.”

Vi laughs, trying to follow the logic. “Okay, okay, um. Tell her your apartment’s on fire.”

“Smaller lie, please,” Caitlyn requests in desperation. “That’s a little extreme.”

“Just tell her she’s boring!” Vi finally exclaims, running out of brainpower.

Caitlyn bursts out laughing, covering her mouth and shhing them both as to not draw any attention.

“Alright, you’re useless to me,” she quips, rolling her eyes as they head back towards the restaurant entrance. “I’ll come up with something on my way over there. Hopefully.”

“Meet you down the block,” Vi grins. “Two minutes.”

“Two,” Caitlyn agrees.

~*~*~*~

By the time they reach the bar, it’s far later than Caitlyn intended to stay out tonight.

Caitlyn hangs back for half a second at the door, taking it in. Some place Vi suggested. Low ceiling, dim lights, scuffed floor. It couldn’t be more opposite to the restaurant they’d just left. Oddly fitting, Caitlyn thinks – even if she feels wildly overdressed.

“Sit,” Vi says, already moving toward the bar. “What you having?” she asks, glancing back.

Caitlyn considers, wondering if more alcohol is really the best idea. “Dealer’s choice.”

Vi’s eyebrow lifts but she doesn’t argue, grinning and ordering for both of them. Unexpectedly, Caitlyn likes that, even though it made her skin crawl when her date had ordered her dinner. The way Vi does it is different. She’s not putting on a show for anyone, not performing a mating ritual. She’s just… confident. It’s attractive.

Caitlyn slides into a booth without questioning it and watches Vi order. There’s something about it – how Vi leans an elbow on the bar, how she speaks to the bartender like a human instead of a service. Caitlyn realizes she’s smiling and bites her lip.

The drinks arrive. Caitlyn takes a cold sip and swallows.

“So,” Vi says as she settles in next to her.

“So,” Caitlyn repeats, hoping desperately things don’t turn awkward now that they’re back in first date territory. She wracks her brains, thinking of the right thing to say. “Do you… come here often?”

Vi laughs – loudly. Even though she’s a bit embarrassed by her panicked question, Caitlyn can’t help laugh a little as well seeing Vi’s genuine delight.

“Shut up,” Caitlyn demands.

“Thought I was s’posed to be doing the one-liners,” Vi chuckles.

“I was genuinely wondering,” Caitlyn laughs, blushing. She takes another sip of her drink to cool down.

“I mean, yeah,” Vi smiles once she’s recovered, “if you’re actually asking. Every now and then. I used to live right round the corner so this was my usual spot.”

“You don’t live round here anymore?”

“Not far,” she leans back in the booth, meeting Caitlyn’s eye as she speaks, “just moved actually. For work.”

“What do you do?”

They talk about their jobs for a bit, about cities they’ve lived in, where they grew up, their families and hobbies. Vi’s good with her hands, Caitlyn mentally notes; wood-working, boxing, mechanics, you name it.  Despite all the drinks, Caitlyn finds herself sharpening a little, more intrigued by everything Vi shares.

“Tell me about you,” Vi requests, halfway through her drink already. “What do you like to do?”

When Caitlyn speaks, Vi listens with interest, rather than just waiting for her turn. When Caitlyn makes an offhand comment about a book she loves, Vi asks why. Not what it’s about, but why it resonated. Caitlyn finds herself overcome for a second at how Vi seems to see her in ways no one else ever has.

“See,” Vi says at one point, seeming pleased with herself. “Knew you were smart.”

Caitlyn smiles, looking down at her lap.

As the conversation continues, they lean closer, knees almost touching. Caitlyn’s hyper-aware of how close Vi’s arm is to hers, resting on the table. Their fingers brush together as they reach for drinks at the same time, hesitating to let the contact linger.

“Who you blaming for your terrible date tonight, then?” Vi asks, cutting through some of the tension, looking at Caitlyn over her glass as she drinks.

Caitlyn scoffs. “That’d be Mel.”

Caitlyn tells Vi all about Mel; how she’s brilliant, beautiful and brainy – but doesn’t always make the best judgement calls and thinks she knows what’s best for Caitlyn at every turn. She feels herself smiling as she speaks, realizing how much Mel is going to love this turn of events. Not bad for a bit of juicy first date gossip.

Vi tells Caitlyn about her sister Powder who’d set her up and Caitlyn can’t help laughing at some of the stories Vi has. Powder seems to be particularly accident-prone. Caitlyn’s actually never known anyone to cause so many accidental explosions. As she speaks, Vi relaxes further into the chair and Caitlyn finds herself sinking down as well, sloping into Vi subconsciously.

Then someone bumps Caitlyn’s shoulder on their way past. Vi’s hand appears at Caitlyn’s back automatically, steadying her. It stays there a moment longer than necessary, but Caitlyn doesn’t move away.

She looks up at Vi, feeling her chest tighten. They’ve been speaking for – how long, now? – and Caitlyn’s yet to hear a single red flag. Not even a little amber one. Could it really be possible that Vi is actually as hot, kind, witty and cool as she seems, without a catch?

“This is fun,” Caitlyn finds herself saying, a myriad of feelings for Vi stirring inside.

Vi’s thumb presses lightly against Caitlyn’s waist. “Yeah,” she says. “It is.”

Caitlyn takes a final sip, buzzing. She can’t remember if she’s ever been this attracted to someone. She doesn’t think so. Not like this, anyway.

Caitlyn can feel her will crumbling by the second, her pulse quickening. Her stomach is flipping in somersaults thinking about how badly she wants Vi to come a little closer.

“What’re you looking at?” Vi asks with a smirk, her eyes crinkling in amusement.

Shit. Caitlyn really is fucked.

“I… nothing,” she murmurs, blushing.

“Really?” Vi arches an eyebrow. “Kinda looked like something.”

Caitlyn curses herself for being so weak and, well… gay. There’s simply no way she has the willpower to resist that stupid fucking smirk.

So, against all rational judgement, Caitlyn closes the gap between them, reaching forward to grab Vi by the shoulders and pull her in for a kiss. The second their lips touch, Caitlyn melts, her eyes fluttering closed.

Vi seems confused at first, or surprised at least, but doesn’t hesitate to kiss back, blinking into action and pushing against Caitlyn’s touch. In fact, it isn’t long before Vi’s overpowering Caitlyn altogether, dominating the kiss with an urgent hunger. Vi’s hands find Caitlyn’s waist, snaking around the small of her back to pull their bodies closer together.

The feeling of Vi’s fingers laced around her body makes Caitlyn gasp in pleasure, too drunk to feel embarrassed by the aggressive surge of arousal coursing through her body. Suddenly she wants to feel Vi’s hands everywhere.

Dizzy with lust, Caitlyn guides Vi’s fingertips up her sides, then higher, until they’re ghosting over her chest. Caitlyn suddenly wishes she wasn’t wearing such a sturdy bra so she could feel Vi better through the fabric layers she has on.

“Shit, cupcake,” Vi mumbles against Caitlyn’s mouth, “you’re gonna get us kicked outta this place.”

Caitlyn opens her eyes at the sound of Vi’s voice, only just noticing how inappropriately they’re pressed together. She’s all but sitting in Vi’s lap. Glancing around, Caitlyn clears her throat at some of the amused onlookers, edging back in her seat with hot cheeks.

“Oh,” she breathes, biting her lip. “right. Yes. Sorry about that.”

Vi’s holding back a laugh. “Never said it was a bad thing.”

Caitlyn glances at her with a tiny smile, feeling embarrassed and light-headed. How has Vi managed to get her this worked up this easily?

She glances at the clock, wincing at the late hour. No work tomorrow at least, but still, a full schedule of Sunday errands and life admin to get done. Vi notices her hesitation.

“You good?” Vi checks. She notices Caitlyn’s line of sight and offers a small, sincere smile. “It’s getting late.”

“I…” Caitlyn starts quietly, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice, “should probably be getting home soon.”

The last thing she wants to do is end this night but she urges herself to be sensible. Things with Vi are moving at lightning speed and she could probably do with a breather before she makes any rash decisions (like going back to Vi’s place, which is impossibly tempting right now). After all, this is technically her second date of the evening – which is more than most people manage to achieve on a Saturday night.

Luckily, Vi just smiles in understanding, not seeming offended by Caitlyn’s announcement. “Yeah, of course.”

They push their empty glasses aside and stand to leave. Vi’s hand finds Caitlyn’s back instinctively, guiding her to the exit.

When they finally step outside, the night has gone quiet, bar the distant traffic. Cool air cuts through some of the growing tension, Caitlyn’s mind racing with possibilities. Vi pulls her jacket tighter, then glances at Caitlyn with a glint in her eye like she can read her thoughts.

“Great night,” Vi comments lowly.

Caitlyn smirks. “Yes. Quite.” She exhales. “Thanks again for saving me from disaster.”

“Ditto,” Vi nods.

They hesitate for a few moments, deliberating the next move. Should Caitlyn invite Vi back to her place? A night of hot, sweaty sex with Vi might be the miracle cure to all of Caitlyn’s problems. In fact, she’s fairly certain of it. But it’s probably too soon for all that. Maybe Caitlyn should ask if Vi wants to go on a second date. Can this even be counted as a date? Perhaps she should play it cool and wait to see if Vi asks her out.

Then a cab rolls up when Vi flags it down and the moment passes before she can decide. Vi opens the door and gestures Caitlyn in first.

“Text me when you’re home,” Vi says. “So I know you made it.”

Caitlyn pauses, looks back at her with sudden guilt. “Are you sure?”

Vi just smiles. “’Course. I’ll grab the next one. Wanna make sure you’re good.”

Caitlyn’s expression softens into a warm smile in response. “Thank you.”

Vi shrugs it off, casual.

Caitlyn leans out and presses a quick, deliberate kiss to Vi’s mouth. “Next drink’s on you,” she says.

Vi grins, seeming pleased with that offer. “Deal.”

Caitlyn closes the door and watches Vi light a cigarette as the cab pulls away, wondering if she’s made the right decision by leaving her there, replaying the kiss over and over in her mind.

God, Vi’s a good kisser. Her scarred top lip, the rough surface of her hands, the cool metal of her nose ring – she’s rugged in all the right places and soft everywhere in between. Caitlyn tips her head back as the car turns round corners, drunkenly fantasizing about all the ways she’d let Vi touch her.

When she arrives back home, Caitlyn gets out of the cab with floaty confidence. The night has been so magical she’s worried she might have dreamt the whole thing up. The building lobby is quiet, marble floors gleaming under the harsh fluorescence.

“Evening,” Loris says from behind the desk, voice low.

“Loris,” Caitlyn replies, smiling. She stops, leans her elbow on the counter. “Did I miss anything?”

Loris smirks, raising an eyebrow. “’Fraid not. How was the date?”

Caitlyn laughs, the sound echoing slightly. “Terrible.” A pause. “And then really, really great.”

“Hmm,” Loris says, not entirely following but hiding it well. “Worked out in the end then.”

“It really turned around,” Caitlyn agrees.

Loris glances at the yellow light that’s flicked on behind Caitlyn’s head. “Elevator’s on its way.”

Caitlyn glances towards it, then back at Loris. She sighs seeing how many levels it still has to descend before arriving. “I can’t stand still right now.”

She waves vaguely and heads for the stairwell before she can rethink it.

“Goodnight, Caitlyn,” she hears Loris quietly call behind her, sounding amused.

The stairs are dim and quiet, concrete and metal, the sound of her heels echoing too loudly. Caitlyn kicks them off by the second floor and carries them instead, one hand on the rail, moving slowly and carefully. She laughs to herself once, breathless, at absolutely nothing, thinking about Vi’s eyes and arms and hands.  

By the fifth floor, she’s beginning to sweat from the effort and wondering why she thought this was a good idea.

“Almost there,” she mutters to herself.

Finally, she reaches the top landing and stops short.

Vi is there.

Standing outside one of the doors, jacket off now, shirt sleeves rolled to the elbow, keys in hand. She looks up, as surprised as Caitlyn, and then her face breaks into a wide smile.

Caitlyn blinks a few times, not trusting her eyes

“What are you…?” she asks.

“Um,” Vi’s eyebrows lift. “Hey.”

Caitlyn looks at the door number then back at Vi’s face, realization settling in.

“Wait…” Caitlyn starts. “You live here?”

“Just moved in,” Vi says. “Today.”

Caitlyn laughs, bordering hysterical. “Of course you did.”

Out of all the people in all the universe, how could it possibly be the case that Vi is her new neighbor?

Caitlyn takes a step closer, barefoot, only slightly unsteady. She tilts her head, eyes bright, pulse still hammering.

“Well,” Caitlyn says, gesturing vaguely between them, “aren’t you going to invite me in then?”

~*~*~*~

Vi unlocks the door, laughing with disbelief as she does.

“Yeah,” she says, stepping aside. “Come in.”

Vi can’t believe her luck. There she was – furiously wishing she had asked Caitlyn to stay a little longer, just for one more drink – when she finds out Caitlyn is her new, honest-to-God, hot next-door neighbor.

Caitlyn slips past, shoes dangling from her fingers, and Vi closes the door behind them. The apartment is exactly how Vi left it earlier that night – boxes stacked along the walls, labeled in thick marker. Kitchen. Books. Tools. There’s just one lamp plugged in but no shade yet, throwing uneven bright light across the room.

Caitlyn takes it in, amused. “I can’t believe this.”

“Welcome to the chaos,” Vi apologizes.

But Caitlyn doesn’t seem to care about the mess. “I walked past you earlier,” she muses instead, shaking her head. “If only we’d met then and saved our disastrous evenings from unfolding.”

Vi chuckles. “Not completely disastrous,” she corrects.

Caitlyn sets her shoes down and turns, suddenly close. The room is far too quiet with no bar noise, no cars, just the hum of their breathing.

Vi doesn’t overthink it. She steps in, hands finding Caitlyn’s waist with eager familiarity. Caitlyn’s fingers lace through Vi’s hair, steadying herself and pulling them closer at the same time.

The kiss is deeper than before, slower. There’s no leering crowds, no first-kiss nerves. Vi knows exactly how incredible Caitlyn tastes and she’s desperate for more of her. Their mouths part, hot breath filling the air and warm tongues touching hungrily. Vi’s thumbs press lightly against Caitlyn’s hips to keep her upright.

Caitlyn smiles against her mouth and they break apart just long enough to breathe. Caitlyn rests her forehead against Vi’s shoulder, laughter content.

“I should probably sit down,” she says quietly.

Vi chuckles and guides her to the couch, letting Caitlyn sit back while she steps to the side and appraises her. She leans against a box labeled Bedroom and crosses her arms, smiling at the sight of Caitlyn on the cushions. She could get used to it.

“You want water?” Vi checks.

“I want to see your balcony,” Caitlyn decides suddenly.

“What?”

“I’m hot,” Caitlyn replies.

“Yeah,” Vi laughs once and smacks her lips together. “I know.”

“And I’m on the opposite side of the building,” Caitlyn explains like it’s obvious, “we have different views.”

Vi laughs but nods obligingly, holding out a hand for Caitlyn to grab onto.

“What if you prefer the view from this side?” Vi asks as they make their way over. She hauls open the sliding doors and guides Caitlyn over the threshold into the small outdoor space.

“Then I suspect you’ll be seeing a lot more of me,” Caitlyn responds simply.

Once they’re outside, there’s a chill in the air – but it’s nice. The sky is dark, scattered with tiny twinkling stars, dark clouds, a few planes travelling to faraway destinations. Down below, cars shoot down the street, lights change from green to red, couples walk hand in hand down the dimly lit sidewalks. Vi leans forward against the railing, looking around quietly. Caitlyn does the same.

Despite the sounds of drunken laughter and faint engine revs, it’s weirdly peaceful. Something about being in the city surrounded by people, knowing she could be with anyone right now, makes having Caitlyn’s company even more exciting.

Vi feels a warmth flood her chest, then stomach, then working its way lower. She wants Caitlyn in ways that can’t possibly be downplayed. She moves in closer to where Caitlyn’s standing.

Caitlyn turns partially, studying Vi’s face.

“So,” Vi asks casually, keeping her voice low as they appraise one another, wondering what the hell happens next. “How’s the view?”

Caitlyn laughs once. “Not bad,” she says lightly. “Neighbor.”

Vi smiles, reaches out, tucks a loose strand of hair behind Caitlyn’s ear. “Yeah.”

Caitlyn angles her head to kiss Vi’s palm gently where it hovers by her cheek, then moves in until their lips meet again. Vi lets herself relax into the kiss, savoring it as much as she can – but it’s not what she’s craving.

When Caitlyn pulls away, Vi nudges her backwards so she’s leaning against the balcony railing. Vi’s hands rest either side, holding her in place.

“Oh,” Caitlyn squeaks as the bar presses into her back.

Vi doesn’t hesitate to move in, her lips meeting Caitlyn’s neck with urgency as she kisses down from her ear to her throat. Caitlyn tilts her head back to give Vi better access.

“Oh,” Caitlyn repeats, voice strained.

Vi can’t help but smile to herself as she feels Caitlyn’s pulse quicken under her kisses. Eagerly, Vi’s hands land on Caitlyn’s hips, sliding up her sides in a bid to feel more of her. Caitlyn’s body is insane. She’s got curves for days and Vi’s desperate to touch every inch. Vi places her thigh in between Caitlyn’s legs, offering something for her to grind down onto. Gratefully, Caitlyn accepts, friction instantly building between them.

“Are you,” Caitlyn breathes hard, eyes fluttering open and closed as she attempts to concentrate, “taking advantage of me?”

Vi looks up at her and chuckles under her breath.

“Depends,” Vi murmurs, biting Caitlyn’s neck gently and sucking the skin beneath, delighting in the way it makes Caitlyn shiver and her thighs clamp around Vi’s leg tighter. “You want me to?”

Caitlyn forces out a strained laugh, her hands gripping onto the railing either side of her. “I’ll have you know I don’t usually –” a sharp intake of breath as Vi nibbles softly above her collarbone, “– have sex on a first date.”

Caitlyn’s hands move to tangle in Vi’s hair as she speaks, gripping on tightly.

Vi laughs to herself, kissing back up towards Caitlyn’s ear, grazing her teeth on the sensitive skin and watching Caitlyn tremble. “This isn’t a date,” Vi whispers. “So. Doesn’t count.”

Caitlyn rolls her eyes but her heart isn’t in it. “That’s even worse.”

Finally, Vi pulls away. She blinks at Caitlyn for a second, their eyes meeting, before moving carefully back in until their lips meet in a slow, deliberate kiss. Caitlyn’s eyes drift closed and her lips part under Vi’s instantly; an invitation. Vi’s tongue brushes hers. She tastes like champagne and something sweet. When Vi moves away again, Caitlyn chases her mouth.

Vi smirks until Caitlyn’s eyes snap open and she blushes.

“We won’t have sex, then,” Vi shrugs.

Caitlyn blinks in confusion. “What?”

“If you’re not comfortable with it.”

She stammers, “I didn’t mean, I – I was simply –”

“I’m not tryna pressure you into anything,” Vi continues, keeping a serious expression but her tone is teasing.

Caitlyn’s visibly agitated by the lack of contact now Vi’s moved her leg away, her face hot and scrunched into a frown. “You’re not – I…” she trails off.

Crossing her arms over her chest and trying to ignore how unbelievably aroused she is, Vi continues smirking, waiting for Caitlyn to finish the sentence. “You…?”

“I was simply making an observation,” Caitlyn explains, stepping forwards towards Vi in plea. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Vi nods slowly, pretending to consider. “So… you do wanna have sex? With me?”

“What?” Caitlyn asks in dismay at the question, her cheeks blazing even darker. “I…” she trails off again.

“Why are you embarrassed? You were humping my leg two seconds ago.”

“I’m not embarrassed,” Caitlyn snaps hotly. “And I was not doing – that.”

“Alright,” Vi grins, enjoying herself. “Just making sure we’re on the same page.”

Watching Caitlyn get flustered is immensely satisfying and, Vi suspects, is turning them both on beyond belief.

“Hmm,” Vi purses her lips, stepping forward until Caitlyn stumbles back on instinct, her back pressed against the balcony railings once more.

Vi reaches down to find the hem of Caitlyn’s dress, using one hand to gather up the fabric, revealing Caitlyn’s long legs underneath. Vi pauses, ducking her hand underneath the skirt to gently squeeze Caitlyn’s thigh, her other hand holding Caitlyn’s hip. As Vi trails her thumb over the soft skin on the inside of Caitlyn’s leg, she holds back a groan at how good it feels. Caitlyn’s breath stutters.

Vi looks up, her lips inches away from Caitlyn’s. “This okay?”

Caitlyn swallows and then nods like she can’t quite speak yet.

Licking her lips, Vi snakes her hand higher until she brushes the fabric of Caitlyn’s underwear, pushing it to one side to feel the warm, wet mess inside.

“Holy shit,” Vi laughs under her breath, but it’s strained. “You’re soaked, cupcake.”

Vi runs a finger through Caitlyn’s folds, unable to resist. She uses one of her legs to nudge Caitlyn’s further apart and hold them spread open with her ankle. Enjoying Caitlyn’s nervous lip bite, Vi toys with her entrance for a second, then slips one finger inside.

“Vi,” Caitlyn gasps, a mixture of utter arousal and horror, her head tilted back. “People will – see us!”

“Pfft,” Vi dismisses. “It’s late.”

“Fuck,” Caitlyn breathes hard, screwing her face up in pleasure.

Vi’s seen some pretty sexy things in her life but, she’s gotta admit, this takes the prize. Caitlyn seems determined to try and play it cool for some reason – and she’s failing miserably. Vi watches her chest heave, her fingers tremble, feels her walls contracting in desperation.

“You’re so hot, y’know that?” Vi mumbles into Caitlyn’s shoulder as she kisses her impatiently, adding a second finger and pushing both in further until Caitlyn’s gripping the fabric of Vi’s shirt.

“Vi,” Caitlyn exhales again. “We probably – shouldn’t.”

Vi begins to move her hand back and forth gradually at a growing pace. Caitlyn opens her mouth to respond but lets out a low whine instead, her parted lips close to Vi’s cheek.

“Why not?” Vi whispers against Caitlyn’s ear, genuinely curious.

Caitlyn’s hips start to move against Vi’s hand to match the rhythm, her legs trembling. Vi brushes her thumb over Caitlyn’s clit and curls her fingers, hitting all the spots Caitlyn’s silently chasing.

“Because – uh,” Caitlyn murmurs, her hot, honeyed breath pouring onto Vi’s face. “We just.” A few pants. “Met.”

Vi tries to follow the logic. Sure, they did only meet tonight – that much is true. But how many times does fate need to throw them together before they accept that this is exactly right?

“And,” Caitlyn’s still forcing words out, her voice growing hoarse, “we’re neighbours.”

“What’s your point?” Vi picks up speed as she talks, relishing the feeling of Caitlyn’s perfect pussy.

“This could end horribly and then we’ll be stuck together.”

Vi holds back a laugh, almost impressed at how dramatically Caitlyn has managed to find so many worst case scenarios. Despite her audible reservations, Caitlyn’s body gives her true desires away.

“But you’re already so worked up over me,” Vi smiles playfully as she continues kissing Caitlyn’s jaw.

“Fuck,” Caitlyn pants, her mouth open, as she grinds again down on Vi’s hand hard.

“You want me to stop?” Vi asks innocently, her thumb working deliberate circles over Caitlyn’s clit as wetness continues to pool.

“N-no,” she moans immediately, her chest beginning to flush red in patches, sweat beads forming on her temple. “Don’t you dare.”

Vi can feel Caitlyn twitching under her, the muscles and nerves reacting to every slight change in pressure and speed of Vi’s fingers. She matches Caitlyn’s reactions, following the tune of her breathless moans and tiny, strained pleas. She teases for a few seconds, then gives her what she needs and repeats the action until Caitlyn’s struggling to stand up.

“Oh God,” Caitlyn groans under her breath, legs shaking, as she grips onto Vi for dear life, fingers digging into Vi’s shoulder blades.

“Yeah?” Vi encourages her.

“Yes, yeah,” Caitlyn nods, straining, “yes, yes, yes, yes, don’t stop, please.”

Vi does as she’s told, keeping pressure in the same spot over Caitlyn’s clit, her fingers moving in and out with determined confidence. Caitlyn tenses up around her hand, her whole body stiffening as she chokes out a stifled sob of pleasure.

“Fuck,” Caitlyn stifles as she finishes with a dramatic shudder.

“Atta girl,” Vi grins, hot with a combination of lust and triumph, slowly removing her fingers and bringing her arm back up.

Vi keeps her eyes trained on Caitlyn as she sucks her fingers dry, licking her lips and rolling her eyes back in her head at the taste. Goddamn. Caitlyn watches her in disbelief, her mouth dropping open like she can’t believe what she’s seeing. She swallows hard.

“So hot,” Vi murmurs to herself, feeling pretty certain her own boxers are completely ruined and knowing that, if she did have a dick, it would be rock hard.

Caitlyn’s body slumps a little, her head resting on Vi’s shoulder silently as she catches her breath. Vi gently rubs her back, breathing in the floral scent of her perfume. She even smells expensive.

Vi gives Caitlyn a few minutes to recover, looking over her out at the dark night around them, wondering if she might have upset any of her new neighbors. Who knows – they might have enjoyed the show. The cold air is welcome as Vi attempts to cool down, mentally praying that she didn’t get knocked out at the bar and is in some kind of coma-induced dream right now.

“So,” Vi finally asks as Caitlyn leans back against the railing and meets her eye, slightly smudged makeup and swollen lips.  “Guess you do wanna have sex with me,” she jokes.

Caitlyn tries to supress a small smile but fails.

“Alright, fine,” she allows, a satisfied glow settling over her features, “yes. I wanted to have sex with you. Happy now?”

“Kinda,” Vi laughs at Caitlyn’s awkwardness. “But why the past tense?”

Caitlyn blinks, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Wait, do you think we just had sex?” Vi asks, furrowing her brow in concern.

“Well… yes,” Caitlyn shrugs, still unsure. “I did… you know. Orgasm,” she finishes quietly, glancing around them like there are people listening.

Vi chuckles, leaning in to give Caitlyn a quick kiss, relishing the sweet flavor. “We’re just getting started.”

~*~*~*~

Caitlyn hardly remembers how they got from the balcony to the bedroom.

One minute she’s coming on Vi’s fingers, the next she’s completely naked, lying back on Vi’s grey bedsheets, staring up at the ceiling and wondering how it’s possible she keeps getting wetter.

Rubbing her legs together to chase friction, Caitlyn’s hands ball into fists at the lacklustre sensation, her thighs coated. Vi watches on with a look that can only be described as pure glee on her face.

“What are you smirking at?” Caitlyn demands, face hot.

“Admiring the view,” Vi answers, her eyebrow arched.

Unfortunately, the compliment only turns Caitlyn on further and she feels her nipples hardening. Vi’s still almost fully clothed – kneeling at the foot of the bed in her shirt and boxers. It makes Caitlyn feel even more… exposed. She has nowhere to hide as Vi takes in every inch of her body, eyes dragging over her legs, her pussy, her hips, navel, breasts, everywhere.

Normally, Caitlyn would feel more self-conscious. She’s a human being; she has insecurities. But the way Vi’s eyes light up more by the second, her mouth hanging open like her tongue might unravel any moment, is definitely a confidence booster. Caitlyn can’t think of any other time in her life she’s been this vulnerable with someone she met mere hours ago. With Vi she just feels… safe.

“Honestly,” Caitlyn comments, reaching up to undo her bun and shaking her hair out over her shoulders. Vi watches the motion, dragging her eyes up Caitlyn’s flexed arms with unwavering interest. “It’s as if you’ve never seen a naked woman before.”

Vi blinks back to reality, scoffing. “I’ve seen naked women before.”

“Are you sure this isn’t your first time?” Caitlyn presses, supressing a smirk of her own. “I’d be honored.”

Vi just laughs, poking Caitlyn in the stomach until she joins in. “Never seen a naked woman this hot before,” Vi clarifies.

Now it’s Caitlyn’s turn to roll her eyes. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating.”

“Nope,” Vi insists, leaning down to knead one of Caitlyn’s breasts in her hand, kissing her ribs. “Not even a little bit.”

“Psh,” Caitlyn tries to wave Vi off dismissively but the words, combined with confidently firm touches, are driving her insane.

As Vi continues to explore Caitlyn’s body, manhandling her with rough palms, she feels herself growing impatient for more. The low throb in her core grows by the second and when she looks up at Vi, she wants to taste every inch of her.

“Will you at least take off your shirt?” Caitlyn requests politely, trying to keep the desperation from seeping in.

Hearing her own words, Caitlyn’s instantly embarrassed, knowing it’s far too obvious how pathetically attracted to Vi she is. God, who wouldn’t be? The unkempt hair, the cocky smile, the muscles. (She could go on). But, then again, Vi’s not exactly trying to hide her attraction to Caitlyn either.

Caitlyn bats her eyelashes and offers a tiny, pleading pout.

Vi arches an eyebrow at her, smirking. “Don’t think I can’t see past your little act.”

“There’s no act!” Caitlyn defends, laughing in spite of herself.

“You’re lucky you’re so pretty.”

Vi does as she’s asked, unbuttoning then pulling the shirt over her head so she’s standing in a black sports bra. Caitlyn audibly swallows at the sight of Vi’s sweaty abs, veiny arms and back tattoos as she turns, forcing herself to bite down all of the horny sounds threatening to spill out her mouth.

Jesus Christ. Vi is ripped. Easily the sexiest person Caitlyn has ever seen, let alone slept with. Sharp angles and rippling muscle. Shoulders double the size of Caitlyn’s.  

Caitlyn’s breath gets caught in her throat while she looks Vi up and down, twitching longingly as she remembers how easily Vi’s expert fingers had her coming undone earlier, the pulse between her legs getting even louder.

“Now who’s staring?” Vi teases, not bothering to hide her amusement as she kneels back down on the bed.

Caitlyn blushes and finds herself sitting up without consciously deciding to. “You love it.”

Vi’s a magnet reeling her in. She has no choice. She simply must know how Vi feels under all those layers of clothing. Caitlyn’s hands reach up to grab ahold of Vi’s solid frame, kissing her chest and shoulders. Vi tangles her own fingers through Caitlyn’s hair as she does, humming appreciatively.

Caitlyn dips her head down, tracing her tongue over Vi’s flexed arms and nuzzling her nose in her armpit without shame, inhaling and licking her lips while her thumb brushes over Vi’s nipple. She smells so rich and warm and raw. Caitlyn fears she has unlocked a new obsession here.

Vi’s eyebrows knit together, clearly enjoying it. Purring happily, Caitlyn works her way down, tongue trailing over the contours of Vi’s abs, tracing the V-lines of her hips, gripping onto the top of her toned thigh and trying not to be distracted by how easily Vi could probably hold Caitlyn in a headlock in between her legs.  

“You’re not tryna seduce me, are you?” Vi murmurs contentedly.

“Seduce?” Caitlyn replies, lost in the feeling of Vi’s hot skin under her fingertips.

“With your feminine wiles,” Vi continues, “n’whatnot.”

Caitlyn laughs once but ignores her, moving one hand to rest between Vi’s knees, angling up towards her crotch cautiously. Hungrily, Caitlyn nudges a little against Vi’s hips, trying to tip her backwards so she can access even more of her, take off her boxers and taste her, even. Caitlyn’s mouth waters at the thought.

It’s not that simple though. Vi holds steady, unmoving; staring down at Caitlyn with a smirk. Instead, Vi pushes Caitlyn by the shoulders gently, urging her to lie back down.

“But –!” Caitlyn resists, pushing forwards harder, using both arms to shove Vi’s stomach. It has little impact, unfortunately.

While Caitlyn fights for dominance, Vi takes her wrists and easily flips her down to where she was before, flat on her back on the bed. Vi grins triumphantly, pinning Caitlyn in place with two arms over her head while they both breathe heavily.

“Hey!” Caitlyn gripes.

Vi leans down slowly, still gripping Caitlyn’s wrists in her hand, and places a soft kiss over one breast, watching Caitlyn squirm. Then Vi’s tongue rolls over Caitlyn’s nipple and she has to hold back a moan.

“You’re in my house, remember?” Vi tells her in a pleased voice.

Caitlyn puffs a breath out the side of her mouth, blowing hair off her cheek. “Meaning?”

“I call the shots.”

Vi plays with Caitlyn’s tits for a minute longer, clearly enjoying herself as she kneads and sucks and squeezes, while Caitlyn tries to muffle her reactions. Then Vi drops onto her stomach, shuffling down Caitlyn’s body and leaving a trail of kisses in her wake. Her lips press against the sensitive skin inside Caitlyn’s thighs, making her shudder. Caitlyn can feel her pussy tightening impatiently, longing for something to clamp around while Vi takes her sweet time.

“Vi,” Caitlyn hears herself mumbling, edgy.

Vi’s tongue finds her core in the next moment, one slow stroke through the dripping mess until they both moan in unison.

“You taste…” Vi trails off, breathless, like she can’t find the right words.

“Oh God,” Caitlyn murmurs into her forearm.

Vi settles in position and resumes the motion, licking up Caitlyn’s folds and carefully brushing over her swollen clit until she jerks, her movements painstakingly deliberate. Caitlyn’s chest tightens and her eyes close in anticipation, fingers absently combing through Vi’s hair while she moves gradually up and down.

No, this is most certainly not Vi’s first rodeo. Not with moves like that. Caitlyn’s legs are quivering instantly, already sensitive, while Vi enthusiastically laps her up.

Caitlyn tilts her head back into the pillows beneath her, instantly swimming in a sea of pleasure. Scratch that – drowning. She can’t help thrusting towards Vi’s mouth eagerly, inhaling choked gasps with each touch. Vi seems to enjoy that, burying her face in between Caitlyn’s legs, folding them further open with a steely grip. A grip so tight, Caitlyn’s sure there’ll be fingertip shaped bruises over her thighs tomorrow.

“Vi,” Caitlyn whines, feeling pathetically close to the edge again already, pleasure building deep inside.

But part of her is still frustrated. She wants to taste Vi as well and feels short-changed that she was denied the opportunity. Caitlyn’s never been good at not getting what she wants. Some people in her life – namely Mel – might go so far as suggesting that she has control issues. Caitlyn can practically hear her now. Why must you always feel the need to be in charge?

Huffing, Caitlyn tenses her legs and pushes up into a sitting position again.

Vi pauses, looking up at Caitlyn with a dazed expression, her chin glistening under the light. “Wh –”

Caitlyn doesn’t let Vi finish, pushing her over until she’s lying on her back.

“Uh –” Vi blinks up at Caitlyn with wide eyes.

Clearly Vi wasn’t expecting that, so Caitlyn’s successful with her manoeuvre this time. 

“Just let me get –” Caitlyn puffs, her palms sweating as she rearranges herself, spreading her legs and settling over Vi’s awaiting mouth.

“Fuck,” Vi groans as Caitlyn flips the script, steading herself carefully to pin Vi in place beneath her.

What can she say? She likes being on top.  

“If you want to eat me out,” Caitlyn pants, looking down at Vi’s awe-struck expression, “eat me out properly.”

“Ffffuck–” Vi’s enthusiastic whines are muffled as she willingly pulls Caitlyn down onto her face.

“Oh,” Caitlyn breathes, rocking her hips against Vi’s tongue and instantly feeling her orgasm beginning to swell again, “yes. Just like – yes.”

Vi makes garbled groaning sounds which Caitlyn assumes – and hopes – are a good sign as she circles her hips over Vi’s face. And credit where it’s due, Caitlyn’s never received cunnilingus quite so eagerly before; her entire body is shakes as white-hot pleasure builds. She can’t tell who’s enjoying themselves more, her or Vi.

“Yes,” Caitlyn encourages, noticing that Vi seems to enjoy it when she does. “Good – yes, right there, fuck!”

Every overeager moan Vi makes vibrates straight through Caitlyn’s core as she moves, grinding over Vi’s awaiting tongue. Trying to sit upright becomes harder and harder by the second. Biting her lip, Caitlyn’s hips start to writhe independently from anything her brain can control, her hands sliding up her torso to squeeze her own nipples. Caitlyn doesn’t try to hold back her moans of pleasure as her head tips back and her mouth drops open.

Vi’s grip tightens as the movements become more erratic, her rough fingers squeezing Caitlyn’s ass like it’s a prized possession.

“I’m so – I’m –”

Caitlyn braces for impact as the tidal wave builds and crescendos inside, finishing with a series of high, croaky whines. Her thighs clamp around Vi’s ears for a moment as she tenses, eventually releasing with a long, drawn out exhale. Vi slows her pace as Caitlyn works through her second orgasm, looking up at her with wide eyes.

With a defeated groan, Caitlyn flops back down onto her back. Vi takes her time slowly getting back up, wiping her chin on the back of her hand and cracking her neck from side to side while a satisfied grin grows.

“Damn,” Vi murmurs in disbelief, crawling up the bed to join Caitlyn by the pillows. She leans down to kiss Caitlyn deeply, their tongues swirling. Caitlyn tastes herself in Vi’s mouth and it turns her on all over again to know how intimately Vi’s explored her body. “Just when I thought you couldn’t get any hotter.”

Caitlyn stifles a laugh, burying her head in Vi’s shoulder as she recovers.

“Funny,” she mumbles, “I was just thinking the same thing.”

Vi smirks, running her hands over Caitlyn’s bare skin as they lie side by side. Her touch is soft and cautious – sweet, even. But Caitlyn can tell from the look in Vi’s eye that they aren’t finished yet.

~*~*~*~

Vi’s made plenty of women come, sure. But something about unravelling Caitlyn completely – the sexiest, most beautiful woman she has ever met – is particularly special. Two orgasms deep and Vi finally feels like she has Caitlyn well and truly warmed up.  

“How do you feel about strap-ons?” Vi asks casually as she continues kissing down Caitlyn’s body, savoring the flavor of her sweat-drenched skin. She still tastes sweeter than any person should.

Vi feels Caitlyn tense at the question, then her hips twitch as if on instinct. Vi looks up with a satisfied smirk on her face, enjoying the way Caitlyn’s already starting to squirm under her gaze.

“I feel good about them,” Caitlyn shrugs, attempting nonchalance to match Vi’s tone.

“Good,” Vi nods, planting another soft kiss, this time on Caitlyn’s breast. “Me too. Great, even.”

Speaking honestly, Vi’s wanted to dick Caitlyn down since the moment they kissed that night (maybe even earlier), but she knows that would be impolite to admit. Caitlyn just seems to react to Vi’s touch in a way that has to be more than simply attraction. It’s like their brains are aligned.

And the way Caitlyn seems desperate to take control but is letting Vi lead is hot as hell. Having such a powerful, confident, powerhouse of a woman submitting to her is really doing it for Vi. She gets the feeling Caitlyn doesn’t show this side of herself to many people.

And yet, Vi would willingly let Caitlyn run the show if she really wanted to, pleasuring her in whatever way she needs. (But, right now at least, something tells Vi she’s happy right where she is).

Hopping up, Vi turns to rummage in a box beside the bed she hasn’t had time to unpack yet, searching for the right equipment.

Vi can feel Caitlyn watching her out the corner of her eye. She loves it. Loves how much Caitlyn loves it. So, yeah, maybe she makes a bigger show than strictly necessary of stepping into the harness slowly, tugging it over her boxers, tightening the straps, pulling it flush against her body until the dildo stands straight. From the mattress, Caitlyn’s propped up on her elbows to get a better look, her knees pressed together, thighs squashed into a slippery mess. By the time Vi’s strapped up, Caitlyn’s all but frothing at the mouth, eyes fixated on Vi’s movements.

When Vi turns back around, she can’t wipe the smile off her face. Caitlyn notices.

“I don’t know why you’re so amused by all of this,” she snips, getting flustered.

Vi holds her hands in the air innocently. “I’m just having a good time, that’s all.” She lowers down onto the bed, hands running up the silky skin of Caitlyn’s thighs. She’s never felt anything softer. “Aren’t you?”

Caitlyn swallows, glancing down at Vi under her lashes. “Yes.”

Vi’s smirk widens. “Good.”

She’s only known Caitlyn a matter of hours but can already tell she’s the type to overthink things. Vi cracks a joke to try and put her at ease.

“Well, I was gonna grab some lube but…” Vi strokes one finger between Caitlyn’s legs, enjoying the sharp intake of breath. “Doesn’t look like we’ll be needing it.”

“Fuck,” Caitlyn groans to herself, covering her face to suppress the sound.

“It’s like a water park down here,” Vi comments lowly, genuinely impressed.

“Oh my God,” Caitlyn grumbles through her hands.

“Should come with a warning label.”

“Will you shut up,” Caitlyn pleads, but she’s laughing as well.

“You’re super fuckin’ wet for me,” Vi clarifies. “That’s what I’m saying.”

“I get the idea.” Caitlyn replies, fighting a smile as she attempts an annoyed look. “Thank you.”

“You usually this easy or am I special?” Vi can’t help wondering.

Caitlyn gapes in outrage, shooting daggers at Vi. “I am not easy!”

“Okay, okay,” Vi defends herself, chuckling, “I just meant –”

“Unbelievable,” Caitlyn is complaining over her, “not to mention sexist –”

“I’m just wondering,” Vi’s still laughing and Caitlyn, despite her annoyance, is as well.

“No, I’m not,” Caitlyn tries to answer the question, cheeks burning, “I mean, I don’t –” she huffs and rolls her eyes. “You’re just –” She sighs in defeat. “I’m quite turned on, alright?”

“Only quite?” Vi pouts.

Ignoring her, Caitlyn asks, “are you happy now?”

Vi doesn’t attempt to hide her wide grin at Caitlyn’s admission, continuing to run a finger through her soaking folds with immense joy. “Yes, actually.”

“Do you always need this much validation?” Caitlyn counters, struggling to control her breath as she raises an eyebrow in Vi’s direction.

Vi bursts out laughing at that, enjoying how well Caitlyn can hold her own. “I’ll take whatever I can get.”  

“I don’t know how you have the nerve to tease me,” Caitlyn quips back, “when we both know you’re soaking wet as well.”

Vi wasn’t expecting that one; she chokes on a surprised laugh, turning a little red herself at Caitlyn’s astute observation. Now she’s mentioned it, Vi realizes how true that is. Good thing her boxers are black otherwise the growing wet patch would be painfully obvious. She feels her muscles spasm at Caitlyn’s taunt, desperate to find some relief.

Caitlyn seems pleased, smiling up at Vi with a knowing twinkle in her eye. “That’s what I thought.”

“Hang on,” Vi pauses, pretending to be confused. “Are you flirting with me?”

Giggling, Caitlyn shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

Vi continues, “because this whole time I thought you only wanted to be friends.”

“Friends, hmm?” Caitlyn’s laughter dies down and she bites her lip. “I don’t know if we’d be very good at friends.”

“Shit,” Vi murmurs in fake disappointment, shuffling forward further on the bed, bringing the strap between Caitlyn’s parted legs slowly. Caitlyn’s breath hitches at the slight contact. “Think you’re right about that.”

Caitlyn’s façade drops as Vi teases her entrance, brow furrowing in anticipation as her hands glide over the sheets either side of them. Vi lifts one of Caitlyn’s legs into the air slowly, hooking Caitlyn’s ankle over her shoulder until the glistening wetness and stifled whines are impossible to ignore.

“Maybe we just agree,” Vi proposes as the tip of the strap gradually slides inside Caitlyn’s cunt, “that we’re both as worked up as each other.”

“Yes,” Caitlyn puffs out, lifting her hips off the bed to push the strap further inside. In a breathy gasp, “agreed.”

Vi happily obliges, tilting her body forward steadily until the strap is completely buried. Caitlyn’s face screws up tighter with each inch, her mouth hanging open and hands balled into fists.

“Oh fuck,” Caitlyn whines as she’s filled, the desperation and relief mixed together in her contorted expression.

Vi swears she can feel Caitlyn through the strap, clenching around her greedily as she rocks her hips back to pull out slightly and then sinks back inside with an audibly wet smack.

“Ohhh,” Caitlyn moans loudly at the sensation so, of course, Vi repeats the movement – once, twice, three times, earning her a series of breathy whines from Caitlyn’s parted lips.

“How’s that?” Vi checks, her breathing strained, one hand gripping Caitlyn’s ankle to hold her open.

Caitlyn’s face and chest shine with sweat and blush pink as she spreads her legs as wide as possible to accommodate Vi.

“Y-yes,” is all Caitlyn manages to force out, voice high-pitched. “Yes.”

Vi takes her eager reaction as a sign to increase her pace, building speed slowly until she finds a rhythm that has Caitlyn trembling, expletives pouring out of her mouth with each motion, her pelvis lifting into the air to invite Vi in deeper.

“Oh God – oh God,” Caitlyn croaks, moaning incoherently. 

Each drive of her hips forward, Vi feels the base of the strap rub against her own clit through her underwear, pressure building with every movement. Groaning at the combination between that and seeing Caitlyn splayed out in front of her – tits bouncing with each thrust, taking her dick like a goddess – Vi knows she isn’t going to last long.

“Shit,” Vi groans at this realization, cursing herself for being so weak, “you’re so fuckin’ hot.”

She’s said it a million times tonight already, she knows, but really – Vi can’t get over it. Caitlyn is like a literal wet dream she swears she’s had before.

Caitlyn makes a garbled sound of appreciation, “hnnng,” too focused to offer much else.

Vi continues to pound into her, pulling Caitlyn in closer by the hips with her free hand, relishing the orchestra of sounds around them; the drenched slap of the strap, the creaking of the bedframe, Caitlyn’s splintered cries of bliss, hell – Vi’s even aware of her own grunts as pleasure swells between her legs, unable to hold anything back.

“Fuck me,” Caitlyn hisses under her breath. Vi’s not sure whether it’s a demand or an exclamation. She thrusts harder, just in case, met with even sharper moans and Caitlyn’s hands slamming down around her, frantically trying to find something to grip onto.

In the next second, Caitlyn shifts her weight, leaning up into a sitting position.

“Let me – I need –” she speaks in half-sentences, reaching up to wrap her arms around Vi’s neck, pulling herself up.

Vi drops her grip on Caitlyn’s ankle, letting it slide down her back until Caitlyn’s legs are wrapped around Vi’s waist. She pulls her in close. With Caitlyn upright in Vi’s lap, the strap can angle even further inside – and does. Vi hears herself moan first but Caitlyn’s louder as she settles directly over the harness. The pressure on Vi’s core only increases as well, making her shudder.

“Shit,” Vi grunts, leaning forward to catch Caitlyn’s lips in hers now they’re face to face. “Take it,” she mumbles against Caitlyn’s mouth. “It’s yours.”

Caitlyn eagerly accepts the kiss, digging her fingers into Vi’s shoulders as their tongues meet in a hungry embrace. Vi’s hands sit flat on the small of Caitlyn’s back, pulling her tightly in until their frames are flush and it’s impossible to tell where the strap starts and ends. With the shift in position, Caitlyn takes control of the pace, lifting her hips and grinding down with frenzied determination.

“Sit –” Caitlyn orders in a gasp between bounces, “– still.”  

She accepts Vi’s offer in the most literal sense, taking the strap exactly how she wants to stroke by fucking stroke. Vi’s brain short-circuits at the sight; Caitlyn riding her cock, kissing her mouth, caressing her shoulders, all while the pressure over her clit increases and pleasure swells. It’s overwhelming. It’s too much and not enough. It’s –

“Fuck, Cait, I –” Vi’s voice cracks but she’s too far gone to feel embarrassed as she forces out a strained moan, pressure building in her core, the thought of Caitlyn getting off on her dick more than she can handle.

Before she can say anything else, Caitlyn’s nails are scraping down Vi’s flexed arms, her legs quaking. “Vi,” she whimpers, sweat beds forming on her brow, “Vi, I’m, I’m – I can’t –”

Vi wants to coach her through it, encourage Caitlyn’s big finish – drag it out, even – but her own body betrays her before she can get another word out.

With a muffled grunt, Vi pushes down against the base of the strap and loses it, coming hard. Electricity pulses through her centre and shoots up through her stomach, warmth flooding her bloodstream. At the same time, Caitlyn’s movements flurry and she squeezes her thighs tightly, biting down on Vi’s shoulder as she lets out a long, drawn-out cry of pure bliss.

Vi’s hips continue to stutter a few times instinctively as she rides the high, Caitlyn gasping and biting harder at the sensation as she does the same. Caitlyn’s entire body is enveloped by Vi’s broad frame as she wraps arms around her, shaking and sweaty. Vi feels Caitlyn lean into the sensation burying her head in Vi’s neck as her panting breaths begin to slow down and the strap finally stills.

Trembling, Vi places a kiss on the side of Caitlyn’s neck. She smells like floral perfume and fancy shampoo and sex. A cocktail Vi could get used to.

Eventually, Caitlyn tilts back a little to look at Vi with a soft, dizzy smile, hair stuck to her forehead and half-lidded eyes. Vi smiles back, kissing her gently.

Vi feels Caitlyn flinch slightly at the movement, as the strap’s nudged inside her. “Sorry,” she winces.

Caitlyn just laughs, gradually lifting herself off of Vi’s lap and letting the strap ping upright, huffing as she does. Once they’re separated, they both take a second to look at the glossy dildo in all its glory, then glance at once another. Caitlyn giggles giddily, flopping back down onto the bed, her chest rising and falling rapidly still.

Vi chuckles as well as she unfolds her legs, groaning at the awkward position her knees have been in and grimacing at the state of her underwear as she stands and slips the harness off. She decides to pull her boxers off as well, then her bra, before she joins Caitlyn on the bed, moving up behind and wrapping her into a spoon.

“Oh, now she takes her clothes off,” Caitlyn rolls her eyes as she watches Vi approach, licking her lips, and happily accepting the cuddle. She scoots backwards until her ass is tucked neatly into Vi’s crotch, their sweat and slick meeting.

“Didn’t want you getting distracted,” Vi replies with her eyes closed, pressing her cheek into Caitlyn’s messy hair.

Caitlyn sighs contentedly, stifling a yawn as she settles into the pillow. “You are quite distracting.”

Vi chuckles to herself. Her heart is still hammering, her breathing yet to regulate. The aftershocks of her orgasm jolt through her legs, making her twitch.

Realistically, Vi knows they should call it a night there. Caitlyn’s exhausted, three orgasms deep, they both need to rehydrate and sleep it off. But the feeling of Caitlyn’s ass pressed against her body is driving her insane immediately.

Vi runs one hand down Caitlyn’s side, marvelling at the satin soft texture of her skin, watching as goosebumps rise and Caitlyn shivers.

“Will you give it a rest,” Caitlyn demands, but her voice is teasing.

“Can’t help it,” Vi smirks, kissing her shoulder, “you’re too sexy.”

“Another orgasm might actually kill me,” Caitlyn warns croakily.

Vi just laughs, squeezing her tightly until she joins in and sighs happily.

“Hell of a first date,” Vi mumbles.

Caitlyn nods and they lie in silence for a few minutes, nothing but the sound of their ragged breathing filling the room.

“I assume you’re not opposed to me sleeping here tonight?” Caitlyn finally asks, a soft edge to her words.

“Be devastated if you didn’t,” Vi admits earnestly. “Not like you got far to go in the morning.”

Caitlyn laughs once quietly. “Now that might come in handy.”

Vi feels herself perk up with excitement that she completely fails to hide. “That mean you might wanna do this again sometime?”

She can’t see Caitlyn’s face but hears her pretend to deliberate with a low hum. Vi uses the opportunity to squeeze her hip, earning her a muffled moan. She can’t help herself and dips one hand even lower, brushing the inside of Caitlyn’s thigh, filled with a heavy lust that Vi fears might be completely insatiable.

When Caitlyn speaks, there’s a smile in her voice. “I think I could be persuaded.”

~*~*~*~

Caitlyn’s on cloud nine, humming to herself and beaming like an idiot when she almost trips blindly over Loris on the walk to her front door the next morning.

Vi’s already provided two more orgasms, made breakfast and shared an X-rated shower with her – only letting Caitlyn leave under the promise of returning later that night for a dinner date.

Loris takes a moment to appraise Caitlyn’s damp hair, the same clothes she had on last night and heels hanging off her fingertips. A knowing smile works its way onto his face as Caitlyn blushes.

Glancing behind her in the direction of Vi’s front door, Loris chuckles, awkward silence settling over them.

“Good morning,” Caitlyn eventually greets him, her voice hoarse, as she continues on her way.

“Morning Caitlyn,” Loris responds. His eyebrow quirks. “See you’ve met the new resident.”

Caitlyn stops in her tracks, freezing momentarily. “Yes,” she chokes out, burning red. “We’ve, uh – we’ve met.”

They look at once another for a few seconds; Loris holding back any other comments, Caitlyn too embarrassed to say anything at all. There’s no way anyone heard them last night, did they? Or, worse – saw them on the balcony? Caitlyn had been a little drunk and, admittedly, did get quite caught up in the events that unfolded. She likes to think she would have registered if she’d done anything too outrageous with Vi but, in the harsh light of day, she’s really not sure.

“Well,” Loris finally claps his hands together, cutting through the awkward tension. “Have a great day.”

“Th-thanks,” Caitlyn clears her throat. “You too.”

When she crashes over the threshold of her apartment, immediately met by the mess she had made last night – discarded clothes, shoes strewn over the floor, loose change from her handbag – Caitlyn can’t help but laugh to herself. She had thought about how her night would go a million times but she certainly never expected that. Everything about Vi was unexpected.

Thinking about Vi makes her feel so lightheaded she could collapse. Last night had been a dream – possibly the best night she’s ever had – but she’s only just met Vi. Practically, Caitlyn knows she should slow things down. After all, Vi might not feel the same way. Maybe she does this with all her dates. Vi could be a complete player or really jealous or a total psychopath –

A knock on the door interrupts her thoughts.

Caitlyn drops her shoes down in the hall and scurries to entryway, hesitating nervously. Could this be one of noise complaints she had feared?

When she opens the door, Vi is leaning against the frame with crossed arms, flexing biceps visible through the tight T-shirt she’s wearing, delighted grin plastered over her face. Damp hair is pushed back out of her eyes in a devastatingly handsome fashion. Caitlyn feels her shoulders drop in relief, smiling back at her.

“What are you doing here?” she asks.

Vi shrugs, casual. “I wanna see your place,” she says. “And I missed you.”

Caitlyn laughs at Vi’s honesty. “You’re not even going to try and play it cool?” she asks. “You saw me five minutes ago.”

With a playful glint in her eye, Vi just shakes her head. “Nothing cool about it. I’m down bad.”

Caitlyn blushes and forces herself not to giggle like a lovesick fool, instead nodding once in understanding. “I see.”

“So, you gonna let me in?” Vi smirks, the energy between them palpable. “Inside the apartment, I mean,” Vi clarifies, “not inside you. Again. Unless…”

“Shut up,” Caitlyn scolds with an embarrassed laugh, lightly smacking Vi’s arm and relishing the physical contact (not to mention the memories of last night – and this morning).

“Just wanted to be clear.”

Caitlyn ignores her. “Yes, you can come inside.” She turns to walk down the hallway, looking at Vi over her shoulder who follows obligingly. “But you’re in my house now,” she warns.

Vi’s eyes light up with intrigued excitement. “Uh-huh.”

“Now we play by my rules.”

Vi chuckles under her breath, offering an obedient salute when Caitlyn glances back at her again. “This oughtta be interesting.”

Caitlyn smiles to herself in delight, realizing this hot-next-door-neighbour thing is going to work out very nicely.

~*~*~*~