Archive of Our Own

One.

The first time is completely unexpected.

Vi is already on her third coffee at ten in the morning as she prepares for the day ahead. Which, in her defense, is less a sign of caffeine dependence and more a consequence of quality control. (At least, that’s what she tells herself).

The café is always busy on Fridays. People seem to find any excuse to avoid being at work in preparation for the weekend.

Steam hisses from the coffee machine behind the counter, the smell of freshly ground beans wafting through the air. She lives for this shit. She’s never felt more fulfilled than when she’s serving caffeine-laced drinks to her loyal regulars, knowing it makes their day a little better.

She wipes her hands on the towel slung over her shoulder and glances around the room.

Three students occupy the sofa in the corner, surrounded by laptops and charging cables. An elderly couple she’s seen a few times have split a slice of cake near the window. Someone else is sketching absent-mindedly in a notebook beside an untouched cappuccino (which is a waste, Vi thinks to herself, knowing she’d made it a damn good one).

“Y’know,” Ekko comments as he prepares someone’s order, “you don’t actually have to work the early shift every day.”

Vi laughs without looking up from the till. It’s a blessing and a curse that she gets to hire her family members to help out at the café, like Ekko who is basically like a brother to her and always reliable when it comes to his job here. The occasional shift Powder shows up for, often hungover and always with an attitude, is slightly less consistent.

“I like the early shift. And someone’s gotta make sure you don’t burn the milk again.”

Ekko tuts and grumbles to himself, “for fuck’s – that happened one time.”

The bell above the front door chimes. Instinctively, Vi looks up, expecting a few familiar faces around this time, but she instantly forgets whatever she’d been about to say.

A woman steps inside, pausing just long enough for the cold March air to swirl around her before the door eases shut. She’s probably an inch or two taller than Vi, about the same age. Dark midnight hair falls over the collar of a designer trench coat, one hand adjusting the strap of a leather bag resting against her side. She glances around the café once to take it in.

The breath catches in Vi’s throat and she realizes she’s staring gormlessly. Not to be dramatic or anything, but this woman is drop-dead. Like, could-be-a-model type of hot. Probably is a model knowing this neighborhood. Their eyes meet for a second and the woman’s mouth curls the tiniest amount into a secret smile.

Vi blinks away and clears her throat as the stranger approaches her, attempting a friendly expression to hide her internal panic.

“Morning,” she says.

The woman’s eyes are piercing blue, even bluer now they’re up close, and she remains difficult to read.

“Good morning.”

The accent catches Vi completely off guard and she blinks again.

“Must be your first time here,” Vi says. “Let me know if you need any recommendations.”

The stranger arches an eyebrow in silent question.

Vi smirks, “I’d remember if I served you before.”

The woman’s mouth twitches again, holding back a small smile. “Is that so?”

“Pretty sure.”

The woman steps closer to the menu board, studying it with quiet concentration. Vi takes the opportunity to ogle her instead. She’s tucked some hair behind her ear as she squints in focus, showing off simple gold jewelry. There’s a distinct air about her that’s instantly intimidating. Maybe it’s the satchel bag, which makes her look super smart. Or the coat, which seems expensive. Or the silently confident aura, which is deeply intriguing.

“Are you planning to quiz me on it?” the woman asks, looking back at Vi.

She blinks, wondering if she’s missed something. Probable. “Huh?”

“The menu.” The woman gestures up with her chin. “You’ve been watching me read it for quite some time.”

Heat creeps up Vi’s neck and she laughs in embarrassment. “What can I say?” she smiles sheepishly. “I got distracted.”

“So I noticed.”

“I promise I’m not usually this weird.”

The woman actually smiles at that, amused. Still small and controlled, but definitely a smile. It makes her look even more insanely beautiful. Vi feels her chest tighten.

Get it together.

“So,” she says, recovering, “what can I get for you?”

The woman finally looks back at the menu. “Flat white, please.” Her eyes drift down Vi’s body to the name tag on her apron. “Vi.”

Vi nods approvingly, attempting to ignore how thrilling it is to hear her name come out of this alluring stranger’s mouth. “Excellent choice. Coming right up.”

“Thanks.”

“We have these muffins,” she hears herself blurting before she can be quiet, “if you’re hungry. Blueberry and lemon, baked fresh this morning.” She adds, “they’re sweet, just like you.”

The stranger looks at her for a few moments like she’s working very hard not to give away too much, biting her lip once and then smiling again. “How can I say no?”

Vi taps everything into the register, absently wondering whether the prolonged eye contact is flirtatious or just how this woman speaks to everyone. “Can I get a name?”

“Caitlyn.”

Vi repeats it quietly as she types it on the order. Caitlyn. It suits her.

She slides the receipt across the counter.

“It’ll be just be a few minutes.”

Caitlyn steps aside. “Thank you.”

Vi picks up the mug once she’s got some breathing space, feeling uncharacteristically anxious. Like this has to be the most perfect flat white ever created. Like Caitlyn is some kind of coffee inspector.

Ekko wanders over, reaching for it and Vi slaps his hand away. “I’ve got this one.”

He raises an eyebrow, casting an eye over Vi curiously then the customer waiting by the pickup counter.

A knowing grin spreads slowly across his face. “Right.”

“What?”

“I get it,” he teases. “Impress hot customer with coffee and she’ll wanna have your babies, is that it?”

“Will you shut up,” Vi rolls her eyes but she’s laughing as she works on the order.

Ekko’s still lingering. “Explains why you’re making latte art for a flat white.”

Vi ignores him. “I make latte art for everyone,” she says defensively.

“Since when?”

Vi continues to ignores him. Out the corner of her eye, she notices Caitlyn’s settled into a spot by the window, pulling out a notebook from her bag. Her brow furrows slightly as she reads over a page filled with handwriting.

When she looks back at the coffee, Ekko is staring at her with a smirk.

“You’re obsessed.”

“I looked over for, like, three seconds,” Vi disagrees.

Ekko leans against the counter, looking over at the coffee. “That’s the neatest art you’ve ever done.”

“What? No way,” Vi shakes her head. “It’s like this every time.”

He laughs. “You’ve never done the special little swirl like that –”

“What can I say? I’m a master at my craft,” Vi insists. “Don’t you have some work to do?”

Ekko skulks off into the back to clean up, muttering under his breath as he does.

Vi takes a breath to steady her nerves and carries the drink over to Caitlyn’s table, careful not to spill her creation.

Caitlyn looks up at Vi, pausing and dropping her pen, then appraises the artwork.

“Thank you,” she smiles, eyes flicking back to Vi’s face. “It’s very beautiful.”

Vi can’t resist the opportunity to reply with a grin, “beautiful coffee for a beautiful lady.”

She instantly regrets saying lady – it sounds a bit creepier than intended – but it’s too late now. Luckily Caitlyn doesn’t seem to mind. She just stifles a small laugh.

Vi clears her throat, lingering. “So...”

Caitlyn glances at her. “Hm?”

“What you writing?” Vi asks, unable to stop herself from being nosy as her eyes skim over the pages of her notebook and assorted pieces of paper on the table.

“Oh,” Caitlyn’s hands reactively reach forward to tidy them into neat lines. “I’m studying. For my PhD.”

“Ha,” Vi fails to hold back the childish laugh. “Y’know, I’ve got something of a PHD myself.”

Caitlyn’s rolling her eyes but fighting to contain her own laugh. “If you’re referring to a Pretty Huge Dick, trust me – I’ve heard that joke far too many times for it to be funny anymore.” She sighs with amused exasperation. “My brother thinks it’s simply hilarious when I mention anything PhD-related.”

Vi chuckles, feeling hot after hearing Caitlyn’s perfect lips utter such a filthy phrase. “I’m sorry,” she snickers, “couldn’t resist.”

“I thought this would be a more professional establishment,” Caitlyn scolds teasingly.

“Hey, you’re the one who jumped straight to dick chat,” Vi points out. “I could have been innocently telling you about my very real, hard-earned qualifications.”

Caitlyn has to work to contain her laugh, instead looking up at Vi with dancing eyes. “My apologies. A Doctorate in latte art, is it?”

Vi can’t tell if she’s mocking her or flirting, but just goes with it.

“Yeah.”

“What’s your thesis?” Caitlyn continues, all-too serious.

Vi considers, smirking. “I’m researching how to effectively use coffee as a tool for seducing attractive customers.”

“I see,” Caitlyn replies simply. “And? Your findings?”

Vi laughs at Caitlyn’s eager interest in the faux research and takes a moment to stretch her arms out, cracking her knuckles and enjoying how Caitlyn watches the motion. Then, when their eyes meet again, she winks. “You tell me.”

Caitlyn studies her for a minute with slightly pursed lips, a faint flush settling over her cheeks. “I’d need to collect further data to draw any meaningful conclusions.”

Vi nods, expression serious. “So… you saying you need me to flirt with you more?”

Caitlyn’s mouth twists into a smile which she bites down on. Finally, she picks up her coffee in both hands and takes a sip. When she places it back down, her tongue runs over her lips which sends Vi’s stomach flipping. “It is an excellent coffee.”

Vi just laughs triumphantly. “I know.” Then she runs a hand through her hair. “What are you studying then?”

“Forensic psychology.”

“Damn,” Vi whistles. “Knew you were smart. So you’re like an actual doctor?”

“Well,” Caitlyn says, “not yet.”

“But you will be,” Vi replies, deeply impressed.

Caitlyn’s cheeks are pink as she smiles. “I appreciate your confidence in my future career.”

Vi beams. “I support women in academia.”

Caitlyn lets out a quiet laugh. “I’ll remember this conversation when I’m rich and successful.”

Vi finds it hard to believe that Caitlyn isn’t rich and successful now.

“You better,” she says. “You can come and visit for coffee anytime when you’re a hotshot doctor. I’ll even give you a muffin for free.”

“I appreciate it,” Caitlyn’s tone is completely serious. “Though I imagine I’ll be back before then.”

Vi’s heart rate increases. “Oh?”

“My supervisor’s office is nearby.” Caitlyn gestures vaguely toward the street. “We meet every other Friday.”

Vi hopes her smile doesn’t look nearly as pleased as it feels. “Guess I’ll have to keep our standards high then.”

They smile at one another for a moment, the tension palpable, before the door swings open with a crash and the usual Friday book club pours in, breaking the moment.

Over excited chatter, Vi says, “I’ll, uh, leave you to your studying.”

Caitlyn just nods, remaining unreadable as she watches Vi go.

~*~*~*~

The morning rolls into a blur of coffees and pastries and regulars, like it normally does. Vi tries to focus on what she’s doing rather than fixate on her very hot customer sitting by the window, concentrating intensely. Caitlyn reads something then pauses to think, tapping her pen against the table, then scribbles in her notebook. Occasionally sips coffee. Every now and then Vi can see her lips moving like she’s thinking aloud under her breath.

Around eleven-thirty, Caitlyn packs her things away and approaches the counter.

“The coffee really was excellent.”

Vi looks up with a smile. “Glad to hear it, doc.”

Silence settles comfortably between them for a second while Caitlyn places her empty mug down.

“I suppose I’ll see you in a fortnight.”

Vi folds her arms, flexing unsubtly. “Y’know, we usually just say two weeks.”

Caitlyn rolls her eyes but smiles again. “I’ll see you then.”

Then she’s gone. The bell chimes softly as the door closes behind her.

Vi watches through the window as she disappears into the crowd, feeling just a bit pathetic. Once she’s completely out of sight, Ekko wanders over.

He clears his throat but doesn’t say anything.

Vi sighs and turns to look in his direction. “What?”

“What was that all about?”

“What?” Vi repeats innocently.

Ekko chuckles. “The vibe going on between you and satchel bag over there.”

Vi just shrugs him off. “Mind your business.”

“Not denying it then?” he asks, laughing loud enough that two customers glance over.

Vi shoves him toward the sink. “Go wash something.”

He does as he’s told, even though he’s still grinning like an idiot. Vi shakes her head, still smiling too, despite herself.

She reaches for the abandoned mug, holding it in her hand for a minute longer than necessary and noticing the faint outline of Caitlyn’s lipstick.

She can work with every other Friday.

~*~*~*~

Two.

By the second time, Vi’s already been unintentionally thinking about Caitlyn’s dark hair and blue eyes and pink lips most nights, wondering what she’s doing, who she’s talking to, whether she actually will come back.

She’s never caught feelings for someone she barely knows anything about like this before.

When Friday arrives, it’s a crisp, sunny morning. The fairy lights are unnecessary in the daylight but Vi switches them on anyway, hoping it makes the place feel cozy for Caitlyn. Or - for anyone. Everyone. Whatever. 

Ekko elbows her as she’s checking stock behind the counter absently, glancing at the entrance every now and then out of habit.

“Hm?” Vi blinks at him, distracted. “What?”

“You waiting for your new hot customer?” Ekko teases.

“No,” Vi insists quickly, scoffing. “I have got dignity, y’know.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Ekko murmurs as he goes back to what he was doing before.

Vi ignores him, trying desperately not to fixate on the fact Caitlyn said she’d be returning today.

The bell above the door chimes a moment later and when Vi looks up, she swallows to see Caitlyn as if she’s summoned her by the sheer power of her obsessive thoughts.

Caitlyn’s wearing her expensive-looking coat, same as before. Her hair’s tied up in a ponytail today, showing her long neck and sharp jaw. She catches Vi looking almost immediately and smiles secretly to herself.

“Good morning,” Caitlyn says as she reaches the counter.

Vi leans casually against the till (or – attempts to). “Hey.”

Caitlyn’s eyes flick briefly over her, temporarily faltering. “Um. I’ll get a –”

“Flat white and a muffin,” Vi interrupts eagerly. “Right?”

Arching an eyebrow, Caitlyn smiles. “You remembered?”

“You’re pretty memorable,” Vi shrugs, attempting to sound casual about it. “Besides – two visits? You’re a regular now.”

Caitlyn smiles wider, placing a hand on her chest. “I’m honored.”

Vi doesn’t think she’s seen anything better in her life than Caitlyn’s smile. (Well, except maybe her ass – but that’s just crude). She rings up the order, glancing up to meet Caitlyn’s eye every few seconds.

Caitlyn folds her arms lightly against the counter, watching.

“How was your, uh, meeting today?” Vi asks to fill the silence. Caitlyn seems taken aback so she adds, “y’know… with your supervisor?”

Vi worries she shouldn’t have said anything. Maybe she’s coming on a little bit strong.

“Oh. It was fine.” She sighs. “We spent an hour discussing my research before she gave me another eight journal articles to read.”

“Yikes.”

“I know.” Caitlyn smiles. “It’s a difficult life but self-inflicted so I really ought not to complain.”

“You can complain to me,” Vi offers. “Part-time barista, part-time therapist.”

“Lucky me,” Caitlyn’s eyes are warm.

Vi’s faintly aware of the queue forming behind and reluctantly wipes her hands on her apron. “I’ll, uh, bring your coffee over.”

Caitlyn nods in understanding. “Thank you, Vi.”

Swallowing, Vi watches her walk away with a gormless expression. Caitlyn peels her coat off and Vi almost chokes at the view of her body as she walks away, a figure-hugging shirt showing off her curves and tight pants over long legs. Damn, she’s fine. Vi would love to throw those legs right over her shoulders.

Distracted, Vi waves Ekko over to cover the till so she can make Caitlyn’s drink herself. Thankfully, he doesn’t argue. Absently, she fixes her hair as she waits for the coffee to filter, then pours the foam into a classic rosetta on the surface.

When she carries the drink over, Caitlyn’s already taking her notebook from her bag.

Vi sets the mug down. “There you go.”

Caitlyn looks at the coffee and smiles. “Beautiful again.”

“Yeah, I could say the same about you.”

Caitlyn just laughs but Vi swears she blushes as well. Casting her gaze at the table, Vi winces at the thick stack of papers. “That’s intense. You’re braver than me.”

Caitlyn waves her off dismissively. “It’s really nothing. You serve the public every day. I’m certain you’ve dealt with far more frustrating situations than academic reading.”

Vi thinks – but this place is fairly drama free, thankfully. Unless Powder’s working a shift. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

The corner of Caitlyn’s mouth pulls into a smirk. “I’m sure.”

“There was a woman who ordered a glass of wine recently,” Vi shares.

“Seems harmless enough.”

“Sure,” Vi allows. “Except we don’t sell alcohol. And it was nine in the morning.”

Caitlyn laughs quietly. “Perhaps she really needed it. Maybe you should branch out.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Vi considers it. “I could definitely go for a beer sometimes.”

Sipping her coffee and humming in enjoyment, Caitlyn murmurs, “do you ever go to the bar down the street?”

Vi considers, surprised by the question. “The Last Drop? Yeah, sometimes. Doesn’t seem like the kinda place you’d go.”

“And why’s that?” Caitlyn demands, taking offense.

“Not – I didn’t mean –” Vi backtracks, “it’s just a bit… dive-y. And you’re so… classy.”

Caitlyn laughs again, shaking her head and Vi hopes she’s managed to reverse the damage. “For your information, I quite like it there. The people are friendly. The drinks are reasonably priced. What’s not to like?”

Vi nods slowly along, picturing Caitlyn’s pristine profile and model cheekbones against the backdrop of a grimy bar. It’s quite amusing. “Well maybe I’ll see you in there sometime, then.”

Coyly, Caitlyn offers a small smile as she taps her fingers against the mug. “Are you asking me on a date?”

“What? No,” Vi says stupidly, panicking. “Are you… trying to get me to ask you on a date?”

Caitlyn takes another sip of coffee and trails her tongue over her top lip while she stares up at Vi. “No.” 

For just a second, neither of them says anything. The café hums gently around them, spoons clinking against ceramic. Vi becomes aware of how close she’s standing. Close enough to smell Caitlyn’s perfume – floral and expensive.

Then someone calls from the register, “excuse me?”

Vi blinks. Right. Work.

She looks back at Caitlyn. “Duty calls.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll...leave you to your terrifying research.”

“I appreciate your support.”

Vi starts walking backwards. “Good luck.”

Caitlyn smiles at her. “I’ll need it.”

~*~*~*~

Vi spends the rest of the morning inventing reasons to walk through the café. Checking tables, watering plants that definitely don’t need watering, stuff like that. It’s hard to stay focused with Caitlyn sitting across the room, knowing she could look up and watch what Vi is doing at any given moment. Vi’s sure to keep her expression dark and brooding, just in case, and flexes as she works, making sure Caitlyn has a good view.

Just after one, Caitlyn packs away her papers and carries her empty mug back to the counter.

“Finished already?” Vi asks from the other side, dishcloth in hand. She hopes she doesn’t sound too disappointed.

Caitlyn rests one forearm on the counter. “My brain has officially given up. Homework is going to have to wait.”

Vi smiles, then she notices a tiny smear of blue ink on the side of Caitlyn’s cheek. “Oh, um,” she murmurs, feeling awkward, “you’ve got a bit of…”

Caitlyn’s hand reaches up to her face, following Vi’s eye. She licks a finger and smears the ink in attempt to remove it, smiling self-consciously. “Thanks.”

“Do you want me to…?”

“Is it gone?”

“You kinda just spread it around,” Vi says honestly.

Caitlyn laughs. “Then yes please.”

Vi reaches across the counter, Caitlyn’s eyes boring into her own and feels entirely too aware of her own breathing. She brushes a thumb over the soft skin of Caitlyn’s cheek a couple of times, wiping away the blue carefully. Caitlyn’s warm breath fans over her face. Vi swears she sees Caitlyn’s eyes flick down to her mouth for just a second.

Shit, it would be so easy to kiss her.

It only lasts a couple of seconds but feels like far longer. When Vi pulls back, she’s sweating.

Caitlyn instinctively rubs the back of her hand over her cheek again for good measure, the surface reddening, then looks back up at Vi. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Neither of them move. The air suddenly feels... thicker.

Vi clears her throat.

Caitlyn murmurs, “I’ll see you in two weeks?”

“I’ll keep the coffee warm,” Vi says, then cringes a bit.

Caitlyn smiles one last time before slipping her satchel over her shoulder and heading for the door, walking out into the street, ponytail swinging as she moves. Vi watches her go, trying not to stare at her ass and imagine grabbing on.

Ekko appears beside her less than five seconds later. “What was that about?”

Vi doesn’t look away from the window. “What?”

“You were touching her face. Like a freak.”

Vi’s eyes roll. “I wiped ink off her cheek.”

She can feel Ekko staring at her. “Uh huh.”

The bell jingles again as another customer walks in. Snapping out of it, Vi returns to work mode with a customer service smile and distracted sigh. 

~*~*~*~

Three.

The third time is different.

One of Vi’s regulars walks through the door on Friday morning, Jayce. He’s limping as he approaches the counter and she can’t help but laugh at him.

“What happened to you, Talis?”

Jayce sighs. “Leg day.”

Vi shakes her head, wiping down the side. Jayce is built like he could bench press a car but has those slightly pathetic puppy dog eyes and shorts that are clearly too small. He studies the cabinet with intense concentration.

“I need protein. Give me one of those chicken things.”

“The sandwich?”

“Yeah. And an iced Americano. Big one. Huge.”

Vi laughs under her breath as she rings up the order. It’s quieter between the breakfast rush and lunch, which makes a nice change.

“You look tired,” he says.

“Gee thanks,” Vi rolls her eyes. Jayce doesn’t need to know that she’s been struggling to sleep because her brain is entirely preoccupied by explicit thoughts about her hot, new customer.

“Late close?”

“Something like that,” she says, starting on the order. “How’s life?”

Jayce makes a non-committal sound. “Eh. Uninteresting,” he mumbles. “Been trying to date. Everyone wants something serious. It’s like, when did we all get our shit together?”

Vi just shrugs and he continues.

“Every conversation lately turns into where’s this going, what’s your five-year plan?”

“So?”

“I don’t even know what I’m having for dinner.”

Vi laughs at his logic. “Y’know, you have probably gotta get your shit together one day.”

Jayce scoffs. “Not yet.”

“You’re twenty-eight,” Vi points out.

“I’m twenty-nine.”

“Since when?”

“Since my birthday.”

Vi rolls her eyes.

“Anyway,” Jayce says, “your turn.”

“My turn what?”

“Life? Updates?”

Vi laughs awkwardly, wondering how much to share. “None, really.”

“None?” he repeats, disappointed. “Not even any juicy date stories? No one you’re interested in?”

Vi hesitates a little too long as she considers. “…there might be.”

“Wait, really?” Jayce perks up, excited.  

“Keep your voice down,” Vi orders him in frustration. Jayce doesn’t exactly do subtle.  

His grin only gets wider. “Oh my God.”

“Shut up.”

“You like someone.”

“I didn’t say that.” She rubs a hand over the back of her neck. “It’s... nothing. Really.”

Jayce leans both elbows on the counter.

“Who is she?”

Vi hesitates feeling ridiculous. “…customer.”

Jayce’s eyebrows shoot up in interest. “Like, a regular?”

She thinks back, considering the question. “I mean… she’s been here twice if that counts.”

Jayce laughs and Vi hates that she can feel herself getting warm talking about Caitlyn.  “Tell me about her,” he insists.

Vi thinks. “She’s...”

Jayce waits while she searches for the right words.

“Tall.”

He blinks. “Right.”

“Dark hair.”

“Is that it?”

She glares, “I’m getting there.”

“That describes about half the lesbians in the city.”

Vi laughs despite herself. “She’s, like, an actual doctor so she’s super smart. And she’s got these eyes,” Vi trails off, thinking about Caitlyn’s intense, doe-eyed stare. Kind of like if a baby bunny was also a gorgeous woman.

Jayce watches her for a second before smiling to himself. “Oh, you’ve got a crush.”

Vi groans, wiping the back of her hand over her forehead like it might help her cool off. “Y’know, I preferred it when we were talking about your terrible dating life.”

Jayce just laughs. “Are you gonna ask her out or what?”

“I dunno,” Vi hedges. “Probably not.” 

“What?” he asks in shock. “Why not?”

“Because she comes in here.”

“So?”

“So if she says no, I still have to make her flat whites and be professional and pleasant while I’m dying inside.” Vi shudders at the thought. She’d never live it down.

Jayce nods thoughtfully. “I guess.” Another pause. “She might say yes though.”

Luckily, someone joins the line behind him, giving Vi the perfect opportunity to end the conversation. “I gotta work, stop blocking my counter.”

“Wh – I’m not –”

“Get outta here,” she orders him. “Ekko’ll bring your coffee.”

“Alright, alright,” Jayce rolls his eyes with his hands raised, backing out of the way to find a free table, muttering to himself as he does.

Vi serves the next customer with Caitlyn on the brain.

~*~*~*~

At eleven, the bell over the door rings.

Vi looks up at Caitlyn as she enters.

She doesn’t have her coat on today since it’s warmer. Instead she’s wearing a navy blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers, sleeves rolled neatly to her elbows. Her satchel hangs from one shoulder as she approaches, scanning something on her phone.

When she looks up from the screen, their eyes meet and she offers Vi that signature, secret smile. “Good morning.”

Vi clears her throat. “‘Sup.”

Very lame choice of greeting.

“How are you?” Caitlyn asks like they’re old friends. She glances around. “It’s busy.”

“Never too busy for you,” Vi says sweetly.  

Caitlyn smiles and says nothing for a moment. “I’ll have –”

“The usual?” Vi asks. “Flat white? Muffin?”

Caitlyn folds her arms, biting back a smirk. “Perhaps I was going to order something different.”

Vi’s stomach drops. “Oh.”

“I’m joking.”

Vi exhales dramatically. “Oh, thank God. That would have been embarrassing.”

With a light laugh, Caitlyn’s eyes linger on her, twinkling mischievously. “I’m a creature of habit, don’t worry.”

“Good,” Vi replies. “We have new beans in this week, the good stuff. So I’ll make it extra strong for you.”

Caitlyn looks Vi up and down, one eyebrow quirking. “Are we still talking about the coffee?”

Vi lets out a surprised laugh, a little too high-pitched. Okay, so Caitlyn’s in a flirtatious mood. Noted.

She smirks, “that’s cute.” Pushing buttons on the register, she laughs again to herself at the unexpectedly bold line, determined to give it right back. “But I’ve been making those jokes for longer than you’ve been alive, doc.”

Caitlyn scoffs to cover up her laugh. “Just because you’re a coffee expert doesn’t make you the font of all knowledge when it comes to seduction.”

Vi grabs a mug from behind her. “Agree to disagree. Seduction is my middle name.”

Caitlyn raises an eyebrow and replies, “Vi Seduction Barista.”

Pausing what she’s doing, Vi places the mug down, staring at Caitlyn across the counter with a bemused expression. “Sorry, do you think my last name is Barista?”

Caitlyn plays it cool, biting her lip to hold back a smile. “Of course not. That’s simply the name I’ve assigned to you in my head.”

“Vi… Barista?” she repeats, barely holding back laughter.

Caitlyn smirks in amusement. “I didn’t mean any offense. It’s got a good ring to it, that’s all.”

Vi chuckles and shakes her head. “Just Vi is fine.”

“Alright, Just Vi,” Caitlyn responds, tone sweet and teasing.

“She’s got jokes,” Vi murmurs to herself. The line is growing longer, even with Ekko helping out, so Vi reluctantly offers Caitlyn a guilty smile. “I’ll bring your order over in just a sec.”

This time, Caitlyn doesn’t head straight for her usual table. She turns to scan the room again.

“No problem. I’m actually meeting…”

“Cait,” Jayce calls over, waving from his table.

Vi blinks between them in confusion. “Wait, you know Jayce?”

Now Caitlyn’s the one who’s confused. She looks back at Vi questioningly. “Yes. He’s my brother.”

“Brother?” Vi repeats, squinting to try and see the resemblance.

“Well – sort of,” Caitlyn gestures vaguely, not elaborating further. “How do you know him?”

“We go to the same gym. And he comes in here all the time.”

Caitlyn blinks a few times, piecing it together. Vi’s heartrate has picked up dangerously as she realizes how much she inadvertently confided in Jayce about her crush which, apparently, turns out to be his fucking sister. What?!

“He said he knew the place when I suggested it but…” Caitlyn trails off, murmuring to herself.

Jayce is still waving like a maniac, then his eyes begin to dart between Caitlyn and Vi almost as if he’s joining the exact same dots. Fuck.

“Well, I’d better go over,” Caitlyn mumbles.

“Yeah, I’ll, uh, be right there.”

Vi turns and focuses on making Caitlyn’s drink, trying to ignore Jayce’s overenthusiastic expression and the nerves making her fingers shake.

~*~*~*~

“Delivery.”

Vi’s upped her game today for Caitlyn’s flat white, adding a slightly more complicated tulip design to the foam. Caitlyn looks up immediately with a small smile. “Thank you.”

Vi looks between the two of them sat together; Jayce with an obnoxious grin and Caitlyn’s awkward smile. She folds her arms. “Can’t believe you two know each other.”

“It’s a small world,” Caitlyn agrees.

Jayce looks from Vi to Caitlyn like he’s watching two people trying very hard not to notice something obvious.

Vi frowns. “If you’ve got something to say just say it.”

“I have nothing to say,” Jayce says, laughing.

“Whatever,” Vi rolls her eyes.

Jayce stares Vi down, thoroughly entertained, and then turns away with amusement on his face.

“Cait,” he asks. “How are you liking this place?”

Vi gives him a suspicious look.

Caitlyn answers, “it’s good,” in confusion.

“Just good?” Jayce asks. “Something must be bringing you back,” he prompts.

“It’s very good.” Caitlyn glances up at Vi with a warm smile. “The coffee is excellent.”

“Glad to hear it,” Vi says happily.

Jayce pauses his questions, arching an unsubtle eyebrow in Vi’s direction which she scowls at. Caitlyn hides behind her flat white with an adorable expression, picking up the mug to take a sip.

“Careful,” Vi warns, gesturing to the scorching steam rising from it.

Caitlyn’s eyes stay on Vi’s as she replies. “Oh, that’s okay. I’ve always liked my women how I like my coffee.”

Choking on her breath, Vi coughs, “you – what?”

“Extra hot,” Caitlyn clarifies with unwavering eye contact.

Vi laughs awkwardly, heat rising over her neck.

“Aw,” Jayce pipes up. “Vi, you’re blushing.”

She laughs and recovers, smirking back at Caitlyn with dark eyes. “That’s interesting.”

“Is it?” Caitlyn asks innocently.  

“Yeah. ‘Cause I’ve always liked my coffee tall, sweet and giving me heart palpitations.” Then she winks.

Caitlyn nearly splits out her mouthful, bringing a hand to cover her mouth and contain her giggle.

Jayce groans from beside them. “Do you have to flirt so aggressively with my sister right in front of me?”

“I think you’ll find she’s the one that’s always flirting with me,” Vi replies with an innocent shrug. “I’m simply being friendly. I take good customer service very seriously.”

Jayce rolls his eyes. “Funny, you never seem to mind insulting me when I come in here.”

“You don’t count,” Vi waves her hand.

“You’re both ridiculous,” Caitlyn decides once she’s recovered.

Vi shoots Jayce an taunting smile before she turns to leave. “Enjoy your drinks.”

~*~*~*~

A few hours later, Caitlyn approaches the counter where Vi is replenishing ice, dropping her empty mug down on the side.

“Hey,” Vi smiles as straightens, pausing what she’s doing. “How’s it going?”

“Good,” Caitlyn replies, a coy smirk playing on her lips.

“What?” Vi asks nervously.

“My brother tells me you’re interested in me,” she says simply.

Vi’s heart drops to her stomach then straight out her butt. “What?” she squeaks.

Caitlyn just laughs and shrugs. “He said my barista’s got a thing for me. I assume he’s talking about you, I don’t know if Ekko and I have the same chemistry.”

Wiping a hand over her brow, Vi internally curses Jayce and his big mouth. She had clearly told him that in confidence. How was she supposed to know Caitlyn would have some weird, sibling-type relationship with him?

“No offense,” Vi says wearily, “but you’re brother is a fucking idiot.”

Caitlyn just laughs, not seeming particularly offended. “Is he wrong?”

“Yeah he’s wrong,” Vi defends hotly. “He’s always meddling in my shit. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” She crosses her arms. “Matter of fact, he’s banned. Yeah. From today onwards. I’ll put a sign up. Have you seen this man? Do not let him in. He’s a compulsive liar and will interfere in your business.”

Vi realizes that the longer she goes on, the guiltier she looks. Eventually, she snaps her mouth shut, looking at Caitlyn with a warm face. When she clocks Caitlyn staring in amusement, she demands, “what?”

“You seem awfully defensive about something that’s not true, that’s all.”

Vi groans, screwing her eyes shut. “Don’t start.”

Caitlyn smirks. “If it helps, he told me I really ought to stop making eyes at you across the room as well.”

One of Vi’s eyes unclose curiously, then the other. “Were you?”

“Not intentionally.” Caitlyn hedges. “Perhaps my gaze lingered a little when you were restocking the shelves beside the menu board this morning.”

Vi finds herself smirking now, one eyebrow raised in delight at the concept of Caitlyn checking her out. “You liked that, huh?”

Caitlyn shrugs again half-heartedly. She’s trying to play it cool but her cheeks are burning. “I assumed all the stretching and flexing was designed to catch my attention. Is it not?”

Truthfully? Yeah, it is. Vi’s been working hard to give Caitlyn something to look at while she enjoys her coffee, should she be interested in that sort of thing. What? It’s called good hospitality, look it up.

“I’m just doing my job, you pervert,” Vi replies innocently, grinning. “But glad to know you’ve been watching.”

“Shut up,” Caitlyn demands in embarrassment, avoiding Vi’s eye. “You wanted me to watch.”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “Kinda like it when you stare at me with your bunny eyes.”

“My – what?” Caitlyn stutters.

She may be fairly intimidating on first impressions, but Vi has spent enough time watching Caitlyn now to see, underneath all that, she’s actually just very cute.

Vi explains. “Y’know. That little smile and the adorable wide-eyes. Very baby bunny. Has no one ever told you that before?”

That strikes a chord.

“I…” Caitlyn opens her mouth to reply but no sound comes out, so she just swallows, blushing a shade of pink so dark Vi has never seen it before on human skin.

Vi picks up the mug, smirking to herself as goes to place it in the sink. Behind her, the bell chimes and the door swings open with far more force than necessary. Powder arrives just in time to ruin everything.

Vi startles so hard she nearly drops the damn thing. “Jesus,” she mutters.

Caitlyn spins in surprise as well, dark hair thrown over her shoulder.

Powder strides in wearing ripped jeans and a tiny vest with half her bra showing. Vi forever wonders why she can’t buy clothes that actually fit.

As she approaches, she joins Vi behind the counter and looks between her and Caitlyn with interest.

“Sup, sis. What’d I miss?”

“Half your shift,” Vi replies with an eye roll. Then, “can you just go sort your stuff out back – I’m with a customer right now.”

“I see that,” Powder beams at Caitlyn who smiles back politely. “She’s hot.” She laughs. “Y’know you’re just Vi’s type.”

“Oh. Um, thanks?” Caitlyn says quietly.

Powder turns to Vi and continues, “is this the one –”

“Powder,” Vi cuts her off furiously.

“It is,” Powder replies, throwing her head back to laugh. She looks at Caitlyn and says, “she’s been practicing her latte art just to impress you.”

“Shut up, you little rat,” Vi hisses, reaching over to hold a hand over her sister’s mouth.

“I – mmff!”

Vi physically ushers Powder towards the staff room behind them. “Go away.”

Powder laughs some more but does as she’s told, grabbing a cinnamon roll off the shelf on her way past and shuffling out the room. Once she’s gone, Vi turns back to Caitlyn who is smirking with amusement.

Sheepishly, Vi laughs and runs a hand through her hair. “Sorry about her. Siblings, am I right?”

“Is that true?” Caitlyn asks. “About the latte art?”

“No,” Vi says quickly.

Caitlyn just arches a brow, clearly not convinced.

“I practice latte art all the time,” Vi says, crumbling under Caitlyn’s intense gaze. “It’s part of my job.”

Caitlyn doesn’t say anything for a minute. Then, calmly and confidently, she reaches across the counter and carefully straightens the slightly name badge clipped to Vi’s apron which was knocked during the commotion. Her fingertips brush lightly against the fabric over Vi’s chest.

She’s close enough that Vi catches the faint scent of fancy perfume again, inhaling the small like it’s a drug. Close enough that Vi can see the outline of her perfect lips.

“There.”

Vi’s breath catches and she can’t remember how to speak.

“It was crooked,” Caitlyn says.

Vi looks down, then back up. “Thanks.”

Caitlyn smiles. “Well. I guess I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

“Yeah.”

Vi suddenly panics at the thought of waiting so long to speak to Caitlyn again. She finds herself speaking before her brain has caught up with her mouth. “Hey, do you wanna, like, exchange numbers?”

Caitlyn tilts her head in visible surprise. “You want my number?”

Vi’s stomach flips nervously, worried she’s ruined everything. “Uh…yeah. If you want.” She panics a little. “It’s okay if you don’t.”

Then, thankfully, Caitlyn offers a small, shy smile and nods. “Yes. Okay.”

She pulls her phone out of her pocket and hands it over the counter so Vi can type her details in, then hits the call button so Vi will have her number in return, smiling to herself as she does. “There.”

“Great. Thanks.” Vi works hard to stop herself from shooting Caitlyn a thumbs up. “I’ll, um, text you.”

Caitlyn tucks her phone back away. “I’d like that.”

With a final drawn-out look that makes Vi’s knees weak, she backs away and collects Jayce. As they head toward the door, he waggles his eyebrows in Vi’s direction while Caitlyn punches him in the arm. The bell jingles and they’re gone.

Vi stands still for a minute, one hand absently touching the now-straight name badge.

Powder appears beside her almost instantly. “Yeeee-ikes. That was like watching a car crash,” she says out the side of her mouth.

“What?” Vi snaps out of her stupor and then rolls her eyes. “Be quiet.”

“I couldn’t look away,” Powder marvels.

“What was so bad?”

Powder just stares at her, a bemused look on her face. “You’re kidding, right?”

Vi sighs, looking at the door. “Okay, it wasn’t my best work.”

“You think?” Powder mumbles.

For the first time since Caitlyn walked into the place, Vi doesn’t even try to deny it.

~*~*~*~

Four.

The fourth time they speak, it isn’t face-to-face.

It’s been three days since Caitlyn gave Vi her number. Vi’s been staring at her phone screen for hours trying to work out what to say. It’s taken three days just to gather the courage to even attempt contact which, in itself, sadly proves how crippling her crush on Caitlyn really is.

She unlocks her phone and locks it again, then repeats this four or five times as she absently watches television, flipping the device around in her hand like a fidget toy. She flicks through channels and settles on some generic evening entertainment show for background noise.

Vi attempts a message, deciding that tonight is the night. She’s going to text Caitlyn. She’s going to be brave.

She types out Hi then deletes it. Too boring. She tries again. Hello. Too formal. What about Hey. Ugh, no. Too… American. She groans into the couch cushion.

You’ve done way scarier things than this, she tells herself sternly. You’ve applied for bank loans. You’ve run out of coffee beans at a coffee shop. You regularly deal with Powder. You can text one woman. Even if she is the most beautiful woman on the face of this planet and if Vi manages to mess up this opportunity she may never leave the house again. But still.

She looks down at the screen again, types out a message and hits send before she can think about it.

so I have an important question

She stares at the phone, knowing it’s too late to change her mind now. With this horrified realization, she immediately throws it onto the other side of the couch.

“So dumb,” she mutters to herself.

Thirty seconds passes. Then a full minute. Then two. She reaches over to pick the phone up. Nothing. Of course nothing. Caitlyn has a life. She’s probably up to her eyeballs in research papers, studying for her Doctorate. Or maybe she’s eating – it is dinner time, after all. She might be out.

Vi considers for a second that Caitlyn could be out on a date and starts to feel a bit sick.

The phone buzzes.

Good evening to you too, Vi Barista.

Vi exhales in instant relief. Okay, so she’s not on a date. Probably not, anyway. She quickly types her reply.

I was trying to sound mysterious

I thought you were a scammer at first. Or a bot.

that’s so mean

Hardly. I could be meaner.

Vi laughs out loud in surprise, feeling a little hysterical. There’s a mental image for her to fixate over later.

What’s the important question?

Oh. Vi had already forgotten what her stupid opener was going to be. Now she’s embarrassed, but reluctantly replies.

what are you wearing?

The response takes a moment longer to come through. Vi likes to imagine Caitlyn’s tiny, secret smirk making an appearance.

You’re ridiculous.

maybe

Do you text all your customers like this?

Caitlyn begins to respond more quickly, clearly pausing whatever she had been doing before Vi so rudely interrupted her night. Vi’s heartrate picks up as she grips the phone in her hand a little tighter, sitting straighter on the couch to focus on Caitlyn’s tiny words on the screen.

I told you customer service is my passion

Your text is strictly professional then?

of course

I take my work very seriously

That’s good. I was worried I was getting special treatment.

 you’re definitely getting special treatment

Isn’t that a violation of company policy?

Caitlyn really does give as good as she gets, sarcasm seeping into her tone even now. Vi lets out a long, heavy breath as if to steel her nerves, then decides to be a little bolder with her reply, hoping she doesn’t live to regret it.

nope I checked

policy says nothing about texting pretty phd students after closing

A pause. No message pops up straight away and Vi instantly panics.

Then:

Good to know.

She wipes a hand over her brow in relief, dabbing the hot skin on her head. Caitlyn must know Vi’s into her at this point – and she doesn’t seem particularly upset about it. Vi is equally as exhilarated and terrified at the prospect of Caitlyn flirting back.

so what you doing tonight?

Studying.

very on brand

You?

working hard too

writing the schedule, ordering supplies, securing brand deals etc etc

Really?

Vi laughs out loud, taking in her surroundings. She’d ditched her shirt and jeans a while back, way too hot, and settled into the couch cushions to switch off after a long day working.

na I’m watching tv in my pants

How glamorous.

I know

Well now I know what you’re wearing.

Oh shit, yeah. Vi only then remembers her original question which Caitlyn so smoothly evaded at the beginning of the conversation.

yeah you never told me your answer

The same outfit as you by the sounds of it.

Vi looks down at her semi-naked body as if to check what Caitlyn means, her brain short-circuiting temporarily at the idea.

??? huh

Does Caitlyn mean… Is she…? She’s wearing… only undies? Vi imagines the curves of Caitlyn’s body under her clothes, sprawled across a mattress with only the tiniest and skimpiest of undergarments covering her goodies.

The very concept is so embarrassingly erotic, Vi can feel the sweat dripping down her temple and twitches with arousal, instantly getting a boner. Alright, she really needs to get laid. Caitlyn admitting that she doesn’t have any clothes on shouldn’t be getting her this bricked up, for fuck’s sake.

It’s humid today.

jesus

She had been hoping Caitlyn might flirt with her a little but this is… unexpected. Everything about Caitlyn is unexpected.

Vi’s suddenly so horny she can barely think straight.

What?

don’t act all innocent

I don’t know what you mean.

nothing

just picturing you in bed with your enormous academic books and very little clothing

That would be accurate.

Vi absently shoves a hand down between her legs, pushing the heel of her palm against her pants until the friction makes her groan pathetically to herself. She attempts to text with her one free hand, typing and re-typing as she butchers the spelling.  While she’s trying to respond, Caitlyn sends another message.

I’d share a photo but it seems inappropriate.

Since this is purely a professional exchange.

A photo? Has she lost her mind? Grunting, Vi snakes her fingers under the waistband of her boxers and feels the wetness down there. If Caitlyn sends her a sexy photo right now, she’ll cum all over the fucking couch cushions. She’s sure of it.

Vibrating with energy, she manages to type a short reply and hit send.

right yeah

sure

Pausing, she considers her next move. Could she ask Caitlyn for a sexy photo? Does Caitlyn want to send a photo?

Vi thinks about Caitlyn posing for her and her mind wanders. She imagines Caitlyn slipping one bra strap down her shoulder, then the other, then undoing the clasp behind her back and letting her tits spill completely out of the cups. Caitlyn arching her back and spreading her legs.

Caitlyn’s body is perfect, Vi just knows it. And so are her boobs. Vi can tell. The way they bounce happily with each step she takes, greeting Vi when she approaches the counter at work like old friends.

Vi distractedly works her hand faster as she considers this prospect, shutting her eyes and letting her phone drop down onto the seat beside her as she does. Her breath picks up as imaginary Caitlyn runs her hands down her own torso. The muscles in Vi’s stomach tense up as she bites her lip to hold in a whine.

Suddenly, the phone buzzes. Her eyes snap open. Shit! What is she doing? She’s supposed to be texting Caitlyn. Focus, focus!

And you won’t ask for one because that would cross the boundary of our professional relationship.

Dammit.

Vi groans in frustration as Caitlyn decides the answer for her. Probably for the best, but still, disappointing.

can’t have that

I don’t want to corrupt you. Since you have such a passion for customer service.

Vi can’t help herself. Her mind is well and truly in the gutter.

you can corrupt me anytime

Luckily, Caitlyn’s seems to be as well.

What did you have in mind?

nothing crazy

maybe some handcuffs

rope or something

Are you trying to tell me you like being tied up?

who says I’m the one being tied up in this scenario?

Oh I don’t know. I think you’d look quite good with your wrists bound.

Vi’s imagination runs wild with the thought. Caitlyn certainly seems like she’d know how to run the show and reduce Vi to a pathetic mess before her very eyes. But, right now at least, Vi prefers the thought of making Caitlyn beg for it.

that’s a coincidence

Why?

I’ve had the exact same thought about you

Caitlyn doesn’t reply for a little while and Vi uses the opportunity to jack off some more, moving her hand in persistent strokes under her boxers until she can’t stop the tremble in her legs. She hopes Caitlyn’s doing the same. She hopes Caitlyn’s pinching her own nipples and rubbing her own underwear, smearing wet arousal around and wishing it was Vi.

Jesus. The thought of Caitlyn touching herself is enough to send her over the deep end.

With a muffled grunt, Vi orgasms quietly and efficiently, throwing her head back to rest on the cushion and slumping down into her shame pit. What a loser.

Caitlyn finally responds and it’s like they’ve both suddenly gained enough clarity to realize this conversation is entirely insane.

Exactly which part of this is professional?

yeah might have slipped a little

hope you can forgive me

You’re so charming, how could I possibly say no?

keep talking like that and I might have to ask you out

Is that a threat or a promise?

you’re gonna kill me

I sincerely hope not. I’ll need another flat white next Friday.

Vi laughs breathlessly to herself, feeling giddy.

I’ll be there

She tries to remember the last time someone got her this worked up.

I really ought to get back to my studies.

sure

thanks for humoring me

Goodnight.

night doc

try not to dream about me

Caitlyn doesn’t say anything else. Vi waits ten minutes then flips her phone over, lying face down on the couch with nervous butterflies and dead legs.

~*~*~*~

Five.

Friday finally arrives with a grey sky threatening rain. The café is busy, as usual.

Vi smiles through it, following her regular routine; making coffees, chatting to regulars, restocking pastries. She keeps one eye on the door as she works, absent-mindedly making sure her hair looks okay every few minutes.

She’s a little nervous that the energy between her and Caitlyn might have shifted after their sexy texting scandal. But, then again, nothing too explicit was said and no inappropriate photos were shared, so there’s no reason to make things weird.

At ten fifty-two, the bell chimes. Vi’’s head lifts automatically to see Caitlyn walking through the door.

She’s wearing her trench coat this time, an umbrella folded under one arm. A few raindrops cling to the ends of her dark hair, catching the warm light from the fairy lights overhead. She spots Vi immediately and smiles. None of the usual coy, secret shit. It’s like she can’t help it.

Vi grins back in her direction before she even realizes she’s doing it.

“Morning,” she greets as Caitlyn approaches. “How you doing?”

Caitlyn shrugs off her coat and shakes her hair out. “It’s miserable outside.”

“I thought British people love rain,” Vi says.

Caitlyn laughs softly. “I don’t know about that.” Vi tries to ignore how the black strap of Caitlyn’s bra is peeking out of her dishevelled shirt as she steps up to the counter.

Vi’s already reaching for a mug. “Flat white.”

“Extra hot.”

“Muffin?”

“If you’ve got one.”

“I saved one.” The words leave Vi’s mouth before she thinks about them.

There’s a beat of awkward silence and Vi curses herself.

Caitlyn tilts her head. “You…saved one? For me?”

Vi feels herself growing warm, a blush creeping up her neck.  “Well, just ‘cause, y’know. We usually sell out by this time. Would’ve been tragic if you’d missed out.”

A warm smile spreads across Caitlyn’s face as her eyes burn into Vi’s. “That’s very thoughtful.”

Vi scratches the back of her neck nervously. “What can I say? Customer service –”

“It’s your passion, yes,” Caitlyn interrupts with a knowing smirk. “So you’ve mentioned.”

“I live to serve,” Vi replies cheerily, maintaining eye contact.

“Is that so?”

“Yup. I’d make a great butler.” Vi pauses for thought. “Or a guard dog.”

“Hm. You do remind me of a dog I once had,” Caitlyn murmurs quietly, then offers an apologetic smile. “Not in a rude way. A Dobermann. Extremely intelligent. Obeyed my every command.”

Vi doesn’t know if she’s imagining it or if Caitlyn’s pupils grow wider as she speaks, her eyes boring into Vi’s with raw intensity. Vi feels her breath hitch and licks her lips.

“If you want me to bark for you, it’ll cost extra,” she says, completely deadpan.

Caitlyn’s cheeks tinge pink. “That won’t be necessary.”

A loud howl of the wind distracts them both for a moment and Vi chuckles to herself as Caitlyn steps to the side.

“I’ll be right over,” Vi tells her.

As Vi works on the coffee order, the rain begins properly. It’s heavy. The street outside is a blur of umbrellas, headlights and dirty water.

Vi brings Caitlyn’s coffee to her usual table by the window, feeling proud of today’s intricate foam design, but notices Caitlyn frowning when she arrives. 

“Everything okay?” she asks, placing the mug down.

Caitlyn looks up from her phone.

“Not really. My train home has been cancelled. Apparently the tracks have flooded.”

“Oh.”

“There’s no other services running at the moment.”

“Guess the weather’s causing chaos.”

Caitlyn squints out the window, a sharp line between her brows as she frets. “I suppose I’ll stay until it eases. I’m sure something will come up later on.”

Vi nods once. “Good idea.”

“I hope that’s okay,” Caitlyn looks up with a small smile. “I’d hate to overstay my welcome.”

Vi laughs. “Caitlyn, c’mon. As if. You could stay until closing.”

Caitlyn just looks at her, taking the offer completely seriously. “Could I?”

“Of course you can.”

As she speaks, more people pile into the café to escape the rain, loud chatter and dripping coats filling the room. It’s even busier than normal as people take shelter inside – Vi can barely hear herself think. She notices Caitlyn wincing at the increased volume.

A chair scrapes at one of the tables beside them as someone forces their way past, bumping Caitlyn’s shoulder.

“Hey, watch it,” Vi warns instinctively, lifting her chin to get the guy’s attention. He mumbles a vague apology as he continues on his way. Vi turns to Caitlyn. “It’s kinda loud in here. You could always go and work in my office if you want to.”

Caitlyn blinks and for a second Vi can’t read her expression. “Your… office?”

“I mean, no pressure if that’s weird or anything, I just thought –”

“No, no,” Caitlyn waves a hand. “It’s not weird at all. That would be great.”

“Cool,” Vi nods, exhaling in relief. “Just until your train’s running again or, y’know, whatever.”

“Thank you, Vi.”

Vi smiles awkwardly, feeling embarrassed by Caitlyn’s sincerity. “Don’t mention it.”

She helps to pick up the coffee and muffin from the table as Caitlyn eagerly gathers her things, stuffing papers in her satchel and throwing her coat over her arm. Vi leads the way through the crowd, mouthing to Ekko as she passes that she’ll be back in ten minutes. There’s enough extra staff working today to keep up with the rush, so she’s not worried about taking a break for once.

As they head towards the back of the building, Vi ushers Caitlyn through one door out to a small, narrow hallway, past the supply closet, then punches in a code to guide her through another entrance. Something about leading Caitlyn to the back of the shop – a private, secluded area – feels way more intimate than Vi had imagined it would.

The hubbub from the café slowly fades with each step in a way that is terrifying.

Finally she reaches her office, swinging the door open with her hip and flicking the light switch on. She regrets leaving so much shit all over the desk as she attempts to place down Caitlyn’s breakfast without spilling anything.

“Your sanctuary awaits,” she jokes, gesturing around in the hopes it will distract Caitlyn from the mess.

Vi quickly shoves loose papers into drawers and brushes rubbish into the bin while Caitlyn looks around. It’s only a small room; one big sash window obscured by a blind, a sturdy second-hand desk and an ergonomic chair (what? Vi values the absence of lower back pain), a few filing cabinets and a standing lamp. All the basic necessities.

Caitlyn turns back around after placing her belongings down, smiling warmly. Vi’s heart jumps, realizing they’re now alone for the first time ever. And it’s deathly silent. She’s suddenly all-too aware of her own breathing.

“There’s chargers down here if you need.” Vi gestures around. “I’ll bring you snacks anytime.”

“You really are a perfect gentleman,” Caitlyn smirks.

“Ha,” Vi smiles back, sweating behind the knees.

The sexual tension is palpable. All she can think about is the raunchy texts they’ve exchanged and the mental vision of Caitlyn’s hands pinned behind her back while Vi bends her over the desk and fucks her brains out.

“This is great,” Caitlyn says. “It’s a lovely office.”

“Hm? Oh. Yeah,” Vi glances around. “I spend a lot of time in this room.”

“Paperwork?” Caitlyn guesses.

“You have no idea.”

Caitlyn smiles. “It’s no mean feat running a business. I have to say, your work ethic is… rather attractive.”

A slow grin spreads across Vi’s face in response. “Did you just call me hot?”

Caitlyn’s face turns pink as she realizes what she’s said and swallows. “That’s not really what I –”

“Hey, you can’t take it back now.”

She avoids eye contact. “I’m not trying to, I’m clarifying what I mean was –”

Vi interrupts. “You seem a bit flustered there, doc.”

“Well,” Caitlyn huffs, cheeks blazing. “It is really such a crime that if I do find you…” she trails off.

“Hot?” Vi offers helpfully, folding her arms across her chest in glee. “‘Course not.”

“If anything, it’s been a very big inconvenience,” Caitlyn continues, completely serious. “I’ve hardly been able to get any work done these past few months thanks to your persistent distractions.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you!”

“How have I been distracting you? I leave you alone when you’re studying.”

“Please don’t pretend it’s not intentional. With your – your arms and your hair and your stupid, sexy laugh. I know you taunt me on purpose.”

Vi’s cracking up as Caitlyn speaks – she can’t help it. “Wait, you think I’m sexy?”

“It’s not funny,” Caitlyn insists, still getting redder somehow. Her hands are balled into angry fists at her sides in a way that is so comically adorable Vi feels her stomach somersaulting.

“What have you been thinking about that’s so distracting?” Vi asks happily, cocking her head to one side. “Any exciting fantasies?”

“No!” Caitlyn explodes defensively. “Of course not.”

Vi’s expression turns a little more serious as she takes one step closer to where Caitlyn is hovering in front of the desk. “Really, nothing?”

Vi clasps her hands together, her eyes flickering down to Caitlyn’s parted lips then back up.

Caitlyn stifles an awkward laugh. Vi can’t help herself; all rationality has flown completely out the window. As she gets closer, her hands automatically reach out to rest on Caitlyn’s waist, trailing down over the curve of her hips and squeezing through the fabric of her pants.

Caitlyn’s wide-eyes follow the movement before moving back up to meet Vi’s hungry expression.

“Not even something like this?” Vi replies coolly as she leans in and closes the distance between them.

Her mouth presses against Caitlyn’s, silencing her with gasp which slowly melts away into a hum. Vi’s thought about kissing Caitlyn since the minute she laid eyes on her, truthfully. Now the moment’s here, she enjoys every moment, parting Caitlyn’s lips under hers and tasting the sweetness of her tongue. Heaven.

Caitlyn soon dissolves into the kiss, reaching her fingers up to comb through Vi’s hair and pull her closer, leaning in until their bodies are flush. Vi can feel the warmth of Caitlyn’s skin against her own and her mouth waters with desire. She needs more. More of Caitlyn’s body, more of Caitlyn’s lips, more of Caitlyn’s pleasure.

When they pause for breath, Vi angles her head slightly back to re-focus on Caitlyn’s face, both of them panting.

“Fuck, you have no idea how long I’ve been thinking about that,” Vi admits in a whisper.

“About as long as I have, I imagine,” Caitlyn breathes.

Vi feels dizzy thinking about it.

Without a second thought, she tightens her grip on Caitlyn’s waist and spins them around, pushing Caitlyn back until she hits the desk with a gasp, her hands flying either side of her frame to grip onto the wood for balance.

Vi gathers the fabric of Caitlyn’s shirt in her grip and pulls it up until Caitlyn lifts her arms to help and it slips over her head, tossing it to one side. Vi tries not to dribble down her chin as she takes in the sight of Caitlyn topless, leaning back on her desk; as perfect and erotic as in her imagination. A black bra holds her tits up, sweat beads forming on the line down her abdomen. The skin across her chest is flushed. Caitlyn is so painfully hot Vi fights the urge to start picking up furniture and ripping it apart with her bare hands like a caveman.

“You too,” Caitlyn murmurs, watching Vi apprise her. She tugs on Vi’s apron. “Please.”

“Sure thing,” Vi says in understanding, untying her apron with shaky hands and pulling it off, along with her T-shirt, until she’s standing opposite Caitlyn in only her sports bra and jeans. She screws the fabric up and dumps it over her shoulder.

Caitlyn licks her lips as she looks Vi up and down, taking in the sweaty sheen of her own skin.

“Does it really take all those muscles to make coffee?” Caitlyn asks, arching a seductive eyebrow.

“No, but they come in handy from time to time,” she shrugs.

Vi closes the gap once again, kissing Caitlyn’s awaiting mouth, then bringing her lips across Caitlyn’s cheek, along her jaw, dipping down her neck and over her collarbones, kissing and sucking the skin.

She can’t believe this is finally happening. Caitlyn’s buttery soft flesh under her grip, on her tongue, no less. Vi’s hands explore the warmth of Caitlyn’s torso below, feeling goose bumps rise when she brushes certain areas. She vocalizes eagerly as she works, relishing in the way Caitlyn tips her head back and lets out a pleased moan as well.

“God,” Caitlyn murmurs breathlessly, “that feels incredible.”

“What can I say,” Vi brings her head back up to level with Caitlyn’s, offering her a cocky wink. “I’m pretty good with my mouth.”

Caitlyn almost laughs but Vi catches the sound in another passionate kiss, wrapping her hand around the back of Caitlyn’s head to guide her movement. Feeling wild with sudden lust, Vi pushes one of her legs in between Caitlyn’s, using her hips to pin their thighs flush together.

The low, soft gaps Caitlyn makes against Vi’s mouth are sending her ballistic as she grinds down onto Vi’s thigh gratefully.

Honestly, Vi was not expecting to be making out sloppy-style with Caitlyn today. She was anticipating at least a few more months of pathetic lesbian pining, maybe some more suggestive texts and definitely more secret late-night fantasies.

But now they’re here, she can’t stop the animalistic urges from taking over.

Chest heaving, Vi pauses for a moment and mumbles against Caitlyn’s lips, “I really need to taste you right now.”

Caitlyn blinks, her hands pausing on Vi’s shoulders. “You are.”

Vi can’t help rolling her eyes. “Not where I meant.”

“Oh,” Caitlyn’s eyes widen. “Oh. I see.”

“Is that… okay?” Vi laughs once, eyes wild.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? In here?” Caitlyn’s eyes dart towards the unlocked door. “It feels risky.”

She’s not wrong – but something about the danger only adds to Vi’s excitement.

“What’s life without a little risk?”

Vi can tell Caitlyn’s trying to be sensible but can’t deny her desperation.

“C’mon,” she teases, “live a little.” She drops her voice a little lower to add, “promise it’ll be worth your while.”

Caitlyn bites her lip to suppress an aroused gasp, her fingertips tightening on Vi’s shoulders.

“Alright,” she huffs in answer and proceeds to kick off her shoes, then reach down to undo the button of her pants, stepping out of them and pulling her underwear down in tandem.

Vi watches gormlessly as Caitlyn undresses before her.

“I suppose there’s no point in this either,” she says, mostly to herself, as she reaches behind her back and unclasps her bra, letting it slide down her arms.

With a slack jaw, Vi tries to force her brain not to shut down entirely at the sight. Caitlyn stands fully naked; long hair tossed over her shoulder, peaked nipples, parted thighs and dark hair framing a flawless, glistening pussy, so delectable Vi’s knees nearly buckle there and then.

“Holy fucking shit,” she slurs hoarsely.

Caitlyn swallows at Vi’s reaction, opening her legs wider and perching on the edge of the desk. If someone were to walk in right now, they’d be absolutely fucked. Vi’s never been this turned on in her entire life.

Caitlyn meets her eye, dark gaze smoldering. “The doctor will see you now,” she teases, smirking.

“Ha,” Vi chokes out as she drops to the ground, kissing along Caitlyn’s nipples, stomach, along her hips and down her thighs as she does. The softest skin in the universe.

Settling in between, she grips Caitlyn’s legs to hold them apart, taking in the sight of her meal like a starved woman. She trails her lips down through the wet curls, her nose nudging folds gently until Caitlyn whines with impatience above her. Vi brushes the tip of her tongue over Caitlyn’s clit, barely touching, and feels a tremor ripple through her frame.

“Oh God,” Caitlyn whimpers quietly, one hand finding the back of Vi’s head to urge her deeper. “Vi, please. Please.”

Vi instantly adds Caitlyn begging to be fucked to the very top of her list of favorite things.

She obediently does what Caitlyn asks, licking in a fluid motion from bottom to top and pausing there to swirl a few deliberate circles. Caitlyn’s legs tighten under Vi’s hands, her hips beginning to writhe.

“Yes,” Caitlyn moans helplessly as Vi repeats the movement once, twice, three times over. “Yes, oh, yes, right – oh fuck.”

The sounds are like a drug to Vi; so different to the prim and proper Caitlyn she’s become accustomed to at the café, sipping coffee respectfully while she pores over academic journals. She never realized Caitlyn’s mouth could be so dirty.

Groaning appreciatively, Vi buries her tongue deeper, feeling Caitlyn’s grip in her hair tighten as her entire body rocks against Vi’s mouth.

When Vi moves higher once again, adding pressure over Caitlyn’s clit until her hips are jumping and twitching, Caitlyn stifles a moan, screwing her eyes shut and grinding down against Vi’s open mouth like a dog in heat. The shake in Caitlyn’s leg continues to grow until she’s struggling to stand at all, collapsing back on the desk until she’s propped up only by her elbows. Vi moves with her, burying her face deeply and twirling her tongue with a confident rhythm.

“Oh shit,” Caitlyn gasps, her head lolling, “fuck, Vi! Yes! Don’t move! Just stay – God!”

Caitlyn’s thighs start to tense around Vi’s ears as pressure builds but Vi isn’t ready for this to end yet. She mentally bookmarks the sound of Caitlyn’s stuttered cries as she almost comes on Vi’s tongue – then slows down and stops altogether.

“Ohhhh,” Caitlyn drawls out croakily as she flops all the way down onto the desk, facing the ceiling. “What are you doing?”

Vi eventually pulls back, wiping her chin with the back of her arm. “Hm?”

“Why did you stop?” Caitlyn pants, chest heaving, craning her neck to look down at where Vi is kneeling.

Vi can’t help the shit-eating grin that spreads over her sticky lips as she shrugs. “Just keeping things interesting.”

“Interesting?” Caitlyn repeats, dumbfounded.

“Yeah,” Vi continues. “Didn’t know you were gonna get there that quickly. Now I gotta improvise.”

Caitlyn’s head drops back down like she just can’t hold the weight of it anymore. Her legs are still trembling.

“Improvise?” she echoes again sounding distracted. “You – what?”

Vi does feel a bit mean keeping her on the edge of orgasm like this, but it’s also extremely hot seeing Caitlyn this drunk with lust and so wet she’s dripping on the desk.

After a few steadying breaths, Vi slowly gets to her feet and looks at Caitlyn from above, mesmerized by every curve. Holy fucking shit. Caitlyn’s body is insane.

Caitlyn blinks up at her, dazed, with pink cheeks and a helpless expression.

Vi leans down, planting wet kisses along Caitlyn’s shoulder and up her jaw, eventually meeting her lips hungrily. Their tongues meet, the taste of slick and saliva mixing into a delicious cocktail. When she pulls away, Caitlyn offers a small, nervous giggle.

“You are good with your mouth,” she says quietly.

Vi smirks. “Y’know, I’m pretty good with my hands too.”

Caitlyn laughs dizzily, her brows pulling together into palpable arousal. She swallows. “Oh.”

As she stares down at the hot doctor underneath her, Vi trails one of her hands down Caitlyn’s side, squeezing her hip as she passes and pausing when she reaches the soft skin of Caitlyn’s thigh. There’s an audible gasp as Vi’s finger trails through the wet mess, gliding over soaked skin with ease.

“Damn,” she mutters, feeling hot arousal pooling in her stomach. “And there I was thinking you just really liked the coffee here.”

Caitlyn lets out a choked laugh which transforms into a low moan when Vi’s thumb brushes over her clit again, legs jolting.

“Please,” Caitlyn breathes shakily, “please just – I’m so close already, I –”

Vi’s lips quirk into a pleased smirk. “Already?” she asks. “I haven’t even fucked you properly yet.”

Caitlyn purses her lips, trying to hide the way her breath hitches in her throat. “Come on, Vi. You’ve been tormenting me for months.”

“Torm–? Okay, that’s a bit dramatic,” Vi laughs. “It’s not like I’ve been sitting under the table edging you. I bring you coffee, I flirt. That’s all.”

“Well your actions have consequences,” Caitlyn disagrees petulantly, thrashing with impatience. “And this is one of them.” Vi laughs under her breath but Caitlyn just groans. “Please.”

Vi relents, pushing the clutter that surrounds them off of the desk, clearing more space to work. She shoves Caitlyn’s forgotten coffee to the edge of the table and her plate gets knocked in the process too, flipping onto the floor below with a clatter.

“Oh no – my muffin,” Caitlyn exclaims, watching distractedly. “You saved it especially.”

Vi can’t help laughing at the adorable sincerity in Caitlyn’s voice, even now, as she pushes one finger slowly inside. “I’m a little more focused on this muffin right now, if that’s okay with you.”

Caitlyn’s face flushes pink as she comprehends Vi’s words, then she nods silently, her eyebrows knitting together weakly at the sensation.

Vi admires Caitlyn’s body from the bird’s eye view she now has; the curve of her hips, the soft hair trailing down from the hollow of her bellybutton. Caitlyn’s arms are thrown up over her head, gripping tangled fistfuls of her own hair.  

“You still want more?” Vi asks, voice low and sultry.

Caitlyn turns her face to one side and buries it in her arm to hide the desperate expression. “Please,” she mumbles, “I can take it.”

Vi curls one finger inside, brushing against Caitlyn’s swollen clit with her thumb. She whimpers and Vi feels herself growing rock hard as she watches Caitlyn lose it, a flush creeping up her neck.

“I guess you could say,” Vi teases, “this is just what the doctor ordered.”

There’s a strangled sigh from the desk. “For goodness sake.”

She slides her finger inside further, beginning to work it back and forth.  “Shit,” she groans under her breath. “You’re so fucking wet.”

“Oh.” The speed of Caitlyn’s breathing increases. “It’s – uh,” Caitlyn groans, gripping the table above her head, using it to leverage her body.

Vi laughs and curls her finger forward, watching Caitlyn react; the bounce of her tits with every greedy thrust.

“Y-yes. More. More.”

Vi dutifully adds a second finger, pushing them both inside and using her hips to drive her hand deeper. Caitlyn’s face contorts in pleasure, one of her fists banging down on the table as she arches her back and tips her neck back to moan loudly towards the ceiling.

“Oh God!” Caitlyn cries, her muscles tensing around Vi’s fingers. “Hnnnngfff–”

Vi reaches her free hand up, leaning over to clamp it over Caitlyn’s lips firmly.

“Shh,” she instructs calmly, “too loud. Someone will hear us.”

Caitlyn’s eyes fly open wide in surprise, then her brow furrows once again feebly as she groans in arousal against Vi’s palm.

Maintaining eye contact with an evil smile, Vi rolls her fingers out and back in again, filling Caitlyn repeatedly. She doesn’t stop until she’s knuckle-deep, the heel of her hand working over Caitlyn’s clit in rough circles.

Caitlyn’s whining against her impromptu muzzle, both of her own hands gripping Vis forearm to anchor herself. Vi uses one of her legs to nudge Caitlyn’s ankle and force her to open up even wider, fucking her deeper and curling her fingers against Caitlyn’s g-spot.

She hears a satisfying, muffled “ffffuck!” and watches as Caitlyn’s eyes roll back in her head until she’s cross-eyed.

Vi tries to match her pace to each rut of Caitlyn’s hips, but they become more erratic by the second, thrusts picking up speed. Her pelvis starts to lift completely off the table to seek friction as she babbles incoherently into the clamped hand over her mouth.

“Oh God, oh G-nnnnggg,” Caitlyn’s hushed cries overlap into one repetitive chant, like she just can’t control her reactions anymore as Vi works the exact right spot.

“That’s it,” Vi encourages, voice rough with lust.

“Mmfff – don’t ssstt –” Caitlyn mumbles, “don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t stop –”

“I won’t,” Vi reassures her, breaths heavy. “I guess,” she smirks and licks her lips at the sight of Caitlyn writhing, “even baby bunnies need to cum sometimes.” Caitlyn’s eyes completely lose focus. “Right?”

“Yes, yes, mmmnnffff-yesyesyesyesyes!” Caitlyn nods, eagerly agreeing in a muddled slur, though it barely makes a noise thanks to Vi’s soundproofing, and squeezes her eyes shut as she finally hurtles over the edge, her nails digging into the skin on Vi’s arm.

Caitlyn’s muscles contract tightly around Vi’s fingers as she rides out her orgasm with a full-body clench, then releases the tension and gradually exhales with a whimper. Vi gently slows the motion, watching as Caitlyn’s whole body slumps, her hips dropping, her head flopping.

As Vi carefully slides her fingers out, Caitlyn continues vocalizing softly and tries to regulate her breathing, blinking in and out of focus.

“Oh,” she sighs dreamily, placing a hand on her chest as if to control the movement. “Uhh-huh.”

Vi smirks, watching her slowly recover as she looks up at the ceiling. When she removes her grip from Caitlyn’s mouth, she winces at the red imprint of her fingerprints.

Caitlyn’s just staring at her with a blissed out expression, eyes half-lidded and pupils blown. “Hm-what?” she croaks out when she notices Vi’s sheepish expression.

“Sorry about, uh,” Vi hedges, suddenly worried she took it too far. “Y’know. Gagging you.”

Caitlyn tries to laugh but only manages to let out a small, dizzy breath, smacking her lips together like she’s forgotten how to speak. “Don’t be,” she says quietly, swallowing. Her legs tremble with aftershocks.

“You sure?” Vi checks.

A weak nod. “I’m not confident I would have been able to keep quiet without it.”

“Oh,” Vi replies, stunned at the boldness, “then, good. I guess.”

Caitlyn’s words make her feel faint. She physically clenches her legs to stop from blowing her load like a teenage boy who’s just seen tits for the first time.

Speaking of… Vi’s eyes trail down, enjoying the erect points of Caitlyn’s nipples once again, and she leans in to kiss her chest with a contented hum. When she stands back up, Caitlyn’s watching her with a smile, a red flush over her collarbones.

“You are,” Caitlyn announces groggily as she sits up slowly, leaning forward into Vi’s awaiting arms and resting against her chest. Vi can hear her own heartbeat hammering dramatically. “Quite talented.”

Vi laughs, smelling the floral perfume in Caitlyn’s hair and running her hands down the soft skin of her back. She could get used to this.

They stand that way for a few minutes, no sound in the room but their ragged breaths and the occasional slam of a door or whirr of the bean grinder in the distance. Caitlyn’s bare chest pressed against Vi’s body is the stuff dreams are made of. Hot, dirty, disgusting dreams which Vi will be having every night for the rest of her life. 

Eventually she leans over and grabs the water bottle sticking out of Caitlyn’s bag. She undoes the lid and passes it to her. “Here. You should hydrate.”

Caitlyn blinks in confusion before nodding and sipping some water.

Vi continues, “lost a lot of fluids back there,” she jokes, making Caitlyn laugh quietly between mouthfuls.

Once she’s swallowed, Caitlyn passes the bottle to Vi who drinks some too. “And whose fault is that?” she asks.

Vi smirks, retightening the cap. “Guilty.”

They stare at each other for a moment. Caitlyn’s eyes are wide and blissful and enchanting and so blue Vi could dive right in.

Then the moment is shattered.

“Vi?” a muffled voice from outside makes them both jump.  

Vi swears and steps over to the door.

“Don’t come in here!” she blurts instinctively. Then panics and adds, “I’m, uh, changing. I’ll be out in a minute.”

A pause. “Alright.”

Footsteps recede.

“Shit,” she hisses, glancing round the room. She locks eyes with Caitlyn and smiles apologetically. “You okay?”

Caitlyn smiles and runs a hand through her hair, working out the tangles. “I’m good. I’m great, actually.”

Vi smiles in agreement, then sighs. “I better…”

“Yes,” Caitlyn agrees.

Vi finds her discarded T-shirt and hastily throws it back on. Caitlyn does the same, though a little slower. Watching her perfect, silky skin being hidden by wrinkled fabric feels like a crime.

Once Caitlyn’s dressed again, she picks up her phone and gasps. “It’s so late.”

Vi looks up at the clock and winces. Ekko’s going to kill her. “Looks like the rain stopped,” she murmurs, squinting through the blinds.

Caitlyn glances at her phone again and sighs in relief, “and my train’s running again.” She places it down on the desk. 

“Awesome,” Vi nods, although she can’t pretend she’s not a little sad at the thought of Caitlyn leaving.

“I should probably be…” Caitlyn trails off, smiling self-consciously, the reality of the situation slowly dawning on them both and awkwardness seeping in. “It would be good to get home to study. And change.”

Vi nods, considering all the different smells and fluids permeating her own clothes. “Yeah.”

“Thanks for… you know,” Caitlyn avoids eye contact as she gathers her bag and puts on her coat, then looks around at the mess of papers and pens strewn over the floor. The sad, abandoned muffin and cold flat white. “I’m sorry about all the –”

“Don’t sweat it,” Vi waves a hand. “I take full responsibility.”

Caitlyn smiles. “You’re sweet.”

“I’d offer you a coffee for the road –”

“No, I’ve caused enough disturbance as it is,” she insists. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

Vi heads over to the door, reaching in to give Caitlyn a small, tender kiss before she leaves. “I, uh, had a great time.”

Caitlyn blushes. “Me too.”

Vi tries to think of what to say next to alleviate some of the tension brewing.

Maybe she should invite Caitlyn over to her place. After all, it feels a bit abrupt to go their separate ways right after being so… intimate. But Vi can’t just walk out of work – she’s literally mid-shift and it would be a dick move to abandon her team.

Besides, Caitlyn barely knows her – not really. Inviting her over might freak her out.

“We shouldn’t go back out together. I’ll leave first,” Caitlyn interrupts Vi’s thoughts before she can make a decision, then pulls the door open. “As to not arouse suspicion.”

Too late.

“If you were trying not to make me aroused, that ship has sailed,” Vi jokes weakly.

Caitlyn smirks but otherwise ignores her. “You follow in a few minutes.”

Vi nods, “yeah, alright. Good idea. You remember where to go?”

Caitlyn nods and steps over the threshold, turning to look back once, expression torn.

“I’ll text you,” Vi reassures her and watches Caitlyn’s shoulders relax.

“See you soon.”

Then she walks away, giving Vi a view of her perfect ass disappearing into the distance.

Once she’s gone, Vi shakes her head and slaps her cheeks a few times, trying to get her head back in the game. Her eyes flicker to the mess on the desk and the floor, the smear of bodily fluids and hot, thick smell of sex.

Vi knows she has to get back out there. She has work to do. A team to manage. A café to run, for fuck’s sake.

But she just can’t do it. Taking Caitlyn to pound town on her desk was hotter than any porn she’s ever seen. She’s never been so riled up in her life. The faint ache in her core is getting stronger now she’s that alone, actually more like a persistent throb, and, the more Vi thinks about it, the harder it is to ignore.

She's sure she'll only need a minute or two, anyway. Getting Caitlyn off has got her almost all the way there herself.

Huffing, Vi walks round the desk and flops down in the chair heavily. She hastily unbuttons her jeans and shoves her hand under the waistband of her boxers, wincing at the drenched fabric.

As soon as she brushes her clit once, her whole body shudders dramatically and she groan-laughs out loud at the instant relief.

“Fuck,” she mutters, feeling deeply pathetic. She adds a little more pressure and whines aloud, grateful there’s no one present to hear her.

All she has to do is picture Caitlyn’s helpless expression as she finished, the perfect outline of her tits and the sounds she was making. Vi’s truly never witnessed anything sexier in her life. Her fingers begin to tremble and her chest tightens. Okay, this definitely isn’t going to take long.

Suddenly the door swings open and she goes stiff in horror.

“Sorry, I forgot my phone –” Caitlyn doesn’t finish the sentence, her mouth dropping open in shock. “Oh my God,” she blurts.

“Shit,” Vi sucks in a sharp breath in surprise, her hand going still.

Neither one of them, it would seem, knows what to say. They just stare at each other for a minute, blinking in shock. Caitlyn’s eyes dart down to Vi’s lap, then back to her face, then down and back again.

“This isn't what it looks like,” Vi begins guiltily. 

Slowly, the corner of Caitlyn's mouth twitches the tiniest amount. “I thought you had to work,” she accuses, voice low as she shuts the door behind her and takes a few steps further into the room.

Vi gulps. “I – I do. I was just…”

“I can see what you were doing,” Caitlyn continues, walking around to perch on the side of the desk beside where Vi is sitting. “Please. Don’t stop on my account.”

Vi knows that she should – after all, this is crossing all kinds of boundaries, and she hasn’t even been on a date with Caitlyn yet – but she doesn’t know if she physically can. She’s so fucking close and her brain is unable to think about anything other than finding some relief. It’s like a poisonous gas has filled her lungs and is clouding every rational thought in her brain.

She laughs nervously. “I shouldn’t…”

“I’d really love,” Caitlyn replies, dropping her voice down even lower, “if you did.”

Vi swallows again but does what she’s told; she doesn’t have the willpower to resist. Her fingers begin to move, lightly to start, then she’s back to pressing rough circles against her clit, desperately seeking friction. She tries to pretend she’s alone, but can't ignore Caitlyn beside her, whose eyes have zeroed in on the motion. Caitlyn begins to breathe more heavily, clutching the edge of the desk as if to steady herself.

“Can I… touch?” she asks quietly, biting her lip.

Vi’s shaking her head before she’s finished the question, her legs dropping wider and her shoulders rolling back.

“You – shouldn’t,” she forces out between sharp breaths, unable to trust herself.

If Caitlyn put her hands on Vi now, who knows what would happen. Vi feels very real fear that it would ignite some kind of switch in her brain and she’d simply have to rip Caitlyn’s panties off and fuck her over and over and over again until they’re both shaking and crying. There’s a million reasons why that’s impractical right now – not least because Vi doesn’t have a strap here (huge oversight on her part, she now realizes) and, devastatingly, she’s still at fucking work.

So, no, Caitlyn can’t touch but she lets her watch from the desk and, truth be told, that’s plenty. Seeing Caitlyn’s eager interest, her wide eyes and shaky hands, is enough to turn Vi feral. She can feel her orgasm building already, waves of pleasure growing stronger with each firm rotation of her wrist.

“That’s fine,” Caitlyn says, barely louder than a whisper. “Can I… talk?” she asks.

Vi nods, strained. “Uh-huh.”

“Oh good,” Caitlyn nods as she tightens her grip on the desk, eyes boring into Vi’s now. “Because I’d love to tell you some of the things going through my mind.”

Vi already knows she’ll regret it, but asks hoarsely, “like what?”

“I’m wondering…” Caitlyn answers, voice slow. “How many times you’ve sat in this very room touching yourself like this.”

A tremor shoots down Vi’s body.

“How many times you just couldn’t help yourself,” Caitlyn continues, a sultry edge tinging her words. She watches for a few moments. “I bet this is exactly what you were doing when you texted me last week, wasn’t it?” She laughs once under her breath. “I hope so. I was hoping to get you a little hot and bothered.”

Vi groans at the concept of Caitlyn seducing her – and falling right for it. Her hand moves faster, increasing pressure until she can feel her stomach muscles contracting.

“I must admit,” Caitlyn murmurs, “I wasn’t able to get much sleep that night.” She pauses, smirking to herself at the memory. “Thankfully I always keep a spare pillow. It certainly helped to get the job done.” Another pause. “A few times actually.”

Vi comprehends Caitlyn’s words, picturing her humping a pillow in bed to get herself off, and starts losing it.

“Fuck,” Vi mutters as she grinds down on her own hand, sweet relief spiralling into something bigger. “Fuck, Cait – I –”

“I mostly imagined it was your face,” Caitlyn carries on innocently, ignoring her. “A few times your hand. Once your thigh.” She smiles at Vi, biting her lip again. 

Almost choking on her moan, Vi screws her eyes shut at the image. Exactly how many times has Caitlyn masturbated and imagined she was grinding down on Vi’s assorted body parts?!

“Jesus,” Vi breathes unevenly, her legs shaking. “Oh fuck,” she gasps, “I’m – I –”

“Oh, you like that, hm?” Caitlyn’s voice is distant.

Vi finally finishes with a silent cry, screwing her face up in entirely unexpected pleasure. A series of stuttered sounds pour out of her open mouth.

As she crumbles, she hears Caitlyn’s praise faintly in the background. “Good boy.”

A blissful current surges through Vi’s core in response, continuing for far longer than she’s used to. She groans as she rides it out, balling her hands into fists and sweating in places she didn’t know existed. White light burns behind her eyelids.

Eventually she begins to come back to earth – though it takes some time. She uncloses her eyes slowly, looking up at Caitlyn with defeat.

Damn that was fucking hot.

Caitlyn’s just staring back, biting her lip so hard Vi’s surprised she hasn’t drawn blood. Her face is flushed and she looks just about ready to go for round two.

After a minute, Caitlyn blinks and looks away like she’s returning to her senses and clears her throat. “Are you… alright?”

For a while, all Vi can manage is a wordless grunt in return, shooting Caitlyn a weak thumbs up.

Then she inhales and exhales hard, removing her hand after another minute and wiping it on her jeans. She re-buttons them with trembling fingers and rolls her wrists, cracking the joints. Caitlyn passes her the same bottle of water from her bag and she has déjà vu as she sips from it.

When she feels like she can speak again, Vi turns to Caitlyn questioningly. “W-was that…” she trails off with a cough. “Is that all true?”

Caitlyn looks away, blushing. She fidgets a bit like she’s deciding how to answer. Then she simply says, “mm-hm. Yes.”

Vi feels like a strong gust of wind would knock her to the ground. She had no idea she’d somehow managed to get Caitlyn as worked up as she’s been these past few months. The thought of Caitlyn being so desperate for her, so filthy, is enough to make Vi lightheaded.

They breathe quietly and Vi almost laughs at the absurdity of the situation. Both of them fully clothed, Caitlyn sitting in her coat with her satchel bag over her shoulder. The wet mess in Vi’s boxers. The fact that Caitlyn hadn’t even made any physical contact and Vi still creamed her pants.

There’s another loud bang against the door.

“Vi?” the voice outside is less patient now. “Are you coming or what?”

Vi sighs in defeat and tries to speak. “B-be right there,” she forces out, but her voice cracks embarrassingly.

Caitlyn smiles sympathetically. “I’m sorry for… well. Gate crashing.”

Vi laughs once, dizzily. “No need. You’re welcome anytime.”

Getting to her feet, Caitlyn smooths down her coat and tucks hair behind her ear. “I’ll get out of your hair.” She offers a weak smile.

“Y’know, you don’t have to pretend you forgot something next time,” Vi teases. “You can just ask me to fuck you again.”

Caitlyn burns dark red at that comment, avoiding Vi’s eye and turning toward the exit. “Alright. Well.” She looks at her shoes. “I’ll bear that in mind.”

Vi smirks and watches her go. Caitlyn gives her one last flustered look and a nod before she slips through the door and it closes behind her.

Groaning, Vi leans back in the chair, wondering what the hell just happened.

She’ll have to try and process it later. She forces herself to stand on weak legs, stretching out her arms and wincing at the ache in her muscles. She pats down her dishevelled hair and re-ties her apron, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Does she look normal? She doesn’t feel normal.

She takes a minute to use the bathroom before trying to interact with anyone, cleaning as much mess as she can manage from her soaked underwear and sighing. It feels criminal that she has to go back to work right now. She should be splayed on a couch somewhere with Caitlyn curled into her arms, basking in their post-orgasmic glow.

Her walk back out front is rigid. The chaotic chatter from the café grows louder with each step until she’s hit by deafening chaos. When she finally does make it back behind the counter, Ekko is standing with his hands on his hips, Powder’s running around the room collecting used mugs and there’s a line almost out the door.

“Where have you been?” Ekko demands like he’s her boss.

“I had a…” Vi trails off, then clears her throat and offers a sheepish grin, “doctor’s appointment?”

Ekko shakes his head in weary disbelief.

~*~*~*~

Six.

Vi doesn’t text Caitlyn. She doesn’t get the chance.

After finishing late and starting early, she’s barely had time to eat and shower before she’s back to serving coffees and overseeing the staff rota. Vi’s thought about texting Caitlyn, obviously, but hasn’t been able to formulate a single coherent thought about yesterday’s activities and definitely hasn’t decided how to play it yet.

Should she be casual and nonchalant? Should she be honest and do something romantic?

None of this matters, it turns out, as Caitlyn walks through the café doors completely unexpectedly halfway through the morning rush.

She’s wearing a dress today, which is new; short and sleeveless, showing off miles of leg and more curves than Vi can handle right now. She joins the line and waits her turn, smiling in Vi’s direction the entire time. Vi’s palms are starting to sweat as she attempts to serve customers without fainting.

When Caitlyn reaches the front, she simply says, “good morning.”

“Hi,” Vi answers with an awkward smile. “I wasn’t, uh, expecting you today.”

Caitlyn’s never been into the café outside of her Friday routine. Should she be worried?

“Well I wasn’t expecting you yesterday,” Caitlyn replies with a small smile. “But here we are.”

Vi coughs to cover up her choked laugh and just prays Ekko didn’t hear. “Uh huh.”

“I’ll have my usual,” Caitlyn says, paying efficiently while Vi pushes buttons like a robot. “Will you bring it over when you have a moment?”

“Um, yeah. ‘Course.”

Vi takes a few more orders and gets to Caitlyn’s as quickly as possible. She makes a heart shape with the foam today. Maybe it’s a little cheesy, but it’s how she’s feeling.

When she arrives at the table by the window, Caitlyn’s already smiling and it’s starting to make Vi even more nervous. She places the coffee down, along with the muffin as usual.

“It looks lovely,” Caitlyn smiles widely. “A love heart.”

Vi clears her throat, the word love making her tense up. She’s not trying to come on too strong here but, yeah, sure, maybe seeing Caitlyn orgasm has got her falling in love with the woman – anyone would be the same in this position!

“Do you have time to join me for a minute?”

Vi nods, sitting down opposite Caitlyn. When their eyes meet, Vi feels like she could simply stare into Caitlyn’s angelic face for eternity. She tries not to look as outwardly pathetic as she feels, sitting straighter in the chair and drumming her fingers on the table.

“So,” Vi says, casually. “How’s the PhD?”

“Attempting to kill me so, the usual.” Caitlyn sighs. “I’m analyzing interviews. One hundred and forty-three to process.”

Vi blinks. “Yeah, fuck that. I would’ve quit.”

“I’ve considered it, but I’m already four years in.”

“I suppose finishing is generally the goal,” Vi nods.

Caitlyn chokes on her sip of coffee at the unintentional double entendre. “Yes, it usually is.”

A slightly awkward silence settles between them.

Then Caitlyn says, “anyway, I can’t stay for long.  My supervisor’s expecting my notes.”

“Right.” Vi’s disappointed to realize that Caitlyn is here for her studies, rather than a social visit. She frantically tries to think of the right thing to say next, coming up painfully blank as usual.

“You know…” Caitlyn continues. “You’ve spent nearly three months flirting with me.”

Vi bites her lip, feeling like she’s on trial. “Hm?” she squeaks.

“And now you’ve made me –” she drops her voice lower, “you know.”

Growing warmer, Vi’s heartrate picks up. “Yeah.”

Where is she going with this?

Caitlyn sighs but she’s still smiling. “I’m just wondering,” she sips the coffee and places it back down, “if you’re ever actually going to ask me out?”

Vi blinks a few times and stares at her, red with embarrassment. “Wh – of course I am. Give me some credit. I’m just…building up to it.”

Caitlyn’s smile grows wider. “If we continue at this pace, I imagine it’ll be sometime around Christmas.”

“In six months?”

“Exactly.”

After a second, Vi bursts into laughter, wanting to defend herself but knowing she can’t.

“Damn,” she groans, “you’re right. I’ve lost my edge.”

“Yes,” Caitlyn shrugs.

“This has never happened to me before,” she says. “You’re just, like...” she searches for the words, “so fucking hot. It’s intimidating. And I’ve never dated a doctor.”

Caitlyn laughs.

Vi chuckles too, leaning back in her chair. “Is that what you wanted to talk about? You’ve just been waiting for me to ask?”

Caitlyn nods once.

“Shit,” Vi grumbles, shaking off her embarrassment and looking straight ahead with a steely expression. “Caitlyn.”

“Mm?”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?”

Caitlyn pauses deliberately, pursing her lips.

Vi laughs and throws a sugar packet across the table. “Don’t leave me hanging here, please.”

Caitlyn grins, blue eyes sparkling. “I’d love to.”

Relief washes over Vi so strongly she almost laughs again. “Thank God.”

She feels immediately stupid for not asking sooner – and for doing this all back to front. But, y’know what, who cares if it took six tries to get it right? Hot, flat-white drinking, muffin-eating, super genius Doctor Caitlyn wants to go out with her. Vi can’t think of a much better outcome than that.

“I have lots of ideas,” Caitlyn informs her. “Activities we can do together.”

Vi arches an eyebrow and takes the bait. “I’ll try anything once. But I already told you, if you want me to bark, it’s gonna cost extra.”

Caitlyn laughs in surprise, almost snorting as she comprehends Vi’s words and rolls her eyes. “That’s not what I meant but good to know.” She sips her coffee but the amused smile stays playing on her lips. “Besides,” she places the mug back down, “I have my platinum card. And I’m sure your rates are reasonable.”

“For you?” Vi smirks. “Of course.”

Caitlyn’s eyes dance with the possibilities as she drinks in delight, Vi watching her and laughing to herself. She’ll do anything Caitlyn asks.

But honestly? She doesn’t need much. If she could simply wake up and make Caitlyn a coffee every morning, just to witness the content smile on her face, Vi would be the luckiest butch in the world.

~*~*~*~