A/N: NSFW STUFF IN THIS CHAPTER.
Imagine this: five years have passed, we graduated in four years (because I was slow and only had two classes each quarter), and finally, on our fifth year together, we moved in together into a nice house in a narrow, steep, yet busy street. It was more tall than it was wide, but Kate wanted some space for pets, like recently, we got a dog, a tall black dog with grey spots and funny enough she was also named Max, though she was very old already from the shelter. She was perfect to us. We had Kate the dog too, the one from the pet shop. She was in the same shelter, probably because she was in the shop for too long. When we saw she was missing an eye, we knew she was the one.
I woke up, alone in bed as I stretched my arms up. I looked around and saw a little note on top of my camera on the bedside table. When I grabbed it, it read:
"Off to buy some books. Make sure to feed Max and Kate."
I thought it was funny our pets had the same name as us. The dogs were in bed with me, Max at my feet and Kate next to my face. I sat up to stretch my arms and back, hearing a couple cracks. I swung my legs to the side of the bed, standing up to go downstairs.
Our house was simple. We kept simple, pastel colors in each room, with some pictures and artworks on the wall. My favorite picture was our graduation one, with the beautiful spring weather in our red caps and gowns. She kissed my cheek in the photo, which was the best part about it. Chloe and Rachel were able to make it to watch us, in hiding of course; Rachel wanted it to be our day.
Speaking of those two, their wedding was a small gathering back in Arcadia Bay. No celebrity friends, no fancy decorations, nothing over the top—it was a simple wedding by the lighthouse. After, Rachel took another break from her career for her and Chloe to do the whole honeymoon thing (I have no idea where they went) and get used to being married. They lived in the apartment for some time, but with some convincing, they were traveling together to countries and were able to be together for Rachel's hectic job. Since the wedding, they were being followed more.
I should call soon.
Downstairs was a comfy place; Kate and I stayed in it a lot to watch movies. We finally had a comfortable couch to rest on and so many nice little decorations, it felt like home for real. Kate handled choosing all the décor and what would look best. I chose some, more for colors, but she had fun picking things and there wasn't anything I disagreed with. Along with keeping our instruments, like our guitar and violin, but we never use them anymore. Plus, downstairs was where Kate's office was. She was able to find good work right away, making a few children's books and working in cartoons, both storyboarding and the animating. She had a few offers, but right now, she was working in a film! She made a compromise to have a position in a cartoon show after the film was over. I was so happy for her! I still haven't stopped celebrating it, even now.
However, I was still working in freelance, with a few magazine and commissions, but Kate was the breadwinner in our little family. Which she didn't mind at all. I was the one cooking the food and keeping the house in order. I wouldn't have imagined all this happening, but I was glad it was.
After setting up the food for the pets, I began making breakfast for Kate. Setting up the tea kettle, frying up bacon and pancakes, along with some fruits for Kate on the side. The last time I talked to Chloe, now she was teasing me about marriage. I haven't thought about it; it was hard to think about with our joint debts from school. We haven't exactly had a problem paying them, but it was a lot of money.
"What are you doing there?" I felt arms around my waist and breath against my ear.
I chuckled at the feeling, letting go of the pan to put my hand over hers. "Taking care of you, of course."
Kate always seems to glow more and more every day. She didn't look tired anymore like before. She was confident, eager to get the day going, and excited for life, really. She kissed my cheek, letting go of me. "It smells good. Can't wait to eat it."
"You've eaten this before." I flipped the pancake in the pan, perfectly golden. "In fact, I think you eat this every morning."
"I always want to eat everything you make. I wouldn't mind eating the same things every day until I die." She grabbed a mug from the cupboard and made her cup of tea. "But, we had eggs and hashbrowns yesterday, so not every day."
"You got me there."
I heard her greet the dogs with her baby voice, petting them and the dogs excited panting.
"How was the bookstore?" I asked as I stacked a plate high with four pancakes while setting up another plate for bacon.
"Fascinating." Kate grabbed her mug to sip it. "I bought a few new releases. One's about two girls meeting out of the blue and their time growing together, which I'm excited to read. The other ones were a few I thought you'd like. Sci-fi."
"Thanks, I should read more nowadays. I haven't read anything in a long time."
"If you have the time, but the books will always be waiting for you."
"Very true." I placed the bacon in the pan and leaned against the counter, pressing my shoulder into hers. "What plans do you have today?"
"It's more of a rest day, if I'm being honest." She chuckled, resting her head on me. "I've burnt out a bit…"
"It's always good to take a rest day." I kissed her head, earning a giggle from her. "But, since neither of us have plans, how about we go out today?"
"And what will we be doing, Miss Caulfield?"
"Well, Miss Marsh… I dunno, just… being together." I chuckled, embarrassed by my excellent planning skills.
"Well, we could start with walking our kids first."
I blushed at her calling our dogs our "kids." She usually said it, not me, but it was a nice way to refer to them.
I left to flip the bacon strips, only to have my phone ring and vibrate on the dining table.
"I'll get it." Kate placed her mug down and did so. "Hello?"
"Hey!" The phone was on speaker, letting Chloe's voice blare out. "What have you been up to in San Francisco?!"
"Chloe, it's so nice to hear from you!" Kate replied, sitting down at the table. "We've been good. Simple living with simple things to do."
We heard her scoff, "Okay, miss I'm-making-a-movie. But hey, me and Rachel are gonna be in the city and we want to hang if that's cool!"
"That sounds amazing! When are you arriving here?"
"It'll be night by the time we get there, but I'm letting you know now, I want food."
I chuckled at her, knowing well she loved simple, normal food like burgers or something like that. She didn't have to specify anymore; I always knew. "Okay!" I raised my voice for her to hear me.
"We'll see you tonight, Chloe. Can't wait." Kate chuckled after her sentence.
"See ya!"
When the call ended, I was still cooking the food and I felt arms around my waist again. "I'll take your offer then, but I'm buying lunch."
"No, I think I should buy lunch."
"You're already making breakfast. It's only fair."
"I'm buying lunch."
"I am!"
"I am!"
"Max, please."
"We'll flip a coin."
Kate won.
It was winter, so it was frosty breath and wearing sweaters and scarves. Over time, we ended up being the couple who matched clothes. I always thought it was a thing couples who were together for a few months did but, for us, it was the bracelet then, without noticing, we were wearing the same sweater under our jackets. It wasn't corny or anything, stuff like our clothes from college and plain shirts with logos on it, but today it was the one Kate bought a while ago: hers had doughnuts printed all over it and mine had coffee mugs.
"When was the last time we went out like this?" Kate spoke with fog coming out of her mouth. She hid into her scarf after, but her red nose was still sticking out.
"It was still hot." I chuckled, squeezing her hand. "But, that's what makes these things fun! It's nice not being in your office working frame by frame, right?"
"Of course. I prefer sleeping with you more than anything."
I held my laughter, hiding my smile under my scarf. Some things never change.
"You know what I mean!" She slapped my arm; I barely felt it.
"I know, I know! I'm ten years old with stuff like that."
"When will I ever learn?" She said through a sigh. "But really, what is your plan today?"
"Like I said, we're just being together. I wanted to go out and be with you. That's it. And, frankly, that's all I need."
"Quality time?"
"Exactly! I'm not wasting time or that I genuinely can't think of anything, but I just want time with you. We'll eat some lunch, buy lots of coffee and hot chocolate, then we'll go back. We'll be able to watch movies before Rachel and Chloe get there. I'll have to cook something for Chloe, too. Probably more breakfast." I chuckled at the end of my sentence. I guess I had a talent for breakfast foods; no one complained about it, obviously.
It was quiet again. I thought Kate had nothing to say, so I dismissed it for a second. I looked at her again and she was giving me a look I was familiar with: a look of coy, puppy-like happiness.
"Why're you looking at me like that?" I smiled back, bumping my shoulder into hers.
"Because, what did I do to have you in my life? We met through a vending machine not giving you chips."
"Vending machines are my wingmen."
She giggled, "Right. We'll have to thank that one someday."
"We're gonna look insane."
"We're in love because of this machine."
I chuckled at the thought. It was two things: a vending machine and a library desk. Both of which I hurt myself on, both accidentally and purposefully. Though, she was right after all. I had an interest in her way before those things happened, but because of those things, we were here. I leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I guess so. I knew it wasn't my funny jokes and awkward personality."
"Those things too."
We decided to stop into a coffee shop for a small moment, because it was becoming colder outside. The warmth of the building hit us right away, along with the cool orange lighting hitting against dark, brown wooden flooring and tables. Everything about the little shop felt warm—both our skin and our souls. It prompted us to take two seats at the bar, taking our jackets and sitting next to each other. We asked for two small cups of cappuccinos, something to drink while we talked more.
Kate lifted her sleeves to reveal her small collection of tattoos she was getting. She wasn't doing it right away (always says she has "no time"), but she took advantage of her more realistic style to have some flowers, rabbits, and music related pieces on her. The only one I ever did for her was a picture of a tiny tree, right next to her cross, that looked really crappy next to the other things. My favorite had to be the most recent (and biggest) one on her right arm, a black-and-white angel covering pretty much all of her scars. She said she won't go any higher, nor she would go on other body parts, but it was beautiful enough already on their own. Good thing I brought my bag. This is a perfect picture opportunity.
I took my camera out (still worked, thank dog), aimed it at her, and she smiled at me. She was used to me doing this constantly but, even better, she wasn't afraid to pose anymore. "Hey beautiful..." I spoke low enough for only her to hear me. She giggled, a bigger smile showing her teeth, turning the picture beyond perfect. I took the picture out and shook it to develop. Looking at it, it was breathtaking. Smiling at her again, I put it away.
"I still can't believe you have all of these." I touched her right arm; it was closer to me. "I'm kinda jealous."
"I thought it would be the other way around in the beginning. I never thought I would do this; it feels... exhilarating." She chuckled at the end. "I'm surprised you still only have one."
"It's important to me." I tapped myself on my shoulder. "I could do better than a stupid tree for you, though."
"It's my favorite!" She grabbed at her wrist. "I wouldn't change it for anything. I've gotten so many though, but neither Rachel nor Chloe has seen them."
"That's right!" I never thought about it, but it was a secret, unintentionally. It was just never important and when we were with them, she had valid reasons to wear long sleeves, i.e. wedding, winter, and simply casual clothes. "You should surprise them."
"Chloe is going to have a heart attack!" She dropped her cup down with a clatter. "She's going to interrogate me! Rachel's going to pass out and then wake up again to interrogate me too."
"Come on, they're gonna find out eventually. Just like, show up at the door with short sleeves. I want to see their reactions."
"You're too much, Max... But, it sounds fun."
"I told you it would be fun. Now, wanna eat lunch here? I mean, we're here already." I already finished my coffee without noticing it.
"Yes, absolutely. But remember, I'm paying."
"Max?! Kate?!" We heard a voice behind us.
"Warren!" I said, happily, as I stood up to give him a hug. I wasn't expecting him at all, him and Nathan together, too. I didn't know he was still in San Francisco! I stopped seeing him at school, so I thought he moved away or got a better job. Hell, both!
They didn't look all that different, to say the truth. Maybe different haircuts, shorter and more... swoop-y looking. I noticed Warren gave in to Nathan's expensive tastes and was wearing a Versace jacket. It wasn't him, though; it looked wrong on him.
"I wasn't expecting to see you!" I admitted when I let him go.
"Right back at you!" He chuckled, grabbing Nathan's hand again. "We live outside of the city now, but thought we'd stop by! Mind if we sit with you?"
"Not at all, we were about to get some food."
Kate greeted them, hugging Warren and nodding her head at Nathan (he hated being touched by anyone else). "How are you two?"
"Great!" Warren replied, taking his jacket off, revealing a shirt saying "Alexa that's so sad." I couldn't bring myself to look at the back. At least there was something that hasn't changed. "Check this out!" Warren grabbed Nathan's arm to lift his hand up. he put his own hand side-by-side, showing silver rings on the left hands. "We're married!"
"Congratulations, you two!" Kate nearly squealed. She loved love. Because, of course she did. "When did this happen?"
"We're almost a year in, so we decided to go out today. It was awesome! I had to propose when Nathan graduated and got his first job as a photographer."
"How did you do that?" She ate these kinds of things up. Especially now when she had this side-project involving these kinds of subjects. She told me "I can't tell you what it is yet." I wonder what she means by that.
"Well, it was around the time he had to travel for his first task, so I may have rushed it a bit, so we were engaged for a long time before I just did that. He was pissed off I was rushing it, but he still said yes!"
I saw Nathan huff behind him, but there was a blush on his face. I lifted my camera up and aimed it at all of us. "Another memory."
We walked back home, arm-in-arm. For whatever reason (it was pretty obvious, actually), when we had a massive amount of time on our hands like this, I began to have these thoughts about Kate. Despite our long relationship, we never really did anything beyond kissing each other's necks, with occasional deep kissing with lots of touching. I wasn't saying it like I was needy, but I really hated I thought about it at all. She was still coming to terms with everything that happened before. It was a selfish thought.
When we got home, we decided to stay in our room instead, where if we closed the door, it would be warmer in there. So, we did just that. Our house was warm, so the dogs roamed around and did their own little thing.
I was in the bedroom changing out of my jacket while Kate took the bathroom. She had always kept the door a crack opened, enough to see a sliver of her. I felt like such a perv for peeking and staring at her, but she was changing out of her jacket and sweater, with parts of her bare back showing through the opening. I cleared my throat, hopping into bed to turn the TV on. I always did channel-surfing instead of actual watching, or waiting on her to get into bed already. It was usually pretty quiet for the most part when we watch; we don't watch movies with so much romance or anything. They were all my favorite genres and nothing else. Though, it sounded bad like that.
Kate left the bathroom with her hair down and one of my shirts she stole from me, showing off her arms freely. I felt a jolt run through me, as if I've never seen this before. Her hair grew out long, leveling with her elbows, because again, she had "no time." Plus, it was too cold and it was probably her personal blanket. She jumped into bed, covering herself from nose to toe with the blanket, and grabbed me into a cuddle to use me as a heater.
"What do you feel like watching?" I pulled her in closer to my chest. I cleared my throat again, trying to push away those thoughts before it would start distracting me.
"Is there anything you want to watch?" She lifted her head up to me.
"I think we watched everything we could. At least, of all of my favorites: specific movies and genres. You don't have anything particular to watch?"
"I'll have to look." She got up an inch before she fell back down with a groan. "Too cold..."
"Well, we can't look through Netflix, we already watched everything we wanted to watch. You know everything there is garbage, right?"
"I know, but it's so cold..." Every word was extended with a groan. "I'll sleep in the meantime." She turned away from me to sleep on her side.
"Come on, it's supposed to be "quality time"... time." I grabbed her again, being a big spoon.
"This is still us time, Max." She giggled through her sentence, squirming a little in my arms. "You're tickling me."
I didn't reply. Instead, I squeezed at her sides as she squirmed more. She was giggling more and more, higher and higher, and running out of breath. She was leaning away, but I was lying on top of her.
"Okay! Max! Okay, you win! You win!" Kate pleaded in-between breaths.
When I stopped, I had to get off of her, so she could face up and catch her breath. "Sorry, Kate. I couldn't help it after you said that."
"Then, I'll never say it again." She turned away again as she lied down.
"I just wanted to cuddle again." I got up from bed, running my fingers through my hair as I walked into the bathroom. I'm such an ass sometimes. Though, I only want her smiling, even if that meant tickling torture.
I was changing into another shirt, leaving the door open. I looked into the mirror, looked down only to look up again: Kate was staring at me.
"See something you like?" I asked with a smirk.
"I had a feeling you were staring at me earlier. Only fair I look too." She sat up, resting the blanket on her lap. "You left it open purposefully."
"Duh." I chuckled. I wore my pink Jane shirt, now ripped up as hell and faded. I crawled into bed again, lying down on my side of the bed. Kate reacted by lying down on top of me. "Hi." She did this a lot, mostly just because she can. "You're so affection." I ran my hand through her hair.
"You said you wanted time together." She kissed me. "And my work may take up more of my time. I'll be up for hours and stuck in my office." She kissed me again. "I'll be too exhausted to do things like this with you."
I sighed. There were a couple times before where she would work for hours and sleep in her office, along with only eating at midnight. It was crazy to see her not resting, because in school, she made sure to have rest.
"I know." I placed my hands on her hips. "This is better than watching movies anyway."
Her hand held onto the side of my neck as she pulled me into another kiss. It felt slower, like she didn't want to forget the feeling. We weren't stopping, we couldn't pull away from each other, and I was slowly feeling my body heating up. I could feel her smile against my lips as it kept going.
She pulled away first. "How are you feeling?"
"I don't think I need a blanket anymore."
"... Let's go a little further today."
"F–further?" My face had to be as red as a tomato at this point.
"Just a little." Her cheeks were pink and her smile couldn't be contained. "Only if you want to."
"I should be asking you that."
"I... I think about it more recently. It's strange, I know, but thinking about you... It's very unexpected. I'm surprised at myself too. It feels... nice? It sounds so weird, I'm sorry! It's... this is new."
"If you're ready and comfortable, we can go further. We can stop whenever. Y–you could laugh too, even! This is my first time ever."
Kate was silent for a moment. Her eyes were traveling up and down, the same way she looked at the artworks when we went to museums. "I remember." It's like she thinks of me as a masterpiece. I'm more of Marcel Duchamp's Fountain, especially in my pajamas. Her laugh was bubbly and shy, her head nuzzling into my neck. "It's always embarrassing. I'm embarrassed right now too. You're so red!"
"Okay, okay!" I laughed too, touching my own forehead and cheek—it was blazing hot. I couldn't stop thinking about it! To feel Kate, to hear her, and to be so close to her I didn't want to pull away. Five years is a long time after all...
She lifted her head slightly, feeling her breath against my neck. As I expected, this tiny action caused a bigger reaction in me. I felt dramatic for jolting even a little bit. As if she has never touched my neck before. Instead, her head raised and kissed my forehead... then my nose... then my cheek... then my lips. Though slow, I felt her passion through it. Like her, she was gentle. Her touches were barely noticeable, too. When I felt them, goosebumps ran through my body. The feelings were different compared to before; I couldn't think anymore. I was holding back noise coming from my throat as I felt her lips against my neck, placing so much I wanted to giggle. Her fingertips ran down my arms and sides, speeding my heart rate. Her hands reached lower, touching the end of my shirt.
She... She likes to have control.
I could barely react. Whenever I think about acting on her back, she does something first and it made it go completely numb.
Acting before she could, I grabbed her shirt, lifting it. She smiled up at me, sitting up to cross her arms and lift it up and off. I sucked in air, a shocked, sharp inhale into my lungs. Seeing Kate topless for the first time was something I had to process. I had to stare. To take all of her in until it was in my memories. I couldn't move at all; I was stunned to see her.
"You're making me more embarrassed now!" Her arms covered her chest. How long was I staring for?
I chuckled and sat up, grabbing her arms to put them down again. "You're beautiful, Kate. I couldn't help it." On instinct, I kissed her shoulder, down her collarbone, down her chest, until one of my shaky hands grabbed her breast. I heard her sigh and giggle. She placed her hand over mine, moving us together in a massaging motion. I clenched my jaw. Max. exe has unexpectedly crashed...
"You're too cute." She put my hand down and pulled my shirt off, ending in taking off my bra. Pushing me down, she grabbed my chest, feeling me and fondling my breasts. My body heated up instantly, pushing my head into my pillow. I let my sighs leave my chest, shutting my eyes from the feeling. She knew her circular motions with her fingers and thumbs, finding my weak points and spots. I felt her mouth on me, using her tongue to match the circle pattern. I grabbed her hand, tightly gripping hers. I could feel myself becoming wetter and weaker the longer she went on.
"Kate, I wanna do this for you too." I managed to make out.
"Please relax, my love." She whispered to me, grabbing the hem of my pants. "I have a good feeling I can do this."
Where did shy Kate go? Wasn't she as embarrassed as me? She looks like she's about to eat me... I let her remove them, lifting my hips up for her. She tossed them aside, staring at me. I was in nothing but my boyshorts, noticeably soaking from everything she was doing to me.
I was weak; my body couldn't move from how turned on I was. She was confident and I could see in her eyes she knew what she was doing. She leaned down, her eyes going down one more time before she kissed me again, rougher and more lustful than before. I never had to grip and dig my fingers into her before, but I had to hold onto her and the bed to contain my shivering. Her hands pulled down my last article of clothing, leaving it hanging on one leg. Her hand felt my inner thighs, tracing along them before touching me, starting her masterful, circular motions on me. My other hand let go of the bed and wrapped my arms around her, not wanting her to get away. She was treating me like how she drew: drawing delicately lines along her masterpiece, on its way to completion. She was smiling against my lips, satisfied with my reactions.
My breath was heavy, my legs were shaking, my mind was hazy. I'm close... She was going faster. I caught my breath in-between our kissing, gasping for air each time. I released one moan, louder than I thought, and saw the surprise in Kate's eyes.
"I–I'm..." I pressed my forehead against hers, releasing a heavy sigh. "I'm almost there..."
She kissed my jaw and bit my earlobe, "I love you... Max, I love you."
"I love you t–too." I felt it. I felt my body reaching its limits, curving back to reach it faster.
But, Kate stopped, stopping right when I was gonna climax.
"K-Kate?" My body felt unsatisfied. The feeling was simmering down quickly.
She reached over to the bedside table where our phones were sitting on. She grabbed mine, vibrating in her hand. "Hello?"
"Hey! We've been calling you two! Are you home?" Chloe sounded pissed off. "We're standing outside your house!"
Oh shit! How long we were doing this? Damn it, right at the end too.
"We're so sorry! We decided to nap and... I guess we lost track."
"Hey, no worries. You guys are worth the wait!" Rachel said that in the background.
"Okay, just let us get ready!" Kate hung up and loudly placed my phone back on the bedside table. We sat there for a minute, letting the situation sink in. I couldn't look her in the eyes but, even then, I was still thinking about what we were doing. Kate's head came into my view and smiled at me. "We'll finish another time, okay?" She kissed my cheek.
She kissed me one more time and got out of bed. I gulped, trying to push the thoughts down.
The house was warm enough to wear t-shirts, but still cool enough to wear pants. I made sure Kate wore a t-shirt to scare them.
"Okay, Kate," I sat down on the couch, letting the dogs jump into my lap, "time to scare the crap out of them."
She chuckled as she unlocked it, shaking her head, but she knew it was the truth. When she opened the door, Rachel and Chloe's faces were growing into smiles, only to quickly turn into shock. Especially Chloe, whose mouth was on the floor.
"Are those real?!" Chloe stomped her foot into the house, alarming the dogs to lift their heads.
"Yes, Chloe. They're a hundred percent real." Kate replied with a laugh. She held her right arm out, the one that was completed, for them to see and they leaned in.
"I'm hella sorry, but holy fucking shit!" Chloe was cheerful and laugh hard in excitement, jumping up and down. "They look hella fucking sick!"
Kate laughed along with her. "It's okay, I've gotten used to it. Thank you. I drew them myself, except the little tree. That one's Max."
"Oh..." Chloe's expression changed into a look of... disgust? I couldn't tell. "Cool..." She extended the middle of the word.
Rachel couldn't react yet. She was still letting it process in her mind or something.
"Oh my god! Okay!" Oh, it caught up.
"This is hella crazy, Kate!" Rachel touched Kate's arms, paying special attention to the flowers and animals. "Wow... I literally don't know what the hell to say! It's hella cool! Give me a hug, girl!"
Rachel pulled Kate and Chloe into a group hug. "You too, Max!"
I sighed, sarcastic and exaggerated, but I joined in, wrapping around Rachel and Chloe.
Because of the crazy famous life, they were constantly on TV or whenever I check my phone for news and stuff. It was never negative things (it was the same manager who ruled with an iron fist), it was just obvious they were going out a lot to parties and work. Rachel was an actress for a time, stared in a couple movies, but she stuck with modeling (it was hella stressful, her words not mine). Chloe stuck with more natural hair colors, she was back to her natural one, but it was Rachel's turn to have crazy colors because she was promoting this bright, pastel-looking brand. Her hair now was the blue Chloe used to have, which looked just as cool.
"Now," Kate let go first, then the rest of us did too, "let's sit down and Max will make us our dinner. Right, love?"
"Wait," Chloe turned to me, looking at me with a death glare, "you... you haven't made food yet?!"
"I know and I hear what you're saying, but... listen—"
"Bitch, make the food! I'm gonna watch you the whole time!" She followed me into the kitchen as the other two sat on the couch with our pets.
Chloe was close to me, making me uneasy. "You guys were fucking, weren't you?" She whispered and smirked at me.
"W–What? What makes you think that?" I grabbed a pan from the cupboard. I knew we couldn't lie through her.
"'Napping?'" Her hands made air quotes. "You guys don't nap together! You watch movies and go outside. Come on." She took her jacket off and hung it on a chair at the dinner table. I expected more tattoos on her and there were, on her neck and chest (and maybe her face, I needed to look closer), but she kept her promise on leaving her left arm clear except the one star. "You guys were fucking. Just admit it."
I rolled my eyes and heated the pan to make pancakes. "Okay, fine. We were... doing things." The stove had a middle grill part and I turned that on too. I needed to make burgers to make up for not cooking them earlier.
"Love Kate's nickname." She chuckled and crossed her arms. "How was it?"
"I'm not telling you this."
"Do you want me to tell about our's yesterday? Rachel and I had to do it. You know, so it would be fair?"
"Please don't. It's personal for us, okay?"
"... Holy shit, you're a bottom."
"Wha—Where did you get that from?"
"You didn't deny it!" She pointed her finger at me. "You're a bottom!"
I pushed my hand against her mouth, silencing her. She was screaming it. It's not embarrassing! Why is she saying it like it is?
"What did you say?!" Rachel called out from the living room.
"Nothing!" I yelled back, then gave Chloe a glare.
Chloe had a satisfied smile on her face. "Is she good?"
I refused to answer at first, setting up the food and placing burger patties on the grill, hearing the sizzles.
"She's..." I gave in, sighing and letting my shoulders drop. "She's really good." I murmured.
"Then, why are you acting like that?"
"We didn't exactly get to... finish, Chloe." This part is the one I hate to admit.
"Don't tell me... It was us again?" She groaned and let her head hang back.
"Yep." I nodded and went to cooking with the spatula in my hand.
"We're hella good at doing that, aren't we?"
"Is good the right word?" I forced a laugh. "Anyway, let's just change subjects. That one on your chest looks new."
It was a raven taking up her entire chest from shoulder to shoulder, dramatic midnight blues and shining shades to show feathers flying off behind it. There was a butterfly on her neck, which was self-explanatory.
"It's a week old." She pulled her shirt down lower to show the whole piece. "It was a bitch to get. Shit hurt for days!"
"Multiple sessions?"
"Hell no, I did it in one day. Don't ask me how I did it, because I don't even know." She grabbed the bottom of her shirt and showed her side and stomach for the rest of her pieces. The one I noticed first was the gun against her hip. She had a quote under her boob saying "Hey Asshole!" which I think it was something Rachel said. Along her right side was a detailed black and white piece like her skin was ripped open and exposing her ribs. She wasn't showing it, but I was aware her entire right leg was covered, even her foot. It was so elaborate I couldn't remember much of it.
"What do you think of Kate's?"
"They're fucking awesome! Except your stupid tree."
"You don't understand true art." I flipped the burgers over, all made medium.
"I understand your art on her stinks. Did you use the gun yourself or something?"
"No, I just... drew it very quickly."
Yeah, uh, never do that again."
"How's your work been, Rachel?"
We were sitting at the dinner table, eating a mix of dinner foods and breakfast foods. Unlike everyone else who had a single serving of each thing: pancakes, burgers, eggs, and made some fries (because why not), Chloe had at least two of each of them.
She groaned and dropped her fork down with a clatter. "Same old, same old." She moved her hair, sweeping it behind her. "Shows to do, countries to go, people to see, interviews, meetings... just same old stuff. At least I have my sanity still having Chloe there from now on." Chloe wasn't paying attention to her nice words, though. She continued, grabbing her fork again. "You two are just... so perfect. Do you guys ever fight?"
"Of course." Kate shrugged and nodded. "Not serious stuff. Just like disagreements on things. Movies, where to eat, who's going to pay for lunch or dinner. Especially when I want to stay up and she tells me to come to bed. But, you guys have a good relationship too."
"We do. Being married is hella great! What's it like for you two living together?"
"It's been wonderful." Kate said with a happy, genuine smile. "I haven't had any complaints, except Max leaves clothes around sometimes."
"I'm trying my best to stop doing that, okay?" I spoke with my mouth full of fries.
"Don't do that either." Kate grabbed a napkin and cleaned my mouth and chin.
I was sitting uncomfortably whilst they were talking. I was shifting in my seat, crossing my legs and uncrossing them, trying to distract myself with large amounts of food. But, it wasn't working. It feels weird... It's like I'm at the edge but... I'm sitting right here! I could do something alone while they stay here... It's hard to concentrate.
"U-Um, I'm gonna go upstairs for a second." I scooted out of my seat and hurried upstairs before they could say anything. I was having second thoughts halfway up; it was so obvious what I was leaving for! But I kept on, quietly closing the door and pressing my back against it. I locked the door for safety measures. It feels like I'm gonna explode or something. Was it normal to feel myself... throbbing, kinda?
I stood there, letting the feeling pass. Shit. This is actually a bad feeling. I just need some time alone for now. I couldn't do anything about it! Not when everyone was here. I feel way out of character right now.
"Max?" Kate's voice on the other side of the door startled me, my body jolting at the sound. "Are you okay in there?"
"Y–yeah!" An obvious lie with an obvious fake tone of voice. "I just... I just need some time in here right now."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I just—I feel a little sick."
"... Max, let me in."
I did it in a heartbeat, opening the door for her, welcomed by her worried look. "Kate, I'm just... a little dizzy."
"Is it because we were interrupted?" She placed her hand on my cheek. "Because I understand."
"It was a lot to take in, I guess I should say." I chuckled. "Maybe... let's wait a little longer. Like, do it another day? It might be months again, but—"
"Of course, Max." She smiled at me and kissed my forehead. "I'll distract them while you do whatever you need to do. You ran up here rather quickly." She giggled after, then left back downstairs again.
I released the deepest sigh I could when I left the bedroom again. I felt normal again. It happened quickly, but still long enough to make everyone wonder. I couldn't think of a good excuse, except something involving work. Which, let's be real, I would only care about it until deadline. (Aka, a habit I should stop before I'll never get anything done ever again).
"What the hell happened?" Rachel tilted her head to the side. Chloe had a smirk on her face, looking at me and winked.
"Nothing, I forgot I had to do something. It's a freelancing thing I nearly forgot."
I saw Chloe and Kate's face change into disbelief. Chloe especially; she was mouthed "what the fuck" to me.
Rachel squinted at us, but got up and placed her empty plate in the sink. "Anyway! We should head out again! Let's visit places! Let's visit people! Places and people I want to see."
"We could." I didn't feel like eating anymore so I left it on my plate as a leftover for later. "We could see Dana at HUE and... That's kinda it."
Everyone else went on with their lives in other states or countries. The only people I could think of were Dana and Victoria, but the latter traveled a lot.
"We should do that at the end?"
"I can call Victoria." Kate reached into her back pocket for her phone. "Perhaps she's in the city."
"You can try."
"Yeah, you do that." Chloe approached me and hooked her arm around my shoulders. "We're gonna talk outside for one second." She pushed me towards the front door. I crashed into it and stumbled to open it, but when we were outside, she shut it loudly.
"Are you fucking kidding me, Maxine?"
"Shit, you called me that, it's serious."
"Hell yeah! Bitch," she poked me in my shoulder, hard enough for me to react in pain, "you were rubbing one out. You're hella obvious!"
"Does Rachel know?!"
"Max... did you really just ask that?"
I'm the dumb one here? This is something new—for me and for Kate. We were interrupted in the middle of it! But, through it, I was feeling anxious about it. I felt like someone was going to walk in at any time. So, maybe I am the dumb one. I was anxious about Kate too! She was a completely different person! Okay, Max, calm down, it's not important enough to be thinking about it so much.
"Whatever. It happened and I already said what I said, so if everyone knows, then okay!"
"Oh Max, you innocent little thing." She ruffled with my hair and went back inside. I followed, fixing my hair back in place.
"Good news!" Kate cheered, looking at her phone in her hand. "Victoria's here! She wants to meet at Starbucks next to school."
"Cool, is she nicer now?"
"Oh yes, she has grown kinder over time. I wouldn't be surprised if she still has her mean tendencies, though."
"How is Rache going in there? She's gonna get hounded." Chloe pointed her hand towards her wife, who was was standing to put her jacket on again.
"She said to meet, but she didn't say we were going to sit inside of it." Kate recalled the text messages. "I mentioned you, so she might take us elsewhere."
"Okay... but I'm trusting you!" Chloe pointed her finger at her.
We got ready for our ride, putting on our layers and jackets to stay warm, huddled together like penguins as we went to Rachel's ride. Of course, she had a driver with a long car to take us everywhere. Even though we were paired up—Rachel and Chloe, me and Kate—Kate and I were texting each other.
Me: Was that the stupidest thing I've ever said?
Cinnamon Roll: No, but
Me: But what?
Cinnamon Roll: It was an attempt. You get an A for effort!
Me: Sorry.
Cinnamon Roll: Don't be! I shouldn't have been so... what word is it?
Me: I dunno, amazing?!
I put my phone away, avoiding her answer, but I could feel Kate smiling under her scarf. I crossed my arms, staring out the dimmed windows, watching buildings, cars, and people pass. I would take a picture of it, but I want to save my film for later.
We arrived to Starbucks, seeing Victoria right away in her designer outfit and blonde hair, which was shorter than before. She stood at the front, staring down at her phone.
"Victoria!" Kate hopped out of the car to hug her first.
Her reaction was late, but once Kate was on her and was hugging her, she hugged her back. We got out of the car (after I had to take a picture, of course) and greeted her too. Despite being friends for a long time, I still felt fear when I got close to her. Even a hug from her was still a little scary.
"Hey you two." She waved her hand at Rachel and Chloe.
"Whoa, wait, you're not going to fangirl on me?" Rachel was saying that happily, her face changing into joy.
"I got over it, okay? I know I was annoying." Victoria rolled her eyes. "You're a person and I'm sorry I freaked the fuck out." She sounded sarcastic, but it wasn't.
"Oh thank god." Rachel sighed and decided to hug her too.
"You're welcome, but we need to head out." Victoria patted her on her back. "You're still "super-model-famous-celebrity" Rachel Price to everyone else."
"Right." Rachel pulled away and fixed Victoria's hood for her.
We went to a smaller part of the city; Neither Kate nor I have ever been to. It seemed to be a bar, not like HUE sf, but more of a simple place to sit in and have a few drinks sometimes. It won't be a good idea to go see Dana after drinking already. I could tell Rachel and Chloe won't be coming along to see her too.
We sat in a booth, a comfortable red swede covered in gold decorations. While the three of them ordered some wine, Kate and I stayed alone with our cups of water. We already ate, so we didn't order anything.
"What have you been up to, Victoria?" Kate started the conversation.
"Nothing, really. Doing a bit of photographer, doing a bit of fashion designing... this." She held her left hand out and revealed a ring with a huge diamond on the top of it.
We all gasped at it in complete shock; it had to be in the thousands range.
"You're still with that same girl?" I had to ask first.
"Yeah, turns out, when your friends really hate your girlfriend, it only made us stronger. So, all of my friends can go suck it."
"Aw, congratulations!" Kate clapped her hands, a smile so big, it was contagious. We agreed with her, saying our own congratulations and how happy we were for her. I had to stop her for a picture. She was annoyed, but she posed anyway, holding her hand up and pointing at her ring with a smile.
"Then," Rachel lifted her glass of red wine in her hand, "cheers for your engagement!"
We clinked our glasses together, cheering as we took sips after.
Victoria chuckled, her glass already halfway. "It was so unexpected. She took us to a skate park again, which I always hate but still go anyway, but it was empty as shit. She made me watch her do her tricks, but fell at the end. She was at my feet, laughing her ass off at first. "hey, this works too." She took this ring out of her pocket. Obviously you know my answer."
"She was trying to do like a 360 or something?"
"I think so, but she nearly broke her arm for this proposal."
I laughed along with them at the thought. I couldn't think of any type of proposal for Kate. I couldn't function making the one for Rachel! It makes me nervous just thinking about it! It would be a ten-part plan, a hundred percent.
"What about you two?" Victoria nodded her head at us. "What crazy shit have you been doing? If you have any at all."
"Nothing, really." Kate answered for us. "Not crazy, anyway. I'm just working all the time and she's working all the time. Nothing crazy for us."
They stared. I was sitting uncomfortably again, but this time, it was from their judging eyes.
"You guys are up to something now..." She sipped her glass.
"What makes you think that?"
She turned to the other two, who were minding their own business on the side. "You guys can feel the vibe too, right?"
"You could say that." Chloe replied, glaring at me.
"Oh! Look at the time, we should get going to see Dana."
"We just got here—"
"You two stay and Kate and I will go out to the place, sound good?" I tugged on Kate's jacket.
"No," Rachel stood up, "we're going with you. All of us."
"No—"
"We're going together."
"We're going together."
I think I was the only one who wasn't focused. It was a short ride and I could hear their voices, but I couldn't remember what they were saying. I couldn't remember the whole ride! One second we got into the limo, next we were already in front of HUE sf. It was still the same: the long lines, the large bodyguards, the bright blue lights showing through the windows and door. We had the advantage again, our eardrums dying from Rachel's fans in the lines. She couldn't stop this time, not like before, there were too many people she could pay attention to. She said before she hated how she couldn't talk to them anymore, but she hoped she didn't look like a bitch.
We were allowed in automatically. We squeezed through the dancing crowd, trying to get to the white-lit bar, where Dana's silhouette was evident to us. We went straight to her, calling out to her as she was serving a drink to someone.
When we got close enough, we saw her gasp and start running off the bar, jumping into everyone's arms. I had to pull back for another photo, one with all of them in their hug.
"Come on, Max! You have to be in it too!" Dana yelled, waving her hand in. I declined at first until Chloe grabbed my arm and pulled me in, snatching my camera so she could hold it up. Because she was way taller than the rest of us, we all fit into the frame. I didn't have time to leave to look at it in the light. Instead, I was pulled onto the dance floor by Rachel and Chloe. It was a familiar scenario: I was sandwiched in between them, trying to get me to loosen up. I was laughing and enjoying it, but Kate was left behind with Dana, sitting at the bar while she was making drinks again.
The sandwich was worse, with Victoria against Rachel, making it nearly impossible to leave it. I had no choice but to go along with them, matching their movements.
"Go Max!" Chloe cheered me on as she continued to dance in front of me. I couldn't lie—I was having a lot more fun than I thought. I was actually excited to be dancing and being so close to them, I was grinding on them. I could see Kate looking at me, but I couldn't tell what her face looked like. It made me scared, almost. I felt like I was being judged by her. Okay, I had to get out. When I saw an opening, I got out of their little trap and left to the restroom to see the picture in the light. I took it out of my bag and observed all the pictures I had so far: the picture of Kate (the best one out of the million I've taken of her), with Warren and Nathan (Warren was smiling with all of his teeth and Nathan was barely smirking), Victoria with her ring (it was shining bright in this photo), and the group photo (all of us mid-laugh and holding onto each other to fit in the picture). The day felt so... surreal. We met up with so many people and it was fun the whole way.
"Were you having fun?" Kate's voice startled me for the second time today.
I turned around to her, rubbing the back of my neck. "Would you be mad if I was?"
"No. Why would I be?" The tone of her voice and her smile seemed calm, but there was something about it that felt passive-aggressive.
"I won't dance for the rest of the night. I'll sit with you."
Kate shrugged her shoulders and replied, "okay." Did I do something wrong? I was just dancing with them. Oh dog, I'm feeling anxious. Okay, calm down. You'll be fine.
She pulled me by my hand and took me to the bar table, where someone else was tending it and Dana was sitting with a shot glass in her hand. "Hey you two! I was wondering where you went."
"I was with Max looking at the pictures." Kate answered, sitting down next to her.
"I bet they're great! I know we talk once in a while, but now I can ask in person: how have you guys been?" She pushed her glass aside.
"We're great! Just living together, being with each other, and enjoying ourselves. We have our dogs and just living as us, is what I'm saying." Kate ended it with a giggle. She had a tight grip around my hand. We should go home... She's acting angry... but, not directly.
"That's good! That's good." Dana nodded. "My boyfriend and I are... I don't want to kill the mood with my drama."
"No, Dana, if you have something to talk about, you can."
"My boyfriend and I are kinda fighting right now? I don't know, we had this disagreement and we haven't spoken a lot... I never told anyone this, but he did catch me and Juliet kissing. It was a drunk kiss; I barely remember it! Juliet and I are okay, but he hasn't been the same. I wish I could fix it, but..."
"Things like this take time. I don't want you to be hopeful it'll work in the end but, if you at the very least attempt to fix it, then that's enough."
"You're right and I really am trying! I don't know why I always ruin my relationships."
"You're not ruining relationships, you just haven't found the right person. Plus, Juliet should help as well. If the big part of the problem involves her."
"... I guess you're right." Dana chuckled and released a heavy sigh. "I need another drink for tonight."
For the rest of the night, Dana and Victoria somehow found each other and were talking about things like theater and drama (like the genre, not her life). Kate still held onto me with a death grip on my hand.
"Kate?"
"Yes?" She turned her head to me; her eyes were burning holes into me.
"Are you... mad at me?"
"No. Why would I be mad at you? You were just dancing with your friends." She turned away towards the crowd, watching everyone enjoying their time.
"I just thought you were mad is all." I'm worried about her. What's on her mind? She won't tell me now, even if she was usually honest. "We should get out of here."
"Agreed." She answered right away.
"Okay... let's sneak out and get a Uber or something? Maybe catch a late bus."
Our exit wasn't subtle, she was still tugging me around and left without saying goodbye to everyone else. Luckily, the bus was still running, so we got and headed back to our place. The ride was quiet and she was staring out the window, either looking at her own reflection or watching me with it. I could see my uneasiness in it, too. I wanted to ask more questions and try to make her feel better, but she wasn't making it easy to help. I left her alone, acknowledging the other people in the bus: a nurse, a disheveled man, and the driver herself. I wish I could call out to them for help, but what would I say? "My girlfriend's mad and I wanna give her emotional support. Help me?" No one's gonna listen to me.
Even the walk into the house was silent. Minus the dogs wagging their tails and wanting our attention, we didn't make a single noise. We took our jackets off and hung it on the hooks next to the door, walking upstairs to our bedroom. The moment I closed the door, Kate approached me, pushing me against the door.
"Kate, whatever I did, I'm so sorry." I wasn't sure what I was sorry for, but it had to be because of how I was dancing at the nightclub. She kept her serious face on for a long time, sending fear into my entire being, wondering what she was gonna do next.
It finally changed into a smile. "I'm not mad at you, Max."
"What? Then—wha—I—"
"I felt like scaring you a little today. I wanted to do it again since Rachel and Chloe show up! I should be sorry I scared you into taking me home again."
I sighed, placing a hand over my heart. "Oh dog, thank you. I thought I did something messed up just now."
"You didn't mess up a single time today." She kissed my forehead. "I may have ordered something, another reason I wanted to be back. I got it for memories and old times sake."
"What is it?"
The doorbell rang and she chuckled. "You're about to find out."
She left downstairs, leaving me to sit on the bed and wait patiently. I wonder what it could be. I didn't know things could be delivered so late. I let out a yawn, letting the day sink in and drain my energy. Kate came back with a white box in her hand.
"You didn't." I smiled, amused at her. I knew what it was as soon as I saw it.
"I did." She sat next to me on the bed and opened the box, revealing the chocolate and pirate-themed cake pops inside. "It felt right to get them. You always brought them when I was in a bad mood or when you simply wanted to see me. I never thought cake pops would be so significant to me, but every time I see them, I think of you."
"Me too... To be honest," I grabbed a pirate one, feeling bad I had to eat it, "I didn't like them at first. I always thought it was too sweet. But, being with you, I think I like them."
"That's okay. I could tell with your face before. You cringe a lot with them."
"But, I like them now! I could eat a hundred of these, easy."
"I don't want you to rot your teeth." She took a chocolate one and popped it into her mouth, chewing it down.
"You get what I mean."
She nodded, swallowing her food down. "That's not the only thing I wanted to do."
"Another surprise?"
"I thought of it in HUE. I wanted to dance with you, but not like that. Therefore, I found some songs and I want to dance with you. Slow dance, with you."
"Kate, you know I don't dance good."
"I know, but this isn't about being good." She held her hand out. "It's something I want to do to finish this busy day."
I sighed and smiled, grabbing her hand and letting her lead me again. Her music started, slow piano and violin playing together in perfect harmony as we held each other. Her hands were on my neck and mine were on her hips, our foreheads pressed together. The only light we had was one bedside lamp, only enough to light a quarter of the room. Whenever the light hit her face, she opened her eyes, revealing her hazel eyes highlighted golden in a stunning ring. I felt myself melt again. It happened every time I was reminded of her loving gaze.
"I love you, Max. I hope you'll never forget that."
"I love you too. And I won't. If you ever do, I'll remind you every single day."
"You're too sweet."
"Just like those cake pops, right?"
"Yes." She giggled and the light shining on her again. Her irises were golden, with her smile and lighting making her into a goddess. "But, I can't kiss cake pops."
"Yes you can. It'll look weird, but you can!"
"Then your name's cake pops now." We shared a giggle before we shared another kiss, tasting the chocolate on her.
My phone was vibrating and I knew it was everyone we left at the club, but I ignored it.
April 1, 2020 10:42 PM
It has been a hectic day today. I'm exhausted. I'm using the last of my energy to write in this journal. I have one reason and one reason only: it's been five years exactly since we sat on the curb to talk to each other. I still remember how I just muttered "you're pretty" to her. It's still embarrassing to think about, but it was the best memory I could have of April Fools. Being with Kate for so long, and getting through this day, I just fall in love every single day. At the end of a long day, I get to be reminded of her and how I get to be with her. Dog, it's like I'm afraid to sleep sometimes: I never want to lose a minute with her. I get to see her smiling and I get to feel her soft skin. I couldn't believe someone like her is in love with me. Knowing I get to see her, make her breakfast, having our pets with our names as theirs, take care of her when she's sick, even just watching movies or staying in bed all day, I was happy to do everything for her.
I'm rambling, but it was like a dream sometimes.
If you asked me five years ago what I loved, I would've said taking pictures and coffee. Although I still loved those things, I have two things I loved that nothing else could compare: hazel eyes and cake pops.
A/N: So, we finally reached the end of this story. This is the first time I've ever finished one of this length and depth, so I hope it's good to all of you guys. Thank you so much for living through two edits, three chapter length changes (started with 20, then 40, then 60), and over 100k+ words. Will this have a sequel? Will I write more Marshfield? I don't know at the moment. I took a year long break from school and I'm back in college again, so I'll have less time. But, if I'm inspired enough, I'll make another one!
But, thank you to everyone who was reading this from the start and followed me on this journey! The whole, general moral of the story is: as unpredictable life could be, someone's there for you. But, also gay, obviously.
The End!
