Hey y'all. I'm here with a little short story surrounding Gwen and Courtney. It's an idea that came to me a few days ago and I felt like writing. I admit that I have been lacking some motivation in writing TDO, so hopefully this helped. It's just a little slice of life story that I had fun writing.
Hope you enjoy!
The sunlight encased the room in its golden hue, signalizing the start of a beautiful morning. And what a room to be in. A luxury apartment, complete with a pristine white couch, mahogany dinner table and granite kitchen countertops. And to top all that off, in one of the rooms, laid a large king size bed.
Its recipient was sleeping peacefully in it. The sunlight made its way into the room and shined upon her brown hair. After a moment, she stirred. Slowly she opened her eyes, before quickly coming to her senses. She stared at the ceiling for a moment and then turned to her left.
The clock showed 9:00.
Courtney grinned to herself. Right on the dot.
She proceeded to give a stretch of her arms, then a satisfied yawn. As her hands came back down to the bed, her right hand suddenly struck something.
It let out a low grunt and the covers suddenly moved. Courtney turned to see what it was. Judging by the disheveled black hair with bits of dark blue pushing out the covers, it did not take her long to figure it out. The pale skin attached to it also gave her a clue.
"Oh," Courtney said. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be here."
Her unexpected arrival let out another groan, as it turned its head towards Courtney. The former CIT couldn't help but smile. She looks exhausted, but dang she looks cute.
Her eyes were still shut, but Courtney didn't think she was fully asleep anymore. "So I take it that you finally finished?"
"Mm-hm." Came the reply. Yes
"So, can I see it?"
Another groan sounded, but it was different.
Courtney sighed. "Alright, I'll ask again later." She started to get up. "I'm gonna make breakfast. You stay here and go back to sleep." She leaned forward, placed a kiss on the girl's head and started to walk away, when she heard a sound and then something suddenly grabbed her wrist. She turned around.
The mass that was next to her had moved and the covers had blown off of it. The pale skin and black and blue hair had revealed itself further, also exposing the black t-shirt and baggy black PJ bottoms. Her face was firmly planted in the bed mattress. "Stay…" Came the barely audible answer.
Courtney gave a look that was half disapproving, but also half acknowledging how cute she was. "Gwen, I need to go make breakfast."
"Stay…" The almost zombie-like voice called out again.
"I'm awake, you're not." Courtney said. "I have stuff to do today and so do you. But, right now, you need to use the time you have left to rest. And I know what I'm talking about."
She didn't get a response, but Gwen refused to let go. Finally, she pulled her head up slowly. Courtney could see by her baggy blood shot eyes just how tired she truly was. "You…" Gwen started, groggily. "...listen to me. You might know a thing or two, but I know what I'm talking about. And I know…you have the day off today and…I'm not meeting my client until two…" She trailed off. "W-What time is it?"
"Nine."
"Ok good. So I have time and it's going to take me five minutes to get ready. I know you missed having me in bed with you, so get your butt in here."
Courtney frowned. Truth be told, Gwen was right. It was her day off and she did miss getting to wake up next to her girlfriend. But…Courtney was also very stubborn and didn't like going against the schedule she made for herself.
Gwen must've noticed her girlfriend contemplating, so let go of her wrist and turned herself over to face the other way. "Just say you don't love me anymore…"
"No, that's not…" Courtney sat down on the bed. "Of course I love you, but…you need to sleep. Today's a big day for you."
"And it's a big day for you…" Gwen whined, still not facing Courtney. "You get to sleep with me again. If anything, I'm probably going to sleep better because you're in bed with me. But…whatever, do what you want."
Courtney gave a sympathetic look. She hated the thought of making Gwen upset. I told her she needs rest and…She sighed. I guess it's up to me
With a bit of reluctance, Courtney climbed back onto the bed and under the covers. Not even two seconds had she gotten comfortable, when a pair of arms wrapped around her. Courtney smirked and looked down to see her girlfriend, tightly hugging her with a very proud smile.
Courtney returned the hug and really embraced the moment. She loved the feeling of comfort Gwen brought in this situation. And the pure joy she knew her girlfriend was feeling was also a huge bonus. She loved running her hands along her back and hearing her soft breaths.
Courtney closed her eyes. She was right…I did miss this
After about 30 minutes of pure bliss, it seemed like the moment would last forever.
Unfortunately, it didn't.
A low rumble interrupted the peace. Courtney opened her eyes and knew exactly what it was. The girl hadn't had her breakfast.
The former CIT grunted and looked down. Gwen was still snuggled up to her, in a peaceful state. Courtney would've been glad to leave her like that, but her hunger was outweighing everything else.
She would've gotten out of the bed, but her girlfriend had her arms firmly locked around her. She tried moving out, but Gwen was determined to keep her there.
"Gwen, honey?" She whispered.
No response.
"I really need to get up."
She got a low groan as a reply. In fact, the hug seemed to get tighter.
Courtney tried pulling herself up, but was pulled back down. She tried moving her arms up to gently break Gwen's grip, but that didn't work either. Another grumble of her stomach sounded. At this point, she's gonna keep me here until I… An idea hit her.
She feigned a look of sadness. "Just say you don't love me anymore…"
Gwen slowly lifted her head. "Wha…? What are you talking about?"
Courtney let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, you're keeping me here. And while I love having you here, I don't think you feel the same way."
"You're not making any sense, Court."
"Well, if you really loved me, you wouldn't keep me trapped here and you wouldn't let me starve to death."
"Courtney, that's ridiculous. I-" Then it struck her. And Courtney's look of 'you see what I'm getting at' was all she needed to see. "Yeah, I get it." Slowly, and under heavy protest, she released her grip.
"Tell you what." Courtney said gently. "If you're still up to it, how about we spend the time we have, between breakfast and your meeting, cuddling? I'll even throw the time we have between you coming back and our dinner tonight."
She didn't get a verbal response. Instead Gwen simply stuck her hand from out of the cover and gave a thumbs up.
The former CIT smirked and stepped out of the bed. She watched as Gwen's hand sunk back under the covers. "I love you." She called.
Gwen poked her head back out and gave a small smile. "Love you too."
Courtney had put on one of her long pajama pants before exiting their room. Well, more specifically, it was one of Gwen's plaid bottoms, but they were the same size and it wasn't a problem for either of them.
As she headed towards the kitchen, Courtney passed the second bedroom. Or, at least, that's what it used to be, before Gwen converted into her art studio.
The door was left slightly opened. Courtney stopped in front of it. She looked back. Alright, she should still be in bed… She carefully pushed the door open.
Inside, like the rest of their apartment, the floor was hardwood. Leaning against the walls, were several blank canvases and piles of unopened cans of paint, as well as completely empty ones. The sunlight came in through the balcony, giving a nice aura to it all. It really was the perfect place to set up a studio.
In the middle, on top of several tarps, was a big easel. Courtney remembered Gwen saying she didn't want her seeing 'it' yet, but she should've locked the door she had told herself.
The easel had another tarp over it, however, so she technically wasn't going against her word since she couldn't actually look at it.
Courtney could remember finding her girlfriend in this room for the past few days. Every morning since she was given this commission, Gwen hadn't been able to make it to their bedroom. And Courtney had found her passed out, either on the chair or on the floor. The first time this had happened, Courtney insisted on her coming to bed. Gwen tried to refuse, but Courtney hurried her out. That should've been it, but the next morning, Courtney found her girlfriend out of bed and passed out on the floor of her art studio. She gave up trying after that.
The former CIT stepped inside and walked towards the painting. The guilt she was feeling was building, while looking at the large easel.
Her hand reached out towards it. She really wanted to see it, especially since Gwen had spent so many nights working on it. She was, of course, going to praise her for it, since she's such an amazing artist. But…she'd hate me if she didn't get to be the one to show it to me. Courtney sighed and put her hand down.
She then turned around and headed back towards the kitchen.
Courtney opened the fridge and quickly found what she was looking for.
A bottle of pancake batter for her almond flour pancakes that she made the night before. Courtney prided herself on her ability to always plan for things like this. Now an easy to make breakfast would ensure a quick solution to her rumbling stomach and would allow her plenty of time to help Gwen get ready when she got out of bed.
She got out the pan, placed it on the stove top and turned the flame on. Once the pan was hot enough, she poured a little bit of olive oil into it, followed by some of the batter. Courtney patiently waited until the bubbles started to form. Once she was certain it was ready, she took a spatula and flipped it over. Sure enough, it was the perfect shade of brown that any breakfast maker would be jealous of. Or at least, that's what Courtney told herself. She gave a sniff, smiling in triumph at the wonderful aroma.
A moment later, the pancake was done. Courtney placed it on her plate and went to start the next one. If her first one was perfect, this next one was going to be the same. She poured the batter in once more.
But, it wasn't going to be exactly the same.
A pair of arms wrapped around Courtney's waist. She nearly jumped and spilled the rest of her batter. Some stray blobs landed on the stove itself. She sighed in annoyance. She was hoping to avoid any messes. The warmth of something pressed against her back told her what caused the interruption. "I thought I told you to stay in bed."
Gwen groaned. "I know…but it smells sooooo good in here."
"That's because I'm a good cook." Courtney bragged. "And that's why when I'm done I'll-" She stopped. "Hold on. No. You are not tricking me into letting you stay and-" She stopped, as she felt Gwen's lips press against the back of her neck. A shiver ran up her spine. She was in a trance for a moment before regaining her sense of surroundings. "Ok, fine. You can stay. But…please remember I'm in front of an open flame." She went to flip her pancake. It was a little on the burnt side. Courtney sighed. I guess that one's mine.
Gwen adjusted her grip and put the side of her head on Courtney's back. "Can you make some coffee too?"
"Sure." Courtney went back to making another pancake, when she was done with her second. Another followed after that and she had used up all her batter. She placed half of them on one plate and the rest on another. She looked over to the coffee maker and began a pot.
"You're so warm…" She heard her sleepy girlfriend mumble.
Courtney couldn't help but smile. "You're cute like this, but you need to wake up." She soon finished the pot.
She filled it up in a mug and went to grab one of the plates. She placed both of them on the table, then addressed her carry-on. "Your breakfast is ready, sleepyhead."
Finally, she felt the arms loosen. "You're the best." And Gwen snuck a quick kiss on her girlfriend's cheek.
Courtney smiled. "However, I will have to deduct this unscheduled cuddle time out of the planned cuddle session for later."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "I take it back, you're the worst." She soon took her seat.
Courtney chuckled and went to grab her plate. By the time she had made it to the table, Gwen was already sipping her coffee.
She let out a very content sigh. "Thank you, I really needed that."
"Well, if you weren't going to listen, you could at least get the next best thing." Courtney took her seat. "Speaking of, even if you're awake now, I think you should go right to bed after our dinner tonight. You haven't had a proper night's sleep in four days."
"Whatever, mom." Gwen joked and took a bite of her breakfast.
"I'm not joking, Gwen. You've been overworking yourself and…I missed being able to go to sleep and wake up with you. But, more than that, it's bad for your health."
The goth could see how serious her girlfriend was looking. She sighed. "Yeah, I gotcha. I'll go to bed early." She quickly perked up and held up her plate. "And if it means I get to keep having some of your killer breakfasts, you can bet I'll be following through on it."
This made Courtney smile. "That's good to hear." She reached her hand out, which Gwen held. "That painting is done, right?"
Gwen nodded. "Finally done." She smirked proudly to herself.
"Can I see it before you take it to the client?"
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "You haven't seen it yet?"
"You told me I couldn't."
"When?"
"This morning. I mean, you didn't really say anything, but it sounded like you didn't want me to see it."
Gwen gave a confused look. "And since when has that ever stopped my independent, stubborn, nosey girlfriend from just doing whatever she wanted?"
Courtney blushed. "I…I was tempted. But…I also knew if I saw it before you showed me, you'd be upset. I might be nosey, but I do value your feelings."
The goth couldn't help but beam at this. "Wow, you are…amazing. And for being a good girlfriend, you get to be the first person to see it."
Courtney smiled wide. She was legit excited to see it.
"After…" Gwen continued. "I finish these awesome pancakes." She took another big bite.
Courtney did the same, but ate at a slightly quicker pace than usual.
They soon arrived at the entrance of Gwen's studio. "Alright, before we go in, close your eyes." The goth said.
"Why?" Courtney asked. "There's a tarp over it."
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "How…did you know about that? I thought you said you didn't look at it."
"You left the door open…"
Gwen raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
Courtney gave a nervous chuckle. "Ok, it was slightly opened and I…may have poked my head in. But, you should know, I was tempted to look at it, but I didn't. That's got to count for something, right?"
Gwen rolled her eyes, but smirked. "Alright, fine. Your sins are forgiven. Now get in here."
The two went inside the studio. Gwen went over to the tarped easel. "You're the first person, other than myself, to see the full thing. Prepare yourself because this will make your jaw drop."
Courtney grabbed a chair and sat down, legit excited but trying to remain composed.
Gwen took a deep breath and removed the tarp. "Taa-da!"
She was right, Courtney could not help herself when she gasped and her jaw nearly fell off its hinges.
The painting itself was beautiful. It was a scenic night time scene. In the foreground was a reflective lake, with the bright moon reflecting in its water. In the background were some gorgeous snowy mountains. And, of course, the eye catcher was a big bright moon high in the sky, giving everything a dazzling glow.
The former CIT just stared for a solid minute, much to her girlfriend's delight. "I take it, you like it."
Courtney eventually found her voice. "I…it's amazing. I almost want it for myself."
"Well, tell you what, if the client doesn't like it, I'll give it to you."
Courtney stood up, with a look of intensity. "First off, you're not giving it to me. I'm buying it if the client doesn't want it. Second, if the client doesn't want it, he's either blind, lacking taste or just really stupid. This is seriously amazing. You should be so proud of this."
Gwen felt her eyes welling up with tears for a minute, before she quickly wiped them away. "T-Thank you." She whispered.
Courtney stood up and went over to give her girlfriend a hug. "Whatever this guy is asking for, double it."
Gwen smiled and returned the hug. "Tell you what, if the sale goes through, I'll pay for dinner tonight."
"And if it somehow doesn't, I'll pay for it." Courtney added. "It's a win-win for you. But I seriously doubt he isn't going to want it."
Gwen smiled tenderly at her girlfriend, as did she. Within their embrace, they shared a passionate kiss, only made better by the beautiful painted moon.
"So," Gwen said, once they finished. "Since we've got time before my meeting, are you willing to follow up on that cuddle promise?"
Courtney chuckled and nodded. "First…" She took out her phone and snapped a pic of Gwen's painting. "I don't want to forget this one." She took Gwen's hand and they both headed out the room.
"Cuddle time" had moved from its original spot in the bed, to the couch in the main room. And, this time, Gwen was going to be the big spoon. She also elected to also put something on the TV.
So, there they were, wrapped in each other's arms, laying on the couch, watching the show that perfectly captured the tone that was being set. Castlevania.
Courtney, for the life of her, did not understand this decision. Not that Gwen picked it, it was only natural she would pick a show so violent and gory, with a decent comedic edge, but also really breathtaking imagery. This was right up her girlfriend's alley.
But, it didn't seem like an appropriate show for…mid morning cuddling.
Still, it made Gwen happy and that's all that mattered.
"Watch this, he's totally going to whip that guy in the face." Gwen pointed.
On cue, a loud whipping sound followed.
"Cool, right?" she asked.
Courtney cringed a little. "Was…that his eye?"
"Yup."
Then she shrugged. "Just checking."
After a few hours of more cuddling, it was lunch time and not long after that, it was time for Gwen to get ready for her meeting. She had Courtney prepare the car so she could transfer it. And if Courtney was good at anything, it was ensuring the job was done right.
She grabbed as many blankets as she could and placed them all along the trunk and backseat area. Now it was just a matter of moving the painting. She looked at the large mass in front of her and cracked her knuckles.
"Don't even think about it."
Courtney turned and immediately froze.
There was Gwen standing at the door. "I only asked you to get my car ready. If you think you're carrying that thing alone, you're dead wrong. I know you're strong and…and…what are you staring at?"
Courtney's mouth was still agape. It didn't take long to realize that she was staring at Gwen.
She had changed out of her PJs and was now wearing a white blouse with gray pants. It was a simple look but, to Courtney, it was a lot more.
"This…is doing a lot for me." She blushed.
Gwen chuckled. "Alright, babe. Just remember to clean the drool puddle before I get home. Now, we got a job to do. I checked and we should be able to get this to the elevator. Then it's just a straight shot to my car. Everything set there?"
Courtney nodded.
It took some adjusting and careful moving, but the two were able to get it out of the art studio, then the room itself and towards the elevator. Thankfully, no one was on it, so it was an easy ride down. Well, not entirely.
Gwen couldn't help but feel she was being watched. She sighed. "I guess I should start wearing this more, huh?"
"Yeah…" Courtney said, almost in a trance-like state.
The elevator suddenly stopped and the door opened. Gwen turned to see an old man and lady standing in front of it.
"Wow." The man went wide eyed. "That sure is a work of art." He was staring at the painting.
"She sure is…" Courtney sighed, still looking at Gwen.
The goth and the old couple gave confused looks at the still love struck Courtney. It took a moment for her to realize the old couple was there. And it took her another moment to realize why they were staring at her.
She blushed a deep shade of red. "Oh, um…we refer to the painting as a…she. So…yes, you are correct, it is a work of art. It's…actually something we have to move, so…" She was repeatedly hitting the close door button. "...sorry, you'll have to take the next one." She chuckled nervously.
As the doors were shutting, the old lady spoke up. "Now, why don't you talk to me like that anymore?" She said to her husband.
The door soon closed all the way, leaving the two girlfriends alone in their thoughts. The silence was deafening.
Courtney was facing away, trying her best to forget the embarrassing moment. Suddenly, the silence was broken as Gwen burst out into a fit of laughter.
"Stop!" Courtney shouted. "It's not funny!"
"You're right, it's hilarious." The goth said through her laughing.
Courtney crossed her arms and looked away, still blushing.
By the time Gwen had calmed down, the elevator had reached the bottom. "Alright, let's get this thing moving."
The former CIT was still pouting, but still helped. They carried it down the hallway and out the door. Courtney had already brought Gwen's car to the front, so they just had to put it inside. It took a bit of time and the painting barely fit inside. But after a bit, they managed to get it all set up.
Gwen got in her car. Her girlfriend stood by her to see her off. Gwen could tell she was still embarrassed about earlier. She smiled warmly. "Hey." She put her hand on her girlfriend's shoulder. "You're a piece of art to me."
Courtney stared, before snickering. "That's so cheesy."
"You said it, not me."
The two laughed.
"Alright, when do you think you'll be back?"
Gwen shrugged. "I shouldn't be gone for more than an hour or two. I mean, he's gonna look at the painting, so if he likes it then I'll come home."
"He'll pay you and then you'll come home." Courtney corrected. "And since you're going out, can you get a few things?"
"What do we need?"
"Hold on." She reached into her back pocket and pulled out a notepad and a pen. "I think we're low on yogurt and maybe some soft shell tacos." She scribbled in her pad. "I want to try something new tomorrow. See if you can find sea bass and maybe some canola oil too."
"Babe…"
"And some avocado…red onion…oh, wait we also need more napkins."
"Court…"
"...and I guess if you want more ice cream. I'll just write it down and let you pick whatever-"
"Courtney!"
The former CIT stopped.
"I need to go." She swiped the list from her girlfriend's hand. "Just text me if you think of anything else."
"Alright." Courtney smiled. "I'll see you later."
Gwen returned it and the two kissed. "Wish me luck."
"You won't need it. No matter what happens, someone is buying that painting."
The goth smirked and started to drive away. Courtney watched her go. She waited in the driveway until she was out of sight.
Once she was gone, she debated to herself. She looked up towards her apartment building, then back down. Piece of art…
Courtney had mixed feelings on days off. She liked spending time with Gwen and, sure, everyone needs a break now and then, but, especially with Gwen gone, it was hard for her to find something to keep herself busy.
She had decided to go out briefly for an…unplanned occasion. But, once she got back, she soon realized there wasn't much to do. She first decided to look through the apartment and see if anything needed cleaning. It didn't amount to much since Courtney had always prided herself on keeping a clean living space and Gwen was no slouch either. So within fifteen minutes, she was done.
She plopped herself on the couch and stared at the blank TV.
Then it hit her.
Why did I ask her to go shopping?! I could've easily done that myself! She groaned in frustration and looked at the clock. It had been a little over an hour since Gwen had left and she had debated texting her, letting her know she could do the shopping. But, then a whole boatload of more issues came from that. What if Gwen was in the middle of the meeting when her phone went off? What if Gwen was already at the store? What if she was already leaving the store?
More scenarios clouded her mind as she sat in silence.
After a minute of this, she took a deep breath. I guess I'm just going to have to wait until Gwen gets back. She continued sitting in her empty apartment.
That all lasted about thirty seconds, as Courtney stood up. Geez, what am I? A dog? I need to find something to do. I…need a hobby.
Books? No, too much sitting around.
Working out? Is that even a hobby? Why would anyone consider prioritizing their health as an activity to do from sheer boredom?
Knitting?
Maybe I should get into a sport? Wait, no. I run a law firm, that would lose a lot of credibility to see me running around and sweaty. Besides, that's too much of a commitment to pile onto my existing responsibilities.
She let out a loud sigh. I suppose if watching cat videos works for Gwen, in her down time, it could do something for me.
Then a thought struck her. The internet. That should give me some viable options. She grabbed her laptop and opened it up.
An hour or so later, a jiggle of the door knob was heard. The door opened and Gwen appeared, holding a brown paper bag. She went to the kitchen and set it down on the table.
She heard footsteps and Courtney soon appeared by the door. She smiled. "Hey, how did it go?"
Gwen looked up at her girlfriend. For some reason, she didn't look happy. She looked depressed actually.
Courtney took a breath. "Oh, Gwen." She went to give her a hug. "It doesn't matter. I'll pay for dinner tonight, but before that, I'll go to the bank and get however much that talentless hack was going to pay you. I'll double it even and-"
Her girlfriend suddenly burst out laughing, much to Courtney's surprise. She stepped back. "Gotcha." The goth smirked.
Courtney's mouth went agape. When she realized what Gwen had done, she lightly socked her in the shoulder. "You jerk! I was so worried."
"I know, I thought it'd be funny. And it's nice to know you cared that much."
"Of course I cared. But, forget about that, how much did it sell for?"
"$800. That's what we agreed to."
Courtney scoffed. "I would've paid double."
Gwen smirked and patted her girlfriend's shoulder. "I know." The two shared a brief kiss. "Do you mind putting the food away? I got everything on the list and I kinda just want to lie down."
The former CIT nodded. Gwen went to the main room, while Courtney got to work. She had soon arranged everything on the table for easy access. She cracked her fingers and started.
"Hey, babe?" She heard a voice.
Courtney stopped and went over. "What is it?"
"What's this?" Gwen gestured towards the open laptop. Courtney walked over. On the screen was a confirmation page for something having been bought. "Did you just buy a bulk load of…wood?"
"Oh, yeah. It should be arriving tomorrow. Someone should be able to bring it inside, but I may need you here to-"
"Why?" Gwen interrupted.
Courtney blinked. "For the spice rack I'm building."
The goth shook her head in surprise. "We already have a spice rack!" She spluttered
"Yeah, but not one built by me."
"Ok, better question, why are you building a spice rack?"
"Because I need something to do when you aren't here. I'm not just going to sit around, waiting for you like a dog. This way, I can keep myself busy. I also bought a few power tools, but they probably won't get here until next week."
"B-But where are you going to put it all?"
"Probably in my office. I can make enough space for it. I only really need the room now for video calls."
Gwen just stared at her girlfriend in disbelief.
Courtney kissed her on the cheek and went back to the kitchen. "Oh, and I bought some Legos, in case that didn't work out."
By the time it had fully registered what Courtney was planning on doing, it was soon time to head out.
Gwen had elected to wear a black tux, with an unbuttoned jacket. She grinned as she looked at herself in the mirror. If Courtney was speechless before, she's gonna lose it when she sees me in this. This is going to be a fun dinner.
She went to the main room, fully expecting Courtney to still be getting ready.
"So, what do you think?"
Gwen froze, right at the entrance to the hallway. She was surprised to see her girlfriend was ready. And she was even more shocked by her outfit. Courtney was wearing a bright, sequin red dress, with a slit over the leg and a single strap over the shoulder. Her eyeliner and makeup also complimented the look and her hair was up in a bun.
"Anything to say?" She asked.
Gwen was frozen, mouth hanging open. She was…speechless. Slowly, she found her voice. "Wh…wha….how…oh my god."
Courtney chuckled. "I take it that you like it."
"How…" Finally, Gwen was able to talk again. "Where on earth did you get that?"
"After you left, I went to the dress shop and found this."
"How much stuff did you buy today?!"
Courtney shrugged. "You know me. I'm good with handling money."
"Yeah, but…this…"
"What, do you not like it?"
"No!" Gwen shouted. "I…I love it…just…it's a lot for me to process. You look…like a goddess." Courtney blushed. "I…just can't stop thinking of what I could do with you."
The former CIT blushed and stepped back. "Gwen! Let's have dinner first."
"Wha…" The goth looked at her, then realized. "No! No, I didn't mean it like that. I meant…I really want to paint this."
"Paint what?"
Gwen stepped forward, gently holding Courtney by her hips. "You." Courtney froze in surprise, as her cheeks glowed even more red. "I want to paint you, in this outfit. It…just feels like something I need to do. At this point, I don't even care about the dinner. I mean, I know you do and I know you hate bailing on plans so easily, but…I just can't stop thinking about breaking out an easel and…creating something that I will cherish forever."
Courtney was in awe over Gwen's words. "T-Thank you, Gwen. I…wasn't expecting this sort of reaction. I was kinda just hoping to get back at you for what happened earlier today, but…that really means a lot."
Gwen smiled. "I seriously can't wait until we get home, so I can…" She trailed off, then looked away for a second. "Wait…" She shot a confused look at Courtney. "Did you only get this to one-up me for making you drool in the elevator?"
Courtney sheepishly turned away. "Kinda…" Gwen didn't say anything for a moment. Courtney couldn't tell how annoyed she was. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"
But she needn't worry. Gwen chuckled. "I should've expected that. Alright, I guess you win. But, as a consolation prize, I get to paint you when we get home."
Courtney sighed and smiled back. Then she remembered something. "Umm…we can't do that tonight…because you…" She pointed. "...are going to bed early. So that means no late night painting sessions."
The goth groaned. "Dang it. I was hoping you forgot about that. So, can we do it, like, soonish." She gave a pleading smile.
Courtney rolled her eyes. "I'll see where I can fit you on my schedule. But, yes. We will get around to it. Promise."
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. But just letting you know, that's all I'm going to be thinking about until it happens."
"You really think I look that good in this dress."
Gwen nodded. "I think you look like…a work of art."
Courtney stared into her girlfriend's eyes, admiration and joy sparkling in her own. Gwen could feel it and returned the look.
Then Courtney blinked. "You stole that line from that old man."
"Way to ruin the moment." Gwen sighed.
"Nope." Courtney grabbed her girlfriend's cheeks and pulled her close. Gwen was caught off guard, as she was pulled in for a deep kiss. Gwen went wide eyed, before quickly sinking into the feeling of pure bliss. The kiss continued for a few more seconds, before Courtney pulled away. "There. Moment saved."
"I love you…" Was all Gwen said.
"I know." Courtney responded.
Then she took her girlfriend's hand and the two headed out. Tonight's dinner was going to be a memorable one for certain. Both of them were going to guarantee it, especially if today was anything to go by.
Again, just a little slice of life story with no real conflict or major stakes. The funny thing is that, way back after I finished Total Drama Legends, I had a story in mind of Gwen and Courtney going to a special dinner. Maybe I'll continue the story with that, but don't expect it.
In the meantime, let me know what you think. I'll talk to y'all later