A/N: This fic contains potentially triggering subject matter including but not limited to: suicidal references, gun violence, sexual trauma, homelessness, drug abuse, depression, homophobia, and cancer. It may contain inaccuracies. No copyright infringement intended. Thanks for reading!
BOOK ONE - PART ONE - CHAPTER ELEVEN
"Okay. I'll push the cart, and you tell me where to go," Cat instructed. She and Sam were at the supermarket, picking up a few items she might need. "You can get whatever you want. Even if it's expensive. Okay?" It was already an unspoken decision that she'd be staying with her indefinitely. They still had a lot of catching up to do, but they wanted to get everything else out of the way first.
"Um, okay." Sam looked around the store, but didn't move. She seemed hesitant and unsure where to start. She had no idea what other people considered to be essentials.
Cat watched Sam go into a silent panic—she clearly didn't go shopping often. She gently suggested, "How 'bout we get you some toiletries and stuff first?"
Sam nodded. "Right. Good idea." The two of them went to the correct section, but once they arrived there, Sam seemed just as lost as before.
Cat realized she'd have to take over again, but she didn't mind helping. Careful not to embarrass her, she said, "C'mon. Let's get you a toothbrush and toothpaste."
Sam pulled a blue toothbrush off the hook, then went over to the toothpaste and grabbed one that sounded vaguely familiar. Then she tossed them into the cart. "'Kay, what's next?"
"Well, we should get you some shampoo and soap. Do you prefer bar soap or body wash?" Cat asked, leading them to that aisle. Sam didn't seem to have an answer to that question, so Cat offered, "Would you like me to just pick out your things for you?"
"Uh, yeah. Please. If you don't mind," Sam answered nervously. "It's just… been a long time since I've shopped for this kind of stuff, y'know? I know that's stupid, but…"
Cat gave her a peck on the cheek. "It's not stupid. I don't mind helping you. Here." She grabbed a bottle of shampoo from the shelf and handed it to Sam. "Do you like the smell of that one?"
Sam checked, then shrugged and nodded. "That works, I guess." She dropped it in the cart.
"This is the soap we used to get," Cat told her, pulling a box of bars of soap off the shelf. "You can have your own, so I don't have to deal with you leaving little hairs all over it."
Sam smiled sheepishly. "Well, at least now you know why."
Cat giggled. "I always kind of figured. It's okay. I think you're really sexy."
"Would you prefer I shave?" Sam asked, glancing at the razors and shaving cream. "I mean, not… there, necessarily, but just in general? Like my pits and my legs and stuff?"
"No," Cat responded truthfully. "You can if you want. But just so you know?" She leaned in close to her and quietly murmured, "Hairiness really turns me on."
Sam raised her eyebrows. "Oh, yeah?"
Cat whispered, "I want to make out with your armpits," which made Sam snort with laughter, causing Cat to blush deeply. "What? Is that weird?"
"Uh, yeah, it's a little weird," Sam chuckled, "But really pretty mild as far as kinks go. I mean, I'd totally let you. Would I have to shower first?"
"I'd prefer you didn't," Cat admitted. "Is there anything you really wanna do with me?"
"Oh, man," Sam laughed, "That is a loaded question. And a totally inappropriate conversation for the middle of the store."
"Right." Cat bit her lip. Then she motioned ahead of her. "Pick some deodorant. Not everyone likes it like I do."
Sam did.
After checking every nearby aisle and ensuring Sam had everything she needed, Cat asked, "Is there anything else you need in this section?"
"I don't think so," Sam replied.
Cat pulled out her phone and checked the time. "Well, we have around three hours before we need to get to your appointment, so let's go get some food and stuff. Then we can head to the mall and pick out some clothes for you." She had booked Sam an urgent appointment with her own doctor, against Sam's wishes.
"Food?" Sam perked up.
Cat smiled. "I'll let you lead the way this time."
A few hours later, Sam and Cat were sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office. Sam was breathing heavily, white-knuckling, bouncing her knee up and down. On the verge of freaking out, she turned to Cat. "I don't know if I can do this," she told her, just as somebody called, "Samantha?" Sam swore and looked around for an escape. Cat caught her before she could get far.
The nurse approached them slowly, checking her charts. "Samantha… Puckett? We're ready for you now." She paused, and, observing Sam's anxious state, added, "You're welcome to bring your girlfriend if that makes you more comfortable."
"She's not my girlfriend," Sam grumbled, blushing. But Cat's arms were wrapped tightly around her to keep her from running off.
"Let's just go, Sam. It'll be done quick," Cat encouraged her, taking her hand.
Sam sighed. "You'll get me two large milkshakes from Freezy Queen if I do this?"
"We'll go there right after. Promise."
Sam took a deep breath. "Fine. Let's get this over with."