Chapter Text
Caitlyn sat stiffly in the examination room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Dr. Harper adjusted her glasses, her expression a mix of professionalism and exasperation.
“Mating during adolescence,” Dr. Harper began, her tone heavy with authority, “is something we always advise against. Your body is still developing, your hormones are all over the place, and the bond amplifies everything. It’s like throwing gasoline on a fire.”
Caitlyn nodded faintly, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole. This was the last thing she wanted to hear right now. Or ever.
Dr. Harper didn’t seem to notice Caitlyn’s discomfort as she continued. “The emotional intensity, the heightened aggression, the lack of impulse control—it’s all completely normal, but it’s why we recommend waiting. You’re essentially dealing with a second puberty while still in the first one.”
Caitlyn felt her cheeks heat up. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could endure this lecture. Suddenly, the realization hit her: her life had become a constant cycle of public embarrassment. Everything she’d once dreaded had come crashing down on her at once—the rut, the mate bite, coming out to everyone she knew. There was no hiding anymore. Her scent betrayed every aspect of her sexual maturity, every hormonal fluctuation, every emotion.
She glanced around the room, her thoughts drifting. The sterile white walls of the clinic felt suffocating. Her mind wandered to a more comforting thought: her own apartment. A place where she could go through all of this in peace, without the fear of being caught in awkward situations or overheard.
Her father had promised to support her financially. Maybe he’d be okay with her renting a small place just for herself.
And if Vi ever wanted to move in with her? That would be perfect.
“Caitlyn?” Dr. Harper’s voice cut through her daydream.
Caitlyn blinked, snapping back to reality. “Uh, yes?”
“I was saying,” Dr. Harper said patiently, “that the contraceptive injection tends to be painful because the medication is oily. Are you ready?”
Caitlyn nodded, bracing herself as she rolled up her sleeve. “Yes. Let’s get it over with.”
The needle went in, and Dr. Harper wasn’t kidding—the injection hurt. Caitlyn winced but didn’t say anything, silently cursing her biology for making this necessary.
“Done,” Dr. Harper announced, disposing of the syringe. “You might experience some side effects—pimples, mood swings, maybe some tenderness—but it’s effective.”
“Great,” Caitlyn muttered, rubbing her arm as she stood up. “Thanks.”
She left the clinic, finding Jayce leaning casually against the wall outside. He grinned when he saw her, holding up his arm where a small bandage covered his own injection site.
“You too?” Caitlyn asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jayce shrugged. “Figured I’d kill two birds with one stone. Besides, it’s good to stay prepared.”
Caitlyn sighed, rubbing her sore arm. “That injection hurts like hell.”
“Yup,” Jayce agreed. “And don’t be surprised if you get a pimple or two. The stuff’s rough on your system.”
Before Caitlyn could respond, Jayce’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it and then turned to her. “Your dad called while you were in there. He wants you to call him back as soon as possible.”
Caitlyn felt a flicker of worry as she pulled out her phone and dialed. Her father picked up almost immediately.
“Caitlyn,” Tobias said, his voice warm and steady. “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” Caitlyn replied cautiously. “Jayce said you called. What is it?”
“Nothing serious,” Tobias assured her. “I just wanted to check in, make sure you’re doing all right.”
Caitlyn sighed in relief. “I’m fine, papa.”
There was a pause on the line before Tobias continued. “And I wanted to talk about… birth control.”
Caitlyn groaned internally, her exhaustion bubbling to the surface. “I’m already taking the injections,” she said flatly.
“Good,” Tobias said, his tone light but approving. “It’s important to be prepared.”
Caitlyn could barely muster a response. She was so tired of talking about her sex life, her hormones, her body—it felt like there was no corner of her life that wasn’t up for public discussion anymore.
“On another note,” Tobias added, his voice brightening, “we should talk about your birthday. It’s coming up soon.”
Caitlyn blinked, startled. Her birthday? She’d been so overwhelmed by everything that she’d completely forgotten.
“Oh. Right. I guess it is.”
“It’s less than two weeks away,” Tobias reminded her. “I thought we could plan something. Maybe a small celebration?”
“Sure,” Caitlyn said, her mind already racing. “Can I celebrate it at Jayce’s apartment?”
Jayce, who had been half-listening, grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. “Absolutely,” he said cheerfully.
“Sounds perfect,” Tobias said. “Anything special you want for your birthday?”
Caitlyn thought for a moment before a small smile tugged at her lips. “A pineapple cake."
Tobias chuckled. “That doesn’t count as a gift, Caitlyn.”
“Why not?”
“Because I always make one anyway,” Tobias said, his tone teasing. “Think about what else you’d like, and let me know. I’ll come see you this weekend, okay?”
“Okay,” Caitlyn agreed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Love you, sweetheart,” Tobias said.
“Love you too.”
Caitlyn: Left you a little something behind the sci-fi shelf in the library. Hope you like it.
She hit send and leaned back, smirking to herself. The gift had been an impulsive idea, but it felt right. Her phone buzzed almost immediately.
Vi: a little something, huh? are we really doing this again?
Caitlyn: What?
Vi: the whole secret notes and gifts thing. thought we were past that lol
Caitlyn: Well, why not? It’s fun.
There was a long pause before Violet replied.
Vi: fine cupcake, I’ll check it out. gimme ten min
Caitlyn’s grin widened. She could already picture Violet rolling her eyes but secretly enjoying the intrigue.
Twelve minutes later, her phone buzzed again.
Vi: a plushie bat? really?
Vi: I mean, it’s super cute and stuff, but why a bat?
Caitlyn: Because you look like a bat.
Vi: hmmm. like a vampire?
Caitlyn: No, of course not.
Caitlyn: Not like a vampire or anything, but one of those tiny bats with puppy faces.
Caitlyn: You know, the ones that look neotenic and a little mischievous.
Vi: is that supposed to be a compliment?
Caitlyn: Of course. Baby bats are lovely. Just like you.
Caitlyn could practically feel her confusion through the phone.
Vi: okay, but… why is there a zipper on its belly?
Caitlyn: Check inside.
It took a moment before Violet’s next message came through.
Vi: Caitlyn. CAITLYN.
Vi: IT’S PREGNANT AND THERE’S A BABY BAT INSIDE.
Caitlyn: Told you it was lovely.
Vi: fuck cupcake this is the cutest thing i’ve ever seen!!!!!
Vi: this isn’t fair!!!! >((( now I have to come up with something just as adorable for you
Caitlyn smiled, her cheeks warming at the nickname. She hesitated for a moment before typing her next message.
Caitlyn: You don’t have to give me anything. But my birthday’s next week. Want to come to the party?
Vi: what???? your birthday?
Caitlyn: Yes. Jayce is letting me have it at his apartment. It’s next Friday. Think you can make it?
There was a pause before Violet replied.
Vi: of course duh?? but now I need to think of the perfect gift
Vi: damn cupcake!!!! >((( you and your adorable pregnant bat have raised the stakes!!! you ruined me
Caitlyn: You’ll come up with something. I believe in you.
Vi: hey… you know what you remind me of?
Caitlyn: What?
Vi: a bunny
Caitlyn blinked at her screen, momentarily confused.
Caitlyn: A bunny?
Vi: mushy, neurotic, ridiculously cute, loves strawberries. total bunny vibes
Caitlyn felt her cheeks flush, an embarrassed laugh slipping out.
Caitlyn: Well… thank you, I guess.
Vi: thinkin about your gift
Vi: maybe bunny flavored cupcakes? that sounds kind of gross though
Caitlyn: Don’t. Please, don’t.
Caitlyn: I have no interest in any gifts that involve eating animals.
Caitlyn: And please stop sending me nudes without warning.
Vi: you’re making it hard!!!
Caitlyn sat on the edge of the school courtyard, leaning against the cool brick wall as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the concrete. Around her, Violet’s brothers and their skateboarding friends laughed and shouted as they took turns attempting tricks.
The sound of wheels scraping against the pavement mixed with bursts of laughter, creating a lively and carefree atmosphere. Caitlyn smiled faintly, watching Violet exchange teasing remarks with Mylo. Violet’s boots rested on the curb, her arms casually draped over her knees, exuding her usual mix of confidence and nonchalance.
“You know,” Mylo called out, pointing at Violet as he stumbled off his board, “if you put half as much effort into skating as you do talking smack, you might actually land something.”
Vi arched an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at her lips. “Talk about you, dumbass.” she replied smoothly. “Watching you eat pavement is entertainment enough anyway.”
Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head at their banter. There was something so natural and easy about spending time with Vi and her brothers. It reminded Caitlyn of how much her life had changed in just a few months. This group—loud, chaotic, and unfiltered—felt worlds apart from the polished, formal interactions she’d grown up with.
They were real friends to each other, not just a———
Vi nudged her gently, breaking her reverie. “What’s that look for?” she asked, her voice teasing but curious.
Caitlyn blinked, startled. “What look?”
“The one where you’re pretending to listen but are obviously stuck in your own head,” She said, raising an eyebrow.
“I was just thinking about college. Making friends there, I guess.” Caitlyn hesitated before shrugging lightly. “I mean, it’d be nice to have some friends that aren’t necessarily related to you. Just… you know, people I connect with on my own.”
Before Violet could respond, Mylo skated over, coming to an abrupt stop in front of them with a smirk plastered across his face.
“Hey, are you two planning to drive to your secret place again after school?” he asked, his tone dripping with mock curiosity.
“Shut up, Mylo.” Vi said, rolling her eyes.
She had recently undergone tests, and despite their shared hopes, the doctor’s verdict was a frustrating one: penetration was still not a safe option. The doctor explained, in clinical yet optimistic terms, that Vi’s cervix was nearly fully closed, a promising sign. However, she insisted on another examination next month to confirm that everything was completely safe. Vander had firmly put his foot down: Vi would not be allowed to spend the night at Jayce’s apartment with Caitlyn until the doctor gave the all-clear. His decision was final.
The news left Caitlyn disheartened. Of course, she would wait as long as it took to ensure the omega’s health. BUT—
To cope with the intensity of their bond and the physical frustration that came with it, both of them had fallen into a routine. Almost every afternoon after school, they would drive to the same vacant lot, seeking solace away from prying eyes. The empty space had become their unofficial haven, a quiet reprieve where they could laugh, talk, and satisfy themselves, alleviating the painful desire they felt for each other.
And of course, their little escapades didn’t go unnoticed.
“Oh, c’mon. Tell us a little about your secret rendezvous, Violet.”
Claggor rolled up beside him, adding with a grin, “Seriously, we’re starting to think you’ve got a whole underground bunker or something out there.”
Caitlyn flushed, glancing at Violet for support. Violet simply shrugged, her expression unfazed. “Maybe we do,” she replied cryptically, her tone playful.
“Or maybe it’s just the only place we can get some peace and quiet,” Caitlyn added, hoping to deflect their teasing.
Mylo snorted. “Yeah, right. Vander’s been grumbling about it, you know. Says he doesn’t trust you two unsupervised until the doctor clears Vi.”
Caitlyn’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, and Violet rolled her eyes dramatically. “Vander’s overreacting. Like always.”
“Still,” Claggor said, grinning, “it’s fun watching him try to figure out how to parent a mated couple.”
Later that day, Caitlyn returned to Jayce’s apartment, dropping her bag by the door and sinking into the couch. The effects of the contraceptive injection she’d received the week before were still hitting her hard. Her arm ached, and her emotions were all over the place. She’d had crying episodes over the smallest things lately, much to Jayce’s endless amusement.
“Hey,” Jayce called from the kitchen, his voice carrying a playful edge. “Are you sure it’s safe to watch TV again? And... y'know... commercials?”
Caitlyn groaned, burying her face in a cushion. “It was one commercial, Jayce. One.”
“Yeah, but it was for fabric softener,” Jayce teased, walking into the room with a bowl of popcorn. “I’ve never seen anyone crying over a teddy bear mascot.”
Caitlyn grabbed the cushion and threw it at him, though it lacked any real force. “It wasn’t over the teddy bear mascot, okay? It was over the whole sick baby thing. And blame the injection,” she muttered. “It’s messing up with me.”
Jayce caught the cushion effortlessly, his grin softening into something more sympathetic. “Hey, at least it’s just once a year. Small price to pay, right?”
“I guess,” Caitlyn said, though the thought of enduring another round of side effects wasn’t exactly comforting.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it to see a message from her dad.
Dad: How’s my favorite daughter doing? Got any clarity on college plans yet?
Caitlyn frowned, her fingers hovering over the screen. She still didn’t know what she wanted to do. She had an interest for social work, but—
“Thinking about college again?” Jayce asked, sitting down beside her with his bowl of popcorn.
“Yes,” Caitlyn admitted. “Dad’s been pushing me to figure it out. I just… don’t know yet.”
Jayce nodded thoughtfully, munching on a handful of popcorn. “It’s okay not to know rightway. And honestly, you’re the kind of person who’ll do great at whatever you choose.”
Caitlyn smiled faintly. “Thanks, Jayce.”
“Anytime, Snuggles,” he replied with a wink, dodging the second cushion Caitlyn hurled his way.
Mother: Hello, Caitlyn. How are you doing?
The question lingered in the air, catching Caitlyn off guard. Caitlyn’s thumb hovered over the keyboard as she wrestled with what to say.
The message was so vague, so unlike her mother’s usual sharp and precise manner of communication. Was it genuine concern? A veiled attempt to re-establish control? Or just a perfunctory check-in?
After a moment, Caitlyn typed out a reply.
Caitlyn: I’m okay. How are you?
She hit send and stared at the screen, her heartbeat an uneven rhythm. Minutes ticked by, each second feeling heavier than the last. Then, another buzz.
Mother: I’m fine.
Caitlyn sighed, leaning back against the headboard. The exchange felt hollow, as though they were both tiptoeing around something unspeakable. She was about to put her phone down when it buzzed again.
Mother: Do you need anything?
The question caught Caitlyn off guard. Her mother’s tone was never this… soft. She hesitated, her fingers brushing over the keys as she thought. Did she need anything? Did she even want anything from Cassandra? After a brief pause, she typed a response.
Caitlyn: No, but thank you for asking.
The reply came faster this time, a sharp contrast to the earlier delay.
Mother: Are you still with that omega?
Caitlyn’s breath hitched. She stared at the words, her mind racing.
Did her mother know about the mate bond?
Had someone told her? Or was this just Cassandra’s way of prying for information? For a moment, Caitlyn considered ignoring the message altogether. But avoiding it would only leave more room for her mother to push.
She typed and deleted several responses before settling on one.
Caitlyn: Yes, I am. Her name is Violet.
She sent the message and waited, her chest tight with anticipation. The three dots indicating Cassandra was typing appeared, disappeared, then reappeared. Finally, the reply came.
Mother: I see. Take care.
Caitlyn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The exchange was over as quickly as it began, yet it left her feeling drained. She placed her phone face-down on the bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled in her mind. Her mother’s messages, brief and non-committal, were like puzzle pieces that didn’t quite fit.
Caitlyn wondered if “I see” meant approval, disapproval, or something else entirely. The ambiguity gnawed at her, but she decided not to dwell on it. For now, the most important thing was that she was building her own life, one step at a time—even if her mother was watching from the sidelines, offering cryptic commentary.
The girl groaned softly, letting her phone fall onto the mattress. Before she could sink too deeply into her swirling thoughts, the screen lit up with an incoming call. Violet’s name appeared, and Caitlyn answered immediately, relief washing over her.
“Hey, Princess Cupcake,” Vi’s familiar voice greeted her, playful as ever.
A smile tugged at Caitlyn’s lips. “Hey, Batgirl. Everything okay?”
“Are you free tonight?” Vi asked, her tone carrying a hint of mystery.
Caitlyn glanced at the clock on her nightstand. “I am. Why?”
“I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.”
“Wait, what? Why? Where are we going?” Caitlyn demanded, sitting upright.
“It’s a surprise,” Vi said, her voice tinged with amusement. “Kind of like that pool we found. But better.”
“Better how?”
“You’ll see. Just be ready,” Vi said before hanging up.
Shaking her head with a mix of exasperation and anticipation, Caitlyn climbed off the bed and headed to her closet. She hadn’t given up on wearing dresses and skirts, but tonight felt different. If today’s plans involved climbing or jumping over walls—and knowing Vi, they probably did—she’d need something practical. She settled on sweatpants and a red tank top, layering a zip-up hoodie over it for good measure.
Ten minutes later, Caitlyn headed downstairs and stepped outside just as Violet’s car pulled up. To her surprise, Powder was sitting in the backseat, grinning from ear to ear.
“Hey, Caitlyn!” Powder chirped, her excitement palpable.
“Hey, Powder,” Caitlyn replied, sliding into the passenger seat. “What’s going on?”
“Only the coolest thing ever,” Powder announced proudly. “I found an abandoned motel on the edge of town. A sex motel.”
Vi chuckled, glancing at Caitlyn. “She thinks it’s a goldmine. I think it’s just another creepy spot. But hey, who doesn’t love uncovering embarrassing secrets left behind by our dear townsfolk?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. “How do you even find places like this?”
Powder leaned forward, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “There’s this forum. I use an anonymous email and log in through a VPN on Linux. That’s where urban explorers like me share tips and locations.”
“A secret forum? It seems obscure.”
“Totally. Super obscure.”
Caitlyn smiled, charmed by Powder’s enthusiasm. The drive continued with Powder detailing her plans for democratizing access to media through piracy, while Vi occasionally chimed in with teasing remarks.
Partway through the journey, they pulled into a 24-hour pharmacy. Powder hopped out of the car, saying she needed to grab something.
As soon as the door closed, Caitlyn turned to Vi. “Is she doing okay?”
Violet nodded, her expression softening. “She’s been doing great lately. But it’s important she takes her antipsychotics regularly. If she skips them, it could trigger… y’know. Another episode.”
Caitlyn nodded, her chest tightening with concern. “I’m glad she has you.”
Vi shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “We have each other.”
Before Caitlyn could respond, Powder returned with a small bag in hand. Caitlyn and Vi quickly changed the subject, seamlessly slipping back into casual chatter as the car resumed its journey toward the unknown adventure.
The motel was perched on the edge of the highway, its broken neon sign flickering faintly, barely legible against the darkening sky. “Palacio del Amor,” it read in a bold, faded script, with a half-functioning heart shape beside it.
Caitlyn stared at the dilapidated structure, its weathered walls and shattered windows giving it the air of a horror movie set. A broken fountain in front of the building featured a statue of a naked woman spitting water, though the spout was long dry. The place seemed like a parody of romance, stuck in a forgotten time.
Vi leaned against the car, arms crossed, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief:
“‘Palacio del Amor’? Seriously? Who comes to a place with a name that cheesy to… y’know?”
Powder snorted from the backseat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Apparently, people did. Just look at this place. It’s like a tacky shrine to bad taste.”
Caitlyn, still looking apprehensive, asked, “Is this even safe?”
“Of course not. Duh.” Violet grinned, her usual confidence oozing.
Powder laughed, pulling out two large flashlights from her bag:
“Relax, Cait. We’ve got these.”
The flashlights turned on with a sharp click, illuminating the crumbling facade with surprising intensity. Caitlyn had to admit they were impressive; the beams were strong enough to cut through the gloom, lighting entire rooms without issue. Her nerves settled slightly, though her heart still raced with a mix of fear and excitement.
The three girls approached the building’s back door, which hung ajar, creaking ominously as Powder nudged it open. Inside, the air was stale, heavy with the smell of mildew and dust. Each step they took echoed through the empty halls, amplifying the eerie atmosphere.
“Okay, this is officially creepy,” Caitlyn muttered, hugging herself as her eyes darted around the shadowy corners.
“Creepy is part of the fun,” Violet said with a wink. She swung her flashlight around, revealing one of the motel’s rooms. “Oh, wow. Look at this.”
The room was a bizarre time capsule.
Mirrors lined the ceiling, reflecting the dim beam of their lights. A king-sized bed dominated the space, its red satin sheets faded and torn. Along one wall stood a Roman-style bathtub, its edges lined with cracked tiles. Paintings of Kama Sutra positions hung crookedly on the peeling walls, and a broken aquarium sat in the corner, its glass shattered and scattered on the floor.
Powder’s laugh broke the silence as she pointed to a set of discarded sex toys on a dusty table:
“Oh my God. Are those… Pokemon-themed dildos?”
Vi doubled over with laughter, holding her stomach. “Oh no. This is too much. Look, there’s a Pikachu one!”
Caitlyn couldn’t help but laugh, though her cheeks flushed. “This is mortifying,” she said, avoiding eye contact with Powder.
“Damn, Pow. You were right. This place is a fucking goldmine.”
The exploration continued, room by room. Each was a mix of decay and preserved absurdity. A communal kitchen still had pots and pans strewn about. Hallways lined with more rooms showcased once-gaudy furniture and stained carpets. Caitlyn’s curiosity deepened as they moved through the space, her initial apprehension giving way to fascination. She takes out her phone and opens a drawing app, trying to draw the most interesting things with her finger.
In one particularly well-preserved room, the walls were lined with intricately carved wooden panels, the craftsmanship oddly out of place in such a tawdry setting.
“This is actually beautiful,” Caitlyn murmured, running her fingers over the carvings.
“Yeah,” Violet said, crouching to inspect a shattered lamp base. “Y’know, Cupcake, there's always something beautiful in these places, no matter how destroyed they are. That’s the thrill, I guess.”
“I get the point. It’s about finding beauty in the unexpected.”
“Hm. You’re so poetic, do y'know that?”
“Shut up.” Caitlyn replied, with a chuckle.
Powder let out a low whistle from the adjacent room. “Uh, guys? You need to see this.”
Caitlyn and Violet followed her voice, stepping into what appeared to be a private suite. The bed, larger than any they’d seen so far, was shaped like a heart, complete with faded velvet upholstery. Above it, a disco ball hung precariously from the ceiling, its surface tarnished but still catching the light from their flashlights.
“Oh no,” Violet said, her voice filled with mock horror. “This is where love goes to die.”
Powder snickered, shining her flashlight at the walls. They were covered in graffiti—some were elaborate messages, some romantic, others crude, and a few just plain bizarre.
“‘To my dearest Karen, may our love burn as brightly as this motel’s neon lights,’” Vi read aloud, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Wow. That aged well.”
“Maybe it was the intention?” Powder speculated.
“Look at this one,” Caitlyn said, pointing to a scrawled message near the floor. ‘Jeff was here. With Stacy. And Linda. And maybe Tom?’”
Vi snorted. “Jeff’s living his best life, apparently.”
The group’s laughter echoed through the suite as they moved to the next set of rooms. Caitlyn couldn’t shake the sense of wonder mixed with unease. Despite its decrepit state, the motel felt alive, its walls steeped in the stories of those who had passed through.
They eventually reached what had once been an office, its drawers still filled with old, yellowed files. Powder pulled one out, dust puffing into the air:
“Client records,” she said, flipping through the pages. “Oh, this is going to be good.”
Violet leaned over her shoulder. “Let’s see… ‘John Fritz, Room 3… payment: cash only. Classic.’”
Powder grinned, holding up another file. “‘Betty Martinez, Room 5… requested extra pillows and a bottle of champagne.’ Looks like Betty had a plan.”
Caitlyn couldn’t help but chuckle, though she felt a twinge of guilt for laughing at people’s private lives. “It’s kind of sad, isn’t it? All these little moments, forgotten here.”
“Sad, but also hilarious,” Powder countered, pulling out another folder. “Oh, look at this one. Room 7… oh my. Three people are registered here.”
Vi burst out laughing. “A threesome at the ‘Palacio del Amor’? Bold move. It's a shame they don't register people's second genera.”
As they rifled through more files, Powder suddenly went quiet. She held up a record, her brow furrowed:
“Guys, listen to this… Room 12. Vander, Felicia, and Silco.”
Violet froze, the playful grin dropping from her face:
“Felicia? As our mom? And Vander?”
“That’s what it says,” Powder replied, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Who the hell is Silco?” Vi muttered, taking the file from Powder and scanning it herself. “What the fuck. This has to be a mistake.”
“You think Mom and Vander… and some random guy…? What about Dad?” Powder’s voice trailed off, her expression shifting from confusion to mild horror. “Nope. Nope. I don’t want to think about it.”
“They were friends with Vander before we were born.” Vi said thoughtfully.
Caitlyn, trying to lighten the mood, stifled a laugh. “That doesn’t necessarily mean hearts were broken in the process. Probably the four of them have… uh… consented.”
“Ew. Just… argh. Ew.”
“It’s not super impossible. I mean,” Vi shrugged, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “Mom was an alpha, Dad was an omega. They were already a scandal. This polyamory shit would be just another… um… thing about them.”
“But why Vander? Now I’ll have this image—” Powder groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Argh. This is disturbing on so many levels.”
“Or hilarious. They were having… erm… fun. Nice.” Violet said, nudging her sister. “Come on, don’t let this ruin the moment. We’re going to laugh about that in the future and stuff. And maybe burn our eyes with acid when we come home.”
Powder peeked through her fingers, her lips twitching into a reluctant grin. “Fine. But I’m burning this file before we leave.”
The laughter resumed, the strange discovery fading into the background as they continued exploring.
They eventually reached what had once been a communal TV room. The furniture was in shambles, but an old box television remained, its screen cracked.
Powder sat on one of the less-damaged chairs, spinning slowly in place:
“Y’know, except for those cheesy texts, this place is practically immaculate when it comes to graffiti,” she said thoughtfully. “I really need to bring my spray paint next time.”
Caitlyn lingered near a broken window, her gaze wandering.
“This could be a shelter,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vi turned to her, eyebrows raised. “What do you mean?”
“For homeless people. Or anything alike.” Caitlyn explained, gesturing around. “It was already designed to house lots of people. And the wiring and plumbing… they’re not perfect, but they seem intact enough to restore.”
Suddenly Violet's face lights up:
“You’re brilliant,” she said, nudging Caitlyn’s arm, a smile playing on her lips. Turning to Powder, she added, “We’ve got to bring Diego here.”
“Who’s Diego?” Caitlyn asked.
“He’s a squatter leader in the city,” Vi explained. “He helps families clean up and occupy abandoned places like this.”
Powder grinned. “Caitlyn’s probably never even been to a squat.”
Violet’s excitement grew:
“That’s true. You should meet Diego. You’d love him. Want to go sometime?”
Caitlyn nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, absolutely. I’d love to.”
“For now,” VI said, pulling out her phone, “help me take some pictures. We’ll need it to show him what’s here.”
Caitlyn snapped photos of the most relevant parts of the building, her mind buzzing with ideas. She imagined how the space could be transformed, her thoughts leaping to designs and possibilities. By the time they finished, the girls were laughing and joking again, sharing their favorite absurd discoveries from the night.
The drive back was filled with chatter. Caitlyn couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of purpose. When Vi stopped the car in front of Jayce’s building, Caitlyn leaned over to give her a quick peck on the lips, mindful of Powder’s presence.
“See you later, Princess Cupcake,” the girl said with a smirk. “Check your backpack. I put the book you had lent me there.”
A book?
Powder waved enthusiastically. “Bye, Caitlyn!”
Did I lend her a book?
Once inside her room, Caitlyn opened her backpack to find the book Violet had mentioned. Her cheeks burned as she pulled out the Pikachu dildo, complete with a cheeky note from her omega:
“For science.”