Archive of Our Own ^beta

Flowers are said to have all kinds of meanings. But all Vi knows as she carefully chooses a bunch is that these ones are pretty, and Caitlyn deserves pretty flowers.

Vi hasn’t known Caitlyn for very long, but she likes her hair. She likes her smile, and she likes that she makes Vi laugh.

When Vi learns that it’s going to be Caitlyn’s birthday, she is on a mission – she knows Caitlyn likes yellow. She likes violets, too, and when she said that, Vi felt all tingly in her tummy. But Vi knows a great shop where there are yellow flowers and she’s been saving, so this is perfect.

But first she has to wait for an adult to help her.

Her mother always said girls like flowers, but Vi thinks that could be because she likes getting flowers from Vi’s dad. Vi isn’t sure that all girls like getting flowers. She’s a girl and she doesn’t know if she likes flowers. Not enough to receive them, at least. But to give them to someone like Caitlyn? She likes that idea a lot.

Vander also said that girls like flowers. And he’s a man, but Vi hasn’t seen him give anyone flowers before, so she isn’t sure there, either.

Then Vi’s dad also said that girls like flowers. She figures three people can’t all be wrong, can they?

Which helps her in her decision – Vi is going to give Caitlyn flowers for her birthday.

When Vi tells her mum this, she nods, takes Vi’s hand and leads her through the Lanes.

They get stopped several times because Powder is strapped to her mum’s chest, and everyone loves stopping them to have a look at her little sister. Normally, Vi is happy with this – her sister is the cutest baby after all, but right now, she wants to get the flowers before they’re late to see Caitlyn.

They finally make it through and Vi stands in front of all of the flowers displayed. None of them feel like Caitlyn, though. She expresses this to her mum, and she asks Vi what Caitlyn’s favourite colour is.

“Yellow,” Vi replies with confidence. She knows this because Caitlyn got a yellow backpack for Harvest Festival and she loves it.

Vi’s mum shows her to the array of yellow flowers, and when Vi spots a pretty bunch, her mum plucks them out of the bucket and passes them to Vi.

Vi, proud of her choice, approaches the sales counter and passes over the exact right money for them.

“Whoever is getting those flowers is a very lucky person,” the sales assistant says.

“They’re for my best friend!” Vi says, beaming. She turns to her mum. “Can we go see Caitlyn now?”

At that moment, Powder starts fussing and her mum shoots her a sad look.

“Sorry, sweetheart,” she says. “I have to get Powder home. We’ll go out later.”

Vi nods, clutching the bunch of flowers in one hand, her mum’s had in the other as they make their way home.

It isn’t until much later that Vi gets to see Caitlyn. Powder had been fussy all afternoon and Vi was trying to be patient. She just wanted to see Caitlyn already.

After forever, her mum takes her hand again and they make their way to the park where Caitlyn and Vi like to play. It’s where they met before school started. Caitlyn had been alone on the swings and Vi asked if she could join her.

They had both swung as high as they could – Vi was positive she would be able to reach the moon if her legs would grow a little faster. But ever since then, they had been friends. They’d played together whenever they could. And they even started school together.

Caitlyn said her mother wanted her to go to the private school on the other side of the river, but her dad didn’t want that for her. Vi was happy because it meant they got to go to school together. And any day that had Caitlyn in it was a good day to Vi.

When they finally arrive at the park, Vi immediately looks around for Caitlyn, trying to spot her in the rapidly darkening evening.

“She isn’t here, Mum,” Vi says sadly. The flowers are clutched in her hand still – she doesn’t want to drop them before she sees Caitlyn.

“There she is,” her mum says after a few moments, pointing across the park to one of the benches.

Caitlyn is sitting, her hands in her lap, waiting. Vi smiles and sprints over to her, trying not to jostle the flowers too much. She shoves them behind her back so Caitlyn can’t see them as she gets closer.

“Caitlyn!”

Caitlyn looks up, her eyes going wide. “Vi!”

Vi stops in front of her, barely puffing. She smiles again and waves with her free hand. “Hi! Happy birthday!”

“Thank you,” Caitlyn replies. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“Sorry it took forever,” Vi says. “Powder was being fussy.”

“That’s okay,” Caitlyn replies.

“You look pretty,” Vi blurts out. She feels her cheeks heating up and watches as Caitlyn smiles, covering her mouth with her hand.

“I got you something!”

Caitlyn drops her hand as Vi hands her the flowers. “They’re yellow!” she says happily.

Vi nods, stepping closer. “I hope you like them.”

Caitlyn slides off the bench. “I love them, Vi! Thank you!” She brings the flowers to her nose and takes a big sniff. Vi has already done this a bunch, so she knows they smell good.

“Caitlyn! Come on now!”

Vi looks up to see Caitlyn’s mum approaching, looking at the pair of them.

“Thanks, Vi,” Caitlyn says a little quieter. She lowers the flowers and starts to turn around before quickly stepping back towards Vi. In a flash, Caitlyn’s lips press against Vi’s cheek.

With wide eyes, and a hot face, Vi watches Caitlyn run to her mum, her flowers clutched tightly in her hand. She looks back over at Vi and smiles before exiting the park.

Vi’s cheek stays warm for the rest of the day.

“You’re getting better at that,” Vi says, leaning casually against the side of the game machine.

Caitlyn flashes her a smile. “Thanks.” She places the gun back in its holster, signalling the end of the game.

“Can I have a turn?” Powder asks, her eyes wide, looking up at Vi and Caitlyn with all of the hope a five year old can muster.

“Here, I’ll show you,” Caitlyn says. She holds her hand out and Powder slips hers into Caitlyn’s own.

Vi watches as Caitlyn explains how to hold the toy gun, how to aim it at the figures on the screen and when to shoot. Vi has never seen such determination on Powder’s face before, but it’s cute.

They play a round together, Caitlyn helping Powder shoot. Her sister giggles every time she gets one right, and Caitlyn’s voice is soft and encouraging the entire time.

Vi’s chest feels warm, watching her two favourite people interacting.

“Girls. It’s time for cake.”

Vi looks up, spotting Vander gesturing to them. She doesn’t even have to get Caitlyn and Powder to stop playing. Powder is already tugging Caitlyn along eagerly.

“Cake!” Powder exclaims.

On her way past, Caitlyn grabs Vi’s hand, earning her a slightly startled look.

“C’mon, Vi, it’s time for cake,” she says. Vi’s heart skips a little in her chest.

It’s become a bit of a tradition over the years for them to spend their birthdays together. Vi’s was a few weeks ago and Caitlyn had slept over. They had stayed up all night talking and watching movies and eating. Vi had fallen asleep with Caitlyn’s head on her shoulder and a tingling in her tummy that told her she never wanted this feeling to stop.

But now it’s Caitlyn’s birthday and she wanted to spend it with them at the arcade, playing games, eating as much food as they can, and of course, having cake. They had managed to be allowed to only have Vander and Benzo supervising their afternoon at the arcade – something Caitlyn insisted on. She had lamented to Vi that her parents were being overbearing lately and she just wanted some time with her friends without them hovering. Vi got it – Cassandra Kiramman could be an intimidating woman when she wanted to be.

Vi watches as Caitlyn smiles politely as people sing happy birthday to her. She closes her eyes, her nose crinkling in the slightest of ways before she leans over and blows the candles out.

Once the cake has been cut, Caitlyn pushes through the crowd of loud kids and grabs Vi’s hand again. They go and sit at the empty racing car consoles and Vi gives Caitlyn a curious glance.

“It’s quieter here,” Caitlyn explains before Vi can ask. She passes over a fork and they both dig into the large slice of birthday cake that Caitlyn has on her place.

They eat in silence for a few moments, the only noise being everyone else in the background. Vi doesn’t mind it. She likes when it’s just them.

“So,” Vi says, spearing off another chunk of cake. “What did you wish for?”

Caitlyn gives her a slight smile. “Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t come true now, would it?”

Vi scoffs. “…Yeah, okay then.” She shakes her head, shoving the forkful of cake into her mouth.

Once they’ve finished eating, they figure they may as well play the racing game while it’s free. It’s been one of the most popular games of the afternoon, and Mylo has been hogging it any chance he could. Not that he’s any good, he just doesn’t want to be beaten by Vi.

Vi has been practicing in her spare time, though. Which isn’t as much as she wants, but she’s thinking of asking Benzo if she can work here after school some days, and maybe earn some pocket money.

Caitlyn’s loud exclamation of “I’m going to get you!” distracts Vi for a moment as Caitlyn’s racer comes up behind her own. Determined not to lose, even if it is her best friend’s birthday, Vi presses the accelerator down as hard as she can, only for Caitlyn to overtake her at the last second.

“I can’t believe you won,” Vi says, leaning heavily back into the chair.

Caitlyn swings her legs over the side of the chair, her body facing Vi. “I’ve been practicing,” she says before she gets up and flounces away.

Vi is a little stunned at this statement – she has no idea when Caitlyn has had time to play. They spend whatever spare time they have together, but Caitlyn has a lot of after school activities that she does.

“What?” Vi asks, hastily following after her.

But Caitlyn is quickly lost in the throng of their family and friends.

As the party wraps up and everyone leaves the arcade with a party bag, Vi watches Caitlyn start to clean up. Grabbing a garbage bag herself, Vi follows along, not wanting to let Caitlyn do everything.

“Oh, I got you something,” Vi says casually after everyone else has gone and Vander is taking the bags of rubbish outside to the bins.

“Something else?” Caitlyn asks, confusion plain on her face. “You got me the mystery book I wanted, Vi.”

Vi shrugs. She goes behind the bar counter and pulls out the flowers she had stashed earlier, and pleaded with Benzo to keep an eye on.

They’re the same yellow bunch of flowers that Vi has been giving Caitlyn ever since they first became friends.

“Happy birthday,” Vi says, holding the flowers out to her. Like she does every year, Caitlyn brings the bunch up to her nose and inhales deeply.

“Thank you, Vi,” she says softly, giving her a smile that she only ever gives Vi.

Vi just nods, her tummy swooping at that smile.

“Do you want to know what I wished for?” Caitlyn asks. Her voice is quiet, like she doesn’t want to be overheard, despite there being no one else in the arcade except them.

“I thought it wouldn’t come true if you told me?”

Caitlyn shrugs. “I think it’ll come true.”

She steps closer and their gazes meet. Vi stares into Caitlyn’s impossibly blue eyes for a few heartbeats before Caitlyn’s lips are suddenly pressed to hers.

Vi blinks a handful of times. “Wha-?” she mumbles.

Caitlyn steps back, her cheeks bright red. “I…sorry. I. Shit.”

Vi blinks again. It’s not the first time she’s hear Caitlyn swear, but she looks distraught, so Vi does the only thing that she thinks makes sense. She closes the distance between them and presses her lips to Caitlyn’s again.

Vi knows what kissing is – she’s seen her parents do it enough, but that’s gross, they’re her parents. But kissing Caitlyn? It’s sublime.

“That’s the last of it,” Vander’s voice says, the clang of the door closing behind him. They spring apart, both flushed and Vi tries not to look Vander in the face.

“Everything alright, girls?” he asks, looking between them.

It’s Caitlyn who smiles brightly at him. “It is, Vander. Are my parents here yet?”

“They’re just pulling up,” Vander replies. His gaze settles on Vi a little longer than she finds comfortable, and she doesn’t think that he saw anything, but he’s Vander – he somehow knows everything that’s going on.

“I’ll walk you out,” Vi says. Caitlyn nods and slides her hand into Vi’s, lacing their fingers together.

Vander definitely sees that and Vi knows that he’ll have something to say when she gets back inside.

Vi watches on the screen as Caitlyn runs to the next target, setting up her rifle quickly against her shoulder. The shot is loud, even through the television screen. Pride blooms in her chest.

Caitlyn only pauses for a split second before running to the next target. The cameras follow along, marking each competitor’s progress.

Caitlyn is in the lead, which doesn’t surprise Vi at all. Her girl is nothing if not determined.

As the last target approaches, every single patron in The Last Drop shuts up, all eyes focused on the television screen.

The loud crack of Caitlyn’s rifle obliterating her target rings through the bar, followed by loud, raucous cheers. Vi can’t help but smile. She did it. Caitlyn won. The first in all of Runeterra, and on her fifteenth birthday, too.

She catches Vander’s gaze behind the bar and he gives her a wink.

It’ll be a few hours yet before Caitlyn comes to celebrate with them – there will be plenty of interviews she’ll have to do first, and posing for photos with her parents, too, of course.

But eventually, eventually, Caitlyn is there, in front of her, smiling her beautiful smile and Vi couldn’t be happier.

Caitlyn all but launches herself into Vi’s waiting arms. They hug for a few long moments, Vi soaking in the smell of gun powder and Caitlyn’s perfume.

“Get a room,” a voice calls out behind them. Vi glances over her shoulder to see Powder, Mylo and Claggor all staring at them. She rolls her eyes and parts from Caitlyn.

“Hang on a moment,” Caitlyn says. She turns Vi’s face to her own. “I want my victory kiss, please.”

Vi can’t help but flush at that. Their lips meet in a chaste kiss and the gagging sounds start up immediately from her siblings. Vi flips them off without breaking the kiss. This is something she’s grown to love over the last few years – kissing Caitlyn. They progressed passed their chaste kisses only recently, both of them feeling bolder as they got older. It had been a life changer for Vi, who saw stars behind her eyes the first time Caitlyn kissed her, but as the kisses got deeper? It turned into galaxies.

Caitlyn pulls back with a giggle. She takes Vi’s hand and leads them over to the booth where Vi’s siblings are all waiting.

“Where’s your trophy?” Mylo asks immediately, peering around like Caitlyn could be hiding that huge trophy behind her back.

“My parents already took it home. Mother didn’t want it to get broken,” Caitlyn says with a roll of her eyes.

Mylo scoffs. “As if we’d break it.”

“You literally just broke a glass when Caitlyn came first,” Powder points out. Mylo makes a face at her and she makes one back.

“Ignore them,” Claggor says kindly. “Come and sit. I think Vander has cake organised for you.”

“Actually,” Caitlyn starts, “I kind of just wanted to have a moment with Vi before cake.”

Mylo’s large eyebrows shoot up and Vi immediately points a finger at him. “Keep your mouth shut if you want to have cake later.”

Unsurprisingly, Mylo looks torn. Before he can respond, though, Caitlyn takes Vi’s hand and leads them through the crowd of people. Caitlyn ducks her head, and Vi guesses it’s because she doesn’t want anyone to see her just yet.

Before they’re about to exit the bar for the back rooms, Vi stops.

“Hang on, I got you something.” She quickly grabs the bunch of flowers she kept tucked under the bar just for this very moment.

Caitlyn’s face lights up when she sees the bouquet of yellow flowers Vi has for her. “You’re adorable.” She takes the flowers, brings them to her face and takes a deep inhale. It never fails to make Vi smile when she does this. As Caitlyn brings them down from her face, she squeezes Vi’s hand, tugging until Vi follows along.

The door shuts heavily behind them and Vi hears the distinct click of the lock. She gives Caitlyn a quizzical look, but Caitlyn just puts the flowers down on the table and grabs Vi’s shirt, pulling her so they’re flush against each other.

“Oh,” Vi says breathlessly before her vision is filled with Caitlyn.

This kiss is a lot hungrier than Vi has ever experienced. Caitlyn’s lips are soft and insistent. She opens her mouth under Caitlyn’s and kisses her back, enjoying Caitlyn’s breathy moans.

“All I could think of,” Caitlyn whispers as her hands slide up the back of Vi’s shirt. “Is coming back here and kissing you like this.”

Vi’s heart thuds against her chest. Caitlyn’s hands are warm on her skin. This is new. This is very new. They’ve never touched each other like this. It’s sparking something inside her that is catching fire.

“I want you to touch my boobs,” Caitlyn says boldly.

Vi’s brain short circuits.

Caitlyn is so certain with everything she does. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. She always has. She’s always had confidence in spades, and Vi just kind of fumbles along at times. Sure she’s good at a lot of things, but what she lacks in confidence, she makes up with enthusiasm.

And this is no exception.

Without preamble, Vi’s hand slides up the front of Caitlyn’s shirt. Caitlyn hauls her in for another kiss and then guides Vi’s hand to her boob.

A loud bang on the door behind them startles them apart.

“Girls, it’s time for cake,” Vander says. He has the worst timing, Vi thinks as she steps back from Caitlyn. Her hand is still on Caitlyn’s boob, and it makes them both smile.

“Coming, Vander,” Vi calls out, dropping her hand.

“We’ll continue this later,” Caitlyn says. The kiss she presses to Vi’s lips is a promise they both intend to see through.

Vi’s leg bounces up and down, earning her more than a few irritated looks from her sister.

“Calm down,” Powder says, playing with the end of her braid. She slides her foot down off the booth where it was resting and she all but boots Vi’s own foot. She shoots Powder an exasperated look, which Powder just returns.

“Vi,” Powder starts, “you and Caitlyn have been together since you were like five years old, she’s going to say yes.”

Vi stands up, rolling her shoulders. “You don’t know that, Pow.”

Vi doesn’t even have to look to know that Powder is rolling her eyes. They’ve had this conversation a lot over the last few weeks, but since today is the day, Vi is nervous.

The Last Drop isn’t the most romantic spot in Zaun, but Caitlyn insisted on keeping the tradition of having a birthday drink with Vi’s family and having cake before they go home.

A home which they share. Since Caitlyn’s parents bought her a house – a whole entire house – for her eighteenth birthday. Which Caitlyn promptly invited Vi to come and live in.

Things have been fantastic between them. School was easy – Vi passing with top marks, and Caitlyn surpassing even that.

Vi was currently in culinary school in Piltover, while Caitlyn was studying journalism at Piltover university.

Vi blames the mystery novels she used to give her every birthday. She had talked about becoming a detective at one point, but ultimately decided that she wanted to be an investigative journalist instead. She said it tickled the same part of her brain that being a detective would, but she’d get to make more of a difference. Vi loves her so much.

This year, along with the traditional yellow flowers and cake, Vi has an extra present that she wants to give Caitlyn.

To many people it might seem like she’s rushing into marriage, but to Vi, it’s almost too late. Like Powder was so quick to point out – they’ve been together since they were kids. Maybe not five years old, but Vi knew even then that it was Caitlyn her heart belonged to. Literally no one else came close.

Vi glanced at the time, noting that Caitlyn should be here any moment.

She’d managed to convince Vander to close the bar for a short while so they could celebrate Caitlyn’s twentieth birthday with just them – and because he’s the best, he agreed.

The door to the bar opens a short while later and Caitlyn steps in, shaking off her umbrella.

“Oh,” Caitlyn says, looking around. “Is the bar closed?”

“Private party,” Vi replies, closing the distance between them, and taking Caitlyn’s umbrella.

“You’re so cheesy,” Caitlyn says, fondness lacing her tone.

“Only for you, Cupcake.”

“And that’s my cue to go,” Powder says, standing up.

“Aren’t you staying?” Caitlyn asks, shooting her a confused look.

“I’ll be back shortly. I’m going to go get the cake.”

Powder goes around behind the bar and puts the vase of yellow flowers on the counter, giving Vi a pointed look before slinking out the door.

“Ah, my birthday flowers!” Caitlyn says, crossing over to the bar top.

This is it, Vi thinks, her heart thudding in her chest. She follows closely behind Caitlyn and watches as Caitlyn’s hand reaches out for the strategically placed box in the middle of the bunch of flowers.

“Vi…?”

Vi drops to one knee moments before Caitlyn turns to look at her. The box is unopened in her hand, and her gaze flicks from the box to Vi before breaking into a smile so wide that Vi feels it all the way to her toes. This is a good sign.

“You’re a bit predictable,” Caitlyn says before Vi can even open her mouth.

“What?”

Without even answering, Caitlyn opens the box, slides the ring onto her finger and then drops to her knees in front of Vi.

“I’ve been carrying this around with me for weeks,” Caitlyn says. Vi is a little stunned, because she hasn’t even asked the question, and yet the engagement ring she spent months saving for, is settled on Caitlyn’s finger like it was made to be there.

“But you had to go and beat me,” Caitlyn continues.

In her hand is a box. A small box, just like the one Vi had put in the bunch of flowers just hours beforehand. She opens the box and sitting inside is such a beautiful piece of jewellery that Vi’s breath catches in her throat.

“Vi,” Caitlyn starts softly. “I had this whole speech prepared, and now it kind of feels redundant since I’m already wearing your ring. So, would you also marry me?”

“Technically I didn’t ask you,” Vi manages to say.

Caitlyn huffs a laugh, shaking her head.

“But yes.” The ring is plucked out of the box, sliding onto Vi’s finger. It fits perfectly and Vi has to wonder how Caitlyn managed this.

“Are you two useless lesbians engaged yet or what?” Powder’s voice calls out from behind the closed door.

“Yes!” Caitlyn calls back. Her smile fills Vi’s vision before they’re kissing.

“Good, I have cake!” Powder says, the door opening once more.

Vi’s entire family, and Caitlyn’s parents, too, all file out, filling the space. They’re congratulated and Vi can’t help but think that this odd engagement is perfect for them, really.

It didn’t take them long to get married. Between all of their parents organising the entire thing, Vi and Cait barely had anything to do except show up and get married.

It was the happiest day of Vi’s life.

Until now.

Normally on Caitlyn’s birthday, they’d be having cake, sex, and dinner, and at some point seeing their families, and having a celebratory drink at The Last Drop. This birthday though, they’re spending it in hospital. Because Caitlyn is giving birth to their first child and Vi couldn’t be more in love with her if she tried.

It was something they’d talked about a lot on and off. They both wanted to finish university, they both wanted to have been married for a few years. They both have fantastic jobs and Vi is excited for this next step in their lives.

Sometimes she wonders how lucky she got having Caitlyn in her life. All because she complimented her yellow backpack when they were kids.

So far, there has been a lot of waiting around between contractions, and Vi has been holding Caitlyn’s hand between each one.

“It’s time,” Caitlyn says suddenly, her eyes going wide. Vi stays at her side as a flurry of nurses and a doctor come into the room.

Apparently it was going to be a conflict of interest if Tobias delivered his own grandchild, but Vi thinks Caitlyn had been secretly relieved.

“I’m not certain he won’t just start crying from joy,” Caitlyn had confessed to Vi after they’d been checked into the hospital. “Which would probably slow the whole process down, and I just want this baby out of me already. She’s overcooked as it is.”

She’s only just over a week late, but for Caitlyn who worked right up until the very last second she could, she’s desperate to give birth to their baby already.

The traditional yellow flowers Vi gave her earlier in the day are hastily moved to the window ledge lest they get smashed while this many people are around.

Vi is put into protective hospital wear and before she knows it, Caitlyn is crushing her hand as she pushes. Vi’s heart is thudding wildly in her chest. This is it. She’s about to become a mother. She’s not sure if she’s ready yet – not really. But when she presses a kiss to Caitlyn’s sweat soaked brow, she knows she doesn’t care. They’re going to be the best damn parents they can be. And with as big a family as theirs is both combined, they’ll have all the help in the world.

It's after midnight when their daughter is born. She comes into the world with a wail that has Caitlyn sobbing happily. Everything moves so fast, Vi realises. As their baby is placed on Caitlyn’s bare chest.

“Holy shit,” Vi breathes as they’re finally, finally left alone. “She’s to tiny.”

Caitlyn smiles tiredly up at her. “Get up here,” she says hoarsely. “And get your shirt off. Skin to skin contact helps babies bond.”

Vi immediately complies, being careful to not jostle Caitlyn or any of the wires still attached to her. Once she’s settled, Caitlyn shuffles as close as she can, their daughter resting on Vi’s chest too. It’s a bit awkward, but Vi doesn’t care.

“Holy shit,” she repeats. “We made a baby.”

“We sure did,” Caitlyn says with a breathy laugh. She kisses Vi so softly that Vi thinks she could combust.

“Have you settled on a name yet?” Vi whispers, too scared to speak louder in case she disturbs this bubble of peace they’re in.

They had talked extensively about names in the lead up to Caitlyn’s birth, but nothing seemed to fit. They’d both had lists upon lists of names. Vi had asked her mum, her dad, Vander, and even Powder. But she hadn’t found anything that was perfect.

“I have,” Caitlyn replies.

“Yeah?”

Caitlyn nods. “You know how every birthday you give me flowers? Well, this time, I want to give you one.”

Vi shoots her a puzzled glance.

“Violet, meet Lavender, our daughter.”

Vi can’t help but smile. It’s perfect.

Later, when Caitlyn is asleep, Vi holds Lavender in her arms, swaying softly. Lavender is fast asleep, her little mouth puckering every now and then. And Vi thinks she couldn’t love anyone so much as much as she loves her wife and their daughter.

Fate, she has found, works in mysterious ways. She glances over at her sleeping wife, unable to keep her out of her sight for too long. She doesn’t like wondering what would have happened if Caitlyn hadn’t worn that backpack, or if Caitlyn hadn’t kissed her when they were ten. But she’s glad it happened exactly as it did.

She settles Lavender back into her little bed, staring down at her, wondering how she got so lucky to create something so perfect with someone she loves as much as she loves Caitlyn.

But she’s damn glad she did. And she can’t wait to see how their family, and their lives grow from here.