Maya was beyond exhausted by the time she stepped into her apartment.

  Visiting Fey after university depleted what strength she had left. Her body ached, her coils still felt like they were on fire, and her thoughts were cluttered. Nothing sounded better than collapsing on her bed.

  Rubbing the back of her neck, she murmured, “I just hope Fey manages to relax tonight.”

  She kicked off her shoes and hung up her jacket, shuffling through the corridor in her slippers. That’s when her ears finally registered the sounds of sizzling.

  A faint, warm scent hung in the air. Heat wafted under the glass door of her kitchen. The kitchen lights were on, and Maya giddily skipped towards it.

  “Val!” Maya launched herself right into her girlfriend’s arms, who had to drop the knife in her hand to catch her partner safely. “How have you been? How was work? I missed you so much today.”

  Val’s expression lit up with arms wrapping tightly around her. Like it was an eternity since they last comforted each other. “I missed you too, dúllan mín.”

  Maya giggled at the pet name. She tiptoed to plant a soft kiss on Val’s lips. The kind that melted a day’s worth of stress in a heartbeat, and recharged their batteries.

  Val reluctantly let go, returning to the stove before it started to burn. Maya, meanwhile, grabbed the plates to set the table.

  Though she couldn’t help but steal glances at Val.

  Dressed in her latest work uniform—black trousers hugging her hips, a red-and-black jacket with red buttons popped open at the collar, a black apron tight around her waist, sleeves rolled up to reveal her caramel skin and old white scars.

  It radiated sophistication, authority. Val had changed her uniforms at least three times this month, meaning she was fired that many times, yet it didn’t stop her from looking like she rocked each uniform she owned.

  Maya took a moment just to stare at her own professional cook making each moment a wonder to behold.

  Her hair was tied back in several small braids, revealing her bare neck. One bang though still framed part of her face. Maya smacked her lips, looking at Val’s lightly tinted orange lips, which tasted like apricot.

  She had to hold back not to kiss her again, right next to the stove.

  “Dinner’s. Ready,” Val announced, squeezing lime over honey-glazed salmon, plating it with fluffy white rice on the side. “Enjoy.”

  “I will.” Maya smiled, not hiding her excitement.

  She cut off a piece of salmon with her fork and melted on the first bite. The flavour hit her like a truck—sweet, tangy with a whisper of citrus.

  Heaven called her back. And Val watched her with satisfaction.

  “So,” Maya started between bites, “you’re working for a troll now?” Maya asked carefully, remembering the last encounter that was thankfully cut short by Austin. “Is he… you know… trustworthy?”

  Val paused, chewing thoughtfully. “Trust? No. But he treats. Employees. Well.”

  Maya blinked. “Define well.”

  Val tugged at her sleeve. It gave Maya a glimpse on the dark fabric that hid the creases and smears of blood on it. As Val flexed and unflexed her fist and the muscles in her arm.

  It was an odd habit. One which told Maya something was on Val’s mind.

  “He doesn’t tolerate. Abuse,” Val said. “He’s protective. In his way. He’s treating them. Well”

  “As long as he’s not as bad as that guy whose name should not be mentioned, I am glad you got a job where you didn’t get fired after a day.”

  Val choked slightly on her water and looked away, embarrassed. “Mistakes. Were. Made.”

  Maya snorted, rising with her empty plate. Val made to stand too, but Maya stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

  “I got this. Finish your meal. I’ll be right back, gotta change my clothes. Mind if I talk about my day?”

  Val looked confused at Maya, “Of. Course.”

  Maya disappeared into the bedroom.

  “Today was… a lot,” Maya called from the other room.

  Val continued slowly picking at her food, ever the deliberate slow eater. When others finished their seconds, Val hadn't even started eating.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  “Would you mind if we paid Fey a visit later this week?”

  Val pinched her brows, stopping mid-chew. “The. Witch.”

  Maya’s laugh echoed down the hallway. “Be nice. She’s a friend, just like Austin.”

  Val grumbled something under her breath, forcing herself to take another bite to distract her mind.

  “She’s having a bit of a rough time.” Maya continued, skipping over the part where Fey nearly set her on fire. “I went to check on her today, and she wasn’t doing great. I thought, maybe a group dinner could help? I want you two to be friends.”

  Val grumbled, refusing to reply. The fish suddenly became her friend.

  “Have you made any friends at work yet?”

  Val’s expression turned deathly pale. Her newfound camaraderie with her food suddenly felt embarrassing.

  “You’ll like her Val, promise. Although she’s in quite a sensitive spot right now. Be careful around her, promise?”

  There was no real reply. Only grumbling as Val finished her meal and walked to the sink.

  “Val?”

  “Hmm?”

  “If you promise to behave, I'll give you a surprise.”

  Val perked up, falling for the trap willingly. “I’ll be good… Promise.”

  “Good.” Maya stepped out barefoot. “Turn around.”

  Val turned. And blinked. Several times.

  It was the first time she had seen Maya in her work uniform—her witch outfit, hugging her all in the right places.

  Val’s mouth parted slightly. She could not look away. She did not want to look away. After all, it was time for dessert.

  — Content Warning —

  ??

  Maya’s face overheated. Her heart thundered as she stood in the doorway, one hand propped against the frame, doing her best impression of confidence.

  Though the nervous sweat on her back betrayed her. This wasn’t what she’d expected when she put on her work attire—and it definitely was not professional behaviour either.

  The second-hand embarrassment was bubbling up.

  Play it cool, girl. Play it cool.

  Val padded forward, carefully and deliberate with each step as if the floor was laid with nails. Her feet made not a single sound. Her hands were laced together in front, trying to control her body, but her face betrayed her.

  Her smile was wide and open.

  “Is this,” Val murmured, low and amused. “The outfit. I missed?”

  Val’s fist lifted Maya’s chin, and her other rested on the wall. She was leaning into her, towering over her. So close, she could almost hear Maya’s heart jump out of her chest.

  “May I,” Val said slowly. “Take a. Closer. Look?”

  Maya’s cheeks flushed. She nodded.

  Val’s hand slipped down from Maya’s chin, trailing softly along her neck until it found the leather choker. She gave it a light tug, pulling her closer.

  Val’s gaze dropped further down.

  Down the plunging neckline of the dress that left little to the imagination. The fabric framed her chest in its natural fullness—unbound, supported only by the cut of the dress, soft skin gathering where it met at the centre.

  Val’s gaze trailed lower, down Maya’s stomach, noting the way the fabric hugged every curve rather than hiding it. It didn’t disguise the shape of her body—it framed it, celebrated it.

  Along the curve of Maya’s bum, Val’s hand noticed how the fabric was riding up. Val’s fingers grazed the curve. The gentle curve, leaving no bump.

  Val could not hide the confused simper. “Are you not wearing. Anything. Below?”

  Maya hid behind her bell sleeves, cheeks burning. “It’s the dress code. But I don’t mind around you.”

  Val stepped closer. One leg slid between Maya’s. And then she kissed her.

  Maya melted. Her hands slipped up Val’s chest to unbutton it with one continuous tugging. One pull—two—and the black jacket revealed the white undershirt.

  When they pulled back for air, Maya was breathless—only for Val to hoist her up. Her hands firmly held onto her thighs, forcing Maya to wrap her legs around Val’s defined waist.

  Val dipped slightly forward, pinning Maya’s back gently against the doorframe. Her grip shifted, hands sliding to hold Maya at her laced tights.

  Maya let out a hot breath. “I’m sorry, I must be heavy.”

  “You’re never.”

  Val pressed her tighter. She arched her back back and made Maya lean on her, pressing her body against hers as she held her up effortlessly. “Say. It,” she whispered. “And I’ll carry you. To bed.”

  Maya looked into her eyes. She was nervous, but all her fright melted at the comfortness of Val’s. Her hands held Val’s face, studying her in every detail. Moving closer, her lips kissed her on the nose before she wrapped her arms around Val’s neck.

  “I’m sorry,” Maya brought over her lips. “But not today.”

  Val’s expression didn’t drop. Nothing changed in the way she saw her. Her smile remained as radiant for Maya as before.

  “I understand,” Val replied. “Thank you. For sharing.”

  They returned to the bedroom—their bedroom.

  Val gently laid Maya down before climbing in beside her. She propped herself over her, their foreheads brushing, breaths mingling.

  They couldn’t help but feel bliss washing over them.

  “I’ve missed you,” Maya whispered. “Everything’s been so hectic. The days are so long and tiring. We barely get to be us. Just us. I hope you didn’t mind.”

  Val lay down right beside Maya, caressing her cheek. “I. Do. Not. Mind. Never. Or ever,” she answered sincerely. “Even when. We. don’t see. Each other… I feel content.”

  She kissed Maya on the nose, resting her forehead against hers.

  Exhaustion tugged at both of them. Yet, in their arms, it was all but comfort. Maya closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep. Val kissed her on the forehead.

  “I’m just happy,” Val murmured, “that by the end of the day… I get to see you, dúllan mín.”