𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

who are we to fight the alchemy?

It was a typical Friday night, and the party was in full swing. Music blared from the speakers, and the house was packed with people enjoying the start of the weekend. Lilly arrived a little late, weaving her way through the crowd until she spotted Gabbie and Kate near the makeshift dance floor.

"Hey, guys!" Lilly called out, waving as she approached them.

Gabbie and Kate turned to her, smiles spreading across their faces. "Lilly! Finally, you're here!" Gabbie said, pulling her into a quick hug.

As soon as Caitlin saw Lilly enter the room, her face lit up. She practically bounded over, her excitement obvious. "There's my favorite person!" Caitlin exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Lilly from behind.

Lilly laughed, leaning back into Caitlin's embrace. "Hey, Cait."

The sight didn't go unnoticed. Gabbie smirked and nudged Kate. "Look who's all over Lilly again."

Kate chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Caitlin, you're not even trying to hide it."

Caitlin rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Can't help it if I want to be close to my girl."

Lilly blushed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "You guys are the worst," she said, though she couldn't hide her own smile.

"Oh, come on, Lilly," Gabbie teased. "You love it, and we love seeing you two like this."

Kate joined in, pretending to swoon. "It's like watching a romantic movie. So cute!"

Caitlin tightened her hold on Lilly, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Well, she's pretty cute," she said, her voice softening.

Lilly turned in Caitlin's arms to face her, her eyes shining with affection. "You're not so bad yourself."

Gabbie and Kate continued to tease them good-naturedly, but Lilly barely noticed. She was too caught up in the moment, enjoying the warmth and comfort of Caitlin's embrace. The rest of the party faded into the background as they stood there, wrapped up in each other.

A little into the party Lilly and Gabbie were in the crowded bathroom, touching up their makeup in front of the large, slightly fogged mirror. The noise from the party outside was muffled by the closed door, providing a brief moment of relative quiet.

Gabbie put down her lipstick and turned to Lilly, her expression a mix of exasperation and curiosity. "Lilly, I can't take it anymore. Are you and Caitlin ever gonna get together?"

Lilly sighed, glancing at herself in the mirror before looking back at Gabbie. "You're telling me. I'm going insane. I don't know what the fuck is going on."

Gabbie raised an eyebrow. "You don't know? It seems pretty obvious to everyone else that you two are more than just friends."

Lilly ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident in her movements. "I know, I know. It's just... we haven't really talked about it. We're so close, and I don't want to mess things up. But she's always so affectionate, and I can't help but feel like there's something more."

Gabbie crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "Lilly, from where I'm standing, it looks like Caitlin is head over heels for you. And you're clearly into her. Why not just talk to her about it?"

Lilly bit her lip, considering Gabbie's words. "I guess I'm just scared. What if it ruins everything?"

Gabbie shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. "Or what if it makes everything even better? You won't know until you try. And honestly, it's driving the rest of us nuts watching you two act like this"

Lilly laughed softly, feeling a bit lighter. "Okay, okay. Maybe I'll talk to her tonight. Thanks, Gabbie."

Gabbie grinned. "Good. Because if you don't, I might just lock you two in a room until you figure it out yourselves."

Lilly rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, but no locking us in rooms."

Unbeknownst to Lilly and Gabbie, Caitlin had been walking past the bathroom door when she overheard their conversation. She stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding as she listened to Lilly's frustrations and Gabbie's advice. Realizing the significance of what she had just heard, Caitlin quickly found Kate in the crowded living room.