a little death ➴ ᵏᵃᵗᵉ ᵇⁱˢʰᵒᵖ

𝟷𝟺

➴

Remy sat on Kate's bed, watching her reflection in the mirror. The decision weighed heavily on her, but she had already made up her mind. This would be her last day with Kate— her last selfish indulgence before cutting her out for good. For Kate's safety.

"Dinner tonight?" Remy's voice broke the silence, catching Kate's attention. "We've never gone out together, and, like, there's this place in Little Italy— nothing fancy by any means— but they have the best dessert."

Kate smiled warmly, not sensing the tension beneath Remy's nonchalant front. "Sounds like a plan."

They ended up at a quiet restaurant tucked away from the busy streets, sharing stories, laughter, and lingering glances. For a moment, Remy allowed herself to forget the looming threat of Adrian Hanover, AIM, and the tangled mess her life had become. But the peace was fleeting. This wasn't a real escape—just a temporary refuge before everything came crashing down.

"This might be the most normalcy I've known in months," Kate said, glancing at the menu.

Remy nodded, forcing a smile. But she knew this was going to be the last time she'd let herself enjoy this closeness. She had to protect Kate.

They chatted through dinner—light, easy conversation. Kate talked about her sister, Bishop Security, and the latest drama Clint had roped himself into. "Oh, by the way, shit—" Kate stuttered, politely covering her mouth as she spoke. "I forgot to tell you, Clint's flying in tomorrow. I told him about our situation."

"What? Wait, why?"

"As much as I wish I could take on threats like this on my own, I can't. I learnt that the hard way," Kate admitted with a frown. "The same goes for you, Remy. We need him."

After the main course, the waiter brought out a bottle of wine. Kate poured them both a glass, lifting hers in a mock toast.

"To... surviving," Kate joked, clinking her glass against Remy's.

"Surviving," Remy repeated softly, downing the wine faster than she should've.

They wandered the streets after dinner, the cool night air brushing against their skin. Kate linked her arm with Remy's as they strolled, her head resting lightly on Remy's shoulder.

"You know," Remy began, her voice quiet, "The way I feel when I'm with you, it's sort of alien, something I've never felt before."And it was true. Being with Kate had grounded her in ways she hadn't expected.

"Yeah?"

"Uh huh."

Kate pulled Remy toward a small park nearby, where they found a bench under the soft glow of streetlights. They sat down, Kate leaning against Remy as they watched the quiet streets.

"I've been thinking," Kate said after a while. "About the future. About what we're doing here."

Remy stiffened. "Yeah?"

Kate turned to face her, her expression serious. "I just... I want us to be on the same page. Whatever happens next, I want us to go through it together."

Remy swallowed hard, her throat tightening. "Kate..."

"No, let me finish," Kate interrupted. "I know you've been dealing with a lot lately. I know something's going on, and I'm not going to push you to tell me about it. But know, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

Remy felt the guilt rise like bile in her throat. She should've been honest, should've told Kate everything— but instead, she nodded, letting the lie linger.

"I know," Remy said quietly. "And I appreciate that. More than you know."

Back at Kate's apartment, the mood shifted slightly. They were both quieter, the weight of the unsaid things lingering between them. Remy watched Kate move through the apartment, that same effortless grace she'd come to love in every moment they spent together.

As the night wore on, Kate eventually sat beside Remy on the couch, curling up against her. Remy's arm instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her close.

"I could get used to this," Kate whispered, her head resting on Remy's chest.

Remy's smiled, setting her wine glass carefully on the table beside her. "Me too."

Kate's breathing eventually evened out, her body relaxing against Remy as she drifted off to sleep. Remy stayed awake, though, her mind racing. She stared out the window, knowing that this would be the last time she allowed herself this kind of closeness, this comfort.

"I love you."

"Hm?" Kate hummed, peering up at Remy.

"I said I love you," Remy admitted, refusing eye contact.

Kate propped herself up on her elbows, moving closer to Remy. "I love you," she whispered, her words soft between tender kisses. Her lips trailed upward, pressing warmly against the curve of Remy's neck.