you drew stars around my scars

Chapter eleven

Spring turned into summer as the early weeks of June set in, and the VP planned for her upcoming trip to San Francisco Pride. Though she'd been many times during her years living in California working as a prosecutor and Attorney General, this would be the first time back since being in the White House.

As the plane touched down in the golden state, Kamala felt a sense of returning home.

The morning would kick off with the annual parade, something she'd always immensely enjoyed. The music, the excitement, the sense of community; there was so much to love about Pride.

Kamala glanced in the mirror of the plane's bathroom, making sure her hair was in place before adjusting her rainbow bejeweled jacket with a smile. As she exited the bathroom, she caught the eyes of Olivia, who stood watching her from a few rows ahead, and had changed into a festive outfit of her own.

"Yes?" Kamala questioned teasingly, heading towards her.

"Nothing," Olivia replied, soft grin on her face. "I like the jacket," she said, running a finger down the bejeweled sleeve. "Very...festive."

"Thank you," Kamala murmured in reply, running her own fingers down the sparkling rainbow pattern. "You don't think it's too much?"

"Never. It's perfect."

Kamala smiled, eyeing the agent's own outfit. It was subtle, still keeping the professional look, but worked well. A short sleeve black button-up shirt; the buttons being rainbow hearts. She wore high waisted black pants with a small pride flag embroidered on the pockets, and to top it all off, Pride converse that just so happened to match Kamala's. Though they hadn't planned it, the coincidence made her heart flutter nonetheless.

"You look good. Or, uh, I mean your outfit looks good. But not that you don't look good! You look great! I—"

Kamala's rambling was interrupted by the agent's hand on her harm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"I get what you mean," Olivia said through giggles.

Inwardly cringing, Kamala gave herself a mental facepalm before clearing her throat.
"So, shall we?" She said, gesturing to the plane's exit.

***

Crowds were gathered in full swing, cheering loudly as the parade floats made their way down the road. The convertible the VP rode in was decked out in rainbow fringe around the car. Kamala sat on top of the back row, eagerly waving and grinning at the crowd.

Agent Riley walked alongside the car, directly on the VP's side, continuously scanning the crowds. Though she knew how much Kamala enjoyed events like this, it also added an extra layer of nervousness to Olivia's day. They were exposed, out in the open, and potential threats could be anywhere.

Though her oath as a secret service agent was to protect those she served at all costs, the stakes felt different with this assignment. Because at the end of the day, she wasn't just protecting the Vice President, she was protecting someone she'd grown to care about beyond words.

These thoughts swirling through her head, Olivia caught Kamala's questioning glance, as if once again reading her thoughts. The agent gave a slight shake of the head, a 'we can talk about this later' type of look, Kamala's gaze returning to the crowd.

As the parade came to an end, everyone transitioned to the festival part of Pride, mingling among vendors, shops, drag shows, and other activities.

Olivia felt a pang that she was on duty, wanting instead to join in on the fun everyone seemed to be having.

Sidling up to the VP as she made her way through the crowd and to a small booth with handmade crafts and jewelry, the agent couldn't help but smile Kamala went up to the young girl running the booth with her mom, shaking their hands and making easy conversation.