ILLICIT AFFAIRS | WLW

Sweeter Than Fiction

𝐀𝐍: Trigger warnings: boring chapter, not proof read loool.

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The past two weeks for Blair's world had been consumed by midterm, the lingering weight pressing down on her, a constant reminder to stay focused. And now, with only a couple left, this current week had become a blur of late-night study sessions, cups of coffee too numerous to count, and a constant hum of anxiety.

To say the least, she was exhausted. But the finish line was nearing, and while the pressure felt overwhelming at times, there was one constant source of comfort that had made this gruelling period not only bearable but, in some ways, even enjoyable: Catherine Kingsley.

Blair's evenings had falling into a familiar, almost ritualistic pattern; its predictability comforting. Each night before an exam, Blair would show up at Catherine's door, a backpack slung over her shoulder, her face tired but determined. Catherine would greet her with a soft smile, her eyes warm and welcoming.

It had been their routine, their own little sanctuary from the chaos of the academic world. It was one of quiet intimacy, an unspoken rhythm that had woven itself into Blair's life like a warm blanket. The moment she stepped through the door, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease, the relentless buzz of her thoughts quieted by Catherine's presence. The apartment – modern, with minimalist décor – had become too familiar for Blair, a second home that, at times, felt more comforting than her own apartment. There was just something simple about being in Catherine's space that made everything else fade away. It was a space where she felt not just safe, but cherished.

Catherine had insisted on helping Blair with her studying, and at first, Blair had felt hesitant about it. She didn't want to feel like she was intruding or relying too heavily on Catherine, especially when she knew how busy the older woman was with her own work. But Catherine, ever the steady anchor in Blair's life, had brushed away her concerns with that calm assurance she always carried.

Every night Blair stayed over, Catherine would sit beside her, her presence both a source of encouragement and sometimes, distraction. She'd help Blair study, her voice patient and soothing as she guided Blair through complex political theories, or when she'd clarify grammatical intricacies. Blair found herself hanging onto every word, relying on her to fill in any gaps, to feel the steady assurance that Catherine exuded.

Even in this casual setting, there was an elegance about Catherine that captivated Blair—an elegance that made her feel grateful, and maybe even a little lucky, that she had Catherine in her life.

It wasn't just the help with her studies that made these nights special, though. It was the simple, everyday things that Catherine did, the small gestures that spoke volumes. Like the way Catherine would insist that Blair eat dinner before they started studying, knowing that she often forgot to eat when she was stressed. Or the way she'd brew tea for the both of them, the scent of chamomile filling the room as they pored over pages of notes.

At nighttime, Blair would take Catherine's hand, letting herself be pulled up from wherever she would be sat studying. As they moved to the bedroom, she often felt a sense of calm settle over her, the kind that only came when she was with Catherine. It was more than just the relief of getting a good night's sleep before an exam—it was the comfort of knowing she wasn't alone, that someone was there to support her, to be there for her, no matter what.

Catherine watched as Blair's breathing evened out, a sense of contentment settling over her. She had grown accustomed to these nights, to the quiet rhythm they had developed together. And though she knew Blair's exams would eventually come to an end, she hoped that the bond they had built—the routine of mornings and coffees and late-night study sessions—would continue, long after the exams were done. Because, in these moments, Catherine felt something she hadn't felt in a long time—a sense of purpose, of connection. And she wasn't ready to let it go. It was one she had planned to deem permanent.