ILLICIT AFFAIRS | WLW

That's When

𝐀𝐍: Sorry if you got two notifications for this, I realised I put a note about it being Catherine's fictional birthday but that was yesterday! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY CATH <3

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The uber ride to the next town over was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional exchange of glanced between Blair and Catherine. Blair kept her gaze on the city streets passing by the window, her reflection faintly visible in the glass. She adjusted the hem of her soft cream-coloured skirt for what felt like the hundredth time since she first climbing into he car. Her nerves buzzed incessantly, her pulse drumming steadily in her ears, a reminder of her building nerves.

She couldn't help but steal another glance at Catherine, wondering how this poised woman could appear so composed and at ease while Blair's thoughts spiralled with anxiety, the gravity of the evening pressing harder on her chest with each passing second.

Meeting Catherine's family for the first time, at an intimate birthday dinner no less, felt daunting. It was a step forward, a defining moment – but it was one into uncharted territory. Though they had grown undeniably close, they had yet to label whatever what was happening between them. Did Catherine see her as a partner, or was Blair still lingered around an undefined possibility? Whatever the answer was, Blair was being flung into a part of Catherine's world that demanded some form of clarity.

The quiet intimacy of Catherine's hand on hers broke Blair out of her reverie and pulled her back into the present. It was a simple gesture, but it carried an unspoken reassurance. The warmth of her touch steadying Blair, as if she could sense the maelstrom of thoughts swirling in her mind.

"You're overthinking again," Catherine's voice came softly, laced with a light mix of amusement and understanding. Blair turned her head meeting those warm eyes and managed a faint smile.

"Just a little, maybe." She admitted, her voice lower than usual. Catherine's thumb tenderly brushed over Blair's knuckles, anchoring her.

"There's no need for you to worry, darling." Catherine murmured. There was no doubt in her voice, no hesitation, just a kind of certainty that melted Blair's self-doubts, even if only for a moment. "Trust me, from what they already know about you – they love you."

Blair exhaled, letting Catherine's words sink in, before nodding. "Thank you," she offered a small smile, grateful for the reassurance.

Eventually, the uber had pulled up in front of a restaurant, a small establishment tucked in a quiet corner of the city. Blair's stomach twisted slightly as she took in the understated elegance of the place—dim lighting, clean lines, and patrons dressed in a way that whispered quiet sophistication. Catherine exited first, offering Blair her hand as she stepped onto the pavement.

The gesture felt gallant, grounding, and Blair clung to it. As they stepped out, the evening air was cool against Blair's skin, a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from Catherine's presence beside her. They walked in tandem through the restaurant's doors, their hands intertwined.

The restaurant's interior was warm and inviting, yet every detail screamed refinement—the kind of setting that made Blair hyper-aware of her posture, her gestures, and even the cadence of her footsteps. She glanced at Catherine, who walked with a casual elegance, as if she belonged there. Of course she did, Blair thought. Catherine seemed to belong everywhere, exuding an effortless confidence that Blair admired and envied in equal measure.

A host greeted them warmly, leading them through the bustling dining area to a quieter corner of the restaurant. Blair's nerves pricked, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer lighting as they approached a long table tucked away. The sight of Catherine's family caused a lump to form in her throat, but she swallowed it quickly, refusing to let her unease show. They had all looked so at ease, leaning into one another as they chatted, their laugher rippling softly across the room.