Don't Give In

Dulcie Hernandez | St. Agnes Alum | MIT Senior 

[itsgillianstupid]

"Oh my God, you're such a fucking dork." Gillian said in between her soft laughs at Dulcie's joke, and thankful for her for putting her at ease (not unlike) how she always did for her. "It is going to be pretty great, isn't it? Seismic. Not putting any pressure on it obviously, but that part has never been an issue for us from night one." Idly, Gillian played with Dulcie's fingers while she listened to her, "I'm not unaware that you are cheesy. You are the cheesiest person I've ever met so it's really not something you have to give me a disclaimer about. I'm down for it, a photobooth shouldn't be too hard to make happen. So I know it's only date 1 but we've been moving like a couple all weekend. What do you think so far, it's the first girlfriend survey, but it won't be the last.

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Oh no, definitely seismic." Dulcie gave her a wink even if her cheeks were completely flushed. "It's been a while though, so we're going to need to take our time. Make sure we don't break anything." She laughed and stretched her arms above her head. "Ever met? Like ever, ever? But okay good. Because I want to keep it in my wallet and when people ask, oh what's that, I'll be like oh this? Just me and my gorgeous girlfriend on our first date in Miami." She let out a soft laugh at the question not because it was funny but because she realized she had never really had a conversation like this before. Most of Dulcie's relationships were short lived, she'd never even gotten to a year mark with someone. So this, this was a total change of pace. "Well this is my very first girlfriend survey so I just want to take in the moment." She paused and put her hands on her chest for a moment. "I think this is better than every dream I've had about this moment and believe me, I have had many. What about you? No regrets so far?"

[itsgillianstupid]

A small part of Gillian felt like shit on the strength of no one going out of their way to treat Dulcie like this, herself included, but the bigger part was just grateful that she got to be the one to finally do it. She didn't exactly have the outlook down to a science yet, but she wanted to believe that their timing is what is was meant to be. "You're a fucking tease." She winked at Dulcie and took a sip of her wine to give herself a moment. "If I'm being honest, I'm weirdly nervous about that. Not because I don't want to, because trust me I want to, it's the after you know, really no turning back and no turning back from what comes. And I know I know I shouldn't think of the bad things that I'll think will come and I'm pushing those things aside but I'm just sharing so you ground me back to reality. I think telling me more about what's underneath would help a lot actually." When Dulcie called for a toast Gill laid her glass up, keeping eye contact with her date, "A toast to us." Moments later, their waiter came around and Gillian let Dulcie order first then Gillian herself. Once they were alone again, Gill held her hand out over the table, silently asking for Dulcie's hand, "Is there anything else you want to do before we leave tomorrow?"

[dulcie-hernandez]

"I mean what I'm not wearing underneath is probably a longer list," she told her with a wink but nudged her foot against Gillian's slightly. "I'm nervous too. It feels like we've been trying so hard not to that when we finally do it's going to be a little overwhelming. But in a really great way. And we'll take it at whatever pace feels good for us. I mean I kind of know what's gonna come after or who will come after," she paused, "ba dum dum tss," a snort of a laugh and she covered her face for a moment. "It's you and me, babe. It's gonna be great." She blushed even as she called her babe, getting used to it but liking how it sounded when Gillian was sitting across from her. It really was like all of her dreams come true, it was almost hard to believe. Almost. She gave her order to the waiter before happily taking Gillian's hand. "Hmm well I know it's cheesy but I want to find somewhere that has a photo booth for us to take pictures in. Something to commemorate this moment, you know?"

[itsgillianstupid]

Everything was the epitome of so far so good, and while there was that little pessimist within Gillian that always had her diligent and waiting on the other shoe to drop, she silenced that voice as much as possible. Being around Dulcie helped with that immensely and making her happy and feel loved, put a battery in Gillian's back that wasn't running out anytime soon. "Pick up your jaw, babe. You shouldn't be this shocked, I told you I was sweeping you off your feet with this date." She was rewarded for the seating with a soft kiss which Gillian gladly received, "Good. You deserve it." She told her before she pulled out Dulcie's chair, then sat at her own, "Does Dua Lipa have a restaurant here? You've mentioned it a few times, not that I'm complaining in the slightest. That's presumptuous of you though to think we'd do anything that could halfway get you pregnant. What if I don't put out on the first date?" She teased Dulcie as she took a sip of water, "You look beautiful you know? I don't think you've stopped smiling since we touched down."

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Well yeah but this is like...no one's ever done something like this for me," she admitted, her cheeks already flushed from being called 'babe.' "No but Dua Lipa travels a lot and every time I see pictures of her and her new husband I'm like wow she really is live laugh loving this life. I mean I was planning on putting out on the first date so this is awkward...." she let out a low whistle before laughing. "I didn't buy this new thong for nothing you know." She was blushing again, not that she ever stopped as she tucked her hair behind her ear before reaching for her wine. "I haven't. My face is gonna be sore later. I'm..really happy right now. To be here but especially to be here with you." She held up her glass with a big grin. "A toast, to us."

[itsgillianstupid]

Tonight was the culmination of so many things - something that started at a random shitty party where Gillian took a freshman's virginity in her sophomore year then developed into a fondness into a connection with someone Gillian protected more fiercely than anything else in her life, including from her - especially from her. It would also mark the first time that Gillian, hard wired for survival used the low six figure salary she was now making to splurge not on something she needed to do, but something she wanted to do. As far as first date went, Gillian had plenty and on it's face this one wasn't terribly unique not factoring in the fact that its a destination date, but it was important and she wanted to put her best foot forward. She wasn't without encouragement from people she worked with who more and more were starting become really close friends, and because of them Gillian was emboldened to go all out. Up until now, they had a chill day of lounging around south beach and seeing the sights, but now was their actual dinner date. Gillian felt confident in her outfit, her make up and was ready to be the most romantic bitch she could be. They were chauffeured to the restaurant (one of the best in the city) which Gillian rented out just for the two of them, which was a surprise that she hoped Dulcie enjoyed and made her feel special. "Looks like we're here. Come on." The chauffer helped Gillian out of the black SUV but Gillian took over from there and assisted Dulcie. Once the doors were opened, and they were welcomed in, they were escorted to the table with the best view of the beach just outside, "Surprise? I figured if this night is about you and me then I want it to really be about you and me. Is this seat okay? We can move anywhere we want." @dulcie-hernandez

[dulcie-hernandez]

Dulcie had felt like she was in a dream the entire trip to Miami. From the moment she packed her bag and found herself in the airport she was buzzing with excitement. Traveling with Gillian wasn't new to her but doing so while she could hold her hand and cuddle up with her on the plane was definitely new. But Dulcie wasn't going to waste time enjoying it. The day on the beach was much needed after a busy work week and she had to do her best to not guess at what Gillian had in store. She had played her music loudly to chill her nerves as she got ready, glad she brought options until she finally picked her outfit.

She let out a low whistle when she came out and saw Gillian waiting for her, feeling her cheeks warm at just how attracted she was to her very definite girlfriend. Her mouth literally fell open as Gillian led them inside. The car picking them up had been nice enough but this view and the fact that they were the only people in the restaurant had her heart racing. "Gill, this seat is perfect are you kidding, look at this view? We could practically run into the water from here." She pulled Gillian closer and kissed her softly. "This is perfect," she whispered, kissing her again before letting Gillian pull out her chair. "I feel like Dua Lipa out here in South Beach with a restaurant all to ourselves. Also if I haven't told you enough yet, you look so fucking good. It's gonna be hard for me to focus. I mean I might get pregnant tonight."

[itsgillianstupid]

"I'm not gonna crack. Good luck with that." Gillian wasn't trying to push Dulcie into the arms of anyone else but she'd told her the night they acknowledged their feelings that Dulcie could still explore, that she didn't want to hold her back if she herself wasn't fully ready to be full on girlfriends so she had to ask. "I wouldn't dream of disrespecting the kind of girl that you are, of course." Gillian was deliriously happy and in awe of Dulcie and how firm she could stand in her feelings, Gillian had always admired that. "I don't want or need to see anyone else. You're it." It still felt bizarre, being this intimate with Dulcie but it also felt a little less so every time they were. Still, Gillian was still terribly afraid of too much too fast so she kissed Dulcie one last time then separated herself and went to Dulcie's kitchen, raiding the pantry, "You have such bad snacks in here. This organic shit is for the birds."

[dulcie-hernandez]

Dulcie held Gillian's face for a moment, letting those words sink in. Suddenly the time behind them didn't matter as much. Dulcie knew she'd wait several lifetimes if it meant her ending up in Gillian's arms like this. The thought along flushed her cheeks but she blinked away any emotion. She could save that for Miami. She held onto her a little longer, only pouting slightly when Gillian pulled away. It was for the best though and she got to her feet to catch her breath and fan herself off a bit. "Yeah I'm overdue on a grocery trip. Between you and my parents i've been spoiled that I forget to get shit for myself." She shrugged, following Gillian into the kitchen. "Those flax seed chips are actually not terrible though. "

[itsgillianstupid]

"That's what you think, but I'm pretty tough to crack. I could go to the grave with this information for all you know." The way they spoke now, with the optimism of time together, a guarantee of yet to be lived happy moments as a couple was overwhelming for Gillian but she had her head on straight and being overwhelmed adjusting was far preferable to losing Dulcie. "Yeah she did. I'm weirdly glad that she did. Just further confirmation that people have your back." The irony of Gillian being a lone wolf and yet constantly finding herself falling for girls with tight knit groups of friends was not lost on her, "You're corny as fuck." She told Dulcie before kissing her again, and gave a little resistance when Dulcie tried to wiggle out of her grip, but let her go right after, "Okay first week of July - it's a date. Consider it booked. Is that what you think of me as? You kind of sort of definite girlfriend? Does that mean you aren't seeing anyone else?"

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Mhm well, I think I can be fairly persuasive so I'm willing to take that bet." She reached out to lightly brushing her fingers along Gillian's neck before following it with a soft kiss. Gillian was right, she did have people who had her back and it was good to know that no matter who she was with or what she went through she'd have a support net to fall back on. "You like it," she mumbled before kissing her back, pulling her a little closer. "There is no one else," Dulcie said, making sure their eyes were meeting. "There never was anyone else," she added, a slow smile growing on her lips. "But we can't become girlfriends before we go on a date. I mean what kind of girl do you think I am?" She was sure Gillian could hear her heart racing but she tried to drown out the sound with another kiss, wrapping her arms around Gillian's shoulders. She pulled away after a moment, trying not to get carried away but she didn't move away from Gillian. "I mean...unless you want to still see other people, I could call that girl back from the party," she teased, brushing her nose against Gillian's. She was pretty sure they were on the same page, she wasn't going to waste time getting jealous about the idea of Gillian with other people.

[itsgillianstupid]

"Approximately none of your business amount of years. Yeah somewhere around there." Gillian answered slyly, truth be told she couldn't pin point a moment, it just became her reality at some point once she realized not having Dulcie in her world wasn't an option and she wasn't dumb enough to do something so destructive because she couldn't keep it in her pants. She told herself that there would always be other women for that, but for the companionship they provided each other, that was irreplaceable. "She's also really happy about it, says we've been soul scissoring, which I hate is actually funny as fuck. I even got threatened so that's pretty cool." As they weren't constantly physical, Gillian made their kissing count, flirting with sliding her hands underneath Dulcie's shirt, but (barely) restrained herself and instead held on to her hips lightly, "Bitch, you put a spell on me? That makes so much since considering you have me walking around like a crazy person. That being said, fuck it. Let me know when you're free and I'll book. You'll look amazing, fall even more in love with me. It'll be a whole vibe."

[dulcie-hernandez]

"I will get my answer eventually," she teased, the idea that they had their whole lives ahead of them both filling her with joy and mild anxiety. What if all the time in the world was too much time? It was a silly thought and she realized that the minute she felt Gillian's fingers on the skin of her stomach. "Soul scissoring?" She let out a snort of a laugh because she could imagine Tahani saying that and it was incredibly accurate. "She should trademark that. Especially during pride month. She threatened you?" Dulcie pouted not because she was sad but because she was touched. She loved Gillian and they were best friends in so many ways but there would never be a replacement for Tahani and Odessa. They had taught her what unconditional love was and she was so much better for it. "I mean I had to go to a higher power. I can't help that they are incredibly powerful." Dulcie was sure her face was hot now, the words coming out of Gillian's mouth feeling surreal.

"I fall more in love with you every day which I thought was pretty impossible but you in a swim suit? Oh yeah it's going to reach new levels." She leaned in for another kissed and then wiggled out of her hold slightly just to grab her phone but staying closer to her. "Hmm, looks like the first week in July is pretty damn open and all the pride festivies will be over. What better way to continue the queer vibes than with my kind of sort of definite girlfriend?" She bit her bottom lip and reached out to brush Gillian's hair out of her face. "Book it. I can't wait."

[tahani-parkinson]

"First of all, shut up. You're glorious and you're certainly not a hag. You've got a few years left in you yet." Tahani was the biggest cheerleader for her girls at the best of times, but claims of favouritism could definitely be made when Dulcie was involved. "That's fair, Z knows how to take a better selfie than me at this point, and that's like, basically my whole job so... the generational turnover is upon us, I'm gonna be shunted into retirement any day now." Tahani narrowed her eyes in consideration. Dulcie was right, she didn't need drama but also she kind of craved it if she were being honest. "Hm, another sugar mama? Girl you are greedy as hell and I live for it."

[dulcie-hernandez]

"A few years? That's so generous," she replied but her cheeks had a touch of pink to them. Tahani's compliments always landed and always meant a lot. She had done a lot to build of Dulcie's confidence and she was finally in a place where she could actually receive them. "Yeah I'm pretty sure she taught me how to take selfies. The girl is a creative director for sure. You'd make a really hot retiree though." This time Dulcie's cheeks did turn pink. "What can I say? I am a woman with needs and dreams," she joked but she knew she couldn't skirt around what was bubbling up in her. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you myself about Gillian," she said finally, looking at Tahani directly and not really caring about the party around them. "I knew you would be happy for me it's just sometimes hard not to think about the two of you, you know"she put her hands together and laughed. "I'm incredibly territorial over the both of you so the two of you together it's like..all the wires in my brain fry up. But she and I are.." she bit at her bottom lip as she thought about it. "I guess we're like officially a thing. That feels so small and it's definitely not small but I'm still processing all of it."

[itsgillianstupid]

Gillian made sure she really listened to what Dulcie was admitting to her, a simple 'it wasn't that deep and didn't mean anything beyond sex for either of them' wouldn't be helpful or put Dulcie at ease. From the sounds of it, it wasn't something Gillian could even fix in an instant unless she finally cracked the formula for time travel. "Would it help if I pointed out the obvious being she isn't the one I've to varying degrees of success suppressing feelings for years? But like you said it takes time and I don't want her in the most respectful way possible because I consider her a friend. As far as how she feels about you not telling her, I don't know, but I don't think it's anything that couldn't be worked out with a conversation if there's anything to work out at all." Gillian felt relief flood her body when a smile returned to Dulcie. "Oh yeah well if it'll help then I guess I could…" Gillian snaked her way up to Dulcie and teased the girl, hovering her lips over Dulcie's, moving ever so slightly closer and then further away until she finally let their lips touch and she kissed the girl long and slow.

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Just how many years are we talking here?" She was smiling again, buzzing with the idea that Gillian had been pushing down these feelings all along. "I'll talk to her," she promised, more for herself than Gillian. Tahani was one of the most important people in her life and would be forever. She didn't want to let something like this linger, especially when it seemed like she and Gillian were moving towards something serious. She wanted them to co-exist with joy and she figured it was time to forgive her best friend for something that hadn't been done maliciously. It's not like she couldn't understand why the two would be attracted to each other. If given the chance on either side Dulcie would have probably taken it. She bit her bottom lip as she watched Gillian move towards her, warmth already stirring in the pit of her stomach before she felt Gillian's lips on hers. She wrapped her arms around her, sighing contentedly against her lips as she kissed her back. "You're such a tease," he mumbled, pressing her forehead against Gillians. "Can't believe I'm about to get flown out for a first date. All that manifesting really worked. Well that and the etsy with I paid last year."

[dulcie-hernandez]

[itsgillianstupid]

Being so enamored with Dulcie's smiling it was immediately noticed when her smile fell. She had stepped in it, she knew that but was caught off guard because if anything she thought Dulcie would be happy that she got along with one of her best friends. Dulcie pulling away from her made Gillian inwardly panic that she'd done the wrong thing like she crossed some sacred friend line but then Dulcie clarified and Gillian saw that it was worse, "Oh…" It was all she could say for a moment while she listened intently, "I didn't know it fucked with you, I'm sorry." She didn't regret per se hooking up when she did, grateful of the results that came about, but had she'd known more about how Dulcie still felt about her and that it would screw with her she probably would have made a different choice that first night. "Do you have some kind of lingering…anything for her or am I wrong about that part." If she had a thing for Tahani, that was news to Gillian, but she'd deal with that if it was part of this whole thing. She wasn't so obtuse though that she didn't know the bulk had to do with the two of them, "If I knew it would hurt you I would have never gone there. What can I do to ease your not cool about it feelings?"

[dulcie-hernandez]

Dulcie could feel her cheeks heating up, but this time from embarrassment. She and Gillian really knew how to ride a rollercoaster during their conversations. "It's fine it's just..something I don't like to think about. I mean no, Tahani is my best friend. I love her. And I don't know, you always feel a little territorial over your best friends. But in this case two of my best friends hooked up with each other and it just," she made a motion of her hands exploding. "I tried to get over it but like there's this little part of me that's insecure about it. And now I'm wondering if Tahani feels weird that I didn't tell her myself. I mean she's one of my biggest cheerleaders I just...stopped myself." She stretched out her legs so one of her feet was touching Gillian's leg, wanting the contact so she didn't feel like she was drifting away. "I guess it just takes time, you know? I mean Tahani is...Tahani, total babe. Who wouldn't want her?" She shook her head, not wanting to feel jealous of one of her greatest friends and she was confident in herself but there was always a part of her that would wonder if she was worth staying for. "I mean..." she started, a small smile growing on her lips. "It wouldn't hurt if you came over here and kissed me."

[itsgillianstupid]

"Yeah, that's what I'm known for, drama." If Dulcie wanted heart eyes she need only look at Gillian when she got bashful, because the older girl's eyes never failed to fill with adoration, adoration that she was no longer hiding how cute she found Dulcie when she got bashful and or giddy. "Oh Arc doesn't know. I'm still figuring out how to break the news that he was never actually your favorite in the apartment, it's gonna break his heart." She joked then gave Dulcie a real answer, "I went to some cocktail party thing with Tahani the other day and told her about it. Part of me figured she would know already but turns out I beat you to it."

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Oh no he's definitely still my favorite. You're just a very close second." The smile she had a moment ago fell slightly as Gillian told her she had told Tahani. There were a million thoughts running through her head. The first being how Tahani must have felt hearing it from Gill and not her. Second the fact that they were hanging out a cocktail party. Dulcie knew logically that not only was Tahani way in love but that she cared about Dulcie. Still, it picked at a deep insecurity inside of her and she pulled away slightly. "I mean no it's good she knows I just..should have probably told her myself. I guess," she paused and groaned, knowing she had to be honest. That's what they promised. "I still get jealous about the fact that you two hooked up. And not just jealous of her but jealous of you too," she admitted. "You're both so important to me and it's just, when it happened it really fucked with me a little bit. I wanted so badly to be cool about it but you know me, when have I ever been cool about anything?"

[itsgillianstupid]

"My eyes pop out of my head when I see you now. I've just got a really good poker face, Hernandez." The line between sincerity and flirting was extremely close together; the only difference between this and her usual shameless flirting was that instead of attempting to get a reaction of sorts she was more so embracing the newfound luxury of honesty she was allowing herself to have. "Dulcie, should we maybe tell congress? If Chuck knows then all the gays in Rosewood do." She was joking of course, she didn't have a desire to stifle whoever Dulcie wanted to tell, she herself was an island and the only person she told was Tahini which could be not quite a conflict of interest, but a little messy. Still, Gillian didn't trust a lot of people but the mother of two became one of the few plus she cared about Dulcie just as much as she did, which Gillian saw as an upside and a safe place.

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Okay well that's rude. I want you to be like one of those cartoons with heart eyes. Very dramatic." She was sure her cheeks were flush, just the feeling of being under her gaze enough to make her blush. But being flirted with? Being desired by Gillian? It was like a surge of electricity was running through her. She let out a laugh and covered her face. "You're probably right but I'm okay with that. Easier than spreading the word myself. What about you? Have you told anyone besides Arc?" She poked Gillian's side slightly but she was curious. The thought of Gillian telling someone about her made her chest feel warm.

[tahani-parkinson]

"What, you're saying people can't be interesting post twenty-one? That's very small minded of you," Tahani laughed, because the whole point was that she didn't care for the sake of caring, she was just nosy and judgmental at the best of times. "Me? With two kids? I'm trying to live vicariously through other peoples' bad decisions. Worst thing I've done recently is... I don't even know, which is kind of terrifying. Am I becoming a good person? Or even worse... boring?"

[dulcie-hernandez]

"No they can definitely be interesting but they definitely don't need anyone in their business. God forbid someone catch me trying to reach down for something on the floor and catch all of my bones cracking." She laughed as she thought about it because it wasn't that far from the truth. "Yeah you can let my nibblings be part of it. I'm pretty sure they can carry a camera now. Gotta start em young," she teased. "I would go with a good person, not that you were ever a bad one. But I don't think you need drama, you have two kids running your life right now. But you? Boring? That's kind of impossible. But I'll start spreading rumors if you want me to. I need to make sure you're entertained. Maybe I'll find a sugar mama to start a fling with."

[itsgillianstupid]

"Yeah I know that. But confirmation is important, is it not." Gillian said in her typical cocky yet oh so frustratingly charming tone that melted Dulcie like butter. Still, if there were an upper hand to be had, Gillian lost it when Dulcie called her out on what she was trying to do. She rolled her eyes, but was actively fighting back a smile even as she swatted Dulcie's hand though she relished in them under her chin, "Yeah, well fuck it, I am asking you out on a first date. Long overdue so I guess we can call it taking it slow." Gill glanced down at Dulcie's fingers but made no move for her to stop the physical contact. "And you're thinking about what you're gonna wear aren't you? It's cool though, focus on that and I have everything else handled." She hesitated, but bravery had worked in her favor so far, so Gillian figured she should keep it going, "That feels good, you touching me like that. Who knows about...?" She gestured between the two of them.

[dulcie-hernandez]

"I am thinking about what I'm gonna wear. It's our first date, I want to make sure your eyes are popping out of your head the minute you see me." She knew that Gillian would indeed have everything handled and Dulcie was letting herself be romanced as opposed to trying to control every aspect of it. Gillian was one of the few people she could let go with like that and it required a lot of trust. Fortunately, they had that in boatloads between them. "Odessa. I was with her the day after we first kissed. She could tell I was giddy. And Chuck because he's like a fucking dog he could smell it on me somehow." She laughed as she remembered the conversation. It wasn't that she didn't want to tell more of her friends it was just that she was enjoying it just being them right now. Well that and she liked to not think about Tahani and Gillian hooking up but she wasn't going to say that out loud. "Oh and I guess Chase because nothing is a secret between him and Oddie and he's always encouraging me to go find a date."

[itsgillianstupid]

"Yeah, I think I will. I'm trying to allow myself good things right now. I'm on a roll with it." Gillian made no attempt to hide the very obvious implication that Dulcie herself was that good thing. It often replayed in her mind how they declared that they were in love with one another and Gillian's world didn't implode. She wouldn't say that she still didn't have one eye on waiting for that other shoe to drop but what boiled over that night had been something of a lesson. That didn't mean she was jumping into a full on relationship, she still needed slow and to feel like she was being careful with the relationship between them, one that was sacred and precious - she didn't think she could survive a life without Dulcie in it in some capacity. Well, she probably could but she was sure it would be miserable. Their confession didn't mean they were girlfriends, they could do whatever they wanted, but Gillian didn't want anyone else; they would only be distractions as she was well aware of where her heart was and past denying it. "You're blushing. Did I do that?" Gill smirked, knowing full well she did. "Yeah, I want to go somewhere, a couple of guys I work with are big fans of Miami. We'd look good on South Beach. I have a few restaurant recs too so going together and eating food in a fancy place could be…a thing we do. Could be our first date. Or something like it. Maybe we could do that and still be moving slow, right?"

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Yes, you did that. And you know that," Dulcie replied, her cheeks even hotter now. For Dulcie it was like she was living a dream she didn't want to wake up from. She was in the timeline where Gillian knew about her feelings and not only was she still here but she felt the same. It was everything she had ever wanted and she was still nervous to wrap her arms around it all. But that wasn't going to stop her from trying. "We would look good on South Beach. Gillian..." she let out a dramatic gasp but moved closer to her on the ouch. "Are you asking me on a date?" She put her hands under her chin and smiled. "Because if you are then I would totally say yes to having our first date be in Miami while we're both wearing super hot outfits. And yeah, I think moving slow is whatever feels good for us." She reached out to gently brush her fingers along the inside of Gillian's forearm. She was usually better about keeping her distance but the idea of a Miami vacation with Gillian had her feeling giddy, her mind already racing with what outfits she would pack and if she should buy some new pieces just for the trip, her inner Tahani already knowing she'd have to bring a bigger bag. "I mean of course, that's if you're asking me on a date. Totally hypothetical."

[itsgillianstupid]

"No you really should. You were terrified of telling your folks and depriving them of doing all of this." Gillian was happy that Dulcie's coming out worked out so well for her and on top of the revelation bringing her and her family closer, it also gave Gillian the closest thing she ever had to a family so in that, she was doubly grateful. "Sounds like the beginning of a good night then." It was still a little mind blowing how they were just being honest with their thoughts and feelings about one another. It felt foreign as it was suppressed for so long but also it was liberating in a way they were both still getting used to, "Yeah we basically said the same thing." Gillian sat on the couch next to Dulcie and took one of the drinks, thanking her with a wink. An upside to the new dynamic they were forging was at least that when she flirted with Dulcie she got to see the entirety of Dulcie's reaction to it. "I was working, nothing too exciting. I was ready to be done with it. I'm looking forward to this summer. I'm making real money now you know? I want to do something with it, experience some cool shit, some of which I'll experience with you, hopefully. I don't even know if you have any real plans for the summer yet. Cheers." Gillian clicked her drink against Dulcie's then took a sip not breaking eye contact because even if she wasn't having sex a this current time in her life, she didn't want to risk 7 years of bad sex once she did resume.

[dulcie-hernandez]

"Oh? Gonna be catching some flights this summer?" This was the first summer in a long time that Dulcie wasn't working extra hard. She had opted not to apply for any fellowships or study trips. She wanted to enjoy her summer, be there for her nibblings, spend time with her parents and hopefully, explore what it was like to be around Gillian now that they were being more honest about their feelings. She thought about their kisses everyday and wondered just how much longer she'd be able to stop herself from wanting to be even closer. It didn't help when Gillian winked at her and she blushed, knowing that it was really for her and not just an afterthought of an action. "Cheers," she replied, her cheeks hot as she kept Gillian's gaze for a moment longer before looking back at whatever she had put on the TV. "But no, my plans are to just be around for whatever I can. You want to go somewhere? Because I'd love to find myself on a beach with you."