#can1

[artificialqueens]

Lemon is Always Right (Lemyanka) - Hannah

a/n: got this from the randomizer too and thought it was so on brand and had to write it, so here's another lil fic for the incorrect quotes challenge!

“I should change my name to bakery ‘cause of all this cake I have” Lemon slurred as she jiggled her ass with her hands in the reflection of a storefront window.

  Priyanka was grateful that the store had been long closed and no one was inside to see her friend embarrass herself. Taking one of the blonde’s hands in her own, Priyanka tries to pull her along to get to the parking lot that Juice was waiting for them in.

  “C’mon Lem, I know you’re deflecting by making jokes about how hot you are,”

  Lemon let out a gasp that nearly echoed through the street, “It’s not a joke!” Playing up the dramatics, she makes a few sniffles, ”I’m a legit snack,”

  “Oh god, I am not drunk enough to deal with a drunk you,” Priyanka said exasperatedly, continuing to drag Lemon along until they reached the white Kia Soul parked right where Juice had said she would be.

  “Wild night Lem?” Juice asked as she helped her into the back seat.

  Lemon nodded as she belted herself in, “Juicey, I’m a snack right?” The blonde said with a pout.

  “Of course, my dear, the tastiest snack in all the world,” Juice indulges her, knowing the blonde won’t remember the conversation in the morning.

  Lemon laughs smugly, “Ha, see? I told you Pri, I’m a legit snack,”

  “Alright Lem, you were right, just like always,” The brunette sighs in response, fondly looking back at the blonde through the car mirror.

  A prideful smirk tugs on Lemon’s tired face, “Yep, always right,” She mumbled as her eyelids became heavier and heavier, falling asleep before Juice was able to pull out of the parking lot.

[artificialqueens]

💎 I'd Love it if We Made it, Beach Scene (Lemyanka) - Mar

A/N: I really want the baby blue filled out in the flag, and I have a beach fic from the Jankie parenthood au that's just not cooperating, so instead I got this from the vault. It has been a draft since december 2020. It's the start of chapter 2 of a beach town au that I adore, but I haven't posted because I can't bring myself to finish it. It's fitting that these challenges would be the thing to bring it back to life. If you want to read the first part, it's on ao3. If you don't want to read all that, just know that Priyanka lives in a dead beach town, and is jolted out of her years-long depressive episode when Lemon arrives with her family one October day. Highly recommend to read this with ocean sounds in the background.

It’s clear that the heat is not going anywhere, so Priyanka decides to make hay while the sun shines and invite Lemon to spend the morning at the beach. Armed with sunblock, food, and all the magazines she “borrowed” from the store, she waits for Lemon at the agreed middle point between their houses.

It’s early. Priyanka rests her body on a wall with crackling paint, that sheds with her touch. Sunlight crests over the rooftops and fills up the streets, pools at her feet. She feels it climb up her legs and warm her up, melting the last dregs of sleep from her mind. She stretches and her bones crack loudly in the empty block. So early.

There’s a different silence from the dead town quiet she’s accustomed to, somehow peaceful, just the world yawning and waking up. It has been a long time since she got up with the sun.

Across the street, Lemon waves.

While she crosses, Priyanka has ten full seconds to panic over kissing Lemon hello, like they’re dating, which they aren’t, or kissing her cheek like they’re platonic friends, which they also aren’t. She flips through her mental catalog of previous summer flings and ponders what the correct move is, if there even is one, and when did she get so out of practice? Before she can make a call, she’s shrouded in perfume and sunscreen.

“Hey, doll.” Lemon takes her chin and brings her face down to kiss her lips. Simple as that.

Priyanka’s eyes travel from her own surprise reflected on Lemon’s sunglasses, trail down over her smug expression and her bare shoulders, and land on the barely there scraps of fabric that make up Lemon’s bikini top. Her mouth dries and her mind wanders, but there’s pressing matters at hand.

“Why are you wearing that?”

Lemon huffs and pulls her sunglasses on top of her head.

“I feel like you’re not being grateful enough for how hot I look,” she says, striking a pose. “Wanna try again?”

Priyanka laughs and brings her in by the waist for another kiss.

“My bad, princess. Hi, you look very hot, also, why are you in a bikini? I told you to bring a one piece.” Although it’s hard to remember why now, with her thumbs stroking the skin of Lemon’s waist.

“I don’t have a one piece,” Lemon shrugs and starts walking towards the beach. “Plus, I’m not that white, and I have sunscreen,” she says, jostling the tote bag on her shoulder.

“It’s less about the sun and more about the fact that it is eight in the morning in October. You’re gonna freeze in that.”

“I won’t swim, then.”

“No, you have to!” Priyanka yells, horrified. “You have to swim, that’s the whole point of going. Also, you need to get your head underwater every now and then, or you could get a heatstroke.”

“So will I freeze or get a heatstroke? Pick a lane.”

“Could be both,” Priyanka says, grinning. “The beach is a magical place.”

“Ugh, why are we even going?” Lemon whines.

“Because it’s magical, Lemon. Keep up.”

“Hm, sorry, you look hot, it’s very distracting,” Lemons says, giving her a very obvious once-over.

Priyanka’s steps falter. She knows Lemon’s not trying to get a reaction out of her, she just throws compliments like they’re nothing and moves on, but they cling to Priyanka’s skin with varying effects. Right now, it makes her feel self-conscious. The air is dense and hot, and she’s been feeling sweat prickle at her skin since she left the house, so her shirt ended in her bag and now there’s just a tight blue swimsuit covering her stomach. On instinct, she goes to cross her arms over it, but Lemon takes her hand and doesn’t let go.

It’s fine, Priyanka thinks. You’re fine. The beach’s probably empty.

She’s proven right minutes later, when they look upon the vast expanse of sand, only broken by a small group of people far off. Priyanka takes her time to find a place close to the water but still high enough that they won’t need to move once the tide rises. They’re spoiled for choice, but once they find a spot, Lemon still throws down her bag like she’s staking her claim on that little patch of sand, forcefully enough to scare off the other four people on the whole beach.

“Fuck, should we have brought an umbrella?” Lemon asks, looking at the sun.

“Aha!” Priyanka exclaims, showing Lemon the circular flat bag on her shoulder, which she had to dig out of the closet and dust off the previous night.

“What’s that?”

“The future.” Priyanka unzips the bag and pulls out its content of folded fabric in black and green, and then throws it to the air. The thing unfolds with a loud thwap! and lands gracefully on the sand. Priyanka makes jazz hands at their newly formed little shelter. “Pop-up tent!”

“I appreciate the theatrics,” Lemon smiles with approval. They set their bags inside on the corners to weigh the tent down, and then Lemon crawls in.

“Take off your shoes, you savage,” Priyanka chastises her, following her inside. “You’re getting sand everywhere.”

“This is literally the beach,” Lemon protests, but she still helps her brush out the sand.

The cold breeze stops them from braving the water just yet, but they have the whole morning ahead. For now, Priyanka opens her backpack and spreads out a full picnic on the floor. She cracks open two water bottles as Lemon slices her way into a packet of cookies with her acrylic nail, and Priyanka is so hypnotized by the movement that she doesn’t notice she’s crushing the bottles until cold water spills on her lap and startles her out of the reverie. She dries herself off while Lemon laughs in the background.

Jerk.

They sit half outside the tent and bury their feet in the sand, not hot enough to burn them yet. With sleepy brains catching up to the day, they plan their morning in vague terms until their voices fizzle out, swallowed by the crashing waves. Priyanka follows their movement, entranced, munching on one cookie after the other until her hand reaches for a third one and finds the crinkle of an empty packet. She turns and finds Lemon with puffed cheeks and crumbs on her lips, looking like a deer in the headlights. She has the decency to say a meek “sorry” through a mouthful of cookies. Priyanka retaliates by grabbing the bunch of grapes she packed and declaring Lemon cannot have a single one. She just shrugs and takes a peach instead.

The sun rises lazily and warms their morning. Voices turn to whispers and silences stretch like honey, slow and mellow. Priyanka leans back on her elbows, head lolled to the side to look at Lemon. She sees her bite into the peach and watches as juice dribbles down her chin and neck, marking a path that Priyanka wants to trace with her tongue. She throws a napkin at Lemon’s face instead.

Eventually, the air inside the tent gets heady enough to make them want to leave it.

“We can go swimming now, if you think you can handle it.”

It’s presented as a challenge, and Lemon takes it as one. She gives Priyanka a hard stare and takes off her hoop earrings, then her dozens of bracelets and rings. Taking Priyanka’s hand, she leads them to the water and her confident stride only wavers where the sea meets the sand.

A wave reaches their feet and makes Lemon hiss. It is cold, even for Priyanka now that she’s lost the habit, but pride makes her bite her tongue. She takes a big step forward only to be stopped by the shoulder because Lemon won’t budge an inch and they’re still holding hands.

“Lem? You can’t swim in the sand, girl.”

“I’m coming, it’s just so cold.”

Lemon takes a deep breath and the tiniest step. Moving to stand in front of her, Priyanka takes both of her hands and pulls her in slowly.

“It gets easier. I promise.”

Lemon looks over Priyanka’s shoulder and gives her a small nod. She follows Priyanka’s lead, gritting her teeth the whole time. Step by step, they get up to their thighs in water before the first wave hits and splashes their stomachs.

“Motherfucker!” Lemon yelps and leaps forward, clutching to Priyanka’s warmth.

Priyanka does a poor job of hiding her laughter, and she feels Lemon smile against her collarbone and mouth a “fuck off” through chattering teeth. As much as she wants to wrap her arms around Lemon to fend off the cold, she knows they will never get over it until they go underwater. Gently, she pries Lemon off her chest and rubs her arms.

“Come on, I’ll have you swimming like a pro in no time. We have to go underwater, okay?”

Lemon nods resolutely and straightens her spine.

“Okay—” she flinches as another wave hits them. “Tell me what to do.”

“Lock your knees,” Priyanka instructs, pressing down on Lemons’ shoulders like she’s planting her in the sand. She stands by her side and digs her heels in, firm against the ocean trying to push them away. “Keep your eyes on the water. And when a wave starts to form, we dive under. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Lemon almost manages to hide the fear in her voice. She stands firm and furrows her brow with focus.

“No matter what, keep swimming forward and find me on the other side. Here comes one!”

Priyanka watches the massive wave rise in front of them. With held breath, they trudge through the water and dive under.

Water rushes past her ears. Every sound echoes and dissorients her before she can open her eyes and find the ground. She kicks with all her might and digs her nails in the sand to crawl forward. Bubbles surge up past her cheeks as the air leaves her. Another wave grazes the top of her head and pushes her back but she holds her ground, her lungs burn but she has to keep going, going, going, she closes her eyes and kicks wildly until she can’t take it anymore and has to swim up.

Priyanka breaks the surface with a triumphant jump, damp hair slapping against her back with the movement. Air floods her lungs and burns on the way down, but she looks back and sees she left the waves crashing behind. She made it, and around her there is only tranquil blue. This, however, means no Lemon to be found. Priyanka doesn’t get much time to worry before a flash of yellow surfaces in front of her, splashing water everywhere.

Lemon throws her arms around Priyanka’s neck and kisses her soundly, filling her mouth with the taste of salt water. When she pulls back, she’s grinning.

“Again, again!”

Once the adrenaline dies down, the cold makes itself known again, so they paddle around to warm up. Priyanka keeps a watchful eye on the shore to make sure they don’t float too far away. She recognized the lifeguard on duty and she knows that, if things go awry, there’s a better chance of a tsunami returning them to the shore than of the guy even noticing they are drowning.

“Hey, try to hear what I’m saying underwater,” Lemon says before sinking. Priyanka follows her and listens closely, then goes up and shakes the water off her face.

“You said ‘Gritty’ something. Gritty rhizomes?”

“Not even close.”

They try again, and this time Priyanka’s really sure of her answer.

“Ryan the shittiest psychic!”

“No!” Lemon laughs. “I said I am the prettiest princess.”

“Oh my God,” Priyanka rolls her eyes. “My turn.”

They go underwater, and Lemon comes up looking really offended.

“Did you just call me ugly?”

“Wow, you’re really good at this game.”

Lemon climbs over Priyanka and tries to dunk her head underwater.

“Ow, ow, okay, truce!” she splutters. “No roughhousing in the ocean!”

“Fine,” Lemon concedes, and settles instead for hanging from Priyanka’s back with her chin on her shoulder.

They swim around like that while Priyanka finds a spot where she can touch the ground, Lemon trailing behind from her neck like a wedding veil. Sometimes, Lemon kisses her skin, and the contrasting warmth makes Priyanka shiver. In the distance, scattered boats sail by and she tries to remember what the acronyms on their sides mean to answer Lemon’s questions.

It’s quiet again. White light crackles on the surface of the water, shimmering and blinding. Smooth waves roll beneath them and flip them on their backs. They float under the sun, feeling the ocean rise below them, lifting them up and setting them down gently. Above, the sky is a perfect blue.

Priyanka stares at the sun until her vision is all white spots. She could doze off. Lemon drifted out of her sight. It feels like she is the only person on Earth.

“Otters hold hands when they sleep.”

The words bubble up so quietly, Lemon may not even hear her. She is mostly talking to the sky.

“Hm?” Lemon’s voice is so far, so far, she may be across the Atlantic.

“When they sleep in the water, otters hold hands.” Her chest struggles to rise and fall with the words. It’s so tiring to speak. “So they don’t drift apart.”

Light is filtering through her closed eyelids, making them burn.

Across the Atlantic, Lemon reaches over and grazes her arm.

“Do you want to hold hands? So we don’t drift?”

Priyanka doesn’t answer.

Lemon takes her hand.

__________________________________________________________________

Before noon, once the sun gets too high and too strong, Priyanka says they have to get out. Lemon protests, but Priyanka sees the red blooming on her cheeks and knows sunburn is not far off. She starts walking to shore, dragging a floating Lemon behind her by the wrist.

Getting out is an ordeal. The ocean is hell bent on keeping them, and although Priyanka is used to it, she sees Lemon panic every time the water recedes from the shore and pulls them back in. Still, she doesn’t complain. She grits her teeth and swims against the current under Priyanka’s guidance. It takes them time and muscle and when they finally get out, they flop down on the sand, tired and relieved. Priyanka feels rocks digging into her stomach, but she can’t be bothered to move. Lemon is smiling at her, with drops of water trailing down her chin and her nose, and sunlight painting her blonde hair until it blends with the sand.

They don’t speak, just try to catch their breath as the sun dries them. The sea still reaches for them, getting up to their knees before going back in. Priyanka feels heavy like lead, and would probably sink in the sand if Lemon didn’t say she was hungry.

As they towel off their hair, Priyanka lists all the restaurants around them. They end up getting food to go from the nearest bar right there on the beach, paired with tall plastic glasses of juice that Priyanka buries halfway in the sand by their tent.

“Think of the beach as a giant cup holder.”

They finish their food over spread out magazines, flipping through the articles and doing every stupid quizz.

(Are you a commitment-phobe? Does your BFF secretly hate you? What is the right summer haircut for you?)

Lemon paints her lips with peach flavored chapstick. Priyanka’s eyes wander away from her magazine and suddenly her mouth is so dry.

“Can I borrow that?”

Lemon hands her the chapstick, Priyanka applies it and wiggles her eyebrows.

“It’s like we’re kissing.”

Lemon rolls her eyes but still straddles Priyanka, lays her down in the sand and kisses her slow and deep. Priyanka feels heat flow up from her stomach all the way to her head, like water, it feels like it’s gonna drown her and she lets it.

Once dry, Priyanka’s hair is a mass of waves that Lemon can’t stop complimenting and threading her fingers through, teasing it from side to side, fascinated. Priyanka keeps her hands firmly on Lemon’s waist and holds the impulse to push her away.

The air gets a little heavy, but never to the point of real summer middays. In a very muted, distant way, Priyanka wonders if Lemon will come back next summer and get the real beach-town experience. Everything’s more lively with more people milling around, and Lemon would fit right in with the crowd of pretty, young people, there for a good time and gone before you notice.

“So,” Priyanka says, slurping the last of her drink. “Why did you come to a beach in October?”

“Oh, my mom was swamped with work all summer. She practically runs her company now that her boss is retiring, so she couldn’t get away until now. It’s not ideal, but we take these yearly vacations very seriously.” She tears open a pack of Twizzlers. “Except Janice, apparently, ‘cause she’s too grown and in love to come join us,” she says petulantly, ripping the Twizzler in half with her teeth.

“The sister that bailed on you?” Priyanka says, taking the bag for herself.

“The bitch herself. She's going into year two of the honeymoon phase and shows no sign of getting any less gross, and I’m the one who has to deal with the consequences.”

“Aww, Lemon, are you jealous?” Priyanka teases, poking Lemon’s stomach.

“Pff, no,” Lemon says, squirming away. “I’m not jealous of Jaqueline, with her stupid museum curator title and her stupid fundraisers and her stupid outfits taken straight from the sixties—” She sees Priyanka’s raised eyebrow. “I’m not jealous, okay? I just think I was in Jan’s life first and I deserve at least as much attention!”

Priyanka laughs at her childishness, but still wraps her arm around Lemon’s shoulders.

“I’ll pay attention to you.”

Watching the rise and fall of the waves, both girls enter a silent trance. The tide has been rising steadily since they got there, and Priyanka realizes she miscalculated their spot, so they will have to move back the tent if they don’t want it to get wet. The mistake bruises her pride a little. She hasn’t been to the beach in too long.

She turns to inform Lemon of this when the girl’s phone chimes. Priyanka is polite and looks away, taking back her arm so Lemon can text comfortably. Without much expectation, Priyanka checks her own phone and sees no messages. She does, however, notice the time, and knows she needs to run home if she wants to shower before work.

She apologizes to Lemon as they rush to pack everything, but Lemon dismisses her. She had fun, she needs a nap anyways, which is backed up by how she yawns as they trudge up the sand hill, dragging all their belongings. They part near Priyanka’s house with salt kisses and promises of talking later.

[artificialqueens]

No More in Between (Lemyankajuice) - Mar

N/A: I was having fun with Mayhem and then life grabbed me by the name and threw me into a puddle, as it does. This was fun though, so maybe I'll write more prompts. The best antidote for winter cold is writing fluff.

For @duckprintspress: Day 9/The Only Solution to a Love Triangle is...

Tags: may trope mayhem, rpdr fanfiction, juice x lemon x priyanka, juice boxx, lemon, priyanka, fluff, lesbian au, poly, mar

Summary:

“So it’s been weeks of back and forth and I feel like we’re finally at a good point where we all know what we want. We all like each other, we all want to date each other. Right? Right?” Juice pointed the marker at Lemon and Priyanka. They both nodded. “Now we could let things develop organically, but I think it will be more fun if we all follow a very strict schedule!” With this, she faced the whiteboard towards her… maybe girlfriends? Titles were yet to be discussed. It was item three at the meeting.

  Juice, Lemon and Priyanka avoid a messy love triangle by deciding to be a triad, but that is only the beginning. There is still a lot to be discussed, and Juice knows the only solution to a love triangle is—

“—organization!” Juice stated as she capped the blue marker, looking over the neat calendar she had drawn on her whiteboard.

On the couch, Priyanka looked amused and somewhat curious. Lemon looked bleary, since she’d been woken up from what she called her “weed nap” and was still trying to focus on the present moment.

“Where did you get a whiteboard?” asked Lemon, blinking in confusion.

“It may or may not belong to the school and I may or may not need your help to sneak it back right after this. Alright!” Juice clapped her hands. “So it’s been weeks of back and forth and I feel like we’re finally at a good point where we all know what we want. We all like each other, we all want to date each other. Right? Right?” She pointed the marker at each girl in turn. They both nodded. “Now we could let things develop organically, but I think it will be more fun if we all follow a very strict schedule!”

With this, she faced the whiteboard towards her… maybe girlfriends? Titles were yet to be discussed. It was item three at the meeting.

“I wrote down our work schedules and weekly activities from Mondays to Sundays. I’m pink, Pri is blue, and Lemon is obviously—”

“Yellow!” Lemon said happily.

“Green, actually, yellow doesn’t show up on the board. Sorry, Lem.”

Lemon pouted and Priyanka patted her knee.

“As you can see, we don’t have much free time that overlaps, with Pri and I working mornings at our school and Lemon busy in the evenings. But!” Juice spinned to face them. Both girls startled back. “It is possible. We could set mandatory, weekly hangouts. Pri and I already get together on Fridays to plan our classes for the following week. Lem and I game often, we could make it a fixed thing. And you two have been going on coffee dates since you met, so that’s covered. And we could have a date night all together! That way no one feels excluded.”

As she listed her ideas, Juice made little notes on the whiteboard, so focused she didn’t hear the other two get up from the couch.

“Juice,” said Lemon calmly beside her.

“Mhm?” Juice kept writing, until Priyanka’s hand steadied her wrist.

“Come to the couch,” said Priyanka, pulling Juice with her. Lemon sat on Juice’s other side, and both girls stared at her so intently that she thought, This is it. They’re dumping me before we even begin.

She should have seen this coming. From the second they met at Juice’s birthday party, Lemon and Priyanka had something special. Juice thought it was a matter of time until they started dating and she got two heartbreaks for the price of one. It would mean the end of Priyanka’s bold flirting at school, hidden from the other teachers, of Lemon’s fluttering eyelashes and smiles, of everything that made Juice feel so incredibly special.

But, surprisingly, neither girl had disappeared. They got together often, sure, but they also made plans to be with Juice alone, and it slowly bled into hanging out all together, all the time. Then one movie night at Juice’s place, the air a little charged with something unnamed, fleeting glances and electric touches, there was a first kiss and a flash of heartbreak. But then there was another first kiss, and a third one, and then there were three very happy, slightly confused girls. Only one thing was sure: they liked each other a lot. They wanted to try.

And now Juice had gone and screwed it up plastering her little moment of panic on a whiteboard. Which she may or may not have stolen.

Lemon spoke up first.

“Love the color-coded schedule, doll,” she said. Now that response, Juice was not expecting. “I’m a Virgo, so it’s right up my alley.”

“And your spreadsheets saved my ass last semester, so clearly you know what you’re doing,” Priyanka added. “But you’ve gone a little, um…”

“Crazy around the eyes.”

Priyanka reached over Juice to pinch Lemon’s thigh.

“What? It’s true!” Lemon gestured at Juice’s general demeanor. Her leg was bouncing, her eyes were wide and she kept capping and uncapping the marker in her death grip.

“I’m sorry,” Juice said, rubbing her hands up and down her thighs to calm down. “I guess I’m nervous.”

“We kind of noticed when you texted us ‘Urgent meeting’ in all caps.”

“Nice touch with the group chat, though, that’s gonna be useful.”

“Yeah. For our mandatory date nights,” Priyanka teased, bumping Juice with her shoulder.

Juice smiled and sighed.

“But why are you nervous? It’s just us.”

“It’s not— it’s not just you, for me. We’re friends, and I like you both so much, and I feel like so much could go wrong…”

The nerves were coming back up. So much was undefined and she needed some limits, some solid ground to stand on, but how could she ask for it in words when she couldn’t even pinpoint what she needed in her head?

“All right, give me that.”

Priyanka grabbed the marker and stood in front of the whiteboard, frowning as she examined it.

“If I move my sewing lessons to Mondays, I’ll have all Saturday free. Lemon, do you think you can go to the gym on Fridays instead?”

In reply, Lemon patted Juice’s hand and stood up to get the green marker, then made that adjustment on the board.

“There. Saturdays are for group dates.”

Priyanka gave a small cheer.

It took a moment for Juice to catch up to the shift in mood. They had gone from concerned (bordering on pity, she believed) to problem-solving mode, which was much more their speed. Lemon and Priyanka were doers, and it balanced out Juice’s overthinking ways. It was part of why she liked them so much.

“Still want to go on those dates with me?” she asked, looking at both girls.

“Yes! I can’t speak for Lemon, but this whole thing,” Priyanka gestured at the whiteboard, “is super endearing. And kind of a turn on.”

“Oh, completely,” Lemon said. “Bring that marker to the bedroom.”

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Juice said, blushing from their teasing. “So it’s fixed, then?”

“I didn’t think there was anything to fix, really,” said Lemon, sitting on the couch again, closer to Juice.

“Did you?” Priyanka sat on her other side, taking her hand to play with it. “Baby, are you feeling excluded? ‘Cause let me tell you, Lemon won’t shut the fuck up about you. Ever.”

“And Priyanka gets so stupid when you call her. Well, stupider.”

Reeling from the pet name and the confessions, Juice felt a little love drunk, and the familiar warmth from having both girls with her bloomed in her chest.

“I get stupid, too. About both of you.”

“Duh,” said Lemon, flipping her hair.

“How could you not, when you get all this?” Priyanka joked and moved her hands up and down her body.

“Lucky us,” Lemon deadpanned.

“So now that’s all sorted, can we kiss? Or do I have to make an appointment on the calendar?”

“Pri,” Juice pleaded as she leaned back on Lemon’s chest. “Don’t make fun of me!”

“No, sorry,” said Lemon, then hugged Juice’s waist. “You did something dumb, so now we get to tease you until one of us does something dumber.”

“I give it two days,” said Priyanka, as she laid back on Juice’s lap and looked at them upside down.

Juice grinned and leaned down, giving her a kiss.

“Can’t wait.”

[artificialqueens]

Plucking Daisies (Lemyanka, Kyara) - Mar

A/N: Day 4 of the May Trope Mayhem is 'Idiots to lovers' aka my favorite dynamic. It screams 'Lemyanka'. @duckprintspress

Summary: Kiara is sure Lemon and Priyanka are dating, while Kyne is sure they are not. They investigate.

Tags: may trope mayhem, rpdr fanfiction, drcan, can1, kiara x kyne, lemon x priyanka, kiara, kyne, lemon, priyanka, lesbian au, drabble, idiots to lovers, mar

“Say, if someone were to ask Lemon out for, oh I don’t know. A movie this Friday,” Rita said as she set her lunch tray next to Kiara’s on the hard cement block their school called a yard table. “What do you think the response would be in that hypothetical case?”

Kiara smiled.

“Asking for a friend?”

“Of sorts.”

“Well, hate to be the bearer of bad news, but tell your friend that Lemon is taken. She’s dating Priyanka.”

“No she’s not,” Kyne piped up from the other side of the table, finally interested in the conversation.

“Uh, yeah she is. They’re super official, they’ve met each other’s parents and everything.”

“We’ve all met each other’s parents, stupid, we have sleepovers every month.”

“There’s another good point! Lemon and Pri have sleepovers basically every week.”

“Just ‘cause they’re best friends, like you and I.”

Kiara frowned and opened her mouth to reply, but Rita got there first.

“So am I– my friend, is my friend a lost cause?”

“Yes–” “No–” replied the other two at the same time.

“Kyne, you wouldn’t know chemistry if it hit you upside the head.”

“First of all, I’m in AP chemistry.” Kiara rolled her eyes and hid a smile. Half the time, she didn’t know if Kyne was being obtuse of the funniest person on Earth. “Second of all, you’re seeing things. Those two are basically sisters, all they do is quarrel.”

“Um, ever heard of a lover’s quarrel?”

“But not in a sexy way, more in a ‘I’m two seconds away from murdering you’ way.”

“Enemies to lovers, baby, that’s the way to go.”

“We shouldn’t have watched 10 things I hate about you. It melted your brain.”

They kept on arguing, Rita sulking next to them, until she shushed them both as the objects of their conversation joined the table.

Lemon plopped her tray on Kiara’s other side and sat down huffing.

"They're out of marble muffins."

She glared across the table, where Priyanka was sitting down with the biggest grin.

“Look at this gorgeous, gorgeous muffin, I was lucky enough to get the last one.” She twirled it in her hands. “Don’t know about you, but my lunch would feel so incomplete withou— ow!”

Priyanka bent down to clutch her shin. Opposite, Lemon smiled and started eating, the picture of innocence. “Okay, I deserved that.”

During the whole exchange, Kyne stared pointedly at Kiara, barely hiding her smirk.

Point for Kyne.

Kiara chose the high road and ignored her, though she kept a close eye on her friends, because she’d be damned if she just let Kyne win like that. Therefore, when lunch was almost over and Priyanka slid half the muffin to Lemon, who couldn’t hide her smile, Kiara saw it all. She smirked right back at Kyne.

Point for Kiara.

----------

“You have to give me that point.”

“What are we talking about, now?”

“You don’t see that?” Kiara whispered and nodded at the love seat in Priyanka’s living room. Their group had gathered for a movie night, but Lemon and Priyanka seemed to have other plans. They had been whispering in their crowded loveseat for the past half hour, tangled together and with no thought to spare for the movie in the background.

“So? There’s no room for all of us, we’re all sharing.”

Kyne was right, unfortunately. Jimbo, Scarlett and Illona kept pushing each other on the sofa, Juice and Tynomi had layered pillows and blankets on the floor to make a nest, and Kyne had claimed the small couch for herself and Kiara and refused to let anyone else on it.

Kiara was about to concede, but then Lemon, Miss Don’t Ever Touch Me, yawned and curled up on Priyanka’s chest, smiling when Priyanka started playing with her hair.

Kiara put her lips to Kyne’s ear.

“Point for me.”

Satisfied, Kiara cozied up to Kyne’s side, intent on stealing her body heat.

The peace lasted for all of four minutes.

“Ow!” Lemon complained from the floor as she glared up the love seat, where Priyanka was dissolving in giggles. “Why did you push me?”

Lemon grabbed Priyanka’s wrist and tried to pull her to the floor, but Priyanka started kicking and the two of them proceeded to wrestle like children, the rest of their group throwing popcorn and pillows at them.

Happy to see her two friends once again behaving like sisters, Kyne whispered to Kiara:

“Point for me.”

----------

“It’s definitive proof.”

“You and I have different definitions of ‘definitive’.”

“How is stealing someone’s hoodie anything other than romantic?”

Kyne rubbed the sleeve end of what was now her favorite shirt, which she had borrowed from Kiara some months ago. To distract from the flush she felt climbing up her cheeks, she argued.

“Do you have their wardrobes memorized? We don’t even know if it’s Priyanka’s hoodie.”

“Since when does Lemon dress like a skater? It looks huge on her.”

They stared at the counter where Lemon was ordering coffee for her and Priyanka, who was in the bathroom. With both drinks in hand, Lemon joined their table and raised an eyebrow at the weird silence.

“What?”

“Nothing. Nice hoodie,” Kiara said.

“Oh, thanks. It’s Priyanka’s.”  Lemon looked down at the hoodie and missed the way Kiara elbowed Kyne. “I needed to borrow it because I slept at her house.” Kiara grinned. “I used to have a whole drawer of clothes in her room—”

Kiara was near bursting with squeals.

“—but the idiot thought it’d be funny to pour glitter inside, so I had nothing to wear.”

Kiara deflated, Kyne straightened up.

“Oh, my God,” Kiara complained, but Lemon misinterpreted it.

“It’s okay, she apologized so much and she ran the whole drawer through the laundry. Plus, she was so sorry she got me this necklace,” Lemon smiled as she fished it from under her hoodie, a delicate chain with a cursive ‘L’ in gold.

Kyne slammed her palm on the table, Kiara threw up her hands, and Lemon stared at them in shock.

“I can’t take this anymore!” said Kiara.

“Are you two dating or not?”

“What? No!” Lemon spluttered, looking around to make sure Priyanka wasn’t around.

Kyne and Kiara looked at each other, then at the blush on Lemon’s face.

“Ohh,” they said in unison.

“You’re not dating—”

“—but you want to be. Right?”

“Fine, yes, but shut up. She can’t know.”

“Why?”

“‘Cause she’ll get weird! Imagine your best friend has a crush on you, and you don’t like her back. Sleepovers? Done. Sharing secrets? Over. I can’t lose that.”

Kiara patted Lemon’s hand in pity, but Kyne was more direct.

“If you think Priyanka’s not completely in love with you, then you’re an idiot. Which works, because she is also an idiot.”

“Aw, they’re perfect for each other,” said Kiara, making a heart shape with her hands. Lemon swatted it out of the air when she saw Priyanka heading for their table.

“What’s up?” said Priyanka as she dropped next to Lemon and grabbed her drink, slurping loudly through the straw. Both Kiara and Kyne wrinkled their noses, but Lemon was inmune and looked at Priyanka with just pure nauseating love. How Priyanka hadn’t noticed was a mystery.

“Nothing. We were actually on our way,” said Kiara, taking Kyne’s hand as she stood up. To her credit, Kyne followed smoothly.

“We offered to help Kiara’s mom with her spring cleaning.”

“And we needed the energy.” Kiara shook her drink.

Lemon and Priyanka shared a look, and smiled.

“Alright,” Priyanka said slyly.

“Have fun playing house— I mean, cleaning the house,” said Lemon.

Priyanka snorted.

Kyne narrowed her eyes at them, but Kiara pulled her towards the door before she could start anything.

They were halfway to the door when Kiara, casual as anything, turned around and said:

“Oh, by the way, Pri?”

Kiara saw the panic in Lemon’s eyes, and gave her a saccharine smile.

“Lemon wants to date you.”

Kiara barely caught the growing grin on Priyanka’s face before Kyne dragged her out of the coffee shop, both girls laughing as they ran away.

“That was cold, Kiki. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Oh, please, I did them a favor. Did you see Priyanka’s face? I’m freaking Cupid, bitch.”

“You were also wrong. They were not dating.”

“But they wanted to be. Doesn’t that count for something?”

“Those were not the terms we discussed.”

“Ugh, fine. You win.”

Kiara did a little flourish with her coffee cup and Kyne princess-waved to an invisible audience.

“You should have trusted my intuition,” said Kyne.

“Can you blame me for being skeptical of it? It took you forever to realize that I liked you back. I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t know that we are dating,” Kiara laughed and Kyne stared.

A beat.

“We are what?”

[artificialqueens]

Up No More (Scarlona) - Kiyo

A/N - Sorry for typos, my first time writing Scarlett and Ilona, so, I'm still figuring out the characterisation. Also, this is a Lesbian AU

\\\\\\

The dark hallways of the house they lived in weren't exactly the most comforting looking at night nor was the cold breeze brushing against their skin from the forgotten open window as they passed by the kitchen but that wasn't the most important... Scarlett's legs barely felt like they we're moving, placing one foot infront of the other seemed like the hardest challenge ever but whilst their mind felt dazed up and a complete mess, they had one goal in mind right now.

Reaching their roommates room, it was so far in the moment but it slowly got closer, the moment Scarlett's hand hit the door handle, a small pain going through her fingers, they knew they we're closer to sleeping then a few seconds prior.

But before they'd realized that all they needed to do was call for Ilona, they felt the familiar touch of their friend land on their shoulders. "Ilona?" Scarlett turned their head slightly to see half of the figure behind them. "Yeah, what are you doing?" She asked with a slightly concerned tone as it was rare for Scarlett to ever wonder off near Ilona's room at the fine hour of 2 A.M.

"What are you doing?" Scarlett repeated the question, seemingly getting her friend off guard at that small moment, but not for long. "I just came back from the bathroom, you know, the nightly errand." Ilona giggled, bringing a tiny smile to Bobo's lips. "You're stupid." They chuckled.

"But really, what are you doing?" Ilona asked again. "I'm really tired and I can't sleep, so... I hoped you'd be able to keep me some company but you might be more interested in keeping company to your pillow, wouldn't you?" Scarlett joked, giggling at their own statement but luckily, it made Ilona laugh to, making them avoid an awkward joke moment at 2 A.M.

"I mean, surely I could hang a little till I pass out." Ilona shrugged and started heading towards Bobo's room grabbing their hand as she lead the way there.

~~~

"This is stupid Ilona, I've taken like, what? 2 sleeping pills, they're not kicking in and I'm not about to take a third, I don't wanna overdose on something as fucking stupid as restoril." Scarlett grumbled, rereading the side effects on the restoril box. "Not even the side effects are working, that's fucked up."

"Look, I'm trying to help bitch, but like you said, we can't have you overdose on insomnia pills." Ilona replied, very much annoyed about this because she, unlike Bobo, was extremely tired and simply wanted to sleep but a part of her just couldn't let Scarlett on their own struggling to as much as find a way to rest. "I feel tired, my body is ready to shut down but my mind is wide awake, it's such a pain in the ass, sorry if I'm coming off bitchy and ungrateful for your help." They responded but Ilona frowned, feeling bad about the little lash out she had on them. "My bad Scar, I shouldn't get mad at you, I know this is as frustrating for you as me, and even more for you."

"At this point, I don't even know, you're tired, I'm tired, you want to sleep, I can't sleep, we're both frustrated, it's a mess and I'm so close to banging my head against the wall until I pass out."

"Don't say that." Ilona frowned, she hated when Scarlett started to say things like this, she knew it never meant well and that Scarlett was just working themself up this way. "Just chill out, how about we cuddle? Hm? You always seem to enjoy that, do you think it could help?" Ilona suggested, putting on an urging smile, hoping they'd just say yes and let themself relax that way.

"Fine but it won't do anything, you'll just fall asleep and leave me alone." Bobo stated, causing Ilona to huff out of desperation, not knowing what else to do or to say. "Babe, you're all worked up, if you keep that mindset going, all that negativity will stay stuck to you and you know that." She replied, getting all the more pissed off once seeing Scarlet roll their eyes.

Scar, you know I love you but if you keep being this fucking dence and bitchy, I'm not gonna have it with you, you're being so fucking difficult and judging things we haven't even tried, you know I won't leave you awake like that, I'm not that selfish!"

"Whatever, I don't want to bother you anymore, just go to bed." Scarlet replied, not willing to cooperate nor listen to any more of their best friend's words. Standing up and making their way to the desk at the corner of their bedroom, sitting down and opening their note book.

"Bobo, if you keep your mind occupied-"

"I won't fall asleep, nyenyenye, I know, I know what I'm doing, just leave me be. didn't I tell you it's fine? Just go to bed." Scarlett cut her off, the exhaustion getting to her nerves. Knowing this, Ilona couldn't even feel any sort of anger towards her friend, deciding to silently leave the room and leave them be, she knew how much worse this could get if she didn't let them have their peace and quiet.

~~~

Ilona now was the one laying restless in her bed, preoccupied by how Scarlett must be feeling now, pushing the urge of going to their room to check up on them. She didn't want to bother them anymore but goddamn was she worried, she hated it when Scarlett's insomnia got this bad, it was never fun for either of them.

Ilona wanted to take care of Bobo but Bobo wanted time alone after the frustration became too much for them, Ilona understood that but sometimes her caring nature became too much for Scarlett and they'd break out in fights over how Scarlett was being difficult while Ilona was overbearing...

She sighed, feeling that ball of anxiety appear in her stomach by just thinking of one of those fights, they always ended in tears, one of them or the both of them crying over it, then the next morning after the fight was awfully comforting yet tense each time. Seieng the other in a peaceful mindset always calmed the other but they both always we're scared of if one of them still had hard feelings about those argument, which luckily had never been the case up to this point but the worry was still present.

Either way, there had been no fight, nothing to worry about, Ilona just needed to keep in mind the fact that Scarlett had downed 2 sleeping pills and that they probably we're asleep right now, hopefully.

/\/\

The sun finally rose after a long night of frustrations, Scarlett had finally succeeded on falling asleep about 4 hours ago, so, when the sun poured through the curtains and hit their face, they didn't have the most positive reaction to it, rolling over as to no longer feel the light hit their pale features.

After a long five minutes, Scarlett couldn't manage to fall back asleep, well, know she knew to always fully shut their blinds because this was the most unpleasant way to wake up after struggling to fall asleep.

They let out an annoyed groan, tossing and turning more just to try and find a comfortable position but it was no use. "I guess the nights over.: Scarlett mumbled to themself and finally got out of bed, giving up on the thought of falling back asleep.

They made their way around their large bed and sat at their desk, taking the hand mirror that was conveniently always placed on the piece of furniture and looking at themself, surprisingly, they looked quiet decent, their hair wasn't that much of a mess and their eyes we're only a little puffy, but that was no excuse to not go take the ritual morning shower Scarlett usually enjoyed.

Although they really weren't that thrilled to have to make the effort of getting to the shower, Scarlett had already accomplished the worst, getting out of bed.

-

Ilona wasn't woken up as peacefully as her best friend but more or so, by her best friend. Ilona heard a loud yell coming from another room, most likely the kitchen but it was proceeded by the loud noise of something smashing against the floor. Ilona would've much rather ignored this and slept in but giving that the yell sounded more like it was out of pain than anger, she made the effort to get up, putting on her bunny slipers before calmly making her way to the kitchen.

"You okay sissy?" Ilona asked before turning the corner and seeing the mess that was the kitchen, Scarlet had dropped a plate on the ground but not only that, managed to cut themself with it. "Not really- sorry for waking you up." Scarlett replied.

Ilona noticed Scarlett holding tightly onto their hand suddenly. The pain of the cut must've kicked in, Ilona thought.

"It's fine, I'd much rather be woken up at 11 am than wake up at 3 pm." Ilona sighed, analyzing the situation again quickly. "Wash you hand, I'll go get the broom and clean this mess up." Ilona walked off to the living room where the broom had been left at.

"Will do." Scarlett chuckled half heartedly before turning back to the sink and carefully running the water at a warm temperature, placing her finger under it, watching the blood wash away.

This definitely wasn't Scarlett's best morning, from being woken up by the fucking sun of all things then cutting herself because she wasn't careful enough with that stupid plate, she could just hear herself bitching about it to Ilona after they'd clean up the broken porcelain.

"You're such a messy dumbass, I can't with you." Ilona said as she walked back in with the broom. "Why so serious?" Scarlett teased, laughing when Ilona glared at them. "I'm only cleaning this because you got hurt, or else your ass would be dealing with this mess on your own." She replied.

"Chill, I can clean it if you want." Scarlett stated, walking over to Ilona and making a motion for her to hand over the broom to them. "Scar, go sit your ass down on the couch before you break the broom too." Ilona replied, sweeping up the pieces of porcelain together into a pile before pushing it all on the small shovel, proceeding to then throw it all in the trash can.

"Aight, aight, captain." Scarlett sighed, heading out the room, being followed by Ilona into the living room.

"So, other than this mess, how'd you sleep? If you slept at all that is." Ilona asked, leaning on the door way as she stared at Scarlett. "I slept like 4 hours, it was alright." They responded, sinking into the couch. "You look beat."

"No shit, I slept 4 hours." Scarlett laughed. "Ugh, I feel bad, like, I know it's not my fault but I feel for you, I can't imagine how exhausting not being able to sleep is, especially since I know I can barely function with 7 hours of sleep." Ilona rambled, Scarlett nodded as they listened to her rant, standing up and walking over to her, putting a hand on their shoulder. "Relax, I mean, the only bad thing coming out of my insomnia is that I'm moody, but you're used to it now." Scarlett explained, bringing a smile to Ilona's face. "True." She shrugged.

"Moody and bitchy but I still love you." Ilona giggled. "Of course, I mean, how could anybody hate me?" Scarlett laughed. "Who knows." Ilona smiled.

"I really wanna kiss you right now." Ilona chuckled, changing the subject completely. "Again?" Scarlett raised a brow. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it, dummy!" Ilona huffed. "Oh, shut up, I was just teasing." Scarlett smiled smugly.

Ilona rolled her eyes before leaning in and pecking Scarlett's lips.

"I don't think this is too friendly anymore, is it?: Scarlett teased once again.

"It's just affection." Ilona crossed her arms over her chest.

"I don't think we have the same notion of platonic affection but I don't mind." Scarlett winked.

"Boo, you whore."

\\\\\\

[lipsyncforyourlife]

[artificialqueens]

Taste of a Poison Paradise, Chapter 5 (Multi) - Joley

Chapter Summary: Lemon and Priyanka’s relationship is more of a rollercoaster than ever and Rosé figures out the truth about Denali.

ao3 link

“Are you still giving me the cold shoulder?” Priyanka asked, a mix of frustration and exhaustion in her voice. There was also an underlying hint of anxiety, but that was something she could address later, as much later as possible.

Lemon turned to look at her with a deadpan expression. She didn’t utter a word, instead, she blinked and looked back at her phone, scrolling in tension-filled silence.

The taller woman sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Lem, I told you I haven’t been avoiding you. Mark’s project got delayed so he’s home all the time. He was gonna start getting suspicious if I kept spending the night with you.”

“He keeping you occupied with that mediocre dick?” The cold harshness in her voice was, at least to Priyanka, even worse than the silence.

“Lem, don’t do this,” she pleaded softly. “You know I’d much rather be giving you my fake dick than taking his real one. But it’s just gonna be a little difficult for us to have our usual rendezvous until his project starts back up,” she explained, then quietly strummed her fingers against the bar. “I’ll make up an excuse and come over tonight… if you still want me to, I mean.”

Despite her best efforts, Lemon cracked a slight smile. “Yeah, I still do. I’m not gonna punish my pussy just because I’m still pissed at you.”

Priyanka put her arms up in surrender. “Hey, I’ll take what I can get.”

Lemon swallowed a laugh as she hopped down from the barstool. “I’ll be back after my shift, there better not be any sudden plan changes,” she warned before going upstairs to spend the time before her shift in the common room.

“You seem to be in better spirits,” Jan observed as she noticed Lemon come in. She sat down on the couch with the mug of coffee she’d just poured. “I take it Pri was finally able to pencil you in for a booty call?”

“Ugh, don’t say it like that, it makes me sound desperate,” she rolled her eyes. “Her stupid, ugly, smelly boyfriend is still around.

Jan quirked her brow. “Have you ever been in the same room as him?”

“No, but I don’t need to be to know I’m right.”

“You know I worry that you two are gonna end up in over your heads if you aren’t already,” she warned in a calm, gentle tone. She’d had a front-row seat to a fair amount of Lemon and Priyanka’s intimate trysts being Lemon’s roommate and from day one, she’d had the sinking feeling things would end badly. But there was only so much arguing one could do with someone like Lemon.

And unsurprisingly, Lemon scoffed. “Look, I know what we’ve been doing is amoral, but when you think about it, it’s not even our fault. It’s society’s fault for making Pri feel like she has some guy when I’m literally right here.”

“So you do wanna date her?”

Her face reddened, which she tried to offset by rolling her eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

——

Denali fixed herself up in the quick-change dressing room. It was her last main stage dance for the night and she had just enough momentum built up to go out with a bang. She looked up when she saw Gigi walk in via the reflection in the mirror. “What’s with the smug grin?”

“I think you have a special visitor in the audience.” When they noticed the confusion in the dancer’s expression, Gigi followed up with, “Rosé asked me if you were up next and sat herself front and center when I said that you were.”

“Oh!” her voice went up in pitch and volume. She cleared her throat and instead focused on fixing her platinum blonde wig. “I mean… oh, cool. I’m sure she’ll enjoy the show.”

Gigi tilted their head to the side. “Is that how I sounded all this time? Fuck,” they shook their head. “Oh, by the way, I’ve decided to go by they/them off the clock, I’ve been letting the rest of the girls know too. It’s like, I’ve been feeling like I’m just dressing up like a girl on stage, you know how it is.”

Denali nodded as she got up. “Whatever makes you feel the most yourself, babe,” she told her with a smile, then took a deep breath as she sauntered onto the stage to the slow, seductive beat of the music. She focused on maintaining the confidence she always brought to her performances and not letting the fact that Rosé was right in her field of vision throw her off.

Rosé watched intently, and while her gaze tended to linger on Denali’s body, she would look up at her face often enough for something to click. She finally realized she recognized the dancer from her work as a cam girl. The realization made her blush but didn’t deter her in the slightest.

After Denali had finished her number, she beckoned Rosé over. She leaned down and whispered, “go upstairs, I’ll meet you there in five,” before backing off to collect her tips as if nothing had happened.

Naturally, Rosé made her way upstairs as quickly as her legs would take her and waited eagerly for Denali to join her. “You know,” she started when she saw her, “I figured out where I know you from.”

“You got me,” she replied and slowly pulled off her wig and wig cap in one go, so her black hair cascaded down her back. “I’m Hannah Montana.”

Rosé blinked, then snorted with laughter. “You’re so fucking stupid,” her tone was fond as she shook her head. “I guess it makes sense. Taking this on as a second job.”

“I’m a people person, being in front of a camera just doesn’t do it for me. Money’s decent, but still. I’ve been considering bringing that stage name over here.”

“Oh you’re not gonna make poor Heidi try and announce ‘Aurora Borealis,” she playfully chastised. Then there was a beat of silence. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked. “Did you think I’d have a problem with it or something?”

“No,” she shrugged. “It was more fun making you work for it.”

She cocked her brow. “Oh, you’re a little brat, aren’t you?”

“I feel like there’s not much use in trying to argue that, so.” Denali leaned against the wall, looking up at Rosé and fluttering her lashes with coy flirtation. “You gonna do something about it or not?”

Rosé tilted her head and bit her lip, moving closer to Denali until she had both arms bracketing her against the wall. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Was that your endgame the whole time? Give me this whole run around until I was frustrated enough to fuck you as hard as your bratty ass wants?”

“I mean… yes, obviously.”

“Not in the common room, we eat and cry in here.” Jan’s voice pulled Rosé and Denali from their moment, but she shrugged when they glared at her. “What? Just fuck in the spa room like the rest of us,” she told them as she grabbed a cup o’ noodles from one of the drawers that Jackie kept stocked for the girls, and left a couple of dollars from her bra in its place.

Rosé rolled her eyes. “Bitch, I will fuck her in front of you, don’t test me.”

Jan scoffed as she started eating her noodles. “Do it, I dare you.”

“I am begging you not to,” another voice chimed in, the three women turned to see Lemon come up the stairs. While of course, she had no issue with hooking up in various parts of the building, Rosé is her cousin and that was simply a line she refused to cross. She did not care how badly Rosé wanted to fuck Denali – and yes, she knew.

“I cannot believe you’re cockblocking me right now,” she huffed, glancing back at Denali and mouthing ‘sorry’.

But Denali was unphased by the entire exchange. “Girl, just take me home. I’m still gonna put out.”

“Oh,” Rosé blinked, “alright then.”

——

Even though it had barely been a week since Lemon and Priyanka had last hooked up, it felt like ages for them. The second they were inside Lemon’s apartment, clothes were coming off and being tossed any which way as they stumbled into the bedroom, naked by the time their bodies hit the bed.

Priyanka rifled through Lemon’s closet until she came back with the strap-on, fastening it around her waist. She smirked when she turned around and realized Lemon was waiting for her on all fours. “Damn, I should hold out on you more often,” she teased.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Lemon hissed as if there was the slightest chance Priyanka would pass up time with her if given the option.

She chuckled as she positioned herself behind her. “There’s my bratty little Lem,” she cooed, holding her waist with one hand while the other guided the length of the silicone toy into her. She waited for a beat after she bottomed out, making sure Lemon was comfortable before she began thrusting steadily.

Lemon started moaning out the second it started. Her hands fisted into the comforter on her bed, her head hanging forward. Whenever she wanted more or wanted it harder, she would push her hips against Priyanka to urge her on.

And Priyanka knew what each movement meant. “You’re so fucking needy, aren’t you? So desperate to get pounded out,” she grunted. Her hand moved from Lemon’s waist to grab her hair, pulling it back while her free hand moved between her legs, rubbing her clit in time with her thrusts.

“Fuck, baby, just like that, please,” it was only when Lemon was in the heat of the moment, and close to an orgasm, that she would use words like ‘baby’ or ‘please’ unless she was trying to get her way with something. But luckily for her, Priyanka obliged without comment, and she let out a sharp, pleasured cry as she came moments later.

“That’s my good girl,” Priyanka praised, pressing a kiss to her shoulder as she eased out of her, cleaning up and putting the dildo and harness away, then got under the covers. “Come, you owe me cuddles.”

Lemon ducked her head away to hide how big her smile was, then cuddled up to Priyanka, resting her head on her chest. “Not to be like, corny or whatever, but I missed you,” she mumbled, hiding her face in the crook of her neck, lest she accidentally make eye contact.

Priyanka grinned, shaking her head. “I missed you too, weirdo,” she said and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. She gazed down at her, feeling warmth and affection for a fleeting moment, before angst and melancholy built up from the pit of her stomach, coming out in a sad sigh.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I…” she chewed on her lip and looked away. “Yeah, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”

——

Rosé hummed to herself as she got into the shower, letting the hot water wake her up from the deep sleep the night before. And perhaps she needed it more than she realized, as she was startled when she suddenly noticed she was no longer alone. “I thought you were still asleep.”

Denali shrugged. “I was. But then I woke up and you weren’t there, and I got bored.”

She chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around the smaller woman’s waist. “Well, good morning, then,” she pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You sleep alright?”

“More than alright. Pretty sure I passed out somewhere after the fourth orgasm,” she chuckled softly, trailing light kisses along her jaw.

Rosé smirked. “No wonder you’re so clingy, they always wanna stick around after they get fucked well,” she teased, her hands moving from Denali’s back to squeeze her ass. “That why you’re in here? Woke up craving more?”

“God, you’re so fucking cocky,” Denali huffed, though she had no honest way of denying that. “But… yeah, very much so.”

“That’s what I thought,” she chuckled before sinking to her knees and nudging Denali’s thighs apart. She gripped each of her thighs, keeping them far enough apart for her to trace her tongue along her folds, then swirled it around her clit.

Denali gasped out softly, resting her head against the wall. “Fuck…” she exhaled, her eyes fluttering shut, moaning at the sensation of Rosé’s tongue on her clit and her fingers easing their way into her.

Rosé continued to lick and suck on her clit as she steadily curled and thrust two fingers into Denali, her free hand moving to her waist, gripping it to keep her steady and hold her in place.

She whimpered and moaned, dragging her fingers through Rosé’s wet hair, her hips starting to rock despite her grip. It wasn’t long after that that she felt a familiar tightness building in her stomach. “Fuck, Rosie, I’m close,” she warned, and not a minute after that, her body arched forward as she came.

Once she was certain Denali was done, Rosé eased out of her and stood back upright, pressing a kiss to her lips. “Now, do you mind if I actually take a shower? I have to get ready for work.”

“Okay, okay,” Denali put her hands up in surrender as she stepped out of the shower. “You think your roommate heard us last night? Or just now?”

Rosé shrugged as she washed her hair. “Probably not, Mik sleeps like a rock. The bitch would sleep through a nuclear holocaust.”

“Fair enough, not that I mind an audience, after all,” she hummed. “Well, I’ll get out of your hair,” she laughed at her own joke then kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you around.” She dried off and redressed before leaving for her apartment. Everything had gone well so far, she thought, the sex was fantastic and they didn’t need to complicate it with anything else.

——

Lemon had just finished her set when she noticed something out of the ordinary. After grabbing her robe from the quick-change room, she made her way over to the bar. “What’re you doing back there, Jaida? Is Jackie cross-training the strippers now?”

“I bartended in college,” Jaida explained. “Pri couldn’t come in, said she had an important dinner to go to, and based on how it sounded, I think it’s with her boyfriend.”

“Gross,” Lemon muttered. “Gimme a melon ball and a lemon drop.”

Jaida arched her brow but made the shots for her nonetheless. “You a little cranky without your girlfriend here, huh?”

“She’s not my girlfriend!” she huffed, downing the shots one after the other. “And I don’t care who the fuck she has dinner with. I’m just annoyed because she was supposed to give me a ride home. Since, you know, Jan spends more time at Nicky’s than anywhere else.”

“I’ll give you a ride,” she offered with a shrug. “Something tells me you’re not gonna wanna be alone tonight.”

Lemon smiled weakly. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” She was quiet for a few beats with her downcast gaze on the bar, until she finally looked back up at Jaida and asked, “can I get another lemon drop?”

And, as it turned out, Lemon would need the adult supervision. Once her shift ended, she had gotten much more drunk and needed to be hauled into her apartment and tucked into bed, where she passed out almost instantly.

Jaida had stayed awake and watched Lemon for a little while, feeling almost a maternal instinct when it came to Lemon. But eventually, she retired to Jan’s room for the night, figuring she wouldn’t mind, given the circumstances, and slept through the night. She woke up the next morning to a knock on the door and pushed herself out of bed. “Oh, hey Pri, how was your dinner?”

Priyanka furrowed her brows. “Why are you in Lemon’s apartment?” she asked, her stomach tightening in a knot as she followed up with, “did you guys hook up?”

“Nah, she was too wasted to even try,” she shook her head as she ushered her inside, the two of them sitting down on the couch. “What’s going on? You look like you saw a ghost or something.”

Priyanka exhaled deeply. “No, um… actually, I’m kinda glad I can practice on someone else, because I’m terrified of telling Lemon,” she looked down, fumbling with the hem of her shirt, shifting uncomfortably, unable to find a satisfactory way to sit and instead just slumped forward and sighed. “Mark proposed. And I panicked and said yes.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring, morosely sliding it onto her finger.

“Oh shit,” Jaida blinked in surprise, her eyes widening when she saw the ring. She pressed her lips into a fine line. “Listen, this might not be the ‘right’ advice, but I don’t think you should tell Lemon yet. You can say whatever you want about whatever your relationship is, but it don’t take a rocket scientist to know it’s more than just sex. She’s not gonna take it well, you need to really think this out.”

She swallowed thickly and nodded, taking the ring off and putting it back in her pocket, then scratched at her hands as if she were fighting the urge to wash them. “You’re right,” she nodded, eyes focused squarely on the floor. “I can’t tell her yet.”

But she didn’t need to, as Lemon had been silently listening from her room, peering through the cracked open door. She shut it quickly but quietly, deciding to go right back to bed. It was too early for her heart to break.

[artificialqueens]

Come Home to My Heart, Chapter 10 [Final] (Lemyanka) - Plastiquedoll

read on ao3 ✨| previous chapters

A/N:I started writing this and I was like “so it’s going to be around 15k words top” and HERE I AM… no self-control whatsoever… anyway, I’m very happy with the result.If you have made it this far, thank you so much I hope you had a good time reading it and if it put a smile on your face I’ll be more than joyful 💛✨

-10-

Priyanka never –in a million years- thought she was going to feel as relieved as she was when she heard the sound of her car’s engine working again. Yes, maybe it wasn’t the newest car or the best car and yes… it was a gas-guzzler that ate her salary like a snack… but it was her car.

“Have you considered selling it?” The mechanic asked while he cleaned some grease with a rag.

“What?” That man was messing with her.

“One of my clients saw it the other day and liked it, said something about having one like this when she was younger. She asked me if I could extend her offer.”

“No, I mean…” She shook her head. “It’s not for sale, it’s my car and…”

The man handed her a piece of paper with a number written on it.

“Wow… and this is… wow.”

It was more money than what her car costed with the repairs and spare parts included. Way more…

“Can I make a quick call? I’ll be right back” She grabbed her phone from her backpack and called her father.

“Hello?”

“Hi, dad… I’m at the mechanic’s and there’s someone who wants to buy my car…” Her father cackled. “Don’t laugh, I’m serious.”

“Sorry… Your mother is going to be very happy about it. She has been trying to make you get rid of it for years and now you finally have the chance to…well, get rid of it.”

“I mean, I know I won’t get a better offer than this but at the same time… this is my baby and we fought so hard to have it back fully functioning.”

“The alternative was taking it to the junkyard.”

“Does everybody want to see my car turned into a cube of scrap? No need to answer to that.” She took a deep breath. “Do you think you can call the mechanic and check if the offer is legit?”

“I can drop by after lunch and talk to him if you want.”

“Please, that would help a lot.”

She needed to know if this person was serious about paying that amount of cash for her jalopy. Damn it, not jalopy, her car.

“My dad is going to come over after lunch to talk to you if that’s okay.” She explained to the mechanic. “Please don’t tell your client anything yet… I’m not sure I want to sell it.” She scratched her neck.

“No problem, miss. But I should give her a response by tomorrow at the latest.”

“I understand. You’ll have it.”

Priyanka drove back with her car with the windows down like she had done the first time she drove around the town, no music this time, just the tender summer breeze. When she stopped to refuel and at the gas station, she spotted a familiar yellow car parked across the street.

She honked her car horn causing the blonde to turn around with a grumpy frown on her face until she recognized the car and the owner.

“Well, well, well… look who’s back on the road.” Lemon lowered her sunglasses to take a look.

“Guess who’s back, back again.” Priyanka tapped the door with her hand before stepping out of the car.

“That’s something I didn’t think I’d see. I must admit it even looks charming without the smoke coming off the engine.”

“Yeah… that’s-”

She was on her regular witty comments but Priyanka noticed she had big dark circles under her swollen eyes that she kept behind her glasses.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Me? Ah, you mean… It’s nothing, just my allergies acting up.” She made light of the situation. “I was about to drop by the pharmacy to buy some medicine, actually.”

“Oh, I see… So… Did you two have fun yesterday?” Priyanka leaned back in the vehicle.

“It was cool… for a stupid lake.”

“Oh, c’mon, admit it, you did have fun! You were with me.” She playfully bumped her shoulder.

Lemon smiled but Priyanka wasn’t sure that was honest, she couldn’t decipher what it was yet but there was a hint of sadness underneath.

“Is Rita feeling better?”

“Huh? Ah, yes… I should get her some aloe ointment or an after-sun gel.”

“Remember when your mom used to do that thing with the glass of water when we got sunburn after going to the pool? I still can’t believe the water actually had bubbles after it.”

“Yeah…” She shook her head. “I…. She still does it and kids think it’s a magic trick.”

Something was off.

“I’m sorry but I have to ask you, what’s going on?”

Lemon shrugged. “What do you mean?”

“You’re acting weird today.” She crossed her arms on her chest. “Weirder than usual…”

“I’m not…” She rolled her eyes as the most Lemon thing she had done that day.

“Spill it.”

“I’m not-” She looked like she wanted the Earth to swallow her then she looked at Priyanka in the eye. “I’m going back to New York.”

“Next week… I know.”

“This Sunday.”

“What?!”

“I… have a dance thing soon and I figured it would be easier to go back on a day without the heavy traffic since I’m driving alone. Rita’s staying.”

“Oh.” Priyanka blinked twice trying to absorb the new information. “So you’re leaving the day after tomorrow.”

“Yep… I’m staying for one last lunch with my family tomorrow, the dinner at your house, and then I’m heading back early in the morning.”

“Okay… Uhm… That’s…” She scratched her head. “Soon.”

“I know it’s a bit rushed but… I’ve been here for a couple more days than you and… It’s weird, I’ve never been away from the city this long, I’m feeling a little homesick already.” She avoided her friend’s inquisitive gaze.

Priyanka nodded. “Alright.” She took a deep breath. “So… would you like to hang out today or…?”

“Uh, I can’t… I promised Rita I’d go shopping with her… you know, this was our bonding trip originally.”

“Oh, right… no problem.” Priyanka cleared her throat. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

The blonde nodded and whispered. “See you tomorrow.”

And that was their cue to leave separate ways.

Priyanka couldn’t wrap herself around the idea of not having Lemon around. It was like time had slipped off her hands like sand grains and there was nothing she could do.

It wasn’t the end, right? It was their new beginning.

Their second chance…

During Saturday afternoon, Priyanka’s mother kept running around the house making sure everything was perfect as if Lemon hadn’t been there before a million times. Not that Priyanka herself wasn’t nervous to have her back there but she was being more realistic, trying to accept the fact that Lemon was going back to New York meanwhile she was going back to Toronto. Their summer together had been cut short but at least they had the chance to make things right between them and this dinner was the stamp of approval of their flourishing new-old friendship.

Friendship.

It was more than she could aspire from the first time she saw the blonde again. It had been just a week ago but it felt like much more time had passed since then and, simultaneously, it was like time hadn’t passed at all. There was a portion of their lives that would ever be crystalized in the past and it would always look pretty and luminous under the light. That was what she wanted to think, at least.

After helping her mother in the kitchen with the basic knowledge she had of cooking -and as far as she let her help-, Priyanka took a shower and spent a long time trying to decide what to wear.

She didn’t know what kind of energy she wanted to radiate with her clothing, not too much, not too little… Lemon always managed to look good no matter the occasion and she had to live up to it.

She finally picked a simple black and white striped mini dress –actually the only dress she had packed-, she put on a pair of black Converse, brushed her hair, and did her makeup hoping for the best.

Lemon was supposed to be there in fifteen minutes and knowing her Virgo-ass she was going to promptly knock on her door at seven o’clock. Therefore, she had just a couple of minutes to check on the mirror before she arrived.

Priyanka went down the stairs just to discover a family meeting in her living room. Literally, everyone but her sister that lived across the world were there.

“Hi, Priyanka!” They greeted.

“Mom!” She yelled. “Why is everyone here?”

“This is a family dinner,” She said casually. “they wanted to see Lemon too.”

“Why did you tell them she was coming for dinner? I thought it was going to be just us and dad…” She whispered.

“She’s family and you said she was going home tomorrow. They all remember her, after all, you were friends since you were kids…”

“I know that but… Is that our picture from kindergarten?” She walked directly to the wall where all their family photos were. “When did you have the time to put this on?”

“I was cleaning the basement yesterday and I found it… completely unrelated to her visit. Calm down.”

“I don’t believe you…”

“You’re the one wearing a nice dress, look at you. You look beautiful.” Her mother adjusted her glasses to admire her.

“That’s not…” She blushed. “All these people have to leave… It’s too much.”

“You’re overreacting. We’ll have a good time.” She squeezed her daughter’s shoulder trying to comfort her. It worked for a moment.

At least half a dozen people were chatting, drinking, and eating snacks plus a bunch of children running around… it was… chaotic. At least something was cooking in the kitchen and smelled delicious.

Exactly at seven, the doorbell rang. The room went quiet.

“She’s here…”

Her heart was about to burst.

Priyanka ran toward the door and opened it.

“Hey-”

The brunette got out and closed the door behind her before she could say anything else. Lemon –of course- looked lovely with a denim button-front romper along with white sneakers. She had her hair down with some butterfly bobby pins.

“Hi.” Priyanka sighed. “So, long story short… My entire family is inside and they’re thrilled to see you again. I didn’t know they were going to be here… they weren’t supposed to be here but… If you want to run away, this is the moment.”

She stared. “I’m not running away… I told your mom I was going to be here and here I am. Besides, I already know your family.”

“Oh, it has multiplied since you last saw them, trust me.”

“Pri, it’s okay. Don’t worry.” Lemon put loose hair behind her ear.

“Alright… Maybe I’m exaggerating.”

“Look at you, admitting it is the first step.”

There she was, the little spitfire she knew. Maybe Priyanka was just imagining what had happened the day before.

She took a deep breath.

“Okay, let’s go in.” Priyanka linked their arms together and walked in.

They got into the living room where her family was.

“Everyone, look how’s here…” The brunette announced.

At that moment the room greeted her in unison.

Dinner went great –to Priyanka’s relief- after Lemon met the new members of the family and she got questioned for a half-hour, Mrs. Suknanan called everyone to sit at the table. They ate tons of food and told stories about their childhood that made her mother rejoice. Priyanka’s niece, Mel, was glad to see Lemon again as well and, in fact, stuck with her most of the evening.

As she should’ve expected Lemon was the perfect guest for their family dinner. She complimented Priyanka’s mother cooking and helped her with the dishes, she caught up with her cousins and sisters and told them about her life in New York, she even played hide and seek with her nieces and nephews and challenged the brunette to a jump rope competition.

“I’m just saying, you didn’t have to go full Jump in! out there.” Priyanka was still out of breath. “These kids used to respect me… maybe?”

Lemon cackled. “Well, you should’ve practiced when the movie had everyone buying neon ropes.”

They sat on the stairs on the porch at the entrance of the house. It was the first time in the evening they were alone, the voices and laughter could still be heard from the inside.

“Hey, thanks for… you know, hanging out with everyone. You’re kind of good at it.” Priyanka rested her head on the wood column.

“Are you suggesting that I might be… likable?” Lemon pretended to be shocked.

“Maybe…” She shook her head. “Just kidding, you’re great… you’ve always been.”

“No, I’m a bitch and I acknowledge it.”

“Look at you, the first step is admitting it…”

“Fuck off.”

The entrance door opened and Priyanka’s brother carried a sleeping Mel in his arms, his wife behind him was holding the baby, they silently waved at them and then got on their car. They were followed by Priyanka’s sisters and finally the cousins who even hugged Lemon and wished her a safe trip back home.

“I think they all left now. My parents are probably inside drinking tea already.” Priyanka checked the time on her phone. “It’s not too late yet, what do you say if we get some ice cream?”

“I shouldn’t…” Lemon looked at Priyanka and couldn’t say no to her face. “Sure. Let’s get ice cream. Is that place on the Third still open?”

“Yeah! Best ice cream in town, I can’t say it enough, I preach it like a religion.”

“Their chocolate peanut butter was heaven, chocolaty and… buttery.”

“Great descriptive skills… but I get the idea.”

“You were the one who got sick after devouring three cookie dough cones and missed school for two days.”

“I really thought I was going to get my stomach removed or something because my sister told me we were going to the hospital. I cried all day.” She started laughing. “Why do we think things like those when we are kids?”

“Talk for yourself, I’ve always been a logical person.”

“No you weren’t,” She called out. “you thought the moon was made of cheese.”

“Have you ever been to the moon? Do you have actual evidence it’s not made of cheese? That’s all I’m saying.”

“Wow, it’s almost like there wasn’t any scientific proof to contradict that.”

“I was seven…”

“Okay, lunatic, I have my keys; let’s go get the ice cream.”

“Do you want me to get into that…?”

“Don’t complete that sentence.”

“…deathtrap.”

“There she is.” Priyanka spun the keys with her index finger. “For your information, she’s fully functional now.”

“But is it a threat to humankind or…?”

“C’mon, you’re not gonna die… but if you do, we’ll do it together.”

“Ah, nothing excites me more than a Thelma and Louise reboot.”

Priyanka stood up and offered her a helping hand. “The night is young. I’m sure we can find some cliff if you stop whining.”

“Only if we get the ice cream first.” She held her hand.

“See, it’s not that bad.” Priyanka turned on the noisy engine.

On the passenger seat, Lemon rushed to buckle up. “I’m ready… to die.” She crossed her fingers in the air.

Priyanka laughed at loud. “It’s not that bad. At least I know how to use a gear level.”

Before Lemon could protest, they were moving. The night was surprisingly hotter than expected so since the air conditioner was even moodier than the car itself, they had their windows down –Priyanka’s favorite way of driving in town.

Lemon’s old house was on the route and Priyanka drove a bit slower when they got into the familiar neighborhood.

“Oh, look at it…” The blonde smiled softly. “It’s been a while but from the outside, it doesn’t look like it has changed at all.”

“A family is living there, two kids I think.”

“Yes, my dad told me.” Lemon rested her face on the car door as they passed by. “You know, back in the day, we left in such hurry I never got to say goodbye properly to this place. One day my parents were fighting, the next day we were packing and then… we were gone.” She extended her hand in the air as the house was getting behind.

“I remember. You didn’t want to leave.”

“Leaving the house… my life here… you… it was the most difficult thing.” Her voice almost cracked.

Priyanka’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t want to see Lemon crying.

“Okay, you know what… this visit to the ice cream shop wouldn’t be complete without some music…” She opened the glove compartment in front of the blonde.

“Celine Dion… I expected it.”

“No, under that one… Hey, Celine Dion is a great singer and I’m not ashamed of having her albums there.”

“You mean you have albums in plural?”

“Can you please get past my Celine Dion liking and pick another album?”

“I would but my heart won’t go on…”

“Shut up… that was bad.”

“Well, that’s what you get when you…” Lemon paused as she picked another album. “This is… Spiceworld.”

“The very same.”

“But… is it the one…?”

“It’s the one you gave me… Mine still works although it skips sometimes.”

Lemon’s bottom lip trembled as she had her eyes nailed on the album.

“Hey no… don’t cry,” The brunette put on the CD when they stopped on a red light. “there’s no crying if Spice Up Your Life is playing.”

“I’m not…” She sobbed.

The catchy tune started playing.

“When you’re feeling sad and low…We will take you, where you gotta go.” She encouraged her friend to follow the lyrics.

“Smiling dancing, everything is free… All you need is, positivity”

“C’mon, pre-chorus.”

“Colours of the world… Spice up your life!”

“Every boy and every girl… Spice up your life!”

“People of the world… Spice up your life, ahh!” They yelled at the same time.

Before hitting the chorus, Lemon was already cackling so loud she almost snorted. Priyanka was already laughing she nearly drove past the ice cream shop.

“We’re here.” She announced.

Lemon stared at her for a moment and shook her head before getting out of the car.

“I’m guessing you’re still going to order the cookie dough cone.”

“It takes more than a hospital stay to destroy a lifetime obsession.” She followed the blonde.

“That’s… wrong. You know what, maybe you need an intervention.”

“Uh, imagine something like AA but it’s for people with chocolate cookie addiction.”

“It’d be you and the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street sitting on an empty room.” She opened the door and held it for the brunette.

“But after the meeting, we’d be at the coffee table getting some snacks and guess what… chocolate chip cookies.”

“Utterly triggering.”

An older woman that was in line stared at them, their conversations out of context surely made more than one turn around. However, they didn’t even notice, their bubble was unbreakable.

They ordered their ice cream and sat outside the shop. Priyanka got her cookie ice cream and Lemon indulged herself with a chocolate peanut butter and raspberry double cone. The table was small and it didn’t have much space so they were squished there, comfortably chatting; seen from the outside, it looked like they were on a date.

They were halfway Spiceworld on their way back to Priyanka’s house when Lemon spotted it. Her eyes got wide as soon as she recognized the familiar location; the closed fence with the opening hours written on a wooden sign, the green lights shining inside, the fractured moonlight shining on the surface of the water and the eerie aura of a usually crowded place during the day and empty at night.

“Stop! Stop the car!”

Priyanka stopped the car violently making them shake on their seats.

“Are you insane? Why did you do that?”

“This is the pool,” Lemon looked amused. “the swimming pool we used to come when we were kids, right?”

“Yes?” Priyanka parked the car next to the curb. “Why are you so excited about it?”

“Because… before coming back I had a dream involving this pool… and you were on it!”

“Wait, what kind of dream?” The blonde was already out of the car. “Lemon, Lemon?”

She approached the –obviously- locked gate and tried to peep over it. Needless to say, she was unsuccessful at it and wasn’t very pleased with it.

“We have to get in.”

“Are you trying to trespass private property or something like that?” Priyanka stood, arms akimbo.

“Since when are you the sensible one?” She asked with disbelief.

“…You’re right. I think we can climb over the fence.” She suddenly felt the adrenaline rush.

“That’s the attitude.” She looked around. “Now… what do we do?”

“This was your plan.”

“Yeah… but I don’t usually break the rules so I guess it’s more of your area of expertise.” She batted her lashes, if Priyanka didn’t know better she’d say she was flirting but of course, that was impossible.

“Ha, ha, you’re funny…”

“I think I’m really funny.” She leaned against the fence. “Now… how are we going to get in?”

“Well, climbing seems the obvious choice but…” Priyanka took a look around. “I should tell you I worked here a summer to pay for my car and I know where they keep the spare key.”

“No way…” She gaped. “Wait, were you going to make me climb it on purpose?”

“I should’ve pushed harder just to see how serious you were about it.”

Lemon pushed her lightly.

“Hey! I’m the one getting you the key.” And with that said, Priyanka reached for the hidden key behind a loose brick. “Magic words?”

“Open Sesame?”

“Close enough.” She unlocked the gate and both got into the enclosure.

The green lights were on and it gave the pool a different appearance than what they were used to, everything was tinted under the bulb. The water of the rectangular swimming pool glowed in green. Even they looked fluorescent underneath it.

It smelled like chlorine and summer night.

“They use this color to keep away the insects… apparently it works.” The brunette pointed.

“This is so cool.” She walked around the edge of the pool. “This place hasn’t aged a single day.”

Lemon turned around with a naughty expression on her face. If it was possible, she looked even more beautiful while beaming.

“Are you coming or what?” She started unbuttoning her romper.

Priyanka ran out of words –something that didn’t happen that often but was becoming recurrent with Lemon-; the blonde surely wasn’t concerned they didn’t have swimsuits.

Lemon threw the piece of clothing away to where her sneakers were and jumped into the pool. The drops helped Priyanka to snap out of her rapture, she hurried to take off her dress and get rid of her shoes, once on her underwear she joined the other girl on the water.

She closed her eyes while she was in the air, it all happened in one second, she was floating and then her body impacted on the surface making a big splash, the water wasn’t cold but the temperature difference hit her to the core and made her feel alive. She touched the bottom of the pool and held her breath until her lungs demanded fresh air. Priyanka re-emerged and it took her a moment to get used to it. Her hair was completely soaked, her face was cover in drops and her makeup was ruined but she couldn’t care less.

Lemon had the biggest smile on her face the moment she opened her eyes, her hair had gotten entangled with the bobby pins and she had pushed it back making it look slick.

“So you were too good for a lake but a pool that a thousand kids use is better?”

The blonde threw water to her face.

“Hey!”

“I like this better… fewer people.”

“More like no people at all.”

“Exactly.” She floated around as if she was on a cloud.

“You said you dreamt about this… do you dream about me often?”

Lemon threw more water at her.

“Stop doing that to dodge my questions.” Priyanka swam around.

“I’m not going to answer them anyway.” Lemon giggled.

For a moment they floated in silence under the moon, under the artificial green light, their ears -as most of their bodies- were under the water blocking any sound aside from the movements inside, the way their hands created tiny waves, and how their heartbeats sounded. Priyanka’s kept beating loud enough to compete with a drum.

She stared at her friend and knew she wasn’t going to have another chance like that.

“Lemon…” She called.

“Huh?” The blonde stood up. “What is it?”

“I need to tell you something.” Her mouth was dry; she was shaking under the water. “I-”

At that moment an alarm went on, probably activated by a timed motion sensor.

“Oh shit,” Priyanka shouted. “We have to go. These people know me.”

“Oh my God…” The blonde’s eyes were full of terror.

They rushed to get out of the pool and grab their clothes before dashing out of the place.

“They didn’t have an alarm when I worked here,” Priyanka complained; her pulse racing as they left the pool and jumped back into her car.

The scene was ridiculous, all the dogs of the neighborhood were barking, the alarm kept ringing, Lemon was laughing out loud, Priyanka couldn’t find her keys and they were still in their wet underwear.

“Found them!” The brunette announced and turned on the engine.

She drove a few blocks until they were far enough from the pool and then parked because she couldn’t get to calm down. Lemon had her hand pressed against her chest; they were in the same euphoric state.

They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter at the same time.

“Oh my…”

“That was crazy…” Priyanka rested her head against the header. “I’m still shaking.” Her body was dripping over the seat.

“I know… I can’t believe we just did that.” Lemon took a deep breath. “My heart is beating so fast I might get into cardiac arrest.”

“Right? My hands are trembling… I don’t know how I got to drive this distance, to be honest.”

“Adrenaline, probably. Do you think they have cameras or something?”

Priyanka became pale. “I hope no, they know my parents.”

This made Lemon laugh again.

“Oh, you think it’s funny little rebel?” She poked the blonde’s arm.

“Wait, don’t do that, it makes me ticklish.” She kept laughing.

“You really shouldn’t have said that.” Priyanka automatically started tickling her.

“Stop! Stop!” Lemon kept giggling until she grabbed both of the girl’s wrists with her hands.

Suddenly, they were staring at each other in silence and daringly close. Priyanka hadn’t noticed how transparent their garments had become until that instant or how gorgeous she looked even when the messy hair and bare face.

Lemon wetted her lips as she let go softly. “What were you saying earlier? When we were in the pool…”

“Ah, that… well…” Priyanka took a deep breath, maybe the moment wasn’t gone yet, she still felt a bit courageous.

But then they heard the police sirens of a car passing by –maybe it wasn’t for them but they were still paranoid- so the best was to get out there and return to Priyanka’s house.

Lemon sighed loudly. She covered with the romper, shivering a little.

They were a red light from their destination when the brunette noticed the seats were going to be wet.

“Shit, I’ll have to take the car to the car wash or I’ll have to dry the seats with a hairdryer.”

“You’re taking care of it now?”

“I… actually sold my car this morning,” Priyanka announced.

“What? Okay, first of all, someone’s paying you real money for this? And secondly, I thought you loved this piece of trash.”

“Rude. You’d be surprised about how much I’m getting for it. Some rich lady named Jimbo –yes, that’s her name- wanted to buy it and she paid enough to cover the repairs done.” She held the steering wheel tightly. “And… I do love this car but… I think it’s time to move on to something else. I asked Jimbo if I could take her to one last adventure before handing the keys and I’m glad it’s with you.”

“Oh.” That was all she said.

The car stopped. They had arrived.

“Now, let’s get inside and find some towels.”

“Sure.” She mumbled.

Priyanka gave Lemon a towel and let the girl get dry before putting her clothes back on. The brunette did the same and then they drank some tea her mother had left ready for them. The hot beverage helped them recover the temperature on their bodies and left them feeling warm inside.

“I have your jacket in the trunk of my car… the one you lend me the lake day.”

“Ah, right… I forgot you had it.”

“Well, it helped me not to freeze to death.”

“It wasn’t that cold.”

“Penguin’s butt.”

“Stop saying that.”

“I’ll go get your jacket and be right back.” She pointed at the door and walked out.

Priyanka got a full moment alone and she cursed herself for a full minute.

“Idiot, you’re fucking it up again… She’s leaving and you didn’t tell her a thing or two…”

She shook her head. Lemon was leaving and maybe it was for the best that she hadn’t confessed her feelings. What was the point? They were going different ways again…

Lemon crossed the door. “Here.” She handed the piece of clothing. “Thank you or whatever.”

“You’re welcome.” She threw the jacket over the sofa. “So listen… Uh…”

She stared at her friend. Lemon was breathtaking, every detail of her face was worth being drawn, portrayed, traced… Even the little eyelash resting comfortably on her cheek.

“You have a…” She pointed at her face.

“Uh? What? Is it a bug?” She started touching her cheeks.

“No, just an eyelash… Wait… let me…” She shortened the distance and tenderly brushed the lash off her face.

Lemon’s breathing tickled her skin.

Priyanka stared at her clear eyes for a moment, she hadn’t noticed her hand was still on her cheek.

“Sorry, I got it.” She announced showing the tiny lash on her fingertip.

Lemon smiled at her. “I should leave now… I need to drive early in the morning to avoid the traffic and I should get some sleep.”

“Yeah… I suppose.”

She hoped the disappointment in her voice wasn’t noticeable.

“Pri?”

“Uhm?”

“I’m glad that we’re okay now. Not having you in my life for the past seven years was awful. Let’s not fight again, yeah?” She held her pinky finger in the air. “I promise I won’t break this one.”

“Lemon, you’ll always be part of my life.”

Priyanka sealed the promise with her pinky and then hugged her friend.

Her heartbeats were so loud she was scared Lemon might hear them.

Priyanka opened the door.

“My car is at the end of the street, I can walk from here.”

“Do you want me to walk you there?”

“Nah, it’s okay. I’m fine… I’ll call you from New York as soon as I get there.”

“Yes, do that.” She took a deep breath. “Bye, love you…”

“Love you too.” Lemon blew a kiss in the air.

Priyanka closed the door. She couldn’t watch her leave again.

She started climbing the stairs. Her heart was supposed to be at peace –they were friends again- but she wasn’t happy about it… Lemon was leaving her again and words couldn’t describe how much Priyanka hated the fact there wasn’t something she could do.

Her dad almost bumped into her when she was lost in her thoughts.

“Hey pumpkin, be careful.” He was in his pajamas and a robe.

“Sorry, dad. I was thinking… too much.”

“You always do.” He patted her back. “Did your friend leave already?”

Priyanka nodded. “She has to go back to her home tomorrow morning.”

Her father frowned. “And you two are not spending more time together? You two used to be… joined by the hip? You cried whenever we went to pick you up from her house or when she left.”

Priyanka chuckled. “I remember… yeah…”

“I always thought you two…” He didn’t finish the sentence. “You were truly inseparable.”

She was trying to understand what he was truly saying.

He stared at her.

“And? Don’t stand there looking at me… go.”

“Dad? Are you…?”

He squeezed her shoulder. “It took me some more time but it doesn’t mean that I don’t want you to be happy.”

Priyanka felt her eyes getting watery. She hugged her father tightly.

“We can do this later; your mother is going to kill me if I tell her that you left that girl go.”

“Right…” Priyanka shook her head.

“Go!”

She ran downstairs almost flying over them.

Her father was right.

Her best friend.

The girl she loved.

What the hell was she doing there?

She had to get the girl!

Priyanka opened the door violently.

“Lemon. Lemon!” She yelled but the girl wasn’t on the street. Who cared if she woke some neighbors up? “Lemon!”

Was her car still at the end of the street?

“Oh, hey there…” A voice came from the porch.

Priyanka turned around and noticed the blonde sitting in one corner next to the door.

“Lemon, what are you doing there?”

She was sitting holding her knees against her chest. Priyanka got closer and kneeled next to her.

“I’m waiting to get some courage to knock on your door again and hopefully I’ll be brave enough then to tell you…” She looked at Priyanka in the eye, the words didn’t come.

“Tell me what?” Priyanka asked, desperate.

“That…” She bit her lips. “Forget it, I can’t ruin it… I can’t lose you again.” She was babbling to herself. Then she looked at Priyanka again. “Sorry, I’m just going to leave…”

She stood up and started walking fast.

“Lemon!”

She didn’t turn back. Priyanka stood up and grabbed her by the wrist, making the blonde face her. The tears were already rolling down her cheeks.

“I can’t let my friend walk away while being sad…”

There was a pause, they stared at each other.

“Am I really just your friend?” She finally cried out.

She hadn’t let go of her hand yet.

“No. You’re not… I mean, we used to be friends but…”

The moment… their moment was now or never… she had screwed it up before but she wasn’t going to let it slip again.

“I’m in love with you.” The words sprouted from her chest. “I’m in love with you.” She repeated accentuating every syllable.

“That’s my line,” Lemon complained, faithful to her character.

“Wait… is it? I mean, are you?”

“I’ve loved you all my life, you idiot.” The blonde was suddenly full of anger. “I can’t believe this… why didn’t you say something before?”

“When you say all your life…”

“Oh, for goodness sake… Priyanka I’ve never loved anyone else since that day in kindergarten when you shared your cookies with me and that’s embarrassing.”

“And why didn’t you say something?”

“You didn’t say it either!”

“Because I thought you just wanted to be friends with me!”

“Are you blind? I’ve been trying for days for you to notice… and that day on the stupid lake I really thought you were going to kiss me but you didn’t and then you said that it was never going to happen between us…”

“You heard that?”

“Of fucking course I did… And I cried for hours because I thought my chance was… gone forever… but tonight… I thought, maybe tonight… maybe… but you said those things about moving on to something new… and the last adventure with me…”

“I was talking about my car! You’re not a car… It’s not a metaphor, you know? I’m bad at metaphorical speech.” They were yelling.

“How would I know? You pick the worst moments to say things like those…”

“I said those things on the lake because I thought you wanted to be just friends with me and I didn’t want to make it awkward and I sold my car not because I don’t love it anymore… I did it because it’s old and I cannot travel anymore in that state… I can’t go visiting you with that car.”

“But you said…” Lemon’s bottom lip trembled.

“I know what I said but, after the past couple of days, I realized that, yes, I’ve grown up… I’ve changed but I’m still the same. I still like pop songs from the ’90s, I still like chocolate chip cookies in any existing form, I still like going on adventures, and, most importantly, I still like you… a lot.”

“You… I’m so mad at you…” She got rid of her grip. “I’m literally fuming, you are…” She stared at her brown eyes. “You’re the worst and…”

Before she could finish that sentence, Priyanka shortened the distance, grabbed her face, and planted a kiss on her lips, partially to shut her up and mostly because she had wanted to do that for so long. Lemon relaxed as soon as their lips touched as if her will to fight had abruptly disappeared.

It wasn’t her first kiss, it was a kiss that didn’t compare with the ones before but it would be the parameter for all the ones that would come after. It was a kiss that made other kisses seem insignificant and a kiss that rose up the standards forever.

Lemon smelled like chlorine and summer crush and she tasted like lip-gloss and warm tea. Priyanka entangled her fingers on her hair and pulled her even closer to the point their bodies were merging in a tight embrace.

“So you were saying,” Priyanka whispered when they reached for air.

“Shut up and kiss me again or I’m going to keep finding things to be mad at you.”

And Priyanka –gladly- did it.

They kissed some more while sitting on the porch until their lips were swollen and lightly numbed and then sat cozily with their legs entangled, stars above their heads and singing crickets on the ground. Priyanka thought she could get used to it.

Except, she didn’t have time to.

“Do you really have to go back tomorrow?” She asked, pinching Lemon lightly on her arm.

“I can delay it until Monday but… I have to be back next week for the dancing schedule.”

“Oh… I understand…”

They could have one more day then.

“But,” She began connecting her thoughts. “maybe there’s an alternative…”

“What do you mean?” Priyanka was puzzled.

“I don’t want to go back alone so… what do you say if you come with me to New York? You said you wanted to visit me there someday… why not now? You’re still on your break, aren’t you?”

“Yeah… I am…”

“Jan can stay with Jackie for a couple of days and you can stay with me…”

“Are you serious right now? Do you really want me to go with you?”

“Unless you want to stay with your family for what’s left of your break… I’d understand it.” She shrugged.

“You know what? I have the feeling that my folks are already done with my shenanigans…”

“I mean, who isn’t?”

“One would think that you’d act differently after having someone’s tongue down your throat.”

“Think again.”

“Anyway… Yes. I’ll go back with you.”

The blonde beamed.

“Great, so I can pick you up tomorrow before noon? You’ll need to pack and stuff.”

“I’m ahead of you… I never finished unpacking.”

“You’re actually the worst, did you know?”

“But you still like me.”

Lemon’s reply was to press a quick peck on her lips before she could say something else.

“And…? What happened afterward?” Denali was on the edge of her seat, she could see it even through the computer screen.

“Well… things were alright for a couple of days but then we realized that it was kind of awkward between us and we decided we’re better as friends.” Priyanka shrugged and spun a little on the chair.

“What?!” The other girl’s mouth dropped to the floor. “Are you kidding me right now?”

She shook her head, dead serious. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be after all.”

Denali’s eyes were like a pair of plates.

“Hey, I brought some coffee… Priyanka, are you still telling people we broke up?” Lemon’s voice broke the silence.

“Oh my God… I hate you so much right now…” She buried her face in her hands.

“Gotcha! I can’t believe you fell for that… Kiara, Juice… even Scarlett was dumb enough to believe it.”

Priyanka laughed her head off.

“Our friendship is officially over. Hi Lemon! How are you, my dancing diva?”

The blonde stood up in front of the camera almost pushing her girlfriend away. “Hi, Dee… I’m doing alright.” Her voice was melodic. “What’s up with you?”

“Just here, catching up with your awful girlfriend.”

“She scared the hell out of you, didn’t she?”

“First she leaves in a hurry without telling anyone and now she’s spreading some fake information… No… It’s a no for me.”

“Don’t worry, we’re actually –surprisingly- doing fine.”

“Hey, what do you mean by «surprisingly»?” The brunette hugged her from behind.

“Aw, you guys are so cute.” She smiled at them. “Wait, so you’re in New York now?”

“Yep, I’m staying for a couple more days and then I’m taking a plane back to Toronto.”

“And I’ll be visiting her there for the holidays in a couple of months.”

“Whoa, you have it figured out already.”

“And I didn’t forget that you have a competition here soon, I’ll definitely be here with you.”

“That’s great! I’m glad to hear it. Sure, oh… we’re going to have so much fun…”

“My friends are dying to meet you if you know what I mean.” Lemon winked.

“I can’t wait.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Listen, I’d love to chat some more but if I don’t go to practice there won’t be a competition to hoe around.”

They chuckled.

“Thank you for calling, Nali. I miss you already!”

“Miss you too, see you soon guys.” She blew a kiss in the air. “Bye-bye.”

“Bye!” They waved at the camera before ending the call.

“You’re so annoying sometimes…” Lemon kissed her quickly after saying that. She had a cup of coffee in her hands. “So… do you think this is going to work? At the distance and everything?”

Priyanka held her tightly in her arms making the girl sit on her lap. “I know we’re going to make it work somehow and… you know I’m graduating soon so maybe –just maybe- I could start applying for some internship here…?”

The blonde stared at her. “Really?”

“Don’t get too excited yet… I still have to do some things over there and I might take a while but…”

Lemon almost dropped her cup of coffee when she hugged her even closer.

“That would be… Pri… I’ve said it before but… I love you.” The same words acquired a new meaning in a different context.

Priyanka’s heart was full.

“I love you too.”

Priyanka kissed her forehead and let their words linger in the air. They were in a tiny student apartment in a big city, miles away from their hometown but they were together at last, at the only place they had always called home.

Maybe it was true, maybe we always come back to the place where we were happy.

And they were the living proof of it.

The end.