Chapter Text
Chapter 4
Cozy home. Check! Good furniture. Check! Stable job, check! Trusty housemate, check!
Hmmm… What’s next on the list, Ava?
After the orphanage, I never thought I’d be ticking those boxes off. I’m so glad Mary and I stuck together to start that bar. Business has been good, but something is missing…
Ah, yes, a partner. Maybe I should explore those dating apps I’ve heard so much about…
Let me look at the apps in the App Store. Ah, this one seems interesting… Fumble… Because we’re all just fumbling through life ‘til we meet someone we hit it with.
Weird name, but yeah, that makes sense, but here goes. Profile filled in, let’s look at the choices…
Randall, 29,
Likes a good time. And will give you one.
Swipe left… Boring..
Zori, 25
Ice Queen, but you like it, babe.
Swipe right, could be good, I guess…
Crimson, 27
I’m just a li'l bit crazy, I know it. And you will know it and want me, baby.
Interesting, hmmm.. Swipe right.
Michael. 29
A good guy through and through. But I am the bomb.
Good guy, huh, he looks kinda sweet, maybe I’ll swipe right. Ok fine, swipe right.
I’m just looking around anyway…
Welp, since I’m dipping my toe in the dating pool, I might as well buy some new lingerie… just in case things go further.
Right? It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.
I’ll ask Camila to come with me next time I go shopping. Maybe she’ll know more about buying those things.
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In between breaks at work, at her home.
Beatrice was watching a video of ravens doing interesting things.
“Ravens are so cool and smart, Reggie. But, I think I’m lucky to have you as my pet.”
Reggie looks at Beatrice lazily and flicks his ears, then goes back to sleep.
Her gaze moves back to the duck underwear that she still hadn’t acted on. What should I do with this?
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*FLASHBACK*
Beatrice used to work in an office as a data analyst, tucked away in her spreadsheets and focus. She would always work, barely interacting with her co-workers. She felt at home with her data, but the other workers thought she was a bit snobby.
“Beatrice is always in her office, just typing away. Does she really think she’s better than all of us?” Crimson complained.
“Maybe she’s just a snob? I heard her family disowned her. I wonder why?”
“Hmmm… I think she’s kinda cute but a bit nerdy. I bet I can get her to fall for me,” Lucia smirks.
“You don’t even know if she swings that way,” Crimson responded.
“I’m sure I can make her swing that way,” Lucia responded cockily.
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“Hey Bea!”
Lucia knocked on her open door and approached her at her desk with a flirtatious smile.
“Yes, how may I help you, Lucia?”
“You’re so formal, Bea. Would you want to go out for lunch with me?” Lucia asked.
“I actually have something to finish,” Beatrice responded.
“Aww, I really wanted to get to know you. Maybe next time?”
“Maybe.”
Beatrice blinked and shook her head as she turned her attention back to her computer, a bit unsure.
What just happened? Why did my heart just feel like it skipped a beat?
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It started with a simple lunch at the cafeteria. Then dinner. Then it became a daily occurrence. She learned more about Lucia, her quirks, and quiet laughter. The twinkle in her eyes. Slowly, Beatrice held the hope that maybe this could turn out into something serious, though it wasn’t something she planned.
She walked toward Lucia’s office one day, about to raise her hand to knock on the door, when she overheard voices inside.
“So, what’s next in your plan for Beatrice? You have her eating out of your hand, babe.”
Babe?! Wait, is that Crimson? What’s happening?!
“Oh, you know it’s nothing. She's just a side-project. You know, you're the one I really like.”
The room becomes silent as sounds of kissing are heard.
Bea’s hand drops to her side as she feels her heart break into pieces. She walks away, goes back to her office, and then drowns herself in her work to forget her heartbreak.
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To add salt to Bea’s wound, a few weeks later, a rumor circulated around their office that Bea was obsessed with Lucia, which is why Lucia broke it off with her.
Beatrice kept to herself more, then decided to look for a work-from-home job to shield herself from office politics and heartbreak.
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Back to the present
Beatrice went back to work, but before that, she carefully folded the duck underwear, placed it inside her drawer, and shook her head.
Reginald gazes at Beatrice as she works, his ears twitching in interest.
Ah, I see my rescuer seems smitten with my gift to her. She said she wants a raven, too? That can be arranged.
No feat shall be small as long as it is for my gallant rescuer. Why, it felt like yesterday when she rescued me. I still remember it so clearly as though it happened yesterday…
I was a wee kitten who had wandered away from my mother. The rain was pouring, so I couldn’t find my way back.
I tried to summon all my strength, but ALAS! I was so little back then.
I couldn’t help but cry for help. People had passed me by and didn’t even spare me a glance. The audacity!
I- I- I didn’t know what to do.
Until a woman came, walking with a box full of things. She almost passed me by, but lo and behold, she came back and scooped me inside her box with her things. It wasn’t the most comfy, but I felt safe at the time, and that was what mattered.
I saw that she pondered what to do about me. She wanted to call the shelter, but, me being my adorable self had eked a spot in her heart.
So yes, I would do anything for my brave rescuer. Capture her raven or even find her someone to spend her life with.
Whichever comes first.
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At the Department Store, Lingerie Section
“What does this cover?!” Ava blushes and asks as she holds up a sheer black lingerie with some shiny material.
“I think that’s the point, Ava,” Camila giggles as she rifles through the other lingerie on display.
“Thank you for coming with me to buy lingerie today. I know it's pretty awkward, but I just didn’t know who to ask,” Ava responded as she looked at other designs.
“No prob. I need the distraction, anyway. By the way, are you seeing anyone?” asked Camila, tilting her head toward Ava.
“Not yet, but I’m sticking my foot into those dating apps. I just want to be ready when it does happen,” Ava smiled and replied sheepishly.
“How about you?” Ava countered to deflect other questions.
“After Todd, I’ve taken things slow. I’ve seen some interesting people, but still taking it easy. Ooh, look at this, Ava,” Camila points to a sleek black bra and underwear pair. “I think this would look sexy on you.”
“Ooh, this will do wonders for my confidence when the time comes,” Ava grins excitedly as she reaches for the pair.
“Lemme test drive this one. You can tell me about your crushes while I fit this.”
Camila leans against the door to the changing room, then sighs. “I saw tall, dark, and broody at the bar the other night. She kept glancing over… but no moves. Am I that unlikeable?”
The rustle of clothes being shed stopped as the music inside the changing room accompanied the pause.
Then Ava retorts, “Course not! Maybe she just needs a push in the right direction? I mean, I wish I could have brought them drinks that night. Tall, dark, and broody went there with her friend. Could have gotten her friend’s num– Oh…”
“What is it, Ava?”
The bra glistens against the light of the changing room, subtly changing its color like a raven’s feathers under the sun, framing Ava’s breasts as she turns and models them in front of the mirror.
“This is it! My girls look awesome. I’ll take this and the other stuff I fit earlier. Camila, I owe you one!”