Work Text:
Adore is excited to be moving in with Courtney, they’ve been talking about the move and preparing for it for ages, and now that it’s finally happening she feels like she could explode with joy. She was scared when she first moved to this new city, but being with Courtney makes things way less scary. She’s honest and kind, with the warmest smile Adore has ever seen in her entire life, and somehow Courtney chose her.
Even after six months of dating Adore can hardly believe that they’re still together, let alone about to be living in the same tiny, one-bedroom apartment. It’s not just a relationship decision at this point, though that does factor into it, this is mostly a financial decision. Both of them work in the city, it’s easier to walk to their jobs instead of driving and owning a car. Money is tight and this makes so much sense that Adore wishes she had met Courtney years ago. At least they have each other now.
They’re at the nearest supermarket, picking out curtains for the two windows they have in the apartment. Adore is pushing the cart and Courtney is very seriously looking at her options for curtains, but Adore doesn’t really care what they wind up with, she just likes the way Courtney’s face screws up when she’s thinking too hard about something.
“What do you think, Adore?” Courtney asks, holding out two options for Adore to look at.
Effectively snapped out of her thoughts, Adore glances down at the curtains, “I like both.”
“But do you like one more than the other? Because I think we should get the same set for both windows, just to have a cohesive theme,” Courtney frowns.
“I’m cool with either, babe, really,” Adore shrugs.
It’s a true statement, Courtney has great taste and likes all her things to be organized and sorted out in very… specific ways. That’s a big reason why their dynamic just works for them. Adore doesn’t have to stress over things like matching linens together and Courtney doesn’t have to worry about picking things her partner will hate.
“Well… The blue in this set matches the comforter nicely but not the towels, and the gray in the other set matches our shower curtain…” Courtney pouts, “I just don’t know which to get.”
“Let’s get the ones with the gray,” Adore says, already reaching for the set to put in their cart.
“Hmm… I don’t know, I think the ones with blue will match better and look better in the apartment,” Courtney immediately counters. Already putting back the ones Adore suggested.
Adore grins at Courtney, unreasonably proud that her plan had worked. She knew that Courtney would only purchase something she really likes and wants. Adore had figured it out after their third time going out to eat together, and she’s glad she did because she still uses the tactic at least once a week.
“But- Are you sure?” Courtney asks, voice full of genuine concern, “We can get what you like.”
Adore rolls her eyes fondly, “I’m sure, wasn’t lying when I said I don’t care.”
“You’re the best,” Courtney says, all happy and sweet.
Adore’s heart melts a little. The possibility exists she’s falling a little harder for Courtney every day and she is not about to fight it. Courtney is her most favorite person ever, Adore loves spending so much of her time with her. She treasures every moment they get, well aware of how fleeting time can be when love is involved.
Even picking out together while checking out at the register makes Adore feel giddy and nostalgic. This is a love she’s never experienced before and she never wants it to end. She wants every day to be domestic shopping trips and boxed dinners and movie marathons after long days of working too hard for too little. She loves laying awake at night with Courtney right beside her, finally feeling like she belongs somewhere.
Catching the bus back into the city with only seconds to spare is exhilarating , the two are holding hands and giggling like they’re high schoolers again. Then riding back to their tiny apartment in the massive city, shoulder to shoulder on the stiff seats, watching the setting sun… They’re free.
When she’s with Courtney, Adore is finally free. She never cared to know what a “domestic life” could be for her until Courtney Act asked for it, because for Courtney? Adore would deliver the world. Anything she wants, Adore will give it to her. If anyone deserves that it’s Courtney.
“What are you thinking about?” Courtney asks, smiling brighter than the sun as she cups Adore’s face in her hand.
Adore sighs and leans into Courtney’s touch, “You.”
Something flickers through Courtney’s eyes that Adore has seen a hundred times but never been able to identify, “Like what?”
“Like… Like how much I love you,” Adore whispers.
Courtney leans forward to peck her on the lips sweetly, “I love you, too. Thanks for coming with me.”
“Are you kidding me?” Adore asks, shocked, “I love any excuse to hang out with you. You’re my favorite.”
“And you’re mine,” Courtney says, removing her hand from Adore’s cheek to grab her hand.
The rest of the bus ride is what Adore hopes the rest of their life is like. Soft, warm, and real. Though Adore thinks that even if things were the total opposite, she’d be okay with that as long as she still has Courtney. As long as they get to have each other, Adore knows they’ll be okay. No matter what the curtains look like.