Chapter Text
*7 months after*
The sound of a chair scraping pulled Calliope from her book. She looked up and was met with Juliette looking sheepishly at her. She smiled inwardly at the sight of her, sitting abnormally stiff in the cafeteria chair, eyes darting around. She turned to look the other girl in the eye.
“Hey..” Juliette said quietly.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” She fidgeted with her rings. “I know this must be weird. I just wanted to see how you were doing.” She met Cal’s eyes, causing a blush to creep up her neck.
Cal grinned at the sight. “I’m good. Theo is doing better, and family therapy is a thing now.” She chuckled, as did Juliette rather awkwardly.
“Look, I know we already talked it through- ish, but I just wanted to say I’m sorry…again.” She scratched the back of her neck, avoiding Cal’s gaze. Her eyes widened as she felt a hand over hers. She looked up at Calliope.
“I know. It was a mistake, yes, but your intent was good. And you made up for it by turning him back. I’m not gonna hold that over you for the rest of our lives.” She laughed and squeezed Juliette’s hand. Jules smiled widely before raising an eyebrow.
“Rest of our lives?” Calliope blushed and averted her gaze. “Sounds good to me.” Juliette added softly. She looked back up at her smiling.
The pair stared at one another for a moment, before Juliette bit her lip and looked away. She looked down at the book Cal had been reading. A soft smile graced her face as she picked it up.
“Carmila.” She scanned the cover. “How timely.” She glanced up at Cal. “That first time, with the bee, did you know I was a vampire?”
“At that point, yeah.” Calliope looked away and blushed. “I’d kinda been watching you for a while at that point.” Juliette looked amused, she set the book back down.
“Really?” She smirked. Cal nodded. “Well now I gotta know, when was the first time you saw me?” Calliope rolled her eyes, but leaned forward in her seat.
“Ok, so it was the last day of summer. Since we moved so late, I still didn’t have my school stuff. So I went to the store with my mom. So I'm trying to find the folders and I heard this yelp from the next aisle. I turn the corner and some short little brunette is pelting this 6 foot jock with beanbags.” Juliette laughed, remembering the trip in question. “Then I recognized you the next day but didn’t wanna sound creepy, so I didn’t say anything.” She smiled sheepishly, Juliette still snickering in the peripheral vision.
“And you still pursued me?” She said between giggles. Calliope smiled widely and watched her for a moment.
“Well after a couple stolen glances, I noticed something weird.” She ducked her head. “And it was the perfect excuse to keep looking at you.” Juliette went quiet beside her. She looked up.
Juliette was staring, with something akin to mirth twinkling in her eye. She maintained this eye contact while slowly reaching for Cal’s hand, who took in quickly. Juliette smiled softly down at their joined hands, then back up at Cal. She bit her lip slightly.
“Do you want another excuse?” She whispered. Calliope felt her heart begin to race, which only made Juliette smile wider. She fiddled with one of Juliette’s rings on her finger.
“Do I need one?”
Juliette merely shook her head, her grin almost too big for her face.
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*17 months after*
*Dink*
*Dink*
*Dink*
Julliette opened her curtains, confused. She looked down to see Calliope, with a handful of stones. She rolled her eyes, and opened the window. She smiled as she watched her girlfriend climb up to her. Greeting her with a kiss, she helped her inside.
“While that is very ‘cliche teen romance’ of you to climb in my bedroom window, we have a front door...” Calliope leaned down, resting her forehead against Juliette’s, looking her in the eye. Juliette paused. “Which you are welcome to use.” She muttered, before pulling her down to kiss her.
After breaking the kiss, Cal smirked down at her girlfriend. “That was entirely too easy, my darling.” Juliette rolled her eyes. “I know I can use the door, it’s just more fun. Plus it’s only fair, you still need to sneak into my room so…” Juliette looked up at her.
“That’s not your fault you know.” She said, tapping Cal’s chin to get her to look at her. “ Your parents’ actions and opinions are their own, not yours.” She said softly, running a gentle hand up Calliope’s arm.
Margot and Sebastain, to everyone’s surprise, had come to respect their relationship, seeing how happy Cal made their daughter. The truce between the families didn’t hurt either but Calliope was still grateful for the pair’s acceptance. Her parents on the other hand were not budging an inch. They respected the truce, but that was it.
Cal sighed, and melted into her girlfriend’s touch. “I know. I just wish they could see you. Like actually see you, not just what species you happen to be.” She cradled Juliette’s cheek in her hand and gazed lovingly down at her. “You truly are the kindest soul I’ve ever met. Just so beautiful, inside and out.”
Juliette leaned into her touch, blushing slightly. She pulled her towards her, wrapping her arms around the taller woman’s shoulders. Cal smiled as she looped her arms around Juliette’s body, holding her so softly.
“I love you.” Julliette said, muffled against Cal’s chest. Calliope felt her heart warm, even after all this time. She pressed a kiss to the top of Juliette’s head, and then pulled back the slightest bit. The women admired one another for a moment.
“I love you too Jules.” Cal said softly, leaning in to kiss her. Juliette smiled into the kiss, gripping Cal’s biceps. Calliope moved her hand from Juliette’s back to cup her face once more. Breaking the kiss, she ran her thumb back and forth across the beauty mark on her cheek.
“My darling.” Cal murmured, somewhat in awe. “How did I ever get so lucky?” She whispered as she rested her forehead against Juliette’s.
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