Work Text:
Vivian hadn’t really wanted to date anyone, much less get married, but it was what girls do.
It’s what was expected of her.
So she said yes when Warner asked her to marry him. Of course she did.
It’s what was expected of her.
Finding out that Warner had chosen her over Elle Woods , beautiful, blonde Elle Woods, almost made her feel better.
Almost.
But there was still a hollow feeling in her chest that only grew the more Vivian pretended and played the part that was expected of her .
They had such high hopes…
But Vivian just couldn’t bring herself to love a man.
Not romantically at least.
(Whenever she thought about love, romantic love, unbidden memories of girls from school, of models and actresses came to mind.)
And it was all fine until Elle Woods had to do what she always did, and make sure everything is just and kind and- and good .
Elle Woods was perfect in every way Vivian Kensington wasn’t.
She was good and kind and she acted like a goddamned princess, and Vivian-
Vivian hated her.
That’s why she felt just a bit nauseous whenever Elle Woods' eyes were on her, whenever they bumped shoulders in the halls.
That’s why her face got so hot when Elle Woods gave her that victorious smirk of hers.
That’s why Vivian wanted to shut her up with a kiss.
Yeah.
Because Vivian hated Elle Woods.
But sometimes, when the moon hung in the sky and everything was baptized in its silvery light, Vivian was able to admit that she never really hated Elle Woods.
No. Vivian hated herself. And she hated that Elle Woods was able to be everything Vivian ever wanted to be so easily, so fearlessly.
So unapologetic.
And logically she knew that Elle Woods didn’t have it easy. Every professor seemed to have it out for her from the get go, and the other students made it pretty clear that they weren’t going to be any help.
Of course, Vivian herself was responsible for some of that hardship, giving the professor the answer that she wanted. The answer she was looking for.
Expecting.
Because that’s what Vivian did. Live up to people's expectations.
Even at the cost of herself.
—
Celebrating the case win was certainly…interesting.
Vivian found herself horribly overwhelmed by all of the loud enthusiastic people that Elle Woods called friends or sisters, and she tried to find a good corner to stand in until she could politely take her leave.
But then, of course, Elle Woods had to notice.
“Hey! Are you doing okay, Viv? You look paler than usual, and you haven’t even danced with me!”
Vivian had to shove down the warmth building in her chest. “I’m fine, thank you.”
Perfect, pretty Elle Woods then got that look on her face, the one she got when she was trying to solve a problem. And then she smiled, wide and bright and perfect , and said, “Let's go somewhere quieter for a bit, I know the perfect spot!”
And then Elle Woods grabbed Vivian’s hand and they were weaving through the undulating mass of people, towards someplace Vivian could not see, did not know, and honestly? Didn’t care about reaching.
Elle Woods was holding her hand , what more could she ask for?
—
“I just feel so… out of place. I don’t belong here Elle.”
“Of course you do. You may not be a Delta Nu sister, but you’re my friend.”
“And… if I wanted to be more than that?”
“What, join the sorority?”
“No, like- like going on a date with you? If that’s okay-”
“Oh Viv, that sounds amazing! Yes! So when do we wanna go? Oh! Where do we want to go? I know this absolutely amazing sushi place that’s just delish-”