Work Text:
“Oh my god, what the fuck,” Winter hissed, staring down at the coffee now splattered across her laptop, the keys glistening with a latte drizzle.
Her voice was sharp, but her hands were trembling.
She was in shock.
The clock on top of the woman’s head had frozen.
22 years, 9 months, 20 hours, and 13 seconds.
The numbers were burned into her vision.
“Are you kidding me? This is how I meet my soulmate? By you spilling your damn coffee on me?”
Karina stood frozen, her own coffee cup now empty, her face a mixture of horror and awe.
Her tattoos—a swirling mix of gears and flowers—seemed to ripple as her arms hung awkwardly at her sides.
She blinked, her voice coming out low and sheepish. “Uh. Hi. I’m… Karina. And, uh, sorry about the coffee. And your laptop. I’ll—I’ll buy you a new one?”
Winter glared at her, but her cheeks flushed.
Karina’s awkwardness was almost… endearing.
Almost.
“You’re damn right you’re buying me a new one. Do you have any idea how much work I just lost? My final paper is due in a week, and I—” She stopped herself, taking a deep breath.
She couldn’t believe this was happening.
This was her soulmate?
A clumsy mechanic who just destroyed her laptop with a latte?
---
It had started like any other Tuesday.
Winter had woken up at 6:00 AM, her alarm blaring, her head pounding.
She’d been up until 3:00 AM working on her final paper, her laptop screen the only light in her tiny apartment.
She was a brat about it, sure, but she had every right to be.
She was in her final year of university, and the pressure was crushing her.
She’d dragged herself to her favorite coffee shop, the one tucked between a thrift store and a bookstore, where the baristas knew her order by heart.
A large oat milk latte, extra shot of espresso. She’d settled into her usual corner table, her laptop open, her notes scattered around her.
She was in her zone.
Or at least, she was trying to be.
Karina, on the other hand, had been running late.
She’d been elbow-deep in an engine at the garage all morning, her hands greasy, her hair tied back in a messy bun.
She’d needed caffeine, badly, and the coffee shop was the only place nearby that didn’t taste like burnt motor oil.
She’d ordered her usual—a black coffee, no frills—and turned to leave when it happened.
She wasn’t looking where she was going.
Her boot caught on the edge of a chair, and before she could stop herself, she was stumbling forward, her coffee cup tilting.
The next thing she knew, she was face-to-face with Winter, their eyes locking as the latte cascaded over the table and onto the laptop.
The moment it happened, the clock froze.
---
Hours later, Winter was still fuming. She’d salvaged what she could of her paper, but her laptop was a lost cause.
Karina had offered to pay for a new one, which was… nice, she guessed.
But still.
Soulmates.
Winter wasn’t sure if she believed in them, but the proof was staring her in the face.
The frozen clock.
The awkward mechanic with the tattoos.
The spilled coffee.
She’d finally gotten her caffeine fix—a fresh latte, courtesy of Karina—and was now sitting across from her at the same table.
Karina was fidgeting, her hands drumming on the table, her eyes darting everywhere but Winter’s face.
She looked… nervous.
Which was ironic, considering she was the one who’d just blundered into Winter’s life like a wrecking ball.
“So,” Karina started, her voice cracking slightly.
“Uh. About the whole soulmate thing. I mean, I guess we’re stuck with each other now, huh?”
Winter raised an eyebrow, sipping her latte.
“Stuck with you? You’re the one who spilled coffee on me. You’re stuck with me.”
Karina chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made Winter’s stomach do a little flip.
“Fair point. But, uh, I’m not exactly the best at this whole soulmate thing. I’m kind of a mess.”
Winter smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, I noticed. But… you’re buying me a new laptop, so I guess you’re off to a decent start.”
Karina grinned, and for the first time, it wasn’t awkward. “Cool. So, uh, how do you want to do this? Like, do we… date? Or just, I don’t know, be awkward around each other forever?”
Winter laughed, a genuine laugh that surprised even herself. “I mean, we could date. But you’d have to sweep me off my feet first. And, just so you know, I’m not easily swayed.”
Karina’s grin widened. “Yeah, I kind of got that. But, uh, I think I can handle it. I mean, I’ve already seen you at your worst—coffee-drenched and pissed off—so it can only get better from here, right?”
Winter rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. “We’ll see. But you’re buying me dinner first. And it better be good.”
Karina’s laugh was warm, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Deal. So, uh, when’s your final paper due?”
“In like 2 weeks,” Winter groaned, running a hand through her hair. “And now I’m behind because of you.”
Karina leaned forward, her expression suddenly serious. “Okay, here’s the deal. You let me take care of you until your paper’s done. I’ll keep you fed, caffeinated, and motivated. And then, once you’re done, we’ll figure out this whole soulmate thing. Deal?”
Winter blinked, surprised by the offer.
She wasn’t used to people taking care of her.
But… it sounded nice.
“Deal. But just so you know, I’m not easy to take care of.”
Karina smirked. “I think I can handle it. Besides, you’re kind of cute when you’re cranky.”
Winter’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, hiding her smile behind her latte.
This was going to be… interesting.
———
The coffee shop was nearly empty by the time Karina and Winter noticed the time.
The baristas had already started wiping down the counters and stacking chairs, their friendly chatter now softened by the late hour.
Winter glanced at her phone—10:47 PM—and groaned.
She hadn’t meant to stay so long, but something about Karina made time slip away like sand through her fingers.
“We should probably get out of here,” Karina said, her voice low and warm, as she stood up and stretched.
The sleeve of her shirt rode up slightly, revealing more of the intricate tattoos that Winter had been trying not to stare at all evening. “Don’t want to overstay our welcome.”
Winter followed her lead, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
“Yeah, I didn’t realize it was so late. I still have, like, a hundred pages to read before tomorrow.”
Karina gave her a playful nudge with her elbow as they walked toward the door.
“Well, someone’s been too busy arguing with me about whether pineapple belongs on pizza to focus on her studies.”
“It doesn’t!” Winter said, swatting at Karina’s arm. “And you’re a monster for thinking otherwise.”
Karina laughed, the sound rich and full, and held the door open for Winter as they stepped out into the cool night air.
The street was quiet, the hum of the city distant now. Winter shivered slightly, hugging her arms to her chest.
“You cold?” Karina asked, already shrugging off her leather jacket before Winter could answer.
She draped it over Winter’s shoulders, the material still warm from Karina’s body.
Winter blinked up at her, surprised. “You don’t have to—”
“Nope, I’m doing the gentlewoman thing,” Karina interrupted, her tone light but firm.
“Can’t have my soulmate freezing to death on my watch.”
Winter rolled her eyes but pulled the jacket tighter around her.
It smelled faintly of motor oil and something earthy, like pine.
She tried not to think about how much she liked it.
Karina gestured toward a sleek black Audi parked nearby. “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”
Winter hesitated, glancing at the car and then back at Karina. “You’re really just gonna… chauffeur me around now?”
Karina shrugged, her lips quirking into a half-smile. “What can I say? I’m a loser with a nice car. Get in.”
Winter laughed, shaking her head, but she followed Karina to the car.
The interior was just as sleek as the exterior, the leather seats cool under her palms.
Karina slid into the driver’s seat with an ease that made Winter a little envious.
The drive was quiet at first, the hum of the engine and the soft buzz of the city outside the only sounds.
Winter stared out the window, watching the streetlights blur past. She could feel Karina glancing at her every now and then, but she didn’t say anything.
Finally, Karina broke the silence. “So… what’s your schedule look like this week? You mentioned exams, right?”
Winter groaned, leaning her head back against the seat. “Yeah. Two papers due, a presentation, and a mountain of reading. I’m not gonna see the light of day for a while.”
Karina’s fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel. “Well, I’m not exactly an academic, but I can bring you food. And coffee. And maybe make sure you don’t fall asleep at your desk.”
Winter turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow. “You’re really just gonna… barge into my life and take care of me like that?”
Karina shot her a quick grin. “Yep. That’s the plan. You’re stuck with me now, Winter. Might as well get used to it.”
Winter couldn’t help but smile, though she tried to hide it. There was something about Karina’s confidence that was both infuriating and endearing.
When they pulled up to Winter’s apartment building, Karina parked the car and turned to face her.
“So, when’s the next time I’m allowed to show up with snacks and bad jokes?”
Winter hesitated, her hand on the door handle. “I… I don’t know. My schedule’s kind of a mess right now.”
Karina nodded, her expression softening. “That’s okay. Just let me know when you need me. I’ll be around.”
Winter bit her lip, feeling a strange fluttering in her chest. “You’re really not gonna give up, are you?”
“Nope. You’re my soulmate. I’m in this for the long haul, Winter.”
Winter opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
Instead, she just nodded and stepped out of the car, Karina’s jacket still draped over her shoulders.
———
The next few days passed in a blur of caffeine-fueled study sessions and late-night cramming.
True to her word, Karina started showing up at Winter’s apartment with food, coffee, and an endless supply of terrible puns.
Winter tried to protest at first, insisting that she didn’t need to be babied, but it was hard to argue with someone who showed up with her favorite breakfast sandwich from the café down the street.
One evening, after a particularly grueling study session, Winter found herself staring blankly at her laptop screen, her brain completely fried. Karina was sprawled on the couch behind her, flipping through a car magazine.
“Hey,” Karina said, breaking the silence. “You’re gonna burn yourself out if you keep going like this. Take a break.”
Winter sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I can’t. I still have so much to do.”
Karina set the magazine aside and stood up, walking over to Winter’s desk. She leaned down, her face close to Winter’s.
“You’re no good to anyone if you’re exhausted. Come on, let’s get some fresh air.”
Winter hesitated, but she could feel the weight of Karina’s gaze on her.
“Fine,” she muttered, pushing her chair back.
“But only for a few minutes.”
They walked down to the park near Winter’s apartment, the cool night air a welcome relief.
Karina’s arm brushed against Winter’s as they walked, and Winter tried to ignore the way her heart skipped at the contact.
“You know,” Karina said after a while, “you don’t have to do everything by yourself. It’s okay to let people help you.”
Winter looked up at her, surprised. “I’m not used to it.”
Karina smiled, her eyes soft. “Well, get used to it. You’ve got me now.”
Winter felt something shift inside her, a warmth spreading through her chest. She didn’t know what to say, so she just nodded and looked away.
When they got back to the apartment, Winter was surprised to find herself reluctant to let Karina leave. She lingered by the door, her fingers playing with the hem of Karina’s jacket.
“You could… stay, if you want,” Winter said quietly, her cheeks flushing. “It’s late, and I… I don’t want to be alone.”
Karina’s expression softened, and she reached out to brush a strand of hair away from Winter’s face.
“Okay. I’ll stay.”
They settled on the couch, Winter leaning back against Karina’s chest as they watched some mindless TV show.
Karina’s arms were warm around her, her breathing steady and comforting.
Winter felt herself relaxing for the first time in days.
“Hey, Winter?” Karina said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad I spilled coffee on you that day.”
Winter laughed, the sound soft and sleepy.
“Me too, Karina. Me too.”
——
The week leading up to Winter’s final paper submission felt like a blur of ink-stained fingers, endless cups of coffee, and Karina’s unwavering presence.
Karina was always there—slipping snacks onto the table, running her fingers through Winter’s hair when she hunched over her laptop, and whispering,
“You’ve got this,” in that low, steady voice that made Winter’s heart skip a beat.
It was the night before the due date, and the pressure was crushing.
Winter’s laptop screen glowed ominously in the dim light of the library, her notes sprawled chaotically across the table.
Karina sat beside her, a stack of books in front of her that she wasn’t even reading. She’d been glancing at Winter every few minutes, her brows furrowed with concern.
“Winter,” Karina said softly, nudging her arm.
“You’ve been at this for hours. Take a break.”
“I can’t,” Winter muttered, her eyes not leaving the screen. “There’s still so much to do. My stupid thesis statement isn’t making sense, and I’m out of coffee. I’m out of everything. I’m out of my mind.”
Karina chuckled, but it was laced with worry. She reached into her bag and pulled out a thermos.
“Here. I brought you an emergency supply.”
Winter blinked at the thermos, then looked up at Karina. “You’re a saint. A hot, tattooed saint.”
Karina grinned, her dimples deepening.
“Just drink it. And eat this.” She slid a wrapped sandwich toward Winter, the smell of roasted turkey and melted cheese wafting up.
“You’re going to pass out if you don’t refuel.”
Winter groaned but obeyed, unwrapping the sandwich and taking a bite. The first taste of food made her realize how ravenous she was.
“God, this is amazing. Did you make this?”
“Of course,” Karina said, leaning back in her chair. “I couldn’t let my girl starve.”
Winter felt a flutter in her chest at the words my girl.
She chewed slowly, savoring the sandwich and the warmth of Karina’s gaze on her.
“You’re too good to me,” she mumbled between bites.
“Nah,” Karina said, shrugging. “You just deserve someone who takes care of you.”
Winter’s eyes softened, and for a moment, the weight of her thesis felt a little lighter. She leaned against Karina, her head resting on her shoulder.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Probably forget to eat and drink, for starters,”
Karina teased, wrapping an arm around her. “But seriously, you’re almost done. You’ve got this.”
Winter sighed, feeling the exhaustion creeping in.
“I hope you’re right.”
Karina pressed a kiss to the top of Winter’s head. “I’m always right.”
They sat like that for a while, Karina’s steady presence grounding Winter as she worked.
By the time the clock struck midnight, Winter’s eyelids were heavy, and her typing had slowed to a crawl.
Karina noticed immediately. “Okay, that’s it. We’re going home.”
“But I still—”
“Nope,” Karina said firmly, closing Winter’s laptop. “You’re done for the night. You’ll finish tomorrow.”
Winter wanted to argue, but the thought of her bed was too tempting. She nodded, letting Karina pack up her things and lead her out of the library.
The cool night air was a shock to Winter’s system, and she shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
Karina noticed instantly and shrugged off her hoodie, draping it over Winter’s shoulders.
“You’re going to freeze,” Winter protested, even as she pulled the hoodie tighter around her.
It smelled like Karina the first time she met her—like motor oil and something sweet, a scent that made her feel safe.
“I’ll be fine,” Karina said, taking Winter’s hand as they walked back to the car. “Besides, you’re the one who needs to stay healthy for tomorrow.”
Winter smiled, her fingers intertwining with Karina’s. “You’re such a dork.”
“Your dork,” Karina corrected, shooting her a wink.
The drive home was quiet, the hum of the engine lulling Winter into a half-asleep state.
By the time they got back to the apartment, she was barely conscious. Karina helped her inside, guiding her to the bed and pulling the blankets over her.
“Sleep,” Karina whispered, brushing a hand over Winter’s cheek.
“I’ll be here in the morning.”
Winter nodded, already drifting off. “Love you,” she murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Karina froze for a moment, then leaned down to press a gentle kiss to Winter’s forehead.
“Love you too.”
---
The day of Winter’s final submission was a whirlwind of anxiety, caffeine, and last-minute edits.
Karina stayed by her side the entire time, making sure she ate and took breaks.
When Winter finally hit “submit,” she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
She turned to Karina, who was sitting on the couch, flipping through a car magazine.
“I’m done,” Winter announced, her voice shaky with relief.
Karina looked up, her face breaking into a grin. “Proud of you, babe.”
Winter walked over and flopped onto the couch beside her, burying her face in Karina’s shoulder.
“I’m exhausted. And I owe you a date for putting up with me.”
Karina chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “I didn’t mind. But I’m not going to turn down a date.”
Winter smiled, already planning something special.
———
That evening, she set up a small table in her apartment, complete with candles, steak, and a bottle of wine.
She’d spent hours on the phone with her mom, getting cooking tips, and the result was surprisingly good.
When Karina arrived, she was carrying a plastic bag full of Winter’s favorite ice cream and sweets, her blue hoodie making her look effortlessly gorgeous.
“You made dinner?” Karina asked, raising an eyebrow as she took in the scene.
Winter shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Thought I’d try my hand at it. Don’t get too excited, though. It might be terrible.”
Karina laughed, pulling Winter into a hug. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”
They ate together, laughing and talking, the stress of the past few days melting away.
After dinner, they curled up on the couch to watch a romcom, Winter nestled in Karina’s arms. Karina pressed a kiss to the back of Winter’s head, her lips lingering.
“You know,” Karina murmured, her voice low and warm, “I could get used to this.”
Winter smiled, her heart swelling with affection. “Me too.”
Fin.