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Like every brilliant albeit random idea that crosses Gold Ship’s mind, it starts with boredom.
This is something she was never really able to shake off, even now in their twenties. She’s always on her feet, hopping around and doing something, anything to scratch an itch. And in all the years McQueen has spent with her, she has grown to find it endearing—how her eyes light up with that quick spark of mischief whenever she’s scheming and how passion oozes out of her in each step and each decision she takes.
McQueen is glad that Gold Ship’s light never faltered.
Truly.
But in common McQueen fashion, she still finds some of these gimmicks irritating, especially if it involves her. She’s had enough nightmares of Gold Ship shoving her into a rocket, thank you very much. At this point in their friendship, she’s familiarized herself with the tells as to when Gold Ship is planning something as a defense mechanism. It’s like seeing a light bulb flicker above her head; and having done it for years, it's light work.
Today is no different.
McQueen finds herself sitting across Gold Ship after the latter had pounded on her door and demanded that they swing by the coffee shop they visited regularly when they were students. She quietly suppresses the urge to reach over the table and strangle Gold Ship for thinking getting sweets just right after a hefty dinner was a good idea and wills herself to think about something else.
The creamy aroma of the cafe, the soft snow on the windowsill, the cold breeze whistling just outside—it’s all so nostalgic. At fifteen and seventeen, she and Gold Ship used to spend hours here; chatting, eating, making all the memories that McQueen now holds close to her heart.
They came by so often that they even got well-acquainted with the friendly lady that owned the shop. Sachiko, if McQueen remembers correctly. She always gave them their best seats, even popping in an extra cookie or two for each of them when they headed home. She was nice and embodied sweetness itself. It broke her heart when they graduated from Tracen and lived such busy lives that they came by less and less, to the point that someone else was overseeing the cafe.
Ten years later, they’re here again and McQueen’s mushy heart can’t help but be sentimental.
She silently wonders why Gold Ship had brought her here out of the blue.
“You know why I brought you here?” Gold Ship asks, as if she can read minds.
McQueen flushes ever so slightly at the tone of her voice, gentle, serious. “Not really.”
Is there something she wants to talk about? McQueen tries to rack her brain for anything but to no avail. It’s normal for them to get food like this, it’s routine at this point. She’s more curious about why Gold Ship chose this shop specifically.
Perhaps she’s getting nostalgic like she is.
“They’re giving out free parfaits for couples today and I figured you wouldn’t want to miss it.”
Nevermind.
McQueen sighs, hanging her head in disappointment. How can she be so foolish? Actually thinking that this is some kind of date. Then, she frowns when she registers her words. “Wait. Excuse me? Couples?”
“Yeah! Didn’t you see the poster outside? Free exclusive chocolate fudge parfaits for couples. Spreadin’ the jolly spirit and all that.” Gold Ship explains.
“No, that’s not what I meant,” McQueen says as she pinches the bridge of her nose. “We are not a couple, Gold Ship-san. We don’t qualify.”
“Sure we do.” Gold Ship replies and oh.
McQueen knows that expression. The plotting one and it’s almost never a good sign.
“No, we don’t.”
“Yes, we do!”
Gold Ship grins, their desserts quickly forgotten as she rummages through her bag and pulls something out. McQueen’s heart drops to her stomach when she sees her open her clenched fist to reveal a small, velvet box sitting on her palm.
“What is that?” McQueen asks wearily, her cheeks quickly turning pink.
“It’s the box for the matching rings we got last year.” Gold Ship answers as she pops it open.
McQueen feels herself relax when she sees nothing but the cushion inside. Her eyes trail down to Gold Ship’s slender fingers and sees the piece of jewelry snug tight on her ring finger, the same way her ring is snug on hers. It was a birthday gift. Gold Ship had gone out of her way to buy it to allegedly commemorate long years of friendship but it did nothing for poor McQueen’s lovesick heart. They have been dancing around each other for god knows how long and receiving a ring, matching ones at that, nearly made her faint.
“Okay? How is that relevant? And w-what are you doing?” McQueen’s eyebrows furrow in confusion when Gold Ship gently takes her hand and slides her ring off of her before putting it inside the box.
“I’m going to propose to you.”
McQueen swears she hears a crack somewhere. Perhaps it was her heart finally exploding. She feels herself heat up even more as she snatches her hand away like it burns, looking at Gold Ship with a bewildered expression. “Excuse me?!”
“Well, fake-propose.” Gold Ship chuckles, snapping the box shut. “You know. To get the free food.”
“To get—Ugh, Gold Ship-san, please. We both have high-paying jobs, free food is the least of our concerns.” McQueen argues, trying to snatch her precious ring back. Gold Ship is faster, however, extending her arm further back so she can’t reach, much to her disdain.
“‘Kay maybe not but it’d be funny!” Gold Ship reasons, laughing like proposing to McQueen is the most hilarious joke she’s ever come up with. McQueen’s heart twinges a little at that. “And it’s exclusive! You can’t just buy it off and I know you want the parfait.”
“Not enough to deceive people!” McQueen blurts out. “Where on god’s green earth did you even get this idea?”
“As soon as I saw the poster,” Gold Ship cackles. “I thought it’d have more impact if they saw us getting proposed in real time.”
“That is a very stupid plan.”
“Is it?”
“Yes! And I’m not partaking in whatever schemes you have up your sleeve tonight. Count me out.”
“Oh, c’mon, Mac-chan, we’ll buy more desserts to make up for it. Promise!”
McQueen settles, like she always does. Like she’s actually considering it. That’s her first mistake. The moment Gold Ship sees an opening, she takes it.
“Please?” Gold Ship’s free hand comes up to cup McQueen’s cheek, soothing her effectively. “”S just for fun, alright? Nobody’s going to get hurt from a little fun.”
McQueen pushes her hand away and scoffs. “Is that what this is to you? Fun?”
“When Mac-chan’s with me, yeah, everything’s fun!” Gold Ship chirps excitedly.
McQueen sighs. That’s about the most sense Gold Ship is going to make tonight.
She curses herself for being so susceptible to her antics. As much as she tries to be the bigger person between them, as much as she tries to convince herself that she falls victim to Gold Ship’s shenanigans because of her persistence, the clear truth is that McQueen is smitten.
She can’t win. She’s losing right now. She can feel it.
Gold Ship glides her hand along McQueen’s arm, touching soothingly, a tactic to win her over. And McQueen realizes she’s lost.
Dammit. “Fine.”
Gold Ship lights up, her ears twitching upwards. “Really?!”
“Just—” McQueen hisses as she avoids eye contact. “I want my ring back as soon as possible.”
“Got it, chief!” Gold Ship salutes before sliding off her seat.
"What, right now?" McQueen gasps as she watches on in horror.
"Duh! You said as soon as possible!" Gold Ship replies with a chuckle. Ugh, McQueen did say that. "You ready for showtime?"
McQueen's stomach becomes queasy with dread but she nods nonetheless. "Let's get it over with, then."
Gold Ship then clears her throat as she gets down on one knee. McQueen’s hurriedly scans the area, already sensing a few onlookers gasping at the sight.
This is really happening, huh. Really not how she thought the night would go.
“Mejiro McQueen…” Gold Ship starts, her voice firm. She’s loud enough to subtly draw attention from a few customers, but not loud enough to disturb or to take away such a supposedly private moment between them.
McQueen takes a good look at the woman on her knee. This sight—the love of her life, presenting a ruby-red ring, even if it’s fake, is something she wants to cherish forever; she realizes this instantly. She might never get the real thing and at this moment, she accepts that despite her complaints and protests, she’s still a hopeless romantic, after all. Yearning and longing for her knight.
“You have been the light of my life for as long as I remember. We were only little kids when you stole my heart and since then, I’ve never looked back. I knew it’s always been you. And now, my only wish is that we can be together for the years that'll follow.”
McQueen wants it. She wants it to be real.
She feels her eyes sting with tears before she can stop them. From shame of lying so openly like this, from joy of hearing those words even if they’re pretend, and from hope. She hears the people around them starting to cheer, whistling and pitching in their ‘good luck’s’ as Gold Ship finally opens the lid of the box.
“Will you marry me?” Gold Ship whispers, the only part of this sham proposal being the quietest, as if it’s not the one thing that Gold Ship had been so eager at faking.
She supposes she can’t really say no now.
McQueen nods, following her part in their impromptu script. The mortification catches up to her as she tries to ground herself back into reality. The cheering from the other customers helps in snapping her out of her trance.
Gold Ship then slides the ring on her finger and rises up to pull her into a tight hug. McQueen relaxes in her familiar embrace, laying her head on her chest before breathing out.
They stay like that for a few moments and McQueen savors it as best as she can. Gold Ship rubs small circles on her arm and she nuzzles into her chest, the steady beating of her heart fully calming her down.
“You gotta hug me tighter to sell it, princess.” Gold Ship whispers against her ear.
“I’m already hugging you as tight as I can,” McQueen whisper-yells back. “And don’t look so overjoyed with this.”
“Why not? This is priceless! We got exactly the reactions I imagined we’d get.”
“I’m going to wring your neck later.”
“You promise?”
“Stop," McQueen mutters against her coat. A pause. “Are they still looking?”
“Yeah—Oh shit, I think the owner’s coming this way.”
“What?!”
McQueen feels a gentle tap on her shoulder and she puts on a polite face to hide the disappointment of having Gold Ship pull away.
When she turns to look behind, she sees a young woman beaming at them. “Congratulations, you two! I was wondering what the sudden commotion was all about.”
“Oops, yeah, sorry, didn’t realize we had an audience!” Gold Ship chuckles, her hand coming to rest on McQueen’s waist.
“It’s no problem at all. I’m sure they’re all very happy for you. I know I am!” The woman cheers as she holds out a hand. “Kiyoko, by the way. I run this shop with my mother.”
McQueen smacks her lips together, the guilt already eating her up. Gold Ship, on the other hand, looks ecstatic. She takes Kiyoko’s hand and gives it a firm shake. “Gold Ship! And McQueen, my—ahem, fiance.”
“Y-Yes, hello, it’s very nice to meet you. I hope we weren’t a bother.” McQueen greets timidly, shaking Kiyoko’s hand.
“You’re good! It’s always nice seeing lovely couples around here. It’s why we put up that deal in the first place,” Kiyoko explains as she points to the poster. “My mom always says winter is the best season for this kinda stuff and now I see why she thinks that.”
“Not February?” Gold Ship quips.
Kiyoko gasps. “I said the same thing! But she was so persistent. The cold makes everything more romantic, apparently.”
“Can’t argue with that. I get cold really easily but McQueen’s the reason why I started liking it too. She drags me everywhere when it’s winter time! I mean, I’m usually the one who can’t sit still but it’s like she’s a whole other person when it finally starts to snow.” Gold Ship says.
McQueen rolls her eyes fondly. At least that much is true, she said it herself before. Gold Ship used to huddle against her for warmth with endless complaints on her tongue about McQueen’s inclination towards the snow. Kiyoko is right, however. It does make things more romantic, she thinks as she squeezes Gold Ship’s hand.
“You guys are adorable,” Kiyoko coos. “How long have you been together, if that’s alright to ask?”
“Ten years.” They reply in unison.
Gold Ship looks down, an amused expression on her face and McQueen swiftly glances away. She scrambles for an explanation when she sees Kiyoko’s eyebrows shoot up in curiosity.
“We weren’t together together then,” McQueen explains. “But I… already liked her at the time.”
“Really?” Gold Ship asks, seemingly intrigued.
“Yes, really.” McQueen looks up to squint at her before turning back to Kiyoko. “It’s complicated. We were already friends as kids and then high school came and—Well, time flies by when you’re with a loved one, as they say.”
She cringes internally at the words leaving her mouth and now, Gold Ship looks nothing far from pleased. So smug, she's clearly enjoying this.
“High school sweethearts! That’s so cute! Gold Ship and McQueen, was it?” They both nod and Kiyoko’s smile widens. “I’ll get your parfaits ready. Stay right here, okay?”
“Parfaits?” McQueen voices out before she can stop herself. “Apologies. I-I assumed the deal was for one parfait only.”
“We can make an exception for you guys, of course,” Kiyoko says as she waves a hand. “I mean. Engagement! That’s huge!”
McQueen silently ponders how she can atone for this heinous act. Instead, she nods stiffly. “Y-Yes, I suppose so. You really don’t have to but… Thank you so, so much.”
“It’s nothing, really! You guys want them for here or to go?” Kiyoko asks.
“Here would be—”
McQueen cuts Gold Ship off before she can finish her sentence. “To go is fine, thank you.” She checks her watch before looking back up. “We should be heading home soon anyway.”
“Got it!” Kiyoko then excuses herself, leaving her and Gold Ship alone.
When Kiyoko is out of sight, McQueen takes the opportunity to jab Gold Ship on her side, earning a small ‘ow’ from the taller woman.
“Do you feel the slightest ounce of guilt? At all?” McQueen whispers sharply.
Gold Ship hums as she scratches her chin. “All I can think about right now is your cute cheeks filled with those parfaits you love so much, so only a little.”
McQueen jabs her again.
“Ow! Princess, stop,” Gold Ship whines. “Would you lighten up a little? That was fun!”
“Your idea of fun has always been twisted but this is a new low!” McQueen cries. “Please remind me to buy three more trays of their desserts to make up for the free parfaits. I feel terrible about lying.”
“Ugh, now you’re makin’ me feel guilty, too.”
“You should’ve felt guilty the second you took my ring.”
Gold Ship pouts. “I still stand by it, though! Seriously, you need to let loose sometimes. It's just... We’re not gettin’ any younger.”
That makes McQueen pause. A frown makes its way to her face as she studies Gold Ship’s face. A childish pout is on her lips but even she can tell that there’s a hint of gloom somewhere in there. What was that about?
“What do you mean by tha—”
“Gold Ship? McQueen?”
A voice cuts McQueen off. Gold Ship catches McQueen’s fist in her hand to stop her from poking her again and McQueen whips her head towards the voice. She sees—
Sachiko-san. Oh god. The lady in front of them looks older than the version they had kept in their memories. Ten years had carved new lines across her face and into the corners of her eyes. The sharp confidence in her posture had mellowed out and is replaced by a gentler, slower grace. A decade may have passed but there is no mistaking it.
“Sachiko-san?!” Gold Ship exclaims. It seems like she hasn’t forgotten about her either.
“Oh my! Looks like you remember me.” Sachiko giggles as she approaches them.
“Of course! You always manned the counter when we were kids! Kinda hard to miss.”
“Yup, that's me! Still alive and kicking.” Sachiko says with a grin.
McQueen closes her mouth from shock. “But I thought you weren’t running this place anymore. We barely saw you after graduation.”
“Ah, yes. I retired shortly after that,” Sachiko explains. “I still help out from time to time but it’s mainly Kiyoko that handles things around here now. Mind if I sit?”
McQueen shakes her head profusely before tugging at Gold Ship’s arm to make her sit on the banquette so Sachiko can take the seat across from them. “Oh, no, not at all! Please do. We’d be happy to catch up with you.”
“I see you haven’t changed at all. Still such nice girls.” Sachiko notes as she sits down.
“Doesn’t seem like you changed much either, Sachiko-san!” Gold Ship exclaims as she slams her hands down in excitement. "How have you been?!"
Sachiko stifles a laugh behind her hand. “I should be asking you rascals that. Two of my most precious customers… All grown up. And getting engaged, it seems!”
Oh. Oh. Right. Kiyoko must have told her.
McQueen’s smile wavers. She looks up at Gold Ship and she seems to have done the same. It may not be obvious to others but it is to McQueen. She knows that look; the guilt is weighing on her as rapidly as the seconds go by. She can tell Gold Ship is about to back out on their orchestrated lie. Suddenly, her words from earlier flash through her mind.
We’re not gettin’ any younger, Mac-chan.
“Oh, that wasn’t—”
“Yes!” McQueen interjects, grabbing Gold Ship’s hand and giving it a firm squeeze. “I-It’s about time Gold Ship-san proposed.”
Confusion flickers across Gold Ship’s face but McQueen has already made up her mind.
She’s going to confess to Gold Ship tonight. She'll make this lie the truth one way or another.
McQueen catches Gold Ship's eye.
What are you doing? Her expression seems to say.
McQueen shrugs subtly. Just go with it.
Gold Ship seems doubtful but mouths her agreement anyway.
“I was at the back then I suddenly heard cheering and apparently, someone did a proposal! I always thought this season was perfect for love but this is next level,” Sachiko says proudly. “Imagine my shock when I asked Kiyoko if she knew your names and she said Gold Ship and McQueen. I remembered you right away!”
Gold Ship laughs nervously. “Yeah, it was long overdue, I guess.”
“Oh, very. I always knew you two were going to get married at one point.”
McQueen’s smile freezes, eyes-wide and stunned as though someone had just dumped a bucket of ice on her head. “I beg your pardon?”
“Please, no need to act so coy. Golshi was head over heels for you!” Sachiko exclaims. “I assume you started dating later but your little puppy crushes on each other in high school was too obvious. And very cute!”
“H-How so?” Gold Ship asks, her voice hoarse.
“A wise old lady can always tell,” Sachiko teases as she makes a shushing gesture with her fingers. “But I do remember that you always took such good care of McQueen. Whenever I gave you free cookies as a treat, you always gave them away instead. Those small acts of love were what stood out to me. It was sweet!”
Oh, McQueen remembers it too. She was a busybody in her teenage years and Gold Ship was always the one to keep her in check. She was always fussing and taking care of her like that.
McQueen hums thoughtfully. “I suppose Gold Ship-san has always been quite the attentive one.”
“She’s a keeper for sure and you’re both very lucky to have each other,” Sachiko agrees. “Love like yours doesn’t come by so easily. It’s best to cherish it as much as you can.”
“That I will.”
“Huh?”
“Huh?” McQueen looks up to see Gold Ship peering at her, puzzled. “I-I’m sorry, I just—Anyway! Sachiko-san!”
Sachiko turns to her and tilts her head. “Mhm?”
“How would you like to be invited to our wedding?”
McQueen doesn’t know what exactly possessed her. Perhaps it must be from hearing about Gold Ship’s chivalrous tendencies from an outsider and realizing she’s not crazy for thinking that she does act suspiciously close for someone who is just her friend, perhaps it’s the romantic spirit Sachiko has been talking about, perhaps it’s the realization that they have been dancing along each other for years and it’s time that she does something about it.
Whatever it is, McQueen almost feels proud about it.
Sachiko gasps in delight. “Your wedding? Oh gosh, I would love to!”
Gold Ship, however, looks distressed. She takes McQueen’s hand in hers and makes a sudden announcement.
“I-I think I need to take a shit!” Gold Ship exclaims before McQueen can scold her for using such crass language in front of the other woman. “Sorry, Sachiko-san. Can you, uh, hold on for a sec? I need McQueen as my… moral support.”
Sachiko seems bewildered at the implication but nods anyway. “O-Oh, sure. Bathrooms are to your left.”
Gold Ship thanks her before dragging McQueen away, to a secluded corner near the comfort room.
“What are you doing?!”
“What are you doing? Now Sachiko-san is going to think we’re weird and need each other for pooping activities.”
“Pooping? Are you serious? McQueen, I thought you weren’t on board with this! I was about to back out myself ‘cause I can’t stand lying to Sachiko-san about something so—so important when you suddenly changed your mind. What gives?”
McQueen crosses her arms in defense. “W-What of it? Do you… not like being fake-married to me now?”
“What?” Gold Ship frowns and slaps the back of her palm on McQueen’s forehead. “Are you good? Did you hit your head or something when we were hugging?”
“Ugh, Gold Ship-san, I’m fine! Listen, I thought it would break her heart if she found out that we were lying all this time.”
“You just invited her to our non-existent wedding! Don't you think that'll break her heart even more? Oh god, it’s me, isn’t it? I’ve been a bad influence, now you’re rebelling!” Gold Ship bemoans as she cups McQueen’s face with her hands.
McQueen turns red at the touch, still gentle as ever. Then, she rolls her eyes at the dramatics and is about to try and calm her down when Gold Ship starts speaking again. “She’s going to be devastated when she finds out we’re not actually engaged. Let alone dating.”
“Okay, why are you freaking out? I thought you liked the thrill. It's all you ever talk about.”
“Yeah but to Sachiko-san? Lyin’ to a nice old lady feels so wrong.”
“It’s going to be fine, trust me,” McQueen reassures her. Just wait. “Let’s head back and see where this takes us.”
Gold Ship still has that dubious look on her face and really, McQueen can’t fault her. It’s unlike her to be so unpredictable, that’s Gold Ship’s thing. I suppose she’s rubbed off on me more than I like to admit.
McQueen takes the initiative and holds Gold Ship’s hand in hers, taking note of how warm she is. How cute.
When they get back, Kiyoko is there, holding a paper bag filled with what she assumes are desserts. She sets them on their table and dusts her apron, a proud grin on her face. Sachiko clasps her hands and beckons them closer.
“There you two are! Huh. That was fast.”
“It… It wasn’t coming out.” Gold Ship grumbles. McQueen snickers.
“Well, Kiyoko’s back with your desserts while you were gone.” Sachiko says as she motions to the bag.
“Yup, four parfaits, two red velvet cake slices and a box of macarons on the house. For the newly engaged!” Kiyoko chirps. “But before you go, what’s this I heard from my mother about an invitation to a wedding, mhm?”
Gold Ship freezes again and McQueen can’t help but snort. She must really care about Sachiko-san if she’s so disturbed with lying to her like this.
“That’s right. It’s still in the works but we’d definitely love to see you there. Perhaps we can even make a wedding order?” McQueen says, taking the lead.
Kiyoko gasps. “A wedding order! You mean you’d hire us as a catering service?”
“When the time comes, yes,” McQueen replies carefully. “Of course, we’d need time to prepare so it might not happen right away but we’d love to have you and your desserts there.”
“Holy—That’s amazing, thank you so much!” Kiyoko cheers before turning to Sachiko. “Mom, you hear that? This is crazy!”
Sachiko nods, smiling. “Indeed, it is. We’d be honored. And we truly wish you both the best.”
Gold Ship inhales sharply and tugs at McQueen’s sleeves and she takes the hint right away. “Of course. We'd be sure to keep in touch. But right now, uh, I think Gold Ship-san is feeling a little under the weather. It’s best we head home.”
“Right! We don’t want to hold you up anyway.” Sachiko clasps her hands together and stands up. “I'm really happy we got to catch up again, you two."
“We’re happy too, Sachiko-san. Really. We’ll try to drop by more often.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
McQueen offers her another polite smile before she takes the paper bag and drags Gold Ship out of the cafe, the latter following her with heavy feet.
As soon as they step out the doors, Gold Ship breathes out a huge and long sigh of relief.
“How long have you been holding that in for?” McQueen teases, bumping her hips with Gold Ship as they walk.
“The second they started talkin’ about the wedding order. Wedding, Mac-chan! Why did you even say that?! I feel like we just committed a crime.” Gold Ship replies, clutching her hand against her chest.
McQueen shoots her a look. “...Are you mad at me?”
“What? No, of course not,” Gold Ship says, stopping at her tracks. McQueen does the same and faces her with a shy look. Gold Ship then cups her face in her hands, making her blush under her touch. It truly must be the winter spirit because the warmth of Gold Ship’s mittens is making her want to nuzzle into her further, heart light and feeling bold. “I’m not mad, Mac-chan. I can’t be mad. I’ve probably done worse.”
“You have,” McQueen replies. “Remember when you got us lost in that mirror maze that one time? No, actually, you left me because you decided to run off somewhere without telling me. It was a nightmare in there.”
“What, is this revenge? You gonna get me back for all the things I put you through when we were teenagers?”
“Only to let you know how I felt all those times.”
Gold Ship grins proudly. “Wow, princess, didn’t know you had it in you!”
McQueen snorts as she rolls her eyes fondly before grabbing Gold Ship’s wrists. They just stare there for a few moments—looking into each other’s eyes, getting lost like she always does. McQueen’s heart rate quickens when she realizes how close they are. They’re still standing by the sidewalk, letting the fluffy snow fall softly around them.
A small snowflake lands on Gold Ship’s cheek and McQueen reaches up to dust it off gently before speaking up, her tone unwavering.
“You should sleep over at mine tonight, Gold Ship-san.”
“Oh yeah? Got plans to strap me to a rocket ship for revenge?”
McQueen scoffs. “Stop with that already. Where would I even find a rocket ship, huh?”
“With your great Mejiro connections, of course!” Gold Ship laughs heartily as she shakes McQueen’s face in her hands.
“I don't have anything of the sort, I can assure you that,” McQueen replies before bringing Gold Ship’s hands down. “Seriously, you should stay the night. It’s already late.”
Gold Ship checks her watch and whistles. “It’s only eight pm, though?”
Ugh. Of course she’s not cooperating well, McQueen should’ve seen it coming. Still, she pushes further. “Just… Go with me, please. Don’t be difficult.”
A wide grin stretches on Gold Ship’s face. "I want to hear you say it."
"I'm leaving." McQueen deadpans as she walks past her, trying to hide how red in the face she is.
"Hey, no, wait! I was kidding!" Gold Ship catches up to her and grabs hold of her hand before swinging it playfully. “Okay, let's go. Lead me to your castle, princess!"
They walk down the dimly-lit street like they’re the only two people in the world.
₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊
Gold Ship dusts the snow off her coat before she enters McQueen’s apartment. She kicks her shoes off and follows her inside and McQueen can't help but fondly think of her like a puppy, tailing her and waiting for her to lead the way.
She's had Gold Ship inside her home for countless times yet tonight feels different. It excites and makes her jittery at the same time.
“You know, I still feel guilty about the thing with Sachiko-san.” Gold Ship pipes up.
McQueen shucks her coat off and hangs it on the coat rack before turning on the lights on the kitchen. She sets the paper bag of desserts on the kitchen island and leans forward on her elbows, waiting for Gold Ship to join her.
“I was thinkin’, shit, did Mac-chan want the parfaits this bad?” Gold Ship continues.
“They do make very good parfaits.” McQueen agrees teasingly as her eyes follow her every movement.
“Wait, that’s seriously why you kept up that lie?” Gold Ship gasps as she takes the seat beside her.
“No, of course not, I was only teasing.” McQueen scoffs, shaking her head.
“Then why?”
McQueen smacks her lips together and inhales. Now or never, McQueen. She’s right in front of her; it would be so easy. She’s made up her mind when they were in the cafe and the only thing left to do now is actually do it.
She rubs her palms across her face and sighs. "Well, for starters, Sachiko-san was the one who said it. We're obvious."
"Huh? Wasn't she just mistaken?" Gold Ship asks. McQueen can tell she's genuinely curious. She doesn't say it with malice and that itself gives McQueen hope, the push she needs.
"Was she really?" McQueen utters gently. “It's just—why are we still kidding ourselves? Even if none of that was true, they were still convinced. Why do you think that is?”
“Because… we’re good liars?” Gold Ship trails.
“No. No, that’s not it at all. We both froze up at one point, I’m sure they noticed that too,” McQueen points out and watches Gold Ship’s face scrunch up in confusion. “They believed it because they saw how much we care about each other. You… You do care about me, right?”
Her voice is timid. Gold Ship senses the hesitation right away—her frown deepens and her hands are on McQueen’s back right away, soothing and sweet, ever the worry wart. “Of course! You know I lo—I, uh, care about you a lot. Thought that much was obvious.”
“It is. And I care about you the exact same way. Do you get it?” McQueen asks softly.
“I-I guess,” Gold Ship splutters. “You’re my best friend in the whole world, Mac-chan. More than that, even!”
McQueen tries not to grimace at ‘best friend’ and instead prods further. “More than that? You mean…?”
“Best friends. Forever. And ever!” Gold Ship answers cheerily.
McQueen exhales, her shoulders slumping downward. Gold Ship must be more oblivious than she initially thought. She has to use something stronger. “Is that... really the appropriate word? I mean, for best friends, our friendship isn’t exactly conventional. How would you explain all the kissing we do?”
Gold Ship’s eyes widen at that, clearly not expecting McQueen to bring that up. “W-Wait, what? You really bringin’ that up now? What’s goin’ on?"
"Answer my question, Gold Ship-san."
"Well! We only ever do that when we’re drunk.”
“Or we get drunk as an excuse to kiss.” McQueen turns away shyly. “At least I do.”
“...You do?”
“I don’t even like the taste of alcohol. I just drink to get the courage to do those things with—with you.”
“But why?”
“I’m really going to wring your neck now.”
“Wait, wait!” Gold Ship exclaims as she puts her hands up in the air. “I’m seriously lost over here. C’mon, Mac-chan, you gotta quit it with the cryptic talk 'cause I can't read minds!"
McQueen inhales and puts her hand over Gold Ship’s. “I’m saying—Sachiko-san and Kiyoko-san believed we were together because of how we act. And how we act—it’s not normal. It hasn’t been normal since high school. Do you know how long it’s been? How long I’ve been in love with you?”
Well.
That was easier than she initially thought.
Gold Ship’s words ring continuously in her head. We’re not gettin’ any younger. We’re not gettin’ any younger. We’re not gettin’ any younger. McQueen agrees; letting her love be known is the end goal, no matter what her answer is. She just needs her to know how much she means to her.
Gold Ship’s jaw drops comically and she starts stammering, eyes wide and cheeks pink. “W-Wait, in love with me? With me? You? In love?! When did this happen?!”
“High school?”
“High school?! And you’re only telling me ten years later?”
“I didn’t realize until a few years ago, alright? I wasn’t exactly the most in-tune with my feelings. I was a mess. And I was too focused on racing and school—You were there!” McQueen defends. “But that conversation with Sachiko-san was the last straw, at least for me. If someone else can think we’re really together, then perhaps it isn’t as hopeless as I thought. And maybe there’s a chance that you feel the same way.”
Gold Ship looks stunned. She's still dumbfounded but McQueen can tell she’s thinking the same thing. She meets McQueen's eyes and mumbles quietly, so different from the boisterous voice she’s used to. “Huh. You’re pretty confident that I like you back.”
McQueen grins triumphantly as she draws closer, catching Gold Ship’s pinky in hers. “I'm not hearing a no. And yes, I am confident. I guess I figured it's about time we stopped skirting around each other."
“Man, really? I was hopin’ we could get a few more years in.” Gold Ship teases, already back on her feet.
“You’re going to give me gray hairs.” McQueen rolls her eyes. She squeezes the pinky in her hand. “Just say it back. Please.”
“Hey, you’re pretty bossy for someone who just confessed!” Gold Ship gasps. “What if I like you all confident and takin’ the lead like this, mhm? Gotta cherish it while I can.”
“Gold Ship-san.” McQueen warns.
“Alright, alright,” Gold Ship relents with a light laugh. She slides her palm against McQueen’s and intertwines their fingers together. The action makes McQueen gulp—how Gold Ship’s hand completely envelopes hers like this. “I’m in love with you too. Have been since I was a kid. I meant what I said in my proposal earlier.”
It’s McQueen’s turn to blush. She really knows how to get her. “Wha—How come you never told me?"
“I thought about it. It plagued my mind for ages but it always came down to the fact that I didn’t want things to get awkward if you didn’t like me back,” Gold Ship says as she rubs the back of her neck with her free hand. “Pretty lame, huh?”
McQueen shakes her head. “I can’t really judge when that was what I thought of at first, too.”
“And now you’re here beatin’ me to it and sweepin’ me off my feet,” Gold Ship giggles. “Is this why you didn’t back out? Because you were sure that we’d date eventually?”
McQueen gulps. Here goes nothing. “And because it wouldn’t be, you know—it wouldn’t be the worst thing if they thought we were truly getting married.”
“Wait, what?”
“It’s just a suggestion, you don’t have to—” McQueen inhales. “I’m just saying… For me! It would make sense. We already act the part. I mean, just look at us. I have nearly all your clothes in my closet because of how much you stay over. The domesticity, the touching, the rings. We have that part covered already, don’t we?”
Gold Ship pales. “Wait, wait, wait! McQueen, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“That we should get married, yes.”
“We’re not even dating yet!”
McQueen glances at her wall clock. “We’ve dated for four minutes and three seconds. Since my confession.”
“This is insane. You're insane. I’m seriously a bad influence on you!” Gold Ship heaves as she grabs her head in agony.
“Is that a no?” McQueen murmurs, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice.
Gold Ship hurries to comfort her, already wrapping her arms around her frame. “No! No, of course not, princess. I just—Are you kidding me? Marriage?! You gotta let me breathe. Few hours ago, I didn’t even think datin’ you was something that I was allowed to do.”
“Allowed to do? It’s just me.” McQueen snorts.
“Yeah, exactly. It’s you,” Gold Ship breathes. “You're... Mejiro McQueen. Come on. Besides, I-I don’t have a better ring on me, I haven’t planned anything out and—”
“Gold Ship-san, please relax. Technically, you’ve already proposed.”
“What? No. That doesn’t count.”
“Why not? You said you weren’t lying when you said those things, didn’t you?”
Gold Ship bites her lip in contemplation. “I mean, yeah. Technically. But the whole thing was also fake! Technically. And you don’t deserve fake. Look, you gotta give me time to prepare, yeah? This isn’t how I thought proposing to you would go. Trust me, I’ve fantasized about it too many times to know.”
McQueen rolls her eyes. She’s never seen Gold Ship so flustered and nervous like this. It’s adorable. Her gaze flits over to the paper bag of desserts and an idea sparks in her mind.
She wordlessly reaches out and tears the receipt off before rolling the piece of paper up until it’s thinned out. She takes Gold Ship’s hand and ties it around a finger, just right above her actual ring. She meets the other woman’s gaze and sees confusion adorning her features.
“Don’t you think it’s on brand for you, though?” McQueen starts, grinning softly as she looks back at her makeshift ring. “Proposing jokingly on a whim, in a cafe, to get free food. Proposing even before dating—it’s so random. And so you.”
She runs her thumbs against Gold Ship’s fingers, chuckling. “I’m just saying I don’t need anything particularly fancy. In fact, I don’t need anything at all. I just need you. That's why I'm the one asking for you and—Gold Ship-san?!”
McQueen’s eyebrows furrow in concern when she looks up and sees tears welling up in Gold Ship’s eyes. And it’s not the usual face she pulls when she’s trying to get McQueen to do something, to make her fall for her tricks; this is different. Her lip is quivering and the lines on her face are tight as she swallows down the thick lump in her throat.
“McQueen, I…” Gold Ship trails before shaking her head and wiping her tears away.
McQueen can’t help it. The waterworks start coming in at an alarming speed. Seeing Gold Ship in that state suddenly reminds her that this is real. Finally, it is. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, god, you're perfect," Gold Ship whimpers. "You caught me by surprise is all. Y-You just confessed! Now you're proposing. Is this real? I'm not dreaming, am I?"
"You're not dreaming," McQueen laughs wetly. “I really am serious. It’s like what I said with Sachiko-san earlier. We don’t have to do it right away, we’d need time. And I understand it is quite straightforward of me to do this but I just wanted you to know how much I love you. How seriously I want to take this.”
Gold Ship sniffles and nods. “You’re so unpredictable now, Mac-chan. It's makin' my brain hurt.”
“You've rubbed off on me,” McQueen agrees with a grin. “But it’s a good thing. How much courage you give me, that is.”
Gold Ship chuckles tearfully.
“So, Gold Ship-san,” McQueen starts. “Will you marry me?”
Another sob racks through Gold Ship and she hops off her chair to tackle McQueen into a hug. "Yes, yes, of course I'll marry you, princess!"
McQueen giggles as Gold Ship lifts her for a brief moment before putting her back down and turning to face her to plant tiny little kisses on her face. She smacks her lips against McQueen’s cheeks, jaw, forehead, kissing all the spots she never thought she would ever be kissed on.
"We can hold the wedding tomorrow for all I care."
"That is quite literally impossible."
"Dammit."
They pause, taking the time to take each other in. How did McQueen even have doubts? The way Gold Ship looks at her now, it should have been obvious from the start.
Then, Gold Ship presses her forehead against hers. Drawing closer until their mouths are mere inches away. She pants against McQueen’s mouth like she’s starved. “McQueen… Can I? Kiss you? God, you have no idea how much I’ve been—Just wanting to do it all this time."
McQueen flushes, wrapping her arms around Gold Ship and whispering against her lips. "I suppose we do have a lot of time to make up for."
Gold Ship doesn't need to be told twice. She connects their lips together and pulls a soft sigh out of McQueen. This is how it feels like. Sweet and sugary, like Gold Ship is. The latter’s hands travel down to her waist, gripping her there like she’s going to disappear. McQueen wants to tell her, I'm here and I always will be, but that would mean having to pull away. And she doesn't want that just yet.
McQueen brushes her lips against Gold Ship's, all tender and fleeting. But Gold Ship presses into her eagerly, enveloping her mouth quickly, almost breathless. McQueen makes a sound at the back of her throat at the feeling.
When they pull away, she grins. “You're certainly enthusiastic.”
"You really can't blame me." Gold Ship boops her nose affectionately.
"Guess not," McQueen shrugs. She hasn't stopped smiling ever since the confession, her cheeks almost hurt. "Then, please do tell. How was your first kiss with your fiance?"
“Jesus Christ, McQueen,” Gold Ship groans. “For the record, that was our first kiss ever. Skipped a few steps but still awesome!”
McQueen giggles, still high on adrenaline. All that matters is that she has Gold Ship. It isn't like she ever expected the faux proposal to lead her here. But she's grateful it did; she's grown to love the spontaneity Gold Ship brings into her life and she can't have it any other way.