Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s been two hours since Summer’s friends fell asleep, tired out from their night of fun slumber party activities, but she’s still awake. She’s always been a night owl, rarely going to bed before two in the morning. She’s stretched out on Barbie’s plush pink couch, scrolling through Instagram. She has the living room to herself, as her friends are sleeping in Barbie’s bedroom, but she’s still doing her best to be quiet. Though the Dreamhouse is big, its walls are surprisingly thin. 

She looks up as the shuffling of feet approaches her. Though the lights are off, her eyes have adjusted to the darkness enough that she can tell it’s Midge.

“Oh, hey,” Summer says, looking back down and continuing to scroll through Instagram. “You hungry? I think there's some chips and popcorn left on the kitchen counter.”

Summer's stomach drops as she hears a sniffle. She quickly sits up, flicking the lamp on. Midge is standing across the living room, arms crossed over her chest. Summer gasps when she notices the tears streaming down the girl’s face.  

“Hey, what's wrong?! Are you okay?!”

She's ready to jump up from the couch and vanquish whatever has Midge so distraught (she knows that doesn't really make sense, but it's her instinct) when Midge speaks.

“I-I had a nightmare.”

Her voice is smaller than Summer has ever heard it. Summer freezes. Oh God, what should she do? She's terrible at comforting people. She'll only make things worse. But she quickly dials her panic down, turning her attention back to Midge. Midge is her friend. And Summer needs to be there for her. She has to try at least, even if she's probably going to make an utter fool of herself.

“Oh, Midge,” Summer murmurs, surprised by the softness of her voice. “It was just a dream. It's over now, okay? Nothing is going to hurt you.”

Midge only cries harder. Summer frowns. Great. Just like she thought. She made it worse. She needs to step up her game. 

“Hey,” she says, her voice gentle. “Come here. It's alright.”

She pats the spot on the couch next to her. Oh, why can't Barbie be up? Barbie can effectively comfort a crying stranger on the street for goodness sake. Or Teresa? As air-headed as Teresa is, she’s surprisingly nurturing. Even Nikki would probably do a better job of consoling Midge. Probably the only person here that would be less equipped than her for a situation like this is Raquelle. It's not that Summer doesn't care about her friends. She does. A lot. But she's absolutely hopeless when it comes to emotional situations. She rarely has to comfort anybody and when she does, it's awkward at best. 

Midge slowly walks over to the couch and as she drops down beside Summer, she chokes out a sob. She puts her hand over her mouth, stifling the onslaught of sobs that follow. Summer frowns, concern for her friend overpowering any indecision she’s feeling. 

“Hey…don’t cry,” she murmurs. “It's okay.”

She reaches out, giving Midge's shoulder a few awkward pats.

“S-Sorry. I-I’m trying n-ot to,” Midge sobs, barely able to get the words out.

Summer winces. “No, it’s okay! You can cry! I didn’t mean…” 

Her voice trails off, as she tries to find the right words to say. She’s really messing up here. She considers going to wake up Barbie, but quickly decides against it. This is Summer's responsibility as Midge's friend. She knows Midge would do the same for her. She may not be as well-versed as Midge or the majority of her friends in that touchy feely stuff, but she can try. So taking a deep breath, she slowly wraps her arms around the girl. Midge immediately buries her face in her shoulder, hugging her back with a vice grip. Summer can feel the violent trembles racking her frame. She realizes then just how terrified her friend actually is. So she holds her closer, gently patting her back.

“There there,” she murmurs, hoping her voice is soothing enough. “It's alright.”

She winces, realizing how stupid she sounds. There there? Really? 

Taking a deep breath, she tries again. “Hey…it’s okay, Midge. I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you. Ever. I promise.”

Okay, that sounded better (at least she thinks so). It's like this instinct to nurture a person she loves, so rarely activated, has been turned on by Midge's distress. Usually Summer’s way of showing she cares about her friends is through defending them, yelling at anybody who so much as looks at them the wrong way, throwing a punch here and there (mostly when people largely overstepping their boundaries with Barbie is involved). But now it's not the heat of anger she's feeling, but the ache of sympathy. She can feel Midge's muscles relax as she starts stroking her back. She rests her cheek on the girl’s hand, breathing in the scent of her shampoo.

Summer’s not sure how long it is before Midge’s sobs are reduced to hiccups and sniffles. Even after Midge calms, Summer continues to hold her tightly, surprisingly not wanting to let go. She’s not sure why this is, but she has a sense that now is not the time to ponder this feeling. For now, tending to Midge is what’s important. 

“You okay?” she murmurs. 

Midge slowly nods. 

“Yeah,” she croaks. 

“Good,” Summer whispers. 

She freezes. What else should she say? She needs to say something. This silence is getting too heavy. She clears her throat. 

“Um…do you need anything? Some water maybe? I’ve never made tea before, but I can probably figure it out. I know you like tea.”

Midge shakes her head and grips her tighter. Summer tries to ignore how her face burns and her stomach flutters. Stop thinking, Summer, her mind hisses. She swallows. Her throat is suddenly parched.

“Okay,” she murmurs. “Um…do you want to talk about it?” 

Midge shakes her head again. 

“That’s alright,” Summer says, her voice soft. “We can just…sit here.” 

Midge sighs appreciatively. “Thank you.” 

Summer’s brow furrows in confusion. “For what?” 

Midge sniffs. “For being there for me. You’re so sweet, and you’ve helped me feel so much safer.”

Summer’s cheeks are blazing with heat now. The butterflies in her stomach have gone from a gentle fluttering to a wild swarming. It takes her longer than it should to find her voice. Her heart pounds, pulse throbbing against her skull. 

“I’m glad.” She blushes even harder as her voice cracks. She clears her throat. “I’m-I’m glad you’re feeling better.” 

They fall back into silence. Summer winces. With Midge’s head resting against her chest, there’s no way the girl can’t feel her rapid heartbeat. Fortunately, Midge makes no comment.

Minutes of quiet pass and Summer’s pulse gradually slows. Her cheeks cool and the butterflies in her gut slow to a gentle flapping. She closes her eyes as she begins to feel drowsy. It must be past two now. It’s not until she hears a gentle snore that she realizes Midge has fallen asleep. An affectionate smile tugs at her lips as she looks down at the peaceful expression on Midge’s face. As gently as she can, she brushes the tears from the girl’s cheeks with her thumbs. She resists the sudden urge to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. Her heartbeat quickens its pace again. Why is she having these bizarre thoughts? As her eyes begin to flutter, she realizes she’s too tired to figure it out right now. So she lies back, keeping Midge wrapped securely in her arms, and drifts into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

As more and more people spill into the house and she's greeted with “Happy birthday!” after “Happy birthday!” Summer admits it's getting to be a bit much. Midge and her friends really pulled out all the stops with this party. There are people she doesn't even know here. Usually she would be living for a rager like this, swinging back drinks and dancing with her friends. Shortly after the party started though, she'd started to feel sick. The stomachache came on so suddenly. The queasiness she could handle, but soon after, a sharp pain started jabbing the lower right side of her right abdomen. Truthfully she has no idea what's going on; she's never felt this kind of pain in her stomach before. It's just that big burrito you ate earlier, she tells herself. It's just not agreeing with you. But logically she knows it's something more.

She's not going to admit to anybody that she's ill though. Ending the party because of a stomachache would be ridiculous. She’s stronger than that. So she does her best to keep dancing with Midge and her friends. Even amidst the stabbing pain in her stomach and the waves of nausea, she still can't help but admire her girlfriend. The disco ball that Midge had installed for the party casts a colorful glow over her, accentuating every one of her beautiful features. The flaming auburn of her hair, the azure ocean of her eyes, her porcelain skin, her adorable freckles. Summer is so entranced that she doesn't even notice Midge is speaking until she reaches out and taps on her shoulder.

Summer blinks. “Huh?”

“You okay, baby?” Midge asks, her voice soft. “You're looking kind of pale.”

As Summer’s senses return to her, it's suddenly all too much. The blasting of the music, the dozens of loudly talking people surrounding her, the scent of alcohol heavy in the air. She doesn't usually mind the smell, but right now it's only making her more nauseous.

Somebody who is absolutely reeking of alcohol and nicotine walks past them, and Summer's stomach turns. She barely gets through the mob of people in time. As soon as she enters the bathroom (she doesn't even have time to shut the door), she drops to her knees beside the toilet and begins to vomit. It's only a moment before she hears the click of the door shutting and Midge is at her side.

“Oh, baby!” the girl exclaims, concern heavy in her voice, as she crouches down beside her.

Summer shivers as the girl's cool hands rest on her neck, gently pulling her hair back. Her muscles relax slightly as Midge begins to rub her back. She tries to focus on the soothing sensation and not the burn of the alcohol in her throat, the stabbing pain in her side, the overwhelming noise of the party.

“It's okay, baby,” Midge murmurs. “Just get it all out.”

It feels like hours before the torturous heaves slow. She grips the sides of the toilet bowl, knuckles white. Throwing up did nothing to help her nausea, and the pain in her side is only growing more agonizing by the second. Midge flushes the toilet before pressing a soft kiss to her sweaty forehead. Summer closes her eyes, savoring the softness of her girlfriend's lips, the security her presence gives her.

“You okay, baby?” Midge whispers, as she pulls back from the kiss.

Summer is so weak, it takes virtually all the energy she has left to nod.

“You poor thing,” her girlfriend coos. “You should've told me you were feeling sick.”

Summer wants to respond, to assure Midge that it's no big deal, but the pain and exhaustion are overwhelming her.

“How do you feel? Do you think you might get sick again?”

Summer gathers the minuscule shred of strength she has left and nods.

“Okay, baby,” Midge murmurs. “That's okay. I'll tie your hair back.”

The girl gets up and Summer hears a drawer opening and closing before she kneels down next to her again.

“Is it alright if I put your hair up?” she asks, her voice soft.

“Okay,” Summer whispers.

She grasps the toilet bowl tighter as the girl arranges her hair into a ponytail. The pain in her side is getting worse and worse. It's becoming almost unbearable, and that's saying a lot, as her pain tolerance is extremely high.

Midge kisses the top of her head. “I'll get Barbie to make everybody leave, okay? I'll have her make up an excuse that doesn't have to do with you. I'll be right back.”

“Okay,” Summer croaks.

As soon as Midge leaves the room and shuts the door behind her, a powerful wave of nausea surges through Summer and the vomit comes full force again.

Summer is still puking when Midge returns a minute later.

“Okay, Barbie’s going to–Oh my God, baby!”

Again, Midge rushes to her side. The girl strokes her back and whispers soothing words, but at this point the pain Summer is feeling is so excruciating, nothing can comfort her.

Her vomiting finally slows to a stop. She can't help the groan that escapes her.

“Oh my God, I don't know where I could've gotten this from,” she croaks.

Quite frankly she's flabbergasted. She's never been this sick before. She tries to think back to where she's been this week, but the pain is so intense, it blurs out her thoughts.

Midge, who is still rubbing her back, says gently, “Maybe it's food poisoning. It doesn't matter where you got it though, sweetie. What matters is making you feel better. I'm going to get you a cool washcloth and some water. Just stay here and take deep breaths, okay?”

“Okay,” Summer whispers.

Midge flushes the toilet before leaving the bathroom. Summer tries to obey her; but with every breath, the jabbing pain in her abdomen only worsens. She clenches her teeth, fighting back the urge to whimper. Even after being with Midge for two years and the girl trying to prove to her again and again that she can be vulnerable with her, Summer still despises showing any kind of weakness.

When Midge reenters the bathroom, it could’ve been moments or minutes since she left. Summer has lost all semblance of time to the searing pain within her. A thought crosses her hazy mind: this is not normal. Stomach viruses or food poisoning are not supposed to be accompanied with pain this intense. But she can't say anything. All it will do is freak Midge out and before she knows it the girl will be whisking her off to the hospital. She can't have that. She's experienced her fair share of hospital visits, having broken so many bones throughout her life, and it's a horrible place. That disgusting smell of antiseptic, all the sick people surrounding her in the waiting room, the egregiously long wait time. No, she needs to get better on her own. She can do that…right?

“Here,” Midge murmurs, voice angelically soft, as she gently wipes the washcloth over Summer’s face. “Most people are gone now. They should all be out in a few minutes.”

Summer is in too much pain to even be embarrassed that the party had to be ended because of her. The pleasant coolness of the washcloth soothes the burning heat of her face for a blissful second. But as soon as the towel is drawn away, the heat returns full force. She suppresses the urge to groan. She's already worrying Midge enough. She can see the heavy concern in the girl's eyes, the deep furrow of her brow.

“My poor baby,” Midge murmurs, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Summer’s muscles unclench slightly at the security of Midge's hand on her face. The girl leans in, giving her cheek a soft kiss.

“Oh baby, you're really burning up.” The worry in her voice is palpable. “I'm going to take your temperature in a minute.”

She sighs softly before turning around and grabbing the cup of water off the counter. Seeing how much Summer's hands are shaking, she holds the glass up to the girl's mouth.

“Just rinse your mouth, baby. You probably shouldn't drink any yet. I'm not sure you could keep it down right now.”

Summer nods weakly before taking a small sip. She swishes the water around in her mouth before spitting it in the toilet.

“Good girl,” Midge coos. “You need another sip?”

It takes much more effort than it should for Summer to shake her head. Midge nods before setting the cup back on the counter.

“Oh, my poor baby,” she murmurs, resting her hand on her back and gently rubbing. “How are you feeling? Do you think you're going to be sick again, or do you want to get up?”

The nausea is still there, but it feels contained for now. The bigger problem is that her abdomen feels like it's being stabbed by a knife. She doesn't even know if she can stand up right now, the pain is so intense. But she has to put up an act for Midge.

“I'll get up,” she croaks, a wave of dread rushing through her as she realizes what she's going to have to do.

“Okay, babe,” Midge murmurs.

She stands before reaching down and grasping Summer's hands. Here goes nothing, Summer thinks, as Midge begins to pull. As she slowly gets to her feet, a pain sharper than all the others slices through her. She doubles over with a yelp. Her hand instinctively rests on her abdomen where the pain is.

Midge gasps. “Baby, what's wrong?!”

Summer takes a deep, shaky breath, trying as hard as she can to not tear up. Her eyes are stinging.

Before she knows it, Midge is in front of her, eyes wide with concern.

“Does it hurt there?! Your right side?!”

There's no hiding it now. With the tiny bit of strength she has, she nods. Midge sucks in a sharp breath. A look of horror forms on her face.

“That's appendicitis!” she exclaims. “Crap!”

Now Summer can't stop the tears from filling her eyes. This is a confirmation of what she'd been dreading. A feeling she'd been suppressing is rising to the surface now: fear. Noticing the terror on Summer’s face, Midge softens. She takes a deep breath to calm herself before reaching out and stroking her thumb over Summer's cheek, catching her tears before they can fall.

“Shhh…baby, it’s okay,” she coos. “You'll be fine. We just need to get you to the hospital, okay? They'll fix you right up and then everything will be good. I promise.”

Summer sniffs. Midge's words do little to console her. Waves of panic are coursing through her. She can feel her heart pounding against her skull. It’s not until her vision blurs that she realizes she's not really breathing. When she tries to, her breath comes in short gasps. Midge's eyes widen. She grabs Summer's hands, squeezing tightly, trying to ground her.

“Hey Summer, look at me. Look at me, baby.”

Summer avoids Midge's gaze, looking at the floor instead. She hates this. She hates being so vulnerable in front of the girl she's supposed to be strong for. When Midge speaks again, it's like she read Summer's mind.

“You don't have to be strong right now, baby. You don't ever have to put up an act around me. I'm here for you, okay? God knows how many times you've been there for me. Just let me help you, okay?”

Summer shakes her head.

“No, I'm fine!” she insists. Her voice cracks.

Midge sighs softly. “Baby, I need you to look at me. Please.”

Finally, Summer obliges. As she gazes into the sky blue of Midge's eyes, a wave of calm comes over her. She takes a deep, shaky breath. It's not easy, but as Midge squeezes her hands and whispers comforting words, stroking her thumbs over her knuckles, it gradually becomes easier to breathe.

When Midge can tell that Summer has calmed, she lets go of her hands. She gives her cheek a soft kiss before wiping the last of her tears away.

“There you go,” Midge murmurs. “Everything is going to be okay, baby.”

Summer might just believe her now.

XXX

As they make their way to the car, Midge’s arm wrapped securely around her shoulders, Summer breathes deeply, suppressing the urge to cry. Each step is more painful than the last.

“I'm going to call Barbie,” Midge explains. “She should be able to get you seen sooner.”

Summer wants to protest. She hates the idea of being given special treatment by the doctors just because her friend is famous. The pain in her abdomen is so intense though that she knows if she opens her mouth, she'll scream.

XXX

As Summer and Midge sit in the emergency room, Summer has gotten to the point of not even caring about being vulnerable anymore. The pain is so horrific that it's taking every ounce of toughness she has to not burst into tears. So she just lets Midge hold her. The girl's arm is wrapped tightly around her shoulders. Her hand is gently smoothing over her back. Summer, head resting on her shoulder, tries her best to focus on the soothing sensation. It's hard when her abdomen feels like it's being ripped apart from the inside out. The noise of the waiting room is nothing but a dull murmur. The ringing in her ears blocks out virtually every other sound.

Summer flinches as Barbie is suddenly in front of them. The movement sends an even sharper wave of pain through her abdomen. She yelps. She's so consumed by pain at this point that she doesn't even have it in her to be embarrassed. She does her best to focus as the girl begins talking, but she can only make out some of the words she's saying. She's able to gather that the doctors agreed to see her soon. A wave of dread, cold as ice, sweeps through her. That means she's getting closer to the surgery. She's gotten stitches many times over the years, but a full-on surgery? Never. What if she dies? Will Midge ever be able to move on from her death? Her heart begins to pound even faster. The urge to cry becomes even stronger.

Her whirlwind of thoughts is broken by Midge speaking softly into her ear.

“You're looking really pale, baby. I'm going to have Barbie get you some water.”

Summer can't even summon the energy to nod. She just continues to stare at the wall, vision blurred from the intensity of her pain.

She doesn't even notice Barbie has returned with the water until Midge is raising the bottle to her lips.

“Here, baby,” she murmurs. “Let’s take a couple sips of water, okay?”

Summer takes a couple shaky sips. The water feels soothing against her parched throat. Still, that relief is nowhere near enough to cancel out the excruciating pain in her side. She finally can't take it anymore. A small moan escapes her. She's too consumed by pain to be embarrassed at this point.

“It's okay, baby,” Midge coos. “It's going to be okay.”

The girl sounds near tears, but Summer is too delirious to feel concern. Midge tries to comfort her, rubbing her back and whispering words of encouragement, but nothing can soothe her. She needs this appendix out now! This pain has become far too much to handle.

When a doctor finally arrives with a stretcher, she's never felt more relieved.

“Oh thank God!” Midge exclaims.

XXX

Barbie and Midge stand, watching, as Summer is loaded onto the stretcher. Midge gives the girl a quick kiss and a whispered “I love you” before the doctor wheels her off. As soon as the stretcher turns around the corner, Midge bursts into tears, finally letting go after hours of holding it together. Barbie pulls her into her arms. Midge relaxes into her friend’s familiar warmth, breathing in the comforting scent of her strawberry shampoo.

“It's going to be okay,” Barbie soothes, as Midge buries her face in her shoulder. “Summer is going to be just fine. This isn't a complicated surgery at all. It'll be over before you know it.”

Midge holds onto Barbie like her life depends on it and Barbie hugs her back just as tightly. She strokes her hair and kisses the top of her head. Midge tries to focus on the soothing sensations and ignore the waves of panic crashing through her.

“I know this has been a really scary experience for you,” Barbie murmurs. “But I'm right here and it's all going to be okay.”

Midge does her best to breathe through her sobs and believe her friend.

When she's finally cried herself out, Barbie leads her over to the chairs. Midge lets her friend hold her, resting her head on her shoulder. She takes deep, shaky breaths, trying to subdue the panic that continues to rise in her chest. She does her best to focus on the warmth and security of Barbie's arms around her and not on the thought of her girlfriend on an operating table being sliced open. Barbie gives her head another kiss.

“It's alright, love,” she whispers. “Everything is alright.”

It feels like hours of sitting there, drenched in fear, before a doctor finally arrives.

Midge immediately sits up straight and blurts, “Is she okay?!”

Tears spring into her eyes. The doctor smiles softly.

“She's going to be just fine. The surgery went by without a hitch.”

Midge sobs with relief. She feels Barbie’s hand on her back, gently stroking.

“When can we see her?” the girl asks.

Through blurry eyes, Midge watches an apologetic look form on the nurse's face.

“It's going to be about another 20 minutes before Summer can have any visitors.”

Midge pushes down the urge to protest. The staff already has enough to deal with, she reasons with herself.

“Thank you, ma'am,” Barbie says politely.

The nurse smiles. “Of course. I'll come get you girls when she's ready for visitors.”

XXX

Midge taps her foot impatiently, buzzing with nervous energy.

“Ugh!” she groans. “Has it been 20 minutes yet?!”

Barbie checks her phone. She gives Midge a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, hon. Not yet. It's been 10.”

“I need to see her!” Midge exclaims.

Her voice cracks. Tears fill her eyes yet again.

“Shhh,” Barbie soothes. “You will soon, sweetie. Just hang on a little longer.”

Midge nods weakly. This is out of her hands. All she can do is take deep breaths and wait.

XXX

The first thing Summer registers when she wakes up is the pain. It’s radiating through her abdomen just like before. She groans. Then she hears a soft voice that immediately puts her at ease.

“Hey, baby.”

Summer blinks and through blurry eyes sees the figure of her girlfriend by her side. Despite the pain, her muscles unclench and a wave of relief passes through her as Midge gently kisses her forehead.

“How are you feeling?” the girl whispers.

“Hurts,” Summer croaks.

Even that one word takes all her effort to get out.

Midge softly kisses her cheek. “Alright, baby. It’s okay. I’ll press the call button.”

After pressing the button, Midge softly kisses her temple again. The girl sniffs.

“I was so afraid I was going to lose you.” Her voice trembles.

Sympathy for her girlfriend suddenly overpowers any pain Summer is feeling. Gathering the little bit of strength she has, she takes the girl’s hand.

“Hey,” she soothes, her voice hoarse. “I’m fine.”

Midge sniffs again. “I know. It was just…really scary.” Her voice breaks.

“I know,” Summer whispers. She looks up, frowning at the sight of the tears streaming down her girlfriend’s beautiful face. “I’m sorry.”

Midge shakes her head. “Don’t be sorry, baby! It’s not your fault!”

“I know, but…”

Summer is cut off by the girl’s soft lips pressed to hers. She closes her eyes, savoring the comforting warmth. A thought pops into her mind: she’s okay. She made it through the surgery. Everything is going to be fine now.

As Midge slowly pulls back from the kiss she murmurs, “I’m so glad you’re okay, baby.”

Summer nods. “Me too.”

Midge laughs softly. “Do you need anything, baby? Some water?”

Summer shakes her head. “No. Just you.”

Midge gently draws her into another kiss.

As she pulls back she whispers, “You’ll always have me, baby. Always.”

Chapter Text

“I can’t get over how beautiful you look,” Summer says, a seductive lilt to her voice. 

The whole dinner, Summer has been able to do hardly anything but admire her girlfriend. The outrageously fancy crystal chandelier above them shines a golden light on the girl, accentuating the sky blue of her eyes and the bright auburn of her hair. For a majority of the dinner, Midge has been giggling and thanking her for her praise, and promptly complimenting her back. 

All of a sudden though, the smile slips from Midge’s face and she pays no heed to Summer’s praise. Her body stiffens and her jaw clenches. Summer frowns, a wave of concern rushing through her. 

“You okay, baby?” she murmurs. 

Her frown deepens as she realizes Midge is gripping the edge of the table. 

“Baby, what’s wrong?” she asks. 

She tries to speak softly, but she ends up sounding urgent as her worry increases. She gasps as she realizes how pale the girl’s face has gotten. She opens her mouth to ask what’s wrong again when Midge suddenly jumps up and rushes away towards the bathroom. Summer realizes what’s happening then. 

“Shit,” she hisses. 

She quickly follows her. As soon as she enters the bathroom, she hears the sound of loud retching. Pushing down her disgust, she races over to the stall the noise is coming from. 

“Baby!” she exclaims. “It’s okay. I’m here.” 

As the vomiting comes to a stop, she gently knocks on the door. 

“Can you let me in, baby?” she murmurs. 

Midge groans, but obliges, unlocking the stall door. Summer rushes in. After locking the stall, she crouches down. Midge is on her knees, head over the toilet. 

“You think you’re going to puke again?” Summer asks, her voice soft. 

Midge nods. 

“Okay, baby,” Summer coos. “That’s alright. I’ve got your hair.” 

She carefully pulls the girl’s hair back. A second later, Midge heaves and the vomit comes again full-force. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Summer soothes, gently rubbing the girl’s back. “It’s alright. Just get it all out.” 

Summer frowns sadly. This is the first time she’s witnessed Midge throw up. Seeing her girlfriend in this state makes her chest ache. 

“It’s okay,” she coos, as Midge groans. “It’ll be alright.” 

A minute later, Midge’s heaves come to a stop. She slowly turns around to face Summer. Her face is still white as a sheet. Summer’s eyes widen as she notices the sweat covering it. 

“Oh sweetie, you’re really sick,” she murmurs, heart dropping to the pit of her stomach. “My poor baby girl. How are you feeling? Are you dizzy?” 

“A little,” Midge croaks. 

Summer frowns sympathetically, running her hand through the girl’s hair. “Do you think you’re going to be sick again?” 

Midge slowly shakes her head. “Not right now.” 

“Okay. Let me hold you until you’re less dizzy.” 

Summer sits down on her knees and scoots closer before gently pulling the girl into her arms. Midge slumps into the embrace, head falling against Summer’s chest. Summer strokes her hair, gently threading her fingers through the damp tresses. 

“When did you start feeling sick?” she murmurs. 

Midge takes a moment to answer. Summer waits patiently. 

“Just a couple minutes ago,” she mumbles, her voice weak. “I think it’s food poisoning. The shrimp tasted funny. I don’t know why I kept eating it. I'm so stupid.” 

“You are not stupid,” Summer says firmly. Anger surges through her chest. “Who’s stupid is that idiot cook! Wait here. I’m going to have a talk with them!” 

Summer starts letting go of Midge, but the girl holds on tighter. 

“No, don't leave me!” she exclaims, her voice cracking. “Please stay here!” 

Summer feels like her heart is splitting into pieces at the desperation in her girlfriend’s voice. She takes a deep breath. Her rage cools slightly. Quickly, she pulls the girl close again. 

“I’ll stay,” she murmurs. “I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be sorry,” Midge whispers. “You’re just protecting me.” 

Summer presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “I will always protect you.” 

XXX

Midge waits in the bathroom as Summer goes to pay the tab. It takes all of Summer's restraint to not burst into the kitchen and demand to see the cook. Midge needs me, she reminds herself.

When Summer returns, she slowly helps Midge to her feet. Midge sways slightly, but Summer wraps her arm around her shoulders, holding her steady. They gradually make their way out of the bathroom.

“Did you puke again?” Summer asks gently.

Midge slowly nods. 

“My poor baby,” Summer whispers, softly kissing her temple. 

Her concern grows even sharper as she notes how hot the girl’s forehead is. 

“Oh honey, you’re really burning up,” she murmurs. “First thing I’m doing when we get back to my place is taking your temperature.”

Before taking off, Summer empties a Target bag full of new clothes and hands it to Midge. 

“Just in case,” she murmurs. 

They’re about five minutes into the drive when Midge suddenly groans.

“I’m going to puke,” she croaks, before vomiting into the bag. 

“Oh, baby,” Summer coos. 

Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, she reaches over with the other to rub Midge’s back. The girl vomits much longer than Summer expected her to. Her worry increases even further. Should I take her to urgent care? she wonders. She quickly reasons that it’s best to bring her home and take her temperature first. Whether she takes her in will depend on how high her fever is. 

As Midge’s puking comes to a stop, Summer strokes her back for another moment before placing it back on the steering wheel. 

“You okay, baby?” she murmurs. “Are you dizzy?” 

“A little,” Midge croaks. 

“It’s going to be okay,” Summer soothes. “Just rest your head back. I’m right here.” 

XXX

When they arrive at Summer’s house, Summer helps Midge out of the car and slowly they make their way to the house. Summer keeps her arm wrapped securely around the girl’s shoulders the whole time. 

Once they’re inside, Summer leads her to the bedroom. 

“Here, sit on the bed,” she murmurs. “I’m going to grab a bucket and then I’ll take your temperature.” 

Midge slowly nods. Summer kisses the top of her head before going to the kitchen and grabbing a bucket from under the sink. She goes back to the bedroom and places it beside Midge before heading to the bathroom. She washes her hands before taking the thermometer out of the medicine cabinet. She washes it before walking back over to Midge. Midge is looking even worse. She’s drenched in sweat and her face is deathly pale. 

“Open your mouth, baby,” she says, her voice soft. 

Midge obeys and Summer carefully places the thermometer under her tongue before pressing the power button. A moment later, it beeps, and Summer draws it out of her mouth. Concern jabs at her chest like a needle as she sees the result. 

“102.5,” she says, her voice tight. 

“Will I be okay?” Midge asks weakly, her voice shaking. 

Summer’s eyes widen. The girl’s lip is trembling and her eyes are filled with tears. She can’t believe she was so thoughtless, acting all nervous about her girlfriend’s condition. Midge is always worried about the safety of herself and others. The least Summer can do is not freak her out. 

“Of course, baby!” Summer exclaims. 

She sets the thermometer on the nightstand before sitting next to Midge and gathering the girl in her arms. Midge buries her face in her shoulder, sniffling. 

“You’ll be just fine,” Summer coos, gently running her fingers through her hair. “I promise. I’m going to take care of you, okay?” 

“I know,” Midge croaks. She hiccups. “Thank you.” 

“No need to thank me, love,” Summer murmurs. “You’re my girlfriend. Taking care of you is my job and I love every second of it.” 

There’s a moment of quiet, Midge’s shaky breathing the only sound, before Midge speaks again. 

“I’m sorry I ruined our date,” she murmurs. 

Summer scoffs. “Are you serious?! You didn’t ruin anything! Like I said, it’s that cook’s fault! I swear to God, the first thing I’m doing once you’re better is marching back to that restaurant and giving them a piece of my mind!” 

The fact that Midge doesn’t protest Summer’s plan is a testament to how awful she feels. They sit in silence for another minute before Summer figures she better get Midge ready for bed. 

“Let’s get some pajamas on you,” she murmurs. “Then I’ll get you some water. It’s been a while since you were sick, so it’s probably fine to have a few sips. I'll get you a cool washcloth too. Does that sound good?” 

Midge slowly nods. 

“Alright, baby,” Summer whispers. “I’ll get you my coziest pair of PJs.” 

After helping Midge into pajamas, she grabs her a glass of water and runs a washcloth under cold water. Sitting next to her on the bed, Summer gently wipes her face with the washcloth. Midge lets out a soft sigh of relief. Summer smiles, the relief her girlfriend feels serving to loosen the anxious knot in her gut a little. She then raises the cup to the girl’s lips. 

“Just take a few sips,” she murmurs. 

Midge obeys, taking a few shaky sips. 

“Good girl,” Summer coos, before setting the cup and washcloth on the nightstand. 

Turning back to Midge, she runs her hand through the girl’s hair. Her girlfriend’s eyes are fluttering.

“Are you ready for bed?” she murmurs. 

“Yes,” Midge whispers. 

“Alright, baby. Want to tie your hair back first?” 

Midge nods. 

After tying Midge’s hair into a ponytail, she takes her temperature again. It’s 102.4 now. Midge lies down. Summer presses a gentle kiss to her sweaty forehead. 

“I love you, baby,” she whispers. 

“Love you too,” Midge whispers back. 

She sounds so exhausted, Summer’s chest aches with a renewed intensity. She quickly changes into pajamas before lying down next to Midge and wrapping her in an embrace. Midge rests her head against her chest. It’s only a few minutes before the girl’s breathing evens out. Summer lies in the dark, refusing to sleep no matter how tired she is. She wants to be 100% ready for anything her girlfriend needs. 

XXX

Midge throws up three more times that night. Every time, Summer is right by her side, rubbing her back and cooing comforting words. Each time, she takes her temperature afterwards. It stays about the same. Summer is relieved that it doesn’t go up. If it got to 103 degrees, she’d definitely take Midge to urgent care. 

By six in the morning, Midge has been sleeping soundly for three hours and Summer finally can’t stop herself from drifting off. 

She wakes up around ten. Midge is still asleep. She figures she better wake her girlfriend up to take her temperature. She gently peppers the girl’s face with kisses. She sighs with relief as she notes that Midge feels significantly less hot. 

“Wake up, baby,” she murmurs. “I need to take your temperature.” 

Midge slowly opens her eyes a few seconds later. 

“W-What?” she mumbles, looking around disorientedly. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Summer whispers. “I’m just going to take your temperature. You don’t have to get up. Just keep laying there.” 

She lets out a sigh of relief as the thermometer beeps and she reads the result. 

“101.2,” she says. “That’s quite a bit lower. Thank God.” 

Midge is clearly too drowsy to share in her enthusiasm. She closes her eyes, ready to drift off again, but Summer figures the girl should drink some water. 

“Sorry, baby,” she murmurs, “but I’m actually going to have to have you sit up. I need you to drink a little water.” 

Midge groans, but a moment later she obliges, slowly sitting up. Summer smiles as she notes that Midge looks much less pale. 

“Good girl,” she coos, as she brings the glass of water to the girl’s lips. 

Midge takes a few sips, far less shakily than last night. 

“Just a few more,” Summer murmurs. “I don’t want my baby girl getting dehydrated.” 

Midge obeys. As soon as Summer draws the glass of water away, she lies back down. Summer presses a soft kiss to her forehead. Midge sighs contentedly. 

“You’re the best,” she whispers, her voice hoarse. 

Summer grins, feeling relaxed for the first time since before Midge fell ill.

“No,” she murmurs. “You’re the best.”

Chapter Text

“No baby, don’t get up!” Midge exclaims. “I’ll get it for you! Just stay in bed!” 

Summer rolls her eyes. 

“I can walk across the room, Midge,” she croaks. “I’m not deathly ill or anything. It’s just a cold.” 

Midge frowns as she grabs the bottle of Advil from the table. Being in a hotel room is not optimal for this situation, but it’s not exactly like they can get on a plane home with Summer like this.

“I’m not convinced it’s just a cold,” she murmurs. “Your temperature is pretty high for that. I think you may have the flu.” 

Summer huffs before sitting back down on the bed, slumping against the pillow. Midge walks over to the bed and hands her the bottle. Summer thanks her before grabbing her water bottle from the nightstand and taking the medication. Midge sits down next to her, frowning sympathetically. 

“My poor baby girl,” she murmurs. She reaches out, gently brushing her fingers through Summer’s damp hair. “You’re so flushed. I should take your temperature again. It’s been a couple hours.” 

She grabs the thermometer from the nightstand.

Summer groans. “Not againnn.” 

Midge gives her a reproving frown. “Stop being fussy. Open your mouth.” 

Summer grudgingly obliges. Midge sighs softly. She hates seeing her girlfriend like this, but that doesn’t stop the annoyance from surging through her chest every time the girl protests her care. Still, she remains patient. Even though Summer is putting up a stubborn front, it’s clear that she’s feeling awful. After the thermometer beeps, she takes it out of the girl’s mouth and reads the result.   

“101.4,” she says. “A little higher than earlier, but not too bad.” 

Midge winces as another harsh coughing fit racks Summer’s frame. It’s clear by her trembling arm that it’s taking all her strength to even cover her mouth. Midge’s chest aches with sympathy. She gently rubs the girl’s back until her coughing slows to a stop. 

“Here, drink more water,” Midge murmurs, grabbing the bottle from the nightstand. 

Summer shakes her head. “Not right now.” 

Midge frowns. “I know it hurts your throat, baby, but you need to stay hydrated.” 

Summer lets out a frustrated sigh but obliges, accepting the bottle from Midge and taking a few sips. 

“Good girl,” Midge coos, as Summer sets the bottle back on the nightstand. 

A second later, Summer descends into another fit of coughs. Midge strokes her back again. As the coughing fit ends, Summer sighs before lying down. She closes her eyes. 

“Are you dizzy, baby?” Midge asks, her voice soft. 

“A little,” Summer croaks. 

“You poor thing,” Midge murmurs. “It’s okay. I’m right here.” 

She sighs softly before lying down beside the girl and gently gathering her into her arms. Summer lets out a relieved sigh as Midge begins threading her fingers through her hair. She rests her head against Midge’s chest. 

“I’m sorry I ruined our vacation,” she mumbles. “You can totally still go sightseeing. I’ll be fine.” 

Midge scoffs. “You didn't ruin anything, and I’m not leaving you! Get that silly idea out of your head! I’d be the worst girlfriend ever if I left you at this hotel sick and toured Paris without you. We'll come back another time. Barbie visits all the time. We'll tag along with her.” 

Summer shakes her head. “I would understand. I’ve taken care of myself when I’m sick plenty of times. I appreciate you taking care of me, but I’ll be fine on my own.” 

“You shouldn’t have to be alone though,” Midge insists. “You have me now and I’m always going to take care of you. I love you, okay?” 

“I love you too,” Summer murmurs. “Thank you.” 

Midge presses a gentle kiss to the top of the girl’s head. “No need to thank me, love. You’ve done the same for me.” 

They lie in silence for a moment before Summer speaks. 

“I don’t even know how I got this,” she croaks. “I never get sick in the summer.” 

“It was probably that person behind us on the plane who kept coughing,” Midge says. She rolls her eyes. “Who goes on a plane sick? How inconsiderate can a person get?” 

Summer hums in agreement. Midge frowns as the girl sniffles. 

“You need a tissue, baby?” she asks. 

She turns, about to grab a few from the box on the nightstand, but stops as Summer answers. 

“There’s no point. I can’t get anything out anyway.” 

“Poor baby,” Midge murmurs, frowning sympathetically. “Do you want to take a bath? The steam should help with your congestion and it’ll be relaxing.” 

Summer shakes her head. “Taking my clothes off is going to suck. My chills are so bad right now.” 

As if on cue, she shudders. Midge pulls her closer and wraps the blanket around her tighter. 

“I’m so sorry, baby,” Midge soothes. 

Summer sniffs. “It’s fine.”

“I can make the water hot and it’ll probably help with the chills,” Midge reasons. 

Summer is silent for a moment before replying. “Okay. You’re probably right.” 

Midge smiles softly, giving her a quick kiss on the head before pulling away. 

“I’ll go start the water,” she says. “I’ll let you know when it’s full.” 

XXX

A few minutes later, the bath is full and Summer walks sluggishly into the bathroom. Midge frowns sympathetically at the shivers that rack her frame as she undresses. The girl quickly steps into the bath. She lets out a relieved sigh as she sinks into the hot water and breathes in the steam. Midge sits down beside the tub. 

“Does that feel good, baby?” she asks, her voice soft. 

“It’s definitely clearing my sinuses,” Summer replies. “At least I can breathe through my nose a bit now.” 

Midge smiles gently. “I’m glad, baby. You already sound less congested.” 

Summer hums in agreement before leaning her head back against the wall and closing her eyes. 

Midge sighs. “Too bad we didn’t bring our bath pillow. That must be hard on your head.” 

“It’s fine,” Summer assures her. 

They sit in comfortable silence for a couple minutes. Deciding Summer’s hair should probably be washed, Midge speaks up. 

“Here, let me wash your hair, baby,” she murmurs. 

Summer’s eyes open. 

“Midge,” she says, her voice deadpan, “I’m not that sick. My hands still work.” 

“You’re so tired though, sweetie,” Midge coos. “Please let me help you.” 

Summer bites her lip, clearly debating. A moment later, she sighs deeply, a telltale sign that she’s given in. Midge smiles before getting up and grabbing one of the plastic cups from the stack by the sink. Crouching down beside the tub, she fills the cup with water. 

“Close your eyes and plug your nose, baby,” she murmurs. 

Summer obeys. After wetting Summer’s hair, Midge grabs the bottle of shampoo they brought along. Summer lets out a deep, contented sigh as Midge kneads her fingers across her scalp, rubbing the shampoo in. 

Midge giggles. “Does that feel good, baby?” 

Summer pouts. Midge giggles again. 

After shampooing and conditioning Summer’s hair, Summer spends the rest of the bath relaxing. When the water starts getting cold, Midge grabs her a fresh pair of pajamas. When she comes back, she helps Summer out of the bath. Grabbing a towel from under the sink, she gently dries the girl’s hair and body. She can’t help but stare in admiration at her girlfriend’s body. Her gaze travels upwards and finally lands on Summer’s face. Though the girl has dark circles under her eyes and a crusty nose, she’s still the pinnacle of beauty. 

“How are you so beautiful even when you’re sick?” Midge murmurs, before pressing a gentle kiss to the girl’s lips. 

Summer quickly pulls back. Her eyes are wide. 

“Midge, you’re going to get sick if you do that!” she exclaims, her voice hoarse. 

Midge rolls her eyes. “I’m already going to get sick. I’ve been cuddling you.” 

“I’m sorry,” Summer murmurs, her expression apologetic. 

Midge chuckles. “Don’t be sorry, baby. I don’t mind. When I do get sick, we’ll take care of each other, okay?” 

Summer smiles softly, shoulders relaxing. “Of course we will. I’ll always take care of you no matter how bad I feel.” 

Midge grins. “And I’ll always take care of you no matter how bad I feel.” 

After Summer gets her pajamas on, she and Midge lie down in bed again. Midge immediately wraps the girl in her arms. They stay that way the rest of the night. 

Even though Midge wakes up a coughing, sneezing mess the next morning, she doesn’t care. Getting to take care of her girlfriend will always be a role she’s honored to fulfill, and as Summer takes her temperature and brings her Advil, she knows that the girl feels the same way.

Chapter Text

“Summer, wake up! Wake up, baby! It’s okay!” 

Finally pulled out of her nightmare, Summer’s eyes snap open and she lets out a hoarse scream. It takes her several seconds to come back to reality. It’s not until a hand runs through her hair and a soft kiss is pressed to her forehead that she begins to regain awareness of her surroundings. Gradually she realizes that she’s lying in her bed and that it’s her girlfriend by her side. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Midge whispers. “You’re alright. It was just a dream. You’re safe.” 

Slowly, Summer turns to look at Midge and the second she lays eyes on her, the memories of her horrific dream come rushing back. Midge lying motionless on the ground, a knife stabbed through her chest. Blood pooled around her. Summer on her knees beside her, shrill cries piercing the air. Her eyes squeeze shut as a wave of panic courses through her. More than anything, she wants to pull Midge close, to be reminded by the warmth of the girl’s body and her steady breathing that she’s still alive. Suddenly though her eyes begin to sting and she knows that if she snuggles into an embrace, she won’t be able to control herself. Before her girlfriend can notice the tears in her eyes, she turns around, scooting to the edge of the bed. She bites down hard on her lip, trying with all her might to hold back the sobs rising in her throat. Her eyes open as she hears the click of the lamp being turned on. She squeezes her eyes shut again as the sudden light burns her eyes. 

“Is that too bright?” Midge murmurs. “I just thought it might be comforting for you to have some light.” 

Comfort? Summer doesn’t need comfort. It was just a bad dream. Needing comfort for something this miniscule is childish. She clenches her jaw tightly. Don’t cry, her mind hisses. Don’t cry. 

“Okay, I’ll just leave the light on,” Midge murmurs. “Can I hold you, baby?” 

A hand lightly touches Summer’s back. Summer flinches and Midge quickly pulls her hand back. 

Midge sighs softly. “I can give you space if you need it, sweetie, but I really wish you’d let me help you like you always help me when I have a nightmare.” 

Midge’s soothing voice is only making Summer’s eyes burn hotter and the sobs building in her throat harder to suppress. 

“Oh, baby,” Midge whispers. “I’m so sorry. Bad dreams are so terrible. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” She sighs gently. “Do you need some water, sweetheart? I have some on the nightstand.” 

Summer shakes her head. There’s a long moment of silence then. Summer can hear Midge clicking her tongue, something she does when she’s thinking. Finally, the girl speaks again and her tone is so gentle and loving that suddenly Summer can’t hold her tears back anymore. They stream down her cheeks in hot trails. 

“You can be vulnerable around me, baby,” Midge murmurs. “I know you like being all tough, but sometimes being tough is about breaking down and letting yourself feel all your emotions. That’s a tough thing to do, but I know you can do it.” 

Finally, Summer can’t suppress the sobs rising in her throat anymore. She lets out a choked sob and more immediately follow. She clamps her hands over her face, cheeks burning with humiliation at being seen like this. 

“Oh baby,” Midge whispers. “It’s okay.” She sighs shakily. “Please let me hold you. I just want to be there for you.” 

Her voice is so soft, filled with such genuine concern and abundant love, that Summer finally can’t go without her girlfriend’s comforting touch anymore. She slowly turns around and instantly she’s being scooped into Midge’s arms. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Midge murmurs, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “Everything is okay. I’m right here.” 

Midge draws her even closer and Summer squeezes her just as tightly, burying her face in her chest. Before she knows it, she’s speaking, spilling into the open the horrors she witnessed in her dream. 

“Y-You died! Th-There was b-blood everywhere! There w-was a knife th-through your chest a-and…” 

She can’t continue. Her sobs are too intense. Her whole body is shuddering and her breath is coming out in sharp gasps. 

“Shhh,” Midge soothes. “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay. I’m right here. I’m alive. You’ve got nothing to fear, okay? I promise.” 

Summer knows logically that the girl is right, but her reassurances still don’t put a stop to the unbridled fear racing through her. All she can think about as Midge runs her fingers through her sweat-soaked hair and whispers soothing words into her ear is how much she loves her girlfriend. She wouldn’t be able to go on without her by her side. 

“I-I can’t live w-without you!” she sobs. “I l-love you so much!”

She’s faintly aware of how pathetic she sounds, but at this point she’s too beside herself with terror to care. 

“You don’t have to,” Midge coos. “I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere. I love you too. So, so much.” 

Summer cries for several more minutes, feeling like she’ll never be able to calm down, but eventually Midge’s soothing ministrations lull her into a state of relative calm. 

When all that’s left of her breakdown is the occasional hiccup or sniffle, Midge whispers, “You feeling a little better, baby?” 

Summer slowly nods. Though her heart rate is still faster than usual and her head aches from all the crying, the images of Midge’s dead body have faded from her mind. She knows they’ll return soon enough, but for now she can relax. 

“Good,” Midge coos. 

She softly kisses her lips and Summer eagerly reciprocates, gently drawing her closer. 

Midge giggles. “I guess you are feeling better.” 

As they part a moment later, Summer lets out a hoarse laugh. Midge smiles softly as she gently wipes the tears from the girl’s face. Summer gazes at her girlfriend. She has a serious case of bedhead, but she’s never looked more beautiful. 

“I love you,” Summer murmurs. 

Midge grins before drawing her forward into another kiss. 

When they pull back a moment later, Midge whispers, “I love you too.” 

Summer sleeps peacefully in Midge’s arms the rest of the night.

Chapter Text

Summer’s eyes widen and a wave of panic rushes through her as she hears the sound of retching from the bathroom. She jumps up from the couch and races over. The door is shut. The vomiting comes to a stop as she approaches and she hears the flush of the toilet. She knocks. 

“Baby, can I come in?” she asks softly, trying to keep her panic out of her voice. 

There’s a moment of silence and Summer wonders if Midge is going to ask to be left alone. Thankfully, that’s not the case. 

“Yeah,” Midge croaks. 

As soon as Summer enters the bathroom and takes in the sight of her girlfriend on her knees beside the toilet, a sharp burst of pain shoots through her chest. She’s seen Midge sick before, but it never gets easier. She runs over and crouches down beside her. 

Midge shifts so that she’s facing Summer and says in a weak voice, “I’m fine.”

It’s clear by the paleness of her face and her exhausted expression though that she’s anything but fine. Summer frowns sympathetically and lightly brushes her hand through the girl’s hair before placing her hand on her forehead. 

“Well, at least you’re not hot,” she says gently. “When did you start feeling sick, baby? I thought you were just getting ready for bed. I didn’t know you were feeling this way.” 

Midge shakes her head. 

“I’m not sick,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m nervous…about the flight tomorrow.” 

Summer’s frown deepens. The thought of her girlfriend being so anxious that she vomits sends another burst of pain through her. She knew Midge wasn’t a fan of planes, but she didn’t know they stressed her out this much.

“We don’t have to go,” she says, trying not to sound reluctant. “If it’s going to make you this upset, it’s not worth it.” 

Truthfully, she’s been looking forward to this London trip for months and the thought of not going is disappointing to say the least, but her girlfriend’s wellbeing comes first. 

Midge quickly shakes her head. “I’m not going to cancel our trip to London just because I’m anxious. I’ll…I’ll get through it.” She lets out a shaky breath. 

“Are you sure?” Summer asks, her voice soft. 

Midge nods. “Yes. I’m sure.” 

“Okay, Summer murmurs. “Do you think you’re going to be sick again?” 

Midge shakes her head. “I don’t think so.” 

“Okay. I’ll put the trash can by the bed just in case. Do you just want to go lie down and cuddle? I see you already have your pajamas on.” 

Midge nods. “That sounds good. I’m just going to brush my teeth and wash my face and then I’ll join you in the bedroom.” 

“Sounds good,” says Summer, before pressing a soft kiss to the girl’s temple. 

Midge lets out a soft, relaxed sigh. Sumer grins, glad that she can make her girlfriend feel at least a little bit better. 

XXX

While Midge brushes her teeth and washes her face, Summer places the bedroom trash can by the bed before lying down. She’s already ready for bed, so she just scrolls through Instagram. When Midge enters the bedroom a few minutes later, she immediately comes to lie down next to Summer. She sighs happily as Summer gathers her in her arms. Summer smiles softly as Midge relaxes into the embrace and nuzzles her face against her shoulder. 

“I’m here, baby,” Summer murmurs. “Everything is going to be okay.” 

She gently kisses the top of the girl’s head, breathing in the scent of her shampoo. 

“I love you,” Midge whispers, pressing a kiss to Summer’s shoulder. 

Summer kisses her head again. “I love you too.” 

XXX

Summer is ripped from her sleep by the sound of gut-wrenching sobs. Her eyes shoot open. 

“H-Huh?” she stutters.

She quickly sits up and as her eyes land on Midge, she gasps softly. The girl is sitting, face buried in her hands as she shakes with sobs. Shifting so that she’s in front of her, Summer pulls her girlfriend into her arms. Midge buries her face in her shoulder and clings to her tightly.

“It’s okay, baby,” Summer murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head. “I’m right here. Whatever you dreamed isn’t real. You’re safe.” 

“I-It was awful!” Midge sobs. “Th-The plane c-crashed and w-we were holding o-onto each other sc-screaming a-and…” She can’t continue as her fear overwhelms her.

“Shhh,” Summer soothes, gently running her fingers through her sweaty hair. “Everything is okay, baby. That wasn’t real and it’s not going to happen, okay? We’re both safe, alright?” 

Midge takes several minutes to calm down. Summer holds her tightly the whole time, whispering comforting words into her ear and pressing soft kisses to her head. 

When Midge’s sobs finally dwindle to hiccups and sniffles and she pulls back slightly, Summer gently wipes her tears away. She plants a soft kiss on her forehead. 

“I’m so sorry you dreamed that, baby,” she whispers. 

Midge sniffs. 

“I-I’m scared, Summer.” Her voice breaks. 

The ache in Summer’s chest heightens even further at the unbridled fear in her girlfriend’s voice. 

“I know you are,” she coos. “Again, we don’t have to go. I understand if it’s just too much for you.” 

Midge shakes her head. “N-No. I’m not r-ruining the trip.”

Summer gently tucks a lock of hair behind Midge’s ear. “You wouldn’t be ruining anything.” 

“N-No, it’s f-fine.” 

“Are you sure?” Summer murmurs. 

“Y-Yeah.”

“Okay, baby,” Summer whispers. “Wanna lay down again?” 

“Yeah,” Midge softly replies. 

The second they lie down, Summer envelops the girl in her arms again. 

“Just try to sleep, baby,” she murmurs. “I’m right here.”

“Okay,” Midge whispers. 

XXX

Luckily, Midge makes it through the night without another nightmare. When their alarm goes off at seven though and they make their way towards the kitchen to have breakfast, Summer notices how exhausted Midge is. Her eyes are fluttering and she’s yawning every few moments. Summer prepares two bowls of Cheerios. She gulps hers down as usual, but Midge only takes a few bites. 

“Are you nauseous, baby?” Summer murmurs. 

“Kind of,” Midge replies, her voice soft. 

Summer frowns sympathetically. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“It’s fine,” Midge says, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I’ll be okay.” 

XXX

The whole cab ride to the airport, Midge bounces her leg. Her fists are clenched so tightly that they’re white and she’s grinding her teeth. Summer keeps her hand on her back, hoping the slight pressure helps the girl stay grounded. 

XXX

In the airport, Summer holds Midge’s hand as much as possible, only letting go on the escalator and at security. The girl’s whole body is shaking and her face is even paler than usual. Summer’s concern for her is intense, but she knows she has to stay clear-headed. As they sit in the waiting area, she holds Midge’s hand tightly, stroking her thumb in circles over the back of it. The girl is breathing heavily. Her jaw is clenched tightly and her eyes are squeezed shut. Summer stays silent, worried that saying something will make it worse. 

Suddenly, Midge’s eyes snap open and a horrified expression forms on her face. 

“I think I’m going to puke,” she blurts, before hurrying off towards the bathroom, which is fortunately only about ten yards from them.

“Shit,” Summer hisses, before quickly following her. 

She’s right at Midge’s heels as they enter the bathroom. There’s a line, but Summer exclaims that it’s an emergency and they let them pass. As Midge races into a stall, Summer follows her in and locks the door. Midge crouches down in front of the toilet and Summer quickly gathers her hair back. As the girl begins to vomit, she gently rubs her back.

“It’s okay, baby,” she murmurs. “You’re going to be fine.” 

When Midge’s vomiting slows to a stop about a minute later, Summer softly kisses her forehead before flushing the toilet. 

“Do you feel better, baby?” she whispers. 

“I’m not too nauseous,” Midge croaks. 

“Good,” Summer murmurs. “Are you good to go?” 

Midge nods. 

“Okay,” Summer whispers. 

She stands and after helping Midge up, they exit the stall together. People give them a wide berth as they walk over to the sinks, clearly thinking that Midge is sick. Midge’s cheeks flush with embarrassment and Summer didn’t know it was possible to feel any worse for her, but she does. Summer washes her hands before grabbing a paper towel from the dispenser and wetting it under the faucet. Midge breathes a soft sigh of relief as Summer gently wipes her face with it. After throwing the towel away, Summer takes her hand and leads her out of the bathroom. 

As they walk back towards their seats in the waiting area, Summer murmurs, “You sit down and relax and I’ll go grab you a bottle of water.” 

Midge nods. After she sits down, Summer kisses the top of her head before heading towards the Starbucks stand. Luckily, it’s close enough that she can still see Midge. The girl is sitting stiffly, fists clenched. Summer frowns. She desperately wishes that she could do more to help her girlfriend, but all she can do is provide as much comfort as possible. 

After paying for a bottle of water, Summer heads back over to Midge. As she sits down beside the girl, she uncaps the bottle before handing it to her.

“Here,” she murmurs. 

“Thanks,” Midge whispers as she takes it with trembling hands. 

She takes a few shaky sips before handing it back over to Summer. Summer caps the bottle before setting it on her lap. She places her hand on Midge’s back, gently rubbing. They sit in silence for a few minutes. 

When there’s the announcement that it’s time for their plane to board, Midge’s eyes well with tears. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Summer whispers, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Take deep breaths, okay? In for four, hold for four, out for four.” 

Midge doesn’t answer. The tears drip from her eyes, rolling down her cheeks. It’s clear from her clenched jaw that she’s trying to hold back sobs. Summer sighs softly, gently wiping the girl’s tears before standing up and offering her hand. 

After helping Midge up, they begin entering the plane. Summer rolls both of their suitcases. She walks slowly to keep pace with Midge. The girl’s legs are trembling so hard that she’s having a hard time walking. 

When they come to the inside of the plane, Summer leads Midge to a row of seats near the front. That way, they’re close to the bathroom in case Midge gets sick again. She places their suitcases in the overhead storage racks before taking Midge’s hand and helping her sit. She places her in the aisle seat so she’ll be able to get up quickly. Summer sits next to her in the middle seat. Luckily, nobody tries to sit next to them. She lets out a long breath before planting a gentle kiss on the girl’s temple. Her lips linger for a moment and as she realizes Midge is hyperventilating, her eyes widen. She quickly pulls back and takes the girl’s hands. 

“Baby,” she says, trying not to make her panic audible. “Breathe. You’ve gotta breathe.” 

Midge’s eyes are tightly closed. Summer squeezes her hands firmly. 

“Follow along with my breathing. In for four.” She takes a deep, exaggerated breath.

It takes a few tries, but eventually Midge starts breathing along with her. Her breaths are heavy and unarticulated at first, but after about a minute they begin to slow. When her breathing is relatively close to normal, she suddenly bursts into tears. Summer immediately pulls her close, tucking the girl’s head under her chin. 

“Shhh,” she soothes. “It’s okay, baby. I’m right here. You’re going to get through this.” 

She’s only faintly aware of other passengers staring at them. Her only concern right now is her girlfriend though. She gently rubs her back and every few seconds she presses a soft kiss to the crown of her head. 

As the captain starts his announcement about safety procedures, she prays that Midge is too out of it to hear him. 

When the plane takes off a few minutes later, Midge’s sobs grow even heavier. She’s squeezing Summer so tight that it hurts slightly, but Summer doesn’t care. 

“It’s okay, sweetie,” Summer murmurs. “This is the worst part. It’ll be easier in a second.” 

When the plane levels out, Midge’s sobs grow a bit less intense, but she’s still beside herself. Summer does everything she can to soothe her. She strokes her hair, whispers encouraging words into her ear, and slowly sways back and forth. 

Summer isn’t sure how long it takes Midge to calm, but it feels like a long time. After her sobs cease and only hiccups and sniffles remain, her grip on Summer loosens slightly, but Summer still holds her just as tightly. 

A few minutes later, Midge begins to snore softly and Summer frowns sympathetically. The poor girl exhausted herself. As her eyes begin to flutter a couple minutes later, she realizes that she’s pretty tired herself. She rests her cheek on her girlfriend’s head and is asleep in minutes. 

XXX

Summer wakes up as Midge begins to stir. As Midge raises her head from her shoulder slightly and looks at her with puffy eyes, Summer gently kisses her forehead. 

“Are you alright, baby?” she whispers. 

Midge takes a moment to answer, but when she does her voice is so soft and loving that it warms Summer’s entire body. 

“I’m alright because I have you. I love you.” 

“I love you too,” Summer murmurs, planting a gentle kiss on her girlfriend’s lips. 

Midge kisses her back, warm and soft. When they part a moment later, Midge snuggles against her again and Summer rests her cheek on her head. It’s not long before they both fall back into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

The second Midge opens her door, her eyes widen. Her cheeks immediately flush. The last thing she wanted was for Summer to see her like this. 

“Summer!” she exclaims, her voice hoarse. “W-What are you doing here?” 

Summer raises an eyebrow. “You texted me that you’re sick. I’m here to take care of you, silly.” 

Despite Midge's embarrassment at being seen in such a disgusting state, she can’t ignore how giddy it makes her that her girlfriend cares so much about her. They’ve only been together for six months, but Summer has already proven herself to be as endlessly loyal and attentive of a girlfriend as she was a friend. She can’t stop the grin that forms on her face. 

“Are you going to let me in or…” Summer’s voice trails off.

Midge’s eyes widen when she realizes she hasn’t invited Summer in. 

She clears her throat. “Oh. O-Of course. Come in.” 

As soon as Summer steps in though, she remembers something. Her eyes widen again. 

“Wait!” she exclaims, quickly taking several steps back. “I might get you sick if you get too close!” 

Summer rolls her eyes affectionately. “I don’t care about that, Midge. Come on. Let’s go sit on the couch. I brought you some supplies that should hopefully help you feel a little better.” 

Midge notices the bag hanging from her arm then. Summer starts walking down the hall towards the living room and Midge quickly follows. When they enter the living room, Summer sets the bag down on the coffee table before beginning to take the items out. 

“I know they probably didn’t have all this stuff in Willows, so I decided I better bring it with me. I got DayQuil, NyQuil, Advil, and cough drops.” 

Midge’s chest warms as she thinks about all the trouble her girlfriend is going to for her. Still, she doesn’t want her to stay. In addition to the risk of getting the girl sick, she's a total mess right now. Constant coughing and sneezing and nose blowing isn't exactly attractive. 

“Thank you,” she says. “But Summer…I-I really don't want to get you sick…and I'm so gross right now. I can't stop coughing and sneezing and I look awful. You don't want to be around me right now.” 

Summer frowns.

“Of course I want to be around you!” she exclaims. “And you don't look awful at all! You're as beautiful as ever!” 

She quickly comes forward and before Midge knows it, she's being enveloped in the girl’s arms. Midge immediately tries to pull back. 

“I-I’m going to get you sick! Summer, you…”

Summer cuts her off. 

“I don't care that you're a snotty gooey mess,” she murmurs. “All I care about is taking care of you. Will you let me do that?” 

As Summer begins running her fingers through her hair, she can't help but relax into the embrace. Her girlfriend’s touch is so soothing. Suddenly, being taken care of doesn't sound so bad. 

“Okay,” she relents, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Summer presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “Good. Because I'd take care of you even if you said no.” 

Midge snorts. Unfortunately, this sets off a coughing fit. She quickly breaks away from the embrace and turns around, coughing harshly against the crook of her arm. Summer rubs her back until the coughing slows to a stop. 

“Damn, that cough sounds bad,” Summer says, voice heavy with concern. “You need to take some DayQuil for sure.”

Midge's cheeks are blazing with heat now. 

“You're so flushed,” Summer says, sounding even more worried. “Have you taken your temperature?” 

Midge nods. “Yeah. I don't have a fever.”

Summer doesn't look convinced. She places her hand on her forehead. 

“Well, you don't feel hot,” she says. “That's good. Here. Why don't you sit down and I'll grab you some water to take that DayQuil with? And then we can do whatever you want. We can watch a show or go to bed or just sit here. Up to you.” 

“Okay,” Midge agrees, taking a seat on one end of the couch. 

"Be right back," Summer says, before heading off towards the kitchen.

Midge doesn't realize Summer has returned until the girl is sitting on the couch handing her the glass of water. 

“H-Huh?” Midge stutters, blinking as she comes out of her stupor. 

Summer frowns sympathetically and reaches out to run her hand through her hair. Midge wants to tell her girlfriend to sit on the other side of the couch to avoid her germs, but she knows she won’t listen. Summer is wonderful, but she’s stubborn as a mule. Once she sets her mind to something, she does it.

“Here,” she says, giving Midge the glass. 

“Thanks,” Midge murmurs. 

Summer opens the box of Dayquil then. Midge thanks her again as she hands her the pill. Midge isn’t used to pills. She’s only taken Advil a couple times before and both times she felt like she was going to choke. 

“Will I choke?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Summer frowns. “Of course you won’t.” 

Midge nods. Her heart begins to pound as she raises the pill to her lips. Clearly noticing her distress, Summer places her hand on her back. Her brow dips with concern. 

“You don’t have to take it,” she says, her voice soft. 

Midge lets out a long breath. “Okay. Thank you.” 

She takes a few sips of water before setting the glass on the coffee table.

“I’m never going to make you do anything,” Summer murmurs as she takes the pill from Midge and places it back in the box. 

“I know,” Midge replies. 

“I just want you to feel better,” Summer says gently. “What do you need right now? Do you want to go to bed?” 

She brushes her fingers through Midge’s hair, gently tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. 

Midge shakes her head. “No. I’ve already slept a lot today. Can we just watch a show?” 

“Of course,” Summer murmurs. “What do you want to watch?”

“Anything you want.” 

Summer frowns in thought. “Okay, I’ll just put the Great British Baking Show on. I know you like it.” 

Midge smiles softly, her chest warming with the fondness she feels for her girlfriend. She’d tell her how much she loves and appreciates her, but then the girl would embrace her again and that…

Her train of thought is cut off by a tickling in her nose. She picks up a tissue from the box beside her just in time to sneeze into it twice. She tries to make them as quiet as possible, but her cheeks burn at how wet and disgusting they sound. She wipes her nose before drawing the tissue away. She desperately needs to blow her nose, but she’s too embarrassed to do that in front of Summer.

“Sorry,” she murmurs.

“Bless you,” Summer says softly. “You don’t have to apologize.”

Midge clears her throat. 

“Thank you,” she says, her voice hoarse. “I’m going to throw this away.” 

“Why don’t I just bring the trash can in here?” Summer suggests. “You’ll probably need it again.” 

Midge shakes her head. “No, that’s okay. I can…” 

Before she knows it though, Summer has jumped up and rushed off to the kitchen. Midge takes the chance to blow her nose. 

“Thank you,” she murmurs when her girlfriend returns and places the trash can in front of her. 

She throws the tissue into it.

Summer grins. “No prob.” 

The girl sits back down and grabs the TV remote from the coffee table. As she’s bringing the show up, Midge has another coughing fit. She quickly covers her mouth with her arm. She’s coughed so much today that it's painful now. Summer strokes her back. As the coughing slows to a stop, she suddenly sneezes again. She winces. All this coughing and sneezing is making her throat hurt even worse.

“Bless you,” says Summer, sounding concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Thank you,” Midge croaks, face burning. “Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that.”

Summer scoffs lightly. “What did I tell you? You don’t need to apologize. You can’t help it.” 

Midge shrugs. As Summer goes back to pulling up the show, Midge can’t help sniffling. Her nose is so stuffed up. 

“You can blow your nose, you know,” Summer says gently. “I don’t mind.” 

Midge flushes deeper. 

“It sounds gross though,” she mumbles, hands fidgeting in her lap. 

Summer scoffs softly again. “I really don’t mind. Nothing about you could gross me out. You’re my perfect baby girl.” 

She leans over and presses a gentle kiss to Midge’s cheek. Midge is so flooded with adoration for her girlfriend that a wide smile instantly lights up her face. 

Summer giggles. “I’m glad to see you happy again.”

As she starts the show, she motions to her lap. 

“Here, lay your head in my lap. Blow your nose first though. It sounds like you can barely breathe.” 

Reluctantly, Midge takes a tissue out of the box and quietly blows her nose. After throwing it away, she crawls over to Summer. Lying down on her side, she rests her head in her lap. As her girlfriend begins threading her fingers through her hair, every muscle in her body relaxes. 

“Thank you,” she whispers. “For taking care of me.” 

“Of course,” Summer murmurs. “I’ll always take care of you.” 

“And I’ll always take care of you,” Midge whispers. 

“I know you will," Summer murmurs. "You need a cough drop? You’re getting hoarser and hoarser. I can make you some tea too.” 

“Just a cough drop is fine,” Midge murmurs. “I already drank a lot of tea this morning.”

“Okay,” Summer says, before leaning over and grabbing a cough drop from the bag. 

“Thanks,” Midge whispers, as the girl hands it to her. 

Summer gently kisses the top of her head. “Of course, baby.” 

Cooking shows aren’t exactly Summer’s area of interest, but as the episode plays on, Midge can tell that the girl is becoming engrossed. Midge tries to pay attention for a few minutes, but the sensation of Summer’s fingers running through her hair is so soothing that it’s all she can focus on. She’s asleep before the episode is over.

Chapter Text

Midge does her best to hold Summer steady as they walk up the pathway towards Summer’s house. Summer talked her ear off about skydiving the whole drive back from the nightclub and she still hasn’t stopped. Midge tried to listen at first, but it quickly grew tiring. On top of Midge not being particularly interested in skydiving, Summer isn’t making much sense. Her words are slurred and she’s losing her train of thought every few moments. 

Midge keeps her arm wrapped securely around Summer’s shoulders as they ascend the porch steps. She has to let go of her temporarily to unlock and open the door (she snagged Summer’s keys from her purse), but she quickly holds onto her again once the door is opened. As they enter the house and Midge locks the door, Summer continues her drunken rambling. In the year they’ve known each other, Midge has seen the girl drunk several times, but this is the first time it’s been up to her to take care of her. Everybody else is as wasted as Summer. Midge had one margarita, but that was two hours ago and it wasn’t enough to have any effect on her.

Midge guides her to her bedroom and sits her down on the bed. Summer is still talking up a storm. Midge hates to interrupt, but she figures it’s best if she gets the girl to bed. 

“Hey, Summer,” she says. “Sorry to interrupt, but is it okay if I get you some pajamas from your dresser?” 

Summer blinks several times, like she just came out of a trance. It takes a moment for her eyes to focus. Finally, she comes to her senses and she nods. 

“Sure thing,” she replies. 

Midge nods before walking over to Summer’s dresser. After grabbing a pair of pajamas, she brings them over to the girl. 

“You just get changed now,” she says. “Just call for me when you’re done and I’ll come back in.”

“Okie dokie!” Summer exclaims, suddenly hyper again. 

Midge snorts. She’s never heard Summer use that term before. She’s really entertaining when she’s drunk. Truthfully though she’s entertaining all the time. 

She exits the room then and shuts the door. She grabs a glass of water for Summer from the kitchen and when she’s heading back to the room, Summer calls her name. 

“Coming!” Midge exclaims. 

She enters the room. Summer is sitting on the bed. She’s changed into her pajamas. The shirt is on backwards, but Midge doesn’t comment. She hands her the glass of water. 

“Drink up,” she says. “It should help you feel not as bad tomorrow.” 

Summer doesn’t answer. She just takes the glass and begins to glug the water down. Midge notes that she doesn’t look as happy now. Quite the opposite actually. Her expression is somber. Midge’s brow creases as a wave of concern rushes through her. What could be wrong with the girl?

After Summer finishes the glass of water, she sets it down on the nightstand. Midge shuffles her feet awkwardly as Summer stays silent, staring down at her lap. A few moments of quiet pass and just when Midge is opening her mouth to suggest Summer go to bed, the girl breaks the silence. 

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice suddenly hoarse. 

Midge raises an eyebrow. 

“Sorry for what?” she murmurs. “What’s wrong?” 

Summer looks up. Midge gasps. The girl’s eyes are filled with tears. Midge frowns deeply, her concern increasing. What could possibly be wrong? She’s never seen Summer cry before. This must be something serious. 

“What’s wrong?” she repeats, her voice soft. “You can tell me.” 

As Summer squeezes her eyes shut and chokes out a sob, Midge’s heart begins to pound. What should she do? She stands there cluelessly for another moment before deciding to do what she would do for any friend. She slowly comes forward and sits down beside her. Hesitantly, she takes her hands. She expects the girl to flinch away, but surprisingly she doesn’t. She squeezes Midge’s hands as sobs continue to shake her body. Midge gently strokes her thumbs over the girl's knuckles. 

“I’m s-sorry!” Summer sobs. 

Midge’s eyes widen as the girl surges forward. The next thing she knows, Summer is falling into her arms and burying her face in her shoulder. Midge instantly wraps her arms around her and holds her close. This behavior from Summer is throwing her for a loop to say the least, but regardless she needs to be there for her friend. 

“Shhh,” she soothes. “It’s okay. There’s nothing to be sorry for.” 

“Y-Yes there is!” Summer sobs. “I w-was such a b-bitch to you! I-I’m so sorry, M-Midge!” 

She cries even harder. Midge knits her eyebrows. It takes her a moment to understand what Summer means. When she realizes, her eyes widen. 

“Oh, Summer,” she murmurs. “That was ages ago. We already had a talk and forgave each other. That’s history. Don’t worry about it.” 

Summer squeezes her tighter. “I-It’s not o-okay though! I’m an a-awful bitch!” 

“You are not!” Midge exclaims, suddenly filled with indignation. “You’re kind and loyal and an amazing friend. You’re always there for me and your other friends. You’re far from an awful b-word.” 

Summer just continues to cry and Midge holds her close all the while, rubbing her back and whispering soothing words. She wishes she'd known her friend was still holding onto this regret. She would've reassured her a lot sooner. 

Finally, after what feels like forever, Summer’s sobs die down. A few more minutes pass and Midge thinks she’s fallen asleep when suddenly the girl breaks away from her. Midge flinches in shock. Summer’s body heaves and Midge quickly realizes what’s happening. She dashes across the room, grabs the trash can, and hands it to Summer just in time. Midge winces at the retching noises. Still, no matter how disgusting vomit is, her friend needs her. Midge sits beside her and pulls her hair back. With her other hand, she gently rubs her back. 

“It’s okay,” she murmurs as Summer groans. “Just get it all out.”

When Summer’s vomiting finally slows a minute later, the girl sets the trash can down. Midge gently runs her hand through her hair. 

“Are you okay?” she murmurs. 

Summer slowly nods. 

“I’ll clean the trash can,” she croaks. “Just give me a minute.” 

Midge shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it. Just breathe, okay? Here, I’ll get you more water.” 

Midge grabs the glass before exiting the room. After refilling it, she comes back. Summer is staring vacantly into the distance. Her face is flushed and her eyes are swollen. Midge frowns sympathetically. After sitting back down beside her, she hands her the glass. Summer takes it with a trembling hand. 

“Thanks,” she murmurs. 

Midge nods. After taking a few shaky sips, Summer sets it on the nightstand. She yawns widely. Midge smiles softly. 

“You ready to go to bed?” she asks, her voice soft. 

Summer slowly nods. 

“Alright,” Midge murmurs. “Just lie down.”

After Summer lies down, Midge covers her with the blanket. 

“Sleep on your side,” she says gently. 

Summer groans before rolling over. 

“Good night,” Midge whispers. 

“Good night,” Summer whispers back.

After Midge cleans the trash can out, she sets it back by the bed. She figures she’ll go sleep on the couch. She doesn’t want to leave Summer when she’s like this. She’s tiptoeing out of the room when the girl speaks. 

“Stay with me,” she murmurs. 

Midge’s eyes widen. She thought Summer was asleep.

“What do you mean?” she asks softly. 

“Just don’t leave me,” Summer whispers. Her voice breaks. 

“Of course I won’t leave you,” Midge coos. 

The desperation in Summer’s voice makes her chest ache. She rushes over to the bed and sits down beside her friend. As she begins threading her fingers through her hair, the girl lets out a contented sigh. A moment later, she speaks again. 

“I’m sorry I’m such a bitch,” she mumbles. 

Midge scoffs lightly. “You are not. Now go to sleep.”

“Okay,” Summer whispers. “Good night, Midge.” 

Midge smiles softly. “Good night, Summer.”

Chapter Text

“You’re doing great!” Summer exclaims. “Keep going! You’ve got this!” 

Inspired by Summer’s motivation, the woman she’s training runs even faster. Her name is Heidi and Summer has been training her for six months now. Her improvement has been vast. Over the last two years, Summer has found that being a personal trainer is her calling. Helping people reach their full potential gives her the most amazing feeling.

“Want to turn the speed up a little?” Summer asks. 

“Sure!” Heidi exclaims, before turning the speed up by .5 mph. 

“Way to go!” Summer cheers, as Heidi runs even faster. 

She’s opening her mouth to give more encouragement when suddenly her phone buzzes in her pocket. It’s unprofessional to check your phone during work, but ever since Midge became pregnant, Summer has been even more worried than usual about her wife’s wellbeing. Pregnancy can quickly go south and it’s important to always be on guard. As she pulls her phone out of her pocket and sees that it’s Midge, a wave of concern rushes through her. She knows Summer is working right now. Why would she be calling? Summer gives Heidi an apologetic smile. 

“Sorry, I’ve got to take this,” she says. “It’s Midge.” 

Heidi nods. Summer has already filled her in about Midge and her pregnancy. 

“Hey, baby,” Summer says softly as she answers. “Is everything okay?” 

The second Midge says her name, voice frantic and broken by sobs, Summer’s stomach drops. 

“S-Summer, something’s wrong! I-I’m bleeding a-and my st-stomach is cramping r-real bad! I-I think something is wr-wrong with the b-baby!” 

Summer’s heart immediately begins to pound wildly, her pulse crashing against her eardrums. Panic fills every inch of her body. Even amidst her crippling fear though, she knows she has to stay collected. Her wife needs her. The first step is telling Midge how to handle the situation. Summer is twenty minutes away from the house, and Barbie only lives five minutes away. Barbie is going to need to be the one to take Midge to the hospital. She takes a deep, shaky breath. 

“Sweetie, listen to me,” she says, her voice trembling slightly. “I need you to call Barbie and tell her to take you to the hospital. I’m going to meet you guys there.”

“S-Summer!” Midge sobs. “I-I’m so sc-scared!” 

Tears fill Summer’s eyes as her chest aches with an intensity she’s never felt. This is by far the most hysterical she’s ever heard Midge.

“Take a deep breath, honey,” she murmurs. “It’s going to be okay. You’re not alone. Deep breaths, okay? Deep breaths. In through your nose, out through your mouth.” 

Midge takes a few deep, ragged breaths.

“Good job, baby,” Summer coos. “Now call Barbie, okay? I’m leaving work right now and I’ll see you super soon, okay?” 

“O-Okay,” Midge whimpers. 

“I love you,” Summer murmurs. 

Midge hiccups. “I-I love you t-too.” 

A second later, Midge hangs up. Summer quickly turns to Heidi, who has stopped the treadmill and is looking at her with wide eyes. 

“There’s a family emergency,” Summer manages to choke out. “I-I need to go.” 

“Okay,” Heidi murmurs. “I hope everything works out.” 

Summer is too panicked to even thank her. She turns on her heel and dashes out of the gym. She nearly crashes into several people, but she doesn't apologize or slow down. She needs to get to her wife’s side. Nobody else matters right now. She knows what’s happening to Midge and the girl is going to need her support more than ever right now. 

XXX

The whole drive, Summer grips the steering wheel so tightly that her hands turn white. She tries to breathe deeply, but her breaths are short and unarticulated. As she pulls into the hospital parking lot, tears suddenly sting her eyes. She squeezes her eyes shut. 

“Get it together, Summer,” she hisses. 

It takes her several minutes to find a parking spot. She curses under her breath the whole time. Finally, she’s able to find one. She doesn’t care how sloppy of a parking job she does. She needs to get into that emergency room. As soon as she turns off the car, she jumps out and dashes through the parking lot. She doesn’t even bother to lock the car. 

When she enters the emergency room, she pushes through the throngs of people. It takes her a minute to find Midge and Barbie. When she does, she runs even faster until she’s at her wife’s side. Midge’s face is buried in Barbie’s shoulder and Barbie is holding her close. The girl is shaking with sobs. Summer quickly drops down into the chair beside Midge. As soon as Barbie spots her, she slowly lets go of her friend and Summer reaches out, quickly enveloping the girl in her arms and tucking her head under her chin. 

“I-I think i-it’s a m-miscarriage, S-Summer,” Midge sobs, barely able to get the words out. 

Summer’s eyes burn with tears. Her heart pounds even faster, reverberating through her skull. She’s never felt this deep of a sadness in her life. 

“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart,” she murmurs, managing to keep the agony she’s feeling out of her voice. “I’m right here.” 

She presses a gentle kiss to the top of her wife’s head. Barbie reaches over and places her hand on Summer’s shoulder. Summer turns to the girl. Tears are sparkling in her bright blue eyes. She’s clearly fighting to hold them back. Summer knows she’ll stay strong for them though and she appreciates that more than words could ever express. 

Summer doesn’t know how long she sits there and holds Midge close, stroking her hair and whispering comforting words that she quickly loses track of. Barbie’s hand gently rubbing her shoulder helps to ground her. Finally, a doctor arrives.

“I’m going to bring Midge back now,” the woman says, her voice soothing. “One other person can come.” 

Midge quickly lets go of Summer. Her eyes are swollen and her face is streaked with tears. She’s still trembling with sobs. Summer stands before reaching out a hand for the girl to take.

“Come on, sweetie,” Summer murmurs. “I’m right here with you.” 

Midge takes her hand and Summer pulls her up. 

“I love you guys,” Barbie murmurs. 

Summer swallows. “Love you too.” 

As they follow the doctor to the examination room, Summer wraps her arm around Midge’s shoulders, holding her shaking body steady. 

When they enter the room, Summer helps her onto the examination table. She stands beside her and holds her hand, tightly squeezing. The doctor turns to them, a sympathetic expression on her face that only makes the tears threatening to fill Summer’s eyes burn hotter. 

“So, what’s been happening, Midge?” she asks, her voice gentle. 

Summer squeezes Midge’s hand even tighter as the girl explains her symptoms between heaving sobs. The doctor nods. When Midge finishes her explanation, the doctor speaks. 

“We’re going to do an ultrasound now, sweetie,” she says, her voice soft. 

Summer nods. As Midge lies down and is hooked up to the machine, she cries even louder. Summer rubs her thumb in circles over the back of her hand. 

“It’s going to be okay, sweetie,” she murmurs, unable to keep a slight trembling out of her voice. 

When the ultrasound begins, Summer waits with bated breath. Her stomach churns with nausea and her heart thumps with a higher ferocity than she thought possible. She’s not sure how much time passes before the doctor confirms in a somber voice that Midge has indeed miscarried. Summer’s head spins. Her nausea heightens. She determinedly swallows down the bile rising in her throat though. She can’t pass out. She can’t vomit. She can’t cry. All she’s allowed to do right now is be there for her wife. Midge is crying harder than she’s ever heard her, guttural sobs that make Summer even dizzier. 

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” the doctor murmurs, before beginning to unhook Midge from the ultrasound machine. 

Those words make what’s happened all the more real to Summer. Vomit creeps up her throat again. Her head spins faster. Somehow she manages to pull it together. She swallows the bile down. Her dizziness fades slightly as she takes a few deep, shaky breaths. As soon as Midge is fully unhooked from the machine, Summer quickly hops onto the examination table, sitting next to her wife. Gently, she pulls the girl towards her, shifting her so that her head is resting in her lap. She leans down, pressing her lips to the top of her head. She gently runs her trembling fingers through her hair. She feels like she should say something, but she couldn't even talk right now if she tried. 

“M-My b-baby’s g-gone,” Midge sobs. 

Summer has never heard the sheer level of devastation that is in the girl’s voice. Tears are spilling down her cheeks now, but she determinedly refuses to let the sobs building in her throat out. She didn’t know it was possible to feel like this. No matter how much agony she’s in though, Midge comes first right now. 

XXX

Barbie drives them home. Summer is far too shaken up to drive. She sits in the back seat with Midge, holding the girl close as she sobs loudly against her shoulder. Summer rests her cheek against her wife’s head, pressing gentle kisses to her scalp. When Barbie pulls up to their driveway, she turns around. 

“Do you need some privacy or do you want me to come in?” she murmurs. 

“Come in,” Summer says immediately, her voice tight. “Please.” 

Barbie nods, a determined expression on her face. 

“Of course I will,” she murmurs. 

XXX

When they get inside, Barbie sits down on the couch. 

“I’ll let you girls do what you need to do,” she murmurs. “I’m right out here if you need me.” 

Summer nods before guiding a still sobbing Midge into their bedroom. She helps her into her pajamas before helping her into bed. She picks up last night’s glass of water from the nightstand. 

“Drink, baby,” she murmurs, bringing the glass to the girl’s lips. “Just a few sips.” 

Midge takes a few shaky sips before lying down. Summer quickly lies down beside her, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips before gathering her in her arms. Midge buries her face in her chest, her entire body convulsing with sobs. 

“I love you,” Summer whispers, her voice hoarse. “I love you so much, sweetheart. Everything is going to be okay.” 

Midge cries until she can cry no more and eventually, exhausted from the events of the day and her hours of sobbing, she falls asleep. Summer lies there, staring at the ceiling. Her eyes are blurred with tears. She’s never felt more pain than she does right now. It’s a sharp jabbing in her chest that leaves her breathless and dizzy. She wishes she could stay with her wife all night, but the sobs rising in her throat can’t be contained much longer. Carefully, she shifts Midge off of her. The girl stirs slightly but fortunately doesn’t wake up. Summer slowly gets out of bed and tiptoes out of the room. She gently shuts the door behind her. 

The second she walks into the living room and sees Barbie sitting on the couch, she chokes out a sob, unable to hold back her overwhelming emotions any longer. Barbie quickly turns to her. Her eyes are wide and glistening with tears. 

“Come here,” she murmurs, holding her arms out. 

Summer rushes to the couch and collapses next to her friend. Barbie pulls her into her arms and holds her close. Summer buries her face in the girl’s shoulder and cries harder than she ever has. Barbie smooths a hand over her back and threads her fingers through her hair. Nothing can soothe this pain that pierces her heart like a knife, but no matter how much it hurts, she’s going to be there for Midge through it all.

Chapter Text

Midge has never felt so empty. It’s not just an emotional emptiness, but a physical emptiness, like the absence of her baby has left a gaping hole where they once were. She was only three months along. She didn’t even know the sex of the baby yet. But those three months were the most joyful she’s ever experienced as she marveled at the life growing inside of her, as she was filled with a love more intense than any she’s ever felt, even for Summer. The love she feels for her baby is still as overwhelming as ever, but they’re gone, never to return, and she doesn’t know how to even begin to reconcile this fact. She hasn’t even fully comprehended it yet. 

She’s sitting on the couch, staring into the distance, like she’s done so often during the past week. She’s still in her pajamas, despite it being one in the afternoon. If it were up to her, she would still be wearing the same pair of pajamas she wore the day the miscarriage happened, but Summer has been forcing her to change and take baths. She sits beside the tub as Midge bathes and speaks to her softly, words that Midge doesn’t even register. She washes her hair, fingers lightly kneading her scalp. She scrubs her with the loofah, making sure every inch of her body is perfectly clean. But Midge is too busy thinking to feel gratitude for all that her wife is doing for her. Thinking about the blood that’s still coming out of her, the hollowness in her gut that never fades, the possibility that she’ll never feel okay again. 

She sighs deeply as her phone, which is set on the coffee table, buzzes. It’s probably another text from one of her friends. The outpouring of support from their friends has been momentous. Everyday they’ve been bringing meals, doing chores around the house, and spending hours upon hours with them, offering any kind of support that’s needed at the time. Midge spent the first three days crying near constantly. Now she simply can’t cry, even when she wants to. The pain she feels is like a knife piercing her chest, but no tears will come. Summer hasn’t cried in front of her once. Her eyes have been red and swollen on several occasions, but she won’t shed a tear in front of Midge. Usually Midge would be incredibly concerned for her wife's wellbeing, but she feels completely apathetic right now. She can only focus on her own misery. She dimly registers how awful that is of her, but she can’t help it.

As she gazes at the wall, she gets the sudden urge to brush her teeth. She’s only been brushing them when Summer forces her to. The taste in her mouth is horrible right now though. With a heavy sigh, she gets up and walks sluggishly towards the bathroom. She’s always exhausted, but she can rarely sleep. Summer is showering right now, but she won’t mind Midge coming into the bathroom. She never does. At the sight of the closed bathroom door, her eyes narrow. Summer never closes the door during showers when it’s just them at home. That’s weird. She knocks softly on the door.  

“Can I come in?” she calls. “I need to brush my teeth.” 

There’s no answer. Summer must’ve not heard her. She knocks louder. 

“Summer?” she calls, projecting her voice. “May I come in?” 

Again, there’s no answer. A wave of panic rushes through her. Did something happen to her?! Did she slip and hit her head?! 

“Baby, I’m coming in!” she exclaims. 

She quickly opens the door and rushes in. She races towards the shower. 

“Baby!” she exclaims. “Are you okay?!” 

She’s about to pull open the shower curtain when she suddenly registers the sound of sobbing. Her heart drops. In a matter of seconds, her apathy disappears and she’s flooded with guilt. Summer is in pain too and she’s done absolutely nothing to support her. Her wife has been bending over backwards to help her, and Midge has been nothing but selfish. 

“Baby, can I…” 

Her words catch in her throat. Keep it together, her mind hisses. It’s your turn to be there for her now. She swallows the lump in her throat. 

“Baby, can I come in?” she murmurs. 

Summer just continues to cry. It’s clear that she’s trying to stifle her sobs, as she so often does, but her attempt isn’t very successful. Midge takes a deep, shaky breath. She needs to be there for her wife, whether she’s invited or not. 

“Sweetie, I’m coming in,” she murmurs. 

As she draws the shower curtain aside and her eyes land on Summer, the pain she constantly feels in her chest grows even sharper. The girl is sitting in the corner, knees drawn to her chest. Her head is lowered and as Midge turns off the shower and climbs into the tub, Summer buries her face completely against her knees. Midge sits down in front of her. She doesn’t even register the feeling of her pajamas getting wet. 

“Oh, baby,” she whispers, brushing her hand through the girl’s damp hair.

“I-I’m fine,” Summer whimpers. “J-Just leave p-please.” 

“You’re not fine,” says Midge, voice soft but determined. “And I’m not leaving you. You haven’t left me when I break down and I’m going to do the same for you.” 

As Summer begins to cry harder, Midge pulls her into her arms. 

“Come here, baby,” she murmurs. “Just let it out.” 

Every muscle in Summer’s body is stiff, but as Midge rubs her back, they gradually loosen. 

“I’ve got you, love,” Midge whispers. “I’ve got you.” 

She presses her lips to the top of her head. As the girl finally lifts her head from her knees and buries her face in her shoulder, Midge breathes out a soft sigh, relieved that her wife is going to accept her comfort. She needs it now more than ever.  

“I-I’m just s-so sad, M-Midge,” Summer sobs, clinging to her tightly. 

Tears sting Midge’s eyes. For the first time in days, the urge to cry takes hold of her. She can’t right now though. Her wife needs her. 

“I know, baby,” she murmurs, her voice trembling. “I am too. But we’re going to get through this together.” 

Summer grips her even harder and Midge holds her just as tightly. 

“I love you,” Midge whispers, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. 

“I-I love you t-too,” Summer whimpers. 

Midge isn’t sure how long it takes Summer to calm, but even after her sobs fade and only hiccups and sniffles remain, she continues to hold the girl close. 

When Summer finally pulls away, Midge wipes the girl's tears before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. She’s finally able to savor the feeling of Summer’s soft, warm lips against hers for the first time since the miscarriage. 

“I’m so sorry, baby,” she whispers, as she pulls back a moment later. 

“W-Why are you s-sorry?” Summer croaks, brow furrowing. 

She struggles to get the words out between hiccups and small gasps. Midge gently presses their foreheads together. 

“I’m sorry because I haven’t been considerate of your feelings,” she murmurs. “I’ve only focused on my own pain. I haven’t taken into account that you’re hurting too.” 

Summer quickly shakes her head. 

“N-No, baby,” she protests. “Y-You’re the one it h-happened to. I…” 

Midge quickly cuts her off. 

“No,” she says, her voice determined. “It happened to you too. That was your baby too.” 

Her voice cracks and her eyes sting, but with a clenching of her jaw she manages to hold her tears in. She cups Summer’s cheeks as the girl’s eyes fill with tears again. After taking a deep, shaky breath, she softly says the words that the girl has reassured her with so many times over the last week. 

“Everything is going to be okay.” 

Summer nods as more tears spill down her face. 

“Oh, baby,” Midge whispers, before drawing the girl into her arms again. 

They stay wrapped in each other’s arms for the next few minutes as Summer gradually collects herself. Midge threads her fingers through her hair and whispers comforting words into her ear. 

When Summer pulls back, Midge gently wipes her tears again. This time when she kisses her lips, Summer eagerly kisses back. For the first time in a week, Midge feels a slight wave of happiness course through her. She’s a long way from being okay again, but with time she knows she’ll get through it. It helps having an amazing wife like Summer by her side.

Chapter Text

Age 22: they meet 

Age 24: they start dating 

Age 25: they move in together 

Age 26: they get engaged and marry 

Age 28: they try for a baby and Midge miscarries

Age 30: their first baby is born 

Age 34: their second baby is born 

Chapter Text

“I’m so excited!” Midge exclaims as she and Summer walk towards the bowling lane. “I love bowling! I’m no good at it.” She snorts. “But it’s so fun!” 

Summer grins. “Agreed. It’s a seriously fun game.” 

They head over to the rack to pick out their balls. Summer is surprised they were able to get in so quickly. The alley is packed with people. Her mouth waters at the scent of fried food. They’ll have to get some mozzarella sticks when they’re done with their first round. 

“So what size ball do you usually use?” Summer asks her girlfriend. 

Midge frowns in thought. “I forgot. It’s been a few years since I bowled.” 

Summer nods. “That’s alright. We’ll try a few out. Maybe start with an 8?” 

The amount of balls is limited, but Midge is able to find a size 8 ball before too long. Summer picks out a size 11 ball for herself. 

Summer motions to the court. “Ladies first.”

Midge giggles. She gives Summer’s lips a soft peck before going forward to take her first shot. Her form is questionable to say the least and she rolls a gutter ball, but Midge’s spirits aren’t dampened. She’s always just in it for the fun when she plays games. She doesn’t have a competitive bone in her body. It goes without saying that Summer is the opposite. Still, now that she and Midge are together, she always tones down her intensity for her. After rolling again and getting another gutter ball, it’s Summer’s turn. 

“How does the weight of the ball feel?” she asks Midge. 

“I might go a little heavier,” Midge replies. 

“Okay,” says Summer, trying not to sound surprised. 

Midge is rather petite and her hands are dainty, so she’s shocked that the girl wants a heavier ball. Midge claps and cheers as Summer rolls a spare. 

“Whoo! Great job, baby!” she exclaims. 

Summer grins. “Thanks!” 

She rolls a strike then and Midge cheers even louder. Summer smiles brighter. Midge’s praise always warms her chest and inflates her ego to dangerous levels. 

Now it’s Midge’s turn. She’s grabbed a size 10 ball. Summer raises an eyebrow. That’s an awfully heavy weight for somebody as small as her. She’s not going to say anything though. That would be patronizing and Midge is an adult who can make her own decisions. 

Midge is stepping forward to take her shot when suddenly she drops the ball on her foot. 

“Ow!” she shrieks. 

She immediately drops to her knees. Summer gasps as a wave of concern bursts through her. She immediately runs over and crouches down beside Midge, placing her hand on her back. 

“Are you alright?!” she exclaims. 

Midge’s eyes are squeezed shut. She lets out a whimper. 

“N-No,” she says. “My foot really hurts.” 

Summer can tell how much pain she’s in by the tightness of her voice and how heavily she’s breathing. 

“Here,” Summer murmurs. “See if you can move your foot.” 

She helps Midge shift into a sitting position. Midge whimpers louder. She opens her eyes. Summer gasps when she sees that they’re filled with tears. 

“It’s okay, baby,” she murmurs. “You’ll be alright. Can you move it?” 

Midge hisses with pain as she tries. 

“No!” she exclaims, her voice cracking. “Summer, it hurts!” 

Summer winces. The girl’s foot must be broken. 

“Okay, baby. It’s okay,” she soothes. “I’ll carry you out and we’ll go to the hospital, okay?” 

Midge shakes her head frantically. 

“I’ve never been to the hospital!” she exclaims, her voice hysterical. “I don’t want to go, Summer!” 

Summer catches the girl’s tears as they slip from her eyes. She presses a soft kiss to her forehead. 

“You’ll be just fine, baby,” she murmurs. “I’ll be right there with you the whole time. Take deep breaths, okay? In through your nose, out through your mouth.” 

She demonstrates. Though Midge’s breaths are shaky and unarticulated, the girl is able to follow along relatively well. 

“Is she okay?” a man asks, walking over to them. 

Summer nods. “She’ll be fine.” 

“Need any help getting her out?” he asks. 

She shakes her head. “I can handle it. Thanks though.” 

“No problem,” he says, before walking back over to his lane. 

“Listen, baby,” Summer murmurs. “I’m going to get my normal shoes back on, grab our stuff, and then I’m going to carry you out of here. We can return your shoes some other time.” 

Midge shakes her head. “I-I can walk, Summer. I…”

Summer cuts her off. “If you can’t move your foot, there’s no way you can put weight on it. Just let me help you, baby. Okay?” 

Midge slowly nods. 

“Okay,” she whispers. 

Summer softly kisses her lips before standing up. After putting her normal shoes back on and slinging her and Midge’s purses over her shoulder, she walks back over to her girlfriend. 

“I’m going to pick you up now, baby,” she murmurs. “I’ll be careful.” 

Midge nods. Summer carefully scoops her into her arms. 

“Is that okay, love?” she whispers. 

Midge nods again. It’s clear by her clenched jaw and even paler than usual face that she’s in a momentous amount of pain. Summer frowns sympathetically. She’s had plenty of broken bones herself and she knows how painful it is. 

“Let’s go, baby,” she murmurs, before walking towards the exit. 

Once they get to her car, she carefully places Midge in the passenger seat and buckles her in. After getting in the driver’s seat, Summer grabs a bottle of Advil and a bottle of water out of her purse. 

“I come prepared,” she says. “Here, take these.” 

She uncaps the water and takes three pills out of the bottle before handing them to the girl. 

“Thanks,” Midge says quietly. 

Her hands shake as she takes the pills. 

“Good girl,” Summer murmurs, before taking the water back. 

She sets them back in her purse before starting the car and driving off towards the hospital. 

XXX

After X-rays confirm that Midge’s foot is indeed broken, the doctor puts a cast on her and sends them home with plenty of Tylenol and Advil, as well as a pair of crutches. 

When they arrive at Midge’s house, Summer helps Midge get situated with her crutches. As Midge hops along the pathway to the house, the girl giggles. 

“I’ve never had crutches before,” she says with a snort. “It’s kind of fun.” 

Summer chuckles. She has a feeling Midge will be getting tired of them soon, but she’s glad the girl is having some fun now at least. 

After entering Midge’s house, they go to the bedroom. Summer helps her into her pajamas and then helps her into bed. She stacks a few pillows behind her so that the girl can lean back comfortably. She also places a pillow in front of her. 

“Keep your foot elevated, baby,” she says softly. 

She helps Midge prop her foot on the pillow.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” Midge murmurs. “You’re the best girlfriend ever.” 

Summer chuckles. “Of course, baby. But no, you’re the best girlfriend ever.” 

Midge pouts. “No you are!”

Summer giggles. “How about we both are?” 

Midge grins. “Deal.” 

Summer laughs softly before drawing the girl forward into a kiss. Midge eagerly kisses back. Summer savors the warmth and softness of her girlfriend’s lips for a few blissful moments before reluctantly pulling back. 

“You need ice, baby,” she murmurs. “I’ll be right back.” 

“Okay,” says Midge. 

After returning with an ice pack and a glass of water, Summer places the ice over the cast. 

“Does that feel okay, baby?” she asks. 

Midge nods. “Yeah.” 

“Good.” 

Midge takes a few sips of water before placing the glass back on the nightstand. Summer sits down beside her and wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Midge sighs contentedly, resting her head on her shoulder. 

“I’m sorry this happened, baby,” Summer murmurs. 

Midge chuckles. “It’s fine. It was stupid of me to use such a heavy ball.” 

Summer shakes her head. “Don’t say that. It wasn’t stupid.” 

Midge giggles. “You're too sweet to me.” 

She tilts her head, pressing a gentle kiss to Summer's lips. Summer kisses her back, a wide smile on her face.

“That’s impossible,” Summer whispers, as they pull back a moment later. 

Midge giggles. 

“What do you want to do now, baby?” Summer asks. 

“Maybe a movie?” Midge suggests. 

Summer grins. “Sounds good. Good thing you have a TV right here in your room.” 

Midge giggles. “Barbie had it installed. I didn't think it was necessary, but now I'm glad for it.” 

Summer chuckles before grabbing the remote from the nightstand and turning the TV on. 

“What do you want to watch, baby?” she asks. “You’re choosing tonight.” 

“Maybe something Disney?” Midge says a moment later. 

Summer grins. “I'm all for that.”

Midge decides on Lady and the Tramp, one of her biggest comfort movies. After loading Disney+, Summer starts the movie. They lean back against the pillows, Midge wrapped in her arms. 

About halfway through the movie, Summer decides it’s time to replace Midge’s ice pack. When she returns from the kitchen with a fresh ice pack and places it over the cast, she notices Midge wincing. She frowns sympathetically. 

“It's hurting bad again, baby?” she murmurs. “It's been long enough that you can take more painkillers now.” 

Midge nods. Summer presses a soft kiss to her cheek before grabbing the glass of water and three tablets from the Advil bottle. She hands both to Midge. 

“Thank you,” Midge says softly. 

“Of course, baby,” Summer murmurs. “I'm so sorry you're hurting.” 

“It's okay,” Midge whispers. 

After taking the pills, Midge hands the glass of water back to her and Summer places it on the nightstand. 

“Do you need anything to eat, baby?” Summer asks. 

Midge shakes her head. 

“No. All I need is you.” 

Summer smiles softly before gathering the girl in her arms again. She gently kisses her lips. 

“You”ll always have me,” she whispers as she pulls back. 

Midge beams. Summer resumes the movie and they go back to watching it. As the end credits roll, Summer tilts her head to look at Midge. The girl has fallen asleep. She smiles softly. 

“Good night, my love,” she whispers. 

She presses a gentle kiss to the girl's temple before carefully shifting them into a lying position. She closes her eyes. It's only a few minutes before she drifts off into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

As Summer’s eyes slowly open, the first thing she registers is how awful she feels. Her throat is scratchy, her nose is so stuffed up she can barely breathe through it, her head is pounding, her body is aching, and her sinuses feel like they’re on fire. As her vision focuses, Midge comes into view. The girl is lying next to her, a lazy smile on her face. 

“Merry Christmas, baby,” Midge murmurs. She giggles. “You look so sleepy.” 

What Summer wants to say is “I just woke up, silly,” but the urge to sneeze suddenly takes hold of her. Unable to lift her arm to cover her mouth in time, she buries her face in her pillow. She sneezes three times. The sneezes are harsh and increase the pain in her throat and muscles tenfold. She’s taken aback. Usually she only sneezes once. She only sneezes multiple times when she’s sick and she can’t be sick. Today is Christmas. There’s a Christmas party at the Dreamhouse tonight. It’s surely just allergies. It’s probably that damn Christmas tree of theirs making her so sneezy. She lifts her head a few seconds later and looks at Midge. A concerned frown is on the girl’s face.

“Bless you,” Midge murmurs. “Feeling alright, baby? Sneezing isn’t usually the first thing you do when you wake up. Plus, your sneezes aren’t usually so…violent.” 

Summer’s face flushes with embarrassment. She clears her throat. 

“Thank you,” she says. 

She winces at how hoarse her voice is and how congested she sounds. She clears her throat again. 

“Sorry about that,” she continues, her voice still just as croaky. “I’m totally fine. It’s just allergies.” 

“Are you sure?” Midge asks softly, forehead creased with concern. “You look kind of pale too.”

She reaches out, placing her hand on Summer’s forehead. 

Summer scoffs softly. “I don’t have a fever, Midge, because I’m not sick. I’ll just take an allergy pill and I should start feeling better.” 

Midge doesn’t look convinced, but she nods. “Alright, baby.” 

She leans forward to kiss Summer’s lips, but Summer quickly sits up. 

“Gotta take a shower,” she croaks. 

She’s not sick. Definitely not. Still, she shouldn’t kiss Midge. It’s just not a good idea to right now. There’s no reason behind it. Midge’s brow is knit with confusion. Clearly she’s taken aback by Summer’s refusal to kiss her. Guilt pools in Summer’s stomach. 

“Okay,” Midge says, sounding uncertain. “I’ll make breakfast.” 

“Thanks,” Summer murmurs. 

“Of course.” 

It takes her a few seconds longer than usual to get out of bed as her muscles ache in protest. As she stands, a wave of dizziness blurs her vision. She stands still for a moment.

“Are you alright?” Midge murmurs. 

Summer nods. “Of course. I just stood up too fast.” 

That’s clearly a lie, considering how long it took her to get up, but Midge doesn’t comment. Summer walks over to the dresser. 

Midge giggles. “Remember to choose a festive outfit.”

Summer shoots her a deadpan look. “I am not wearing that ugly Christmas sweater you got me.” 

Midge pouts. “But I’ll be wearing mine! I want us to match!” 

Summer sighs. “Fineee. You know I can’t say no when you look at me like that.” 

Midge giggles. “Of course you can’t. I’m totally irresistible.” 

Summer winks. “That you are, baby.” 

As she brings the red and green reindeer patterned sweater out of the dresser, her throat starts to tickle. She takes a deep breath, trying to ward off the itching, but it only increases. Finally, she can’t hold it back anymore. She quickly covers her mouth with her arm as she bursts into a coughing fit. The coughs are so harsh that they cause her to bend over. Of course they have to sound absolutely disgusting. When the fit finally ends about ten seconds later, her eyes are watering and the stabbing pain in her throat has increased even further. Midge’s eyes are wide with concern. 

“Are you sure you’re not sick, baby?” she murmurs. “Those coughs don’t sound good.” 

“I’m totally fine, babe,” Summer croaks.

She tries not to wince. Talking makes her throat hurt even worse. Once again Midge doesn’t look convinced, but like before she doesn’t protest Summer’s claims. Summer is grateful for that. 

“I’m going to shower now,” she manages to croak out. “See you soon.” 

“See you soon, baby,” Midge murmurs. 

When Summer enters the bathroom that’s attached to their bedroom, she waits until she’s sure Midge has left the room to blow her nose. She goes through about ten tissues. Afterwards, she looks in the mirror. Midge is right. She is pale. There are also dark bags under her eyes, which is strange considering she slept perfectly fine.

“I can’t be sick,” she mutters. “Not today. I’m totally not sick. It’s totally just allergies. Totally.” 

XXX

The steam from the shower helps clear her sinuses, but as soon as she’s done getting dressed and brushing her teeth, the congestion returns. She groans. 

When she enters the kitchen a few minutes later, Midge has just finished cooking. There are two plates of fried eggs, bacon, and buttered toast. 

“Hey, baby,” Summer says, her voice just as hoarse as before. 

Midge turns to her, a bright smile on her face. “Hey, love. You ready to eat? I made your favorite breakfast. I also made you some tea.” 

Summer raises an eyebrow. “Why did you make me tea? I never drink tea.” 

Midge frowns softly. “For that poor throat of yours. It sounds so sore.” 

Summer clears her throat, but it does nothing to make her voice less hoarse when she speaks again. 

“Thank you, baby. I appreciate it.” 

She’s suddenly consumed by the urge to kiss her wife’s soft, warm lips. She can’t though. This definitely isn’t a cold, but still she shouldn’t. 

“Of course, sweetheart,” Midge murmurs. “I got the Claritin out too. Here you go.” 

She passes Summer the bottle. 

“Thanks, babe,” says Summer. 

No matter how lowly she speaks, her throat still erupts with pain with every word. After filling a glass with water, she takes a Claritin pill. 

When she and Midge sit down at the table to eat, Summer is shocked to suddenly realize that she doesn't have an appetite. That’s strange. She’s always ravenous in the morning. Quite frankly, she’s ravenous at every meal. Still, despite not being hungry, Midge made this delicious breakfast for her. The least she can do is show her appreciation by eating the whole thing. 

“Are you going for a run this morning?” Midge asks. 

Summer always goes for runs in the morning, but the aching of her muscles sharpen at just the thought of running right now. She quickly thinks up an excuse. 

“It’s Christmas, baby,” she murmurs, unable to speak any louder. “I’m not leaving your side.”

Luckily, Midge buys it. A goofy grin forms on her face. 

“Aww, baby,” she coos. “I love you.” 

Summer’s chest warms, the love she feels for her wife pushing any thoughts of her discomfort to the back of her mind. 

“I love you too,” she murmurs. “So much.” 

Midge reaches across the table to take her hand. Summer is about to reach over when a tickle enters her nose again. She quickly turns to the side and sneezes three times against her elbow. She tries to stifle them, but it’s difficult with how harsh they are. Her throat feels like it’s being torn to shreds. 

“Sorry,” she croaks as she lowers her arm. 

Midge looks even more concerned than she did earlier. 

“Bless you, baby,” she murmurs. “Are you okay? That sounds like it hurt. You should let them out.” 

Summer nods. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment again. 

“Thank you," she croaks. "I'm totally fine, babe. I think the Christmas tree is just really making my allergies act up.” 

Midge frowns doubtfully. “It’s been up for a month and it’s never made you sneeze.”

Summer shrugs. “Well, allergies can develop suddenly.” 

That’s totally true. Her brother, Blaine, was never allergic to cats as a kid, but they make him sneeze like crazy now. 

Midge sighs softly. “Well, in any case, drink your tea. I put extra honey in. It should help soothe your throat.” 

Summer doesn’t like tea, but she obeys, taking a few sips. 

“Thank you for the tea,” she croaks. 

Midge smiles gently. “Of course, baby. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you feel better.” 

Summer can’t stop the bright grin that forms on her face. She’d never admit it aloud, but she loves when Midge takes care of her. Of course she doesn’t need to be taken care of though because she’s not sick. 

“Thanks,” she murmurs before taking another sip of tea. 

The warm liquid soothes her throat slightly, but the pain is still piercing. 

“So I was thinking that we could cuddle up on the couch and watch some Christmas movies,” Midge says softly.

That sounds absolutely amazing. Summer is so exhausted that she wants nothing more than to lie down and relax. She can’t give in to her fatigue though. She still has some Christmas presents to wrap. She’s infamous for leaving things to the last minute and Christmas preparations are no exception. 

“That sounds lovely, baby,” she murmurs, “but I still have gifts to wrap.” 

Midge frowns. “Are you sure you’re up for it, baby? I can wrap them for you.” 

Summer’s chest warms. She really lucked out finding a girl this kind and caring to spend the rest of her life with. 

“I appreciate it, love, but I’m fine,” she murmurs. “I feel okay.” 

“Are you sure?” Midge asks, her voice soft. “It’s okay if you’re not feeling good.” 

“I am though. I feel totally fine.” 

Unfortunately, her body chooses that moment to sneeze again. At least she only sneezes once this time and she’s able to muffle it against her sleeve better. 

“Bless you,” Midge murmurs, her frown returning. “You know, that doesn’t entirely convince me that you’re okay. You only sneeze this much when you’re sick.” 

“Baby, I’m fine,” Summer insists. “Really.” 

She tries not to let the sudden burst of frustration burning in her chest consume her. Midge is just trying to help. There’s only a few bites of food left, so she quickly finishes her meal. 

“Thanks again for breakfast, baby,” she murmurs. “I’m going to wrap presents now.” 

“Okay, baby,” Midge says gently, her frown not fading. “Let me know if you need help.” 

Summer gives her a small smile, hoping it conveys her gratitude. “Will do.” 

XXX

She wraps her presents on the kitchen table. She’s only a few minutes into the process when all of a sudden the stinging in her sinuses increases. She’s barely able to cover her mouth before a string of uncontrollable sneezes burst out. She loses count of how many times she sneezes, but it must be at least five. The sneezing fit is immediately followed by a bout of coughing that seems to go on forever. When they finally come to a stop, her eyes are streaming and her chest hurts. 

“Shit,” she hisses. 

She prays that Midge didn’t hear that. A couple moments pass and she thinks her prayers have been answered when suddenly Midge enters the dining room. Summer reluctantly turns around to face her. The girl is holding a box of tissues. 

“Bless you, love,” she murmurs. 

She walks over to Summer and sets the box on the table beside her. 

“Thanks,” Summer croaks. 

Her cheeks are blazing with heat. She can feel her nose about to drip, so she has no choice but to blow it. Reluctantly, she takes out a tissue and blows her nose as quietly as possible. She’s about to walk to the kitchen to throw it away when Midge comes up beside her and reaches out, placing her hand on her forehead. Summer rolls her eyes and groans. 

“I don’t have a fever, Midge,” she mumbles. “I’m not sick.” 

Midge frowns as she pulls her hand back. “Well, you’re not warm, but you really mean to tell me that you don’t have a cold after all this sneezing and coughing and sniffling? You don’t even get allergies in the winter.” 

Summer rolls her eyes, unable to hold her annoyance back anymore. She feels dreadful in the first place and Midge, though she’s just trying to help, is really starting to push her buttons. 

“I’m fine, okay?!” she snaps. “If I say I’m not sick, I’m not sick!” 

Midge scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Fine then. Just go on like this. Run yourself ragged and get everybody at the party sick tonight. See if I care.” 

She walks quickly out of the room, mumbling under her breath. Summer can’t make all the words out, but she thinks she hears, “Why does she have to be so stubborn?” 

Summer huffs before going to the kitchen to throw the tissue away. She tries to ignore the shame flooding her chest. There’s no reason to be guilty. Midge was being pushy. The more she tries to suppress her shame though, the more it increases.

She wraps another present. She’s about to wrap the next one when another coughing fit racks her frame. She squeezes her eyes shut as a wave of dizziness washes over her. Her head pounds even harder than before. She grips the edge of the table. After the lightheadedness fades, she wraps another present, trying to ignore the pain permeating every one of her muscles. She’s about to wrap a third present when she finally can’t stand the guilt anymore. She needs to apologize to Midge. 

As soon as she enters the living room and sees her wife sitting on the couch, her shame increases even further. It’s even more consuming than the physical discomfort she’s feeling. 

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” she croaks as she approaches the couch. 

As Summer sits down beside Midge, body stiff and stomach churning with anxiety, the girl smiles softly at her. Before Summer can stop her, she leans over and presses a soft kiss to her cheek. 

“That’s alright, baby,” she murmurs. “I know you’re being stubborn because you don’t want to be sick on Christmas. It’s okay to be sick though. You don’t have to pretend that you’re fine.” 

Summer shakes her head, but she can feel her resolve fading. “Not on Christmas it’s not. I can’t be sick. I just can’t. I can’t ruin Christmas.” 

Midge frowns sympathetically. 

“It’s okay, baby,” she whispers before gently drawing Summer into her arms. 

Summer knows she should pull away, but Midge’s embrace is so warm and comforting. She can’t resist it. She rests her head against the girl’s chest. Her eyes suddenly feel so heavy that she can’t keep them open anymore. Midge softly kisses her temple. 

“You’re not ruining anything,” she murmurs. “I promise. Our friends will understand. We’ll just have a nice cozy Christmas at home together, okay? We can watch movies and cuddle and you can sleep as much as you need to.” 

“I don’t want to get you sick though,” Summer mumbles. 

Midge giggles. “That ship has already sailed, baby.” 

Summer winces as her guilt returns with even more intensity than before.

“I’m so sorry,” she croaks. 

Midge laughs softly before pressing another gentle kiss to her temple. “That’s alright, baby. I want to be there for you. Besides, I know you’ll take just as good care of me as I will of you."

“Of course I will,” Summer murmurs. 

“Now why don’t you get your jammies back on? I’ll get you some Dayquil and more tea and then we can watch a Christmas movie of your choosing. Sound good?” 

Summer smiles softly, her chest warming with the adoration she feels for her wife. 

“Sounds wonderful,” she whispers. 

XXX

They spend the rest of the day snuggled together watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie. The Dayquil helps to soothe Summer’s pain and decrease the amount of coughing and sneezing, but what makes her feel even better is Midge’s arms wrapped securely around her. Being sick on Christmas is no fun, but it’s not the worst thing in the world when she has her wife by her side.

Chapter Text

Midge takes deep breaths, trying to calm down, but the tears won’t stop coming. She doesn’t want Summer to come home to her like this. The girl has already had a long enough day at work. She should be able to relax when she comes home. She shouldn’t have to spend her evening taking care of her. 

As Midge hears the front door open and close though, she still can’t put a stop to the sobs shaking her frame. Still all she can think about is the rejection letter, the email basically calling her novel trash.

“Baby, I’m home!” Summer calls. 

Midge presses her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her sobs. There’s really no point though. When Summer sees that she’s not in the living room, she’ll inevitably check the bedroom. That’s exactly what happens. Summer enters their room about a minute later. 

“Oh there you are!” she exclaims.

As she walks closer to the bed, Midge buries her face in the pillow, muffling her sobs. Summer immediately notices though. She gasps softly. Immediately, she climbs into bed and gently sets her hand on Midge’s back.

“Baby?” she says, her voice soft but tight with concern. “What’s going on?” 

Midge knows she should answer. It’s not fair to keep her wife in the dark. When she raises her head slightly and tries to speak though, all that comes out are sobs and whimpers. 

“Shhh,” Summer soothes. “That’s okay, baby. You can tell me in a bit. Just breathe, okay?”

She doesn’t hesitate to lie down next to her and wrap her in her arms. Midge clings to her tightly and buries her face in her chest. Summer presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. 

“It’s okay, love,” she murmurs. “Whatever’s going on, we’ll work it out. I’m here for you.”

Thoughts of her book’s rejection are momentarily pushed to the back of her mind as she thinks about how lucky she is to have a wife like Summer. She never forces answers out of her when she’s upset. She just holds her close and soothes her until the storm has passed. Midge is extremely grateful for the girl every second of every day, but it’s times like these that make her think about just how blessed she is. 

It takes Midge several minutes to calm. Even after her sobs give way to hiccups and sniffles though, Summer continues to hold her and thread her fingers through her hair. She gently kisses Midge’s temple. 

“Everything is going to be okay,” she murmurs. “I love you.”

Midge’s chest warms. Summer truly is wonderful. 

“I l-love you t-too,” she whispers, struggling to talk between her hiccups and gasps.

She pulls back enough to give Summer’s lips a light peck. Summer smiles softly before gently wiping her tears away. Midge nuzzles her face against the girl’s chest again. It’s high time she tells her what’s wrong. Hopefully she can get through the explanation without becoming a crying mess again. She takes a deep, shaky breath before speaking. 

“M-My book was r-rejected again.” 

Her voice immediately breaks. She knows if she says anything more, she’ll break down again. Summer holds her tighter. 

“I’m so sorry, baby,” she murmurs. “They don’t know what they’re missing out on. Your writing is absolutely amazing. Hell, I love your writing and I don’t even like to read. They don’t deserve you and your talent.”

She presses a soft kiss to the crown of Midge’s head. Tears sting Midge’s eyes again. This time they’re tears of gratitude. 

“Thank y-you, baby,” she murmurs. “I l-love you.”

Summer kisses her head again. 

“Of course, baby,” she whispers. “I love you too. So much.” 

They lie in silence for a few minutes. Summer continues to hold her close and stroke her hair. Midge closes her eyes, savoring the soothing sensation. When Summer speaks, her breath is warm against Midge’s face. 

“Are you hungry, baby? We can order something. Then we can snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie. Does that sound good, love?” 

“Sounds perfect,” Midge murmurs, talking beginning to come easier to her. “Thank you.” 

She pulls her face away from Summer’s chest so she can draw the girl into a kiss. Summer cups her face and kisses her back. The kiss is warm and sweet and fills Midge with a strong sense of reassurance. Summer is right. Everything is going to be okay. 

XXX

After getting their pajamas on, they settle on the couch. Summer wraps an arm around her before bringing her phone out of her pocket. 

“What do you want to order, baby?” she asks, her voice soft. 

Midge thinks for a moment. Suddenly, she gets a craving for tempura.  

“Japanese,” she replies. “Does that sound alright to you?” 

Summer grins. “You know I’ll never say no to some tempura.” 

After ordering tempura and two bowls of ramen, they turn on the movie, which Summer also tells Midge to choose. She goes with Beauty and the Beast. Disney movies always soothe her. Summer keeps her arm wrapped securely around her shoulders as they watch the movie. 

When there’s a ringing of their doorbell, Summer pauses the movie before getting up to take the food from the delivery person. She sets the bag on the coffee table and they quickly take the food out. They set the order of tempura between them. 

“You get all the carrots tonight, baby,” Summer says softly. 

Midge frowns. “You like them too though.” 

“Not as much as you.”

She sighs as Midge continues to frown. “Ugh. Just let me treat you like the princess you are.”

Midge giggles. Her cheeks flood with heat. Summer smirks before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. 

“Mmm,” she says lowly. “Salty.” 

Midge snorts. “You’re so weird.” 

Summer shoves her shoulder playfully. “Heyyy. Be nice.”

Midge laughs and Summer quickly joins in. As their laughter peters out a moment later, Midge once again thinks about how lucky she is to have this amazing woman as her wife. 

“Thank you,” she murmurs. “For everything. I feel a million times better now.” 

Summer beams. “I’m so glad, baby.”

She gives Midge another soft kiss. They go back to watching the movie in comfortable silence. The delicious food serves to make Midge even more content. Belle and the Beast are dancing and Midge is admiring the princess’ beautiful yellow dress when Summer softly speaks. 

“I know you’re going to get published someday. I just know it.”

Midge smiles gently, her chest warm with the adoration and gratitude she has for her wife. 

“I think you’re right,” she murmurs.

Chapter Text

It’s not long into the night when Summer realizes that she better stop drinking. Midge is throwing back drink after drink. One of them needs to have their wits about them. They’re with their friends at Malibu’s hottest nightclub. The only ones who are sober at this point are Summer and Barbie. 

Summer watches with amazement as Midge dances wildly on the dance floor. She’s never seen the girl with her inhibitions completely gone and it’s strange to witness. Come to think of it, she’s never seen Midge drunk before. They’ve only been dating for a few months, but they’ve known each other for over two years and they’ve had many nights out with their friends. She just assumed Midge doesn’t like alcohol. It adds up, considering she literally thinks wheat bread is spicy. Midge has been chugging drink after drink tonight though. Summer’s not sure what’s come over the girl, but she’s going to do everything she can to take care of her. 

Summer grins as Midge stumbles over to her and loops her arms around her neck. Midge rests her head on her chest, leaning heavily against her. No doubt standing isn’t coming easily to her. Summer wraps her arms around her tightly and presses a soft kiss to her temple. 

“You alright, baby?” she murmurs. 

Midge slowly nods. As she looks up and Summer meets her eyes, the rest of the world fades away. She barely registers the crowds of people dancing around them, the pop music blasting from the speakers, Nikki and Teresa making out next to them. 

“I feel funny,” Midge says softly, her words slurred. 

Summer giggles. “Of course you do, baby. You’re totally wasted.” 

Midge narrows her eyes. “Wasted?” 

Remembering then that there’s a lot of slang Midge still doesn't understand, Summer quickly explains. 

“It means you’re really drunk.” 

“Ohhh.” Midge snorts. “I can’t believe I’m drunk. I’ve never been drunk before.” 

“What?!” Summer exclaims, her eyes widening. “You’ve never been drunk before?! How is that even possible?!” 

Midge pouts. “Hey! I can still party even if I don’t get drunk!”

She tries to pull away from Summer, but as she stumbles, she quickly latches onto her again. Summer’s eyes grow wider as panic bursts through her. 

“No, baby!” she exclaims. “That wasn’t an insult! I’m just…surprised is all.”

Man, Midge really is blasted. Her mood is all over the place. 

“Okay,” Midge whispers, burying her face in Summer’s chest. “Sorry.” 

“Don’t be sorry, sweetie,” Summer murmurs. 

As Midge lets out a wide yawn, Summer frowns sympathetically. 

“You tired, baby?” she murmurs. “Do you want to go home?” 

Midge slowly nods. 

“Tired,” she whispers. 

Summer gently kisses the top of her head. “Okay. We’ll go home. I’ll tell Barbie.” 

Wrapping her arm around Midge’s shoulders, she holds her steady as they walk over to Barbie and Raquelle who are dancing a few feet away. As she tells Barbie they’re going to leave, Raquelle continues to dance without a care in the world, ignoring them completely. She’s clearly deep in her cups.

“Do you need any help taking care of her?” Barbie asks, looking slightly concerned as she takes in Midge’s appearance. 

“Thanks, but we’ll be fine,” Summer replies. “I’ll bring her home and put her to bed.”

Barbie smiles softly. “Alright then. Have a good night.” 

Summer grins. “You too.” 

XXX

“Can we listen to music?!” Midge exclaims, suddenly alert again, as Summer helps her into the passenger seat of the car. 

Summer chuckles as she buckles Midge’s seatbelt. “Sure thing.”

After getting into the car, she turns the car on and connects her phone to Bluetooth. 

“What do you want to listen to?” she asks. 

“Something fun!” Midge exclaims. 

Summer laughs. “Okay. I have just the thing.”

She turns her party music Spotify playlist on. 

“Whoo!” Midge cheers as “Party Rock Anthem” begins to play. 

Summer giggles as Midge sways from side to side, snapping to the beat. Midge rocks out the whole way back to her house and Summer tries to keep her laughter under control so she can drive safely. It’s no easy feat. 

XXX

As soon as they enter Midge’s house, Summer leads her over to the couch and helps her sit down. Midge is insisting on watching TV. Summer thinks it’s better if she goes to bed, but Midge is an adult and can make her own choices. After turning Cartoon Network on (Midge can’t decide on a show), Summer goes to the kitchen to get her a glass of water. 

When she comes back to the living room and sees Midge with her head in her hands, her stomach drops. 

“Baby, what is it?!” she exclaims, running over to her. 

“I-It’s so s-sad!” Midge sobs. 

Summer quickly sets the glass of water on the coffee table before dropping down on the couch beside Midge and wrapping her in her arms. Midge throws her arms around her and sobs loudly against her chest. Summer softly presses her lips to her head.

“What is it, baby?” she murmurs. “Do you not feel good?” 

Midge shakes her head. 

“I-It was an a-animal shelter c-commercial,” she chokes out. “Those p-poor d-dogs and c-cats!” 

“Oh,” Summer says softly. 

She holds Midge even tighter. She knows how much those commercials get to Midge, but she’s never seen her sob over one before. Clearly the alcohol is affecting her emotions substantially. 

“It’s okay, baby,” she soothes, gently stroking her hair. “They’re in good hands.” 

Midge cries for several minutes and Summer holds her all the while, whispering anything comforting she can think of into her ear. 

She starts as Midge suddenly breaks away from her. She suddenly realizes what’s about to happen as Midge heaves and cups her hand over her mouth. There’s no way she can get her to the bathroom in time. She quickly jumps up and races to the kitchen to grab the trash can. She gets it to Midge just in time. As soon as she hands it to her, the girl begins to vomit into it. Summer winces. She quickly sits down beside Midge and pulls her hair back. She gently rubs her back with her other hand. Midge groans.

“It's alright, baby,” Summer coos. “I got your hair. Just let it all out.”

As Midge’s puking slows to a stop, she slowly lifts her head.

“Summerrr,” she whines miserably, before another wave of nausea has her leaning over the trash can again. 

Summer winces sympathetically, continuing to stroke the girl's back. It's a good thing she has a strong stomach. 

“It's okay,” she murmurs as Midge moans. “It'll be over soon.”

It’s at least a minute before Midge’s heaves slow to a stop. 

“You done?” Summer murmurs. 

Midge slowly nods. Her eyes are squeezed shut. Summer takes the trash can from her. 

“Are you dizzy, baby?” she asks softly. 

Midge nods. Summer gently runs her hand through her hair. 

“My poor baby,” she murmurs. “Just lean back and I’ll go get you some water. I’ll get rid of this trash bag and get you a bucket too.” 

“Okay,” Midge whispers. “Thank you.” 

“No need to thank me, love,” Summer whispers. 

She softly kisses Midge’s forehead before getting up. After throwing the trash bag in the outside trash bin, she grabs a glass of water and bucket from the kitchen. 

When she returns to the living room, Midge’s eyes are open. After setting the bucket on the coffee table, she sits down on the couch next to her and hands her the glass of water. 

“Thanks,” Midge whispers. 

“Of course,” Summer murmurs. “Are you less dizzy now?” 

“A little,” Midge whispers. 

She takes a few shaky sips of water. 

“Good girl,” Summer coos. “Are you nauseous at all?” 

Midge shakes her head. Her eyes flutter. 

“Good,” Summer murmurs. “Do you want to get some sleep now?” 

Midge yawns widely. 

Summer giggles. “I’ll take that as a yes. Do you think you can make it to your room?” 

Midge nods. 

“Okay,” Summer murmurs. 

She helps Midge up and wraps her arm around her shoulders, holding her steady as they slowly make their way to the bedroom. After helping her into her pajamas, she sits Midge down on the bed. Midge immediately lies down. 

“Lay on your side, baby,” Summer murmurs.

Midge obeys.

“You can put a pair of my pajamas on,” Midge says, her voice heavy with exhaustion. 

Summer grins. Even when Midge is dead on her feet, she’s still thinking about her wellbeing.

“Okay,” she says softly. 

After changing into a pair of Midge’s pajamas (they’re rather snug on her, but that’s okay), she grabs the glass of water and bucket from the living room. After returning to the bedroom, she places both on the nightstand. 

As soon as she lies down next to Midge, she pulls her close. Midge sighs contentedly as she rests her head on Summer’s chest. Summer gently threads her fingers through her hair. Now that everything is peaceful, Summer can’t help but ask the question that’s been on her mind all night.

“Why did you suddenly drink so much, baby?” she asks, her voice soft. 

There’s a moment of silence. Just when Summer is starting to think Midge has fallen asleep, the girl speaks. 

“I wanted to be fun,” she whispers. 

Summer frowns. A wave of concern rushes through her. Does Midge really think she’s not fun just because she’s not some party animal? 

“Baby, you are fun,” she insists. “You don’t have to like drinking and clubbing to be fun.” 

There’s another long moment of silence before Midge answers. 

“Really?” she whispers. 

“Of course,” Summer coos. “I always have fun with you. I promise.”

“Thank you,” Midge murmurs. “That makes me feel better.” 

Summer grins. “I’m glad, baby.” 

Midge yawns loudly. 

“I’ll shut up and let you sleep now,” Summer murmurs. 

Midge giggles softly. 

“Okay,” she whispers. “Good night, baby.” 

“Good night, love. Sweet dreams.”

Chapter Text

It takes all of Midge’s restraint to not eavesdrop as Summer talks to her mom on the phone. It would be so easy to press her ear to the bedroom door and hear what’s going on, but she knows she can’t violate Summer’s privacy like that. No matter how worried she is about her girlfriend, she has to let her handle this on her own. Plus, it’s not like she won’t hear all about it when Summer vents to her afterwards. So she sits on the couch and waits.

Summer’s never had a particularly good relationship with her parents, but it’s only gotten worse since she came out as a lesbian when she was sixteen. At first they ignored her and Midge’s relationship, just treating them like they were friends instead of partners, but ever since they moved in together last month, Summer can’t hear the end of it from them. Midge can tell that it’s starting to take a toll on her, but she doesn’t know what she can do other than listen to her rant and reassure her as well as she can. 

Midge perks up as she hears the bedroom door open. She fully expects Summer to make a beeline for the living room and immediately start ranting to her. That’s always how it goes. Instead though she hears the closing of the bathroom door and the click of the lock. That’s strange. Summer never locks the bathroom door when it’s just the two of them in the house. Still, it’s probably nothing to worry about. 

Several minutes pass though and Summer doesn’t come out. Now Midge is starting to worry.

When it’s been ten minutes, she finally can’t take it anymore. She has to go make sure Summer’s okay. 

As she approaches the bathroom, she registers the sound of sobbing and gasping breaths. Her heart drops. She quickly knocks on the door. 

“Baby,” she murmurs, “can you please let me in?” 

Summer just continues to cry. Midge’s heart begins to pound. What is she going to do if Summer won’t let her in? She takes a deep, calming breath. She can’t afford to lose her cool right now. Her girlfriend needs her. She knocks again. 

“Baby, please. I just want to be there for you.” 

Midge breathes a sigh of relief as the lock clicks open. She quickly opens the door. The second she walks in and takes in the sight of her girlfriend standing there, shuddering with sobs, tears streaming down her face, a sharp ache jabs her chest. Immediately, she pulls Summer close, tucking the girl’s head under her chin. Summer buries her face in her shoulder, clinging to her tightly. Midge’s eyes widen as she notices the girl is hyperventilating. 

“M-Midge,” Summer chokes out between shaking breaths. “W-What the f-fuck is h-happening to me?! I c-can’t breathe!” 

Shit. Summer’s having a panic attack. Midge takes another deep breath, trying to slow the racing of her heart. Now isn’t the time to get worked up. She needs to tend to Summer. She holds the girl tighter, gently smoothing her hand over her back. 

“Shhh," she soothes. "You can breathe, baby. You’re having a panic attack, but I promise you’re not in any danger. You need to slow your breathing down though. Follow my breathing. Take a deep breath in through your nose.” 

She demonstrates, taking in an exaggerated breath. Summer tries, but it comes out more like a wheeze. 

“I-I can’t!” she sobs. 

Summer’s legs are starting to bend. Before she can collapse to her knees, Midge slowly lowers them to the floor. 

“I-I feel like I’m g-going to p-pass out!” Summer gasps. 

Tears burn Midge’s eyes, but she stubbornly holds them back. No matter how much it hurts seeing Summer like this, she can’t break down. She gently presses her lips to Summer’s head. 

“You won’t pass out,” she murmurs. “You’re safe. You need to breathe though, okay? Take a deep breath in through your nose.” 

She demonstrates again. Fortunately, Summer does a better job following along this time. 

“And then let it out,” Midge whispers. 

Summer breathes out a shaky exhale. 

“Good girl,” Midge coos. “You're doing a great job. Breathe in through your nose again, okay?”

It takes what feels like hours to Midge, but Summer’s finally able to calm her breathing down. 

“You’re doing so good, baby,” Midge murmurs. “So good. I’m so proud of you.” 

Summer sniffs. "P-Proud of me?” 

“Of course I am,” Midge coos. “Calming down from a panic attack is so hard, but you did it. You’re so strong.” 

She knows from experience how hard it is to recover from a panic attack. 

A few minutes later, the only remnants of Summer’s breakdown are the occasional sniffle or hiccup. 

“Why don’t we go to the bed, baby?” Midge murmurs. “And then I can make you some tea.” 

“I’m still kind of dizzy,” Summer says quietly.  

“I’ll help you walk,” Midge replies, her voice soft. 

When Summer pulls away a moment later, Midge frowns at the sight of her tearstained cheeks and puffy eyes. Gently, she wipes the girl’s tears away with her thumbs. 

“I love you,” she whispers, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. 

“I love you too,” Summer croaks as they draw apart a moment later. 

Midge’s mind is racing with what feels like a million questions. Clearly something big happened. Figuring out what occured isn't what's important right now though. Taking care of Summer is her top priority. 

After helping Summer into bed and covering her with the quilt, Midge prepares her a cup of chamomile tea. She makes sure to put plenty of honey in, knowing that Summer only tolerates tea if it’s sweet. 

Summer slowly sits up as she approaches her with the tea. 

“Thanks,” she whispers as Midge hands it to her. 

“Of course, baby,” Midge murmurs. 

She gives Summer’s lips a quick peck before sitting down next to her. Summer sighs happily as Midge wraps her arm around her. They sit in comfortable silence while Summer sips her tea. 

A few minutes later, Summer sighs heavily before setting her tea on the nightstand. She turns to Midge. 

“I’ll tell you what happened,” she mutters. 

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Midge murmurs. “But if you want to tell me, I’ll listen.” 

She gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind Summer’s ear. Summer lets out a trembling sigh before taking her hand. Midge threads their fingers together, squeezing her hand firmly.

As Summer tells the story, her voice growing shakier and shakier throughout, Midge strokes her thumb over the girl’s knuckles all the while.  

When Summer’s explanation comes to an end, she looks at Midge, her eyes shimmering with tears. Clearly she expects her to say something, but Midge is in utter disbelief. It takes her a minute to find her voice. 

“Sh-She really said that?” she stutters. “She said they’re not going to speak to you anymore if our relationship continues?” 

“Yup,” Summer whispers, nodding. 

Midge’s eyes sting as she sees the tears slip from Summer’s eyes, streaming down her cheeks. 

“Oh, baby,” she murmurs, her voice choked. “Come here.” 

She pulls Summer into a fierce embrace. Summer holds her back just as tightly, letting out shuddering sobs against her shoulder.

“It’s going to be okay,” Midge whispers, her voice shaking. “I promise I’m not going to leave your side.” 

Summer eventually cries herself out and after Midge shifts them into a lying position, she soon drifts off to sleep. Midge lies awake, holding her girlfriend close, and prays that there’s a day she can give Summer’s parents a piece of her mind.

Chapter Text

“Baby, I’m home!” Summer exclaims as she walks through the front door. 

Midge usually rushes over to greet her with a kiss, but the girl doesn’t come. Summer’s not surprised. Lately Midge has been asleep when she comes home from work. The girl’s pregnancy is kicking her ass. She’s five months along now and she’s pretty much constantly tired, achy, and emotional. It hurts Summer to see her wife in this state. She wishes there was more she could do, but she’s had to accept that all she can do is support Midge and provide her with anything she needs. Unfortunately, she can’t take all her pain and discomfort away.

The living room is empty, so she assumes Midge is in the bedroom. As she nears the room, she quickly registers the sound of sobbing. A wave of concern rushes through her. Frequent crying isn’t at all unusual for Midge nowadays, but it never fails to make Summer’s chest ache. 

“Hey, baby,” she says as she walks into the room, making sure her voice is as soft and soothing as possible. 

Midge is lying in bed, face buried in her pillow. Summer rushes to her side, climbing into bed and lying down next to her. Immediately she wraps her in her arms, pulling her close. Midge rests her head against her chest. Tears immediately soak into the fabric of Summer’s shirt. Summer presses a soft kiss to the top of her head. 

“You’re not feeling good, baby?” she murmurs. 

“M-My back h-hurts and my f-feet hurt and my stomach h-hurts,” Midge sobs. “E-Everything hurts, Summer.”

Summer’s eyes sting with tears, but she doesn’t let them fall. Her wife needs her right now. 

“It's going to be okay, baby,” she soothes. “I promise. I’m right here.” 

Midge cries harder, clinging to Summer tightly. Summer frowns. Did she say something wrong? Her worries are instantly debunked when Midge speaks again. 

“Y-You’re so wonderful. I-I love you so m-much.” 

Summer’s frown quickly turns to a smile. She gently kisses Midge’s temple. 

“You’re so wonderful too, baby,” she murmurs. “I love you so much too. How about this? When you calm down, I can give you a foot rub with that lavender lotion you like so much.” 

Midge sobs even harder. 

“I-I love you,” she chokes out. 

“Oh, baby,” Summer whispers. “I love you too. It’s going to be okay.” 

Midge continues to cry for several minutes and Summer holds her close all the while, stroking her hair and whispering words of encouragement. 

When Midge finally calms and slowly pulls back, Summer unsticks strands of hair from the girl’s face before gently wiping her tears away. She presses a soft kiss to her lips. They taste of salt, but Summer doesn’t mind. She’ll always savor her wife’s lips no matter what.

“How about that foot rub now?” she murmurs.

Midge nods. 

“That s-sounds lovely,” she croaks. 

Summer grins. “I’ll grab the lotion.” 

XXX

Midge sighs with contentment as Summer massages her feet. 

“Thank you so much, baby,” Midge says softly. “This feels so good.” 

Summer beams, her worries quickly fading. 

“I’m so glad, baby,” she murmurs. “I’ll always do anything I can to make you feel good.” 

Midge wiggles her eyebrows. 

“I know you will,” she says, a seductive lilt to her voice. 

Summer scoffs, but she can’t ignore the heat blooming between her thighs and the blood rushing into her face. 

“That’s not what I meant,” she laughs. “But yes, that too.” 

Midge giggles. Her cheeks are dusted pink. Summer takes a deep breath, trying to focus only on the softness of Midge’s feet and not her lewd thoughts. Now is not the time to get worked up. As she continues to rub Midge’s feet, a comfortable silence falls over them. Gradually, the heat coursing through her body fades. 

A few minutes later, she lies back down next to Midge, quickly gathering her in her arms again. Midge sighs contentedly, resting her head against Summer’s chest. A couple minutes of comfortable silence pass before Midge speaks. 

“Do you want to talk to her again?” she murmurs. 

“Of course,” Summer immediately agrees.

As they shift so Summer’s head is lying on Midge’s stomach, her chest warms. Speaking to their baby always fills her with an indescribable amount of love and affection. 

“How are you doing, Viola?” she murmurs. “It’s your mommy here. I love you so much.” 

Midge giggles happily. Summer is opening her mouth to say more when she suddenly feels movement under her head. For a second she thinks she imagined it, but she’s quickly proven wrong when she feels the movement again. A wave of excitement bursts through her. 

“Oh my God!” she exclaims, her head shooting up. “She just kicked!” 

Midge’s eyes widen. 

“Oh my God!” the girl squeals, quickly sitting up. 

Summer sits up too. Tears of joy are burning her eyes. Before she knows it, Midge is pulling her forward into a kiss, filled with so much love and passion that it makes the tears in her eyes burn hotter. 

When they finally pull apart, gasping for oxygen, Summer chokes out a sob. Midge’s eyes are filled with tears too. She draws Summer close, embracing her tightly. 

“I-I’m so happy!” Summer exclaims, voice trembling. 

“M-Me too,” Midge replies, her voice shaking just as much. “So happy. W-We’re having a b-baby, Summer!” 

Summer lets out something between a laugh and a sob. Of course they’ve known this fact for months, but feeling the baby kick makes it feel even more real. Midge pulls her into another kiss, and all Summer can think is that she’s never felt happier.

Chapter Text

“Viola, eat your broccoli please,” Summer says gently. 

Midge is jolted from her spiraling thoughts by Summer’s voice. Snapped back to the present moment, she turns to their daughter who’s sitting next to her at the dining table. As usual, the four year old has eaten everything but her vegetables. Viola pouts. 

“But I don’t want to!” she exclaims. “Broccoli is yucky!”

Summer takes a deep breath, clearly gathering her patience. 

“But sweetie, you’re not going to grow big and strong if you don’t eat your veggies. Me and Mama want you to be healthy.” 

Viola crosses her arms. “I don't want to!”

Summer takes another deep breath. Her expression becomes mildly stern. 

“You can’t be acting this way at school tomorrow,” she says, a slight firmness to her voice. “You need to act like a big girl.”

“I am a big girl!” Viola insists. 

At the mention of school, a flurry of thoughts begin circling through Midge’s mind again. Tomorrow is Viola’s first day of preschool and Midge has spent the whole day envisioning every bad thing that could possibly happen to her daughter at school. Since Viola’s birth, the girl has constantly been under the supervision of her, Summer, and their friends and family. The thought of entrusting her care with strangers has sent Midge into a spiral she’s not sure she can pull herself out of. She knows she should be backing Summer up right now, but she’s too trapped inside her head to think about what to say. 

She’s so immersed in her thoughts that it takes her a moment to notice that Summer is gazing at her, eyes wide with concern. Midge forces a reassuring smile onto her face. 

Summer goes back to trying to convince Viola to eat her broccoli, but every few moments she shoots Midge a worried glance. Midge maintains what she hopes is a smile. Now isn’t the time for Summer to be worried about her. They have their daughter to tend to. As hard as she tries to look cheerful though, she knows Summer isn’t buying her act. She knows Midge too well. 

XXX

After they put Viola to bed, Midge and Summer get ready for bed themselves. Usually they chat while they get ready, but Midge is too focused on trying to ward off the bad thoughts spinning through her head. 

When they lie down in bed, the first thing Summer does is pull her close, tucking her head under her chin. 

“What’s wrong, baby?” she murmurs. “You’ve looked so worried all evening.” 

Midge shudders slightly as Summer’s hot breath tickles the back of her neck. She swallows. This is silly to be so worked up over. She knows that. She and Summer always endeavor to be transparent about their feelings with each other though, and letting her thoughts out into the open actually sounds rather relieving.

“I’m scared,” she whispers. 

Her eyes sting with sudden tears. Summer holds her tighter, gently combing her fingers through her hair. Midge lets out a trembling sigh before continuing. 

“I’m scared about Viola going to school. W-What if something happens to h-her?” Her voice breaks. 

“Oh, baby,” Summer murmurs. “Nothing bad is going to happen. Her teachers are going to take care of her.” 

“But what if they don’t?!” Midge exclaims. 

Quickly breaking away from Summer’s embrace, she sits up. 

“What if the other kids are mean to her?!” she exclaims, her voice bordering on hysterical.  “What if she wanders off?! What if she falls off the monkey bars at recess?!”

Tears fill her eyes. Her heart is pounding wildly. Summer sits up. She quickly draws Midge into her arms again. Midge buries her face in her wife’s chest, taking deep, shaky breaths, trying to not let her emotions completely overcome her. 

“None of those things are going to happen, love,” Summer murmurs. “We did a lot of research on this school and decided it would be a safe and happy place for her. I know it will be. Everything is going to be okay.” 

Midge nods. 

“I know.” She laughs shakily. “Sorry. My hormones are all over the place right now.” 

Midge is four months into her pregnancy with their second child and just like when she was pregnant with Viola, she’s been an emotional wreck. She holds herself together around Viola, but when it’s just her and Summer, her emotions often come to the surface. Fortunately, Summer is unendingly patient with her. 

“Don’t apologize,” Summer murmurs. “You’re allowed to feel however you need to feel.” 

Midge holds onto the girl tighter, thinking as she often does how lucky she is to have a wife as unconditionally loving and caring as Summer. 

“Thank you,” she whispers. 

Summer chuckles, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. 

“Anytime,” she murmurs. 

XXX

The second they step into the classroom, Viola bursts into tears. Midge knew this might happen. The girl was unusually quiet the whole drive to school. Midge’s chest erupts with pain as it always does when her daughter cries. 

“Mama!” Viola sobs, wrapping her arms around Midge’s legs. 

Midge quickly scoops the girl into her arms. As tempted as she is to bring Viola home right then and there, she knows she can’t do that. This is a step they need to take no matter how scary it is. 

“It’s okay, baby,” she coos, running her fingers through the girl’s auburn hair. “You’re going to see Mama and Mommy soon.” 

“You’re going to have so much fun, honey,” Summer murmurs, gently rubbing Viola’s back. 

As if on cue, one of the teachers, Ms. Harris, a bubbly blonde woman that immediately reminded Midge of Barbie when she met her at orientation, walks over. 

“Hey Viola,” she says softly. “Do you want to come finger paint?” 

Viola perks up slightly at that. She loves finger painting. She still holds onto Midge tightly though. 

“Let’s go check it out, baby!” Summer exclaims. 

They walk over to the table where several children are finger painting. Midge tries to set Viola onto one of the chairs, but the girl grips her even tighter. 

“You’re going to have to let go of me, baby,” Midge murmurs. “It’s time to finger paint now.” 

“No,” Viola whimpers. “I want you, Mama.” 

Midge’s eyes burn with tears at the desperation in her daughter’s voice. 

“It’ll be okay,” she whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to Viola’s temple. “You’re going to have so much fun.”

Viola continues to whimper, but finally she loosens her grip and lets Midge set her in the chair. She sniffles and hiccups as Summer puts a sheet of paper and paint in front of her. 

As Viola begins to finger paint, a girl sitting next to her strikes up a conversation about what she’s painting. At first Viola is quiet, but a couple minutes later she begins to contribute to the conversation, sharing with the girl that she’s painting a dragon. In actuality, it’s just splotches of pink and purple paint, but at least she has a good imagination. 

Now that Viola has cheered up, Midge and Summer deem it safe to leave. They each press a quick kiss to the top of Viola’s head before leaving the classroom. They say goodbye to Ms. Harris on the way out. 

“She’s in good hands,” Ms. Harris says gently. 

Midge is too choked up to answer, but Summer smiles brightly and thanks her. 

As soon as they get into the car, Midge breaks down, unable to hold back her tears any longer. She knows that Viola is fine, but this is such an emotional experience for her nonetheless. Summer leans over the center console, wrapping Midge in her arms. 

“Shhh,” she soothes. “Everything is going to be fine, baby. She’s a strong girl.” 

“I-I know,” Midge whimpers. “I-It’s hard though.” 

“I know,” Summer murmurs. “I understand.” 

It takes Midge a few minutes to calm down. Summer holds her tightly the whole time, stroking her hair and whispering reassurances. When the only remnants of her breakdown are hiccups and sniffles, Summer speaks softly.

“You want to go home and cuddle now?” 

Midge slowly pulls back. 

“Yeah,” she croaks. “That s-sounds lovely. C-Can we get Starbucks f-first though?”

Chai lattes and banana bread have been her most common cravings throughout this pregnancy. 

Summer giggles softly. “Of course, baby.” 

After wiping Midge’s tears away, she drives off. 

They’re nearing the Starbucks drive-thru when Midge’s phone buzzes with a notification. Her heart drops. What if it’s news that something happened to Viola?! She whips her phone out of her pocket. She lets out a trembling sigh of relief when she sees what the notification is. Ms. Harris texted her a picture of Viola holding up her completed finger painting. The smile on her face is so bright and joyful, it immediately lifts Midge’s mood. She lets out a shaky laugh.

Summer grins. “What is it?” 

Midge holds her phone up, showing Summer the photo. 

Summer chuckles. “Our girl is a true artiste.” 

Midge giggles. “She really is.” 

XXX

When they pick Viola up from school, the girl gushes the whole way home about how much fun she had. She’s talking so fast that she’s running out of breath.

“We finger painted and played house and went down the slide! It was so fun!” 

Midge and Summer laugh happily. 

“I’m so glad you had fun, baby!” Summer exclaims. “Are you so excited to go back tomorrow?!” 

Viola throws her arms in the air. “Yeah!” 

Midge and Summer share a bright grin. Viola’s growing up, and while aspects of that may be difficult, Midge knows that everything will be okay when she has her amazing wife by her side. 

Chapter Text

Summer lies in bed, staring at the chipped paint of the ceiling. Her eyes are blurry with exhaustion, but no matter how hard she tries she can’t sleep. She flinches as Midge softly speaks. She thought her wife was asleep. 

“Baby,” Midge says, the tentativeness in her voice clear. “I know it’s none of my business, but…I really think you’re going to regret it if you don’t visit him.”

Summer stiffens as a flare of defensiveness rushes through her chest. 

“You’re right,” she snaps. “It is none of your business.”

Midge gasps softly. Summer is immediately filled with regret. The girl is just trying to help. 

“I’m sorry,” she murmurs. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It’s just…” She sighs heavily. “I’m just so stressed. Blaine is a wreck and being there for him is taking all my energy. Not to mention my mom won’t stop shaming me for not coming to the hospital.” She scoffs.

“It’s okay, baby,” Midge whispers. “I understand.”

She opens her arms and Summer instantly accepts the invitation, snuggling into her wife’s embrace. Midge softly presses her lips to the top of her head. 

“Listen, baby,” she murmurs. “I’m not shaming you for not going. It’s more than understandable if you don’t. It’s just…” She lets out a shaky sigh. “I’m worried about how you might feel if you don’t.” 

Summer squeezes her eyes shut, once again fighting the internal battle that’s been raging inside her since her dad was put on life support two weeks ago. Midge is right, as usual. If she doesn’t go say goodbye to him, she’ll regret it. But if she does go to see him, that’s giving in. That’s betraying the promise she made to herself to never see him again. 

“I’ll think about it,” she murmurs. 

She doesn’t know what else she can say, so she just nuzzles her face against Midge’s chest, drawing comfort from her wife’s secure embrace. 

“Well, whatever you decide I’ll support you one hundred percent,” Midge whispers. 

“I know,” Summer murmurs. “Thank you.” 

“Of course, baby. I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

XXX

Summer is about to get into the shower when her phone, which is lying on the bathroom sink, buzzes. 

“Ugh,” she groans. 

Considering Midge and Viola are both home, she’d usually ignore it at a time like this, but with her dad about to lose his battle with cancer, it’s probably best if she at least checks who it is. She groans again as she picks up her phone and sees the caller ID. It’s her brother, Blaine. She just spent a good hour calming him down over the phone last night. Now she has to do it all over again. She quickly throws her clothes on before answering.

“Hey, Blaine,” she murmurs, making sure her voice is soft. “You okay?” 

“S-Summer!” he sobs. “G-Get to the h-hospital now! D-Dad’s passing!” 

Her heart drops. All the breath is sucked from her lungs. She dimly registers that she should be doing something, but all she can do is stand there. 

“S-Summer!” he yells hysterically. “Please! I-I need y-you!” 

Those words bring her back to her senses. She takes a deep, shaky breath. She feels like she’s been punched in the gut.

“Of c-course,” she stutters. “I-I’ll be there as s-soon as I can.” 

“Please h-hurry!” he sobs. 

“Shhh,” she soothes. “I will. Just h-hang in there, o-okay?” 

As soon as they end the call, she turns the shower off before scrambling out of the bathroom. This isn't how she thought her dad’s death would occur. For some reason, she thought he'd just die. She didn't factor herself into the equation. But the fact is, Blaine needs her and she has to be there for him. 

“Midge!” she calls as she races down the hall towards the kitchen. “I-I need to go!” 

She’s completely out of breath as she enters the kitchen. Midge and Viola are at the table eating pancakes. The three year old is gulping hers down. As she turns to look at Summer, Summer fuzzily registers that her face is coated in syrup. Midge jumps up from her chair. 

“What is it, baby?!” she exclaims, racing over to Summer. “Oh my God! You’re shaking like a leaf!” 

She places her hands on Summer’s shoulders, searching her face with wide eyes. 

“Baby, tell me what’s wrong!” she exclaims. 

Summer suddenly feels light-headed. Her stomach is churning with nausea. Midge takes a deep, calming breath before guiding Summer over to a chair. 

“Sit down for a minute,” she murmurs. “Take deep breaths, okay?” 

As soon as Summer sits down, Midge crouches in front of her. She takes Summer’s hands, squeezing tightly. 

“Please tell me what’s going on,” she murmurs. 

Grounded by Midge’s reassuring touch, Summer finally finds her voice. 

“M-My dad,” she stutters. “H-He’s going! Have t-to get to the h-hospital!”

Her breath comes in short, heaving gasps as adrenaline courses through her. Her heart is pounding wildly, crashing against her eardrums. Midge’s eyes widen. 

“O-Okay, baby,” she murmurs, her voice shaking slightly. “I’m on it. I’ll drive and we can drop Viola off at the Dreamhouse on the way.” 

“Okay,” Summer whispers. 

Midge presses a quick kiss to her lips before helping her up. She scoops Viola into her arms before taking Summer’s hand and guiding her towards the front door. They quickly slip their shoes on and grab their purses before rushing towards the car. 

XXX

Summer never could’ve prepared herself for the sight that would greet her as she entered her dad’s hospital room. Her dad is lying in the hospital bed hooked up to what looks like hundreds of wires. He’s sleeping, but his face is white as a sheet and his breath is coming in wheezing gasps. Her mom is sitting in a chair at his bedside, sobbing heavily as she holds his hand. Blaine is on his knees at the other side of the hospital bed, convulsing with sobs as he grips their dad’s other hand. 

Summer stands frozen for a moment, too horrified to do anything but stand there and watch as her family breaks before her eyes. A tight squeeze to her hand snaps her back to reality. She turns to Midge. The girl leans in, pressing her lips to her temple. 

“You can do this,” she whispers. 

Summer nods. Her wife’s words giving her the courage to take action, she rushes to her brother’s side, dropping to her knees beside him. She immediately pulls him into her arms, holding him tightly like she has so many times over the last few months. He sobs hysterically against her shoulder. 

“S-Summer,” he sobs. “H-He’s going to d-die!” 

She swallows. Her throat is parched. The words she wants to stay are stuck, so she just continues to hold him. She’s faintly aware of Midge at her mom’s side, arm wrapped around the woman’s shoulders. They don’t talk for several minutes. The only sounds are her dad’s wheezing breaths and the gradually slowing beeping of the machines. She flinches when Blaine speaks. 

“T-Tell him you l-love him,” he sobs. 

Every muscle in her body stiffens. That’s the last thing she wants to do, but the sheer desperation in Blaine’s voice pushes her into action. 

Pulling back from the embrace slightly, she turns to her dad. She tries not to focus on his appearance. It makes her even more nauseous to see him in this state. 

“I-I love you, D-Dad,” she stutters. 

The words coming out of her feel so incredibly wrong. She doesn’t love him. Of course she doesn’t. How could she after the way he’s treated her and the love of her life? She’ll do anything she can to bring Blaine solace though. 

“Thank y-you,” Blaine whispers. 

Too breathless and queasy to respond, she just squeezes him tighter.

XXX

Blaine and her mom sob even more hysterically as her dad’s body is transported out of the room, a sheet covering his body. She helps Blaine over to a chair. Immediately, she crouches down in front of him, wrapping him tightly in her arms.

“Shhh,” she soothes. She smooths a trembling hand over his back. “I-It’s going to be okay.” 

Midge is embracing her mom just as tightly, whispering reassurances into the woman’s hair. 

“H-He’ll always be with you,” Summer murmurs into Blaine’s ear. “I promise.”

XXX

As soon as they get into the car, Midge reaches over the center console, embracing Summer fiercely. 

“Oh baby,” she murmurs, her voice shaking slightly. “I am so sorry.” 

Summer swallows. It takes her a moment to find her voice. 

“I-It’s fine,” she whispers. “I’m not sad. Just shaken u-up.” 

That's the truth. She feels nothing. It's just the adrenaline still flooding through her that’s making her so shaky. Midge squeezes her even tighter. 

“It’s okay if you are sad,” she murmurs. “You can let it out. It’s just me. I’m right here.” 

“I’m not,” Summer whispers. “How c-could I be? I didn’t even l-love him.” 

XXX

Over the next two weeks, Summer feels like she’s just going through the motions. She’s not sad. She’s not angry. She’s not grieving. She’s just numb. Her friends bring flowers and condolences. She accepts both gratefully, but she still doesn’t feel anything. She and Midge spend a lot of time at Blaine’s house. Summer holds him close, while Midge cooks and cleans. All of their friends are more than happy to watch Viola for them. Viola has no grandpa to miss. She never met him. Summer made sure of that. 

XXX

Summer doesn’t feel anything during the funeral. She just focuses on being there for Blaine, keeping him wrapped tightly in her arms. Midge holds their mom’s hand. Summer knows how much of Midge’s strength that must take. The woman has never been anything but nasty to Midge. Summer thinks not for the first time about what a pure and loving soul Midge is. How did she get lucky enough to have this amazing woman as her wife? She thinks about Midge and how incredible she is more than she thinks about her dad throughout the rest of the funeral.

XXX

That night, Summer holds Viola close in the rocking chair, slowly rocking her back and forth until she falls asleep. Some nights sleep doesn’t come easily to her daughter. The rocking chair in her bedroom seems to do the trick though. 

As she presses her lips to the girl’s head, tears suddenly sting her eyes. The sensation takes her by surprise. She hasn’t cried over her dad’s death once. Why should she? The man was dead to her long before he actually died. The burning in her eyes doesn’t fade though. They’re still stinging when she lies in Midge’s arms that night, trying to fall asleep. It takes her hours to drift off. All she sees in her dreams is her dad’s ghoulishly pale body. 

XXX

The next afternoon, she decides to start a movie while Midge picks Viola up from Nikki and Teresa’s house. She and Midge had spent the morning at Blaine’s house. 

She’s not sure why, but she finds herself turning Titanic on. Sure, she loves that movie, but it’s more of a movie she reserves for movie nights with Midge. It’s like she’s being drawn to the melancholy of the movie though and she can’t put a stop to the urge to drown in that darkness. She settles back against the couch cushion and watches intently.

Rose is about to jump off the ship. The desperation in Jack’s voice as he tries to stop her reminds her so much of what Blaine sounded like when their dad flatlined. 

Before she knows it, tears are streaming down her face and gasping sobs are shaking her body. She’s not sure where all this is coming from, but now that she’s breaking down, she can’t stop. She curls into a ball, hugging a pillow to her chest. She needs something to tether herself to. She loses all sense of time as she sobs into the couch cushion. 

It’s not until she hears the opening and shutting of the front door that she’s jolted back to reality. She hears a soft gasp. As she takes in the sight of Midge and Viola standing by the door looking at her with wide eyes, she quickly clamps her hand over her mouth. She can’t have Viola witness her fall apart. 

“Is Mommy sad?” Viola asks quietly, looking up at Midge. 

Midge lets out a shaky sigh.

“Yes, baby,” she murmurs, “but she'll be okay. Why don't you go play in your room, okay sweetie?” 

Viola nods before going off to her bedroom. Midge quickly approaches the couch. As soon as she sits down beside Summer, she reaches out, running her hand through her hair.

“Hey, love,” Midge murmurs. “It’s okay. I’m right here.”

Summer slowly sits up, still hugging the pillow to her chest. 

“I-I don't w-want to be l-like this in f-front of Viola,” she chokes out. 

Midge sighs softly. “How about I call Barbie to come pick her up? She can have a sleepover at the Dreamhouse tonight.” 

“No. Y-You don't h-have to do that. Y-You…”

Midge cuts Summer off with a soft peck on the lips. As she draws her lips away, she rests her forehead against Summer's. 

“It’s my job to take care of you,” she murmurs, “and right now sending Viola over to the Dreamhouse so I can give you my full attention is what I need to do to take care of you.” 

Midge wraps her arm around Summer’s shoulders. Summer buries her face in her wife’s chest and sobs, unable to keep it together any longer. She’s faintly aware of Midge calling Barbie. 

As soon as the call ends, Midge embraces Summer tightly, resting her cheek against her head. 

“Oh, baby,” she whispers, sounding near tears herself. “I’m so sorry.”

“I-I loved him,” Summer sobs. 

It’s like she has no control over the words coming out of her. It’s almost like somebody else is saying them. She knows with an ice cold certainty though that they’re true. 

“I know, sweetheart,” Midge whispers. “I know.” 

She holds Summer even closer, squeezing her impossibly tight. 

Summer barely registers Barbie coming to pick Viola up. She’s only slightly more aware of Midge’s embrace and the gentle sensation of her fingers combing through her hair. 

“They left, baby,” Midge whispers. “Just let it all out. I’ve got you.” 

Summer cries even harder if possible, holding onto her wife like a lifeline. 

“I love you, baby,” Midge murmurs. “I love you so much.” 

Summer sobs until her head aches and her throat is raw. Even when the only remnants of her breakdown are hiccups and sniffles, Midge continues to hold her tightly. 

“Everything will be okay, baby,” she whispers. “I promise.” 

Summer sniffs. “I-I know. I’m o-okay because I-I have y-you.” 

“Of course you have me, baby. You’ll always have me.”

Chapter Text

“Can you believe we’re about to get a dog?!” Summer exclaims. 

She takes her eyes off the road for a second to shoot Midge an excited smile. 

“I haven’t had a dog in years!” she continues. “Not since Lola passed away.”

As always, when she thinks about her old golden retriever, Lola, a pang of sadness courses through her. It’s been long enough now though that the grief doesn’t consume her. Midge, who’s sitting in the passenger seat, reaches over and gives her arm a comforting squeeze. Summer smiles reassuringly. 

“I’m fine, babe,” she assures. 

“Are you sure?” Midge murmurs, her eyes wide with concern. “If you’re not ready, we don’t have to adopt.” 

Summer’s chest warms. As she often does, she thinks about how lucky she is to have a wife as sweet and considerate as Midge. 

“I appreciate the consideration, baby, but it’s been a long time since she passed. I’m definitely ready. We’re married now and I’m excited to add a new member to our little family.” 

She's telling the truth. It's been a decade since Lola passed away. Midge nods. She looks down at her lap, fiddling with the hem of her skirt. As Summer’s gaze lingers for another second, it dawns on her that something is wrong. Midge’s body is stiff, her jaw is clenched, and her face is devoid of its usual smile. A wave of concern rushes through her. Did Midge’s mood just change, or has she been too excited to tell that her wife is upset?

“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice soft. “You seem…upset.”

“I-I’m not upset,” Midge insists. 

The stutter in her voice gives her away though. She’s lying and Summer wants to know why.  

“Baby, what’s wrong?” she murmurs. “You can tell me.” 

“Nothing is wrong,” says Midge, sounding mildly frustrated now. “Just please accept my answer, okay?” 

Summer’s eyebrow raises. Clearly something is wrong, but what in the world could it be and why is Midge not being honest? Still, if the girl’s irritation is anything to go by, Summer should stop questioning her. 

“Okay,” Summer murmurs. “Sorry.” 

They sit in heavy silence for the rest of the drive. 

XXX

As they walk towards the animal shelter, Summer takes Midge’s hand. She watches the girl closely, doing her best to gauge her reaction. She smiles softly as Midge gives her hand a squeeze. Well, at least her wife isn’t angry with her. Something is still wrong though. Midge is even more tense than before. Concern weighs heavily on Summer’s chest, but she doesn't know what she can possibly do for the girl right now. She wants more than anything to help, but Midge won’t even admit something is wrong. This is unusual behavior for her, which only makes Summer more worried. 

When they get inside, Summer hasn’t even finished introducing herself to the woman at the front desk when Midge suddenly unlatches their hands. Summer turns to look at her, but before she knows it the girl is walking away, hurrying out of the shelter. Summer’s concern immediately turns to panic. What in the world is going on?! 

“Sorry,” she quickly says to the woman. “Gotta go.” 

Not even waiting for a response, she rushes after Midge. 

She finds her leaning against the car, body heaving with gasping sobs. Her face is buried in her hands. Summer’s heart pounds as panic fills every inch of her body. 

“Baby!” she exclaims. “Oh my God! What’s wrong?!” 

She reaches out to embrace her, but Midge steps back and moves her hands away from her face. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. Summer’s chest squeezes painfully at the sight.

“N-No!” Midge sobs. “D-Don’t touch me! P-Please!” 

Summer’s heart thumps even harder. Midge rarely rejects her comfort. Something must be seriously wrong. 

“O-Okay,” she says, her voice shaking slightly. “Let me just get you in the car.” 

After grabbing her keys from her purse and unlocking the car, she takes Midge’s hand and helps her into the passenger seat. As she buckles the girl’s seatbelt, it takes all her restraint to not pull her close. 

As Summer drives off, Midge buries her face in her hands again. Her sobs grow even more intense. Summer bites down on her lip so hard, the skin breaks. She wants nothing more than to comfort her wife, but she has to respect the girl’s boundaries. 

“Shhh. Baby, it’s okay,” she soothes as Midge lets out an especially loud sob, the words coming out instinctively. “Everything is going to be okay. I’m here for you.” 

Unable to stand not doing anything to help, she continues to murmur comforting words the whole way home. Midge cries just as hysterically, but at least Summer feels like she’s doing something supportive. Her mind spins with a million questions, but she knows asking what’s wrong again will get her nowhere.

When they get home, Summer helps Midge inside. She wraps one arm around her waist to hold her steady. The girl’s legs are trembling so badly, she’d definitely fall if Summer wasn’t supporting her weight. 

After they enter the house, Summer leads Midge to the bedroom. As soon as Summer helps her into the bed, she curls into a ball. She buries her face in the pillow. The fabric muffles her sobs, but each one still pierces Summer's heart like a blade. Summer lies down next to her. 

“Baby, please,” she murmurs. “Let me hold you.” 

Just when she's opening her mouth to say more, Midge launches herself forward. The next thing Summer knows, the girl is clinging to her tightly, sobbing heavily against her chest. Summer quickly wraps her arms around her, holding her as tightly as she can. 

“I'm here,” she whispers. “It's okay.” 

“J-Just don't let g-go of me,” Midge sobs. 

Summer's eyes sting with tears. She takes a deep, shaky breath, gathering her composure. 

“I promise I won't,” she murmurs, combing her fingers through her hair. “I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere.” 

Midge sobs for what feels like hours to Summer. Eventually she cries herself to sleep. Once the girl’s breathing evens out, Summer allows a few tears to slip from her own eyes. Seeing Midge like this is extremely difficult for her, and not knowing what's wrong makes it even worse. 

XXX

Midge sleeps for what must be at least a couple hours. Summer stares at the ceiling the whole time, mind racing at a dizzying pace. 

As Midge finally begins to stir, Summer presses a soft kiss to her head. 

“Hey, baby,” she whispers. “How are you feeling?”

It's a stupid question, but she feels the need to say something. 

When Midge lifts her head and looks at her with red, puffy eyes, Summer's chest clenches. She lightly strokes her thumb over the girl's cheek. 

“I'm really worried about you, baby,” she whispers. 

“I'm fine,” Midge croaks. 

“Clearly you're not,” Summer insists, her voice soft. “I haven't seen you cry like that in years.”

Midge looks down, tracing her finger over the bed sheet. 

Summer sighs gently. “Here. How about I make you some tea? Then maybe in a little while we can talk about it?” 

“Okay,” Midge whispers. 

Summer smiles softly. “Okay, baby. I'll be right back.” 

XXX

After Summer makes a cup of tea, she returns to the bedroom. Midge is still lying down. Summer walks over to the bed. 

“Here, why don't you sit up, love?” she murmurs. 

Midge slowly sits up. 

“Thanks,” she croaks as Summer hands her the cup of tea. 

“Of course, baby,” Summer murmurs. 

As soon as she sits down next to Midge, she wraps her arm around the girl's shoulders. 

“I love you,” she whispers. 

“I love you too,” Midge murmurs. “And…I'm sorry.”

Summer's brow furrows. “Why are you sorry, baby?” 

Midge sighs shakily. “For freaking out like that. It wasn't fair to you.” 

Summer scoffs softly. “I don't hold it against you at all, babe. You have every right to feel the way you feel.” 

She takes Midge's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. 

“But I would like to know why you're feeling this way,” she says quietly. “I want to help.” 

Midge squeezes her eyes shut. “I-I want to tell you…but it's so hard for me to talk about.” 

Summer’s brow dips with sympathy. She knows how hard it is to dig up past trauma. 

“You don't have to, love,” she murmurs. “I'm not going to make you. It's just…I want to know how to help you.” 

Midge lets out a shaky sigh. “No. I'll tell you. Just give me a minute.” 

She sets her cup of tea down on the nightstand. 

Summer squeezes her hand. “Of course, baby. Take all the time you need.” 

There's a few minutes of silence. As intense as Summer's anticipation is, she still waits patiently. Midge exhales slowly. She squeezes her eyes shut. 

“Okay,” she says, her voice resolute. “I'm ready. So…when I was a kid I had a dog. A cocker spaniel named Rusty.” Her voice breaks. 

Summer squeezes her hand even tighter. Midge takes a deep, trembling breath before continuing. 

“Well…one day when I was twelve I was taking him for a walk. Somehow he got off his leash and the next thing I knew he’d run into the road and…” Her voice breaks again. 

Summer has heard enough to piece together what happened. Waves of nausea are rushing through her. 

“B-Baby, it's okay,” she says quickly, her voice shaking. “You don't have to finish that sentence. I understand what happened.” She lets out a trembling breath, doing her best to gather her composure before speaking again. “I am so incredibly sorry that happened, baby. I…I don't even know what to say.” 

Midge looks at her, lip quivering and eyes shining with tears. 

“I-I’m not ready to g-get a d-dog,” she chokes out. “I-I’m sorry.” 

Summer's chest aches so sharply, it nearly takes her breath away. 

“That's okay, baby!” she exclaims. “We don't have to get a dog! We can get a cat or a fish or even no animal at all! Whatever feels okay to you, alright?”

The second Midge chokes out a sob, Summer throws her arms around her, pulling her as close as she possibly can. 

“I'm so sorry, baby,” she whispers, her voice shaking. “I am so so sorry.” 

“I-It’s all my f-fault!” Midge sobs. “I-I didn't latch h-his leash properly!” 

The knowledge that Midge still blames herself after all these years hits Summer like a punch to the gut. 

“Baby!” she exclaims. “It was not your fault! You were twelve! You were just a little kid!” Her voice breaks. She takes a deep, shaky breath before continuing. “Please don't blame yourself, baby. I promise it was not your fault.”

Midge continues to sob against her shoulder, gasping, gulping sobs that bring tears to Summer's own eyes, but Summer holds her tight all the while. She lets her fall apart because she knows with a full certainty that she can put Midge's broken pieces back together again.

Chapter Text

Summer’s brow furrows with confusion as she pulls up the driveway of Midge’s parents’ house. She took Midge’s dad’s car to the grocery store to do some shopping for the family, while Midge went with her parents to visit her aunt and uncle. She certainly didn’t expect to come home to this.  

“Why is she…” Her voice trails off. 

Midge is standing outside the front door, arms wrapped around herself. Even from here, Summer can see her intense shivering. What in the world is going on? Why isn’t she inside? 

As soon as she parks the car, she gets out. She hisses out a curse as the frigid air slices through her. She’s still not used to how cold Midwest winters are. A light layer of snow crunches under her boots as she hurries over to Midge. 

“Baby, what are you doing out here?!” she exclaims.

A wave of concern rushes through her as she realizes just how cold her girlfriend is. Her body is convulsing with shivers and her teeth are chattering. 

“I-I decided t-to walk h-home from my a-aunt and u-uncle’s house. I-It’s only h-half a m-mile. I-I f-forgot my k-key though.” 

Summer doesn’t bother to ask why Midge left her aunt and uncle’s house. She’s sure it’s for the same reason that she herself didn’t tag along. They’re homophobic assholes. She’s surprised Midge’s parents didn’t drive her home though. Now isn’t the time to question her any further though. She needs to get her inside. 

“Let’s go inside,” she murmurs. “I’ll start a hot bath for you.” 

“W-What about the g-groceries?” Midge asks.

Summer scoffs softly. “You’re so much more important than groceries.”

She wraps her arm around Midge’s shoulders, leading her towards the door. Their progress is slow, due to Midge’s shaking legs. 

“Oh my poor baby,” Summer coos. “I’m going to get you all warmed up, okay?” 

Midge nods. 

As soon as they’re inside, Summer sits Midge down on the couch. Grabbing a flannel blanket that’s draped over the arm of the couch, she wraps it around her. 

“Wait here for just a minute,” she murmurs. “I’m going to start the bath.” 

“O-Okay,” Midge whispers. 

XXX

While they wait for the bath to fill, Summer holds Midge close on the couch, rubbing her hands up and down her back and over her arms. The girl’s shivering hasn’t decreased in the slightest. Concern sits heavily on Summer’s chest. 

A few minutes later, Summer leads Midge into the bathroom. With one look at the bath, she decides that it’s adequately full. After turning the faucet off, she helps Midge undress. Midge shudders harder as her clothes come off. Summer winces sympathetically. Usually she’d immediately be aroused by the sight of Midge’s naked body, but right now she’s too worried to think of anything but making her girlfriend feel better.

“Come on, baby,” she murmurs. “Let’s get you into the bath.” 

After helping Midge into the bathtub, she sits on her knees beside it. Midge closes her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall. The cold must’ve exhausted her. Summer reaches over, slowly running her hand through the girl’s hair. Midge sighs softly. 

“Feeling any better, baby?” Summer whispers. 

“A-A little,” Midge replies, her teeth still chattering. “C-Could you c-come in? I think y-your arms a-around me w-will warm me u-up more.” 

Summer’s worries are suddenly gone as her face flushes and heat blooms between her thighs. Midge doesn’t have to ask her twice. She immediately stands up and throws her clothes off. 

“Scootch,” she murmurs as she steps into the tub. 

Midge scoots forward so Summer can sit behind her. As soon as Summer sits down, she wraps her arms tightly around her. Midge sinks into the embrace, head dropping against Summer’s chest. They sit in silence for a few minutes. Summer softly presses kisses to the top of Midge’s head. Gradually, the girl’s shaking lessens. 

“Are you feeling warmer, love?” Summer murmurs. 

“Yes,” Midge whispers. “But I could feel more warm.” 

“What do you mean?” Summer asks, brow furrowing. 

“You know what I mean,” Midge says, a seductive lilt to her voice. 

She turns around to shoot Summer a sultry smile. The heat between Summer’s thighs returns several times hotter than before. Her breath hitches. 

“Ohhh,” she says teasingly. “I see. Well, you must be feeling a lot better.” 

Midge giggles before turning around completely. She positions herself on her knees before pulling Summer into a kiss. Summer cups the girl’s face, drawing her in closer and closer. Midge’s tongue darts into her mouth. Summer’s eyes widen. Clearly this is going to go a lot faster than she thought it would. She’s not complaining though. She pushes her tongue into Midge’s mouth. 

When they finally have to pull away for air, Summer takes a deep, gasping breath before latching her mouth onto Midge’s neck, harshly nipping the skin. She grins as Midge lets out a high-pitched whine. Midge’s fingers are tangled in her hair, lightly tugging. The pulling sensation only adds to Summer’s pleasure. 

“Tell me what you want, baby,” she pants. 

“F-Fuck me,” Midge gasps out. 

If Summer was wearing underwear, they’d surely be soaked by now. 

“Of course, baby,” she purrs. “Anything for you.” 

As she begins to trace the edges of Midge’s slit, she continues to pepper the girl’s neck and chest with sharp nips. Midge’s low whining rises in pitch as Summer starts to finger her folds. 

“Faster,” Midge pants. 

Summer raises an eyebrow. Usually Midge likes to take it slow. There’s a certain desperation in her voice though that immediately has Summer slipping her fingers in deeper. She curls her fingers and begins to thrust. 

“Yes!” Midge exclaims, her voice bordering on a sob. “Just like that!” 

Summer pumps her fingers harder and harder, and Midge’s whines and gasps rise higher and higher in pitch. It’s clear that she’s coming close to the edge. 

“Good girl,” Summer praises. 

“God, Summer!” Midge sobs. “Faster! I need this!” 

Summer’s mind is too hazy with lust to wonder why Midge is so desperate.  

“Anything you say,” Summer pants before speeding up her thrusts even more. 

As Midge’s orgasm comes and she sobs Summer’s name, Summer slows the pace of her thrusts. 

“Good girl,” she coos, pressing a kiss to the side of Midge’s head. “You did so good. I love you so much.” 

Midge buries her face in Summer’s shoulder. At least a minute passes and her shudders don’t slow. 

“You okay, baby?” Summer whispers, brow furrowing with concern. 

She gasps softly as Midge begins to sob. Her eyes widen, panic bursting through her. 

“Baby, did I hurt you?!” she exclaims. 

She lets out a trembling breath of relief when Midge shakes her head. 

“Then what is it, baby?” she whispers. 

“I-It’s nothing,” Midge whimpers. 

“It’s clearly something,” Summer retorts, her voice soft. “You can tell me.” 

She squeezes Midge tighter as the girl chokes out an explanation. 

“I-It’s just…I w-wish my whole f-family accepted me, y-you know?” She sighs shakily. “I-I feel b-bad saying that b-because my p-parents accept m-me and yours d-don’t. I-I know I h-have it b-better than you, b-but it just m-makes me really s-sad.” Her voice breaks.

Summer’s eyes burn with tears. Her chest aches sharper and sharper as Midge continues to cry. She takes a deep breath, making sure she’s collected, before she answers. 

“Baby,” she whispers. “You’re allowed to feel sad about it. Pain isn’t a competition. I know I make a lot of things a competition, but I would never do that with this.” 

Midge sniffs. “I-I know that y-you wouldn’t.” 

Summer feels slightly relieved knowing that, but the pain she feels for her girlfriend is still a heavy weight in her chest. 

“Listen,” she murmurs. “I know how much it hurts to have your family not accept you and I’m so sorry you have to experience that pain too. I’m so sorry, baby girl.” 

Midge sobs harder and Summer holds her even closer, squeezing her as tightly as she can. 

“It’s okay,” she whispers. “I love you. I love you so much.” 

XXX

After Midge calms down, Summer adds more hot water to the bath. She leans back and Midge lies on her side, head resting against her chest. Summer gently threads her fingers through the girl’s hair. For a few minutes the only sound is Midge’s sniffles. When Midge speaks, her voice is hoarse.

“I’ll tell you what happened.” 

“It’s up to you, baby,” Summer murmurs. 

“I want to tell you,” Midge whispers. 

“Then I’m all ears.” 

As Midge explains how her aunt cornered her in the kitchen and insisted she give up her “sinful homosexual lifestyle,” Summer grows angrier and angrier.

“Why didn’t your parents interfere?” she asks, fighting to keep her voice level.

“They didn’t know,” Midge answers. “They were in the living room. I just told them I was leaving so I could go see you.”

Summer nods. At least she doesn’t have Midge’s parents to be mad at.

“Sorry I interrupted,” she murmurs. “Please continue.” 

When Midge’s explanation comes to an end, Summer presses a soft kiss to her cheek. 

“I will seriously beat them up if you want me to,” she says, voice brimming with indignation. 

Midge snorts. She gasps softly before looking up at Summer with wide eyes. 

“I’m so sorry!” she exclaims. “I totally just laughed snot all over your chest!” 

Summer laughs softly. “I don’t mind, baby. No part of you could be gross to me.” 

Midge frowns doubtfully. Cupping water in her hands, she pours it over Summer’s chest. 

“Well, now we’re in a snot bath,” Summer says, her voice deadpan. 

Midge’s shoulders shake with suppressed laughter. 

“St-Stop!” she exclaims. “I can’t laugh until I blow my nose!” 

Summer chuckles before pulling Midge into a kiss. It’s soft and sweet, a far cry from the hot and heavy kisses they’d shared earlier. This one is somehow even better though. 

When they pull back a moment later, Midge’s eyes light up.

“After we get out of the bath, do you want me to go down on you?” she asks. 

Summer snorts, amused by how casually the girl said that. Heat courses through her body again. 

“I’d love that,” she purrs. Her voice softens. “But are you sure you’re up for it?” 

Midge presses their foreheads together. “When I’m with you, I’m up for anything.” 

Chapter Text

As Summer and Midge stand in the Milwaukee Airport parking lot, waiting for Midge’s parents to pick them up, Summer can’t stop fidgeting. Her heart is pounding and her stomach is fluttering nervously. She turns to Midge with an anxious frown.

“Are you sure they’ll like me?” she asks, her voice low. 

Midge threads their fingers together and gives her hand a gentle squeeze. 

“Love, they’ve met you before,” she murmurs, “and they liked you a lot. Why would anything be different this time?” 

“We weren’t girlfriends last time I saw them though. What if they think I’m not good enough for you?” 

Midge scoffs softly. “Of course they won’t think that. You’re more than good enough for me. You’re amazing. I know it and they know it too.” 

Summer lets out a shaky sigh. Midge’s words do reassure her somewhat, but her apprehension is still strong. Midge leans over, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. 

“Everything will be fine, baby,” she murmurs. “I promise.” 

Midge’s gentle touch releases some of the tension from her muscles. 

“I know,” she whispers. “Your parents are nice people.” 

Midge laughs softly. “They are.” 

Summer feels substantially more relaxed now, but the second Midge’s parents arrive, stopping their car next to them, her anxiety returns full force. Oh God. She’s going to fuck this up. She’s going to say something wrong and then they’ll hate her forever. Her own parents hate her. Why would it be any different with Midge’s parents? She’s just not a likable person. There’s so many things wrong with her. Who is she kidding? She’s not good enough for a girl like Midge and Midge’s parents will know that. 

Her flood of self-deprecating thoughts is cut off as Midge’s parents jump out of the car and rush over to them. Midge’s mom, Audrey, reaches them first. She immediately pulls Midge into a hug. 

“Hi, sweetheart!” she exclaims. “Oh my goodness, it’s been too long!” 

Midge giggles softly. “Hi, Mom! I missed you too.” 

As soon as Audrey pulls back from Midge, she hurries over to Summer. 

“Hi, Summer!” she exclaims. 

As she approaches, she stretches out her arms. Summer’s eyes widen as she realizes what’s about to happen. Before she knows it, Audrey has her wrapped in a tight embrace. Summer has never felt more awkward. She knows she should probably be hugging her back, but it’s like she can’t get her arms to work. Fortunately, Audrey doesn’t seem to mind. When she draws back a moment later, her smile is just as bright as before. Like the last time Summer saw her, she’s taken aback by how much the woman looks like Midge. She supposes she shouldn’t be too surprised. She looks a lot like her own mom after all. It still startles her for some reason though. 

Midge’s dad, Arthur, comes over to her then. She tenses up even further. Is he going to hug her too? Thankfully, he just shakes her hand. 

“Hello, Summer,” he says pleasantly. “It’s nice to see you.” 

She clears her throat. “H-Hello, Arthur. It’s nice to see you too.” 

Shit. Why did she have to stutter? His soft smile doesn’t waver in the slightest though. 

“Here, let me get that in the car for you,” he says, taking her suitcase. 

Summer’s eyes widen. 

“Oh it’s fine!” she exclaims. “I can do it!” 

He’s already walking off with her suitcase though. She chews her lip nervously. Midge walks up to her and takes her hand. She presses a quick kiss to Summer’s cheek. 

“Don’t worry about it, baby,” she murmurs. “He’s just very chivalrous. Kind of like you.” 

Blood rushes into Summer’s cheeks. She always eats up Midge’s praise, but she especially loves it when Midge calls her chivalrous. Still, the last thing she wants is to be a blushing mess around Midge’s parents. 

“Midge,” she whispers. “Don’t make me blush right now.” 

Midge giggles. “I can’t help it. You’re just so darn cute.” 

Summer’s face burns hotter. 

Midge chuckles. “Let’s get in the car now.” 

As they walk towards the car, Summer breathes deeply, hoping that it’ll cool her blazing cheeks. 

As soon as they sit down in the back and Arthur begins to drive, Midge takes her hand. Audrey, who’s sitting in the passenger seat, turns around. 

“How about we go get some coffee? Well, it’ll be tea in Midge’s case.” She chuckles. “We can go to Midge’s favorite coffee shop. I’m sure you’ll love it, Summer.”

“Ooh!” Midge exclaims. “I’d love to go to Jupiter!” She turns to Summer. “Does that sound good, love?” 

Summer chuckles. “Well, how could I say no to a coffee shop called Jupiter?"

Midge and Audrey laugh. Midge leans over, giving Summer’s cheek a peck. Summer immediately stiffens. Anxiety courses through her. She quickly looks towards Midge’s parents. Arthur is looking at the road as he drives them out of the parking lot. Audrey is giving them a soft smile. Her muscles relax slightly, but she’s still on edge. She knows logically that Midge’s parents are supportive of their relationship, but she’s so used to her own parents shaming her over her sexuality that it feels strange to be around parents that are completely accepting. She knows she’ll get used to it eventually, but as of now she’s still nervous. She also feels like she needs to tread lightly. She doesn’t know Midge’s parents well after all. She likely hasn’t earned their trust. She knows how precious Midge is to them, and she doesn't want to do something that will make them decide she isn’t good for their daughter. 

Her racing thoughts are cut off by a gentle squeeze to her hand. Midge is gazing at her, brow furrowed with confusion. She can tell what Midge’s question is just by reading her expression: Are you okay? Summer nods and gives Midge what she hopes is a reassuring smile. She needs to pull it together. No matter how insecure she feels, she can’t let it show. If Midge’s parents are anywhere near as perceptive as their daughter, they’ll inevitably notice her discomfort. She can’t have that. 

XXX

Jupiter Coffee is a small and cozy shop. Summer immediately feels more relaxed when she walks in and breathes in the delicious aroma of coffee. 

As the barista takes their orders, it crosses her mind that coffee might make her more nervous, but she goes ahead and orders an iced caramel macchiato anyway. She’s never been a fan of tea after all. Midge, on the other hand, loves tea. As usual, she orders an iced chai. 

Panic races through Summer as she sees Arthur drawing his credit card out of his pocket. She’s so stupid. How could she forget to have her card ready? She quickly rifles through her purse. 

“I’ll pay!” she exclaims. “Just let me find my card real quick!” 

Arthur gives her a soft smile. “I’ll pay, dear. It’s no problem.” 

Summer shakes her head. “No, let me. You guys are hosting me. It’s the least I can do.” 

Finally locating her card, she rushes forward to hand it to the barista, but she’s too late. In a flash, Arthur gives the barista his card. Disappointment and shame immediately flood her. 

“Oh Arthur, you shouldn’t have,” she says. 

She tries not to sound too upset, but the disappointment is evident in her tone. 

“It’s fine, hon,” Audrey assures her, giving her a reassuring smile. “We’re happy to pay.” 

Despite how ashamed she feels, Summer manages a small smile. “Well, thank you. I appreciate it.” 

“It’s no problem, dear,” says Audrey.

What’s also strange to Summer is the terms of endearment Midge’s parents are calling her. Her own parents have only ever called her by her actual name. It’s getting clearer and clearer that Midge’s parents care about her more than her own parents do, and Summer doesn’t know how to feel about that. She's pulled from her thoughts by Midge speaking.

“Let’s go sit."

Summer nods. “Sounds good.” 

There are a couple tables open. They sit down at one. Summer and Midge sit on one side, and Audrey and Arthur sit on the other. For the first couple minutes Summer just listens to them talk, feeling awkward, but after their drinks come and she begins to sip her coffee, she starts to feel more comfortable. She laughs as Arthur tells a story about how one of his students came to class hungover and threw up everywhere. Arthur is an English professor. 

“My Midge never would’ve come to class like that,” he says. 

Midge snorts. “I never even drank more than a couple cocktails the whole time I was in college.”

Midge majored in English at the university Arthur teaches at. 

“You were always one of the top students,” Arthur praises. 

Midge chuckles. “Well, I sure worked hard. It was exhausting. I’m so glad college is over.” 

They all laugh. 

“Well, it sure paid off,” says Summer, paying back some of the praise Midge gave her earlier. “Your writing is amazing.” 

Midge’s face flushes. 

“Aww thanks, babe,” she murmurs. 

Midge smiles softly at her. Their attention is drawn to Audrey as the woman speaks. 

“So I’ve been working on the garden, getting it all ready for spring. I left some seed packets if you want to plant some of the flowers, Midge. I know you enjoy doing that. You’re welcome to do some gardening with us too, Summer.” 

Summer smiles. She’s never gardened before, but she’d love to give it a go. It’s one of Midge’s interests after all and she always engages in the girl’s passions, knowing how much that means to her. 

“Sure thing,” she agrees. “Thanks.” 

“Of course, dear. We’d love for you to join us.” 

Summer’s chest warms. Her parents never included her in anything. Midge’s parents are so sweet and welcoming, and the sheer kindness they’re showing her is threatening to overwhelm her. 

“So Midge says you’re amazing at sports,” says Arthur. “She says you’re especially passionate about soccer. You know, I played some soccer myself back in the day.” 

Summer grins. “You did?” 

“Sure did. It’s a fun game. Maybe we can kick a ball around sometime.” 

Now Summer is sure she’s going to be overwhelmed if Midge’s parents show her any more kindness. Her eyes sting. Never once did her own dad kick a ball around with her. What he did instead is watch her kick it around and yell at her if her technique was even slightly off. 

She’s once again pulled from her upsetting thoughts by Midge taking her hand. Summer immediately squeezes Midge’s hand, needing something to tether herself to. Midge squeezes even tighter, clearly knowing that Summer needs the reassurance. 

As Audrey begins to talk about a new dress she’s sewing for Midge, Summer’s dreary thoughts begin to fade and she becomes occupied by the conversation again. 

“Oh Mom, you shouldn’t have!” Midge exclaims. 

“I’ll do anything to make my little girl happy,” Audrey murmurs, smiling adoringly at Midge. 

As Summer watches the interaction, she’s hit by a new feeling that takes her a moment to decode. When she figures out that it’s jealousy, guilt rushes in too. It’s absolutely awful to be jealous of Midge’s relationship with her parents. Just because Summer has a shitty relationship with her own parents doesn’t give her the right to be jealous of her own girlfriend. She’s horrible. And soon enough Midge’s parents will know it. 

She manages to keep appearing cheerful, but it’s evident that Midge is still worried about her by the way she continues to squeeze her hand. 

XXX

When they pull up to Midge’s parents’ house, like last time, the first thing Summer notices is the dozens of birdhouses and bird feeders. Arthur is obsessed with birds. He turns around to look at Summer and Midge. 

“Do you girls want to come see some baby birds?” he asks, smiling excitedly. 

“Of course!” Midge exclaims, looking just as excited. 

Even if she’s not obsessed with birds like her dad is, she still loves them and has lots of bird knowledge. 

Summer grins, some of her melancholy from earlier fading. “Sure thing.”

After they grab their suitcases, he leads them over to one of the birdhouses. He slowly opens it. They peek in. Inside the nest are five tiny birds. 

“Awww,” Midge coos. “Those baby bluebirds are so cute.” 

Summer agrees that they’re adorable. 

“Where’s the mom?” she asks. 

“She’ll be back soon,” Arthur replies. “She’s most likely off getting worms for them.” 

Summer nods. Arthur grins like a brilliant idea just occurred to him. 

“How would you girls like to come birdwatching with me tomorrow morning? I was thinking of going to the nature reserve for a couple hours before church.” 

Midge turns to Summer, silently asking her if she wants to do it. 

Summer nods. “Sure. I’ve never gone birdwatching before, but it sounds like fun.” 

She always gets up early to go running, but she can go one day without it. Plus, this is a perfect opportunity to show interest in what Midge and Arthur enjoy. 

Arthur grins. “Excellent! Is seven okay? That way, we can get to church by ten.” 

Summer and Midge nod. Summer is trying not to be nervous about going to church, but she can’t help it. She’s never been to church before. Plus, being around a ton of devout Lutherans who she knows wouldn’t accept her sexuality is a disconcerting thought. Even if they don’t know she’s a lesbian, there’s still the fact that they wouldn’t like her if they did know. Still, religion is important to Midge’s parents and Summer is obviously going to respect that. Church only lasts an hour. She can handle it. 

“Now how about we dye some Easter eggs?” Audrey suggests. 

Midge smiles brightly. “Sounds great. As soon as we get settled in my room, we’ll get started.”

After they enter the house, they head towards Midge’s bedroom. Summer looks around as they walk. She’s been in Midge’s parents’ house before, but she’s still in awe of how cozy it is. It’s medium-sized, a far cry from the elegant mansion Summer grew up in, but Summer far prefers this house. It has personality. 

As they walk down the hall, she looks at the pictures hanging on the wall. There are several of Midge as a child. 

Summer points to one. “Look how cute!” 

Midge snorts. “Oh stop! I was so awkward looking.” 

Summer scoffs. “You were not!” 

Midge rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “Fine. If you say so.”

As soon as Midge shuts her bedroom door behind them, she takes Summer’s hand and leads her to the bed. 

“Are you okay, love?” she murmurs as they sit down. “You seem kind of…sad.” 

Summer stiffens. She can’t believe she’s been so obvious about her feelings. She needs to brush off Midge’s concerns and stop being such a wimp. 

“I’m totally fine, babe,” she says, plastering on a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing wrong.” 

Midge studies her for a moment, brow furrowed and lips pursed. Summer looks down, feeling awkward under her heavy gaze. Finally, Midge speaks. 

“Okay,” she says softly. “You can talk to me though, baby. You know that, right?” 

Summer looks up and nods. “Of course I know that. Now do you want to go dye some eggs?” 

Midge smiles. “Sounds good.” 

XXX

“That egg is looking great, Summer!” Audrey exclaims. “I love how you mixed the purple and blue.” 

Summer flushes, a little taken aback by Audrey’s praise. Unlike Midge, she’s never been much of an artist.

“Thanks,” she says quietly. 

Egg dyeing is an Easter tradition she’s never partaken in. Come to think of it, her family doesn't really have any Easter traditions. Her parents took her and her brother Blaine to the mall to sit on the Easter Bunny’s lap when they were little, but other than that they’ve never done much for Easter. Come to think of it, they don’t do much of anything for any holiday. 

Midge giggles. “You’re making another pink egg, Mom? You’ve already made six of them!” 

Audrey chuckles. “You know how much I love pink, honey.” 

Midge snorts. “Don’t I know it.”

Summer doesn’t know her mom’s favorite color. She knows barely anything about her mom. Her grip on her egg tightens. Why can’t she stop these comparisons? It’s getting incredibly frustrating. She wishes her mind would just shut up. 

Her eyes widen as her egg cracks and yolk lands on the table. 

“Oh crap!” she exclaims. “I’m so sorry!”

She quickly grabs a paper towel from the roll on the table and wipes up the yolk. 

“I’m so sorry!” she repeats. “I didn’t mean to! I-” 

Audrey cuts her off. “Sweetheart, it’s okay. It was just an accident.” 

She takes a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding of her heart. She attempts to reassure herself. It’s okay. They’re not mad. All she can think about in this moment though is how angry her parents would get at her for making messes, even if it was accidental. She can’t panic though. Not now. So she takes another deep breath and plasters a smile on her face. 

“I’m just not used to dyeing eggs. I didn’t know you had to hold an egg quite so delicately.”

Audrey and Arthur chuckle. 

“I’ll just go throw these paper towels away,” Summer says. 

As she stands up, Midge shoots her a concerned glance. It’s brief, but Summer can see the worry in her eyes. She chews her lip anxiously. She needs to cut this bullshit out. She’s making a fool of herself in front of Midge’s parents and worrying Midge. Enough is enough. 

After throwing the towels away, Summer comes back to the table. She keeps a smile on her face as she continues to dye eggs. 

“Speaking of soccer,” says Arthur, “I used to coach a little league team. Midge was on it one season, but the poor girl cried at every game.”

Midge rolls her eyes. “Dad, I was five and I hated sports. What did you expect?” 

Arthur chuckles. Summer smiles at the idea of a little Midge running around the field trying to kick a ball. 

“If only you knew Summer back then,” says Arthur. “She could’ve given you some pointers.” 

Thank God she didn’t know me back then, Summer thinks to herself. She was a rebellious, badly behaved child. She’s not going to admit that to Midge’s parents though. 

Midge laughs. “She would’ve made all the goals while I laid on the field and cried.” 

They all laugh. For the time being at least, all of Summer’s worries have faded. 

XXX

After a delicious dinner of spaghetti, Arthur suggests playing Scrabble and of course Summer agrees. Even though it’s far from her favorite game, she knows how much Midge and her parents love it. 

As she predicted, she does a horrible job. Midge and her parents are nothing but encouraging though. Summer is usually embarrassed by her lack of academic skill, but Midge and her parents are so casual about the game, she feels perfectly at ease. Arthur ends up winning, which makes sense considering he’s an English professor. 

Midge pouts. “No fair! Rematch!” 

Arthur chuckles. “We can do a rematch tomorrow. Right now though it’s late and I have papers to grade.” 

Midge looks over at the clock on the wall. “Oh wow! It’s after eleven! I didn’t know it was getting so late. I guess that’s jet lag for you.” She turns to Summer. “Want to head to bed, honey? We do have to get up early for birdwatching.” 

Summer nods. “Sure, babe.” 

XXX

After getting ready for bed, they lie down in Midge’s bed. It’s a twin bed, so they’re cramped, but it doesn’t matter because they’re going to cuddle all night anyway. 

“Come here, baby,” Midge murmurs, reaching her arms out. 

Summer crawls into her arms and rests her head against her chest. She lets out a contented sigh as Midge begins to thread her fingers though her hair. There’s a few minutes of silence before Midge speaks. 

“Can you tell me what’s wrong, baby?” she murmurs. “You seem off.”

Summer stiffens. God, why does she have to be so obvious about her emotions? She used to be so much better at hiding them. Midge has broken down so many of her walls. She knows that it’s made her a better person, but it makes it more difficult than before to suppress her feelings and that’s frustrating to say the least. 

“I’m fine, Midge,” she says. 

She knows she doesn’t sound convincing, but she hopes Midge accepts her answer. 

Midge sighs softly. “I want to help you if you’re upset, baby.”

Summer swallows. Her throat is suddenly dry. 

“I’m fine,” she insists. “I really am.” 

Midge sighs that gentle sigh again. 

“Fine,” she says quietly. “I don’t believe you, but I’m not going to force you to open up. Just let me know if you need to talk though, okay?” 

Summer resists the urge to groan. Why can’t Midge buy her act? Why does she have to be so fucking bad at acting okay when she’s not? 

“I really am okay,” she mutters. 

“Okay,” Midge whispers. 

It’s clear that she still doesn’t believe her and Summer is just going to have to accept that. There’s a few moments of silence before Midge speaks again. 

“I love you.” 

Those three words do wonders to soothe Summer. Her muscles immediately unclench. She wraps her arms around Midge tighter, pulling her as close as possible. 

“I love you too,” she whispers. 

XXX

The morning is crisp and cool. As Summer, Midge, and Arthur walk down the forest trail, Summer savors the gentle breeze blowing past and the warmth of the sunlight on her skin. 

“What a lovely morning,” Arthur says softly. 

They’re all speaking quietly, as they don’t want to scare any birds away. 

“It is,” Midge agrees, her voice just as soft. She points at a tree. “Oh look. It’s a cardinal. That’s my favorite.” 

Summer looks where she’s pointing. 

Midge turns to her, grinning. “What do you think, babe?” 

Summer smiles. “It’s pretty. I’ve never seen one before.”

The bird is beautiful, but what’s even more gorgeous is Midge. She can’t take her eyes off her. The glow the sunlight is casting on her auburn hair is mesmerizing. 

She continues to watch her as they walk further down the trail. The way her eyes light up when she spots a bird makes Summer’s heart soar every time. She’ll never get over how beautiful Midge’s smile is. She looks at Midge much more than she looks at birds throughout the rest of the walk. 

XXX

“Are you sure I look okay?” Summer asks as she and Midge walk down the stairs. 

She’s not used to wearing fancy dresses. She tugs at the collar for what must be the hundredth time. 

“You look absolutely beautiful,” Midge assures her. 

She takes Summer’s hand, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Summer’s cheeks warm. 

“Thanks,” she murmurs. “So do you.” 

Midge giggles. “Thank you.”

“I’ve never been to church before,” Summer admits as they reach the foot of the stairs. 

Midge smiles encouragingly. “You’ll be fine. You just sit there and listen to the pastor for an hour. That’s really it. My aunt and uncle will be there, but they’ll leave you alone.” 

Summer stiffens at the mention of Midge’s homophobic aunt and uncle. A wave of indignation sweeps through her.

“I won’t let them bother you,” she says, voice determined. 

Midge smiles softly. “You don’t have to worry about that, baby. They wouldn’t make a scene in public.” 

Summer nods. That reassures her, but she’s still sorry her girlfriend has to see them at all. 

“All ready, girls?” Audrey asks as they walk into the kitchen. 

“Yup!” Midge exclaims. “Let’s do this!” 

XXX

Everybody at church treats Summer like they know her already, making conversation with her like it’s as natural as breathing. It’s awkward, but she does her best to keep the small talk going. Summer has noticed most people in Willows are like this. They’re much friendlier than most of the people in California. Growing up, Summer only even knew a few of her neighbors. Everybody seems to know everybody in Willows. 

She wishes Midge would save her from these conversations, but Midge is busy being hugged and conversed with by practically everybody in the congregation. Summer must’ve heard about forty people exclaim “Midge is back!” by now. 

The service begins a few minutes later. It’s as boring as Summer expected it to be. The pastor drones on and on. She manages to sit still though, despite her desperate urge to move around.

When it comes time for communion, Summer stays seated while the rest of Midge’s family gets up to receive wine and bread. Only people who are baptized can participate. Summer’s not sure why a religious practice has to be so exclusive (shouldn’t religion include everybody?) but she’d never voice her thoughts. It’s not like she actually cares. She’d rather not drink from a wine glass that everybody else has put their mouths on. 

As she watches Midge get handed a piece of bread by the pastor, she thinks about what it must be like for her. The girl was raised in a Lutheran community and used to be as devout of a Lutheran as the rest of her family, but in recent years she’s come to question the existence of God. She claims she’ll never tell her family though, not even her parents. Summer imagines that it must be difficult for her to doubt God but act like she fully believes. Summer’s family is non-religious and she’s never believed in God, so she has no idea how to help Midge work through her feelings about the matter. 

She’s pulled from her thoughts as Midge returns. She reaches out to take Summer’s hand but stops halfway. Her eyes widen. They both agreed to not show affection in church. Midge isn’t ready to come out to anybody in Willows other than her family and Summer respects that. Midge will be met with plenty of hate when she comes out and Summer knows how painful that will be coming from people she’s known her whole life. Midge can keep their relationship from the rest of Willows for as long as she’d like. 

XXX

After the service, Midge’s aunt Doris and uncle Kurt come over. Summer met them at Midge’s grandma’s funeral, but that was before she and Midge were together. Now they undoubtedly hate her, thinking of her as the evil lesbian who tainted their precious niece. Her assessment was correct. They completely ignore her. Midge’s brow furrows with annoyance. Clearly she doesn’t appreciate them ignoring Summer. They hug Midge, but their embraces are short and awkward. 

As they talk on and on with Midge’s parents, Midge glances at her once every few moments. It’s clear that she wants to get out of here, but is worried that leaving will be rude. So they continue to stand there in silence as the conversation goes on. 

When the conversation is finally over, Doris and Kurt walk towards the church exit. Summer’s muscles begin to relax, but just as Doris and Kurt are about to walk out, Doris shoots her a nasty glare. Summer immediately stiffens again. She’s too shocked to even be angry. Midge’s eyes widen. Dark anger immediately fills her expression. 

She scoffs. “Come on. Let’s leave.” 

She begins to walk quickly towards another exit. Summer and Midge’s parents follow. Clearly Audrey and Arthur didn’t notice the glare because they look confused. 

“What’s wrong, honey?” Audrey asks as they get into the car. 

“Nothing,” says Midge, her voice tight. 

She looks down, avoiding her mom’s gaze. Summer takes her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. Audrey looks like she wants to say more, but clearly deciding that she should just let it be between her daughter and Summer, she turns back around. 

Midge squeezes Summer’s hand back. She rests her head on Summer’s shoulder. 

“I’m so sorry they treated you that way, baby,” she whispers. 

Summer shivers at the sensation of Midge’s hot breath against her neck. She’s so distracted with pleasure that it takes her a moment to find her voice. 

“It’s fine, baby,” she murmurs. “Don’t worry about it.” 

She looks down at Midge. The girl’s brow is furrowed and she’s chewing her lip. Summer frowns, concern weighing heavily on her chest. She just wants her girlfriend to feel better. An idea suddenly comes to her. 

“Hey, why don’t we play Boggle when we get home?” she suggests. 

Midge smiles softly. “That sounds good.” 

Summer grins. Apparently distracting her was the right choice. 

XXX

Several rounds of Boggle, all of which Midge wins by a landslide, does wonders to cheer her up. And after a delicious Easter dinner, she’s in even better spirits. 

They’re about to head to bed when Audrey walks over to them. She smiles softly.

“I just wanted to say, Summer, that I’m so glad you came to visit. You’re an absolute joy and I couldn't have chosen a better girlfriend for my daughter. Thank you for taking care of her.” 

Summer is so taken aback that she can’t even speak. This is the opposite of how she thought Midge’s parents would feel about her. They’re actually glad that she’s Midge’s girlfriend? She tries to form words, but she can’t think of the right thing to say. 

Clearly noticing her predicament, Midge presses a kiss to her cheek. “She’s pretty great, isn’t she?” 

“She is,” Audrey agrees, her voice soft. 

Suddenly, Summer’s eyes are stinging. This is all too much. She needs to get out of here before her emotions overwhelm her. Midge clearly senses this because she quickly steps in. 

“We’re going to head to bed. Thank you for the wonderful dinner, Mom.” 

“Of course, love. Sleep well, girls.” 

“You too.”

Midge takes Summer by the hand and leads her down the hall. The second Midge shuts the bedroom door, she pulls Summer into her arms. 

“What’s wrong, baby?” she murmurs.

Summer shakes her head. “I-I’m fine.”

Midge pulls back slightly. She cups Summer’s face with her hands. Her eyes are wide with concern. 

“Baby, there’s tears in your eyes,” she murmurs. “Something is clearly wrong. Can you please tell me?” 

Summer shakes her head. “I-I told you I’m fine.” 

With every passing second, it’s getting harder and harder to maintain her composure. She bites down on her tongue as hard as she can, desperately holding back the sobs building in her throat. 

“Does it have something to do with my parents?” Midge whispers. 

Summer clenches her jaw tighter. Why does her girlfriend have to be so damn perceptive? 

When Midge presses a soft, lingering kiss to her cheek, that’s the last straw. A choked sob escapes her. Midge immediately pulls her close again, tucking her head under her chin. 

“What is it, baby?” she murmurs. 

Summer wraps her arms around Midge’s waist. She needs something to tether herself to while she gets out this explanation. 

“I-It’s just…it a-actually seems like they love m-me.”

“Of course they love you,” Midge coos. “How could they not?” 

Summer shakes her head. She can feel herself getting more and more worked up, but she can’t do anything to stop it. 

“M-My parents never l-loved me,” she sobs. “W-Why do your p-parents?” 

“Because you’re amazing,” Midge says, her voice soft but insistent. “You’re kind and loving and funny and you’re always there for me. What more could I or them ask for?” 

Summer just shakes her head. She’s too overwhelmed to speak anymore. So she just lets herself fall apart in Midge’s arms. Her girlfriend holds her all the while, running her fingers through her hair and murmuring comforting words. She loses track of most of them, but one thing Midge says cuts through the fog. 

“I will always love you and so will my parents.” 

Summer has a hard time believing this, but maybe someday she will. Until then, she knows Midge will be here to remind her of it again and again.