Chapter Text
The drive back home had been a very enjoyable one. They had been talking and laughing the entire time. Even Kirsten had been almost completely pain-free. She could not say whether it was due to the painkillers or the fact that they had finally seemed to overcome a major hurdle in their relationship with Morag and Gordon, but either way, she did not really care – she was just happy. She was making jokes with Poppy and laughing, and every once in a while, as she would steal a glance at Amy, she would find her smiling right back - she could tell she was happy – truly happy - and it made her heart full. Amy felt positively giddy. She couldn’t stop smiling the whole drive back. The fact that Morag had finally accepted Kirsten as a part of Poppy’s life had been a tremendous relief, and the way Kirsten had supported her during that conversation had made her happy beyond words. Moreover, the fact that Kirsten was currently showing no signs of pain or discomfort put Amy completely at ease. She enjoyed the sounds of a cheerfully chatty Poppy in the back, and the glances Kirsten would cast her way, as well as the way she would occasionally reach for her hand, downright melted her. They had stopped for a meal at the same restaurant from a week earlier, and the people working there remembered them – or more precisely remembered Poppy – who had proceeded to excitedly share the latest updates of her football trials with them.
It was already late evening when they arrived home and so they decided they would watch a film together before putting Poppy to bed. Poppy chose the film – it was a modern-day version of the Christmas Carol, which left both Amy and Kirsten slightly surprised, mainly due to the fact that Christmas was still a few months away; however, they went along with it.
Currently, all three of them were on the settee – well, four - because Cat was dutifully sitting on Poppy’s legs, and were watching the film. Poppy was sitting between Amy and Kirsten, and even though both Amy and Poppy had suggested to the redhead that perhaps she should sit by herself to be more comfortable, she would not hear of it. Thus, all four of them ended up sitting on the settee.
“But why doesn’t she want see her Dad?” Poppy asked frowning at a particular scene in the film. “Can’t she see he is sad without her?”
“Yes, she can, darling…” Amy said: “But sometimes, adults say and do things they don’t really mean.”
“Like when Granma was cross with you after Daddy died and she wouldn’t let you see me?” Poppy promptly asked.
Amy clenched her jaw on instinct at the memory and glanced at Kirsten, who offered her a sympathetic look in return. “Yes, like that.” Amy said.
“But then Granny changed her mind and now we can see each other again.” Poppy mused.
Now, both Amy and Kirsten smiled. “Yes, darling, she did.” Amy nodded.
“I like being here with you and Kirsten and Cat.” the young girl suddenly offered.
Her remark instantly made Amy and Kirsten look at each other.
“You do?” Amy then asked, trying to keep the sudden quiver out of her voice.
“Aye.” Poppy nodded with a smile. “We are always laughing and doing fun things together. And even when I have to do my homework it’s not so bad.”
Both Kirsten and Amy chuckled at that.
“And you don’t mind Kirsten being here with us?” Amy now asked cautiously as she glanced at the Kirsten again. She could tell that the redhead tensed slightly.
Poppy shook her head. “No. I love Kirsten.” she promptly returned. “She’s cool and funny.”
“Well, I think you’re cool and funny as well, Poppy. And I love you, too.” Kirsten said with a warm smile as she gave a gentle squeeze to the young girl’s hand.
She was really happy that Poppy genuinely seemed to like her. However, she was still a little apprehensive as she knew that they still had to tell her they were together, and although she hoped Poppy would be alright with it, she could not know it for certain. As she glanced at Amy, she could tell that the brunette was most likely thinking the same thing despite the smile on her lips. Amy’s heart fluttered as she listened to the exchange between Poppy and Kirsten. However, she also knew that they still had to tell Poppy they were together. And, as her eyes met Kirsten’s, she knew now was the time.
She took a quick breath, and looking at Poppy, she said: “I am glad you think Kirsten is cool because there is something Kirsten and I would like to ask you… How would feel if she came here to live with me? And with you as well, of course, when you come on weekends.”
As she heard her Mummy’s question, Poppy frowned in thought. “You mean, like the whole time?” she asked.
“Well, yes…” Amy said, refusing to give in to panic that she suddenly started to feel.
“Like when you came to live with Daddy and I?” Poppy now asked in return, completely oblivious to significance of the question.
Unlike Amy and Kirsten. They exchanged another instinctive glance.
“Yes, like that.” Amy replied, doing her best to hide her sudden uneasiness.
Poppy pondered her Mummy’s response, and after a few beats of silence, had a follow-up question. “So, does that mean that you and Kirsten are together now, like you and Daddy?”
This time, Amy could not hide the shock. Unprepared for this question from Poppy, she froze momentarily. Fortunately, though, Kirsten had not. And just as she had so many times prior - and would many more times since - she came to Amy’s aid.
She turned her attention to Poppy and said: “Poppy, can I ask you a question?”
The young girl promptly nodded. “Aye.”
“If Amy and I were together, how would you feel about it? Would it… bother you?” Kirsten now asked as both she and Amy held their breath.
They knew that Poppy’s reply would determine, if not the fate, then certainly the direction of their future relationship. Fortunately, Poppy’s genuine smile at Kirsten’s question immediately dispelled their worst fears.
“No.” Poppy replied cheerfully, shaking her head. “It’s nice when you are together. You both smile a lot. I like that.” she offered simply, earnestly, as only a child can.
Kirsten smiled broadly, and as she glanced at Amy again, she could see that, aside from a broad smile that brightened up her face, the brunette’s eyes were a little misty. Instantly, Kirsten’s own smile widened even more. As she heard Poppy’s words, Amy felt overjoyed. Her heart soared. She felt both blessed and humbled by this little girl, who came into her life when she least expected it, but had quickly become the most remarkable part of it.
However, precisely because of that, she had to be absolutely certain. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind Kirsten and I being together?” she asked.
Poppy nodded again. “Aye, I’m sure.”
“OK.” Amy said. “But if there’s ever anything you’d like to talk about, or anything bothering you, you can always come to either me, or Kirsten; or even both of us and tell us about it. OK?”
Poppy nodded once more. “OK, Mummy.”
“And one more thing…” Amy said, her face a little more serious now: “Even though Kirsten is going to be living here now, it doesn’t mean, that I don’t love your Daddy, anymore.”
She glanced at Kirsten again and was glad to see the smallest of the nods and smile from the redhead.
“I know.” Poppy said, unprompted. “You can love more people at once. It’s like I love you and Daddy and Grandpa and Granma. And now Kirsten.”
Both Amy and Kirsten smiled now, their eyes twinkling with happy tears.
“Yes, darling, it is exactly like that.” Amy said as she pulled Poppy close and kissed the top of her head.
“Can we continue watching the film now, Mummy?” the young girl than asked, making both Kirsten and Amy chuckle.
“Yes, of course we can, darling.” Amy said.
Poppy returned her attention to watching the film, innocently unaware of the importance of the moment the three of them had had just shared. Unlike Amy and Kirsten, who couldn’t stop smiling and exchanging glances.
After a few minutes of watching the film and stroking Cat, Poppy looked at Kirsten. “Kirsten?” she uttered.
“Aye?” the redhead promptly replied.
“If you and Mummy are together now, does this mean that Catharine is your cat now, too?”
Kirsten and Amy both laughed softly at the question.
“Aye, I guess it does.” Kirsten nodded and then quickly added as she stroked the feline’s head. “But only if you’re alright with it, too.”
“Aye, I am.” Poppy said simply before turning her attention to the film once again.
******
“I think we should probably have a little less active day tomorrow.” Amy said to Kirsten as they were getting ready for bed that night, about an hour after they had put Poppy to bed.
Instantly, Kirsten raised an eyebrow at her. “You do realise we have an extremely active 9-year-old sleeping in the next room, right?” she remarked as she carefully settled on the bed. “And one that also happens to have her ‘football rucksack’ with her.”
“Yeah, I know.” Amy nodded. “However, she also knows that you’re in pain. You saw how mindful she was of your rib whilst we watched the film.” she remarked with a loving smile.
“Aye, I know.” Kirsten said as a wide smile spread across her face as well. “But it wouldn’t be fair to her. She can’t stay in the flat all day.” she pointed out.
“I could take her out for a walk in the park.” Amy offered.
Kirsten smirked, her eyes sparkling. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but she doesn’t exactly see you as the epitome of fun.”
Amy frowned. “What do you mean? She used to love to go to the park with me.”
“Aye, she still does.” Kirsten assured her. “However, now, she’s also met me, and well, I’m more fun.”
Now, Amy made a face at her. “Have you checked those painkillers for any side effects resulting in inflated ego?” she deadpanned.
“The truth can be hard to hear, sometimes.” Kirsten returned in kind before continuing, her tone changing slightly: “But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. Or that you’re not fun, at all. Personally, I find you to be extremely fun. In addition to other fun-adjacent things, such as hot, sexy….” she remarked suggestively.
“Kirsten…!” Amy uttered warningly, trying her best to fend off the effect of Kirsten’s words.
“What?” the redhead returned, grinning. “I am just saying that fun is a matter of perspective. But back to Poppy, I can still go to the park with her and you, and I can tell her what to do. Besides, I’m hoping I’ll feel even better tomorrow.”
“Fine, as long as you feel well enough in the morning.” Amy said.
“Great.” Kirsten nodded. “Now, could you, please, help me with the pillow? I need it to be a wee bit higher and to the right.”
“Sure.” Amy promptly walked over to Kirsten’s side of the bed and did as instructed. “Better?” she asked.
“Aye, thank you. Just one more thing.” the redhead said.
“What?” Amy immediately asked.
“A kiss.” Kirsten promptly returned, the corner of her mouth turned up into a telling smirk.
Amy shook her head, and smiling herself, happily obliged. Just as that morning, mindful of Kirsten’s rib, she leaned in kissed her softly but sweetly, with both of them smiling into the kiss.
“Perhaps it would be better if I slept downstairs on the settee, though.” she then said as she walked back to her side of the bed.
“That argument didn’t work in your favour yesterday. What makes you think today is going to be any different?” Kirsten deadpanned. “Besides, if anyone should sleep downstairs, it’s me.”
“That’s ridiculous, Kirsten! If you can’t find a suitable position in a proper bed, you’re certainly not going to find it on a settee.” Amy countered vehemently.
“Oh, but it’s okay for you to sleep on the settee?” Kirsten challenged in return.
“I am not the one with a bruised rib. And you’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the car today. That doesn’t help matters.” the brunette pointed out.
“Amy, I am fine.” Kirsten offered in response, her tone soft now. “My rib hurts considerably less than it did this time yesterday. Honestly. And today has been quite a momentous day.” she noted meaningfully. “It just doesn’t seem right to end it by sleeping in separate beds.”
Now, Amy smiled again, as well. “You’re right. It doesn’t.” she said. She did not want to sleep on the settee, either. “But, you will tell me if you start feeling uncomfortable?”
“I promise.” the redhead nodded. “However, I’m pretty sure you’ll notice if I do, the same as you did last night, as I will be shifting.”
As Amy slipped under the covers, she immediately turned to face a smiling Kirsten.
“How are you feeling?” the redhead asked her.
Amy sighed contentedly. “I’m happy.” she said earnestly.
Kirsten smiled even brighter. “I’m happy, too.” she offered.
“It really has been a momentous day, hasn’t it?” Amy remarked.
Kirsten nodded. “Aye.”
Amy reached for Kirsten’s hand and carefully laced their fingers together. “One of the happiest of my entire life.” she uttered, emotion clear in her voice.
“Mine, too.” Kirsten returned in kind.
Then, Amy chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Morag impressed until today.”
“How could you tell?” Kirsten quipped. “She always just seems cross and crosser to me.”
Amy laughed. “She does, doesn’t she? But believe me, today, she was impressed.” the brunette reiterated as her expression changed slightly. “And speaking of Morag, I still haven’t thanked you.”
Kirsten frowned in confusion. “Thanked me, for what?” she asked.
“Well, for everything really, but in particular, for answering Morag’s question about what we would do if Poppy didn’t accept our relationship, and then again, for answering Poppy’s question earlier.” Amy said.
Kirsten beamed at her and carefully shifted her hand to cup Amy’s cheek. “You are not alone anymore, my love. You have me to support you and to step in whenever you need me to.” she offered adoringly. “Remember, I’m not here just for the easy parts.”
Amy swallowed hard and chuckled at the same time. “I know. And it means more to me than I could ever say. I love you, Kirsten.” she uttered adoringly
“I love you, too.” the redhead promptly returned. “Now, shall we get some sleep? Something tells me that Poppy will be up before we know it.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Amy agreed with a smile. She shifted and turned off her night lamp. “Goodnight, darling.” she uttered softly.
“Goodnight, my love.” Kirsten offered in kind.
As they closed their eyes, and almost immediately started drifting off to sleep, both Kirsten and Amy knew that they were entering uncharted territory. But nevertheless, they were hopeful and happy. And also, genuinely excited about the future and the journey ahead, because even though they knew there were going to be problems and storms along the way, they also had no doubt that they were going to weather them all. Together. The two of them and Poppy. And Cat. Just as it should be.