Chapter Text
Ariana entered the party solo, contemplating whether to attend at all. Ultimately, she decided that it would reflect poorly on her if she didn't try to socialize. This event was the wrap party for Lena Waithe's new show, in which Ariana had a supporting role. It marked her first experience in a television series, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Over the past few months, she had developed a bit of a rapport with Lena, and she admired how she kept her personal life private, a quality Ariana wished she could do as well.
“Ariana, I’m so glad you made it. I honestly didn’t expect to see you here.” Lena greeted her warmly as she approached. Ariana responded with a smile. “The rest of the cast is in the other room. Feel free to mingle anywhere you like.” Lena added, nodding toward someone trying to catch her attention. “Enjoy!” With that, Lena drifted off into another conversation.
“Wine, ma’am?” A waiter offered.
“Thank you.” Ariana replied, taking a glass and scanning the room for someone she knew to talk to. She hadn’t had the chance to bond with the cast as she usually did, due to her previous toxic relationship, which had kept her from socializing after work. Spotting a fellow cast member, she decided to make her way over, but just then she heard someone call her name and turned around, only to collide with the waiter carrying the tray of wine. While she managed to keep her balance, the glasses did not, and shattered all over the floor.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry, are you okay?” She exclaimed, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes upon her, something she despised. While she enjoyed attention on stage, this was a different matter. Instinctively, she bent down to help pick up the broken glass, only to slice her hand in the process. Quickly withdrawing her hand and clutching it with the other, she felt the sting.
“Are you alright?”
“Fine, thanks.” She replied and hurriedly made her way to the bathroom as blood began to trickle down her arm and stain her dress. Once inside the bathroom, she locked the door.
“Shit” realizing she might need stitches. “Ow, ow, ow,” she winced, rinsing her hand under water, which only exacerbated the pain. Just then, she heard a stall door open. She had assumed she was alone. In the mirror, she caught sight of a stunning dark-skinned woman approaching her, whose face seemed vaguely familiar.
“My goodness are you alright, love?” The woman asked in a British accent, gently taking Ariana’s hand to inspect the wound. Ariana was speechless.
“Ariana, right?” The woman continued.
“What? Oh, yes. Hi, Ariana Grande.” She stammered.
“Of course you are.” The woman winked, causing Ariana’s heart to flutter. “How did this happen?”
“Oh just Ari being Ari.” She laughed at herself, shrugging her shoulders. The woman smiled back.
“Come, let’s get this bandaged up.” She said, still holding Ariana’s hand.
“What’s your name?” Ariana asked.
“Cynthia. Cynthia Erivo.” The realization hit Ariana, and she felt a rush of embarrassment.
“Of course you are.” She managed to smile back, recognizing the actress now that she was up close. Ariana knew that Cynthia was the most amazing singer. She’s dominated Broadway and the big screen. She just wasn’t used to her without hair. Cynthia led Ariana toward the exit, her hand still wrapped in a paper towel.
“Um, where are we going? Don’t you think they have a first aid kit here?” Ariana asked, puzzled by their departure.
“I live a few blocks away; I’ll have everything we need there, and you’ll need to change.” Cynthia replied, glancing at Ariana’s blood-stained dress. Without hesitation, Ariana followed to Cynthia’s car, where the driver, Steve, assisted them inside. During the drive, Ariana remained quiet, allowing Cynthia to apply pressure to her wound.
“Here we are. Hold this.” Cynthia instructed as they arrived. She took Ariana’s other hand and used it to hold the towel. “Sit here; I’ll be right back.” Cynthia said, disappearing down the hall. Ariana settled at the table, watching as Cynthia returned with a basket of first aid supplies. After washing her hands, Cynthia sat beside Ariana and took her hand once more.
“Do you think I need stitches?” Ariana asked, trying to sneak a peek at the cut as Cynthia gently removed the towel.
“The bleeding is slowing; I don’t think so.” Cynthia reassured her, retrieving a spray. “This may sting a bit.” Before Ariana could protest, Cynthia sprayed her hand.
Ariana pulled her hand back. “Ow… that burns” she said, half-laughing.
“Oh, don’t be a baby.” Cynthia teased, bringing Ariana’s hand to her mouth, lightly blowing on it. A chill ran through Ariana; her breath quickened as she watched Cynthia clean and bandage her hand. Moments later, Cynthia set it down.
“Finished.”
“Thank you, Cynthia.” Ariana said gratefully.
“Now, about your dress… come.” Cynthia led Ariana down the hall to a large, exquisite closet. Ariana admired its layout, comparing it to her own.
Cynthia assessed her. “Hmm… you’re about my size. Go ahead, pick one.”
“It’s alright; I should really go back to my hotel.” Ariana replied hesitantly.
Cynthia, however, dismissed her objections and began pulling out dresses, holding them up for Ariana to see.
“What about this one?” She asked, presenting a silver and pink dress. Ariana smiled in approval.
“That one looks great.” She said, taking it but hesitating. “Um… where’s the…”
“Turn,” Cynthia instructed.
“What?”
“Turn… I’m assuming you can’t reach those ridiculous buttons down your back.” Without waiting for a response, Cynthia gently turned Ariana around. The flutter in Ariana’s heart intensified as her dress fell partially open, prompting her to grab the front to cover herself.
“I’ll step out.” Cynthia said with a smile, exiting the closet.
Quickly, Ariana slipped out of her dress and into Cynthia’s selection, finding it fit perfectly as if tailored just for her. She managed to zip it up except for the clasp at the top. Gathering her original dress, she emerged from the closet.
Cynthia’s eyes lit up. “Lovely! Here, let me take your dress; I’ll send it out to be cleaned.”
“Oh no, that’s alright. I can handle it.” Ariana protested.
“Nonsense. What are you going to do, carry around a bloody dress all night?” Cynthia countered.
“Ah… I hadn’t thought of that.” Ariana admitted, handing over her dress. “Thank you for everything… I feel bad you had to leave the party.”
“It’s no trouble. I don’t particularly enjoy those gatherings; I prefer smaller crowds.”
“Same here.” Ariana agreed.
About an hour later, they returned to the party to find everyone seated for dinner.
“Do you know where you’re sitting?” Cynthia asked.
“I believe it’s table 5.”
“Alright, I’m at table 1. It was great meeting you, Ariana.” Cynthia squeezed Ariana’s arm gently before making her way to her seat. Ariana found her spot and began chatting with those at her table. Throughout dinner, she couldn’t help but notice Cynthia glancing back and smiling at her. As the evening unfolded, Ariana became increasingly captivated by Cynthia. There was something about her that lingered in Ariana’s thoughts, which was curious since she had never had a crush on a woman before.
As the night wore on and fatigue set in, Ariana decided it was time to call it a night. She texted her driver, signaling that she was ready to return to her hotel.
“Leaving so soon?” Cynthia asked with a smile, appearing beside her outside.
“It’s getting late; I’m supposed to be asleep by now.” Ariana laughed. “Are you heading back too?”
“Yes, I’m exhausted.”
“I’ll have your dress cleaned and returned to you. Thank you so much for everything.”
“Here, let me have your phone.” Cynthia requested.
“What?”
Cynthia extended her hand. “Just give it here.” Ariana complied, handing over her phone. Cynthia did something before returning it to her.
“Call me; we can coordinate our dress swap.” She said with a smile as she entered her car, waving goodbye.
Once back at her hotel, Ariana opened her contacts and noticed Cynthia had added her name with a heart. A smile spread across her face; she found the idea of a crush on a woman exciting. She called Frankie to tell him everything.
About a week later, Ariana received Cynthia’s dress, and felt an eagerness to reach out.
“Hello?”
“Cynthia?”
“Ariana?”
“Yes, your dress arrived.”
“I was wondering when I’d hear from you. Yours is back too. Would you like to come over? We could grab a drink afterward.”
“That sounds great. When are you free?”
“I’m free today.”
“Perfect! I can come over around 2:00. Does that work for you?”
“I’ll see you then.”
Ariana didn’t have anything to finish; she just wanted to create some space to manage her excitement. The next two hours were spent showering and getting ready, as she rummaged through her closet, uncertain of what to wear she got out her phone and sent Cynthia a text.
A: “Hey, what’s the vibe of the place we’re going to? I’m trying to decide what to wear.”
C: “I’m sure whatever you choose will be fine. Just come as you are.”
A: “So, my towel then?” She sent with a wink emoji.
C: “Even better, see you soon.”
Encouraged by Cynthia’s flirty response, Ariana quickly picked an outfit, spritzed herself with perfume, and headed out.
When she knocked on Cynthia’s door, excitement filled her as she heard the lock turn.
“Ariana, hello, come in.” Lena welcomed her.
“Lena, hi… um, is Cynthia here?” She asked, glancing around to confirm she hadn’t mistakenly entered the wrong place.
“She’s just finishing up; come in.” Lena replied, holding the door open.
“How’s your hand? Cynthia told me about your cut.” Lena said her casual demeanor throwing Ariana off balance.
“It’s fine, thanks.” Ariana responded, taken back by Lena’s relaxed appearance in a white tank and baggy sweats. She was very tall and fit, and Ariana suddenly felt small next to her.
“Here, let me take that.” Lena said, extending her hand for the dress. “I’ll see where she is.” Lena disappeared down the hall, leaving Ariana with a growing sense of uncertainty.
A short while later, Lena returned, laughter spilling from her lips, clearly whatever Cynthia said made her laugh. “She’ll be out shortly. Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m alright, thank you.” Ariana replied, feeling increasingly ridiculous as she sat there.
Moments later, Cynthia emerged, greeting Ariana with a kiss on the cheek. “You can grab your dress once we are back.” She said.
Ariana offered a nervous smile as Cynthia turned to Lena, kissing her farewell. “Ready?”
They walked a block to a charming little bar. Ariana felt the stark contrast to LA, where such casual strolls were impossible. Once inside, Cynthia noticed the shift in Ariana’s demeanor.
“Is everything alright?”
“Fine.” Ariana replied, sipping her wine. “So, Lena?” she ventured, finally gathering the courage to ask.
“What about Lena?” Cynthia responded.
“Nothing, I just didn’t know she was with anyone.”
“We prefer to keep our private lives private.” Cynthia said, her tone soft yet firm.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to pry.” Ariana backpedaled, feeling her earlier excitement dissipating.
A few moments of silence passed, but Cynthia’s gaze lingered on Ariana in a way that stirred her curiosity.
“Cynthia, I’m sorry if I upset you.” Ariana finally spoke up.
“I’m not upset.”
“Oh.”
“Do you not believe me?”
“It’s not that; I was just surprised to see you were dating someone, that’s all.”
“Why’s that?”
“Oh, no reason. I’m sorry I even mentioned it.” Ariana took a larger sip of her drink, wishing she could disappear.
Cynthia reached across the table, placing her hand over Ariana’s. “Was it because I flirted with you?”
Ariana’s smile finally returned. “Well, since you brought it up, yes… what the heck, Cynthia.” she laughed.
“What can I say? I like what I see.” Cynthia winked.
Ariana shook her head playfully. “Nope, see can’t do that, Cynthia.”
“Why not?” Cynthia smirked.
“Lena would murder me! She’d snap me in half and toss me in the river.”
Cynthia burst into laughter “You’re funny.”
Ariana smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. “Ariana, she knows I flirt with women.”
“AND SHE’S OKAY WITH THAT?” Ariana exclaimed, disbelief, in her voice.
Cynthia flashed a smile. Ariana tiled her head “What?”
“Ariana, we aren’t exactly in a conventional relationship.”
Ariana frowned, confusion washing over her. “I’m not following.”
“Let’s not discuss it here.” Cynthia whispered. “We can talk when you’re finished with your drink.”
Ariana quickly downed the last of her wine, setting the glass down with determination. “Done. Ready?”
Cynthia laughed, “You’re crazy. Let’s go!”
The walk back was quiet, Ariana curious but unwilling to press further. Once they were back at Cynthia's home, she was instructed to sit in the living room. Shortly after, Lena and Cynthia joined her.
“What’s up, Cyn?” Lena asked, taking a seat.
“Ariana was concerned that I was flirting with her.” Cynthia stated.
Lena burst into laughter. “Hey, don’t laugh!” Ariana protested, joining in the laughter.
“Ariana, are you straight?” Lena asked teasingly.
“Umm… what now?” Ariana leaned in, eager for clarity. “Straight like am I good, or am I into men, you’re going to have to clarify here.” Cynthia chuckled shaking her head.
Lena leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled.
“Is anyone going to explain what’s happening here?” Ariana was becoming concerned. She looked between Lena and Cynthia.
“Could be fun.” Cynthia suggested, glancing at Lena.
“Or a disaster.” Lena said looking at Ariana.
Ariana stood up, feeling uneasy. “I’m going to go. Cynthia, thank you for cleaning my dress. I’ll see myself out.” She turned toward the kitchen, grabbed her dress and walked to the door.
“Ariana.” Cynthia called after her.
“Bye.” Ariana replied, slipping out the door, unsure of what had just transpired.