thenearshore | We Learn Geology [Closed]

Entry tags:

We Learn Geology [Closed]

Who: Lara and Felicia
What: Lara and Felicia doofing around.
When: Early Morning, June 6th
Where: Athena's Temple
Summary: Lara and Felicia wake up after a night of strange cocktails and the beach.
Warnings: Language probably, nothing serious.

Lara could think of a lot of reasons she might wake up hanging half off her bed. Fell asleep studying, didn't quite make it back to the bed after a night at the pub, drifted of during one of Sam's dull romance films and barely made it to bed, or the usual night terrors. Waking up next to someone she'd brought home from a bar was pretty far down her list, but when the sunlight and birdsong began competing with her dreams for her attention and she heard the faint sound of snoring next to her it all started coming together.

Those weird cocktails, that poor Shinki, and how it'd all come together at the end. Sliding further up, sitting upright and resting her head on the headboard she studied the sleeping woman next to her. She'd been so confused and lost, and so cute. Nobody deserved that, and while a part of Lara felt a twinge of regret over what had happened after, the bulk of her feelings were that it'd been a good choice. She'd been a stranger to physical affection for years. Since Yamatai. And a part of her knew that she was hurting from that, and would continue to hurt until she finally let that happen again. Letting go was progress. Not the way she'd have expected, but whatever was in that drink had clearly been potent.

"Thank god for Rupert," she murmured, casting a prayer back to her old employer. The pub had been a fun place to work, and the owner had made sure to teach his employees self-care. Reaching out a hand, she brushed it through Felicia's hair, sliding lower under the covers and smiling as the dozing Shinki's chest rose and fell. She hated to do this, but it was time. Leaning closer, she spoke next to the woman's ear.

"Felicia, time to wake up. We need to talk, I think"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The haze just on the edge of wakefulness, in the comfort of a soft bed with a warm body next to her, had given Felicia's addled mind a chance to drift and slowly put details together that her conscious mind didn't want to recognize-- and an odd sense of peace and clarity came with the distorted puzzle finally clicking into place. Although she didn't know the details, she knew the Truth...

A truth that she had found in the company of a woman who seemed like an angel sent from heaven.

Felicia stirred at the sound of Lara's kind voice, and she reached up to clasp that hand in her's as she greeted her companion with a warm smile. Her hair was tangled and disarrayed from the events of the night before, but there was no shred of regret in her movements as she rubbed sleep from her eyes.

"I think so too, Lara," Felicia said. "I think I've done you a disservice."

Lara breathed in and out slowly, rolling back over and staring up at the ceiling. Felicia had done her a disservice? That sounded somehow ludicrous to her, but given what she'd come to know about the woman it added up. Her eyes closed, her lips quirked in a tired smile.

"I expect it's the other way 'round, really," she said finally. How best to approach this? She'd definitely fallen into bed with someone she was supposed to be protecting, the drink from that party having overridden sense. Though, a part of her knew that Felicia didn't mind, and she could see with the way her now-partner moved that it was fine with her. But was it the right foot to start a partnership on?

Then again, would dismissing a concern be right, either? She should listen, and she knows it.

"But how do you mean? We were both...ah...pretty drunk last night."

Whomever the responsibility for any disservice laid with didn't matter to Felicia, for she would fret over it regardless. The evening with Lara had been fantastic to a degree that she couldn't believe, but....

"Yeah, we both did get pretty drunk," Felicia agreed, trailing off as she thought. "I wasn't in my right mind and couldn't think, but I probably should have mentioned something sooner..."

She squeezed Lara's hand, hopeful for the woman's understanding.

"I...don't really remember much of things. That's probably why I goofed up like I did, and I'm sorry if I gave you any strange ideas about things.

But, last night was fun. Really fun-- and you're a kind person. If it's okay...

Can I stay with you a while? Just until I get things figured out, of course!"

Because, as much as she liked being with Lara, she didn't want to impose herself where she wasn't wanted or needed. That was a good way to mess things up...

And she didn't want to mess this one up.

Lara squeezed back, her expression softening further, face turning to look at her shinki. Poor thing, she still didn't quite understand, did she? That sweet face, the earnestness in her voice, it tugged at Lara's heartstrings exactly like it had at the party. Only this time she was thinking more clearly.

Much, much more clearly.

"Felicia. I'm not going to turn you away. God in Heaven, I'd never do that. You didn't give me any ideas that I didn't already have. Trust me there, love. I'm the one that goofed up. We should have had this talk before drinks, undoubtedly."

She sat up, tugging the covers up to cover herself as she looked down into those frozen blue eyes.

"Do you remember the word shinki? Or the name Korikki?"

Edited 2017-01-17 01:45 (UTC)

Perhaps they should have discussed thinigs before it got out of hand, but Felicia had already been halfway through her second daiquiri by the time Lara found her at the beach. It was doubtful she would have been a good participant in such a serious discussion, compared to circumstances the next morning.

The two words, foreign as they were, helped a few more pieces of the puzzle click into place for Felicia, and she made a soft humming sound as she tried to make sense of them.

"They both sound like words from another country," she said, the word Hoshido lingering unspoken on her lips. "I'm not sure what they mean, but Korikki sounds...like a frost flower. They're important words. They're..."

Trailing, she pulled the blankets up so that they covered her nose and mouth.

"...That means I'm dead, doesn't it?" she whispered. "I don't think I wanted to die, so I didn't want to believe it."

Edited 2017-01-17 04:24 (UTC)

Lara nodded, reaching out to pull Felicia into a hug if it was accepted. Her arms still bore scars, though they were fading. Old cuts, shallow against her skin, stood out. This was the heartbreaking thing she'd wanted to avoid last night. The thing that'd led her to this moment in time, and this awkward, gut-wrenchingly tragic conversation.

"They're...what you are, now. Because you did pass on. And I'm so sorry, Felicia."

Shifting, she pulled the other woman against her, trying to shove goodwill and cheer out towards her. Bending, she kissed her on the forehead, resting her own head against her new partner's. As sad as it was, there was at least something positive there. If Felicia had wanted to stay, she'd certainly get that wish. If she wanted to be useful, she'd get that too.

"You are a shinki. And you...I think...Heaven sent you to work with me. So, no. I'm not going to ask you to leave. I would never. Not after last night, and not after you've finally realized the truth. I'm here for you, alright? No matter what."

Felicia didn't fight the embrace, but rather leaned into it and pressed her face against Lara's careworn shoulders and returned the embrace in kind. The conversation did hurt-- but, Felicia didn't feel any frustration or angst associated with the fact; just a sense of peace, as if she had died without breaking any of the convictions that she held close to her heart.

"If my fate is to be your Shinki, then I'm happy stand by your side-- both as a friend and to help you as best as I can."

She smiled warmly, hoping to reassure Lara just as Lara was trying to reassure her.

"...If I'm to work with anyone, I'd rather it be someone as kind as you."

Little did she realize that the traits she appreciated in Lara were traits shared by the person that she had served in life. Truly, some things always did go full circle.

Lara smiled down, burying her face into the hug, arms tight and strong. Hearing that all made sense, given what she knew about Felicia now. That bone deep understanding of the strange life of a maid forced into a war had finally settled in.

I will be like the person she serves Lara silently told herself. She deserves better, but I will do what I can.

"I'm glad to hear it, Felicia. I will do my best to be the kind of person you need me to be. We're partners, now, so it's the least I can do."

Deep down Lara worried if she was up to the task, of course, but it was hard to contradict Felicia's kind words. Something about the woman just set her at ease. Perhaps that was why things had gone the way they had the night before? Some of those old wounds and ugly pains began to lessen just with the hug, an easy feeling beginning to settle into her chest.

That same feeling brought on an immediate surge in her emotions, a small worry sparked into being by the embrace and the touch of bare skin. Things had happened, and neither one of them had full control over their inhibitions. So, another topic to redress.

"Sorry, about last night. I...hope I haven't hurt you, or...that I wasn't to eager. I don't normally bring home people in a drunken stupor."

Somehow, the notion of being naked beside another woman simply hadn't struck Felicia as odd-- perhaps it was from something else that she couldn't remember? Or, was it simply her own sense of ease in being next to Lara that had allowed her to not think twice about that particular detail besides the fact that it simply was the state of things that morning.

But Felicia still blushed at Lara's words, recalling the simple pleasures of the night before through the haze of impulsive decisions that always comes along with indulging in too much alcohol.

"It was really fun, Lara," she confessed, her smile honest and genuine. "I don't think last night was normal for either of us....but it was fun. Really fun."

Her blush deepened on that note.

"...You're not upset by that, are you?"

Lara couldn't help but ask, and the sight of Felicia blushing coupled with the words was enough to turn her own cheeks crimson. She wasn't really the sort to just let those things happen, but she wasn't about to say she hadn't enjoyed herself. She had loved it, feeling connected to someone again, a chance to share a moment even if it was fleeting. It made her feel normal again, in a way. Doing normal things that people her age did. Bad decisions with alcohol, interesting bedmates, the knowledge that you'd shared joy with someone else. Normal things, things she didn't think would come back after the island.

"Upset?" she said with a shake of her head, "Hardly. I just...I'm glad you had fun. I did too. It's been a while. I was just worried I'd seemed to eager."

She probably had been, in her estimation, but it was done and Felicia seemed pleased with herself, so there was no trouble.

Lara slid around behind Felicia, pulling her back against her front, resting her head on the shinki's shoulder and contemplating what came next. There was a lot to do, a lot to go over, but there was also a warm bed. Was it worth spoiling a moment to get up for a few chores that could wait? Or...well, no this discussion could happen in bed. Why not indulge a little.

"Do you know what a shinki is supposed to help their partner with, Felicia?"

The fact that Lara seemed more relieved than upset was enough for Felicia to be content with, and she was glad to be able to help with whatever pain seemed to occasionally flit by unspoken in Lara's eyes-- even a little. That alone was worth a million or more drunken mishaps, in Felicia's mind.

It was such a little thing, but she was glad to help.

"I think we're supposed to be by our partner's side no matter what happens," Felicia said, leaning back against Lara and lacing their fingers together. "That way, if there's trouble, our partner doesn't need to handle it alone."

"Something like that," Lara nodded, squeezing the fingers tight in a show of solidarity. Yes that was more or less the right of it, though the specifics might be sticky. A Vessel Form, a name, all that. Things she'd have to find out about later.

Things They would have to find out about later, really. For now, she was happy to just hold this warm, gentle, quirky person against her.

"We'll maybe be doing some scary things, Felicia. But it's for a good cause. People pray for help, and gods are supposed to answer. Or...well, people like us. We're the stand ins."

It was a good fit-- and Felicia was glad for it. There was something comforting and satisfying in feeling like she could mesh so well with someone she was supposed to be partnered with, and she couldn't imagine it going any other way.

The details could come later, for the both of them. The bed was still warm so long as they stayed in it, and the only sounds that morning were the twittering of the birds beyond the shaded window. Time almost felt eternal, and this kind person she was with made it feel all the more special.

"It's okay, sometimes things have to be a little scary if it's something that matters. And, if people are praying for help...then it's really something that matters."

Edited 2017-01-19 02:55 (UTC)

Still resting her head on the crook of Felicia's neck, Lara tilted her head sideways and kissed her cheek one more time. It was nice, it was pretty special in her book, too. Being connected to someone like this, both in the morning after and in agreement on a partnership.

"It is something that matters, and I'm glad you think that way too."

It'd make things easier in the long run, they wouldn't be split on decisions. That she was sure of, and that was something she couldn't be sure of with Ingrid. The Soulless wasn't the same as this soft, sweet, warm person nestled against her.

"I'm going to be placing a lot of faith in you, Felicia. And I want you to promise me that you'll tell me if you're unhappy. If there's something that you want that I'm not providing, or a decision I make that you disagree with, I need you to tell me that. Okay?"

...That was a lot of trust to place in a stranger, Felicia thought as she shifted a little to get a better look at the woman who was now to be her partner. Lara was warm and kind, Felicia knew, but the weight that those words required something a little more than another sweet nothing in reply.

"I promise I will," she said in a tone that was oddly firm underneath that sweet smile. And I also promise that I won't let you down."

Of that, she was certain. There was a part deep inside of her that knew that this was a place and role that she would florish in, and she was glad that the two of them were in accord on the deeper matters of their situation.

"...But, Lara? Please remember that we're also friends. If there's anything you think you'd need me for, whether for work or company, please feel free to call me any time."

"Naturally," Lara answered, her voice just as firm and acknowledging. She knew what that sort of thing might mean for Felicia, that she would Live to Serve, and she wouldn't disappoint there. She had plenty for her new partner to do, and plenty to do right back. Closing her eyes, Lara sighed, already thinking both forwards and backwards at the same time.

Her arms squeezed just a bit tighter around Felicia's belly, rough palms running against the smooth skin, her chest moving slowly and rhythmically against the girl's back. This was definitely the last thing she expected to come out of last night. A bad decision, a good decision? Hard to say.

"We're more than friends, though. I know we just met, but we..." she trailed off, nuzzling Felicia's cheek with her own. "...you know..."

A little embarrassed to say it, even the morning after, she clicked her tongue and just left it at that. Her right hand strayed just a little bit further down, coming to rest on Felicia's thigh, nails scritching skin playfully. She'd understand, and that was all there was to it.

"...I'm very glad we connected this way. It's maybe a little unconventional, but we'll be stronger for it."

"I know," Felicia said, a luminiscent flush lighting on her cheeks as Lara's hands crept lower in a reminder of their ventures from the night before. She leaned back and shifted just enough to plant a light kiss on Lara's jaw-- just close enough to show she understood without being too much of a distraction from their talk.

"Last night was fun," she added, smiling. "So fun that I wouldn't mind doing it again, if we have the right chance."

After all, they would need to work together as well. Felicia didn't want to ruin a good relationship with complicated entanglements...but she liked to think that she had a better understanding of the kind of woman Lara was after what had happened the night before.

It was unconventional...but, they weren't ordinary people, either.

Lara didn't move her hands any further, just let them rest, smiling at the feeling of the kiss. It had been far, far too long since she'd had any kind of affection, physical or emotional, and this was nice. Not something she was sure was proper to pursue, not without really getting to know Felicia better and affording the girl the same opportunity with her, but she was right.

"I wouldn't mind that either, Felicia."

Nuzzling one more time, she tilted her head and pressed her lips against the maid's in a quick soft kiss. Nothing hard or forceful, just...there. A capstone to a wonderful experience.

"Not one bit. But we've other things to attend to. Like getting your room set up, and getting a bath. I...doubt either of us bothered last night, and I imagine I look quite dreadful."

"You look beautiful, Lara," Felicia said in complete honesty, and squeezed Lara's hands gratefully as the point was made. As it stood, neither of them knew eachother that well at all-- it wouldn't be fair to rush into things so quickly, not until they both understood everything that they were dealing with.

But, getting to know Lara in her daily life was an experience that Felicia fondly looked forward to.

"But....you're right. We both smell like smoke from that bar last night. Taking a bath is definitly on the agenda for today."

Along with a great many other things....but, they had all the time they needed to get their responsibilities taken care of without worrying for the future.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We Learn Geology [Closed]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject