Oerba Dia Vanille | FFXIII (sparkofhope) wrote in thedisplaced, @ 2017-10-22 21:52:00 |
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Entry tags: | !log/thread, celes chere, locke cole, oerba dia vanille, oerba yun fang |
Who: Fang and Vanille, with appearances by Celes and Locke
What: Drunken catastrophe
Where: The Waterin’ Hole
When: Friday night, October 20, around 8
Warnings: Language, mild violence, shit hitting fans, fluff
This whole confessions thing was really weighing on Vanille. The night before she hadn’t expected Fang to be so forward in her flirting. The flirting part wasn’t new to her. It was how Fang essentially invited Vanille into her bed that made her frustrated and red-faced because she didn’t know if Fang was being serious or not. If Fang was joking, that was too far, because for a moment Vanille honestly considered taking her up on that offer. However, it was the fact that Vanille had felt completely moronic at not realizing exactly what Fang had been hinting at that made Vanille not want to speak to the other woman the rest of the night. Or that day. Any texts or messages sent to Vanille were greeted with a simple yes or no or an I’m busy. That morning, she had prepared for work as quickly and as quietly as possible. She tried her best not to wake Fang, because she didn’t want to have any conversations about her mood or how incredibly awkward she felt about this whole situation. She wanted to get out as quickly as possible without getting the third degree. When the end of the day arrived, Vanille dragged her feet leaving, making sure all the animals were safely put away and watered and fed. She didn’t want to go back to the apartment. She wanted to walk around for a while, so that’s exactly what she did. She waited until she saw that Fang’s shift at the bar had begun before returning to the apartment. She hung out for a short time before looking over the messages between herself and Willow and Prompto. The others made a good point. Vanille’s heart raced suddenly at the idea of waltzing into the Waterin’ Hole with the intention of telling Fang everything. Of pouring her heart out. It was quite terrifying. That same feeling continued as she walked to the bar. It also had alcohol, which she fully intended to use to ease her nerves. She was glad for the IDs provided to her, because she was able to get into the bar and get a drink… or two or three. Vanille sat at the bar for now, sipping at the drink she’d ordered, feeling less and less worried the more the alcohol began to take effect. She glanced to where Fang was, noting the other bouncer. She recognized her as that blonde woman who had arrived the same day as she and Fang. Upon further investigation, she also noticed the man the blonde woman had arrived with. She turned back around, keeping her back to them for now while her brain stopped thinking so hard and her body relaxed. There was a reason why Fang acted the way she did. It was simple, and painful, and something that she would go back in time and change if she ever got the chance. The hunter was filled with guilt. Her entire life had been spent trying to protect everyone and everything she loved. Her parents - who had loved fiercely, and freely - had sacrificed their lives in order to assure she would live, and everything inside of her always wished she could have repaid them for the ultimate price they’d paid. Then there was Oerba. Oerba. The village that took her in, the village that looked after a wild and angry little girl who hurt so badly, and so deeply that she lashed out at anything and everything she could whenever she could. After Oerba? There was Vanille. Vanille who had reminded her how to be soft, how to be tender, how there was hope, and light, and good within the world, and showed her that even with all that anger and hurt inside of her body and heart she could still be good. That her pain could be utilized to do good. Vanille had shown Fang how to be good. Vanille had shown Fang that there was still innocence and strength and radiance that she would never be, but she could be around. That she could be a champion for. Vanille had saved Fang’s soul. How had Fang repaid that? She’d gotten Vanille - the light and hope and innocence in her life - involved in a task that could kill her, that made the redhead miserable, that could sentence Vanille to a fate worse than death. So, she’d taken on the responsibility of forming Ragnarok herself to protect the sweetness and innocence that Vanille had always been, and would always be. Once again, she’d sentenced Vanille to an elongated servitude and misery. The hunter had ultimately saved herself and left her best friend hanging out to dry. Why couldn’t she do a damn thing right? Even in two fucking worlds, she’d still fucked it all up time and time again. So? Fang smiled. Fang drank. Fang flirted. Fang fought. Fang let her rage, and anger and absolute lust for destruction out in the heat of battle so that it had an outlet, so that she could hurt others the way she hurt…. But she tried to never, ever, ever hurt Vanille. If the hunter could do anything in this world, the last world, or the next, she’d protect Vanille to her very last breath. Even if it meant making Vanille hate her in order to keep the redhead safe, she’d do it. Fang would take all the troubles of the worlds on her shoulders if it would keep Vanille safe, and hopefully happy. With, or without, the hunter. Obviously, Fang would prefer to stay in the other woman’s life, but… Ultimately, Vanille’s safety and happiness mattered more than her own. If Fang couldn’t save Oerba, at least she could save Vanille. With the short replies, and obvious avoidance - it wasn’t like them to not see each other when possible - the hunter knew something was wrong. What it was? She wasn’t fucking sure. Had she’d said something wrong? It was possible. She’d said some things she normally wouldn’t have last night. It was just too…. Well, Fang wasn’t even entirely sure what the hell had driven her to write the things she had. None of it was a lie, but… She’d write it off. She’d tell Vanille whatever the other woman wanted to hear. She’d smile and joke, and give the other woman’s head a pat and shove back the wants that had slipped out temporarily last night into the deep dark recesses of her mind once again. It didn’t matter what she wanted. It mattered what made Vanille happy and with the way the other woman was acting? Clearly it had not. Fang had taken the day to herself, had worked out to keep her mind off of what was going on. Then she’d headed off to work with a grin, and her normal meandering swagger in her walk. The hunter had signed in for her shift, taken up her post and with a look of pure amused mischief had taken up trying to flirt with her new colleague. Unfortunately, the blonde had seemed less than receptive. Which - of course - just turned this whole thing into a new game to amuse herself with, because why not? It was harmless, it could be written off, and besides it was all passive amusement of ‘Come here often?’, ‘I’d let you give me a hard time.’, ‘Need a hand? Happy to give you one.’ ‘Sure a pretty thing like you knows how to take care of business, eh?’. At this point it was a game, it was a matter of learning how the her coworker ticked. While it would just look like bad flirting, or being an annoyance, Fang knew it was something deeper and more. When you subjected people to stress, to situations outside of their control or perhaps even comfort level you learned about who they were and how they were likely to react. It was amazing how much you could learn about people, while not revealing even the littlest bit of yourself in situations like this. It was between bad passes at Celes that Fang had noticed Vanille sitting at the bar which had left a sour taste in her mouth. The hunter hated to admit it, but…. This treatment from Vanille? It stung. She hated it. It was better to distract herself with something else. “Celes.” A beat was given to allow the other woman to respond and a nod of Fang’s head was given in her direction. “You always got that look on your face?” The smirk started to appear. “Bet I could change it if you gave me a chance.” Celes had settled against the wall near the entrance to the bar. For the most part, she kept an eye out for anyone suspicious looking. Of course, they were at a bar and most people were suspicious looking. There was a certain looks-like-trouble look she watched for. It wasn't her ideal job, but it would pay the bills and she didn't intend to work there for too long anyway. She had considered the military because they had actually not been all that bad, but past experience told her to stay the hell away from that noise. Celes’ eyes had settled on Locke for a minute before she glanced at Fang. She had nothing against her coworker, but she was awfully chatty. Celes wasn't chatty with most people and she didn't like being prodded. “No,” she said simply. She smiled plenty when she was with Locke and Terra. Not many others mattered. Not many other people could make her smile. Vanille, in the meantime, tried to sneakily watch this exchange. Although she had been incredibly anxious upon entering the bar, the alcohol had started to take effect. She didn't say anything as she watched Fang obviously egg on this Celes woman. A little part of her… no, a big part of her felt jealous at the exchange, even if she knew didn't really mean anything. She turned around and leaned back against the bar, drink in hand. Her eyes narrowed a little as she tried to listen to every word. Her sneaky act had been short lived, and now with alcohol on board she really didn't care if Fang noticed her watching. An eyebrow quirked as an amused look settled over her face. What the other woman didn’t realize is that she’d set herself up for a perfect opening by being so short spoken. Now this wasn’t to say that Fang wasn’t paying attention to the bar and it’s occupants, because she completely was. Between her ears being tuned to the din of their background more than Celes, and her gaze regularly sweeping around even while speaking it was an easy job. The beasts to hunt on Gran Pulse were much more deadly than any human here was likely to be, even if humans were far more predictable. “Good to hear you can make other faces, still’d love to see them.” Which - from a matter of perspective - one could argue that perhaps the blonde woman already had, but part of testing people was seeing where their boundaries for these sorts of things lied. Yet while Vanille’s change in posturing which passively noted it wasn’t fully registered. Especially, since Fang’s gaze would attempt to seek out if there was anything Celes seemed particularly interested in tonight. Celes didn't give detailed answers unless she felt it was necessary. They were working, they were supposed to be watching the crowd, not having a conversation about Celes’ facial expressions. Or lack thereof.. Celes hadn't looked back at Fang since she answered the other woman. She was watching the crowd, occasionally looking to where Locke sat. She would have liked to have joined him if she hadn't been working. His company would have been far more welcome than her current companion. She gave Fang a look. That look where she was silently saying not happening. She wasn't going to smile or make any other face for Fang just because she wanted her to. And Celes certainly didn't buy these lines she was feeding her. There was a little hmph- sound somewhere near the bar, however. That was Vanille’s silent disapproval. She sipped at her drink, now kind of wishing she hadn't come after all. This had been a terrible mistake and she needed to get out of there. However, her nerves were a little numb and she worried she might fall over due to wobbly legs. It was sort of fascinating just how focused Celes appeared to be on everything that was going on. Clearly, the other woman was probably straight at this point. She had to be. Fang knew she was charming as fuck. Hell, even half those lines would have gotten someone who was questioning to at least have a nice long conversation with her already. It didn’t hurt that the hunter was obviously easy on the eyes. Perhaps her ego was a little inflated, but… From everything in her life so far? It had good damn reason to be. Arms crossed casually as Fang allowed her body weight to rest dominantly on one leg. At least her shifting posture allowed for the hunter’s gaze to easily shift away from Celes and roam over the crowd within the bar. It was an average night with people mulling around, a low din of voices, and the occasional up roar of laughter spiking here and there. “Wager I could show you a good time.” This time her tone was even, calm even as the meaning felt clear on what she was referencing. “Wouldn’t be my first dragon ride.” The accent remained ringing clearly as she spoke - it was strange to be in a place where no one but Vanille spoke like she did, but at least it wasn’t the first time they’d both encountered this. However, one thing couldn’t be helped and that was how Fang’s gaze kept falling back on the overly friendly and chipper blonde haired man that was happily chatting away and laughing with whoever seemed willing. Celes had looked back towards him a few times over, that meant something. Now what was going on there? Celes glanced at the clock, noting she only had a couple minutes left before her shift was over. Maybe then she would make more of a comment for Fang. Maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe she genuinely didn’t care for the conversation because they were working and should be focusing on that. Celes didn’t mess around when she had a task at hand. She didn’t allow others to distract her, at least not so much so that her job wasn’t complete. She had been one of the deadliest general’s the empire had ever known. She didn’t get there by chit-chatting. Up to this point she chalked up Fang’s chatting as an attempt to get a rise out of her. Celes tended to be correct about these things, too. She watched as the second hand on the clock indicated her shift was over. Her cheeks had flushed a little at Fang’s words, because she didn’t want to have a good time with her. She finally turned to look at Fang, a little smirk showing now, “Not interested. I’m spoken for.” Eyes continued to roam the room, circling back to the man that had seemed to catch her colleagues fancy. He was a rather handsome sort. The real question was why was he attracting such attention? Had the blonde next to her noticed something about the man that made him stand out in a negative light? Was he stealing things? Had the man slipped in drugs? Or was Celes perhaps just particularly enamoured with the lithe, and charming man chatting away cheerily at the bar? “Pity.” There was the faintest hint of disappointment in her tone - one more aimed at Celes than herself - while eyes had locked onto the blonde man. “Charming fellow over there.” The commentary was passive, even if the faintest smirk was playing across her lips. “He seems the type up for a good time, eh?” And there was clearly a hint in her voice that indicated that if Celes wouldn’t play, well maybe he would. Celes probably would have laughed if she knew Fang wondered if Locke had been stealing things. She knew Locke’s reply to that sort of assumption. However, Celes did not know Fang’s thoughts and was therefore clueless to whatever the other woman was thinking. She would not have hesitated to go to Locke’s aid if someone accused him or if she even had the faintest idea that he was in trouble. Celes would always help Locke without question. Celes seemed unfazed by the simple comment. She didn’t see it as a pity. Celes followed Fang’s line of sight and felt her heart race a little when she realized she was referring to Locke. “He is, yes.” Her eyes narrowed at the second comment and Celes looked at Fang with her guard completely up now. “He’s certainly not up for a good time with you, or anyone else,” she said with a warning tone. Celes was fiercely protective of Locke. There was a thoughtful hum given as her blonde colleague agreed with her assertion regarding the man’s charm. If they were both noticing the same thing, did that mean it was a front? There had been more than a couple fast talking types that had tried to breeze through Oerba in her day, and Fang had been more than happy to hang whatever trickster she’d found out to dry each and every time with a message to take to any other serpent oil salesmen he knew. Assuming she caught wind of what was happening prior to the sleeze slipping out in the middle of the night. There was one she’d caught trying to sneak away in the middle of the night once, she hadn’t killed him, but… Well, the beasts of Gran Pulse could smell blood a mile away and she had needed to spend quite a while cleaning her lance after dealing with him. Yet, then came a shift in Celes’ demeanor that Fang honestly hadn’t fully expected. Now wasn’t that curious. Sure, she’d recognized that maybe there was a chance the other woman might be sweet on him, but considering how she’d acted all night there hadn’t really been any indication of it up until this very point, and… “No?” The single word was pensive, almost a challenge of sorts to Celes as well. A devilish smirk then started to creep across her face. “What do you wager my chances if I asked him for a dance or two?” The thought was appealing on a couple different levels if she were honest. The man seemed a smooth talker from what she’d witnessed in the last bit, and perhaps she’d just found a chink in the well trained external armor of the other woman after all. It was almost a pity that the blonde man seemed - Oh. Would you look at that. It was almost like he could hear their conversation as he’d turned flashing a smile to them both and giving a small wave before tapping his wrist - as if in question - towards the blonde who stood next to Fang. “Looks like I’d better hurry up if I’m gonna give it a try.” Was all the hunter would amusedly let slip before shifting, as if to move towards the man who’d seemed to be the key in seeing an entirely different side of the woman she stood next to. While Fang might have suspicions about Locke’s charm, Celes knew firsthand that he was genuine. He had charmed his way into her life, after all, and that was a feat in itself. Celes usually closed herself off to others and she preferred to keep very few close friends. The Returners were her real friends and family. She didn't see any point in finding others. And that was perhaps her biggest downfall these days. She would eventually realize that making new friends was a good thing. But right now she was pretty damn content with just Locke. In all honesty, Celes suspected Locke wouldn't turn down a dance with a beautiful woman. However, she wasn't about to just hand him over to someone else. That wasn't about to happen. “No,” she said firmly, shifting again to stand at her full height now. Celes was tall, maybe not quite as tall as Fang, but damn it she would throw punches if she had to. “I don't think so,” she said, reaching out to firmly grab Fang’s arm before she could get too far. “I said he's spoken for.” Another of Celes’ downfalls was that she didn't always catch a joke when she heard one. Being as serious as she was, she took most things very seriously. The little gesture from Locke had gone unnoticed, Celes’ focus now on trying to keep Fang the hell away from him. Having silently watched this exchange, Vanille made a little sound of worry when she saw things were clearly getting a little tense between the two woman. She wanted to call out to Fang to stop it because she was obviously about to start a fight, but she refrained. Instead, she leaned forward a little to rest her arms on her knees. “Damn it, Fang,” she mumbled to herself. An eyebrow quirked at the firmness of tone now coming from the other woman. This was a really fascinating turn indeed. While Fang wasn’t really paying full attention to Celes puffing up, hints of it was caught from the corner of her eye. Not enough for her to be particularly phased by any of it, but it was a curious thing nonetheless. In fact, the grab at her arm wouldn’t even be noticed until Celes already had a firm grasp on it, and the hunter’s faze would then finally fall to the fingers wrapping around her arm. It would stay there a moment, seeming to mull over the situation before her eyes finally rose to meet Celes’. “He’s a grown man, yeah? Can make his own choices, eh?” And with that she’d move to pull her arm out of Celes grip. Honestly, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to venture into those rather messy looking waters or not now. Yet, there was a part of her that wanted to. A part of her that wanted to introduce herself to the man, to see if she could get a read on what sort of person he really was, and a part of her that desperately hoped he’d be just as adamant against any advance someone would make against him if Celes was so invested in him being taken. Nothing strengthened a relationship like seeing your partner shun someone else. Hell, if they were a thing, it’d probably be good for them. Give their relationship a jump start towards mutual possession and all that. And if he accepted a dance? Or some other advance? He was a piece of scum and Celes - someone with such steely determination, discipline and focus - could do far better, and she’d be best served by learning that sooner than later. Locke - on the other hand - couldn’t help but get a brief look of concern across his face at seeing Celes seemingly trying to pull someone back. That wasn’t like her. Sure he’d overheard the other woman seeming to try to…. Well, it honestly seemed like the other woman was trying to hit on Celes sporadically, but that was just…. Well, that seemed sort of weird? Though watching the show between the two of them was pretty hilarious if he were honest. This didn’t seem funny though, and caused him to start trying to slip out of the interaction he’d just started to engage in moments before. Celes didn't go around picking fights. In fact, she made it a habit of staying out of them. But right now? She was ready to defend Locke’s honor, because damn it they had been through too much together for some stranger to try and drag their relationship through the mud. There was something to be said here. Something about realizing just how deeply Celes’ feelings went and how far she would go to protect him. Maybe she realized just then how deeply in love she really was with Locke, because the very thought of him so much as touching another woman made her exceptionally angry and it physically hurt. “When I say he's spoken for, I'm saying he's spoken for by me,” she said holding her ground. “You need to back off,” she warned fiercely, just losing her grip on Fang. If the other woman insisted on continuing this silly charade Celes would taken matters into her own hands. She was not about to let some tall, dark, and beautiful woman lay hands on her Locke. “Uh oh,” slipped out of Vanille's mouth as she watched this exchange. She stood up now, waves of concern washing over her. “Fang,” she said more loudly now, suddenly not caring about her own reasons for being there or the fact that she had been feeling very anxious when she had arrived. She didn't like it when Fang fought, and she especially didn't like seeing her hurt. “You can thank me for it later.” The words would actually seem somewhat pleasant, like Fang felt she was doing Celes a favor and a wink was tossed in the blonde woman’s direction as Fang shifted. She’d turn so that she could continue her casual stroll over to the blonde man at the bar. Though, Vanille’s outcry had caused the hunter to be completely distracted for a moment as her gaze shifted over to the smaller woman. Was something going on? Had she missed something? Was Vanille okay? Celes had warned her, multiple times. She was not joking when she said to back off. She would defend Locke in any situation and since Fang was so damn insistent, Celes would take matters into her own hands now. And then Vanille provided the perfect opportunity to distract Fang just long enough. Celes grabbed Fang’s arm again, this time putting herself between Locke and Fang. She didn't hesitate before punching the other woman in the nose. “I am not damn well, joking,” she said angrily. Celes didn't get violent often, nor was cursing a common occurrence in her vocabulary. But this? This pissed her off. Vanille had put her hands to her face as she watched this escalate rather quickly. She hurried over and put herself between Fang and Celes. “Okay! Okay, okay, okay! Let's just break this up now, huh?” Vanille felt a strange sensation of excitement and relief and worry all at once. Partly because Fang had just been attacked, and partly because this Celes woman had turned her down. Celes just scowled at Fang before turning and proceeding to where Locke was sitting. And POW! Right in the nose. Fang didn’t even see it coming which was incredibly uncommon for her. Her stance didn’t budge, she didn’t lose an inch of ground due to the Sentinel training that had taught her how to take a beating and keep going, but her face did scrunch up, eyes starting to water just a little bit as her jaw shifted, as if the movement would help alleviate the pain in the middle of her face. “Couldn’t have gone for the jaw?” A hand came up, fingers moving to softly touch at her nose and assess if it was broken. “One hell of a cross you got there.” The hunter would call after her colleague as Celes seemed to storm off with a sincere appreciation for the other woman’s ability to deliver a good hard punch. “See you Monday.” There wasn’t a touch of disdain or anger in her voice at all with the words either. Though, blinking a few times to try to clear her vision Fang would finally fully register that Vanille was now standing there between them and Celes was walk away and…. She’d probably fucked something up, but at the same time her boss wasn’t around and Fang couldn’t be assed to care. Locke immediately excused himself from his seat, quickly apologizing to anyone who’d been trying to engage with him, and slapping down money on the bar for his drinks before hurrying over to Celes to check if she was alright before working to move them out of the building since Celes was off shift, and tossing the taller dark haired woman a rather unimpressed glance. It had been funny, well, until it wasn’t…. At least the other woman - whatever her name was - seemed to be taking whatever she’d started in stride. That was something to be thankful for at least. “I’m fine Vanille.” Was offered as Fang continued to try to scrunch and stretch out her face to try to work the pain from where she’d been struck. At least the hunter was pretty sure her nose wasn’t broken. “You can go back to your drinking.” Celes had had enough of whatever the hell this exchange was. She was not happy with how it turned out, but she was glad to finally get her point across. It wasn't until she was outside with Locke that she showed any sign of pain from the punch. Her knuckles were sore and a little cracked from the impact, but she didn't give a damn. She just focused on Locke, putting her arm around his waist as they returned home and apologizing to him for her actions. Vanille watched as the other two quickly made their way out of the bar. She didn't say or do anything until they were completely out of view. Then she focused her attention on Fang. She was obviously worried. “You should have left her alone,” she pointed out. “Serves you right.” Then she frowned, “I'm sorry she hit you. I can put some healing salves on it.” She paused, the gears in her head obviously working in overtime as she considered Fang. “Were you…” she hesitated before continuing, “were you being serious about what you said last night?” Vanille had alcohol on board. She was going to get very open here. “It’s fine, Vanille.” Fang couldn’t help that her tone bristled a little bit at the minor reprimand oddly followed by apology and offer for help. There was a faint grumble as fingers smoothed over her nose again. She was pretty sure it wasn’t broken. Not entirely certain, but…. Well, she’d broken it a long time ago and it didn’t feel like that right now so… That was probably something. Where was Hope with his…. Though she could probably just ask Vanille… Maybe she’d just wait until she was home and drink a potion… Vanille was talking to her though, and it was more than two words which was…. Okay, what? The hunter couldn’t help but let her eyes narrow with a look of confusion crossing over her face. What was Vanille referencing? They’d talked about something last night? When she’d wanted to talk Vanille had written her that message about going to bed and--- Wait……. This was…. Was Vanille... “What?” And nothing but pure and obvious confusion as a complete lack of understanding of what Vanille was asking was present in her entire stance. It really frustrated Vanille that Fang allowed herself to get into such situations. She understood it was part of her nature, but it didn't make Vanille any less concerned. She would continue to worry over her friend anytime she got hurt. This time was no different. Maybe she had been mostly silent that day, but Vanille wasn't cold. She wasn't going to shut Fang out and make her think she'd done something wrong. Vanille's own insecurities were mostly due to her very slow realization of what Fang had been hinting at in their conversation the night before. She was embarrassed because overall she was so innocent about such things that the thought of hopping into bed with Fang hadn't come to mind until after the other woman flat out said it. “Last night… about animals.. and then you said I'd have to get into your bed to find out,” she said timidly. “I thought… were you being serious?” Something in Vanille’s tone suggested she hoped Fang had been serious. And she did. She wanted the other woman to say yes, because it would make this so much easier. Vanille had even grabbed Fang’s hand, her fingers tracing little circles in her palm as she spoke. It was a simple, gentle touch. It was shy, but there was a sense of urgency behind it. There was a long considering pause taken for a moment as the pain in her face suddenly seemed to almost completely disappear and…. What did she. How had they. This wasn’t….. “Want to take a look at my nose?” It was completely the wrong thing to say, Fang knew it was the wrong thing to say, but fucking hell she was sober and had just gotten punched in the face and was technically still on the clock for a little bit more. Fingers rolled up, gently grasping Vanille’s fingers and giving them a soft squeeze before giving the other woman’s hand a gentle tug to follow Fang over to the bar so that the hunter could sit on a stool allowing Vanille access to reach and examine her face easily. “Got another ten minutes before I’m off shift. Think this is a talk for then.” Her voice was gentle, tender even, and not holding a twinge of negativity at all. Not including the fact that Fang’d likely needed a whole damn bottle of booze just to get through this without losing her nerve as well. Yeah, that definitely wasn't what Vanille wanted to hear. She wanted Fang to say yes, not ask Vanille to examine her nose. That was a blow and it was probably clear on her face that that wasn't the answer she was hoping for. She allowed Fang to lead her to the bar. She stood in front of Fang and proceeded to look over her nose, gentle pressing here and there as she examined it. After she was absolutely certain it wasn't broken, she shook her head as confirmation. “I think it'll be okay.” Vanille felt incredibly embarrassed already. She nodded at Fang’s suggestion, understanding it was probably better to wait until the other woman wasn't at work. It was just a convenient place because of the availability of booze. She looked like she wanted to say something, but hesitated before going on to say, “I'm going to wait outside.” She turned tail and walked a little wobbly to the exit before Fang could protest. She'd simply lean against the wall just outside the door, thinking to herself that this was a terrible Idea. The look from Vanille caused the hunter to feel like she was the worst person in the world, but… If this talk went south…. She wasn’t sure she could take that in her place of work. Instead, a soft squeeze of Vanille’s hand would be given, Fang would sit and wait, letting Vanille poke and prod at her face for as long as it took, waiting patiently and waving the bartender off when curiosity seemed to strike. A low ‘Mm’ would be given when Vanille cleared her and the hunter was about to speak. However, Vanille didn’t give her the chance to follow up on what she’d said, before splitting from the bar to wait outside and… Fang watched her go, instantly feeling a bit worried but knowing the other woman could full well take care of herself as well. Fang thought to jump up to act, but… Instead she’d remain sitting. The clock was checked and a signal was given to the bartender, a quick request to have three shots lined up for her as soon as her shift was over. From there Fang would continue through the rest of her shift watching every second of every minute tick by agonizingly slow. Each scenario was run through her head about what she could say, her phone was checked for what she had said. Was there a better place to approach this? Their new home might not be the best place. If this went poorly would she have to move? She wouldn’t want to make Vanille move.... However, as soon as the time was done? Fang bolted for the bar, downing all three of the shots in rapid concession and then heading into the bathroom to splash some water on her face, and give the shots a little time to start kicking in and… Steel herself for what was to come. She’d have to approach this casually, act like it wasn’t a huge deal either way which would be difficult, but…. There was no more stalling, Vanille had likely been waiting closer to twenty minutes now. With that thought Fang would wonder out of the bar, clearly searching for the other woman before strolling up to the redhead with a signature half smirk before trying to slide an arm around Vanille’s shoulders. “Sorry about the wait. How’re you feeling? Wanna grab a bite to eat or maybe pick up a bottle of vodka and head home?” The longer Vanille waited, the more her nerves came back. She felt numb, and she wasn't entirely sure if it was from nerves or alcohol or a combination of both. She went from leaning against the wall, to kneeling down as she tried to collect herself, back standing up and leaning against the wall. UGH! Vanille tried to keep in mind everything Prompto and Willow had told her. They were right, but she also felt like this was a terrible, terrible mistake. She could already feel her world crashing down on her. The usually bubbly, happy woman was replaced with one who was completely doubting this entire decision. She ran her fingers through her hair before her hands came to rest over her face. “What am I doing?” she whispered to herself. When she heard Fang approaching she couldn't even look at her. “I'm not hungry,” she said honestly. Her stomach was in knots and she feared anything she ate might come right back up. That was not how she wanted this to go. “Can you please just answer my question? Did you really want me to go to bed with you?” The half smirk remained, but it was clearly forced as it was etched across her face. Obviously Vanille would want an answer, and Fang could feel her heart in her throat. If she were in Vanille’s position she’d want an answer just as badly. Admittedly, she would figured out a better time to ask, but…. Vanille was younger than she was, and more… Well, Vanille than she was. There was a long, slow inhale and the hand that rested on Vanille’s shoulder gave it a pat. Did…. Was that what Vanille wanted? Was her friend worried it’d ruin their friendship? Her worst fear was making the other woman unhappy, and it seemed like Fang had successfully managed to fuck up not making Vanille unhappy as well. What a great friend she was. The hunters tongue slipped out, wetting her lips for a moment before before a deep inhale was taken. “Do you want to?” Vanille wanted very badly for Fang to just answer the question. Instead she was receiving silence and counter questions. The seconds went by and it felt like it was hours before Fang spoke again. The longer she waited, the less likely Vanille was to admit things. And she really, really wanted to tell Fang. Her brows furrowed, her forehead wrinkling as Fang countered with yet another question. This was her chance to end this cycle. While Vanille didn't say anything, she did nod in response. She just stared down at the ground, feeling her face burning red hot. Maybe it wasn't words, but that was her answer. Silent or not. Fang couldn’t help a hard swallow being taken again as she watched the other woman, waiting for a reply. Really, she’d asked first, and Vanille hadn’t answered. Then she’d gotten attitude for a day, and…. Now this? Did Vanille think that this was what Fang wanted? But…. Then the smaller woman nodded in response to the question, and after letting a few seconds pass Fang’s arm slipped off of Vanille’s shoulders, and the hand that had rested there pressed against the wall over the other woman’s shoulder. Eyes peered down searching Vanille’s face for a moment before Fang’s free hand came up. A finger hooked under the other woman’s chin to raise her face before the hand slid so that a cheek could be cupped and directed so that the hunter could lean in for a hard, searing kiss as her thumb stroked over Vanille’s cheek. Fang would hold it for a moment, pressing into the kiss only slightly before breaking and allowing her forehead to rest against the redhead’s. “Yes.” All those wasted years. Vanille had quietly worried over whether her feelings were fleeting or real. At first it had been a passing fancy. Then it turned into something so much more and it took a lot for her to ignore them. Well, it was really difficult to ignore those feelings when Fang had decided to be so forward. Vanille had never been with anyone romantically. She didn't really flirt with others, and anytime she did it was unintentional and awkward. She had come to realize it was most likely because the only person she wanted to flirt with was Fang. The moment that followed was met with surprise. Vanille's breath caught in her throat. Her heart raced. She closed her eyes, her arms wrapping around Fang. It was a short moment, but it could have lasted a lifetime for all she knew. And it was so much more wonderful than she could have ever imagined. When Fang broke the kiss, Vanille took in a deep breath. “How long?” There was a definite attempt to control her breathing being made once the kiss had been broken. She’d just kissed Vanille. Fang had just kissed her best friend, and it didn’t feel like the biggest mistake of her entire life, but…. Was the smaller woman okay with this? Had the redhead felt the same way she did? Was it….Okay…? Lady Luck did Fang hope it was. The hand pressed against the wall fell away, allowing the arm to half wrap around Vanille’s waist, and rest there fairly comfortably. It felt like an eternity before the other woman seemed to come back down to the world they were on. An eternity of waiting as she hung there wondering which side of purgatory she was going to land on when Vanille spoke again. At the question another hard swallow was taken as Fang’s thumb continued to stroke at Vanille’s cheek. While sucking in a breath Fang would slowly pull her forehead away - trying to calm herself down, trying not to give into her more primal urges that wanted to lift Vanille off the ground right now and fuck her against the wall where they stood - to press a kiss against the smaller woman’s forehead. “Years.” There was another controlled, slow inhale and exhale as hands never removed from touching Vanille. “But ensuring you’re safe and happy is more important than that.” It took Vanille some time to adjust to what had just taken place between them. She had wanted to do that for such a long time. She hadn't wanted to kiss anyone else. Only Fang. Anytime someone showed interest in her she ignored it, because all this time she had been waiting for the right moment. She had been saving herself for Fang. She just hoped it wasn't a mistake. She couldn't stand the thought of a world in which she and Fang weren't together. “Years?” she asked with surprise. She hadn't expected that. She figured it had been much more recently judging by the sudden interest. “I'm safe as long as I'm with you. And I'm happiest when I'm with you, and what makes me happy is being with you,” she said firmly. “Fang,” her fingers played along the small of her back, “I've been wanting to kiss you for years. I didn't think you wanted the same thing so I kept quiet. And last night…” she took in a deep breath, “when you said those things it all went over my head and when it finally clicked I felt really embarrassed. That's why I was in a mood. It wasn't anything you said. It's because I felt stupid and embarrassed.” “Years.” Fang echoed back instantly, her voice low and a bit husky from the continued strain of forced desire control. Eyes traced the trail her thumb traveled over Vanille’s face, and the arm wrapping around Vanille’s waist pulled the other woman closer so that another kiss could be pressed against the redhead’s lips. This time she’d lean in, pulling Vanille’s body tight against her own. She’d allow the kiss to linger, to deepen and press on even though it was still clearly remaining restrained on some level as well. Maybe this wasn’t the best place for this, maybe they should have headed home before getting into this, maybe…. None of that mattered at all. When it finally broke she’d take a moment, allowing herself to catch her breath, letting Vanille do the same. “If you want to kiss me, you can.” The hunter leaned in another soft chaste kiss being pressed against Vanille’s lips. “Anything you want from me, I’ll give you.” These words were whispered, low and very slightly growled. It was hard not to go further, not to act on her desires. There had always been something wild and untamed in Fang. She’d let it out when they fought, and…. Right now? This was another place that that deep seated passion, that burning inferno that always railed against her insides wanted to come out. Yet, she’d school it away, slowly forcing muscles in her arm to relax, letting the press of bodies break away from each other and on a ragged breath she’d seem to reign in some of her control. “You never have to feel that way with me.” Another soft kiss would be stolen as she shifted, slowly starting to force herself to untangle from the other woman, but assured one hand trailed down over Vanille’s shoulder and then arm so that one of the other woman’s hands could be taken in her own. “Want to go home?” With each kiss, Vanille felt her heart race instantly. The closeness was so different. This was more intimate than anything Vanille had ever experienced. It was so surreal to feel Fang’s body pressed against her own, their lips together in repeated kisses. In all honesty, she didn't care who witnessed this display. For these moments there was nothing else in the world to her except for Fang. Vanille smiled, “All I've ever really needed was you,” she said in a hushed voice. That was true. She didn't really need anything or anyone else. Sure, she liked most people she met. But Fang was all she truly needed. She felt a lot of regret in taking such a long time to admit it. For these fleeting moments, Vanille felt like she was on cloud nine. Her fingers easily intertwined with Fang’s as their hands met. Even that simple touch meant something so much more now. Vanille nodded, “Yeah.” “I’m not going anywhere.” Fang assured. She’d never be good with flowery words or grand romantic gestures in a traditional sense, but the hunter could fight, and make sure she remained around. “If the end of the world hasn’t driven me off yet, think it’ll be hard to find something that will. “ A slight smirk appeared as a hand raised to caress over the redhead’s hair for a moment before falling away. It’d be easy to start a casual walk back towards where they were staying hand in hand with Vanille. It was a bit disorienting to think they’d come this far, finally landing in a spot where she’d always hoped but never dared to think too much about. Maybe this was a dream, maybe they were still in crystal stasis and this was some sort of illusion that the gods had thought up this fantasy world for her as some sort of reward. That would be just the twisted sort of shit they’d do, wouldn’t it? “Think we ought to grab that bottle of vodka anyway?” It was a passive inquiry, and half joking. Really the entire thing was halfhearted at best with a smile offered over to Vanille. The hunter wasn’t entirely sure she actually wanted anymore to drink, especially with how the shots she’d taken were starting to kick in much harder now. Would it make sense to drink tonight? This seemed like something she really ought to not be inebriated for, but… At the same time… If anything went wrong they could just blame it on the booze and write it off later too. Vanille smiled at that. She had never had any doubt in her mind that Fang would never leave her. That had also been before they just admitted their true feelings. However, it was still a relief to hear the other woman assure Vanille that this was okay. That she wouldn't leave. It cemented everything the way she wanted it to. She laughed, “I guess we're stuck with each other, then.” Vanille would have hated to think this was all some dream. It would have been awfully cruel. But she wouldn't put it passed the gods. However, everything felt so real. The breeze, the touch of Fang’s hand, everything. This was no dream. This was very much real. Vanille shook her head, “I don't think so. I've had enough.” She also wanted to remember this tomorrow. She didn't want to wake up hungover without any idea what had happened. Tonight was something she wanted to remember. As they walked she enjoyed the feel of the breeze, giving Fang’s hand a gentle squeeze. She felt bad she hadn't said anything sooner, but she didn't want to dwell on that. |