Ria and Amanda
Ria knew they couldn’t drag out this goodbye any longer, not if she wanted her friend to get into that car and get to safety, and not if she wanted to do any good in the heart of the chaos. While Amanda held together her facade of normalcy in regards to their interactions, everything Ria hadn’t been able to say or didn’t want to say because it felt too much like a definitive goodbye was there in her dark eyes as she held her dear friend’s gaze.
“I promise you’ll be my first phone call,” Ria replied. “Because if Paul is as good at his job as you say there’s nothing else that could possibly happen.” Said with the sort of bravado and confidence that had carried her through med school and later through her time in Africa. “Now get going, you’re needed in the Capitol and I’m needed in that mess.” Ria gave Amanda’s hand a squeeze and resisted the urge to pull her friend into another hug, afraid that if she did that she may not let her go.
Even if she was choosing to enter the fray, that didn’t mean she liked parting from people she cared about. In this world you never quite knew if it may be the last time you saw them or not.
“You take care of her,” Ria turned her gaze on the remaining bodyguard. “And if you don’t you'll have to answer to me.” She brought herself up to her full height, which wasn’t intimidating in the least, but she hoped the stern look on her face made up for it.
Amanda nodded, and she couldn't help but give a soft chuckle at the sight of Ria challenging a man who had to be twice her size. At least the guard had the good sense to look respectfully cowed.
“I’ll be fine. We’re heading straight back to the Capitol.” Giving her friend's hand a final squeeze, Amanda let go and took a step back in the direction of the car. Her guard moved to open the door, but she paused, taking one last, long look at her friend. She wouldn't let herself think too hard about the dire possibilities of what was to follow. Not because she believed that dwelling on the worst would bring it to pass or anything like that, but simply because it was too horrible to consider. And she had work to do.
Nodding again, Amanda drew up a smile and said, “Good luck, Ria. Talk to you soon.” Then she climbed into the back of the car, letting her guard close the door behind her. It was tempting as hell to look back as they drove away, but Amanda kept her gaze locked on the road ahead. And if her vision blurred a little during the trip, no one on earth would blame her.
“Good luck!” Ria murmured as she watched the retreating vehicle, anxious as the tail lights slipped out of view. She hoped with every fiber of her being that her friend made it back to the Capitol building safely and without issue. She did not in fact dwell on that anxiety or worry long though, she couldn’t, not while she knew there were people already very much in need of help.
With one final glance in the direction Amanda and gone and then one towards Paul who was now to act as her bodyguard, Ria turned and moved with a sense of purpose towards the heart of the chaos.