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Wait… What did Piper just say? All Rory had caught on the redhead’s lips was the word ‘move’, or at least she thought that was the word she caught. Then her girlfriend’s face turned into one of panic; and she started rambling. As much as the Brit tried to follow along in hopes of catching at least a word or two, there was no use. She was still half asleep; and the other was speaking much too quickly. “Something that moves or is moving or… Uh… I’ll have to ask you to repeat everything you’ve just said.” She stated, confusion written all over her face. The only other word she thought she saw was ‘apartment’. ‘Move’ and ‘apartment’. Was Piper talking about when she moved back to Carroll? That was the only thing she could think of that even made a lick of sense.

As expected, Rory hadn’t caught what she had said. She had a chance to take what she asked back. It was so easy for her to just say that what she asked before was nothing important. However, she couldn’t manage to say it. As worried she was about Rory’s reaction, she wanted to ask. Taking a moment to calm herself. she turned towards her girlfriend. “Would you like to move in with me?” She sighed, making sure the other would be able to understand her words. Keeping a straight face as she waited for a reply. Her mind was thinking the worst but she didn’t let it show on her face. 

Rory had always been known to be a deep sleeper. It helped that she couldn’t hear any external factors that might cause her to wake before morning. That plus the fact her body was constantly fighting an internal battle against itself… Well exhaustion tended to win out every night. Curled up against Piper, she ended up getting the most peaceful sleep she’d had since before her pacemaker placement surgery. It was welcomed and truly needed.

So come morning when she woke up to the feeling of her girlfriend’s fingers running through her hair and opened her eyes to see the beautiful redhead staring longingly back at her, her incredibly well-rested self couldn’t help the wide grin that began to form upon her lips, widening even further as Piper leaned in for a good morning kiss. “I have to admit, this is quite nice.” She stated upon pulling out of the kiss, shifting her weight so she was resting on her arm as she looked over towards Piper.

Piper couldn’t take her eye off Rory as the late morning sun cascaded down on her. Her girlfriend looked absolutely stunning, angelic even. Sleeping with Rory in her arms brought her comfort she never felt before. Her mind had drifted to an idea she had been thinking about recently. After Rory left, Piper had missed her. She had spent majority of her free time with the brunette. Not having her around brought a feeling of loneliness to the redhead. Her house which the two usually spent most of their time together, felt empty. “Move in with me.” Without thinking the words left her lips. Panic suddenly took over as her mind caught up. “I mean, it’s just a thought. It might be too early to ask. I just know you no longer have your apartment back in Carroll. Not to mention you already spend a lot of time at my place. You don’t have to say yes. It was just an idea I had. You can think on it or don’t. I’m probably being stupid and rushing this.” As usual when she got nervous she talked faster. Which would mean Rory most likely missed some of not all of what she said.

It was nice just sat there on her bed cuddlings; so when Piper finally pulled away and moved to stand, the same pout from earlier reappared on Rory’s face. Watching her girlfriend, she watched as the other moved to pulled back the covers, seemingly prepping them so they could go to sleep. It wasn’t super late; but it was late enough. And they both had their reasons to want to head to bed a tad earlier than normal. About to get up and make her way to move under the covers, she was surprised when Piper decided to pick her up and carry her the short distance instead. A small yelp escaped her lips, followed by laughter at the action as the smile widened upon her face. Once settled under the covers, she allowed herself to cuddle up against Piper. She was so warm. It still amazed her. “Goodnight.” She stated, leaning in to place a quick peck upon her girlfriend’s lips before pulling away briefly, only to clap twice and turn off the lights. Once they were in comfortable darkness, she cuddled back up against Piper, quickly drifting off to sleep.

Piper had quickly fallen asleep once the lighter were off. With Rory cuddled up to her, she had never felt so comfortable and safe before. She peacefully slept through the night. The next morning she began to slowly wake. Feeling more rested than she had in her life. Even after being on a plane almost all day yesterday. Her eyes opened to a view she wouldn’t mind waking up to every morning. Her beautiful girlfriend still in her arms. She didn’t want to wake Rory up. Instead she laid there, gently running her hand through the brunette’s long hair. She stayed like that until the other began to stir. A bright smile on her face as Rory opened her eyes. “Good morning, cutie.” She spoke, not even sure if Rory was wake enough to read her lips. Shifting slightly, she pressed a morning kiss to her girlfriend’s lips.

How Piper wasn’t freezing was beyond Rory. Just looking at her girlfriend in a tank top sent a shiver down her spine. Then again, she was like a human icicle. Hell, even her fingers were currently tinted blue. Her toes probably were as well; but she had slipper socks on so she couldn’t tell. But her toes felt cold, even despite the socks. “I don’t understand you sometimes.” She let out a heavy and slightly pained sigh as she allowed herself to rest her head on her girlfriend’s chest. Closing her eyes briefly, she then opened them again, her gaze now shifted to look up at her favorite redhead. “And not because I don’t catch half of what you say.” Stifling a yawn, she shrugged against the other’s chest. “Speaking of which, I didn’t catch all that before… Something about how you’re warm and perfect.” Which she most certainly was.

Piper wrapped her arm around Rory as she leaned into her. Enjoying the moment as they sat there. It was peaceful and she felt tired enough to fall asleep right there. She knew they both needed to sleep. Pulling away, she stood up and walked over the top of the bed. She pulled back the bed sheets on both sides. Walking back to where she left Rory sitting. “Come on baby, let get to bed.” She used the last bit of her strength to crouch down, lifting Rory off the bed bridal style. She carefully carried her over to the top of the bed. Setting her down on the sheets before climbing in herself. She pulled the covers up as she cuddled up to her girlfriend. She placed a goodnight kiss onto the brunette’s forehead.

Rory made her way to Thea’s room to change, ultimately ending up sat on her sister’s bed for a few minutes reminding her sister not to annoy Piper too much. After all, Piper was a guest in their home. She should be nice, even if it was her style to tease. So once she’d gotten a promise from Thea that she’d behave while Piper was staying with them, Rory felt confident enough to make her way back to her room. Figuring the redhead had been given enough time to change, she softly knocked on the door before opening it. “I, uh, I hope you’re decent.” She commented, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she entered her room, her eyes trailing to find her girlfriend sat on her bed, taking note of the other’s pajamas. “How on Earth are you wearing that?” She inquired, walking towards the bed and plopping down on the end. “I’m over here freezing my arse off; and I’ve got sleeves.” And not just sleeves. Warm fleece sleeves. And pants. Even with the warmer pajamas, she’d still end up bundling herself up in a blanket burrito. 

Piper’s attention turned towards the door as she heard a knock on the door. A large smile spread across her face as Rory walked in. Her girlfriend’s comment made her laugh. “I’ve told you I’m a living heater.” She stated, moving closer to where Rory was sitting. Taking the brunette’s hand into her own. She noticed how cold Rory’s hand was. She wrapped her other hand around the petite woman. “It’s great in the winter but the worst in the summer. At least I am able to help warm you up. You might even be able to cool me down while I warm you up. It’s almost like we are perfect for each other.” 

It made a lot of sense to Rory that Piper would be exhausted. Being the sheriff and having to deal with that blizzard must have been quite stressful for the redhead. She was glad her girlfriend would finally be given a chance to relax. “I didn’t catch all of that. Sorry.” She apologized once the other was done speaking. “Just that you’re exhausted and wish to change.” She confirmed the statements before continuing on. “Let me grab my pyjamas; and I’ll step out for a few minutes, give you time to get, um, situated.” She added, fumbling somewhat over the last word. Making her way over to the dresser, she took out a set of fleece pajamas before turning back to face Piper, this time option to just sign in an attempt to continue allowing her girlfriend to learn the language. “Be right back!” And with that, she made her way out of her room, closing the door behind her, as she headed towards Thea’s room to go change and have a few quick words with her sister.

Piper couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle. She would have signed so her girlfriend didn’t have to read her lips. However, she tired to the point where even making words was becoming hard. She had gotten better with the language but right now sleep was taking over. The redhead nodded in reply to the brunette’s words. Waiting until the other left the room to begin changing. She quickly changed her usual tank top and pajama pants. Piper still managed to overheat even in the winter. Once changed she sat down on the bed. Taking a moment to look around. The room was big but still gave her a feeling of Rory’s style.

“I am the cuter twin, aren’t I?” Rory couldn’t help but chuckle at the mere thought. As children, she and Thea were a lot more identical than they were now. It was hard for others to tell them apart just by looks alone, especially while in their school uniforms; but now, they’d both grown into their own personalities that, while they were still identical in the twin sense, they actually didn’t look that much alike anymore. For instance, Rory’s hair was longer and more natural while Thea’s had some highlights and was always perfectly styled. Then they way they dressed wasn’t anything alike. Rory preferred to not give into the fast fashion industry, opting for ethical and eco-friendly clothing or those she could find at thrift shops. Thea, on the other hand, wouldn’t be caught dead without her designer handbag or sunglasses. Plus Thea liked wearing makeup while Rory couldn’t be bothered. “Um, have you eaten? I can always have Louis whip you up something gluten-free and absobloodylutely delicious if you’re a tad peckish after your travels.” She knew being at the Estate for the first time could be a bit overwhelming. That plus the fact Piper was in an entirely different country for the first time… Rory just wanted to ensure her girlfriend was comfortable. “And if you’d like to freshen up, the bathroom’s just through there. Fresh towels are in the cupboard.” She added, gesturing to a closed door on the far wall of her room. 

“You sure are, baby.” Piper spoke before another yawn hit her. This time she was unable to stifle it. She had been running on very little sleep. “I am beyond exhausted at the moment. Even if I were hungry I wouldn’t have the energy to eat. It felt like I was working twenty four seven during the blizzard.” She was glad Rory had missed that whole situation. Going through all that stress wouldn’t have been good for the brunette. “After the power went out I ran around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. I ended up having to break into the school’s basement to get to this old furnace. Not to brag but I looked pretty cool saving the town from freezing.” She smirked, letting out a little laugh.”Anyway, I think I’m going to go change then we can head to bed. You look pretty tired yourself.”

“A feisty little chihuahua… That’s a new one.” Thea nodded, the smirk beginning to widen upon her face. “I’ll take it as a compliment. Thanks, Pepper. I can see why my sister fancies you so much. Though if I’m being honest, I expected more flannel.”

Rory didn’t need hearing to follow along with the back and forth between her girlfriend and sister. She knew both their personalities; and their expressions said it all. It’d be best to put an end to this for the night. They could have more introductions come morning. So turning her full attention to her sister, she began to sign. “Thea, you know I love you; but please leave. Piper’s exhausted; and so am I. Save it for morning.”

With a pout now replacing the smirk, Thea signed back. “Fine.” She huffed. “I’ll leave; but your moaning best not keep me from my beauty sleep.”

“Good night, Thea.” Rory’s eyes narrowed as she said through gritted teeth.

“Goodnight.” Thea signed in return before direction her attention momentarily to Piper and speaking up once more. “Promise not to break my sister now.” She chuckled, turning to exit the room.

“The least you could have done was come up with a clever come back. Sorry my dad beat you to that nickname.” As annoying as Thea was, Piper couldn’t help but annoying her back. It was sort of fun for her. Similar to how she acted around her sisters. Obviously Rory didn’t feel like dealing with it tonight. Deciding not to say anything more until Rory wasn’t paying attention so Piper added “Goodnight, hope you don’t wake up on the wrong side of the coffin tomorrow.” She chuckled as Thea left the room. Turning towards Rory once the two were alone. “Good to know I picked the cuter twin.” She sighed with a bright smile.

“Is that a yes?” She hoped it was a yes. Rory hadn’t exactly caught all of Piper’s words and was going mostly off of facial expressions. At first, she had a bit of trouble reading her girlfriend’s face. There was shock, confusion, excitement? It was just a mix of emotions; but she was able to read more of a good response than a bad response. 

About to speak up again, Rory’s eyes caught another figure in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a wide smirk upon her face. “I’d tell you two to get a room; but it sounds to me that’s the plan.” Her sister both spoke and signed her words, waiting for the pair to give her their attention before continuing on. “Just promise to keep it down, yeah? My bed’s just on the other side of that wall, mind.”

With a heavy sigh, Rory turned her attention from her sister back towards Piper. “Piper… Um, I’d like to you meet the infamous Thea.”

Piper nodded her head with a bright smile on her face. Her smile faltered a bit as she fallowed her girlfriend’s attention. The redhead was still getting use to the fact that Rory was a twin. Thea physically looked like Rory the other brunette had a different personality. This was the first time they had met in person. Yet Thea already gave off a different aura than Rory. “Aw yes, I was wondering when I’d finally get to meet Thea.” A mischievous smile spread across her lips as she straightened up to her full height. A very obvious height difference between her and both twins. She looked down at Thea before adding. “Hmm, I for some reason pictured you to be so short. Guess it makes sense since you two are twins. Kind of reminds me of a feisty little chihuahua.”

Deepening the kiss, Rory allowed herself to get lost in the touch of Piper’s lips, the feeling of her girlfriend’s arms wrapped safely around her. Though after several more seconds, it was her turn to pull away. Stepping back, she looked up to meet the other’s eyes, taking note of just how tired they looked. “As much as I love doing this, I know you must be exhausted from your flight.” She commented. Then again, it was also already well into the evening. Anyone would be starting to grow tired this time of night. She knew she was. “I can show you to your room; or, um, you’re welcome to just stay here in mine. With, uh, with me.” Once it had been confirmed Piper was coming to stay at the Estate for a bit, one of the first things Rory’s parents asked was if she’d be needing her own room or if she’d be sharing with the petite brunette. At first, the question had caused her face to turn bright red. Piper would have her own room. That much was obvious. But the more she thought about it, the more she wanted Piper to just stay with her. After having more than an ocean separating them the past couple of weeks, she didn’t want so much as a wall separating them. Besides, she got extra cuddly when she felt unwell; and given she was still recovering from everything post-surgery, she definitely felt unwell. 

Piper felt a bit disappointed when Rory pulled away. She knew they couldn’t stay like that forever. Rory was right, she was exhausted from more than just her flight. She tried her best to stifle a yawn that suddenly hit her. There was still a feeling of excitement over seeing her girlfriend. However, sleepiness was beginning to hit her. When Rory mentioned the two of them sharing a room she assumed her mind might be playing trick on her. “Wait, did you just suggest me staying in here, with you?” She question, since the two of them had only ever shared a bed once before. That was only because the brunette had fallen asleep. She would love nothing more than to cuddle up to her girlfriend. “If I heard that right then I’m not going to turn you down. As much as I don’t mind sleeping in a separate room. I honestly don’t want to be away from you for another second. Plus, no offense but your house kind of give me the creeps.”

To say she wasn’t still exhausted after everything that had happened would’ve been a lie. Rory still felt rather drained; and she was fairly certain it showed. She was never good at hiding when she felt unwell, especially from those who truly knew her. Even so, she still tried to hide the fact the Piper’s act of wrapping her arms around her caused her to wince somewhat. But all in all, she wasn’t bothered by that. While she still had some lingering pain, it was nothing she couldn’t handle. Wrapping her arms around Piper in return, she deepened their embrace, gently resting her head on her girlfriend’s chest, not wanting the moment to end.

So when Piper first pulled away, a pout found its way to the petite brunette’s face as her eyes trailed to the other’s lips. If her girlfriend pulled away, it was usually because she had something to say. And she was right. Watching her lips, Rory tried her best to concentrate enough to catch whatever had been said. But her mind was elsewhere; and she barely caught enough words to make sense of them. “I-I’ll be honest.” She began, her focus still very much on Piper. “I caught none of that; but I’m so bloody glad you’re here. You’ve no idea how much I’ve needed this.” With that said, she went onto her tiptoes in order to press her lips against those of her favorite redhead.

A small chuckle fell from Piper’s lips. She loved how Rory never seemed to shy away from pulling her into a kiss. Leaning down to make things easier on her girlfriend. Their height difference  never seemed to be an issue. She loved how petite and cute Rory was. Melting into the kiss, she ran her hands through Rory’s long brown hair. 

There was a part of her tired brain that couldn’t believe she was here. Couldn’t believe she was with Rory in Bristol. Worried that she would wake up any moment still stuck in Carroll High. She pulled her girlfriend closer to her. Her fears began to slip away one by one. This was all real and she couldn’t be happier. She had been on a plane for hours and hardly slept in weeks but she felt like she could kiss Rory forever at the moment. 

For Rory, the hardest thing about being back in Bristol had to be the fact there was an ocean between her and Piper. She’d been missing the redhead like crazy; and then everything with the blizzard back in Carroll had to go and delay their plans of a reunion. Then again, it wouldn’t have been that great of a reunion while she was still in the hospital. Maybe the blizzard was for the best. It gave her time to recover from the stupid infection she had to go and catch after her pacemaker placement surgery; and it gave her some time to catch up with just her family before her girlfriend arrived. So while she hated going so long without seeing Piper, part of her wondered if it was ultimately for the best giving the circumstances. 

After learning the blizzard had fully died down and that Piper would be able to make it to Bristol, Rory couldn’t have been more excited. She couldn’t wait to introduce the redhead to her parents and any of her siblings that decided to show around the Baudelaire Estate. And she couldn’t wait to show the other around the city where she grew up. Back in Carroll, she’d been able to see so many locations that were important to her girlfriend. It’d be nice to share some important locations of her own. So when the day came that Piper was due to arrive, Rory could barely sit still as she was overcome with anticipate.

She’d been watching the clock all day, some much so that her sister Thea shoved a book in her face and merely signed ‘read until your lady cop gets here’. Initially, she protested; but she soon gave in, getting lost in Stevenson’s The Black Arrow for God knows how long. Next thing she knew, she was glancing up, her eyes landing on the familiar figure standing in the doorway. Dropping the book, she moved to stand, the smile now wide upon her face. “Hi yourself, stranger.”

As if her feet were moving on her own, Piper made her way closer to her girlfriend. She carefully wrapped her arms around the shorter woman. The redhead knew Rory was still recovering from surgery. The last thing she wanted to do was injure her already fragile girlfriend. It felt so good to be with Rory after missing her so much. After everything going on, being together was the happiest she’s been in weeks. All her worry and stress felt like it melted away as soon as she was near the other woman. 

Piper pulled back, just enough so her lips could be read. Not yet wanting to let go of the brunette. “I missed you so much. I honestly can’t even believe I made it here. I just couldn’t sit and wait for you to come back. Whenever I was busy during the whole blizzard all I could think about was you. Getting to see you kept me going through all the stress.” She placed a kiss on her girlfriend’s face. “I love Carroll but I’m so glad to be out of there and here with you right now.”