𑣲 rubble

lesbian web decor for day 3 of @hyrulesshope 's event!

you glance up, the door creaking. a familiar sound, the push of one too tired to speak. Outis stumbles, collapsing beside you with a groan. pinching her brow, eyes narrowed with displeasure. you turn, setting your book down. extending a hand and carefully removing her glasses. the tension dissolves. her head tilts back to press against your shoulder. gently, you thumb over her cheek, pressing the shadows beneath her lashes.

"Long day?"

"Mm."

she merely shifts closer, tossing aside her suit jacket. it was unsalvageable, either way. 7 Association did not prioritize resistance to bloodstains in its uniforms. Outis sighs. leaning up and brushing a kiss over your cheek. warm and soft, a mimicry of gentle, familiar touches, her fingertips against yours when you exchange drinks in the morning.

"...Too good to me."

ah. she always did amuse you, saying things like that.

you dip down, pecking her forehead. tucking a strand of hair back, tracing over the twin earrings gleaming gold in the dim light.

it's strange. unfamiliar. waking up with someone at her side, after all this time. her hand snaps to her blade before stilling. calming. it's you. just you. Outis exhales. closing her eyes and rubbing her temples. the war has made her jumpier. more paranoid. she can see the indents in the blanket, where her arms were wrapped tightly around you. clinging, desperate. as if you'd disappear again, vanishing into the night. Outis shifts. leaning her head against yours. so many years it had been. since she left for that dreaded war, drowning in smoke and ash. yet you're here. curled up against her, mumbling softly in your sleep. so sweet. so beautiful. her fingers twitch, trying to pull you closer.

ah. her heart is melting. something cracks in her composure, and Outis presses her lips to your cheek.

she drinks in your startled, drowsy laughter with a subtle smile, peppering kisses over your face and nuzzling her nose against yours. a soft, tender gaze. the sun shining gold against her dark hair. you trace each scar, every new mark adorning her skin. you don't recognize them. yet they're precious all the same. a reminder of her suffering, your shared loneliness. Outis softens. leaning her cheek into your palm, fingers curling around your wrist. stay. please. such a long journey it's been, clawing her way back home, home to you.

you simply smile. kissing the bridge of her nose, bumping foreheads with her. just like you did, all those years ago.

"I love you, Odysseus." as if nothing ever changed.