Fandom: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Relationship: Maruca Chebota/Biana Vacker
Maruca used to think Biana is like vanilla. A lingering pleasantness left behind wherever it was. It reminded you of the cake your grandma baked on your birthday, of the shampoo your mother used for her hair, which you loved to bury your face into. It gave you a soft barrier like your favorite blanket wrapped around your shoulders and a cup of hot chocolate in your hands. You can just feel the tingles in your fingers and the warmth on your face when you hold it, can't you?
That was how Maruca felt when she was in Biana's presence. It left her giddy, breathless and strangely satisfied. It made her feel complete. Biana made her feel complete.
At the time, Maruca was too lost in the thrill. Her mind turned too fuzzy to detect that looming portend brought with the rush of every single conversation with Biana.
As humans say, her lenses were tinted rose pink.
Now, when she sees her, blood rushes through her veins, her heart thumps as if it is about to jump out of her chest, and it's all for the wrong reasons.
Now, Maruca thinks Biana is like vanilla essence. Its aroma has you feeling light-headed, but it leaves a bitter taste on your tongue.
She might seem sweet, but inside? She is as rotten as they come.
Maruca still remembers it vividly. The words she spit out, laced with poison. Her darkened eyes that once shined like jewels when Maruca saw them. She still remembers it, like the rain that drowned her porch or the jasmine tea she drank yesterday. And she hates that she does, because she knows Biana doesn't.
She sees it in the sparkle in her eyes and her free laugh, ridden of guilt and despair.
Biana has forgotten her, then why can't she forget Biana?
Why does Maruca hurt when she doesn't?
Why is she alone when Biana isn't?
Her scars still throb at the sight of her, but...maybe...maybe she can heal them. Maybe she can...talk to her friends. They will help her, right? Stina... Dex... Marella... Linh, and her new neighbor, Calleb. He always makes her laugh. Perhaps she can take up that therapy session.
Maybe, just maybe, she can leave Biana behind too.
