#writing: closingwaters

[bookofbolden]

TIMING: Current LOCATION: A Latte to Love PARTIES: Teagan ( @closingwaters ) & Eleanor SUMMARY: Upon a chance encounter at a beloved coffee shop, Eleanor's curiosity gets the best of her and lands her in hot water with an emotionally charged Teagan. WARNINGS: Brief mention of past physical violence, mention of parental death, vomiting

Eleanor was proud of the progress she’d made when it came to getting out of her apartment more and getting acquainted with Wicked’s Rest. While she didn’t go out of her way to socialize with anyone she might cross paths with and avoided heavily populated areas to the best of her ability, it was still a far cry from her tendency to remain within the same four walls day in and day out, either drowning herself in work or simply trying to find something to do that would keep her from going insane, or at the very least slow the process. A Latte to Love had quickly become one of her favorite stops along her route mostly because of the amazing drinks, but also because she enjoyed the familiarity of the coffee shop vibe - she’d found that she could relax there even though it tended to be crowded.

This particular day Eleanor had grown tired of staring at the same view while trying to find inspiration for her writing, so she packed up her laptop and notes and headed out to her favorite place in search of caffeine and a new, more stimulating scene. She’d set up shop near the back at a table that had been tucked into a corner so that she wouldn’t disturb anyone and hopefully no one would disturb her, placed her headphones over her ears, and got to work immediately. She was so focused on her laptop that it took a moment for her to register that someone had come to stand in front of her.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” She pulled the headphones from her head and frowned, looking up at the woman in confusion. “I didn’t take your spot, did I? I’m sorry, it didn’t look as though anyone was sitting here when I came in.” When their eyes met Eleanor was hit with a feeling of anger so strong that she recoiled and quickly looked away. “But I can move if you want me to, I don’t mind.” She added hastily, believing that the woman’s anger had been in response to the taken seat.

In the days since Arden had spoken some sense into her girlfriend, Teagan had spent most of her time inside. Whether it was knitting or crocheting or some weird activity called yoga, everything took place away from the outside world. It was pathetic, of that, Teagan was sure of, but what could she do? The anger and fear was crippling most moments, and putting on a mask was hard enough in front of Arden. Still, the nix knew she had to try. She wasn’t alone anymore, and she had people’s worries to consider, so she ventured out of the Worm Row apartment and trekked to a nearby coffee shop. 

Business was buzzing, like a hive filled with hundreds of worker bees, but all Teagan saw were people going about their day. They were fully caffeinated and ready to take on whatever the day brought. This wasn’t something she completely understood, feeling the surge of potent energy from her drink in just the first few sips. It made her emotions feel worse, like she was a ticking time bomb and she lit the fuse with the tip of her cup. She was struggling to find a seat, anger sparking as it piled on top of the mountain that had been building since the attack. 

“Hm?” She whipped her head around to face a woman that was not hard on the eyes by any means. “Oh.” Clearing her throat, Teagan blinked a few times before managing an actual sentence with a bright smile and even brighter heterochromic eyes. A stark contrast to what she felt inside. “Oh dearie, you ain’t doin’ me in. Ain’t mingin’ either.” Her welsh side pounced, likely too confusing for a stranger. “In other words, stay in that seat. I’m comfortable in this one right here.” She sat down at the table next to her possible new friend, propping her chin on her hand. “I’m Teagan.” A grin, followed by a sip. “And you, lovely?”

The corner of Eleanor’s mouth turned up into a grin at the sound of the woman’s accent and momentarily distracted her from the onslaught of anger that poured from her. Although the stranger’s bright smile would have been enough to disguise her true feelings from anyone else, Eleanor knew better. 

“Teagan… I believe we may have already spoken to one another the other day when you were inviting people out for a night swim. Sorry I had to decline, it just didn’t seem like the kind of thing I would have had much fun participating in.” There’s also the fact that I don't know you, Eleanor wanted to add but kept it to herself. “I’m Eleanor, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person.” She took in Teagan’s relaxed posture and decided that the anger wasn't directed towards her… So what could it be? “How are you? Most importantly, how’s your coffee? I come in often and everytime they make my drink just right. This is one of my favorite places to come now, not that I’ve really had much time to go around and discover too many other shops around here, but still, I’m partial to this place.” She had to bite her lip to stop herself from asking too many questions that may lead to Teagan either becoming uncomfortable or suspicious - the last thing Eleanor wanted was for someone else to think she was strange. 

“You’re very pretty.” She blurted out and cursed herself for it. That wasn’t the sort of thing people said whenever they’d just introduced themselves to someone new, was it?

Eleanor. The name lit Teagan’s face with familiarity, her smile curling further. She rambled similarly to Arden, though her tongue seemed motivated more by nerves than by sheer desire to share the newly attained knowledge. Teagan didn’t mind, and she listened intently, welcoming the bit of distraction. “Well, well, it looks like our paths were intended to cross.” Raising her glass as a toast, Teagan giggled and took another drink, appreciating the flavor a little more as she let it sit on her tastebuds for a few beats. 

“No harm, no foul. Maybe now that we’ve met, you’ll be a little more inclined to attend next time.” Eyes watched Eleanor over the tipped cup, and Teagan licked her lips to rid them of the residual latte foam. “Since, you know,” Her brows bounced playfully, “You think I’m very pretty.” The energy in the room grew lighter with the tease, even easing whatever anger and fear that was deeply stored inside Teagan. It was less twisted and tightly coiled, making it much easier to breathe and relax her whole body with a prolonged sigh. 

“But to answer your question before, in your adorable ramble about how great this place is, I’m doing as well as I can be. It’s a beautiful day to meet beautiful women.” A pause, “That means you, if that wasn’t clear.”

“Fate, right?” Eleanor asked casually and took a sip of her own coffee. “Maybe, if you’re willing to invite me out during daylight hours. I’m typically not out much after nightfall considering some things going on recently. I suppose you could say that I’m a bit of an old lady when it comes to that.” Her face turned bright red and she looked down at her laptop, embarrassment flooding through her and momentarily blocking out Teagan’s own anger. “I… well…” At a loss for words she just nodded and attempted a shaky smile. She was surprised by the other woman’s sudden and unexpected change in mood - she still had unexplained anger and fear, but instead of a crushing wave that drowned Eleanor, it had become more of a persistent nagging in the back of her mind.

Rambling. Again. She had to stop doing that. “I think I’m starting to become known for my rambling, it’s really just an unfortunate accident most of the time. I have a friend who swears they don’t mind it but I know that it can be annoying sometimes. Yes, that was very clear, thank you.” Eleanor couldn’t stop the second blush that crept up her neck, or the guilt that accompanied it. How could she sit there on the verge of flirting while her girlfriend was somewhere trapped and alone? It left her with a sick feeling in her stomach, but Teagan’s presence interested her in a way that made her want to know more out of pure curiosity. Why was this seemingly bubbly, outgoing woman seething beneath the surface?

“Have you been in Wicked’s Rest long? I would say that I don’t recall ever seeing you around, but that doesn’t really mean much when it’s coming from someone who just recently started going to get her own groceries instead of having them delivered to her front door.” Needing something to do with her hands, Eleanor started to doodle idly along the margins of her notes as she spoke, “By the way, I meant what I said online: you should be careful when inviting strangers places, you seem like a very nice person and nice people tend to be taken advantage of.”

Teagan’s eyes narrowed and her head tilted at the mention of Fate. Her skin didn’t flutter, which meant Eleanor couldn’t be fae, so what could she be implying? If anything at all, really. Anxiety and fear ticked up, tugging Teagan’s chest uncomfortably as her mind began to run down the possibilities. Hunter, being the most tossed around. She fidgeted in her seat uncomfortably, doing all she could to keep her composure. Keep the mask in its place. “Right.” The nix nodded with her smile renewed and refreshed. “Fate.”

Returning to her drink, Teagan spun her mother’s ring on her finger, brow rising at the thank you. She couldn’t help herself, excitement rolling in her belly enough to release the stretch on her chest. “Your gratitude is taken and appreciated.” She smiled coyly, rolling her lips over her teeth. Nothing like taking a favor right under someone’s nose. Teagan licked her lips, continuing to grin. It was warm and inviting, turning humorous with a chortle escaping her. Whatever coffee she had in her mouth was spit back out, almost clearing up her nose at Eleanor’s horribly timed joke. A nix having to be careful of the humans she invites to drown in the lake? Fates, the woman didn’t know, but still. It was ridiculous to think Teagan couldn’t handle herself. 

“I don’t know about you, lass, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Me? In danger at the lake at night?” She scoffed, “I’ve been in Wicked’s Rest long enough to know what goes bump in the night, and believe me,” Teagan leaned forward, a fog coating her eyes as her tone grew serious. “I could just as easily be one of those people. Have faced plenty and have survived this long, and I don’t get taken advantage of.” The image of the hunter who maimed her sent a sharp pain through her chest, causing her to inhale sharply and desperately try to return her smile. It worked, for the most part. She wanted to move on. “But what about you? Born and raised here or just dumb enough like the rest of us to make the move?”

Eleanor couldn’t stop herself from gazing at Teagan with a distant, confused expression at yet another sharp change in emotions. The woman was a rollercoaster that would leave the poor empath exhausted by the end of their interaction. “Did I offend you?” She asked in a low voice, going over her previous words and finding nothing she thought could be taken out of context. But still, if she’d been offensive she would want the chance to properly apologize for it. “I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry. See what I mean by rambling being an unfortunate accident? Half of the time I don’t even register what I’m saying, it just tumbles out.”

She followed the other woman’s lead and leaned closer as she hung to every word. Not only was her accident intoxicating, but there was something behind the words that she wanted to uncover. The way she spoke was almost hinting at something, but Eleanor wasn’t quite sure what that something could be. Deciding that she couldn’t possibly sound more ridiculous than she already had, she responded, “It seems like you want me to read between the lines, for lack of better words, but I don’t want to assume anything else about you - you seemed to get quite the kick out of me suggesting that you might not be safe around strangers at night in the lake. So,” she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, “Are you the thing that goes bump in the night? Or are we speaking hypothetically?” She glanced at the ring Teagan spun on her finger for a quick moment. “That’s a beautiful ring, were you given it by someone special?”

Eleanor smiled and shrugged. “I suppose you could call me dumb. I moved here just shy of a month ago. I heard about this place and how it may have others… that could relate to me, so I made the move on a whim. I may have gotten myself into something I wasn’t quite ready for, though. I’m originally from New York, but I’ve lived in Maine for about two years. Anyhow, I’ve been trying to place your lovely accent - where are you from and how did you end up in this strange town?”

There was definitely something off with this Eleanor woman. With every internal shift that the fae had, she commented on it. She wasn’t fooled, somehow, by the smile Teagan had practiced to perfect since the tragedy. Her head tilted and her eyes narrowed suspiciously, irritation on the brink of spilling. She needed answers, but being in public gave Teagan limitations. The likes of which prevented her from letting her glamour fall to terrify and interrogate Eleanor. “How are you doing that?” The question was pointed, bluntly so. There was no use in beating around the subject. If the reading was some sort of magic, Teagan was sure Eleanor would understand what the nix was getting at.

“‘Fraid we’re focusing on you now, lass.” The thank you from earlier danced around in her head, wondering if that was the right moment to use it. She breathed, waiting like a viper ready to strike, but her venom quickly receded at just how inquisitive Eleanor was. Teagan understood then why Arden enjoyed talking to her and didn’t want her being drowned. They had like minds, poetic and curious, with the unique skill of dissecting words and finding what they truly meant. It was almost endearing enough to convince Teagan to let go of her building frustration. Almost. She looked at her ring, curling her hand into a fist so tight that she shook. Images of Catrin flashed behind her eyes. Her pale face, her stillness, her last moments. The look she gave her daughter through a crack on the door. It was apologetic and mournful, reflecting the very same expression on a ten-year-old Teagan. It was the worst day of her life, her body tensing with the pain and her mind reeling from the macabre film. 

Her distress quickly gave way to anger, impossible to ignore or halt. How sad, really. Eleanor was a wonderful conversationalist, even with her ramblings, but it was time for the questions to stop. From her. “If you must know,” Teagan gritted her teeth, looking down at her cup to avoid Eleanor’s sweet face. “I’m from Wales. And I was intrigued like you. Only,” Her eye twitched with tears threatening to fall, and she finally looked back up, gaze wide with the agony of trying to stop the wave of emotions from drowning herself and everyone in the room. It was the one body she couldn’t swim. “I’ve been in the states since I was ten. But…” She leaned forward, ensuring Eleanor was looking at her. “I don’t want to talk about me. I want to talk about you.” Standing suddenly from her seat, Teagan moved to Eleanor’s table, eyes intense and hand on the knife on her hip. “I’m using that gratitude on you right now, okay? So tell me, are you playing a game? Are you a hunter that gets off on torturing their prey mentally before going in for the attack? What is it? Explain yourself honestly.”

How are you doing that? It was a question Eleanor had long since become familiar with and had heard many times over the years. From foster parents to teachers, she had always had the ability to get under people's skin simply by reacting to what they were feeling. She had never meant to hurt or annoy anyone, it was just something she couldn’t help. Feeling years of shame and regret come crashing down onto her shoulders, she looked down at the table and shrugged. “I’ve always been able to, I feel what others feel. Almost everyone, anyway.” 

Eleanor knew immediately that she’d made a mistake in mentioning the woman’s ring - if Teagan’s physical reaction hadn’t been enough to display it, the feelings of pain and mourning that shot from her was hard to miss. She took in a sharp breath and clutched at the table while her head spun out of control. She didn’t like being around this woman, the sudden and exaggerated mood swings made her stomach churn and her head swim. What had happened to Teagan to make her so unstable? “I’m sorry, I didn’t… I shouldn’t have commented on it.” But she’d already opened her mouth and couldn’t take it back, that much was evident in the anger that filled the space between them. Eleanor caught a brief mention of Wales, of Teagan having moved to the States when she was ten, then the other woman was standing, her hand gripping something just out of sight, and terror filled Eleanor so completely that she knew that she wasn’t being influenced, it was her own genuine fear.

“Hunter? No. There’s hunters? I’m just Eleanor, just someone they call an empath around here. I’m not going to attack you, I don’t want to attack you, I just wanted to know more about you. I’m curious about nearly everyone in this town.” Had she imagined it or had there been some kind of unseen force that made the words jump from her lips? While she wouldn’t have lied to Teagan either way Eleanor had a distant, subconscious feeling that the words that had left her had been more in response to some unspoken command than a normal answer to a question. Her eyes once again landed on the woman’s hand as it wrapped around what looked vaguely like the handle of a knife and panic filled her again. “I’m not going to hurt you, I promise I’m not. I wouldn’t know how even if I’d planned to. I’m just here writing my book and drinking coffee like I do nearly every day.” Her voice cracked and she wished that she could have sounded braver and less shaken by the situation at hand but she had to be honest with herself, she’d never once imagined coming face-to-face with a potentially dangerous stranger who thought she was lying about her identity.

She’d made a mistake. Eleanor was an empath, and nothing more. Anger bled into shame and regret when the human began to promise. She began to believe she truly was rot, and now she’d gone and infected sweet and innocent Eleanor. Could this be fixed? Or was she now stuck with the pain that no one else but Teagan was supposed to bear? She thought she already knew the answer, and it made her vision swim and her stomach tighten. “I’m sorry,” Her apology was quick and quiet, her legs stumbling to leave the table.

The world grew shaky, the colors twisting and details of the surroundings growing lost in a dense fog. The puzzle pieces in Teagan’s mind refused to fit, leaving her wandering in the labyrinth of her sharply changing emotions. “I’m sorry.” She whispered again, lips wet with her tears. Her lungs provided no air, but Teagan was determined to release Eleanor from her suffering, making a beeline for the door. 

Her hands crashed into the handle, shoving the exit open harshly. The bell attached to it bounced with more force than necessary, hitting the glass of the door hard enough to crack it. Whatever, it didn’t matter. Teagan whipped her head from side to side, looking for a direction to run. Was Arden close? Was she home? She supposed she was about to find out. 

Eleanor’s feelings of fear melted the moment she saw the regret in Teagan’s watery eyes. “It’s alright, I should be apologizing too because I shouldn’t have been so insensitive, that was very rude of me.” She wanted to make things right and get back to the brief yet decent conversation they’d been having before it had taken such a wrong turn. What had happened?

“Really, it’s alright.” But Teagan had already abandoned her post and ran toward the exit. Eleanor sat back in her chair and stared at the space the woman had vacated for a long moment as the electrified space calmed. Once she completely felt like herself again she hurriedly packed up her things and followed Teagan out the door and hoped that she hadn’t gotten too far down the road. Luckily, the moment she stepped out into the fresh air she spotted the frantic woman and tried her best to calmly approach her, not wanting to add anymore fuel to the fire.

“Teagan, hi.” Eleanor made sure that her voice was soft as she spoke, “I’m so sorry for coming across the wrong way, I shouldn’t have asked so many questions like that, I was just interested in your story and where you come from and it got out of hand. Are you alright? Can I get you anything?” It only felt right that she offered to help out in any way she could since she saw the entire situation had been caused due to her curiosity. “I understand if you just want to leave though and I don’t blame you in any way. But, if you don’t have a ride I’d be more than willing to give you a lift. But again, you don’t have to accept. I just wanted to let you know that I’m very, very sorry.”

How long had she been standing there? Teagan looked around, her panting growing stronger when she noticed all the eyes. “What?” Her body jolted at the sound of Eleanor’s voice speaking her name, and she backed away into the shop’s building. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, the only sound she could hear besides the high-pitched note cutting through.

“N-no. I’m-I…M’fine.” An obvious lie. Teagan wrenched over, gagging on the falsity of her words. For a few moments, all she could do was expel the contents of her stomach. Which was really only the coffee. Consuming much else had proven difficult, her appetite all but gone. 

“Just leave me alone.” Exhaustion coated the nix’s eyes as she met with Eleanor’s eyeline. “Don’t come near me. I’ll hurt you.” Choking on her words, she shoved past a man who attempted to ask if she was okay. The answer was blatantly obvious, and Teagan was surprised when he didn’t retaliate, quickly focusing on Eleanor instead. Good, she thought. She deserved it, not Teagan. Without another moment of hesitation, she quickly made her escape, not stopping until she made it back to Arden’s apartment. 

#wickedswriting #writing: closingwaters #writing: coffee and chaos #physical violence tw #parental death tw #vomiting tw

[stainedglasstruth]

@closingwaters replied to your post “[pm] Are you okay? Do you need me to come over?”:

[pm] Doesn’t it get exhausting lying? I know you are. It’s like I can feel it.  I can’t lie to you, so please don’t lie to me. I want to help. You’ve done all the helping so far, I can help you now.  

[PM] [user feels absolutely gutted reading this. she cries] [...] I'm sorry. I hate anyone seeing me like this You should know I'm a liar, feels like it's all I do sometimes. it is exhausting I don't know what I'm doing. I haven't since [...] I lost my best friend in college. I My dad broke me and Jo fucking shattered me and I don't what I'm doing- shes lost so much i cant i'm so pathetic

#closingwaters #wr teagan #Jojo over here making me legit cry holy shit #doesnt it get exhausting lying??? like a punch in the gut #fuck #i cried writing all of this

[closingwaters]

TIMING: Early June

PARTIES: @phoenixleah @closingwaters

SUMMARY: Teagan goes to the bookstore for some helpful reads, and Leah discovers she may be talking to her best friend's love interest. Teagan also puts it together and panics.

WARNINGS: None

Self-help books weren’t typically a purchase made by Teagan, but she needed all the help she could get. Sure, she’d dated a few people before, had a relationship for about two months, but there was always an end. Teagan had perfectly built walls before anything went too far and she went out and ruined both herself and any nearby parties. 

So, swallowing whatever pride she had left, Teagan called a ride and made her way to the bookstore, where she found herself staring at a title that made her question herself. What Happened to You? Teagan rolled her eyes, grabbing it half-heartedly, albeit defeatedly. With a sigh, she headed toward the front desk, a sign that read Poetry catching her eye. 

“Oh?” A smile began to take shape, and she thought of Arden. The nix could stand to learn a thing or two about the art of words. Teagan scanned the books, finding a cover she liked. Now, she knew the saying, don’t judge a book by its cover, but sometimes the design choices were a good indication of what was hidden inside. “You.” Teagan chirped, grabbing Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. She read the back cover as she turned on her heel and finished her trek to the counter, offering a warm smile to the clerk.

“Good day, ma’am. I’d like to purchase these, please.”

“These are some good choices”, Leah chirped, as eager as ever to help the stranger in front of her.  “Milk and Honey was super popular a few years ago- have you always been interested in poetry?”  She loved new customers.  They were new potential Literature Lovers, (alliteration was so much fun), comrades in the ever growing world of knowledge and learning.  She was sure she hadn’t seen the woman who had walked up to the desk before, and so she knew to ask one of the most important questions as she began to ring her out.  “Are you signed up for our rewards program?  You can buy ten books and get your eleventh for free!”

There was something vaguely familiar about this stranger, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.  She took a glance at the other book the woman was picking out, titled ‘The (lack of) Commitments: Tips for Those Terrified of Taking the Next Step’. Very specific.  Bookstore ownership was a lot like being a doctor, in a way.  Leah got a good look into people’s personal lives, but it wasn’t right to pry. 

Even though it was so, so tempting.

“You know, books are some of the most effective ways to solve one’s personal problems.”

“Um…no. People have always said I talk like a poet, but someone I’m seeing writes poetry. Thought I’d give reading some a go.” The nix smiled, it falling quickly at the mention of a program. What in Fates was the clerk talking about? When it came to purchases, the fae in Teagan’s old Aos Sí still utilized the trade and barter system. It made a hell of a lot more sense than this damn currency humans were so obsessed with, but if she was going to exist among them, Teagan had to conform a little. She’d still drown a few humans and kill a few hunters, but that was for her to know. 

“I…” Teagan’s brows pinched together, confusion tensing her face as she attempted to decipher the cluster of words presented to her. And she thought she was good at disarming people and stumping people with the things she said. “I apologize. I don’t know what a rewards program is. Sounds like a scheme, and I take pride in not getting wrapped up in those.” 

The nymph tensed a hand through her hair, standing a bit straighter. She didn’t want to seem combative, but she was anxious enough purchasing books on topics that gave her grief. “S-sorry.” Teagan shook away her tumbling thoughts, opting to not get annoyed with the clerk. “You’re right though. I—uh, about solving personal problems with books. Lots of information.” 

With an awkward smile, Teagan offered a hand to shake, brows upward with worry. “I’m Teagan, by the way. I’m a bit tense—what with the reason I’m buying these books in the first place.” Why was she telling a stranger this? “Sorry.”

Leah smiled, looking at the woman with a tender gaze.  “That’s sweet, I bet they’ll feel incredibly touched.”  She looked again at the Lack of Commitments book, though, wondering if the poor woman was already doomed.  She scanned the books quickly, hearing the tell-tale beep of the register as their names appeared on the screen in front of her.  “Not a scheme”, she explained, placing the books into one of their signature tote bags.  More than a few of her customers had been confused by common practices in stores, and she was always willing to explain.  “More of an incentive for customers to return.  Lots of stores do it now, here…”

Leah reached into the draw of the counter, pulling out a small index card with ten books printed along the border.  In the center, it read, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!”.  She punched holes in two of the books, and then handed the card over to the woman.  “Once you buy eight more books, you get to take one home for free, just for being a loyal customer!  Doesn’t that sound fantastic?!”

The customer seemed tense.  Was she coming on too strong?  She had a tendency to, she thought, especially when it came to literature.  She nodded, opting to slip the receipt into her bag, lest she turn her off any more.  She perked up, though, when she heard the customer's name.  “Teagan?”, she asked, remembering how Arden raved and ranted about her new fae friend.  It wasn’t the most uncommon name, but it was too good to just be a coincidence, right?  She held out her hand to shake Teagan’s, wondering if Arden had ever mentioned her.  “I’m Leah.  And I love hearing about people’s woes.  No need to apologize!”  She studied Teagan’s face, trying to find any pop of recognition that might indicate fae.  “What’s got you feeling so tense about your relationship?  I’m sure they’re very fond of you, don’t you think?”

“That’s the hope,” Teagan chirped back to the clerk, smiling bashfully. What was she doing? This was never going to work, was it? Things hardly went in the nix’s favor. Hell, her first and only legitimate relationship ended just as quickly as it started. Any notion of delving further into emotions quickly dissuaded by going under the sheets of the bed.

Abigail had complied easily, but it was only a matter of time before she had gotten cut with one of Teagan’s broken pieces. The fae decided it was best to let go before that was the case, and despite the two seeing one another again just a few weeks ago, Teagan felt nothing but guilt. She should’ve never allowed Abigail to get so close. Maybe it was best if she pulled away from Arden before it was too late. Maybe it was best—

“Hm?”

There was now a card with holes in her hand, and the woman in front of her was talking as if she knew the fae, or at least recalled her name. Teagan blinked a few times, recalibrating and feeling a lightbulb flicker to life at the sound of the name Leah. Oh. Oh no. This was Arden’s best friend. Had to be. Books galore, short, and she recognized Teagan’s name. 

Her eyes widened then, realizing that Leah now saw the books she was getting, and likely put it all together if she knew who Teagan was. Oh Fates. There was too much silence, wasn’t there? “Leah. Right. Um, it’s not a relationship.” Teagan nervously chuckled, feeling a little too vulnerable. “We haven’t—well, you see, we’re just figuring it out and I’m not—Well, I’m trying to—” How was such a tiny woman so intimidating? “I’m sorry. Are you…Arden’s friend?”

Things were quiet for a long time.  Leah had definitely screwed this up.  When she was 12, a well-meaning (screw it, a rude) great aunt of hers told her in no uncertain terms how strange it was that she was either tight-lipped silent and shy or overbearingly informative about a topic few cared about, with no in between.  She had mulled the thought over for weeks, especially after her brother laughed in agreement.  Here now again, the rude aunt’s sentiments were proving to be true.  You were supposed to bond with your best friend’s new romantic interest, not scare them away. Her eyes fell to the bag as she slid it across to Teagan amidst their silence.  Was she truely a potential romantic interest if she was checking out books about being afraid of commitment?  

She pressed her lips together, eyes shooting.  “Well, I mean, it could be a relationship, right?  I mean, it has the potential to be a relationship… I’m sure.  What is it if it’s not a relationship?”  Too nosy, and too forward, too.  She was sounding bitchy and she knew it, but she suddenly felt like she had to protect Arden, and she didn’t know why.  

Oh shit. 

Teagan had figured her out, just as she had figured out the fae.  This change of pace calmed her, somehow, and she felt her face soften, but only slightly. “I am.  And you’re her…”  What should she call it?  Especially since Teagan clearly just said they’re not in a relationship.  “She’ll be upset we met before she had the chance to introduce us”, is what she managed to say instead.  

The prying made more sense then. There was a need to delve deeper because the matters of that particular heart—Arden’s heart—were tethered tightly to Leah’s. What was that like? To have someone with the need to protect? Leah moved with precision, making choices like a game of chess with all odds against Teagan. All for the sake of her friend’s heart. It was beautiful, really. 

Had it not been for the way her heart twisted and turned green with jealousy, Teagan would’ve been happy for Arden. She was truly lucky to have someone care so much. Who would do the same for Teagan? Who would have the same passion? Her family had made it clear that she had no place with them, and everyone was held at such a distance. Her loneliness was her own doing. Question was though, did Teagan even need protection? She was the monster, not Arden. She’d done more harm than good in her life, and to wish for something like that was outright pathetic. 

Still, the nix managed to collect herself enough to shake her head and gather her items from the counter. “I should go. I’m sorry. I should…sorry.” Because Leah was right. Arden would be upset about the two of them meeting without her supervision, especially when Teagan was saying things that pointed everywhere except the path to a relationship.

“‘Preciate the books, and um….” Her words trailed off as she backed away, door in her sights and her feet ready to flutter her away. In the midst of her awkward panic, Teagan muttered away with what sounded like nonsense. The welsh tone was much too thick to decipher much of anything, and the fae took the chance of distraction to help when she made a break for the door. Not the best first meeting of your maybe-maybe-not-girlfriend’s best friend, but it could’ve gone worse. 

Well, she hoped so at least. 

#wickedswriting #waving words #writings #leah and teagan #c: leah #hey i just met you and this is crazy

[creaturesandcomforts]

@closingwaters:

[pm] No, no. I’ll pay. You’re running a business. I really appreciate that. Got a case of the teary eyes. You know I hate that.  I’ll be okay. You know what happened to my family. It was their anniversary.  

[pm] Exactly. I'm running the business. What's the point of being a wealthy club owner if I can't treat my friends to drinks and write it off as a business expense when my accountant does my taxes?

I know, I do too, maybe we can get you a mask made? That's a joke, unless you don't want it to be.

I do know, and i can't imagine the pain you must be going through, so I'd be happy to help you distract yourself.

#interactions #private #response #Abigail

[stainedglasstruth]

PARTIES: Teagan @closingwaters & Arden @stainedglasstruth TIMING: Current LOCATION: Darkling Lake, Teagan's Cabin SUMMARY: After Aeron's departure, Teagan could use some quiet company. She asks Arden over, and the couple have a very emotional conversation. CONTENT WARNINGS: Mentions of parental and sibling death

There were no more tears to cry, not at the moment. The saltless solution felt stale, its remnants still ghosting Teagan’s cheeks. She poured herself a second glass of wine, the drink sending a shudder down her spine as a flash of Aeron’s face ran through her mind. She felt the intrusive, jagged ball lodge in her throat, yet it failed to roll out of her heart, Teagan’s eyes no longer able to speak. 

She pushed away from the counter, circling around the kitchen’s entryway to saunter over to a nook she had put together by her favorite window. She settled in, curling into a blanket with her hands cupped around her glass. The window had a perfect view of the lake, and even better, Teagan could simply turn her head to look at Arden. Who, beautifully, was simply sitting on the couch. The nix stole a look, something so quick and fleeting, it could’ve easily been missed. Arden may have been a powerless human, but she held all the capacity to destroy Teagan in an instant. Instead, she held the nix reverently, using her abilities to build something no one else could. A safe haven. 

Teagan looked back at the lake, sipping her wine. Had it not been for the storm in her mind, peace would’ve washed over her. Flitting her eyes over to the human who wasn’t meant to become more, Teagan worried the inside of her cheek. How long until she ruined this relationship too? She memorized Arden’s face, as a precautionary measure. Memorized the way her lips curled into a smile all her own, how her eyes shone mountains of interwoven velvet, the way her breath quickened when Teagan planted her lips on hers. It was a dream the nix didn’t want to wake up from, and she looked away before Arden was able to catch her in the clouds. 

She was worried. Teagan had made it clear that she needed time to process and feel her feelings, and Arden would honor that. But her curiosity had always been insatiable, and she loved the nix; she just wished she could help. 

It wasn’t as if there was anything she could really do to fix this sort of thing, but she still felt a little useless sitting on her couch and dicking around on her phone. If her being around could give Teagan some comfort, though, Arden certainly wouldn’t deny her. She had done enough silently vibing together with Zack while they did their respective work to know that it was just nice to exist around someone sometimes. 

She saw the nymph in her periphery, walking over to the window. Glancing up from her anonagram feed, she took a moment to admire the woman who had managed to steal her heart. She looked cozy curled up in front of the window with her drink, her glamour off in the comfort of her own home. Arden had grown used to seeing her true form, but it still left her a little breathless when she had the opportunity to really look at Teagan. 

After a moment of hesitation, Arden joined her at the window. She pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head. “Mind if I join you over here?” Her voice was soft, not wanting to interrupt the other’s train of thought. She could go back to her phone and enjoying the music gently drifting through the cabin, she just wanted to be a little closer. 

By the time Arden made her way to the nook, Teagan’s thoughts had drifted back to the conversation with Aeron. She looked at the very spot the two stood, where the chance of family was dangled right in front of her, only to be ripped away. A breath stuttered past the nix’s lips, and she closed her eyes with another swallow of wine. It spilled from her mouth and her glamour washed over her, surprise taking her despite Arden’s attempt to ease into the space.

“Lesu mwar!” Teagan gasped softly, her breath falling into a chuckle easily. “Sorry, sorry. Was in deeper thought than I realized.” Mind if I join you over here? Right. Arden’s words finally sank in and it didn’t take more than a blink for Teagan to nod. “Y-yeah. Of course. Go ahead and sit, cariad. I’d love your company.” It was the easiest truth to say. Everything seemed easier around Arden. Nothing was too cold or too warm, every touch making Teagan relax enough for air to reach her lungs without a sting. Her breath slipped onto her tongue unexpectedly, no mind filled with second-thoughts able to stop it. 

“You’re my favorite person. You don’t even have to ask. Come. Time for a cwtch.” She waved Arden over, opening her arms for an embrace. 

 “Shit, I’m sorry.” Arden gave her an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” She produced a tissue from her sweats, passing it to Teagan along with another quick kiss before taking a seat next to her. 

It was ridiculous how easily Teagan brought a smile to her face. Well, all of it felt a little unbelievable, honestly. She didn’t know how any of this had happened, least of all how it had happened so quickly. It still scared the shit out of her, despite her coming to terms with it. Mostly. There just wasn’t a point in trying to lie to herself, she knew how she felt, as utterly terrifying as it was. They had just… clicked. Like it was meant to happen, her optimistic, fairy-tale-loving inner child supplied. Arden asked it to shut up. 

“Your favorite, huh?” She tried for a playful smirk, but it was too soft as she wrapped her arms around her favorite fae. The urge to do something stupid or, rather, say something stupid was overwhelming. It’s too soon, and not the time. 

“Is quite all right. Not your fault my mind is wandering like it’s lost in the forest.” Teagan chirped, taking the tissue and wiping away the spill as quickly as she could. A tender smile curled her lips, eyes softening at her—well, what should she call Arden? The answer was obvious, but Teagan’s commitment-fearing heart wouldn’t dare let her even think of the term. Instead, she continued her inward musing a little longer, sighing. “You know I can’t lie, darling.” She hummed contentedly when Arden wriggled herself into place. “So, yes, favorite.” 

Licking her lips, Teagan shuffled a bit in her seat, reaching out to place her glass on the neighboring table so she could properly wrap her arms around Arden. She sank deeper into the safety of the embrace, the ball in her throat returning without the harsh thorns around it. “I’m very glad you’re here,” She whispered hoarsely, tucking a rogue strand of hair behind Arden’s ear. “You think I’m strong, but…I’m really, really not.” She hoped the tears were over, but emotions were such pesky things, Teagan thought. Just a month ago she would’ve sooner packed her bags and left, rather than let herself experience anything other than pleasure and an imitation of happiness.

If it weren’t for Arden challenging her beliefs in all the right ways—even going so far as to challenge her own, Teagan’s fear could not have subsided so easily. No, not everything was okay, but the nix finally saw that life was too short to exist within a prison of misery. Where the bar’s metal was smelted from her ruthless rage and forged with the endless path of demolition. It wasn’t over, she knew that. Teagan could still feel the vestiges of her loss crawling in her heart with its jagged claws. But, she was trying. She was fighting for change despite her mind thundering every reason why it was futile. 

“Do you think I was born like this?” Teagan broke the silence, tears falling as she stared into the void of her thoughts. “Born to-to-to…I don’t know. I…” A pause, “I don’t know anything anymore. I don’t know who I am.” All that time, all Teagan wanted was to protect the family she still had while avenging the family she lost. But what happens when you’ve lost them all? Worse yet, what happens when you’re the monster who took them away?

That smile? That look she was giving her? Of course, she was already a goner when Teagan looked at her like that. “Just nice to hear you say it,” she teased, another incredibly soft smirk overtaking her. “You’re my favorite, too, you know.” 

With Teagan’s hands free, Arden pulled her in tighter, giving her a gentle squeeze. The butterflies in her stomach kicked up a fuss as she pressed another quick kiss, this time to her shoulder. After years nursing that acute ache of loneliness, she finally had someone to shower with physical affection and a monster had been released. Turns out it was incredibly touch starved. 

Before she had the chance to tell Teagan how glad she was to be here, she continued on, voice rough with emotion. Arden pulled back from the hug slightly to get a proper look at her not-quite girlfriend, and, yes, there were tears brimming in those startlingly beautiful eyes of hers. Okay. She pulled her back in. 

“Oh, honey,” she murmured, heart aching. She held her for a bit, considering her words as she traced random patterns over Teagan’s back in an attempt to soothe her. After a moment, she spoke. “I think it takes a lot of strength to keep going, to keep trying.” Especially considering everything the nymph had gone through. “Even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like it.”

Do you think I was born like this? Arden was curious to know what exactly she meant by ‘like this,’ though she understood the general direction Teagan was going with that thought. She also understood the feeling of not knowing who you are or what you’re doing or anything, fuck, did she know that feeling. “I know it’s not at all the same circumstances, but I’ve also been feeling like that for a while, honestly. I–” she paused for a few moments, trying to gather her thoughts into something coherent. “It’s awful, feeling so lost, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect and make some changes if you don’t like what you see. Like, who do you want to be? What do you want to do?” 

Teagan couldn’t recall a time she’d been a favorite. At least, no one told her as such. Her eyes become filled with wonder, locking into Arden with. A bashful smile covered her lips and she looked away just as she felt the warmth of Arden’s lips spread from her shoulder. It reached Teagan’s chest in just a blink, leaving a heavy but pleasant weight in her stomach. 

Her human was always so affectionate and sweet, but there was something different about each movement. Each touch. Like there was a lingering whisper in a pitch that Teagan couldn’t quite hear yet. Even as Arden spoke, there was a hidden layer in what she was saying, words an escape from the ache inside. It made the nix’s lips tremble with a quiet desire of the heart, emotion attempting to charge past her tongue.

“It never feels like it, you’re right.” Her voice was strained, “But what if you have proof that your strength or your trying isn’t enough?” Teagan attempted to blink away the tears, looking at the lake. It hurt to, the flashes returning. “Coc oen…” She hissed to herself, looking up at a fixed point on the ceiling. Tears streamed down her face, eyes burning from the overuse. Teagan breathed, rolling her mother’s ring on her finger as she thought about the questions Arden tpresented her. She didn’t really have an answer. Not anymore. Teagan thought she knew, but now? She was more lost than she previously thought she could be. 

“I wanted to make this darkness go away. I-I thought I could. That…that I was—I don’t know.” A sob hitched in Teagan’s throat, and she hid herself in the crook of Arden’s neck. “Think I was born with it. Think I was…was bad from the beginning. Now I don’t get my family back. I couldn’t save my mam and siblings, and I can’t save the family I have left. I hurt them.” Silence fell for a moment, but Teagan broke it as her body tensed, the storm inside twisting her into a ball, like a fist protesting the inevitable defeat. “You’re-you’re becoming my heart, and you have so much light, Arden. You do. You do. I know this because you…” Formed a cast around Teagan’s heart out of the light, and signed it with every belief she held for the nix. “Motivated me. Motivated me by accepting me. You didn’t give me an ultimatum or-or-or tell me that I’m a monster even though I am. But…” Teagan shut her eyes tightly, “How long until you see what my family does? How long until I kill you with my…my tainted love?”

It hurt her heart, seeing Teagan trying to hold back her tears. Arden wasn’t sure she should push her into talking about whatever had happened with her brother– she wanted to give her the space to process everything– but it was clear she was talking around it. It felt like something that the nymph should bring up herself, though. What the hell had he said to her?

The sob seemed to tear out of from somewhere deep within her, wracking her body with its strength. Arden felt the sorrowful aftershocks reverberating through her body as Teagan buried her face against her. Reaching up, she threaded her fingers into the other's hair, cradling the back of her head and holding her close. 

Her words were slightly muffled, uttered as they were against Arden’s skin, but still she caught them. Think I was bad from the beginning. It made her chest ache. “Doing some bad things doesn’t make you bad, it just makes you–” Human was definitely not an applicable word to use in this situation. “–a person.” She worried at her lip, debating herself for a moment before finally speaking. “What happened with Aeron? You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready, but it seems… relevant. “

It was an interesting sensation, feeling like your heart was breaking as it swelled and overflowed, and seeped through the cracks, made her eyes sting. It was a confession. A confession of shame and fear and ‘tainted love.’ “Hey,” she said, pulling back enough to see the other’s face. “Look at me.” Arden cupped Teagan’s face in her hands, wiping some of the tears away with her thumbs. “I–” She closed her eyes and took a breath, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

“You told me before that you saw me.” It had been that night some anonymous asshole online had managed to throw one of her fears in her face. Normally she could ignore bullshit internet comments, but that one had found a chink in her armor on an already rough day. And she tried to brush it off, but Teagan had called her out on it, had seen straight through her and offered her comfort when she was hurting. “Well, I see you, too. It’s not like you haven’t been forthright about the things you’ve done, but I– I don’t care?” Arden felt conflicted about her indifference, and she felt terrible voicing it. “I kind of hate that I don’t, but it’s the truth. Maybe that makes me a bad person, but I just–” Fuck. …Fuck. 

“I know it’s way too fucking soon, and you’re hurting and feeling so lost, but I need you to know I’m not going anywhere, okay?” The words spilled out of her in a rush, body trembling from the mess of nerves and terror and adrenaline running through her veins. Arden took in a shaky breath, stomach churning as she looked into those beautiful eyes– an alluringly deep mocha brown and blue as the water she was tied to. “I love you,” she breathed, fear evident in her voice. 

It was obvious looking at her face– the way her whole face softened looking at Teagan, eyes full of such warmth as the corners of her mouth tugged up into a shy smile. “I love you, and you’re not going to ruin me.”

Arden felt nauseous with anxiety, but it was also a relief to put it out there. She just hoped it wasn’t a massively stupid decision that she would come to regret. 

She didn’t want to cry anymore. Hadn’t she done enough of that? Tears wouldn’t fix the problem, there was no absolute method that would, but it felt like it was hollowing her out. Teagan looked at Arden reverently, swallowing while she attempted to make the next tidal wave stop. What would she have left of her family if she let it all go? Let it spill from her heart and through her eyes, in between hitched breaths and burning skin? 

Teagan always feared ending up alone, keeping her grief and pain close to her heart. She wanted to always feel the ghost of who she was and what she’d lost with her, never allowing room for much else. Could anything replace it? Would she be selfish to try? When she looked at Arden again at the question, her eyes casted down to avoid the incoming pity her answer might bring. Teagan had already revealed what had been said, she just had yet to tether it to her brother’s tongue. To speak of her atrocity against him. 

“I attacked him.” She confessed, guilt contorting her expression. “I-I couldn’t feel him. Just heard a trap set off, and-and I ran toward it, ready to kill whatever was there.” Teagan’s voice strained against her throat, “And it was him. I attacked and beat him until he couldn’t move. He was right to plunge his blade in me. By the time I realized who he was, it was…” Trailing off, Teagan rubbed at her eyes, trying to keep from crying more. It didn’t help. “I put him in the lake to heal and when I finally came back to talk, he said everything I just did.” She worried the inside of her cheek, ironless blood coating her mouth. Coc oen… “This darkness in me, this monster, he’s gotta protect them from me. Just like before. I understand. It just hurts because it’s my fault. It hurts because he confirmed everything I’ve ever thought.”

Lips trembled and Teagan looked away, reluctantly tearing herself from Arden to scoot an inch back. She wanted to protect her too, keep her from being consumed by what she was born to be. In three simple words though, she told Teagan that was just what she wanted. Arden wasn’t scared. And unlike most poets, she didn’t use the word ‘love’ freely in her verses, knowing the weight of it. But she made love from the broken pieces of both her and Teagan’s hearts, made something new and presented it to her lover no matter the outcome. 

I love you, and you’re not going to ruin me.

Did she even realize that she’d be met with the same level of noise? That Teagan’s heart beat like a knock on the door as she rushed forward, greeting Arden with a kiss so hungry that the intimacy of silence was enough to whisper her words back onto their lips, without a single sound. Because Teagan loved Arden, too. She just didn’t have the same courage to voice those emotions to life in case she ruined the meaning somehow. 

“Oh, baby.” A few tears escaped her own eyes as she bore witness to the guilt and sorrow weighing down on Teagan’s heart. She had been so on edge after that phone call, after everything that had happened with Emilio’s brother, of course she had just attacked. Arden could just picture the terrible scene. If she were being honest, she could understand where Aeron had to have been coming from after that, but… 

“He really just said all of that and left? That’s it?” She could see how hard Teagan was trying, how much of a wake up call that incident had been. She appeared to be seeing things clearly for the first time in years, and… and it hadn’t been enough. And she could understand it, she could, but she didn’t have to fucking like it. Maybe things were different for fae, but Teagan had been a child when she had witnessed the slaughter of half of her family, she had been a child when the rest of her family had immigrated to the US without her, allowing her to go out at ten years old on a vengeance quest. They obviously hadn’t approved, but they didn’t quite stop it either. It just seemed so unfair, all of this. Yes, she was biased, but fuck. “I’m so sorry.”

Her confession lingered in the air between them, and Teagan seemed to freeze for a few moments before she surged forward, capturing Arden’s lips with a ferocity that left her feeling lightheaded. The kiss was an answer in itself, and she replied in earnest. It filled her chest with a lightness that made her giddy even as the butterflies in her stomach seemed to swarm throughout her body, an electric energy buzzing just under her skin. After a few moments, she had to pull back, breathless laughs escaping her even as she gasped for air. 

Arden couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she gazed lovingly at her nix. “Hi,” she breathed, feeling a little shy all of a sudden. Her brain was struggling for words to say, but it seemed Teagan had stolen those along with her heart. 

It was strange. To expect to be empty and devoid of everything, only to find yourself completely full. Losing a family wasn’t easy, and now it had happened a second time for Teagan. Of everyone, Arden had seen the nix fully, just as she’d seen her. It was like a trade, a deal that the two of them had made without shaking hands or exchanging words. It was just as Teagan’s mother always said. 

Everything had a balance, had an equal reaction. Fate wouldn’t have it any other way. And now? Well, Arden had offered her heart and she was getting Teagan’s in return. It was terrifying, allowing oneself to be vulnerable to whatever pain there may come from opening a heart. Teagan wasn’t so afraid anymore, though. Her heart—Arden could walk freely around the earth, roaming as she pleased, and Teagan would welcome what would come. The pain would be worth it. Every swell in her chest and every dance her stomach made was evidence enough. 

“Hi,” Teagan replied, leaning forward to connect her forehead to Arden’s. Her eyes still stung, the remnants dried on her cheeks and making them feel stiff, but she felt okay. For the time being, she couldn’t help but be filled with joy. They weren’t just dating anymore, it seemed. Though Teagan didn’t know how to delve into that topic. What she did know how to do, however, was adore Arden.

“We’re in deep, aren’t we?” Her eyes flitted to Arden’s, and she pulled away slightly. She kept one hand in her lover’s, not wanting to miss her warmth for a moment. “I’m not so scared, you know. Of what we’re becoming.” She swallowed, nodding. “Not anymore. Just…nervous.” Teagan tucked a strand of hair behind Arden’s ear, scooting closer. 

No more cycles, no more running endlessly like she was on ice, making a figure eight. Teagan would let herself be free. She would keep trying and have the courage to change. She wouldn’t be what she hates. Not anymore.

“You make all this easier. The pain isn’t gone, but it doesn’t hurt so bad. You make me feel hope, like it’s okay. So, for now…” She trailed off, guiding Arden’s hand to her hip while getting even closer. “Why don’t we celebrate what our hearts finally got us to confess? Be it in words or action. Think I can get the fireplace going and make a little fort for us both. It’ll be lovely, eh? Whatcha think?” 

She couldn’t help but think back on the first time Teagan had leaned in, forehead to forehead, back at the start of June, the start of her nightmares. Arden remembered how she had recoiled, caught off guard and overwhelmed by the intimacy of the gesture. It felt like they had known each other for so much longer than just two months. However, at the same time, it did still feel so new. She wouldn’t be surprised to find out that time moved differently in Wicked’s Rest at this point.

We’re in deep, aren’t we? Arden chuckled. “Yeah, seems like it.” It was a relief to hear Teagan wasn’t so scared of their relationship, and in a sense, she wasn’t either. She felt so comfortable with the fae, and she knew Teagan would fit right in with her friends, right into her life, but… “I’m nervous, too.” This was her first real relationship. She had a lot of fears, and there were a lot of things to be worried about. However, she really didn’t want to think about them right at that moment. What she really wanted to do was make a fort with her girlfriend(?) and show her just how much she loved her. 

Hands settling on Teagan’s hips, Arden pulled her even closer, fingers tracing over a patch of exposed skin where her shirt had ridden up. “That sounds perfect,” she murmured before closing the distance. 

#parental death tw #sibling death tw #wickedswriting #writing #collab #closingwaters #wr teagan

[stainedglasstruth]

TIMING: Current PARTIES: @closingwaters & @stainedglasstruth SUMMARY: Teagan and Arden go on a coffee date. There are more emotions than expected. CONTENT WARNINGS: Mentions of parental and sibling death

A coffee date. It was as simple as that, for the time being. Having to be so new to town, there was a certain type of anxiety that crawled its way up the fae’s spine. Teagan was used to starting over, used to being alone and navigating through a town, but this was different. She had planted roots that time around. Did the work to find the proper soil and toss the seeds to pave way to a new life. Her new life. What did that entail anyway? She wasn’t sure. 

The last time Teagan had stayed anywhere for more than a few months was back at the Aos Sí in Michigan, and that was long behind her. A lost, teenage version of herself that was desperate to make things right. In a place like Wicked’s Rest, she felt she could finally do that. Even the playing field and ensure the town’s supernaturals could have a chance with the use of her claws and blade.

For now though, she had a date. Arden was cute, seemed much too sweet for a hookup, but Teagan knew better than to judge a book by its cover. She’d been surprised many a time. She hoped she would be that time around too. “How’s your cup treatin’ ya, lass?” While Teagan hadn’t been in Wales in quite some time, there was still a subtle lilt to her voice, and she never could let go of the Welsh speak. “My latte is simply bangin’.”

If she were being totally honest, Arden had been on edge leading up to the coffee date. If you asked her, when a person very stupidly said the words ‘thank you’ and got a bit of a strange response in return in a town with a secret population of supernatural beings, it was rational to feel a bit panicked. There wasn’t much that could be done after the fact, though, and her dive into the Scribes archives had reminded her that promises, while difficult to break, could potentially be broken, which was a nice reassurance.

She had told herself it was fine, she was fine, everything was fine, and she was not a dog sitting at a table in a burning building. If Teagan was a fae, which she didn’t know for certain, that didn’t necessarily mean she had any malicious intent. From what she’d seen, the woman had been nothing but nice– if a bit flirty– not just to her, but to others online. So, there she was, at her favorite café, sitting across from this gorgeous woman who had, so far, continued to be lovely. She had her guard up, but she was giving Teagan the benefit of the doubt. It wasn’t her fault that Arden was an idiot.

At her question, she gave the woman a smile. “It’s great, as always.” She was almost positive the lavender in the macchiato was doing nothing for her nerves, but the drink was good, and it reminded her of Wynne. “And, I’m glad to hear it,” she grinned. Simply bangin’, that was cute. 

…she was gay, sue her.

“I’m curious to learn more about you. What do you do? What drew you to Wicked’s Rest in particular?”

Arden was adorable. For someone who took flirting well online, she had a nervous energy to her. Or maybe it was the caffeine? Plenty of people consumed coffee despite the effect it had on them, and Teagan wondered if Arden was one of them. She shook her head mentally, sipping her latte as if it could wash away her curiosity. It couldn’t be helped, not really. 

The nix had been alone for so long, depriving herself of connection in hopes of protecting others from her. Old habits died hard, and despite telling herself she’d have a change in pace with her move, her pain was one box she couldn’t lift or unpack. Maybe it was better to leave her old ways on their course. They hadn’t steered Teagan wrong. That’s was she tried to tell her self. 

“Currently unemployed. Got one of them…erm…what are they called…?” She muttered to herself, tapping her index finger to her chin as she pursed her lips in thought. “Sugar father!” Teagan snapped her fingers once she retrieved the answer, happy to remember and not seeing any issue with her income. “As for the town, it looked lush and like I could have a ling di long everyday. The weather is just so refreshing and the land is so green.” She continued with a click of her tongue. “Not to mention the crazy rumors on the creepy crawlies. It just sounded like home. Haven’t had one of those in a while.”

Arden let out a surprised bark of laughter, glad she hadn’t been drinking anything at that moment. “You have a sugar daddy?” She certainly hadn’t been expecting that response, and the very genuine and delighted way Teagan had said sugar father had been perfect. 

“Sorry, you just caught me off guard there,” she explained, not wanting to offend the other. While she loved her job, she would enjoy it even more if she didn’t need to worry about earning enough money to live. If Teagan had someone who was willing and able to support her, she certainly wasn’t judging. “It’s a nice arrangement if you can find one.”

“A ling di long?” Arden raised a brow. “Can’t say I’m familiar with that particular turn of phrase.” Taking a sip of her coffee, she watched as the other continued to speak. She let out a hum at Teagan’s words. Haven’t had one of those in a while. 

It filled her with a sense of sadness, hearing those words. Boston, as much as she enjoyed it, had not felt like home, neither had Biddeford. The truth was, as mixed as her emotions were on the town, Wicked’s Rest had been her home, and, despite everything going on, these past few months at the paper, the past several weeks with the Wormmates, this was as close to a home as she’d had in years. And, wasn’t that a little pathetic?

“I can understand the feeling,” she said simply. “By creepy crawlies, I assume you mean cryptids and the like? Where are you from?”

Teagan scrunched her nose playfully, laughing along. “He promised to give me whatever I wanted. I just made sure he kept to his word.” She continued to smile, letting her gaze wander. Arden had a cute laugh, drawing the nix’s eyes to her mouth. Beautiful smile, too. A catch, if she could ever believe a person could be. Love, Teagan had learned, came at too large a cost. 

She wasn’t willing to let her heart extend from her, able to walk around the earth as it pleased. It was why it was so easy to leave the Aos Sí. Teagan had already lost most of her heart, and that was more pain than she ever wanted to experience. Besides, who would want a worn and battered heart anyway?

“A ling di long is a welsh phrase…erm, a walk. A stroll. Is why you never heard it. And well…” Teagan took another sip of her latte, her head dancing side to side just before she completed her thought. “Is also why I’ve got a bit of an accent. Subtle and quiet, but still there.” Absentmindedly, she fiddled with her mother’s old ring on her finger, something she always did when she could feel her chest tense with sorrow. Teagan missed Wales, missed everything that was there, but that wasn’t her home anymore. It died along with most of her family. 

“But yes,” The fae nodded, “The cryptids, and, um, the like.” Her thoughts were getting the better of her, brows furrowing with the effort she exerted to push them away. A few blinks and a deep breath, and Teagan was fine. A smile painted back onto her face. Though, her stomach twisted with nausea anyway. “And you, lass? Where are ya from?”

Okay, so Arden was currently on a date? with a fae. That was more than a bit nerve racking, even if the fae in question did seem nice. Should she mention it? Probably not, right? It was fine. Everything was fine. She was friends with a balam, she could go on a date? with a fae. Nevermind the fact that she was also friends? maybe? with a hunter. Man, her life was way less fucking insane in Boston.

Teagan was quite an animated individual. It was charming, as was the slight accent that was apparently Welsh. “Oh, I did notice, but I wouldn’t have guessed Welsh.” As a stupid American, she couldn’t claim to know much about Wales, but now she was curious to learn more about Welsh cryptids. The topic of Wales did seem to bring the other down a bit, though, so she could drop it. For now. 

Arden offered her what she hoped was a comforting smile. “I’m from here, actually. Born and raised in Wicked’s Rest.” Not nearly as exciting as Wales, though she supposed this town was a lot more exciting than some others. “I left for a few years after college, but I moved back a couple of months ago.”

The conversation was quickly picking up in pace, both parties leaned in to listen. It was a good sign. People tended to lean toward what intrigued them, and though Teagan was the sort to avoid anything that went past the first date or the bedroom, she had to admit, Arden drew her attention. For a human, she was charming and had a certain air about her. As if she knew more than she led on. 

“Oh, most people don’t. Guess Scottish or worse, English!” She playfully gagged, “The worst.” A part of Teagan hoped it was all a ruse, that Arden was hiding a more supernatural nature, but the nix knew better than to risk revealing anything herself. If the woman in front of her was anything but human, she would take the same caution. Mask herself behind the idea that cryptids were nothing but rumors and that Wicked’s Rest was filled with unwarranted conspiracies. 

“Uni? Oh, so I’ve got myself a lady of education?” A chuckle escaped Teagan, her hand nonchalantly reaching to lay above Arden’s. It was a way to hit two birds all at once. A little flirting with a side of confirmation. One that didn’t narrow the list down by much, but she at least got one answer. Arden was warm. So, that took undead off the list.

“What did you study? Why come back now?”

Arden was having fun, despite the thrum of anxious energy in her stomach that wouldn’t quite dissipate. She chuckled at the dig at the English. While she probably wouldn’t have guessed her accent was English, she really couldn’t say much, the clueless American she was. 

At the age of twenty-eight– nearly twenty-nine–  it wasn’t often she felt young per se, but she did feel somewhat inexperienced at that moment. She had barely travelled outside of the northeastern United States, much less other countries, and for whatever fucking reason she couldn’t stay away from Wicked’s Rest. She could’ve gone anywhere after Boston, but no.

It also didn’t help, knowing that Teagan wasn’t human, was potentially much older than her despite her looks. Arden certainly didn’t feel like much of a lady of education, just small and ignorant and human. She grinned at the phrase, though, “I guess you could say that.” 

Surprise ran through her when Teagan casually placed a hand over her own, making the anxious mess in her stomach even worse, though she tried not to show it. “I got my bachelor’s degree in journalism, I actually work at the paper in town.” …that was probably not something the fae would love to hear, come to think of it. The image of her old apartment flashed through her mind and she longed for it, even if it hadn’t been much of a home for her. It was quiet, simple, hers. And Hobbes’ too, of course. She longed to collapse onto the bed. 

Arden shrugged. “I suppose I just got a bit homesick.”

A tinge of sorrow furrowed Teagan’s brows, the knowing making her stomach ache like she was experiencing heartache all over again. She knew what homesick was. The place that molded your heart and defined who you would eventually become. Teagan knew this in a number of ways. Ironically, she had to lose her home so that it could pave the way to who she was then. Someone who she could hardly stand to look at in the mirror, and had an even worse time being alone with. 

It was why Teagan enjoyed company, as temporary as they were. It was a small getaway, a little reprieve. “Sorry.” With a sigh, she picked off invisible lint from her sweater and shook her leg anxiously as Arden finished speaking. 

“I…I get it. Erm—being homesick.” She nodded quietly, finishing off her latte. It took all she could not to grumble at the loss of her mediating task. 

Then she looked at her other hand, which was still laying atop Arden’s. Her thumb brushed over the back of it absentmindedly. Teagan winced and slowly pulled away, doing her best to refocus and go back in the conversation. Journalism. Right. That could change the subject. Had to. It was Arden’s career. “Do you like what you do? Journalism?” A tear dropped before she knew it, and she wiped it away as fast as she could. “Any good stories?”

Shit. 

As soon as she saw Teagan’s face drop, Arden knew it was the wrong thing to say. Wales appeared to be a downer of a subject because of homesickness, then. 

Watching the way the woman began to fidget, it made her sad. It felt familiar, the way Teagan was reacting to what was obviously a difficult topic. Her own anxiety was even worse now, though it reached an apex, panic racing through her, as she noticed the tear. Oh, fuck, I made her cry.

Arden tentatively reached for her hand, wanting to comfort her, but allowing her the opportunity to pull away again if she wanted. “Oh, no, hey, I’m sorry,” she murmured, heart hurting for the other. “I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject. Do you– Do you want to talk about it? Or–” Fuck, she didn’t know what to do. “Can I do anything?”

No, she did not want to talk about it. The awful tragedy that made her…she didn’t want to say it, let alone think it. Of any of the pain. So…why in Fate’s name did Teagan say it so plainly? As if she’d known Arden long enough to allow for such intimacy? “Family was slaughtered in Wales. Home is gone. That’s all I will say.” 

She left no room for questions, for any lingering thoughts to find their way to Arden’s tongue. That was the last thing Teagan wanted. She knew her date meant well, though. “But hey,” She patted Arden’s hand, rejecting the offer kindly. Pity and comfort led to too much, but she didn’t want the woman to feel bad for doing what her heart told her to. It was an endearing trait to be able to listen to it. “It’s sweet of you to offer to listen. Just not something I talk about.”

Teagan shifted in her seat and adjusted her sweater, returning to a happier expression. It felt like a lie again, her stomach rolling uncomfortably. “Care to move to a happier subject?” She smiled wanly, if not a little hopeful. “Or we can move this fun somewhere else?” Her eyebrow bounce and smile were meant to say a little more, but Teagan knew it might get lost in translation. 

Oh.

She didn’t know how to react to that one. She was, of course, horrified, but just… “Fuck. Teagan, I am so sorry.” 

Arden wasn’t close with her family, it was just her and her parents. Her father had been the one she had gotten along with, and she had entirely fallen apart after his death. While she had many issues with her mother, she had still been there to raise her, to support her. Maybe not emotionally, but still. She’d had Jo, too, until they disappeared, and that had fucking broken her. 

Just losing two people had affected her so much; her whole family slaughtered, she couldn’t even imagine. “Yeah, no, I- I understand.” And she did. Arden was quite familiar with avoiding talking about personal and traumatic events in her life. If she could just stop saying the exact wrong things, that would be fucking great.

“Yeah, sorry.” She scrambled to think of a different line of conversation that wasn’t dead family or hometowns or supernatural secrets, though her brain entirely halted when Teagan spoke again. Was she… Did she just jump from dead family to hook up? 

Arden could understand where the other was coming from, but she was having a bit of whiplash. She wasn’t necessarily opposed, but she was just… Her brain and body were struggling to keep up. “I’m definitely not saying no, but maybe we can keep chatting for a bit? I could give you a little tour if you’d like?”

“No, lass. You don’t gotta apologize. Not like you’re the enemy. Not a fan of pity either.” The nix tried to shrug it all off, it looking more like she had weights pinned to her. At least Arden was accepting what she knew would make everything else go away. If only for a night. But of course, as with most things, there was a stipulation.

It was fair, if Teagan were being honest with herself. And at that rate, she really needed to be. Her stomach ached too much as is and she needed some kind of relief. Maybe a buffer between then and getting to a bed was necessary. Getting to know the town could be in her favor anyway. Arden wasn’t so bad either. Charming in a way that was all her own, with a beaming smile that Teagan found hard to turn away from. Maybe it was the wonder behind what a kiss would be like, but despite how much she ran away, even she knew she was slowing her pace. 

“Aye. Chat and a ling di long. I’d like that.” 

She should just drop it, but… “It’s not pity,” well maybe a little, but- “I just- I can empathize, I guess. Not to compare situations at all, I just… I know what it’s like to lose people that you love, is all.” Arden hated feeling pitied; she didn’t want Teagan to think that was where she was coming from. 

“But, yeah, sorry. Don’t mean to prolong an unpleasant topic.” She drained the last of her coffee before standing and offering Teagan a hand. “A chat and a ling di long it is, then. Have you seen the art walk yet? There might be some crabs around, but it’s always a crowd pleaser.”

#parental death tw #sibling death tw #closingwaters #wr teagan #wickedswriting #writing #collab

[stainedglasstruth]

TIMING: A few hours after We Didn't Start The Fire LOCATION: Wicked's Rest General Hospital PARTIES: Arden (@stainedglasstruth) & Teagan (@closingwaters) SUMMARY: Teagan visits Arden at the hospital. CONTENT WARNINGS: Mentions of kidnapping and sibling death

The room was sterile, the sheets stinging with the rigid cold temperature the room was kept at. It all felt so uneasy. Teagan had never been in a hospital before, she never had a reason to. Not until then, when she got the call that Arden had been found. Teagan dropped everything in that moment, rushing into the unknown place without hesitation. Without any pause she was so habitually good at.

She found herself doing that less and less, thanks to the human she had grown so fond of. The human who was laying so deathly still, making Teagan’s heart bend. Not that it hurt. Not anymore. She had grown used to it, letting it dull out as the days passed. Closing her eyes, Teagan scooted her seat closer to Arden’s bed, leaning on her good side. She slipped her hand into her lover’s, sighing and listening to the buzzes and beeps from the things Arden was hooked into. 

The first signs of the dream world began to swim, pools of color dancing and the weight of Teagan’s body sinking. She felt herself falling, but only for a few beats. Her mind hit a wall suddenly, feeling a squeeze from Arden’s hand. Teagan shot up, wincing at how she jerked her injured collarbone, though that no longer held enough value to have any purchase in the nix’s mind. Arden was awake.

“C-cariad? You’re awake? Really?”

Arden hated hospitals. Yes, it was a cliché– everyone hated hospitals– but her last trip had involved a ruptured appendix and some of the worst pain she had felt in her life. And, she had had to suffer through it alone. This time, she wasn’t entirely alone, but that wasn’t much of a comfort.

The trio had arrived at the hospital injured and exhausted and looking like shit. Wynne had been whisked off first– they had lost a lot of blood– leaving her and Zack to anxiously sit in the waiting room, her hand in his, as they waited to be seen. And, they hadn’t waited terribly long before they were being called on to be seen. Despite their complaints, they were separated, shuffled off to get checked out, leaving her alone in a hospital once more. She had just wanted to get her arm all set and go the fuck home, but they had been held in some basement for days without much food. The fucking rabies shot seemed excessive, though. 

Throughout it all, she just wanted to see her friends, make sure they were okay. But they were  elsewhere, likely going through all the same tests and shots that she was. As childish as it felt, she just really didn’t want to be alone. She wished Teagan or Leah were there– hell, even her mom. It wasn’t like they would’ve been allowed to be present for a lot of it anyway, but still. She was almost 30, but she felt awful and she just wanted her mom.

The tests and X-rays and whatever-the-fucks all blurred together into one never-ending nightmare, but eventually they finished. After her arm was set, she was left in a room, and the bone deep exhaustion made itself fully known. She was asleep before she knew it, too tired to even dream.

She woke to bright lights and the sound of beeping. Her body felt heavy and achy, her brain a bit foggy, and was that a hand in hers? At the sound of the familiar voice, Arden looked to her left, and there was the familiar face the voice belonged to. “Teagan?” 

Yikes, her voice sounded awful. Not that it mattered because Teagan was there looking as tired as she still felt, yet somehow still absolutely gorgeous. There was that fluttering in her chest, even as a deep ache radiated out of her core. Already she could feel her eyes prickling. 

Arden tried to sit up, to throw herself at her girlfriend, only to let out a sharp hiss as she tried to move her arm. Right. Fuck. She could stay lying down, she supposed. There was a sad smile on her face as she regarded the nix. She felt like a gentle wave could pull her under, but Teagan was there and she was holding her hand. “Hi.” 

Teagan’s eyes matched Arden’s in less than a second, tears brimming and her nose going red with the painful ebbs of both relief and concern. She managed a smile, and it feels like the biggest lie she’s ever told. Her stomach was practically spinning, nausea building in Teagan’s throat. She swallowed before anything could happen, her breath hitching. Arden was safe, sure, but that didn’t stop the days worth of worry and fear she had pushed away from mounting over.

Holding her breath, the fae began to steel herself despite tears finally rolling down her cheeks. Nevermind that, Teagan thought. She had a girlfriend to take care of. “No, no, love. Stay there.” Her voice was soft and trembling, a gentle coo.

“I came as soon as I got the news. They almost didn’t let me in, but…” Teagan’s eyes locked with Arden’s, and she brought the woman’s hand to her lips. “Nothing a little bind couldn’t handle. I wasn’t going to stop until I got to you. Didn’t stop looking for you. I-I-I…” An apology was at the edge of Teagan’s throat, her guilt-ridden heart threatening to spill. “I’m sorry.” She felt as if she failed Arden. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t there to help, it wasn’t about that. Though, Teagan did wish she could’ve been near to save Arden and her friends from being taken. As terrible as it felt, it just wasn’t logical to feel guilty about that.   

The guilt was about the outcomes that would have broken both of them. Because what if the worst had happened? What if Arden had to lay there dying, never knowing how loved she was because Teagan decided it was best to never utter the words aloud because she was scared? It wasn’t fair. Especially when Arden, who quite possibly had the title of #1 over-thinker, had voiced her feelings. 

“I…” Teagan rose from her seat and shuffled her way to Arden, closing the distance between them so she could lay a longing and desperate kiss on her lips. It was time to tell her mind to shut up. To cup Arden’s cheek and plant doting pecks all over her face so she could feel Teagan painting her heart onto her skin. Let her words trace her ears so that the impression would always be left when she finally spoke again, desperately. “I love you, Arden. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner. It wasn’t fair, but now you know and you never have to wonder or imagine or…fuck.” The tears ran freely then, the women’s foreheads pressed together. Like Teagan was willing the words to be echoed into Arden’s mind so she never had to forget. All she’d have to do was replay the moment. “I love you and I’m sorry.”

Oh no. Teagan was crying. 

Arden pressed her lips together, trying to cling to that last bit of willpower holding her together. She was practically holding her breath, chin wobbling even as the corners of her mouth curled up into a pathetic smile as her girlfriend admitted to binding someone to see her. 

The tears started in earnest at her apology, streaming from the corners of her eyes down into her hair. It felt like some spector had reached inside her chest, wrapped a hand around her heart, and squeezed. She could only shake her head, too scared to open her mouth. Teagan didn’t need to apologize for anything. It wasn’t her fault, she couldn’t have– 

She was kissing her, and Arden leaned into it, her good hand coming up to cup Teagan’s cheek as she channeled the churning waves of emotions into the kiss. She was trembling and the tears kept streaming down the sides of her face and she kept having to take tiny little sobbing gasps of air, but she kissed her with a ferocity and a desperation that sparked a fire in her chest and burned through her veins. She was safe and Teagan was here and everything was okay. The nix even managed to pull a watery smile out of her as she peppered her face with kisses. 

I love you, Arden.

Of course, that’s what got her in the end. Her heart felt like it was going to burst, that phantasmal pressure too much to handle. It was too much to hold in. A sob escaped from the pit of her stomach, from somewhere deep inside her chest– first one, then another. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth as it all finally crashed into her, as if she could physically hold it in, as if she could hide or muffle her heartstrings’ lament. “I know– I knew.” Arden wasn’t sure if the other could even understand what she was trying to say between the sobs. Her voice was squeaky and breathy and her words ran together and she couldn’t stop, couldn’t catch her breath. “I– I love you, too. So much.” 

When Teagan leaned in, pressed her forehead to Arden’s, she leaned in as much as possible, desperate for her touch, her comfort. “I was so scared. I thought we– I thought they– And Wynne and Zack–” It was all pouring out in between the huge sobs that wracked her body, and she hated it. She had only ever cried like this in front of Jo after the memorial, or alone in her room. …but it was Teagan who made her feel safe and loved and comfortable, and she just couldn’t stop. 

Love poured out from each of them, kisses stolen and touches lingering. It was an act of desperation, the weight of the moment sinking into them enough to leave an impression. The marks of which anyone could see, blatant and bold. Teagan smiled wistfully in return, and she eventually found her grin the moment Arden had confirmed her suspicions.

Of course she already knew. Her ever inquisitive and observant mind wouldn’t have missed a single sign. Still, nothing beat having the words dance in one’s ears, truth set in motion off of a person’s tongue. “I was too scared before, and I’m sorry. I-I—you didn’t deserve that. It was-it was the last thing I ever told Efa and I thought if I said it then I was…” Damning her, sentencing her to death. Teagan closed her eyes and took a prolonged breath, taking a moment to brush away what tears she could from Arden’s cheeks with her thumbs. 

As always, the salt in the tears burned, but Teagan would never give any indication of that. Finally, she looked back to Arden, hand sliding down to cup the woman’s face, clearing away stray tears. “It’s better you hear it, is all.” Because despite her demise coming for her, at least Efa had an ‘I love you’ to hang onto in her last moments. Maybe Arden knew somewhere inside of her soul, Teagan speaking in a language only the two of them knew, but it wasn’t the same. She knew that now.

“Hey…” Arden began to vaguely recount what it felt like to be taken, how the fear consumed her. She didn’t need to offer complete sentences for Teagan to know what Arden was trying to say. “I know, cariad. You’re all safe now, and you’ve all got each other, and I’ve got you and I love you. You’ll be kept safe. No one can get to you right now.” 

Carefully, Teagan finagled with the side of the hospital bed, wriggling the partition until it slid down to give the nix enough room to wiggle in. She managed to get Arden comfortably on her good side, only minor aches shooting up from her collarbone and to her neck. The lake had done well to speed up the repair, much to the fae’s relief.

“You should rest. It looks like it’ll be about another day before they let you out.” Teagan wisped a few rogue strands of hair away from her girlfriend’s face. She tucked in closer and smiled gratefully at the fact that they had opposite hurt sides. It worked out perfectly, considering Teagan had practically pulled Arden into a much needed cwtch, with a gentle kiss atop her head and a careful hand raking through her hair. “Let’s rest, okay? Think we got a few hours before your dinner time anyway.”

It was like all the stress and anxiety and fear was spilling out of her at once. But there was a tenderness to it, as well. Looking at Teagan, at the soft smile on her face, the gentle way she was staring right back at her, it filled her with a warmth, even as it overwhelmed her. There was just too much she had been holding in. Even before the abduction, even before her inital run-in with a vampire. Arden had been alone for so long. 

“It’s– You don’t– have to– apologize,” she managed between sobs. That pressure in her chest only got worse hearing about Efa, her heart breaking for Teagan. She had just assumed she hadn’t been ready– it was so big and difficult and terrifying to put it into words– she hadn’t realized it went so far beyond that. 

Of course, there had been doubts– she could and would overthink everything. But they had been dancing around their emotions from the beginning, had made a waltz of hidden meanings and longing glances and words left unsaid. The way Teagan had kissed her after Arden told her she loved her had said it all. However, hearing it did make it feel more real. Even more so, knowing why it had been so hard for her to say it.

The crying felt a little silly and embarrassing. Her friends were safe. She was safe. And Teagan was there and she loved her and she wasn’t alone. And Arden was bawling her eyes out like she was a kid again. It made her feel so weak and small and vulnerable, and that was the problem, wasn’t it? Had been the problem for years.

It wasn’t so unbearable with Teagan, though. 

She just hopped onto the bed with her and held her as she cried. And eventually the sobs turned to sniffles, the pressure in her chest eased, and the tears came to a stop. Her head hurt, and she was a mess, but she did feel a little lighter. The couple just laid together for a while in comfortable silence. Long enough that her eyes began to droop, and when Teagan spoke again, it startled her a little. 

Arden let out a tired groan. “I just wanna go home,” she grumbled. She just wanted everything to go back to normal, but that probably wasn’t possible. Looking up, she asked the question that had been on her mind since all of this started. “Are they okay– Wynne and Zack? And Metzli and Emilio?” She doubted Teagan would know how the latter were– they certainly weren’t at the hospital– but she had to at least ask. She wondered about the fate of the other vampire, as well. Zane? He had seemed to help, had been the only one to stand up to the leader of the group. 

She wanted to see them, but she was struggling to keep her eyes open. “Yeah, okay,” Arden nodded. Curling up with her girlfriend, she had to voice her gratitude. “Thank you. For being here.” She wasn’t sure she would’ve been able to deal with it all on her own without entirely drowning. Lucky for her, Teagan was a great swimmer. “I love you.”

All fear and doubt subsided in between Arden’s sobs and sweet reassurances. Teagan watched as Arden’s good hand curled around whatever she could take hold of on the nix. “Shh…is all right, cariad. I’ve got ya.” Teagan continued to rake her hand through Arden’s hair, doing her best to comfort her. It was easy to try, be whatever her girlfriend needed. 

How could she not when Arden was curled like a question mark, complementing everything she was asking and wondering? She came back to Teagan, alive and well enough to recover smoothly.

“We’ll go home soon enough. In the meantime, we’ve got each other and you’re going to get spoiled rotten, I hope you know.” It was a poor attempt to lighten the mood, but it seemed to do the trick, much to Teagan’s relief. She breathed, a smile managing to tug at her cheeks when Arden’s features truly came into her field of vision. 

No more tears to blur and muddy the details of her velvet eyes, her tiny nose, and the prominent Cupid’s bow on her lips. The little things Teagan thought she’d never seen again. She kissed each one, her skin burning in the places salty tears managed to stream to. “I saw your flatmates, but not the other two. But I don’t know a Metzli, so I maybe missed them.” 

Adjusting her position, Teagan felt her body begin to sink and relax, the sobs dying down enough for her heart to not grow erratic with them. Sleep would overtake them soon enough, she hoped. Arden more than needed the rest. “Told you, darling. I didn’t stop looking and I wasn’t gonna. I’d never be able to give up on you.” Arden’s words gave her pause as they always did, and Teagan worried she’d revert to her fear.

“I…” She looked at Arden again, watching her eyes droop with exhaustion and the way her body all but seemed to melt into her. There was no way she could hold back then, kissing the top of Arden’s head. “I love you too.” Teagan gave one more peck, letting out a sigh and laying her head back to let sleep blanket over her. She hoped both of them wouldn’t wake until dinner, that nightmares would take a break and leave them with dreamless sleep. Arden deserved that much, but Teagan knew there was always a chance that hope wouldn’t be enough. 

In that case, the nix prayed that she would be. 

#kidnapping tw #sibling death tw #writing #wickedswriting #collab #closingwaters #wr teagan

[stainedglasstruth]

@closingwaters replied to your post “[pm] Should’ve known that your articles would be a...”:

[pm] You should publish your poems too. Your mind amazes me.  I don’t know why I had to ask. I’m just always so scared this isn’t real. That maybe I’m just kidding myself. I never cared about humans, but I’m glad I started caring about you.  

​[pm] I would simply perish. My poetry is so much more personal than anything else I write. I did an open mic night last month or so? Needed a few drinks just to get myself onstage. [user doesn't know how to react to second half of that]

Oh, honey. I get it. This all feels so surreal, like I'm going to wake up and realize it's all been a dream. [...] It's all been so fast, too, which probably doesn't help with that.

[...] You can't just say shit like that I'm glad, too. <3

#closingwaters #wr teagan