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"It's not stealing if you have permission," she murmured, she could not imagine a moment that Zelda reached out and she wouldn't respond... wouldn't drop everything to spend time with her. She could never let a relationship interfere with her friendship with the girls but she thought she would get along well with Thorn and Luna, even though the thought of introducing her as her girlfriend left her feeling slightly panicked. She almost didn't want people to find out. Not out of shame or anything like that, she would be beyond proud to show Zelda off, but when more people were involved... when the bubble burst and it wasn't just them alone in the world... when it became more real... wasn't that where the problems came in?

That was a tomorrow problem though, or maybe a next week problem. A sober Veronica problem, because right now, all she wanted to focus on was the hand on hers. It was disgusting how giddy she felt right now, and if Veronica was watching herself in some sort of romcom or music video she'd be rolling her eyes and pretending to gag... but then again, looking at Zelda, how could she even blame herself? "Yes ma'am," she smiled back but made little effort to move, only stepping once she was pulled, her eyes still focused on the other woman's face. "There is nothing to make up... but you know I won't turn an offer like that down."

~

Veronica had given into her so easily that it scared Zelda. She thought she was putty in Veronica's hands but maybe it was a two way street. Still, she gazed into the other woman's eyes, a warm smile finding itself on her face. "I'm going to steal you all the time then. Maybe it's selfish, but...I would spend every second of every day with you if I could." A gentle hand reached out to cup Veronica's cheek, her smile never faltering. "I promise. I'm going to be there for so many mornings that you're going to get sick of me."

The thought of lying next to Veronica for countless nights and being the first person one another sees in the morning brought butterflies to her stomach. It had taken Zelda long enough to realize that the feeling she so often had felt around Veronica were butterflies in her stomach. Instead of the anxiety they once brought Zelda welcomed them, knowing they were a sign she could be happy with Veronica. Zelda took a small step back and dropped her arm to grab her hand, tugging on it gently. She was eager to go back to Ver-- her girlfriend's place and spend the rest of the night together like they have so many times before. "C'moooon," she dragged out the word as she took a few more steps back, pulling Veronica with her. "We've wasted enough time without each other. Now we have all the time in the world to make up for it." She locked eyes with the other woman again for a brief moment before batting her eyelashes and feigning an innocent smile. "I promise I'll start making it up to you when we get there."

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It was strange to be told she was wanted; it wasn't the first time, but she had trouble believing it. Other than her two best friends it was hard for Dusk to believe that anyone truly cared to put up with her, that they wouldn't get sick of her, tired of her antics... that they only thought that way because they had yet to see her flaws. She was sure Zelda had seen some of them, at least, and she was still standing here, asking her to be her girlfriend. Saying she couldn't stop thinking about her either. It brought a warmth to her chest that even the alcohol couldn't match.

You're mine and I'm not going anywhere. She didn't think her heartrate could quicken anymore but the words made her pulse spark, heat rising to her face. "I'm yours," she repeated in agreement, shocked at how easy it was for her to say. To offer herself, all of her, up on a platter. To relinquish control, to give someone else the opportunity to do with that information whatever they wanted. But it felt right. And while that was a scary thought, it didn't worry her in the moment. All she wanted was for it to be true, so desperately that she had to believe it.

"You can steal anything you want." She laughed softly, her eyes searching the other woman's face, eager to be back at her place with her, but not eager to pull away enough to get there. "Only if you promise not to leave before I wake up," she teased, though Veronica knew if she told her to her face right there that she would, even if she said she lied about it all, she would still invite her back to her place... and not for anything to happen, just to spend another night lying next to her would be worth it.

~

"I've never meant anything more in my entire life," she whispered back. Her words were as genuine as her expression and as wonderful as Zelda felt this entire situation was terrifying. She wasn't going to worry herself over what ifs in that moment, she'd already done that plenty before. She had promised Veronica and every word after that had been one too. Zelda wanted to laugh with her when she asked if she would regret this. Not because it was funny but it was laughable that she would ever regret this. There wasn't a chance in any universe or timeline possible that Zelda would ever regret Veronica. No matter how little or how much of her she had she would never regret her. Hurting her? That was an entire different path that Zelda didn't plan on taking. She didn't want to despite how there was something in the back of her mind telling her it was inevitable. The only thing she regretted now was acting like an idiot and not letting her feelings flow free. If she had from the start...they could have avoided the mess that led up to this and had more time together.

Before Zelda could answer either of Veronica's questions her lips were back on hers. Her arms tightened around her neck and if it was possible she pushed herself closer to the other woman. Eyes shut and Zelda's world completely flipped in that moment. She didn't ever want to be apart from the woman she was kissing and desperately holding onto. She was far too attached already and it frightened her. It was also a new sensation though and Zelda knew if she was going to show Veronica she cared she would have to start with pushing past some of her insecurities. That meant she had to be honest with her, and herself.

Zelda only pulled away when she had to gasp for breath. She briefly let herself breath heavily before her lips were back on Veronica's. Her lips didn't stay there as they travelled to leave soft kisses on jawline and neck. Soft reminders that she was there and wasn't going anywhere ever. Zelda finally rested her chin on the other's shoulder and let herself breathe properly. She really would give her last breath for this woman. "To answer your question...I would never forget this moment. It's ingrained in my brain now. There's no going back. You are the last thing I would ever regret in this world. I already told you...you're mine and I'm not going anywhere."

Zelda pulled away a few inches to gaze longingly at her with a lazy smile on her face. The frustration and tears were gone, smudges of black makeup the only reminder that they were once there. Zelda knew the alcohol had fueled her emotions when she was upset and even now when all she wanted was to crawl into bed with Veronica, and to see where the rest of the night led them together. "I'm cold," she whispered. The goosebumps on her skin were accompanied by a shiver. "But your bed is warm and you let me steal the blankets." Her arms moved from around Veronica's neck to place her hands on her cheeks, thumbs lightly rubbing along her cheekbones. "And...we're drunk." She let out a small giggle. "Maybe that's not a bad thing anymore..." A smirk crossed her face just long enough to be noticeable. Zelda kissed Veronica again, letting her arms drop down to wrap around her waist this time. She pulled her tight against her, pressing against Veronica as she kissed her. When she pulled away she leaned close to her ear. "Can we go back to your place? Please?" she asked in a soft tone, the last word said soft enough to almost be considered a whine.

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She knew that when she sobered up, Veronica would panic over this, over the whole conversation, over the idea that she could hold Zelda's heart in her hands... hands that were not soft but calloused, hands that broke things, never put them back together. She also knew that she was capable of doing better. It was fear-driven, the thought that if her own mother didn't want her, if the woman that gave her life could walk away from it, why would anyone stay? It had never been worth it, to be the one to get left again. She had swore she'd never let anyone hurt her like that again. She would never trust someone, let them in enough to give them the chance.

But if the option was to get hurt by Zelda or hurt her, she couldn't help but feel like she would choose to get hurt every time.

Everything was spinning. Her head, the world around them. Veronica wasn't sure if it was the shots she'd downed catching up to her or if she was just feeling lightheaded by the realizations she was being forced to face, the thought that the other woman felt the same way as she'd been lying to herself about. She had never longed for normalcy the way she did with Zelda. She had never wanted to... settle. She hated not having change, it felt boring, it felt suffocating. But the idea of having to stay in one spot somehow didn't seem as bad if she imagined being there with Zelda.

She said you're mine, and she didn't want to fight it. She didn't want to point out that one day she may change her mind, she didn't want to lay out all of the things that made her unworthy. She wanted to be hers. She hadn't been lying when she said she hadn't wanted anything more. Being with Zelda felt like... music. She brought her the same safe feeling in her chest that playing drums did. She brought her the same sense of familiarly her bandmates did. And she brought her a comfort like she had never felt before. Like maybe everything was actually okay.

She would never claim to be great with words, there was a reason she wasn't the songwriter for The Hex Girls, but she was completely speechless now. Her eyes closed the moment their lips met, feeling every inch of her skin spark by the touch, electricity running through her veins. She would never want to give this up. She would never truly want to run from this. They were pulling apart too soon, but as she continued to speak it seemed to have the same effect, stealing the oxygen from her lungs. You're stuck with me. I'm never going to leave your side again.

"I hope you mean it," she whispered, her eyes searching her face, desperate to find a crack in it, proof that she couldn't stay. But she looked so genuine that she couldn't doubt that she meant it. And maybe she would change her mind. But maybe it didn't even mater if she couldn't keep her forever, as long as she got to have her at all. "Are you going to regret this in the morning?" She asked, a soft laugh falling from her lips, wondering if this was happening as quickly as it felt or if her impaired self was losing all track of time. "Are you even going to remember this in the morning?" But she didn't give her time to answer, pulling her lips back into her own, wishing with everything she had that she could just live in this moment.

~

Veronica's touch was all it took for Zelda's tears to slowly dissipate. The way she touched her face and wiped away her tears was enough to get the start of a smile out of her. Zelda was down bad. There was no going back on her words and she never would. She stood by what she said. She had meant every word. She promised. "Let me," she all but begged Veronica as her eyes looked into hers. "Let me fall and be the one to catch me. Let me exist with you. Let us exist." Zelda was almost glad she was drunk because doing this sober may have been harder. It didn't matter, drunk or not Zelda was completely Veronica's in every way and any way she wanted her to be. "We can do more than exist. We can live." Zelda let her impulses take over and wrapped her arms around the others neck, holding Veronica close to her. She closed her eyes for a few moments, taking a slow breath, and inhaling the all too familiar scent of Veronica's perfume.

Zelda held her and didn't let go. She couldn't. Not yet, maybe not ever. "I want to spend nights with you and wake up next to for as many tomorrows that exist." She pulled away enough to be able to look at her from a close distance but kept her arms around her neck "I am being selfish but I want every part of you. I don't care how bad or awful you think some of the parts are because I see you for who you are. You're...mine. And I wouldn't want anything else but you." Her forehead went to rest on Veronica's and one of her hands came to rest on her cheek. "I will take every part of you and let it devour me." Zelda was at Veronica's beck and call. She would drop to her knees in an instant if that's what Veronica desired. Anything Veronica wanted Zelda wanted to give her and more.

There was one thing-- a word that Zelda had been avoiding. It was in the back of her mind. It had been and she pushed it away for far too long, and was ready to let it break free. "I'm sorry I disappeared. I thought it was what would be best for both of us...but that's not only my decision to decide." She pulled away from her, arms loosely draped around her neck now. "I'm never going to go anywhere again if I know it's not with you. I want you wholeheartedly and...I have already been yours for longer than you know." The pace of her heart began to pick up the more she spoke. "I just...I want..." Her brows furrowed together and her flushed cheeks burned brighter. "I want you. I'll scream it if you want me to. I want you and me to-- and I-- I mean..."

She let herself trail off and let the desire eating her insides away take over and kissed Veronica. Her lips were ambrosia and Zelda had been in withdrawal of it. Both of her hands cupped the woman's face and her eyes shut. She had missed the way Veronica's lips felt against hers, the way she tasted. Even through the alcohol on their tongues Zelda could still taste her. When she finally pulled away to catch her breath, Zelda let her eyes flicker open and look up at Veronica. A warm smile settled on her face at the sight of her. They both had to look a mess, drunk and crying with makeup running down cheeks. Zelda didn't care because as long as she was with Veronica nothing else would matter.

She had always wanted to be something more than who she was. She wanted a better purpose, a bigger one. She realized now that her purpose might be Veronica. "I want to..." A lump had formed in her throat. She kept trying to tell her what she wanted. Why couldn't she just say it? "I don't care that I'm drunk or you're drunk. We both know how we feel. We know how we feel for each other." Zelda pressed herself against Veronica as she gazed up at her. "We belong together. I've never been more sure about anything in my life. You mean something to me in a way I've never felt before. It scares me, but it also brings me peace. Do you understand what I'm saying? It's not just Veronica or Zelda, anymore. It's Veronica and Zelda. It's you and I until the very end. You're stuck with me now because I am never going to leave your side again." Eyes begged Veronica to understand. To know what Zelda was saying. "I just...I'm trying to say what I've wanted all along was to be your girlfriend. We've spent more nights together than you know where I wanted that so bad. I was too scared, selfish, and foolish to admit it. I'm sorry. I care about you so much, V. I've never cared this much for anyone." She leans closer, letting her forehead rest on Veronica's again but also letting her lips leave a light kiss on her lips. "Let me care about you, baby. Let me hold you and kiss you and just...be with you."

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"No," she interrupted, more upset at Zelda insulting herself than she would have if she had agreed with Veronica. Because it wasn't true, and she shouldn't see herself that way. She was, as far as Veronica was concerned, one of the best people she'd ever met. And she had met a lot of people from all the touring. She was cool, she was kind, empathetic, she had a soul that was so beautiful it radiated light and warmth, even when she felt and thought the worst about herself. She wanted to tell her all of that, wanted to list every single reason she appreciated her and every single reason she should love herself but she couldn't find the words, growing more frustrated by how much she'd drank. It was a good thing their paths crossed now and not in half an hour and several drinks later or she would be way too far gone.

It wasn't easy for someone to talk Veronica down when the rage struck. She had lost count long ago of the amount of fights she had gotten into, the amount of people she had pissed off or hurt the feelings of when they were only trying to help. Her anger was a hurricane and it wasn't a good thing, it wasn't something she embraced about herself, it wasn't the way that she wanted to be. Only Thorn and Luna knew how to calm her wildest storms, but the moment Zelda spoke again, the promise leaving her lips, all of the anger started to disperse, to shatter into the pieces of sadness that had building instead. "You're right," she said after a moment, inhaling shakily, blinking the moisture out of her own eyes. It wasn't fair to either of them, and she didn't want to do this, not with Zelda. Not to Zelda.

She already knew that she was putty in her hands but the touch was only confirmation, and Veronica knew then that it didn't matter how long had gone by, it didn't matter if a year passed and Zelda had blocked her on everything. If she showed up wanting Dusk to be part of her life again she would be. There was something about her that she couldn't let go, something that felt like a warning, the knowledge that while she had been hurt by other people, too, and had trouble leaving them behind, she had been able to get over all of them much easier than she would ever be able to get over the woman in front of her. There was a voice in the back of her mind telling her that it wouldn't happen, that she would never be able to move on.

She didn't say another word, didn't acknowledge anything Zelda said out loud, letting her lead her through the people and outside, the cool air stinging as it hit her eyes but it was nice, grounding in a way. A little sobering, but not enough to make up of the intoxication of everything Zelda was laying on her. It was exactly what she didn't want her to say, didn't want to hear, didn't want to know. But it wasn't fear that spiked her adrenaline, it was something else; instead of wanting to turn and run from all of it, she felt the undying urge to jump in face first instead.

"I get it," she spoke softly, seeing the tears in Zelda's eyes bringing a lump to her throat. She wanted to comfort her, to make it better, even though she knew this was a bad idea. She knew she should walk away, let it go. She knew that despite what the other woman thought, she would be better off without Veronica. She knew that they were both setting themselves up to get destroyed. She knew that love was a dangerous word when it came to her and she knew that she couldn't hold onto anything good. But she was like a magnet and she couldn't ignore the pull. Lifting her hand, she only realized it was shaking as she reached to pull Zelda's face closer to hers. Her thumb swiping at the tears falling down her face, smudging makeup in a line across her cheek. "I shouldn't let you," she spoke quietly, another ragged breath filling her lungs. "I shouldn't... want you to. But I... I don't think I've ever wanted anything more than to just... exist with you."

~

There it was. As she had dropped Zelda's hand she knew in that moment she was hurting the other woman. That was the one thing she had tried to avoid all along and she still managed to fuck up and ruin things. Her hand felt cold, baren, as she let it drop back to her side. For the few moments they were close enough for Zelda to reach for her lips Zelda couldn't look away from her. Her eyes had been welling up with tears then and were flooding over and down her cheeks as Veronica's voice rose. She was angry, and she had every right to be. Zelda felt a guilt like none other but Veronica was wrong. She was so so wrong.

"Don't you see, V?" she asked with pleading eyes. "You are so much more than I will ever be and I wish you realized how amazing you really are. You're so much more than you see yourself. What am I? A maid that's miserable and stuck in this fucking town and hates her job." Zelda may have failed to mention the whole 'witch' part but that was probably best left a sober conversation. One she knew that if this ever happened, if through this heartbreak Zelda was feeling now and guilt and pain...if they made it out together she would have to tell her. Not tonight though. Not here.

"I'm not lying to you," she told her shakily. "I promise." She meant it. Zelda had only spoke what she truly believed. She glanced around them then set the rest of her drink on the bar. "Can we please just...can we go outside? There's so many people and it's loud and--" Her lip quivered and she bit down hard on it. "It's cold." Cold in so many ways. Yes, the late autumn chill was present as winter was on its way but Zelda felt cold without Veronica. Her touch alone ignited a flame within her. "We can...sit in my car if you want." She glanced over at the nearly finished drink on the bar. She hadn't realized how fast she drank it. She knew she shouldn't drive home. She hadn't planned on going home at all and was going to ditch her car for the night but now she'd have to find an alternate way. "We can't do this here, V. That's not fair to either of us."

Zelda took a hesitant step closer to her. Her trembling hand reached out to grab Veronica's again, holding on tightly as she squeezed. Her eyes finally settled on hers and Zelda's quivering lip was quickly becoming a sob. "Please, Veronica," Zelda pleaded. "I'm not lying to you. I never would. I couldn't. I'm sorry. I want nothing more than you. I lied to myself about it for so long. I-- You're right. It's not fair if I don't give you the chance and all I want is to give you that. I want to give you a chance so bad and I'm so scared, but I'd rather know happiness with you for just a moment than never at all." Her tears weren't halting and she wanted Veronica's touch for comfort. More than just holding onto her hand. She wanted to be in her arms and to feel her lips against her own. Zelda wanted to stay the night for as long as there were nights and never let go of her.

"Come on...let's just--" She shook her head and let out a shaky breath. "We have to leave." Zelda used all the power she had in her to look away from Veronica then dragged her out of bar as she continued to clutch her hand. The cold air hit her hard and she had left her jacket in her car. Goosebumps appeared on her arms and shoulders. She dropped Veronica's hand. The air was refreshing despite the cold. Zelda gave herself a quick moment before looking back at the other woman. Out of the dim bar lighting and under the light of street lamps and the moon Zelda was able to look at Veronica better. She was a treasure. "I'm sorry," she said again. "I want to let you in so bad. I want to let you hurt me if that's how it is. I just...I can't be the one to hurt you. That's the problem. I'm so scared of fucking this...us up. And I'm scared I already have. I just...I want you. That's all I want. I need you, V. I--" Zelda's last drink was catching up with her a little more and her thoughts were becoming more erratic as well as distorted. She wanted Veronica more than anything and to call her hers. To be able to have breakfast together and let it feel normal. Despite how much Zelda wanted to be something grand she needed Veronica to be a normal part of her life. Zelda finally looked back to her, a sad smile on her lips and makeup mixed with tears running down her cheeks. "I think I could fall in love with you."

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"You think?" She repeated, the words dissolving into more laughter, not even because it was funny, because she was ecstatic to see her. She knew she had missed Zelda, but she didn't realize how much until she was standing right in front of her, close enough to reach out and touch if she tried. And she almost did, her hand still in the air, palm ready to cup the side of her face when she hesitated, a thought striking her; had she not replied because she was seeing someone now? She couldn't control the way her face dropped, giggles ending abruptly, but she tried to back pedal, forcing a smile back to her face. It was fine if she was, anyway. Good for her. She wanted her to be happy, really, she did. Even if it was without her.

The thought didn't last long, Zelda being the one to break the invisible wall between them, her fingers wrapping themselves around her own. Her smile faltered for a second time, but not out of sadness this time, her eyes unblinking on Zelda's face as she stepped forward, closed a bit more of the space. Close enough now that she could lean in and taste her lips, but she was frozen in place. Maybe it was just the alcohol coursing through her system, maybe it was more than that, but in that moment if Zelda asked her anything she would have said yes.

"I'll dance with you anytime," she stated, and it was meant to be a joke, light-hearted (though honest) but her tone came out too serious. Too full of emotion. Fuck, she had missed her, everything about her, from the way her lips curbed to the specks of color in her eyes. She had tried to push all of the overwhelming feelings down, and they said distance made the heart grow fonder but it didn't seem true because now that they were under the same roof again it was like a flood washing over her, the memory of hoe she'd felt the last night they laid in bed. How she'd never wanted it to end.

She was so caught up in her own head she didn't realize Zelda was stuck in hers, not until she began to ramble. The words didn't fit her actions but she wanted to believe them, wanted to think she had meant enough that she had missed her as much as Veronica had missed her, but then she was calling her amazing again, telling her she was a burden. Confusion flashed across her face, lingering for only a moment before it turned into something else, anger bubbling at the surface. She wished she could blame it on the drinks but she knew this was who she was, she only knew how to dealt with emotions with fire. "That's not fair," she stated, dropping her hand as if Zelda's stung, taking half a step back.

"You could just be... honest with me, if you don't want me. I get it. That I'm just a washed up drummer, and I'm never gonna really amount to anything, I know everyone sees it. You don't have to... to tell me shit like that, you don't have to lie to me." Her voice rose, mad at the tears that sprung to her eyes, mad that the crowd around them suddenly seemed so loud when all she wanted was to have a private conversation with her, mad that it was hard to focus on what she was trying to say because she wasn't sober enough. "Don't turn this around to me. I'm always the one to blow shit up and I'm sure I'd... I'd fuck this up too, given the chance, but don't say that it's because I'd hate you when you won't even let me."

~

She needed to get Veronica off of her mind. Every fleeting thought or memory they had already created together was taking control of her mind. Zelda missed Veronica like all hell and as much as it hurt to keep her distance she knew that she had to for the other's sake. She thought going to her favorite club and let loose would help her. She was even flirting with someone but the moment they said something that reminded her of Veronica she bailed. Zelda had a fair amount of drinks, bordering the line between buzzed and tipsy but slightly closer to the tipsy side. She went to the bar, ordering another drink she would likely throw back like water. When she turned her head she saw the back of her head. She knew it was her and fight of flight took over her. Before she could bail though Veronica was facing her and Zelda knew she was trapped. Not trapped-- frozen in place. She had left Veronica on read the few times she reached out because she thought it was for the best. There was no reason to get the woman caught up in her own bullshit.

Veronica's slurred words still made Zelda half smile. She was thinking of her? That...made matters worse, but it also made Zelda's heart skip a beat. She suddenly felt guilty for avoiding her and ignoring her texts. "V...I think you're a bit more than tipsy," she finally said. When the bartender came over Zelda tossed some cash on the bar and grabbed her drink, taking a long sip from it immediately. It wasn't the answer to her dilemma but she didn't care. Despite her mind being foggy from the alcohol she had consumed through the night she had some sense. Her eyes scanned Veronica, appreciating every inch of beauty as her eyes came back up to meet hers. Looking into her eyes made Zelda realize she was a lot more fucked than she thought she was. She was in deep and her emotions were out of control when it came to Veronica. Her heart was beating fast and she hesitantly reached out to grab the hand that was pointing a finger at her.

She couldn't stop thinking about how Veronica said she was thinking about her. That meant Zelda crossed her mind more than she thought she would. Maybe Veronica felt some type of way for Zelda-- No, she couldn't think like that. As much as her heart and soul longed to embrace her in her arms and never let go she resisted. The feeling of her warm hand in Zelda's had a calming effect. She didn't want to let go. Zelda took a step closer, not dropping her hand or breaking their gaze. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK. Zelda knew there was no turning back. Not when Veronica looked that hot. She was melting from the inside out and she could barely form words. Her eyes stung because she felt like she really fucked up. Her intention at the bar that night was to find some stranger to go home with and never speak to again. That's all her and Veronica should have ever been, Zelda thought, but she wanted more. Her self control was running low and she couldn't help the one stray tear that fell. She hoped Veronica didn't notice and she didn't want to ruin her makeup so she decided to fake it until she made it. "If you're only tipsy then I suppose it wouldn't kill you to dance with me." She forced a bigger smile. Maybe if she just gave Veronica herself one more time Zelda could put this all behind her. She could mourn what never was and move on.

She didn't want to. She couldn't.

"No," she spoke up this time and furrowed her brows as her expression faltered. "I'm-- V... I need you. I miss you. I really do. I can't... I have to... I mean--" She took a deep breath then a sip of her drink before continuing. "I'm sorry. You're better off without me and I'm too selfish to let that happen." Her eyes look away but she can't help but glance at her from the corner of her eye. "You're too drunk for this. I'm getting too drunk to do this. I should just go. You really are impeccable, V." Her hand never let go of Veronica's and she never wanted to. "But...you don't know things about me and you'll never look at me the same if I tell you and...you're just amazing. I'm not much compared to you but I can tell you for sure I would be a burden in your life." When she looked back to her her legs suddenly felt like they were going to give out from under her. "I don't want you to hate me but I'm never going to be the person you think I am and it breaks my heart."

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"Ha-ha," Veronica replied with an eyeroll. She didn't feel lighthearted about it at all, and she knew Thorn didn't either. But she wasn't going to judge her for cracking jokes to cope. She'd be doing the same thing. "Actually, yeah. That'd be nice. I could use the activity... I got winded walking up six steps the other day." Which was true, she'd been too much of a shut-in lately, spending more time at the bar (both working and off the clock) than outside or at her drum set. She felt like she was losing herself. But she was far more worried about losing her best friend again.

"I'd make a joke about how it isn't that easy to get rid of me, but actually it's apparently really easy..." Thorn knew there was no time for jokes and all that jazz, but some form of dark humor was really all she had. "Honestly, I didn't get much fresh air while I was gone. Being disconnected from nature has really messed with my head. So I figured I could take all the time in the world getting back to it. I plan on hiking through the woods later." She turned to look at her friend, her sister, her bandmate. "I don't mind if you want to join me for that too. I mean, I want to get going before the sun sets and all that."

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LOCATION: unholy groundFOR: @ncttheprincess

She had tried not to let it bother her — after all, Veronica hadn't reached out either. For awhile. Then she did, because she missed her. And got left on read. Twice. Which was fine. It wasn't like she and Zelda were... well, anything. But it stung, and it left her wondering what she had done wrong. Usually she was the one to pull the plug, to realize she was getting too attached and end it. If the roles were reversed, she didn't know how to handle it, or the feelings she had yet to confront. So she just... didn't. She ignored it. Until she couldn't. It wasn't just that situation that had brought her to the club, but once she started putting the drinks back, it had been the driving force. Only to turn away from downing another shot to come face to face with her. "Whoa. Shit, I was just thinking about you. Like, all night. I manifested that shit." The texts she'd sent earlier already forgotten, Veronica laughed, pointing a finger at the other woman. "Shhh. I'm a little tipsy."

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Veronica laughed, breathlessly, only glad that Zelda had been the one to pull away because she was pretty sure she was starting to turn blue from lack oxygen. "I'm not complaining," she stated, "I'd never complain about kissing a pretty girl." But she settled in anyway, perfectly happy to just stare at her for the rest of the night. She could memorize the curve of her jawline, the way her eyebrows slanted, her nose, every freckle on her face and it wouldn't be enough.

If she was paying attention, she would notice that Zelda was thinking, worrying about something, but instead she was caught up in her own thoughts about how beautiful she was, like a painting. A piece of art she would never grow tired of. When she spoke again, she wasn't expecting what was said, but she couldn't stop herself from smiling before the weight of the words set in.

"Oh, I know. I'm fucking wonderful." Deflecting with humor, not because the comments made her uncomfortable, but how they made her feel did. Veronica loved attention, positive and negative but especially compliments, but she didn't expect her stomach to flip the way that it did hearing them come out of Zelda's mouth. If she wasn't careful, she would be flustered, and she didn't let herself get flustered. Taking a moment to pause, eyes flickering over her face, she spoke in a softer tone, more honest. "You have meaning too, babe."

The babe was being voiced before she could stop it, but she let it seem intentional, nonchalant. She called plenty of people babe. So why did this feel different? Her heart rate spiked, more than it had kissing her, when Zelda laid her head on her shoulder. It felt so vulnerable, and Veronica felt a knot of guilt settling in the pit of her stomach. Out of all the people she could have gotten wrapped up in... out of all of the people she could potentially hurt... how could she pull Zelda into this? This... mess. This mess that was her. She swallowed, trying to still herself before pressing her lips to the top of Zelda's head, breathing in her shampoo. "Are you okay?"

~

It took every ounce of composure Zelda had to not cry on the spot. It wasn't Veronica's agreement, the smile on her lips, or way she agreed so easily. It wasn't even the way she pressed another kiss to her lips. No, it was the way that Zelda had thought to herself that she could learn to love this. Whatever 'this' exactly was. No-- It wasn't anything. they weren't anything. With that thought though came every possible emotion, flooding Zelda's veins with a toxic mixture of them all. She ogled up at her, glossed eyes threatening to lose their composure. "You're sweet for that," she whispered, lips curved into a saccharine smile.

Zelda let herself fall further back into Veronica's pillows. Stupid pillows that gave her a sense of comfort and security. They shouldn't. Zelda knew she should run, make an excuse up because if she didn't, well...she may never leave. She couldn't let herself fall into that trap. Not when it was Veronica's heart at stake. That should have stopped her from pulling the other woman closer to her. It should have stopped her from pressing her chest against hers, a thin sheet the only thing separating them. It should have stopped her from holding Veronica's face in her hands and kissing her both gently and with passion.

Her lips only parted from Veronica's when she had to gasp for breath. Maybe she was serious when she agreed to kiss her until sunrise. Zelda looked longingly at Veronica, fearing that every emotion giving her turmoil was plastered on her face as much as she had tried to keep them concealed. She pressed her chest against Veronica's more and wrapped her arms around her neck. "You don't have to actually do that, you know." She let out a soft laugh. "Kiss me all night, that is. Sunrise isn't for a while." She pressed a soft kiss on her jawline, letting her lips linger there for a moment before pulling away. "I just want to be close to you."

I just want you to stay.

Zelda couldn't stop her thoughts from echoing in her mind about how desperately she wanted the woman she was lying in bed with. She was so fucked. Absolutely fucked in every sense of the word and it was her own damn fault. Veronica probably didn't feel that way towards her anyways, she told herself. She was so much more than Zelda believed herself to be. She didn't see herself as much. A witch that hid behind working as a maid in a town she hated with no way out. It wasn't ideal for the type of person Zelda was. She always wanted to be something more, mean something more, and maybe she could to Veronica but... Zelda was running out of reasons to talk herself out of this. She looked back up at her, tightening the grip her arms had around her neck.

As she looked at Veronica there was one thought that crossed her mind. One that made her smile and she failed to keep to herself. "You're unforgettable, V. I hope you know that. I...I hope you know your worth because--" She froze for a moment before swallowing hard. "You have meaning is all I'm trying to say. Don't ever think there isn't someone that car--" She cut herself off again before she made herself look even more of a fool. Zelda looked away but kept her grip around Veronica's neck, knowing if she let go it would be the last time and she wasn't ready for that commitment. Ha, commitment, Zelda thought. Funny what the word means when it results in doing the opposite. She let out a soft sigh, letting her arms loosen until they dropped down, one of her hands moving to rest on Veronica's hip. She rested her chin on the other's shoulder and closed her eyes. "Never mind," she lets out. "This is why you should have just kissed me more. It keeps my stupid mouth shut."

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There was a dangerous undertone to those words, because Veronica knew it wouldn't last. That she wouldn't let it. The illusion she was giving, that she could be a safe place, that she could care for someone without causing them pain... that was all that it was, an illusion. She knew what she was capable of and what she wasn't and this, softness, living in it, she was not capable of that. She was anger, she was violence, and she wasn't willing to change. She wouldn't even know where to start. She was too afraid to give someone the chance to hurt her so she would hurt them first. Ans it was inevitable that someone would get hurt. If her own mother didn't want her, how could she expect someone else to?

Still, Zelda was the last person she wanted to hurt and she could spiral over the idea of that alone, not knowing that she was fighting a similar internal battle. As her mind started to wander into that territory, she bit the inside of her jaw, focusing on the idea of someone worrying she got home safe, thinking of her at the same time she thought of them, lying in separate beds staring at separate ceilings. It was a nice thought, and this moment was a nice moment, if only a reminder of everything she could never have.

"'Til the sun rises," Dusk repeated, a smile tugging at her lips. Maybe there was no harm in this. Maybe she was overthinking things. Maybe Zelda never even considered feeling more than attraction to her, maybe she wasn't even capable of breaking her heart because she didn't have any access to it. For some reason that would sting, but it was probably for the best. "How many hours is that?" She thought aloud, pressing another kiss to her lips before speaking again. "I think my lips might cramp up by then, but I'll give it my best shot."

~

Zelda may be the witch of the two of them, unbeknownst to Veronica and most others, but she was under her spell. It was too late and she wasn't sure she would be able to break it. Not with the way Veronica was entangling her fingers in her hair and telling Zelda she could make her feel warm and secure. The thought scared Zelda. What was going to happen when she felt too warm and secure? She feared that was already happening with the way she felt safe beside Veronica and the warmth of the other's skin against hers was enough to make her melt into the other. Zelda had always kept her heart very guarded, living in Evermore for the majority of her life. As she looked up into Veronica's eyes, feeling complete bliss, she wondered what her sister would think if she got caught up in her own feelings with someone. She shook those thoughts from her head, only ones of Veronica flooding her mind now.

"I will gladly hog the blankets," Zelda said softly, her smile not faltering from her face. She really was too caught up on Veronica and she knew her emotions were getting the better of her that night. The thought of having to cut this off and not ever feeling Veronica's touch, or breathing in the scent of her perfume was almost enough to make her burst into tears right there. The thought hurt and as difficult as it was going to be Zelda knew that after this night she had to disappear from Veronica's life permanently for the sake of them both. She pushed those those thoughts deep in her mind, only wanting to focus on the woman beside her.

"You do make me feel warm and secure," she admitted. "I feel...safe with you." Why was she telling her these things? To get Veronica caught up on herself and only break her heart in the end? "I appreciate you. I always worry about you getting home safe so late when you leave my place too." The hand on Veronica's cheek never faltered, Zelda's thumb rubbing gently against her cheekbone. When Veronica kissed her Zelda quickly got lost in the feeling of her lips. She both loved and hated how perfectly they felt against her own. "Mmm...this. This sounds perfect." She kissed the woman again. Her lips moved slow against hers but pressed into hers with fiery desire. Not necessarily sexual, juts the desire to be around her. To be with her. She pulled away briefly, eyes fluttering open to meet her gaze. "Kiss me 'til the sun rises."

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It would come later, when she wasn't under the other's soft gaze, the regret. The anger at herself for getting too close. It wasn't the first time it had happened, but it always ended in flames; always, with only two exceptions in her life for Thorn and Luna. She had swore they would be her only exceptions. Still, when she realized it, that she was getting hung up on someone, it wasn't hard to cut them off. Block their number, avoid their favorite places, skip town on tour, fill her life with music and groupies and alcohol until whatever she had felt was nothing but a distant, blurry memory. But now, this? She couldn't leave this town, and even if she could, Zelda wouldn't be easy to forget. That was where she had fucked up the most. Letting herself get attached to someone that she couldn't replace with ease. Letting her happy moments start to shape themselves around a person.

She thought she saw something flash in Zelda's expression, but before she'd had time to question if she'd said the wrong thing, given the wrong impression, she was smiling again, and Veronica let herself believe it was alright. What was the harm in one night? Wasn't she already in too deep? "Good. Then I won't have to worry about you getting home safely." A useful excuse, and not a lie... but even more reason she should be questioning herself. Why was she worrying about anyone outside of her best friends? Kissing her back until Zelda pulled away, she laughed softly.

"It's okay. I overheat most nights. You can hog them." Her hand snaking around the back of the other's head, she ran her fingers through her hair, lifting her eyebrows. "I can definitely make you feel warm and secure." She didn't mind the rambling. She thought it was endearing when she went off on her little rambles, filled the silence, distracted her from her own thoughts. Even if she tried she couldn't think of one thing Zelda had ever done or said that had given her a bad impression, which was impressive, with how easily irritated she was. "You're flattering me... but I doubt I can sleep." She was too much of a night owl, as much as she'd like to collapse with her right then and there, it was easier for Veronica to sleep when the sun came up. All of her late shifts didn't help. Pulling Zelda's face closer to hers, leaving a kiss on her lips, she added, "we can do whatever you want. Watch a movie, play games. This."

~

The way Veronica pouted, showing disappointment in her lips leaving hers, made Zelda realize in that moment how deep in she had fell down the hole. For a while falling down had been like a whirlwind of adrenaline and intoxication. When she landed and felt too comfortable it was over for her. Zelda had done nothing but stare in awe at Veronica for a few long moments, wallowing in how perfect she looked and had made herself feel. She couldn't make her escape before the other asked her to stay. Her eyes instantly locked with Veronica's. A small look of panic briefly struck her face as she realized how this was going to go. Zelda was already too attached, what followed would only end in heartache for the two of them. She would disappear as best she could in a town one couldn't leave, hoping the other would forget about her and she was the only one that had to mourn.

The panicked expression on Zelda's face didn't last long though. She could have said no. She could have got up, grabbed her clothes, and left. No, instead she smiled brightly and let herself instinctively settle back into the comfortable position she often took beside Veronica. Her hand raised to gently rest on Veronica's cheek before she leaned in close enough to lean her forehead against the other's. "Okay," she whispered, "I'll stay if that's what you want." Zelda knew she would do anything Veronica wanted if it would make her happy. She knew what this strange feeling in her gut was and why Veronica's lips against her own were enough to make her beg for more. She was being greedy, she told herself. Wanting to be the only person that got to feel the touch and connection she did with the other woman. Her lips pressed against Veronica's again. Longer this time but they also moved slower. Zelda couldn't stop herself. All she wanted was to for her whole entire body and soul to be devoured by Veronica. When she pulled away her eyes gazed into hers. Zelda knew she had lost the game they were playing. It didn't matter tonight though. Zelda just wanted Veronica and nothing else.

"I must warn you though," she began with a slight smirk on her face. "I am a blanket thief. I don't sleep well if without at least three of them. Which...is kind of weird now that I think about it. I just like to feel warm and secure." Her expression began to change into something neutral but with just enough of a hint of longing. "I suppose I'll have you to keep me warm for tonight." She smiled at her again then moved closer, if at all possible. "I'm not very tired though. Maybe a little, but not enough to fall asleep yet. How can I after all? You're too much of a distraction. Far too gorgeous for me to be able to close my eyes." She was beginning to ramble slightly and did not want to make a fool of herself. "Are you tired though?" she asked, genuinely. "I think I would be perfectly fine sleeping if it meant I got to be in your arms."

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If Veronica stopped to think about it, she would realize just how deep she was in. With everything that was going on around town, with Thorn being back and not knowing what she had gone through (or if it would happen again), she was distracted enough that she didn't have to mull over how she felt or didn't feel. So, she enjoyed Zelda's presence, it wasn't the end of the world. Once everything calmed down she would be met with something akin to dread, the only emotion that accompanied the jittery feeling in her stomach, the realization that she could not stop herself or someone else from getting hurt because she'd let it go on too long, she'd let it go too far. But now? Tonight? All she was allowing herself to think about was how pretty she was as she leaned in to meet her lips, the warmth of her palm against her cheek.

"Boo," Veronica sighed, pushing her lower lip into a pout as the other woman pulled back. It wasn't that she didn't want to be alone, she wasn't particularly bothered by being alone... but she didn't want to be without Zelda. All of the warning signs should be flashing in her mind, but she refused to acknowledge their existence. "Or... you could stay," she murmured, letting the words come out before she could stop them, deciding not to sit in the regret yet. She could ignore their implication for one night just as she was ignoring everything else, including the small voice telling her this was going to come back to bite her. "Save yourself the energy of getting dressed."

Closed starter for: @partialdarkncss Location: Veronica's place

Zelda would not deny she enjoyed her steamy nights with Veronica. She might deny how frequent they were becoming though. Tonight she had chose not to think about that and focused on the woman lying beside her on bed. Nights with Veronica always ended fairly routine for Zelda. She'd experience a...pleasurable sensation over and over until she was gasping for breath. It wasn't usually long after she composed herself that she would grab her clothes, say her goodbyes, and leave. It was about that peak time that Zelda knew she should go home. When she rolled over on her side, elbow supporting her as she rested her chin on her hand, and looked at Veronica she could not help the bright smile that took over her lips. "It's late," she said softly. "I should go home." There was an instinct that took over Zelda as she moved closer to the woman and leaned in closer to her lips. It was a new instinct and it made Zelda freeze in place just as her lips brushed against Veronica's. When had it become routine to keep giving goodbye kisses and long for more time with the other? Zelda didn't really want to leave. Not one bit. She was desperate to hold Veronica in her arms and feel calmed by the scent of her perfume. Zelda knew these emotions stirring in her were not ones she should play with. This was the last night, she told herself as she pressed her lips to Veronica's. She had to distance herself for both their sake. Zelda knew attachment only lead to disaster and Veronica deserved better than what Zelda could ever give her, despite how much she wanted to and would do for the woman. When she pulled away, hand resting gently on Veronica's cheek, her lips lingered for a few extra moments that were both too long and not long enough. Zelda's smile returned as she opened her eyes and looked into the other woman's. Lost in the moment for a moment Zelda moved to sit up. "I have to find my clothes first..."

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She was trying not to ask too many questions, to make Thorn feel like she was being judged or cornered... but Veronica was worried. Her friend was back, but at what cost? What had she been through? Settling into the empty seat by her side, she only hummed in response; she was partially there to keep an eye on Thorn for her own sake, partially because her fear of abandonment was at an all time high and she didn't think she could handle her disappearing for a second time.

"Tough shit, here I am" Matching her friend's motions, she linked her own arms in front of her, trying not to stare too hard. She didn't know what Thorn was going through, and she wasn't going to push to find out, but she did want her to know she did not have to go through it alone. "I'm not babysitting you. Maybe I just had to see for myself you hadn't fallen off the face of the earth again."

closed starter @partialdarkncss location: evermore park

Ever since Thorn found herself back in Evermore she had done all she could to not be inside. Sleep was a foreign concept; she didn't even like closing her eyes for more than a minute because each time she saw that cage. She honestly had no idea how long she'd been trapped, how much she screamed, or why she was suddenly let out. She didn't eat much because everything tasted like that horrible slop they fed her to keep her alive. She really didn't understand why they kept her alive...

The park was one of the only places she felt like she could breathe at right now. She just sat on a bench and stared into the night sky, grateful she was even able to see the stars again. She figured it was only a matter of time before one of her girls found her. She hadn't really been saying anything to either of them. She didn't even know what she could say. Feeling the warmth of Dusk next to her, she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back. "I'm fine, V. You didn't have to go looking for me."

[partialdarkncss]

It wasn't what she had came here for — at least, not consciously. If she took a moment to think about it, Veronica would fear she was using Zelda somehow, but she had wanted her company. It wasn't just her lips or her hands that interested her, though she wouldn't deny they were quite nice, it was her. Her personality, everything about her. She just liked being around her, no matter what they were doing. She made her feel safe and warm and while that was something she would stress about if she let herself think about it, there were too many other things to worry about at the present. How she may feel or may not feel was temporarily on the backburner.

She might've had a remark to throw back at her, but Zelda's lips were on hers before she could really process the words, and Veronica wasted no time kissing her back hungrily. She couldn't remember how long it had been since she'd touched her, but it felt like far too long as she felt her hand now on her leg, her body pressed against hers. "I'm happy to help you too," she murmured, letting herself get lost in the moment, a whine leaving her lips when Zelda broke the kiss.

"So cheesy." She laughed, though if she was being honest, the feeling was mutual. "I don't need wine," Veronica decided, stealing another quick kiss from the woman before she let herself wander to her chin, hovering above her jawbone. "Not as long as you keep touching me." Placing a few soft kisses on the side of her face, she lifted her head again, pulling Zelda's lips into her own, one hand on her face, the other moving to Zelda's inner thigh.

~

Zelda knew there was going to be a shift in the air with the way Veronica's eyes glanced over her face. The hint of a smile was enough to confirm what was next to come. Not that Zelda was complaining, she had said she would do anything to help her. When Veronica's hand pressed against Zelda's face a smile fell over her own features. "Is that what's going to help you?" Zelda drawled out. Her hand went to Veronica's side, trailing down until it rested firmly on her hip. With her other arm she draped it around the woman's neck. "If I'm so good at helping you then your wish is my desire," she said just above a whisper before pressing her lips to the other woman's.

Zelda's hand snaked around Veronica's waist to tug her closer. She pressed her chest against the other's, heated lips still against hers. Zelda only pulled away to look her in the eye. Her forehead was pressed against hers and her heart was already pounding faster. "I want to help you just as much as you want me to," she stated. She moved her arm from around her neck to rest her hand on the side of Veronica's thigh. Her lips pressed a gentle kiss to her neck, just beneath her jaw, letting it linger for a moment before she pulled away.

The thought of wine had been long forgotten until Zelda caught the scent of the alcohol on Veronica's breath again. "You wanted wine," she murmured. "Me too, but...I think I could get drunk off the taste of you alone." A mischievous smile rested on Zelda's lips as her eyes look up to gaze into Veronica's. "I don't need alcohol to know you're enough to satisfy the craving."

[partialdarkncss]

It was almost hard to know if she was hurting. In a way, it wasn't like Veronica's friend was missing, it was like a part of her was missing. It had been so long since she was without Thorn and Luna; the only highlight of being stuck in Evermore was the fact that they were stuck together. While she would claim she wouldn't wish that fate on them, a selfish part of her argued that she would, that she had to, because she didn't know how to get by without her best friends. They were the only family that she had, they were the only people in this world that she had ever truly loved. Not knowing where one of them was... and most importantly, if she was okay... she could hardly face it, so she didn't, not really. She ignored it, tucked it away, ran from it until it found her cornered in her bedroom on a dark night and choked her with grief.

"That's what I'm best at," she mumbled, a sad attempt at a joke... but it was true and anyone that knew her at all knew it. She wasn't the kind of person to open up about how she felt, she was the type to ignore it and punch a hole in her wall. Blinking her tears away, she willed them to stay gone; crying wouldn't fix anything at all. "Wine would be good." It wasn't like it would make her situation worse. She hadn't drank that much yet, and she was so used to hangovers this point. It just felt easier to face everything she was trying not to feel when there was a buzz in her system.

As she spoke, Dusk's eyes flickered over her face, the smallest of smiles tugging at her lips. That was why she had come. Even without realizing it, she knew the woman would make her feel better. She was adorable as she rambled, trying to make things better, and her wanting to was enough. They both knew this situation was out of her hands, both of their hands. The only way she knew how to deal with the ache was to pretend it wasn't there and if anyone could make it easier to pretend, to forget, it was Zelda. "Then help me," she murmured, lifting her hand, palm pressed against the side of her face. "You're always so good at helping me."

~

"I know," Zelda responded a little too quickly. "That doesn't mean I shouldn't have tried. I should have checked on you. I should have came to you. I know that--" Zelda presses her lips into a thin line. "I can't imagine how you feel right now. I...assume... that you're hurting." The woman chose her words carefully as she spoke. How was the supposed to tell Veronica she knew how badly she hurt? She couldn't just brush it off as random intuition when it was more than that. Zelda may not have been having clear visions but her intuition was strong enough to know when something was wrong without being told. Granted, Zelda did know the situation at hand but even before Veronica had banged on her door she knew that something was wrong. The feeling in her gut almost always confirmed what was true before being told.

Zelda continued to hold the other in her arms, tight enough to let the other know she didn't want to let go. Reluctantly she pulled away from the embrace to look Veronica in the eyes, her deep browns gazing into the other's. "You don't ever need a reason to show up at my door at nearly two-thirty in the morning," she told her without so much as looking at a clock. "I don't care what time it is. I'd rather you come here. I'd rather you come to me than isolate yourself and let all of these emotions fester and build." An almost forgotten glass of wine crept back up into the back of Zelda's mind. "I don't know if you want-- Maybe it's not a good idea but..." Her brows creased and she wanted to kick herself for being the worst conversationalist in the world, which was a bit of an exaggeration. "Do you want a glass of wine?" she finally blurted out. "I have other stuff. Or water. Whatever you want." It was late but Zelda rarely was asleep before the sun crept onto the horizon. Nighttime was when she thrived most and felt most at peace. "Maybe not. It's late-- not that I mind!" She had already smelled the light scent of alcohol on Veronica's breath but she could tell she wasn't drunk. Maybe there wouldn't be any damage done, but she wasn't trying to encourage the woman to drink her sorrows away either. She was trying to offer as a distraction.

Zelda let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh. "I'm sorry. I try to be decent at these things but...as you can tell my thoughts aren't always conveyed through my words." She offers Veronica a small smile. "Why don't you just stay? We can talk all night if you want. Or, we don't have to talk at all. We could sit in silence if that's what you need and I would happily sit with you." Maybe, seeing as Zelda had a poor habit of rambling. "Okay, maybe not complete silence because we both know I fail miserably at the quiet game," she said trying to make a lighthearted joke. Anything to make Veronica laugh or smile was worth doing to Zelda. "I can't help you if you don't tell me how, V. And I can't help if you won't let me."

[partialdarkncss]

[partialdarkncss]

"I wouldn't have answered," Veronica admitted, her voice hoarse and matching the hushed tone of the other woman's. She didn't mean it as a personal slight. Veronica hadn't answered anyone outside of Luna, the one person she could not shut out even if she wanted to. She knew that her best friend was hurting, too, and she refused to put her own weight of the ache on her, though she knew she could feel it. The three of them were so intertwined at this point she was sure that wherever she was, Thorn could feel it, too — them missing her. It was somewhat of a comforting thought, though she could only hope that Thorn was still around to feel anything. If something happened to her, something permanent... or if they never got answers... Dusk couldn't imagine growing old without her girls by her side. They may not have been her sisters by blood but for all intents and purposes they were. They were the only family she had left, related or not.

Melting into the second embrace, pulled into the house, she let herself breathe in Zelda's scent, let her eyes close and imagine this would do something... that something as gentle as a hug could be healing. When things went wrong she resorted to anger, her hurt always came out as anger, clenched fists and screaming and breaking things. But it had been long enough now, she had been angry enough that the fire had all but dwindled out. She didn't feel numb, not quite. She just felt... sad. "I don't know," she admitted, frustrated at the tears that sprang into her eyes. "I don't know why I came here. I guess I just—... I don't know."

~

There was an unsettling feeling resting on Zelda's shoulders. People were missing, yes, but it was something else. It was more than just a gut feeling. Something was wrong. She knew the intuition wasn't about Helena and when she heard banging at her door so late in the night Zelda didn't even flinch. She opened the door almost immediately because she knew a storm was coming. Coming face to face with a clearly distressed Veronica caused concern to wash over her face. Zelda had seen the list of missing people. She had seen the posters of familiar faces plastered all around town and one of those people happened to be the lead of the Hex Girls. Seeing her friend so upset, Zelda didn't say a word she just pulled her into her arms and embraced her tightly. Veronica was safe, that much was clear as it was relieving. What wasn't clear had been her visions. It was as if they had a filter over them that clouded the images. She'd been in this strange...brain fog funk for a while and was determined to clear the clouds in her mind.

Her heart was racing, pounding so hard that Veronica could surely hear it as she just held her, maybe a little too tightly. She could smell the alcohol on the other woman but that was the least of her concerns. "Why are you sorry?" she asked just above a whisper. Zelda pulled away just enough where she could place gentle hands on Veronica's cheeks. "I'm the one that should be apologizing...and telling you I should have called." Sorrow took over her expression and an almost heartbreaking frown hung on her lips. "You know you don't ever have to apologize to me or call. I don't care what time it is, if you're at my door you're coming inside." And on that topic Zelda dropped her hands to grab Veronica's to pull her inside. The woman locked eyes with her, guilt starting to encompass her gut. "I'm so sorry, V. I know you're hurting. I know you're scared. If it had been Helena I--" Zelda didn't even want to think of what she would have done. She shook her head and embraced her again, holding on tightly. "I'm glad you're safe. I wish... I mean-- I-I'm just trying to say I know you miss her and I...I can't imagine what that feels like." Her lips fall silent for a moment as she bites the inside of her cheek. "Anything you need just tell me and it's yours."

[partialdarkncss]

"You couldn't have seen it coming," Dusk was quick to state, her tone cutting a little harsher than she had meant. She couldn't sit quietly by while someone blamed her best friend, even if it was herself. Not to mention there as a ball of rage heavy in her chest, waiting for any reason to burst out. Inhaling through her nose, she leaned back against her chair, staring at Luna.

There was nothing they could do. She knew it, as much as she didn't want to admit it. Thorn was gone, just gone, like she'd never been there to begin with. "Just promise me you won't go off and disappear too." It wasn't something she could really expect her to promise, seeing as none of them knew what was going on, but... "If you do, I genuinely might start committing mass murders."

to say luna was losing it was an understatement; two of her best friends just GONE without a fucking trace. pacing back and forth, practically carving a pathway into thorn's rug, luna chewed on the tip of her thumb, heart beating like an unsteady kick drum, feeling each pulse of the organ as it made her ribs vibrate. " i don't know , " she replied, words tight, not even able to bring herself to look in dusk's direction in fear that she'd burst into hysterics.

" i mean . . . for fuck sakes, dusk. i know thorn wouldn't just up and leave us , and i know that — that we don't know anything about this whole situation but . . . maybe it's my anxiety or something because i can't help but feel responsible. i know that's — god, i know that's unrealistic but, i've never felt so out of control in my life. i don't know what to do. i don't even know where to start. "