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[Freya didn't question it at first. The sun was rising, but it was still too goddamn early for her to care, so she let sleep pull her back under. That wasn't difficult, between the pleasant warmth of another body and the familiar scent of the pillow.]
[She wasn't sure when it all clicked together, dozing as she was. Familiarity. Company. Freya's eyes snap open, confirming it. Penelope.]
[Shit.]
[The taller woman rolls onto her back with a groan to put a little space between them, covering her eyes with a palm. She swore, she fucking swore that this time, she wouldn't end up here, falling into the exact same pattern they always did.]
[Well. At least, not so soon, anyway. It's what, a week, at best?]
[But even with her protest, even with her simmering frustration, there's an almost-equal desire to scoot back, wrap her arms around Penelope, and pretend like nothing had ever happened. ...Which was half of what Freya was frustrated with in the first place.]
[...and beneath all of that, something still didn't quite add up.]
You know, [she drawls after a moment, her voice still a tad hoarse with grogginess,] I usually remember how I wind up in your bed.
[She wasn't sure when it all clicked together, dozing as she was. Familiarity. Company. Freya's eyes snap open, confirming it. Penelope.]
[Shit.]
[The taller woman rolls onto her back with a groan to put a little space between them, covering her eyes with a palm. She swore, she fucking swore that this time, she wouldn't end up here, falling into the exact same pattern they always did.]
[Well. At least, not so soon, anyway. It's what, a week, at best?]
[But even with her protest, even with her simmering frustration, there's an almost-equal desire to scoot back, wrap her arms around Penelope, and pretend like nothing had ever happened. ...Which was half of what Freya was frustrated with in the first place.]
[...and beneath all of that, something still didn't quite add up.]
You know, [she drawls after a moment, her voice still a tad hoarse with grogginess,] I usually remember how I wind up in your bed.
[The motions where what startled Penelope more than anything. The noise was easy to shut out, but movement anywhere near her tended to wake her up. She was a light sleeper, had been since basic, was even more so after a combat tour. That was just how things were...
but when she opens her eyes, it wasn't an enemy. It was her.
Pen's eyes widen slightly, her mouth opening, but she doesn't move away or pull the sheets up over her bare skin. Yes, there it was, the familiar ache of a morning after making up. Breathing in slowly, she tried to recall what had led up to this.
It had only been a week, but it wasn't that bad of an argument. She may have sworn she wouldn't go right back to Freya again, but apparently that resolution had been short lived. Not that she minded, really. There was an unmistakable desire to reach out and pull herself closer. So, she does just that, a hand on Freya's waist accompanied by a gentle smile.]
Yeah. I usually remember how that happens to. [shaking her head...] Not that I'm ever mad seeing you in the morning.
but when she opens her eyes, it wasn't an enemy. It was her.
Pen's eyes widen slightly, her mouth opening, but she doesn't move away or pull the sheets up over her bare skin. Yes, there it was, the familiar ache of a morning after making up. Breathing in slowly, she tried to recall what had led up to this.
It had only been a week, but it wasn't that bad of an argument. She may have sworn she wouldn't go right back to Freya again, but apparently that resolution had been short lived. Not that she minded, really. There was an unmistakable desire to reach out and pull herself closer. So, she does just that, a hand on Freya's waist accompanied by a gentle smile.]
Yeah. I usually remember how that happens to. [shaking her head...] Not that I'm ever mad seeing you in the morning.
[Freya turns her head slowly at the touch, and the moment she lays eyes on that smile, her resolve cracks. It doesn't shatter, but the fractures run deep with a powerful longing. She doesn't respond in kind to the touch, but Freya doesn't shy from it, either.]
[And she might be staring, just a little bit.]
Yeah. Same here. [How did Freya wind up here? She didn't remember drinking last night.] 'cept for the "morning" part.
[And she might be staring, just a little bit.]
Yeah. Same here. [How did Freya wind up here? She didn't remember drinking last night.] 'cept for the "morning" part.
[When Freya doesn't pull away, Pen slides a little closer, using the hand to pull herself the rest of the way. Just short of kissing range, she nestles her head on a pillow and breathes in Freya's scent.
Staring? Bother her? Not hardly.]
This is true. It's unusual to see you before eleven. [she stifles a giggle.] The bedhead is real with you. Glad you're back though.
[No matter what she might have said last week.]
You don't remember anything either, do you?
Staring? Bother her? Not hardly.]
This is true. It's unusual to see you before eleven. [she stifles a giggle.] The bedhead is real with you. Glad you're back though.
[No matter what she might have said last week.]
You don't remember anything either, do you?
[Freya doesn't stop the advance, shaking her head slightly. Even if it's been only a week, even if she was still a little irritated, she's missed Pen, and it's all Freya can do not to immediately close the distance. Damn this woman's hold on her.]
[Being in love was a real pain in the ass, sometimes.]
Not a damn thing. I get that this is par for me, but it's not like you.
[Being in love was a real pain in the ass, sometimes.]
Not a damn thing. I get that this is par for me, but it's not like you.
[It sure fucking was.]
I mean. Yeah, it's a little unusual.
[She breathes in again.]
But it's okay. I mean, hell, I missed you. It's been a rough week.
I mean. Yeah, it's a little unusual.
[She breathes in again.]
But it's okay. I mean, hell, I missed you. It's been a rough week.
Really. That so. [She responds flatly. At least when they'd had their arguments before, Freya had the apartment to fall back on. This had been their first fight since Pen had asked her to move in; she'd stormed out in a huff, and had been too proud to go crawling back for a place to sleep. Couch crashing felt less humiliating.]
[Despite the dry tone, her head moves ever-so-slightly, almost hesitantly. In the end, Freya doesn't move to kiss, but closes her eyes and lets her forehead bump against Pen's.]
[She mutters,] I don't like it. Makes me think of that one memory of mine. You'd think we'd at least remember the best part.
[Despite the dry tone, her head moves ever-so-slightly, almost hesitantly. In the end, Freya doesn't move to kiss, but closes her eyes and lets her forehead bump against Pen's.]
[She mutters,] I don't like it. Makes me think of that one memory of mine. You'd think we'd at least remember the best part.
[Pen closed the distance, kissing Freya's cheek, hugging her close and silently enjoying the warmth. The cat wasn't the same thing. It just wasn't.
Sure, it'd been a fight, but it was just a fight. She wasn't as angry as she'd made out to be. Besides, she loved Freya.]
Remember the best part or not, at least it all worked out. Can't you accept at least that much?
[An idle, somewhat sleepy comment, but one she half-regretted the moment it came out. She didn't mean to be that flippant. Not where Freya's memories were concerned.]
Sure, it'd been a fight, but it was just a fight. She wasn't as angry as she'd made out to be. Besides, she loved Freya.]
Remember the best part or not, at least it all worked out. Can't you accept at least that much?
[An idle, somewhat sleepy comment, but one she half-regretted the moment it came out. She didn't mean to be that flippant. Not where Freya's memories were concerned.]
[A sense of surrealism hit Freya suddenly; she was reminded of those long-running space shows, that always had that one weird episode about the hallucinogenic planet that tried to seduce them into forgetting why they were there, or what they were worried about.]
[That scenario, of course, would be absurd even for the life of a Retrospecter, but the sentiment hit home. Freya stiffens under Pen's touch, suddenly awake.]
What, it's that easy? Doesn't matter that we've both got these great big blackouts in our memory, long as it's all just peachy? I don't even remember deciding to come back here, Pen.
[Freya doesn't raise her voice or pull away, but her tone develops a little bit of an edge.]
[That scenario, of course, would be absurd even for the life of a Retrospecter, but the sentiment hit home. Freya stiffens under Pen's touch, suddenly awake.]
What, it's that easy? Doesn't matter that we've both got these great big blackouts in our memory, long as it's all just peachy? I don't even remember deciding to come back here, Pen.
[Freya doesn't raise her voice or pull away, but her tone develops a little bit of an edge.]
[Pen couldn't help it. The stiffness and edge in Freya's tone irked her. Memories be damned, flippant be damned, she hated hearing that. It seemed so...absurd to her, that it would be anything less than fine so long as they were together.]
Yes. It is. I want you here, Freya. I've been keeping myself from calling you all week because I wanted to give you space.
[She puffed up a bit.]
Does it really matter why you decided to come back? It's not like Retrospec just dumped you naked into my bed.
Yes. It is. I want you here, Freya. I've been keeping myself from calling you all week because I wanted to give you space.
[She puffed up a bit.]
Does it really matter why you decided to come back? It's not like Retrospec just dumped you naked into my bed.
[Pen's admission hurt far more than the pointed question did. It made way for a rush of guilt, a sharp reminder of how selfish and petty Freya's anger was. She didn't fault the shorter woman for it; Freya needed to hear it, and it only reinforced that sense of longing.]
[Yet she couldn't dismiss that growing suspicion. Not of Pen, but their reality, which Retrospec had long establish was a delicate thing. How many people had they know that had lost the app and reappeared? Is that what happened to them?]
[She wouldn't be half as bothered if Pen could remember. But... both of them? Freya was one to shrug off insignificant details, but if neither of them could be certain, she refused to write it off. Well, that, and...]
[Freya makes a quiet, frustrated noise in the back of throat and sits up.] Yeah, it does. Don't act like no part of that's important--I'm not gonna treat this like it's some little summer fling! [She tires to run an exasperated hand through her hair, but her fingers quickly get caught in the tangles, and Freya instead pushes it back.]
[An apology's only as good as the intention behind it. Freya knew she would never lie to Pen about something like this, but she had to know she did it right. She wanted desperately to be here, but she had to do right by Pen, first.]
[Yet she couldn't dismiss that growing suspicion. Not of Pen, but their reality, which Retrospec had long establish was a delicate thing. How many people had they know that had lost the app and reappeared? Is that what happened to them?]
[She wouldn't be half as bothered if Pen could remember. But... both of them? Freya was one to shrug off insignificant details, but if neither of them could be certain, she refused to write it off. Well, that, and...]
[Freya makes a quiet, frustrated noise in the back of throat and sits up.] Yeah, it does. Don't act like no part of that's important--I'm not gonna treat this like it's some little summer fling! [She tires to run an exasperated hand through her hair, but her fingers quickly get caught in the tangles, and Freya instead pushes it back.]
[An apology's only as good as the intention behind it. Freya knew she would never lie to Pen about something like this, but she had to know she did it right. She wanted desperately to be here, but she had to do right by Pen, first.]
Edited 2018-07-04 03:54 (UTC)
[Pen blinked in surprise. That sudden rush of anger, exasperation, and the way she pulled away hurt. Not as badly as the understanding that Freya had been bothered by what she said. She flopped down onto the bed and rolled over, sitting up and staring at her girlfriend. It...Christ...]
Because it's not a summer fling. Because I love you!
[That came out somewhat harshly, Pen's voice growing a little more shrill as she runs a hand through her own hair, working out a nasty tangle. Physical pain and exasperation make her voice a little more tinny, and she doesn't hide the wince.]
I know it's not one. I know the year we've spent together means something! Jesus, Freya! I know you wouldn't have come back unless you really wanted to be here! That's what matters to me! You, here.
Because it's not a summer fling. Because I love you!
[That came out somewhat harshly, Pen's voice growing a little more shrill as she runs a hand through her own hair, working out a nasty tangle. Physical pain and exasperation make her voice a little more tinny, and she doesn't hide the wince.]
I know it's not one. I know the year we've spent together means something! Jesus, Freya! I know you wouldn't have come back unless you really wanted to be here! That's what matters to me! You, here.
Of course I want to be here! [Freya shoots a look over her shoulder at Pen.] There's nowhere else in the damn world I'd rather be! If it doesn't matter why I came back, what was the point of staying away in the first place, huh?
[Freya's gaze returns to the sheets pooled around her waist, fingers of one hand tightening in them. She didn't have a hangover; Pen didn't seem to, either. Why couldn't she remember such an important moment like an apology? Why couldn't Pen?]
[...Why wasn't her girlfriend more bothered by that? Her apologies didn't mean that little, did they?]
[Her breath hisses through her teeth in a long exhale.] ...guess this means I get priority over the sheets, at least.
[Freya's gaze returns to the sheets pooled around her waist, fingers of one hand tightening in them. She didn't have a hangover; Pen didn't seem to, either. Why couldn't she remember such an important moment like an apology? Why couldn't Pen?]
[...Why wasn't her girlfriend more bothered by that? Her apologies didn't mean that little, did they?]
[Her breath hisses through her teeth in a long exhale.] ...guess this means I get priority over the sheets, at least.
I don't know!
[Pen leaped up out of bed and stalked over to gather a bathrobe, swirling it around herself and shooting a glare at Freya.
This was confusing and weird. It doesn't make any sense at all why they're back, or why the lack of a memory bothers Freya that much.]
You needed space, and I wanted to give it! I don't care how you come back, because I just want you back. I. Love. You. Nothing you say or do is gonna change that. Having you in my life is what matters to me!
[And with that she stalked out of the room, muttering...]
And of course you get priority over the sheets. You're you!
[Pen leaped up out of bed and stalked over to gather a bathrobe, swirling it around herself and shooting a glare at Freya.
This was confusing and weird. It doesn't make any sense at all why they're back, or why the lack of a memory bothers Freya that much.]
You needed space, and I wanted to give it! I don't care how you come back, because I just want you back. I. Love. You. Nothing you say or do is gonna change that. Having you in my life is what matters to me!
[And with that she stalked out of the room, muttering...]
And of course you get priority over the sheets. You're you!
[After stalking out, Penelope made a bee-line for the kitchen, monsters appearing around her. The tomato, Tons, White Hare...her cat. She was annoyed enough that she didn't even notice the roombas in the corner or the computers lining the living room walls as she made her way there. Too much nerd shit for her.
She also didn't necessarily notice that there was anyone else around, so it was entirely possible she'd storm by one or more girls on her way to the kitchen in her bathrobe. Tearing open the fridge, not bothering to hide the noise, she started looking for stuff.]
Christ. Why can't she just...[Groan...] ...Why the hell is there so much Mountain Dew?
[Mumbling to herself, she pulled out some eggs and began cracking them, wondering when she'd have a normal morning again.]
She also didn't necessarily notice that there was anyone else around, so it was entirely possible she'd storm by one or more girls on her way to the kitchen in her bathrobe. Tearing open the fridge, not bothering to hide the noise, she started looking for stuff.]
Christ. Why can't she just...[Groan...] ...Why the hell is there so much Mountain Dew?
[Mumbling to herself, she pulled out some eggs and began cracking them, wondering when she'd have a normal morning again.]
[Freya emerges in sweats and a tanktop a few minutes after Pen, definitely more brooding than stalking in her posture. She didn't look around either, her look distant in thought, heading straight to the pantry.]
[And she startles back with a yelp when she opens the door, fire magic beginning to curl around her fist. It dies out quickly enough as Freya straightens with a scowl, accepting the can from the Tonberry lurking inside the cabinet and slamming it shut--much to the protest of the hinges.]
[Now there's a stalking to Freya's movements as she starts the coffeemaker, retreating to the living room to stare angrily out the window as soon as the task is done.]
[And she startles back with a yelp when she opens the door, fire magic beginning to curl around her fist. It dies out quickly enough as Freya straightens with a scowl, accepting the can from the Tonberry lurking inside the cabinet and slamming it shut--much to the protest of the hinges.]
[Now there's a stalking to Freya's movements as she starts the coffeemaker, retreating to the living room to stare angrily out the window as soon as the task is done.]
[There's a trill of a cute phone alarm down the hallway, and it goes on for a good fifteen seconds before it stops.
Blissful silence for a moment longer, and then:]
Oh my god?! ラグナ? コロちゃん? どこにいるの?!
[A slew of Japanese continues after that, mostly to the effect of "what the fuck" and "where the hell am I". Koromaru, who'd tucked himself in the corner of the living room the night before, perks up and immediately heads down the hall to his human.]
よかった! 無事ですか? ラグナは? わかない? ...じゃあ、一緒に見てみましょう。ナイフ持ってきて。
[Cue a very bewildered puppy coming out with his knife in his mouth, and Minako in a sweater and pajama shorts, Evoker in hand. When she sees Pen, she blinks at her, turning just as confused as Koromaru.]
Pen? What are you doing here?
Blissful silence for a moment longer, and then:]
Oh my god?! ラグナ? コロちゃん? どこにいるの?!
[A slew of Japanese continues after that, mostly to the effect of "what the fuck" and "where the hell am I". Koromaru, who'd tucked himself in the corner of the living room the night before, perks up and immediately heads down the hall to his human.]
よかった! 無事ですか? ラグナは? わかない? ...じゃあ、一緒に見てみましょう。ナイフ持ってきて。
[Cue a very bewildered puppy coming out with his knife in his mouth, and Minako in a sweater and pajama shorts, Evoker in hand. When she sees Pen, she blinks at her, turning just as confused as Koromaru.]
Pen? What are you doing here?
[So Freya probably heard all of this, and once things settle down a bit, Minako will be joining her in the living room, a mug of tea in her hands.]
Mind if I join you?
Mind if I join you?
[Pen's immediate reaction is to reach for the pistol she has slipped into a kitchen drawer, a Desert Eagle. The sound of an unfamiliar person, and an unfamiliar animal was enough to set off those reflexes. The instant she recognizes the voice, however, has her slipping the firearm into the pocket of her robe.
She spins and waits, arms folded...]
It's my house.
[Eyebrow lifting...]
Dunno what you're doing here. The party was last weekend.
She spins and waits, arms folded...]
It's my house.
[Eyebrow lifting...]
Dunno what you're doing here. The party was last weekend.
[A much fluffier cat soon joined the menagerie, sitting close to the other cat and further away from the tomato monster. He trilled, otherwise patiently waiting for his breakfast.
The cat's nearest caretaker was less composed, though. Lucy had been doing what she usually did when she heard raised voices, which was sit quietly and find something else to do. Which, this time, was try and figure out what the fuck all her stuff was doing in this room. The house she recognized--this was Pen's house, and this was one of the spare rooms over the garage, and those were Pen and Freya's voices. All of Lucy's things seemed to be accounted for, so...what?
She'd stumbled out of her room after the arguing stopped, in a too-large shirt and shorts she used for sleeping. And someone just about as tall as she was and blonde rushed by without saying anything, startling her.
After collecting herself for a moment, Lucy shuffled into the kitchen, combing her hair with her fingers.]
Uh--Pen?
The cat's nearest caretaker was less composed, though. Lucy had been doing what she usually did when she heard raised voices, which was sit quietly and find something else to do. Which, this time, was try and figure out what the fuck all her stuff was doing in this room. The house she recognized--this was Pen's house, and this was one of the spare rooms over the garage, and those were Pen and Freya's voices. All of Lucy's things seemed to be accounted for, so...what?
She'd stumbled out of her room after the arguing stopped, in a too-large shirt and shorts she used for sleeping. And someone just about as tall as she was and blonde rushed by without saying anything, startling her.
After collecting herself for a moment, Lucy shuffled into the kitchen, combing her hair with her fingers.]
Uh--Pen?
[Minako tucks her Evoker into her pajama pockets, a deep furrow forming between her brows. Deeming that the situation doesn't require it anymore, Koromaru tucks his knife into his pet bed and then wiggles past Pen's legs to go for his water bowl. Completely normal! He doesn't understand why Leader is freaking out.]
I don't know what I'm doing here either? I fell asleep in my own apartment, and then woke up in that room.
I don't know what I'm doing here either? I fell asleep in my own apartment, and then woke up in that room.
[The living room was already occupied by someone on the couch, but said occupant was quiet. The fluffy cat in her arms seemed extremely concerned by all the noise, back all spiky and pupils small. Lucy kept stroking his ears to try and calm him down.
After Freya had been lurking at the window for a few moments, Lucy spoke up.]
What happened?
[In the argument, or in the kitchen. Dealer's choice.]
After Freya had been lurking at the window for a few moments, Lucy spoke up.]
What happened?
[In the argument, or in the kitchen. Dealer's choice.]
It is a guest room.
[Pen shrugs, apathetic, and drops down to give Koro a scratch as he goes for his water bowl.
And then that catches up with her...]
...Your dog has a water bowl in my kitchen...what the fuck? Not that I mind, but, what?
[Pen shrugs, apathetic, and drops down to give Koro a scratch as he goes for his water bowl.
And then that catches up with her...]
...Your dog has a water bowl in my kitchen...what the fuck? Not that I mind, but, what?
[Well! All of that was very exciting and confusing. Mostly confusing. Minako is now tucked into a corner of the couch, texting Ragna about her situation.
It's officially summer break, so while her desire to return to her apartment is lined with a personal, quiet urgency, there's technically no reason for her to need to hurry. It'll take some time to get all of her things moved back into their proper apartment, besides. She should relax in Pen's nice house. Be a good guest before leaving.
Finally done texting, she sets her phone down and yawns.]
Sleepy...
[Come be her pillow, Lucy.]
It's officially summer break, so while her desire to return to her apartment is lined with a personal, quiet urgency, there's technically no reason for her to need to hurry. It'll take some time to get all of her things moved back into their proper apartment, besides. She should relax in Pen's nice house. Be a good guest before leaving.
Finally done texting, she sets her phone down and yawns.]
Sleepy...
[Come be her pillow, Lucy.]
[Pen spun at the sound of a voice, her hand reaching instinctively for a drawer. It froze halfway through the motion, her fingers dropping down. With a soft sigh of relief, she sagged back against the counter.]
Hey. Lucy. Sorry about that.
[Did she mean going for the gun, or the shouting? The world may never know.]
You sleep okay?
Hey. Lucy. Sorry about that.
[Did she mean going for the gun, or the shouting? The world may never know.]
You sleep okay?
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