Chapter Text
They had decided to stay at Fort Salem for the next few days. As much as Raelle wanted to return home, to see her father and Tiffany - it was safer to keep Izaodra nearby.
Although Scylla and Adil were slowly getting better, things could go wrong so easy. Their health wasn’t back to normal yet, and this was the most sensible choice.
Raelle was beginning to heal too, at a quicker speed than the pair. It wasn’t long before she was out of the wheelchair and on her feet.
Petra had assigned them rooms on base, coupled off into their pairs. Gregario had joined Tally, so each couple had a small room in the same hall close by. Giving the right amount of privacy but also closeness. It was reassuring to have everyone nearby.
It brought back memories to be back in Fort Salem with her unit, and Scylla. Some good. Some ... not so good. The experience was bizarre and being out of immediate danger, she had the time to reflect on everything.
The room was simple enough to last them the short trip, barely furnished with two small beds (laughable considering they were married), a mirror, desk and dresser. Not that they had many clothes or personal items on hand.
It was strikingly different to the comfort of Raelle’s bedroom, back at home in the Cession. The sterile blankness was unnerving, too formal. But it would have to do, they didn’t intend on staying for long.
She had pushed the beds together, huffing at how unexpectedly heavy they actually were. Of course Scylla found the whole thing amusing, propped up against one of the beds as Raelle struggled to move the other one.
”Need a hand?”
Raelle bent over her knees, breaths coming in heavy pants. She held up a hand, trying to catch herself. “All good over here! Just relax”
She wasn’t all good. The bed was like steel almost bolted to the floor. Maybe this was intentional, she thought, and gave it an angry kick.
Scylla obliged, leaning back against the bed. Though she peered back at her over the top of a book that she found in a cupboard drawer, a playful glint in her eye.
“Maybe we should just call it a day, I’m sure you’ll be fine sleeping” she paused for dramatic effect, “allll the way over there” she closed the book, propping it against her knee to point across the room where Raelle was still trying (and failing) to move the bed.
Raelle ignored her antics, nudging the frame with her toe - scowling at it when it stayed, unmoving. “Maybe I should try magic” she muttered under her breath, preparing.
”Hey, hey!” Scylla exclaimed, tossing her book to the desk and moving to stand. She winced at the action, and Raelle stopped what she was doing, crossing the bedroom to help her sit up in an instant.
“Be careful” she insisted. “No magic, you’re still healing!” Scylla was bossy. So bossy. This made Raelle grin, all frustration momentarily forgotten.
”Well sit back down! You’re gonna end up straining something. Izadora said limited movements”
It was unlike her to be the sensible one, but Raelle was determined for Scylla to heal fully without worsening her injuries. Trying to walk around the room wouldn’t likely do that, but she didn’t want to risk it. Besides, she could barely sit up unassisted without flinching in pain.
“Just leave the bed then!” She was determined to win this one, not letting it drop. “It’s like you’re forgetting that it’s not just me whose hurt”
Raelle paused at this. Scylla looked hurt and that’s the last thing she wanted. She dropped onto the bed, and took her hand.
”I just want to be close to you. I feel like we’re always being dragged apart, something trying to separate us. I want to be near you, to make sure you’re okay. I know I’m hurt too, but you were in such a bad way Scyl”
It had been terrifying, almost losing her again. Raelle knew that she couldn’t always do anything, but she was adamant on watching out for her wife.
”I know, but we’re okay now. You saved me, protected me. Like you promised” Scylla spoke softer now, her eyes creasing and a gentle smile spreading across her face.
“Try the bed one more time. If not, just stay in this one with me. I’m sure we’ll find a way to fit” she waggled her eyebrows, and Raelle laughed. It was the exact diffusion of the intense moment that they both needed, a way to lighten up the events of a dark, heavy week.
She nodded, releasing Scylla’s hand and kissing her cheek before standing up from the bed. “I can do that!”
.................
A single bed was not made to fit two people. Raelle wanted Scylla to be as comfortable as possible so suggested she slept on the floor. Her wife had shot her a signature look, eyebrows raised.
So she instead workshopped ways to lay on the bed together without causing any pain. The feat was harder than expected and it took a few (careful) attempts before they managed a comfortable position.
And Raelle was content. More than that, she was happy. So happy: relieved to have Scylla pressing close, head on her chest and snoring lightly.
She couldn’t bring herself to sleep though, instead staring at her face tilted facing the ceiling. This was the kind of silence she preferred, that she actually enjoyed.
There was no way to tell what would happen next, or how long it would take before the Camarilla struck back again. Raelle knew that whatever happened, she would try to keep Scylla safe.
Because moments like this, is exactly what she lived for, being back in each other’s arms and the rest of their chaotic unit down the corridors just metres away. Everyone accounted for, and safe. Happy.
She lost herself in thoughts, thinking about the past. What happened to bring them to that time today. The present, how they would move forward and put an end to the Camarillo.
But also the future. When could they finally live a peaceful life in the Cession?
That’s all she wanted, all what Scylla wanted. Retire to some home, perhaps even build one. Near enough to her family home to see her father and Quinn, but some distance to keep their personal space. Take Tiffany with them, if she wanted to of course.
And animals. Lots of animals. Raelle never had any growing up, it just wasn’t something her parents discussed. Now, she entertained the idea of a farm, even. Scylla would definitely want more birds, and she voted ducks. Tiffany would love them. They would be happy.
That wasn’t likely going to happen any time in the immediate future. The world had changed. Rewritten by the events of the past week. Nothing would ever be the same, so they can’t just disappear from the conflict and act like nothing was happening.
“You’re thinking too hard”
A voice interrupted, and Raelle involuntarily jumped at its unexpectedness. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you with my internal rambling” she teased, unable to stop herself from kissing the side of Scylla’s jaw - who hummed in appreciation, eyes still shut.
”I can feel you thinking, even when I’m asleep. It’s treacherous. You never stop” her tone is light, teasing. But it’s true, Raelle couldn’t stop herself from thinking, wondering. What will happen next?
”You have to sleep” Scylla demanded with a softness that she was so, so fond of. No one else could pull off an instruction with such gentleness.
And she was right too. Raelle needed to sleep, she couldn’t just lay there thinking all night. All day. Forever. Yet it was easier said than done.
Scylla reached for her hand blindly in the darkness of the night, interlacing their fingers together and laying them on her stomach. She hums absent mindedly, waiting.
”Every time I close my eyes, I see you lying there” Raelle admits, clinging on to her hand. “I remember everything that happened and how you were so close to just ...” she trails off, not wanting to explain exactly what she was so terrified about. Not wanting to put it into words.
“I’m here now” Scylla squeezes her hand as a reminder. “If you don’t sleep, you won’t heal. And we don’t know what’s happening with the Camarilla so we all need to try and be at our best. Especially since some of us, are not”
“It was scary, I think about it too. But we have to look forward, to think about the future. We’re together again, and we promised not to let anything tear us apart. So we won’t”
Its reassuring to hear Scylla talk like this, with such strength and conviction. She’s adamant that nothing will separate them again, and Raelle admires to her confidence.
She takes the words in. Staying up all night panicking won’t help the situation, the remaining Camarilla could arrive at any time. If she’s exhausted during the battle, it will leave now opportunity for attack. And that will be bad news not just for herself but her unit, her family.
“You’re right. Of course you are”
Scylla laughs, sounding a lot more tired now and Raelle kisses her forehead in the dark, pulling their bodies impossibly closer together.
”Go to sleep” She instructs. “I’ll be here when you wake up, I love you”
.................................
When she wakes up again, it’s brighter this time. The sun shines through the thin curtains, and Scylla groans in her arms burying further into the mattress.
”It’s too bright” she complains, screwing her eyes shut and holding her forearm over them to block the rays of light. Raelle squints too, and pulls the sheet over their heads.
It reminds her of when they first ran from the army, and took refuge in the packing facility somewhere along the Cession. They’d play the role of workers, taking any free moment to enjoy each other’s company.
It became a running joke with the others, of whom many walked in on the pair. Abigail refused to work the same shift after they had failed to lock a closet door properly.
After the passionate moments, Raelle would often make some variation of a tent fort - something she loved to do in her childhood. Amused, Scylla would play along.
They would spend hours under the safety of the blankets, various sheets tied up and held together to form a sanctuary away from everyone else.
There, Raelle felt safe, able to share her biggest fears, her hopes and dreams. Scylla never laughed or thought anything was silly, she listened intently and added her opinion or own story occasionally.
”Better?” She asked, tucking the corner of the sheet under the pillow. The brightness of the sun was dimmed by the dark sheets, and Scylla opened her eyes properly.
“Much”
Raelle turned onto her side, and reached out to trace down her jaw. Their eyes met and then couldn’t drag away from each other.
“Feeling any better?” She asked, continuing to follow a path down Scylla’s neck. Her wife hummed, “A bit”
And she did. The colour was returning to her cheeks, and she didn’t seem as exhausted as yesterday.
She leaned in, and connected their lips, Scylla eagerly reciprocating. They deepened it slightly, as she probed her tongue, mouth opening wider. Before they could continue the door creaked.
Raelle sprung into action, rolling away from Scylla, pulling the sheets away and tugging her own t shirt on from where it lay some where on the floor.
It got stuck over her head in the haste, causing Scylla to laugh loudly. She frowned playfully. “You think it’s funny?” She finally managed to pull the shirt on just in time for the door to open, and Tally stood there sporting a huge smile. “Ready for the day?”
Raelle groaned at her loudness and retreated back to the bed, flopping back. “You’re way too enthusiastic for this time of day. It’s early Tal! Let us rest”
Tally looked scandalised at the thought. She had always been a morning person. Whereas Raelle was definitely not. She liked to sleep, Or whatever she was about to get up to with Scylla that Tally so rudely interrupted.
“It’s already late morning! I’ve been patient, waiting for you guys to wake up. But the day will be over before you two leave the bed” she teased, leaning against the door frame.
They didn’t deny it. There was something enjoyable about laying in bed, despite how small and actually uncomfortable it was.
“Okay, we’ll see you in your room in about fifteen minutes. Just give me the chance to get ready” Scylla flashed her a smile, and Raelle got lost in the happiness in her eyes. Shaking her head dazed, she nodded. “Whatever she said”
Tally smiled fondly at them. “Take your time. Just perhaps not too much time” she directed the last part to Raelle with a pointed look, who would make no such promises.
If she had her way then she would spend the entire day in bed with Scylla. Maybe they could spend some time there later on.
”Shes got a point. We should get up. Face the day”
Scylla leaned in for a kiss which Raelle happily returned, pouting when it ended far too soon.
“Now come on, help me up!”
And who was she to deny her wife anything.
They got up and dressed for the day. Raelle had only brought some items of clothing from home to last the few days they anticipated staying for. The dressers were filled with some basic army clothing, t shirts and trousers.
But she felt more comfortable in the familiar clothes from home. And it wasn’t a bad sight to see Scylla in her old lacrosse jersey from high school, surname Collar printed across the back. Definitely not a deliberate choice.
After getting changed and freshening up, they headed over to Tally’s room across the hall. Scylla was walking a lot slower than usual, her body recuperating.
Raelle was holding her hand, watching. She was careful to walk the line between becoming too overprotective and giving her wife too much distance. It was a hard balance but she wanted to provide the right amount of reassurance without taking over.
Opening the door, she wasn’t alone. Adil and Abigail were conversing between themselves as they stood in the corner of the room. Tally and gregario were nowhere to be seen, something of which Raelle found hilariously hypocritical.
They returned from the adjacent bathroom, hair messy and clothes ruffled. She raised an eyebrow as Scylla and Abigail exchanged a look. Adil didn’t comment on it, but instead wore a small knowing smile.
”Hey!” Tally noticed their expressions, “let a girl live!” Raelle accepted the outstretched bottle of water that Adil handed to her, holding it out like she was delivering a speech.
“Here here!”
The atmosphere was the playful kind of happiness that was in the air of their wedding. Everyone was laughing, talking and celebrating their love. Now, the situation wasn’t too far off. Instead of the marriages - they were rejoicing about everyone reuniting and on the road to recovery.
They were awaiting on Petra calling them in to discuss the battle plan against the Camarilla. So long as no imminent attack occurred, the meeting should be happening in the next two or three days apparently.
This gave the group a short period to try and heal, as well as enjoy the calm before the storm. Raelle was grateful for it, but knew nothing ended up so simple. Something always managed to go wrong, or not to plan. So she cherished every moment spent with her unit.
“What’s our first port of call?” Adil asked, perched on the chair alongside Abigail. Scylla perked up, “breakfast?” She suggested, adding. “I’m starving”
And Raelle could never deny her anything, especially not when she wore that innocent soft smile. “Breakfast it is!”
Abi snorted, “ridiculous” she stage whispered, referring to the ‘heart eyes’ she was giving Scylla. Not that Raelle noticed, she was very very busy staring at her very very beautiful wife.
“Earth to Raelle” a hand waved in front of her face and she scowled at her sister. “Please, I assumed Necro meant real food. Not her. She isn’t on the menu”
Tally laughed good natured, as did Scylla who was watching the back and forth with her arms crossed, entertained.
She slugged her shoulder with a punch. “Shut up Abs” she groaned without any bite. They agreed on breakfast, grabbing something from the large hall that often served food.
Grabbing their belongings, they begun the trek across base which was awkward with the amount of people firing looked their way. Some were just nosiness, wanting to see what was happening. Others looked mildly impressed at their presence and some were clearly intrigued.
Raelle held onto Scylla’s hand tighter. She opened her mouth to speak but was best to it. “Yes I’m doing fine. No the pain isn’t worse and yes - I can make it to the hall without sitting down”
She blinked once. Twice. “Sorry” she looked sheepish. “I just care that’s all”
“I’m just teasing” Scylla swung their hands, knocking her shoulder lightly. “Loosen up, like a little!”
Now that brought back a whole different host of memories, smile ghosting over her face at the thought. Back to the days were things were simpler. Now though, everything was out in the open and they were happy. So happy.
There were plenty of problems they had faced, and currently - their relationship was definitely not one of them.
Before reaching the hall, Raelle turned to her wife. “I’m just going to give my dad a quick call, give him an update. He’s probably worried sick” she explained.
Scylla smiled at the mention of Edwin, whom she had grown especially close with. “Do you want me to come with you?” She offered, but Raelle shook her head.
”Stick with the others, grab some food. I’ll just call him now, I won’t be long. I promise. I’ll catch up with you guys in the hall”
”If you’re sure” Scylla kissed her briefly. Too briefly. Then caught up with Tally who had been waiting for her, linking their arms together.
Raelle watched her walk off, smiling at herself like the big idiot she knew that she was. Then, she found the closest phone and prepared to call back to the Cession. To let her dad know that everything was okay, that Scylla was okay.