Chapter Text
A long sigh escaped Chloe’s lips as she slumped against one of the nearby trees. With how heavily her heart beat in her ears, she was glad Ridiel remained behind. For as much as she enjoyed being around the other woman, she didn’t wish to be seen in such a mess.
It was almost infuriating in a way how she always had to walk circles in her head just to get Ridiel to listen. Someone so stubborn is nearly impossible to convince of anything. And Chloe wouldn’t put in nearly so much effort to convince such a person.
But this was Ridiel. And it’s because of that her mind kept working in circles. For she would do anything to make sure Ridiel remained unharmed. But how do you convince someone like her to stay safe in the first place? When she wanted for safety, she acted as an informant to Zenoira. And when she wanted to protect others…well, she almost got herself killed if Alain hadn’t ordered the Liberation to rescue her.
Alain. Chloe wished she didn’t have to use him as a crutch to get Ridiel to stay safe. But there was no way the woman could be convinced to worrry for her own safety. And it seemed selfish to ask her to stay safe for Chloe’s sake. So the only logical reasoning was to say it was for Alain’s safety. After all, it fit perfectly with Ridiel’s own goals of proving herself.
It felt wrong, though, using Alain’s name for such selfish purposes. But it was for the best. It had to be done if Ridiel’s blistered and bloodied fingers were anything to go by. The sight of them was etched in Chloe’s mind, leaving with it a pang in her chest.
Yet those thoughts wandered. How she wished she could have held Ridiel’s hand for a moment longer. Or the warmth and softness of her palm. And maybe…just a passing thought of wishing to kiss that hand.
She let out a groan as she pressed the back of her wrist against the bridge of her nose. No, it was better not to fancy these thoughts. Chloe has heard Ridiel speak of her mother time and time again. And there was always one unwavering stance she held. One bit of disdain towards her mother for loving a human.
There was no chance for Ridiel to return Chloe’s feelings. Not if her words were anything to go by. So these feelings were to be pushed aside. Ignored. Or, at the very least, simply redirected. Chloe convinced herself that she’d be satisfied just being able to be close friends with Ridiel.
Yes, that would be good enough. So long as Ridiel was safe—and hopefully happy—then Chloe would be sastisfied.