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Her stomach was hurting, not from gunshot wounds or from desperate punches or even from a hard session at the gym. No, Anita Williams’ stomach was hurting because she was laughing. She was on her sofa with a glass of red in one hand and her other covering her mouth to stop the ridiculous sound of her laughter growing as she listened to her favourite person recount a failed heist because of a wardrobe malfunction.
“I know you think my gear isn’t suited to the games but actually there’s a lot of thought behind my look!” Loba retorted in mock anger but the sparkle in her and the upturned corners of her mouth revealed her delight.
“Lo, you never fail to astound me,” Anita chuckles, leaning back into the sofa. If you had asked the soldier how she spent her down time between matches a couple of months ago, it definitely wouldn’t have been hanging out with a master thief and consuming far too much expensive wine.
Loba caught her gaze over the rim of her own glass as she finished yet another, “You know me, I like to impress.” This time a wink punctuated the sentence and Anita rolled her eyes. There was a time where Loba’s venere of flirtatious remarks and sexual confidence annoyed the soldier to no end but now, Anita enjoyed the interactions, looked forward to them even but that could be the empty bottle of red talking right now.
Regardless, there was no denying that Anita thoroughly enjoyed Loba’s presence in her life. Before the thief there was a hollowness to her living quarters, perpetuated by the pain of an endless search and loneliness. Sure the other Legends built bonds with the soldier but when she withdrew, they allowed it. Loba hadn’t from the moment she busted up King’s Canyon. The thief’s persistence in acquainting herself was relentless, a skill that came with Loba’s line of work or so she wanted Anita to believe.
“You are impressive,” Anita confirmed as she squeezed Loba’s free hand, surprising her, “Aw aren’t you sweet tonight.” Loba squeezed back affectionately but the moment didn’t last as Anita continued her sentence, “An impressive clutz for a self proclaimed master thief!” Loba’s mock anger reappeared and her soft hand withdrew to slap Anita’s shoulder.
“What am I supposed to do with you? I bring you wine, I entertain and all I get in return is criticism for my life long work hm!” Loba huffed, far too adorably as she pretended to give Anita the cold shoulder.
“Mm that’s not true, Princess I give you plenty,” The soldier countered.
“Are you sure about that Sergeant? Name one thing you’ve given me tonight.” Loba regarded her with a look that would have made any other person sweat but she was Anita Williams.
“Well, I was going to comment on your wonderful attire tonight Ms. Andrade. Oh wait, are those mine?” Anita pointed to the t-shirt and hoodie Loba habitually wore whenever she was over, no shorts required because there was plenty of extra material thanks to Anita’s impressive height.
“Damn it I made it too easy,” Loba conceded as they shared more laughter.
“You look too good in them for me to say no.” That brought a smile to Loba’s lips,
“Is that all I am for you Sargeant? Someone nice to look at?” the thief replied, turning to face Anita intently. Clearly she wasn’t going to be as forgiving a second time.
“No! Not that you aren’t easy on the eyes but there’s more than that!” Anita panicked as Loba giggled delightfully.
“There’s more? Do tell.” Anita cleared her throat as she collected her thoughts. Upsetting Loba was the last thing she’d ever want to do. If anything Anita wanted to take care of the woman sitting in front of her more than anything…Anita placed her glass on the table as a way to distract herself from completing that thought. The soldier's cheeks were warm but that was because of the alcohol and definitely not because Loba’s attention was firmly fixed on her.
“You're funny,” A nervous hand brushed the left part of her side shave, "I admire your determination and I smile more when you’re around.”
Anita swallowed hard and glanced at Loba whose eyes were far too soft and filled with something that shouldn’t be there for her of all people.
"Nice save Sergeant." Anita sighed in relief as Loba scooted closer and angled her back towards the soldier.
"Take out my braids?"
"Yes ma'am," Anita's hands worked deftly to free Loba’s hair from the practical style. The soldier would never admit it but this was always her favourite part of the evenings with Loba. It was something Anita felt like she could actually do for the thief to relieve some of her tension. Though her hands could probably do more if Anita ever allowed herself to admit what was happening between them. The last braid was undone, freeing the gorgeous curtain of hair. Loba sighed gratefully as she ran both hands through it to check for knots.
Quiet chatter followed before Loba rested her head just under Anita’s chin and more importantly under the soldier’s arm. Anita smiled as she pulled the blanket sitting atop the sofa over them and tightened her hold over Loba. In these moments, they didn't need to be anything but them…
…
Anita stood staring at the sofa as her mind finished replaying the memory. The blanket and Loba’s favourite clothes were both washed, folded neatly and waiting for her…just like Anita was.
The soldier rubbed her eyes to stop any tears from collecting and pulled out her communicator to confirm the same thing she had known for about a month now. Loba wasn't responding to any of her messages.
The Apex newsfeed interrupted Anita’s messages to happily show her that Loba had just won a Duos match with Kairi.
"No one's interested in who's better, just who is the best. And right now that's us!" Kairi announced in the post match interview with an arm around a laughing Loba.
Anita’s stomach was hurting but it wasn't from laughter, not anymore.