Work Text:
The group had been traveling for what felt like days by the time they came to their first stop, the bus giving one last shudder as Nicte Batan pulled into an empty space. The sun had set a few hours prior and the darkening sky wasn't doing much for morale.
With little to do, Scylla Ramshorn had chosen to spend her time watching her on-again off-again girlfriend Raelle Collar, who had fallen asleep 10 minutes into their journey. The brunette couldn't blame her though, considering the events that had led to the group going on the run. Occupying the seats at the back of the bus; the two had been completely wrapped up in each other, hands linked in Raelle's lap, the blonde's head nestled into the cradle of Scylla's neck, gentle snores and puffs of air warming the space.
She tore her eyes away from the fixer to focus on the small building they had stopped at. From the outside, it wasn't much to look at, just your average run of the mill, roadside shop but to the group it was a sight for sore eyes. The small amount of food that Scylla and Quinn had packed into a backpack, had quickly been demolished by the group and empty stomachs were starting to rumble and Abigail Bellweather took 'hangry' to another level.
Abigail and Adil had taken the seats in the middle of the bus on the right hand side cuddling into each other. Much like Scylla and Raelle, the two hadn't let go of each other. Khalida had chosen the seat in front of her brother while Tally Craven had chosen the seat in front of Raelle. Every so often she would alternate which couple she was watching, an uncontrolled smile plastered across her face at the happiness her sisters had found, even in such dire times.
Quinn and Nicte had taken turns driving, trying to put as much distance between them and the army as possible. The two had spent at least an hour arguing about which direction to flee in, weighing up the pros and cons of various Dodger and Spree hideouts, before agreeing to stop at a motel for the night.
After a brief discussion, Adil and Quinn had been chosen to go on the supply run.
Neither of them had any outstanding warrants against them nor had they been featured heavily on the news unlike the rest of the fugitives. Tally eagerly handed Quinn a list of snacks and other useful items they might need
Having lost her cuddle companion, Abigail wandered towards the back of the bus, coming to a stop beside Tally's seat. She poked at the redhead's arm until the other girl shifted and allowed Abigail to glue herself to her side. Raelle, who had started to wake from her slumber, reached up with her free hand to meet the other girl half way, creating a link between the unit.
Scylla couldn't help the warmth pulsating in her chest at the sight of Tally and Abigail together, growing stronger as she looked down at the slowly waking blonde next to her. Although the trio hadn't gotten along in the slightest at the beginning of their training; strife, blood and adversity had forged the bonds of sisterhood. Bonds that nothing could break apart. There was a large part of her that wished she knew how they felt, having people to depend upon, who would literally fight to the death for her, but life had chosen a different path for her.
Raelle chose that moment to glance up at her through sleep filled eyes, tightening the grip on her hand as though she could sense the thoughts clouding the other girl's mind.
"Why have we stopped?" The words were basically an incoherent mumble since she was still half asleep.
"We're getting supplies. Nicte and Quinn have decided to stop at a motel a few miles up the road, then we'll get to the safe house tomorrow," She brought their connected hands up and placed a gentle kiss against them. "Go back to sleep and I'll wake you when we get to the motel."
Raelle let out a sleepy 'ok', snuggling back into her human pillow. Tally chose that moment to look back at the couple, eyes shining at the moment happening in front of her. She would be the first to admit that she still had a distrust of Scylla. The Necros' past relationship with the Spree and past acts still made it hard to trust her. However, since reappearing, she had done everything possible to protect Raelle, even risking her freedom to do so. That loyalty to Raelle was enough for Tally to reevaluate her feelings towards the other girl. Considering the bond that the trio had, it made sense that Scylla's loyalty would extend to them as well.
"Despite everything that's happened, I'm really glad you guys have found each other again," She looked directly at the older girl, pausing as she considered her words. "You really love her don't you?"
Scylla looked back down at Raelle, emotions flickering behind her crystal blue eyes. In the couple of years since meeting the other girl, everything that Scylla knew and believed had been upended. Her unwavering belief that the Spree had been just in what they did, had been thrown out the window. The atrocities she had committed under their name, now caused an unrelenting guilt, that she would carry every day. She had watched her mentor sacrifice her life for the life of her daughter. Her faith was now firmly rooted in the actions of the fixer and her unit, the only people who seemed to want to protect both humans and witches, who wanted to do the right thing.
"I love her. A lot. Being a Dodger and Spree, I never thought that I would have love or a relationship but Raelle has proven me wrong." She paused and looked at Tally, wanting the other girl to fully understand and take in what she had to say. "You turned me into Anacostia, at the time I hated you for it. Felt like you had taken everything from me. But looking back, I want to thank you Tally. I couldn't see what we were doing was wrong, didn't see a way out and you gave me that. I know that I'll have to spend the rest of my life proving to you, Abigail and Raelle that I've changed but I want to do that. Raelle means everything to me and you guys mean everything to her."
"Abigail will probably take a while to come around, she's stubborn like that. But I can see that you've changed." Tally suddenly looked bashful, like she was about to admit some long held secret. "I really wanted us to be friends before all of this. You seemed really cool and Raelle really liked you."
"I would love the chance to be your friend Tally. Hell, I'd even love to be High Society's friend if I got the chance."
The two burst into laughter, rocking the blaster from her slumber. She looked at the two, who were trying and failing to stifle the remnants of giggles and glared at them. Before she could ask what they were doing Quinn and Adil reentered the bus, arms laden with shopping bags. They quickly secured the bags at the front of the bus, Adil stopping to grab a sandwich, presenting it to Abigail. She took it gratefully from him and decided on ignoring whatever Scylla and Tally had been doing in favor of satisfying her hunger. Adil took his previous seat and the group watched as Nicte and Quinn had a brief conversation before the bus started up and they headed in the direction of the motel.