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The memory clicks into existence like an old CRTV, image warped and blurred at the edges. The smell of chlorine emanating from the water was enough to overwhelm the senses on a normal day, however spending ten hours underwater bouncing around the simulated facility had made them grow numb to the smell. All the lights of the building were shut off save for the ones in the pool, casting wavey reflections onto the ceiling that Reid found herself staring at in the moment of silence.
Mary had wanted to reward their day of ‘floatin about’ with a drink, something that made the younger assistant knit her brows into a stern expression, however even through the stammering mess Mary was still able to convince Reid to sit at the edge of the pool. A pack of beer between them, something that surprised Ashleigh, not exactly pinning the scott to be one. Though maybe it was all she could find on short notice, still, it suited Ash just fine.
“..... … …… …. ….. -eid?”
Something was said but the memory tears and statics like a damaged tape for the entirety of the sentence until the memory stabilizes.
A beat.
“Yer not fallen asleep on me are ye?” Mary leaned over into Ash’s view, who blinked at her in return.
“No, my apologies, what were you saying?”
Dr. Somers simply smiled, always quick to forgive, quick to trust. A pang of anxiety bloomed in her chest and she averted her gaze back to the water. Mary got closer, moving a pair of beer bottles out of the way, close enough now she could lay her head on Reid’s shoulder. An act that almost made her tense up but realizing that they were both alone she instantly relaxed, reciprocating with a loose arm around Somer’s shoulder.
“I asked how ye felt about Olympus, yer time here, I dinnae ken if I ever asked you before.” Mary repeats.
“Ah, well-” The beginnings of a lie died immediately on her lips, wanting to say that she enjoyed it here but she knew full well that wasn’t always the case, sighing now as she settled on another answer. “I’ll be honest with you. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten comfortable living here, I feel out of place like I’m always being watched.” And there most certainly are eyes on her, watching through their dotted scopes, aimed at her head. Evaluating her worth.
Mary’s hum brought her to the attention that she might have implied she wasn’t comfortable during her time with the older woman but a soft hand wrapping around her calloused one was enough to distract her before she could explain.
“Ach, I’m sorry that’s how you’ve been feelin’ petal. Though I get it, a city floatin’ in the breeze isn’ exactly natural, can be pretty jarrin’ to most folks.” She laughed, it was soft and tickled the skin on Ash’s neck, making her breath hitch.
“Why the question to begin with?”
“This is technically a work assignment, livin’ here, so I was wonderin’ if you wanted to stay here. After the mission.”
Oh. This line of thinking, planning for the future, was something Reid dreaded being brought up. It felt like ice was being flushed through her veins out of her chest, the back of her throat numbing as she nervously swallowed. It took an immeasurable amount of will to regain control, letting that mask fall back in place as she stared up at the ceiling, so Mary wouldn’t see her blank expression.
“I… am content with whatever you wish to do.” Ash said plainly.
“Oh come on, ya just said-!” Mary was sitting up but Ash’s grip on her shoulder gently tightened, pulling her back against her.
“I’ll clarify. I am content with whatever you wish because I am content with you. You and Newton both. I don’t-” Have anywhere else to go? Did she really want to say something so pathetic? The sentence died with a displeased sigh.
“Okay, okay I get the message loud ‘n clear.” Mary chimed in, “Completely smitten with us, got it.” She laughed and it brightened up the mood some. So when Mary moved again to sit up, Reid didn’t resist. “Sorry, I suppose with it bein’ so close now, I’ve been havin’ a wee think about the future. I… would really like to keep havin’ you in it.”
What future? She’ll be dead floating in space in just a few months time and Reid will have to kneel down to Newton and explain how there was an accident. All while the blood dripped down Ash’s fingers as she comforted the boy. What a painful image.
It must have shown on her face as Mary began to fidget, barely able to hide the concern and flicker of pain off her expression, when the silence drew out for too long she made to move away. A tight grip found its way on her wrist, keeping her in place as Ashleigh stiffly kissed her. It was a hard kiss that nearly clicked their teeth together but Reid was quick to correct it, peppering an apology on Somer’s lips, taking the woman’s face into her rough palms as she poured her emotion out in a series of shared kisses. Holding on to that brilliant woman and trying to convey all of her feelings, regret and apologies. The panic didn’t subside, it clawed at Reid’s throat that left her nearly hyperventilating, it was then that Mary pulled away with an absolute look of concern. Saying something that Reid couldn’t hear over the static.
Ashleigh simply smiled, burying her face into her colleagues neck because she knew that it didn’t reach her eyes. “You take the breath right out of me, Somers.” A short laugh erupting out of her chest, arms hugging Mary as they laid back against the floor.
After a long silence she answered with a hitch in her breath.
“I really want that, Mary, I really do.”