Work Text:
1. Writing
The group had been on the run for days, driving through the night North, away from the Vatican, the OCS, their home. Ava had struggled to stay awake along the journey, waking for short periods only noticing a random change of driver or a different shoulder she rested on. Beatrice’s shoulders were the softest, she knew that 100%. Ava’s brain was clouded with sleep as here body ached as she slowly took her head off Beatrice’s shoulder. It was nighttime, so dark to the human eye as Lilith drives along in silence.
Ava coughs loudly to alert Lilith to Ava’s presence. “Good morning Champion”, Lilith says sarcastically. Catching Ava’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Have you always been this lazy?”, Lilith questioned. “Delightful as ever Lilith, can I ask where we are now?”, Ava asks cheerfully. “We are just about to pull into a disgusting hotel that only takes cash in Frankfurt, will you start waking the Sisters now? Oh great Warrior Nun.”, Lilith says gleefully.
With an eye roll, Ava softly nudges Beatrice awake. “Bea… Bea!”, Ava says softly pushing into Beatrice’s shoulder. They’re as soft as ever. Ava thinks with a smile. With a yawn, Beatrice wakes up. “We’re just in Frankfurt, it’s time to get ready to leave the van.”, Ava says with a smile. Beatrice nods, “Lilith told me to wake you all up so I am going to go back to Camilla and Mary now.”, Ava says softly. Beatrice nods in understanding and leans forward, checking in on Lilith as she drives.
Ava climbs past the weapons, through to Camila and Mary. That is a lot of guns. “Camila, Mary get up!”, Ava says gruffly as she shakes both of their shoulders. “Get up, please!”, Ava almost shouts. Both arise quickly groaning. “What the hell Ava! Girl you need to fix your tone if you’re planning on waking me up like that every day”, Mary states angrily. “Language Mary!”, Beatrice says from the front of the van.
With an eye roll, Mary holds her hands up. “My bad, my bad. Where the hell are we?”, Mary asks refusing to correct her language. The car comes to a stop, Lilith turns to the group. “We’re here, Mary go in and book us rooms with enough room for all of us. Bring are lazy champion.”, Lilith says gleefully.
Mary rolls her eyes, opens the door and turns back to the car. Nodding for Ava to come with her. Ava hops up happily, with a soft cheer. “Let’s go”, Ava says skipping along. “It’s like a sleepover.”. Mary shakes her head, softly scoffing at Ava’s remarks. “Ok Ava, you need to calm down. This is nothing like a sleepover”. Ava just hums along, not taking in Mary’s words, pulling the door open for Mary to enter first.
Ava stands off to the side as Mary talks to the German women on the front desk. “Fünf Betten, zwei Zimmer bitte”, Mary says quickly. Oh my god. Mary knows German, that is so goddamn cool. “Vierbettzimmer für fünf”, the german responds with a shoulder shrug. Mary just nods, wanting a bed more then Mary. Nodding at Ava, both of them exit the hotel returning to the van. Pulling the door open Mary hands keys to each of the sister warriors. “We’re using this as our base for two nights. We all have a key, except for Ava.” Lilith sniggers in response.
With a Shotgun Mary glare she continues. “We have two rooms. Split into a group of 2 and 3. Camilla, you’ll stay with Ava. Lilith and Bea, you’re with me.” Beatrice opens her mouth to argue but Mary just holds her hand up. “No questions or complaints, perfect grab your go bag, lose the habits and get to bed.”
The group of five quickly grab their small bags (small bags less attention) also there weapons hid under their robes. Camila and Beatrice cautiously removed their habits, unhappy with the decision but aware of the reasons behind it. As they got to the door, Mary quickly says “Lilith and I will be going to the shop tomorrow morning. I want a list from each of you, with some food or clothing requests, there will be pen and paper in your rooms.”
Ava’s smile drops upon hearing this as she anxiously casts a glance at her team, quick to look for any signs the group are aware of her struggles. As the walk into the elevator, she catches Beatrice’s eye. Bea send a soft smile her way, as the lift comes to a half on Level 5. “This is us you two, room 504. Call us on the hotel phone if you need anything.”, Mary says leaving the lift with a salute. Lilith lurks behind her leaving with a grunt while Beatrice whispers “Good night, sleep well you two.”.
“You two.”, Ava responds as the door closes. “So just the two of us”, Ava says with a soft smile looking at Camila. Camila just nods silently yawning, as the lift continues up to the sixth floor. As the door opens Ava and Camila step out, falling into step with one another. “Here we are” Camila says with a strained smile, nodding towards 607. Ava nods silently, as Camila opens up the door, dropping here go bag on the bed closest to the door.
Two single beds, an armchair and a small table. “So this is home for the next 2 nights, I’ll take this bed, just in case anyone breaks down our door looking for you”, Camilla says with a joking smile. Ava winces slightly at that idea, “could that actually hap-“. Camila cuts her off, “Nope, bad joke. So will we write are lists for the shops tomorrow?”. Grabbing the two pens, Camila hands one to Ava. “Food, socks, anything of that sort”, Camila says.
Trying to distract herself from the weight of the pen in her hand, Ava just shrugs. “Honestly, I don’t want much. I think I’m ok, so I am going to have a quick shower. Then head to bed”, Ava says. Camila looks up at her confused, “Ava, you should to write something down. Drinks? Food? Clothes? You’re always asking for food.” Ava just shrugs, “I just don’t really care about food right now Camila, ok? I’m going to have my shower now so just drop it please”.
Ava walks to the bathroom with her small bag in her hands, avoiding Camila’s eyes that were following her walk to the bathroom. Shutting the door Ava’s tears begin to flow down her cheeks. This is ridiculous, I’m 18 and I can’t write down a stupid list. I can’t do the list, they’ll think I’m lazy or stupid or both. Ava strips off her clothes with tears still flowing and climbs into the shower. I don’t need anything though. Just verbally say to Camila, get a few extras for me and leave it at that. I don’t need them knowing, or remembering how incompetent their leader is.
Out of her head Ava yelps slightly, only noticing that the water was too hot. “Ava are you ok?”, Camilla asks, calling from the other side of the door. “Yeah, I just saw a spider”, Ava says quickly. “I’ll be out in a minute”. Camilla just hums out a response, “okay, as long as you’re sure your ok.” Ava just nods silently shutting off the shower and climbing out. Drying off, she puts on an old t-shirt and shorts that Mary had given her. Not my style if I’m honest, or my size. Ava looks in the mirror one last time before leaving the bathroom.
“Hi Ava, have a nice shower?”, Camila asks. Ava nods, not trusting her voice to not crack in front of the caring Nun. “Ok, I will go shower now and then maybe we can talk about the list when I come back”. Ava just shrugs, unable to care about these stupid lists. Camila, grabs her stuff and goes towards the bathroom, unhappy about Ava’s obvious sadness.
As the shower turns on Ava climbs into her bed, turning away from the front door. Whether I’m asleep or not, I am not going to respond to Camila. I just want all of this list stuff over with, and telling them especially Lilith. Oh god and Beatrice, she can’t know. This is just embarrassing. Ava’s spiralling is cut off with the shower, as she hears Camila stopping the shower. Ava closes her eyes, not wanting to face the realities of being a quadriplegic for the past 14 years.
Camila walks out of the bathroom in fresh clothes, “So tomorrows shopping list? Ava? Oh you’re asleep.” Camila quietly walks to the corner of the room to check if Ava was truly asleep. Seeing the Halo Bearers eyes closed she believes she is. “Ok well if you need me Ava, let me know. And sleep well, we all need to rest”, Camila says softly as she climbs into her chosen bed. Ava smiles softly after hearing Camila’s kind words. She’s so kind, she might understand. But the orphanage, they were so mean and Sister Francis well she…
Ava’s spiralling thoughts keep her up until 4a.m. before the adrenaline of her thoughts runs out, and she sleeps. An uneasy sleep filled of monsters both past and present. Ava falls into a uneasy sleep, only to be awoken by Camila at 7a.m. “Ava, come on it’s time to get up. I need your list for Lilith and Mary.”, Camila says, shaking Ava’s shoulder. Groaning, Ava slowly arises. “Cam, just leave me alone ok. Throw a few number 2’s in front of your stuff and I’ll just take that”, Ava says tires and cranky.
Noticing Ava’s bags under her eyes, Camila nods sympathetically. “Ok, Ava sleep another little while. I’ll do that for you. I’m going down to the other girls room, do you want to come?”, Ava just groans again shaking her head. Camila get’s up slowly, grabbing her list along with the hotel room key. “I’ll be back soon”, Camila says, only to hear Ava’s soft snores. Camila smiles, as she closes over the door and walks down the hall towards the lift.
Going down one floor, she steps out into the hallway, walking towards 504. Stopping in front of the door she knocks loudly on door 504. Hearing footsteps, Camila waits at the door. Beatrice opens the door with a soft smile, “Hi Camila, where’s Av-“, “Camila are you alone? Where is are lazy leader?”, Lilith shouts, cutting across Beatrice. Camila steps into the room quietly, softly shrugging. “Good morning Lilith. Our leader is resting, it appears she didn’t sleep well, is that ok with you?”, Camila responds.
“Ok calm down Lilith. You have your list ready Camila? Along with Ava’s?”, Mary asks trying to resolve the growing tension. “Here’s my list, I just added a few two’s to a few bits for Ava.”, Camila says. Lilith scoffs again, “She didn’t even bother to write a list? Are you messing with us right now Camila?”. Mary cuts across once again, “Thanks Cam, for both getting a few things out of Ava and writing a list. You and Bea work here and look into our next stay. Different country ok? Netherlands, France.”. Bea and Camila nod at Mary and Lilith.
Mary and Lilith move towards the door, Mary holding all 4 lists in her hand. “We will probably be shopping once again tomorrow, and then avoid the shops for the next week so try to get a list out of Ava, Cam. Ok? Just so we get the right stuff for her.”, Mary says with a faint smile. They then left to go to the supermarket they had passed during their overnight travel. Beatrice then turned to Camila, “Ava didn’t sleep well, is she ok? Do you think she needs anything?”. Camila shakes her head.
“No, I think it is best we leave her to rest. She needs it.”, Camila responds. Beatrice nods, “Okay. Umm I guess it’s time to get to work so”, she says as she grabs the laptop and sits down on the bed. Patting the space beside her, Camilla moves to sit beside her. “How’s your French?”, Beatrice asks as she begins to research there next place to stay. Camila nods, “très bien”.
4 hours later
“Hello Sisters we’re back, found us anywhere to stay?”, Lilith says, carrying bags in her hands. “Where’s Mary?”, Beatrice asks, worriedly. “Nice to see you too Beatrice. For you information she’s gone is to 607, to wake up Ava.”, Lilith responds. “Should she not rest some more”, Camila asks worriedly, aware of Ava’s tired eyes. “We are on the run Camila, we can’t wait around for our precious leader. Who might I ass is nowhere to be seen. Now claim your things.”, Lilith says dropping the shopping bags to the floor.
Upstairs
Mary knocks loudly on the door. “What?!”, Ava shouts, pulling open angrily. “Morning princess, I have some food for you. Or does that work for you?”, Mary responds. Ava steps aside, ashamed of her reaction to her friend at the door. “Come in”, Ava mumbles. Why did I shout at her, she’s the one that’s on my side the most. Mary waltzes into the room, looking around the space. “Love what you did the place.”, Mary says, chuckling at her own joke.
Handing Ava a bag of pastries she sits on the edge of Ava’s bed. “So what happened to you? Why weren’t you up this morning?”, Ava responds with a shrug. “Bad dreams? Nightmares? Something to tell up?”, Mary asks. Ava shrugs once again. “Hello? Is your voice gone or something?”, Mary asks confused. “Nightmares”, Ava whispers. “Just some stupid nightmares.”
“Want to talk about it?”, Mary asks curious. “Not today, just not today.”, Ava responds. “Ok well the shopping list, can you make one now?, Mary asks. “I can get you some things you’ll actually like and not just Camila’s health food. It’s not very Ava Silva-esque”, Mary says trying to lighten the mood.
Just tell her. You’re incompetent, you’re stupid, you can’t write, you can’t do anything right. Tell her now, tell her now. “AVA, where did you just go?” Mary asks, noticing her friend zoning out of the conversation. “I can’t”, Ava whispers. “You can’t what Ava?”, Mary replies. “Did you see my goodbye note?”, Ava asks. Mary shakes her head.
Ugh that makes this so much worse. Why couldn’t she have seen my crappy chicken scratches at least. How do I explain this to her. “I can’t write.”, Ava whispers again. Mary looks at her confused. “The crash happened, before I learned as a child. I could barely draw and then I was paralysed from the neck down. Do you know what that’s like, to not only be brought back to life, but to have a completely different life?”, Ava asks. Mary shakes her head.
“I don’t mean the halo’s powers. I could barely move, maybe my middle finger with a push. And now I have this Angel or Devil or whatever the hell Adriel’s Halo is shoved into my back, allows me to walk for the first time in 14 years and I get scared of writing down a goddamn shopping list.”, Ava says exasperated.
Mary smiles softly, “so this morning?”. Ava smiles softly, “I actually was asleep, but I definitely avoided writing a list. What would Bea think of me? Lilith already calls me lazy, I didn’t need to provide her with extra ammunition.”. Mary nods, “I can train you, or maybe teach you is the correct word to use.”.
Ava looks at her surprised. She isn’t like the other nuns I know. Even though she’s more so a sister-in-law nun through Shannon I guess. “Thank you Mary, truly. That is one of the nicest things I’ve been offered in my life.” Mary laughs, “maybe we need to get you to live some more”, Mary replies. “Is it ok if I tell Camila? Her and I will take a trip to the supermarket tomorrow and I will grab you copybooks to learn to write.". Ava nods, “Kind of think she already knows something is up with me. So that’s fine with me.”.
“Grab your breakfast. We’re going to join the others.”, Ava nods along grabbing the pastries. Walking out the door they go towards the stairs. “Need to stretch your legs”, Mary says as her and Ava go down the flight of stairs. Arriving in front of 504, Mary opens the door with a much lighter looking Ava.
“Good morning roomie”, Camila says the first to see her. “Tsk, tsk. Such a lazy leader”, Lilith says with venom. “Lili-“, Bea says, cut across by Ava. “Why should I get up first when I automatically get first dibs on pastries while I also sleep in.”, Ava says with a happy grin. “You wish you were me”, Ava says chuckling, handing the bag of pastries to Beatrice with a smile. Lilith rolls her eyes at Ava’s comments.
Mary claps her hands, “Ok ladies, we’re going to need to redirect this anger at someone else. Maybe a certain Angel?”. Ava giggle, plopping herself down beside Beatrice and bumping their shoulders together.
This feels special, almost like a family…