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This was NOT how her day was supposed to go.
She started her day after not sleeping as usual, took a bath, got dressed, ate a peach for breakfast (Yes, very acceptable for breakfast) instead of having a cup of coffee (her gramps would give her another three hour long scolding session on how drinking too much coffee is bad for her health and heart), cleaned her humble abode, and decided to check on her garden.
So far so good was what she thought, another day of checking on her precious babies. Nobody had the power her veggies and aphids had in brightening up her day.
Little did she knew, her on-routine peaceful day would soon be disturbed by a tall, all-dark-wearing masked person.
Her first thought was that the person was a man, (surely) considering how tall and buff they looked. Second thought, was how they weren't dying from heat with all the layers they were wearing (plus the oh so heavy cape she got sweaty at the sight of).
Strange men in her garden was NOT a good sign, her gramps has told her about the dangers of weird strangers and she completely agreed with him.
Well screw the whole strange man thing, all those craps left her mind when she actually heard the person speak.
“You're from the Masters of the Night-Wind, are you not? Why do you live here alone?” Her ears twitched. A deep voice. A good kind of deep, one that caressed her brain and made her feel fuzzy inside but a woman's. Certainly there was nothing wrong with her ears which straightened up on her head on high alert, a stranger asking if she lived alone, knowing her tribe. Her gramps would have his cane ready by then, but for her it was little worry.
“..I enjoy living by myself out in the wild” She stood up while dusting her clothes. Taking a better look at the woman, she was probably Fatui and that was another bad sign on top of all.
What was a Fatui's business with her? If her gramps was here, his wildest guess would be that anybody who had a grudge against him somehow would want to abduct her in order to get revenge on him (how would they even know her) and she (the Ms. No self-preservation) that she was, would befriend the abductors in no time and that alone would make him have a heart attack and finally step into his reserved place in The Night Kingdom permanently.
Ifa had a different opinion though.
“Sorry Ron, But they would bring you back in less than 24 hours” The saurian vet had told her with a hearty laugh the other day while Ororon was helping her bathe a very naughty saurian. “You'll scare the shit of them” She had then cringed, an expression of horror appearing on her face for a moment before waving her foamy hand in front of her. “But don't ever tell your Gramps I said this okay? I have no interest in joining you for a scolding session!”
She should really keep her mind from wandering off mid conversation because the silence between them was getting awkward. So she asked. “I guess you're from the Fatui? The one everyone's calling a "big deal"?” She hoped her words didn't sound malicious, she didn't have anything against the Fatui, for now.
“Not an incorrect description” The stranger told her and in a second she was beside her, in that way, Ororon could see her long black hair disappearing under her furry cape.
“What is your business with me then?”
“Not with you, I'm looking for someone named 'Citlali'” There was a pause. Fantastic. What kind of business does this Fatui have with her old man?
“I've heard the name. Do you want something from him?” Better than outing herself with going straight to the point.
“There's no point to further questioning if you insist on hiding things from me. I shall seek answers elsewhere.” Nevermind, She saw right through her.
Then masked Fatui just…started walking away.
“Eh?” Her ears couldn't help but twitch. Just like that? Was that all it took for her? Appeared out of nowhere, questioned about her gramps and just pulled an 'okay have a good day' on her after not getting what she wanted? Maybe she had misjudged her when she thought the woman was a Fatui.
In any case, she couldn't just do 'nothing', she had to protect her old man, so she did the only good thing that came to her mind. She started following her.
And thanks to her perfect stealth skills, she was spotted in a second. No, The Fatui woman, who her subordinate referred to as 'their lord' definitely a big deal knew she was on their tail from the beginning but didn't bat an eye. Instead she let them be followed to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, where she fought the Pyro Archon, and lost. Not quite. Well, he DID beat her ass but she wasn't fully down before Ororon pulled her out of the stadium with a spell she had learned a few years back. Trust her gramps' teachings to come in handy when she needed them.
Why did she save that woman? She couldn't quite tell. There was an odd feeling pulling at her heart strings, telling her to save her. And when does she not listen to her heart?
Did the Pyro Archon recognise she used a Master of the Night-Wind trick to save the Fatui? Yes. Would he start searching for the traitor in her tribe? Yes again. She had to apologize to the others for the trouble she'd caused.
Later.
Now, she had to tend to the woman who invaded her country and fought her god, for a sliver of hope that she would actually have a better plan than her Archon for saving them.
The burn mark was fresh, very painful probably, though the woman- The Captain insisted she didn't need help and she could patch it up herself, Ororon took it upon herself to do it for her. Reason? She wanted to see her shirtless. Blame her all you want but in the end, she was just a girl what else would she want? The woman and her soul intrigued her. (She also did it from the goodness of her heart)
The woman didn't let herself be too exposed though, she only showed her enough so she could patch her chest up. Her breasts were tightly wrapped by bandages that were now bloody. They had enough medical supplies in their camp (obviously) and Ororon made quick work of getting rid of the old bandages, while trying her best not to stare at the other.
Well, The Captain was staring at her instead, she couldn't see what expression she was making under that ridiculous helmet of hers, but obviously she got flustered by it. (Somehow that made all her mischievous intentions leave her, goddamn it)
Her ears couldn't help but flatten. Honestly she was tired of them, even if she always did her best to mask her expression her ears always gave her true feelings away. Hanging her head low so her flushed face was not as noticeable as before, she tended to the wound quickly and wrapped clean Bandages around the other woman's chest.
“You should rest and let it heal, I'll talk to your chef to make you something healthy, then we'll talk about the ley lines.” The Captain just hummed in understanding. Ororon nodded and stood up, then she was off like a trapped bunny.
“I'm sorry- but you're a little too obvious bat girl” One of The Captain's mirror maidens- Neveah, took a liking to her immediately from the first day, making her lonely time in their camp less lonely. Don't get her wrong, most of The Captain's subordinates were helpful and friendly enough (Not Kosterlitzky, that guy was the grumpiest of them all) but she couldn't help but feel out of place between them, Neveah was the nicest, and Tarko, he was a sweet guy.
“I'm obvious with what exactly?” She pulled her cup of fire water away from her lips to make eye contact with the mirror maiden. Silly girl, you know what she's talking about.
“The Captain~” She gave her a smug smile, they were currently sitting in a circle around the fire with some other agents who were too busy having a conversation in Snezhnayan. “Everybody can see you follow her around like a lost kitten” Play it cool. Ororon just shrugged, her ears certainly weren't doing something to embarrass her-
“She's nice and I enjoy her company, I'm helping her with the ley lines after all” She wasn't lying with that. The older woman, despite her stoic exterior was a noble soul, during her stay with the Fatui, she hadn't mistreated her once, very sweet and honourable indeed. Ororon might or might not have taken a liking to her.
“It's okay to admit- really, most of us here are like you” Neveah did not let her live it down. Then she lowered her voice, leaning close to whispers something to her. “Though the guys here have little to no chance i guess” She then shrugged while Ororon's ears twitched in interest. “I mean, look at that woman. Does she look like someone who's interested in men?” Ororon shook her head, true.
Neveah grinned and reached for the bottle of fire water to refill both their cups. “What I'm saying is, you might actually have a chance, she's quite protective of you here” Right, she almost forgot how The Captain almost smacked Kosterlitzky in the head when he bothered Ororon. The memory brought a warm feeling to her chest she couldn't quite understand.
But again, they didn't have any time for her to go after her weird interests, they had an important mission, and who knew what would happen in the future?
“It'd be useless” She groaned hopelessly as she emptied her cup in one go and rested her head on Neveah's shoulder, the alcohol burned and the mirror maiden only sighed in disappointment.
Somehow their plans didn't go well, (all her fault). She was possessed by a weird ghost from The Captain's past- and almost died if the Captain hadn't saved her. 'Debt repaid.' The Captain told her. Though it didn't make Ororon feel less guilty about failing their plans.
Then she got her ancient name, which was another weight on her chest (but it was welcome). Good thing was that the Fatui and Pyro Archon made an alliance so at least she wasn't a fugitive now. (In case you feel relief that the Pyro Archon didn't literally set her on fire for what she did, don't worry, her gramps made sure it hurt where he kicked her in the stomach viciously. She had to yap her mouth off for half an hour in order to stop the Captain from raining down like a storm upon him)
Then the battle against the Abyss broke out which only tired her out more, but at least, they were quite successful.
The Captain offered her to rest at the Fatui base after they were all done helping folks which she gladly accepted, as much as she was worried for her garden she was also pretty exhausted and just wanted to rest.
So when the Captain asked her to help her patch up again, she was bewildered.
“You can refuse if you're too tired to do it, i shall do it myself and don't burden you further” Silly woman.
To that Ororon shook her head, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. “Not at all, I'll be happy to help”
This time the Captain was more comfortable with her as she took off her coat completely and let her upper body lay entirely bare to Ororon.
Most of her arms and sides were covered in blue veins and the skin was also black, despite how her huge furry coat portrayed her, she wasn't as bulky as she looked with the said coat, but she was by far the most masculine woman she'd seen so far, her muscles looked firm, her body was exactly how a warrior's body should be.
Countless scars covered her body which Ororon inspected with interest, almost forgetting the task at hand until the older woman cleared her throat, making her snap out of whatever she was thinking and apologize.
There was a comfortable silence in the air as she worked, no longer feeling awkward by the Captain's staring.
“The injury looks so much better than before, but don't strain yourself too much like you did these past few days.” She dusted her skirt while standing up and swearing to the wayob- She got on her feet for 2 seconds before she heard something shifting from the ground and then strong arms were wrapped around her torso, pulling her down. (She let out a loud startled yelp she'd never ever wanted to remember again because it was fucking embarrassing)
That was how she found herself on The Captain's lap, with her back turned to her, she didn't dare turn over to face the other when she heard the sound of heavy metal being put down on the carpet beside them and then a weight rested on her back.
Oh dear.
The Captain's cold breath and hair tickled her skin, making her flinch involuntarily. She tried not to move as much as possible, her heart beating in her chest rapidly didn't help at all.
What was with her?
“I apologize for my…” The Captain's tired voice from behind her cut through the thread of her thoughts. “But please stay a little longer”
To that, Ororon gave up and let herself relax where she was sitting as the other woman held her like an emotional support plushie.
Wayob help her.
“OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THIS NATION THAT YOU COULD HAVE A FUCKING CRUSH ON” Ifa claimed loudly, her face something between absolutely horrified and bewildered. “HER?”
“Keep your voice down…” Ororon grumbled, resting her head down on Ifa's old dining table. Getting Ifa to shut her mouth was archon's work not hers. “And I never said I have a crush on her-”
“You spent the past week you came here to help me with my damn job just ranting about how hot and sexy yet at the same time noble and honourable this woman is be fucking real” Ifa's hat was somehow missing from all the movement she wad doing, her poor chair sliding on the floor all the while. “Not to ignore the fact that she's abyssal evil woman from intruding enemy country here to take the place of our god”
“She's not evil-” Ororon defended while raising her index finger like a nerd. “And she's an ally of us now”
Ifa visibly cringed. “You also said that about your ex-boyfriend and that jerk cheated on you” she crossed her arms finally leaning back and letting the poor chair have a direct purpose. “She's a temporary ally” She pointed with both brows raised.
“That was my first relationship. You can't blame me or jinx my next relationship because he was a cheater.” A scowl formed on her face.
Ifa raised her brows at her, urging her to continue with that to which she gladly shut up.
“–He's also six feet under so I don't see the reason to bring him up” Well she didn't.
“Yeah I wonder who did it” Stupid question, they both knew who made the guy's life so miserable he killed himself.
Honestly, the only things that she remembered when she thought about him were horrible sex and the moment she caught him cheating. 'Fuck that guy' gramps had told her while he was coming up with some powerful hex.
“So what do you want to do now? Just saying- Citlali would murder you both”
“Don't talk about him…” She grumbled, her ears pinning back. As if she knew. “She keeps giving subtle hints but doesn't act on them or anything really”
Seriously, Ororon was a very understanding person. She was smart to catch on hints and signals but this peculiar woman confused her like no other. A child could tell by a single glance that there was more than just friendship going on between them and the woman was blind to it somehow. No, she absolutely wasn't but decided to act like she was.
As if she wasn't the one spurting out praises and getting touchy all the time. Ororon, was beyond annoyed, after a very long time in all her 25 years of living she was fucking pissed off. She didn't know if this was the wayob's way of punishing her for her stupidity or just her stupidity for not taking the first step herself but either way she was not buying it.
Ifa just shrugged, a sympathetic smile tugging on her lips. “woo her up I guess I don't know”
“Very helpful Ifa”
“Glad to be of help”
“Really, you're a genius”
Ifa grinned nervously and Ororon rolled her eyes. “Do you still have the novels Gramps gave you?” Ifa nodded.
“Also I saw you flirting with Neveah the other day, you're as guilty as I am”
Ifa got up from her chair, laughed nervously and scratched the back of her neck while retreating to her room to fetch her the novels. “At least she's not an army commander, hm?”
Ororon groaned.
So that day, she left Ifa's house with a couple of w|w romance novels her gramps had lent to Ifa, with the sole purpose of learning more about seducing women and relationship hoping she could take her and Capitano's relationship to the next level.
In between her search for solutions in romance novels she also paid Xilonen a visit while delivering his carrot order. She didn't know what made her think that guy was going to be any helpful, but she did another stupid thing nonetheless, and now she could only hope her miserable dating life wouldn't turn into a gossip topic among the heroes. Should she kill Xilonen?
Chasca was just as helpless as she was so she didn't even bother to disturb him with her problem and Kinich couldn't care less, she was too busy dealing with her missions and Ajaw that the last thing she had time or experience in was relationships so Ororon didn't go to her either.
Out of all of them Mualani was the most enthusiastic about the whole thing. Ororon basically got a headache listening to all his ramblings about a date in the hot springs, don't get her wrong, very good idea but not good for them, considering Capitano would rather have Mavuika set her on fire and die than to go to public hot springs. He had many other ideas that Ororon wrote down devoutly and then bid goodbye to the young man. She should also kill him before he can spread the word.
Out of all the brilliant ideas she gathered, a picnic was her decision. Where? Near the river. As much as she liked to arrange it at night, she assumed The Captain wasn't a night owl like her, so she picked the afternoon.
“Are you by any chance free tomorrow afternoon?” she asked as she hovered over The Captain's desk, fiddling with her fingers, all the planning, and what if she doesn't accept? She'd have to pick up the remains of her shattered heart off the floor.
“I am. What for?” The older woman eyed her suspiciously, putting her pen down on whatever paperwork she was signing.
“Oh great um…would you like to go on a picnic with me?”
“A picnic?” The shock in her voice was clear. “I cannot remember the last time I've been to one.. What is the occasion?” That must have gotten her interest, good.
“Well, I thought maybe we can spend some time together, doing a different activity since you're in the base most of the time”
Capitano pondered her words for some moments that felt like ages before nodding. “Very well. We'll go, and that's lovely of you.”
Bullseye. Excellent. Yes.
Ororon's ears stood up in victory as she smiled. “Then tomorrow afternoon, 3:50, wait for me in the camp I'll come fetch you and then we'll go, your camp is closer to the location”
“You have it all figured out, haven't you?” To that, Ororon grinned.
Step one to woo your person of interest up: look pretty. (according to Mualani)
Perhaps tying her hair up was a good idea, she didn't do it so often. Makeup? She managed to a minimal, she had taken a liking to it as a teenager, starting by getting her hands on the older grannies' make up products and the young girls of her tribe. But growing up and spending most of her time under Natlan's scorching sun tending to her farm? Makeup stood no chance, the sweat would ruin all her efforts. So she didn't bother much with it except for special occasions, and this was one of them. (she did her eyeliner on first try, a very big achievement)
Since her usual outfit was in the laundry basket, she thought a simple sundress would do. (Citlali had bought it for her last year- always nagging about how she never wears it)
She checked her picnic basket one more time, grabbed her sun hat and left the house. The sun was a little too bright today.
By the time she got to the Fatui camp, the Captain was already waiting for her, oh wayob, was she late?
“Good afternoon..am I too late?”
Capitano looked at her for a moment which almost made her regret her decision of paying attention to the first step of the plan completely.
“You look stunning..” Huh? What was that? She felt warmth rushing to her cheeks and The Captain cleared her throat. “I mean good afternoon to you too. You're not late at all, I have been just…too eager for today…” Oh, so it's like that.
“Then are we good to go?”
“Of course, lead the way.” She gestured for The Captain to walk ahead before waving for Neveah who was praying for her success on the other side of the camp.
Their walk to the river was short, as she had told, the Fatui camp was rather close to it, they set up their picnic blanket under a tree, appreciating the protection it provides from the sun.
Most of their time was spent having different conversations, eating the Snezhnayan cookies the Captain had brought with tea and the berries and fresh fruits Ororon had brought, all her fresh produces of course.
Well, who would have thought one day, she'd meet someone who she doesn't feel the passage of time with? At some point she completely forgot about all her plans and steps to woo up her beloved knight.
So soon, she found herself sitting very relaxed, with the older woman's head resting on her lap as she fed her berries, watching the fruits disappear beneath the abyss of her helmet. In the other hand was the romance novel, The Captain was weirded out at first when she brought it up, but soon she was too invested in the story, they talked about it quite a lot.
“What's your favourite part of the story?” Capitano asked, shifting her head a little.
“The part where the knight and the flower girl confess their feelings to eachother and kiss” She had blurted that out with such intent, completely aware of the similarity of the story with them.
“I assumed you liked the part about flowers more”
Ororon chuckled tracing The Captain's freshly done braid with her fingers. “That too, but isn't that the whole point of a romance novel? The point of all the tension and anticipation the author builds up? For the moment the characters confess their undying love and kiss? It's always such a moment of relief”
“Hmm..” Capitano, tilted her head to the side while Ororon tilted the book in a way Capitano could also read. “Perhaps you're right”
…
How she didn't react to the hint is beyond Ororon but she couldn't ruin the moment so she kept her mouth shut,
They spent some more time until it finally got dark, a sign for them to start packing up and leave.
Their walk to the Fatui camp was followed by a comfortable silence, Although when they reached the camp, Capitano didn't have the intention of staying. After giving out some orders to her troops, she offered an arm for Ororon to grab.
“I shall walk you home.”
“That's unnecessary..”
The Captain shook her head, waiting for Ororon to grab it.
“I insist. I can't have a beautiful lady like you walk home alone in the dark now, can I?” Good one. Ororon held onto the offered arm and leaned against The Captain, like that, they walked to her home.
That night, Ororon went to bed both feeling successful and failed.
Screw all the plans, screw everything. She'll just confront her tonight.
If Capitano isn't coming to her herself, she'll just go get her woman.
Next to her sat Neveah, looking at Ororon with a confused expression.
“Ron, you look like you're plotting the war your archon didn't wage against The Captain” She told her while taking a big gulp of the fire-water Ororon had brewed, after so many tries, she had gave the second bottle to Neveah, she was keeping the first one, 'Astral Mist' for Capitano as much as she knew the woman wouldn't approve of it.
“I'm going to make a fool out of myself tonight” She buried her face in her palms, sighing. Neveah patted her back encouragingly. “Knock yourself out” Ororon gave her a nasty look. “Hanging out with Ifa is also making an insufferable person out of you” She got up after that, taking Astral Mist with her.
“Good luck lovergirl!” Neveah called out from behind her and Ororon only waved a hand in her direction.
“I hope I'm not disturbing your peace” She says as she slips into The Captain's tent, setting down Astral Mist on the small dining table in the tent, she looked for two glasses.
“You never do” The Captain reassures her while walking over to her, sitting at the table.
Ororon sat as well. “This is the first bottle of fire-water I've brewed, I named it Astral Mist, I want to share it with you, I feel guilty for leaving my babies home alone though, I don't get to spend more time with them lately”
A coughing sound escaped The Captain. “You have children?”
Oh, she didn't get it?
“My vegetables and Aphids. I'm talking about them” The other woman visibly relaxed at that. “Of course.”
Capitano inspected the bottle before pouring it into their glasses, the liquid as clear as water.
“It seems like there's no point in stopping you when you make up your mind” The Captain brought her glass up, and Ororon's sharp eyes were glued to the sight.
“Take off your helmet.”
“You might not like what you–”
“–Do it.” She had been pushing her luck all this time, what's the worst thing that could happen to her?
Capitano regards her silently before reaching out for her helmet, black mist fills the air when she removes it and Ororon can finally take a look at her without that annoying metal.
“Satisfied?” Capitano's expression is one of unimpressed, yet there's a hint of fondness in her starry eyes.
Ororon smiles. “Very, you're breathtakingly beautiful” Half of her face is completely covered in the rot that could be seen on other parts of her body.
Capitano scoffed, there was a hint of blush on her cheek.
Cute.
They drank in silence, this time, the silence was killing her, she needed to pour all her feelings out, lay them bare for Capitano to see.
The sheer absurdity of the situation she was in somehow made her laugh out loud, in return she got a concerned look from The Captain.
Honestly, she needed her old self back, since this woman stepped into her life, she realized she didn't have her old straight forwardness with her.
So, in an attempt to make it easy for both of them, she asked the question.
“What are we?”
Capitano choked on her drink, covering her mouth with her hand, she let out small coughs and cleared her throat.
“Whatever you wish for us to be” Uh huh.
“I think I– No, I love you” She blurted out, her ears pinning back, the look on Capitano's face was priceless if it didn't make her so nervous at that moment.
“You're drunk” No way, she only had three rounds-
“I'm perfectly fine, this isn't something i felt like just now, I've had feelings for you for sometime now” she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a frown on her face. “I understand if you don't feel the same, I'll forget about this whole conversation if you only want us to be friends–”
“–I do feel the same about you” The Captain cut her off, she reached one of her hands from across the table and put it on top of Ororon's.
“Huh?”
“I do have feelings for you too, as misplaced as it is, it's what I feel, where my affection lies.”
Ororon visibly gawked at her, she felt like someone had lit fireworks in her brain. finally, after so long.
“But let us discuss it in the morning, when you are more sober”
Those were the last things she heard before her forehead met the wooden table with a thud, her vision became blurry and all sounds and thoughts slowly faded away.
Thank the wayob, now she could die feeling fulfilled.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself on a bed. It took her a minute for her to sit up and recognize her surroundings and spot the dark figure sitting at her desk.
“Good morning.” The older woman smiled at her, she didn't quite remember what she did last night but she thought she could absolutely get used to waking up to this face and this voice. Lucky her.
Well, in her defence, Ifa just wanted to visit her girlfriend, Neveah and some other Fatui agents wanted to see the new baby saurian she had rescued so she showed up with the little terror in her arms.
That was where she saw them.
And she wished she didn't.
Her best friend and the Fatui lady hand in hand, literally with their fingers interwtined.
At first she felt very relieved and happy for her best friend, who wouldn't be happy if their best friend finally found someone she was happy with?
But then the horror slapped her in the face, oh wayob have mercy on them. Grandpa Citlali would skin them all alive if he found out (Not the Captain), wayob have mercy.
Next to her, Neveah wondered why her girlfriend was trembling like a traumatized cat.