Work Text:
1
They were in Zoe’s room. Casually lay comfortably on her bed while they talked away. It started with just the two of them talking about groceries and necessities. Then into films, they need to plan so they can watch for the movie nights they planned to have weekly. To books or novels, they found interesting for the other to try. To share small facts they learned over the week to just stare at each other. Well, technically Mio is the one staring. Zoe at one point started to fall asleep during their conversation. Her eyes started to flutter shut when Mio started to rant about the plot of a trilogy that eventually the author didn’t fully utilize, in her opinion. She remembers tracing small shapes on the back of Zoe’s hand. Talking about the most recent chapter she’s read about the main character and their friends on a rescue mission for another only to be betrayed by said friend in the end.
She checks the clock on the nightstand and notes that they talked for four hours now, well past midnight. Both of them are lying on their stomachs. The blanket only covers their legs. Zoe’s face is pushed against her pillow with a small trail of saliva. She makes a mental note to herself that she now has two nickels for catching her drool in her sleep. No matter how much Zoe will try to deny it.
Gazing at Zoe she notices that strands of her hair have fallen across her face. Covering most of her freckles that bloomed more over the summer season. Carefully she gathers and tucks the loose strands behind her ear. Letting her eyes wander to Zoe’s face, trailing each freckle that scattered across her face.
They’re like a constellation. Thinking to herself, she never had the opportunity to look at Zoe this closely without having to be gazed back at. From her freckles, her eyes trail upwards where the freckles start to scatter more and less obvious from her cheeks.
“Mio?” Blinking awake Zoe’s green eyes laced with sleep met Mio’s startled brown eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before clasping her hand over Mio’s that rested where the jaw meets the neck. When did she do that?
Frozen, she decides to stay silent as Zoe stares at her sleepily confused.
“I-It’s nothing. Go back to sleep.” worried she refused to move her hand as Zoe fought to stay awake.
Still confused and less awake Zoe opens her eyes and her grasp on her hand tightens. “Stay?” It was so soft-spoken that Mio almost missed it as her breathing got caught in her throat.
Taking a deep inhale through her nose, “Okay.”
Zoe smiles at her with a small squeeze of her hand before her eyes flutter closed and her grip on her hand loosens but never lets go. A sense of contentment washes through Mio as her eyelids grow heavy.
2
Reading a novel with heavy rain hitting the window. Her tea sat on a saucer beside her as she flipped to another page. Footsteps in the hall approach where she sits. She was reading on the couch when she heard the grumbling and cursing from the hallway. Smiling to herself she continues her reading when the footsteps become softer on the carpet and a weight settles next to her.
“Did they give you a cruel time?” After what happened to Rader and his publishing company every lawyer, news outlet, and anyone with a phone or camera to show their followers, wanted the details of what happened, who was to blame, how much money everything cost, why either Rader or Mio and Zoe did what they have done.
“As usual, even though we gave our statements to the police and our lawyers, everyone wants a piece.” Sighing before mumbling, “People don’t know personal space these days.” Mio slumps against Zoe's right side. Without taking her eyes off her book her hand finds its way to Mio's head. Her hair was still cold from the shower she took. Gently she combs away the knots that form drying her hair.
“You know how they are. They introduce themselves, try to open themselves up as if they know personally what you went through, then offer you their ‘help’.”
Zoe hums in agreement as a comfortable silence settles between them. As Zoe finishes more chapters and her tea, a weight on her lap makes it more presentable as her legs grow numb. Looking down she sees Mio's head blissfully sleeping as she’s curled up against her.
Curious, she brushes her thumb over Mio’s cheek, over the beauty mark on her face. No reaction. She studies her friend’s face longer. Seeing a small spray of freckles on her nose.
Her eyes trace Mio’s eyelids, the creases that usually appear all but smoothen out. She’s peacefully sleeping, unbothered regarding her surroundings and potential concerns. Her eyes go upwards looking at her bushy yet perfectly shaped eyebrows. Gently brushing the one she felt the short and soft hair. Her eyes lower themselves to trace her jawline round and smooth. Slowly she brushes Mio’s lips. Her lips were chapped and small bits of her lower lip were torn where her teeth would bite when she pouts or in deep thought.
She eventually pulls away briefly to grab the throw blanket and drape it on the other. Returning to her previous task at hand, she combs her fingers through the knotless hair. Distracting herself from her face warming up more than usual.
3
Once she lost the concept of the plot she fell asleep. She remembers facing the television and not the back of the couch. Moving out of the shared space would be futile with Zoe trapping her. She can feel her breath hitting against her neck softly. One of Zoe's arms is being used as a pillow and the other holds Mio's waist. She couldn’t exactly complain about Zoe's warmth against her back as it serves both of them as a blanket.
However, her breath hit the back of her neck and started to tickle her. The light flickering on the wall alerts her that the television is still on. Craning her neck she sees it move from photos of popular cities and in the corner it states the time, weather, and current population. It happens a few more times before Mio moves again. Carefully moving up to a sitting position she reaches for the remote above her to finally turn it off. Only the dim lamp in the corner illuminates the room and the sound of soft breathing fills the room.
Hesitating, “Zoe?” gently shaking her awake she gets a mumble and her grip on Mio’s waist tightens. Trying again she gets nothing. Finally accepting her predicament she wiggles the best way she can back into Zoe’s arms and relaxes back into the couch. Zoe subconsciously, Mio thinks, changes her head position to Mio’s collarbone.
Zooming out there was a sweet smell that made Mio search for it. She finds herself face to face with Zoe whose hair was the source. She couldn’t place it but it smells sweet, something like Zoe and home. She continued to just stare openly at Zoe until her breathing and shampoo comforted her to sleep.
4
“Out of all the times of the year for the heater to break!” Mio is livid, to say the least. Bundled up in two maybe three layers she paces around the shared room. Zoe watches her from the kitchen as the kettle finally whistles that the water is ready. Grabbing it she pours it into the two mugs with waiting tea bags. Putting the kettle aside she grabs both mugs and makes her way to the couch. Placing the mugs down she grabs the blanket and covers her legs as she curls up against the armrest turning on the television. She manages to find The Hobbit and its trilogy playing on one of the channels.
“Well luckily for us, it’s easier to warm up rather than to cool off, no?” trying to brighten the mood she pats the space beside her.
Mio stops her pacing and takes a couple of deep breaths before bee-lining towards the couch and getting under the blanket.
“I would’ve liked it if it didn’t break at all.” earning a chuckle from Zoe who hands her a mug. Which Mio takes warming up her hands.
“We can distract ourselves with the show we need to finish? Or movies that we plan for movie nights and get a head start.” throwing out suggestions that Mio could accept or deny. She can see her think about it. “How about-”
“Do you like snow?” Zoe stares at her blankly. Mio quickly explained, “Well, you know before we met. We had different lives and grew up differently. I just think that we might have different tastes in…seasons?” their eyes met before Mio broke it as fast as it was made to take a sip of her tea awaiting an answer.
“Oh! Well, I think it’s quite nice. From the inside at least. Watching the snowfall gently and piling up a massive blanket of white on any surface.” she smiles to herself thinking about almost every snow day she would sit by the fireplace with hot cocoa. “What about you?”
Blinking Mio takes a couple of minutes before answering. “Well because I grew up in the city I, uh, slightly despise it. When I had school I’m pretty sure that school decided when either or not school was in session. Either way, it was always just a hassle to get there and no less get back home safely.” Briefly stopping to take a sip, “But I do see why it’s enjoyable watching it fall to pass the time. However, I would enjoy it better if our heater was working.” Getting a chuckle from Zoe at their current misfortunes.
“Well luckily for us we have enough layers of warm clothing, our trusty blanket, and fresh tea at our side.” Zoe nudges her with her elbow.
Mio scoffs before focusing on the movie. Zoe does the same. Sitting in silence they get to the credits before Mio speaks up again.
“That wasn’t terrible. The action and suspense were nice. However, wasn’t the book only one and not long enough for three movies?”
Nodding, “Well, yeah, but…Oh, you know how movie directors and audiences are. More films means more money. More reasons to go to the theater or watch instead of the original.” Giving up a proper response Mio laughs at it. Her laughs are rare, her eyebrows furrowed, and her eyes seal themselves shut as both corners of her lips reach her eyes. Zoe does her best to capture each moment when she sees Mio laugh. Mio reaches over her to set down the empty mug on the pub table. Before settling down again curling her body against hers where her legs rest against Zoe’s sharing the warmth.
“If you were to give it a rate of one out of ten what would you rate this?” Sipping the remaining tea Zoe looks down at Mio whose brown eyes are already locked with hers. “Mio?”
Mio stares at her longer before grinning, “I’d give it a solid seven out of ten. Like I said with the little action it had, the cave scene was the best. And following Bilbo’s narrative shows how crazy it is to him. Well I guess we also…” trailing off she waves a hand dismissively. “What about you? You’ve seen this a dozen times-”
“Have not!”
“-more than I have. Would you say out of the three this would always be number one for you?”
“About that…” Mio raises a brow. “I haven’t been able to see the other two.” Sheepishly looking away, Mio leans against her with teasing remarks reaching her ears. “I know! I know! How could I?” Laughing at the situation she set herself in. “Well, now I can watch it with you, no?” Mio squints at her suspiciously.
“Uh-huh. Right.” Dragging out the ‘r’, Zoe nudges her. Before focusing her attention back on the screen.
The second movie goes by and the third. Zoe can’t remember it all, only brief scenes with large mythical creatures, for shock or nostalgia reasons, and battles that she doesn’t know where the company had during the adventure. She looks out the frosted window seeing how night fell and what she assumes is a softer snowfall compared to what the evening had. Mio’s head is resting on her shoulder and sound asleep. Trapping her between her and the armrest. Their legs intertwined as both of Mio’s hands encased hers under the blanket. She doesn’t dare try to wake her and settles her head on top of Mio’s for the night.
5
The rattling in the apartment startles her awake. Quickly though groggily, she gets up in the dark. Mio turns towards the door seeing the light illuminating under. Crawling out of bed she quickly exits to the hallway to see the kitchen light on with water running in the background—a shadow paces in the light between the counter and stove. The water is shut off and the sound of a paper towel is torn off.
“Zoe?” Stepping into the small passage that connects the kitchen to the living and dining room.
Startled Zoe turns around, eyes puffy, nose and cheeks pink. The paper towel crumpled in her hands. “Mio! I-” She starts to stutter out excuses, but the two of them know that it won’t work. Clearing her throat, “I couldn’t sleep.” Nervously playing with the used paper looking away when she sniffled.
Nodding, Mio grabs the fridge door to grab a water bottle. “Come to bed?” she offers her open hand. Zoe discards her paper into the trash and links their hands together. Mio squeezes hers and gently leads her to Mio’s bedroom.
Turning off the lights on her way out for the open space she feels Zoe flinch and tightens her hold. Entering the room Mio gently leads Zoe to the bed after firmly shutting the door once again.
As she sits down Mio takes the time to switch the lamp light to the fairy lights she recently got to hang up. They’re bright enough to see the whole room but dim enough so it wouldn’t strain their eyes.
She climbs into the bed setting herself where the pillows rested on the headboard. Zoe silently curls up against her when Mio hears her sniffle against her. Wrapping her arms around her Zoe’s sniffles became choked and her arms tightened against Mio’s torso. She does the same. Mio takes the opportunity to rub her back making small shapes as Zoe lets herself cry. Finally freeing the pain she hid for hours. Feeling the strain and agony herself.
It takes a while and when Zoe finally tires herself out Mio makes her drink the water before tucking herself back into Mio’s arms and falling asleep. Mio stays awake a bit longer playing with strands of her hair. Making sure that Zoe is resting easier before falling asleep once again.
+1
It’s become a routine for them. After their shared dinner they’ll split up their clean-up chores. Zoe cleaned up the coffee table where they ate while Mio washed the dishes which Zoe will dry and put away for the next meal. It took the two of them a week to get the proper performance.
Mio finishes washing the plates, utensils, and cooking pans and excuses herself to wash up for bed. Zoe agrees as she dries off the last of the wet dishes. Before storing them away in a drawer for the next meal.
Following Mio’s lead she went to wash up as well. Getting to their bathroom she hears the steaming water and the fan running. Making her way to the sink she unties her usual bun to comb out any of the loose strands and throws them into the nearby trash. She prepares her toothbrush when she starts zoning out. She was just staring at the colors reflecting her and nothing else.
A hand on her arm snaps her out of her thoughts. “You’re gonna brush all your gums away.” Teasing her, Mio removes the brush from her mouth before taking it away to clean. Closing her mouth she feels her entire mouth be numb. Back to her senses, she grabs the cup of water rinsing the foam out. “What’s got you distracted?” Her hand trails upwards before resting on her shoulder blade thumb moving side to side in a comforting motion.
“I don’t know. I guess I’m satisfied and relieved. But I'm also scared that this is a dream.” She gives Mio a pained smile, “I know I’m not alone, but it’s-”
“Gnawing at you.” She closes her eyes and nods. Mio pulls her closer so their foreheads touch. One of her hands cups Zoe’s face, she leans into the warmth it gives, as the other rests on her hip. She can smell the soap freshly used. Floral . Who would’ve known? They stay like this for a bit before Mio speaks up. “Go shower I’ll be in bed okay?” Agreeing to part away made her already miss her warmth.
Luckily today she just stayed home so it was a quick shower for her. Getting into the await pj’s before seeing Mio again in the bathroom with a blow dryer and a stool waiting. Contradicting her own statement from earlier.
“It’d be faster if I help.” Waving the blow drying in one hand while the other motions her to sit.
Separating her hair from her back onto the draped towel Mio takes her time to go through her long hair getting any knots that may have been made. Making it more effective for water to fall off. Time passes quickly and when her hair is dried enough they store away their equipment. Exiting the bathroom the bed is already set with the blanket pushed aside for them to climb into. She does one final stretch before falling into bed.
The moment Zoe’s back hit the mattress Mio crawled next to her. She opens her arms that Mio falls into, tangling their legs and pressing her face into Zoe’s neck. Zoe’s available arm grabs the blanket behind her; she covers both of them only having their heads peeking out.
“Thank you.” Mio moves away looking at her confused.
“For what?” Fighting a smirk for the awaiting quip to be said. Eyes searching for the answer for themselves.
“For falling into my bubble.” Mio huffs out a laugh before covering her face by burying it into Zoe again. She can sense her roll her eyes but smile in embarrassment.
“I’d do it again, for you.”
“I want my shirt back.”
“So do I.”
“...I’ll think about it.”