Big In Japan [Veralia/Stella]

"Hell if I know. Fate just works in funny ways at times."

Snorting in a half-amused chuckle, Veralia sat on the other bed, taking a hard chug of some cheap booze rather than indulging in anything super heavy. Feeling the ice chill of the frigid drink flow down her throat, she let out a soft sigh as her scarlet gaze moved back to Stella.

"We can probably hit out of here in the morning or afternoon to get that training in. So you can rest here for the night, recover."

The chuckle that followed was rich with amusement but devoid of any malice. It was an invitation to the temporary peace they could afford before the dawn called them to their respective duties and desires.

Setting the bottle aside, Veralia stretched out on her bed, her gaze lingering on the ceiling as if tracing the patterns of fate they'd yet to unravel

"And pray to whatever gods you fancy for mercy so that you don't get a hangover."

"I can't imagine I'd wear a fancy dress like the one you wore to bed. So I'd imagine it feels infinitely better as it's a pain in the ass to get all dolled up."

As her blood eyes observed Stella venturing to her bed, a smug expression came across her face as she saw the Quincy woman sit down. Speaking in a teasing tone, she spoke aloud:

"But, someone is feeling fearless. Booze makes even the most cowardly bold."

Having already shed the more burdensome aspects of her own clothes for the ease of a green tank top and loose-fitting black yoga shorts, Veralia's body radiated a relaxed air around it. Her movements were unencumbered, fluid, as she casually closed the distance between them, her presence a comforting constant in the room.

Drawing closer, she playfully wrapped an arm around Stella, resting her head against the taller woman's shoulder with a contented sigh.

"Y'know, you make for a good pillow."

Closing her eyes, she remained still in her thoughts and just enjoyed the quiet as she slowly felt her tiredness sneaking up on her as the alcohol settled in her blood.

"But I suppose you've earned it. Rest well, Stella."

She whispered, a trace of her usual fierceness softened by drowsiness and the unexpected comfort of closeness in a city that felt both vast and intimate under the night sky.

Tiredness weighed down the body and mind of Veralia as she felt herself drifting closer to the edge of sleep, but the sudden closeness of Stella drew her attention to her surroundings with a slight widening of her eye. Feeling her face smothered against the chest of Stellat, there was an intrigued raise of her right eyebrow as she seemed in mild disbelief at what was occurring.

"I can tell you needed it."

With her blood gaze looking upward at Stella, Veralia's hands wandered and playfully grabbed the chest of Stella before letting go just as quickly. That envy, even in a playful mild state, could never truly leave her. Veralia couldn't understand what the hell they fed this woman, but she went with it.

" As it seems you've taken the pillow talk quite literally."

Even in her half-awake state, the woman's tease and taunts never ceased. Still, it wasn't bad to be that close. The warmth of another, hearing their heartbeat, and feeling their breath against your face was a calming experience. And with Veralia already feeding on the seeds of envy growing in Stella's mind, this whole experience was quite refreshing even for her as her lips curled over into a gentle smile of questionable intent.

Veralia would return the gesture of a hug; wrapping her arms around the waist of Stella and deciding to rest her head further into her chest and make herself at home.

"You are gonna work for this tomorrow, but for tonight, you can sleep with me."

Veralia's hands melted into the waist of Stella, but their warmth moved further up to the middle of her back as she seemed to massage and hold her in place. Still looking at the woman's blushing face, a low chuckle escaped her lips as she took delight in the situation that was unfolding.

"Does my face scream uncertainty? Of course I'm sure."

Pulling her in closer, she would feel Veralia's heart thumping without a care in the world. It seemed slow, yet steady as she truly was at peace in this situation and being held ever so intimately. It is why she soon started to move one of her hands to stroke the hair of Stella.

"Like the first day we met, I'm going to make you work for this intimacy. Do you remember when you worked your ass off to hug me? This is no different."

With a gentle chuckle, it was clear she was joking and teasing, but there were obvious plans for her beyond just flirting. Her chuckle was light, teasing, yet beneath it lay an invitation, a shared understanding of the connection that had slowly woven itself between them.

"That is, if that's what you want, anyway. Seems like all you want is someone to hold and keep you near."

In the quiet that followed, the undercurrent of their bond—playful, charged, yet undeniably sincere—was palpable.

"You're like guiding a lost puppy home in this state."

A teasing chuckle left Veralia's mouth before the atmosphere grew quiet between the two of them.

Veralia's gaze held Stella's, a silent acknowledgment of the vulnerability shared between them. As Stella confided her hesitations, Veralia's presence became a calm anchor in the storm of doubts swirling around them. She allowed a moment of shared silence to envelop them, a pause in which the world seemed to hold its breath.

Moments passed further before Veralia closed her eyes and reflected quietly on how to navigate this situation. She was not in a rush, but Veralia still gently massaged the back of Stella. Once she came to a satisfying line of thought, her eyes gradually opened and a gaze of intent was reflected in her blood stare.

"Follow what your instincts tell you to do. We all have them and they are just buried underneath so much noise that you just have to sit in silence like we are to understand them."

Playfully bopping her nose, Veralia smirked before leaning in into her.

"Clear your head out and let your anxieties go: what does your conscious want you to do?"

This gentle inquiry was not just a question but an invitation for Stella to explore the depths of her own desires, offering a safe space for such introspection