You And I [Veralia/Stella]

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"Scared of being alone, huh? Yeah, it fucking sucks."

Voice perky and more upbeat, Veralia rubbed the nose Stella and laughed lightly. Although her words were lighthearted, her mind still buzzed with a fiery collection of memories of her time in Hueco Mundo. All that time spent fighting for herself, being alone, and sulking in her bitterness and envy was miserable. It was baffling that such a source of light was let into her otherwise dark existence and why she had to protect it.

"And yeah, your sweet and trusting, but I don't think you are cow-brained enough to just wander in the unknown of Hueco Mundo. Even I'm leery on that somedays."

With a snort, Veralia playfully pinched Stella’s cheeks again. She found a strange comfort in the simple act of touching her, not out of any malice but because it brought her warmth in ways she hadn’t known before.

Clicking her tongue thoughtfully, she let another thought slip out.

"And at some point, I guess you’ll probably have to introduce me to your roommates and family. How do you think that will go down, huh?"

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"Relax, I was joking about the cow thing. I'm not envious of that anymore. You are my partner, after all."

Veralia would then playfully slap her rear, chuckling lowly. She could see through Stella at that moment and didn't want her to get the wrong impression.

However, as she started talking more about her friends and family, it was clear there may be obstacles ahead. It didn't bother Veralia, as she never really saw herself as someone heroic and positive to be around, but she also didn't want to bring unneeded burdens on Stella after all that she had been through. So, she gently patted Stella's head and smiled.

"The only way to know is for me to meet them. If the worst happens, I'll have you as it isn't, as if I'm not used to being alone. Long as I have you, I'll be alright."

Her tone was relaxed but became more sincere as she peered into her eyes.

"I'll be on my best behavior around them, for your sake. I don't want to strain your family and friends if there is an issue. I'll only visit them if your okay with it, alright? Don't feel pressured."

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"You say not that to do that in public, but your busy trying to nip at my neck? You are an odd one."

Looking down at Stella with an amused expression, Veralia let out a teasing chuckle as she pat the redhead's forehead.

"Though from the sounds of it, I guess we should go somewhere more private at some point. You down for seeing my place, or do you have something else in mind?"

Raising an eyebrow, Veralia left the decision in Stella’s hands, curiosity dancing in her gaze. Without missing a beat, she pulled Stella into another embrace, savoring the calm between them. The warmth of the moment was something she rarely allowed herself to indulge in, but with Stella, it felt natural, and for now, she was content to simply hold her close until they figured out their next move.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"Well, consider your get-back had, nerd."

Playfully flicking Stella's nose softly, she laid her back against the blanket and closed her eyes as she hummed contently to herself. Maybe this peace shit wasn't bad, eh? Being in the arms of someone you care about just felt so foreign, yet so good to Veralia.

"And yeah, we can chill like this for a bit."

Her eyes fluttered open again, their soft gaze lingering on the redhead beside her, a quiet appreciation building in the silence between them.

"Maybe you can even show me around the City of Lights more. I ain't too hot on it, but I guess if I'm with you it'll be alright."

Veralia’s voice was calm, almost teasing, as she gave Stella a gentle nudge, her expression softening even more as the thought of spending more time together crossed her mind.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"Pfft, I could make a mean joke about you being my puppy, but I think that's a bit morbid, eh? You’re not a puppy to me—you’re a partner."

As Veralia spoke in a warm sing-song voice, she eventually went with her instincts, leaned in, and gave Stella a gentle kiss to show that it was a sign of her having affection. She had already teased the poor girl to death and back for most of their relationship; today was the day to show a bit of sincerity for once.

Sensing that time had passed and the sun was turning into the sunset, Veralia's eyes locked on Stella's, and she gave a gentle nod.

"Well, far be it from me to deny you a room at my place."

With a smug grin on her voice, Veralia stood up, picked Stella up bridal style, and held the woman in her arms, showcasing that despite her small size, there still was immense strength in her body. A gentle, emerald flame gradually ripped open the space ahead of them in seconds as a warm spring heat radiated from it. Inside the vortex was a structure within—a dark, obsidian-like fortress absorbing light rather than reflecting it, a perfect mirror to the desolate beauty of Hueco Mundo.

"Wanna take a few of the pets with us, yeah?"

Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced toward the animals, the offer as playful as it was genuine.