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Post by Nephele on May 21, 2023 2:06:23 GMT -5
Nephele would learn some day. She would learn to stop challenging C’Leena in a contest of flirting, she would learn to have a response, and best of all, she would probably learn to not wear every expression on her face like an idiot.
Because Nephele was floored. Beyond it, actually. The problem was that Nephele didn’t think it would go beyond the kiss and heavy declaration of devotion. Then C’Leena kept talking, and…yup, she was done for. She was probably going to die, if she were honest. At some point she stopped breathing altogether, the same steam from last time started expelling through her nose and mouth as she gaped. It took everything in Nephele to stay conscious right now, because she knew that if she fainted from the abrupt rush of heat to her cheeks C’Leena would gloat her ass off.
Oh, also her eyes changed. Again. Now Nephele couldn’t even look away if she wanted to. (Well, she could, but who the hell would? Not her, obviously.) They were gold, like the sun. How ironic was that? They were enchanting, like Nephele’s love of shiny things couldn’t get any stronger. This was the most shooting stars C'Leena had ever and probably would ever see: four. All in quick succession, almost missed by the fluttering of her eyelashes.
Now, Nephele had two options that ultimately culminated into the following: fight or flight. Her eyes were wide, lips parted, completely flushed and dazed, yet completely hyperaware of everything. As much as Nephele wanted to push it, she quite literally couldn’t move. C’Leena was right, because of course she was, with her brilliant brain (ugh, she's never complimenting her again.) It was in Nephele’s nature to be curious, but this was beyond curiosity; this was something entirely different.
Ten seconds passed, then 15, 20…and then finally, with a swallow, Nephele finally managed to culminate every single thought, expression, and emotion into one singular word. It spilled out unintentionally, like she was trying to breathe and the steam that dispelled from her lips formed it on accident:
“Fuck.”
And then Nephele flinched back, clapping her hands to her mouth. That certainly wasn’t what she meant to say. It didn't even sound right to her, her accent elongating the vowel an embarrassingly long time. Still, Nephele was suddenly appalled by her own words.
“I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to- I-I—" Nephele immediately launched into apologies, so flustered that some of the things she was saying sounded like she was speaking in tongues. She wasn't shouting, muttering quickly and panicked behind her hands.
What C'Leena managed to understand was the tail-end of her flustered panic: “I’m so- oh dear…I feel f-faint.” Then Nephele was lurching forward, grabbing her water and emptying the last of it with a recklessness that caused a good amount of it to miss her mouth. In short, she was an absolute mess. And C'Leena was one evil woman.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 21, 2023 7:22:31 GMT -5
C'Leena tried to keep character. She really, really tried, but the unexpected, drawled 'Fuck' was just too much for her and she began absolutely pissing herself with laughter. She full on rolls onto her side and is actively clutching her sides as she struggles to breathe.
It takes her a good bit to regain her composure, but even now she's still chuckling every once in a while. "Jesus. Nephele, was that a general statement or a request?-" As she finishes the question, she breaks out into a wheeze and her laughter picks back up. Another minute goes by as she composes herself. "Please never change, Nephele. Owww my sides hurt."
She rolls onto her back, feeling the grass on her skin as she breathes deeply. God if she kept getting reactions like that, she might never stop. She sits up and shuffles back to Nepheles side before kissing her again. "I'm not sorry, dal'n." She chuckles and leans against her again. "You're too fun to tease!"
The sexual tension between them recently has been almost fogging the area around them with how thick it is. Is it almost entirely C'Leenas fault? Absolutely. Is she going to stop? Again, absolutely not. Tension like this is what she thrives in, and until Nephele specifically asks her to stop, she's going to keep toying with her.
"Also, the count is now Nine." she says with no context. She is referring to the stars in Nepheles eyes, but that's too much effort to explain. Right now, she just has a wry grin on her face in light of her victory.
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Post by Nephele on May 21, 2023 12:41:56 GMT -5
Nephele actually kicked C’Leena. Okay that was a bit much, it was more of a very forceful nudge. As soon as she saw C’Leena rolling and laughing she “kicked” her in the side, just because she knew she’d feel it. Nephele had never been more ashamed in her life, and it really showed.
“I hate you.” Nephele whined, dropping the bottle to the ground and sobbing into her hands out of embarrassment. There were no tears, but there may as well have been. “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you so much right now. I swear to the gods I’m never complimenting you again, you absolutely suck. And NOT like that!”
When C’Leena leans up against her, Nephele scoots away from her, a pointed gesture as she covers her face and lets out a high-pitched screech into her hands. C’Leena was having too much fun for her liking. As sulky as she was though, Nephele didn’t miss the way C’Leena blushed. She’d been keeping a mental note in her mind of what she reacted to and didn’t. In fact, Nephele had been taking notes since they first met. No, it wasn't weird, thank you for your concern.
Point was, Nephele was forming a hypothesis. She loved puzzles, and learning how to put one together was only the beginning of the fun; learning how they worked and how to reassemble them in any situation? Even better. Also, while Nephele wasn't entirely certain before, she felt that she had a solid idea of why C'Leena saw shooting stars in her eyes sometimes. If by C'Leena's count she was at nine from five (obvious much?), Nephele finally had an idea of what it meant.
And somehow, that was even more embarrassing.
“You…one of these days.” It’s all Nephele says before dropping her hands to her lap. One of these days she would get C'Leena back, it wasn’t today, hell, maybe not even within the year. Still, it would happen…maybe. Depends on how brave she’d become. Nope, stop thinking! Too much of that.
For now Nephele lamented her life choices, a usual occurrence for the past few years. There was still daylight for another few hours, but now Nephele wished she had an excuse to go to sleep. Sadly, she was no longer tired, having been fully woken up by C'Leena's shenanigans. If only...
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 21, 2023 13:32:27 GMT -5
"Nahh, you you looove me, don't lie to yourself." She says after chuckling at Nepheles reaction. Although her moving away did twinge a sense of guilt, although she made sure not to let that show. "Alright, alright, I'll cut it out, give you time to breathe. C'mere, I'm sorry, petal." She scoots herself back toward Nephele and wraps her arms around her. Gently enough so that she could very easily escape it if she wanted to, but tight enough to get the point across.
The only reason she's apologizing is because she does feel a little bad. Perhaps she shouldn't have pushed it as far as she did. I mean, even Nephele is pointing out her exact meaning behind 'You suck'. Yeah, it's time to chill for a bit. "Although this brings up a good point. If I ever make you uncomfortable, please tell me. I never want to discomfort you, and if my bullshit is doing that, then I'll stop for good, alright?" She says in a gentle tone. It's something that Nephele knows as she's 99% sure she's said this previously, but it doesn't hurt to reiterate.
There is a couple beats of silence as C'Leena holds onto Nephele. The unique tempo her clockwork heart adopts, as well as the faint hiss of her lung being only barely audible through the sounds of nature. Her own heart beating and lung expanding and deflating has been a rather therapeutic experience. In the beginning, the noise wasn't dissimilar, but it was far quieter, only really being able to be heard in complete silence. She quietly hopes Nephele finds the same sense of calm with the noise as she does.
Judging by the time, they have a little more daylight left. Not enough to get any more worthwhile practice in, but perhaps they can do something else with the remaining daylight. "Here, would you like to do some wandering while we still have time? Doesn't have to be right now, but I believe we haven't headed north too far yet and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious."
One of the things Nephele taught C'Leena without realizing it was her wanderlust. Being cooped up in cities and breathing air that was mostly pollutants turns out isn't healthy for the mind or the body. Being able to come out here and take a breath of actually fresh air? It's incredible. It's the only wonder she hasn't actively explained since she doesn't know how to. Nephele has caught her multiple times seemingly enjoying air a bit more than a normal person, however.
While C'Leenas own yearning for exploration isn't nearly as intense as Nepheles, it's still very much there. Theres just something about being able to pick a direction and see new things that excites C'Leena. Learning has always been something she's enjoyed, but exploring is somehow on a completely different level. It's something that she will never take for granted, and also something that she will endlessly thank Nephele for.
C'Leena is in no rush, more than happy to continue sitting or laying in the grass and watching whatever attracts their attention. C'Leena hasn't reverted her eyes to the aquamarine just yet. She didn't miss Nepheles inability to shift her gaze from her eyes. From experience, Nephele generally cannot hold eye contact when she's flustered, so C'Leena believes it to be the eyes. So, she's keeping them - for now, at least. She'll probably change them back later, though.. If she doesn't forget, that is.
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Post by Nephele on May 21, 2023 16:33:38 GMT -5
Nephele couldn't stop herself from leaning into the hug, despite not hugging back. It was telling enough though, with the way she slouched into it and moved barely a centimeter closer, huffing through her nose. She accepted C'Leena's apology, obviously. She didn't need to say it aloud to confirm it.
Nephele did smile though, even if just a little bit when C'Leena checked in on her emotionally. It always warmed her heart when she asked how she was feeling, even for silly things. A soft, barely present sigh escaped her. "I'm...I'm alright. I promise. Just a little embarrassed, is all. Thank you for checking, dearest. Let's walk a bit."
Nephele squeezed C'Leena's arm, signaling that she wanted to stand. She stretched, helping C'Leena stand with a healthy flush to her cheeks. It wasn't as obvious anymore, simply a reminder of a few minutes prior. She had to fix her hair again, but that could wait.
"I am feeling a bit antsy. Are you... alright if we leave in the morning? I want to see Frost Gale at least once. We'd have to prepare for the weather, but I'd like to visit." Nephele proposed, open ended. She had no clue how C'Leena operated under harsh cold, though Nephele knew she'd probably be covered head to toe in every shawl she could get her hands on. It was almost that time of year...which reminded her. "Are you alright if after going to Frost Gale, we travel to Eclipse City overseas? I want to double back to the Crescent Isles. It's...important."
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 21, 2023 17:06:18 GMT -5
The moment Nephele leaned into the hug, the grip tightened as she smiled, glad that Nephele was doing alright. It didn't last too long since Nephele wanted to get up, but that's alright. She motioned for Nephele to take the lead when she asked if they could wander for a bit as C'Leena puts her shirt back on, almost forgetting it.
She listened intently to what Nephele wanted to do, and it sounded pretty good. C'Leena wasn't huge on heading to the Frost Gales, but again, she'd be lying if she weren't curious. "Yeah, of course! I go where you go, hon. Plus, you said you wanted to show me the stars on the old church in Eclipse City, right? Don't think I forgot about that." C'Leena smiled, looking forward to their trip. Nephele was right; they'd have to get some supplies first but hell, they're on their own schedule. Not like anyone is waiting for them.
Although C'Leenas curiosity got the better of her. "Mind if I ask what you need done?" She'd get the answer soon enough, but the words escaped her mouth before she could catch them. Oh well, either Nephele told her or she didn't. That is up to her in the end.
As they walked, C'Leena was looking everywhere at once, but often looked at Nephele. Holy shit did C'Leena find her more beautiful than anything. The starry eyes, the cloud-like hair, the really pretty skin? She looks absolutely stunning to C'Leena. On top of that, she's also the single sweetest thing ever? She feels like she hit the jackpot with Nephele. Her mind wandered to the future again, and this time she let it. The thoughts made her smile. She liked where her future was headed.
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Post by Nephele on May 21, 2023 19:55:52 GMT -5
It had been a while since Nephele had returned the west. She knew most of the forests of the Moonglades like the back of her hand, and she certainly remembered most of the civilians. Hopefully, on her way back they didn’t remember her (or that she outlived them.) Bringing C’Leena that way was a way to help reminisce and show her new lands, right?
Nephele was absolutely beaming at the idea of finally showing her the old church, beginning to walk in a random direction. They’d find their way back if they needed to. The roof of the church was one of her favorite places to go, nice when separating from the stuffiness of the city below. “I honestly did, I would love to show you. You seem to climb well enough, so it will be fun, I think.” Nephele wanted to comment on C’Leena staring at her, but decided that the last thing she needed was another teasing remark. Still, she quickly swiped a thumb over her nose and cheeks to check for anything. Better safe than sorry, right?
The next question though was a bit heavier, but it was one that she was expecting. Nephele hummed, blinking a few times. She didn’t want it to sound too serious, but it kind of…was. “I um, used visit my mother’s grave in the winter. I understand if you don’t want to go, I don’t think it would be comfortable for you. I haven’t gone since uh…” Nephele trailed off, scratching behind her ear.
Nephele supposed that it was a blessing and a curse that C’Leena was such a salve to her, often preferring to hold most things back. Despite this, she felt incredibly guilty, and quickly tried to diffuse the topic: “Anyway, it’s not for another few weeks! It doesn’t even have to be on a specific day, so it’s no rush. I apologize. I truly don’t mean to bring the mood down.”
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 21, 2023 22:14:28 GMT -5
C'Leena thought herself a decent enough climber. She used to do 'rock climbing' to both work her core and help with precision in her prosthetics. It worked pretty well, and C'Leena had fun with it. Plus, she has wings now, so any and all climbing is now optional. "I look forward to it."
Then Nephele said she wanted to visit her mothers grave. As far as C'Leena knows, it wasn't the best relationship, but if she wants to visit, she's not one to stop her. It's a rather private thing, so it's best she gets something cleared up. "Of course, petal. I'm not about to tell you 'no'. The question is if you want me there. It's a private moment, so it's okay if you want to be alone for that."
"And you didn't bring a thing down, hon. I get it, as I'm sure you know. I've actually been wondering if it's worth making Rose a grave here, too. It may not have her body in it, but she might appreciate it anyway." Despite the topic, C'Leena seems content. It's something she'd been wondering since she missed her first visit to Rose. She just doesn't quite know where to put the grave, though. Perhaps if Nephele was serious about being keen with getting a place to call their own, she can put it nearby there.
C'Leena gets distracted from the subject, her eyes going over to Nepheles hair. C'Leena reaches over and simply moves a few loose strands behind her ears. Strangely enough, Nephele is incredibly emotive with her ears. They always twitch or turn when she hears something that interests her; such as the cider the kid they helped had given them. C'Leena gently pokes an ear-tip. Not for any particular reason, but just she had a little voice in her head go: You should totally poke an ear. See how she reacts!
Poking accomplished, C'Leena smiles, the kindness and adoration reflected in her eyes. C'Leena loves Nephele to such a degree that she never thought possible, but here she is. That thought widens her smile, borderline radiating warmth from her person.
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Post by Nephele on May 21, 2023 22:49:50 GMT -5
"Ah, okay. Thank you." Nephele was relieved somehow. She had a feeling that C'Leena wouldn't quite refuse her request, but she understood the need to distance oneself from trauma. It was nerve wracking. "I don't mind at all if you come. It's nothing too serious but...I think if nothing else I'd like to have moral support. Again, that's only if you're comfortable. And let me know if you want help with making a grave for your sister, I'm always eager to help."
Nephele had no time to harp on how grateful she was, because suddenly C'Leena was poking her ear. It flicked, a quick very animal-like gesture as the nymph looked up in surprise. There was no offense in her features, just pure confusion. Okay, so there wasn't anything on her face, but now C'Leena was poking her? That was Nephele's thing! And because her mind had been running amok all day, she frowned. Was she missing something? Was there something in her hair? Or was C'Leena just teasing her again?
Realizing she could just ask, Nephele tilted her head at C'Leena, a confused smile on her face. "You're being awfully touchy today." Nephele mused, breathing out a laugh. She kept trying to hold eye contact with her, still drawn to the new color of her eyes, but felt that it was too obvious and kept directing her gaze away out of respect. "Did I do something?"
It was a silly question in retrospect, as this wasn't the first time that Nephele had caught C'Leena staring at her. She stares a lot too, so it shouldn't be so jarring. It didn't cause Nephele discomfort per se, but she was no less perplexed then as she was now. Nephele wasn't anywhere close to ugly, and she knew that. Still, the concept of someone staring at her just because? Wild to her.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 21, 2023 23:17:42 GMT -5
"If you want me there, I'll be there. No skin off my back." She held her smile firm. Of course C'Leena would be there. It doesn't bother her, as she said. "And I'll let you know when I want to do it. I still need to figure out where to put it. Tricky, tricky.."
Her attention is arrested by something else entirely. She's not even sure what it was, but for a few moments, she was trying to puzzle something out. Nephele speaking to her snapped her back into the moment. "Huh? I'm always touchy! But I dunno. I'm still caught up with the meditation stuff you showed me and how it actually helped with my sense of touch?? God, you're a genius, petal. No matter what you say, there isn't a single way that I could ever possibly repay what you've done for me.
"A while ago, you asked me if I ever wanted my sense of touch back, and my answer was the understatement of the century. Truthfully, not having sensation in my hands and legs has really bothered me. Sent me into too many depressive spirals to count. I've always wanted my sense of touch back, and you've given me a way to do that. I think a small part of my mind hopes that it'll just magically come back one of these times."
Theres something about how she's speaking that makes it feel like it's resurfacing poor memories. Those were some really dark days before she was able to at least handle what was going on. She still hasn't come to terms with a lot, but Nephele has been so much help.
However, words have now begun to spill out of her mouth. Nephele has always been a presence where she feels like she can be open and.. vulnerable, despite how much the latter scares her. "I uh, did a lot that I'm not proud of in those times. When shit gets as dark as it was for me, you look for outs and um.." Saying she looks uncomfortable is an understatement. She's rubbing the back of her neck, her posture is slumped slightly and her facial features are tight.
"Sorry, I shouldn't be burdening you with my past. Anyway. Of course I'm touchy. You helped me actually feel, no matter how brief. Thats incredible, petal, thank you." She quickly pecks Nephele on the cheek and smiles lightly. She still looks troubled, but a lot better now that she's moving on from the subject. Some things might be better left unsaid, though.
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Post by Nephele on May 22, 2023 0:13:31 GMT -5
Nephele was ever so attentive when C’Leena spoke. Her eye were focused, watching her face for any discomfort, and when she sensed it growing she hummed softly, squeezing her hand in comfort. She found her face slipping into a wide, bashful smile. Nephele’s heart swelled with so much pride at hearing C’Leena’s words.
Nephele loved C’Leena. Neither of them were the most open about their feelings, though when they were together it seemed like the other simply had an effect on one another; C’Leena was spilling huge insecurities right now. Nephele didn’t make her elaborate on anything, asking zero questions and letting her speak. It made her smile turn sad. She loved her.
“…I understand.” Nephele murmured after a moment. Because she did, really. “I won’t press on, but never, ever apologize for ranting.” Nephele made them stop walking, stepping in front of C’Leena. She kissed her knuckles, gentle. She then looked up at her. “I’m so, so proud of you. You are a brilliant person, and I know what I said before about complimenting you but you amaze me every day. A doctor who learns to heal others often forgets to mend their own wounds, C’Leena. I’m so glad you have and are still learning how.”
Nephele sighs, unable to look C’Leena in the eyes still. It was strange, because as much as she wanted to, the nymph was looking at her hands, thoughtful. How did they feel? She wondered. Could Nephele find a way to heal them? Maybe…maybe some day. For now, Nephele shook her head, trying to keep her mind in check. “Today has been…quite a bit, hasn’t it? Should we retire for the night? You look absolutely dazzling, dearest, but I’d hate to exhaust you.”
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 22, 2023 3:27:27 GMT -5
C'Leena was at a loss for words. She knew she'd most likely get support, but receiving it was still jarring to her. Nephele has always been supportive but there was something with how Nephele went about it that hit differently. The hand that Nephele is holding begins to very lightly twitch every couple of seconds.
A few moments of silence pass before C'Leena takes a shaky breath. "You have no idea just how much I love you right now." Everyone she spoke to about this had always fussed over her massively, but Nephele just saying she understands and that she's proud? C'Leena is moments away from crying and is keeping it together by a thread.
"Can I just.. hold you for a bit, please?" C'Leena knows she doesn't need to ask, either, but it feels right to do so right now. The change in mood from five minutes ago is extreme, but there isn't much she can do right now. She's barely operable and just wants to ensure that Nephele is indeed a real person.
Why is she having such a strong reaction to this? Frankly, she has no idea. She was never like this before she met Nephele, always preferring to bottle things up and deal with them later. So why was it different now? As much as she'd like to puzzle it out, she can hardly think straight right now, let alone figure out her own brain. It'll have to wait until later.
Right now, she just wants a hug.
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Post by Nephele on May 22, 2023 13:18:01 GMT -5
Nephele is watching C’Leena devolve right in front of her, a million emotions crossing her face at once. Such a beautiful person. How was she ever so lucky? Nephele’s smile turned tender at C’Leena’s request.
“Oh, angel.” Nephele’s voice broke at the end, but she doesn’t care. It’s all she needs to say before pulling C’Leena into a warm hug, weaving her fingers through the overgrown hair at the back of her neck and guiding her into her shoulder. Her other hand held her close, wrapping around C’Leena’s middle. She had to stand on tip toe for this to work, but Nephele herself was just tall enough to not have to strain to accomplish this. It was nothing to her though, so long as C’Leena felt safe and loved.
“I love you more.”
Nothing else was said from Nephele, opting to just hold C’Leena until she was ready. Everything she ever did since meeting her was all according to C’Leena’s pace, and it always had been. Nephele never would have advanced as far as she did with C’Leena had she simply not wanted to. The fact that she was able to do this for her, and to also develop their relationship even more by the day with mutual love and trust…it was truly something out of a fairytale. She could hold C’Leena for an eternity if she wished it.
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Post by C'Leena Thomas on May 22, 2023 13:50:32 GMT -5
TW: Talk of Suicide and Depression. Skip this post if you don't want to see that.
C'Leena sank into the hold and that final thread snapped and C'Leena simply began crying. Again, she has no idea how the conversation took this turn, but before she can stop herself, words are spilling out of her mouth. Words that she'd never spoken before.
Her mind was a mess. Her futile attempts at slowing the word vomit were hopeless. "I nearly fucking did it, Nephele. I was just so done with everything. Losing Rose, that FUCKING fire and not being able to feel a fucking thing. Ironically, I can still feel my fucking eyes burning. I can't forget and I wanted to forget so goddamn badly. I'm only here because of chance. I'm here because of a fucking phone call."
C'Leena is shaking incredibly hard as she completely breaks down into Nepheles shoulder. C'Leena slowly begins to drop to her knees, not letting go for a single moment. "It was just a friend calling and asking me about medical crap - Staff rounds or something." Her voice sounds fragile and shaky - the single worst spot Nephele has seen C'Leena in since they met.
"Chance is the only reason I'm here. With the fucking fire and with me moments away from hanging by a goddamn rope. Oh my fucking god, Nephele, I was so close to losing it all. I never want to be there again - please don't let me go there again." C'Leena begs. She well and truly begs Nephele. It doesn't occur to her that this might hurt Nephele. It will later, without a doubt, but right now, her mind is both completely blank and racing at a million miles a minute.
C'Leenas breath has since begun to race, and her heartrate has escalated to scary heights. Am I having a panic attack? Holy shit, I'm having a panic attack.
C'Leena has broken out into a cold sweat as she holds onto Nephele for dear life. She tries to speak and it's barely comprehensible through her breathing and stuttering. "Please don't let go," she repeats, over and over again. Occasionally, she'll switch to saying "Please don't leave." This is the worst she's been in a good few years.
"Please make it stop." She begs as she tries to sink deeper into Nepheles arms. It doesn't work and C'Leena has just enough autonomy to not hold onto Nephele too tightly, but it's still far tighter than what she usually does. Not painful in the slightest, but it's concerning nonetheless.
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Post by Nephele on May 22, 2023 14:42:45 GMT -5
Nephele’s heart was pounding. She listened, completely silent as she took in every word, felt every ounce of pain being poured out like an ocean of fear, self-hatred, pain, pain, pain… It hurt to listen to. Nephele couldn’t even speak, her grip tightening that much more around her. Her breath hitched as C’Leena continued, her eyelashes fluttering as she blinked away her own tears.
As C’Leena continued to talk, Nephele is slowly sinking to the ground with her, settling down in the grass to where C'Leena was more or less holding Nephele in her lap with the nymph cradling her head still. C'Leena was holding her tighter than her careful squeezes and touches. It wasn’t quite a death grip or a vice grip, but it may as well have been. Nephele didn’t shush her, didn’t rush her to finish, didn’t interrupt her. It was mostly due to the fact that she couldn’t. Anything she could possibly say would be disrupting her, and so she waited.
But then the thoughts began to bubble up, until they became a mantra of pleading and desperation. She was holding her so tight, Nephele could hear the whir of her lung straining to provide that air C’Leena needed to weave those same words over and over again. Nephele’s eyes were wide, tears glistening like the stars that filled them. C’Leena almost…
“Look at me, C’Leena.”
Somehow, Nephele managed to squirm around enough to loosen the hug, but her hands didn’t leave her. She didn’t let C’Leena escape the hug, only moving back enough so she could move her arms. Again, her hands refused to leave her skin, artificial or real, ghosting up her shoulders and up her neck to cup her face. Nothing she said could amend this, could it? Her voice was almost stuck in her throat, seeing the face of a woman who was stripped of that ability to feel. To cry. Nephele was absolutely heartbroken. She had to try.
“C’Leena, C’Leena. Look at me, please.” Nephele was in tears, but she didn’t even seem to care. They were streaming down her face in long, steady streams, but her face was serious. “Can you see me? Can you hear me? I’m right here, my love.”
“If you can hear me, I need you to listen to me. If you can’t…” Nephele placed her palm to C’Leena’s chest, holding it there. It was so fast. She began to tap her finger against her chest, knowing if she couldn’t hear her, she could probably feel her. The tapping was rhythmic, and as Nephele continued to tap, she began to count. “Breathe in, 2, 3, 4. Hold, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. And out, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.”
Nephele repeated this several times, exaggerating her movements just a little bit so that if C’Leena could register the movement through her back. She was holding her tight enough that C’Leena could feel every slight movement in Nephele’s body, so if she was focused enough she could feel the inhale, pause, and exhale. Nephele had done this only a few times before, but she had never had to do something like this for someone else before. She wouldn’t let C’Leena lose to her own mind like this. Again, Nephele would cry enough for both of them.
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