Lights, Camera, Orc-tion!

11: Unannounced

Heaviness settled on Kahdreg's shoulders, facing Kallinaera in their doorway. They never particularly liked it when the siren dropped by unannounced. This time, there was another itch in the air. The back of Kahdreg's neck prickled, remembering how she'd basically outed them to Avicia.

They were tempted to slam the door in her face, but professionalism stilled the temptation.

"You forgot your gift bags the other night," Kallinaera chuckled, holding out two shiny silver gift bags. She seemed unaware or uncaring of the stiffness in Kahdreg's form. As the orc stared at the bags, Kallinaera went on, "Besides, I felt a bit bad about how I made things so awkward with you and Annie."

"Avicia," Kahdreg corrected, an eyebrow twitching. Their gaze shifted from the bags to Kallinaera's face, but they made no move to grab the proffered gifts.

From her obscured position, Avicia quietly scoffed and shook her head. Miss Virlee wasn't even being subtle. So, she decided, she didn't have to be either. Backing away from the corner, Avicia mussed her hair - for that implied night full of sex look - and shifted the borrowed shirt so it fell a little higher up on her thigh. In a flash of brilliance, she also adjusted the shirt until her shoulder was bared through the neck hole.

After a quick survey of herself, she grinned. Perfect. A sloppy morning look that made it clear she was at home within Kahdreg's domain. Much too comfortable for a first sleepover.

"Oh, sorry. I met so many new faces last night." Kallinaera sighed, unaware of Avicia's plot transpiring around the corner, as she put a hand to her cheek. The mood around her seemed like one of simply misremembering the name of a new pet. Her tone took on a higher, more pointed tone, as she added, "She's not one of those overly jealous sorts that hates when their lovers have close relations with friends, is she?"

Kahdreg frowned and opened their mouth to reply, though they hadn't settled entirely on what to say. Probably just a short, curt 'no.' A part of them wanted to breach the siren's inexcusable actions last night. They didn't get a chance as Avicia made her entrance.

"Kallinaera! What a pleasant surprise!" Avicia's crooning tone was toothachingly sweet as she slipped around the corner. Kahdreg half-turned, catching a look in Avicia's eye. Oh gods, what was she going to do? Mingling of relief and dread churned in their stomach. What did she have planned for the siren? And had her hair been quite so messy earlier? They didn't think so...

Giving a little gasp as she approached, Avicia eyed the siren's proffered gifts still hanging unreceived. Hooking her fingers around the handles, she flashed the other woman a bright smile. "Thanks so much for bringing these! I totally forgot to grab them."

Of course, she forgot to grab them, since there hadn't been any gift bags to grab. But she didn't have to say that. Avicia did her best to hide the awareness in her gaze. No, no. For now, she was just the pleasant unshakeable barrier between a siren and her perceived prize.

The siren managed to maintain a pleasant smile, despite the stoniness her gaze developed. Though Avicia couldn't help but notice a hint of grudgingness on Kalli's part as she released the gift bags.

"Ah, Ava, you stayed the night." It wasn't a question. Just the realization of a sour outcome.

"Yes, Kahdreg and I had a lot to discuss last night," sighed Avicia, ignoring how - yet again - Kallinaera had gotten her name wrong. It didn't bother her, so why address it? She trod to Kahdreg's side, shooting them a look of light frustration coupled with an accepting smile. "I wish they'd told me from the start, but it can't be helped and I know why they were hesitant to say anything."