After Kumandra

Namaari Part 4

A few weeks later, Raya was quite literally trying to piece Namaari back together. As part of Chief Virana's idea to make Namaari even tougher, her and General Aditiya had been recieving broad sword training in Heart.

It's okay" Raya whispered coaxingly as she dabbed alcohol at the wound on Namaari's arm. "We'll just have to take it slow."

Namaari tried to hold back a wave of anxiety: trust didn't come naturally. Getting beaten around was normal, at least until she became an apex predator. But surrendering to the gentle ministrations of another? It was almost too much.

"I know better than to face General Aditiya at sparring practice" Namaari grimaced. "That woman has no chill."

"You talk about her as though she's not your aunt."

"Duty before family, Dep La" Namaari parroted.

Raya knew better than to disagree.

She ground her teeth as Namaari touched her skin, blaming it on the contact of the singing alcohol. What Raya did to her just through her hand on her arm, what Namaari wanted, it was...impossible.

Self control had always been simple, straightforward. At least, until now.

"I think that's enough treatment, Dep La" Namaari reasoned with a forced grin.

Raya raised a brow "we haven't even gotten to the stitches, baby."

Insult or endearment? Namaari had no idea. And truth be told, a part of her didn't want to know.

"Fine" she hissed as the needle pierced her skin before she could change her mind. Raya hummed a soothing tune as she went, her nimble fingers moving quickly. Namaari decided to calm herself, lulled by the rhythm of Raya's voice and hands.

Being here, with her, in peace, was...

                                  (<:>)

Raya thought that Namaari looked a little more tense than normal. Then again, Namaari was always tense these days around her, a fact which annoyed Raya to no end. What was she doing wrong?...What was she doing right?

No, Dep La would never love her.

But a girl could dream, she supposed.

After her hand brushed Namaari's shoulder once she had finished the stitches, she paused. "You're way too tense, princess. Let me help."

She moved to sit above Namaari on a table, with her legs swinging around her. She carefully kneaded her palms into Namaari's shoulders. Namaari let out a small, almost involuntary little sigh, leaning into Raya's touch.

"Thank you, Dep La" Namaari murmured.

"No problem" Raya stated softly.

A few minutes later she caught Raya's hand, reflexively pulling it to rest on her cheek.

Raya's breath had a sharp intake, causing Namaari to snap out of her trance.

"I-I, I'm sorry, Raya."

She stood up and strode towards the door.

"Wait!" Raya called out. "It's okay!" Her voice broke. I like you she thought. I more than like you.

But it was too late as Namaari slammed the door firmly behind her.

                                   (<:>)

Namaari suppressed a whimper. She'd used her injured arm to close the door. With her back still at the door, she slid down until she was crouched against the floor. Was that Raya crying on the other side? She couldn't tell.

Squaring her shoulders, she turned the door knob and went back inside the healer's room. Raya was clearly worn out with Namaari's antics, a lone tear streaming down her cheek.

Six years without her Ba, traveling alone through the desert of Talon, all without an ounce of self-pity or tears.

Yet Namaari could bring Raya to her knees. She didn't like having that kind of power over her.

Raya ran up to Namaari, throwing her arms around her waist.

"What am I going to do with you, Dep La?" Her voice wavered. "What are we going to do about this?"

Namaari tentatively wrapped her arms around Raya's shoulders.

"I have a plan" she whispered.

Raya looked up at her suddenly. "What?" She asked, her eyes almost too hopeful.

"I said I don't know what you're talking about."

Raya's gaze hardened. "You can lie to yourself, Namaari. But you can't run from me" she pushed Namaari away. "You've never been able to."

This time, it was Raya who strode out of the healer's room.