Hotel Cryptid [completed]

I love you too, Darling

Aria and Dahlia sat at the pool at night. They sat with their feet in the water. The water rippled when one of them moved their feet. There were lights in the water, making it bright.

They weren't on their shifts and decided to hangout when the pool was closed. Both of them liked swimming. I mean, Aria is a lifeguard.  They can both remember the day they first met.

Aria sits, sobbing. It's 1898. Twenty years after Dahlia died. Dahlia had gotten used to being there. Aria didn't want to be there. She wanted to go home. But she couldn't. All because of boss.

"Hey", a soft, but sort of cheery voice says to the sobbing Aria. Aria looked up to see a tired, but sweet looking red-head. "Are you okay?", The lady asks Aria. Aria shakes her head no. The girl, in response, slides down the wall to where she is sitting by Aria.

"I'm Dahlia, you?", The girl, apparently named Dahlia, tells. "A-Aria", Aria sniffs, wiping her eyes. "What's goin' on, Aria?", Dahlia asks, the still crying Aria. "D-Do you work here...?", Aria asks instead of answering the question that Dahlia had asked. "Why yes I do. I work on floor Kraken. I sort of run the floor, to the displeasure of others", Dahlia explains, sort of waving her hand in the air. "I came here twenty years ago", Dahlia continues. Aria nods, understanding that she isn't the only one whom this has happened to.

Boss had drowned Aria in a pool. It was long and painful. Aria could feel the water welling up in her lungs. Like if there was a snow storm hurling and swirling around in the dark abyss that is her body. Boss had held her body in the water, mainly her head under.

Aria and Dahlia talked for a bit. They talked about what happened to each of them. The gun shot that killed Dahlia and the water that murdered Aria.

Dahlia and Aria went to their shifts, it just so happened that Dahlia was working a shift at the pool. Dahlia saw Aria's face as she tried to get into the pool.  Pure terror. Aria had side effects from the drowning. She just couldn't stand the sight of the place she had died at.

Dahlia decided to help out Aria. Over the next few weeks, they spend time trying to get Aria used to the pool. Dahlia swam around with Aria. Aria shook, her body getting goosebumps. It took a long while, but eventually, Aria conquered her fear of water. Only with Dahlia's help. Dahlia had been her first of many friends. But always her favorite.

Aria leaned on Dahlia. Both having very fond memories of each other of the times before. Aria is 5'4, Dahlia on the other hand is 5'6 and 1/2. Dahlia found it funny when Aria climbed on her back to make herself feel taller.

Dahlia slowly lowered her body into the somewhat decently warm pool. Dahlia swam back a little and opened her arms to Aria to join her. "Join me!", She states happily. Dahlia loved being around Aria, she was her gal, her doll. They hung out almost every single day. Actually, probably every single day. Aria chuckles and jumps in, making a decently sized splash!

Dahlia hugged Aria, which Aria happily returned the hug. Ripples came from the movement Dahlia made while pretty much picking up Aria.

Aria placed her head on Dahlia's shoulder. It was quiet. The sound of the water and nature sounding throughout. The smell of chlorine and lavender filling the air. It made an oddly weird but nice smell.

"Your warm", Aria chuckles, breaking the silence. Aria's small chuckle was a tiny breath of a fresh spring, a breaking water after an amazing dive into a beautiful, mystical lake.

More silence brought thoughts splitting through Dahlia's mind. Thoughts of her happiness of being around Aria, thoughts of their favorite moments, thoughts of Aria. Just her. Dahlia thought about her feelings about Aria. Did she love Aria?  Maybe she did. She didn't know how to put it into words. Her feelings for this woman that has been around her for years. It is now 2021, they met in 1898, Dahlia died in 1879. It's been so many years yet Aria is one person who had stuck by her side no matter what. You know the feeling when you see someone whom you love, or is your best friend and you haven't seen them in over a year and then you hug them for the first time? That is what it is like seeing Aria every single morning, every single day. It's like, the  sunrise you see every morning that just takes your breath away or like dancing ballet in the hard rain, feeling the drops hitting your skin as you dance with your lover for life. The one person whom has stuck with you every time of the day. That's what it is like seeing Aria, that is what it is like hugging Aria. That is who Aria is to her. That is what Aria is to Dahlia.

Suddenly and without warning, Aria kissed her. And just as quickly, she pulled back. Dahlia, whom is shocked at that, looks at Aria. "d-did you just...?", Dahlia stutters her words. "Why yes I did", Aria smiles. The smile is bright, bright as spring.

They share a kiss. This one a little longer. Dahlia was happy. She felt as if she could reach the sun. "Oh my!", Was all she could manage to get her brain to make her say.

"Oh doll, I love you. I really do. Oh so much!", Dahlia finally managed to speak. "I love you too, darling", Aria giggles happily.

They spent the next few hours swimming. They later went to Dahlia's room and cuddled. Dahlia's love language was physical touch. She loved holding Aria. Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, whatever. They fell asleep holding each other that night. Soft smiles on their faces. Aria wore Dahlia's hoodie. All in all, a great day.