Even In The Grave, All Is Not Lost

Just a Dream

A/N: An early Christmas present for you guys :) I hope everyone has a great Christmas (if you celebrate) and a wonderful holiday time. Also sending out hugs to anyone who is struggling during this holiday season due to mental or physical illness or trauma, or whose families/homes aren't a safe space for them. Just. . . so many hugs. Especially with the way things are with Covid.

. . .

'So lately, been wondering

Who will be there to take my place

When I'm gone, you'll need love

To light the shadows on your face. . .'

- Wherever You Will Go by The Calling

. . .

"You know, I'm pretty sure the person who does the catching and the cooking is free from washing up," Raven noted, observing Luna as she entered the kitchen. She'd disappeared from the table about ten minutes ago, collecting everyone's plates as she went - and balancing them with an expertise that was more than a little intimidating.

Raven had wanted to follow her retreat but, having noted the sinking of Luna's mood at dinner, thought that maybe she would appreciate some space.

When she'd heard the clattering of dishes and running water, though, her control had fled - the woman already did enough for them without becoming their maid too!

Luna hummed. "And yet John and Emori have been doing it every night."

"Yeah, but they make a game out of it," Raven countered. "I've seen what they do with those bubbles - and one time was very disturbing."

She shuddered at the memory and Luna's nose wrinkled. "Perhaps for sanitary reasons then, someone else should do the washing up from now on?"

Raven snorted. "I do not volunteer."

Luna's eyes gleamed and Raven swallowed, stomach flipping off course, before she turned her attention elsewhere. Thankfully, Luna's clothes offered a more than appropriate distraction.

To say it was somewhat unsettling seeing the Grounder out of her usual attire would be an understatement and all throughout the night Raven had found herself missing the soft blues and greens she'd become so used to.

She even missed her stupid jacket.

(not that she would ever admit it)

Frowning, it took Raven a second to notice the other woman turning away, sinking her hands into the soapy water once more.

She groaned at the action, stepping forward. "Luna, really, you don't have to do that."

"It's fine," she said, lifting her shoulders lightly. "I was never allowed to clean as a child. Now I find it soothing."

(Murphy could never get wind of this. He and Emori would be lining up with goddamn wedding bands)

Raven snorted, coming up behind her. "You really are a freak of nature."

Luna grinned and Raven suspected that she took it entirely as a compliment.

"I hate cleaning," Raven admitted a moment later, gazing down at the dirty dishes buried in soap suds. "Was always cleaning up after my mum as a kid." And she'd been messy as hell, though most of that mess consisted of empty bottles and vomit.

Luna's gaze was curious but she didn't push for more information, even though this was the first time Raven had ever mentioned her mother. She liked that about Luna. That she could make a comment without expecting to be eviscerated for it. That what she had to give was taken as enough, no calls for more than that.