The Winter Phoenix (WAYHAUGHT)

Ask her

The housekeeper showed them to one of the bedrooms, asking if they needed anything. Nicole had a pretty good idea what she needed. Waverly. Her Waverly, who somehow found the way out of Guthram to London, and then found her. She wanted nothing more than to continue what they'd started in the kitchen, the moment she'd swept Waverly into her arms and kissed her with a passion she didn't know she possessed. Only, that moment had been spontaneous, while here in this room she couldn't muster enough courage to make the leap from friends back to lovers.

She waited for the tap-tap-tapping of the housekeeper's shoes to recede before opening the door, taking in the beauty of Waverly's face one last time. "I'd best...well goodnight."

"Goodnight," Waverly replied, watching as Nicole did the only thing she knew how. Run.

Halfway down the stairs, in search of the housekeeper, she slumped on a step, elbows on knees, head in hands, mind spinning on its wheels. All I had to do was ask. Hey, would it be okay if I stayed, because I really, really want to be with you. Guessing you risked your life to get here for me. You actually did that for me. Nah, you'll say no, after the cruel things I said because of that knife. That stupid knife which nearly got me killed.

Kate's sudden appearance startled her. "Do you need anything? I can get my housekeeper to fetch whatever you require."

"No, I'm fine." Ask if there's another room. "Sorry. Yes. Water. I needed a glass of water."

"Did my housekeeper not leave some in the room?"

"No. Yes." Ask her. "Sorry, didn't see it."

"You seem troubled young ruler."

"No, really it's fine." She followed Kate up the stairs. "Best go get that water."

Kate accompanied her to the bedroom door, waiting for Nicole to enter. "If you need anything."

"Nope." Ask her. Ask her. Fuck it, too late. "Thanks. I'm just..." Nicole faked a yawn. "Really, really tired. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Kate replied, remaining by her side.

"Lovely house."

"It is."

"Well, goodnight."

Kate remained by her side. "Anything wrong?"

"Nope. Nothing wrong. Waverly's undressing. Giving her space."

Kate knocked on the door. "Hi, it's me. Nicole's outside."

Waverly opened the door still fully dressed. The three stood in silence looking at one another, Kate cracking first. "Guys, I'm going to leave this here. Nicole, if you need another room take the one on the left. Waverly, you came all this way. Just saying."

She left them by the door. "Is it okay," Nicole began, "if I...err, just for tonight? Or, I could just...I'll go. Goodnight. Again. I'll be in the next room."

Waverly stood to one side allowing her to enter. Back where they started, Nicole hung by the door, Waverly taking up residence on the edge of the bed, one finger tracing a line of delicate stitching on the cover. "I'm glad I found you," Waverly said, glancing over.

"So...err, how did you know I'd be here?"

Waverly shrugged. "I didn't. I went to the dwelling with a red door. Number seventeen."

"You know where I live?"

"I followed your footsteps."

"Did Gloria give you my address?"