Siren's Elegy Volume 1: Orphans of Ashen Earth

Chapter 10: Insomniac Conversations

June 15, 4021 01:00 [Zìyóugǎng- Precipice Hotel]

"So, how was the festival?" Aisha asked Vivian. Both women laid on their sides facing each other's mattresses, supporting their heads with one arm.

"It was great, all things considered. We watched a boat race, wined and dined, and ended the night with some fireworks and a show. I'd say it was a nice distraction, although I could have done without the terrorist attack," Vivian shrugged.

"I'm glad to hear that. It's good that you had fun," Aisha smiled for a moment, but her brief expression faltered. "Speaking of the attack, all of you seemed so calm when it happened. I just froze; when I saw the blood...and the people under the rubble, I..." she trailed off.

"It was shocking for everybody. You don't get out much, especially to do field work, so it's understandable you'd have such a reaction. As a doctor, I'm usually witness to the casualties of war. I can't give you an accurate statement on the other guys' reactions, but I assume seeing violence is pretty normal for them, especially Cecil. I can't imagine what he saw while he was stationed near Levante. Even that chatterbox closes up when anyone asks about his time there," Vivian said, shaking her head.

"That sounds horrible," Aisha muttered, disturbed that they had grown accustomed to such slaughter.

"Don't let it get you down, Aisha. That's why you and the other Homunculi exist, so that we can prevent more disasters from occurring. We're here to keep people safe," Vivian reassured her.

"I guess you're right," Aisha said, slightly relieved. Yawning, she rolled over. "How'd the date go?" she asked, settling into her comforter.

"Ah, you know, we just talked and sort of got to know each other. It was a little awkward so we tried loosening up with a little booze, but I guess we got carried away again," Vivian laughed nervously.

Aisha looked at her roommate with disappointment. "Was ten years not enough? Not to mention you've seen him naked on more than a couple of occasions already—"

Vivian moved swiftly, clasping her hand on Aisha's mouth to silence her. "Shhhh! They could overhear us. Please just keep your voice down. I'm begging you," she whispered harshly, eyes full of intensity.

Aisha nodded. Vivian slowly released her grip over Aisha's mouth, maintaining the intensity in her eyes.

"I'm his physician, okay? That's totally different. I've only seen him naked for his physicals, not for... other things. In that scenario, I'm a doctor and he's a patient. It's easy for me to get into a headspace where I'm a professional checking upon the health of my patient; there's nothing complicated to it. But when we're alone and the intentions aren't platonic, I get way too flustered. I get nervous and self-conscious. I always put up a front, but now it feels like I'm walking on eggshells. What if at some point he initiates something and I push back accidentally? What if he hates me for it?"

"I wouldn't overthink things too much. I know my brother can be dense sometimes, but even he has enough social awareness to understand if his actions make you uncomfortable." Aisha reassured her.

Vivian smiled, thanking her friend for her words of wisdom. She reached for the light switch, flicking it off, blanketing the room in serene darkness before sinking into her pillow, the knot in her stomach now alleviated.

***

"Goddamnit!" Indra screamed into his pillow. "I wasn't planning on doing anything. I just wanted to spend more time with her," he complained. "Why does Aisha have to be such a buzzkill?"

Mirai nodded. "I agree with you. Still, I don't think it's all bad. We can talk more freely if it's just us."

Indra grumbled indignantly but turned to listen.