Cherry & Vanilla

Healing

Hela's pov
Alicia has been out for a few days. None of us really know what happened while she was in there. The most alarming observation being that Damascus was gone when we arrived. I have faith in her, as does everyone else. However, Cordelia has taken it especially hard. Not leaving her side ever since we got her back.

Demanding that she stay in her room so she can keep an eye on her. She said she doesn't want her to wake up alone. Needless to say, she hasn't left the room at all. I've been tending to her duties and bringing her food and water. She's neglecting herself for the sake of Alicia and it's clear to everyone. "She wouldn't want this" I mutter as I set down her dinner on the nightstand.

"Well she can't want anything right now. Besides, she'd want me here" she whispers determined. "I don't disagree, however, you need to take care of yourself. You haven't showered in days" I remind her, "I can't leave her" she whispers shakily. "She'll be ok, Dee. How about I stay with her while you shower? Your hair smells like bird shit" I chuckle.

"Ok... but if she wakes up, you yell for me" she demands, pointing a finger at my chest. "Will do" I nod, she nods back and makes her way to the bathroom. I stroke some hair out of her face as I sigh. "That woman loves you with all she has, you know? I believe in you. I know you'll wake up. I hate seeing you both like this" my voice wavering as I speak.

I'm usually not this emotional but I can't help it. Alicia has become like a daughter to me and it pains me to see her in this state. I know she's strong and will pull through but it doesn't change the present. I'm suffering just as much as Delia, I just won't show it. I sit with her in silence for a while, Delia coming out soon after.

Scrunching her hair in a towel as pajamas are lazily draped over her frame. "Nothing" she asks, I simply shake my head. She sighs and throws the towel in the bin letting her damp hair fall on her shoulders. "I'll give you two some time" I say and she nods returning to her place beside her.

"She'll wake up soon, I just feel it" I add before leaving the room.

Cordelia's pov
I run my fingers along her face, tracing it and mapping it out as I've done countless times the last few days. Memorizing every feature in case this is the last time I'll ever see her. Alicia getting hurt was very illuminating for me. I knew I loved her before, but this just made me realize even more.

Life is too short to hold myself back from what I desire. I love her more than I've ever loved anyone. I've only known her such a short time and yet she's so important in my life. She's helped me love myself more, just by being there for me. All the things she's done for me that she doesn't even realize.

Big gestures that she takes so lightly, as if it's not work at all for her. She may have knowingly healed my wings, but she unknowingly healed my heart. Please come back to me. I squeeze her hand and after a few seconds I feel her squeeze back. "Hi" I whisper to her and she squeezes my hand again.

I smile widely as I watch her eyes open, she blinks a few times before she turns her head and looks at me. Her face softens and she looks at me with half-lidded eyes. "Hey" she says, her voice raspy but I'm just glad to hear her voice at all. "I missed you" I tell her, "I missed you too" she mumbles. She opens her arms and I gratefully take my place in them.

We lay for minutes in silence, just enjoying each other's company. "I love you too" I whisper, "that makes me happy" she replies. I blush and bite my lip as I hold her tighter. "I got this for you, if you want it" she says and I sit up to look at her confused. "How could you have possibly gotten me anything?" I ask her and she smirks.

She pulls me back down and places a kiss on my lips making me smile. "Cheeky" I whisper after I pull away, "always. But that's not what I got" she chuckles. She sits up slowly and I help her up as she's still a bit weak. She takes the necklace from around her neck and places it in my hand.

"I don't think the whole 'meet the parents' thing applies to us" I giggle, "that's not my mom. Not anymore" she replies quietly. "He's..." I point to it and she nods, I play with it in my hand as I think about him. She rubs my back and pulls me into her arms, "you we're right. It is better not to meet them" I whisper.

"We can destroy it, if you want" she notes, "No I—I think I wanna keep it. At least for a little while" I mumble. "That's ok too" she assures me, "thank you" I voice. "Anytime" she replies as she strokes my hair. "I was scared you were actually gonna die" I mumble into her chest, "you can't get rid of me that easy" she giggles.

"I'd never want to" I whisper, "good. Now get up. I need to shower" she chuckles. "You smell fine" I whine, "I feel gross" she counters. "You're not gross, you're gorgeous" I whisper as I trace her face once more. "As much as I appreciate the compliment... I'm still taking a shower" she asserts.

"Fine. But you're taking it in here" I settle, "if you wanna see me in your clothes you could just say that" she retorts playfully. "That too" I mumble as I let her get up, she seems stronger already. She winks at me and makes her way to the bathroom door, turning around to glance at me one more time.

"I love you" she mouths, "I love you too" I reply sending her a kiss. She 'catches' it and puts her hand to her heart making me giggle. We stare at each other until the door finally closes. Gosh I love her.