Painfully yours

Help.

Arya's P.O.V.
_________

As I slowly wake up, I feel a sense of familiarity, but my groggy mind can't quite place it. Snuggling closer, I realize I'm in Ariana's arms, my face buried in her breast. Her skin feels soft and it makes me happy. Her warmth envelops me, bringing comfort and relief. After enduring so many days of torment from Xavier, waking up without paranoia feels like a small victory. A wave of happiness washes over me as I bask in Ariana's scent, finding solace in her presence.

I become aware of the satin feel of her calves against my feet, realizing that we had tightly embraced each other during the night. However, as the realization dawns on me that Ariana never mentioned her past relationship with Xavier, a sense of unease creeps in. I feel the urge to break free from her embrace and distance myself. Slowly and gently, I extract myself from her arms, needing some space to process my thoughts before getting ready for school.

As I prepare to leave, I notice that Ariana has dressed the wound on my wrist. It's a small gesture, but it reminds me of her care and concern for me. I leave my right hand out of the water so the wound wouldn't get wet. The hot water from the shower soothes me, but I'm still torn about Ariana's presence and whether I should wake her up or quietly slip away for school.

As I step out of the shower, I make the decision to leave Ariana sleeping and not disturb her. Wrapped in a towel, I begin to apply silk moisturizer, savoring the gentle sensation on my skin. Lost in my thoughts, I'm startled when Ariana unexpectedly enters the bathroom. A rush of questions floods my mind. Is she hiding something from me? Why would she shower me with love when she should despise me? She knows that Xavier is on to me, yet she has been kind and affectionate towards me. Could it all be an act? A twisted form of revenge? Revenge for what though? I'm don't agree with Xavier's thoughts and actions. I want nothing to do with him.

My heart quickens its pace as Ariana approaches me, the droplets of water from my hair cascading down my shoulder and onto the towel. Each moment feels amplified, as if time itself has slowed down. I'm acutely aware of every sensation, every movement, as we stand there in silence. The uncertainty hangs heavy in the air, making my mind race with doubts and suspicions.

"Why didn't you say you dated Xavier?" I muttered almost instantly. My restless mind spilled out before my brain could stop it.

Ariana walked towards me and faced the sink picking up a toothbrush and squeezing paste on to it. She looked at me through the mirror and I stood facing my bathtub with my back facing the mirror. I clutched the towel on my chest looking out the window.

"I missed you." I said without realising as a tear dropped thinking about all the times she could have saved me from Xavier. Will she save me now? My lips quivered as I looked at my legs .

She finished brushing and quickly washed her face. Picking up a towel she turned towards me patting her face and I continued to stare at my slippers wondering how does one stitch fur?

"You didn't ask Arya. And I missed you more than you know." She smiled and took my hand in hers. It felt weird yet satisfying to hear her eloquent speech and silver tongue , feeling her skin after almost three weeks. But was that all? She didn't tell me because I didn't ask. Obviously if I had no idea about it ,how would I ask.

"Where were you gone?" Water dripping from my hair onto the carpet under me.

"I was gone for some administration to Monte Carlo." I knew that she was softly smiling at me even though I continued looking at my feet. Something didn't feel right. It felt like I was angry with her but I had no reason.

"How're you ?" She turned me around and I looked into her eyes and then down again. What should I even answer? I'm miserable. Terrible. Horrible. I don't know how to navigate this situation. I know she meant how were my bruises because she touched it up and down but Xavier probably already told her since they were so close even after a fucking breakup. I've never heard of such a thing. It's ridiculous.