Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

ELEVEN (M)

Dinner, Fahlada's Penthouse

In the kitchen, Narin hummed happily as she stood on a step stool, carefully helping Earn with the dishes. Aunty Sum was nearby, adding to the cheerful chaos. The innocence of her small, eager hands contrasted with the unease that lingered between the adults. Lada was by the stove, her movements efficient and practiced but her eyes would occasionally flicker towards Earn. Their exchanges had been minimal since arriving at the penthouse.

"Do you like spicy food, Aunty Earn?" Narin asked brightly, her face lighting up as she added the last of the chopped vegetables to the bowl.

Earn glanced down at Narin and then at Lada, who was pretending to focus intently on seasoning the meat.

"A little," Earn responded, her voice gentle.

Narin giggled.

"Mommy always makes her food too spicy! Sometimes she makes funny faces when it's too hot."

Lada smirked, finally turning to face them.

"Spicy is good for you," she said, a rare hint of playfulness in her voice. "It keeps you strong."

Earn couldn't help but smile at the interaction, feeling an odd warmth settle in her chest as she watched the two of them. Lada, in her kitchen, with her daughter, was a far cry from the powerful, intimidating figure Earn had first met.

There was something so profoundly human about this scene-something that made it impossible for Earn to reconcile the two versions of Lada that she had come to know.

As the meal progressed, Narin's chatter filled the silence, bridging the gap between the two women who were both too cautious to initiate a conversation of their own.

"Mommy, can Aunty Earn come for dinner more often?" Narin asked suddenly, her innocent eyes wide with hope as she looked up at Lada.

"It's fun when Aunty Earn is here."

Lada's hand paused for the briefest moment as she set a dish on the table. She glanced at Earn, who stood awkwardly across the room, not knowing where she fit into this scene.

Lada's jaw tightened but she forced herself to smile down at Narin.

"We'll see, love," she replied softly, brushing a hand through Narin's hair. "Maybe."

Narin beamed up at her mother, satisfied. Earn, however, felt the weight of Lada's response settle in her stomach. She moved to join them, her heart pounding.

Dinner passed with Narin gleefully digging in, while Earn and Lada exchanged silent glances, the air thick with unspoken words. The clinking of silverware was the only sound.

At one point, Narin asked for more rice, and both women reached for the bowl at the same time. Their hands brushed briefly. "Oh, sorry!" Earn pulled back, her cheeks flushing.

Lada didn't respond, but Earn could feel the electricity of the moment linger between them, making her pulse quicken.

As dinner continued, the silence grew more loaded. Lada's gaze occasionally drifted towards Earn, her expression unreadable yet intense.

"Mommy, did you see the cat at school today?" Narin chirped, oblivious to the tension. "It was so fluffy!"

"Sounds cute," Lada replied, her smile genuine as she turned her attention to Narin.

Earn watched, heart aching. Lada, in these small moments, was everything she admired but could hardly reach.

As dinner drew to a close, Narin began to yawn. "Time for bed, my love," Lada said gently, scooping Narin into her arms.