Shadows of Revenge

15. A Heart Laid Bare

The dim light of the evening sky cast a soft glow through the curtains as Faye and Yoko sat together, their fingers intertwined. Faye's heart was heavy, though she tried her best to mask it behind a small smile. Yoko, always perceptive, noticed the flicker of doubt in Faye's eyes and leaned in closer, her voice gentle but direct.

"Faye," Yoko began, her tone calm but curious. "Do you still have feelings for Freen?"

Faye blinked at the question, startled by its suddenness. Her first instinct was to shake her head quickly, but she caught herself, feeling the weight of Yoko's steady gaze on her. There was no room for lies between them—not anymore. She paused for a moment, then answered truthfully.

"No," Faye said, her voice soft but resolute. "I don't. I only love you, Yoko. You're the only one I want... the only one I need. I'm vulnerable with you in a way I've never been with anyone else. Please, promise me—don't ever leave me. Even if I'm hard to live with. Even if I push you away sometimes. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Yoko smiled warmly, a playful gleam in her eyes as she reached out and slapped Faye's hand lightly. "Leave you? Faye, I would never leave you. You're the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. You make me happy, even when you're being difficult."

Faye's lips twitched upward, a small laugh escaping her as Yoko continued, "I adore you more than you know. You might hurt me sometimes, but please, don't ever hide things from me again. I want to know everything—every thought, every feeling. Even the things that scare you. Can you promise me that?"

Faye hesitated, her chest tightening. It wasn't easy for her to open up, to let anyone in past the walls she had built. But as she looked at Yoko's smiling face—her eyes filled with nothing but love and warmth—Faye felt something shift within her. Maybe it was worth trying. Maybe Yoko was the one person who could make her feel safe enough to let go.

With a slow, almost reluctant nod, Faye agreed. "I'll try. It's hard for me, but I'll try. For you."

Yoko's face softened, her thumb brushing gently over the back of Faye's hand in a gesture of quiet reassurance. For a moment, the two sat in comfortable silence, the connection between them unspoken but deeply felt.

---

Later that night, the peace was broken by a call from Nam. Faye's body tensed instinctively as she listened to Nam's instructions—it was time to dispose of the body. Fam's body. The revenge for Sarah's death. It was dark work, but Faye felt a grim satisfaction at the thought of justice being served for her sister. And though Freen had kept her at arm's length from the actual violence, Faye was eager to help. This was for Sarah. Her only family.

Yoko, ever supportive, was at her side as they drove out into the wilderness. The forest was silent, save for the rustling of leaves beneath their feet as they approached the site where Fam's body was to be disposed of. The stench of death hung in the air, but Faye was unfazed. She had seen worse, lived through worse. All she could think about was Sarah—her laughter, her bright smile, the warmth she brought to everyone around her.

As the last of the work was finished, Faye stood back, watching as the animals were released to feast on Fam's remains. It should have felt satisfying—cathartic, even—but instead, a hollow ache filled her chest. Sarah was gone, and no amount of bloodshed could bring her back.

As they drove back from the forest, the weight of what they'd done—disposing of Fam's body—hung heavily in the air. Faye was quiet, lost in her thoughts. The road was dark, the headlights illuminating the path ahead, but her mind was clouded with doubt and sorrow. Yoko noticed Faye's silence, her hand resting gently on Faye's thigh, offering comfort without words.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived back at their apartment. Faye stepped inside, her shoulders slumped, the events of the night still weighing on her heart. She placed her keys on the table and walked towards the window, staring out into the night as if searching for answers. Yoko followed her quietly, watching her from a distance before finally breaking the silence.

"Faye," Yoko called softly, her voice pulling Faye from her trance. "What's going on? You've been quiet all night."

Faye turned around, her expression conflicted. She bit her lip, trying to find the words to explain the storm of emotions raging inside her. Slowly, she began to speak.

"I want to take revenge for Sarah," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But Freen hates me for it. She thinks I don't care about Sarah, but that's not true. I loved her. She was my only family, Yoko, and now... now she's gone, and Freen acts like it's my fault. I just want Freen to see that I'm not the villain in all of this. I cared. I do care."

Yoko stepped closer, her expression softening. "I know you do, Faye. And I know how much it hurts."

Faye's voice cracked as she continued, "Sarah was all I had. And now Freen—she blames me like I'm nothing. Like I never loved my sister. But I did. I loved her more than anything."

Yoko gently cupped Faye's face in her hands, wiping away the tear that had slipped down her cheek. "I believe you," Yoko whispered, her voice soothing. "And I'm here. I'll always be here."

Faye felt the dam inside her break, the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long finally spilling out. She leaned into Yoko's embrace, her tears falling freely now. "I don't know how to fix this," she sobbed. "I feel like I'm losing everything."

Yoko held her close, her arms wrapped securely around Faye as she whispered comforting words into her ear. "You're not losing me," Yoko murmured. "You'll never lose me."

For a moment, they just stood there, holding each other, the weight of the night melting away in the warmth of their embrace. Yoko's touch was gentle, grounding Faye in the present, reminding her that she wasn't alone.

After a while, Yoko pulled back slightly, her gaze meeting Faye's. "You don't have to carry this all by yourself," she said softly. "I'm with you, no matter what happens."

Faye's breath hitched, her heart swelling with gratitude and something more—something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time. Slowly, tentatively, she reached up and touched Yoko's cheek, her fingers trembling.

"You're the only one who makes me feel like I'm still alive," Faye whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't deserve you."

Yoko smiled, leaning in until their foreheads touched. "You deserve happiness, Faye. And I want to be the one to give it to you."

Their lips met softly at first, a gentle brush of warmth and comfort. But soon, the kiss deepened, the emotions between them spilling over in a rush of passion. Faye's hands tangled in Yoko's hair as Yoko pulled her closer, their bodies pressing together, seeking comfort in each other's touch.

The tension of the night melted away as they lost themselves in each other. The kiss turned more urgent, a mix of need and desire, as their hands roamed, pulling each other closer. It was as if all the pain, the anger, the guilt—they all faded away in Yoko's arms, replaced by a deep, unshakable love.

They stumbled toward the bed, their movements hurried yet filled with tenderness. The clothes came off in a blur, and soon, Faye found herself completely bare—not just physically, but emotionally too. With Yoko, she didn't have to hide. She could be vulnerable. She could be herself.

As they moved together, their breaths mingling, Faye felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. It wasn't just about the physical connection—it was about something more. It was about finding comfort, finding love, finding a home in each other.

And as they lay together afterward, their bodies still entwined, Faye realized something. Maybe, just maybe, Yoko was right. Maybe she did deserve happiness. And with Yoko by her side, she felt like she could finally start to heal.

..............

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