Hearts Collide (Lingorm)

Chapter 24

It was the fifth day of the Malisorn family vacation in Courchevel, France, but despite the breathtaking views and serene snow-covered mountains, tension still brewed between Faye and Orm. The two sisters were as stubborn as they came, and the cold shoulder they had given each other throughout the trip had yet to thaw. Yoko had tried, repeatedly, to patch things up between them, but even her gentle persuasion hadn't worked. By now, she had given up.

"Let them figure it out themselves," Yoko muttered as she watched the two avoid each other like they were on opposite ends of the world, even while sharing the same house.

As dusk settled in, the family returned to the chalet after an exhausting but fun-filled day of skiing. The air was chilly, but inside, the warmth from the crackling fireplace greeted them. Elissa, Faye's four-year-old daughter, was still buzzing with energy, thanks to the massive swirl of cotton candy Faye had indulged her with earlier. Now, the sugar rush had her bouncing off the walls, giggling and tugging at her Aunt Orm's sleeve.

"Auntie Orm, please! Let's build a snowman! Just one more before it gets too dark," Elissa pleaded, her big eyes wide with excitement.

Orm, though drained from a full day on the slopes, couldn't resist her niece's charm. "You're going to tire me out, little Princess," she sighed, smiling as she let herself be pulled toward the snow-covered yard. "Alright, but just one more snowman."

Yoko, who was watching them from the doorway, called after them, "Be careful out there! And don't wander too far." She rolled her eyes playfully as she turned back to Faye, who stood quietly beside her, arms crossed.

"Now do you think that cotton candy was a bit too much?" Yoko teased, giving her wife a gentle nudge.

Faye shrugged, her eyes softening as she watched Elissa and Orm laughing together outside. "Maybe... but she's happy. That's all that matters."

Yoko smiled at that. Faye, despite all her tough edges, was always tender when it came to Elissa. She leaned her head on Faye's shoulder for a moment before whispering, "I'm going to make some hot milk for them. Do you want some?"

Faye shook her head. "No, I'm good." 

She returned a few moments later with two steaming cups, handing one cup to her wife "Give this to your sister," she said softly. "It's time you two talk."

She nodded slightly, watching Yoko walk out to Elissa, who was now covered head to toe in snowflakes. "Alright, my little Elissa, time to head inside," Yoko called out, brushing the snow off her daughter's gloves and scarf.

Faye took a deep breath, then walked slowly toward Orm, who was still kneeling down, packing snow onto their small snowman's arms. "Orm," she called out, her voice steady but softer than usual.