tnn oneshot collection

only when i sleep (autumn x amelia)

AN: text written in bold and italics are flashbacks/memories. i will label autumn's 'dream sequence' just for clarity. more importantly - this is canon divergent! the diary exists, but mia never comments on how she views autumn. this piece will include mature themes and thus is only suitable for mature audiences! enjoy i guess :)

Autumn often had very vivid dreams, her slumber conjuring intricate fantasies that unfolded like vibrant artwork. Within the safety of her bed, she wandered unbound, embracing new experiences free from the weight of consequence. In her dreams, she ventured into corners of herself shrouded in secrecy. It began with Marjorie - a vision of the woman seated beside her in the quiet intimacy of her home, tenderly confessing her love. Upon waking, Autumn could still feel the lingering warmth of that moment, a glow that deepened into a flush when scarcely an hour later, she crossed paths with Marjorie at work, the dream's echo still alive in her cheeks.

The manager had enquired about Autumn's discomposure and Autumn, masking her inner turmoil, brushed it off with a murmur about a restless dream. She knew there was no way to confess to Marjorie that the feeling of her touch still lingered, even in the daylight. When Autumn had successfully averted Marjorie's concerned questioning, she made her way to the office and got settled at her desk. What she could not have foreseen was that the true muse of her dreams was about to come crashing back into her world, ready and willing to destroy her all over again.

Autumn and Marjorie sat in comfortable silence as they worked. Both women knew they didn't need to talk constantly. Just the quiet knowledge of the other's presence settled both women's minds. Marjorie only spoke when she picked up the office phone. Autumn recognised by the rhythm of Marjorie's voice that she was speaking to her older brother. A sigh escaped Marjorie's lips, a faint smirk following the noise. Autumn could usually anticipate how these phone calls went, and was ready to leave the office for her break. What she couldn't have anticipated was the sudden shift in the manager's demeanour as she straightened in her chair, her tone sharp as she spoke.

"Now? Like, right now?" Autumn waited with bated breath as Marjorie listened to Reece on the line. She gave Marjorie a questioning look, the manager dismissing her as she spoke again. "Christ. Okay, well thank you for letting us know. Oh, Autumn's here too. Oh." A familiar knot of anxiety tightened in Autumn's stomach as Marjorie glanced her way, a smile on her face accompanied with an uncomfortable worry in her eyes. Autumn silently mouthed 'What?'. Marjorie said her goodbyes to Reece, her urgency to warn Autumn ending the phone call sooner than the blonde on the other end had hoped.

"What is it, Marjorie?" Autumn spoke out loud now, her tone firm. Marjorie looked between Autumn and the door. The younger woman followed Marjorie's gaze as the door pushed open. Autumn felt her world splintering at the edges as her eyes found those of Amelia Roberts. The redhead's expression held a glint of recognition, a silent understanding that sent a chill through her, before Mia smoothly shifted her focus to Marjorie. Autumn watched on in sick amazement as Mia dismantled Marjorie piece by piece, her words sharp and deliberate, stripping away the other woman's pride with a cruel precision. Now and then, Mia's gaze flicked to Autumn, a wicked smile tugging at her lips as she continued to deliver ruthless comments to the manager opposite her. At one point, Autumn rose from her seat, daring Mia to direct the same bitterness at her that she had unleashed on Marjorie. Mia turned to face her fully,  the smile vanishing from her lips as she allowed her eyes to roam over Autumn's body.

"Autumn..." Mia purred, taking a step towards the younger woman. Marjorie raised a hand to stop Mia coming any closer. "It's been a long time..." Autumn scoffed, well aware that Mia knew exactly how long it had been since they'd seen each other. Autumn silently begged her mind to keep the memory of their moments together at bay.