Within the spaces

Episode 23

Yoko woke up feeling exhausted. It was indeed a long night. But a heavy warmth enveloped her, and for a moment, she didn't move, simply allowing herself to exist in this quiet space. Her senses slowly sharpened, registering the steady rhythm of another person's breathing.

Faye.

She found Faye staring at her, half-lidded eyes filled with something unreadable. Normally, Yoko was good at deciphering Faye's expressions, but this morning, she couldn't quite grasp it. Faye reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Yoko's face before pulling her closer, her warmth wrapping around Yoko like a second skin. That small, unguarded gesture sent a flicker of something molten through Yoko's veins.

Yoko blinked at her, lips curving into a lazy smile. "I thought you'd be gone for some dramatic reason. Oh, but... it's your house." She let out a small chuckle, though part of her had genuinely considered the possibility.

Faye smirked, fingers idly tracing the curve of Yoko's arm. "Who do you think I am? Besides, I have to see you again next week for the shoot. How long would I even be gone for?"

"Is that the only reason you stayed?" Yoko's tone was light, teasing, but there was a weight beneath it, a question that neither of them had the courage to fully voice.

Faye hesitated. Just for a second. But it was long enough for Yoko to notice.

"I don't know," Faye admitted, voice softer than before. "But it felt right... waking up next to you."

Yoko's grin widened. "Look at you! They're right-sex changes people." She teased, her giggles filling the air between them.

Faye's smirk deepened. "Hmm, well, I wasn't the one moaning all night."

Yoko's breath hitched, caught off guard by the shameless remark. Heat rushed to her cheeks, but instead of backing down, she met Faye's gaze with a playful glint.

"Oh? So you do remember every little detail?" She leaned in closer, their noses nearly touching. "Should I refresh your memory?"

For a brief moment, neither of them moved.

Then Yoko kissed her.

It wasn't shy. It wasn't hesitant. It was filled with desire. The familiarity of Faye's lips made her bold-she kissed with a slow, deliberate hunger, her tongue sweeping against Faye's in a way that made the older woman shiver beneath her, her hands everywhere.

Faye melted into it before she could stop herself. She let Yoko lead, let herself be swept away by the younger woman's intensity. The taste of last night still lingered between them, a whisper of something intoxicating.

Yoko caught Faye's bottom lip between her teeth, tugging gently before pressing a desperate, messy kiss to her mouth. A soft moan escaped Faye's lips, sending a wave down Yoko's spine.

The sound ignited something deep within her, a warmth curling low in her stomach. Emboldened, she trailed her lips down the curve of Faye's jaw, then lower, pressing slow, lingering kisses along the column of her neck. When she reached her collarbone, she sucked lightly, savouring the way Faye's breath hitched beneath her touch.

But then, Faye caught herself.

With a quiet breath, she gently pushed Yoko away.

Yoko pulled back, confusion flickering in her eyes. "You don't like it?" Her voice was softer now, unsure.

Faye exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "Yo, we need to stop. I really should go to work."

It wasn't a lie. But it wasn't the full truth, either.

Yoko sat up, the space between them suddenly feeling colder. "Right." She reached for her clothes, slipping them on hurriedly.

Faye knew she had hurt her.

"Yoko, don't be like this." Her voice was firmer than intended, but laced with an emotion she couldn't quite name.

"Like what?" Yoko shot back, sharp and defensive.

Faye sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm not rejecting you. I just... I just need time to think, Yo."

Yoko took a slow breath, willing herself to stay calm. "I just need to go." She didn't want to cry in front of Faye. She refused to make herself more vulnerable than she already was.

Faye hesitated. "Okay... I can drop you off."

"No, you don't have to. I'll call a taxi."

Faye swallowed. "Please, Yoko. Don't be mad at me." Her voice had softened, almost pleading.

Yoko turned around, finally looking at her. She took Faye's hand, squeezing it gently. Faye was still avoiding her eyes, and Yoko knew why-she was hiding.

"Look at me, P'Faye."

Faye didn't move. So Yoko reached up, tilting her chin until their eyes met.

Faye's eyes were glossy, emotions swirling beneath the surface.

Yoko exhaled softly. "I'm not mad at you. I'm just feeling... a lot. And please don't be so hard on yourself."

And as if those words carried too much weight, Faye's tears finally spilled over.

She wasn't sure why she was crying. But she hugged Yoko and sobbed.

Yoko's heart clenched. She had never seen Faye this vulnerable.

She wrapped her arms around her, rubbing slow circles on her back, whispering reassurances neither of them had the courage to fully believe.

When Faye finally pulled away, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, looking embarrassed.

Yoko smiled. "Are you okay?"

Faye sniffled. "Yeah... I don't know. I just couldn't handle you being mad at me."

Yoko smirked. "Then how would this be a great love story, P'Faye?"

Faye let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head.

"Alright, enough crying. Go home now. I'll call you later, okay?"

Yoko grinned. "Okay, my love."

Faye blinked. "Whose love?"

Yoko pouted dramatically. "You were crying for me just now, P'Fayeeee..."

Faye scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I don't remember that."

Yoko laughed. "I'm going now. You'll come back anyway."

She hugged Faye one last time before walking out the door.

Faye stayed in place for a long moment.