𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

we don't say it, but we know

Location: In the gardens behind the Iron Lion — dusk, fireflies just beginning to flicker.

The garden was nearly overgrown, vines trailing over the stone walls and low lanterns swinging in the breeze. The rest of the group had gone inside for the night. But Bea stayed, sitting on the low edge of the fountain, tracing the water with her fingers.

Nancy stepped out of the archway, her arms crossed and a blanket tucked under one elbow.

"You look like you're about to start reciting poetry about stars and pain."

Bea huffed softly. "I might. Depends on how dramatic I'm feeling."

Nancy walked over and sat beside her. She didn't say anything for a while. Just offered the blanket and nudged it across Bea's shoulders without asking.

"You disappeared on me," she said after a while, voice soft, not accusing.

Bea looked down.

"I didn't mean to. I just... couldn't be anyone, you know? Not the fighter, not the leader, not even your friend. I wasn't anyone."

"You were grieving," Nancy said. "And I know grief like a second language."

"I know."

Bea's voice cracked. "That's why I'm sorry. You knew. You knew better than anyone. And I still pushed you away."

Nancy didn't look at her.

"I wanted to be mad. Thought about it. But mostly, I just missed you. The real you. Even the annoying parts."

Bea laughed through her tears. "I'm very annoying."

Nancy leaned back on her palms, eyes on the darkening sky.

"You know what hurt most?"

Bea shook her head.

"That you didn't come to me. Not even once. Not for advice. Not for a hug. Not for anything. I wanted to hold you together, Bea. And you didn't let me."

Bea reached over and took her hand. Just like that. No words. Just a squeeze.

"I'm here now," she whispered.

"Yeah," Nancy said. "And I'm not letting you drift off again."

"You'll tie me to a chair?"

"Damn right I will."

They sat there as the garden grew darker, the fireflies beginning to pulse brighter, their hands still quietly linked.

Bea rested her head on Nancy's shoulder. "You still love me?"

"More than you deserve," Nancy muttered.

Bea smiled. "I'll take it."