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Weather on Kristiline is a little different than on the mainland. Sakura trees in bloom during summer, the sea-breeze a cooling contrast.
Odessa rakes fingers through Aevia's hair, frees it from the rosy blossoms that look so much like the color of her hair.
Odessa loves Aevia's hair. Pretty and wavy and soft to the touch, and Aevia never protests when Odessa's lying in her lap, playing with the strands framing Aevia's face like a curious kitten.
Loves it.
(Loves her.)
Odessa draws her hand down to Aevia's naked shoulder, to her lower arm until she's able to intertwine their fingers.
The kimono-like dress suits her; the white cups with the golden fabric lining them, cupping her breasts beautifully; the black obi with a brooch bearing Odessa's family crest pinned in the middle, wrapping around her stomach, accentuating her figure. It ends mid-thigh, exposing the two lace bandelettes underneath the dress' hem. Black open-toed mules on her feet, golden straps wrapping over her toes. Anklets adorn her ankles, black with golden bells dangling from them. A coat serves as a makeshift haori, adorned with petal patterns. It hangs loosely from her shoulders, pools wide open over her wrists. Some of her hair is loosely braided at the back of her head, the rest flowing freely. Some wavy strands frame her beautiful face, and the outfit is completed by a flower hair pin clipped above one ear.
Odessa's own get-up is the exact opposite; a black dress with golden flowers lining one side of her v-neckline and the hem of her dress. It's longer than Aevia's, just under her knees. Rather bland compared to Aevia's, but Odessa likes it that way. Unassuming, mundane, normal.
While she likes to dress Aevia up, she's content with wearing something boring in comparison.
“Sweetheart, you're simply gorgeous,” Odessa says as she pulls on Aevia's hand, leading her on their regular walk through the village. She peeks at Aevia from the corner of her eyes and smiles victoriously, the blush covering Aevia's nose and cheeks not unexpected but never a sight not worth indulging in.
Some of the residents wave at them, used to their princess walking freely through the village now, no longer locked up in her prison and free to interact with her people. Odessa smiles at them, nods her head in acknowledgement, but Aevia lowers her head at their knowing looks directed at their intertwined fingers.
Fourteen months, and still Aevia is not used to the adoring looks of the people. In part, they think Aevia's influence is what led to Odessa being so casual with them. They wouldn't be wrong; it began with Aevia, and it will end with her. Forever, always. Her knight in shining armor, her lucky charm. Would never have found the courage to defy her father had it not been for Aevia.
Odessa stops. Cups Aevia's cheek, right there in the middle of the village. “No need to be embarrassed,” she says, drawing her thumb in circles over Aevia's cheek. Aevia's head is still tucked down, her words quiet. “I know,” she says, “but I'm still—I don't think I'll ever get used to—it. The attention.”
Odessa laughs. “The hero of Aevium, rendered a shy mess by people looking at her? They'll never not look at you, Kristelineans or not. You saved them—all of us. We'll never be able to replay our debt toward you.”
Aevia looks up sharply. A sharp contrast to her earlier bashfulness, and Odessa smiles. Knows exactly how to bring out the forceful side of Aevia, and, well. Maybe she said all of that on purpose.
“I'm no hero,” Aevia says. “I wanted revenge. For what they did to my mother, my friends—my family. It was never about rescuing anyone. It was a selfish thing, and I don't like to be put on a pedestal for it. Nevermind that it wasn't just me—it took a lot of people to destroy the threats hanging over Aevium.”
Odessa's smile is soft as she wraps her arms around Aevia. “I know, sweetheart. But I don't believe for a second that it was just revenge.There's selflessness in you that you don't allow yourself to notice. But I know, because Prince is never wrong about a pure heart, and I'll never stop reminding you of it.”
Aevia stays still for a second, not reciprocating Odessa's hug. She waits, until Aevia slumps against her, head on Odessa's shoulder, her warm breath tickling bare skin. “I know,” Aevia says,” but it's just—it's hard to accept. People… they didn't trust in me at first. Just saw me as a little girl playing big at being a hero. And I never intended to be one. It just… happened.”
“It was impossible not to happen; someone like you, someone nice and gorgeous and good like you, was always meant to be more than just a girl. And hero or not, I'd love you even if you were just a fisherman with no Pokémon, no achievements to your name. Because you're you.
And That's all you'll ever need to be."
Somehow, she just knows Aevia's smiling bashfully into her neck. Odessa pushes her fingers into her side, and Aevia squeaks in surprise. “Come on, I don't want to say it, but everyone's staring. We should go somewhere… more private.” To anyone else it would sound indecent, but Odessa has only one destination in mind.
The bridge. Her bridge.
Their bridge.
When they reach it, Odessa, ignoring the amused looks of her people, Aevia trying to hide yet not succeeding, puts her elbows on the railing of the bridge, looking out over the water, sparkling in the golden sunlight.
Still she sees it. Sees Aevia. Sees her longingly look toward Azulrya Cavern.
She's always been the curious type, exploring every part of the region, small caves and wide fields and cities and hidden gems.
Silently, in her heart, Odessa hopes that's not the only reason Aevia longs to enter.
Odessa doesn't turn around, her next words escaping her on instinct, swallowed up by the lake, only for Aevia's ears.
“One day, I want to take you to Azulrya Cavern.” She hears Aevia's breath hitch. Hears her steps getting closer, stopping by her side.
Odessa doesn't look at her. Not yet.
“No, I will take you to Azulrya Cavern. Because I'm not letting you go.”
Aevia stays silent.
Finally, Odessa turns around, fear in her heart but bravery in her soul.
Aevia's smile is small, and soft, and just for Odessa, and when she nods, Odessa wraps her arms around her neck and pulls her down into a kiss full of meaning.
She's always wondered if her love for Aevia was too big, too all-consuming. Looking at Aevia's closed eyes, the way she's clutching Odessa's wrist as they kiss, she thinks Aevia's love for her might just match her own's intensity.
Something she never dared herself to hope, to wish, to believe.
But now, she no longer wonders.
She knows.