Elizabeth stood up straighter and looked square at the stubborn fairy. “We had just been attacked by that dumbass jerk and needed to deal with him. Not to mention getting your magic back. We couldn't have left him there.” she replied firmly. “None of this is your fault. I wasn't going to let you be alone.” she reminded, fairly certain that even if Farah had tried to keep her out of this, she still would have found a way here.
Though her expression softened, raising an eyebrow at the last part. “What do you mean?” she almost whispered. They hadn't known each other very long but Elizabeth wasn't dumb. She could read the signs in front of her she just didn't realize when this feeling had started.
Farah parted her lips to argue back with Elizabeth, but she found herself speechless. The other woman was making definitive points. There was nothing Farah could do but accept that unlike her first exposure of a human to the Otherworld, there was nothing she really could've done to stop it this time.
Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck. The softness of Elizabeth's expression and the little arch of her eyebrow made Farah's stomach flip unintentionally. She took a step back and shook her head. "No, I… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." Farah blinked and backed up another step. "I shouldn't have said that," she repeated, quieter.
“Hey…” Elizabeth nearly whispered, gently taking the fairy’s hand. “It's ok. If you're saying what I think you are, it's fine. I’m actually flattered.” she admitted with a slight blush. “But I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner.” she added, not turning down Farah’s feelings.
Farah jumped as Elizabeth took her hand. “No, it’s… I… Uhm, I don’t…” she stammered her way through several beginnings before blushing profusely. “But I can’t,” Farah whispered. “I shouldn’t… I couldn’t… to you…” Her voice caught in her throat, breaking her words with newfound emotion. “You deserve… much better than me,” she finally managed to say.
Elizabeth waited patiently for Farah to get her words out before gently pulling the fairy into a hug. “What if I wanted you to?” she whispered. “And what I deserve is up for debate. I’m no saint either, I know it, but I would be willing to try this if you want to.” she offered with a kind smile.
Farah let herself be hugged, but Elizabeth’s next words caught her by surprise. She wanted Farah too? How? Why? Torment filled Farah’s eyes. “I’d ruin your life,” she whispered. “I’d take you away from your world and drag you into nothing but chaos.”
“You haven't ruined anything.” she shook her head. “Actually, you brought me back to life. I thought I needed the calm and quiet that I was trying to live with before we met. But now I realize how dull and bored I really was. That's not me.” Elizabeth smirked. “I don't really have anything to go back to. Besides, I like a little chaos.”
Farah listened to the other woman talking, and she realized that she was right. Neither of them had been in a position where they were able to be themselves. Every excuse a Farah could come up with Elizabeth easily found a way around it. But did that really mean what Farah thought it meant? She’d been the victim of this game too many times before. She wouldn’t let it happen again. She needed clarity.
“Are you saying…” Farah trailed off, a small glimmer of hope in her eyes as she looked intently at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled back at Farah and gave a slight nod. “If you want me to stay with you, then I’ll stay. I’ll stay with you.” she assured in a near whisper, gently cupping the fairy’s face. “Farah… May I kiss you?” she whispered as she started leaning in. As much as she wanted to, she wasn't going to do anything without asking first. From what she knew about Farah’s past… She was not going to treat her like that wretched woman did. Ever.
The words broke Farah’s last resolve. Elizabeth didn’t want Farah for her power or for what Farah could provide for her, not like Rosalind had. Gods, Farah didn’t even have her power now, and Elizabeth was looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered.
Farah’s eyes softened, and she studied Elizabeth’s face. Her own was a reflection of her adoration for the woman in front of her as she whispered, “Yes.”
Elizabeth's smile grew before she gently, yet eagerly, captured Farah’s lips against hers. It had been a while since she kissed anyone like this, let alone a woman. But she still knew what she was doing. She’d had her fair share of experimental relationships before so this was no problem.
It was amazing to feel the softness of her lips against her own, bringing back memories of a more carefree time in her life. As much as she wanted to make this kiss last longer, she wouldn't put Farah in an uncomfortable position.
Farah’s lips were thin, and she pressed back into the kiss to return Elizabeth’s eagerness. She savored the feeling of the other woman cupping her face to keep her close, and Farah’s hands slipped down to gently hold Elizabeth’s hips.
After a few moments, Farah drew back and studied Elizabeth’s face. “You’re holding back,” she remarked quietly. “Why?”
Elizabeth smiled at Farah's touch, happy that she was already that comfortable with their situation. “Did you get your magic back already?” she teased softly, not denying her observation. “I just want you to know that you're safe with me. I’m never going to do anything that you don't want. I want you to feel safe.” she tried to explain.
Farah rolled her eyes at the little tease. "Even without my magic, I'm still observant, you know," she murmured, pecking Elizabeth's lips briefly while smiling. Her sweet expression broke at the edges upon hearing Elizabeth's explanation.
The fairy swallowed heavily before letting out a sigh to relax. "Darling, I already do," she said simply. Her eyes searched Elizabeth's as she whispered, "You're nothing like she was." Then her lips sealed the words against Elizabeth's mouth as she instigated the kiss.
“I know you are.” Elizabeth chuckled, returning the brief kiss with a smile. But she kept her hands on Farah as her expression changed. “Really? Do you really?” she asked softly before the fairy kissed her again. Though she nearly laughed again at the comparison. I certainly hope not. she thought as she kissed Farah back.
Farah’s returning smile was the most genuine expression of happiness on her face in weeks, months even. “You’d better,” she teased.
Not wanting to break the kiss but still wanting to answer, Farah mumbled her answer directly into Elizabeth’s mouth, “Yes.” After she broke off the kiss this time, she was slightly breathless.
“I think I do. You're very smart.” Elizabeth smiled back, admiring the expression on Farah’s face and how much more beautiful it made her look.
She hummed, smiling as the kiss ended. “I haven't kissed someone like that in a long time.” she admitted. “You’re really good at this.”
Farah blushed shyly and ducked her head. “I… Thank you,” she murmured. It almost sounded like she was going to refuse the compliment at first, but she changed her mind.
A quiet laugh escaped her at Elizabeth’s admission. “Neither have I,” she agreed. But the words, as sweet and innocent as they were, sparked dark memories in the back of Farah’s mind. Dark, wicked memories that she knew she’d never forget.
Quickly, she stepped out of Elizabeth’s embrace and turned her head away. It took her a few seconds to realize what she’d done, and she turned back to the other woman with shock and regret on her face. “Sorry,” she whispered.
Elizabeth chuckled at the way the fairy took the compliment and kissed her forehead. Her smile grew a little when she heard Farah laugh… But as she moved away, it wasn't hard to guess what had popped into her head. “Farah, you don't have to apologize. I wanted to kiss you. I wanted you to kiss me.” she assured. “You didn't do anything wrong. I liked kissing you.”
Farah nodded slowly. “Yes, I know,” she agreed quietly. “But it’s just… she’s so ingrained in me, and I hate it. I want her out of my head and she won’t leave!” The fairy closed her eyes and sighed. “I just… I want to be good. For you.” Her eyes opened and looked at Elizabeth with soft, hopeful adoration. “I want to put her behind me and focus on you and only you.”
Elizabeth gently pulled Farah close to her and wrapped her in a hug. “You are good.” she insisted softly. “If you’ll let me, I can try to help you put her behind you. Help you move on in your life. I’m here for you.” she assured though she had a brief thought that she was glad Farah couldn't hear, she just wasn't sure if that action would actually help get the evil fairy out of Farah’s head.
Farah immediately let herself rest against Elizabeth's body. She closed her eyes, savoring the other's soft, reassuring words. "Thank you," Farah whispered, nestling her face in the crook of Elizabeth's neck. A small smile bloomed on her lips as an idea rose in her mind. Slowly, she inched forward and pressed her lips to Elizabeth's soft neck. Her kiss lingered a few long moments before she drew back and kissed another spot.
Elizabeth was surprised by the bold action Farah decided to make but made no move to stop her. If anything, she turned her head slightly so Farah had more access. “That feels nice.” she sighed, letting her eyes close.
Farah noticed the tilt of Elizabeth’s head to give her more skin. More sweet places to kiss. “That is entirely my intent, darling,” Farah murmured, letting her warm breath fan across Elizabeth’s skin before she kisses her again, just under her jaw.
Elizabeth chuckled softly, shuddering at the feeling of Farah’s breath on her neck. It had been a long time since anyone made her feel like this and she was going to enjoy every second of it with Farah. She let out a hum as the woman kissed her again and held her closer.
