[ Oh man. Now she might be blushing. Just a little. Or a lot; she can't tell without a mirror. Either way, her cheeks are hot and she's definitely blushing to some degree. ]
Me... yeah, me too. That's why...
[ Nico frowns, getting out of the car too and using the break to give herself a moment to try and think of how she can string her words together. ]
I get it. Being out here, living like this? It sucks. But it sucks less when I'm with you.
[ They're a family, this rag-tag bunch of Brentwood runaways. But none of them is more family to her than Karolina. Karolina is peace, safety, grounding against the heady powers of her magic, especially that given to her by the staff. (Because something about it is so dark, far darker than the mysteries of Wicca.) Karolina has somehow become the one Nico searches for when she opens her eyes, the warmth she wants by her side as she falls asleep. Something she never expected. Something she refuses to let go. ]
It'll end, someday. We may not ever go home, but there'll be something out there for us. I promise.
[ And knowing she gets it? Means the world to her. This wasn't some magic fairy tale where someone'll grant them their happy ending. They had to make it themselves, right? Karolina smirks a bit at her words, a true trust there that doesn't match words properly β but she tries. ]
Even if it's here β I'd be okay with it. ...But some wifi would be nice. C'mon.
[ It occurs to Nico as she slides out of the passenger seat that she should do what she can to prevent Karolina from panicking the way she clearly was at the start of their journey home. And so she's quick to make her way to the back of the car, opening the door and leaning across the backseat. She tries not to look at the book poking out of her girlfriend's messenger bag as she slides it back in, flipping the satchel over so that (hopefully) Karolina will be none the wiser. Then, Nico grabs her own bags, carrying those and the donuts. ]
I'd get your bag too, but I'm kinda full up, here.
[ It's said apologetically, but in reality Nico just worries that even holding the messenger bag might serve to make Karolina nervous, and again, she's trying not to do that. ]
[ Look, maybe two or three but... the joke hits its mark enough, right? Karolina only had so much in her plan: learn about some holiday, do her best on a dollar store budget and let Nico (for once) feel as if she's apart of something and not an outsider.
Karolina would be none the wiser to Nico's suspicion, all the more keen on finding her satchel close and her smile worn even closer. ]
Got it, thanks. Do you β you good too? [ A slight nervousness washes over, but as she keeps the book hidden... what's the point, right? ] Think we'll head back into town anytime soon?
[ It's said with a grin, the joke having landed perfectly. She notices the wave of nervousness, but it seems to pass quickly enough, and she feels like she's done the right thing for the other. Although if Karolina voiced her thoughts, she would have been able to assure her of one thing: she's always been an outsider, but with Karolina? It doesn't feel that way. Not anymore. Not for a while. ]
I'm good. [ Nico offers her another smile, arranging the donuts into the crook of her arm holding her bags just so she can reach over to squeeze Karolina's hand in her own. ] I think we'll be back in about a month, right? If we need to get Christmas supplies.
[ They both just roll with the punches and she can feel a heat on her cheeks at just thinking about how... good things were. Maybe things will be okay, maybe she can take her dumb little book and read it in the bath when Nico won't be the wiser.
But, when they start talking about the holidays β ones far further out than Samhain or Halloween, she fumbles with a sputter of her lips. ]
And New Year's... and Valentine's Day β it... sounds like we're in it for the long haul.
No complaints here. [ It's said with a smile, although there's a heat on her cheeks too, thinking about Valentine's Day and beyond. She's never really managed to hold a relationship for long in the past, but this time feels different. This time is different. Nico can see a future, now.
To distract herself from those thoughts, she presses a soft, chaste kiss to Karolina's lips. She still tastes like the sugar from the donuts. ]
We should get inside. The others are probably waiting.
[ Not to mention that Karolina is probably dying to hide the book so she can breathe easy. ]
None from me either, even if I'm still not even sure what we're doing for dinner but... Holidays are nice. Normal, mostly.
[ There's a nod β if the others are waiting, the others are going to tease, Chase especially. The last thing she needed to do was light up like a damn glowstick on why it took them so long.
She clutches at the bag a bit tighter, all while she peps up in her step β rushing a bit faster to make her way in and finally, off out of Nico's view. But, she calls out. ]
[ Holidays are nice, even if Nico's used to spending hers (the religious ones, at least) alone. There's something calming about them, something that helps her get through the days, looking forward to the next turn of the Wheel, the next season, the next step on her path. Things haven't been easy lately, and Samhain is a time that she can rest, reflect, and pay honor to those who have gone before.
The month passes in a whirl, and before she knows it, it's noon on the 31st. Samhain begins with sundown, and so Nico's in one of the quieter rooms of the Hostel, one she's put aside as a ritual space, sorting through her things and making preparations.
She's not expecting anyone to join her, so her earphones are tucked in above her lobes, listening to something a little more calming and peaceful than her usual fare as she readies herself for her ritual. ]
[ Samhain was foreign to her β even when she spent the last few weeks reading when she could sneak a few pages in. She can't do much, maybe get a few fall decor that could maybe align with the traditions if you squint. She places candles where she feels appropriate to guide spirits, a small alter β which she doesn't dictate who its dedicated to, and plate of Soul Cakes, the best she could do. It was all kind of one big duct tape job, partially due to sneaking around and partially due to lack of funds. While Nico was preparing, she's an anxious mess. Karolina is many things, but confidence? Not her strong suit.
She's a dumbass for knocking on the doorframe first, the earphones clocked a few seconds later. Approaching carefully, she barely tapes Nico's shoulder. ]
[ It may not be much of a tap, but Nico's lost enough in her own world that she nearly flies out of her skin. It takes her a moment, but she registers that Karolina's waiting for her, and quickly pulls the earphones from where they're tucked in, letting them dangle around her neck instead as she looks up at Karolina.
It's not that she's not happy to see her - she's always happy to see her - but she's admittedly a little confused. She really wasn't expecting to see anyone else once she started preparing. And yet here she is, back to looking the same oddly nervous of a few weeks ago. ]
K. [ There's a hint of surprise still in her voice, but mostly it's just warm and welcoming. ] What's up?
[ There were times where Karolina became a bit nervous. Magic... it was always presented to them as a cautionary tale. Something to not get lost in. Heck, even one of the shows she watched before all this mess heeded the warning that all magic comes with a price.
Was it true? She isn't sure. She doesn't speak on it and she supports Nico with every ounce of her heart. ]
Just coming up to check on you. Maybe see if you wanted something to eat downstairs before you really dove into it?
considering my recent re-watch, ouat reference made me laugh hard
[ If questioned about it, Nico would admit that it's true. If the Staff has taught her anything, magic has the potential to be something incredibly dangerous. But Wicca is different. After Amy's death, Wicca brought her peace, and from the start, it felt like she was just coming home to something she'd forgotten. Witchcraft gets a bad rap, but Wicca is so much more than just witchcraft, and that's always something Nico wants to show the others.
She doesn't realize it yet, but maybe she'll get a chance to do that, tonight.
At first, she's not really sure she wants to accept Karolina's offer of food - she's not sure she's hungry - but then she remembers that she hasn't eaten for a bit, and it's important to ground before and after ritual. Especially one as emotional as this. So, yeah, food is probably a good idea. She grabs her phone to pause her music and nods, standing up to face her girlfriend. ]
Actually? Yeah. That'd be good. What've you got in mind?
[ It was sad β as much as she hoped to learn through Nico, there were things she didn't understand. There were parts of magic and her beliefs she never would be able to.
So... this was good natured, but it could go incredibly wrong. She tenses up and nudges her towards the door β all smiles. ]
There's some stuff downstairs, we actually got something pretty good.
[ And, she's tugging a little too obviously β anxious and all smiles. It may not be the easiest thing to keep under her belt, but she hoped it wasn't half bad. The display was obvious when they leave the room, set right at the end of the foyer staircase. ]
[ "Some stuff"? "Something pretty good"? Between the vague descriptions and the tense, too-smiley attitude she's sporting, it's pretty clear to Nico that Karolina is hiding something from her. Again. She still has yet to uncover what was going on at the start of the month with that book in her satchel, and now there's something new...
...although of course when they exit the room and she sees the altar sitting at the end of the staircase, simply decorated but clear in its intent, Nico finally puts two and two together. Karolina's been researching. For Samhain? For Samhain, if the soul cakes she can see from the doorway are any indication. ]
Karrie... [ A smile finds her lips, unbidden, and she strides across the foyer to look at the display Karolina's put together. ] This is... this is amazing. [ She turns back to her, unable to keep from beaming even as she questions: ] You did all this for me?
[ It may not be something Karolina thinks of as much, but to Nico, the fact that she even tried... It's awesome. Samhain's usually kind of somber, but she feels like she's not going to be able to stop smiling all night, now. ]
i wish i could, but regina is like the only one i'd want but im so rusty
[ There's butterflies flapping in her stomach and she's almost 100% positive she was ready to burst in light from how she feels. Maybe actually float? Who knows. She's so excited that it overlaps her own anxiousness on getting everything right for her. Nico deserved it β damn it, she totally did. ]
I did. I didn't know if it was done well... but [ She gives a timid shrug, trying her best to keep herself from reaching out to take her hands. It's so tempting β to guide her down and show off but. Nah, this isn't for being rewarded, it's for Nico. ] I want you to still take time to yourself β I'm not going to change how you celebrate but... maybe... you can celebrate just a little with me before you do?
well, if you ever decide to, I have an Emma and I've been considering both Zelena and Tilly!
[ Nico's smile brightens even more - the corners of her mouth ache a little, not used to being utilized in such a way - and she reaches out to take Karolina's hands in hers. ] You did great. [ And that's the beautiful thing, she'll tell her later when she's not so gobsmacked - with Wicca, the most important thing is the intent, and her girlfriend's intent is so, so clear in every little part of this. ]
I'd love to celebrate with you. [ She squeezes Karolina's hands in hers. ] And I... I'm so... I can't believe you did this for me. [ She's still really bad with words, okay? But at the very least, the tone of her voice, somewhere between awed and touched, conveys everything she can't find the words to say right now. ] I love it. Thank you.
You'd have to show me. Like β really walk me through it. The books I read up on didn't... really dive deep into it. [ Set-up, important ideology, the history, sure β but a modern day interpretation? Who knew. She's nervous, her bottom lip chewed upon in a daze. Nico's hands on hers warms her up, makes her feel as if she could feel the sun from their little hostel from here. ]
Don't thank me, I β want to do these kind of things with you. New things.
[ Things that earn kisses - soft and sure against her lips. So, she does with an eagerness that brings the red out on her cheeks. ]
[ Those words, paired with all the wonderful things the other has done, do earn her a kiss - Nico leans forward to close the space between them, a gentle brush of her lips against Karolina's, and one of her hands comes up to brush the other girl's blonde hair back from her face. It's brief, but tender and sure, and she pulls away a moment later with an almost-shy smile that promises more to come. ]
I'll walk you through it. [ Another promise, her fingers still working their way through Karolina's hair. ] It's not, like, super hard or anything.
Shall we? [ She takes a step back, still holding onto Karolina's hand. ]
[ It sounds super hard in her head. That's what happens when it becomes more than simply relying on a book for directions. Karolina didn't want to mess this up, but her goal was to see those pouty lips curve into a small smile. It means the world to her. ]
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no subject
Me... yeah, me too. That's why...
[ Nico frowns, getting out of the car too and using the break to give herself a moment to try and think of how she can string her words together. ]
I get it. Being out here, living like this? It sucks. But it sucks less when I'm with you.
[ They're a family, this rag-tag bunch of Brentwood runaways. But none of them is more family to her than Karolina. Karolina is peace, safety, grounding against the heady powers of her magic, especially that given to her by the staff. (Because something about it is so dark, far darker than the mysteries of Wicca.) Karolina has somehow become the one Nico searches for when she opens her eyes, the warmth she wants by her side as she falls asleep. Something she never expected. Something she refuses to let go. ]
It'll end, someday. We may not ever go home, but there'll be something out there for us. I promise.
so sorry for the delay!!
Even if it's here β I'd be okay with it. ...But some wifi would be nice. C'mon.
[ Home sweet home awaits, after all. ]
not at all; now it's my turn to be SUPER late
[ It occurs to Nico as she slides out of the passenger seat that she should do what she can to prevent Karolina from panicking the way she clearly was at the start of their journey home. And so she's quick to make her way to the back of the car, opening the door and leaning across the backseat. She tries not to look at the book poking out of her girlfriend's messenger bag as she slides it back in, flipping the satchel over so that (hopefully) Karolina will be none the wiser. Then, Nico grabs her own bags, carrying those and the donuts. ]
I'd get your bag too, but I'm kinda full up, here.
[ It's said apologetically, but in reality Nico just worries that even holding the messenger bag might serve to make Karolina nervous, and again, she's trying not to do that. ]
no subject
[ Look, maybe two or three but... the joke hits its mark enough, right? Karolina only had so much in her plan: learn about some holiday, do her best on a dollar store budget and let Nico (for once) feel as if she's apart of something and not an outsider.
Karolina would be none the wiser to Nico's suspicion, all the more keen on finding her satchel close and her smile worn even closer. ]
Got it, thanks. Do you β you good too? [ A slight nervousness washes over, but as she keeps the book hidden... what's the point, right? ] Think we'll head back into town anytime soon?
no subject
[ It's said with a grin, the joke having landed perfectly. She notices the wave of nervousness, but it seems to pass quickly enough, and she feels like she's done the right thing for the other. Although if Karolina voiced her thoughts, she would have been able to assure her of one thing: she's always been an outsider, but with Karolina? It doesn't feel that way. Not anymore. Not for a while. ]
I'm good. [ Nico offers her another smile, arranging the donuts into the crook of her arm holding her bags just so she can reach over to squeeze Karolina's hand in her own. ] I think we'll be back in about a month, right? If we need to get Christmas supplies.
I HOPE YOU HAD A GOOD HOLIDAY <3
[ They both just roll with the punches and she can feel a heat on her cheeks at just thinking about how... good things were. Maybe things will be okay, maybe she can take her dumb little book and read it in the bath when Nico won't be the wiser.
But, when they start talking about the holidays β ones far further out than Samhain or Halloween, she fumbles with a sputter of her lips. ]
And New Year's... and Valentine's Day β it... sounds like we're in it for the long haul.
I did darling! You too I hope β₯
To distract herself from those thoughts, she presses a soft, chaste kiss to Karolina's lips. She still tastes like the sugar from the donuts. ]
We should get inside. The others are probably waiting.
[ Not to mention that Karolina is probably dying to hide the book so she can breathe easy. ]
no subject
[ There's a nod β if the others are waiting, the others are going to tease, Chase especially. The last thing she needed to do was light up like a damn glowstick on why it took them so long.
She clutches at the bag a bit tighter, all while she peps up in her step β rushing a bit faster to make her way in and finally, off out of Nico's view. But, she calls out. ]
Gives us something to look forward to!
timeskip!!!
The month passes in a whirl, and before she knows it, it's noon on the 31st. Samhain begins with sundown, and so Nico's in one of the quieter rooms of the Hostel, one she's put aside as a ritual space, sorting through her things and making preparations.
She's not expecting anyone to join her, so her earphones are tucked in above her lobes, listening to something a little more calming and peaceful than her usual fare as she readies herself for her ritual. ]
no subject
She's a dumbass for knocking on the doorframe first, the earphones clocked a few seconds later. Approaching carefully, she barely tapes Nico's shoulder. ]
Hey, sorry to interrupt...
no subject
It's not that she's not happy to see her - she's always happy to see her - but she's admittedly a little confused. She really wasn't expecting to see anyone else once she started preparing. And yet here she is, back to looking the same oddly nervous of a few weeks ago. ]
K. [ There's a hint of surprise still in her voice, but mostly it's just warm and welcoming. ] What's up?
no subject
Was it true? She isn't sure. She doesn't speak on it and she supports Nico with every ounce of her heart. ]
Just coming up to check on you. Maybe see if you wanted something to eat downstairs before you really dove into it?
considering my recent re-watch, ouat reference made me laugh hard
She doesn't realize it yet, but maybe she'll get a chance to do that, tonight.
At first, she's not really sure she wants to accept Karolina's offer of food - she's not sure she's hungry - but then she remembers that she hasn't eaten for a bit, and it's important to ground before and after ritual. Especially one as emotional as this. So, yeah, food is probably a good idea. She grabs her phone to pause her music and nods, standing up to face her girlfriend. ]
Actually? Yeah. That'd be good. What've you got in mind?
GOOD, its a lowkey fav!!!
So... this was good natured, but it could go incredibly wrong. She tenses up and nudges her towards the door β all smiles. ]
There's some stuff downstairs, we actually got something pretty good.
[ And, she's tugging a little too obviously β anxious and all smiles. It may not be the easiest thing to keep under her belt, but she hoped it wasn't half bad. The display was obvious when they leave the room, set right at the end of the foyer staircase. ]
I have like a thousand muses from it... XD
...although of course when they exit the room and she sees the altar sitting at the end of the staircase, simply decorated but clear in its intent, Nico finally puts two and two together. Karolina's been researching. For Samhain? For Samhain, if the soul cakes she can see from the doorway are any indication. ]
Karrie... [ A smile finds her lips, unbidden, and she strides across the foyer to look at the display Karolina's put together. ] This is... this is amazing. [ She turns back to her, unable to keep from beaming even as she questions: ] You did all this for me?
[ It may not be something Karolina thinks of as much, but to Nico, the fact that she even tried... It's awesome. Samhain's usually kind of somber, but she feels like she's not going to be able to stop smiling all night, now. ]
i wish i could, but regina is like the only one i'd want but im so rusty
I did. I didn't know if it was done well... but [ She gives a timid shrug, trying her best to keep herself from reaching out to take her hands. It's so tempting β to guide her down and show off but. Nah, this isn't for being rewarded, it's for Nico. ] I want you to still take time to yourself β I'm not going to change how you celebrate but... maybe... you can celebrate just a little with me before you do?
well, if you ever decide to, I have an Emma and I've been considering both Zelena and Tilly!
I'd love to celebrate with you. [ She squeezes Karolina's hands in hers. ] And I... I'm so... I can't believe you did this for me. [ She's still really bad with words, okay? But at the very least, the tone of her voice, somewhere between awed and touched, conveys everything she can't find the words to say right now. ] I love it. Thank you.
screams. MAYBE WHEN I HIT A REWATCH
Don't thank me, I β want to do these kind of things with you. New things.
[ Things that earn kisses - soft and sure against her lips. So, she does with an eagerness that brings the red out on her cheeks. ]
yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss! β₯
I'll walk you through it. [ Another promise, her fingers still working their way through Karolina's hair. ] It's not, like, super hard or anything.
Shall we? [ She takes a step back, still holding onto Karolina's hand. ]
no subject
We shall. I am your faithful student.