Homecoming

Lark/Rosethorn slash. If the idea of two females in love bothers you, exit is that way. I don't own the characters, I don't own the universe. Takes place during Will of the Empress for those interested.

I watched my student leave, thinking hard. Boy needed to see a mind healer, and quick. But Briar was stubborn. Too stubborn for his own good. I knew it. I blinked back a tear as he left. "He'll be in contact. You know that."

Lark's voice was soft. I smiled at her, gently hugging her. "Yes." I wouldn't admit that I would miss the scamp. She knew it. Lark always had known me to well.

"So this new pest, Comas."

"Go easy on him, Rosie." Her request was soft. "He's shy."

I nodded. "Just tell him if I…"

"Catch him in you garden you'll hang him by the heels from the well. I know."

"And that…"

"If you catch him in your workshop he'll die the worst death you can invent. I know, Rosie." I smiled at her. That Lark did. We had accepted too many of the problem cases into discipline over the years.

I knew she would be gentler about it when she told the kid though. I frowned. If he was that easily scared, maybe I would take it light with him. If I could.

The temple bells rang the time, and I flinched. I was unaware of it until Lark approached. "Easy Rosie. You're safe now."

"I don't feel safe." A nod. I met the catlike eyes. I wanted to…No. I didn't know where I stood with Lark yet. She might have found someone else. Our relationship had never been firmly defined as such. And I had not been in her bed since I had come home.

She came to me. She hesitated, then laid a hand on my cheek. Her gaze met mine with so much understanding I blinked. I tried to glare at her and missed, my eyes too soft for what should have been a glare to work. Lark chuckled. "Same old Rosethorn. I am glad to know some things are the same."

She kissed my cheek, then gently pressed her lips to mine so briefly I almost thought I had imagined it. But when I reached out to touch her, she accepted it for the first time since I had come home.

I pulled her close, kissing her. In that moment Gyongxe and the invasion of the temple faded. The time Briar and I had been involuntary 'guests' of the imperial Yan Jingi Emperor faded. Nothing mattered but Lark, my sweet Lark. I had come home.