::Disclaimer: Gorgeous Carat belongs to You Higuri::
Four words are all it takes to push her into madness. Building up for many months - the changes, the loneliness, the presence of him, it only takes four words overheard to change everything, irrevocably.
"I love you, Florian."
They greet her pleasantly as they pass, Ray and his pet all dressed for an excursion, leaving her to manage the house. She waits a full ten minutes before entering their suite and undressing. Throwing the pet's pillow aside she lays down, her hand brushing wetness. Tasting the still-warm fluid she smiles and gathers up more, this time pressing it inside herself.
XXXXX
Sanity returns and she plays the waiting game. Angry and frightened she lashes out at everyone, especially Ray's pet. Of course it's him that finds her huddled over, retching into a bucket. His quiet solicitude makes her angriest of all, earning her a private talk with Ray.
It hurts to see Ray's anger but it's the trust fading from his eyes that nearly kills her. He reminds her coldly that there is another person she must confess to. Speaking to Ray's pet should be easier but it's not - especially when the compassion she's so often mocked is withheld from her.
XXXXX
She breaks one afternoon, leveling her frustration at Ray now that his pet avoids her.
Ray replies in his "chastising Noel" tone, speaking of his pet's honor, pride and duty. Then he speaks the name that has been forbidden since their return from Morocco. He doesn't spare words like violation and betrayal and, because it is Ray, she listens to every condemning syllable.
When they travel to Ray's villa in Italy, Ray's pet remains in Paris.
The boy-child has pale skin and sandy-blond hair. Laila prays to every god she knows hoping the newborn-blue eyes turn any color but amethyst.
::end::
