There's not really much point to this update, I wasn't entirely sure what to write hence why it's just crap babble that I know I'll probably be criticised for. But it's Lorikki based jibber, so perhaps you'll forgive me? ;). I was gonna leave you with an evil cliff-hanger but everything seemed to happy so I decided to leave it that way.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again, I go away at the end of the week.
Enjoy.
"It's only me." Nikki called out, emerging out of the breezey drizzle clouded over Greenock into Lorraine's warm penthouse. She discarded of the cheap white plastic carrier bags that had been entwined around her fingers, digging into her milky skin, onto the white tiled floor; freeing up her hands to quielty close the door, shutting out the unwelcome weather.
Lorraine had asked Nikki not long after she'd arrived mid-afternoon if she would go and collect some essentials for her from the supermarket as she still couldn't face being seen in public. She was still struggling to come to terms with the blemished flesh, still far too ashamed to face preying eyes and deal with the comments that would be a result of the healing scar.
Nikki slipped her shoes off and shrugged her damp jacket, hanging it on the hooks provided in the entrance of the blonde's home before ambling through to the lounge, wishing to make sure Lorraine was alright.
Lorraine was sat cross legged on her plush sofa, laptop balanced on her lap, her bright blue eyes that had finally regained their natural twinkle fixated to the screen; subtle aluminous glow highlighting her prominent features. Despite how cute she may have looked curled up in nothing more than jogging bottoms and a vest top, face make-up free and golden curls pinned up, she seemed stressed; pouting at her laptop screen, creases forming on her forehead as she rubbed her forehead lightly with her manicured finger tips in attempt to sooth the erupting headache.
"Everything alright?" The brunette's rich northerly accent ruled her words, tranquil and caring, concerned at the unusual behaviour.
Lorraine diverted her gaze to Nikki; she'd been so consumed in her work that she hadn't even realised that the older woman was back, "Err..yeah." she stuttered unconvinced. It was only now that the true depths to her money issues were becoming apparent, jeopardizing the school's future yet again.
Nikki frowned but decided to go put the shopping away in its rightful place, then to tackle Lorraine about what was sourcing her anxiety, "Do you want a drink?" she offered, leaning on the door frame ready to depart.
"Coffee please." Lorraine's response was almost instant; she craved the boosting drink but couldn't be bothered to go make herself one so was grateful for the offer.
A simple nod came in response before Nikki disappeared out of sight but could be heard rummaging around the kitchen. She flicked the kettle on, whilst waiting for it to boil she'd started stocking the fridge and cupboards with the fresh supplies. Collecting all the items that contributed to making two coffees; coffee granules, milk, sugar, teaspoon, cups; she proceeded to make the drinks just as they both loved it; milky yet strong.
Arriving back in the lounge, Nikki padded across the polished wooden floor, gently putting the two cups down on the coasters provided, careful not to mark or smear the spotlessly sparkling glass table.
"Thanks." Lorraine manoeuvred herself so there was room for Nikki to sot next to her, taking a reasonable sip of her coffee; the liquid dampened her dry throat, satisfying her sudden urge for the substance. She hoped it would shine some light onto whatever she was missing that was resulting in her figures being drastically over budget.
Nikki perched next to her, sliding against the expensive leather of her sofa, silently watching her work and attempting to make sense of the numbers on screen to conclude what she was actually trying to do.
A groan escaped Lorraine's plump lips as she tossed her head back against the sofa in frustration, scratching her nails against the leather.
"What's up? Come on Lo, tell me." Nikki encouraged.
Lorraine sighed, "I'm just having money issues. I'm not entirely sure how I'm supposed to fund the school long term. I don't see anymore cuts that can be achieved." she murmured.
Nikki snaked her arm around the petite female, proposing some comfort, "Why didn't you tell me? It's been bothering you for a while hasn't it?" she knew the multi-millionaire had seemed a little more touchy than usual.
Lorraine nodded - there was no use lying, Nikki knew her inside out. "I fought for that school. How stupid am I gonna look when I can't pay the expenses without making it private." the thought of damaging her pride and ego more made her shudder.
"Let me have a look, help you. I know figures aren't really my thing but two heads are better than one? And I may be able to come up with something useful." Nikki suggested, "Can I?" she gestured to the laptop, wanting a closer look at the spread sheet.
Lorraine nodded practically shoving the laptop over to Nikki having had enough of it for one day.
Nikki was skimming through the data in a sensible depth, racking her brains for any more ideas that could be added to cut the costs even by the tiniest amount.
Discussing the current figures as well as laying everything out thoroughly again to check for any places suitable for decreasing, they were finally getting somewhere in creating some new schemes that were promptly enforceable.
The buzz of Lorraine's phone vibrating against the glass coffee table along side the ringtone that was dancing it's way around the room and throughout the house disturbed their solid work. She planted her feet firmly on the floor, the coldness temporarily paralysed her with shock - she'd forgotten to turn the under floor heating on and hadn't realised since she'd been so indulged in work - clasping her elegant fingers around the delicate white iPhone, she answered the call and ambled around the room whilst talking.
"Really?! That's fantastic. Brilliant. Okay then, thanks again." Nikki's ear were pricked, attempts failing to make out who was the mystery caller but he was intrigued considering whoever it was had bought an exquisite smile to the business woman's face and obviously delighted her.
"Bye." Lorraine ended the call, carelessly dumping her phone on the window sill, pearly white teeth displayed in one of the biggest grins that Nikki had seen in a long while.
"Someone's happy?" Nikki was now smiling herself, seeing Lorraine gleaming with joy made her just as happy.
"Yes." Lorraine perched herself back in the same position she'd been in previous to the call. She closed her laptop and put it on the table, "That was a phone call to say that the lottery want to fund the school, they've seen all the hard work that's gone into it and all the success." she beamed, "I still want to over look things but all my problems seemed to have been solved for the moment.
"That's brilliant news, Lorraine!" Nikki smiled, thrilled to see the blonde finally distracted from her scar and genuinely high spirited and cheerful. Extending her arms, Lorraine was soon in her embrace, snuggled together with the occasional kiss.
The contact of her own body against Nikki's was starting to have effect on Lorraine, she nibbled on Nikki's bottom lips, the kiss instantly became more passionate as they fought against each other, battling for dominance. Truth be known, Lorraine had been missing Nikki and was finally glad to have her back.
Lorraine's fingers automatically began to fumble with the buttons on Nikki's shirt, tearing them undone just to get a glimpse of the woman's fabulously well looked after physic. Nikki was more cautious about her actions towards Lorraine; she wasn't as vulnerable as the blonde and wasn't too bothered about being exposed; she wasn't entirely sure how Lorraine would react if she attempted to remove garments of her clothing - she knew she had to be careful not to startle her.
The younger female was trapped in the moment, discarding of items of clothing that Nikki wore that she felt were no longer needed. Limbs tangled together on the sofa, Nikki gingerly began slide Lorraine's white vest top up, breaking the kiss as she pulled it over her head. Lorraine didn't detest, obviously having forgotten about the burns for the moment. To keep it that may, Nikki started placing little butterfly kisses on her neck; she knew Lorraine had always loved that. Guilty was loitering inside Nikki, she shouldn't have been doing this with Lorraine behind Lexy's back. Lexy deserved better than that after all the support and care she'd given; it was Lexy she should have been going through these processes with as that was what the Australian was waiting for.
Lorraine had suddenly become aware of what was going on; escaping the imprisonment of the luscious moment. Nikki's fingertips were lightly tracing around the edging of the horrific burns; the touch was soothing, subtle but Lorraine was still panicking, going into melt down inside. Untangling herself from Nikki as best she could, she tugged her top back on, perhaps a little too harshly though as a whimper drifted out of her lips; a result of catching the material against the rough skin. Tumbling off the sofa, she ran into her bedroom, curling up on the bed.
"Lo...it's alright." Nikki spoke softly stroking her hand with the pad of her thumb after following the blonde in nothing more than her lacy underwear and joining her on the bed.
"I don't understand how you can even want to look at me. It's horrible." Lorraine sniffed, ignoring the seeping pain she was experiencing.
"It doesn't make a difference, you're still gorgeous in my eyes." Nikki truthfully whispered observing the winces and whimpers Lorraine was discreetly making, "You caught the heeling skin in your hurry to get your top back on didn't you?" she knew how careful people had to be when there was no dressing and it was fabric against the flesh; she had herself with the acid burn to her arm and had come across it in the army.
Lorraine simply nodded, burying her head into her crisp white pillow.
"Are you gonna let me take a look? I just wanna make sure you haven't re-opened the heeling flesh...and if you have, we need to prevent infection entering..." Nikki whispered.
"No." Lorraine quickly retorted, "I don't want you looking at it."
"Well it's either you let me or you're going to see a doctor." Nikki gave her the option, more than aware of how much of a private thing her burns were, especially with where she'd caught them were situated; it would mean having to be exposed against her will.
"You." Lorraine mumbled figuring she preferred Nikki to a stranger.
Nikki nodded, "I'll be back in a minute, just gonna get my first aid kit out my car." she departed the bedroom, pulling her jeans and shirt back on, on the way, then going to her car.
Lorraine had rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling as she waited for Nikki to return.
Nikki soon walked back in and climbed onto the bed next to Lorraine. She slowly helped Lorraine out of her top and unclasped her bra. Seeing a towel thrown onto the chair, presumably from her shower that morning, Nikki grabbed it and allowed Lorraine to cover herself, only wanting her to feel as comfortable as possible.
"I'm gonna wipe it with antiseptic and then put a dressing on it, okay?" Nikki warned Lorraine before hand to allow her to know what she was going to do.
Lorraine nodded, "Okay."
"This will probably sting a little." Nikki said as she cleaned the burn, then dressing it with a white sterile dressing. Lorraine had flinched a little but not as much as Nikki had expected.
"Thank you." Lorraine whispered reaching back for her top.
"It's better if you wear a looser top, like a pyjama top." Nikki stated as she walked over to the correct draw, remembering from when they were together previously, and pulling out a clean pair of pyjamas and bringing them back to the bed.
Lorraine slipped into her pyjamas with ease before settling in Nikki's embrace, laid out on the bed.
"I should really be going..." Nikki had glanced at her watch, realising that Lexy would be home soon.
"No." Lorraine set up, pleading eyes gazing into Nikki's, "Stay the night...I don't want to be alone." she whispered.
Nikki thought for a few seconds, she didn't really want to upset either woman but Lorraine was the one in more need of her presence. She'd just have to explain to Lexy some lie tomorrow. "Okay. If that's what you want. I'll go make us some tea."
"You don't have to do that.." Lorraine said feeling guilty that Nikki was doing everything for her these days.
"Yes I do. Purely because I remember that night you attempted to cook for us." Nikki laughed as she stood up.
Lorraine pouted, "Alright, so I'm not the best cook in the world. But let's face it. I can afford to hire one "
Nikki rolled her eyes, "I'll make us something with pasta." she smiled before padding downstairs and into the kitchen.
After scanning the fridge, she settled on a simple bacon and chicken pasta dish with a creamy sauce and soon set to work in creating the dish.
Lorraine guessed she must have fallen into a light slumber for the sum of ten minutes. She was in need of a drink, her throat was dry and parched. Deciding she couldn't rely on Nikki any longer, she'd been such a help already. Crawling off the bed, she headed downstairs and into the kitchen. The smell of Nikki's cooking was slowly penetrating through the house, dosing Lorraine's senses with a truly heavenly aroma; she'd forgotten just how good a cook Nikki could be when she set her mind to it.
Nikki glimmered round at Lorraine, smiling softly as she watched the blonde collect a glass out of the cupboard and then a bottle of lemonade out of the fridge.
"Do you want a glass?" Lorraine questioned.
"Please." Nikki smiled before refocusing her attention back to the food sizzling away in the pan.
Clasping her right hand around a second glass, she placed it on the granite worktop next to her own before proceeding to open the lemonade. She'd chosen the bottle Nikki had purchased earlier that afternoon and failed to realise that it had been shaken around during the journey home. Twisting the lid, it became apparent to her that the bottle was about to explode. Moving herself out of the way at a quick pace much to Nikki's confusion; she'd honestly thought that the brunette was out of harms way. The lemonade exploded out of the bottle before showering down on the majority of the kitchen, including Nikki.
"Lo!" Nikki shouted unimpressed that she was no plastered in the sticky substance.
Lorraine bit her lip, unable to contain her giggles.
Nikki wiped her face with a tea towel before removing her shirt that had turned transparent with becoming wet. She ran her fingers through her matted hair, pushing it out of her face.
"Sorry." Lorraine apologised, "Umm, I'll clean up in here and order a take-a-way...feel free to use the shower."
Nikki nodded, "Thanks." she smiled, wrapping her arms around Lorraine on the way.
"Nikki!" Lorraine groaned at the fact she was now sticky.
Nikki smirked, "You know you love me really." she planted a kiss on the wealthy female's cheek before going upstairs.
Lorraine cleaned up the mess that she had caused in the kitchen before waiting for the food to be delivered.
Nikki quickly showered, she was quite surprised to find that Lorraine had kept the bottles of shampoo and soap of her own from when they were together; now she didn't have to adapt to a much different smell that Lorraine wore. Little did she know that Lorraine had often sniffed the bottles to inhale the strong scent that stuck to Nikki. She came downstairs with a shower robe wrapped around her since she didn't have anything else to wear that wasn't coated in the sticky liquid.
"Here." Lorraine gestured to the plate that was for Nikki.
"Thanks." Nikki smiled as she sat adjacent to Lorraine.
They ate pretty much in silence except for the clattering of knives and forks clashing against the china plates. A bottle of wine accompanied the meal; they'd given up with the lemonade. Several cheeky comments from Lorraine had been shared about Nikki's clothing, most of them slurred as she'd consumed far too much of the expensive liquid in such a short space of time.
With gentle persuasion, Nikki had guided a tipsy Lorraine to bed. Her eyes scanned the bedroom in search of something suitable to wear to bed. Her eyes were drawn to a pair of jogging trousers, vest top and hoodie that looked suspiciously familiar, like hers. Examining the clothes, she came to the conclusion they were hers and slipped into them. They smelt like Lorraine's unique scent; she could only imagine that Lorraine had become attached to them as they would have smelt of her choice of perfume, they didn't fit the petite woman. Now it was all becoming clear on how much Lorraine really had missed her.