"Every night that goes between
I feel a little less
As you slowly go away from me -
This is only another test"
The darkness never seemed to stay away forever. They had always felt it brewing in the distance, far enough away to avoid, until it was too close to look away. Cordelia has been feeling weaker than ever, Michael's presence becoming something she could no longer ignore.
Coming face to face with him had caused her more pain than she had wished. It was as if the air he breathed in was sucking from her life force, although Cordelia did always have one hell of a poker face.
Her time was coming, it seemed closer now than it ever had. She knew the rise of Mallory would mean her demise, but if it meant the Coven would go on to flourish, it was something she had to accept.
Since she had become the Supreme, her mortality seemed to loom over her, much more than it ever had. After all these years she started to understand Fiona, and how much she had truly feared death. Cordelia always knew she would never be like her mother, and grew to accept that her time may come sooner than she expected. That was before Misty came back.
Cordelia was always the one left behind, not Misty. It seemed like every time they had a start the end was just in sight. Only once was it Cordelia who had to leave Misty behind, and it had always been her biggest regret.
~ Then ~
Misty froze, not able to move forward or back. The voice behind her was one that never left her mind, one she had longed to one day hear again.
"Misty?" There was something so haunting yet enchanting about the way Cordelia said her name.
She had heard her voice over and over, never leaving her mind even after all this time. She had been craving to hear it for so long, and now that she had once more she didn't know what to do. The idea of reuniting with Cordelia had danced around in her mind for years, but reality was always different, and so she stood there frozen, unsure of what to say or what would happen next. A million questions and thoughts poured into Misty's head, making it impossible to focus on one.
Cordelia neared her, coming close but not too close, as if Misty were a deer she might frighten away. There was a sadness that hung in the air between them, so much had been left unsaid, so much time had passed but it seemed as if they had only been apart for a moment. Their spark as bright as ever, the love between them so strong and so clear.
"I miss you. I miss you all the time." Cordelia's eyes filled with tears as she spoke, the words barely able to leave her mouth. "I never got to say goodbye."
Misty turned to face Cordelia, a heaviness lifting from her chest as she did. As if just seeing her made everything okay again; Cordelia had that aura about her. Comforting, loving, a sense of home wrapped neatly into a blonde package.
She held her face in her palms, Cordelia's tears streaming into the palms of Misty's hands. They looked at each other the same way they always had, something that could never change between them.
~ Now ~
Misty could see the toll that things had started to take on Cordelia, trying to hide her own fear as she did her best to comfort Cordelia. She knew the time would come for them to have the inevitable conversation about what was coming. Whether it be the demise of the entire Coven, or just it's Supreme. They had all been encouraging to Mallory, helping her to explore her blooming powers, preparing her for the fight ahead.
When she had told Stevie the news of their engagement, she invited them to come away and stay with her for a few days so they could properly celebrate. She thought some time away might be good for both of them, hoping it would allow for Cordelia to enjoy herself and leave her worries behind, even just for a few days.
The night before they left for Stevie's they headed back to the swamp to stay in Misty's old hut. They had turned it into a small sanctuary for the two of them, a place to go when they needed to be alone. A place that had once been home to such sadness and sorrow now bloomed with happiness.
Cordelia always loved Misty's never ending optimism, she didn't fear the worst the way Cordelia always seemed to. Even when she was worried, there was always a sense of calmness that surrounded her.
Misty could tell that Cordelia's mind was still with the Coven, worrying endlessly about leaving them behind, much like a mother leaving her newborn for the first time.
"You doin alright over there?" Misty asked and made her way over to Cordelia, who sat on the edge of the bed.
"I'm fine, really." Cordelia smiled tightly, only looking at Misty for a moment.
Misty stood in front of Cordelia, pulling her in and holding her as close as she could. Cordelia felt a weight lift off of her, bringing her arms around Misty's waist and taking in her embrace. It was in the quiet moments, one where it was just the two of them, was Cordelia reminded of how much they truly loved each other. It was something she could feel with every touch they shared, like every time was the first.
~ Then ~
The ride back to Misty's place was filled with nothing but silence, neither of them wanting to be the first to speak. Cordelia's eyes lay on Misty, as hers stayed transfixed on the road ahead. Once they had arrived, they stayed seated in the car.
"I should let you know, I have a bit of a roommate." Misty spoke up, clearing whatever it was that was lingering between them.
"Is she okay with visitors?" Cordelia asked.
"I've told her about ya before, just didn't think you'd ever show up here. I still can't believe it, really." She looked over and found herself reaching for Cordelia's face, gently cupping the side of her cheek, as if to remind herself it was real, that she was really here. "I'm so happy you're here."
They both leaned into each other, slowly closing the gap between them until their lips met, what began as a chaste kiss quickly turned to one filled with passion and longing, years of yearning for one another bubbling to the surface.
"Let's go inside."
~ Now ~
Once they had arrived at Stevie's, it had become quite clear to Misty that Cordelia was anything but fine, despite her attempt to prove otherwise. Everything had finally piled up too high where it was now impossible to figure out where to start, the weight of the Coven had quite literally been resting on Cordelia's shoulders for too long, the cracks becoming clearer every day.
Every day Cordelia would insist it was nothing, she was just feeling a little more tired than usual or this or that. Misty could always tell it was something deeper, and whatever it was she was clearly afraid to say it. As much as Cordelia wanted to protect Misty, she would only ever be able to do so much; to shield her from so much.
Misty had mentioned Michael once on their drive up to Stevie's and was met with tension she had never experienced with Cordelia before, as if she had crossed some sort of line between them. She didn't make much of it at the time, knowing she had to wait to bring it up again when they could speak about it, without Cordelia behind the wheel.
Cordelia lay in bed, her head buried in some book she was only half reading as she waited for Misty to get into bed. They had gotten to Stevie's by mid-afternoon and spent the better part of their day in her backyard, filling her in on all she had missed, and of course inviting her to the wedding.
"Can we talk about something?" Misty was hesitant as she began.
"Why do you seem so nervous?"
"Why won't ya talk to me about what's happenin' with Michael?"
"Please, just leave this one alone."
"Whatever you think you're protecting me from, you're not."
"I'm protecting all of you!"
"I'm not one of the girls in the Coven, Cordelia. We're supposed to be a team, and I get things have been hard for us, but I would think if it's taught you anything it's that we can't protect each other. As much as we may try, when has it ever worked?"
"I can't take something happening to you again, I can't -" Cordelia broke down, gasping for air as tears fell down her cheeks.
"I ain't goin' anywhere." Misty curled up beside Cordelia and pulled her in close, holding onto her with everything she had. "I don't want to be anywhere but with you."
"I'm so scared something is going to happen to you again Misty," Cordelia's voice broke as she spoke, even saying it out loud was too much. "I don't think I could survive it, not again."
"You can't save me if you won't let me in."
~ Then ~
Misty entered the house quietly, guiding Cordelia behind her, trying not to grip her hand too tightly but it seemed impossible people not to; like if she did she would disappear and tonight would be nothing but something she created in her head.
Once they reached Misty's room there wasn't much talking to be done, as if words weren't enough to express what they were feeling for each other. A kiss, a lick, a moan - it all seemed to say more than anything else could. Their bodies falling into a familiar rhythm, like no time had passed at all - like they had always been with one another.
Misty took her time with Cordelia, knowing how she liked to be teased - tempting her with climax before bringing her back down, slowly, just to build her back up all over again. Her tongue seemed to crave the taste of her, nothing else satisfying her thirst. Cordelia's fingers pulled through Misty's hair, bringing her as close to her body as she could, craving the climax she was being tempted with.
She let out a moan, louder than she had intended it to be, as Misty's fingers entered her centre, slowly curling themselves and finding their rhythm. She grinned herself against them as Misty's tongue continued to play with her clit. Cordelia moaned louder as she felt herself coming closer, Misty's name falling out of her mouth as she reached her climax - Misty being sure not to miss a drop.
As Cordelia finished, she pulled Misty hungrily towards her, tasting herself on Misty's lips, only turning her on even more. She kissed her, passionately and hungrily, like she just couldn't get enough - an addiction she never wanted to quit.
Cordelia's fingers slowly found their way down to Misty's thigh, stroking her soft skin gently, each time getting closer to her centre. Misty could feel the goosebumps peppering her legs at Cordelia's touch. Misty scooted herself up further, unable to wait any longer - they had waited long enough for each other. She lowered herself onto Cordelia's mouth, even feeling her breath below was enough to drive her crazy. She pushed her palms flat against the wall above them and settled into a rhythm, Cordelia's hands roaming all around Misty's body as her tongue worked her centre. Misty moaned in pleasure from Cordelia's tongue, slowly licking up and down her centre, entering inside of her, and coming back up to focus its attention on her clit.
"Please baby," Misty panted as she could feel herself coming closer.
She could feel Cordelia's fingers enter her just before her climax, her walls tightening and her legs shaking, hardly able to hold her up. She leaned against the wall for a moment to catch her breath before collapsing beside Cordelia. The two looked at each other with an abundance of love, unable to do anything but smile.
~ Now ~
Misty awoke in bed by herself, assuming Cordelia had been awake hours earlier, or that she hadn't slept at all. She made her way downstairs to find Stevie sitting downstairs, a solum look across her face. It made her stomach drop, she could feel a shift in energy when she entered the room.
"Where's Cordelia?"
"She left Misty." Stevie spoke softly, "we thought it would be best."
"What does that mean?"
"She can't look after herself or the Coven if she's worried about you. I told her you could stay here, so you can be safe."
"And what about her? Who's keeping her safe?" Misty's eyes filled with tears as she spoke, Stevie coming to her, enveloping her into a motherly hug.
"I know it's hard, but it's what needs to be done. Cordelia is the Supreme and she's got a bad ass group of ladies over there to keep her safe."
"What if something happens?"
Misty couldn't believe Cordelia had really just left. Again. It seemed they were always coming and going from each other, never truly able to be together. Part of her felt like they might be cursed - but what they had together felt too good to have any evil within. She knew in her heart that Cordelia wouldn't have left her if she had any other choice, even still she couldn't help but worry endlessly. Yes, the girls of the Coven would do their best to protect Cordelia, but no one would like Misty.
Cordelia called her once she had returned to Miss Robichaux's, her sadness overtaking her voice as she spoke.
"I knew if I told you there's no way you would have agreed." She reasoned.
"Ya got that right!" Misty responded. "I just want you to be okay babe."
"As long as you're safe, that's all that mattters."
"Well what about you?"
"I'm the Supreme, my fate has already been sealed."
"Oh don't do that with me."
"It's something I can't ignore any longer Misty. Mallory's only getting stronger, and so is Michael -"
"Which is why I should be there, with you, with all of you."
"Misty I just -" Cordelia sucked in a deep breath as she continued, "I can't be the one to put you at risk, or ask you to put your life on the line. You're still coming back into your own powers. It's a risk I can't take."
"As the Supreme or my fiancée?"
"I have to go Misty. I love you, so much. We'll get through this I promise."
"I love you too."
~ Then ~
Cordelia watched Misty as she slept, the blinds across the room allowing in the perfect amount of light to enter. She couldn't believe she was really here, laying beside the only person she had ever loved. If the previous night had done anything, it had merely shown Cordelia she would never have a love like this. It was as if no time had passed, and they just fell back into their rhythm right away. It was so easy, and simple, although she knew in the bigger picture it was neither of those things. The way she felt around Misty was easy; knowing she held no judgement on her, or expectations that had no grounds.
She didn't want to leave, not today or ever for that matter. More than anything she wanted to stay here forever, in Misty's bed, in her arms, surrounded by her love in any way she could get it. She knew staying wasn't a choice, as much as she wanted it to be. Fiona was still her mother and she would find a way to end it just as she had before. She worried what would happen to Misty if she chose to stay and leave her old life behind, knowing first hand the sort of vengeance Fiona was capable of.
By the time Misty woke up Cordelia was nowhere to be found. It sent Misty into a panic almost right away; had she dreamt the night before?
A note laying on the nightstand beside her was the only thing that made Misty know she wasn't imaging it all. It was Cordelia's writing, something she would recognize anywhere. She read it over and over to make sure she was reading it right.
~
Misty,
I know I will never love anyone the way I love you, but I need to try. I thought seeing you would help me finally put us in the past, but it only made me long for you even more. I'm sorry it has to be like this, maybe in another life we will find each other. I will never stop loving you.
Yours forever,
Cordelia
~
Cordelia did her best to sneak back into the Coven, hoping it would go unnoticed. She softly shut the door and flicked the light on, turning to find herself face to face with Fiona.
"Enjoy your little sleepover?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Dont play stupid with me little girl!"
"Why do you still care? Why can't you just leave me the fuck alone?"
"Is that any way to speak to your mother?" Fiona t'sked at Cordelia's remark. "Maybe if you could look after yourself I wouldn't have to do it for you."
"You're not looking after me, you never have. Misty's done more for me than you ever have."
"I'm sure the swamp witch has done quite a bit for you, but do yourself a favour and marry that ugly man you've been hanging around with."
"And why would I do that?"
"You'll do it or you won't have to worry about seeing that straw haired hippie again."
Fiona flicked the cigarette she had been smoking onto Cordelia's bedroom floor, putting it out with the back of her stiletto.
"Always good to see you, dear." She smiled an evil grin as she walked passed Cordelia, leaving her alone.