Last bit (or planned, at least). Just to give the two a full Happily Ever After.
BGM: A Return To Normalcy
5 years later
The morning sun streamed through the branches of the apple and orange trees as Carol Medici tended to her flowers. She potted a few select bunches while planting new seeds. It kept the wheels turning, and the house smelling nice. She lifted the brim of her wide hat and regarded the buzzing at the far end of the garden. The bees had a bit of a fallow year this time around, but hey that's nature, things like that happen. After finding some spots for the new pots, she gave the vegetable patch the once over; nothing good for picking just yet. Ditto the berries.
Satisfied that all was well, she headed back to the kitchen. The apple pie was nearly ready by now, and the bacon and eggs just needed another moment or two. It was just a shame that Filia's job had such inconsistent hours. It made having the treats ready for when she came home kind of awkward. Carol was, for the most part, a housewife, not out of any kind of stereotyped family facade, but because she enjoyed it for the most part; while she did make some good money whenether she got work as a cello player, it was a bit too infrequent to be called a living. She helped at the local orphanage fairly often; Big Band and Ileum had set it up after Lab 8 was disbanded, and Carol felt she still owed them a debt of gratitude for taking her in when in direst need. She'd kept in touch with Maisie...well, she wasn't so little anymore, and she'd stayed over numerous times. She was like the little sister she never had. Still, after the Medici empire had a sizeable share of its assets seized, Filia had sold the rest. She had little real interest in running their more legitimate business concerns. She did keep some preferential treatment clauses, like getting to eat for free at River King Casino; Carol still had fond memories of her 18th birthday there, and sentimentality demanded it. Regardless, Filia had millions in the bank if she needed it.
Thinking of the orphanage, Carol couldn't help but reminisce about the time spent with lab 8...
BGM: An Uncertain Fate
The door creaked open as Ileum led the dishevelled girl inside the safehouse. It was hardly what you'd call luxury accommodation, but given the situation, being inconspicuous was paramount.
"Who's the new girl?" Hive was finishing drying the dishes.
Ileum stood aside and raised her hand in presentation, "This is Painwheel aka Carol, formerly of lab 0. Please, make her feel at home" That drew a few gasps. The younger ones considered 0 to be the bogeymen, while the elder ones knew a little more about what being a product of 0 typically entailed. "Hungry?" Carol nodded.
"Okay, let me rephrase that: How long has it been since you've been fed?"
"...about three weeks." She lifted a pasty arm "Got most of my nutrition from an IV drip"
Ileum examined Carol's belly, gently guiding her hands over the skeletal girl, "Hmmm...not sure if giving you solid food is a good idea...tell you what, I'll make some soup. How does that sound?" Carol nodded.
"And on a related note, I know how Zero operates; how long since you slept of your own volition?"
"...Idunno."
"Best get to bed afterwards, then." An aroma caught Ileum's attention. It'd been on the edge of her notice since getting back from Maplecrest. She gave Carol a sniff, "I think you could use a good bath too. Hive, be a love and run a bath for her would you? Get her a change of clothes too."
"We have nothing that'll fit her. She's way too small for anything I've got."
"Well, you're the closest in size and age, so the onus falls on you."
Hive rolled her eyes, "Fine. Follow me please."
Carol felt really exposed as Hive scrubbed her. She'd much rather do this herself, but Ileum had already made her orders pretty clear. Leduc had popped by later with the promised change of clothes. Hive was right when she said they wouldn't fit; they buried her. But anything was better than that...thing Lab Zero had her wear. Fixing her hair was a little bit of much needed normalcy, though it was difficult to look in the mirror with those eyes looking back. She sighed and left.
"Oh, good timing girls. Dinner's ready." Ileum carried a huge pan of vegetable soup to the old battered table. The little ones got first refusal, thankfully not taking much. Carol got served next. She stook a spoon in the bowl. It was pretty thick stuff, at least she'd get some decent food at long last. Carol wolfed it down. It tasted pretty good, and was filling too. Good for putting some lining on your stomach.
Ileum caught Carol's and Hive's attention, "Okay, Ben and Leduc have gone out scouting. We have no idea as to where Peacock's got to, or where the Skullgirl's hiding, so we're lying low for now. Don't expect any action for the next couple of days." She looked at Carol, "I'd say you'd better get some rest. You need it." Carol nodded, stifling a yawn, and slumped off to the bedroom.
Needless to say, she slept like a log.
"Honey, I'm home." Carol smiled as Filia walked in. She wrapped her arms around the smaller woman's waist and kissed her neck. Carol leaned back into Filia, "Mmmm, how was your night?"
Filia sighed, "Uneventful. Same story, different day. And I see you've been busy."
"Yeah, nothing ready for getting out yet. I figured a pie would be a nice treat for later."
Filia giggled, "Again? With all these treats I'd say you were fattening me up for Christmas already."
Carol smirked, "Now why would I do that? You look perfect already." Filia blushed. Her nurse's uniform was a little too short to be practical. She was sure Filia was doing it on purpose, not that she was complaining; while she'd never say so, she'd enjoyed her little chances to perv at her wife. "I'll call you in when breakfast's ready." Filia smiled sweetly at her wife and walked into the loungue.
Carol thought back to that fateful day; when everything came together...
BGM: Forgotten Moments
The circus and fun fair was a rare treat. While Filia could vaguely remember coming here a few times, Carol had only ever been twice, and she was little back then. Carol had insisted on paying for this trip, since Filia had treated Carol for her birthday. So while it was expensive, she'd do it again in a heartbeat; she loved Filia, and that was that.
It had been 3 months since the night at River Casino. She remembered she and Filia sharing that moment of complete bliss; that whole day was something she'd treasure forever.
While both enjoyed the rollercoaster, Carol was feeling a little bit sick after the waltzers, so they stopped for a rest.
"Carol?"
"Hmm?"
"They've got a fireworks display on in ten minutes. Wanna go see?"
"Sure", she smiled. While she could take or leave fireworks, Filia seemed keen, so why not?
The fireworks bathed the congregation in a kaleidoscope of colour, a host of hues. Carol was glad Filia suggested it. She looked to Filia. To her surprise, she looked...petrified.
"Filia, what's wrong?"
"Oh geez. I don't really know how I'm supposed to do this..." Carol was confused, till a small hastily presented box with a ring in answered everything, "Carol Fairweather, will...will you...marry me?"
"Ohmigosh..." This was a surprise. She had caught Filia being secretive over the past month, but couldn't pin down what.
"I mean, if this is too soon, if you don't..I-I-I can..." Filia's verbal block was abruptly ended when Carol grabbed her by the jacket and made out with her. Good timing too, as a big love heart firework went off just as she did.
"Yes...the answer's yes, Filia."
The ring was a perfect fit. Well, Filia knew Carol's sizes, so it would be a poor do, albiet entirely in character for her, if she did get it wrong. But that 'adorkableness' was why Carol loved her. And Filia loved her for the same reason.
Another amazing kiss, followed by another night of bliss...
BGM: Shenanigans And Goings-Ons
The toast popped up with its usual sprightliness, bringing Carol out if her reverie. She buttered both slices before piling on the bacon and eggs. A cup of tea joined the ensemble as she walked into the loungue.
Yep, Filia is definitely doing it on purpose. Carol put down the tray, "Filiaaaa" she singsonged to get her attention, before sharply opening and closing her hand three times; her little way of saying, 'Panty Shot'. While she did enjoy it, she did feel it was only proper for Filia to at least save some face.
"You shouldn't be looking, then." Filia pouted and adjusted her uniform as she got out of her seat.
Carol rolled her eyes, "Oh please! I think Blind Pew would notice."
"But that's just a sneak preview," she kissed Carol, "You're the only one to get to see the whole show."
"I know. And thanks for confirming that you do it on purpose, Miss Fanservice."
"I only do it because I know you enjoy it so much. Would you like popcorn or ice cream with it next time?"
Carol laughed, "Eat up. The pie's nearly ready and I don't want it burning, so I'm going to have to pause the otherwise highly amusing movie." Filia kissed her again and returned to her seat with her breakfast.
Carol returned to the kitchen, and just as expected the pie was done. After disposing of her oven glove, she took a moment to look at their wedding photo; the Trinitists were quite vocally against same sex marriage, among many other things, so finding someone willing to perform the ceremony was a little awkward. But they found one in the end, for a simple ceremony in one of New Meridian's many civic halls. Both wore long plain white dresses. There was no real need for anything more extravagant; Carol's family and the Lab 8 gang were the only ones to attend. Squigly had to politely decline, thinking it would cause to much of a kerfuffle, but came by later to celebrate with them in private. All the Medici sans Filia and Lorenzo had been butchered by Peacock's, Squigly's and Fortune's assault on Medici Tower, and Lorenzo ended his days paralysed from the neck down, courtesy of Leviathan, and with all his sense organs mutilated. Parasoul and the Egrets had been invited, but couldn't make it due to the nature of their job. And they both knew Valerie had been there too; she'd sent them a little photo as proof.
Besides, both agreed they'd rather spend the money on the marriage than the wedding. One unfortunate parting gift from Painwheel that manifested a few years later was a damaged reproductive system, so the chances of either conceiving in the first place or carrying to term were reduced, though still possible with a bit of luck. Besides, Filia had already said she'd gladly bear any children they decided to have if it made Carol happy. They had thought about alternatives, and a few seemed promising.
"Thinking back?" Filia put down her plate.
"Uh-huh. About the wedding, about that night under the fireworks." About Painwheel. Always damn Painwheel! Filia embraced Carol from behind again, and began swaying.
"I love you in this dress, you know." White with deep blue floral patterns. It showed off quite a bit of shoulder, as well as leg, and the wind always caught it; one of Canopolis' up and coming actresses had it happen to her all the time.
"You love me regardless of what, how much or how little I'm wearing."
Filia laughed, "Touche. But yeah, I wish I could see you in it more often."
"Well, maybe now the weather's picking up I may get the chance."
"Well, I'm thinking of a completely different reason why I like it..." She played with Carol's shoulder strap.
"Get off! I'm trying to work here." Carol laughed as she slapped Filia's wandering hand,. "If I drop this, you're cleaning it up, alright? And yes, I'll make you wear the maid outfit!"
"Seems an awful lot of effort just to get me to dress up for you. You could have just asked me." Filia smirked, then winked.
"...yup, that came out wrong."
"It's fine. I'll leave you to it." Carol set about applying some nuts and a heavy sprinkling of sugar to the top. She'd already been down the local farm for some fresh cream, and was hoping the cheese she'd put in the pie this time would added something special.
(A/N: Cheese!? In apple pie!? Trust me, it works. In some parts, they consider it sacrilege if you don't.)
She considered the wisdom of putting the pie in the fridge now. Nah, probably break it. It can stay out for a little longer.
"Finished yet?" Filia started caressing her shoulder again. She was definitely in the mood.
"And why are you so frisky this morning?"
Filia shrugged, "I dunno, guess I've been busy, so its been a while. And besides..." She spun Carol round, "...you enjoyed it last time. It's a good way if showing just yow much I love you." She kissed her again.
Carol grinned and backed her head away, "You're not going to let this drop, are you?"
"Nope. I will pester you till you inevitably get fed up and give in."
Carol smirked "I'm pretty sure that's a criminal offence. Wouldn't want to have to pick up the soap, would you?"
"You're bluffing."
"Try me."
Filia took that as a challenge and glomped her, before bridal carrying her up the stairs...
BGM: In A Moment's Time
Carol Medici. What is she to me? Sister? Mother? Daughter? Friend? Lover? All these describe her but after all the time we've spent together...yeah, I can call her...my soulmate.
Filia's mind was still kind of hazy from the rush when Carol returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. She removed her gown before climbing back into bed.
"Breakfast in bed? Sorry, I've already eaten twice." She licked her lips
"Pfft. Who needs Samson for cheap lewd comments? You're perfectly good for them yourself." she retorted as she filled them up. They clinked their glasses.
Filia smiled, "Here's to us."
Carol returned the smile, "To us."
Post Recovery Fin.