(A/N: So sorry for the late update, guys. I wonder if you guys actually notice or worry that I'm gone. It's a strange thing to question, isn't it?
Warnings: Might have a few grammar errors. *shrugs*
Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT or any themes or, really, anything in general that you may recognise. I don't profit from anything here.
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...
A redhead could hear someone pull over. She could hear a bike's wheel screech, too. Its pedal meeting the floor.
She waited until they approached the door. The girl wiped away stray tears running down her cheeks. She wasn't going to let fear take over her.
But it seemed the waterfall of tears wouldn't stop. At least Eric was too busy at work to see her like this - so very weak, so guilt-ridden. It was so humiliating to be in such a state, feeling so unprepared for what was to come. The best reaction she could hope from them would be forgiveness, but at the moment the emotion most likely for the two of them to feel was hatred, and honestly she couldn't blame them.
Some surprised talking could be heard outside. They'd seem to have found one another. Three urgent knocks loudly came from her entrance.
The girl dared a look in the mirror. She cleaned the remainder of some messy mascara and eyeliner from her eyelids and cheeks the best she could, quickly brushed a section of her hair carelessly and tried to calm herself down as best she could.
And she opened the door.
She could feel warmth surrounding her in one sudden movement. It enveloped her in surprise but she accepted it, tears continuing to roll down and hit her pieces of clothing that didn't belong to her. Leather jackets. Denim pants. Pairs of shoes. Then skin. They were hugging her?
But why? Hadn't she done something bad to them? Maybe Emma didn't know, but Killian sure did, and she really expected him to be angry. No-one could really know why the comfort came, but honestly it was one of the best feelings in the world. There was certain force, yet resistance in the hug. Like they wanted to comfort her, but needed to do something else, say something else, at the same time. She understood their mixed emotions.
The girl broke free of the embrace, feeling abandoned and cold again all too soon. The lonely feeling was back again. Emptiness. The redhead made a small sound. A sob. Then she lurched herself to her friends' embrace once again.
Anything to make her feel safe.
Anything to make her feel home, for the first time in years.
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...
She explained herself. What happened that night. Though not why. Even she hadn't the slightest idea why she'd done it. She couldn't really, anyway. Not in words.
Not in anything.
"Ariel, you made us freak out and think you were going to do something serious! Like... s-s-sui-"
"Emma...?"
"Killian..."
Her friends were already so fragile in their emotions, experiencing so much, enjoying so little.
She was going to set things right. Though, it wasn't exactly going to be easy. She knew they were going to be angry and, sometime, explode. There was yelling, screaming, profanities heard. A sob, a plead.
"No, Ariel! I can't forgive like that! You messed with my- our emotions! And a kiss like that?!"
"What are you t-talking about?"
"N-no, Emma, I-I mean- THIS IS ALL WORTHLESS!" Someone re-living his worst nightmare.
A slam of the door.
She smiled sorrowfully, lying on the ground. She'd finally done it, and though they weren't going to forgive her just yet, she knew, Ariel reminded herself of the people she was once friends with. With faith in them but worry in their certain judgement, she got up.
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(A/N: Since I updated this late, I figured that I'll do a double-update today if I can. I was supposed to have another update up today, anyway, so I guess I'll be fine. Hopefully it'll be up soon.
Please wait for the next chapter of...
~ Looking After You ~