Title – Halfway To Anywhere
Summary: Naya's not sure how she ended up in her bathtub; hung-over and with Heather on top of her, but the kink in her neck suggests they slept there. Sequel to Behind Closed Doors. RPF. HeYa.
Disclaimer: Still no, always no.
-ooo-
"So she is really drunk then?" Dianna asks as she walks quickly across the sand, Naya is practically jogging a few steps ahead of her.
"Yeah."
"She was texting me earlier, I should have picked up from her grammar mistakes that she was three sheets to the wind."
"I just want to get her back to my apartment." Naya says quickly, at Dianna's amused hum she hurriedly corrects herself. "So that she can sleep off the alcohol, that is."
"How are you getting home?"
"What do you mean?"
Dianna quickens her pace, her light shoes kicking up sand. "Well you've been drinking, you can't drive."
Naya hadn't thought of that.
She shakes her head dismissively, "I'll call a cab."
"Okay."
Coming to a temporary stop, Naya faces Dianna. "Thanks by the way, for helping me. She's not even able to stand and the last thing I want to do is drag her across the beach."
Dianna smiles, "It's fine. I'm pretty sure I'll be dragging Lea home tonight anyway. I think her and Kevin are singing a duet at the moment." She laughs at her own mental image before crossing her arms against the cold. "Are you okay, Naya? You look a bit uneasy."
Shrugging away Dianna's concern, Naya continues walking.
It's cold and late and Naya's alcohol buzz has worn off leaving her feeling listless and tired. She's also a bit put out by Heather being so drunk and also so emotional. Well, emotional in the sense she seems to have a grudge against Mark and also seems upset by the rumour. Naya shakes her head at the thought of the mentioned rumour. It wasn't even a good rumour, not a gossip worthy one anyway.
"Did you know there's a rumour going around that I'm dating Mark again?"
Dianna makes a sharp inhale and Naya looks back at her in confusion.
"Rumour?" Dianna questions softly.
Naya stops again, a bit breathless from walking so fast. "Yeah, HeMo mentioned it. Apparently she heard it from Lea. I don't even know why it's going around. Mark and I haven't even talked much lately." She states.
Dianna looks surprised but also guilt-ridden and she shakes her head slowly. "But he left a love bite on your neck." She whispers.
Naya is quick to scoff a laugh, "what are you talking about?"
"You told me a couple of days ago; when I saw the bruise on your neck that it was Mark." Dianna clarifies.
"No I didn't."
"Naya, you did."
Utterly confused Naya crosses her arms, "I didn't say anything about it being Mark."
"You said he was around when I asked who else could have left the love bite if it wasn't, well, Heather." Dianna speaks quietly and Naya looks sideways at the mention of the dancer. "When I asked if it was him you didn't deny it."
Holding one hand up but keeping the other firmly around her own waist, Naya raises her eyebrows. "I didn't confirm it either, Dianna."
"So it wasn't him?"
"No." Naya firmly says. "It wasn't."
Dianna looks thoughtful for a long second before she breathes out, "I think I may have unintentionally started the rumour."
"Unintentionally?"
"After I thought Mark had left the love bite –"
"Stop saying love bite, no one says that. It's a hickey," Naya lightly demands.
Dianna continues. "After I thought Mark had left the hickey I may have mentioned it to Lea, just casually. I honestly did not mean for it to spread. But she must have mentioned it to Heather or something, but just added onto it."
"It's a big jump going from hickey to dating." Naya deadpans.
Dianna nods regretfully. "Honest to God, Naya. I didn't mean for it to become a rumour."
"It's fine." Naya breathes in earnest. She smiles slightly before turning back around and continuing her walk. "It spread like wildfire though. I can't believe I only found out now."
Dianna lets a soft laugh out, "So you're not mad?"
"I wasn't before. Just confused. Being told that I'm dating Mark from a wasted HeMo was a little off putting." Naya explains.
There is a moment of silence before Dianna speaks up, "So if Mark didn't leave the hickey –"
"No." Naya cuts off. "Not now."
Dianna grins knowingly.
-ooo-
They reach Heather after a few more moments.
The girl is lying on her side with her arms outstretched across the ground and her legs bent at the knees. Blonde hair shields most of her face from view, but so does the dark night. Naya's heart quickens irrationally and she finishes the distance to Heather in a jog, she's thankful that Dianna quickens her pace and ends up speed walking behind her. It makes her jogging seem less erratic.
She reaches Heather breathlessly and instantly kneels by her outstretched arms, Dianna stands close by.
"You still awake?" She questions lowly, directing her words at the seemingly slumbering Heather. She pushes back Heather's hair from her face, trying to see her better.
Heather's eyes are open but they look distant, glossy.
"Di's here to help get you up the beach." Naya informs, Heather raises her eyebrows in a slow motion and grabs at the sand with her hands absently.
"You weren't kidding about her being drunk." Dianna says lightly.
Naya hums, keeping her gaze on Heather. "She was sitting up when I went to get you."
"Is she awake?"
Naya nods and Heather makes a low grunt in what Naya decides is an attempt at answering. She turns to look at Dianna.
"Help me to get her standing?"
"Of course."
"If you kneel behind her we'll sit her up, then I can…." Naya gestures with both hands in a circle. "Pull her up, or something."
Dianna moves to kneel on the sand just behind Heather, watching the motionless dancer carefully. She smiles kindly at Naya and then holds her hands out in an unsure manner, almost like she is waiting for further instructions.
Naya is quick to bend forward, bringing her face closer to Heather's. "Warn me if you're going to be sick." She instructs, Heather's hands are crushing the sand in her palms still.
"M'tired." Heather whispers.
"I know. But once you're standing and walking you'll feel better." Honestly Naya isn't sure if that's true or not, but it sounds convincing.
Without hesitating she grabs both of Heather's wrists, stopping the girls' actions as she pulls them to her lap. Grains of sand dirty her jeans. Dianna's hands still hang in the air but when Naya tilts her head in askance of help she quickly places them on Heather's shoulder and back.
With a smooth motion they both manage to get Heather sitting, although she's not supporting her own weight. Naya is holding her upright by her arms and Dianna is practically hugging her from behind. It's not a position Naya thinks would be comfortable on Heather's part, but there's no complaints. Just a lot of heavy breathing from Dianna and herself.
"She's so not conscious anymore." Dianna breathes with strain.
"She is. I think." Naya says in return. She's not sure actually so letting Heather's arms go and in turn giving Dianna more weight to support Naya cups Heather's cheeks, tilting her head back to see her face. Heather's eyes are shut now and Naya exhales loudly. "Nope, she's out." She shakes her head. "Shit."
"It's fine." Dianna tries to comfort. "We don't have far to walk, we can just carry her."
Naya shakes her head again, still cupping Heather's face. "No. No, she just needs to wake up and she'll be right to walk." Even as she is saying it Naya knows it's a lie and Dianna is quick to point it out.
"She couldn't even sit up on her own, no way is she walking, Naya."
Tilting Heather's head back and forth, Naya frowns. Heather is out cold and it's a weird sight for Naya to see, because she knows Heather isn't sleeping; she is passed out.
It's a sight that unsettles Naya and has her feeling jittery. She wonders if she was like this when she was drunk earlier on in the week. Most likely. Guilt floods Naya's body and she looks away from Heather's relaxed face and to Dianna. Dianna seems completely calm, although Naya thinks that's probably because half the time Dianna ends up being the only sober one at a party. She's used to dealing with drunken people.
"What if I just sit with her for a while?" Naya muses, absently she runs her thumb across Heather's flushed cheek. "Just until she wakes up."
She knows the idea is ridiculous but she's more than okay with just sitting with Heather in the dark.
Dianna smiles in a way that almost seems understanding and she tilts her head. "That could be hours. You'd get cold, she would get cold. Honestly, it won't be hard getting her up the beach, Naya. If you're worried about it I'll go get someone to help us."
"It's not that. I just think it'd be better to stay put."
"I'm sure Heather wants to sleep on some beach at night instead of a comfortable bed." Dianna says sarcastically, it still comes across polite though and Naya grins.
"Fine, okay. You're right. But if we drop her you're explaining to her why she has a bruise."
Dianna smiles back, "deal."
-ooo-
"Don't drop her!"
"I'm fine, I have her feet Naya. It's the easier end."
"You're just moving really fast, I can't keep up."
"We can stop if you want."
Naya grunts, "No. No, keep going."
"You sure?"
Locking her arms tensely and jolting Heather up more, Naya quickens her steps. "Positive."
Dianna's own hands grip under Heather's knees firmly and she continues backwards, looking behind her every few steps.
"We need to call a cab." Dianna reminds.
Naya nods, looking down at Heather's limp body. The dancer's head is bowed and her hair covers her face, her bare feet remind Naya that she herself doesn't have her own shoes and she glances at Dianna.
"I don't know where my shoes are." She warns.
Dianna adjusts her grip again, slowing her pace to do so. "Do you want to look for them?"
If she did it'd just waste time, so Naya shakes her head.
"No. I just want to get Heather into bed." Again she realizes how her words sound and she's yet again quick to correct herself. "To bed. To sleep."
Dianna laughs at the innuendo and then abruptly jolts to a stop when she smacks into Lea. It causes Naya to stagger and she almost loses her grip on Heather, which has her adrenaline spiking noticeably.
"Oh God, I'm sorry." Dianna is hushing, trying to turn her head to see Lea.
Lea for her part is smiling widely, wasted out of her mind. "All's okay!" She sing-songs, when she notices Heather she giggles. Like an actual giggle, high pitched and all. Naya feels suddenly protective over Heather's unconscious body. "She left her phone with me." Lea exclaims around her smile.
Dianna doesn't say anything so Lea pats her pockets in a clumsily slap before pulling Heather's phone out and holding it out to Dianna.
"I can't grab it, Lea." Dianna explains, nodding her head to signal her current position.
Lea clucks her tongue before she frowns. Naya thinks it's in thought but with Lea it is hard to tell.
"Just hold on to it." Naya says, "HeMo can get it off you in the morning."
"Sure thing." Nods Lea.
"Moving again?" Dianna directs at Naya.
Naya bobs her head and they continue up the beach. It's really not that far and Heather's not heavy, well, she kind of is but only because she is dead weight. But it's the kind of heavy that you don't notice straightaway; you only notice it after a while. Lea trails along with them, tripping and laughing and repeatedly trying to grab at Heather to help. She doesn't even flinch when Naya uncharacteristically snaps at her to give them space, mainly her outburst is the pent up frustration at having no shoes and constantly treading of shells.
They say a quick and rather casual greeting to Kevin, who wanders from the shadows with a fresh drink and chipper smile and then disappears without word. He might be a loveable dork and all, but Kevin could drink all the glee cast under the table on any given night. Even with a hangover in the morning Naya knew he'd come on set fresh as a daisy.
At some point in their journey Harry is heard yelling goodbye and Jenna comes jogging past them with what Naya thinks is seaweed. She isn't sure.
Mark isn't seen and neither is Amber, Chris or Cory. They probably went home.
"What's the time?" Naya asks Lea when the singer comes twirling past her for the numerous time.
Lea presses a button on Heather's phone and squints at the screen. "One…. Mm, one forty two."
With a quick exhale, Naya looks to Dianna. "We can share a cab if you want; Lea's going to need help getting home."
Dianna readjusts her grip on Heather again and nods decidedly. "Sounds like a plan."
-ooo-
"We should hum the theme song to that show that's on TV…" Lea whispers from the front seat of the cab. She's twisting around to look back at Naya, Dianna and Heather. The driver is doing a good job at ignoring how loud she is currently speaking, although Naya thinks that's just because he recognizes them all from Glee. Or the media.
Naya's trying to keep up appearances, giving the driver a polite smile every time he looks into the review mirror and curiously glances at her. Although that's providing to be hard when Heather is basically draped over her shoulder and mumbling against her neck, it's not even a proper sentence, just the word 'kisses' over and over so that eventually it sounds like 'kisseskisseskisseshhh'.
Or at least Naya thinks Heather is saying 'kisses', she could very well be saying 'missy' which Naya has to admit would make sense because Lea is talking.
She frowns at herself.
How does that make sense?
Shaking her head, and again sending the cab driver a strained smile, Naya wraps a secure arm around Heather. They're driving fast and the corners are rough and honestly the last thing Naya wants is for Heather to smack into Dianna or something. The middle seat doesn't even have a proper seatbelt, just one that straps over Heather's hips.
Lea shushes herself around a chuckle, "quiet." She whispers and Naya notices the brunette is looking at Dianna, who conveniently has her finger against her lips in a shushing sign.
Dianna's smiling though, despite trying to tell Lea to be quiet. And it's the left over alcohol in her system that makes her do so.
Naya grins sluggishly and Heather keeps mumbling against her neck. The driver spares a glance, his grey eyes watchful but not in an uncomfortable way. He's just looking for the sake of looking and the only reason Naya keeps catching him out is because she herself is watching him in the rear view mirror. When he glances for the umpteenth time and Naya again catches him out, he gives her a dry-lipped smile and clears his throat.
"My daughters a fan." He croaks quietly. Naya's quick to nod politely, it's a reaction she doesn't even have to think about.
Glee, although still only in its first season is all over the media. Naya's a bit surprised that she herself had the compliment directed her way, when Dianna and Lea are in the cab as well. Both of them have more screen time and media coverage, so a small part of Naya's heart swells with the excitement of being recognized.
He smiles a bit large at her polite nod, small wrinkles form around his eyes. "She wants to be a cheerleader." He tells, and then his eyes are back on the road and Naya is squeezing Heather closer as a small smile graces her lips.
Dianna and Lea keep grinning at each other, so for the longest time Naya tries to make out what Heather is mumbling.
She's certain it is 'kisses'.
Certain right up until she realizes what that would mean, which is that Heather has kisses on her mind – no biggie – except that she's pressing her lips to Naya's neck while mumbling this, and it's not exactly a subtle gesture either.
She's saying 'missy'. That's what she's saying.
"Weshould'm…" Heather mumbles louder and Naya's eyes leave the rear view mirror instantly.
"What?" She coaxes quietly.
Heather breathes out sharply, "what?" She hushes back in confusion.
Naya tries to suppress her amused smile as she tiredly rests her head against Heather's, "never mind, just go to sleep." She insists softly, quietly.
The driver spares her another glance.
-ooo-
By the time Naya gets back to her apartment Heather is more conscious and clings to Naya clumsily, her arm thrown around Naya's shoulder. Naya says a quick goodbye to Dianna and Lea before she lugs Heather towards her front door and eventually inside. Her apartment is completely dark and noisily she directs Heather across the living room and into her room, she flicks the light on and the orange glow makes Heather groan loudly.
"Ow." She grumbles.
Naya squeezes her waist securely, ambling over towards the bed. "Sorry about that."
"So bright."
"I know," agrees Naya, Heather hums lowly. "I'm gunna put you on my bed." Naya adds and Heather hums again.
With a rather clumsy motion Naya manages to sit Heather down on the edge of said bed and instantly Heather flops backwards, sighing out tiredly.
"How did I get here?"
"We took a cab." Naya explains quietly, she watches Heather for a long moment before she continues. "You passed out for a while."
"I don't remember." With another sigh Heather covers her face with her arms and balloons her cheeks.
Naya smiles warmly. "What do you remember?" She asks, loud enough for Heather to hear, but quiet enough to not disturb the lull of the room.
It's so late.
Naya feels dead on her feet and although she's still slightly affected by her earlier alcohol most of it has worn off. She doesn't feel drunk anymore, just really tired and if she thinks about it maybe even a little hung-over. She needs coffee. Or food. She should probably get water into Heather as well otherwise she knows the dancer will have a hell of a time getting up in the morning for work.
Heather breathes out and it captures Naya's full attention.
The blonde flops her arms above her head heavily, allowing them to fall away from her face and she squints at the ceiling. Naya doesn't even know if Heather heard her because she isn't answering, so with careful movements that are quiet she makes her way to the side of the bed.
She sits down slowly, near Heather's head and she runs her fingernails across the blonde's arm. Tickling small patterns from the inside of Heather's elbow to her wrist.
Heather's cheeks are flushed still but she also looks pale and with a small smile in response to Naya's touch she hums in her throat.
It's a soft sound.
"Can you remember walking up to Mark and I?" Naya speaks again, rephrasing her question.
Heather tilts her head sideways, shutting her eyes. "Mark's a nice guy." She breathes.
"Yeah he is." Naya says softly, before lowering her voice. "But he doesn't mean anything to me, not…romantically." She digs her nails against Heather's skin lightly trying to gain the frivolous girls attention. "Okay?"
Heather smacks her dry lips together, but otherwise stays quiet and Naya watches her for a long second.
"I don't like him in the way you seem to think I do." Naya adds.
This time Heather glances at her, it's done quickly, before she looks at the ceiling again. "But you use too." She whispers.
"It wasn't serious."
"He's nice."
"Stop saying he's nice." Naya lightly chides. She's tried and confused and Heather is not helping. "Just…." She shakes her head. "Nothing is going on between Mark and I."
"Mm'kay." Heather mumbles absently.
Naya frowns. "When you're sober we need to talk." She states. It's mainly stated to the room at large because Heather really isn't all that responsive, but Naya knows Heather hears her when the girl mashes her lips into a thin line.
"About?" Heather croaks out in a voice that rivals Naya's own natural rasp.
Naya flattens her palm to Heather's skin, turning her light scratches into a rub. It's done to warm Heather up because her body is too busy trying to recover from the excessive amount of alcohol to be any use with keeping her warm, as it is her skin is cold under Naya's slightly warmer touch.
"You and I." Naya explains quietly. Calmly.
Heather keeps her eyes shut, "As in the song?"
"What?"
"As in the song, y'know…." Heather mumbles.
Naya tilts her head, watching Heather's form for a long second. Heather looks tired, although that's to be expected. But she also looks sad and Naya isn't sure if it's because of the whole Mark rumour or because she is going to pass out again. She hopes neither. Steadying her hand and simply allowing it to rest on Heather's arm, Naya leans closer. Bending forward smoothly.
"I want to talk about us." She clarifies in a whisper.
Heather balloons her cheeks again and opens her eyes, she's pulling a face that looks comically shocked and Naya can't tell if it's a purposeful face or one that is done unknowingly in Heather's drunken state. Either way Naya can't help but grin and when Heather sees it she does the same.
A lazy smirk adorns her features. "We should – we should…, do you know what we should do?" Heather whispers.
She's ignoring Naya's words but Naya plays along anyway, keeping her smile fixed.
"What's that?"
Heather squints and it's probably the most confused pout Naya has ever seen on the dancer. When nothing more is said Naya stands, her flashing alarm clock is telling her that it is past two in the morning and common sense says she should be sleeping. The only problem is that Heather is covered in sand and her hair is dirty from the ocean, hair and makeup would not appreciate that.
It was always freshly washed hair and a scrubbed face when it came to entering the makeup and hair trailer. It made things easier for the ladies who painstakingly put the cast in character.
So they would not be pleased if Heather shows up with salty hair and sand everywhere.
Naya taps Heather's wrist from her standing position, gaining the girls' full attention. "Do you think you can sit up for me?"
Heather bobs her head and surprisingly swoops into a sitting position. It's a bit erratic but she's still sitting with balance and Naya smiles gratefully.
"Now you've just got to learn to roll over and beg." She jokes.
Heather huffs in amusement. "Funny." She deadpans. Her feet scuff the carpet below and with a lazy motion she draws patterns on her own thigh.
Naya really needs to get things moving otherwise they'd get no sleep at all. Without really paying much mind to her bold actions, Naya steps in front of Heather and grabs at the hem of the blonde's shirt quickly. Her heartbeat falters when her knuckles graze Heather's abdomen and she swallows quickly.
Heather is watching her with confusion.
"Lift your arms up." Naya instructs.
Heather does. Which kind of surprises Naya, but it's in a good way.
She lifts the sand covered top up and over Heather's head swiftly, discarding it on the floor near her feet a second later.
"I'm so confused." Heather slurs. Blue eyes watch Naya's every movement and emotion studiously.
Naya breathes in deeply. "Your clothes are dirty."
"Bad clothes." Grins Heather.
"Can I take your pants off?"
Heather's smirk grows impossibly large. "Are you t-trying to sass me, Naya?"
"I'm trying to get you out of your dirty clothes."
"So, yes?"
"You're making this very innocent moment into something dirty."
"You're the one undressing me." Heather protests, she sways sideways but corrects herself and sort of just freezes in her bent over position. "M'falling!" She worries.
Naya grabs her shoulders slowly. "You're not even moving, HeMo." She smiles.
Heather stays tensed. "Rooms spinning."
"Your heads spinning, the room is perfectly still."
"I'm gunna face plant the carpet…" Heather informs. She wobbles but Naya still has a grip on her so nothing actually happens. "Man overboard." Heather whispers around a slow drawl.
Despite herself Naya chuckles, "you're not moving." She repeats.
Heather looks completely serious. "If I fell and you weren't in the room…." She starts in a whisper. "Would it make a sound?"
Supressing an amused smile, Naya crouches down. Moving her hands to Heather's knees, "you are so wasted." She says to a scowling Heather. "Now stand up so I can get you out of these pants."
"Why?" Heather asks, still talking in a whisper. She doesn't give Naya a chance to reply before she's throwing herself backwards, carelessly hitting the mattress with a bounce. "I feel sick." She states.
Naya stands abruptly, "hold on," she coaxes, grabbing for the waistband of Heather's pants. She pulls them down easily, leaving Heather in only her underwear, and fighting away a blush Naya tries her hardest not to stare as she makes her way over to her cupboard. She riffles through it recklessly for some clean clothes.
"I feel dizzy." Heather adds, seemingly completely unaware that she was now without pants.
"I know, just breathe deeply. It'll go away."
"I feel sick, Naya."
Scrounging a tank top and shorts Naya turns back to look at Heather, "I know sweetie." She soothes.
Heather has her palms over her face and quickly Naya makes her way over to the bed, placing the clothes on the end of it.
"Can you stand?" She asks, "We're going to the bathroom." She doesn't actually wait for Heather to answer her, instead Naya grabs Heather's arm and pulls her up. She slings Heather's arm around her neck and shoulder much like how she had been when they had arrived home and snakes a secure arm around Heather's waist.
Heather at least manages to stand. "Mmm' naked?"
"No. You're not. We're just going to get you cleaned up, okay? So stay with it. I don't want to be lugging your dead weight around my apartment."
Heather shuts her eyes, "Mm clean though."
"You've got sand in your hair, HeMo. And you reek of alcohol." Naya informs, adjusting her grip on Heather's waist before walking towards the bathroom. Heather makes it harder simply by swaying, but eventually Naya manages to turn on the bathroom light and shut the door behind them.
"Can't we just sleep?" Slurs Heather.
Naya grunts under Heather's increasing weight. "No. You need a shower. You'll thank me in the morning when you don't wake up with dried sand everywhere."
With a clumsily movement Naya reaches for the shower nozzle, she twists it on and a pressurized blast of water spurts out.
Heather groans. "That's a really gross thing to say, Naya."
Holding her free arm out Naya waits for the water to adjust to the right temperature. It's hard holding Heather up with just one arm and she knows she'll be sore come tomorrow.
"Just…, can you stand on your own?" Naya asks with a breathy exhale.
Heather curls herself closer and shifts so that she is hugging Naya tightly. Her body is still colder than Naya would like, chilled from being outside and probably also their dip in the ocean.
"No." Heather basically whines in reply.
Her breath hits Naya's neck hotly and it sends small shivers down her spine. With the water running warmly and Heather clinging to her strongly Naya worries her bottom lip between her teeth.
It's late.
She's tired.
Heather's drunk.
Sighing with resignation, Naya wraps both her arms around Heather's back. She holds the dancer close to her as she steps into the shower and in turn under the running water. Even though it's warm Naya still gasps from the sensation of the water soaking into her clothes. At least Heather is mostly undressed.
"Shit." Naya gasps again, Heather doesn't even respond to the water. She just buries her face against Naya's neck. "I can't believe I'm doing this." She mumbles to herself.
Heather's arms grip around her tighter and Naya moves so that most of the water is hitting the dancer's back, from the angle though drops of the water spray in Naya's face making her scrunch her nose up in annoyance.
She keeps her hold tight and ignores how uncomfortable her wet clothes feel.
Heather's body is becoming heavier and Naya worries that her plan of washing Heather's hair might have been a bit ardent, she's pretty sure Heather is either passing out again or falling asleep.
"You still with me?" She asks quietly. The hum of the water almost drowns her voice. When Heather doesn't respond, Naya readjusts her grip. "Heather."
"Mm?"
"You need to stay awake so we can get your hair washed." Naya explains, Heather's arms squeeze Naya closer and Naya is more than aware that Heather is only wearing her underwear and bra.
"I'm sorry." Heather breathes, "I'm sorry."
Unsure why she's been given an apology, Naya shakes her head. "Don't worry about it."
"I'm sorry." Heather repeats quietly.
"It's fine, why are you apologizing?"
"I was mad…." Heather rambles, ignoring Naya's question and pulling back so suddenly Naya flinches. "I was mad." She repeats in a whisper, her hands let go of Naya and she wobbles unsurely without Naya's support.
"Why were you mad?" Naya hushes. She grabs Heather's elbow to steady the drunken swaying and looks at Heather with a concerned frown.
She knows this is about Mark, about Mark and the rumour which is basically the same thing. But instead of quietly accepting what she knows, Naya pushes Heather to tell her. She wants to hear it from the dancer. She wants to understand what is going on in Heather's mind.
"Tell me." She breathes when Heather just stares at her, water runs over Heather's shoulders and washes sand from her blonde hair and Naya frowns further when Heather's jaw clenches.
She looks like she's on the verge of tears, fuelled by the alcohol in her system and when she talks it's in a shaky whisper.
"I left my shoes on the beach." She whispers.
Naya twitches her head back at the unexpected response and Heather's face contorts into a drunken grin. She laughs silently and her bare shoulders shake, Naya raises her eyebrows.
"That's not why you were mad." Naya deadpans and Heather sways forward with another silent chuckle.
"You're showering in your clothes," Heather points out in amusement that's edged on by the alcohol she's had. "And you're scrunching your face up." With a clumsy jab Heather pokes at Naya's cheek; hard.
Naya flinches back but it causes Heather to try and follow her and when she does she loses her balance and ends up stumbling, it's only a small jolt of movement really, a gasp from Heather and a worried dip from Naya's heart in response and then Heather is raising her other hand and trying to poke Naya again.
"Heather!" Naya snaps lightly. A small warning that tells of her exhausted state. She grabs at Heather's wrists and forcefully holds them by Heather's sides.
Heather looks like a scolded child, "are you upset?" She wonders, holding extremely still.
Naya's skin prickles coldly from her wet clothes and small shivers run up her spine endlessly, it has her glancing to the running water of the shower. "I'm tired."
With a pop of her lips, Heather nods. It's done in a way that tells Naya she is still completely unable to focus beyond simple thought, and also that she's still very much affected by her consumed alcohol. What annoyance Naya has disappears as she runs her eyes over Heather's almost naked form, watching the spray of the hot water mist around blonde hair and land on pale shoulders. Heather's cheeks are flushed pink and her lips gather moister from the steam filling the bathroom, it makes them look rosy and inviting and Naya forces herself to look away before her mind wanders recklessly.
"We should get you dry and into some clean clothes." She states, she lets go of Heather's wrists and with a quick glance back to Heather's slightly parted lips she reaches past and turns off the running water. It wasn't exactly a shower so much as just standing under the water, but at least Heather didn't have sand everywhere now.
Heather's bottom lip tremors in a shiver and she steps closer to Naya needily.
Naya reacts on instinct and she pulls Heather in for a hug, drawing her away from the slightly dripping shower and gripping her impossibly tight. It probably just makes Heather colder because Naya's clothes are soaking wet and cooling under the disappearing steam, but either way Heather returns the hug with a small sigh that vibrates against Naya's chest. Heather's wet hair sticks to her back and shoulders and Naya makes a mental note to braid it before she lets Heather go to sleep.
She pulls away from the hug sharply and places her hands on Heather's shoulders. "Don't move. I just need to get a towel for you."
"What about your clothes?" Heather asks meekly, she pinches the hem of Naya's shirt and tugs for emphasis. "They're wet."
"I'll get changed once you're sorted. Seriously, don't move. I don't want you falling and cracking that pretty head of yours on the wall or floor. Okay? So just stand really still."
"'Kay."
"Good girl."
-ooo-
By the time Heather is dry and dressed and Naya's managed to braid her hair loosely and get her tucked into bed, its three seventeen in the morning. Naya blinks. Three eighteen in the morning. She has been staring at her alarm clock for going on ten minutes now, the red numbers are bright under the low light of her room and every now and then they blur. Or really, Naya loses focus. She's tired. But despite her attempts at sleeping she's still wide awake; it probably has something to do with the fact that Heather is curled up right near her.
Naya for her part is sitting Indian style on her bed, sideways so that she faces Heather's sleeping form and she watches her friend caringly. She has a mug of coffee clutched in both her hands, it's hot against her palms and a small comfort against the harshness of the shadows and Naya sips another mouthful quietly.
Heather's breathing is steady. A gentle rhythm that Naya listens for, making sure it stays that way.
She knows she probably shouldn't be drinking coffee considering her main goal is to fall asleep, but it's clearing the cobwebs from her mind and Naya knows that the one upside is she'll have less of a chance of a hangover in the morning. Caffeine always helps her after a night out drinking. She smiles against the rim of the mug and takes a moment to simply enjoy the bitter smell of her drink. The warm steam hits her face and it's a nice contrast to the coolish air around her.
Heather shifts in her sleep and Naya eyes her softly.
It's really only when Heather shifts again and lets out a mumbled whimper does Naya extend one of her hands, it's warm from holding her mug and she presses her palm lightly to Heather's forehead, soothingly pushing back her golden hair to better see her face. Heather's whimper dies immediately at Naya's touch and she curls closer to Naya's crossed legs, seeking out warmth and perhaps even some form of comfort.
She's still asleep and Naya with more confidence trails her fingertips down Heather's cheek, she tickles a path to Heather's jaw before pulling away. Heather makes a small noise at the loss of contact and with a heavy exhale she pushes her cheek against Naya's pillow, her breathing is jumpy now – not steady and calm like before – and Naya frowns at the sound.
When Heather actually groans Naya forgets her coffee in favour of leaning closer to the sleeping girl. She places a hand on Heather's shoulder warmly and unintentionally the action wakes Heather.
Blue eyes pierce through the shadows of the room glossily and Naya smiles kindly.
"I didn't mean to wake you," She whispers, Heather breathes in choppily. "Do you feel ill?"
"Mm." Heather answers.
Naya frowns instantly, "are you going to get sick?" She really doesn't want that and she's sure Heather doesn't either.
Thankfully Heather shakes her head.
"I just feel crappy." She pouts out, her slur is still around but it's more a tired slur then an actual drunken slur. "Why're you awake?"
Holding up her coffee in view, Naya shrugs. "Coffee."
Heather wrinkles her nose. "It smells gross."
"That's because you feel sick. It tastes good." With a teasing smirk, Naya moves the mug closer to Heather's resting head. "Want some."
Heather twitches back, "No thanks."
"You sure?" The mug is moved closer.
Heather rolls onto her back and covers her nose and mouth with one hand, "absolutely."
Grinning, Naya reclaims her coffee and takes a sip. "I can get you some water." She says seriously. Heather is eyeing her with a suspicious look, and considering she is still a bit drunk it makes the look seem distant and unfocused.
"I don't think I could stomach it." Heather mumbles around her hand.
Naya takes another sip, "but you'll thank me in the morning when your hangover isn't about to kill you." She goes to twist around and stand from the bed but Heather's hand grabs at her elbow with a striking speed and it stops any more movements from Naya.
"Can you just sleep with me?" Heather's voice is meek and whispered and Naya can easily see the hesitance in her eyes, a hesitance that is part shock at having spoken the words and also fear of the response. As innocent as Heather's words were meant, Naya still finds her adrenaline spiking heatedly.
She nods immediately and just as quickly sits her half consumed coffee on the bedside table; she would deal with it in the morning. Heather lets her go and smiles in thanks and Naya slips beneath her sheets slowly. She can feel the warmth radiating from Heather's body but forces herself to lie perfectly still on her back, she's at least a foot away from the blonde. Despite her relaxed position Naya's heart is racing erratically and her skin prickles at the knowledge that Heather is next to her.
It's only when Heather rolls onto her side and shuffles closer does Naya really lose inner control, Heather presses her body against Naya's easily –almost as though she doesn't see the intimacy of the position – and rests her hand on Naya's abdomen. Naya's sure Heather can feel her heart beating but if she does nothing is said. Instead Heather tucks her head under Naya's chin and places a mouse-kiss to Naya's neck, it's done quickly, mindlessly. And Naya wills her butterflies to stop wrestling in her chest as she tentatively wraps one arm around Heather's shoulder.
"Thanks," Heather mumbles almost incoherently, her breath tickles Naya's skin.
Naya doesn't know if Heather is thanking her for staying or wrapping an arm around her, but either way she tightens her hold and relaxes. Heather's hair is still slightly damp and her body is heated from being curled under the blankets, the sensation of cool damp hair and hot skin has Naya's body buzzing well after Heather drifts back into slumber and she stares at her ceiling in perfect silence.
She's too afraid to move and disturb Heather's sleep, but she's also too overwhelmed by the feeling of Heather pressed so closely against her to stay still. She finds herself scratching wiggly patterns on Heather's shoulder and trailing them up to the girls ear, across her neck, down again and then to her shoulder again. She keeps up a slow pace, idly tickling Heather's skin and occasionally pressing her nails lightly against warm flesh.
Every now and then Heather moves in her sleep and Naya's whole attention is on her, listening to her breathing and trying to determine if Heather is waking up or simply dreaming. Heather stops twitching and shifting when Naya scratches her fingers through her damp hair and so for the better part of an hour that's what Naya does. Tiredness aside all she can focus on is the rhythmic lull of Heather's body rising and falling with every inhale and exhale. She doesn't fall asleep so much as she balances on the edge of unconsciousness, but it's still a relaxed state and still comfortable.
She'll talk to Heather in the morning.
A/N: Next chapter moves things forward I promise! And thank you to everyone who reviewed, I can't explain how nice it is to know people are enjoying this story :)
TBC