Author's Note: Sorry for not updating in a while! Blame midterms. Anyway, I watched Fox and the Hound earlier today, so there are animal elements to this. I'm also thinking of starting an A/B/O OITNB AU fic. Would any of you be interested in that? Let me know! Soundtrack: playlist?list=PLtJcZcvt9JqnqjE-CbPnUETegWxJYRxjO
WARNING: This chapter contains mentions of food, and references to sex, and mentions of drug addiction.
After the afternoon spent bandaging Lorna, things seem better. Far from normal, but more relaxed. Lorna's treading around her as though she's a frightened animal. In a sense, Nicky supposes, she is.
Nicky recognizes the patterns. Lorna will always come back from getting her own tray, with an extra piece of bread, or a yogurt cup, for Nicky. She will sit with her whenever they happen to be in the same room. She's trying to regain my trust, Nicky realizes.
Nicky acts like a clever, little fox, always looking for her next meal, always looking for a way to turn things to be in her favor, and always ready to be tricky. However, Lorna had told her once that she's more like a stray dog. Nicky was at first insulted.
"Are you saying that because of my hair, Morello?"
"Of course not! Well, maybe a little…"
Lorna had then made a speech about how dog-like Nicky is. She's loyal, affectionate, protective, and caring. As long as she trusts you, that is. That's the thing with stray dogs. Until you earn their trust, you're either seen as a meal, a threat, or just background. And how do you earn the trust of a stray? Bring it food the same time every day.
In Nicky's opinion, Lorna is like a little rabbit. Always eager to scamper off, always submissive and small, and always cute. Yet, she can fight like hell when she needs to. And she's always running from the dog that's trying to consume her.
Still, Nicky accepts the affection gratefully. She half-jokingly imagines Lorna in a pair of rabbit ears (dark brown, to match her hair), and chuckles. Lorna shoots her a confused smile. Nicky shakes her head in response.
She's craving a hit, terribly. But if things are finally starting to look up again, she's sure as fuck going to try and keep them that way. Besides, she has her family to nurse her through detox, if needed.
The scruffy, stray mutt, and the house-pet rabbit, both daughters of the fierce mother bear. Nicky struggles to hide her shock, when she feels a soft hand grab hers, under the table. Lorna glances at her, and squeezes. Nicky grins.
The message is clear. It's ok. I'm here.
Breakfast passes with the two of them connected by flesh. It's the best breakfast Nicky's had in a while. Even if Chapman and Vause are on the outs again, and are being petty, and Boo is being way too vulgar, way too early.
This feels almost too easy. I feel like this should be harder. But it isn't. Nicky is confused. Mending relationships, even if they are different, is never easy.
After everything that has happened, Nicky had wondered if they would never even be friends. And yet, they're talking and laughing, and holding hands. Nicky looks up from her tray, and catches Red's eye, from across the room. Red smiles and winks, and Nicky blushes.
The look Red shoots her is clear. I'm proud of you. I have a good feeling about this.
Nicky turns away, and looks back at Lorna, who's laughing at something Vause said. Nicky feels love swell up in her chest, at seeing Lorna smiling. I really hope you're right, Ma.