Just Calling to Say I Miss You

Disclaimer: I do not own Horizon, nor do I profit from this writing. Please support the original creators. Comments are appreciated.

Spoilers: Through the end of Horizon Forbidden West and the Burning Shores DLC.

Aloy sighed as she heard the doors to her room shut. Talking to Sylens was frustrating at the best times let alone when she would much rather be back in the Burning Shores on her and Seyka's little island continuing the conversation where they had left off before she had to leave.

After all that had happened, she knew Sylens' advice about walking a lonely path was misguided and foolish. Her friends and, especially, Seyka had shown her a better way. They had shown her that working with others and letting them in was a strength rather than the liability Sylens seemed to think they were.

In that spirit, Aloy made her way to where Beta was working through some data. "Hey, Beta. Do you have a minute?"

Beta deactivated her focus and smiled, "Of course, Aloy. How was Los Angeles? Or has Sylens found something?"

Aloy chuckled. Being sisters was still new to the pair but they were getting exceptionally good at reading each other as if they were any other set of siblings who had been together for years. Aloy responded, "I do want to talk about what happened in Los Angeles, but let's talk about what Sylens has dug up first."

Aloy activated her focus and shared Londra's file on Nemesis and proceeded to share what information she had received from Sylens and her initial deductions from her examination of the file. The sisters quickly discussed the implications and how best to approach the new leads while their friends managed the diplomatic efforts to their various tribes.

Aloy concluded, "I'm sure Sylens will have me delving through old office buildings and labs as early as tomorrow."

Beta sighed, "That seems likely. But don't worry. Gaia and I have everything under control here and can help coordinate the diplomatic side while you're delving. I hope you can get some rest while you're here. It sounded like things in Los Angeles got pretty dangerous between Londra and that Horus."

Aloy leaned against the counter and ran a hand through her hair. She replied after letting out a heavy sigh, "Yeah. Londra was a nasty piece of work. Between the MSP, the nuclear-powered rocket, and the Horus, I wouldn't have been able to do it without Seyka."

Beta perked up at the mention of that name. She had heard briefly from Alva about the marine with a Focus that she was going to be working with to reunite the Quen, but it was clear that the marine had made quite the impression on her sister if the light blush and softening of her expression were anything to go by. "It was a relief to hear you weren't going it alone down there. I always feel better when you have someone watching your back," Beta smiled shyly before asking, "Is she what you wanted to talk about? Seyka?"

If anything, Aloy's expression softened even further at the mention of Seyka's name. Fighting back an overwhelming smile, Aloy nodded, "Am I that obvious? Seyka's really special. I've never met anyone like her. The way we just fell into sync when we were taking on whatever challenge Londra threw in our way was like nothing I've ever experienced. She defied her tribe's customs to save her sister and the other Quen Londra manipulated. It was like nothing would stop her."

Beta thought she recognized the signs from her exposure to Tilda's media archive. Her sister was absolutely smitten. "That's wonderful, Aloy! Tell me more," she prompted.

"Well," Aloy started stumbling slightly at the knowing look her sister was throwing her way. "Well, she didn't let me get away with anything which I learned from Varl and Erend is something I really need from my friends. Even when things seemed bleak, she let me in, and we were able to talk things through. She treated me like an equal rather than expecting some larger-than-life figure. And the way she makes me feel, no one has ever made me feel the way she does..."

Aloy trailed off as she felt the ghost of Seyka's lips on hers and the overwhelming sense of home she had felt from the tight hug that followed. She felt herself slipping into the memories of their interactions that had consumed her for her entire flight back to the base. Thankfully, her slip into pining was interrupted when Beta squealed excitedly and practically tackled her with a hug.

"Aloy! I'm so excited for you. Did you tell her how you feel? Please tell me you did," Beta said in a rush.

"Easy, Beta. I can't breathe," Aloy wheezed. Beta loosened her grip and Aloy continued, "Before I left, she asked me to meet her on the beach where we first met. When I first arrived in the Burning Shores, I got shot down and landed in the sand at her feet which made for quite the introduction. When I got there, we talked, and I told her about how for me home has evolved to be the people I want to be with. That prompted her to confess her feelings and ask if I felt the same way. I told her that I did and then we kissed," Aloy sighed longingly, "It was wonderful, Beta."

Beta smiled and said wistfully, "That's so romantic! So, are you two together?"

That drew Aloy up short. She turned and paced, "Well... uh... We weren't sure when we would be able to see each other again. We both have a lot to do before we might have the chance. Honestly, I don't know."

Beta fought the urge to bury her head in her hands at her sister's pigheadedness and decided Aloy needed a push, "You do know you can call her right? The distance didn't stop Alva and Federa and they don't even have that option. Not yet anyway. Why should it stop the two of you?"

Aloy spun to face Beta and mentally slapped herself. Why hadn't she thought of that? Not long before their meeting on the beach Aloy had introduced Seyka to Alva through a call and added Seyka to their focus network. Aloy replied sheepishly, "I guess it must have slipped my mind. It's been a while since I used my focus for anything personal and I worry about distracting her. Do you think she would be okay with me calling her?"

Beta was having none of it, "She kissed you, Aloy. She made her interest pretty clear. Don't you think you should include her in that decision and make it together?"

Aloy sat heavily on one of the sofas thinking hard. Everything Beta was saying made sense. It wasn't selfish to want to keep in touch and build a relationship. They could both do what they needed to do while finding time for each other. Hell, even those who fought to buy time for Project Zero Dawn had found time to keep in touch with loved ones. She had found plenty of proof to that effect in the black boxes and other data points she had discovered across the Forbidden West.

Since when had she let Sylens dictate how she operated? Seyka was important to her, and it was abundantly clear they only elevated each other to new heights and brought out the best in each other. Any struggle was worth it for Seyka and for herself. Didn't they deserve a little happiness and time focused on something other than their duties even if it was only a little while? She had made the same arguments to herself on the flight back so why shouldn't she take Beta's advice?

Aloy's resolve hardened as she raised her head to see Beta's hopeful expression. She rose and hugged her sister. She said softly, "You're right. She's worth it. I should go call her. I think she should be free tonight."

When they unraveled themselves, Beta's smile looked as if it would crack her face. She replied, "I'm so happy for you and can't wait to meet her. If you need an excuse, people in the old world used to call their partners when they got home from long journeys."

Aloy nodded, "That's sweet. I think she'll like that. I'm going to go kick Sylens out of my room and call her there. Goodnight, sis."

"Go get the girl, sister. You can tell me all about it over breakfast tomorrow. Goodnight!" Beta activated her focus and returned to finishing up her task.

Aloy returned to her quarters and stifled an irritable sigh seeing Sylens still working away. Taking a breath to hide her frustration that he would choose to work in her space out of the entire base, she said as calmly as she could, "I was hoping to get some rest. Would you mind relocating to another room? I'm sure we can find you one of your own if you'd like."

Sylens shot her a brief look of annoyance before noticing the time on his focus display. He replied, "I suppose you have earned a rest. Think about what I've found. We start tomorrow."

Without so much as a goodbye let alone a goodnight, Sylens brushed passed her and exited the room. Once the door was closed, Aloy muttered to herself, "As if I didn't know that. Him and his damn superiority complex. Anyway, maybe I should get comfortable before I call Seyka. I've been sleeping in my armor too often lately. The spiky bits make for good protection, but they aren't exactly the most comfortable."

As she stripped to her leathers, Aloy eyed Rost's and Elisabet's necklaces and spoke to herself again, "I wonder what Rost and Elisabet would think of Seyka. Rost and I never really talked about relationships. Not that I gave him any reason to. It isn't like the Nora prioritized it either. I'm stalling."

Aloy neatly placed her armor on the desk and made a mental note to do some maintenance in the morning. Some bits were still a little charred from the fire and lightning she had encountered in the fight with the Horus. Glancing at the door, she decided to do the unusual thing and lock it to prevent any unnecessary interruptions.

She sat lightly on the edge of her bed and took a deep breath. Before she could overthink it, Aloy tapped her focus and found Seyka's focus on their network. She spoke tentatively, "Hey Seyka, it's me. Do you have a minute?"

The silence following her question seemed to drag out as the butterflies in her chest beat out a tempo worthy of any Nora or Tenakth warrior. In reality, it was only a few short seconds before she heard Seyka's sleepy reply, "Aloy? Is everything okay?"

"Don't worry. Everything's fine. I know it's only been a few hours, but I missed you. My sister was just telling me about how the Old Ones used to call the people important to them when they arrived home safely from a long journey and, well, I thought I'd call you to let you know I made it back to base alright," Aloy said fighting down the wave of self-consciousness that urged her to make a quick exit.

Aloy could practically hear Seyka's smile in her response, "That's really sweet. I'm glad you made it back alright. I was missing you too." Seyka paused for thought and then continued, "You know, I didn't realize this was an option for us."

Aloy chuckled lightly. "I meant to mention it, but someone's kiss made me forget a lot of the things I wanted to say," she sobered as she continued, "And well... I wasn't sure if it would be something you would be interested in. I know you're still getting used to having a focus and I didn't want to give you any more trouble with Compliance than I already have."

She heard Seyka sigh lightly, but her response was full of affection, "Aloy, I would very much like to talk to you however and wherever we can. I meant what I said about wanting to be with you and knowing how to handle it. And just so we're clear. I can handle Compliance. I refuse to let them keep me from you."

Aloy felt her heart flutter at Seyka's fierce last words. She found herself replying equally fiercely, "I'm glad we're on the same page. I know we're both busy and have a lot on our shoulders, but I don't want to let this slip away. And I want you to know you'll always have a place with me, Seyka, whatever happens with Nemesis and the Quen. Kina too."

She heard Seyka give a shaky "oh" before her full response began, "I... That means a lot to me. I know Kina desperately wants to go home but I'll make sure she knows just in case something happens. Uh... Aloy, is there a way that I can see you like you did with Diviner Alva? I want to see you."

Aloy felt herself blush as she glanced down at her state of dress, but if there was anyone, she wanted to see her like this, it was Seyka. Aloy replied trying to be reassuring, "Of course. I wasn't sure if you were somewhere to receive that sort of call."

"Anyways... just a second..." Aloy quickly tapped her focus and gestured a command. "I hope you don't mind that I'm dressed for bed."

The light from her focus shifted and the line went fuzzy for a brief moment. And then Seyka was before her.

This was a Seyka unlike Aloy had seen before. With her silky dark chocolate hair loose and in lightweight nightclothes, Seyka looked... softer and less assured than her usual tenacious and fierce self. Her muscular tanned legs were bare and were pulled up to her chest as she rested her chin on her knees.

Her eyes widened slightly as she took in Aloy's state of dress and relaxed sitting position. Seyka bit her bottom lip lightly before flashing Aloy a shy smile as she whispered, "Hi."

Aloy returned her shy smile, thankful the focus would downplay her blush. She also whispered back, "Hi. I take it I called right as you were heading to bed too?"

Seyka nodded, "I had just finished changing when you called. This is better. As much as I like listening to your voice, this feels a lot more natural for me."

On hearing Seyka had been changing, Aloy had to shake an intrusive image of Seyka in her small clothes. That's new, Aloy thought having never really had such thoughts before.

As she refocused, Aloy noticed the slight crinkle in between Seyka's brows. Aloy had noticed it before when they had their talk clearing the air before pursuing Londra. Aloy had thought then that it indicated that Seyka was having some sort of mental struggle. And she thought so again now.

"Hey Seyka. Is everything okay?" Aloy asked hesitantly, trying to push down her rising nerves. "Was it something I said?"

Seyka's eyes widened in surprise, and she ran a hand roughly through her hair. Aloy could see that Seyka's hand was trembling slightly as she did so. Aloy watched her take a steadying breath and make eye contact. Vulnerability laced Seyka's words as she asked, "Did you mean it when you said Kina and I always have a place with you?"

"I really do. I thought a lot about what you said about not being sure about your place with the Quen on my flight back. I wish I had been brave enough to tell you in person," Aloy said soothingly. "Maybe once the fleet is reunited, we can find a way for you to visit. Kina too if we can manage it."

Aloy could tell her words were effective as Seyka visibly eased. Seyka physically uncoiled and unconsciously mirrored Aloy's posture by tucking one of her legs under the other. Her smile was radiant as she replied, "I'd really like that. I think it would do Kina and me some good to get away for a bit. I'm sure between the two of us and Alva we can convince the Admiral and whoever was left in charge at Legacy's Landfall. We make a pretty good team, Aloy."

"I pity any challenge that gets in our way," Aloy replied dryly causing them both to laugh. "Things may be a bit hectic here depending on how my friends' missions go, but I'm sure my sister will be dying to meet you by then. My friends too once I tell them about you."

"You told your sister about me already? All good things I hope," Seyka replied playfully. "In all seriousness, I'd love to meet her. What's she like?"

Aloy felt the bubbly floaty sensation that was rapidly becoming familiar flood her stomach at Seyka's teasing. "Her name's Beta. She's smart and resourceful but no fighter. Not yet anyway. We only met recently and didn't get along at all at first. She had a really rough early life because of the Zeniths. I couldn't fully grasp what she had been through and kept pushing her despite how afraid she was. We've managed to grow close now that we've worked things out and there's no risk of them taking her again."

Seyka quirked an eyebrow in a mix of interest and confusion and replied, "I think I'm missing something. What did your sister have to do with the Zeniths?"

"Right. It's tied up with a lot of what has happened since I started my journey that I haven't gotten to tell you yet. I should probably start from the beginning if that's okay?" Aloy brushed an errant hair out of her face sheepishly. With Seyka's nod of approval, Aloy proceeded to give Seyka the quick version of her origin, the battle with Hades, rebuilding Gaia, Beta's origin with the Zeniths and her daring escape, and Tilda projecting her desire to fix past mistakes with Elisabet first onto Beta and then herself. Seyka listened carefully throughout. She concluded, "I know that's probably a lot to process, and we can go into more detail and answer any questions you have another time."

"That certainly explains some things – especially why things are complicated with the Nora. I hope you know that all of this doesn't change how I see you or feel about you. You're still Aloy to me, regardless of whether you're an ancestor reborn or whatever titles people give you," Seyka replied evenly.

Aloy had to admire how unflappable Seyka was – Nemesis being a reasonable and entirely understandable exception. It was one of the things that had so drawn her to the marine. Seyka barely batted an eye at Beta and Aloy being unconventional identical twins with even more unconventional origins. The corners of her eyes felt wet as she processed Seyka's last words. "I... that might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, Seyka. That's all I've ever wanted."

Seyka tried to cup Aloy's cheek before remembering that they were talking through holograms. She said gently, "You know, it might help Beta and Kina to talk about their experiences with the Zeniths. It would help them to know they're not alone and process what happened to them together."

Aloy simply nodded her agreement. "How is Kina doing? I spoke to her briefly before meeting you, but I don't have much of a baseline to compare to."

"Thanks for doing that. She really appreciated it," Seyka smiled thankfully before sighing. "I think she's beating herself up a bit for falling for his deceptions. Kina has always prided herself on her intelligence, so this has come as a bit of a blow. But she's talking to me, so it's a start."

"I'm glad. I'm still new at this sister thing, but I hope to be as good of a sister to Beta as you are to Kina. Did you tell her that we kissed?" Aloy asked curiously.

"I did. Though she half forced it out of me after accusing me of acting weird and asking if something had happened with you. I hope that's okay," Seyka said with a self-conscious sort of smile.

"Beta got it out of me pretty quickly too," Aloy said with a chuckle before sobering. Aloy continued and couldn't stop herself lightly fidgeting, "I... uh... wasn't really sure what to introduce you as. The Nora don't really have terms for romantic relationships since they're mostly temporary around having children. Not that relationships don't happen. They're just kept quiet. I've heard a lot of different terms and labels used in my travels for relationships and wasn't sure what you were comfortable with or is normal for the Quen or if I was getting ahead of myself –"

"Easy, Aloy," Seyka kindly interrupted in an attempt to head off Aloy's spiral of overthinking. Unable to physically ground each other as they had done during their time together, Seyka made soothing hand gestures before Aloy quieted and buried her head in her arms in embarrassment. "Hey. It's okay. That's for us to define together. Before we do that, can I ask a few questions?"

Aloy lifted her head, stopping just short of making eye contact, and nodded. Seyka proceeded gently, "Before I start, I want you to know there's no judgment whatever your answers are. Okay?"

Aloy, feeling shier than she had maybe ever felt before, forced herself to meet Seyka's eyes and said softly, "I trust you, Seyka."

"I trust you too, Aloy," Seyka smiled and asked softly, "Have you had feelings like this before?"

"Only once, but nowhere near like this," Aloy replied, speaking to her feet again, "There have been other people interested, but they've mostly been men, who have never interested me. And the only other woman I've been remotely interested in seems like she's only interested in men." Aloy paused before sheepishly adding, "I even helped her track the guy she was interested in down not too long ago."

"Been there," Seyka said with a sympathetic chuckle. "Well... not the tracking the guy down part. So, this is all pretty new for you, huh?"

"I have a female friend who hits on me fairly regularly, but I know anything with her wouldn't be serious which isn't what I want." Aloy sighed, "So, yeah. Besides that, pretty new."

"I haven't had a lot of experience either if that helps. I've been too focused on becoming a marine and looking after Kina," Seyka admitted. "I'm not looking for something casual either so we're on the same page there. But wait... Back up. Was our kiss on the beach your first kiss?"

Aloy flushed and then nodded.

Seyka's hands twitched towards her mouth as she stifled a gasp. She replied with rising nerves evident in her tone, "Oh! And I didn't even ask..."

This time it was Aloy's turn to interrupt and to reach out to touch Seyka's arm just to quickly shift to calming sounds and motions. "It's okay, Seyka. It was perfect. I wouldn't change a single thing about it. Our kiss was the most wonderful and natural thing I've ever done. Everything with you feels that way."

"Oh Aloy," Seyka replied through a watery smile, "I feel the same way. Ever since you fell into my life, you've never been far from my mind. You've helped me save my sister and accomplish things I never thought possible. Meeting you felt like finally finding solid ground after a year adrift just trying to keep my head above water."

Aloy felt her eyes fill with tears of joy and hope to match Seyka's. She said softly, "You feel like home, Seyka. I've never felt so comfortable as I did in your arms."

"Now you're going to make me cry," Seyka replied wiping her eyes, "I think it's clear that we want to be together, are both serious about making this work long-term, and see a future together. Is that what you're hearing too?"

"I do," Aloy said firmly. "I know from Alva that distance can be tough but you're worth any difficulty."

"I think so too. At least we can talk to and see each other. It will make missing you more bearable," Seyka replied. "So, what do you think about partners?"

"Partners, I like that," Aloy replied with a smile. "My partner, Seyka."

"And my partner, Aloy," Seyka hummed. "It's fitting in a lot of ways I think."

Aloy had to agree. Out of all the people Aloy had met and worked with on her journey, Seyka was unique in how much of a true partner and equal she had acted and become. And so, Aloy told her just that which caused a proud and affectionate smile to flood Seyka's features.

With the difficult topics satisfactorily resolved, the conversation descended into the type of flirty banter, questions, and storytelling of all new couples. As they spoke late into the night, the couple eventually shifted into their respective beds and slipped into dreams before either could bring themselves to end the call and say goodnight.

That night the pair dreamed not of Londra and his Horus but of a shared future. They dreamt of their reunion, of quiet nights shared all together with their sisters, and of nights cuddled up together under the stars telling stories and stealing kisses and caresses. And when they woke the following morning, groggy and still tired yet too delighted to care, they found they had each reached out a hand for each other in the night.

The young couple exchanged sleepy morning greetings and admired each other's sleep-tousled hair. The pair chatted lightly about their plans for the day as they went through their morning routines. Seyka took particular interest in how Aloy did her hair, wanting to learn so she could do it for her when they were together again. Aloy gave her the quick version and promised to walk her through it in exchange for Seyka doing the same so she could return the favor.

Before long, their duties and breakfasts called and Aloy and Seyka reluctantly said their goodbyes with a mutual agreement to call again as soon as they were both free.

Over breakfast, Aloy fulfilled her promise to tell Beta all about the call and her partner Seyka. Despite having to fight down several yawns, a smile never left Aloy's face as she talked.

Beta practically squealed when Aloy finished talking. Beta hugged her sister excitedly, "Aloy! I'm so happy for you. I hope Seyka and Kina can visit soon."

Aloy hugged her sister just as enthusiastically, "She's so wonderful. I can't wait to see her again and introduce her and Kina to everyone. I just know they'll fit right in with our little group."

Their excitement seemed to have been loud enough to alert Sylens that the sisters were awake from where he had been working in the workshop. As he entered the main room, he drawled with his usual superior manner, "If you two are done prattling, we have important matters to discuss and work to do. With some assistance from Gaia, I have found several leads that demand immediate attention. It's time to get to work."