It was the night of the first ball of the season. Lady Danbury was the hostess of the evening which could only mean an extravagant soiree was ahead of them. Although Michaela was not usually a big fan of such an event, she must admit that she was looking forward to a night out with her good friend. Michaela even had a special gown made up at the modiste to mark the occasion. Forgoing her usual black and navy dresses, she felt like adding a little flare to her wardrobe. A red satin dress with beading along the bust that did wonders for her cleavage if she did say so herself. She couldn't help but wonder what the young Bridgerton woman would think. No that that really mattered..
As she viewed herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but run her fingers up the material, wondering what it might feel like to have someone else's hand in her place. Surely it had been too long since she had felt another's touch. Michaela was by no means promiscuous, but she had had a couple close partners that she had called on from time to time. A lady not worried about her standing could get away with such things. Although she never quite felt the passion or intensity that she had heard from others in her travels, she did enjoy the feeling of satiation. And currently, she hungered. With that fitful thought, she took off for the ball.
Upon arrival to Lady Danbury's estate, Michaela eagerly sought out the company of the Bridgerton women. London did not have many familiar faces, not that she really cared to see anyone she knew anyway. Her objective was a simple one, spend as much time with Francesca Kilmartin as possible. It was difficult to navigate through the swishing of tulle and crinoline, but she was a woman on a mission. And as soon as she set sights on the petite object of her affection, there couldn't be enough fabric in the world to keep her from reaching her destination.
When she arrived in front of Francesca, she was reminded of their first encounter. The woman stood in front of her utterly speechless, trying to put a string of coherent words together. Michaela relished in this moment, feeling warmth spread throughout her body. Of course most likely Francesca was more overwhelmed by the large crowd as she never was one for the public eye. But Michaela hoped that some part of her was impressed by her new ensemble. Not that she needed her validation. But it is nice when friends can complement each other on their appearance. She merely wished to impress the other woman. That is all. At least she thought that was all.
"You.. you look.. breathtaking." Francesca finally stuttered out. Seemingly quite flustered for whatever reason. Michaela couldn't quite get a read on what was happening, but she decided to enjoy it. She allowed a wicked smile to grace her face and replied "Why Lady Kilmartin, you do know how to make a lady blush.". Francesca's face suddenly changed, and immediately Michaela realized her mistake. No wonder Francesca was acting so bizarrely. This ball was reminding her of times spent with John. And here she goes calling her by his last name. Michaela certainly felt like an idiot. The brunette quickly brushed by while muttering a quick "excuse me" and took off towards a room further inside the manor. Michaela groaned and took off after the Bridgerton woman in hopes of making amends.
Shuffling through the crowd trying to catch up to the smaller woman was no easy feat. When she got to a clearing of people, Michaela just barely saw which room Francesca had entered. She took a deep breath before entering into the room herself.
The quartet starts playing To Build a Home in the other room*
"Francesca I must apologize, I was so inconsiderate of what you must be going through tonight and I should have been more tactful in my words.". Michaela blurted out as she entered the room. Francesca turned quickly to face her looking almost confused by her words. Had she read the situation incorrectly? Francesca moved towards her very carefully, as if unsure of her steps. She delicately collected Michaela's hands in her own and looked into her eyes, "While I appreciate you worrying about me, I assure you, I am not made of glass. I do miss John. Every day. But these balls were never enjoyable to him, and I do not feel his presence in these halls.". Michaela felt relieved, but that was quickly replaced by her own confusion. She started slowly, "then why did you retreat to this room if not for refuge?". She was getting nervous now. Francesca chuckled lightly, and then placed one of Michaela's hands on her waste, while she lifted the other to her shoulder. "You know, I've never really been one to dance. As you are well aware, I am not typically one to be found in the center of attention. But since knowing you, I've always wondered what it might be like to share your spotlight. You have always been so at ease in front of others. And looking at you tonight, I.. forgive me but I just felt like I needed to finally find out what it must be like to shine as you do.". Michaela's breath hitched. What she had never let herself dare dream seemed to be unfolding in front of her. Tentatively, they made their first steps. With two women, it took a few minutes to figure out the rhythm. Both chuckled at the awkwardness of it all. Who led and who followed. But it became a mixture as they found their pace. Giving and taking equally. And god did it feel good.
Michaela felt emboldened as they circled around eachother, deciding to run her hand softly down Francesca's side. She saw her partner's breath quicken at her touch. This was all the proof she needed to take things a step further. As if possessed, she turned Francesca in her arms so that her back was pressed up against Michaela's breast. She splayed her hand against the brunettes abdomen, and softly pushed her even further into herself. From this view all Michaela could see was the heaving breast of the woman in front of her. Her breath becoming quite erratic. She could not help but emit the softest moan at the sight and sensation of it all. At the sound, Francesca turned her head to make eye contact and their dancing slowed. Michaela moved her hand up the smaller woman's side again, but stopping, just before touching where she really wanted to touch.
Michaela rested her head against Fransesca's before finally saying "I'm not sure what this means.". Francesca shut her eyes before replying and turning in her embrace "I'm not sure we need to understand. At least not right now. Not in this moment.". And there they stood. On the edge of something they could never come back from. Forehead to forehead. Breathing eachother in. Daring each other to close the space they so desperately wanted to rid themselves of. And against all odds, it was Francesca who finally touched her lips to hers. Michaela could certainly get used to this new version of her friend.
Fireworks. Shivers. Trembling. A simple kiss should not cause such extreme reactions. And for Michaela, it never had before. She felt Francesca's hands come to the back of her head to pull her deeper into their kiss. She was kissing Francesca Bridgerton. Her hands went to the woman in her arms waist as she pulled her a close as humanly possible to her body. Francesca let out a whimper that made Michaela's knees buckle. God this woman might be the death of her. And when she felt Francesca's tongue part her lips, she swore she could see stars behind her eyelids. Her body was a raging fire. She felt like she needed to rid herself of her garments so that she should not melt. But these increasingly intrusive thoughts were not doing her any favours. Not wanting this moment to ever end but realizing that they could be compromised at any minute, Michaela reluctantly slowed herself. They pulled back only an inch from each other, gazing into each other's eyes trying to understand what just happened. Michaela was overwhelmed, her head was spinning, her body was reeling. Staring at the beautiful woman in front of her, she decided that she did not care about decency, she slowly moved her head in once more to capture Francesca's lips once again, but a loud crash sounded outside the closed door, breaking them from their trance.
In a flash, Francesca with a hand on her lips fled from the room, leaving a desperate and confused Michaela Sterling in her wake.