Archive of Our Own ^beta

Peeking around the corner, Vikala searches for any sign of the other crew members.  Things are mostly quiet, the hallway dim as she takes her time navigating away from the rowdier areas of the ship.  Letting out a sigh, Vikala nervously tugs at a strand of hair, hesitating even as Dormouse encourages her from behind.  

Getting a bit of fresh air had seemed like a great idea at the time, but of course she had forgotten to grab the headband before leaving her room.  Vikala trudges forward with a frown, eyes darting every which way.  She’s already made it this far without interruption, it wouldn’t be worth returning to her room now.

A cool breeze washes over her, easing some of the tension in her body and Vikala steps forward, finally reaching her destination.  The night air surrounds her and Vikala takes a deep breath, slowly beginning to relax.  A slight smile curves into place as she takes in the starry sky above her.  No matter how often Vikala sees this sight, it never fails to help her gather her thoughts.

Keeping her steps light, she turns toward her favorite spot along the railing only to stop short.  Eyes growing wide, Vikala freezes in place when she realizes that she isn’t alone.  In her silent panic, her foot slips, her weight pressing on a creaky spot that she would normally know to avoid at all costs.

The sudden sound interrupts the silence and Vikala squeaks.  She can only stand there frozen, watching as Kumbhira turns to look at her.

“Vikala?”  

“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt…”

“Nonsense, you aren’t interrupting anything.”  Kumbhira turns to Vikala with a smile and holds out her hand.   “You’re free to join me if you like.”

The soft expression on Kumbhira’s face makes Vikala flush and avert her eyes.  Vikala struggles to compose herself, thoughts swirling with all the various ways this could go wrong.  She really should just excuse herself right now and save both of them some awkwardness.  And yet, there’s a part of her that wants to close the distance between them.  Glancing up, Vikala’s breath catches when she notices that something seems just a little off.  Gathering every ounce of courage, she moves forward and nearly trips over her own two feet.

Bracing herself for the fall, Vikala squeezes her eyes shut and hopes for the best.  But instead she finds herself crashing forward against something much softer than the deck of the ship.  Warm laughter washes over her and Vikala can feel her face burn as Kumbhira helps to steady her.

“Sorry.”  The word comes out mumbled as Vikala straightens up, keeping her gaze firmly fixed over Kumbhira’s shoulder.  

“I don’t mind.”  Kumbhira carefully leads Vikala over  to the railing.  “It was starting to feel a little lonely out here anyway.”

Vikala shifts just a little closer, sneaking glances toward Kumbhira’s profile.  Though she seems just as cheerful as ever, there’s a wistful expression that flashes across her features.  The sight makes something within her ache and before she knows it, Vikala is gripping the railing tightly and swallowing down the nervousness that bubbles up.  “Are you okay?”

Kumbhira looks surprised for a moment, turning to Vikala with wide eyes.

Hand shaking, Vikala hesitantly moves it closer until it just barely brushes against Kumbhira’s on the railing.  “You… You can tell me if you want.  I-I don’t mind listening.”  Taking a deep breath, Vikala seizes the opportunity and takes hold of Kumbhira’s hand.  It’s a little more forceful than she intends but Kumbhira makes no move to pull away.  

A comfortable silence falls over them and Vikala realizes not for the first time how different things are when she is with Kumbhira.  There is a spark of something she cannot quite put a name to compared to the times when she is with the other generals.  The realization sends a rush of warmth through her and Vikala can feel her face flush anew as she stares at their tangled fingers.

After a beat Kumbhira giggles.  Her thumb runs over the back of VIkala’s hand, the soft touch nearly making Vikala forget their surroundings.  

“I suppose I was overthinking things.”  

The soft comment makes Vikala glance over, noting how the smile doesn’t quite reach Kumbhira’s eyes.  Vikala carefully squeezes Kumbhira’s hand, silently encouraging her to continue.

“It’s nothing so bad.  Just my thoughts getting away from me a bit.”  Kumbhira smiles, her expression brighter this time as she meets Vikala’s gaze.  “I’m glad you stumbled upon me out here though.  Perhaps it was just the thing I needed.”

Vikala’s face heats even more if possible.

“Thank you.”  Kumbhira leans closer until their shoulders touch.  “Talking to you always seems to help clear my mind.”

How Vikala wishes she had her headband so that she could say something cool and dashing.  But all that comes out is a nervous murmur as her heart races faster and faster.  The stars around them twinkle and shine but Vikala is only aware of Kumbhira beside her.

Eventually Kumbhira straightens up, sharing an embarrassed smile.  “It’s getting late, I’m sorry if I kept you from things.”

Vikala startles.  “Oh, u-um, I-I just wanted to get some fresh air.”

A relieved look washes over Kumbhira’s face though she lets out a tired sigh moments later.  “As much as I’m enjoying things, I should probably head back.”  She wrinkles her nose a bit as she continues. “Early morning tomorrow.  Or today, actually...”

A quiet giggle slips from Vikala’s lips, her hand pressing against her mouth too late to hide it.  Shyly, she meets Kumbhira’s gaze.  “I-I should probably go back too.”

Even as Kumbhira steps back, gently pulling her hand free, and Vikala hesitantly follows after her, there’s a quiet air of familiarity that remains.  As they walk through the halls, Kumbhira even reaches out, lacing their fingers together to keep Vikala at her side when she trails too far behind.

They arrive at Kumbhira’s door all too soon but Vikala doesn’t mind.  The few moments that they have spent together are already more than she could have hoped for.  Taking a deep breath, Vikala intends to say the words that she has carefully cobbled together but Kumbhira beats her to the punch.

Soft lips press against her cheek and all coherent thought leaves her mind.  Vikala can  only stare as Kumbhira pulls back and grins at her, eyes twinkling with a bit of mischief.  “Thank you again.  For being there.”  Kumbhira squeezes Vikala’s hand before opening her door and slipping inside.

A stuttered squeak emerges after a few seconds and Vikala silently screams, her thoughts in complete disarray.  It takes a few moments to realize she is still standing there, frozen in front of Kumbhira’s door.  Clumsily, she turns away, teetering down the hall in the general direction of her own room.

Despite the swirling thoughts racing around her mind, Vikala cannot help but smile as her hands press against heated cheeks.