>>5345823You breathe in, then out, allowing on the slow, steady process to calm the staccato rhythm of your fretful heart.
“"I think you should talk to her, Gina.” You say, your words weighted with reluctance and duty, both. “Address the issues while we're in a safe space, before we head into the cancer fields. And I...I should apologize.”
“What? Why?” GG asks, confused.
“To you, and to B'Ni. I'm fine with working together with her, but that doesn't mean I should assume that all the issues are resolved. I'm sorry, Gina. You too, Rath. And thanks for pointing this out."
“You’d do the same for me…hell, you’ve already done it plenty.” The redhead replies, softly. “As long as you help me keep my head on straight, you don’t owe me any apologies.”
Gina’s violet eyes shine into yours, and despite your connection she’s still grappling with your reason, for the root of your apology.
"Hey, do you think you'd be okay with talking to B’ni on your own, or do you want some moral support?” You gently offer. “I'm worried that my presence would kind of, I dunno… loom over things, I guess? But I can come if you want, or we can get someone else to be there and support.”
“I’m game. Just say the word, Gina.” Rath chimes in on cue, earning a small, yet appreciative smile from your favorite Neuromancer.
“B'Ni might want someone from her team, maybe?” You realize, trying to ensure your bases are covered. “We should-”
The three of you collectively turn when there’s a trio of soft, almost inaudible knocks on your bedroom door—if you’d been speaking any louder, you wonder if you’d have heard it at all. Rising from your chair, you motion for the girls on your bed to stay cozy as you open the door to greet your new arrival.
…and speak of the rabbit, here she is.
“Hey.” The dark-haired girl says, her smile coming out more as a dutiful grimace than anything else. With a glance inside as GG and Rath hastily get off the bed, B’ni adds; “Uh, am I-?”
“No, it’s fine. Better than, actually.” You say, opening the door in full. “I was actually just about to find you. Do you have some time to talk?”
“We…I do.” She replies, giving a little nod to one side that you assume is to reassure her three friends, just out of sight. “Do you think we could talk privately?”
“Yeah, of course. Just you and me, or-?”
“All three of you, actually. With me. So, the four of us.” She clarifies with a small cough. “If that’s okay?”
You think you hear Holly make a small sound of protest before a hand is very audibly clamped over her mouth—courtesy of Johanna, no doubt. You glance back towards the other two girls, still rooted to the spot even as they give you an simultaneous pair of nods.
“Okay. Okay, good.” B’ni says, sweeping one errant black bang out of her green eyes. “Follow me. I kinda…made a new room. Or had one made, before Dorian left.”
(Continued)
