Aine/Elation- Ghosts of the Past Part 2

"Does this city ever cool off?" Walking a few more blocks, there was a row of motels vacant.  Picking one, she went over to the clerk, paid for a room for a few hours, completely ignoring the sleazy looks the clerk gave them and then headed up to the room that had blessed air conditioning.

"Ooooh that feels so much better." Aine practically flopped onto the bed, sighing contently. "Gods bless whoever invented air conditioning!!" She stared up at the ceiling.

"Well, at least we learned two very important things today."

"The person that invented it was named Willis Carter. So you can make a shrine to him." Elation tossed her bag aside and went to the bathroom to wash her face.    That..was so much better.  

Going to the minifridge, she looked through it, nodding approvingly, "Thank gods for alcohol."

Taking a few tiny bottles, she moved over to the bed , tossing the other bottles on it, and opening one.  Downing it, she felt the burn and three times better. Oh boy… She couldn’t blame Elation for wanting to get rip-roaring drunk though. Especially not under these circumstances. Still, she couldn’t help herself here.

“You totally have a thing for redheads, don’t you?” She gave Elation a teasing grin.

"Well, I don't have a thing for blondes, that's for sure."  Elation wasted no time in opening the second one.  " So much for a normal day.. If you call bothering ghosts 'normal'."

“At least we know the charm works.” Aine pointed out, smiling. “Love, it’s us. We don’t exactly do ‘normal’, now do we?”

"Hm.."  Elation  flipped on the tv in the room. " Guess we won't get around to the swimming." And  she drained that one, reaching for number three.   "It could be worse, I guess.  Could have a ghost following us home again. "

“Perhaps later.” Aine slowly made her way off the bed. “That’s  true. That’s very, very true.” She sighed, moving toward the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower. Try… to take it easy, would you please?”

"Have fun in the shower."  Elation waved her off.  Though raised a brow at her.  After all, there was only so many tiny bottles of liquor.   She didn't think she could get too drunk off it.

Maybe.

Aine sighed, scrubbing herself raw in the shower. Finally those damn cobwebs were gone… But she still felt  terrible. She’d pulled Elation away from someone, even though Haruki had died a long time ago. Maybe the physical resemblance was part of the reason why Elation had accepted and fallen for her so quickly?

Maybe…

She got out of the shower, rebandaging her hands. That… was going to hurt for a while. She might need stitches at some point…

When she got back into the room, she raised an eyebrow. Maybe Elation’d gone through  nine of those tiny bottles and was actually getting quite buzzed off it.   Currently, number ten was in her mouth while she watched some cartoons.  She had also taken the liberty to get comfortable,  having tossed the shorts off along with the bra and socks.  

In all things considered, Elation was rather comfortable now. Aine took stock of the amount of alcohol Elation had consumed in such a short period of time. That… was beyond normal.

“Good gods, love…” She muttered, shaking her head. Elation yawned slightly,  half finished she put the top on it.  

"Ugh.. sleepy now." Flopping over in the bed, she grumbled, "Cheap liquor.  Gods, I'm going to have a headache later..."

“You’re the one who drank ten bottles of it.” Aine rolled her eyes, sitting down on the bed next to her. “And you didn’t even save any for me, how very rude!” She said in mock indignation. Elation offered the bottle.

"Here, there's still half left.. and we could always order more." Aine took it, downing it almost instantly. Although it took all her effort to actually keep it down.

“Gods that’s vile…” She muttered.

"Duh, cheap booze, cheap motel, what did you expect?  Five stars?"   Elation turned on her side, away from Aine.

“Right…” Aine sank back onto the bed, reaching out a bandaged hand to Elation. She rested it lightly on her shoulder. “I’m here… don’t forget that, Elation. I’m here, and I always will be.” Elation closed her eyes, not moving.   She knew Aine was right. Of course Aine was there. She's always there.    Right now, though...

"I'm going to take a nap for a while."  Elation said softly.   After waiting a beat, she added, "…Thanks.. Aine.  For being there."

"You're welcome, my love. Sleep well." Aine replied, giving her hair a gentle pet before turning onto her back. Sleep wouldn't come, not yet. Not until they were safe once more. And Elation was happy again. Sleep came, thankfully enough, and Elation didn't dream.  Not that she dreamed much anyway.  When she woke up again, she felt better, but the headache came, as predicted.   Gods… why had she drunken that nasty mess?

"Here." Aine set a cup of herbal tea on the table next to Elation. She smiled gently at the woman, but remained distant.

"Hm?"  Elation rubbed her eyes a little before moving to sip it, "What time is it?"

"Just after five. We still have a couple of hours on the room." Aine sat at the foot of the bed. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah…"  Running her hand through her hair, Elation slowly moved to sit up more, "Didn't you sleep?"

"No, but that's alright. I'll sleep later." Aine smiled.

" If you're sure...?" Elation eyed her for a bit before getting up.

"I am." Aine remained seated. The tiny bottles of alcohol had been neatly placed on a nearby desk, almost precisely lined up. Seeing the bottles, Elation turned towards her.

"Aine.. are you alright?"

"I will be. Just a bit restless is all." Aine's face gave nothing away.

"Restless?"    Elation sighed softly then headed to the bathroom for a short while.   She wondered about  Aine.  What was going on?   She's never been that...blank.  
Elation's musings eventually lead her to take a brief shower.    Coming out of it, she did feel better.  More manageable at least.  

Shoving her problems away to be solved another day.

Aine sat on the bed still, clumsily writing in a notebook. Though her face was still mostly blank, stress spoke through the tension in her shoulders and the occasional growl as the pen slipped from her fingers.  Elation decided not to interrupt her.  Instead, she pulls her clothes back on, at least enough to not be naked in the room, and sort of milled around, fussing with the bags instead. Finally Aine closed her notebook, replacing it and the pen in her messenger bag. She looked over at Elation.

"Ready to go?" She asked quietly.

"I don't know, are you?"  Elation watched her for a bit. Unable to figure out what else to say, Elation finished getting dressed.  

"Yeah, we can go."  

Zipping up her bag, she slipped her shoes on, wondering why it feels...different now.   Strained?   Or maybe it's just her that's feeling that way.

Either way, she opened the door to head out. Aine shrugged her messenger bag over her shoulder and followed Elation out. After a moment, she looked over at her.

"How... are you feeling?" She asked.

"Huh?  Oh.. I'm alright."  Elation was a bit distracted.  "What about you?"

"I'm okay." Aine replied quietly. She kept a couple of steps behind Elation, her face becoming blank once more. She knew when to leave someone to their thoughts versus trying to get them to talk.

No matter how much it hurt...

Elation stopped, turning to face her.

"Aine, are you sure you're alright?"

“I think my hands might need stitches, but yes.” Aine smiled faintly. “I’m more concerned about you, love.” She left it at that.

"We should go to the hostpial. They have an out patient thing, so we don't have to stay."   Frowning a little at that last bit, Elation shook her head," I'm not the one with actual injuries."  

Searching for a sign, she spotted the H,  "Lucky that there's a bus stop not far from here.  We could catch it and be there in a few."

“Okay.” Aine shivered a little bit. “Great, I’m not going to be able to smell anything properly for ages now… Blech I hate the stench of hospitals.” Snorting ,  Elation  went over to the bench to sit and wait.

"How about I treat you to some food later?  It'll help."

“Sounds lovely.” Aine gave her that faint smile again but remained standing, almost as though she were on guard. She kept her hands clasped before her, occasionally wincing as they pulled.

"What would you like?" Elation shifted a little in her seat, finding it hard to get comfortable. Then again, these weren't design for comfort anyway.

“Whatever you’d prefer, love. I’m not picky.” Aine looked down the street. What was taking the bus so long?

"But you do have tastebuds." Elation frowned for a bit, "Sit down, it'll take a minute. The bus runs are anywhere between five to fifteen minutes in good traffic. "

“Very well.” Aine sat down next to Elation, her hands still folded in her lap. “I know, but there isn’t anything in particular I want. So I’ll leave it up to you.” Leaning back, Elation stared at her feet for now.   Surprisingly, not much ran through her mind as she began to drum her fingers against the seat.    The bus should be there soon enough.  Maybe there's a bar near-

No, shouldn't think like that.  But she didn't know what to say either. Is it just her or is it both of them?   Maybe she's thinking to much about it, after all waiting for the bus is tedious in itself.  Maybe that's why she's feeling…off.

Glancing out of the corner of her eye, she wondered what Aine was thinking.  What she wrote in that notebook.   Probably in a language Elation wouldn't understand anyway.  What's the point of thinking about it?  Aine was entitled to her private thoughts.

"He-"  

And that's when the bus rumbled up to them before coming to a full stop.

"Eh, I guess we better go."   She rubbed the back of her neck, getting up as well.

“Okay.” Aine rose, once again staying behind Elation. She hesitated a moment, then sighed and got on the bus. She let Elation take the window seat, settling in next to her as she stared down at her hands.

Gods she hated hospitals.

The bus ride wasn't too long and before Elaiton realized it, it was coming up to their stop. She stood and rang the bell to get the driver to stop,  

"Come on, lets go." Once off the bus, she knew the real test was the waiting room.  Gods knows how long it'd take them from there. Aine stood, allowing Elation to pass by before following her off the bus. She stared up at the doors to the hospital and whined quietly.

“The one time I wish Siobhán was actually around…” She murmured, before sighing deeply and walking inside.

"If we're lucky, they'll just glue it together."  Elation slipped inside building.  It was nicely cool, for once.    However, she didn't have time to take in the bland, vaguely comfortable decor, as she was looking at the map then headed to the outpatient clinic.    

After signing Aine up under Maeve's name- not like anyone will check anyway-  their wait shouldn't be so long, but then again, Aine wasn't bleeding out everywhere either.  Or maybe she was just cynical over the wait time. Aine sat down in one of the chair, her nose wrinkled.

"Uuuuuuugh..." she grumbled, finally showing some emotion. "I'm going to smell for weeks now. Gross..."

Elation giggled to herself, "Gods, you're such a baby."    Poking Aine in her side, she leaned over and kissed her cheek.  "It'll be alright." That got a genuine smile out of Aine.

"I know, I know... be glad the only thing changed on you was merely cosmetic, love. Otherwise you'd be grossed out too." She laughed quietly, leaning into Elation. Slipping her arm around Aine, she nuzzles her for now.  At least they'll have a while before Aine gets called up.

"Well, I am thankful for that."

"You should be. It's rubbish." Aine leaned more into Elation, her eyes half-closing as she nuzzled the woman in return. She stayed like that for a bit, before asking,

"Are you certain you're alright, love?"

"Eventually, yeah."  Elation ran a finger along Aine's arm. "Some day completely so.  It's nothing to worry about, really."

"I do worry though. I saw that look... when you saw him. You nearly gave in to him, Elation." Aine looked up at her, a strange look in her eyes.

Aine was scared.

"What if... I can't save you in time, next time?"

"There won't be a next time." Elation answered before looking at her. "If he's at rest, than there won't be a next time."  Sighing softly, she closed her eyes, "I couldn't do it. "

“I couldn’t either…” Aine murmured. She decided to just let it go. If there was maybe something powerful enough to imitate his form… Then she’d just have to step in first. No matter what the cost or danger. She wasn’t going to let this happen again.

Not now, not ever.

Aine was finally called up to see the doctor.  Though Elation couldn't come because she wasn't family.    

"I'll be here, alright?"

"Okay." Aine smiled, following after the doctor.

About half an hour later she returned, looking a bit drawn but with freshly bandaged hands. She walked over to Elation.

"All stitched up and ready to go. The doctor said I should be healed up in a week, and the stitches will dissolve. Looks like no violin playing for a while for me though..." she sighed resignedly.

"Well, it could be worse." Elation got up, looping her arm with her."At least you get me to fed you, now."  

Kissing her lightly as they left the hospital.   "Ready to go home?"

"This is true." Aine chuckled at that, returning the kiss. "Yes, let's go." Elation smiled back at her and  it was back to waiting on the bus, which would eventually take them back to the village.   At least she'll pick some food up on the way home. Aine sat next to Elation on the bench, almost snuggled against her. She was so tired... maybe she could take a quick nap? Yes, that was a nice idea. Her eyes slowly closed.

The edges of her hair started to stain auburn.

Elation hummed, glancing over at Aine, she smiled.  How cute. She nuzzled her, cuddling for now.  It wasn't as hot any more, thankfully the sun was going down slowly now.     Thinking what they could get for dinner.  

"Maybe some roast this time?"

"Hmm, yum." Aine replied sleepily, shifting until her head was resting in the crook of Elation's neck. "Comfy..." After such a stressful day, this was actually a nice way to end it.  Calmer.   Maybe later things would be better. Aine hummed softly, a strange melody. Almost chaotic. She snuggled closer, one hand resting on Elation's stomach. Glancing over at her for a moment.  What an insteresting tune.  It was times like this, she wished she could record this. Aine stopped humming, reluctantly straightening as the bus arrived.

"Aww I was just getting comfy..."

"I can tell." Chuckling a little, she stood.  "Well, we'll get plenty of rest when we get home. "  

Again, the process was repeated, though Elation leaned more on Aine this time until they got back home. Looking around, she had to make a quick pit stop at the store to pick up the food and some wine. Aine fumbled a little, trying to pick up items to help Elation only for her hands to oh-so-cheerfully remind her she couldn't.

Needless to say, she showed off her Gaelic cursing ability quite a bit.

Elation picked up for her, "Don't worry about it."  She had said and went on to buy them and started for home.  "You're just going to have to take it easy, Aine."

“Not bloody likely…” Aine grumbled, walking after her with her arms folded.

"Yes, very likely."  Elation glanced back at her, "But think of it this way, you'll be pampered in the meantime."  

Heading to the apartment, she turned to look at her, "Unless you don't want me to pamper you?"

“If you don’t mind putting up with me.” Aine smiled a little bitterly, “I can get a bit restless…”

Elation grinned, "I'm sure I can find a way to put that restless energy to good use." Aine raised an eyebrow, her smile becoming more sly.

“I’m certain you can.” Once back in the apartment, Elation sighed deeply, and went to put it away.  

"When would you like to eat?"

“Maybe in a bit. I don’t want to fall asleep into my food, to be frank.” Aine chuckled softly, setting her bag on the ground near the door. She yawned. “I think maybe I’ll take a quick nap, if you don’t mind?”

"You ask that like I would object." Elation smiled, "Go on, silly."

Aine wandered into the bedroom, stripping off her dress as she went. She was asleep almost as quickly as her head hit the pillow.

But her dreams were strange. Half-dream, half-memory, they swirled through her mind. Undefined, but for the emotions.

Fear.

Anger.

Betrayal.

But why did she see it all through different eyes?