Chapter Text
"Rumi, are you sure about getting another roommate? I understand things went well with Zoey, but there's no guarantee this one will be as...accepting," Celine muttered over the phone, hesitation clear in her tone.
Rumi paced the living room, phone pressed tight to her ear. Zoey was sunk into their couch, bulky headphones resting just in front of her dark, wavy ponytail, oblivious to the conversation at hand only a few feet away.
"Celine, I know you're trying to protect me and I appreciate it, but we need a third roommate to keep the big dorm now. It's a policy update. I'll be careful, I promise. Long sleeves only." Rumi crossed her arms while leaning into the kitchen counter, her cheek held firmly between her slightly sharp teeth. "Just like before..."
"And what happens if she sees? If she knows what you are and doesn't accept it," Celine retorted. "Rumi...I just…I don't want you getting hurt again."
"I have Zoey. She'll have my back I promise. You know what a good girlfriend she is," Rumi huffed, patterns warming beneath her clothes in a low magenta thrum. "She's been nothing, but supportive. Unlike someone…"
She let her gaze fall to the personification of her sun and sky, bobbing her head on the couch, more than likely listening to rap while she sketches. Always so energetic and bouncy, exactly what Rumi had needed when she moved out here. Life had settled into a comfortable lull of classes, late night take out, and cuddle sessions since they moved in together. Rumi could only hope that their new roommate wouldn't completely offset their routine. She was more nervous than she was willing to admit about the risk of this new girl seeing the gnarled patterns tucked beneath her clothes. Zoey and Celine were the only people who knew her true nature of being a half-demon. Of the jagged, deep purple marks etched onto her torso and upper arms. When Zoey first saw them she thought they were tattoos. It wasn't until Rumi's panic set in that Zoey realized there was more to them. The glow, her eyes, the fangs and claws that grow. She never intended for Zoey to know. Looking back now, she never would have guessed she'd find herself in a relationship despite them. Let alone a relationship with someone so sweet to her. Zoey was a dream for her.
"I know…and I appreciate her discretion in regards to your…condition." Celine broke through her thoughts.
Condition. As if it was anything she could change or cure. Rumi knew what she was.
A monster.
"Just…keep things under control for now. Your outbursts can be intense. The last thing I want is for you to be in danger," Celine continued softer, but in a resigned manner now, "or to put anyone else in harm's way and risk exposure."
"I promise I'll be careful," Rumi sighed, "no…outbursts," she mimicked harshly.
"I know. I'm sorry. Keep me updated on this and your studies. I love you," she replied hesitantly. "Be well."
"I will. Love you too Celine."
The line went quiet and Rumi found herself staring off into the living room, knuckles white on the kitchen counter. She had made sure to slip into longer sleeves well before their new roomie was to arrive, just in case she came early. They didn't know much about Mira other than what her application listed. She is a fashion design major, recently transferred in from another university. She probably wouldn't have many overlapping classes with Rumi or Zoey, other than any Gen Eds she needs. Mira was set to arrive at any minute according to the ETA she posted in the group chat Zoey had made once they approved her application. Rumi leaned over the back of the couch, slipping her arms around Zoey delicately, sliding her bulky headphones down just enough to speak softly into her heavily pierced ears.
"She should be here soon, love," Rumi cooed.
"Oh, how exciting! Are you nervous? I'm like super nervous. Do you think she'll be nice? I hope she likes us. Should we have cleaned up more—" Zoey rambled, tapping her pencil against her page.
"Zo. Calm down. It'll be okay I'm sure she'll be nice enough to get along with." Rumi glided a finger along Zoey's jaw. "Relax, my turtledove."
Zoey shivered with a grin and leaned back into the couch towards Rumi, a dangerously lustful glint in her eye. Oh, how easy it was to spark her girl's interest.
"Watch those hands or Mira will be getting a much different first impression of us," Zoey giggled, pulling Rumi over the back of the couch and into her lap. Her sketchbook clattered to the carpet, though Zoey didn't even seem to notice as her hands slipped under Rumi's knit sweater.
"Now who's playing a dangerous game?" Rumi smirked with a raised brow.
"Mira, if she doesn't suddenly have a 30 minute delay." Zoey nipped at Rumi's ear.
"Only 30?" Rumi quirked her brow.
"Maybe 40." She leaned in for a kiss.
"Come on," Rumi giggled, pressing her fingers over Zoey's lips. "Let's get ready to greet her, you're still in pajamas."
She heaved herself off Zoey's lap and gathered the fallen art supplies from the floor, setting them gently on the coffee table. Zoey groaned and pulled her headphones off fully, taking one cheeky grab at Rumi's waist and rear before taking her stuff back to her room. Rumi padded into the kitchen and flicked on the electric kettle for tea while they awaited Mira's arrival.
"I think Mira would have been totally fine seeing me in PJs." Zoey tugged down her yellow hoodie over her head. "Just saying."
Zoey came out clad in high-waisted shorts and silly turtle socks to match the round turtle on her sweater. How could someone be so cute? Like, all the time. Rumi tugged at her own dark purple sweater, pulling it down further over her black jeans. Well, at least wearing long sleeves in the summer would be less suspicious indoors, especially if she cranks up the AC. She'll have to dig out some of her lighter long sleeve shirts, not having worn them as much since Zoey found out about her patterns. Although, Zoey made it very clear that she found the demonic traits attractive, so the freckled menace may have even hid her less revealing clothes at this point. She was Rumi's little freak for sure.
"Any idea how close she is?" Zoey draped herself over Rumi, her citrus perfume swirling around them like a sea breeze.
"No update since her last one. She should be here soon though." Rumi touched her temple to the top of Zoey's head. "She's driving herself so it's good that she isn't texting."
"I hope she's a cool fashion major and not like, a bitchy one."
"Zoey that's rude!" Rumi gasped.
"What?" She shrugged. "Some of them are full of themselves."
"Still let's reserve any judgment or assumptions until we meet her." Rumi crossed her arms. "Mira could be very humble and kind after all."
"Or a heinous bitch." Zoey nudged playfully.
A tight knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
"She's here! Let's go see what we're working with!" Zoey giddily jumped over towards the entrance, dragging Rumi along with her.
"Zo slow down!" Rumi chuckled.
She steeled herself with one final check that none of her patterns were showing as Zoey flung open their door. What she wasn't braced for was how quickly they both froze.
"Uh...hey, I'm Mira. You guys must be Zoey and Rumi," The tall, pink-haired woman spoke low and rumbling, her voice velvety and oh so very warm on their ears, "it's nice to meet you."
Rumi and Zoey didn't say a word between them. Try as she may to pry her eyes away from probably the most beautiful person either of them had ever seen, all they could do was stare up at Mira's striking and sharp features. Round, golden glasses were nestled against her arched nose—perfectly framing her Merlot tinted, siren's call eyes like they were museum exhibits. Rumi trailed her eyes over her slender frame, sleeveless button down showing off toned arms. The delicate curve to her legs in tapered, black pants and heavy leather boots gave her a figure like a cut gem. She was truly visually stunning in every way. Zoey was even less subtle in her staring, fully letting her mouth drop open while she devoured every inch of the woman before them. Mira's eyes flicked between them nervously, her grip tightening on her bag.
"Umm…you guys good?" Mira glanced at the dorm number as if checking that she was in the right place. Rumi jolted suddenly with the realization of how long they must have been just…gawking at her.
"Oh! Sorry, come in! Let us help you with your bags," Rumi sputtered out as she reached out for the bag, "how was the drive?"
"It was fine, thanks for asking," she replied stiffly, knuckles pale over her bag strap.
"Welcome to the dorm!" Zoey cheered and pulled Mira in by her arm. "Wow you're super tall, Mira!"
"I get that a lot," Mira chuckled and smiled awkwardly at Zoey.
The laugh rumbled deep into Rumi's bones like a violin bow being drawn across strings. Rumi gently took the smaller bag in as well off Mira's shoulders, while Mira herself dragged a suitcase with a scratchy roll of wheels. Pretty light move-in material if this was everything.
"You didn't bring much," Zoey stated as if reading Rumi's mind.
"Oh this isn't everything, the rest is down in my car. This is just like, essentials and stuff." Mira scanned the room as she spoke. "Where should I put my things?"
"Right this way!" Zoey bowed dramatically and skipped down the hallway to the vacant room across from Rumi's.
"I cleaned up the space as best I could before you arrived." Rumi smiled softly, keeping stride next to Mira.
"Thanks, you didn't have to do that." Mira's eyes flicked smoothly over every corner, door and window. "All the hassle."
"It was no trouble at all." She fixed her grasp on Mira's bag. "Just vacuumed, scrubbed the furniture with sanitizing wipes, and dusted."
"Well thank you anyways." She smiled small. "That's kind of you."
Zoey tucked into the room, pushing the door wide. They all stepped in, setting the bags down in the corner next to the bed. Mira looked over her new space, a quiet serenity to her face. There was a gorgeous blend of feminine and masculine features in every aspect of her. Though, she didn't seem very expressive at first glance so far. Her movements were elegant and smooth, matched only by her perfect posture and closed off body language.
"I hope this will be a nice space for you." Rumi fiddled with her fingers.
"I'm easy." Mira touched the desk with a drag of her slender fingers. "It's cozy here."
"We can help decorate and move furniture if you want too," Zoey offered next to her.
"Should be fine how it is for now." She leaned down, glancing through the window.
"Do you like tea?" Rumi tentatively shuffled closer, taking a spot next to Mira's stooped form. "I just brewed some hot water for us before you arrived. Then we can help you with the rest of your stuff. If you want?"
"Yeah, that sounds nice." Mira blinked a couple times before smiling softly, far more comfortably than she had before. Rumi felt like her heart skipped a beat.
The closeness let Rumi drink in the rich, mahogany color of Mira's eyes. There was something about them that just made you want to crack yourself open and let her see every dark corner at her command. Though truth be told, Mira had the aura of someone who didn't need permission to notice things you try to hide. That, could prove dangerous. The words most suited at this moment to describe Mira that came to mind were,
'Disarmingly beautiful'
"What is your favorite kind of tea Mira?" Zoey cocked her head.
"I like Chai blends and pear oolong right now. Usually I do coffee in the morning though," She replied steadily, standing to her full height.
"Ooo I really like peach oolong if you want to try it, or if you want Rumi usually drinks peppermint tea." Zoey looped herself into Mira's bicep and tugged her towards the door.
"I'm easy. I'll try anything once." she shrugged, stumbling along with Zoey stiffly.
"We have a whole cupboard of teas if you want to pick one yourself." Rumi walked close on Mira's other side, her hands clasped behind her back as they meandered. Their shoulders brushed together every couple steps, letting Rumi feel how warm Mira feels to the touch.
Mira exchanged a glance between the girls on either side of her, a hint of something furrowed into her brows. There was a subtle tension in her jaw, made more prominent with a hard swallow. It made an ache form in Rumi's chest she couldn't quite place, something raw and wildly uncomfortable settled there. Were they being too much already? Maybe crowding her personal space too fast? Rumi gave her a bit more room as they opened up into the kitchen, pulling Zoey aside towards the tea cabinet.
"Here is the cabinet if you want to pick something out, I'll get the mugs. Zo, help me?" Rumi nodded towards the corner of the kitchen.
Zoey and Rumi smiled far too big as they crowded into the mug cupboard while Mira browsed their tea selection. Rumi leaned in and whispered into Zoey's ear as best she could.
"Do you think we should back off? She seemed overwhelmed for a second there," Rumi murmured between them.
"How could you even tell?" Zoey muttered, "her face barely changes."
"I don't know it just felt...off? I'm not sure how to explain it. Maybe we should dial back the touching and hovering." Rumi glanced back through lavender strands to see Mira holding a container of rose hip tea, eyes still constantly gliding over her environment like she was planning escape routes. "I just got this…bad feeling, like I didn't feel good knowing she might be uncomfortable with us."
Mira glanced over her shoulder at that moment, making eye contact with Rumi. Her breath hitched and she squeezed Zoey's arm roughly. There was too many feelings happening in her right now.
"Those uh…those mugs giving you a hard time?" Mira offered sarcastically, the edge of nervous banter on her tongue.
"Oh yeah! They're trouble makers." Zoey shot straight up, two mugs in her hands.
One was her favorite ocean themed mug from the aquarium, the other a rose patterned, ivory mug that Rumi had found at the thrift. Rumi quickly snagged her favorite mug, a teal one covered in tropical plants and birds, and followed close behind Zoey. Mira pushed a smile towards them, no crease to her eyes.
"I see. Glad you have them under control," Mira laughed weakly, "I think I'll try this one." She handed Rumi the rose tea container, their fingers brushing for just a moment.
The contact felt like a spark of flint meeting steel. Rumi's heart immediately palpitated like a song, calling out to her for more. Mira blinked rapidly a moment, staring down at their freshly separated fingertips. A net of stillness caught them both, fingers buzzing with tension.
"That one is super nice, I like it with a lot of sweet cream!" Zoey exclaimed abruptly from beside them. "Like a rose latte, it's very refreshing. It'll match your mug too!"
"I uh…don't think I've had a sweet cream in tea. I usually just do honey, sometimes milk." Mira leaned back against the counter, arms crossed over her chest tightly. She tilted her head vaguely, thought filled eyes locking onto each mug one at a time.
"I usually just do honey and milk too," Rumi replied, she could still feel the warm touch like static across her skin. Like another touch could start a fire between them.
Rumi poured the hot water in each cup and divided bags and diffusers of leaves into each cup accordingly. They all sat around the counter together while they waited for their drinks to steep. Silence settled over them only a moment before Zoey piped up.
"So, you're a fashion major. How are you liking that?" Her hands tapped along the ceramic painted mural of sea creatures with the chime of a bell on each fingernail.
"Well I have always liked designing and making clothes. It being my major is a bit of a new development. I was a business major before." Mira glanced off in the distance as she spoke, stirring her drink methodically.
"What made you switch?" Rumi inquired.
"Just uh..didn't fit what I wanted I guess." She cast her eyes downward into her cup, pale rose hair forming a curtain around her. She stirred her tea a bit more before speaking up again. "What do you guys study?" Looking up through her long lashes at them, the gaze was far more intense than Rumi was prepared for.
Rumi felt heat creep up the back of her neck. Gods above Mira was pretty. Zoey was feeling it too based on how much her knee was bouncing against Rumi's under the table. Reminds her of their first date. Zoey's leg had gone a thousand miles a minute under the dinner table until they got back here and finally had their first time together.
"I'm in...marine biology." Zoey grinned, straining to choke her voice into something steady and not horny over a stranger.
"Creative writing," Rumi said shyly, sliding her palm over Zoey's bouncing leg.
"I guess we'll be a pretty colorful dorm then." Mira let a puff of a laugh escape her, propping her chin on the back of her hand. Her manicured black nail traced around the rim of the mug with intentional strokes.
"Y-yep!" Zoey squeaked out, shifting closer to Rumi until their hands touched on the counter.
"I look forward to seeing both your work," Mira added kindly, a genuine interest in her tone.
"Us too." Rumi softened.
Rumi and Zoey shared a smile and laced their fingers together between them. In that moment, Rumi noticed Mira's gaze flick down to their hands, then back to her tea without a word as she began adding honey and stirring again. Rumi felt her stomach clench, her heart pounding in her ears with that familiar shameful thrum across the marks under her clothes. She shot straight up, the scrape of her chair startling Mira and Zoey.
"I'll be right back!" She choked out with an awkward, tight toothed grin.
"Rums?" Zoey stretched her hand after her.
"I'm okay! Be right back!" She replied rigidly. "Enjoy the tea!"
Rumi didn't look back as she retreated into her room, ripping her sweater up to see the unfortunately familiar glow branching downward across her stomach. Jagged, angry marks spreading across her body, like they always did when she got particularly emotional. She hates them. She scratched at her skin, leaving red lines as she pulled the knit fabric off and staggered into her bathroom. Sinking into the cold tile, Rumi hugged herself.
"Fuck," she hissed out.
The room flooded with bright, magenta glow from her torso. Deep in its glowing center, ache pooled like a weight in her lungs. A single tear welled in her burning left eye, which she knew was flared golden from the way sharp pains pricked in her pupil.
"I'm just a freak," she wheezed out softly.
Rumi clawed at her shoulders and arms. The faint burning of her nails on skin quieted her reeling mind, pricking ever so faintly into drawing blood. Steam hissed quietly out of the wounds, sealing them up seconds later from the shallow nature of the scratches. If only she could scrape and carve these marks off herself. If she could dig the grooves to gut the demonic parts out of her very being. To pull apart her very existence and just keep the parts that were okay. The parts that were acceptable.
The parts that would make her a normal woman, with a normal life, and normal relationship…and maybe new crush.
Why is she so bothered by a single quiet look? Mira hadn't even acted disgusted or bothered really. She just seemed…intensely observant. So, why did it boil shame under Rumi's skin so easily? Mira couldn't possibly know about the patterns…she probably didn't care about her and Zoey dating. Rumi had to be over exaggerating…right?
"Get it together." Rumi gripped her head
She had to go back out, pretend nothing was wrong. Hide the faults and fears. Rumi stood and slicked her frayed braid back against her scalp. The mirror in the dim light of her body glimmered, reflecting the marks back at her. Rumi splashed water in her face and thought about Zoey. Bubbly, sweet Zoey. Her girlfriend who traced and kissed her patterns without thought. Her joy and her comfort. As Rumi occupied her mind with thoughts of rolling around the bed and laughing with Zoey, the glow died down and the dull heat subsided. The patterns retreated from her stomach, back up to her chest and arms.
"I'm okay." Rumi said into the mirror. "You're okay…you're okay.
Rumi's mind filtered in thoughts of Mira, sitting out alone with Zoey while she hides away. Her chest burns at the thought of being away from them. Was she really so greedy? That she already had Zoey, but now was pining after Mira like a gluttonous beast. Not even instead of Zoey, she'd feel worse about that. No…she wanted both of them. Zoey's cooling, anxiety calming touch and Mira's warm, warm aura of comfort. To be between them, wrapped around them, just with them. It was new and scary, but something felt…correct the second Mira arrived in their home.
Something tugged and tied her heart to them.
Having pulled her sweater back on and tidied herself back together, Rumi padded back out to the living room where Zoey was now next to Mira showing her videos on her phone. Mira seemed to be giving her rapt attention, chin resting on her hand with a gentle smile as Zoey gushed about moray eels.
"One of the most interesting facts about moray eels, is the fact that they have a second set of jaws in their throat." Zoey leaned in with her phone, practically laying her head on Mira's shoulder. "It helps them swallow prey."
"Sick." Mira nodded along, adjusting her glasses. "Is that why their mouths are always open in photos?"
"No, that's how they breathe."
Rumi felt her heart warm at the sight of them. She couldn't quite place why. There was something so…soft about the moment. The way Zoey leaned into Mira's space like it was shared and Mira just…melted with every word out of Zoey's mouth. Those ardent mahogany eyes flicking down occasionally to the phone when Zoey pointed, but for the most part stayed locked onto Zoey's face with borderline reverent fondness. Rumi liked that look quite a lot. Zoey often worried about talking too much—especially with new people —but Mira sure seemed content to listen and absorb the whole presentation. As she carefully stepped into view, Mira and Zoey both turned, her small, sweet girlfriend springing up and throwing herself over Rumi.
"Hey baby, you okay?" She mumbled into her shoulder, "need anything?"
"Yeah I'm alright, just felt sick suddenly." She gripped Zoey's sweater tight. "Must have eaten something that didn't agree with me today."
"Are you feeling better?" Mira piped up, brows knit together as she grazed those eyes over Rumi.
"Yeah I'm okay now." Rumi felt warmth in her cheeks that she knew wasn't from her patterns. "Thanks for asking."
"I should be okay to get my stuff by myself if you guys want to just chill." Mira jerked her thumb towards the door over her shoulder. "It's no problem. I got it in there after all. I wouldn't want you straining yourself if you already aren't feeling well."
"No no I'm okay really. I'd love to help." Rumi waved her hands. "I want to help."
"Me too!" Zoey interjected.
"If you're sure," Mira chuckled and stood, unhooking her car keys from her belt loop, "but please don't hesitate to lay down or something if it's too much."
"I will, promise." Rumi lifted her arm slightly as Zoey looped into her side.
"Yeah I'll keep an eye on her. She's prone to overworking herself," Zoey teased.
"Wha— am not!" Rumi retorted.
"You so are."
A breathy chuckle escaped from Mira, her eyes creasing faintly. Rumi felt her chest warm from the sound. That laugh was real. It was genuine. She wanted to hear it more.
"I'll take your word for it." Mira covered her mouth partially with her knuckles.
The two of them followed close behind Mira down the creaky, metal stairs of the building as she led them to where she had parked. Zoey gasped the second her big, brown eyes found the sleek black car that Mira was now popping the trunk to. She started pulling more bags and boxes out. Rumi spotted the silhouette of a large case in the back seat.
"This is your car?!" Zoey was zooming around getting every angle, which earned a shy, warm laugh out of Mira. "Damn girl."
"Yeah I know I have expensive taste." She lifted a heavy box out, cheeks faintly flushed.
"Expensive taste? This is a fucking custom Cadillac Blackwing!" Zoey heaved out. "Holy shit, you even have leather interior." She practically pressed her forehead to the window.
"Yeah, but I have learned that despite looking best, leather kinda sucks if the weather isn't a neutral temp." Mira rubbed behind her neck. "You either burn or freeze your ass off."
"Can I drive her?" Zoey practically vibrated.
"Let's um...put a pin in that Zoey." Mira smirked, patting her back gently. "You seem a bit rambunctious to just let behind the wheel."
"Valid observation." Zoey shrugged.
"And correct," Rumi added.
"But maybe after a bit we can go for a drive somewhere far away from anything you could hit yeah?" Mira leaned into her trunk, dragging a duffel forward.
Zoey was bouncing on her heels as she nodded enthusiastically, still inspecting every inch of the impressive looking car.
"So what can we help with first?" Rumi cut in, pulling a drooling Zoey away from the car. Though Rumi had to admit it was…quite stylish looking, definitely warranted some staring. So clean too. Mira must take very good care of her things, which was oddly quite attractive.
"If you guys are okay with a little weight these could go first. I can handle my sewing machine. We can come back for clothes and bedding." Mira handed Zoey a box, which made her arms dip considerably under the weight.
"Maybe I should take that one, string bean." Rumi took the box from Zoey with a cackle.
"Hey! What I lack in strength I got in dexterity. We both know I can out-run you." Zoey smirked, doing a mock starting position to pick up a lighter box.
"What's this we?" Rumi teased, nudging Zoey.
"Hey!" Zoey gave a playful shoulder check back. "Race ya!" She broke into running full speed with her box.
"Wait, no fair!" Rumi sprinted after her girlfriend, with an obviously much heavier box.
Ever so faintly, Rumi could swear she heard Mira snort lightly into a laugh behind her. Even without a mirror, Rumi knew her patterns and cheeks had taken on a light pink hue. Now that felt like the first real laugh out of Mira and all it took was a little of their silliness. That cute laugh was the one she wanted.
"You are the worst!" Rumi called forward.
"You love me though!"
Once everything had been carried up, Zoey and Rumi collapsed flat on Mira's floor. Both their chests heaved with ragged breaths. Zoey tangled their fingers together and rolled up next to Rumi, nearly cuddled into her side.
"Told you I was faster." Zoey's hot breath tickled as she gave a playful nip at Rumi's ear.
"You gave me no warning AND I had a heavier box. Not a fair test." Rumi puffed her cheeks, her competitive nature gleaning.
"You both sure have a lot of energy." Mira glided into the room effortlessly carrying a large plastic case. "I'm exhausted just looking at you after all that running."
The thud that came when she set it down confirmed that she was definitely the strongest of them. Despite her lithe, lanky frame; Rumi could perfectly see the sculpt of Mira's muscles, toned and lean. The tightness of her biceps lifting the case made Rumi's mouth go dry instantly. Was she always this into muscles?
"My energy is contagious just you wait, you'll be racing with us and wrestling in no time," Zoey giggled, flexing her thin arms playfully from their position on the floor. "I'm pretty scrappy so watch out."
Rumi's face boiled to a shade of crimson. Mira raised an eyebrow and looked between them, her first mischievous grin forming. She crouched down in front of them, leaning in with a charged tone to her voice.
"Alright, but I'm not above fighting dirty," Mira hummed low and gravelly.
She punctuated it with a wink and pushed up off her knees, leaving both of them flustered messes on her floor. Rumi was used to Zoey's goofy, almost frat-boy level flirting, but this...this was very new. It shouldn't be surprising that Mira was at least a little confident at flirting with her looks. Well if that even was flirting. Rumi subdued the dorky smile cracking onto her face as she awkwardly stumbled up.
"Welp, I better go figure out dinner. I was thinking of ordering in if you guys were hungry." Rumi turned to try and hide her pink face, hands nearly fumbling her phone.
"Ooo can we get Ramyeon?" Zoey chirped in from the floor, star-fished out.
"Works for me," Mira agreed, tucking her hands into her baggy pants pockets.
"Cool cool." Rumi cleared her throat. "W-what do you like?" She held the menu up.
Mira fully leaned over her shoulder to read the screen, her breath warm on Rumi's neck. She might have actually stopped breathing. Mira radiated heat like an aura. It was comforting and almost made her instinctively sleepy. Then the smell hit her. A sweet scent of maybe…jasmine and cinnamon...or cardamom? Some beautiful mixture of sweet florals and autumnal spices wafting off of Mira like an intoxicating perfume. She pointed with one of her ringed fingers, silver glinting in the light.
"I'll get the number 27 meal." Mira's breath was practically in Rumi's ear, her sultry smooth voice coaxing a shudder down Rumi's spine that rocketed white hot heat straight to her core. "With chicken if that's an option."
"Uh-um..are you sure? That's really s-spicy," Rumi stuttered out, swallowing hard. Think not horny thoughts…
"Yeah, I like heat to my food." Mira stood up straight again. Immediately Rumi missed her presence that one could only compare to a clove scented campfire.
"I'll take my usual, but can you have them add bamboo shoots? I liked those in yours last time," Zoey inquired from below.
"Of course, love," Rumi replied, adding all their usual order to the receipt before confirming. "Should be here in about 35-45 minutes. Do we want to pick out a movie or something?"
When no answer came, Rumi looked up from her phone to find Mira staring at her with calm intensity. Her eyes felt like deep pools she'd happily drown in. Always analyzing, absorbing info like wine stained sponges. Sharp and yet so very inviting. Or maybe enticing was the better word for them.
"I'm too tired to move. I vote as newest member of the family that Mira has to carry me." Zoey flailed her arms above her head, grabbing air with her hands. "My legs are jelly and not in a fun way."
Rumi was about to scold Zoey when she noticed a shift in Mira's face. Her whole expression creased in thought, before softening into a hopeful smile. So quick that Rumi could have missed it had she not been right next to her. Within a second, Mira had her composure back and was reaching her hand out to Zoey.
"You guys certainly have some interesting indoctrination rituals." She smirked as she yanked Zoey practically into the air before scooping her up and turning to carry her to the living room. "But if that's the rule."
"I feel like a princess." Zoey leaned back, hand to her forehead like a damsel. "Being rescued by a brave lady knight."
She played it off well, but Rumi could see the way her legs tensed together ever so slightly and the carmine tinge to her cheeks and ears. Zoey tucked herself into Mira's body, arm keeping them flush together. Rumi felt just the slightest bit of envy.
"You sure act like one," Rumi teased, poking at Zoey's side, "or maybe a brat is a better word."
"You're just jealous you have to walk." She stuck her tongue out.
"Am not." Rumi puffed her cheeks, brows tight together in a frown.
"I mean, I could carry both of you if you want." Mira smirked, an attractive confidence starting to reveal itself. "I have two arms."
"Oh um—I mean, I wouldn't want to—" Rumi couldn't finish her sentence as Mira shifted Zoey into straddling one of her hips and turned her other to Rumi. Zoey bit her bottom lip with a broad toothy smile, widening her eyes.
"C'mere," Mira beckoned sweetly, "I promise I won't drop you."
"Are you sure?..." Rumi stepped closer.
Mira nodded, dropping slightly as Rumi delicately rested her hands on muscular shoulders and gave a light hop onto Mira's open hip. Once they were both firmly wrapped in her arms, Mira moved down the hall as if carrying them was the easiest thing in the world—barely a bounce to her step. Zoey looked over Mira's shoulder and extended a fist bump to Rumi. She shook her head at the absurdity of the situation. Rumi wasn't sure what was weirder; their behavior, or how well Mira was receiving it. As they approached the couch, Mira gently set them both down next to each other. Rumi suddenly felt empty losing the warm contact and cuddled into Zoey's side. Mira sat a little further away from Zoey and crossed her legs. They all sat on their phones a while, scrolling and showing each other videos. Zoey utilized her special talent to fill silence and keep Mira talking.
"So how long have you been doing the pink dye job?" Zoey reached for the ends. "Okay—follow up, holy shit how is your hair so soft?"
"Oh…well I started when I was a teenager...and a lot of hair care products?" Mira's shoulders inched up shyly, an almost bashful expression appearing on her face.
"That's so cool!" Zoey leaned closer, pulling Rumi with her with a squeak. "I've been thinking about adding some blue or green streaks to my hair."
Mira turned towards her, thoughtful a moment before tentatively reaching towards Zoey's curly hair. "Actually, I think with your haircut you would look really good with an under dye job. That way if you put it up that underside will pop. Maybe a couple accent streaks framing your face here." Her knuckle grazed Zoey's cheek.
"Oh w-wow," Zoey stuttered out, freckled cheeks flushed, "I hadn't considered that."
"I think blue would fit you very well. Your freckles give your skin a warm tone so the offset cool tone will compliment you beautifully," Mira continued, a slow blink softening the expression in her eyes.
Rumi and Zoey both cuddled together next to her in stunned silence, in awe of her seemingly expert advice. For the first time, Mira's face took on the rosy hue as her eyes went wide. She backpedaled, pulling her hand away.
"And uh.. blue for the ocean.. cause you're a marine bio student…so…y-yeah." Mira tucked her hands in her lap, fingers wringing over themselves repeatedly. "So, Rumi, how long have you dyed your hair?"
"Oh I was bor—" Zoey roughly elbowed her ribs.
"Umm?" Mira's face twisted up in confusion.
"—born to have purple hair! Haha…I've been dyeing it so long you probably couldn't even find a picture of me without it!" Rumi felt her face crack into that far too wide nervous smile.
"Oh...wow. I'm impressed you could grow it so long doing that. Your braid is like, almost to your hips so unraveled it has to be nearly to your knees right?" Mira pointed at the long, braided rope of mauve locks. "My hair was long before I started dyeing it."
"Yes it is! And it's so pretty out of the braid. Super wavy." Zoey pet Rumi's head.
"I'm sure is it." Mira slowly blinked into a half lidded smile, shooting heat directly to Rumi's face and ears. "Looks really healthy too, your roots aren't even showi—"
"Anyways!" Zoey cleared her throat. "Are you excited for your classes to start up?"
"Oh um...yeah. I've heard really good things about the professors and the workspace provided for the students so, I'm definitely looking forward to checking everything out." Mira melted into giddy chatter, clearly enthusiastic to work. "What about you guys? This is your third year at this university right?"
"Yep! It's great." Zoey nodded. "I get to go on trips this year that I'm super pumped for."
"That's great, you'll have to take pictures to show me. I don't know anything really about marine life except some names and not to throw shit in the ocean." Mira waved her hand as she spoke, even those movements were intentional and flawless, following the lilt of her voice. "Well I suppose I know moray eels have two sets of jaws now too."
"I can show you so many cool documentaries and studies and I take a ton of photos for reference at the aquarium!" Zoey was nearly vibrating beneath Rumi.
She braced for it, that occasional deflection that Zoey sometimes gets when she's this excited. People casually waving her off and disengaging with her interests entirely. Rumi has spent many nights this last year comforting her girlfriend hat she isn't too much. Rumi would be really upset if things went—
"I'd love that Zoey," Mira stated calmly, switching positions by crossing her other leg over the other without an ounce of indifference. "You seem very knowledgeable and enthusiasm is the best teacher."
Zoey actually squealed and threw herself sideways into Mira, hugging her around the neck roughly. That sensation of a thread between them plucked her heartstrings. Every shared touch and sweet exchange made her feel elation in a pure, distilled form.
"Oh my gosh, this is gonna be so fun! I can't wait to show you!"
"I'm h-happy to see anything you want to show me." Mira gently placed her hand over Zoey's shoulders, respectfully high on her back.
Mira adjusted herself and cleared her throat once Zoey released her. Those dark garnet eyes locked onto Rumi with the same interest and care she had just gave Zoey.
"And what about you, Rumi?"
Her name was honey coated coming out of Mira's mouth, she was addicted to the sound. So much so that she actually didn't process the question even a little bit.
"Uhhh, Rumi?" Mira tilted her head.
"Huh what?" She startled.
"I asked if you were excited for your second year." Mira covered her mouth to stifle her soft laugh. Rumi wanted to hear it more.
"O-oh! Well…I'm actually a little nervous," Rumi admitted quietly, "I'm getting into some new professor courses and I'm worried about making a good impression."
"She's being modest," Zoey shushed her, "she literally writes this like, brilliant stuff and then thinks she isn't talented."
"It seems that always how it is," Mira chuckled, "artists are only appreciated once they're gone and all that, as they say."
"You're exaggerating, Zo." Rumi shyly tucked into the couch, hugging a throw pillow to her chest to hide behind.
"I am not." She poked at Rumi's ribs. "You're so talented and smart and pretty."
Rumi wriggled away from her, flinching at the tickling sensation Zoey knew exactly where to press to cause. Her body erupted in tingling sensations she couldn't sit still through.
"Stop! Babe, that tickles!"
"Make me!" Zoey tackled her, rolling them backwards into the couch.
Mira watched with her knuckles cresting just over her mouth, failing to hide the heady, heaving laughs slipping out of her. Rumi could catch glances of her over Zoey's shoulder. Each stolen look felt like a sin, giving Rumi a new kind of euphoria she wasn't familiar with. Zoey gave her a smirk while Mira couldn't see her face, wiggling her brows over Rumi.
"Can't say this is how I expected my first night here to go, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how…comfortable you both are to be around," Mira spoke softly, a new warmth to her tone that Rumi and Zoey hadn't heard yet.
"Yeah you're really chill and cool." Zoey grinned, arms tight around Rumi's neck in a headlock. "Also you're like, devastatingly pretty. I'm sure you know that though."
"I'm glad you feel okay being here." Rumi offered, hands gripping Zoey's forearms. "And yeah you are...really, really pretty.." she added with a raspy tone.
"Yeah its...cozy. You're both really nice…or whatever." Mira gave her softest smile yet, deep crinkles forming around her eyes despite her feigned nonchalance. "And…thank you…for the compliments. I think you're both very, very pretty as well."
Rumi could feel Zoey melt at the mere sight of the smile around her. Just then Rumi's phone dinged from the take out app. Their food had been left at the door.
"Food's here!" She slithered out of the grasp like a snake, handing Zoey the remote as she walked past.
"Fuck yeah! I am starving," Zoey cheered, flopping back into the cushions, "you hungry, Mira?"
"A bit yes." Mira squeezed her knee faintly as Rumi slipped past her. "Long drive and all."
"I'll get us plates and everything." Rumi carried the bag to the kitchen.
"Do you need any help?" Mira twisted in place towards her.
"Nope! You sit and relax with Zo." Rumi grinned over her shoulder.
The food smelled amazing as Rumi separated everything out onto bowls and plates accordingly. The warm dishes flooded the house with the scents of spices and vegetable steam. She could hear the familiarly paced clicking through streaming platforms. Zoey's usual rapid fire browsing.
"Can you even tell what you're looking at?" Mira chided.
"Don't worry. I got a sixth sense for movies. I'll know it when I see it," Zoey retorted confidently, continuing her spam clicking habit.
"Your scrolling needs an epilepsy warning," she teased Zoey lightly.
"Y'all just lack my skill to find movies."
"What kinds of things to you guys normally watch?" Mira asked, draping her arm across the back of the couch.
"Oh, I'll watch anything! But I love a good horror movie or comedy. Rumi really likes romance and old stuff." Zoey waved the remote wildly as she spoke.
"Hey! They're called classics for a reason!" Rumi yelled from the kitchen.
"What do you like Mira?" Zoey leaned into the space just inside her outstretched arm.
"I like any period piece or really anything with elaborate costuming, especially if the color theory goes hard. I really will watch anything too though, as long as it means something. I can't do the mindless stuff," Mira listed out thoughtfully, rolling her hand outward.
"Okay okay, let me think what would work best." Zoey clicked faster. "Ah! Got it!" Zoey shouted out.
Rumi carefully carried a tray of all their food and some bottled waters to the couch. On a sightly louder wobble of ceramic, Mira reached up to help her set everything down.
"Here let me help." Mira stood, grasping the plates off the tray.
"Thank you." Rumi glanced up, locking eyes with Mira's rich garnet-brown ones.
Their fingers touched again as Rumi handed her a water bottle. That same electric charge settled between their fingertips. Mira's warmth stayed with her as she plopped down next to Zoey, who was already digging into her ramen.
"So what are we watching?" Rumi cleared her throat, the warmth returning to her cheeks.
"Pride and Prejudice! 2005 edition of course." Zoey swallowed her food and leaned back into Rumi's arms, not so subtly keeping them both close to Mira. "Kiera Knightley is too good and too pretty not to."
"Oh I love this movie! Good pick." Rumi snuggled in closer.
"I've never seen it. Read the book though." Mira nodded between bites of red hot chili ramyeon.
Not even a bit of a reaction…incredible.
"Oh my gosh, you'll love this it's soooo cozy." Zoey reached across and grabbed Mira's wrist, tugging lightly. "Come closer, so we can see your reactions."
Mira shyly and tentatively shifted closer until her leg was touching Rumi's. She stared at Mira's profile again, taking in every sharp slope and triangular point to her face. The way her jawline was almost a straight line compared to Zoey's soft curves. They looked like two opposite sides of a coin next to each other. Rumi was enamored, but pulled herself back to the movie as the opening sequence began. Halfway through the movie, Zoey unfurled from Rumi's hold, skipping to the kitchen for something sweet. When she came back she nestled between them like she belonged there and offered both of them a cookie. Mira plucked one up and chewed quietly. Rumi couldn't help, but watch her. Mira's eyes were fixed on the movie, she seemed to genuinely be enjoying it. Rumi felt warmth build under her collar. After the movie ended and the post credit scene finished, each of the girls stretched and shifted. Rumi felt sleep tugging at her eyes, but truly she didn't want to say goodnight yet.
"I should be heading to bed soon. I have a lot of unpacking to do tomorrow before my classes start next week," Mira yawned, the stretch above her head giving them a peak at a very defined v line.
"Yeah us too. Zoey looks half asleep already." Rumi nudged her.
"Hey I'm fine…mmm not even tired…" Zoey lulled cutely.
"Come on sleepyhead, we still need to wash our faces and brush our teeth." Rumi pulled Zoey up, which earned her only a long groan.
"Mira, do you need any help getting your bed put together?" Rumi inquired.
"I should be okay. Thank you though," Mira laughed, "long arms make sheets easy."
Rumi chuckled and practically dragged Zoey back towards her room, lingering a moment on Mira's pretty face before pulling away.
"Mine or yours tonight?" Rumi brushed Zoey's bangs back lightly.
"Yours. I threw art supplies all over mine earlier. Plus your blankets are softer," Zoey mumbled, nuzzling into Rumi's hand.
After they got cleaned up and changed into pajamas, they curled up together underneath the blanket. Zoey draped her arm over Rumi's waist, tucking her head into her chest. Rumi scratched at her scalp, raven hair now ruffled out behind her.
"Rums?" Zoey asked softly, twisting Rumi's shirt in her hand.
"Yeah, love?" She tilted down towards her.
"So um...we like totally have a…mutual…crush on Mira right?" She whispered like it was a sin to even say out loud.
"I think you might be right."
"We're in trouble aren't we?" Zoey giggled.
"Oh most definitely. She is going to kill us both."
"She's so pretty…and kind," Zoey fawned, "she just feels…right...you know?"
"I agree."
Rumi hugged tight around Zoey, kissing her head lightly and sleepily.
"Does it bother you at all?" Zoey mumbled shyly.
"What do you mean?"
"Like…do you feel...I don't know, jealous?"
"I don't think so? I kinda really like being around both of you," Rumi pondered, "something about it felt…like we all belong together? I don't know though…maybe that sounds weird."
"No, I get it. I felt the same thing." Zoey rubbed her face into Rumi's chest. "Do you think Mira likes us too?"
"She seemed content with our company at least. You made her laugh quite a few times." Rumi nudged her lightly.
"Is this gonna drive us apart if I'm her type and not you?" Zoey teased.
"Hey, I am everyone's type!" Rumi tickled at Zoey's sides.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Mercy!" Zoey said breathless, flinging around beneath the plush blanket.
"Take it back!" Rumi pressed, leaning over top of her. "You know I won't stop until you do!"
"Anyone with half a brain knows you're hot!" Zoey squealed.
"Damn right." Rumi ceased her attack, allowing Zoey to tuck herself back in. "Don't forget it."
There was a beat of soft quiet between them. Their laughter easing into gentle breath and warm embrace. Rumi smiled against Zoey's head and left a small kiss on her temple. Zoey turned upward, locking their lips together softly. Rumi's hand slid up Zoey's neck and tangled into her soft curls, causing a light moan to escape the lips against her own. Rumi deepened their kiss, delicately running her tongue along Zoey's bottom lip. A request often shared between them. Zoey parted her lips slightly and their tongues danced off each other. They were both warm and hands were wandering. A soft pink glow began to take over the room.
"I love when you bring mood lighting, babe," Zoey giggled, running a finger up the largest pattern on Rumi's rib, glowing beneath her thin shirt.
"It's your fault." Rumi gave a playful bite on Zoey's bottom lip. "Being so cute all the time."
Zoey rolled Rumi onto her back slowly, nestling her hips between Rumi's thighs. Rumi clumsily yanked both their shirts over their heads in a fit of hushed giggles and tugged their bodies flush together. A gentle rhythm settled between them, rocking and intimate. Rumi's nails dug lightly into Zoey's freckled skin, tracing the frame of her shoulders. Zoey moved slow and intentional rolls with her body against Rumi, her breath catching with each brief contact, desperate for more. Zoey leaned down, trailing her lips down Rumi's neck. Tracing her patterns with the tip of her tongue and watching light pulse through them, following the touch. Zoey gave thorough attention to both of Rumi's breasts, sucking dark marks along them.
"Zoey..." Rumi breathed out, holding onto her.
"I've got you, babe." She grinned back, face illuminated in soft light.
Further and further she inched until her head was set between Rumi's legs, kissing at her inner thighs. Sharp grazes of teeth on the sensitive skin there sent white hot heat up into the crown between her hips, pooling there. Rumi tangled her fingers into the messy, black locks and watched Zoey lean into her and move Rumi's legs over her shoulders.
"Fuck, babe. You're so wet already," Zoey breathed out huskily, biting softly into Rumi's thigh, "this all for me?"
Rumi let out a low groan as her hips jerked up from another sharp nip, "spending all night with two incredibly attractive women does that to me." She felt a pleasured chuckle leave her, twirling wavy hair in her fingers.
"Lucky me." Zoey dipped down fully, tugging her soaked underwear to the side.
The first hard drag up through the folds between Rumi's legs made a heady groan spill out of her. Every sequential lick felt like lightning coursing through Rumi. She had a burning ache deep pooling inside her that craved this contact she had been missing her whole life. Books and shows did no justice to the real thing. Experiencing these sensations unlocked a new level of lust that Rumi didn't know she had.
"Fuck…oh fuck, Zo…" Rumi whined, rubbing up into Zoey's languid licks.
"Mhmm…that's it baby," Zoey mumbled into her, rumbling her voice right to the core, "God you taste so fucking good."
Zoey kept her head buried between Rumi's legs, squeezing her hips as patterns slowly crawled downward, temporarily spreading as they always did when she got this worked up. Freckled hands gripped tighter when she moved too much against Zoey's tongue, keeping her still so Zoey could eat her out properly. Rumi felt wave after wave, rocking her hips into her tongue as much as she would allow. Zoey moaned into it, sending chills up Rumi's spine and through every glowing pattern on her body. Rumi felt her canines sharpen in her mouth as she struggled to keep quiet, Zoey reached up her torso to rub soothing circles on Rumi's stomach with her palm. Rumi was growing closer and closer, the patterns deepened their color and intensity. They thrummed and pulsed down to where pleasure was reaching its peak, where Zoey's lips were lavishing the bundle of nerves throbbing right now. Her clit was firmly between Zoey's lips, being steadily flicked by the tip of her hot tongue. Rumi felt her legs start to shake, clenching around Zoey's head. Zoey picked up her pace ever so slightly enough to push Rumi over the edge. Rumi bit her own hand to muffle the moan and gasp that left her, blood trickling slightly into her lips. The taste was coppery and herbal and invigorating.
"Shhh, gotta keep quiet now, baby." Zoey sucked hard over her clit.
"F-fuck," Rumi groaned into her hand, "god fu—fuck, Zoey."
"Unless…you already want Mira to hear us?" Zoey sucked her clit between her lips once more, lapping at it with her well-trained tongue again. "Should I add a couple fingers?"
"God…fuck…ah…" Rumi whined, body racked with that jolt of near climax. "Y-yes please."
The stretch of fingers inside her and a few well placed thrusts were all it took in addition to the tongue lavishing her for Rumi's body to shudder with climax. Her body trembled through aching aftershocks with a few long, hard licks and slow pumps of Zoey's fingers. Zoey lifted up slowly, pupils blown out completely. She planted one hard kiss over Rumi's swollen clit and trailed back up her pelvis with calming pecks across her tingling body.
"That's my girl." Her chin was glistening in the faint pink glow, eyes hungry and drunk on Rumi's taste. "Always so perfect for me."
"Zoeyyy." Rumi hid under her forearms.
The lust dusted in her eyes was enough to make Rumi's heart twinge. God she was lucky. She never thought she could have a relationship like this with her demonic nature. Zoey crawled up and snuggled next to Rumi, rubbing the slick coating off her mouth.
"You always taste so good, baby." she lulled, taking Rumi's punctured hand and delicately kissing the blood away, leaving a faint red tinge to her lips.
Rumi hooked her leg over Zoey, toppling her onto her stomach beneath her pattern clad hips. Something ignited in the pit of her stomach, a want and craving to touch and to claim. Something feral.
"I like where this is going." Zoey arched her hips slightly, pressing back into Rumi.
"I need to touch you before I lose my mind." Rumi kissed behind her ear with a faint growl to her voice.
She drifted a hand down beneath Zoey's boxers. Her fingers brushed past lightly groomed stubble and course curls until she dipped down into the intoxicating wetness between her girlfriend's folds. The slickness immediately allowed her to glide along Zoey's throbbing clit with zero resistance.
"Ah…oh...fuck that's nice." Zoey lifted higher, giving more room for Rumi to circle her.
"Are you wet enough to take my fingers?" Rumi purred, grinding against Zoey's round ass.
"Yes. Yes please, Rumi," she whined, jutting back into Rumi's hips above her. She dug her elbows into the mattress. "I want you."
"Good," Rumi heaved out pink hued smoke, swirling a sweet scent around them, dipping downward again. "I need to feel inside you."
Rumi's hand plunged, sliding inside of Zoey with a wet sound. The heat wrapped around her fingers as she curled with each steady stroke. Zoey moaned into the pillow, rutting down into her fingers roughly.
"Fuck, Zo…you sound so good." She could already feel Zoey tighten around her as she thrust in and out rhythmically.
"Fuck me, baby." Zoey rocked downward harder against her hand, getting friction off Rumi's palm. "I need you. I need you so bad, Ru." She inhaled deeply, sighing into the blissful cloud.
The barely quiet room bathed in intimate glow and billowing smoke like a fog, filled with gentle moans and pleading whimpers as Zoey clenched around Rumi's fingers with each deep thrust. Rumi peppered kisses and light bites all along Zoey's freckled shoulders, leaving a trail of sucked in bruises down her back.
"You moan so pretty for me, Zo." Rumi pressed her forehead between her freckles shoulders.
The wet pull of slickness between her fingers drove her to thrust faster, coaxing an orgasm to tremble out of Zoey beneath her. The slight wheeze to her panting breaths filtered into Rumi's ears like music, her stomach tightened as she rocked rapidly onto Rumi's fingers.
"I'm so close, Ru. Please…don't stop.." she whimpered into the pillow, muffling her high pitched whines.
"Come for me, love. I've got you," Rumi soothed in her ear, "you're doing so good for me." She curled upward, pressing into that soft spot just above her entrance.
"F-fuck!" Zoey bit into the pillow to muffle herself as her hips spasmed into the mattress. "R-Rumi!"
As she went limp, Rumi tucked around her side. She pulled Zoey against her still glowing chest, kissing her forehead softly. Rumi coaxed her onto steady breathing, rubbing slow circles on her back as she cuddled close.
"I am like, obsessed with you. You know that right?" Rumi breathed out against her skin, kissing her temple again.
"I do, but it's extra cute when you say it with an afterglow." Zoey smirked. Her curls brushed along her forehead as she looked up at Rumi, nuzzling their noses together.
"I love you so much, Zo," Rumi hummed softly.
"I love you too, Rumi." Zoey took Rumi's wet fingers into her mouth with a warm swirl of that tongue of hers.
They shared another long, loving kiss of the shared tastes of them both before Zoey turned over and snuggled backwards into Rumi's front. Rumi let out a deep breath and watched the glow of her patterns die down into a gentle, pale pink. Her arms wrapped tight around Zoey's topless waist, the freckled skin warm and slightly damp with sweat. The smile plastered across her face was evidence enough that she was satisfied and tired. They both couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring for them and their new hot roomie.
Mira unpacked to the faint scratching needle of her record player, echoing vintage tunes into her space. She had managed to unpack her books, organized to her preference and set up her sewing machine in the corner at least. The bed was made and a selection of casual clothes hung up in the closet.
"I guess I should order an adjustable mannequin to work on," Mira muttered to herself, surveying the room.
The sound of a laugh like wind chimes in the summer breeze bled under her door, causing an involuntary quirk of her lips as a sweet freckled smile flashed in her newly acquired memory. She gripped her shirt over her heart.
"Please not again..." she whispered, leaning against the wall next to her door.
She had known there would be a chance of her roommates being attractive, but them being two extremely attractive and adorably affectionate women was a whole new level of torture Mira had not prepared for. Mira knew she couldn't do this to herself, not again. She didn't open up, couldn't. It's never this easy. It's never been this comfortable. It made her stomach knot over itself. Mira stared down at her fingers, the memory of that touch still lingering like a phantom.
"Why does it feel as easy as breathing?" She tightened her hands into fists, pacing towards the bathroom. "Not that they need me bothering them."
Besides they seemed to already be quite entangled in each other, so what use could they have for her to interrupt their dynamic. To join in their blissful fun and adorable playfulness and…pretty eyes...soft hands. She looked up in her bathroom mirror, the dark circles now visible with her make up wiped clean.
"You're okay," she exhaled, not sure if she were lying to herself still or not. "I'm okay."
Her heart had not stopped pounding all evening until she locked herself in her room, away from them. She only hoped that she was subdued enough that they couldn't tell how already down bad she was…for both of them.
Fucking both of them..
At first she thought maybe her attraction was just for Rumi, being entirely her type. She liked the shy, sweet ones that she could fluster easily typically. Rumi was unbelievably pretty, sparkling like an amethyst polished to a shine. There was confidence there too. She checked every box for the woman Mira typically sought out for her…endeavors.
But then she was left alone with Zoey. That was something she didn't expect to shot straight past all her defenses effortlessly. Zoey was just so...cute...so bubbly and funny and...god so sugary sweet it made Mira's cheeks hurt. All her rambling lessons and facts were actually delightfully entertaining. She would sit and let Zoey fill the silence for hours without a care.
Mira couldn't remember the last time she laughed for real, yet it had happened several times tonight alone. In just a few hours, she had talked more than she had planned to for at least a couple weeks. They were disarming, witty, intelligent, and so fucking pretty. Gods above they were gorgeous, the pair of them.
Her heart and mind had already betrayed her, memorizing how Rumi made herself tea and what foods they both ordered. She saw their snacks and beautiful, loose sketches lying around the apartment. She also now knew about 13 new facts specifically about eels…
She plopped hard down onto the soft mattress. "I'm so fucked," she groaned into her hands, hunched off the edge of her bed.
She flopped backwards into the covers, bouncing her current read near her pillow. Mira climbed into bed, opening her book to read until her mind was on something other than Zoey's oaken brown eyes or Rumi's adorable, dopey grin. How good their hands felt on her. How animated and silly Zoey was. She definitely couldn't still feel every burning spot of heat on her body like they had left hand prints marking her as their own already. Every brief touch with Rumi shot lightning through her. Zoey clung perfectly into her arm like it was carved as a space for her. She definitely wasn't going to think about them all night. For sure not…
Right?…
Fuck, they both smelled so good too.
"Uh I could probably carry both of you," she mimicked herself, "god, I'm so fucking embarrassing…what a loser…"