you'll come back

The way Iolaire held her felt like she wouldn’t ever let her go, and as she breathed her in and surrounded herself with her Belle held her the same way. Like she had appeared years ago after Archon’s death Io appeared to her now, a balm to her soul as she suffered alone. Deathbelle wished she could cling to the numbness that held Iolaire, maybe life would be easier if she didn’t have to feel so deeply. The abandonment destroyed her all the way to her core. Deathbelle felt sorrow and pain before but losing Sirius so completely after he finally let her in, there were too many moments where she wished that she was dead.

Io held onto her like no one had in so long. She had hugs from Veigar but there was something very different about Io’s embrace. The way she stroked the back of her neck and let her claws trail through her fur. The knowing way that she held her, it was more than the fact that Iolaire knew her, it was the understanding that embrace brought. She knew the pain she was harboring, she knew the loss because she had felt it herself.

There were understanding words whispered in her ear as Iolaire shifted, pressing her chest to Belle’s as she wrapped herself more completely in her. Deathbelle sobbed with a soft sigh that fell from her lips, both of them were broken and as she felt Io’s arms around her the reality sunk in heavily. She already knew there would be no fixing what was irreparable. Tears fell down her cheeks as the emptiness ate at her and then Io was pulling away.

She whined softly, not sure she could stand the woman leaving her now, but it was only then that their eyes could meet. Deep royal purple with emerald gold. For just a moment Belle was transported to a different time. A day when she was much younger and naive to what her life would bring her. She wondered what would have happened had she not let Iolaire go that day so long ago.

Then it was whisked away, a memory on the breeze as Iolaire reminded her of truthful facts that she tried to ignore. The world moved on if she was happy or not. Really, it wasn’t the happiness that was gone, it was knowing that she could never have those feelings and emotions again. Like life had lost its purpose when he turned away from her. No one needed her anymore, she didn’t feel like she belonged here, daily tasks were like taking on a mountain. She had to push herself, and she was getting so tired.

Belle didn’t argue the thoughts that swirled in her mind. Her features revealed the hopelessness she felt. But then Io was leaning forward and as she placed that innocent kiss on her muzzle she felt a warmth begin to spread over her body, a hint that she was still alive. Then she whispered into her muzzle and told her the fight wouldn’t have to be made alone anymore. That was when Deathbelle felt herself become fully vulnerable to Iolaire. The tension in her body gave out and she nearly collapsed against the other woman as the emotions bubbled up and spilled over. Tears rained from her eyes as she clung to Io like she was the only anchor keeping her there. Deathbelle didn’t have any more words, just the feeling of relief. Instead of facing a dark tunnel Io provided a light of hope far down at the end.


"Deathbelle & Iolaire"