Work Text:
“Erm, Scarlett?” Alice’s soft touch to her shoulder made Scarlett jolt. She tensed before relaxing back into Alice’s arms, breathing in the crisp Autumn air. It had been a very special night, one completely unreal for Scarlett’s rock-solid focus. Her resolve shook like a jelly after such a shocking day. Perhaps a shocking couple days. She had heard it from Alice again, “By the way, I love you.” Typically this pissed the half-elf off. She knew Alice was popular around town, that she worked just as hard as a ranger, but how her smile and laugh brought everyone towards her. Not only were they rivals of the same par ever since their ranks ended up side-by-side, but Scarlett surely thought Alice was destined for more. Scarlett had always been firmly rooted to her duties as a ranger. Nothing would ever stand in her way. She took a quick glance around, deliberately avoiding the bright green eyes on her to observe their sitting space right by the Silo. This is where she found herself yet again focusing on her career- her life’s dedication. And then she was there, right above my room , Scarlett pondered, giving a shy look at the blonde girl. Despite this she stayed in her arms, unwillingly letting out a soft sigh as her hair was caressed. It felt so strange to be without a hat, but the touch was hypnotizing. Alice was made for this, her rival knew, she was always going to be more than a ranger, or even a farmer. Scarlett sincerely imagined a long future of marriage and family for her. In fact, she thought surely Alice would be enjoying time with a man by this time. It kind of gave Scarlett unfamiliar tremors of uneasiness Alice deserved The VERY best, whether the other ranger would admit it aloud or not. But she struggled to comprehend her own sexuality and capacity for love, so what happened?
“Hey, we can pack up and go in soon yknow,” Scarlett’s mind flinched again as Alice spoke. The girl hesitated a little before returning Scarlett’s hat to her head. Was she okay? Frankly, this was just as surprising to Alice. When the tall, silky-haired half-elf had appeared in town, Alice couldn’t help but notice immediately. But this girl’s shell seemed so strong. How could she possibly see Alice outside of their Ranger work? Was she even capable of feeling love for someone, let alone another woman? It was so, so hard to tell. But Alice felt completely drawn. As time progressed, as they fought together, as she (perhaps selfishly) invited Scarlett to join her on so many adventures, it all just felt like a dream. Such a dream, it invaded her thoughts, asleep or awake. I don’t know if I’ll be able to tell her, at least for a while... The Earthmate gave a gentle squeeze of her arms around her new partner, I’ve woken up nearly every morning from an embarrassing dream of us together. After the other day’s restless, wanting sleep, Alice had felt like it might be time to try again. Scarlett had taken her statements as “bad jokes” several times in the past. She was not only so dense, but so intimidating when she pushed the words away, Alice would recoil and spend several hours wandering the plains alone to question it. But yesterday, after pondering the entire day while tending each and every crop for perhaps way too long, lost in thought, she felt like giving it another shot. It hasn’t even been 24 hours since I spoke to her, and we’re already finished a picnic date. The Earthmate took a second to stretch and yawn out, in a casual attempt to break the ice, “Well, it’s getting late, and we sure have been out here in awkward silence for some time! …Are you planning to patrol any more before you turn in?”
Oh! Scarlett twitched again, softly but nervously freeing herself from Alice, “I-I put in a lot of extra time before our.. Date.. but…” Alice’s eyes met hers. Scarlett’s heart flushed, making every fast beat more and more obvious to her. It was uncomfortable, but… Alice continued to stare straight at her. Such a beautiful face, the urge to stroke it creeped into her mind suddenly- she flinched- Were her eyes glistening? Alice gave a slow blink and a soft smile, causing Scarlett to look away and loudly clear her throat in an attempt to throw attention from her reddening face, “...It’s quite late. So I think I will retire for the night. We need our sleep to stay vigilant, after all…” The blue-haired woman could’ve sworn her heart was beating so loud Livia would be able to hear it from inside the Silo. The thought of the Field captain finding her off-guard made her nauseous, and so she began to gather the empty plates their dinner was, slinging the picnic blanket behind her. As soon as she took one single, albeit rushed step, Scarlett’s breath escaped her. A hand was on her shoulder. It was warm, comforting, but the new experience startled her and her jittery body. “...I think I’m gonna turn in too… Could I come hang out until I get sleepy?” Scarlett went pale. Did Alice hear her overly excited thoughts? Her anticipation about her new relationship? Her less than wholesome ideas she tried so hard to swat? Alice backed up and put her hands up as soon as Scarlett stiffly glanced back, “I-I don’t mean anything weird! We’re just going to the same place basically, and I’m not super tired… And..” Abruptly Scarlett turned and muttered, “Very well.” It felt easy to do so, considering the time they’ve spent late into the night fighting as rangers. But the fuzziness of the situation was choking her slightly.
As per usual, Scarlett’s space was incredibly tidy. She managed to keep everything completely organized. Her books seemed in mint condition all along her shelf, with the exception being her Ranger’s manual. Anyone entering the room would notice it completely full of small, color-coded bookmarks for so many pages. I need to go through those pages again, Scarlett reminded herself by habit as she entered the room, removing just her hat and hair tie. Maybe she’s trying to psyche me out… Her mind rationalized as she brushed her hair through and tied it back up with ease. Alice was going to come and “hang out”, right? Where was she? She couldn’t be talking to Livia, the captain was surely getting herself in bed now. Maybe she was organizing the massive amounts of items Scarlett had noticed when she’d been up there during adventures? Sighing shakily, she sat at the edge of her bed and grabbed a jar for a quick gulp of water. Have I been slouching on hydrating? I feel lightheaded…
Alice’s upstairs room was surely not anywhere near as organized as the rest of the silo. It was no pigsty by any means, but Alice’s constant seeking of items for forging, crafting, and cooking forced her to boast a large amount of storage. She finished putting some unfinished shoes and armor in her wardrobe. May as well break the ice, right? It’s not like she didn’t give me a kiss at our picnic… I may as well be comfortable. The blonde chuckled, more welcoming of her powerful feelings, and began to put away her uniform. She reached for her pajamas, It’s like I’m headed to a …romantic pajama party!
The door had been left open, Scarlett’s anxiety kept her from even realizing it. Between her thumping heartbeats, her new girlfriend had appeared in the doorway, gently cupping a small plate. …Pajamas? I hadn’t thought of that.. It must have been a lot of work to change out of uniform… Scarlett mentally struck her brain for the imagery. “Hello Alice… May I ask what you’ve brought?” “HI~!” Alice covered her mouth with her left hand in embarrassment at the volume of her exclamation, trying to bring her energy down several paces, “Sorry! Ahem, hey, I know we ate but I brought some baked origini if you wanted a snack. Don’t feel like you need to eat them right away, but I figured..” Her eyes were locked on the food. You didn’t have to cook even more, Scarlett thought but stiffened her posture and looked back to her partner’s face, “Why don’t you set those on the table and have a seat? I didn’t realize we were having some sort of… Slumber party.” “Well, I don’t know when I’ll be able to sleep, and I’m just upstairs! There’s no way you think our uniforms are comfortable enough for relaxing in, do you?” Of course Scarlett did. Her uniform was her representation of her important duty. Perhaps she just wore it so much discomfort never crossed her mind. Now, however, she could feel her sweat building up in the familiar outfit. The heat from inside her heart and her body had her mind wandering to pajamas. But would it be appropriate to change in front of Alice? Boundaries felt so frightening, Scarlett admitted to herself. She already felt her girlfriend was taking the lead, but she was just so carefree. And not awkward and stuffy. Scarlett sighed. Surprising maybe even herself, Alice placed the food at the table but wandered to Scarlett’s bed and sat right beside her. Her shoulder, just covered by her nightclothes’ cloth, brushed right against Scarlett’s. Even with her own leather shoulder coverings still on, it made her heart skip a beat. “Are you okay?” Alice cocked her head and leaned closer. Scarlett felt her flushed face sweating tiny beads, “Yes. Ahem, sorry. I’m not very knowledgeable in how to respond…” “To what?” Alice’s eyes met hers again. She felt them burning a hole in her heart, maybe even her inhibitions… Scarlett fidgeted in her spot, messing with her ponytail to expel just a bit of nervous energy, “..Respond to, well, these feelings, I suppose. …Do you have any prior experience with love?” Scarlett’s burning intensity applied to the word love threw Alice off, who gave an awkward, albeit lighthearted chuckle, “I wouldn’t know! I can’t remember anything before I got here, y'know.” A sharp needle of embarrassment stabbed Scarlett’s conscience. How could you forget that?? Her partner giggled again, completely unfazed. She took the moment to lay on the bed, casually plopping her head into Scarlett’s lap. The wordless exchange had Scarlett stunned, though each surprise was feeling more and more natural. Does she want? Okay Scarlett, just TRY. You’re brave, The blue-haired woman shakily leaned forward and planted a light kiss on her lips. Her girlfriend’s eyes widened. …I hope that’s not a bad surprised look…
“I can’t believe you’ve been kissing me first!” Alice let out an intoxicatingly sweet giggle. She reached her hands up playfully, poking the girl’s sharp nose with her finger. Scarlett backed up a bit from it, reddened and completely lost in her repeatedly flushing heart, “...I’m not sure how you can present yourself so casually… I feel so awkward.” “Can I ask you something?” Suddenly, Alice’s slim, loosely clothed frame was straight up, directly facing the half-elf. The rushing blood went cold for half a second in anticipation. Don’t go crazy, Alice. Don’t frighten her with your feelings.. She stretched to take a breath before proceeding, “Do you feel comfortable?”
“Erm, honestly, no… But-”
“But?”
Scarlett fidgeted further. She took a hard swallow, practicing steadying her breath. Calmness in intense situations was so naturally ingrained for her, but right now? “...I’ve never felt like this before. I can’t stop thinking about you..” Before Scarlett realized it, Alice’s hands had taken hers. Both pairs were hot and a bit sweaty. Her eyes glittered like the shiniest Gaia crystals, “What do you mean?”
“I-I can’t say that right now!” Swatting Alice’s hands a bit, Scarlett put her hands to her mouth. This feeling was suffocating. This creeping want, something she had always been stronger than. But maybe Alice was just stronger. As she stirred Alice cocked her head almost innocently. Maybe she is… “Okay, here’s what I want to ask,” The glittering eyes blinked as Alice repositioned, motioning Scarlett to turn towards her a bit too. “I think I know what you’re feeling. But can you promise me?” Her hand smoothly cupped the half-elf’s cheek, genuine caring flickering in those expressive eyes, “If you’re uncomfortable in ANY way, will you please tell me?”
“...Of course. I take my boundaries seriousl-” Her voice and her thoughts drowned and vanished as Alice brought herself into a direct, powerful kiss with her partner. Alice… her anxiety that had been intertwined with her overwhelming hot feeling seemed to untangle. She leaned back to allow the other ranger to press forward. A completely new feeling… No way was it hard for Scarlett to understand it this time. She put her hands gently by Alice’s neck and shoulders before breaking away for a moment to breathe. She shot a sheepish sideways glance, receiving a starstruck look in return. “...Are you?”
“I-I don’t know how to say any of this Alice, it’s too much to speak..”
“How about we worry about talking later?” The blonde had another casually… flirtatious? Smile along her face. Her hair had messily fallen forward with her, also leaning above Scarlett ever so slightly. Disorganized, but so beautiful…
She gulped and gave a nod, still a bit nervous to meet the green sparkling gaze. Everything felt so overwhelmingly warm, like she was going to melt completely. Alice gave her a reassuring smile, taking her still somewhat quivering hand and kissing it. Slowly untangling their hands, she leaned forward again, backing Scarlett further onto her bed until just part of her back and head pressed against the wall. She’s… Alice settled over top of Scarlett easily, sitting on her legs. Her hand snaked to Scarlett’s chin and pulled them together for another long kiss.
Throughout the kiss, even as she felt herself becoming more hungry and intense, Alice continuously hoped to herself, I hope I’m not too overbearing.. But when they were about to part of Alice’s accord, she was brought in surprisingly firmly to continue. She felt the strangeness of their tongues colliding. It fizzled out Alice’s worries a bit, leaving her head spinning just as much as her partner’s had been. When they broke again, she had to take a breath this time, hand over her mouth. She’s so strong… I wonder if she’d show me more…
Clearing her throat, Scarlett repositioned herself so they were both sitting across from one another, heads almost touching. “Can I ask you something? Or, do my best to ask.” The look in the half-elf’s amber eyes managed to catch Alice off guard. They twinkled, nervous, but kind of.. Brave? She looks intense, but not intimidating.. It’s… Hot. She giggled and shook her head to clear it, “Sure!”
“Are you… wearing undergarments?”
Alice paused for a moment. I guess she is brave enough to say SOME things. “Ahaha, I don’t usually for sleep, to be honest, soo…” Alice found herself the stiff one now. Now the intensity WAS starting to appear intimidating. Is this too far?
“...I wasn’t aware people sleep like that, to be honest. I’m.. Not used to nudity, even by myself.” But maybe… Scarlett couldn’t help but consider Alice’s figure. A nightgown didn’t seem like a whole lot, especially compared to her still remaining uniform. For the first time, she could make out the other girl’s true figure, unaltered by any tight gear. ..Can I compare to that? Her silence was quashed by Alice’s piercing gaze and response, “Does it surprise you?”
“I’m sorry, does what surprise me?” Scarlett’s gaze was turned pink for a moment as a gown was tossed straight at her. Cautiously lowering it, Alice sat in front of her without a scrap of clothing to be spoken for. Scarlett apprehensively leaned forward, as if coming to close could meddle with the sight. Her hands slowly cupped her partner’s chest from underneath without even realizing it. She quickly drew back apologetically, “...You’re beautiful.” Alice, those glittering eyes trained completely on Scarlett’s, grasped her hands and placed them back. She leaned back, successfully hoping to draw her partner in over her. The taller girl leaned completely over her, pinning her down, purposely or not. One of her knees came to rest between Alice’s full thighs. The slight feeling caught a soft sort of moan from the blonde. Raising her hands up, she pulled them together for another kiss. As Scarlett’s composure completely flew by the wayside in this kiss, she found herself squeezing and kneading at the boobs, in turn receiving slight noises mid-kiss. They broke again. A giggle broke out from under Scarlett’s tall frame, “You look really happy right now. Me too.” Huffing a bit, she readjusted her hands slightly, “I didn’t expect this sort of feeling from a woman, to be honest…” As she spoke, her hands continued to move and she began idly running fingers over pink nipples. The firm texture they took on felt surprisingly gratifying. Alice’s chest heaved, maybe more than her partner expected. Must feel good then. Unknowingly her thoughts came aloud at the end in a mumble, “...but I think I like it too.” The words hung in the air for a second, neither party ashamed or worried by this point. Scarlett’s mind was completely overwhelmed with things she tirelessly forced out of her mind for so long. She jerked her knee involuntarily, but pulled back a tiny bit when a new firmness of moan came from under her. Silence fell for a very long second. “...Scarlett?” A soft voice echoed.
“Y-yes?”
“Please.” A glance down sent a jolt through Scarlett’s body, especially her core. Alice’s breathing came heavy, her flushed face tilted back a bit. She opened her eyes and took her arms away from Scarlett’s sides, to her slight dismay. But when her amber eyes tracked the arms’ movement, she choked a bit on her breath. Alice’s hands gravitated towards her core as she took those heavy, hot breaths, and after a moment of discerning Scarlett watched in a sort of awe as the Earthmate’s fingers pulled away with absolute wetness. Something about the action and the repeated touching brought an intense fire to Scarlett’s chest. Alice seemed to flinch after they met eyes. The intensity in her new partner’s had reached a new high.
“S-sorry, I just..” Alice mumbled before her hands were suddenly taken. Staring at their hands clasped together, the other ranger directly spoke, “Would you like my services?”
“...” The intensity in Scarlett’s eyes now burned through Alice instead. Her current position, her vulnerable state, her heart throbbed over it. Scarlett’s fierce look and position above her brought her heartbeat nearly out of her chest. “Alice?” Her voice…
“Yes. Please. Don’t hold back.” Scarlett nodded softly. Sliding herself and her arm down Alice’s body, she positioned herself between her thighs, sitting up in the meantime to tower over. A somewhat nervous smile fell upon the half-elf’s face. Bringing herself down, she took one hand to Alice’s left breast, cautiously bringing her face to the other. Only proceeding after hearing her breathing hitch, Scarlett leaned herself onto Alice and took a nipple in two fingers, a kiss to the other. Slowly trying to feel her partner’s breathing for guidance, she began to rub and flick before adding in slow licks and bringing the stiffened pink bud into her mouth. Perhaps because of her long, pointed ears, the soft moaning felt strong, sweet, maybe even begging. Entranced by the sound’s effects on her, Scarlett dove deeper. She returned her knee back to Alice’s nethers and softly thrusted a few times. So much for just washing my uniform, the thought came as quickly as Alice’s whispering, “Scarlett!...”
“Do you feel okay?”
“I’ve been so excited for this day, to be honest.. It’s so..” Alice was interrupted by Scarlett returning to and pinching a nipple between her teeth. “Ah-” Hoisting herself back up by her arms, looking down at her partner, Scarlett dropped again to kiss her face softly before fully sitting back up. This has fully well gone too far for cold feet now, Scarlett mused, pondering her own openness for several seconds. Alice brought herself up by the arms and, to her partner’s surprise, began to nibble her ear after directly whispering, “I… love you.” Her teeth moved to bite the half-elf’s neck surprisingly firmly, earning a whimper in response. “So be it,” she said quietly, pushing Alice back down as soft as she could. Alice let out an… excited? Huff at the push’s strength despite restraint and let herself go down. A sigh of her own escaping, Scarlett took the opportunity to push Alice a bit and move her into a slightly more comfortable (but just as exposed) position with her head on Scarlett’s pillow. Drawing back, she gave Alice’s pelvis several kisses, feeling her breath rise as she got closer. …Maybe I’ve hoped for this day too. She ran her thumb over her partner’s clit several times, just to test the waters. This still managed to get Alice to tremble. I don’t hear her as well? Scarlett brought her head up from her task to notice Alice had the pillow over her head instead of under now, Oh. Best not to wake anyone up, especially not Livia. Managing to disregard her field captain, she moved to prodding her partner’s entrance with a finger, keenly aware of the muffling under the pillow. I wish I could see her face again already. regardless, one finger was slowly, teasingly plunged in. Her partner’s hips were bucking a bit, no facial expression needed to express need. After a brief removal, she applied both fingers. The sound of contact washed over Scarlett’s sensitive ears and she felt it to her own core. Curiously and slowly at first, she pumped her fingers, trying to discern by muffled cries what would be the most satisfying. After picking up her pace a bit, she slowed again and brought herself to Alice’s entrance. Pausing very briefly, she ventured out and provided a long, slow lick to the aroused clit. “Sc-” Her ears picked up an especially arousing cry, and she lifted herself up for a second. “You deserve to not suffocate under a pillow. Give me that,” Reaching out with her spare hand, Scarlett tore the pillow from Alice’s face and arms easily. Her partner’s disoriented and messy appearance brought a twinge of satisfaction. Her eyes shut, swallowing heavily, blonde hair tossed all around her and partly on her face. I’ll make up an excuse for the Field Captain if I need to, Scarlett never thought she’d consider rule-bending like that. But the moment had swallowed her whole. After freeing Alice and kissing her neck softly, Scarlett took her fingers back inside her partner. Bringing her tongue over the clit consistently now, her ears picked up the noise of each pump. Not to mention Alice herself. Her thighs pressed against the other ranger’s head, her knuckles paled as they gripped the sheets for dear life. “I, I’m-” Scarlett didn’t bother giving her the time to finish, utilizing her strength and power in her fingering and flicking her tongue faster and faster, stopping sometimes to suck on the twitching clit. “I can’t- I!-” A strange sensation seemed to wash over them both, as one. Scarlett’s heart flushed intensely once again as Alice came, a sense of pride along with it. For her part, her girlfriend squeezed her head with her thighs and let out a final, long cry. The sensation excited Scarlett to see, if it feels this satisfying to see, feeling it? One step at a time, she reminded herself. She slowed down her fingers and planted a final kiss to the clit. Pulling them out fully, she glanced at the glistening digits. As she pondered for a moment, bright green eyes were once again peering straight to her heart, watching Scarlett look at her own hand and fingers. She blinked twice before curiously swiping at her fingers with her tongue a bit. Soft laughter filled her ears and the room. “Scarlett..” The half-elf felt her uniform being tugged as Alice rose a bit, leaning in for a long, soft kiss. “I was hoping it would go this way. But you’re probably really hot in that outfit still, huh?”
“...Maybe. You should get some rest, though. No need to go back upstairs, stay here. …If you would like.”