Work Text:
Unika and Bridget walk side by side on a gravel road on the outskirts of Vialattea
“Are you okay, Unika? You haven't said anything since we met up. How did meeting with your family go?” Bridget asks.
Unika stuffs her hands into her coat pockets. “They’re good people, it's just... my mom and dad are so close. I don’t know if I’ll ever have anything like what they have.”
Bridget smiles and leans, bumping into Unika softly. “A partner?” She asks. “You know I thought we had something.” Bridget chuckles.
“Yeah, a partner. And I think we do. I’m jealous of what my parents have because all I know is fighting.” Unika raises her voice. “My mother, a full-blooded gear, is more human than I am! I’m not like you people!” She sobs; her hands held to her face.
Bridget holds her hands up as she speaks, concern overtaking her previously joyful expression. “It’s going to be okay, people can change.” Bridget puts an arm around Unika and leads her to the side of the road to sit on a grassy hill. “Here, it’s going to be okay, you can change.” she takes a seat next to the crying woman.
“I-I'm sorry.” Unika sniffles.
Bridget rubs Unika on the back. “Do you believe you can change?”
Unika looks to the grass under her shoes, pondering for a moment before responding. “You’ve shown me that life is beautiful, but I still need to atone, I need to travel and change the world. I can’t keep hating myself like this.” Her tears cease.
Bridget leans behind Unika, drawing Unika into a hug and resting her head on Unika’s shoulder. “Can I travel with you? I want to see what shape you grow into.” Bridget’s voice was low and soft, her hot breath grazing Unika’s ear.
“I’m scared I’ll hurt you, I’ve never been ‘myself’ my true self that is, around anyone before. I was just doing whatever I could to stop the second crusade.”
Bridget breathes out. “That’s the price of being vulnerable, maybe you will. And if you aren’t ready for that then it’s okay, we don’t have to go together.”
“I think I am ready, just.” Unika pauses for a moment. “Scared.”
“Even if you do, I’ll be there to forgive you.” Bridget turns her head and gives Unika a peck on the cheek.
Unika's face flushes a deep red and her arms tense. “I-” She stammers “Thank you, Bridget.”