#akiiki

[leonidasmmii]

fake dating au? (also asks arent open on your writing blog)

(Asks are fixed now, sorry!)

Akiiki was half asleep, studying the text from Samirah.

'Akiiki, I'm in need of help. I've been telling mom I have a girlfriend. She wants to meet her. Would you pretend to be my girlfriend for a night?'

It was definitely one of the stranger requests she'd gotten, but the opportunity to pretend to be Samirah's girlfriend? Well, that was too good to be true.

*

She arrived wearing some of her finer clothes, nothing fancy, but definitely 'meeting your date's parents' level. She knocked, and Samirah opened the door, smiling and hugging her.

"Thank you," was muttered against her chest, and Akiiki smiled, squeezing her before pulling away.

"Well, let's get introductions done, yes?" Samirah nodded, pulled her in and closing the door. A voice floated out from the kitchen.

"Samirah? Is that her?"

"Yes! Her name is Akiiki." An older woman walked out, her tight black coils held at the top of her head with a bandana. Akiiki smiled, nodding to her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." The woman snorted, walking over and taking her hand, warmth in her eyes.

"Please, my name is Amara." Her smile turned teasing. "Or you could call me mother." Samirah turned beet red, and Akiiki looked away, hiding her laugh with a cough.

"Mother! Please!" Amara started laughing, and Akiiki could hear where Samirah got hers.

*

She was walked out, Samirah smiling gratefully at her as the door shut behind them.

"Thank you for agreeing to this, Akiiki. I apologize for just springing it on you like I did." Akiiki shook her head, smiling warmly.

"It was my pleasure. After all, I got to have free dinner, and have a lovely lady hanging off me." She grinned, and Samirah laughed, shoving her gently. "I'll see you tomorrow for coffee still?" Samirah smiled, nodded.

"Absolutely. See you then."

*

They'd done the fake date a few times, and it was getting harder to slip back into the 'friend only' persona. She kept having to pull back, and she started noticing Samirah doing the same. And then Samirah walked up to her, looking shy.

"I, ah... I have been thinking and, and to make it more, ah, convincing perhaps we should... Kiss sometimes when we are with my parents? Being touchy is one thing but, but kissing is another, and I think, it'd really sell it." Akiiki felt her breath catch in her throat, and then she nodded a bit.

"Alright. Why bring this up now, though?"

"Because I, ah, I thought perhaps we should... Should practice." Akiiki froze, staring and Samirah looked away, swallowing nervously. She spoke after a minute. "We don't have to! We can just pretend this never happened if you'd like, and just not kiss in front of them, and-" She was cut off by Akiiki grabbing her and kissing her, and it was messy and she sliced Samirah's lip a bit but they pulled away and laughed. And Akiiki was apologizing, looking over the small slice on her lip, but Samirah just kissed her again. They were both careful of her teeth this time.

*

It took months before either would admit it wasn't fake anymore. That they stole kisses in quiet moments just for themselves, that they curled up together just for themselves. They were on the couch watching a movie, but Akiiki was more focused on watching Samirah, laying next to her. She kissed her temple, speaking quietly against it.

"I love you, Samirah." She felt the human stiffen for a moment before she relaxed, turning and catching her in a quick kiss.

"I love you too, Akiiki. That's..." She giggled a bit, tucking her face into her neck. "That's why I wanted you to be the one to fake it with me before anyone else." Akiiki grinned.

"Well, lucky for you, I agreed because I loved you then too." Samirah started laughing, hugging her.

"We're both very lucky." Akiiki hummed her agreement, pulling her closer. And their kisses and muttered 'I love you's throughout that night were unashamedly for themselves, and only them.

[jahaliel]

The Kretai Sokorte part 4/6

to keep the chapter length relatively consistent i’ve split the library into 2 sections; life is getting stressful and awful again so no promises about further updates.  anyway, Nemo’s my OC, Akiiki and Samirah belong to the wonderful @leonidasmmii and the setting is my own.  Previous chapter links: 1 2 3

As they walk in all three look around in awe.  There are towers of books, staircases up and down and paths branching off in what seem like every direction.  The dim light catches on cases lined in leaded-glass that contain all manner of strange and beautiful artefacts.  When Sam steps closer to look at one of the cases the tiles beneath her feet light up – then flash a pattern leading towards a staircase down into an open alcove area. “Shall we?” Akiiki asks indicating the path. “Alright,” Nemo and Sam reply – It’s Sam who pulls out from a pocket a long spool of thread and Nemo grins at the sight of it.  “That’s a grand idea Sam,” she grabs the end and goes back to the door, sticking the thread with magic.  Akiiki takes point, her hand resting on her mace – something about the library is making her senses tingle with the awareness of danger.   The three of them head down towards the alcove. “Greetings,”  a ghostly apparition comes out of a nearby painting, “It has been a long time since any have entered these doors.” Though his appearance startled the trio, the fact he’s not attacking them helps them relax.  Nemo bows first, the others a beat behind each to the manner of their own people.  “Greetings,” Nemo takes on the spokesperson role, “I am Nemo d’Vidas, these are my companions Samirah and Akiiki.  May we know your name?” “I am Chiron once of the house of A’kuush. When the Kretai Sokorte was in its prime, when hundreds of scholars and curious individuals walked its halls and studied in its rooms I joined the staff as a junior librarian.  I made Senior Librarian before the doors were shut. And as the staff grew old and died I offered to stay – immortal watcher and guard.” “There was a price.” Nemo states, and something in her voice speaks to the tiredness of long centuries paying her own. “There was.  I am tied to the paintings throughout the library.  And as the years passed some of them were damaged, others flung to the floor by thieves.  Now I have this one left to me and I cannot look after the place like I used to.” “Who did you save?”  She asks; the other two listening in intently. “My brother.  They said he would have to be sacrificed.” Sam looked confused and it’s Akiiki who explains “the more powerful a spell is, the more energy it needs – and granting immortality is a hefty price indeed.” The spirit, Chiron, nods “You are wise, Blade of Set – I see the mark of the God on you.  By limiting my movement to the paintings, I was able to reduce the cost of the offering.” Nemo tilts her head, “The limitation would have been fine if all who came here had honoured the spirit of this place.” “It would have been unnecessary if that were the case.  But now, as hope had begun to fade by the grace of some Power here the three of you are.” “What is it that you would have us do, Chiron the Tethered?” Nemo asks formally. “Travel the halls and lay to rest the skeletons that dwell there.  Find my paintings and restore them to their rightful places.  Do this and I shall reward you each with something you’ve been seeking.” Nemo turns to the other two, and casts a spell of privacy around them.  “What do you two think?” They look at each other “If we don’t help him will the trip have been for nothing?”  Akiiki asks as Sam nods. “The book would be useful to me but it’s enough to have visited.  There’s a risk involved and I wouldn’t say yes without all three of us agreeing.” “Say yes.  We can do this.” Sam sounds confident, “And he seems like a nice guy.  It’d be good to help him.” Nemo smiled at her two companions, “Alright then,” she dismisses the shield and turns back to where Chiron waits for their answer.  The spirit is twisting his hands together nervously.  “We’ll do it.” She says and he glows for a moment, literally lighting up with joy.  “Oh thankyou. This means the world to me.”

“Any advice you can give us as we head out?”

“There are doors that can only be opened by solving their puzzles.  Stomping hard three times in quick succession on a tile will light up a pathway that leads back to a main corridor.  Please don’t use magic in the areas bordered by silver-patterned tiles because the books there are sensitive to it.  And I see you’ve already thought ahead to the traditional labyrinth aid of string.”

“Samirah thought of it,” Nemo gives credit where it’s due.  “How long do you think this might take?” “Honestly, I don’t know.  And in a library like this time can quite often pass oddly.” Nemo nods, “Liminal space then.  Well we’ve got supplies.” “Enough for a week or maybe a bit longer if we stretch them,” adds Akiiki, “we should be fine.” “Then we are off,” Nemo declares and bows briefly to Chiron, who returns it. “Safely go and safely return.” The trio head off – starting with a corridor leading off to the left – corridor is a bit of a misnomer as it’s more of a bridge.  Akiiki takes point, Samirah goes in-between and Nemo follows behind.  There’s something strange about the silence that envelops them; it’s halfway between sacred and oppressive.  The lighting is dim but sufficient and the walkway path solid beneath their feet.  It’s not long before they come across the first gate-puzzle; a series of buttons that must be stood on in order as some buttons depress the others.  Samirah directs Akiiki and Nemo to stand on various buttons, tracking the patterns.  “Alright, I’m pretty sure I’ve got it!” She declares after they’ve gone through each button twice.  Nemo steps on the first button, Akiiki takes the next three before Nemo does her final two and there’s a click of a lock and two of the three gates slide open. Nemo frowns at the third gateway and goes up to it, laying one hand gently on the intricate metalwork and closing her eyes. After a moment she nods once and opens them, moving back to the other two “The third gate is opened by a different mechanism – I believe it’s down the right hand pathway somewhere.  Should we take that one first or the left?” “I think the left,” replied Akiiki, “do we need to be concerned about the gate?” Samirah shook her head “I don’t think this one is on a timer – the buttons are all still depressed and I can’t hear any kind of mechanism.”  The other two listened as well – Nemo kneeling down to run a hand over the now-smooth floor section that was previously a button.  “I agree with Sam,” she said. “Indeed – I don’t hear anything.” Akiiki nodded – “Shall we move on?” The others assent and the three of them head down the left-hand path, curious to see what they’ll find within the library’s halls.

[leonidas-art]

“I hope this isn’t too forward of me, but are you and your companion, friends? Or do you need some help getting away?”

“Nemo wants to go to the Kretai Sokorte on Cirinto, I’ve always dreamed of going there,” Samirah adds, her eyes are pleading and her expression hopeful, “Can we help her?”

“What are the people on planet like? Friendly? Hostile?” Akiiki was gazing at the map intently.

Fanart for, and this is a wild phrase, @jahaliel's fanfic of my characters, Samirah and Akiiki! The fanfic is Kretai Sokorte, and the first chapter can be found on her blog! First character is her OC, Nemo D'Vidas!

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST.

[leonidas-writes]

Freedom

Akiiki was a Blade of Set, and had been praised since everyone first realized Set had blessed her with a token of his power. She was trained in how to use her powers effectively, the sacred flame that would erupt into being at her will, that healing energy that poured forth from her hands. Her mask was adorned with lapis, beautiful eye accents. It made up for her fins being pinned to her head. She was given the task of keeping the sacrifices alive. She'd never had issue with her task, so she was unsure why the sight of the human woman curled up in the corner, dark skin bruised and black curls tangled, annoyed her so much. She walked into the cell after a few days, having had enough of seeing the bruises that marred her skin. She was terrified, but slowly relaxed as the healing warmth was over her.

"Why are you healing me?" Akiiki let her hand trail along where one of the bruises had been before pulling away and walking out. "Wait! Please answer me." She hesitated, the panic in her voice churning her stomach.

"Because you look nicer now." Why did she say that? She needed an excuse, quickly. "Set enjoys when those sent to him are unmarred." She shut and locked the cell, leaving before she could say anything else to embarrass herself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She learned the human was named Samirah. Her group was sacrificed over the weeks, and they'd taken to quietly talking when it was Akiiki's turn to keep watch. And when Akiiki learned Samirah was to be sacrificed, next, she was shaken. She prayed quietly in her room, seeking guidance, and was gifted a dream.

"You seek my guidance regarding the human, little blue?" She went to drop to her knee, only to find she was sitting. She looked up at the wild dog that sat in front of her, head tilted.

"Yes, my lord. I am... I'm conflicted." She lowered her gaze, ashamed. "I know why we sacrifice them, and I know they'd say no if I asked, but I'd like her spared. But I don't know how to make it happen." A dark hand cupped her cheek, lifting her gaze to meet the black eyes of her god.

"Akiiki, if you want something to happen, then make it. Take what you want and send anyone who tries to stop you to be devoured by Amat." He grinned, revealing his too-sharp teeth. "You are my favorite, blue. Always remember that." She woke, her gaze shifting unbidden to her mace. She sat up, grabbing it, and traced the snake that wound its way between the spikes. Yes, she'd take what she wanted. If any of them tried to stop her, she'd just have to remind them who was blessed by Set.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even with her resolve and Set's encouragement, she was nervous. But it was her turn for watch, and she walked over to Samirah's cell, unlocking the door. The human looked up groggily, frowning in confusion.

"Akiiki, what-?"

"Shut up and get out here. Stay behind me while I get us out of this place." Samirah frowned deeper, but did as she was told. And Akiiki quickly learned that the head pieces they'd all been given were no protection. Gold, it seemed, was not particularly protective. By the time they got outside, Akiiki's pants were stained red with blood, her mace had viscera stuck to the spikes, and Samirah was very, very grateful Akiiki was on her side. However, neither knew how to get to Ba'lar, and Samirah doubted her parents would be inclined to let Akiiki live, even if she had saved her. So they began to explore. When they saw ships coming and going from the planet later, they knew they'd at least found civilization. Perhaps a trip off planet was what they needed...

[mungdaalcompany-blog]

One of the many ridiculous designs for my persona This one's based on Dante

[jahaliel]

The Kretai Sokorte pt 2/???

(probably 5 parts total i think? maybe 6 depending.  sorry for the delay life has been kicking me in the absolute teeth regarding my writing (and everything else) lately.  Akiiki and Samirah are my wonderful friend @leonidasmmii‘s characters.  Nemo’s my OC - and the setting is mine as well.)

Having set the navigation system up, and successfully launched into hyperspace, Nemo stood from her seat stretching.  She sensed a presence and turned to see Akiiki who had joined her in the cockpit.  She was watching the blur of the stars with an indescribable expression and Nemo smiled up her.  “It never gets old, this view.” “It’s incredible.” Nemo tilts her head, “How’s Samirah doing?” she asks, curious. “She’s tinkering with some of the things we bought on the station - it looks like junk to me but she swears up and down it’ll be amazing when she’s done.  I offered to help but she was firm about needing to get her system set up...” “I have a friend like that, brilliantly creative with all sorts of bits and bobs and happy to have help sometimes but woe betide you if you mess with zir system.” They watch the passing stars for a moment and then Nemo offers to show off what she’s done with the cargo hold - curious, Akiiki follows her down the hall and into the spacious room.  “Is this ship bigger on the inside than it is on the outside?” She asks incredulously, “It seemed such a small ship.” “I admit to nothing,” Nemo laughs, “Do you like it?  I go stir-crazy on long trips and enjoy having the space to work out and practice my swordplay.” “It’s interesting.  You don’t like space travel?” “Not so much, it’s fine in small doses but I’ve become more of a homebody lately.” “Homebody?” “I got married for the second time, oh nearly two years ago now - and I much prefer spending time with my husband but the chance to find this book, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, so I packed my things, kissed him goodbye and now, here we are.” Nemo smiles, “You’re welcome to practice here,” her eyes glance at the mace Akiiki carries “and to use any of the equipment - though you might have to change the height settings as they arrived set for human-standard, which is low for me and way too low for you.” “Thank you.  You’re being kind.” Akiiki replies, and watches as Nemo draws out a sword, beginning to move through a kata with the easy grace of practice.  “You’re welcome.  May I ask a potentially rude question?” “Of course...” “Well it’s less a question in specific and more, would you tell me about your God?  What does it mean to be a Blade?  Why did you choose to serve? And if any of these questions are too personal feel free to tell me to shut it,” Nemo gives a slight smile, her hands still steady on the blade.  “I’m curious.” Akiiki grins and begins to talk about Set - and about the parts of being a Blade that she can share with outsiders.  Nemo asks more questions - and they have a rather lively discussion that lasts longer than either of them realise, time having a way of getting away from them in hyperspace.  They’re interrupted from what’s become an interesting theological discussion by Samirah, who tells them that a) it’s time to eat and b) after they’ve eaten she’d like it if Akiiki would help her with her tinkering.  Nemo notices the faint blush on the younger woman’s cheeks but doesn’t call attention to it. They have a decent meal - Sam (she tells Nemo quite firmly that Samirah is too much of a mouthful) cooks and so Nemo volunteers to sort out the dishes while the other two work on whatever projects Sam has been thinking up.  Nemo watches them tinker for a while, chiming in with an occasional alternative and then when the two retire to bed, goes back to the cockpit to watch the stars. The week of travel passes in much the same way, the three companions gradually becoming closer, tinkering and exercising and talking.  They seemed to all take it in turns nerding out about their own interests and Nemo observes that Akiiki and Sam seem to be getting along quite well, despite the circumstances of their meeting.  Sam pesters Nemo until she tells them about how she met her husband, which Nemo does with a fond smile on her face.  Then on the seventh day there’s a loud beep from the cockpit and they exit hyperspace into the orbit of Cirinto. They locate the small town that is the closest settlement to the Kretai Sokorte and are soon landing at the spaceport there - the fact that it has a decently sized spaceport is a mark in the town’s favour for Nemo.  They disembark into the dry and dusty atmosphere of Cirinto, and set about getting some advice from the locals - Nemo shouts a few rounds of drinks at the local watering hole, the generous gesture turning the townsfolk from cautious to gregarious. The next day armed with a good map, packs filled with the camping equipment they’ll need the three adventures head off into the dustlands heading for the massive pillars of Fendje.  The locals had said it should take them about two days to reach the pillars and then perhaps another two or three to get to the library itself - depending on the path through Fendje, which apparently shifted on a semi-regular basis due to both zoological and geological reasons.  After a third round of drink-buying one older man had marked the pathway the last travellers had taken for them on their map in the hopes it would give them a good place to start.

[jahaliel]

The Kretai Sokorte (1/?)

A fic in which my OC Nemo d’Vidas teams up with two of @leonidasmmii‘s OCs Akiiki and Samirah and go on a trip to the Kretai Sokorte - an ancient massive library on the distant planet of Cirinto.  Probably 4 parts maybe 5 to be released on no particular timeframe (as is true of all my stories)  Part 1 is under the cut, hope you enjoy :D

The first problem was the spaceport.  It was widely known that those chosen by a God rarely left their temple, let alone the planet.   However Samirah was good at playing along and there were few indeed who would question Akiiki – the Blade made a show of pulling along the “unwilling” human and they shortly found themselves on board a ship heading – well Akiiki had missed where the next stop would be, but it would be away and that for now, was enough.

The warrior did not notice the purple-haired human gazing at the two of them as she and Samirah went to find a compartment.  She couldn’t help but notice when she returned to where she’d left Samirah with a few snacks for the journey as two were deep in conversation – about books of all things.

(The conversation had started with Nemo poking her head into the small berth and asking “I hope this isn’t too forward of me, but are you and your companion, friends?  Or do you need some help getting away?”

“We’re friends – allies at least.  Akiiki healed me and then whenever she was on guard duty we would talk.  Then she helped me escape.  I’m Samirah.”

“I’m Nemo, and that’s good to hear – what are your plans?”

“We… are still working on a plan, we’ll need to do something to make some money.  I like tinkering, and Akiiki has many skills so we’ll hop off at the next spaceport and see what we can find.” “Well – if the two of you wanted, I’m about to head off on a bit of a quest of my own and was thinking about hiring some companions to assist.  I’m looking for an old book, a rather esoteric title - D'omar misokot Andoya, and am on my way to Cirinto as I heard a rumour their library might have it.”

“I’m not sure – but you could stay and then the three of us discuss it.  I do love books – what’s your area of interest?”  The two of them quickly began to nerd out over books which is when Akiiki returned)

Nemo smiled and bowed as Samirah introduced Akiiki, “It is a pleasure to meet you.  I mentioned to your friend that I am looking for companions on a quest of mine to locate a particular book.  There would of course be an honorarium paid to anyone who chose to accompany me.”

“Nemo wants to go to the Kretai Sokorte on Cirinto, I’ve always dreamed of going there,” Samirah adds, her eyes are pleading and her expression hopeful, “Can we help her?” Akiiki agrees with a little reluctance, which fades away when Nemo describes the terms she’s envisioning – enough money that they’d be able to look after themselves for at least a year if not more, as well as covering all expenses, “And I’m a healer – though I’m not expecting trouble, if it finds us I can make sure we live through it.”

“I am also a healer.” Akiiki replied, still a little frosty – Nemo lit up and then it was Samirah’s turn to be bemused as the other two got into a discussion about healing that she could barely follow.  She munched on the trail-mix Akiiki had brought and felt the last of the lingering fear and uncertainty begin to dissipate.

When they arrive at the spaceport – a reasonably large one the three of them disembark together.  They go out into the town and both Akiiki and Samirah learn quite a few things watching Nemo negotiate the three of them their own small starcraft – warp capacity, decent kitchen, by no means  a luxury craft but definitely a decent ship.  She pays for it with a wallet drawn out of a hidden pocket and then turns to the others.  “Let’s split up - gather anything you might want to take with us and meet back at Dock 25 in three hours.  Here,  consider this an advance” she hands over a small bag to each of them - full of the trade-currency.

Nemo watches the two youngsters (they’d not appreciate that thought, but it’s a habit of hers) as they walk off, heads bent together, talking softly.  She hopes that she’s doing the right thing by taking a chance on them, but Samirah seems nice and while Akiiki was a little stand-offish, Nemo had enjoyed their talk on the trip over.  She pilots the ship she’d purchased over to the space at dock 25 that she’d reserved and went over all the checks - not willing to trust the word of the seller, and grateful for the clones who had many lifetimes ago shown her how to check and fix up spacecraft.  Two hours into her work, there’s a brief interruption by a young alien boy, who drops off the food, first aid gear and other things that Nemo had ordered off her pad while she checked the wiring in the belly of the ship.  Once she’s happy with the checks she goes to the galley to start putting away the food - is in the middle of the task when she hears Samirah and Akiiki come aboard and start to poke around.

“I’m in the galley,” she called - and the two women made their way in, Samirah was surprised at the space “It seems like the inside is bigger than it should be.”

Nemo bites her lip, “I may have made some slight adjustments while you were out.  This way we can sit and eat or prepare things without being in each others way.  Speaking of, I was about to put the kettle on, would either of you like some tea as we plan our way forward?” Akiiki nods “That would be… nice. Thankyou.” Samirah shakes her head “I’m alright - we did get a bite to eat while we were out.”

Nemo prepares two mugs of tea and the three of them sit down at the table.  Nemo spreads out a map - on paper rather than the holographs that were far more common.  “Cirinto is about a week and a half journey from here via hyperspace.  The planet is mostly dry desert with high spires of basalt that have formed caves and structures.  It’s rumoured that dragons live there, and I’d believe it.”  She points “this is one of the safe landing zones - there’s a small town where we can stock up on supplies and dock the ship.  From there,” she traces a path along the map, “I think it’s probably another week’s travel through the spires to the Kretai Sokorte.”

“Is Kretai Sokorte abandoned?” asked Samirah. “News from Cirinto is hard to come by.  I honestly don’t know what we will find there, besides hopefully my book.” “What are the people on planet like?  Friendly? Hostile?” Akiiki was gazing at the map intently. “From all reports they’re stand-offish but will repay courtesy and kindness with like.  I don’t foresee any problems with them.” “And the dragons?” “Will likely leave us be.  If not, we’ll manage.  There’s a reason I’m paying so well for this.”

After that, Nemo asks if they have everything they need and then at their affirmatives goes to the cockpit in order to set the course to Cirinto.

[leonidasmmii]

48

"You make me want things I can't have." Samirah looked at her questioningly.

"And what things would those be?" Akiiki shook her head, studying the other quietly.

"Nothing of importance, darling."

"Then you wouldn't have said anything." The dragonborn managed to shift her scowl at how well the other knew her into a teasing smirk.

"Or perhaps I'm simply trying to get something, darling. You do hate feeling guilty after all." Samirah set down her project, turned to her. Her heart skipped a beat.

"You can't bullshit me, Akiiki. I'm surprised you even tried. Tell me what I make you want." She looked away, grateful she didn't blush, certain her face would've been bright red.

"Love. Happiness. A chance at being something more than I am." The human stood, walked over, took her hands.

"You can have those things. And you've always tried to be more than what you are, so why do you think you can't be?" She squeezed, seeking comfort in the feeling of the other's hands within hers.

"Because I'm me, darling. Akiiki, the one who couldn't see what was happening beneath her nose. Akiiki, the one who took twenty six years to realize something was wrong. Akiiki, who does her best and still winds up hurting everyone around her. Akiiki, the-"

"Shut up." The venom in Samirah's voice had the dragonborn wilting, bowing her head. She stared at their hands, grateful she couldn't shed tears either. "You are none of those things. You are Akiiki, who managed to look past her brainwashing. Akiiki, who saved someone she found interesting. Akiiki, who is trying so hard. Akiiki, who I owe my life." A beat of silence as Akiiki tried to swallow the lump in her throat. "Akiiki, who has no idea what she can and cannot have, for all the things she listed I would give her without a thought. Love, happiness, a chance to feel she's better than she was." A gentle kiss planted just above the row of spike on her brow. "You are Akiiki, who speaks too poorly of herself, and fails to recognize when someone is flirting." She nearly snapped her head up before recognizing she'd slam into Samirah's jaw, instead pulling away to look at her.

"Flirting?" A bright laugh.

"Did you think I was telling you to get undressed for your sake, Kii?" A strangled noise, and by Set was she glad she couldn't blush.

"Sam!" More laughter, and she quietly leaned into her - lovers? Were they lovers now? She supposed they were - chest. It was the calmest she'd felt in weeks.