claudie kanté is so underappreciated tbh
femslash february #20.5: claudie/anarka (finish)
anarka and claudie get to talk after a parents' conference at school, after years of purely functional conversations related to their kids. "i'm going to be an astronaut," says claudie. "i'm in training right now." "that's great," says anarka - "i always loved space. tried to make the band i played in with me ex be space themed, but he never 'preciated astronomy. 'swhy we broke up, that. i wish i could go up there, see mother earth."
claudie is surprised by the little speech, but also happy. "if we share numbers, maybe i could send you some pictures? i'd need to get up there first, though." anarka lights up like a christmas tree. claudie holds up her hand, though: "i still have a few years left. there won't be any pictures just yet." anarka doesn't seem perturbed by this. "tha's fine," she says. "i've got time. thanks fer offerin'."
they start to call each other after that, just to talk. they arrange hangouts at cafés or invite each other to their houses. they talk at school events. about space, or music, or life, or whatever. they're just friends, really, at least as far as they know - but they really do enjoy each other's company. it progresses slowly from "daytime café meetups" to "late night conversations in claudie's bedroom", with the latter only happening after max has left the nest to start his degree at caltech. juleka and luka have also left the nest then, though they stay closer to home (within france) - but both anarka and claudie feel like they need the company now that they're alone at home.
one day, claudie announces she's going to the international space station next year. they're in her bedroom, sipping wine. anarka is a little tipsy and reacts by kissing claudie in celebration - then realises what she's done and apologises. claudie is flustered at first but realises she's perfectly fine with it, and leans in for a reciprocal kiss. and eight months later, she sends anarka a selfie from space.
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