When Lula and Lorena made it to the entrance, Lula chuckled softly. “My, my...someone may be listening to our wishes after all...” she cooed softly to her friend. Lorena was confused, she had not really been paying attention to much or where they were going. Trusting Lula to guide them safely as she was lost in her mind.
However, when Lory looked ahead to see Sein coming her way with a lovely red trench coat she understood what Lula meant. She was blushing again even before Sein draped the coat around her shoulders. His smile made her heart flutter as he began to lead her towards his car. For a moment she wondered of she was dreaming right now. Even more so when he told her that he reserved seats at a restaurant wan wanted to have a date with her.
The actress was practically speechless. It took several moments before she could even respond to the question that had came before. “I...I was going to try and deny it but...” she began, her face feeling warm and her heart doing flips, “that would just be disrespecting your intelligence and I...I can’t do that,” she finished softly as she gently took his hand into her own. “I guess...it’s just the long winded way of saying yes I am, but I will gladly go and have a date with you.”
Even if it did just turn out to be a dream it was not going to stop her from seeing how things go. Her heart would not let her do anything else anyway. “I...trust you to keep me safe,” she added as her face became even redder.
Lula had been reveling in Lorena’s reactions until Silva came to her and kissed her hand. “Hello handsome,” she greeted with a light purr as he began to lead her to his own car. “You’re the best sight I’ve seen all night~” she added as she moved some of her hair behind her ear. “Somebody must have been listening in on my wishes...” she said with a light giggle.
Lorena tensed slightly as she felt someone wrap their arm around her shoulders. However, when she heard a familiar playful, yet sultry, voice ask her gently if she was doing alright she relaxed. “That...that is a good question Lula,” she answered her friend softly.
The pair was attending the huge holiday party the movie studio they were working with, and some of the big actors, were hosting. It was all very festive, plenty to eat and drink, and just about everyone there was full of cheer. Lorena, however...
“You seem a bit out of it hun. Did you accidentally grab the alcoholic cider? Or are you lost in thought?“ Lula mused. “Perhaps wishing a certain pair of hunks were here with us?“ she asked with a slight chuckle. “I know I wish they were here...“
The rising starlet sighed softly and turned slightly from the window she had been staring out of towards her blonde companion. “Perhaps a mix of those options is the truth,” Lorena said. “Also wondering if the gifts I sent to Nia and the Reinhardt brothers made it safe and was well received. Wondering if they’ll like them. I...tried my best to remember things they seemed to like,” Lory said and sighed again while rubbing her blush tinted cheeks.
Lula grabbed her hands to stop her before she ruined her makeup. “Hmm...yep. I’m starting to see the signs of accidental imbibing. Lory, dear, now isn’t the time to be worrying about that. You know...you haven’t been quite the same ever since the premier of this new film,” Lula said as she held Lorena’s hands together for the time being.
“I...” the actress began but then stopped and sighed once more. She looked away slightly as her blushing became more apparent. “Even though I wasn’t in a main role...I should have followed my instinct and said no to this movie,” she admitted quietly. “Being a part of a romantic holiday movie...what was I thinking Lula? i did not realize how much of the movie I...did not process while filming my scenes. I was too focused on acting to my best ability. Seeing the film as a whole...really processing the story...” Lorena freed her hands from Lula’s and placed them over her heart. Lula gave her friend a sympathetic look as she waited for her to continue.
“Parts of it hit a little too close to home for me,“ Lory said as she closed her eyes. Then she began to speak so softly that Lula had to lean in to hear her. “How I wish I could just... tell Sein what I feel for him and believe...even for a moment that he wouldn’t reject me. That I could know the warmth of his arms around me, holding me close, protecting me. Speaking my name with fondness and love...“ Lorena opened her eyes and smiled sadly. “I...hate that these feelings have resurfaced and grown stronger. That this movie I just starred in made me realize this even more.”
“You know what hun? Maybe just this once you may want to have more to drink...” Lula mused as Lory opened her eyes again. “It might be easier to distract you from your heartache that way,” she added before she went to get some alcoholic cider for her dear friend.
Lorena turned back towards the window with slightly glassy eyes. She looked up towards the shimmering stars. “I know I can’t have him, but the only gift I truly want for Christmas...is the affection and...love of Sein Reinhardt...” she whispered.
Lorena C. Stellato set down the tabloid on the coffee table next to her and laughed as she took a sip of her iced tea. She knows it would probably be best not to even purchase them and just ignore the gossip, however, they were worth a good laugh. Not to mention that sometimes the pictures, though they were more often than not invasive, were quite nice.
She glanced towards the front door when she heard it open and grinned. “Welcome back Lula, long day at the studios?” she greeted. Lula laughed as she began taking the pins out of her hair.
“Of course dear, you know I had to deal with some of the top tier divas today. If only some of them could be more gracious like you and trust me. Some of these directors don’t help either. If they know so much better...then why hire me?” Lula S. Tanzer said only slightly ranting.
“They’re pandering to their stars. Because ‘how dare they not side with their leading actors‘?” Lorena responded. “I swear some the actors and actresses I’ve worked with remind me too much of my old family. And surprisingly? Some are worse! Didn’t think that was possible,” she added with a sound that seemed half a laugh and half scoffing.
Lula gave a short laugh as she finished taking the hairpins out and combed through her hair with her fingers. “Tell me again hun, are you sure this is better than what you left behind?”
“Sometimes I do ask myself that question,“ Lory mused as she took another sip of tea. “Only on the more frustrating days though. Sure I could have continued to be a great business woman, but at the cost of continually fighting with my parents and the elders of the family on how to run our business. So I never would have been truly free from their control. Leaving after graduating uni to become an actress...it has it’s own set of challenges, but so far I think I’m doing well, and is still less stressful than what could have been,” she continued. “Plus I never would have bumped into you again if I stayed back there. Speaking of which...the tabloids are at it again. They are determined to insist you and I are in some secret relationship.“
Lula laughed as she came over and took the tabloid off the coffee table. She flipped through the pages to find the story and read it over as she sat on the edge of the couch. “With the paparazzi getting some absolutely glamorous pictures of us like this...I can see why,” Lula mused and laughed again. “Other dramas must be low again, or resolved, if they are circling back to us. Ha! Doesn’t seem to deter some of your admirers though, or mine. Perhaps they think they can get a threesome,” she laughed even more and set the magazine back down on the coffee table.
Lorena could not stop herself from scrunching her nose at Lula’s last statement. “They better keep that to their dreams. I have...high standards when it comes to men,” she said before finishing her cup of tea. She set the cup down on the coffee table and stood. “But I suppose that is what I should expect now that my fame as an actress is growing even more,” Lory tsk’d slightly as she went over to one of the bookshelves in their apartment. Lula watched as Lory picked up the framed news article she kept.
It wasn’t the full article, the rest of it was kept elsewhere, but this was the beginning few paragraphs along with a photo. Lory looked at herself in the picture, in her old business style and trying not to look like she wasn’t in the mood for a picture. Her expression was one of a slight amusement that someone being serious might give. Still in university at the time, but already knowing that this picture and the article it was for was pointless in her case.
Part of her would not have bothered to save it if it wasn’t for the other person in the picture. The other whom the article was also about, Sein Reinhardt. Looking as handsome as he usually did, but also not that keen to take the picture either. To be fair, however, they had been previously on their own agendas at that particular event before they were roped in for the photo op.
Though she couldn’t completely blame those in charge of the article. She and Sein were the up and coming forces in the business world. Showing such promise while still keeping up with their studies and slowly gaining more notoriety. Of course they did not know she did not plan to stay once she graduated. That she was going to go in a completely different direction and career. Not even Sein, who she respected and considered a rival, knew.
“You know Lula...” Lory began again as she stopped looking at Sein and herself, “I do miss a few things, however,” she said a bit softly and placed the framed article back on the shelf. “The couple of family members that did actually care about me, and my business rival.”
Lula sat down on the couch and crossed one leg over the other. “The first part makes total sense hun. Enlighten me on the second,” she said while raising a brow. “It’s been several years now since those days, correct?”
“Well, he is the one I base my high standards on. I respected him greatly. Very cunning and diligent, has a commanding presence, things like that,“ Lory explained but then sighed slightly. “Not to say he couldn’t be slightly infuriating, and stubborn at times, but no one is perfect. I...fought hard to push down the growing feelings I was getting for him. They were distracting...and pointless.”
Lula, who had begun to pretend she was writing all of this down like a reporter, paused and looked at Lory questioningly. Now, Lula may not be much of a believer in finding love for herself or anything like that, but she knows that others still have their hopes. She wasn’t used to hearing someone not being positive in the matter. “Pointless?”
Lorena nodded. “I am not his type, you see. They way I had been raised and had to be was not the most...gentle or soft. I mean, my family nickname was Medusa. So they expected me to be a woman with a petrifying/intimating stare. And they were trying hard to mold me into a woman of stone, but part of that you know and saw already when we were younger,” Lory said and lightly crossed her arms. She then looked to the side. “As he is my basis for my standard in men, his childhood friend is his for women. I know her, and when I looked at myself in the mirror, and considered my life up to that point, as I often did, I knew I was too different from her.” Lory then shrugged and came back to the couch to sit next to Lula.
“And since you planned to leave anyway...“ Lula ventured.
“There was no point to the feelings I was starting to have. So I buried them and tried to force them to go away,“ Lory finished and looked up at the ceiling. “He and his brothers probably scoff when they think about how I left business and became an actress instead or think me foolish. If they even spare that thought at all. Probably not though. I may be gaining in popularity, but I’m still no huge mega star or anything like that yet. Just big enough for the tabloids, however.”
They shared a little laugh at that but then sat in silence for a while. Both thinking about how nice it was to have someone they were comfortable with on their journey in this tough industry. With Lory also wondering if people think this apartment is Lula’s and if that feeds into the ‘secret lovers’ thing. While Lula is hoping that Lory doesn’t change too much as time goes on.
A few more minutes pass before Lula gets up and stretches. “Well, hun, I need to go freshen up, and maybe take a nap before we figure out food for tonight,” she said.
“That’s fine, I should be going over the script again for the scenes we’re filming tomorrow anyway. Make sure I have the right lines and lead in’s memorized,” Lory said as she stood as well.
Then the two women went towards their respective rooms, Lula to gather things for her shower, Lory to grab her copy of the manuscript.
After that night Lula stayed in Silva’s room with him. She did not want to be too far from him at any given moment, though she did take a minute or so to leave a note on her door for Cecania to read. She did not want the assistant chronicler to come to check on her in her room and start to get worried because she was not in there.
When the snowstorm passed she felt better in both mind and body. No nagging cravings and no more worrying that Silva hated her or forgot about her, or that she had no future. She was also mostly over her sickness as well. It also meant, though, that she and Silva would be moving on to see the queen and then head for his home.
She must be starting to change already as it felt bittersweet.
The earrings she had carried with her had been changed by her magic into two little pendants, and two tiny matching stud earrings that were now in her ears. One was now a little flower pendant that she gave to Cecania in appreciation and a token of friendship. She thanked the young witch and told her to talk into the pendant if she ever wanted to converse or have someone listen to her thoughts. Cecania gave her a brief hug and Lula playfully ruffled her hair, but then she just had to fix it back because impulse.
When she and Silva went to thank Wes, while holding hands mind you because why not, she noticed the moment of surprise on his face that was soon followed by a smile. It was Lula’s turn to be surprised, however, when her cubi kin handed her a small packaged and told her it was from his wife. She held it to her chest a moment as Wes explained and then chuckled softly. “She is so...very sweet and thoughtful, please thank her for me,” she said softly as happy tears started to line her eyes.
She asked Silva to hold the package a moment and then stepped closer to Wes. She took his hand and placed the other pendant into it. This one was in the shape of a book with tiny wings. “Wes, this pendant is technically for both of you, so no fighting over who gets to wear it more,” she said first trying to be a little humorous. Then she revealed the matching earring in her ear. “But seriously...you and Cielo...I can’t possibly begin to thank the two of you enough. I honestly do not know what might of happened to me had I not come across this humble library and the two of you had not let me in, let me stay, and help me get over my sickness the first time. The two of you, your talks with me, your initial beliefs that I could change and be good, as much as I doubted and internally fought about it...well...”
Lula paused and looked at Silva fondly for a moment before looking back at Wes. “I guess I can happily say that I’m going to be on the path of proving you guys right. Also Wes...Silva here is the man I mentioned that I had lamented about during one of our first talks about me changing and being good. The one I doubted I could find another who could compare to, the one I thought I had ruined my chances with even if I felt like I could go back. The one I said probably hates me now. And you know what...I am glad to be wrong,” she said and then briefly hugged Wessam in a sisterly way before standing beside Silva and taking the package and his hand again.
“Tell Cielo that if she ever wants to check on me, or you too I guess, just speak into that pendant. I’ll hear it through the matching earring and if I can I’ll respond. Also...I know this likely sounds silly...but I would like to know when you two have your child. I...I want to celebrate your new bundle of joy with you in spirit,” she said
Lula had mixed feelings as she watched the two men walk away. It seemed like Silva did not hear her. That was good given the situation. However, that also mean Wes did not hear her either. Or he was ignoring her at the moment, either was possible. But that was also potentially...troubling. She cursed quietly and her nails dug into her palm a little more.
Cecania sighed and grabbed the succubus’s available arm. Then she began to drag Lula back to her room. The chronicler in training paid little mind to Lula’s quiet mumblings, and not so quiet protests about being dragged. She had already warned her before they came out here that she was going to make her rest after this. So now was the time to attempt that.
The sick succubus soon gave up and let herself be dragged quietly. She was starting to feel tired again anyway, especially since Wes had led Silva away. Not to mention that trying to fight her body was also just a wee bit draining in it’s own right. She did sigh softly as that probably meant her body was going to demand even more if she decided to do something about that factor of things.
Soon the pair were back in her room and Cecania was shoving Lula back into her bed. “Please don’t make me have to use my magic to force you to rest,” Cecania pleaded softly. “I am going to try and rest myself, and when I’m awake again I’ll come and check on you,” she said as she moved to the door.
“I...I hear you Cecania dear. You shouldn’t worry so much about me but thank you for caring,“ Lula said and laid down, facing away from the door. She heard Cecania bid her good night and then leave and close the door. For a few moments things were somewhat peaceful for Lula...until she started to sense something again. Or rather her body did. “I could kick Wes right about now...“ she murmured as pulled the blankets over her head like it would actually do anything.
She could feel herself heating up once more as she repeatedly asked why. Wes just had to be too busy having thoughts of his soon to be newborn in his head. That had to be it. Why else would be put a male in the room next to hers while she’s in this state?
But even worse...
It just had to be Silva in that room next to hers.
That handsome, well endowed...
Lula groaned and turned so she could bury her face in the pillows. However, that of course led to certain memories surfacing that was not going to help matters either. What was left of her wings were still visible and twitching uselessly, but now her tail decided to appear and move of it’s own accord. She cursed, though muffled by the pillows, realizing her own body was going to tease her to make her crave touch and energy even more.
Although to be fair, her tail slinking its way between her legs was a fairly large hint of that...
She was going to try and fight it of course, however, she was also still felt so drained from being sick and fighting the urges earlier. Perhaps Cecania leaving her alone so soon wasn’t the best plan of action.
Especially after awhile when Lula found herself leaving her room and grabbing the doorknob to Silva’s room. She had started to turn it, but then quickly stopped herself and let go. Despite how aroused she currently was and how demanding her body was being...she had a brief moment of clarity. “What am I doing? what am I doing?” she asked herself quietly in a slight panic and retreated back to her room and leaned back against her own door. “He...he’s tired, likely sleep already. Has to be, He traveled far. Hates me, has to. Can’t do this, can’t let my body do this...” she began murmuring a bit rapidly to herself and began fumbling for the doorknob so she could head inside her room.
Cecania was watching Lula carefully at this point. The succubus still had not move despite saying they should go, and that the man, who Cecania now knew was named Silva thanks to the conversation between him and Wes, should probably not see her. The young apprentice could see conflict in Lula’s face, which was starting to look flushed, and in her eyes.
Lula’s body was starting to get the better of her. It was starting to give out subtle signs and hints of wanting and desire. Her body knew Silva, could feel his presence being so close, and wanted another round from him. “Sil-” Lula started to call out to him but quickly covered her mouth with her free hand to stop herself. She came to her senses a little bit and scolded herself internally. What about everything she had just said to Cecania?
Cecania was growing a bit more concerned, but was it odd that she couldn’t quite pinpoint why. “Lula...you need your rest,” she decided to try and stress once more. Lula looked at her a moment but then back at the two men who were starting to turn so Wes could lead Silva to a room. Lula lowered her hand and slowly let go of Cecania’s arm. She placed one of her arms behind her back so she could close her hand hard enough for her nails to dig into palm and cause enough pain to make her focus. Granted, she did tend to forget how sharp her nails could be and may end up drawing blood if she wasn’t careful.
And lets face it, since Lula was sick, being careful was not going to be her strong suit, and wasn’t feeling pain properly in the first place.
“Wes...you...may want to place him in a room far enough away from mine. I doubt either of us want to risk getting an important guest, on his way to the Northern Queen, sick. And...“ Lula paused a moment and took a few steps back before speaking quieter hoping, likely incorrectly, that only Wes and Cecania would hear her. “He was going to realize I’m a guest here too soon enough and may not want to...see or be bothered with me...”
Lula had drifted off to sleep on Cecania, like she had forewarned. The assistant chronicler did not attempt to move the succubus or anything, still enjoying the closeness. Although Lula’s hands had fell to her sides a bit amusingly, it still meant Cecania wasn’t technically being held anymore.
The witch was not sure how much time had passed when it happened, but the succubus had begun to stir again. Lula had not been talking in her sleep this time, but as she stirred she seemed to be mumbling something. Cecania could not quite understand it, but it sounded like Lula was in disbelief about something.
“There...there’s a new visitor,“ Lula then said a bit more clearly, but quietly.
“I can somewhat feel them, but you still need rest Lula,“ Cecania said in response.
“I...I know, but...help me go take a peek dear,“ Lula said. Cecania sighed softly, having the strong feeling that Lula was going to be stubborn about it if she didn’t help. So she got up and then turned to hold out a hand to her. Lula took her hand and slowly stood. Granted she was a bit wobbly. “Thank you,“ she said and began to head for the entrance.
“I am going to make you rest after this, just so you know,“ Cecania said while she helped to keep Lula steady. Lula nodded but kept going, wondering if she could trust what she was feeling or if her sickness was just messing with her. Not that she was certain what she would do either way though.
When the pair reached where they could see the entrance, they saw Wes welcoming someone inside. They both also shivered from the bit of the winds that had made it inside before the door was closed. Cecania could certainly say that the snow storm was about to get worse, and that was probably part of why Lula felt as cold as she said earlier.
Lula, meanwhile, was not thinking about the weather. After getting over her shivers from the cold, she peeked around Wes to get a look at the new guest. When she saw who it was...she unconsciously gripped Cecania’s arm tighter. The witch winced slightly and looked at her. “Lula...that hurts a bit...“ she whispered.
It was him.
Still looking unfairly handsome.
“That...that’s him Cecania…” Lula said a bit stunned. It caused Cecania to peek around the other side of Wes. She could kinda see what Lula meant earlier about him being handsome, but there was also something...that felt vaguely familiar? It caused her to tilt her head slightly, it was odd that she couldn’t place the feeling. But her thoughts were interrupted by Lula pulling her back a bit. “It’s...it’s probably best if he doesn’t see me...let’s go...” she said quietly to Cecania. Lula could start to feel her body reacting to Silva’s familiar presence. And what was left of her wings had appeared and twitched uselessly.
Although she had said ‘let's go’ to the younger woman...
Winter always seemed to be a slightly antsy time for Lula unless she has projects around the house to distract her from it. Although she found snow to be absolutely beautiful and wonderful to look at, the cold that came with it...did not always agree with her.
Even so... how could she say no to a northern vacation with her dear husband and family for Christmas and New Years?
So it was definitely mixed feelings when a snowstorm happened to occur after they had arrived. Pretty snow, check. Very cold, check. Excuse to cuddle with her husband for more warmth, oh definitely. Soo what they could adjust the heat in their hotel room? It wasn’t the same as her husband’s body heat. (Especially skin to skin.)
This particular evening however, there was no snowfall yet. Which was good, Lula did not feel up to cooking tonight. However, she did not feel like sitting down at any restaurant to eat either. A weird paradox for her, but today really just seemed to be a somewhat lazy day. So her and her dear husband agreed on getting some take out instead.
And Lula, being Lula, still wore the stunning gown that her beloved had bought for her. She is a proud wife after all, and cherishes everything her husband gives and does for her.
However, one can’t forget the sweets. So she took charge of picking out the delectable treats from the nearby bakery. She was just going to grab a couple of pastries and some small cakes, nothing too overboard.
When she came outside, she took notice that it was starting to snow, and chuckled a little to herself. Her comes her dear husband, taking off his coat and jacket to put it around her instead. Lula smiled warmly at him as he took the bag from her and then led her over to the car. She watched as he carefully put the bag inside with the others. When he was done he had gently took her hand and pulled her to him before wrapping his other arm around her and resting his head on her.
Lula closed her eyes a moment and relished in his warmth as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. When she heard him say he loves her she let out a soft giggle. “I love you too Silva, with all my heart.”
---
Meanwhile in another universe...
---
Up in a tree not far from the library, Lula sat, not exactly dressed for the weather, staring at the falling snow. If she still had her wings she would be on the roof of the library instead. Although she had the feeling Wes would not have liked that anyway.
But there was a....tiny problem.
One she still had no real solution to yet.
Her body was craving sexual energy again. Or at least some gratification. However, as a temporary...semi-answer, she was out here in this tree, improperly dressed, in the hopes it would keep her body from getting too hot. Or at the very least feeling cold would distract her thoughts.
But.
It was only keeping her body from getting too hot.
Her mind would not let her be so easily distracted. And in a sense decided to punish her slightly. So while she stared at the snow, her thought had drifted to Silva. The last man she had been intimate with before she had lost her wings. And the last man she had been intimate with in general.
Thinking about that night they had shared together certainly was not helping her current situation. He had been the best man she had laid with. Not only was he handsome, charming, and witty, he was also very well endowed and could keep up with her.
When she really stopped to think about it, she had truly felt pleased and satisfied. Feelings that were often lacking when she actually slept with other men and not had just drained their sexual energy.
Lula cursed silently and hit the trunk of the tree with a fist. It caused some of the snow from the branch above her to fall on top of her. She sighed and did not bother to shake it off. She needed it to distract her.
Because in the end she knew that at the moment she was just lusting after Silva. She could not give him what he truly wanted. Being a succubus she was quite familiar with lust. But love? The way Lula’s life had mostly been? She did not know love. She was convinced she couldn’t really feel it either.
Even if she could be good like Wes and Cielo thought she could...
Love was a different matter entirely.
“Even if I could...I ruined that chance anyway,“ Lula murmured to herself. “And he’s too high tier of a man to deserve merely being lusted over. Who knows...maybe by now he’s already found a good woman for him. Someone more pure, sweet, kind, and loving,” she continued and decided to brush the snow off of her after all. “Someone who’s all the good things I’m not.”
Part of her hated that the thought of him made her want to go bury herself in the snow, because she felt the desire to be filled by him again.
She cursed silently once more and slapped her cheeks to stop her mind from going there again. “Get a grip Lula and fight your succubus instincts! Besides even if he hasn’t found someone, he’s probably forgot all about you anyway,” she said to herself and slapped her cheeks again. She then groaned and pulled at her hair slightly. “I hate being a succubus! Maybe if I get sick again my body will be distracted from it’s desires and my mind will be too out of it to think about him...”
