It is bizarre how easily emotions become confusing and muddled, how easy it is to fall into old habits and weave your thoughts into your false reality. In the waking world, Remi's heart is bitter and closed. Here, gazing into the soft, kind eyes of a perfect stranger- but one whom brings feelings of familiarity and nostalgia with no clear reason why?

Her breast swells with affection and intrigue.

It is as if she's known this woman forever, and it should be her tell that this is a dream.

But being aware is difficult, and Remi has never been aware of anything.

"Is that right?"

She feels breathless, and the feeling worsens as warmth spreads up her arm. The woman's hand slips through the bend in her elbow until both of their arms are looped. She is stuck, but does not feel trapped. Instead, at the slightest touch she somehow feels lighter, and her sense of urgency retreats. Whoever it was she had been looking for falls to pieces, to be replaced with the softness of this girls perfect complexion and wide, loving eyes.

"... Okay. I'd like that."

mission: dream eater

luka chêne

☉

Somehow, Remi's inhibitions fall away. Gone is her sense of listnessness and unease, her worry, her concern. She allows this woman's arm to fit through hers, and she even goes so far as to brush her fingertips against the back of Luka's. It feels... right, in a way that doesn't stress self-doubt.

There is nothing to fear, there is only love and carefree feelings of bliss.

In fact, by now she could scarcely remember what it was she had even being doing to begin with. What nightmare she had been living falls to pieces as she melts like putty in this young woman's glowing attention.

Luka nuzzles closer, cheek pressing to her collarbone and nestling in the curve of her neck and shoulder. She exhales, warm breath brushing against her pink hair. It is calming, easy, perfect. She leans her own cheek against the other woman's head, encouraging the quiet affection.

"They are.. they are.. my other half. My best friend, my brother, my soulmate."

And just like that, those feelings of bliss and of peace seem to splinter at the edges. Her rose-coloured glasses show her a glimpse of the grey world she's been living in, just for a moment.

It takes her breath away and leaves her with dread.

"I do miss him terribly."

Her voice is barely above a whisper, tears slip down her cheeks silently.

mission: dream eater

luka chêne

☉

She says she's sorry, and this time, the words don't seem so hollow. It doesn't sound as if they are being mechanically spelled out by people who don't actually give a shit, or people who've never experienced pain in their life. No, from her, it feels genuine.

Perhaps that is why it comes so naturally to cry, openly weeping and sharing with this perfect stranger-not-stranger her pain.

Two warm hands reach up to caress either side of her face. She is pulled down, but Remi doesn't fight it. Her silent tears keep spilling, touching against Luka's thumbs for her to brush away. They begin to cry together, though Remi convinces herself she's far more contained about it.

But as satin lips press gently against either cheek, settling near the corner of her eye, Remi begins to let go. She leans into the woman, knees buckling, probably bringing Luka down to the ground alongside her. Her chest heaves with heavier sobs, and she leans her temple against the woman's cheek, seeking out her comfort more than she cares to admit.

"I don't know what to do. I miss him so much."

mission: dream eater

luka chêne

☉

Remi weeps openly, but the sound is not unattractive as it may have been had this been the real world. Her tears become flower petals much the same that the words Luka speaks do. When she finally reopens her eyes, her cheek is pressed close to the other woman's chest. They are surrounded by beautiful, fragrant petals, and she is cocooned in warmth and acceptance.

The two of them cry together, their softness painful even in spite of the beauty it brings. But it feels.. freeing. Like a weight is being lifted from tired shoulders. It hurts to let go as she has, but Luka's presence makes it just a little bit easier, and a little less scary. Her uneven breaths soften as she steadies herself, focusing on the feeling of Luka's hand against her cheek.

She exhales softly, her breath bouncing back against her with Luka's closeness. Warm lips press to her forehead and, surprisingly, she doesn't recoil or feel the slightest bit overwhelmed. Instead, all she can feel is Luka's love washing over her, and somehow, someway, it feels a bit like Roman's too.

Luka's ask is both intimate and innocent, a whispered breath against her cheek. Their noses touch, their breathing syncs and the urge to kiss her is vivid and intimidating. But instead, Remi's lips brush against the woman's cheek as she leans into her again. She hugs her tight, breathing in the sweet smell of her hair and swallowing her fears.

"You have already given me more than I deserve, my dear."

And in the real world, Remi's fitful, nightmarish sleep relaxes. Her pillow is damp from her tears, but she finally rests peacefully.

mission: dream eater

luka chêne

☉