Bathing In Envy [Veralia/Stella]

Well, that was something new. Veralia had never seen Stella tear up, so it gave her pause for a moment. As she tilted her head to the right there was a more apparent expression that reflected she was contemplating the complexity of the situation. There was of course envy to be had over what the two had gotten up to, but it was hardly worth blowing up in her face over.

"Eh, forget about it. It ain't worth cryin' yourself silly over."

Dismissive at first, a snort escaped her, accompanied by a small puff of smoke from her nostrils, reminiscent of a dragon exhaling in mild frustration. Then, her right hand rested against her cheek as she started to think of what to say first as she wasn't used to someone spilling their emotions all over the place like this. It prompted a reflection from Veralia that perhaps her envy was dulled by this sight.

"Sides, it ain't like I've had guys and women I've gotten with."

Rolling her shoulders in a relaxed manner, she continued, her tone softening as she addressed the nature of their relationship.

"And what we are? Ehhhhhhhh, that's hard to say. Earning an arrancar's favor is a tough thing, but I do.....care for your wellbeing. Just don't do any stupid shit."

Her words, mixed with casual bluntness and a hint of affection, indicated a protective streak and a level of care that she usually kept guarded.

"C'mon, don't cry like that."

This woman was....trouble. It's not the fact she did anything wrong, but Veralia herself could feel herself growing attachment to her. It unnerved her to a degree as her face drifted off momentarily, pondering the potential calamities that could ensue if an enemy took advantage of such knowledge. It brought forth a feeling of anxiety, but she soothed it as she rubbed the head of Stella and observed the lamenting companion on her shoulder.

"To live is to be lost. No one knows what the future may or may not hold, we just keep going down that road, trying to guide our souls toward a favorable future until our time runs out."

Speaking in a far less irritated tone, Veralia still had her reservations but was loosening up as she embraced Stella once more; taking care to show her that she was not a burden. She furrowed her eyebrows, battling the internal voices that cautioned her against such openness. She knew her anxieties were blocking her from feeling the woman and being in the moment. So with a gentle exhale to clear her thoughts, she continued, her voice calm and reassuring.

"Whether you are here or gone, some aspect of my soul will be lost as much as yours will be too if you choose to stay or leave my side. Don't stress about that shit until the moment comes."

Closing her eyes, she tried to relax once again when getting her point across. Before long, her hand moved to Stella's head to give a comforting pat, her actions affirming her next set of words.

"You can stay as long as you like. Feel free to hold onto me if that's what you need...."

Well isn't that sweet and affectionate?

Veralia curiously looked up at Stella as she kissed the top of her head and rested her chin upon her head. She wasn't used to genuine care or affection, so there was a pause and a sense of tenseness. Lust was far easier to understand as she could grasp giving a part of her body to another as most had carnal desires, it was another beast altogether for someone who wanted to stick around.

"Don't mention it. You earned it after all the time I spent kicking your ass around."

Dryly chuckling, Veralia tried to lessen her internal tensions by lightly teasing Stella.

But....that wasn't all she wanted to do.

Turning around, Veralia let out a gruff sigh; as if irritated with something. Against her better judgment, she returned the gesture by fully embracing Stella in a hug; letting her legs lock against the woman as she rested against her chest. Close enough to hear the beat of her heart and the heat of her body.

Closing her eyes, she sat there in silence; not knowing what else to say as this was foreign to her.

Veralia remained silent, still taking in her words as she patted Stella's back and listened to her heartbeat. Not wanting to move yet, she rested her head on her shoulder. The irritation from before lessened as she tried to sort through her feelings

"Thank you...."

Finally blurting it out, the feeling that flowed through her was gratitude. That was a rarity for her, but it was the truth. She was grateful to hear her feelings. Many arrancar and humans alike, value others simply for their appearance. So it was rare to see...loyalty to her for what she was. The woman wasn't sure what to make of it and still had trouble comprehending or understanding it, but she did not want to reject it.

As she pulled Stella closer, the embrace deepened into something more meaningful. Veralia's breathing slowed, and the warmth of her body increased, signaling a desire to just...be held.

There was a silence that Veralia basked in as Stella held and kissed her. This situation was not one she predicted, as she had doubts that she could properly keep the woman safe. Most of her life had been spent only thinking about herself and her desires/pains, so to bring another into that mess was....unnerving.

But there was a worse thought.

In the midst of their embrace, a flicker of uncertainty crossed Veralia's mind, casting a shadow over the moment. As she gazed into Stella's eyes, deeper thoughts churned beneath her composed exterior. The fear of not being enough lingered silently—an echo of insecurity that perhaps Stella might eventually drift away, drawn to the next interesting object or person in a world teeming with fleeting attractions.

However, her pride wouldn't allow for that thought to be vocalized. Even if she doubted whether her strength would be enough, the illusion that it could was what mattered more to her at the moment.

"Be careful making that offer, I may take it for all it's worth."

Veralia's voice was low, tones flowing with a hint of warning and a sincere, playful feeling. With a low, radiant chuckle, she then looked up at Stella. Her right index finger traced gentle patterns on Stella’s back, an affectionate gesture that contrasted with her usual fiery demeanor. As she leaned in, her eyes closed, signaling a moment of surrender to the emotions she felt. She then sealed her sentiment with a proper kiss