Hard times (Stella/Veralia)

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Stella and Sabriel were the only two people in this world Veralia gave a fuck about. So it was little surprise that when she got the text she'd drop what she was doing and be there for the woman she cared for.

"I'll be there ASAP, Stellie. Hang tight :)"

There was a slight hum of happiness in her heart as the days had been dragging recently, and being able to spend some time with her beloved might be what she needed.

Within minutes, a fiery vortex of emerald flames tore through the space next to Stella. The searing heat flickered harmlessly as Veralia stepped through, her blood-red eyes lighting up at the sight of her partner. Without skipping a beat, she wrapped her arms tightly around Stella from behind, pulling her into a warm, playful hug. Her envious aura shimmered faintly, wisps of grassy-green light swirling lazily around them like the remnants of her fiery arrival.

"Surprise, surprise~"

Veralia purred, her voice carrying a teasing lilt as she nuzzled against Stella’s hair, savoring the comforting closeness she had craved.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Veralia's cheery gaze couldn't help but pick up the fact that Stella was less disturbed than usual. A gesture like a hug or a kiss would have sent her into a spiral when they first met, yet now all there was to see was a slight blush on her partners face. To see her growing this way and becoming more comfortable with Veralia made her grin from ear.

"Of course, Stellie. We can go wherever you want."

Leaning her head against Stella’s shoulder, Veralia glanced up, her playful nature sparking as she flicked Stella’s nose gently with her free hand.

"You're as snug as can be with me. It’s cute,"

As she teased Stella, a soft snort escaped her. She tightened her arms around Stella, savoring the warmth of the embrace and the simple joy of holding her hand.

"So,"

While Veralia continued speaking, her smile remained unwavering as she glanced up at Stella.

"Where did you have in mind to go?"

Her tone was light, eager to hear what Stella had planned, happy to follow her lead wherever it took them.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

"Yeah, let's just breathe and smell the air."

Keeping her hand close to Stella's, Veralia's bloody eyes surveyed the calmness of the polished German City. The reeving engines of cars and the white noise of crowds all around them were stimulating, , yet to Veralia, it all felt distant, muffled by the comfort of Stella’s presence.

Her blood-red eyes flickered over to her partner, observing her closely. There was something about Stella’s expression that made Veralia pause, a subtle flicker of emotion she couldn’t quite place. Without hesitation, Veralia spoke, her tone blunt but laced with warmth.

"Something on your mind?"

She asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Remember, you can always come to me. I might not always have the answers, but you know I’m here for you, right?"

She gave Stella’s hand a gentle squeeze, her gaze steady and inviting, silently offering the reassurance of her unwavering presence.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Veralia seemed lost in her thoughts as she took a moment to process what she heard about Sabriel. They were hollows, so death was par for the course in her mind. In her heart of hearts, she felt nothing for the lost shinigami, but another worried glance at Stella reflected the weight of their deaths and what it meant for the people she worked for.

"It's alright."

Speaking gently but with firmness, Veralia rubbed Stella's palm as she pieced together the right words to say.

"Can't say I weep for them, but I can tell it was a painful decision to make."

Turning Stella around, she would cease their movements and go on to gently hug her; holding her close to the warmth of her envious aura as the bitter cold became a distant concept in her grasp.

"But,"

Veralia continued, her voice quieter as she spoke.

"if you need to grieve the loss of that friendship, I’m here for you. I can’t imagine it felt good to do what you had to."

Her hold tightened slightly, conveying all the care and understanding she couldn’t quite put into words, offering Stella the space to feel whatever she needed without judgment.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Veralia stared at Stella for a few moments as she took in the concern her partner had for Sabriel. Closing her eyes, she pondered just how much of a difference there would be with Sabriel. While she could assume they were close, it was a foreign thought for Veralia to believe that their friend would spiral out of control. There was a wisdom, an air of control about her, that Veralia couldn’t shake, but Stella’s worry planted seeds of doubt.

When she was ready, Veralia rolled her head slightly, letting out a quiet sigh as she opened her eyes and met Stella’s again.

"Yeah,"

As she began speaking, her voice calm but resolute.

"I was going to check on her regardless of you saying that, but hearing it from you just affirms it even more."

A gentle smile softened Veralia’s features as she reached out, lovingly brushing her hand over Stella’s head. It was a simple gesture, but one filled with warmth and care.

"Sabriel has lived a long life and us hollow are used to grief, but I'm more concerned about you. Hopefully you don't spiral as well, dear."