[Devona] - After All This Time

[Ashling Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/jtoq48.png] *****Ashling knew she looked like a drowned rat out in the rain as she was. It would have been more symbolic if there was a sunny sky and pleasantly warm weather when she got home from the horrid prison, but Ashling still reveled in the feeling of rain against her skin. Freedom made even the most unpleasant weather conditions to die for. The woman glanced over her shoulder, happy that she no longer saw the concerned looks of her saviors as she ran away from them. In truth, Ashling owed them her life and shouldn't have so easily cast them off, but she had more important things to attend to and their detaining her even longer wouldn't have been appreciated. *****Those men who had brought her home insisted on dropping her off right at a hospital, as all the other captured reporters had been deposited at hospitals, but she was adamant. Sure she was probably a little weak from her rare eating habits in that god awful place, but she was well enough to walk and that was what mattered to her. It had been eight years and Ashling wasn't willing to lose one more second. Her feet were a bit sore, as she only had the flats that the rescuers had provided, and she was shivering in her dress, but her heart was bouyant. *****Puffmon hovered nearby and he looked just as worn as Ashling, but there was a weak smile painted across his face. His small transparent figure didn't seem to be collecting rain as much as Ashling was and for that she was a bit jealous, even if the cold water helped revitalize her. "We'll be home soon, Kuze," The rasp of Ashling's voice surprised her. All of her silence had made her so unfamiliar with the act and sound of her own voice. A slight smile came to her lips regardless. Things were only to get better from this point on, she realized with a wave of relief. *****The streets all became more familiar as Ashling made her trudge onward. Out in the pouring rain she must have looked so pathetic, for it seemed no one else wished to venture outside in such weather. It was the late afternoon, much after everyone would have come home from work, so she didn't really think many people had reasons to be outside anyway. Ashling's heart shivered as she wondered what it would be like if Devona wasn't home when she made it there. Was it possible she could have moved in all that time or that maybe she hadn't yet come home from work? That would have been hard on the woman because she didn't know if she could continue walking after all that. *****Ashling's heart began to beat faster as she turned onto the street she'd known for so long. It was surreal to be in the city she called home once more, and even more so to see the familiar homes she had never thought she'd see again. "Be careful," Kuze whispered in the ghost-like voice that fit his appearance so well. His big bright eyes looked at Ashling's unsteady shuffle with concern. He knew that she could easily trip and most likely wouldn't have the energy to push herself up again and he was too small and weak to do anything about it. Those eyes communicated much in his following silence. *****With a warm smile, Ashling said, "It's okay. We're almost there." And it was true, because in less than five minutes she was on the doorstep, staring at the entrance to the home she shared with Devona and their child Kael. For a moment she wondered if Kael would even still be at home after all those years. Surely he had grown and was now living on his own somewhere like most young adults do as soon as they can. Ashling suddenly realized that her whole body was shaking and she wondered quietly if it was because of the cold or her nerves. Taking a deep breath, Ashling brought up a shaking fist and knocked, deciding it would be the best way of approaching this.

[Devona Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac26/nachtmare/Meiko/meikotable2b.png] Back inside their cozy apartment, Devona was feeling a bit wonky. Perhaps it was because she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since she’d got the message from her boss. The old man sat her down in his office and explained to her very, very slowly, as if talking to a small child, about a certain someone coming home. It took a few men to hold her down and keep her from fleeing the room and grabbing a ticket to wherever she had gone. He explained to her that she would be at the hospital, but, at the same time, he explained that Devona was not going to be able to greet her there. Of course, she was mad. The excuse he gave her was just horrendous. Even she could come up with a better one. Either way, she planned on going, even if her boss had ordered her not too. At least, until he threatened to fire her and have her arrested for “trespassing.” Had they not been used to her foul language at work, they would have never expected a woman to say such crude things. She wore the man down; in fact, he knew that he would give her hell about it for as long as she was there so he did the next best thing. Devona, being the lucky girl she was, was given paid leave for two weeks. Still, she couldn’t help it. For most of that time, she expected the brunette to be at the hospital. So, she’d gone to the nearest bar and drank her worries away. The bartender was always generous enough to offer to nab a taxi for her when twilight came and she was in a piss poor state. The hangovers were something she was used to. She couldn’t remember a day she worked without them now or at least the feeling. The chilled liquid warmed her heart. While she couldn’t bear to leave the apartment, she hated how empty it was. It was disgusting. She couldn’t even drink there. All she had to do was imagine her disappointed look and she’d stop at an instant. Two weeks. A few days alone in her apartment would give her enough time to clean up her act and act as if everything was alright. She’d get through this. Everything would be fine. She rubbed her temples; the headache was slowly wearing itself down. It was feeling a bit better. She was going to have to clean up her act. Fine. Simple. She can do it. She pulled out a bottle of ginger ale from the ice box. It looked so much like beer, she only realized now. Still, it was a lot better than those empty bottles of beer she’d drank outside by the stairs that littered the rest of the freezer. She frowned and took as many as she could out and looked for a place to hide them. Under the sink looked like a fine place as any, and she stuffed them there. Taking a quick glance around the home, she realized she hadn’t cleaned it since . . . just when had she cleaned it anyways? The list of things to do before her love came home only grew the more looked. She couldn’t help but look annoyed. Had she always been this much of a mess? The place was in shambles. She could only hope that there were no rats parading about. At least Light knew what she was thinking and already started on fixing the mess. She could always rely on him. She sighed, completely resigned to just lying around the house. There was just too much to do and this headache wasn’t exactly making things better. She supposed it was a good idea that she had not left for the hospital. Knowing how insistent her love was, Devona knew she would not be able to leave the hospital without her. Not that she would blame her. She would be the same in her place. But, it did allow her to get started on making this apartment more like the day she left. Smile. Smile. She knew she’d have to practice. It hurt to smile, in fact, ”Why are you looking like that? It’s downright creepy.” She heard Light mutter. ”Get used to it. You’ll be seeing more of it.” She shot back. Light grinned. He had hoped for an answer like that. Then came the soft knock at the door. She looked up quickly, only to wince slightly at the quick movement. ”I wonder who that could be . . .” She thought aloud as she headed for the door. Taking only a peak at through the door’s peep hole, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The headache must really be taking her told on her. Either way, she opened it and quickly took what she hoped was not an illusion into her arms. She must have looked like a mess, she knew, but she would massacre anyone who would dare interrupt this moment. ”Please don’t tell me you’re actually Chief Super Alexander in disguise.” She managed to say.

[Ashling Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/jtoq48.png] *****The seconds passed like hours to Ashling and she was certain that Kuze was feeling the same. They had managed to get very little sleep on the ride home, too much excitement running through their minds to so much as realize that they were weak and tired. That same excitement held through, but the human body had limitations and Ashling's was running on empty. She was somewhat gaunt in comparison to how she used to look before she was captured and felt twenty years older instead of just eight, but her heart was alive and beating just as fast as it did the first time she and Devona kissed. For that slice of her youth renewed, Ashling was endlessly thankful. That was all that held her together in the infinite timespan that she endured until noises came from within. *****The door opened swiftly enough and the sight of Devona almost made Ashling collapse, and she probably would have if the woman didn't quickly take her into her arms. She didn't have much strength in her and could only lean in to Devona and continue to hold herself up. She wanted so desperately to throw her arms around the woman, but couldn't. It was surreal to say the least, but Ashling relished every detail of feeling her love so near again. Devona smelled heavenly, minus the peculiar underlying scent of alcohol. A lecture came to her tongue about how she shouldn't be drinking, but it wasn't time to lecture at all. Now was a time to enjoy life, breath in years long past, and reacquaint herself with the most beautiful woman she'd ever met before. It didn't even matter that Devona looked worn or disheveled, her perfection was unending to Ashling. *****Then she heard the voice that seemed to be a dream. Somewhat forced, though still entirely awe-inspiring to hear, Ashling chuckled to the best of her ability. It came out sounding somewhat pathetic. "I hope you couldn't mistake me for a man." Ashling thought her own voice sounded foreign and frightening. She didn't need to say much more, but she wanted to at least say one last thing before her voice failed her. "I missed you." The woman smiled faintly to herself, letting her eyes shut. With eyes closed against the world it was as if she and Devona were the only things in existence and it had been so long until she had experienced that unbelievable feeling. *****Kuze smiled too. He was happy to see Ashling back where she belonged and felt a peace at finally being home. While he would never say as much, Kuze was still fearful. He was just a weak little creature now and rued the concept of continuing to be so weak. Digivolving sounded frightful though after his ordeal. It would have been nice to just stay home and hide there for the rest of his days. At least, he thought, there would be a short time of recovery in which he might live out that fantasy. The day would come that he would go out in the world again, but Kuze was home now and he and Ashling could rest. Relax. A light sigh escaped his ghostly mouth and his ears lowered in tire.

[Devona Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac26/nachtmare/Meiko/meikotable2b.png] Ashling (or this illusion) felt very light, so fragile, that it scared her. What if she was hurting the girl right now just by holding her like this? What if she faded away the moment she pulled back (like she dare would). It made more sense to her that this was an impostor than an illusion. Her Ashling was at the hospital. Maybe that headache of hers was taking its toll on her and now she was seeing these strange (and oddly tangible) illusions. Her mind scoffed at her at that. She was no better than those in the loony bin then. The more she would be set apart from her love once she got out of the hospital. Even the voice, so soft and endearing as it was, it was just like hers. Although, there was a touch of sadness to it, tiredness that she wouldn't normally have in her little delusions. Her arms tightened around the Ashling illusion (that she was starting to believe was actually real) comfortably, trying her best not to harm her as she did so. The warm was there. The feeling that she shouldn’t ever let Ashling (whether she was an illusion or not) go was still there. (Not that it ever went away). But when she spoke … When Ashling spoke … She knew. This was no illusion. This was really her. The real one. She was just so damnably weak. ”As if I would.” She said with a slight scoff. Then, her tone grew more serious. ”I wouldn’t forget the one I love.” She said. (Later she was sure to deny she ever said such a corny thing and say that she did say something ‘brilliant.’) ”Dev, what’s tak – “ He instantly fell quiet the moment he spotted them. His eyes flickered to Ashling’s partner as if to reassure himself that this was indeed happening. ” … Kuze.” He wasn’t sure if it would be alright to approach him. They looked so tired. And. His gaze flickered outside. It was raining still! He cleared his throat. Loudly ”And what do you two think you’re doing? Out in the rain? For shame, Devona. I thought you knew better than that!” He hit her over the head with a coiled up newspaper, making sure not to accidently hit Ashling as well. She growled at him lowly and caught the paper. ”I was getting to it.” The brunette said with a wry grin before turning to Ashling again. ”Ah, we should get you inside. I hope you don’t mind the mess.” With a quick swoop, a certain sopping someone was carried in Devona’s arms like a princess (that she would say Ashling was, her princess at least) and into the home. She hated how easy it was. She wasn’t supposed to be this light (or this wet for that matter in her condition). First place, first. The bedroom. The brunette hadn’t touched anything in their room since Ashling left. In fact, she made sure it was still the same. She even dusted Ashling’s side of the room and kept her space in the closet. Her clothes should fit her still. Hell, they might be too loose. She was going to have to fatten her back up again. Oh, and call the hospital if her partner hadn’t already. She carefully set Ashling on her side of the bed (mostly ‘cause she probably wasn’t going to sleep anytime soon) and grabbed a few clothes, Ashling’s pajamas, as well as a towel. ”Well, we’ve got to get you out of those wet clothes and dry you up.” She grinned awkwardly as she carried the towel in her arms. Back at the front door, Light sighed, pinching his nose. He would have to call the hospital and explain to them why one of their patients was missing. It’s been a while since he had to do that. Since Kael was home. They were going to have to find a way to break the news to them. Hell, Devona (while making sure he was not in harm’s way) wasn’t sure how to talk to the boy without yelling at him anymore. He turned to the other digimon. He looked older, even though he was at a lower stage. The time there must have really took its toll on him. (Which was completely understandable considering). ”Looks like we need to catch up, huh, Kuze?” He would let their human partners take their time to be alone. After all, he didn’t quite want to interrupt something he shouldn’t have. He wouldn’t have even bothered them here, if it wasn’t for the fact they were out in the cold and rain.

[Ashling Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/jtoq48.png] *****For a deliciously long time Ashling could take in every lovely sense of Devona and she remembered just how wonderful her life was. It was still so surreal that she was back once more, being wrapped up in Devona's arms as if no time had passed. As if nothing had really happened. Ashling wondered if someday, instead of feeling like her life before the capture was a dream, she'd look on those eight years as if they were the bad dream of her lifetime. The concept seemed so impossible, but it was a nice thought to indulge while she let herself stay so close to Devona. When the woman spoke Ashling could do nothing but smile. Her Devona, lovely woman of her life, actually said something romantic and mushy. Corny one might venture to say. Ashling wouldn't dare say a word of it, mostly because her love might fling herself into denial and Ashling was taking too much joy out of their meeting to start into silly talk like that. *****When Light walked up, Kuze grinned warmly like a little child. He had missed Light since they had been separated, as digimon usually made good connections with each other when their partners were in love. Light had always been the best friend to Kuze once his partner Ashling had to devote most of her time to the family, which never bothered the creature because he liked Light and knew how important Ashling's job was in the family. The sound of the other digimon's voice directed towards him only made the awkward grin on Kuze's tired face bigger and brighter, making him laugh a little at the feeling. It felt so weird to smile big like that, but he didn't really mind at all. When the digimon went to swipe at Devona Kuze let out the first real laugh he had in a long time. *****Ashling looked up when Devona began to speak again and smiled faintly at her. The mess. "See, this is why I'm around. I was always the one to keep the house in order, love." Ashling chuckled lightly at her comment until she was suddenly swept off her feet. It was an odd sensation that she wasn't really used to so she flinched at first, because often when she was picked up within the past eight years it was for something far more dark. But Devona had done it so lovingly that it didn't take more than a few moments for the woman to recover. Ashling wrapped her arms around Devona and clung to her desperately, though not because she felt she would be dropped as much as she didn't want to lose the sensation of the other woman right next to her. *****Even more surreal than being home again was seeing that her things in the room had not so much as moved an inch. No dust upon them either. Though Devona seemed to have neglected the rest of the house her things were an odd exception that made the woman feel extremely loved. When Devona gently set Ashling back down the woman watched silently as she went to grab some things. Old pajamas and a towel. Ashling smiled slightly, seeing the pajamas she now viewed as a luxury and a towel in Devona's hands. But suddenly the woman was terrified for Devona to see her body and how she had withered away in her eight years of captivity. What would she think? Would she be revolted? *****Kuze on the other hand had not moved an inch. He stood in the doorway, looking in on the house like it was an ancient museum that he shouldn't touch or venture into, lest he ruin something. When Light spoke it somewhat startled the little creature, as he almost forgot he was standing before his friend. "Catching up. Oh yeah," Kuze started slowly, a smile slipping onto his face as he paused, "You've gotten bigger. Or no wait. I've got smaller, right? Aha."

[Devona Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac26/nachtmare/Meiko/meikotable2b.png] Devona missed the flinch or so it appeared. She hoped she didn’t hurt her. No doubt she’d sooner kill herself than that ever happening. … wait, would that mean she didn’t follow that now, since it looked like Ashling had gotten hurt from her? She knew she should have thought it early, instead of suddenly picking her up again. When Ashling’s arms found themselves around her, it eased all her worries about ever harming her. The ridiculous happy grin seeming to be stuck to her features. Thank God for her time off from work. Now she could put it to good use rather than just cleaning the house (not that she shouldn’t do that later). She missed this warmth. The heart beating beside her at night. It had been so long since another had come to their home. … speaking of which, how will she tell Ashling about their son? Looking down at the old pajamas, Devona chuckled lightly. ”Now, I didn’t do anything to them.” She said. Then, sensing something was wrong, she looked back to Ashling. The smile fell instantly. She was confused. Ashling looked terrified. Had she done something wrong? Did she trigger something unintentionally? Just the thought irked her greatly to put it in a nice way. She hated just how helpless she had been while Ashling was out there was … But that was all over. Devona fidgeted awkwardly in the silence. She didn’t like this at all. They have so many things to talk about, but, seeing her terrified like this … perhaps because of her, wasn’t something she was sure she knew how to deal with. Just how was she supposed to act? Fine? Oblivious? She thought back to her training. How they dealt with those who had been kidnapped (for a much shorter period of time) and tried to apply it here. The only things that she could come up with, the only explanation for this enraged her. Just what had they done to her princess to make her so scared like this? She hated it. Ashling wasn’t supposed to be scared. Not here. Not where it’s safe. Not around her. Devona gritted her teeth and tried to come up with a smile, which came out rather sad. She placed the clothes and the towel on the bedside table. ”… I guess I’ll wait outside the door.” She informed her evenly before heading towards the door. ”Yeah.” Light smiled wryly, covering up his worry for his old friend. He knew it must be weird transitioning from that hellhole to some place safe … relatively safe, as his job shown him. They would help the two ease into it. Admittedly, running here isn’t exactly the smartest thing. What if they had left? (Not that either of them had never once thought to do that.) Had that happened, Devona would have torn England upside down until she found them. ”Heh. Well, you do look bigger for your size.” Then he added lightly, ”You know, you missed a great game of football. We won fourth place last year.”

[Ashling Caibre]

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[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/jtoq48.png] *****Ashling could tell instantly that she had upset Devona. More likely than not her love was just upset over everything that happened and wasn't entirely sure how to handle Ashling yet. It wasn't surprising though considering the fact that Ashling even felt herself at a loss for what to do in these situations. It was both sad and a bit of a relief when Devona decided to set down the pajamas and the towel on the nightstand and make her way towards the door. Ashling felt tears building up in her eyes at the concept of upsetting Devona so soon after they finally saw her again. Even though everything within the woman told her that she had good reasons to be acting the way she was she still didn't want make her first day back so painful for Devona. It was supposed to be a happy occasion. *****The tears that were building up began to drip down Ashling's face unheeded and the elder woman found herself blurting things out before Devona had the chance to leave the room. "I shrived up like a prune Devona. I feel so unbelievably unattractive," By the time the woman managed to choke out the words she was sobbing uncontrollably like she was just a child again and not the elder woman she really was. Shivers wracked her spine from the cold so on top of the sobbing she was shaking and shivering, looking more pathetic than she thought possible. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be like this." *****Meanwhile Kuze found himself smirking at Light. It was nice to see that some things really didn't change, and Light still could make him grin. When his friend mentioned football though Kuze's smile dropped and his eyes went wide. Football! He had forgotten about it all! "I missed so many matches!" Before it had all happened Kuze had fancied himself quite the football fan and how could he ever call himself a football fan if he didn't know what happened in the sport for eight long years!? "Fourth place though? That's not bad at all." In his interested fog, Kuze felt himself drifting into the house a bit. *****Once the small wisp of a digimon had crossed the threshold he stopped himself and turned around to stare at the door. It was perplexing. He didn't really mean to go into the house, but it was what he should have done sooner considering how it was pouring outside. Kuze suddenly felt bad about letting the cold into the house so he arranged his little body behind the door and began to push hopelessly. After a few floating rush starts and a few slight whacking sounds he looked to Light with a pathetic face and whimpered a little. "Would you mind...?" He asked pitifully.