continued from here with @fionagoode.

“—Of course, cherie.” If her voice sounded choked, filled with tears, that was because… it was. Though it had been some months since they had last spoken, neither hell nor high water could pull Fiona from Linda’s side now. Both their glasses were empty, however, and that was unacceptable. Fiona leaned down to press a kiss into the other woman’s hair as she reached for the decanter to refill them, taking care to be more generous with her own whiskey than with Linda’s. Linda wasn’t a drinker, not really, not the way Fiona was. “Here,” whispered soft as she handed a newly filled glass back over, “You have a little more of this, maybe… maybe you’ll be able to sleep soon.”

it was the kiss that woke her, a cold glass being carefully placed between her curled fingers while all she could do was —- stare. at fiona, down at the honey flavored liquor she was expected to swallow, and then, back up at her once again. ❝ thank you. ❞ for coming back, for wanting to stay. goodness knew linda wasn’t much of a good companion these days. mouth opened, and she wrapped her lips around the crystal edge of her glass; downing its contents and coughing a little, for her throat had been set on fire. if only alcohol could help wash away the pain that caused her heart to pound against her ribcage, threatening to split it open.

❝ thank you. ❞ she repeated, her voice choked and heavy with sorrow —- one last breath before linda broke. finally. her glass fell, smashing to pieces against the floor, and the woman buried her face into the softness of her palms, quiet sobs that made her shoulders tremble.