Chapter Text
“How are you, my love?”
Tally groaned as she joined the land of the living. Unfortunately being awake meant being aware of the catastrophic hangover she was suffering from. “Not good. I feel like I stumbled into the blasting range.” She mumbled from under the quilt.
“No blasting range, you just stumbled into Anacostia on your midnight traipse over to my office.” Sarah laughed.
“Sarah! too loud!” Tally hissed. She then felt gentle hands turn her over and whimpered when the quilt was pulled off of her, exposing her over-sensitive eyes to the sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains in Sarah’s living space.
“I’m sorry, sweet one.” Sarah apologized, before cradling the younger woman’s face in her hands. The coolness of them soothing Tally’s pounding head. A low seed reverberated from Sarah’s throat and she winced as fixing work transferred the pain between them.
“You shouldn’t have done that. Now you’re hurting.” Tally scolded, slumping back onto the mattress in relief.
“I’m much more experienced with fixing than the witches you work with. Plus, once it’s distributed through the eight of us, the feeling is negligible.”
Tally hummed in affirmation, thinking of how she would need to check in with the biddies later on, just to make sure they weren’t in pain. Not everyone could be an unshakable force like Sarah was. “What time is it?” Tally asked, moving to press herself into the older woman’s side.
“Almost noon.” Tally nearly bolted upright, only stopping because Sarah’s arm curled around her, pulling her back down. “It’s Saturday. No morning drill, Private.” Tally cracked a smile at Sarah’s use of her ‘General’ voice.
“I didn’t think it would be nearly that late, considering you’re in pajamas in bed.” The redhead said, running her hand of the silk sleep shirt Sarah was wearing.
“Well, before you were delivered to me last night, I’d decided I would try that ‘sleeping’ thing you’re always going on about.” Sarah joked.
Tally rolled her eyes, poking her lover’s side to make the older woman squirm, “Well? How was it?”
“I wasn’t fully asleep when you got here, but after I got you tucked in with me, I fell asleep quickly. I expected to dream, but didn’t. Then again, you’re my dream come true, so I have no need to.”
Tally blushed from her chest to the tips of her ears, torn between covering her face and smothering Sarah with kisses. She chose the latter.
~
“You guys look like crap.” Tally chirped, plopping down into a chair at the table where Raelle and Abigail were eating lunch.
“Goddess Tally, not so loud.” Raelle tried to glare up at her, but gave up when she realized it meant exposing her eyes to more light than necessary.
“Sorry, I’ll be more quiet. I was just making an observation, you two do look rough.” Tally sighed apologetically.
“Yeah, well shitbird refuses to use her fungus powers to fix me.”
“Excuse me?! If they don’t extend to fixing my hangover, I’m not suffering alone. You’re the one that tried to kill us via tequila, asshole.”
“You’re alive aren’t you? And from what I remember, you were out drinking me. And Tally- wait- Tally why do you look so….normal? You were throwing back shots one after the other and you’re just fine!” Raelle looked over, processing Abigail’s words, and Tally nervously rubbed her hands on her jeans.
They already know I’m dating a woman, should I tell them about Sarah now?
“Well, after you guys passed out I went to stay with my-“
“Girlfriend?”
“Lover?”
“The woman you’ll be repopulating witchkind with?“
Tally huffed at that last statement. “God Rae, I shouldn’t have read that letter in front of you. Well anyway, I stayed with her last night and this morning when I woke up, she fixed me.”
“Ooooh, a fixer!” Abigail cooed, immediately regretting it as her head throbbed. Raelle looked deep in thought.
“Who is it? I’m thinking of everyone in my healing courses and no one makes sense for you to be dating.”
Tally blushed, “She's not in your classes, she’s not in training.”
“You’re dating a civilian?!” Abigail sounded scandalized.
“Cut that shit out, my dad’s a civilian.” Raelle snapped, causing the taller girl to look at her apologetically. “And remember the whole prophecy thing, you idiot? And how we were just talking about her fixing Tal?”
“I think I may still be a little drunk. So if she isn’t a civilian, she’s gotta be a dodger.”
“That’s dangerous Tally, you know what they do to dodgers.” Raelle said, thinking of how the military had brutally executed Scylla’s parents.
“She’s not a dodger. She’s a witch, just finished with her training already.” Tally mumbled.
“You’re fucking a superior,” the blonde smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.
“God, it better not be Anacostia.” Abigail groaned
Tally’s stomach turned. Partially about the thought of sleeping with Ana, and partially because of Abigail’s tone. If she was so put off by the thought of it being their Sergeant, how would she react when Tally told her it was Sarah? Thankfully, her line of thought was interrupted.
“Dude, what if it’s Petra? You’d have to call Tal ‘Mommy’ Abs.” Raelle seemed to think this was hilarious. Abigail just looked nauseated. The sick feeling hadn’t left Tally yet, so when her sisters’ offered to share their breakfast, she declined, telling them she’d eat later.
“Oh, I wanted to ask you, if you’re dating a woman, who was that guy we met at the fair?” Raelle asked as she absentmindedly pushed fruit around in her bowl.
“Oh, that was her, just using a face.”
Tally, you idiot! You essentially just insinuated that Sarah is Spree!
“You’re dating a Spree agent?! I thought we all agreed that was a terrible idea after Scylla,” The redhead winced at Raelle’s words, wondering how she was gonna get herself out of the hole she dug. Glancing at Abigail, she saw that the darker girl’s eyes were blown wide,
“There’s a Spree operative in admin?!”
Tally knew she had to get this under control quickly. “No, Abigail, there’s not an operative in administration. There’s no Spree at all.” Her sisters looked relieved but confused, so she continued, “Spree aren’t the only ones who use off-canon work.”
“But the face burning-“
“Raelle, your healing is off-canon. Are you spree!?” Tally snapped, cutting the blonde off. She blushed, not knowing what got into her. “My emotions are all over the place, I guess I’m just still tired. I’m so sorry Rae.” The blonde nodded, not seeming upset and accepting Tally’s apology. “Yes the face-burning is used mainly by the spree, but it was around before then.” There was a lull in the conversation until Abigail spoke.
“So when are we gonna get to interrogate her?”
“Never. You can’t interrogate her.” Tally huffed.
“Fine, no interrogation” Abigail agreed.
“Well maybe just a little” Tally rolled her eyes as the three of them all laughed at Raelle’s quip.
~
When the unit entered their dorm that evening, Tally was quick to spot a scrap of paper peeking from under her pillow. She rushed to cover it before her sisters spotted it, assuming it was a note from Sarah. Tally folded and concealed it in her sleeve, she figured she’d read it in the bathroom, since she was intending to shower anyways. She was incredibly grateful to have a private bath for their unit, instead of the communal shower they shared in basic.
“Hey, I’m gonna shower real quick, unless one of you guys needs the bathroom first.” Tally said, before picking up her shower supplies when her sisters confirmed they were okay with her using the shower first. Heading out of the room, she slipped the note out of her sleeve. Of course her
assumption was right, she thought as she smiled at the meticulously neat ‘Tally’ written on the front, unfolding the paper.
Tally,
I know I saw you only just this morning, but things are going to get busy soon with Samhain then Yule, and I’d like to spend some time with you while I can. Preferably without you being intoxicated.
Tally giggled, as if you could hear Sarah’s teasing tone through the note.
If you’re interested, meet me at the Angel Oak tonight at eleven. I would suggest earlier, but we need the cover of night for what I’m planning.
Yours,
Sarah
Tally swooned, thinking of how romantic it was of Sarah to write a note instead of just contacting her through the link. She couldn’t help being curious about what Sarah wanted to do together. What better way to find out than using the aforementioned link. She pushed her thoughts through the link as she undressed.
‘Sarahhhh’
‘Yes, Dove?’
Tally grinned at the nickname.
‘I got your note.’
‘Did you?’
‘Yes, it was very sweet’
‘Only for you.’
‘Sooooo, what do you plan for us to do tonight? Just so I’m prepared’
‘It’s a surprise.’
‘Oh come on! Sarah pleeaaasee’
‘You’ll only have to wait a few hours, I’m sure you’ll live’
‘Well, I’m about to shower, what if I let you watch?’
Tally smirked devilishly, surely she had bested Sarah here.
‘Tempting me will not get you an answer.’
Tally heard Sarah’s rumbling laughter before she continued,
‘Anyways, I’m about to walk into a meeting, so even if I was tempted, I wouldn’t have the focus to properly admire you.’
Tally debated with herself for a moment, looking at her bare upper body in the small mirror above the sink. Making her mind up, she sent Sarah a brief flash of what she was currently seeing.
‘Well hopefully you have time to admire me for a moment.’
‘Tally,’ Sarah sighed, sounding exasperated but not at all disappointed.
‘I love you!’ The redhead giggled.
‘I love you too, sweet one. I assume I’ll see you tonight?’
‘Of course! I can’t wait!’
‘I can’t either. Bring a coat.’
Before Tally could pester her lover more, Sarah closed her end of the link. Of course Tally could push through, but she understood the older woman was busy, and respected her boundaries.
She wanted to keep the note, but decided it was better to let this one go, and held it over the sink, lighting it aflame with the seed she had shown Sarah recently. Once the letter was reduced to ash, she rinsed it from the sink, and showered, hoping her sisters wouldn’t question her being in the bathroom for longer than usual.
~
Sarah stood with her back against the massive oak tree, hands clasped in front of her. Recently, she had begun to feel like she was more than just the General; being with Tally reminded her that she was a person, not just a figurehead. In light of this, she decided to forego her uniform and donned a pair of black jeans and a knit sweater, tucked in the front.
She felt, more than heard her bonded approach, the thread that joined them slackening, allowing her body to relax. Turning, she watched as the young woman approached, rays of moonlight seeming to make her pale skin glow.
“You grow more beautiful every time we are apart” the General said, taking Tally into her arms.
“Sarah, stop that!” Tally said, attempting to cover her flushed cheeks with her hands.
“I’m only telling the truth,” Sarah said, wrapping Tally in a tight hug. The redhead took this opportunity to nip the exposed part of her lover’s neck, causing the woman to gasp. “Tally! Feisty aren’t you!”
Tally just laughed, “I can’t help it! It’s been a while! Almost a week!”
“Well, you wound me up enough earlier, I’ll make sure we rectify it soon, I promise. However, I have somewhere I’d like to take you. It’s also far too cold, I wouldn’t want to risk you catching a cold.”
“Always the gentleman!” Tally huffed good naturedly, kissing Sarah’s cheek, “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there. I hope you don’t mind a short walk, the forest is too dense to drive through,”
“I would happily do anything, Sarah. As long as you were by my side.”
~
Tally and Sarah held hands as they made their way through the forest, the older woman making sure Tally didn’t trip over any roots or other obstacles.They talked about everything that happened in the week since the fall festival, and before they she knew it, Sarah was tugging Tally’s hand to slow her down. “I will carry you from here. I want you to close your eyes and it’s too dangerous to walk with them closed.”
“I could just use my sight!”
“That defeats the point of closing your eyes, my dear.” Sarah said with a rumbling laugh, the one that never failed to make Tally’s chest feel warm and fuzzy.
“Alright, if you insist!”
Even though she knew Sarah was going to pick her up, Tally still squeaked as the older woman swept her into a bridal carry. As they walked, she pressed her face into Sarah’s chest and listened to her steady heartbeat until she was distracted by the ambient sounds of running water. “Alright, We’re here. You can look.”
Tally opened her eyes and was immediately floored. The entire forest around them was blooming with bioluminescence. The trees, plants, and even the ground itself glowed, creating an enchanting aura that filled the clearing. “What is this place,” she gasped, turning to Sarah.
“An old pet project of Izadora’s. Not particularly useful to the military, but still incredibly beautiful.”
“It’s absolutely amazing! I can’t believe she did all this with seeds and science,” Tally said, still stunned by the flora around them.
“That’s not even the most impressive part. Let me show you.” Sarah said, as she walked Tally to the bank of a small stream, where rustling and splashing could be heard. Putting Tally down, the redhead had to take a moment to register what she was seeing. On the damp bank and in the shallow water were at least a dozen of quite possibly the ugliest creatures Tally had ever seen.
“Oh my god! They’re adorable!” The redhead squealed, causing the small animals to scatter.
“Calmly, my love, they’re a little shy at first.” Sarah said, guiding tally to kneel on the bank beside her, before clicking her tongue as if beckoning a dog.
Upon seeing one of the animals approaching them, Tally figured the noise made sense. The creature was about eight inches tall, and looked like the lovechild of a large frog and a rather small bulldog. Glowing spots lined it’s back and a lure like that of an anglerfish sprouted from its forehead. The little thing approached Sarah, looking rather silly, before opening its mouth to reveal a row of sharp teeth and a large lolling tongue. It hopped onto its hind legs, attempting to reach Sarah’s face and give her a slobbery kiss. “What are they?!” Tally exclaimed, attempting to keep her voice down.
“Izadora calls them bulb-dogs. She made them in an attempt to find a safe way for us to harvest venom from poisonous frogs. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the project failed and we were left with these adorably ugly, goofy little guys. Sarah looked at Tally, who seemed to be trembling with excitement. “You can touch them, they’re very friendly once they know they aren’t in danger. Look, There’s Horace!” The older woman said, pointing towards an approaching bulbdog, a little slower and more wrinkled than the rest. “He’s the oldest here, but loves new friends. He’s also less excitable,” she laughed, motioning to the several bulbdogs now attempting to climb onto her.
Tally crept forward, still scared of causing the animals to scatter again. The animal met her halfway, and bumped into the hand Tally held toward it. The redhead wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but it wasn’t for the animal to be dry and soft, like the toads she used to catch in her childhood backyard. “He’s very soft,” she whispered, looking back to Sarah. The older woman smiled at her, “Izadora jokes that we should moisturize him now that he doesn’t get in the water. The others are little slime balls,” she laughed, motioning at the sparking mucus now coating her pants.
“They must really love you,” Tally said, grinning at her lover who was nearly over-run. She continued to pet Horace as Sarah stood up, brushing off the creatures.
“They just know I have treats, don’t you, you little devils,” she teased. “They go crazy for the mushrooms Izadora grows, she’s somehow managed to trick-train them. Well. One trick” Sarah took a pouch from her back pocket. As soon as she opened it, the animals got in a perfectly uniform line. Sarah straightened into her ‘General’ stance, causing Tally to giggle.
“Alright soldiers! You know the drill!” Sarah stood in front of the first creature and pulled a piece of dried mushroom out of the pouch. As soon as the animal saw it, he threw his tiny body up in the air to perform a backflip that seemed to defy physics.
“Oh my Goddess! They’re so stubby and round, how do they do that?!”
Sarah chuckled as she went down the line, each dog doing a flip in return for its treat. “I honestly have no idea. Perhaps the frog in them creates a special predilection for hopping? Regardless, I think it’s adorable.” Sarah finished the line as she said this, and made her way to Tally, the mutant dogs ambling off with their prizes. “I didn’t forget you Horace, I promise,” the general said, walking over to where Tally was knelt petting the older creature. “Horace’s joints doubt quite allow flipping anymore, but he has his own bit.” Holding the treat out, Horace began to rock back and forth between his feet, doing a sweet little bulbdog dance. Sarah smiled and handed him the food before looking at Tally and asking her if she’d like to find somewhere to sit.
~
Tally tried to clear her mind as she curled against her lover. It was a gorgeous night and she should have been able to relax while laying on the ground admiring the glowing canopy above them, yet the thoughts rushing through her head kept her distracted. After what was probably her third sigh since they had settled down, Sarah turned to her,
“What’s bothering you my love?”
Tally’s immediate thought was to deny that anything was wrong before realizing that she couldn’t hide her emotions with the bond, and if she could did she even want to hide her emotions from Sarah? “I’m scared, Sarah..”
The older woman’s brow furrowed and she held Tally closer, but remained quiet to allow the redhead the space to speak. “I don’t want us to ever leave each other. I don’t think I could exist in any form without you. If the Mother takes only one of us, do you think we’d be able to find each other in the afterlife?”
Sarah kissed the younger woman’s forehead, “The Mother has blessed us with a bond that is unbreakable, I do not think she would separate us. We will go together, my dove, never having to search, never being apart.”
Tally swallowed the lump in her throat, trying her best to let Sarah’s words soothe her. She buried her face into Sarah’s neck, quietly giggling when Sarah winced at Tally’s cold nose pressing against her warm skin. The two stayed intertwined until the cold of the night forced them inside.