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A perfectly crafted box.
That’s what she was stuck in.
Given just enough freedom to shine brightly, enough to be able to spread her wings yet not enough to actually fly anywhere like she wanted to or should be able to…
“We’ll need the lyrics…” A deep voice reminded Astra, once again, of all of her responsibilities towards Odeum.
His voice was stern and emotionless and every time that director spoke Astra swore she nearly rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to be here, she’d made that clear about a dozen times to her Evelyn this morning. Evelyn had practically had to drag Astra out of bed and bribe her with a half a day off just so she’d consider going.
“Half a day isn’t a lot…” She complained. “What would we even do?”
“Whatever you want to do.” Evelyn promised, kissing Astra's forehead before leaving to go reschedule everything.
Today’s schedule had already been meticulously planned, but for Astra…for her happiness Evelyn was always willing to throw it all out the window. She rescheduled so many meetings so often and if this one could have been rescheduled too there was no doubt Evelyn would have done everything for Astra but…the director insisted that the meeting be held today.
That director had never once cared about Astra, he only saw her for the star she was across New Eridu.
Astra didn’t really mind admitting that she wasn’t paying attention to the meeting. Even when he kept speaking, giving out orders for Astra’s future, she didn’t care. Not even a little bit. She was much more busy staring at her bodyguard instead, her mind drifting off to all the things they could do once this meeting was over and done with. Evelyn obviously knew Astra was staring at her, she could feel her stare but, unfortunately, despite everything, she never spared Astra a single glance, she was focusing purely on the director since someone was going to have to give Astra a summary of what had happened today.
“Astra?” The director called her name. “Are you listening?”
“Another concert soon and you want lyrics.” She let out a deep sigh, trying as best as she could to keep her pleasant smile. “Can we delay this meeting?”
“No.” The man said coldly. “You have two weeks for the lyrics…”
Even though Astra hadn’t been looking or speaking to the director, he was taking the chance to lecture her. The more he spoke the more Astra tuned out his voice, her eyes and mind entirely focused on her stunning bodyguard instead. She fluttered her eyelashes at the woman she knew she might stand a chance at convincing.
“This meeting has lasted long enough.” She soon enough declared, jumping out of her seat the next moment.
“But Miss Yao this meeting-”
“All the more reason to delay it!” Astra didn’t even hesitate to cut Evelyn off. She was already aware of what Evelyn was going to say, how she was going to try to convince Astra to stay back just a little longer and bribe her with something more as if her life could be bought. Evelyn didn’t mean it in a bad way, they both had their responsibilities and she was just doing her job but sometimes…
Sometimes all Astra had to do was get Evelyn to spare her a glance, so that Evelyn could see her fatigued expression behind her usual smile. From that point onwards, Evelyn always let out a subtle sigh, nodding her head just enough so Astra knew she had Evelyn’s blessing to leave.
“You-” The director got a single word out before Astra was completely out of sight. Evelyn glared at the director, warning him to be careful with his word choice.
“I will talk with Miss Yao.” Evelyn promised her voice hiding a subtle warning to it - no one was to talk to her before she did. She waited another instant just to make sure the director understood and then raised herself from her chair to go find where Astra could have possibly run off too.
Oh.
She was leaning against the wall, right outside of the door wearing a wide smile she reserved for those she loved. She was clearly waiting for Evelyn to join her.
“My knight in shining armor~” Astra cheered. She tried to jump into Evelyn’s arms to hug her but before she even got the chance Evelyn had stepped to the side, her arms gesturing for Astra to advance forward instead. Astra tilted her head to the side letting out a subtle sigh of disappointment before she started skipping ahead.“You’re always ready to protect me against anything anyone might try to say to offend me.”
“It’s my job, Miss Yao.” Evelyn replied without any hesitation, walking by Astra’s side the whole time as they made their way to the entry.
They both hated this terrible building, always forced to come to it for the sake of meetings. There was never anything fun about this place…
And the way that director always spoke to Astra reminded Evelyn too much of how her own boss used to speak to her, how he used to coldly give her new missions, ask her to choose a fake name without so much as bothering with friendly conversation - at least not until the very last mission. That man always expected Astra to go to concert after concert, follow the orders of Odeum blindly and listen to fans…they gave Astra so little time off it was only normal she tried to rebel.
Before letting Astra step out of the building completely, Evelyn made sure no one was waiting for them outside, just to make sure it was safe. With a confirmation that they weren’t being followed she gestured for Astra to walk out of the building. But instead of listening to Evelyn Astra tried to hug her lover from behind. Tried. Evelyn didn’t let her.
“No more meetings today right, Eve? We’ll go out just as a normal couple. People won’t recognize me and you don’t have to act as my bodyguard?”
“Miss Yao-”
“Pleaseee~” Evelyn shook her head, they had to go home. “Please Eve, it'll be fun!”
…It would be fun for Astra. For Evelyn? It would be a mission like any other. The only reason she didn’t refuse Astra verbally just now was because she didn’t want to have to refuse her. Astra was wearing a proper disguise today but it wasn’t perfect. It never was. If someone looked at her for a moment too long it could all fall apart. As a bodyguard, Evelyn wasn’t allowed to leave Astra out of her sight for even a moment whilst in public, her eyes constantly wandered around their surroundings. Despite how much Evelyn would want to enjoy the day and focus solely on Astra she’d learned a while ago that was impossible.
The worst part in all of this was that Astra was aware of the duties of a bodyguard…it’s why she bothered asking. She saw the way Evelyn’s lips were pressed in a thin line, hesitating to give permission whilst knowing they should head back home for the day off. Astra, of course, would never let her hesitate for long before she started skipping ahead.
“We must go-”
Astra didn’t listen. She pretended she didn’t hear Evelyn and effortlessly slipped away towards the car. Evelyn let out a deep sigh, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose in disbelief. She followed her Astra. She caught up with her with the sole intent of intertwining her cold hand with that of her lover.
Instantly, Astra’s face brightened up and she squeezed Evelyn’s hand tightly just to make sure this was real.
“...We could go watch a musical. We’ll use it as an excuse for you to find inspiration.”
“Can we really!?”
It was the perfect idea. Astra loved that idea. She instantly started jumping up and down, clasping both of Evelyn’s hands together whilst chanting Evelyn’s nickname.
Evelyn didn’t usually like the idea of Astra being out in public for too long - least of all in such a popular space like Lumina Square. She was always worried about Astra’s security possibly being compromised. Evelyn suggesting going to the theater before Astra could even ask was out of character. When Astra stopped jumping her eyes were gleaming with so much more hope than they had in that grueling meeting.
There was just something about Evelyn suggesting their date area instead of giving her usual answer that she didn’t mind where they went that felt so…unimaginable. Granted most of their dates were just quick lunches they grabbed when they got a moment to breathe and most of those times Evelyn still insisted they be on their guards in case of watchful eyes.
Today felt special.
Maybe today would be different, Astra pondered.
“I will check the location in the car before we leave.” However the chances were that yes, they were going.
Astra threw herself into Evelyn’s arms, hugging her tightly as a thank you before grabbing her hand again and running towards the car. Evelyn yelled out for her to be careful but the distance wasn’t too grand meaning she still had the time to reach the car before Astra and open the door for her. Her palm was open facing upwards for Astra’s delicate fingers to be laid atop as she got into the car. She barely let Evelyn get into the car before warning the driver that plans were changing and Evelyn needed to verify something before they left.
There were multiple exits at the theater, most movies still had a lot of spots left for reservations meaning there wouldn’t be any crowds, the theater is dark and Astra’s wearing a disguise…
“It seems safe enough.”
Astra let out an excited yelp, jumping into Evelyn’s safe arms once again because no one had ever bothered to be this kind and thoughtful with her. Most people, like in that meeting she’d been in, saw her as a tool, they gave Astra a schedule and even when she complained about it they didn’t care. Astra was a star who had duties and missions to complete. Everyone protected Odeum before they protected Astra. Everyone except her beloved Eve. She, without ever failing, protected Astra before Odeum.
Evelyn instructed the driver as to where to drive them and then second they started the car a tinted black screen was lifted to separate Astra and Evelyn from the driver. They were, in a way, alone in this car. With every window tinted Astra could all too easily snuggle by Evelyn’s side. Evelyn was already looking at her, trying to hide her smile and failing miserably. She was all too aware of what Astra was going to do - as a bodyguard it was technically part of her job to predict Astra’s moves. Astra reached over to cup Evelyn’s cheek with one of her hands and Evelyn didn’t try to stop her. If anything she tilted her head up higher to meet those all loving eyes and make it easier for Astra to kiss her. Their lips met trying to find a way to kiss each other even as the car moved, Astra was so unbelievably tempted to climb on top of Evelyn but she couldn’t - she knew Evelyn was going to remind her that it wasn’t safe. She had no choice but to settle on kissing Evelyn slowly, trying to remember everything about her like it was the first ever time they’d tasted each other. The only thing Astra could focus on was Evelyn and how her lips felt against her own, she pulled away only when she was satisfied, laying her head on Evelyn’s shoulder for comfort. The other woman hesitated for a brief moment, her breath suddenly caught even though Astra always did this. She let out a deep sigh and wrapped her arms around the woman to bring her closer.
…It was a shame that the second they arrived at the theater, Evelyn was no longer holding Astra even when the woman’s body fell to the side lacking any warmth from her beloved; the only touch she received was to help her sit up right.
“Please get ready Miss Yao, we’re here.”
They were back to their formalities. Back to a singer and her bodyguard instead of two women madly in love with one another. Astra let her shoulders fall forward with an unnecessarily deep sigh of discouragement, she threw on her signature glasses - the ones she only wore when she was trying to disguise herself - and by the time Evelyn was opening her car door, her hand out for Astra to take she was smiling again.
“We haven’t decided what to watch!” When Astra tried to intertwine their fingers together Evelyn pulled her hand away completely. “Eveee help me decide! There are too many good options.”
“Of course, Miss Yao.” She gestured for Astra to walk ahead and followed her, constantly watching their surroundings to make sure no one was following them. She opened the door for Astra and they went over to a section to buy tickets.
“Hmmm, what do you think, Eve?”
Evelyn casually pointed to a musical. “You haven’t seen this one.” Astra tilted her head to the side, she didn’t recognize the title but the musical also didn’t seem new. “You would like it.”
“You’ve watched it?”
Evelyn hummed along and when Astra tried to argue that they should watch another one instead - one that would be new to both of them - Evelyn pointed out there was none. She bought two tickets before Astra could keep arguing with her, her eyes shifting to the ground as she silently debated explaining to Astra why no musical this theater could offer would ever be new to her.
“My mission with you was different. It was going to be longer and to gain your trust I had to know who you were. I spent days studying musicals.”
“So you haven’t actually seen this musical.” Astra pointed out.
“I have.” Evelyn frowned her brows together, not quite sure she understood.
“You watched it to find out about me, not because you wanted to. Today will be different!”
She was determined to make today's musical different. And such pure, innocent joy, brought a subtle smile to Evelyn’s face. There were a few people waiting in line to buy food for the musical and right as Astra was going to start walking Evelyn grabbed her wrist.
“Too risky…” She whispered, almost tempted to send Astra back into the car as the movie was only starting in half an hour.
“But I have you~”
That’s not enough, Evelyn thought to herself. If something were to happen they were severely outnumbered, Evelyn could probably fight them off except she didn’t want to. No one knew where Astra had gone today so calling for backup wouldn’t exactly be as easy as usual. Today was supposed to be a relaxing day for Astra after countless weeks of non stop working. If Evelyn was forced to fight she could no longer call the day relaxing…the best way to make sure Astra was satisfied with her day was to make sure her cover never got the chance to be blown away.
They would wait until there was no one and when they would go to the counter Evelyn would be the one to order whilst Astra pretending to endlessly scroll on her communicator. They managed to not get recognized and make it to the room where they found two perfect seats to blend within the crowd. As Evelyn had expected there weren’t many people and no one suspected Astra was the Astra Yao. When the movie started the lights disappeared leaving only the screen to light up the room. No one could see Astra and Evelyn anymore, they no longer had to worry about Astra’s safety and could cuddle as much as they wanted whilst watching the movie. Astra had suggested Evelyn hold their snacks and she’d gladly agreed thinking it would allow Astra to react however much she wanted. She didn’t pick up on Astra’s real intention - having to constantly reach over so she had no choice but to get closer to Evelyn. Or perhaps Evelyn did know the truth, maybe that’s why she sometimes picked up a piece of popcorn and fed it to Astra.
Evelyn had warned Astra that she’d seen this movie once so compared to her lover she didn’t have to pay much attention to the flashy screen. Originally, yes, she had watched it to find out more about Astra and yes, she’d never properly taken the time to appreciate the true beauty of the movie but today…today there was a different beauty her eyes were locked on. Maybe it was possible to forget what her real role was when the circumstances allowed it. No one had followed them here, she was sure of that much and if someone did have ill intention they were at a severe disadvantage due to the darkness - Evelyn had been trained for every possible situation, fighting in the dark was nothing new to her.
When the lights finally came back on Evelyn quickly turned her head towards the screen to make it seem like she’d been focusing on the movie the whole entire time. Astra was no longer cuddling her, instead she was standing up pointing at the screen in disbelief.
“Eve!” She shouted a little too loudly. Heads instantly spun around at the familiar voice and Evelyn had just enough time to pull Astra back down onto her seat before all eyes were glaring at them. Astra’s voice was one thing she couldn’t hide very well, something that gave her away instantly alongside Evelyn’s name. It had become a weakness due to how much Astra loved repeating it, most people believed Evelyn’s real name was ‘Eve’ since that was the only bodyguard Astra spoke about. “Sorry…”
She whispered a lot more softly and Evelyn shook her head, she looked around the room and they were the only two left. “There is no one.” She reassured.
“That musical is now one of my favorites.” Astra determinedly announced, getting back up and pointing at the now black screen again. “Can I pretty please post about it on Inter-Knot?”
“In a few days. When it will be safe.” Evelyn promised, she knew just how much Astra loved her fans and how much she loved interacting with them. Any chance she got she was on Inter-Knot posting random things. She actually frequently got in trouble with Odeum for making unauthorized posts but before they ever got a chance to berate her over them her beloved bodyguard always stepped in justifying Astra’s actions by saying it brought her more popularity and consequently the company more popularity.
“A few days…” She chuckled lightly, her smiling never quite reaching her eyes.
She both loved and didn’t…love how Evelyn shielded her from the world. Hate was too strong of a word when she knew Evelyn was just doing her job. Astra’s safety…of course her safety always came first…it just stung not being able to do as she pleased whenever she wanted. It stung that she had to wait to post anything, that had to wait before making a decision, it seemed like so much needed approval. She could barely even interact with her fans without it being controlled.
The worst probably wasn’t even Odeum’s grip on Astra’s life but the fact people believed her image was just a performance when it wasn’t. Each person is unique and despite the fact both Astra and Evelyn had seemed like tools to some they were of no exception…
Could they be allowed to be free?
As usual, on their way out Evelyn made sure no one was following them and they re-entered the car. This time Astra requested that they go to Port Elpis.
“Miss Yao that’s-”
Port Elpis was filled with people, no matter how much that place meant to the both of them, how much they both loved the salted sea water, it was far more risky than a simple theater where they were in the dark.
“I’m in a disguise.” Astra reminded, insisting that the driver start the car.
Evelyn’s lips formed a thin line as she hesitated - a habit she’d picked up long ago. She silently debated the pros and cons. It was true that she’d promised Astra a day off but…
“We should go home.”
From their place they could see the whole of New Eridu. It would be much safer there, Evelyn could cook something up for Astra and would no longer have to worry about Astra’s safety. Their ‘normal day as a couple’ could partially realize itself at home. They would still be getting a break, they just wouldn’t be exploring as Astra wished.
“Eve…” She whispered and her voice was so small, barely audible.
“Give us a minute.” Evelyn instructed the driver who nodded their head and instead of just raising the tinted screen to separate them exited the car completely. “We’ll go to Port Elips tomorrow morning. Watch the sun rise-”
Of course everything had to be delayed…again. Astra wouldn’t change her job for anything; she was a star that brought immense joy to others. She shines brightest when singing in concert but…shining brightly isn’t necessarily good for a star.
Stars usually shine the brightest when they are on the brink of death. Astra gives her all in every concert, sings her heart out, in case it’ll be the last time Odeum lets her sing.
Surely, Evelyn of all people understood that. That cold and stern bodyguard who always stood up for her.
“Today’s schedule will become tomorrow’s and I’m not getting up before meetings.” Astra complained, her arms reaching over to Evelyn's side even though the woman moved out of the way - a symbol she couldn’t be swayed. “Eve…you’re meant to follow my orders not Odeum…”
“I’m meant to keep you safe, Miss Yao.”
Astra chuckled, her head falling forward. They were alone…why was Evelyn...
“Just five minutes, just the time I show you something.”
Then Astra wouldn’t complain and she’d go home. She looked at Evelyn with her puppy eyes, reminding her that five minutes wasn’t a lot. If they were constantly moving no one would spot them.
…Her lover still hesitated. Her job was simple, clear with no room to negotiate but her heart...it could always be persuaded.
Evelyn wordlessly opened the car door and gestured for the driver to come back and then she gave the instruction.
They were going to Port Elpis.
And gosh there were so many people. Evelyn forced Astra to keep her glasses on at all times and they tried constantly walking until it proved useless. Astra stayed put in a quieter area gazing at the sea, she came up with some excuse that her feet started to hurt and she didn’t want to walk - if Evelyn wasn’t wearing heels herself she would have offered to switch shoes just so they’d keep walking.
“Do you see how beautiful it is?” Evelyn wasn’t looking at the sea, she was looking everywhere to make sure there weren’t any risks. “Eve?”
Before Astra could try to reach over to cup Evelyn’s face and turn her head around a cold, sharp voice cut through the air.
“We should leave. If someone recognizes you we will have to run to the car.”
No matter how much Astra wanted Evelyn to focus on her, wanted them to spend quality time together as she naively believed there were no risks, Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to bring down her guard.
“We’re just two ordinary people, no one will mind that we’re together…”
“Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee this area is safe.”
“Is that why you’re avoiding me? During the musical you weren’t…”
Astra's voice once again grew smaller. It wasn’t the first time this had happened. Every time they were alone Evelyn seemed to almost fully leave behind her role as a bodyguard, she would indulge herself in all the romantic gestures Astra initiated…when they were in public she was a completely different person. Their chemistry was still there, it was irrefutable with the way they looked at each other - there was nothing but love when they lost themselves gazing at the other - but technically speaking nothing between them was official. Fans had their speculations yet they had no solid proof.
“I’m not avoiding you,” Somehow the pain in Evelyn’s voice, as if she was trying to lie to herself, said otherwise. “I just need to be prepared to fight for you.”
“The disaster has passed, no one will try to hurt us.”
Us because even if Astra was the only important one she still worried about Evelyn.
Evelyn chuckled a bit as Astra’s words fully registered in her mind. Unless they were in the comfort of their own home, where there was an unbelievable amount of safety measures installed, they were never completely safe. Evelyn had learned that years ago but she admired the fact Astra kept this naive side to her…that she’d never had to learn the things Evelyn had to survive.
“Maybe-”
Whilst Evelyn was still talking Astra took her chance and decided to grab her arm.
“Eve, I want to show the world how special you are…how much I love you.”
“My job…” Her job didn’t involve falling in love with her target.
The words felt absolutely heartless on her tongue. The words had nearly left her mouth before her mind could register them. She’d stopped herself at the last second…she couldn’t bring herself to say them.
“I know…your job is to protect me. Be my bodyguard.” Astra was practically complaining about that.
And her sudden words felt…unexpected. Astra had never quite acknowledged Evelyn’s role with so much…Evelyn didn’t really know what it was. Given that Astra was always so cheerful, this felt so out of…character. She couldn’t help herself but stare at her lover for a few moments opening and closing her mouth, she was at a loss for words, unable to respond. Being Astra Yao’s bodyguard was why she had been hired in the first place. If she failed to protect Astra she failed her mission and if she failed her mission…well it was her last one anyways so it didn’t matter much, but had it not been would she have been of any use to the Organization? She’d never once failed a mission.
“Astra…” It was a rare moment where she called her by her given name in public instead of ‘Miss Yao’.
“Evelyn,” A rare moment where they both called each other by their given names. “have you ever thought of how I would feel if something happened to you? You could never forgive yourself I know that but…I could never forgive myself either if I knew something happened to you because…because you were protecting me.”
“...You are much more important than I am. I would gladly-”
“Eve you aren’t just my bodyguard. You’re…you’re someone I can’t live without.”
Even if everything Evelyn had ever told Astra was a carefully crafted lie, even if for a period of time Evelyn had only been here because of The Organization Astra had always stayed by Evelyn’s side. And it wasn’t just because she was forced to. Astra never did anything she didn’t want to, she always found some way of getting out of everything - such as her meeting earlier. She stayed by Evelyn's side because she trusted and wanted the woman.
Astra was Evelyn’s star whilst Evelyn was Astra’s knight. Initially the star had brought light into her knight’s life and then that knight had sworn to protect her star’s life even with her own.
One small decision, a risky one, had changed everything. A leap of faith that had turned into something so much bigger.
“I don’t care what Odeum will say, I want you. And if I can’t stop you from risking your life for mine, can you at least live yours with me…freely…so we don’t have any regrets…”
…How had she gotten to this point? How has so much in her life changed in the last two years?
Everything she’d ever done was just to survive.
Despite the fact Evelyn often saw herself in moths she did also resemble butterflies a bit.
Butterflies technically originally start off as caterpillars who have no way of surviving. They have no say in their own life, they have no choice but to force themselves into a cocoon - into a box - for a slim chance of becoming a butterfly who has freedom. It’s not an easy task, they have no choice but to let time go by as they wait to break out of their shell, waiting for the perfect opportunity to free themselves from their past. Caterpillars go through such immense change just so they can be free.
Evelyn hadn’t even realized there was a way to escape her box until Astra had shown her. Astra was the one and only reason Evelyn had found her freedom. She was the one and only reason Evelyn was where she was today…
She’d once given herself up to faith and in this moment, right now as Astra stood before her, she could take another leap of faith and hope for the best, right?
Evelyn took a step forward and grabbed Astra. For once since this so-called mission had begun Evelyn's eyes focused purely on Astra whilst they were in public.
Their lips collided together in the next instance.
Physical touch between them in public initiated by Evelyn was so unbelievably rare if it wasn't to protect Astra. So when Evelyn had so suddenly grabbed Astra and kissed her before the woman could react her eyes went wide with disbelief. Evelyn. Kissing her. In public. Astra was pretty sure it had never ever happened but she wasn't mad about it. If anything she felt a weight come off her shoulders. She didn't hold back, she kissed and kissed Evelyn back. She didn't want it to end, she didn't want this to be the only time this happened.
Her heart kept beating against her chest so loudly, Astra wasn't even sure it had beaten this loudly during their first kiss. She couldn't believe it. And her smile was surely never going to fade when she saw how red Evelyn's face was after the kiss.
“I’m sorry…” It was the first thing Evelyn said even if Astra didn’t want to hear her apologize at all. Evelyn started looking everywhere, starting refusing to look Astra in her dark pink almost red eyes.
Astra smiled and cupped Evelyn’s face the same way she had during that concert where she’d found out the truth about the woman she’d fallen for. “Eve, you don’t know how long I’ve wanted you to do that.”
“I’ve thought of it before…” Evelyn admitted. “I never did anything because I must protect you. I also don’t want you getting in trouble.”
“It’ll just confirm fans' suspicions and give us attention…” Astra’s voice sounded far too happy for Evelyn’s own liking. “I’ll try to get Odeum to steer the crowd away from you.”
Because she knew Evelyn preferred to stay in the shadows. With Evelyn’s past her life was a lot easier if the spotlight wasn’t on her. She smiled, almost tempted to kiss Astra again to thank her. She didn’t, deciding it was better to settle on a few words.
“Thank you, Miss Yao.”
Her love instantly shook her head. "Astra. It’s just the two of us."
Just like that time during the concert. The rest of the world didn’t matter at this very moment, only they did. Evelyn had stopped looking around to ensure there was no danger and now couldn’t keep her eyes off of her beautiful Astra.
"We're in public Miss Yao...Astra."
She corrected herself. If it was Astra’s wish to be called by her real name even in public after they’d just decided they might announce their relationship publicly then Evelyn saw no reason to not listen to her.
“Astra Yao…” A bystander who’d accidentally overheard Evelyn say her full name repeated it. “Hey! You’re Astra Yao!” The bystander yelled out.
And suddenly even if this whole entire day had been going so well - since the meeting had ended of course - they were no longer safe. People started whispering, staring at Astra and Evelyn. They started seeing through her disguise. Evelyn grabbed Astra’s hand, she shielded her from the crowd waiting for a perfect open to start running. She needed to get Astra back into the car as quickly as possible and they needed to leave. Now.
Astra laughed the whole way, saying hi to her fans shamelessly since her cover was blown. Evelyn however focused on her safety, she dragged her back to the car with Astra letting out a yelp of surprise when she landed on top of Evelyn due to the sheer speed and force with which she’d been pulled. Evelyn ordered the driver to start driving, to bring them back to Astra’s place.
The driver started the car without a moment's hesitation.
“See no danger~” Astra jokingly said and all Evelyn could do was pinch the bridge of her nose. They had gotten lucky that fans were just curious because Astra Yao was in public holding Evelyn’s waist no less when they’d been spotted.
“That’s why we can’t take risks.” Evelyn said, looking out of the window at the curious fans.
Astra let out a sigh as practically tried to melt into the seat.
Either she was fatigued from the day or…
“Normal day,” Evelyn thought she might have heard Astra whisper under her breath. “And tomorrow…”
“Astra?”
Instantly, Astra looked up and smiled at Evelyn; she lifted herself up, got closer to Evelyn and cuddled with her. Days like these were rare. Not only did Odeum not allow them very frequently but Astra, compared to popular belief, also didn’t ask for them very often. She had a duty of making others happy, a day off meant she wasn’t in the public eye…it was almost selfish?
“I’m sorry, Eve.”
With a bit of reflection she realized Evelyn was right. They shouldn’t have gone to Port Elpis. It was not only dangerous but Astra’s wish to show Evelyn something…show Evelyn the world didn’t mind if they were together was nothing short of rebellious. It was an act of defiance against Odeum, an act of love towards Eve and her own attempt at grasping more freedom.
They were sure to make the news tomorrow which meant they were both going to have to give Odeum a lot of answers.
Evelyn’s job could possibly be on the line if they didn’t take to this very well. However she knew better than to worry about that. She would protect Astra against any malice Odeum might throw at her and in return she knew Astra would do everything so Evelyn wasn’t fired on the spot. They had enough trust in one another to know everything would be okay.
Evelyn brought Astra closer to her and kissed her forehead, silently telling her she had no reason to apologize.
Then she held the girl tightly. The whole entire car ride home she didn’t dare let go of her.
“Astra we’re home.” And even when they finally reached the entrance of their house Astra was still clinging onto Evelyn like she was scared of losing her. If it wasn’t for the way Astra's eyes were wide open and she’d been talking the whole way home Evelyn might have assumed she’d fallen asleep.
“Can you carry me,” She started pretending to plead. “Please Eve, my feet hurt after running like that.”
“Of course, Astra.” There was no way Evelyn could refuse such a request from her Astra, not now. She left the car and then waited for Astra to get as close to the edge as she could before picking her up in a birdale style. Astra wrapped her hands around Evelyn’s neck to make sure she wouldn’t fall - not that Evelyn would ever dare drop her - and let herself be carried all the way into their place, into their room.
“Stay,” Whilst Astra had been undoing her heels she noticed Evelyn was trying to leave the room. She’d only just managed to grab her wrist before it was too late.
“I need to verify the surroundings.”
Right. Safety first. Astra didn’t complain this time, simply let go of Evelyn’s wrist, she nodded her head to give her her blessing. Evelyn promised she would be quick before silently leaving the room. She returned to see Astra staring at the door just waiting for her to come back. Astra extended her hands the second her love was in the door frame and Evelyn gladly took them, finally getting to kiss her lover again.
They were both smiling when a single strip of saliva connected the two.
“Eve…are you happy?” Astra asked out of nowhere.
“I am.” It didn’t even take her a second to respond. “Astra, are you happy?”
With a huge smile on her face Astra exceedingly nodded her head. Astra was happy and Evelyn would do anything and everything to make sure that beloved smile never faded from her lover's face. It was kind of funny to think that when they’d first met Evelyn had believed that Astra’s smile was nothing more than an act.
Overtime she was glad she’d learned to love that smile. Astra brought her so much immense joy that words couldn’t even describe it. And in return, though she never seemed to realize it, the one thing that truly brought so much joy to Astra, the thing that had her smiling the most often, was the fact that Evelyn was by her side.