Chp. 18: Unspoken Let down

Meriella's pov

Meriella saw Meraki returning alone from the mission earlier today. Her eyes were puffy but she tried hiding somethings up but Meriella has known Meraki for a while now. She knew when someone hurt her feelings.

Usually Meriella would be the first to check on Meraki as she's her subordinate and Meriella takes pride in caring for her scouts as their head scout, but today she couldn't bare to go up to Meraki and ask what happened.

The thoughts of Terrchel being the cause of Meraki's state, is something Meriella wasn't ready to face. Her mind told her he is a good guy but what if she was wrong. She didn't want to open the possibilities to finding out just yet, knowing it would tarnish the little fire that has sprouted in her heart with the first kiss they shared.

She wanted more, but was spending more time with Terrchel worth it if he was a monster? What if he hurt Meraki? She shook her head, pushing all the thoughts aside.

Meriella instead decided to take the professional approach. She walked through the hideout to Meraki's favorite spot, where she knew she usually went to be alone.

She was found in a makeshift raft on the rooftop under the stars. Meriella checked her swatch, it's 12:00 am and Terrchel still isn't back.

Meraki heard footsteps approaching and ducked to hide, not wanting company right now. However, Meriella continued to pursue her, knowing the mission was more important.

Meriella: "Meraki, you have been back for some time. Although Em is aware of your current state and has not requested the material from you, it is important that you do not allow your emotions to interfere with the mission".

Meriella held her hand out to Meraki awaiting the scroll but instead was given a hand. Meraki placed her hand in Meriella's and used it to pull herself up out of the raft. She then leaped into Meriella, hugging her and burying her face in her neck.

Meriella stood there frozen for a moment before returning the hug. Her hair tickled Meraki's nose, which caused her to sneeze hysterically, and they both let out awkward laughs.

Meriella knew the topic was unavoidable at this point, so she broke the awkwardness by asking, "What's wrong, Meraki?"

Meraki: "You have known me for some time now, Riella. I've always seen you as a big sister. You always put others before yourself, and I've always tried to be like you in this way. But when I saw Terrchel and spent a day out with him, I was certain this was an opportunity I could not let slip through my fingers.".

Meriella: "I appreciate the kind words I think… But putting myself last is definitely not something I'm proud of. It's caused me pain and missed opportunities I'd say. Which is something I too no longer will allow in my life".

The two women stood before each other, their gaze piercing into one another's souls. Sheer determination showed in Meraki's expression and Meriella boldly standing as a force to be reckoned with. It felt like the atmosphere went tense and time stood still for a moment.

The silence was cut by Emerson approaching, which caused the two women to immediately end their staring contest.

Emerson: "Ahhh, here you are, Meraki! I was looking all over for you".

He took a moment to acknowledge their body language "Am I interrupting something?"

His eyes glanced between the two women with an evident nonchalant expression, asking whilst they both knew he didn't really care. Emerson was the type of person who would give you space to deal with your personal issues but always brought you back to reality and focused on what's more important to the Undergrid hideout as a whole.

Meraki: "No, we were just discussing my mission with Terrchel and how the two of us made an unstoppable team taking out bad guys like swatting flies".

Meriella: [raised eyebrow] "What a splendor choice of words, I'd assume Terrchel would be pleased to know how you feel about his lesser form".

Emerson: [scoff] "Well, well, well, this certainly is an interesting feud boiling here. Meriella, you're not the type to stoop down to this level. Must mean you truly care about this Flyman Reincarnated.

Meraki: [smug] "May the best woman win!"

Emerson: [serious tone] "Meraki you're playing with fire. I suggest you focus on handing me the scroll. I know Terrchel is a prize but he isn't reincarnated for the person of your love fantasies. He has a important role to play and so do you as one of The Undergrid scouts. So snap out of it, you're usually way more focused!"

Meraki looked at the ground sulking in shame, "... I'll go get the scroll, let's meet in the meditation room…"

There was a moment of silence while Meraki ran off and Meriella was left with Emerson.

Emerson: [grin] "SOOO, Terrchel huh?"

Emerson, with the grace of a movie star, pulled a cigarette from his leather jacket and lit it, all while giving Meriella a gaze that could start a fire.

Meriella: "Em, that look won't work on me; you know my thoughts on this!

Emerson: "I didn't say anything".

Meriella: "You're like a brother to me. Sure, you opened the doors of The Undergrid hideout at Leghorn's behest, but..."

Emerson: [mocking voice] "yeah yea just because you hit pause on aging at 26 doesn't mean we're in the same league, even though I'm officially a grown-up now, I got it!" .

Meriella: [empathetic] "Yeah... and I thought you stopped smoking. I mean, where did you even get cigarettes? Arcadia banned those; only vapes are being produced".

Emerson extinguished his cigarette with his foot and looked at Meriella gently, "As you know, I am a resourceful man"

He turned to walk away intending to meet up with Meraki in the meditation room. "Care to join me?" he called to Meriella.

She followed closely next to him and said, "Em, I know you've always had a crush on me, but I thought it was just an innocent crush that had faded away by now."

Emerson ceased his walking and met Meriella's gaze with a gentle shine in his eyes. Meriella felt the love emanating from his stare, and for a moment, she held her breath.

Emerson's tone was gentle. "It was never just a crush. I'm not a fool. I know you've been avoiding my feelings in hopes to respect me and let me down easy, but honestly, I thought you'd be saving yourself for someone more worthy. The guy's a Flyman, but there always comes a time and place to accept things for what they are, and I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

They stared into each other's eyes for a moment, but nothing further was said. Meriella was the first to break eye contact, and a hint of hurt was seen in Emerson's expression, but he immediately straightened up, cleared his throat, and proceeded to walk away, his Doc Marten boots echoing in the silence between them.

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