she needed her

[Alice Hobbs]

Smiling slightly at the touch, Alice's hand went to Zoe's neck, gently caressing her skin. She allowed Zoe to take her other hand and gave their now interlocked fingers a gentle squeeze. "Ah," she said, chuckling softly, "Better start being mean to you then," she winked. "And you should know by now that I care very little for my reputation. Besides, if any do-whitters decide to come running for my aid, I'll just tell them exactly what kind of corner of hell they can crawl back into." Zoe was the exception.

Alice had a feeling that Zoe would always be the exception. It was a nice thought, really. It did make her wonder though, just how the two of them had come to this point. Zoe, such a fragile and sweet being, and Alice, such a blunt and cold-hearted being -- normally, the two of them wouldn't match, yet, here they were. Matching.

It was odd. But in a good way. Not that Alice would ever admit to that, of course.

"Are you feeling any better?"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

The little squeeze felt good, and Zoe yet again found herself drawing strength from it. She took another deep breath, looking at Alice while the other girl winked. Yes, cared very little, and that devil-may-care attitude suited well. Did Zoe need someone like that? since she cared almost too much for what other people saw of her? Maybe she should, but it just seemed so distant from where she was now. the thought made her smile though, and she knew she had a goal now.

"Hmm?" asked Zoe, looking up at Alice and blinking. "Um, yes, I am," she flushed a little, biting her lip. "Sorry about---I really am trying to be stronger and all, honest and--I probably shouldn't have, um, kissed you like that. Sorry," she flushed again, burying her head into Alice's shoulder and trying to hide her expression. It didn't help that she was half-smiling too, and she certainly wasn't letting go of Alice any time soon.

[Alice Hobbs]

"Don't apologize, or I will slap you." She was glad that Zoe was feeling better. It was odd, caring for someone in such a fashion; it was alien, foreign and... just odd. Not a bad kind of odd, mind, just... Odd. "Besides, change can't happen overnight. Just make sure you're changing for the right reasons." But this wasn't the time for Alice to scold her. She could see that Zoe was trying, and for now, that was enough. She was glad that Zoe wanted to become stronger. It would probably suit her too.

"And I didn't mind the kiss." It just.. caught her off guard.

Patting Zoe's head, Alice sighed. "You got me worried there for a second-- and before you apologize again, remember my threat." Alice chuckled softly as she shook her head. "I'm glad you called me though, but if you tell anyone, I will deny it."

Kissing the top of Zoe's head, Alice slid her eyes shut. She could get used to this. Maybe she already had. "You should get some rest."