The Only Exception

[Alice Hobbs]

Alice's teasing smirk and amused expression only grew further at the adorable girl's reaction. She even let a chuckle escape from between her lips. "Suuuuure you aren't," she threw at the girl and averted her gaze. Lifting her hand, she pretended to be studying her fingernails, the smirk still very evident against her features. Her skin was practically glowing and it felt unnaturally hot. It was an alien feeling, but it wasn't very unwelcome either. In a way, it felt nice. She felt oddly giddly and she actually liked it.

Moving her eyes back to Zoe, Alice's smirk changed into a huge grin and she started laughing to the point where Alice had to actually cover her mouth. "You must be the most adorable thing in the world," she said between laughs and attempting to catch her breath. "You don't have to get so flustered. I'm just pulling your leg."

No, Alice didn't mind it at all. She didn't mind that Zoe embarrassed herself. In fact, as Zoe was growing more and more on Alice, Alice found herself enjoying and being amused by Zoe's awkwardness. It wasn't that annoying type of awkwardness that made you roll your eyes and sigh. It was more the cute one where all you could do was watch and smile, and god. She was sounding like such a sap.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

"You're the one being all flustering!" replied Zoe, having risen her head up from the water just long enough to fling that out, before diving right back down. She could swear that the water around her would start boiling from the heat her body gave off. Zoe didn't want to try swimming around to cool down, since that just meant flailing about some more. And now Alice was... laughing?

At first it hurt Zoe: she honestly thought Alice was laughing at her. Then she remembered that Alice didn't laugh at least, not like that. She let out dry chuckles or sarcastic little barks. She didn't just grin and cover her mouth. Of course, then she had to go and ruin it by stating that Zoe was the most adorable thing in the world. People said that to pets, not to their girlfriends. It made Zoe look down at the water.

Well, this was Alice: Zoe would just have to use that spine of hers and just say something, apparently. She swallowed, nearly swallowing water, and stuck her head up. "Is that, um..." she fidgeted again, before taking another breath, "do you... do you just think I'm adorable? Like, is that... it?" and now she flushed even darker and shook her head. "Never mind. Forget I said anything. Really. Did you want to go to the hot tub or something?" Zoe started swimming/walking her way toward the edge of the pool, suddenly quite intend on getting out of there.

[Alice Hobbs]

Tilting her head to the side, Alice managed to catch her breath enough to stop laughing, though her chest was heaving heavily. She curiously watching Zoe in silence as she asked her question, which caused Alice to smile. It was apparent that Zoe wanted to know exactly why Alice was with her -- dating her -- besides the obvious "she's adorable". It made Alice smile wider and it actually caused the pit of her stomach to turn hot. And the part where Zoe wanted to escape, didn't exactly come as a very huge shock or anything.

"Well," she began, not moving an inch. "You are very adorable. I think everyone would agree with me on that," she began, nodding to herself. "But no, that's not it." She looked at the girl for a moment before continuing. "If you take another step, I swear to god I will chase you down and drag you back here by your feet." She totally wouldn't....maybe. She did however offer Zoe something of a challenging smile, if the girl at all turned to look at it, anyways.

"You're beautiful. And not only on the outside, but on the inside too. You're very caring and have a view on the world that's different. You don't look at the world with the same harsh eyes as most people do and it's very refreshing, and inspiring. You're innocent and fragile, but in the beautiful kind of way as opposed to... Well." Alice sighed and lifted her hand to comb her fingers through her hair, puffing her cheeks as another 'hmph' fell from her lips.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Yes, everyone would agree that Zoe was adorable, including her father, which was why she wanted to hear more. Except now, now she mostly wanted to run away and pretend that she hadn't said anything, but she heard that threat and knew that Alice did not make idle threats, so she stopped and turned to look at her. At least Zoe looked more sheepish as opposed to being near tears or anything worse than that.

The sheepish turned into near shock as Alice began saying exactly how she felt. Beautiful, caring, innocent, fragile... all words that Zoe had actually heard before, often from friends, occasionally from near strangers (particularly the beautiful part). However, it meant so much more coming from Alice, who clearly felt every word, because Alice wouldn't say anything that she didn't mean.

"I'm not trying to push you to say anything," Zoe insisted, taking a few steps closer, seeing Alice's consternation. "Really, I don't---I love you the way you are so I don't want you to feel pressured or that you have to say anything or change or--" Zoe stopped, less because she ran out of words and more because she realized what words she did say. Her hand went to her mouth as though she could shove it back in, and she shook her head, raising another hand to wave a finger. She opened her mouth to say more and ended up letting out a little squeak instead. It felt as though all those butterflies had just attacked her heart, determined to make her die in apparently the most adorable way possible.

[Alice Hobbs]

Alice's face went blank as the words fell out of Zoe's mouth, but only for a brief moment. The shock was still very much there, as the words the girl had uttered was anything but what Alice had expected to hear. She managed to remain somewhat composed though, not reading too much into it, but then again, from what she had come to learn from her adorable girlfriend, was that she probably wouldn't have chosen that kind of word if she didn't really feel it. It didn't feel nearly as uncomfortable as Alice would have thought it would, but she knew all too well that she wasn't at that place just yet.

And she had a feeling that Zoe knew it too, from the way she reacted afterwards. So the two of them were sort of, kind of just left there in a bubble of awkward silence and for once, Alice found herself at a loss of words, unsure how to react, what to say and what do to. Another alien feeling that was brought by Zoe; she really shouldn't have been that surprised. She should have expected it. Heck, she should have gotten used to this strange feeling by now.

But she wasn't and she hadn't.

"Zoe..." she began, furrowing her brows as she tried clearing her head. "I'm not going to lie," she began, licking her lip. "I uh. I don't want to make this awkward by saying something stupid like 'thank you', but I'm not there yet." She really didn't want to put a dark cloud on their time together. "Uhm." she blinked a few times, trying to collect her thoughts. After a moment, Alice took a deep breath. "But I don't want you to feel like you did or said something wrong either."

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

You told Alice you love her. It's true, but you actually said it aloud. You said. To Alice. That you love her. She has put up with quite a lot of your nonsense, Miss Wallerstein-Smythe, but this is most definitely going to be the last thing she puts up with. She literally just learned that you manifested in a truly traumatic manner and now you're telling her this? Are you mental? She's going to break up with you. She should break up with you, because you are clearly mental. This is the exact same thing you did with Devyn. Didn't you learn? You can't just go around---

Zoe.

"I know," said Zoe, her voice wavering. "I---I'm always---wait, what?" the last few words had her blinking. "Alice," Zoe's voice actually had a bit of a new emotion, one that caused her to tremble, "don't you dare say things to be nice to me. Not now. I know you're not there yet: I'm not a fool. I'm always the one who falls first and I promised I wasn't going to do or say anything and I promise you now that I won't pressure you. I'm not going to be the girlfriend who tries to force you to feel something you don't but I'm not going to stick around and wait forever till you finally fall in love with me. But don't you dare stand there and just be nice to me over this---I---I can't take it."

She needed to get out of the pool. Now. She was making her way for it, all grace lost in her desperation to get out. she'd ruined everything, as she knew she would.

[Alice Hobbs]

"I'm not saying it to be nice," Alice replied coolly. "You should know better than that by now." In fact, Alice didn't want Zoe to feel like she had to hold back. And she didn't want her to stick around forever in hopes that Alice would get to that point. Who knew, maybe she never did? "And I promise you that I'm not feeling, nor am I going to feel pressured into saying something I don't want to. That's not me, and that's probably never going to be me. So don't you dare stand there and think that I'm pitying you."

She wasn't mad. In fact, Alice was far from it. She felt much calmer now than what she had earlier, when Zoe had first bursted out those three words. However, what she wasn't going to stand there and take, was that Zoe actually would think so lowly of her to think that those three words were all it took for Alice to pity her, because honestly...

"I understand that you didn't want to blurt it out like that, but you really got to stop running away from your problems and face them instead. You said what you said, and even though you never meant for it to happen, you still have to take the consequences of it." Alice was actually curious to see if Zoe would still run away, or if Alice's words had meant anything at all. She had told the girl she needed to stand up for herself more and this was exactly one of those moments where Zoe had a chance to prove that she was more than what she thought of herself.

She wasn't going to chase her though. "I actually think you're very brave for being able to feel so openly."

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

No, Alice didn't pity people. if Zoe had been thinking clearer, then she wouldn't have even made that assumption. Her brain and her heart were just all twisted up in Gordian knots. Alice had that point... but she didn't sound too put out by things, almost more... understanding? Still? Zoe stopped moving, turning to look at her (for the moment) girlfriend.

Didn't want to blurt it out, not run away, take the consequences. Then... brave? When was the last time anyone had called her brave? Liz, when Zoe had dumped Devyn? Mr. Konrad, when she'd fought against SPECTRE? Dr. Campbell, when she'd approached him...? As she kept saying: if enough people keep saying it, she'd start to think it was actually true.

"You know now," admitted Zoe, "and I still do," she smiled, even as she quivered, "talks like this are actually part of why I--- you know," she licked her lips and looked up. "I just... I really don't want to mess this up, mess us up. I--I feel so much better when I'm with you, better about myself and about life and--" she swallowed. "I know you don't want to hear it, but I'm not you: I need people," she laughed, looked down, "obviously. I---I don't even know what I'm saying anymore," she leaned against the side of the pool, letting out a breath.

Just don't mention that you got checked out by Dr. Campbell the thought actually made Zoe let out a little laugh, her lips twitching.

[Alice Hobbs]

"I do," she replied with a short nod. "If you don't want to mess it up, then stop running away. I'm not going to chase after you, you know." Maybe she hadn't needed to say that, but she wanted to tell Zoe where she was standing. "And I'm not going to walk away because it takes you a shorter amount of time to get to that point," she sighed. Alice started moving towards the girl. Slowly, as if not to scare her away again. "And I know," she said, nodding, "I don't want you to be me. That would make our conversations rather one-sided," she added and smiled warmly at her. She reached out her hand and placed it against Zoe's shoulder, giving it one of her famous squeezes.

"Take a deep breath," she said. "Don't apologize for your feelings, or for being you. That's why I like you after all. I like you for you, and not some crazy idea of who you are." For once, Alice didn't feel awkward admitting to liking the girl. In fact, she was more serious now than what she had been in a very long time. She wasn't good at this kind of thing, which she was certain Zoe already knew, but she knew that she liked the girl, even though admitting to it was something that happened rarely. At least, out loud.

Holding out her free hand, Alice nudged it towards Zoe. "Come on," she said, offering her something of a warm, almost encouraging smile. "We still have plenty of things to see at the pool. Would be sort of a waste of time if we don't do what we came here to do after all, hm?"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Stop running away, though Zoe actually did feel a little perturbed as Alice insisted she wouldn't chase her. Then again, that had been one of the major issues with Devyn: the girl did nothing but chase. Alice wouldn't chase, but she wouldn't walk away. She simply expected Zoe to keep standing, to walk alongside her. Then another hand on the shoulder, a gentle squeeze should I ask her to kiss me? no, no, you're a mess and---and she said she wouldn't do anything out of pity and she might find it cheeky and her lips are really nice and--

Deep breath, which Zoe certainly did. Don't apologize for her feelings. "I'm not running," was what Zoe said, forcing a shaky smile. She saw the extended hand and slid her own within it. Why was she so worried? Alice wanted to hold hands, to be there for each other, to spend time. Wasn't that exactly what Zoe wanted from a girlfriend, from someone she loved?

"Right," agreed Zoe, moving off the wall, nodding. "We, um, we definitely should. Now we've gotten our awkward emotional bit out of the way, it's time to actually enjoy our date," she smiled, remembering their first date and all the emotional word-vomit she'd spewed on Alice. She'd ask again what Alice actually saw in her, why she bothered, but she already knew what Alice would say and... and she was growing weary of thinking that way. Alice liked her, maybe even loved her in a way that Alice couldn't admit just yet. Zoe accepted that.

"So, ah, what did you have in mind?" she asked, looking around.

[Alice Hobbs]

Alice was glad that Zoe seemed to have calmed down. At least enough not to feel the need of running away. If there was anything Alice didn't need, it was yet another person who left. Her mother had done exactly that, and although she didn't show it, the scars did run deeply. There was little solace to be found in her alcoholic father. He'd been completely broken after his wife had left. Not that he'd been much better before she had left her husband and two daughters, but it still showed.

But, that wasn't what Alice wanted to think about right now. She could worry about all of that later. Zoe said she wouldn't leave, and Alice believed her. She knew Zoe wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt her, or them. She had faith in them and what they could become.

"Good," she said, smiling. "Because I like spending time with you." She slid her arm around Zoe's waist now and lifted their intertwined hands to her lips, giving Zoe's hand a gentle peck before lowering her hand again. Alice wasn't worried about the future, or their relationship. She knew she was capable of loving this absolutely gorgeous girl. She just needed time. Time to grow, learn and become more comfortable with the concept of it all.

"Well, for one..." she began, stopping. Dipping her head, Alice leaned in to place a soft kiss against Zoe's lips. "How's that for starters?" she whispered against them. She didn't pull back. In fact, she actually enjoyed being this close to her and for once, it didn't leave her feeling awkward.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

"Good," Zoe repeated, almost as if to convince herself of the fact. Yes, good, this was a god relationship and---and now Alice was sliding an arm around Zoe's waist. The British girl flushed for totally different reasons, the color deepening as Alice lifted her hand to those lips.

Swoon

Then, as if reading Zoe's mind, Alice bent down to kiss Zoe softly on the lips. Zoe moved back automatically, reflexes kicking in more than her brain actively processing things. She nearly gaped at Alice, very tempted to ask if the pixie girl had somehow developed telepathic powers sometime in the last few minutes. Alice wasn't moving either; she kept the proximity.

"This," said Zoe, her voice soft, almost too soft to be heard over even the gentle lapping of the pool, "this is a very good start," she said. She smiled, giving Alice's hand a squeeze. She wasn't running; she'd walk beside Alice and wait. Not forever; Zoe knew she deserved better than to have to wait forever. But she also believed she wouldn't have to, or, more accurately, she hoped she wouldn't. It wasn't as though Zoe could conjure up another beautiful bi/homosexual girl who had immunity to her powers, a willingness to put up with her crazy, a killer smile, and the ability to make Zoe feel like a decent human being.

"I've..." said Zoe, looking down for a moment and smiling, "kind of been hoping you'd kiss me for a while now," she threaded her hand through Alice's, giving it a squeeze, hoping to convey that it mattered too.

[Alice Hobbs]

Laughing at Zoe's reaction, Alice found herself shaking her head in sheer amusement. God, when had Zoe grown on her this much? She just didn't understand it. She had gone from being a total annoyance to this; Alice actually cared about the girl. And that wasn't something that happened a lot to the Filipino. In fact, she could count all the people she cared about on one hand, and Zoe was by far on the top of that list. Alice figured she'd probably never understand it, and in a way, she didn't really mind. She enjoyed herself, and she enjoyed Zoe's company. A lot more than what she was ready to admit.

"Isn't it though?" Alice mused, tilting her head somewhat to the side as she stifled another chuckle. It felt nice though, being able to do things like this without it feeling weird or strained. Zoe really was growing on her and it was... Nice. Really nice.

Tilting her head to the side, Alice nodded at Zoe's words before smiling. "I'm getting there," she replied, as if silently promising her. She did understand that Zoe wouldn't wait forever, but she was also glad that she at least offered Alice some time. Because really, Alice didn't doubt that she would get to that point, but she did know for a fact that it would take her some time. It wasn't something she automatically grew into in the matter of seconds.

But. She would get there. Eventually.

Tugging at Zoe's hand, Alice started moving forward. "Come on, let's try the bubble bath!"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe smiled, nodding at Alice's comment. Yes, it was definitely a good start, and Zoe saw the head tilt, heard the words, felt and saw the smile behind them. She nodded again: "You're worth waiting for," she said. It felt a little odd to say as much, but, well, she felt like it was true. She meant what she'd said: she wouldn't wait forever, not again, but, well, if she didn't wait at all, if she didn't work to make a relationship work, to build that love, how was that any better. Plus, she meant those words: Alice felt worth waiting for.

A tug, and Zoe giggled as Alice dragged her. "Bubble bath?" she repeated, those brown eyes dancing. "Sounds quite splendid to me. It's over there, right?" she pointed, as if she didn't already know and hadn't been looking forward to giving it a try. What teenager didn't want to sit in a bubble bath with their significant other and kiss and tease and cuddle a little? Zoe let Alice take the lead, though she fought her own eagerness to get to the bath with each and every step.

Soon enough they'd be at the edge, and Zoe would be sliding into the bubbling waters, letting out a slight coo a some of them tickled her, a coo followed by another of those giggles.

[Alice Hobbs]

Alice's smile widened at Zoe's words, and they actually made the brunette feel quite warm and gooey on the inside. She was glad Zoe felt that way, she just hoped that she'd end up being worth the fight the adorable girl was willing to put up for her. Alice wanted to love her, or at least, eventually she did, she just didn't know how long it would take her. She really cared about her, as she had told her already, but she needed time. She just hoped that Zoe would give her enough time.

When they reached the edge of the bubble bath, Alice quickly followed Zoe's lead, dipping her body into the deliciously warm water. Closing her eyes, she leaned the back of her head against the walls of the small bath and moved her hands around, making small circles with the tips of her fingers. This truly felt really, really nice and it made Alice wonder why she hadn't ever gone to a spa before.

"They should get one of these at the school," she mused, opening one eye to look at her girlfriend. "Though, it would probably always be in use." She chuckled softly at that. After all, she figured this kind of thing would be fairly popular. She was however glad she got to share it with Zoe. At least for just one day.