[ there's a laugh then, from harley, the kind of hollow sound that fully would clue anyone into how little sleep she's had over the last few days since this all started. even once hellboy had finally snapped back to himself and come home, she hadn't gotten a wink, more concerned with staying up to be awake in case he needs anything. ]
Ha. If you think mine is the cool head out there in the world, then that's your first mistake. [ but there's nothing bitter there, only a quiet tone to indicate her exhaustion. ]
They're always gonna try to fuck with us. Why let anyone have a good thing for too long if they can throw a wrench in it, see how we deal?
[Its a scary sound to hear from Harley. Sheβs always the put together one. Sheβs always been irrevocably optimistic. Sheβs always had a plan. And seeing her disheveled, exhausted and hurting is awful.]
Let me come sit with yous, Harls. You can get a rest or a bath or whatever. Iβll cook. And you know. Clean? And justβ¦ I wonβt let nothing happen while you sleep. Yeah? Let me help?
[ for a second, she almost considers saying no, turning down the idea, but something in dinah's words gives her pause, makes her give voice to a soft little wistful sort of hum. ]
Well... a bath does sound kinda nice. Red's sleepin' in our room, and I don't have the heart to wake him right now, but I also wanted to keep an eye on him too, y'know? Make sure he doesn't try and fly off again any time soon.
And Harls - [Dinah pauses to think, though obviously moving quickly around and out of her rooms. She's trying to think how to phrase her words right.]
Harls, you're the strongest person I know. You're gonna be alright, yeah? And Red. Don't let this place - fuck - just... just don't go there. But it's okay to ask too - if you want me to stay tonight? You get a proper night and I'll sit outside your door and make sure he sleeps too. I'll even kiss you good night, if that's what you want?
'Kay. [ she says it, but there's a distinct lack of volume, of energy in her words, with her enthusiasm lowered to match the energy she doesn't have. ]
Oh, well, if you wanna stay it's not like I'm gonna fight you on it. [ and she smiles, a slight upward half-quirking of her mouth. ] Not gonna fight you on that kiss, either, if you're aimin' to plant one on me again. [ even in this, she's trying to put on a good showing, to be her normal enthusiastic self even if she doesn't have the bubbliness to back it up. ]
I meant a goodnight kiss. Nothing more. Not today, Harls.
[There's genuine concern in Dinah's voice and expression and she picks up her speed until she's at Harley's loft. Knocking softly, she leaves a message too, just in case Harley's not heard her.]
[ these days, harley and hellboy never really bother to lock up the warehouse; anyone who would run the risk of breaking in when they've got weapons stockpiled, not to mention a very territorial hyena who doesn't have any qualms about handling a stranger, means that they'd be taking their life into their own hands at that point by even daring to try stealing from them.
harley's sprawled out on the couch downstairs, with bruce also reclining between the spread of her legs and her fingers idly buried in the hyena's soft fur; bruce lifts his head first to see who's coming in, immediately barking and yipping in excitement when he recognizes dinah, and harley moves to shush him. ]
Settle down, sweetie, you're gonna wake up Red. We promised to let him sleep, 'member?
[Dinah lets herself in, and heads straight for Harley. She kisses her friend on the forehead in greeting before perching on the other end of the sofa, leaning down to stroke Bruce.]
So he's staying in bed? That's good. Sleeping it off and that?
[Dinah hesitates.] Is he okay? Like, not injured or anything? Or you? He didn't hurt you did he? Because I swear to God, Harls, I would rip his throat out if he hurt you.
[ for as worn-down as she feels, harley realizes how much she needed dinah's presence; her eyes shutter briefly at the kiss dropped to her forehead, and as her friend seats herself on the sofa, she reaches out to join her in petting the hyena lounging between them. ]
Yeah, I think he's pretty worn out. Tryin' to open a portal to Hell or wherever will apparently do a number on you.
[ her hand stills in bruce's fur and she glances up, looking a little alarmed. ] What? No. No, he didn't do anythin' like that. I mean, I'm still kinda sore from the mornin' when he woke up and we β well, let's just say we're probably gonna need a new bed after this.
[Dinah might be stroking Bruce, but she's hoping Harley doesn't notice quite how intently Dinah's looking at her. Dinah's checking - or trying to make sure at least - that Harley is genuinely not hurt and just exhausted with the trauma and emotions. It's not better, but it's something that needs addressing.
Dinah looks guilty as Harley catches her stare. She smiles as Harley mentions breaking the bed.]
I didn't mean - but he fucking battered Faith, Harls. She could barely take it, so imagine you... no offence. But she's got like, super strength and shit and couldn't stop him.
[Dinah's quiet for a minute, letting Harley have time.]
We had a friend of ours come over earlier. Did a little spell business to help with the parts that are still a little... you know.
[ normally, harley might go into plenty of lurid detail about how anduin had basically done the equivalent of some witchy-woo on her hoo-ha to help her heal after what had been a thoroughly intense (and mutually consensual) round of morning sex with hellboy's demony side β at least, right up until he'd blown the roof off the warehouse in leaving (like he couldn't have used a door).
instead, she's clearly too exhausted to really turn this into storytime, evidenced by the fact that her head lolls over to one side, cheek nestled against the top of a couch cushion. ] Bath sounds kinda nice, though.
[It really worries Dinah to see Harley like this. It's like all the fizz and the sparkle that make Harley - well, Harley - have gone completely flat. She's kicking herself: she should have been here sooner.
Dinah gives Bruce a final pat for now before standing up.]
A bath then.
[As she walks by Harley to fill the bath, she stops to stroke her friend's cheek gently, and again to lightly kiss Harley's forehead.]
I'll come get you when it's ready, yeah?
[With a last look at Harley, Dinah goes to find the bathroom. She's not as up with soaps and bubbles and stuff as some people, preferring a quick shower herself, but she roots through Harley's stuff until she finds something that smells rich and deep - bergamot, perhaps? Who knows?
She sets the bath running and goes to find pyjamas and a hot water bottle to fill so that Harley stays toasty after the bath. The harsh lighting of the bathroom is dimmed: Dinah lights candles. It kinda looks romantic, but it's not what Dinah's intending at all. She goes back to Harley when it's ready.]
[ harley mostly smiles, faint and reassured, as dinah presses another kiss to her forehead, eyes shuttering again β and for a while she might even lose herself to stroking bruce's fur again, long enough that she hears the faint sounds of the bath being drawn, the tub slowly filling with water, and bruce himself curls up to settle on the couch, drifting off to sleep before dinah finally reemerges downstairs. ]
You're a good pal, D, y'know that?
[ harley's not so helpless that she can't get to her feet on her own power, doing her best not to disturb the now-snoring hyena on the couch as she tiptoes around to where dinah's standing β but she does throw an arm across dinah's shoulders, linking them together as they head upstairs to the bathroom.
there's a separate entrance from the hallway, so they won't be disturbing hellboy where he's resting, and by the time dinah escorts her into the bathroom and she gets a glimpse of the bubbles, not to mention the warmly-lit candles giving everything a soothing glow, there's a visible light that turns on in harley's expression too. ]
Ooh, it looks like a fancy spa in here or somethin'. [ she reaches to clasp dinah's hands in both of hers, giving them an encouraging squeeze. ] Feel like gettin' in there with me? We can scrub each other's backs.
[When Harley throws her arm over Dinah's shoulder, she takes the opportunity to give Harley a quick one armed hug. She grins at Harley's glee at the sight of the bathroom, relieved that she's perking up a bit.]
I didn't know if it was too much. I just wanted to make it nice. You deserve nice, Harls.
[She smiles.] You know I'm always up for that. But this is your night. You want me in there, taking care of you, that's what we're doing. Or you wanna fall asleep whilst I sing you lullabies, we'll do it all night. Or you want me to hyena sit, I'm your girl. Just this once, you get to tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it, yeah?
[ there's a minute when harley bites her lip, as though she's debating over how best to explain all of the thoughts running through her head and put exactly what she wants into words that make sense. ]
I know we've done that a lotta times β and we're real good at it, don't get me wrong, but I kinda just want... [ she draws in a breath, brow furrowing as she glances toward the bath and then back at dinah, like she's already steeling herself for rejection. ] When I say I want you in there with me, I just want you there. Nothin' else, no expectations for more, just...
[ she shrugs once, as if she's trying to play it off as a quiet ask while her voice drops to a low mumble. ] I kinda just want you to hold me.
I got you, baby. You've been through shit. But I got you, yeah?
[She moves to embrace Harley, just to hold her close and make her feel safe. How many times has she been through it here and wished that someone, anyone, would hold her like this? And through it all, who's been there? Dinah owes Harley the world, but she can at least take care of her friend now.]
Come here?
[She motions for Harley to take her top off, to ease out of her clothes. Dinah shrugs off her sweater and joggers, leaving herself in a sports bra and panties. She holds her hand out to lead Harley to the bath. Dinah smiles at Harley as she steps in and again offers her hand to help Harley into the tub. Sinking down, Dinah leans against the back of the bath and holds her hands out for Harley to make herself comfortable.]
I got you. As long as you need, yeah? 'Cause Harls, I know we've had our differences and shit, but... I love you. Not like that. But... you're my first real friend. And I am always here. Whatever you need, yeah? I love you, man.
[ there's a mechanical quiet to the movements with which harley proceeds to remove her clothing β with dinah's help, of course β almost as if she's only half-present in the moment itself and the rest is happening solely from muscle memory, but soon enough she's stripped down and reaching for dinah's hand, using that shared tether to help herself into the tub.
it's practically an afterthought when she settles into the water, breathing out a long sigh, and then shifts so that she can lean back against dinah's chest, notching her head against her friend's shoulder and sinking down beneath more of the bubbles until only the tops of her own shoulders are visible. ]
Not like that, huh? [ she scoffs quietly, but it's playful, because she knows what dinah means, even if the other woman feels the need to clarify specifics between them. she curls in, nudging her nose under dinah's chin as her eyes start to droop. ] Love you too, y'know. You're one of my best friends here. Not just here, even, but back home too. You're badass, and you're gorgeous, and you're stronger'n you think.
[Dinah leans down, once more carefully planting a kiss on Harley's crown.]
Don't you sometimes think about home? Like, Helena? Man, I wish she was here. Or Montoya? Cass? I wonder how Cass is doing.
[Dinah shifts slightly.] Yeah? I might be a badass and all, but all I get is my ass handed to me and my damn mouth closed every time I try to speak out. Don't matter though.
[She strokes her hand through Harley's hair, gently playing with it, and soothing her scalp.]
I am so glad you have enough faith in us for both of us. I do love you for that. For seeing it. You see the positive in everything. I love that about you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Dinah breathes out as Harley describes his changes.]
I dunno how you keep a cool head sometimes. Dβyou reckon it was this city then? Fucking him up for the hell of it?
[Dinah hadnβt meant that joke and she curls her lips in to hide her smile.]
It makes me so mad, you know? Mad for him - and you. Why try to fuck up a good thing?
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Ha. If you think mine is the cool head out there in the world, then that's your first mistake. [ but there's nothing bitter there, only a quiet tone to indicate her exhaustion. ]
They're always gonna try to fuck with us. Why let anyone have a good thing for too long if they can throw a wrench in it, see how we deal?
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Let me come sit with yous, Harls. You can get a rest or a bath or whatever. Iβll cook. And you know. Clean? And justβ¦ I wonβt let nothing happen while you sleep. Yeah? Let me help?
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Well... a bath does sound kinda nice. Red's sleepin' in our room, and I don't have the heart to wake him right now, but I also wanted to keep an eye on him too, y'know? Make sure he doesn't try and fly off again any time soon.
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And Harls - [Dinah pauses to think, though obviously moving quickly around and out of her rooms. She's trying to think how to phrase her words right.]
Harls, you're the strongest person I know. You're gonna be alright, yeah? And Red. Don't let this place - fuck - just... just don't go there.
But it's okay to ask too - if you want me to stay tonight? You get a proper night and I'll sit outside your door and make sure he sleeps too.
I'll even kiss you good night, if that's what you want?
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Oh, well, if you wanna stay it's not like I'm gonna fight you on it. [ and she smiles, a slight upward half-quirking of her mouth. ] Not gonna fight you on that kiss, either, if you're aimin' to plant one on me again. [ even in this, she's trying to put on a good showing, to be her normal enthusiastic self even if she doesn't have the bubbliness to back it up. ]
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[There's genuine concern in Dinah's voice and expression and she picks up her speed until she's at Harley's loft. Knocking softly, she leaves a message too, just in case Harley's not heard her.]
I'm outside. Whenever you're ready.
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[ these days, harley and hellboy never really bother to lock up the warehouse; anyone who would run the risk of breaking in when they've got weapons stockpiled, not to mention a very territorial hyena who doesn't have any qualms about handling a stranger, means that they'd be taking their life into their own hands at that point by even daring to try stealing from them.
harley's sprawled out on the couch downstairs, with bruce also reclining between the spread of her legs and her fingers idly buried in the hyena's soft fur; bruce lifts his head first to see who's coming in, immediately barking and yipping in excitement when he recognizes dinah, and harley moves to shush him. ]
Settle down, sweetie, you're gonna wake up Red. We promised to let him sleep, 'member?
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So he's staying in bed? That's good. Sleeping it off and that?
[Dinah hesitates.] Is he okay? Like, not injured or anything? Or you? He didn't hurt you did he? Because I swear to God, Harls, I would rip his throat out if he hurt you.
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Yeah, I think he's pretty worn out. Tryin' to open a portal to Hell or wherever will apparently do a number on you.
[ her hand stills in bruce's fur and she glances up, looking a little alarmed. ] What? No. No, he didn't do anythin' like that. I mean, I'm still kinda sore from the mornin' when he woke up and we β well, let's just say we're probably gonna need a new bed after this.
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[Dinah might be stroking Bruce, but she's hoping Harley doesn't notice quite how intently Dinah's looking at her. Dinah's checking - or trying to make sure at least - that Harley is genuinely not hurt and just exhausted with the trauma and emotions. It's not better, but it's something that needs addressing.
Dinah looks guilty as Harley catches her stare. She smiles as Harley mentions breaking the bed.]
I didn't mean - but he fucking battered Faith, Harls. She could barely take it, so imagine you... no offence. But she's got like, super strength and shit and couldn't stop him.
[Dinah's quiet for a minute, letting Harley have time.]
Have you run a bath? Or d'you want me to run it?
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[ normally, harley might go into plenty of lurid detail about how anduin had basically done the equivalent of some witchy-woo on her hoo-ha to help her heal after what had been a thoroughly intense (and mutually consensual) round of morning sex with hellboy's demony side β at least, right up until he'd blown the roof off the warehouse in leaving (like he couldn't have used a door).
instead, she's clearly too exhausted to really turn this into storytime, evidenced by the fact that her head lolls over to one side, cheek nestled against the top of a couch cushion. ] Bath sounds kinda nice, though.
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Dinah gives Bruce a final pat for now before standing up.]
A bath then.
[As she walks by Harley to fill the bath, she stops to stroke her friend's cheek gently, and again to lightly kiss Harley's forehead.]
I'll come get you when it's ready, yeah?
[With a last look at Harley, Dinah goes to find the bathroom. She's not as up with soaps and bubbles and stuff as some people, preferring a quick shower herself, but she roots through Harley's stuff until she finds something that smells rich and deep - bergamot, perhaps? Who knows?
She sets the bath running and goes to find pyjamas and a hot water bottle to fill so that Harley stays toasty after the bath. The harsh lighting of the bathroom is dimmed: Dinah lights candles. It kinda looks romantic, but it's not what Dinah's intending at all. She goes back to Harley when it's ready.]
Harls? Want a hand? It's ready.
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You're a good pal, D, y'know that?
[ harley's not so helpless that she can't get to her feet on her own power, doing her best not to disturb the now-snoring hyena on the couch as she tiptoes around to where dinah's standing β but she does throw an arm across dinah's shoulders, linking them together as they head upstairs to the bathroom.
there's a separate entrance from the hallway, so they won't be disturbing hellboy where he's resting, and by the time dinah escorts her into the bathroom and she gets a glimpse of the bubbles, not to mention the warmly-lit candles giving everything a soothing glow, there's a visible light that turns on in harley's expression too. ]
Ooh, it looks like a fancy spa in here or somethin'. [ she reaches to clasp dinah's hands in both of hers, giving them an encouraging squeeze. ] Feel like gettin' in there with me? We can scrub each other's backs.
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I didn't know if it was too much. I just wanted to make it nice. You deserve nice, Harls.
[She smiles.] You know I'm always up for that. But this is your night. You want me in there, taking care of you, that's what we're doing. Or you wanna fall asleep whilst I sing you lullabies, we'll do it all night. Or you want me to hyena sit, I'm your girl. Just this once, you get to tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it, yeah?
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I know we've done that a lotta times β and we're real good at it, don't get me wrong, but I kinda just want... [ she draws in a breath, brow furrowing as she glances toward the bath and then back at dinah, like she's already steeling herself for rejection. ] When I say I want you in there with me, I just want you there. Nothin' else, no expectations for more, just...
[ she shrugs once, as if she's trying to play it off as a quiet ask while her voice drops to a low mumble. ] I kinda just want you to hold me.
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I got you, baby. You've been through shit. But I got you, yeah?
[She moves to embrace Harley, just to hold her close and make her feel safe. How many times has she been through it here and wished that someone, anyone, would hold her like this? And through it all, who's been there? Dinah owes Harley the world, but she can at least take care of her friend now.]
Come here?
[She motions for Harley to take her top off, to ease out of her clothes. Dinah shrugs off her sweater and joggers, leaving herself in a sports bra and panties. She holds her hand out to lead Harley to the bath. Dinah smiles at Harley as she steps in and again offers her hand to help Harley into the tub. Sinking down, Dinah leans against the back of the bath and holds her hands out for Harley to make herself comfortable.]
I got you. As long as you need, yeah? 'Cause Harls, I know we've had our differences and shit, but... I love you. Not like that. But... you're my first real friend. And I am always here. Whatever you need, yeah? I love you, man.
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it's practically an afterthought when she settles into the water, breathing out a long sigh, and then shifts so that she can lean back against dinah's chest, notching her head against her friend's shoulder and sinking down beneath more of the bubbles until only the tops of her own shoulders are visible. ]
Not like that, huh? [ she scoffs quietly, but it's playful, because she knows what dinah means, even if the other woman feels the need to clarify specifics between them. she curls in, nudging her nose under dinah's chin as her eyes start to droop. ] Love you too, y'know. You're one of my best friends here. Not just here, even, but back home too. You're badass, and you're gorgeous, and you're stronger'n you think.
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[Dinah leans down, once more carefully planting a kiss on Harley's crown.]
Don't you sometimes think about home? Like, Helena? Man, I wish she was here. Or Montoya? Cass? I wonder how Cass is doing.
[Dinah shifts slightly.] Yeah? I might be a badass and all, but all I get is my ass handed to me and my damn mouth closed every time I try to speak out. Don't matter though.
[She strokes her hand through Harley's hair, gently playing with it, and soothing her scalp.]
I am so glad you have enough faith in us for both of us. I do love you for that. For seeing it. You see the positive in everything. I love that about you.