In Which Xeta Needn't Apologize

February 27, 1194

"Feeling better?"

Xeta nodded. She was--physically. Just a nauseous spell. "Yes, thank you."

"You think you'll be all right to work tomorrow?"

"I should be, yes." She had to be. The recently-graduated Riona Sadiel had taken over her sister Hilla's old position, but they'd yet to find a new alternate teacher.

They'd need to get on that, though. Riona would be getting in a week, and after weddings came...

"You look pensive."

Shit. She'd thought she'd gotten over that. She had to be over that. "Really?"

"Yes, really." Camaline rolled her eyes and joined her on the bed. Shuffling, Xeta struggled to correct whatever vibe she'd given off. "I'm here if you want to talk about it."

"Mmm..." Xeta frowned. There were a few reasons why Camaline wouldn't want to hear it. But, if she didn't, she'd worry. Xeta didn't want that. "I was just... well, that nauseous spell just reminded me a bit of... well, morning sickness."

"Oh." Camaline--thank God!--didn't leap to accusations. They shared sheets, after all. It hadn't been long enough since Xeta's last course to expect anything, even if she had been sleeping with a man. Which--it was good to know that Camaline was sure of--she wasn't. "A nostalgic reminder?"

"A little, yes." Damn. She wouldn't trade Camaline for a man, not just so she could have another baby. But... "I guess I still have to come to terms with the fact that that's over for me."

It hit her just then that that might have rung just a little too true for Camaline. Stupid! "Sorry, I--"

"It's all right." Smiling, Camaline took Xeta by the shoulder and pulled her into a cuddle. Her closeness and warmth was enough to ease any remaining queasiness.

"There's no sense in apologizing for feelings. You've done nothing wrong."

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