121 Strife and Stipulation (2/2)
Raven muttered as she filled the glass with juice. ”She blames Jos for our separation.” Raven kept her eyes focused on her tasks. ”She couldn't stand the idea of me being 'locked away' with Jos during her imprisonment... or while raising you and your sister...” Raven swirled the liquid around in the glass watching the funneling of the juice as she continued. ”She was convinced Jos was at the very least bi and had fallen in love with me especially after so much time had passed and Jos had not attempted moving on with another relationship aside from 'ours'.” Raven shrugged as she finally looked up glancing back and forth between Jos and Russ. ”When she found out you two were hooking up and that her fears from all that time had been for nothing, she'd finally given in and we worked-working things out.”
Russ let out a heavy sigh as he nodded in understanding. ”And the information?” He asked.
Raven shrugged. ”She hasn't said. She wanted to tell Jos directly.”
He nodded again and uncrossed his arms. ”Fair enough. How much have you told her about what has happened?” He asked holding out his arm for Jos to come stand by him as she finished placing their cold dinner in the microwave. He pulled her against his chest, wrapping his large arms around her shoulders as he leaned against the long dining table.
Raven huffed out a stress-filled breath. ”I've caught her up to speed on nearly everything, the good and bad.” She narrowed her eyes to where his arms met at Jos's back. ”Including everything that I know about Shelly, though some parts of it can only be filled in by Shelly herself...” Her words broke slightly as she added. ”As much as I hate the idea, if it does go to trial Shelly may have to testify.” She took the glass and turned back to the living room without saying anything more, her shoulders hanging heavier than before.
Jos's eyes met Russ's. ”Surely they wouldn't make her do that... would they?” Jos asked as tears built in her eyes. ”I think I'd rather be imprisioned again verses making Shell relive that trauma.”
Russ wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb as he smiled softly down at her trying to hide his own concern. ”Shell's stronger than you give her credit for. If it came to her reliving what that bastard did and seeing you punished for protecting her, she would most definitely want to help you.”
Jos frowned but nodded. ”Let's hope it doesn't come to either.”
He nodded in agreement and placed a kiss to her forehead as he pulled her tighter against his body. He held her there until the microwaved peeped finished. Releasing Jos, Russ walked over to the microwave and removed both bowls. ”Grab the forks, baby?” He asked as he carried them toward the living room.
Once everyone had settled in and Russ and Jos had finished their late dinner, Isha cleared her throat. Looking around the room she began. ”As you all know, Raven contacted me some weeks ago about this... issue...” She nodded to Shelly, Russ, and Jos. I have agreed to accept my old position on the council back-” She interrupted herself as she raised three fingers into the air. ”Only if:” She began calling off her demands. ”First, Raven shall leave with me IN THE MORNING,” she emphasized the return date. ”Secondly, I will not be able or expected to give any special treatments inside the court in the case of a trial, though I am willing to relay any information relevant to your case; and third, IF you are found guilty Raven WILL NOT be in anyway involved in your punishment.”
Raven let out an exasperated sigh, ”It's not like she would have any say on who over seen her punishments then OR now.”
Jos, however, was nodding. ”That all seems more than reasonable.”
Isha moved her gaze from her irritated wife to Jos. ”What are your plans dear? If you're not found liable for these crimes, that is.”
Jos and Russ exchanged glances and Jos bit down on her lips. Smiling down at Jos as he answered, Russ said. ”I believe I've finally gotten this stubborn woman to agree to marry me.” He squeezed her hands in his ignoring the splatter of water coming from a surprised corner of the room and the piercing gaze he felt on his back that could only be Arei.
Isha's eyes barely reflected any sign of shock. ”You know the council and your people will not be accepting of this, right?” She asked.
Russ nodded. ”I do. I also know they weren't too accepting of you and Raven at first, but it didn't seem to stop you.” He retorted.
Jos gave a tight gasp but to her surprise, Isha simply laughed. ”I like you, kid.” She giggled, leaning over practically into Raven's lap. ”I can see why you like this bunch so much.” She said to Raven as she placed a kiss on Raven's turned down lips. ”They are so full of energy!” She turned back to Russ and Jos nodding. ”It will be a struggled for you as it was for us and there will be those who will never accept your relationship as there are with ours.” She gathered Raven's larger hands in her pixy ones as best as she could holding Raven's gaze. ”But in life, you often find that some people are simply too good not to fight for.” She leaned forward and wiggled her pert nose against the tip of Raven's causing Raven's irritation to fade completely. ”I love you, pookie-bear.” She cooed still brushing her nose back and forth against Raven's.
”I love you too, my lil dragonfly.” Raven pulled one of her hands free from Isha's cupping her pixy-like face in her hand and kissing her passionately on the lips. A snort for the corner interrupted them and brought their attention back to the room.
Arei snorted against as he pushed himself up from the seat. ”On that note, I'm going for a swim. I'm sure one of you can fill me in on the non-lovey-dovy shit when I return.” He strolled past the pool and toward the large double doors of the kitchen.
Isha's eyes widen in surprise as she followed his path. ”You're swimming out there! But the waters are so rough here.”
He sent her a smoldering smile as he pulled his shirt up over his head exposing his muscle, tattooed, and pierced body. ”Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm a big boy, I can handle a challenge.” His eyes burned into Russ and Jos as he said the last part. Without saying anything more he tossed the shirt to an empty chair and pushed through the heavy double doors.
Isha batted her eyes in farther surprise as she looked back and forth from the now empty dining area and the group around them. ”I feel like there's a bit more of this story than you've told me, Dear.” She said to Raven as she continued to eye Russ and Jos.
Ry nodded, Pushing his large frame up from the chair by the fire. He bent and patted Shelly's head before straightening and turning his attention to Russ. ”The fire's dying down a bit. Come help me gather some more wood from out back will ya?” He asked Russ nodding to the women. ”Let them have their girl talk, or whatever...”