“Well, if you’re so interested,” Deborah’s voice rang out from behind them, smooth and nonchalant, but with an unmistakable sharpness, “maybe Ava could show you her bunk. I’m sure she’d love to give you a tour of the finest sleeping quarters this bus has to offer.”
Finally, Ava broke the silence. “You’re jealous.” Deborah raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. “Jealous? Please. Why would I be jealous of some girl you’ll forget about by tomorrow morning?”
Ava didn’t waste any time. “Why did you lock me out?” she blurted, her words slurring slightly. “I’m standing here at the bus, and I can’t get in because you—you—locked the door!”
Content Set to Go Live: Oct 7th, 2024 on Ao3
Tensions run high as Deborah and Ava navigate their complicated feelings, jealousy simmering beneath the surface. When a harmless flirtation with a crew member turns into an unexpected confrontation, Ava is forced to confront her growing frustrations with Deborah. But as emotions rise and boundaries blur, their relationship is pushed to the brink, leaving Ava wondering if what they have can survive the night.
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Ava crossed her arms, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion bubbling up inside her. “I don’t know, Deb. You tell me. You’ve been acting weird ever since she started flirting with me.” Deborah’s eyes flashed, and for a split second, Ava thought she saw something raw, something vulnerable beneath the mask Deborah always wore. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by that familiar, dismissive smirk. “I’m not acting weird,” Deborah said smoothly, shrugging as if the entire conversation was beneath her. “I just think it’s funny that you’re getting all flustered over a lights person. I didn’t know you had such low standards.” Ava felt a flare of irritation rise in her chest. “She’s nice, okay? And she’s been fun to talk to. What’s the big deal?” Deborah’s expression hardened, the teasing edge in her voice replaced by something colder. “The big deal is that you’re not here to play around with random girls. You’re here to work. Or did you forget that?” Ava’s frustration boiled over, and before she could stop herself, the words came tumbling out. “What, so I’m not allowed to have a little fun? Is that it? Just because we… whatever happened between us doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to talk to other people.” Deborah’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, she said nothing. The silence stretched between them, heavy and uncomfortable, until finally, Deborah’s voice cut through it, low and dangerous. “Go ahead, Ava,” she said softly, her tone sharper than Ava had ever heard it. “Go talk to whoever you want. Just don’t expect me to be waiting around when you decide to come crawling back.”
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Will Ava and Deborah finally confront the emotions they've been avoiding, or will their unspoken feelings pull them apart for good?
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