Title: life of “frauds”
Rating: G
Fandom: Highway Blossoms
Relationship: Amber/Marina
Wordcount: 635
Short summary: After driving all day through stormy weather in the middle of corn country, Amber asks why Marina’s been quiet.
“What’s wrong?”
Amber has just put her empty takeout container in the trash bag after finishing a quiet dinner. Due to some patches of stormy weather earlier, they had decided to get something in the last town they saw because who knew when they would reach another one. It had proven to be the right decision; hours later, it’s already past sundown and they are the only vehicle parked at this rest stop. Might as well have dinner and then decide if they would just stay overnight or try to go a little farther.
Well, after finishing her meal, Marina had returned to her seat and had begun fiddling with her phone. Not even for phone reasons, but just as an object to entertain her hands with. Amber isn’t particularly worried about Marina being quiet, not yet, but she rather know instead of wondering. If the past year together has taught Amber anything, it’s that open communication between them is essential. Especially when stuck in a motorhome with only corn outside the window for miles.
Yeah, maybe something about the endless fields of corn has dulled the senses or, conversely, brought upon a sense of calm contemplativeness. When Marina takes a moment to lick her lips before speaking, Amber starts to suspect the latter has occurred.
“Sometimes… I feel like this can’t be real, that we’re just frauds.”
Amber sighs as she sits back down in her chair.
“Same here. Even though it’s been a year. Life shouldn’t be this good right now.” When Amber’s only worry really is whether she and Marina are healthy and happy, it does make things feel like a dream still. “But you know what? We should enjoy this. We have both had our share of troubles, of pain and suffering. If there aren’t moments to enjoy, then why keep living?”
Perhaps their moments of enjoyment have been quite extended. Or maybe it’s just the fact that Marina is by her side that makes Amber feel this way. She’s never really needed much in her life. Before, with just her grandfather… That had been enough. Marina, of course, is different from her grandfather but fills her heart just as fully…
“You’re right.” Marina smiles brightly. “I can even enjoy the fact that we drove past like a million miles of corn and survived.”
Amber laughs. “So that was dangerous? Too much corn for one lifetime?”
“Definitely.” Marina grins. “I almost died… of monotony!”
“Or from thinking too hard,” Amber teases. When Marina pouts, Amber gives her a playful poke to the forehead. “Kidding. It’s not bad to think. But when you have thoughts like that…”
Amber gets out of her seat and walks over to Marina’s side, putting both her hands on Marina’s shoulders. She leans down to place a light kiss on Marina’s nose.
“Just tell me and I’ll banish them.”
Marina tilts her face up more, so that their lips nearly brush. “Because you protect me?”
“Because I love you.”
The kiss that follows is short and sweet, and then Amber pulls Marina out of the chair. “So… what next? Back to driving or staying here overnight?”
“Hmm…” Marina wraps her arms around Amber. “I thought a little too much earlier. I think I need some comfort.”
Amber laughs as she pulls Marina’s arms off her body. “I think a bed is pretty comfy, if you want to move there?”
So they’d probably stay the night here, Amber thinks to herself as they shuffle to the back of the motorhome, as she lays down on her back and Marina hovers over her. Well, after “a million miles of corn”, perhaps this would at least put something fun to top off the day? If they are “frauds” living this life of leisure… might as well own it fully, right?