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Adaire notices things. It's her job as a thief and as a mapmaker. She notices the big things, the small things, the things people say and things people don’t.
It’s important for so many things and it’s good to have information even if it doesn’t seem relevant at the particular time.
It’s why she notices when Adelaide spends more time with them in the Rhizome than before. She talks with Adaire rather than over her. She spends time asking about Adaire's day. It's not unpleasant. Not that she would admit it.
She actually enjoys having Adelaide around sometimes. Adelaide teases Hella with small smirks and quips and Adaire finds herself adding onto those, twisting away from whatever she was working to join the conversation.
It’s fun, watching Hella fluster and come up with responses to the pair of them and Adaire knows when to give her space and Adelaide follows suit, stopping whatever flirtatious comment or gesture when Adaire does.
It’s pleasant. And fun. Having her around. But Adaire isn’t sure if that’s because she’s simply used to Adelaide stopping by, a new constant in the life she’s built.
She watches from the corner of her eye as Adelaide speaks with Hella. But Adelaide keeps looking across at her.
Adaire is hunched over her desk, it was once a table but now it was more often covered in maps and ink than plates and bowls. So, her desk it became and they had to get a new table for them to eat at.
"Keeping yourself busy?" Adaire jolts at Adelaide’s voice so close to her.
"Being a mapmaker is very lucrative when the world has rearranged itself." Adaire stands, neatly setting her supplies aside so the map will not roll up and smudge the writing. Again.
"And your little rascals help with that, I'm sure." Adelaide raises an eyebrow, a small smile on her face as she traces the nicks and dents in the table.
"Rix and Roe do their part and I do mine."
" You must've been a wonderful teacher." Adelaide smiles, turning to face Adaire proper.
"They knew a lot before I helped them," Adaire shrugs.
"You really must take the compliments that you're given."
“But then you’ll stop insisting on them.”
“I can compliment you for other things if you accept the first one.” Adelaide points out, gently leaning into Adaire’s space.
Adaire doesn’t move back, smiling up at Adelaide as many things settle into place.
Gifts of new quills and inks left with a seal of rushing waves.
Fruit and crackers left in baskets with bright pearls woven in.
Lingering looks and the easy compliments.
Stopping to ask if Adaire needs anything that she should let Adelaide know.
Moments like this, when Adelaide gets into Adaire’s space with a soft smile.
“But what if I like our conversations the way they are?” Adaire raises an eyebrow as she steps closer to Adelaide.
“I wouldn’t want you to miss out on those.” A step closer and they’re practically whispering.
“I’m glad we can come to an agreement.” Adaire says, eyes flicking down to Adelaide’s mouth, checking, waiting to see if she moves away, if she doesn’t want this. And then.
Adelaide cups Adaire’s jaw and kisses her.
It’s different to Hella, who quite often has chapped lips. Who more often than not, waits for Adaire to lead them.
Adelaide’s lips are soft and she’s more than happy to take the lead, tilting her head to kiss Adaire deeper, more insistent before pulling back.
“I do enjoy making deals with you, Miss Ducarte.”
“Well if they all end with that then I can be persuaded into making more.” The small smile Adaire aims for is overshot and broadens into a grin as she pulls Adelaide into another kiss.