Apartment Melodies (ch4)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS!

My gosh the newest episode just... rrrrrrr GOSH. Anyways, this takes place directly after the events of episode 9. Just some of my personal theories on what could potentially happen with the whole Cybelle issue, eventually.

Disclaimer: I do not own Carole & Tuesday.

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														Chapter 4.

Tuesday can't help but shudder as she watches Cybelle run off. She's clearly upset, angry even, and Tuesday feels responsible, and more than a little guilty. Her heart is racing from the anxiety of doing what she'd done in telling her off, albeit as gently as possible.

She thought she'd feel better if she did it, but she only feels wretched and nervous. Part of her wants to call Cybelle back and apologize, and it's taking a lot of control not to. She hates that she's hurt someone else's feelings. She really hates it...

But what she hates even more is to admit that it feels nice to have Cybelle gone, and to have only Carole by her side right now.

Tuesday breathes out a big sigh as soon as Cybelle is out of sight, hoping she's seen the last of her for a little while. The side of her neck still aches, and she has to make sure her hair is still concealing the mark, being mindful as she turns back to her singing partner – the only one she'll ever have or need.

"Carole-"

She isn't quite sure what she wants to tell her, but before she can get another word in, Roddy and Gus call for them. Tuesday steps back and lets her words die away, putting on a smile.

Carole does the same, though she's a little miffed they'd chosen right now to butt in. She couldn't be more relieved that that Cybelle girl had left, and she couldn't be more proud of Tuesday for turning her away like she had. But she wants to listen to Tuesday's feelings more than anything right now, and having the guys around isn't going to allow it.

Gus insists on taking them out for dinner and that he'll actually pay this time, so the four of them grab their things and make their way out of the venue.

They end up at a nice restaurant, not too fancy or too shoddy. All the while Roddy and Gus discuss the performances as they eat, and Carol gives her thoughts on a lot of it as well.

But Tuesday can't shake the gnawing feeling of anxiety. She spends her time fussing with her hair at the side of her neck instead of talking, and constantly checking over her shoulder instead of eating. She feels like she might turn around and find Cybelle right there, grinning or crying or seething, and she isn't sure which would be worse.

Tuesday gets sucked in by the paranoia, her heart leaping up into her throat. Guilt swirls thickly in her stomach, preventing her from eating even if she wanted to. The others are absorbed in their conversations, and she doesn't want to ruin their fun.

"I'm tellin' ya," Gus is saying around a mouthful of steak. "I didn't think those two old geezers would last five seconds up there."

"Personally," Roddy adds. "I was most surprised by GGK's performance. Well, and you guys, of course."

"Aw shucks, Roddy you're making me blush," Carole grins. "But honestly, I was most surprised by Angela and that Pyotr guy. They both knocked it outta the park. And then there was that Cybelle chick..."

Tuesday nearly chokes. She'd been preparing herself for someone to bring Cybelle up as they went through the contestants, but for it to be Carole-

To hear Carole say that name right now-

"S-Sorry." Tuesday pushes herself up promptly and slips out of her seat. "I'm going to the bathroom."

"Huh? Hey, Tues-"

But Tuesday doesn't stop even when Carole calls for her. She rushes to the ladies' room and hurries to the sink, gripping it tightly and heaving for breath. Heat stings behind her eyes and threatens to spill over, but she fights it back. Her stomach is knotted and upset, and she almost feels like she might be sick.

It takes a lot of courage for her to even look at her own reflection in the mirror, to brush her hair aside and see that there's still a clear red mark on her skin. She sobs, and she isn't sure why. Is it guilt? Fear? Relief? It's probably all of that, and then about a dozen more hurtful things.

Her mind can't stop racing as quickly as her heart. She almost expects Cybelle to be following her, to be hiding out in one of the stalls or searching for her in the restaurant. If it's true, Tuesday feels she'll only receive anger from her. She hadn't been scared of Cybelle until Tuesday had declined her, but now scared is all she can feel, and she hates it.

Why does it feel like it's my fault? Why do I feel so guilty? Wasn't I only saying how I really felt? Why am I feeling so horrible and scared-

"Hey, Tues-"

"Ah-!"

There's a hand on her shoulder, but in spite of its softness Tuesday whirls around with enough force to send it flying. Eyes wide and just about to overflow, she fears the one person she's dreading most to see right now.

But she should've known better. There's only one person on Mars who calls her by that nickname and who would come after her looking so worried.

Carole seems taken aback, and rightfully so, and Tuesday only feels even more awful now for reacting that way towards her.

"Carole..."

"My bad. I didn't mean to startle you." Despite it all, Carole only has genuine concern in her eyes and in her voice. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Tues. You ran off suddenly, you didn't eat anything, and you haven't said a word in hours. Do you feel sick or something?"

Tuesday lowers her head, shamefully letting her hair cover her neck once again.

"Yeah. A little..."

"I knew it. Why didn't you say something? We didn't have to come out here tonight. We should go home and rest."

Tuesday lets her bangs hide her eyes. She nods.

"Sorry... Can... Can we do that...? Can we go home now...?"

"Of course we can." Carole wraps an arm around her shoulders for support. Tuesday wants nothing more than to lean into her, but she's too scared the mark on her neck might be revealed. She should pull away-

...What am I thinking?

She could never do that to Carole. Carole only wants to help her. Tuesday has no reason or desire to pull away from her. It's Cybelle's touch and presence that she fears, not Carole's. Never Carole's.

Stifling a thin sob, she leans into her partner. And just for that moment, she feels so much better, and safer.

But with the feeling of safety also comes one of guilt; she should've listened to Carole's warnings about Cybelle. She hadn't thought about it seriously. She'd been too naive and trusting, and now look where it's gotten her.

Tuesday knows she needs to come clean and apologize to Carole, but she just can't find the words. And in spite of the comfort her partner's arms provide, Tuesday feels her chest beginning to tighten again. She hates this feeling. More than anything. She needs it to go away.

"Carole-"

"It's all right. I think I can convince Gus to let us go home for tonight. That okay?"

Tuesday just nods.

Carole lets her get her bearings for a moment before they head back out of the restrooms. When they make it back to Gus and Roddy they don't even sit down again.

"Hey, guys," Carole begins. "I think Tues and I are gonna call it a night. Sorry about that."

"Huh? Is everything okay?" Roddy asks.

"Not gettin' sick, are ya?" Gus leans forward with a bit of worry on his face. "If you are, you gotta let me know sooner rather than later so I can make arrangements to move your semifinal competition."

"N-No," Tuesday says quickly. "I'm all right. Just tired, I think..."

"I'll take care of her." Carole smiles and gives Tuesday a partial hug.

The boys smile.

"She's in good hands then," Roddy says.

Gus still seems a little concerned.

"All right, but if it's anything serious you lemme know."

"Roger."

"Good night, you two."

"Feel better, little miss."

"Thank you."

The girls leave Tuesday's guitar with the boys, who agree they don't need the extra burden to carry back to the apartment tonight. Gus assures he'll drop it off tomorrow for them.

With that, Carole and Tuesday step out of the restaurant into the cool evening and board the next bus. Tuesday feels her heart in her throat again. She scans every row of seats, fearing she might find a certain person there, but never does.

When they sit, Carole lets her have the window seat, likely so she'll feel supported on both sides. But Tuesday only feels more and more anxious, wondering if every person out on the streets is glancing up to stare at her.

As the bus begins moving she closes her eyes, hunching forward a little as her hands go to her chest. She hates this feeling. She wants it to go away.

"Hey..." Carole's gentle voice and touch coax her closer, and Tuesday opens her eyes into reality again. Carole is even more worried than before, and Tuesday only feels even more guilty.

"Carole, I-"

"It's okay. You can lean on me a bit. I don't mind, Tues."

Tuesday feels like she might burst into tears from how lucky she is to have her. Somehow she manages to keep it all back and only a sniffle comes out. Burying her face in Carole's shoulder, she hugs her softly and nestles into her side.

Carole lays her arm across Tuesday's back and rubs it gently. Once again, Tuesday is washed over with a sense of security, the feeling that everything's going to be all right.

But every time the bus stops and someone boards, her heart clenches all over again. It's never Cybelle, but it feels like it always is.

The mental strain wears her out before long, and by the time Carole is nudging her to her feet for their stop, Tuesday really almost has made herself sick.

They hobble off the bus together and end up right in front of their building. Tuesday looks all around herself, expecting to find her there. What if she's been following them? What if she finds out where they live? She could do anything-

"Tues?" Carole gives her back a little pat. "You okay to make it up the stairs?"

"Ah, yeah. Sorry."

"It's okay."

They make their way up one step at a time, Tuesday looking behind herself all the while. When they reach the top, Carole begins fishing for her key. When she opens the door, Tuesday is petrified that Cybelle might be inside, sitting there waiting for them. But once the lights are flicked on, the only one waiting for them is a little AI owl.

"We're back, Ziggy!" Carole calls out. She helps Tuesday over to the couch and they sit down together. "Gosh, what a day!" she yawns. "You want me to make you a little snack or something? You didn't eat anything back at the restaurant."

Tuesday stiffens. She has to tell her. She has to.

"N-No, that's all right."

"You really will get sick if you don't eat anything."

"I know, I just... don't think anything would stay down right now."

Carole makes a conflicted expression.

"Well then, at least lemme get you some water or something." She gets up before Tuesday can ask to her stay. Carole heads into the kitchen and begins rummaging through the fridge for a bottle of water.

Tuesday glances to the windows, then the door, fearing an uninvited person might show up any second now. The side of her neck feels like it's burning, branding her just like Cybelle wants.

"Carole..." Her voice comes out thin and weak, a whisper that's barely audible even to Tuesday herself.

But somehow Carole hears it. She hears the fear in it.

Grabbing the nearest bottle of water she can find, she kicks the fridge closed and hurries back to the couch in a fluster.

"Tues? What's the matter?"

Tuesday can't look up at her. That awful guilt sweeps over her again, like it's her fault she'd let Cybelle do what she wanted, so she deserves to feel this way... She shakes her head, reaching up to hold the side of her neck.

"Carole... I'm sorry... I should've told you... I should've listened..."

"What are you talking about?" Carole puts the water aside and rests one hand on Tuesday's lap, the other on her back. "Tues, what's going on? You gotta speak up."

Tuesday whimpers; that's exactly what Carole had told her before, to speak up if Cybelle was bothering her. She hadn't, and look where it's gotten her.

Tuesday sniffles, still fighting back the tears, but her breath is so uneven she might as well be crying already. She lifts her head miserably, fingers curling more tightly at the side of her neck.

"Something happened... at the venue..."

"What?" Carole looks like she's about to go crazy with how worried she is. "What happened, Tues? What-" But then it hits her. Tuesday can see it in her eyes instantly, the clarity that makes Carole's eyes become stern, and her voice low. "Don't tell me... that Cybelle girl-"

Tuesday flinches at the name and nods. Carole's fingers curl into a loose fist on Tuesday's lap.

"That creep. What did she do?" She must realize she sounds too demanding, though. Carole draws in a deep breath to try and regain some control, to quell the fire that's started to burn in her veins. She uncurls the fist she'd made in Tuesday's dress and instead takes her free hand, squeezing it gently. Carole gives her hand a little tug, coaxing Tuesday to look back up at her. "Tues, it's okay. You can tell me. Please."

And Tuesday knows she needs to tell her, that Carole of all people has the right to know, since she'd warned her in the first place. But the guilt is just so horrible, clawing at her stomach from the inside. She pushes her hand harder onto her neck to conceal the mark.

But then Carole's hand covers hers, her thumb rubbing softly over Tuesday's skin, a gentle reassurance like always. Tuesday might blame herself, but she knows Carole never would. It takes her a minute, but she eventually finds her voice again, inhaling shakily.

"It was... before she went on to perform... She found me in the hallway and... said she was nervous. She asked if I could hug her..."

Carole clicks her tongue.

"What a creep. A singer like her wouldn't be nervous before something like this. She just wanted to get close to you."

Tuesday nods, and she can feel the weight behind her eyes.

"I... I only did it because I wanted to help... and because I felt bad... I was going to ask her to stop, a-and tell her I won't sing together with her... But I felt guilty about that, so I figured... I should at least give her the one thing she wanted..." One tear drips free now. "B-But-" She cuts off, feeling more tears rising up, stomach churning.

Carole slides a little closer, doing her best to reel in her anger for Tuesday's sake.

"It's okay. You can tell me, Tues."

Tuesday can't say anything else. She just lets go of her neck and pulls her hair back to reveal the mark.

Carole is taken aback. She'd expected to be told that Cybelle had said something strange to Tuesday, but not this. Tuesday's neck is slightly red, but the discoloration isn't the only thing. She can see various tiny marks digging into the skin in a circular fashion. It takes a second for it to register in Carole's mind, but when it does it's accompanied by a lot of other things; shock and outrage to name a few.

"What the-? Is that-?"

She isn't sure if she's more disbelieving or more angry.

Angry. It's definitely angry. It starts to seethe into her voice.

"She bit you?! What the hell?! Tues, that's assault!"

Tuesday hangs her head in shame. She isn't sure what it is that lifts the floodgates – be it Carole's disappointment in her for keeping quiet until now, or the relief of finally telling her the truth, or a mix of both – but the tears burst free now.

"I-I'm sorry... I didn't know what to..." She brings her hands to her face to hide, not wanting Carole to see her like this. "Y-You were right, Carole... I should've listened to you... I'm sorry..."

"Tues..." Carole just wraps both of her arms around her and hugs her close, teeth grit. "That bitch... I should've known she wouldn't back off. She's the typical stalker and I knew it, but I didn't do anything to help you with it..."

She brings her hand around and curls her fingers through Tuesday's hair, brushing it back to reveal her neck again. Carole feels sick with rage. "Damn it. You should've told me right away, Tues. You should've-"

But she stops. What the hell am I saying? That just puts more shame onto her. That makes it sound like it was her fault. I'm an idiot.

"S-Sorry-!" Tuesday wails. "I'm sorry, Carole... I should've-"

"No." Carole stops her right away. "No, I'm the one who's sorry, Tues. I wasn't thinking. It just made me so pissed to find out what that creep did to you, but I didn't stop to think about how you felt." She pulls Tuesday closer, resting her chin on her shoulder as she lets out a long sigh.

"I can't imagine how scary that must've been for you. Of course you wouldn't wanna talk about it. Of course you'd wanna try to handle it by yourself and not drag me into it... But I'm glad you did, Tuesday. I'm really glad you told me. That took guts. I'm proud of you."

Tuesday chokes on another sob, but finally manages to lift her arms up and squeeze them around Carole.

"S-Sorry... sorry, Carole..."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. None of this is your fault, Tues."

Carole bows her head into soft blonde hair, letting her love for Tuesday weigh out her hatred of Cybelle – at least for the moment.

"It's not your fault," she murmurs. "You don't have to feel guilty about anything. You didn't do anything wrong."

"B-But I was naïve," she whimpers. "I should've listened to you-"

"You wanted to help her when she said she felt nervous. It just goes to show how kind you are, Tues. You've got the purest heart of anyone in the whole solar system. And that's not a bad thing. It's not a weakness."

She runs her hands gently up and down Tuesday's shuddering back, feeling the distraught fluttering of the pulse against her chest. Those sobs are the most heartbreaking sounds she's ever heard.

"Listen, Tues. You can't blame yourself for any of this. This didn't happen because you're a nice person; it happened because Cybelle is a freak. Don't make any mistake about that, you hear?"

Tuesday can't really say anything in return, but she nods her head into Carole's shoulder.

Carole lets go of her anger for now – for Tuesday's sake. She just holds her close, a little more protectively than usual, trying to let everything settle. They can deal with Cybelle some other time.

But right now, Tuesday's had an awfully long and exhausting day in every way possible.

Carole holds her until she's cried herself quiet, at which point she gently eases her back against the couch. Tuesday's face is a mess of tears and stray hair, and Carole does her best to help clear it up. She hands her the water from earlier and keeps her steady as she drinks. The poor girl drinks the whole bottle to rehydrate herself after all the crying. Carole pats her shoulder softly.

"Atta girl. Feel any better?"

Tuesday's cheeks are still red and wet, but she nods.

"Yeah. A lot better. Thank you, Carole."

"It's no problem." She eyes the mark on Tuesday's neck again, and a seed of disgust wiggles its roots into her gut. "Wanna take a bath? I think it'll help you relax a bit."

Tuesday just nods again.

"All right," Carole says. "You sit tight and I'll go grab you some pajamas."

Carole gets up from the couch, but she doesn't miss the flash of anxiety that goes through Tuesday's eyes. Even though the apartment is small and they can always see or hear one another just about anywhere they go, she can understand how Tuesday probably doesn't want to be left alone right now.

So Carole begins to hum as she hurries up the steps to the loft to gather clean clothes. Her voice carries out through all the rooms and reaches Tuesday's ears with ease.

With the proof that Carole is right there with her, Tuesday closes her eyes for a moment to rest. Those are the first moments since the incident that her mind doesn't wander back to thoughts of it.

Carole makes quick work of getting them each a change of clothes and putting them onto the bathroom sink. She then hurries back to fetch Tuesday, helping her up and leading her over to the bathroom.

Tuesday disrobes and wraps a towel around herself for modesty's sake, something Carole assumes she'd been taught growing up as a rich girl. Carole does the same thing, intending to wash herself off manually while Tuesday uses the bath. She runs the water and makes sure it's nice and warm before coaxing Tuesday in.

Carole pulls up a stool and sits beside her, using the portable shower head to clean herself off. She hums a bit, but can't blame Tuesday for not joining in this time. She stays quiet all the while as Carole washes out her hair and rinses it. When she looks up, Tuesday has sunk into the water up to her chin, no doubt to hide her neck. Carole finishes her song and clears her throat.

"Hey, Tues? Want me to wash your hair for you?"

Tuesday peeks up at her and gives a tiny nod.

"Sure. Thanks, Carole."

"No prob."

She moves her stool over and sits behind her partner, gathering Tuesday's hair up and getting a handful of shampoo to begin lathering. Carole starts up a new song to let echo around the room, the melody bouncing off the tiled walls and floor.

Tuesday stays quiet, but seems to relax a little more.

Carole is thorough with lathering her hair, then gets to scooping up handfuls of water to help rinse it out for her. Every time she glimpses that redness on Tuesday's skin it ignites a little flame in her chest, but she doesn't let the anger get the better of her.

When she's finished with her song, she gathers up Tuesday's hair into a towel on the top of her head and lets out a sigh.

"There. All done."

"Thanks, Carole."

"Sure thing."

A gentle silence fills the room, accompanied only by the faint sounds of rippling water sloshing against the side of the tub. Now that Tuesday's hair is all gathered into the towel, the mark on her neck is clearly visible. Tuesdays must feel self-conscious about it, because she sinks back down into the tub. The water around her seems to quiver.

Carole treads lightly.

"Tues? You okay? …Does it still hurt...?"

Tuesday sinks down another inch.

"A little..."

Carole gets to her feet.

"Hold on a sec."

She goes over to the cabinets and begins poking around through them, looking through all the little packets and bottles of miscellaneous things. Before long, she finds the bottle she's looking for and brings it back to Tuesday.

"This might help. It's ointment made of all natural oils and stuff." She dispenses a fair amount into her palm, but pauses. She puts her hand gently on Tuesday's shoulder. "Is this okay?" After what Cybelle had done to her, Carole doesn't want to touch her there if she doesn't feel comfortable with it.

But Tuesday turns her head slightly, catching her eye. She gives a little nod.

"Mm."

Carole smiles.

"Okay." She leans down over her a little and gingerly places her hand against Tuesday's neck, covering the redness. She doesn't miss it when Tuesday flinches ever so slightly, and stops.

"Tues...?" She waits, feeling Tuesday breathe in and exhale.

"Sorry. I'm okay."

"Don't be sorry." Carole rubs the ointment in slowly, feeling for herself how the perfectly smooth skin is interrupted by little indentations from the teethmarks. It makes her blood curdle all over again to even think about it. "I'm gonna call Gus tomorrow and explain everything. He'll be able to help us avoid that girl in the future."

Tuesday doesn't say anything.

Carole lets her be for the moment and finishes up rubbing in the ointment.

By now it's well past midnight and she knows they need to get some sleep. She helps Tuesday up out of the bath, and she exchanges her wet towel for a dry one to wrap around herself. Carole gets dressed into her pajamas, padding through her hair a bit more.

When Tuesday has dressed and freed her hair as well, they clean up and then head back out into the apartment together. Tuesday heads for the couch and Carole goes with her. She checks to make sure the door is locked and the curtains are closed. Tuesday sits down on the couch and lets out a long, troubled breath. Carole sits close beside her.

"Anything you wanna talk about?" she asks. "Get it off your chest, Tues. I'll listen."

Tuesday glances at her briefly before looking back down at her lap.

"It's just... I'm still a bit scared..."

Carole slides closer and leans against her side.

"Yeah, I can't blame you. I'm sorry. But you're safe here, Tues. Like I said, I'll tell Gus about this tomorrow. We're not gonna let anything happen to you again. If that creep Cybelle wants to try and see you again, she's gonna have to go through me." She brushes her head gently against Tuesday's and squeezes her hand. "I'll take you to the cell phone shop tomorrow and we can get your number changed. I'm not gonna let her bother you again. I promise, Tuesday."

Tuesday is getting watery-eyed again. She dips her head and wipes her face with her free hand, drawing in a deep breath.

"Thanks, Carole... I'm so lucky to have you..."

"That's my line." Carole leans in and kisses her temple sweetly. Tuesday flashes a smile for half a second before it fades again.

"But... that's what I'm worried about most..."

"Hm? What is?"

"...You, Carole."

"Huh? Me? Why are you worried about me?"

Tuesday begins fidgeting a little, and Carole can tell she's getting anxious again. Her voice is somehow thick and wobbly at the same time.

"Because... Cybelle kept saying she wants me to sing with her... she doesn't want me to be around you. I think she kind of sees you as an obstacle, o-or an enemy or something. I'm worried she might come after you... th-that she might try to hurt you so she can get at me-"

"Tues!" Carole stops her before she can make herself even more upset. Tuesday's already started to cry again, shaking from the sheer terror of the thoughts alone. Carole wraps both arms tightly around Tuesday and hugs her close.

"It's gonna be all right, Tues. Nothing like that's gonna happen. You don't have to worry about me. We'll deal with Cybelle and she won't bother us again. I promise, Tues."

Tuesday trembles and cries in her arms, clutching her back weakly. Carole doesn't let go.

"You're safe with me, Tues. I won't let her hurt you again, not through me or any other way. I swear. It's gonna be okay."

Tuesday can only manage a muffled little hum of agreement.

Carole waits patiently until she's calmed down, though at this point the poor girl has nearly exhausted herself straight to sleep.

But Carole doesn't lie her down on the couch. Of course she'd stay with her tonight like every other night, but the couch is limited on space. Their usual sleeping positions only allow for Carole to hold her hand at best, and tonight she knows she wants Tuesday to feel as safe as possible. So she proposes an idea.

"Hey... Wanna sleep with me in my bed tonight?"

Tuesday sniffles and lets out a heavy breath, easing back just a little. Her eyes are tired, but honest.

"Are... Are you sure...?"

"Definitely."

"I don't want to impose-"

"You're not. Trust me. I'll feel better if you're with me up there tonight."

Tuesday nods again, locking her arms around Carole's shoulders and tucking her face into her shoulder.

"Thank you, Carole..."

Carole kisses the top of her head.

"It's my pleasure."

She slips an arm beneath Tuesday's knees and braces the other across her back, scooping the girl up into her arms. She makes her way to the steps and climbs up to the loft, then lies Tuesday down onto the bed.

The sheets and blankets are mostly untouched since the last time Carole had washed them, because she'd been spending all her nights on the couch.

She lies down beside Tuesday, clicking her tongue up at Ziggy to have him get the lights. Once the apartment is dark, Tuesday stiffens just a little bit, but Carole pulls her in close.

"It's okay. We'll figure this out, Tues. Together."

At last, Tuesday feels her heart is finally at ease.

"You're right. We'll always be together. We'll always be Carole and Tuesday, no matter what."

"No matter what," Carole agrees. She kisses Tuesday's forehead one last time as the girl's eyes finally fall shut.

Carole wraps her up in the blankets and hugs her close. She hums a little lullaby and waits until Tuesday's breathing has softened and evened out.

Carole lies awake a while longer. There's still a spark of anger inside of her, ready to ignite at the flip of a switch. But she doesn't want it to get to that point. For Tuesday's sake, she'd rather deal with Cybelle calmly, and from as far away as possible.

But if push did come to shove, Carole wouldn't be afraid to shove back. Hard.

For now though, she leaves the thoughts of anger behind and cuddles close to Tuesday. She inches down just a little, nosing the soft hair out of the way to press a kiss onto her neck, covering the vile mark Cybelle had left there.

Instead of a brand of possession, Carole leaves a soft impression, one full of love and warmth.

She holds Tuesday a little closer tonight than any night before.

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A/N: I doubt things will get this dramatic with Cybelle, but you just know she'll be back and it'll probably be ugly...

I'd considered adding in a little something about Tuesday's birthday into this, but it just didn't seem appropriate for the heavier theme of this chapter. Maybe if the new episode addresses her birthday (and Carole's gift, I hope) I'll get some more inspiration!