Apartment Melodies (ch2)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS!

Okay this chapter is a bit more shippy... actually a lot more...

Disclaimer: I do not own Carole & Tuesday.

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															Chapter 2.

Carole had never really believed in fate until she met Tuesday. How could she, when life had been nothing but the same mundane routine day in and day out?

She'd refused to believe she was destined to live out the rest of her life scrambling to make ends meet, with only a few extra moments a day to set up her keyboard at whatever random corner of town and play for only a handful of people to hear. There had to have been more to it.

She'd refused to accept a life like that, and yet accepting it had been all she could do.

Until a disheveled blonde in a dress way too fancy for the section of Alba City she'd wound up in had quite literally stumbled across her path.

The instant she'd met that tearful blue gaze, a gaze that – past the water – harbored an innate understanding that every other person she'd met until now had been lacking, Carole had known that had been fate, and that had been the exact second she'd started to believe in it.

Tuesday was her new beginning, her newest chapter of her newest book, her proof that patience was indeed the greatest virtue.

That encounter out on the bridge at sunset, with the last notes of music still dancing away into the air, where Tuesday had read her like an open book when Carole had yet to speak so much as a word to her.

The fact that she'd immediately interpreted and understood the meaning behind the song, the yearning, the passion.

The fact that she'd taken her hand and ran with her, laughing, with the police officer shouting behind them, and an entire future ahead of them could have been nothing less than fate.

Ever since their destined encounter out on the bridge, Carole had believed in fate. Or, perhaps she always had in the bottom of her heart, but that had been when she'd actually started to enjoy believing in it.

Every second after that felt like 'finally.'

Finally.

Finally.

The pieces of the puzzle began shifting into place, the gears of the clock that would spell out the rest of their lives – together – began turning. Carole had taken her all the way home, and ever since then, that's where Tuesday has stayed.

And it's where she'll continue to stay, so long as that's what she wants, if Carole has anything to say about it. Luckily for her, Tuesday doesn't seem to be wanting to go anywhere else anytime soon.

After things had settled in, they'd started churning into motion.

The girls have established a sort of daily routine.

It begins in the morning when Carole dresses and makes her way down from her bed on the loft, humming a wake-up call to Tuesday on the couch below. They take turns showering and making breakfast, and it's usually only a few moments before someone starts singing and the other joins in.

Carole then leaves for whatever job she's toiling in now, and Tuesday stays behind to tidy up.

All throughout the days both girls think often of the other, considering new tunes and lyrics until they're reunited in the afternoon and can gush about their ideas together.

Evenings are much the same as mornings, for the most part, except that once the laundry has been dried and the dishes have been cleaned, the pair sits on the couch together and shares their newest thoughts on songs and lyrics. Because for now they make music, but eventually they'll make history.

And more often than not, Carole always stays up late with Tuesday, curled up on the couch with her giggling and imagining. Eventually, it gets to the point where Carole stays with her until it's so late she's too tired to even consider going back up to her own bed. It's so much easier – and warmer – to curl up with Tuesday, to hum them both to sleep with the newest melodies they'd concocted together.

Their chemistry had been instant and natural, so compatible and undeniably perfect that, in retrospect, no one was really surprised when things turned out the way they did.

Carole isn't even sure when it had started. Ever since she'd met Tuesday out there on the bridge, her heart had started to pound a little faster, and not just from all the running away they've been doing.

And she could tell there was a sparkle in Tuesday's eyes that had only been ignited upon meeting her. A timid girl who'd been miserable and desperate enough to run away from home like she had would never have been comfortable enough to smile if she were on her own here, or if she'd simply found something to do.

Carole knows that as a fact, because for the longest time she'd just been doing things too.

But now she was enjoying them.

Every second waiting tables for crude men or chasing after runaway AI pets didn't feel as frustrating as it used to. Because she knew every second she was making money, it was money that was going toward hers and Tuesday's future in the music industry.

And she knew that no matter how tiresome the days got, she always had a joyful smile and a "welcome home!" to come back to.

Every time she heard Tuesday's greetings in the evenings, and every time she wished her a safe day in the mornings, Carole's heart twirled.

It was only fair that eventually she let Tuesday's heart do the same.

It was on a particularly sunny morning, bright and lively with the sounds of the city drifting in through the window, when she first did it.

Tuesday is at the sink cleaning dishes, unable to wave goodbye like usual due to her hands being occupied. She calls out, "Have a nice day!" and beams a smile brighter than the sun's rays ever could have been, even when mankind lived back on Earth.

Carole just can't stop herself. She dances over into the kitchen, wraps an arm around Tuesday's waist, turns her slightly sideways, and plants a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"I will."

When she pulls back, Tuesday's smile has been exchanged for a soft gasp, and a blush paints itself across the freckled skin. Carole hadn't really thought it through, but she doesn't regret it one bit.

And to her relief, Tuesday recovers from the surprise quickly and proves she didn't mind either.

"Okay!" The word is almost breathless with joy, and the smile returns full-force, rising up so high it makes her eyes water.

Carole holds her gaze for a second longer, and she isn't sure if the excitement wafting through the air is coming more from Tuesday or from herself.

It's harder than ever to turn and leave her that morning.

But it's better than ever to come home to her that afternoon.

Where Tuesday had been squealing and unable to slow down her fluttering heartbeat all day long, Carole had been trying to suppress herself from grinning and humming too much at work. The second she walks back in and calls out, "I'm back!" Tuesday drops the laundry she'd been folding and scurries over with an almost expectant eagerness in her eyes.

"Welcome home, Carole!" Normally she would've just stayed put on the couch and continued her task when replying. But today- Today she hopes that maybe-

Carole smiles, glad to know that Tuesday has been just as big of a giddy mess today as she had. She leans in and pecks a second soft kiss to her cheek. Tuesday's hands fly to her mouth as a little sob slips out, and she bounces on her heels in absolute merriment.

Carole's heart backflips at the sight of her looking ten times cuter than she normally already does. She swallows sheepishly and tries to keep her cool.

"So... how was everything today?"

Tuesday has to take a moment to catch her breath and hold back the tears. There are so many emotions coursing through her no doubt, but she channels it all into a grasp on Carole's hand that's so thrilled it's shaking.

"E... Everything was fine. What about you?"

And so the evening chatter commences and continues as it always does, only this time there are infinitely more jumbled words and throbbing heartbeats.

Carole stays beside her on the couch all evening, until the yawns start to come. When Tuesday all but slumps back against the cushions already half-asleep, Carole clears the fluffy bangs from her face and kisses her forehead.

"Night, Tuesday."

There's a whimper, and this time Tuesday actually starts to cry. She reaches up tiredly and wraps her arms around Carole, her fingers so weak with joy they can barely find purchase.

Carole sleeps there beside her tonight again, only this time their hands stay joined together all the while.

And so the newest bit to their routine has been added. Every morning begins with a kiss, and every night ends with another.

The kisses in between take turns with who initiates and who receives. Sometimes it's a "have a good day!" kiss, and sometimes it's an "I'll be back soon!" kiss. Sometimes it's an "I'm back!" kiss, and sometimes it's a "welcome home!" kiss. And sometimes both girls accuse the other of being unfair and stealing the kiss that was supposed to be theirs, and then they both end up entangled in the mirth of a kissing war.

Either way, not a day goes by without at least a dozen kisses being shared between them. They keep it quiet from Gus and Roddy, but every eventual gig they land starts and ends with a kiss behind the scenes.

Nothing's ever felt so right before in her entire life; Carole's sure of it. Kissing Tuesday makes her even happier than getting to sing with her, and just that had sent her over the moon.

The days continue on in this way, with their secret song-making now interspersed with secret kisses. Carole has all but abandoned her bed on the loft in favor of the couch, because nothing in the world is better than getting to wake up every morning and hear that raspy little squeak after Carole kisses her awake.

This morning starts the same way, with Carole leaning over her still-sleeping roommate and leaving a gentle kiss on her brow. Tuesday makes a tired, "mmn" and slowly lifts her head. Even before she fully opens her eyes, she's smiling.

"Good morning, Carole."

Carole pets a hand through the girl's loose blonde hair.

"Morning, Tuesday."

And another day begins, singing in their showers and humming through breakfast before Tuesday reluctantly lets her go with a kiss.

Carole doesn't want to leave anymore than Tuesday doesn't want her to go, but the thought of coming back home to her later is what drives her to push forward.

She brushes her nose against Tuesday's and murmurs, "Take care," before heading out.

Today is one she'll spend indoors at the restaurant rather than walking AI pets outside. Carole's never really liked this job that much, but it's something.

As soon as she arrives, her boss yells at her to hurry up, to which she gives a dismissive, "yeah, yeah," and puts on the apron.

The male customers are as awful as ever, treating the place like a club instead of a family restaurant, constantly taunting her and making comments behind her back.

Carole's never been all that bothered by them though. She always fires right back at them, and isn't afraid to aim below the belt – in a verbal sense, though there have been times it's happened in a physical sense; at other jobs she's no longer allowed to return to.

Today is no different to begin; she just ignores the snickers and whistles and spits into their food when they aren't looking, adds in a strong spice or laxative here or there.

The way she sees it, it's all another way to keep learning, to hone and perfect her skills of blasphemy. She's always been street smart, always enjoyed getting her revenge in her own little ways.

The men never really bothered her.

Until today.

She'd just finished her break, during which she'd texted Tuesday relentlessly about new lyrics that had popped into her head, and Tuesday had dutifully written it all down and promised to try out a few cords on her guitar. Carole sends her a "see you soon!" text with a heart after it, then returns to waiting tables. Her boss catches her eye and grunts.

"Table 3."

"Kaaay." Carole wrinkles her nose at the sight of the guy sitting there by himself. She can tell right away it's because he's too gross and sexist to have any kind of girlfriend. He's already ogling her as she makes her way over, not even pretending to look at the menu. Carole plasters on a grin, already considering what she'll do to his food.

"Good afternoon, sir," she says flatly. "What can I get for you?"

"Why not you?" he grins. She rolls her eyes. She wishes they'd at least be a little original with their remarks.

"It's not that kind of establishment, sir. If you want I can list you our specials today. We have onion soup-"

"Hey, hey, really?" he tuts. "Wearin' shorts and overalls under an apron? That's not very sexy."

She sighs.

"All right then, I'll come back later. I guess someone as old as you needs a bit more time to learn how to read the menu." She has to be careful with her responses unfortunately. She needs to be able to keep the job and keep bringing home a paycheck, and she has to be careful with arguing back, because some of them like it. Evidently this guy is one of them.

"Feisty, huh?"

"If having a girl as your waiter is really that difficult for you, I'll send over Johnny." Carole turns away without a care in the world, and normally by this point she wouldn't listen to one more word they say. But this guy is different.

"I've seen you, y'know," he drawls. "Out around town with that pretty little friend of yours. Now she's a real cutie. Bring her by sometime. I'd love to get a good look at her."

And Carole's been angry before.

She's been angry at how the sexist bigotry is still being tolerated and even welcomed in parts of this city.

She's been angry enough to snap back and curse them out and get fired for it.

But she's never been this angry.

In fact, it's greatly surpassed the stage of anger. This is rage. Seething, hateful rage.

Her mind goes blank, but her body moves like a tigress, swift and fearsome as she whirls around and slams her hand on the table so hard that the salt and pepper shakers rattle and fall. She grabs the fork and jabs it mere centimeters away from his ugly face, making him yelp like the pig he is.

She doesn't care that she's causing a scene. She doesn't even remember where she is anymore at this point. Everything else goes out the window as she unleashes the fury.

"If you ever even think about looking at her again, I'll gouge your fucking eyes out."

He quivers like a cornered rat and wets himself.

Carole drops the fork just as her boss rushes over shouting, but she doesn't hear a word he says. She throws her apron on the floor and storms out, running all the way back home.

When she reaches the apartment she races up the stairs and fumbles for her key, then pushes her way in. Tuesday had been folding laundry on the couch, and she jumps in surprise when she hears the door.

"Carole! You're back super early! What-" She stops when she gets a good look at her, teeth grit and fists tight. Tuesday's heart twists, and she's on her feet in seconds, rushing to her, choked with concern. "Carole? Wh-What's the matter? Are you okay-?"

The whole race home had been pure adrenaline for Carole, but now that she's here and she's stopped moving, it feels like she's going to collapse.

She keeps her head bowed. She can't look at Tuesday just yet, both out of guilt and because she doesn't want her to see her so angry. The bastard's ugly face pops into her mind and she seethes, growling softly under her breath. She inhales slowly, reminding herself that Tuesday is right here, safe and sound.

"Sorry..." she mumbles. "I quit... I know we need the money right now, but-"

"It's okay!" Tuesday can't hold back any longer. She throws her arms around Carole's shoulders and sobs, hugging her tightly. "It's okay, Carole! We'll figure something out! All that matters is that you're all right."

Carole feels all of the fury drain from her veins the second Tuesday's arms are around her, soft and trembling. She hears her sobbing, and that snaps Carole back into the moment.

Slowly, she lifts her arms around her roommate's waist and hugs back, sighing. She'd never known anyone before who would cry just because they were so worried about her. In spite of her morning, Carole's lips curve into a small smile.

"Sorry, Tuesday. Don't cry." She nuzzles softly into her hair and kisses the side of her head. "I'm back."

Tuesday sniffles, nodding into the crook of her neck as she eases back to wipe her eyes.

"Welcome home... Carole, what happened...?"

Carole does her best to control her tone when talking about the patron.

"Just some asshole. I lost my temper on him and basically got myself fired."

"What?! He didn't hurt you, did he? W-We should call the police-"

"Easy there." Carole hugs her a little more firmly, to keep them both up now. "It wasn't anything like that, really. Besides, we don't want police anywhere near here if your family is looking for you, right?"

Tuesday sniffles again, sucking in little hiccups of air.

"I know, but-"

"But nothing." Carole smiles gently, running the backs of her fingers through Tuesday's bangs. "It'll be all right. I'll just go full-time at the other job." She rests her forehead against hers, letting their noses brush, hushing her. Tuesday sighs.

"You're sure... You're sure you're okay...?"

Carole looks into her eyes, closing the distance between them for a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Now that I'm back here with you, definitely sure."

At last, Tuesday's tears finally stop. She draws in a deep breath and lets it out, then gives herself a little shake.

"Okay! Then since you're free for the rest of today, I have an idea." She takes Carole by the hands and leads her into the living room area. Tuesday lets her go to gather up the remaining laundry and piles it onto one part of the couch, then turns around to the chest on the floor. She begins pushing the furniture, grunting with effort as she moves it off toward the wall.

Carole watches her in total confusion.

"Uh, Tuesday? What are you-"

"Don't worry, I've got this!" Tuesday turns around and then begins to push one section of the couch next, but she barely budges it. Carole hurries over to help.

"What are we doing, exactly?"

"You'll see!"

They finish moving the couch to one side, now leaving a wide open space in the living room area. Tuesday smiles at the accomplishment, then looks upward.

"Ziggy? Some music, please?"

The AI owl hoots before searching the channels in his feathers. He finds a good station and opens his beak to let the music play.

It's classical stuff, the sort of thing people used to listen to back on Earth. The current song is definitely one that used to be famous and she knows it, but the title escapes Carole's mind at the moment. It's got a bit of a distinguished tune, violins and cellos and an upbeat pace.

Tuesday seems satisfied with the choice and twirls around to face her, offering her hand.

"Now then, may I have this dance?"

Carole blinks a few times as her mind comprehends what's happening. But she doesn't need to think in order for her body to already know the answer. The smile is already on her lips, and her hand is already in Tuesday's before she knows it.

"Yeah."

Tuesday pulls her into a little spin, keeping one hand in Carole's and placing the other on her shoulder. In turn, Carole rests her free hand on Tuesday's hip, and they begin to sway.

All troubled thoughts are absent from Carole's mind as Tuesday takes over her senses; the softness of her hair and dress, the scent of her berry shampoo, the sound of her little hum, the sight of her sky-blue eyes...

They move around the space slowly, though Carole finds she's the one leading. Tuesday stumbles on her own shoes, and Carole dips down to steady her.

"Don't tell me you invited me to dance without really knowing how to."

Tuesday blushes.

"I mean, I had a few lessons when I was younger..."

"Say no more." Chuckling, Carole leans in to press their foreheads together briefly, then takes control.

Though she's typically the one making the music rather than listening and moving to it, she has quite a bit of experience in dance. She lets the rhythms fill her body, feels the tune as it flows through her veins and encourages her to move one way or another. She pulls Tuesday forward, then guides her to one side, not following any particular kind of waltz, but rather mixing the traditional with some freestyle.

Dancing is the physical release of inhibitions and the spiritual freeing of the soul, and she wants to give that feeling to Tuesday. She turns, and Tuesday turns with her, takes a step back to let her twirl, then pulls her in close to catch her. Tuesday giggles and it's contagious. Carole lets her laughter free, humming in between breaths whenever she feels like it. The music is nice, but she'd rather listen to that tinkling laughter any day.

They dance through one song, and then two, and then three, until they've both lost count.

For a little while that afternoon, they just dance, and laugh, and live.

Until the sunset begins to splash warm oranges and golds in through the glass.

Until all of their worries have been utterly forgotten.

Until there's a light, mutual stumble, and they both end up on the couch, breathless.

Carole holds herself up on top of Tuesday, who is flushed and smiling beneath her, absolutely glowing.

Once again, Carole can't help herself. She leans down for a kiss, one that's different from all the others before it. Unlike the feather-light pecks she'd left on her cheeks and forehead and brow, this one goes to her lips. It's a little fuller, a little deeper, and lasts a little longer.

Carole cradles her head and holds her hand, feels the pulse skipping in her wrist, feels the quick rise and fall of her chest. She eases back to let her breathe, and a bit of worry creeps into her eyes.

But one look at Tuesday wipes that all away.

The tears are back, but they're sheer happiness. The happiest happy Carole has ever seen.

Tuesday opens her mouth a little, but no words come, just a breath, a quiet request.

Carole gladly obliges. She eases down for another kiss, laying herself gently on top of her, feeling Tuesday's arms wrap around her shoulders and curl through her ponytail.

The music continues softly, as do they, until they're both too pleasantly exhausted to continue. Carole nestles herself into Tuesday's collar and sighs, closing her eyes and listening to the thrum of her heart. Tuesday keeps making little noises, tiny trills and hums of joy, and it's all she can do not to cry again. Carole chuckles.

"You're really cute, you know that?" The pulse beneath her ear skips, and more unintelligible mumbles tumble out. Eventually, Tuesday just turns her face as far sideways as she can to hide it.

"No fair..."

Carole chuckles again, giving her a squeeze.

"Just imagine what people are gonna do when they find out that the two singers who are gonna change Mars history are girlfriends."

The word makes Tuesday squeak in surprise and delight.

"G-Girlfriends? A-Are we-?"

Carole opens her eyes and lifts herself up a bit so she can look at her directly. Tuesday is a blushing, giddy mess.

"I mean, aren't we?"

Tuesday's jaw goes slack for a second before she all but shrieks her reply.

"Yes! I-I mean, y-yes! We are! We're girlfriends, Carole!"

"Right?" Carole's heart soars along with hers as she leans down for another kiss. Tuesday squeals against her mouth and hugs her back with all her strength. When they next part, Carole has to wipe away some more tears from her partner's face.

"You okay? This isn't... too much for you...?"

Tuesday shakes her head vigorously, sending stray locks of hair across her face.

"I'm fine! Carole, I-I've never been more fine in my life, I-" She babbles so quickly she chokes on her words and ends up coughing. Carole laughs and caresses her cheeks to calm her down. Tuesday draws in a deep breath and tries again, her eyes shining like oceans. "Carole, I'm so happy! My heart feels like it's singing!" She strains up a little to leave a kiss on her cheek. Carole hums, and for the first time in a while, she starts to feel a stinging behind her own eyes.

"Yeah. Mine too."

Then the tears slip free, dripping down one by one onto Tuesday's dress. Carole's smiling so much her lips begin to wobble.

And of course Tuesday starts crying again as well, reaching up to gently hold her girlfriend's face in her hands. Carole leans into her touch, rubbing her cheek slowly against her palm.

A moment passes, until tears and heartbeats slow down. Carole feels as her roommate guides her back down. Tuesday kisses her this time, and it's a little damp and salty thanks to all the crying they've done, but there's a realness to it, a beautiful, heartfelt tenderness.

At last they part, but only their lips. Carole settles down over her again, cuddling in close, carding fingers through Tuesday's hair. Tuesday returns the favor by running a hand up and down her back.

They relish the quiet, savor it, let it last, dozing off together in the fading sunlight.

Carole wakes again about an hour later but remains still, enjoying the faint rise and fall of Tuesday's body as she breathes gently.

When her girlfriend does eventually wake, it's with another adorable little moan. Carole shifts her weight a bit.

"Sorry. Are you numb?"

Tuesday's eyes finally focus, and the smile comes instantly. She shakes her head.

"Mm-mm. It's nice and warm. Maybe... we could sleep like this tonight...?"

Carole dips down and bumps their noses together.

"I was thinking the same thing."

Tuesday laughs lightly, but it's interrupted by a loud rumble from her stomach. Carole smiles.

"Dinner first, though?"

Tuesday blushes and nods.

"That sounds good."

Carole pushes herself up and sits back on the other girl's legs for a moment, pulling Tuesday up slowly by her wrists. She stands, then helps her up after her, holding on until the stiffness has faded from their legs, and even after that.

Soft music continues to play as they stagger hand-in-hand into the kitchen to start on supper. They dance as they wait for water to boil and leftovers to heat up, then sit side by side as they eat and clean up afterward. Then it's the nightly routine of brushing teeth, brushing hair, showering, and changing.

Before they know it they've ended up on the couch again, Tuesday comfortably on her back with Carole as her blanket, and then an actual blanket over Carole.

Carole peppers kisses all over her face, until Tuesday lets out a petite yawn and a happy murmur.

"Goodnight, Carole... "

Carole leaves one last soft kiss on her lips.

"Night, Tuesday."

They settle down as night falls, and the music eventually fades.

But the tandem, steady rhythm of their hearts continues on throughout the night, and long, long after.

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A/N: No matter what happens in the rest of the series, they're secret girlfriends and you literally can't convince me otherwise.