Beatrice was reading a book when hands covered her eyes from behind. She smiles fondly, knowing that voice anywhere.
"You'll have to do better if that's your plan on scaring me, love."
Ava giggles, her hands moving to wrap around Beatrice's shoulders. She leans in to kiss her cheek playfully, nuzzling her after. "I doubt I could scare you but it's worth a try~"
Beatrice stares at the cloth in her hands. "You want me to wrap this around my eyes?" She raises an eyebrow at Ava, who's trying her best to contain her excitement.
"Yes! We have a surprise for you so you have to put it on!"
"You do know that telling me that defeats the purpose of a surprise?" At Beatrice's words, Ava pouts with a frown.
"Well, you haven't seen what it is so you'll be surprised anyways." She huffs. "Hurry put the blindfold on so we can get going!"
Beatrice holds the cloth out to Ava. "Will you help me put it on?" Ava takes the cloth and straddles Beatrice. She tilts her head up and gently places it over her eyes, bringing the ends to the back of her head and tying a knot. Ava finds it hot looking down at Beatrice while she's blindfolded. She leans in to peck her lips quickly, grinning when Beatrice moves to chase her lips when she pulls back.
"Maybe we should use this tonight?" Ava wants to kiss Beatrice again when she nods, a blush on her cheeks as what must undoubtedly be a thought of what could happen tonight enters her mind. She wants to tease her more but they do have a party to attend, so Ava will be patient. "I'll make this the best birthday you ever had." She whispers into Beatrice's ear, relishing how Beatrice shudders.
Beatrice doesn't know how long the bag has been over her head. She's tied to a chair, breathing quick and shallow as it hurts to breathe normally. Her captors didn't go easy on her and they probably cracked a rib but no matter how painful the beating was, Beatrice wouldn't give up any information.
It felt like an eternity in the darkness and she couldn't be more happy than to see Ava and her sisters when the bag is removed. The brightness of the room blinded her momentarily but she smiles at the sight of Ava, who cups her cheek with a shaky hand to guide her gaze towards her.
"I'm sorry we took so long. We'll get you home and patched up so stay awake for me, okay?" Ava's voice is cracking, tears brimming in her eyes. It makes Beatrice hurt to see Ava barely holding herself together. She manages a nod as they lift her carefully, bringing her to the van.
Beatrice couldn't see. Her eyes are in pain and her head is throbbing. She could feel something tight wrapped around her head. Everything hurts and it's dark and the increasing rate of the heart monitor does nothing to help.
"Ava..?" She manages to whisper through her hyperventilation. She needs to see Ava. She can't remember what happened and she needs to know if Ava is safe, she needs-
"Bea!" She hears Ava's voice, feels Ava grasping her hand. "Beatrice, I need you to breathe. I'm here, listen to my voice."
Beatrice tries to focus on Ava's voice. She breathes in and out with Ava's guide, listening to the beeping becoming steady once again.
"Ava, what happened..? Are you hurt? Is everyone safe?" Beatrice asks once she's calm enough. She feels Ava's hands tighten momentarily.
"I'm fine, all healed by the halo." She chokes out. "Everyone is safe. Injured, but alive." Beatrice hears Ava inhale deeply. "You're not injured badly, but... Your eyes... The doctor said that the cut is deep and you'll never be able to see again... I'm sorry.. if only I was faster, I could have saved you."
She feels droplets on her hand as Ava's voice turns shaky. She processes the words, letting it sink in. She'll never see again. She'll never be able to see Ava or her sisters again. She's now useless in the field, and will never be able to fight alongside Ava.
She chokes on her sobs, the reality of her situation crashing down.