TROP Reforged— Sand
[nori x poppy, pre-relationship, rated T]
Nori is tired to her very bones, tired in a way that surprises her after years of Harfoot migration. The desert had caught her unprepared and unawares. She thought she knew what she was getting herself into when she set off with her Stranger, but the hunger and the thirst that set in after days of wandering through the barren, dusty landscape was awful.
She’s worried for her Stranger, but she’s also grateful for the chance to rest. The Stoors’ homes are cool, carved into the cliffside to provide shelter from the sun. The rock retains the nighttime chill. And they have water, bless everything.
She glances over at Poppy, who is making eyes at that Nobody fellow. Nori winces. She goes to stand on weary legs, but Poppy stops her.
“Where’re ya goin’?” Poppy asks. “We’ve got to stick together.”
Nori rolls her eyes. “I need to wash,” she grumbles. “I’ve got sand in places sand’s got no business bein’.” It’s true. That whirlwind her Stranger kicked up blew dust and dirt into every crevice imaginable. Nori isnt sure what kind of bath she’ll be able to get in this place, but even a little rinse would do her a world of good.
“I’ll come with you!” Poppy exclaims, scrambling up to follow Nori. Nori tenses.
“I’m fine, Poppy, I’m just goin’ t’get cleaned up a bit. You stay here with your… friend.” Nori looks pointedly at Nobody. She’s not trying to be rude, exactly, but she can't bring herself to fully trust this stranger. Something uncomfortable twists inside her whenever she sees Poppy giggling at him.
Poppy frowns. “I need a wash too.”
The wooden tub sloshes with warm water. Nori stands at the side, eyeing the size of the tub. It’s much smaller than the wide open streams she’s used to bathing in.
She backs away. “We’ll take turns,” Nori says decisively.
Poppy snorts. “Water’ll get cold,” she says, already slipping the straps of her dress off her shoulders.
Nori swallows thickly. “That’s fine,” she says in a rush. “It’ll feel nice when it’s a bit cooler! You go, I’ll just… wait outside.”
“Nori Brandyfoot, you’re actin’ mighty strange,” Poppy growls. She puts her hands on her hips. Her shoulders are bare, skin soft-looking.
“No, ‘m not,” Nori says. It’s a little desperate.
“Don’t you think we’re a little old t’ be bathin’ together?” Nori tries.
“Give it a rest!” Poppy snaps. “We’ve been friends for how long? It’s not a big deal.”
Nori grimaces. Not a big deal for Poppy, maybe. For Nori, there’s no chance she gets through this without her face on fire and those kinds of dreams for months.
She looks down at the ground while Poppy slides her dress the rest of the way off. It hits the ground with a soft whoosh. Nori exhales shakily. She listens to the soft splashing as Poppy clambers into the tub and groans.
“Nori, it feels wonderful to soak your sore muscles in the heat. C’mon, get in! Even Harfoots weren’t meant for this much hikin’ and no rest!”
Nori glances up and immediately away. Poppy is sunk down, water up to her neck, but the sight still feels indecent.
Facing firmly away from the tub, Nori strips quickly and efficiently. Her heart flutters in her chest. She jumps quickly into the tub, sending water sloshing out and over the sides.
“Watch it!” Poppy exclaims.
Nori meets her eyes, laughing nervously. Poppy has the warmest, kindest hazel eyes and a soft face. Everything about her is cozy and welcoming. It makes Nori want to melt into the water and disappear.
The tub is far too small to be comfortable for two. Every time Nori feels the brush of Poppy’s foot against hers, or the way Poppy’s arm slides past her shoulder to grab the soap, she feels as though her chest may explode. She’s sure she’s never felt so tense in her life.
The water does its job of removing the concerningly large quantities of dirt and sand from her skin. Soap bubbles begin to crowd the surface and provide her with some measure of privacy and comfort. Poppy scrubs at her nails, seemingly unaware of Nori’s inward conflict.
Eventually, the dust is gone and the water cools. Nori lingers in the bath and breathes a sigh of relief when Poppy is dried and dressed.
This is fine. These… feelings… are fine. They’re going to be just fine.
