Less Than Lovers | LisRene AU

8

Lisa waited. She stood outside Irene's apartment building. Irene wasn't answering her texts. Lisa had no idea what to expect. She couldn't stand being shut out, not with this uncertainty, not without knowing if she screwed everything up for her career. For her life. For their relationship.

So she waited. She got off work, she went straight to Irene's apartment, and sat on a bench nearby, waiting for Irene's car in the parking lot, for any sign of Irene.

She just needed to know.

When she finally did see Irene pull up, the usual butterflies didn't come.

Dread. Instead, Lisa felt dread.

The clearer Irene's face came into view, the more terrible Lisa felt. Dried tear stains down her cheeks. Her make-up looked like it had been hastily washed away. Tired. Defeated.

"What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here," Irene asked when she got out of her car. She nervously looked around and grabbed Lisa's wrist, bringing her inside the building. She let go as soon as they were inside like touching Lisa burned her.

"What happened?"

"Not here, Lisa. Ugh, you shouldn't have come here." Irene nervously looked outside.

"But—"

"Just stop talking. Come up with me."

She turned straight for the elevators, not waiting for Lisa as she went up. Lisa rushed in. The elevator doors closed and the two stood in silence.

The closer they got to Irene's apartment, the more she looked like she was on the verge of crying.

Finally getting to her place, Lisa tried to collect her thoughts as Irene closed the door behind her. She didn't know what to say. She had a million questions, but Irene didn't look like she was in the state to talk. She was pretty sure Irene was going to have a breakdown.

Lisa second guessed coming and was about to offer to leave, when Irene grabbed her face and kissed her. It was desperate and sloppy, teeth and tongue and pressure. Irene's hands went immediately for Lisa's coat, sliding it off her shoulders, then made quick work of the buttons on her shirt.

If she could be doused with ice water and set on fire, this was it. Physically, it felt like it always did when they kissed – it made Lisa's heart race the same way, it made her feel alive. Irene's lips fit perfectly against her own.

Irene cupped her breasts through her bra, which pulled a strangled moan out of her. The sound of Irene's own whimper shot straight to her center.

But it didn't feel right. It just felt wrong.

That's when she realized she could feel tears on her face. She pulled away immediately, touching her cheeks. Irene was crying.

"Sweetheart, stop."

"No, Lisa," Irene said, pulling Lisa towards her by the hips. "This is what you've wanted for months, right?" She choked back a sob and then leaned forward, trying to recapture Lisa's lips. Lisa pulled out of her grasp.

"Irene, no, not like this," she moved into the living room, putting the couch between them. She buttoned up her shirt. "You're upset."

"I'm going to lose my fucking job anyway, so you might as well make this worth my time, Lisa. Right? That's all I'm good for, right? That's all you're good for?"

Lisa fought her instinct to feel Irene's harshness. She stifled the insecurity that bloomed in her. Irene was out to hurt, but she tried not to let her do any damage. Irene was upset. More than she'd ever seen her. And she needed Lisa to be strong.