Miss Audrey/Zarah + Layton & Zarah, Rated T
Layton had agreed to pick Zarah up after her shift in the nightcar to take her for an ultrasound. He found her at the bar, speaking to Miss Audrey as she served drinks to patrons.
He watched them for a moment, assessing. They were comfortable with each other in a way that made him think that maybe there was-or could be, at the least-more than just friendship there. As far as he was concerned that was just fine; relieving, in fact, to know that Zarah had somebody now that they could barely stand each other in terms of the baby.
He still cared for her; he always would-but it was different now. On the rare days that they got along, they were good friends. Otherwise, they practically hated each other.
“Andre,” Zarah greeted him as he came to join her at the bar.
“Can I make you a drink?” Audrey turned to smirk at Zarah, and he was acutely aware that he had interrupted… something. He just wasn’t sure what.
“Nah, I’m good,” he glanced between them in confusion, “Thanks though.”
“Good answer,” Zarah replied, shooting Audrey a mildly annoyed look.
“Zarah is mad that she can’t have alcohol for another twenty odd weeks,” Audrey finally explained, putting him out of his misery.
“Then I won’t drink too,” he shrugged, “In solidarity.”
Audrey grinned, “Good answer. See, Zarah? I told you he wouldn’t fall for it.”
“Whatever,” Zarah huffed and rolled her eyes, “Can we go now?”
They said their goodbyes and left. They were halfway to the infirmary already when Layton mustered the courage to broach the topic that had been on his mind.
“You and Miss Audrey…” he started.
“Are just friends,” she finished.
“Come on,” he snorted, “You don’t see it? Zarah, I haven’t seen you as comfortable as you are around her since before the freeze. It’s okay, you know. I’m not gonna be upset.”
“Oh, because I needed your approval,” she grumbled, “Drop it, Andre.”
“Look,” he breathed, putting his hands up placatingly, “All I’m saying is, if she makes you happy, then go for it. She looks at you the same way. The only people you’re fooling is yourselves.”
Zarah sighed and rolled her eyes. They’d finally made it to the infirmary-where Layton finally dropped the subject.
She couldn’t help but continue thinking about it though.
Maybe he was onto something.