some things in life are undeniable

Sohalia

And I could hear the thunder and see the lightning crack
All around the world was waking, I never could go back

In the post-coital bliss that followed, Sohalia started to move towards Koa, aiming to curl against his side - but then the door slammed open, making them both jump, and she found herself covered by Koa as a drunken couple made their way back out. It seemed to break whatever spell they'd been under, for Koa jumped up to pull on his shorts, leaving Soh half-naked on the couch. She stood to find her top, which she was sure was somewhere nearby on the floor. Once she'd shimmied into it and tied the halter behind her neck, she ran her hands through her hair, hoping to tame the golden waves that spilled down her back in disarray. 

Can I walk you home? he asked, and she lit up. "I'd like that," she said shyly, taking his hand. It might not have been how she'd imagined things going between them, but she couldn't bring herself to complain. Even if she was still unclear on where, exactly, they stood.

They left the bar, and Soh tugged Koa in the direction of her apartment. For a few minutes, they walked in silence, the night pressing close around them. But because Soh couldn't leave well enough alone, she glanced sidelong at Koa and cleared her throat. "Hey, Koa?" she said, tentative and unsure. "I, um... tonight was amazing." There was a pause. "And, well... you know how I feel about you. And that's not going to change. But I know you're... not sure about us, and that's okay. Just... if you change your mind... you know where to find me." 

By then, they'd reached Soh's apartment building, and she paused outside one of the apartments on the lower level. "This is me." She dug in a pocket and produced a key. "Do you want to come in?" she asked, uncertain. "I can get you the, er - package? We could... make a plan?"

Cause all the walls of dreaming, they were torn wide open
And finally it seemed that the spell was broken

Koa

Don't take this the wrong way
You knew who I was with every step that I ran to you

The walk home hand-in-hand is coated with a warm, metallic haze. Not golden, maybe, but certainly silver: precious and argent, polished and keen, something to be cherished and polished and adored. Behind them the sound of the ocean creates a beat beneath the hum of voices and partying, but for once Koa doesn't feel a need to be where the action is. He's perfectly content - more than content - to be exactly here.

So much so that even the reminder of their very uncertain relationship status isn't enough to dislodge his ease. Taking Soh's hand between both of his, Koa raises it to his lips. "I know," he answers, an earnest smile highlighting the promise in his eyes. Not a commitment of what their future is, but a promise that he hasn't forgotten, that she will get an answer when he's ready, if she can wait that long.

Releasing Soh's hand so she can hunt for her key, Koa shoves his own into the pockets of his shorts. "I think maybe it's better if you hold onto it for now," the young man replies thoughtfully, furrowing his brows. "Noe already went back home, and I'd hate for it to be... damaged, in transport. But I'm sure I can get her to make another trip out soon..." He pauses, thinking, and then an idea hits. "Maybe for the pool party?" Not something he'd planned on attending, but what better excuse to get his sister off her guard, already safe in Torchline and near enough to Haulani that afterwards they can easily spirit her away?

Only blue or black days
Electing strange perfections in any stranger I choose

Sohalia

And I could hear the thunder and see the lightning crack
All around the world was waking, I never could go back

Koa's kiss upon the back of her hand summoned butterflies in her stomach, and she smiled shyly up at him. Their very confusing relationship might still be firmly in the category of what are we, but for this one night, things were good enough. And it felt like, maybe, the next time they saw each other would be less awkward and uncomfortable for it. The promise of an answer - maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday lingered in the back of Soh's mind, and for now, she was content.

As for the rose, Soh bit her lip as she hunted for her key. "Alright," she said. "It'll be safe here, at least. I'll bring it to the pool party, and we'll figure it out from there." Producing the key at last, Soh unlocked her door before turning to Koa. She reached for him, placing a hand gently on his arm and leaning up on tiptoe to press a lingering kiss to his cheek.

Then, with a smile, she bid him good night. And when she was in the empty comfort of her home, she felt happier than she could remember being in quite some time.

fin

Cause all the walls of dreaming, they were torn wide open
And finally it seemed that the spell was broken