Maea
Oh, when the world is burning
"Don't you dare!" she blurted, perhaps a touch too quickly, and slapped on a quick laugh to take the edge off. "It's good to see you again. And you brought food." It was a coin toss as to which reason was more weighty, but the message was clear all the same. Stay.
With the kettle saved, she was caught between hovering nervously near Harper while he took in the space, and returning to the battle for warmth and breathable air. She still hadn't made up her mind when he reached out, the gesture so simple yet sweet that it blanked out her thoughts entirely. Had she been about to say something? Probably. Something along the lines of him being welcome to stay however long he liked... Alas, it got lost in the ether, and Maea rubbed at the spot on her face with the back of her hand with a laugh that sounded more than a little nervous.
It was just Harper, the same person she had talked to so many times before. But this situation... having him in her space like this... it was entirely new. And she wasn't used to hosting anyone at all.
"Yeah. I can't get the smoke to clear properly..." Obviously. "So if you want to... You must be cold, though? And you've got wet clothes. Let's fix the fire first, and get you settled properly." Then they could eat, without the need to worry about anything.
With the kettle saved, she was caught between hovering nervously near Harper while he took in the space, and returning to the battle for warmth and breathable air. She still hadn't made up her mind when he reached out, the gesture so simple yet sweet that it blanked out her thoughts entirely. Had she been about to say something? Probably. Something along the lines of him being welcome to stay however long he liked... Alas, it got lost in the ether, and Maea rubbed at the spot on her face with the back of her hand with a laugh that sounded more than a little nervous.
It was just Harper, the same person she had talked to so many times before. But this situation... having him in her space like this... it was entirely new. And she wasn't used to hosting anyone at all.
"Yeah. I can't get the smoke to clear properly..." Obviously. "So if you want to... You must be cold, though? And you've got wet clothes. Let's fix the fire first, and get you settled properly." Then they could eat, without the need to worry about anything.
Don't walk away
