can't know if you don't go

Maea

give me shelter, or show me heart

So. It was such a determined change of topic that it snapped Maea out of the spiraling. Looking up she was caught by Liam's gaze, and the question drew a slow smile to her lips; not wry, not crooked, not deflecting or even abashed, but more the subtle light of dawn before the sun had fully risen. Genuine, sheer and utter joy.

"No... something better turned up. Remember the friend I mentioned? Remi? We met by accident a few days ago. Same day as the camp tore up, actually. And he gave me the house he used while he was the Guardian." Shaking her head, it still sounded absurd to say it out loud. She had a house. A whole, big, beautiful house to call her own. And it had been a gift. "I... it feels completely unreal. Even though I've slept under the roof, in a proper bed, for several nights already, it's..." What could she do but pinch herself, and trust that not waking meant it couldn't be a dream? Lifting pale arms high above her head Maea followed glittering droplets trickle down the limbs, and with a breathless laugh let them fall back into the warm water with a great splash.

"I don't have to leave, now. Not in a hurry. Not unless I want to."

watch me fall apart
and I'll be yours to keep