its in the way you leave

Koa

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

The concern in Flora's voice is achingly genuine, bright and clear and real enough to make Koa believe she actually cares. Which is an uncharitable thought, and he realizes it quickly, swallowing down the bitterness that comes so easy in his throat. "Thanks. Me too."

Does she know how he feels? Does he? Koa picks up a rock absent-mindedly, rubbing his thumb over its sharp edge and licking at his lips. There is a sea of emotions raging inside him, but Koa is too lost and tired to be able to figure out exactly what they are. Maybe that's what Flora understands, though - she's always been an ocean herself, from sunny and still to roiling and wild, full of depths and versatility they both struggled to read.

Stupid plans draw Koa back; interested despite himself, he leans forward, brow pursed. She doesn't really say anything, which isn't a surprise - the young Dragoon has been paranoid enough for long enough to get the danger of giving details aloud. But what she does say resonates in a way few things lately have. Tired of waiting, of watching the people he loves and wants to protect be hurt. "Seriously," Koa agrees almost vehemently, chucking the small stone toward the estuary, where it skips upon the briny water.

Turning for the first time toward Flora (or the little of her he can see above the root divider), Koa inhales a breath. "Look- I don't know what you're planning, but if anyone can pull it off, it's you." It's said simply and as entirely factually, because Koa genuinely believes it. Were Flora to set her mind to it, he's pretty sure she could find a way to singlehandedly storm Starfall. "And if you need help... well. I might not be a demigod, but..." He trails off, shrugging. He's also not her friend, or boyfriend, or anything at all. But he's tired, too, so fucking tired, and he's willing to put their past aside if it means he can help.

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