Koa
I don't want to wonder if this is a blunder
The apprehension in his chest unclenches when she clarifies. "I'm sure they will," Koa smiles reassuringly, because honestly, while Sohalia's queendom may have been short, it had led to one of the most important changes Stormbreak had ever seen. Koa reaches for her hand upon the blanket, cupping it in his own with a soft squeeze. "And, hey, none of that, okay? Knowing your limits - that isn't weak." Leaning in earnestly (or as much as he can, without the space between them growing painfully close), Koa peers resolutely into Sohalia's eyes. "You've never been weak, Sohalia, and I won't hear anyone saying that about my friend. Okay?" He's a Dragoon, a soldier, and she is his Queen. He's sworn to protect her from anything.
Even herself.
Relaxing back a little bit, Koa's face softens into an encouraging smile. "But also, this time, you won't be doing it alone. I'm here for you- and so are others, obviously. I'm not saying you need to choose me... or not choose, y'know, but, like-- I mean, that is--"
He cuts off with a flustered laugh, suddenly very much aware of how close he is to saying something they might both regret. "Sorry, you know how I am with words," Koa chuckles ruefully, relinquishing his hold on Soh's hand, lest she think he's trying to push for something she's already denied. "I'm just trying to say that you've got people in your corner who you can lean on. Promise you wont forget." Including the young man, in the capacity she'll have him. Which is not as her lover.
Which is totally fine.
Even herself.
Relaxing back a little bit, Koa's face softens into an encouraging smile. "But also, this time, you won't be doing it alone. I'm here for you- and so are others, obviously. I'm not saying you need to choose me... or not choose, y'know, but, like-- I mean, that is--"
He cuts off with a flustered laugh, suddenly very much aware of how close he is to saying something they might both regret. "Sorry, you know how I am with words," Koa chuckles ruefully, relinquishing his hold on Soh's hand, lest she think he's trying to push for something she's already denied. "I'm just trying to say that you've got people in your corner who you can lean on. Promise you wont forget." Including the young man, in the capacity she'll have him. Which is not as her lover.
Which is totally fine.
When I kiss your lips I want to sink down to the bottom of the sea
