But he’s also… I finish off my shortbread, chewing the last bite slowly as I wrap my arms around my knees. She doesn’t need to finish for me to understand. I’m glad she’s joined me, glad when she bumps me in the shoulder, warming me from there to my toes. I miss close companionship. Touch, in general I think. Another thing I never thought about missing before I left.
Flora’s smile is met with a sheepish one at boyfriend drama. No, certainly none of that, or of any other gender. Looking at her, I think I am grateful for it. She’s the queen of Torchline, fighting for her home, and her boyfriend left her for it.
I bump her shoulder back. “People can be more than one thing at a time, and they can even contradict each other,” I say gently, then smirk. ”Just cause he’s ‘also’ doesn’t mean he’s not stupid. You did right by your people, even though it risked… this. I admire it. And if you hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t have met you here.”
Then I bite my lip a little too hard. ”Thaaat sounded weird. You did an amazing thing, it’s not about me meeting you. I mean it is. I’m just… really, really grateful you’re here.” Cue nervous laugh. ”See? Contradictions. Dad always said I'm a real charmer til I’m not.” Laugh a little again and clear my throat, a crackle of nerves in my stomach. I glance up at Flora. ”Can I tell you something… kinda off the wall?”
but my god, you're alive and it's spectacular
