Everest
Everest stays exactly where he is, boots planted firmly in the sand as Nova rises. His hands slip into his pockets—more out of instinct than need—his shoulders squaring as he tips his head back to watch her silhouette rise against the sunlit sky. There’s a brief, still moment in him that settles somewhere deep in his chest. It’s not pride, not quite—but something close. Satisfaction, maybe. Relief. The smallest thread of wonder, quiet and contained, just watching her fly.
Her laughter dances down the bond like windchimes in a breeze, and his mouth curves in a proper smile. The rare kind. The kind that doesn't need to be seen. He doesn't shout, doesn't wave—he knows better than to disturb her focus now. Instead, his voice threads softly through the bond, steady and calm and warm with approval. If you start feeling tired, he says, look for a thermal. The warm air will carry you—makes it easier to hover so you don’t have to flap as much.
And even though she doesn’t need it anymore, he adds just a little quieter, You’re doing great.
Her laughter dances down the bond like windchimes in a breeze, and his mouth curves in a proper smile. The rare kind. The kind that doesn't need to be seen. He doesn't shout, doesn't wave—he knows better than to disturb her focus now. Instead, his voice threads softly through the bond, steady and calm and warm with approval. If you start feeling tired, he says, look for a thermal. The warm air will carry you—makes it easier to hover so you don’t have to flap as much.
And even though she doesn’t need it anymore, he adds just a little quieter, You’re doing great.
even if i had to lose you to know you,
i'd still be that temporary phase that you grow through
i'd still be that temporary phase that you grow through
