[SE] shine so bright that the darkness can't touch you

Growing up is a pain, and it is what it is
Okay, It's not the end of the world

I glance over my shoulder at Nova, brows lifting. Someone leaving their whole home behind? That sticks in my ribs for a second. I don’t know much about running a business—or, you know, having a real job—but I manage a wry smile. "Maybe she’ll have better luck in Stormbreak," I offer, unsure of how hard it is to uproot a life like that. I'm only just now learning how to put roots down in the first place.

Her compliment warms me more than it should. Mine are pretty; hers are dazzling. There’s a difference, and it’s loud tonight. Safrin’s daughter blazes; I… glow. Nice, not dazzle. I tell myself not to shrink about it. Standing next to a sparkler doesn’t make a candle useless, right?

I tip my head at the lantern I’ve just hung: dark blue glass petals stitched with clear panes, the whole thing capped in gold. It throws soft navy and milk-white shapes over the path. "Call me sentimental," I say, reaching for another. But mine are for people I'm close to. Like a  Festival of Lights—but for the living."

I hook a violet-and-silver one to the neighboring branch. "Blue for my mom," I murmur, then nod to the violet, "and this one’s for my dad." I doubt she really cares about the why, but... do I ever fucking shut up?

I’ve only got three left; I don’t want them clustered. Partly so they’ll be seen. Mostly so I can find them later and smile.

I scoop up one of Nova’s next and immediately earn a constellation of glitter across my sleeves. Of course. No one exits Nova's orbit un-sparkled. I huff a laugh and pretend not to be charmed.

Her smile flickers, though—just a heartbeat, a slip of curtain. Nova’s frowns are usually costumes; this one looks like skin. I file it away gently and step to the edge, careful as a cat not to swan-dive into the Miana Pool, and hang the lantern low where it can scatter light along the edge.

"You still working at the Hanged Man while you’re designing?" I ask as I tighten the tie, glancing back with an easy grin. "Two jobs is impressive. I’m still figuring out what I want to do for anything, let alone… income." The word feels funny in my mouth. "So I’m taking notes where I can."

There's always light where it burns

Theea