Lena
// what is to give light must endure burning //
Her brows knitted together as he looked away, and she moved one hand to maneuver below his jaw, turning his face back to her – the layers of teasing gone for something broader and more serious. “I never thought that,” as she stared at him, brown eyes focused on his features, the confusion evident, but the honesty flickering through. “Nor am I certain where you would get such an idea.” Zavien was far and away more reputable than many, and had never presented himself as someone who’d only strain for his own satisfaction, laying claim to her, then passing her off to the ether. She wouldn’t have ever found herself involved with him had that been the case. “So don’t put that on yourself.” She certainly hoped she hadn’t made him sink into such notions.
There’d been no rejection from Lena the first time he’d uttered the following words – just acceptance and some inward trepidation – the newness, the unknown, had clawed at her initially – and the scope of such statements had been surprising. At least he seemed to be aware of that now, and she tilted her head, studying him, granting a small, indulgent smile as the layers reverted together. “I know. I never doubted you.” He’d always led with his heart; chiseling away at many seams. “I love you too.” Simple, perhaps, and not the way the earth might’ve shattered beneath them, but that wasn’t Lena – preferring to be heartfelt, extended, and honest – waiting to see his response. “I think the first time you said them scared me a little,” in truth, if they were going for veracity. They’d only just started things…and weathered many more storms to come. “I’m sorry it took me a little longer to realize.”
There’d been no rejection from Lena the first time he’d uttered the following words – just acceptance and some inward trepidation – the newness, the unknown, had clawed at her initially – and the scope of such statements had been surprising. At least he seemed to be aware of that now, and she tilted her head, studying him, granting a small, indulgent smile as the layers reverted together. “I know. I never doubted you.” He’d always led with his heart; chiseling away at many seams. “I love you too.” Simple, perhaps, and not the way the earth might’ve shattered beneath them, but that wasn’t Lena – preferring to be heartfelt, extended, and honest – waiting to see his response. “I think the first time you said them scared me a little,” in truth, if they were going for veracity. They’d only just started things…and weathered many more storms to come. “I’m sorry it took me a little longer to realize.”
