Koa
There's that moment of uncertainty as Zavien decides if he'll allow himself to fracture, and then the tension breaks as he sags against you, nearly collapsing into your arms. You don't mind this - it's what you came for, to give your friend a place to put his burdens for a while. Another pair of shoulders, when his strong ones can't hold the world anymore.
So you hold on, tight and fierce and unyielding, as his tears turn your coat as dark as blood. Pipsqueak has draped her long body around the now larger Sol, offering-slash-forcing her rarely earned affection upon her smaller kin. You're both doing your best to keep in this moment, to prevent your thoughts from straying to the image of a dark night and a shock of red and the mangled form of a beloved Caretaker whose loss will dig another hole in you that you aren't prepared to investigate.
When Zavien's hoarse voice finally cracks into the silence it's almost a relief, even if the content is heartbreakingly final. Tears jolt into your eyes; you squeeze them shut, stubbornly denying them, though no self control can keep you from tightening your grip on Zav. "I'm so sorry," you whisper again, knowing the words are next to useless, furious because you have no idea what else you're supposed to say.
Better not to even try. You've always been better with actions than words, so that's what you'll rely on now. "C'mon. Let's get inside." Gently but firmly you repositon yourself, guiding Zav away from the door and kicking it shut as you go. A mental note has Pip working on getting lights and a fire going as you direct Zavien toward the seating of his choice. "I'm gonna get you some water. And then you're gonna eat something. And then we'll decide if we're staying here, or going back to mine." You keep your voice calm and matter-of-fact, subconsciously affecting the same demeanor you'd seen your mom use with shell-shocked soldiers, growing up at her side. Returning with the water glass, you place it in front of Zavien before settling at his side, hand squeezing his shoulder in firm but gentle encouragement to get something in his body, even if he doesn't think he can.
So you hold on, tight and fierce and unyielding, as his tears turn your coat as dark as blood. Pipsqueak has draped her long body around the now larger Sol, offering-slash-forcing her rarely earned affection upon her smaller kin. You're both doing your best to keep in this moment, to prevent your thoughts from straying to the image of a dark night and a shock of red and the mangled form of a beloved Caretaker whose loss will dig another hole in you that you aren't prepared to investigate.
When Zavien's hoarse voice finally cracks into the silence it's almost a relief, even if the content is heartbreakingly final. Tears jolt into your eyes; you squeeze them shut, stubbornly denying them, though no self control can keep you from tightening your grip on Zav. "I'm so sorry," you whisper again, knowing the words are next to useless, furious because you have no idea what else you're supposed to say.
Better not to even try. You've always been better with actions than words, so that's what you'll rely on now. "C'mon. Let's get inside." Gently but firmly you repositon yourself, guiding Zav away from the door and kicking it shut as you go. A mental note has Pip working on getting lights and a fire going as you direct Zavien toward the seating of his choice. "I'm gonna get you some water. And then you're gonna eat something. And then we'll decide if we're staying here, or going back to mine." You keep your voice calm and matter-of-fact, subconsciously affecting the same demeanor you'd seen your mom use with shell-shocked soldiers, growing up at her side. Returning with the water glass, you place it in front of Zavien before settling at his side, hand squeezing his shoulder in firm but gentle encouragement to get something in his body, even if he doesn't think he can.
the most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway
is that it's you, and that you're standing in the doorway
is that it's you, and that you're standing in the doorway
