[SE] was it the fire punch or the fever dream high

Noah

the truth is what remains
the truth is what you save from the fire

Noah had just let the water climb to his ribs when he heard his name carried over the surf.

He turned, lifting his hand to be a visor over his brow, eyes narrowing against the glare. Recognition came quickly, easing the line of tension in his shoulders. He shifted his footing as the current tugged sideways.  “Hey,” he called back, a smile tugging at his features. Salt clung to his skin, streaks of water shining and glittering as the sun caught them. The water was blessedly cooler than the air, though even it felt warmed through by the relentless sun.

“I didn’t expect to run into anyone I knew.” he added. “Thought I’d be in and out.” A humorless huff of breath followed. “I was helping wtih some transport between Halo and Torchline. The skyship felt like an oven. Figured I’d rather risk the tide than roast on deck another hour.” He didn't have to add how he would get home if the skyhips were too miserable, Lyra knew he had wings.

Sweat and seawater blurred together along his shoulders, a wave coming up from behind him and splashing up his back with a ferocity that brought both relief and humor -- his hair went wild, wet strands splattering against his face and neck while dryer parts stood up straighter from the way he shook his head after the wave.

you fight for what you love, don't matter if it hurts
you find out what it's worth and you let the rest burn