Zavien
Zavien slowly lifted his eyes to her as she shifted, expecting that she'd want to look in his eyes when she broke the news. It would be gentler, kinder. Maybe the feelings were early enough to squash. Maybe he'd be able to forget how right everything had felt yesterday. Maybe he'd be able to move on one day.
And yet she continued to slot herself perfectly into the holes in his heart.
Her hand reached for his, lifting it so easily despite how heavy he felt. Their fingers interlaced. It was the simplest of gestures - the tamest display - but it had his breath hitching, emotion cracking from his chest and moisture gathering in his eyes. The bond of their hands wouldn't be easily broken, the warmth and support refusing to be ignored. He felt every word she said like a thread binding them tighter, refusing to let go, refusing to give up.
So much relief washed over him that his head fell forward, shoulders curving in as he released some of his worries and fears. When his eyes met hers again, they were glassy with emotion, more grateful than she may ever realize for giving him permission to feel without stressing over the possibility of losing her so soon. "Thank you," he whispered, squeezing her hand as he let out another deep breath. "I want to tell you everything one day."
It didn't change the guilt he felt over Lena or how it impacted them now, but there would be time to work through that. Until then, it was enough to know that he wouldn't mess this up, and that Soh wouldn't be easily cowed by the darkness that sometimes overwhelmed him. Holding her hand, for now, he let himself believe that, willing the happiness to overshadow anything that might threaten it.
And yet she continued to slot herself perfectly into the holes in his heart.
Her hand reached for his, lifting it so easily despite how heavy he felt. Their fingers interlaced. It was the simplest of gestures - the tamest display - but it had his breath hitching, emotion cracking from his chest and moisture gathering in his eyes. The bond of their hands wouldn't be easily broken, the warmth and support refusing to be ignored. He felt every word she said like a thread binding them tighter, refusing to let go, refusing to give up.
So much relief washed over him that his head fell forward, shoulders curving in as he released some of his worries and fears. When his eyes met hers again, they were glassy with emotion, more grateful than she may ever realize for giving him permission to feel without stressing over the possibility of losing her so soon. "Thank you," he whispered, squeezing her hand as he let out another deep breath. "I want to tell you everything one day."
It didn't change the guilt he felt over Lena or how it impacted them now, but there would be time to work through that. Until then, it was enough to know that he wouldn't mess this up, and that Soh wouldn't be easily cowed by the darkness that sometimes overwhelmed him. Holding her hand, for now, he let himself believe that, willing the happiness to overshadow anything that might threaten it.
I love you with everything I am,
everything I've been,
and everything I hope to be.
everything I've been,
and everything I hope to be.
