HOTARU
The flatness of his gaze only further breaks her heart, and she shakes her head minutely. "No. No, you aren't." No matter how many times she has to tell him, positive conditioning and friendship is all she can really offer him. But she has seen and experienced herself how powerful that alone can be. Whatever he needs from her, she will give. She has so much to give, and for now - unaware of the future and what is to come - she is happy to provide without taking away from herself. She overflows for him, and hopes that even if only tonight, he will let it chase away his doubts. She curls against him, cursing herself for making this about her, and tries to tamp down on the maelstrom inside. At least he can understand that if the tables were turned it would not be her fault, but Hotaru can sense that his reservations still remain. That he is entertaining her more than anything. She soothes herself in his scent, his warmth, and does not speak until she has calmed. Feeling worn from all these dredged up emotions, these long histories between them. "You deserve so much more than you think, Sunjata. I promise you that." It's barely a murmur where she rests in his embrace, but she is content to ride out the rest of the night like that. Until the firelight dies and they are left with nothing else but each other to stay warm until daylight.
- FIN
I am a breathtaking mosaic
of all the battles I've won
of all the battles I've won
