HOTARU
His silence, his stoicism, has never bothered her. The tremulous nod of his head is all she needs, a language she has painstakingly learned over years at his side. One that is communicated not by sound or syllable, but through gesture and physicality. She merely clings tighter, squeezing around whatever she can reach, determined to seal this new vow of theirs into their very skin. No more goodbyes for them. Only "see you soon". Because clearly, even death was not enough to keep them apart. It would have been a romantic notion for anyone else, but the woman knows it is only deep, platonic love and trust that binds them. Earned over the years, fought for, striven towards. Even in their worst times. She feels colder than the air can possibly be responsible for alone when he settles her down upon the earth. But her heart is warm, and it will be enough to sustain her as they venture inside. As tears and uncertainty fade into reunion and comfort. His arched brow only encourages her mutinous smile, the mischief in her bi-colored gaze. Deimos' smile is far more handsome in this form, and mischief melts into a soft adoring expression, overcome with her own pastel-smeared emotions. He is beautiful, and healthy, and she prays he is happy too. 'Most of the time' was good enough for her at least. Even if he deserved far more in her eyes.
The tone darkens momentarily, the woman sitting a little unsteadily at the table he gestures towards. A small break in composure, swallowing hard against a grief she had not expected to have ever been renewed. Gazes at something nobody can see, and let's the colors of the fire smear and smudge like a kaleidoscope of orange hued distraction. The soft apology reminds Hotaru to start breathing again, blinking and settling her hands on the table to force composure upon herself once more. "I'm just grateful he received a second chance. No matter how brief." Spoken softly, aware there is not much for him to say, no condolences that will ease this particular pain.
Food, however, is a bridge that connects them from grief to fellowship. Hotaru smiles, cannot seem to stop with him before her, and arranged herself like an expectant child in the chair. "I would never turn down a good meal," she chirps, unashamed of this minor addiction she has formed since developing such advanced taste buds. Allows him to gather whatever he may need while she ponders his next question, fingers idly trailing against the grain of the wood that is the base for the table.
"No distinct plans yet. Ruling is very different in this land, these forms. But a tiger can't change it's stripes, I must say I'm already far too curious about the little secrets everyone seems to hide." A sly grin, a playful wink, knowing he is aware of her shadowed nature and ensnaring ways. Knowing he will not judge her, will steer her true through the murky waters of this new realm. "Settling down was never the plan, but...perhaps it would be nice." She had almost had it, right before their entire world was destroyed. Had handed off her crown, birthed beautiful twins, was discovering what love and family meant without an empire to preside over. "What of your own goals, Deimos? Any beautiful companion or toddling children I should know about?" He certainly would never be lacking in suitors for that department, and Hotaru fully intends on teasing him about it until the end of days.
you are the sun
you heal and
you burn
