whatever comes, let it come
what stays, let it stay
Loren smiled, though there was a bit of a sad edge to it. ”I wasn’t. And not everyone did.” Taking a deep shuddering breath, he bit his lip. ”But...I guess I’m seeing this as a blessing, and um, as a chance to...I don’t know.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. ”Start living my life.” Again, he smiled, this time more tentatively. It blossomed into a real grin as he felt the joy flowing from Astra. It seemed the luxere enjoyed the attention and agreed with Amalia’s assessment. ”She sure did. Even though I didn’t make it easy on her.” Glancing at the door to the garden, the corner of his lips quirked up. ”I’ll go say hi.” Walking over, he opened the door cautiously before poking his head out. It didn’t take long to spot Jyoti. When he did, the Launceleyn grinned again. ”Hi there.” Reaching up, he gave her an affectionate rub on the stomach, before returning to the bakery proper.
Grasping the bottle more tightly now, the summoner tilted his head as he gave the baker an uncertain look. ”We don’t have to drink. If you don’t want, I mean. But, at least um, take the bottle. It’s a gift.” Realizing he was turning it nervously in his hands, he forced himself to hold it out to her.
Relaxing, he let out a huff of laughter. ”No, of course I don’t mind the mess.” Giving her a more genuine smile, he took a step into the center of the room, then looked around. ”Let me help you clean up. Then maybe dinner?” His voice still came out uncertainly. ”If you don’t already have dinner plans, of course.” Reaching out, he rested his hand on Astra, drawing comfort from his companion’s presence.
what goes, let go
LOREN
