i hate dreaming of being alone

AmaLIa

shield of safrin

She waits in silence, her tongue held fast despite her impatience, her desire to step in, to pry and cast light on his darkest places. She waits as he describes loss she cannot possibly fathom, a contentment she has never felt. A loneliness for which she has no comparison. A strength for which she can offer no equal. In those long moments her anxiety boils, clawing at her stomach, her throat, feelings of inadequacy threatening to drown her.

But this moment isn't about her anymore. It's about him.

Her thumb traces gently over interlocked fingers; she adds her other hand to the collection, enveloping him between her digits in a silent promise that she won't let go. Though impatience eats at her, Amalia has to accept that he is right. He has given her so much already today, and while there is more to be said, more walls to come down...

This is a start. And that is enough.

Rising, the baker leans over her lover, hands still clinging tightly to his. In silence she leans forward, eyes closed, tears on her cheeks, and presses a kiss to his forehead. Thank you, Dei. I love you.

Drawing back once again, Amalia's smile is sweet and encouraging, a wealth of unspoken things in her eyes. "Let's go home, then. I can make dinner while you take a bath. We have all the time in the world to talk."

you can't choose what stays
and what fades away