my held breath fills the room with blood
hurting in ways I can't describe
It’s nice, truly, to see people be outraged on her behalf. It helps ease some of the exhaustion that cloys like smoke in her lungs, deepening with each inhale. “They did not jail the woman who killed Atlas either. They let her walk in and harass me in the guise of questioning.” Her lip wobbles slightly, and she bites the inside of her cheek to force down the emotions that seek to eternally betray her in her pregnancy. “I offered to stay a few days, but…once it was clear it would be much longer I couldn’t. Even if it was wrong to leave.” Though she doesn’t think it was considering how it was similarly wrong to jail her. Sighing, she brushes her hair back behind her ear from where the wind had tugged it free. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be placing this burden on you. It’s just been…it’s been a lot to deal with.” And if Seren notices the way she has to rapidly blink to keep the sting at bay, she hopes the girl won’t mention it.
Hand gently taking Seren’s, Hotaru’s smile returns with more sincerity. “That would be nice. Thank you.” Though before the shimmering portal opens there is another that joins them - flighted and dark against the grey, washed out sky. Hotaru’s eyes brighten as Umbra comes into view, Seren’s explanation distantly heard. Her fingers squeeze at the girl’s hand as her heart leaps with pride. “I’m so happy for you, Seren. A companion! That is wonderful news.” Her excitement is spared for the girl for a moment until Hotaru turns to Umbra directly. “Hello, Umbra. You are quite handsome. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Fondness crinkling the corners of her eyes.
Turning back to Seren the woman’s head tilts slightly in curiosity. “New trick…?” As she parses the words, Hotaru gives a startled inhale. “Can you travel now? If you aimed for the Citadel but ended up here, is it safe?” Or simply new to her? Not that the latter explanation would magically make Ru stop worrying for the girl she is so fond of, but at least it would settle her heart a little.
Hand gently taking Seren’s, Hotaru’s smile returns with more sincerity. “That would be nice. Thank you.” Though before the shimmering portal opens there is another that joins them - flighted and dark against the grey, washed out sky. Hotaru’s eyes brighten as Umbra comes into view, Seren’s explanation distantly heard. Her fingers squeeze at the girl’s hand as her heart leaps with pride. “I’m so happy for you, Seren. A companion! That is wonderful news.” Her excitement is spared for the girl for a moment until Hotaru turns to Umbra directly. “Hello, Umbra. You are quite handsome. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Fondness crinkling the corners of her eyes.
Turning back to Seren the woman’s head tilts slightly in curiosity. “New trick…?” As she parses the words, Hotaru gives a startled inhale. “Can you travel now? If you aimed for the Citadel but ended up here, is it safe?” Or simply new to her? Not that the latter explanation would magically make Ru stop worrying for the girl she is so fond of, but at least it would settle her heart a little.
my heart bends and breaks
so many, many times
HOTARU
