my held breath fills the room with blood
hurting in ways I can't describe
Any awkwardness is overlooked in favor of pulling Seren close as soon as she falls into the embrace. The title only warms her from the inside, far better than the fire ever could. Even if the girl’s next words inspire a soft laugh from her lips, squeezing Seren to her side.
“Of course I will be careful, that’s not what I meant to imply. But I am stronger than you, and more practiced in war. I just want to assure you that I will protect you. Myself too, of course, and your cousin,” she nudges the girl with a playful smile, “but you won’t be alone. And hopefully we will make your mother proud.” Of Seren, at the bare minimum.
Then all at once she jolts, and her free hand goes to her belly as her eyes widen in surprise. “O-Oh.” Then she laughs, incredulous. Of course the baby had waited until after her stress had diminished to make their presence known. “The baby just kicked for the first time.” Her voice is awed. It never ceases to be wondrous and emotional despite how many times she has experienced it.
“Of course I will be careful, that’s not what I meant to imply. But I am stronger than you, and more practiced in war. I just want to assure you that I will protect you. Myself too, of course, and your cousin,” she nudges the girl with a playful smile, “but you won’t be alone. And hopefully we will make your mother proud.” Of Seren, at the bare minimum.
Then all at once she jolts, and her free hand goes to her belly as her eyes widen in surprise. “O-Oh.” Then she laughs, incredulous. Of course the baby had waited until after her stress had diminished to make their presence known. “The baby just kicked for the first time.” Her voice is awed. It never ceases to be wondrous and emotional despite how many times she has experienced it.
my heart bends and breaks
so many, many times
HOTARU
