Handle with Care

Hotaru

Her name is a shout of so many emotions that she can’t parse them in the time it takes to form the syllables. She hears his steps thundering through the house, and she doesn’t even bother trying to remove her coat in the time it will take for him to get to her. He ensures it’s brief. His arms are warm and strong, and she wraps her own around the tops of his shoulders as she laughs fondly - and perhaps a little wetly - into his neck where she buries her face. “Not as much as I missed you,” she argues playfully, fingers twisting in the back of his shirt as if terrified he’ll pull away. His kiss touches against her temple and warmth spreads like ink in water down through her veins all the way to her toes, filling the empty aching spaces with the shape of his love. “It’s so good to see you, Gods.” How many seasons had passed with only letters to keep in touch? Too many. She doesn’t even want to count.

Even their height difference can’t force them to fully part even once he has lowered her back to her feet. One of her hands cradles the back of his nape, something primordial that sings in both their souls. Lilly’s excitement distracts her from his question, and she drops her other hand to reach for the wolf, sharing the love and physicality. Then she peers up at Sah, smiling almost like she’s sharing a secret. Her hand gently squeezes his neck. “Everything’s okay. More than okay, actually. I moved back two days ago - and I’m staying.” And there’s a story there, a hurt that shows in her eyes, but there’s a certainty and relief in her posture that balances the scales.

Now you can quit, you can cave in
but just know you're not beyond saving