["...I think I will be as self indulgent as I want for now- as long as you will allow me."
She hadn't expected that either. Perhaps more argument from him, despite how calmly she presented herself. Or attempted to present herself. But when she felt him lean just a little harder into that embrace, whatever resistance she might have had slowly began to crumble into pieces. Her embrace tightened, became more secure, as if she could possibly protect him from all worldly things that might do him harm simply by holding him. Both of them knew, however, that was impossible, though she would have rather liked to think otherwise.
She still couldn't fully agree with him, however. Shaking her head, she found her words again.]
Absence in body is not equivalent to absence in mind, in heart, in spirit. Just because you wouldn't be here doesn't mean none of us wouldn't think of you. Or that we wouldn't want to help pave a pathway towards a better future for you.
[It was no different for any of the others. Why should it have been different for him? She didn't think it was, but maybe she was oversimplifying it.
She drew back only enough to tip her chin up to more properly eye him. Lifting her hands, she hesitated for just a moment before she carefully curled her touch along his jaw. Provided he allowed her. All she wanted to do was hold him like so. To draw his forehead down to hers.]
I think you're stronger than you think you are. It doesn't matter to me how much strength you have, truly. I can make up for whatever you might not hold right now. Let me protect you. Let me be your anchor. Let me show you the way to go forward. It doesn't have to be forever. And I... I'm not asking for anything from you. I'm not expecting anything. But I want the chance to do this. I would prefer it with your blessing, but I'll do it without if I have to.
no subject
She hadn't expected that either. Perhaps more argument from him, despite how calmly she presented herself. Or attempted to present herself. But when she felt him lean just a little harder into that embrace, whatever resistance she might have had slowly began to crumble into pieces. Her embrace tightened, became more secure, as if she could possibly protect him from all worldly things that might do him harm simply by holding him. Both of them knew, however, that was impossible, though she would have rather liked to think otherwise.
She still couldn't fully agree with him, however. Shaking her head, she found her words again.]
Absence in body is not equivalent to absence in mind, in heart, in spirit. Just because you wouldn't be here doesn't mean none of us wouldn't think of you. Or that we wouldn't want to help pave a pathway towards a better future for you.
[It was no different for any of the others. Why should it have been different for him? She didn't think it was, but maybe she was oversimplifying it.
She drew back only enough to tip her chin up to more properly eye him. Lifting her hands, she hesitated for just a moment before she carefully curled her touch along his jaw. Provided he allowed her. All she wanted to do was hold him like so. To draw his forehead down to hers.]
I think you're stronger than you think you are. It doesn't matter to me how much strength you have, truly. I can make up for whatever you might not hold right now. Let me protect you. Let me be your anchor. Let me show you the way to go forward. It doesn't have to be forever. And I... I'm not asking for anything from you. I'm not expecting anything. But I want the chance to do this. I would prefer it with your blessing, but I'll do it without if I have to.