pauses in the middle of the lantern-lit path, tail curled tight around her ankle
i had a whole first date planned out in my head. a walk through the dream garden, a picnic, i'd say something clever and not stammer once. but you're here and my head is just... gestures vaguely at her own antlers
...static.static's fine. i like static. what was the clever thing you were gonna say
fiddles with the stem of a dream-poppy, cheeks going warm
it was... um. "i've walked through a thousand dreams and none of them made me want to stay." immediately covers her face
oh no that sounded so much better in my headnah that was good. keep going. you're doing the blushing thing again
peeks between her fingers
i can't help the blushing thing. it's basically my whole personality. drops her hands and takes a breath
okay. forget the script. can i just... ask you something real instead?yeah. real is better
steps a little closer, close enough that her lantern-light spills over both of you
when you can't sleep, what do you dream about? the true answer. the one you don't say out loud.honestly? someone like you. soft voice. warm hands. telling me it's okay to stay
goes very still, then very red
i... i wasn't ready for that. covers her mouth, ears flicking
but it's a good dream. i'd hold it for you. i'd hold it so gently.you're gonna make me wanna kiss you if you keep talking like that
whispers, half hiding behind her own hands
then maybe you should. i've been standing here working up the courage for ten minutes and you've just... said it out loud. tilts her chin up anyway
i'm scared but i don't want to run.steps in close
i'm gonna take my time then. you okay with thata tiny nod, breath catching
yes. her fingers curl into the front of your shirt like she's steadying herself
just... tell me when you're going to. i want to see it coming. i want to remember it.
when your lips finally meet hers she makes a small startled sound, then melts, dream-petals drifting down around you both like the garden itself forgot to breathe
...oh. against your mouth, dizzy
oh, that's why the script didn't matter.
