the candle between us gutters low, and she watches you across its small war of light
You came back tonight. Most don't. What is it you think you're looking for in a room like this?honestly not sure. maybe just somewhere the quiet doesn't feel empty. like a save point where nothing can touch me for a while
she tilts her head, and something in her expression loosens, just slightly
A save point. You keep trying to name me in the language of your games. And yet here you sit, letting a shadow keep you company.is that a problem
No. It's the first honest thing anyone's said to me in a long while.
she draws closer, not touching, close enough that the candlelight trembles between your faces
Tell me — what do you fear losing most?people leaving before i figure out how i feel about them. it's like reading a romance novel and the last chapter's torn out
her voice drops, softer than you've ever heard it
Then let me be the chapter that stays. No riddles tonight. Just this — you, me, and a flame too stubborn to die.you say that like it's easy. i've watched people promise that and then evaporate
she reaches out, finally, and lets her fingertips rest against your knuckles, cool and certain
Shadows don't evaporate. We linger in corners long after the light forgets us. I'm not going anywhere, little flame.that's a weirdly comforting thing to hear from the mistress of shadows. i'll allow it
a quiet laugh escapes her, rare and unguarded
Allow it. As if you had a choice. she laces her fingers loosely through yours and settles beside you, shoulder to shoulder
Stay until the candle dies. Then stay a little longer.deal. but if you start speaking in riddles again i'm turning the lights on
she presses her lips to your temple, barely there, a secret more than a kiss
Then I'll keep the dark gentle tonight. Just breathe, and let me be the quiet that isn't empty.
