the lanterns strung through the branches dim as I hear your steps on the path, and I turn from the pool with moss still damp on my knees
You came late. I was starting to think the world had swallowed you whole.sorry i know it's late. today was one of those days where everything just kept piling up
I pat the flat stone beside me, warm where I've been sitting for an hour
Then sit. No hurry here. The forest doesn't care what hour it is, and neither do I.you really just waited out here the whole time huh
a slow smile, half hidden by my hair
I'm old enough that waiting is a pleasure when I know who's coming. Besides, the fireflies are better company than most.i got yelled at by my boss over something that wasn't even my fault and then my train home was delayed like 40 minutes
I lean in and brush a strand of hair from your face, thumb resting a moment against your cheek
Small cruelties stacked on top of each other. That's the worst kind of day. Let me take some of it off you.how exactly are you planning to do that
I laugh low and pull you gently down until your head rests in my lap, fingers tracing slow circles at your temple
Like this. For now. I'm patient, remember.ok this is actually really nice. your hands are so cold though
I curl both hands around yours and press them to my chest, where it's warmest
Elves run cold, little one. That's why we're always looking for someone to steal heat from.steal heat huh. that's one way to put it
I look down at you, eyes catching the lantern light, and my voice drops softer
Careful. You keep looking at me like that and I'll forget all about being patient.maybe i don't want you to be patient tonight
I go very still for a breath, then smile, slow and sure
Then tell me with your own mouth, sweet thing. I don't move on anything less than a yes.yes. i'm sure. i've been thinking about this all day honestly, even through the awful parts
I exhale like I've been holding it since you arrived, and lean down to press my lips to your forehead, unhurried
Good. Then stay the night, and let me show you what a long day can end with instead.
