I know. [ It makes everything both better and worse, to have someone who wants him safe. ] I'm sorry.
[ That he can't spare her that, that he can't take it back, that something almost definitely will. He squeezes her hand right back, thumb gone still, just holding on. ]
[ Shadowheart goes quiet, for a few moments, save soft sniffs into the back of Stephen’s neck. Once her tears have mostly subsided, she coaxes Stephen into turning to face her, waiting to speak until they’re both settled onto the pillow and she can study him through wet eyes. ]
You infuriate me, sometimes. Often, this week.
[ The chastising she’s saved for outside the chat, though Shadowheart knows Stephen’s taken enough of a kicking. She lifts a hand to his cheek, thumb gentling beneath his eye. She feels—shy about saying this, so close even in the dark, her voice soft. ]
And I also think you’re wonderful. For helping that girl. For trying.
no subject
[ That he can't spare her that, that he can't take it back, that something almost definitely will. He squeezes her hand right back, thumb gone still, just holding on. ]
no subject
You infuriate me, sometimes. Often, this week.
[ The chastising she’s saved for outside the chat, though Shadowheart knows Stephen’s taken enough of a kicking. She lifts a hand to his cheek, thumb gentling beneath his eye. She feels—shy about saying this, so close even in the dark, her voice soft. ]
And I also think you’re wonderful. For helping that girl. For trying.