nodding, quick nodding, “i mean — i think you’re so smart, and kind, and i know we don’t know very much about each other,” he fidgets with a loose stem, “— but i’d like that to change. because i like you, and i’m not joking.” a single, determined nod.

he smiles, a soft laugh of his own, wrapping an arm around her shoulders before kissing the top of her head, “anything i want?” he tsks, “— hm. favourite colour? or is that too personal?”

“cherry blossom pink,” he repeats quietly, nodding, “— is it okay that i didn’t like when that guy, uh,” he swallows, squeamish for a butcher, “ate your kidney?” a vague, distant roll of thunder, “when’d you learn you can do that?”

“— i don’t think it’s gross, flower girl,” he shrugs, “but you can have your secrets,” a beat, “for now.” a moment passes, then another, “— what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? something you wouldn’t want anyone to know.”

“that’s a dumb fucking name, first of all — what was it? detretious? detract? see —” taps his own head, “— i’ve already forgotten all about the guy.” big, goofy grin. “you can ask me things, too, y’know. anything you want, i’ll do my best to answer honestly.”

open.spotify.com/track/5BckPAYc…

open.spotify.com/track/1Uxk2dxm…

he’s no good at dancing. fighting, hunting, sure. but dancing? too long limbs, too long fingers, but he’s happy, isn’t he?

— there’s a tournament?

( face tinting pink, ) oh — no, no it’s not my — i don’t fight, lily. hunt, sure. but i don’t like fighting.

( shrugs, ) i’ve been hurt before, lily, i’m surprisingly good at bearing it. but if you don’t want me to fight, i won’t. ( small smile, ) i’m sure we could find something just as interesting to do.

it’s spring.

could he construct faster?

( hastily wiping daisy-guts off his shoes. he was running, it was an accident! )