fragile minds

Chip frowned, and moved to stand as she did. Their courts will not find you here. He reached for her hand, fingers calloused from honest work, as he rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand. You underestimate me, Shae. I'm a Keeper, now, like I told you I would be. Back then, it'd been a dream of a young man.

She closed her eyes, and he frowned at her. They'd once been something to each other—quiet nights under the stars, listening to the ocean... You're not the only one who was convinced that we had a future. He murmured, reaching to cup her cheek in his hand.

She said she was damaged, and he bit his lip, held back the immediate response that was on the tip of his tongue. She was right; nothing he could say or do would change what she had endured. Nothing he could say or do would change how she saw herself; at least, not right now, when she didn't want to see herself as anything but a murderer, a ruined woman.

Xochipilli offered her a soft smile, as she agreed to stay. She gave him her terms, and he moved to pull her into his arms. Firstly, Shaerana, you're not less of a person because of what's happened to you. He spoke quietly, as he hugged her.

Secondly, you can look after children, no? We've lost our last babysitter, she learned a trade. And if I remember correctly, you were one hell of a fisher and cook. He chuckled softly, squeezing her gently as she cried.

Let's revisit whether you'll stay or go, after we find my girl, 'kay? You don't know what might happen, to make you want to stay. He loosened his hold on her, and moved to sit back in the sand, toes digging into the damp sediment.

Do you still star-watch?