so hold me

He wouldn't believe her words. She wouldn't have believed them either if she was in his place. Guilt was a strong emotion and was hard to shake. He would feel guilty about Dapple for a long time. Maybe even the rest of his life. Iolaire only wished that he wouldn't let it consume him and he would come to terms with her passing. She had done it and she knew that he could too.

Roan pressed his forehead against hers and she continued to hold him close, offering what comfort she could. He called Dapple the best and Io nodded gently, knowing that he would feel the motion. He expressed his thankfulness that she had found him and Io moved her head, wrapping her arms and neck around his own. "She does deserve to be here. Most do." Iolaire was a firm believer in fate. Everything happens for a reason. "Perhaps it was the world's way of bringing us together. It doesn't make it any easier, but I'll try to be worthy of the exchange." Not everyone could swallow the fate pill. She hoped he understood where she was coming from.

"Enough sadness." The little lady pulled back and looked Roan full in his handsome, scarred face. "She wouldn't want you to be sad forever and neither do I." Io gestured to the world around him. "It's a lovely day. We're together. You're healing." She nudged him. "Give me a smile and tell me about our future." The dirty little healer flashed him a grin. She wanted to know what he wanted. It would be interesting to see if their futures were similar.