our love of life and tension

“Well the plan was to do it eventually, but it just sorta came up today.” The grin was unwavering. At her core, Hazel was still the little girl who showed up in the cellar and ended up making herself at home. Though they were bigger, stronger, more capable now… both of them are still those kids. They’d come so far, but underneath it all, they’re still those kids.

“What other secrets are you keeping from me, hmm?” Hazel couldn’t help but tease, but prod. She might be a pest, but she’s his pest. “I might be lousy but at least I’m not too tall for all the good hiding places!” Hazel proclaimed, watching the loose floorboard slide out. Damn, why hadn’t she thought of that? “The really good stuff, holy shit how did you manage that?” Her tail wagged, lifting the bottle and flopping down beside Bas. It was well enough into his personal space, close enough to lean if he let her.

“To all the shit we’ve managed to accomplish, I dunno where I’d be without you.” Hazel’s voice was uncharacteristically soft, thoughtful, in the moment before she lifted and uncorked the bottle. She took a great big swig and then handed it over to Lis, her smile thoughtful.