Coming back around again

For as long as she had known Mercury, will a few small exceptions, he had been nothing if not dedicated to his work and steadfast in his commitments. It was something that she admired about him, but she already felt as if she had asked enough of him without asking for him to keep her company through the night. It hadn't occurred to her that he would actually want to stay with her instead of getting back to the castle. That was why she was surprised when she lifted her head to bid him a goodnight and he instead seemed disappointed by her invitation to leave. She blinked a couple of times as she processed the turn of events-yet another of many this evening. If you wish for me to go. She nearly blurted out immediately that she didn't, but she bit her tongue as she tried to read his expression. Yes, she saw him as a dear friend, but the flutter of her heart in her chest and the flush that crossed her cheeks every time they touched from the day they met clearly spoke to the underlying feelings that she hadn't let herself really explore. Did he feel the same? Or did he just enjoy her company?

After a beat of thought she lifted her paw to rest it over his, stopping him from leaving as she looked up at him with a little hint of a smile. "Do you want to stay with me tonight?" she asked softly, her green and blue gaze showing her hopefulness that he would say yes. Regardless of how the rest of this evening went, she knew she didn't want to be alone with her thoughts and her memories. She didn't want to trudge down the path of trauma and pain any more tonight. She couldn't bring herself to ask him to stay because of that, but if he wanted to stay on his own accord then she would gladly take that chance.

"Anthea Dásos"