I Really Can't Stay-

Aresenn · 10-23-2023, 10:08 PM

If she heard his admission of selfish intention, she didn’t act like it. Or perhaps she liked it. He simply wasn’t sure it was acceptable to be that blatantly forward, and in deciding to air on the side of caution, felt that maybe it would be best to be more careful about his choice of words in the future. Or at least, as much as it could be helped. But when she answered him, he had difficulty with his own sudden rush of emotion. Though rather than sadness, his seemed to be more akin to regret. “I don’t think anything bad is ever supposed to happen to the hero.” Aresenn answered gently in a poorly timed attempt at humor. He wished that she wouldn’t call him that. He didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. But at the same time, something inside him didn’t want to be the reason for her disappointment. He never wanted to be the reason that grin of hers fell ever again. He longed to be her hero. Realistically, he knew he couldn’t make that promise to himself, let alone her. Yet, somehow her next words cut him even deeper. Slowing to a stop and turning to face her, he pressed himself near. Not quite remorse in his amber gaze, but as close as he could get. “No, Drama. Don’t ever think that my distance is because of you. I mean that.” He answered near breathlessly, suddenly desperate to eliminate that train of thought in its tracks. It was an attempt to offer whatever comfort he could provide- not that he was good at being the comforting type. He lingered as close as he could for as long as he dared- a few moments before offering her a disheartened grin and surrendering her space back to her. But before he could guide them back to their walk, he stopped once again.

The girl’s follow-up request was a reasonable one, but he wasn’t sure it was something that could be negotiated. As much as he wanted to prevent her self-doubt and worrying, he was certainly going to maintain the path with their best interest in mind. With a thoughtful look, he finally answered. “I’ll consider it. But I need you to reassure me that if I do something for your health, you’re not gonna fight me over it if I do let you know in advance.” He said, with something that sounded like a serious edge to his tone- though it would only hold for a moment longer before cracking. “At least not too much.” He added, knowing full well of what he was asking of her, and how impossible of a task it might truly be. You would think self-preservation wouldn't be asking too much, but the thing that made Andromeda occasionally think with her heart instead of her head seemed to be his greatest opposition. It also just so happened to be what drew him to her. Though, he wasn't certain what that said about himself.

She was certainly well enough off to maintain a sense of humor, he would give her that. Aresenn offered a soft chuckle in amusement, casting her a sideways glance as they walked. “Sounds like a win to me.” He echoed in good humor. Though as soon as he asked about what had happened after the flood, he almost regretted doing so. It was like a physical weight had slammed into the girl at his side. He could see the shockwave as it rippled through her- the expression on her face worst of all. Andromeda described the length of time it took for the water to recede, only to find two wolves that belonged to the Armadan ranks had perished. “That is unfortunate.” He responded lowly in an effort to show his respect. Whether it was noticed or not, he was uncertain. As the girl fought to compose herself, he looked away- in an attempt to offer her the privacy of her own emotions. It also gave him the opportunity to reflect a moment. Would he have done anything differently knowing the outcome as it ended? He didn't think so. “Some things may not be able to be replaced, but in the end, you and your pack mates escaped largely with your lives- I’m sorry for the friends that you lost. But everything else will come in time.” Aresenn murmured softly. Of course, it was easy for him to say. He didn’t have to think for the livelihood of an entire pack. But at the end of the day, he still had his Drama and the rest of the chips could fall where they may.

The question that she offered him was a bit more difficult to take in stride. “I had cold as well for awhile …” Aresenn began, but that was the easy part. Allowing his gaze to linger on hers for a moment, he deliberated in the back of his mind before finally deciding to be upfront- at least for the most part. “Sephiran has been slowly pulling a group together … He’s going to use it as an opportunity to build each other up before moving on to bigger and better things.” There was truth to his words, but it was a vague one. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her with the information, he just didn’t know how she would take it, and it was kind of like ripping a bandage off. “I’ve been helping with that …” He finished- trailing off as if he needed to condemn himself further. It was a subtle attempt to try and introduce his real self. The individual who he was on track to become. If whatever they were forging had a chance of working, she had to know. Really know. Not just the distant jokes and half-truths hidden in fairytales. But on top of their truth, there needed to be some semblance of acceptance … or as the alternative, perhaps he was about to ruin it all.

"Andy" & "Aresenn"

Code by Sea

Thread Move Log
Thread		Forum	From	To
1.	I Really Can't Stay-	Mile-High Woods	11:48 AM, 10-08-2023	10:47 PM, 01-01-2024

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