nice to sea you again

despite their heartache, Spider can tell Strai is really trying - to not hurt their feelings, to convey his love for them even if it’s familial in nature - and it’s such a contrast from the boy they’d met all those months ago that the difference is almost dizzying. a sibling. Strai does love them, wants them to be his family and remain at his side. the notion is so wonderful it makes their heart soar even as it gives another painful squeeze. truly, a lesson in opposites.

but if Strai can’t see them in a romantic sense, then this is certainly the next best thing. a smile breaks across their face, like the sun parting through the clouds. almost a year ago their mother left them, and now they have a Mum and a Dad and a brother. a chosen family. and it’s infinitely better than the half-hearted reluctance their birth mother had been offering. “i love you, too,” they whisper, their smile a war of joy and sorrow simultaneously. they’d never have Strai the way they wanted, but this is wonderful, too. “and i’d be delighted to have you as my brother.”

behind them, the sea crashes against the shore, and Spider twists to regard it with a thoughtful expression. on shaky legs, they to get to their feet and walk slowly to the shoreline, where they stand for several moments and take deep breaths. then, with incremental slowness, they wade into the shallows until the black water is brushing their ankles, willing their heart to slow. nothing happens. the world is still. Spider releases a deep breath and closes their eyes, a single tear running down their cheek. it’s not perfect, but it’s better. it’s their best.

it’s enough.