serial heartbreaker

Sparrow could have watched the contortion of feelings across Hanako's face. As much as the koi woman tried to hide it, Sparrow had grown familiar with that face. She didn't care to now. Didn't pay Hanako any mind as she tried to evaluate the worth of Sparrow and Recluse's relationship. Hanako never knew Recluse really, and Sparrow wasn't sure Hanako knew her that well either.

What made her and Recluse special was the lack of labels, the lack of rules, the lack of choosing. Recluse had her husband, her pups, and yet she still came to Sparrow. She wasn't perfect, and never pretended to be. Unlike some dainty wolves, Recluse hadn't needed a guardian, she needed partners, wholly less needy than Sparrow's previous relationship. Hanako could think whatever she wanted, but it bothered Sparrow none because, after all, what did she know about love?

After several steps, Hana called out in what Sparrow could only assume was desperation to keep the interaction going. She said Sparrow wasn't half the woman she used to be, and how would Sparrow know if Recluse would want her now. It drew a sharp laugh from Sparrow, and she didn't even glance back. "Her love never had contingencies like that, unlike some, which is why we'll love one another no matter what the other does. But..." Sparrow took another few steps, and for the first time since Recluse's death, a wry smile pulled up on her maw. "Even if I'm half the woman I used to be, I'm still more than double the woman you'll ever be, and I wonder who would want you as you are."

She had already said her goodbyes, but now she left with warm fuzzies having her ego stroked - at least she'd never be Hanako. At least the pitiful woman had managed to cheer her up after all

-exit sparrow -