that last good day

Celeste's heart, while it was broken, still warmed at the idea that their pups were okay. As much as she wished to see them, she knew she couldn't. There wasn't enough energy left in her bones to bring her all the way back home. It was crushing, but Kuroki was enough. Being able to say good bye to him was what her heart needed. And because of it, she can smile up at him. Feeling his tongue brush along her brow has her giggling even if she has to fight through a few coughs. "Oh Oki," she murmurs softly, her eyes closing gently as she presses her cheek back against his plush fur. How it had always felt right to be in his arms.

As he speaks, she knows her heart breaks more. His words are devastating. How could she do this to him? Wasn't it her fault? Couldn't she have been stronger? Couldn't she have kicked those assholes into oblivion and made it home? Fighting back those tears was more effort than she could manage. She wasn't sure if she would have been able to fend off even one of those jerks. But she didn't blame him either and didn't want him to feel that guilt for the rest of his life either.

"I'll miss you more," her voice is sweet as she smiles, turning her chin once more to look up at him. "Please, do-don't apologize," she speaks quietly, fighting back some more coughs. The energy is draining more, but being close to him helps. It helps her hold on if only for a few more minutes. "It isn't your fault. They, they were unstoppable," Celeste is whispering now as she lets her own tongue swipe across his shoudler. "Hay-Haydee told me that it t-took all of Tojo-Kai to take them out," her lips tremble as she shuts her eyes tightly. Remembering the night she had been taken was still fresh in her mind. "There's nothing you could've done. Please, I want you to be happy," the begging tone of her voice is worse as she presses her face against him, willing herself to not cry.


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