[ Ace's hold was gradually becoming lighter, so that any attempts at maintaining their physical contact would now be the result of her own volition rather than his own. It felt... necessary, to ensure her this very minimum of personal space, knowing that what he was about to say would eventually force her to voice her own opinion on the matter. ]
Tear Grants—
[ A soft smile adorned his lips at the sound of that name, the same one she had chosen to introduce herself as, the one he had learnt to call her by. Ultimately, it was a matter of nostalgic preference that wouldn't have made his words any less, nor any more valid if he had gone down the other path. Having expected his face to flare up like it always did under similar circumstances, he was surprised to find the surge of warmth under his skin completely unthreatening, as if it was meant to be there. It allowed him to remain calm in the face of the challenge that this confession undoubtedly was. ]
— ... you make me feel like I belong. Even if the time we have left is only a fraction of what we would like it to be— [ The boy shakes his head lightly, trying to push aside the thoughts that would no longer influence his decision. ] —it won't stop me from looking forward to making these moments count.
Yes, anything could happen, but if the future is what we make it, I... I want to be your strength the same way you've been mine.
[ The wave of relief produced a sound akin to quiet laughter at the back of his throat, brief as it was before it faded—... ]
... I love you.
[ Even in silence, he couldn't draw his eyes away from her. ]
no subject
[ Ace's hold was gradually becoming lighter, so that any attempts at maintaining their physical contact would now be the result of her own volition rather than his own. It felt... necessary, to ensure her this very minimum of personal space, knowing that what he was about to say would eventually force her to voice her own opinion on the matter. ]
Tear Grants—
[ A soft smile adorned his lips at the sound of that name, the same one she had chosen to introduce herself as, the one he had learnt to call her by. Ultimately, it was a matter of nostalgic preference that wouldn't have made his words any less, nor any more valid if he had gone down the other path. Having expected his face to flare up like it always did under similar circumstances, he was surprised to find the surge of warmth under his skin completely unthreatening, as if it was meant to be there. It allowed him to remain calm in the face of the challenge that this confession undoubtedly was. ]
— ... you make me feel like I belong. Even if the time we have left is only a fraction of what we would like it to be— [ The boy shakes his head lightly, trying to push aside the thoughts that would no longer influence his decision. ] —it won't stop me from looking forward to making these moments count.
Yes, anything could happen, but if the future is what we make it, I... I want to be your strength the same way you've been mine.
[ The wave of relief produced a sound akin to quiet laughter at the back of his throat, brief as it was before it faded—... ]
... I love you.
[ Even in silence, he couldn't draw his eyes away from her. ]