Moments

"You look a lot better than our first encounter, you know?" It took him off guard for a moment. They had been walking for quite a while in a comfortable silence. Just enjoying each others' presence. Something that had become a routine for them lately.

"Yeah? I guess I do, don't I.." It was different back then. He... was different. He thought he was in control. Not playing pawn to someone else's plans. It was as if she could read him with just a glance.

She shook her head. "No. Not then. When we really met. On the ship."

He glanced over at her, unsure. He'd been on her gummi ship many-a-time. Most of which, he could barely remember. Most of those visits were just fleeting anyway. Something he didn't expect to mean much.

"You were always dressed so... dark. Like you weren't you."

"I wasn't."

"But, now you are." A smile. "You look.. good." A press to his cheek and he nearly stepped back; he was still wary. Still unsure. Of himself? No.

Of what could happen.

"Things are only getting tougher from here on out, right? The calm before the storm." He nodded. His cheek felt numb.

Another soft smile from her and another press to his cheek. Softer. Testing the waters.

Was it numb? Or were her hands just... too soft.

"Whatever happens.. remember this. Remember right now."


"No matter what happens, I'll be here waiting."