[ It's a common enough epithet that something bittersweet lurches in him with it – because he recognizes the tone, recognizes the affection behind it, and he breathes out another quiet laugh, though this one might be a little rougher, a little more choked.
The instant she steps into his space, and the instant she hugs him, he curls his own arms protectively around her shoulders, tucking his cheek against her hair. And maybe his grip on her is a tight enough to be stifling, but he doesn't really care. It's been years since he's had the opportunity to do this, and grief and relief are both swarming through him in equal measure.
He dredges up an unsteady smile and manages to imbue some lightness into his voice: ]
no subject
The instant she steps into his space, and the instant she hugs him, he curls his own arms protectively around her shoulders, tucking his cheek against her hair. And maybe his grip on her is a tight enough to be stifling, but he doesn't really care. It's been years since he's had the opportunity to do this, and grief and relief are both swarming through him in equal measure.
He dredges up an unsteady smile and manages to imbue some lightness into his voice: ]
I might be a fool, but you like me anyway.