[private] take a look in the mirror

[Altissima]

Is he drifting closer? Or did Altissima misjudge the distance between them? Or is she simply wanting it so much that she is imagining it? She keeps her eyes on the sky, on the stars that are growing in brightness as the last bit of light from the day leeches colour. When he speaks, her concentration fractures enough that the glow around them both dims. Until they are just a part of the meadow, just part of the scenery. She keeps his matched with hers, though, even when a small laugh escapes her at his murmured words. But that sound dies when his wing brushes against her skin, her eyes closing to savour it. The feeling is better than what she had pictured moments ago and she becomes aware that she wants more. It's a slow awareness, like waking up. Her response to his question is quiet, no barb to be found in a single syllable of it. “It’ll never happen.” She tells him this as she side-steps a little bit closer. Close enough that the brush of his wing is constant against her skin and the sensation sends a pleasant chill down her spine as her heartbeat quickens. There’s a smile in the corner of her mouth, but she doesn’t know what to do next. Does she reach out for him again? Altissima has never wanted someone like this before and she's frustrated with the fears that hold her back, the uncertainty that makes her wary about taking it any further. All she manages is that step, though, and when she opens her eyes she’s still got her head tilted upwards still but she’s watching Tarian from the corner of her eye - wondering what is going through his mind. Torn between wanting him to give her a reason to run and a reason to stay.

artwork by cal

@Tarian