[ It's that damn Bartholos' fault. Ever since things became good, since they reclaimed their journeys and their home out from under the thumb of Nanook, things have been good. But Cipher has been so, so, so utterly bored. Sure, she didn't like the threat of death and being on a planet that is no longer being swallowed up by the Black Tide is kind of great but she's... out of things to do!
She's truly, completely, out of things to do! No vaults to plunder, no treasures to loot, she's been everywhere she can be and seen everything she can see and then Bartholos, the damn creature, just had the idea of boss, if you're that bored, why not... leave? To which she, of course, asked what the hell he meant by leave and he pointed out the Trailblazer left. The Astral Express comes and goes whenever it wants. It would be easy for her to ask the Trailblazer to get her connected with a... spaceship, is the word, and go travel the galaxy instead.
Which kind of blew her mind, admittedly. She hadn't even thought of that.
So, she's been toying with the idea for a while now, batting it around in her hands like a kitten with a yarn ball, and Bartholos once again started nagging her about it. This time, he suggested asking someone to accompany her instead of going solo. Which is, well, she can do that. Sure. And there is... also admittedly... only the one person she'd ask for that...
But no, surely not.
Still, she finds herself in Okhema, finds herself lingering on the rooftops of Marmoreal Market until she spots the golden hair she was looking for. A few fleet footed footsteps across the rooftop tiles and she drops down, falling into place beside Aglaea as she browses a fruit stall. ]
Ah, seamstress! Funny running into you here!
[ Not like she was stalking her at aaaaaall, no! ]
Aglaea almost felt like things were nearly too calm now that all the imminent threats of the Black Tide had been erased and they no longer were under Nanook's thumb. It didn't mean everything was absolutely perfect, but it left this odd feeling nagging at her that she couldn't put a finger on.
It admittedly had been Tribbie who had caught on faster than anyone else, giving her some unexpected advice with nary but a look at her.
'If you're restless, why don't you go take a walk around the market, Agy?'
Initially Aglaea had wished to protest but then considered that perhaps someone as perceptive as her teacher would know her best. She did not believe she was anything close to restless but if someone else could look and see it so easily? Perhaps it was best to heed that advice since it was calm and since things had been resolved, she hadn't seen or heard about anything regarding Caenis or the Cleaners.
Something had been pulling at her deep within her very being but she still had no idea what that could be.
Yet it did not slow Aglaea's steps any.
Her heels clicked against the ground, fingers brushing loosely against some of the threads that were imperceptible to others as she walked. It was pleasant to hear the chatter of the Okhemans as they went about their business, their spirits high while children laughed as they played and ran around with the sun shining down on them sweetly.
It was during her time perusing a fruit stall that the golden threads made her aware of a familiar presence. Something that made a soft laugh bubble up from deep within her throat, a smile curling her lips just as Cipher landed almost soundlessly next to her. ]
Hello, Cifera. To what do I owe the pleasure of this lovely visit today?
[ It wasn't necessarily common for Cipher to show up here and Aglaea had her suspicions why but felt this was not the time for unnecessary interrogations when she was just pleased to see the other here in Okhema. ]
[ It wasn't common at all, especially with more and more cities popping up outside of Okhema now that the lands were free again. She spends most of her time in the city of Dolos, though so far it's less a city and more of a small town but there are people there who want to keep the spirit of Dolos alive and so, they're trying to revive the place. Cipher's been... helping, in her own way.
But it hasn't lessened the boredom.
And so, that is why she is here, to see about... asking... Aglaea to travel the stars with her. Which sounds so stupid when she puts it like that but that's what she's trying to do, isn't it? Maybe she shouldn't do this... she's starting to regret it. ]
I was just passing through. On my way to something much more interesting than anything Okhema has to offer, but.
[ While her expression didn't initially shift much?
Hearing that little something in Cipher's voice sure got her attention, pale eyes loosely fixed on the other chrysos heir. Sure it would be too easy to figure her out but it'd been some time since she had seen Cipher so naturally she wanted to prolong her time around her.
They had so much to talk about but it was clear both of them held reluctance to even broach any of those subjects. ]
I see. In that case, why don't we walk and continue our conversation?
[ Mostly so they don't take up too much time in front of this vendor's stall but she was possibly erring on that what Cipher wished to speak with her about might not be for prying ears.
All the same, she was still pleased because in the past it felt borderline torturous to try and get the other woman to visit Okhema in any real capacity since she tended to avoid it in the past for a reason she was sure that Cipher didn't know she had discovered thanks to the Trailblazer and Nameless.
Aglaea had even turned slightly, more towards Cipher but letting her pick the direction for the two of them to head in while they continued talking. ]
[ A walk and talk, huh? That's something Cipher can do. It reminds her, briefly, of life past when she lived in Okhema and spent so much time by Aglaea's side. You couldn't pry her away with even the most tantalizing of catnip, because for Cipher, her catnip was always going to be Aglaea. But then she ran away and now...
Now things are different and for a moment, Cipher wonders if she's made a mistake by coming here, by letting herself linger in Aglaea's orbit. She wants to run, immediately, to run until she's safe again, far away from the golden threads and Aglaea's all seeing gaze.
... But no, she's the one here to make an offer, isn't she? She breathes out slowly and starts to walk, letting them meander for a bit in silence before she broaches the topic. ]
How are... how has Okhema been? Since everything. Surely they don't need you as desperately as they used to.
[ A passing thought occurs to her as she walked alongside Cipher, enjoying her presence and pleased to have her here. For as long as that would be this time around, but that earlier exhale did make her truly believe that there was definitively more to this than the simple claim of 'passing through'.
Something was on Cipher's mind and part of it was confirmed as soon as she heard those words.
Anyone else might have taken them as an insult, but that was to those who didn't understand how Cipher went about things. There were layers to all of this, not to mention the truths that laid themselves bare at the same time and perhaps just why she found a small, bemused smile curling her lips. Pale green eyes loosely fixed on Cipher's face and no real insult or anger showing on her face whatsoever. ]
It's been quite peaceful. The people do not need the same protection as they once required during the threat of the Black Tide.
[ A soft sigh and she briefly closed her eyes, though her calm steps did not still in the slightest. ]
[ It's true, there are layers here. Cipher is trying so carefully to find the right way to broach the topic. Aglaea is no longer needed in Okhema as she used to be, the threat is no longer there. So, she should come with Cipher. That is the point Cipher is trying to make, through her own fear and apprehension. She wants so desperately to give Aglaea everything she could ever want, and also be the thing that Aglaea wants in the first place.
But how can they even get there? She has no idea. ]
Restless. I get it. There's ... not a lot out there for me either.
[ She clasps her hands behind her back then, stretching them above her head in a lazy movement before dropping them back down to hold against the small of her back. Her tail winds its way around her arm idly before sliding off, letting go. Her thoughts still wander, trying to pick the right words for this. ]
I've done so much. Seen so much. So many lifetimes... [ Of course, neither of them are Phainon, they don't remember everything, but there are some things that linger. ] And now there's... opportunity for us, you know?
[ The longer she observed Cipher? Aglaea could see hints of the young girl she had taken into her care beneath that seemingly carefree exterior, well hidden but not truly gone completely.
Even if they didn't remember ALL of the instances, there were definitely some things that lingered and she couldn't ever forget. So she couldn't help but nod her head curtly in agreement to Cipher's words, turning to seemingly gaze at the other woman with a note of curiosity flashing across her face. ]
Oh? Do tell.
[ A note of something amused lingered in her tone, but never meant to push Cipher more than entirely necessary here. ]
[ This is the moment where Cipher should run. It's too close, too vulnerable, too open but it's also the moment where Cipher knew she should be vulnerable. This is the moment she needs to invite Aglaea with her to the stars and beyond, to be with her again in some capacity. Even if it's not... like that. It's still something, to be at each other's side and travel the stars.
Cipher breathes out carefully, looks towards Aglaea and then looks away when she notices the other woman's all seeing eyes on her. She wonders how the golden threads would work outside of Okhema. Would she still be able to see so clearly? ]
I... want to leave Amphoreus.
[ Her gaze skitters back towards Aglaea, hesitant, before she looks away again. ]
The Trailblazers said they could get me my own ship. Or join them on the Astral Express for a while if I wanted. But I โ
[ Her stomach is in knots. She feels terrible. She wants to run. ]
I want to go. With you. I don't want to ride their train, I want to explore with you instead.
[ Fuck. She said it. She said it and now she can't take it back. Quietly, she stares hard at the ground as they walk, her hands dropping to clench at her sides. Even her tail comes to curl around her body, showing just how hard this was for her to say. ]
[ Definitive surprise flashed across Aglaea's face as that first sentence registered solidly. She had most certainly heard things correctly, and even noticed the way Cipher kept glancing at her and then looking away again which was a telltale sign of the other woman's forage into something she was unused to.
Allowing herself to be vulnerable and expressing her true thoughts not hidden by any form of coy layers or disguised words.
Given her history, Aglaea knew it must be incredibly hard for Cipher to speak her mind to her like this. She always had known Cipher would someday wish to explore further than what Amphoreus could offer, but to think she really did want to explore the vast galaxy with her? It managed to warm her heart in a way she didn't think was even possible with her waning humanity.
Her expression then softened and she shifted just a touch closer, reaching a hand out to brush gently against one of Cipher's. ]
Thank you for being so straightforwards with me, Cifera.
[ Aglaea's tone was light, but wholeheartedly sincere. She didn't make any moves to step away any, but never pressing any contact more than what Cipher would be comfortable with. ]
If I am to be quite honest? I have been feeling restless since the situation has resolved and I have long since recognized that the other chrysos heirs are more than capable of handling matters here.
[ Especially those like Phainon. He'd grown so much and experienced more than what a normal person should ever be made to experience but she also had seen his leadership and that they all could handle matters here now that the Black Tide was no longer a threat and people could freely traverse Amphoreus beyond Okhema's walls. ]
To have a chance to spend more time with you and be able to experience something new? I would be pleased to join you in your travels.
[ Logic dictated that she shouldn't but falling onto old habits was something she'd done for WAY too long. Aglaea knew that she would not have even remotely considered leaving Okhema if it wasn't for Cipher necessarily bringing it up or wanting her specifically to join her in her travels across the galaxy.
[ There is no possible way that Aglaea agreed to Cipher's request, Cipher thinks. There is no way that the other woman heard Cipher's insane desire and said yes to it, not when it was Aglaea who was so duty bound to Okhema that the idea of leaving was... impossible. Absurd. Absolutely ridiculous. Cipher knew she was being foolish by asking her to go with her but she also... hoped.
She hoped, and that is why she's struck dumb when she gets exactly what she wants in reply. Her eyes drop down quickly to the hand brushing against her own and then up again to Aglaea's face. She knows they should keep walking, that she shouldn't let this distract her, but she slows to a stop as the stunned sensation does not leave and she's still so struck dumb. ]
You โ really?
[ She doesn't know what to say, doesn't know how to even put into words how badly she wanted this and now that she has it, emotion floods her in a way it hasn't in a long, long time. A dam breaking inside her and she feels heat in her eyes as they grow wet and she has to swallow around the lump in her throat.
A bit in awe, she clarifies โ ]
You'll come with me...
[ She sniffs and she tries very hard not to do anything more than that to give herself away but her voice is very small suddenly as she continues, quiet โ ]
Agy...
[ Oh, she should've thought better about this. They really shouldn't be in public right now. She's absolutely going to break. She just got what she wanted more than anything else in the world and she doesn't know how she can handle that, at all. ]
Simply just having the opportunity to be present when Cipher let her walls down and let herself be genuine without any sort of act in place just warmed her heart. That same one she had been sure was encased in some form of ice after all this time, and yet was proof that some of her precious humanity still indeed remained.
Aglaea nodded and made to gently grasp Cipher's hand, intertwining their fingers as a soft hum was breathed out. Her smile warm and unbelievably kind. ]
Come, Cifera. Let us go somewhere a little more private, shall we?
[ To someone as proud and headstrong as the demigod of Trickery, she knew that it was never easy to let herself show emotion like this. So she's light, but insistent as she lead the other Chrysos Heir into a quieter alley away from the hustle and bustle of the market.
Somewhere that happened to shield them away from the prying eyes of others. ]
Listen. I know it may seem a little strange, given my duty to Okhema but... I suppose I have missed spending time with you. As selfish as it may come across.
[ Cipher lets Aglaea lead her to a private little alcove, quiet and hidden away from others. It makes Cipher relax, an exhale leaving her at the sudden privacy and her hand clutching Aglaea's a little tighter in response. Her feelings a mess right now, the overwhelming sensation of affection for Aglaea the most prominent one.
She said yes...! She's going to come with her, going to travel with her, they're going to be together...! It's a surreal feeling, getting what you've always wanted, and Cipher is still unsure if she should be feeling this way in the first place. ]
You can be selfish.
[ It's Cipher's first response there, quiet but encouraging. She'll step in close to Aglaea, her free hand reaching up to touch her cheek oh so gently. ]
If anyone deserves to, it's you, Agy.
[ In so many cycles, how many times has she lost herself to the flame chase journey? She deserves to be selfish, to live a life just for her at this point. ]
I know that's rich coming from me but...
[ She really wants Aglaea to live for herself, and hopefully in that, be by Cipher's side at the same time. ]
[ It's subtle, but Aglaea's shoulders relaxed as if slowly allowing herself to finally do so after what felt like an eternity of being the 'one in charge' of everything. All the responsibilities and that stress came with it, holding it close so nobody else had to deal with it.
She leant a little into that hand touching her cheek, lips curling into a light and gentle smile. ]
Mm. No... you're right.
[ Aglaea's tone is a touch bemused but she's not shying away from what is little more than fact by this time. Too many times had she forgotten herself and what it was like to live beyond her actual duty. ]
It is long overdue, I think. So perhaps we both can move forwards and try being more honest. Together.
[ Her voice is softer now, closing her eyes and exhaling a soft breath she didn't even truly know she'd been holding. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
She's truly, completely, out of things to do! No vaults to plunder, no treasures to loot, she's been everywhere she can be and seen everything she can see and then Bartholos, the damn creature, just had the idea of boss, if you're that bored, why not... leave? To which she, of course, asked what the hell he meant by leave and he pointed out the Trailblazer left. The Astral Express comes and goes whenever it wants. It would be easy for her to ask the Trailblazer to get her connected with a... spaceship, is the word, and go travel the galaxy instead.
Which kind of blew her mind, admittedly. She hadn't even thought of that.
So, she's been toying with the idea for a while now, batting it around in her hands like a kitten with a yarn ball, and Bartholos once again started nagging her about it. This time, he suggested asking someone to accompany her instead of going solo. Which is, well, she can do that. Sure. And there is... also admittedly... only the one person she'd ask for that...
But no, surely not.
Still, she finds herself in Okhema, finds herself lingering on the rooftops of Marmoreal Market until she spots the golden hair she was looking for. A few fleet footed footsteps across the rooftop tiles and she drops down, falling into place beside Aglaea as she browses a fruit stall. ]
Ah, seamstress! Funny running into you here!
[ Not like she was stalking her at aaaaaall, no! ]
no subject
Aglaea almost felt like things were nearly too calm now that all the imminent threats of the Black Tide had been erased and they no longer were under Nanook's thumb. It didn't mean everything was absolutely perfect, but it left this odd feeling nagging at her that she couldn't put a finger on.
It admittedly had been Tribbie who had caught on faster than anyone else, giving her some unexpected advice with nary but a look at her.
'If you're restless, why don't you go take a walk around the market, Agy?'
Initially Aglaea had wished to protest but then considered that perhaps someone as perceptive as her teacher would know her best. She did not believe she was anything close to restless but if someone else could look and see it so easily? Perhaps it was best to heed that advice since it was calm and since things had been resolved, she hadn't seen or heard about anything regarding Caenis or the Cleaners.
Something had been pulling at her deep within her very being but she still had no idea what that could be.
Yet it did not slow Aglaea's steps any.
Her heels clicked against the ground, fingers brushing loosely against some of the threads that were imperceptible to others as she walked. It was pleasant to hear the chatter of the Okhemans as they went about their business, their spirits high while children laughed as they played and ran around with the sun shining down on them sweetly.
It was during her time perusing a fruit stall that the golden threads made her aware of a familiar presence. Something that made a soft laugh bubble up from deep within her throat, a smile curling her lips just as Cipher landed almost soundlessly next to her. ]
Hello, Cifera. To what do I owe the pleasure of this lovely visit today?
[ It wasn't necessarily common for Cipher to show up here and Aglaea had her suspicions why but felt this was not the time for unnecessary interrogations when she was just pleased to see the other here in Okhema. ]
no subject
But it hasn't lessened the boredom.
And so, that is why she is here, to see about... asking... Aglaea to travel the stars with her. Which sounds so stupid when she puts it like that but that's what she's trying to do, isn't it? Maybe she shouldn't do this... she's starting to regret it. ]
I was just passing through. On my way to something much more interesting than anything Okhema has to offer, but.
[ Uh. ]
I wanted to... talk to you! Briefly.
no subject
Hearing that little something in Cipher's voice sure got her attention, pale eyes loosely fixed on the other chrysos heir. Sure it would be too easy to figure her out but it'd been some time since she had seen Cipher so naturally she wanted to prolong her time around her.
They had so much to talk about but it was clear both of them held reluctance to even broach any of those subjects. ]
I see. In that case, why don't we walk and continue our conversation?
[ Mostly so they don't take up too much time in front of this vendor's stall but she was possibly erring on that what Cipher wished to speak with her about might not be for prying ears.
All the same, she was still pleased because in the past it felt borderline torturous to try and get the other woman to visit Okhema in any real capacity since she tended to avoid it in the past for a reason she was sure that Cipher didn't know she had discovered thanks to the Trailblazer and Nameless.
Aglaea had even turned slightly, more towards Cipher but letting her pick the direction for the two of them to head in while they continued talking. ]
no subject
Now things are different and for a moment, Cipher wonders if she's made a mistake by coming here, by letting herself linger in Aglaea's orbit. She wants to run, immediately, to run until she's safe again, far away from the golden threads and Aglaea's all seeing gaze.
... But no, she's the one here to make an offer, isn't she? She breathes out slowly and starts to walk, letting them meander for a bit in silence before she broaches the topic. ]
How are... how has Okhema been? Since everything. Surely they don't need you as desperately as they used to.
[ Wait, that's insulting. ]
no subject
Something was on Cipher's mind and part of it was confirmed as soon as she heard those words.
Anyone else might have taken them as an insult, but that was to those who didn't understand how Cipher went about things. There were layers to all of this, not to mention the truths that laid themselves bare at the same time and perhaps just why she found a small, bemused smile curling her lips. Pale green eyes loosely fixed on Cipher's face and no real insult or anger showing on her face whatsoever. ]
It's been quite peaceful. The people do not need the same protection as they once required during the threat of the Black Tide.
[ A soft sigh and she briefly closed her eyes, though her calm steps did not still in the slightest. ]
I must admit to feeling a little restless.
no subject
But how can they even get there? She has no idea. ]
Restless. I get it. There's ... not a lot out there for me either.
[ She clasps her hands behind her back then, stretching them above her head in a lazy movement before dropping them back down to hold against the small of her back. Her tail winds its way around her arm idly before sliding off, letting go. Her thoughts still wander, trying to pick the right words for this. ]
I've done so much. Seen so much. So many lifetimes... [ Of course, neither of them are Phainon, they don't remember everything, but there are some things that linger. ] And now there's... opportunity for us, you know?
[ What kind of opportunity, Cipher? ]
no subject
Even if they didn't remember ALL of the instances, there were definitely some things that lingered and she couldn't ever forget. So she couldn't help but nod her head curtly in agreement to Cipher's words, turning to seemingly gaze at the other woman with a note of curiosity flashing across her face. ]
Oh? Do tell.
[ A note of something amused lingered in her tone, but never meant to push Cipher more than entirely necessary here. ]
You truly have me curious.
no subject
Cipher breathes out carefully, looks towards Aglaea and then looks away when she notices the other woman's all seeing eyes on her. She wonders how the golden threads would work outside of Okhema. Would she still be able to see so clearly? ]
I... want to leave Amphoreus.
[ Her gaze skitters back towards Aglaea, hesitant, before she looks away again. ]
The Trailblazers said they could get me my own ship. Or join them on the Astral Express for a while if I wanted. But I โ
[ Her stomach is in knots. She feels terrible. She wants to run. ]
I want to go. With you. I don't want to ride their train, I want to explore with you instead.
[ Fuck. She said it. She said it and now she can't take it back. Quietly, she stares hard at the ground as they walk, her hands dropping to clench at her sides. Even her tail comes to curl around her body, showing just how hard this was for her to say. ]
no subject
Allowing herself to be vulnerable and expressing her true thoughts not hidden by any form of coy layers or disguised words.
Given her history, Aglaea knew it must be incredibly hard for Cipher to speak her mind to her like this. She always had known Cipher would someday wish to explore further than what Amphoreus could offer, but to think she really did want to explore the vast galaxy with her? It managed to warm her heart in a way she didn't think was even possible with her waning humanity.
Her expression then softened and she shifted just a touch closer, reaching a hand out to brush gently against one of Cipher's. ]
Thank you for being so straightforwards with me, Cifera.
[ Aglaea's tone was light, but wholeheartedly sincere. She didn't make any moves to step away any, but never pressing any contact more than what Cipher would be comfortable with. ]
If I am to be quite honest? I have been feeling restless since the situation has resolved and I have long since recognized that the other chrysos heirs are more than capable of handling matters here.
[ Especially those like Phainon. He'd grown so much and experienced more than what a normal person should ever be made to experience but she also had seen his leadership and that they all could handle matters here now that the Black Tide was no longer a threat and people could freely traverse Amphoreus beyond Okhema's walls. ]
To have a chance to spend more time with you and be able to experience something new? I would be pleased to join you in your travels.
[ Logic dictated that she shouldn't but falling onto old habits was something she'd done for WAY too long. Aglaea knew that she would not have even remotely considered leaving Okhema if it wasn't for Cipher necessarily bringing it up or wanting her specifically to join her in her travels across the galaxy.
Sometimes it really did take the right person. ]
no subject
She hoped, and that is why she's struck dumb when she gets exactly what she wants in reply. Her eyes drop down quickly to the hand brushing against her own and then up again to Aglaea's face. She knows they should keep walking, that she shouldn't let this distract her, but she slows to a stop as the stunned sensation does not leave and she's still so struck dumb. ]
You โ really?
[ She doesn't know what to say, doesn't know how to even put into words how badly she wanted this and now that she has it, emotion floods her in a way it hasn't in a long, long time. A dam breaking inside her and she feels heat in her eyes as they grow wet and she has to swallow around the lump in her throat.
A bit in awe, she clarifies โ ]
You'll come with me...
[ She sniffs and she tries very hard not to do anything more than that to give herself away but her voice is very small suddenly as she continues, quiet โ ]
Agy...
[ Oh, she should've thought better about this. They really shouldn't be in public right now. She's absolutely going to break. She just got what she wanted more than anything else in the world and she doesn't know how she can handle that, at all. ]
no subject
Simply just having the opportunity to be present when Cipher let her walls down and let herself be genuine without any sort of act in place just warmed her heart. That same one she had been sure was encased in some form of ice after all this time, and yet was proof that some of her precious humanity still indeed remained.
Aglaea nodded and made to gently grasp Cipher's hand, intertwining their fingers as a soft hum was breathed out. Her smile warm and unbelievably kind. ]
Come, Cifera. Let us go somewhere a little more private, shall we?
[ To someone as proud and headstrong as the demigod of Trickery, she knew that it was never easy to let herself show emotion like this. So she's light, but insistent as she lead the other Chrysos Heir into a quieter alley away from the hustle and bustle of the market.
Somewhere that happened to shield them away from the prying eyes of others. ]
Listen. I know it may seem a little strange, given my duty to Okhema but... I suppose I have missed spending time with you. As selfish as it may come across.
no subject
She said yes...! She's going to come with her, going to travel with her, they're going to be together...! It's a surreal feeling, getting what you've always wanted, and Cipher is still unsure if she should be feeling this way in the first place. ]
You can be selfish.
[ It's Cipher's first response there, quiet but encouraging. She'll step in close to Aglaea, her free hand reaching up to touch her cheek oh so gently. ]
If anyone deserves to, it's you, Agy.
[ In so many cycles, how many times has she lost herself to the flame chase journey? She deserves to be selfish, to live a life just for her at this point. ]
I know that's rich coming from me but...
[ She really wants Aglaea to live for herself, and hopefully in that, be by Cipher's side at the same time. ]
no subject
She leant a little into that hand touching her cheek, lips curling into a light and gentle smile. ]
Mm. No... you're right.
[ Aglaea's tone is a touch bemused but she's not shying away from what is little more than fact by this time. Too many times had she forgotten herself and what it was like to live beyond her actual duty. ]
It is long overdue, I think. So perhaps we both can move forwards and try being more honest. Together.
[ Her voice is softer now, closing her eyes and exhaling a soft breath she didn't even truly know she'd been holding. ]