( closed ) millions and billions and trillions of stars, but I’m down here low

[dashing]

WHO: Herian & Cosima
WHAT: dealing with some bad emotional times
WHEN: post-Anderfels
WHERE: Cosima's quarters, Kirkwall
NOTES: Heads up for discussion of Tranquility, possibly reference to bad stuff that went down in the Anderfels. I'll do a catch-all for more aftermath and general Herian stuff early next month, feel free to prod at me if you'd like something in that and I'll make it happen :]b

The Commander has taken her crystal, so she is not able to grant Cosima much warning of her arrival, save for the heavy fall of her fast against the door. Perhaps Coupe will have contacted Cosima herself, she knows not, and truthfully it is not a thought that occurs to her in any capacity beyond fleeting. As they departed the Anderfels many things have tumbled through her mind, and the closer they drew to Kirkwall, the more consuming Cosima became as an entity. The need to ensure she is alright, that what she saw in the Fade truly was a lie, and then the painful realisation of what she needs to tell her.

Too quick to have allowed a chance for Cosima to respond, she knocks again. "Cosima," she calls through the door, but her voice sounds rough and tired, and she is bracing both of her hands against the stone framing the door, using it to hold herself up.

Her heart doesn't feel like it's layered over the way it had in the Fade, but it is still beating too fast and too slow in turns and feels like it is trying to claw through her ribs.

Comments

[youwonscience]

Cosima exhales, a little shakily, staying close. "I'm glad you told me now, at least. I wish you'd told me sooner. You don't have to be perfectly strong all the time. Not with me."

[dashing]

Gently, her fingers curl through the ends of Cosima’s hair, twisting it around her fingers. Her other arm hugs Cosima close, though she hardly needs to urge Cosima to stay near her. It’s more protective.

“I know.” The words come slowly, uncertainly, but she forgets on. “I want to do better.”

Her hand drops so she can wrap that around Cosima as well, hugging her as she speaks against her cheek. “If— I promise you I’ll— I will share my burdens with you, so long as you do the same.”

Inevitably it’ll take some time, practice.

A kiss, albeit fleeting. “Just because you assure me I need not be strong in isolation does not mean you will bear your own troubles as well as mine.”