The Aspiring Archivist

Tayen stayed there, wishing the moment would never end, finding himself again weeping into her embrace. @Lightweaver2

Thank you. He embraced her. @Just-A-Stick

I don't know. Maybe some day. But it seems to me that you're everything I need and more.

I want to be with you, and I want you to be happy.

Okay. I just wanted to be sure.

I want you to feel like you can be open with me. Like I can be here for anything you need. @Lightweaver2

"That... might be a hard sell, but it could work."

Likewise. Is there anything else?

Don't be. I think I needed to, and may need to yet.

I won't ever hide things from you. I couldn't.

"I don't know. They might not believe that there would be no consequences."

He pulled back. Sorry. I just... try not to think about my past too often.

Helda found Tayen weeping into her shoulder.

He pulled her into his arms and again held her tightly.

That's also a terrible thing to go through. Do you... know what happened to your family?

A fair deal of it was my fault. But thank you, nonetheless. He paused. How about you? What was your life like before I met you?

Ah. He sat down with her. Well, I grew up without a home, on the streets. I had a small group with me. Not family biologically, but they were as close as I had. Tayen paused for a long moment, taking several deep breaths before continuing. When I... did what I told you about before, they cast me out. Cut out my tongue as punishment. I deserved it. I never tried to make my life better form that point on. Not after taking that chance from someone I loved. I just... survived.

Not really that I know of, but we could talk about anything.

That might be a good idea... Is there anything you want to talk about, though? While we have a moment here with just the two of us?

Do you want to do anything much, or just spend time together?

Tayen reluctantly let her go to speak. Anywhere you want.

Tayen was the same, deeply lost in her eyes.