It is not difficult to notice the tension in her body, the repression in her voice. He is slightly disappointed, having already come to think of her as a friend and hoping that she might have come to reciprocate in the time that has passed. But he refrains from commenting or showing any outward indications as she finishes her statement. He sighs for her as her breath catches and draws back when she does, granting her more of the space that she seems to need.
“I am sorry if I pushed you too hard. Perhaps it is just easier to find someone you’ve more recently interacted with. I doubt this is something that can be mastered overnight..”
His neck stretches toward her again, wanting to offer a comforting touch, but he quickly withdraws and tucks his chin as close to his chest as possible. He wants to help her, but he finds himself wondering if she will ever accept it, so he lets the silence swell between them once more.
But not for long. His voice is quiet, tentative. “I know it’s easier said than done, but give yourself some grace.” He blows out a soft breath, hoping that she will meet his eye and find the sincerity. “I’ll do what I can to help.”
The awkwardness of the moment captures his tongue again, so he shakes out his wings to send any remaining traces of water flying into the air. His face crinkles when she asks of his living arrangements. His eyes drift to the scenery that lies behind her, not quite sure of what his answer truly is. Still, he gives one anyway.
“I haven’t made up my mind, though it is a lovely place to settle down.”
He is pleased when she meets his eye again, and even more so by the smile she gives. The mention of his wings elicits a gentle laugh and he extends one to look at, then tucks it at his side again so that he can repeat the motion with the other one.
“They’re quite nice. There’s a certain kind of freedom in flight that I’d be loath to relinquish now that I’ve found it.”
In keeping with the topic, he uses the still extended wing to gesture to the waiting Dale as he also moves to exit the water.
“So, what would you like to do or see next?”
assailant
"The comfort zone is always the most desirable place to be. But in settling for comfort, there is a price to pay and it comes in the death of ambition, of hope, of youth, and the death of self."
-Simon Barnes
@Famkee