b r e a t h e
Objective: Night to Remember
Location: Ballroom in XO
Cybelle was taken aback by the sudden collision and immediately started panic-apologizing before recognizing familiar hands. His quick reflexes steadied her, and his voice warmed her as easily as dawn might chase a frost-covered morning. He would be able to watch her emotions play out on her face as easily as if she'd broken down and explained each one. Surprise—because she hadn't been able to feel him through all these people. Wonder—At how handsome he was in anything including but not limited to a brown paper bag. Humbled—That he had picked her from a crowd of beautiful things.
Loved.
Because even in his sorrow…He still came. He still, wanted to be with her. That was all the gift she needed.
"…Are you really sorry?"
The question was full of innocence while honeyed eyes took in his features in the same way a flower might face the sun. Her hands found their place on his chest and the familiar current she felt when they touched caused her rapidly beating heart to find a steady rhythm. There were so many things she wanted to say. So many things she wanted to do. The clipped fashion in which he wished her a "happy" Life Day broke the momentary miracle that let her chase away storm clouds. Her pure joy simply at seeing his face was reminded of its place. Back, in its bottle.
She settled.
"...Happy Life Day to you too, Brandyn."
Her reply was made with a gentle, melodious tone, that seemed to soften the forced levity in the air. She took another moment just to…Take him in. His presence was everything she needed. It pained her that the reverse wasn't always true but a delicate hand rose to run lovingly along his jaw while angling it toward her. As if she might kiss him squarely, a bold move, from someone who seemed to have more in common with a rabbit. She leaned up on her tiptoes and brushed her nose against his for a moment.
Nothing too long. But close enough that she could breathe his air and express the quiet affection that she'd taken to leashing so as not to overwhelm him. Cybelle let Brandyn initiate. To try and let him decide what he needed versus Cybelle making the choice for him. She stepped back slightly in the circle of his arms while her all-too-knowing eyes drank in his expression. There was an undercurrent of emotion behind his eyes that anyone with a pulse might pick up on.
Cybelle wasn't just anyone.
She saw…Everything he wanted her to see. Everything he didn't.
"Did you see the younglings making snow angels?"
It was an innocent question that led to her arms twining softly around his neck. There were plenty of people dancing around them, shifting here and there, so it wouldn't look entirely out of place. Even under the mistletoe. She might have regaled him of the ice sculptures she saw while she breezed in at light speed, or, chastised him for hiding from her—But the soft curve of her lips showed complete understanding for anything he may require. "…We can leave…"
"…If you'd rather be at home."