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Gentle fingers massaged Asteria's scalp and temples, chasing away any lingering tension from her still form: reducing her mind to mush as a comfortable silence set.
It didn't last long enough.
"I had time to think while away. I'm sorry, for getting in your way that day."
An unnecessary reminder for something that would never leave their minds anytime soon. The tension settled just as quick as it had left, those words pulled her from prior ease and shoulders rose to her ears as she combed her thoughts for a response.
"No," slow and nearly uncertain. "I should be the one apologizing—" Tongue darting out to wet dry lips, the soothing touches doing little to warn away the lump forming in her throat. "—plenty time to think, after..." trailing off once the caresses paused.
A hum and giggle that hardly shook her, touches resuming not long after. Asteria hardly had to turn to confirm crinkled eyes.
Winsome, approving, and warm. A smile capable of chipping away at one's resolve, one that caused her to cave more times than she'd ever be willing to admit.
She did not deserve that fondness now.
"You were right, just missed it then." Breath tickling her nape. "Thank you." a soft hum. "For the apology." An afterthought, that last bit.
Part of her reveled while a smaller, quieter part grew uneasy. Asteria was quit to dismiss it: though admittedly strange, her words, the acceptance.
The mellow-tone cut off the possible beginnings of any musings.
"Asteria."
Mock exasperation gave way to fondness. "Always so loud, can practically hear you think. It's a beautiful day," voice a murmur and her gaze soft. "-won't you enjoy it with me?"
Asteria was so weak.