[ Oh. Though they’d only just exchanged the promise to be more open with one another, Grelle had thought it would be more difficult for him— what, with how good he was at maintaining that cold stone wall around his heart, for how long they’ve known one another.

Somehow, though, she understands. He might have reinforced those barricades to put distance between himself and others, but after so long, she can only imagine that it became a dam of yearning and sorrow.

Seeing William’s eyes shift in desperation, she reaches up to cup his cheek, gently commanding his attention. ]

Will, I—

[ There’s a breathless little laugh as she shakes her head, and her hand finds its way back to his chest.

Ah, but that doesn’t feel quite right; caressing the back of his neck, however, does. ]

I do have a habit of chasing dreams, don’t I? And there have been times that I’ve lost myself along the way— but, somehow, you’ve always been there to piece me back together...