flamepilllar:
And as attentive as he is, even when caught staring off into space, he doesn’t miss the way she settles closer to him — an action that initially picks up the beat of his heart; though if one thing is difficult to find in the flame pillar, it’s nervousness, proven by how quickly he melts into a pleasant calm, forever enjoying company, but twice over enjoying Shinobu’s presence. So, of course he welcomes it, head tipped slightly in her direction as though prepared to hear even the faintest of whispers she might offer up. Prepared to lend an ear as well as simply bask in the peace of a warm day. Allows a little hum of his own as her palm’s weight settles comfortably atop his hand, and spreads digits in a gentle offering to allow her own to fill the space between. “—— today has been calm,” he starts, as boisterous as always even through an attempt to tone himself down, as not to scare their winged company (he does not bother to bring further attention to her affection, happy to bask silently in the comfortable flutter it stirs within his chest), “like the world is at ease.”
“— even the butterflies seem more tranquil than usual. Isn’t it lovely?”
AND IF ANYTHING, his compliance with her teasing was unexpected –––– something that left her vulnerable, if only for a moment. She was used to gently prodding away at boundaries, but never used to someone openly letting her in.
And even more so, she wasn’t used to the gentleness in holding hands ––– perhaps with younger children, she was able to evoke that softness within her, but when it came to the other pillars (even retired ones), she was far more used to being made of rougher edges (if anything, to keep up with everyone else’s overwhelming strength). She was weak, and she knew that –––– but never, would she allow herself to express something less than powerful, in front of someone her age.
And even if cheeks tint red for a moment, the softness stings. She wants to crunch her fingers down to the point the other’s bones broke, but she knew she wasn’t capable. It ached, but she smiles regardless.
“––––did you miss this, rengoku-san?” she tries to be kind, “–––when you’re a pillar, you don’t have time to admire beauty... but now you can appreciate it, again.”
“–––is it nice?”
