@praeludio: “Does it hurt?” ( nile @ booker )
Nile’s earnestness is embarrassingly hard to come by. Easier, because of that same thing, to want to challenge her on it. Booker knows better.
It’s not as simple as saying Anaïs’s name. He’ll never give that to anyone. There are still cheaper shots by far to take at himself, but with all his unlearning, this confusing place without defense or proper attack, he ends up almost— shy.
Never thought he’d see the day.
❝Sometimes,❞ he half-asks. ❝Less when I just let it.❞
Good enough for him.
❝Does yours?❞















