If you like music while you read, try "Astronomical" by SVRCINA. It's David and Zara's song!
*****
~ DAVID ~
I was frustrated, silenced by my inability to articulate the complex emotions to Zara. So, I let myself sink into the couch, my head resting on the back, my body cradled by it just as I cradled her. I indulged for a long moment, letting my fingers playing through her hair—which was entirely down, not even a few braids or pins at the front. I loved it when she wore it that way. Then, with a jolt, I remembered why we were here and why she'd been carried, why she sat in my lap.
"How is your pain?" I asked her quietly, watching her eyes for the flash of deception, or tension of fear. I was coming to know her enough to be sure that she would protect others at cost to herself. I did not plan to allow her to do that for me.
