Word Count: 194
For Sam because Chaco and freeverse.
You fall in love with him
when he's not looking
on a late autumn afternoon.
He is cold hearted and reluctant,
a packed suitcase always ready to go
(ready to run)
and long sleeves to hide his shame
that keeps him up at night,
invisible bloodstains clouding his vision
red eyes and wands drawn.
And he can't keep his hands from shaking
or his gaze from wandering toward the nearest [exit],
toward the nearest escape.
"You can't run away forever,"
you say
but he swears that he's not listening,
swears you wouldn't understand.
And yet a week later you find him on your doorstep once again.
Says Romania agrees with him,
something he can't quite put his finger on
but you don't push him.
You don't presuppose or pressure
because any good tamer knows
that dragons are slow to love.
They are vain and suspicious and careful.
They live in a world that is easily broken,
that could turn to .:ash:. with a breath,
but you can wait
because it's true:
he can't run away forever.
And dragons may be slow to love
but they love fiercely.
And so do you.
So do you.