Her hands fidgeted in her lap, twisting the already-mangled blanket further.
"I could hear you, like you were really there, whenever I was in danger. Like you still cared and wanted to keep me safe."
The vice-like grip on my heart was back.
I couldn't summon the proper ire when she looked so horrifically subdued.
My hands moved tentatively, wanting to stroke her face.
They seized right before contact. Clenched in mired uncertainty.
I had been lucky up to this point.
She hadn't spurned me, sent packing right out her window.
Alice's blank visions were still strong in my mind.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Wooaahh, we're halfway there. All done with the double updates for now, but I know if I don't just get it out there I'll keep going back and rewriting and rehashing and I really like the way it is right now.
Shoutout to 2muchtrouble - I'd say get out of my head, but I enjoy the company. Your reviews on all my fics are always so astute, like you hear my thought process.
Also to Fyrebyrd - that rec had my phone poppin' for a fiscal 24 hours in the best kinda way. Thank you so fucking much. I appreciate you.
To everyone who's followed, favorited, reviewed- I see you. I'm reading every single review. Please know how much the kind words and theories and encouragement mean to me. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to maybe redeem this whole interaction.