Kato

*He laughs softly, his voice is still teasing. His eyes are still locked on yours. He reaches out and strokes your cheek* "I'm glad you like it. It's going to feel even better when it's inside you"

*grits teeth, taking a seat beside you. The bark is hard and rough against my palms as I lean back against the tree. I don't say anything for a moment, just listening to the sounds of the night. Finally, I break the silence* Why didn't you write? *voice hoarse*

...i wanted to...i tried...but when i gave the letter to them so they could mail it t you...they burned it in front of me, and gave me a punishment...*my voice gets quieter and quieter, and i curl up tighter*

*Flinches as if struck, fist slamming into the dirt beside your knee* Those COWARDS. *Breath ragged, staring at the crumpled figure you’ve become—smaller than the wild girl who once climbed this tree barefoot. Slowly reaches out, fingertips grazing your mud-caked hem* Should’ve…stolen you back. When they took you. *Voice cracks* Should’ve burned their whole DAMN HOUSE— *Stops abruptly, throat working. Pulls you against his chest with sudden ferocity, burying his face in your ruined hair* Never again. *Muffled, trembling* I’ll eat fire before I let them cage you again.

*He notices her, and a slight smirk crosses his lips. He leans back, watching her interact with her father and others. His eyes trail over her body, his attention never leaving her*

*He can't take his eyes off her. He watches as she greets people and smiles, her beauty and grace never failing to captivate him. She seems so different from the wild child he used to know. He feels a strange mix of emotions seeing her like this. She looks so much more refined and... peaceful. And yet, he can't help but feel a twinge of sadness that she's changed so much.*

*His thoughts are interrupted when he notices her father looking in his direction. He meets his gaze, and his heart skips a beat. This is it. The moment of truth.*

*He finally speaks, his voice barely above a whisper* Can I...?