And I didn't even accidentally proposition you, we're getting better at this.
[ Said with a quirky smile as she opens the door, which is already a massive improvement since the last time he'd even suggested that she might've done so she'd had a meltdown. Now she can look back on it and laugh, feels like they both can.
She's similarly grateful, feels a sense of being at home with him. Being able to talk things out- or bicker, or even argue -and not be blamed for everything that might go wrong between them had taken some getting used to, but it was an adjustment she'd made gladly. Having someone who would get mad and open up to her instead of bottling it up and trying to keep the peace all the time, leading to Katara blaming herself for picking a fight was similarly a much healthier feeling. Somehow with Seifer they'd managed to find the right balance.
He'd seen her at her worst, her angriest, and he still wanted to be around her after. And while maybe it was a low bar, it had to be noted that he never lashed out with venom or accusations or fire out of jealousy or anger. He could be gruff, and he sure as hell gave as good as he got in an argument, but he'd never said anything in anger that would purposely hurt her, and neither had she him. It felt like it was safe and okay for them to disagree without things blowing up in their faces in the most toxic way possible. He didn't resent her for expecting better from him. He didn't hold it against her when she wasn't at her best, either.
Now that he's here Katara really does feel a comfortable weight settle over her, all the more apparent for the warmth and strength of his grip, not hard but still sure. Someone has come along that can help her feel anchored and grounded: a rock in the storm.
She's not sure how badly he'd tease her if she told him that in those exact words. Her answer is still automatic as she gives his hand a squeeze in return before the gentle pull, guiding him inside. ]
It's your world's loss, and this one's gain. [ That's not even a question in her mind. ] I feel a lot better about facing whatever is going on here with you.
[ The words are out, unfiltered before she can think to stop them, and there's a soft blush to her cheeks and she stares at him for a moment as Katara tries to not call excessive attention to it.
Then her eyes slide away, shy. Not that she'd take it back, or hadn't meant it. ]
... That's... not exactly how I'd wanted to tell you how glad I am that you're here,
[ She says with a short, quiet, breathless laugh as her free hand comes up to brush some hair back behind her ear and then clasp at the back of her neck. ]
no subject
[ Said with a quirky smile as she opens the door, which is already a massive improvement since the last time he'd even suggested that she might've done so she'd had a meltdown. Now she can look back on it and laugh, feels like they both can.
She's similarly grateful, feels a sense of being at home with him. Being able to talk things out- or bicker, or even argue -and not be blamed for everything that might go wrong between them had taken some getting used to, but it was an adjustment she'd made gladly. Having someone who would get mad and open up to her instead of bottling it up and trying to keep the peace all the time, leading to Katara blaming herself for picking a fight was similarly a much healthier feeling. Somehow with Seifer they'd managed to find the right balance.
He'd seen her at her worst, her angriest, and he still wanted to be around her after. And while maybe it was a low bar, it had to be noted that he never lashed out with venom or accusations or fire out of jealousy or anger. He could be gruff, and he sure as hell gave as good as he got in an argument, but he'd never said anything in anger that would purposely hurt her, and neither had she him. It felt like it was safe and okay for them to disagree without things blowing up in their faces in the most toxic way possible. He didn't resent her for expecting better from him. He didn't hold it against her when she wasn't at her best, either.
Now that he's here Katara really does feel a comfortable weight settle over her, all the more apparent for the warmth and strength of his grip, not hard but still sure. Someone has come along that can help her feel anchored and grounded: a rock in the storm.
She's not sure how badly he'd tease her if she told him that in those exact words. Her answer is still automatic as she gives his hand a squeeze in return before the gentle pull, guiding him inside. ]
It's your world's loss, and this one's gain. [ That's not even a question in her mind. ] I feel a lot better about facing whatever is going on here with you.
[ The words are out, unfiltered before she can think to stop them, and there's a soft blush to her cheeks and she stares at him for a moment as Katara tries to not call excessive attention to it.
Then her eyes slide away, shy. Not that she'd take it back, or hadn't meant it. ]
... That's... not exactly how I'd wanted to tell you how glad I am that you're here,
[ She says with a short, quiet, breathless laugh as her free hand comes up to brush some hair back behind her ear and then clasp at the back of her neck. ]
but... I'm really glad you're here.