yearning, yearning

-stops walking ans smiles- I’m Nic. Who might you be?

-turns towards her, pushing his hair out of his eyes- Cast. Uh, nice to meet you, Nic. 

-continues walking, picking her head up to see where the humming was coming from- Hi. -she speaks as she keeps walking at a leisurely pace-

-is surprised by the greeting, looking up and smiling at the passing figure- Oh, uh, hello...? 

-walks along the grounds returning from the forest. stops because she hears the humming- Oh god, not another person. -keeps walking her head cast down-

-just walks along normally, not really noticing the other person as he goes, and definitely doesn't notice he's begun to walk in her direction- 

[nods, pretending everything’s normal, something she’s very good at] I’m good. tired, though. school’s a bit hectic at the moment. You?

I'm glad you're good, love. I understand, halfway through the semester and things just kick off... Oh, I'm alright too. I mean... generally alright. 

[nods and brings his hand up to kiss his knuckles affectionately] Of course, Cast… [smiles warmly, reassuring him]

-smiles softly, some of the color returning to his face- Thank you, love... -swallows, trying to get more normal- How are you? 

[shakes her head and reaches out for his hand, squeezing gently] You can talk to me, Cast… 

-puts his other hand over hers, looking up at her- D-Do you mind if we don't talk about it? I just... not right now... 

[isn’t convinced, but shrinks back slightly anyway and nods her head, unsure what to say]

-drops his eyes, looking at his lap- It's just... my mom... it's okay. 

[furrows her eyebrows, concerned] Is everything okay, love?

-slips the letter into his pocket, nodding slightly, talking to both of them- Yeah... it'll be fine. 

[spots him while on her morning walk, smiling softly and hugging herself as she walks over to him, sitting beside him wordlessly]

-senses her presence and quickly folds the letter, turning to look at her with the worried expression still on his face before it turns to relief and he smiles at her-