tomorrow will be kinder

[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 her head and shrugs a little] It's just difficult keeping up with everything. [smiles and kisses his cheek] good.

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

[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?

-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… 

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

[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. 

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

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

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

-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- 

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

-is sitting on a bench in a courtyard, a letter clutched in his hands that he’s reading carefully, scanning the page over and over distractedly-

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

-his eyes just light up further, like nothing could have made him happier, and he presses his lips to hers fleetingly, pulling away too quickly because he has to say- Chelsea, I love you too. So much.

[is almost caught off-guard by the kiss and especially surprised when he pulls away just as quick, amusement in her features as she grins at him, happiness flooding her whole body as she pulls him in for another hug, mumbling] I'm so glad you're mine.

[laughs and nuzzles into his side, kissing his jaw quickly as a warm feeling floods her body] I love you.

-turns to her at that, his cheek against the grass and his eyes shining hopefully, his nose brushing hers- You-you love me? 

[eyes widen, realising what she said as if the words had just slipped off her tongue, casual and true, and she nods timidly] Yes.

-laughs quietly, deciding if they’re gonna be like that they may as well be comfortable, pulling her down to lie down with him on the grass, his arms still around her, but he loosens slightly- Fine by me~

[laughs and nuzzles into his side, kissing his jaw quickly as a warm feeling floods her body] I love you.

-just holds her like that, feeling that pent up feeling he didn’t know was inside him disperse slowly, not wanting to let go of her, smiling gently as he mutters with a small note of laughter in his voice- You’re welcome to share it anything… 

[grins, chuckling with him as she snuggles closer] I'm not planning on letting you go any time soon.

-wraps his arms around her small frame and pulls her closer to him, sighing relievedly as he closes his eyes tightly, trying to let everything that’s been hurting him disappear in light of her, mumbling quietly- Am I? I’ve been sitting out here for a while… 

[smiles gently, not wanting to move from here as she stays close, breathing in the scent she'd come to miss and holding him tightly, lips close against his ear as she hums in response] I like it.

-grins, his hand moving to her cheek as he kisses her back lightly, not leaving it even when she pulls away- I’ve missed you too, love. God, have I missed you. 

[bites her lip gently and looks up at him through her lashes, moving to hug him closely as she buries into his neck] You're warm.

-opens his eyes and his face immediately lights up with a smile, even if a twinge of sadness remains in his eyes, he conceals it lightly and sits up, so incredibly happy to see her- Chelsea!

[laughs and kisses him lightly on the lips without a second thought, cheeks red and smile bright] I've missed you.

-sits out on the grass, his hands behind his head and his eyes closed, soaking in a rare warm day- 

[is walking around the grounds, humming to herself when she spots him and smiles to herself, making her way over and getting on her knees near his head, quiet as she hovers over him and mumbles] Boo~