#genrambles

The door behind them creaked open just a touch. Rauru glanced over his shoulder and found the tiny figure of Sonia there, peering in curiously. “Come on in,” he beckoned. “Do you require assistance?”

“I would like a word, if possible.”

“Yes, of course.” He turned away from Mineru and stepped closer to the Hylian. “I never thanked you for the tea, did I?”

“You did, yes,” Sonia assured him. “Mineru, apologies but…may I speak with your brother in private?”

Mineru’s ears twitched as she turned away from her readings. “I—well, sure, I guess…” She awkwardly side-stepped towards the doorway. “Just…let me know when you’ve…finished.”

The doors closed and Rauru ruffled the back of his head. “Forgive her…she’s not the most verbose.”

“It’s not a problem.” Sonia stepped closer, keeping their distance familiar rather than professional. “Your travels went well?”

“The travel itself wasn’t particularly notable, which is a blessing.” He folded his arms. “As for the Rito…well, there is more trouble there than anticipated. Nothing patience cannot solve.” His head tipped down, closer to her. “Not to make any hasty assumptions, but I feel as though this is not what you are interested in discussing.”

“Not…necessarily.” She smirked. “Are you giving my clairvoyance a try?”

“Perhaps I’ve been taking some notes.”

“I see. Well, in that case, and forgive me if I’m mistaken but…we have known each other for some time. I am quite fond of you. And I am to believe you are quite fond of me.”

Rauru nodded slightly and slowly. “Yes, that is true.”

“I mentioned the other night…how the Goddess keeps drawing us together. You remember that, yes?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I suppose you do like a direct conversation. I apologize for avoiding this subject for so long, or merely hinting at it.” She stepped closer, extended a hand towards him. “I am…very fond of you, Rauru. Very fond. And I would like to keep being fond of you, if in a way lovers are.”

“S-Sonia….”

His hand was chilled and foreign in hers, despite how many times she felt his casual touch. She stared at his thin fingers, the golden-copper rings and bands around his forearm, structured to enhance his power. “I understand if our physical differences may seem like a daunting obstacle, but like all else, it’s an obstacle we can quell together.” Her eyes closed as sureness swept over her. “I know the fondness—the love—we feel for one another, transcends any corporeal bounds. Like you’ve said so many times…” Her eyes opened and she tried to meet his, but he was staring at her hand in his. “There is so little difference between us. We are both fragile. We both breathe and bleed.” She locked their fingers together and squeezed. “I’d like to breathe and bleed together. As one.”

Rauru said nothing, which would have had her worrying if his other hand hadn’t tenderly nestled against her cheek, fingers weaving into her hair. “Forgive me,” he said softly, “this is something I’ve wanted for so long…I urged myself to let the dream die. I had convinced myself it wasn’t feasible, especially now, but…”

Sonia leaned into his hand, warming against her skin. “Is that why you never returned to my village?”

“It is, subconsciously, most likely.” His eyes closed again and he leaned in closer. She couldn’t resist the offer to kiss the bridge of his nose again. To sever their hands so she could hold his jaw with both of hers, keep him there in her grasp, her forehead to his.