#mareike

“no, no,” julian says immediately. “nothing. nothing like that.” his smile is crooked as he leans his cheek against the palm of his hand. “just… i left. for three years. and i’ve…”

his breath is shaky. “and i’ve only barely begun to remember you. aren’t you mad?” 

mareike hums.

it’s strange. she’s angry all the time. feels it in her blood, pulsing through her veins. it’s her conduit for her magic— her one source of power. 

“i was mad,” mareike says slowly. her hand reaches to touch julian’s shoulder, not missing how julian seems to relax bonelessly, as if a weight he didn’t realize he was holding dissipated. “was. you left me, y’know? left without explanation. and then— then you come back, and what? you don’t remember me? you prosecute yourself in front of the countess, the entirety of vesuvia— for a crime i know you didn’t commit?” 

she laughs. 

“i was furious,” she says. “but… i missed you.” 

julian’s lips are parted, mouthing something wordlessly. 

he shakily exhales.