she's so tiny . his hands find the small of her waist , like a habit , firmly securing her there . ❝ have i finally been promoted to your personal throne ? ❞ half-jest , half-not , this loathsome , fuzzy warm affection swells in his chest and he welcomes it , he welcomes it and has to break himself down like a pillar to rest his chin on top of her head . his eyes soften , his touch like a glove , wanting to soothe the sharp edges of her body . ❝ ... i've missed you . ❞ doesn't he always ? hours , minutes , his heart seldom responds to reason ; the softness of his lips find her temple , arching his spine into the shape of a bow , he hums , content , allowing for his heart to settle back into a rhythmic beat , in peace , at last .