Derrica might have asked it as a joke, had Ellie not drawn her in.
Instead, understanding that this is something like safe harbor, a reprieve before they must both return to the swirl of conversation waiting in the auditorium and the hallways beyond them, Derrica leans into Ellie. Settles into the embrace with a quiet sigh, arms looped around Ellie's waist.
There is a pang in her chest for it. Not sorrow, but some kind of joy for Ellie offering this when Ellie remembers how she'd flinched away from Derrica's hand once. It is so good to observe healing. A simple, uncomplicated thing to celebrate, even in the midst of so much stress.
"Thank you," is said softly against Ellie's shoulder.
Because she understands the meaning of this. That it's not an easy thing either.
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Derrica might have asked it as a joke, had Ellie not drawn her in.
Instead, understanding that this is something like safe harbor, a reprieve before they must both return to the swirl of conversation waiting in the auditorium and the hallways beyond them, Derrica leans into Ellie. Settles into the embrace with a quiet sigh, arms looped around Ellie's waist.
There is a pang in her chest for it. Not sorrow, but some kind of joy for Ellie offering this when Ellie remembers how she'd flinched away from Derrica's hand once. It is so good to observe healing. A simple, uncomplicated thing to celebrate, even in the midst of so much stress.
"Thank you," is said softly against Ellie's shoulder.
Because she understands the meaning of this. That it's not an easy thing either.