I do. Luckily, I'm not the worst at navigation.

[ it doesn't take much thought. not when his compass had surely been pointed toward death and nothingness. who better to redirect him, help him chart a new course forward, than a retired mapmaker?

she lets the words absorb into his cheek, the pointed tip of her nose swiping up to meet his. with it comes the first wave of calm that's swept over her all day, some transient semblance of peace she knows will dissipate like a phantom. but for now —

gingerly, she sets her hands atop the nape of his neck, weaving her fingers together behind his head like latticework. ]

For what it's worth ... I am grateful you didn't give up hope. I'd have never known you, if you had.

[ perhaps it's a selfish, warped sentiment to give. that man's disintegrating body is still fresh in her mind — a statement that had come at a cost. chishiya only lives because he had chosen the peace of sacrifice. but it feels worse, still, to minimize the mercy that he had paid chishiya, that day.

a second chance not taken is a second chance wasted. ]