[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/WQjDp9F.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240501/f05a736427987502b04e7512136c14ae.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Royal Residence[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Flynn watched Amaya carefully, analyzing every subtle shift in her expression and every small motion in her body language. He couldn’t help but notice the way her hair fell unruly around her face, how the nightgown clung to her body as she kept a calculated distance between them, how her eyes shifted away from his, how her—

His thoughts stumbled to a halt. 

It was almost imperceivable against her darker skin, but unmistakable to him. He’d gazed at her so often, traced the lines of her face so many times, that the slightest change was noticeable. She was… blushing. 

The rigid formality she always wore like armor still wasn’t in place, leaving her unguarded and… [i]nervous[/i]? The realization was surprising enough that it almost made him forget to breathe. 

A slow, almost lazy thrill unfurled in his chest. Something warm, bold and just a little bit smug.

He knew this look, this energy. He’d seen it on plenty of faces before—flustered, uncertain, caught off guard in his presence. But to see it on [i]her[/i]? That was new.  

He wasn’t used to being the one to leave her so visibly unsteady, and it gave him a rare, almost dangerous sense of confidence. Something told him that if he reached for her now, she might not immediately pull away. Maybe she’d even lean into it. The thought was oddly reassuring and calming. Maybe she had enjoyed his company after all—begrudgingly or not. 

As she sat up, he silently cursed himself for having pulled away, for letting the weight of his own thoughts drag him out from under her. He should have stayed. Should have kept her tucked against his chest and kissed her awake instead. He wanted to reach for her, pull her back down onto the couch with him and coax her into staying just a little longer.

But before he could convince himself to try it, she spoke—quick and practical, trying to cut through her own nerves with practicality. 

Flynn just nodded, his lips curving into a soft, almost teasing smile. [color=337d71]“Right. I should dress too,”[/color] he said, keeping his voice gentle. [color=337d71]“Sorry, I... didn’t mean to wake you.”[/color]

His thoughts snagged on the notion, unsure of what he would’ve done if she hadn’t woken up. Left her there to wake up alone? No—that didn’t sit right with him. He would’ve stayed. He’d just… needed a moment to breathe.

His gaze caught on her hands as she started to rise, and an urge to stop her tightened in his chest. Before he could overthink it, the words quickly tumbled out.

[color=337d71]“I meant what I said—yesterday.”[/color] He paused, waiting for her to meet his gaze. [color=337d71]“About… being my partner,”[/color] he clarified when she did, holding the soft smile on his lips. 

He hesitated for a beat before leaning in, nudging her shoulder with his in a gentle, playful gesture.  

[color=337d71]“Come with me today,”[/color] he said, lingering close, his gaze dipping briefly to her nightgown before finding her face again. There was a spark of mischief in his eyes, but it was softened by a touch of tenderness that lingered just beneath the surface.

[color=337d71]“I’ve got to check in with the commanders first,”[/color] he continued, eyes briefly flicking to her lips. [color=337d71]“Then, apparently they’ve put someone in the cells—that odd man we ran into on the road before… Speaking of treason, I heard.”[/color] He sighed, slowly finding her eyes again. [color=337d71]“After that… more blight-born interviews.”[/color]

The list felt heavy on his shoulders as he named his tasks aloud. He just wanted to stay here, with her.

[color=337d71]“You’re welcome to join me for any of it,”[/color] he said, softer now. [color=337d71]“All, or just some…”[/color] he paused, knowing that everything might be too much after what she’d just been through. 
[color=337d71]“Or none of it at all,”[/color] he added, his eyes searching hers. 

[color=337d71]“Whatever you desire.”[/color]


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[Sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Amaya [@c3p-0h][/sub]