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A low and guttural sound came from deep in Hollow’s throat as they sewed.
They were sitting outside of their home, mending a scarf that was given to them to repair. Ghost went to them in a panic, the Child following close behind and they assumed the worst. Luckily it wasn’t too bad, but as they held it in their hand they knew that it was old. It had yellowed over time, the gleaming pale lost like much of the kingdom itself.
The story that Ghost told them was that of tragedy. They were visiting a sibling who now resides in the City of Tears as Lemm’s apprentice. The Lost now being found had chosen the name Monarch. That being said, they were still clumsy and their eyesight was still not the best so they tripped and stepped on the cloak causing the fragile piece to tear, turns out it was Lemm’s favorite scarf as well. It was old and no one knew how to mend it so it seemed like a lost cause…
Luckily Lemm was taking a trip to the Teacher’s Archive with Qurriel and Tiso, much to the old collector’s displeasure. With time on their side, Ghost rushed to the only person they knew who could mend this cloth.
A skill that was perfectly polished due to having kin prone to accidents and fighting.
So there they were, sitting on a bench that was nearby. The only light given to them was the nearby lamppost. The only sound was the wind, distant footsteps, and the humming of their broken voices. A voice that was ripped out of their throat unwillingly, a chorus of nails etching into stone. While not the best noise in the kingdom, Hollow had found comfort in humming tunes that are now lost to time. It gave them a sense of reclamation.
“My my,” A familiar voice drew them out of their thoughts, “What is a handsome being such as yourself doing here all alone?”
Hollow didn’t have to look over to know who it was, frankly, they were surprised that Grimm was able to leave the tent for a moment. As they turned they saw the bug looking over their shoulder, before his eyes landed onto Hollow’s face.
“Mind if I join you?”
Hollow nodded.
It didn’t take long for Grimm to round the bench to sit right next to them, leaving a small space between but they didn’t mind. Not only that they were taking up a majority of the bench, but they also found Grimm’s presence was comforting, even though they were still navigating the romantic feelings that they held for the bug. While that lead them tensed and unsure about the future, Grimm was just a welcome warmth
Grimm sighed, not holding any more grace as he sat down. Hollow couldn’t help but chuckle.
Grimm deflated, “I know Pan is a handful to put to bed himself, but do all of your kin share the same stubbornness as you?”
They looked at him with an unimpressed look, Grimm barked out a laugh so suddenly that his mouth was able to form. “So it is hereditary.”
Hollow huffed out a breath, placing the cloth onto their lap so they could sign to him, ‘ As hereditary as your mischief’
“Ouch,” Grimm placed a hand on his chest to fane offense, “and here I thought you missed my mischief.”
They tilted their head to think, ‘Perhaps.’
Grimm laughed quietly, “Well, I’m glad that I’ve been promoted to ‘perhaps’ instead of ‘maybe’.”
If Hollow had more confidence then they would have detailed how much they loved his personality. His voice, his sarcasm, his dramatics. How dedicated he his to his troupe and to his son. They weren’t confident though, and they have no idea how to begin a courtship. They only witnessed courtship as an outside perspective, no one taught them mannerisms and knowledge due to their purpose.
Maybe they can ask Qurriel next time he comes around.
Grimm sighed, then began to lean on Hollow’s shoulder. At first, it was with some hesitancy, his head on their shoulder. When Hollow subconsciously leaned back into him, Grimm slowly had the rest of his body to rest on Hollow’s side.
“ I, however, am thankful for the upgrade. Just means your tolerance of me has only increased.“
Hollow shook their head, ‘Tolerance, you underestimate my view of you.’
“And what is your view of me then?” Grimm tilted his head. It took a moment for Hollow to think, not wanting to jump everything on him all at once.
‘ A,’ They stopped for a moment, trying to finish the thought, ‘-admirable.’
“Oh?” Grimm leaned his face closer to Hollow’s, “just admirable?”
He reached out his hand to place in Hollow’s face, they couldn’t help but lean into it even with the bolt of anxiety inside of them. It was as warm as it was last time but somehow more careful than they ever felt before. As they melted into their hand a hum came from their throat, or what Grimm would call a ‘purr’.
“I admire you as well,” Grimm mused, “Stalwart and kind, deserving of only the best of fortune, even though your stubbornness is truly something to truly marvel at.” Hollow huff and gave him a half-hearted glare, something that Grimm laughed at, “Oh please, as if that’s not one of the many things I’m enamored by when it comes to you.”
A jolt went through them, one of bravery and of fear. A jump into unfamiliar territory, but if there was one thing that they had learned is to prevent change will only lead to more heartache.
So with their only hand, they reached for Grimm’s free one.
Grimm intertwined their hands together in an instant.
He had gotten closer, Hollow noted, but still so far away in their eyes. Grimm’s scarlet eyes watched them carefully, “...is it alright if I-?”
Hollow nodded, Grimm let out a breath he was holding. Tension disappearing from his shoulders. Grimm’s warmth was intoxicating as the bug himself, one that Hollow knows that they could get lost in its comfort.
One that they don’t mind ever leaving from, a thought they had as they both lean in to nuzzle into the other’s face.