Chapter Text
They were traveling on a mission that brought them to a wilderness.
A breeze started, a stray lock of hair breaking out of Akgana's hair tie and entangling in her eyes. She was about to fix it, when Arcann reached to tuck it back in place for her. She smiled sweetly, leaning forward for his tender touch. But his hand—his cybernetic one—stopped in the air. Then it fell back to his side, his other hand replacing it. This was something she noticed often in the past week, ever since they finally revealed their feelings for each other—Arcann only touched her with his natural hand.
Akgana came to a decision. She wanted to reassure him of this right now. She took his cybernetic hand, embracing it with hers. It was cold to the touch, and its sharp edges pressed into her skin. An unusual sensation, but not unpleasant. She squeezed his hand a bit tighter, allowing warmth to seep into the metal. Tracing with her finger the pieces that shaped his palm, she observed the workings of it, curious about its design, and wondered if he could feel her touch.
Arcann had his mouth agape, as if mesmerized by how her hands felt on his. He successfully sensed her curiosity. “I can feel weight. But temperature and texture are distant sensations. The cybernetic nerves can’t register pain, as long as any ‘injury’ isn’t near my shoulder…you really don't mind it?”
She reaffirmed that she truly didn’t mind this part of him—welcomed it, even—by pulling his cybernetic hand to her lips. “Like I said, Arcann, I accept every part of you.” She heard the soft whir of mechanical joints as his fingers curved around her cheek.
“It didn’t bother me before. I was stronger with it. But now, when I touch you with it, I remember all the destruction I’ve caused…and I remember I am only half a man.”
“You are not half a man. You are more of a man than any I’ve ever met. You believe your violent past makes you undeserving, but I find it incredible that you’re able to turn away from such cruelty and conflict. You’ve overcome so much to make amends, and I’m inspired every day by your dedication to continuing to do so.”
Arcann was stunned silent for the longest time, a mix of awe and affection blazing in his eyes, a weighty exhale leaving his lips. “Akgana, your faith in me is breathtaking…and appreciated beyond words.”
Indeed, for he then kissed her so tenderly that she too became breathless.