Dia's fully prepared to start down this argument -- it catches her off-guard when Mari complies so easily. In truth, she's aware she's being childish, and it'd be hard to call it a proper confession when they can't even see each other's faces; she's sure it's not what Mari had hoped for, but she agreed, still. For her.
Turning, she presses herself up against Mari's back, arms wrapping around her waist from behind. And she sags into her with a deep, grateful sigh.
"Yes."
It is easier, after that. Dia is relieved enough to let go. She doesn't try to build a whole speech in her head, but instead resolves to release each thought as it floats up to the surface, only taking a moment to play it back at herself beforehand. No longer.
"I... missed you, when you were gone," she finally begins -- her voice hesitant still, but smoother than before. "Even telling myself that it was for the better, I still missed you. I think-- that's when I realized."
A beat. Mari's warm against her chest, and the scent of her shampoo tickles her nostrils. Lavender, Dia thinks. It's soothing. She's missed that, too.
"Your presence was something I never had to question. I never thought to imagine what it'd be like without you, until those two years where that became reality." Dia inhales, steeling herself for the admission: "And I wanted, during that time, to have you close. So badly."
She's not used to this, laying down her feelings so plainly. Watching Kanan and Mari reconcile from afar, she almost thought she'd never have to. But... she's glad. Even if her palms are clammy, and her fingertips are shaky. It feels safe, like this, liberating in a way she hadn't expected -- and slowly, Dia finds herself swept into a steady, certain pace.
"You're loud. And you're tactless, and act on your whims far too much. But everything is brighter when you're there." Another brief pause; she bobs her head, the tip of her nose nuzzling Mari's nape. "Even if we're always bickering, I respect you. How passionate you are. How hard you work when you're serious."
"I-- I like you. I love you. I admire you." She ended up saying all of it, like an idiot. But somehow, she feels like it's okay.
no subject
Turning, she presses herself up against Mari's back, arms wrapping around her waist from behind. And she sags into her with a deep, grateful sigh.
"Yes."
It is easier, after that. Dia is relieved enough to let go. She doesn't try to build a whole speech in her head, but instead resolves to release each thought as it floats up to the surface, only taking a moment to play it back at herself beforehand. No longer.
"I... missed you, when you were gone," she finally begins -- her voice hesitant still, but smoother than before. "Even telling myself that it was for the better, I still missed you. I think-- that's when I realized."
A beat. Mari's warm against her chest, and the scent of her shampoo tickles her nostrils. Lavender, Dia thinks. It's soothing. She's missed that, too.
"Your presence was something I never had to question. I never thought to imagine what it'd be like without you, until those two years where that became reality." Dia inhales, steeling herself for the admission: "And I wanted, during that time, to have you close. So badly."
She's not used to this, laying down her feelings so plainly. Watching Kanan and Mari reconcile from afar, she almost thought she'd never have to. But... she's glad. Even if her palms are clammy, and her fingertips are shaky. It feels safe, like this, liberating in a way she hadn't expected -- and slowly, Dia finds herself swept into a steady, certain pace.
"You're loud. And you're tactless, and act on your whims far too much. But everything is brighter when you're there." Another brief pause; she bobs her head, the tip of her nose nuzzling Mari's nape. "Even if we're always bickering, I respect you. How passionate you are. How hard you work when you're serious."
"I-- I like you. I love you. I admire you." She ended up saying all of it, like an idiot. But somehow, she feels like it's okay.
Her arms pull tighter around Mari.
"So... I don't want to let go anymore."