[He sees it. Whether she's trying to hide it and failing, or that she wants him to see it, he does. The swallow, inaudible to ears not heightened but seen in the way her jaw tightens and her shoulders inch towards her ears. It's in tight lips and knit brows and eyes that plead to look away, to not stare at the gaping wound just opened up front of him.
But Eridanus can't look away, he can't pretend like Riley is so used to the adults in her life doing. How many centuries had he pretended, as if out of sight out of mind actually worked.
The way he grabs her by shoulders that feel impossibly small and weak (but trying) is firm. The way his gaze pleads with hers to not brush him away but let him in as his lips part. It's that moment of every parent's life. The make it or break it.]
What's wrong, Riley? [Eridanus asks, voice gentle but coaxing. Moments before he told her she could tell him anything, and that includes right now,] what's bothering you?
no subject
But Eridanus can't look away, he can't pretend like Riley is so used to the adults in her life doing. How many centuries had he pretended, as if out of sight out of mind actually worked.
The way he grabs her by shoulders that feel impossibly small and weak (but trying) is firm. The way his gaze pleads with hers to not brush him away but let him in as his lips part. It's that moment of every parent's life. The make it or break it.]
What's wrong, Riley? [Eridanus asks, voice gentle but coaxing. Moments before he told her she could tell him anything, and that includes right now,] what's bothering you?