Prani’s eyes widened even more as he outright said he wanted to ask her out. Her entire perception of everything came crashing down at once. So he didn’t see her as just another friend? He felt the same way? Her heart was thundering against her chest and she was certain she could feel the pulse in her ears somehow. Prani’s face was beet red, the Force manifesting around her as little vines began to protrude from the makeshift nests below the bell. The intricate little vines were rapidly weaving together, securing the nest even more and creating a natural bowl. Tiny dandelions began to appear. All of this was happening without her having a clue.
“Stop talkin’ Shaw!” Prani practically screeched, waving her hands frantically to cut off the verbal diarrhea, “Yes. Yes I’ll go out with ya,” She added quickly before he could incorrectly assume that she cut off his theatrics for a negative reason. Prani was surprised at herself, but it came from having desired the same thing for some time. It was perhaps the first time they were addressing a nagging feeling neither wanted to acknowledge and it took Shaw fumbling his way into it to finally open that door.
“I…I didn’t know ya felt that way..” Prani said, chewing on her lip, “Yer always surrounded by all them girls so I thought.. And I’m..” She began to spiral into self-deprecating language, but she caught herself. She knew Shaw didn’t like when she did it, and he was right. Prani needed to change her perspective. She needed to follow his example of being comfortable in her own skin.
“AMARIS!” Shaw’s radio crackled to life, “Get your ASS to the transport. You’re the holdup!”
Prani sighed to herself. Before the moment could truly slip, she closed the distance and pulled Shaw into a hug. It was the first time she actually embraced him. The clouds began to roll in and thunder erupted, but she just tightly held him, burying her face against his chest. There was no other place she wanted to be and it was a moment she wanted to freeze in time.
“I like you too, Shaw,” She muttered, her voice slightly muffled. After a moment, she drew back and smiled at him.
“Now go be a hero somewhere else,” Prani said, watching him fondly until he left. She remained behind, leaning against the railing as the first drops of rain began to smatter against the tower.
No storm could wipe the smile off her face today.
@throwitintothefire
