As the soft, somber melody enveloped the room, Braze gently guided Loomi to rest her head against his chest. The close proximity allowed her to hear the steady rhythm of his heart, a comforting and intimate connection that seemed to anchor them in the moment. The dance was slow, their movements synchronized in a way that spoke volumes of their growing bond.
Feeling her tension and the weight of her insecurities, Braze leaned down slightly, his voice a soothing whisper meant only for her.
"Does any of what you see in yourself stop me from enjoying your company?" he asked, his tone gentle yet earnest.
"Would you rather I felt differently about you?"
He paused, giving her a moment to absorb his words, before continuing.
"I won't pretend that I wasn't taken aback by your wings, your antennae, and the scars that tell stories of your battles. Yes, the missing limbs and the marks of your past are there. But should that change how I feel about you? Absolutely not."
Braze's voice carried a warmth that filled the space between them, his words weaving a tapestry of acceptance and admiration.
"It's true, these are parts of you, but they're not all you are. Your personality, Loomi, shines brighter than any star I've ever seen. Your kindness, your spirit, your unwavering good intentions—that's what I see when I look at you. That's what matters."
He shifted slightly, ensuring she was comfortable against him as they continued their dance.
"You're my friend, Loomi. And nothing—no initial sentiment or surprise at your appearance—can blind me to the beauty of your soul. Life is unpredictable; anyone can face tragedy or change. But why should that stop us from loving, from finding joy in each other?"
Braze's confession was heartfelt, his words painting a picture of a bond that transcended physical appearances and societal expectations.
"You evoke desires in me, desires to see you smile, to ensure your happiness. Yes, I feel pity for the pain you've endured, for the injustices that have been inflicted upon you. It's a tragedy, but it doesn't diminish my affection for you. It doesn't repulse me. It only makes me admire your strength more."
The dance slowed even further, their movements barely more than a sway.
"You're incredibly important to me, Loomi. And I want you to know that. Your courage, your resilience, and your heart—these are the things I cherish. These are the reasons I find myself drawn to you, wanting to be by your side."
As the melody around them dwindled to a soft, lingering note, Braze gently slowed their dance, creating a moment of stillness between them. With a tender motion, he pulled back slightly, just enough to look into Loomi's eye, ensuring he had her full attention. Then, with a gesture filled with affection and reverence, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Besides," he began, his voice soft yet filled with conviction,
"How else can I view you? Your imperfections, if they can even be called that, are what make you uniquely you. It's like with pottery; when it's broken, it can be mended with gold, transforming those once-considered flaws into marks of beauty. That's who you are, Loomi. You aren't broken. You're made more valuable, more beautiful by the harsh past you've endured."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, his gaze never wavering from hers.
"So, let me enjoy looking at you, at all of you. Because if I ever go blind, I won't be able to see you. Let me enjoy and cherish your natural beauty now, in this moment."
