Why are you here?

Home Safe

"Radlynn, I'm home."

She whirled around and walked out of the lab. Radlynn watched him take off his jacket. Radley looked at her and tilted his head. "Something wrong?" He asked, seeing her nervous body language.

"Nope- no it's fine," she murmured. "I was just cleaning your lab."

"Oh," Radley smiled and held up a plastic bag. "Speaking of that- I got parts for the warp coin!" He walked past her into the lab. "I'm getting close I think, it'll be ready soon." He glanced over his shoulder at her, still smiling. "You'll be home soon enough."

"Oh." Radlynn tilted her head at him. "You really think so?" She asked. Radley nodded.

"Are you excited?" He asked as he unpacked the things he'd bought.

Radlynn moved closer to him. "yeah," she murmured. "I miss home."

Radley looked over at her and frowned. "What's wrong?" He asked. "You look upset." He turned and stepped towards her.

"I-" She hesitated. "I'm gonna miss you..." She murmured. "And I know I said you could visit me but-..."

Radley looked at her in shock. "Radlynn-" He was cut off by her closing the distance between them and hugging him tight. He tensed, surprised, then hugged her close. "Hey- hey Radlynn it's okay-" his voice shook. He wasn't one for comfort- he'd never been good at it. All he could do was hug her tight and wait for the moment to pass.

Radlynn reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, making him lean closer against her. She felt warm and soft and smelled of...well he wasn't sure. But it was something distinct. Distinctly Radlynn.

She sniffed and pulled away, seemingly content just holding one of his large red hands. She rubbed at her eyes beneath her hat and bangs. "I'm sorry I-"

"It's okay." She didn't need to explain herself to Radley, and never would. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.

"...you mean a lot to me." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I-I don't wanna lose you."

Radley watched her, stunned. he didn't know what to say. "You mean a lot to me too." Was all he could softly reply with. "...I'll get you home safe, and I'll figure out a way for us to talk."

Radlynn looked at him, admiring the blush on his cheeks, and slowly cracked a smile. She nodded. "...Okay."