Separate names with a comma.
He was still frowning, but he nodded. “Yeah. I just need some fresh air.”
She flushed a little, slipping under his arm. “I think you’re great.”
He looked down at her, his face soft. “Hey, Calliope. Go back to sleep.”
She looked up at him, her face soft. "I'm glad you're not like him, anyway," she said quietly. "I think you're wonderful."
She would hear him sigh a little before he pulled away, standing up.
She frowned too, watching him uncertainly. "Generally?"
He seemed to assume she was asleep, relaxing a little. She would feel his hand tentatively reach up and brush through her hair as he let out a...
She looked up at him, her thumb brushing his wrist gently. "Was he kind to you?"
His head was against her shoulder, and she would feel him wake up, his entire body stiffening.
"By your dad?" she asked, looking up at him.
He didn't wake, her hand slipping down to her thigh. His head lolled forward, and he pulled her closer, moving her leg onto his hip.
She took his hand again. "What about you? Any fancy schooling besides domination?"
A few hours later, she would wake. Ben was asleep next to her. He had turned to her in his sleep, his hand resting on her waist as he had pulled...
She shrugged a little, not meeting his gaze. "It wasn't ever something that could have happened. It's alright, though. I am happy."
He stayed awake for a long time, but he gradually drifted off.
She hesitated, looking down at the ground. "Well... you know, before Papa died, I was supposed to go to university in the city. I was going to...
He frowned, looking over at her for a moment before looking back up at the ceiling, his brows furrowed.
She considered this, tilting her head. "I miss it when I'm not there. You know, it's just... it's not the life I thought I'd have. That's all."
He didn't say anything else, his hands folded across his stomach as he stared up at the ceiling.
She frowned, looking on the horizon for a moment. "I don't suppose I really have a choice," she replied quietly. "My family needs me, Zer. It's...
