Still A Softie

"Still A Softie" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread written on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
Kendra Arnason: For as little hearing as Kendra had, she managed to move with an impressive amount of speed and silence as she did, and it was her learned stealth that she used to lightly pace up behind Dario and hug him from behind around the middle–as high as she could reach–and then she skipped around in front of him, signing an ecstatic greeting to him. Hi, Dario!
Dario Hjort: The sudden jolt of hands around him caused Dario to stall in place immediately; he wasn’t in any frame of mind to be prepared for surprises. Upon seeing the form of Kendra moving into his peripheral vision, he felt his pent up breath escape his lungs all at once. Gods, child. You… 
He realized his hands were far too shaky for many of the signs; not that he could remember the proper execution for most of them, anyway. His mind was fixated on the horrors of the early morning hours that plagued him like a shadow sewn to his feet.
It’s good to see you. How did you know where I was?
Kendra: Nala told me, Kendra answered, using a shortened version of Nala’s name sign that Dario was familiar with. She keeps an eye on you. Then she peered at him, noting his shaky breath. I’m sorry, are you okay? I didn’t think I was that scary…
Dario: He couldn’t help but feel bad in that moment. It was apparent that her intentions were good… but he couldn’t fight fear, at least not right now. His mind wasn’t strong enough yet. Dario made a conscious effort to keep his shaking at a minimum, even if it was a negligible difference.
I don’t think you could scare me if you tried. He followed the last sign with a subtle wink, wanting to ease any tension. I’m doing… alright. A lot has happened from what I’ve been told, and I’m still trying to catch up.
He took note of how much Kendra had grown over the last decade. He had seen her since his return, but this was the first time he had a real chance to take in the passage of time that aged her into a young woman. It was eerily bittersweet.
I hope you have been okay. I worried about you a lot while I was gone.
Kendra: Kendra pressed her hands to her chest and smiled tenderly while her cheeks reddened. Oh, who, me? Well, I can shoot really well. She transitioned from aiming an invisible bow to tapping him lightly on the nose and giggling. You don’t have to worry about me. What are you up to right now?
Dario: Dario felt his eyes cross following Kendra’s finger to his nose. He felt a legitimate smile grace his face for the first time since seeing Milae again, and welcomed the sudden rush of pleasant feelings.
I’m… just out. Not sure where Milae is, which is to be expected, and I needed to- he paused for a moment, struggling to remember the sign for ‘clear’. …needed to empty my head.
The smile faded as quickly as it had appeared – he couldn’t shake the dream. It replayed itself in it’s final moments; a constant loop of burning and pain. He grabbed one hand with the other in a feigned attempt to calm himself, rubbing the back of one with his opposing thumb.
Kendra: The young half-breed made a show of rubbing her chin and squinting at Dario. Did you two have a fight? Martial issues, am I right? The slight smile on her face showed that she didn’t believe in the slightest that that’s what was wrong, but she wanted to let Dario go at his own pace. She gently took him by the elbow and they started walking together.
Dario: He was so glad that they were now walking side by side – it would be far more difficult to see how horribly red his face was from that comment. He let out a soft chuckle as the two meandered on.
No, no fighting. I really don’t know where he is most of the time. I just had… a long night. He tried to block out any imagery that he could, but the vivid memories were too intrusive. He closed his eyes for just a moment, allowing Kendra to be his guide.
Kendra: Oh, I know. I’m just pulling your leg, she said nonchalantly. You actually had a terrible dream that was too closely related to something that happened while you were gone with Daddy…or something you’re afraid of happening. She blinked up at him curiously, still half-smiling. Just a hunch. But I don’t need to ask too many questions. I’m just here to keep you company.
Dario: You’re sweet, Kendra. Please don’t ever change.
Dario wasn’t going to address how she knew – he worried that it would open up the conversation to talking about it. Having spent as much time as he had with Milae, having things known about him felt eerily normal. 
So, what about you? What have you been up to? I feel so bad for missing out on so much of your life. I’m very sorry for that.
Kendra: Well… Kendra seemed uncharacteristically bashful. I’m not sure where you were during it, but…Jin popped the question to me during the end of Fallfeast. She blushed while telling him. She’s so dramatic.
Dario: Dario spun himself in front of Kendra, with his mind now fixated on the great news. It was a welcomed distraction.
You’re engaged? Kendra, that’s wonderful! He lifted her into a massive hug, taking full advantage of not having antlers and burying his head into hers. Gently placing her back to the ground, he softly pranced with uncontrollable elation. I’m so glad to hear you’re happy… I do hope you and Jin enjoy a beautiful life together.
Kendra: She giggled and squeezed him back, briefly kissing his cheek in thanks. Jin wants to go through the formalities and the dowries and all that, but… She flapped her hands around impatiently in an aimless, meaningless sign. I don’t care about all that! She gave me a sword and now we’re together. That should be plenty. Right? I mean, did Milae even give you anything or are you just stupidly in love forever? She gestured at Dario and at Milae, in her language, even though he wasn’t present. Even a wedding sounds like a drag.
Dario: The stag experienced a flood of memories in that moment – the date, with Milae… the booklet.
I… I actually do have something Milae gave me. It is a booklet - with beautifully weaved threads. I’ll never forget it.
He couldn’t help but remember the goat’s words to him… may these threads keep us bound for as long as they can withstand…
He felt a serene sense of contentment, for what seemed like the first time in a long time. To see Kendra, someone so important to him, happy… and to have someone to call his own as well.
We are both very, very lucky. I would say ‘stupidly’ in love fits the bill.
Kendra: Kendra had her hands over her heart again, smiling softly at Dario as he described his lover. That, she said, is so dumb cute. I hope you guys are happy, too.
Her ear flicked, and she turned to look over her shoulder, peering into the evening sky. She swore she had seen something dark trace through the sky, and simultaneously felt a tremble in her head and inner ear, even though she couldn’t hear actual sound. Dario? Is something happening? I can’t–
BOOM.