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Sage had just relaxed on the chair, keeping their fingers loosely entwined with hers as they sat there. They didn't need to talk any more....the silence was comfortable. He just tipped his head back with a sight of contentment, letting his eyes close as he rested there. Not sleeping, just resting. Taking in the sounds and smells of the forest around them. The feel of her hand in his. He quite liked it.
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Elara settled into the silence, letting out a breath as her shoulders slumped for the first time in a while, feeling the warmth of his hand in hers, the feeling of their fingers entwined. She tipped her head back, glancing out at the sunset as her eyes started to grow heavy.
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Sage felt a small smile flicker onto his face the more he thought about what exactly was happening. They were sitting here, peacefully, holding hands. That wasnt friendship behavior....it was more than that. And he definitely wasn't upset about it. He had t allowed himself to think thoughts like that before, but....maybe it was possible.
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Elara had always allowed herself to imagine the two being more than friends, yet never actually thinking it could happen. Yet Sage was holding her hand, smiling, not protesting or anything, and that wasn't 'just friends' behavior. Slowly she drifted off, head lolling to rest on his shoulder.
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Sage had half jumped when she slumped against him, but chuckled softly when he noticed she was just asleep. He was content to let her rest here, so he just tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear, smiling to himself, and letting himself relax again, eyes closing once more.
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Elara stayed as still as possible, the sun warming her skin as it's last rays danced across the landscape, sinking behind the ridge. She continued sleeping, finally feeling completely safe for the first time in a while.
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Sage stayed where he was until the sun finally set. When that happened, he moved to get up and gently pick Elara up, moving her inside and to the bed. He lowered her down gently, tugging the blanket over her, heasitating there before pressing a light kiss to her cheek and then heading for his own chair
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Elara had awoken, staying still and keeping a expression which looked like sleep, making it believable. She felt she was being carried, noting it was Sage taking her...somewhere, she wasn't sure. When he set her down she noted he had taken her inside, figuring night had fallen completely--wrapping the Earth in it's grasp. Elara stayed still as a blanket was pulled over her, focusing on not breaking and keeping a straight expression when Sage kissed her cheek, being unable to as she smiled barely, still wanting the impression she was asleep.
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Sage had moved back to his chair and collapsed onto it with a quiet sigh, a smile forming on his own face. He'd kissed her. Not really, it was only on the cheek but....well, it was something. It made him feel good, which was somewhat rediculous but he wasn't going to argue.
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Elara's grin grew, the thought of sleep tossing itself out the window. He'd finally done it, confirming she wasn't crazy for feeling things for him she wouldn't admit---but maybe, now she would. -Gods, stop being a coward and just get up and kiss him already!- She thought, deciding it was too risky even though she grinned at the thought.
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