[Though it is difficult for her, though she feels as if she forces the words past needles and coals, Hayame knows that if she does not speak now that she never will. It is too easy for her to fall back upon the ways of her world and all she had ever known, all she had ever been allowed to be. Silent. Subservient.]
You must forgive me.
[Admitting to weakness, let alone showing it... admitting to caring for another... it is foreign yet, and difficult, riddled with shame she’d only barely managed to shed when they were alone. But she understands honor, and respect, and if-]
Though I knew our worlds different beyond counting... I did not realize the disrespect it was to you, that I be-
[What’s the word? Her fingernails dig anxiously into his skin, body right with discomfort at weakness.]
no subject
[Though it is difficult for her, though she feels as if she forces the words past needles and coals, Hayame knows that if she does not speak now that she never will. It is too easy for her to fall back upon the ways of her world and all she had ever known, all she had ever been allowed to be. Silent. Subservient.]
You must forgive me.
[Admitting to weakness, let alone showing it... admitting to caring for another... it is foreign yet, and difficult, riddled with shame she’d only barely managed to shed when they were alone. But she understands honor, and respect, and if-]
Though I knew our worlds different beyond counting... I did not realize the disrespect it was to you, that I be-
[What’s the word? Her fingernails dig anxiously into his skin, body right with discomfort at weakness.]
... Reserved.