#|| hmm this made my heart unprecedentedly soft

[cromwellharvests]

"You've thoroughly charmed everyone, tonight."

The two would indulge a bit of interlude from the commotion inside, standing in the brisk air of the balcony. Away from prying eyes and chatty socialites. Though Satsuki stood stiff and proper, as usual, there is undeniable reprieve in this moment shared between them. Where they could enjoy their champagne above a garden and below the starry heavens.

"Myself included." She silently confesses, peering behind the veil of her side fringe to the Earthshaker. A hint of a... smile? "Even when my guard is at my highest, in places like these, it is ... nice, that I can find comfort in your company. So thank you. For coming with me."

@kiryuiegerin​ | [ based off that doodle :)c ]

It very well could have been overwhelming– being so thoroughly surrounded by beauty on every layer. The stars which so often got trapped in her eyes instead pressing down overhead, her constant companion of flora and fauna below, and... words did Satsuki little justice, but striking, graceful, and resolute came close.

Smiles and gentle candor aside, hardly a minute had passed the whole evening where the alchemist’s heart hadn’t raced; flutters of worry tickling the nerves from her nape down to her fingertips. Guests of the highest esteem all eager to meet and trade banter, telling stories and peppering with one question after another...

And yet, it scarcely seemed to faze the Prime Minister in the least. No matter how many vied for her attention– one proposal, comment, question, and transition of company after the next– she was steady; gaze clear, and disciplined.

“...I– really?” Safe to say, her words caught Miss Cromwell by surprise. Me? she thinks in lieu of words, which were suddenly hard to come by. 

Making a good impression on the other attendees was one thing– a feat which, even for all her humility, Emily was confident she could pull off with enough care (as someone in her position should)– but... being a comfort to Satsuki Kiryuin was entirely another. Her excellency was not prone to flattery, either; if she offered a compliment one could be certain she meant it.

“I can’t begin tell y’ how happy I am t’ hear that. ” thankfully, the warmth of her expression manages to do most of the heavy lifting where words continue to fail. “Th’ pressure you must be under at these sorts ‘f things is the stuff that makes diamonds out ‘f coal. T’ be able to take even a little bit ‘f that load off...well, I’m certainly glad t’ be here. With you. 

An’ I hope you’ll have me again, sometime.”