Emberwood Walking and the sky keeps falling down

I know, she said to both things. She knew she couldn't make Stag do anything anymore, and she knew she couldn't keep pretending like nothing bothered her as much as it did. That had been her way of coping her whole life, and she knew it always found its own way out. Yet every time things got difficult, she just shoved it down inside and pressed on with what needed to be done. 

She felt him scoot closer, and she turned to rest her head against his chest. She didn't even try to stop the tears now; she just let them fall silently as she let the waves of emotion she had been holding back wash over her again and again. It had been so long since she had allowed herself to let go like that. It was both cathartic and incredibly terrifying at the same time. And Taikon was here to witness it all—something few had ever witnessed. She wondered how he was different, what he had done to make her come apart in his presence. It worried her just as much as it bound her to him. Because with her attachment came the fear that he would hurt her in the end—they always did, even if they didn't meant to. 

She drew in a shuddering breath. Now I am the one who is sorry, she whispered, unable to pull away just yet and hoping he wouldn't pull away either.