Swiftcurrent Creek [m] Fairy blue, it is only for you that I would crush the stars

"i know, i know," lestan said breathlessly, looking up toward her at last with eyes that streamed in the same salt. "i have been so inside my own head." too late for apologies but perhaps not an explanation.
her face, stricken in its pristine loveliness. 
his sides heaved. "i was scared. frightened, of tybault. but then not even him. just — if you left overnight, i would not know where you went. where you had gone. i questioned myself. i wondered if i could even be both to you, a protector and a —"
his jawline tensed.
"i am sorry. i didn't know how to speak to you without feeling as if it were blame." an inhale. "i don't want you feel alone, reverie. i want — to do this with you." his voice gathered resolution. "but only if it is what you want. i don't want you to do it for me."