Sunspire Mountains all the butterflies have turned to vultures in my stomach

Riley's gaze lifted in surprise, his ears catching the unexpectedly sweet peal of laughter.

From her -- from Esme?

A flutter of encouragement drummed in his heart, chasing the drudges of dejection and his own pitiful state away. He had made her laugh -- and that counted for something.

He would do it again, he was exactly that kind of stupid. All it took was for Esme to say it, and he'd do it - impressionable git that he was. He jolted as he felt her tail fan his hip -- another surprising (but not unwelcome) gesture that suddenly had him greedy for more -- more validation, more security -- no more of the running away and leaving him behind..

He stiffly sat upright, his sullen gaze falling on Esme with curiosity. Unrighteous indeed. He wouldn't mind giving them a taste or two of their own medicine. "Do you mean, now?"