Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 10)

(That's so so kind of her. I'm glad that went well)

He flushed. "I don't even know if we're allowed. She doesn't seem to mind if other people see, so I guess it's alright. I've been....I've been close to Sera for a few weeks, now."

"Why wouldn't you be? You're both adults." Pratik's grin grew. "That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you both! You're both so thoughtful and kind -- I wish you all the best."

His face was bright red at this point. "That's very kind of you. I'm afraid I'm a bit at a loss of what to do...I've never done this before. At least not properly."

“I mean… whatever you’re doing is clearly working.” Pratik offered an encouraging smile. “I don’t think there are any rules to it — you’re you and she’s her and you clearly like each other. Just enjoy it. See where it goes.”

"But I'm supposed to fulfill some sort of role, right? Right now it just feels like we're holding hands and going nowhere. I'm fine that way but what if she wants more?"

“Then she’ll tell you,” Pratik said. “She’s a grown woman— it’s her responsibility to communicate her needs.”

"What if she doesn't, though? How do I anticipate so I don't upset her?"

"I think...communication is the absolute best thing you can have," Pratik said thoughtfully. "Don't try to read each others' minds. Communicate what your needs are; ask if you're meeting hers. You're not school children. It's... it's the way it's supposed to work, I think. You enjoy each others' company, right? Like talking? So... talk about this."

He nodded slowly. "I'm just not very good at the communication side of things. I try not to step on her toes."

"You'll get there," Pratik said encouragingly. "Practice makes progress... you've not been allowed to practice before now. She understands that. And she seems very patient and gentle."

"I've not practiced freely," he corrected. "I just hope I don't make any mistakes."

"Well you're going to make mistakes," Pratik said gently. "We all do. It's part of being human. What matters is you try your best, apologize when you need to, and then continue trying your best. No one could expect anything more of you... no one reasonable anyway. And Sera is very reasonable." He supposed Aleth expected more of Ky. And Rickard's masters may have been just as bad.

"She is," he agreed. "And kinder than I could possibly deserve. I don't know why she chose me of all people."

"She clearly sees something admirable in you." It wasn't hard to see. But he elected not to say so. He was learning that there was hardly a single person in this Keep you could compliment -- they either thought you a liar or themselves unworthy. So. Passive encouragement then.

"I just don't know what." They started up toward the fourth floor. "I see a lot to admire in her, though."