Xia Ya's Warmth

"...Yes, I promise you." Xia Ya's voice became unusually low and firm. "I won't leave Lacus behind to die. So don't worry."

Xia Ya's promise was direct and clear, without the slightest ambiguity. He guaranteed his companionship with his life, completely soothing all of Lacus's unease.

Xia Ya's arms tightened further around Lacus's back. He doubled the strength of his embrace, as if he wanted to melt her completely into his flesh and blood.

There was not the slightest gap between his body and Lacus's. They were pressed tightly together.

He buried his head deeper in the hollow of Lacus's neck, feeling her warm breath.

They held each other, continuously conveying their warmth through their touching clothes and skin.

Xia Ya felt the coldness and trembling of Lacus's body, felt the dampness of her tears, and continuously gave her his warmth and strength.

Lacus, meanwhile, felt the steadfastness and warmth of Xia Ya's embrace. That warmth was like an unshakable barrier, wrapping up all her fragility.

The warmth she felt from Xia Ya, though slow, steadily and persistently began to melt the grief in Lacus's heart.

That grief did not vanish in an instant. Like melting ice, it was diluted bit by bit, slowly and continuously. That warmth was like sunlight, seeping into every corner of her heart and driving away the gloom that shrouded it.

Her father was dead—this pain was like a mark branded deep into her soul. Even if Lacus spent the rest of her life trying, it would never disappear from her heart. That pain would remain with her forever, an indelible part of her life.

But the warmth Xia Ya gave her now, along with the incomparable sense of security that came from having her beloved by her side, slowly and tenaciously filled the void