𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃? How could she possibly understand the weight that rests on her sister's shoulders? The responsibility that holds fast to the marrow && incessantly nags for more when she's given her all. Sleepless nights, endless patrols; a myriad of instances where her attention is elsewhere if only to provide && ensure that food finds the table. To make sure the roof above their heads is sustained, she has long since been the head of their survivability. The sole provider---what family do they have that is not each other? && she knows there should be patience wielded before a sharp tongue, but the sinew runs ragged && the air in her lung hitches. The built up frustrations buried deep rear their head, bear their teeth; they threaten to consume && condemn all that's in her path. A destructive force: LIGHTNING.
"I know what I said, Serah." Like a hiss through her teeth, the crackling of ambient electrical arcs across her war-bitten heart. The furrow in her brow gives way to an emphasis that isn't necessary && the unmistakable ire midst gaze that now falls upon the younger. Does Serah realize how defeated Lightning feels behind that hardened disposition? With a tight grip against the edge of the counter whilst back remains to her kin, she huffs out.
"Just.. drop it."
O'destructive daughter, bones wrought of a mother long since gone; biting the hands that only wish to love. A sacredness to sisterhood that one seeks to maintain slips further && further from one's grasp. At the mercy of the tides in her eyes && the tempest that wages war in her heart. Fighting so desperately, clawing to the surface so that neither of them would drown. Prior commitments fall to the wayside when bills have to be paid. Promises to be present at recitals fizzle to naught---not of her own doing. A civil servant, a soldier; to serve.. to serve.. to protect && serve.
"You don't understand."
