[ she rests herself against him, arms around him in a hug, and lotor stills. at home, she's far more powerful than she is here. but here, she feels so small, and delicate. like a firm touch would do her harm, and while lotor knows that that's not true, he's still cognizant of the fact that he's so much taller than she is, and she fits so neatly into his arms. like he's meant to hold her.

the thought causes an odd twist in his chest. it's grief, he knows, and his breath catches the slightest amount as he allows himself to feel the tiniest amount of it . . . before he catches hold of it, compartmentalizes it, and puts it away, his lips brushing the top of her head in a soft kiss before he sighs into her hair. ]

I have long since learned not to argue with you, Princess. [ and then, a slight pause, before his hand finds her face, and lifts her chin to look at him, his smile soft: ] Well, not argue with you over much. And hopefully over nothing of consequence.

[ he pauses, then, before he dips his head to press his lips gently against hers, the movement soft and light, gentle, in contrast to allura's prior kiss. and he lingers, for the barest moment, before shifting to kiss her forehead, exhaling slowly. ]

You are truly the brightest light in this universe. [ it's murmured, before he pulls away just enough to look at her, eyes searching out hers. ] Regardless of what comes to pass, either here or there, I know that to be the truth. I did not know true happiness, until I met you.

[ and, for the first time in many months, lotor actually does feel a bit . . . lighter, as he says it. some weight has been lifted, though he isn't sure why. but somewhere, inside him, he knows he has something to work toward, now. even if it is vague, and abstract, he could accomplish something. even if it is just making sure allura is not disappointed again. ]