Saera burst hopefully through the door to Jin's room, only to feel her heart plummet with the realization that it would be another lonely night. In the past week Jin had been so busy that he didn't even return in time for the evening meal, answering calls from all ends of the family's land. Grumbling to herself, Saera tugged a comb through her hair a bit too roughly. Why was Akira ambling around while Jin worked longer hours than even the sun?
Saera was reading by candlelight when Jin finally returned. He swung the door closed behind him and beelined straight to where she sat without saying a word. When his arms wrapped around her, Saera raised her eyebrows - rarely was Jin so affectionate.
"Saera." Jin sighed, his eyes fluttering closed. His head rested on her lap like a child's. After a moment, Saera gently brushed the hair out of his face. The strands were damp, smelling of soap; he'd bathed in the hot springs before coming.
