Title: even just for hugs
Rating: G
Fandom: Ar tonelico, specifically AT3
Relationship: Cocona Bartel/Sasha
Wordcount: 593
Short summary: Cocona stops by Sasha’s store, surprising her with a sudden hug. It appears she is quite homesick.
“Cocona?”
“Just stay there for a moment.”
Sasha is surprised when Cocona flies at her from the doorway, wrapping her in a sudden embrace. It takes a moment for Sasha to reciprocate the gesture, for technically her store is open, although she had gone to the back area to reorganize her stock. But it seems no one else is around and no else is going to come by, so Sasha indulges Cocona as well as herself, allowing the hug to last for a few minutes.
“Are you alright?” Sasha asks once Cocona breaks their embrace. She doesn’t see anything in particular wrong with Cocona physically, like no sign of red or tired eyes. Still there seems to be a tiredness in Cocona’s stance.
“No, actually. I’m just so…homesick!”
Homesick? Sasha has to admit she’s been too busy trying to make the best of their situation in this unfamiliar environment with unexpected obstacles to suffer much from homesickness, but then again this isn’t her first time in her life having to do this mostly on her own. Cocona, on the other hand…
“I miss Croix and Lady Cloche, and even Luca… I miss my bed! I miss going around town! I miss shopping and cooking and running around town and… I miss them so much!”
Yes, this is Cocona’s first time having an extended trip away from her family and friends. Of course she’s not completely away from friends; Sasha knows Cocona has become friends with Aoto and the others, and she is here too. But it’s hard for anyone to compare to Croix. That is Cocona’s “brother” and her “hero”. Even if Cocona can trust Aoto somewhat, it can’t replace the bond built over years that she has with Croix. Things just take time sometimes. Like Sasha is Cocona’s friend and would do almost anything to help Cocona, but even she can’t be Cocona’s support. She can’t fight directly. She can’t travel with the group; she can’t be at Cocona’s side.
“But at least you are here. At least we got to reunite. If not… I think I would be even more homesick without you.”
Sasha blinks. Cocona is perhaps giving Sasha too much credit. Well, she’s happy to be that person for Cocona, her precious friend. “And I’ll always be here. Come by my shop anytime.”
Cocona laughs. “Even if it’s just for hugs?”
“Even just for hugs.”
With that said, Sasha initiates the second hug, a shorter one but important one, to show Cocona that hugs can be asked for without any reservations. Cocona is the one taken by surprise this time, but her delighted expression makes Sasha’s heart warm. They break apart both giggling.
“Hey, since I’m here… Can I help you? It looked like you were organizing…”
“I don’t need...” But Cocona’s eyebrow raise makes Sasha pause. Oh fine. “If you want.”
Maybe Cocona wants an excuse to linger. Maybe helping Sasha out helps a little with her homesickness. Sasha wonders if there’s something she can talk about, something interesting or fun to bring up to Cocona. Sasha may not have been homesick, but… She should allow herself to be selfish and accept Cocona’s offer to spend time together. Her precious friend…that she likes very, very much.
(She won’t say anything. Cocona doesn’t seem to feel the same way….yet…and besides, it wouldn’t be the right time to do so, in the middle of all this, anyway…)
Yes, she’ll enjoy any time together, any excuse to spend time together…even if it is just for hugs.