[A wet chuckle comes out of Luci, because of course in this moment, the one Luci has prayed for for literal days and put herself through so much agony over, Laura's response is 'uh-huh'.]

Shockingly comforting, despite being in a constant state of losing my mind for the past few days. [She pulls back and runs her thumb over Laura's cheek, tracing the line of her red marking. She misses the intense spray of freckles, but sacrifices have to be made.]

I've-- [Missed you? No, that phrase is ruined forever.] Nothing was right when you weren't here.