From you lovely peoples’ suggestions. This was originally going to be a happy, ice-cream centric sleepover scene, but after about two hours of trying to get them to look right, I had to give up and go in a different direction. There was no passion in the first draft, no life, you know?
Anyway, I’m going to say this is a sequel to Stick Close Kid, where Tempest’s “errands” took a little longer than she planned. Stuck in the city for the night, the captain and her apprentice settle in for the night in what passes for a safe place here. As they start winding down however, poor little Sunset has a case of the sads. Sure being a sky pirate is fun and all, but it’s pretty overwhelming, and she’s starting to miss her old life a little. Tempest, not having a crew to impress nor having to keep up appearances, lets a bit of tenderness slip through the cracks, holding the little girl close and cradling her tightly. Affection isn’t exactly Tempest’s strong suite, but Sunset thinks it’s enough.
That… is an excellent question.