Family Unites, Dust Settles

 Kaeda fidgeted her fingers anxiously in her lap as the carriage hit another bump along the rode, causing the entire family to jumble uncomfortably in their seats. Her grip tightened around her newly obtained promise ring as she attempted to orient herself along the ride. Despite her family's relatively happy faces, the orange haired woman felt as though a pit was beginning to form in the base of her stomach. A myriad of thoughts and scenarios were still fluttering through her mind as she recounted the events of the previous night. Her actions were positively foul and definitely unladylike... but none of it felt inherently wrong. Regardless, the thought of her brashness had the poor girl blushing that bright mahogany hue since she woke up this morning and told her parents the recent developments. She wore a informal outfit today, consisting of a simple leather halter top and beneath her bare midriff was a pair of embroidered golden harem pants. Her mother likely nagged (c)--her about the choice of clothing before they even ventured over, but Kaeda felt the change was appropriate given all the uncomfortable gowns she wore at Kyrhha's irritating behest. It wasn't long before they arrived in front of Ailuin's family estate, and the halting of the wheels mimicked the stopping of her heart. She was going to have to face him again any minute now. Quickly, she shuffled around the carriage aimlessly before taking a few deep breaths and stepping out. Her attempts to calm that sporadic pulse gleaming openly on her bare chest, were pretty pointless; it flashed brightly during all the pleasantries. "Dalera, Ayla! My good friends, we meet under such bright circumstances on this fine morning!" Jhaan exclaimed as he embraced his his friend and kissed Ayla's hand. Kyrrha daintily stepped in, bowing politely to Ailuin's parents. "Good tidings, indeed. Quite the auspicious pairing, hm?" she said gingerly, her gaze lingering on Ailuin for a moment (c)-before they all ventured inside. Kaeda slowly trailed behind them with her ears pinned to the back of her head. Her breathing hitched as she took note of Ailuin when his parents turned their backs, and she quickly adverted her smoldering eyes to something, anything that could hold their attention. The woman waited until their parents were out of earshot before speaking. "Good morning, Ailuin." she said softly as one of her fingers toyed with a stray ringlet. "How was the rest of your evening? I trust you slept soundly." Kaeda said calmly, internally screaming at herself for appearing this way before him with a pulsating lifethorn and flushed cheeks. (f)

Ailuin had not slept a wink since that night. He was absolutely terrified and yet thrilled. Today was the day he had to face the father of the daughter that he had grown to love and cherish almost as much as his own family. Hand wrung as he paced in his room all night, smoking like crazy on the opium. And yet still, when the carriage arrived and Ayla was shouting at the servants to make last-minute arrangements and looked over Ailuin who was clearly dressing down as well. Attired in nothing but his black pants and white ruffle shirt with the sleeves that were already stained with ink. Tail swished, smiling at his mother as his head tilted to the side, clearly fondness springing in those mismatched eyes on this happy occasion. But nervous as well, however smartly hidden from those who didn't need to see him like that. He needed, he was aware, to be the calm one for Kaeda. So despite what HE felt, he soon enough pulled himself together, and made sure his attire was impeccable. Hat >> and batons being the last touch before he'd stride in quietly behind Ayla who was all too happy that her plans had worked to fruitution. Dalera beamed proudly, smiling down at the family who had clearly hit a warm spot with the family, and pride for once. For once was seen in his posture as he stood there. "Indeed we do, my brunah." came his response to Jhaan with his own bright smile beaming across his face. Aylas practically glowing across her features as bright as her lifethorn. Both, of course, properly dressed, and both looked radiant, excited and proud. Kyrrhas stare at Ailuin was greeted with his own blank stoic face, eyebrow quirked in her direction as she spoke her words. "I am honored." came his response that was evenly and gently spoken to his future mother in law, unfortunately. No doubt even now she feared that intelligent gleam glittering in those dual eyes. >>but Ailuin was smartly and raptly silent, not daring to even place his eyes on Kaeda until she stopped in front of him, smartly keeping his focus on her face as she spoke to him. "Good morning, My Fire." came his response that was so quietly and softly spoken, it was obvious he didn't want them to overhear him just quite yet. Hands still, clasped behind his back but certainly grip tightened as she neared. His lifethorn definitely betraying his fluttering status of his lifethorn that was going crazy. Smiling down at her as she asked that question. "I actually did not sleep a wink. Did you?" It didn't seem to bother him that she was dressed in any sort of way, he didn't even mention it. Simply, his hand formally extended out to her for her to place her arm into his own, remaining at least, on the outside. Calm and stoic. But his hand? Slightly sweaty. Might be giving his nerves away.

Kaeda struggled not to gaze upon him for too long, for in the brief moment she caught a glimpse, a sinking feeling formed in her gut. While it was anxious and uncomfortable, it wasn't necessarily a bad feeling, but rather an unknown terrain, and the thought of the two traversing it together as one was enough to make her melt. How long she had desired for this day, and conveniently, she had such little to say. Her ears flicked forward at his greeting, her eyes finally rising to his face. When he called her that given name, a bit more of her composure crumbled away under the weight of it's newfound meaning, and she now never wanted him to stop saying it. She tried her best not to let it show, though it was no doubt the myriad hormones raging between them would go undetected. He knew exactly what she was thinking, and the thought was enough to make her melt right on the spot. Regardless, she definitely took note of his betraying lifethorn, as they often did give away many (c)--arkaine intents. The thought of him potentially feeling the same was oddly comforting to the woman, and she found herself speaking up a bit more in her response. "I... actually did not sleep, either." She hesitantly took the arm he offered to her and they made their way inside, her pace slowing slightly as they edged closer to the doors. "I suppose I assumed you had a better grip on this than I, but if I just take a moment to recall the events from last night, your actions would tell me quite the opposite." She said to him in a low voice after she had taken note of his clammy grasp. Kaeda squeezed his hand playfully and managed to smirk at him, the fiery gaze returning, only for a moment, that always threatened to strip him down. Soon enough, the two were inside and were ushered over by the servants to be seated in a common area with their parents, that mahogany blush quickly returning to her cheeks the second all eyes were on the two of them. Her grip tightened (c)--around Ailuin's arm and her breathing hitched, though it was anyone's guess if such a thing were even voluntary; the woman was in rare form this morning, that was certain. (f)

Meanwhile Ailuin freely gazed her over but dipped no lower than the bottom of her jaw. Longer ears flicked up, listening as his nose twitched, clearly taking in the familiar scent of her. No he couldn't sleep worth a shit because of the water she had dumped on him caused all that ice he had build up to seep and crack. And it was cracking so badly now that he was willing to take this step with her, that it wasn't possibly going to be pieced back together. Mismatched gaze had perfectly hidden their intent with her mother. But when she looked up into them, he gave her that warm loving adoring gaze. Watching as that composure crumbled at that favored nickname of hers, chuckling as he recalled that moment that he had even granted her the nickname. A bright sincere smile, brief as it was, was gorgeous across that maw as he smiled down at her. He could smell it indeed, just like they all could smell his attraction that was clearly pouring out of every orfice for her. Had been since >> last night. Running through his mind on how he could improve. What she had liked and what she hadn't. Clearly this was a challenge he was going to bravely face head-on, even if his brother had warned him it would ruin his gift that he had taught him to have. He still believed he could make a difference. She was too deep now, digging her and cracking his very lifethorn and seeping her own essence into it to stop the need for it. The love for it. The admiration of it. He had spent all night thinking of how and multiple ways to approach her. But he came across, as one who simply was riled up and yet, in sharp control. Despite being so riled up at the presence of her. When she gave her honest answer, Ailuin tsked. "Well that won't do. We should definitely make sure you get sleep in these upcoming days. They will be stressful enough on you as it is, My Fire." was responded with that same stoic stone but there leaked hints of warmth in that gaze that held her. >>as she took the arm he offered, he'd step right into place correctly, gladly and proudly with a excited yet nervous grin shot briefly towards his family and Jhaan, leading her properly to her seat and letting her sit first, before settling himself beside her. Of course when she paused prior their entry, ears flicked up and his muzzle pointed towards her curiously, head cocking to the side as ears flicked to clearly really listening in what she wanted to say. "You predicted wrongly, I have never felt this way before." was answered honestly but cooly, despite his whirlwind of emotion that sputttered at her fiery words. Her hand squeezing his own, however, seemed to calm his nerves a tad. Breathing out with relief through his muzzle as he bravely gazed at all those eyes with his own arm slipping around her waist and hugging her close. The parents if were having ideas, could certainly speak up. Ailuin certainly wasn't going to begin talking.

Kaeda's ears twitched subtly when he refereed to her by the pet name that now held a much different meaning, though she was getting better at maintaining her poker face in his presence and didn't elude to her actual feelings; That the name was enough to make her hot under the collar with the recent turn of events. It simply wasn't a development she ever thought would truly happen, and there was definitely a part of her that worried the whole endeavor was just a cruel joke disguised as a well deserved happily ever after. Nevertheless, her eyes lingered on him when he responded so matter of factually to her teasing, but she offered him no other words, save a small smirk as the two walked into his home. Once the whole family was seated, the young woman felt a bit of tension ease from her tightened shoulders. Her posture dropped ever so slightly, but not enough to catch a scrutinizing glance from her not so doting mother. Kaeda bit her lip as a short moment of silence (c)--enveloped the table, her emerald gaze immediately fixing upon a few of the elegant settings that adorned its surface before Jhaan finally piped up. "Such a joyous occasion, marked by such silence by the young love birds. Blasphemous!" he said in a jovial tone, chuckling and shaking his head. "I jest, I remember what it was like to finally be paired with my Kyrrha." He shot a playful glance over to his seemingly not amused wife, but a faint smile cracked through her stoic features at his words, if only for a second. "Dalera, why don't we have a toast to commemorate our family's long awaited union? I brought my brother's signature mead, it should work just fine..." Jhaan trailed off and stood up from the table, ushering his friend towards the kitchens with him as they raided his caravan for the beverages, leaving the new couple with their mothers. Kyrrha adjusted herself on the cushioned seat, rolling back her shoulders before that old familiar stern demeanor (c)--returned to her features. "I'm glad you have found my daughter worthy of your affections, Ailuin. She is far from perfect, though I hope she makes you somewhat happy, at least." Her words were soft spoken, but cold, as they passively insulted Kaeda's assets as a wife. Her icy eyes grazed over the two of them, lingering on Ailuin until he responded. "Ayla, my dear, are you absolutely certain of my daughter's import to you and your family? She can be quite the wretched child, and I certainly would not blame you if you thought this marriage to be... well, for the birds." She spoke far too bluntly for her own good, but Kaeda knew better than to feed that fire with her own testimony. Instead, she sat there quietly, her gaze still kept low as her ears slowly pinned to the back of her head at her mother's harsh criticisms. Jhaan and Dalera were soon fixing to return with several mead bottles and chalices in hand, a wide grin glued to his face as he was seemingly oblivious (c)--to the conversation that unfolded while he was away. "Honey mead, hand crafted by my brother and sister-in-law from Tatoa." He exclaimed as he sat the glasses down before each of them, pouring a generous helping of the amber colored liquid into their cups. (f)

 Ailuin the silence didn't seem to bother Ailuin. While they were silent and uncomfortable...Ailuin was studying the mother. Her stare at Kaeda was returned to her by Ailuin, well aware from the moment she arrived, she was not at all pleased at her union with Ailuin. That was too bad for her, it wouldn't change as far as he was concerned. Ayla certainly was bemused as Jhaan was clearly trying to clear the aire, which only had Ailuin far more fond of him then prior. Smiling brightly to him, which was such a rare sight that even Ayla seemed startled by it. It was genuine and from ear to ear. "Joyous indeed, Jhaan. If you have any questions...any concerns. I will gladly assist you in any endeavors." Dalera was laughing in amusement at Jhaan and Ailuins obvious chemistry, lifting a hand to smack his son briefly on the shoulder and squeeze it. Ailuin simply smiled up at his father, his mismatched eyes gleaming with joy and showing that absolute adoration >> for that simple touch, watching the men walk off only to shift his eyes first to Ayla as her mother tore into Kaeda. Whom, quietly from the side, observed her cunningly ripping into Kaeda, even pricking her head as she asked that. "She is quite the beloved treasure of both Ailiun and I." First Ayla, in reality, or she wouldn't have been working so hard to be ahead of her son in every step he tried to evade those cunning moves of hers. Ailuin leaned back, arm slipping around to tug Kaeda closer as she finished. "I think you will retract what you said, right now, unless you wish for me to expel all your secrets in this very room, Kyrrha?" was asked softly, quietly, but yet so seriously. That face had evaporated it's joy and warmth the more and more she had spoken. Those mismatched eyes cooly regarded her, leaning forward with his arm squeezing Kaeda briefly in reassurance before his hands steepled in front of him. No doubt, Kaeda would recognize this posture. >> the posture he often took, before tearing down all the tall higher than thou people foolishly stood upon. While Ailuin always, despite his massive intellect and sharp wit, was always humble. Tail flicked, but not a twitch elsewhere was seen as he waited, it seemed, for the mother to choose. Ayla said nothing, even as the boys returned, simply smiling as Ailuin spoke up a bit louder this time, smiling brightly with a devious glint in those eyes, leaning back. "Kaeda is the only woman for me. She is the woman, of Asari. A jewel, after all, did you know? Surely you do, Jhaan, that jewels often grow below ground level. It is formed in fact, by magma. Do you know precisely what that is, Kyrrha?" His eyes shifting to gaze into her eyes, briefly smiling. "Well, no matter, you certainly are where she gets her firelike qualities." Slap one. "But unlike you, she perseveres to retain that perfect balance and hardiness. Unlike most of us, of course. Likely why the Gods saw it fit >>
(19:42:46) Ailuin to bestow her with such a rare fitting gem." >>"It is a very likely fact that it is because she is far astute of a person, who is humble enough to recognize that she doesn't know everything. But can learn to achieve higher goals then most could ever perceive or even know. Much like her father. She sticks to her roots, strongly and passionately." His eyes danced with mischief and glee, clearly feeling like he was absolutely in his element. "And despite all the fire, all the pressure...it rises to the surface of the ground, and remains beautiful and perfect in every way. That, Lady Kyrrha, is your daughter. And I dare say, she hasn't gotten one crack yet on her surface. Much unlike you." Steady stare slammed into her. Slap two. She wanted to slap Kaeda around verbally? Two could play that game. Ayla simply giggled, clearly delighted in seeing her son so happily in love with Kaeda. And if looked to for back up, she'd shake her head. "I agree, as I said. She is quite the asset to our family. We are lucky she said yes to Ailuin." >> the men, having finished pouring by then, Ailuin would raise a hand. "I suggest two for Lady Kyrrha. I think she is quite upset and confused. Perhaps this will calm her wild flame down." was offered over in a much more warmer and softer tone to Jhaan. He did all of this, intentionally right in front of the mother. The more she would hate on Kaeda, the further she'd be estranged from her future son in law. But the more loving she was to Kaeda, the more she was a PROPER mother to her own damn daughter, the more love and warmth she'd recieve from her son in law. >>thanking the man as he'd wait for the drink, simply remaining in that habitual posture as he stared Kyrrha down. Would she stop? Or would she continue? He was WAITING for her to make a choice...

 Kaeda was brought back to reality by Ailuin's reassuring grasp, something she was far more grateful for today than ever before. Her cheeks flushed that deep mahogany as she lifted her head to look at him, and she saw that familiar resolve burning brightly in those mismatched hues. It was something she had the pleasure of witnessing several times in the past, one of the most notable memories would likely be when he took down that brute of a suitor in the arena along side of Tasair. It was a look that stoked even the deepest of flames to burn brightly in her own emerald pools, as it was far more empowering than she could ever articulate. When he withdrew his arm from her, she immediately felt that fire quiver, struggling to stay alight, but once he resumed that fabled position, she knew it was far from over. She dared not look at her mother the entire time that Ailuin railed into her, but when Ayla mentioned her importance to their family? Well, the young Kaeda could not (c)--help but shoot his mother a glance, her eyes threatening to brim over with incredibly happy tears as nothing but warmth poured out of her mouth. She turned her attention back to Ailuin, who was looking at her mother in a way that practically screamed, "try me", and her tail began to sway idly behind her back. Her lifethorn began to pulse and glow beneath her leather crop top, but she didn't care if any of them saw it now. Something about watching the love of her life completely threaten to derail her wench of a mother was far more arousing than she had ever predicted. Kyrrha's icy eyes widened at her son-in-law, but she held her acidic tongue for the most part. Her lips pressed into a firm line as she allowed him to toss his banter, her nostrils flaring as she was clearly seething with something. She looked as if she were about to open her mouth to retort to him, but Dalera and her husband soon returned with their mead, and were already pouring glasses for (c)--everyone. When Ailuin piped up and claimed she needed two, her lips pulled into a snarl, but she quickly regained herself before it turned ugly. Instead, she cracked her neck and turned to a rather confused Jhaan, blissfully unaware of the previous conversation, but now quickly realizing the heavy mood setting in the air. "My dearest Jhaan, wipe that look off of your face. You heard the boy, give me two, for I so desperately need them to celebrate the happy couple..." She affirmed with a cold and reserved tone, obviously picking her battle wisely for today, as Ailuin would hold nothing back and she had an inkling of such. There would be plenty of time in the future for their bickering to resume, but for now, Kyrrha sat back and watched him with a narrowed gaze, holding the chalice in her hand as she awaited the toast. Jhaan raised a brow at the four of them but reserved his comments, instead opting to move away from whatever negative feelings were lingering between (c)--them. "Well, alrighty then!" He called out jovially before settling down next to Kyrrha, pulling the woman against him lovingly as a disdained scowl formed on her features. Kaeda finally turned her piercing gaze away from her lover at her father's words, "I say, we owe our children a toast. To my gorgeous daughter, Kaeda, who is finally going to be with a man who is worthy of her beauty and grace... And also to Ailuin, who has become more of a son to me than I could have ever imagined. I am so proud of the both of you for finding your way to one another." Jhaan looked slightly choked up across the table, his attention solely on the young couple as he wiped away a stray tear from his cheek. He waited a moment in case Ayla or Dalera had some words they wanted to share, before concluding their sentiments. "May you be blessed with many loving years in each other's arms." And with that, he concluded their toast, clanking his glass with all who offered before the group (c)--took their drinks. Kaeda grinned and followed suit, turning back to Ailuin with a playful expression, checking to see if he downed his beverage as fast as she did. Thank you, she said to him telepathically, deep blush still burning upon her sun-kissed cheeks. There was plenty more she could have followed that up with, but since it wasn't exactly her strong suit, a simply thank you would have to suffice for now until they got a moment or two alone. (f)

Ailuin didn't once look to Kaeda, not until of course the mother was finally clearly choosing to not battle at all, smiling to Jhaan brightly as he gave her two. "Great." Ailuin then shifted back to settle against the couch once more, wrapping that arm around Kaedas waist as he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, all while his eyes gleamed of absolute delight while he observed all of Kyrrhas motions and responses to his cutting edge words. Kaedas look to Ayla of such brimming happiness had Ayla smiling right back at her with a clearly warm loving smile of a mother who adored her daughter in law to be. Her little icy eyes widening in surprise at the bravery of him was no doubt going to be a common thing between them. Leaning forward with rapt attention as she opened her mouth, only to be quicker on the draw to slam her down, smirking briefly over at her as she snarled in that flash of a movement that Ailuin, in fact, saw. And he made sure she knew he saw it. Winking at her, he lifted>>Ailuin his own glass to Jhaan. Pausing as he spoke of him being worthy. His brows furrowed and maw parted to speak arguments, but seeing his mothers' steady eyes gazing at him with such a blazing look of love and pride suddenly, had his maw snapping shut while Jhaan poured praise and happiness over the couple. Even shedding a tear. His ears slowly folding back at the show of brutal honesty from him. "Thank you, Dad." came his sudden soft gentle response. Dalera patted him next, his own eyes brimming as he gazed over to Kaeda. "I never thought...anybody could love him for how he was...how he is...but when I saw you guys form that friendship I always wanted for him...when I see you now looking at him, Kaeda...he's right. You are the only woman, who can love him as deeply as you do. Thank you." Ayla, the ever astute woman that she was, waited for her turn last. Each toast getting a sip as Ailuin sat under all the lofty praises uncertainly. >>Ayla spoke up finally. "I knew they were meant to be ever since I saw them growing up." came her soft quiet voice yet lovingly warmly spoken. A bright smile to both of them, dancing as she lifted her hand to grasp Daleras. "They will make the most intelligent children of Asari yet. And most beautiful. They both are kind hearted, loving individuals. Who fight for whats right and knows whats wrong together. They are the perfect match. For as he said, Kaeda is fire. And he is ice. Yin and yang. The perfect balance is found in each other...so may it continue to do so, no matter the hardships you will face together, as a couple." Smiling brightly at them as her own eyes started to tear up, which surprisingly, stirred Ailuins own widened eyes of shock to start watering. Grasping the glass he downed the last toast and gasped. "If you will excuse us...surely you will have plenty to discuss." was suddenly mentioned. Hand running through his hair as he could feel Kaedas eyes devouring him >>>Ailuin whole while Aylas complete faith in them stunned and also floored him. She hadn't revealed all her moves, not until now. And now...well. Ailuin was certainly deeply moved by the mothers cunning love and admiration for her boy that she had never once, so boldly spoken. Tail flicked as he gave a nervous grin to both of his parents, lifting to make sure Kaeda was alright and soon enough whisking her away into his room. Which, thankfully, wasn't THAT bad of a mess as it had been before when he had been on cases or had been bored. Soon as the door was closed behind them, he was breathing heavy as his eyes closed, lifethorn pulsing way faster then it should have been. Rubbing his muzzle as he whined...but there, in his hands, were glittering the slightest signs of tears. He had clearly been moved by all of this. All of this. And he was absolutely at a loss if it was even okay, to be showing this very much softer side of him to anyone. But he knew he couldn't leave Kaeda alone in that >>Ailuin room, not with her devouring mother dragon waiting to no doubt shred into her after what Ailuin pulled.

Kaeda had been beaming from ear to ear when each of their parents, except Kyrrha of course, doused them with their praise and approval. Such a thing never would have happened with anyone prior, and the fiery haired woman was beginning to truly treasure that aspect. Dalera and Ayla, in their words, had deeply moved Kaeda, her heart fluttering in her chest as their affections filled a deep void Kyrrha bore into her at a young age; acceptance for who she is completely. She hadn't taken note of Ailuin's anxious state right away, though when she turned to face him after their toast, she observed a faint flicker of it playing upon his handsome features. Her brows furrowed slightly but before she even had a moment to point him out, he briskly stood up and excused not just himself, but the two of them from the table. Kaeda gasped and stood up with him after hearing his statement, a nervous smile tugging on her lips as she tried to excuse herself in a more proper way to his (c)--parents, failing miserably before following his pace into his bedroom. Once the door was closed behind them, Kaeda had a rather large slew of questions for his motives and the look on his face, but stayed silent by the door, observing him. His breathing was heavier than usual, and his lifethorn was pulsing bright blue in a way she seldom saw unless it was her causing such flickering. She opened her mouth and inhaled to speak, but was cut off by his soft whine. Slowly, she closed the distance between them, only to see a glimpse of droplets reflecting in his palm. Immediately, Kaeda's ears folded back and she knew treading lightly was the only way about his crumbling icy exterior. His back was to her now as she approached, taking soft and quiet steps to not startle him further from the emotional overload he seemingly experienced in the common area. Once she was close enough to him, she lightly placed a small hand on his back, resting it there for a few seconds before (c)--rubbing reassuring circles. She had absolutely no clue if this type of stimulation would be too much for him, but thought it best to go with exactly what her heart was telling her to do. Carefully, if he let her, she would wrap her arms around his center, holding her body close along the contours of his own, her cheek softly brushing against the back of his shoulder. "It's alright..." Kaeda said quietly muffled against him, her embrace and tone attempting to offer him nothing but warmth and comfort. She would hold him like this for as long as he needed unless he maneuvered out of her grasp, closely molded against his back as she shared her warmth and reassurance with him. The woman held great restraint, as she wanted nothing more than to face him, to hold him and caress his face, but she held her ground behind, clearly being mindful of any boundaries he still may possess with her. (f)

Ailuin was completely overwhelmed. He had done it, he had accomplished what his brother never could. And the mere overwhelming joy threatening to burst from his chest was causing poor Ailuin a stutter. And at the worst of times too, no doubt. Hands leaning against the door frame as the tall wiry 6'7" figure remained hunched over it, still pressing his very short horns against the door to pant away. Not at all caring about how adruptly he had left the parents, knowing well that Ayla understood. Far more then his father ever would. But seeing her pride and joy in what he was doing...for the first time so clearly. It moved powerfully through him, so much that he couldn't contain the joy and yet also, relief of pain that he had held back all those years. The healing of all of it...was so overwhelming and knowing that Jhaan loved him, already, like a son in law. It was too much emotion. Too much good. He was so WARY of it. Fearing that at any moment, it would be ripped from his very hands. >Ailuin was grateful. Ever so grateful for Kaedas cautious silence as she took in the frantic nerve-wracked and very over stimulated Arkaine. Tail was swaying like mad as he let loose that whine. Ears folding back as he glanced over at her as she got closer. "I'm fine..just give me a minute." was rumbled with a clear soft hearted tone but he was shaking...all over. Feeling her hand rest on him brought a far more sensational reaction then he expected. Of course it was dulled, considering his back was clothed at the moment, but he definitely sharply inhaled and ears folded back even more. Tail flicking as his eyes closed tightly. Despite the clear attraction for her touch, he also felt the comfort in it. And it's why he didn't jerk away from it but accepted it. Because it also brought him peace. Comfort. Something in which, he never before had the chance to expreience. Never before had his walls ever crumbled so rapidly in one moment>>Ailuin only to feel her arms slowly and gently slide around him. It seemed to only increase his breathing but it was clearly giving him comfort since there was no more tears. Squirming in her touch, shivering as her head brushed up against his shoulder. Her voice echoing those words causing his breathing to finally somewhat settle, mind whirling a mile a minute as he was still shaking from the overwhelming things happening to him that was still so new in. So fresh in. "It's more then alright, it's fantastic." was finally sputtered out, clearly showing that he wasn't sad at all.

Kaeda almost recoiled her touch when she took note of his shaking, but persisted nonetheless, feeling somewhere deep down that this was what she needed to do for him. So many times he had been there to pick her up when she was down, and she wanted nothing more than to return the favor in her own way; to be a grounding force. She held him there, her arms wrapped around his frame from behind, though not too tightly as she waited for his breathing to steady, hoping to synchronize their own heartbeats in an effort to bring him back down from the over stimulation. When he didn't shove away at her embrace, she allowed her fingers to gently curl over the fabric of his shirt, gripping it lightly as she nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder. Even though his shivering, his hastened breathing began to calm, and she could feel some of the tension leaving his body beneath her grasp. She then pulled her head away from him slightly, pressing her lips against the contour of his (c)--clothed back. If he didn't resist such an action, she would slowly release him. "Let me look at you, then?" she said in response to his sudden affirmation, taking a step back to allow him to turn around to face her. If he obliged her, he would be met with those blistered emerald pools, though they were a bit less unnerving with the expression she was offering him. Her eyes squinted at the corners as she smiled warmly at him, silently inviting him to hold her if he wished to, but like always, she didn't press the issue. "It's... a lot, that is undeniable." Kaeda spoke quietly as to not alert any prying ears from the common area. "I want to share that burden with you, but I will not force that, either. I want you to come to me, share your worries with me or share your happiness with me, because you want to or because it would make you feel better. I just... I want you to be happy, Ailuin." Kaeda fumbled a bit over her words, her nerves clearly getting a rise out of (c)--her as well, as she tried to convey her utmost desires to her promised. (f)