[The change does not escape her, and her expression tightens by the slightest degree, stepping closer without hesitation.]
… Endmin?
[Her hand rises instinctively before stopping just short of the other's cheek as her gaze catches the unfamiliar cracks.]
… Are you injured?
Ehehe. ( Retracting her hands, cupping them behind her back. )
Now we're even. I'm on extend R&R too, remember? Orders from above. Believe it or not, even I answer to— ( Sentence cut short. It was subtle, yet she held her head and winced in pain, Æther cracks on her corporeal -
@apple_kroos The unexpected touch stills her for the briefest moment.
… But her free hand soon rises almost instinctively, fingertips brushing lightly the feline's nape.
“Perhaps.”
A quiet purr from the cat begins to rumble against the Liberi.
“… It does seem comfortable…”
@apple_kroos A faint warmth brushes her cheeks – gone almost as quickly as it appears.
“… You are welcome.”
Her gaze lowers briefly to the feline.
“They are pleasant company.”
[The Liberi's eyes widen by the barest margin as gentle fingers make contact with her cheeks.
… Yet she remains still.]
… Are you certain…? You already seem busy enough.
( Bittersweet smile given. A reality to be mourned in retrospect, yet to celebrate going forward. )
I know, Li. But that's already begun to change. Change doesn't happen overnight, but I'm here for you, every step of the way.
( Reaching for cheeks. Light squeeze. )
…
[Her gaze lowers briefly to where the Endministrator's finger rests before returning to meet theirs.]
… Being honest with myself…
[A quiet pause.]
… I have always asked what was expected of me. Never what I wished for myself.
That question isn't for me to answer. Your heart is yours alone to figure out.
But, hmm. . .
( Walking over, index tapping front and center of Li's chest. )
I can give some pointers. A feeling, a longing, something you yearn for. Being honest with yourself is a good start. 😊
@apple_kroos offers only a quiet chirp before being settled against her shoulder, its body supported by one of Arcane's hands as it relaxes completely in her hold. Its tail gives slow, contented sways, as though it had finally found the place it had been looking for.
@apple_kroos Arcane blinks, Kroos' voice pulling her back from her thoughts.
Without a word, she steps forward, gentle hands slipping beneath the feline as she lifts it from the Cautus' arms.
The motion is practiced… Perhaps a little 𝘵𝘰𝘰 practiced.
“… There.”
The feline »