you have survived every moment of your life
even the ones you swore you wouldn't
He falters over the word brother for a moment, before he remembers that it’s rather commonplace in Caido for those titles to be shared in absence of blood. It’s a camaraderie he respects, but hasn’t otherwise experienced since leaving his home world. “Welcome to the palace then, your highness,” he remarks gallantly, bowing with a small grin. It’s far less dramatic than his normal boyish charm, shoulders slumped and a small wince to his face when he straightens.
It’s followed by a soft, understanding look at her fluster. “I know it does, but I can control myself. And frankly I don’t see you that way, it would be a purely physical reaction.” One he was trained to ignore as a killer, and then had ignored further out of fear of ever being close to someone again - until his last two loves. “If one moment of awkwardness means you have the freedom to come and go safely, that’s a price I’m willing to pay. But it’s only an offer - you’re welcome to stay here until nightfall too.” But until she decides, he lingers on his feet.
It’s followed by a soft, understanding look at her fluster. “I know it does, but I can control myself. And frankly I don’t see you that way, it would be a purely physical reaction.” One he was trained to ignore as a killer, and then had ignored further out of fear of ever being close to someone again - until his last two loves. “If one moment of awkwardness means you have the freedom to come and go safely, that’s a price I’m willing to pay. But it’s only an offer - you’re welcome to stay here until nightfall too.” But until she decides, he lingers on his feet.
this time is no different
you will last
