What a pleasure, my shadow

[Rhayeqasr]

She smiled, "I wouldn't have agreed to stay with you if I didn't trust you," how could she not trust him? They had a lot in common, and Paranoids weren't the type to stab someone in the back. He seemed genuine and kind, and she like that.

She was, indeed, an honest Euclides, for she was a horrible liar. "Well, I'm glad your being open, as well," she smiled, stepping closer to him. She had shared with him as much as she could. Her mind was blank, and she though of nothing else to say about herself.

He wanted to protect her? What a glorious feeling those words gave her. "You have protected me from my lonliness, and I am grateful for that," her smile grew, and she lowered her eyes as he blushed. She was flattered that he would change to be brave and protect her. She put a paw under his chin and lifted his head to look at her. She whispered, "I like you just how you are," and smiled softly.

[tigs]

He thought about the comment, and it made perfect logical sense. He just allowed his mind to toy with him, as he often did. It seemed he was in control of even less than he'd thought. But at this moment, he threw caution into the wind, because he just didn't care. Being around her and hearing her kind words made it feel like nothing mattered, it would just be okay.

Jarukaen felt awkward when lying, very uncomfortable, and immediately noticable. Another of the things they had in common, though he didn't know it, because he'd never seen her try to lie. "I can't help it, I just feel... calm, explaining everything. Like I've known you for forever. There was never any question of you betraying me somehow." He admitted, turning his head a moment to hide the bashful grin.

"Well, that goes both ways. I suppose we're protecting each other?" He laughed, allowing his masculine ego to be bruised. Who needed it? He'd rather they be there for each other, than he take the role of helping the damsel in distress anyday. He was surprised by the contact, and tried to utter a question as she spoke.

His paw found hers and pressed against it affectionately, he was trying not to invade her personal space, trying not to be too bold, worried that he'd scare her off. But he wanted her to know. Wanted her to know that... well, what? He liked her, he liked her company, he wanted her company always, he wanted to always be around her? What did that mean, in simple terms? Affection... but love? What of that? Would he know it if he loved her? He honestly couldn't say, and this troubled him... he didn't know what to say to her to explain it.

[Rhayeqasr]

She nodded in agreement. They had known eachother for what... an hour or so? But it seemed so much longer than that. She felt as if they grew up together. "I wouldn't betray you," she smiled softly, shaking her head at the thought. "Not even if you turned on me." And these words were true, she'd be a loyal friend no matter what.

She wondered how she could possibly protect him. There was no doubt that he was more brave than she. She brought paranoia to the extreme, not on purpose, however. Perhaps she saved him from lonliness as well? Just another thing they must have in common.

She was grateful for the return of physical contact. His paw on hers gave her a strange feeling in her stomach. Not nusea, not fear, but... she didn't know. She had not had such a feeling before. She said nothing, there was nothing to say. She just stared into his eyes, admiring their beauty. Could, this feeling, be more than friendly affection? Could it be love?