— You can stay how many nights you need, you're always welcome in our home. You can stay on Kaai's room, don't worry. —her right hand rested on his shoulder, allowing herself the inevitable need to touch him, wheter it was a caress, a hug, or just holding his hand, but trying to keep a respectful distance. Moon whispered — You didn't lose your family when you left.
Once the mention of the "other person" came to the conversation, Moon felt the need to retrieve her hand away from him, as the guilt of breaking her ex girlfriend's heart almost overpowered her, but then again, she was able to compose herself, in between the waves of bittersweet emotions.
— You're not replaceable, Audric. We... —she paused to correct herself— She loves and waits for you everyday. You're her dad, how could she forget about you? She never lets go of that Bunny you gave her. —her hands grabbed his firmly as she talked, but softly let it go as her hands became more noticiably shaky.
— I'm home any day of the week, I'll let you pick the time and the date. I won't tell Kaai yet, so it'll be a surprise for her. And yes, bring something, maybe some wine and cheese. —a faint laugh left her lips, feeling the change in his expresion enerving, feeling a sudden anxiety of possible bad news, but her heart calmed after hearing his question.
—Just pick a time and date. I'll bring something nice for her, and for you too. Sounds good?— His voice suddenly sounded vigorous, yet gentle, same as his expression. But the latter quickly vanished, as he turned his face down to look at their hands intertwined. His voice lowered to a whisper, unable to look her in the eye.
—...Can I stay? I mean, just for a night. I can sleep in the couch, and take care of the dishes and anything you need fixed. I just... I just don't want to sleep alone.
The fact that she did not move ease him, but as soon as her tender and delicate grasp held his wrist, he could feel them nervously shaking, even if it was barely noticeable. And even if it didn't show, he felt the same way. Nervous and confused. He suddenly remember the last few months, which Audric had spent yet again fighting in the frontlines of some proxy conflict that had nothing to do with his own life. But after losing her to somebody else, the man returned to the only "home" he knew to soothe his grief.
—I thought she would realize once she met... That other person.— There it was. He had slipped again. He still felt wounded, but wasn't willing to let it ruin the moment. His left hand then reached over hers' and gently tightened it's grasp, as if trying to appease their tremors. Audric then smiled for her—true and warm—causing the scars on his face to visibly move as well. But he didn't didn't think about them. Not with her.
—I do what I can... —said, soft spoken as always, as she saw his hand reach towards her. She didn't move, waiting for the touch to reach her as she felt her heart suddently racing.— It would be easier if you were around more, I've run out of reasons why you aren't visiting. —Moon grabed his wrist and kept holding him in between her slightly shaking hands. For a moment she seemed doubtful to talk, but either way inquired gently— Why don't you come visit us for dinner?
—Well, it shows. You're the definition of being a responsible mother.— He then extended his right hand in an almost unconscious manner, seemingly reaching for her, but stopped almost immediately. There was an evident uncertainty in him with the simple act of talking, let alone touching her. But in the end, he just used a couple of fingers to comb a rebellious lock on her hair. —Yeah, maybe a couple of nights would help... I just find it a little hard, ever since I went back to sleeping alone.
— You do? Thank you. Having Kaai with me has made me get older way faster, in a good way.— slightly smiled— Don't be unfair, after all you've been through, you look great. Maybe a couple good night sleep and you'll be good as new.
—It's kind of nostalgic, takes me back to when I first met you. But never mind if people say it's a cliché. You can always do whatever you want with your life.
