princessia | ❥ ic contact (driftfleet)

...fine. Then that's what I'll do.

[ She doesn't sound irritated, but she does continue to feel letdown by her task. Really though, she's trying to understand and accept what she can do for now. Even if she's disappointed by it.

He cares and she doesn't want to make it any more difficult for him. For the both of them. ]

I'm... sorry for worrying you.

I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. [He truly will try to think of another way for her to help, but for now all he can do is lean down and press a kiss to her temple.]

You're much stronger and braver than I was at your age.

[ A pause. Elize blinks, surprised and confused at first by the kiss, unable to recall if she received similar parental affection in the past. But when she finally turns her gaze to look directly at him, it's with a smile, happy to be given his warmth and granting him silent forgiveness. ]

...Thank you for protecting me on the ship.

[He smiles in return.]

You don't need to thank me for that. It's the least I can do for you.

[ Sitting up, she moves her legs to dangle off the edge of the bed. Done with sulking pitifully on her bed. ]

Um...

[ She looks up at him briefly, like she wants to say something else. But then she shyly looks back down at her feet. ]

What is it, Elize?

[ She's quiet. Give her a moment and she'll start speaking again. She hasn't realized it herself yet, but she has been growing much better at using her own words. ]

I was thinking about my parents. I wonder if they cared about me, just as much as you do.

[Cullen only takes a brief moment to respond, arm gently going around Elize's tiny shoulders.]

I have a hard time imagining anyone in their right mind not caring about you, especially your parents.

[ She leans against him a bit, frowning. ]

Then I wonder why they left me all alone with only Teepo...

I wish I knew. [There are many things that could have happened, and none of them good.

He smooths back the hair that got mussed up by the bed.]

I won't leave you. I promise.

Good. I don't want you to go away.

I won't. Even if you're angry at me, I won't go anywhere. I'll be here for you. [He's trying to be a little funny with that, smiling as he looks at her.]

[ She tilts her head to look up, just to make one of her annoyed little faces at him. Even if that's pretty much what happened a moment ago. Talking helped. ]

[He grins before catching her in a bear hug. He doesn't mind her attitude when it's not actually her being upset with him.]

[ The hug catches her by surprise and she lets out a small squeak. ]

You have to give me time and space too sometimes!

[ Just don't leave her alone for long periods of time and only seldom visit like her previous caretaker did. ]

Oh? Must I? Then you'll have to let me know.

I-I'll let you know when.

[ And it's not now. She's happy with this bear hug. ]

[He taps her nose, as he often does.] I always want you happy.

That's annoying!

[ Yet that nose tap always gets a giggle and wider smile out of her. She's definitely happier now despite what she says. Not a good liar here. ]

I can fix it. [He taps a little higher, right between the eyes.] Better?

[ A laugh. ]

No!

[ She leans away, grabbing her pillow and shielding her face with it. ]

[Oh, is that how she wants to play? Cullen makes a show of shoving her, but it's not a very big shove--in fact, he keeps a hold on her and makes sure she doesn't bounce off the cot or hurt herself. So, it's more like tipping her over. Oops.]

Careful! That's what happens when you can't see.

[ She keeps from tipping over too much by pushing herself up with her arm. Sitting up on her bed, she shoves the pillow at Cullen's face. ]

Now you're the one who can't see!

[He laughs, and tips over. Not being able to see is very dangerous!]

Ah, a good point.

[ She places her pillow on her lap, though she does look ready to shield her face again. ]

Do I win?

❥ ic contact (driftfleet)

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