Ari/Aspel - 2:30 AM
She felt Aspel's body stiffen against hers, knew even before she spoke that the moment was over. She opened her eyes, watched Aspel's expression shift, tried not to sigh, attempted to get her breathing under control. When the other woman pulled away, she loosened her hold, dropped her leg to stand on her own two feet, though she did need to lean against the door for balance. She was a bit lightheaded yet. "An offer only," she said softly; although there was certainly some disappointment in her voice, she tried to temper her tone, and it came out unexpectedly gentle. "Never a demand - or an expectation."
She held Aspel's gaze until the other dropped her eyes, smoothed her rumpled dress and wrapped her arms around herself for something to do with her hands. After the heat of just moments ago, she felt suddenly cold, though the night was mild. "You've nothing to apologize for," she said once the stilted apology had come. "You would be hard pressed to... mar my evening." She reached out, meaning only for a gentle gesture, but stopped herself at the last moment, noting the oddness of Aspel's movements and thinking that her touch might be as unwelcome now as it was welcome moments before. Her hand returned to her side, wrapping once again around her ribs after a few seconds had passed. "Thank you," she added after a moment. "For seeing me home."