*Ikenna pauses for a long moment, his red eyes intently staring down at Kailas, his expression again taking on that uncertainty. It’s—it’s difficult to find the words to properly respond to Kailas’s question, particularly with Kailas clinging tight, the way he shudders against him. It sends fresh shockwaves of warmth through his being, to say the very least. He gives a lingering, breathless sound, a clearing of his throat. How—what should he say? What is he saying? That’s… honestly a good question, isn’t it.*
H-hah… I’m saying, ah… Kailas, I’m saying that I… *Ikenna again finds his words stuttering, breaking. Why? Why is it so difficult? When he reflects on it, perhaps it really shouldn’t be surprising. And then, this night’s events, all of it had happened so quickly, and yet it almost seemed an eternity, as he looks back on it, on their relationship and how it’s grown since first laying eyes on the beautiful man—of course Kailas loves him. How could he be so foolish not to realize? So… so very foolish.* I’m saying… I don’t deserve it, to feel this way, to have you—Kailas, I shouldn’t. But… I do. I have. *he finally whispers, tipping in close, breathing a shuddering sigh against the half-demon’s ear. Yes. It’s a frightening feeling, terrifying really, and yet it’s the truth. It’s the truth he’s known, deep down, for some time now.*