[Somehow, Ikenna’s immediate response manages to be more confusing than his previous ones. The laugh that escapes Ikenna is mirthless, nothing like the usual chuckles Ikenna has on his behalf. It leaves Kailas curious—a feeling that only grows, perhaps morphing into a sense of concern, as Ikenna presses his face into his neck. For whatever reason, this is troubling Ikenna. That much is abundantly clear.
Hoping to offer the man some sense of solace, some comfort, Kailas raises a hand and begins to reach toward Ikenna’s red head. His sudden response stops him dead. The three words that Ikenna speaks are not the same that he’d uttered previously, but… for Kailas? They’re more than enough. Kailas feels warmth spread throughout his frame, a feeling unparalleled by anything else he’d experienced thus far that evening. His skin tingles, his heart races, and once again, his eyes begin to water. He can’t even begin to conceptualize how this could possibly have occurred. He won’t try. Not now, not yet.
Kailas takes in a small, shuddering breath, hoping to compose himself. He finally rests a hand atop Ikenna’s head, brushing fingers through red strands.] Ah… I’m so glad. [he whispers, voice faintly breaking. Kailas presses a kiss against the top of Ikenna’s head.] It feels better to hold someone you love….