A bit of peace. He didn’t feel instantly healed, but he did feel better. Celia was so like and unlike her brother it was awe inspiring. That same competitiveness, that same drive, but a totally different response to the need for empathy. Theseus smiled and put his arm around Celia’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“Damn right I am, no one dances better than a Rosier. Helps when I’ve got a good dance partner.” Theseus adjusted on the couch, laying down with his head in Celia’s lap and closing his eyes like he’d done it a million times before. He put his hands on his stomach, and breathed evenly as any panic or fear he’d felt about that moment of nearness with Celia left him. She was his friend, a true friend who wanted to know him for more than just cooking or a quick joke. And right then, that was what Theseus needed more than anything else in the world.
The elf brought them water, and Theseus didn’t budge. He just talked, listened, and when he fell asleep he actually was smiling a little.