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"Guess so," Earendil murmured, blushing hotly. He wasn't sure why this was difficult for him, he had hugged Lin numerous times before and he had never felt awkward about it ...

He kept one arm around Miyuki and put his other arm around Lin's shoulders, drawing her close for a tight hug.

Earendil just turned redder when he heard Miyuki's little chant, but as embarrassed as he was, it was a long while before he finally released Lin, putting an end to the hug.

He really had no idea what to do now. More than ever, he wished that he could do something about his feelings for Lin, but she had made it abundantly clear that she felt nothing for him. And yet it was equally clear that Miyuki wanted nothing more than for the three of them to be together forever. He had to go against someone's will, and at this point, he had no idea whose it would end up being.

He looked down at Lin, his eyes reflecting his indecision. Did he really have a choice? After all, what was the worst that could happen? If he didn't say anything, then he was guaranteed to make everyone miserable. If he tried and failed, then at least he would have tried, right?

"Um ... Lin, I ..."

His voice failed him, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, his face growing very warm indeed.

Earendil opened his mouth to try again, but his courage failed him, and he simply shook his head. "Nothing," he murmured. "We should probably go inside."

He turned towards the door and held it open for her. She hadn't been paying any real attention, she was more concerned with Miyuki than anything right now - which was understandable. But it did mean that it wasn't a good time right now ...

Earendil smiled at Miyuki as she and Lin passed him, but his eyes were sad. He closed the door behind himself and removed his boots and cloak, setting them aside to dry. He wondered if Lin would need a hand with Miyuki, but at the rate things were going he didn't dare ask or offer. Instead, he moved to sit on one of the chairs near the crackling fireplace.

"Perhaps she would like something warm to drink?" Fletcher's voice came from the kitchen doorway. He appeared suddenly, a kettle in one hand. "I was about to boil some water, but if you prefer I could prepare some hot cider or something. Always good after some time outside in the winter."

He grinned at Lin and Miyuki, then looked over at Earendil. "What do you say? Do you want some?"

Earendil smiled faintly at Fletcher and shook his head. "No, thank you," he said politely. "I think I'm more tired than anything."

Fletcher chuckled. "That's what happens when you stay up half the night." He turned back to Lin. "What about you and Miyuki?"

Earendil smiled softly and put one hand on Miyuki's head. "What do you think?" he murmured quietly so that only she would be able to hear him. "Mummi doesn't seem to feel the way we do, does she?"

Fletcher grinned at Lin. "Done. Give me just a few minutes and I'll bring it out here if you like."

Earendil chuckled and ruffled Miyuki's hair affectionately. "Yes," he grinned. "Luffs. But if it's only one-sided then it doesn't count for much, does it?"

Fletcher smiled back at Lin. "No worries. I'll be back shortly." And he turned and headed back into the kitchen.

Earendil glanced up at Lin, then looked back down at Miyuki and removed his hand from her head. "Well ... she seems calm enough, anyways," he murmured, "though ... still a bit ... off. I don't know."

He shook his head slowly. "I just wish we could know what was going on with her."