Welcome to Gaia! ::

She knew that she promised Rivener privacy in his visits with Roux, but that was before the Roc raevan broke free from his coccoon, like a baby bird being reborn. The situation was bigger than their moments together, and being the only adult in the building, she had a responsibility not only to Chloe, but Dr. Kyou and Aphismet as well, to handle the situation rationally and maturely.

"I know I promised you time along with him, Rivener," Natsuki said apologetically, with sincerity caressing every word. Maternal instinct and concern, however, compelled her into over drive. As Roux shivered in the scorpion's arms, she drew the first blanket around his shoulders, instructing Rivener to help. "Though he normally likes the cold, I think he needs a little body heat. Hold onto him, Rivener, I'll get more blankets," Natsuki said, squeezing her hand over his, a silent request to lend her a hand. "Ask Roux if he needs anything. Food. Water."

A storm brewed within her gray eyes. Narrowing her gaze, she had a job to do. Too many people depended on her. At that, she hurried back across the room, and through the door. Wrenching the hall closet open, she started pulling blankets out, and gathering them in her arms.

Rivener couldn only hold back just as tightly, lacing his fingers into Roux's hair, almost cradling his head. "Roux... It's alright. You're not alone now... I'll help you with anything at all, anything. I'll be here with you for good, okay?" He muttered over and over, trying to comfort the other any which way he could. He didn't want to ask the other to explain what was wrong, as that might frustrate him... Roux would explain when he felt calmer. For now, Rivener only wanted to help Roux feel safe.

Riv pulled the blankets higher around them, wrapping them both together in a tight bundle. He was feeling warmer by the minute, the room losing its icy frosting, and the blankets keeping Riv's bodyheat from escaping any longer. He rubbed softly at Roux's back and arms.

Roux calmed slightly as Rivener spoke and petted. Dark thoughts swirled and he pushed them down, tucking them away into an equally dark corner. He focused on Rivener's acute warmth.. it was.. uncomfortable and wonderful all at once. He'd never before sought the heat like he did now and the blankets helped. Slowly he stopped shivering as he concentrated on the other Raeven.

Roux's grip loosened, expression flattening out once as the assault of intense negative emotion slowly let go of him, fading away and letting more comforting things through. He sighed, looking up at Rivener with his clear blue eyes. He leaned his head against Rivener's shoulder, the look he often got when trying to peice together what he wanted to say in his head.

"Riv'ner... heard." He put his hand against his chest, frowning unhappily. "Ow yes in here. Want here. See yes."

Her words and questions went unanswered, and within her resentment brewed like a squall on the ocean. Tired. So very tired. With ever chunk of ice she pitched out the window, anger brewed within her. Natsuki spent day after day, breaking her back in labor to help take care of Roux, as requested by Dr. Kyou. She did everything asked of her, and yet, all she desperately wanted was to hear 'thank you', or some acknowledgment of her efforts. The ice blistered her alabaster skin, making her ashamed to wear short sleeves. She spent more and more time in front of the mirror daily, trying to cover up the wear and tear mapped out on her face, and for what? To be ignored when a break through finally happens.

Looking over at Roux and Rivener huddled together, oblivious to her dedication and servitude, resentment boiled up within her. After dumping the last shovelful of snow out the window, she merely threw the spade on the wet carpet and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. If they weren't going to give her the respect she deserved as the 'parent' in the house, she would treat them like the children they were.

"I've had enough," she growled bitterly, stalking down the hallway to the kitchen. Her heart felt cold and empty. Filling the kettle with water, she slammed in down on the stove, and snapped on the gas, igniting the burner. "You two can just do whatever the hell you want."

Rivener also startled at Natsuki's door slamming. He frowned at that door, lips tightening. What was her problem? Rivener couldn't understand why someone would be all huffy at this time. For goodness sake, Roux was the only one that should matter to everyone right now.

Riv turned back to the other Frei and smiled at the praise. "Thank you," he said. "You're still very delicious too." He leaned forward, now that they were alone, and kissed the other again. When he pulled back, he hugged Roux tighter. It was obvious the other didn't want to answer his questions, but Rivener didn't want to push. Roux would tell him when he was ready.

"...Missed you," he muttered into the other's shoulder as he hugged.