But Damian approached him, to which he granted no curiosity- it felt easy enough to assume that Damian needed a drink before bed, or wanted to wash his hands of the blackberry paste. Shale even stepped aside to clear himself out of the path to the sink, but for this, Damian only shifted directions slightly. Shale remained leaning against the counter until Damian stepped into the personal boundaries that most left well alone and pressed lips to his cheek. It brought to mind immediately what Porsha mentioned of affection and its many expressions - that a kiss of any form may be inclusive of platonics and not intended to force him from a disciplined path. However, he started to wonder if he was expected to do the same.
Instead, Shale only shrugged it off as a positive sign. His roommate acclimated to him enough to show affection, which bade well for Ashanite's position in the Negaverse. Perhaps finally the man began to abandon his old life and focus on his current one. It was the most Shale could hope for, of all they'd done that night.
"Goodnight," he returned, and lingered a moment longer. Perhaps it was time to talk to Porsha and see what she knew of ways to maintain good rapport with others. Amphitrite may know more with her position. And, foremost, perhaps he should ask Damian himself.
Noir Songbird
fin?
