Closeness

Upon returning home, Kael and Evie both sit down together. Kael puts his arm around her, and she cuddles up against him. It’s becoming almost instinctive at this point, but it still makes Kael feel warm inside. They sit in silence for a while, both mulling over their thoughts.

It’s Evie who breaks the quiet. “Master…does this change how you feel? About me?”

Kael shakes his head. “No. At least, not in the immediate. But…it does make being called ‘master’ even stranger.”

Evie shrugs. “I don’t see it like that, master. For me, referring to you, it’s not…it’s hard to explain. It doesn’t make me feel bad. Not like I was told. At least, not when I’m talking to you, master. I feel…nice. Safe.”

Kael nods. “Okay. If you change your mind, you can always just use my name. At least, when we’re alone.”

She looks up at him, smiling. “Of course. Thank you, master.”

Evie sighs, resting her head against his shoulder. Kael gently strokes her hair, and she closes her eyes. After a while, she speaks again, softly.

“I’m so glad it was you, master. I never thought I’d be…happy.”

Kael leans down and kisses her forehead, and she smiles, her eyes still closed. Kael tries to think of something to say, but no words come to him. Instead, he simply hugs the petite elf. That seems to be enough, drawing another happy sigh from her. They stay there for a while longer, basking in each other’s warmth.

Eventually, though, Evie stirs. “Master, I should make dinner.”

Kael sighs. “Do you have to? This is comfortable.”

Evie actually giggles. “Yes master. You need to eat. You must heal.”

Kael chuckles. “Very well. Go ahead, Evie.”

Reluctantly, he lets her go. Evie stands, turning to plant a kiss on his cheek before starting to walk away. Kael reaches out and grabs her hand, pulling her back and into a kiss on the lips. This kiss is much more thorough, and lasts much longer. When they finally separate, Evie’s face is flushed, and she’s panting a bit. A smile spreads across her face.

“Thank you, master…”

Still smiling, she walks towards the kitchen, a definite spring in her step. Kael watches her go, a bit surprised by his own actions. He can still feel her soft lips, and her reaction was nothing but positive. He leans back on the couch, a smile on his face.