When Seconds Tick By

Gryphon's face relaxed when his words, or his presence, seemed to draw his mother's attention from her anxiety. Her words didn't do much to soothe his worries, though he listened without interrupting until she moved to nuzzle his cheek. If he could have blushed he would have, but even through his embarrassment he felt his chest swell with pride. He wasn't immune to such words, no more than any child was to hear their parent express pride in them. He returned her caress, seeking to drape his chin over her neck and pull her close in a gentle hug. Pulling back away again, his concern was still evident in his face and his eyes as he studied her closely. "Eat," he told her firmly, then smiled. "I love you too, Mom. And you aren't being neglectful, and you aren't a bad mother. Why would you even think that? Lykos, Kharnage, Dragon and I, we are adults, and you can't very well spend all your time running after us and wiping up our messes now, can you? It is as much our responsibility to help you, not just as your sons but because we chose to join Ivalice." He eyed her with faint disquiet. "What brought all this on, then?"