I could make you want me

Zephyr felt remarkably more clear-minded now, though he didn't doubt Caelum's unmistakable ability to make him lose control. He knew that if he wasn't careful, any semblance of command of his own being could be shattered in an instant. Her scent grew stronger, and he trailed after it - though not without a hint of wariness at what their next meeting might bring. He did want to talk, and he wanted some kind of closure about.. everything. It was disappointing to know that he would get no additional news about anyone; he had hoped, for so long, that some of his children might still be alive, somehow. But that was something he no longer anticipated, not since she'd admitted to not seeing anyone but Inverno. And now he knew Asha was alive, too.

When he saw her, he felt his heart sink. She truly was as beautiful as ever. Regret filled him, again and again, like an overflowing puddle, and his face contorted slightly. He didn't know what to expect from this meeting today. Caelum had been clear in that she wasn't saying goodbye, not forever. They both needed time to collect their thoughts and to understand better how they felt, and how they wanted to proceed.

And yet suddenly he felt wildly unprepared again, and at a complete loss.

Her demeanor was far too sweet and fragile for him to deny. How could he be frustrated with such a lovely being? He caught the slight hint of a smile in her voice and saw her tail waving lightly behind her. His own lips twitched in the ghost of a smile as he faced her, taking a few long strides closer. Her words, though, caught him by surprise. The question? What question had she asked? For a long moment he wracked his mind, then recalled quite quickly that the first time she had seen him at their last meeting she had asked one simple question. Do you hate me?

His chest tightened and he cursed her silently for having such a tight hold on him. "I could never hate you," he admitted gently, only the slightest quiver touching his voice as his gaze found her own. Zephyr knew he could never truly hate her, no matter how angry and hurt he had been, and even if he blamed her for what had happened. Deep down he knew he had love in his heart for her, but to what extent he hadn't quite mapped out yet.