[ this time, he feels just calm enough to return her smile. something about it sets him at ease, and the idea that they're going somewhere safe, somewhere where they don't have to fight... it clears his head a little.
so they follow cradily, who is just as alert as kazfiel for any potential enemies. thankfully they stay unprovoked the entire way, and they make it to the lobby of the complex in one piece. when the doors close behind them, steven finds himself letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. he's definitely calmed down, but he's still tense as he reaches for cradily's poke ball on his belt. he'll move to recall her, but not before giving her a gentle stroke on the head with his free hand, paired with a fond smile. ]
You were willing to protect me with all that you had. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.
[ she responds with a happy (and slightly sticky) nuzzle with her tentacles, and it actually makes him laugh a little. with another pat, he returns her to her poké ball. it's a weird show of a bond, but it's relaxed him just a bit more. he turns back to otome, expression finally looking more like himself. ]
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so they follow cradily, who is just as alert as kazfiel for any potential enemies. thankfully they stay unprovoked the entire way, and they make it to the lobby of the complex in one piece. when the doors close behind them, steven finds himself letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. he's definitely calmed down, but he's still tense as he reaches for cradily's poke ball on his belt. he'll move to recall her, but not before giving her a gentle stroke on the head with his free hand, paired with a fond smile. ]
You were willing to protect me with all that you had. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.
[ she responds with a happy (and slightly sticky) nuzzle with her tentacles, and it actually makes him laugh a little. with another pat, he returns her to her poké ball. it's a weird show of a bond, but it's relaxed him just a bit more. he turns back to otome, expression finally looking more like himself. ]