It felt almost wrong to smile at her sympathy and yet, he found himself doing so. A smile of joy at the thought that somebody might feel like that for him - concern, true and utmost concern. It made him glad, giddy almost, and yet it seemed so inappropriate to feel such a thing when her eyes reflected back at him with such sorrow. Was it even possible to explain the feeling? He didn't think so and yet, words still slipped out. Quiet but sincere.

"I don't think I need to worry anymore."

They were spoken to neither he or she, just... anything, really. The universe, perhaps. It just felt right to clarify the thought out in the open - a fragment of the wholeness he had suddenly come to feel. Had it only been minutes? He could think no further ahead then the now. It just seemed to impossible to imagine a feeling more complete and content than he felt right then and there. It almost made him afraid to leave, lest he feel it slip away from beneath him like stones in a river. Thank the universe, then, for the feeling of touch between them then as their foreheads rest against one another. It settles him instantly. It was a whole new realm of sensation, though. Like all the static between them suddenly nullified; he swore he could feel her very soul reach out to him. He breathed her in. He didn't want to breathe her back out, though.

When they pulled apart, he looked at her with a new understanding. At least, he could understand now that whatever he had felt had not been a mistake, or some fluke of nature. It was the real thing. A tangible connection that earthed him. Of course, all those thoughts were burnt away by the heat of her smile; it made his own lips pull back into a toothy grin, ecstatic and broad as his tail waved behind him steadily.

"I do not doubt you are correct," he spoke finally, finally recovered. "Coming here was no mistake. It was surely the reason I left, too. But... I am glad to be back."

He furrowed his brows then, lowering to be seated as she had. He sat close and yet, there was always a distance. Even though he desired closeness, he could not find it within himself to be as close as he desired. Always a distance. Always a space to be filled.

"I want to know you," he began, meeting her eyes then with a sudden seriousness. He had fast learned this day to speak earnestly, without fear of repercussion. At least, with her it was okay. "I want to do right by fate. I want to... prove it is there. That it makes sense."