Connections

[Nox]

It wasn't their worst stare down. They'd probably have stayed that for a lot longer if the door hadn't opened. A woman stepped out and put her arm on Ori's arm and she visibly softened. Nox turned his gaze to the ground. He had already pushed too far. He growled to himself. He should have texted -- called even before showing up. Regrets...

She spoke in Russian and Nox just waited for the interaction to end to even give Oriena a response. Many things crossed his mind. He stepped closer to Oriena. He didn't want to get her in any more trouble by refusing the invitation. "A little snow isn't going to bother me, Ori" He whispered. He didn't mind her biting him, though his lip did ache, and it probably was bleeding but honestly he didn't care he'd suffered worse. He did reach up with his good hand and caressed her cheek with his thumb. He wanted to say he was only going inside so he didn't make things worse, but saying that and the touch might push her over the already fragile edge. He wished he didn't have to tiptoe around Oriena. And with that thought his mood sank. He wasn't pretending to be anything other than he was -- he was always real with Oriena. She saw his raw emotions -- very rarely saw the faux smile and obnoxious attitude. At least not the front. She probably thought all of him was obnoxious.

Nox wondered her mother knocked on the threshold. Superstitions ran high. Nox glanced at Oriena as he took step to follow. Ori had neither apologized or invited him in but he suspected she disobeyed her mother rarely. It was sorta asking for permission for which she rolled her eyes and slight smile drew across Nox's lips as he took a step inside.

He didn't look around, his eyes followed Oriena's mother. And he didn't introduce himself. Oriena wouldn't want him to be too friendly. He was inside her bubble and Nox was stepping on eggshells more than usual. But he was still curious and followed slowly after her. "Why did you knock on the door frame?" he asked cautiously. He wasn't even sure if she spoke English. Be awkward if she didn't. He gave her a friendly smile and waited to do anything else. This was not his home and he didn't feel welcome knowing Oriena had not invited him in.