[@Wick][h1][color=royalblue][center][img]http://t02.deviantart.net/22Rgt0gblSi_IukwT9Ahe-p82zg=/fit-in/700x350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre15/600e/th/pre/i/2014/201/a/2/giacomo_crescentii_by_kazuyalord-d7rhlf9.jpg[/img]
Elias[/center][/color][/h1][hr]
Elias nodded solemnly as their fingers clasped, their pinky and ring fingers locking together as their thumbs went over the other's wrist, meeting with their index and middle fingers in a circle around the other's forearm. The embrace felt odd and familiar at the same time, as he had only done it once before.

As Alexis talked, Elias' face grew more solemn, processing the information she was feeding him. The knowledge that Alexis had received an offer for her hand in marriage, and that time was running out, worried Elias, not only because it restrained her and him from being partners, but also because he could no longer hide his unsorted feelings for Alexis from himself.

[color=royalblue]"We'll find a solution,"[/color] Elias said confidently. [color=royalblue]"Loopholes and workarounds are a personal specialty of mine. We have an entire summer to figure it out; We can do it."[/color]

His words weren't nearly as encouraging as he hoped them to be, but he was weak and distracted. The entire situation had his head reeling, though he was fair sure that had something to do with the various medicines in his body. In any case, he wasn't at his best.

[color=royalblue]"Your father is not an unreasonable man, but he is quite set in his ways,"[/color] Elias thought aloud. [color=royalblue]"Maybe we can tie up your dearest suitor Mister Broussard and toss him into a ditch until winter?"[/color]

Elias smiled, hoping Alexis would be able to laugh at the joke. It was a weak attempt, but it was the best he could manage.