Faolan couldn't help but smile this time as he felt Lucien's cool lips touch the back of his hand. It always lit a fire in him when the Nephilim showed affection, but he knew that now was not the time. 

He nodded in agreement to Lucien's plan and observation, and a light blush touched his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand and looked away, trying to hide the embarrassment plain on his features. Lucien always said that about him, that he was caring and kind, and that despite his rough exterior people could tell that he was kind. It always made him feel a little off-center. The Irishman had never thought of himself as kind until Lucien had said it to him...and he had just recently begun to believe it.

After a moment of almost strained silence, Faolan glanced back at the bus and nodded once more, [color=a36209]"Yeah, I can hear Aurel's voice."[/color] The boy had never been one to talk to himself, so Faolan knew the girl must have regained consciousness. The two men began to walk back, and just before Faolan pulled his hand from Lucien's, he turned, took the man by the shoulder and planted a kiss on his forehead. He hadn't even bothered to look around until after it was over, and then he could tell that no one was watching. 

With renewed confidence, the man let go of his lover's hand, though he could still feel the lingering coldness of his skin.

----------------------------------------------------

Illyana was on the verge of tears, but she knew that crying now was not a good idea. It would only lessen her credibility, make the adults take pity on her, and pity was not something that Illyana had ever wanted. All of her young life, she had been told that she was strange, unwelcome, a freak, a mistake...but deep inside she knew this wasn't true. She didn't want anyone to pity her, she only wanted their help and their acceptance.

She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, feeling the moisture receding a little. She was still unable to smile, but she gave Aurel a firm nod instead to show that she heard him and would take his advice. If she couldn't trust others that were...unwelcome, then who could she trust? She would just have to take that leap now, for her sister's sake and for her own.