@newsidequest said: "I--" Cynder bristled, although he did not wish to scold her. "I am not the one to be soft. You are the one to... be soft." The sentence did not make as much sense after it was spoken out loud, compared to what it was in his head. With a grunt, he shook his head to dismiss his poor phrasing and wrapped his arms around her anyway. He pulled her onto his lap, one arm sliding down to hook under her legs so that she was appropriately cradled in his arms. A deep sigh escaped him as he tucked his face into the crook of her neck -- or tried to. "You have too much hair, woman," he grunted, nudging her curls away with his face so that he could properly nuzzle into her neck.
She hadn't expected him to scoop her up like that, although she certainly wasn't complaining. She fell into his lap with a soft gasp, nestled perfectly within his strong arms. The close proximity was enough to make her blush, unsure of where to place her hands until Cynder buried his face against her neck. Instinctively her arms draped over his shoulders, keeping him close within her own gentle hold. She felt his nose and lips graze against her skin as he nuzzled close and shivered.
With his view of her face now obstructed, Borte smiled to herself. She found this side of Cynder to be quite adorable, but she would keep that to herself — she knew he would hear none of it. But he couldn't stop her from thinking it, now could he?
❝ I could tie it back, if you'd prefer. ❞ Borte offered, a hint of amusement in her voice.
❝ Although I would need to move in order to do that... ❞