"Huh. Guess that explains a few things." Ro nodded, with the relieved expression of a man who hadn't been quite sure what was going on before, but now knew it wasn't nearly so bad as he'd thought. "Well, that's alright then. Makes things simpler when we got company, guest bedroom'll be freed up so I don't gotta have folks sleepin' on the couch. Unless you two prefer keepin' things separate, of course."
Ray stared. "You're... not mad?"
"You know some reason I oughta be?" Ro frowned, confusion starting to creep back in. "You two been doin' your own laundry, so I don't see..."
"About." He gestured vaguely. "Us. Me and Bali."
Ro give him a long look. "What, 'cause he's an Aurin? I know I've said they ain't to my tastes, but that don't mean I've got a problem with who you want to be with. And Bali's like family already, this just... makes him moreso, I guess." He scratched his chin, then stood up, mattress creaking back into place. "Which reminds me... wait here a minute."
Ray shrugged helplessly as his father stumped out of the room and up the stairs. He didn't have too much time to berate himself for worrying, though -- Ro returned a few moments later, carrying a small box. He sat down on the edge of the bed again, gingerly, and beckoned Ray over.
"Uhh..."
"Nah, c'mere." Ro gestured again, then set about undoing the tiny latch as Ray moved to lean against the bed. He held the box up, nodding to Ray. "Here, take it."
"Oookay." Ray took the box, lifting the lid to peer inside. He blinked. "It's a--"
"Yup. For later on, if you need it." Ro nodded firmly, reaching up to pat Ray's shoulder. "Now, I don't know what kinna traditions Aurins got for that stuff, but--"
"Da-- Ro. Seriously, it's not like... I mean, he's got this girlfriend too. She's... nice, I guess. But it's not that serious."
"Still. Oughta be yours. Just in case, y'know?" Ro cleared his throat, looking as if he wanted to say something else, but after a long silence he just gave up and stood. "There's... there oughta be two, but Mortar might have some better idea of... look, just in case, alright? You promise you won't lose it."
Ray squinted at him. "Okay, I promise."
"Good! Now, I'm feelin' hungry, gonna just go an'... get somethin', yeah." Ro clapped him on the back and made his escape, leaving Ray standing baffled in the middle of his room. This was not how he’d expected this conversation to go at all.
