“It’s real. He really is that way. Whatever he learned and went through prior to faking his death has made him find joy in the smallest of things. He says if he doesn’t, then his mind goes to a really depressing place. Iric’s been working with him on it, and it’s really helped, I believe.
“He isn’t as over the top as he was, but that giddiness and wanting to be friendly to everyone is who he is. I honestly adore it. I need it. If he were just as serious as the others, I’d probably be miserable. He keeps, well, tries to keep everyone level.”
I smile softly and don’t interrupt as her eyes grow all tender. I’m very happy to hear that he’s treating her so good, and that whole getting on his knee thing in front of Hellveilious was real.
Honestly, I didn’t doubt that, but you never know with people.
“I just feel so bad sometimes because the others can be fucking mean for no reason. Not necessarily mean to him, but when he’s trying to find the bright spot in something, they can be assholes rather than do the same.”
“Even Iric? It surprises me a man so in tune withemotionswould act like that.” She purses her lips at me, although Rose nods in agreement. “I’m not saying it like that as a dig, I swear. It’s true, though. He’s in tune with his and everyone else’s emotions.”
She huffs. “He’s actually not great at expressing his emotions all the time. He says because of his power, he doesn’t have the ability to tune his feelings down. If he shares, it’s going to be raw, possibly harsh, so he picks and chooses when to share.”
“He isn’t mean to you, though, is he?” Rose asks.
“No, Iric’s never been mean, per se. I’ve learned that if he doesn’t agree or his feelings about something may be too strong, he goes quiet and doesn’t communicate. On top of his own emotions being hard to handle, he’s afraid that if he pushes back, his powers will react and pull where the others’ emotions are coming from forward. His refusal to use his power on people without their permission is honestly what I find most attractive about him.
“Although I will admit I hate to see him struggle. Especially right now. Sevryn, understandably, has everyone on their toes at the house. Honestly, that’s why I brought this up in the first place. I’m struggling to figure out how to handle each of them. What works for one doesn’t work for the others. Confusing-ass men.”
A deep breath falls from her chest, but it rolls into a laugh right along with our small ones.
“It’s difficult dealing with four men and their emotions. First, you’ve got to remember, their emotions aren’t your responsibility. It’s natural to want to be there for someone you care about, but it’s also okay to back off and let them figure it out on their own.
“Second, of course one size doesn’t fit all, so to speak. I had to learn my guys’ personalities and how they communicate best first, then I learned how to react to each of them. Like, Creed needs to be pushed and challenged. Riven needs to relate before he’ll vent. Kyzen needs open and honest communication. Amick wants things straight to the point.”
“Yeah, with Lambrit, I sort of have to overexplain the whole situation that led to my emotions. But I never have to tell him something more than once. He’s literally never made the same mistake twice with anything that bothered me.”
My bright smile has Rose blushing behind her mug.
I love them together.
“Huh. I can really see that working, actually. I have them pretty much figured out. My biggest obstacle is going to be stopping them from stopping me. Like I said, when I wanted to pop off to Sevryn, Iric stepped in and I let him. I have to nip that in the bud.”
I laugh at the serious concentration that crosses her features.
“So, since you have them figured out, what’s the deal with Nero, really? I haven’t decided if I like him or not.”
“Thayla,” Rose whisper-yells, and I shrug.
“What? I haven’t. He really set himself up for failure with me when he thought he was going to take her away and hide her in Valveilious.”
Yeah, that reminder has her staring at Yemi for an answer as well.
“Ugh, don’t get me started. He’s…I don’t even know.”
“Is he an a-hole?” Rose asks.
Yemi and I stare at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. She waves us off as she takes our mugs and marches to the kitchen to fix everyone more coffee.
“No, honestly, he isn’t. Not to me anyway. Shockingly, he’s actually pretty sweet and funny. Especially when we have small moments to ourselves like when the others are in their rooms. He’s struggling with this dynamic and what his parents are going to say.”
“Wait, he hasn’t told them yet?” Rose asks as she sits back down. “We haven’t talked about them much, but I remember at dinner he made it seem like he tells them everything.”
“Usually, yes, he would. But he hasn’t told them about our Valtrue.”
“Why?” I ask, then my eyes narrow. “Does he act like he’s ashamed?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. He acts scared almost. I don’t think it really even has to do with us. I think he’s scared that when he tells them I’m an Attendant, they’re going to show their true feelings, and that’s going to burst this idea he has of them.
