Cayn had been engaged with his mother and he condolences. He should play along, he knew, but he'd rather be honest about that. Emma was a good distraction, she mewled well and had a willing mouth, but she didn't tie strings to his heart. "She's nice. I like her. But it's not going to be us." for the dining table, it was a better truth. He didn't want to upset anyone with his pickiness, and John had said enough about it on more than one occasion. Cayn smiled at his mother so she wouldn't worry. In truth, he didn't either, given the escaped of a childhood room turned den.<br/><br/>The polite in him had gone the way of the first morsels, dissolving in his guts, when dad had prodded and mother had come along. Once standing, he wanted to do something bad to Valeria, maybe shake her, as though she'd brought Albert into this. He busied himself with chores, and tried not to think too much of the sharp blades in the sink, or what he could do with she shards if he dropped the plates. Not even Valeria's obvious weary satisfied him.<br/><br/>Her words, however, had a pleasing effect on her burning boy. The tight line of his mouth curled a little on one side. Before today his sister had always known him more than anyone else, and now, after a sweaty collision, she knew him a little more still. It lent itself to controlling him better, when she had the option. He picked the table clean in a more reasonable pace after that. "And you know I always will be." he injected, pretending not to care much about the flattery.<br/><br/>As she had soothed his ego with her body, unwilling, before, she was now taming it with her wits. He was nefarious, but he wasn't immune to her. John didn't press the matter, it was always a joy to see the children get along, and it wasn't like a woman like Valeria wouldn't have boys running after her, nomatter how uninterested she was. She could have anyone she wanted. It was a father's eyes, but it was also true. Cayn's connections had been beautiful in no small part because Valeria was.<br/><br/>Cayn produced the simple dessert and made sure Valeria had the largest of the scoops. John raised his brows at the helping, but Valeria wasn't known to be shy about her portions, especially when something was based in sugar. The conversation varied from a few familiar topics, John's work in the university, and what they should do about the house. Cayn was perfectly amicable, giving most of his attention to his sister as always, and seeming like the brother she knew, taking the teasing of his parents well as long as it was not about his sister's eligibility.<br/><br/>Idyll couldn't last forever, and eventually John decided he was tired enough. He kissed his wife on her cheek and stroked her arm, which usually meant it was time to retreat. He was not an overly dependent man, so he didn't mind if she stayed, but he more or less hurried to their room.<br/><br/>Sooner or later Cayn would have Valeria to himself, whether it be by the table, or through following her if she excused herself. "I have a few good flicks downloaded." he said, not forgetting their plans. His wide smile was boyish, and he was as handsome as a menace could be then, believing he was innocent. He'd kiss her on the cheek and disappear, which might be nice for the girl, since all she'd done was try to avoid or appease him.<br/><br/>It would be the smallest refuge, since he clearly expected her to come into his room by herself. When she did, he'd have his sleeping clothes on, tanktop and boxers, with those strong limbs exposed and shadowed by the blue light of his screen. A night animal, with its monstrous reach and familiar beauty. Warm eyes, yes, and adoring, like he had never used all of it to steal something sacred from her. In a way, she was going to sit beside her beloved brother for some late night indulgence, and in another, she would be going into a confined space with a beast that lover her incorrectly.