Alyxander smiled gently, listening to Kate as she spoke. He loved hearing her voice, it soothed him more than anything else could. Her gentle touch was all he needed to calm and heal; he felt safe and cherished when she was with him. The closest he had ever gotten to this feeling was with Reika; but she was his best friend, a companion... Kate meant more to him than that. Not to say that he would choose between her and Reika, because he would never hurt one of them by choosing the other. They were equally as important to him, but in different ways.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"I feel bad for her, I know she cares for you and so do I."</span><br/><br/>"Reika is a friend of mine, a very dear and close companion. The connections between you and I, and she and I, are different though. I think she feels a bit scared that she has been forgotten."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Alyx, I have to honest, I feel very close to you. I have never loved anyone outside the family. I think what I feel is love. When you left I felt a part of was missing. I feel different when you are away from me. I enjoy hugging you. I know this is not common."</span><br/><br/>Alyx nodded, staying silent for a moment before speaking again. "True, I have never quite felt as I do around you around others before too." He murmured quietly. "Being apart from you makes me feel lonely, as I've gotten used to your company. Your touch comforts me more than anything else could, as does your voice. If anything, this feeling may be love." His voice quieted even more at the last part, as he was not sure of this himself. The boy tilted his head against Kate's hand, enjoying her gentle touch.<span style="font-style: italic">"What did John do to you?"</span>"Nothing much, truly." He answered, then fell silent for a moment. Should he mention what her brother had spoken about Reika? Perhaps she could help keep Reika safe. "For once I was not his target. I worry more for Reika in his presence, Kate. He seems set on something I have yet to figure out. Commenting she was pretty, questioning our bond... he's up to trickery, I'm sure of it."