For what felt like the longest time, Anak said nothing.<span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"I... I dont..."</span></span>He took a breath and tried again.<span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"It's because I gave him my blood, isn't it?"</span></span>Uriel gave a nod and the Indigo rested his head in his hands.<span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"Now why did I think Vortian rules would apply to a human?"</span></span><br/><br/><span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"He's only half human,"</span></span>Uriel intervened.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"So you keep reminding us,"</span></span>he muttered.<br/><br/>Uriel gave pause, then resolved to ask Anak an extremely personal question.<span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"Would you consider it?"</span></span>she hummed gently.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"... How could I?"</span></span>he mumbled despairingly. She was no less than shocked at his hesitation... and the ambiguity in his language. She turned to face him squarely, intent to inquire further, but then a knock came at the door. She was silent, unsure she was willing to let this conversation with Anak end, but then the half-Vortian called again. If he wanted to explain himself... well, she could use some explanation.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"I'm going to let him in,"</span></span>she said to Anak.<span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"You might want to hear whatever he has to say."</span></span>She stood and moved toward the door.<br/><br/>Anak pulled a knee up to his chest and hugged it tightly, glaring at the scar on his antenna.<span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">This is the worst day ever,</span></span>he thought.<span style="color: #8080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">If I so much as consider it, my family would disown me.... So stop considering it already!</span></span><br/><br/>Uriel slid the door open.<span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"Well, if you refuse to rest,</span></span>she said to him,<span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"then you might as well explain yourself. Come on in."</span></span>she pulled him in by the arm and shut the door behind him.