<div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>The Bet</strong></span></div><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/eRBwTzu.png)</div><strong>NAME:</strong>Albion<br/><strong>DAY:</strong>June 12th, 2021, Mid Afternoon<br/><strong>LOCATION:</strong>SOPHE, Training Grounds<br/><strong>TAGGING:</strong>Nerissa<br/><strong>EXTRA:</strong><br/><strong>WEARING:</strong>As pictured<br/><br/><hr/><br/>"Hah? Where'd that come from? Ah, the tale is long and bothersome anyway, and it just brings up bitter memories... But if it truly doesn't bother you then... Maybe one day, when I'm ready... Oh, but you do say the strangest things at times..." Albion loosed a quiet chuckle from his throat. She was far too forward and direct at times, and it felt like sometimes she could stay things with one thing in mind while a conversational partner took away something different from it.<br/><br/>He shook his head slowly, finding her blunt honesty rather adorable, but also awkward to deal with. He could never tell what he should say in reply to her when she had been so unrepentantly honest to him. That this was honesty at all was baffling to the white-haired male. "Ah, Neri... You shouldn't just... Hm..." he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to look in any other direction. These compliments, these good feelings from the fox demon were unexpected from what should have just been a training moment. But... He had forced her to remember things she didn't want to, was it not only fair that he helped her calm down by listening to everything she had to say.<br/><br/>Plus it wasn't like he was going anywhere between the aches and her weight on his lap.<br/><br/>Nerissa was relentless, offering to even be a beacon in his time of nred, and now he couldn't keep his eyes from widening as a hand came up to his face. Even the others training had quietly stopped to watch the dramatic talk unfold, and watch how embarassed the man had become while Nerissa remained dedicated on her path to try and make the man happy. How amusing was it that they could see the things even the man could not. Even the receptionist could be seen wiping a tear from her eye as Nerissa spoke almost novella-quality words with complete that would make any gentle soul weep.<br/><br/>"Ah... This is..." He had only intended to help Nerissa feel better, yet somehow she had reversed the table and now it was almost like she was trying to help him. Everything from her words to her body language was overwhelming the solitary man, and by the gods he had no words to respond with under the torrent of her generosity.<br/><br/>She... Was certainly right. This was such a familiar state that he'd nearly forgotten it. It brought up unpleasant memories, but also warm ones, and it was the notion that Nerissa did this out if kindness and understanding that he could just heave a quiet sign and relax against his friend. "It's been too long... Hah, how pathetic can I be to try and forget such a thing? How foolish must I be to believe I could drown such memories in drunken revelries? All it takes are a few kind gestures, and they rise like a geyser..." he mumbled quietly, before he turned his head up a bit to look at her. "All this time, you've fought to move forward... I need to be like that too. If I live in the past, I won't ever get the chance to see if happiness really does exist for bitter people like me."<br/><br/>After the moment of treading down memory lane long before he joined SOPHE, the trip down memory lane<em>after</em>he joined made him snort quietly. "Ah, I think I'd had a taste of something strong that day. I can't even remember most of it until I got thrown out of the car and curbstomped. What possessed you to just stick your neck out for a coworker you barely even knew, I wonder?" He mused, before closing his eyes. Weren't he roles reversed... He was sure there would be a gun in his hand and a Mexican standoff in progress if he'd found her beaten up like that. "Well, yeah, I'm kind for that reason too, but it helps that I kind of have a focus when I had none before. Besides, I've had a more lively life these last three years since meeting you than I remember growing up with... And it's not because of all the vices." He was quick to add, knowing anyone with half a brain would probably call him out for them.<br/><br/>However, when she started to whisper with that mischievous tone, his heart skipped a beat as his legs shifted uncomfortably. "H-hey, don't say things like that so carelessly... D-don't hum like that either...!" He winced, feeling the emotional moment slowly replaced by a more humorous one, shuddering quietly as he closed his eyes. "Gods, you're evil when you want to be, Nerissa." He mumbled quietly with a huff, blowing some of her hair gently.<br/><br/>Shaking his head, he gave a soft shrug. "I suppose I don't mind being observed if it's you. At least it's someone I trust watching me." He mused, pulling back a bit and stretching. He was beginning to feel a little better now... Physically anyway. "Hopefully sooner rather than later. I don't want you becoming bitter like me. You're too kind and friendly for an existence like that... And yes, pkease, especially don't be like me picking up hookers for those especially lonely nights." He couldn't help but feel like she was bashing him for his choice, but he knew it was a very bad habit. He was able to get the taste of the comforts of a woman without the fear of profound loss... Only the temporary feel of loss when he woke with a woman absent from his bed. But at least he knew they were alive and well, and that was enough for him<br/><br/>Still, few things could prepare him for the true depths of affection Nerissa could shower him with. The kiss to his forehead was quite welcome and comforting at least... But her following words made him sigh and shake awkwardly, as if he were trying to position himself carefully under her. "Ah, uncomfortable... Is probably not the word I would use to describe it." He smiled awkwardly, as he moved his other hand to her head, allowing both hands to pet her ears gently. They flicked so cutesy when he scritched and brushed them. "Saying things like that... You truly are one silly fox..." It was all he could say, really. The mental imagery was strong... But maybe all she needed was a hug, and that was what she meant by feeling him against her in such a way. Maybe he just misunderstood things...<br/><br/>Lowering his arms, he curled them around the foxgirl and smiled. "Thank you... For everything. For being a friend, to not telling on me for the awkward things I've done. Thank you for caring, Neri." He hummed, trying ro give a meaningful hug to the woman. Even if the onlookers who were watching hoped for more than a silly hug...