"To be honest, I don't see much change," Glory said. "He's the same as always."

"Ah, but you have not known him as long as I have. Subtle things have changed. When it comes to humans, Arcturus is at a loss. He is even worse than I am. Unless it was to visit me, he would never, ever come within a mile of the shoreline in any part of the world. And yet, he hangs around this beach most of the time. Better still, he and his mate are raising a child less than a mile away."

Léan couldn't really explain the subtle changes, but the more obvious ones...he could.

"He probably hangs around because you're here," Glory pointed out. "The only reason he showed up in the first place was because he was looking for you when you missed your meeting. I still don't know why he stayed."

Léan gave her a pointed stare. "Then why hasn't he wanted to stay near me...ever before? All our lives, ever since we ran from home, we've lived separately...meeting often, but never staying together."

"I don't know," Glory replied. "You would know better than me. But he also hasn't wanted to be around me, either, so that kind of punches a hole in your theory."

Léan scowled. "Eh. Oh well...I don't know why he is hanging around...but if he's going to hang around, we need to get him used to you, at least..."

"I've been here for months," Glory pointed out. "I mean, it's not like I just got here yesterday."

"Yes, but we haven't pushed him yet about his fear. It's been there for all these months. Under the surface. He's just been letting it surface recently because of Damon, and because of Eden..." Léan mused.

Glory sighed, but didn't say anything. She hadn't given them a reason to distrust her, had she?

Léan studied her expression for a long moment. "Try to understand that this is not about you. This is about how we were brought up," he murmured, gently. "We were brought up to hate and fear humans. I am not afraid, and never have been. But Arcturus is timid. He has always been timid. Instead of what I show--hatred and cynicism, now only towards the general population and not towards individuals--he shows fear, mistrust."

"Sorry..." Glory said softly. "I'm trying not to take it personally, but..." She trailed off and sighed. "Maybe I should just go inside. You shouldn't have to deal with me when I'm in one of these moods."

"I'd rather you not be alone when you're like this," Léan asserted, tightening his grip a bit. "I am not going to lie. I do not like seeing you upset."

Glory cuddled closer to him, oddly pleased by his posessiveness.

"You don't have to worry about me, you know," she said. "I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself."

Léan huffed, in a stubborn manner, and then opened his eyes. "Do you want to go inside and lie down for a bit? I can go with you." He knew the rocks here weren't the most comfortable substitute for a couch or bed.

"That's probably not a bad idea," Glory agreed. She was starting to get cold, and cuddling on her bed sounded nice.

"Is it all right to leave your mother and Azilis out here alone?" Léan asked, under his breath. "We should tell them we are going in for a while..."

Glory nodded and stood up.

"We're going inside!" she called to the two. She rolled her eyes a bit when her mother waved her off. "Right," she said, "if she doesn't think it's cold, all the more power to her. I'm really sure I don't want to be out here if they get into it."

"Er...we should hurry up," Léan chuckled, in response to her last statement. He stretched himself out, so he would be much easier to lift up.

"Yeah, not something I really want to think about them doing," Glory agreed, picking him up. It was much warmer inside, and she was glad to be back in her room. She almost visibly relaxed once she was sitting on her bed next to him.

Léan sighed, shifting and then gently hugging her once more. He was feeling a bit better, now, as well...he liked cold water, but not cold air. "Are you feeling a little better?"

Glory nodded, cuddling with him.

"Yeah," she replied. "Thanks."

Léan sighed in relief and smiled, pleased. "Good...I'm glad." He closed his eyes, content for now. He was relaxed, and wanted to do nothing but rest and relax with her.

Reaching over, Glory made sure her window was completely closed, even the shutters.

"Can't be too careful," she murmured.

Léan chuckled. "At this point, I really hope Arcturus stays in his cave..." he murmured, amused. He quietly rested his head on her shoulder, tail flicking back and forth absently.

Glory grinned and cuddled with him.

"Considering my parents haven't seen each other for eighteen years... I'm not taking any chances," she said.