[ Rather than try to respond verbally when he stopped his ministrations—since he had been right to think she might have taken it a tiny bit close to heart, and she found herself missing their calming effect immediately—Tear instead moved to gently wrap an arm around his waist in turn, listening to every bit of what he said carefully even though her face was still half-hidden in Ace's shoulder.

Once more her lips began to curve into a smile, particularly when he mentioned the less than successful attempts at mastering a few special songs and the way his housemates had taken to it. Her own housemates had begun their teasing some time ago, and she could only imagine, or perhaps even dread, how it would be when she returned home and they found out the results of their date today. Assuming they didn't already know through some magical means.

So breathing what sounded like a sigh of relief, the melodist was still grateful to hear many of her own sentiments reflected in him as she finally shifted enough to show her whole face, her gaze staring out to the snow blanketing the balcony and occasionally the small tufts that would stick to their clothing. Yet again, he presented the ability to state hard logic in a way that somehow served to reassure her at the same time.

It also made her wonder just how much he had actually figured out. ]

Now I definitely couldn't stop worrying about you, if you're going to continue doing that. [ She shook her head once, pressing forward. ] You have an easier time of remembering all this than I have lately.

[ Now her gaze turned to him, a thoughtful look to them as she pondered his last vow some more. ]

If that's something that's going to happen anyway, I think it would be better if we were side by side from the start. That's what partners do, I think.