Nina hugged the pillow to her with a soft smile as she lay on her side. Shamus still slept; curls tousled, shirt removed some time during the night, covers kicked cattywunkus down around his legs and waist. Occasionally during his early morning sleep he mumbled some indiscernible phrases and scrubbed at his scalp.
Each mumble and squirm and smack of his lips endeared him to her a little more. Of course, their conversation the previous evening had soothed her heart even more toward the rightness of the decision she made. The timing had been right, and he had done more than his best to help with the transition.
Nina's eyes crinkled at the corners with her attraction and fondness that so smoothly and easily blossomed to that long-time romantic dream. She felt an eagerness now to discover even more about the man she married; his favorite foods, favorite song, sweets, poems, books... and so many other things. A pleasant adventure into the unknown to draw it closer to herself.
Shamus mumbled again; this time he stretched long and smacked his lips with a grimace. Then he scrubbed at his scalp, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and kicked the covers off completely before sitting up with a slight grunt and dangling his legs over the side of the bed. He gripped the mattress a moment before pushing himself to his feet, a hand again going to his tousled curls to give his scalp another rub.
Nina watched with a continual soft smile, thoroughly enjoying the intimate view of his morning persona.
Shamus padded toward the bathroom. He scratched at his jaw and budding beard, and then at his trim stomach and abdomen. When he looked toward her, he gave a sleepy smile and yawned "Good morning, princess."
Rolling over in bed to her other side, she watched his progress to the bathroom. "Good morning, Shay. Sleep well?"
"Oh yeah. I dreamt I married a beautiful princess," he said thru another yawn. "Isn't that a stitch? A farmer/rancher/mayor with a princess." Shamus gave his head a shake and stepped the rest of the way into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Nina giggled and pushed back the covers to slide out of bed. He isn't a morning person, I guess. That was fine. Rei hadn't ever been one either, even having a tendency to sleepwalk. Then there had been Momo, who had usually forgotten to sleep because of being engrossed in some mind-boggling question that took most of the night to solve. A couple of times she had napped while they journeyed, Garr carrying her without complaint.
Nina padded to the bathroom door just as it suddenly opened. Nina focused on Shamus' wide-eyed gaze of surprise and his partially shaved chin with a wider smile than before. "Yes?"
Raising a finger to point, Shamus only stated, "Nina."
"Good morning again," she said, laughing while adding, "Husband."
Shamus' ears burned, and he cleared his throat as he lowered his finger with a sheepish smile. "I'm not the brightest candle in the morning. Sorry."
"It's all right, Shay. I understand all about mornings."
She stood across from him, softly smiling up into his still sleepy expression half covered in shaving cream. Then she surprised both herself and him by relieving him of the shaver and pushing him gently back into the bathroom until he sat on the toilet.
"Hey. I need that to shave," he protested feebly.
"No," she countered with mock seriousness. "I need it to shave. Now hold still."
Shamus regarded her with mock suspicion. "Have you shaved a man before?" He lifted a hand to hold her wrist, keeping her hand from his face. "Just curious."
"No. You're my first." Nina smiled. "Do you mind?"
His expression relaxed into his genuine smile. "No." He released her wrist. "Just go slow and don't press too hard."
Nina's smile faded to serious concentration. "Will it hurt badly if I accidentally cut you?"
"Nah. It'll just sting a little. Don't worry about it."
"All right."
Shamus' eyes twinkled as she began to shave the other side of his face with steady strokes and equal pressure. Nina occasionally met his gaze to smile.
"Your hair is poking up," Shamus commented softly, and then he reached up to stroke and pat it down.
Nina's lips twitched. "Pillows do strange things to one's appearance, don't they?" She tenderly wiped a bit of shaving cream from his ear before again shaving stroke by steady stroke.
Shamus tilted his head as directed, smiling fondly. "Yep. They make a wife look even better."
Nina's eyes brightened, but she didn't hesitate her stroke or meet his gaze. "Thank you," she said softly. "I had already noticed the same of my husband."
Shamus' smile widened. "I like it when you call me that."
"Shay, be careful," Nina gently scolded. "I don't want to cut you."
"I don't mind."
She met his gaze. "I do. Now hold still."
He grinned. "Okay."
Nina giggled and shook her head before continuing the shave; gentle stroke, wipe on towel, gentle stroke, meet gaze and smile as wipe on towel, gentle stroke, stroke, stroke. "All done."
She wiped the remaining patches of shaving cream from sections of his neck, ears, and nose. Shamus' lips held a silly smile the entire time.
"Do you put anything on your face after shaving? Your chin looks a little red," Nina observed, concerned.
Shamus waved it aside as he stood. "It burns a little, but that goes away fast enough."
"Hold it, mister," she said firmly, urging him back down. "Let me see what I have for that." She stepped to the counter to the right of the sink and searched certain small bottles of lotions and astringents. "This one, I think." Nina retrieved a small bottle and stepped back as she removed the lid. She measured a small amount onto her palm and then took it up with her fingers. She met his curious gaze with a reassuring smile. "This might be a little cold, but only at first. It may sting, too."
"It's alright."
Nina gently applied it to his chin and cheeks, spreading it evenly and light with soft motions of her fingers. She liked the feeling of her fingers on his skin, and couldn't help but smile as she kept on. Too soon, the lotion was applied to her liking and she lowered her hand from his face.
"There. Does that feel better?"
Shamus nodded with a soft "It does."
"Good." Nina secured the cap onto the bottle. "It's a moisturizer. You may use it as often as you need it." Nina turned the bottle to read the name. "Oh. I haven't used this in a while. I'm glad it worked for you." She smiled and raised her eyes to meet his.
He reached out and took the bottle from her, ears and cheeks flushed as he read the label. "Thanks, princess."
A strong flutter rose within, widening Nina's smile. "Now I suppose I should leave you alone, so you can do whatever else you need to do." She rubbed at his upper arm, drawing his attention. "Thank you for letting me do that."
"Shave me?" he asked in surprise.
Nina nodded, eyes twinkling. "A little thing for you, but to me... Another treasured first."
Shamus' expression softened as he chuckled. "Same here, princess." He stood and gently enfolded her hand in his to give it a squeeze. "I'll be out in a bit."
Nina gave his hand a returned squeeze and then stepped from the bathroom, the door closing after her as she made her way to her dresser to choose an outfit for that day. A knock sounded at their bedroom entry, so Nina gathered her robe and slipped into it on the way to the door. A young man she recognized as Richard stood on the other side with a note.
"Princess," he greeted. "Syd had this for you. Just came in this morning."
"Thank you," she whispered as she took the note. She stared down at it in silence for several moments before biting her lower lip as she opened the note, dreading what it could say.
"'Nina, thank you for your letter. Ryu and myself should arrive there some time in the next couple of days. Momo.'"
Nina's eyes filled and overflowed with tears, and her smile quivered. "Thank you, Momo," she whispered. The door of the bathroom open and she looked up, showing the letter as Shamus approached. "They... They're coming."
He softly smiled down at her as he took hold of her hand, not saying a word while being just as comforting as if he had.
Nina stepped forward and embraced him. "They're coming," she whispered.
Holding her close, Shamus rested his cheek on the crown of her head. "I told you so," he teased.
Nina sighed and pulled back. "Shay, thank you so much. I hadn't intended to tell you, but I'm so glad I did."
Shamus brushed a few wisps of hair from her cheeks. "My pleasure, princess." Then he held her gaze, ears burning, and asked "Can I kiss your cheek?"
Nina's heart melted completely, and her expression softened as she raised her hands to cup his face. "Shamus, you don't need to ask. Your kindness deserves a lot more than a simple kiss."
"A kiss is a moment, princess," Shamus whispered. "I'd rather have your trust than a wee thing like a kiss."
Nina's eyes glimmered as her throat tightened. "Oh Shay..." she pressed her lips lightly against his, then again, and a third time before pulling slowly back. "How can I not trust you," she said in a choked voice.
His eyes twinkled with mischief, and the boyish smirk made him look even younger. "I'm a prankster."
Nina laughed. "Yes. I don't doubt it, what with 10 brothers." She caressed his cheeks. "I'll keep my eye on you."
He grinned. "Okay."
"Shamus McNeil," Nina giggled. "You flirt."
Shamus' ears pinked a darker shade as he took her hands from his cheeks and held them in his. "I better get dressed. You want the bedroom or bathroom?"
Nina's smile faded to seriousness, and then she absently bit her lower lip. "When would it be all right to dress in front each other?"
Shamus' entire face reddened, even down his neck. He cleared his throat. "Um... well..." He noticed he still stood shirtless and crossed his arms across his chest.
"I know. It's an uncomfortable question." She lowered her gaze to her pajamas and fiddled with the bottom hem. "I suppose..." She looked up again. "I suppose it would be best to wait until we're more comfortable sleeping in such close quarters?"
Shamus nodded, some of the red receding. "I-I'd rather not be in... well, that's kind of an awkward... I mean..." He released a quick breath and lifted his arms in a gesture of frustration.
"Just say it, Shay," Nina encouraged.
But he cleared his throat and rubbed at his neck, his eyes carefully averted as he said, "Nope. Too humiliating. I'll pass."
"I understand that," she admitted quietly. "She motioned to the bathroom. "I'll change there."
"Okay." He shyly smiled, finally meeting her gaze. "Thanks for the shave. Can you do it tomorrow?"
Nina rubbed his arm. "I'd love to." Then she gave it a slight squeeze and moved toward her dresser, where she pulled out a rose blouse, black leggings, and certain other necessities. "Did you have anything specifically planned today?"
"I should go around and check up on how everyone's doing." Shamus pulled his own trousers and shirt from his dresser. "I was hoping you could come and meet everyone."
"I would like that," and Nina constantly felt amazed at how his request for such in-depth involvement touched her so deeply.
"We could take horses instead of a carriage. That way you and Lady could finally get to play."
Nina's eyes twinkled as she turned to look over at him. He still gathered socks, etc. "That would be wonderful, Shay. Thank you."
"Sure." He cleared his throat and turned from the dresser, clothes held behind his back. "Bunyan will probably want to take us around the grove."
"Oh I would love a chance to see it."
Shamus' smile was easy and welcoming. "I thought you might. Some of the trees are still blooming. It's really pretty."
Nina adjusted her hold on the clothes. She so wanted to continue talking... Seriousness overpowered her smile. "Shamus, could we try it. Please?"
His expression darkened with concern. "Try what?"
"Changing here." His cheeks flushed as his gaze lowered. Nina hurried on. "Couldn't we just turn our backs to each other? I don't want to stop talking."
Shamus rubbed at his neck and scalp. "I know, princess, but..." He sent her a glance and then sighed deep. "Call me a softie. Okay."
Nina's face brightened, and they both turned around. "What did Bunyan decide about those trees near the creek?" She sat on the bed and began changing out of her blue pajamas.
"That's one of the things we were going to look at. We don't think the bank will give way, but it might be a good idea to transplant them some place else anyway."
Nina stood and slipped out of her bottoms, hearing Shamus do much the same. She smiled slightly, feeling much the risk-taker. "They're fairly young, aren't they?"
"Yeah, so their roots haven't expanded 100 yet. Bunyan figures it's best to move them now. I think I agree with him. What do you think?"
Nina's hands paused as the warmth at the statement settled deeper. "I think it's a wise idea," she said softly. "Just to be safe, and to give them a better chance against root rot."
"Yep."
"Do you think some grass should be seeded there? To give the bank more stability?" Nina offered.
Shamus paused, then the sound of his dressing continued. "Good idea."
Nina smiled at the pleasure felt with his comment. She stood and tucked her blouse into her leggings, though they were more like knit slacks than leggings.
"Did you want to have lunch with Rei after?"
Nina heard a clomp of boot from his side of the room. "That would be fun." She sat back onto the bed and pulled on each lightweight black sock. "Could we go fishing with him? He cooks a wonderful trout."
"Sure. I kind of wanted to talk to him about the cabin on Mt. Glaus anyway. That would give me a good chance to do that." Second clomp.
Nina eased her feet into her slippers as she absently bit her lip.
Shamus cleared his throat. "You decent?"
Nina giggled. "I was about to ask you the same thing."
She cautiously looked over her right shoulder. Shamus did the same, but over his left. Their gazes met.
"I guess that wasn't so bad," Shamus admitted.
Nina smiled and stood, as did Shamus, and they headed to the door of their room. Shamus ushered her past once he opened it for her, his fingers lightly making contact with her wings. Nina gave a shiver, which Shamus didn't notice, and noted her inner change of emotion with a near clearing of the throat.
"What did you have in mind for the cabin?" she asked.
The two headed downstairs.
"That's what I was going to talk to Rei about. I hate having it just sit up there."
"What was it before?"
"A hunter's cabin. I think."
"Are there any mines up there?" Nina paused at the foot of the stairs until Shamus stood beside her. Then she made her way to the dining hall.
"I'm not sure. I haven't heard of any. Maybe I should have Momo check for metals and minerals?"
Nina nodded. "That would be a wonderful addition to McNeil's trade list, don't you think?"
Shamus looked over at her with an adoring smile. "It would. So far we only have foodstuffs going out. And horses."
Nina's expression brightened. "Oh I hope Momo finds something. I would love for us to be able to export metal items like nails, hinges, or tools."
Shamus sent her a smile. "I guess I should see if Rei or Bunyan know of any blacksmiths and metal workers."
He opened the door for her, ushering Nina into the dining hall with yet another soft touch to her wings. Nina's cheeks flushed.
"Seems to me somebody mentioned a friend of a cousin or something," Shamus continued.
Nina wordlessly nodded. When did I become sensitive to touch on my wings? She remembered many a time when her friends would accidentally touch them. Ryu once touched them on purpose, it had been the first time he had seen her with wings, but there had been no feelings like this. Is that another step past the fondness? Is this... Is this the passion?
"Nina?"
Nina blinked, and her eyes focused on Shamus' concerned expression. He held her seat out for her. Nina flushed darker and sat. "I'm sorry."
"That's okay." Shamus sat in his seat and watched her as she spread her napkin across her lap.
Nina smoothed the cloth napkin with a deliberate action before looking up to meet his gaze. She smiled. "I'm fine, Shay."
He returned her smile and then pushed the bell toward her. "Go for the gusto, princess."
Nina's eyes twinkled.
Shamus stood over her sleeping form and quietly watched, hands in pockets to keep from touching her face. Their previous day together had been a collection of fun and adventure. Laughter. Touches. Smiles. Shared ideas. Glimpses into a deeper part of each other... He released a slow and deep breath as he lowered himself onto her bed, pulling his hands from his pockets.
Nina wrinkled her nose and stretched, pressing the backs of her hands against her cheeks. Then she lifted them up over her head and yawned. She then rolled onto her side, hands cupping her cheek as she opened her eyes to catch Shamus' gaze. She smiled. "Good morning," she mumbled sleepily.
Shamus leaned over her, resting his hand against the bed on the other side of her slim form. "Good morning, princess."
"What are you doing up so early?" she asked thru a delicate yawn.
"Just sitting here."
Her eyes crinkled at the corners. "I see that." Nina watched him watch her while adjusting her cheek in her hands. "Yesterday was fun. Do you think we could do the same today?"
"Sorry, Nina. Today will be an inside day. Paperwork."
"That's all right. I haven't spent much time in the library, or at the piano. Maybe this is my chance?"
"Sure." Shamus watched her bright eyes and expression with a soft smile. Nina did much the same. Then she adjusted her position onto her back, her left hip pressing against him as she reached up to cup his jaw and lightly stroke his cheek.
"You want that shave now?" she asked quietly.
Shamus' ears burned at a clear picture in his mind of something different... He cleared his throat and straightened as he took her hand in his. "You can sleep, Nina. I'll do it."
"I know, but I want to," she told him, and her hand lightly increased pressure on his.
And he wanted her to. "Okay."
Nina smiled and sat up, slipping her legs out from under the covers and over the bed before Shamus had a chance to stand. Her pale yellow pajamas glistened in the early morning sunlight from the windows and made her eyes sparkle and her skin look... like a doll?
She stood to her feet and smiled at him. "Have you thought about growing a short beard?"
Shamus blinked. "A beard? No. Why?"
Nina touched his chin just beneath his lip. "Right there. I think it would look wonderful." She took hold of both his hands to pull him to his feet. "You don't have to," she told him as she led him to the bathroom. "You're handsome as you are."
Shamus flushed and smiled.
Nina sat him down on the toilet and then set to work preparing the shaving cream. "Do you think Momo and Ryu might come today?"
"Could be. That's one of the reasons I want to do paperwork today, that and I'm falling behind. It's more likely they'll come tomorrow, though."
Nina mixed the water and powder until it was a soft foam. Then she faced him, brush in hand. "Chin and cheeks?"
Shamus nodded. "Want some help?"
Nina smiled. "Maybe."
She stepped closer and began gently applying the cream. "Did you want me to go thru the books in the library? Or did you want to do that yourself?"
Shamus, whose mouth was completely covered in shaving cream, was only able to look at her serious expression with twinkling eyes.
"I could separate them into piles for you to go through later," she offered.
Shamus slightly nodded.
Nina set the brush and cup aside and took up the towel, which she draped over the sink, and the razor. "I planned on contacting father and having him send me my books from the castle," she commented as she began the shave.
Shamus noticed she didn't call it 'home'.
"If there are any subjects you're particularly interested in, I'm sure he would be more than willing to send them along."
Wyndian history, so that I can be a good king—
Nina moved a little closer, actually stepping between his legs. She bit her lower lip in concentration when she began shaving near his jaw and neck. Her fingers were light against his scalp, and the warmth of her yellow-clad legs could be felt through his pajamas. Shamus swallowed very slowly as his hands gripped his knees.
"Shay, this part makes me nervous," she confessed. She performed a slow stroke up his neck.
"You're doing fine," he assured as she cleaned the blade.
Nina smiled softly and stroked again. "You nervous?"
"No." At least, not about you shaving...
Stroke. "Then why are you playing with the hem of my pajama top?" Swipe clean.
Shamus looked in horror at his hands. Sure enough, he rubbed the soft material between his thumb and index finger of each hand. He flushed and lowered his hands to his knees.
Stroke, stroke. "You didn't have to stop, Shay," she told him softly. "I only wanted to make sure I wasn't the reason for it."
But you are. Shamus smiled between strokes. "I guess I like soft things."
Nina leaned in to give him a soft kiss on the forehead. "There you are."
Shamus chuckled.
Stroke. Swipe clean. "Speaking of soft things, I think I need to give you a haircut. Not too much, because I adore your curls, but enough to keep them out of your eyes." Stroke, stroke.
"Oh. Okay." Shamus believed he would get drunk from the constant close contact.
Nina finished the shave, applied the lotion, and then regarded him with a purely 'Nina' smile after washing her hands while drying them with a towel. Then she set the towel aside and began searching the drawers of the inset vanity.
"What are you looking for?" he asked as he stood and moved behind her.
"Ah. Here it is." Nina turned and pushed gently on his chest to direct him back to the toilet. "I'm going to comb your hair," she said, matter-of-fact.
Shamus sat. "Oh."
Nina dipped her fingers into the water basin before running them lightly through his hair. Then she doused the comb and gently began to comb out the curls. "Your hair is so thick and soft," she giggled. "I'm jealous!"
Shamus swallowed hard and gripped his knees. He hadn't ever had anyone else comb his hair. It was... It felt... Shamus smiled, tilting his head different directions as instructed. Sammy boy, Marianne would be shocked speechless if she saw this. And Shamus very nearly laughed aloud at the visualized expression on his elder sister's face.
Nina set down the comb and loosed the curls from the dampness into their natural curl using her fingers, rubbing her nails lightly against his scalp. It tingled, but it felt better than great.
"There," she said with a wide smile, giving his scalp a few more light scratches. "It encourages growth." Nina wiped her hands on the unused portion of the towel, still smiling at Shamus, and then picked up the comb and offered it to him. "Could you?"
Shamus slowly took it, looking up from the comb to meet Nina's gaze. His mouth had gone very dry. "You want me to..."
"Comb my hair, silly," she said. The statement was adorned with a giggle as she turned her back to him and sat on the floor between his legs, hugging her knees to her chest.
Shamus swallowed hard. Oh boy... "Okay."
He ran the comb through her hair cautious and hesitant. When the comb caught on a sleep tangle, he stopped. Curls had a wicked tendency to tangle, so he'd had a lot of experience with persuading them out, but...
"It's just a snarl," Nina assured.
"I know, but... uh..."
"Just take out the comb and work at it from the bottom, combing little sections at a time. The comb will work it out."
Shamus cleared his throat and did as he was told, finding out very quickly that Nina's hair was so fine and soft that the tangles practically loosed themselves.
"I find it hard to believe you don't fight with snarls," Nina said, smiling. "Those wonderful curls? Why, they likely have a mind of their own. Why do you think I used a little water and that particular comb?"
Shamus cleared his throat again. "Yeah... um... well, combing your own hair is different. I can tug at my mop, but I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't, Shay, but thanks for the thought."
Shamus finished working on the snarl and resumed running the comb gently thru her hair, amazed at how much he enjoyed the simple act. Soon he also began lightly stroking her hair with a soft touch of his fingers; sometimes alternately, sometimes immediately following. Nina didn't comment, and her wings had taken up the familiar slow and rhythmic tickle of the air.
"Your hair is really soft," Shamus commented absently. Sammy boy, just be quiet.
"Thank you," Nina responded, and it was almost a whisper.
Comb, stroke, stroke, comb, comb. Shamus was at a loss to describe what happened inside. The... closeness. The companionship. Shamus' chest tightened, and he felt a hint of burning at his eyes. He hadn't ever shared something like this with someone.
Shamus lowered his hands and the comb from her head, clenching his jaw as he gripped the comb. "There you go," he whispered.
Nina stood. "Ohhh, that felt wonderful. Thank you." She ran her fingers lightly over her scalp while giving him an almost coy smile. "Can you do that tonight, too?"
Shamus stood, but he was certain he left his heart on the floor behind the toilet. "Sure." Then he stepped almost too quickly toward the escape of the close quarters.
He strode to his dresser and blindly began pawing through a random drawer. He could still feel her hair and her closeness... Oh boy.
pad-pad-pad-pad... touch on arm. "Did you want to take a bath?"
Shamus paled and then flushed as he continued to search his dresser for something. "What?"
"I'm going to soak in the tub. Did you want to take a bath first?"
Shamus fought back the 'no, I'll take it with you' and gripped a pair of wool socks. "I'll take it this evening before dinner."
"All right." Her hand didn't lower from his arm. "Shamus?" Nina asked softly, "are you... are you all right?"
Shamus stared at the socks in his hand, wondering how much to tell her, how much to show her, and how much to lead. "I'm fine, princess," he said in a careful tone, "it's just... well..." He sighed and faced her. "It's tough to give you... space." He could feel his face flush red and looked away from her blue eyes. Definitely his favorite color.
"You don't need to," she pressed gently. "Shay, that was the one thing I didn't want you to do. Remember?"
"That's a pretty big door to open," he whispered. "I don't want to scare you."
"I know, but what scares me is that I might cause you even more misery by not realizing you're struggling." Nina gently urged him to face her. "Are you struggling?"
Shamus kept his gaze on the collar of her yellow pajamas, and the line of her throat, and the delicate hint of collar bone... He swallowed hard and gave a slight nod. "Sometimes," he reluctantly admitted.
Nina sighed deep and took hold of his hands. "Shay, why didn't you tell me last night?"
Shamus' ears reddened. You know exactly why, don't you, Sammy boy? "It's okay, Nina. We're still..." Shamus finally met her gaze. "You just need a little... time."
"For what? To know that I care? To know that I trust you? To know that I like the feeling within when you touch me? I've come to know that already, Shay."
Oh boy... Shamus cleared his throat. "Nina... Princess, being together" ears burned "as a man and woman is a lot different than just" cheeks flush "kissing or caressing a hand or arm."
Nina nodded, eyes slightly wide. "I know, Shamus. Mother told me before the wedding. She wanted me to be ready."
Shamus lowered his gaze. "Oh." Here you were trying to protect her...
"Shay." Nina placed a hand gently under his jaw, raising his gaze to hers. "Shay, if you don't believe I'm ready, I trust that. Until I am, what can I do to help you?"
Shamus stared down at her, millions of questions and requests making it impossible to talk. Just being close to her was difficult for him, but he didn't want to tell her that. He liked being near her. He liked the feeling of being in love, totally and completely lost. It was tough to resist how she smiled and laughed and twinkled, but he did it because he wanted to. He did it because... because he loved her.
Shamus smiled as he drew her hand from his jaw. He gave it a gentle squeeze. "I don't know, princess."
"Should I stop--"
"No," Shamus interrupted. He gave her hand another squeeze. "Nina, if you like doing those things, why should you stop?"
"Because they make it harder for you to wait." Nina shook her head, tears threatening. "Why should only you resist?"
"Because I love you," Shamus said simply. "Because I'll do what it takes to give you what you want. You deserve that, Nina."
Nina blinked the tears from her eyes. "But... But I want to help make it easier."
"I know, but it's okay. Really."
Nina's lower lip trembled, making Shamus' throat tighten. Her gaze lowered and she pulled her hand from his. "How can hurting you be 'okay'?"
Shamus released a slow breath. "Nina, come here a second." He motioned her toward an oak chest at the foot of his bed with a hand to her back. She sat down, Shamus sitting beside her. "You aren't hurting me, Nina. I like the shaves, and the combing hair, and the way you look at me when I ask to kiss you. I like the way your wings tickle my skin when you want me to help you fish, even though I know you could do it yourself. That's enough to get me through the waiting."
She looked over at him. "Are you certain there's nothing I can do?"
Shamus enfolded her hands in his. "Just keep trying to love me, princess," he whispered.
Nina's blue eyes darkened as she slightly nodded. "I am... I will... Maybe I do and I don't yet know?" She held his gaze and then whispered, "Shay, will you kiss me?"
Shamus smiled feebly as he swallowed the eagerness. "I don't think that would be a good idea here, princess. Maybe when we go play with Rufus?"
Nina watched his face and expression with tear-filled eyes. Then she smiled and enfolded his face in her hands. "Shamus, please don't change who you are. I want to love this man."
Shamus nodded, his breath caught in his throat. "Okay, princess."
