There was a moment of silence. Two on one, she was outnumbered. “Okay…” She sighed. “If you say so.”
“I’m, uh… sorry for worrying you…” She added quietly.
“It’s alright.” Aegis reassured her with a gentle pat on the shoulder.
“I guess I’ve grown to care for you all a lot.”
The Titan glanced around Tempest’s quarters, noting how bare and standard it looked. Not uncommon, some new arrivals took a bit of time to spruce up their quarters as well.
Though perhaps Tempest was more of a minimalist? Either way, it probably didn’t hurt to ask.
“Guess you don’t know what to put up here yet, huh? It’s fine, I was the same way too when I first came back.”
Tempest failed to hide the blush that crossed her cheeks.
“Um… yeah.” She laughed nervously, taking a protective step back to her bedroom door.
“I suppose this space does what it’s supposed to, that’s all I need.”
Aegis remained where she was, taking in Tempest’s words and nodding. “If you say so.”
She’d noticed Tempest’s blush, and one of her own soon graced her features. “Just know that if you and your sisters ever feel like having a talk or need cheering up, you can stop by my quarters.”
Aegis wasn’t going to lie, that sounded quite awkward. And Serina’s highly amused private response in her head only exacerbated the awkwardness.
“Not exactly the smoothest way of scouting out a potential girlfriend, Aegis, but it’ll do.”
“…. Thank you, Aegis.”
Tempest smiled at her sincerely, apparently unbothered (or perhaps just oblivious) to the awkwardness of the situation.
“I’d… I’d like that.” She added. “Thanks for looking out for me.”
“Anytime, Tempest.” Aegis responded.
The Titan breathed deeply, and finally let out a sigh as she stood up.
“Well, I’ll leave you be for now. I feel like having a rest. You know where to find me.”
Privately, Aegis felt warm and mellow at the thought of resting in her bed. It was a nice and soft place.
“Yeah, um… I’ll see you in a bit, yeah?” She asked hopefully.
“I’m still planning to meet up with my sisters in like an hour. You’re always welcome to join us too.” She added with a smile.
“Yeah, you will. I’m off, then.” Aegis said with a warm nod.
Just as she was about to leave, she turned back one more time.
“Oh right, a reminder, your sisters are in their quarters at the moment. Right beside yours.” Aegis responded before waving. “See you…”
The Titan promptly left, returning to her own quarters just a short walk away.
As the door to her own bedroom slid shut behind her, Aegis let out a breath she didn’t know she’d held. A quick change into more casual attire, and she slipped into her bed with a content sigh.
Still, a matter gnawed at the back of her mind. When she’d spoken with Tempest earlier, she’d felt warmer. That wasn’t what she thought it was…was it?
The Titan hugged her bolster close, burying her face in it. What had gotten over her just now?