[@paragloan]

Erik watched Maddy carefully as she got through her apology, noting the various sounds and motions that had started to come from her as she got through what she had to say. His breath caught in his chest for a moment as again she insulted him by calling him vain the "no offense" doing little to assuage the verbal blow. [color=00a651][i]'Again she insults me? Why? She can't even look me in the eyes.'[/i][/color] From there she continued to ramble on with her apology till she eventually lost steam and recognized that she was in fact rambling. She hesitatingly faltered with her speech rolling and back and forth on her heels and making small whimpering sounds. She looked like a lost puppy whining in order to gain his pity.

Erik gazed at her curiously a moment thinking on what to say next and what would leave the best impression. He had calmed down from this morning and was no longer exposed amongst people so he could take his time to think over the situation. While the unexpected insult had upset him, he was somewhat mollified by the feeling of superiority as she placed herself before his judgement, awaiting his verdict, and praying for his forgiveness. This seemed to be the correct way of things, the way things should be rather than being trapped in here because of his idiotic father.

[color=00a651]"Boundaries? Alright let's make some of those. First, please stop calling me vain, I can't say that I appreciate that. Second, I am not trying to hit on you, if I was I am sure I would be aware of that so let's just put that behind us okay?"[/color] His tone was somewhat hard as he delivered these two items. He took a deep breath and visibly relaxed his muscles making it appear as though he was calmed down. He examined his reflection in the nearby reflection of the glass admiringly before turning his gaze to Maddy again. His voice took on a gentler tone, designed to put her at her ease. [color=00a651]"Other than that, it's fine, water under the bridge. Others before you have had some outbursts here and a lot of them were a lot worst. I can understand Sarah upsetting you, but don't worry about Teres I already told her not to worry about this morning and that it wasn't representative of you."[/color] He raised his hands in a mollifying gesture. [color=00a651]"Yes, yes kind I know. You don't have to say so... Unless you would like to. Anyway, we can be friends. Only friends. I am not interested in pursuing any other kind of relationship. If you have any other boundaries, just tell me or write them down. I don't see any reason why we can't get along. Oh and do me a favor? Tell Teres you were wrong about me?"[/color]

Erik looked at the girl trembling before him and felt an emotion close to pity. She must have been so embarrassed to have attacked him in this morning's tirade. He awkwardly, and with a great deal of hesitance placed his hand above her head without actually touching and patted the empty air.[color=00a651]"There... There. Everything's going to be okay. [/color] There was some uncertain hesitance between his theres. He stood uncertain of what to do, before his instincts kicked back in and he left his monogrammed black and gold handkerchief on the desk before Maddy for her to use. His stomach growled at him and he felt a pang of hunger. 

[color=00a651]"Clean up and come down to eat with us."[/color] Erik left the room now thinking only about saying his hunger to make sure he was in top physical form for the rest of the day. He entered the dining room once again and made certain to grab himself a good sized portion of acceptable food mainly proteins and veggies, but with some sweet fruit as well. When Teres got to the table he would lean over and ask, [color=00a651]"Are you feeling alright?"[/color] with a look of genuine concern on his face.