When Iris explained that she was upset because she wanted to be someone that he could lean on, he shook his head. For the time being, he was more than happy to be that for her. Of course, he wouldn’t pretend like everything was right in his world after he’d been abducted by the rebellion and nearly killed twice, but he obviously wasn’t the one who needed someone to hold him up at that moment. He wasn’t nearly as close to breaking down as she was. Whatever emotional scarring he would have as a result of the trauma could wait to be uncovered until after he’d done his part to make sure she was alright. [color=#b97703]“You don’t have to be the strong one all the time, Iris,”[/color] he assured her in a murmur, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. [color=#b97703]“Let me carry you when you’re too tired to stand.”[/color]

Her giggle when he stammered only caused the already noticeable blush on his cheeks to turn a shade deeper. Apparently his efforts to hide his fluster hadn’t worked out very well. He was just glad that she didn’t seem put-off by the fact that he’d thought about something other than talking when she’d said they needed to spend a night together. At the pub a few nights ago, he had been certain that they’d both wanted the same thing when things had gotten heated between them, but after they’d gotten to the capital, he hadn’t been so sure. A part of him had been worried that everything the soldiers had done to her would cause her to resent him, even if she wouldn’t admit it. Carrying him to the border was what had gotten them into this mess, after all. However, to his relief, she didn’t balk or pull away from him when she’d picked up on his salacious thoughts. It seemed like she still wanted to be with him in spite of the unexpected turn.

[color=#b97703]“I won’t forget [i]that[/i],”[/color] he assured her with a brash smile, elated that she said he owed her a night together. This time, he was sure she wasn’t just talking about having a late conversation. [color=#b97703][i]I guess I’ve got another incentive to make sure everything smooths over quickly,[/i][/color] he mused, trying to stymie his racing heart by taking a low breath. Fortunately, the subject she brought up next was a perfect distraction.

[color=#b97703]“It’s really okay,”[/color] he assured her with a firm nod and a smile. [color=#b97703]“I promise, you couldn’t burden Miles even if you wanted to. He’s pretty much immune to anyone and anything that tries to drag him down.”[/color]

Almost as if on cue, Cas picked up the sound of the doorknob rattling, and he quickly took a step away from Iris, letting his arms fall from around her as Miles stepped back into the room. The other high born glanced at them, and then tilted slightly to peer around them with a bemused frown. “Where’s Jay? I thought he would have beaten me back here.”

[color=#b97703]“I dunno,”[/color] Cas shrugged. [color=#b97703]“Maybe he found a magazine to read in the bathroom.”[/color]

“Are we really so boring that he ditched us to go through my sister’s Cosmos?” Miles said dryly, stepping back over to the sofa to sit down. “I would’ve thought he’d be excited to celebrate our escapade at the hospital.”

“Not this time.” Jay’s voice came from the doorway as he stepped into the bedroom. As Cas and Miles turned toward him, he grinned and held up a full bottle of vodka and three frosted shot glasses. “I raided your parents’ stash. It’s time for you guys to get wasted.”

Cas blinked. He’d almost forgotten about that part of their plan. Remembering that Iris had been with them when they’d come up with the scheme, he turned toward her sheepishly, [color=#b97703]“I forgot to tell you, but my dad thinks I’m at the club right now.”[/color]

“Yep,” Jay sauntered over to the table and set down his collection. “Now we just have to make it look realistic, so nobody asks any questions when I drive you back to the palace.” As he spoke, he filled two of the glasses to the brim and then looked up at Iris. “Want to join? It’s up to you, but either way, I’m getting these two shit-faced.”