Aussir was about to correct her on his name when he caught the grin on her face, realizing that Aussee was now her pet name for him, a grin forming in response to this as he agreed with her choice. He also came to realize that she must have had some sort of interest in him on some level, seeing as how she was relaxing a little more and giving him a pet name. He kept these observations and comments to himself though, "I see. I'm sorry you had to part on bad terms with your former friend." he commented, though said nothing more on the subject. Betrayal, he knew that feeling too well, a friend could become an enemy in a single second, all it took was that one moment to make a choice for their own benefit; or a choice to harm another. In either case, it was clear to him she had been hurt, but she also was not willing to talk to him about it. That was fine with him, she would tell him in her own time if she wanted to. When she mentioned about looking after herself, he couldn't help but make a comment, "I think we can both relate to that there. We've both had to look out for ourselves, and I think that's probably one thing we have in common with each other, we know we can't rely on anyone else but ourselves." he said, looking at her.
When she explained the relationship between her and Cinder, he realized it wasn't like he had thought it was, it was simply a relationship of understanding. He smiled at the thought, he knew such a relationship was rare in this world, especially with such rare creatures as Cinder. Her suggestion made him frown, "I would rather not 'buy' a companion; to me it seems like I'm forcing them into servitude and not giving them a choice on whether to like me or not. No, what you and Cinder have is more along the lines of what I'd like, just to befriend a creature naturally. I feel that sort of bond is the strongest kind, not that I would know from experience, of course." he replied, chuckling as the fire sprite reacted affectionately to her. He had to admit, she had a way with the sprite that made her even more alluring to him; perhaps it was the soft and gentle side of her she was showing him, instead of the hard and fiery volcano that he had seen prior. Of course, he reminded himself he was mostly the cause of her acting that way. Her comment about the dragons and his father made him think for a moment, she was right; the dragons would never let them forget they were less than them, but the other Dragonkin did need to support one another. Or at least, in her words, they should try. It was almost as if...she was trying to do just that, be supportive. He wasn't sure how to take that, but her words seemed genuine enough, "Thank you." he replied softly.
When she took his hand and lifted it, he offered her no resistance whatsoever, deciding to trust her intent. When she placed it around her waist and leaned into him, he felt a calmness wash over him. He had forgotten this feeling, such familiarity was in it; it reminded him of when he was younger, of when his mother held him as a youngling. Before he became too large to hold, she would hold him like this, though he would be where the dragoness was. He wasn't about to speak, deciding not to ruin the atmosphere that had settled between the two. He thought on what she had said minutes before, she would have prefered a kiss, compared to his words. He chuckled inwardly, he really did need to shut up sometimes, he clearly talked too much. The male watched as Cinder wandered around on the ground, Curious little thing, not a care in the world right now. Maybe...I should follow his example. I have this beauty right here, and I'm holding her but not doing anything. Am I scared? Maybe. I don't know what to expect now. Pushing people away has always been easy...but she's so close...I just...how do I express what I want? I know the night has to end...but I don't want to have her leave, I don't want her to go...at least not tonight. he thought. Without thinking about it, he took her hand with his free one and placed it on his now unfolded wing, "Stay with me tonight, Drachiathoryx, I would...rather not be alone." he said softly, letting his hand go of hers.