[Darin looks down at Zelda's hand on his arm. She might feel his muscle tense and flinch; it's not that he fears physical contact. Far from it, actually. Darin's been known to ignore personal space but that's always been on his terms.]

[It's general kindness and gentleness that he's less accustomed to. To say that Darin is touch-starved is an understatement. Acteon loved Darin with all of his heart but the man was about as gentle as a bomb. Punches in the shoulder, claps on the back and chest, and a hair tousle that would knock your brain around were his preferred methods of affection and that's what Darin's known for as long as he can remember.]

[To his credit though, he doesn't pull away or outright rebuff her. He's trying.]

[And it's evident on his features. When he lifts his gaze to Zelda it's fearful. Anxious. But he doesn't like that side of him. That part of him that's still the scared, crybaby child. His life since the night he lost his brother and father was dominated by one thought: "How would Dromas act?" It gave him courage and a persona to be someone people might actually like.]

[If anyone knew the real Darin...well, no one would like that person. Darin couldn't stand him.]

[He manages a grin. That damnable mask is up once more.]

I'm...I'm fine. It was just a lot. And...like I said, Dromas is dangerous. He's a lot stronger than I am. He seems to know how to use his abilities. Dromas was always physically stronger...I was just more resilient. So when I saw him transform into that...thing...I dunno. I thought he was going to take away the place I was starting to have here.

[Again.]