Very smooth. Elleru seems satisfied by her response -- mostly by the fact Rey's not arguing, insisting she's still sorry, or making herself out to be unworthy of such attention -- and leans further against the tree, getting comfy. Despite the earlier panic, it's a nice moment now, and one Elleru hopes to enjoy just a little longer. After all, it may be the only time she gets to spend in such a way with her roommate. It's almost a shame they couldn't kiss longer.

Elleru's ears dip; she thinks about asking Rey if they could kiss again, just to make sure it was a good one. A single kiss was able to bring a smile to Kieran's face, making a blinded man feel joy in the uncertain and frightening world that marred him -- she likes to think she could, perhaps, do the same for Rey. However, Elleru doesn't want to push her into anything she's uncomfortable with, and it's clear from their interactions that physical contact is not Rey's area of expertise. Uprights can be so hard to read, but Elleru can feel it in her heart that Rey needs someone sometimes, even if she doesn't think so. Whether that person is a friend, family, lover, or otherwise is difficult to tell, but so long as there's someone to give her the support she needs, maybe it doesn't matter all that much.

Elleru is happy to be that support for now. She wants to help so badly, wants to better understand this intriguing, standoffish upright. How can one be so simultaneously strong and fragile?

"You are welcome, Rrey," she says softly. And then, feeling bold: "You may kiss me anytime, barrier or no."