[ it is almost a role reversal. Lupin admires their strength and their intimidating presence, finds it attractive, even; at the same time, there's something wonderful about them actually being as small and delicate as they look, too. He always feels this desire to protect them and hold them close - to be half as reliable and capable to Cairngorm as he is to other humans. These current circumstances are like cheating to get there temporarily. He's not above basking in them a little anyway. ]

It's different. I wouldn't say it's better, exactly... [ is it nice being able to touch them freely and fearlessly? Sure. But they're not comfortable this way, and therefore, he can't really say it's better. As always, their smile is what he's aiming for. He looks down at their pretty face resting against him, and their reddening cheeks, and feels his own heart skip a secret beat. Dammit. He's supposed to be putting them at ease, but they're so cute, and all soft edges now... With a sigh, he shakes his head a little, setting his mug down. ] Warm, cold, that doesn't matter. You're what I want. You could be covered in spikes and I'd still find a way to get my arms around you.

[ he tilts his head, leaning in to gently nuzzle into their hair - silkier than usual, but with that same distant fragrance of earth and snow that's become so familiar to him now. Lupin murmurs his words into the silvery strands, playful. ]

Do you like it better?