There's a recognition within him that life is short, and in Huntsville, it's even shorter. There's an understanding that every time they're in the presence of Ondine or Esther, they're putting them at risk.
there is also the understanding that Esther and Ondine will kill him if he pulls away from them again, and maybe death by whatever Huntsville has planned is better than the idea of his neck being snapped by his lovers, so it's truly no surprise that they've elected to attend the festivities- though perhaps a little more surprising that in full view of any who might watch- he reels Ondine into a hug, and crouches to set a fond kiss on the crown of Joei's head, the toddler gurgling before clamoring to her feet- inevitably to try and toddle off to cause some form of baby chaos. "Oh dear, I've gotten her started." He laughs. "How are you, beautiful?" He's nervous- it's clear in the tighter corners of his smile, as tattooed fingers lace in their own. He's trying, if anything he's trying, it's hard to shake the worry that this might get her hurt. "I would have given you and Esth warning I was planning on coming- but after a couple days of thought I wanted it to be a surprise, that I drug myself out of the chapel."
@exmcrtis
