Aphelios's face softens considerably at the sight of you. He's so different with you than he is with others; the only other person who has ever seen him with his guard down is Alune. But right now, it's all for you, and he's overjoyed to be here with you. When your arms curl around him, he feels a familiar sensation of safety and warmth settling over him. He feels your badgers nuzzling into his hair, and a smile curls up the corners of his lips. His arms curl around your waist and he buries his face into your shoulder. Your words are like a salve for his heart.

"He missed you, too." Alune, Aphelios's intangible floating sister, chirps happily. She speaks for him, due to Aphelios being born mute. He can't help but feel like the romance of the moment is slightly dulled by Alune watching over them. He wonders if you're feeling nervous about it. The twins don't have a very good sense of boundaries, and you never did come to peace with that. For the first time in a while, though, Aphelios wonders if he should ask her to leave so that the two of you can reunite alone.