( Were it not for that quick correction, Night Sky would be muttering an apology and retracting her hand. Instead, she was shifting to cup Meryl's cheek, and laughing. )

It certainly felt like it at times, but it was real, and I meant everything I said. ( her hand dropped after a few gently strokes of her thumb under Meryl's eye. ) Come here. Let me give you your gifts before we get distracted. ( there was a nearly imperceptible lilt in her voice- hopeful that they might very well get distracted anyway. )