His little joke hadn't gone over so well as he'd intended, instead setting off the opposite reaction. Reilly frowns as she seems to sink further into herself, hating that dull look in her lovely eyes. He has a need to wash that shrouded expression from her, but has no idea how to do that right now. It's clear to him that the gobshite that did this to her was still fresh on her mind, and as much as he wants to replace those awful memories with new and better ones, he knows it will not be a thing that can be rushed. And he will not rush her. So, perhaps it is lack of understanding his own emotions toward her and her new additions that leads him to go with instincts and gently clean the baby girl he'd been asked to name. And when he chooses one, it flows from him comfortably. Once spoken aloud, he is filled with some sense of pride- rebellious heart swelling- as Kharon seems to approve and Wallace seems to accept. His gaze meets the hazel of the girl's, and then the boy's, unable to keep a deep chuckle from escaping as Kharon bumps his muzzle back when he'd lipped at his little forelock. Then, they are growing impatient at their mother's side, and he can't help but smile.
He will not rush her, but he gently gives the suggestion for Wallace to stand, offering a steadying hand if she needs it. Her agitated response, however, has the edges of his lips quirking even as a shred of concern forces its way in as she rushes to a stand. Amusement fades as she sways, but he forces himself to remain where he is so as not to crowd her, even as every ounce of him wants to be right there to help. But then, he doesn't need to move. She stumbles into him and Reilly holds fast, tucking his neck under hers. He doesn't mean to touch her, truly, but his overall focus was to keep her from falling. It all happened so fast, and when she shrinks away and gasps, he jerks his red head up and away. Just in time, as she darts out to snap at him. Her teeth scrape the skin at his shoulder and he grunts- more in surprise than pain- and yet continues to remain in the same spot he'd been all along. It is little more than a sting, and his muscle ripples at the spot as if to shake off a fly. His blue-green eyes fill with hurt as he finds her face, turned away from him yet again, though he is still able to catch the guilt there. The pain isn't for him, but for her and the fact that he can't reassure her. He sighs then, washing his expression and backs a step once more, giving the little family space as the newborns grab their first meal. Eager lil things, he thinks with a touch of a smile.
She turns those tired eyes to him, trying her best to glower and it takes a large effort not to show his amusement. And pride. Even after all this, she is a feisty woman. So strong, even as she feels so low. "Who are you." She says, every bit a demand rather than a question. His first thought is to feign something in the way of hurt or offense that she doesn't remember him, although all things considered, she had been through so much. He couldn't blame her, wouldn't be upset with her. He does smile softly, dipping his head lightly. "My name is Reilly. I found y' in de forest and gave ya to Ashley so he could bring ya home here." Now it is his turn to glance away, barring guilt from entering his expression.
He's just about to apologize for not being around more, as he had meant to and wanted to, when her little boy pulls out from under her. He's adorable as he grins up at them, smacking his milk-covered lips. "Lacey." Kharon says, and at first Reilly is confused by the sudden statement which was followed by the stiffening of Wallace's body, the flash of so much pain he sees as she ducks her face away. Reilly frowns, unknowing of the significance of the nickname, though he definitely thinks it suits her. Though clearly it sparked some awful memory. He made a mental note of it. But.. "Where'd ya hear dat, boy?" Meeting the wounded colt's stunned expression with a curious one. He was careful to keep roughness from his voice, phrasing it as an idle inquiry and his face is warm and open as he lowers it to the lad's level. His eyes are on Kharon, waiting to hear his response, but a great deal of his attention remains on Wallace, watching her every move in his peripheral.
He will not rush her, but he gently gives the suggestion for Wallace to stand, offering a steadying hand if she needs it. Her agitated response, however, has the edges of his lips quirking even as a shred of concern forces its way in as she rushes to a stand. Amusement fades as she sways, but he forces himself to remain where he is so as not to crowd her, even as every ounce of him wants to be right there to help. But then, he doesn't need to move. She stumbles into him and Reilly holds fast, tucking his neck under hers. He doesn't mean to touch her, truly, but his overall focus was to keep her from falling. It all happened so fast, and when she shrinks away and gasps, he jerks his red head up and away. Just in time, as she darts out to snap at him. Her teeth scrape the skin at his shoulder and he grunts- more in surprise than pain- and yet continues to remain in the same spot he'd been all along. It is little more than a sting, and his muscle ripples at the spot as if to shake off a fly. His blue-green eyes fill with hurt as he finds her face, turned away from him yet again, though he is still able to catch the guilt there. The pain isn't for him, but for her and the fact that he can't reassure her. He sighs then, washing his expression and backs a step once more, giving the little family space as the newborns grab their first meal. Eager lil things, he thinks with a touch of a smile.
She turns those tired eyes to him, trying her best to glower and it takes a large effort not to show his amusement. And pride. Even after all this, she is a feisty woman. So strong, even as she feels so low. "Who are you." She says, every bit a demand rather than a question. His first thought is to feign something in the way of hurt or offense that she doesn't remember him, although all things considered, she had been through so much. He couldn't blame her, wouldn't be upset with her. He does smile softly, dipping his head lightly. "My name is Reilly. I found y' in de forest and gave ya to Ashley so he could bring ya home here." Now it is his turn to glance away, barring guilt from entering his expression.
He's just about to apologize for not being around more, as he had meant to and wanted to, when her little boy pulls out from under her. He's adorable as he grins up at them, smacking his milk-covered lips. "Lacey." Kharon says, and at first Reilly is confused by the sudden statement which was followed by the stiffening of Wallace's body, the flash of so much pain he sees as she ducks her face away. Reilly frowns, unknowing of the significance of the nickname, though he definitely thinks it suits her. Though clearly it sparked some awful memory. He made a mental note of it. But.. "Where'd ya hear dat, boy?" Meeting the wounded colt's stunned expression with a curious one. He was careful to keep roughness from his voice, phrasing it as an idle inquiry and his face is warm and open as he lowers it to the lad's level. His eyes are on Kharon, waiting to hear his response, but a great deal of his attention remains on Wallace, watching her every move in his peripheral.
