[Maybe it’s kind of the same for Chuuya; he’d never been allowed to display the kind of softness he’s shown others on Nysa back home. Softness meant weakness in that world, and weakness meant death. To prove himself useful and stay that way was Chuuya’s entire purpose back then, and that kind of life left no room for romance or intimacy.

Besides, what better target for revenge or manipulation than a loved one?

But now...well. Chuuya still can’t let his guard down completely, but he’s much more willing to show that he cares now that he knows it (probably) won’t end in a bloodbath.

Now, though, Chuuya simply wants to keep Shell from crying again, because Christ, the guy is going to dehydrate if he keeps it up.]

You’re just you. Nobody expects you to be anything else here.

[Maybe they will eventually, if Shell moves up in Olympian society, but for now he can be himself.]

Gotta admit, I thought pheromones were just for sex up until now. Like animals mating or whatever.

[That’s a thing Chuuya just said.]