[Natalie Arazi]

Too kind. She had to smile at that. It was something she was growing used to hearing from her counterpart, and if kindness was how Natalie was defined, she would be happy with that. Kind was a wonderful thing to be, and she so appreciated that it was the way she saw her.

But as she continued, the trainer faltered. Natalie had no reason to doubt Teddy, and really, a negative thought hadn't filtered into her mind about the lawyer at all. So when a statement like that came out of her mouth, Natalie's eyes finally opened, eyebrows twitching together with hints of confusion. "I don't think you're controlling," she replied immediately, feeling the desire to mend whatever thought it was that made her think such a thing. Her thumb brushed along Teddy's cheek lightly. "I'm sorry; it wasn't appropriate of me to ask."

[Theodora James]

The knee jerk reaction felt absolutely natural. Though Teddy always did her best to remain articulate and honest, it was a harsh question to outright deny answering. Her own words could have meant anything, but Teddy found it impossible to express anything at this point.

Again, she proved to be the kindest person Teddy had ever met for the sheer fact that she wanted to counter a fact she'd offered about herself. An apology followed suit and she honestly wanted to laugh. She eased back a little; just enough to open her eyes and catch that set.

"Darling," Teddy called her lightly, "Do you really think you know me that well?"

[Natalie Arazi]

An endearing name, one that threatened to soften the features Natalie wore, but what followed cemented her furrowed eyebrows. She immediately had an answer, but offered a few moments before she voiced it. To try and articulate it in a way she wasn't positive how to. At least, without sounding at least a little ridiculous. The trainer sucked in a slow breath, looking into the bright eyes that had opened for her, like maybe she could just see it on her face.

"I like to think I do," she said finally. Slowly. "And I really shouldn't have asked - that's not fair to you." When making a mistake, she would own it; it was the least she could do. "We're not even -" Natalie let her words fall flat. "I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that."

[Theodora James]

Teddy wasn't sure if she could talk any sense into Natalie. Not when it came to the contrasting opinions they clearly had about the lawyer. Despite it all she sounded so sure of herself, like she could properly understand what she was getting into.

She wanted to correct her, but she couldn't. There was no definition here, and Teddy didn't have the means to create it now.

"I need time," She offered finally, but she was quick to fill the air before it got confusing; "But I don't need time away from you." In her mind, she couldn't think of anything worse.

[Natalie Arazi]

It was a stubbornness that Natalie was oblivious about with herself. The desire to apologize again was overwhelming, she hadn't the chance to offer it again before Teddy spoke. And how perfect she was. Quick to clear the air of negativity with a statement that was more powerful than the lawyer might have realized. "You have all the time in the world," she replied confidently. Light pressure pulled her counterpart back in before she kissed her lightly.

Because there was relief in knowing that at least she didn't want to spend time away - or to keep it to a minimum. "And you don't have to worry about being away from me. Just ask and I'll be here."

[Theodora James]

Mapping what Teddy was sure she needed was one thing, but expressing it was another thing entirely. Letting her down by any means felt wrong, and she'd already done that once here. A small kiss reminded her of her to continuously trust the words and sentiments offered. It was almost unfair how stoic she could be when that was everything she wanted to portray for herself.

"I know." She replied. She was acutely aware she could take any time she wanted. That was part of the danger.

When she kissed her again, it carried an obviously heavier weight to it. Despite her better judgement, she couldn't help herself.

[Natalie Arazi]

Making it known that all she had to do was ask felt imperative. Like for some reason the lawyer might not be away of the power she had over Natalie. And apparently she knew, and that within itself carried a sort of relief. And before she could say anything, heavy pressure hit her lips in a way that was both perfect and dangerous. Her hands fell to Teddy's shoulders, fingers tightening to draw her closer - as if she could somehow close any millimeter of distance that might have existed.

And when her lungs couldn't take the pressure, she eased away, though only by a fraction. "Teddy," she breathed, like just calling her name would describe the warning in her tone. Because there was more than just her entire family just a wall away.

[Theodora James]

Dragged through the minimal distance and Teddy couldn't help but take the encouragement on. Flush against her counterpart, she felt her grip on the moment falling away to the easiest, purest form of communication available, like perhaps some level of understanding could be caught by physicality when she couldn't offer clever words instead.

There was barely any distance when her name hit the air like a heavy warning to the pressure she applied. She could feel it on her lips in the particular tone she felt she needed to use.

"I'm sorry." She dropped her voice to the lowest level, but she didn't draw away, because she hardly meant it; "I'll stop."

[Natalie Arazi]

Of course, there was an internal conflict with her own choice to speak up. There was no denying how the closeness they shared effected Natalie; her heart raced in the proximity, and also with fear of losing it. And when an apology was offered in response, she felt the way her grip tightened to contradict the tone she had used. Dark eyes remained squeezed tightly shut, nose crinkling as Teddy continued, despite the way she didn't move, either.

"In a minute." Natalie tried her hand at the phrase Teddy often offered in those moments, exhaling it heavily against the lawyer's lips.