His assurance relaxed her for the moment it took for him to tense up again, more fidgety than usual. Zephyr had a more purposeful way of moving than just about anyone her age Kiden had ever met, almost like Laura except not as freakishly exact. It wasn't like him to move out of turn, or for no reason. With his eyes darting around, he looked like a trapped animal. After a moment's deliberation, she reached forward, her hand falling on his shoulder. Less than an hour ago they'd been pressed together on the bike, but now she was hesitant to touch him.

"That bad, huh?" She wouldn't force it out of him if he didn't want to talk about it, but that didn't mean she was entirely dismissive...even though she really wasn't up for a fucking heart-to-heart session right then. By way of compromise, her hand migrated to his elbow, tugging him briefly towards the front gate. "Come on, let's get some air. It's fucking stuffy in here, and I need a smoke."