A New Start

Noah reached the clearing, having correctly estimated the time. The items he brought were in his arms, and he glanced about in the water for Teanna. No sign of her there. Turning, he saw her there near him on the shore. The sun would glint down from 'bove, onto her kinda' blonde hair, then her bare body. Noah felt his whole body heat up at the sight, then furrowed his brows. Breathe, Noah, Breathe. He disciplined his own body language. Eyes narrowing to dangerous slits, Noah almost growled, "Apparently you can't tell time." Was that the first time he was actually rude/angry towards her?

Noah is a dangerous creature. He knew that she has sense enough to know that she should be in the waters when he comes back. Noah knows better than to let his own impulses govern him, for most men tend to fail against their hard-wired desires. For some unbeknownst reason, he felt abit manipulated, or something of the sort. It wasn't a good feeling. He would not let someone do this to him without some sort of manifestation to show just how irked he was. Dropping the denim and trench-coat to the floor near Teanna, "Put it on." There was that blank composure once more on his face, but the anger was boiling fiercely inside. Turning, he slipped away from the clearing, towards the edge of Nede. He would wait for Teanna there. Though she had offended him, he would not abandone her now. It is against his very character.

-Teanna couldn't help but laugh at his expression. But she held it in until he walked away. As soon as he was out of sight Teanna dropped to the ground laughing. She hoped he didn't hear, but it didn't much matter. After a few minutes she slipped on the clothes. Well.. the jeans. Which barely fit her. She had to hold them up or else they'd fall off. And the trench coat barely buttoned up. Thank God for her lack of breasts. But she picked up the flowers and shortened the stem so that they would both fit behind her ear, in her hair. Oh but his face had been priceless. Maybe she should have taken a picture. Too bad she didn't have a camera.

But then another thought kicked in, did she look disgusting? Teanna shrugged her shoulder and walked along the path towards him. Angry or not, he'd have to bare with her. "All clean. But these clothes don't fit at all. I'm not a man for God's sake, Noah." She whispered looking at him through the corner of her eyes. His reaction was both justified and unjustified. Of course he could be angry that she exposed herself, but he had no right to treat her badly. He could have just looked away quickly, pretended not to have seen anything. But she didn't feel sorry. There was no point in it.

Noah was fuming. The images of her bare body kept popping into his head, and perhaps he was more angry at himself than he was of her. The ridiculous impulses of men, it would exist in Noah aswell. Discipline would be necessary, and he had no doubt that he had the utmost of strengths in that area. Perhaps he was angry at himself for his own curiousity. When he saw her there, laying on the shore, flesh bare of all clothing, he felt a desire to examine closely the differences between the genders. He knew it was ..inappropriate, so perhaps Noah did the best thing by rushing out.

Noah was calming down by the time he heard footsteps that were symptons of Teanna's arrival. "I don't know what women would want to wear." He turned and led her back into Nede, tucking his hands back into the pockets of his denim. He had an idea as of just how he would assist her in fitting in with society, and be a productive part of Aenied. Noah almost always do something for a reason. An example would be the clumsy girl called Caste having broken his vase. Objects matter little to Noah, but a lesson was necessary for the girl. He forced her to be his maid, in the hopes that it would teach her some grace, and perhaps discipline. Without sharpening it, a blade wouldn't be sharp. That fundamental rule applies to people aswell. Even anger, in most cases, for Noah, existed for a reason. Though he couldn't understand why he was curious of the female anatomy, so it left him .. abit irked.

-"What women would want to wear, is something.. that.. well.. at least fits 'em, is what they'd want to wear."She turned her head, watching him as they walked. His expression made her uncomfortable, and his manner of walking, and the way he completely ignored the fact that she was staring at him! "Fine," Teanna spoke before jumping up in front of him, holding tightly onto her pants to make sure they wouldn't fall off. "Seeing as I can't possibly beat you in being angry. I'll make you join me in being happy."

Teanna propped her feet firmly into the ground, then leaned over slightly so her body would be bent, and then began making funny expressions. Anything she could think of, from sticking her tongue out to pushing back on her nose to make her look like a piglet, and even to dancing around a bit in front of him like in those Broadway comedies. "It's a BEAU-ti-FUL day out, Noah. Enjoy the sunshine." Teanna spoke as she continued her little routine of strange expressions and dances. She didn't much care if he thought she was making a fool of herself. She was doing it to make him smile. Because for some reason, she felt guilty. No, no. She didn't feel sorry. But she felt, guilty. And maybe, maybe if he would smile, she would feel better. If not about herself, then maybe at least about the situation.

Noah shrugged off her remark about what women would like to wear. Why would he care what women like and does not like to wear? Then her statement about making him join her in being happy made him stop to stare. Watching Teanna holding her pants up with her hands, he chuckled inside. She looked so silly. Then a thought occured to him: Noah didn't really want to have a girl walking around him with overlarge pants. Dropping his hand so that his slender fingers undid his own leather belt, he tugged it from his pants. Noah's denim hugged his hips, thus keeping them up against his body. The belt was thick, and a shade of dark brown, which would obviously make it a male's belt. It might look strange on her, with her guyish outfit once she walked down the street. But at least this outfit is convenient .. for the time being.

"Hold still." Noah was watching Teanna make the strangest face expressions, then stopped her by slipping one side of his belt onto one of the loops on her denim. Sliding the rest of the belt through the loops so they'd fit around her neatly, Noah paused, "Tell me if it's too tight." He wasn't even looking at her by then, but rather focusing on the belt. It seems as if the anger he felt had subsided just as quickly as it came. Jerking at the belt, Noah noticed just how tiny Teanna's waist is. Rarely has he seen people with such small, delicate waists. But perhaps she's just skinny.

"It's not, don't worry. Might be able to almost wrap it around twice." Teanna snickered. The belt was quite long, and her waist was...well, tiny. She'd always been able to wrap the apron tie twice around her waist before tying it. Her sister would always laugh at her for it. Yes her body was different. And it was both a positive and a negative. In a way she was unique in this time, since not most people let their bodies be shaped by old clothing. But she was not voluptuous either. The fat seemed to simply not stick to her. Maybe a fast metabolism, or maybe it was the exercise. It didn't matter. Yet she didn't take wearing the old clothes to the extreme either. The corset would be wrapped gently around her body, the innocent shaping had been done a long while ago, and she didn't need a smaller waist, any much smaller and she'd look alien. And the skirts, the skirts were more or less of current time. The style, the fabric, the layering. But she'd always look a tad Gothic, simply because of her clothes. It didn't matter. Oh God! Who was she now fantasizing about dresses when she was wearing man's clothing!

"So what now?" Teanna smiled innocently up to him. At least he had calmed down. But she very much feared the her performance lifted solely her spirits. No, no that wasn't something to fear. It was just bad if that's all it did. Oh well. 'Least she was happy.

"You have a fragile build." .. Noah didn't expect to speak his thoughts aloud. Tightening the belt as much as he possibly could around Teanna's waist, he stepped back to view the results. She did look insanely goofy, with overlarge pants pulled up around her lower-body, and a belt that didn't seem to fit her elegant air to hold up her denim. "We're going to get you something .. womanly." Noah eyed Teanna's figure, and lifted a hand to scratch his head. He wasn't even sure if people made clothing for such a petite body. Noah's the type that likes to shop for clothing, which is rather rare in men. But that could go along with his own devilishly good looks. But when it comes to knowing what women likes to wear .. Noah's confused, indeed. Women are so complicated. Why can't they just wear something they're given and be satisfied with that? Noah scratched his head again. Oh, yes, because the clothing they're given so happens to be for a man.

Noah turned and led Teanna into the streets of Nede, and straight towards a clothing store that he knew was espicially for women. Some would glance their way curiously, but Noah ignored them. Reaching out to grab Teanna by the hand, he tugged on her arm to move her along faster with him.

"Yes indeed. You wouldn't except such a delicate thing to hit as hard as I do, eh?" Teanna smirked up to him then burst out laughing. She had landed two perfect hits on him. Was it bad to enjoy the fact that she hit him? No! No. He deserved those two. Maybe even some more. "Womanly? Why do you say that with such... displeasure? Would you honestly prefer me to parade around town like this?" She pointed at herself then hissed softly. Sexist, much? Teanna brought the trench coat as tightly as she could around her body. She didn't want the people in town to see her flesh, especially since she could do something to prevent that.

"Ow." Teanna hissed a bit and tugged her hand out his grasp. He was squeezing her hand! As in BREAKING it! She hit his shoulder lightly, not as hard as she had done before, nor as angrily. It was simply to make him aware of the fact that he was slowly breaking her hand! And then she looked up at the clothing store and smiled. Finally... Oh lord. Clothes. Clothes for women!

Noah mumbled something with women and annoying in the same statement, then grumpily continued to lead her away. Letting go of her when Teanna had hit his shoulder lightly, Noah blinked. Pushing the door of the store open, Noah waved her in.Hopefully she'd be quick. Noah thought for a moment. How could his grip on her possibly hurt? He barely put much force into it. Maybe Noah is, indeed, sexist. Who knows. He does seem to hold a grudge against women. So perhaps he is sexist. But that's insignificant, right?

A female glanced up from her paperworks as Noah held the door open for Teanna. Within the store, rows upon rows of modern clothing lined the racks. There were denim of various sizes and designs, and blouses for the female anatomy. He remembered once again that Teanna had wanted corsets, but this would have to do for now. At this moment in time, there won't be a corset store in town.

-Teanna was completely ignoring him by then, but still joyfully...skipped, almost, by his side. Well it wasn't really a skip. More of a strut. No, that neither. It was just a different kind of walk. As he opened the door she simply walked in, without even looking at him like others do. Normally when a person opens the door, you glance up to them to verify whether they're opening it for you or for themselves. And if it is for you, you normally thank them. But she, she just rushed right in, continuing to ignore him as she did before. It was quite enjoyable really. "Ah!" Teanna exclaimed gleefully as she looked around. It wasn't that bad of a store.

Teanna quickly passed along the racks of clothing, letting her hands touch each and every item. She wasn't as much looking for the design as for the quality of the fabric, which she could feel. After having picked about thirty items, she rushed to the changing rooms. There were so many things to try on! The picking had only taken her less than five minutes, but this... She hated to try on clothes. It was so infuriating. Off and on, and off and on, and good God will it ever be over!?

After about ten or fifteen more minutes, she emerged with just a few items. She had chosen a black velvet jacket with some lace at the sleeves, an A-line skirt made of white cotton, a cotton and lace camisole, and a pair of black faded jeans. "There. Hope you didn't die yet." Teanna waved at him as she walked out of the fitting rooms. "Is it alright if I change right after? I can't stand another minute in your 'fashion' mistake." She snickered, looking at him-

Eyes rolling at Teanna's excitement, Noah followed her inside. Why is it that women are so happy to see clothing? It made little sense to him. Perhaps it is their own vanity. Leaning against the wall with arms folded over his chest, Noah watched as Teanna picked out various items to try on. Tapping his heel impatiently, Noah twirled a strand of white hair between his index and middle finger. Women are so weird. Even he normally doesn't take this long to shop for clothing. .. Or maybe it just feels different to wait, than to actually shop. Noah's not one to wait, so this is a rather new experience.

"Sure." Noah scratched his head and manuevered towards the counter, pulling out his wallet from a pocket. Putting some money on the counter for the lady who owned the store, Noah turned back 'round. At least he'd be walking about with a feminine female, instead of a... Noah's eyes rolled, for he didn't know how to finish the statement in his head, and trudged towards the door. Pushing the door open easily, Noah didn't bother to wait for Teanna this time around.

Slipping into the busy streets, Noah tucked his hands into his pockets and walked in a rather slow manner. He wasn't particularly tall, but his peculiar white hair would probably make him stand out. She would be able to catch up. Now Teanna needs a place to fit into, to be a productive part of Nede. Man, Noah loves his job. .. Not really, because most of the times he feels like a tour-guide of some sort, but otherwise, it's better than doing nothing. ... Right?

-Teanna was glaring at him now. He was absolutely impossible! How dared he not even look at her? Teanna wanted to hit him, yes she wanted to hurt him. She quickly turned away and walked back into the fitting rooms, changing into her new clothes. "Bloody bastard, he is!" She hissed and slammed her fist against the wooden wall of the fitting room. Teanna stepped out, barefoot as before, it never occured to her that she wasn't wearing shoes. The floors and the street were so clean and warm, it was quite pleasant to walk barefoot. She liked the way the clothes fit on her. The skirt clung tightly to her hips and flared out from there down to her knees, the shirt was tight around her body, accentuating her fragile figure, and the velvet jacket fit so very beautifully in contrast with her skin. Yes, finally. Something she looked good in.

As she walked out, she realized Noah was nowhere to be seen. Teanna's anger faded into disappointment, sadness of some sort. She hated to be disappointed in people. Teanna walked out of the shop, bowing her head in some sort of thanks to the shopkeeper. She then fell back against the wall and simply looked ahead at him, a small ant in the distance she had barely spotted. He kept walking. Foolish man. Her hand reached up and she removed the flowers from her hair, he hadn't even noticed. Why's it even matter!? She placed the flowers in the pocket of the jacket and stood there. Maybe he'd notice at some point that there were no footsteps behind him, or maybe he wouldn't.

Noah was reaching the middle of the street, to realize that no overly excited girl was jumping around him. Turning his head to glance over his shoulder to not see Teanna behind him, Noah blinked. Turning to move towards the little shop that Teanna got her clothing in, Noah halted when he saw her there, leaning against the wall. Noah noticed her expression. Something in there made him feel guilty. Stepping up to her in silence, Noah reached out with outstretched appendages, his long fingers would graze lightly along her cheekbone.

Noah took in each of her facial features, espicially her eyes. There's something pleasant about her eyes... Fingers reaching out, the tips would brush along her lips towards the edges, tugging them upwards slightly to form the slightest smile. Something about Teanna made Noah feel bad for seeing her sad. Noah didn't understand, but the realization dawned on him that he was touching her in a strange fashion, rather difference than how he would treat most people. That was when Noah started to pull back, feeling an electric'like sensation down his spine.

-Teanna smiled inside as she watched him approach. He had come back. He hadn't left her! She thought he would take her hand as always, and drag her along behind him, which she was quite ready for. Her hand was already sliding up in case he would take it. But then she felt his fingers against her cheek, and she completely froze up. What...was he doing? Wasn't he mad at her just a few minutes ago? Hadn't he been ignoring her? But it really didn't...matter. Teanna's lips curled into a broader smile after his fingers had tugged onto their corners. That's what she used to do. She used to make her sister smile like that.

Her hand slid up, her fingers curled around his wrist as he pulled away. She didn't want him to. Teanna quickly let go, surprised at her own reaction to his touch. So innocent. Her smile faded and she looked down, feeling a bit guilty that she had pulled the flowers out of her hair out of anger. They were so pretty..."Thank you..." She whispered, glancing up to him. She didn't know what the thanks was for, though. For the clothes, for the food, for being there with her, or for him having returned? She didn't know.. But it just slipped out, as unexpected as when she had gripped his wrist.-

Noah's eyes went wider than it already was with .. was it fear? His arms falling back to his side after Teanna had let go of him, Noah stepped back. His own cheeks were slightly pink, and he felt the need to explain something. Perhaps he's saying it to quiet his own fears. Who knows. "I want to make it clear to you that I am not interested in the role of breaking hearts. Those who give me their hearts often give it to me foolishly, and I cannot seem to return it to them. Don't get too attached to me." Turning, Noah walked back in the direction he came from beforehand. Keep a distance, to save yourself.

Noah felt his fingers twitching, and creased his brows into a deep frown. He would get her settled. Yes, he would settle her down somewhere and leave as soon as he could. Keep a distance, to save yourself. Noah clasped his hands together in front of him, wringing idly. A few seconds ago, when his fingers were on Teanna's face, a thought had occured to him: Teanna's pretty. He was angry at himself for feeling as he does, to feel anything for her. He felt bad for his fondness of her, but felt even worse that he couldn't seem to do much about his own feelings. Yes, a distance must be kept.

"Don't worry... I have a feeling you'll be gone before I ever have a chance to, as you said it, give you my heart." There was a hint of regret in her voice, and much sorrow. His words hurt her, very much so. Teanna quickly caught up to him, pushing the negative feelings inside her. Let them be locked up. It didn't matter. They were just feelings. "But since you're not gone yet.." Teanna spoke as her arm hooked around his, walking alongside him "...I'll allow myself to dream." She whispered confidently, a bright smile on her face. It was natural, not fake. Yes, she would allow herself to dream. There wasn't any pain in it. All wishful thinking. That's all it was. She wanted to dream, not necessarily of him, but of being as safe as he made her feel, of being as happy, as... as angry and yet as glad for his presence.

"You know, you should 'least tell me I look nice. I mean, you did buy 'em for me." She stopped, making him stop as well before twirling around a few times. "And because I do look nice." She spoke, of course teasingly, it as all in good fun.

Noah's head would tilt curiously as Teanna hooked her arm around his. She's so strange/ At her words, his heart had clenched together. It wasn't a good or bad thing. Her words just knocked the breath from his lungs, leaving him perplexed and amazed. ..That's actually pretty original. Noah's eyes traveled up and down Teanna's figure, and he gave the slightest shrug. "How am I supposed to know what looks good and what doesn't? It's only an opinion." Noah wouldn't ever admit it to her that he thought her quite pretty.

Tugging her away with him, he'd lead her towards a huge building. If all goes well, he would be leaving by tomorrow, or the day after at the latest. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning." Noah glanced at her, wondering if he'd ever see her again. He has business to attend to, and Noah doesn't plan to take someone with him. Bringing another with him to his travels would only be an impediment, that much he knew. Pausing at the door of the building, Noah started to slip his arm from hers.

"That's the beauty of it. An opinion. Your own opinion. Your own way of thinking. So what is your opinion of my new apparel? I'm oh so desperate to know." Teanna looked up to the large building. What was this? She tilted her head to a side, appearing to have ignored his words. She had also let go of his arm before he could slip away. She felt him, though, pulling away.

"Oh good." She finally responded to what he had said. "Stay safe though. And try not to burn your hands again alright?" Teanna smiled up to him before looking back up to the building. Damn she was hungry again. Teanna burst out laughing at her thoughts. He had just told her he was leaving, and what she's thinking about is food!? Hm, maybe she just didn't want to break it to herself that she'll miss him. After another short moment, she turned back to him. Her eyes narrowed a bit, worriedly "You... Will come back, though, right?"

"You look ..." Noah's fingers twitched ever so slightly, "Nice." He arched a brow questioningly when Teanna had burst out laughing for no apparent reason. Is she laughing at my burnt hands? Analyzing her previous statement, Noah sensed the concern in it. Watching her expression in that precise, meticulous manner of his, Noah noted the anxiety there. "I'd think so. It might be weeks, months, or even years, though." And that's true. Noah would disappear at times for weeks on end, and sometimes way longer, like years.

Noah pulled Teanna into the building with him after he grasped her hand, pushing the door open with ease. They were in some sort of huge room, with a counter at the center, like a strangely set reception area. Letting go of Teanna, Noah stepped up to the counter. This would be the place to find somewhere to settle Teanna in. Maybe if I treat this like a job, I'd feel more distanced from her. Noah leaned over to check some papers on the counter, flipping through pages after pages in silence. Keep a distance, to save yourself.

-She blinked a few times and clenched her teeth. Years, years, years. That was the only word repeated in her mind. Years, he could be gone for years."Hm." Teanna stood there and watched him. Why so suddenly distant? She thought he had told her to keep away, not himself. That is what he said. "Don't get too attached to me." So why was he the one being distant? Teanna leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. As awkward as it was, the question, it simply came to her. What was she going to do without him? He dragged her around town, but she didn't exactly fit in, nor did she... well, see any places hiring. So there would be no job... Then no money, no... Oh God. Back to this again.

Teanna felt her eyes sting for a brief moment. Fear. She didn't want to be alone here. It was best when she was left alone in a bloody forest to fend off for herself. At least that she knew how to do. But people? These cruel beasts? She couldn't deal with them. Especially the whole money thing. "What are you doing?" She opened her eyes, looking back up to him.

Noah alas found the page he was looking for, and folded the paper neatly to tuck into his pocket. He had ignored her question, but now that he found what he needed, Noah turned towards Teanna. "Lets go." Reaching out to grab her by the wrist, Noah pulled Teanna with him out of the building. The piece of paper was sort of like an advertisemnt for buildings being sold. That would provide Teanna with a place of shelter, and source of income.

"I hope you can cook." That was the only hint that Noah gave of his idea, and off they went. Noah sped down the street, practically dragging Teanna with him as he rushed towards their destination. Hopefully, someone there would be able to give them a tour. If not, Noah will just leave the money, sign the papers, and the shop will be theres. That's just how independent the town of Nede is, that a simple signing of papers and exchanging of money for building is adequate to be a shop-owner.

-Teanna was zoned out completely. No, not in relation to him whatsoever, she was lost in her own troubles. The biggest concern of course. Her sister. She would have to speak to her sooner or later. Pop up, "Hey there Lina. Guess what? I'm not really dead." The poor girl would probably have a heart-attack. But then she would already know wouldn't she? She would be able to feel her, if she hadn't already. It was quite strange, their connection. They could telepathically transmit images to one another, short glimpses in order to locate each other. But Teanna had kept her mind sealed lately. It would be quite a shock though, to herself if not to her sister.

He was not her issue anymore. He would leave, and it would be like he never existed, right? Wasn't that what he wanted? Obviously it was. Since he was now acting as a tour guide and nothing else. His grip of her wrist was even weak, as though he couldn't wait for the moment he could let go. "Yes I can." She almost hissed at him. His words were almost insulting. How dared he speak as though he doubted her abilities?! Teanna wanted to be wrong about him, but he hadn't even as much as glanced her way.

I don't know why I feel this way. It feels so different to what I'm used to. I shouldn't care about her, but I do. I almost don't want to leave. I fear. Yes, that's what it is. It's the intense fear of the unknown, of something I never was able to imagine. Maybe if I leave now, the feelings would fade. I am a loner that never stays in one particular place. No one should have to suffer the long wait for me. No one.

Noah was too occupied in his own thoughts to notice that Teanna practically hissed at him. They would reach a small brown building, with a broad white fence around it. Tugging at the door that would provide an opening through the fence, Noah trudged through it. His hand lowered to the handle of the door on the building, and Noah gave a push. It seems no one bothered to lock the door.

Stepping into the room, Noah first noticed a counter near the stairs. The stairs would lead towards the bedrooms, whilst the bottom story could be used for food serving. Tables were already set up around the area, complete with chairs. A hallway led towards the huge kitchen of the structure, with tools already set up for the next owner. The previous owner must be a cook of some sort.

"This place is yours." Noah turned towards Teanna, watching her reaction.

"Aren't we breaking laws? I mean... This is somebo-" Teanna stopped as she heard his words. "Mine?" Her eyes sparkled as she looked around. She approached one of the tables and ran her fingers across the dusty, yet very smooth wood. Then she walked up to the counter, oh wow, she could already see it, what she would do to the place. It was so large... and...THE KITCHEN... Teanna rushed in with a loud gasp and a bit of a squeal. Finally, room. No bumping into open drawers and doors and people that were completely unwelcome into the kitchen. And so..."Perfect" Teanna whispered before turning around to him.

"Thank you!" She exclaimed and ran to him. Her arms stretched out and wrapped tightly around him before she collided with his form. "Thank you, Noah." She repeated, not having let go of him. She'd let him pull away, but she wouldn't be the one to let go. If all she had left with him was a mere hours, or minutes, or seconds, she'd make the most of it. She cared for him, yes it was very obvious, but it wouldn't matter, really. He had to leave, he had somewhere to go, and he seemed almost too indifferent to allow himself to believe that he cared about her. Maybe not indifferent, but he was somehow forcing himself to deny the idea of her. She could see it. His words, the cold words he had spoken to her, were more towards himself than to her. That's how she took them now. If he'd want to stay as far away from her as possible, that'd be his choice, and she wouldn't feel guilty for having pushed him away. It would be his own doing. Not hers. Which is why she did not let go of him. Not yet...

Noah reclined against the wall, folding his arms neatly over his chest as Teanna ran about the building in a rather wild manner. She seems so happy. He could be entertained by her almost childish reactions, but he wasn't really. Her being happy, somehow makes Noah happy. He's not been happy since he dreamt of Camile. Noah's eyes went wide with shock when she suddenly ran at him, arms tight around his physique. The breath was knocked from his lungs, and he just kind of stood there, arms hovering in the air in silence. Noah wanted to embrace Teanna, to hold her fragile figure against his brawny body. But his logical self impeded this desire.

"On the condition that .. when I come back, I get free food, and clothing that you made." Those were the only words that he could get out before his usually fierce rationality abandoned him. All he could think about was how full Teanna's hair is as he glanced down at her, and Noah's arms would reluctantly wound around her. She feels so frail. All that existed in Noah's mind at the time were comments regarding Teanna. She's a beauty. Oh, Noah did try to snap himself out of it, but his arms would only tighten around her, as if refusing to let go.