She took a breath.
"The physical intimacy. With him. Have you – have you two – " She couldn't finish the question.
"No. Not yet." Seria felt her face heat. "We're taking it slowly. Building the emotional foundation first. Right now it's just – touching. Kissing. Learning each other. Nothing more."
"But eventually?" Elara was there.
"Eventually, yes. If the connection deepens naturally. That's part of the anchor bond." Seria met her eyes. "I know that's difficult for you."
"It's going to be awful," Elara admitted. "Knowing he's with you. Wondering if you're better at it than I am. Comparing myself. All of it."
"I'll be wondering the same things. Comparing myself to you. Worried I don't measure up to established intimacy."
"So we're both insecure and jealous and trying to make this work anyway." She laughed.
"That seems to be the theme." Seria smiled.
