[That said, it's hardly a bad thing to be direct now and then. He allows himself to relax fully and the small smile that crosses his face is genuine, if bittersweet at the circumstance.]
Of course. [Despite the easy tone in which he says it, this is not a concession Lyle makes lightly. His relationship with his blood family may be complex and largely a mystery to him, but the title of family had still remained reserved. Even Jack and Bell, men he'd been 'born' with and gotten along with well didn't get any reciprocation to their use of the term "brother" in anything other than joking terms.
But Bastet has been there through the toughest times of his life here, a dependable constant (and, quite honestly, someone he can bitch with on a similar level when it is needed). It can't be denied, she really does count as family, one of the closest things he has to it right now.
So, what the hell. One good surprise deserves another, so the hand he places on her shoulder actually ends up pulling her forward for a loose hug.)
[quicklog--2/2]!
Of course. [Despite the easy tone in which he says it, this is not a concession Lyle makes lightly. His relationship with his blood family may be complex and largely a mystery to him, but the title of family had still remained reserved. Even Jack and Bell, men he'd been 'born' with and gotten along with well didn't get any reciprocation to their use of the term "brother" in anything other than joking terms.
But Bastet has been there through the toughest times of his life here, a dependable constant (and, quite honestly, someone he can bitch with on a similar level when it is needed). It can't be denied, she really does count as family, one of the closest things he has to it right now.
So, what the hell. One good surprise deserves another, so the hand he places on her shoulder actually ends up pulling her forward for a loose hug.)