lesson after lesson

Were he not so intent on noting her expressions, Cara might've darkened at Chip's interjection however invited it had been. Perfect. Now he sounded like he was hiding more than what he was claiming. As if this situation could get less ideal. Instead his only reaction was a tightening of his jaw, muscles protesting at the force of which he ground his teeth together. It was the way she looked at him that hit him the hardest. He'd much rather had preferred some seething anger compared to that souless expression she now wore. In fact she didn't flinch at all when he touched her. His stomach jumped into his throat. Hand dropping, he looked to her with a woeful expression. 

You lied to me

The deception was in the omission of all of this, an act that almost seemed worse than an manufactured lie. He nodded solemnly in agreement. There was no sense denying it. Claiming otherwise would make a mockery of this entire thing, rubbing salt into a wound. 

To be frank he was almost jealous of the ire she directed at Chip. At least there was passion in that emotion. He was stonefaced as he looked between them. Inala, I won't make excuses to you because you deserve better than that. All I can offer is my regret this was the way you had to find out. It was never supposed to be a secret. Never. I.. His breath caught in his throat, head now bowed in something akin to reverence. I'm sorry. He nearly whispered as the sentiment cracked out of him, wincing at the inadequecy of the words. Sorry wouldn't be enough. Not now. Maybe not for a long time hence.

Xochipilli averted his gaze, when she questioned him. There was anger, pain, and she showed very little emotion towards Carasson. I'm sorry. I should have walked away. He finally murmured. It fixed none of the hurt she was feeling, but it was all that he had to say. He'd always walked away; thinking about how she might feel, how he'd affect her relationship, how he might affect his daughter's relationship with her mother and stepfather.

With a quiet sigh, he dipped his head to Inala and turned to leave. His departure was swift.

Inala's head swam with thoughts and emotions. She felt discarded, disregarded. As if she didn't matter to either of them. Especially since she never considered Chip moving on to her vhenan. Seemed par for the course, though. When had their lives been anything other than complicated? Clearly she was a fool to take the last several years for granted.

Dirthara-ma, she snapped at Chip's fleeting form. She didn't care if he heard her or not. It wouldn't be the first time she'd told him such. Clearly he never did learn.

Her attention turned back to Cara.

Sorry doesn't fix it. Her voice was tight, the emotion and ire she'd directed at Chip now still lingering in her tone. Inala's voice wavered as she tried not to let loose the floodgates of her full emotions.

I need to leave.

Inala elaborated no further. She turned sharply and left to go pack. She needed to be alone and away from the clan. Away from her family. From everyone and everything.