[ They are past that point, the nature of their situation forcing him to lower his walls, though perhaps he could have attempted to brush off what happened as something to laugh about now. It would feel disingenuous, however, and Sumina deserves better than that. Has earned more than that, for all the time she's put up with his antics, and even more now, for offering him her aid in his time of need, even if it downright terrified her to do so.
She's made of much sterner stuff than she realizes.
His hands at her shoulders slip down to the crooks of her elbows instead, still holding fast, though his gaze remains downcast. It doesn't need to be your only company when you're lonely.
If only it were so simple...but then again, she would understand loneliness well herself, wouldn't she? Given how transient the people in her life must be, by the very nature of her work. Like him, she's defined by that, too, even if in wholly different ways.
He doesn't respond back to her right away, instead letting his eyes flutter closed, white eyelashes pressing into a tight line, as the void around them starts to recede, cracking like a sphere to reveal the hotel hallway around them once more. Even as his domain gives way, he keeps the both of them grounded, rooted to this spot. If he moves, he might lose his nerve, might lose the meaning of this moment. Just...what is she offering him? ]
no subject
She's made of much sterner stuff than she realizes.
His hands at her shoulders slip down to the crooks of her elbows instead, still holding fast, though his gaze remains downcast. It doesn't need to be your only company when you're lonely.
If only it were so simple...but then again, she would understand loneliness well herself, wouldn't she? Given how transient the people in her life must be, by the very nature of her work. Like him, she's defined by that, too, even if in wholly different ways.
He doesn't respond back to her right away, instead letting his eyes flutter closed, white eyelashes pressing into a tight line, as the void around them starts to recede, cracking like a sphere to reveal the hotel hallway around them once more. Even as his domain gives way, he keeps the both of them grounded, rooted to this spot. If he moves, he might lose his nerve, might lose the meaning of this moment. Just...what is she offering him? ]
Sumina? [ Not Mina-chan...just Sumina. ] You...you're lonely too, aren't you?