[One. Kaoru's hand on her back, soft and gentle. Two. His hand reaching for hers, his finger tips brushing against hers. Three. Her own fingers shifting so that she can take his hand. Four. Their fingers laced together, holding tightly so he can't let go. Five. His presence, warm and comforting. He's here. Six. Kaoru is safe. The only danger will from lingering here too long, and she won't allow that to happen. Seven. She'll return to the Nagumo and keep him a secret, hidden away so they'll never, ever be able to hurt him. Eight. Nothing will ever hurt him again. Not even her.
Nine.
"It's all right."
Ten.
"It'll be fine."
She raises her head, then. Her trembling has started to cease as she's calmed down; her breathing has stayed even. She's even managed to keep tears from welling up in her eyes again. Her hold on his hand loosens, but only so that she can reach for his upper arm and pull herself closer to him - she wants to embrace him, to hold tight to him and take comfort and give comfort, because she knows watching someone else in pain can be just as bad as being in pain yourself; she never wanted to worry him.]
Thank you...
[She's doing better, but her voice is still a whisper.]
Thank you for being here. I'm... I'm okay now. ...thank you.
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Nine.
"It's all right."
Ten.
"It'll be fine."
She raises her head, then. Her trembling has started to cease as she's calmed down; her breathing has stayed even. She's even managed to keep tears from welling up in her eyes again. Her hold on his hand loosens, but only so that she can reach for his upper arm and pull herself closer to him - she wants to embrace him, to hold tight to him and take comfort and give comfort, because she knows watching someone else in pain can be just as bad as being in pain yourself; she never wanted to worry him.]
Thank you...
[She's doing better, but her voice is still a whisper.]
Thank you for being here. I'm... I'm okay now. ...thank you.