( It's whispered into his neck as Chloe-limpet still refuses to let go. If anything, his efforts to soothe her make her all the more reluctant move an inch. He's able to help her calm. The fact he continually offers contact alone is something that helps her calm. With him, there's no indication of it being perfunctory. Of counting down until the adequate number of minutes have passed to be considered comforting.
Not that he ever held her like this anyway.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Chloe pulls back. Enough so that she can look at him. Her gaze roves over his face, assessing herself through the study of him. Her face cycles through emotion; confusion, uncertainty, relief, and hope.
She never wants to hurt Connor. She knows that to be true. And it's a tender feeling. They haven't all gone away. Smashed into pieces and vanished alongside the wall. Her care for Connor hasn't been altered at all. If that is able to remain, perhaps she has escaped the looming threats of bitterness and a stony heart.
Or perhaps they will only be directed where they may be deserved.
And while she doesn't feel entirely herself, at least she isn't entirely numb.)
...I'm okay. I'm here. I am. I'm here.
( The voice speaks confirmation but the eyes ask if it's true. She is here, isn't she? Chloe?
no subject
( It's whispered into his neck as Chloe-limpet still refuses to let go. If anything, his efforts to soothe her make her all the more reluctant move an inch. He's able to help her calm. The fact he continually offers contact alone is something that helps her calm. With him, there's no indication of it being perfunctory. Of counting down until the adequate number of minutes have passed to be considered comforting.
Not that he ever held her like this anyway.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Chloe pulls back. Enough so that she can look at him. Her gaze roves over his face, assessing herself through the study of him. Her face cycles through emotion; confusion, uncertainty, relief, and hope.
She never wants to hurt Connor. She knows that to be true. And it's a tender feeling. They haven't all gone away. Smashed into pieces and vanished alongside the wall. Her care for Connor hasn't been altered at all. If that is able to remain, perhaps she has escaped the looming threats of bitterness and a stony heart.
Or perhaps they will only be directed where they may be deserved.
And while she doesn't feel entirely herself, at least she isn't entirely numb. )
...I'm okay. I'm here. I am. I'm here.
( The voice speaks confirmation but the eyes ask if it's true. She is here, isn't she? Chloe?
Maybe only time will tell. )