[ The hug takes him aback and for a moment it's like he doesn't know what to do with his hands. He's not one for physical affection, particularly with strangers. A lifetime of being guarded and somewhat cagey except in front of a select few has made him reluctant in the physical touch department, balking at any attempts at it from people he didn't know. But he doesn't push her off. Her trembling arms wrapped around him root him in place and he slowly exhales before wrapping his arms around her in turn.
Silently it's his way of telling her it's okay. She was going to be okay. He was here. They were in no immediate danger and it was okay to let her guard down because he would be here to watch out for her. Rain comes down in torrents around the awning they've taken shelter under and the flickering lights from the building don't make it feel particularly safe. But as he's learned from experience, the environment doesn't always matter so long as you've got someone there who feels like a safe place or someone to rely on.
And while he occasionally doubts how safe of a person he is, he can be that person for her at least for now in this moment. Others she might have been more familiar with may have scolded her or questioned her reason for being here in the first place when she may appear woefully unequipped. But he doesn't know her like that. And that's frankly, the very last thing she probably needs.
After a moment he pulls back but not away, brow furrowed in concern as he examines her more closely not that they're outside. ]
Did you injure yourself? I have a first aid kit in my car.
[ Leave it to him to ignore the fact that he's somehow managed to cut himself. ]
shhhh it's fine
Silently it's his way of telling her it's okay. She was going to be okay. He was here. They were in no immediate danger and it was okay to let her guard down because he would be here to watch out for her. Rain comes down in torrents around the awning they've taken shelter under and the flickering lights from the building don't make it feel particularly safe. But as he's learned from experience, the environment doesn't always matter so long as you've got someone there who feels like a safe place or someone to rely on.
And while he occasionally doubts how safe of a person he is, he can be that person for her at least for now in this moment. Others she might have been more familiar with may have scolded her or questioned her reason for being here in the first place when she may appear woefully unequipped. But he doesn't know her like that. And that's frankly, the very last thing she probably needs.
After a moment he pulls back but not away, brow furrowed in concern as he examines her more closely not that they're outside. ]
Did you injure yourself? I have a first aid kit in my car.
[ Leave it to him to ignore the fact that he's somehow managed to cut himself. ]