[it almost feels like a goodbye kiss, and it does scare her just a little, but she smothers that immediately. hides it away, and pulls him into another hug. slides her hand up to rest against the back of his head, fingers in his hair.]

I know I can't promise, but you won't.

[lose her. she doesn't want to do that to him - not after he's spent so long having nothing.]

I'm going to protect you, too. And I feel - gods, I feel fucking safe with you at my back. [...] I'm sorry everything has hurt you as badly as it has.