[ —oh. she stays contentedly melted, more than willingly tucking herself up against him and smooshing the side of her face against his collarbone with a low, raspy hum at the petting. (...and an entirely different kind of background hum of helplessly grateful affection, which she deliberately lets herself linger on the feeling of. words are difficult, honesty is difficult, but that she can manage.

his work seems so thankless. he should get the chance to know, really know, that someone appreciates being saved.) ]

Thank you. ...Sometimes I just need the extra dose of worldly attachments, so to speak.