And still, he couldn't understand his own emotions.
"I k-know it's s-shocking for y-you," she rushed softly, her words tumbling over one another. "B-but your c-care is all I w-want… Y-you protected me when I h-had no one…"
Her voice trembled.
"Y-you did so much for me… y-you saved me."
Each word squeezed the air from his lungs.
"It's o-okay if y-you d-don't f-feel the same," she continued, offering him a fragile smile that twisted his chest. "I'll s-still feel this way… b-because it's not in my control."
Her blue eyes sparkled with warmth, with happiness so pure it hurt to look at.
"I will protect you," he breathed.
It was the most honest thing he had ever said.
She smiled softly. "I know."
Her voice was a lullaby, easing the storm clawing inside his chest. Gently, he guided her head to rest against his chest, right above his heart. She slowly wrapped an arm around his torso, hugging him as though she belonged there.
