Mmm...

...

M'sorry...

Mmh...

(He pulled part of the blanket over his head, voice coming through muffled.)

Head hurts...

Please...

(His voice softened further as his tremors slowed.)

Please... stay...

(His eyes drifted closed as his breathing evened out.)

... I've lost too many... I can't bear to lose e-even one more...

*<But you will... eventually... long before I should...>*

(He just quietly shifted to lay next to her, trembling slightly as he reached for her hand.)

... I'm sorry...

But y—

(He growled, pressing his palms into his eyes.)

Because you're a child, and he's being useless, someone needs to do something..!

(He deflated, voice lowering to a whisper.)

I tried to warn them all... and look what happened...

(He pulled his hand away, startled.)

No— no, everyone who cares for me 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 or 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴, so—

...

Learn to care less... for your safety.

*<No... no. 𝘕𝘰, this is where people start getting 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵. They start to 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 about you, and then they 𝘥𝘪𝘦—>*

(His breath shakes, and he grips the blanket on the couch tightly.)

... you... y-you shouldn't...

(He paused, surprised.)

... me..? W-why..? I haven't...

(He glanced away, but stayed put, despite every inch of his body telling him to leave.)

Of course...

(He laid her back slowly, careful to not jostle her too quickly.)

(He tensed, but after a moment's hesitation, slowly embraced her.)

You've never caused any intentional harm... you're just a girl... I'd never want to hurt you...

*<Oh, he's going to hear it from me anyway.>*

Why wouldn't I be nice to you? It's not like you're bullying anyone. You're just in a lot of pain, and they feel bad for you. The natural response to that tends to be crying.

Perhaps not, but he should've mentioned he kicks when he's tickled. A failure to inform at best. He's still going to shower you with attention when he's back.

And you've nothing to apologize for, don't you ever forget that.

Good, so we don't need the ice.

(He supported her gently.)

Your old coot in here is going to have quite a day apologizing...

It'll be okay. You're starting to pass out and I can't tell if you have a nose bleed or not.

No, no, don't start passing out now..!

Simon, ice, quickly.

(As the other man hurried off, he sat her up slowly.)

*<Fuck, now he's going to be inconsolable.>*

(He tapped her cheek gently.)

Don't dissociate now, little miss, just focus on me.

Thank you, beau.

(He looked at her closely.)

You still with us, kid? Come on now...

That's better, you don't want to pass out...

(He looked up to Simon.)

Can you get a glass of water for when she calms down? And bring her medication.

It's nobody's fault, it was all an accident... make sure to breathe...

Give it some time, kid... he didn't mean it...

(He wiped her face with his free hand, gaze soft.)

I know, I know, it hurts like a bitch... it's going to be okay, it's going to fade.

(He reached over to brush her hair from her eyes, Simon watching wide-eyed.)

(He stood quickly, hands shaking and eyes welling with tears. He stilled after a moment, breathing softly and wiping his face. He knelt next to the couch.)

Breathe deep, kid, and let those tears fall. It will release the stress.

Ah, I'm sorry!

(He and Simon scooted aside so she could lay out properly, Hershel's heart aching.)

I'm so so sorry, I was trying not to— are you okay??

Ah— aha!! Ah— ca-areful—!

(One of his legs lurched, nudging her harshly.)

Oh, gosh, haha..! I really am not safe at all, you'll both be able to get me whenever you want..!

Alright, alright..! Then just remember I'll wear them because I like them, not to keep you from tickling me.

(He chuckled.)

I'm going to have to wear my vests more often so you can't tickle me so easily..!

(He giggled, then kissed the top of her head.)

You're going to tickle me all the time, I know it..! I'll never be safe anymore..!

Haha, it's a bit of a curse with Simon! He loves catching me off guard..!