[ Alan's not afraid of her, but he's afraid of hurting her. Afraid of causing more damage. Why is it that damage always seems to be right behind him? Sometimes it's even in front of him, paving the way for... for the horror story from hell. Yeah, that sounds about right.
The slight boost to his confidence that he received when Estevez, of all people, extended a small olive branch in the form of surprise at how well he'd done during the long fight with the Taken has faded somewhat in the aftermath of Jesse's collapse. Instead of confidence, there's uncertainty and doubt; not doubt in Jesse or what she can do, but doubt in himself. But she doesn't need to know that any more than she needs to see that in him.
So he just chooses to offer smiles and try to be as reassuring as he can. And in all honesty, seeing her sitting up and hearing her talk to him is really all the reassurance he needs.
The relief he feels at seeing her, even though she is clearly tired and absolutely still needing recovery, is almost enough to make him forget his own exhaustion. It's bound to catch up to him, but for now, all he can feel is relief. ]
That makes two of us, then. [ What do you call a can of peaches that only has two peaches in it? That sounds like a bad joke. But it might make her laugh. I'll save it for later, though. ]
Do you need me to get you anything? [ His eyes travel to her hand that's outstretched. Inviting him to step closer. If only he could shake off the lingering fear of causing her harm if he gets too close. Maybe just holding her hand won't do anything. Maybe. God, I hope it doesn't.
He slowly extends his own hand, carefully twining his fingers with hers, bracing himself for a repeat of what happened in the sheriff's station. But nothing seems to happen, and so he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding in. ]
I forgot what a real shower felt like. [ He admits that readily enough, feeling a little proud that he managed to do something as normal as shower without spiraling out again. ] But yeah, I'm great. Clean, peachy... great.
[ I'm worried as hell, but she doesn't need to know that. ]
Are you sure that it's okay? You- you've been through a lot in not a lot of time. [ I've been through a lot in too much time. I think. I guess we make a pair. ]
I told that agent- Estevez... I told her I'd look after you.
[ It's only in his imagination, but he pictures Estevez frowning with disapproval at the notion of Alan sliding next to Jesse and sharing the bed, when she's supposed to be resting under his watch. ]
no subject
The slight boost to his confidence that he received when Estevez, of all people, extended a small olive branch in the form of surprise at how well he'd done during the long fight with the Taken has faded somewhat in the aftermath of Jesse's collapse. Instead of confidence, there's uncertainty and doubt; not doubt in Jesse or what she can do, but doubt in himself. But she doesn't need to know that any more than she needs to see that in him.
So he just chooses to offer smiles and try to be as reassuring as he can. And in all honesty, seeing her sitting up and hearing her talk to him is really all the reassurance he needs.
The relief he feels at seeing her, even though she is clearly tired and absolutely still needing recovery, is almost enough to make him forget his own exhaustion. It's bound to catch up to him, but for now, all he can feel is relief. ]
That makes two of us, then. [ What do you call a can of peaches that only has two peaches in it? That sounds like a bad joke. But it might make her laugh. I'll save it for later, though. ]
Do you need me to get you anything? [ His eyes travel to her hand that's outstretched. Inviting him to step closer. If only he could shake off the lingering fear of causing her harm if he gets too close. Maybe just holding her hand won't do anything. Maybe. God, I hope it doesn't.
He slowly extends his own hand, carefully twining his fingers with hers, bracing himself for a repeat of what happened in the sheriff's station. But nothing seems to happen, and so he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding in. ]
I forgot what a real shower felt like. [ He admits that readily enough, feeling a little proud that he managed to do something as normal as shower without spiraling out again. ] But yeah, I'm great. Clean, peachy... great.
[ I'm worried as hell, but she doesn't need to know that. ]
Are you sure that it's okay? You- you've been through a lot in not a lot of time. [ I've been through a lot in too much time. I think. I guess we make a pair. ]
I told that agent- Estevez... I told her I'd look after you.
[ It's only in his imagination, but he pictures Estevez frowning with disapproval at the notion of Alan sliding next to Jesse and sharing the bed, when she's supposed to be resting under his watch. ]