[ She doesn't need to speak in order for Alan to figure out that something's wrong. Something's bothering her that she doesn't want to talk about. Gray eyes search her green ones, with nothing but worry in his eyes and in his gaze. I know I'm the worst when it comes to letting her help me, but is this how it's going to be? Both of us hiding how we really feel from each other instead of letting the other know what's going on? I know I have no room to talk, and she'd be the first to remind me, but how can I help her when she won't talk to me?
But then, he decides that maybe she doesn't have to tell him. He'd prefer it if she did, but maybe whatever it is that's bothering her doesn't have to be spoken about. Maybe it's for the best that it isn't, even though he'd rather hear it so he can help shoulder the load. And considering how all of this horror originates with him, it's even more reason for him to feel responsible.
He won't dodge the responsibility for it, when everything about this is his fault. Finally, he decides to throw caution to the winds. He's never been the most cautious man, and he doesn't want to be that right now.
He might pay for this later, or the Dark Presence might stop him, but he's not thinking about that. All he's thinking about is Jesse. She's worth any fight, any discomfort... she's worth everything. Muscles protest and joints start to ache, but Alan refuses to pay them any mind. Jesse deserves a partner who can be strong for her even when things are hard, and he's resolved to be that partner, whatever it takes.
His arms curl around her more, in what he hopes is a protective, supportive embrace. It takes some work to keep the strain out of his voice, but he thinks he manages it as well as possible. ]
Jesse. [ His eyes are still locked on hers as he chooses what to say. He has to choose the right words, or she might close herself off from him. He doesn't want that. He wants to help her like she's helped him. Apologizing for what he's put her through will push her away. She's told him in so many words that she doesn't want his apologies. She wants him to stop saying he's sorry, even though he is.
He slides a hand against her face, using the other one to both hold her and to ground himself, and he quietly asks: ] What is it? I can tell something's bothering you. Whatever it is, you can tell me.
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But then, he decides that maybe she doesn't have to tell him. He'd prefer it if she did, but maybe whatever it is that's bothering her doesn't have to be spoken about. Maybe it's for the best that it isn't, even though he'd rather hear it so he can help shoulder the load. And considering how all of this horror originates with him, it's even more reason for him to feel responsible.
He won't dodge the responsibility for it, when everything about this is his fault. Finally, he decides to throw caution to the winds. He's never been the most cautious man, and he doesn't want to be that right now.
He might pay for this later, or the Dark Presence might stop him, but he's not thinking about that. All he's thinking about is Jesse. She's worth any fight, any discomfort... she's worth everything. Muscles protest and joints start to ache, but Alan refuses to pay them any mind. Jesse deserves a partner who can be strong for her even when things are hard, and he's resolved to be that partner, whatever it takes.
His arms curl around her more, in what he hopes is a protective, supportive embrace. It takes some work to keep the strain out of his voice, but he thinks he manages it as well as possible. ]
Jesse. [ His eyes are still locked on hers as he chooses what to say. He has to choose the right words, or she might close herself off from him. He doesn't want that. He wants to help her like she's helped him. Apologizing for what he's put her through will push her away. She's told him in so many words that she doesn't want his apologies. She wants him to stop saying he's sorry, even though he is.
He slides a hand against her face, using the other one to both hold her and to ground himself, and he quietly asks: ] What is it? I can tell something's bothering you. Whatever it is, you can tell me.