[ It works- or at least it stops her from speaking. Cuts her off with a low, wretched sound that twists into a helpless sigh. Lips as cold as though she were standing out in the dead of night, but she lists into the contact. Slides her hands back to bury in Ruby's curls, to remind herself of this sweetness.

Of this one uncomplicated thing she has with no expectations other than decency. ]

He was the only survivor we found. The only one. And they left him for us. [ Calmer, now. Not by much, not at all, but her breath doesn't cloud and the frost spiraling in lace fractals on her skin melts away. ] All I thought when I climbed out of that cave was how much I wanted to see you again.