[This time... there's no hesitation at all. No glass-carefulness, or possessive placement, like his touch is tightly controlled poison. He hopes she can put up with his poison a little longer, because he's hugging her as tightly as he can (which is not very, but it's the thought that counts).
And if his breath is hitching a little as well, it's just silent laughter.]
Kanna... [His heart is breaking. There's a long stretch of time he leaves it at that, working his tongue with his teeth because he can't mess this up again, he can't.] You're just a kid... I-it's not your job to... we're supposed to protect you, that's how it is...
[He's giving silent thanks to the body on the floor, himself both dead and alive and Kanna alive alive alive.]
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And if his breath is hitching a little as well, it's just silent laughter.]
Kanna... [His heart is breaking. There's a long stretch of time he leaves it at that, working his tongue with his teeth because he can't mess this up again, he can't.] You're just a kid... I-it's not your job to... we're supposed to protect you, that's how it is...
[He's giving silent thanks to the body on the floor, himself both dead and alive and Kanna alive alive alive.]