Grouse Thicket all we know

He relaxed against her touch after a moment, his tension and swirling emotions almost tangible. He apologized again, voice twisted with an anger she knew was not directed at her. Gradually emotion returned as he spoke, and when his words fell prey to silence did she pause a moment before speaking. "And yet, I seem to have fallen for one." she mused softly, pulling back and eyeing him with something like resignation. She sat, tired and damp and emotionally drained, and stared at the male before her almost thoughtfully,  thought this moment was far from casual.

Broken. This he claimed to be, and this he very well was. But he wasn't a stranger, he was someone she trusted and considered one of the rare few she liked. Malice, Shink, had been some of the others; and yet she found herself caring for him the same way. Perhaps differently, yet she cared for him, and she cared for few. She would not scorn him.

"My offer for a home still stands. I will vouch for you, Nico." she informed him with none of the ice of her usual tone. Now was not the time to speak of feeling and other such confusing things. In her mind, it was perfectly clear what she would do. Perhaps, when she was more able in terms of mind and of body, they could speak in greater depth. He was in pain, humiliated and fearful and angry, and she was exhausted and numb and drained. Now was not the time for conversations of great importance. Emotion was hard to muster right about now.