Sky Mesa Warriors don't cry

The instinct to flinch at the touch to his neck flickered but was swiftly suppressed, buried beneath layers of practiced control. A soft sigh escaped Machi as he shifted to wrap a gentle arm around the little mazoi's shoulders. His grip was firm but warm, offering comfort without smothering, his pale cheek pressed lightly against the crown of her head.

He lingered there, his breath calm and steady as if to transfer some of his own composure to her, before offering softly, Chin up, darling. Don't ever let them see that they get to you.

And he smiled then too, returning the same pretty lie she had just told.

Yea. Let's get you to Akashingo.