Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

Comments

[thebetterweapon]

He can smell the fear on her. Smell it and hates it. It sets his hackles up. He gets his hands on the guy that did this? Well, it won't be pretty.

"You need any extra blankets?" He asks. He's sitting on a few, he can spare them to help the kids out.

[goingthroughaphase]

The fact that he's doesn't sound angry, even with his claws out, does relax her a bit at least. But she is still a bit shaky as she steps closer, despite her best attempts to hide it.

"Oh...sure, I think we could use a few more. Thanks."

[thebetterweapon]

He gets up and hands her a couple that he was sitting on. Then he puts one of those large, clawed paws on her shoulder. "Gonna be alright. Ol' Creed won't let anything happen." Not to her, not to the other kids. This is his realm of expertise: Protection.

[goingthroughaphase]

As she take the blankets from him, she looks up at him. Then she smiles, and he might feel some of the tension in her body relax a bit.

"Right," she says softly. "Thank you."

She's a little surprised by the sudden urge to hug him - or maybe she just really needed a hug herself - but she isn't sure they were that close yet.

[thebetterweapon]

He doesn't smile back, because right now, it'd be all fangs, and that's not what she needs.

"Anytime darlin'." He says, gently. If she hugged him, he wouldn't mind.

[goingthroughaphase]

It's that little term of endearment - no matter how deep its meaning went - that finally let her give into the want for a hug. It feels a bit childish, as she wraps her arms around him as best as she can, but it isn't as awkward as she'd thought it would be.

It just feels...reassuring.

[thebetterweapon]

He wraps his arms around her, pulling the claws in. He gently cups the back of her neck and pulls her in close. Holding her is nice. It reminds him of Jubilee and her awesome hugs. He drops his head onto hers, and just lets her hold onto him for as long as she needs.

[goingthroughaphase]

She can't help a small smile, the extra touches of affection feeling even more relaxing somehow. Even though it does make her heart ache a little for a more familiar presence from back home, the hug was still comforting and sorely what she needs right now.

After another long moment, she finally draws back a bit. Not so much to slip out of his hold completely, but just enough to look up at him.

"Thanks."

[thebetterweapon]

Creed just lets her stay where she wants to be. He looks down when she moves. He wonders what's going through her head. He knows she's still scared. The whole car is permeated with it.

"You're welcome sweetheart." He tucks hair behind her ear. "I'll be here, if you need me, alright?"

[goingthroughaphase]

She is still scared, but she does feel at least a little better knowing he's around.

Her smile brightens a little, and she nods. "All right." Eventually she finally does step back, and gathers the bunch of blankets into her arms. "I should get these back over to help with more of the forts. But do you want me to bring you some of the hot chocolate?" A pause, and a slight quirk of her lips. "Or something stronger?"

She didn't think she could get alcohol or anything, but she could at least grab him some coffee.

[thebetterweapon]

He chuckles. There's no real booze here. "Could do with a mug of coffee." He admits. "You find that, and I'll make sure you're all safe for the evening, alright?" He says, patting her shoulder.

"But you set up those tents, and then we'll worry about that, okay?"

[goingthroughaphase]

With a small laugh, she nodded. "Okay. I'll get these up for the younger kids, and I'll be back."