[She can feel it, Riley's rapid heartbeat fluttering in the cage of her chest. She can feel how tense she is, like a string pulled so taut it's seconds away from snapping. She's scared - she's terrified, of course she is, she's terrified that Mukuro will - hurt her, or hate her, or expose her to the world.
Of being left alone.
It's an echo of a fear Mukuro has handled many times before. Not her own, but close enough to her heart for it to feel like second nature. She doesn't think twice, doesn't hesitate - just turns her head slightly to nuzzle at the harpy, closing her eyes and holding her just a bit tighter.]
It's okay.
[When she speaks, it's with the voice she used when they were small. Soft and reassuring, even if it's a different recipient, this time. It's okay, I'm here.]
Riley, it's okay, I promise. I'm not afraid of you. And - I'd never tell.
no subject
Of being left alone.
It's an echo of a fear Mukuro has handled many times before. Not her own, but close enough to her heart for it to feel like second nature. She doesn't think twice, doesn't hesitate - just turns her head slightly to nuzzle at the harpy, closing her eyes and holding her just a bit tighter.]
It's okay.
[When she speaks, it's with the voice she used when they were small. Soft and reassuring, even if it's a different recipient, this time. It's okay, I'm here.]
Riley, it's okay, I promise.
I'm not afraid of you. And - I'd never tell.