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[aldhani]

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[aldhani]

[what she puts a voice to isn't something he doesn't already know. but it's one thing to know it, and another to actually hear it, especially alongside her shaky breaths and tears that he can feel against his neck; it's not easy to scare max, and it's even more difficult to get her to admit to that fear. it grips him anew, a cold edge to the warmth of their embrace.

tomorrow is less certain than ever. but tonight —

his arms circle around her just a little tighter, a support, even if a shield isn't possible. one hand moves over her back, a soft repeated (and hopefully grounding) motion, while he stays quiet for a time.]

I would've felt better if Grace had stayed with us, but I understand why she didn't want to, [he says, finally.] We have people to talk to. Faith knows his patterns, and maybe she can help us figure this one out before he does something. Buffy, too. Tomorrow, we can reach out.

[revvedup]

[ he clings to her a little tighter after she admits what she's been feeling and trying to suppress, up until it wasn't just them he was threatening. it's not like she hadn't been worried about them before, but it's different when it's not just them who's being targeted. especially when grace is innocent and has already been through so much.

but he's right. they have faith. they have alia. buffy's here, even if she doesn't know her anymore. they aren't fighting him alone, if it comes to that. ]

Okay. [ she nods against him, pulling back a little to kiss him lightly, craving the comfort. ] Tomorrow.

[aldhani]

[tomorrow, he says, and tomorrow, she agrees. like this, holding her, pulling back just enough to kiss, he's almost convinced he can put it off for both of them. almost.

the moment, in and of itself, has a limit, but he stretches the comfort as long as possible, kissing her gently until he's forced to come up for air. he stays close, touching his forehead to hers.

and, eventually, murmurs,] We should eat something.