[ the intensity of her stare doesn't ease at his answer. a tense moment or two passes, then finally, she comes closer again, closer than before. when she reaches for him, it isn't violent, but seeking, her hands brushing his face like maybe she isn't sure he's a real human being after all. her thumb ghosts over his lower lip before she lets her hands drop again.

finally: ]

I don't wish to hurt you. I care for you.

[ a small pause ]

And I don't yet understand the significance of you wishing to hurt me. Does it make me different from the others, or merely more of the same?