[ Not a heartbeat ago he had been frustrated with her for not understanding, when it had come to Alina. And now — shame floods him, at having shut off the second she did try to understand, question what he'd seen and felt to be able to look at it properly. She is so different, and nothing of this is easy, but she's always worth the pursuit. ]

[ It had hurt more, then. It barely stings now that Matthias can recognise it. He sighs, takes a step towards her to reach for her hand. ]

It's certain because that's what it was. Maybe next time it will be something else, and it may be disappointing. Last night, it was not.

[ And she doesn't have to flit around him, hands joined, willing to defend every part of his internal structure. He needs no shield, and Nina isn't that besides; Nina is a hailstorm, a cataclysm. ]

Can that be enough?