"I know, I know."

A kid. You were just a kid. Sure, you were super annoying when you clung to him that way, but he couldn't blame you any longer. Trapped beneath rubble and saved by him—a mere stranger—of course you'd get attached. You were just a kid.

And now, because he'd pushed you away in irritation at your constant presence, you'd gotten caught up in trouble. You were forced to kill someone in self defense. And again, he found you.

Gently, he cradled your trembling, bloodied hands, cleansing them with water. He couldn't bear witness to your shuddering breaths and tears. Shedding his cloak, he draped it over your smaller shoulders, kneeling to meet your gaze.

"I know it's hard. But this is your reality now." His onyx eyes showed hints of emotional conflict. He wanted to maintain his reputation as a harsh, cold man, but he knew what you were feeling all too well. Just a kid.

"It hurts. It sucks. It's unfair. But all we can do is adapt."

Turning around while still knelt, he cast a glance over his shoulder. "Get on my back, kid."