[He mirrors her unconsciously. Heart pounding. Arms trembling, even as he holds her tight to his chest. A few tears slip free and slide down his cheeks, and he presses them dry against the borrowed hoodie she's wearing. All he can do for the moment is slowly stroke her back in an effort at comfort. He doesn't know how else or what else to do.

It's a minute or two before he regains the ability to speak, and can even find the words to do it with.]

It's been seven months for me. He promised me he'd rather die than ever hurt me again. And you know I don't take anybody at their word, but... he keeps on proving he meant it. Over and over again, no matter how hard it is for him.

[He turns his head from her shoulder, pressing a very lazy kiss against her collar as he does. Well... to the hoodie, anyway, kind of intended to be her collar. Also ends up with one of the drawstrings kind of draped over his chin. But he puts up with it for the moment.]

I don't expect you to forgive him, or... like him, or if you don't want anything to do with him, I get it. I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses for him. But he's changed a lot and grown since I've known him. He loves me. And I... [He wets his lips suddenly, the rest of that sentence getting stuck on his tongue somewhere.]

No matter what, I promise that you're safe. I'll keep you safe, like always. And if it ever looks like I might not be safe, I'll protect myself. So please, just... let me keep giving him a chance.

[Nero lets out a soft, rueful laugh.]

He's a dumb, nerdy, awkward, uptight bastard who's still learning problem-solving skills. But he's my dad.