[D8, LM, Ishioka's room, expecting] Figuring things out

[Matsu Ishioka]

As she tries to catch her breath and slow her heart, he gently, steadily strokes her back. Affirming what he's always tried to say. "It's safe. I've got you," he says ever so quietly, almost like it had been meant to stay silently in his head.

After she speaks, his eyes find hers with a look that makes clear he will not be saying this is "better." He sighs, thankful regardless for this time to just be close to her.

"I think... it is important to do it this way. We know our hearts. We will... think about how the future should be, how it can be..." He's clearly trying to sound optimistic, like a good future for them is within reach. He closes his eyes, taking a slightly tired breath.

[Usogawa Narumi]

Eventually, she regretfully crawls off Ishioka to curl up sitting next to him, dark eyes watching his every movement, drinking it in as she's still settling down.
"Right," the weight of everything still left unsaid, still undetermined, came crashing back into the room and Narumi felt the pit in her stomach return, frowning thoughtfully.
"Figuring out how to .. harmoniously move forward from this point with the least amount of heartache, hopefully determining what will make all parties happiest... What they can sit with at the end of the day... That needs to be done, even if our planning becomes moot, contingent on what the Deer decide," she shrugged lightly, shaking her head, and pushed damp locks of hair back from her face, letting her gaze drop to the floor. Again, the more talking she did about the topic, the worse she felt.

[Matsu Ishioka]

"Hey," the Lion says gently, rising to kneel in front of Narumi. He leans in and kisses her cheek, not too lightly and not too strong. Controlled.

"I will not impose my will on you. I will protect you. When I say we'll do this together, I mean it. We can do it together. Just keep trusting me, like you did in the dojo." The concern on his face is real as he tries to pull her back from the dark thoughts, but what's even more present is his calm certainty. He believes. He takes her hands in his and holds them up in the small space between them, squeezing gently.

[Usogawa Narumi]

She tried on a smile at the squeeze, and lifted his hands to meet her lips once more.
"I'll protect you as well," she murmured softly. His certainty and belief helps, but it's not that easy for her to match his confidence. It isn't in her nature.