[Mio always seems to recognize how Noah is feeling before he himself does. That desperation he feels? It's real now that he sees it reflected back at him in Mio's eyes. Her hands are warm and soft and deceptively strong where they've braced his elbows, but they're hands that should never have to see another drop of blood. She shouldn't have to fight anymore, much less for her life.

That look in her eyes makes him aware of the lump forming in his throat, something he swallows down before folding his arms around her and hugging her tight to his chest. Don't ask what's gotten into him. He's sure Mio will figure it out for him.]

...There's room at Jade Vine now. I want you to come stay with me. There's no reason why we should remain apart when we'd always been in close proximity before.

[And this way, he'll feel like he has some say in what happens to them. If someone wants to hurt Mio, they'll have to go through him first.]