Severus listens in silence, letting her talk, taking in words and all the little clips of quiet between the letters. This is important, he understands. Claire saying anything at all and-- what she says, violence, how personal it felt, that's what he's asking about when he asks if she's okay. Severus knows the impact of death, has grown up with it and lived with it pressed to his skin. Even if she doesn't experience the end, she lives in a world of mortals, and it will mean something.
He feels stupid. For involving her with Erik. For believing Odessa. At the same time he understands what she says when she tells him that she felt useful. You have to do what you were born to.
After a time, Severus picks up one of her hands and splays her fingers, pressing his thumb into her palm, gentle. ]
What do you need me to be?
[ In reaction. As support. Should he be fine, should he be angry. He doesn't trust whatever kneejerk response he might have-- she may have no room left for anger, but his capacity for it is endless. But that might not help. He doesn't know. ]
no subject
Erik literally ripped me apart
Severus listens in silence, letting her talk, taking in words and all the little clips of quiet between the letters. This is important, he understands. Claire saying anything at all and-- what she says, violence, how personal it felt, that's what he's asking about when he asks if she's okay. Severus knows the impact of death, has grown up with it and lived with it pressed to his skin. Even if she doesn't experience the end, she lives in a world of mortals, and it will mean something.
He feels stupid. For involving her with Erik. For believing Odessa. At the same time he understands what she says when she tells him that she felt useful. You have to do what you were born to.
After a time, Severus picks up one of her hands and splays her fingers, pressing his thumb into her palm, gentle. ]
What do you need me to be?
[ In reaction. As support. Should he be fine, should he be angry. He doesn't trust whatever kneejerk response he might have-- she may have no room left for anger, but his capacity for it is endless. But that might not help. He doesn't know. ]