"It's just what I think." He puts his hands in his pockets. "I'd like to give you a hug."

"We can."

She'd forgotten how good her brother was at hugs.

"Marlo's a good kid."

"He is. --I have responsibilities. I have to wrap up the session."

He keeps holding her. "After."

"For some time to think."

"I love you. --Let's get lunch."

"Going to kidnap some children, are you?"

"Only with their consent."

"So what'd he say?" Marlo says when Ron gets back. 

(Raine's holding his hand again, tight enough that her knuckles have gone pale.) 

"We might get lunch."

Asher is completely failing to process any information that isn't about Raine.

"Good." 

Ron starts the car, doesn't talk, looks pensive.

Asher is clinging to Raine as if she is the subject in an experiment about whether it is possible to fix trauma through nothing but hugs.

Her face is pressed into his shoulder and her eyes are closed. (She's definitely awake. People who are asleep don't cling that tight.) 

"I love you. I'm going to keep you safe."

"I know you will. I love you too." 

Asher does not stop holding her until they get to Ron's, and then he picks her up and carries her to his bedroom so he can hold her some more.

She folds herself up in his arms and keeps her eyes closed. 

Once they're in bed she relaxes. Holds herself more naturally. 

Asher is still holding onto her tight.

"You're so beautiful."

"I love you." Her voice is small. "I missed you so much." 

"I missed you. I was so miserable all the time without you."

She makes a quiet distressed sound and presses her face into his shoulder. "I'm here now."