[He looks flattered by the compliment and the touch, though that does eventually fade, especially as Justine begins sharing, just a little bit. Rich's eyes widen, his own smile fading into gentle concern, so careful and fragile... so unlike his physique.]
I... I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what that was like.
[Except he can, he can so very vividly, and it makes his heart ache with worry to know she went through something similar.]
Monsters... things that aren't human usually want to bring humans down to their level. Or up to theirs, depending how they look at it.
Even if it was to protect you, it doesn't excuse what they did. They took away who you are, and that's never okay.
[His voice raises, and he struggles to force it back down to a calm volume.]
no subject
[He looks flattered by the compliment and the touch, though that does eventually fade, especially as Justine begins sharing, just a little bit. Rich's eyes widen, his own smile fading into gentle concern, so careful and fragile... so unlike his physique.]
I... I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what that was like.
[Except he can, he can so very vividly, and it makes his heart ache with worry to know she went through something similar.]
Monsters... things that aren't human usually want to bring humans down to their level. Or up to theirs, depending how they look at it.
Even if it was to protect you, it doesn't excuse what they did. They took away who you are, and that's never okay.
[His voice raises, and he struggles to force it back down to a calm volume.]