[Ven instantly stops his (halfhearted, really) struggling at that, looking startled for a moment -- and then he relaxes.
She's right, of course. He's gotten better about not derailing every conversation that touches on his full identity, but letting others touch the uglier parts of his present life is another matter, one he should -- as Rukia put it -- strive to improve. This kind of reassurance makes it easier, one step at a time.
His expression softens as he leans against her, finally nodding once with a quiet laugh.]
no subject
She's right, of course. He's gotten better about not derailing every conversation that touches on his full identity, but letting others touch the uglier parts of his present life is another matter, one he should -- as Rukia put it -- strive to improve. This kind of reassurance makes it easier, one step at a time.
His expression softens as he leans against her, finally nodding once with a quiet laugh.]
Yes, ma'am.