The back rubbing turned into a one armed hug that Lottie couldn't have prevented if she'd tried. It wasn't just that Ninkasi was crying, even though she'd professed a severe dislike for doing that at all. It was that realization and truth were beginning to be unavoidable, and the Sumerian had spent a lot of time and effort doing just that. When things like that caught up with a person, it could be a bit painful.
A bit might be an understatement.
After waiting for the arrival of the toll of toilet paper, Lottie took a few swallows of beer, lifting the mug with her free hand. The other arm was kept firmly around Ninkasi.
"I don't think anybody thinks you're slutty, or that their only interest in you is sleeping with you," Philotes protested gently. "You're a really nice person, and I just met you and I already like you, and sex isn't even on the table. It's just that you tried to keep things uncomplicated, right? And they know that about you, so they were trying to give you advice they thought you would actually use. Because what would you have done if any of them had told you what was really happening? Would you have listened?"
Lottie broke a few sheets off the roll, and wiped at a couple of the tears that had escaped and were now lingering on Ninkasi's jaw. "You weren't ready for that then. And you think you're not ready for it now, but here it is anyway. There are no guarantees. You're right about that. And it's scary, but I'll tell you, it's scary for everybody. Scared the hell out of me too, and I had a total crazy meltdown on my boyfriend. But just because there aren't guarantees doesn't mean it's not worth it. It totally is. I promise you, it is."
There was a quiet little smile, and then she said, "And really, I don't know why you're worried, Ninkasi. I mean, you're Sumerian, right? You guys are all kinds of tough and strong. So whatever comes, even if it's hard, I know you can handle it. I'll help you. And so will he. You know he will. So even though it's scary, what's there to run away from?"