Re: Ruby and Nikita
Yes, Ruby knew the hook didn't leave any marks and Nikita was safe with her on the other side of that dreadful game, but it didn't change the fact that she'd watched someone she cared about die...again. Pyrrha had died too, right in front of Ruby, and there was nothing she could do about it. Sure, her silver eyes kicked in (that was the first time she'd used the ability), but it hadn't been enough to save her friend.
Watching Nikita being sacrificed in her place brought up all those old memories again along with adding a few more, terrible new ones into the bank. Would she get over it? Sure, at some point she would be okay, but it was going to take a little time.
"I know. I know." Ruby returned the hug, burying her face in Nikita's shoulder. Feeling her real and safe in her arms certainly went a long way in reassuring the young woman that her aunt was safe now. Ruby held on until Nikita pulled back, savoring the feeling of her aunt's fingers in her short hair.
"No, no, it's okay," Ruby reassured her quietly and forced a smile. "And yeah, but I couldn't have done it without you. It was supposed to be me and if you hadn't taken that hit, I wouldn't have won."