[ she needs it, and she shouldn't. elena has always been a tactile person; she doesn't really think twice about curling her fingers into his shirt or enjoying how he holds her, touches her. she'd be lying if she said she didn't notice - notice the thrill of being wanted, that he might want her at all. it catches her breath, and it's easier not to give it much weight. he's comforting her, and that's his point right now, the point she needs, and so she soothes the line of his shoulders with a touch, in gratitude, in strength, in her support and affection. holds him back for a moment. ]