The malleable appendages conformed to the shape of Antha's tiny hands and almost seemed to follow their curvature in silent appeal. Despite all cognizant intent a husky purr ground to life somewhere in the vicinity of Ritsuka's diaphragm. Humiliated colour immediately bloomed in his cheeks. By force of will the youth did not risk alarming his skittish companion by jerking away; but it was a near thing. Embarrassment generally invoked surly aggression. Instead, the tall boy closed his eyes and surrendered to this unexpected intimacy. The corners of his mouth twitched up in a smile.
A kind little girl wouldn't hurt him--- she was incapable of such evil. Beneath the mind's clinical dissection and ingrained behaviours from past experience his soul recognized kin. Antha's fear where no threat was presented and vulnerable craving for kindness could only have developed from a life of abuse. They were alike but in different stages of brokenness. She could still be saved.