"It came on very quickly," he said, doubtful that it was some sickness. "No physical impairment is able to reach a vessel with me here. I can protect as well as repair damage." Meanwhile he had reached out to wind her hair between his fingers, watching that instead of her face or his words.
The second hug took him by surprise, and seemed like a confirmation that the one before had not been so bad. He didn't break her, careful this time with his grip, and a sudden closeness of air, as if something else was drawn about them besides his arms, accompanied his return grip around her shoulders. A rough cheek touched her ear and then drew back. "It could be that you are too beautiful," he said, with absolute seriousness.