I don't need to be protected, Agni, and the last thing I want is for you or anyone else to be that close. I tell you that every time, and still you...

[ still, he tries, even knowing it will fail. still, he loves her.

...still, she loves him, too, even when she has every reason not to.

she won't acknowledge the tears in her eyes at the thought. if she refuses, and seeks refuge in anger, maybe they'll fade instead of fall.

but of course, it's never that easy. ]