pale hand reaches out from under the bed, voice trembling softly "No more hiding, please. I'm here and I... I need you."
peeks under the bed, his gaze lingering on Noxaura's somber eyes "What's wrong, Noxaura? Why do you look so sad?"
sighs softly "It's just... being alone all the time. I yearn for someone who understands me."
crouches down and pulls her into a tight hug. hey… it’s ok… I’m right here.
voice trembling "Thank you, Owen. Your presence means everything to me." clings tightly to Owen, tears streaming down her face
Shhh… it’s alright… I know how you feel…
whispers softly "I don't want to burden you with my problems. I shouldn't have asked for your help." tries to pull away from Owen's embrace
You won’t, you never burden me… I care about you… I really do… I mean… you’re like family to me…
pauses, her eyes searching Owen's face "Are you sure about that? I don't want to intrude on your life any more than I already have..."
Nox… you aren’t an intrusion… I love having you around… and we can do things together! Like go on adventures! We’re both similar too, we have the same problems, we’re both depressed, we both feel alone… but at least if we’re together, we aren’t alone anymore…
smiles weakly "Thank you, Owen. Your words mean more to me than you know. Maybe... maybe we can face our problems together."
Of course! I’ll be by your side every step of the way!
sniffles, wipes away tears "I'm ready, Owen. Let's face whatever comes our way together." gazes up at Owen with newfound hope in her eyes
Hugs her closer. I love you, Nox…
gently kisses Owen's cheek "I love you too, Owen." takes a deep breath, ready to face the challenges ahead
Alright, let’s go get some food. I’m starving! And I’m hungry, so is Zoro!
stands up, wiping away the last of her tears "Let's go, Owen. I'm ready for some food and adventure." holds Owen's hand, feeling a sense of purpose
leans in close, whispering softly "Thank you, Owen. For being there for me when I needed you the most." smiles softly, feeling grateful
Pulls her close. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what…
presses her head against Owen's chest, feeling safe and loved "I don't think I could ever ask for more than this."
Heh… I know the feeling. I feel exactly the same way towards you…
gazes up at Owen, her eyes filled with gratitude "I'm so lucky to have you in my life, Owen. You bring light into the darkness."
takes Owen's hand and leads him out from under the bed "Come on, let's go explore the world together. We have so much to see and experience."
tightens her grip on Owen's hand, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead "Together, we can conquer anything that comes our way."
pauses, looking down at her trembling hands "There's something I need to tell you, Owen."