He did his best to sit still now, trying not to upset Ruby and more than he had already done so.

"I'm making no jokes. Promise." he said, and closed his eyes as she ran her hand through his hair and down his jaw, holding his poor head a moment. It was like she read his mind, but she did that a lot with him. Especially on this. He frowned softly, speaking fainter now. Between just her and he.

"He's out there alone..."