"S'okay," he says. A flash of deep concern, and a need to reassure, cross through the newly-opened link -- responding both to what she's saying and what he can feel simmering underneath. "It's okay. I'll be fine."

He tightens his hold on her shoulders in an awkward attempt at a hug.

"I mean the last time I had anything to get wasted with was trying kronole fifteen years ago, it's not like..." He loses the thread. "You know. It's fine."