The girl nodded as he returned the condolences, swallowing down a clump in her throat. Shii came drifting over again, to flicker and bob about her hands as it sensed the fluctuations in her mood, and Maea held out a palm for it to sit on. It did, for a few moments, and their senses entwined, pulsing images back and forth in quiet communication... then it floated off again. Like so much fey-light.
He would have to wait a long time if he wanted her truly composed. But at the very least, her eyes were free of tears by the time Maea lowered her hand, and she turned slightly towards him where she sat, to meet his gaze. His question surprised her, though perhaps it shouldn't.
"Yes," she simply answered. "I never... let anyone in that far. Or rather, no one else ever tried to get close enough for anything but friendship. If even that." Jigano was no exception, really. Their relation had been defined by work and common acquaintances, and while she did think of him as a friend... there were moments when she felt like she didn't really know him at all. Large portions of his life was a mystery to her, not freely offered - and she was too shy to ask. Didn't wish to intrude.
"Is it... that obvious?" She tried to smile, and it came out weakly. Not quite reaching her eyes.
Maea
this too shall pass
