[ the hug helps quell her nerves. but it's really the gentle ask of what he can do that causes her to feel the sudden relief. that the dozen ways she envisioned this conversation in her head had been pointless, and of course he would be fine. and gentle, and encouraging, and want to help her, rather than push her away. or cut his losses, when the going got too difficult.

so inej soon shifts to straddle his hips. the movement should spark some level of anxiety, resting on her knees like she is, but it's soon quashed in favor of being able to loop her arms around his neck, into a proper hug. ]

I think I need a break from anything more intimate than a hug or a kiss.

[ it's said quietly, frustrated with herself, but relieved that this doesn't seem to bother her. or remind her of anything vile. no one in the menagerie had been gentle with her. and it isn't as if sleeping with him had been rough, or painful, or humiliating. she had felt safe, and loved. until she went to sleep, anyway. the monsters tended to come at night.

she tightens her hug a little. ]

I hate associating anything with that place with you. [ her voice is still quiet, arms still looped around his neck. ] You would never do anything to me that I didn't want, and I know that. [ and yet: ] But I keep focusing on it, and I hate it.