korolxva:

_{“Of course.” She offers him a
 small  smile as  she   enters, 
 approaching      without      so
 much   as a  hint  of   fear   or 
 caution. “How are you?”}

He  is  so  used  to  being
regarded  with  terror and
suspicion   that   this  act
of   trust   nearly  renders
him    to    tears     –    he
manages    to    keep   his
calm somewhat,  though.
“Fine,”    easily slips past
his lips,   but it’s such an
obvious lie.    He doesn’t
deserve   to  tell   her  the
truth, though.  She’s too
innocent  to be  weighed
down by the guilt, which
W R E C K S             him.