ANIME

[ it turns out that Hikage proving he could carry Steph was actually foreshadowing. Once her wounds had been treated (as much as they could treat them without any real doctors around), he'd scooped her up into his arms once again and brought her straight back to their room in the water dormitory. Warmth has been restored, but a chill still lingers in the air as the cold stone of the castle slowly regains its heat. He does his best to ignore his numb fingertips as he lays her down on the bed. After a few seconds, he takes a seat on it, himself, sitting beside her, looking down at her face.

He still hasn't really heard the story. The others were probably talking about it, but all of his attention was focused on her at the time. Why shouldn't it be? After all, their lives were connected at the moment. If she'd bled out on the floor, he would have "died," too, somehow. It's only natural. He tells himself this as if he needs to justify feeling any concern for her at all.

Was that why he'd been so nervous when they were separated, too? ]

Oi. Stephanie. Are you awake?

[ despite his brusque words, his voice comes out softer than he'd intended. ]