[ Eleven watches the claws retract. She has no formal understanding of anatomy - but there are things she knows, understands. Like where to break. Where to squeeze. How to kill versus how to hurt.
Eleven's fingers track of Laura's hand. The back of it, the knuckles, the palm. Not as much pressure here as there was on the arm. Her touches are light and careful. Because Eleven has craved care, she tries to give it.
Her powers hurt sometimes, too, but it's different. It's not metal in her body going in and out. It's a hurt in her chest and in her mind, not a wound opening and closing, making it look like nothing is there, like the hurt was never real, even when it was. Even when it is.
Laura says Eleven doesn't have to protect her, because she does not die. Eleven decides she must try to protect Laura, because Laura hurts.
She scoots her chair a bit closer. Mirrors Laura's pose with her legs drawn up, her own hand loosely cradled between bony knees in ill-fitting jeans. She still holds on to Laura's, of course.
Eleven makes an offer that's just as much a solemn vow: ]
no subject
Eleven's fingers track of Laura's hand. The back of it, the knuckles, the palm. Not as much pressure here as there was on the arm. Her touches are light and careful. Because Eleven has craved care, she tries to give it.
Her powers hurt sometimes, too, but it's different. It's not metal in her body going in and out. It's a hurt in her chest and in her mind, not a wound opening and closing, making it look like nothing is there, like the hurt was never real, even when it was. Even when it is.
Laura says Eleven doesn't have to protect her, because she does not die. Eleven decides she must try to protect Laura, because Laura hurts.
She scoots her chair a bit closer. Mirrors Laura's pose with her legs drawn up, her own hand loosely cradled between bony knees in ill-fitting jeans. She still holds on to Laura's, of course.
Eleven makes an offer that's just as much a solemn vow: ]
I want to be. Your friend.
[ A friend is someone you'd do anything for. ]