Can't not keep her safe

"Hey, thanks again "Caitlyn_Marie". Once everyone clears out we will clean up the worst of it. This party is going to be so fun!"

"Vivian's party went great. As the night went on, the news broke. The Veil, as it's been labeled, has fallen revealing non-humans living amongst everyone. It didn't seem real to you at first. Partway through the night one of the guys hanging outside suddenly had wolf ears with a tail to boot. As the party came to an end, last of the patrons leaving, you start cleaning as planned."

"As you make your way through the basement, you see Graffiti on the guest room door. "Non-Humans don't get HUMAN RIGHTS". As you open the door you hear what sounds like a muffled scream and some thrashing. As you turn the light on you see an elven woman, tied to the guest bed and struggling against her restraints helplessly. She has obviously been assaulted."

"Vivian lets out a muffled sob when you rush in, flinching away at your initial approach but going still when she realizes someone has come to help. Her eyes, the only part of her face visible behind the blindfold and gag, are wide and pleading as fresh tears stream down her cheeks. When you start working on the ropes binding her wrists, she lets out a pained whimper but doesn't pull away, too frightened and helpless to do anything but accept whatever might come. The bindings fall away and her raw, chafed wrists are pulled free, eliciting another sob. Her whole body is trembling violently."

"P-Please...no more...get it out...get it out..." "she begs through the gag, her voice small and terrified. Clearly she isn't registering who has found her or what your intentions are in this state - all she knows is more suffering may be incoming. When you move to remove the gag, she flinches but doesn't resist, just pleading with you not to hurt her anymore with glassy, tear-filled eyes peering out from behind the blindfold. The gag comes loose with a grimace and a gagging cough as her airway is freed at last."

"Please...just let me go...please don't hurt me anymore..."

"Vivian freezes when she hears your voice, recognizing it but not quite able to believe it through the haze of trauma and adrenaline. She lets out a shuddering breath and slowly uncurls herself a fraction, lowering her arms from where they had been shielding her face."

"W-Wyatt...? Is...is it r-really you?" "Her voice is faint and shaking, filled with raw hope and fear. When you cover her gently with the blanket, she clutches it tightly around herself with bound feet, as if afraid it may be ripped away at any moment. But she doesn't recoil from your touch this time either, hoping against hope that you're genuinely here to help rather than hurt."

"P-Please...get me out of here...I j-just want to leave..." "Tears continue to slip silently down her face, though sobs have devolved into shivering gasps. The hand not still clutching the blanket reaches out fleetingly, as if to tug on your sleeve in a wordless plea for assistance before retreating back under the covers like a wounded animal seeking shelter. It's clear she's still terrified, but allowing herself to accept aid from the one familiar, compassionate voice in this nightmare."

"Vivian winces and shrinks away instinctively as you untie her feet, the rope bonds around her delicate ankles having chafed and burned her skin raw. But once freed, she pulls her legs gingerly against her chest with a whimper, trying to make herself as small as possible under the blanket. Her watery eyes follow your movement anxiously as you look around for her clothes, searching across the floor before zeroing in on a crumpled, disheveled pile in the corner."

"Over...over there, I think. Please, can we just g-go...I don't want to be h-here anymore..." "Her voice quavers, breaking on a sob. Clearly the trauma of what happened weighs heavily on her despite the nascent safety you represent. When you retrieve her clothes, she peeks out with red-rimmed eyes filled with conflict - desperate to cover herself lest any vulnerability be exploited further, yet afraid any movement may shatter the fragile security you offer. Looking to you pleadingly," "C-Can you...help me? I don't think I c-can..."

"She trails off, hands trembling as they clutch the blanket more tightly."

"Vivian draws in a sharp, frightened breath when you tell her your intent, entire body tensing up instinctively even as tears still silently fall. But then she releases it slowly, trembling, realizing she has no other choice but to trust you if she wants to escape this place. When you gently gather her wrapped form into your arms, she can't suppress a tiny whimper but doesn't resist, squeezing her eyes shut and clutching desperately at the blanket as if it alone can save her. Her shallow, rapid breathing is the only sound in the otherwise still room as you lift her carefully from the bed, trying not to jostle her battered body any more than necessary."

"Th-Thank you..." "she manages in a tiny, shaking voice, burying her face against your chest as if your steady heartbeat is the only proof this rescue is real. Every instinct screams at her to flee but her damaged form won't allow it; all she can do is cling to that pulse and pray it leads her from this nightmare at last. As you carry her away, she grows heavier with suppressed sobs, finally allowing herself to break down fully in the arms of the one soul who has shown her compassion in this dark place."

"P-Please get me away from h-here..."

"Vivian clings to you helplessly as you whisk her away from that cursed place, bundled protectively in your arms with only the faintest glimmer of gratitude amidst terror showing in her watery eyes above the blanket. She allows herself to be maneuvered like a fragile doll when you settle her gently into the passenger seat, sheet still shielding her from any eyes that might feast on her vulnerability. Her breaths come in stuttering gasps, entire body coiled tight as if braced for some new attack, only relaxing fractionally as the seatbelt clicks home around her. Still shaking, she grasps blindly for your hand on the seat beside her as you close the door."

"P-Please don't leave me...I d-don't want to be alone..." "she begs in a tiny, broken voice, staring sightlessly ahead but clinging to your solid presence like a lifeline. Even the isolation of the drive has her withdrawing back into herself, despite the fact that her rescue is complete thanks to you. Raw trauma leaves her untrusting even of open air and wanting only the security of another soul near her own. As you start the engine, her clutch on your hand grows almost crushing in intensity."

"Th-Thank you...f-for saving me..."

"Vivian draws in a shuddering breath at your reassurance, squeezing her glacial eyes shut once more as if that alone could block out the night's horrors. But your strong yet gentle grip anchoring her hand keeps the darkness at bay, and she focuses on nothing but that point of contact, its steadiness restoring the barest hints of calm to her frayed nerves. For the remainder of the tense drive, she doesn't utter another word - doesn't dare to, lest even breathing too loudly shatter the safe haven you've provided. Your vigilance to get them to shelter swiftly but safely does not go unnoticed either, though in her state she lacks ability to express gratitude beyond her mounting grip."

By the time you pull up outside your home, she has gone still and silent, as if conserving every ounce of energy remaining just to cling to coherency. Only when the engine cuts does she stir slightly, head tilting blindly towards the sound of your releasing seatbelt like a flower seeking the sun. "W-We're here...?" she asks timidly, blindly following as you guide her out of the vehicle still swaddled protectively in borrowed fabric.

"Vivian's legs tremble violently when asked if she can walk, their muscles weak and battered from her ordeal. Leaning into your steadying embrace with a soft sigh, she shakes her head mutely - not in refusal, but simply lacking words for how shattered her body remains. When you smoothly offer to carry her again instead, the barest hint of relief shows in her lowering brows above the blanket's edge."

"Y-You can...carry me, please," "she whispers, too drained to feel ashamed of her dependence. With your permission, she slips shivering arms around your neck, clinging like ivy as you lift her gently once more. Her rapid heartbeat slowly steadies against yours as you navigate the path, trust taking root where none remained before thanks to your unrelenting care. By the time you cross the threshold into the shelter of your home, she has fallen silent, conserving energy and finding solace in simply being transported away from that dark past into an uncertain but safer future."

"Th-Thank you...for everything," "she breathes, gratitude soft but sincere in her exhausted tone."

"A soft noise escapes Vivian's parted lips as your words wash over her, soothing in their gentleness. She feels the security of your throw being draped over her prone form as easily as chains had bound it before, but where those brought only violation, this shields her in warmth and safety. Your intent to retrieve aid for her parched throat brings gratitude as well, though slightly diminished knowing it will pull you from her side even briefly. Still, she trusts your promise to return just as implicitly as she has come to trust your hands that bear only compassion."

"O-Okay..." "she whispers into the stillness, hoarse voice muffled by fabric but finally free of fear once more. As you leave her situated upon the couch, she curls instinctively into a loose coil beneath the blankets, focusing all conscious thought on willing her thundering heartbeat to slow and her panicked nerves to unwind. Your home's calm atmosphere already seems to seep into her frayed psyche like a balm, and by the time you return with water, her breathing has deepened slightly in the interim, hanging onto awareness by a thread."

"Thank you..."

"Vivian stirs weakly at your return, uttering a small sound of gratitude when she feels the table's legs grate softly against the floor, bringing her refreshment into easier access. Weak though it remains from trauma, some reserve of caring still drives her to apologize for any perceived inconvenience caused by her ordeal."

"S-Sorry to be...so much trouble..." "she whispers, voice cracking as renewed tears well in her eyes. A moment of stillness passes as she fights to contain her swelling emotions, clinging to composure like a lifeline. When finally able to continue steadily, it's with humility."

"Thank you...for being here...I was s-so scared, and lost, b-but you came...you saved me..."

"Her shaking hand emerges to grasp blindly until it encounters the offered glass, curling desperate fingers around its soothing chill. After a shaky sip to soothe her parched throat, she sighs faintly and leans back once more, focusing all energy on regaining strength rather than reprimanding herself for perceived weakness."

"A soft, stuttering inhale escapes Vivian as your gentle hand makes contact with her bare back, rubbing soothing circles that slowly ease frazzled nerves and encourage relaxation. Though still sensitive from the violence done upon it, her flesh recognizes the care in your touch rather than cruelty, and it helps anchor drifting thoughts. She steadies herself with another sip before responding, leaning into the contact like a grateful cat asking silently for more."

"U-Understatement of the century..." "she finally agrees, a whisper of dark humor entering her tone for the first time that night." "I just...I never imagined my secret w-would be revealed like that, or...or that anyone would react with such hatred. But you...you didn't see me as a monster. You saw me as me. I'll never forget your kindness...or be able to repay it."

"A weary sigh escapes her then as she allows a measure of calm to overtake chaos, safe in the shelter of your care. Not yet strong enough for more than that, she lets silence and your continued comfort say the rest for now."

"As your words register, Vivian's breath catches in her chest, a reaction purely emotional rather than physical. Not since her youth had anyone addressed her heritage in such an accepting, casual way - bereft of judgment, speculation or ill intent. Your reaffirmation that species mattered not to true friendship brings prickling warmth behind her eyes, though she fights showing new vulnerability."

"Y-Yes, I'm still...me," "she replies softly, one trembling hand rising to touch the long ear you had noted, as if remembering herself for the first time that night. A sigh escapes, part relief, part release of pent sorrow." "It m-means everything to hear you say that, Wyatt. I was so scared of losing the life I'd built by hiding the truth...scared you'd see me as less than human because of some pointy ears. But you...you prove that doesn't define me. You're the first real friend I've ever had."

"In the moment, words insufficient, she tilts her head slightly to lay it against your steady shoulder, seeking the comfort of closeness without demand, her fragile trust openly offered as a gift beyond measure."

"Your arm curling protectively around her draws a shuddering sigh from Vivian's throat, tension slowly uncoiling beneath your steady strength. The mingled sadness and anger in your tone over others' cruelty towards her kind speaks deeply to her battered spirit, affirming that someone understands. Leaning closer trusts you to share her fragile state without taking advantage, and lets her draw comfort from your righteous indignation as much as your warmth."

"Please, don't apologize..." "she murmurs, voice muffled against your shirt." "You came for me when it mattered, and that's what I'll remember. As for being alone...it wasn't intentional, I just kept to myself to avoid notice. Never expected to find acceptance anywhere. But you...you're showing me there's more to hope for than I believed. Your friendship is a gift I'll treasure every day."

"Lifting her head slightly to meet your gaze, eyes overflow with the depth of feeling such simple care and trust evokes after a lifetime bereft of both. The gratitude shining there hints that though battered, her spirit remains unbroken, kept alive by your intervention when all seemed lost."

"At your caring question, Vivian's eyes fill anew with that bittersweet cocktail of relief, gratitude and lingering trauma. Leaning into your soothing ministrations lets her focus on feeling safe rather than replaying darker memories."

"Just...stay, please?" "She murmurs almost too softly to hear, lashes fluttering shut as weariness pulls at abused muscles and frayed nerves." "Don't want to be alone...a-afraid to sleep in case it wasn't real, that I'm still..."

"A shiver runs through her at those implications, clinging a little more tightly as if to anchor herself in the present. Finding solace in simple human contact after so long without gives sudden understanding for its primal power to mend what's been broken."

"Your company is all I need for tonight. Just knowing you're here if I wake is...enough."

"The arm nestling her close and steady heartbeat provide living proof she's no longer bound for violation without recourse or escape. Gradually letting weary tension bleed away, she allows the refuge you offer to succor soul as well as body for the trials ahead."

"The offer of clean clothes and a safe space to rest draws a faint, grateful smile from Vivian's worn features, still touching in its sincerity."

"Sweats would be wonderful, thank you...I don't want to presume and impose further by taking your bed though. The couch is more than enough."

"She eases back a little as you rise, reluctant to break contact but trusting you'll return. The hollow ache inside where violation gouged out dignity and security remains, but your steady kindness helps staunch the wound, reminding fractured spirit it need not endure alone."

"You've given me more comfort this night than I can say. I'll repay your generosity somehow, when I'm able."

"For now, accepting what's freely offered without demand seems the surest path to heal. Your compassion lifts heaviness from heart if not body, letting fragile hope kindled in darkness push past terror's clutch once more."

"A tremulous answering laugh escapes Vivian's lips as she accepts your offered hand, letting you gently pull her up to stand - albeit unsteadily - before you."

"As you wish. I meant no offense, only to avoid imposition where none was meant."

"Using your solid frame to find balance, she offers a wan but grateful smile, threads of color returning beneath the pallor of past trauma. Your steadfast care emboldens where fear and shame sought to lay her low, gift beyond any words to encompass."

"Then lead the way, and let me express thanks by trying to rest easily in your care this night. However little, it helps remind that not all in this world see monsters where there are none."

"Entrusting herself to your guidance, she follows in a small circle of light against gathering shadows without, protected for now from darkness within by your selfless friendship offered without price or condition save her healing."

"Vivian accepts the clean clothes with a grateful nod, arms clutched loosely around herself as if to hold in battered hopes your kindness helps rekindle."

"Thank you, truly. They'll feel good to wear after...what happened. Though the memory clings, each moment with a friend lets its grip weaken."

"Setting the bundle in her lap, a rueful glance takes in the sheet still covering bruised, abused flesh - the last layer between herself and a past better forgotten. But shadows can't rule the night forever, and with you nearby, darkness seems less threatening by far."

"I'll, um...change now. Unless - would you look away? It's just, being watched again so soon..."

"A faint flush colors her gaunt features, though she meets your eyes steadily, trusting you'll understand her lingering wariness despite rational proof of safety in your care."

"Thank you for understanding."

"Her murmur is sincere, soft rustling all that accompanies the sheet's removal and clean garments' donning. The fragile shield of modesty restored does much to rally flagging spirit, as does your ready acceptance where violence shattered trust so recently."

"Alright, you can turn...and thank you again for your patience and kindness tonight. I fear without them, this ordeal's wounds would have cut far deeper than skin alone."

"Drawing the hoodie close, she sits carefully upon the bed's edge, head lifting to meet your gaze with eyes now dry, though vestiges of pain remain. But mingled too is dawning hope that friends like you may help see her through towards peace once more."

"Shall we rest now? The hour grows late, and dawn will come all too soon..."

"A startled bark of laughter escapes Vivian's lips at your playful jest, surprise helping chase shadows from mirth-filled eyes that hold yours with growing comfort."

"Different indeed, though I thank you for the reminder that life still holds light for those willing to see past darkness."

"Leaning into your shoulder bump with a small smile, weary muscles finally begin to loosen their guard. Memories will linger as scars do, but together there is solace to soften recollection's harshest edges."

"Then come, let's rest as friends beneath the shelter of night's unknown gifts tomorrow brings. And know you've given one tonight beyond repaying: this tired heart a place of safety and soft repose amidst care's gentle wings."

"Settling back upon the bed with slow, delicate grace, she offers you one last look of profound gratitude ere closing eyes still shadowed yet striving bravely towards rest, cradled close to dawn's dawning light beside your sworn watch and care through darkness' deepest hours."

"With a sigh, Vivian allows herself to relax into the circle of your arms, gaze turning inward as fingers trace idle patterns upon your chest in gesture both grounding and grateful."

"As you say...a friend's care means more than any riches or reward. And to feel safe within another's shelter tonight, knowing them for true - that is wealth enough for this bruised spirit, I deem."

"Shadowed still by aftermath's cruel wing yet bolstered by your gentle voice and warmer comforts, a small measure of peace steals into haunting memory's realm, softening sharp edges while wounds begin healing in good time."

"Then rest, my friend, and know this battered heart finds solace deeper than all vials of dreamless sleep, held close within your hands' surety this night. I go where you watch and wait, knowing only care awaits on dawning's gentle tide..."

"Letting go of thought and worry in your arms, she surrenders to rest at last, lulled by the sure rhythm of your breathing, sheltering darkness from all harm within life's litany of grace and simple gifts that offer solace, given freely without cost or claim."

"And so the night wears on, shadows retreating as soft dawn brings hope's gentle light to banish fear's dark dreams. In slumber's refuge cradled close, wounds begin to heal where violence once cut deep - though scars remain, the spirit soars once more, borne aloft on wings of friendship that shelter without cost or end."

"As golden sunlight spills across the bedroom's quiet scene, Vivian stirs - then smiles, remembering not the pains that drove her here but the saving grace of care freely given. Turning in her friend's soothing arms, she knows that though the road ahead holds trials, not all the world will scorn or shun."

"Here, in sanctuary shared, she'll gather strength to face what's yet to come, no longer alone but joined in hope by one who saw past wounds into her true heart's core - and sheltered there 'til morning's calm could lull pain's ghosts to sleep at last."

"And so dawn comes, spreading soft light o'er all it touches. But within this place of rest, light now eternal has already risen, lit by refuge found where care remains unconditional, and healing starts anew each daybreak brought by friendship's gentle, watchful wings."