"I don't see how you could be so scared," Caleb chuckled, studying his guest, pacing as far away from the window as possible, scowling at him, "I'm not scared, asshole, I..."

She wasn't sure what it was about him, but Jack had always felt like she could talk to Caleb. Like he would listen and understand, like she didn't have to hide who she was. Although her head told her she was being stupid and falling into yet another trap, her gut instinct told her to open up, to let him help.

"... I told you about.. where I grew up... About the Cerberus facility, Teltin." She paused, her head still convincing her she needed to stop talking but she had to try. "I didn't tell you about the planet, Pragia."

She paused again, watching him for the signs; signs she'd seen on others.

A roll of the eyes to say "here she goes again..", or leaning forward to say "something I can use for when I wanna fuck you over..."

Caleb sat still. Perfectly so. Listening intently. She continued, "It always rained there. My cell window - looked exactly like that fucking window - looked out onto this sheltered courtyard. Swing set, slide and shit... for the other kids. It was always dull. Could always hear the rain and the-"

A crash of thunder so loud it made her jump interrupted. Turning from the window and pressing her forehead to the wall, she stood there, frozen, fists clenched by her sides. The rumbling died down and she flinched again at Caleb's hands on her waist and his breath on the back of her neck. It began to relax her instantly.

".. the storm reminds you of that place?" She unclenched her fists and sighed, nodding slowly and pulling her head back from the wall to look at him over her shoulder, "... Especially out that fucking window... I can picture it clear as crystal..."

He paused a moment but then took her hand in his and led her away from the wall. She turned toward him and he locked eyes with hers.

He switched off the lamp which was the only source of light for the room.

He grabbed the two blankets which lay over the back of the sofa, still holding her hand tight in his.

"That place is the past, J. Don't want you to let it hold fear over you like this..."

He lowered himself to sit facing the window and gestured for her to sit in front of him, between his legs. She did; like him, facing the window, and slouched a little to rest her head just under his chin. He moved his legs closely to her sides, draped one of the blankets over her, the other around his own shoulders and held her.

"We're no where near Pragia. No where near Cerberus. Just you and me, Jack. Long as I'm here, you're safe.

There was no hint of a lie in his voice. No malicious undertones. How he held her wasn't constrictive or oppressive. He was calm. Gentle. Honest. She wasn't at all used to him... but it was nice.

A flash of lightning illuminated the the room followed shortly by another loud crash of thunder. Jack tensed and pushed back, instinctively trying to escape.

Caleb tightened his arms around her, rested his head against hers and whispered in her ear, "I'm here, Jack. It's okay. You're safe."

The he kissed her temple. So softly, so tenderly, she thought she might cry. She relaxed again, feeling the safest she'd ever felt just to be in his arms.