"I will not," he assured, knowing without words what she was about to say.
Surprised, she looked down again, another small smile quirking the corners of her lips. "Thank you," she murmured.
Toga nodded and carefully, slowly, reached for the hand and wrist her mother had snapped. He held it gently, loosely as he rubbed small circles under her thumb. He was beginning to realize that in this relationship, for now, he would have to be the one to take the lead because he was not entirely certain how much of her supposed confidence was real, and how much was not. "I do not love you," he said slowly, studying their joined hands before meeting her eyes. "I do not know if Icanlove you."
Fuiasu rolled her eyes and almost tugged her hand free, but didn't. "I do not love you either," she said carefully. "Love is not real, so it is not something I expect."
That sentiment did not surprise him at all, considering what he had just witnessed. "Despite that, I think this courtship would be easier on the both of us, if we could attempt to be friends."
Once again, uncertainty filled her. Never in all her years had she expected to see this side of Toga, or for him to suggest they become friends. Slowly, she nodded. "I would like that. To have you as a friend."
He smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her healed wrist. "Good."
Flustered, Fuiasu struggled and failed to keep the flush off her cheeks. "Good," she managed weakly, staring at him.
o.O.o
Word Count - 264