I don't own Eureka Seven or its Characters. They belong to Bones.

There has to be a reason that Talho puts up with Holland and doesn't dump him. This is the first of what I hope to be ten parts exploring the reasons she stays. Please review

Reason 1

Reclined on the couch with a book, Holland watched as his partner limped through the door of their cabin. He sat up and looked questioningly at her. She ignored his gaze and headed toward the bed sitting down heavily as she reached it.

"What's up?" Holland lowered his book and looked in her direction.

"I stubbed my toe and the nail's all ripped." There was a subtle edge to her voice as she spoke.

"Oh, you gonna be alright with it?" He raised one eye brow.

"Yes, I'm fine." The edge was no longer subtle.

"Alright." Holland said with an air of disbelief. He reclined again and returned to his book.

Several moments passed before ether of them spoke again. "Talho, do you want me to do it for you?" Holland sat up and looked toward his lover. She returned his gaze with eyes that were only seconds away form tears.

"Yes."

Holland stood and walked toward the bed. He reached forward and took the nail clippers from her hand and than sat on the edge of the bed with his back to her. She coiled her leg around his waist so that her injured foot rested in his lap. She than leaned her forehead against his back, allowing his scent to wash over and calm her.

An amused smile bent Holland's lips as he began to gently cut away the split parts of her toe nail. "The rest of them are pretty long, should I cut them to?"

"Yes." She nodded her head against his back.

As he continued cutting her nails he gently massaged her foot. He finished and she switched legs letting her other foot rest in his lap. He continued the same process as before and she continued to lean against him as if he could shield her from the world.

Holland sighed and disentangled himself from Talho's feet. "Done." He stood and turned to face her. Leaning down he placed a kiss on her forehead. "You know that having a fear of cutting your own toe nails is silly right?"

"Yes, But I can't help it." She looked up at him with eyes that dared him to say more.

"Just don't ever tell anyone that I cut your toe nails for you, it would rune my reputation." He winked at her and returned to the couch and his book.