He watched her from the doorway. She was seated by the window, looking out onto the street, a cup of tea nestled in her hands.
Noll wasn't the best when it came to feelings, but he was certainly able to tell that Mai was still rather upset about the irregulars' disappearances. He wondered if she waited by the window in the hopes they would suddenly appear.
He sighed.
"Mai?"
Looking up, Mai turned her head. She offered a half smile.
"You need more tea, Naru?"
Noll shook his head, "No." He approached her.
Once Mai was an arms length away, he reached for her cheek. Mai leaned into his palm and covered his fingers with her own.
"You okay?" Noll asked.
Pursing her lips, Mai thought for a moment, "I'm okay, as long as you're with me."
Noll inhaled.
She was going to make things difficult for him in the end.
"I'll always be here," Noll replied.