"Just a little longer."
"Elicchi you aren't bothering me."
The thud of the raindrops against her window pane echoed in the darkness. She hiked up her duvet over their shoulders. With her fingers she traced along Eli's jaw and stopped at her chin. Her grip around her waist was snug.
"You don't have to feel ashamed. I'll always be here when you're scared."
She gently kissed the tip of Eli's nose, then her forehead. In the pitch black she strained her eyes to find her lips. A pause hung between them for a moment, then she changed her mind. Instead she pulled Eli closer, letting her bury her face against her neck. She stroked her hand along Eli's trembling side and stared at the place her desk should be. Their council reports would have to wait until morning, she thought. Suddenly, she heard a whimper. She squeezed her in an embrace and ran her fingers through Eli's hair.
"It'll be alright. Go to sleep and dream of me, darling."