“There were more polite ways to explain it.” Dory had promised her once already that he'd be more careful with his tongue and already he had broken it. Maple had every right to want her routine to remain the same, to return back to her home and pretend everything was normal. She hadn't asked to be forced into the position she was, to have to tend to a broken body time and time again. Dory was certain that if he were in her shoes he would want everything to go back to normal too.

Her hand atop his saw eyes widened in surprise. She was too close – impossibly close really if they were to maintain friendly boundaries throughout this stay. He swore he could smell her shampoo, or was that a perfume considering she'd used his last night? And she seemed so small, so open and vulnerable. Dory abandoned their dinner and straightened fully before making the split second decision to draw her into a hug. 

Fuck propriety. Even friends sometimes needed hugs after a long day. 

“You seeking me out for help isn't stressful.” Dory said softly. “I only ever wanted you to be happy and safe. Helping to ensure you are both is the least I can do.”

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