WEHHHHH

Okarin's eyes, deep and solemn, bore through her naive face. His expression was grim, and though he was no older than before, since the time leap his face was heavy and laden with the overbearing weight of guilt and melancholy. When their eyes locked, she slightly drew herself back from him and gasped. However, it was not a motion of fear, nor pity. It was concern and care for him.

She felt her arm drawing itself towards Okabe. His face lowered and his eyes met the cold wooden floor. In her hesitance were hints of grace and delicacy, but knowing how he was, how in pain he was, she couldn't help but brush her hand on his bristly stubble. He didn't move or make a sound.

"Okarin..." A low, wavering voice murmured. His eyes flickered to hers like dim candlelights, while her iridescent sapphire eyes drew themselves thinner as she gazed at him with sympathy. He's never been like this before, she thought. She wanted to ask him what was wrong, but she already knows what has happened to him, and she can't imagine the anguish that ran through him like rivers of acid.

"Is there anything I can do? Anything at all…?"

After sitting stiff as a statue, he closed his eyes and turned his head weakly. He radiated an aura of numbness with every movement. He hesitated, and from his lips a deep, cracked sound rose to her. "I don't know. I just… I don't know."

She felt her bottom lip quiver slightly. Dammit, she hated when she let her emotions get the better of her. She had nothing left to give him. She moved closer to him and slipped her jacketed arms around his limp torso. She buried her face in his neck and pushed herself into him. She wanted all of her resolve, her strength, her endurance, everything she had to be with him.

"Please be strong, Okarin. I'll always support you if you need me to... Please, just stay strong and we can win this..."

Her voice trailed off. She bit her lip to keep herself from tearing up. There was silence. Not a sound could be heard. Then, she heard the soft rustle of clothes, and felt arms slide onto her back. More silence, a pause. The same cracked voice, now kindled with fresh hope shattered it and filled the room with a dim warmth.

“I will. Thank you, Kurisu.”