It's not no kind of fast that he settles. He still shakes and shivers. He's still tense and terrified. But eventually, he doesn't need to rock so much. He can close his eyes, and even though the death is scoured there upon the unders of his eyelids, he at least ain't staring off and seeing it there.

But gratitude, thankfulness. Being all to say like he's any kind of good. Like she can stop any of what is to come, neverminding the punishment what is most certain and sure for this.

It's the kindness what guts him most.

When at last he can, he throws his arms around her proper and stay there until the quiet of his shuddering breath.