#equivalent kindaaaa

(You have no idea what to do.) (Mirabelle should be the one here, she's the brave and caring one.) (She'd have the perfect thing to say at hand.)

(You used to understand Isabeau, or at least, you thought you did.) (Always quick to lighten the mood or offer support.) (He was the party's emotional rock.)

(But... maybe you were reading too into it?) (He's here to protect Mirabelle, and by extension, the party.) (it was work, that's all.)

(And now that he doesn't like your jokes, what use are you to him?) (It's a job, you have to get along with your clients.) (You were never his friend, not really.)

(But still...) (He's scared.) (You can't sit here and do nothing.)

(You remember that touch is useful to make people less upset, or so you've heard.) (Maybe... you could try?)

(Breath hitching.) (You're shaking.) (Touch!?!!)

(He's surrounding you.) (He's everywhere.) (You can't move.)

(A hug!?!) (This is a hug!!!) (You're not wearing your cloak, he's touching you!) (No barriers, all touch!!!!)

(This is!!! A lot!!!) (He's got all of you!!!!) (All at once!! In a hug!!!!!!!)

(And.) (Just like that.) (He throws himself off you.)

(He's off so quick, it was like you were burning him.) (But how odd, when it is his body heat that lingers on you, still hot.) (Your body shivers, nerves alight.)

I'm sorry, that was- oh, Change, I'm sorry!

(...Why?) (Why is he looking at you like that?)

(You can barely breathe.) (You want to say something, but you can only stare.) (What could you say, anyway?)

Sorry, I'll go.

(He stumbles out of his seat, rushing out the room.) (He looked... terrified?)

(Huh? What? Why would he be scared of you?) (Did you pat him on the shoulder wrong?)