“Aarin, we…” Luka began and then broke off, taking a steadying breathe. “We're not going to be stuck like this, are we?” Aarin looked down at him in surprise. In all the years they've known each other, he'd never heard the shake in Luka's voice that laced it now. “I do not know,” he replied. Luka looked down and Aarin felt the need to comfort him. Unfortunately, that wasn't his strong suit. “It will not be that bad. I am sure we will hardly notice.” Luka snorted and picked up a rock, throwing it in the direction of a puddle. They listened to small splash before Luka turned back to Aarin. “You've never dealt with this, Rin,” he said. “I have. I…” he broke of as his voice cracked and swallowed before continuing. “I don't think I can do it again. I feel so defenseless and weak. In this state, I can't protect myself.” He wasn't talking about walkers. Aarin knew him well enough to know that. “That is why you have me and Jack,” Aarin said, earning a cold glare from Luka. “I understand. Like this, we're vulnerable, human.” “You and Red are bigger then me and he doesn't like me very much anyway,” he said bitterly. “I am the size of a child and about as defenseless as one. If someone tries to hurt me or… worse,” he muttered, his voice lowering. “I won't be able to stop them. I wasn't able to last time.” Aarin had never asked about Luka's time as a human. It was before Jack and before they even got along. He knew it caused him to mistrust Jack and shy away when others touched him. He felt it would be intrusive to ask so he remained quiet on the subject. “Nothing will happen to you,” Aarin promised. “Not while I am around.” “You're not always around,” Luka mumbled. He shook his head. “Goodnight, Rin.” Without another word, he laid down and turned on his side so he was facing away from Aarin. “Goodnight, Luka,” Aarin sighed before curling up next to Jack.