Layton had wrapped his coat around Pomni a short while ago, but she still seemed worse for wear. He noticed this and sighed, wrapping his arm around her to pull her in closer. It stayed at her side as the professor’s other hand moved to take Pomni’s gloved one. He hummed now, trying to give her a gentle smile. “I’ve got you, my dear. Nothing will come to harm you so long as I’m here.” He rubbed his thumb against her hand as a soothing gesture. “I promise.”
He... was really something.
If she was used to any form of kindness, it was a rough one. Actions done by a gentleman were only things she's seen in movies or read in her fair share of books ⸺ she knew they were fake and fantasies, to never delve too deep and get lost in a pipe dream. Pomni was a smart woman, she could hold the bar realistically enough that she'd never expect or hope for this level of gentle behavior. A tentative care unlike anything she's ever experienced.
Her body often replaced her voice, speaking for her when her mouth didn't always. And to find someone that thought of her interesting enough to learn her silent language was extremely endearing and flattering. It's a little thing people normally overlooked, opting for basing everything just on words alone. But Pomni was a different kind of woman; though she was willing to freely state an opinion without fear, her feelings were more personable to share willingly.
First, his jacket; it acted almost like a safety blanket for a good while and she didn't rebuff allowing herself to take and keep it on her body. He was really trying his best to soothe and lull her out of mental musings, from reliving her nightmare once more.
Though, what really stripped her from the wax paper thoughts was a simple gesture, a loving one: his arm wrapping around her and keeping her close. It brought her immediately to attention, her colorful dual colored gaze shifting to meet his. Oh, she must've been worrying him without realizing it.
Pomni almost wanted to double down and just brush it aside, a little shy at the action but never once did she try veering from it. In fact, she instinctively even allowed herself to sway closer. His hold, his touch, made her feel safe ⸺ she never questioned what his hands would do to her; all she was sure of, was that these hardworking stamps placed on her curves, wouldn't hurt her. Not by a long shot.
And she felt it in her heart, his words had done plenty to ease any potential worries to melt from her shoulders. Her glove had gone to squeeze his in affirmation, a quiet way of justifying that she was okay for the moment. But it wasn't until his words hit her ears that her breath held in her throat, a mild look of surprise painting her features.
Him speaking that way, wasn't what was surprising. It was the shamelessness of wanting to do nothing more but set Pomni's mind at ease, to make her feel comfortable, like she was worth the patience and time of being loved. It... was still an adjustment for her to will herself into believing these kind words held merit towards her that wouldn't once fade after undesirable edges of herself began to show.
But for now, she'd allow herself his graces, closing her eyes and melding flush against his side with a subtle hum of her own, a smile creeping onto her lips.
⸺ ❝ I .. believe you. I'm not worried, as long as you're here with me. ❞