Welcome to Gaia! ::

She gave limp fingers a tiny squeeze as she looked him over. From the fall of wet hair into his face, to the set of his shoulders, down to his toes. This was bad, she'd never seen him so thoroughly shaken and it had her drawing the lower bud of her lip between her teeth as he asked that she show him how to cook the meal now simmering quietly on the stove.

Of course she would, if he wanted. She wasn't even a stellar cook, but she knew how to take care of herself, she'd been doing it enough.

His last question startled her and she frowned at him as he looked back at her. "Of course I am, baby." It wasn't a nickname she used often for the young man, and not for some time, but something in his eyes hurt her heart to see. She pulled him in against her, arms curling tightly around his back so she could press him against her. "I'm not going anywhere, alright?"

She held him for as long as he let her, arms tight around him, cheek pressed against his own. It should have made her feel better that he was relaxing against her, but it didn't. If it was that bad, that he'd forget to feel awkward or nervous, then he had really needed the hug.

When he finally pulled away she helped him set the table, then turned the heat off on the skillet chicken. "That sounds like a great idea."

Spooning out chicken, noodles, and vegetables into a couple of bowls, she handed one to Jude, then nodded towards the table. After setting her own bowl down she got them something to drink, then sat down as well. Dinner was quiet, with little to no talking, but that was alright. She'd let him concentrate on his food, then, when they moved to the living room, she'd curl up beside him, pulling a blanket off the back of the couch to cover the both of them.

And honestly, unless someone kicked her out, she'd stay the whole night.