"Ah, there's really no need to be so formal." It was strange to see her like this, though he couldn't remember why. Why was this so strange to her? So new? Had she truly had no friends before this? (What a sad life. What a sadder choice of friends)

"But can make a promise this way," he said, reaching out to hook her pinky in his and hold it tight. "These promises are even more binding, they are. And serious." He looked into her eyes. Wanting her to hold on. Wanting her to work to thrive even though everything in the world was against her. Wanting her most of all to know she was not completely alone. If nothing else, she was never that.