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Tae Joon breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he stepped onto the landing platform. The air in the ship had felt almost too thick and heavy to even breathe, making the light breeze that tickled his cheek welcome. He adjusted the collar of his jacket regardless; it was almost a habit now. His hands immediately tucked into his pockets, absentmindedly toying with the controls for his drone that were always tucked inside. He wasn't really sure what he was supposed to do now. Surely the more scientific Legends would figure out this cure and he could just slink away for now, hopefully unnoticed.
Until he caught sight of something that made leaving suddenly seem much less appealing.
"Crypto!"
He doesn't know why he was surprised to see Natalie sprinting up the ramp towards him, as soon as they'd stepped off the ship they'd take to Gaea. He shouldn't have been surprised. He knew she'd come to check on them and make sure everyone was okay; it was in her nature care. Maybe what surprised him the most, was the fact that she'd run past everyone else just to get to him. He noticed the side-glance Caustic shot her as she moved past him and he fought against the smirk that attempted to tug on the corner of his lip.
"Crypto!" Natalie called again, as if he hadn't heard her the first time, skidding to a halt in front of him. "You’re back! I...I'm so glad to see you."
Tae Joon was glad to see her also, but made it known by simply nodding in her direction. He expected her to ask about the trip. Did you find the cure? Is everyone alright? Did Dr Caustic behave himself? But none of those questions came. Something unexpected happened instead.
Natalie hugged him.
Her arms wrapped securely around his neck, boosting herself onto the tips of her shoes to give her the extra height. He froze at first, his hands lingering awkwardly by his sides for what felt like forever, until Natalie spoke to him, her voice barely a whisper.
"I'm so relieved you're back, Tae Joon. And that you're okay."
Those words hit him harder than he expected them to. Had Caustic had a change of mind, things could have turned out much differently, with him having the last slivers of life drained from him by a giant spider. In a different fate, he may not have been standing here with one of the reasons he was allowed to live this day holding him so closely.
He didn't like appearing vulnerable, especially in public; he had a guise to keep up, after all. But here, right now, in this moment with Natalie it felt...okay. He could forgive himself for letting his guard down now, even if it was just for a few minutes.
Tae Joon exhaled deeply, his hands finally coming to rest against Natalie's back, returning her embrace. He turned his head, burying it into the side of her large hood, his fingers curling into the fabric of her jacket.
"I'm glad you're alright too. Thank you...for coming."
"Of course," she replied, with a light giggle that made his heart soar.
It was alright to have some time like this, every now and then. He could forgive himself for having a minute of quiet, where there was no Crypto or Syndicate or killer vines and foster brothers to worry about; just for a second.
"Tae Joon," Natalie began, keeping her voice low. "I need to tell you something. About your mom..."
His hands gripped tightly at her back and he simply nodded into her shoulder.
He could forgive himself for taking a moment's peace this day, though they never seemed to last for long.