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Zoe’s voice trails off as she finishes speaking about Lord Evergreen, and she leans into Mio’s side. Gently at first, but then she sags into her like she can’t bear to hold herself up anymore. Mio wraps an arm around her shoulders and leans her head against the blonde’s when Zoe sinks into her shoulder with a soft exhale.
“Hey…” Mio begins. “Listen, I know this sucks.” She says, and Zoe lets out a startled and shaky laugh that makes Mio pull her closer. “I know it hurts, and it’s making you anxious, and it feels like you’re spiraling. But I’m here.” She squeezes Zoe’s shoulder and Zoe raises her head from Mio’s shoulder to look at her. “You’re not alone, Zoe. Whatever happens here, we’ll face it together.” Mio finishes quietly.
She sees the exact moment when Zoe attempts to put on a brave face. Zoe’s face softens, and she starts to sit up straight and the corners of her mouth start pulling up, forced and trembling, and oh, hell no . Not like this.
Mio pulls her in for a tight hug and almost knocks them both off the bench. Zoe makes a muffled sound of surprise from where her face is squished against Mio’s throat.
“Mio?” She asks.
“Don’t mind me. I’m just going to sit here for a few moments and stare out into the dark.” Mio answers. Zoe wiggles against her and Mio holds her tighter. “I’m very focused on those statues over there. A bit grim, but not bad. Your subconsciousness came up with some pretty cool stuff. So yeah. I’m just going to look at those for a few minutes.” She babbles. Zoe’s wiggles slow down against her and Mio keeps her gaze straight forward.
A minute drags by, and then two. And then Zoe’s shoulders start shaking. It’s not a lot and Mio probably wouldn’t have noticed if they weren’t pressed so tightly against each other. But Zoe’s shoulders start shaking and she lets out a noise against Mio’s throat. Mio’s arms tighten around her and Zoe's hands grab at Mio's clothing until her knuckles turn white from her desperate grip. Mio shifts and rests her cheek on top of Zoe's head. But other than that, she stays still and listens quietly to Zoe's shuddering breaths. She pointedly doesn’t say anything about the wetness she feels against her throat. She just keeps her eyes away and lets Zoe fall apart, if only for a moment, in her arms.
“I’m so scared.” Zoe finally whispers and her voice is thick with tears.
“Yeah…”
“What if… what if I can’t do this?”
“You can. And you will. You’re much stronger than you think, Zoe. How many impossible things haven’t you achieved already?” Mio answers, and Zoe sniffles. “You told me that no one should have to go through the darkness and despair alone. And you won't. I'm not leaving.” Mio continues and feels Zoe's grip soften just a little bit.
“I don't think I could have made it here without you.” Zoe confesses and Mio hums thoughtfully and feels Zoe press herself closer.
“I know I couldn’t have made it here without you.” She says. Zoe shifts at that and pushes gently at Mio's chest until Mio softens her grip just enough so Zoe can face her. Mio keeps her eyes away, and Zoe laughs softly before she puts a hand on Mio's cheek and turns her to face Zoe.
“For someone that has experienced far less kindness than they deserve, you really are one of the kindest people I know, Mio.” Zoe says and Mio closes her eyes for a moment and leans into the touch.
“Well, you taught me well.” She says and opens her eyes when Zoe pinches her cheek.
“Just accept the compliment.” Zoe gently scolds and Mio turns her head and very carefully nips at Zoe’s fingers.
“As soon as you do the same.” She challenges.
“You rascal.” Zoe says fondly and Mio notices that her smile looks better. It may be small, but it looks genuine. Zoe lets her hand fall from Mio’s cheek to catch her hand instead and interlaces their fingers. She closes her eyes and just breathes for a moment.
“Take as much time as you need.” Mio whispers. Zoe smiles again and opens her eyes.
“You’ll stay with me?”
“No matter what.”
“…Okay. Let’s go. But stay close, please?”
“I’ll be right here.” Mio says and means it more than anything she’s ever said. She summons her owl and its light with a quiet thought and starts leading them through the dark.