It was upsetting to hear Octavius think his father didn't care about him. Terribly upsetting, as Aoi knew what that felt like. At least, she had done, but now she was really starting to warm up to her father. They'd shared a hug earlier in the week; the only physical contact she'd had with someone for a long while. Of course, she slept in the same room, and practically the same bed, as her sister Miwa; curled up on the floor in cushions and sheets, but she slept to the side, curled in her own little shell. Nobody could break through, not even herself. Even Aoi had no idea what was going on inside her busy little mind.
She'd forgotten about the flooring. There it was, the foundation, in plain site. Yes, they'd have to dig it up. She agreed with a slight nod, the slightest curl of a smile not quite reaching her eyes. She couldn't smile, the blood was too distracting. It was no use trying to hide it; Octavius could smell it, she could tell. And as soon as he realised where the blood was coming from, he marched right up to her. Aoi gave a small squeak, certain he was about to laugh at her or something worse, but his words were surprising. She blinked, her expression cautious as she stepped forward, timidly, curious.
Aoi yelped as he suddenly grabbed her, still on his knees, drawing her by the hips straight up to him. It was sudden, and her body froze but made little reaction. He was upset for her, trying to help, even she could see that, the anti-social girl that she was. No... she mumbled repeatedly, protesting as he sniffed at her, invading her personal space, parting her fur. She didn't like being touched. And when he put his tongue to her wound, she winced suddenly, pain etching into her form. Aoi almost drew back, almost. But the stinging faded, and it began to soothe, cleaning away the blood. Oh. she finally said. She was let go and she stepped away, albeit not as far from him as she would have been before.Thanks. I-...I'm not mad. she muttered, holding her hand out to him so she could pull him back to his feet.
But no, she would not stop on this project. The first real work she had done in ages, she was not willing to give up just yet. She had fight in her, did Aoi. No, Octavius...I'm fine. It's fine. she assured him, and assured herself. Just...a scratch. she lied. It was deeper than a scratch, however, it wasn't that serious. With that she spotted a nearby cloth, picked it up, and brought it to the closest stream. The girl washed it thoroughly and then wrapped it round her waist, until it covered the wound, and kept it cool. Aoi was soon back at their "site", shovel ready in hand. Come on then. she smiled gently. We've wasted enough time already. and with that she started working on the ground-boards.
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