[The need for closing off emotionally he certainly understands, and exhibits in most of his interactions in his desire to appear unshakeable and as a pillar of strength. Breaking down, or expressing sorrow is prohibited, anger can fuel him sufficiently on it's own. It wasn't a healthy way of approaching life, but it was the method that he had seized upon, and that worked for him. He certainly didn't think Ann should adhere to the same rigorous demands he expected of himself.
Surprisingly, he doesn't think of her as weak, not even for this. If it had been anyone else, then sure. When had he placed in that double standard to cover Ann? It was similar to the leniency he granted his brother.]
…
[Look, he's new to this. He's only had to comfort one other person before and that mostly entailed just being there, as the tears got out of the other's system. Kaiba was very unsure about whether he had said the right thing for the moment or two, and her expression isn't initially enlightening on that point. In fact, as the tears start emerging from the corners of her eyes, he thinks that maybe he's been too harsh, again, by stating the plain and straightforward observation of the missing persons characteristics.
One more glance down the hall for some sort of escape route, or assistance that could bail him out... but before he can look back to Ann she's pressing herself into his shoulder and .. touching him. Like a deer caught in the headlights, he stares flabbergasted down at her vulnerable form. Ok- so reassessing this, he assumes this to be a step in the right direction, she's no longer trying to conceal her emotions, but she's moistening his jacket....
Somewhat delayed and awkwardly, he reaches up.. to place a comforting pat to the top of her head. Eh- she's not a small child..... so his free arm ghosts over her back as he debates closing it in]
no subject
Surprisingly,
he doesn't think of her as weak, not even for this. If it had been anyone else, then sure. When had he placed in that double standard to cover Ann? It was similar to the leniency he granted his brother.]…
[Look, he's new to this. He's only had to comfort one other person before and that mostly entailed just being there, as the tears got out of the other's system. Kaiba was very unsure about whether he had said the right thing for the moment or two, and her expression isn't initially enlightening on that point. In fact, as the tears start emerging from the corners of her eyes, he thinks that maybe he's been too harsh, again, by stating the plain and straightforward observation of the missing persons characteristics.
One more glance down the hall for some sort of escape route, or assistance that could bail him out... but before he can look back to Ann she's pressing herself into his shoulder and .. touching him. Like a deer caught in the headlights, he stares flabbergasted down at her vulnerable form. Ok- so reassessing this, he assumes this to be a step in the right direction, she's no longer trying to conceal her emotions, but she's moistening his jacket....
Somewhat delayed and awkwardly, he reaches up.. to place a comforting pat to the top of her head.
Eh- she's not a small child..... so his free arm ghosts over her back as he debates closing it in]