"Hey, hey," Frank said, gentle. He nodded. Held his hands up to show his understanding. He hadn't thought she was afraid, not at all. But she deserved to know that violence wasn't what got them out of a situation like this.

Things were taking too long. There was a burning sort of itch, the slice of flesh breaking. Blood beaded on Frank's cheek until it was too heavy to stay, then rolled down his face. He didn't flinch or hiss. Pain was temporary. Weakness leaving the body.

"Is it better if I go first?" he asked her. Then he reassessed. "Will you tell me your name?"