Oswin’s expression changed as it became clearer what Billie was going through. Obviously, due to her worn-out expression, almost depressed attitude, and limp stance, she was… uh…
Tired! No wait, that’s obvious.
Then another thought occurred to Oswin, one that fit perfectly in line with the mental image he had already constructed of her. Something that, given her evident friendless status, should have been obvious before now, but silly Oswin was just too distracted to see it. She needed something he wished he could have had more of, both during his time in the college and in his past life.
She needed a hug.
Trevor’s comments about his artificial leg blew right over Oswin’s head. The thought of poor friendless Billie desperately needing a hug consumed all else in his mind until there was nearly nothing left. But she’s so tall… How do I, um… Convince her to like, crouch down or something and then offer a hug? Maybe I can stand on a table? But what table could possibly support-
Oswin’s pupils shrank and he started moving forwards, as it seemed like Billie would drop unconscious then and there. However, before he had the opportunity to intervene, Altier cut through the tension with that brilliantly unenthusiastic voice of his.
“But she wouldn’t-”
Oswin stumbled back a step as the arm was shoved into his hand, Billie not even attempting to look him in the eyes as she did so. It was impossibly cold compared to the moment of perceived fragility he noticed from her before, and it left him staring after her, his face clearly showing how injured he was at the gesture, trying to decipher what her intent was. Was she just done with the entire situation? Or was she done with him?
Oswin could feel his eyebrows shoot up his forehead as Gracie marched over and began screaming unnecessarily in Billie’s face. “Whoa, hey, um,” Oswin quickly caught up to her, making nervous glances at everyone else in the storage area as he did so. “There’s no need for, um… Everything’s fine, it’s not broken or… uh…”
“Can we move this along?” He whispered at Trevor, perfectly audible to everyone in the area, with a pleading expression on his face. “Please?”