[even if now were an appropriate time, Emerald wasn't sure if she was ready to open that can of worms yet. so she contented herself with the gentle touches, the closeness, the press of a friend's hand and head against her body. and when she left Neo behind in the bathroom, she took just... just a little too long to let her go. and as soon as the door closed, she felt Neo's absence more keenly than she had over the past week.]

[she brought her some water, but waited for her to be out of the bathroom before she heated up some canned tomato soup and presented it to her in the kitchen.]

Come on, sit down, okay? Nothing too heavy. Let's make sure you can keep this down first. [and she smiled a little and almost laughed despite the situation, and her fingers brushed against Neo's shoulder as her hand came to a gentle rest there.] Ever picture me nursing anyone back to health?