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He let out a breath of relief that he didn't think he was holding. The request for the picture was sudden. It's just that he didn't know how much he wanted it until now. When he recognizes there was no real danger of it being taken away. Even if the artist had more right to keep it if he wished. Especially after Sara really only just sobbed most of the time. Sara sniffed back a leftover sob and nodded slowly at his words. " I.. I don't usually.." Sara admitted, confirming the others guess about his lack of kept pictures.

He gingerly took the bussiness card, blushing a bit realising he was so busy either crying or trying to hold back from crying, that he forgot to ask the others name. "I - I'm sorry.. I should've asked.." Sara said apologetically with a light bow. " It..its nice to meet you Mister Kit. I'm... Sara. Thank you.. "

His eyes widened at the others next words. " I.. I'm the one that should thank you. I'm sorry I .. wish I could say more or.. help you back." Sara blinked at the mention of friends, confusion mixed in with his naturally intimidating features. " You'd.. call me a friend.. even if you helped me more than I helped you..?"

@Kit Paine

"You're fine! You had other things on your mind. I could have just as easily asked or introduced myself earlier, too, but I figured there were higher priorities just then," Kit answered, chuckling lightly. "It's nice to meet you too, Sara. And you're very, very welcome. Thank you as well."

At Sara's surprise, the artist grinned and shook his head, putting up a hand. "You did just as much for me as I did for you if not more. I just don't think you realize it. You opened up to me when you were feeling vulnerable and insecure and that means more to me than I could possibly express. Even the very act of letting me draw you when you seem so self-conscious about your looks took a great deal of bravery on your part, particularly since I was just a stranger to you."

A mildly concerned smile appeared on the painter's face. "It doesn't take a genius to see you're so much of a giver, you give even when it's detrimental to you. Trust me, you've done more than enough for me today. It's about time more people did more for you, including yourself."

Kit shouldered his bag and grinned again. "Of course I consider you a friend! After what you did for me? Never underestimate your worth, Sara; or what you do for others. Even the smallest thing, like offering someone a smile, can be significant enough to make someone feel they have meaning and end up saving a life. It would be absurd to try to measure how much you helped me against how much I helped you, but I think what matters is that we both helped each other and that we're both grateful for it."

Taking a deep breath, he put his hand on Sara's shoulder one more time and tried to look him in the eyes once more. "I'll get off my soap box and stop lecturing so you can have some peace and quiet again," he laughed. "One last thing before, I go, though. I hope whenever you see that paining, you'll remember that there's true strength in vulnerability, no matter how many people might call it weakness. If none of us were ever vulnerable around each other, none of us would ever get closer to anyone else. And I think it's when we allow ourselves to be most vulnerable that we're really our strongest and bravest because that's when we have the most to lose...but do our best to stand up for what we believe in anyway." Kit dipped his head in gratitude. "So thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable around me and showing me that side of you. I think it's very special."

@Sara Kohana

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Sara still found it hard to believe someone would say so much nice things even if its just to thank him. It could've been incredibly easy for the other to just say less than half of the things he did and still got his point across. But with all the additional information, it was like he left no room for Sara to doubt himself. Every statement was backed up with insight that wouldnt allow Sara to misinterpret his words. People are often hesitant with sharing themselves in his culture. For the longest time Sara felt like he had to figure most of his stuff on his own. It was almost surreal to have someone this open. Even if they might not have hugged physically, but Sara certainly did feel like he was hugged. Emotionally at least. With each kind sentence stinging his chest and making his eyes glassy again. But no longer tense as he was before. When the other placed his hand on Sara's shoulder, Sara no longer flinched or shrinked away. Managing to look at the others gaze, glassy eyes with puffy pink faces. Even if he didn't say anything, it seems his gratitude was pretty evident.

" ...Thank you.." he said so gently, a little strained as if he wanted to cry in relief. Who knew he felt his world was on the verge of crashing, then he exchanged some words with this stranger, then his world did crash, but here he was. Still standing and survived. And for the first time in a while, he didn't feel utterly alone after it. " I'll ..remember your words. Every one of them". He promised, a rare tinge of determination in his sharp eyes. Sara found it difficult to truly capture his thoughts and feelings in words. Especially when he felt like his voice was barely working at the moment. But he knew that the stranger would give him plenty to think about. And he would remember everytime he looked at the painting.

Sara bowed slightly in return as the other seemed prepared to leave, his heart feeling a little heavy but content. " This is.. special to me too. Thank you.. friend". Sara held onto the painting, as if it was a treasured piece as they waved their goodbyes and went on their way.

He looked down at the signature on the painting, tracing it slightly as he stayed for a moment. Kit. Now that the art was proof what happened was real and not a dream, Sara unconsciously smiled faintly. Finding it easy for a brief moment, to not care if anyone was watching.

The End

@Kit Paine