[ why is everyone just? like this? in winter? he's not sure how he got sidled in with the rest of them, but this is a theme.

there's a stillness of confusion, and then of surprise, but he doesn't push her away. hesitation follows, until kon sets his good hand on her waist, pauses, and then slides his arm properly around her to return the hug. between beau and viola, he thinks he's gotten more hugs in the past week than he has in years now. ]

... it wasn't your fault, Viola. And you couldn't have anticipated something like this, so there was no protecting me from it, no preparation. [ because he'll give her that belief today. ] It's why I wanted you to know, once I could write it up.