"H-hey..." if he was caught off guard before, he was blown out of the water by what was happening now. He didn't even have to think about it -- his arms just instinctivly wrapped themselves around her small frame, pulling her in closer. Jecht rested his chin on top of her head, just standing there, holding her. Not for the first time in his life, he wished he had the words to offer comfort, but could only draw a blank.

He really was... terrible at this sort of thing. Here she was, finally letting him in, the vulnerability she kept so hidden surfacing. What could he do?

The blitzer released his grip for a moment, holding her by the shoulder with his one hand -- and reaching to catch a tear with the other. "No need for that, all right? The food's not gonna be that bad. I promise." And a wink, for good measure.

Pretty girls -- weren't meant to cry.