[Luke holds her just as tightly against him, eyes squeezed shut and the side of his cheek pressed against the side of her head. Back on Auldrant, it wasn't like this; he had many people who knew of Van and were against him, after Akzeriuth happened. Some of them were even royalty, and could make plans to slow him down. Here? It was only a few people out of around three hundred or so. He didn't want another Akzeriuth to happen... He didn't want to see someone be used and tossed aside. He didn't want to be pulled into Van's scheming anymore.
And he didn't want Xion involved in any of that. Now... inevitably, she had to be, considering he and Asch were high on Van's list of useful people.]
I... I know. And he won't. I promise he won't.
[Maybe it's a careless promise against such a huge threat. But promises are important to Luke - it means that even if he can't keep it, he'll try his absolute best to do so.]
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And he didn't want Xion involved in any of that. Now... inevitably, she had to be, considering he and Asch were high on Van's list of useful people.]
I... I know. And he won't. I promise he won't.
[Maybe it's a careless promise against such a huge threat. But promises are important to Luke - it means that even if he can't keep it, he'll try his absolute best to do so.]