[Chrome stands there quietly, a feeling like the floor just got dropped out from under her starting from the moment he says he's sorry. A bewilderment, heart pounding with an adrenaline and anxiety that she can't place the origin of.

But even when his gaze pierces her, she doesn't move away. She lifts her hand, reaches for him a moment in a quiet sort of understanding and companionship. She understands, touching the side of his face, his cheek; it's similar to what Mukuro would say and she's struck again by the similarities between them.

And with her as well] I understand.

And I understand-- [A pause, because she might be wrong] I think you're afraid. Even if you don't realize it yourself, or refuse to admit it. You don't want to lose him, to anyone-- and neither do I.

Ciel-san... What I feel for Ciel-san... [Another pause, because Chrome can't quite bring herself to name the feeling the stirs in her, because that makes it tangible and scary and she trembles with the weight of it momentarily before steadying herself] He means a lot to me as well.

I don't have to protect him from you, because I trust you. Maybe more than I should, and maybe you or others would think I was foolish for it, but... His soul--he, himself... He's yours', just as I'm Mukuro-sama's.

I understand that, at least. [Another pause as she realizes she might not have gotten to the point exactly] I'll protect him with my life, if it comes to that. But I think you already knew that.