His thumb strokes her cheek and his head falls to one side as he regards her quietly for a long moment.

Despite all he has seen, despite all he has done, there is, at the core of him, something still vulnerable. An iota of humanity that longs for all the things a human longs for: Companionship. Solace. Trust. It is that part of him that always draws him back to their company, even when he knows they will turn from him the first time he reveals his true nature.

It is that part of him that thinks, maybe -- just maybe -- she is not like them.

"I seek refuge, too."

His words are almost too quiet to be heard.