She didn't expect such a vivid display of emotion, but it's impossible to miss with her face only inches from his. With the shaking and that brief look he gives, it tells her more than she's been able to get this far. He's scared. They've made him terrified of the most basic communication... but he's still there. Her friend is still there somewhere.

"It's okay, shhh." Her heart still breaks a little for the brief emotion she got. "No one is going to hurt you. I won't let them hurt you anymore." Not like they have. She doesn't care what it takes. She's going to protect him tooth and nail, and she's going to bring him back.

Her hands drop from his shoulders, but she catches one of his hands instead. "Come on. There's something I want to try."