Title: inside of my mind
Series: Kyouran Kazoku Nikki
Theme no.: 49. Solipsism in winter
Character(s)/Pairing: Ginka(Ginichi)/Chika(Senko)
Rating: K

He stumbled upon her ten yards away from the west side of the Himemiya mansion. She stood stock-still, gazing skyward, the snow reaching her black-stocking knees. Crunching closer, he could see her rose eyes glazed in daydream, her lashes laced with gentle flakes.

"Senko-chan."

Unwrapping the pale yellow scarf around his neck, he wound it around her own. Her high black collar could smother in heat, but it was no defense against cold. A puff of moist air rose from beneath the folds as she blinked and turned her eyes to him. No longer glazed, but just as empty. Just as vulnerable.

"I'm a Solitude Doll."

He glanced down and took hold of her bare hands. Frozen fingers filled the palm of his mittens. Tiny hands, half covered in intricate lace, which threads up bruised arms and shoulders. Covering, but not protecting. Hiding, not sheltering.

"Yes."

Lackluster carnation-pink, staring up up into his. Empty. Sudden sadness. Empty once more.

"I'm a Solitude Doll."

She didn't shiver, and it nearly unnerved him. Numb eyes. Numb body. The fragile creature was all but completely broken.

"Yes."

"I'm a Solitude Doll, but Ginichi-san still promised to free me. Ginichi-san is still kind." Senko stepped in, resting her forehead against his collar. "Won't you please free me from my mind?"

His jacket is thick, his arms are warm, and they curl around her small frame slowly, gently.

"Yes." I will take you away, somewhere warm and kind and safe. I will coax you from your solitude cage, from your mind, and you will be free. Cold, cold lips push silently against the top of her head. "Yes. I promise."