[That...stings a little, though he doesn't think it should. He's never been overbearing with her, most of his worries and actions either behind the scenes or filtered through his particular brand of deadpan humor. Still, the idea that he hasn't shown consideration or care enough for her to think it uncharacteristic of him - true as it is - sends a pang of guilt through his chest.]
[But right now, it's not about him. She's the one in pain and distress here and Nanu is on a mission to help regardless of how Anabel views it.]
I'm holding you to that. ...But I can get you some ice packs in the meantime. [Especially with how she's speaking right now. Of course it's noticeable, and of course they both know that.] Then we'll just have to distract you, won't we.
[It's not a question. If she refuses to let her pokémon help - which, as he's just made clear, is only temporary - then they'll find alternatives. And when those alternatives aren't enough, they move on to another plan.]
[Of course, he hadn't meant for her to stop what she was doing. But then again, that's what always happens, doesn't it. Nanu says something that gives her the impression that she's doing something wrong and removes herself from the situation. And why wouldn't she? His words come out blunt and direct with no hint of kidding or lighthearted sarcasm, and she reacts accordingly. Of course she would, you miserable idiot. What indication did I give her otherwise?]
[Without giving himself enough time to think about what he's going to do, he just does it. One hand comes up and comes to rest on top of Anabel's head, guiding her purposefully - but gently! - back down to his shoulder. It's...awkward, frankly, and he has to stop himself from being forceful about it. But there's just enough gentle guidance to put her leaning against him in a way that might inform her that "yes, what I just said was stupid" and "no, I didn't mean for you to stop" at the same time.]
[Awkward still, he lightly keeps his hand on the back of her head - or hair, as it may be - until she realizes she can, in fact, stay like that. He struggles with the intention to put his arm around her, however he drops it when he remembers she's still in searing hot pain.]
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[But right now, it's not about him. She's the one in pain and distress here and Nanu is on a mission to help regardless of how Anabel views it.]
I'm holding you to that. ...But I can get you some ice packs in the meantime. [Especially with how she's speaking right now. Of course it's noticeable, and of course they both know that.] Then we'll just have to distract you, won't we.
[It's not a question. If she refuses to let her pokémon help - which, as he's just made clear, is only temporary - then they'll find alternatives. And when those alternatives aren't enough, they move on to another plan.]
[Of course, he hadn't meant for her to stop what she was doing. But then again, that's what always happens, doesn't it. Nanu says something that gives her the impression that she's doing something wrong and removes herself from the situation. And why wouldn't she? His words come out blunt and direct with no hint of kidding or lighthearted sarcasm, and she reacts accordingly. Of course she would, you miserable idiot. What indication did I give her otherwise?]
[Without giving himself enough time to think about what he's going to do, he just does it. One hand comes up and comes to rest on top of Anabel's head, guiding her purposefully - but gently! - back down to his shoulder. It's...awkward, frankly, and he has to stop himself from being forceful about it. But there's just enough gentle guidance to put her leaning against him in a way that might inform her that "yes, what I just said was stupid" and "no, I didn't mean for you to stop" at the same time.]
[Awkward still, he lightly keeps his hand on the back of her head - or hair, as it may be - until she realizes she can, in fact, stay like that. He struggles with the intention to put his arm around her, however he drops it when he remembers she's still in searing hot pain.]