Ivy stood perfectly still, arms at her side, feeling like a confused child. What was this? She was no fool, she knew how people expressed their emotions for each other, but she had never been on the receiving end of it. There was an unexplained warmth that shot through her body, feelings of comfort, security and kindness... things she had been deprived of for longer than she could remember.
Unable to stop herself, she tentatively returned the hug and began to weep silently. Before she knew it, her entire body was shaking with loud sobs as she buried her face in Jade's shoulder.

---

"Fuck..." whispered Kyo, looking around at the group as the sounds of Ivy's crying penetrated the walls. "Maybe we should leave, guys. She's going to be pissed if she comes out and sees all of us here, listening to her sobbing."
Raphael gave Carolyn an uneasy glance, unsure of what to do. He felt that Ivy needed support, but he could also tell that she was a lone wolf and someone who guarded her personal feelings very protectively. Standing outside and listening to her cry felt... intrusive, and it made him uncomfortable.