Disclaimer : I don't own Claymore.

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"How long are you going to keep exposing your breasts! The trainees are surprised too!" Helen shouted at Deneve after tossing her her shirt.

"Alright." the short-haired warrior acknowledged, turning around and moving to once again cover her disfigured body, leaving a silent Raki who was still mulling over the sight as well as her words.

'If you can accept her like that, I want you to hug her with all your might.'

Deneve had just been about to put on her shirt when she felt a strong grip on her right shoulder and was quickly spun around, dropping her shirt in surprise. Her eyes barely had the time to see the clothed muscular chest she was suddenly pressed against. Strong naked arms wrapped themselves tightly around her back and shoulders, and it took her a moment to realize what exactly was happening.

Raki was hugging her.

Raki was hugging her.

She was too shocked to even move as a myriad of sensation filled her. The way her breasts were squashed between their bodies, which wasn't unpleasant at all; the steady, soothing heartbeat against hers; his breath against her short hair; and his natural masculine scent which tickled her sensitive hybrid nose.

And the warmth... The warmth of Raki's chest, easily felt through the thin shirt he wore, and that of his arms touching the bare skin of her back. Enveloping her, permeating her and sheltering her.

Her.

When was the last time someone had hugged her? When she was human, a lifetime ago?

The warrior in her wanted to pull away.

The human in her wanted to return the hug and bask in it.

For a whole half-minute, Deneve was unable to decide and just remained there unmoving in Raki's arms. Then the young man broke the embrace and took a step back.

"You know, I don't think this is going to be a problem." Raki said with a grin before leaning forward.

"Thank you Deneve." he whispered in her ear.

The warrior stood still as he returned to the trainees, ruffling their hair and promising he'd be back. Even now that he was gone, the phantom warmth lingered and the spell wasn't fully broken. That is, until she found her shirt being placed in her hands by a smiling Miria, whose eyes twinkled in amusement. She was so stunned that she hadn't even noticed her leader moving to her and picking up the garment.

Helen on the other hand had yet to move, just standing there slack-jawed. Rolling her eyes and ignoring the heat of the cheeks, Deneve put on her shirt and closed Helen's jaw with her hand.

"Deneve..." the rowdy warrior started.

"Yes?"

"I hate you so much at the moment."

Deneve snorted to hide her embarrassment and she could have sworn Miria repressed a laugh. Helen glared at her, took a glance at Raki and moved her hands to the bottom of her shirt.

"Don't you dare." Deneve warned.

"Why not?" Helen challenged.

"You'll scare the trainees"

Helen looked at Miria who shook her head, and she stomped away in defeat. Miria went to the rest of the Ghosts, no doubt to give orders. Deneve looked at Raki, the hint of a smile on her lips.

She didn't know if that hug was just practice for when Clare came back, or if it had some deeper meaning. She didn't care much either way.

It was her hug.

And she would remember it and treasure it.