Dumas’s body stiffened as Mari embraced him.  The last time that he’d experienced much physical contact was back in his bouncer days, when it had been his job to ‘escort’ belligerent guests out of the club.  And that, admittedly, was very different from being hugged.  For a second, Dumas experienced a rush of panic worse than anything he’d ever felt on the battlefield.  But having arms wrapped around him was not an unpleasant sensation.  Indeed, once he got over the initial shock, it felt rather nice.  Awkwardly, Dumas raised his own arms and gave Mari a gentle squeeze -- considering the differences in their size and strength, he worried that anything more powerful might crush her.<br/><br/>“No, no,” Dumas attempted to reassure, touched by the tears shimmering in Mari’s eyes.  “You’re not being stupid at all.  I’m glad you like it.”<br/><br/>And he was.  Mari’s joy  brought Dumas an unexpected sense of satisfaction.  Unfortunately, he couldn’t help wondering how much she would still like the necklace when she discovered its hidden purpose.  After seeing how happy it would have made her, Dumas regretted never giving Mari a true gift, a real token of the strong affection he felt towards her.  But it was too late for that now.<br/><br/>Her request took him slightly by surprise, although it really shouldn’t have.  He was just unfamiliar with the workings of jewelry.  Taking the necklace back from Mari, Dumas fumbled with its clasp. Then, once his large fingers finally managed to unfasten it, he carefully looped the chain around Mari’s throat.  And then froze.  For a moment, the necklace chain seemed to transform into a length of garrotting wire.  For a moment, he envisioned Mari’s face turning a very familiar shade of purple, while her swollen lips struggled to form words they would never again speak.  Dumas’s hands trembled -- not much, but enough to allow the necklace to slip from their grasp and land on the floor.<br/><br/>“Fuck!” Dumas exclaimed, flustered enough to forget all attempts to censor his swearing around Mari.  “God Dammit!"<br/><br/>(LOL!  I kind of want one too.)