[ he's messed this up and he knows it. things between them-- always veered in this direction, awkwardly ambling along the tracks before the inevitable collision. it's been this way ever since they were kids, and somehow, the distance has only widened since then.

pathetically, his features loosen, the mask falling as his expression softens into that of a kicked dog's. he knows -- that she can handle herself. that she's strong, that she endured the hell that was that day 5 years ago too. ]

...Alright. [ he speaks quietly, submitting at last. ] I get it. You've... gone through a lot.

[ and then the blues of his eyes stray, looking for something, anything to imprint on. ]

...I'm sorry. That I wasn't there.

[ he doesn't know-- where he was. but it wasn't there, when it should have been. ]

I feel like... this place'll just taint everything it touches. Even the good things. I don't trust them -- the people in charge.

[ even these precious moments, time and opportunities they'd never get back home -- were they truly safe? ]

But... [ his throat is unbearably tight. ] I'm still-- I'm still glad. That you're meeting people who treat you good. You deserve that.

[ she did. she always did. ]