I know... and I'm grateful for that, too. [His fingers shift subtly against her, as if leaning into it.] But you're right, it can't hurt. I think the same goes for you, too. Just because we can help each other with it doesn't mean that we have to be the only ones.

[It isn't just about her, or him. He hesitates to say it, but-]

Pyra, um. I've made it this far, survived all the awful that's been thrown at me here, because of you. What if- what if one day one of us isn't here?

[If he were left behind again, it could very well break him. He's not in a good mental state and they both know it. And her, too- if he was suddenly gone, who would she turn to? He wants her to have more. Someone who'd listen, and tell her the right ways to cope with everything that's been going on. That person isn't always him.]

You deserve more than just me. And that's not meant as a slight against myself or anything, just... it's for you.