[His body goes stiff against hers, inhaling sharply. He'd known she got his memories, sure, and they'd discussed it a little, but... the visceral nature of that memory is far stronger than he'd imagined. And for it to still be so strong, that she can say all of that without hesitation? Gods. It's unfair, actually.]
...I... [What the hell does he even say to that?] ...Yeah. All of that is...
[Real. True. He doesn't remember much of that time, corrupted by the scourge and his coma and the desire to not remember. And yes, the trauma, now that he can think to call it that. But the memory of how he felt had never truly gone away. His heart had half-shattered even after the monster had finally been slain, feeling the loss and the grief all over again, knowing he'd never feel those hands on his own, or see the warmth and love in his father's eyes, or hear that voice speak such an unshakeable promise. His voice quiets, as he bows his head and rests it against the top of hers.]
Sorry. If you had to get one, I wish I'd given you a better memory.
[Even just- the latter half. He'd never felt so strong a comfort, from childhood to adulthood, as the moments when he was in the presence of his father. Many people came close, but there were also many times when it felt as though his father was the only one who truly understood him and all that life demanded of him. He'd been there, after all. It's why, on that last day...
He exhales, forcing those thoughts away. They're unpleasant, and if he accidentally triggered another Echo, she doesn't deserve that memory either.]
no subject
...I... [What the hell does he even say to that?] ...Yeah. All of that is...
[Real. True. He doesn't remember much of that time, corrupted by the scourge and his coma and the desire to not remember. And yes, the trauma, now that he can think to call it that. But the memory of how he felt had never truly gone away. His heart had half-shattered even after the monster had finally been slain, feeling the loss and the grief all over again, knowing he'd never feel those hands on his own, or see the warmth and love in his father's eyes, or hear that voice speak such an unshakeable promise. His voice quiets, as he bows his head and rests it against the top of hers.]
Sorry. If you had to get one, I wish I'd given you a better memory.
[Even just- the latter half. He'd never felt so strong a comfort, from childhood to adulthood, as the moments when he was in the presence of his father. Many people came close, but there were also many times when it felt as though his father was the only one who truly understood him and all that life demanded of him. He'd been there, after all. It's why, on that last day...
He exhales, forcing those thoughts away. They're unpleasant, and if he accidentally triggered another Echo, she doesn't deserve that memory either.]