[ he really, really wants to be comforted. but, when eye contact is made there's a thick knot of shame in his stomach and they dart away. two steps forward, ten back, huh? ]

It's not-- Hn... I told the Tenth that the world he wants to return to isn't good enough, after he's worked so damn hard to save it-- It's where he feels safe, and I--

[ he swallows, digging nails into the leather of the chair. ]

Insulted him.