[ that learned politeness isn't going to win here, and the urge to be his old self is quietly rising. it's like someone turned the heat up to max and his blood really wants to get boiling, just like how it used to be. he can let some of that creep back into his tone. ]

What I know is that we clearly should be looking out for each other. This isn't home, dammit. [ and that is the twuth: this isn't Midi city. ] You can go your own path when we get back safely, okay? You can live your dreams without me when we're back there.

[ despite the stern exterior... he can't help but falter toward the end. ]

Besides. Until then, we can at least try to make things work out here as best as we can. Doesn't have to be permanent.

[ even admitting that really huwts the soul. ]