It was both reassuring and discomfiting. He didn't like people to see him like this. He wanted to hide away, keep this ugly part of himself a secret, but he couldn't stop finding comfort every time somebody stayed. Cor, then Noct and the guys, Aqua. He didn't deserve it, didn't know how to see in himself what they saw in him that was worth staying for.

He sat for a long moment in silence. Eventually, with his forehead rested against his knees, the word barely loud enough for her to hear, he asked; "Why?"